Taking Demeter and Carlotta to Gotland

[ostro_goth]

Teja is sitting by the door, turning the snake bracelet in his hands.

He is waiting for his friends to to turn up, so they may go visit his people together.

Comments

[ostro_goth]

"It would indeed be," Teja says. "They have met her already, and she would be there to help if you are overwhelmed in any way."

[fiery_ring]

"Overwhelmed? I am a woman of the world now, you know!"

[ostro_goth]

"There are very many children," Teja points out.

[fiery_ring]

"I'm not afraid of children, I'm afraid of childbirth, they're entirely different matters." Carlotta says.

[ostro_goth]

"That is not what I meant," Teja says. "But they can be overwhelming, in such great hordes, and so close to each other in age. And loud!"

[fiery_ring]

"I used to go to boarding school." Carlotta points out.

[ostro_goth]

"I merely wish you to be warned, and safe," Teja says.

[fiery_ring]

"Thank you sir. I just want to make sure you know I'm not afraid of children."

[wheatencrown]

Demeter enters from the front door and brushes some rain out of her hair as she spots them,

"Hello, I'm sorry I'm late but I needed to take care of a broken trellis."

[ostro_goth]

"We have not waited long," Teja says, standing up.

[fiery_ring]

"Indeed, I have just arrived." Carlotta says, giving Demeter a hug.

[wheatencrown]

"Oh good. I think you'll like everyone in Gotland, Carlotta,"

Since Carlotta will fit in rather well with them.

[ostro_goth]

"I hope she would not be overwhelmed by all those children," Teja says.

He holds the bracelet, closes his eyes, and opens the door.

On the other side, there is a grassy hill and a farm ducking beneath it. The sky is leaden grey and casting down rain, hail, and lightning. It seems that the first thunderstorm of the year is in session.

"If we fetch umbrellas," Teja ponders, "would we shock them more than is warranted?"

[fiery_ring]

"What about macs?" Carlotta suggests. "With hoods?"

[wheatencrown]

"I think cloaks would work better,"

Demeter is quiet for a moment and then hands around cloaks that look of the time but actually are oilskin,

"Those should do."

[ostro_goth]

"Thank you," Teja says. He throws on the cloak, then wanders down the hill towards the buildings.

Under the low thatched eaves, the red cat Isis is sitting with five kittens that watch the raindrops with fascination. Nobody else is there.

[fiery_ring]

"Thank you." Carlotta also says, putting on a cloak. It's nice and warm, particularly since she came from winter in her world.

[wheatencrown]

"I'm sure they're all inside and warm,"

She laughs at Isis and her kittens who look rather content.

[ostro_goth]

When they come close to the house, Isis stretches and casually saunters up to Demeter for appropriate attention.

The door of the house opens rather explosively, and little Hilde bursts out. "Spinning is boring!" she shouts. "I'll go hunting with Alaric and we will catch lots of..."

She bumps into Demeter.

[fiery_ring]

"Hallo!" Carlotta says, smiling and crouching. "I'm Carlotta, what's your name?"

Despite her fear of childbirth, and a tendancy sometimes to not know what to do with kids from other eras, she doesn't seem fazed by the little girl.

[wheatencrown]

As Hilde collides with her, Demeter steadies her,

"Careful, Hilde. Where are you going?"

[ostro_goth]

"Out!" Hilde says. "It's boring in there!"

Pause.

"But not now that you're arrived. I'll go back in with you."

She looks at Carlotta, earnestly. "I'm Hilde!" she says. "The king mentioned you! You are really fierce and have done really well, he says."

[fiery_ring]

"Thank you, it's nice to meet you Hilde." Carlotta says, offering her a hand to shake if she likes.

This makes it easier - she hadn't been sure how to explain her relationship with Teja.

[wheatencrown]

"Good, because its raining a lot out there and you'll catch cold if you stay out too long,"

Its a pleasure to see Carlotta and Hilde together, they're so alike.

[ostro_goth]

"The king is here and he brought Demeter and Carlotta he's been talking about," Hilde calls inside, taking Carlotta's hand and trying to tug her along. "Can we make pancakes now? We have guests!"

Teja bends to pick up kittens. They are all really friendly and clamber all over him.