"I miss Danny," she said softly.? "He'd go hunting with me tonight."

He glanced over at her. "If you're that full of energy, I'm sure we can find a way to use it."

She gave him a tiny smile.? "I'm not sure you really want to make that offer, David."

"No?"

"I'm...scared of hurting you."

"I'm stronger than you," he pointed out.

Her brows rose.? "Your point?"

"I could stop you from hurting me."

Without warning, she spun to face him, her hand lashing out in a knife-palm strike aimed at his neck. His arm automatically whirled up in a circular block fast enough to make his sleeve crack like a whip, deflecting her arm out and harmlessly to the side. She gave him a cocky little smile and threw a punch with her other hand, intending to catch him right on the tip of his chin.

His head rolled to the left, slipping the blow as he stepped in a blindingly fast half-circle to her left, which incidentally brought his left arm, still raised from the block, into a collision course with her left shoulder, where it would push her back and off-balance. The fist she'd thrown at his chin turned into a grabby hand and she caught his shoulder and rolled onto her back, taking him down with her.? Once there, she twisted at the waist and was atop him now, legs straddling his hips while she attempted to pull his arm behind him, up into a painful lock.

He slapped his free hand down onto the ground just before he hit to absorb the impact, then jerked his captured arm forward sharply, abandoning technique for a just moment to use pure strength to haul her entire body around and off of him. She let go almost immediately as she felt him begin to toss her away, coming to rest on her stomach just a foot or so away.? She got her hands underneath her, stopping her face from smashing into the the ground, and pushed to her feet and stood, hopping a few feet backwards, grinning at him.

He slid his legs under himself and popped up to his feet as well, meeting that grin with one of his own. He rubbed his hands together, dislodging a few pieces of gravel from the hand that stopped his fall. She stood loose, relaxed, crouched slightly, watching him for any indications that he might make a leap at her. His hands rose, weaving small circles in front of him, and he darted a step towards her.

She took a step back, pulling her head back, hands raising to deflect anything he threw her way. He smiled, taking a few quick steps to the right, circling towards her. And she circled left, keeping him squarely in front of her.? She grinned at him, something very un-Riley-like lurking in her eyes. His left hand darted suddenly for her face. She raised her right arm, blocking the blow with her forearm, and threw an open-palmed strike of her own with her left hand, aimed at his solar plexus.

His hand closed on her forearm and he stepped back, jerking her right arm to full extension and beyond. This also made her left hand's strike fall far short. Shifting her weight to her right leg, she took a step into him and then used those stupidly long legs to her advantage and swung a kick with her left, aimed at his right hip. He stepped left into her, pressing their bodies intimately together so he was well inside the arc of her kick. His left foot landed behind hers and he pushed hard on her forearm that he still held.

"Ooh," she breathed as he pushed himself against her.? She brought her free arm up, and grabbed his duty belt, hanging onto it for dear life. He winked and jack-knifed his torso forwards, swinging his right arm across her chest and forcing her backwards at the waist. She went limp, letting him knock her over as far as he wanted.? She still had a death grip on his belt and if she went down, so would his pants.

Well, couldn't have that. Not in the middle of the street, at least. He simply dropped forwards, letting her fall and him land on her. "Oof," she said as she landed hard on the broken, chaotic cobbles of the streets in WestEnd.? "Urgh," she said when he fell on top of her.? Her hand was pinned between them, her fingers still curled around his belt, her other arm still caught in his hand.? She tried to pull her legs up and shove him away with her feet.

He grinned down at her, making no move to stop her legs from sliding up under him. She paused at that grin and then relaxed underneath him.? "You're going to have to replace this dress," she said softly.

He snorted. "Billing me for it, huh?"

"Yep.? And if you wanted so badly to get me onto my back, why didn't you just say so?"

"Hey, who swung first?"

"Who challenged me?"? She wriggled her arm out from between their bodies and tweaked his nose.

He snapped playfully at her fingers. "You chose to take it as a challenge," he pointed out.

"Oh, puh-leeze.? You meant it as a challenge.? You just wanted to show off your bah-whatever skills to the pretty girl."

"Well. Can't argue that. I do love showing the pretty girl my skills."

"Uh-huh.? Get up, before something decides to eat us,? Riley said with a half-smile. He stood smoothly, pulling her up with him. He even brushed the back of her dress off.

She rewarded him with a kiss on his cheek for that chivalrous effort.? "Can we go home now?? If we're leaving in the morning, I have to pack...and call the Feeb."

He smiled. "Sure, let's go,? he said and he started walking towards the Gardens, taking her hand and drawing her with him.

"No, no.? You needed to be there for your mom and your dad.? I've got David here.? And in 24 hours, I'll have you, too, and all will be right with the world again." David walked over and put his hand on her shoulder as she spoke, offering what comfort he could. She raised her hand and covered his, giving it a soft, grateful squeeze.

Once again, she could hear Daniel's smile. "Yes, all will be right. It's going to be a long twenty-four hours, though."

"I know," she said with a tiny frown.? "Wanna talk to David now?"

"Sure."

"Okay, just a sec," she said and handed the phone up to David.

David took the phone and held it up to his ear. "Hey Dan," he said. "How's your Dad?"

"He's doing well," Daniel replied. "The surgery went off without any complications. He's already protesting he's well enough to go back to work. Mother won't hear of it, of course."

