"Because, as you say, the last three<i>Lords </i>have indeed come to bad ends. I'd rather not become the fourth. And tradition is important out here, we Marchers... Marcherers? March-landers? Well, whatever we are, we value it highly, your highnessness! If I wanted actual useful secular power, I would've joined the Order of the Crown like my older brother. Those of us in the Rose have different priorities. And I think I like the idea of making something worth a damn here. I'll show you why..."<br/><br/>His words, however, didn't stop him from taking her hand on shaking on the deal. He took the opportunity to take her hand in his and test her range of movement and reflexes. Only after he realised that he'd completely invaded his personal space did he release her hand with an awkward smile. "Sorry. Force of habit. My baby-sitting charges are usually bleeding out"<br/><br/>The gatehouse was perched over a moat. It'd take time for the garbage that the previous occupants had dumped into it before the waters ran clear again. The draw-bridge chains had long ago rusted to dust or been stolen or melted down, meaning that the place was exceptionally defensible by any attack except those that came through the front door - just as they had done a few weeks earlier.<br/><br/>He bent forward over the balustrade to gesture down at the fast-flowing stream. "It's actually good water, at least before it hits this crap, and it's fast-flowing enough that it won't stand and breed flies. And just beyond that - well, I think it used to be an orchard and a ... I can't remember the fancy word for where you keep bees. I mean - this place would've been<i>nice</i>back when it had been in use for real. Fat, happy farmers and traders. This was a place of prosperity, of safety, and in the bad times, refuge."<br/><br/>The surrounding countryside was kind of bleak at the moment. You had to squint, or have a healthy degree of optimism to see beyond the ratty overgrowth of weeds, and the unkempt trees that tangled into twilight nightmares. He looked wistful as he stood there, hands on his hips, looking at the surrounding countryside. "I like the idea of making this a place like that again. I know I couldn't run a shop or an inn, but hey - I could run a way-temple." he grinned back at her, looking almost like an over-enthusiastic schoolboy. His enthusiasm for this plan was evident.<br/><br/>He lead her back into the main inner courtyard and pointed at the various buildings.<br/><br/>"That looks like it was stables. Mostly in good order to. And there a smithy. I figure that between the two of us we can rebuild both of them. I have no idea what that is, or rather war - perhaps a granary? And then there's the keep itself. I've not ventured in there."<br/><br/>His shoulders sagged slightly.<br/><br/>"I've not gone back in because it's where we almost died. If you're ready to pick up your sword and shield one last time, then I think we should actually make a proper survey of it. I..."<br/><br/>A deep breath let out as a sigh.<br/><br/>"I can't help but think that there's something still in there. Yes, I know. It could just be the gargoyles at night. But... I figure I don't need to try for boasting of my bravery to you. You know exactly how much of a wuss I am"