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Darian

Simple enough to settle that.

"Dazi know," she said with another shrug and set to finishing off her ale and get another.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon to Dusk, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

For Darian and Cesare food finally arrived. Swept down on wooden plates in a graceful arc by well practiced tavern girls, hanks of meat, some bread, some bird, still hot from nearby kitchens. Siding one plate was even a a slab of very very rare meat, just this side of purple, cut to the perfect size for a hunting ruff.

The matter that caught Darian's attention was just that, that and the well cooked and mushroomed venison before her. It was very acceptable very fresh ... and she was pretty sure that when the sun rose this morning this lean steak was walking through some small woodlet on coven hooves.

It seemed one of the more unbelievable bits of folklore might just be true - that there are Hunters who have learned to find prey in the shadow of woods made of stone and brick.

And, looking towards their companions, it seems that others certainly do enjoy the crowded city.

Bekkah was definitely an odd duck; perfectly comfortable walking through the open fields between scattered High Tarn farms and yet smiling and twirling in such a crowded space with an absolute stranger.

A stranger who was matching her pace by pace, spinning her out across the makeshift square with tunic skirts flaring, gathering her up to hold her close - a strange sort of hunt this was; it was almost impossible to tell which one was predator and which one was prey - the prime difference being that Bekkah's soft boots had her moving almost silent, as if borne by the wind while the blacksmith's snapped out the music's rhythm upon the cobbles with each precise step.

"Actually ..."

Finn looked down into his partner's eyes, simply taking in the atmosphere that was Midsummers, with both a hint of mischief and honesty,

" ... if She was to set this very moment, I would hope that the day would still be rightly considered a victory for the both of us ..."

" ... and the rest of us too ..."

That last comment was spoken by a scholar's soft voice, the music twirling two redheads past the more Imperial couple. For Kisa had accepted Daxia's request - as, of course, befits a Lady her Knight. But with her first footstep to the music that fine and proper Noble was banished away, green eyes closing for a moment, banking any hint of snow, and when they opened again it was just a young woman's gaze, sparkling emerald, sharing a handful of fragile heartbeats with her dearest friend and wanting them to last forever.

She held Daxia's hands in hers.

"Fair warning ..."

She whispered to he beloved.

"I am not the most exciting traveling companion. I have a habit of sitting quiet on my horse dawn to dusk, nary speaking a word ...

"There is just so much to see, to here, to feel. Things I will never see again. How can I afford to miss just one."

Like now. Exactly like, right now.

Though a few paces away another couple were giving Bekkah and Finn a challenge against holding the center of attention.

" ... so you say. Let me tell you about dancing in the Alley. I have been on battlefields where the stakes were lower - it is a place where the choice of partners can change the balance of power, announce alliances, become brutal acts of betrayal - and who leads is not a question of boy and girl but of survival.

"Aye I have a natural skill for hunting the Fae, I do.

"But what makes me dangerous was how I learned to dance."

She gave Mikal a very predatory smile,

"Let's see what you got, farmboy ..."

It was quick, it was subtle, it was just a martial shift of balance ... and Mikal found that it was he who was just sent spinning out through the tapestry of dancing.

"I would not be too sure of that."

At a much slower pace, Tray Korie danced with Kadri Korie, which - while it did garner some very surprised looks, it also sent other rumors sifting through the crowd - of a lass who finally caught the Korie's black sheep - of a lordling no longer in a sickbed - and how he came here to celebrate Midsummers.

"Oh ... Miss Kathi and I are well together, we have known each other for years. But I think her frown is not directed at me ... but at you.

"But you do realize that you have not only stepped between her and her liege ... one Korie should be enough for a lass; and here you now have two."

Eventually she started her descent down the other side of the sky.

The first sign, of course, was a bit of complaints, tugs and cries, as the youngest of revelers were retrieved by their Mothers and Fathers. And it was not just those hoarding Romana, though those were perhaps the more vocal in their complaints.

