"Excuse me, I seek the home of the Lady Standish. Will you direct me please?"

Gavin eyed the polite stranger with surprise. Odd enough for there to be an elf wondering about the town right before the mid-winter festival; odder still to have him asking for directions to the home of Maude Standish. Still, the boy seemed harmless enough despite the bow slung across his slender back. His hair was the typical fine, pale blond of elves, worn long and pulled back in a braid that left his pointed ears prominently displayed. And though all elves appeared eternally young with their pale skin and narrow, delicate features, the uncertainty in this boy's eyes revealed his true lack of years and life's experiences.

Realizing that he was staring rather rudely, Gavin cleared his throat and turned to point to the west end of town. "Oh, uhm yes. Dame Standish lives on down a ways. It's the biggest, grandest house on the lane so don't worry about missing it. Just look for the iron gate with the large wreath of holly."

"Many thanks to you sir." The young elf tipped his head and reached for the bulging pack resting by his feet.

"Ah, making a special delivery, is that it?"

"Delivery?"

Gavin pointed to the canvas bag. "For Dame Standish, for the festival. Not that I'm prying or anything."

"Festival presents, yes." The youth smiled as he rested the strap on one shoulder. "For my laes beyen and his family. Once more I offer my thanks for your assistance."

Watching the elf make his way down the street, Gavin gave his head a thoughtful scratch. He wasn't sure who or what a beyen was but the boy seemed pretty certain he'd find him at Standish Hall. "Hmm, maybe has something to do with Dame Standish's boy being a spell caster and all. Well, a bit of new gossip for the missus ought to sweeten her up and maybe she'll forget all about that missing pie."

"You are mistaken boy, there is no one here by that name."

"Your pardon sir. Is this not the house of the Lady Standish?"

Harron tilted his nose a little higher into the air as he replied, "Of course this is Standish Hall but the one you seek is not here."

The young elf frowned in obvious confusion. "He has left?"

Sighing with the effort of being both polite and patient, Harron stepped back from the door in preparation of closing it; in the young elf's face if necessary. "This Danil Menderson person is not here now nor has he ever been here. Now leave before I summon the stable hand to escort you from the premises."

"Excuse me! Coming by! Harron, which room is my mother in?"

Both the elf and the butler hurriedly stepped aside as Ezra fairly flew through the open doorway. Harron barely had time to call out, "Parlor" before the boy disappeared down the hallway. A shouted "Thank you!" echoed from the hall's wooden paneling in reply.

"Hmmph. Now, as I was saying…."

"You're an elf!"

Harron leaped in surprise at the excited shout that came from just behind his shoulder. Turning quickly he schooled his features back to their normal bored haughtiness as he made the introductions. "Yes Master Ezra, may I present Cais Revinsal. He is apparently under the misconception that someone by the name of Danil Menderson resides here. I was just setting him on his way when…"

While Cais did not speak the human language as fluidly as his heart brother, he could read expressions and voice tones just fine. It was obvious to him that the boy Ezra was higher up in authority than the rude man holding the door and possibly more helpful.

Cais stepped closer and bowed his head in respect to the auburn haired youth. "Greetings to you friend. I am in search of my brother who was sent here by his honored parents. Concerned I am that he is not to be found."

Ezra frowned in confusion. "But why would your parents send him here?"

"His parents. As to why he was sent away, I am afraid that is not a story easy to share. But it is true then, he has not found his way here to his aunt's house?"

"Aunt?" Ezra's voice cracked and his eyebrows climbed his forehead in shock. "Maude Standish? My mother? Related to elves?"

"Nonsense!" Harron forced his body between the two boys and began pushing the door closed. "The very idea is preposterous. You are obviously either confused or misinformed. Leave at once or I shall release the hounds."

"Stop it Harron. You know we don't have any dogs because mother couldn't stand the barking." Ezra stepped around the butler and questioned the elf again. "What makes you think my mother is related to your brother? I can assure you she is no elf."

"Danil's father is also no elf. He is related to Lady Standish by way of a brother through ceremony."