She got up off the bed and went to the mini-bar.? She opened it and dug around inside for a moment, a smirk on her lips as she heard Danny's words through the phone.? "Like father, like son, I'm sure."

"That's great," David said, smiling a bit. "Uh...how about you? How're you doing?"

"I've been fine. It's been great to see my parents again. I waited far too long, honestly. David," he said. His tone turned serious then, "What happened? Why is Riley so worn out?"

$10 for a Milky Way bar?? Riley snorted and shut the small fridge.? She turned and went back to the bed, standing next to it.? Her brow rose and she gave David a little warning look ? don't answer that, she was telling him silently. David ignored that look and scowled. "It's that bastard Bishop," he said. "The case is such a f*ck up. We had to let him go."

"I can tell there's a lot more to it, but I'll let it go until I see you two in person. By the way, I'm glad you're coming, too, David."

"Thanks," David said. "I'm glad I am, too. We both need the rest." Riley growled softly and held her hand out for the phone.? "Give it," she said.

"Riley's going to bite me if I don't give the phone back now," David said grinning. "So here you go." He handed the phone to her with a little salute.

The sound of Daniel's laughter could be heard clearly by both of them. She stuck her tongue out at him for the salute and then sat down on the edge of the bed again.? "I want the record to reflect that I did not threaten to bite him," she said.

"So noted," Daniel said, chuckling.

"Good.? So, here's the details on the flight and stuff.? You ready?"

"Hang on, let me find something to write it down with." There was some muffled scraping and thumping, as if he were opening drawers, then, "Ready."

She gave him the flight number and arrival time.? A thought struck her.? "Danny?? Do your parents know about the Arrangement?"

"God, no," he said.

She gave a nervous chuckle.? "So, uh...how do we explain David?"? She glanced up at the man in question.? "Not that there is any explanation for him..." David casually flipped her off, lying back on the bed.

"Well...as a friend? It's not untrue."

She laughed and then poked him, her nail digging in between his ribs and tickling.? "Yeah, okay.? And do they know about Rhy'Din?"

There was a momentary pause as Daniel clearly heard David squirming and little gasp as Riley's finger hit a particularly ticklish spot. He snickered, then answered. "Yes, I've told them all about it. They told me they knew a few professors who'd sell a kidney to visit another world."

David slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her over backwards, hoping to catch her in mid-sentence. "Tell them they can come ba.. Ack!"? She landed on her back on top of David, head and shoulders on the bed on the opposite side of him, feet nearly straight up in the air.

"They can what?" Daniel asked, sounding a bit confused.

David snorted, and let out a little chuckle. Success. Riley struggled to sit up again, elbows maybe digging into his stomach and chest unnecessarily hard.? "They can come back with us if they want."? She turned a gimlet eye on David.? "Jerk." He grunted at the elbow, then made a kissy face at her.

Daniel laughed. "Sure, we can have a parade, too."

"Ooh, that sounds like a cool idea.? Maybe it'll help get me back into Dris's good graces."? She gave David a little salute of her own, a one-fingered salute, and then slipped off the bed.? "What time is it there?" she asked Danny. David clutched his heart in mock pain, writhing like he'd been shot.

"It's just after eight."

She rolled her eyes at him and then leaned against the wall between the door to the hallway and the door to the bathroom.? She was watching David.? "What have you been doing with your time?" she asked Danny. Seeing that she was eyeing him, David winked and slowly started pulling shirt off, flexing his stomach muscles. She made a tiny, unconscious noise and bit down on her lower lip.

"Just catching up with my parents, visiting a few a friends, nothing...what's that?"

"What's what?"? She was now glaring daggers at David.? She mouthed, "Stop it," at him. David grinned wickedly and pulled his shirt off entirely, raising his arms over his head and stretching luxuriously, every muscle in his arms and torso standing out in sharp relief.

"Did you say something, sundari?"

She bit down harder on her lower lip and resolutely turned away from him.? "No, I didn't say anything.? Uh...watched any football on the telly?"

"I've seen a few matches, actually," he replied, sounding a little confused.

David smirked and relaxed, admiring her rear...and making sure that it was obvious he was doing so if she happened to turn around. "Oh, yeah?? Isn't the World Cup this month or something?? Is England playing?"? She was desperately aware of David approaching the state of nakedness and the scent of his pheromones and like all men do at some time during their life, she was distracting herself with sports.

"I believe so, yes. Is there some reason we're discussing football, sundari?"

David decided it would be a good idea to get rid of his cumbersome jeans, and slid them down off his legs, now lying on the bed in just his boxers. She heard the zipper of David's jeans and risked a glance over her shoulder.? "Oh, Christ," she muttered and turned around again quickly.? "Uh...? What was that?"

"What's wrong?" Daniel asked.

"He's being mean," she answered, in a tone like that of a petulant child. David sat up and grabbed his bag, rummaging around in it for a moment, then held up his prize. It was Mr. Tie.

"David is? What's he doing?"

"He's uh...undressing."? Unable to resist, she risked another glance at David.? "Oh, no," she said softly, and like a moth to flame, turned all the way around to face David fully now.

Daniel let out an abrupt laugh. "Well, surely that's not so bad."

