Page 18 of Quest of Fools

Downstairs in the big drawing room he'd only seen briefly, that was generally only used for large gatherings and special occasions, was indeed a ridiculous pile of gifts, all of them wrapped in ornate fabric rather than cheap paper."What in the world was Rath thinking?"

"Rath?Oh, you—ah, thank you, Hari—you mean the young man who won the royal contest in the Tournament?"

"Yes, I can't imagine who else would have done this, but I don't knowwhy."

"I imagine this note I was just handed will answer that question," Marian said with a smile.Instead of opening it, though, he glanced at the girls, gathered around Zoen and all but vibrating in place."Nurse, pick out the ones with their names, would you?Once those are sorted into piles, they can begin opening them.Call for more staff to help, if you want.Perhaps tea as well?We could all do with a bite to tide us over until dinner."

Especially since Warf and Marian had skipped right past lunch, not that Warf was remotely sorry about that.He'd give up days of meals if that was what the single afternoon had cost.

Once the girls were occupied with the sorting, Marian opened the dark green enveloped he held and pulled out a single sheet of cream colored paper covered in dark green ink."Dear Warf, Thank you for always being my friend, no matter how low I sunk.You were there for me when many weren't, and you'll always be welcome in my home.I'm sorry I couldn't come say this all in person, but learning to be a fancy is consuming all of my time.Hopefully I'll see you soon.All the best to you, your children, and your promised.Rath."Marian smiled."He sounds wonderful, and goodness knows he made quite the impression at the Tournament.I was cheering for him every step of the way, and to hear tell, he threw the betting books into quite the tizzy.He sounds like a wonderful friend to have."

"He is," Warf said softly."Rath has always been a good person, and the only one who couldn't see that.I hope he's finally gotten it through his stubborn head.He didn't have to send all these gifts, good grief."

Marian laughed."I've every faith that a man like that is eager to spread the joy he's found, and he's more or less a prince now, so there is much he can do for people.I say enjoy your gifts, my dear."He moved in close and leaned up to kiss Warf's cheek, then said low in his ear, "I am going to sit down most carefully and enjoy recalling why I'm so tender as I sip my tea."

Warf drew a sharp breath through his nostrils, unable to speak, afraid the words would come out a feeble squeak.He settled for a discreet swat and then nudged Marian toward the sofa before taking a seat of his own, not remotely certain what to do at the ever-increasing pile of gifts beside his chair.

There was a tidy pile for Marian as well, and some that were carried off to be enjoyed 'by the household' according to Marian.Once all the packages were sorted, Warf gestured that the girls could finally open them.

The wrapping was mostly uncut fabric that could be turned into various articles of clothing, though a few were scarves or shawls.Each of the girls, even little Rosi, had a new doll with an entire wardrobe of clothes and an enormous dollhouse to put them in."Don't they already have one of those?"

"Yes, I believe so, but you can never have too many dollhouses, darling," Marian said with an evil little grin over his cup of tea."Can't have any of the dolls homeless, can we?"

"You," Warf said, pointing at him, making Marian laugh.

Nodding to Warf's pile, Marian said, "You haven't opened any of yours."

"I doubt I know what to do with any of it," Warf said."I already have more stuff than I've ever owned in my life that I don't know what to do with."

"You'll manage just fine, I'm sure.You've more than proven you know how to handle yourself."

Warf gave him a warning look, but Marian only grinned.Across the room, the nurse coughed, her eyes remaining pointedly on the children.

"Open your gifts," Marian said.

"Fine, fine," Warf replied, and grabbed at random from the stack.

The first gift proved to be a handsome penknife, with a bone hilt and a wickedly sharp edge.Tucking that well out of harm's way, he went on to the rest of the stack, which revealed a wide assortment of goods, including: a beautiful length of leather that would make a fine pair of boots, a beautiful half-cloak of the finest, softest wool he'd ever touched, a cask of fine brandy, an ornate shaving set, a bottle of cologne, and a beautiful rosewood box that most definitely should not have been opened in the presence of children, because Rath was and always would be a brat."I'm going to kill him."

"I think I have a box that matches," Marian said in amusement."Yes, pretty little jars to help with the contents of your box.What a brazen gift."

Warf snorted."Rath worked in… certain establishments… for much of his life.He wouldn't consider it brazen, just one friend teasing another."It was probably also a hint that he shouldn't be shy or reticent, but happily that was a non-issue."I'll have to send him something in return, but I've no idea what.Rath is a prince now, more or less, what could I possibly give him?"

"Jewelry is always a good gift in these circumstances," Marian said with a smile."Once the weather is cooperating, we'll go out and have a look, come up with something he'd love.For now, I think your little trio has worn themselves right out."

So they had.Kalla was still fighting it a bit, but Pika and Rosi were dead asleep right in the midst of their toys.Warf fervently hoped they truly were adjusting well.They seemed to be, even with the occasional, completely understandable fits, but he worried all the same.

He also worried that being so young, they'd forget where they came from, turn into spoiled brats who took this cozy life for granted.Still, better than struggling in a cramped room with a dirt floor and barren pantry.Spoiled could be overcome.Poverty could not, with rare exception.

By the time they'd gotten the girls to bed, and the gifts had been tidied away, dinner was ready.Though he always enjoyed every moment he spent with his daughters, he couldn't deny it was pleasant sharing a meal with just Marian.He was still intimidated by his new home, just how much there was of it, but dinner with someone he already liked, and could easily someday love, was by far one of the best possible ways to end what had proven to be a wonderful day.

Even better was returning to Marian's room after dinner, where they wore each other out thoroughly before finally falling asleep together.

Vanished

Marian was gone when he woke up, but that didn't really surprise Warf.Now that he didn't have to be up so early, his body was rapidly getting used to having more sleep, and Marian seemed to enjoy rising early to tackle his unending piles of paperwork.

Warf returned to his own room to clean and dress, then headed downstairs to find…

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