Better off in the Past? (Brynn)

[thegwaine]

Gwaine didn’t believe Brynn didn’t think him a handsome man, even if she wasn’t personally attracted to him. However, she was too much of a good friend to him for him to take offence at the fact she didn’t flutter at his every move and swish of his hair. If she was any less of a friend than she was, he would have been completely offended that she wasn’t falling head over heels in love for him. Running his hands through his hair, he chuckled at Brynn, who was of course oblivious to his little internal thoughts, it was probably best that way. Gwaine mused thoughtfully that if everyone did know what really did run through his head then he would be carted off as being as mad as a rabbit before long, and they would be completely right to do so. The fact of the matter was, Gwaine was too easily distracted, especially when the distraction involved his ego, ale or women. “Yet do not lie, because I know you think I’m handsome.” He winked at her, even though he knew if she blushed it was not because she wanted his attention, it would be because he’d caught her off guard. It didn’t make teasing her any less fun though. His flirtations, around Brynn, were easily enough replaced with teases.

Gyrth was fortunate to live in such an age where not just the landed nobility could become Knights of Camelot. Of course, that didn’t mean that Gwaine didn’t hold Brynn’s father in high regard for his status as a guard. Anyone who put their lives on the line for others was worthy of the deepest sort of respect in Gwaine’s opinion. However, Gwaine was certain he would do everything he could to help Gyrth on his path to becoming whatever he wanted to be. If he wanted to be a knight then Gwaine would train him. If he instead decided he wanted to become a guard, then he would aid him in that respect as well. “Gyrth’s a smart lad, he’ll always follow his own mind I think.” The boy had seemed rather strong willed when Gwaine had been teaching him little tricks with a sword, “I will come and visit him soon, I may even bring a new sword for him; still a wooden one though, I promise!” He quickly added, holding his spare hand up in an act of defence in case Brynn hit him at the thought of him bringing an actual weapon near her brother. Jesu, Gwaine wouldn’t be nearly as thoughtless as that. No, he would let the boy have a wooden sword, when he was of age then he could wield a man’s weapon.

Gwaine cocked a rather toothy grin at Brynn. She knew his ways quite well, and probably knew all the details of what he got up to in his spare time, which was probably why she didn’t want a description. It was probably wise really, when Gwaine thought about it. He smiled at his friend as they continued to walk, “You shouldn’t believe everything you hear in the lower town, I’m not that bad.” He gave her a wink, she knew how bad he was, but the town gossiped of course, and sometimes the gossip surpassed even what Gwaine was capable of.

[Brynn Reade]

Oh dear, he thought he had her now, didn’t he? Brynn thought with an inward sigh. Of course she did blush a little, she just blushed too easily, even after all this time being constantly flattered by Alex. Maybe that was because of her red hair and her in consequence slightly fairer skin: any change of color simply was too easily spotted. Was Gwaine handsome? Of course he was and he very well knew that as well, he didn’t need her yay or nay to settle that fact. He just wanted to hear it again, because he had the biggest ego in all of Albion. Denying it though would easily be detected as a lie, so Brynn would have to find another way to get to him without wanting to really hurt him. This was all about friendly banter after all.
“Well, what counts is not a handsome face but the effect it has on someone”, she stated simply, grinning up at him. “And as for the effect, we both know that there is nigh to none, and I’m sure not the only one around here.” Granted, Gwaine surely didn’t get turned down often, but maybe he should so a little more often, that might do him good.

Brynn’s mind wandered to her brother Gyrth as they now were talking about him. Gwaine was surely right, Gyrth would one day follow his own way and his own opinion, just like his parents had done. There probably could be none as firmly set in his or her chosen way than one of Reade blood. There would be not many arguments, as they didn’t try to solve conflicts with words. If Gyrth really had the mind to become more than just a guard, he would pursue this way with silent stubbornness. Or not so silent maybe, as at least right now, he could be quite loud and lively.
“Oh, he will worship you for sure!” she assured Gwaine with a broad smile, but then thought she had to soften the praise a little, adding: “But then, young lads are often easily impressed, you know? A wooden sword and a little of your precious time spent with them, and you’re their personal hero.” It had taken some time to convince her parents to let their only son near a knight known for his rascal ways, but Brynn had known one thing: However devil-may-care Gwaine might otherwise be, he would never be irresponsible around Gyrth.

She let go a little chuckle as Gwaine wanted to convince her he was not that bad. She did have two eyes to see and two ears to listen of her own, she didn’t much rely on gossip. Well, maybe a little bit. “Well, define ‘bad’”, she challenged him. “I’m sure you’re high on the list of every mother’s nightmare when thinking of their daughters – only until you flash them a smile as well of course.”