"Brother by ceremony. One of my mother's husbands was an elf?" Ezra's eyebrows rose again and his right hand unconsciously reached for the top of his ear to double-check its rounded shape.

Cais shook his head and made a vague gesture with his own hands. "I am sorry, I do not understand well enough to explain; only to say that Danil's father called Lady Standish sister by pairing and urged him to call upon her."

"Wait a moment! Your brother's a half elf." Ezra surprised Cais by suddenly grabbing his shoulders. "Does he have dark hair like a human and carry a thin sword?"

"Yes! That is my laes beyen! Then you have seen him! He is here!"

"Not here but I know where he is and I will take you there just as soon as I've spoken to my mother. Wait here and I will be right back."

Once more Ezra disappeared down the hallway leaving the disgruntled Harron standing in the doorway. "Hmmph, this is what comes of all that wizard training."

"Ah yes, courageous seeker of knowledge. " Cais smiled and nodded his head in complete agreement.

"Really Ezra, you know I don't bother to keep up with every in-law. Why, I'm sure there are dozens and most would be looking for handouts…"

"Yes Mother, I'm sure you are quite right but I had hopes that you would at least remember one that might have married into an elven clan."

Maude Standish rearranged her satin skirts to a more artful drape as she preened in front of a large mirror. "I'm sorry dear but not a single name comes to mind."

"Not even Menderson?"

"Menderson?" Maude paused and a thoughtful look crossed her face. "Oh, that would be your Aunt Claudia dear; she partnered with a gypsy prince. And you know how they are about keeping up with family relations." A dismissive wave of her hand clearly illustrated what she thought of the concept. "So if this boy's father is from the same gypsy clan then yes, I suppose in a way we are related. Now, enough about missing cousins, what is this nonsense of you spending the festival day with those dreadful rangers? A short visit I can understand but you know we will be entertaining guests all day and …"

"Your guests Mother, not mine. I am old enough now to decide for myself where I will be spending the festival and that will be among those I consider friends." Ezra found that standing up to his mother about his plans was much easier with his thoughts distracted by the startling discovery that he was actually related to a family of elves; or rather half elves. He had originally returned home to pack a few clothes, grab his bag of presents and spend at least an hour convincing his mother that his absence would be for the best in regards to her reputation. Now, he realized that he didn't care if his mother agreed with his plans or not.

"Friends? Two rangers, a sorcerer and a couple of orphans? Surely you jest!"

Ezra smiled as he bowed farewell to his mother. "I jest not and my name is not Shirley. Good day Mother and may your festival day be bright."

Cais looked up as the door opened and the young man named Ezra fairly flew down the steps. He had a large satchel under one arm and a bulky sack flung across his other shoulder. Seeing the bag reminded the elf of his sack of presents which rested forgotten in the snow.

"Good, you're still here. Follow me and I'll take you to your brother."

Snatching his bag from the ground, Cais hurried to catch up with the young man striding purposefully down the lane. This was certainly not the way he had imagined his visit to his heart brother's family would take place. Perhaps there was something wrong? Was the Lady Standish ill or had some other tragedy befallen the family? But if this Ezra was her son, he certainly seemed in good spirits, although definitely in something of a hurry. Finally catching up to the boy, Cais decided the direct approach would be the best way to end his confusion.

"My thanks to you and I do not wish to appear ungrateful but you will perhaps tell me where we are going?"

"I have friends that live just outside of the town; two rangers and their wards. Your brother, Danil is with them."

"Then you have met Danil. But you did not know his name?"

"Well, met is not exactly the right word." Ezra glanced briefly at the elf striding by his side. How much should he tell him? Would it be better to wait and let one of the adults explain? The decision was made for him when a hand griped his shoulder and he was firmly pulled to a stop.

"Your pardon for this, but I have walked a great distance to find my foolish beyen and have little calmness now for riddles. You say you know my brother and where he abides but you knew not his name. Tell me how this is possible."

Ezra sighed and nodded his head. "I will tell you everything I know but please, let's keep walking. Once you hear the story, I think you will agree that the less time wasted the better."

Cais felt a shiver of foreboding race up his spine and quickly dropped his hand. 'Ah brother of my heart, what trouble have you found now?'

