Chapter 39 - the Foundling V
Gareen and Mekall and Shan were dressed in their regular at home general farm attire. Nothing special in the way of finery. None of the three boys thought anything at all of wearing home made burlap clothes, if you were just going to all but quickly destroy the clothes with some typical farm chore anyhow. When lounging around the farm for idle time? Father said he would have thought himself well off when younger, if he had soft fine knit burlap as they had available to them now.
All three knew they each had several outfits they practically never wore. Nice loose tunic tops of thick soft material, and thick functional soft trousers. The oldest two boys wore them up north when on work for father at times. The youngest although he knew of this use for those clothes? Shan himself experienced them normally as what he called "festival clothes".
Gareen and Mekall always had an entire secret language all their own that consisted of facial expressions, shrugs, postures, and all manner of different eye contacts. Brothers… but taught to work together and never against one another.
Shan smiled and saw them eyeing each other up and smirking their trademark shit eating grins.
"Older brothers. Am I not well accustomed by this many winters of my life, to know that Loki and Thor are all but my brothers? What are you two scheming about… come… you are making no effort to hide it. Clearly I am to ask you of it."
"Well. Would you rather be idle on the farm a whole day? Or… would you have a small adventure."
"An adventure, and I can come? How could I refuse such an offer. What manner of adventure."
"A merchant run. A small and short one. Mother was bargaining with the parents of your young girl friend from the garden."
Gareen had been silent on the matter up until now. When Shan grew impatient with Mekall's incomplete explanation, he just looked at Gareen.
"Oh Mekall, must you have so much sport with your little brother? Shan… mother instructed us, that we three brothers are to present ourselves at the parent's farm. Mother's instructions, are to impress the parents so that we can win their favor… they are to be made to feel comfortable that their foundling daughter will be safe and well cared for. Mother wishes our errand to be 'gefting' some clothes and such to your friend, for the festival coming soon."
"She would accompany us three?"
"Aye. Mother says proper clothes for a young lady doing so well in the garden? You need the girl with you. We three brothers? Will be her personal bodyguard on the short trip. So… let's go see what we can find to wear."
When Shan went to go where he kept his clothes, the brothers gently guided him into the family armory instead. This was something new.
His brothers already had all their own kit together. They were both kingsmen, and had their full armor in piles next to each other. When they were done but for grabbing up their weapons, they both looked at each other, and at Shan. Gareen snickered.
"Shan? I do not think we will encounter bandits on this short trip. Yet… you are all but a fighting man now, little brother. We do not want you to look like a fish on the shore, wiggling around in your armor the first time you wear it around people."
Shan eyed them both curiously.
"I own no armor."
Gareen held his brother Shan's arms out, and Mekall guided his arms and head into a thick, soft, cotton tunic. Thick soft cotton pants, with flexible leather pants that fit over. Then into a stiff and thin leather breastplate, that covered him from his neck to his upper thighs, and everywhere in between but for his arms. After the brothers fitted the leather armor to him, they removed it and loosened each buckle one notch. So they could fit him with the arm pieces… linked steel mail.
They added leather armbands that had leather strip wraps that went around the hands, leaving the fingers free, but guarding from the wrists to the knuckles.
There were various slots on his leather armor, and they could be rearranged by buckling different ones on. They kitted him out with two of his own small hand axes, and the smallest of their own actual great axes.
Not an ax meant for wood. This ax, had the inside body ground and filed out. To have a big thick blade, with less weight.
The brothers looked at each other, then at Shan.
"How… do I look?"
"See for yourself, little brother… that shield is well polished. I do believe, you look more like a young fighting man."
"My brothers flatter me. My fighting is a secret. I am sure it is Gareen and Mekall's armor that will most win the parent's favor."
"Little brother? I am sure that is true. Yet, I tell you this… it will not be much longer. We are kingsmen, little brother. We can't wait to show you off."
And both brothers took a good nature to their fun, punching him hard in his armor, to show him how well he was protected. Shan was actually impressed. This was no burlap and scrap soft wood toy suit, this was the real thing.
Mekall actually horse kicked back into Shan's chest plate, and sent him skidding. Surprised but laughing, fun as only brothers can have at such a time? Shan nodded his head, indicating he felt fine.
Gareen and Mekall were obviously having a ton of fun, nonchalantly laying on more and more in the most casual manner for their little brother. They were actually having fun seeing him so surprised and happy.
Gareen's turn to announce the next one, as it turned out.
"Surely we are not walking in all this heavy stuff, are we Mekall?"
"Father did say, we were to take four nags, did he not?"
"Aye, Mekall. Keen memory yer having today. Little brother, we are not done. We have horses to see to. And, does yer little friend ride a horse?"
"Aye, she can. I have seen her, yet, not very often on one."
They started out to one of the three horse barns. They passed it up, and made for the second one out. Shan became more surprised as they continued to head out, all the way to the last horse barn. The one that stabled Father's big war horses he slowly bred and kept. As long as they had grazing land for them to exercise and feed on, they only cost hay and some time to keep. Since they grazed and exercised themselves until needed? They were a lot less work and expense to keep the extras.
Gareen and Mekall got their usual big "merchant horses" as they called them informally. These were their personal warhorses, that they used when out on all errands no matter how small if they were in armor. They could all ride all of them, if it came to it. But, humans have their preferred horses. Also, the horses have their preferred humans as well.
Father taught them a trick. It was figuring out which one you picked, that was also picking you. Shan had no trouble on that score. He had helped train several of them for his brothers, and a couple did respond well to him. He selected his favorite, a large cream colored draft-horse sized warhorse. His second choice, he had figured on for the pack animal.
"Little brother? We are trying to convince the parents how safe their daughter will be and cared for. A dress or three, and some girl's hair and face toys, would not require an entire pack animal… it is for yer friend to ride."
They already had little sacks of jerky, dried greens, and dried apples and pears. Shan had extras of those for his friend, and a spare water skin for her as well.
Just to prove there would be no end to having fun surprising Shan today, they had him wait while they put the finishing far north-man touches onto Shan's two warhorses. Some light, comfortable leather pieces to help the horse in any heavy brush. Leggings and a neck piece, and a small head piece with a tiny visor that helped keep flies and sun out of the horse's eyes. It made the horse more comfortable, and favor its rider even more than normal. Each saddle they had, already had a dedicated pouch with a big smear of mint goo. It was to rub around the horses eyes and nose, to keep flies from bothering it.
These giant warhorse breeds were of little value running to turn tail and escape, via speed and masterful horsemanship… but when you knew how to handle these large beasts that trusted their riders? You could simply turn quickly in place, and knock a man challenging you over, and often knock his normal sized horse around as well.
If any man got up to mischief with them on the trail, the odds of them having big warhorses down here in the southlands, was almost nil. If they didn't take the somewhat gentle hint that the horses could simply turn around and knock them and their horses around? They could easily rear up their horses and step them forward… which would bring these high spirited large horse's hooves slashing down on the rider and his lesser horse. If the recipient lived, it was a valuable lesson that would likely not ever need repeated.
If you were injured and off your horse? These big friends, would not leave you. They would stand by their rider, and protect him. They would not permit any other unknown horses near him. Father had learned when young, and the Rhyshians he had lived around earlier in his life had reinforced the idea… that when you went above and beyond to be gentle and caring with and for your horse? The horse picked up on it, and claimed you right back.
