Goodness gracious, how time flies by when you're having fun. It's been four years since the night Carlisle gave the news about the Southern King wanting my parents back, the war, and for Alice to go talk with Bartholomew. My poor sweet Alice. I could tell she's terrified by the way Carlisle described him to her.
I'm extremely busy at work today and Alice, my dear lovely wife, was helping me, and my father out in the shop. My father and I working together again; that was something that I would've never imagined I would be saying again, since I believed he and mother were both dead…
"Tarrant?"
I turned my head to where I heard my name being called, and it was my beautiful wife and mother of my children.
"Yes?"
She giggled, shook her head, and asked, "Are you finished with the new hat for Mrs. Buttersworth?"
I turned to look at the lovely pink feathered hat; it practically looked like a flamingo if you asked me. I picked it up, placed it in a white hat box, put the lid on it, and brought it to Alice.
She gave me that look; the look of…of…lust…oh, how very bad are you, my vixen! Uh oh…something is starting to tingle…
"Tarrant!"
"Yes?" I turned around quickly, and noticed my father needed my help.
"Tarrant, a little help would be deeply appreciated if it isn't too much trouble for you, since all you're doing is fancying your wife," my father mumbled the last part, but I still made it out.
I walked toward my father who was making a black top hat. He needed my help when he was fastening the rim to the cylindrical part of the hat. After we finished that, he adhered pink satin ribbon hiding the seam where the rim and cylinder top part met. I watched how my father made the hat so I could do it when he finally decides when he will retire. Apparently my mind wondered because it was the sound of my father clearing his throat that brought me back to where I was.
"Does this look alright?" my father inquired my eye to inspect his final product.
I smiled, and proudly stated, "You still got it, _athair_."
My father decided to pound into me, "What's the matter with you, _mo mac_? Are you feeling alright? Your head wasn't here today."
My blood was starting to boil over, but he wasn't finish yet, "You disappoint me, Tarrant. You can't seem to focus on one thing. How can you work when all you're thinking about is _dèanamh_ _dìlseachd_ with your wife?"
I couldn't take it anymore; I tore into him for the first time in years, "Why must you feel that way toward me? All my life I did everything to please you, and yet, it seems as if anything that I do will never please you!" My eyes were turning to orange at this moment, "I admire you. I want to be the same 'at maker as ya," my accent began to get thicker plus my eyes were turning to red as I continued, "Ya 'av no idea wha my life was like without ya. I went mad from wha 'appin afta the Horunvendush Day. Why not accept me for wha' I am? Is tha' too much to ask for?"
I stormed out the shop, and I walked. Who knows how far I walked because my main goal was to cool off.
Tarrant stormed out the shop swearing in Outlandish after he just told his father off. I've never seen Tarrant that angry before. Mr. Randolph was standing still as a marble statue staring where Tarrant previously stood. We were silent for a while then he snapped out of his trance, and looked at me.
"Alice, I don't know what to say. It's as if I don't know my own son anymore. Why do his eyes change color that way?" he was still perplexed as to what happened only moments ago.
I inhaled, exhaled, and I decided to just be up front with him, "You need to sit down for this, Mr. Randolph. It's a very complicated story. I hope I tell it correctly.
Mr. Randolph listened to me, and he sat down in the burgundy winged back chair.
I began in Outlandish, to show how much I love my new family, "_Fa a' Horunvendush Latha, Tarrant freiceadan cho thu agus ur teaglah faigh marbh _an dàrna taobh_ a' Jabberwocky…"_
"Alice, you've improved so much on your Outlandish. Tarrant has done well teaching you. You can talk in English. I don't mind."
Well, why didn't he say so before I began explaining?
"On the Horunvendush Day, Tarrant watched as you and your family got killed by the Jabberwocky; so he thought. Throughout his devastation, he saved Mirana from the danger of being killed, and led her to safety in her own castle here in Marmoreal. After everything settled, he would go back to the village, and find nothing but ruins plus the memory of his family disappearing without a trace. _Athair, _he went mad. His mental health is very fragile. Any little minute set back will cause him to go bananas."
Thackery peeked in, and questioned, "Whose got a banana? I want a banana!"
I giggled, and clarified, "No, dear sweet Thackery, no one has a banana. Go check in the kitchen. I'm sure Tanna will find you a banana."