"Danya Monster ... OW!

"Danya Missus Roooo-maaaaaah-naaaaaaaah!"

"Merry! No hitting your brother."

To which would come fancy speaking lessons from Kay.

"No ma'am ... that's properly called bopping, and its a sister's job and all ..."

That got crossed arms.

"Don't encourage her!"

Followed by a quiet,

"Danks."

It was odd, but it shouldn't have been unexpected. Some of the parents didn't quite know who to thank - was the fierce Dayalan spear bearer protecting the odd Atteran Initiate from harm ... or was she protecting them from her? Though the most disturbing comment, the one that really had a Mother hauling her daughter away even faster, was the young lass who pointed to the Darkdowner and said,

"Mommy, when I grow up, can I be like her?"

Finally, however, it was Romana's time to put her foot down. first she patted the bench next to her - and she and Kay exchanged a glance soft that was met with a glance hard. Romana then firmly pointed to the bench, tapping her finger firmly on the wood. Again glances were exchanged, this time reversed - Romana's aristocratically demanding and Kay's softly admitting defeat.

Sitting down, they were the only two not dancing - Romana didn't seem to notice, she was putting together a meal for her guardian - even cutting up her venison into little tidbits.

Resigned, Kay dunked a piece of bread into gravy. She frowned a bit, it wasn't half as fun when the meal was hers. And then she suddenly straightened, stiffened, and looked to the side. Romana had, finally too, closed her eyes, slowed her breath and falling asleep herself unconsciously leaned against Kay's shoulder.

"Great."

Kay took another defeated bite from her bread, poking a square of meat with her knife.

"I've been promoted to furniture ..."

She then managed a small smile.

"Could be worse.

"She weighs less than Lily-kins."



<<minor edits>>

Mikal

He accepts the small changes with a smile, and whether he allows her to lead him thru the steps or she forced him to is not quite clear.

"You might note that while I am reasonably well-built, I am not a muscle-bound brute" <step>, <step>, <spin>.

"My survival in battle is due to my instincts and a natural grace", <twirl>, <step>, <step>, "that allows me to maneuver in very tight spaces", <clinch>, <twirl> "and to not be where my opponent believes I will be" <step>, <a purposefully missed hand grab followed by a clasp of the trailing hand as it passes>.

"Still" <step>, double-step>, <spin>, "I do not doubt you are my better", <smile, step>, "after all, you must have learned something in all those years, and I always respect my elders", <duck just in case>, <step>, <clinch>.

Cesare

As he looks down at his plate, he realises that he has fully regained his appetite. It looks great. He smiles his appreciation to the serving girls as he reaches for the first morsel.

"Sure looks good."

And as he eats he relates in simple sentences what he has been up to:

- finding Dom's brother
- realising he wasn't ill but poisoned by cidre
- Bekkah healing him
- Then the young Lordling coming here to enjoy Midsummers for the first time in a long while.

The telling of the tale punctuated by the chewing of good food washed down by more ale.

Daxia Yurisdotter

She chuckled at Kisa’s comment. “I am not always a chatterbox, you know.”

The weavings of the dance brought them closer, then spun them apart. For all of that, Dazi was loathe to allow Kisa’s hands — one or both of them — to stray farther than a hand-span away from her own. Conversation, such as it was, could be had in small snippets and then larger chunks when the dance kept them close.

“We all watch as we travel, for different things and for different reasons...

“Romana and Darian and Dean are all naturally quiet...

“Kay is so curious, and so determined to be worthy of a Black Steed that I am afraid that I am not the best teacher for her.”

The Starrider’s smile was as bright as her eyes, and these sparkled like the waters of Sapphire Lake. She felt comfortable enough with her traveling companions to share bits of her heart and mind and soul, but only Bekkah truly knew all the facets that made up the woman Daxia, daughter of Yuri, granddaughter of Tasha. And even though Bekkah knew her so well, even her sister could not understand some of Dazi’s fears. Kisa... ah, well, Kisa knew Daxia as well as Bekkah did, and could even understand those fears.

