~ Vince escorting Mari to the Lounge and just before Bo and Nicci entered<br/><br/>Vince caught a motion and glanced over to notice Bo coming around the far side of the table. A hint of conversation with Bo and a smile from Mila. Marcus there to scoop her to him as Bo found his dancin partner, Nicci.<br/><br/>The announcement from Bo as he and Nicci strolled off to find scotch.  Good, Vince thought.  Nothin sooths troubles better than the touch of a loving hand.<br/><br/>Vince turned his full attention back to the lovely lady that caught his eye. Mari had a way about her that touched him. Her eyes dancin, her voice calm as the first light of dawn. Yet there was a hint something in reserve.  Her direct look and smile set him at ease. She hadn't shrunk away like he was ah leaper, he kept thinking as he grinned despite himself.<br/><br/>And she took his arm. The warmth of her hand at his elbow. His own hand on hers with a tenderness he gave her. Her eyes spoke like he was wanted and he returned that delight back to her ten fold. He did indeed wish her by his side.<br/><br/>He wasn't expecting more and had no idea what he had done to earn her attention.  At first he thought she was just bein nice until that kiss. That was something else. On his cheek it was and plan to him there was affection in a deeper way.  He took it to mean that and would speak with her in private to see for sure.<br/><br/>The thought of her thinkin he, of all of them, was something.  Well, he could fight the Mores and Vikings with a hand behind his back couldn't he. He could do many things with such a fine woman waiting for his return.<br/><br/>They entered the lounge following Marcus and Mila. He felt a shift of Mari's hand on his elbow and he looked over at her to see what she might need. But it wasn't what she needed, not Mari the older of a tribe. It was what she could give.<br/><br/>He watched as she did the impossible. Fearlessly. She began fearlessly to open up the group. Give them time to play with the questions. There was no stoppin her. He moved with her even thought she left his arm to see to other things.<br/><br/>She was seein to her family needs. There was naught for him to do but help her at her task. The tray would be hard to hold as she passed the cups aboot after pourin.<br/><br/>"I'll lend ah hand, if you'd allow," Vince remarked as he stepped to the tray ready to take it up with Mari's permission.<br/><br/>Bo and Nicci had not yet returned but Vince was certain they were on the way.  Scotch can be very tricky to transport. Always better carried between two.<br/><br/>