Thackery left in a flash, and I turned to Mr. Randolph. Oh cricket, he looked on the verge of tears. Oh bullocks, now I'm on the verge of tears. I have been really weepy lately, and I don't understand why. I got up walked over to Mr. Randolph, and embraced him. I needed some happy time.
"Mommy!"
Thank God, I got what I wanted; my children. They ran up to me, and all four bear hugged me.
"Mommy, Gavin was being mean to us," Carlie began then Timothy added, "He took my hat, and gave it to Chessur. Now, Chessur won't give it back!"
Emily was in tears. I knelt down before her, and I inquired, "Emily, dearest, what's the matter?"
She choked back the tears, and spilled everything, "Gavin took my bunny with the pink dress that Aunt Tanna made me, and threw it in a tree. He took Timothy's hat, and gave it to Chessur. He pulled Carlie's hair, and messed it up. He's being very mean!"
I turned to Gavin, and I gave him the evil eye. He attempted to use his puppy eyes on me, but he pushed too far.
"Gavin Hightopp, you're in big trouble young man. You're very lucky that I'm going find your father because he and grandfather got into an argument. As of now, you're punished to helping Uncle Thackery clean up the kitchen tonight…"
"But mom," Gavin whined then I put my foot down, "This bullying of your sisters and brother has gone on long enough! When your father comes back, it'll be his turn to punish you. Right now, I'm going find your father, where ever he stormed off to. Go play with Sarah, Hannah, Tina, Mina, Timmy, Jimmy, Sammy, and Danny. Your father and I will call you when it's time to go home."
All four of them gleefully answered, "Alright mom, bye!"
They took off in a flash, and the laughter of little girls and boys could be heard playing about in the courtyard. Mr. Randolph and I decided to close the hat shop since the Royal Hatter was M.I.A. He and I parted ways then I began to think of where Tarrant would go to calm down. I had an ah-ha moment, and followed the path to where we first met.
I walked until I reached Thackery's house. It was like a time capsule. The tables were still set up the way they always were. My green chair was at the head of the table. Mix-matched tea pots and cups covered the table along with the many saucers, and sugar jars. I continued to walk to my chair, and when I reached it, I sat down. The cushion was showing its age because I could feel the springs…my poor buttocks. I stared into oblivion as I counted down from ten in my head. I closed my eyes, and I stopped counting.
Suddenly, after who knows how long I was out, I heard a voice call my name.
"Tarrant…you're far away…where are you?"
I recognized that voice immediately. I knew who's voice it was; Alice.
"Somewhere, in a place, where my father appreciates me, and what I do. Somewhere, in a place, where my father doesn't ridicule me."
She took me in an embrace. _Gonadh_, the warmth of that embrace how it makes me melt, and forget what I was angry about. I embraced her, and how much I needed this. Then, Alice giggled.
I looked into her eyes, and inquired, "What is so funny?"
Alice let me in on it, "Do you know a place where a party is made, and love sprang forth from it?"
I chuckled, "Alice, love, now is not the time to make riddles. But, this is a challenge. You're talking about these tables, love."
Alice nodded then she got that look in her eye…that lustful look…and she added, "How about making love on these tables?"
I know my eyes changed to emerald green at this moment because Alice had a smirk on her face. Oh, how I always wanted to take her on these tables, but I was always afraid we would get caught in the act. Well, what do I have to lose?
"Oh, you naughty lass. Yu betta star runnin'."
Alice squealed then took off running around the tables. I got on top of the tables, and took off at high speed to catch her. I almost had her, but for some odd reason, she was a slight bit quicker than I was. After playing cat and mouse for five minutes, I finally got her. I picked her up; swiped away the tea pots, cups, and saucers then gently laid her down on the table. Alice pulled me to her eagerly waiting lips to create a heated passionate kiss. She ran her fingers through my hair, and my hand stroked her cheek. We both gave our tongues permission to enter each other's mouths to invoke a tongue war. Gracious, all of this was making my lower self tingle. I broke the kiss, and we were both panting in the heat of passion. It's been so long since our last love making session that I can't stand it anymore. I want her now!
I bluntly told her in my thick Outlandish accent, "Yu 'av way too much clothes on, lass. It's time they go."
