Malec was at breakfast when Malachi returned, shortly after dawn. He’d spent the night trying to sleep and failing, rising early to hear her answer. She’d given them seven days to convince her, and after that, no matter what, thirty days of peace to try, again, to end it. One of the tasks he and Malec faced today was communicating with the ministry that they’d found Mach’s heir and were claiming the allotted time. The other was lodging a complaint against Kenget’Ster for the attack at the hotel yesterday…a clear violation of the protocols for vendetta and that of the peace of a neutral and unaligned planet.

Earth, while known to the unimensional worlds was not one of them. She wasn’t ready yet and the Old Ones who acted as liaison between the unimensional worlds and earth held out little hope that would change any time soon.

Malachi cast his mind back.  Yesterday had been the first time he'd seen Dinah since he'd taken her the news of Mach’s death. Then like his older brother he’d fallen under her spell the first time he met her, giving her the news and answering the few questions she’d allowed herself to ask while watching her struggle to hold back the tears long enough for him to leave.

Watching her he’d understood again and much more completely why Mach had fallen in love with her and why for him the only language he knew to describe her was that of the bards. She was a warrior, strong and with a will of steel, intelligent and quick witted.  A woman worthy of a warrior. She was also proud, sensual, unafraid of passion or emotion, her red hair a clear warning of the temper she held in check.

Mach had chosen well, if somewhat mysteriously.  Adding the Awakened genetics to their stock in trade was a coup, to be able to trade them would open new markets and revive old ones.  Adding the gifts of the Awakened to Mach's line made her a potent force, one to beware of as she grasped her power and began to learn to wield it, one to respect as she mastered it.

He wondered who his brother had in mind as her teacher, the one who would teach the arts of war as well as the potential she now commanded...assuming of course she agreed to help them.

He studied Malec, who was seated at the head of the dining room table, a massive affair of hewn wood, grained like maple, and sanded and polished to smoothness just toying with the breakfast of cold meats and coffee that was his standard fare. That he’d spent a sleepless night himself was clear from his scowl.

Malachi poured himself a cup of coffee and relaxed against the cushion softening the high carved back of the chair, feeling hope begin to stir. “She will come for the ritual and decide the rest after that. I’ll bring them in the morning, her and her mate as well as the tall warrior, Kalket and the mage, Julian I think his name is, and two or three others, she wasn't sure.”

Malec let out a long breath, that let Malachi know how worried he'd been about her agreeing to come at least for that.  "Thank you Malachi."

He grinned.  It made up for the bad news from yesterday.  "So, uhm, how we gonna keep her here, brother mine?"

"We are going to tempt not only her but her mate. We'll show them everything. Well, nearly everything."

Malachi raised a brow.  "Nearly everything?"

"Uhmmm. We should hold back on just enough to make quite certain he wants to ferret out the rest of our secrets."

The penny dropped.  "You want him too, don't you?"

"Indeed I do."

"Check him out first, bro."  Malachi advised, helping himself to the cold sirloin.  "So you got a specific plan in mind?  And when we see the ministry today what are we telling them?  You decided yet?"

"That we have the heir and will produce her tomorrow, thusly demanding our allotted time."

Malachi nodded swallowing a mouthful of meat, washing it down with coffee.  "Who we inviting?  All the houses, everyone?"

Malec smiled. "Everyone."

"So we're doing the whole nine yards, full ritual, reception and ball.  You doing Dragon Games too?"

"Would Briony ever forgive me if I didn't?"

"No, nor me.  Well, I'll see if Briony has a friend she can introduce to Dinah.  Maybe that'll help."

"Excellent idea. I'll commune with Perin too."

"Tomorrow, when I pick them up, you coming?  We could go straight to the ministry and then back here."

"Yes. I want to thank her."

"Got it.  What'd you think of her?  And of Mach's choice?"

"I think I've finally forgiven Mach.  I should be so wise as he."

They opened a portal to the Ministry, both dressed formally in House colours with house jewels and sigils on prominent display.  They were met as formally by the Minister of Duello and Kanly,  who bowed to the Sere'Ster and his brother.

The Minister lead them to the Ministry Chamber where he sat at the table and invited them to join him.

Malec began with no formalities. "We have located the Maelcom's heir and will produce her tomorrow. Once you accept her, I will be formally petitioning for a convocation of the Assemblies of Houses, Guilds and Orders for the Rite of Acceptance, Transfer and Acknowledgement to be held in the Great Hall.  It is the intent of House Sere'Ster to present her to the Assemblies with all of the ceremony due the heir of the Maelcom."

