(no subject)

[kitchen_maid]

It's been almost four months, in Ambergeldar, since Amy came into the bar. Four rather tiring months, really, spent criss-crossing the country so she could be introduced to a populace. But that all ended last week, in early October, almost two months early, and she's back, looking about for her friends.

The slight curve to her stomach could be the result of the fashion of her dress, or even a trick of the light. But given the way she's smiling . . . it's probably not.

Amy is back. And she has News.

Comments

[kitchen_maid]

"Yes," says Amy. "And if it's a princess, you'll have to help with her lessons, when she's old enough. You'll be an expert, after all."

And it'll be more fun for everyone that way.

[smallestopener]

"How old do babies need to be before they can play croquet?"

[kitchen_maid]

"I'm not sure. Old enough to walk, certainly, and to hold the mallet."

She thinks.

"Three or four, I'd think, at the very youngest."

[smallestopener]

"That's a long time. Sunny's hardly even old enough and she hasn't been a baby for a long time."

[kitchen_maid]

"It is. But there are other games to play, too. And if we can't find one, we can make some up."

[smallestopener]

"Like Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake? That's a baby game."

[kitchen_maid]

"Yes, precisely like that one," says Amy.

"And at some point, you shall have to provide milkshake lessons -- what all the best kinds are, the best way to drink them, and so on."

[smallestopener]

"I can do that. I can do that easy." She takes a slurp of her own milkshake.

[kitchen_maid]

"Of course. But the baby shan't know anything at all about milkshakes."

And that's just sad.

But there aren't any blenders in Ambergeldar. Alas.

[smallestopener]

"I'll teach her everything I know."

There will be blenders soon. Magically charged ones which do not require electricity.

[kitchen_maid]

It will revolutionize Ambergeldar, making it the country that gave the world milkshakes, on one version of Earth, anyway.

"Excellent. I shall depend on you, Princess Ingress."

[smallestopener]

"I should probably go home."

Before the babysitter notices she's missing.

"Can I tell Tom and Door about your baby?"

[kitchen_maid]

"Of course you can. And tell them I hope I'll see them soon."

A smile.

"Can I have another hug before you go?"

[smallestopener]

"Uh huh. You can have a big big big one. Will you be back soon?"

She gives said big, big hug.

[kitchen_maid]

Big big big hugs are always welcome.

"As soon as I can manage," she says. "And we'll plan another visit for you, too.

"Good night, dear."

[smallestopener]

"Good night! I'll see you soon!"

She waves and disappears through the painting. The minute she sees Tom and Door she'll tell them the happy news. Which will also provide them proof she snuck up to the bar. Oops.