Still panting, she added, "Go ahead, take them off. But, you're going to strip down, too."
I smiled wickedly, "As yu wish, luv."
In two quick movements, Alice was naked like a newborn babe. In two quick movements, so was I. Alice beckoned me to go to her with her finger, and I pounced on her like a cat catching a mouse. I decided to play with her.
"Oh…Tarrant! I can't hold on…much…oh God!"
She climaxed, and went limp in the ecstasy of it. Oh, how I wanted to really take her on these tables.
Alice ran her fingers through my hair, and erotically stated, "Come here, big boy, and punish your naughty wife who was undressing you all morning."
I climbed up, and sexually growled, "Oh, you naughty lass. I thin we both undressed each otha wit our eyes dis mornin'. I'm naughty, too, luv. We 'av to punish each otha."
Alice couldn't take it anymore, "I want you now!"
"As you wish," I told her, and I slid into her.
She inhaled sharply, "Oh, Tarrant! What are you trying to do; make me go before you?"
I smirked, and began ramming myself into her. Oh, how I love to watch the girls bounce. They're bigger now than what they were before the quadruplets were born, so they really bounce. I pushed harder inside of her, and she began squirm.
"Tarrant…oh yeah, Tarrant…oh yes!"
I motioned for Alice to get on all fours. She obeyed, and I rammed into her so hard and so fast; she didn't know it was coming that soon.
"Good God, Tarrant!"
Alice was moaning; I was groaning while massaging her breasts. We were going so fast, we could have tired out the rabbits. She was closing in on me, and I was at the point of no return.
"Tarrant…"
"Alice…"
"I'm almost there…"
"Me, too…"
"Ugh…Oh! Tarrant!"
"Agh!"
That was it; it was over in one more thrust inward. Two points for me because I got Alice to climax twice.
After we changed back into our clothes, Tarrant and I began walking back to the castle with my arm linked in his. After a long silence, I told him about our son, Gavin.
I began, "Tarrant, I have to tell you something about Gavin…"
It's like he can read my mind, "He bullied his sisters and brother again. I know just how to stop him."
"It's worse than last time, Tarrant. He took Timothy's hat, and gave it to Chessur. Well, Chess doesn't want to give it back."
"Slurvish feline," he mumbled under his breath.
I fussed, "Tarrant Hightopp, stop it. We'll have to ask Chess for the hat nicely."
"Did someone call my name?"
We stopped, and on the lowest branch on the tree in front of us, Chessur materialized still wearing Timothy's hat.
I began, "Chess, that's a nice hat you're wearing. It looks familiar to me."
"Oh, thank you. Gavin told me I can have it." Chessur was grinning as he curled his tail.
Tarrant yelled, "That's Timothy's hat, you slurvish feline! Give it back!"
I gave Tarrant some eyes, and I began rephrasing what Tarrant just told him, "Chess, what Tarrant wanted to say is; would you please give us the hat back? Gavin has been causing trouble lately, and he told you that you can have the hat just to be mean to his brother. Timothy loves his hat because he helped his father make it."
Chessur was starting to break. He took the hat off his head, and looked at it. It was a smaller version of Tarrant's signature hat including smaller hat pins.
Chessur looked at Tarrant, and made a deal, "I'll give the hat back, but I want a hat similar to yours."
Tarrant smirked, "I'll make a hat suitable enough for a disappearing friend."
He smiled, and tossed the hat to Tarrant. He caught it, and while disappearing Chess said, "Don't forget about my hat, lover boy."
Our eyes widened, did Chess see us…oh bugger, I hope not.
We made it back to the castle, and the quads spotted us. They all ran up to me except Gavin because he knew he was in big trouble. I picked up all three, spun them around, and put them back on the ground.
"I got something for you, Tim." I placed his hat on his head, and a huge smile formed on his face.
_Gonadh_, he looked an awful lot like me. He was my little guy, and I love to make him smile. I looked at Gavin, and beckoned him to come to me with my finger. He looked so pathetic with his head hung down to where he could see where he was walking. He reached me, and I turned to Alice.
"He and I are going for a walk. We'll be back," I told her then I took Gavin by the hand.
We walked to the white rose courtyard. I brought him to the gazebo, and we sat down on the bench.