[thegwaine]

Gwaine knew that Brynn would never see him as anything but a friend but it was still good to tease and jest with her. After all, where would Gwaine be without his charm? It was how he had got to where he was so far, and Gwaine wasn’t about to change who he was for anyone. It was still fun to jest and flirt with women around Camelot who would just sigh at him, and do nothing but ignore him. Gwaine had built up a reputation for himself across Camelot, and Albion, and he couldn’t exactly break his own conventions now could he? Gwaine wasn’t sure he would ever settle, and just live out a normal life. After all, where would be the fun in just going after one woman? She would certainly have to be something to behold to even tempt him. “Come on Brynn.” He cocked a grin at her, and continued to lead her down the lower town, “I know you’re just playing hard to get.” He finished it off with a wink, which was almost like his trademark in a sense. He was probably going to get a slap off her eventually. Hmm. That probably wouldn’t end well. Gwaine hadn’t been slapped in a while.

Gwaine knew how much Gyrth would appreciate some time with the knight. That wasn’t him inflating his own ego, ok maybe it was, but he knew that young lads loved a bit of time with their role models. He had idolised his father in much the same way. While Gwaine didn’t want to replace whatever affection Gyrth had for his father, as he was sure he idolised him too, he did just want to do what he could for the lad. He was rather fond of him, so commiting a few hours to teach him some fancy tricks with a sword that he could show off to his friends was no problem at all. Perhaps when he was older Brynn would trust him to teach her brother how to fight with a sword as well. Gwaine didn’t know anything about the other methods of fighting, such as with a staff or with archery, but if the boy had interest in those he was sure he could sort something out with his fellow knights. They were always willing to help after all. “Just as long as he has fun.” Gwaine said rather softly, and shrugged it off, like it was nothing. It was the least he could do for his friend after all.

Hmm, ok she had a point there. It depended on your definition of bad to describe how much of a threat Gwaine was to the unmarried women of Camelot. He knew many mothers had probably already prohibited their daughters from looking at him, but he wasn’t sure why. After all, he was a knight now, and that just made him more amiable. “Heh, the mothers are always the hardest to get round, mark my words Brynn.”

[Brynn Reade]

It was one thing keeping a straight face around the usual jesters and the comments of witty men, it was a completely different thing to try and keep a straight face around Gwaine for too long. He was not only funny, he was simply impossible sometimes in his comments, and that impossibility, that abundance of cheek, made it – in consequence – impossible to stay unaffected by him. Brynn knew she was a tough nut to crack sometimes when it came to merriment, but Gwaine just seemd to possess that very special key. Her mother Meghan knew that too, and whenever she caught Gwaine doing something he shouldn’t in the kitchen, she had a hard time staying her usual resolute self. But now Gwaine was actually toeing a line. Brynn was no violent person, but even she could only refrain from physical punishment for so long, when she was out of words to express her indignation or exasperation. So she smacked him lightly on the arm and gave him a short warning glare that sadly couldn’t eliminate the merry twinkling in her eye for long, and Brynn feared its reliability suffered from that twinkling severely-
“I AM hard to get – to get so far as to really show you your place, Gwaine”, she said and raised her index finger, “but you get me closer and closer to that line by the minute.”

Oh, Gyrth was sure to have fun, that much was a given. Brynn would never forget the gleaming in his eyes when she had first told him that in the following morning, he would be visited by one of the knights who would teach him a few ‘real tricks’ – like she had called it – with his little wooden sword. She had only told him after a long argument with her parents though, careful not to raise his hopes first and then watch them being crashed. The letdown and sadness in a child’s face could make any heart break, and even more so if that child was your little sibling. For a while, Gyrth had adopted quite a haughty streak and he had nearly lost his friends because he had thought himself something better, but his parents had made sure to get that streak out of him. Not so much with threats and punishment, but more with quiet talk and arguments. The Reade family might not make many words per se, but they did when they thought it necessary.
“He will!” she assured her friend, letting go a knowing sigh. “Let’s treasure them while they are young and innocent and their foes consist of straw and wood, and not flesh and blood.”

Brynn grinned at Gwaine’s advice on mothers. He might not think of it the way she did, but Brynn knew that even girls had to deal with mothers which were not easily swayed: The mothers of their future intended who often enough were jealous of the other women in their son’s life. In that position, the future wives might have it even worse than the intended lovers like Gwaine. “But it’s the fathers who threaten to beat you up, right?”, she asked, interested against her will. Gwaine’s love life was none of her business, but it wasn’t often he talked so frankly about his ‘ways’. “What would be your counsel to get past the mean mothers?”

