#earthrunes

Magnus enters in a bit late, "Nearly impossible finding a baby sitter for a holiday." He explains

"Magnus, you could have brought River with you." August chides gently "She is family."

"I'll go get her, she's only one room away" He says

And heads to the kitchen, no doubt the stafff there enamoured of the baby

"Ah. That is." August glances at Claire "Assuming you don't object? My apologies if I have overstepped."

"I'll call it your right as a semi-grandfather" Claire says "But I doubt River minds young as she is missig a holiday she doesn't understand"

But she smiles as her baby comes out

"Would you like me to take her?" he volunteers dutifully "As I was the one that suggested it. No reason for you both to delay your meal."

"Oh dad, no need for that..." Magnus says

"Oh let him, Magnnus. He wants to anyway"

"I'd be happy to help."

Magnus grins and hands the baby over to August "She does like you I think"

River looks at August, and coos at his dangling spit curl.. or maybe the smile is gass

He accepts the little bundle and settles her carefully in his arms, studiously supporting her head and neck.

Perhaps it's familial pride, but he feels this little lady, River, will do great things

As could all infants. But yes.... to August, River seems special.

Shallimar juggles some ears of corn before told to stop that

Coradel returns to the dining hall after having been called away for a bit. She smiles to see August with his armful of baby.

Shalimar speeaks up "Your husbannddecided Tukey wasn't enough"

As Coradel passes Shalimar, she gives one of his ears a little flick with her fingers. "River's far too sweet for a proper main course."

She motions for August not to stand as she approaches, as she knows he's likely to attempt, as he has a precious burden.

Reclaiming her seat, she reaches over to tickle the baby's toes. "She gets lovelier by the moment," she says to Magnus and Claire.

"No bias" Shalimar rubs his ear

the baby giggles

"She does not leave lovely messes in her diaper" CLaire observes, "But thank you"

Magnus grins "August voluntered himself for baby sitinng"

"Oh, that was inevitable," she says to Magnus, smiling. "You know you'll have difficulty reclaiming her."

"I should charge for tickets" He observes

His wife swats him lightly

A light laugh. "You may wish to eat, while you both have your hands free. Or what other pleasures you might wish," she says, mostly to see August blush.

"Isn't pleasure they wished how they got a child?" Shalimar waggles his eyebrows

Vashti sighs "Allow me" And swats her love annd jester with a delicate wing

A gracious nod to Vashti. "I thank you for your service." Then a wink to Shalimar.

Coradel looks to see if she can spot Delores.

Delores is right there at the table, in her own seat "My liege and friend, the kitchen says if you want anything you don't see, bu let them know"

Coradel shakes her head. "I simply wanted to make sure that you had actually sat down for a proper meal, Delores!"

August does, indeed, pink.

"Well, truthfully, between you and the kitchen staff, I had the feeling I'd be in trouble if I didn't." Delores says "Dames Leoorra and Temerity were boasting about your husband and their own good work-with Dame CLaire, at helping the locals"

"Yes! That was beautifully done. I regret having missed the battle. August, you got all the mortal food distributed? And Bachdion, I hope at least one of those meals went to our Queen Bess?"

August nods. "All the food not claimed by the court went to those providing meals for the holiday season."

"Ah, in truth Vince took the Largest bird.. and I suspect he did not eat himself" Bachdion smiles

"Oh that's why he did it" Leo rolls her eyes "Doh"

"Oh, our fine feline. Good for him."

Coradel enjoys a bit more turkey and green bean casserole. "Is River old enough for a bit of mashed potato, do you think?"

"Ah." August looks up from her little face "She hasn't any teeth....."

"I think I read that infants should start with rice cereal...."

"It's mushy," Coradel reasons. "Perhaps...oh, here..." She puts a little dab of gravy on her fingertip. "Just a taste," she offers to put tiny bit on River's lip.

River suckles, and her eyes light up. This is different

"Well... House Ailil means she has Irrish in her" Claire observes

August watches, worried.