Rolling on the damp grass with my elf-wife was not my plan but it was a happy surprise. When we get to the Laigin camp, Labraid dismounts right next to us, at the same time I do, and right away turns to stare at her again. Winter Mist does look beautiful in the moonlight, with a silver shine on her skin and her eyes all starry with night-glow. Still, I don't like the way Labraid is looking, so I make a move to ward him off. My bride hops down from our horse just as I stumble for Labraid. We bump together and our arms and legs get all mixed up before we both crash to the ground. I thought I heard Labraid give a snort of laughter before he sauntered away. The Misty One ends up on top of me. I feel her whole body ripple when she giggles. After riding for all this time with her backside eased snug against my hips, there's only one thing on my mind right now. But one loving caress and a wisp of a kiss is all I get from her before Da bellows for us to join the rest of them.

There's a big fire with something large roasting on a spit. Swords and spears gleam everywhere and there are more in this new group than I can count. Winter Mist seems to be sniffing the air and it isn't the meat she's smelling. Something's wrong. We both keep to the back of everyone. I touch my bow and shift my shoulders to bring the arrow pouch a little easier to reach. In a loud voice, Da recites everyone's name to Datho, the Laigin chief. I smile when I hear him say Geimhreadh instead of calling her Toad Witch, and he even says it like he's proud!

I can't tell if she noticed it or not. Her eyes are huge and bright as two lanterns. She suddenly announces that she will take the first watch, which gets no argument. Without another word, she goes back to the horses, disappearing into the dark. For a tick of a cricket, I think about filling my empty belly. Then I hurry off to find Winter Mist.