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]

"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.

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta follows the little girl, and introduces herself to anyone else she comes across in the house.

"You have an awfully nice home." she says.

[wheatencrown]

When they enter, Demeter takes their cloaks before moving to the kitchen to see if she can help.

[ostro_goth]

Around the hearth, Liuta, Gotho and little Rauthgundis are sitting with their spindles, quietly spinning yarn for weaving. Wachis is, as always, repairing something (it's a toy horse on wheels, actually) while some of the other kids are watching him, and Adalgoth is lounging on one of the bed-benches, with the two baby girls crawling around on him and beside him.

"I would get up and greet you," he says, "but I am doing duty as a rug at the moment, it seems."

None of those present are surprised or startled to see them any more, even though they are curious about Carlotta. The kids come to inspect her. There are three boys and three girls, all in all, counting Hilde but not the babies.

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta greets all the children, asking them their names in turn and generally allowing herself to be used as a climbing frame.

[wheatencrown]

While Carlotta is introduced Demeter hugs everyone else,

"What can I do to help?"

[ostro_goth]

"Would you go help Adalgoth with those babies?" Gotho asks, after hugging her back and stowing away her spindle. "Rauthgundis and Alaric -- go fetch eggs!"

The two oldest children grumble, but go outside to do as they're told. Liuta starts grinding flour for the pancakes, and Gotho fetches milk. She looks much better, again, than she did the last time. Spring helps her to finally recover her strength.

Teja, his arms full of kittens, goes to talk to Wachis.

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta picks up a baby and bounces her gently.

"Which twin is this?"

[wheatencrown]

Demeter picks up the other twin and laughs at poor Adalgoth,

"There now you won't have to be a rug."

[ostro_goth]

Adalgoth grins, and stretches. "You have Myrtia," he tells Carlotta, "and you, Lady Demeter, have picked up Valeria. Isn't it wonderful how they look at you now and laugh at you and know you?"