The minister, Kevin C'tal, who'd just the day before been told that the heir would not be found could only nod.

"We intend to mark the occasion with a formal dinner and reception followed by a ball after the completion of the rite."  Malec allowed himself a thin smile, saying, "We are also hosting the expected Dragon Games."

Kevin C'tal took a moment to consider the ramifications of Sere'Ster's plans and bethought himself of a snag. "I will summon the Assemblies of course.  It will be my pleasure.  I will also notify Kenget'Ster that they, as I am sure you realize, will be handling the official in-weaving of the heir into your house as well as the transfer of power."

"Minister C'tal, as my house and Kenget'Ster is engaged in formal vendetta I protest the use of our avowed enemies.  How can we be certain they will not attempt to disrupt the rites and otherwise destroy the solemnity and honor inherent in the occasion."  Malec sounded quite calm and reasonable, more than Malachi thought he would be under the circumstances.

"Frankly, Sere'Ster, you may be certain because we are your guarantors," C'tal snapped, feeling that it would be wise to begin with the party line.

"And do you personally guarantee the good offices of the Kenget'Ster? Shall my House hold you personally responsible for any breech?"

"We will be held responsible in any event  It's what we're here for." C'tal pointed out dryly.   "The purpose of using Kenget'Ster, as you know, is to ensure that there is no room to question the validity of the heir or the transfer, as might well occur if your House handed it.  I can offer you, in mitigation of your concerns, full scrutinies along with indemnification.  We will also, most certainly, avail ourselves to the fullest extent allowed by the ritual, of both wards and sentinels." He spread his hands.   "Beyond that, I can only point out, given this particular situation and your own announcement to me in this very room yesterday that the heir had not been and was not expected to be found, that the need to make sure there is no room for question regarding the validity of the heir and the sanctity of the transfer is a greater priority."

Malec frowned his discontent but in truth he had little choice and he knew it. "You can rest assured my House will be on guard for even the slightest misstep. And if there is bloodshed, I'll make certain you are the first dead."  Malec stood and swept out, followed closely by Malachi.

C'tal stopped them with a word, regretful at disrupting the exit.  "Ah, just one more thing.  I shall avail myself of my right to a private interview with...you said her?...her tomorrow."

Malec didn't bother to turn around. He waved a casual arm and kept going.

Malec didn't utter a sound until they were back at Caer Kista. He poured himself a mead and handed one to Malachi.

"The Ministry is worse than useless. They are required to adjudicate fairly and yet ...  Malec, not prone to cursing, was therefore rendered speechless.

"We handled the transfer for Kenget'Ster nine years ago when the old man died.  The Ministry forced them to accept us."  Malachi reminded him.

Malec turned a baleful eye on Malachi. "That makes me feel so much better."

Malachi waved a hand, suing for peace before the war began.  "They wouldn't dare, Malec.  The sanctions for such a thing..."

"They would dare," Malec said heavily. "And with her existence even in question...What better time than to strike at our heart."

"Then we find a way to stop them before it starts.  Plus, you will be there the whole time."  Malachi offered, knowing it wouldn't help.  His brother was worried, he thought, less about a disruption to the ceremony and more about it's impact on convincing her to stay.

Malec put a heavy hand on Malachi's shoulder. "Yes, and so will you be. You must stay near her at all times. Guard her and assist her while I am performing the ritual. And you show her how to finish it. I trust no one as I do you."

"Malec how much...when asked, what will you do?"

"I'll do what I have to.  All of it if necessary."

"What will you tell her?"  Malachi asked, starting to worry.

"That we honor her for what she has done for Mach's House, and that I will accept what she is willing to give us."

"So, in effect, we tell her nothing until it's too late for her to back out."  Malachi summed up, deciding to stop mincing words.  He set his cup aside and moved to the window.  The rain was starting again and it matched his mood.

"Have you a better idea, little brother? I do not like deceiving her, but can think of no other way. Too much depends on this. Your life, my family's, all of our lives. I do not relish open warfare again.  And I swear to you that I will release her if it comes to that."

Malachi turned back from the window to meet his brother's eyes.  "You know, I think in the end you won't have to.  If she stays it will be in spite of you and I, not because of us."

"If Mach was as wise as I've come to think him, you may well be right."

