Kiema greeted the company returning from Rhydin at the doorstep. Lina was quick to go past Kiema with a shy smile countering the wary wide eyed observation. Kiema, used to odd looks when people knew what she was, merely smiled in return. Gaer and Avery went on past as if she were nothing more than furniture to the backyard, Gaer evidently eager to have Avery join him in a game.

Each came in, but it was Ewan that was first among them to speak. ?Thank you for staying with mother, Kiema. Is she much changed??

He could not anticipate her reply, nor new what he hoped to hear. When she spoke, it was with a considered pause. ?Not that I can see, but her spirit is at ease. I do not sense fear or anger in her.?

Sylvia laid a hand upon Ewan?s arm. ?I would like to visit with your mother for a few moments before I join my family up at the manor.? Her question was turned to Kiema. ?Is she awake??

?Yes, resting in her room, though as the rain has gone, she will want to make the journey downstairs to the garden soon. I promised her a cup of tea, though I am sure,? she smiled to Ewan and then Storm, ?your arrival would be more of what she wants.?

?We can help her there,? Ewan touched Storm's hand to give an encouraging squeeze. Then turned to Sylvia. ?She will be glad to see you, Your Excellency, and know you are well. If you would introduce Sianna and Hudson? Mother is more likely to take the additional attention to her ailment better from you than from me. You know how she hates people tending to her. Gaerwyn and I will see to the sleeping arrangements.? Kiema gave a smile alone to the Fraisers and turned for the kitchen to see to the tea no doubt. Ewan would make those introductions later, knowing Sylvia needed to get on to the manor.

With a smile to Storm and a nod to the parlor, Ewan said, ?We will have this sorted out soon, beloved.?

Gaerwyn countered, ?Or you might want to see what Avery and Gaer are up to in the back yard. They?ve been plotting high and low on the ship since we started sailing.?

In his captain like manner, Gaerwyn rattled off the arrangements. ?Lina can share the room with Lenika. Gaer and I will share a room, and that will free up two rooms. Sianna can stay in Lina?s room, and we?ll have to move up a bed into Gaer?s.? Gaerwyn chuckled and brushed a kiss to Lenika?s cheek as she on her way into her room at the back of the house on the first floor with Lina?s bags as well as her own. ?I think Hudson is a bit too long for Gaer?s bed.?

The two men took up the bags to the various rooms and eventually ended up standing at the doorway into Gaer?s with determined frowns. Ewan looked to Gaerwyn and nodded. ?You are right. The fellow is taller than that. Right then. A bed it is. Not like we have them setting around to spare.?

His cousin placed a hand on his shoulder, a knowing grin given. ?Just so happens we do have a spare bed in the storage.?

The skeptical look Ewan gave only made Gaerwyn laugh. ?What are you thinking, redbird? It came from the offices here in town. Purchased a new one for there and brought the old one here for me to refurbish in my spare time.?

This got a laugh out of Ewan. ?Of which you have so much. Well and good. Let us see to getting it here, and then I will want to see my mother.?

The journey had passed quickly, the introductions more so, and Hudson had given a courteous half-bow to Maeve when Sylvia gave his name. Now Hudson hung slightly back in the room with Sianna and Maeve, remaining quiet. It was a habit of his, observing without speaking up, especially in a new setting. At the moment, he had quite a bit to observe, to think over. Another new land, and this was one that could be traveled to and returned from. He had been dealing with the Yransea trade for months, but only here could he get a good feel for the nature of the land and the people. It was only one of the reasons he had agreed to come along on this trip.

So far the descriptions of the place Rhys had given him were borne out. The harbor had not been over-crowded, but in this season it was hardly surprising. The only reason the RhyDin harbor was able to do such brisk trade in the middle of winter was the inordinate number of magic users about. From what Hudson knew, Yransea almost completely rejected the use of magic. Maeve?s distaste at Sylvia?s suggestion seemed to bear that out. Despite the differences, or because of them, the city itself had shaken Hudson. It looked very similar to many of the small cities along the English coast, places he had seen and visited as a younger man.

Black eyes lingered on the fall of Sianna?s chestnut curls as she sat on the edge of the bed next to the frail Maeve. Another of the reasons he was here. ?I can? go with her, bro ? got commitmen?s here, one job fer a fella tha? if?n I stop now, midway, th? whole thing?s goin? ta be ruined. Ya go alon? an? watch out fer her, all righ?? She?s got th? habit?a tryin? ta help everyone else an? forgettin? ta take a break fer herself. An? ya know how stubborn she can be.? Johnny?s voice had been so earnest, so sincere, that Hudson had to suppress a laugh so that he could answer in all seriousness. Sianna?s faults were nothing new to her own brother. ?Aye, and I?ll return her tae ye safe and sound, lad.?

