I Spy With My Little Eye... (Gwaine)

[Brynn Reade]

Things had calmed down a bit now Prince Arthur had overthrown Lady Morgana and taken back Camelot as his own. The immediate days after, with everyone settling down again the decision and been so agitated Camelot had resembled a bee hive more than a respectable castle. Not that Brynn would have had any part in that excitement. She had had enough to do with recovering from the wound Lady Morgana’s cruel action of shooting in the crowd had inflicted on her. And then he geese still were to be lead out towards the meadows and brought back in before nightfall. Still, such agitation was contagious and sometimes the girl had been sure even her geese felt it. So now it was actually a little relief to see things had gone back to normal.

Even the training session of the knights continued, even if their usual leader was busier than ever. So Brynn actually thought it normal enough to resume an old habit of hers, to spy on the knights while they were training and battling themselves for fun. There was a wall surrounding the training ground and as it had been some sort of last defence in previous times – at least that’s what her father had told her – it was littered with tiny recesses containing embrasures. Some of those recesses were even linked by a narrow tunnel almost too strait to squeeze through, which made her wonder how any guard in chainmail could manage that. One of those recesses had been her hiding place for years, as she could access it from the other side of the wall, unseen by everyone when she came from the meadows.

The geese were safely kept in a fence for the time being, she didn’t need to worry about them until the sun set. And it only was for a few minutes anyway…
With gleaming eyes she watched the knights fight. Discipline was actually a bit lacking since the Crown Prince was away, there were more fun combats going on than usual, even more with the bunch of his new knights present who seemed happily oblivious to etiquette, and as it was pretty warm some knights had already gotten rid of chainmail and shirt!
Brynn’s eyes were practically glued on them, even if she felt ashamed for her behaviour. They all thought themselves unobserved, had they known she was watching they would have never done such thing!

And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to go away just yet, like she should have. Even though she knew she might be in serious trouble if she was caught, Brynn actually crept closer to the opening of the recess, leaning forward to watch a particular heated but nevertheless friendly fight between Sir Leon and a knight whose name she didn’t quite recall, even though he had been in Camelot before and had caused quite a ruckus then… Gavonne? Gawain?
In any way, the fight was a feast for the eyes, and as Brynn had watched the knights fight for years she was apt enough to see how very skilled they both were. So lost in the sight she was, she didn’t pay attention to where her hand was resting on and when she put weight on it, shifting her balance a pebble broke loose, clanging on the ground.

Her heart missing a beat, Brynn retreated into the shadow, praying it had gone unnoticed by the knights.

---

Tag: Gwaine
Timeline: A little after s3 finale
Time of Day: around noon

[thegwaine]

Gwaine had actually managed to rise in time to make training on time, although it was a bittersweet victory with himself as he still had a pounding head from the night before. Of course many would say that heavy drinking would impair his knightly duties, but what else was he supposed to do with his evenings? It was just unfortunate that the events of the previous night always had to spill into the morning afterwards. He pressed a hand against his head, hoping the dull pain would eventually subside, as the clatter of swords was hardly going to improve his headache was it?

He found a partner to parry with for the time being, he just needed to focus on something which wasn’t his throbbing head. In these moments Gwaine often thought that he would never again pick up a tankard, but the thoughts were dissolved in the excitement for the next evening’s drinking; as was Gwaine’s way.

He finished that section of his training and removed his helmet and swept a hand through his hair and looked about him. Everyone else was hard at work, as was usual. Gwaine was still getting used to this being a Knight lark. It felt weird enough knowing that Camelot was his home now, and that he wouldn’t be packing and moving within the week without having a full Knighthood thrust upon him. He was of course happy enough to serve under Arthur, a fact he would have found hard to stomach, as well as believe, a year or so ago, but this whole new life of his just felt…different.

Gwaine nodded to Leon who he had been fighting with as the Knight sought another partner. Gwaine just needed a few moments to collect his thoughts, and to try and stop the ringing in-between his ears. But then a new sound reached his ears, a small clinging against the solid ground. Gwaine spun on his heels, worrying one of the Knights was going to leap on him and attack him; that had unfortunately happened before now.

He drew his sword instinctively but if someone was going to jump him they would have already attempted to surely? He narrowed his eyes as he spotted a figure, not a knight, but a young woman instead. He grinned, to him this was still a sort of battle, women were sometimes harder to conquest than a physical beast such as a griffin, but it was a lot more fun. He replaced the sword at his belt and stepped towards the woman confidently. “Now what would a beautiful young woman, such as yourself, be doing hiding down there?” He asked, cocking a confident grin but kept a respectable distance from the lady in question, “For your beauty is so overt that I wonder you could ever deny the world of it, even for a few moments my Lady.” Another grin accompanied his words, he obviously had no idea what status this woman was. From her clothes he would guess she was a servant, but calling her a Lady held two advantages: If she were a lady she would not be insulted by being called a servant, and if she were a servant then she would surely be charmed by his presumption that she was of a higher status than she actually was. For Gwaine this was a win win situation.

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Notes: Hope this is okay! ;D

[Brynn Reade]

All her hiding didn’t help Brynn in the end, she realized, as she just saw the very same knight she had been watching suddenly noticing the clamor she had made and he unerringly walked towards where she was standing, cowering lowly all in vain. What would happen now? Fear let an icy fist clamp around her guts, as her mind was kicked into overdrive, imagining the worst punishment to follow her unseemly act. A lady or so might be allowed to watch knight fight, but even that was not highly liked in Camelot, Brynn knew that all to well having grown up here. She as a servant was risking a great deal if she fell into the wrong hands. Many of the knights she could estimate by sight, had observed from afar how they would react to this and that, but with the new ones she was totally in the dark. Would he be offended, enraged, or just amused? Would he drag her to the king and demand her removal? Or think her a spy? Everything was possible…

Though however scared she was, when the knight had approached her, Brynn tried to stand tall and drew out her chin. Whatever might come down on her head, she would face it bravely!
“Now what would a beautiful young woman, such as yourself, be doing hiding down there?”
Brynn blinked once, blinked twice and for a moment just stared. Now, whatever she had feared, hoped or expected – serioulsy not this. FLIRTING?! How could a knight even think to flirt with a servant girl in such a situation?! Not that it didn’t happen, Brynn knew enough stories about servant girls becoming mistresses for the noble born, but it had never happened to her! And she did not desire it ever to become a reality for her, not only because she was happy with Alex as it was. It simply wasn’t right in her eyes.

So how to react to that now? The simplest and probably best way was distant politeness as always, she guessed. Humble like a servant should be, she cast down her eyes and murmured, totally disregarding his praise: “I am sorry, Sir… I was just… watching…” she looked up now, a sheepish smile playing around her lips, even though she feared it might be too daring. “I do that sometimes, it’s just… fascinating to me, I guess.”
She better did not mention how she even had made a wooden sword for her little brother Gyrth, all but encouraging his silly childish notion of once becoming a knight of Camelot. Brynn knew that was never possible, but it was just soo sweet to see him running around chasing shadows with it. Only once, when he had used it to slash at her geese, had she been angry and taken it away.

