Ian.

"Ho there!" he said, coming up next to me on his horse. "I see someone has elected to brave our Streets once more. How are we, Mr. McKay? You look well."

"Well enough, Ian," I replied, tipping my hat to him, "I uh, I do apologize for my behavior that night. It was... a lot to take in, shall we say?"

He closed his eyes and nodded. "To be perfectly frank, Mr. McKay, I'd have been a bit more concerned if you hadn't reacted the way you did. Given my wife's penchant, if you were all too keen on joining us, I think that the other two and I would have sent you out the door with a swift kick from each of us."

"Quite. I must ask though... One hopes that Mrs. Nesbeth did not take my... sudden departure...poorly."

"Oh she did. Very poorly," he responded, before smiling warmly. "Thank the Lord that she had already been strapped down! If she weren't, I dare say, that she would have uprooted every Tree in the Forest looking for you, before setting them right again to hang you upon." His mirthful laugh did nothing to lower my raised eyebrow. "But, once we had found you in the morning, she had collected herself, and came to the conclusion that she had, perhaps, overstepped by trying to include you in something you were not ready for. And on her behalf, I apologize as well." He reached down his hand to me.

I shook it and nodded. "I thank you, Mr. Ian. For your hospitality and concern. And for my rescue, as I've been told."

"Not a trouble at all. I'll extend your apologies to Diane, and your thanks to the other men." He looked up, and took a breath. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a ride ahead of me, and I do not wish to be caught far from Home before the Heaven's open up. Good Evening, Mr. McKay." With another nod, I waved at his back as he kicked his heels and cantered away, before continuing on my way home.

"Welcome home Sir," Gloria greeted, taking my hat and coat. "You have a caller. They're awaiting you in the lounge."

"A caller? At this hour?"

"Yes Sir. They've been for a couple of hours. I told them that we weren't sure when you would return, but they said that they wouldn't mind waiting."

I winced, as I shook off the dust. "Right. Best not to keep them waiting any longer then. Set a place for them at the table. It's the least I could do for making them wait." But, as I took my first steps, I turned back to her and asked. "Gloria... will they be staying the night?"

She pursed her lips. "We... have not asked about that, Sir."

"I see. Thank you Gloria."