?I wonder if Lina has been working on her sewing.?

?Oh, I'm sure she has. She'd want to impress her teacher. I'm sure Gaer will have thought of something to do as well to try and gain your attention, but only because it seems so important to his sister.? He leaned slightly and whispered with a lopsided grin, ?Beware of being greeted with some sort of painted rock.?

?I would treasure such a thing.? She considered carefully then said, ?You're quite lucky to have them and to have had your wife.?

?I am at that. I am, in truth when I look at my life, a lucky fellow. I do well in my work and have a good family. I miss my wife, but I am grateful for the time we had,? he pulled at his fingers lightly, one hand then the other in exchange. ?You're a lucky lady, with your talents, and large family that cares for you, and spirit that isn't afraid of new things and embracing change.?

?You think I am not afraid, but I am. It was hard to even change to go to Seansloe the first time.? Lenika admitted with a small smile. ?I almost envy your life.?

?And yet, here you are, living my life in a fashion. You travel the seas, share a home with wild hooligans who will drive you crazy and love you to bits all at once, and call a town comfortable to you where law means something and people caring for one another isn't a phrase but a way of being.?

Begrudgingly she admitted, ?Yes, in a fashion. I think the love is something I have missed out on.?

Concern drews his brows down slightly and he nodded hoping she would offer more, but she did not and changed the subject with a soft sigh and shrug turning her smile to him. ?How long until we get there??

?Diversionary tactic?? he chuckled, but then answered. ?Early morning we should be drawing up to the docks. Love you missed out on? In what way? From your family?? The question does not mesh with what he had gleaned from previous conversations, and she could probably tell he was skeptical of that being the answer.

Lenika remained elusive and answered vaguely, ?From various areas.? Once again, she diverted the conversation. ?I find I do not sleep soundly on a ship.?

Gaerwyn allowed the altering course. ?Now that is a shame, Lenika,? he sympathized. ?I?d offer remedies, but I doubt they would help if it is just being unaccustomed to it. Now if you feel ill because of the motion that is something that can be fixed.?

?It's not illness. Perhaps it gives me more time to think,? and she added upon his obvious intention to ask more, ?and I like to listen for any sounds.?

?Sounds of the crew, ship, or sea? Given enough time on ship, you'll find you feel a storm before you hear it,? he smiled.

?Really?? She looked to him with interest, ?Can you do that??

?For the most part, though there will be times when a squall will rise up without much of a feel for it, but the sea will talk to you. And given a decent horizon, you'll definitely see one coming before you hear it.?

?Perhaps I shall need to sail with you more often.?

?It would be an honor should you choose to do so. Perhaps you would like to join the children and I for the trip up the coast once I've the new crew situated?? he offered.

?Perhaps I would. I don't want to intrude upon your time with them though. It might be prudent to ask Lina.?

Gaerwyn smiled imagining his daughter beating him to it. ?Only, if she turns to me and says "May Miss Lenika come?" do not let her know that I had already offered. She will feel very proper and important believing it to have been her idea.?

?I will not say a word to her about it. We'll see if she asks,? she smiled for him. ?I'm very fond of your children.?

?They are a good pair. Well, Gaer can be somewhat trying, but you know that.? His smile warmed. ?They are very fond of you, too. It's been a great help and wonderful privilege that you came to visit when you did. I have been honored with our growing friendship as well.?

?As have I. I hope we can continue to grow.?

He gave a certain nod, ?Something I look forward to, too.?

The clang of bells, eight in all, sounded from the quarterdeck. The first mate came up and gave a bow to Lenika and then to Gaerwyn. ?Pardon the intrusion, Captain, but eight bells, sir and you said you'd stand watch with the new midshipman.?

Gaerywn nodded, ?Ah, yes, that I did. Right you are, Caolan, and I will see you in the morning.? The young man bowed again to them both and Gaerwyn turned to Lenika. ?I am sorry, Lenika, but a new young fellow we took on from the docks of Rhydin who seems to have some semblance of seamanship and manners. Felt it a shame to leave him there. I will hope that you sleep better than you have been on ship.?

?Thank you,? she nodded and slipped away to leave him to his work.

