(Archive) In Dol Amroth

Dol Amroth: Ost-in-Ernil - Outer Bailey

Settled on the gentle hillside, stretching ever higher up to the far off walls of the inner bailey, are the grassy lawns of the outer bailey. The ground closest to the wall is flat, and it is there the long low stables, sturdily built, house the steeds of the prince and his Knights. The outer wall, closest to the city, does not form a full loop, for it comes to an end at the steep walls of the hill. It manages, importantly, to seal off the gentle slopes south and southwest, though, for all other sides are steep cliff faces. To the northwest is the Citadel Gate, and the northeast the Swan Gate--a drawbridge that leads to the city when lowered. Lights places at regular intervals along the road serve to mark the way up the hill to the castle. They are, however, far enough apart that when between them there is little light by which to see.

In the darkness a light rain falls.The lights seem curiously fuzzed out by the falling rain.

Contents:

Illiana

Beladan

Aiesha

Rinkair

Obvious exits:

West leads to Dol Amroth: Prince\'s Pasture.

Northeast leads to Dol Amroth: Castle Quarter.

Stables leads to Dol Amroth: Stables.

East leads to Dol Amroth: Men Ernil.

Northwest leads to Dol Amroth: Ost-in-Ernil - Inner Bailey.

A soft, haunting melody rises through the air. The notes are gentle and move slowly, echoing against the castle walls. Their origin is Rinkair, sitting with his harp and playing it softly. His eyes are closed and he seems in thought, almost mourning. The music\'s sounds shift ever so slightly, the sound of waves crashing and thunder rolling seeming to fill the castles walls for a moment, the undercurrent of the soft haunting melody, of beauty lost, continues to rolls slowly through the castle.

Aiesha blinks, turning toward the source of the melody. She grins, noticing the Captain, wondering why his tune is so melancholy.

Illiana comes from the palace, an azure cloak over her shoulders, hood drawn over her hair against the warm rain. She smiles lightly, hearing the lovely tune made by her teacher and comes closer

Beladan enters leading a small contingent of the Men-At-Arms on a routine night patrol. He espies the people on the street of the outer bailey, hidden in the darkness of the late hour and calls aloud. \"Well met, yet stand and be recognised, friends.\"

Illiana looks up quickly at the sound of Beladan\'s voice and turns to leave

Aiesha turns towards the Men-at-Arms and their leader, slightly curious.

Rinkair lets the sounds of his harp gently fade and says, his voice rising clear, \"I am Captain Rinkair of the Navy. You know me good Squire.\"

Beladan approaches the group, recognising them all in the dim light of the hooded lanterns his men carry. He turns and speaks to one. \"Take the men ahead, Hyarnin, and continue the patrol. I wilt follow anon.\" He lays a hand on one of the passing Men at arms and restrains him to bide with him. \"Indeed. Welcome to Dol Amroth. The Lady Illiana I recognise, but not the other?\"

Illiana sighs and pauses, muttering to herself that the man can never be lost. She turns and nods, finally returning to Rinkair\'s side. \"Captain, when you\'ve a moment

Aiesha smiles, rather shyly, \"I am merely Aiesha, good Sir.\"

Rinkair chuckles softly and then speaks up, \"I speak for her Squire, she comes from my home and is the assistant to the master merchant Arax. She is no danger to you or your lord.\"

Beladan nods and seems satisfied with your answer. \"And what brings thee unto Dol Amroth, Sir?\"

Illiana waits patiently at Rinkair\'s side, the rain dripping gently from her hood

Rinkair shrugs his shoulders gently and says softly, \"I have been sent by my lord Denethor to speak with the Prince. Until he has the time to see me I can but wait on his time. Until then I will compose and await his time.\"

Beladan nods again. \"If I might serve thee at all, I remain at thy service.\" Beladan bows and stands ready to depart.

