Epilogue

"And the verdict is?"

Chris turned the strangely tinted blade in his hands. "Near as I can tell the metal is still sound. It took an edge just fine. It's well balanced. Overall, it is a surprisingly good sword."

"Surprising?" Josiah held out his hand for the narrow blade. He too studied the weapon but while Chris had been looking for imperfections or damage to the steel, Josiah was more interested in magical residues.

"That quality of sword is usually found with those of wealth or in positions of power. It just seems unusual for the son of farmer to have it. Let alone know how to use it."

"Hmmm. What about gypsy royalty? Would that count as a position of power?" Josiah closed his eyes and slowly ran the palm of his right hand all the way down the blade.

Josiah was of course referring to Danil's strange family relationship to Ezra's mother, Maude Standish. It was confusing but after talking with the boy, it appeared that one of Maude's step sisters had married into what the gypsy's considered 'royalty'. Chris shook his head as he finished wiping the polishing oil from his fingers. "I've only spoken with a few gypsies and never in depth. I've heard the phrase Prince of the Clan, but I'm not sure if that's just honorary or if there is real power there." Putting his tools away, it was the ranger's turn to ask, "And the verdict is?

Josiah opened his eyes and frowned at the blade in his hands. "I can feel... something. It is barely there and only noticeable if you're actually looking for it."

"Is it something bad?"

"No... no it is not. It is neither good nor bad. For now it is just an energy. A hum. Nothing more."

"For now." Chris took back the blade and slid it into its sheath. "Is it safe? Can Danil continue to use it?"

"I'd say yes. But it would probably be a good idea to get a second opinion."

"Like Mistress Nettie?"

"While I bow to her expertise when it comes to all things medicinal or herbal, this calls for someone with a different talent. Or Gift. I shall have to think on it."

"And still no idea as to who did this?" Chris' hands tightened into fists and the leather of the sheath creaked in his grip. "No idea who would set this evil after Vin? After my... son?"

"I'm sorry, but no. This is something new to me as well. And we still have to consider the possibility that it was not actually meant for Vin."

"But you heard them! That thing was stalking..."

"Chris, please, just listen to me." Josiah held up a placating hand. "We don't know the origin of the boar. We don't know how far it traveled and we don't know exactly what kind of curse or spell was placed on it. But I can tell you that curse magic requires something that belonged to the victim to make it work. The closer the relationship, the stronger the magic. Blood is the best thing to use but even it is not infallible. Sometimes a family member of the intended victim can suffer as well."

"Family? But.. Vin doesn't have... wait, you don't mean JD?"

"Well, that is a possibility but I was thinking of someone more directly related... like Vin's elvin father."

"Tell me again what we are doing here and why we must do it so very early in the morning?"

Vin smiled at his friend's disgruntled moaning. True, it was fairly early in the morning, especially for someone like Ezra, but it wasn't really that early. Breakfast was over and done, Buck had already left on an errand with Nathan, and Chris and Josiah were out in the barn taking a look at Danil's sword. Before leaving the house, Chris had given Vin an Danil very firm orders to stay inside where it was warm and spend the day resting. And to prevent any complaints, he'd reminded all the boys of the festivities planned for that evening. At first Vin had been afraid that the day was going to be long and boring, but then Cais and Danil had approached him and JD with a request to have some kind of ceremony that needed at least five people. Vin, being more than a little curious about elves, had not hesitated to drag Ezra from his bed.

"I told you, we're helping out Cais and your cousin Danil."

Ezra blinked owlishly at the two elves sitting on the bed closest to the window in the room that Vin shared with Jaydee. On the other bed, facing them, sat Jaydee, grinning from ear to ear.

"C'mon Ezra, we sit down here where we can watch and listen." Vin patted a spot on the rug between the end posts of the two beds. Ezra frowned and gave his head a slight shake.

"Are you sure you and Danil are up to this? Shouldn't you both still be lying down?"

"We're fine, so quit worrying."

