Ghost of Whisper Creek
Chapter 13: South Port to meet with Idril

The ‘Wolf’s Bunnies’ marched quickly down the road and many of them began to murmur as the walls of South Port came into view. Even Krita was a bit nervous as she urged everyone forward. The Rodsvards probably weren’t the most welcomed people in South Port, the reason for Ri’ana’s departure from Kronnborg would likely be known by those making the decisions in the city. Krita herself hadn’t exactly made the best impression with the La Seine that she met in Nazeriah. The only ally she thought she would be able to count on was Idril, but nearly a hundred Arandil soldiers approaching under Rodsvard banners would not likely be a welcome sight.

It was Idril that would welcome the Rodsvard soldiers at the gates. Word had reached La Seine days ago that the banners were heading in their direction and Idril had assured her Lord Uncle that Krita was trustworthy. Or so she silently hoped. She was sure the north women was only trustworthy until her father said otherwise. Which is why her Lord Uncle has her meet the Rodsvards at the gates before allowing entrance. The white and silver spotted friesian clopped a hoof aggressively against the ground under them but held steady. South Port was at least used to the red and black marlin banner so the city folk went about their day to day activities with an air of caution in the air.

Krita gave a sigh of relief when she saw Idril on the horse. She knew that did not mean that things would come easily, but a lot easier than if there was another La Seine standing guard. Krita waved Megwan and her four remaining Lieutenants forward and ordered the rest to halt, then closed the distance to the gate. She offered a friendly smile to Idril, “Greeting Idril,” she called. “I was hoping you would be the first La Seine I would see.”

Idril grinned as her horse trotted aggressively to the side, the mares ears back “So I have heard. Seeking the wisdom from my greatness, eh?” she laughed jokingly.

Krita laughed, “As a matter of speaking, wouldn’t mind sharing a drink with a fellow warrior woman commander either.”

“I think we can do something about that.” She laughed “Do your men need a place to stay? The old district is available now that your brother is no longer occupying it.”

Krita gave a nod, “I’ve heard some grumbling about coming to South Port. Some might wish to stay outside the walls. Something about being brought up to hate the La Seine, just because the Arandils are gone they all don’t seem to be as willing to drop the grudge. Those who feel that way will be guarded and camp nearby, the rest I’m sure would be happy to accept quarter in the old district.”

Idril smirked as her eyes looked over Krita and looked over the soldiers “For the better then. Set your soldiers and welcome to South Port.”

Krita nodded, “Walril, you said you wouldn’t feel welcome in South Port, gather the others that do not wish to accept La Seine hospitality and set up camp.” The large man that sat on the horse to her left nodded and started back towards the rest of the troops. “Fruorin take twenty of the rest, the swiftest riders and those you think will play nicest with the La Seine, keep watch over the campers and make sure they don’t do anything stupid.” Fruorin the other lieutenant on her left nodded and departed. Krita then turned back to Idril, “These are my commanders who will join me: Horeak Milner of Lakeburn, and Leomorn Trannyth of Linmead, he’d be happy to have you call him Morn, and as he’s from the mead brewing family in my father’s land he’ll be happy to point out the shortcomings of any other spirits.” The two horsemen to Krita’s right lowered their heads in a respectful nod. “And this is Megwan Chandler, my squire and attendant of sorts.”

Megwan urged her horse from behind Krita’s to the left side from where Fruorin and Walril disappeared from. She also lowered her head in a horseback bow, “Meg would do fine m’Lady, at your service.”

Idril smiled and nodded to those introduced to her “Welcome Megwan, and to your commanders. The city of South Port is open to you, if you require a guide please let me know”

Morn gave a smile, “That would be very much appreciated m’Lady. A nice place for some of the men to unwind a little would be great.”

“That would be the Green Dragon” Idril smiled “Your Lady Rodsvard and I will be attending the place. Ann...” Idril turned the horse and pointed to one of the attendants that stood off to the side, hands folded neatly in front of her “...Will show you around. The Green Dragon has rooms if you wish to stay in the city. Plenty to see and enjoy.” Her eyes rose up to Krita and she gave a nod “Come then, lets see about those drinks.”