For, as a man looks for the qualities he desires in a horse? Father taught, that horses are looking for qualities in their riders and owners, just as well. When humans or horses either one found what they wanted? They would not fail to reward it. These horses would not turn tail and scatter, if something dangerous started them. They would group together, around their riders, and challenge it with them.
Even a bear or a great wild cat getting up to mischief? Would not long stand and face a couple thousand pounds of pissed off rippling muscle, ganging up on them. Father always swore that his own favorite horse, now somewhat retired, had several of his own trophies. That was to say, trophies that the horse itself had collected.
Father said he had risked his life a couple times, jumping off of his own warhorse during a battle, to try to pull a wounded friend to safety. He had once or twice miscalculated, yet his horse had stayed at his back and kept any men off of him. When a few had not taken the horse's gentle suggestions to stay back… he had stomped men to death.
That prized horse's job now? Was simply to enjoy the easy life. No heavy labor, that was for the younger horses… his job was to breed more like him.
Father said it was as simple as this. That horses? Simply love brushing, and grooming, and being rubbed and petted and talked sweetly to. Carrots and sugar cubes and extra handfuls of sweet molasses feed were precious things to horses. The last thing any horse would stand for? Was anything threatening to get between them, and the sugar cube man.
Ryeamund and Eira were waiting back at their great-house as they walked up, with Shan leading the fourth horse easily behind his own. Father and Mother were taking morning tea outside to enjoy the good morning weather, and more than likely to see the sight of their three sons off.
"Husband. Who is this third kingsman with our two? You had not told me, we were hosting another."
"Nay woman, do you not know yer own high reckoning gentle son?"
"Aye… he does not appear half as gentle now. He looks as he is ready to go out on command, and examine some petty king that needs smacked around some."
"Yes, wife. He does. Odin saw fit to grace me with three fine sons. We are blessed, woman."
"Are you three not forgetting something?"
Mother smiled and tossed Gareen a small leather sack of hard coin. Ah how silly, they had forgotten money. Gareen took a few gold coins out and retied the small leather pouch.
Gareen tossed it at Shan, who looked at all four of them back… Gareen explained.
"Little brother… are you not the higher reckoner of the three of us? With you tending to the merchants, we need not worry about which merchant we use. I am confident we will have no tricks played upon our coin sack."
"All right woman, let them off on their errand already, would you? You men are early on your way. Stop at the tavern, and pick up Shan's friend. Have an ale and some morsels, and pick a few things up there, you will be on pig food for a couple days. Yer mother tossed you a small sack, yet, I heard the jingle of hard coin in there. Odin has blessed us with more coin than we truly need; see some color goes in that little waif's cheeks. How will it look when my friends come down to visit for the festival, and my youngest son's wench looks to be half starved? I am to be the steward, and seeing to my pickles being taken care of."
"Aye, and make a good impression at the parent's house, while the girl packs a few things. Remember, just because the girl has been declared, and already stays at the tavern with the keepers? It is polite to remind them their daughter will be well cared for."
Father added as they were all about to ride off… smiling.
"Here. Take my little herald flag."
"Father! Are you sure we ride for Lord Mjolnir on this dress errand?"
"Aye. I serve my Lord in all ways. You boys? Serve me in all ways. Besides… the girl's parents can gossip about how well their daughter is doing."
They were at their ease, and off. They walked the horses easily to the tavern, the one Shan favored across the street from the Garden. The girl knew they were coming sometime today, and was ready for them. She came trotting out, and hitched their horses for them, smiling.
Gareen and Mekall exchanged knowing looks. Young women who got their first look at their young man in armor? Well, it never failed to put a smile on their face, some things never changed. She ran back in as they were obviously going to come in anyways.
Gareen took charge with light humor only the three of them would understand.
"Peen! Leave the horses to me and Mekall… you go fetch us three ales and a pitcher of water. We will be in when we have seen to your horses, man. Scout us up some decent smoked goods that will keep for a few days on the road, aye?"
…and he tossed him a large gold hard coin.
By the time the two older brothers came in to see how they were doing, Shan Peen was getting the once over from all his tavern keeper friends. The tavern keeper laughed and told 'Peen' to just go around in the back, and find what he wanted for their trip, he already knew where everything was.
Having all but the run of a tavern, and the trust of the owner's family had its rewards. The patrons that did not know the three of them, were staring at the kingsmen armor, and the big-men that were sporting the freshly oiled armor about. Hanging their wicked looking axes on the pegs most people hung purses or belts on.
A small cask of strong wine for his two brothers. A small cask of the green apple juice he and his girl friend favored. A couple loaves of sweetbread with sweet frosting. A large stick of dried spiced meat, and a small log of smoked cheese. All four of them had a large plate of smoked boar and vegetables, as they would be on road rations, even if good ones, for a few days. Shan had a second large plate of boar and vegetables. He ate like his father, his brothers were well used to his appetite.
Shan asked the tavern keeper if his new reckoner was as handy as he was used to having around. The man beamed, and said the other tavern-keepers were envious all over again. None of the others had access to a high reckoner, as when Shan took his lunches there all week. Now? He had exchanged his reckoner scribbler out for a serving wench, that doubled as another high reckoner and scribbler; the tavern-keeper was on cloud nine.
The oldest daughter, sweetly chided Peen that he had not played music with her in a while, and that now their new serving girl? Was greedy.
"Little one… you are rounding up all of the quality mannen in the village, and making off with them! Will you not leave the oldest daughter of yer tavern-keep something to play with?"
The young girl blushed and beamed with pride at the same time.
When they were done eating, they bound up all their travel morsels in a large cotton cloth the daughters brought out. The father brought out four small extra horns, with apple juice in them. He explained they were extras, they might as well have horns for their trip, rather than drinking like rough men out of the casks. They could return them whenever.
Horns were favored on road trips over goblets, as the horns all had a small metal ring thru the bottom point of the ale horns. Easily tied onto a horse pack and kept. It was hard to injure a thick horn on the trail, short of stomping on it with a horse's hoof and shoe.
They stopped by the girl's parents house, ostensibly to make sure the girl did not want anything at her house. It was more in reality to impress the parents.
Gareen had stood in front of the door waiting patiently to be acknowledged. Once the mother noticed a big kingsman in armor at her door standing still as a statue, with a great ax in one hand, and the small herald flag of the High Lord Mjolnir in the other? She about dropped her morning tray of food. She ran and got her husband, he had to see this.
They came out to find the four giant war horses, with another kingsman on one, what appeared to be a young kingsman in waiting accompanying them, and their foundling daughter they had just declared a young woman riding on her own warhorse.
Gareen officially reported that Shan was seeing to the clothes being gefted to the girl, as a reward for doing so well at the garden. The high Lord's steward had sent the pair of kingsmen along, so the parents would be satisfied their daughter would be safe and cared for. Also? He gently added, they were instructed to chaperon the two young friends on the trip.
Did they have the parent's blessing the girl goes on the short trip?
The parents were suitably flattered. They knew their daughter, now declared a young woman, needed no permission to go and do anything. But, it was very polite for them to be asked, so of course they readily agreed.