As if in answer to her question the front door flew open and out came a crushing and noisy welcome of two young children trying desperately to be the one to get Lenika's attention all talk of paintings and sewings and mudpies and swimming in the creek. Aunt Maeve was not far behind, and while she had a smile, it was certain she had been worried and looked a little haggard. Gaerwyn crossed behind his children, who seemed to find him as interesting as a sack of luggage and leaned a kiss to his Aunt's cheek, whispering, ?I should not have been gone so long, Aunt. You look tired.?

Aunt Maeve gave her nephew a smile and nodded for him to go inside while she wrangled the children. ?Lina, Gaer, what is wrong with you? Let Miss Lenika in and stop pestering her so.?

Lenika crouched down to pick up little Gaer and carried him inside as she smiled and nodded to Lina. ?It seems you two have been very busy while I was away. We shall have much to talk about.? She paused by Maeve to offer her what comfort she could in a one armed hug.

Gaerwyn set his gear just inside and went back to collect Lenika's with a wink her way and took it into the back room that was her's alone. Aunt Maeve shared the one armed hug and shushed Lina once more who was trying to take advantage of Gaer being quieted in Lenika's arms to state her news first. Lina gave a pout but then made sure to direct Lenika to the table where it seemed the trio was finishing up their morning meal, but still food remained to be had. ?Come sit, Miss Lenika. Did you eat before you came? If not we have food here.?
?Food from your Aunt Maeve sounds wonderful, Lina,? Lenika spoke and Maeve?s smile was soft and warm at the compliment.

Gaerwyn came in from the back and gave a hearty laugh, ?And not a single hug for your weary old father?? That got a laugh and Lina launched herself at her father and kissed his cheek; Gaer on the otherhand was most contented to stay right where he was -- quite the little charmer making big eyes at Miss Lenika.

Lenika smiled as she watched father and daughter. She gave another reassuring look to Maeve then she pressed a kiss to Gaer's cheek. ?Tell me what you have been up to, sweet one.? She requested softly to Gaer as she carried him toward the table.

All tense with excitement, little Gaer starts his explanation like a frog escaping capture. ?I worked in the garden. Aunt Maeve let me pull weeds so the flowers can breathe. And did you know that the creek up north has big fish in it? Like this big.? His arms went wide.

Maeve chided, ?Gaer, that's stretching it a bit, don't you think?? She set out two fresh plates and flatware plus glasses of milk and cups of tea, and then served out helpings of eggs, skittle cooked ham, and biscuits. Upon the table could be seen three flavors of jams: strawberry, peach, and orange honey. Once all looked properly served out, Maeve retook her seat to finish her meal.

As Lina took her seat and Gaerwyn did as well starting on the food set out, Gaer continued on. ?I painted a picture, too.?

?And what sort of picture was it?? She sat with Gaer in her lap. She gave him the attention for the moment as he told his tales.

Lina interrupted, ?It looks like a frog stuck in mud.? She giggled even as Gaer?s little mouth frowned.

?It is not!? he argued. ?Its the garden. The house with the fence and everything. Only my colors were wet. And so I picked it up,? he motioned in recreation of the event, ?It all got runny and mixed up. Then I put another piece of paper on top of it and pulled it off to get some of the runny paint. And it came off looking like lots of pebbles in the water. You know how that looks, Miss Lenika??

Lenika nodded, ?I do and I'm sure it still is a wonderful painting.? Little Gaer grinned with the complement. ?I'm glad you tried very hard, Gaer.?

?Gaer,? Maeve said softly. ?Time to get in your own seat and finish up your breakfast.? He nodded, but the cheeky little devil aimed a kiss at Miss Lenika's cheek before hopping off and getting in his own seat.

Gaerwyn felt compelled to mutter between bites of food, ?Takes a little too much after his father, I think.?

Lenika chuckled as she watched Gaer then she turned to face the table. ?And you, Lina, what have you been doing?? asked as she took a small bite of food.

?Well,? Lina began very properly and orderly now that she had the desired attention, then hastily interjected before she even started, ?I helped in the garden, too. But, I worked on my sewing and trying to keep my stitches even. We went swimming in the Near Shore Lake.? She stopped and asked her father. ?Near Shore Lake? They don't have much of an imagination around here do they, father?? Gaerwyn rolled his eyes, but that did not matter as Lina was back to her litany. ?I also helped Aunt Maeve in the kitchen. I helped with the eggs this morning.? She looked to see if Lenika tried them and what she thought.