"Well?"

Nathan sighed and rubbed his eyes, wishing he had a better answer for his worried friend. "I'm sorry Chris, head injuries are very unpredictable." Looking up, he met the ranger's piercing green stare and did his best to sound optimistic. "I know there wasn't any bleeding inside his skull so there's no reason why he shouldn't wake up. Vin is young and healthy; I think he'll be fine."

"Think. But you don't know for sure." Chris looked down at the pale face of the child that had become as precious to him as a true son. He reached out and gently carded his fingers through Vin's fine hair as he spoke the words of his heart. "I can't lose him Nathan. He's all I have left in this world."

Nathan was left momentarily speechless by Chris' honesty and the fear displayed so openly on his face. Finding his voice one more, he could only repeat his earlier reassurance; afraid of guarantying something that was really up to the gods to decide. "He didn't lose too much blood and he's breathing fine. I think it's just a matter of time now."

Chris nodded his head in understanding; his eyes never leaving Vin's face.

"I need to go check on the other boy. The poultices should have pulled most of the poison out his wounds by now. If Nettie agrees, I'll probably go ahead and heal him." Nathan stepped towards the door but paused as he suddenly remembered the request that had been made of him. "Jaydee asked if he could see Vin for just a little while."

"Does he know? "

"He knows. Buck told him. He was very upset. I think he blames himself for what happened."

Chris looked up in surprise. "How can he think this is his fault?"

Nathan could only shrug his shoulders. "Vin and Jaydee are as close as brothers. I guess he feels that if he had said something or done something differently it might have kept Vin from leaving."

Chris shook his head. "He can't blame himself for this. If fault needs to be laid at anyone's feet it should be mine."

"No, Chris, that's not true. From what you and the others have told me it was all a series of misunderstandings that drove Vin out into that meadow. There's no one person to blame for that. As for Vin being injured, I think we can all agree that the guilt there lies with whoever created that boar."

Chris' green eyes flashed and his hands knotted into fists as anger and frustration once more flooded his soul. "I want him Nathan. I want the sorcerer that did this. I don't care what it takes or who it is; he's a dead man when I find him."

Nathan noted the word 'when' not 'if' and there was no doubt in his mind that Chris spoke the truth. And he also knew that Buck and Josiah would do everything in their power to make his revenge possible. He nodded his head in silent agreement and then quietly took his leave.

As the door to the bedroom closed, Chris turned back to the child lying in his bed. Grasping a small hand in both of his, the ranger pressed it against his cheek. "Come back to me, Vin. This world is too cold and empty without you. When I first found you lying injured in the woods, I knew that you needed me to survive. I never imagined that one day I would be the one needing you." Chris touched his lips to the cool palm as tears fell unheeded from his eyes. "Please, come back to me."

"There, I think most of that batch actually went down the inside of his throat instead of the outside." Mistress Nettie used a damp cloth to clean the dribbles that had escaped the unconscious half-elf's lips as she handed the empty cup to her newly acquired assistant. "You can lay him back down now and I'll check the poultice on that shoulder."

Josiah sat the cup on the table and then eased himself off the narrow bed where he had been sitting with the injured boy propped against his broad chest. Luck, premonition or a god's will had placed Mistress Nettie at their doorstep upon their arrival, no doubt saving the child's life. Only she had detected the subtle poison in the wounds delivered to the strange half elf by the tusks of the cursed boar. Nathan had been focused on Vin's more serious appearing head injury and had deemed the other boy's wounds could be bandaged and taken care of back the Ranger's home.

While Nathan had followed Chris to his bedroom to tend to Vin, Nettie had gone with Josiah to settle the other half elf and check his injuries. The moment the temporary bandages had been removed she could smell the taint of an evil concoction. Buck was immediately sent to warn Nathan and have him check Vin for bleeding wounds that could have been caused by teeth or tusks. Josiah had been tasked with cleaning the half elf's wounds and applying warm poultices to draw out what poison he could while Nettie brewed what she hoped would be a remedy for that which had already been drawn to the child's heart.

