Ewan pulled up the covers and shook his head at Avery's motioning, "I do not think that is wise, Avery, if you drink one more glass of water you will either float out of that bed or spend your night in the necessary room." He gave the boy a cheeky grin. "It is time to sleep. Tomorrow will be here soon enough." He looked to Storm for her opinion on the matter.

Avery's lips pouted, though he's eyes were only half open, *But..* He raised a hand to start to sign, but instead he tucked it under his cheek and under the covers that Ewan pulled up. Storm, near the door frame walked further into the room, and gave Ewan an encouraging smile. She then leaned down to her press her lips to Avery's forehead, "Sweet dreams."

Ewan walked from the room and waited in the hallway for Storm to give her some quiet time with Avery as he drifted off to sleep. He would not have to wait long, as Avery was always quick to fall to sleep, even if it was light. Storm walked out of the room, and started down the hallway. She stopped at Ewan though, her smile affectionate as her hands reached to rest lightly on his hips as she leaned to press a tender kiss to his lips.

He shared in that kiss, his hands light upon her upper arms. "It is good to have him home," soft spoken against her mouth as he let his lips linger there after the kiss.

"Hm, yes it is, he likes being home." She smiled, and took a step back, but not without reaching for one of his hands to lead him towards the room with the couches, "Do you know more from the Tunnelers?" It was a question that played on her mind, ever since they had discussed safe possibilities of having Avery stay at home with them always.

His thumb caressed the back of her hand and he stepped with her to the couches. Sitting down, he angled himself so she could lean back against him and he could wrap his arms around her. "That I have. The system is in place, and Rallin has even provided some arcane assistance for a safe house they can take Avery in case of emergency. The only matter left is teaching Avery the proper code words to know friend from foe. Well," he started again, "not the only matter. You would need the code words and give your permission for this to go ahead."

She happily went into his arms, cuddling close to him and a warm sigh escaped her lips, "Good, I am very glad that they have given us assistance." She turned slightly so that she could look upon his face, "Of course this has my permission. But," her nose started to wrinkle, "I will not have to... go into tunnels to learn these codes?"

He opened his mouth to tease her, and then a more understanding smile as he shook his head, "No, you will not have to go into the Tunnels. I can teach you and Avery the codes once they're given to me." A kiss to her temple, "I almost forgot about going underground and its unpleasant effect."

She practically shuddered at the thought, though the kiss to her temple was soothing, "Unpleasant is an understatement, but if it was what I needed to do, then its effects would not matter." Though, she did lean closer to him, if possible, "When would he be able to stay?"

A tilt of his head, he was not certain her meaning. "When as when can he start remaining here or when as in what hours of the day?"

"When he could start remaining here." She clarified, the tilting of his head teased her to press a kiss to his jawline, and so she did.

"Whenever you are ready and so is he. I can get the codes tomorrow and start teaching them to both of you then, if you like." The fingers of his left hand trailed up and down her arm, the touch a physical reminder to keep the other side of him locked away.

Unknowing of his thoughts, she smiled at his touch, "I do not see why we should wait longer than needed. We can speak to Avery tomorrow, and if he is ready, then I will go and speak with Phen."

A firm nod, "Well and good. I will meet with my contact in the Tunnels. School mornings I can walk Avery to his classes, and you or another you trust, maybe a teacher at the school, can walk Avery back." Offering the possibility as suggestion only.

She lingered on the idea, one arm sneaking around him, "I should not have any difficulty bringing Avery home. I have a portal relatively close by. And if there are morning where you cannot take him, I will."

"Then it seems things are all settled. I wish I could be there when you tell him, or.." he eyed her suspiciously, but with a glint of humor to green eyes, "did you already?" Knowing she had said she would speak with Avery, but perhaps she had hinted to the lad.

She mocked a look of hurt, "You think I would tell him without you being there?" She pushed her lower lip out slightly for effect.

Storm glanced towards the door to see Avery poking his head in, "Ready to go back home?" She asked, leaning down to pick up her pack and replace it along her back. He did not however, know that she had packed most of his belongings inside of it from Stardreamer Manor.

His face broke out into a smile that she loved to see, *Yes! I found my boat.* He held it high above his head to prove his words true.

