Like Sand in an Hourglass

It was a bright and sunny autumn day as Carwen trudged home after a long week of work. She could hardly wait to come home to her husband and children. It still felt like a living paradise to have all of them in her life. Some part of her even wanted more of them to be running around, but she knew better than to introduce a new member before their little runts had grown a bit more and could relieve some of the daily strain on her husband. Not to say that she thinks of them as a burden, just that it wouldn't be fair to bring a new little person into their household before when they are spread thin as it is with supporting the kids and providing for them.
When she got close to their home, she began to think back to when they had struggled so hard to fill up the home with little feet. How desperate she had felt to fulfill that need and want of children. Their home was something of a smaller mansion, mostly to keep up appearances of the Vroman family name, but still not so obscenely large to feel like one lived in a castle on ones own. This worked perfectly well for them. Despite the need of appearances, she and Alistair had still put their own everyday-family flairs to the place. Such as, her favorite spot, the place where they are measuring the height of their little bundles of joy against a shelf. Gwen was starting to feel a bit too mature for things like this, but she still went through with it to appease her parents. She was certainly growing up quickly. A bit too quickly for her taste, feeling as if she wasn't experiencing the full childhood of her daughter.
Triss was the shortest of the three, and was thus the most excited one to see how high up she was getting, often trying to cheat by standing on her toes to reach those few extra inches. Triss was certainly the model child as one would expect someone of her age to be. Energetic, excentric, active and playful. Maybe a bit too much so. She had already started to garner herself some bullies who would try to make fun of her for her bubbly nature. The simple mention of Carwen's name and title could often shut them down if they were magically interested, but when that was not the case, she would still pretend like nothing until she got home to find comfort with her family.
Lynn is the most well-rounded of the triplets. Playful as a young child should be, but a bit more restrained in it than her youngest sister Triss. She could be a bit shy though, sometimes nervous to approach even her own parents with things that bother her. She knows Alistair is doing his best to bring her out of that shell though. The whole thing is a mixed bag, but it was a bag she wouldn't trade for the world. She fiddled with her pockets as she tried to pull out the key to the door, but before she had even had the chance to grab it, the door flung open with Triss being the perpetrator. "MOMMY!" She cried out as she jumped forward and grabbed Carwen around the waist, pulling herself close to her. Carwen kneeled down and hugged her daughter tightly before ushering her inside. "Where is daddy?" Carwen asked as she hung up her coat, but as she looked down again, Triss was already gone, having ran off to fetch her dad.
Alistair sat quietly in his study, Gwen across from him also absorbed in a book. He did not enjoy the prospect of training her to one day take his place as head of the branch family. He knew the high expectations that placed on ones' shoulders and could actively see that need to live up to those expectations manifesting in his little girl. How she was slowly becoming more and more like his own cousin, something he would give his own life to avoid he needed. Both of them looked up from their materials when the commotion of someone arriving rang out through the halls of the house. Only a few moments later did Triss come running into the study, her excied breathes struggling to get out what she wanted to say. Simply opting to say "Mommy!"
A smile spread across his face and he placed his book onto his desk. "That is wonderful news indeed, Triss. Gwen, I think we can take a break from this. I'm sure you're eager to see your mother as well." He said, trying to hide his own excitement bu the haste in his step being a clear giveaway. The moment he stepped out of the door Lyn speed-walked past him without a word, heading in the same direction that he intended to go. In just a minute or two after her arrival, husband and children all gathered around the returning mother. Triss eagerly telling her about how school was going, Lyn trying to get a word in but not having the determination to talk over her sister. Gwen behind them, a repressed but warm smile on her lips as she greeted her mother. 
"Now, now girls. I know we all want to talk to Mommy but I'm sure she's tired from all her hard work. We can all bombard her at our own leisure after she's had a moment to sit down for a bit." He said, parting the small horde of children that surrounded his beloved wife. Placing a loving hand against her cheek, he gave her a quick peck on the lips and gently rubbed his forehead against her own. "It is truly wonderful to see you home, my love. I can assure you I share the children's excitement to see you back safe and sound. Would you like me to make tea, or perhaps run a bath?" He asked with a warm and loving smile on his lips. "Or I could lift you up and parade you around the house as a true heroes welcome if you'd like?" He jested.
