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[ombranera]

I will write back as soon as possible.

Regards, Zevran

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A note

[ombranera]

Morrigan,

Thank you. Feel free to come visit whenever you like- I should think Kieran would get on well with Luciano and could use some helpful advice for what to do when apparently the whole of the world is meant to go in the mouth. Everything. He chews on Doghren's ears, Morrigan.

- Zevran

[arcaneadvisor]

Zevran,

A few of the vials provided can be rubbed on the gums to ease the aches that come with teething, but tis the way children experience the world. Kieran would chew upon my robes and indeed my staff though luckily only what he could reach in his sling. I am sure Doghren having been raised in part by Alistair is used to suffering such indignities. Kieran did have a few small things that were for chewing on, little distractions, I cooled some with magic and there are some things that can be done with salves and balms again.

I am sure Kieran would be happy to come help in providing a distraction when he is able to stop such instances even if he is the one who ends up covered in goodness knows what.

Morrigan

[ombranera]

Morrigan,

I've some chilled rags with mint and elfroot that he gnaws upon, but that lasts only so long before they no longer soothe or he becomes terribly bored by them and he instead demands my fingers or hair. He chews on my hair. I allow this. If ever I thought I would come to a point that I would not recognize myself, this is it.

Yesterday he found the only patch of mud in the garden that is less like mud and more like clay. For less than a moment I had my eye off of him and then he was covered head to toe in this muck. At least he enjoys bathtime.

-Zevran

[byblow]

[ Alistair rolls his eyes—at Zevran, at himself, at life—and segues directly into a sleepy blink. ]

What will you cut off if I lie down and that wakes him up?

[ombranera]

Give it a moment or two more- he may still wake if you move now. When he starts to drool, then you know it is safe to move. [ Things he has learned. ] It will not take long. He has had an exciting day.

[byblow]

[ The affection in the look Alistair shoots at Zevran is not very different from that in the look he'd previously aimed at Lucci, if much briefer, before he leans his head over onto his own shoulder and shuts his eyes without letting his arms shift. ]

I told you. Little Zevrans.

[ombranera]

One. Singular. An accident. He does not count.

[ He absolutely counts and they both know it, much as Zevran is loathe to do much of anything one way or the other on that matter. Lucci is his for...as long as it takes. As long as they can manage safely. ]

[byblow]

Don't call him that, [ Alistair rumbles without moving—not too chastising, more whine than command. Already smitten. Slightly projecting. ] Say unexpected. Or surprise.

[ombranera]

Someone has become attached quickly. Perhaps I should say he was determined to be born- Serena mentioned falling ill while with child and that she had been certain the witherstalk was fresh. He simply wished to be. I have to admire that.

[ Zevran chuckles, finishing his sketch and leaning forward to peer at Lucci. He is, indeed, drooling. ]

It is safe now to move if you like.

[byblow]

Mmm.

[ Alistair cracks open his eyes to evaluate the baby, then the bed. He probably shouldn't stay; he isn't supposed to be here without cause. But maybe Lucci counts as cause. Surely Seeker Pentaghast would understand.

He lays the baby down in the middle of the bed (he's not an idiot, completely), carefully. He tries to be careful stretching out alongside him, too, but he's big and slightly clumsy and it only does so much good. Plus he pauses to put his boots in Zevran's lap, just for a moment, joking, before pulling his legs up to arrange them behind him instead so he can lie on his side and stare, sleepy-eyed, at the baby, who doesn't have to move to be adorable. ]

So little, [ he murmurs, still stuck on it. ]

[ombranera]

[ In the few moments he has Alistair's boots Zevran begins tugging them off out of habit- only to lose them (and have boots on the bed, Alistair, for shame) as he moves his feet. Zevran sighs softly- setting aside his sketch to turn about where he sits and remove the boots anyway, Maker only knows what all he has tracked in here and on the sheets his son rolls around on regularly. ]

Elves do tend to be small, Alistair.

[ Indulgent is not a tone he takes often, let alone teasing and indulgent- but between sliding off one boot and the next, Zevran becomes just that. Alistair is home, the world is not so strange, Lucci...fits. In this whatever they have. This strange manner of family. ]

[byblow]

[ Alistair makes a vague noise and wiggles his feet, first in half-hearted protest and then to assist in his boots' removal. Once they're off he protests more directly by sticking his clammy sweat-damp socks on whatever bit of Zevran's arms or chest he manages to reach.

That'll teach him to be indulgent. ]

[ombranera]

[ The socks go next, clammy and sweaty and all- before there might have been a shudder, token swearing, tickling- now? Now Zevran has been shat and spat up upon regularly for the past few weeks. A little gross human sweat? is nothing. He pats Alistair's calves and begins a new sketch of Lucci and Alistair on the bed, small and large, human and elven, both adorably rumpled. ]

You will be a good uncle for him, I am certain.

[arcaneadvisor]

Zevran,

Kieran had rattles, they are simple enough to fashion. As well as things I was able to hang above him that would move with the breeze or a gentle tug of a string, bright colours and simple shapes. I spoke to him constantly to point out each and every thing that was around us, even to hand him leaves and seeds if I knew them to be safe, using my hands to run his across them, over his face, his feet, his back, his belly.