Storm chuckled softly. The forgotten boat was a perfect excuse to bring Avery to the manor. It gave her a chance to gather most of his things, and speak privately to Phen about the new living arrangements. Even though Avery did not yet know, Storm was fairly certain that he would not ask to stay at the manor. She also was fairly certain that she would let him stay even if he wanted to. The opportunity for her small family to be together more was not something she was going to neglect, "Aye, so you did." She started to usher him out of the room, and down the stairs.

It had been an eventful day from the beginning, with the Baroness' sudden arrival. Awaking to someone knocking on the door and Ewan's quick movement jolted her something fierce. Though truth be told, they had slept later than usual, for reasons more than Ewan's weariness. She did not mind however, the chance to spend time with Sylvia and her children, even if the news was unsettling. It did not give Ewan and Storm a chance to sit Avery down and talk to him about remaining at home; but perhaps they would have the chance tonight. She could only hope that Ewan's daylight hours were not fruitless.

Once they were off the manor grounds and were starting home, she placed a smile on her face and offered to hold the boat, "Perhaps Ewan will be waiting for us, hm?"

He attempted to slant her a look, and it was a look that had Storm swallowing down her laughter, *Maybe, but he did leave not long after Miss Sylvia came.*

She gave him an encouraging smile, "Yes, but you had fun playing, no?"

He grinned, *Yes.* A pause, *Except Beata is too little to play.*

She raised a brow slightly, but did not comment on her thoughts, "For now perhaps. Though, I think you raise enough ruckus without any playmates." She laughed warmly as that earned her a good nudge from him, "Well, we better hurry up and see if he is home. Maybe he has a surprise for you?"

That had him widening his eyes, and more laughter escaped her as he reached for a hand to tug her along on the road home.

Storm narrowed her eyes on Avery as she set her cup of tea back down, "You be careful with that ink." Avery looked up from the parchment, a faint trail of dark blue just to the right of his nose, and grinned, *I'm drawing a picture for Ewan.* He offered, before going back to his work. His hands and fingers held various levels of ink, some dry, some wet. "One for him, but not me?" She teased lightly, peering over the table to get a better look.

The night had not been overly productive, but that was to be expected on occasion. Upon opening the door he adopted his more cheerful demeanor and called out, though he knew Storm already sensed him, "I am home!"

Storm was already looking towards the direction of the door moments before Ewan actually stepped through it. Avery practically bolted out of his chair to greet Ewan. "Avery," she called in a warning tone, hoping that he would not smear the ink all over Ewan's tunic, as she started to stand to greet her husband.

The approach of the boy and the tone in Storm's voice when she said Avery's name gave Ewan the warning he needed, but seeing it was ink, he gathered up Avery in his arms with a grin, "Playing with ink today?" He walked with Avery in his arms to Storm and kissed her softly. "Evening, beloved."

Avery grinned, and did his best to keep his hands to himself as Ewan picked him up. Of course, there was just a small smear near his collar, but Avery was too distracted to notice, *I practiced my writing, and drew you a picture.* He explained, a wide grin on his face. Storm chuckled softly, returning the soft kiss in kind, "Evening, dear one." Her eyes narrowed in the smeared ink, but she only sighed and said nothing.

"A picture for me? Well, do not keep me in suspense. Let us see it." He let Avery down, and asked of Storm, "How was your day?"

"Rather uneventful. I have stayed home most of the day." She watched as Avery moved to the table to pick up his prized picture. She leaned into Ewan then in a loose embrace, leaning her head on his shoulder so that she could also see the drawing, "And how was yours?" Though just as she asked, Avery came and offered the picture to Ewan. It contained the three of them, though the only way one could tell was by their height and the names scrawled underneath the stick figures. They were all smiling, though. The handwriting, though carefully planned out, was of course, still childlike.

"Well, look there. It is the three of us. We look very happy, too, so it is very true to life." He gave a light squeeze to Storm before moving to crouch down and look Avery more on his level, "It is a wonderful picture. Thank you. Where do you think we should place it?"

He appeared thoughtful, glancing around the kitchen, *I am not sure. Maybe in the hallway?* He was already heading and indicating a spot near the mirror. Storm smiled, and moved slightly so that she could see where he was indicating, *What do you think?* He asked Ewan. It was, after all, his picture.

He stood to go see and gave a confirming nod, "I think that is perfect. Now, should I have a frame made for it or shall we tack it up there without a frame? I rather like it in its current fashion. What think you, Storm?" He reached back to her, his arm going around the back of her and his hand resting on her hip.

"Hmmm." She said with great thought, leaning slightly against Ewan as his arm came around her, "I think it looks fine without a frame. But, if later we want one, we can have one made."

