Exton

I have stood my ground against the hordes of Hell without a quiver, faced down the gibbering minions of Chaos with unshaken firmness of purpose - but the small child that toddles towards me now bids fair to crack my vaunted composure and makes me look wildly around for escape.

My first impulse is to veil myself in illusion and thus vanish from his sight; but upon sober reflection, this might upset the lad, and I would avoid that if I may. Likewise, I could shield… Tomas would find me surrounded by an invisible barrier, impervious to anything he might do… and again I am sorely tempted.

Instead I go to one knee and hold out my hands. I am not versed in the mysteries of "coochie-coochie-coo", but my voice is soft.

"How are you today, my young man? Are you enjoying your stay at the Manse?"

The child grins delightedly, and his fingers go immediately to my hood. Fortunate it is that it cannot be removed, for it is the first thing he attempts. I look to where Alise is convulsed with laughter, enjoying my discomfiture, and move steadily in that direction, carrying Tomas propped against my shoulder. He promptly regurgitates a noxious substance and I motion impatiently to one of the undines. She is laughing so hard she can barely fly, but she manages to magic away the offending matter and I bend to hand the child to Alise.

"I believe this is yours…." and I hurriedly make my escape before Tara can join the game.