I did lose many feathers. Twas a sacrifice I made willingly.

You tell me this as if Alistair does not return Kieran to my company with both of them in a similar state. Kieran fortunately only requires someone to make sure he cleans behind his ears at this age, though I am sure Alistair still requires more than that.

Morrigan

[byblow]

[ Alistair shoots Zevran a wounded, bewildered look, not unlike a dog that's been ignored upon bringing a stick to play and doesn't understand whyyy, but it's immediately banished and replaced with a smile of the genuine, bright, non-smirky variety. He isn't often good at things, but he's pretty sure he can do uncle. Fun Uncle. ]

Maybe he'll appreciate my jokes.

[ombranera]

Morrigan,

Leliana actually provided a brightly colored and belled mobile for him. It hangs over our bed and it is a source of frequent delight for Lucci and has become one of the simplest ways to nip a potential fussing fit in the bud- or keep him still long enough for changing.

...There are times when I truly believe he was raised by mabari. I suspect one day we shall happen upon the four of them rolling about in the mud, covered save for their eyes.

Zevran

[ombranera]

[ Funcle ]

One ought to have the mind of a child to appreciate them, this is true.

[ Zevran tugs up one of the many quilts he's found to pull over Alistair's feet, plucking up a smaller one to drape over Lucci's bottom half. He will squirm free in an hour or so but is as easily chilled as his father. ]

[byblow]

Mean. Your father is very mean, Lucci.

[ Lucci, being asleep, doesn't respond. Alistair puts one (relatively massive) hand on his belly, as if to hold him in place, and shuts his eyes. He's an increasingly dead weight himself. ]

And he needs to stop drawing and get some rest while he can.

[arcaneadvisor]

Zevran,

I am unsurprised, she procured chocolate spiders and wooden soldiers for Kieran, as well as a sending crystal for when he and I are parted for long periods. And speaking of the lad again, he at least has the sense to know better than to allow me to catch him in the act.

I wonder, and you may pretend if you wish that part of this letter does not reach you, that little hands chew upon it or smear it, I will understand: how are you faring? I at least was prepared. I made a choice. I had nine long months of Kieran growing beneath my heart and all the time after to become accustomed to it.

Morrigan

[ombranera]

In a moment, Alistair.

[ He is getting a great deal of practice with softness and curls in these sketches, in shadows and how they shape the line of hair and brow just so. But- he finishes quickly enough, sets the book aside. gives Doghren her customary space by his pillow and settles on his side, curling protectively around Lucci. ]

He will wake in a few hours, you know.

[ombranera]

Morrigan,

True, she is quite doting despite her self claimed distance from sentiment- and your boy is quite clever indeed. I am proud to say I have taught him nothing of the sort and he manages all of it on his own.

I...am still keeping in mind the option to perhaps find him a better home elsewhere. Skyhold is no place to raise an infant and I am far from suited to being a father. I manage from day to day but this is not how I thought I would be spending this portion of my life. Though that is mostly because I thought I would be dead by now. Everyone says 'you shall become accustomed to it, you shall come to love him dearly' and while I take care of Lucci and mind him and feel some small twist of sentiment-

I do not feel love when I look at him, Morrigan. I feel fear. Children are so very easily injured, so very easily killed. How am I to protect him from all this?

-Zevran

[byblow]

Good, [ Alistair says, vaguely—it isn't actually good, probably definitely not good for Zevran, but he can't stay here forever. He probably won't manage to sleep through Lucci crying. Maybe.

He takes his hand off the baby's chest to feel blindly for Zevran's face instead, eyes still shut, and clumsily pats his cheek—his forehead, first, and then his jaw, a new strip of leather and wooden beads around his wrist (courtesy of Sabine, don't ask, he'll be a dork) clacking a little in the process, but eventually his cheek. It's an I missed you pat. ]

[ombranera]

Alistair- [ Muffled, faintly, by pillow and thumb- A man with large hands and an elf with a slim face? There will be mouth touching. Accidental mouth touching that usually would end in a nip or a lick or whatever would make Alistair screw his face up like a child and mumble about grossness-

And such reprisal is forthcoming save for the clatter of beads. ]

What is this on your wrist, mm?

[ It was not there when he'd left and Alistair is not one to create such things himself. ]

[byblow]

[ I SAID NOT TO ASK.

But Alistair cracks an eye open, just a bit, as if he has to check and see what Zevran is referring to, and sleepily drawls, very casually, as if he isn't blushing at all— ] Punishment for falling asleep on Sabine. [ Not really. Probably not really. He hasn't quizzed her about her intent. ] But the joke is on her. It makes me feel pretty.

[ He smushes Zevran's cheek up toward his eye. That's his punishment. ]

[ombranera]

[ Oh ho, what's this? The drawling and the face smooshing, nothing new.

The blushing, now- the falling asleep on her? THAT is something. Zevran snorts a soft laugh, reaching over to pat Alistair on the cheek. ]

You are the prettiest princess in Skyhold, this is true. So, tell me. Are you no longer wooless? Is there wooing going on behind my back?