[thegwaine]

Brynn was really too much fun to play about with sometimes. Gwaine never meant any harm in his words, and he certainly wouldn’t press anything on her if he really thought that it was distressing her, because he was her friend and he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable by any stretch of the imagination. However, he did just like teasing her from time to time. It was nice to see her smiling, as he thought that sometimes she took life a little too seriously. Perhaps it was a bit rich of Gwaine to say such things, as he didn’t take life seriously at all. He went through life usually doing things first, and thinking about them afterwards. His enjoyment always came first, and if sometimes he could pass these sentiments onto his friend then, well, where was the harm in that? As she pointed out that she was hard to get, Gwaine smirked at her. He was quickly seeing that she was hard to get, even when they hadn’t been friends, and he had been mercilessly flirting with her she had been hard to get. “Jesu, I need a little of whatever Alex has to crack you.” Gwaine chuckled to himself, and nudged Brynn’s side, knowing that the battle was lost. He was going out on a high note though. He knew his friend dearly loved her sweetheart, and that was nice he supposed. Gwaine didn’t really understand love, but as long as Brynn was happy then that was all that mattered.

Gwaine would be sure to think up some things he could teach Gyrth during their time together. He wouldn’t teach him anything too dangerous of course. He just wanted the lad to have something impressive to have to show off to his friends. “Does he have any friends that want to join in? Not too many mind, but only a few.” Gwaine didn’t mind extending his invitation if Gyrth had friends who he wanted to train alongside. It could be quite a feisty affair, but perhaps he could teach the lads there was more to being a knight than fighting, drinking and women. Well, maybe they didn’t care about the latter two just yet, but Gwaine had also had to learn there was much more to being a knight.

Groaning slightly, Gwaine ran a hand through his hair and pressed his eyes together. He could remember too many occasions when he had to run away from a maiden that he had been wooing because of her father. It was usually a tavern owner’s daughter that was the cause of his downfall. He’d been taken in by their charms too many times, and he’d often had to run in just his breeches away from the scene. He wasn’t getting beaten up for any women. “The fathers can be a problem, yes.” He agreed and laughed to himself. “The mothers are easy enough, they don’t threaten to beat you up.”

[Brynn Reade]

Was that Gwaine giving up, or was that Gwaine having something more up his sleeve? He usually always did, so it might be better to be wary. Brynn really couldn’t believe she might have won this little banter against him, since she never won them. That was simply out of question, she was not that type. But… was he really asking indirectly what Alex did to crack her? Thinker that she was, Brynn took a little time to actually ponder that question. What DID Alex do to have her made falling in love with him? It had all happened pretty fast in hindsight, a few meetings and she had been none but his and presumably until the end of time. There had been this first meeting when they first had taken more notice of each other than usual. And then of course… the dance! The night of the festivities in honor of Arthurt Pendragon, when he had taken his vows as crown prince… Brynn couldn’t help for her gaze to get a little glassy, but when she realized her thoughts were wandering to that particular evening, she shook herself from it and smirked at Gwaine.“Well… he swept me off my feet, in the litteral sense”, she explained, biting her lips. “I didn’t think that would be the one thing doing the trick… but it did.”

Shouldn’t she have been telling him this? Maybe he didn’t even want to hear it. Gwaine didn’t care much about other people’s business after all, which could be a very refreshing trait once in a while, as many people just meddled too much, and he especially kept his thoughts to himself if the subject was love. Gwaine, she had found out, wasn’t one for this relationship-commitment kind of love. It might not be her way, but Brynn respected that. As long as he didn’t leave too grand a trail of broken hearts behind, he could do whatever he pleased to, and she would not say anything. But then, would it still be comfortable for him to be rubbed into two lovers’ happiness all the time? That surely must become repetitive after a while!
So she was glad she could focus on a little less personalized topic for a while, even though Gyrth was close to her heart. Gwaine just had the best ideas tonight! Why hadn’t she thought of it earlier?! The easiest way to not let Gyrth get haughty about it, was turning this thing into a group event, where more of his friends could join in. She doubted he would truly have anything against that, as he was not mean!
“Well, there is Hal for one, the equerry’s firstborn, and his younger brother Aelfric. Gyrth and them always stick together, but it caused a little fallout already between then when Gyrth started to brag about his lessons with you. Getting them all into this together would be the perfect cure – Gwaine, you are amazing!” More impulsively than she usually was, Brynn turned to give Gwaine a half-hug. One sorrow less on her mind!