Carwen giggled at the proposition. "I don't think I deserve such treatment for just helping an old friend with his 'family issues'. I showered a bit ago as well, but I wouldn't say no to some good ole fruit tea." She said and planted a small peck in return. Alistair guided her away into the kitchen to prepare the tea, and while doing so, Carwen began to ask for some details of the two weeks she had missed. "Triss seems very excited about school when I came home. Is the bullying taming out, perhaps? And how goes it with Lynn? Is she making progress?"
Alistair placed the kettle onto the stove as his love spoke to him. The children in their own respective spots around the house, waiting for their mother to settle in before they have their chance to fill her in with everything they've been up to. Turning on the stove, he turned to her, "I think Triss is doing well. I spoke to their homeroom teacher at the parent-teacher conference and she assured me she would crack down on it. There have been some minor teasing since then but nothing malicious from what Triss has told me. I asked Osmund to keep an eye out for me, just in case Triss isn't telling me everything because she doesn't want me to worry." He said, leaning up against the counter, bags under his sky blue eyes from juggling his work and the children. "Lyn, well, you know it's hard to get her to say more than she wants to. I heard she had started to make friends with Theia's little girl so that's a plus in my book." He continued before turning away a bit, "I'm more concerned about Gwen though. I'm trying to make the training as easy on her as possible but I don't think that Alice is doing the same during her time with her. She's just a kid, I hate the idea of putting all that weight on her shoulders. She's so smart and very mature for her age. But I'm worried that growing up so fast isn't good for her. Every day I see a little bit more of Alice in her, and I don't dislike Alice or anything like that, you know? I just don't want Gwen to become so cold and calculated as that." He said, voicing his concerns to his wife.
Carwen nodded solemnly at hearing his concerns for their oldest daughter. Concerns which mirrored her own. "I have all the respect in the world for Alice, but to see Gwen become like her... The thought frankly scares me. Like I am failing as a parent to allow this to happen. Perhaps it would do well if I tried to talk to Alice about Gwen. I know we need an heir to the family name, but I feel that it is unfair to place that all on her so soon." She said as she looked up at her husband wanting to see the support and love she always found in them. But now she only found herself seeing the bags 'neath his eyes, immediately pulling her away from her seat as she walked up to Alistair and placed both her hands on his cheeks and directed his attention strictly to her. "Love... Are you well? You look so tired."
Alistair wiped the sleep from his eyes and shook his head, "No, no. I'm fine, just been getting home from work a bit later than I would like..." He trailed off a bit before his eyes rose again to meet hers. "You're not failing as a parent, the girls love you just as much as I do. They look up to you, all the things you do, you're a great role model for them. It's just... they miss you when you're away. I tell them that it's what has to be done but they're still kids, they say they understand but I know they're sad. That and I worry a lot, I know you're fully capable and all but when the days go by without getting to talk to you and know everything is alright my mind always starts to fear for the worst." He said, melting into the warm touch of her palm against his cheek. "But I know you're just doing what needs to be done. You're a Beast Saint after all, a protector of the innocent. You've just been a bit busy as of late, I'm sure it'll all die down soon. All that matters is that you're home now." He said, a loving but tired smile on his face.
Carwen's heart fell when she heard her husband's confession of his worries for her and the sadness her kids feel when their dad has to tell them that mommy is too busy to come home. Things that hadn't really occurred to her in proper. She had been raised mostly independently from her draconic father, so the feeling of being alone and having a parent absent wasn't really an emotion she could relate to. But it was certainly something she could empathize with, feeling inadequate now knowing how she had unintentionally affected them. "I am sure it will. What matters most now is that I am home. With them." She said as she leaned in and kissed her love on the lips passionately, but not deepening it in case the kids came running in. She parted from him with a big grin on her face. "And with you. And by the heavens am I going to make up for these weeks of absence!" She said, hammering her fist into her open palm, as if to hammer home the point. "We should do something together. As a real family. I would suggest the park, but I don't know if that is something Gwen would like these days. Do you have any suggestions?"
