At the commotion behind her, Maria reined in her horse and turned to look, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise at the previously peaceful wild man suddenly turning hostile. He ran back toward the forest, shouting at them, but making no move as if to attack.<br/><br/>"Hold!" She called out, keeping those around her from attacking him, though most seemed as bewildered by his response as she. Aolo's eyes kept darting from her to the castle behind her. The was an accusing look in them, much like the statement he spat at her. Was he afraid of the castle? Why would someone be afraid of the castle? It was modest, for the size of the dukedom she owned. Had Aolo never seen a castle before?<br/><br/>Uncertain how to proceed, she decided a show of trust was in order. Perhaps that would placate the wild man. "Sir Cedric, would you please collect all of the weapons from the present company, except our guest, and place them as well as yourself under that yonder tree in the next field until we have safely passed the gatehouse?" She gestured to a nearby willow tree that hadn't been cleared from the field next to them. It was far enough off for a show of goodwill, but not so far as to make for an arduous trek for the older knight.<br/><br/>"Lady Bennett, surely you don't mean--"<br/><br/>"Sir Cedric, I am sure of what I mean. Please collect the weapons and remove yourself," her tone brokered no arguments.<br/><br/>Huffing, Cedric did as asked, the rest of the party offering up their armaments without protest or comment. She would have to have a talk to the king about Sir Cedric. It was about time for him to retire, and his squire was more than ready to take up the knighthood in his stead. Cedric's squire was also much more agreeable.<br/><br/>With the weapons and knight removed, Maria then dismounted, her dress billowing around her for a moment before settling. Garth immediately dismounted as well, giving her a short bow and taking up the reins of her horse. She smiled at the trusty blacksmith, thanking him, and patted her strawberry blonde hair under the black veil she wore over it. Then, she turned to where Aolo still held his ground on the edge of the forest, and beckoned to him.<br/><br/>"Aolo, will you come with me? I promise you that you will be safe. I give you my word." She tried to think of a gesture to indicate<i>safe</i>, but could not think of anything obvious. Hopefully the show of removing weapons would suffice.