RP post: In Gotland with Kate Barlow

[ostro_goth]

The door opens as if out of a hillside; and below the hill, a farm nestles.

In it centre, there's a large long-house built from field-stones and large beams, thatched in reed and low-eaved; around it, there are outbuildings: baking oven, smithy, chicken coop, storage and the like. Cows, sheep and goats are grazing on the hills around; there are chickens and geese in the yard, and horses in a meadow.

Children are playing hide-and-seek among the buildings, and two tall burly men, one older and one younger, are hard at work at the smithy, mending sickles and scythes.

It is the early evening.

Comments

[ikissdhimbck]

"Thank you, Miss Hilde."

She reddens, wondering if they haven't done her an honor greater than what she deserves. She accepts it, of course. She wouldn't refuse it. But the chalice is handled with a little more care.

Until  —  until Teja's murmured compliments. Her eyes dance over the room, from figure to figure; it isn't fair, saying such a thing with all these people nearby. Her heart is beating a little fast, and she doesn't know what to say.

"You flatter me," she whispers, a deeper red. "T'think me capable of such responsibility. And  —  such an honor."

[ostro_goth]

"And all that goes with it," Teja says, still very quiet. "Hilde saw what I knew not how to say. But let us speak of that later, or not at all if you do not wish to; we need not speak as over secret war plans, with all these children nearby, or they would think there is something wrong!"

[ikissdhimbck]

"Teja — "

She lets him continue, the concern marked in her brow contrasted by the wan smile on her lips. She looks down when he's finished, the color that's reached her ears all the more noticeable.

"Yes. Let's speak later. I'd like that."

[ostro_goth]

Teja nods once, gravely.

Hilde comes back with a jug of water, carrying it with both hands. "My ma says you should have water as well and I'm not to make you drunked!"

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate forces a laugh, but it soon grows life and sincerity.

"Your mama's very thoughtful, thank you."

Kate doesn't drink a lot of wine, but it's no worse than the paint peeler she gets back home.

"Y'can tell her I intend t'be on my best behavior."

[ostro_goth]

"Me too!" Hilde declares, standing proudly with her water jug.

Teja takes it from her.

[ikissdhimbck]

"I daresay you are!"

Kate shoots Teja a fond smile. The girl is weaseling her way straight into Kate's heart.

"Y'seem like a big help 'round here. Lots of responsibilities?"

[ostro_goth]

"Yes I have to help more now I have a littler brother and the twin are always running around!" Hilde says, proudly.

[ikissdhimbck]

"So you're the sheepdog."

Her voice is hushed with solemnity.

"They'll all be followin' after you, so you best give 'em a good example, sweetheart."

[ostro_goth]

"Woof!" Hilde says, and then she giggles.

The twins come toddling closer, though.

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate giggles to match, like the sweet tremble of wind through the leaves.

"Here come your pups now."

Kate holds out a hand, welcoming them both closer. She might even offer her lap to one, so long as it won't cause a tussle.

[ostro_goth]

It's little Myrtia who climbs up on Kate; Teja reaches out to pick up Valeria.

So each has a guest to sit on.

Hilde fetches clay cups for the water. Water doesn't need goblets and chalices, does it?

[ikissdhimbck]

She rarely drinks anything out of wares this fine as it is. While she holds Myrtia she sets the wine aside  —  after taking a healthy swallow to calm the butterflies in her stomach.

"An' how old are you, sweetheart?"

Kate's touch is reassuring and gentle.

[ostro_goth]

The little creature looks up at Kate and smiles. There are already teeth in her mouth.

"Two!" she says, holding up two fingers with it.

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate laughs.

"My! Such a big girl. An' what is your favorite kind of sweet?"

[ostro_goth]

"Apples!" she says, happy and hopeful.

[ikissdhimbck]

"That's a good choice. Tell y'what — "

She bends closer to the child's ear, whispering conspiratorially.

"If there are apples for dessert, y'can have an extra portion of mine. But shhh, don't let the king find out, or else he might be jealous."

[ostro_goth]

"Leria too!" Myrtia says, because she shares everything with her twin sister, and the other way around.

[ikissdhimbck]

"Leria too."

Kate's an equal opportunity spoiler.

[ostro_goth]

Then, Adalgoth and another man who is introduced as Wachis bring the trestle tables, children bring chairs and stools and dishes and cup, and the women serve dinner.

And then, there is a dinner feast that indeed does end with apples. And what Hilde had brought to light, is not alluded to again.-