I am really qualified, am I really good enough, to lead these people?

“Bekkah always has tales of her journeys through the High Tarn, but has a keen sense for when silence is desired.

“Mikal knows more of fighting than I, even now I think. Yet he’s never cross with me for ignoring his advice...

“...well, except for the times I might have put myself too closely in the path of danger. Sometimes, I have no choice...

“...as you well know.

“Cesare is content to be silent with Darian, but can be coaxed to tell a tale or two...

“...as can Kadri, who would rather speak of her journeys than her home. Now I understand why!

Despite her fears being, for the most part, unfounded — did Morning Star, the Most Magnificent Font of Knowledge and Wisdom, not choose her? — these people whom she thought of as her own, as her family did follow her. She must be doing something right.

“I know I wrote to you of how happy I am to have been reunited with Bekkah...

“Recall the joy of those words, and know my joy at having you travel with us is even greater...

“However, as I suspect your fighting skills are as excellent as my sister’s...”

Daxia snuck in a chuckle there.

“...it is good that there are so many proficient fighters in the group.”

As She journeyed closer and closer to the western horizon, fewer people remained dancing... more were returning to their ales and stories... and the Knight whispered something to her Lady, the light of mischief in her eyes. At the end of the dance, Daxia escorted Dama Allaine to the mini-court Tray Korie held, not far from where Romana rested her head on Kay’s shoulder.

Dazi managed not to giggle at the sight. It wasn’t that Kay looked particularly put out by Romana’s use of her shoulder as a pillow... it was just, well, peculiar to see. Romana, so tall and light, and Kay, so small and dark... peculiar it might be, but it made Dazi happy to see it.

“My Lord,” she said to Tray with a slight bow, “Dama Kisa would like to discuss the matter of your library with you.” Dazi was pleased that she managed to get that out without bursting into laughter. “I hope you and Dama Kadri do not mind if I excuse myself. I have another matter that must be tended to.” She winked at Kisa, and grinned at Kadri, before schooling her face to a proper neutral mask.

She then turned to the Squire of Rames standing nearby, and put her fists on her hips.

“I trust that Sir Kevin taught you dance, Squire Dean. You are not allowed to escape a Midsummers Festival without dancing. I’m sure that’s a rule.”

Then she smiled broadly at the young squire and held out her hand. “Only one... maybe two... dances. Unlike my sister, I don’t cheat. So I’m going to trust that you won’t trip over me or anything silly like that.”

Her eyes lit up with humor.

“Besides, think of the tales we could start about a follower of Rames dancing with a Dayalan! Such fun!”

Dean

Dean gazes in horror at the proferred hand. "W..w..what? No, no, no! I couldn't..."

Seeing the stern look on Dazi's face, he submits and slowly rises. He shakes his head and says, "they're your toes, my Lady Dazi."

Kadri:

"One thing I can say, Tray. And this is a thing most certain. I have no interest in power for powers sake. I find politics a tiresome game - and I think she need not worry on that count. I do not feel the need to collect a parcel of Kories to place upon the mantelpiece."

The dancing done, she fetches herself a drink, and as Dazi finishes speaking, replies.

"Dazi - you need never excuse yourself to me for anything."

She then grins at The squires stuttered response.

Daxia Yurisdotter

She chuckled at Kadri’s response. “Of course not, but you have this delightful new role that I need to tease you about... at least a little bit.”

Dazi then looked at Dean and rolled her eyes.

“Yes. My toes, confined to my sturdy boots. How is it that you can manage to spar without killing either of us, but you’re terrified of dancing?” she asked as she practically had to drag her reluctant partner to the space set aside for dancing. “Did you never dance with your sisters? Do they now need to walk on their knees because you destroyed their feet?”

