I smiled at him and stroked Aiko's hair. I asked Biri if she can help Osgard with the rest of the rounds, and for the next week. She agreed to. "Hjerte, you can do whatever you need to do. Please don't feel tethered."
"Tethered? Oh, stuck. No, no I like being around you, Starlight." Kershka said.
"Cuddle?" I asked. But I heard a knock at our front door.
He grumbled and went to get the door. "Hello Isarial. Is this her tea?"
"It is. I wanted to check on you and see if you're ok. I'll do some research and see if I can find more things to help... I should have been more direct, I am sorry." Isarial said.
"Not your fault, stupid elf's fault." Kershka said.
"I don't even know who this 'Astral' is." Isarial admitted. "Would it be useful to have someone make meals for you and Vern?"
"I think that would be good. I am not a good cook. I should learn." Kershka said.
"It's fine, Kershka.. I'll send someone around to cook for you and her for meal times. You should be able to move into your home soon, I am using my Shadows to assist building, and helping as well. I think we can expect it ready in three or four more days." Isarial said.
"Thank you. That would be good for her to rest there, I think. Want to meet Aiko?" Kershka asked.
"..The Fey spider? Sure." Isarial said.
Kershka came and picked Aiko up to show him. "Okay, Aiko, this is Isarial. He brought you to us."
"Hello, Aiko. Now I know more firmly why it made Bibs upset with me. You're adorable, Aiko." Isarial said.
"Bibs was upset?" Kershka asked.
"Well, not this time. It's fine." Isarial said.
"Okay, did you want to hold her?" Kershka asked.
"Er, alright." Isarial said. "Funnily enough, she looks identical to the Dragonette princess."
"Who?" Kershka asked.
"The human princess on the continent of four kingdoms. Her name is Calliope." Isarial replied.
"I don't think me and Bibs ever saw her. She must be cute if she is anything like Aiko, though." Kershka said.
"She is pretty. I had contemplated marrying her if I took over her father's kingdom. But Zelda would become my nightmare if I dared." Isarial said, with warmth and amusement entering his voice.
Kershka laughed. "That sounds rough."
"No, what's rough is I now have a fan club." Isarial said, sounding unnerved. "But anyways, if you both are hungry, I can make you some food. It's nearly the appropriate time."
"She should have a good meal. It will make her feel better. I hope. I will take Aiko back and get her fruit." Kershka said.
"I know some foods that help with nausea." Isarial said, I heard him starting to get to work in the kitchen.
It took around ten minutes before thenmost delicious aroma filled the apartment. Kershka had brought me some tea while Aiko munched her fruit. My body was at war with nausea and wanting to drool over the food. Another thirty minutes and we were served our food. It was just as delicious as it smelled.
He excused himself rather than eating with us, but I figured he was going to eat with his family. "It's so good. How can a little boy cook so well." I said.
"He is very good at a lot of things. He fights good, too. Good honest boy." Kershka said.
I smiled at him. "He does seem to be. I'm sure our babies will be the same."
"I hope so. I would hate it if they weren't good." Kershka said.
I had finished my food by now. "Biri just told me that Tilton said he has the town guards watching for Astral, and that he wishes me well."
"Good. I hope they catch him before me." Kershka said.
I said, "Those cuddles can be done, now."
He perked up and said, "Okay." Cuddling in next to me carefully.
"There we are." I sighed, "I'm going to go crazy bound to the bed."
"I will try to make it better. I can read to you and make you puzzels." Kershka said.
"I know you wil, Darling. I was gonna wait to ask, but I am already pregnant, and we have Aiko, so would you marry me and be my husband?" I asked.
He smiled real big. "Yes, I will. I was gonna ask after you rested, but you beat me to it."
"I was originally going to ask you in three months." I told him, smiling. "I love you, Kershka." I hugged him.
He hugged me back lightly. "I love you, too."
I snuggled him. And soon dozed off while humming to Aiko who played on the bed near us. I woke up in the morning, with a person in our apartment making breakfast. Kershka was handling Aiko, giving her fruit. Unfortunately, it was time for me to be very ill. I got up and went directly to the bathroom to retch. I'd closed the door behind me harder than I'd intended.
