Title: Games
Author: Karina
Rating: PG
Pairing: Milliardo + Pagan
Notes: Challenge 210. Baby Series 4 #88. Takes place at approximately the same time as Focus.
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Extended Length
Many thanks to ShenLong Deb for her work betaing this set of fics.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.
Title: Games
"Tag! You're it!"
Gales of childish giggles drew his attention to the window, distracting him from the sheaf of papers set out on his desk. He could not help the smile, watching as children ran about the garden, rapidly rotting snow glinting in the sunlight. They were all ages, both sexes, and there were at least four distinct genetic groups in the cluster. On the sidelines, also watching, he could see Helen Butterworth with Stephen in her arms. His son appeared to be giggling up a storm, squirming mightily as the nurse masterfully restrained him and worked snow boots onto his feet, despite all the squirming.
A young woman he recognised as one of Stephen's nursery attendants stood to one side, her arms laden with what he was sure was a spare set of clothing for the child. He knew quite well what Stephen would do once he was released from the woman's embrace. Sure enough, as soon as his booted feet hit the ground he was off, running as fast as his chubby legs encased in the snow suit would permit, straight into the deepest surviving drift of snow he could find.
Milliardo snorted softly, shaking his head slightly and felt the movement of air as his companion moved up beside him to watch. Sancians were a hardy breed, they had to be to survive their climate. It was considered normal to permit their children to play in weather many would consider too extreme for such activities. A little snow and wind never hurt anyone, in fact it hardened them physically, preparing them for the vagaries of life ahead. He was King, Stephen his son, and they were just like the rest of his people, in need of learning to manage in the conditions that presented them.
It was not as though they permitted their children to run unattended. There were always minders, people placed carefully about a playing group to attend to any needs that might be required. Anything from pulling a too exuberant player into the warmth of a house to recover from exposure to the cold, to digging out deeper snow drifts before a child could be caught in it. It was not as though the children were allowed out for hours on end in such harsh conditions, but children in Sanc were not reared in hot houses. Pampering here could lead to death by exposure.
Stephen emerged from the drift, laughing outrageously, looking about him before making a direct line for the playing older children. He was accepted readily into their group, two immediately placing themselves in his immediate area and keeping him out of trouble, but including him in their game, though he had no idea what the game was, or how it was played.
"Who are they?"
"The boy is Aidan, the son of one of the security guards; his mother works as a maid in the lower hall. The girl Maria, youngest daughter of Lord Svengreld."
"It is the third time in the last few weeks I have watched them gravitate to him."
Pagan grunted softly, agreeing. "For the last few weeks, since the weather improved and during the school break, yes, they have. They have displayed a particular attentiveness to him."
"Watch them unobtrusively. With the potential to groom them as personal attendants. It is a little early for training at this time, but the potential, if there, should not be ignored."
Pagan inclined his head slightly. "How many do you intend to assign to him?"
"Traditionally the Prince's companions usually number four to six. For now we say six... It may change given time."
"Indeed, Sire. Indeed."
End
Karina Robertson 2013