Welcome one and all to the Duchy of Richmond!

As far as Duchies go it is a small one, nestled on the frontier border of the kingdom.
Some quick ‘rules’ before we begin. I’m looking for everyone to post at least once a week, twice if we can manage it.

If you miss a post we won’t be waiting around for you. Let’s say that Thursdays are the start/end of our week, so if you haven’t made your post by each Thursday on we will go.

The Q&A post is here. http://www.rdinn.net/view_topic.php?topicid=4021

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I assume that Astrid (Lady Toralaian (Tor/Tora) Astiel Ravenwindhaven II) has contacted each of you with the basics of this initial quest. However to put everyone on the same playing field...

In the barony of Hood, the small logging town of Woodstock has come under some troubles as of late. A tribe of goblins (normally peaceable) has been raiding the village rather than trading with them... The young Lady Ravenwindhaven has volunteered to look into this problem, and her father has allowed her this quest. Either by Ducal order, friendship, or both you are all accompanying the young Lady North to Woodstock and on to the Goblin village.

Wanting this mission completed the Duke has provided you all with mounts and a fully loaded pack mule. It is early on a beautiful spring morning, the sun having just crested the horizon.

What do you do?

Father Konrad hoped he had enough youth left to fulfill the Duke's request to accompany the Lady Ravenwindhaven on her quest. The redness had faded from his curly hair and forked beard around the temples and chin. He was becoming accustomed to his knees aching and popping, particularly in the cold weather. This morning, it seemed, that more of his joints were in revolt due to the chill of the early start. In all his 55 years he hadn't ventured far from the comfort of the castle yet he would never refuse a just request from the Duke.

He was dressed in his usual functional vestments consisting of a white tabard and hood with his prized mithral shirt and plain trousers showing at the sides of the tabard. At his left side hung his haversack of plain leather with brass hardware. Upon his belt were his dagger and mace.

"M'Lady, I do not mean the delay the company but, as you are probably aware, I must pray to the Sun Father at dawn. You are all welcome to join me."

With that he hung his haversack on the saddle horn and faced the dawn horizon. In his right hand his flanged mace of polished steel and brass sparkled in the sunlight. He stood straight and held both arms straight out at his sides. "I am chaste, just as these rays of Pelor have not shined on any other day. I am tempered, like the justice of the Sun Father. I am charitable, giving like the Shining One's light. I am diligent, upholding these virtues like the consistency of Pelor's days. I am patient, like the warmth of the Sun Father's light. I am kind, as the Breadgiving commands."

He went on like this for nearly an hour almost exhausing his sizable vocabulary of virtues and qualities of Pelor, the god of the Sun, Light, Strength, and Healing. He wrapped it up with a simple request for guidance and blessing of the quest her ladyship's company was setting out upon.

He re-slung his haversack and mounted the horse he had been loaned with a slight grunt due to the pain in his joints. His characteristic smile returned once the pain of the exertion had passed.

Prolouge:

Callin had always had a knack for getting into trouble. Being raised in the shadows of night had that affect on people. He was always finding ways to get into places he didn't belong. It was no surprise to him when he was caught sneaking around the castle one night, the surprise was who he was caught by. Lady Ravenwindhaven II, Princess of The Duchy of Richmond. This is the point most thieves would have their careers end, being caught by a member of the royal family. Luckily for Callin, Tora, as he came to call her, wasn't a normal princess. Like him, she loved adventure and excitement. As the next few years would show, this was just the beggining of an odd but exciting friendship for the both of them. Every night Callin would come to the castle, and every night he would show Tora something new of the night life he lived. Of course for Callin, this would lead to his infatuation with the Princess. He hoped she never noticed the way he'd stare in the moonlight, or how sometimes he'd stumble over his words talking to her. The last thing he'd want is for their friendship to be ruined. So he hid his emotions, always playing as Tora's friend in the dark. The day would come though where she requested him to help her on a quest she had taken from her father. Callin leapt at the oppurtunity to travel with Tora, though he never realized he'd end up meeting her Advisor and Instructor. The day for departure finally came, steeling himself for the cold morning Callin made his way to the meeting point of the party.

