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Brynn hated days like these. It was not only warm, it was humid, which made the clothes stick damply to the sweating body and every step was one too many. Even the wind seemed too lazy on a day such as this, he didn’t want to come out and show his playful nature to her like he usually did. And to top it all off, her geese had been the height of moody today, which they always were on humid days, but Brynn actually thought she had never seen them so cranky. There was no use being out with them all day, watching them breaking into wild feuds and battles every ten minutes and having to separate them again. She even could present a nasty bite on her right lower arm where Martin, the gander had taken her completely by surprise. Oh great, that would get her a purple bruise in the least!
So she had called it quits even before lunch, shooing them back towards the city and back into their stall, which was cooler than outside, gladly, as it was inside a stone building. Hopefully that would cool their moodiness off as well.

On the bright side, she could not share lunch with her family, what didn’t happen often, and after that she could spend a day either watching over her siblings or helping out her mother. That was not as nice as spending the day outside under an open sky, but it was better than feeling bad about what supposedly was just not her day.
Entering the kitchen, she took in the hustling and bustling with a knowing eye, seeing the pattern behind it all with the mind of someone who had spent all his life in this kitchen. Lunch for the nobles and better people of the castle apparently was over and one by one, servants brought dirty dishes, stacking them high. After a quick lunch for themselves – nothing compared with the food they had prepared of course – there would follow the big washup. Brynn liked that part actually, and she often enough helped out after dinner.

Between all the people scurrying around, Brynn’s eyes fell on some familiar back of a head that made her smile. Elwyn. Now he was one of those rare people who could raise her spirit by simply being there. No question where he had been in the morning, out in the forest, where at least the sun didn’t burn down so mercilessly.
Sneaking up behind him, Brynn now raised on her tiptoes and tousled his hair with a little giggle. She knew he didn’t like that much as it made him feel like a child. But she always did it, he was something close to her elder brother she never had had after all.
“Fancy seeing you here, huntsman! What are the tidings from the bosk?”

Had anyone ever felt and acted so stupid in the entire history of mankind? Brynn was fairly sure she at least ranked high on the list, maybe amongst the top five of ‘most stupid and awkward ways to talk to a man you like’. She should flee the scene and forget it all, find herself a hole that didn’t trigger her claustrophobia and never ever emerge from it again. Everything was better than staying here, waiting for him to give up, turn around and go, as he realised he had been thoroughly mistaken ever wasting his time on such a crazy and apparently misanthrophic girl. Yes, the time with her geese must have turned her into some weird species, unable to socialize and hold normal conversations with anyone but her own family and herself.
Only that this wasn’t any normal conversation. The thought suddenly occurred to Brynn and made the embarrassment a little more bearable. She had been able to talk with Alex nicely before, the evenings of the festivities had been ample proof for that. Only now, when apparently feelings from her side were involved things started to become difficult and awkward. She was not used to this. Never before had she had felt so conscious of what she might say or do and never before had she been so scared of alienating someone. This created a pressure as high as any mountain top and surely as heavy on her shoulders. Wasn’t it only normal she felt helpless?

And now he said she didn’t have to say anything? Now that prospect actually made Brynn chuckle and she found an inkling of her old easy-goingness she had developed around him again.
“Now, but when I stopped talking altogether, what kind of conversation would that be? People do it all the time, converse I mean… it shouldn’t be that difficult. So, maybe if you grant me one last try?”
Alright, she felt a little less stupid now she had actually managed to talk in fully comprehendable and hopefully logical sentences. Maybe she should not focus so much on the smile on his face though… it made her mind go blank all over again.

And apparently, Alex had found back to his usual ways as well, at least for the moment, but his compliment made her blush once again. Alright… don’t panic… just deal with it like you dealt with it a few days before… laugh… say something halfway witty back… just act normal!
How come he had such compliments always ready at hand anyway? Brynn would never be so mean to think they were not individual and used on any girl that passed his way. No… that was not Alex, right? After all, Brynn’s mother had often enough told her about this young man’s spontaneity to work up ways to annoy the cook. There was nothing ingenuine about him, right? That still left the question open if he really meant every word he said though.
“Now now, don’t make the flowers jealous”, she actually managed to tease and was quite proud of it. “Some of them have thorns you know and tend to use them on you if they are displeased. I should know!” she showed him her hands that had some little cuts from her previously weaving a wreath.