Krita nodded for the others to follow Ann and lifted Oblekt’s reins, “Right behind you Idril. I’ve not had a drop since we left Old North.”

Idril laughed as she reined her horse around to ride alongside Krita “Whatever happened to carrying it all with you?” she grinned “Come on. The Green Dragon has everything from Mead to Rum. We will take care of that thirst right quick.”

“I’ve spent a bit of time with someone who thinks very highly of the Green Dragon recently, though I don’t think the selection of drinks was what drew him there,” Krita said with a smile. “I hope for the bartenders sake they have a Trannyth draft of mead,” she added with a smile. “As for my lack of mead for the road...I decided against draining my brother and your cousin of their reserve, I’m afraid I stayed longer than I had planned for. It was good though. Never been as happy to see family. Went right in line with this pilgrimage to make something better of myself.”

“Quite a pilgrimage. Not an easy thing to do if you don’t know what you’re looking for.” Idril nodded as she guided them down the busy streets

“Aye,” Krita answered in as shy a voice as she had ever managed, “When I left Kronnborg, becoming a real leader for my troops was the goal, staying in Old North made me realize I had a lot more changing to do. Perhaps the two goals will not run contrary to each other.”

Idril rose a brow and glanced over at Krita “And what is this new goal you found in Old North?”

“Well...” Krita’s face reddened, “I thought I might have to wait until I’d had a few bottles in me before I started to talk about this, but, have you ever felt like a warrior’s life just isn’t enough?”

Idril laughed and looked ahead “Not really. I feel quite fulfilled as the Knightess of La Seine. “

“I guess I would be content if my home was as well taken care of as South Port. I fear that my father is mismanaging events to the detriment of Kronnborg, and that my Uncle isn’t telling him so. They are doing things the way they always have and it just doesn’t work in Ra’vain,” Krita’s eyes fell from Idril and her cheeks reddened more, “I also saw my brother and cousin with their children and well...I’m not getting younger.”

“Ah! So the truth comes out.” Idril grinned cheekily at Krita though her cheerful demeanour was meant in fun and friendship “Your right. Drinks are required.” she nodded to a building that was painted in green and had a dragon sitting atop the peak of it’s roof.

Dismounting a boy came out excitedly “Evening my lady! I got spirit today, your table is already saved!”

Krita smiled as the boy managed to be a distraction from her confession. “You get as good a table here as you did in Nazermiah?” she asked deciding she would need a few drinks before discussing her desire to settle down.

“Oh yea. We have a full room dedicated to just La Seine here. But I often like to hang out in the common areas.” she grinned as she lead the way to the red door and opened it, a mixed array of scents and sounds came pouring out of the entrance along with the warmth that came from a healthy hearth inside. “Their Pot Pies are to die for!”

Krita stepped in right behind Idril she paused for a moment and took in the scene. “I think for this trip maybe we’ll keep it private? Depending on how long I stay I’m sure we can come back and mesh with the rest of the patrons...Pot Pies do sound good. Goes well with mead.”

Idril was only half listening as she flirted with the young man behind the front bar, his cheeks red as she spoke with him over the crowded sounds of people talking and music playing. Eventually she grabbed Krita’s arm and grinned pulling her across the room and upstairs to the top of the building, from the looks of the room they entered and the scene outside the window they were in the head of the dragon atop the building “Here we are!” All around the room were La Seine banners and colors among play models of Dragon Ships and pillows thrown all over the room. “Take a seat!” The ’Seats’ were any comfortable spot floor or chair.

Since leaving Old North the next couple of days were spent on horseback or in camp, Krita had no issue with a nice comfy pillow on the floor she sat and looked at Idril. She looked around for anything to drink and gave a sigh, “You spend a lot of time here flirting with the boys?” she asked with a chuckle to cover up the nerves she had about letting loose her desire for a family.

“Boys...girls...its all good fun.” she chuckled as she flopped back on a pile of pillows “Everyone here knows me, even many of the patrons. So.” Idril rolled onto her side, propping her head on hand just as there was a knock on the door and a girl entered with trays of cups and a large pitcher of mead. Idril and the girl teased each other, the serving girl rose a hand to lips and whispered conspiratorially if she was really seeing a North Women in the room before she left with Idril tossing pillow at her playfully. “Sorry! Umm...where were we...Oh right! Family!”