Brynn really didn’t want to linger on the subject of Gwaine and his conquests, that got too many pictures in her head she rather would not have, but then again, she had asked, hadn’t she? It was her own fault if she got the repercussions now.
“Mother’s weapons are far more subtle”, she agreed. “I think it’s more we girls who have to be afraid of them, if their sons are involved with us.” Brynn cocked her head and cited an often used phrase from the kitchens, brought to light whenever there was talk about one of the maids getting married. “’A resentful father can be an obstacle, a resentful mother will make your life hell.’”

[thegwaine]

Gwaine considered Brynn’s sweetheart, and she grinned to himself. He couldn’t ever imagine being so excited about being in love, or perhaps he wasn’t doing himself justice in that respect. He’d never been in love so he couldn’t judge. Though he never wanted to have that glassy eyed look Brynn had right now. He hoped that he would at least keep his rational head on his shoulders if he did fall in love. If was the word of the moment of course, he might never fall in love, and he would have to spend the rest of his life on his own lurching from one woman to the next. He didn’t mind that so much. However, he would perhaps have to consider literally sweeping women off their feet as it seemed to be working for Brynn’s sweetheart. “Well, you will have to invite me to the wedding of course, and invite as many lady friends as you can, I do get bored easily.” He winked at Brynn and continued upon his way with a wide grin on his face.

Gwaine didn’t mind instructing another boy along with Gyrth on some little tricks with a sword. It would probably be the best idea because it meant that Gwaine would get a bit of a break. After all, he taught Gyrth some lunges and parry’s but it would be easier if the children could practice with each other rather than with him as they were of a similar size and strength. With the swords that they were using they wouldn’t do anymore than cause a few bruises so there was nothing to worry about. “Well they can practice with each other, and I’ll make sure that they don’t fall out, I can be quite persuasive when it comes to children.” That was half a lie, but Brynn only had to believe him for the time being. He would probably enjoy having another little life to teach anyway, Gwaine quite enjoyed the attention the young boys gave him, he felt like some sort of idol, which was strange. He always thought the nobility, or higher classes were hated by the lower classes but he was looked up to.

He made a small ‘heh’ noise at Brynn’s comments. Gwaine never stayed around long enough to bother that much with the mothers. The fathers were usually the problem because they were more violent and could run quicker. He supposed if he stuck around long enough he would probably be more bothered about the mothers. “Not speaking from experience here are we?” He wondered if his friend had left the wrong impression on the woman who would one day be her mother in law, though he highly doubted it. He couldn’t imagine Brynn not getting on with anyone.

[Brynn Reade]

Brynn didn’t really expect Gwaine to be able to relate to her kind of romance and relationship she had with Alex, but she still found it nice that he seemed to show an interest in it. Other people might have followed the line of ‘what doesn’t concern me, doesn’t bother me’, but not so Gwaine. They might have very different views of the world which sometimes even clashed, but they both respected each other’s standing and would never openly slag it. That Gwaine spoke so openly about a soon-to-be wedding between her and Alex touched Brynn in a way she could not even define. Sometimes she kept wondering when Alex would really ask her, and how he would do it. Knowing him, he would think about it a great deal and agonize on it being just perfect – even though he didn’t even have to make it perfect in Brynn’s eyes. The simple question was the only thing she needed. She had never been a hopeless romantic who wanted to be asked in any special way, at sunset or sunrise, or anything else other girls might dream of.The other part of his sentence though confused her a little. “What are you talking about? I don’t have any noble ladies as a friend, what are you thinking?!” After all, she was but a humble goosemaiden, and even though things were changing slowly, Brynn was sure THAT would not change any time soon. Only then it occurred to her that Gwaine might have referred to something completely else. “Or… what did you mean? Mere female friends?”

Well, Gwaine could be quite persuasive with just about anything, so Brynn didn’t actually doubt he was good with children as well. He was half a boy still himself after all, and probably understood the inside of a young lad’s heart so much better than anyone who had grown out of antics and mischievousness at the age of twenty. Sometimes it was good to treat children as adults already, it reduced their tendencies to step over the line, but then boys would be boys still. If someone could handle them, Gwaine surely could. That was probably one reason why the boys worshipped him so
“Admit it, you’re only looking out for your own private little army so you one day can conquer a kingdom of your own”, she teased him lightly. “Before I know it, I’d have signed up my geese to that army too, and will be one of your field masrhalls, leading the surprise attack.”