Still annoyed by her lame comment about being back to work days, Brynn hurried to make amends somehow. But how?
“I agree, but don’t you think festivities have their amenities as well”, she commented, smiling knowingly. “I don’t know if we could go dancing every night. Though of course that would be fun!”
Again it was her turn to blush. That was the problem with trying to make amends, you just manoevred yourself into the next tight spot! Hadn’t she just all but implied she dreamt of going dancing with him again? Well… she would be lying if she claimed it wasn’t true. This night she probably would never forget, twisted ankle or no.

Far too occupied was she with sweet memories, and so his words apparently passed by her ears without being comprehended at first, it took her some time to catch up with their meaning. But then they hit with full force and made her heart skip several beats which brought her close to the queasy feeling of near-fainting. "I came to see you because I like you.” Now her heart was jumping and turning over like one of those gypsy acrobates you could sometimes see passing through. He had just…? Yes, apparently he had! But… liking… that was a very cautious word, she should not get overexcited…! No, better not… and yet…
His honesty was also moving though and it made focusing on the other part of the sentence so much easier.
“Oh, I think I’m keeping you good company there, making a fool of myself”, she sighed and smiled. “But I guess that comes naturally”, she added, lowering her voice and not daring to look at him directly, “… when you like someone…”

There was this one thing Brynn had learned in her previous encounters with the cheery kitchen boy, and that was that it was absolutely impossible staying focused around him for long. Sometimes his behaviour was just a little bit on the ‘too much’ side for Brynn, who was used to just so many words being spoken, as she didn’t come from a very talkative family. There was always something going on in the castle, but Brynn mostly missed the bustling daylight hours and rather spend them in the quietude and serenity of the outside meadows.
It was not like she didn’t like Alex, she liked him very much indeed, and also had found out she couldn’t stand the thought of any girl making eyes at him – and she had seen some already in the little time she had come to notice him. It was just a matter of needing a little time to adjust to the new situation, like letting your hair down in preperation of an oncoming storm. With a little secret smile Brynn realised she was already drawing very telling comparisons. Yes, you could say that… Alex was like a storm, something that could come on a little too strong for comfort but which she loved because it made herself feel free.

But here came the second problem when talking to Alex: you couldn’t afford to let your thoughts wander, because if you did, something unexpected was about to happen, and then you were bound to make a fool of yourself.
Just like now. He – what?! He had just admitted he wanted to see her? As this comment came without any warning, there was no way Brynn could keep her cheeks from adopting a rose tone and her mouth from blurting out: “Oh? You.. you do? Eh, did? Eh…?!” which made her blush all the more. Where was the hole in the ground to swallow her up? Could anyone behave more idiotic in the presence of anyone?!
“I mean… I… didn’t expect that and…well… now I actually don’t know what to say…” she trailed off even again, and gave up for now. There was just no use in trying to speak when you were this flustered.

And just as she tried to regain her usual calm and collected personality again, she saw the flowers Alex presented her and was instantly left speechless again. Was she dreaming?! Had he really picked flowers for her? Now… Brynn might not be an expert on such things, but even she knew that receiving flowers from a man meant something. And this knowledge alone left her helpless… until she finally could settle on something to do.
Reaching out her hand hestitantly, she took the flowers and instantly smelled them, inhaling their sweet fragrance deeply. “Oh, they’re wonderful, thank you!” she spoke from the very bottom of her heart where there seemed to be still some words left.
“And even if you stole them… you’d be forgiven, as they are so pretty!”