“For your beauty is so overt that I wonder you could ever deny the world of it, even for a few moments my Lady.”
It was maybe a good thing Alex was prone to such flowery words as well, had used them on her from the day they had first met, so now she was a little more used to hearing such things than she might have been two years before. Still, coming out of a knight’s mouth, these words were by no means suitable, and honest and simple as Brynn was, she wanted to correct him, even though she knew he had only been joking.
”That’s very kind of you to say, Sir”, she replied, not fully able to hide a blush, “but I am no lady. Merely the goosemaiden of Camelot.”

[thegwaine]

The young girls spirit was obvious and admirable as Gwaine walked over to her. Since she had been hiding he had half expected for her to run off. He probably would have pursued her as well to ensure she was not harmed or too put out by the situation at hand. Flirtation was his game, but he would have been a bit unnerved if he had managed to scare a young woman just by turning round and looking at her. He didn’t think that knights were that intimidating, well, perhaps that was just because he knew them personally. After all, he had liberated Camelot from Morgana’s reign by fighting side by side with them, and had seen them every day since so his perception of the knights and the public’s perception were probably two very different things indeed.

He wasn’t sure what to think as the young woman just stared at him for a moment. His ego told him it was because of his charming ways and good looks, but perhaps this woman was unused to male attention such as the one he was paying her. He smiled at her to soften the situation somewhat. He didn’t expect her to repay his flirtations, just from her reaction to him he could tell that she perhaps wasn’t one for this game. It was no matter, he could still have some amusement at least. Gwaine didn’t take a step towards her, he would respect her space of course; he was a knight now after all and he had to have some graces. “Please, do not call me sir, call me Gwaine.” He hoped she would at least take on this request and not see it as another of his flirtations. Although he liked the sound of now taking the name of Sir Gwaine, he preferred to just be called Gwaine when he was speaking face to face with others. The addition of titles made him feel pretentious and slightly uncomfortable. He had gone so long just being ‘Gwaine’ and that was one thing he wanted to keep amongst friends and new acquaintances.

At her latter speech Gwaine found himself somewhat amused. He had never really thought that women would find the art of training fascinating. Of course he had caught the odd serving maid watching the knights intently whilst training but he was sure they were not watching them to see what techniques they were using, from what this woman was saying though he thought that she did indeed find the actual training interesting. Well this was something different. He did not comment however, as he would be unable to resist an inappropriate comment and perhaps this woman would be too delicate for those sort of crude comments.

She was calling him sir again and he inwardly cringed slightly. He knew as a knight he should get use to the title, but it just felt like it wasn’t him. He could be Gwaine, Knight of Camelot without constantly being referred to as ‘sir’. He didn’t care that the title was now his and that he had earned it, he still just wanted to be a knight and aid others without being called Sir. Surely he was entitled to that? He turned his attentions back to the woman in front of him, she blushed at his words and that was the reaction he had been aiming for. “Well to me you are a Lady.” He said very truthfully, she certainly was a pretty young woman, “And I am sure you have a beautiful name to match your pretty face?”

[Brynn Reade]

Well, at least he was not yelling. He was in fact rather nice considering what he had just caught her doing! However, Brynn was not ready to be at ease just yet, even less as the ‘assault’ came now from a very different direction. Brynn was not blind, she could very well see how handsome and dashing he looked, and he seemed to sparkle with charm, a very much heartfelt and convincing charm. The goosemaiden guessed that there was hardly anyone in the world, male or female, who could go through with not liking this man. But where did that leave her? She ought to be careful, she couldn’t fathom yet after all if he was only trying to be friendly, or if there really was a purpose behind his flirting. If the latter was the case, she might have to gently but firmly point out that she was not going to play along with this game. She might not had even if there was no Alex in her life, it was simply not something Brynn thought possible.

And then he surprised her yet again! How could he possibly think of letting himself be called by first name by a servant?! What was he thinking?! Then again, it made him look very down-to-earth and even highly sympathetic, and Brynn wondered why he was that way. Was it because he might have lived a common life once as well, unlike those who were nobles born and bred? Did that make him see every living soul as worthy of his friendship and trust? Well, it was not a bad notion to be sure, just highly unusual and something Brynn might have to wrap her head around first. And truly, who was she to deny him this fervent wish?
“Alright, if that is what you want, Gwaine”, she smiled and nodded her head slightly. “Though I must admit it rubs a bit wrong, but then it is your decision how you want to be called.”

A secret smile played around Brynn’s lips as she recalled a conversation she had had with Alex, about him one day becoming King of the Kitchens and she’d be Queen of the Geese, now that would be a title she’d like to bear.
Apparently the flirting just kept coming! Goodness, how was she supposed to deal with that? At least when it came from Alex, she felt safe to retaliate tit for tat, as they simply belonged together. But with this young knight she obviously could not do such a thing, it was scandalous! She also wondered what he was thinking of her right now, now that he knew that she was looking for the fight’s sake and not primarily for the knights themselves. It was highly unusual to say in the least, but then it was something Brynn never really thought about but just did.

“Well, if you MUST call me Lady, at least make it Goose Lady or something”, Brynn joked, slightly warming up to the conversation now. “Cause I’d never want to be presumptious. And my name is pretty simple, just like me: I am called Brynn Reade, my father is one of Camelot’s guards.” One of the few actually surviving Morgana’s attack and her cruel reign afterwards, and Brynn still couldn’t help a shudder running down her spine when she remembered that horrible night, the unnerving wait for some news of him – and the relief when he had managed to flee towards them, scathed but alive.

[thegwaine]

Apart from the other Knights, and the odd serving man and woman in the castle, Gwaine had had few actual conversations with the people of Camelot. He was quite enjoying conversing with this woman already. She was quite refreshing given the fact Gwaine had spent most of his mornings and afternoons having seven bells knocked out to him during training. Of course he was not trying to purposely embarrass her, nor did he want to give the impression of her being anything more than a friendly acquaintance, or perhaps a friend to him. He was flirty by nature, not because he felt incredibly attracted to every woman he came across.

Her surprise at him wishing to be called by his first name was expected. After all, not many understood his past as he did not just go around telling everyone and anyone about his past. He felt uncomfortable with the full formality of his ‘Sir Gwaine’ title. He much preferred Gwaine, it just felt more like him. He could be a knight on his terms, without having to don the title all the time. He didn’t even particularly like being waited on in the castle, which the servants had been put out by on his first few nights in the castle so he had just let them change his bed and whatever else they wanted to do for fear of upsetting them. “How does it ‘rub wrong’?” He asked her softly. He was not insulted, as he had come across many who had wondered about why he wanted to be so informal over the weeks he had been in Camelot. “It is how I wished to be addressed, it is more ‘me’.” He replied happily, and hoped she could not be so insulted with his choice of title.

