The breath is knocked clean out of Caleb when Jester throws herself into his arms. He only narrowly manages to keep his balance as he laughs and ruffles her hair, his heart swelling with affection.
“Blueberry, it’s good to see you,” he says, grinning at Fjord, who claps a hand on his shoulder. Sun and sea and a new child have put a few more wrinkles around Fjord’s eyes and mouth. It suits him very well.
Livvy raises her chubby arms toward Caleb, squirming out of her father’s arms. Fjord hands her over, and Caleb receives an armful of warm sleepy baby, the soft heft of her settling against his chest. He presses a kiss to the top of her head. No, not a baby anymore, Caleb corrects himself, his throat constricting. She’s growing up so fast. The small blunt ends of her brand-new horns are already starting to poke through her black hair.
“I gotta go now, but I’ll come by as soon this whole thing is over,” Jester says, apologetic. “Then we can all have dinner together, okay?” She taps Livvy on the nose. “Behave for your uncle Caleb!”
Caleb laughs as Livvy lets out a murmur in response, cuddling closer and burying her face against his neck. “We’ll be waiting. Are you sure you don’t need me to teleport you there?”
“Nah, I’ll take the scenic route.” Jester kisses Fjord and waves goodbye without further ado. “See you later!”
“I wasn’t expecting you so early,” Caleb says, embarrassed at being such a poor host. There isn’t anything edible in his house save for a couple of shriveled apples and a half-empty cask of beer, but Fjord doesn’t need to know that. “I meant to go and pick up a few more things for dinner–”
“Not at all,” Fjord says easily. “A walk sounds nice.”
It’s a very pretty day, the late afternoon sunlight turning everything it touches to gold. Livvy is properly awake now, chattering as she plays with Caleb’s amulet. She likes the way it glitters when it catches the sun.
“How have you all been?” Caleb asks.
“Not bad. The seas are pretty rough this time of year, so we’ve been home the past few weeks. Between us, it’s a bit of a relief to stretch my legs,” Fjord says, chuckling. “How have you been? Teaching going well?”
“Ja. As well as can be expected.” Caleb smiles as Livvy coos, fascinated by the gold chain around his neck. “Maybe you will think about coming to the Academy again, one of these days.”
Fjord shakes his head, a rueful smile on his face. “Not to be too on the nose about it, but that ship has sailed for me, you know? It’s a nice thought, though.”
“The offer for private tutelage is still on the table, if you’re interested,” Caleb says, raising an eyebrow. “You know you and Jester are always welcome. And Livvy, of course,” Caleb says, laughing as a chubby hand bats at his nose. “Then you and Beauregard and Yasha can go for a couple of rounds in the fighting pits in the evenings.”
“Tempting. But it won’t be any fun if you and Jester aren’t there to cheer us on.”
“Who else is going to look after this one?” Caleb smiles at Livvy, who makes a surprised oh and pokes the dimple in his right cheek. “Besides, if you ask me, you all deserve a break.”
“And you don’t?” Fjord’s tone is teasing, but his eyes are entirely serious.
Caleb takes the out he is offered. “You know me. I like to keep busy.”