Alistair was warmed by the antics of his wife, happy to see that even with all the work she's been doing her youthful energy had not even begun to fade. "I haven't the slightest doubt that they would be more than happy to do anything so long as we're all together." He said, before the hiss of the kettle caught his attention. He turned around and shut off the stove before pouring the water into two separate cups, a tea bag in each. With a cup in each hand, he motioned with head for Carwen to follow him to the table. Sitting down the cups and pulling up a seat for both of them, "Gwen has studied more than enough today, I'm sure she would appreciate such a break. I know the Triss and Lyn would jump at the chance, maybe we can make a picnic out of it?" He spoke, as though the promise of spending time together as a family had rejuvenated some of his once drained energy. "I could pack a basket. Well, maybe two, the girl's have started to develop your appetite but don't tell them I said anything about that. They're a bit sensitive about it still but I'm proud of it, we may very well have three more little dragons running around. Who knows? I guess we won't know until they start really training in their magic," He said in a cheery tone.
Carwen seemed positively giddy at the prospect. "Magic you say? I can't wait for that. To teach them my magic would be amazing!" She giggled, tapping her foot to the floor. As if catching herself in her behavior she rectified it by stopping her taping and tried to act as was more befitting someone of her station. She didn't like it, but she was a bit paranoid about it after some low-scum paparazzi had found her dancing in the kitchen in nothing but her underwear while doing housework. True, this was not as bad, but it still became a quasi-habit. She sipped her tea, feeling the strain in her body lifting thanks to the sweet and smooth brew. "It would be a joy to teach them my magic, but I think it should be a genuine choice on their part to learn. But then again, who wouldn't want to learn what I have?" She said with mock-cockiness. "It might be a bit on short notice though, this picnic. Maybe just some sandwiches and soft drinks would suffice for us if we want to get going?"
Alistair all but jumped at the opportunity, "Of course, I'll notify the kids and get things prepared right away!" He said with an almost childish giddiness in his voice before he downed his tea and stood up from his seat, kissing his love on the cheek before moving to the door of the dining room. "Girls! Get ready, we're all going out to the park for a picnic!" He said before an almost in unison reply of "Okay's" rang out from different points in the house. "Just sit tight, my dearest, our family feast awaits!" He jested before leaving the dining room and going to the kitchen.
It wasn't long before the girls began finding their way to the dining room where their father's voice had been heard from not long before. Lyn being the first to make it this time and walking up to her mother with a bright light in her eyes, knowing it was rare to have a moment where Triss or Gwen were not stealing the spotlight from one of her parents. "Mom, dad said we were going to the park. You're coming with us, right? I mean, dad said you might be tried when you came back and all." She spoke with little confidence in her own words. Feeling the need to make sure that their mother would be joining them on their trip to the park.
Carwen smiled and put her palm against her dear daughter's cheek. "Well that all depends, doesn't it? First off, we are going to need fruits and sandwiches. And lots of 'em. You know dear old mommy." She said with a pat to her belly. "And lastly, I want you, daddy and both your sisters to come too. I want this to be a good family experience for us. I've really missed that. And there is no amount of tiredness in the world that is gonna keep me from the lot of you." She said with a beaming smile as she rose up and walked to the kitchen, the kids in tow. "Come, lets help daddy with the baskets."
Lyn's smile faltered a bit as Carwen began talking but she quickly pepped back up as her mother continued to speak. She nodded up and down as she followed closely behind her mother. Upon entering the kitchen, Alistair could be seen making the sandwiches, Gwen carefully placing things such as apples, a bundle of grapes, and some wrapped up pieces of watermelon they'd cut the other day into one of the baskets. Meanwhile, Triss did her best to sneakily put in plenty of sweet, cookies, chocolate, as well as a few snack cakes she'd gotten out of the cabinet. Alistair looked up from his sandwich making to greet his wife and daughter before shaking his head at Triss who had gone to try and stuff another snack cake into the basket. She let out a sigh of defeat and reluctantly put it back where it was supposed to go. "The girls are getting quite excited about the picnic, this is the rowdiest I've seen them all week." He said, sitting down the sandwich ingredients and leaning down a bit to look at Lyn, "How would you like to help Papa make the rest of the sandwiches? I know you know how everyone likes theirs' what do you say?" He asked his shy little girl. 
"Y-yeah! I wanna help too!" She said, her head nodding up and down she might make herself dizzy if she kept it up before quickly getting to work on making the different sandwiches.
