[FweepFwopFwoop]

"When he kicks my ribs or my kidneys, it hurts. But right now, no, it doesn't. I like when he kicks me, in fact. It's the feeling of having a new life inside of you, and I very much love it."

[Eskal]

"Does it feel weird?"

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"It did at first, but I'm used to it now."

[Eskal]

Marius smiled and kissed Astien's cheek. Kida giggled. "Are you getting married before the baby comes?"
"Runs in the family, I guess," Juniper chuckled.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"With any luck, Aiden won't come until after the honeymoon. Juniper, what do you mean?"

[Eskal]

"Mom married Dad because of me," Juniper said simply.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Oh, I... I see." Astien said. "Well... Ah...." Astien rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, unsure of what to say.

[Eskal]

Willow chuckled. "No need to feel so awkward, Astien. If it weren't for Barus, I wouldn't have my wonderful children and my grandbabies."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"Heh, yes, well, you may not know this, but awkward is my middle name."

[Eskal]

Marius chuckled. "You should have seen and heard him when we first met. It was adorable."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien blushed terribly. "To you, maybe! It was horrifyingly embarrassing for me!"

[Eskal]

"It was adorable to just see you try so hard." Marius chuckled.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Astien pouted. "Good to know you find my suffering so amusing. You're lucky you're worth it." Astien chuckled and gave Marius a kiss.

[Eskal]

Marius kissed back. Kida giggled and ran off to play with the other kids.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

Hours passed, and everyone laughed and enjoyed themselves. Heceril told more stories, everyone sang songs, s'mores were roasted, and Astien won an eating contest. It wasn't often these days that he was able to say he was full with his currently inhuman appetite, but somehow his new family managed to fill him. The sun was almost gone from the sky when everyone decided it was time to say goodbye.

"Bugh, I'm stuffed." Astien groaned.

"That's rare." Delas noted.

[Eskal]

Marius chuckled and picked Astien up and held him bridal style. "Let's get back to the inn."

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"How come you never carry me like that?" Delas asked. "I mean, besides the obvious reasons."

[Eskal]

"Well, Astien's my fiance and he's pregnant and I like carrying him," Marius chuckled.

[FweepFwopFwoop]

"I said BESIDES the obvious." Delas reminded him. Astien just laughed.

[Eskal]

Marius smiled and got them back to the inn. "Sleep well you guys."
"I'm sure we will," Wyn said with a yawn.
Marius carried Astien into their room and set him on the bed. "Have a nice time?"