When Lenika merely nodded her head in approval over the eggs it would not do at all. ?But you haven?t had any. Miss Lenika do you eat at all?? Lina's little pert nose scrunched up.

Gaerwyn, however, took matters in hand. ?Be polite and do not ask such questions, Lina. It is not your business. Now, you and Gaer take your plates to the kitchen and go find whatever it is you must desperately show Miss Lenika.? That last bit got them moving fast enough, with clattering plates to the kitchen and thundering footsteps upstairs.

Gaerwyn had asked if Lenika needed anything and she responded by requesting him to hurry back. Her thoughts drifted away from her as she helped Maeve clean up the breakfast. She felt almost silly for the statement of Gaerwyn needing to return so quickly and she often asked herself why she had said that. She knew, first and foremost, that he was needed back at the house for the sake of his children and Maeve. They needed his strength and reassurance that everything would be all right. In some ways, Maeve was given a little bit of Ewan back with Gaerwyn?s return and his news of her son. To see Maeve exhausted as she was, it hurt Lenika and she was sorry she had left in the beginning. She should have stayed to assist Maeve and Sylvia as well.

The past could not be undone and Lenika was back in Seansloe now. She was back with a family that truly seemed to care about her. Gaerwyn was kind and attentive, even in Rhydin, and she briefly thought back on her statement to him again. I enjoy his company, she thought. Did she enjoy it more than others?

Gaerwyn was different than Ewan. He was a little more forward and he seemed more playful, whereas Ewan was always a little more reserved. She probably would not have ever toyed with Ewan?s hair as she did with Gaerwyn. She loved Ewan; she knew she did but that love was something that great friends shared and it would never go beyond the friendship bond that they had after so many years of knowing each other. Gaerwyn, though?.what if?

Lenika was brought out of her thoughts as she heard Maeve rustling behind her. She turned to see the older woman watching her as she had simply been standing and wiping the same dish for a long while now. Lenika dropped her gaze to the dish then back up to Maeve as she smiled sheepishly, ?I find my thoughts are away from me, Maeve, I?m sorry.? The kitchen had been cleaned while Lenika?s mind had taken a detour, so Maeve simply smiled and shooed Lenika away in her kindly, motherly manner.

Lenika drifted outside as she heard someone approaching. Is that Gaerwyn, she wondered. She had grown attached to him and his children, and life seemed a little less bright without them. Perhaps this was simply another great friendship, or perhaps she had better keep it as such as the doubts of her previous life in Rhydin and, further back, her own homeland began to cast some level of doubt upon her otherwise tender, hopeful heart.

He looked suspiciously down at her. ?Now, Lenika, being a sailor is no excuse, and I won't deny my mind goes places it most likely should not in a lady's presence. But I've had my days of rolling around in a bed, and I'm not afraid to admit that it was the first thing I thought of when you said it.?

She laughed softly, ?Though, it wasn't the first thing on my mind,? she reached to give him a touch to his shoulder and smiled, ?don't worry about it. Your reaction was interesting.?

Gaerwyn did not want to move because the touch would have had to stop. ?Better you think it interesting than another reaction,? he grinned and then reluctantly stepped over to the middle of the room. ?Well, I should get your bed together or there'll be no rolling at all of any kind.?

He had spoken too loudly for from the kitchen Aunt Maeve yelled, ?Gaerwyn, keep a civil tongue in that seawashed mouth of yours.? Gaerwyn looked guilty a moment then grinned to Lenika and starts setting up the framing, looking happy to be at the task.

Lenika chuckled, ?Yes, Gaerwyn a civil tongue. There are young ones present.? She teased him gently. ?Is there anything I can help you with?? She stepped forward to lend assistance.

?Mmm...that you can. Once I've these two set in together, I'll need you to hold them while I put in the setting pins to lock them.? He put two of the frame boards together, their mortise and tenon fitting nicely. ?Here now, hold that board just so,? he motioned to the part of the frame that would be near the footboard.