Krita’s eyes were a little glazed over as her surprise of what Idril said was heightened by the exchange between the server and her host. “Wait. No, not quite yet. You flirt with girls? Or...” questioning eyes glared at Idril.

Idril gave her a cheeky smile “What life without a bit of fun? Yea we joke about a lot here.”

Krita returned the smile, though she was obviously still curious, “Without fun life is boring. I’m a firm believer in that. Just joking around and fun then? I never would have thought...”

“Why? Don’t you North Women tease each other?” she asked as she reached out to pour them each a mug of mead.

“Sure, about men and who can do this or that better. Though in truth I didn’t have much to do with the girls,” Krita admitted as she recollected. “Nothing I’d call flirting and never thought much about it. Flirted with plenty of men, but their was always a goal, it usually wasn’t just for fun. Either the guy was desirable, or I wanted to shoot him down just when he thought he had a chance...sometimes both.”

Idril laughed as she handed Krita a mug “Well, we’re not so mischievous. Just fun.”

Krita took a long drink and then let out a loud laugh, “Oh good so you didn’t bring me up to the private room to...” she left the end of the sentence hanging in air and winked at Idril.

Idril snickered over her mug “Come on now! Out with it! What’s with this family thing?”

Krita took another drink of her mead and smiled, “You’ve never thought about kids?” she asked in a flat blunt tone.

“Mm...” Idril shrugged “Not really...” she admitted and chuckled “Gotta find a guy first”

Krita chuckled as well, “Therein lies my problem. Like I said not getting younger. I’ve always had the attitude of having fun and let the rest fall where it might. But...well with Nils gone the next Rodsvard in line to rule would be me, unless one of my Uncles or Hilde decides a girl isn’t good enough, which will result in a fight. But if there is no prospect of an heir, Papa might just pass me over for my sister. I admit that the first couple years I just wanted to play with Ra’vish guys. I fell kinda hard during that Festival we met at, but he chose someone else,” she didn’t say who the guy was. The person he chose over Krita was Idril’s cousin, there were no bad feelings from Krita any longer so she didn’t want Idril to feel any either. “I thought I could just move on, and I did until recently. Now I see that my father isn’t doing things right, I need to correct that. And then there is spending the last week with my little nieces and nephews. I want what Nils and Hilde have.”

“Ah.” Idril nodded in understanding now “Well. The way Ravish people do it is by courtships. Kind of like how Ri’ana’s was except less forced and rushed. You let it out that you’re looking, your noble and the suitors come pouring in. Spend time with them and make your choice.” she shrugged as if it were as simple as it sounded. “You’re bound to find someone, make a festival out of it, gives you a chance to see what they can do.”

Krita wanted to give a laugh, but the idea wasn’t all that bad. “Who is going to hold a festival to give me away?” she asked finally giving in to a small chuckle. “The idea of men fighting over my hand is rather nice though.”

Idril laughed “Well technically your father would. But I get the feeling that’s not a likely possibility? hm” tapping fingers against the mug her eyes lit up “Oh! The sun festival is coming to South Port this year. Could always send word out that you will be attending and open to courtship.”

Krita laughed again, “Old warrior maid seeks strong noble man to share the rest of her life with.” She gave a wink and coy smile, “Is that how you want to find your man? I know it’s custom here, and you might find little choice in the matter, but I just always thought there would be something special when I met that person. I don’t see someone coming to a festival to court me being able to sweep me off my feet.”

“You never know” Idril shrugged “Ri’ana found Nils that way, after all. Only other way is to get out and meet as many people as you can. I never really thought about marriage honestly. If it happens so be it...otherwise..” she shrugged “I have my Knightess title.”

Krita sighed and nodded her head before finishing off the cup of mead she held and reaching for the pitcher to refill, “When’s the sun festival? Still not entirely up on the Ra’vish festival calendar, it’s a new thing for us Northerners.”

“Mid summer” Idril smiled “Its very rare for the festival to come out this far its usually a Hallow Pride specific thing but we got lucky this year.”