None of the other sheep farmers got this sort of treatment they knew of, they would have gossip for the next few weeks out of this.
They walked slowly on the horses out of town, and uncapped their horns of apple juice. They would rinse it out and fill it with water to keep them clean for use on the road. When they stopped at the last fountain about to leave town, a couple of the older boys that knew Shan came running out to see what was all going on, that was confusing to them.
They were gawking at Shan in his armor, watering his own warhorse that even had some light leather armor on it. They must not have been close friends, as Shan barely acknowledged them and was much more interested in his horse.
Gareen winked at Mekall, who grabbed his ax by the business end, so that he 'politely' stuck out only the long handle of his great-ax to the boys, to gently keep them at bay.
"Aye. It is considered polite? To not go grabbing at the king's armor, nor the king's own horses… we are working. Perhaps you are not used to seeing men in the king's armor. Most people consider it wise to call out, and announce their intentions… when approaching men in armor. Remember young man, not all the big-men in armor? Are as polite as we three, and might not have our high manners."
Gareen announced politely as they walked off, without looking back…
"Wise counsel, young man. You might meet a few more in the coming moons. You should remember that wisdom. It will benefit you."
They just backed off. Confused, but impressed.
The three brothers, once out of town, explained to the young girl who had her horse all but glued to Shan's own… that those boys were likely going to spend the next few days trying to puzzle out why 'Peen' was dressed like a 'junior kingsman' when he wasn't allowed to fight with the village boys.
When the girl asked why it was so? Gareen and Mekall suggested she might figure it out along the trip.
Gareen and Mekall took turns leading their little foursome, and sometimes let Shan take point. Shan's friend had to stay in the back. Shan explained to her, that the older brothers were not being rude, by not allowing her a chance to play leader. They were on command to be her personal bodyguard, they were working twenty-four hours a day, and even while sleeping they still bore this responsibility.
When she asked the trio while they stood in the shade taking a break in the noonday sun, how far this responsibility to protect her went? Gareen and Mekall simply looked at one another, and shook their head. Gareen dropped easily…
"Shan! Explain to yer young friend, since we are her bodyguard? What it would take for her to not come back home, safely off of this trip, would you?"
Shan didn't have to hesitate.
"Little one… right now? If anything were to happen to you, and you didn't make it back home? One or more of us, had better be dead, or we have a serious examination coming."
"Shan… what would that mean for any of us that survived the danger?"
"It would be our complete dishonor."
"Does yer little friend know about Rhyshian Lords, from the Garden?"
"Some…"
"And does she know, the easiest way for a Lord to keep his honor intact?"
"Little one… we are expected to die, if we think we might not be able to fulfill our command work we were given."
"Are you three serious?"
She wanted to know. Mekall looked over at Gareen, then both looked back. Gareen drew his hand up in a fist over his shoulder. Even the girl as well as Shan had grown up playing follow the leader, and knew it was a "stop" sign.
"Tell her our motto, little brother…"
"We will do it, or we will die."
"Well said, little brother. Little one, we do not expect any serious trouble so close to home on these well traveled roads. If something serious were to happen… you would follow Peen here. Off the road, and he would bear the responsibility to stay off the road, in the wood, to get you back home. He knows how to stay hidden, he knows how to feed you two with greens this time of year. To slowly and quietly make it back."
"Why not you two as well?"
She quizzed them.
"We wear the King's own armor, little one. It is optional if we make it back alive. If we can't handle the danger that presents itself? We are expected to at least lead that danger astray… so you two can have a fresh chance to make it back."
The little girl said…
"I am but a foundling. I am not so important as all that, am I?"
"Little Gullina. Are you of small importance? Nay… your name? It means 'the golden girl', in the old speak. Of much larger importance? Did you not, on many occasions… take our little brother's part. Why, I myself was told that the Gentle People at the garden had quite a time, keeping you off of the boys with yer touch sticks when they acted up. Is this not so?"
"Aye. He is my friend. I do not have many friends."
"Aye, little Gullina. And tell me now. When you took his part, as you did… what did you get out of it, for yourself. Anything good? Or… did you invite more sport from the other hairy little beasts of these lands, down upon your own little head. Tell me, little one."
"Well… I didn't risk much. I'm not one of the more popular girls."
"Aye, Gullina. You forsook, what little popularity you had offered to you. For taking our little brother's part. On more than one occasion. You gave freely. That… is high quality for a young girl to show. You can be proud of yourself. You have your own sense of honor, that many of these hairy little beasts know little of, if anything at all."
"I hadn't thought it was that large a matter."
"Aye, and I was told, you threatened to sharpen your touch stick on some of the older boys."
"I did! Some of them? Are pigs when out of the garden for lunch! They lose their manners, for all of lunch… then suddenly find their manners again, when the garden lunch ends. That's not what I was taught at the garden."
"Well then. That is your quality, little Gullina. You made quite an impression on our mother. As well as the two of us. Our little brother? Favors you over the others now as well. For some time. You see, Gullina… our little brother, can not come to his big brothers, for aid against the other children in their squabbles. Our parents would not raise him, to be a spoiled twat. He has to fight his own battles. We are Kingsmen, and we would have nothing less, for our own brother. Oh, no adult would touch him, I am sure… but the hairy children? Thinking they have nothing to fear? They have no sense of honor, even when it is explained to them at the garden. It would seem, they are going to have to learn it, the harder way."
"What harder way?"
"Well, Gullina… can you keep it under yer helmet?"
"Aye."
"I would have yer oath, then."
"Ye trust my oath?"
"Aye. I do."
"Then you have it. I swear."
"It's not that our little brother can't fight… he is not allowed to fight. His job, until now? Has been to do well in the garden, and little else. His gardening, is ended. He is about to soon be declared. As you were."
"And? How does this make me so… important."
"Gullina… all the other girls? Offer him no favor. Because he does not fight. None except… you. That will soon change… yet… then? How could he trust those new girl's quality on any other matter, than for them to be just as fickle in their favor. No… your quality? You showed when there was no morsel to be had for it, and indeed, when it costed you morsels. Our little brother, would desire your coin, little Gullina."
"And, he would have it… yet, I have no coin to offer him. I am no lady. I cleaned sheep shit, Gareen."
"Well, if you promise to keep it under yer helmet, you might find that matter different quite soon as well. Our mother, who you so impressed… with your gardening… and your quality… is not just the wife of the steward. She is the Lady Eira. Do you not notice, that our father, the Hammerfist himself… values his wife's counsel? It is not for the idle sport of it, or simply to please a willful wife. Mother's counsel, is considered a great gift in her lands she comes from. She is held in high regard among her own people."
"Your family flatters me. Why does your mother favor me so."
"Gullina… you are the first girl, in these lands? To become a high reckoner. You also, excel in all the games at the garden. You are tall, and strong. You are healthy. You show great character, as well. Mother and father, wish to make an example of you, for taking your garden work so seriously."
"I… thought all this favor… was simply because of Shan liking me."
"Aye, that too. Yet… mother, and father both? Are concerned with the example that you set. With the example that Peen here sets. The pickles? In all the south-lands? Are to be shown the proper example, how to conduct themselves. What the Gardening brings a man, and brings a woman."
"I… am flattered, yet… I am not sure I am worth all of that."