The medicine that Mistress Nettie had provided was every bit as bad tasting as the stuff Danil's mother made and just as effective. Vin was still more comfortable in the leather brace, and the bruises on his stomach were a lurid shade of purple, but overall he was feeling pretty good. Danil also seemed to be much improved. He still favored his right leg and his face was a little pale, but his eyes sparkled with health and cheer as he listened to his new found cousin's early morning grumbling.

"Sit cousin Ezra and drink some more tea to wake yourself up." Danil smiled and gestured with his left arm; his right shoulder still feeling a little stiff. "It is a time honored tradition among our people; a way of clearing the air and settling minor differences. And with the time of remembering approaching, it is especially important to lay to rest any ill feelings and start afresh."

"But with Jaydee as the arbitrator? Really?" Ezra carefully settled himself tailor fashion next to Vin and blew on his tea to cool it.

"Hey! I can be an aw.. awberator. Cais said I'm plenty smart enough." Jaydee shook his finger at the older boy. "You're just jealous 'cause they didn't ask you to do it."

Ezra gave a genteel snort as he sipped from his cup. "I am nothing of the sort. The very idea." Unfortunately for the apprentice sorcerer, the blush in his cheeks was an obvious give away and his friends exchanged knowing glances.

"So, how does this work exactly?" Vin shifted into a cross-legged position as well and leaned his elbows on his knees. He was eager to see more examples of how elves lived their lives and was ready to stuff a rag in Ezra's mouth if that was what it took to get things started.

"Having chosen our canterras and laterras…" Cais motioned first toward Vin and Ezra and then Jaydee as he spoke but was interrupted by Danil's quick translation, "Ears to the truth and decider of the truth." And Ezra found it necessary to follow up with yet another clarification, "Unbiased witnesses and judge."

Cais glared at both boys and asked his laes beyen, "You wish to go on? Your speech being much better than mine own?"

"No, no beyen. You do wonderfully well." Danil nodded his head to where Vin sat attentively waiting. "Our kerish beyen is eager to learn and I only took the opportunity that presented itself."

Slightly mollified, Cais continued with his explanation. "Danil and myself will share the event that has brought us to this … freyterras."

"Moment of truth."

"Impasse."

"Kestin sedan tas!"

"Irritating fleas that bite my bottom."

All eyes turned to Ezra who merely raised an eyebrow as he peered calmly over the rim of his mug.

Danil laughed and gave his heart brother a pat on the shoulder. "Enough, enough. We will start now and put this and the morning behind us."

Turning to Jaydee, the half-elf became serious and bowed his head respectfully. "Hear me now, honored laterras, for I will speak the truth as I know it."

Jaydee's eyes widened and a slight shiver ran down his spine. What he had been excited about as simply something new and fun, suddenly took on a feeling of real importance. Oddly enough, he felt taller and … older. A feeling of calmness stole over him and words sprang into his mind that Jaydee somehow knew to be the correct response.

"My ears are open. Speak truth and I will hear."

Vin and Ezra were surprised to see the younger boy take on a serious demeanor and match Danil's bow with one of his own. All four boys were shocked to hear Jaydee's response and exchanged quick glances. Clearing his throat, Danil gave another small nod and began telling his side of the events that had led to his arrival in Four Corners. It was a short telling, though painful to hear. Vin of course, had heard it before. But after spending time with Danil and Cais, and seeing how happy they were together, he could better understand Danil's feelings of jealously and betrayal.

"I now know the truth of my actions. It was wrong of me to misuse my Gift and then to strike my laes beyen. I ask for a way to make repentance and offer assurance that it will not happen ever again. I would also beg forgiveness and the honor of attending my laes beyen's promise ceremony."

As he finished, Danil bowed his head and stared at his hands clasped in his lap. He thought he would feel better, having spoken the truth out loud for Cais to hear. Instead, his heart felt heavier than ever and he waited in dread to hear his brother's side of the events. It could only be an affirmation of everything he had just spoken, but he was sure it would hurt none the less.

"Hear me now, honored laterras, for I will speak the truth as I know it."

"My ears are open. Speak truth and I will hear."

