The sky was that crisp, clear, vibrant blue that only occurs in the heart of summer... and yet here it was already autumn. By the chill in the air, one would be tempted to say the edge of winter. A gust of wind rushed over the field, stirring dead and dying grasses and whipping up miniature tornado's full of leaves that set the horses prancing in eagerness to be off. The two young foals that accompanied the older horses, took off, racing in circles, neighing their joy. Two men rode across the meadow, herding several mares and the foals back to the main pasture and the waiting stables.

The high pitched shriek of children's laughter sounded and a moment later a blond head of unruly hair appeared over the crest of the hill, quickly followed by several others of varying shades. The blond came to a stop as he spotted the man sitting on the lead horse and then waved, grinning wildly.

Nate MacDonnell lifted the black cowboy hat from his head and waved it in return, eliciting a round of cheers and hand waving from the group of kids who split to run on either side of the horses, careful to keep out of the way.

He came to a stop as the youngest of the group climbed onto the rock wall and bounced on her toes to get his attention. He chuckled softly before he sidled his horse, Nightmare over to the wall and lifted her to sit in front of him. "Mornin', Bethie." He said cheerfully, one arm wrapped around the four year old girl as he guided Nightmare back away from the wall.

"Mornin'!" she chirped in response, snuggling back against him happily.

Nate glanced behind him to see the blond had enticed one of the mares to the wall and had scrambled up to ride bareback. He watched as he shifted, quickly getting his balance and helped another boy up behind him. "Ye alright, Evan? Fredrick?" he asked and received twin grins in reply as the thirteen year old Evan got the mare headed towards the house at an easy walk, eight year old Fredrick sitting behind him as casually as if he was glued there.

"Aye, sir!" Evan called out and Nate winced slightly at the title, but chuckled at the look his cousin shot him as the second stallion pulled even with him. Duncan had the red headed six year old Johanna sitting behind him, her arms wrapped tight around him and her blue eyes were sparkling something fierce.

"Don' worry, Natey…I'm sure ye'll break 'im of it sooner or later. It's only been eight years…." Duncan said cheerfully as they watched the two boys coax the mare into a trot that had Nate ready to race off and catch one of them should they slip off. "Either tha'... or yer head'll swell up until ye start t' enjoy it…" he added before pulling ahead of him, urging his horse, Toranado, into an easy canter that had Johanna giggling.

Nate snorted softly, his eyes on the boys who continued to ride with an easy grace that stirred a deep seated pride in him. "Look at those brothers o' yers, Bethie… one of 'em is gonna wind up fallin' on his head sooner or later…" he said casually before letting Nightmare pick up his pace a bit.

The four year old giggled. "Nuh uh…" she said, shaking her head, her hands resting on his arm.

"Hmm… ye might be righ'… Ther MacDonnell's fer sure… an' we MacDonnell's rarely fall off horses, do we, luv?"

The little girl shook her head hard enough to make herself dizzy, which had her giggling again. "Can we race 'em?" she asked, pressing her head back into his chest as she looked up at him, her face glowing with the size of her smile.

Nate chuckled softly as he looked down at her. "Not with 'em bareback, sweetheart. An' not with th' foals runnin' loose. Maybe later, alright?" he said and the little girl sighed, snuggling back against him, content to ride at what ever pace he set as long as he was holding her.

The manor house came into view as they crested the hill and started down to it towards the stables where Duncan was already entering the paddock. He watched as the stable master, Quin, went to lift Johanna down; his helper heading over to Evan and Fredrick in case they needed a hand. By the time he got any where near them however, both boys had leapt almost effortlessly to the ground and were racing each other to the fence.

He pulled Nightmare to a halt as he spotted a plume of dust down near the end of lane and watched as a sleek black car raced into view, heading straight for the house. With a snort of amusement, Nate leaned down closer to Bethie. "What'd ye say, Bethie…? Shall we race yer grandda t' th' house?" he asked lightly, his eyes sparkling. At Beth's exuberant agreement, he spurred Nightmare into a gallop, leaping down the hill.

The others saw them coming and cheered them on; the boys sitting on the top rail of the fence next to the gate. Laughing out loud at the sheer fun of it, Nate's arm tightened around the four year old as they sped over the pasture and, with a shrill shriek of laughter from Beth, jumped the fence.

Nate chuckled at the loud complaints at the move from Quin; the man bitching that the stallion would be jumping the fence whenever he felt like it for the next month now and only encouraging the others to do the same.

 By the time he hit the drive, the car had just pulled to a stop. "Crap." He said, laughingly. "Looks like he beat us, luv." He said as Nightmare slowed to a canter then pranced closer to the car, still wound up from the run.

Colin MacDonnell shut the door then leaned back against the car, watching his youngest son. "Mornin' Nathaniel. Mornin' Bethany."

"Good mornin', Grandda! Did ye see us?!" Beth asked, her eyes glowing with excitement, much the same as Nate's were.

"Mornin', Da. What brings ye out this early?!" he asked as he managed to get Nightmare settled down enough the stallion stood with only the odd stamp and head toss to display his eagerness for more running.

"Aye, Bethany... I saw ye. Tha' was a nice jump, there." He said with a wink before looking up at Nate. "Needed t' speak with ye, son. It's no' somethin' I'd care t' discuss over th' phone."

"I see… well, then. Head on in, Da. I'll join ye in a minute." He said, his voice losing its animation at the serious tone in his fathers; A tone he only heard when the topic of discussion was going to be the Witches Council.  "Come on, Bethie, luv. Let's go hand Nightmare over t' th' boys fer a good groomin' an' then ye can go find yer sisters an' sweet talk 'em int' getting' ye a snack…"

Beth leaned around Nate as he turned Nightmare back towards the stables and waved at her grandfather.