"Little Gullina? That… is yet another quality you possess, that mother wishes to reward. Mekall? Do you not have some trinket mother gave you for the girl? I trust my devious brother has not misplaced it already."
"Gareen, were I not on my warhorse? I might piss down yer leg. Mother would run me through with her own sword were I to lose it… is it time, then?"
Gareen nodded.
"Little Gullina? Our mother, the Lady Eira… would have you wear this, if you would have it, for now."
Mekall put the coin on its leather thong necklace on the handle of his great ax, and handed it out handle first for Gullina to take, if she wanted it.
"Will you have it?"
"Aye… yet, what is it?"
Gullina looked at the little sign coin quizzically.
"That, is the Lady Eira's sign coin. In her own lands, where she grew up? Our mother was declared one of the top women for men to seek for a wife. One of the best, that the Rhyshian people had to offer. As a young woman? She had ladies in waiting. Her best friends from childhood, that followed her through all of her gardening. Women of such quality as she herself was. Mother misses her friends for many winters now."
"Am… I now to be her lady in waiting?"
"Aye. Mother was a declared 'Kingmaker'. The highest honor her people could bestow upon a woman. As a Gentle Woman, and a Kingmaker? Mother oversees the Garden you and Shan are the first two to excel in. You, Gullina? Are to be the first Kingmaker this southern border-land has had. You are to be an example to the other young women around you."
"Can I give my coin then, to my Peen?"
"You can offer it to him, if you will."
She held it out to Peen, smiling.
Shan closed her hand around the coin, and gently pushed it back to her.
"I can not accept it. Not yet, Gullina."
"And why not?"
"Gullina… you are declared already. I? Am not declared a man yet. You will have to wait a little while yet."
"Shan? At least address yer friend correctly. Is she not now the 'Lady' Gullina?"
"Aye. Lady Gullina? You must wait a little while yet. As a Kingmaker? I am unworthy of you, until I have been declared a man, and, examined to become a full Lord."
"Well, how long does all that matter take up."
"Lady Gullina? Those matters, might be seen to at the upcoming festival."
"Gareen's birthright celebration? The one we are getting ready for?"
"Aye, the same. I have it on good gossip, several matters and more will be gone over at that time."
"And… what will I have to do, for all of this flattery? What do I owe."
"Lady Gullina? You owe nothing. Only this… when you have idle time? Spend some at the garden. Instructing other children. You are an example now. Set a good one. Simply stay as you are now. Unspoiled. And? Should you ever have children? You are expected to see them Gardened properly. As you were. That is all. Is that so much to ask of you for the honors?"
"It is as nothing to ask of me. I would be happy to."
"Well then, let's quit wasting sunlight. As our trip started? We are looking for some proper clothes for a new Lady to wear to the festival. You should look nice, while being entertained at the festival, Lady Gullina."
"Entertained? How."
"Peen. Is that not your matter? The entertainment."
"Lady Gullina? I will not have my coin wench poking boys with sticks on my behalf forever. My older brothers, have been preparing me to entertain all of the men, at the festival. I would have you be the envy of the other girls."
"Peen! I would not see you harmed, trying to impress me!"
Gareen and Mekall both laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"Young Lady Gullina? Perhaps you should wait until we stop traveling today, to decide. You have not yet seen yer young man practicing yet. It may well change your attitude on Shan providing entertainment."
"If either of you two kingsmen get my Shan killed, trying to impress me with the bigger boys? You had best watch out for my sharpened sticks. And, I won't give you a fair standing start when I come for you on the matter. You have several boys in the village to ask, if you don't believe me."
Gareen and Mekall both about fell back off their warhorses laughing so hard.
The new Lady Gullina demanded to know what was so damned funny about that.
Mekall chuckled out…
"Peen! Mother has made a fine choice, I now see. I do believe, you had best mind her egg pot in the future."
All four of them started laughing about it all.
When night began to threaten, Gareen and Mekall scouted either side of their road. The armor for the horses showed its usefulness now easily. The horses could plod through the thick underbrush easily with no injuries.
Shan explained to Gullina, that it was always safest to get as far off the road as possible when traveling. Though they were safe enough here, this close to home? It was not some good habit to get into. The horses made it too easy to get far enough off the road they would never be found even if being looked for.
Shan watched both directions on the road until his brothers were back, and they chose Gareen's uphill direction. They went up the hill, then back down the other side. They had a spot with no underbrush and a few large trees.
After they made a fire and ate, Gullina got to see Shan practice with his two kingsman brothers. They played the game where both of them tried to poke him and he had to stay away from both of them without attacking back.
Gullina didn't like seeing them swipe their axes at his head and torso, but Shan was used to this game and assured her it was fun for him.
Gullina couldn't believe how good he was at this, yet wasn't allowed to fight. The brothers repeated a short bit more with each of them having two long sticks out of the fire. In the night, the light trails the glowing sticks left, taught Shan how much closer he could let the sticks get and still be safe.
When they finally unrolled their furs to sleep around the dying fire, Gullina asked about animals in the heavy underbrush. The three assured her, that the horses would alert them long before anything dangerous could get close, and that the horses were "more then trustworthy" not to wander.
Gareen and Mekall kept their little Gullina between themselves. They were her bodyguards after all. Shan didn't mention it was also unspoken but obvious, that they were fulfilling their "chaperon" promise to the parents.
In the early morning light, Gullina woke up to Shan sitting by the small morning fire. The older brothers were both coming back up to their camp up a slight grade. Their hair was wet, they had obviously taken a quick dip to clean up before breakfast and moving out.
Gareen pointed at the girl and their little brother… Mekall shrugged.
Gareen explained there was a crystal clear tiny pool of water on the otherwise tiny stream just over the hill they came up. If they wanted to go and bathe, now was the time, while the older brothers would handle a light breakfast for everyone. They already had the water-skins filled, so there was no worrying about muddying the water. Told them to "go and have fun", was his exact words.
Shan eyed Gareen. Calculated. How exactly, did the same two older brothers who kept Gullina between them all night to safeguard her and chaperon her… now have no problem letting the two of them go bathing together. Told to have fun on top of it, and even a sly mention "not to worry about muddying up the water".
Shan figured that was what the shrug had been about, the brothers had decided it was okay? Weird, but whatever.
Gullina started walking down to the water the way they had come up, and stopped to look back and see if Shan was coming. Shan looked at his brothers again.
Gareen spoke up.
"Shan? I promised mother and father, that there would be none of you two sleeping together. Bathing? There was no bargain on that matter. I tell you… anything you two think you can get away with in that small deep pool? You are free to do it as long as you want to. Go on… we're tending breakfast. It will be ready when you get back."
Shan was still hesitant.
Mekall added with a shrug.
"Shan? Someone has to watch her bathe. I will tell you, as I told yer brother. I don't think it is entirely decent one or both of us watch yer wench in her bath, it might as well be you. Go on. Go jump in together and have fun."
Gullina smiled, and took Shan by the hand, and half dragged him down with her.
Mekall and Gareen had barely gotten through their performance without cracking up and playing it razor straight for the kids benefit. When they were about sure both kids were down there already? They started counting slowly on their fingers. The two brothers were wondering what had gone awry with their plan, when they heard a loud splash…
…followed by two positively ear piercing shrieks. The shrieks descended into yelling and arguing. More splashing… all of which couldn't have taken more than about twenty seconds from "splash" to they heard no more water moving.