"Excellent idea. The question is with what shall we hang it?" He seemed to look around him, but the glance he gave Avery was anticipating an answer from the boy.

Storm discreetly poked Ewan's side as her arm came around him, and Avery looked back to his drawing, *Maybe a nail? A tiny one.* He added, deciding that he did not want a large hole in the parchment.

"I find that a good idea, but must ask Storm. She is the authority on hanging things." He gave a wink to Avery.

Avery turned his attention on Storm, and she raised a brow at Ewan, her expression reading 'since when?' But she grinned slightly, "That is fine with me, but I vote that Ewan puts it in. I have horrid luck with hammers." She sniffled, giving Ewan a secret smile before looking to Avery, "But after we hang it, it will be time for you to start getting ready for bed, little one."

"Ah, yes, do not want to delay sleep," Ewan went in search of nail and hammer, a previous occasion for its use reminding him of its whereabouts. With small nail and hammer in hand, he returns and takes the picture, placing it on the wall and reconfirming, "Here is it?" And only when they are both satisfied did he successfully hammer the nail into the wall to hang the picture. "Our first family portrait."

Avery nodded at the pictures location before Ewan put the nail into place. He grinned, and looked at his work. Storm chuckled softly, tilting her head as she studied it, "Would not have it any other way." She then turned to Avery, "Now, go wash up for bed. Ewan and I will tuck you in shortly." He sighed and rolled his eyes dramatically, before turning to head down the hall.

The sun's light was covered by the bruised clouds that released a continuous amount of light droplets of water. Storm nearly pressed her nose to the cool window pane as she watched and listened to the rhythm of rain. Ewan and Avery had left not too long ago, and the home was quiet in their absence. Tension pulled at Ewan and her, as she shared her experience last night. She closed her eyes, a slow breath released as she recalled him walking out of the home from his disliking.

She glanced down at her boot, where the cut from the glass was hidden. She had fixed the mass amount of bandages so that she could at least put her boot on. Her lips pulled into a thin line then, reflecting Guthorm's open curiosity to the scars that were revealed on her wounded leg. She had seen many unasked question filter through his eyes. The thought only upset her more, and she heard a faint roll of thunder, despite the light drizzle.

Irritated with herself, she opened the door to her small backyard, her clothing unsuited for the rain. Rather than being chilled by the wet drops, she welcomed the cleansing sensation. Tilting her head back, she let the rain hit her face and neck, her eyes closed as she willed her mind to silence. She stood there for several minutes, each muscle that had been tense slowly relaxed in the presence of no one except her element. Once the feeling of control on her inner turmoil was settled, she moved to the farthest corner of her small yard, and unceremoniously sat down on the wet grass and mud. Obviously she did not care about the mud and wetness transferring to her clothing; curling her knees up to her chest and embracing them with her arms.

Whether she had placed herself there or not, she was in a dangerous position. Her priorities were of course her family's well being. It was obvious that Ewan felt that her time with the Norseman was either jeopardizing that, or something else of high importance. And yet Storm still did not know why. No matter how many questions she asked or how she asked them, she could not get any more information of the situation from him. So how was she to act? Surely she did not trust the Norseman, but she did not dismiss him either. Should she, and for what reason that Ewan could not, should not, would not explain?

The questions did not stay at bay for long as she continued to sit in the rain. By now, her body was soaked, her hair dripping and clothing stuck to her skin. Still, she did not move.

"Our fates are woven. What will happen, will happen, ja?"

"His manner, his abuse of friendships, and more to the point the fact that he fought with my liege lady and I have been commanded not to take his head off, so I must abide his goading and his taunts, and gut him from navel to neck." The words were crisp, precise, and spoken with a little edge to them.

She squeezed her eyes tightly, elbows resting on her knees and hands moving to fist in her hair. Head bowed, she felt in the back of her mind the rain start to pour harder around her and a breeze picking up.

What was she to do next?

She took the offered towel, but she first sat on the edge of the bed, her back to him as she slipped on warm socks to cover her cold feet. She fell quiet, taking up the towel again to dry her hair. Turning her upper body to face him, her face was openly melancholy, "I would not be pleased." She admitted, "But Ewan, it is so hard to me to understand with what little I know. And I do not seek out his company, the only reason why I walked with him last night was to inform him that if he was not so rude, I would not have gotten cut."