Josiah watched as Nettie lifted the pad from the boy's shoulder and was relieved to see that the skin around the wound did in fact look much better. The angry redness was much diminished and Nettie did not wrinkle her nose in disgust as she had the first time she had sniffed at the blood on the cloth.

"Would you like me to fetch anything else for you?"

"Hmmph. I'd like you to fetch me the beating heart of the bastard that would use a poison like this and a poor, dumb animal to deliver it to his victim."

The sorcerer stared in surprise at the woman by his side. Not that he didn't share her sentiments but to hear such harsh language from Mistress Nettie was shocking to say the least.

Glancing over her shoulder, Nettie 'tsked' and shook her head. "What, an old woman can't speak what's on her mind? I know the mark of evil when I see it and the sorcerer responsible for this deserves no mercy. He needs to be stopped before he can strike again."

"You're right of course; on all accounts. It would be helpful though if we knew for sure who his intended victim is and why Vin was with him."

"Probably just in the wrong place at the wrong time, poor lad."

"Or, considering that they are both still alive, just the right place at the right time."

Nettie replaced the bandage over the boy's shoulder and then pulled a blanket across his chest. "Perhaps. Well, I've done all I can; the wounds are as clean as I can get them. Any poison left in his blood not eased with my brew will have to work its way through, which it should. I think at this point a high fever is all we have to watch for."

"So Nathan can heal the physical damage when he finishes with Vin, and then we just wait."

"Aye, the hardest part of a healer's job."

Josiah rested his hands on Nettie's weary shoulders. "Whoever this young one is, he most definitely has a will to live. I think with you and Nathan aiding him, he will survive this attack."

"We shall see. Who knows, Chris may even have an extra guest at the festival dinner tomorrow night." Nettie rose to her feet and stretched her aching back. "Which reminds me, if you have no plans, you are more than welcome at my table."

"I thank you for the invite but plans were made for Ezra and I to celebrate with Chris' household. In fact, given the unexpected turn of events, Ezra has decided to spend the night here, so that he can be of some comfort to Jaydee. I think in all truth and honesty he blames himself for Vin's sudden departure."

"Nonsense. No one person is to blame for this mess. From what I've heard the origin of this drama began seasons ago and there have been too many players in its making for any one soul to take all the guilt." Nettie began cleaning up her scattered supplies as she spoke. "And what will the Lady Standish think of her son's change in plans? I know how she feels about the scandalous nature of your teachings and his continued association with the Vin and Jaydee; do you really think she will allow this as well?"

"Well, I think we will soon find out. Unless my ears deceive me, I believe my student has returned with an answer."

The dull clatter of objects being dropped carelessly on the floor sounded from below and was quickly followed by racing footsteps pounding up the stairs. In fact, Josiah and Nettie both noted that it was not just one pair of feet but two. Turning to the door they're suspicions were confirmed when Ezra burst into the room closely followed by a young, male elf. Panting and out of breath, the apprentice sorcerer paused and glanced anxiously toward the bed.

"Is he...still...?"

"Alive and somewhat improved. When Nathan returns he will heal the boy's wounds." Mistress Nettie looked to the young elf that stood frozen; his pale gray eyes locked on the still figure lying in the bed. "And who is your companion?"

"This is Cais and he is Danil's . . . heart brother." Ezra nodded to the bed as he spoke Danil's name. "He was at my house looking for him when I arrived to tell Mother my plans."

"Your house?" Josiah arched an eyebrow in confusion.

"Yes, it seems that Danil was coming to spend the winter festival with us since his father is related by way of a brother to one of my mother's sisters through ceremony." Ezra paused and drew a shaky breath, a look of wonder lighting his face as he said out loud the words that had been repeating over and over again in his head. "We're...we're cousins."

"Laes beyen? Ayi noyh, noyh. Kryl jerith mahana felish ryd." Cais moved slowly across the room and knelt beside his brother. Reaching out, he gently stroked the pale forehead and then each cheek. Tears fell from his eyes as he leaned forward to rest his head on Danil's chest. "Ayi noyh. Craste layd."

