OOM: Now with added Carlotta

[gotland_npc]

There is snow on the ground still, but it's certainly thawing; the sea by the barrow-hill is a bit choppy today.

It is late afternoon, and the farmstead lies quiet in the evening sun.

"Now go," Teja says to Carlotta. "They shall make you welcome. Give them my greetings -- nay, give them my love, and Adalgoth and Hilde most of all."

Comments

[gotland_npc]

Gotho takes the baby to get her changed, and put into warm baby swaddling cloths that the twins have grown out of.

"You need not repay us," she says. "You're the King's almost-daughter, and he asked us to take care of you; that is enough for us to make you ever welcome here, until you find your way home."

[fiery_ring]

"I-I will be able to help around the farm when... I'm sorry." Carlotta wipes her eyes again. "It all just happened so quickly."

[gotland_npc]

Liuta hugs her. "Don't worry about it," she says. "Molly is still so young, and you are our guest -- you need not work! If you stay a bit longer, we might ask you to stir a pot or mind a child, if you would, but we would not make the almost-daughter of our king, our honoured guest, work!"

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta smiles weakly.

"Thank you but I'm not a princess, we're travellers from a circus. I will help in any way I can. I muck out the horses at home with Molly strapped on my front."

[gotland_npc]

"I know you are not a princess," Liuta says, "but you are our guest, and that is what counts!"

[fiery_ring]

"I don't know how long I'll be here." Carlotta says.

[gotland_npc]

"It does not change a thing," Liuta says. "Still, as spring comes on, what help you may offer will be gladly accepted, but never asked for."

[fiery_ring]

"Thank you." Carlotta says quietly, staring down into her drink.

[gotland_npc]

"Your baby is really sweet, and so little!" Hilde pipes up, turning up behind her mother. "My Ma is going to have another one, too!"

"Hilde!" Liuta says, exasperated.

[fiery_ring]

"Congratulations." Carlotta says, forcing a weak smile. "When are you due?"

[gotland_npc]

"Not until harvest time," Liuta says, smiling. "But now let's get you and little Molly settled in. After fleeing like that, you need rest."

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta lets herself be mothered by Liuta. Though when she's finally alone with Molly, her exhausted eyes don't manage to close for some time.