Aiesha nods, then says quietly, \"how did your meeting go, Captain? By the sounds of things, it didn\'t go too well.\"

Rinkair looks over at Aiesha and his eyes cloud with a bit of sadness before refocusing and says, \"They went as could be expected m\'lady. I can not complain for my lord Denethor was most lenient.\" Rinkair looks over at Illiana and with thoughtful expression, refocuses on the time and place of now, \"M\'lady, you wished to speak with me?\"

Illiana nods, \"Yes Captain, tis it not more than time my lessons with you began?

Charystra comes from the direction of the fields, her harp held in her hands. She hums softly as she walks, the barest whisper of fabric the only hint of her passing. A candle is held in her free hand, sheltered from the rain by a small glass cover

Aiesha stands shyly away from the small group, apparently unsure of her welcome in the forthcoming conversation.

Beladan bows deeply as Lady Charystra enters the outer bailey. \"My Lady. Thou art abroad late. Is all well?\"

Rinkair nods and then says, \"Yes.. I guess it is time enough to teach you the first lesson.. And here is as good as any place to do that..\"

Illiana nods, uncaring of the audience. \"As you wish captain. I am more than ready to begin

Charystra starts slightly, the sound breaking her revery. A soft laugh escapes her lips, her voice clear and ringing, \"Aye good Beladan...all is as well as it can be. I simply was walking in the fields, tis a quiet peaceful place despite the rain.\"

Rinkair nods and then looks Illiana\'s clothing over closely, as he stands. He waves for Aiesha to come over and offers his harp to her, \"Will you hold this for me m\'lady?\"

Mindell arrives from the grassy pasture to the southwest.

Beladan scowls as his brows knit in fury. He spins on his heel and departs.

Illiana looks down at her gown and then up again, \"is aught amiss captain?

Aiesha shyly takes the harp from Rinkair, nodding.

Aiesha begins to fidget with the belt holding her pants up, showing her obvious discomfort.

Rinkair nods,having just seemed to have noticed her dress, and says, \"Indeed m\'lady, your clothing is ill suited to the lesson. Go and change into what you would wear on the road and I will continue the lesson. The clothes as much as anything will affect your ability to fight.\"

Illiana blinks, \"but, this /is/ what i wear upon the road Captain. I can move quite quickly, ride, and am easily recognized as the Princes courier. Twas m\'lord\'s wish that I dress as such when I travel for him

Light rain dabbles Mindell\'s hair to a fine glossy sheen, muddying the few gray strands in his head until at last he looks more a picture of youth than age, even the wrinkles bunches around his mouth succumbing to the deceptive alure of the interposing mist. He moves in from the direction of the pasture, emerging from the other side of some of the closer orchards, smiling wanly at the taste of water on the air.

Charystra laughs softly, her voice ringing out for a moment, \"Lady Illiana....I think what our dear Captain is refering to, is breeches and a blouse which will not hinder your movement if you are without a mount.\"

Rinkair looks at Illiana and then coughs and says, \"M\'lady, your dress is more suited to showing off your figure and your high position than to flight or ease of movement. Have you nothing that isn\'t quite so deep in the front, something to protect you more from the dust and brambles of the road. Much as the Lady Charystra has said..\"

Illianas eyes widen and she blushes deeply at Rinkair\'s description of her gown. She throws a glance at Charystra and nods, her eyes avoiding Rinkair\'s. \"Aye.. aye of course. You\'ll pardon me\" she stammers, before she flees towards the palace

Illiana heads northeast, passing through the wall on the drawbridge leading into the city.

Illiana has left.

Charystra laughs softly, her tone teasing and light, \"Good Captain, i fear thou hast embarrassed the Lady...she is not used to such garb as one might wear on the road, and yet appears very taken with her position.\"

Rinkair bows to the Lady Charystra and with a soft sigh says, \"My thanks m\'lady.. I fear I did not handle that as well as I should have.. Indeed though I told the Lady that I would not be an easy teacher.\"

Charystra chuckles softly, \"Tis no matter Captain...am i correct in guessing that thou art teaching her to fight perhaps?\"

Aiesha stands, shyly and silent, watching after the departed Illiana.

