[center] Finishing his meal took took a big longer than normal, his aching muscles and trembling hands the blame. By the time he'd finished, Esther had relaxed and Isabela was sipping her second cup of coffee. Ryanair dozed beside him, the warmth from him keeping him calm and focused. 

The knocks on the door had everyone tensing. Kieran blinked when he heard four familiar heartbeats coming from the other side, Ryanair rising to his feet to check. Isabela and Esther glanced at one another as Ryanair left the room and moved to open the front door, Kieran noticed that Wolff had slipped inside the kitchen. 

The sound of several pairs of feet running towards the kitchen had Kieran rising to his feet. The four small figures latched themselves onto him, Ryanair entering a moment later. Kieran noted they seemed relaxed, he patted each head before deeming it time to greet them. “Afternoon my little ones, how are you?” He questions with a soft voice, the little arms around his waist squeeze and he squashed down a wince. 

“Good! We missed you!” The said in unison, shifting away to hug Ryanair next. The blonde hugged them each and patted their heads, Kieran decided it was time to distract them with introductions. With a click or his tongue, he had four pairs of eyes on him. 

“We missed you as well, did you notice we have guests? You may know two of them.” He states with away gesture of his hand, all four blinked and scanned the room. Excited smiles spread across their faces as they separated and went to greet the two females, Healer Wolff moving to stand by his side. 

“Your to follow my directions and keep low, understand?” Was hissed into his ear, Kieran nodded and his a grin when a pair of curious brown eyes landed on Wolff. Isaac walked over and peered up at the brunette, Kieran hid a laugh when Isaac’s head tilted. 

“Who are you?” He asks curiously, Kieran feels Wolff stiffen. The Healer sighs and crouches down, patting the boys head with surprising gentleness. Kieran and everyone expect Clara knew that Wolff’s hard exterior evaporated with kids, something that was kept hidden from the Healer.  

“I'm the towns Healer, pleasure to meet you. My name is Verne Wolff, and yours?” His gruff voice was softened, Isaac blinked and his head turned as the others moved to his side. Ryanair moved to his side and snorted softly into Kieran’s shoulder, the elder vampire patted his head. The children introduced themselves and upon realizing the male before them has been there for their births, the questions began. 

Kieran took pity on the man and stepped forward,  leaning down to gather Sena in his arms. The other three turned to him, Wolff rising to his feet with a little cough. Kieran noticed that both Isabela and Esther were moving to the front door, nudging his nose against Sena’s cheek he steers their attention to something they adored. 

Stories. 

“Say goodbye and we can begin where we left off last time. Politely now little ones.” He set Sena down and watched as goodbyes were said, hugs shared along with kissed cheeks. Ryanair moved to guide their guests out, and Kieran shooed the four away to the study. He turned to his first fledgling and gestured to the oak doors, it as best to let her leave before she stormed out. “I thank you for your help, you may leave if you'd like but I ask you follow Wolff’s instructions. I'm grateful, I hope you recover and have a good day.” He bowed and turned on his heel, Ryanair meeting him in the foyer with a frown on his lips. Kieran managed a shrug before moving forward once more, keeping them waiting would lead to hide and seek. He didn't have the energy to chase down four hyper children, entering the study he sighed softly and pressed his back to Ryanair’s chest for a moment. 

He was exhausted. He didn't think he'd get through the first story without nodding off. [/center] [@earlymorninstar]