Seeing that she was looking again, David hooked a hand into the hem of his boxers and started to slide them down. She shut her eyes with a sudden gasp.? "But I'm trying to talk to you," she whined.

"You'll see me in person soon enough, my love. Go, have fun."

She made a little wanton noise, though for which of her boys it was intended was anyone's guess.? "I miss you," she said softly.? And then, even softer, "I love you."

"I miss you, too," he replied. "And I love you, very much. Tell David he'd better take care of you."

David was, by this time, entirely naked, with Mr. Tie wrapped around one hand. He was clearly quite happy to see to her care and keeping. "I will.? I'll see you tomorrow.? Bye, baby."? She hung up and opened one eye.? Then she tossed aside her phone and went straight into David's arms.

Riley closed her eyes again as the setting sun was filtered through the canopy of leaves.? She parted her lips slightly, rolling the smell of the land around on her tongue.? "Horses...and deer, too," she said softly.? She could feel her blood rushing at the scent of game.? She looked sidelong at Danny, wondering if he felt it, too.

There was a hint of a feral gleam in his eyes when he looked over at her. "The deer come right up to the garden sometimes."

"Oh, my," she said softly, thinking there was the distinct possibility of venison in their future.

David snorted when he realized what they were talking about. "Think they'll like finding half-eaten deer around?"

"Half-eaten?? Are you kidding?? Riley asked. David answered her with a smirk.

They reached the end of the road and parked near the building. "Let's go," Daniel said, hopping out. "I got us their flat. It's more private, and has a kitchen of its own." Riley slid out of the car and pulled the seat forward for David, before going around to the back to grab her suitcase and bag.? David had made her unpack once he'd seen the amount of things she'd wanted to bring originally.? Then he very closely supervised as she repacked and fit her entire wardrobe for the four days into only one bag.? She had bitched and grumped and muttered blackly under her breath all the while, but was grateful when she didn't have to pay extra to check a bag at the airport.

David scooped out his single bag, and glanced over at her. "Bet you're glad now, huh?"

She made a sour face at him.? "Yeah, shut up."? She reached into the...? "Wait, Danny?? Is this the bonnet or the boot?"

"That's the boot. The front of the car is the bonnet," he said, grinning.

"Ah.? Thank you."? She reached into the boot and scooped out her suitcase and her bag, slinging both over her shoulder and stepping away from the car to look the place over.? It was green, quiet, cozy.? Danny had made a good choice.

Daniel led them to the B&B's flat and opened the door with the key he'd picked up before getting them from the airport. He stood aside, motioning them in.

"Oh, there's a fireplace," she said when she walked in.? She dropped her bags in the doorway and went over to the hearth. Kneeling down in front of it, and despite the relative warmth of the early summer evening, she began making a fire using wood from a small basket near the hearth.

"Going to curl up on the rug, too?" David asked, following her into the living room.? Meanwhile, Daniel picked up her bags and brought them into the bedroom.

The fire was laid and cheerfully warm.? She grinned up at David, kicked off her shoes and laid down on her side.

A little grin played over his lips. "Can I rub your belly?"

She moaned softly and turned onto her back, hiking her sleeveless shirt up, displaying her firm, taut belly.? She slitted her eyes, like a contented house cat, and began purring, even before he touched her. David reached out with both hands, laying them onto her stomach lightly before flexing his fingers, digging them into her hard muscles and relaxing, then digging again, much like a cat's kneading. As happened every single time he touched her, a little thrill of desire shot through him. She arched her back, hands sliding down her sides to her waist, where she made quick work of her shorts, pushing them down her legs and kicking them carefully away from the fire.? "Danny?" she called out.? "Where are you?"

"Right here," Daniel replied, coming out the bedroom. His eyebrows rose at the sight of her lying there already half-undressed. A little growl rose in his throat and he hurried over to sink down onto the floor next to her, reaching for her hand. She used his hand to pull him down closer to her and rose up a little, meeting his mouth and kissing him thoroughly, demonstrating just how much she'd missed him over the past five days. He kissed her like it'd been five months instead of five days, burying his hand in her hair and holding her mouth against his with a soft moan. David sat back, giving them some time together without crowding in.

She parted from his lips reluctantly and pressed her forehead against his.? "I missed you.? I forbid you to leave me again for this long."? She reached up and cupped his face.? "The three of us need to talk about something," she said a little louder and then sat back, folding her legs into a half-lotus.

Daniel let out a little sigh when she moved away, nodding. "I don't want to ever do it again, either." He glanced over at David, then back to her. "What's up?"

She, too, looked at David for a moment before looking back at Daniel.? "We...uh...talked about something the night before last and we need to know how you feel about it, too."

"You want David to move in with us, don't you?" he asked, smiling. It wasn't that hard to figure out, really, especially considering what happened the last time they'd had a conversation that started rather like this one. Not to mention Daniel knew his Jaguar pretty well.

"I could eat," David said, coming over to join them.

"I don't understand that.? How can you just be all...lackadaisical about food?? It's food, for Pete's sake!? It's life.? And when Danny makes it, it's like...sex!"

"So eating this is like having sex with Dan? That explains a lot,? David quipped.

"Well, sure it is.? Why do you think I keep him around?"? She winked at Danny and grabbed a samosa, biting it in half and chewing contentedly.

"You only love me for my ingredients," Daniel said with a mock pout.

