Taming The Wolf

Chapter 5

Aoife paced nervously in her chamber, her fingers twisting the hem of her torn dress. The stone walls of Bran's castle loomed around her, a constant reminder of how far she'd come from her home. She wasn't sure how far she was, but she knew the mountains were far. A soft knock at the door made her jump.

"Come in," she called, her voice barely above a whisper.

The door creaked open, revealing a young woman with unique green eyes that held a few specks of gold. Her gentle smile was reassuring. Her chestnut hair was braided neatly, and she wore a simple dress of forest green.

"Hello, my lady. I'm Brigid, your new handmaiden."

Aoife blinked, taken aback by the kindness in Brigid's voice. "Oh, I... hello."

Brigid stepped into the room, her movements graceful and unhurried. "King Bran asked me to assist you with anything you might need. Are you hungry? I could fetch you some breakfast."

"That's very kind of you." Aoife's stomach growled at the mention of food, and she blushed. "I suppose I am a bit famished."

Brigid's eyes crinkled with amusement. "I'll be right back with a tray. Make yourself comfortable."

As Brigid turned to leave, a question bubbled up in Aoife's throat. "Wait! Are you... I mean, do you also...?"

"Transform?" Brigid finished, her smile unwavering. "Yes, I'm a werewolf like the others here. But you needn't worry, my lady. I'm here to help, not harm."

Aoife nodded, surprised by the wave of relief that washed over her. When Brigid returned with a laden tray, the aroma of fresh bread and honey filled the room.

"Thank you," Aoife said, settling into a chair by the window. "I'm sorry, I'm not used to being waited on like this."

Brigid set the tray down and poured a cup of steaming tea. "No need to apologize. We're all adjusting to new circumstances, aren't we?"

As Aoife sipped her tea, she found herself relaxing in Brigid's presence. The handmaiden moved about the room, tidying and chatting softly about the castle and its inhabitants.

"How long have you been here?" Aoife asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"Oh, since I was a pup," Brigid replied, her eyes twinkling. "This place is home to me. I hope it can become a home for you too, in time."

Aoife's heart clenched at the thought of her own home, so far away now. But as she looked at Brigid's kind face, she felt a small spark of hope. Perhaps she could find a place here, among these strange wolf-people who had taken her in.

Aoife set down her empty teacup, feeling more at ease than she had since fleeing her home. Brigid's gentle presence had a calming effect, and for a moment, she almost forgot the strangeness of her situation.

"My lady," Brigid said, moving towards a large wooden chest near the bed. "King Bran asked me to provide you with some fresh clothing. Your dress has seen better days, I'm afraid. No doubt from your travel here."

Aoife glanced down at her tattered garment, suddenly aware of how disheveled she must look. Brigid opened the chest and pulled out several gowns, each more beautiful than the last.

"These are... for me?" Aoife's eyes widened as she took in the rich fabrics and intricate embroidery.

Brigid nodded, a warm smile playing on her lips. "A gift from King Bran. He wanted to ensure you had proper attire during your stay."

Aoife ran her fingers over a deep blue gown, marveling at the softness of the material. It was finer than anything she'd ever worn, even as the daughter of a chieftain. The fabric seemed to shimmer in the morning light, tiny silver threads woven throughout the bodice.