Duncan was leaning back against the fence with Toronado's head hanging over his shoulder; the horse nuzzling his coat pocket in search of treats as Duncan stroked his nose. He spotted the look on Nate's face as he swung down out of the saddle and lifted Bethany down before tossing the reigns to Fredrick. "Bad news?" he asked as the boys lead the stallion into the stables, much to the horse's dismay.

"Probably. Not much else would bring Da out here this early… 'specially with all th' kids runnin' around." Nate answered and set the young girl down. "Go on, luv. Back t' th' house with ye." He said and Bethany gave a giggle and ran towards the house as told.

"That's no' fair, Natey… ye know Uncle Colin loves th' kids…"

Nate snorted. "Aye, Dunc… never meant t' imply he didnae… but I know they make him miss mum even more. Just bein' here is hard enough on him." He said softly as headed towards the house.

"D' ye want me t' stick around, then?" Duncan called after him. "Did he say anythin' about me joinin' ye?"

Nate shook his head. "Didnae say anythin'… th' choice is yers, Dunc. Ye know yer welcome."

He was half way to the house when Duncan caught up to him, one hand brushing horse slobber off the pocket of his coat. "Well… least ye can update him on th' family while he's here…" he said with a slight smirk.

Nate smirked slightly in return. "Oh aye… no doubt that'll make his day. Fuck… ifn' they know of it already it might very well be why he's here…"

Duncan snorted grinning as he slapped his cousin on the back. "Aye… Nathaniel MacDonnell... biggest pain in th' arse th' Council's had in decades... an' not a bloody damned thing they do about ye, either." He said with a soft laugh and gave him a shove, knocking him off balance as he sprinted for the house.

Nate caught himself after a slight stumble. "Bloody prat…" he muttered softly, his eyes sparkling with a bit of his old humor as he straightened his hat and took off after him.

* *

Colin was standing by the fireplace in Nate's study, a glass in his hand as he stared into the flames of a newly laid fire. "So what can I do fer ye, Da…?" Nate asked softly as Duncan shut the door behind them.

Colin didn't turn to look at either of them, but remained staring into the flames. "Ye know th' answer t' tha' already, Nathaniel." He said simply as he took a drink. "An' I know ye damned well won't bloody do it, so there's no point in askin', is there?" he said then snorted softly. "Not tha' I'd ask, anyhow… ye know m' heart's with ye."

Nate smiled softly if a touch sad as he sank into one of the chairs and tossed his hat towards the antique desk. "Aye… so why even bring it up? What I meant was what's brought ye out here this time?"

Colin snorted softly, his back still to the two men. "How many d' ye have here now, Nathaniel?" he asked softly.

"Six… plus Tam an' Tristan, o' course. An' Fritch has another he's bringin' in today, most likely; A young Italian lass. Cavallaro, I believe was th' name." Nate replied matter of fact, as he crossed his ankles and laid his hands over his stomach, completely at ease, a pony tail of vibrant copper hair spilling over his chest. "But I figured ye knew that… since yer here an' all."

Colin sighed heavily and tossed back the rest of his drink before heading to the mini bar that was built into the wall behind the desk. He poured another generous measure of scotch into his glass before saying anything. "Nine, Nathaniel." He said softly.

"Seven, Da. Tam an' Tristan are blood, after all… th' Council cannae rightfully complain about a man raisin' his own daughter an' nephew, now can they?" he asked lightly. "Not gonna ask if ye can pour one fer us while yer there?" he asked and Colin snorted, turning to lean back against the bar.

"No." Colin answered simply, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Fer fuck's sake, Nathaniel! How long do ye think ye can get away with this?!" he said, the smirk vanishing. "Do ye know how many arguments I've listened t' over this? From the Council an' from some of th' other Families, as well!"

Nate smirked softly as Duncan leaned back against the bookcase beside him, his arms crossed casually, despite his unease at the confrontation between the two. "I can guess. An' th' only Families tha' are complainin' are probably th' ones with somethin' t' hide or t'lose." His eyes sparkled slightly as he did his best to bite back the smirk that escaped as he added. "Th' Council's only bitchin' cause I beat them to it."

"Damn it, Nathaniel! I'm bloody serious here!" Colin snapped.

Nate's smirk vanished and he sat up straight in his chair. "So am I, Da. Deadly fuckin' serious. Those kids' lives were at stake, not just their well bein'. Do ye honestly think I'd put them in danger just t' piss off th' Council?" he snapped in return then sighed and sank back in his chair. "Why are we goin' over this shite again, Da?" he asked quietly.

"Because ye keep doin' it, Natey!" He said, finishing off his second drink and slamming the empty glass into the fire where it shattered against the brick. "Damn it all t' Hell, lad! Ye've got th' entire fuckin' Council fumin'! An' I'm no' talkin' just th' high seats.. I'm talkin' th' whole bloody thing! Even yer old supporters are startin' t' side with th' bastards! It was one thing with th' first lad… th' whole Council supported ye on tha' one. An' th' O'Bannon  lass as well…" Colin said, pacing angrily before the fireplace. "But ye kept it up, lad! SEVEN, Nathaniel! Ye've taken seven children from th' other Families an' rather then just foster them like th' original agreement called fer.. ye bloody fuckin' ADOPTED them!!"

"So what's th' problem, Uncle Colin?" Duncan asked simply from his place against the bookshelf. "Is it tha' Nate's doin' th' Council's job in protectin' these children from ther own families… Or is it that he's makin' them MacDonnell's an' increasin' our own Clan?"

Colin shot Duncan a look then sighed heavily and plopped down into the chair behind the desk, picking up a pen and toying with it idly. "Both." He admitted a touch quieter. "Although I think th' first they might have continued t' over look… At least in most cases. I think it's the adoptions that have them so bleedin' pissed at ye." He said, shooting Nate a look. "Ye started out just fosterin' what th' Council was willin' t' see as 'problem children'. I doubt they are even aware tha' th' kids all have fae blood, lad. Th' families made sure t' keep tha' sort o' thing secret after.. well.. after what happened with yer mother an' yerself…" Colin said, his voice dropping even softer.