"And the way you ...uh... hmmm..." she said, her brow creasing as she wracked her brain for an innuendo concerning cooking.

"Handle your meat?" David suggested. He was, after all, the King of Innuendos. Riley had even taken to calling him The Todd after a character on a TV show.

She cracked up, nearly spraying David with a mouthful of half-masticated potato.? As it was, she choked and started coughing before standing and going to drink from the tap in the kitchen.

"Nice timing," Daniel commented. David took a short bow, smirking at Riley's reaction.

She took a deep breath and straightened before going back to the table and sitting down.? "So, have you tested the bed yet?" she asked Daniel, a question she'd asked him months earlier when they'd gone to Boston.

"Of course," he said, just like he had in Boston. "It's quite comfortable."

"Awesome."? She unwrapped a foil package, scooped up the contents and shoveled them into her mouth before standing and moving into the living area.? She paused, back to the boys who were still at the table, and glanced over her shoulder at them.

"Done already?" Daniel asked, glancing over at her.

She didn't answer him, just slipped her shirt off, tossing it to land atop her discarded shorts.? Then she winked at them, wearing nothing now but her bra, panties, a string of sea-glass beads, and of course Danny's ring.? "I haven't even started yet.? Both men stared at her, food forgotten. She grinned and reached behind her back, quickly unfastening her bra and dropping it to the floor as well.? She took another step closer to the bedroom door, hooking her thumbs in the leg holes of her panties and tugging them down her legs before stepping out of them.? "Are either of you joining me or am I going to do this alone?"

There was a clatter as a pair of chairs fell, knocked over in their haste to get to the bedroom. She giggled and flopped down on the bed, reaching for them both.

Riley whirled around and dropped into a defensive crouch, her lips skinning back from suddenly elongated fangs, a low dangerous growl rumbling forth from her throat.

A woman was standing some ten feet away. She wasn't tall, nor was she short. She wasn't fat, nor was she thin. She was, in fact, very plain and average-looking. One's eyes would simply slide over her if she was standing in a crowd, moving on and instantly forgetting her. She was truly unremarkable. Riley's nostrils flared delicately as she tested the air. Nothing ? no scent rolled off the woman's body. In fact, if Riley's eyes had been closed, she wouldn't have known the woman was there at all.

?Calm, child,? the tree said softly. ?The Seelie Queen means those of her blood no harm.?

Riley straightened slowly and let her teeth go back to Human. Again, even though she was standing in the presence of a Queen of the Faeries, she felt no fear, only a deep curiosity. ?You're Titania?? she asked the woman.

?Yes, Riley Brighid,? the woman said. Her voice wasn't so unremarkable. It sounded like sunshine glinting off water, children's laughter as they ran through a lawn sprinkler, and the cold, sweet taste of Popsicles on a hot July afternoon. The Power the Seelie Queen put into the speaking of Riley's Name made the hairs on the back of Riley's neck stand straight up. ?The loss of your brother, the fire mage, stung me and my Court deeply, as did the loss of your child.? The Summer Lady's eyes flooded with tears as she spoke, and Riley nearly staggered and fell to the forest floor under the weight of the Queen's sadness. She reached out to keep herself upright and her hand was caught by a branch that carefully lowered her to the ground. Titania moved forward and sat carefully, daintily, making Riley feel as graceful as a pregnant hippopotamus on roller skates. Tears spilled down the Queen's cheeks and fell silently away like tiny crystals to the ground.

?Thank you,? Riley said softly, rapidly blinking away her own tears. ?Is what she -? meaning the tree at her back, ?said true? Do I have Fae blood??

Titania laughed and Riley wanted to laugh right along with her. It was as if the clouds had rolled away from the face of the sun. ?Always blunt and right to the point, aren't you?? the Fae said. ?No time for pleasantries, no desire to make small talk. Very well. Yes, you have sidhe blood, Seelie blood.? Riley's eyes grew wide and she shook her head in denial. ?Oh, but it's true, child,? Titania continued. ?Your four-times-great grandfather fell in love with a woman of the Summer Court. I Saw what the union would bring, so I allowed it, allowed the woman to become mortal for a year so she could love Cormac and to bear his child, P?draig.? The Queen paused as Riley gasped. These names sparked recognition of looking over genealogical charts with her grandmother.

?Her name was listed as Brighid O'Reilly. I'm named for her,? Riley said softly. ?She died during the Famine, though. That's why Cormac and the baby came...went to Boston.?

?She did not die, Riley. Her year amongst the mortals was over. She returned to the Court, though it broke her heart to do so.? Titania sounded sad and troubled by the loss.

?You Saw what the union would bring? What does that mean??

?I Saw you, child,? Titania said gently. ?I Saw your life. I Saw what you were destined for. The Angel, The Cat, and The Mage. I Saw that you would be at the heart of an eternal struggle between the Light and the Dark.?

Riley closed her eyes, unwilling to accept this. She felt like some character in a Tolkien novel. ?That can't be true.? She opened her eyes again, this time allowing the pain and frustration and anger that had been piling up over the past year to show in her eyes. ?Hell won. The Dark Court won. John's dead. Rhys doesn't have a clue who he is. Christ, I barely survived. All that...that bullsh*t about destiny and our vital roles to fulfill in stopping the end of the world is just that ? utter bullsh*t.?

