Varatt could not remember the last time he had a meal prepared this well. It was much better than those he actually paid to do the cooking as their jobs! And the rum and wine were absolutely exquisite, though he still took a shot or two from his own flask. When Vivianne went to take a sip of it, he could not help but grin as she lifted the flask to her lips. He knew the strong taste would most likely catch her off guard, as it did most people.<br/>"Well, I'm glad you can appreciate it m'lady." he replied, lifting a cup to her accomplishment. "You actually handled the surprise better than any of the lads down at a pub. Oh, they'll brag about how they can drink ya' down under the table, but when they try the strong stuff they'll hightail their way back home."<br/>As she mentioned the stiffness of his body, he set his glass down with a grimace. It was indeed a problem for him at times, but he did not like to make others worry about it.<br/>"Oh, don't worry about it miss." Varatt replied. "I'm well enough as I am. And call me Varatt. I'm hardly a Lord. Just an old man that's retired from a lifetime of hard work."<br/>His attempt to brush off her offer did not work however. The Lady of the lake proved to be quite persistent. So finally, after much bantering, the old paladin caved in and agreed to the massage.<br/><br/>---------------------<br/><br/>Finally, after waving off the last of his guests, Maric closed the door with a sigh. After Samantha's last-moment warning, they had little time to ready their small home for the group that arrived shortly after. Luckily though, it was only a small group of four; a paladin, a guard captain from the city, and the captain's wife and little boy. They talked for what seemed like hours upon hours. The child, which was nearly four years of age was of course bored with just talking, so Samantha took care of him as the others talked. Maric did not mind when the young boy interrupted them though. He actually enjoyed the child's company. A few times he even took a turn entertaining him. It was good to spend time with the boy, as Maric was his godfather after all. The captain and him had become good friends before the child was born. It probably helped that the Paladin had saved the older man from some sort of beast that had attacked him in the night.<br/>"Nimue, why don't you go and relax." Maric said as he saw Nimue cleaning up after the guests. "I'll take care of the mess."<br/>Of course, she argued otherwise, so Maric walked up to her and gently took the dished from her hands.<br/>"It's been a busy couple days for you, meeting all these new people." He said with a kiss on her brow. "You've been overworking yourself trying to make accommodations and such things for everyone. So please, just let me do the cleaning, alright? I promise that I'll be with you the moment I am done."