There was more muttering and complaining before they heard the footsteps back up to the morning breakfast fire.
"Well? That was awful quick, even for a first timer, I must say… Mekall? I heard even you managed a few more minutes than that yer first time out… why…"
Gullina eyed them with a scorched gaze that threatened to set the two older brothers on fire.
"Shan? Which of these two did you say was the devious one? I am just about to stick a red hot stick up his ass."
Shan smirked at his older brothers, who had their trademark shit eating grins back on.
"Actually? This time, it was both of them, that were in on it together."
Mekall jokingly reminded Gullina, that Shan will look "much better" in warmer water, they were brothers so he knew, he could swear to it. Gareen all but choked on his water skin he was sipping at, for that wit.
Gareen cleared the air.
"Okay, truth time. First? Mekall usually jumps in water, then tells me the temperature. So? Mekall drops into the water, smiles at me, and says it's actually pretty warm."
"So? I jumped in. I will say, I believe I have fallen through ice before that had warmer water beneath it, I swear. We were wet and out of there in seconds, let me tell you. Then? While I am about to strangle my brother here, he gets the bright idea… we just gotta get you two in there as well."
"Why."
"Why not? Now, all four of us, have been wet and are very wide awake and ready for the day. Are we not?"
Shan then tried to pacify everyone.
"All right, everyone had their fun, and this will be funny… just later on down the road, not right now."
Gareen and Mekall had hot greens water with some now boiled dried meat ready for them.
Gareen pointed out, that they knew they were not supposed to be fooling around anyways, so technically it was a good lesson. Then, Gareen wanted to know which had gone in first, and gotten the other to jump in.
Gullina replied for them.
"Actually, we were arguing about who saw who first. So… we agreed to jump in together. "
Both older brothers cracked up giggling.
"Hey, at least you got to look each other over. That was something, anyways."
Shan smirked.
"We were both arguing about it, so, we agreed to close our eyes, hold hands, and jump in together. You can imagine our surprise."
"Actually, Mekall said something like… if Shan can get anything to work in this water? He's more man than we are put together."
"Speak for yer self, Gareen… I'm hung like a farm animal."
"What farm animal, Mekall? A chicken. You know yer hung like a chicken."
*clap*, *clap*, *clap*
It was Gullina, clapping their attention.
"All right. Enough farm jokes already, boys. I always did wonder what I missed out on, not having brothers. Now I know."
"Don't girls have sport with each other? I would have believed the girls tease each other about their chest."
"Well… I suppose we do. Yet? As I said before… I am not the most popular girl in the village. I have chased the girls around with sticks as well as the boys. I grow tired of the sheep shit jokes."
Gareen laughed.
"Don't worry about it, Gullina. We are both Kingsmen, and our little brother will be one as well… and all three of us grew up cleaning pig shit. Cow shit. Chicken shit. Goat shit. Ye can't have animals about, without some shit."
"Yet, your father is the Steward. Why don't you have farm hands for that."
"Bite yer tongue, Lady Gullina. Our parents would rather die than have people come in and do the work for us."
Gullina looked puzzled.
"Why?"
"Gullina… our parents have three sons. What kind of example would that set, the grown sons of the Steward were lazy and couldn't handle farm work. And we are both Kingsmen. How are we to handle bandits on the roads, for the high king… and we can't even handle a few farm animals."
Gullina thought about it.
"Is your family… noble?"
"Why do you ask, Lady Gullina."
"People gossip sometimes. They mean nothing by it."
"Well, share with us then. What is the gossip? We will set you straight on anything you have the wrong idea of."
"Yer Mother, the Lady Eira. You gave me her sign coin. You called me a Lady. You two, all but admitted you were Rhyshian Lords. Shan Peen here? Will not accept my new coin, until he has been declared a Lord."
Gareen chuckled.
"Gullina… we are Kingsmen. We are not paid for our service in coin. We are paid in respect. Being a Kingsman costs a man, it does not pay a man to be so. It takes a lot of hard work and preparation to become a Kingsman. It's about giving, not about getting. The matter of being Lords? No different. It just means more hard work. Work that does not make you any coin."
"So… your family is not noble, then."
"Gullina, up in the far north? To be called 'noble' is a great insult. It means, that you are the son or the daughter of someone who believes themselves to be better than everyone else around them. It means, that you grew up spoiled and lazy. Up north? There is no greater insult to offer someone."
Mekall continued it.
"Gullina… Our parents are Rhyshian. To our people? Being declared a Lord or a Lady… means that the person had more gardening than the other people. It means that the person excelled at their gardening. It means the person is the best example for other people to follow. It is not some title, that is passed onto children. It is a title of respect. It carries no coin and no lands to go with it. If anything, it just brings more work and more responsibility."
Gareen explained further.
"Gullina, if the kingdom is ever under attack again one day? The 'Lords' are expected to be the first into the fight, and the last to leave the fight. Where our parents come from, up north? This brings respect. Nothing more. As Rhyshian Lords? We are expected to protect all the pickles of the kingdom with our own lives, if it comes to it. If there is no fight? Then we are expected to be a proper example for people to follow."
"So… the great example, is the Garten and taking the gardening seriously."
"That is but one example, of many. But yes, the Garden is as the gate in a tall fence around a beautiful meadow. You can't get to the beautiful meadow, but that you go through the gate first."
"What else, then?"
Gullina was fully curious now, more then ever.
"How people treat one another. I am sure you have noticed how important it is, to be polite and gracious. If a pickle learns nothing else at the Garden as a child, it is that one thing."
"Aye."
"In the lands mother comes from? That is how everyone talks to one another. Big men do not walk around insulting women, insulting children, pushing people around. Have you not noticed, which children Shan has the most problems with?"
"The… biggest boys."
"Aye. Those giant children believe there is no need to be polite to people, when there is nothing to fear from them. What will those children surely grow up to be, when they are finally men, I ask you Gullina. They will be a burden."
"Aye. The fathers of them? They are no great prize to have in the village."
"And, the mothers of those children. Have they chosen their husbands wisely? No, they have chosen poorly. They would have giant dimwitted husbands. Why? Because it impressed other popular girls when they were young. Now? They have young dimwitted giants on their hands, and they cannot handle them, can they."
"Not really, no."
"And, even if you go to the parents, with the child's behavior. Will they even try?"
Gullina laughed.
"No. Not if they are not farst by some other giant father."
"Well then. Shan has been to the Garden all week, since he was old enough to walk. So have you. Notice how differently you two act. You are both high reckoners. You can both fight. You are both polite and gracious, and have the highest manners. Is this not so?"
Gullina thought about it.
"Aye."
"Gullina? I want you to daydream. Two, maybe three generations down the road the kingdom is traveling. What if… every family, acted as my family acts… take your time, and think about it."
The young Lady Gullina rode in silence for a few minutes. Then, she finally stated it quietly.
"I… believe that would be a fine thing. A very fine thing."
Gareen and Mekall turned to smile at her, gently and warmly.
"Young Lady Gullina. The steward's family is not noble. Our ways, our customs? These are not things for our own family… we would have this for all the villagers. This… is for everyone. Not just us."