Alistair then stood straight again to face his wife, "And I know you won't let me leave you with nothing to do. So if you can just grab the picnic blanket from the closet in the hallway we should be wrapping up things here in just a second and then we can be off?" He said as their kitchen was a mess of all of them running to and fro to prepare the baskets.
After a few more minutes of prep, they had all but hurried out the front door, thoroughly excited to get the picnic underway. The family had walked through the streets of Hylion, garnering more than a few looks from the populace to see the Beast Saint walking with a host of small kids like she was just anyone. Once they reached the park, Carwen began to feel the vibrations of her communicator in her pocket, luckily on soundless. Pulling it out and checking the source of it, she noticed the number of the Toranku Headquarters. Quickly dismissing it before she was noticed with it, she pocketed it once more and began to unpack. After the blanket and food had been prepared to be served, they walked away towards the park itself, Gwen and Carwen keeping a watchful eye on their food as the kids started to play, Triss a bit more vehemently so. Carwen felt the same vibration once more and just flipped it away. "It is very good to be with you all again, Ali-dear."
He leaned his head against her shoulder, "and it is very good to have you here again. Your recent expeditions have made me remember back to when we were first married. Only now do I understand how it must have felt to feel the vast emptiness of the bed while I was out on night duty and I would do anything to go back and see to it that you were not left alone on those nights." He said, his eyes closed taking full advantage of the safety and warmth he felt in having her close to him again to rest for just a bit. As, despite his consistent protests otherwise, he was indeed tired. Not from one thing in particular, mind you. It was the little things, stresses, and worries that have been building upon his normally strong shoulders. Only now that once again had his beloved to share them with did he feel the weight shifting to a manageable one to carry. "My sweet, sweet Carwen..." He said, drawing it out as though he were in heaven until his bliss was cut short by the odd and almost annoying sound of vibrations that seemed to be coming from his wife. "What is that?" He asked as he raised his head from her shoulder, a curious eye on Carwen as though he knew that no answer could be one he wanted to hear.
Carwen sighed as the vibrations returned. "Damn it" she hissed under her breath. "Sorry, it is just work. Don't worry though, I am not going to answer. I don't want them ruining this moment for us." She said as she reached into her pocket and slid it into voicemail without even unveiling her device. "I am so sorry, love. I just can't seem to escape their attention hunger. But if I just keep it like this, I should be able to ignore them for the duration of the day. I'll take the blow from them later tonight." She said as she leaned into his chest and watched their children playing.
Alistair was sad to know he was correct, as though hoping by some miracle the vibrations were all in his head or that his wife had somehow learned to purr like a cat. He did his best to hide his disappointment as she spoke and invited her to embrace as she rested her head into his chest. He placed an arm around her and gently stroked her head as he looked up to watch the children play. Triss and Lyn on the swings, Gwen sitting atop the monkey bars as though it were a throne. He wasn't sure how he could tell them their mother might be going away for a while again, or how they might take such news considering she had only just returned. He let out a quiet sigh before speaking in a somber tone. "Don't worry about it, it isn't your fault."
After some time, he called the girl's to eat. Sitting down on the large blanket they began to pick the things they liked. Both Triss and Gwen knowing very well the crustless sandwiches had been prepared for them, Gwen was always a bit embarrassed by what she considered a 'childish taste' of hers but was then quickly reminded that she was indeed a child. Which she often responded to with an unamused "yeah" before eating her crustless sandwich anyway. Triss dug in without hesitation, having to be reminded to eat her lunch before she got into the sweets. Lyn sat on the opposite side of her mother from Alistair. A spot she had claimed by being the first to the blanket after being called, something which she was very proud of as it was often the much more energetic Triss that would easily speed her way into first place. Alistair ate quietly his only action besides eating being to wave back to a group of guards on patrol who had noticed him out with his family.
"So my art teacher said I had a really good imagination! She used my painting as a good example for the rest of the class! We're supposed to get them to take home on Monday so I'll show you then, okay?" Triss said to Carwen, one of her arms waving around as she tried to describe her painting and the other one only restrained by the fact that she was holding a piece of watermelon in the other. "Alice said I was improving quicker than she had expected. Faster than father had when he was my age," Gwen commented when she could get a word in, a soft smile on her face before popping another grape into her mouth.