Kershka came and knocked on the door. "You ok?"
"Gah. Yeah.. I'm fine. Just gonna take a moment." I answered.
"Can I get you something?" He asked.
"Yeah, tea or water." I said. "No, the tea to fight the nausea."
"Ok. I'll get you the tea." He said.
"Thanks." I said, getting myself under control. I washed my face, mouth and hands, and went back to the bed.
Kershka brought me the tea shortly after. I sipped it and said, "I'll be ok if you want to go do your regular things. I'll really be ok."
"Then you'll be even more ok with me being right here." He said.
I smiled. "Ok, Darling."
We spent the next few days, playing with Aiko, talking, eating, relaxing and drinking that tea. We were then informed that our house was ready and our furniture was being delivered. Biri informed me how the rest of the patrol went, and I wrote up the report for Tilton to be delivered. Since it was ready for us to move in, Kershka carried Aiko and I to our home.
It was amazing to see it complete. It was perfect and wonderful and ours. Kershka made sure to clean up the apartment and bring our stuff with us. We left the small ice box there for the next owner to use. Either way, we toured our new home and selected Aiko's room. We'd get her toys and necessary things soon enough.
Biri had her own space already by design. I was so happy with the house. For now, Aiko and I were curled up on the couch while Kershka was helping the furniture get moved in and placed. Once that was completed, Kershka joined Aiko and I on the couch. He looked very relaxed and at ease.
"Our home is so spacious. It's great." I said.
"This is the most comfortable house I have ever been in." Kershka agreed. "I will have to show Shaska where she can be."
"We should get some small spiders for bug control." I noted. "The windowsills would be good spots for them."
"With Shaska here, they will come." Kershka said.
It would be four days before Biri came back. "Biri is going to love her perch. I think Shaska will be more at ease here, too."
"She will enjoy the treeline behind us. She does not enjoy indoors." Kershka said.
I nodded. "People should bother her less out here."
"I hope so. It would be nice to not hve to undo cocoons anymore." He said.
I smiled. The cooking lady, Shelly, still came and made our meal for us. Then the next day, Nia and Plight came to check on my baby's health. Despite the bouts of severe nausea, I was doing better and the baby had recovered and was stronger. Though I needed to eat more lean meats and grains. And I still had to be easy with my body, but I wasn't restricted to bed anymore. Nia also specified we could probably have sex again, but if there was any pain or discomfort, to stop immediately.
"We can wait a bit longer." Kershka said.
I looked at him, "You sure?"
"Just want to be extra sure you're okay. I'm not very good at gentle." Kershka said.
"Well, alright, Darling. I have three more days before I need to write another report, so I can take this time to prepare for the house warming party. How does that sound?" I asked.
"Okay, what can I do?" He asked.
"I'm gonna write some invites. You can help me pass them out to your friends." I told him, hugging him. "We need to get plenty of food, too."
"Okay, I can help with that." He kissed the top of my head.
"Is there something you want to do for it?" I asked.
"I would not know what to do for it." Kershka said.
"You're perfect as you are." I said, I looked at Aiko, "And Papa is the best at reading, isn't he?"
"And I get better and better." Kershka said.
"Yup. Papa has to tell Mama the names of who to invite." I said, snuggling Aiko and him.
Counting on his fingers he listed them, "Bibs, Tilton, Gregor and Ashtar, Jack, Isarial, and the Queen if she wants to come. Who do you want to invite?"
"I will invite Nisri, Osgard, Adelaide and Haril, Kaz and Goruza, too." I said.
"Okay, those are good people, too." Kershka said.
I nodded and got the things ready to write out the invitations. Then I showed Aiko how to do write invitations. "Oh, right. Darling, when I am further along with the pregnancy, we can go get a sonogram. A sonogram lets you see a picture of the baby while it's in the womb."
"Okay, that sounds really neat. But what is a picture?" Kershka asked.
"It's a... hm.. a drawing down instantly by a machine." I said.