"I've one last question then I"ll leave you in peace.  Who are you assigning to her?"

"Kessa."

Malec, finally freed of the chores of House Sere'Ster, walked out to the lush back meadow and waited. It wasn't long before a familiar dark shape came angling in and down to him.

Malec's normally rather taciturn face broke into a rare smile. Piran. When the dragon had been young the name had fit him: little black one.  But now fully grown, and in his prime, it made Malec smile, for Piran had grown from runt to one of the largest males in the Caer Kista. He was still black as night, without the touches of luminescent color most dragons were proud to display, but Piran had chosen and Malec and he had bonded. And to Malec, Piran was the most beautiful dragon ever.

"Are you done now?" Piran demanded. "May we go? May we fly and chase the clouds across the crags? Just us, no one else?"

Malec laughed. "Yes, we can fly now, silly creature. And soon there will be dragon races and you can play to your heart's content." Malec leapt aboard and Piran's powerful wings drove them both upwards, exhilarated by the glory of freedom and in being together, and in just forgetting all cares and woes and racing across the mountains.

They had the sky to themselves and Malec gave Piran his head, letting the dragon zoom up and down the steep sides of the rugged mountains until even the dragon tired of the game. Then finally Piran spotted dinner and dove down after a mountain goat his powerful jaws and claws capturing it easily. They set down into a high alpen field so that the dragon could eat his fill. Malec dismounted and walked over to look down on the river valley far below.  He sank down onto his haunches and let his mind wander across the landscape. So peaceful now, no wars churning it and running the river to red. No useless deaths. But soon, too soon.

He'd been angry at Mach for so long, it was hard to finally let his anger go. Now he'd discovered that Mach had been as brave and as wise as he'd thought when he was just a boy.  With Mach's death the House had suffered, much of that caused by the loss of his legacy. Malec had been left to clean up the mess, get the House back in order and do what he could without having the resources Mach had hidden from him.

Now, seeing more of the story, he was beginning to understand how wise his brother had been. Alas that he was not nearly as wise. Well, he'd simply have to do the best he could with what Mach had left him and pray that it would be enough.

He'd find a way to protect Malachi and Fianna. And the two children she carried. If he died, so be it. But he would find a way to let them live.

Piran called to him then and Malec's smile returned. He was up onto Piran's back in a heartbeat and they headed home to Caer Kista to await word from the Council.

The luggage in the lobby was mountainous, it's owners diverse.  Kalket had donned his sword, Nimue was in skin tight black, Julian insouciant, Spence and Jolie holding hands and Marc his usual calm, collected self, eyeing the luggage with a raised eye brow.  They were all by the pool, outside of which Bertie was working on his putt.

Dinah sighed and went for more coffee.  It was, she was sure, going to be a long day.  In deference to her meager memories of wind swept coasts and high mountains she'd picked jeans and a shirt, and put a blazer over them.  It was her preppy look and always made her feel like she'd traded verbal sarcasm for nonverbal.

She filled her cup and looked around, spotting Celie and Asher quivering in the doorway between the dining room and the kitchen.  She'd already taken the time to tell David she liked his new approach to life and Mills she didn't like hers one bit, hence her monthly rate was going up ten bucks starting in October.  Celie and Asher were a whole different problem.

"Guys," she said, keenly aware of the pleading in their eyes.  "I'll be back in a week.  I promise."

"Yes ma'am," Celie whispered.  "It's not that.  It's that we heard...well...they have dragons?" She breathed the last word, awed speechless.  "Will you bring back pictures?"

Dinah stunned, nodded.  "I'll see if I can arrange a visit for you to see them, too."

Joy shone through Celie like she'd shed her skin.

"I promise."  Dinah said as behind her the out rush of air told her it was show time.  She gave Celie a quick hug that was returned and then looked at Asher.  "Take care of her.  I'm trusting you," and hugged him too.

She headed for the dining room exit to the pool feeling suddenly cowardly, looking for Marc and finding him, looking like it never occurred to him to feel cowardly.

"The Maelcom's, ma'am," Jeeves announced from the glass doors and stood back to let them proceed, for all the world like he was announcing princes in palaces.  Maybe they should have considered taking Jeeves. And Mabel.

The brothers looked magnificent. Not at all the scruffy fellows she remembered. Yes, they still had feathers in their hair, but their clothes were embroidered with an intricate design and they wore jewels around their necks and on their fingers.  The older brother, who always looked rather fearsome was even smiling at her. Despite a long scar along the side of his face he was handsome when he smiled.  He bowed to her, and Malachi grinned at her.

