[piosenniel]

2 Cermië

Night or day made no difference to the twins. Their little lives and hers were ruled by hunger and comfort sandwiched between short periods of sleep. ‘The baby’s schedule is the mother’s schedule,’ she recalled Cook telling her. She had not understood then, but now the truth of it penetrated deeply her weary bones.

Gilly rose early and took the babies from their cradle. They fussed as she picked them up and put them in their carry basket, but settled down comfortably, nestling in close together. She took them into the kitchen, where Prim and Buttercup promptly snatched up one each, holding them close and breathing in their sweet, new baby smell.

‘We’re going to Amaranthas’ house today. Their first outing. I thought I’d let Mistress Piosenniel sleep a little longer while I got them washed up a bit and changed and ready to go.’

‘Ooh, let me help,’ chimed in Buttercup, handing the girl back to Gilly. ‘I'll get the dishpan ready and we’ll get them squeaky clean.’ Warm water, tested by the elbow method filled the shallow pan, a soft towel cushioning the metal bottom. The babies were quickly stripped and hurried into the warm water. Washed with sweet smelling soap and gently laved with water, they took the process in solemnly, seeming to enjoy the touch of water and soft hands on their skin. From the bath they were quickly swaddled in thick towels and dried thoroughly.

Gilly produced two outfits that Amaranthas had made and soft booties knitted by Cami. Buttercup smoothed the damp, dark curls into place, and wrapped each lightly in a little blanket. By then the twins were fully awake and actively looking for the next meal. They began to cry softly and then a little louder, and more insistently.

Cook dipped the ends of two thick kitchen towels into some sweetened water and popped one each into the expectant baby mouths. Satisfied, at least for a moment, the little ones settled in to suck on the sweet offering.

‘Go wake Miz Pio, and tell her to take her time getting ready. We’ll keep the wee ones satisfied until she’s ready to take over.’ Cook cradled the boy in her arms and rocked gently back and forth as she piled a small plate with fruited muffins and cheese, placing it on a tray with a large mug of sweetened tea. ‘Here, take this to her and tell her to eat up. We’ll get Hob to get the cart hitched up for you.

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Pio smiled as she stepped into the kitchen. The four Hobbits were completely wrapped up in vying for the right to hold the babies next. Gilly, knowing she would have them the rest of the day, had ceded her turn to Buttercup, who grinned from ear to ear as she examined the little creature on her lap, and kissed each of her fingertips. Prim had wrested the boy from Cook, who hovered nearby, nonetheless, her hands aching to take him back. ‘There’s just something about holding a baby,’ said Cook, a remarkably soft look on her face. ‘You just can’t get enough of it.’

The four turned as Pio cleared her throat, drawing their attention to her presence. Prim sighed and looked wistful as she reluctantly handed the baby to his mother. ‘You’ve been so kind to let me sleep in a little, Prim. Let me nurse him a little, then you can have him back while his sister eats.’ Prim brightened at this prospect, but her hopes were dashed when Cook reminded her it was her turn to hold him.

Buttercup nudged Gilly, and leaning close, whispered in her ear. ‘Pio should have had three babies – one for each of us to hold!’

Pio laughed and shook her head at the remark. ‘Two babies is quite enough, Buttercup!’ She handed the boy, his hunger now satisfied, back to Cook, and reached for the girl.

[ May 12, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]