The next few weeks went by somewhat quietly. Kvosk carefully kept Acorn close to his chambers away from the prying eyes of the kingdom’s citizens while they slowly got used to the idea of a tree nymph in the castle. Though the full extent of her crimes remained hidden from the castle staff, mostly for the prince’s sake, the king’s attitude about her presence gave enough of a hint to make her a pariah in her new home. Not that it mattered much to the nymph. She rather preferred not to be forced to mingle with so many humans in this enclosed space.
Meanwhile, Acorn spent most of her time doing menial tasks for the wizard, cleaning his workspaces, sweeping the floor, anything to relieve the boredom. After a while, on her master’s insistence despite her natural revulsion, she even learned how to make and maintain a fire within the fireplace. In between these chores, she stood by the window, bathing in sunlight and viewing the world outside. Human structures normally disgusted her, but even she had to admire their craftsmanship. Being in the tallest building in the city meant having an unparalleled vantage point for studying the sprawling metropolis. Occasionally, Kvosk would join her, pointing out various locations, among them the market, the different guilds, and the local magic school. “Perhaps, you would profit from attending the school,” he suggested one day.
“Humans have nothing to teach me, Master,” Acorn sniffed.
“You would be surprised. But it is early yet. First, you must make peace with the humans within these walls before you venture out onto the streets.”
“And how would I do that?” Acorn asked, dreading the answer.
Kvosk smiled. “Let us start small. It is nearly mealtime, is it not?”
The nymph shrugged. “Yes. What of it?”
“Go out and accept it from the kitchen boy when he comes. And be polite. Ask his name.”
Acorn looked at him in surprise. Until now, the boy had delivered the wizard’s meals to the door, beating a hasty retreat before the mysterious nymph came out to pick it up. Now and then, she would glimpse him peeking around the corner in curiosity, but she always ignored him. Never before had they actually met face to face.
So, a few minutes later, Acorn sat at the top of the stairs waiting. At her master’s request, she also wore a plain dress even though nymphs never needed clothing. Another silly human custom.
Soon, the boy rounded the corner, bearing the usual tray of food. Spotting her, he almost fell backwards in surprise, a certainly fatal possibility given that the stairs spiraled all the way to the tower’s base. Acorn wished he would. It would save her the trouble of this distasteful interaction. Sadly, he kept his footing and approached with painful slowness as if waiting for her to attack him.
“Oh, get on with it!” Acorn snapped, standing up and holding out her hands. “I won’t harm you.” Although you would make a lovely animal, she mentally added. A swift falcon perhaps, to make up for your infuriating lack of speed. Ah, but Master would punish me for it. So tedious.
The boy trembled, but he kept up his glacial pace made even slower by her harsh tone. Eventually, Acorn lost patience and descended the last steps herself. Gingerly, she took the tray from him, making sure not to make contact with his grubby hands. Remembering her master’s instructions to be polite, she forced out a quick “Thank you.”
As expected, the boy’s eyes bugged out. Bowing, he turned around and tried to retreat. The nymph would have let him go, but she had one more task to endure. “Wait!” Almost too late, she put in a muttered “please.”
Instantly, the boy froze. He turned back and resumed his slack-jawed staring.
“What is your name, child?”
Gulping, he replied. “Gerd, miss.”
Despite herself, Acorn raised an eyebrow. “Gerd? An odd name.”
“It’s actually Gerrod, miss,” the boy clarified. “But cook says kitchen boys don’t need two syllables, so I’m called Gerd.” Twiddling his thumbs, he asked, “If you please, miss, what’s your name?”
She narrowed her eyes, but indulged him. “Acorn.”
“Pleased to me you, miss Acorn.”
Miss Acorn? Hardly the honor she deserved but a start. She gave him a nod and returned to her quarters, closing the door swiftly behind her. Bringing Kvosk’s meal to him, she set the tray down on his desk. “His name is Gerd,” she informed him as proof that she had fulfilled his orders.
Engrossed in writing notes on something or other, Kvosk nodded. “Very good. Tomorrow, we will do more.”
Acorn almost stumbled. “More?”
“Yes.”
“H-How much more?”