That was all well and good, but how to proceed from there? What did a girl that had just received flowers say, after the obligatory thanks were through? She couldn’t very well be all straightforward and ask him why he had come out here to give her flowers. Did she even dare to think the answer? But no… maybe this was just him being nice, as he probably knew by now how much she liked flowers, what with her constant weaving of wreaths. That brought memories back to her, of a night of dancing and cheerful banter. How it had been all so easy back then. Why were such things so much more difficult in the light of day? That was hardly to be called fair!
“Um… so I guess regular work life caught up with you as well?”
Inwardly Brynn wanted to hit herself. What kind of stupid comment was that?! What would he think of her now?

She was done for. She had just made the worst mistake of her life and it could well be her last. An assault on Royalty, that meant High Treason. High Treason meant death, a slow and painful death. She had done it for his own good though, and under the circumstances, the spell and all, she couldn’t have thought of anything else to do. Yes, she would say that when it came to her trial. But would they even bother to have one? Would she even be allowed to speak?
There was nothing she could do now to change anything, but there was one thing, the only thing that was appropriate to do now. With a feeling like she had a stomach full of ice cubes and sharp splinters, Brynn fell to her knees, bowing her head low, waiting for Prince Arthur to pass his punishment that couldn’t be long off.

“I did, your Highness, and I also know there is no excuse for this”, she muttered, still not looking up. “Still, I can only apologize…”

"Thank you,"
... ... WHAT?! Brynn was so surprised she forgot her vow of not looking up to him until he demanded it, stepping out of the role of doomed criminal for a few seconds to cast him a VERY confused, almost dumbstruck look. Had she just heard a thanks? For hitting him? Brynn had never come across a man who liked to be hit, fewer there had to be even who could stand being hit by a woman… now top that with a servant woman slapping a princely male… and you have the most unforgivable case imaginable So why was he… forgiving her, even thanking her? Was it really possible he was able to see the intention behind it, that she had even been trying to save his life by keeping him awake at all costs?! Now that… that was really something…
Something she couldn’t quite grasp yet… but apparently had to. The Prince was already moving on.

She managed a dazed nod at his suggestion. Forget that happened… yeah that was best, though Brynn hardly believed she would be able to. Not because she had been the girl to hit the Crown Prince, but because she had been hitting anyone. It was not her. And should they ever run into each other again, now the awkwardness probably was lifted to a new level. Would HE ever be able to forget, to not hold it against her the minute they were out of danger? Now she was not only the girl who had been so very insolent... she was also the girl that slapped him! She did not doubt his honourable and good intentions, but there was only so much you could do against your own nature.
“Well,… I guess… yes… that would be best”, she muttered, feeling utterly stupid, kneeling there still on the floor. But she was not going to make another fauxpas today, so she would not get up before he actually told her so.

Him turning towards the kitchen, sword in hand, was no direct command, but it served just as well. How ridiculous would it be to stay kneeling here while she had promised to show him who her brother was. Right! That’s what this all was about – she had to get Gyrth to safety! Scrambling to her feet was the worst effort so far, as she could feel the fatigue weighing down on her like a mountain. Standing up was like moving it away from her shoulders, an herculean deed for sure.
“Alright…” she muttered as she was finally standing, staggering after Arthur. “Let’s get this finally over with…”

Stay safe… it’s good… you’ve done more than enough… oh he probably had no idea how much these words moved Brynn in the weakened state she was. Finally someone telling her, she really had done all she could do in these trying circumstances, reassuring her also that it would be over soon. She had not hoped for any of this, and receiving it was more than she could possibly bear. Maybe that was a good thing, because as she struggled to keep composed she forgot about the monsters and the creeping tiredness for a little moment. Yes, it was official now, Arthur Pendragon would make a good king one day, and Brynn hoped she would be around that day to see him crowned and cheer along with everyone else. This odd encounter had changed her from indifferent on who the one on the throne really was, to a fervent supporter of a glorious future to come. He needn’t know that though… after all, his self-respect was still a little too high in some places, as she remembered from seeing him training the knights. And the way he treated Merlin sometimes… but as long as Merlin himself was not willing to complain, who was she to interfere anyway?