"Now stop that, your brother is not on the final shore, not if we have anything to say about it." Mistress Nettie spoke firmly and drew startled looks from both Cais and Ezra. "Yes, I can understand your words and I'm telling you now that this is not a time for grieving. What your brother needs now is encouragement, not pity. Touch him, speak to him, tell him the fight's not over and we all expect him to win. Garyn yahtahada!"

Cais' mouth dropped open in stunned disbelief and then a gasp of laughter escaped his lips. "Ah, such a talent my brother has for finding new friends. It is surely a Gift and I will tell him so when he wakes. Garyn yahtahada."

Vin blinked his eyes and slowly the light in the room grew bright enough for him to see. He felt odd, as if he was both dreaming and awake. He could hear singing and glanced over to his right where he saw his mother placing a large bowl of water on the table.

"Ah, you're awake. Good. Did you have a nice nap?"

'I remember this. I fell asleep sitting in Mother's rocking chair beside the fire. She had me take a late nap so that I would be awake during the night. But why? I don't…'

"Look, here are the candles that Layern brought me. Aren't they beautiful? It almost seems a shame to light them."

They were pretty, if a little oddly shaped for candles. They were not tall and thin, like the candles his mother used to sew by. The ones his mother placed on the table were almost flat, with elegant waves and loops along the sides. And each one was brightly colored and sparkled in the firelight. There were four in all and each one unique. Gently, almost reverently his mother placed three of them in the bowl where they floated gracefully on the water like small, fanciful boats.

"Now it's time to light them. Which one shall we do first, hmmm? Well, I suppose we should start with the one for my Father which is this blue one here." As she spoke, Vin's mother used a taper to light the wick of the floating candle. "I wish you could have met your Grandda, I know you two would have loved each other. He was a stern man but devoted to his family. He would do anything for our happiness."

Vin watched the glow of the candle but suddenly a movement near the hearth caught his attention. His eyes widened as an old man gradually appeared. He had snow white hair down to his shoulders and dark eyes that sparkled. He smiled and winked at Vin as he carefully filled a pipe with tobacco.

"He loved to tell stories and my brother and I would beg for our favorites every night. I remember one time when Joel had a very bad fever; Father sat by his bed all day telling one story after another. He talked until the fever broke and he was hoarse for days afterward. But that was how much he loved and cared for us."

Another candle was lit and once more a shadowy figure appeared near the fire. This time it was a woman, her silver hair pulled back in a bun, her plump cheeks cheerily red in the light of the candles. In her hands she held a ball of yarn that she was slowly and carefully winding from a basket on the floor at her feet. She too smiled at Vin and gave him a friendly nod of her head.

"And this one is for Mother, your granny. I'll never forget the time she caught Father in the cellar with a jug of whiskey. He tried to convince her it was for medicinal purposes. I think it was the lying and sneaking that upset her more than the actual whiskey. Joel and I were both shocked when she broke the jug over his head. And the funny thing is that Father didn't get mad at her. Joel asked him about it later and he said, 'Son, just pray that one day you are fortunate enough to find a woman that loves you so much, she's happy to break a jug over your head.'"

The two people near the fire exchanged amused glances then focused once more on their tasks. Vin knew he was seeing the very people his mother was describing. He started to call her attention to the visiting spirits but as if reading his thoughts, his Grandda held a finger to his lips, bidding him to remain silent.

"And this one is for Joel, your uncle. I have no doubt, that were he around today he would be getting you into all sorts of trouble. And then getting you out again by taking all the blame himself. He was such a prankster and he loved a challenge."

A third figure appeared next to the mantle; a slender man with dirty blond hair pulled back in a braid. His grin seemed to stretch from ear to ear and his eyes sparkled with mirth and mischief. He gave Vin a cheerful little wave and then tilted his head as if listening to his sister's words.

"He was a brave and fearless man. He gave his life to save a child who had fallen into the river during a flood. He managed to get her into the arms of her father before the trunk of a tree struck him and carried away."

