"Ray," Isolde answered with a slight nod of her head, "Sylvie, I would be honored to nurse your daughter. I do need some supplies from home. Thank you, Gus? do you prefer Gus or August? " Isolde asked, frowning slightly as if to understand. She understood many things quite well. " Help with bringing my simples would be appreciated. As for payment, Dr. Netherton, one reason I came to Taverton was to reduce my need for money. You may pay me a small token but that is all and that for the children's home."<br/><br/>Isolde had no need for money. Her ages of living and as a vampire's consort had left her with wealth she took for granted. Being the natural woman she was , she didn't live rich. A glance at her clothes revealed a quality garment that had seen service. Her skin, hair and hands were well maintained but devoid of diamonds. Even her manner spoke of someone who had not struggled with poverty in many lifetimes.<br/><br/>"There is no need for August to accompany me back to my house, but if he could come in about an hour, I will be ready to go by then. Perhaps, Sylvie, you could sit with Kyrie during his absence for I agree with him that she mustn't be left alone. If she sleeps, let her sleep, but if she wakes, then she needs conversation, light conversation that does not demand she remember but rather serves to establish her in the here and now."<br/><br/>Isolde did not miss the by play of words and protest between parents and son. She wondered if the family had been turned together or if Ray was simply the sire to these two, one a wife the other a son. Ray was the strongest of the three. He had the power and confidence that the old ones develop. She understood the unlying goodness about this man in his reluctance to turn his daughter. She watched August with Kyrie and wondered if he would want her turned. The girl could no longer serve him with her blood but maybe, there was some true affection between them that could translate into an eternal love story.<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~~<br/><br/>The evening stars were beginning to be visible in the eastern sky as Isolde let herself into her house.the silence that greeted her was unsettling and she thought of Dolph, hoping he was well. Shaking her head  as if to fling errant thoughts away, she readied a bag for herself and put the necessary herbs in the large basket she normally used for gathering.  The house was cold so she built a small fire in the fireplace and then settled down in the chair by the hearth to read.<br/><br/>Her Book of Shadows was one that she had made for herself through the centuries of life. She had managed to always keep it where she could retrieve it in another life time which had worked for her well, with the exception of her life among the Navajo. A chuckle bubbled from her as she thought of that experience. The words and drawings on the pages took her attention until the soft knock came.<br/><br/>She opened to the door to see August. Without the slightest hesitation, she said,<br/><br/>"Wait there. I only have a couple of things." She was not offering him an invitation into her home because unseen any but the witch, she could see a crackling of electric energy playing along the lentil and the door posts. The protection spell she had readied with Dolph early was in full force, warning her of danger.<br/><br/>She handed out the large basket to the young man and slid the strap of her bag over her head.<br/><br/>"I'm ready," she said, stepping out to pull the door behind her.<br/><br/>On the way back, Isolde had a little trouble matching strides her companion.<br/><br/>"August, what is your thought on Kyrie? Do you want her changed or healed as a human?" she called to him, hoping he would slow down a little so she could learn more about him.