with more agility than a man of his size should have, Gerulf fairly leapt across the floor to Amalasuntha's side.

"Now there, my beauty," he grinned as he helped her to her feet, "I didn't know you were so eager to see me."

Amalasuntha turned a furious glare on her erstwhile suitor. "YOU!"

"'Tis me for sure." Gerulf's hands were busily engaged pulling turnips and venison from Amalsuntha's hair.

"Now, would you like to have that drink with me?" He nodded in the direction of his table. "And a few children?"