"Aye. Where our parents are from? There are some of the most dangerous men you have ever seen in yer life walking about the villages. These same men, are the most quiet and polite men you have ever met. True giants, that are high reckoners… and most of them are Blade-Masters and Master-Hunters. Full Rhyshian Lords, all of them."
Gullina made a face. This contrasted so sharply with what she had experienced growing up, it was difficult to believe.
"I know, it is hard to believe it. The most dangerous men in the kingdom? Consider it their sacred duty, to protect smaller and weaker men. If you have any serious problem? You simply run to the largest man you can find. You already know, he will help you."
"Aye, and I would add to my brother's story? This pig shit you and Shan had to endure growing up here in the south-lands? That shit would not last three days up in the far north. The giant fathers up there? Well, it's about all the high king can do to keep them from literally killing their own giant sons, if they acted in such a fashion."
"Aye. The fathers consider it a great dishonor upon the entire family, if they raise a giant son who would be a burden to the people around him. Not one girl in all the villages, would dare to marry such a young man."
"Why?"
"Because, Young Lady Gullina… it brings great shame upon the entire family that they failed so miserably gardening their child."
"Now then, would you not have rather grown up there, little Gullina?"
"Aye!"
"Well then, Mekall. I do believe that the young Lady Gullina, is starting to get the idea what father and mother are trying to accomplish."
Mekall added grimly.
"For my part? I can't wait to see Shan Peen here have some proper sport with one or two of those village boys."
Gullina piped up.
"What of the fathers of them? Aren't you worried about what they might do."
Both brothers started giggling. Then chuckling, and finally guffawing so hard they about fell off their horses.
"All right you two… now what is so damn funny."
"The fathers? Had best keep their asses in their chairs at the feast, and enjoy the entertainment as everyone else will."
"Why?"
Gareen and Mekall quit laughing and grew quiet. Quite serious looking. They eyed one another quite coldly. Gullina wasn't sure she enjoyed that look they gave one another.
"Little one? The village boys are going to have games to entertain the adults, as well as all the many visitors coming in for this feast. It will not take long for… certain boys to get up to their usual tricks, if you know what I speak of, aye?"
"Aye… and I know the ones, trust me."
"Well… as I said… it is the young men who are to provide all the entertainment. If those fathers wish to provide some adult entertainment… we two will be more than pleased to accommodate their wishes. Mekall?"
Mekall coolly hissed back at his brother, without turning around.
"Oh… nothing would please me more. We only stay our hands all these winters? On our parent's command that we do so. If I were given leave to do so? Well… let's just say our barn could stand a few decorations."
"What… what do you two mean by that."
Gullina had never once known either of Shan's older brothers to be anything but quiet and polite, and to stand back and watch the bigger boys chase their little brother around. They did little more than tell him to run faster.
She couldn't believe the look on their faces when they both turned around to face her. Cold, hard eyes. Emotionless faces. They did not appear to be in any way kidding around.
"Trophies, little one. Trophies… heads…"
"Me and my brother would settle for some teeth spread around the yard, but, if any of those fathers wish it? We would oblige them with more, if they asked for it."
"Aye. I am glad we are getting to the end of this part of the whole plan. What do you have to say on that matter, Shan."
Gullina looked over at Shan. Who she had only known to ever be, if anything, even more polite and gracious than his two older brothers.
"Brothers? I have been eyeing up the one father, myself, as of late. I would love to see what he thinks he can do, with his sword. He thinks he is really something, swinging that big thing around so slow, a pig could avoid him. He's a dimwitted fool."
The older brothers laughed coolly. Gullina was not entirely sure she enjoyed the sound of it, really.
"Aye. Our mother could handle that one… he's a drunken pig."
"Aye… mother would cut him to ribbons, he's so slow."
This was a new side of the three brothers, that absolutely no one in the village had ever heard of, much less ever seen before. Gullina was completely sure, she was not supposed to talk about it until after the feast. Gullina felt slightly uncomfortable, with all the matter of fact talk about violence. She changed the subject abruptly.
"Boys? What visitors are coming in for the feast. Are there many? The Tavern-keeper and his family have been planning this for two weeks now… they have even borrowed extra tables and benches off of the other taverns for it."
"Lady Gullina. This village? It is going to see more armor walking and riding around than they have ever seen in their life. Unless I miss my guess? The village will be gossiping about this for years to come."
"Truly?"
All three brothers started chuckling, and mercifully they were back to seeming friendly again.
Quietly taking all these new developments in, Gullina grew quiet for a time, before she asked the brothers if she might ask something of them.
"What would you know, Lady Gullina?"
"Something I have wondered about, with you two kingsmen."
"Aye. What, little one."
"Well… I would have yer leave of it, to ask this. If I may."
"Oh, by Odin himself Mekall, we are to now be examined by the young Lady Gullina."
"Aye, brother. Mother has chosen well, has she not? What would you know, little one. You have our leave of it, I assure you."
"Well. You two… you are much older than my Shan here."
The two brothers looked at one another, furrowing their brows.
"Aye. What of it, then."
"Well, and I mean no disrespect, mind you. I am just curious. You two… on more than one occasion? Have… often and freely admitted, that Shan is the high reckoner, aye?"
"Oh, aye. He's the best of the three of us. Father is very proud of him for that. As is mother, and we two as well. We could not be happier with him."
"Well… why, when you two are so much older… is Shan the high reckoner? Would not you two have been gardened as he was? Longer, even. I'm not sure it makes sense to me. And again, I mean you no insult."
Mekall and Gareen looked at one another, then back at Shan and his friend. Shan was looking at his older brothers now as well. Gareen addressed her.
"As we said earlier? Much after the feast, will be clear to you, little one. I would ask you to wait and see."
Mekall added to it.
"Shan? I already know mother has had a talk with you a while back, about missing sweetbread, did she not?"
"Aye."
"Well… after the feast? I only pray to Odin, that you are not mad at either me or Gareen, little brother. We are, first and foremost? Kingsmen above all. We were under command. That's all I can say on the matter for now. It will all come out in the wash, little brother. I assume you trust yer brothers, aye?"
"Aye."
When they finally arrived at their destination village, village children first gawked, then followed them about. A tavern-keeper came out and all but followed them around as well. His wish, was for them to stay at his tavern, he claimed to have fine rooms available. On the few occasions anyone older than a child ran up to the group walking their horses into town, one or the other older brother held out the handle end of their great ax. To merely touch them gently. The meaning was all too clear, even if polite. Stay back, do not lay hands upon the high king's men and their company.
It wasn't every day that the villagers got to see the standard bearer's flag of a high lord of the overall kingdom. Much less fully armored kingsmen. Little Gullina was at first embarrassed to ride in the middle of a big triangle of muscle and armor and openly displayed weaponry. Single young women a few winters older than Gullina were coming out with everyone else to see the sight. The women pointed and giggled politely at the crew. Older boys and full grown men jostled each other for a better view and smiled. Dipped their heads and waved.
They paused at the behest of the tavern-keeper. This must be his tavern they easily decided. The smile on the man's face when they paused said it for him.
"Aye, young kingsman? Go off. Inspect the rooms. If it meets our needs, handle it… you have the gold, after all."