She moved forward to hold the wood as he indicated. ?Like this?? she asked to be sure.

?Aye, that's fine,? he smiled as he took up wooden dowel pin and slid the pin to keep the frame boards securely together. ?And there we go. Just three more to go,? he chuckled and moved to the next one to fit the two boards together again, then motioned where she could hold the board to keep it steady while he set the next pin.

She released the board and moved over to hold the next one. ?We seem to be making a good team,? she said quietly as if it were a secret.

He smiled and whispered in the same style. ?We do make a good team,? his secret smile was interrupted by Gaer running over from his spying post near in the hallway. ?Whatcha whispering about? Can I know the secret, too? I can keep secrets.?

Gaerwyn chuckled, ?For all of two seconds, my lad. Now, I want you and Lina to take the horse and wagon back to Mr. Rogansson's livery. No wandering off after that, either. Straight there and straight back, you here me??

Lina had just come in and they both nodded, ?Yes, father,? then scrambled to be the first out the door fighting over who gets the lead the horse. Gaerwyn looked back to Lenika and just chuckled before he moved on to the next corner of frame boards to repeat the process.

?Thank you very much. You're quite handy,? she smiled at him and nodded, ?I may need to take lessons from you.?

?Planning on starting a bed building business?? he laughed softly, but then offered, ?Oh, aye, I'd be happy to show you how to do anything you like.? Then he added in haste, ?As long as I know how to do it myself.?

?Be careful with your words, Gaerwyn, anything can have many consequences,? she grinned impishly.

?I'm ready to stand by my word,? he matched her grin and raised her a wink. ?Anything I said and anything it is,? a finger raised, ?providing I know how to do whatever it is so I can show you.?

?Yes, providing that,? she nodded and reached a hand out to him, ?Shake on it.?

He took her hand, gave an oath confirming shake. ?Done then.?

?A deal is struck,? she said with the shake. ?Very good. I will ask you when I think of something.?

?Well and good then,? he grinned and stepped back a little to look at the bed, examining it. ?I should be off to check on starting signing up crew for the new ship.? He moved to the hallway and stopped by the parlor where Aunt Maeve was sewing something. ?The children should be back soon, and I'm on my way to the docks.?

Maeve nodded, ?Be back before dinner and pick up that bolt of cloth being held for me at the Corner Shoppe.? Gaerwyn nodded and seeing as he was going to stop for something anyway, he went back to Lenika's room where she had stayed to look over the bed. ?Anything you need while I am out??

?No, I've got everything I need for the moment. I hope it goes well for you.?

He nodded and smiled, then waved his fare well and went down the hall and out of the house.

Lina arrived just in time, ?Oh, Papa, really?! Really a trip up the coast?? Gaerwyn grinned and nodded and that got a fling of arms about his neck and a kiss to his cheek. ?Oh wonderful! I have to go tell Aunt Maeve.? The little girl was spry with a bounce to set the crown of Jasmine on Lenika's head, a kiss to the lady's cheek with delight and she sprung for the door to go tell the news.


Lenika chuckled as she watched the girl, but then with a more discerning smile. ?If there is a need for money, I still have some saved.?

Gaerwyn stood as he watched his daughter bounce with glee and he stood and moved to straighten the crown of flowers on Lenika's head, ?It's very becoming on you, but no, there's is not need as yet, and I thank you for the offering.? He liked being that close to her, but he could not look into her eyes for long and instead took to admiring the flowers in her hair.

A smile at him then she, too, averted her gaze. ?Thank you. I will do what I can to help here. I only wish I could do more for Lina.?

He was about to touch her cheek and lift her eyes, but just as his hand reached the back door burst open and out came the remainder of the household with grins of delight. Gaer whooped like a yapping wolf pup, and Aunt Maeve had hands clasped together for fear she might burst with excitement. ?Gaerwyn, what a treat!? she said. ?It's been so many years since I sailed.?

Gaerwyn laughed and gave his Aunt a kiss to her cheek, ?Then it is long overdue and high time you did.?

Aunt Maeve moved to Lenika and grinned as she surveyed the flowers, ?What lovely ornamentation, Lenika.? Not a hesitation as she went on, ?You'll be joining us of course, dear. The sights and cliffs of Truhane are a wonderful spot for a picnic.?

