CH. 09 - A New Beginning

[Daos]

Ladonna
Ladonna is directed to the third floor, near the middle, across the hall from the count's room.  This is where Eowin Solan sleeps.  The door hangs open, so she can walk right in.  The room reflects the interests of a 15-year old boy of his position.  Swords and shields hang on the walls.  Toy soldiers are piled in one corner.  Upon one wall is a stag's head.  Beside it hangs a large icon of Gonto.

Furnishings include wardrobe closets, a wash basin, a large bathtub behind a hanging curtain, trunks, plus a table and a few chairs.

Currently, Eowin sits at the table, scribbling something on parchment with an ink quill.  He looks up at her when she arrives.  The boy resembles his father more than hsi mother, but he does have Countess Miriam's pale hair and blue eyes.  Although only fifteen, he's a strapping youth, already 5'11" in height.

"Who are you?" he asks.  "Oh, wait, I remember now.  You're one of Lady Helen's entourage, from breakfast this morning."

[HorizonsDream]

"Ser Ladonna Marche, your lordship," Ladonna says with a bow of her head. "I don't mean to interrupt if you are busy. I wished to meet the man that is to marry my Lady," she says.

[Daos]

Ladonna
"Well, we have met, although I suppose we didn't talk any," Eowin says.  "It's hard to get a word in edgewise when my parents are present," he jokes.  He gestures to a second chair at his table.  "Please, have a seat, Ser Marche."

[GravityEmblem]

“Any news around town,” Lillian asks.

[HorizonsDream]

Ladonna takes a seat as offered. "So how do you feel about this upcoming marriage?" She asks curiously.

[Daos]

Ladonna
"Well, there are many broken hearts throughout the castle and town now," Eowin jokes.  "But I'm looking forward to it.  We'll have plenty of time to get to know each other better over the next few months, but she seemed pleasant enough at breakfast."

Lillian
"The big news that everyone is talking about is that the future bride of Count Solan's first born son just arrived today," the young man tells her.  "She's going to live in the castle for the next couple of years, until the wedding, then they're both going back to Buho village."

[HorizonsDream]

"I can see why. You are a handsome young man," Ladonna says in answer to his joke. "You don't appear to be nervous about the idea," she says. "Which I find to be pretty rare in situations like this."

[GravityEmblem]

“Yes, I noticed that,” Lillian responds with a smirk. “Especially sewing as I came here with her.”

[Daos]

Ladonna
"Really?  What's there to be nervous about?" Eowin asks.  "Don't tell me that Lady Helen is some kind of horrible shrew or something, is she?"

Lillian
"Wow, really?  Then you probably know way more than anyone here would about her," the young man says.  "Wait, if you arrived with a noble, why are you slumming it here in town, in a tavern?"

[HorizonsDream]

"I have only known her for a short time, but she isn't a horrible shrew," Ladonna says with a small laugh. "I think she is a little naive, but that is why she is here."

[GravityEmblem]

“I wanted to see what the general noble-commoner and human-non-human relations were” she answers. “And, I’m far from being a noble.”

[Daos]

Ladonna
"Well, that's good to hear.  And that means nothing to be nervous about, I'd say," Eowin responds.  "In fact, I even look forward to it.  It'll be nice to be out from under my father's shadow for a change."

Lillian
The adventurer shrugs.  "About the same here as anywhere else, I'd guess.  But I wouldn't know, I've never left Hart.  At least, not yet.  Once I become a knight, I'll be able to see all sorts of far-off lands.  Especially if there is a war."

[HorizonsDream]

"From my understanding of the situation, Lady Escott would still be the one in charge," Ladonna says. "So wouldn't you be replacing one shadow for another?"

[Daos]

Ladonna
"No...unless she is a shrew, and you say she is not," Eowin responds.  "I'm happy to leave the actual leading of the barony to her.  Although from what I've heard, there is very little to do in that area, anyway.  The Buho town council and the reeve do most of the heavy lifting.  Which means I will be free to pursue my own hobbies.  Like swordplay, horsemanship, and hunting.  Father won't even let me leave the castle.  He gave me the rank of sergeant in the garrison, but I have no men under my command and am not even allowed to fight in the event of an attack."  He frowns and shakes his head.  "This marriage is my best bet to earn some freedom for a change."

[HorizonsDream]

"Is your father really that overprotective of you?" Ladonna asks in surprise.