Gwaine laughed at her self nickname. Goose lady? He had to admit it had a nice quirky ring to it and he nodded, studying Brynn for a moment as she told her about her father’s employment. A guard of Camelot was something that Gwaine certainly respected. As a Knight he was obviously of higher rank, but ranks mattered little to Gwaine, in some situations they would be fighting side by side, there were no class divisions when they were defending their city. He gave a little mock bow to her with a cheeky grin so she knew he was joking, “Then from this day on you shall be known as the Goose Lady by my.” He gave her a quick wink as well, the more he said it in his mind, the more he liked the title. “But you must still call me Gwaine.” He quickly insisted before she thought to give him a similarly quirky nickname. “How long have you lived in Camelot?”

[Brynn Reade]

He was really different from any knight she had ever come across, but slowly Brynn started to appreciate it. Talking with him was almost like talking to Merlin, Alex or Gwen, like talking amongst equals. Not that Gwen was now and equal any longer but… it still felt like she was the maiden she once had been, at least she wanted to give this impression to her friends, and Brynn liked that. It seemed to be this wonderful new spirit Arthur had brought into Camelot after he had saved them from Morgana. Suddenly the world seemed closer together, maidens could become queen, commonors knights, and they all seemed to share their love for Camelot which made them almost equals. Camelot truly had become a grand place to live in.
Maybe with all those new events unfolding it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to call a knight amongst your friends? Brynn had to admit the idea was appealing, though it of course had nothing to do with Gwaine being a knight in the first place. It was not having a KNIGHT as a friend because it seemed fancy, it was having Gwaine as a friend, who happened to be a knight.

Brynn gave an awkward laugh and shook her head. “Now you ask me something… I guess… it just takes time to get used to. When you grow up like I did, dividing the world clearly into those who rule and those who serve and finding nothing wrong with it.” She shrugged. “But then again… Arthur and Gwen have clearly shown us all how wrong such a notion can be”, she commented, naming Arthur with his first name out of habit, as Alex always did, being closer acquainted with the young king. And hadn’t she had her odd experience with him as well, where status had mattered little, only the will to live through a nightmare? Maybe, she thought with a little chuckle, she should not be so surprised calling a knight by his first name when she even did it with Camelot’s young king?
“I shall learn to do it out of habit”, she promised Gwaine and bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement.

Oh what a flirt her was, truly! Even Alex could learn the odd thing from him it seemed! Maybe she should tell him that, it might make him a bit jealous. Not that she liked Alex to be jealous, it was not in Brynn’s nature to play such silly games, but he teased her often enough, she might as well return the favor once.
Returning the mock bow with an equally mocking curtsy she gave the impression of the most regal voice she could muster, stating: “So be it then, Gwaine”, inwardly shaking her head at herself. The sun must have made her giddy, she normally didn’t joke around like that!
Gladly, the conversation returned to safer terrain, as Brynn was more than ready to tell him a bit more of herself. Granted of course, he would return the favor later.
“Oh, I’ve been here all my life. I grew up in the castle, as my mother is a kitchenmaid”, she explained. “Some years back they discovered I have the right touch with animals and especially the geese, so they offered me the position of goosemaiden.”

A thought crossed her mind and suddenly Brynn started to squirm slightly. “Speaking of which… I didn’t even plan to leave them alone for so long..” Anything could happen and she knew she would never live it down if something happened to her fosterlings. Then again this conversation was just starting to get good and she would hate to cut it off like that. “Would you… would you maybe like to come along?” Brynn was very well aware how that could be taken and she hoped with all her might Gwaine wouldn’t get this wrong. She just wanted to carry on talking, nothing else!

[thegwaine]

Brynn was of course right, since Arthur’s relationship with Gwen had become public there had been a sort of crisis with the divide between noble and servant. If a servant could rise to sit next to the future King of Camelot, then how could they treat servants as beneath them? Gwaine always treated everyone the same, so it was no issue for him. However, there were some who were taking longer to come round to the possibility of having a previous servant on the throne. Gwaine could not be happier than he was for the pair of them, they were both close friends and deserved each other. He internally shuddered, lord he wasn’t going soft was he?

“Arthur and Gwen are certainly crossing boundaries.” Gwaine agreed, he just hoped that they would not meet any opposition from the Lord’s of Camelot in the near future. He was sure no one would defy Arthur when he became King, but that remained to be seen didn’t it?

Well at least she was content to use his first name by itself. Well, at least she appeared to be fine with it. Even though Gwaine did pride himself upon being a knight, and he felt like it defined him in a way here in Camelot, he preferred to just be called by his first name in conversation. After all, to him he was still just Gwaine, even though he had become a knight that didn’t change who he physically was did it? He grinned at Brynn’s words, but did not comment any further as the topic had really been exhausted anyway.

As she spoke about her upbringing, Gwaine thought about how normal it all sounded. His own upbringing had been a little hazy after the death of his father but that wasn’t really anything to think on now. It had happened, and you dealt with things like that, if you just mulled over them constantly then what good would that do? It wouldn’t change anything. “Is it just you and your mother?” He asked rather curiously.

Gwaine was rather taken aback at her offer, he had thought she would want to turn and run away from him as quickly as possible. He wasn’t complaining though, it was refreshing for a woman to ask him to accompany them rather than Gwaine turning into some sort of stalker. He didn’t see much past the face value of her words, and he was amusing himself with the thought of spending an afternoon with Brynn and her geese. Perhaps it might even cure his banging head. “I would be honoured.” He inclined his head in a small sort of bow towards Brynn. It was not as big as his earlier gesture, and was only meant as a sort of respectful gesture. Well it just wouldn’t be Gwaine to not be slightly over the top would it? “I must admit, I’m itching to see the geese which would tear you away from the Knights.” It was a slight tease, but she already seemed to take it well enough so he was sure a little more would not hurt.

[Brynn Reade]

Gwaine really didn’t seem to take offense in her calling Arthur by his first name and that reassured her. He didn’t mention it, didn’t even lift an eyebrow, which made him all the more sympathetic in Brynn’s eyes. Perhaps he was really a very easy-going man, refreshing to the sometimes stuck-up knights for sure. They could need a little fresh blood. Not that Brynn would dare say anything against them of course, and she had a high respect for their honor and their deeds, just that some nobles would just always stay noble.
”New times are coming to Camelot”, she concluded with a thoughtful tone in her voice. “But you can’t see me complaining, really. Change does not always have to be bad.”