Pointing to the other dancers, she said, “Look. It’s a simple four count dance... if it makes you feel better, you can pretend you’re practicing the four count footwork I showed you for use against two opponents at once. You do that very well. Don’t even think of denying it!

“And I’m no more a Lady than you are a Lord. Unless you are secretly a Lord and haven’t told us, in which case I’m quite a bit less a Lady than you are a Lord. Plus I will need to find an actual Lady to speak sternly to you about fibbing to us. Fortunately, we seem to be collecting Ladies to our party, which — for myself — I find quite odd.

“And you know I can keep talking until She sets and then beyond — even while dancing — if it will get your mind off your feet, right?”

Dean

Dean shakes his head, and with a small smile grabs Dazi by the waist. They dance!

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Early Evening, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth

Actually, being a Squire, that is the first step to lordship and one of the few ways a common born lad can attain peerage – the title Knight does come with an elevation of rank and entrance to the Nobility.

Dawnview had never had Knights before. Kisa Allaine smiled, as she listened to Daxia explain peerage to the young dean. It was a knowing smile, understanding that she could adopt a similar custom with but a word. Knowing that the imperials would recognize it; because to not do so would be inconsistent with their own hard held traditions. The down side of a hierarchy dedicated to Order.

However, there was one thing that Daxia should have expected, despite Dean’s shy response. He is a Squire. And Squires are trained in the courtly arts. So he did know how to dance …

“Cor! That just ain’t fair!”

Of course it was Marcy, though Darcy’s gaze was equally pointed.

“How come she gets the squire! She’s not even a proper Lady. White hair and swords, if it weren’t for Midsummers!”

“What? Am I ground up pigs liver?”

Marcy had forgotten that she was dancing with someone. She hastily retreated, retreated and attacked at all the same time.

“But you want to be a Squire too, right? You want to be a hero, yes?”
Happily the dance spun them away for a bit and he didn’t have to answer. Carrying a sword usually means getting hit by one and all. From her meal Kay leveled a very amused look upon the poor farm lad.

“At least cobber, you have a choice, ja?

“That’s what me and skin and bones here in common. We never really had.”

Across the way, someone could not help but laugh.

“And that, laddie boy, is what I say to Old Man Ironhand. He usually then cuffs me a good one, which he always lets me catch, because it is not seemly for a lieutenant to be beating on his captain.

“Strategy and tactics, tactics and strategy.”

Dandelion Koromov easily kept pace with Mikal, the two trading lead with every change in standard – while Finn and Bekkah may have held attention for elegance and dashing daring do, the other half of the crowd followed their more martial turns and steps, with elbow nudges and whispers and pointing, a similar competition, but this one much more feral.

Once Mikal found himself standing alone – and the Koromov tapping her foot across the circle, as if she were patiently awaiting the arrival of a late suitor. He knew he had been gotten, but it was not unexpected – this was Dandelion Koromov’s trademark move – her uncanny ability to be in the last place anyone expected.

“The trick is figuring out which you are best at and finding a partner that compliments you. Once that’s done you go find someone like Duffy. Ever wonder why he’s my number two and not Rafe? He keeps us going.”

nearby, neither Finn nor Bekkah showed any signs of tiring.

“This is Midummer’s in Talantal, my feisty Lady fair. You do realize the minstrels will get tired and then replaced by others until dawn breaks on the morrow? Which is fine and wonderful, except you’ll miss the stars as they rise over the ravine and well, to tell the honest truth, come halfway through the night and it will be Darry and his jug, and he is not pleasant on the ears … though he will have the crowd slain with laughter.”

Waiting patiently, Kathi deigned not to listen to Darian nor Cesare. Pointedly, in fact. Waiting, it is what a proper servant lass does quite a bit of, until her charge returns.

When released, Tray returned to Kathi’s care; he slouched a bit, betraying more than a little weariness. But he tried his best to shake it off, requesting a mug of ale instead. With his quiet sentinel the Korie rested, waving Kadri off to her friends. It should have been unexpected, in truth he had been sick for a very very long time and to wake at Midsummers, not the most recommended of recuperations.