I took off my hat, and sat it on the side of me. Gavin knew when I took off my hat, I meant business.
I began talking to him, "Gavin, this is not the first time I had to talk with you about bullying your brother and sisters. I want to turn the tables on you. What if Timothy took your hat away from you? The one you helped me make for you, and he gave it to Chessur. Would you like it?"
Gavin shook his head, and I continued, "Did your sisters do anything to you?"
Again, he shook his head then I asked, "Did Timothy do anything to you?"
Again, he shook his head. I began explaining, "Do you understand that what you did was very mean, and it hurt your sisters and brother a lot? Do you think that is big brother material if you ever get a little sister or brother?"
"No, daddy, it's not. I'm…_sniff_…I'm so sorry," Gavin began choking back some tears.
"Look at _athair_," he looked at me, and I continued, "Your mother already punished you by having you help Uncle Thackery clean up in the kitchen. I am punishing you to the stables."
"No, daddy, not the stables! I promise I'll never do it again! Please, not the stables! It stinks in there!"
I stood up, picked up my hat, placed it on my head, turned to him, and stressed, "The stables, young man! You will help feed the horses, and clean up in their stalls. You have been making empty promises for two weeks, and you keep on bullying your siblings. The stables starting right now."
He stomped out the gazebo, and he turned toward the direction of the kitchen.
"Wrong way!"
He started crying uncontrollably in the right direction, and I made sure he made it to the stables. I saw the stable boy show him how to clean in the stalls, and how to feed the horses. I knew Louis would get a kick out of that. I secretly watched him for about an hour then I decided to leave him alone to his work. I walked into the castle to find Carlisle entertaining the other three.
I walked up to him, and I asked, "Carlisle, where's Alice?"
"She wasn't feeling well, and she ran to the bathroom. So, I told her I would be entertaining them. Where's Gavin?" he began to look around for him.
I calmed his nerves, "Don't worry, _brathair_, he is in the stables. That is part of his punishment for bullying his siblings."
I felt a tug on my coat, and I looked down to see Carlie was the one tugging.
I knelt down, and asked, "What is it, sweetheart?"
"Is mommy going to be alright?" Poor little Carlie, she's her mother, but looks like me only with her mother's eyes.
I smiled, and reassured her, "Yes, my little love, your mother will be just fine."
After I said that, she returned, and said, "Alright, Carlisle, I'm ready to go talk to Bartholomew."
"Alice, love, are you alright?" I was concerned about her.
She exhaled, and brushed me off, "Yes, dear, I'm fine. It's just my nerves."
I took her into an embrace, and kissed her forehead, "Please be careful."
Alice pushed me back to look into my eyes, and she reassured me, "Tarrant, I'll be fine. I have Carlisle coming with me."
I nodded, but I was still worried about her. She kissed me then kissed the children, and walked to the stables.
Carlisle and I walked to the stables. When we got there, I noticed the stable boy, and Gavin feeding the horses.
"Boy, fetch me my horse!" Carlisle ordered the stable boy to go get his horse.
The stable boy came with a tall Arabian built white horse with gold reins, bridle, and saddle. Carlisle got on the horse, and I went to go get Louis. He loved to go out for rides. I put his saddle on him, bridle, and reins. Louis looked down at me.
"Hello, Mrs. Hightopp, your son is a hard worker."
I smiled, "That's because he's punished."
Louis looked at Gavin, "Ah, so I guess Mr. Hightopp punished him to the stables."
I nodded, and he continued, "He knew I'd get a kick out of it. Where are we off to, Mrs. Alice?"
"Louis, we follow the King. We're going to the Forest of Dreams to talk to Bartholomew the Wolfagon." I explained as I hopped onto him.
Carlisle took off, and Louis followed close behind him. We rode out the castle gates, and onward into the Tulgey Wood. As we rode through the woods, Carlisle and I talked.
"How's Mirana been feeling?" I remembered she wasn't feeling well either.
Carlisle answered, "Well, she's been crying a lot lately, only vomits in the morning, and keeps on saying that something hasn't come yet…"
I smiled, and asked, "It wouldn't happen to be a monthly visitor, would it?"
Carlisle turned his head quickly, and said, "Yes, that's what it was."
I had a smile from ear to ear, and Carlisle inquired, "Alice, you know something, spill it."