Vin saw his mother wipe her cheeks with the back of her hand and knew she was crying. He looked to the attending ghosts, hoping they would reveal themselves but his uncle shook his head, his smile holding more than a hint of sorrow. Vin swallowed and settled back into the rocking chair, pulling the shawl tighter across his shoulders.

"Ah, I miss them all terribly but I am grateful for the seasons we had together. And I know that there will come a day when I will see them all again, goddess willing." Drying her hands on her apron, she slowly reached for the last and in Vin's opinion the prettiest of the candles. She hesitated for a long, silent moment before placing it in the bowl.

"He promised he would return before the second winter. I held on to hope through the third and fourth but Eileen is right, there's hope and then there's pointless wishing and dreaming. Tahvin was a man of his word and he would have returned by now if ….." Her words cut off with a small sob and falling tears made silent ripples in the bowl of water as she lit the final candle.

Vin looked to the fireplace and waited for a fourth ghost to arrive but the old man met his eyes and shook his head, a little smile curling his lips. Vin didn't understand exactly what that meant and made up his mind to ask his mother, but as he turned she began to softly sing. Vin recognized the tune as one he'd heard before but he didn't understand the words. The song had a kind of sad, wistful sound to it that made Vin want to give his mother a hug for comfort. He tried to push the shawl away from his arms but discovered that it was too tightly wrapped. Looking to his mother he tried to call to her for help but found it impossible to make more than the faintest of whispers. Just as he was about to start panicking, his eyes were drawn once more to the bowl with the floating candles. As he watched, the tiny lights seemed to rise and drift silently towards him, the flames shifting to become sparkling jewels that multiplied as they floated above his head just like the stars on a clear night.

Vin tried once more to free himself from the shawl and this time he found that he could lift his right arm. He reached for the brightest star and gasped in surprise when his fingers actually touched it.

"Vin? Thank Bysha! Thank you. Thank you. Oh, Vin. Oh goddess. I thought I'd lost you forever."

"Wha…?" Vin gasped again as strong arms encircled him in a tight embrace and he lost sight of the stars as his face was crushed against a broad chest. And even though he couldn't see them, Vin could hear the excited voices of Josiah, Jaydee, Buck, Ezra and even Nathan though the healer seemed a lot calmer than the others.

"Easy Chris, easy. Best lay him back down gently; sudden movements might upset his stomach."

"Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean… I haven't hurt him have I?"

Vin blinked as he found himself once more on his back with the white stars hanging just above his head. This time things looked a lot clearer and he could see that the 'stars' were actually irregularly shaped crystals suspended with string from the branches of a tree. Lots of crystals. And the branches seemed awfully close.

"No, no you haven't hurt him. Just give me a moment to check him over." And there was Nathan leaning over him, his dark eyes sparkling in the glow of the crystals. "Hey there Vin, think you could drink a little water for me."

Water sounded really good and it tasted even better. The cool liquid was like a blessing against his tongue and he could feel every precious drop that slid down his throat.

"Careful, not too much. You can have some more later." A warm hand rested briefly on his brow and he closed his eyes and sighed with contentment. "Yeah, guess you needed that. How does your head feel Vin? Any pain? What about your back or stomach?"

Vin gave it some careful thought as his gaze drifted back to the star-like crystals above his head. He could hear singing again and recognized the song but not the voice. It reminded of his dream; or was it a memory? He thought maybe he should be feeling sad, thinking about his mother but all he could feel was an overwhelming urge to just close his eyes and ….

"Nathan?"

The healer smiled and gave Chris a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "He's fine; this is a natural sleep. That was a good sign, him drinking the water and focusing on the lights. He'll probably wake up again in just a little bit."

A collection of relieved sighs and quiet laughter filtered through the trees as Vin's family celebrated the good news. Cais looked up from where he cradled his brother's head in his lap and smiled as he watched the celebration. He continued to sing quietly as he gently ran his fingers across Danil's cheek. 'Ah, what a brave and wonderful thing you have done my brother. You have given this family a very happy Starlight celebration.'

"That song, what is it? I think I've heard it before."

Cais glanced over and saw that the dark haired child, Jaydee, had moved closer and was watching him with wide-eyed curiosity. So much did Jaydee remind him of his own littler brother that Cais couldn't help smiling in fond delight.

