#darkgatefortress

While they wait, Zane asks "How are the kids?"

Piper beams, "When are you going to come visit? There's two of them, so plenty of opportunities to be "cool uncle".

Her eyes suddenly light up. "Oh. OH. I think... we forgot something. I forgot something I was going to ask you."

"About the kids? And I'd love to visit sure"

"Not just that, but I was wondering - well, hoping... well, all three of us were... Would you be Franki's godfather?"

A grin "Yeah? Really?"

"Really really. You'll have to share the honor though, with a godmother. Siv was going to ask her, so I'm not spilling the name until we have a yes."

"I'd be honored" He says and means it

She leans in and smooches him between the horns! "You say that now, but it's got all sorts of responsibilities. Guidance, protection, watching for signs of a chrysalis, fingers crossed, lessons in balancing fae and human nature, again if so, or helping her find her place as a kinain if not... magical tutoring, at no cost of course...." She grins.

"Hey, ask my little sister , I'm cool. Well, ask her when I'm not in earshot" He smiles though "Happy to help her"

"Good." She says, and with a half smile and only half joking tone, "So if I get eaten by a sea monster, just remember that, okay?"

He takes her hand "Cousin, you're going to beat this thing one way or another, but yes, I'll remember"

She squeezes his hand. "That's the McCormick spirit."

"Wayburton too" he reminds with a smile "But yeah. Now, you want something to eat while we wait, or just hang here?"

She snorts and waves a hand. "Same diff, cuz." She considers, but wrinkles up her nose. "Barracks food - what do they have you on, like MREs or meat-n-taters manly fare? Not really my stuff."

"Oh, Marsellies would have a DUCK fit to hear you say that. He's got a truffle platter with cream you might love"

(Pause)