Baby Talk

Really really fun chapter I like how Tommy is getting used to the treatment now thanks you for writing more of this great story for us 

I bet Death could catch up to our heroes, and the person who's faster than Hermes is Bea.

Chapter 43 Pauline carried Lucas at a brisk pace. She held him securely, though with her somewhat cold demeanour, he felt as if he was just an object being transported from one place to another. He debated internally whether or not to speak for a while.  “Umm… where are we going?” He finally mustered up.  “We’ve prepared a suitable space for you while the Bigs attend their business, little one.” “…How long will I have to wait there?” Lucas couldn’t see Pauline, but he could sense in the way she held him that she didn’t appreciate the question.   “As long as it takes, Princess.” “Will there be… any others there?” “You’re full of questions, aren’t you? And I’m not sure how things are done at home, but you should address me as Madame when you ask a question. It’s proper manners for a little one.” “Oh… sorry… er, Madame.” “To answer your question, You will be watched over by myself, and Lady Rebecca will…” Pauline stopped and realised Rebecca was not by her side. She turned and saw the young noble further down the hall, far from her side.  “Lady Rebecca! No dawdling. Up, this instant.” “Ugh… coming, Madame…” Rebecca picked up the pace to join Pauline and Lucas, though she looked none too enthused about it.  “…Young Lady Rebecca here will be joining us.” Lucas noted the strength of the grip he was being held in by Madame Pauline. She was an older woman, stocky, with a stern gaze and solid hands, weathered by many years of service. She was no-nonsense and a bit intimidating. She reminded Lucas of Mrs. Crawford, his ballet instructor. Not the most pleasant of comparisons.  Then he looked to Rebecca, who he was able to watch walking slowly behind as he was slung over Pauline’s shoulder. Rebecca still seemed sullen and moody. He watched as she followed, pointedly keeping her gaze from meeting his by staring at the floor or the walls as they passed. Though she seemed particularly annoyed by her bonnet, which she attempted to adjust several times to no avail.  He couldn’t blame her for that. This bonnet was certainly an irritating new addition to his wardrobe. It was bad enough being placed over Pauline’s shoulder backwards, but with the addition of the bonnet blocking both sides of his peripheral vision, he couldn’t see where they were going in the slightest. He could only look directly ahead of him, blocked otherwise by the lace enclosure tied neatly and tightly to his head.   At last they reached what seemed to be their designation, at the end of a long stretch of hallways. Lucas was plopped down onto the floor, and he got a chance to look around. The room seemed to be a kind of conservatory, with glass walls allowing ample sunlight to stream in. A sofa with an ornate coffee table were the most prominent pieces of furniture, with numerous potted plants hanging from the ceiling, their leaves dangling across the glass walls. Beyond the glass there was a large garden courtyard, which was enclosed and private, avoiding the prying eyes of the press who waited at the front of the estate.  Rising unsteadily to his feet, Lucas began making his way toward the sofa, only to be stopped short by Pauline’s firm hands underneath his arms. She lifted him a couple of feet backwards, away from the sofa, before placing him down on his butt again.  “Ah-ah, the furniture is not for little ones. You may play on the floor.” He huffed to himself. He wasn’t sure why he expected anything different. The royals in his family were similarly touchy about their furniture.  “Better she makes a puddle on the floor than the cushions…” Rebecca muttered, sitting on the sofa and pulling out what looked to be a smartphone-like device. Lucas rolled his eyes. Even in another country, he couldn’t escape the endless potty-comments. Pauline sat beside her, staring down at Lucas. He stared back, and the two shared an awkward moment in silence.  He looked around him. He had been told to “play on the floor” - play with what? This place didn’t seem particularly set up for someone like him. No colouring books, no dollies, not even any building blocks… Not that any of that stuff would entertain him anyway. Obviously.  