The Three of Us

Chronology: Tristan is 26. Raja is 16. Ardeth is 3 months.

"No," Tristan said firmly.

But Ardeth's chubby hand had a firm grip around his father's longest braid – he tugged.

Tristan couldn't help but be slightly amused, but his son seemed to be over preoccupied with Baba's hair. A baritone rumble came from his throat in warning. Ardeth stopped and stared at his father abruptly, the man's rumble having distracted him.

"Yeah, that's it," Tristan said, "just let go of the braid."

Ardeth just cooed and gurgled – and gave the braid another tug, waving his arm in the process which pulled the hair even more. He smiled wide as if it were a game.

"Dammit," Tristan hissed. He held onto his son's hand, trying to pry his fingers off one by one. When the baby's hand was free, his face crumpled and turned red. A hitch of impending sobs sounded. "Dammit," Tristan repeated. "Fine, take the damn thing." A small smirk spread on his face though. His son was instantly joyous and giggly as he played with the braid freely once again.

Raja walked into the bedroom and laughed. Tristan looked at her sternly, which made her laugh harder. "And you say I'm too easy on him."

"He doesn't pull your hair," Tristan grumbled.

Raja gave him a kiss, and went to give her son one as well, but a hideous odor flooded the room. Tristan scrunched his nose.

"How often do babies shit?"

"Trissy, you are lucky he cannot quite understand you. Do you want his first word to a profane one?"

Raja took Ardeth from his arms and walked over to the changing table. A clean cloth was set over the table, a rolled up towel under Ardeth's head. Raja began to change his sodden diaper with expert efficiency. Tristan watched carefully as she stripped the soiled cloth and tossed it into a bucket to be washed. She cleaned him with the products set on the table. A wet cloth with a very mild astringent. Then a white powder that was lightly scented with lilac to prevent rash. A fresh cloth was then pinned to Ardeth's bum.

Tristan, who had yet to change his son's diapers said, "I want to change him next time."

Raja's eyes popped open in surprise. "Well...all right," she said smiling, but flustered.

"What?"

"I cannot think of any instance when a father wanted to get anywhere near a smelly baby."

"Just because Bors complains about baby shit, doesn't mean I will."

Raja laughed. "Of course."

Tristan was a more diligent father than most. He didn't discern between "women's work" when it came to their child. He liked to help give his son baths, and carry him around whenever possible. One thing he couldn't quite do was make tiny clothes for him as Raja did. Even with the new addition to their family, Raja even still tended to Tristan as she always did.

And Tristan was damned relieved that he had yet had to leave anywhere since Ardeth was born. He could tell that Raja was still recovering from nine months of holding the baby and the hours of labor. Probably, other women jumped back faster, but Raja had always been somewhat of a slow healer. But Tristan reveled in her being a mother and wife, admired how she took such care of their son and him.

He was glad for the fact that she did not have to work. Even though Raja had her own money, an inheritance, Tristan still felt it his right to provide for wife and child.

Tristan went and opened the window to air out the room. Then he lit some incense that Raja always let smoke in the room once in a while.

Ardeth went for Raja's covered breast. "Oh, all right," she said, nuzzling his head. She sat down in the armchair in front of the fire and let down her chemise, Ardeth instantly latching onto her nipple. Tristan took the armchair and watched as she breastfed. At night, after Ardeth usually fed, Tristan would take what his son hadn't. It had become an intimate routine for Raja and him. A few weeks ago, they had made love for the first time in months. Slow and gentle.

They moved Ardeth's crib a little ways away, waiting until he was asleep. And when he napped during the day, mother and father also had time to engage in making love as well.

After Tristan finished his training on some days, Raja would lay Ardeth on a blanket as she washed Tristan's back and hair. And if the baby was awake later, Tristan would hold him as Raja untangled and braided his hair. Quiet times with the three of them were some of the best times. Tristan sitting up against the pillows with Ardeth lying on his back in the crook of his arm as Raja sat crossed legged in front of Tristan's feet, taking care of his sores. Sometimes they would talk; other times just sit in silence.

When Ardeth was done feeding, Tristan took him to burp him. The baby dozed and was placed in his bed to sleep. Raja and Tristan made love and lay together as the sun set.

5/30/07