“My library?

“I fear the most telling thing is that you might discover my Brother’s taste in literature.”

His smile was a welcome one, but weary, as he sipped his ale.

Daxia and Kisa, however, would recognize this kind of relaxation. He was watching, he was listening to, the people who, come the morning sun, he will be responsible for.

Bekkah

She danced effortlessly with the supposed blacksmith. She was starting to wonder if he was truly some courtier in disguise. Of course she did not believe that, but there was no doubt about the charm he exuded.

She smiled up at him, leaning in closer than proper during one of the steps, looking up into his eyes.

"And I suppose you have a better suggestion than listening to Darry's jug, though it might be something I may never get the chance to experience again." she said now shamelessly flirting with the man as much as he was flirting with her. If he was as observant as he appeared, then he'd know her feelings.

Cesare

When Lord Tray returns, Cesare is reminded that other people exist other than Darian and decides introductions are in order, especially as he had been talking about Darian only moments before she arrived.

"Lord Tray."

He nods respectfully, not a honour he bestows willingly on many.

"May I introduce Darian, Hunter and companion, another of our group?"

He is not quite sure if he is doing this right, bestowing the right descriptions, and hopes that neither the local Lord nor Darian take exception.

He turns a smiles at Kathi.

"And Kathi who has been a great help to me since we arrived and to whom I owe an apology, deserting her in a dance. Sorry Kathi."

Daxia Yurisdotter

Oh, and dance they did! Like the initiates of those among the Imperial Court, Kassia’s last student had been trained in much the same topics as a Squire of Rames, though obviously from a Dayala-centric perspective. Kassia’s idea of courtly arts, however, were more on the practical side of things. Despite that, Daxia did learn the more sedate dances the folks up in the Fifth Ring must be dancing.

These were so much more fun!

She’d seen the smile on Kisa’s face, and tucked into the back of her mind the fact that the Heiress was likely scheming some new scheme. It would be good for Dawnview, no doubt. It might well be good for many others. And it would probably send Daxia down further “interesting” Paths. The definitions of “interesting,” of course, could and would vary wildly.

One or two dances were all Daxia had insisted upon, but she did claim the full two from the Squire. After the second, though, she curtsied most properly before walking back toward Lord Tray and Damas Kisa and Kadri.

“Thank you, Dean, I had fun! I do wish you’d work on getting over this silly notion that some of us are better than others of us,” she said with a smile. “It’s fine if we’re in Court or around certain Nobles... but not all the time.

“Oh, I know, I know!” She held up a hand in a half surrender. “It’s the way you were raised, it’s what you were taught.” Daxia stopped short of the table to say one final thing to the Squire. “Maybe your task, your purpose for being out on the Tarn guarding Bekkah is to allow new thoughts into your head, eh? Lady knows my head has been stuffed so full of new thoughts I think it might explode.

“Just a thing to consider, da? And I won’t tell Bekkah that you really are a good dancer.” She winked and continued to the table, her arm linked with his.

When they returned to the table, the watchers were watching... Dazi couldn’t help but smile. No doubt Kisa would, indeed, have an abundance of interesting things to see on their journey west. It would be ridiculous not to travel with the Larsens’ party. Daxia was happy enough about that; Kay’s teaching poem made is clear that one couldn’t dislike the Larsens, and both the Khorall and his Lady seemed to be... well... just plain nice.

Noting the tableau of Darian, Cesare and Kathi, Daxia stepped to Darian’s side.

“Have time for short talk, Darian?” she asked.

Nodding to Cesare and Kathi, she reiterated and reassured. “Not long,” Dazi said with a smile. “Perhaps you won’t even have time to finish your ale, Cesare.”

Darian

"Hoi.

She gave a short nod to the Lord and pointed to the snarkhound at her leg.

