“Hi, kids.” He winked at them. “Want to go for a ride?”
“Neifion,” Cathy said warningly.
“Joking, joking!” He put his hands in the air, then ruined the effect by adding, “Mostly.”
“Neifion!” Tara tugged at the kelpie’s arm. “Will you help us water the osses?”
The kelpie frowned. “Not that I’m ever reluctant to get things wet, but that sounds suspiciously like work.”
“It is,” Kevin said gloomily. “Mom and Aodhan say that chores build character.”
“Ah.” Neifion spread his arms in an extravagant shrug of regret. “As you can see, I am already dripping with character. Some people—especially certain cranky mages with appalling taste in robes—might even say I have too much of it. So alas, I must decline.”
“Go on, kids,” Cathy said, shooing them off. “And no trying to water the osses by magic, you hear me? We don’t need a repeat of last week’s incident.”
The two children trailed resentfully away, with much mutual eye-rolling and foot-dragging. As they headed out of the garden, Cathy caught Kevin mutter to Tara, “It was only one little explosion…”
Since they were out of sight, Cathy let herself grin. She turned back to Neifion. “So, is this a social call, or did you want something?”
He wiggled an eyebrow suggestively. “I always want something. But alas, you are a mated woman, and I hope a fully satisfied one. Though do let me know if anything is lacking in that department. I’m sure I could give Aodhan a few tips. Or possibly a sequence of helpfully labeled diagrams.”
She laughed. “Believe me, he doesn’t need them.”
“I suppose he does have enough books. At least by any sane standards.” Neifion leaned over to sniff an orange rosebud appreciatively. “I like this one. New?”
“Yes, though I’m still working on it.” Summoning a touch of power, she stroked the plant’s leaves. The half-open buds unfurled a little further, revealing shimmering red-gold hearts. “I’m trying to capture the colors of sunset, but I’m not quite there yet.”
Neifion looked around the rose garden, which bloomed in a hundred different shades. “I still like the rainbow ones best. You should update your armor. Aodhan would look simply dazzling.”
She stifled a snort at the mental image. “I think we’ll stick to white and gold for that, thanks. So, why the visit?”
“Oh, boredom, mostly.” Neifion cocked his head. “A little birdie told me that something interesting might be happening today. Mind if I watch?”
“I don’t see why not.” Cathy wrinkled her nose. “Though just to warn you, there may not be much to see. The last two attempts, not a lot happened.”
*Cathy.*Aodhan’s voice spoke in her soul. *We’re ready when you are.*
*On my way,*she sent back. Out loud, she said, “Well, you have good timing, it seems. Maybe you’ll be our lucky charm.”
Neifion swept her an elaborate bow. “Now charm is something I can do. Shall we?”
They headed toward the library. There were more trails through the woods now, scuffed through leaf litter by feet and paws and hooves; one of the few signs of the small but growing community springing up around the oak. Fae knew how to live lightly, without disturbing nature’s beauty.
They found Aodhan and Motley in the workshop. Aodhan had cleared the circular chamber, pushing all the tables and benches back against the walls to leave most of the floor free. Motley fidgeted in the center of the room, looking slightly uncomfortable about not having anything to perch on. Aodhan crouched beside the raven shifter, putting the finishing touches on an eye-wateringly complex spell circle.
“Ah, excellent,” he said, looking up—and then frowned as he caught sight of Neifion. “Or not. What are you doing here?”
“And hello to you too, neighbor,” Neifion said amiably. He leaned against the wall, giving Motley a casual wave. “Don’t mind me. Just come to watch.”
“It’s a complex and delicate ritual, not a burlesque performance,” Aodhan snapped. He sighed. “Well, you’re here now, I suppose you might as well stay. Just don’t move, don’t speak, and don’t touch anything.”
“Am I allowed to breathe?” Neifion asked.
“Preferably, no.” Aodhan got to his feet, dusting off his robe. He caught Cathy around the waist, pulling her in for a brief but heartfelt kiss. “You, at least, I am happy to see. Ready to put your armor on?”
She stretched on her toes to claim another kiss. “Always.”
His lips curved against hers. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Power poured through her veins, and she felt her armor curl around her, wrapping her in light.