[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien smiled. "Sounds great. You can help me choose onesies."

[Eskal]

"Sounds like fun. I can send out the letters to my family while we're out."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien smiled broadly. "Sounds great." He turned his attention to his food, greedily gulping it down. "I think you did a fine job with this, Marius."

[Eskal]

"Thanks, I just followed your instructions though," Marius said after swallowing a mouthful.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"If I've learned anything at the academy, a person can still ruin a meal deapite following directions." Astien shoved some curry into his mouth, then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hhmmmm.... Needs chocolate sauce."

[Eskal]

Marius and Cormac chuckled.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Oh sure, laugh it up. I either of you ever get pregnant, I'm going to laugh when you're tormented by cravings."

"As punishment, you must get him his chocolate sauce." Delas proclaimed.

"That's a good idea, Delas." Astien chuckled. He playfully shoved Marius. "You heard him. Get going."

[Eskal]

"Alright. Alright," Marius chuckled and got up. He went to the kitchen and got the chocolate sauce. "Here, though I should be more than enough chocolate for you," he said as he held the bottle just out of Astien's reach.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

As Astien reached for the bottle, he accidentally squished his belly against the table, prompting him to double over in pain, and prompting some angry kicks from his son.

[Eskal]

"Ack! sorry!" Marius sputtered. "I didn't mean to..." He put the bottle on the table.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Ow ow ow ow ow ow…" Astien groaned.

"Are you okay?" Delas asked.

"Agh, that's sore. I hope that won't leave a mark." Astien rubbed his belly, trying to calm its occupant.

[Eskal]

Marius kissed Astien's cheek. "I didn't mean for that to happen."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"I'm sure you didn't. But please, do keep in mind I can't move like I used to." Astien groaned.

[Eskal]

Marius nodded and returned to his seat.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien poured the chocolate sauce on his curry and shoveled it down. "Much better." he noted.

[Eskal]

Marius smiled and finished his meal.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

After dinner, Astien sat in the music room, playing his violin. "It's become rather difficult to reach a guitar, or piano, or harp." he explained. Delas played along with him.

[Eskal]

Marius just sat in the music room, listening to everybody play their instruments.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Marius, can you play an instrument?" Delas asked.

[Eskal]

"Nope," Marius said simply.