Embers in the Dark

God's Day

After dealing with the map and the cleanup of the window, Arthur rushed out to the stables and saddled up Prasutagus.  He didn't want to ride Rose because her and Liath were expecting another foal.  He walked over to Liath and Rose, stroking their heads softly and giving them a short chat before heading out to the creek where he was meeting with Dutch, Hosea and the kids.

When he got there, the kids and his adoptive fathers were already fishing so he got off his horse, grabbed his pole and ambled over to them.

"You catch anythin' yet?" Arthur asked.

Everyone shook their heads and went back to fishing as Arthur settled in next to Junior, baited his line and cast it.  The line landed in the water with a plop and a splash before Arthur sat down on the ground.

"There we go," Arthur said with a groan, looking over at everyone.  "Good day for fishin', ain't it?"

Dutch and Hosea looked at each other with shrugs before glancing at Arthur.  "Alright, Arthur," Dutch said.  "The jig is up.  Somethin' is goin' on and I wanna know."

"All in due time, Grandpa," little Aoífe said.  "Today is fishin' day.  We are goin' tah relax and enjoy the day, ain't that right Daddy?"

"Right," he chortled with a sigh.  "From now on, every Sunday is God's day.  We rest and relax."

"But God doesn't actually exist," Hosea remarked.  "Remember?"

Arthur nodded.  "Mmhmm," he said, taking out a cigarette and lighting it while holding his pole under his arm.  He took a puff and exhaled.  "That don't mean I can't take that idea and make it my own, fellers."

Hosea snorted and Dutch chuckled.  "You are in a good mood."

"All because like you, Grandpa, Daddy's got a plan," Junior teased.

"A plan?" Dutch said with a raised brow as he looked at his grandson.

"Yeah!  He's gonna b-"

"Shh!" Aoífe hissed.  "Not yet!"

Junior growled and narrowed his eyes at his sister.  "That's not fair, Aoífe!  I wantah tell Grandpa and Seanathair about the plan!"

Aoífe rolled her eyes.  "And ya can, but ya must have patience."

"But ya promised it would be today!"

Arthur looked down at the two children.  "You promised what would be today?" he asked Aoífe, smoking his cigarette.

Aoífe grumbled and jerked her head before taking a deep breath.  "That Junior could tell Grandpa and Seanathair about what yer plan is.  But we can't say it yet.  We're waitin' fer Uncle Sean and Quinn, lazy arses that they both are."

Arthur snorted, threw his head back and laughed.  "Aoífe, really, you...hehehe, you shouldn't talk like that."

"But it's true!" Aoífe giggled.  "All those two do is laze about our house and nap!  He ain't raising a child, he's training a future drinkin' buddy."

Hosea and Dutch burst out into laughter and dropped their poles before falling over.  Arthur had bit his palm to keep himself from laughing too hard.

"What's so funny?" Aoífe asked the men.

Arthur chortled and rubbed Aoífe's head.  "You're so much like your mother.  Outspoken, appalled at laziness and a secretive little sneak."

Aoífe frowned up at her father.  "I didna wantah keep me powers a secret, Daddy."

Arthur lowered his head down and kissed her head.  "I know, sweetheart.  And I get it.  You'll tell me things all in your own time.  No rush, okay?"