Gwaine was obviously not as concerned about the topic of intrigant mothers, and he had every right not to be. After all, this lay far from anything he’d ever have to worry over, and Brynn could call herself lucky that it most likely would not be her own concern either.
“No, no”, she appeased him quickly, flashing him a reassuring smile. “Dianna’s got a heart of gold.” That she was on first name basis with Alex’ mother probably spoke more volumes than any assurance from Brynn’s side. They had donned the bothersome “Mrs. Michaelis” within the first month of Alex and her being officially together.
“It’s just the usual kitchen talk”, she continued, waving all concern aside. “There are some maids down there who aren’t as lucky – but I’m not gonna tell you their names, or else you’ll probably have a look out for them, to see if you can offer any consolation.”

[thegwaine]

He hadn’t meant to confuse Brynn with his words but he found they would probably work to his advantage. He shouldn’t enjoy toying with his friend so much, but she was easily wound up, and her reaction was always encouraging so he often loved to be the cause of it. Gwaine did live up to his name of mischief maker most of the time, well no one really called him that, though no one in Camelot certainly would disagree he deserved the name and should wear it with pride. He broke off his link with Brynn and stopped dead in the middle of the street. It was nearing dusk anyway so he wasn’t in anyone’s way, in fact they were practically alone in the street. He feigned annoyance, folding his arms at his young friend, “I had expected better, how could you not have a list of ladies to call upon to attend my needs at such an event.” He walked up, holding up his hand to silence her, “And you call yourself my friend Brynn.” He continued to walk a short way, before his laugh’s took over his lips and he turned back to his friend in a mere fit of hysterics. He held his hands up in innocence towards Brynn, hoping that would work, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.” He grinned at her, now she couldn’t be annoyed at him, no woman could be annoyed with him after he’d grinned at them, “I did just mean female friends of course, as many as you have please.” He winked at Brynn, then in that moment realising that he was incredibly shallow. Hmm. He quickly decided he didn’t care and continued on his way, going back to his friend and taking her arm once more to lead her onwards.

The thought of his own mini army amused Gwaine no end. Maybe he could include his friend Griff’s children when his wife gave birth as well. Though he’d have to convince the man quite a lot to let him train his son, if he had a son, to sword fight. Then again, from what Griff told him it wouldn’t be him who he would be convincing but his wife. Gwaine was sure he could get round her, Gwaine could get round everyone. “My own army would be interesting.” He admitted with a soft grin but pulled a face at the thought of her geese. He wasn’t fond of those geese, and he didn’t think they were fond of him. They had a way of looking at him which made him think they knew he was only looking at them wondering how the cook would prepare them for his dinner. “There is only one place those geese would have in my army.” On the soldiers dinner plates Gwaine thought rather pessimistically, though he didn’t voice this to Brynn.

Well, at least Brynn got on alright with Alex’s mother, that was a start wasn’t it? He grinned down at his friend, happy that everything seemed quite fine and stable for her now. The talk of kitchen maids did distract him somewhat, and his face lit up, “If you know of any women in need of a shoulder to cry on send them my way, my door is always open to a fair maiden.” Where they would leave his room still a fair maiden was another thing, and not for Brynn’s ears.

[Brynn Reade]

One thing Brynn found sometimes annoying about herself was that she took everything far too serious. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it became bad and sometimes even pathetic and humiliating when it came to jokes. She was so bad at getting certain types of jokes, and especially the ones Gwaine loved to make. That was probably a reason he loved to wind her up so much, it almost always worked. And now, he was at it again, or was he? With her misinterpreting his first statement about the noble wedding guests, she had practically opened it up for him, and he reacted promplty. His indignation was so well played out, Brynn actually was at odds for more than just a moment, if he could be serious, and her eyes widened slightly as he stepped back and accused her of not being a good friend. She was even working on a sharp reply in her mind – after all, what did HER wedding have to do with HIS conquests, he could run after ladies all day as much as she cared! – when his face broke out into his trademark grin, and Brynn felt even more stupid than before. But just like with her mother, Gwaines grin didn’t have such a charming effect on her as it might have on other women, and so she STAYED annoyed, quite a lot actually. As much as Brynn could be annoyed, that was, but even though she never threw fits, her anger could be sincere. And lasting.
“Incorrigible Prat!” she muttered, brushing past him and slapping his arm away. “I don’t have many female friends as you well know, and the few I have I will make sure to warn previously. Just so you know!”

Gwaine wasn’t collecting many bonus points right now, and that just continued when he began to talk about her geese in a manner that made a few alarm bells ring inside her head. When people started to say such things, there usually was something to follow she wouldn’t like to hear. Yes, they could be a pain sometimes, but that was just in their nature. They had to be handled right, or else they would be hostile, and especially the ganders didn’t quite graps the concept that male humans weren’t serious competition.
“And where would this place be, if I may ask?” she replied, her voice still in a joking tone, but there was the hint of a warning in her eyes, reminding him that he better not trespassed now, or there would be hell to pay. Even the massive cook had come to learn to respect the quiet kind of rage Brynn Reade could pull off, if one of her fosterlings was harmed without her permission.