Present:

Callin stood off to the side of the road, arms crossed, as he stared at Tora's Advisor, a Cleric of Pelor, and her Instructor, an older man whom looked like a knight of the castle. "Great" He thought to himself "These two are are just going to love me." Looking over towards Tora he couldn't help but let a smirk slip onto his face. "I wonder if she has told them anything about me? Probably not, I'm not really someone she should associate with anyways..." Callin stretched his arms above his head and grimaced a bit as the Cleric started reciting some sort of prayer to his god. Shaking his head, he walked over to the horse he had been given and made sure the saddle was put on properly. He moved onto the pack mule and made sure all his gear was placed where he liked it. Looking about the various packs, he grabbed his crossbow, some of it's bolts, and a dagger. He slung the crossbow and bolts onto his back, and slid the dagger into his boot before hopping onto his horse to wait for the others. Murmuring to himself, he made a quick prayer to Olidammara for luck on his journey.

Anthony had arrived early, well before the others, while the world was yet dark. He broke fast with a hearty meal prepared by his liege lord’s servants: a scramble of hen eggs; some fine pork meat; a heavy, dark, yet sweet, molasses bread; an even heavier, darker ale. He savoured the warm food, knowing such richness would not be found on the road ahead.

Raids on the villages of Woodstock, the knight contemplated the words of the Duke. The goblins have rarely been so bold or unruly. Did they not believe the Duke would take notice?
Anthony ate alone. He preferred his breakfast that way. The warrior used the quiet moments to think through his day. And why are you letting your daughter lead the negotiations? Anthony asked the imaginary Duke, a question he dare not raise in reality.

The knight remembered with vivid pride the day the Duke had decreed that Anthony would serve the Lady Toralaian, the Lord’s eldest daughter, as both her martial teacher and her protector. The lass had been no more than eight years in the world – bright eyes, full of wonder, and a body more slender than straw. Anthony determined quickly that the little girl would never be suited in the armor of her father, nor be skilled in the heavier bladed swords common among the knights. No, she’ll need something much smaller... much more slender.
Anthony had sought out the perfect blade for his lady for more than two years... and the venture had cost him a good sum of gold too. But now, in her hands, the matching set of fighting knives matched the Lady Tor perfectly, almost as though they were an extension of her lithe body... almost as though they completed her.

The knight smiled with satisfaction and pride... and, perhaps, something else...

The little girl of eight years ago was now a warrior-in-waiting, untested perhaps in the true chaos of the battlefield, but Anthony knew her to be ready. The young woman had made combat into dance, her feet moving with a beauty that veiled the deadliness of her blades. The slender curves of her body twirled and turned with a disarming grace that often put her nearly inside the knight’s guard. “Were I twenty years younger and, perhaps, of more noble birth,” Anthony said to himself wistfully before catching himself.

Bah! Anthony rebuked himself. If you were twenty years younger, she would not even know your name. The knight took a long pull from his flagon before pushing himself from the table and heading to the stables.

======================

Arriving at the stables, the sun still not peaking over the horizon, Anthony gave orders to the stable hands to prepare the Lady Toralaian’s horse, along with the horses for his other two companions. The knight saw to the preparations of his own horse, Cindra, a gift he had received from his father when Anthony had been knighted nearly two years ago. The courser charger gave Anthony an acknowledging snort as the knight approached. “Morning, Cindra,” Anthony replied, stroking the strong flank of his war beast. “Ready for a real ride today?”

With deliberate care, Anthony went about the business of armouring and saddling Cindra. He cinched each buckle and strap with well practiced hands, ensuring that nothing was too loose or too tight. Cindra stayed steady under her master, allowing the man to place the light burden on her. “Atta girl, Cindra.”

Once his horse was ready, he moved on to Lady Tor’s jennet, a spry, light warhorse. Looking the horse over, the knight praised the stable boys, “Well done, lads. A little tighter on the forward strap next time though and you’ll have it perfect.” The boys nodded in deference to the minor lord.

Coming to the pack horse, though, Anthony’s face turned grim. Someone had missed a buckle. “Boys! Who saddled this horse?”

The younger of the two shambled forward, shame-faced, ready for a lashing. “I did, sir. Toby, sir.”

“Toby, tell me what you see here,” Anthony pointed out the undone buckle.

Toby gulped, “An undone buckle, sir.”

“Aye, it is. What do you think would happen if we were to ride off with that horse right now, lad?”

“Erm... the pack saddle would fall off, sir.”