"He is who he is, and you telling him not to be rude is not going to change that one iota," he sighed. "This is where we come from different cultures. I have told you what he has done, and that is not enough for you. You want to know his side of the story, do you not? You want to see if there is something I do not understand about him." He made a slashing gesture of his hand, "Go ahead. I will not stop you. Get involved with him, but you cannot ask me not to be upset by it, because in doing so you plainly say to me that you do not trust my judgment."

She very barely flinched at the gesture of his hand, but she did not argue his first point. Maybe that is what she was looking for - the whole story. Tired eyes left him as she tossed the towel in the basket along with her wet clothing. Her hair was in disarray from the rubbing, she but did not care. "I would not have married you if I did not trust your judgment." She said softly, her whole body language reflected her inner thoughts as her shoulders slumped forward as if defeated.

"Then what is it? Now that I am no longer a mystery to you, you must find another man who is and solve him?" That he had thought it was bad enough. That he had actually spoken the words was unforgivable. "Storm, that was ungracious of me. I am sorry for it." He slid down the wall to sit on the floor, his head in his hands. "Find your answers, Storm. I have told you I cannot give them to you. The vows to you and the vows to others have come in conflict so early in our marriage. I had hoped for more time."

The wince was more than apparent, and she had to hide her face away from him. It stung something deep, that he would think such a thing. That shock numbed a response from her for several beats. "I.." she swallowed, brought the heels of her hands to rub at her eyes, taking away the moisture in them before they fell to her cheeks, "I am sorry." It was all that she could think to say.

He lifted his head and rose from the floor to walk over to her and crouch down before her, "Do not be. Just please understand that sometimes I cannot answer your questions. There are choices made that cannot have explanations." He tilted his head and looked at her. "Storm, do you know what it is I do in my homeland? What I truly do?"

When he came before her, she could not help but move her attention back to him. She looked distressed, before the looked past and she sniffled. "I know that you do more than you have told me. What the more is, I do not know." Her cold hands came to rest on her lap.

He had not wanted to tell her, but he wanted to give her some explanation of why he could not explain other things. The ideas were a jumble in his mind, but it was something he could offer. "I believe the term used here is assassin." The hesitation was brief. "In my homeland, there is no title for what I do. I am the country's man and do as they bid. Whatever they bid. Does this help to understand why some things in my life cannot have reasons behind them?" All he wanted was to gain some ground in understanding once again.

He had her utmost attention as she listened. She knew the term, though like he, it did not exist during her upbringing. Her posture straightened slightly, feeling her dark mood slowly lift. It did not fade, but its presence was not so vivid. "Yes, but I cannot always accept that. Not you or what you do," she quickly clarified, "but reasons dictate almost everything I do. I will tell you what I told him; this is not me choosing sides." She made sure he was paying close attention, "I will never, ever step away from you."

"I will have two card sharks in the household, and I will never win another hand between you two." He adopted a very glum expression, but sent Avery a green eyed wink.

"I have only beaten you once. Twice." She corrected herself, "I'm more of a card sardine." And that brought pitchless laughter from Avery.

He could not help but laugh as well. "Of the many things I might compare you to, beloved, a sardine is definitely not one of them. You're too lovely and you smell entirely too good."

"But just as hopeless." She chimed in, finding her food of interest to hide her wide grin. Avery just rolled his eyes, *I thought Ewan was the fish.* His signing lazy as he looked between the two.

"I am the fish. Storm is the bird." affirming Avery's assumption.

*Strange.* It was his own affirmation, and he continued on his food in his usual whirlwind pace. Storm snickered, "Unique I think is a better term." She said to the boy, raising her eyebrows in a silly manner.

Ewan refrained from further comment, enjoying the dinner, and the conversation. Something of the previous topic struck a memory, "Oh, yes. Avery this building, this home, needs a name, since we have many homes. What do you think this one should be called?"

*We're naming the house? Like Miss Sylvia? We can call it the Sardine House.* He signed, much to his amusement. Seeing that he had finished his plate, Storm held out her hand for him to give it to her. And depending on Ewan's work on his, she would take his also. "I am not naming this place after fish. Or boats." She said, before moving to start to clean the dishes.

He still has some bites to go as yet, but with Avery's penchant for cracking jokes, it might take some time to finish those. "I agree. Not fishes or boats."

