milliways_bar | (no subject)

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The circle of chairs is out. In the middle is a table with a wide selection of food, but most notably a big apple pie, the smell of which is wafting pleasantly across the bar.

Behind the circle, on the wall, is a large sign.

LIFE SUPPORT
OPEN TO ALL

Do you have worries here or at home?
Thinking of counselling or just looking for an informal chat?
Just want some free food?
Come and join us!

[ooc: Open until the next one, all tags will be picked up by at least one of the LS crew :)]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Manners are not for three-year olds, what nonsense.

"Of course", Cadfael says with a nod in answer to the gesture. "Is all going well so far?"

He tries to instil his daughter with some manners. She will be a lady one day, after all.

Olivier hesitates a moment before answering, forming his words with care. "It has been... harder on her, than before. The illness in the mornings." He hates seeing his beloved wife in pain.

"Really?" Cadfael frowns. "It's not usual for a second confinement to be harder than the first, especially as she's still young."

Olivier nods, well aware of that. "I... don't believe in confinement. I know it is considered the way in England but... my mother never saw the benefit in it and nor do I."

"She told me a little of her methods", he recalls. "Not much, it is a matter for women, but I do remember she was much in favour of fresh air, and as much movement as is comfortable."

"A small boy with sure hands is always of help, when needed. Mother taught me much of her ways. And yes - fresh air, good food and comfort is considered the best for a mother to be. Besides, confinement would never suit Ermina. She rails against stagnation."

"I imagine it comes easier to her when she's ill, though", Cadfael says gently. "Is she managing to eat much?"

"Some, enough but not as much as I'd like. Mary and I came here to collect some of her favourite things in the hope they will help."

"They might awake her appetite", he agrees. "And perhaps Bar can provide something to help with the sickness."

"Chocolate." Mary announces without hesitate. "Chocolate makes momma happy."

Olivier smiles. "Indeed. I hoped Guppy might also be able to advice on what might help her, should it become worse."

"No doubt by his time, they've come up with many ways", he agrees. "Favourite foods will do her little good, after all, if she's unable to keep them down."

Mary finds one of Cadfael's hands and starts to play with it, singing to herself. Most of the words of the song are plant names. Someone spends a lot of time in her father's garden.

"So I hoped. I... I want to believe I found this place for a reason. When I was a child, I believed it was one of the Ma'arej, the Angel paths, allowed only by those doing Allah's bidding. Part of me still wants to believe that if I have use of this place, it must be for a reason. And what better cause is there than protection of one's family?"

He lets her move his hand however she likes, as long as she's happy.

"None better. Have you ever tried to bring her here?"

Mary is happy, a content little ball in Cadfael's lap. It's a very comfy lap after all and she feels very safe with him.

"I have but with no success so far. She... understands that this is a strange place. And that it has been a haven to me. She says she doesn't wish to intrude."

"If the door will not appear when she's with you", Cadfael agrees, "there will be little you can do, save for bring things back to her."

"Sometimes I'm afraid it's because I'm greedy, wanting to keep this place for myself."

"I don't know if this place works that way. After all, I would imagine sometimes great enemies both find themselves here and neither wished for it."

"True, yes." He nods, reaching down to stroke back his daughter's hair as she nods sleepily. "And how have things been with you, father?"

"Very well. I served out my penance and was forgiven."

Olivier knows what for.

"Your abbot bore you no ill will?" He asks, a little anxiously. After all, it was for his sake Cadfael served such penance.

"Abbot Radulfus is a good and fair man and holds few grudges."

Robert and Jerome are different, but they don't have a say in it.

"May we come visit you, after the child is born? I doubt you would be allowed leave to come to us, after the trouble you went to."

"You would be more than welcome, on my account", Cadfael says guardedly, "and certainly if the war is over, there would be no difficulty."

"The war colours everything." Olivier intones sadly. "At least Yves has drawn back from the fighting and his service to the Empress. I know Ermina is glad to know he is safer now."

"He's still so young to be fighting", Cadfael agrees, though they both know he isn't too young. "Has he found other ways to give his service?"