22

The Christmas decorations were going up and Ianto pondered those that had candles in them, needing constant replenishing. A lot of work. He knew this realm was not as wealthy as his but to see the effort put in told him that the pride was just as fierce so he did not comment on it, did not lament the extravagant things from his home that really… he did not miss that much ya know.

Alice was in love with Sparkles and her foal … Flint. Ianto liked that. She had considered things, watched his tiny hooves spark on the cobbles and devised a perfect name for a horse that one day might command fear. Flint. Yes.

Owen was in a festive mood too, no doubt the drink helping as he tried a few limericks that had his dear Toshiko blushing furiously at him, even as Rhys gaped at Andy who joined in, knowing them by heart. Seems that quiet blond bit was actually clever and quick witted. Rhys was openly showing his interest in him and Ianto could not help but notice Gwen acting like a spurned lover, even as she tried unsuccessfully to drape herself over John Hart.

Ah yes. Captain Hart. He seemed to think it all some huge joke. Ianto wondered what Jack saw in him but knew they had seen combat together. Nothing to cement men as lifelong brothers like the smell of death. Ianto was trying to make accommodations for the slick prick but really… he just rubbed him the wrong way, ya know?

Alice was a star. Ianto was so loving her and excited to teach her to ride a Fire Mount which requires a lot more knowledge than a standard horse. After all, she knows the secret. Some are throwbacks, like him. Like Myfanwy. Like little Flint. Oh yes, Ianto had recognized it in the first moments of the foal's birth as the head rose and turned to stare straight at him.

Flint was a reborn.

And Alice… would ride a Dragone!

.

.

"So do you celebrate the solstice where you come from?" her majesty asked, still not quite sure how to address Ianto. They were in the Great Hall watching the preparations for the Christmas Feast get organized, seated at the Big Table with some eats and wine.

"Yes Mama" he answered, making it so much easier all of a sudden "We do. Much as you do. Decorations. A feast and festivities, gifs and a time of family and togetherness. Also, a time to let go of past mistakes and indiscretions, forgiveness and renewal… such as the fire burning the land clean for new growth, sometimes you have to clear the board and start again."

"A good way to look at things" she smiled as he nodded.

"Alice… she wants to ask permission to sit at the big table come the feast, as those who wear crowns do and she desperately wants a crown of her own. She knows another child may come to take the throne from her, this is not about that. She is not her mother… I think… I think she looks up to you and sees how regal and strong you are, she emulates you Mama and wants to be near you. I think you can be a better tutor to her than others, you know the freak show after all. Even if Jack and I produce a male heir, she will be an advisor, his confidant and big sister… a Princess Regent, as such… I would like to ask, on her behalf, that you take an interest in her learnings as a member of the royal table." Ianto stopped talking and lifted his wine glass to sup, looking out over the people still moving tables and applying cloths like he had not just dumped a huge thing on her.

"You… you honour me" she finally said softly.

"Ah, it is selfish. I know her mother would have liked the job but alas… taken too soon. I am man enough to admit there are things a little girl needs a woman for, a mother. You raised wonderful children, you know the needed hugs or scolding required. I do not want to stifle her, I know I can be…. Judgmental… based on my own upbringing which was in another place and time without a mother's love. I do not know all your rules and ways, it is not fair of me to stomp in and make her my minion. That is silly to think I have that right. I WILL rule beside your son one day. We will both wear crowns of office and I will be called a king… you know that right? Alice… Alice will have two overbearing fathers watching over her, she needs you to protect her against our need to protect and stifle. I know any suitor will be met with a thump or two if I do not like him."

She laughed, hard not to as Ianto made a face of disgust and saw what Jack saw in those stolen moments.

This man… this lovely Elf… was a trickster.

She nodded her agreement.

To be a mama to a small child again… what a lovely idea.