Cais paused for just a moment and then very clearly said, "My brother has the wits of a sparkfly, and that is the truth as I know it."

"What?! That's not …Ow!"

Cais lowered his hand after having lightly swatted his heart brother on the side of his head. "I did not strike that hard, that is also the truth. You are a witless sparkfly and a bottom flea."

"Bottom…?"

"Quiet. I am speaking truth now." Cais frowned at his brother. "There will not be a promising and you are not to hold guilt for that. I was twice angered with you when we met that day. You, so eager to tell of the darkness found with your Gift but nothing said of the attacks from Annelle's dostna. No, you will listen now, teach later."

As he told his side of the events that took place on that eventful day, Cais found it necessary to use some elven words, but those listening had no problem figuring out their meanings. They listened to the story unfold from this new vantage point and were amazed at the difference a new perspective made.

"On that day I was invited to the midday meal with Annelle and her family and thought nothing of it. So I was unprepared for the promise request she made in front of family and friends. Her friends. Her family. None of mine own. I felt trapped and that the only answer I could give was 'yes'. And the joy in her eyes was such that afterward I felt sure that I had answered correctly. But, while everyone celebrated her good fortune, I felt alone. Where was my family? Where was my laes beyen?"

"I stepped away a moment to think and chanced upon a group laughing over a funny prank. Yes, a very funny prank; you may remember it. It involved a certain half-breed and a particularly tricky place in the shortcut he was known to use. A tricky spot high above the river. Tricky because of the rocks that have to be navigated along the narrow trail. A trail made even more treacherous from the recent rains and the cord hidden among the leaves. Ah, yes, I see memory returns. Slipped, you said. Fell a short distance, you said. I remember your mother remarking on the number of bruises and how a little more pressure would have left your ankle broken and not just swollen. Now at last do I hear the truth from those that arranged the 'slip' and found it humorous. Such a funny joke. All the way down the hillside to the very river itself. Caused it, witnessed it, rejoiced in it and left you there, no doubt laughing at the damage inflicted."

"And I am reminded of other occurrences where I encountered you muddied, bruised, clothes torn. You were always quick to grin and claim accidents and misjudgment, and I was too caught up in my own affairs to question this sudden, strange clumsiness. Danil, clumsy? Danil, careless? He, a rope dancer from the day of his fourth turn? Really? Yes, you have the wits of a sparkfly but I, I had even less."

"Suddenly I felt trapped and betrayed by the two who meant the most to me. I decided that I would talk with Annelle later, in a more private moment but you, my laes beyen I would deal with immediately. I made my excuses and left to find you. And every moment it took was another mark for me to grow angrier and I could not tell if it was all for you or myself. At last I found you but before I could ask the first question you revealed your murky deed. Apologize not to me for the abuse of your Gift. Apologize instead to the gods who bestowed it upon you and no doubt expected better use."

"And not one word did you speak of your feelings of loss for our friendship. Nothing did you say of the abuse handed out by Annelle's friends. Instead, all I hear is how you Saw this and you Saw that and how foolish it was for me to be blinded by fair skin and rose lips. My foolishness. My blindness. My fault. Know you I am not quick to violence, preferring words over fists. But still I attacked. I struck back with words. Ill-chosen words that were forefront of my mind for having just recently heard them spoken by others. It was a surprise attack and was as effective as a blow from the back. You were blindsided and responded in an expected manner. I should consider myself lucky you were not carrying your sword at the time."

"Your response shocked both of us but where you were brought back to your senses I was still lost in my anger and feelings of betrayal. My next words drove you away, and for that I am sorry. I ask for forgiveness and a way to show my repentance."

Danil stared in shock at his heart brother. "You... you will not promise to Annelle? Is it because of what I said? You should not..."

"Were your ears open? Were you not listening? I said that you are not to blame." Cais shifted uncomfortably and picked at a loose thread on the bed's coverlet. "After we parted I sought the counsel of my father and told him all that I knew. He was much disappointed in both of us. But, it seems that he also shares some guilt in this sad event as well."