It took Shan a moment to remember that was him.
"If I must."
He dismounted and stepped lightly behind the tavern-keeper, who was all smiles and frivolity to have esteemed customers. The tavern was silent as the grave when Shan walked in and followed the keeper up the steps to see their rooms. After a hasty walk through, he gave the keeper a large, hard gold coin and got a handful of low coins back for change. As Shan walked back out to his traveling company, the keeper clapped for his helpers to get the rooms ready, and to have food and drink ready when everyone came in.
The brothers proffered a couple small copper coins to a young kid, to see their horses stabled and kept. Everyone eyed them silently as they went up to stow their belongings in their rooms. Gullina was silent with all but embarrassment when she had to walk up the steps with one huge brother in front of her, and another behind her. Shan stayed at the bottom of the steps, bored. He leaned on his two handed ax to await the rest of them to come down and join them. Everyone just gawked silently.
When they all three came back down, still with Gullina between them, Gareen asked if they could now have a snack.
"Aye. I would suppose so, brother. I would remind you? I do not have the run of this tavern, as my own back home."
Gareen smiled at him.
"So? Let your lips do what your hands and feet can not, little brother."
Shan arranged for food and drink, and Gareen and Mekall took the outside seats, flanking Shan and Gullina on the two inside seats. Shan seated Gullina with her hand in his, then saw about putting their weapons and belts up on the pegs near them. Gareen's face stopped him from pegging his great ax, which he left leaning up next to him, as did Mekall. Apparently, they were to leave their large axes handy and near them.
While they were finally eating, a young man approached them and talked with them idly. Where they were from, what they were up to, and similar idle talk. All was answered, except Gareen announced it politely.
"The High Lord Mjolnir sent us on errand. We are here to kit out the Lady Gullina in proper festival clothes. Do not lay hands on the young Lady, or the young Lord. Nor offer them insult. Other than that? All is well, young man."
From the young man's reaction, Gareen didn't need to glance down at the handle of his great ax, but he did so anyways. The man smiled and went back to sitting with his own cohorts at a table on the far end of the tavern. When they were done eating, The older brothers had their "young kingsman" see about a hot bath. They had a couple horns of ale for the brothers, and Gullina and Shan wanted apple juice. The older brothers cajoled Shan into a large horn of proper ale and giggled as he sipped it slowly while the water fire was whipped up to temperature.
They all eventually finished and were taken back by a young lady serving the tavern to the bath house. Mekall and Gareen stood outside after sending Gullina and Shan in to get into the hot water first, politely. The brothers left their large metal helmets outside the door as a reminder to anyone happening by that the bath was occupied. Of the four walls of the bath when they joined the two young ones already inside, everyone had their own side of the bath to relax and soak in. Gareen and Mekall and Shan were obviously used to relaxing in a large hot bath house. They leaned back and looked positively sleepy after a couple days on the trail.
"Mekall? I do not think the young Lady is well used to a hot bath."
"I'm sure she will grow used to it. It's not a hard thing to get to enjoy, aye, Gullina?"
"Reminds me of the little duck pond behind the tavern… just… warmer…"
"Well… do your best to try to get used to it. When you stay at our great-house? A young Lady in waiting of the Lady Eira should grow accustomed to being clean and smelling nice."
"Are you having sport with me?"
"I would not dream of such, little one. Mother would have my head for it."
"Hmm. I kept my teeth together and played along through our food. I feel like I am a wee little girl again. Playing princess."
Mekall never could restrain his wit completely.
"Do you grow young, when in the water? In truth… my brother Gareen is said to have the same difficulty."
Gareen splashed Mekall, and he did it back. It wasn't long before the two were shoving and laughing. They nearly careened into Shan and Gullina. Shan put his foot on one of them and shoved, using the stone wall at his back for purchase. The one dragged the other with him and over.
"Did you see that, Gareen? He had the sack, to kick a kingsman."
"He did, I saw it. Men have lost their head for less, I have been told."
They both eyed him up for his response.
"I see no kingsmen. I see only two great pigs I bathe with. As if I am still back at father's farm. And I didn't kick you, you fool. I… shoved you. With my foot."
"Ah. So… you do admit. That you kicked me."
"No, Mekall. But… I did hear him at least admit, that we look like farm animals. Great pigs, no less."
"I look like a pig in the water. You? More resemble a chicken."
"This water is much warmer. I'm at least a rooster now."
Gullina clapped their attention.
"Boys! Do I need to bathe with my touch stick? Honestly. Shan? Is it always like this? Bathing with these two?"
"No. This is new for both of them. Normally, they are much more unruly. I'm amazed they haven't rolled out the bathing pool by now."
Shan oinked at them to tease them, and Gullina rolled her eyes as the three of them had some kind of little oink-fest, taunting each other back and forth. As they all settled back down, the girl seeing to the needs of those in the bath knocked and brought in a tray. Apparently, either Mekall or Gareen had requested it. A decent sized pitcher of fine wine, and four small drinking horns. The serving girl returned moments after that, with their clothes while they had been soaking. Washed and quickly dried by a fire, their garments smelled faintly of fragrant wood-smoke.
Gareen and Mekall each had a small horn of wine, and relaxed quietly. Shan complained.
"Greedy pigs. You could have at least gotten some water for us. Gullina likes the apple juice as much as I do, even though the tart green apples are all but unknown outside our village."
Gareen eyed Mekall up.
"I would suppose, we'll have to give them wine then. Mekall? Don't be greedy with those two spare horns."
Mekall passed them over, then slid the wine pitcher over towards Shan.
"What am I to do with this?"
Mekall looked at Gareen and furrowed his brow, before his routine wit.
"Well. You could stick it up yer arse, then toot us a tune? But… most simply fill it with wine and sip it. As you would prefer though, brother."
"I had a horn of ale with our food. I am well."
"Perhaps Gullina would like the other horn?"
"I'm like Shan… I had a horn of ale with my food as well. On quiet nights at the tavern? They have trouble getting some wine or ale into me."
Mekall winked at Gullina.
"Little one… there is a rumor about the village. A rumor only, mind you… that the farmer and his wife do, in fact, dispose of whole casks of cheap wine. Quite regularly, as the story gets told. I would have assumed, that you have had wine before."
Gareen nodded to agree with him.
"You are simply too kind, Mekall. It is no great secret? I was raised a foundling, by drunken sheep farmers. They drink it all, night or day. I hardly ever get a cup."
"Go on then. We are at our leisure. On a trip? For leisure. We might do many things, but, tending to sheep will hardly be one of them."
The brothers laughed, watching the two of them. Gullina sipped hers as if it was hot tea and she might burn her lips. Shan hardly ever drank, and sniffed his several times.
"It works better, little brother? If you put it to your lips. I would not recommend snorting wine through your nose. Yet, if you do? The tale would be quite amusing to tell later."
Gullina remarked that it tasted like much better wine than her "drunken sheep farmers" drank on the regular. She had fun lifting Shan's horn to his mouth for him. It took the brothers some time to get a couple of horns of wine into the two of them. Eventually, when it became clear Shan was laughing and talking loud with his two older brothers, and Gullina giggled and burped, then laughed about it with everyone… the two brothers admitted they wanted some bread before getting to bed.