How funny it was, really. Now here she was, all but discussing politics with a knight, as amiable as Gwaine was. That wasn’t the safest terrain for Brynn, and so she rather delved into her personal story. That was something she had always dealt with, and her background was no secret; she wasn’t ashamed of who she was, on the contrary, it filled her even with some kind of pride. Brynn loved her family dearly and couldn’t imagine herself anywhere else or any more lucky.
”No, no, not just me and my mother”, she corrected him with a little smile. Her eyes were lighting up when she spoke next. “We're actually quite the family. There’s my father John Reade who’s a guard of Camelot, and then I have two siblings. Gyrth, my brother is an eight year old redhaired rascal. You might have literally stumbled over him at some point, running around with a wooden sword near the stables. And then there’s Elinor, she’s six and the cutes girl you’ll ever come across. Oh well…” she blushed a little, “that probably sounds so preposterous to you, and also too prideful. We’re just a simple family, but…” now she just shrugged. “I love them all.”

As he made no teasing comment to the nature of her odd proposal, Brynn could almost feel the load coming off her mind like stones tumbling down a slope. Really, she had thought him to take her up on it, and she had prepared for the worst. His simply approval made her smile broadly and she turned towards the meadows.
”It’s not far, really. And oh…” she gave a little laugh. “Yeah, I guess now you have me. I really must find a good argument as to why geese are more interesting than knights, but really there is a simple explanation.” She heaved a mocking sigh, raising her hands. “If I don’t go look for them they’d come look for me, and believe me you don’t want to see the mayhem that would cause.”

Her voice though betrayed a similar affection towards the geese than she had shown for her family. “I’ve got to warn you about Martin, my gander, though”, she added after little consideration. “Let’s just say he’s… not very fond of male beings entering his territory.”

[thegwaine]

Gwaine was certain that change was for the better within Camelot. Arthur saw the best in people, lord he had even seen the best in Gwaine on more than one occasion. He valued heart rather than social standing, and that was where the balance in power in Camelot would eventually shift. Perhaps now it would become less about your birthright, and more about your duty, and your dedication to the Kingdom you resided in. That was Gwaine’s hope anyway. He believed Arthur would one day make a strong King, but whether the other Lord’s were going to accept his changes so quickly would only make itself known as time went on. “Time will tell what changes Arthur intends to bring.” He shrugged softly, he had no idea what his friend had planned for Camelot, but it would hopefully be quite different to his father’s rule.

Even without Brynn confirming that she loved her entire family Gwaine had already guessed it. The way the woman’s eyes shone at the mere mention of them was proof enough that they were indeed close to her heart. Gwaine wondered for a few moments what it felt to indeed be that close to one’s family. He had not seen any of his family in years, it wouldn’t surprise him if they thought he were dead. “It doesn’t sound either of those things.” He corrected her softly but grinned, “So does your brother fancy himself as a knight then?” Of course the thought of a servant’s brother becoming knight a few months ago would have been impossible. Now they had Gwen and Ellyan to prove that it was not impossible, and that it did not matter what your background was, if you were truly dedicated to becoming a Knight then what should social backgrounds matter?

“What? The knights or the geese?” Gwaine asked teasingly and gave Brynn a small cheeky wink so she knew that he was joking. In his defence she had not said who exactly would come looking for her, so his tease was justified. “I’m sure the knights running after you would certainly cause quite a bit of mayhem.” It was a funny image to behold if nothing else, and Gwaine was glad he had nt let that tease rest so easily. Sometimes it was just too easy.

Hmm this gander, Martin, made Gwaine slightly uneasy. His ego was already hurting from having seven bells knocked out of him by Leon that morning, all he needed now was for the gander to have a nip at him and his humiliation for the day would of course be complete. Then he mentally slapped himself; he was Gwaine, he had helped liberate Camelot from Morgana’s reign, and he was getting worried over a gander? His hangover was probably just clouding his view, yes of course, blaming the hangover was the easiest thing to do anyway. “I’ve faced many things in my life, but a territorial gander I have not.” Well this would be an experience if nothing else, “I am sure it cannot be that bad, or else Morgana would have had an army of Martin-like ganders to defend Camelot with.” He couldn’t help but chuckle, but it helped to make light of the awful situation which Morgana had plunged Camelot into. Of course it didn’t change anything, but they could not be depressed or upset about it forever. Gwaine was a man of the present, and at present he was amusing himself with Morgana and her army of ganders.

[Brynn Reade]

Brynn felt a little awkward bringing up the subject of Gyrth as in her eyes his dreams of becoming a knight were still silly, but then again she was talking to someone right now who had caused quite a ruckus together with his friends when it was revealed Arthur had knighted them when hiding out from Morgana. Gwaine might never have thought it possible either a few years back. Some people might complain he and his rascal friends were giving knighthood a bad name – that might be due to the fact that they had found quite many ways to steal food out of the kitchen when they felt like it – but Brynn even now begged to differ.In her eyes Gwaine, Percival, Elyan and Lancelot were giving knighthood the best name possible and her current conversation just seemed to underline that. So why shouldn’t she tell this man about Gyrth’s dream? It was so obvious after all!
”Indeed he does!” she confirmed with a fond smile. “He’s been recently banned from my side as he lashed out at the geese with his sword, fighting against dragons. Not that I don’t see the similarities there, but that went just a step too far.” She sighed. “I think he might have still to learn that being a knight is not only about fighting but also knowing when NOT to fight. And of course it has to be a knight, not a guard like my father… such high ambitions normally don’t run in our family.”

It felt surprisingly easy talking that much to someone she hadn’t met in person before, but Brynn also had to realize she was opening herself up for more teasing. Seriously, Gwaine had a way with twisting words, she would have to watch her mouth more closely!
The image he had invoked in her mind, made her laugh and blush alike. The sheer thought of the honorable knights of Camelot chasing after a goosemaiden was ridiculous, and Gwaine probably knew that himself. “Oh shush, Gwaine, you know exactly what I meant, don’t you twist my every word”, she monished him, but her eyes were sparkling, showing she was clearly more amused than annoyed. “I can’t see them running after me in any way, apart from if I should have done something wrong and they were trying to capture me.”
Ironically, the wind chose just this moment to pick up again, playing with a strand that had escaped her neatly woven braid. Exasperated, Brynn tugged it away again, but gladly could stop herself from commenting.

As they were walking, Brynn had to grin about Gwaine’s elaboration about Martin. It was maybe good she had warned him, because if anything Martin was volatile. He could be the peaceful little duckling on one day and a ferocious beast on another and his mood changes were equally unpredictable.
”Well, I’d say then you’ve seen nothing yet”, Brynn predicted with a mocking dead serious face. “I think Morgana simply didn’t think about the potention an army of ganders could have… I’d be running for my life from that. But then again Morgana didn’t need such a thing”, a shadow crossed Brynn’s face briefly as she remembered the dark days of Morgana’s reign, and her right hand involuntarily darted up where a particular scar was just about to shrink. “Undead soldiers with crossbows was enough to evoke fear in her subjects.” As long as she lived Brynn might never forget that horrible scene in the courtyard where they had gathered to witness the execution of Camelot’s remaining knights should they not pledge allegiance. And she also wouldn’t ever forget Sir Leon’s and Alex desperate outcry that had melted into one..

