guffawsungraciously | psl time: single dad au edition

[You know, it was kind of surprising in a way. Jasper had kind of expected everything to go completely off the rails and to be completely unmanageable, but somehow, within the last month, it had turned out extremely well for him. He got his halfway promotion to Sir Lazarite's assistant and soon to be replacement right under the demon's nose, he and Hendrik were speaking regularly again, and he had a... family.

Two people is a family, right? Being a parent was kind of exhausting, sure, and some parts were honestly pretty gross, but seeing her slowly become able to do more things and... just seeing her in general on account of her being incredibly adorable was all worth it. Plus, it wasn't as though he didn't have help with her. Hendrik had been a great help, and while he wasn't present at the time due to being out on an expedition, he wouldn't be gone too long.

In fact, he was supposed to come back today-ish!

...unfortunately, Jasper couldn't be very excited for that, because Celestine was ill, and that was terrifying. The doctor had told him her fever would break in two days, but it was three days and she was still feverish. It was an absolute nightmare, really. He had been trying to work through it, but Sir Lazarite could tell he was so stressed out that he'd given him some time off to take care of her. So... that's where he is at present, nervously checking on her every thirty seconds, perhaps...]

[The latest monster extermination took Hendrik and his men far south of Heliodor, along the coastline and to the stairs of the Kingsbarrow. To think that monsters would desecrate the ancient resting groups of Heliodor's past kings.

On one hand, it was good to clear out the monsters before their numbers swelled. On the other, it was just a little strange for them to pursue monsters that were not deemed a large threat to a settlement.

The cold weather hampered their journey back up to the castle town, turning the drifting spray from the coast to ice as they traveled. It's a relief to make it back into the protection of the city walls, and even more so as he gets back into the castle proper. He hears nothing of the happenings of the castle until the late afternoon of the third day, washed and clean after all the travel.

He heads for Jasper's room as soon as he hears that Celestine has taken ill, knocking on the door for entry.

He has a bad feeling Jasper is not taking the situation well at all.]

[It takes a few seconds for Jasper to actually respond, but he eventually does crack the door open, looking kind of wary and fairly haggard. Once he processes who it is, the wariness disappears, but... he doesn't look too much better, still.]

...

Ah, Hendrik. You have returned from your campaign, then.

[...it's an obvious statement, but he's not really feeling up to being witty or anything...]

Earlier in the day, yes.

[Much earlier in the day, really, but it stands to reason that he would have a number of things to do after returning before he can even think about relaxing. He hasn't even eaten, to be perfectly honest.]

I just heard from the maids that Celestine had taken ill. I wanted to check on you.

[...Ah, that might sound a little callous.}

Both of you.

[Jasper almost prickles a bit at the fact that someone else informed Hendrik, but... well, he supposed it wasn’t like they were telling just anyone. Hendrik would want to know how she was doing upon coming home, as well...]

Yes, she has. I thought she would be well by now, but she is still feverish, so it is...

[...]

I am... concerned.

Understandably so. This is the first time she has been sick, to your knowledge.

[He considers saying something about all babies inevitably getting sick at some point, but refrains; it's highly likely Jasper's had that whole spiel given to him already.]

I imagine you have not afforded yourself any time to away from her side... Do you need anything?

Yes, it is. I know that it is exceptionally rare that children will never get sick, but...

[Jasper rubs his temples as he tries to... think... does he need anything he doesn’t already have?]

I have her food, I have her medicine...

[..........]

...

I have not eaten in some time.

...I see.

[That's... Well, that's pretty much what he thought would be the case. This would definitely be something that would stress him in a strong way.]

I have not eaten as well, so this is a fortunate coincidence. I will see if the cooks have anything ready ahead of dinner so we are not waiting. If you have no qualms with me bringing the meal back to your quarters.

No, that would be fine. I took dinner in my room last evening as well, but I simply... well, it slipped my mind, that is all.

[damn, he’s been so scatterbrained when it comes to anything other than Celestine’s illness lately, but he’s so worried...]

I will clear off my table for us, then.

Very well. I will be back shortly.

[And he steps away to immediately head off to the kitchens. He's thankful that he was able to wrap up everything other than meeting with Lazurite; his report to the king had been brief but positive, and he would save any detailed observations for his written report.

Hendrik is welcomed back warmly by the cooking staff, who are more than happy to pull something together for him and Jasper. It's not long before they are arranging a tray holding bowls of venison stew and a plate of cornbread squares. After some consideration, they also give him a whole bottle of mulled wine; there are no other guests will be asking for it.

It's a fine meal, especially for one newly returned home, and Hendrik can feel his stomach roil with hunger as he carries the tray back to Jasper's room about 20 minutes later. He's careful to mind the tall wine bottle as he knocks on the door.]

[Right, well... Jasper heads over to the table by the chaise and moves the books on maybe figuring out magical mending over to his desk so there will be space to eat, and he moves Celestine’s bassinet next to where he’s going to sit on the chaise. She’s sleeping at the moment, so he puts a hand on her forehead. Well, it not any warmer, but it hasn’t gone down yet... she whines a bit in her sleep, and he winces a bit because he can’t... do anything...