Heaving a long, exasperated sigh, Brynn rolled her eyes at Gwaine’s remark. He was truly incorrigible, but the worst thing about it was that he pulled it off in such a way that you still had your difficulties to keep from laughing at him. And he probably knew that very well. “And what will you do if I tell them to run a mile instead?” she asked, genuinely interested. The thought of every woman within the walls of Camelot turning and running when they caught sight of Gwaine was surprisingly amusing. It would not be for him, of course, but maybe that would be just the lesson he needed. If it ever worked. There was truth in the word ‘incorrigible’ she so frequently used on him. Gwaine would most likely never change, so it might be wise to simply accept him like he was.

[thegwaine]

In a word, Gwaine was quite shocked and would have unlinked his arm from Brynn’s if she hadn’t got there before he did. He couldn’t help but raise his eye brows at her, now, Gwaine was an expert with woman, but only when they were playing into his hands. Though he often did tease and jest with Brynn, probably a bit too much some of the time, this was the first time she had snapped back at him. Her reaction had been quite shocking in a way, he had only been joking about her knowing women for him to have a bit of fun with. He hadn’t ever expected her to invite women for him, and he certainly wouldn’t have done anything to ruin her wedding at all. Why would she even think he was being serious? He was never being serious really, well he sometimes managed it, but he had just been trying to keep the mood light in order to get away from the previous topics of conversation. He couldn’t really understand why she’d just snapped at him, see this was why he never wanted to get muddled and in love, because he wasn’t sure if he would be able to handle hormonal women all the time. At least with Brynn he could reconcile with her as a friend, if they were married he’d have to make more of an effort and that was a horrible thought. Not just in relation to Brynn, but any woman he would come to share the bed of. “Fine, I’ll bring my own women.” He replied in a childish manner which probably wasn’t going to help the conversation or the tone, but Brynn’s comments had been unjustified and totally out of context. He couldn’t see what he had done that was so wrong, and he wasn’t going to roll over, Brynn knew him better than that to just expect it.

Given Brynn’s completely unreasonable outburst at his last words, he supposed he shouldn’t tell her exactly what he wanted to do with her geese. He never liked them, unless they were spiced and on his dinner plate. After all, next to women, food was the next great love of Gwaine’s life. He did love a good meal, and that was one of the advantages of being a knight of Camelot, he got some of the best meals in Camelot so he could never complain. Of course sometimes he took it upon himself to liberate a few bits and pieces from the castle kitchen. He helped to defend the realm, so he was entitled to some benefits. “At the rear of course, for reinforcements.” He commented causally with a soft smile, they would be at the rear so they would be easier to bring in for food, rather than having them scattered everywhere.

Brynn now seemed intent on ruining his plans on getting a young maiden to yield to him. Hmm. “I’d run after them of course.” He replied rather smugly, like it was the most obvious question Brynn could have asked him. After that he rubbed his hands together, realising how cold it had become, “Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

[Brynn Reade]

You didn’t need some kind of magic to see that Gwaine was absolutely shocked at Brynn’s sharp reaction, and for a brief moment, the goosemaiden even felt a little bit of satisfaction at his face. He surely hadn’t seen that coming, right?! Gentle Brynn reprimanding him, calling him a prat in earnest. But if she was completely honest with herself, Gwaine was not the only one shocked at her reaction, she was so herself. If anything, Brynn was a good sport, and Gwaine might be a prat, but there was never any malice hidden behind his often thoughtless words, so objectively speaking, there was no reason for her to get worked up about so silly a statement. If it had been only for that, Brynn would have left it with a rolling of her eyes and a laugh, at most merely thinking the things she had now blurted out. Brynn was not the kind to be mean, and so Gwaine’s obvious woundedness hurt her as well, and she bit her lip, slowing her pace and turning towards Gwaine with an expression on her face that was almost to be called sheepish.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean that”, she sighed. “It’s none of my business after all.” That still didn’t explain why she had reacted to rashly, and Brynn felt she owed Gwaine some kind of explanation, no matter if he would care for it or not. But what WAS the explanation? For a moment, Brynn was at odds with herself, but then she realized it was much simpler than she had thought, which oddly enough made her snapping even more shameful.
“It’s just… I think you touched a sore spot with that. I don’t have many female friends to speak of. Most of the time I don’t really miss them, but of course that might make my possible wedding a slightly bleak affair.”
Now the shadow of a smile crossed Btynn’s face. “So, bring as many women as you want.”