[thegwaine]

Gwaine noticed how Brynn just became a lot more animated, and a lot more at ease with herself as she spoke of her younger brother. He loved the idea of being so close to your family, Gwaine had been close to his family when he was younger, but that was in the past now. He had been on his own for so long now that he had forgotten what such close family ties felt like. “Ah, well when he is not banned from using his makeshift weapon, I would be glad to teach him the knightly ways.” He let his best grin purse his lips and chuckled, “Though perhaps I am not the best role model for a young boy.” That was true, Gwaine’s life had hardly been perfect, most of it in the last few years had been him stumbling in and out of different taverns.

He chuckled as she reprimanded him, at least she knew that he was joking, it was quite refreshing to meet a servant with a sense of humour. “You do not give yourself enough credit.” He pointed out, “I can see many a man running after you.” There was nothing wrong with paying women compliments, and they usually enjoyed them so where was the harm in it? Plus, Gwaine prided himself on making quite delicate compliments to women, and they were usually well received so it was all good.

Gwaine imagined Morgana’s face if he ever had the chance to suggest that she might indeed have better luck at attacking Camelot if she, instead of an immortal army, employed gander’s instead. That would be possibly the most terrifyingly amusing attack which Camelot would ever suffer, he was sure of it. He began to imagine the shock of his fellow knights, reduced to trying to fight against a group of angry ganders. Funnily enough, they hadn’t yet covered that one in training; he would have to speak to Arthur about that one... Well, if that ever occurred, at least they could have geese for dinner, did you even eat geese? He wouldn’t put it past the kitchens of Camelot to try and serve them the ganders they had just slain. “Well, if Morgana decides to employ ganders in her next army, I shall advise everyone to run to the hills.”

Amazed he had managed to create an entire scenario in his head within a matter of minutes, he turned his attentions back to Brynn. He really was too easily distracted. Noticing the drop in Brynn’s voice he pressed his lips together in a concerned way. He knew that they had really not got to Camelot soon enough for some people. Morgana had ruined so many lives in such a short space of time, and his only regret about the event was that they had not got to Camelot sooner. But at least Morgana was gone now, to god knows where, but she wasn’t here and that was the important thing. “Were you in Camelot when she took the throne?” He asked softly, “If you don’t want to talk about it-“ He raised his hands in innocence, if it was too distressing he would not press her for details; it wasn’t in his nature to upset women, well, unless they were complete psychopaths who took the throne of Camelot for themselves. In those circumstances it was perfectly fine to upset the woman in question.

[Brynn Reade]

The thought of Gwaine teaching little Gyrth the ‘knightly ways’ as as amusing as it was actually moving. Gyrth would have the time of his life for sure, and Brynn was actually scheming in her head, how she could ever get those two to meet. Too bad he hadn’t been out with her today, but then if he had, she wouldn’t have been able to sneak to the training and meet Gwaine in the first place. She just hoped this conversation would continue to go well, so she could maybe arrange a ‘chance’ meeting with her brother and Gwaine for a later date.
Brynn chuckled and nodded softly. “My mother would probably agree with you there, no offense. But Gyrth… I think he might just worship you regardless. Until I have to step in so you don’t spoil him, of course.”
As if Brynn would ever step in to ground her brother’s happiness to dust like that! In her eyes, Gwaine would be better suited than some other knights she vaguely know and seeing as Gyrth was a rascal already, what could possibly go wrong?

Brynn thought it about time to mention one very simple, yet important fact. Not that she read anything into Gwaine’s compliments, she was not crazy like that, but she would feel shabby if one name was not finally voiced in this conversation. It was worse enough they didn’t get to see each other as much as they liked lately, as Alex’ promotion to cook’s assitant had left him barely a chance to breathe.
”Well, there is only one I’d like to run after me in any way”, she pointed out with a smile. “And he does so enough already for my taste, no need to enhance that.”
Not that she really did mind Alex telling her so much how he adored her, he was simply a man of many words. It just left her intimidated sometimes, feeling she was doing too little to show him how much she loved HIM.

She dismissed the thought about fighting ganders with one last laugh and a wave of the hand, finding it a bit too upsetting, but didn’t even know the reason why. Maybe it was because beside all what she said, she loved her geese dearly and she hated Lady Morgana, so those two things didn’t really mix well in her opinion. Best to keep them seperated even in her mind. Though…
”At least that’d be the one time I would not start a riot if those were led to the slaughter afterwards. I always get a tad angry when the cook wants one of my geese, even though I know it’s silly. I only herd them so they can be slaughtered on day after all.”
That didn’t keep her from getting attached to them though, and she always made sure she was the one choosing the poor victim. The cook knew better than to do such things behind her back, he done so once… and still regretted it.

Shaking her head slowly, Brynn tried to wave aside Gwaine’s concern, though she was moved by his consideration. He truly had a heart of gold, that man.
”Of course I was there… I haven’t left Camelot for once in all my life”, she commented and tried to make her voice sound carefree, not sure though how well she managed. “And it’s alright… I’m over it now… I think. I was not only in Camelot… I was there when the knights were lined up for – as we thought – execution. I don’t know how much you know about this day, but… instead of shooting the knights when Sir Leon renewed his vow to King Uther … they shot in the crowd. I was hit by a crossbow bolt, and only escaped with my life because Alex tackled me to the ground in the last possible second.” Brynn shuddered and tried to keep the nightmarish images at bay that sought to break free from where she had carefully put them.

[thegwaine]

Gwaine didn’t really have much experience with children, but he didn’t have a lot of experience in many things which knighthood had thrust upon him. However, he had learnt to adapt, and he would adapt in this situation as well. He raised an eye brow at her as she said her mother would agree he was a bad influence. Ok he was bad, but he wasn’t that bad. “I’m not that bad, I’m sure I could teach your brother a thing or two about knightly duties.” He knew of course the things which would occupy a young boys thoughts the most; obviously sword fighting, the glory, and in some cases the women which came with the first two. Although perhaps Brynn’s brother was a bit too young to be considering women just yet. There was time yet to teach the young lad. There were of course the other duties which came with being a knight, being loyal, dutiful, respectful, diligent, but young boys would not want to hear of such things, and Gwaine at times had to be scolded by his fellow knights for his lack of diligence and the fact he was distracted easily. So perhaps he was not the one to be teaching Brynn’s brother about the ways of being a knight, but he was sure he could teach him a few sword fighting tricks to impress his friends with. That, or he would just attack more of his sister’s geese. “In fact, I would be honoured to teach him a thing or two.” He was quite enjoying Brynn’s company, and was sure that she was as comfortable in his company as he was in hers. Perhaps they could come out of this as passing friends, in which case teaching her brother a few tricks with a wooden sword would constitute as doing a friend a favour, which he would be more than happy to do.