Danil looked at his human friends and gave them a small smile. "You know it not, but sitting before you is the second son of Tamil Revinsal." Seeing their blank looks, his smile became a little more impish than sheepish. "What, know you not of the ruling family of the Gold River Clan?"

"Ruling... second son? A prince?"

"In your language, yes."

Ezra's jaw dropped and Vin's eyes became as big as saucers. Jaydee merely tilted his head to one side as he appeared to closely study the elf before him.

"Yes, prince, but young and innocent in the ways of the world. Or so my father informed me. He knew of Annelle's family and knew that they were much desirous of wealth and power. When I had begun spending time with Annelle he had feared the worst but decided to wait and see how events played out. He had hoped it was but a summer dalliance and nothing more. He was not surprised by the clever trap they had laid nor by their associate's treatment of Danil. Long we talked and so I came to realize what steps I had to take. First was the breaking of the arrangement with Annelle. And as she had made her desire public, so I too made my breaking. But this time it was before both her family and mine."

"And then I began my journey to find you, my laes beyen. A day behind but not, thankfully, a day too late."

Cais held out his left hand which Danil clasped within his own. "And for that I do thank the gods."

Vin smiled at the happy ending to the brother's stories. "So now..."

"Your truths have been spoken and I have heard." All eyes turned in surprise to Jaydee as his voice filled the room. "Danil Menderson, a Gift should never be used for selfish reasons. You will labor for those in need in your clan until the first fruits of summer ripen. You will ask for and expect nothing in return. Because you thought you could not share in your beyen's happiness, you tried to end it. You would not abandon your heart brother in a time of need, why should you in a time of joy? Cais, son of Tamil Revinsal, the loyalty of a true friend has value beyond gold or gems. It cannot be measured nor can it be set aside like a book to be read at a time of your choosing. You will work beside your laes beyen. You will ask for and expect nothing in return. Remember always, a shared burdened is halved, a shared joy is doubled, and forgiveness is easier given than received."

Silence so thick it could be felt against the skin descended on those gathered. No one moved or spoke. Jaydee stared back serenely with a stillness that was unheard of for a child that normally seemed always in motion. Vin nervously licked his lips and opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, unsure of what to say.

The bright, golden chime of a bell suddenly split the silence and in the gap a loud, merry voice called out, "Hello hello! Greetings to the house! Where is everyone?"

Jaydee blinked and like water suddenly released from a dam, his body was instantly filled to overflowing with energy. "That's Da! Da's home!" Springing from the bed he dodged between Vin and Ezra and ran to the door. "Coming Da! We're up here!" He disappeared through the door but almost immediately returned. "Oh, did we finish? Did I do it right?"

"Ah, yes. You were … you did very well."

"Great! Coming Da!"

"Well, that was…interesting." Ezra sat his empty cup on the floor and levered himself to his feet using the edge of the bed for support. Reaching down, he gave Vin a hand up and then looked to Danil and Cais. "Since this was a … success and there appears to be no harm; I would suggest that we keep the exact details of this … event to ourselves."

Vin also looked to the elves who both sat in stunned silence. "Yeah, I think maybe you're right. Uhm, Danil? Me and Ezra are going to go down and see Buck. You can come down when you're ready."

"Ah, thank you kerish beyen. Wise beyond your years. Yes, we will join you shortly."

Danil stared at the closed door for a long moment, his thoughts skipping about like a water bug. Finally he glanced over at Cais who was once again worrying at the thread on the coverlet.

"So... will your thoughts need a silver for the boat ride home?"

Cais smiled and then chuckled. "A gold at the least." Finally meeting the eyes of his heart brother, he tried to explain what he was thinking but found it hard to find the right words in any language. "The child, or whichever god that was, spoke truth as well. I forgave you before I started on this journey. I am finding it very, very hard to forgive myself."

Danil nodded thoughtfully. "I agree. But perhaps that is what the labor is for. And if it will help you, I will make sure to give you more of my share."

Cais snorted. "Oh, so very generous of you my brother! Such a giving spirit! To be sure, my heart feels lighter already with the mere promise."