Well, not much to do but wait here, checking her temperature every so often and worrying. When Hendrik knocks, he hesitates a bit before answering.]

Come in, Hendrik.

[Hendrik maneuvers his way into opening the door, entering, and shutting the door behind him before heading over to the table that Jasper had said he would clear for them. Wondering how the maids manage such balance all the time is enough of a distraction that he doesn't take notice of Celestine's bassinet until he's sitting across from his friend and setting the tray on the table between them.]

Will you tell me what happened? How is she doing?

I noticed she was lethargic and feverish a few days ago, so I called for a doctor and healers immediately. They said it seemed to be a minor illness that should clear up in one or two days, but it has been three by now and she has not yet recovered...

[Saying it out loud, he thinks maybe it’s a bit silly to make a big deal out of it, but...]

She is asleep now, but when she is awake she is very listless and seems distinctly unhappy.

[...granted, that description could apply to Jasper at the moment, as well.]

[It's difficult not to keep his eyes focused on Celestine's bassinet, knowing that Jasper is the one in a more immediate state.]

Has she had the energy to cry at all? I suppose if this is the third day, she would have worn herself out a considerable amount already...

[He doesn't want to linger too much on how she is doing, so he tells himself to shift the topic in a little while. For now, he stands so he can retrieve glasses from Jasper's cabinet.]

Every so often, yes. It is not for long when she does, though, and she has mostly been making pitiful little sounds...

[it kind of breaks his heart whenever it happens. He looks over at her and strokes her hair again, even though he knows nothing about her condition will have changed.]

I have been doing everything I was recommended to do, but it does not seem to be making much of a difference.

It is good that you are still touching her from time to time. You would know better than most what her normal temperature would be.

[He retrieves the glasses and returns to the table, sitting down before uncorking the bottle of mulled wine.]

When my sister was ill, her fever made her very uncomfortable. My mother or one of my other sisters would stay with her and apply a cold towel to her forehead and neck.

[He's not actually sure that's what people do with tiny babies, but Jasper will probably correct him with whatever the doctor and healers have said.]

Regardless, she needs to stay hydrated.

I have been doing that on and off, yes. It tends to wake her up when she sleeps, so I generally wait for her to be awake to do that.

[...but should he??? Should he???? Maybe he should do it while she sleeps, too... mmmm...]

I have certainly been making sure she drinks often, though. She has been doing her best on that end, though she does not want to eat much, necessarily.

You may want to apply the cold towel even if it wakes her up. I cannot imagine she would stay awake for long if she is so tired.

[He'll ... leave that decision up to him. He can only provide so much advice before he feels like he's trying to dictate Celestine's care, and that's not his place at all.]

But besides that... How are you holding together? Have you been able to sleep at all?

...I... well, give me a moment.

[...she sounds so sad when she makes noises when she’s asleep, so Jasper stands up and goes to the bucket to get the cloth he’s been using when Celestine’s been awake to cool her down, wrings it out a bit, and brings it over to her. He gently sets it on her forehead, and she lets out an annoyed little grumble and stretches a bit weakly.]

Oh, come now, my dear. Has it not been making you feel better otherwise?

[He smooths the cloth out on her head... then remembers Hendrik asked him a question.]

Oh. I have been... managing, I suppose. I... think I have slept, yes. At some point.

You think you have slept.

[Hendrik repeats the words with faint incredulity, frowning as he fills both of their glasses and then sets upon starting to eat his stew. The conversation at hand isn't enough to distract from his hunger.]

Surely you have had help stop by so you can rest? The last thing Celestine needs is you getting sick as well.

...

I have had the doctors come by. And the nursemaids.

[He dips a spoon into the stew and takes a bite, chewing the venison before answering.]

...But I wanted to observe to ensure I was doing things correctly when they were not around...

And you are not wrong to have done so.

[He wants to ensure that Jasper understands where his concern is coming from.]

But if you have not allowed yourself to rest, you may miss something simply because you are too tired to take notice.

[He's silent for a moment as he drinks his wine, frowning to himself. Should he offer...?]

If you are not opposed to the idea, I can watch her while you rest. You can even have her beside you in bed if that will put your mind at ease.

[Jasper takes another spoonful of stew and mulls it over quietly, looking over at Celestine wiggling a bit in sick grumpiness before speaking again.]

...You will wake me if her condition changes, then?

[...like, he can't really argue with Hendrik, but he really doesn't want to have to worry something will happen to Celestine while he sleeps.]

Of course -- you have my word. I can even apply a healing spell on her before you sleep ... though I do not know how well the spells work with natural illness.

[It would be nice if there were preventative magical mending spells, so he could apply a spell to Jasper so he wouldn't get sick.

But he wants to help, in whatever little way he can. Jasper is already in a tough spot, being a single parent.]

I was told it reduces symptoms of pain somewhat, so even if it does not necessarily shorten the duration, it will be a comfort to her.

[...

He shoves a very large spoonful of stew into his mouth a bit sullenly. Why has he never been able to pick up magical mending? He's good at magical might, so why...

...

Well. At least someone else can do it.]

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