(Untitled)

[a_lioness]

Thanksgiving isn't a holiday in Tortall, but Alanna decides it would be a perfect excuse to follow through on her plans with Mel. Too often, these offers fall by the wayside; she's determined that this not happen here, if only to see Mike investigate the castle's kitchen

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[a_lioness]

The morning room is Alanna's favorite place in the castle. The dining hall is near by, and an arched doorway leads to her father's library. Books and maps have overflowed his sanctuary to line low shelves and grace the walls. Like every room in the castle, a large hearth keeps the chill at bay. But her favorite features are the large windows overlooking the valley. When the weather is fine, as it is this November, one can see the fields, orchards and village. Sometimes even the Great Road.

[a_lioness]

It's Alanna's turn to get up early with the triplets. Almost as soon as the sun rises, the four of them can be found playing on the hearth rug, surrounded by toys and the remnants of breakfast; perhaps not the best position, considering Alanna decided to wear a dress today.

They aren't going anywhere for a while.

[slayer_fray]

Mel has, it should be said, been up for just over an hourand a half already, and utilised the first hour of this by running around as much as the ground as she cared to explore.

She re-entered the castle through the kitchen, by way of going through the first exterior doorshe could find, promptly got lost and refused to accept directions, so she's relievedto burst in, mud and all, on Alanna and babies.

"This place is huge."

[a_lioness]

"You should see the palace," Alanna laughs, diving to rescue Jamie before he scoots himself into a table leg. "This is but a cozy country home in comparison."

Arms around her son, she looks up and smiles.

[slayer_fray]

Mel smiles back, flushed from the search, and drops down uncermoniously onto the rug, where she picks up the nearest toy horse for something to do with her hands.

"More people live there, I bet, though."

[a_lioness]

"Aye," Alanna agrees. "Sometimes I think it's like a small city, all on its own."

A touch of jealousy colors the friendly smile she gives Mel. The slayer has obviously been outside, been active, and as much as Alanna enjoys spending time with her children, she looks wound up and impatient.

"Have you been exploring?"

[slayer_fray]

"Went for a run," Mel confirms. "Then got lost downstairs."

For her own part there's a touch of longing in the look she gives Jamie, before realising that Grace has eyes fixed on the toy in her hands, and she leans over to run him along the baby's arm.

"Didn't realise anyone else was up, though."

[a_lioness]

Disconcerted, Thom crawls toward Mel with single-minded determination. That's his horse.

"It's Adam's turn to lie about," Alanna explains, bouncing Jamie and watching Thom with amusement. "And Goddess knows these three don't understand the concept."

Drool is a mighty weapon, and so Thom applies some to Mel's hand.

"Is everything all right with your rooms?" his mother asks, somewhat anxiously.

[slayer_fray]

Mel spares a grin for Thom, and walksthe horse across his face and chest, giving her other hand to Grace to make up for her loss of horse.

"Rooms are rocketship," she assures Alanna. "I don't think Mike's ever going to leave the bed again."

[a_lioness]

Alanna snorts.

"He'll have to, if he wants any food. I told Ranulf you would probably want to be left alone." She chews on her bottom lip. "I wasn't sure how you'd feel about someone waiting on you."

[slayer_fray]

"He'd probably love it."

Mel, not so much.

"He'll get hungry, don't worry. And he's got a better sense of direction than me."

After a while, she pulls a burbling Grace into her lap and continues to play with the horse with Thom.

[a_lioness]

"I can't wait for him to see the kitchens. Or meet Cook."

Her smile is devilish, right up until Jamie gurgles and pulls on a chunk of her hair.

"...Ow."

[slayer_fray]

Mel winces and leans forward to help Alanna, only to have her progress impeded by Grace grabbing her fingers.

"Have they been warned?"

[a_lioness]

Depends on the color. Thom, however, doesn't seem particularly disturbed. His eyes light up, and he launches himself at Mike's feet: TOY!

"The kitchen staff," Alanna says without missing a beat. "And, no. I thought it might be best if they are... unprepared.

"Good morning, Mike!"

Just look at that innocent smile.

[slayer_fray]

"I kinda want to see that," Mel says, rolling onto her back with Grace held above her.

"Morning, boytoy."