"Heir to Maelcom, greetings on this wonderful day. House Sere'Ster is eager to welcome you amongst us."

Julian raised an eyebrow and winked at Nimue. Kalket was eying the feathers enviously, not to mention the swords on the brothers' hips. Spence's mouth was hanging open and Jolie was obviously intrigued.

Dinah sighed inwardly.  It was clearly too late to run screaming for her room.  "Good morning," she said wondering if she was expected to bow. "Uhm, I believe you've met everyone expect for Jolene, uhm, Jolene Darden and uh, the gentleman with her, Spencer Smythe."

Jolie grinned at them and then, having learned her etiquette at the same time Dinah had and in the same place, hissed in her ear, "You forgot the 'P'," loudly enough to be heard.

Dinah bit her cheek and ignoring her, finished like she'd been taught.  "This is Malec and Malachi Maelcom."  She forced herself to refrain from adding, "Now everyone play nice and we'll have cookies later."  She had no clue what her problem was.  "I, uhm, hope we won't be too many people for you?"

Malachi smiled.  "No, Lady."

She frowned.  That was going to have to stop.  "Please, would you mind just calling me Dinah?  The 'lady' thing makes me feel like I should be wearing a hat."

"And a gem encrusted gown?" suggested Julian, making it so.

Even Malec was struggling not to laugh.

Dinah swept a gesture, finally laughing.  "My friends."  Then she changed herself back, promising herself Julian would pay.  "So, uhm, some coffee before we go?"

"Let's get it over with," Marc suggested. And with that Malachi opened a portal and invited their guests to step through. The luggage he moved through with a gesture.

He'd chosen the courtyard, planning to simply take them straight through to the smaller solar the family used when alone.  He'd reckoned without the dragons.  As soon as they arrived they began filling the sky, gamboling like puppies the size of battleships and jockeying for a closer sight of them, chattering and laughing.  Malachi groaned and demanded Briony make them stop.

She ignored him of course, laughing in his mind and saying, "Introduce us.  Aren't we also family?"  But how do you introduce a sky full of dragons?  He didn't even try.

Malec had no better luck with Piran. He swept down and dived closer for a better look.  Malec frowned but Piran was hardly worried.

Two children ran out of the house, followed by several adults. And then one very pregnant woman.  Malec went to her and put an arm round her shoulders, leading her forward. She was smiling at the visitors.

"I'm very sorry," she said. "The dragons want to meet you and seldom take no for an answer."  She held a hand out to Dinah. "You must be Dinah. Welcome to Caer Kista."

"I am.  We don't mind.  We were looking forward to them."  She was laughing as the dragons seemed to take it in turns, flying in studying her face and then making room for the next.

One, a golden blond, elegant and smaller than the rest suddenly swooped gracefully out of line, ignoring Dinah completely and drifted lower angling his face downward until he was face to face with Julian, his eyes just as blue.  "Aren't you the good looking one!" he said delightedly, broadcasting it across the courtyard.  "Almost as handsome as me."

"Bet you can't pout as well as I do," Julian retorted, causing all the dragons to snort and a few of the adults to laugh.

"Bet I can too," he said, pouting.

"Close," Julian said.  "Try it this way," and showed him his famous pout.

He mimicked him perfectly.

"Brat!" Julian called out to him as he swooped away laughing.

"Come play with me," he coaxed, sweeping back and nudging him gently with his breath, ruffling his hair.  "They'll be boring.  You look like fun."

He dropped his wing and Julian was up and on him and they were gone.

"Uh oh," Spence said.

The woman who was heavily pregnant came forward and reached out her hands to Dinah. "Welcome Dinah. I stand on far less ceremony than does Malec. I'm Fianna, bonded wife to Malec.  Welcome to Sere House, and to Caer Kista.  I'm afraid he will whisk you off shortly, but I want to reassure you that you and your friends are most welcome."

Dinah squeezed her hands and smiled, feeling relieved.  She introduced everyone and apologized for Julian.  "He likes to, uhm...well, he's the adventurous type," she finished, laughing.

Fianna laughed. "Believe me, when a dragon gets that sort of thing in mind, it is far better to humor him. Otherwise he'll whine and pester us all day."

"Please," Fianna asked. "Do not worry about your friends while you are visiting the Ministry. I'll see that they are all made comfortable and they can feel free to look around."