And though it was said in jest, there was also truth to Cais' words. The two friends smiled and shared a quick embrace.

"Ah, enough, enough. We should join our host and see what all the noise is about." Danil accepted Cais' help in standing and then stood for a moment listening. "It reminds me much of the time with the bear and the skunk."

"Speaking of which, why is it, dear brother, that whenever you get us into trouble, I end up working?"

"Whenever I get us into trouble. Oh yes, it is of course entirely my fault."

"It always is."

"Ah! What of the frog in Margrey's sewing?"

"The frog you caught? The basket you provided? Yes? Is my memory false? Shall we begin a counting, starting with the cup of worms and my brother's celebration cake? Or perhaps we should start with the raft and the near drowning of us both?"

"That would have worked had it not been raining for days up in the mountains and the old dam given way."

The two youths continued their banter as they made their way downstairs. The memories flowed back and forth like a weaver's shuttle, drawing the threads of their lives closer with each pass; the tapestry of their future far from finished.

"Da! You're home!"

Jaydee pelted down the stairs and flew to his father's side. Buck was still standing just inside the door with his cloak pulled closed across his chest. Jaydee threw his arms about his father's waist to give him a good squeeze but jumped back in surprise when Buck's stomach made a strange noise.

"Careful son. He's still a bit small, but just like you, soon he'll be big and strong."

Eyes wide with curiosity, Jaydee slowly pulled back the edge of his father's cloak and came nose to moist nose with a black puppy.

"Is...is... he mine? Really, really mine?"

"All yours, so you will have to name him."

Buck handed over the squirming pup to Jaydee who suddenly broke out in loud giggles as his face was thoroughly covered in wet, slobbery licks.

"Vin, Ezra! Look! Buck gave me a puppy! Isn't he wonderful? I have to name him but I don't know what to name him because I've never had a puppy before and I know you're supposed to name them something that fits but he's all black even his eyes are black and look how his tail wags I'll bet he's going to be big when he grows up can he sleep with me in my bed?"

"Uh...yes?" Buck was slightly caught off guard by the sudden question but at that moment, caught up in Jaydee's happiness, the ranger would have said yes to just about anything asked of him.

"Yay!" Jaydee placed the puppy on the floor and the two of them began a mad dash about the house. But the frenetic run ended with a spectacular trip and fall on the hearth rug just as Danil and Cais arrived at the bottom of the stairs.

"Jaydee!" Buck surged forward but stopped as peals of laughter and giggles filled the room as Jaydee once again found his face and ears attacked by a very determined tongue.

At that moment Chris and Josiah entered the house along with Nathan who was carrying a small, cloth wrapped bundle very carefully in his hands. Chris had a worried look on his face as his eyes sought out Vin's across the room. The boy was drawn to his father's side but found his attention riveted on the healer who spoke first.

"Vin, I've talked to Chris about this but the decision is yours to make." Pulling back the edge of what Vin could now see was a tattered scrap of blanket, Nathan revealed another black puppy. But where as Jaydee's had been large and full of energy; this one was smaller and lay sleeping in Nathan's hands. Vin also noticed that instead of being solid black, this puppy had patches of white around it's mouth and on its paws.

"He was the runt of the litter and wasn't getting as much to eat as the other puppies. But I've checked him over and I even had Mistress Nettie take a look at him. We think that with some extra care he'll be just fine and grow up nice and healthy."

Vin reached out a tentative hand and stroked the puppy gently on its head. He was rewarded with a sleepy tail wag and a quiet, contented sounding sigh.

"Mistress Nettie fed him just a short bit ago so he's full and warm. He'll probably sleep for a while longer."

Looking up at his father, Vin wasn't sure what to say. But his eyes must of conveyed the yearning in his heart because Chris smiled and nodded his head.

"He's yours if you want. But like Nathan said, you'll have to work a little harder to take care of him."

"Thank you!" Vin carefully accepted the bundled pup from Nathan's hands and gently carried it over to where Jaydee and the other boys were gathered by the fireplace.

