Of course, Acorn protested this plan. She could see nothing good coming out of such an encounter. However, Kvosk insisted.
"The prince and the governor's fawns are due to be born. As it was your magic that brought about these circumstances, you may be needed to assist. Additionally, having you help will do much to improve the kingdom's impression of you."
Acorn crossed her arms. "Why do you care so much about what the humans think of me?"
The wizard looked at her a bit sadly but said nothing except, "You will accompany me to the stables tomorrow." And that was that.
So, the next morning, the Slavis and nymph approached the stables. "Say nothing," Kvosk ordered sternly. "No matter what is spoken, you must remain silent unless I ask you a direct question, understand?"
Acorn nodded. "Yes, Master." She had nothing to say to anyone anyway. The less interaction she needed to endure, the better.
The guards were understandably hesitant to let her inside, but Kvosk managed to talk him into it. It seemed the king had granted the Slavis considerable authority. Still, Acorn wondered how the king would react when news of her involvement reached his ears. She only hoped they would be done with this chore before then.
Entering the stable, Acorn found two heavily pregnant deer very close to delivering. The prince seemed especially round in the belly, and the nymph suspected she had twins. Even so, she sprang to her hooves with considerable spryness upon seeing Acorn. Her doe eyes flashed with a mix of anger and fear, and she pawed the ground in agitation.
"Hold, prince," Kvosk soothed, reaching out to stroke her head. "She means you no harm and wishes to atone for her actions by assuring your safety."
Putting words in my mouth, Acorn thought in annoyance, but held her tongue as ordered.
Nevertheless, the deer slowly calmed down and grudgingly let Acorn get near. To the nymph's surprise, Kvosk told her to evaluate the health of the offspring. Putting her hand on their bellies, she probed with her magic to see how the fawns were doing.
"Are they well?" Kvosk asked.
Acorn answered softly.