Nate watched his father calmly. "All they know fer sure was tha' th' kids either wernae developin' ther magic as well as they shoulda been, or were provin' t' be … difficult in other ways. Tha' was th' point, da." He said simply. "As long as th' Council saw me as merely takin' on a task tha' needed t' be done but tha' no one really care t' do fer them selves… they supported me. Tha's how I was able t' get a foothold in th' Families. When I stepped up an' asked t' be allowed t' foster th' MacIntyre lad, there were quite a few of 'em tha' saw this as a chance t' distance themselves from ther problems with it. That's why they let me take th' first few. I was willin' t' deal with th' shite tha' was drivin' th' rest of them up th' bleedin' wall. Hell, da… a couple of them came forward an' asked me t' take ther kids!"

"What are they plannin', Uncle Colin?" Duncan asked softly, bringing them both back to the matter at hand and out of an old argument.

Colin sighed heavily and rubbed both hands over his face. "I don' know, lad. Ye don' really think any of 'em would dare speak of ther plans against m' own son around me, now do ye?"

"But I'm not yer own son, now am I, Da?" Nate asked softly. "I'm tha' half fae bastard tha' ye were tricked int' claimin' as yer own. Th' bastard tha' ye continue t' claim out of no more then love fer yer dearly departed wife." He said, the brilliant green of his eyes darkening as he spoke. "Yer own son died, leavin' ye with just one grandson of yer own blood t' carry on yer line… An' yer nephew, of course, but everyone knows he's nothin' but a trouble lovin' ne'er-do-well, just like ye used t' be before ye settled down an' married. An' t' make matters worse, th' half fae bastard is raisin' yer grandson an' no doubt ruinin' him."

Colin lurched out of his chair and resumed his angry pacing. "Ye know I hate tha', Natey. Yer mother's no doubt turnin' in her grave at th' whole charade. I never gave a fuck about whose blood ye carried. Yer my son, damn it! I bloody fuckin' hate livin' this damned lie just t' stay on th' Council an' keep workin'..."

"Is th' Council still pressin' ye t' take custody of Tristan yerself, then?" Nate asked simply as he watched his father stalk from one side of the room to the other. "Or are they still after ye t' disown me completely?"

Colin snorted softly and shot Nate a look. "They never fuckin' stop pesterin' me t' disown ye… They started right before yer mothers death.. an' they havnae let up since. They were never very insistent about it however.. just nudgin' me about it every now an' then…"

"Until th' weddin'…" Duncan added and Colin growled softly.

"Aye… since th' weddin' they've been on m' arse damn near constantly. Over disownin' ye an' takin' Tristan fer me own." He admitted before pausing at the bar long enough to get a new glass and pour another drink.

"An' how is m' dear step-mum reactin' t' th' prospect o' raisin' yer grandson? She never seemed tha' thrilled at bein' a grandmother t' begin with, as I recall." Nate said lightly, his gaze leaving his father and going to the fire. "Tha's th' problem with marryin' a woman half yer age, I suppose…"

"He wouldnae be her grandson, Natey.. didnae ye hear him? He said th' Council wants him t' take Tristan as his own…" Duncan said simply, pushing away from the bookcase and heading to the bar.

Nate looked up at that. "What?" he asked, surprised. "They want ye t' adopt him? What th' fuck fer?!"

Colin snorted as he moved aside enough for Duncan to pour a drink. "I don' have a fuckin' clue, lad. Maybe they think it's a way of erasin' ye from th' lad's life. Maybe they just see it as another way o' fuckin' th' MacDonnell family over… who th' fuck knows. Th' lot o' them are fuckin' looney tunes anyhow…" he muttered into his drink.

Nate smirked softly. "I think yer drunk, da…"

Colin shot him a glare. "I'm not bloody knackered! I only had two! This is m' third.. ye saw!"

Nate chuckled softly. "Aye .. an' how many did ye have before we got here? Or before ye even drove up th' lane?" he asked and Colin snorted, shooting him a sour look.

"Ye sound like yer mother.." Colin said softly. "Lards I miss her…" he added then turned towards the fire again, his fingers tightening around the glass in his hand.

"Da! Please don' be tossin' any more glasses in' th' fire… ye'll have th' maids in an uproar over it." Nate said.

Colin snorted but finished his drink and carefully set the empty glass on the desk instead. "Ye know I didnae want t' remarry… right Natey?" he asked softly. "No one could ever replace yer mother…"

Nate sighed softly. "Of course I know tha', Da. Ye didnae have any more choice in th' matter then ye had th' first time around with mum. Only this time ye had th' Council choosin' yer bride an' breathin' down yer neck over it rather than yer parents."

Colin smirked sadly. "Aye… but last time I wound up fallin' head over heels fer m' bride an' didnae mind getting' married. This time…" he sighed heavily.

"This time yer heart still belongs t' yer first wife an' yer second wife knows tha'. She's no' a bad woman, ye know, Da. She can be a right bitch when it comes t' me runnin' HawksCliff instead of ye… but I know ye like her. Ye wouldnae have married her ifn ye didnae at least like th' woman…" Nate said softly. "Would it help matters ifn I gave it up?" he asked softly. "Ifn I packed up an' took th' kids t' th' States out o' th' Councils reach?"

Colin snorted and shot Nate a look. "Don’t be daft. HawksCliff is yers, Nathaniel. Th' kids belong here too. Th' MacDonnell's have always grown up with HawksCliff. Yer additions t' th' clan included." He said then snorted. "Besides… I cannae live here again. Not with Elizabeth as th' woman of th' house an' Helena's spirit still so strong here…" he added softly.