Why did Gwaine have a habit of trying to charm women who were already taken? It was starting to grate on him how annoying it was. He went to the trouble of spinning his words, only to find another had got there before him. He wasn’t losing his touch was he? No, that was impossible. He of course would not press Brynn further with his compliments, and he would respect the fact that she had already set her heart and mind on another, but that did not mean he had to let up teasing her. She had already shown that she had shown that she had a sense of humour anyway. “It’s not one of those lot is it?” He gestured over his shoulder to where the other knights were still engaging in their morning practice, “Because I’d rather not give them another reason to knock seven bells out of me in training.” That was all he needed, to be chatting up one of the knight’s sweetheart.

Gwaine could see the logic in becoming attatched to animals which you saw every day, and he supposed that rearing geese took a great deal of care. In truth he had no idea as he had no experience in the field personally. He was sure now if he were ever offered geese then he would take it with a hint of remorse after hearing of Brynn’s annoyance at the cooks of Camelot. Still, food was food, and if there was one thing Gwaine loved (apart from women) it was food. “I’m sure the meal is always well received, well, it would be defiantly if I were savouring it.” Was that the right thing to say? Probably not but he had already spoken.

Of course she had still been in Camelot, he had been stupid to ask really. What he was not expecting however was her little story about being shot at by Morgana’s men. His eyes opened in horror and the regret which he had felt, about their liberation of Camelot taking so long, returned. If they had got there just even a few days earlier this could have been prevented perhaps, so much devastation could have been prevented. “I’m sorry you had to suffer that.” He said slightly awkwardly but then all he felt was anger, Morgana had no real reason to suddenly turn on her people; what on earth had caused her to betray her kingdom so readily. “I but wish we could have got to Camelot sooner. But I suppose it is already passed.” He shrugged, they could reminisce about what could or could not have been until nightfall, but it would not benefit either of them. “So come, I am dying to see the gander which you think could be my nemesis.”

[Brynn Reade]

Brynn smiled to herself as she listened to Gwaine talking. It seemed she might not even have to be overly sneaky to arrange such a meeting between Gwaine and Gyrth, if Gwaine himself now seemed to take the matter rather seriously and offered to teach the little servant boy. How times were changing indeed! Brynn knew from this very second that she would do anything in her power to make this happen, she might even cover for Gyrth in front of her parents, because she was sure that neither Meaghan nor John Reade would think it befitting for their rascal son to spend time or even be trained by a knight. An honor, of course, but not befitting. They might never acknowledge they were living in a changing world, but then again Brynn might simply give them too little credit. She didn’t know half of what was on her parent’s mind, because speaking one’s thoughts was not a very common trait in the Reade family, her little siblings maybe aside.
”If this should come to pass, if we could find the means and time to make this happen, I think Gyrth would be so very happy”, she affirmed and smiled again fondly. “And as I have made it my goal to grant him the happiest childhood possible in these troubled times, I am all for it and would be forever indebted to you, Gwaine.”
Oh indeed, now she was picking up Alex’s flowery language big time! And ‘forever indebted’? There she might have just digged herself another hole to fall in…

An incredulous little laugh escaped Brynn’s lips as she followed Gwaine’s gesture with her eyes. Was he now being serious or joking again?! Did he judge her like that? That she was one of those female servants so stupid to believe a dalliance with a noble would lead to more than being dishonored and marked the slut? Just because Arthur was about to marry Guinevère in the near future didn’t mean that every girl was to live such a fairytale!
”Goodness no!” she exclaimed, shaking her head wildly. “Alex is nothing but a kitchen lad, but I wouldn’t want him to be anything else. Though”, she cocked her head, remembering a few of Alex’ more adventurous episodes, “I heard he was pretty good at fighting against skeletons. And he was brave enough to find his way through the city in the night of Morgana’s attack… to check if I was safe…” Brynn trailed off, her voice giving away how much she still couldn’t believe this simple fact. “But then again… it would be hilarious to see one of them charge at you just for talking to me… I should have schemed something like that earlier.”

Now wasn’t that such a typical ‘noble’ thing to say, even if Gwaine hadn’t shown much of this attitude earlier? Of course food was well received, but--
”well most of the time I think it’s simply taken for granted. The ones highest up are usually the last to get to feel the outcome of a food crisis. I can safely say I never tasted a single slice of one of my lovelies even if I had wanted to.”
That Brynn didn’t voice in the least way defiantly, she was simply stating facts. The world was as it was, and she had never been the one to wish to change it. There were those who ruled and there were those who served, it didn’t bring you much glory if you always sulked about not having been born on silken sheets.

Brynn was actually glad Gwaine didn’t want to dwell on that subject for long. It was still a sore spot to the goosemaiden, one that would take a long time healing, even if she mostly didn’t even admit so to herself. She rather pushed it away than clearly thinking it through, focusing on the present rather than on the past.
“You are right, it is passed, and we have to get over it. Because I think that is what she would like most, us still shivering from past experiences. I am sure she will strike again someday, and then we all have to be ready and not rendered senseless by fear of what has once happened.”
She nodded with a little chuckle, and continued on her way, pointing down the soft slope that meandered towards the meadows. “You can see their little enclosure in the distance, but I really have to warn you again”, she grinned. “Martin chased Merlin over half the meadow the other day.”

[thegwaine]

Well of course now Gwaine would make it his mission to teach the boy a few tricks with a little toy sword. Perhaps that would constitute as part of his knightly duties, perhaps the others would even be impressed he was integrating into the community. Gwaine could usually strike up a conversation with anyone, and come out better for it, so if Brynn’s parents did have an issue with him teaching their son a bit of sword play he was sure he could talk them around it. A life time of being utterly charming and having to think on your feet did give you certain advantages in life. “You will be indebted to no one.” He pointed out in a mock serious tone, though he was serious, he was doing this as a favour to a friend; he wanted nothing in return for it. Doing that would hardly be knightly would it? “I am merely helping a friend in her quest to make her siblings childhood a rather good one.” He shrugged softly, running a hand through his already ruffled hair.

“Well as long as he can look after you, and himself, thats the important thing I suppose.” Gwaine never had time for romance. He teased and flirted with women yes, but he had never really thought of matters of the heart. It wasn’t his style really. No, getting the other knights to charge after him would not be a good idea! It would be anything but! “They do enough of that without your encouragement!” Gwaine chuckled softly, of course none of them ever did it maliciously. Some of the older knights had made it their duty to size him up as his knighting had been rather spur of the moment, and he had no idea, but some of them possibly resented it. However, he took it all in good fun, and he gave as much as he got so they were always on equal footing.