Hudson watched the careful movements of Maeve, noted the curve of her fingers, stiffened and swollen at the knuckles with arthritis. His own hands flexed in sympathetic response. But despite the pain of that and the wasting of the illness that etched her features, Maeve had a kindness about her that Hudson liked ? and the edge of saucy humor that lurked in her voice and on her face he liked even better. Her determination to see her grandchild was a familiar refrain, one that echoed back to the Highlands ? perhaps to parents everywhere.

For now, while the talk was of healing, there was little that Hudson could contribute to the conversation. He stood against the wall and watched the pair in silence. Eventually he slipped out of the room to seek out the others.

The flurry of activity over the past days left Sianna in a momentary fog, her stomach knotted with far more than that curious feeling that had enveloped her upon the Crossing. She had checked and packed so carefully so as not to leave something important behind and yet not completely decided as to what she just may need. The urgency of a healer to use their craft had not come upon her in some time. The haste and mental list-making left her wondering if she had kissed Johnny a proper goodbye, if she had thought to load icebox with enough, and if the notes she?d given Juliane had made it into the hands of all her students. However, there would be time for such musing later. For now there were other far more pressing matters on which to set her attention.

Moving forward and taking a seat at Maeve?s invitation, she flashed the woman a kind smile before nodding her head to the bargain set. ?Aye, verra well indeed although my Gran used tae tell me that dying was not really about th? soul heading? tae heaven but rather the joy wi? which ye lived th? days until ye got there, aye? Many a person dies well a?fore their life is over. An? I can see right as rain that ye?re nae that sort of woman. Now I dinna hae any magic tae make it instantly go awa?, but I do think it possible that ye can hae a fair bit a joy in the middle of any malady and sae I?ll do aught I can tae make it so.? Reaching forward, Sianna claimed one of Maeve?s hands, the skin paper-thin and soft, in her own and began to slowly massage the rigid joints and tight muscles. Glancing over her shoulder, she noted Hudson?s exit before returning her attention to her patient.

?I dinna ken all that th? healers have prescribed for ye, although I know that th? family has done what they?ve been told tae do wi? every ounce o? love and hope they have.? Maeve?s eyes had drifted closed while the rhythm of Sianna?s touch mixed with the soft burr of her voice and the woman nodded her silent assent. Reaching into the sporran at her waist, Sianna removed a small jar of ointment and opened it one-handed. Soon the scent of chamomile, verbena and mint wafted through the room, evoking the presence of an early spring breeze. I will nae be changing th? last part one bit, but I?ll tell ye plain that ?tis my goal tae gie ye some strength back and tae settle ye so that ye are no? pained by what ye eat or drink.?

Satisfied that the ointment was absorbed into the skin, Sianna rested Maeve?s hand back to it?s place on the quilted coverlet before taking the other and beginning the process all over again. The final clouds had shifted away, letting the sun extend its reach far and wide, a lovely warm beam of it streaming through the window. It seemed to cling to the halo of white hair, making it shimmer like spun silver. Sianna blinked quickly, batting away memories of her grandmother that rose to the surface at the image. They were tender, but unbidden, and if Gran had taught her anything at all, it was to keep focused on what was before you and not the past. Especially when tending to another.

Continuing on, Sianna spoke warmly, ?Now as tae th? rest of what I ken, there?s many a song or tale tae entertain ye with, although ye may wish tae hear th? tales my brother tells, for they?re verra grand. And I was told ye were fond of music, so I brought my lute as well.? Observing Maeve closely, she noted the gentle flushed cheeks. The ointment would be encouraging circulation but her heart clutched with a prayer that Maeve was warming to her presence and not just tolerating her politely, for others? sake. At the sound of activity resuming in the street below and the clatter from Ewan?s loudly given instruction, merry green eyes opened. Muffled voices gave instructions on how to maneuver something up the steps and a hearty ?oomph? was let out as the something made contact with some body part or another. Catching the woman?s attention, Sianna leaned forward, with eyebrows lifted over blue eyes bright with a friendly sparkle, ?Although I will tell ye that I know that a nosy son that makes a fuss o?er his mother means that he loves her dearly and tha? she was a wise woman tae teach him th? knack of having a soft heart in such a world. ?Tis a lucky thing tae have such a mother, I assure ye.?

