Honour Bound

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur quickly moved forward in preparation to catch Guinevère in case she fell. But she seemed to use the door to brace herself. Arthur gently put an arm around her to help her stand, while closing the door properly, making sure she was stable on her feet. He gave her a small smile and a nod, then turning to their son who was just staring at his father. "Are we playing dressup Papa?" He asked. Arthur let out a slight breath of amusement, as he made his way to the table and sat on the chair, prompting Amaren to come join him. He lifted his son up to sit on his lap, looking at him and trying to figure out where to start.

"There is a lot I have not told you Amaren, and I hope that one day, you will understand and forgive me for it." He knew his son was confused, but Arthur wanted these words to be a memory Amaren recalled as he grew older. "I came from a kingdom named Camelot." "That is where my new friend is from!" Arthur smiled. "Yes. Many people came from there because . . . their queen is not nice." Arthur wished to spare Amaren of all the darker thoughts. "Not like our king and queen here?" He loved how smart his son was. "No. Not like the king and queen here. We have lived here, happily. In safety. Together." Arthur glanced up at Guinevère, watching her, before turning back to his son to continue. "I left Camelot before you were born because . . . " He paused for a moment, clenching his jaw at voice this memory.

"The king was not happy with me." Amaren's eyes widened. "You made the king mad Papa?!" He asked, shocked. As if such a thing was impossible. "I did. He was, my father Amaren." Amaren just looked at him, not fully comprehending the magnitude of his words. "We need to go to Camelot. To free them of the mean queen." "But then . . . with no queen, who will rule Camelot?" Arthur slightly titled his head up, saying these words only making it more real. He felt his throat dry. Such a foreign admittance so perhaps, he was saying it as conviction to himself, rather than merely just a revelation to his son. "I will be the king of Camelot."

[Guinevère]

Arthur came to her, and helped her stand up. Feeling panicy and strange, and too warm she wanted to push the hand from her, but at the same time she wanted to grab it and hold on for dear life. He closed the door, and then moved to pull their son in his lap. Guinevère used this time to openly stare at him. He looked like a knight--but he wasn't. He was a prince of Camelot. He didn't even look like the blacksmith she had married any more. His fact was the same, but he looked like a noble man. The more he spoke, she could even hear it now--the way he spoke.

She felt as like she couldn't breath in enough air, as they talked. This was really happening. SHe'd accpted it. She'd wanted it for Arthur and the people, but she hadn't been ready to see it! He'd even asked her if he should put it on and she said FIRST TELL THEIR SON! She had been unprepared for the sight of him! "But then . . . with no queen, who will rule Camelot?" She felt cold, because in her mind she realized she was wrong. He wasn't a prince of Camelot! "I will be the king of Camelot." He was it's king . . .

Guinevère made a gasped sound, clearly taken off by this news. Yet before she could even see Arthur look toward her the room was growing dark, and then she'd heard nothing, as she fainted.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Guinevere was enough in his side lines that he saw her when she began to fall. Reflexes took over and he quickly set Amaren the ground, rushing over just in time to catch her before she fell. This was all too much for her, he knew that much. And he felt horrible for what he had done. "MAMA!" Amaren exclaimed. "It's ok, Amaren," Arthur assured him, his hand going to his wife's cheek to feel her skin.

"She's just sleeping." With her upper body in his lap as he crouched on the ground, Arthur was about to lift her into his arms when the door swung open. "Arthur the-- WOAH!" Elyan staggered back a few steps as he took in the sight of his brother in law. Arthur had to fight an eye roll. Gwaine's nosiness got the better of him as his head popped up over Elyan's shoulder and squinted at Arthur. "Bloody hell!" "Papa! Uncle Gwaine said a bad word!" "Stop cussing in front of Amaren."