Mindell creaks steadily to a stop, looking around with a slightly befuddled look marring his lips which seemed better suited to smiling. He looks off in the direction of the fleeing girl, and then towards the place where Beladan so recently departed. \"Hmph,\" he mumbles, perking an eyebrow up as he reaches above his forehead to brush aside one slithering lock of raven hair.

Rinkair nods and says, \"The bow and flight would be a better term in truth m\'lady. She runs quite well already but must learn that she should not engage merely to prove her point. A headstrong young woman in truth..\"

Rinkair smiles and turns to Aiesha and gently takes his harp back, \'My thanks m\'lady Aiesha, have you met the Lady Charystra, Court Bard of Dol Amroth? Lady Charystra, Lady Aiesha, assistant to the Master Merchant Arax.\"

Aiesha smiles, \"Not until now, Captain.\" She nods to Charystra in greeting.

Illiana steps across the drawbridge from the town of Dol Amroth beyond.

Illiana has arrived.

Charystra chuckles softly and smiles at Aiesha, \"Do not chide her over much for being headstrong Captain. I too was like that once. Myself, I learned to use the dagger, for the bow was not to my liking, nor my patience...\"

Illiana returns, still blushing as she is not accustomed to such clothing as she now wears, being more used to the feel of skirts swishing bout her ankles

Rinkair chuckles softly and says, \'Well then now that you two are met.. We all know each other I guess.\" Rinkair looks up as Illiana returns in more suitable garb and then nods, \"Better m\'lady. Much better indeed. You will learn why this was necessary in time, and maybe even become quite proficient if you address yourself to the problem at hand.\"

Illiana nods and smiles gently, \"It is in my mind to address myself most stricktly to this goal Captain.

Aiesha smiles, still rather shy. She turns to the lady Illiana, and says quietly, \"You will get used to wearing such things in time, M\'lady\" She chuckles, \"I have. I\'m far more comfortable in them than any dress!\"

Illiana blushes again, \"I may m\'lady but I could never appear so before m\'lord

Charystra offers a mischivious wink and a smile to Illiana, \"Quite becomming Lady Illiana, and trust me...far more comfortable than a skirt for fighting.\"

Illiana gives Charystra a shy smile.

The grizzled old man rips a cough into his fisted hand, fierce explosive bursts which set his shoulders shaking and send a wicked splatter of raindrops showering down from his convulsing cheeks. \"Damned weather,\" he mutters, losing his cheerful demeanor and looking upon the growing display not with eager anticipation but with growing annoyance. \"A little water does rankled the lungs so.\" Cute. Old men talking to themselves.

Rinkair nods and says, \"You will also learn the advantages of pants for running M\'lady..\" Rinkair looks over at the bailey and the hill that all are standing on.. \"M\'lady I require that you begin running towards that tower over there.\" Rinkair points at a distance about 500 yards away, \"And back.. Now go.. And move quickly, I should not be able to catch you m\'lady for if I can, a sailor than any ruffian will find it little difficulty to do so also. And no amount of training can prepare you to face a soldier.\"

Charystra moves gracefully, a young servant following her with a mug of steaming liquid. She curtsies as she reaches Mindell, her voice low and gentle, \"My lord, might a cup of mulled wine ease thy could and warm thy soul and blood.\" she takes the cup from the servant, offering it to Mindell

Illiana nods and turns, sprinting for the tower as quickly as she may, having spent many years upon her family\'s farm, striving to escape her brothers

Aiesha turns her attention towards the unknown man. \"Are you alright?\"

Rinkair frowns slightly and then handing the harp to Aiesha suddenly bursts out after Illiana, a bloodcurdling scream echoing from his lungs, the cry of the naval crews of Gondor and the sound many a corsair has heard in their nightmares, as he quickly begins closing the distance between Illiana and himself.

Illiana gasps at the sound of the shout and tries to increase her speed, trying to find the fear of being caught within her and thus escape the captain

Mindell reaches out with a curt dip, nodding his head as he retracts the cup, and raises it slowly to his lips, breathing in the steam as he says. \"Thank you, dear.\" He only nods to Aiesha, as he tips the cup up and takes in the liquid with careful swallows.