“No, lad! It’s much worse. The saddle would slide back and the horse would tangle itself in the tack. Likely end up lame, unable to walk. Likely mean, we’d have to put our supplies on another horse. Which means we’d take longer on the journey... maybe even run out of supplies. Starve out there, perhaps. You looking to starve the princess, Toby?”

“No, sir! Never, sir! Sorry, sir!”

“Sorry ain’t going to help us on the road! Get it right, lad, or there be some hard labour for you.”

“Yes, sir! I will, sir!”

“See to it you do,” Anthony concluded grimly as he turned and walked away.

===================================

As he did, Anthony noticed that the Lady Tor and her companion and Master Konrad were beginning to arrive. She is captivating... the knight caught himself holding his breath.

“M’lady,” Anthony gave the Lady bow. “I have ensured all things are ready for our departure. Should you have anything to store away, our pack horse is ready.”

OOC: Astrid, feel free to add something here.
Pelor, burn this impure desire from me.
Master Konrad noted that the sun was beginning to its journey once more and that he would need to spend some moments in prayer before they journeyed. Anthony moved to greet Lady Tor’s new companion.

“Master Callin, I presume,” the knight said, some suspicion in his voice. “Lady Tor, mentioned you would be accompanying us on our quest. Can I trust you to protect the princess’ life with your very own should it be needed?”

OOC: Kamina, feel free to respond.
The knight gave the young man a nod of acknowledgement. “I believe you will find your horse saddled and ready to ride.”

prologue

my father Lord Rothhelm Ravenwindhelm the VII was not young when he fathered myself, hence i was raised as if i were to be heir apparent. Growing up i was tutored in educate, socio and economics, mathematics, and reading and writing several of the common languages from thought the kingdom. but what I excelled at best was getting into trouble. i never felt that i was meant to be a princess. My father would often say that he'd spawned a boy child in me rather then a dourest daughter, i was my mothers bane. Their was much joy when the twins were born to my mother Lady Etnalia Ravenwindhelm. a boy, Ariesous (aries) Yraulithe Ravenwindhelm I and a petite little girl Aestielia (Aesa) Naltauren Ravenwindhaven I. they were still infants. Aries has already been declared heir apparent, thus i'm free to presue other options.

I'm seeking a knighthood, female knights are rare, but i'm determined. my father even acquired me a tutor Sir Anthony Saville, knight of the realm.

previous night, lord Rothhel's studdy.

walking past the door i had raided the kitchen for a late evening snack to tide me over while studying tactics of the ancient wars. my ears perked up at the mention of goblins, while passing the door of my fathers study. Tired of training and running drills i poked my head in. father was talking with his adviser about what to do with the raids in town of Woodstock. with relish i volunteered to see to it, both my sense of adventure and pride pushing me to prove that i was ready.

morning, next day

wiping her eyes tor yawned sleepily, tor barely slept a wink during the night she had been so anxious and excited. She had given in while the night had still been black she instead turned to readying her pack and dressing. not wanting to wake any of the servants she stoked the small bedrooms hearth to life and washed, dressed. Pulling on the last length of leather tightening the buckle on the studded leather jerking pulling it tight over her tunic. the leather had been dyed a ruddy dark and stood in stark contrast to her red hair which she brushed for a second time pulling it into a hightail the end dangling down between her shoulder blades. she rolled her shoulders an popping the one an sighed. Strapping the set of fighting knives on. One slung on each of her hips she, wore them like a badge of honor.


courtyard.

She inhaled a braced breath of chill dawn air as she entered the courtyard and was greeted by Father Konrad.

"M'Lady, I do not mean the delay the company but, as you are probably aware, I must pray to the Sun Father at dawn. You are all welcome to join me." Tor inclined her head politely and motioned for him to continue. she chewed her lip slightly, wondering how long he'd be at his prayers.


Glancing Callin, tor couldn't help but smile. as he was checking over his pack mule, and hadn't seen her yet. He always seemed so fastidious to her. but that was also what endeared him to her. Well that an sneaking out of the keep for adventures with him. he was her oldest and best friends.

Mother had always complained that she never seemed to 'take' to any of the lesser noble's daughters brought in to be her 'friends'. how could you be friends with someone you couldn't trust not to report back to your mother with all your 'unladylike like' tendencies. a few newts in their slippers generally sent most packing in tears, though she did develop a reputation of being a cad, and a tom boy. that she could live with that especially since the twins had been born, now she was free.