"Well look at the bloody state of him!" "Again?!" "Just, go outside!" Arthur demanded. "Ordering us around already." This time, Arthur couldn't suppress the eye roll. He gave a nod to Elyan who looked concerned over Gwen, assuring him she was fine. Thank goodness for Percival who came and gently led Amaren out of the house, locking eyes on Arthur for a moment as he just grinned widely, closing the door behind him as all four of them left. Arthur then finished what he had set out to do, lifting Guinevère in his arms and carrying her to the bed. "Guinevère?" He asked softly, brushing a loose stand of hair from her face. "Can you hear me?"

[Guinevère]

Guinevère blinked slowly, seeming to realize that she'd falling sleep, but couldn't remember why. "Arthur?" she asked, looking around before up at him and--oh! Yes! That was why. Her hand moved out to touch mettle that covered him, before touching the cape. He was a king now. She hadn't thought of him like that. a king of a kingdom!

"I just need to sit up." She told him, letting him help her stand and moved to the chair nearby. Once she was sitting she began to fill better. She looked down at her hands, and tried to think of him as a king. Amaren as a prince. It was a lot to take in, and she'd had a bit of a surprise.

Looking at him, she knew she worried him. "I hadn't . . . " It seemed foolish now. Of course he was king. "You're a king," she whispered, trying to not sound frightened by the idea. "I didn't think of that until you said it." Her fingers felt cold, she was still slightly shaken. She looked over to her son . . . "where's Amaren?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur felt relieved when Guinevère stirred, awakening once once. He helped her sit up, moving a pillow behind her back to make her more comfortable. He softly smiled at her realization, knowing that this was all a shock. Even formerly recalling that she had referred to him as a Prince. It seemed that she was just understanding the position he would hold. And . . . he understood the adjustment it would take. Though, this was only the beginning. "He's with Percival and the others," Arthur told her.

His hand gently stroked her cheek, looking at her softly. "The knights are all outside." For the sake of full disclosure, he felt the need to also bring to light something else, so she was not caught off guard. "Guinevère, for those who know you are my wife . . . as they may see me as their king . . . " He hoped she knew where he was going with that. Of course, he would not formally announce it if she did not wish him to. But for those of them who knew, they would embrace her as Queen. There was no need for a coronation for the people to embrace a new king and queen. They were prepared to accept him, and his family. That much was clear from what he had heard from the citizens and knights.

[Guinevère]

"The knights are all outside." Her face turned toward the door, and she took a breath to steady herself. They were outside. Was that 'Percival and the others'? Where the knights the others? Was she expected to now go out there and meet them? "Alright," she said, not sure what she was saying it for. "We should go out there then."

Arthur had one more thing to say however, "Guinevère, for those who know you are my wife . . . as they may see me as their king . . . " She stared at him, waiting for him to finish. They should see him as their king. That was who he was. She didn't see it at first, and she was still shaken by the idea, but prince....king . . . she needed to be ready. "Am I going to see them bow to you?" She tried to joke, but also to perpaire herself for any more shocks.

This would get easier, she knew. It would take time, but it would get easier. He was king, and things were changing. King. The word held so much weight. It was shorter then the word prince, but it was more. As his wife, she would see many call him king, and her son a prince. Her son was a prince. That had yet to sink too as well. How did one raise a prince? She wasn't a quen---Oh bloody hell! "Arthur!" She said in slight panic, seemingly to see now what he was saying! Her hands reached out to try to grab onto his shirt but they only grasped at the metal links.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

She didn't seem to grasp what he was trying to say. She joked about the others bowing to him and he wanted to say yes . . . but that they would bow to her too. Still, he didn't say anything. It was as if he could see the wheels in her head turning. And turning. And turning. Until realization dawned on her, and she began to panic. "It's ok, it's ok Guinevère," he told her calmly, both hands now going to either cheek and gently stroking them in efforts to calm her.

"We don't have to tell anyone yet," he told her, knowing that once everyone knew . . . that would be it. But, it would indeed be inevitable. He could prolong the revelation perhaps for the remainder of the day, at best. But soon, people would realize that Arthur had a wife and a son. "I just, want you to be prepared," he told her, hands still upon her cheeks as he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. Though he supposed nothing could truly prepare her for this. "Just rest right now. This is all a lot to take in." To say the very least, and he knew she needed time to process it all.