Releasing Maeve?s hand with an affectionate pat, Sianna stood and moved towards the door. ?I think I shall check and see if all is well...? Pausing, a wide grin was given in her direction. ?That is, if ?tis still able tae fit through the stairs. If no? we?ll have tae have a pulley to bring ye up some tea through th? window.?

As she slipped through the door and into the hall, a soft smile lingered on Maeve?s face

Lenika chuckled softly as she heard Ewan and Gaerwyn, even as she made room for Sylvia and Kiema to exit the hallway. She gave both a smile and nod as well as Hudson.

?Well,? Sylvia smiled, ?I cannot deny it feels good to be back home.? She eyed Lenika, but did not pry into the woman's feelings about the return to Yransea.

Lenika offered quiet agreement with Sylvia. ?It's the best feeling to be back.? Though, she does glance up to the hall before stepping away from the stairs. Ewan and Gaerwyn continued to rumble about with the bed. Lina stood out of the way with the linens, just waiting until it was time.

No immediate comment to their words, but Hudson returned Lenika's smile and nod, glanced back at the sounds of rumblings, then returned his gaze to the group. ?It seems a pleasant place tae call home.?

?That it is.? Sylvia looked over the parlor, the last time she had been here had not been an easy one, but the smile remained. It had been mere days after Kieran?s death and Ewan?s hands when she had come.

?Does anyone need or want anything?? Lenika offered to the small gathering downstairs.

?Alright, Lina, let's have the linens.? Gaerwyn helped his daughter make up the bed.

Ewan stepped to Sianna to ask in a soft voice. ?What do you think?? He surely did not mean about the bed, but more of his mother.

Sianna paused a moment before smiling softly. ?'Tis hope in everything, Ewan, and I think in this as well. We've set a bargain 'twixt th' two of us and ... hopefully she will no' resent my coming.? Patting his shoulder softly, as she would for one of her brothers, she grinned, ?But since she thinks ye make a fuss o'er her anyway, she'll hold it against ye and not th' other way 'round.?

Ewan could not deny Sianna?s comment, and he chuckled and nodded. ?No doubt she will. I need to greet her and let her know Storm and Avery have come to visit, too.?

Hudson finally moved farther into the parlor to study it, looking around, and his voice was quiet. ?Th' harbor and th' city - dae ye ken how much they look like th' Lowlands?? Crinkle of the skin at the corner of his eyes as he smiled a polite refusal to Lenika. ?Nae, although I thank ye for th' offer.?

?Excellency,? Kiema turned to Sylvia. ?I should head on back to prepare for tomorrow.? When Sylvia gave her understanding nod, Kiema bade her farewells and stepped from the home.

?Thank you, Lenika,? Sylvia smiled, ?Just a glass of water for me, if you would, please.?

Lenika nodded and moved to get the glass of water for Sylvia.

Sylvia smiled to Hudson, ?I can only imagine and through pictures and books, which don't do it justice, I am sure.? Lenika returned to the parlor to offer Sylvia the water with a smile before she glanced back to the stairs. ?Thank you, Lenika.? Accepting the water, she took a much needed sip.

Bed situated, Gaerwyn guided Lina from the room and down the stairs. Lina went to Lenika, finding comfort near her with the guests in the house.

A smile and Lenika?s arms slid around Lina as they take comfort in each other.

?I think ye'd find if ye e'er had a chance tae gae that th' scene would be most familiar.? Net-scarred hand raked back through his hair, and he smiled again, briefly, to Lenika and now Lina.

Stepping aside from the door, Sianna nodded to Ewan. ?Aye, she's expecting ye. And I'm going tae see about getting her some tea.?

?Thank you, Sianna.? There was a great deal of weight in those words, as if the thanks were never enough, but all he could offer. He stepped inside the room to see his mother and share news with her.

Gaerwyn stopped by the parlor. ?Well, guests of the house, I think I will be seeing what we have to offer for supper tonight. Anything in particular you all are hungry for??

Lenika pressed a kiss to the top of Lina's head then chuckled as she glanced to Gaerwyn. ?Are you planning to cook??

?If it be cooked, 'twil be well enow - but may I offer help with th' cooking, then?? Something to contribute, as he wasn't much good at the social small talk.