A gentle chuckle, ?So I've heard. I'm sure it'll be a wonderful time.? Lenika crouched to press a kiss to Lina's cheek and murmur, ?Thank you for the jasmine.?

?You look like a fairy princess, Miss Lenika.? Lina beamed, but then blinked, ?Oooh! I almost forgot. I've got to clean out the weeds! Come on Gaer, you can help.? She took her little brother by the hand and went on back to the corner.

Aunt Maeve nodded, ?And I need to set a few more dishes away from supper and start the heating of the water, unless you got those pipes fixed, Gaerwyn.?

Gaerwyn turned to his Aunt. ?I did, but I?ll take a look again. It still needs a kettle of starter water in the pump, so go ahead and set that to the stove. I'll take it to the pump when it is ready.?

Aunt Maeve nodded and went inside, and so Gaerwyn found himself pleasantly alone, or somewhat alone for the children were not that far off, with Lenika.

?It appears I am going on this sailing adventure,? she offered a little grin to Gaerwyn as her gaze drifted to the children.

?And I am very pleased to hear it,? he smiled and also looked to the children. He observed them for a moment to make sure Lina wasn't being too bossy and Gaer wasn't on the edge of a tantrum, before he looked back to Lenika. ?I should go in and double check the pipes, or I may be lugging kettles of water all night for anyone to bathe.? He smiled with the humorous idea of it and headed inside to do just that and check on the starter water for the pump on the way.

Lenika moved to watch the children and she called to them, ?How is it going over there??

Lina saw his approach and squealed, ?Papa stop! You'll ruin it!?

Gaer piped in, ?Yeah, Papa, stop! You gotta be the forest ogre!?

Gaerwyn blinked and tried not to laugh and then held his arms out at his sides and stuck out his lower jaw. ?I'm the forest ogre...who dares enter my domain??

?Oh no,? Lenika said quietly, ?Is this the ogre's domain??

?Liar, you land grubbing ogre!? Gaer shouted.

Gaerwyn dropped his persona for a moment to ask, ?Where did you learn that??

He looked to Lina who was all a fluster with making the honeysuckle crown and pointedly avoiding her father's gaze, she spoke to Lenika, ?I have the peace offering, Fairy Queen.?

Seeing he was not going to get an answer to that question, Gaerwyn resumed his ogre persona. Lenika chuckled softly. ?Who shall be the best to give the peace offering?? she asked of her two helpers with a grin. ?The ogre looks mighty fierce.?

Gaer wrinkled up his nose at the thought of even touching the flowers. Lina spoke up, ?I'll do it, Fairy Queen.?

?You are a brave fairy helper. Are you sure you wish to do this?? She mused Gaer?s hair as she asked Lina.

Gaer, very unwarrior-like, grinned up at the mussing of his hair and leaned in to his Fairy Queen. Lina nodded and turned to face the forest ogre who stood waiting with a few grunts and his arms akimbo. Lina held out the crown to him. ?Forest Ogre we want to be friends. Won't you take this crown of flowers and come dance with us??

Gaerwyn hunched over and sniffed at the flower crown, then turned his head to peer hard at Lina. ?Come closer and put it on my head.? Lina came closer and Gaerwyn swooped her up in his arms and put her up on his shoulder. ?You're mine now!?

Lenika played along trying not to laugh, ?Oh no! The ogre has gotten the fairy princess!?

Lina giggled and shrieked. Little Gaer went charging with his sticks drawn and banged on his father's legs. ?You let her go, you big ogre!?

Gaerwyn hopped around with Lina on his shoulder as Gaer batted at him with sticks and kept yelling, ?Let her go!?

But Lina had something else in mind and she finally got the crown of honeysuckle on her father's head and screamed to get his attention, ?You're not an ogre anymore! The flower crown broke the spell! You're a handsome fairy king now!?

Gaerwyn slowed at the new information, ?What??

Gaer might as well have been impersonating his father, for he too asked, ?What??

A laugh, Lenika called out, ?A magic crown. Very good idea!?

?Oh...I'm a fairy king now,? Gaerwyn set his daughter down.