“At the rear of course, for reinforcements.”
Brynn wasn’t exactly sure, if that was really what was on Gwaine’s mind, but then again, this whole comment had been starting out as a joke, as Gwaine would one: never have his own army and two: the day when geese would be allowed as regular members of a force was still written in the stars. So she chose to take his words at face value, just like he had done, to keep the joke going without questioning his sincerity in the subject.
“I’ll start the training tomorrow then”, she suggested with a grin, feeling her own lightheartedness return and hoping it was the same with Gwaine. This evening was really not the time or the place for an argument that was so pointless on top of it all. “Just give me a sign when you’re ready with your own little army. Best use Gyrth as a messanger.”

Night was falling rapidly now and the few people around them were thinning out, looking to go home and get as much sleep as they could, before another challenging day’s work would be waiting for them. Brynn would have liked to prolong this walk for a little, but then she also realized that she had somewhat killed the mood. How peculiar things could work out sometimes. In the beginning it had been her trying to lighten up Gwaine’s unusual sombre mood, and now she was the one in need of pep-talk, or simply one or two distractions.
“Of course you would”, she replied and nodded almost earnestly. “Good luck with the chase. Have you ever been to Mercia? I heard someone saying chasing women there is a sport the knights fancy, but I have no idea if it is true.” It sounded more like a wild rumor to Brynn, and it had been accompanied with much snickering, which Brynn normally blended out quickly.

[thegwaine]

Gwaine had no idea that female friends were such a sore point for Brynn. She’d never hinted at it before, so he’d had no reason to assume it would hurt her. He felt rather uncomfortable for a few moments, and just wasn’t quite sure what to do. He’d never really upset anyone this quickly before, and he hadn’t meant his words in anything other than jest, so that just made everything feel more awkward. This was one problem an ale wasn’t going to solve, which was a disappointing fact. That would probably make everything ten times worse in this situation. Luckily Brynn broke the silence before he even had to worry about it. That was fortunate, or else they probably would have stood here awkwardly in silence, “Heh don’t worry, I will.” He promised her faithfully, not that he’d actually drag a load of random women to the service with him. Brynn would have to set a date for any of this to come to fruition of course wouldn’t she? Gwaine hoped that it wasn’t going to be that long into the future, they needed something to celebrate in Camelot after all.

Well, as long as Brynn remained innocent of his little idea for the geese then everything would be well and good in the world. They would look so much better on his dinner plate than at the rear of his little army; they would taste better that way as well. Gwaine knew better than to tell Brynn any of this, and he kept his mouth firmly shut and just nodded at his friend, “Gyrth can be a messenger until he’s old enough to take his vows, if he wants to that is.” Gwaine said gently to his friend. Perhaps by the time Gyrth came to maturity he wouldn’t want to become a knight, which was perfectly fine of course.

Gwaine didn’t know that much about the Mercian’s. He had spent time there during his wanders, but the ale hadn’t been to his taste so he had quickly moved on. From Brynn’s words, he supposed he had moved on too quickly, “I was in Mercia many, many years ago now, though I never partook in that sport, no.” Damn, how on earth had he missed out on that one? Maybe he would have to suggest that he went to Mercia on a mission for Arthur at some point in the future. That would be an excellent little diversion wouldn’t it? “My friend’s wife is from Mercia, I will make a point of asking her. Perhaps that’s how he caught her.” Now that was an amusing thought and a half. Now Gwaine was thinking he was a knight in the wrong kingdom, of course he only meant that in jest, but it was still something to think on. “Maybe I could take a visit to Mercia...” He said thoughtfully as he began to lead the way towards Brynn’s home, as night was falling and that was something they couldn’t ignore.

[Brynn Reade]

The moment of irritation was gone, like a wisp of wind that got your hair in turmoil one second but was gone the next, like nothing had happened. Maybe it had really been the wind taking away her anger, it sometimes seemed like he did such things. Whatever the cause, Brynn was glad that her anger at Gwaine had been only momentary, as it was surely not usual for her to snap like that and it made her uneasy. Usually, she also didn’t complain about not having any or at leasr not many female friends, so the goosemaiden had actually no idea where that frustration had come from so suddenly. Only because they would consequently not be there at her wedding? A wedding wasn’t there to show off how many friends you had, after all, he mother would chide her for such thoughts and she would be right to! A wedding was celebrating the twosome of man and woman, and Brynn could feel very lucky that her marriage would be one of love. Or was it the marriage itself that had triggered the sharp reaction? Had she been suddenly befallen with doubts, thinker that she was? Well, whatever it was, it was no matter to take out on Gwaine and it was no problem that could be solved tonight, Regarding the ignorance of non-immediate problems, she might as well take a leaf out of Gwaine’s book, that was for sure.”Thank you, then”, she said with a little laugh and tentatively slipped her hand under his elbow again, hoping he would not refuse.