"It is the song of thanks that we sing to the stars when we remember the great crossing and those who have made their final journey."

"Thanks to the stars? Why do you thank the stars? All the stars or just certain ones? What do you mean by 'final journey'? And why do …."

"Jaydee, what have I told you?" Buck's quiet admonishment was enough to make Jaydee duck his head in embarrassment but the boy was still smiling when he answered.

"The gods gave me two ears but only one mouth so I could listen more than I talk."

Cais reached out and ruffled the child's hair earning himself a cheeky grin in response. "Those are fine questions but my laes beyen is better at telling stories. When... when he wakes, I am sure he will tell you many fine stories."

"But what about the song? I think I've heard it before, but I can't remember when or where."

"Ah, Cenary's song. She sang it the night our people arrived in this land." Cais tilted his head back so that he could see the real stars high above the leafless branches. "I think, in your words it would start, "In darkness I found light and in … ah .."

"... in despair... I found hope."

"Beyen! Adah acamil! Beyen. Ei cana donaster."

"Yish, yish." Danil lifted his right hand and weakly patted his heart brother's head. "Taska en delai."

Cais laughed in relief and bent to touch his forehead to Danil's. "Gah damick."

Around the united brothers there were smiles and chuckles of relief and the crystals scattered among the branches seemed to shine a little brighter. Nathan moved to Danil's side and rested his hand on the half elf's shoulder.

"Glad to see you're awake. Does your shoulder hurt at all? Or your leg?"

Danil frowned thoughtfully as he shifted his arm again and then his legs. "Noyh. No pain. Heavy though."

"That weakness is from the blood you lost and the poison. But Nettie said you should..."

"Poison?" Danil's frown deepened with confusion and then his eyes flew open wide as the memory of the boar attack flashed through his mind. "Vin! Kerish beyen!" He struggled to sit up, fighting again the weakness of his own body as well as the restraining hands of Nathan and Cais. "Noyh! He fell! He was hurt!"

"Easy! He's fine! He woke up just a moment ago."

"Vin's here? Where?" Danil craned his neck, trying to see past Nathan's shoulder. "Vin?"

"Danil?"

"No point in trying to keep them down Nathan. They'll probably rest easier if we sit them up where they can see each other."

"Vin too?" Nathan looked over to see Chris standing up with Vin cradled in his arms. Shaking his head but smiling non the less, the healer moved back to make room at Danil's side.

"Danil! You're here. Are you alright?" Vin reached out to grasp his new friend's hand as Chris gently laid him down.

"Yes, yes and look, this is my heart brother, Cais." Danil gestured with his free hand but paused as the strangeness of that fact suddenly occurred to him. "Cais? Why are you here?" Danil looked around at the branches that glowed brightly with crystals. "Wherever here is?"

Vin smiled at Cais and then he too looked around in confusion. It was hard to see exactly, because it was night time and everyone was crowded close together, but it looked and felt like they were somehow sitting up in a large tree.

"Isn't it great Vin?" Jaydee had been patient and quiet all day, waiting for the moment when his cousin would wake up. Everyone had kept reassuring him that Vin would be fine but a part of him had still doubted. Had worried that he would lose not only his cousin, but also his very best friend in all the world. To see Vin awake and sitting up again.. that was the best festival present ever! And the combination of relief and happiness became a flood of words that swept across all those gathered leaving them speechless and dazed.

"This is a tree house that Chris built for you as a festival present but it's not really a house, not yet it's more like a big pier up in the branches but it's huge and Chris has been working on it a long time and we can all sit up here and Ezra and Josiah hung the crystals up for remembering because we didn't want you to leave like all the other elves and you don't have to celebrate the mid winter festival if you don't want to but you have to stay because it wouldn't feel right to celebrate without you and I'm sorry you got sad and left and then got hurt and your new friend got hurt by that nasty boar that Josiah says was cursed but your safe now and so is Danil and his brother is here because he was worried about Danil and it turns out that Danil is actually Ezra's cousin just like you and me and he is even a half elf like you and that's alright because it doesn't really matter if you're half human or elf or not because because..."

