The early afternoon crowd at Duncan’s Dock is minimal. The regulars coming by after their shifts at various jobs and an elven man in tight fitting, blue attire with white lace at the neck and wrists, large black leather belt with a sheathed rapier and knee high, polished black boots. Mama D enters with Kitsune in tow, Mama D leads Kitsune toward the kitchen. “Lass we got an appointment with the old man.” Mama D informs Lilly, not slowing her pace. 

Inside the kitchen Duncan is stirring grits when he hears the swing doors that separate the kitchen from the rest of the diner open. “Oi, Lilly is all well?” 

“All is well in the diner old man. But we may have a problem soon.” Mama D speaks in a low voice.

Duncan keeps stirring the grits, “Tell me old woman, I cannot let these grits burn.” 

Mama D tells Duncan of the odd cloaked rider and his suspicious interest in Kitsune. Duncan takes the grits from the heat “These are done. Deena what do you want me to do about this? A lone rider stares at a young lady by the lake, doesn’t sound too suspicious to me.”

Mama D shakes her head out of frustration “I know, but it was just a feeling. My gut is telling me that the rider is not good news.”

Duncan grabs a wooden mug and takes a long drink “I believe ya and trust that your gut aint wrong. However there isn’t a thing we can do. Ya got Yidia keeping tabs on him. How about a rain check on those steaks and you take some of these shrimp and grits with ya and go on home. Once we close up tonight I’ll head over and check on the two of ya. Take turns on watch like the good ole days.”

Mama D lets out a sigh “Thank you Duncan, this isn’t like me.”

Duncan cracks a grin “Havin’ a youngin to look after makes even the most stoic worry lass. If ya didn’t then you’d be unworthy to be watchin’ after her.”

The swing doors sounded as the opened “All is well back here Lilly.” Duncan called out.

“I’m not Lilly good sir, but I’m known to les dames here.” The elven man in the blue uniform stands just inside the doorway. Seeing Duncan grab a cleaver, the elven man raised his hands “I mean no harm and I did not intend to eavesdrop, but my hearing is a bit too keen at times. I offered the ladies here an escape upon my vessel if the need arises. And it seems that a need is arising. We sail out tomorrow afternoon, no later. You two ladies are welcome aboard anytime, I will be sure to stay up late tonight just in case.” The elven man bows, sweeping his hand before him in a flourish “I, Captain Faewind bid you adieu.” Captain Faewind spun on his heel and departed.

Duncan drained his mug “That’s an odd one. I don’t like em.” 

“Me neither,” Mama D agreed.

“He seems helpful, I don’t sense any maliciousness from him. Maybe he is just a nice person and you just don’t like elves.” Kitsune offers her assessment and accusation. 

Duncan bursts out with a hearty laugh “You don’t know how wrong ye are lass.”

“How so?” Kitsune questions with a harsh tone.

Deena, showing a slight blush “That was gonna be the story for tonight. Duncan wanted to tell ya about how I met my husband.”

“Is it a good story? I haven’t seen any evidence of him.” Kitsune asks cautiously.

Mama D grabbed the bowls of grits and shrimp “Lets get these grits out of here so Duncan can finish his meals for his customers’. I will tell you the story this evening after we eat. Thank you Duncan.”  Kitsune grabbed her bowl from Mama D and followed.

“You’re welcome Deena. Be safe.” Duncan bid farewell as he began scooping the shrimp and grits into bowls. 

The trip back to their home was tense and uneventful. Once inside their home Mama D closed all the shutters and barred the door. “Set the table, Kitsune.” Mama D requested, trying to keep any worry from her voice.

“Mama D, how bad could one rider be? You, Duncan, and Yidia seem quite capable.” Kitsune asked as she set the bowls and some wooden utensils on the table.

“It brings back some bad memories, sugah” Mama D sighed, trying to ease her tension. “Once we finish eating I will tell you the story of meeting my husband and why he isn’t here. Before you ask, to my knowledge he isn’t dead.” Mama D set at the table and began eating mechanically, eyes unfocused as her mind swam through the distant past.

Kitsune, seeing the look on Mama D’s face quietly consumed her meal.