"Be Longtooth."

Daxia appeared at her side.

"Aye," with another short nod.

Cesare

He nods with a grin. This ale is going down a little slower than the others as he is feeling the effects of the other ones and thinks slowing down is probably a good idea.

Kadri

She looks over to Cesare.

"I think I can say I am coming close to having it to here."

She holds a hand about a foot over her head.

"With this noble thing, aye Cesare? I have to fight a constant urge to do impolitic things."

She grins widely.

"Not the easiest of fights, let me say to you."

Cesare

"And not just those above stairs. Kathi can tell you that there are those below stairs that more than try your patience."

A certain cook comes to mind.

Kadri:

"Oh believe me, I know. I've lived "below the stairs" before. The biggest part of discomfort here is not being able to just chat like damn normal people. I'm not this damnable dress. I'm not fancy finery and noble airs. And these trappings are suffocating traps. I'd just as soon be playing drinking games with the people over there as trying to maintain images. And they deal with serious business. Having people's lives and fortunes influenced by my actions, words, and slips of the tongue ..."

A pause, as she glances over at Kathi.

"If I harm me through my actions, all is well and the chase is on. If someone wishes to play a long game of cat and mouse with me they are more than welcome to. But innocents - just saying that they probably deserve someone a bit eternal for that role, yes?"


"At least I was able to finally tell father my true thoughts. That has to count for something."

Mikal

He chuckles and smiles when he finds himself standing alone, then rushes up to Dandy and sweeps her back into the dance almost as if he intended to wrestle with her. In fact, their dance does somewhat resemble the intricate movements of two opponents feeling each other out, looking for weaknesses to exploit, than it does the more typical dancing of the townsfolk.

At her comments, he nods, understanding the conversation is extremely valuable. "Yes. I would like to form a Troop of my own. I have developed some ideas on tactics I have not seen used. Finding the right Second is critical. Not to mention the funding."

He grins, slipping his right leg behind Dandy's knee as she begins a step-step-twirl sequence. He tightens his grip on her left hand and shoulder as she enters the sequence. He doesn't expect her to trip over his knee, and if she steps lightly over it he doesn't want to lose her. But if she does trip over his knee, the rest of the move would involve a deep backwards bend of her body across his knee and the last thing he wants to do is let her go.

Daxia Yurisdotter

Stepping a pace or two away from the group, she said quietly to Darian, “Tray say brother Heir raise snarkhounds. Dazi think Darian like to know.”

Daxia leaned over to scritch the snarkhound at the Hunter’s side. “Maybe Longtooth interested, too.” She chuckled. “Maybe not.”

Tucking her thumbs close together between belt and tunic, fingers overlapping, she looked up at the sky. It was getting dark enough to see some of her Sisters trailing after Dayala. As beautiful as they were, it was hard to forget that each one represented a Sister who had died in battle. So many... so unfathomably many.

“Hunters nearby, too,” she said, “but Dazi not see.” She grinned at her friend. “Hunters hard to see when want no seeing.”

She looked over at those still dancing and thought Mikal and Dandy looked more like they were sparring than dancing. For some reasons, she was unsurprised.

“We stay here tomorrow. Maybe go after second rising.” Daxia shrugged. “Kisa join Dazi and friends. Go west. With Larsens, big party.”

Daxia had no problem running ideas together in a way that Darian could easily understand. She was simply speaking in the Dawnview farmers’ dialect. The downside to that particular dialect was that it allowed a person to say a lot more in less time. She consciously kept her chunks to information small to be sure Darian didn’t miss anything. It wasn’t so much different than when she first ran into the folks on the trail on her way down from Dawnview. Of course, she had different reasons for speaking very little then.

“Darian, Longtooth stay outside walls this night?” Dazi tilted her head, looking at Darian. “Hunter look less... pressed by walls to Dazi. Darian feel less pressed?”

Cesare

"I would like that opportunity too, assuming he is still alive. How did that go then?"

