The kitchen was full of noise.  The crackle of fires, the clatter and bustle of work, but it was not only the wash sink that held an uncomfortable silence.  Even the cook as he moved about directing and overseeing the preparations spoke in more subdued tone than one might expect.<br/><br/>And so the morning gave way to afternoon in awkward silence and haunted glances.  The cook nodded each time his circuit of the kitchen brought him near Felicity, observing her progress until she was done.<br/><br/>The rest of her afternoon was spent fetching buckets of water until the evening loomed near and the sound of laughter and music started to filter in from the large doors that connected the kitchen to the hall.<br/><br/>The cook stopped Felicity and pointed over to where a couple of the other girls were slipping free of the few clothes they had and making efforts to tame their hair and look presentable.<br/><br/>"You'll be pouring ale," he said as he gave her a slightly push over to join them, "Out of that apron and straighten your hair.  Just smile and make sure not to let a cup run dry or spill any and you'll be fine."