He sat staring around the room for a few moments. The plants were interesting… the garden looked big… but that’s about it. Here he was, sitting in another room in another palace, far away from home - farther away than usual - and none of it interested him. When did this all get so routine? When did he lose his ability to sit for five minutes without getting bored?  “Umm… Madame Pauline?” “Yes, little one?” “I’m bored.” Pauline raised an eyebrow. “Are you now?” Lucas nodded.  “Well, I’m sorry to tell you, Princess, but I was charged with watching over you, not with entertaining you.” “But…” Pauline tutted. “Back in my day, little ones knew how to entertain themselves. Not like now, with all these flashy toys and expensive gizmos….” She shot a side-eye to Rebecca, who looked up from her phone to meet Pauline’s eyes.  “What?” “You spend entirely too much on that thing, Lady Rebecca. You should play with the Princess.” “Madame Pauline, oh my god…” “Language.” Pauline’s tone cut was sharp and cut through Rebecca’s complaint, leaving only silence in the air. Lucas felt a light chill - Pauline had an energy to her that left him uneasy.  Pauline softened slightly, then continued. “She is a guest of your family, Lady Rebecca. You should show her some hospitality. Surely you know some games the two of you could play.” “She’s a baby. I’m not.” “Then consider it practice for when you have your own children one day.” Pauline gestured to the floor next to Lucas - not a suggestion, but a thinly-veiled order. Rebecca scowled, but she clearly knew that picking a fight with Pauline would not end favourably for her. She arose from the couch and sat cross-legged on the floor next to Lucas. Pauline nodded, then simply stared down at the two. Where Hazel might start reading a book, it seemed Pauline was content to just sit there and watch the two like a hawk. It was unnerving. She sat still, like a statue.  Lucas avoided looking at her any longer and turned his attention to Rebecca, whose gaze on him was not any more kindly. Clearly it was going to be up to him to break the ice… “Umm… hi.” “Hey.” “So… how old are you?” “Twelve. Unfortunately…” she rolled her eyes. “What about you?” Lucas opened his mouth to answer, but paused. How old was he? Twenty… something? That sounded right. That also sounded like a really big number… he found himself unable to remember exactly what order those numbers went in. He began stammering to fill the silence while he internally panicked at the realisation that he had lost yet another basic skill.  “I’m… umm…” without realising, he began counting on his fingers. Rebecca had seen enough and raised a hand to stop him.  “It’s fine. Drooling baby, I get the idea.” “Hey!” Lucas pouted. “I’m not drooling.” He wiped his chin on his sleeve just to be sure. A little damp, but nothing crazy.  “Uh-huh.” This was just great, Lucas thought. One playmate to keep him occupied in this whole place and he was stuck with this moody tween. She reminded him of Leo.  They were silent for a moment. Lucas slouched in place, the boredom practically weighing his body down. Pauline sighed and tutted, which Lucas heard despite his view of her being blocked by his bonnet. When he looked, she had her arms crossed and was staring down at him.  “Heavens, Princess, your posture is so unbecoming. As a royal, you should maintain a dignified pose at all times.” She rose from her chair and straightened Lucas’s back upright, placed his hands daintily on top of one another in his lap, and pushed his legs closer together, with some difficulty thanks to his thick padding which crinkled with the added pressure.  “Much better. They don’t teach you such things at home?” “Uh…” Lucas said, his voice wobbly from trying to maintain the rigid and uncomfortable posture. “M-my Nana does.” “Well, here in Broadsland you are expected to pay close attention, baby or no. It seems that you are still able to pay attention to such things, so no excuse.” After a few moments, he almost wished he wasn’t. Being one of those dumb, baby-brained Littles vacantly staring into space while they babbled would at least spare him the uncomfortable and embarrassing performance he had to put on, adopting some prim and proper pose despite the indignity of sitting on the floor.  “She’s right, you know,” Rebecca added, her tone mischievous. “What, they don’t have Princess Pre-school?” “Rebecca! That is enough.” Pauline interjected once more, then sighed. “If you two can’t entertain yourselves properly, then I’ll have to find something for you to do. This conservatory could use some sweeping, Rebecca… and perhaps the Princess could use a refresher in her etiquette - I would be happy to show her myself.” Neither one liked those options. They stared at Pauline for a moment, then back at each other. Silently, they agreed that it was in both of their best interests to find some way to entertain themselves that didn’t require Pauline to get involved.  “So… um, any games on your phone?” He asked.  “Games?” “Yeah. I’ve got a tablet at home with a game where you pop bubbles, and draw pictures, and play… uh… dress-up…” his tone trailed off towards the end as he suddenly felt shy explaining that he liked to play a dress-up game.  “That stuff is for babies. I don’t have it.” “Oh… right.” His eyes trailed to the floor out of embarrassment.  Rebecca looked at Lucas with a light sneer. “I guess you are a baby though. Wanna… play patty-cake?” Lucas nodded to agree, he didn’t care what it was. Etiquette training was bad enough with Hazel, and she was nowhere near as intimidating as Pauline. No doubt she would be a tough taskmaster.  Rebecca started showing Lucas how to play a simple version of the game, their hands clapping rhythmically back and forth. Lucas was entirely too clumsy and uncoordinated to do it properly, of course, but it seemed to satisfy Pauline enough for her attention to go elsewhere. She began giving attention to one of the hanging plants, pruning and watering it with meticulous attention to detail. Finally, Rebecca and Lucas felt like they had a moment of a breather from her watchful eye. They talked in low tones as they continued playing patty-cake.  “I can’t believe this is how I’m spending my day.” Lucas pouted in irritation. “What’s your problem?” “My problem? I’m twelve years old. I shouldn’t be stuck babysitting.” “Yeah, but… that’s not my fault.” Rebecca rolled her eyes and didn’t answer. They continued to play patty-cake for a little while, until eventually Rebecca became even more visibly bored with the activity. She sighed and let her eyes wander to one of the large windows overlooking the garden outside. Her eyes lit up suddenly - Lucas took notice. He turned to see what she was looking at - the bonnet requiring him to turn his entire body - but couldn’t see what it was she was so fixated on. He then heard her voice behind him.  “Madame Pauliiiine…” Rebecca said in a coy tone, her posture as proper as Madame Pauline clearly expected.  “Hm?” Pauline replied, her eyes still focused on the plant she was attending to.  “May I show the Princess to the garden?” Pauline stopped and turned her head back enough to glare at Rebecca from the corner of her eye.  “Why…?” “Well, it’s such a beautiful day, and this is the Princess’s first time visiting the grounds - it would be such a terrible shame if she couldn’t experience more of it.” “So now you want to play hostess, hm?” Pauline asked with a tone of disbelief.  “It’s only proper, Madame Pauline. I promise I’ll be on my best behaviour.” Pauline looked at Rebecca, then down at Lucas. He sat on the floor staring up at her, with a look of slightly vacant bewilderment on his face befitting a baby. “Wait here.” Pauline moved to exit the room before stopping and facing the two again, pointing her finger at them with a stern face.  “And I mean that. Wait right there, both of you.” After that she exited. Rebecca’s posture dropped to a more casual one once more, and Lucas allowed his own body to relax as well. Rebecca stuck her tongue out silently as Pauline’s back was turned.  “She’s scary…” Lucas murmured.  “She’s just old and cranky. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” “And… what are you doing, exactly?” Lucas asked, slightly afraid of the answer.  Rebecca looked at Lucas, a mischievous, evil grin spread across her face.  “Getting us somewhere way more fun.” Lucas gulped with nervousness. He didn’t like the sound of that… — “…Naturally, such things are outside my realm of expertise, but I am certain that I can work with the government ministers to reach a mutually beneficial solution.” Julien explained the intricacies of some policy proposals, and Alexander sat across the table  from him, nodding and offering his own insights where prompted. Though the two men were merely royal figureheads of their respective nations, not policymakers, they still held significant influence, particularly in matters of culture and diplomacy. These meetings rarely resulted in actual political change for the two kingdoms - nor were they designed to. The diplomatic meetings essentially for appearances.  