Kalket was looking longingly up at the sky where Julian had disappeared to.   Seeing that Fianna added, "And visit with the dragons as they like."

"We should go, Lady.  The Ministry is awaiting us. We needn't be long there. But it is required of us that we produce you and sign to accept the expenses for the Rituals and Ceremonies afterwards."  Malec looked far more 'human' standing with his arm around Fianna.

"I'm going too," Marc announced.

Malec raised an eyebrow but nodded assent.

As he did so Julian appeared, calling to a diving and rolling shape above him, "Later, Puff."

"And so's he," Marc declared, "now that recess is over."

"Jealous?" Julian asked with a grin.

"Quite possibly," Marc admitted.

Julian took a moment to confer with Nimue, whispering,  "Darling, have a good look round. Find out what they're hiding. And ask Spence to see what sort of library or records they have. I'd like to know what the devil is going on here."  He slapped Nims fondly on the rear-end and scooted over to stand with the adults.

Malachi opened the portal and led them through.  They emerged into the lobby of the Ministry building, decorated according to government office option number two.  A flunky, obviously waiting for them, led them straight through to the Ministry Chamber, decorated in designed to impress option six, including frills.

It was a somber room, stone walled and floored with tapestries covering the walls, obviously old and hand woven as were the rugs on the floors.  The windows were cased and open to the outside, letting in the sun and the smell of the sea.  There was a massive desk at one end, flanked by chairs and a large conference table at the other.  Midway between the two was an enormous fireplace, currently blazing, in front of which was grouped a more informal seating group.  Behind and to the side of the desk was a door, currently ajar and providing a glimpse of what seemed to be a private office or study.

Kevin C'Tal was not alone.  With him were two men and a woman in animated discussion.  All four rose as the door opened and the flunky announced, bowing "Sere'Ster, my lord."  He then promptly withdrew.  Malec led them in, leaving Malachi to bring up the rear.

One look at who was with C'Tal and Malec's sword leapt into his hand as he dropped into a fighting stance. Malachi was quick to follow suit. Julian, thinking caution best, merely moved his own hand to his sword hilt and scanned the room, then kept his own eyes locked on the open door. If there were more of them, that's where they'd come from.

"What are they doing here!" Malec demanded.

"We're unarmed," said one of the men, gesturing for Malec to look at his dress. Sure enough, sword and swordbelt were missing.

Malec's eyes narrowed and he looked at C'Tal for an explanation.

C'Tal visibly controlled his temper, looking pointedly at the drawn weapons.  "Put up or face sanctions, Sere'Ster!"

Malec hesitated then sheathed his sword, signalling for Malachi to do the same.  "I demand an answer, C'Tal."

"It is his right under the adjudicated protocols to witness presentation of an heir of the main line.  I have no grounds for excluding him."  C'Tal used a tone he normally reserved for slightly backward children.

Marc and Julian shared a look, which said, in their minds they were beginning to wonder if they were on the right side of the dispute.  Dinah was silent, struggling to make sense of this crazy world.  Then she focused on C'Tal for the first time and, suddenly startled, went still.  Marc glanced at her face and then returned his attention to Malec.

Malec made a formal bow from his waist, but his eyes never left the older man standing beside C'Tal. "I beg pardon. You are quite right.  May I introduce the Heir, Lady Dinah McNeill as she is called at the present time." He turned with a gesture toward Dinah.

Dinah as she stepped forward sensed a change in the amulet that hung around her neck. As if it had gained weight and grown warm. Marc and Julian moved to stand behind her, Julian still with his hand on his sword hilt.

"Sir," she said, inclining her head slightly in acknowledgement, before meeting C'Tal's eyes.

"I am Kevin C'Tal, Minister of Duello and Vendetta.  I can not tell you how delighted I am to meet you here nor how much I've looked forward to it."

Dinah, amused, waited for him to continue, contenting herself with a slight smile and another nod.

"With me are Calum'MacCoun, Head of House Kenget'Ster and his brother, Corann.  Also his sister Morrigan."

Calum walked forward, extending his hand.  "A pleasure, Lady, to meet the heir of the Maelcom."

"Thank you," she said, grasping it.

"His House will will handle the transfer and he is, naturally, concerned that nothing untoward happen," C'Tal said.  "I took it upon myself to share some of the concerns you expressed yesterday, Sere'Ster.  He has a suggestion to offer."