*Fine.* He eyed Storm's back, before he leaned over towards the unguarded tin of treats. "You wait or your stomach with rupture." Storm said as she heard him, her tone of voice beyond serious. Avery's eyes widened slightly, and his hand went back into his lap. He wrinkled his nose, *What about if we named it.. something like Storm does?*

"Cooks Cottage?" Ewan teased and prepared for any sort of instrument of cooking or cleaning to come flying his way.

She did indeed, tossed a small towel in his general direction, though she did not take time to aim well. She continued though, to clean the remains of dinner. *Not like that. Like.. something to do with the wind, maybe?*

The towel flops more towards the table, than Ewan, but he catches it and sets it near his plate. "That is a fair idea, Avery. Let us see what we can do with that."

He frowned in thought, *I never named a house before. What about... hurricane?* He threw out, his imagination starting its wild turn just as Storm cane to join them. She reached for the tin, and offered its open side to the boy.

"A bit alarming." Ewan steered by offering, "Something more peaceful. Zephyr or some such."

He frowned after reaching into the tin to produce a cookie, *Zefer?* He spelled out, *What is that?* Storm tucked her tongue in her cheek, offered Ewan another cookie.

He waved off the cookie and patted his stomach. "Dinner was delicious, but I will risk injury if I indulge." In reply to Avery, "By definition, a gentle breeze."

Storm closed the tin, uninterested in one for herself. Avery took a bite into the cookie, enjoying the soft texture, *I like it.* He signed simply, rather than spelling the word out again, and he did not know the sign for it.

"And what do you think of Zephyr House or perhaps Zephyr Cottage?" Ewan said, and having noticed Avery's spelling, or misspelling of the word, he signed the question as he asked it, so Avery might see the sign.

*I like.... Zephyr's Cottage. A house is boring.* He mused, catching the sign correctly.

"Storm, your opinion on the matter?"

"What the pair of you come up with is perfect for me." She said sweetly, reaching over to steal Avery's last bite to pop it in her own mouth with a grin.

"Then I guess that is settled. Zephyr Cottage it is." Ewan stood to take his plate to the sink to clean it up. "What are the evening plans?" This was asked more of Storm than Avery.

Avery watched Storm, and despite his liking for the cookie, he rolled his eyes. *May I be excused?* He asked Storm, and she raised a brow, "Yes you may." He dashed off, to what Storm did not know. "I do not know, watch the rain?" It might be a poke in a sore spot, but she offered it with a warm smile.

He raised a brow and then rolled his eyes as he came back by and kissed her forehead, "Well, I hope it gives you pleasure this time."

She chuckled, tugging on his collar gently to move his lips to her own. "I am teasing. Did you have plans, m'love? Did you want to go out or stay in?"

"I have some things to see to tonight, but I wanted to know if I could expect you here when I return or if you had places to be as well. In that case, I would rose up the caretaker."

She hesitated, before she shook her head softly. "I will stay home tonight." She said softly.

"I should not be out long, beloved. Just checking in at the Holding Houses and down below." He kissed her with warmth and no little hint of desire.

The kiss was returned, "I will hold you to your word." She muttered against his lips.

He smiled and kissed her once more. Reluctance slowed his steps, but each one managed to move a bit more to the door where he reclaimed his boots and cloak, put them on, and then headed out the door.

Storm shifted on her back, hoping to move Avery's chin in the process. Sprawled across the floor in front of the dying fireplace. The sleeping boy was curled next to her, doing nothing as Storm moved. Closing her eyes, the only evidence of her wakefulness was her slow rubbing against Avery's back.

He stepped in through the front door, and kept quiet considering the hour of the evening. On his way to the kitchen, he saw the two of them on the floor before the fireplace and he smiled on his approach, whispering to Storm who looked awake, "Evening, beloved."

Grey eyes opened and rolled up accompanied by a slow smile. "Good evening m'love." She whispered back, reaching her spare hand up to him to give his hand a squeeze.

He crouched down and kissed the back of her hand joined with his. A nod towards Avery, "How long has he been out?"

"Oh, not too long." She said softly, her smile spreading at the kiss to the back of her hand. She tugged on their joined hand to try and give him a slow but tender kiss.

The kiss shared, he broke it with reluctance. "Need help to get him in bed?" He motioned with his free hand of lifting the boy up.

She nodded, gathering her arms around the boy to help handing him over to Ewan. With great care, he gathered up the boy in his arms and with smooth motion rose to his feet. The stride was natural in its glide, unhurried and without tension he kept steady so not to wake Avery.