Lina straightened her dress and nodded, ?Yes, you were enchanted by an evil witch, but now you're changed back because of friendship and the magic flower crown. Now you can marry your true love!?

Gaer made a face and tossed away his sticks. ?Yelk. I'm going inside,? and so he did with a few stomps of his feet. Aunt Maeve had started the bath for him so was all prepared for his arrival indoors to get him ready for bed.

Lina grinned and danced around. Gaerwyn smiled to Lenika.

A smile for Gaerwyn then she smiled at Lina, ?How very smart of you, Lina, to know what would break the witch's spell.?

Lina curtsied to her Fairy Queen, ?Thank you, your Majesty.?

Gaerwyn chuckled and moved over to swat at his dancing daughter?s backside lightly.
?Night's fallen. Go on inside, Lina. Time to get cleaned up and ready for bed.?

She tugged on his arm and propped up on her toes to kiss his cheek and then kept floating and flitting pretending to be a fairy as she went inside. Lenika rose as soon as Lina went inside the house and removed the crown of jasmine from her head. She kept it in her hands as she looked to Gaerwyn, ?It was a fun game to play.? A cheeky grin, ?You make a good ogre.?

He gave a hearty laugh, ?Do I?? as he took the honeysuckle crown from his head as well and carried it with him to open the door for her. ?Well, I certainly believed you to be a perfect Fairy Queen.? He added softly, ?And still do,? he bowed, ?Your Majesty.?

Lenika laughed softly, though she stopped at the door and lifted her gaze to him. She leaned in to say softly, ?You make a fine fairy king as well,? and then she moved into the house.

He smiled and watched her move inside before following himself.

?Oh yes. You'll love it. If you stand just on the edge of the cliffs, only Papa always has to hold my hand, the wind will near hold you up it is so strong, but it blows my hair straight back from my face. And birds fly all around.? She reached out to try and catch a firefly again and this time caught it. She opened her hand and let it go. ?I don't like to keep them in jars like Gaer does.?

?And I'm sure they don't like to stay in jars a long time,? she smiled at Lina. ?It sounds like a fun time and I'm excited to go. Lina..,? she stopped and started, ?Do you miss your mother??

Lina looked at the her hand where the firefly had been and nodded timidly without saying a word, but Lenika would feel the grip of her hand slightly tighten.

With her other hand, she rubbed fingertips against the back of Lina's held hand. ?It's very difficult to lose someone we love, isn't it??

She nodded again and looked up, ?Has someone you loved ever died??

Lenika nodded, ?Oh yes. When I was about your age, my father died. It was a very scary thing. Is your memory scary, Lina??

There was an instant connection now. Lina felt able to speak with Lenika and she walked a bit closer. ?I don't remember much. I,? her hand is beginning to sweat, ?I remember loud noises and being so hot. Papa said it happened at night but I remember so much light. I..,? she shrugged, ?I don't remember much. Gaer doesn't remember anything.? She cheated a look up to the lady at her side, and timidly asked, ?How did your father die??

She stopped walking to crouch down to Lina's level. ?He had some problems with his body, but I remember the day he died. That was the scariest for me.? She pulled the little girl into a hug who went so willingly. ?Do you ever talk with anyone about how you feel or what happened??

?Sometimes at night I remember more and I wake up. Papa holds me. I don't want to remember the dreams. They frighten me.? She waited a bit and asked softly, ?Your father was sick??

A careful nod, Lenika answered, ?Yes, very sick.? She hugged Lina and petted her hair again. ?Shall I tell you a secret about me?? Lina?s little mouth pressed hard and her lips nearly vanished because of it, but she gave a mute nod wanting to hear the secret. ?I still have very bad dreams about many things and I never want to remember them either because mine scare me too.? Lenika leaned away a little bit to look at Lina?s dismayed face. ?So I do know that dreams can be very frightening, but they are dreams and they will go away.? She pressed a kiss to her cheek. ?Sometimes I do my very best to think of the happiest thing I can remember before sleeping.?

?Thank you, Miss Lenika.? The little girl pressed a kiss to the lady's cheek in return. ?I'll keep your secret, I promise, and I'll think of something happy, too, before I go to bed. Maybe it'll work for me, too!?

?Maybe it will. If not, then we will find another way for both of us to have good dreams. What do you think of that idea??

