Disclaimer: I own nothing, 'cept maybe my original chars. But other than that….
A/N glad to hear the bake sale is going well, have a few more cookies to boost your inventory… Brothers downloading stuff is a real drag, thanks for reviewing again! J so anyway here's the next chap coming your way!
Gill fetched a final load of wood and stacked it carefully by the fire. After the wood was secured she snatched a piece of bread and sat on the corner of the pile to eat it. Cook glanced over indulgently, "Categorical," she chalegened.
"C-a-t-e-g-o-r-i-c-a-l… these are getting too easy Cook," Gill replied through a mouthful of bread.
"Well, your academics have improved, now work on the manners."
Gill chuckled but swallowed what was in her mouth before responding, "Does that mean I can stop with the evening lessons?"
"You wish. Those will end when I say they do, and not a moment before."
Gill smiled and continued eating in silence; Cook was busy with overseeing the cooking of enough food for everyone who lived at the keep, a substantial number. And there were guests tonight, which called for special preparations.
Speaking of guests a shadow darkened the door for a moment before it was revealed to be George. Gill glanced did a double take, thinking that she might be late for her lessons and he had come to admonish her, but he was smiling and there was someone with him.
"Alright, boy, here we are the kitchens… Cook, get the boy some food won't you?" George called out authoritatively. He scanned the kitchen. Gill watched the new boy curiously. She wondered why George would be here with a kid when he had important guests to be meeting with.
"Julia, get something for the boy; can't you see I'm busy right now George?"
"Come now, you can't be that busy," George grinned at his harried head-cook. Julia left off peeling potatoes to fix a plate for the boy though. Soon he was clutching the plate as though he hadn't seen food in days. Julia went back to her potatoes and George guided the little urchin over to where Gill was sitting.
"Eat here, so we won't be in the way," George instructed gently.
Gill did a double take, "Kale?" she breathed hardly able to trust her voice.
"Huh?" the boy managed sputtered as he swallowed down a large bit of food and then turned to look at her, "How'd you know my name?" he asked curiously.
Gill couldn't respond; she was sure of it now. This was Kale, her brother.
"Well, how?"
"I thought you were dead…" she whispered.
"Dead? Do I know you or something girl?"
"It's me Kale…"
Kale squinted at her, "Gill?"
"Yes, don't you recognize your own sister?"
"But they said… oh it doesn't matter what they said, they're all liars anyway. It really is you isn't it?"
For a moment the two just looked at each other awkwardly.
"I've been looking for you," Kale said breaking the odd silence.
"Are you in trouble Kale?" Gill asked concentrating on the floor.
"He has been cleared Gill, you were right about the coercion, my wife saw the evidence and as much as she hates it she will swear for him before the king if necessary," George said, allaying Gill's fears. Gleefully she hopped off the woodpile and gave her brother a hug. Kale tried in vain to protect his food and return the hug. George chuckled at the spectacle.
Gill stepped back and laughed at the smears of food the now decorated her brother's face, she had somehow remained food-free.
"You've got a little something right there," George pointed out a frond of spinach draped over Kale's ear.
Kale picked it off with patent disgust, "What a waste of food," he mumbled as he continued to clean up as best he could and salvage what he could to still be eaten.
"We can get you a fresh plate," George suggested.
"No, like I said, I don't want to waste it."
"There's always plenty here Kale, so don't worry okay?" Gill supplied happily.
"Still, this is fine," Kale replied.
"Suit yourself," George shrugged, "Now, I think I can leave you with Gill here, you can do what she does for today… and don't think you are getting out of lessons today because of this Gilly."
"Of course not, I'll see you later George."
"Alright then, I will work out a better schedule for Kale soon, until then he's with you. I'll be on my way then."
With that George left the warm clamor of the kitchen.
"Well, as soon as you are done we have to weed the south garden and then cook wanted some things from town…"
"So are we the cook's errand runners?"
"Pretty much. George will set you your own tasks soon enough, but until then you'll basically tag along with me."
"Sounds good," Kale carefully ate the food he had managed to return safely to his plate and set the plate with other dirty dishes. Then he followed Gill out to the garden.
"It's been so long," Gill said wistfully.
"Yeah," Kale agreed.
"Tell me everything that's happened … are the others…"
"As far as I know you and I are the only two who lived. As to the rest, why don't you tell me what happened to you, I only know what my masters told me and well, you know how that is."
"Yes, Alright, I'll tell you if you promise to tell me."
"Of course, we're family right? So how have you been?"
"Okay, well right after the raid…" Gill launched into the story as they picked weeds from the little garden patch. After so long set apart from humanity it felt good for both of the children to share what had happened with someone who had known them before everything went wrong.
A/N Okay, so that wasn't as funny or sappy as it could have been but oh well. Hope you enjoyed it and as always reviews are much appreciated.