"Look! Vin has a puppy too! What are you going to name yours Vin? I'm going to name mine Liquorice because he's black like the candy and he likes to lick and liquorice sounds kind of like lick. Hey, if they are from the same litter that makes them brothers. I hope we can tell them apart from each other. What did you say his name was?"

"I haven't named him yet. But he's not all black like yours, see? He has some white on his front paws."

Josiah walked up behind Ezra and rested one hand on his apprentice's shoulder. "Not feeling left out are you? Because if you are..."

"I assure you I am in no need or desire of the responsibility of raising a dog."

"But Ezra, they're fun!"

"Yes, until they do that."

Jaydee wrinkled his nose when he saw what Liquorice was doing on the rug. "Ewww. Why did he do that inside?"

"Because he hasn't been trained not to yet. And that's what Ezra meant by responsibility." Buck patted his son on the head. "Go out to the barn and find an old rag to clean up the mess."

"But... but..."

"Unless you don't want to keep him? Do I need to take him ba..." Buck suddenly found himself talking to empty air as Jaydee disappeared out the front door. "Well, I guess that means Liquorice gets to stay."

Danil and Cais stood on either side of Vin, admiring his new friend. "He is small now but look at the size of his paws." Danil held one carefully in his hand and ran his thumb over the soft, white toes. "My father says a puppy will always grow into his paws."

Vin smiled as he stared in absolute contentment at his new companion. It didn't matter if he grew big or not, or if he had white toes instead of black. He didn't have to be perfect as long as he lived and was as happy as his new owner.

"Danil, what's the elf word for happy?"

"Ah, that would be raetan."

"Then that's what his name is, Raetan. Hey, that's kind of like my name, but backwards."

"I suppose, though they mean two very different things."

"Tannerae has a meaning?"

"You did not know?" Danil shared a surprised look with Cais and then cleared his throat. "My apologies, as has been pointed out on more than one occasion, I do have the wits of a sparkfly. Most elves can trace their families back several generations and the names have meanings for the families. Cais' last name means river song. Mine, however, came from my human father who was a gypsy so it means exactly as it sounds, a mender's son."

"And my name? Tannerae?"

"Star spirit."

"Really?" Vin looked over at his father. "Did you hear?"

Chris smiled and nodded to his son but was reminded of Josiah's suggestion regarding the curse spell placed on the boar. Could someone have been targeting Vin's father instead of Vin? And if so, wouldn't that mean that he was still alive and might one day...

"Da! Da! Look who's here! It's Mistress Nettie with a basket of cookies and Ezra's mom and she has food and presents too! Can we start the festival now? Please?"

"Mother? Here?" Ezra could only stare in shock as his mother, dressed in her finest festival attire, did in fact enter the house followed by three servants loaded down with bags and baskets. There was a great deal of shuffling about as the addition of that many people and objects filled the ranger's home to near bursting. Vin and his two elven friends retreated to the stairs to watch and were quickly joined by Jaydee and Liquorice.

"Mother! What are you doing here? What is all this?"

"Now Ezra, is that anyway to greet your loving mother who has come all this distance in the cold to spend the mid-winter festival with you and your friends?"

"Surely you jest."

"No dear, Shirley is the name of your aunt on the Timberline's side of the family and while she may be known as something of a japester, I am much more serious in nature."

Ezra could only stare open mouthed as his mother began directing the servants as to the placement of food, gifts and decorations. Within moments the ranger's rather plain dwelling was transformed into a sparkling, ribbon festooned wonderland with mouth watering smells from the fire and a heavily laden table. When their tasks were complete the servants gave quick bows as they took their leave but not, Ezra was again shocked to see, without being slipped a gold coin apiece by his mother.

"Dame Standish, always a pleasure." As the room quieted Josiah saw his chance and greeted the beautiful woman with a courtly bow. "May I take your cloak and offer you a cup tea?"

The dimples that appeared in Maude's cheeks were quite fetching as too the slight blush. Josiah became oblivious to all those watching as he doted on his apprentice's mother.