“M’lady,” Anthony gave the Lady bow. “I have ensured all things are ready for our departure. Should you have anything to store away, our pack horse is ready.” Sir Anthony spoke drawing her from the flighty berage of memories.

She smiled brightly and as if just remembering she pulled a small pack from over her shoulder tucked behind her the edges of tunic, or breaches stuck our haphazardly as she had tried to force the last items under the flap and close it.

Tor moved over to where Callin stood his eyes closed as if in thought or prayer. she pulled a wrapped package of dark bread with thick ham pressed between two slices with a slice of cheese half melted from the warmth of the grease.

"here." she said shoving it in his hands. " I already ate." she smirked, she wouldn't tell him that she had ate two already this morning along with honeyed oat cakes and several eggs. tor never asked if had or hadn't ate she just always had food for him, it had been that way since they had first met. now it almost seemed like an inside joke.

she moved off and took the reigns from one of the stable boys, who looked as if he ate something bad.

Tor cooed to her horse and slipped her a carrot, before moving to mount. once in the saddle she looked over the small group.

Just as you all mount your horses, Jarvice (The Duke's Seneschal) comes out the front door. "Announcing, His Grace, Rothhelm Ravenwindhaven the VII, Duke of Richmond!"


"Jarvice, I thought I said not to do that." The duke said smiling, as he walked into the courtyard. He cast his gaze over the assembled party looking each member in the eye. His gaze settling on Callin as Callin took a bite of the sandwich, the duke’s face turning sour. Turning back to the group at large, “I just wanted to wish you all luck for this quest. We have always been peaceful with the Goblins. Find out what is causing this hostility.”

Rothhelm walks over to his daughter, pulling her into a hug. Speaking quietly so that only she can hear, “Tor, you may be a knight at heart, but you are still my baby girl. Stay safe out there, and don’t take any guff from anyone. I love you.”

“Now go on all of you, and may the gods speed you on your way.”



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Just for reference sake, it will take two days riding to reach Woodstock. The first full days ride will bring you through the town of Mandala, and on to the border of Richmond and Hood.
The trip through Richmond is uneventful. You pass a few farmers, a merchant train, and some random travellers.
The border between the County and Barony is marked by a series of upright stones spaced a few hundred feet apart, with one stone on either side of the road. 300 yards past the boarder is the beginning of Hood Forest.

Note: Feel free to roll play in between the castle and border. (or even more in the castle)

Lord Rothhelm pulled tor down into a hug near pulling her from her mount altogether.

tor chaffed at the public over display of affection. but she hugged him back, whispering.

"I love you to, Daddy." and kissing his cheek.

grabbing the pommel of her saddle she pulled herself upright again and adjusted her armor, an tucking a stray tendril of hair back behind her ear.

“Now go on all of you, and may the gods speed you on your way.”
Tor kicked her mount into action before her father could slap its withers.

Tor chuckled as they filed out of the courtyard. she'd liked to have stormed out of the yard in a billow of dust and rode hard for the first hour or so. but she new the pack animals would be pressed to keep up, so for now they would suffice at a leisurely pace.

Callin didn't flinch, or stop his task of looking over the pack mule as the voice came up behind him. “Master Callin, I presume, Lady Tor, mentioned you would be accompanying us on our quest. Can I trust you to protect the princess’ life with your very own should it be needed?” Steeling his voice at the jab of his trustworthiness Callin spoke. "You can trust I'd put my life on the line to protect Lady Tora. I'll make sure she's safe." Tightening a few straps he grunted in approval as the knight spoke once more. “I believe you will find your horse saddled and ready to ride.” --------------------------------
As he prayed to Olidammara he raised an eyebrow as something was pushed into his hands. He opened one eye slightly to see Tora as she spoke. "Here, I already ate." As she moved off he couldn't help but grin. Tora was always making sure he ate when they were together. He'd always joke that's what kept him coming back. He sat in the saddle content to eat his newfound meal in the early morning sun.
-------------------------------------
Eating his sandwich, Callin payed little attention to the announcement of the Duke's arrival. The only thing he really noticed was the disapproving stare from the Duke as he ate. Calling turned his head and looked off down the road as the Duke continued to speak. It wasn't until he heard “Now go on all of you, and may the gods speed you on your way.” and saw Tora lead her horse and pack mule out of the courtyard. He fell into line behind the Cleric. As they filed out of the courtyard he started humming to himself and wondered how long the journey would take.