He just stared at me, "Okay, I think I get it."
"Do you? It's ok if you don't. I've never actually seen it before, so it will be interesting." I said.
"It is hard to understand. But will be interesting, yes." Kershka said.
I kissed his face and started writing a list of things we'll need for the party. Then I gasped. "I should make party favors! Oh, maybe once or twice a month we should host our friends for dinner, what do you think?"
He smiled and said, "Okay, that sounds really fun. What is a party favor?"
"It's little treats or gifts to show you are thankful for the guests attendance." I said. "I was thinking of making little candies." I gasped, "Oh, Kershka, do you think you could make little holders for candy flowers?"
"Yes. Out of wood?" He asked.
I nodded. "If you wanted to make an intricate one, I can use my magic item to duplicate it. But if we stick to simple, a tealight candle holder like one would be great."
"I can make one good one then. Might as well be fancy." Kershka decided.
"I can get an enchantment to make one large for Nisri." I said. "Oh, she's gonna love the candies."
He took out a piece of wood that was give to him by the Queen. "This will be the perfect piece."
"Yes! Oh, I am so excited. We should definitely do the shopping early. Do you want to now? Or later?" I asked.
He laughed. "We can go now. Better to do it while the ideas are fresh."
We got ourselves and Aiko ready and used the Port Key to go to the Night Market. We bought all kinds of things for the party and a large Ice Box. We also stocked up on fruits and fruit tree saplings to plant. When we got home, I made us some food, and Aiko some flower fruit shapes. Then I made the candies while Kershka started whitling.
When I finished making them, I had extras and brought some samples to Kershka. "Look, Darling."
"Ooh, you made food flowers. Can I try one?" Kershka asked.
"Yes. These are extras." I told him.
"Ok, these look more yummy." Kershka said, taking them.
"It was hard, but fun to make. I'm tired." I giggled.
He offered his lap. "Come, sit."
I sat and cuddled him. "Eat it." I pouted.
He popped one of the chocolate ones in his mouth, savoring it. "It tastes as wonderful as it looked. But it is gone now."
I squealed and said, "Try the prettiest one. It's melted sugar."
He picked it up and put it in his mouth. "Oh. That is sweet! Tastes like a fruit, too."
"Yes. I added strawberry flavor to it. And then these ones are like icing." I said.
"You are very good at making these." Kershka said.
I held out a pearl. "Open your mouth."
He obeyed. "Ahhh."
I popped the pearl in his mouth. "Eat it."
His eyes widened. "Mmm. That's yummy."
I showed him the rest of the jewel candy and tiara that I made. "They are each different flavors."
"Are all these extra?" He asked.
"Hmph. No. They are for you." I said.
"Haa! No- must take it slow." Kershka said, excitedly.
He began munching them slowly and I fell asleep. After a nap, a woke up with an unyielding craving for cloudberries. "I really want cloudberries. But they aren't in season." I said.
"I can go get those for you." He said.
"But they only grow in the cold." I said.
"Uh-huh. They grey in my home town. It is very cold there." Kershka said.
"It can be gotten?" I asked, starting to tear up.
"Yup. I can get them for you." He said.
I fought with myself. I really badly wanted those berries. But I didn't want to sent Kershka off by himself. "I really badly want it."
"Ok. Can I borrow the Port Key? It's a ways away." Kershka said.
I nodded and offered it to him. "I'm sorry for being troublesome."
He kissed me. "It is not a problem. You gave me wonderful treats. I want to give you a treat."
"Ok. Me and Aiko will wait for you. Should I make some dinner?" I asked.
"I would like something warm. Because it is going to be cold." He said.
"I know just the thing. It'll warm you up, just like my body." I winked at him.
"Hooh. May not be able to wait." Kershka said, then shook his head. "Must focus."
He took the key, and left with a basket. I hurried and began making marshmellows and hot cocoa, along with some dinner. I kept getting super upset that I didn't have the berries, and so I placed my hand on my tummy and said, "Baby, you are troubling Daddy. But it's ok, cause we all love you anyways."
