JP - Arriving at the Keep - The Old Boiling Water Trick

It was starting to get dark by the time they arrived at the main gate. The guards recognized Wulfsen and the rest, so there was no hesitation over the two new people in their company and the gate was opened to allow them in.

Looking up at the main gate, Miyuki wondered just how bad things were with these people. Should she even be staying here? Should she keep moving?

That was when a girl with ocean blue eyes ran around toward the main gate and brightened at the sight of everyone. Rushing over, she pounced for a hug from the nearest individual.

Wulfsen had been leading the group, and his horse bucked in a panic as the dog girl hugged him. He had to focus on staying in the saddle for a moment with the added complication of having his arms hugged to his sides.

"Wasn't expecting that" Rook chuckled at the sight.

“Neither was Wulfsen.” Bai hopped off his own horse in case Bella decided to hug him next, he did not want to get thrown.

Bella kissed Wulfsen’s cheek before hopping down and looking at the others to see if anyone wanted a hug.

“Is she…always like this?” Miyuki asked the man who had just been hugged.

“Yes.” Wulfsen admitted. Wulfsen pointed out the main building for Rook and Miyuki as he dismounted from his horse. “You can get food in there, there’s a bathing room too, just off the kitchen under the main hall.”

Lek could be seen coming out of the main building holding a large pot of steaming hot water. He had shed his tunic at some point and had it tucked into his belt.

Rook simply chuckled at the sight of Lek "the old boiling water trick" he said grabbing his deer meat and Ale from the cart.

“What do you mean?” Lek asked, though he had already suspected and flushed slightly.

"It's all right boy it happens to a lot of men" Rook assured "boiling water, chopping wood, ect. Go grab some food and drink and rest a little bit hovering over them won't do any good. Just be lucky they're not dwarves you only get one warning before the frying pan comes out."

“My sister told me the healer needed hot water.” He mumbled in embarrassment. He glanced toward the dormitory building, specifically one window on the third floor.

"Trust me they'll find good use for it so make your last delivery and get some rest" Rook assured him.

As for Bella, she turned to see Lek and pounced for a hug. The poor man.

“I want to be near and alert in case anything- hey!” Lek barely managed to set the pot of hot water down before he was pounced for a hug.

"Trust me lad as a male and a dwarf I know The feeling of unable to be able to help in a situation where all you can do is wait" Rook replied "but the midwives and the healers know what they're doing you can stay close by without being up their skirts about it."

“The closest I can get is a room down the hall.” Lek hunched his shoulders, probably still being hugged by Bella.

Bella was indeed still hugging Lek, one of her favorite people since her arrival. She was nuzzling into his chest, tail wagging happily. Someone would have to pry her off at this point.

Lek awkwardly patted Bella on the head. He looked towards the dormitory window again, straining his ears to hear her.

Seeing Lek’s distress, Bella stepped back, releasing him. Her ears twitched, listening as he did, but she was no midwife and could not help. Looking to the others, she tilted her head to the side with curiosity. The one thing that would make everyone very uncomfortable was…she didn’t have any clothes on.

Poor Lek did not need that added layer of embarrassment. He blushed when he realized Bella was not wearing clothes.

Rook approached the girl nonchalantly before wrapping a cloak around her. " So what's her story" he asked offering her some of his deer meat.

“I’m not sure. She just sort of showed up one day. She doesn’t speak.” Lek said. He lifted the pot of water, hoping it was still hot enough. “I should take this upstairs…”

"Just remember what I said," Rook replied, waving the young man off and wishing him luck.

Lek nodded, but he did not think he would be able to rest while Pinja was in labor. He wished things were different, that he could be in there with her holding her hand. He went into the dormitory and started up the stairs.

A girl with wild black hair limped her way over with a walking stick. She looked at Bella and shook her head. “Why aren’t you wearing clothes again, Bella?”