*** Róisín ***


The girls wrapped Sinéad in big hugs and kisses at the front door, wishing her luck as Méabh gave her directions down to the pond. Sinéad slipped into the casual clothes Méabh had lent her, then placed her two swords on the hall dresser, no need to frighten Róisín.

"You won’t be needing those," Méabh said. "You’re safe on these grounds. No one gets in without me knowing. Off you go now, find your girl and enjoy. And I’ll be keeping a close eye on you two… mind the Raven!"

"Sinéad," she called again,"do you want to take Taibhse with you? He loves a swim in the pond, and he’ll watch over you and Róisín… just in case. Go on, precious pup, go with your lady, and give your other lady a big lick from all of us."

Sinéad was trembling as she stepped onto the path. She couldn’t help wondering who this “friend was that Róisín had been spending time with. Oh boy…

At the bend in the path, she stopped dead.

“Oh my God… there she is… oh my God…"

Róisín sat at the end of a small dock, wearing a green bikini, legs dangling in the water as she splashed and played with something. Her "friend" turned out to be a River Otter, having the time of its life nibbling and tumbling around her feet. Róisín laughed freely, without a care in the world.

Sinéad and Taibhse stopped at the bank some distance away, simply taking in the beautiful sight. Taibhse was momentarily infatuated with the Otter, but soon turned his attention to Róisín and bolted around the pond.

Róisín suddenly looked up. Her eyes widened, her mouth wide open, and the tears started. She screamed, jumped to her feet, and ran, nearly tripping over Taibhse.

"Oh my God!" she cried… "Oh my God!"

They collided in each other’s arms, squeezing so tightly it was a wonder they didn’t break each other’s ribs.

"I finally found my baby girl," Sinéad sobbed, kissing her. Róisín kissed her back, and they stood there for a very long time, wrapped around each other, tears everywhere.

Taibhse trotted over and began licking Róisín. She dropped to her knees, hugged him, kissed his head, gave him a few pats, then rose again.

Sinéad wiped her eyes. "I think we’re expected for lunch about now."

Róisín brushed her baby blues dry. "Yep, the big Sunday lunch on the veranda." Hand in hand, the two girls began the walk back up to the house, sharing everything they’d been holding in their hearts.