Once Avery was taken away, Storm stretched her arms and legs before rising to her feet. She followed behind, "Do you want me to tuck him in?"

"That is up to you," he answered as he settled the boy on the bed. Drawing the covers down beneath the body and removing shoes before he pulled up the covers over Avery.

She leaned against the doorway, watching him prepare Avery for bed. "Seems like you are doing a fine job yourself. Want me to get you something to drink?"

He brushed some of Avery's hair away from his forehead, and turned about reaching and arm to slid around her waist. "No, I am fine, thank you. So, tell me of your day and how things are going?"

Her arm also came around his middle, turning to press a kiss to his shoulder. "I will tell you, if you tell me what happened this morning. You do not seem as distressed as last night."

"I am not, thank you, and it is a deal, but you will go first, if you would please." He smiled and guided them back to the family room and the couch where he claimed her for a snuggle upon its comforting length.

She went into his arms happily, making dramatic movements while doing so. She loved fitting in his arm like such. The dying fire also was given more life to spread more warmth. "Well... we are doing the Choosing Ceremony come the new year. But I am not allow to help."

A puzzled frown curved his mouth and tugged at his brows. "The reason for this?"

"Because I have to participate in it." She muttered into his chest, her chosen resting point. "It is written that the last chosen Guardian from each Element has to conduct the ceremony.. without knowing the details."

"I do not mean to criticize your customs, but it seems to make it a difficulty to conduct a ceremony of which you know not the details."

"That is the point. My mind will not be affected by what is supposed to happen. It is a.. very ancient ceremony. I do not know much.. other than I am the best person to pick another Guardian."

He refrained from further inquisition on the ceremony and nodded, "I will hope that it all turns out well, then."
"I am not pleased about it, I must admit. I do not like knowing... but if it is the best thing, than I will not argue against it." A long sigh, she snuggled closer. "What happened this morning?"

"Word from Colwyn of a rumor that the Protectorate has aims to overthrow Cian from the seat of the Barony," he voice calm upon the topic. He played with her hands, fingers caressing fingers and palms just to touch her.

"Can he do that?" Her voice soft and low, but she was not starting to fall asleep on him. She did not know much about this sort of thing with his homeland. A hand suddenly tried to close and grasp one of his caressing fingers, just because.

"It would take some doing, but yes, he could if he garnered enough support, and convinced the King to grant the lands to him." He chuckled as her hand grasped a finger and he made to shake as if freeing the finger, though he was not trying hard to do so.

She chuckled softly, releasing his finger so that he could continue what he was doing before. "And what is being done about it?"

"Sylvia is planning on making a," he paused for the proper words as well as emphasis, "strong show of power."

"Hmm, I have no doubt that she can and will do so. Beloved," she paused, lifting her head so that she could look up at him, "can you tell me more of your trip?"

He breathed in deep and gave a nod upon the slow exhale, "I can, as I doubt it will make its way back to those that should not know its details." He caressed her arm as he held her close. "It is time to take revenge for the slaying of Kieran. Kiema and I are to hunt down the Sedleral and destroy them."

Storm's lips pulled into a thin line at the statement, "You are going back there?" A slow sigh, she took the caressing to her arm as comfort. "Will there be more than just the two of you?"

He shook his head, "It will be her and I, though from my understanding, she will not be alone."

"Hmm." She curled closer to him, a hand reaching up to brush her fingers through his hair. "And what exactly.. no, I do not want to know." She muttered, letting the information seep further into her mind. But she would not upset Ewan further by showing unneeded concern.

He sensed there was some concern there, and offered what he hoped would assuage that concern, "Kiema is convinced that I cannot be overcome by them again, which is the reason I am going. Or," he smiled, "one of the reasons I am going."

"Well," she started on a soft sigh, offering an affectionate smile, "I will at least know how to help you, should it happen again." She leaned forward to rest her forehead against his, "I sometimes wish that I could go with you, and help. But I will not. You will do what needs to be done." She said without a hint of doubt.

He kissed her soft and sweet, "Thank you, beloved."

He walked with his arm around her, his free hand concealed beneath the cloak rested out of habit on the hilt of one of his daggers. There was no anxiety of the night, it was merely natural. His cheek upon the top of her head. Contentment in the moment, he grasped and held on to that and did not think about anything else for right then. "I am glad we do not live far from the Marketplace. The snow soaked breeches are starting to chill," he jested.

