I've stayed by Da since my bride came back with her little band of - children? I stare at their tiny hands and feet. Aye, they're small and their voices are reedy and twittery. They could be children but for their eyes. I can't look straight at them without thinking of all those old tales. I'll be turned inside out. I'll burst into flames. I'll go mad.

Baine says for them to stay the night in spite of Keu's and 'Daig's lack of hospitality. The fire is stoked up and Winter Mist finds some spare clothes in her pack for the wee ones, along with some food. It doesn't take long for the two women to set a stew to simmering. Hot tea is poured out. Baine even tells a story to amuse the little ones! Its hard to tell if they are amused or not. It isn't a story I'd have picked for children. They keep stealing glances at Da the whole time, and he makes it worse by muttering curses in his sleep.

I venture another peek at Winter Mist. She hasn't taken any stew or even a bite of bannock. And she's still half naked. Her skin looks pale, a beautiful bluish-white, as pale as I've ever seen her. And there's a cloudy fog of rainbows hanging in the air around her, teasing me so I can't get a good look at her. After she helps the children get into dry clothes, she takes a bowl of hot tea and settles into a dark place away from the fire. I can still see the steamy rainbows glowing around her. Her eyes find mine through the smoke and haze. I try to smile but something catches in my throat. She blushes and turns away.

The sound of the pouring rain outside the cave makes me feel sleepy and safe. 'Daig goes out to see about the horses. Baine, who I know hates being in this cave even during a storm, quickly follows him. I see Winter Mist's cloak spread out by the fire. It gives me a bold idea.

Before I know what I'm doing, I shed my leathers and swing her cloak over my shoulders. Then I'm beside her, folding her against me under the warm, dry wrappings. The soft shell of rainbow mists that surrounds her tickles my skin.

"You looked cold and wet," I whisper, not knowing what else to say. "And so beautiful! I want - I thought - ah, you've braided your hair!"

I can't help myself. I take a plaited strand in each hand and gently pull her close enough for a long, long kiss.