Orin

Page 8

"Altair will you ask mama about the snow pup for me again."

"No. Mama said not until you were eight. You have three more years. Why don't you help me upstairs to the family sitting room. We'll see who else is up." she shakes her head no and jumps from the table. "What did you do this time?" he asks. She's backing toward the door.

"I tied Elise's braids into a knot. She was making fun of Orin and Bruce." I laughed. She smiled and turned and ran.

"I guess she's not as sweet as that face would say."

"She's the one to cause any trouble about the place. But she is your champion now. No one will say a word against you with her around or they'll get on her bad side and that means watching for her particular brand of justice." I put one hand to his waist and the other out for him to hold as we climbed the stairs. Bruce just followed along. The entire family was there but for Ilia. We even had extra. I was assuming it was Fren's wife and kids. The two boys run for their father as I come in with Altair. Princess Anders came over and took Altair to a seat.

"How do you feel?"

"Tired. Though I learned over night that being too warm doesn't help." he explained what happened. She nodded.

"You may be right then that they are taking more after you." I listened as they discussed babies and noticed Bruce gently head for the door.

"Where are you going?" I ask him.

"To find a privy and then a drink if it exists around here."

"Mind your manners." he nods and leaves. Going over I scoop Altair from his seat, take it and sit him across my lap. He rolls his eyes and turns back to his family who are all staring at us. "What?"

"They aren't used to public displays like this. Loving is left in private." I chuckle.

"This is making sure that you are warm and comfortable. But I could demonstrate loving." I raise a hand up his thigh but he smacks my chest.

"Behave." I just laugh and let him go back to his discussion on babies. I'm floating around in my mind when I hear something that pulls me back to the present.

"So you think that's all your husband will want to do?" I look at Prince Anders who is staring at me.

"Do what?" I ask. Altair sighs.

"Weren't you paying attention?"

"No. They are your family I drifted off when you were recounting how many babies had been born since you left on your original trip a year ago."

"Father was suggesting avenues of employment for you. Given you are a warrior I suggested that training our troops to fight different styles, perhaps sparing with them would give you employment. But then said you might only desire to be with me and our children. He thought that being a husband and father might not be enough for you." I smile and kiss him lightly.

"I will enjoy every moment with my family. If the time comes I need a hobby I think I'll try something a little less confrontational. I spent a couple years helping my uncle as a blacksmith. I'm a fair hand at that. Among other things. But I think it'll not be a worry for some time."

"I thought Orcs were all about war and bloodshed." Fren says.

"Oh they are but you'll learn I'm not most Orcs. You'll have to deal with me differently. I get the idea you neither approve of me as your brothers husband, a member of the family, or really being here at all. Dislike Orcs?" I ask him.

"I dislike war and dislike anyone who lives for it. I know what those beads mean, you've spent your life as a killer."

"Fren." Altair reprimands. "Speak kindly or I shall retrieve my daggers."