She giggled, the arm around his waist wrapped around warm and snug. Her cheeks were red with merriment and the chill, her back and one side also wet from their play in the snow. "I at least did not aim for any to be under your clothing." She teased, forcing her body to shiver dramatically as her head rested on his shoulder.

He maneuvered so he might place a kiss upon the top of her ear. "Sorry, beloved, but I will try to help in the warming since I caused the chilling." Their walk turned up the path to the house, and he opened the door for them, ushering her inside. The cozy aroma of what had become known as home, as well as some recent cooking, caressed his senses. He sighed the pleasure it gave him and comfort, memorizing it well.

The feel of his lips against her cold ear brought another shiver, but this one was in a more pleasurable fashion. Ushered inside, she did not move further inside so that she could take off her boots, gloves, and her cloak. "You always bring me warmth." She grinned, pausing to reach a finger out and brush it over his cheek. "Do you want me to bring you something warm, or perhaps assist you into dry clothing?" A more impish smile.

"We may end up completely unclothed if you assist me into dry clothing," he warned, and added under his breath, "Not that I would mind." He removed his cloak and hung it, claiming hers as well for the hooks by the door. A twist to examine the extent of the wetness. "Though whether you help or not, I think I should change out of these." He aimed a playful pat to her backside as he passed by on the way to their bedroom, and called over his shoulder, "Next time you tackle me, think of a place warmer than snow."

She laughed, though her hands batted at his for invading her backside. Not that she minded. "The bed's available." She called out teasingly, her grin silly though no one could see it. She did not follow him, however tempting the idea was; perhaps she would end their night together as such, but now was not the time. Instead, she moved into the living room, finding that her cloak had taken most of the snow's wetness. So, she started to place logs in the fireplace to add more warmth.

He found a fresh pair of pants and changed out. The instant improvement to the chill of his legs brought a smile. Tugging on some woolen socks, he returned to the living room with snow sullied pants in hand to hang and dry near the rejuvenated fire. Arranging them just so, he came up behind his wife and wrapped arms about her, and murmured against her hair, "I will let you tackle me in bed later. Want anything from the kitchen?"

All the nerves around her neck and head were sensitive to his lips and warm breath, and it caused goosebumps to rise. "I am fine, but thank you m'love." She placed her hand out of the arranged logs so that she could bring fire to life upon them. She turned within his arms, raising to the platform of her feet to press a noisy kiss to his lips.

The grin he felt did not interfere with the sharing of that kiss, and he only broke it to sigh the proof of that smile. Then one hand moved from her back to raise a finger. "One moment." A quick kiss to her lips and he was off back towards the bedroom where he claimed their pillows and a few extra from a closet plus some of the older blankets from a chest that held his old things. He returned and created something of a comfortable pile up of blankets and pillows. A grin and faint wiggle of brows as he began to sit, and reached a hand out to her, "Come rest with me before the fire."

The quick kiss only brought another short fit of giggles, before he went off into the back rooms. Curious, she moved her body in front of the fire to warm the few places that had been affected by their tumble in the snow. The memory brought up a faint snicker and feelings that warmed her already warm heart. She raised a brow as he came with pillows and blankets, and arranged them to his liking. Her smile became more apparent and it grew as she watched. She laughed quietly so to not disturb the sleeping Avery as he wiggled his brows and she went to join him. "I do not think I have ever arranged blankets and pillows before a fire." But she sat with him, instantly curling up against him. "Did you do this when you were young, also?"

He drew her close, spooning behind her, but supported up on pillows to watch the fire over her shoulder. "No, I cannot say as I have when I was younger. I wanted to be near you and near the fire, and what more comfortable way to do that than this, hm?" He let his mouth run warmth over a small area of her neck and then rested his head down. It was a moment to be and he was going to enjoy it.

A quick and warm sigh was released as his mouthed moved over the skin that already bore signs of sensitivity. Her hand seeked his so that she could press kisses to each knuckle, careful for any cuts or scrapes that would be there. "Well have do to this more often, then. Make it our own tradition." She announced, enjoying the encasing warmth of the fire and him. "Along with snowball fights in which I win."

"If I get to return to this afterwards, you are welcome to win as much as you like," he had to close his eyes, the touch of her lips upon his hands caused the light hair on his arm to raise as if lightening had struck nearby.

"Oh?" She asked in almost a lazy tone, unaware of her kisses affects on him. She continued in her attention to his hand, bringing it open to press kisses to his fingertips his palm, and the underside of his wrists. Pausing in between words. "I will remember that, for next time."