The brothers got out and dried and dressed themselves in their now clean clothes. Their armor had been tied into a pile with cord, and they each clanked their own kit out with them; Gareen grabbed up Shan's armor kit and took it with him as well.
Shan demanded to know…
"What are we to do?"
Mekall and Gareen looked at each other and shrugged.
"Try not to drown?"
They left them, and said they would be in the tavern, as it was a nice quiet night early in the week.
"Some chaperons, those two are. Out there enjoying the night's fresh loaves. Leaving us in here."
"Shan. How many times have we been swimming together before. Every summer now for how many winters."
"With others around, sure."
Gullina teased him.
"What are you afraid might happen, little Peen?"
Before he could say anything, she dunked him and laughed. Shan came up sputtering, and did it back. Eventually, they dried and dressed and came out to join the brothers. As they crept out of the bath house door quietly… the few men in the place began applauding and hooting. Another offered a toast to the young couple.
They both laughed and waved and smiled. Shan brought the pitcher of wine left over to his brothers, and laid their two horns next to it before sitting next to them, Gullina by him at the next stool over.
"And what was all that about?"
Gareen and Mekall chuckled, and had another small loaf each.
"Mekall thought it would be good sport, to get everyone to toast you when you came out the bath. All in good spirited fun, brother. Lady Gullina?"
"Yes?"
"And did I not promise you, Shan would look much better, in warm water?"
Gullina blushed and they all shared a laugh. It was early in the week, and there wasn't much in the way of customers. Two of the tavern girls seemed to be making friends with the two older brothers. One kept sitting in Mekall's lap when she wasn't required to do anything. When Gareen's girl giggled and tried to sit in Shan's lap, Gullina shooed her away and plopped herself in his lap instead.
Before it got too late, Mekall and Gareen announced they were going to bed early. The girls said they would be up to help with the beds in their room directly.
"You two can stay up and have some fun. We have been on the road a few days time. We should all sleep in, before seeing about commissioning some festival clothes for the Lady Gullina tomorrow. Shan? It's not an unruly tavern. You can see to caring for Gullina yourself, I am sure."
They had water and some more bread, and the other serving girl ended up sitting and gabbing with them.
"We just don't get many Lords and Ladies in here very often."
"Ma'am? You can call me Shan. Or even Peen, is what they have been calling me. I'm… actually not declared a Lord yet."
"But… you will be?"
"I suppose so."
"Aren't you excited about it?"
"Excited about what?"
"Becoming a Lord? What else."
"Oh, that. Ma'am? I am to be a Rhyshian Lord… not some noble."
She looked at him funny.
"I know. You wear armor. Your brothers? Told us, you will be a kingsman in a short time. And you? Are a lucky young Lady, are you not?"
Gullina smiled politely.
"I am. I'm really not used to being served in the tavern. Back home? I work in a tavern. Not unlike this one, really."
"But… I heard them call you Lady. You are the Lady Gullina, are you not? I see your sign coin you wear."
"Oh. I wasn't born a lady. I'm a lady in waiting. To the wife of a steward."
"Near here?"
"Several days ride."
The girls gabbed as Gullina described where they were from.
"Oh. You're from the wool district, at least that's what we call it, out that way."
"That's the place. Drunken woolers come through, once a year. They are as all but an invasion."
"Sounds like the merchants that come through here. We're off the main merchant's trail, or it would be worse. We still get our fair share of them, though."
Despite Shan's polite protestations, the young serving girl all but insisted on calling him Lord Peen, which made Gullina giggle.
"Don't worry, Lady Gullina. I won't be offering to help prepare the bed for your young Lord… I'd rather keep my head."
Gullina wasn't happy until she was helping the girl take dishes and pitchers to the back, before going upstairs to sleep. The girl went to follow them with the tray, reloaded with small loaves of bread, and a small pitcher each of wine and water. Gullina smiled and waved her off, and said she'd take the tray up herself. Reminding her she worked in a tavern just like this one.
Gullina and Shan stopped at the bigger room the brothers were already into, and they heard noise. They knocked, and one of the girls opened the door. Gareen and Mekall were obviously entertaining company for the evening. Gareen excused himself, and came out to stand in the hall with the two of them.
"Shan? As you can see… me and your brother… we have…"
"I have eyes, brother. You two are wenching."
"Well, we are. But to be fair? The girls are helping us… what do you need? Something in the room?"
"My bed."
"Oh. That… Shan? How do I explain this. You? Will have to… chaperon… Lady Gullina this evening."
"You two. Really. Are we two to chaperon ourselves?"
"Now, there you go. You got the idea. Gullina? Would you mind if Peen here stayed in your room tonight?"
"I am sure we can make do. You two? I would say have fun, yet, it seems you already are."
Gareen smiled.
"The ladies are quite clever with conversation."
"I'm sure they are. Good night, Gareen."
"It does seem? As if it will be. Take care, you two."
Gullina handed Gareen the tray before he closed the door, but he smiled and closed the door without taking it. They heard the bolt slide on the brother's room door. Shan was still standing there staring at his brother's room. Gullina took the tray down to her room, then poked her head out and walked back down to Shan still standing there.
"Can you believe those two?"
"Hmm. Shan? We'll have to entertain ourselves tonight, it would seem."
"Gullina… I'd rather not spend half the night trying to stay awake down in the tavern."
"I wasn't planning on that either, Shan. Come with me."
"Where, then."
"Shan?"
"Yes."
"We need to have a talk."
"About my brother's behavior?"
"No. About yours."
"Me? I'm not the one carrying on at the tavern while on the road, I mean who---"
Gullina grabbed his hand and all but yanked him after her, down to her room. Shoved him in the room in front of her, then followed him in, and closed and bolted the door behind them.
"Oh, look. One bed. One cold, hard floor. I am going to strangle one of them tomorrow morning."
"Shan?"
"Yes."
"We're spending the night in this room. It's fine."
"Sure. Fine for you. You obviously get the bed. My sleeping blankets are in their room."
"Shan?"
"Yes."
"If we were still up, would we not be talking, down in the tavern still."
"Aye. We would be."
"So. We can still talk here. It's not as if we will be keeping your brothers up in the next room, judging by the noise they are making."
Gullina went and laid back on the bed, on the side closest to the wall. She crossed her feet, and laced her fingers behind her head.
"When you get tired of standing there? Lay down next to me. There's plenty of room. It is a big bed, you know."
Shan eventually laid down next to her, and laced his fingers behind his head, as she was doing.
"See? It's fine. Not much different from when we lay in the grass and look at animals in the clouds, aye?"
"I suppose."
"Shan?"
"What now."
"We need to have a talk."
"About what?"
"Shan, are you not a high reckoner?"
"I am."
"Am I not a high reckoner as well?"
"You are. We gardened together."
"We did. Shan… I'm fairly certain. That I reckoned something out. That you don't yet see."
"Hmm. What would that be, then."
Gullina rolled over, and supported her head on her hand. Leaned over and began to whisper into Shan's ear. When he started to say something, she covered his mouth with her hand, and kept talking in his ear. When she was done, she lifted her hand up.
"Are you sure?"
Gullina nodded.
"But… I'm not in coin to you yet."
Gullina lifted her coin off of her neck, and dropped it over his.
"For tonight? You are."