I made heart shaped fruits for Aiko. And finished making our dinner. It was around an hour after I finished that Kershka came back. Aiko had fallen asleep after eating a lot of her fruit, and was curled up on my chest while I laid on the couch waiting.
He extended a basketful of cloudberries. "Sorry, I got lost in my head.. it should not have taken that long."
I accepted the basket, setting it and Aiko down on the couch. I hugged him tightly, feeling the coldness of his body. "I've got hot chocolate with cinnamon on the stove. Let's get you a cup, Love."
"Ok, that sounds nice. All of it. Especially the hot part." Kershka said.
I let him go, taking him to the kitchen to sit. I got him a wooden mug and filled it ith the hot chocolate, marshmallows and whipped cream, then added nutmeg to sprinkle on top. "Here, Darling."
He took a sip. "Ooh, this is hot. But so good."
I laughed lightly. "I'll set the table, okay?"
"Ok, what are we having?" He asked.
"Oven braised lamb shanks with mashed potatoes and broccoli." I told him.
"Hooh. You treat me good." He said.
"Mhm. I made warm food to heat my Darling. But if that doesn't work.. I wonder how I'll tend you." I said.
"I'm sure you can think of a way." Kershka said.
I went and set the table, making up his and my plates. I took Aiko to bed, and brought the berries to the table, too. Kershka began eating and I sat, joining him. "Bathe with me tonight?" I asked.
"Okay. It's been a little bit." He said.
I got up and into Kershka's lap, pulling the berries and my food closer. I tucked myself to the side so I wouldn't hinder his eating efforts. I finally began eating the berries he'd brought me, and I offered him some, too. Every other bite I took. He ate every one I offered.
"I can see why you wanted these. Are you feeling better?" Kershka asked.
"Yes. I think the baby wanted it the most. I'm really very happy." I said.
"Good. I like it when you're happy." Kershka said.
"Are you warming up?" I asked.
"I am. I feel much better." Kershka said.
I kissed his jaw, and ate a few more berries, slipping my hand between his legs to touch him, while pretending I wasn't doing such a thing. "The berries are so ripe and yummy. It think they are better than I remember."
He groaned a bit and said, "What are you grabbing?"
"Berries?" I said, feigning innocence and showing him my other hand with more berries in it.
"Ah. Just berries. Okay." He said, going back to eating.
I began toying with him, while eating my own food. Though, I really only wanted the berries. "You are definitely getting warmer."
"I am st.. I am.. yes. I am getting warmer." Kershka agreed.
I wiggled a little, slipping my hand into his pants to directly feel him. "I think I am full."
"No, no. But keep like this and you will be." Kershka said.
I grinned at him. "Am I too lewd?"
"Not for me." He said. "Should we go to bath?"
"Hmm. Have you had enough to eat?" I asked.
"I think so." He said.
"Leftovers can go in the ice box, then." I said, stroking his member.
"That is going to be very difficult to do right now." Kershka said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because your hand is in my pants." He said.
"Hm. Nope. You're hiding in your pants." I replied.
"Well, if we go to the bath, I can stop hiding." He said.
"Hmm. Okay." I said, letting him go and standing. Then I kissed him for good measure.
He groaned while getting up. I felt satisfied seeing his erection as he put the food up. While he finished that task, I went and began filling up the tub. He came in to join me in the tub. Nearly the same moment we'd gotten in, he filled me. He tried his best to be gentle, but we just weren't good at fulfilling that. We finished that time before the water could over flow.
We washed eachother's bodies, then. Once we were clean and rinsed, I started playing with him again, until I could slide myself onto him once more. We were able to control ourselves a bit more this time. It was still intense and thrilling, though. We drained the tub and dried off when we finished. Then checked on Aiko, before going to bed.
The next day we passed out invitations to everyone, which only took a few hours. Though we didn't get to give Biri and Osgard theirs since they were still working. Then Kershka went back to work on the holders for the candies while I tended to Aiko. I'd heard it was no different than raising a baby, and it was true.