"And if you continue with that most delictable activity, we may not be out by this fire for very long and end up behind the locked door of our bedroom," he teased, but pressed closer to her back. His free hand began to play with her hair. "We will have plenty of traditions, I hope. Some new, some shared of our own homeland."

She chuckled, letting his hand free on her affectionate attention to rest close to her, threading her fingers on top of his. The snuggling and his attention to her hair had her body relaxing to its fullest against him. "What traditions of your homeland would you like to keep?"

"Cannot say as I can list them. I am glad you agreed to the amulets," his hand moving from her hair to the symbol that rest against his skin, and then back to her hair. "Some traditions of Wintertide and Harvest and the other high festivals." A shake of his head, "I lack specifics until the moment comes and I realize if it really is important to me. What of you?"

"I am glad I agreed to the amulets, also." Her own hand left his so that she could lift up the amulet to her eyes, finding the simple piece of jewelry more meaningful than she ever thought it would be. Letting it rest back against her collarbone, her hand went back to his. "You shared the traditions of our joining. We have traditions of Yuletide, though some will have to wait until next year." And though he could not see it, her smile claimed a hint of sadness. "I suppose we do not have many traditions. Or, we do and I do not think of them that way. There are some though, that I have put in a box for you to take with you on your journey. You cannot open it for a few days, though."

"Oh?" His interest peaked and he lifted up on an elbow to look over her shoulder at her. "I have to be a good fellow it is? Now, am I to open it on Wintertide or what is that other day...the one four days later." He searched his mind for the word, "I believe it is called Christmas."

She turned more on her back so that she could look up at him, the sadness gone and away from her smile. "Yes you have to be a good fellow. And no, not Christmas." Though she frowned slightly, making sure she had her dates right. "It is the day before. That is when my homeland has celebrations. Promise you will not open it until then? Avery will be mighty sad."

"I vow not to open it until then," he smiled and then gave a kiss to seal the promise.

The kiss was returned warmly and with affection. She gently broke it, but she curled her front to his, letting her back face the fire for a more direct warmth. "Tell me more of Wintertide? What will you and your family be doing during that time?" She gently reached to brush her finger against the tip of his nose.

"Come now Avery, do not be troublesome." Storm warned as he was parading around the kitchen, his feet landing in the small, various lumps of dirt that Storm had broomed together.

*But I want to play outside.* He face was clearly distraught with the idea of staying indoors while there was a fresh layer of snow just waiting for him outside.

"I have never allowed you to play outside without Ewan or I with you." She easily reminded him, carefully gathering the dirt to be thrown away. She had been cleaning the house before they left for the Air Realm in the morning. "You know better, little one."

*What about the backyard? I can play there.*

She contemplated the idea as she put the broom away. Even if the backyard was sealed away, there was no sure way that something would not be there without her knowledge. "You remember the paper signs you made for Ewan's family? Why do you not make one for Nonno? Or the friends that we will also be visiting on Yuletide?" Watching his face become more downcast, she placed a smile of her face. "Then once you are done with those, I will go with you to play outside, hmm?"

He let out a sigh, but it seemed to be enough take his face away from the window and move to take a seat at the table. *I do not know how to spell their names. Will you do it for me, like last time?*

"Of course." Finding the middle ground, she pulled out little color sticks of chalk and oils with a few fresh pieces of parchment. Setting them before Avery, she took up a black stick of oil, and in a careful and well practiced hand, she wrote three different names on each page; 'Nonno', 'Johnny', and 'Sianna'. She wrote the names again, carefully following lines so that she was creating space for Avery to decorate each letter. "There. And color inside the lines this time, hm?"

Leaving him to his decorating, she moved through the house to make sure that she had completed everything. All but the wood on the door. Wrinkling her nose, she went outside and carefully shut the door behind her. She faced the closed door, an uncovered finger drew over were the knife had been placed within it. Casting her reacting feelings aside, her eyes took a faint glow as she very slowly drew her hand over the wood. Treating it like a wound, she slowly, and almost painfully brought the wood back together again, until even to her eyes, it appeared undisturbed. Once complete, her eyes returned to their normal hue and she exhaled. The toll of her gift was much greater when using the earth.

She opened the door, and called out. "Ready to play?" And she was most pleased to hear the excited footsteps that were approaching.

She would leave her home well guarded during her absence.