"Are th' kids in danger, Uncle Colin?" Duncan asked softly. "Or just Natey?"

Colin sighed. "Just Nathaniel fer now. Although once they dig out th' fact tha' all th' children ye've adopted from th' other families are half fae, like yerself… I doubt they'll let tha' go. Takin' th' lot t' America won' help ye much, either lad… they've got ther contacts over there strong enough now. Th' only way th' lot of ye'd be safe… would be t' take them all through t' Ter Nah Nog an' yer father, Nathaniel."

"Yer m' father." Nate said simply. "Kellin's a good man an' all, an' I'm sure he'd do whatever he could t' help us… but yer m' father, Da… not him. Don' be fergettin' tha'. "

Colin smiled softly at that. "Thank ye, Natey. I'm proud of ye, lad. Yer a major pain in m' arse at times, but… I'm damn proud of th' man ye are. Try not t' get yerself killed an' leave me with all those damned kids t' look after. One half fae bastard runnin' around under m' feet was bad enough… I sure as hell wouldnae survive seven of them. Don't suppose yer plannin' on adoptin' any non-fae children?"

Nate smirked. "Actually, Da… th' new lass isnae fae." Colin's eyebrow rose at that and Nate smirked even more before he finished. "Her babe is."

Colin looked shocked at that bit of news. "Hold up… who are ye adoptin' then… th' lass... or th' babe? I was under th' impression th' lass was just a child herself! There wasnae mention of a babe…"

"I've already adopted th' lass. Fritch filed th' paperwork before pickin' her up. Her name's Elousia, by th' way. An' she is just a child… fourteen. Same as Tamara." Nate said, his voice going a bit softer as he continued. "Her mother pretty much sold her off t' a half fae sorcerer. Supposedly it was t' be a marriage, but tha' never happened. Th' lass's grandmother caught wind of it an' contacted me about getting' her t' safety. Seems th' mother wasnae alone in settin' up th' deal with th' bastard. They discovered she was already pregnant shortly after havin' her kidnapped from th' bastards house. Eire did th' honors… seems th' lass had been hurt bad enough he took it personal. There's one less 'dark witch' in Italy."

Duncan laughed softly. "Aye .. so since Natey's already adopted th' lass… tha' means when th' babe's born… he'll be a grandda himself. Which means yer goin' t' be a great grandda. How does tha' feel, Uncle Colin?"

"Fourteen." Colin said softly, shaking his head slowly. "Un-fuckin'-believable… an' th' poor thing's havin' th' bastards child? Didnae anyone consider getting' th' lass an abortion?!"

Nate snorted softly. "Da… "

Colin sighed heavily. "Fuckin' Catholic bullshit…" he muttered darkly.
 
Nate laughed softly. "Da!" he said, his eyes sparkling. "Yer goin' t' Hell fer tha'."

Colin snorted, his own eyes sparkling in return. "Goin' t' Hell fer a lot o' things, lad… speakin' th' truth just seems t' be a recurrin' one… Least accordin' t' th' church."

Nate snorted softly. "Actually, da… I think her keepin' th' babe is more than just a religious matter."

Colin sighed again. "Aye… yer mother would side with her. She'd whack me a good one fer even suggested it, ye know… But I cannae help thinkin' how hard it'll be on such a young lass t' have a baby. Not t' mention th' babe will be a constant reminder of what she went through…"

"Or tha' she got through it." Nate suggested softly. "She survived it an' came out of it with a new life inside her t' share with th' world…"

Colin look at Nate for a full minute then snorted. "Ye sound like yer mother." He repeated then suddenly smirked. "So... how does it feel t' know yer goin' t' be a grandda at thirty two?" he asked pleasantly, his eyes sparkling like mad.

"I'm thirty three, thank ye. Thirty four shortly after th' babe arrives..." Nate replied simply. "An' it feels pretty good knowing I'll still be young enough t' enjoy playin' with th' wee bugger. Stand a chance o' keepin' up with him. Or her. How does it feel knowin' yer th' grandda of nine with a great grandchild on th' way?"

Colin's smirk faded into a soft smile. "Good, but damn sad an' lonely." He said softly. "I wish yer mum could be here... she'd enjoy th' shite out of it." He said softly. "I'd better go… I just came t' warn ye about just how badly yer pissin' em off, Nathaniel. They won't stand fer any more. I wouldnae be surprised t' find they've already marked ye… be careful, son. Watch yer back."

Nate stood and went to pull his father into a hug. "I will, Da. I miss ye… drop by t' bitch at me more often, alright?"

Colin gave a soft snort and pulled free, heading for the door. "I think ye'd best get in touch with yer… with Kellin." He said softly. "I think it's only a matter o' time, lad…"

"Alright, Da… as soon as Eire joins us with Elouisa an' Fritch, I'll see to it." Nate said softly.

"Take care o' yerself, Uncle." Duncan called after him and Colin gave him a soft smirk in reply.

 "You too, lad. Just because yer cousin's on th' top of ther shit list.. doesnae mean yer not still on it too…"

Duncan gave a slight nonchalant shrug. "Keeps life interestin'."

Colin snorted softly, shaking his head as he headed out to his car, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as some of the children shouted hello to him as they ran past playing.

"Great Grandda." He muttered softly. "Elizabeth will have a fuckin' cow when she learns o' that… Heaven help me…"

**
Nate had just finished writing the name 'Elousia Cavallaro MacDonnell' into the Clan Register; the ninth such name he'd added to the ledger. The first being his daughter Tamara, fourteen years ago, followed by his nephew Tristan, although the lad was two years older then her.

His additions to the Register where the only ones in several generations that didn't follow in birth order. They were also the only ones in several generations that were marked as adoptions, listing their bloodlines… and their fae blood. He'd made the fae bloodline note to his own name shortly after his mother's death several years earlier.

