Ame Gives Piglet a New Home

Amethyst McMahon gazes affectionately at the jumble of animals scattered outside Druid Cottage, grazing, drinking at the lake or simply resting in the shade of the trees.

*It's time for you all to return to the forest, my friends,* she says in calming tones and smiles as the wolf, raccoon, doe, assorted birds and piglet cock their heads and look at her with interest in their eyes.

Amethyst McMahon: turns as she hears the door open and smiles as she sees the Druid standing there. *Good morning, Druid. It is late so I hope you slept well. It has been a while since you truly rested.*

Jaekob Faolan nods, a smile curling onto his lips as he closes the distance to her. This was the most rested he had been in some months. But now, everything was set a'right and he could relax and enjoy the companionship of his mate and the simpler things he enjoyed in life. Now his people and his lands could heal and prosper.

Amethyst McMahon wanders over to where he stands and gives him a lingering kiss. *I was in Cheshire yesterday and everyone is so relieved that the Darkness has left the Lands and we all can sleep easier now. Everyone I spoke to has felt the lifting of the Shadows.*

Amethyst McMahon hesitates as she gazes up into his beloved face, the careworn look of the last weeks and months fading fast, "Jaek, do you believe that the Demon is truly gone? That he cannot return?"

Jaekob Faolan lets out a long sigh, a sign of contentment and peace. "Yes, beloved, I have no doubt the Demon is gone from our lands," he says as he holds her gently in his arms. "Though nothing is for certain, surely, I do not think we will be seeing that Demon again, Ame."

Amethyst McMahon: nods thoughtfully.

Amethyst McMahon: "And this Drow that you once met and who Xella said was the Demon.. what of him?", she asks quizzically.

Jaekob Faolan: "The Drow? hmmm Well, that is an uncertainty, beloved. I suppose if he somehow survived, he would return to his homelands."

Amethyst McMahon: smiles and kisses him quickly, before tugging at his hand and leading him along the river, *Come Druid, walk with me to the farm of Sara and Simon. Sara said she would give my wee friend Piglet a new home and the rest of our new friends are returning to their old homes today too.*

Amethyst McMahon: stops and peers over her shoulder to see the gathering of animals and birds watching them reluctantly. *Oh, come on, little friends, don't you want to go back to your homes, to find your friends and family again, now that the dangers have passed?*

She smiles as the raccoon scurries after them, setting the other critters in motion and the piglet runs squealing to her feet. She hitches him up into her arms, laughing at his zeal and taking the Druid's hand once again, they wander peacefully deeper into the forest.

Jaekob Faolan moves through the forest with her, hand in hand, with their entourage of animals.

Amethyst McMahon reaches the area once deadened by the Demon's Hellfire, now covered with a soft green carpet of young grass. "The Lands will fully recover, Jaek?*, she asks, squeezing his hand."

Jaekob Faolan returns the squeeze of hands and bites his lip, looking out at the land, hopefully, "Fiesty and Fitheach have seen to that, Ame. Already, there is no physical sign of damage. Now, we have but to get your little friends resettled," he says smiling softly, a bit of a twinkle in his eyes.

Amethyst McMahon smiles and turns around to say farewell to her animal friends, her hand brushing each as she wishes them well. "Go now and be safe and well once again."

Jaekob Faolan: "May the rains and storms guide you and keep you safe, my brothers and sisters," he says offering a small blessing to the animals.

Amethyst McMahon giggles as she watches the raccoon eyeing the wolf warily, before rushing off into the underbrush. The wolf glanced lazily in that direction, but his hunger was stilled after the care received at Druid Cottage, so with only a quick nod in their direction, he ambled off along the path, followed by the chattering birds. The doe then reluctantly took leave, moving only a short distance to begin nibbling at the fresh grass.

Amethyst McMahon looks at the Druid and murmurs somewhat sadly, "Let us bring Piglet to Sara now, my love. She is awaiting us and it may cheer her a little as she waits in hope of Simon's return."

Jaekob Faolan runs a hand through his hair, his face resuming a more passive look as he nods,"How is Sara doing, beloved? Still the rangers have found no sign of her missing husband. It....it....is such a mystery. I suppose his disappearance could have something to do with the Demon."

Amethyst McMahon: sighs, "I have been visiting her every other day and she remains strong and calm. Her mother and sister live near the farm and have been helping her with the upkeep. Old Nathaniel from the town is also tending to the larger animals for her. Still, she lives in hope that Simon will return any moment."

Amethyst McMahon: takes a deep breath and continues softly, "The townsfolk believe that Simon was taken and killed by the Demon, just like Dina. The Hellfire would have consumed him, leaving no trace. Simon was a responsible young man, who loved Sara devotedly. He would never just leave her so."

She frowns, "I think Sara believes this to be true as well, though she does not speak of it. She lives with the hope."

Jaekob Faolan: "Yes, he was a fine fellow and is well missed. I thank you for seeing to Sara's needs, beloved. If there is anything I can do, let me know hmmm?"

Amethyst McMahon: shakes her head sadly, "Yes, it is such a tragic situation," she pauses, "look Druid, Sara is over there, bringing in the milk. Let us not talk of this before her. She will be pleased that you have come to see her. She needs all our support right now.:

She hails Sara and smiles brightly at the young woman, "Greetings, Sara. I have bought you wee Piglet as promised!"

Sara (NPC): "Greetings Amethyst*, she manages a tired smile, before turning to Jaekob and curtsying, *Greetings, King Jaekob, it is an honor to welcome you here once again"

Jaekob Faolan nods and smiles, putting a hand to chest his, "Greetings mi'lady. It is....well... I am much pleased to see you again."

Amethyst McMahon: gazes from Jaek to Sara and smiles, "we won't keep you from your chores Sara. But if you should need anything, you know where to find us. I will visit you...", she laughs as she places the squirming piglet in Sara's outstretched arms, *... and Piglet again on the morn."

Sara (NPC): takes the piglet, burying her face in its soft belly, a tear escaping her eye. She draws a breath and looks at her visitors, "Many thanks, Amethyst. Piglet will be well looked after here. My sister, Lisbeth, adores the babies. Thank you both for coming all this way. May I give you some cheese and bread, freshly made, for your table."

Without waiting for an answer, she gently releases piglet onto the grassy ground and hurries into the cottage, soon returning with a basket filled with her gifts.

Ame Gives Piglet a New Home

Amethyst McMahon: "Many thanks, Sara. Your cheese is the best I have ever tasted. Take care, dear friend. Until tomorrow". She took the basket and pressed Sara's hand in thanks, before taking the Druid's hand once again.

Jaekob Faolan squeezes Ame's hand gently in his as they turn to make their way home. He pauses briefly and looks over his shoulder at Sara and Piglet before turning his gaze forward, toward home and the coming of better times.