Maybe it was significant to the new kind of understanding they had reached, he didn’t deny her the suggestion of showing him who her brother was. He seemed to respect her decisions, didn’t think himself so much smarter and more experienced any more… that could only be healthy for future meetings. Though Brynn hardly dared to envision that. He would recognize her now, and no mistake, and when they stumbled over each other next time, it could very well be an awkward experience. Both had seen each other in their weakest moments. That didn’t bode well for respect sometimes. Then again, maybe it could bode well for trust. But what was she to do with the trust of the Crown Prince? When all this was over both would return to their given places. She was the goosemaid and he was the future king. End of story, and she would not even complain.
“Swiftness is in my very own interest, believe me, your Highness--“ she started to comment and turned to address him face to face out of habit.

Only that he was not facing her. “Your Highness?” Her voice adopted a very alarmed tone, as she saw Prince Arthur lean half-slumped against the wall just outside the door, his eyes closed. “Oh no… nonono, you don’t!!!” she muttered and turned back, panic forming a lump in her throat. If he fell asleep all was lost!! How was this curse supposed to be broken with him fast asleep?! Any moment one of those dark knights could decide to scout the servant’s quarters and they would find him, and her… both equally defenseless. What should she do if she couldn’t get him awake again? The mental image of her wielding his sword to protect his life made her laugh hysterically. As if! No, he had to wake up! Gingerly at first, she started to shake him at the shoulders, but he seemed to have drifted too far away for that already. “Prince Arthur??!! You have to stay awake, you hear me??!! Now’s not the time for sleeping! Stay awake!!”

No, that was not enough. Another mental image entered her mind and Brynn, the non-violent goosemaiden bit her lip hard. It had to be done…
“God and the Pendragons forgive me!” she muttered, then slapped him across the face with all her might.

75!

The longer Brynn thought about this, the more appealing seemed the thought of simply trying it out. It was reassuring to hear that apparently no special skills were needed to succeed in this. Just passion… passion… normally Brynn was a very grounded person, she didn’t like to express too much of what she thought or felt, ever the dutiful, responsible. There was only one thing that could make this shell burst, one teasing power that could drag out the child inside her, playing, being silly, being passionate: The wind. When he made his presence known to her, she could not resist his coaxing, could no longer bury the need to be free inside her. It was not like she wasn’t content with her life, she loved everything like it was now, but there were just so many temptations you could withstand.

The idea with the mask was even more appealing. Imagining… no one would recognize her, no one would know her, she could do whatever she wanted. It was just like being invisible. Brynn hardly believed this was happening. How could she have ever thought of declining this generous offer? Yes, in her mind it was already decided. Briefly she wondered if not even Alex would recognize her, even though he had vowed once he would detect her behind any disguise. And if he did, what would he say? But Brynn was fairly sure that if she could find acceptance or understanding for her deeds anywhere, regardless of how odd they were, it would be with him.
“That sounds good to me, really”, Brynn agreed, excitement lighting up her eyes. “Let’s go with the mask, just in case. You never know who might be watching.”

“the midnight air caressing your bare skin…” Those words triggered a curious sensation in Brynn, a tickling on her bare arms that moved on to her face and only a few seconds later she realized it was once again the wind, caressing her in the most delicate way she had ever experienced. The touch was so light she could barely distinguish it as a gust or anything similar, barely there, yet tangible. It was a clear invitation and it made Brynn feel even more excited. Yes, her friend the wind would be there as well, helping her to make this an evening she most likely would never forget.
“I’m sure to love it Mia… thank you! This is quite an honor and I can’t wait for tonight!”

With the most peculiar mix of anxiety and excitement she watched Mia run towards her caravan again. Dusk… that was a horribly long time to cover, a time she would spend here, watching her geese and slowly being eaten up by anticipation. Even if the weather was nice, Brynn decided, she would return her geese earlier than usual, so she would have enough time to sneak out at dusk. Already she felt terribly restless.