[Guinevère]

She couldn't be anyone's queen! Escpacally to a kingdom that she hadn't even been too! She couldn't do the things queens did! . . . she didn't even know what they did! She'd joked they would bow to him, but she hadn't even for a moment thought about if they bowed to her?! She was his wife! How short sighted of her to think him a prince, and not think of what that meant for her! Now suddenly he was a king and she was a queen! Mother to a prince! . . . . maybe two!

The thought of the baby calmed her, and one of her hands moved to rest there. The baby. Yes. She needed to breathe for the baby. "I'm not . . " ready for this? Not a queen? " . . I should have realized." She whispered. If she couldn't even handle the thought of being queen, how would she ever help him? Would he not do better with someone stronger there?=--No. She was his wife! She would do it.

"No, I can . . . Arthur, I'm your wife. We're stronger together." She just needed to make sure he stayed close. "I want to be able to help you. To know you, and see the other half of you." She wanted him to believe she was strong enough to stay by him. Her hand moved to touch his, and hold them too her. "I love you." She could do this for love. She looked at the door, and squared her shoulders. Her son was already out there. She needed to be brave for him.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur gave her a moment, seeing the expressions on her face which only caused his hear to ache for her. He knew that this was not something she had ever wanted. And suddenly, the burdens of potentially ruling a kingdom were upon her shoulders. But he had no doubt, that she would make an amazing queen. "Guinevère, the people need you as much as they need me." If not more. They had two corrupt queens, and now needed one to re-instil their face.

He kissed her lightly on the lips, basking in her words. She was his wife. And they were stronger together. "I love you too," he told her softly, voice filled with sincerity. "And together, we will face this." He knew she could help him, that she could help the others. And that he would see that side of her, that was from the heart, and not blood. Where the people would love her for who she is, not what she felt she was entitled to. "Are you ready to walk out there, with me?" By his side. Embracing this new life that would await them, and change their family forever.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère wasn't sure the kingdom needed her. She wasn't even one of them! Yet, she would not fill Arthur's mind up with her own doubts. She needed to be strong for him. So he could work on getting his kingdom back, and staying alive. She knew that there was a chance--though a small one--that her child could be born in the same castle as his or her father. That they would never know this house or this life. Yet the memories of this place would be the ones she cherished int he coming days.

"Yes," she whispered, knowing that she was not ready to walk out there, but Guinevère was the daughter of a blacksmith, and he hadn't just made steal, he;d raised her all on his own! She'd seen him do what he thought he could not. She would now do it too. Yet, she still hesitated. He looked like a king, and she looked . . . not like she was noble. She didn't own anything close to looking as if she was. Her hands smoothed her dress, lingering over her belly, and then reaching up to tuck in her hair. Reaching for his hand, she gave him a nod. "I'm ready." She lied, but she knew she'd try to mean it too.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as he held in, giving a nod to her and a reassuring smile. Taking a slow breath, Arthur knew this was it. As he stepped outside with Guinevère at his side, Amaren came rushing over, as Elyan, Percival, Gwaine and Leon all stood. The knights were a bit further away which worked out well, for Arthur wished to introduce Guinevère to Leon first.

He smiled as his brother of heart approached them. "Guinevère, this is Sir Leon. Sir Leon, Guinevère," he formally introduced. "And our son, Amaren," he said, his free hand gently placed on Amaren's back. Leon smiled as he lowered his upper body in a bow. "My Lady. Sire." Guinevère and Amaren. Queen and Prince. It felt . . . odd. It looked odd. But Arthur knew that this was what his life was now. After over 6 years of no one bowing, of no title . . . it felt strange to suddenly be brought back into the world where it was expected of those who served them.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère took Arthur's hand, and walked out. She saw her brother, and their friends near by. She wondered if they knew, and how they took the news. She took a few deep breaths, as a knight, matching Arthur, walked up. Arthur introduced them and then Sir Leon took a bow. Guinevère felt a moment's panic about what she should do back (did she bow? Nod? . . . . wave?) before decided it was best to just be polite. "Hello," She smiled, trying to make a good first impression.