We had sex again that night, before sleeping. The next day, I prepped all the food for the party. I definitely had to take breaks. Not only to rest. But to play with Aiko and Kershka. And to eat. The next day, I made sure everything was done and plentiful for the party. Once I was confident of it, I settled in with Kershka and Aiko while he worked on the holder.
That night, he finished it. It looked like a besom broom with three holders with little removeable cups to it's handle. It was so cute, though larger than a party favor would typically be. I decided it was perfect regardless. I replicated it to match the number of guests we were expecting, then filled them with the treats I'd made, then I placed them on plates and filled the plates with the treasure candies.
Then I showed our work to Kershka. "What do you think, Darling?"
"These are good party favors. But do we ask for the favors when we give them to them, or when they leave?" He asked.
"Nope, it's no strings attached, just something for them to think fondly of us when they see it." I said.
He laughed. "I know."
"Should I duplicate it one more time for us to keep one?" I asked.
"Okay." He said.
So I did. Which duplicated the candy, too. "Oh look. More candy for Kershka." I said.
This made him very clearly happy. I left the holder with him, and lined all of our party favors on a table in the livingroom. The rest of our day was relatively mundane. Except for the sex that night. That was amazing. The next morning after breakfast, Biri and Osgard arrived. I gave them their invites and told Osgard he doesn't have to come, but that my cousin will be present. He said he'd try to come, but accepted his party favor now.
I told him all about the food I was cooking, then I took the report from him and Biri. With the reports completed, Biri took them to Tilton before returning and looking over the house. I also told Osgard that I was cleared to return to work. He left to go home for a while. Aiko took a nap, and Biri was playing around the house before going outside and playing with Shaska.
When Aiko woke, we went and got Nisri and brought her to our home. She started planting a garden for us, and checked on the saplings we'd bought. She tended them then sat near the pond. She was beautiful in the sunlight. Shaska came to investigate her, and Biri went and laid on her. She pet Biri, but mostly ignored Shaska, probably because she thought of her as a wild animal.
Our guests soon began to arrive. There were mixed reactions to Nisri. Ranging from caution and hostility, to ignoring her and being amazed by her. Though most relaxed as she showed her nature to be peaceful. Adelaide even struck up conversation with her. Alex also started talking to her, with his energetic daughter. At one point, Nisri excused herself, walking into the trees.
Goruza and Kaz brought a lovely jade teaset. Alex and his family brought a set of drums. Tilton brought custom griffon fletched arrows, that Kershka said Tilton himself made. Bibs brought a cube for security. Whatever room we are in when it is activated, no one who means us harm can pass in.
The Sultan brought us a desert cacti. Jack brought us a book about local history. Gregor and Ashter brought an enormous cozy blanket. Isarial gave us a box of baby and toddler toys. Haril and Adelaide brought us an excellent set of chef knives. And Vexie brought us a cheese cake.
I warned the Sultan that he was just a man at this gathering and would be treated as such. Just as Vexie always is. Which Vexie laughed and said, "Only because you taught me well."
"If you say so. You've always been mischievous. I suppose we should go inside so everyone can look around." I said.
"Okay. Should I raise my voice?" Kershka asked.
"If you'd like." I said, "Biri, will you let Nisri and Osgard know we're going inside for the meal and to sit?" Biri nodded and sauntered off.
Kershka bellowed out. "We are now going inside!"
I laughed, giving Kershka a hug before going and opening the door. I let everyone come in, and handed them each one of the party favors. Vexie knew right away what the jewels were. "My Lord, eat the aquamarine." She said.
The Sultan looked at it. "I do not believe my teeth would survive."
"Just trust me and do it." Vexie said, smiling.
I noticed Isarial pop one into his mouth with no hesitation. He didn't seem to like it, but his bravery got people around him to try it. To the Sultan, I said, "The only inedible parts are clearly wood."
The Sultan ate it. "Oh my, this is tasty. What is it?"
"The aquamarines are sugar and blueberries." I told him.
"They are Gem candies." Vexie said.
"These are beautiful and tasty." The Sultan said.
Kershka gave a big smile. "Yup, she makes wonderful treats and food."