Leo, who sat next to his father, did not see it that way. He clung to every empty word traded by Alexander and Julien, taking meticulous mental notes so as to remember all the proper things to say and do. This would be his job one day, and he wanted now more than ever to prove that he could do it, though so far in this meeting he had been an observer, remaining silent despite a seat at the table.  “Leo, any thoughts?” Leo jumped to attention at his father’s invitation, feeling a jolt of mild panic run through him as he searched for the words. He wanted to make a good impression - now was his chance.  “Ahem, well… as far as my studies of the past have shown, there are, uh, certain strengths that each of our nations can offer the other… s-such as…” Leo began rattling off facts he’d memorised from a textbook as Julien and Alexander listened. Alexander noted a thin layer of sweat glistening on his son’s forehead. His contributions were… a start. He could see Leo was trying. He knew that all of this was new to him, so it was best he make his first attempt at it here - in the company of friendly peers, a low-stakes environment. Still, he was making mental notes of all the ways his son could improve.  Julien nodded along with Alexander to show his attentiveness and encourage the young royal. It was hard to believe Leo had grown so much since last he was in Broadsland - and though Avalir was a friendly nation, one could never get *too* friendly with one’s neighbours, Julien thought. This was his chance to size up the future leader of Avalir, the one whom his daughter Rebecca would likely be engaging in diplomacy with - alongside whichever man she was like marry - some years down the road.  Nearby, Margaret lounged in a luxury armchair by a coffee table. Hazel stood next to an empty armchair, hands clasped before her in proper maid’s posture. Margaret sipped her tea and signalled for her own personal maid to leave.   “Come now, Miss Hazel, I told you to sit! You are not a maid here, you are a guest!” Margaret signalled for Hazel to sit opposite her.  “You are too kind, Lady Margaret…” Hazel bowed her head gracefully and sat across from her.  “Hospitality is our specialty. I am certain you would afford the same respect to our entourage were we to visit Avalir, hm?” “Of course. I am certain their royal Highnesses would be more than happy.” “Indeed.” Margaret sipped her tea and smirked at Hazel. “So. The Princess.” Hazel nodded cautiously. “Yes?” “Quite an interesting little addition to the royal family, hm?” Hazel gave a cordial laugh and nodded again. “Oh yes, she certainly is! She’s brought quite a bit of life to the castle.” “The people of Broadsland have watched with great interest. I mean…” Rebecca leaned forward and spoke in a lower tone. “A Little? As a royal?” Her eyebrows raised as if it was a scandalous secret she was sharing in. “Hard to imagine such a thing.” “Yes, well, I suppose Littles are more and more a part of our daily lives…” Hazel said. She had been expecting some level of scrutiny given the unique cultural perspective of Broadsland. “Tell me, what is it like?” Margaret inquired. “I can’t say I’ve had many interactions with Littles. They’re like babies… but not?” “There are some differences between a Little and an Amazon baby, yes… but ultimately, in their hearts… they’re still babies. They just need a little gentle coaxing.” “Yes, and as I understand it, Princess Lucille in particular required some… coaxing.” Margaret said with a wry smirk as she sipped more tea.  Hazel caught onto her meaning right away. “It’s true, Lucille was quite… different when she arrived….” Hazel thought back briefly to when Lucille had first landed - those scruffy, dull clothes, and all that body hair… “But Queen Charlotte and myself have worked very hard to make sure the Princess is living just how she should be. She’s really come along so wonderfully.” Her words were tinged with a soft pride in the Princess.  “I cannot imagine it’s easy. At least with an Amazon baby they grow up - Littles stay, well, Little forever. Your commitment is admirable.” Hazel laughed. “Yes indeed. It’s a full time job… I’m never too far from a diaper change!” Margaret’s expression hardened - subtly, but noticeably. She didn’t answer and instead sipped her tea again.  