Aiesha smiles warmly, but says nothing.

Charystra nods warmly. She slips her war, wool lined cloak from about her slender shoulders, and offers it to Mindell, \"A cloak to keep the the rain and chill from you Lord?\" her smile is gentle, green eyes bright despite her begraggled look.

Rinkair moves quickly and running he stoops only once to gather up a short stick.. Catching up to the lady quiet quickly, surprising for one of the sea, he gently raps her on the back. \"Your dead m\'lady.\" he says simply.

Illiana cries out in disappointment and slows to a stop, turning to the captain, a few wisps of her hair plastered to her brow. \"your much faster than my brothers, captain

Aiesha glances towards the captain and the lady Illiana, trying to hide her giggles.

Rinkair nods and says, \"So will be those who chase you Lady. Their lives will depend on catching you as much as yours will depend on not being caught.\" Rinkair looks at her sternly and says, \"More than your life m\'lady. More than your honor.. Remember that.. Run to the tower and then back.. Now go..\"

Charystra calls, her voice clear and warm with the power which bespeaks skill, \"Lady Illiana, remember he is male and also that he is right. There is no failure in his catching you, if you continue to try until you can beat him...\"

Rinkair looks at Charystra and chuckles softly calling back as he jogs, not winded, \"I doubt the lady will find many other women chasing her on the roads unless she manages to steal a husband or three away which is entirely possible.. So her worries should be for those like myself who can catch her.. Wouldn\'t you agree m\'lord?\"

Illiana listens carfully to rinkair, nodding. She casts a curious glance at the lady before she turns, chestnut hair streaming behind her as she runs

Rinkair speaks to Mindell.

Charystra grins at Rinkair, \'Indeed M\'lord, yet I think thou wouldst be hard pressed to catch me should tho try it. My words were only those of encouragement, for thou catching her is no failure as long as she does not see it as such, and continues until she can defeat you.\"

Looking at the cloak a moment Mindell pauses to consider, pondering more than the cloak it appears, by the thoughtful way he glances up and towards the sprinting pair. He lays his hands lightly on the warm garment, and nods. \"You do well, in looking out for others,\" he says, but then slips quickly around behind Charystra as she turns to call out to her friend. \"But I have one of my own, and you have none.\" He slides the woolen garment over her shoulders with a fatherly squeeze. \"These old bones can take the rain.\" Stepping back, he notices he has been addressed and responds to Rinkair with a nod, and shrug. \"If she cannot outrun an armoured man, she has more to worry about than snagging a husband.\"

Illiana touches the stones of the tower and turns, sprinting back, her cheeks glowing with the exertion and the soft rain

Rinkair chuckles gently, his laughter echoing gently off the walls nearby and says, \"Indeed m\'lord you have a point.\"

Charystra chuckles softly at Mindell\'s words, \"The rain is no bother to me m\'lord...tis refreshing and cool on the skin.\" she smiles at Mindell and Rinkair, filling Mindell\'s cup with more of the steaming wind with her own hands.

Aiesha, not sure whether to smile or not, decides to just keep quiet and say nothing.

Mindell nods with accepting approval as his cup bubbles with fresh wine. He remains silent, choosing not to speak and remain silent, though surely there is a strange question in his eyes which makes him seem, at an instant, too much a hangover from a more primitive age.

Illiana slows as she returns to the group, smiling. \"Tis most exhilarating captain

Rinkair smiles as he reaches the group and turns back to see how the Lady Illiana has done, he nods slightly, seeming to accept her progress before turning back to speak with those gathered here, \"The rain reminds me of the oceans spray during a breeze when she shows her power to those of us that ride upon her waves. It\'s a beautiful feeling really, I don\'t know if I can explain.\"

Charystra absently brushes a stray tangle of pale gold from her eyes. A smile touching her lips as she looks at Mindell. She asks softly, \"Have you a question Lord? Your eyes say you do, yet you speak not. If thou has no words to share with me, then I shall no ask again.\" she looks at Rinkair, a softly sad laugh escaping her lips, and she nods knowingly for a moment, before catching herself