Ezra waited until his mother was seated next to the fire and then confronted her once more. "But what of your guests? You are supposed to be hosting your own celebration right now."

"And so I am. Really dear, most of those that visit are only there for the wine, food and music. I watched from my room at the top of the stairs for nearly a full candle mark and was not missed by those making merry below."

"I would have missed you before the first bead of wax had a chance to cool on its downward journey. And would have been left just as cold away from the flame of your presence."

Ezra's eyes became wide as saucers as he saw his mother blush once more while accepting a cup of tea and the kind words from his teacher.

The obviously flustered Maude Standish turned briskly to her son. "Now dear, if I am to understand correctly, we have a relative joining us for this celebration? Will you kindly make introductions?"

"Ah, of course." Ezra looked to the stairs but Danil had heard the request and was already approaching along with his laes beyen. "Mother, allow me to present Danil Menderson and his heart brother Cais Revinsal."

Maude greeted each youth with a genteel hand-clasp and regal nod of her head. "Danil, I hope that you will guest with us at least once before you return to your family. Of course your laes beyen is more than welcome to join you. And Cais, I trust that your parents Tamil and Estera are doing well? Please take them my regards upon your return."

"Las brin, but I am surprised. You know my family?"

"Of course. You were just a wee babe when I last visited but we have exchanged a few missives since then." Maude took a sip of her tea and glanced to her right where Josiah had taken up a quiet, contented residence. "Hmm, yes, now why don't you boys go and amuse yourselves while the adults speak? If you look in that pile of parcels I'm sure you will find entertainment a plenty."

Ezra was reluctant to leave his mother and teacher alone and shot a worried glance between the two before giving in to Danil's tug on his sleeve.

Maude had spoken truthfully and between the puppies, presents and heaping piles of food and sweets, the day of the mid-winter festival passed as quickly as a flock of snow birds winging their way to warmer climes. Seemingly all too soon, Maude's carriage arrived with brightly glowing lanterns to take her and Ezra back to their home. Josiah happily accepted a ride into town and after such a truly wonderful day, Ezra could not find it within himself to be the least putout. Nathan and Mistress Nettie were also invited to ride and took their leave as well. Within moments the ranger's house was once more a quiet haven of warmth and peace.

Buck stretched his back and stood next to the closed door, taking just a moment to appreciate the decorations and bask in the feeling of contentment that filled his heart and soul. Glancing toward the dying fire, he spotted his son and Liquorice lying asleep with someone's cloak tossed over them as a blanket. Next to them sat Chris with Vin and Raetan wrapped securely in his arms. Danil, still recovering from his injuries, had grown tired earlier in the evening and had retired for the night with Cais to keep him company.

"Well ol' dog, looks like the party is over."

Chris nodded his head and smiled. "All except for the cleaning which I say we leave for the morrow."

"Couldn't agree with you more. Need a hand getting up?"

"If you could take them for just a moment? I think my right leg has gone numb."

Buck laughed as he bent to scoop up the sleeping child and snoring pup. "How about I carry yours while you get mine?"

"Deal. Are we really going to let the puppies sleep with them?"

"We'll put them in a basket next to their bed. And no doubt be awakened with the sun's rising by whines and whimpers of distress."

"Are you referring to the pups or Jaydee?"

Once in the bedroom, Buck took charge of the puppies while Chris settled the boys in their bed. Both men moved as quietly as possible so as not to awaken Danil and Cais sleeping back to back in the other bed. As Chris bent to tuck the coverlet in, he heard a sleepy murmur and saw that Vin's eyes were open and watching him.

"Go back to sleep. All is well."

"I didn't give you a festival gift." Vin yawned and blinked owlishly as he fought a losing battle against the tide of sleep. "I love you, Da. Wanted...to show you..."

"You have Vin. And you've just given me the best present ever. I love you to son. Now sleep and have happy dreams."

Outside the snow began to fall once more, the flakes of ice drifting silently and unseen in the darkness of the woods. The morning sunrise would bring light and life once more to the world but for now, all slumbered in sweet repose and dreams, if any, were filled with warmth and joy.