Titana's hand reached out and she placed it over Riley's heart. Riley could feel the heat of the Seelie's hand even through her shirt and the simple touch brought her a small sense of comfort, a hint of what could come. ?You have been badly wounded, Riley,? the Queen whispered. ?And you have found neither respite nor rest from your pains.?

?I'll survive. I always have. It's what I do.?

?But child, monsters are born of pain and grief and anger. It has already begun, hasn't it? The entropy mage withers in your gaol. The gossip mongers strike at you from behind their smiles. You have forgotten your true purpose in accepting the burden of ensuring justice. You have let your anger and pain weaken you. Let me help you, child. Let me give you succor. Let me heal you. Your burden is so heavy.?

Something inside Riley snapped and her will crumbled, but it was nothing like what Maeve had done in her dream. It was as if Riley's heart finally won out the struggle with her head and forced her to allow Titania to help her. Riley nodded and closed her eyes, bowed her head and whispered, "Yes." The Queen pressed her hand harder over Riley's chest and it was like a dam had burst. Scarlet rage, indigo fear, pale blue sadness, putrid green guilt poured out of her, coursed through her body like lightning, searing and painful and beautiful all at once.

After the tide of colours receded, Riley was left with a calm, deep, quiet stillness inside her head. It slowly spread out into her body and down into her limbs, like sunshine on a lazy summer Sunday. Riley's pains and cares vanished, leaving her filled with peace, feeling as though she were floating in a pool of warm water. She slept, relaxed in body and soul for the first time in a year.

"Riley's been gone kinda long," David said.? It had been almost four hours, according to his watch, which he'd set for local time.? He was sitting on the couch with Dan, watching a soccer, or football as they called it here, match. Daniel glanced at the time, as well. "Well, it's rather relaxing to go walking in the woods, and there's no question she could use the time to unwind. Still, you're right, this seems like a bit much. I should go find her," he finished, standing up.

"Want me to come?" David asked.

"No, you should wait here, just in case I somehow miss her, unlikely as that is," Daniel answered, heading for the door.

David started to protest that he didn't want to sit around waiting, then reconsidered.? It was the smart thing to do.? Then there was the whole super-kitty nose thing.? Dan would have a lot less trouble finding Riley's trail than he would.? So, he just accepted it and nodded.? "Right."

"Be back shortly," Daniel said as he left. He turned towards the woods in the west, and the note had indicated, and set off at a modest pace, nostrils flaring as he searched for her scent, which he found quickly enough. His pace increased, now that he had the trail, all senses alert and searching.

Still feeling somewhat out of sorts from her encounter with the Summer Lady and the dryad, Riley emerged from the treeline, only to spot Danny coming at her from the direction of the B&B.? She waved and picked up her pace, jogging easily towards him across the fields.

Well, that was easy, Daniel thought with a bit of relief when he saw Riley come into sight. He smiled and waved back. "We were starting to wonder," he said when she got close enough.

She gave him a sheepish smile when she heard his words.? "I'm sorry.? I...uh...sorta fell asleep.? And oh my god, do I have a story for you guys."? She took his hand, lacing her fingers with his.? "Is David still at the farm?"

He squeezed her hand lightly, happy to be touching her. "A story? Yes, just in case you came back while I was out looking." As he spoke, his nostrils twitched. There was a strange scent on her, one he'd never smelled before. It smelled like sunshine, green plants...summer, but more so. Like the distilled essence of summer.

She smirked a little at the sniffing.? "A story.? But I don't want to tell it twice, so c'mon."? She took off at a slightly faster jog, long legs eating up the ground easily. Daniel matched her pace smoothly, glancing over at her occasionally. She seemed a lot more relaxed now, too. This was a good thing, in his opinion. At their pace, it didn't take very long to make it back to the B&B. Riley reached the door and pulled it open, waiting for Daniel to go inside before following him in.? She went to the living area, gave David a "Soccer?? Seriously?" look and then switched off the TV.? "Sit," she said to Danny.

David looked up when Dan came back in, followed closely by Riley.? His reply to her look was a shrug and a nod in Daniel's direction, since he'd been the one to start watching it first.?

"Brain washing the hockey fan, Danny?? Turning him to the dark side of sports?"

Daniel sat obediently, and looked up at her. "Of course. It's all part of my master plan." He grinned over at David. "You've done well, my young apprentice."

David snorted. "Thanks."

She laughed and then shook her head.? "I already apologised to Danny, but I need to apologise to you, too," she said, looking at David.? "I fell asleep out there."

"In the woods?" David asked. "Is that a Cat thing?"

"Sometimes, yeah,? she answered. ?But in this case, no.? I...uh...? I met a couple of Faeries out there."

"Healed you...of what?" Daniel asked.

"Everything.? The pain and guilt and fear and rage and sadness I've been feeling for the past year or so.? She...she touched me, here," and pressed her hand over her heart, "and I felt like...lightning coursing through me and this big...rainbow of colours spewed out of me and every negative thing I've been carrying around since Patrick died...felt less.? I feel peaceful, at ease, stronger than I have in a very long time."

Daniel nodded slowly. "I can feel and smell how relaxed you are. I thought maybe it was just from the vacation, but clearly not." He smiled. "If I ever happen to meet Titania, she'll get a big 'Thank you' from me for that."

