#earthrunes

He sighs "We have medical check ups, a lamaize class or whatever you call it, Clair's had to take leave on her mortal job..."

"She had a mortal job?" Earl asks

"Security, part time" Magnus answers

August listens sympathetically; he knows he's had the easiest job in the world, nominal 'father' only to children full-grown.

"Oh. A lot like what she does here" earl nods

"Yes, but as a knight she gets to stab folks more" Magnus says "So she enjoys it more"

"That sort of thing -is- frowned on, by mortals." August agrees.

"I've read some things, of course, about building a family. I could suggest some titles."

"Sure" Magnus perks up "If you think one helps?"

"They were written by experts. At least, it seems so. All were well reviewed. Here....." August jots down some titles in his ever-present note bad and hands the torn-out sheet to Magnus.

"Thanks" He looks it over

"I, ah, I haven't actually used any of the techniques in them, you understand."

A grin "Yeah, I get it dad"

August blushes slightly.

"But I am grateful" He looks it over "Fiona are fearless, but I'm going to love htis kid so I think I best get used to getting scared now and then"

August nods "My understanding is that parenthood is one of the most terrifying things anyone can do."

"THAT cheers me up" Magnus chuckles

"Can't be that bad" earl says

August takes a sip of his drink and doesn't comment to the newlywed troll.

"Oh can't it?" Magnus raises a brow

"Well, kids can be a handful, but the farm always had a way of keeping them alive" Earl points out

"The same farm that didn't understand you until much later in life and Miss Zara thinks didn't treat you well as a boy?" Magnus smiles

Earl's mouth drops, then "Well, okay, it isn't perfect"

Something very interesting over there; August observes.... whatever it is.

"I'm just saying, with a family as large as mine it's not so hard to get help. Babysit for each other"

Magnus snorts "I'm not going to make Coradel and dad babysit for us"

"We'd be happy to help out." he volunteers, perhaps before he can stop himself.

"I have kept my certification up."

"Certication? To watch after family?" Earl raises a brow, then says "If someone told one of my aunts they needed to be certified before they could babysit a nephew I think that someone would end up Yeeted into the Stream.. if they were lucky"

"I'm from New York." he explains.

"I mean, Red Cross babysitting certification. There's a program. It was part of Scouting and all......"

"Ahhh"They both nod

"I know first aid myself, but I really should study the differences for infants" Magnus frowns "Good lord. WHat if I hurt him or her?"

"Ah." August has a thought, but hestitates.

Earl sees this "Go ahead, August. I think he'd be happy to hear whatever it is" Clearly he thinks Magnus is being a touch too paranoid

"I think... ah, that we will hurt those in our lives. I know I have, albeit without intent to do so. Perhaps a greater question is, 'How will I manage the hurt, and atone for it?'"

"mmm" magnus says "Well, yes. True. But I was thinking more of first aid for babies."

"Still good words" Earl sighs "I have not always been as sensitive as I should be"

"Magnus, there are classes. That is, I know of some. Would you like to go? Ah, together?"

"Why would you go?" Magnus asks "I mean, thank you, but you have laws to study, things to write down here"

"Up to you. I'll make time to go if you wish to have someone to go with."

"Thanks, if it doesn't clash with anything else?"

Earl looks amused

"I'll make time." August assures him.

"Thanks, Father" Magnus smiles gratefully

"You're welcome." even if he looks a bit awkward, August is gracious.

"Now, paternal fears dimmed, " Magnus flushes "What's up with you two?"

August takes a sip of his tea, ceeding the conversation to Earl.

Earl says "Well, I got a commission for a book cover that's going out soon. Check was sizable. I'm going to buy Zara a gift with it"

"Of course, so art demands are busy?"