“Well maybe we’ll see what happens then,” Krita said feeling a bit lifted, “I know what Kronnborg, Visby and Jord’s Pyre have to offer it’s not all that intriguing. You think that Lords from the East will come out here for me? Or should I start looking in South Port and the rest of the Southern Coast?”

“Why limit yourself?” Idril smiled “I say go where your heart guides you. As mythical as that may sound. Put a bag over your shoulder, get on that horse and go.”

Krita smiled with that thought, “On those lines I was thinking of heading to Tsukimatsu, ask about training, so that I can have a proper group of soldiers and lead them right. I’m told you’re the only woman to ever graduate. Only one to attend as well?”

“Only one to graduate as a Knightess.” Idril nodded “plenty of women come out of there as shadows but never Knightess. You won’t get very far though. Lord Matsu only trains by contract. Best trainer ever but...he takes his prices far. Five years blood contract, once you sign theres no leaving until your five is up. Used to be ten..which is the one I did.”

Krita’s eyes fell, “Five years? Looks like I would have to choose between family and getting the best training I can. Most of my men are younger than me, he would take a whole group of us?”

“He would take anyone that signs.” Idril nodded “Problem is..once they do, they are no longer your men. They are his under his training. What you all do after the five years is your choice but during that time your all pups under the masters command.”

Krita nodded, “I don’t know if all of them would sign up for five years anyways. I know I need the help though. So unless you’ve got a better suggestion I’m going to feel Lord Matsu out to see what he has to offer. All of my men are Ra’vish, I’m sure they have heard about Tsukimatsu, wonder what they’ll think when we head there.” She gave a nervous laugh and sipped some more mead.

Idril shifted uncomfortably “Well...if I recall your men are Ra-Arandil. They will know Tsukimatsu as the Dragon Trainer. Their enemies. Most everyone in the Dragon Army are from Matsu’s Arena. Sure we have other recruits from various area but they are the minority. The Lord Constable used to work for the Dragons back in the day.”

Krita gave a nervous hum and nodded, “I was hoping that I had enough impact on them to get past the old rivalries. Every one of my warriors served Lord Mardil however, some will certainly desert rather than train with the Dragon Trainer. That doesn’t matter though. I’m doing this for all of Kronnborg not just my men.”

“Well he would most certainly be my first suggestion for training.” Idril nodded.

Krita gave a smile, “I would have asked you, but I didn’t want to take you from your duties. I know how to swing a sword, how to protect myself in battle, how to shoot a bow and survive in the forest, but I don’t know how to prepare my warriors for battle, or how to defend a city, other than building a big wall and having warriors charge an enemy. I need tactics, something Northmen don’t use once the battle begins. Five years is a long time though. What do I do? Don’t suppose Lord Matsu allows breaks for Festivals.”

“Oh yes you get breaks” Idril smiled “Birthdays are held of great importance. The Red Zenith even more so, to us its a sign of great accomplishment and rest after a hard year of struggles. All things deserve a reward for doing well so you can imagine how bad a punishment is if you lose the right for your break due to poor behavior. Tactics are taught through teams, which everyone is assigned to. Honestly...” Idril frowned “I can’t say what you should do. That is a commitment you must find on your own and with your family.”

Krita shook her head, “I can’t go to family. They would spit in my face for suggesting this. I have to do this for my family. We risked much to come to Ra’vain, but Papa wasn’t willing to change his ways. I have to be willing to see what is out there. To make us better suited to live in Ra’vain. He won’t like it. But the good part of five years will be distance between us. I just need to have him name me heir first.”

“Hm.” Idril hummed “Well, perhaps that is where you should change your focus?” she suggested “You seem very concerned about your people, your new home, and your position as heir which.” she held up a hand “You are not even certain you will get. How can you lead a house if you can’t even guide yourself?”

Krita shook her head softly, the La Seine girl had a very good point. “I hadn’t thought about them being separate. I don’t know why, that’s what Nils and Hilde did to find themselves and their lives. They didn’t think about how they could serve Kronnborg, but what they wanted. I’m going to go to Lord Matsu for training. And hopefully I’ll have enough breaks to put it out there that I will be attending the Sun Festival with the hope of finding a husband. Do you have a couple days to help prepare me for Tsukimatsu?” Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Findɴovel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Idril smiled and sat up “Nothing to prepare for that you don’t already have. He wants to see you, not what you turn yourself into for him. Don’t worry about it. Rest up here, you’re welcome for as long as you need and, tonight, send out a message to Lord Matsu requesting a meeting. The rest will fall into place then.”

