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It was Boomer who suggested some of the wooden drinking cups be replicated then the children's names be engraved on them so each was individual. Using the replicator meant it could be done in the time needed even if it meant there would be less food time. Ianto agreed, wanting the cups for everyone and he was prepared to work all fucking night if it made the kids happy and ended this strange dilemma caused by the accident.
He needn't have worried. Many offered to help and before too long there were cups for everyone, Grups included. As some settled to do the names he went to the next part of the plan, taking the promised food back to the kids with Francine in tow, her face lighting up as she was swamped by eager little ones, all wanting a cuddle.
After making sure the kids ate Jack arrived with the other designated Grups. Yeah … Marley, Billy and an excited Owen. They all settled for stories as Owen made silly voices and they were all transfixed.
Then Ianto spoke. He found himself talking about his mother. The smell of her hair, the way it shone in the sunlight. He told them how long she had been gone and how he still thought of her every day. More so now little Rosie was starting to look like her. He told them mourning and sorrow are not the same thing and although grief can pass sorrow can remain and it is normal to feel this. It is not something that will harm you, it is the way we remember people. More love means more sorrow but like with everything there is a trade off.
The table was set for the children, the Grups getting into the swing of things and enjoying the idea of pampering their children. After all, their survival was all for them, right? They were all in agreement that they had become too accustomed to death due to the early days, their children not at all and it was not a good balance.
Ianto was currently sitting to one side as he watched the final preparations, Francine walking along the rows of chairs checking with that practised eye Nainny used to have and Ianto felt a twist in his gut at the thought of his lovely Nainny doing the same thing then he looked over to see Pip in the doorway with much the same idea. The image in Ianto's head also in his.
"Frannie" Pip said softly "Nice."
"Awwww, come here" she knelt and gathered the little boy into her arms, hugging him as Ianto rocked in the chair by the fire, considering things. This was about more than just Liam. Sean. This. These kids needed some structure, roots and some standardised form of rite. That was it. Rites. Not rights.
"Tomorrow we are all going to have a meeting" he said as everyone turned to look at him "It's time we formalised our ideas. I want it written that when a couple bonds they are to be faithful to one another, unless it is equally agreed to add a third to the bed. I want it written that a baby may be of the pack but it's parentals have control. None of this 'our' baby stuff that has started. We need to respect new mothers and their need to hide. Stuff like that. Nut out some ideas for a real governance. Laws. Or at least rules."
"Laws" Hope nodded as she stood to one side, the other kids filing in "Yes. We need those. And Lawmen?"
"The Security force is out police. Our Heddlu. The committee will be the council or well .. parliament I guess since the mayor an such are voted on. Yes?" Ianto raised an eyebrow "But Wolfling must have a voice at the table. Any and all groups that have meetings will have a Wolfling involved. That way there can be a batter agreement."
"And we can bite anyone who gets mean" Tum agreed
Soft laugher as everyone nodded, some looked a little worried and more than one started making notes. Ianto noted Kev seemed to be thinking then looked over at Jack. Yes. Good idea.
Organised chaos.
Sounded good.