He set the pen aside and read over the list of names, smiling softly before closing the book and returning it to its place. In seven months he'd have a new name to add in… his first grandchild. The thought made him smile even more and he shook his head softly at the teasing he knew would be coming from his cousins. Eire especially, no doubt… at least he would once he was home for a while and the events in Italy had faded a bit.

His cousin hadn't said much about it since they'd arrived. Fritch told him that Elouisa had been clinging fearfully to Eire since he'd taken her from that house where she'd been held. It wasn't until they arrived in Scotland that she'd managed to pull herself together enough to let go of him.

Even so, when they'd arrived, Eire had been standing close to her as if ready to catch her if she showed any sign of weakness; that same fierce protectiveness that he showed with Tamara. No doubt he'd taken Elousia's situation so personally because she as the same age as Tam. She'd always been his favorite, but then Tam was Nate's own child, and Eire and him had always been close. More like brothers at times.

Plus Eire had been there when Tam had been born… he'd been the one to help deliver her and cut the cord when Nate himself couldn't. Nate was sure at times that Eire looked on Tamara as being as much his daughter as Nate's, and he couldn't fault him for it. The man had been by his side through more shit than any friendship could endure, and yet theirs had not only endured but grown. Not even discovering the fact that they were actually cousins could make them any closer. If it so happened that Eire considered himself a second father to his daughter.. or to any or all of his children, then he'd be damned proud to share the title of 'dad' with him.

"Yer day dreamin' again, Natey. Snap out of it.."

Nate blinked and looked up, only then realizing he'd been standing there running his finger over the Registers case, staring at nothing. "Sorry… was just thinkin' how lucky me an' th' kids are t' have ye with us." He said simply.

Eire gave a soft snort but Nate thought he caught the hint of a blush. "Yeah well… ye'd be a wreck without me around… Someone has t' save yer sorry arse."

Nate smirked in reply and headed to pour them each a drink, handing one to Eire before he spoke again. "So… ye gonna tell me th' full story?" he asked softly.

Eire snorted again as he took a drink then gave a lazy half shrug. "Not much t' tell. Like I told ye on th' phone… found her locked in a room not much better'n a cell, her ankle chained t' th' fuckin' bed. She'd been beaten; mostly just her back an' th' one bruise on her cheek. Plus th' burns t' her legs… I got her out, handed her over t' be healer an' went back in after th' bastard. Tha's it."

Nate snorted softly. "Ye went back in an' killed him…"

"Aye." Eire said simply before looking at Nate. "Ye would've too, mate. Ye didn't see her there… Ye just saw her once she was healed an' cleaned up an' had a few days t' recover."

Nate smirked softly. "Wasnae complainin', E'. Just makin' sure th' bastard got what he deserved."

Eire gave him a cold look before smirking softly, his eyes hard. "He did." He said simply and Nate nodded.

"Like I said… me an' th' kids are damned lucky t' have ye, Eire. I was just thinkin'… Yer Tam's godfather. Th' other's don’t have one… not within th' family, anyhow. Plus there's Ella's babe t' consider, as well. Dunc'll whine.. but ye know it's yers ifn ye care to." Nate said softly as he took a swallow of his drink. "Da seems t' believe th' Council will be gunnin' fer m' hide shortly… he thinks we should head t' Fae lands fer a bit t' keep everyone safe…"

Eire was quiet for a moment. "Ye want to dump th' kids on yer old man ... or mine?" he asked with a smirk, the blue eyes sparkling as Nate looked up and caught his look, chuckling softly.

 "Fuck… let's nail both." He said then snorted softly. "Ye know… between th' two of us an' th' kids… we've got blood ties with a number o' th' Courts. Assumin' any o' them would acknowledge th' wee ones…"

"Yer thinkin' th' threat o' havin' a shite load o' pissed off Fae rainin' Hell down on ther heads would keep th' Council at bay?" Eire asked lightly, then snorted, shaking his head lightly as he drank. "I don' think ther smart enough t' be afraid, Natey. I think ther too blind t' see past ther own predjudices. Nothin' short of th' Fae actually doin' it would get th' Council's attention, an' even then th' fools would convince themselves it was yer fault; yer's an' th' kids."

"So ye agree with, Da? We should pack up an' run?" Nate asked softly.

"No. I think we need t' make sure th' kids are safe an' then deal with th' fuckin' Council. Like we shoulda done years ago." He said, tossing back the last of his drink. "An' if th' safest place fer 'em is in Ter Nah Nog.. then fuck it.. we'll take 'em to Ter Nah Nog…"

Nate sighed softly before tossing back the last of his own drink. "Aye. An' deal with th' consequences tha' trip has on 'em afterwards…" he sighed again then smirked softly. "Ye know… I'm tempted t' look up Kay an' see ifn' she's bored…"

Eire gave a sharp bark of laughter at that. "Oh aye… she'd die laughin' t' see ye th' father o' nine an' a grandfather to be…She'd be too weak from laughin' so hard t' be any help."

Nate shot him a dark look. "Thank ye, cousin. Just remember… yer gonna be Grand Uncle Eire…"

Eire snorted, his eyes still laughing. "Nah… just Uncle Eire… th' only 'grand' that ever gets used except formally is grandda an' grandmum…Which brings t' mind…"

"Shut yer yap, Montgomery." Nate snapped.

"Come on now, Natey…keep tellin' ye, kids need a mum… An'  ther's plenty o' ladies got ther eyes on ye. Like Sheila down at th' pub fer instance.."  Eire managed to duck the book that flew at his head easily, chuckling as Nate headed to the door.

"Don' ye even joke about it, E'…" Nate growled at him.

"Yer right… ye need someone young enough t' handle raisin' nine kids between th' ages of one an sixteen, but be mature enough t' handle bein' a grandmother within the year…" Eire continued, sounding almost cheerful as he snapped his fingers, following Nate out the door. "What about Margot?"