Krita smiled, it was the first time in a long time she heard someone just wanted to see her. She’d been trying so hard to be what other people wanted her to be, it turned out the warrior life that Papa had wanted for her was what she wanted for herself, mostly, now it was a matter of tweaking it to fit her right. “Thank you Idril, I won’t stay long. My troops camping outside the gates are bound to cause trouble if they stay too long.”

“In all honesty” Idril smirked “I can’t guarantee our own men will behave for too long. Rabbit hunting is quite a fun game” she chuckled “But I’ll keep them in line while you are here.”

Krita gave a snorting laugh, “So it’s the discipline of the Lords of South Port that has made most of the attacks between Arandil and La Seine coming from North to South not of the soldiers,” she exclaimed with a laugh and a wink.

Idril shrugged, laughing as well “What can I say? A soldier fights a Lord leads. Sometimes things get very dull around here, we have a good system so its just guard duty and training. A good Rabbit hunt from time to time is a common boast in mess hall.”

“I would bet that there have been a few Rabbits that have strayed down this way in the last couple years,” Krita said with a smile, it wasn’t the Arandils that she was connected with after all. If one of Mardil’s soldiers wandered out of the North and found themselves on the wrong end of a La Seine blade that bothered her very little. “You had many successful hunts?”

“The numbers have declined over the years.” Idril admitted, “less trespassing, less brawls. Rules are to remove the Rabbit not kill it, but things happen and I can’t be on every patrol its been several months now since our last rabbit removal” she smiled and rose her mug “I assume you and the war are reasons for the decline.”

Krita shrugged, “I don’t know how many Lord Mardil commanded when we arrived. How many were in the war with his son. From what I heard the son led them into almost as disastrous a defeat as the father did. Survival from one enemy doesn’t make one seek out another usually. But I don’t know how deep the wound between Arandil and La Seine truly is. Some might have thought this place better than others.”

“Possibly.” She drank “I’ve yet to hear of any rabbits moving here. Course I only command so much of the city, my patrols and commands are more on the island...along the docks. Ash handles the Port. Lord Vivaco, my father... the patrols.”

Krita took another drink of mead and shrugged once again, “Doesn’t really matter to me. I don’t protect all the Rabbits only certain ones, and some of those I’m sure aren’t worthy of it. When they leave me instead of training you might have more hunts on your hands.” She gave Idril a smile, “Consider that a gift.”

Idril laughed and rose her mug “Thankee kindly Ma’am” she joked.

Krita laughed as she lowered her head in a bow. “Some I might like to keep tabs on if they choose to leave me. They’ve been fun no reason to throw them away because they can’t get over a centuries old rivalry.”

“Well I can promise you, our goal isn’t to kill.” she smiled “We treat Rabbits the same as we do Sharks and every other traveler that comes in and out of this port every day. The problem usually starts with the name calling and no side is innocent in that. It’s become a rival to a game and since the feud is so old..its hard to get some to let go. Still, more work should fix that.”

“How do you work on the feud when they don’t really have a leader? Or a home?” Krita questioned. “Seems like they should be happy if you are willing to accept them.”

“A willingness to accept has to be shown on both sides.” Idril frowned “While my Lord Uncle may be generous and willing to set old grudges aside....the people of South Port are less willing. Some have lost families to the Arandils. Just as they have from us. Its not something you can get over just because an invader took your home and your chance of living.”

Krita’s eyes narrowed in question, “I guess in the North it’s more about survival than grudges and who killed who. Even friendships last only as long as both sides are flourishing. Clan Eld and Clan Rodsvard were not always feuding as they do now. In fact my Grandmother was the second daughter of an Eld King. If our lands were not dying we might still be friends, instead we had to take a fight to them on behalf of the Arandils to ensure our survival. And when the Arandil crossed us we turned on them just as quickly. Now the Eld and Varless seem to coexist just fine and Papa has even pulled some of his border warriors back to Kronnborg since Nils has taken swords with him to Old North. Harder life in the North for sure, but maybe simpler, maybe why some of us are having a hard time. We need to adapt. Here loyalty is more important. Sticking to a cause. So much so that after a House is destroyed some will still die for the quarrel they built in life.”