The distrust between the Duke and Callin was not lost on Father Konrad. Had the Duke asked his opinion on the matter of allowing Callin to accompany her on this quest, the old man would have counselled in the affirmative. But, that hadn't been necessary. "Perhaps the Duke also sees the connection between them.", he thought. "Let's just hope Master Anthony's hardness doesn't scare the lad off before we see what he's made of." This thought led him to wonder what they were all really made of and he raised his left hand to his gilt pendant depicting Pelor's symbol in ponderance.

It was then that Father Konrad noticed one of the stable boys acting particularly down. "You there. Max, is it?", he said to the boy. "Does this horse have a name?" "Yes Father, Tilly!" he replied. Father Konrad reached into his haversack and produced a carved wooden horse. "Tilly. That's a good name for her. Here boy. Take good care of this one and see to naming it too."

Sir Anthony watched to ensure that each of his companions were able to store all of their gear for the journey and double-checked straps of the pack animals. He had just mounted his horse and was preparing to lead the group on to Mandala, their first stop, when the duke came out to send them out. Anthony dismounted and stood ready for any command his liege-lord might have.

“I just wanted to wish you all luck for this quest. We have always been peaceful with the Goblins. Find out what is causing this hostility.”
“We will see it done, m’Lord,” came Anthony’s solemn reply.

The knight watched the duke have some private words with Tor. What blessing does a father give when seeing his first born off, Anthony wondered.

The duke addressed the companions again. “Now go on all of you, and may the gods speed you on your way.”
Anthony was in the middle of saluting the duke when the impetuous Tor spurred her horse suddenly forward. I’m going to have my hands full, he sighed as he mounted Cindra. Catching the duke’s eye, Anthony felt as though Lord Rothhelm was apologizing for the task he had given the knight.

“I will see her safe return, m’Lord,” Anthony promised, before wheeling Cindra around and following after the princess. “For Richmond!”



OOC: Along the road...
As they exited from the castle walls, Anthony drew up alongside his charge. “M’Lady, I would request that you allow me to ride in lead so I might best assess the safest way for us. Perhaps, Father Konrad would be willing to take up the rear-guard position, if it pleases you?”

OOC: Tag Astrid...
“I think we should also try to make for Mandala by the noon sun,” the knight suggested to Tor. “Our horses can refresh themselves there and I know a tavern that serves a fine meal.”

OOC: Again... Tag Astrid... others could chime in too...
“After Mandala,” Anthony continued. “it might be a hard ride, but we should try to make the Hood border before nightfall. We will need to make camp there.”

Tor was relieved to be away from the keep, an under way.

As they exited from the castle walls, Anthony drew up alongside his charge. “M’Lady, I would request that you allow me to ride in lead so I might best assess the safest way for us. Perhaps, Father Konrad would be willing to take up the rear-guard position, if it pleases you?”
Tor smiled at Sir Anthony, inclining her head as if to ponder.
"Of course Sir Anthony, I hold you judgement in the highest regard." she paused and arched an eyebrow questioningly. " I hope that you realize that Callin and I are quite capable, inspite of what my father thinks of him or I. Father Konrad an yourself can take the frist shift. we'll switch out in an hour or so, so not to tire the horses."

(pending responce or other char's chiming in)
“I think we should also try to make for Mandala by the noon sun,” the knight suggested to Tor. “Our horses can refresh themselves there and I know a tavern that serves a fine meal.”
Tor nodded in agreement.

"If we make Mandala by noon, we should talk more about this 'mission'." Tor chuckled. "i'm interested to hear what you and father Konrad have to say about it? An it would be a good chance to grab any last supplies if we find anything in want after our "plans". " Tor tucked a stray hair behind one ear and sighed, mumbling to herself. "... goblins. why? ... retched things"

“After Mandala,” Anthony continued. “it might be a hard ride, but we should try to make the Hood border before nightfall. We will need to make camp there.”
Tor pursed her lips as if to say something, but stopped and nodded in agreement.

" that sound like a good plan, for now. I give you lead and i'll fall back and talk to Callin and Father Konrad about taking the first shift."

Reigning in her mount, making the horse toss its head in protest and prance turning in a tight circle. forgetting the mule in toe Tor growled to herself and hurried to pull the mules lead line tight so that it would follow her mount and not tangle either beast as she waited for Callin to move up.
She grinned at Callin and pulled her mount abreast his so that they could talk.

