"Laughter burst out, slowly at first and afterwards, no one was ever sure who asked the plaintive question.

"My arse couldn't hurt this much if I was dead!" Saoirse voice was strong and gruff.

"Mam? Mam? Are you real?" Brandubh's voice was almost a croak. "I- I don't know what is real anymore."

Eldrich tottered and started to fall. Mai and Arwen both reached to help him, their arms outstretched.

Feargus was over come at what had happened, what he had done. His mind dizzied and he turned very pale.

Pol gazed at Siofra with awe in his eyes. She had saved them all.

Siofra seemed inclined to join Eldrich in his tottering and faithful Pol held her close, closing his eyes and simply breathing in the fragrance of her hair.

Mai looked mutely at Ronan.

"Aye lass. Home for you, for all of us, before Mananuan has a mind to play with us again.!" Ronan grinned again and shouted orders to the crew. "By the sun I make it that we have been out about 2 hours and you land lovers are a might green."