Disclaimer: I do not own any of Tamora Pierces character's, places, or plots. This is written only for other's enjoyment and not for monetary purposes.
George padded from his study, one large hand dragging wearily across his face. It was late and he'd been spending the last few hours on his agent's reports. He was met by Coram, cuddling baby Alan
in his burly arms.
"I was just off to put the wee babes to bed. Alana seems to have dozed off feeding Alianna and Thom's joined her." The burly soldier stated.
"Here, I'll take him. You go home to your own little ones, Coram; goodness knows Rispah needs your help getting that rabble to bed."
Coram chuckled, "Well, they're all over yonder" he pointed down the hallway. "I'll see you soon"
George looked at the newborn babe in his arms, grinning slightly as the baby gurgled in his sleep. Stepping lightly, he settled Alan in his cradle in George's and Alanna's bedroom. Heading back, George
found the rest of his family in various states of sleep on a bench. Thom lay sprawled on one side, a small arm dangling off the edge and the opposite thumb tucked into the toddler's mouth. Beside
him, Alanna sat asleep, one hand soothingly on his back the other grasping Alianna to her breast where she'd been feeding. George chuckled softly, ever since the twins came, Alanna was more worn
out then ever. Picking up his eldest son, George carried him to his little bedchamber, the boys head lolling across his shoulder. Tucking him in, George smoothed coppery curls, kissed his forehead and
gently shut the chamber's door.
Easing, Alianna from his wife's arms, he laid her gently in her cradle, watching for a moment with amusement as her tiny mouth moved in rhythmic sucking motions, before kissing her scrunched face.
Trying not to wake her, George went to his wife and scooped her into his arms. Automatically her arms went around his neck and her head tucked neatly beneath his chin.
"Time for bed, 'lanna" he whispered. Her only response was to snuggle deeper into his chest. Padding softly into their bedroom, trying not to wake the twins, he helped her change, drawing off her
boots, breeches, and half unbuttoned shirt. He eased a shift over her head then tucked her into their bed. Changing himself, George slid beneath the blanket, drawing his wife into his embrace. With a
gentle kiss on her forehead, George whispered "Goodnight, lass" and listening to the soft breath of his young family around him, fell into a gentle slumber.