Tor grinned at Callin with a teasing light in her eyes.

" you hating that saddle already Cal'? ...here." she leaned over towards him and pulled his knee closer to the front of his saddle stirrup. " sit like that and try and sit straight with out sitting like yer' got a sit up 'ur arse, an try and relax, you stay like that you want be able to walk let stand by the time we get to Mandala"

waving Father Konrad up ( if he had dent moved forward by then)

Tor quickly reidderated what Sir Anthony an she had spoken about.

(pending further discussion Tor will move back to ride beside but slightly ahead of Callin so that he would ride abreast her mule ( who is quite flatulent, un be unbeknownst to her). )
(OCC ...tag Kamina)

As they rode out of the castle grounds Callin couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. He had never ridden a horse before, he much preferred sneaking around in the dark on foot. He shifted into a different position and sat the best he could until he noticed Tora drop pace beside him. He couldn't help but notice her beaming grin and the mischievous light in her eyes causing him to smile as well.

"You hating that saddle already Cal'? ...here." she leaned over towards him and pulled his knee closer to the front of his saddle stirrup. "Sit like that and try and sit straight with out sitting like yer' got a sit up 'ur arse, an try and relax, you stay like that you want be able to walk let stand by the time we get to Mandala"
As Tora rode ahead towards the Cleric, Callin noticed he felt a lot more comfortable in his saddle. "Thanks Tora, feels a lot better!"

While Tora talked to the Cleric, he couldn't help but notice a rancid smell coming from the mule ahead of him. Callin pulled his cloak's hood around his mouth and nose to block out the smell. "Olidammara this was not the kind of luck I prayed for..." Callin looked up to the sky and sighed, hoping the ride would end soon.

Seeing Lady Tor waving for him to join her and Callin, Father Konrad urged Tilly to a trot and hoped the pack mule would keep up for the short distance. "What is it M'lady?", he asked. She quickly reidderated what Sir Anthony an she had spoken about. "Sound plans, Your Highness.", he said with a smile.

"There is something we need to discuss before we reach Mandala.", he said while his smile faded to a more serious visage. "Will you be travelling openly as Lady Toralaian Astiel Ravenwindhaven II or will you be using a travelling name? There is renown in the former but safety in the latter. Unsavory folk take a bit more notice of the Princess and her company passing through than, say, a knight and his company... Food for thought."

The ride out of the Castle is enjoyable. Not so cold out as to need a heavy coat, not so hot as to be unbearable while riding. There is a hedge along both sides of the road and it is a sparsely wooded country of rolling hills.


At first out of the castle the road is yours. But within an hour of riding you see a farmer riding on his loaded haywain heading towards the castle a loaded crossbow sitting across his lap.


When you arrive in Mandala at the tavern, two stable boys come out to take your horses.
The barkeep is alone at the bar wiping it down. And there is only one other patron sitting at the back of the room, eating some bread and cheese. He ignores your entrance.

***************************
Feel free to take a bit of liberty in Role Playing these situations.

"Will you be travelling openly as Lady Toralaian Astiel Ravenwindhaven II or will you be using a travelling name? There is renown in the former but safety in the latter. Unsavory folk take a bit more notice of the Princess and her company passing through than, say, a knight and his company
Tor's face furrowed in thought at father konrad's words, and after a moment she spoke.

"Your words hold wisdom, father. Though i dont feel that using an alias would do much this close to the keep. Had we need to travel farther a province or into contested or hostilely held territory, i would agree fully with your suggestion. but for now, we cant escape the fact so close to the keep i'm bound to be easily reconised by someone. more over the fact that i'm a young woman traveling with an armed group of high ranking men."

Tor looked down at her armor.

"as much as it would hasten our travels to travel as a group of all men, i fear .." tor sighed an cleared her thought, even with bindings, tunic and chest plate armor its was quite obvious that she was on her way to beaning well endowed.

"it would be oblivious to anyone how ever we tried to conceal my womanly endowments that i'm of the fairer sex. so for now i think the closest to your suggestion would be to have yourself and sir Anthony call me by a nickname, either Tor or Tora. instead of using titles like my lady. it won't help much as is, but it would be slightly less blatant in a way."

Tor looked up at the sound of creaking wood and was slightly shocked to see a large hay-wagon headed towards them.

(occ sorry for talking in circles. i'll post more as we interact more ect...)