Gwaine realised, from the twinge in Brynn’s voice, that he should probably stop talking about how nice her geese tasted, no matter how much it was true, and just focus on them while they were alive in front of her. That sounded like the most sensible thing to do anyway. He coughed slightly and ran a hand through his hair, something he usually did in situations where he felt nervous or slightly awkward. He now hoped that geese was not on the menu tonight in the castle, he honestly was not sure he could stomach it now. Great. That was one thing Gwaine didn’t love, the idea of not being able to eat food; dammit!

Nodding solemnly at Brynn’s words he looked off rather absent minded in the distance. Some of the other knights had suggested that Morgana would be back one day, and would probably try for the throne this time. He hoped for Camelot’s sake that they were wrong. One dose of that witch was enough, they didn’t need a second go. “Well lets hope if she does try again it will be a long way off in the distance.”

The gander had chased Merlin across the meadow? Oh he would have to tease Merlin relentlessly over that one. He laughed heartily, his friend never got a break really did he? As if he didn’t have enough to deal with, what with Arthur and Gauis nipping at his heels all the time, apparently even the geese liked to have a go at him from time to time. “I would have paid to see that.” He admitted, “But I pride myself on assuming that I am better fighter than Merlin is.” Merlin was a close friend to him, but the lad could not fight like a knight, and he doubted he would ever be able to.

[Brynn Reade]

Gwaine didn’t take her up on the comment she had made about being indebted to him, he let this one opportunity to tease her pass just for this once and Brynn was glad. It showed that Gwaine, behind all his flirty and flamboyant behavior was a true gentleman that would never exploit thoughtlessly given permissions to let his mind run wild. That only showed again that nobility didn’t have to be an issue of birth or blood. It was the way you acted that counted, not as what you were born. And it also striked her odd, but warmed her heart at the same time that Gwaine was calling her a ‘friend’. Already, even though they had just met for the first time. Of course, the way this conversation was going, it was obvious they had found a rather nice mutual base of understanding already, it was just that Brynn usually wasn’t as quick to make friends. She was rather content with her own company most of the time, but gaining new friends surely had its perks.
”Well then all I can say is thank you, Gwaine”, she replied with heartfelt gratitude. “But if he’s being too much of a nuisance in any way, you must tell me at once, promise? Because I would hate it if you began to see this as a burdening duty.”

As much as Brynn liked to praise Alex, because she simply adored and loved him, she knew it might not be the best subject to dwell on between Gwaine and her. Not because she gathered he would be jealous or anything, she just felt that men usually didn’t like to hear endless praise of other men they didn’t even know. That was a very one-sided conversation in general, and therefore not very well fit to be used between friends. And friends they were, right? Gwaine had said so himself.
She rather focused more on the image Gwaine so vividly painted about him and the other knights, it was funny enough and something good to talk and tease about.
”Awww, you poor man”, she teased and smiled, “I am pretty sure though you can hold your own, I have seen you fight after all.” She still remembered what she had seen before Gwaine had detected her ‘spying’, and it still left her quite in awe. “So I’m sure any argument they might have against you, you can render moot with what you SHOW them on the field.”

Brynn just nodded to his comment about Morgana, not wanting to dwell on it much longer. It still made her uneasy to think that the graceful, caring Lady Morgana every girl in Camelot had admired from afar, had turned out to show such an ugly face. It had been enough of a scandal that she had been Uther’s child instead of ward, but the rapid change that had been going on in her behavious had shocked everyone even more. No one would have expected in the least that she would go and shoot her own people. That there was really no kindness left in her heart. Brynn still couldn’t believe it. Something must have happened to her, because she firmly believed no one could change from good to thoroughly evil just like that. There had to be an explanation.

She recalled the funny image quite vividly, Merlin’s desperate tries to escape Martin’s sharp beak and how it almost had looked like a dance. Of course it was never quite as funny for those who were involved, but Brynn didn’t feel much guilt about laughing about it now with Gwaine. It was all in good humor, right? They didn’t like him less because of all the trouble Merlin got himself into, rather even more!
”Well, I don’t know if being a good fighter will help you much in that situation”, Brynn commented with a grin. “because if you draw your sword at Martin I will kill you. I don’t know yet how, but don’t think I wouldn’t find a way.”
The threat was sounded in jest of course, but she still meant them. She loved her geese far too much and had even scolded Gyrth harshly for lashing out at them, even though she normally never said something bad about him.

As they now had reached the enclosure, accompanied by two hay balls to sit on, Brynn called out to her herd. “Greetings, my lovelies! I have brought company, so be nice!” then she opened the gate of the enclosure to let them out. Not that they couldn’t fly over it if they wanted to, but over the years they had learnt not to, even if she was away.

[thegwaine]

The last thing that aiding Brynn’s brother would be to him would be a burden. In fact it would probably give him something to occupy himself with. He knew there were some within Camelot who did not approve of Arthur’s decision to appoint commoners to the Knighthood, and although Gwaine could correct them and point out he had come from a noble house, he was still put into this band. Therefore anything he could do to prove to the community that he was able to protect them, and help them was a bonus. Gwaine wasn’t bothered in the slightest in proving himself to the nobility, no they could stare down their noses at him all they liked. But the opinions of ordinary people like Brynn really mattered to him. It had been with them in mind he had taken up his sword and joined Arthur in his mission to liberate Camelot from the witch. “Honestly it’s no trouble, I have no bother with helping pretty young ladies out with their troubles.” He shot her another wink because he knew that she would take it in jest. That was what he liked about Brynn, she had a sense of humour with his charms.

As Brynn complimented his fighting he chuckled slightly and put a hand through his hair. Was she just being polite or did she really mean her words? Oh, it didn’t matter really, Gwaine could still appreciate the thought she had put into them. “You have to hold your own with those lot.” He grinned again, he was close with so many of the Knights, but they took every pleasure in trying to beat him in the odd swordfight. To her latter words he just smiled, “I’d like to think so.”

Her silence as he spoke once more of Morgana’s reign did not go unnoticed. But he decided not to press the topic, it was after all still fresh in everyone’s minds. Therefore it was quite a tender topic to even discuss. Gwaine had no idea what Camelot had been like before Morgana’s rule, well he had a slight idea but it had certainly been nothing like the fear and terror which had been reported to them after they had liberated the Kingdom. He hoped that Morgana never bothered them again, but he knew as well that this was probably one hope too far. He was in little doubt that Morgana would try once more for the throne, or at least to attempt to bring Camelot to its knees. It was this with in mind that the Knight’s continued their training, and they kept watching and waiting; vigilant as ever.

