The serpent waited until she was absolutely sure they were all asleep and slithered down from the branch.  She circled around Athren and returned to her human form not far away.  For a moment she stood and watched the three sleep, but swiftly picked up the child and held her.  Ophellia stirred lightly and opened her eyes.<br/><br/>"Who are...' She trailed off, still rather groggy from the nap.  Sophia merely put a finger to her lips to silence her and  began walking back toward the cottage.