When he stood she continued, still holding Arthur's hand. "You've come a lot way. Would you are your men like some water?" She could fit a few of them in her home, but the rest were welcome to sit out here. The knights were drawing attention, and she knew soon others would come. They could find cups a plenty, and the well wasn't far for when they ran out.

Amaren seemed to stay close to his father, not sure about the strangers. She knew this wouldn't last, as once he knew they were friendly (PLEASE let them be friendly) he would follow them around and begin asking questions faster then they could answer. "We also have some bread to eat if you are hungry!" She offered, knowing that on the road there wasn't much fresh bread.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur smiled at Guinevère's offer. An expression that Leon matched as well as he bowed his head once more. "Thank you, your majesty." Arthur gave a short nod to him, and a look to ease up on the titles . . . but he also knew that it was habit for Leon. And that his friend was just happy to meet a queen that was not corrupt or a tyrant. Arthur then looked to his wife, as these words were meant more for her.

"We will need to inform the king and queen of their presence." Knights of Camelot randomly assembling themselves in the city. It could be perceived as a threat, and Arthur wanted to make sure they did not regard it as such. "We also must announce our own presence." They hadn't done much to attract the attention of the royal family -- Arthur had purposely kept it that way. But now, they would need to reveal themselves to them. So that they had some context as to why knights were coming. And well, the events that would follow today.

[Guinevère]

He bowed again. Did they do that a lot? "Ye, you're welcome." She managed to say smoothly. Unforgettably that was when she looked at at her brother and Gwaine, who were both laughing! Guinevère sent them a short glare, before turning to look at Arthur as he spoke to her. "We will need to inform the king and queen of their presence." Yes, that was wise! He needed to---Oh, we needed too. She would go with him? To . . . talk to . . . the king and queen. Yes. Alright. "We also must announce our own presence."

She felt her belly roll, and had to fight to keep her hand from touching the child. She could do this. "Yes, of course." She agreed, at least out loud. She thought about asking for a moment alone with him, but Leon might as well know what he was getting in to. "I fear I wouldn't know what to say." Did she bow? She didn't have a dress to look properly in. Would the queen think her unfit?

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur smiled at Guinevère, knowing what he was asking of her. Though, perhaps not the full magnitude for this was just the beginning. "Give us a moment," he said to Leon, who nodded and stepped away -- not too far to be out of sight, but just out of ear shot. Arthur turned to look at Guinevère, locking eyes with her. "Growing up, it was always expected of me to marry someone for political gain. Some . . . princess of another kingdom to solidify an alliance and strengthen Camelot." He had learned quickly how little interest he had in that.

"I fell in love with you Guinevère, because of your kindness. Your compassion. The strength of your heart." And even though part of him thought that one day, he would return to Camelot, he never held any hesitation in it being with the daughter of a blacksmith. "You represent so much that is good in this world," he continued, smiling proudly at her. "All you need to do, is to be true to yourself. And believe me, the people will see you as I do." He paused for a moment. "Well, perhaps not exactly as I do," he said teasingly, with a slight flirtation in attempt to ease the mood. "But they will love you as their queen. And I am proud and honored, to have you by my side." It would be a totally different world than what she was used to, but he had no doubts that she would quickly earn the people's love and affection.

