Dani only spent a few days in the makeshift infirmary. The transition into Bors home was relatively easy. She couldn't help but find herself fascinated by both Vanora and Bors. She watched them with their children and couldn't help but feel some jealousy at the love and patience they showed each one. She'd been there for a week and was already praying that she never went back to her own time.
Kass approached while Dani was watching Vanora churn butter. "Hey Dani!"
The petite blonde turned and smiled at her new friend.
"Would you like to go for a walk with me?" Dani nodded enthusiastically. The two women left the small kitchen area and began to walk towards the wooded area. "What I'd really like to do is find some wild growing herbs. We could make Vanora a little herb garden or something. She's always so nice. I know a few herbs, but not that many. How about you?"
Dani nodded again. Her parents had delegated the chore of cooking to her most of the time. She'd enjoyed it so it hadn't been too horrible. She'd thrown herself into learning about different spices and flavors. Dani had always hoped that perhaps one day she'd be able to escape and she could go to culinary school somewhere. Perhaps become a chef. Deep down though she'd always known it was just a pipe dream. Now though, well, now she could do whatever she wanted. Not culinary school obviously, but she could cook and invent. Dani smiled widely as she realized just one more positive thing about her new situation.
Kassidy carried a basket with them and the two began to carefully uproot different herbs they found. Once they had a good selection the two headed back towards the town to find Jols. They found him in the barn. "Jols!" Kass called out. She set the basket down on the ground as the man came towards her.
"Yes Lady Kass?" he asked jovially.
"Do you think you could help us find some pots? Some small pots we could put some dirt in and then plant these in?"
"Of course Lady, it'll only take me a few moments."
The two stood while he went about his search and suddenly Kass shrieked as arms snaked around her waist lifting her into the air. She realized automatically that it was Lancelot who held her, but Dani had let out a horrible keening and had dropped to the ground putting her arms over her head. Both Lancelot and Kass rushed to the frightened girl. "My apologies Lady." Lancelot murmured contritely. "I didn't realize I would scare you."
Bors, hearing the cry had come running automatically and upon seeing Dani on the ground he moved to her. "What happened Poppet?" She threw herself into his arms and he held her as he would any of his children. "There there, Lancelot was just playing with his Lady. No tears now." He told her gently.
"He was only kidding around with me Dani. He would never hurt me." Kass assured the girl. She met Dani's eyes, "He saved me from a very bad man."
Dani's head tipped curiously as she looked from Kass to Lancelot.
"It's true." Kass shared. "I almost died, and Lancelot saved me. These men won't hurt you. They won't hurt us."
Gawain and Galahad had entered the barn and moved to join them. "Perhaps Lady Danika would like to take a trip around the market?" Gawain offered.
Galahad smiled. "We were just heading over there ourselves. We're supposed to meet Bri and Bran."
Bors pushed Dani's hair from her face. He was glad to see the tears had dried. "Lookee there Poppet. The market will be a fun experience for you. Why don't you go with them and go see Bri and Bran?"
Dani nodded and stood shakily. She moved to Kass and Lancelot and touched both of their arms softly before walking over to Gawain and Galahad. The three moved off towards the market place.
Lancelot moved his hand through his hair unsteadily. "I never meant to frighten the girl." he muttered.
"Of course you didn't Love." Kass soothed.
Bors gave his friend a sad smile. "The girl's just been through a lot Lancelot. She wakes every night screaming from night terrors. She doesn't even remember half the time. Don't worry yourself. She's with us now and we'll help her heal." Bors left the two to find Vanora. He found he had a strong need to hold her close to him.
Kass pulled Lancelot into her arms. "Bors is right. She's been hurt badly. We just have to be careful with her. She's bruised...on the inside and the outside."
"I find myself wanting her father and mother to find their way into our forest...Just so they would be punished." he muttered.
"I know. But that wouldn't help Dani."
Later in the evening Dani sat at the dinner table eating and smiling as she watched the banter between all of the knights. Kass sat beside her and suddenly reached out to touch her uneven locks of hair. "Dani, would you like for me to touch up your hair? Make the ends even?"
Dani looked at the other girl with tears in her eyes. She shook her head yes vigorously. She started scribbling on her small notepad she'd begun to keep with her, and handed the note to Kass who read it quietly. Would you really Kass? After I got out of the hospital my mother cut it all off because one of the nurses had said it was pretty. I hate it.
"I would love to." Kass told her sincerely. It was time for Dani to start experiencing positive actions. "We'll have a good time. Bri can help."
Vanora came over to put more bread on the table and wrapped her arms around both girls. "Thank you for my beautiful herb garden." she told them mistily. "Now you'll just have to help me remember which one is which and what goes with what."
Kass smiled. These people had changed her life in more ways than one. Perhaps they could do the same for Danika Golovna.