Carwen felt a pang of shame at the sight and tone of Alistair, hating her title at this moment. When he called the kids in for lunch, she made sure to see that everyone heard and got to the blanket safely. She did not think anything bad was gonna happen, but one couldn't be too safe. When they sat down to eat, Carwen listened intently to all the things her daughters had to say, getting engaged in the topics that one could almost mistake her for their equivalent age. Gwen shook her head as if she disapproved, but there was a notable smile on her face. "I can't wait to see it. I'm very proud to hear about these compliments. A creative mind is a great mind." She then turned her attention to Gwen, immediately getting a bit more serious. "I am proud to hear that you are progressing as you should. What are you studying at the moment? What topics do you find the most interesting?"
Gwen tried to quietly clear her throat as her mother's tone seemed to become more serious when she'd turned to her and she was left to wonder if perhaps she had said something wrong. "R-right now I've been learning about our family's history as far back as it's been recorded. Well, Father's side that is. Alice said that you would go over your family someday, she said it wasn't her place to tell me of something she didn't know too much about herself." She said, her eyes avoiding her mother's gaze. "I like learning about all the financial stuff, it's really helped me with my math classes at school. I'm reading above my grade level too, Alice lets me read some of the books in her library but I don't understand most of them. She's a really good teacher, but she seems really distant at times..." Gwen said, hoping that she could put whatever had her mother so serious to rest.
Carwen smiled at that. "I am glad to hear that you enjoy what you are doing. Just... Don't put too much on your shoulders. I'd love to tell you more about my family at some point. What little there is to tell." She said as she took a bite off of a sandwich. She then noticed how Gwen seemed to be actively avoiding her eyes. "Is something the matter dear? You're not usually the shy one of us. Is something upsetting you?"
Gwen shook her head, "No, no. I-well, you...You got really serious all of a sudden. I was worried that maybe I said something that made you mad. I really didn't mean to, I thought you'd be happy to hear that I was progressing well. I promise I'm doing my best." She responded in an unsure tone, still not quite sure of what made her mother become so serious when she'd first started talking to her. The other girls were quiet now, looking at their mother and wondering how she might respond as it was unusual for Gwen to outright say how she felt. 
Alistair placed a hand on his wife's shoulder, "Of course, we're proud of you. Getting praise from your great cousin is most certainly not an easy achievement. We just don't want you to push yourself too hard. You still have decades before you'll have to take on the responsibilities you're being trained for. Don't miss out on being a normal kid just to try to live up to everyone else's expectations."
"But what if I like learning all those things? Studying with you and Alice? Does that mean I'm not normal?" She asked with a hurt look on her face, having done what children normally do and jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Carwen shuffled over and embraced her daugher, taking her into her arms in a comforting embrace. "I am sorry if I came across as harsh. I just didn't want you to think I am downtalking or belittling your accomplishments. I could hardly be prouder than you. I am just... It might be selfish, but I am worried that you might become too much like Alice. That kind of cold and stand-offish disposition. And let me tell you, dear. There is nothing more normal than for a child to do what she enjoys. If you really have that much fun with your studies, don't let us convince you otherwise. What's more, even if it wasn't normal, as uncle Hotoke once told me: Normal is overrated. Do what makes you happy, love." She said with a small kiss to the top of her head before parting from her. "If you are happy, so are we, right dear?" She said, and just as things were getting sappy, what was coming along to ruin the moment? bzzt bzzt bzzzzt!
Carwen was but one moment to cuss in front of her kids before she caught herself. "Excuse me for just a minute, loves. Just gonna go tell them to buzz off." She said with a wide smile that didn't quite hide her frustration. She walked off some distance to where she hoped she would be out of ear-range for her kids. She answered it with a deadpan tone of: "Carwen here."
"Ma'am, you are required in the field. You are requested to instill yourself at the Toranku HQ in two days time and report for the mission." Spoke the voice of a young woman with a frightening professionalism to it.
"Understood, but frankly, lady, it can wait for a few more days."
"Ma'am, you don't even know the mission details."
"I have spent many months and years to serve Toranku by this point. Allow me some time off. Tell your superior that I am occupied at home and will not leave until I have gotten my fill, got it?" She said with finality before turning it off. As she returned to the family, she could tell that there was a notable change in tone, even more so than earlier. "I'm sorry about that, so so very sorry. I told them to leave us alone however. It should not be more disruptions now."