Gwaine wasn’t sure if he was more scared of the prospect of being attacked by a territorial gander, or suffering Brynn’s wrath for raising a sword to one of her geese. In the long term the latter was probably scarier. He doubted that she would actually attack him, or would she. Hmm, perhaps she was secretly quite an accomplished swordswoman, or she could probably just make him feel incredibly unbearably guilty. Women were particularly well practised in the latter of those skills. “What about attacking without a sword then? Did I mention I’m trained in hand to hand combat as well.” He winked cheekily at her once more and pulled a face at her. He probably deserved a slap for that one.

As they reached the enclosure Gwaine just watched as Brynn greeted her geese and smiled with slight amusement. He was now just on his guard waiting for this so called psychotic gander to come and attack him. Hang on, why was she opening the gate? If this gander was going to attack him surely the last thing to do would be to open the gate?! “If I’m on my best behaviour then they’d best be as well.” He said quickly to Brynn with a smile at his lips. He joined her side, trying to figure out which of these so called innocent beasts would be soon trying to attack him.

[Brynn Reade]

Trust Gwaine to turn this simple conversation into something far more flirtatious. But Brynn was far past feeling uncomfortable about it. She had realized that it was all in good humor with no real questionable intentions behind it and so she could treat it as such: a joke. She was now sure he would be a good tutor for little Gyrth, even if the lad should by no means take this too serious. Just because a knight took him under his wings didn’t mean he would become one when he was older. That was still written in the stars. Still, thinking alone of Gyrth’s face lighting up with the news made Brynn feel all warm and happy inside. This would be something he would never forget for sure!
“Good to know that you would have declined if I looked a little uglier”, she teased. “There you can see that men more often than not make promises with their eyes and not with their mind.”
Like it had been with Alex some time ago, Brynn now warmed up to the banter. It always took her a little, but if she tried hard enough, she could muster the odd good remark as well.

Did she imagine it or was he really a little uncomfortable with her praise? At least his body language suspected as much, but Brynn could not quite bring the cheeky, joking Gwaine together with the one that was standing in front of her now. Usually, cheek was born out of a specific confidence in one own abilities, and so it would not be the natural way to go to be so timid about them. What was it with him then? Brynn wasn’t really one to pigeon-hole people, but she usually found there were certain patterns to behavior and if you stuck to them you knew what to expect. It was not the first time Gwaine had surprised her there with behaving different. But then, she knew almost nothing about him, so who was she to prejudge him anyway?
“Well it’s about time they learn they cannot only rely on a good name to make them good knights. They have to put something behind those names, and what better opportunity to show what they are made of then when being challenged by those who weren’t as lucky?”

Brynn was not an overly easy girl to offend, she rather sought the mistake with herself than with others, and spend a lot of time pondering things first before acting impulsively, but there was a firm line that no one should cross, and it lay with her soft spots. She did not take threats to her beloved well, she could become fierce when either her family was threatened, or her geese. This could be a great strength, as it had enabled her to stay awake and alert through the attack of the Knights of Medhir so long until her family had been safe. But it could also be a weakness, because the moment Brynn senses a threat, however joking it might be, all humor left her.
“As many nights as you spend in the taverns, as is rumored,it wouldn’t surprise me”, she growled. “But there is one certain part of hand to hand combat I am also very capable of!” She raised her right hand. “One more word about harming my geese and you’ll see what I mean!”

As soon as Brynn examined her fosterlings and especially Martin, she realized that good behavior might not do the trick today. The gander was obviously in a very bad mood, and the reason for that stood a few paces apart, still hissing occasionally. Queenie, his favourite mate, but they could be like cat and dog sometimes. So when opening the gate, Brynn tried to intercept Martin’s path as he waddled in Gwaine’s direction, neck aggressively thrust out.
“Calm down, beautiful”, she crooned extending her arms wide to appear bigger. “This is a knight of Camelot, you better show him some respect…” Martin hissed and flapped his wings, but he stopped moving forward, eyeing her curiously. “Take slow steps”, she adviced Gwaine over her shoulders. “No hasty movements, I got it covered for now…”

[thegwaine]

Would Gwaine have declined Brynn if she had been uglier? Well in his younger days he definatly would, he probably wouldn’t have looked twice at her if she were slightly uglier than her quite pretty face. However, in his more experienced days he found that all women had some beauty, it just took a while to uncover it. That was a bit romantic for him though, and he didn’t want Brynn to think he was soft; god no, he’d kill himself if that happened. “Looks make no difference to me.” He said in a very matter of fact way and brushed the claim aside with his hand. True her looks had drawn him to her in the first place, but now he just felt like he was helping out a friend. Wasn’t that what being a knight was all about anyway? Helping others? “Name the date and I’ll come round and show your brother a few tricks to impress his friends with.” That was all kids wanted to do really wasn’t it? Just show off to their friends.

Gwaine was quite surprised at Brynn’s rather bold opinions about Knights no longer just relying on their titles to make them good knights. Gwaine had never really bothered himself with thoughts of this before he had actually been made a Knight. After all he was not from Camelot, so why should it have ever bothered him in the past? There were some in Camelot who were uneasy at men who were so below them in rank being made Knights as well. Gwaine didn’t let it bother him, he was a Knight and the only person he had to worry about impressing was Arthur. He was the only noble he was out to impress anyway. “Titles mean nothing really,” Gwaine replied, matching her boldness and shrugged slightly. He might be serving under Arthur now, but his old views on nobility were still engrained in his mind and probably wouldn’t be shifted anytime soon. “You should earn the respect of your peers, not just be handed it on a plate.” Gwaine had earned the right to serve as a Knight of Camelot, and he knew the other Knights had earned that right too. However there were members of the court who Gwaine really had little respect for; they just looked out for their own interests.

Gwaine had certainly touched a nerve with Brynn and he decided to keep his joking nature on show. He wasn’t going to kill one of her geese, he knew that but he could have some fun winding her up for a bit before revealing his true motives. “The number of nights I am rumoured to have pales into obscurity when I think about how many nights I have actually spent in a tavern.” Gwaine had spent most of his adult life up until this point in a tavern, and it hadn’t bothered him one bit. It had helped shape the man he was today. He was slightly impressed his reputation proceeded him. “Fine fine, but if they attack me I will defend myself.” He pointed out seriously. He wasn’t going to stand there getting pecked to death by Brynn’s geese and literally do nothing about it; he wasn’t stupid.

The gander was hissing, were they suppose to hiss? Gwaine wasn’t an expert but that really didn’t look like a fantastic situation to throw himself into. He coughed slightly and looked to Brynn, why was she letting them out if he was hissing?! He took her advice silently and walked slowly to her side, keeping an eye on the gander and made a gesture to him, as if to say ‘I’m watching you’. “Why is he so moody today?”