Hazel kicked herself mentally. She had gotten a touch too comfortable - forgetting that in Broadsland, they’re a little more… prudish about such things. Even a mention of the word “diaper” in polite company made for an awkward faux pas here. Certainly a difference from her daily conversations back in Avalir… In the silence, Hazel wondered how Lucille was doing without Nana to watch over her. — “These newfangled things…” Pauline frustratedly tapped at the screen of a large tablet, clearly not used to using one. Neither Lucas nor Rebecca could see what she was doing, but the chime that eventually sounded from it signalled that Pauline had apparently succeeded in whatever she was doing. Pauline saw as a map of the estate loaded in, and a small light indicated Lucas’ location in front of her. Having successfully connected to Lucas’ tracking chip, she now felt more confident allowing the two to venture into the garden.   “Now, Lady Rebecca. I will allow you to play outside with the Princess; but first, some rules. Absolutely no playing in the mud or anywhere messy. Both of your outfits are far too lovely today for that sort of play. Second, any time you are walking, you must hold the Princess’s hand so she can keep up. Do not take your eyes off her, and if there’s any trouble, I will know. I’m going to be keeping an eye on you from afar, so I won’t hesitate to bring you back inside if need be. And I also won’t hesitate to give punishments if necessary. Understood?” “Yes, Madame Pauline.” “Princess Lucille. Come here.” Pauline signalled with one finger for Lucas to come forward. He clumsily rose to his feet and waddled over to her, feeling more intimidated with each step.  “I want you on your best behaviour, little Princess. Babies who are naughty get spanked. Now, open.” She held up a pacifier, and Lucas opened his mouth to accept it. The bulb slipped in, and she clipped it to the front of his dress.  The three stepped out into the garden. The air was cool and the sun was bright, though little warmth came from it as autumn had begun to really set in.  “Hands.” Pauline wagged a finger at Rebecca with a glare.  Rebecca rolled her eyes and grabbed Lucas’s hand tightly. She raised their clasped hands to show Pauline her compliance.  Pauline nodded in response. “Alright, as I said, I’ll be here by the plants. No wandering too far - I’ll know.” She held up the tablet, which Lucas now saw was displaying a map. Every time he remembered that he had a tracking chip implanted - in his buttcheek, no less - he winced a bit. Another reminder of how little choice he had in anything.  “Now, off you pop.” Pauline watched as Rebecca turned and began walking down a cobblestone path, winding through the grass. Rebecca’s pace picked up, leaving Lucas to clumsily step just behind her, suckling ever more quickly on his pacifier for comfort. Lucas hoped this wouldn’t take long… and hoped that it wouldn’t earn him a spanking from Madame Pauline. What he’d give to be sitting safely in Nana’s lap or curtsying for stuffy Amazons right about now…

It didn't take long for Camilla to arrive at the pharmacy, where she planned to pick up diapers for Emilly and new shampoo for both Emilly and Maddison, as their supplies were running low. Camilla didn't take Maddison or the girls inside; she left them in the car, where they were chatting. Inside the pharmacy, Camilla headed to the diaper aisle to decide what to buy, taking the opportunity to check the list of items Ana had provided—things she had needed for Alice. ================================== Maddison smiled and said: "Let's do something really fun at the park, besides just playing on the jungle gym." Emilly and Alice were delighted.

Hi everyone! I wanted to ask about your experiences with having a Foley catheter. I’d really like to hear about your first experiences with one and what it was like for you overall. I’m especially curious about how long you’ve had a Foley catheter in continuously at the longest, and whether having one for an extended period affected your continence or your ability to hold your urine or recognize when you needed to pee afterward. Did you notice any changes in your normal bladder sensation or ability to control your bladder once the catheter was removed? I’d be interested in hearing both about short-term experiences and longer periods of continuous use. Basically, I’d love to hear as much as you’re comfortable sharing about your experience, including how it felt initially, how you adapted to it, and whether anything changed for you afterward.