Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 15)

Gaius and Tomhas sat down.
"I do have words for you as well, young Caracal," D'Ara added. "But I'll speak them privately."
"Yes, ma'am." Tomhas dipped his head, glancing at Gaius.

Ky glanced at Tomhas. He was ma’am-ing now? She thought nobles weren’t supposed to sir and ma’am. She left two spots away from Tomhas, doing her best to space out from all three of them.

"Now, where are the others?"
"On their way, I expect," Gaius said. "The Keep is a large place; people take time to gather."
"I remember." She looked toward the door. "Your children are well, I trust?"
"Quite." He nodded. "They'll be delighted to see you, as always."

As always? Was she supposed to be happy to see D’Ara? Was she a bad noble child? She was gonna have to watch Lyra to see if the teens were supposed to like D’Ara too. And she’d have to try harder if so.

"I hope they remember me," she mused. "I'd be surprised if they do."
"They have shocking memories," Gaius assured her. "Marcella once recalled something that happened to her when she was eleven months old."

Ky was skeptical of that but of course didn’t say so and was careful to make sure her face didn’t say it, either.

"And Tomhas, what about your little ones? I've met this new addition to your family once before; she seems to have a good head on her shoulders."
"They're all well, Tomhas replied quietly. "We were recently blessed with another daughter as well; Anneke gave birth shortly before Ky's adoption."
"Ah, that's wonderful!" D'Ara nodded encouragingly. "Congratulations to you. What about Lyra? How is she?"
Tomhas winced slightly. "She seems. .she seems to be adjusting well," he said finally. "She's quieter than before--"
"--Which is saying something," Gaius cut in.
"--But she seems okay," Tomhas finished. "She doesn't talk to me much."

(Technically it was before the adoption)

Ky glanced up, surprised by the compliment. She risked a tiny smile and glanced back down again. It was nice.

(You saw nothing)

"No, she wouldn't, would she?" D'Ara glanced up again as Sera and Rickard entered.

(Lolol)

Ky grimaced. This was so uncomfortable.

Sera gave a little bow to D'Ara, and Rickard followed suit, though he stuck close to her. Sera looked a little pale but she smiled all the same as she sat down in her place.
"Good to see you're sticking around," D'Ara said to her. "You're a solid woman, dear; whoever raised you raised you right."
"Thank you." Sera dipped her head to her. "I try my best."

Tadaaki came through the door with a broad grin on his face and Tasia stuck under his arm upside down. She was squealing in delight. Aashi followed close behind, chuckling. Tadaaki sobered suddenly when he saw D’Ara. He hadn’t heard they’d arrived. And all he knew of the woman was that Ky was scared of her and Aleth had beaten them both silly when the chieftain embarrassed him. He plopped Tasia down and took her hand, using her as an excuse to look down.

"And who's this?" D'Ara asked.

“Um t-this is Tasia, my daughter.”

“You’re really old!” Tasia said eagerly.

“Tasia!” Tadaaki and Aashi scolded in unison, both blushing profusely.

"Can you guess how old, though?" She leaned forward, looking Tasia in the eye.