David nodded his agreement.? Whatever this Faerie Queen wanted, she'd clearly done Riley a big favor.

She smiled softly and finally stopped pacing.? She dropped bonelessly to the ground and sat lotus-style in front of them.? "I want to trust that the gifts are given out of a true concern for one of her blood.? But...I'm worried that accepting them like I did is gonna come back and bite me in the butt, you know?"

"You think that by accepting the gifts, you're now in debt to the Queen?" David asked, trying to sort out the issue.

"Yeah, it's the old Celtic law of Reciprocity.? An eye for an eye, etc."

"And there's no way to know what she might want," Daniel said. The motives of Faeries were all but unguessable to mortal minds.

"Yeah.? So...? I think I'm in debt to both Courts now," she said softly. Daniel growled softly. "Seems to me that the Unseelie Court should owe you now, after all they've done," he said.

"Yeah, but reason does not figure into the Dark Court's vocabulary."? She was still fidgeting with the phial, watching the dust or whatever it was in there pour from one end to the other.

"Isn't there some kind of protection you can get?" David asked.? "Some kind of anti-Faerie shield or something?"

She laughed, but then sobered.? "You know...we're in the heart of Faerie country here.? I'm sure someone's gotta know something about a charm or something else I could carry with me."

"I'm sure there have to be people in Rhy'Din, too, who know enough about Faeries to know how to protect against them, too," Daniel added.

She nodded and then looked down at her hand...her left hand.? It was bare.? She'd taken Daniel's ring off before she'd showered earlier that day and hadn't apparently put it back on.? She looked back up at Daniel.? "My ring?? It's not silver.? What is it made of?"

"The ring? It's stainless steel, I believe," Daniel said, raising a brow in surprise.

"Steel is iron, right?? Refined iron?"

"Yes..." Daniel said, then got it. "Oh! Yes, of course. Cold Iron is the bane of Faeries."

"It is, huh?" David said, thinking about the steel-jacketed bullets in his pistol.

She held up her hand, showing it to them.? "I wonder if it's a coincidence that I'm not wearing it now.? I've worn it every single day since you've given it to me."

"When Faeries are involved, coincidence seems to go out the door," Daniel replied. "I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Titania influenced you subtly to leave it off."

She nodded and chewed her lower lip.? "See?? Self-serving.? I think I'm gonna start carrying a knife.? A long, stainless-steel knife."

"First we'll have to do is cure you of that attitude.? You can't get good at anything you hate."

She made another sour face and then pulled her knees up under her chest and wrapped her arms around her shin.? "They scare me," she said softly.

David nodded.? "Good. A little healthy fear is the perfect way to start.? It prevents stupid mistakes.? I'd be more worried if guns didn't scare you at all."

She smiled softly and then nodded.? "Fine.? I guess I'll put myself into your capable hands.? And you know that Danny will eat your liver with fava beans if you get me killed, right?"

"You like being in my hands anyway," David pointed out.? "Of course I won't get you killed, it'll be fine."

"Promise?"? She was displaying a rare vulnerability here, and it made her more than slightly uncomfortable.

David put his hand on his heart. "I swear."

She nodded slowly, eyes moving back and forth between her boys' faces.? "Okay.? So...do I have to carry it in my bag?? Or do I get one of those cool little holsters that I stick down the back of my jeans?"

"We can figure out the details of carrying later," David said.

"Okay."? She rose to her feet and headed into the kitchen.? She was starving.? Big shock, huh? Both men rose and followed her in the direction of the kitchen.? "Do you want to go out for dinner?" David asked.

She opened the fridge and spied a bowl of peaches.? "Ooh," she said softly and grabbed one out.? She took a huge bite and found it to be wickedly juicy.? Like roll down your chin and hand juicy.? "I'm good with whatever," she said, but with her mouth full of peach, it sounded more like, " 'M goof mif wuteffer."

That got a laugh from even the normally taciturn David.? "Goof indeed," he said.

"Wait, wait," Daniel said.

Riley paused, her mouth open, half-eaten peach nearly to her mouth.? "What?"

"We're supposed to be meeting my parents for dinner. I'd totally forgotten, what with Faerie encounters and gun lessons."

She blinked, her eyes growing wide.? "No way.? Now?? Tonight?"

"Well, yes. That's what I was talking to Mother about when you left."

She looked down at her clothing - running shorts, a sports bra, and running shoes.? "I should probably shower and change, huh?"

Daniel looked her up and down. "You look perfect to me, but yes, probably."

David seconded that 'perfect' opinion with a little wolf-whistle.

She rolled her eyes and walked away from them, headed to the bathroom and still carrying that peach.

She stood on the walk for a moment, looking up at the house.? It was a three-story, attached, brick facade town house.? It looked exceedingly English to her exceedingly American eyes.? The tiny front garden was overflowing with climbing roses and the heady scent of the flowers made her nose tickle.? She moved up to stand next to Danny and curled her arm through his, still staring up at the house.? "You grew up here?" she asked softly.

"From about fifteen, yes," he answered, leaning lightly against her for a moment before leading them towards the door. She followed along behind him, a feeling of panic rising in the pit of her stomach.? "This is ridiculous," she muttered.? After all, she'd faced down juries, hostile witnesses, vengeful Lycans, demons, and psychotic faeries.? Surely meeting her boyfriend's parents wouldn't be anything as scary as that, right?