?That's a good idea,? she gave a fuller smile and a brighter nod.

?Though, you know, I may need to remember you father as the ogre turned prince and his fairy crown,? she grinned.

Lina giggled and covered her mouth, then the giggle turned to laughter. ?He was so funny! Oh, I betcha that will keep the bad dreams away.? She giggled more and took Lenika's hand again as she looked around them. The street was not empty, but few people walked its path. The night pleasant, and Lina leaned into Lenika with something akin to puppylike adoration.

Gaerwyn came back down the stairs from checking in on the children. They had been in bed for half an hour, and so he made sure they were sleeping. Aunt Maeve had also gone to bed just some minutes before. He walked to the parlor and stood for a moment contemplating his options for the night: reading, working, or walking.

Lenika slipped up behind him, she even went as far as touching a hand very lightly to his back before she stepped away. ?Everything safe and sound??

He turned, but not swiftly, and gave a smile, ?Aye, that it is.? He leaned back against the framed open walkway into the parlor. ?I was thinking on what I should do with my time before I go to sleep. A walk was considered since it seemed so very refreshing to Lina.? He said pointedly, wanting to know more but not exactly asking -- yet.

A quiet chuckle, ?I would hope it was good for her.? She stood almost opposite him, though not as close to the parlor opening. ?If you so wish to walk, we can, but what if she has an episode while we are gone??

Gaerwyn lifted his gaze to the ceiling but he was looking beyond that to where his little girl slept, for now soundly. ?I never know when its going to be nightmare or one of those damnable terrors.? He sighed, ?But yes, I think staying would be best. Will you join me?? he motioned to the parlor where set the couch and four wingback chairs all about the comfortable and not overly large room.

Lenika nodded, ?I will...perhaps we may even have a talk.? She grinned at him then moved to and pass him into the parlor. If they happened to brush she did not call attention to it. She chose to take a seat on the couch.

He was left with a very difficult choice, and chose to join her on the couch, but at an acceptable and appropriate distance. ?Ahh,? he sighed getting comfortable, ?and what will we talk about? Perhaps some things that you and Lina talked over?? Then he hesitated to add, ?Though she did tell me of Aunt Maeve's visit to the healer house. I spoke to Maeve about it, and she said she was just there for preventatives. Tonics and such. I have some skepticism on that count, but I'm not about to go fishing in her business either. Or should I?? He obviously wanted her opinion on the matter.

?I think, perhaps, letting her be for now on the matter but keeping a watch on her and perhaps trying to pick up a little more duties around so give her some rest.? She laid her cheek against the top part of the back of the couch as she turned a little to watch him. ?We all will help and perhaps the picnic will do her some good.?

He gave another nod and agreed with that, ?Yes, the picnic. I was thinking this week's end would be a good time to go.?

?Sounds lovely. I know Lina is looking forward to it.? Her fingers absently toyed with the end of her braided hair.

?Is she? Is that one of the things you talked about?? He pried a little more.

?It is. She said something about a cliff edge..,? she trailed off as she grinned at him.

His eyes rolled slightly, and he chuckled. ?I swear that girl thinks she's a bird. If it weren't for me holding on to her, she'd fall right over absolutely convinced the wind would hold her up.? The chuckle sounded again but more softly. ?It is a strong breeze there at the edge, but I think she does it to give me grey hairs.?

?She said the wind holds her up and pushes her hair back from her face, but that you do hold her from falling off the edge. She wants me to try it, I think.? Her laugh was soft. ?Have you no grey hair yet? Perhaps I should check.? She used the moment to lean from the couch back and reached over to muss his hair.

He laughed, ?I don't know. Maybe a few hidden in there.? Fingers roughly combed back the hair from his eyes. ?And you're welcome to try. I'll be there to hold you from falling over, too, as long as you both don't try it at the same time.?

Lenika laughed softly once more, ?Lina may be more brave than I on that front. What did you do while we were walking?? She asked as she leaned back against the couch once more.

As soon as he felt that her heart was no longer about to race out of her chest, her breathing regular again, he rose from the bed and took the lamp with him, but he kept the door open, so the light would slowly fade away and not just instantly disappear. He looked to Lenika. ?Thank you.? He glanced back to his daughter's room but briefly before he spoke again. ?She won't remember that one, but I'm glad you've seen it so you know what to expect when I'm on the trip.?

