Gaia's father led them into the pub through the back delivery entrance. A lorry was parked unloading supplies, and he went right out into the main tavern. Pointing to the stools at the bar, he slipped behind it, and built a Guinness for Harry. Gaia would take tea, as she wasn't old enough for anything stronger.

"I'll be right back with your tea, Gaia." Liam Murphy disappeared into the kitchen.

Harry could hear him speaking with the two men bringing in Aiden's food order and took a moment to take a deep breath. He knew Gaia was Liam Murphy's first concern. He put his child ahead of all else in his life except his beautiful wife Aine.

"Does he bite, really?" He whispered.

"No. And if you love me truly, then he'll love you back. It's my well being that has always been his biggest concern. My father has always known I wouldn't be staying here in the village." Gaia's words soothed him. Of course, he loved her. Always would.

Her father reappeared with a small tray. A couple of pieces of pie, a small teapot, a teacup, and utensils graced the worn wooden surface.

"You two look exhausted." Liam's statement invited an explanation.

"Do you want to tell the story, or shall I?" Gaia asked.

Harry shook his head, "I got there after you did. You do it."

He listened with half an ear while he considered what Liam might want to talk about. Probably his intentions toward the tall man's daughter, but what else? His prospects as far as a normal job were dire. A magic show wasn't the most respectable way to earn a living. Just one step up from a confidence man, a fraudster.

"Harry, did you really save her life?" Liam's question brought him back with a start.

"Which time?" He didn't want to admit he wasn't paying attention. He sipped a bit of his Guinness, waiting for one of them to give him a clue.

"When Draoi killed Pippin," Gaia said.

"What did you expect? Draoi had to go, and I thought I'd killed him too. But that turned out to be a wishful dream." Harry knew that came out a bit resentful, but what did Liam expect? That he'd ignore his daughters plight and save his own ass first?

"Hey man, no offense meant. I'm trying to wrap my head around this adventure. I must remember to tell Gaia's grandmother her sister is alive and well with the fairies too. Will Aumia come back to us?"

"We don't know. If she does, she ages for the time she was gone. In the fairy realm she's still as young as Gaia," Harry answered.

"She's tired, Papa. I think she'll come home. And she's ashamed too, even though Auntie Aumia shouldn't be. It wasn't her fault that Pippin charmed her like he did," Gaia explained.

"Aye, your Grammie would welcome her. Is there way to tell her?"

"Yes, I can get a message to her. Grammie has told me too," Gaia assured her father.

"The Prince Oberon says the fairies owe us a boon, no matter when or where, we can on them for aid," Harry said. "It was hard work to clear the palace hall and put their magic classroom back together. But Gaia was their first student, and her magic is now awake. It was always, there, as I knew."

Gaia rubbed her hands together and opened them to toss a glow about her father's head. "I can finally call fire and light. Do basic healing and protection. All that I need to keep myself safe. And those who are near and dear to me. With Harry's powers, we are well equipped to travel and enjoy the adventure."

Liam's eyes pierced Harry's. He couldn't help himself and shrank away from the bar. Gaia reached out for his hand, and her quiet support bolstered his flagging courage.

"Are you going to take care of my girl for the rest of her life? Magic skipped Aine, and I have none either. You two have powerful gifts. Talents beyond anything a mere mortal should know. Can you keep yourselves safe from those who would take advantage?" Liam's question made his heart quake.

"I will use my magic to keep us safe. To give us the advantages we need to protect ourselves. I love Gaia, beyond reason. From the moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was for me. Now she knows I am equally hers." Harry lifted their joined hands. "I would fight to the death for her, and pray I never leave her on this earth alone."

"And Papa, together we can use what I have to help so many grieving for the lost. To solve the mysteries behind the disappearances no one else can explain. But first we'll travel. See a bit of the world," Gaia declared.

"But first you will finish your last year of school, daughter mine."

Harry knew Liam's words were final. He would honor them and so would his flame haired love.

"Go home, both of you. And I believe you Harry. I can see the fear, the wonder, and the love in your eyes every time they follow Gaia. Daughter treasure him as he treasures you. I believe you will do well together."

Gaia slipped off the stool and went around the end of the bar to hug her father. "Thank you!"

"You are a beautiful woman, and strong. I'm proud of all you are becoming, Gaia. But go home. You need rest and the bells ring for mass early on a Sunday morn," Liam teased.