As they approached the door, it swung open, revealing a tiny woman with very Indian-looking features.? She was an inch or two under five feet tall, and very slim.? She wore a pleated skirt and a matching sweater set. "Come in, come in," she said, holding the door wide.?

Daniel lead them inside, disengaging his arm from Riley's in order to give his mother a quick hug.? Then he said, "Mother, this is Riley."?

She smiled down - way down - at Danny's mother and extended her hand.? "Mrs Tej, I'm so happy to meet you," she said sincerely.

"Please, call me Margaret," Daniel's mother said, taking Riley's hand in both of hers and smiling.? "I'm delighted to finally meet you.? I must say, you're even lovelier in person than on the telly.? Taller, too," she finished, with more than a hint of humor. David's eyebrow rose, and he looked curiously at the back of Riley's head.? They'd seen her on TV?? She'd never mentioned being an international celebrity.

Riley flushed a little and nodded.? "Well, it's probably helped by four-inch heels," she said a little wryly.

"They're lovely shoes," Margaret said.? Then she turned to David, holding out her hand.? "And you must be David.? I'm glad you could come, we so rarely get to meet Daniel's friends." Riley took a step to the side, letting David come forward.? She glanced over at Danny and gave him a soft smile. David took her hand a little gingerly, she seemed so small and fragile, it was hard to avoid the feeling that he was shaking hands with a china doll or something.? "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Tej," he said.

Daniel caught Riley's look and smiled happily back.? "How's Father?" he asked, turning back to his mother.

"Protesting loudly every ten minutes that he's perfectly fit to be up and about," Margaret answered, rolling her eyes.?

"Will he be able to have supper with us?" Daniel asked hopefully.

"Yes, of course," Margaret said, "Just not for terribly long.? The doctor was quite firm about avoiding excitement." Daniel nodded, relieved.? He wanted to be sure Riley and David could meet his father as well. "Well, I shouldn't make you stand there," Margaret said.? "Please, come into the parlour and have a seat."? As she spoke, she lead them into the parlour.? A large sofa dominated the room, flanked by a pair of comfortable looking chairs, all facing an ornate fireplace.

Riley followed Margaret into the parlour and sat stiffly on the edge of the couch, making sure to smooth her chocolate brown skirt down underneath her and to keep her knees firmly pressed together.? She idly wondered if all Americans felt the overwhelming desire to mind their Ps and Qs when in the presence of an upper-class Englishwoman.

"Would you like something to drink?" Margaret asked.? "Tea? Coffee? Beer?"

"I'd love some tea.? I've never had proper English tea," Riley said with a little grin.

"I'll have tea, too," David said, feeling oddly reluctant to ask for a beer.

"Tea all around, then," Daniel said.? "Do you need any help, Mother?"

"No, no," Margaret said, waving his offer away.? "You stay here with your friends.? I'll be right back.? I must check on the roast, anyway."? She gave Riley and David a bright smile, and walked quickly out of the room.

Daniel grinned.? "She never stops moving," he said.

"She reminds me of Mama-san," she said softly, finally taking a moment to look around the room.

"They are rather similar.? I wonder how they'd get along?"

Riley laughed.? "They'll either hate each other or get along famously."? The room was tastefully decorated in warm colours - oranges, yellows, creams, with dashes of scarlet - with dark wood and lots of brass accents in the shape of candle holders and a large cross atop the marble mantel.? It was clear that the room was hardly used, not unlike a similar space in her parents' house in Massachusetts.

"Probably," Daniel said, chuckling.? "Didn't I say she'd be making a roast?" he added.

Margaret came back into the room a moment later, carrying a tray loaded down with a teapot, cups, saucers, sugar, cream, and a plate of chocolate biscuits.? She set the tray down on a small table and began pouring tea.? "How do you take yours?" she asked Riley.

She blinked, a little overwhelmed at the amount of stuff on the tray.? "Uh, cream and sugar, please?" she ventured.

Margaret nodded approvingly, and added the cream and sugar before handing the cup and saucer to her.? "And you, David?"

"Just sugar, please," David said, and quickly received a cup as well.?

Riley took the tea and rested it on her knee, just like she'd seen Judi Dench do in a movie.? It was too hot just yet to drink, so she just let it sit and cool off.? "That roast smells wonderful, Mrs...Margaret," she said, correcting herself quickly.

Daniel got a cup with cream and sugar, too, and Margaret sat down in one of chairs and smiled at her.? "Thank you, dear.? It will be ready in about fifteen minutes.? So tell me, how do you like our little town?"

"It's beautiful.? So green and quiet.? I was asking Danny on the way in if he thought there was a need for ballet instructors."

"Oh yes, you teach dance, too," Margaret said.? "Daniel told me about your studio.? I should think good instructors are always in demand. I've often thought of learning to dance," Margaret said.? "There just never seems to be time for it."? She took a sip of her own tea. "Perhaps the roast is ready," Margaret said, standing.? "If you'll excuse me, I shall check."? She smiled and walked out of the room just as quickly as before.

She chuckled wryly and began carrying bowls closer to the door to the dining room.? "Do you know much of American history?"

"Some," she replied.? "In what context?"? Meanwhile, Margaret finished up the gravy and poured it into an ornate boat, which she picked up, following Riley.