"Carlisle, I love you, you are the brother I never had, but I don't want to ruin it. I want Mirana to tell you herself. I know exactly what it is, but Mirana is the one to tell you not me."
Carlisle hung his head, and I giggled, "It's going to be fine, Carlisle. Trust me."
"I do trust you, Alice. Oh by the way, how are you feeling?" That rat decided to turn the tables on me.
I pursed my lips, and I spilled it, "Well, I, too, have been crying a lot lately. I threw up this morning, but…only in the morning…"
What Carlisle told me almost made me fall off Louis, "Well, Alice, you sound like you have what Mirana has."
I was in total shock, but thank goodness we made it to the Forest of Dreams before he would ask me why I was silent. We slowed our horses to a stop, and I got off Louis. Carlisle got off his horse, and took Louis's and his horses' reigns. I began walking toward the forest, and I heard wolf howls. I was already scared beyond all reason, but those howls almost sent me over the edge of being terrorized.
"I'll stay with the horses. Go find Bartholomew, and ask him to become champion alongside you. He will only speak to a Champion of Underland," Carlisle explained to me something I already knew, yet I still didn't want to go alone, but I think I have no choice in the matter.
I inhaled, exhaled, and walked into the forest. I observed all around as I advanced into this beautiful scenery. Thank goodness, it wasn't dark, and scary like the Tulgey Wood is. I plunged deeper and deeper into the forest, and suddenly, I heard a growl that sounded like an angry wolf. I quickened my step only to quickly stop before I ran into a long left leg of a brown Wolfagon. It stood about eight stories tall with chocolate brown fur, chocolate brown leathery dragon wings, but still looks like a wolf. Did I mention it can also breathe fire? The huge creature looked down at me still growling at me. At this moment, I'm about to swoon from being so terrified.
"Who are you, and why are you here?" He snapped; I almost thought he was about to make me his dinner.
I cleared my throat, and calmly answered, "I'm Alice Kingsleigh Hightopp and I'm here to…"
I was interrupted by the Wolfagon whose attitude changed drastically when I mentioned my name, "The Alice Kingsleigh Hightopp who saved us from the Red Queen's Dark Age? Forgive me, Champion of Underland, my lord and leader, Bartholomew, is expecting you."
Finally, I could be at ease. Bartholomew was expecting me? How did he know I was coming? Are Wolfagons psychic? The Wolfagon escorted me into the center of the forest, and more Wolfagons started appearing from nowhere starring at me. We finally made it to Bartholomew. He was the tallest Wolfagon standing at approximately ten stories tall, pure white fur, same color leathery wings, and brown eyes.
He looked down at me, and began, "Mrs. Alice Kingsleigh Hightopp, Champion of Underland, it's so nice to finally meet you. I told your king that I would only speak to you since I was once a champion myself. I heard there's trouble between the Black King of Napa Bree in Snud, and the White King of Marmoreal. I already know the whole story of your husband's parents' situation being the reason of war."
I nodded in agreement then he concluded, "Now, you're here to ask for my help."
I answered, "Yes, you summed up basically everything."
"Come with me."
He turned around, and began walking deeper into the forest. I followed in pursuit due to the fact that I don't want to be eaten alive by his…pack…I think that's what you call a group of these creatures.
After walking for seemed like hours, we came upon a calm river. Bartholomew stopped then sat down by the shore line. I reached the shore line, and couldn't believe my eyes. It was a beautiful glade with white daisy like flowers along with some white flowers with red tips on them. I think those flowers are called bleeding hearts…that's a Mirana question for later. The sun shone through the canopy of branches from the tree tops allowing rays of light to light up the area.
I began asking questions, "How did you know that I was coming?"
He chuckled then answered, "You see this river," I nodded then he continued, "This river is called River of Visions. This river will show you things that happen in the past, present, and future. It was this river that showed me you were coming. This river will answer questions you have about yourself, family, and friends."
I looked into the river, and couldn't believe what I saw. After watching the next four days play out in front of me, I turned to Bartholomew.
"You will fight alongside of me…"
Bartholomew nodded then began lecturing me, "I will fight; however, I don't find it wise that you should fight. Your current condition…"
"Listen, I never break promises. My Queen and King are counting on me, and I will not let them down. There is nothing you can say or do to make me change my mind."