Rinkair looks at Illiana and says softly, \"Not exhilarating m\'lady, if so you have not run enough, again m\'lady. For you will find yourself running for miles from those who pursue you if they kill your escort and horse. Again m\'lady until you can run no more.\"

Aiesha +whispers to herself, \"..., ... might be able ... if ... ... ... ... ... ......\"

Mindell waves off Charystra with his mouth tightly closed, webbed wrinkles spreading up in the coarse beginnings of a smile. Opening his lips to speak, he keeps his goblet, and his opinions, close to his chest. \"I will leave such questions and judgements to younger men. I am too old to stand on tradition alone, correct as it may seem.\"

Illianas smile fades and she begins to say something to Rinkair in protest of her abilities. Then her eyes harden as they have been seen to do before and she nods, turning and leaving the group in a burst of speed

Rinkair looks at Mindell and then nods, \"I understand your meaning my lord. But were any of the ladies the Princes Couriers? In my home we only make couriers of those hardy enough to withstand the roads perils. And even our ladies have discovered what it means when your home is sacked and you must run for not only your lives.\"

Charystra laughs softly, \"Indeed m\'lord, yet were it not for men like thou, we should forget the traditions who make us who we are.\" she smiles warmly and curtsies, \"Forgive my rudeness at not introducing myself, \"Charystra Isilrim, court bard of Dol Amroth at your service Lord.\"

Charystra looks at Rinkair, green eyes flashing with a haunted pain for a moment. She closes them and turns back to Mindell, opening her eyes once more to show them to be clear and shining

Aiesha remains silent, colour beginning to tit her cheeks.

Mindell bows slowly to Charystra, though it pains him to do so, by the slight grimace on his face. He straightens slowly, shaking his head. \"A pleasure, little bird. I am Mindell, Rat-Catcher of Dol Amroth and aspiring stableboy.\"

Rinkair bows to Charystra and Mindell, \"Excuse me though m\'lord and m\'lady, \" As Rinkair mistakes the look in Charystra\'s eyes for disapproval of his words, \"I am not of the Princes realm for I hail for Pelargir and we are not consider as civil or genteel as those of the other lands of Gondor.\"

Illiana continues to run, setting her self a goal from one tower to the next, seen often as a flash of white fabric and streaming hair in the rain

Charystra shakes her head, \"Captain, I know your methods are needed, and I do not disapprove if that be what you think. I know full well the horror and the fear of seeing your enemies destroy your homes, and the lives of those you love and to know full well that your life could be forfeit next.\" she looks at Mindell and chuckles softly, \"Indeed good Lord, I know who thou art, and tis a pleasure to meet thee.\"

Aiesha smiles quietly, all the talk of lords and ladies causing her discomfort.

The sun flashes brightly on the horizon. Night gives way to morning.

Rinkair watches the Lady Illiana continue running and then looks to Aiesha, \"How are you and the Master Merchant doing? what was his reason for being here?\"

Illiana has slowed a little, but only for a moment then she surges again again, running for no one but herself and the goal that drives her

Rinkair watches Illiana and then says, \"Run back, spring back here Illiana and quickly too.\"

Illiana catches the sound and turns on her heel, sprinting as quickly as she may.

Aiesha smiles, \"Arax is not currently in this realm. My own reason for being here is part of 2 reasons...I got lost, and a taste of wanderlust bit me....