[Guinevère]

"Give us a moment," Sir Leon bowed (again) and then walked away. "Growing up, it was always expected of me to marry someone for political gain. Some . . . princess of another kingdom to solidify an alliance and strengthen Camelot." That . . . was not comforting. Guinevère wanted to look away but, she didn't let herself. "I fell in love with you Guinevère, because of your kindness. Your compassion. The strength of your heart." That made her relax, and smile. She knew he loved her, but hearing it in contrast to his first words helped ease her fears. "You represent so much that is good in this world,"

"Well, perhaps not exactly as I do," Guinevère even found herself giving a soft laugh, at his teasing remark. He was her husband, it would be awkward if another loved her like that too. "But they will love you as their queen. And I am proud and honored, to have you by my side." It was easier to hear the 'queen' word when he said it like that. "Next time you should lead with that," She teased back, knowing that he'd given her a lot of overly surprising information recently, but this helped ease her fears--for the moment at least.

She wanted to kiss him so badly then. She wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. Yet all his knights where there, and they were looking at them. Everyone was looking at them. Yet he said he loved her just the way she was. Guinevère leaned forward just slightly, lifting her hand to his chest. Then a blush touched her face, and she had to look down to hide it. She couldn't do it! Not out of fear, but more an heightened awareness of everyone watching. Looking back up at him, she smiled. "I love you."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur smiled back at Guinevère, her words warming his heart, and seeing her smile brightly despite all that had happened. He knew that they still had a great deal to talk about in private -- especially since he could feel the eyes of the others upon them, so for now, he simply gave a nod, taking her hand in his and lightly kissing the back of it before holding it. "Shall we?" He asked, motioning to where people who had come from Camelot were gathered -- both civilians and knights. As they walked through the streets, the people broke out into whispers and conversations while eyes were upon his family.

Amaren walked with them, his head turning every which way to try and understand why people were looking at them . . . why people were bowing to them. The others followed behind -- Arthur making a note to also speak to Gwaine, Elyan and Percival about their plans and an offer to do something for them should they desire it. But that would be later. A shout from the crowd, caused Arthur's heart to beat a little heavier in his chest. "Long live the king!" The others followed the chant. For years, Arthur had not held a crowds attention like this. And to hear himself now being called king . . . well, it was a world he would have to get back into, having been so far removed from it.

He gave Guinevère's hand a gentle squeeze, unsure if it was more for her comfort or his own. He felt oddly nervous, though years of learning to maintain composure seemed to be taking effect once more. The king and queen emerged from the castle to see what was going on, and that was when Arthur knew he had some explaining to do. As he approached them, he lowered his head in a nod of respect, and began to explain who he was, and what was happening.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère held Arthur's hand as the people began to recognize their king. Their voice rose in unison to chart their loyalty. Her grip tightened on his hand, and she wanted to join them, but couldn't find her voice. She looked down to check on her son, and wanted to lift him up to her arms, but also knew this was something he'd have to grow use too. If he looked scared she would. Yet he too just held his father's hand.

Guinevère looked over the people--her husband's people, and found the man she had been talking too these past few days. Their eyes met, with his being ones of utter surprise, and then he gave a bow. This was really happening. Seeing Elyan following them made her feel slightly better. This was her family, and knowing her husband was beside her and her son was close brought her some ease.

That was until the royal king and queen of his kingdom walked out. Guinevère decided to follow Arthur's lead and to bow when he did. Arthur spoke them in confidence, and ease. Watching him interact with them was something she never seen before. He was so composed and confidant. Standing next to him with wide eyes, and trying to take everything in, she knew that even pretending not to be overwhelmed was pointless.

The king welcomed Arthur, and offered him and his men supper. They welcomed him as the ruler of the kingdom next to them--apparently having known him before. They would join them for a feast tonight, where Arthur and the king could speak more. Arthur needed to go see to his men, and would join them later. After a long conversation in the courtyard, and the promise of a longer one tonight at the feast, Arthur and Guinevère turned to leave. "I will take Amaren home, while you see to your men," She told him, hoping he'd have time to talk before they went. She also had some work to do! She walked with Arthur until she passed Sir Leon, deciding that he was her best choice, Guinevère looked at her husband. "I shall met you at home. Amaren needs a bath before tonight." She teased, but knowing that it was true. "Do not stay away too long." She wanted him home with her.