Bartholomew smiled, "You are head strong, and that's very good. You are right; I cannot convince you to not fight in this war. If my wife was in your predicament, I wouldn't let her fight at all."
He was right. I shouldn't fight given my current situation. I gave my word, and I can't go back on it, that's not how I was raised.
"When is the battle supposed to take place?" he asked to get my attention back.
I answered, "In four days, meet us at the castle in Marmoreal in the early morning."
Bartholomew nodded, and he said, "I'll take you back to your King, and horse. Promise me one thing, Mrs. Alice."
I tilted my head to the side, and asked, "What is it?"
"Take care of yourself."
I smiled, and promised, "I will. I always take care of myself."
He smiled, and we walked away from the River of Visions back to where I first entered the Forest of Dreams.
After walking for what seemed like hours, we made it back to Carlisle, and the horses. Carlisle and Bartholomew looked at each other, smiled, and nodded. I didn't understand what all that was about, but I was ready to go back. We told each other good-bye then Carlisle, and I mounted the horses. We took off back to Marmoreal.
I most have drifted into dreamland because we were back in Marmoreal. Carlisle and I raced through the castle gates, and into the stables. Gavin wasn't in the stables anymore, but I was impressed; the stables were clean. Louis neighed happily when he noticed his stable was clean with some fresh oats, and hay waiting for him. I got off Louis, removed the bridle, reigns, and saddle from him then hung them up on the hooks. I walked out, closed his stable door, and left the stables. I walked into the castle, and I spotted Mirana walking my way.
"Alice! Come with me, I need your help with something."
Before I could tell her anything, she took my hand, and led me into her room. She closed the door, and turned toward me.
She inhaled then got straight to the point, "Alice, you and I have been feeling strange lately. I want us to take this potion together."
I quickly exhaled, and asked, "Is that what I think it is?"
She nodded, and handed me a cup with the purplish liquid in it. We toasted each other, and both drank it at the same time. We both made a face showing how disgusting it was. Mirana turned to me.
"Good luck, Alice."
"Good luck, Mirana."
We both held out our hands, and…
I walked out my hat shop with the hat I made for Chessur. It was a black hat with a blue satin ribbon tied around it. I called him, and he appeared right in front of me.
"Well, hello, Tarrant. What can I do for you?"
I held out his hat, and smiled, "Like I promised. A hat for a dear disappearing kitty."
Chessur gave me a face that read, 'don't call me kitty.' I couldn't help, but chuckle.
He admired it, and pointed out, "It looks just like yours, Tarrant. Thank you, I love it. I shall wear it to all occasions."
I laughed, "I'm sure you will, my feline friend."
He bowed, placed the hat on his head, and disappeared after seeing me give him a thumbs up for how great he looks with a hat.
Suddenly, I heard the clicking of heals, and I turned to see Alice and Mirana walking my way. Carlisle walked in, and so did my parents, Sophia, Sarah, and my children.
Mirana announced, "We want the family Hightopp to meet us in the throne room at this time."
I looked at Carlisle, and he shrugged his shoulders. I felt a tug on my coat, and it was Timothy giving me a questionable look. I shrugged my shoulders, and we all entered the throne room.
Mirana closed the door, and began, "Alice and I brought you here because of some news we have to tell you. Alice, why don't you begin?"
Alice turned toward us, and she took a deep breath in. She exhaled, smiled then addressed the children, "My dear little ones, remember two months ago you asked daddy and I for something. What was it that you asked for?"
All four answered, "For a baby brother or sister."
Alice turned her gaze to me, and held up her hands. The left was glowing pink, and the right was glowing blue.
I couldn't speak. I was so excited, and happy that I couldn't say anything.
Alice explained, "The reason why mommy wasn't feeling well is because she is going to have a baby. You're going to have a baby brother and sister."
Everyone was screaming, and jumping up and down, congratulating us.
"I'm going to be a father, again! Callou Callay!"
I broke down into Futterwacken, and I did it vigorously. My children laughed; they always do when I act silly.
Mirana cleared her throat, and I had to stop. She smiled, and brought everyone back to her.
Mirana began, "You all know that I, too, haven't been feeling well for two and a half months now," and she turned to Carlisle.