"Fuck off, Montgomery. I'm not marryin' anyone." He growled then glanced over his shoulder at him. "Th' kids need a mum so bad… help yerself. Ye can find a frilly apron around here somewhere I'm sure…"

The nanny carrying one year old Ewan, dodged aside as she made her way to the kitchen, deftly avoiding the two men as they chased each other laughing down the hall and out the back door. Two year old Morgan watched them go, her eyes wide in surprised delight as she held onto her nanny's skirt with one hand. "Bad." The toddler said simply and the woman snorted. "That's right, Morgan… runnin' in the house is very bad…" she agreed. "Shame no one seems to have taught them that.."

**

Nate looked out over the dining room at his family and tried to decide where to begin. Everyone was watching him expectantly... Even the toddlers in their highchairs, their nanny between them. For a moment he just looked at them; red haired Tristan, so like his brother Michael it was almost painful at times. Copper haired, freckled Tamara who took after him completely. Grey eye'd Evan with his blond curls. Black haired Fredrick with the intense blue eyes that seemingly shifted shades at random. Red haired Johanna with the curls that were between Nate's own copper and Tristan's deeper shade of red. Golden haired Bethany and Ewan, their hair so close in coloring that they could pass as true siblings, a slight hint of red gold catching the light every now and then. Little Morgan's brown hair, so perfectly straight, and Elousia's rich chocolate brown waves. 

Aside from Elousia, he could see the hints of fae blood in each of them, but he knew it was mostly because he knew to look.

Expect for Ewan and Morgan. Anyone could see the fae in them; Ewan more readily.

The gently pointed ears were shared by half the children, although all wore their hair long enough to hide them so they weren't readily apparent, and even with their ears showing, the point really wasn't that noticeable.

Except for Ewan and Morgan.

Ewan's ears were very definitely fae. But it was his eyes that truly caught your attention. A green so pale as to almost be white, surrounded by thick dark lashes that only made them even more striking.

Morgan's ears were slightly less pointed than Ewan's, but still quite a bit more so than the others. Her eyes as well were obviously fae; golden and chocolate faeire swirls that bore the same black ring around the iris that Nate's own eyes had taken on.

The two toddlers obvious fae features were why they were with him; their mothers had done their best to keep their relationships with their fae lovers a secret to protect their unborn children from their families wrath. When it became obvious they couldn't continue to do so, they had both signed custody over to him, allowing him to adopt them to keep them safe.

The other children he'd had to step in and remove from their families, both on his own and with legal help. Evan had been five and was being regularly abused for both his lack of precision in his magic and for the fact that he didn't look like his 'father'. Fredrick and Johanna had both been on the verge of being 'traded' into the black market when their 'fathers' discovered they weren't their fathers after all. Pretty golden haired Bethany had been taken from her young unwed mother and given to an aunt to raise… The young mother had been hysterical about her infant half fae daughter being raised by  an extremely prejudiced aunt and the man who'd molested her as a child, that she'd sworn very loudly that she'd rather see the babe dead than in their hands…

And of course, Elousia… Ella and her unborn child.

With a heavy sigh, Nate cleared his throat. "I asked ye all t' stay seated because I've got some things t' tell ye about." He said simply.

"So tell us, already, Da… I've got a paper t' finish writin' tonight." Tristan said, receiving a friendly whack across the chest from Tamara.

 "That's what ye get for waitin' th' whole week before startin'…" she said softly and Tristan gave her a light shove.

"Enough." Nate said simply and both teens looked up at him.

"This is somethin' serious... isn' it Da?" Tam asked softly.

“Aye luv… it’s somethin’ serious.” He answered softly and could swear he felt the mood around the table shift to an even more cautious curiosity then before. He cleared his throat then looked up at the chandelier a moment before starting to speak. “Th’ lot of us will be headin’ off t’ meet yer other grandfathers shortly. Those of ye in school will be turnin’ in any work ye have waitin’ t’ be done,” he said, looking at Tristan “but ye say nothin’ about us leavin’. Th’ only ones who know are right here in this room… plus yer grandda.”

“Where are we goin’, da?” Evan asked at the same time Tamara asked when they were leaving, but it was the word ‘da’ that caught Nate’s ear; All the children had taken to calling him ‘da’ quickly enough, but Evan, despite being the first adopted and with him the longest, still called him ‘sir’ the most, saving ‘da’ for important or emotional times. “We’re headin’ t’ Ter Nah Nog, lad… We’ll be headin’ out in a few days, just as soon as yer Uncle Eire an’ myself hear back from yer grandfathers about where yer all gonna be stayin’. Probably Wednesday.”

“What d’ ye mean, where WE’ll be stayin’…?” Tam asked softly. “Yer not stayin’ with us?”

Tristan stood from his seat and shot Nate a furious look. “Fuck tha’! Yer no’ dumpin’ us off an’ comin’ back t’ deal with whatever trouble’s comin’! I’m stayin’ with ye!”

“Sit yer arse down an’ watch yer mouth.” Nate barked and Tristan automatically dropped back in his chair, his face burning as the other children looked at him. “Ye’ll damned well do as I say, an’ tha’s that. Th’ lot of ye are stayin’ in Ter Nah Nog where ye’ll be safe with family, while yer uncle an’ m’self take care of things here.”  He caught the fierce look on Tamara’s face and sighed. “Look… I appreciate ye wantin’ t’ help… I do. But there’s no place fer any of ye in this mess right now. I need ye t’ stay with th’ others.. Tris, Tam… ye hear me? They need ye more than I do…. Yer grandfathers don’ have any experience chasin’ after children, an’ Ter Nah Nog is a dangerous place… especially fer half mortal children. Th’ fact tha’ I’m choosin’ t’ leave ye there with tha’ danger over yer heads should tell ye just how bad things are goin’ t’ be here.”