Gyrth taking his vows… it was quite an unusual thing for Brynn to imagine, even in her head, but then so was imagining Gyrth as a grown up man. For her, he would probably always stay the little brother she had to look after, and it would be a curious thing to see these roles reversed: Him protecting her and Camelot, whether as guard or as knight. Would he look like her father? Or would he really one day ride out with King Arthur, defending Camelot from dangers far and near? And who else would serve at his side? More commoners? But then, this was the future, and no one without magic could ever see the future. Maybe it was better that way.
”I’m really not sure what he would choose, come time”, she mused thoughtfully. “But then, he’s got a few years ahead of him still, and as long as he has tutors like you and my father, he can be sure to choose freely. Bless Arthur for making this choice even possible. It is surely a grand chance.”

She should have guessed her hints would excite Gwaine. That would be something of just his taste, wouldn’t it? Being not only able but allowed to chase after women and claim them as a price. Brynn wondered what the women had to say in these matters, but she guessed they would do it at their own risks, growing up with such customs. If it was true after all, but then if what Gwaine said was true, then he probably would find out soon.
”Oh really? Is she that redhaired, beautiful lady you can see at practically every feast? Someone once said to me that it was a curious affair, because even though we’re both redheads, apparently we’re as different as night is from day. Is that really so? And heh”, Brynn shook her head with a short laugh. “Good luck with explaining your leave of absence to Arthur. Would he let you go, if he knew the real reason?”

[thegwaine]

Gwaine decided to leave the topic of the wedding to one side for a while, he suspected it would do nothing but hamper the mood for now. Anyway, he had a new task, of conveying Brynn to her home safely. He felt like it was his duty after all. He would speak to Brynn about her wedding when it was an actual event, and not just a little thing in both their imaginations. Gwaine supposed it wouldn’t be long, but still, he didn’t want to upset her anymore than he already had. He had obviously touched a sore spot with her earlier.

Gwaine couldn’t really remember being Gyrth’s age, it was before he had run away and he had vague memories of his family. He could remember his brothers, but his father was always a distant shade in his mind, sometimes he wondered how much of it was real, and how much of it was mere fiction in his mind. Maybe it was all fiction, maybe everything he had ever thought about his father was a lie. He had no idea in truth, and it wasn’t something he wanted to bring up now. Gwaine smiled down at Brynn, her brother had all the time in the world to decide what he wanted to do. For a boy so young it was probably unwise to put his eggs in one basket or so to speak. “Well whatever he chooses to do, as long as he is happy I am sure you, and your family will be proud of him.” He smiled at his friend, as he was sure his words were true. Wasn’t the most important thing to Gyrth anyway?

In truth, Gwaine knew very little about his friends wife, which was bad form for him. However, Gwaine hadn’t wanted to try any of his charm on her, mainly because he knew how much Griff had gone through to get to the point he was in now. He didn’t want to cause the man more problems. He had spoken to the woman of course, even if he hadn’t known she was from Mercia he would have known from her accent. “Yes, that’s her.” It was Catelyn wasn’t it? No, Caitrin? It was Caitrin, he was sure of it. Gwaine was never much use with names, and of course the Lady was beautiful, but he knew she was off limits. “She is incredibly different to you Brynn.” He mused, he had heard much gossip about the Lady Caitrin since his arrival, and he probably would have got on quite well in an intimate fashion if she weren’t married to one of his best friends. Even Gwaine had that much sense, “She had quite the reputation, but that was before she married of course.” He winked at Brynn, hoping she would catch his drift. He knew his friend was incredibly innocent, but she couldn’t be this naive surely? He found himself laughing at Brynn’s words, because Arthur would be less than impressed if he found out Gwaine’s actual motives to his wanting to visit Mercia. “Arthur would probably know my reasons before I even spoke.” He mused, as he supposed that Arthur was a man as well, and he probably knew of the Mercian’s reputation as well in that respect. He frowned slightly, in the past he’d never had to worry about offending anyone or having to ask someone if he could visit other kingdoms. He’d just gone and not cared about the consequences. Gwaine was getting an odd sense that Camelot was becoming his home, and though it was a good sensation, it was a daunting one as well.