?I was thinking of being more of an assistant cook.? Gaerwyn moved up to Lenika with a smile that said he hoped she would be cooking and gave her cheek a kiss. But at Hudson?s offer, he turned. ?Oh, there we have it. Our good man Hudson will be the cook. Well done, sir.? Gaerwyn smiled broadly. ?I will still assist.?

Making her way down the hall, Sianna looked for the room that had said would be hers, and stepped inside. Opening the carpetbag, she made quick selections of the goods inside before descending the stairs.

Sylvia shared a warm smile with Hudson and then laughed. ?I wish I could stay for the meal, particularly if it were to be salmon on the menu,? said with an impish grin.

?You can do the clean up,? Lenika grinned at Gaerwyn then looked to Sylvia. ?Salmon, hmm??

?Salmon?? Gaerwyn looked from Sylvia to Hudson, dying to be in on the joke.

Hudson returned the smile with good cheer and a chuckle at Sylvia's words. ?I be best at th' fish, aye - ha'e ye any tae hand? And caraid, can ye nae stay, or will th' tales o' it be all ye e'er get o' th' salmon??

The lure of voices guided Sianna into the parlor. ?Th' lads are going tae cook? Shall I fetch th' whole medic bag?? Grinning all around, the teasing was evident.

Lina giggled at the face her father made when Lenika suggested he be clean up crew, but he then smiled to accept the post.

Sylvia thought on the matter, and sighed, ?I do so want to stay to taste the famous salmon cooked by your hand, caraid, but... my children and the manor.?

Lenika shared a whisper to Lina, ? We can always decide later if we want to help your father.? She gave a squeeze for the girl then she quieted to listen.

Gaerwyn had to nod at Sylvia?s words. ?Too right there, my lady, the last they saw you, it was a bad state you were in. Maybe salmon another night when you can join us?? He looked to Hudson for agreement.

Leaving the discussion a moment, she motioned to Lenika. ?Might I make use of th' kitchen tae brew Maeve some fresh tea??

?And well ye ken I ha'e nae killed anyone in years with my cooking, Si,? Hudson gave a merry smile to the teasing before he nodded understanding to Sylvia. ?Aye, I see yer point. Another night, then,? with a nod to Gaerwyn's words.

Lenika nodded to Sianna. ?Of course. Do you need any help??

Sianna popped back to the conversation and asked of Sylvia, ?Aye, but th' lads could come tae dinner could they no'??

?I look forward to it.? The sincerity a proof to her words. In quiet response to Sianna. ?Next time they can, yes. Cian is...in council.? The absurdity still pained her some.

Smiling warmly back to Lenika, having caught her reply, Sianna said, ?Nae, but thank ye. There will be plenty of time for me tae show ye without putting ye tae work th' moment ye arrive home.?

?Well then,? Gaerwyn patted Lina on the back to send her along, ?help Mistress Sianna find what she needs in the kitchen.? Lina dutifully did as her father bade. Gaerwyn turned to Hudson. ?Well, Hudson, it seems you and I have to find something to eat in this house.?

Sylvia smiled to the group, ?I will hope to see you all tomorrow.? She stepped for the doorway.

?Take care, Sylvia.? Lenika smiled to her.

Hudson?s expression sobered at Sylvia's mention of Cian sitting in council, but he shook that off to return a smile to Gaerwyn. ?Twa such creative lads as us? 'Twill be a feast.? And then to Sylvia, ?Latha math, caraid.?

?Ye'll be missed, dearie. But we shall look forward tae ye joining us.? Sianna called, waving her hand to the departing woman, a smile on her face before turning towards the kitchen with Lina in tow, their voices dwindled with distance.

A guard waited outside from long habit, and joined Sylvia at her heels, she turned to look over her shoulder for a last look back at the home.

(a.f.l.p.)

?Aye, if ye ha'e th' hands tae spare and dinnae ha'e tae take th' tea up tae lady Maeve.? Hudson said that in answer to Sianna as he searched out a small bowl, a crock of butter, and a few slices of bread, then inspected the oven.

Lenika gave a pat to Ewan?s hand on her shoulder. ?The reason, yes, but she needed this time with you and your family.?

?Can't say to that, Mistress Sianna, but always a great surprise when they smell good.? Gaerwyn joked and started to prepare a pot of water for the peas.

Ewan's brows rose just a bit as he questioned soft, the racket in the kitchen covering some of what he said. ?Our family rather?? He gave a smile to Lenika.