Then his ale oiled brain picks up an inference that he doesn't like the sound of.

"Are you saying that Kathi is in danger?"

Kadri:

"With Tray she is probably about as safe as anyone else is in this mad place."

She sighs and rubs her forehead.

Cesare

Maybe he misunderstood? At least Kadri doesn't think there is a specific problem. Good.

He takes another sip of ale, watching Daxia and Darian talking with little curiosity as to the subject matter.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon to Dusk, Midsummer's Day

Bekkah and Finn, Cesare, Kathi, Darcy, Marcy and Tray, Romana and Kay, Kisa and Daxia, Darian and Longtooth.

Tray actually waited; he waited and paused, not even having to look over his shoulder to know his sentinel was watching the Rhoni with an even gaze. Kathi stood behind Tray with her arms crossed.

“You do.”

Kathi nodded, looking to Cesare.

“The reason we stand with the Young Master is that he always treats us as if we are all important to him. Even Miss Mouse.

“It is a lesson to be remembered.

“However, as if is Midsummer’s, I shall find some way to forgive you.”

Only then did Tray look past Cesare to his companion.

“Well met, mi’Lady and I hop you are enjoying Midsummers. And that’s a fine companion you have there …”

The lordling nodded towards Longtooth.

“My brother’s are all young – or seem to be when I watch them run in the yard. Personally, I’d think cunning only gets one so far, then you have to know what you are doing. Though that might just be a scholar talking.”

Meanwhile at one dance …

“Well of course mi’lady Bekkah. There are many many things better than Darry’s jug. Sour milk, old cheese, watching the stars rise above the ravine, walking in the silver moonlight along the third ring gardens, mulled tshokolat mixed with cream …”

That last got a sleepy, dreamy response from a slumbering Atteran.

“ …. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm … tshokolat …”

While another dance was about to reach a stalemate.

“Then lad …”

Dandelion Koromov moved with Mikal, matching his moves with each passing measure.

“Harry runs the toughest heavy cavalry between Trundle and the sea. Donner knows town defense better than any one; if I had to break into a town he was defending I’d go vacation until his contract ran out. The Horse, we don’t play by the rules, which is why we can survive against the Fey. Even the Mark – they will take any contract, no matter how dark a shade of gray.

“You want your own troop. You better find out what makes you special, what you do that no one else can.

“Otherwise you’ll be nothing more than another sword for hire.”

She paused in her words,

She did not trip. She did not fall.

She held, balanced, bent over backwards in a stern arch, looking back up at Mikal. She smiled, an alley girl’s smile.

“Now think carefully laddie …

“Do you really, really want to finish this step?”

Mika

He laughs and pulls her upright, finishing instead with a twirl that releases her hand and a bow as the tune finishes.

He offers her his hand to lead her back to the table for refreshment. Walking back to the tables his eyes take on a far away quality.

"I have some thoughts on light cavalry. A Troop that can fight from horseback, not just as dismounted infantry. But not a bruising Heavy Cavalry unit like Harry's. Instead a unit that uses it's speed to hit and then not be there when the return strike comes. To harass. A unit that can gallop up before an enemy can form, strike hard, and dash away. A group like that, trained to work together, disciplined, could harry an enemy on the march until it broke. Kill 10 men here, 10 there, 20 over there. Death by a thousand cuts. Like a swarm of mosquitoes it could drive a foe to the point of madness. To the point of making mistakes. Deadly ones."

"It will take mounts as good as the men, and men who know how to take care of those mounts better than themselves. If I could dream they'd all be mounted on Ambers. It will take crossbows that can be reloaded while mounted and have enough striking power to punch through armour. It would take a unit armed with swords, curved for striking from horseback. Slashing rather than stabbing. A unit of spears for shock. And all archers. But mostly it will take discipline and training."

He chuckles ruefully. "A dream." He glances around. "I have none who follow me now so I am a Troop of one."