She smiled, and held up her hands. Her left hand was glowing pink, and her right hand was glowing blue.
Mirana, gleefully, exclaimed, "Carlisle, you're going to be a father!"
Carlisle happily yelled, "I'm going to be a father!" and he started dancing his signature dance.
He and I danced making the children, our wives, and our parents laugh.
Mirana and Alice joined hands then they began to glow a golden color. That made everyone stop what they were doing to witness this strange occurrence.
_Mathair_ asked, "Alice, Mirana, let go of your hands."
They let go of each other's hands. Mirana's hand was glowing blue, and Alice's hand was glowing pink. I was confused at what was going on.
"Join hands again," I told them, and they did; same thing their joined hands were glowing gold.
Carlisle looked up, and called, "Absolem!"
The blue butterfly appeared on Alice's shoulder, and he inquired, "You summoned me, your grace?"
Mirana chimed in, "Absolem, why when Alice and I join hands they glow golden?"
Absolem told them to let go. They did; Alice with the pink hand, and Mirana with the blue hand. He told them to join hands again. They did, and the joined hands began glowing gold again.
"Interesting, I haven't seen this since the Red King and Queen. What is this you're asking? Your children are now betrothed."
Alice, Mirana, Carlisle, and I blurted out, "What?"
Absolem was getting aggravated, and he roughly explained, "Meaning the future prince and the Champion's daughter are destined to be married."
I began ranting, "But their first cousins! First cousins can't marry each other!"
Mirana answered, "Yes, Tarrant, they can so the royal bloodline continues on in the family. Iracebeth married our first cousin who was the Red King."
I couldn't take anymore. Yes, I was overjoyed that my unborn daughter and the future prince of Marmoreal are destined to be together, but they're first cousins! To me, it was…was…eeeewww!
After all the excitement and eating, it was time for us to leave. It was getting late, and the children needed to go to bed. We got into the carriage, and left to go home. After about thirty minutes of riding, the carriage pulled up at our house. I opened the door, and the children ran inside.
"Go get ready for bed," Alice told the wee ones, and they ran upstairs.
I wrapped my arms around her waist to where my hands rested on her belly. I felt her hands touch mine, and she rested them on mine.
"We're having a baby again. Twins!"
"I know. Oh Tarrant, I love you."
I turned her to face me, and admitted, "I love you, too. I love you more than my own life."
We closed the gap between us, and our eager lips met for a very heated very passionate kiss.
"Eeeewww!"
Alice and I started laughing then I began chasing them up the stairs. I followed the boys into their room. They climbed into their beds, and I tucked them both in.
I kissed them both, "Good night, _mo macs_. I love you."
"Love you, daddy."
Alice walked in, and they lit up. I walked out the room to listen.
"Thank you, mommy."
"Thank you for what, Gavin?"
"For giving us a brother and a sister."
She giggled, and countered, "You need to thank your daddy as well. They're not here yet. You have seven more months to wait."
Timothy asked, "Where are they, mommy?"
"They are inside mommy's tummy. Right now, they are very small. They will get bigger every month. When they are ready to get here, they will let mommy know."
Way to go, Alice. She gave the watered down version of how babies grow, and how they come into the world. I decided to leave them alone, and I went into the girls rooms.
Carlie and Emily were already in bed waiting for me.
I kissed them both, "Good night, my loves, I love you."
They both replied, "Love you, daddy."
Emily asked, "Daddy, where is our brother and sister?"
Oh dear, now it's my turn to explain, "Right now, they are very tiny, and can't live without mommy's help. They are inside mommy's tummy so they can stay safe, and grow bigger and stronger so they can come out to live with us."
It was Carlie's turn, "When does mommy know that they are ready to come out?"
"Trust me, your mommy will know. Your baby brother and sister will let her know when they're ready."
They smiled at me, and I gave them one last kiss good night.
"Daddy?"
"Yes, Emily?"
"Can you tell us the story about how mommy came back to Underland, and how you and mommy lived happily ever after?"
I chuckled, and I pulled a chair in between the two beds. I looked at them both. Gracious, they are so much like their mother.
I sighed, "Alright, how to start? Oh yes, once upon a time…"
mo mac- my son
Deanamh dilseachd- making love
