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Post by HorizonsDream on May 17, 2019 13:24:00 GMT -8
"I'm afraid that we are just as much in the dark as you are," Ladonna says with a small smile. "But that is why we are here with you, so you won't be alone in this," she explains. "I don't think privileged is the right word. You've been very much sheltered your whole life, so all of this is new to you. "
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Post by GravityEmblem on May 17, 2019 14:26:13 GMT -8
“That’s the sort of ‘privilege’ I mean: growing up in comparatively extravagant house, with servants and other amenities unavailable to the common people. Besides, I’d hardly say nobles are the only ones forced into marriages they may not prefer...but I digress. We have other matters to attend to for now.”
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Post by Daos on May 17, 2019 16:32:28 GMT -8
"Thank you," Helen says to Ladonna. "I know serving a baron's daughter is not the most glamorous of jobs, but I'm glad you accepted it anyway. I'd hate to have to go through this completely alone."
To Lillian, she says, "You sound resentful of me, and I've done nothing to you. Do you always speak to your employers like this? I certainly hope you don't plan to speak to the count in such a manner."
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Post by GravityEmblem on May 17, 2019 16:43:56 GMT -8
“Sorry,” Lillian apologizes. “I suppose I was a bit put off by your question to Ladonna.”
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Post by Daos on May 18, 2019 13:40:03 GMT -8
Helen sets down a blanket by the fire, then sits on it, hugging her knees close to her. "Things aren't going too well so far. It's only been a day, and one servant has run off and bandits have attacked. Who were those people, anyway?"
"The Wyld Boys," Finbul answers. "They're a local gang that live in the wilderness."
"Why are they called that, when some of them were women? And why do they live in such a way?" Helen asks.
Finbul shrugs. "I don't know the origin of their name. And they have their reasons. Some are banished criminals with nowhere else to go. Some are Crizzites or Renosites wanting to worship on their own terms. Most are just the dregs of society; cast-offs and pariahs who either cannot or simply refuse to work within the system. They serve only themselves, and don't care much about anything other than filling their pockets with gold and their bellies with food and ale."
"It's a wonder anyone would choose to live in such a way," Helen remarks. "How did they even know I would be coming this way?"
"That's a good question," Liala comments. "You might have a spy among your servants."
Helen frowns. "What a chilling thought. I should mention that in my first letter to father once we reach Hart."
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Post by HorizonsDream on May 18, 2019 14:01:27 GMT -8
"You might want to be careful mentioning that within a letter," Ladonna cautions Helen. "If there is a spy within your previous home, then they are sure to get their hands on that letter."
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Post by Daos on May 19, 2019 11:40:52 GMT -8
"Are bandits literate these days?" Helen asks, surprised. "None of our servants are...or at least, I didn't think they were."
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Post by HorizonsDream on May 19, 2019 13:32:24 GMT -8
"They could be," Ladonna admits. "Did you really take the time to get to know many of your servants?" she asks.
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Post by GravityEmblem on May 20, 2019 3:57:20 GMT -8
Lillian stays quiet, waiting to see how Helen answers.
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Post by Daos on May 20, 2019 12:53:19 GMT -8
"Of course. They were the only people I had any contact with my entire life, aside from my father," Helen responds. "And all of them were lowborn with no formal education...well, except for Porrima. She didn't talk about her past and isn't from Buho. But I can't bring myself to believe anyone so kind would be a spy for cruel bandits." She shakes her head. "In any case, you're the one who suggested there's a spy in my father's manor, but you advise me not to send a letter to my father to warn him. So what is your counsel? That I do nothing at all?"
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Post by HorizonsDream on May 20, 2019 13:41:16 GMT -8
"It is highly doubtful that your father is in any danger since they were after you to get your father's money," Ladonna explains. "He has his personal guard, which I'm sure will keep him well protected. If it was me, I would actually send a letter to Porrima. She has been your trusted handmaiden for years, so I'm sure she can get word to the Baron."
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Post by GravityEmblem on May 21, 2019 4:34:40 GMT -8
“Sounds like a sound plan to me,” Lillian agrees.
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Post by Daos on May 21, 2019 12:41:52 GMT -8
"Very well, I will take your words under advisement," Helen replies, trying to sound official. "But for now, perhaps it is time for rest now. It has been a long day."
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Post by HorizonsDream on May 21, 2019 15:30:56 GMT -8
"Agreed," Ladonna says. "But I will still take the first watch," she adds.
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Post by GravityEmblem on May 22, 2019 9:55:23 GMT -8
"I'll stand watch later, when it's dark," suggests Lillian.
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