"Half is better than none." Vin smiled and then grinned at his cousin who sat breathlessly grinning back at him. "I'm sorry I ran away. I just... I remembered before and ….."

"Vin, look at me." Chris spoke softly and waited until Vin was able to bring himself to look the ranger in the eyes. "No matter what the problem is, you can always come to me. Never feel you have to run or hide from me. Your home is here. I want to watch you grow up and be a part of your life forever. So, if you will have me, I'd like very much to be your father. Would you give me that honor and blessing?"

The words wouldn't come but they weren't really needed. Chris could see the answer in his eyes and then Vin was nodding his head and throwing his arms around his father's neck. "Yes! Thank you!"

"Thank you, Vin. My son."

Buck wasn't the only one watching to discretely wipe his nose or brush a tear from his eye. But he was the only one to suddenly find himself pounced on by a very energetic Jaydee who was fairly shaking with excitement. "Vin and Chris are going to be a family! Let's be a family too! You can be my Da and I'll be your son! And since Vin and I are cousins that would make Chris and you brothers!"

"Ah, what? I..."

Josiah laughed and slapped Buck on the back. "That's a fine idea. I've heard more than one person comment that Jaydee resembles you, might as well make it official."

"Yay! I'm going to call you Da from now on!" Jaydee threw his arms around Buck's neck and the tall Ranger instinctively squeezed him back. And at that moment he realized just how good it felt, those small arms around him and the name 'Da' ringing in his ears.

"Yeah... son, we can be a family."

"Good gods, could this evening possibly get any more maudlin?" Ezra had come to terms with the fact that he had a half elf cousin and had been just as relieved to see him awaken as the others. But he had yet to actually meet Danil and felt that he too, had been patient long enough. Not to mention the fact that the blatant display of sentimentality was starting to unnerve him just a bit.

"I'm sorry Ezra, are you feeling left out? Would you like to start calling me Father? I wouldn't mind." Josiah smiled at his apprentice who could only stare at him in shock and dismay.

"Wha... you.. Father? Don't be … that's absurd... you would have to marry my mother and …." Ezra paused as Josiah's smile suddenly took on a more wistful appearance and he remembered how the sorcerer's demeanor would change whenever his mother was around. Drawing himself up to his full height, he pointed a stern finger at his teacher. "Don't even think about it."

Everyone gathered laughed although Chris, Buck and Nathan exchanged brief, knowing glances. Ezra huffed and then settled himself down in front of the smiling elves. "Please excuse the lack of manners. I am Ezra Standish, son of Maude Standish." Ezra held out his hand. "I am pleased to …erch?!"

"Cousin!" Danil leaned forward and used his left arm to pull his cousin into a warm embrace, effectively cutting off Ezra's carefully planned speech. "Quay stah! I am glad to meet you!"

"Ah, yes. The feeling is … mutual." And to Ezra's surprise, it really was.

Nathan hated to bring the joyous moment to an end, but the moon had risen to directly overhead and it was time for all of them to go inside where it would be much warmer. It had been Mistress Nettie who had insisted on them taking the two injured and unconscious boys to the tree house. And while he hadn't understood the reasoning behind it, he respected her knowledge and insight enough to agree with the plan; up to a point. Clearing his throat, the healer made sure he had everyone's attention. "It is late and we all need our rest, especially Vin and Danil. We should move this celebration inside where it is warmer."

Vin leaned back from his father's embrace and stared around at the glowing crystals that seemed to hang from every branch. "Look Danil, it really is like sailing through the stars. Danil?"

In reply, a soft snore came from where Danil's head rested on Ezra's shoulder. The young sorcerer stared beseechingly up at his teacher, not sure what he should do. Laughing, Josiah moved forward to rescue his apprentice. "I think that Nathan has the right of it, warm beds for everyone and tomorrow we have a proper celebration."

Chris cupped Vin's cheek looked once more into his eyes. "Will that be alright with you, Son? Will you celebrate the festival with us?"

"Yes... Father. I want to celebrate with you. Forever."