Alistair smiled a bit at Carwen's claim that she'd told them to leave her alone. He didn't doubt it at all, her fiery attitude being one of the things he loved about her. "That's wonderful news, Darling. See girls, it's just like I said, mommy isn't going anywhere right now." He said, the girls beginning to brighten up a bit at that statement.
The picnic continued on without any more interruption or misunderstandings. After allowing their food to settle and their messes to be cleaned up before the girls headed back over to the playground while Alistair and Carwen walked around the small track around the playground, careful to keep the girls in sight. Something that was easy to do considering the few parents that seemed to be out with their children today. "Geez, that picnic almost got a bit awkward there for a moment. I hope Gwen understands our concerns, she's a kind soul just like you. I couldn't stand to see that crushed under cold facts and uncaring logic, that just isn't how people are supposed to be." He said, looking down at the track as they walked until he realized he might be ruining the mood. Looking up at his wife, he gave a big, stupid grin, "Is it true? You went ahead and told those bastards you shove it?" He said quietly even though the kids were more than clearly out of earshot so long as he spoke at a conversation level.
Carwen giggled. "In more clean words, but essentially, yeah. Told them that I wanted to be with my family." She said proudly. "I want to not focus on work right now, but they just won't leave me alone. Hopefully that will shut them up for a while. No officer is going to argue with a saint." She said with a playful boast. "I think she does. She is of a kind heart so well as an intelligent mind. It was a misunderstanding, but I am sure she gets the picture we painted now... Thanks again, Alistair... For giving me... Us, this amazing gift. I couldn't be happier with our little girls." She said with a head lean on his upper arm.
Alistair gave a snorty chuckle before catching himself and red began to appear on his cheeks from embarrassment, "I think we both put in more than enough effort, and we kindly rewarded for it. Though, I can't say our early marriage won't be to blame if I end up throwing out a hip in my old age." He said with another hearty laugh, this time snort free. "But I'm glad to hear you'll be spending some more time with us. I know the girls will love to know that, and my own excitement likely far exceeds theirs. It'll be nice knowing the girls have someone to be there for them when I'm working. I've had to ask Theodore more times than I'm comfortable with to make sure they get home safely from school when I take the morning shift, to have Morgan come over to make sure they have a nice meal and are tucked in whenever I take the night shift. It's nice to have family who care enough to help and I know they don't mind but you know how I feel about relying on others." He said as they walked along the side of the playground, glancing over to see the kids enjoying their fun. "That all said, I certainly wouldn't mind another. Once the children are grown enough to help out that is. The Gods have been kind to us thus far, perhaps one more miracle wouldn't be too much to ask?" He said, half jesting as he looked toward Carwen.
"I have actually been considering it." She said as she looked up to her husband with a sly look in her eye. "I've actually wanted to have another child someday. Maybe we could get lucky with a boy this time." She said while dreaming herself away. "I know some complain about it, but I quite liked the pregnancy period. Not so much the birth part, but everything before and after was bliss." She quipped with a sigh of contention. Then something hit her. "Was that just a joke, or are you beginning to think about getting old?" She asked getting a bit self conscious. Aging was not something she preferred to think about, mostly due to her nigh immortality and the more grounded mortality of her love. Not really noticing it herself, but Alistair was certainly starting to show some signs of aging. Lines of adulthood along his face for one, all of which she was none the wiser to. "Cause you better not." She said as she pressed the palm of her hands against his cheeks and pulled his attention strictly to her. "You are still my spry young guppy, alright?"
Alistair was pleasantly surprised when she spoke about her own thoughts toward another child, happy to know they were both on the same page of possibly trying for another someday. Her concern about his aging was not necessarily a surprise but he hadn't expected such an odd question. He smiled back at her confidently, "Of course I am, Love. Perhaps you doubt me? I certainly wouldn't mind provi-" He cut himself off as another couple walked by, a bright pink forming on his cheeks before he cleared his throat. He smiled softly and he returned his attention to her, "I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon, Okay? So don't go getting all worried. I'm still as fit as a horse and could throw most of the younger officers up and down a battlefield if I needed to." He tried to reassure her, "or maybe you're just worried about my looks? Us Vroman age like fine wine you know? If anything I'd say you popped the cork too early!" He jested, wanting to avoid any more awkward conversation if he could.