Malec looked over at Dinah, then said, "Please."

"House Kenget suggests a hostage as a way to reassure Sere'Ster regarding their honest and honorable actions during the rituals and transfer. Will you accept this guarantee?" C'Tal asked.

Malec shot a look at Malachi, whose face was set emotionlessly.

"And this hostage?"  Malec asked.

The woman Morrigan stepped forward. "I will serve as guarantor for my house, if that is acceptable to you, Maelcom."

"I see no need," Malec replied, "to put a Lady to such trouble."

"Still," Morrigan replied, "it is a gesture made in good faith. Will you refuse it?"

Malec met her eyes and said, "I cannot refuse your kind offer, Lady."  Then Malec said, to Kenget'Ster, "I promise you no harm will come to the Lady Morrigan."

Calum smiled grimly.  "So I assumed.  She will join you today.  The representatives of Kenget'Ster will, naturally, arrive the day of...myself...alone and unarmed, will arrive the evening before as is usual."  Then he turned to Dinah and lifted her hand bowing over it before brushing the back with his lips. "Until then, Lady.  Be well and be welcome."

With that the three Kengets turned and opening a portal were then gone.

Julian raised an eyebrow and Marc nodded nearly imperceptibly.

"Now," said C'Tal perhaps we can conclude our business?"

Malec nodded and bowed to Dinah, to follow C'Tal who led them all to the desk.

"May I see the amulet, please?" C'Tal asked, spreading a square of silk on the desk.

Dinah pulled it out from under her blouse and laid it on the silk.

"Will you open it, please.  The gem?" he directed.

She touched the jewel and it opened, the double helix rising completely out of the gem and hovering above it, hologram-like, expanding to about eight inches in size.

C'Tal nodded.  "You so certify, as head of House Sere'Ster, that this is the Maelcom's line, full and complete, as you know it?" he asked Malec.

Malec stepped forward and opened his hand palm up.  In its center a cicatrix-like sigil shaped as a star overlain by a double helix appeared, glowing sliver on gold.  From it rose a double helix suspending itself next to the first.  Then they began to rotate, slowly and finally overlaid each other perfectly. "I so certify," Malec replied.

Marc was staring at the helixes transfixed.  Malachi stifled a smile; Julian a frown.

C'Tal commented, "Right then, that's that."

The helix from Malec withdrew and seemed to fall back into a sigil on Malec's palm. The sigil faded away to almost nothing.

"All we want now are signatures on the legal documents attesting to acceptance of costs arising from the Rites and Ceremonies," C'Tal continued, clearly saying this for the benefit of the newcomers. He shoved paperwork forward toward Malec, who signed off on them after only a cursory review.  Clearly he'd seen such papers before.

"Have you chosen a date?" Malec asked.

"Seven days from today, at noon, as is usual," C'Tal answered, pressing a button on his desk.

Malec stood and bowed to the C'Tal. "House Sere'Ster thanks you for your prompt attention. Caer Kista will be ready for everyone the moment the Ritual is complete."

C'Tal stood as the door opened and the flunky returned with refreshments.  "Now, I am invoking my right to private converse with the Heir."  He said to Malec, and waved towards the fireplace where the flunky was setting out wine and sweetmeats.  "Please, make yourselves comfortable.  We will use my study."

As the flunky left two men, in what was clearly livery but of different designs, entered and took up stations on either side of the door behind C'Tal's desk.

Dinah's lips twitched but she said nothing.

"Guild sentineled and warded," C'Tal added coolly.

"Dinah?" Marc said, the first time he'd spoken. He was clearly asking her if she should go alone.  It was equally clear he wasn't happy about it.

"It will be fine," she said, an enigmatic smile on her face.  "Trust me."

He raised an eyebrow and then nodded.

Malec looked from Dinah to Marc and then back to C'Tal. He bowed, although it was clear he had no choice other than to assent.

C'Tal closed the door behind Dinah firmly and then grinned at her.  "I didn't think you would remember."

"Not remember?"  Dinah was incredulous.  "Kevin Gilhoulley you called yourself, flirting with the maids in an Irish brogue and dancing with me when I was ten, after which I nagged my grandmother for months for lessons and every time I did she cursed you for a meddling fool."  Dinah shook her head.  "I don't understand what's going on.  Are you going to tell me or are we here to dance again?"

