For all of the strangeness she had felt and the accidents, Tara's upbringing was essentially American.  Stories of the fairy folk and things that go bump in the night were children's tales.  She smiled at her aunt's back, and then brought over plates to put the pies on.  Drinking folk made hungry folk and even if things were getting a bit crazy outside these four walls, within it was still safe and warm.<br/><br/>Mary Lin still wore her sweater inside out and a line of salt lay across the door sill to the outside.  Tara felt a surge of love for the woman, who had carried on so well after her husband had died.  Lifting the tray carefully she brought it out to the counter, letting Maeve come over to serve the pies for whom she had orders for.  With a sigh, Tara undid the long braid her hair was in, and went to the outside window looking out into the night.  She was recoiling the braid up when something caught her eye.<br/><br/>Her attention seized she peered out, trying to see what movement it was, a wild animal? A deer? vandals? A smile curved her mouth, fairies? Still she saw nothing but the darkness, and with a final shrug she turned back, although there was an odd scent in the air.  She sniffed and it had an odd metallic scent, one she felt she should know, but couldn't quite place.  "Aunt Mary Lin, will you rest a bit? You've been on your feet all day, either out there or in the kitchen."  She moved behind the woman, rubbing her shoulders lightly.  Mary Lin sighed softly, glad for a moment's respite.<br/><br/>She nodded toward the chimney and the doors.  "I put Hawthorne up above tha 'window.  So ya donna need to fear they'll come in there. 'Sides as worried as I am, most of them would nae choose too come to us."  She smiled at her niece and patted her hand.  "Thank ye dear, I'll jes' sit here in ma rockin' chair by the fire for a few minutes.  If you're a willin' that I can rest while ye work ta earn your keep."<br/><br/>"No, of course not Aunt Mary Lin! I'd put you to sleep if I could convince you but I understand your concerns."  Tara bent over to kiss her Aunt's forehead and went out to the front, slipping into her designated role as hostess and barkeep.