Rinkair nods and says, \"I had seen the Master Merchant not too long ago, I had not realized that he had departed again.\"

Illiana drops her speed as she comes abreast with her teacher, her breathing deep and fast after her exertion, but still she smiles, her skin glowing

Rinkair nods and says, \"Not bad but you must get better m\'lady. I want you to run that route that you just did five times each morning after getting up. You will have to run five times that most likely but it is best to start you off somewhere.\"

Aiesha nods thoughtfully. \"If it was here you saw him, Captain, then it goes beyond my knowledge.\" She chuckles quietly, \"I\'ll never understand what causes wanderlust, and why it affects me so much...\"

Illiana nods, feeling the rain cool her brow, unnoticing that it also plasters her blouse to her body. \"Aye Captain, I shall

Aiesha hands her cloak to Illiana. \"Perhaps you will be needing this, M\'lady.\"

Illiana smiles, \"I am quite warm m\'lady, thank you

Rinkair nods to Illiana and says, \"That will do for now then. But understand also that until I deem you can run away well enough you will not be learning how to stand. I want you to understand that you\'re duties require you to stand only when you can\'t run. Do you understand me m\'lady?\"

Rinkair smiles and says,\" It\'s called a wish to know what lies over the next hill.. It is not too uncommon really just few find ways to indulge it. And fewer still find the time to think on what lies over the hill long enough to really want to find out and walk the distance.\"

Aiesha grins, but nods to the the closely plastered blouse.

Illiana nods, catching her breath. \"Aye, of course I do Captain. Tis more than obvious m\'lord Prince did not take me into his employ for my skill with the blade. But I would have the ability to defend my person

Illiana catches Aiesha\'s gesture and looks down, her cheeks already red, bloom into a deeper blush and she quickly steps behind the lady.

Aiesha chuckles and again hands the lady her cloak. \"Are ye sure you\'re not the slightest bit cold?\"

Rinkair blinks as if he realizes for a moment what Aiesha was speaking of and his cheeks blush a red as well as he turns back to Lady Charystra, \"Tell me m\'lady. When do you next plan to sing for the Princes court for I would truly wish to be there.\"

Illiana murmers a thankyou and wraps the cloak about herself. blushing furiously

Charystra chuckles softly, \"Captain, I sing when the Prince desired it, but most eves thou can easily find me here in the courtyard or in the fields. I walk and sing, thou art most welcome to join me. Or if thou wishest a true performance then come to the court one eve and I shall play for thee.\"

Rinkair smiles and says, \"Indeed I would like to hear more of your works. You rival my teacher and he was considered the best of those that I did know.\"

Ithilir heads east towards the Marble Gate.

Ithilir has arrived.

Aiesha turns to the Captain and the stranger, grinning mischieviously, \"Neither ofyou saw that!\"

Charystra blushes prettily and laughs softly, \"You flatter me Captain, though I do not know that my skill is such that I do deserve it. But I thank thee. I shall play for thee when thou dost wish it.\"

Aiesha turns her attention to the newcomer. She smiles in greeting.

Rinkair nods and with reddened cheeks nods to Aiesha\'s words, \'But of course.\" He continues looking at Charystra though, \"I do not believe I flatter you for I have heard many bards in my home and none but one could compare to you and he m\'lady is long dead.\"

Ithilir steps in from the Lists, his cloak tucked over his scabbard. He is wearing plain brown tunic and breeks, along with his sword, and is covered in sweat. He pauses as he sees the assemblage.

Charystra blushes again, smiling despite her bedraggled appearance, \'I thank thee for thy words m\'lord.. her voice breaks strangely, and she swallows before continuting, \"I am glad that thou can enjoy my music. Tis all I have left sometimes..\" she fall silent with a smile.

Aiesha absently flicks a stray strand of her brown hair from her face, noticing the rain had finally stopped.

Rinkair looks over and then smiles to Ithilir, \"Well met m\'lord. I am pleased to see you again. You look tired.\"

Ithilir looks at Rinkair with a confused look, and then says, \"Oh, I was but practicing in the Lists. I am sorry if I am intruding?\"

Charystra curtsies gracefully to Ithilir, a smile touching her lips despite the gleaming damp curls her hair hangs in, \"Fair day Lord Ithilir...\"

Rinkair shakes his head, \"No m\'lord not at all. We were just all discussing little here. The Lady Illiana had just finished some running is all.\"

Illiana hides still behind Aiesha, her cloak wrapped tightly about her rain soaked body

Mindell goes and sits on a nearby bench, quietly drifting off to sleep.

