"It's my first trip, Papa. I've been working at the pub for two years. Harry and I have been saving our pennies for all that time. Money is in the bank, and it's time. We have enough to go." Gaia's eyes flashed with impatience as she snapped the shining brass hasps closed on her trunk.

Liam sighed. The time had come to let her go. He knew Harry was well on his way to building a fortune. His fees from various members of the magical community in the village and around Ireland were in the bank. Gaia's natural ability with numbers took care of tracking their investments. She was right.

A large carpetbag rested on Gaia's bed, and all of her wonderful collection of amethysts were packed. Even the sphere of deep purple was carefully stowed away. Harry's graduation gift to his daughter brought gasps from all present when Gaia unwrapped its leather case and opened it for the first time.

"Well then, it's time to give you these." Liam pulled his gift from his pocket.

Gaia's eyes lit as he handed her the brass covered steel padlocks. "I have cast protection, but these are the practical signs to stay out."

He reached into the other pocket and handed her the tiny keys. "Both of them have the same key, and there are two. One for you and one for Harry. Not that he can't retrieve it from wherever it might disappear too."

"We have to appear as normal as we can. We attract so much attention as it is with Harry being so short."

Gaia slipped the padlocks through the hoops on the hasps. The snap of them as she pressed them together broke his heart. Her braid swung as she whirled back to him and threw herself into his arms.

"Papa, I'm going to miss you. I love you."

Liam kissed her forehead. "I know, I love you too. Be careful. Be safe. I'm sure the two of you will find trouble sooner or later. Ronan has said it will find you many times over your lifetime, but we must have faith, as he also sees prosperity and a fine home."

"Aye, Harry's father has assured us. We will survive no matter the whims of the Goddess."

"Shall we haul this down?" Liam asked as he released his daughter from his embrace.

Two tears escaped and rolled down Gaia's cheeks.

"Yes. I'm ready."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Can we go to the theater where you and Robbie did your magic show?" Gaia requested.

"I don't see why not. I have no idea what is playing, might be a play or a vaudeville show. Gaiety Theater and the oldest one in Ireland, the Smock Alley Theater are the ones we played in. It took us quite a while before we graduated to Gaiety. Dublin and Ireland have a huge number of famous playwrights." Harry said.

"I know, we studied them in school. I loved reading them, imagining how they would be in a proper theater,"

"Shall we go explore?" Harry asked.

"Can we walk from here? Gaia wondered. "There's no better way to get a sense of a city than to walk. The architecture, the churches, even the businesses are all better enjoyed this way."

"I believe we can, Gaiety is a couple of miles though, although Smock Alley is just around the corner."

"I'll put on my walking boots." Gaia went over to the clothing rack beside their hotel room door. She sat on the bed, wondering if they would take the next step and join, as she tied up the laces on her boots. Her skirt and blouse were of simple sturdy styling, except for the magnificent amethyst spear which hung from a heavy silver link chain in between her breasts.

"Today, we are best friends. Although most would never understand why we walk so closely. Dwarves have been relegated to servant status by misunderstanding."

"Perhaps safer that way for you, and for me," Gaia said. Her heart hurt for Harry, and love hummed through her fingers as their hands interwove after he locked their room door.

"Shall we stop for tea?" Harry asked.

"I would like that. The tearoom here at the hotel is excellent according to Robbie."

"Grandda loved it here. We roomed here during our run at the Gaiety, and we were daily patrons. We had our own table, which was held for us. Breakfast, or tea, it was always there."

"So, you were on your way to becoming famous like I've always thought. Why did you stop? I know you've told me parts of the story before, but I've always wondered."

"The act wasn't pure illusion for us. I used my magic as did Grandda. Erin was newly with child, and the risk of being discovered was to great. Papa told us there would be trouble if we continued, and his visions are not to be ignored," Harry said.

"I thought so. Your father was immensely helpful during the last year of the war, even though he was a prisoner. I put it together that his ability to see the future, was part of the respect Admiral Boyle still has for him today," Gaia responded.

"Sad that we talented families have to protect ourselves from those who would do us harm for the mere reason that we are." Harry said, and continued, "and here's our table. I wonder if anyone remembers me?"

"I think someone does." Gaia nodded her head toward an impeccably dressed man. His silver-winged black hair topped a slender face, and his suit was accented by a white carnation tucked into his right lapel. His shoes were shiny black-patent leather and reflected the hundreds of tiny lights of twin chandeliers hanging from the coffered ceiling above them.

"Harry! Welcome back!"

"Paddy, you old fox! You're still here?" Harry's delight at finding an old friend was palpable.

"Here's a friend then?" Gaia tilted her head toward the dapper waiter.

"Manager and maître de of The Irish Grande Tearoom. Patrick Kelly, this is my dearest fiancée, Gaia Murphy."

Paddy bowed to her, and said, "Welcome to my establishment, Gaia. And well named you are, the image of our great Goddess."

"You have no idea how true that is," Harry said.

"I sense a story, but that's for later. I take you have the same suite of rooms as usual?"

Gaia shook her head. Just how well known was Harry? And how much had he given up to be with her?