She nodded, ?I'll do my best to take care of her during these times.?

His hand rested lightly on her upper arm and he smiled with unreserved confidence and appreciation, ?I know you will.? He then looked down stairs. ?It was a short episode this time,? he remarked idly, then looked back to her. ?Shall we continue our conversation??

?If you wish to,? she nodded to him.

?For a time yet, please.? He then heard the door to Gaer's room open and saw Maeve step out. She gave the merest nod to let him know Gaer was fine, and she slipped into her own room. He then started walking down the stairs, keeping the lamp in such a place as to share it's light, though there was a wall lamp at the base of the stairs still dimly glowing. Lenika joined him down the stairs, staying a little closer than before and silent. Gaerwyn set the lamp on the small table near the couch and sat cautiously down, leaned forward, his head in his hands and elbows on knees.

She sat beside him and reached to pat his back. ?It will be okay.?

The touch closed his eyes and he nodded. ?In time, that's what I keep telling myself. Someday I'll come to realize it's been several nights she's not had the nightmares or the terrors. Then it will be a few weeks. And then months, and then hopefully, some day, never again. But now she trembles and cries, and I can't stop it.? His shoulders shook as he almost broke. He took in a deep breath and lifted his head sharply to keep away the thought, and gave a smile to Lenika, he reached out a hand for hers. ?I keep saying thank you, but that's because it never seems quite enough. Still, thank you.?

Her hand rested in his, she offered, ?It has not been terribly long since the accident, so it will take much time. You never need to thank me. I would help many times over.?

He nodded and in that nod shared that he would do the same for her, but he only reluctantly released her hand. ?Well, Aunt Maeve settled Gaer from the disturbing night. It is a quiet house, and most likely will remain so until the dawn.? He then thought and asked, ?You told her the Fairy King would protect her? What else did you two talk about??

?I asked her about her night dreams,? she paused as she confided the conversation. ?She said she is scared of her dreams.?

He nodded. ?Sometimes I know what they are about and sometimes I do not.? He considered the woman beside him, the new family confidante and so much now a part of the family. ?I'm glad she feels she can share with you about these frights.?

?We talked briefly of her mother.?

Gaerwyn was mildly surprised, ?She spoke to you of Lera? What did she say...if you can tell me.?

?Mostly that she missed her,? Lenika spoke softly. ?She said she doesn't remember much of what happened except for a lot of light.? She gave a tiny smile, ?Mostly, we talked about you. She was worried that her bed tucking in days might be over soon.? The smile widened slightly, ?It seems she enjoys those moments with you quite a bit.?

He sighed and rubbed his hands over his face as he sat back. ?A lot of light indeed,? he murmured, and then a grin at the mention of tucking Lina in at night. ?I enjoy them, too. It's just me and her and she can tell me anything she wants. My attention is wholly hers. She used to tell me so much more, but now she says she has secrets and she can't tell me.? He chuckled, ?Too grown up by half, but I don't think I'll be stopping the tucking in any time soon.?

?I told her, if anything, it'd be her choice of when she wanted the tucking to stop,? She gave a little smile again, ?Oh yes, there are a few secrets. ?

?Oh, so it is secrets with you, is it?? his voice sounded in a warm, soft laugh.

?A couple, yes,? she sat back and gave his hand a pat.

?How easily I'm replaced,? he teased, ?but it is good for her to have a woman to confide in.?

?Yes, it is,? she chuckled slightly. ?And never replace, Gaerwyn. Only a minor addition.?

?Minor? I doubt that. You've been a grand addition to this home.? He did not allow her a moment to rebuke, he sighed, ?And as much as I would like to talk with you as long as you were willing, if I am to be at the ships in the early morning, I will need to get to sleep. You'll forgive me if I take to my bed??

?Of course. I will need to sleep soon myself.?

He touched her shoulder, as far as he would dare with such intimacies, and then rose, ?I will wish you pleasant dreams and good night's sleep. ?

?Thank you, Gaerwyn, you as well.? She did not rise until he was well and gone.