The room was quiet aside from the soft shuffling of feet beneath the table and the soft whimper of Ewan who was reacting to the tension in the room. He glanced at the baby and saw how pale the woman seated between the two toddlers had suddenly gone and smiled softly. “Don’ worry, Janice… ye won’t be goin’ with us. We’re arrangin’ fer someone there t’ take over yer duties fer ye..” he said softly. “I’d like ye t’ keep quiet about this though… Ye’ll be stayin’ at th’ manor, same as always, an’ ye’ll tell no one we’re gone unless they ask, an’ then just say we’re off visitin’ family an’ yer not sure when we’ll be back.”

The nanny blushed but nodded. “Of course sir.. I’ll make sure th’ children are packed an’ ready.” She said softly.

Nate glanced at Eire who was leaning back in his chair quietly watching them all. “Don’t worry too much about packin’, Janice. Keep it light since we don’t know where they’ll be stayin’ … A change o’ clothes an’ anythin’ they absolutely cannae do without… same as ye would if we were goin’ campin’.” He said with a wink to Bethany who refused to go anywhere away from home without her stuffed rabbit; the first gift Nate gave her when she joined the family. Fredrick’s pet rat might be a problem since Janice and the maids refused to go anywhere near it, but he’d trained it to ride on his shoulder and if nothing else, they could take it along… and just hope nothing ate the poor thing.

“Alright… go wash up an’ get yer teeth brushed. Evan, lad… it’s yer turn t’ help clear th’ table.” He said and there was immediately a flurry of activity as everyone bounced out of their chairs. “Tristan…Tamara… Elousia..” he said, catching their attention. “I’d like t’ see th’ three of ye in m’ study once th’ little ones are settled.”

Tristan and Tamara exchanged glances and agreed, then headed off to help the younger children get washed up and into their pajamas. Elouisa seemed to hover where she stood, sending a nervous glance at Eire. “It’s alright’, Ella… I promise ye yer no’ in trouble or anythin’… an’ yer  Uncle Eire will be there.” Nate said softly, making no move towards her despite the urge to pull her into his arms and chase away that fearful look in her eyes. He knew from past experience he couldn’t rush in… especially in Elouisa’s place where she had the memories of rape added into the abuse.

 He watched her gaze shift to Eire again and saw the slight nod he gave her before she looked back at Nate and nodded. “Yes sir…”she said softly, then began helping Evan clear the table.

“Ella, lass…leave tha’. We all take turns helpin’ with chores here… an’ this is Evan’s turn. Why don’ ye go help Tam get th’ little ones ready fer bed… Bethany likes t’ put up a fight about takin’ a bath an’ I’m sure yer sister would appreciate th’ help. Plus it’ll give ye a bit o’ practice.” He added with a soft smirk.

Elouisa hesitated with a plate in hand as she looked at him, then blushed, smiling faintly as she handed the plate to Evan, who looked a bit disappointed at loosing out on the help. “Yes sir.” She said softly, not looking to Eire this time as she slipped out of the room.

Nate watched her go then sighed heavily. “Lards I hate tha’ word…” he muttered softly, and Evan looked up at him curiously. Nate smirked and sent the boy a wink. “Get yer arse movin’… believe yer due fer a bath tonight as well, if memory serves.”

Evan scowled slightly as he finished piling the dishes into the plastic tub that sat a top a trolley. “Aye sir…” he muttered softly, and Nate shut his eyes with a groan, earning a soft snicker of amusement from Eire and Duncan. “Can I have a shower instead?”

Nate opened one eye and looked at the boy as he paused in the doorway. “Of course ye can have a shower.. as long as ye get clean.” He said and Even grinned and shoved the trolley out through the doors, heading towards the kitchen.

“I notice ye didnae mention their Cousin Duncan anywhere in tha’ little speech.” Duncan said softly from his seat. “Ye don’ really think yer gonna be facin’ trouble without me, do ye?”

Nate snorted at that, his gaze going to the large windows that all but made up the one wall, looking out over the gardens that were all but lost in the reflection of the dining room; all that showed through the faint image of the of them at the table were the soft white glow of the solar lights Tam had talked him into buying. “Course not… but th’ trouble will be out here, cous.” He said simply. “I want ye to stay an’ look after things here while we take th’ children through. I don’ know how long we’ll be gone… depends on how th’ children react an’ such…Few days anyhow. We need t’ figure out a plan an’ as well warded as HawksCliff is, I’d rather take care of tha’ where I know there’s no chance of ‘em learnin’ of it.”

Duncan glanced at Eire, who was still sitting leaned back in his chair. “Tha’ sounds like ye think there’s …”

Nate held up his hand and shook his head slightly. “I don’t know. I don’t think so, but I’m no’ takin’ any chances. Not with th’ children’s safety.” He stood and made his way to where Duncan sat, quietly casting a spell to ensure no one would overhear his next words. “We won’t be here in th’ mornin’, Dunc. Just so ye know. I’ve been getting’ a bad feelin’ ever since da was here an’ we decided not t’ wait fer word from Kellin or Vincent… We sent word we were comin’, an’ as soon as th’ house is down fer th’ night… we’ll be slippin’ out.”

Duncan eyed him a moment, aware of the faint energy buzz of the spell Nate had laid over them; something that he’d only noticed since Nate had embraced his Faerie blood and begun working on using it in his spells. He glanced at Eire, aware there was no way he could’ve heard them over the spell, but knowing he knew what had been said any how. “I don’ like it, Natey. Let me come with ye… better if I’m with ye fer th’ plannin’ anyhow…”

Nate shook his head and laid a hand on Duncan’s shoulder. “No Dunc. I need ye here… if th’ lot of us leave an’ there’s no one here t’ hold th’ place… who knows what we’ll return t’ find. Plus… yer human, Dunc… there’s not a drop of Fae in ye aside from yer witch blood… The rest of us have some right t’ be there an’ I don’t care t’ put ye at risk. Keep yer arse here so we have a home t’ come back to.” He said, giving a gentle squeeze before letting go and dropping the spell. “Go on.. get yer arse out of here. Millie has th’ guestroom ready fer ye in case ye care t’ spend th’ night.”