Ithilir takes his cloak, and extends it, saying, \"I left this just beside the door, it is dry, if anyone has need of it?\"

Charystra shakes her head and laughs, \"Lord Ithilir, perhaps I might convince thee to walk with me. I find the blood needs stirring against the chill of the chain, despite my cloak and thy company would be delightful.\"

Aiesha chuckles, \"The rain bothers me not.\"

Ithilir looks about to see if the cloak is needed, and then bowing low, says, \"I will gladly do so, My Lady.\"

Illiana runs her fingers through her hair, its locks curling after the wetting they received

Charystra smiles warmly, and nods, \"To the pastures then? The sun shall dry my cloak and gown as well as any cloth will.\"

Ithilir bows to the assembled ladies, and says, \"If you will excuse me then?\" He extends his arm to Charystra.

Rinkair chuckles and bows, \"Later M\'lord Ithilir, m\'lady Charystra..\"

Charystra lays a hand on Ithilir\'s arm, capturing the edge of her wet skirts to hold them from the mud, \"Good day Captain Rinkair..\" she curtsies gracefully and moves to follow Ithilir

Aiesha waves, shy and almost unnoticably.

Ithilir bows to the Lady Aiesha, smiling slightly, and then moves with the Lady Charystra out in to the street.

Rinkair turns to Aiesha and Illiana as the two leave and frowns slightly, \"Lady Aiesha, I am thinking the Lady Illiana may wish to go and change clothes, why don\'t you accompany her since she also has your cloak. I should probably head back towards the docks and it would not be fitting for two Ladies of your stations to be standing out here unaccompanied.\"

Illiana +whispers to herself, \"... cantst ... believe ... ... ... m\'lord\'s dearest ... ... ... ...\"

Aiesha\'s eyes are raised slightly at the station part of the Captain\'s comment.

Charystra wades westwards into the swaying grasses of the Prince\'s Pasture.

Charystra has left.

Illiana smiles shyly and nods, \"thou art most kind captain.\"

Ithilir wades westwards into the swaying grasses of the Prince\'s Pasture.

Ithilir has left.

Rinkair bows and says, \"Take care m\'ladies.. And please M\'lady Illiana, do those excercises that I have suggested.\"

Illiana nods, \"I shall captain. but tell me, when shall I have /earned/ the right to learn more?\" her smile suggests she shall do so soon

Aiesha nods to the Lady Illiana.

Aiesha chuckles quietly to herself.

Rinkair nods, \"Indeed, but not now lady.\"

Illiana smiles, \"And have I no goal to work towards? a date? a time? A level of speed?

Aiesha says, \"You are leaving us then, Captain?\"\"

Aiesha says quietly, \"The best you can do is about the limit that the captain can ask for, I\'d imagine, M\'lady.\"

Aiesha blushes, \"If you don\'t mind me saying so, that is...\"

Rinkair nods and says, \"I don\'t and it is true. I will teach you as quickly as you learn and push you to learn faster. That is all that can be expected.\"

Illiana nods, \"Aye, i doth not mind m\'lady\" she smiles, \"I only wish to know when I have reached the goal set for me

Illiana sighs softly, \"As you wish captain.\" she inclines her wet head to him and turns to go into the palace

Aiesha murmurs, \"If you wish, my lady, you may keep the cloak. I think it is time I bought a new one anyway.\" She lowers her head, trying to keep her rosy blush hidden.

Illiana pauses, \"wouldst thou care to accompany me m\'lady? or.. \" she glances at the girl\'s blush then at the captain, wondering if indeed she is interupting

Aiesha smiles shyly, noticing her own blush and the glance from Illiana. \"I would, if you would have me as company.\" She pauses, her blush deepening, \"and please don\'t call me \'Lady\', the title just doesn\'t sit well with me.\"

Illiana smiles, having not had another woman to interact with for some time. \"As you wish Aiesha. shall we then?\" she turns again to the palace

Aiesha waves to the captain as she turns to follow.

Illiana head west into the main portion of the courtyard.

Illiana has left.

Rinkair nods to Aiesha and the Lady Illiana.