Walking over to Sir Leon, she asked "Will you walk me home please?" Leon looked pleased she asked and bowed (again) before walking with her. Guinevère needed to ask something of him. She had something she needed to give her husband.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur would glance over at his wife and son occasionally, trying to determine if they were ok, but once speaking to the king in private, he knew he had to give the man his undivided attention. The conversation went well, the king even offering his support to Arthur as he was against the tyrant queen. Saying he would stand with him, and give whatever he needed. Arthur was grateful, that even after all this time . . . he still held some faith in the once prince of Camelot. They shook hands once the invitation was passed, and Arthur expressed his utmost gratitude, assuring him that his family would be present. Being in this position after so long was . . . odd. So he could not even begin to imagine what Guinevère was feeling, but he knew there would be time to talk about that later.

He made his way back to her and Amaren, as she told him that she would give Amaren a bath in preparation for tonight. He smiled and nodded. Her understanding of such matter making him more grateful than he could possibly express. "I won't be gone long," he assured her, leaning forward to kiss her cheek before ruffling his son's hair. He was about to ask someone to walk his wife home when she chose Leon to do so. He looked at the knight, and his wife, the smile growing on his face. With a nod, he watched them walk through the market back home. That was when he pulled Gwaine to him. "I don't care how you do it, in fact, the less I know the better. But I need a dress for Guinevère." Gwaine just looked at him as his lips curved into a big grin. Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Don't say anything. Just, get one for me. Please." He could have asked the queen, but it felt easier to ask Gwaine. Oddly enough. "Yes Sire!" He answered mockingly as he smirked, patting Percival on the arm to join him in this quest for a dress. Arthur watched them walk off, shaking his head as he then went to his men. The knights of Camelot. Embracing them, they all cheered and Arthur met with each and every one, explaining to them that there was a feast tonight in their honor. That they would make plans in the day to come. And . . . that he was overjoyed to see them all. He ensured them they would save the rest of their brothers, and free the people of Camelot from such persecution.

The conversation came to an end when he saw Gwaine approached with a rolled up garment. Arthur excused himself and met the man halfway, out of earshot of the others. "I stole it!" "Damn it, Gwaine, I told you I didn't want to know." Who had he stolen it from?! No no! Arthur knew better than to ask questions. "Hopefully you got the right size." "Oh I know I did! I am very familiar with a woman's body." Arthur's gaze slowly went to him, a glare within it. "What he means to say is that--" But even Percival couldn't talk him out of that one.

"Just, give me the dress." He took it from Gwaine and needed to say something else before he went home. "You all must come tonight." His friend's eyes widened in surprise. "I don't think we're invited." Arthur raised his chin a little confidently. "I'm inviting you. Now . . . go bathe and get rid of the smell of mead." A tease, though it was half true. Percival then presented something to Arthur with a smile. Arthur didn't need to ask to know what it was: an outfit for Amaren. He smiled in return with gratitude before parting ways, and returning back to his home.

[Guinevère]

Thankfully Sir Leon had come through for her! Guinevère knew there wasn't a lot of resources to work with, but she was able to get what she needed done at quick speeds, thanks to the help from her brother as well--who gave her son a bath! He made sure that Amaren was scrubbed from his head to his toes! Guinevère had spent that time working on two things. Both of which were made from a cape that Leon had given her. "Papa! I am a prince!" Amaren called, as Arthur walked in! He ran bouncing up to his father, wearing the bright red cape that Guinevère had cut and sewn down to size. She hoped it would help hide some of the woren in clothes that he was wearing. Pushing to a stand, she watched Amaren holding it out and turning.

Standing, Guinevère watched her boys, and smiled at them. It was a lot to take in--her husband was a king over night. Yet she could see why the people loved him. Even as a blacksmith, he had helped everyone. Now he would, once again, have this power. Her hand lifted to touch her belly, and she thought of the child there. This would be there life. She wanted to tell Arthur. She wanted to the share the news. "Sir Leon gave me a cape, and I was able to cut it down to size." She explained with a laugh at their excited son.