“In the end its just a bunch of politics.” Idril chuckled “Which is why I am a knightess and not heir. I do not envy yours or Ri’anas position. Quite happy where I am, handling the present moment instead of some past grudge or future mistake.”

Krita laughed, “First La Seine I’ve heard about who doesn’t rush about saying how we need to look to the future, or whatever your house words are. Living in the present is great for a time, then you can’t seem to help looking back, and wondering where the path you’ve chosen has led you, what your options are. The longer you ignore the future, the fewer it seems your options become. Look at me putting myself up for auction so to speak at festival. Of course unlike Ri’ana I don’t have to select a suitor. Still if I don’t where does that leave me?”

Idril smiled “I didn’t say I don’t look to the future” she winked “I just don’t try and create things I can’t control. Defense of this city. That I can control. As for a suitor...I’d say it leaves you as a respected warrior”

Krita gave a sigh and then managed a smile with a deep drink of her mead, “I suppose you’re right.” She put down the mug of mead and shoved Idril in the shoulder playfully, “But, I will bet you in five years if you’re in the place I’m at we’re having the same discussion with you on my side and me on yours, hopefully that won’t be the case for you, but if it is I hope I have good advice for you. You’ve been very helpful.” Her smile widened, “Now that we’ve got the serious part of my visit over with maybe we should have some fun. Kin said he comes here a lot, you come a lot, must be a fun place. Let’s go down and join the crowd.”

“Kin?” Idril asked with a raised brow “He your boyfriend?” she chuckled teasingly.

Krita shook her head, “Was part of the group my brother brought to Kronnborg with him. We hit it off. Met up again when I was visiting Old North, he’s a lot of fun. Too much fun I think, and young...I think younger than you, and for all the fun he is when we’re together I don’t think he’d leave Ri’ana’s employ. He’s a Matsu he said. Ninth born...” Krita made an exasperated sound, “If I ever get to nine just kill me. If I make it to three give it some serious consideration.”

Idril laughed “I’ll be sure to do that” she grinned “Ninth born....You mean Kinshin? Ah! Yes he was one of my teammates when in training. Down right rouge”

Krita couldn’t help but blush a bit, “You trained with him? Oh...well. Whatever we had it’s over, like I said lots of fun, but not part of where I want to go. Maybe he’ll show up at the Festival and prove me wrong, but for now I need to put him out of my mind. You know him much outside of training?”

“Oh yes. He’s pretty much a brother of sorts.” Idril shrugged “Most all teammates stick together, even after training.”

Krita laughed, “Well I hope you don’t hear of me as some bragging story from your training brother then.” She picked her mug up again and looked inside found there was a bit left and downed it. “So when do you have patrol again? I’d like to have as much fun as I can before I have to earn my fun. Training for five years? You’re lucky you started when you were young...ten years...I’d be...well that doesn’t really matter now. Lucky you started when you were young.”

“Perhaps. Never got to play much though.” Idril chuckled “No patrols for me today, I was sent by Lord Ashtar himself to make you feel at home. Am I succeeding?” she grinned filled Krita’s mug with more mead “Which is a fancy way of saying I got out of my duties to have fun with a friend”

Krita smiled and took a smaller sip of the mead, “You are doing a great job of making me feel welcome, don’t know how much that is like home though. You might need to call my troops useless and tell me how stupid I am for doing drills daily. I’m doing enough nagging about my love life however so Mama is not missed. I’m guessing your Uncle’s idea was ‘keep an eye on the crazy Northern woman,’” Krita laughed at her own joke. “So I’m sure that you didn’t think being locked up here with me all night. What should we do since you’re without duties for the moment?”

“I dunno. What would you like to do? We have everything! Theaters, fancy restaurants, plenty of shopping, tattoo parlors if you’re feeling a little risky” she nudged Krita and winked with a playful grin “Hunting, public spars, petting zoos, libraries, academies!”