Spying a tray handily waiting on the counter, Sianna placed the mug on it, reserving the tea bag. ?Aye, I think that could be easily managed. If ye dinna think Lina would mind carrying this upstairs?? The last bit directed to Gaerwyn.

?Well?? Lenika gave grin and shrug to Ewan, ?I had meant more you, Avery, and Storm since Maeve has seen us all regularly.?

The oven was usually kept warm all through the day, particularly in the cold season, as a source of heating for the house; that is, if it has been tended to. Opening the oven door a crack released a wave of heat, and Hudson nodded with satisfaction as he shut the door, then began to salt and pepper the fillets of fish.

Gaerwyn turned from his peas preparation and nodded in answer to Sianna?s question. ?Aye, that she can. I'll call her in.? He went to the back door, a smile to Lenika and Ewan as he did and called Lina inside. ?Mistress Sianna needs you to take the tea up to Aunt Maeve.? Lina, shy girl she was, still nodded and went to collect the tea tray from Sianna with utmost care.

?I see.? Ewan smiled to Lenika at her clarification, ?Well, that, too.?

Sianna patted the young girl affectionately on the head as Lina left the kitchen with the tray. ?She's a verra sweet lass, Gaerwyn.?

Gaerwyn encouraged Lina with a soft, ?That's my girl.? Lina gave a small smile and walked very carefully to do her part. A proud nod, Gaerwyn smiled to Sianna, ?That she is. Oh,? as if he was just reminded of it, ?I should give you a bit of a warning.?

?Aye, that she be.? The comment in agreement with Sianna?s remark; after Sianna handed Lina the tea tray, Hudson nodded to the slices of bread and the butter. ?Could ye shred th' bread tae fine crumbs and mix it with th' thyme and a bit o' th' butter melted in, mi piuthair??
Gaerwyn continued, ?It's been some time since she's had one, but I fear this bit with Aunt Maeve might bring back her night frights. I don't want it to startle you should it happen. She will be with Lenika, so I doubt there is anything to worry over.?

?As I do consider your family my family now, Ewan.? Lenika said softly to Ewan

Hudson paused to listen to Gaerwyn's warning, then nodded to himself and turned over the fish to salt and pepper the other side of the fillets.

Ewan smiled. ?That makes for good hearing, Lenika, soon to be cousin.? He had to chuckle.

Gaerwyn watched the makings of the fish as he tended his own, much easier dish.

?I truly don't know how anyone can get through a wedding.? A brief grin then Lenika glanced to the kitchen. ?Do think Gaerwyn's burned the peas yet?? She said it a bit raised just so he might be able to hear.

Moving to assist Hudson as was needed, Sianna arched her brows. ?Th' lass deals with night terrors, hmmm? Do ye ken what brings this about??

?What's that?? Gaerwyn did indeed hear Lenika, and though he knew she was teasing him he took the bait. ?I will have you know, love of mine, that I am a fine cook.?

To which Ewan added, ?....Of peas.?

Gaerwyn was about to motion something crude to his cousin, when he decided to answer Sianna instead. Something solemn and quiet entered his voice. ?When her mother died.?

Lenika laughed softly. ?Well, we'll see how the peas go, Ewan.?

Hudson chuckled quietly at Ewan's barb, but that faded as Gaerwyn answered Sianna, and he took the prepared bread crumbs to sprinkle them over the fillets and put the pan into the oven.

Sianna froze rigidly at the answer to her question, her own history bubbling to the surface. ?Aye,? she added softly, ?'tis easy tae understand, and I ken it well. If there's aught I might do tae ease them, dinna hesitate tae ask, aye??

?You first.? Ewan commented low to Lenika.

Gaerwyn gave Sianna a nod. ?Thank you. She's been doing better, as I said. Just...seems to stir it up when matters of death come knocking on the door.?

Lenika?s reply was teasing. ?Aren't you supposed to be the brave one, Ewan??

Sianna nodded again. ?Aye, of course.?

?Not when it comes to Gaerwyn's cooking.? Ewan smiled.

But Gaerwyn was just as willing to raise the stakes. ?Now, that's enough of that, redbird.? At the nickname, Ewan bristled and glared at his cousin, who just smiled back as if to say "try it in front of guests" stirring his pot of peas.

?Now now, you two. Shall I send you two separate corners?? Lenika said.

Finding the sink, Hudson washed his hands briskly and then smiled over his shoulders at the cousins who bantered like brothers. ?Fortunately, 'tis only th' peas he has charge over. Th' fish should nae take long at all.?