new and nervous.

[rouses]

My lady,

I didn't fight a war in the Holy Land or exile myself to a forest so that you could toss me into lands with magical mist and the undead. It all sounds like a bunch of superstitious nonsense! And who is there to help?

And there's my men to consider. Much might cry. Or worse, he'll write a song about me and start to sing again.

See, if you wanted me to follow you, you should've thought of this a month ago and told me there was an archery contest to win. The promise of a little glory can be very persuasive.

But you're right about me being used to strong-willed women. And there's no fun in being the voice of reason. So if you're going to do it, then let's get on with it. Otherwise I've got a tax man to ambush.

Comments

[istheseus]

[ archery contest? why, ding ding ding ding ding, that's one way to ping a girl. but there's a more concerning question to ask right off the bat. ]

...there's actually someone named 'Much'?

[rouses]

My former manservant and a loyal friend. If he ends up following me, I just hope there's plenty to eat.

[istheseus]

There...should be plenty. Sometimes free food, too, if you go to the social gatherings.

[rouses]

Free food? Well it's nice to hear that someone's taking care of their poor.

[istheseus]

It's pretty easy to earn a living in the city - Anatole. You are talking about Anatole, aren't you?

[rouses]

That's the one. I take it it's not between England and Palestine.

And what about the leaders. What's deemed their 'fair share'?

[istheseus]

[ Where and where? ...Just gonna shake her head no. ]

They're not selfish, if that's what you're talking about. I don't think they take too much.

[nuisance]

I wish I could say I was surprised an archery competition would be enough to lure you elsewhere.

[rouses]

I have to make a name for myself, now don't I? That way the news might reach you and you'd know I was safe.

[nuisance]

[ It would be nice to know he's safe... ] You assume I even think of you when you're not around.

[rouses]

I know you do.

[He knows no such thing. He's just incorrigible.]

Just like you know I'll always return to remind you.

[nuisance]

Mmm. Something to look forward to, then. [ Is she being sarcastic here, or not? It's hard to tell. ] Does this place really bring people back from the dead?

[rouses]

That's what I've heard. Rumors like that would terrify some of the others.

But I know you're not afraid Marian.

[nuisance]

Not afraid at all, though it hardly matters at this point. My mundane has no set plans for me. Doesn't even have any beginnings of plans for me, I don't think.

[rouses]

That means you'll stay safe.

[nuisance]

It also means I'll continue collecting dust in her head.

[renegares]

Maybe you'll be in luck and she'll end up trailing after you.

[rouses]

It'll take more than luck this time. Maybe a new rousing speech.

[renegares]

She the type to be swayed by words then?

[rouses]

She must be drawn to my voice for some reason. Though I'll be sure to back it up with a little action soon enough.

[renegares]

Any particular kind of action?

[rouses]

By letting me out of this dungeon she calls her head, I hope.

[renegares]

Ah, but we've alway been so good at breaking out of dungeons in the past.

[rouses]

Better ones too.

So when you get your freedom, what will you do with it?

[renegares]

Whatever I please, of course. Though nothing that will get me hauled back, I'd say.

[famishment]

I don't cry, master. [Taking so much offense!]

[rouses]

But when was the last time you were away from me for weeks? Months, even. [He can't resist just a little tease.]

[famishment]

[Scowl! Or as much of a scowl Much can have.] I wasn't always your servant, Master. [BUT HE WISHES HE WAS] I'd be fine on my own. I just worry about you.

[rouses]

And that, my friend, is why I love you. You're the one person I can always count on.