Krita smiled as she thought, “Theater really is not for me, I suspect that Lord Matsu won’t only have us drilling in the yard so academies and libraries can wait. I have been curious as to what kinda wildlife is around, not sure if that calls for a hunt or a trip to the zoo.” She unhooked the shoulder of her armor and let the polished metal slip down. Then she moved the undershirt that prevents chafing to reveal her artwork, “Have an artist in the family, and this one is fresh, so not enough mead has been consumed yet to get another. Why don’t we start with some food, maybe that will soak up enough of this mead for us to go on a hunt, if not the zoo will do.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll go see what’s keeping the cooks.” She drained her mug and stood up, “be right back!” Krita nodded and watched her friend leave. It was good to hear someone actually call her friend. She wasn’t sure her lieutenants felt that as much as she hoped, and she did.

Idril wasn’t gone long before she returned with the sounds of her playful laughter. A soft ‘thump’ sounded on the wall next to the door and through the crack one could see Idril pressed there with a man pawing on her. His words were slurred and hard to make out as he continued to paw at the knightess “Oh Ser! Stop it! You’re too kind.” Idril laughed “But I think you’ve had one too many mugs of gin, hm?”

More muffled conversation followed before another voice joined the fray “I’m sorry My Lady. Come on Ser, why don’t you come to my room tonight?” she purred as she slipped between the drunk and Idril.

Idril laughed and said something about it being alright before she opened the door and entered with food “Sorry about that!” Idril grinned as she set the tray down with their pot pies and more drinks

Krita smiled as she looked up, “Not one of mine?” she asked with a snicker, though only partially joking. Idril was quite attractive, and though they had several days of marching after their week of rest she doubted that her warriors would sit still for long. The mention of gin however made her sigh in relief that it most likely was not Morn.

Idril chuckled as she sat down “No, some pirate of the sea, or so he calls himself. One of the Dragons regulars....He saw me dancing one day and has tried since to tempt lady luck. Nice guy but...eh.”

Krita nodded, “I understand even after I ran an over zealous pursuer through with my sword I still had my fair share of men who didn’t understand that being pretty didn’t mean I wanted each and every one of them pawing me. And there were the certain ones that just didn’t stop asking or pawing.”

Idril laughed “I don’t mind the pawing, Its all good fun. But today I’m with you so the drunk pirate can paw on someone else. Most likely he will pass out before they reach her room.”

Krita gave a sideways grin as she remembered the pawing in the shadows, “Aye, it is a bit of fun. Perhaps we can each find an old pirate before the night is over.” She gave Idril a wink, “First though we eat, and enjoy the day.”

They ate with a little bit more chatter. Krita found that Idril was right to praise the pot pies that were served. They reminded her just how bad the food at home was, and that if she was to become Lady of Kronnborg she would search for a proper cook. They decided against hunting still feeling a bit impaired from their drinking. Instead the warrior women took to the petting zoo that Idril had talked about. They returned to the Green Dragon for dinner and drank most of the night away in the bar with the rest of the customers, flirting, pawing and being pawed.

The next day was spent relaxing with Idril and making sure that she and the men in the city were fit to travel. It was late morning the next day, Krita woke dressed in her armor and found Idril. It was time to move on she thought. “Thank you for all the advice,” she said in a surprisingly soft voice. “And the fun as well. I think it’s time we stop having people take care of our needs without repayment. Time to start our training.”

“Mm” Idril smiled sleepily “Heading out then?”

Krita nodded, “I think it’s time. I’ll be back for the Sun Festival though, as we discussed. Can’t just take care of my warrior needs. I’m still a woman right? But if I tell you I’m gonna marry someone just because he’s the best option slap me silly.”

Idril laughed and rolled to her side, propping her head up on hand “Deal.”

Megwan rode up next to the women. “The men are ready to head out. Even those in the camp. Morn said they didn’t look too happy about our destination.”

Krita nodded, “They will live. Or they might just leave my employ and head back here to cause trouble and then they might not. However it plays out I know what I have to do for me. I don’t ask any of you to follow.” Megwan nodded and started towards the city gates. Krita turned to Idril and smiled, “I’ll see you soon warrior sister.”

Idril reached a hand out and grinned “Good luck.”

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