Nimue listened through a contented haze as Maric explained his farce to his parents. At first, his mother’s lips were pursed together as if she had a bad taste in her mouth and Nimmie’s eyes darted between the older woman and Maric. Talia’s squealing with joy caused the woman to turn her gaze to the girl and few would have been able to resist her enthusiasm. She took her husband’s hand as she nodded in hearing how the two had met and the adventures they had had. Finally, she and Maric embraced. Nimue was glad to see the genuine affection he showed to his mother , for the way a man treated his lady mother was the way he would treat his wife.<br/><br/>Nimue turned to the other woman,<br/><br/>“No disrespect was intended for you,” she explained. “Maric has so long been a man on his own that he thought perhaps to never have the privilege of seeing you. When he heard you were still alive, he had expressed great joy and wanted to share a celebration with you. He thinks he is stealthy, but he forgets that I can read the waters as does the guardian.” She said, winking at him in merriment.<br/><br/>Turning to Talia she continued,<br/><br/>“We have not been marrit long,Talia. Ours was a whirlwind romance and a quick kindling of passion. We were joined by the Mother, the moon, and have waited for this day to have our Lady of the Lake join us in spirit.”<br/><br/>Faren and Samantha leaned against each other in the corner, as if Samantha had been afraid that Faren would not have returned in good health from the battle. Nimue smiled at the girl and then at everyone in the room.  With an impish smile, she announced,<br/><br/>“We have forgotten one very important family member.” And then went to the door, whistling. Soon a bump shook the house and Nimue said,<br/><br/>“She is here.”<br/><br/>The group crowded around the door to see the golden scaled dragon nuzzling muzzles with the large black stallion.<br/><br/>“Layla, the one who started Maric on his quest.” She said, spreading her arms wide.<br/><br/>“In the morning, the Lady will come and by night fall, we will have a feast, and music, and dancing and the blessing of Avalon.”