He gestured to a chair and took the one opposite.  "I am in a delicate position," he began, "and have already gone out on a very narrow limb in this...if anyone found out...  But, as I am expected to attend, I was hoping that I'd get a dance to make up for the tedium of attending a ball."

"Is it a trade then, you're offering me?  If so I accept."  Dinah said.

C'Tal reached for an envelope, sealed in wax, on the table and offered it to her.  "I've been waiting twelve years to give you that.  Mac left it with me just before he died, after we finished conspiring together.  I was the one who suggested the hotel when he had to hide..."

Dinah took it, her face pale, but didn't open it.

"He wanted you to know."  C'Tal shrugged.  "Dinah, he was one of my closest friends.  But all he would tell me was he'd had a dream.  Read the letter.  I don't know what he wrote.  He came here and said he wanted status for the hotel, to protect you.  He made me promise to send Attleboro Mule to the hotel when he died and then give that to you when you came."  C'Tal shook his head, wonderingly.  "He was so sure you would."

Dinah opened the envelope slowly and began to read.

Nimue followed quietly behind the other group of 'adults', taking in the scenery, listening to snippets of information. They didn't give away much. . . in fact, they were not only uninformative, they were downright boring.

She sighed deeply and toyed with her outfit, changing the shape of her sleeves, the collar, the trim of her boots. She twirled her hair and played with her jewelry, and wondered why Julian got to have all the good ceremonial fun. Come to think of it, he was probably as bored as she right now. At least he got to look at all the cute men.

The group passed by a large set of double doors, wooden and intricate in design. She perked an eyebrow at it, and caught sense of a very familiar feeling, a comraderie, a tangible taste almost. A grin crept across her mouth, and she quickly skipped to the doors, flinging them open grandly.

"Books!" She squealed in joy. And books there were. The place was vast, multiple levels and multiple rows, with cozy little ladders and racks of scrolls. She giggled and thrust herself into the room without a thought cast towards propriety.

"Lady?" A crooked backed man, buried behind a desk filled with scrolls and maps said to her.

"Don't mind me!" Nimue grinned, running her hand over the first set of shelves she found. "I love books. The older the better. I have a library at home, but it's not nearly as tidy as this one. Books have a mind of their own, you know." She added with a crook of her eyebrow. "Are those scrolls? They look really old!"

She grabbed the closest one and opened it up with a grand flourish. The man behind the desk let out a squeak of shock. Nimue dropped the scroll, and nearly danced towards another set of shelves, pulling books off racks, flipping pages, and dropping them to the floor.

"Do you have any good romance? A real bodice-ripper? I'm a fan." She shrugged merrily, and moved on to another set of shelves, running her hand past the bindings just as she had the first set she passed by.

"Please - " The man begged " - This is the family's library, there's very important information in here - you must be careful - " He struggled to follow her and pick up the destruction left in her wake.

"Really?" Nimue turned a book sideways, as if looking for a centerfold. "Looks pretty dull to me."

She dropped the book in her hand on top of the stack the little crooked old man held, and smiled her most innocent smile. It was not convincing. "Anyway, see you later!"

And as suddenly as she had appeared in the library, she was gone.

Quickly catching up with the group, Nimue looked down at the rather large ring she wore on her right middle finger. She had flipped it so that the charm faced inward as she went into the library.

"Ben," She whispered to herself, laughing, "Remind me to kiss you when I get home."

Inside the ring, information was being processed.

The door to C'Tal's office opened over an hour later.  As it did Dinah hugged him, whispering her thanks and then walked out, her face expressionless, her lashes still wet with tears.

Marc had been pacing the entire time she'd been gone, a frown on his face.  Now he looked up, relieved for a moment but clearly not happy to see the expression on her face or in her eyes.

Julian had been sprawled in a chair, toying with something he quickly slipped back into his pocket now that Dinah had reappeared. The brothers had been silent and mostly still. Eerie that they'd seemed so calm for such a long time. No one had touched the refreshments.

Marc now awaited a signal from Dinah before allowing a word past his lips.

She smiled and went to stand next to him, brushing his hand with hers.   "Thank you Kevin.  And, I think, it will be two, not one, don't you?" she said, quirking an eyebrow.  She felt like she'd just passed power politics 101.

C'Tal laughed and allowed as how that would be fair.

The brothers shared a look that clearly said they sensed something entirely untoward going on. Marc, relieved by Dinah had relaxed a bit. Julian had stood and stretched. "So what now, we go back to Caer Kista and sit around for seven days?"