Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 3)

(Haha he’s such a dick)

Ky nodded. They’d see if she ever said something unkind about anyone — at least in front of anyone who would mind. Sharing her opinion got her hurt, and she wasn’t too keen on having one anymore. “The people they leave behind are much more concerning.”

She wasn’t sure if she was talking about Ash or the assassins Aleth had certainly hired. She was beginning to remember how to breathe, but she certainly hadn’t forgotten what she had coming to her. She just hoped it would take a while for word to travel. And that it would be quick whenever the assassin did show up.

Maybe she was talking about them both.

(Just a grouchy dingus who sometimes likes messing with people XD)

"Good thing I left him behind first, then." The group entered one of the sitting rooms, where Tomhas gestured for everyone to sit.
"I'm going to go get the rest of the family," he said excitedly, and dashed off. Gaius watched him go, eyebrows raised in amusement.
"Boundless energy as always. I don't know how he does that."

Ky smiled slightly at that. Then was struck with the horrifying revelation that Tomhas had left her all alone with the Ashes. She decided to plop down in a chair, to avoid pacing nervously.

Sara seated herself on one of the sofas, and all three children plopped into her lap. Gaius joined her, easing himself down onto the cushions and resting his cane by his side close by.
"It feels good to be stationary," Sara chuckled. "Two weeks of travel after so long at home wasn't kind to me, I must admit."

Ky smiled politely at that. “I’m sure you’ll rest up quickly. The Loquiturs have excellent beds.”

"Oh, I know. I could sleep for days in the mattresses here." Sara sighed to herself. "If I didn't have these three gremlins hanging off me every hour of the day and night."
"I told you we could take shifts," Gaius murmured, and Marcella clambered onto his lap. She undid the brooch holding his cloak around his neck and began to play with it.

Ky smiled slightly as she watched the little girl. She imagined what it’d be like to have a little girl of her own being absolutely insufferable in her lap. One day. “I’m sure it must be tiring sometimes.”

Sara snorted, and Gaius allowed himself a small smile.
"I don't think it's possible to be a parent without getting tired," he said.

Ky smiled, pleased with herself that she was doing well with this conversation. It seemed like a prize, somehow, to get even the hint of a smile out of the crotchety man. “Seems worth it, though… I quite like children.”

"You'll do wonderfully, then. It helps to like children from the start." Sara grinned and nudged Gaius, who huffed.
"I never said I didn't like them," he corrected. "I said I was cautious to inflict myself upon them as their father."

Ky smiled, carefully, at that. Couldn’t seem like she was participating in teasing him. But she could enjoy it. “Seems she enjoys the infliction,” Ky said, nodding towards the little girl in his lap.

"She's still young," Gaius said, looking down in his daughter. "She'll learn." His smile had faded, and he bounced Marcella on his knee. She giggled and bounced with him.

And, just like that, she’d messed it up. Again. It seemed Ash was more of a minefield than she was herself. It was like he found a way to take offense to every compliment she tried to give. And now she felt awkward. And she didn’t know what to do about it. She couldn’t very well argue with him. He was a Lord. But, then, if she didn't then she’d be tacitly agreeing with him. “… I think she’ll recognize your care. Children have a way of noticing things like that, I think.”

Gaius glanced up. She didn't understand; how could she? She still didn't know what a poison he was, what a danger his blood posed to his children. Perhaps she'd never know. "I hope so," he said simply, feeling Sara's eyes on him as well.

Ky nodded, deciding to leave it at that. She hoped so, too. For all his grouchiness, she desperately wanted to believe that he was decent beneath it all. Tomhas seemed to think so. And she was willing to try to see it as well.