"Yes, Vern has always been skilled. You went to the architect Rilo, didn't you?" Vexie asked.
"Yes. Rilo did design our house. Isn't it just perfect?" I replied.
"It's very spacious and very well planned." The Sultan said.
"Thank you. Vexie can getbyou in touch with the Architect if you'd like." I said.
Nisri and Biri came in the house, then. I was startled to see my cousin around Kershka's height. I recovered from the shock and gave her the party favor that remained for herself. She thanked us for hosting, and picked up Aiko, playing with her.
"Cousin, should I get you pink magnolia wood, alder tree wood, or eastern cottonwood for your baby?" Nisri asked Kershka.
"Oh, pink magnolia is a very pretty tree. That one, please." Kershka said. Nisri nodded.
"Kershka, me and you are gonna have to catch up soon, I feel like we haven't chatted in years." Alex said.
"Okay, Alex, that sounds nice." Kershka replied.
"Yes, I feel we have all been drifting away lately." Tilton said.
"Eh, we got lives to lead now. It happens, but we do live close enough that we can talk whenever we want." Gregor said.
"And that's what makes it even easier to drift apart. The thought of 'oh well, I'll talk to them tomorrow.' We should put in some effort to chat every now and again. I'm the worst for getting lost in a project, as you all know." Bibs said.
"Kershka and I were thinking of hosting dinner for our friends once or twice a month. How does that sound?" I asked.
"That sounds perfect. Hmm.. maybe a new ballad is in order." Alex said.
"You don't have to serenade us every time, Alex." Gregor said.
"Why? Is he terrible? Even toads sound nice." Nisri said.
Alex did a dramatic pose, "Oh, my friends just hate my music."
Nisri rised her eyebrows. "I think I see the problem. It is ok. You will grow out of the teen-aged moods in your forties."
He looked at her. "Well, I hope you are right."
Isarial's shoulders were shaking from held in laughter. "Did you just get called hormonal?"
Alex looked at Isarial. "Yes. Yes I did."
Gregor started laughing. Tilton said, "I am glad I am not the only one who sees it."
"Why do you figure the forties?" Vexie asked.
"Giants settle between sixty and a hundred. Humans aren't as long lived as any other race, so it's probably sooner." Nisri shrugged.
"Some of us never mature." Isarial said. "I don't plan to."
"Yes, I believe Alex will be eternally in his teens- at least mentally." Tilton said.
"My mother said that maturity can be told in how you treat others. Sounds like you've not yet matured, either, Tilton." I commented.
"Nope! He's not. He'll always be a rapscallion." Ashtar said.
Tilton sighed. "I don't know what to do with you two."
I laughed and went to set the table. Nisri came with me to help. I reminded her that since she's a guest she didn't need to help. "Biri told me you're pregnant, so of course I will help." Nisri said.
Once we finished, we let everyone know the food was ready. I'd set up the plates with snack portions for everyone, though there was banquet style trays on the table with all of the remaining food filling them. Probably more than necessary, but we did have a Giantess with us. I also let people know to keep room for desserts.
Steam buns, sweet rolls, various vegetable dishes, spicy squid dishes- that I knew the queen loved, rice, potatoes, baked turnovers, and some honey roasts. A proper feast. Vexie encouraged everyone to try the squid, calling it by her home's name ojing-eo.
Kershka was the first to try the spicy dish, aside from the queen. He liked it. Alex was next, it caused him a coughing fit, and strained his voice. "It's, um.. a little spicy."
Gregor and Bibs tried it next, followed by Isarial and Adelaide, who loved it. Bibs had some trouble with it. Nisri and Tilton would not touch it. Kaz and Goruza ate it, she coughed a little. Haril also tried it. Jack tried it and did not do well with it. It was hurting him a lot.
"Eat a bao bun. It will help." I said, standing and getting him a glass of milk.
Jack did as I said, then drank the offered milk. It did help him some. The rest of the dinner went without incident. I noticed Vexie lean towards the Sultan and whisper in his ear. She looked mischievous. It was once eveyone was stuffed that Vexie started conversing with me.