The day was waning into twilight as Ursala came into the house. She found Seth and Gerda in the kitchen talking. Raimo, Rhona and Serena had come back but were down by the lake - thankfully. Seth looked up. "My Queen...! Are you alright?" Her eyes were red and her face drawn. "It's not Sebastian, is it?" Ursala shook her head. "Your...your King wishes to speak with you both. He's out in the conservatory waiting for you. I'm not feeling well. You can come and speak to me later, Seth. Please do. I'll be up in my room." The pair headed out the back door where Seth had first let Gerda in and walked down toward the forest and the conservatory. The doors were wide open and Beren was waiting for them inside. He looked different somehow - not like Seth had ever seen him. It was his hair. It wasn't pulled back but hung loose about his shoulders. There was a cat on his lap, purring away as he stroked it's fur. The dying sun cast strange shadows about the place, making it seem as if they were walking into another world. He noticed Gerda was watching him as they walked. "What?" She smiled strangely, cocking a brow. "We are walkin' into another world, Seth - one ya know well - ya just don't remember. 'Tis about damn time," Gerda muttered to herself. "What?!" Her words left him puzzled. "Beren ain't just the King of the UnDead, ya know. He's a Fey laird - the Laird of the Bean-siddhe now that Angus, Rhona's father, is gone on. He's also a very formidable mage. I think you also saw some o' what he can do the other night. You don't feel the transition? See it? Just keep walkin'. You'll understand soon enough. love." Seth stopped abruptly as they neared the building. "Whoa! I can! I can see it now. There's fey things and lights all around us!" Gerda chuckled a bit cynically. "I would'na be callin' them 'things', if ya know what's good for ya. They got ears like owls, an' eyes like eagles. They're guardians - the wee folk. But don't let their size mislead you into thinkin' they can't harm you." "The lights.... They're beautiful. What are they doing?" "Wardin' the place from unwonted eavesdroppers and intruders, I'd imagine." They mounted the stairs and Gerda pushed him inside. "Go on - have a seat, Seth." She paused before sitting, addressing Beren, "Is this what I'm thinkin' it's about, milord?" Beren's eyes glowed in the candle-light, and he smiled slightly. "Aye Gerda Kelly, 'tis what you're thinkin' it is." "Thank you!" Gerda sat beside Seth, flinging herself back a bit over-dramatically and throwing her hands in the air. "Praise the goddess!!" ***** We're getting closer to finding out the big secret here that had Ursala so upset. Stay tuned.... Thanks for dropping by, for your comments and views. Gosh, here it is April 1st already. Well, I guess it's passed now for most of you. Cheers my dears, Rayvn Other credits: Building is 'The Conservatory' from DAZ Background is 'Woodland Playset 1' from DAZ Plants are from LB 'Hanging Plants' from DAZ Furniture is B9999's 'Queen Anne Parlor' set from DAZ Candle, box, globe and pentagram are from DMR's 'Dark Ritual' and 'Moon Cult' sets. Glowing bugs, clouds, lights, pixies are all Obsidian Dawn brushes (they're free!) SFX by me