Duncan shot him a look then sent it Eire’s way as well, earning a smirk. “Fuckin’ bites bein’ th’ youngest.. getting’ bossed around all th’ bloody time…” he muttered, smirking softly as he stood. ”Oh wait now… I’m not th’ youngest... Natey is! Why th’ bloody hell am I takin’ orders from th’ baby of th’ family?”

Nate smirked softly as he headed to the window, looking past the reflection to the night beyond. “Cause yer a MacDonnell, an’ th’ baby of th’ family also happens t’ be th’ head of th’ household…” he said. “G’night, Dunc… thank ye.”

Duncan snorted softly as he turned to leave. “Night, lads… I’m headin’ out fer a bit but I’ll be back. Cannae let all Millie’s work go t’ waste..”

Nate stood looking out over the garden as he listened to the soft footfalls grow fainter. A short time later he thought he heard the faint roar of an engine on the far side of the house as Duncan fired up his motorcycle and took off, no doubt off to the pub to meet up with a lass. He didn’t know how long he stood there, but when Eire finally spoke, the soft noises from the kitchen had stopped and the only sound he heard was the faint trickle of water running through the pipes ; a sound he knew he wouldn’t even have been aware of if he wasn’t half Fae.

“So are ye going to tell me why ye keep referrin’ to Vincent an’ Kellin as ther ‘grandfathers’…?” the half shade asked softly, still sitting at the table with his feet propped on top.

Nate smirked softly as he watched the mans reflection. “Cause they are… if one o’ th’ ladies catches ye doin’ tha’ they’ll give ye hell…”

Eire snorted, but set his feet on the floor with a soft thump. “Kellin is, Aye… but not Vincent…might justify a granduncle, maybe…”

Nate snorted again and slipped his hands into his pockets. “He’s yer father, Eire… an’ yer as much ther da as I am… It’s just my name they have. An’ don’ pretend ye don’ feel th’ same way… I see how ye look at them… especially th’ girls.” He added, turning to look at him, his eyes sparkling.

Eire blushed slightly at the comment, rubbing his nose. “Don’ know what yer goin’ on about… I’m ther Uncle.. an’ tha’s not really true either… I’m really just a cousin like Dunc…” he said softly. “We should head over t’ yer study… th’ kids’ll be there waitin’ soon.”

Nate watched him with a soft smile. “Yer more brother t’ me then cousin Eire… an’ yer more father t’ them then uncle. So shut yer yap an’ stop makin’ excuses. We’re all damned glad t’ have ye.” He added, then turned and started for the door. “an’ aye… let’s go talk with th’ kids…”

Eire gave a soft snort as he followed, not saying anything, but Nate glanced at their reflections one last time and noticed the faint smirk on the half shades face.

~~

Under the protection of the privacy spell again, Nate and Eire had filled the three teenagers in and explained what they were going to do. With a mission in hand, all three had seemed more at ease and didn’t offer any arguments, quickly heading off to prepare. Nate had smiled softly as he’d watched the teenagers all heading off to quietly make bag lunches as if for school,  and getting the knapsacks packed and ready as they always did, and doubted anyone would notice that the bags held clothing and such rather then books. Tristan had proven very good at casting small glamours, and Nate had no doubt anyone watching would actually see them packing books.

Once the preparations were underway, Nate had headed upstairs to tuck the younger ones in and wish them all a goodnight, then went to try and reach his father again, hoping that the man had returned from wherever he’d been and they’ve have a welcoming committee waiting for them when they arrived. 

Eire had decided to forgo trying to reach his own father by scrying again, and had slipped outside for a run; shifting into the silver wolf before he was even fully out the door.

Now it was almost three in the morning, and the two men were quietly slipping from room to room, gathering the children as they went. Nate had Johanna nestled in his arms, sleepily watching the others, while Eire carried Bethany and her stuffed toy. Elouisa had donned one of the snugglies and had Ewan nestled against her chest, sleeping soundly. Tam wore the backpack with Morgan seated securely, sucking her thumb as she looked at them all, wondering why everyone was sneaking around in the middle of the night. As they emerged into the kitchen, they kept the lights off and Tristan and Evan went to gather the food and back packs that waited for them, handing Fredrick his, but shouldering the rest themselves for the time being. Nate smirked softly as he resettled his own pack that contained supplies for the babies as well as himself and saw Eire doing the same out of the corner of his eye. Neither man was comfortable sneaking out like this, and both worried about trouble that might be waiting for them… and how they would face it weighted down with children in their arms… but neither said anything.

“Everythin’s set…” Duncan said softly. “Everyone’s asleep, includin’ Quinn.” He informed them as he padded barefoot into the kitchen. “I really don; like this, lads.” He said again, but opened the backdoor. “Closest weak spot in th’ veil is towards th’ back of th’ property.” He said simply, using a rarely used term for the magic barrier between the mortal realms and the fae lands. “I can open a portal tha’ far fer th’ lot of ye.”

“Thank ye, Dunc. Take care of thing while we’re gone.” Nate said softly with a nod, and Duncan reached out to brush his fingers over Johanna’s head. “Come on, everyone… outside.” He added as they all quietly slipped past Duncan, pulling on their coats and boots, whispering their goodbyes to gather at the base of the porch.

Duncan gave a last sigh then opened a portal for them, standing watch until the last of them had gone through and the insects went back to their singing, then closed the portal and went back inside, silently praying that they’d be alright.