"The Wild West, specifically the complete lack of law and order then."

"Oh, yes.? Nigel is something of a fan of American Western movies."

"Well, think of me as John Wayne or Clint Eastwood."? She moved into the dining room now, and began putting vegetables on the table in front of the boys.

Daniel looked over and gave Riley a big smile when she came out carrying bowls.? If Mother was letting her help, she must really like Riley.? "Thank you, sundari," he said when she put a bowl in front of him. She gave Danny a smile and then returned to the kitchen to bring out the rest of the things.

Margaret set down the gravy boat and went back to pick up the roast.? "So basically," she said, continuing the conversation, "You're the new Sheriff in a lawless city?"

"Yes, exactly.? And it's possibly the single most difficult thing that I've ever done," she said and followed Margaret back into the dining room.? "Is that everything from the kitchen?"

"Yes, that's the lot," Margaret said, "Thank you.? Did you know it would be so difficult when you accepted the position?"

Riley took her seat next to Daniel again and reached for his hand under the table.? "No, actually, I didn't.? Well, okay.? That's not entirely true.? I knew I'd have a challenge, but I never thought it'd be quite as hard as it's turned out to be." Daniel took her hand, listening as they spoke.? With his ears, he'd heard the entire conversation.?

"Yet you still keep on," Margaret said.? "Commendable."

A guilty look crossed her face and she glanced down at the plate in front of her.? "I've considered quitting recently," she admitted softly.

"Everyone's thought about giving up on a tough situation once or twice," Nigel put in briskly.? "It's whether you follow through that matters." She nodded and looked up, her normal, confident expression having returned.? She looked at the food spread on the table and her stomach growled loudly.?

Daniel grinned, hearing that rumble, and squeezed her hand under the table.?? He looked over at his mother.? "Well, that's enough of the Inquisition for now, wouldn't you say?"?

Margaret nodded, looking over at Nigel.? He nodded, too, then bowed his head in preparation for saying Grace.? He waited a few seconds for everyone to prepare before speaking. Daniel glanced over at Riley and shrugged.? His parents were a lot more religious than he was.? Then he bowed his head, too.? Across the table, David did the same. Riley's brows rose subtly.? She was unused to saying grace before a meal, had in fact only done so a handful of times in her entire life.? Still, ever respectful of other's religious views and not wanting to piss off her...Daniel's parents, she bowed her head silently and gave Danny's hand a squeeze underneath the table.

"Bless O Lord these gifts to our use and us to thy loving service; and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen,"? Nigel said.? Then he raised his head and smiled at everyone.

"Amen," Margaret echoed.

Mindful.? The corner of her mouth tugged up in a tiny smile and she wondered if that prayer had been tailored to her Buddhist world-view.? Not one to stand on ceremony, especially since it'd been...two hours...since her last meal, she reached for the bowl of roasted carrots in front of her and dished out a spoonful before passing the bowl to Daniel.

Daniel took the carrots and scooped out a helping for himself, then passed it on to his father, who, in turn, passed it to David after he'd gotten his share.? David put a small amount on his plate, then leaned to hand the bowl off to Margaret.? Meanwhile, Margaret handed the carving knife over to Daniel, saying, "I'd like you to carve the roast this time, Daniel."? It was clear she felt it would be too much work for Nigel to stand and carve the meat. Nigel grimaced faintly, but didn't argue with his wife.

"Certainly," Daniel said, accepting the knife and standing.? He carved up the roast with the casual skill and speed one would expect from a trained chef, deftly plating the cuts without even needing a fork to move them.? He winked at Riley, adding an extra slice to her plate. She felt absurdly flattered at this gesture and rewarded him with a smile.? Vegetables were still making their way around the table and she was certain to take a tiny bit of everything, even if it wasn't something she'd usually eat.

Within moments, everyone had full plates, and the meal began.? There wasn't much talk while people ate, though Margaret did make a bit of small-talk, asking David and Riley about their jobs, and telling them a little about being a Professor at Oxford.

Riley was damned impressed with the food, despite her assumptions going into the meal.? She had three helpings of everything, drawing looks of amazement from Daniel's parents.? They were no doubt wondering where it all went. Even though they were used to the prodigious amount of food Daniel's metabolism required, they clearly hadn't quite considered that Riley might need just as much food.? Margaret was obviously flattered by the obvious enjoyment Riley was showing for her cooking. David ate quietly and steadily.? He didn't have the same kind of appetite the Cats did, but the food was good, so he put away a fair amount.

After the plates had metaphorically been licked clean and Riley had stolen the last, lonely pea from David's plate, she sat back and covered her mouth with her napkin before letting loose a burp.? She looked sidelong at Daniel, knowing he was the only one likely to have heard it. Daniel glanced at her, humor showing in his eyes, but he didn't do anything else to draw attention to her gastronomic commentary.? "Your roast was as delicious as always, Mother," he said.

"Yes, it was amazingly good.? I'd always heard negative things about English food," said the Ugly American, promptly putting her foot in her mouth. Daniel not-so-casually stepped on that foot as it descended from her mouth. Her eyes grew wide and she shot him a wounded 'What did I say?' look.

"Americans tend to think our food unimaginative," Margaret said with a slightly lecturing tone, "but they don't understand the beauty that can be found in perfecting the mundane."