Nimue gawked as the tall female knight took off her helmet and shook loose her river of hair. If Nimmie had done her hair like that, it would have been a riot of curls rather than this lion’s mane of waves. Nimue narrowed her eyes. That woman knew her hair was a rich asset and was flaunting it the way a pheasant does his feathers during mating season.<br/><br/>When the woman had the gall to scold Maric as if she had the right to command him, Nimue balled up her fists. She could tell by the tension in his back that he wasn’t exactly thrilled to see this ambassador for his guild. He glanced back over his shoulder to Nimmie and nodded his head as if he were checking in with her and reassuring her that hospitality would be the best course of action to acquiesce to her demand of refreshment.<br/><br/>Nimue stepped out from behind Maric and assumed the air of the lady of the house.<br/><br/>“Welcome to our temporary home,” she said with calm dignity. “We were about to partake of hot tea and a hearty stew. Won’t you join us?” She did not approach the woman, nor did she extend her hand but her words were kind and sincere. "It will take a while for the meal to be ready but tea and some buttered bread should hold you for a while."<br/><br/>Without waiting for an answer, she turned to Faren and said,<br/>“Come. I have need of some help carrying firewood in.” Sweeping past the female knight, she beckoned the squire to follow her. Faren was used to following orders and with an inquisitive glance toward his master, followed the petite mistress to the cottage.<br/><br/>When they were out of earshot, she inquired<br/><br/>“Who is she? Maric went as still as a hare when a hawk flies over when she appeared.”<br/><br/>The squire was a discreet young man and refrained from gossiping about his master but did offer,<br/>“They trained together under the same master. Laana has been around for many years. She is quite righteous and savage in battle.”<br/><br/>Nimue’s mind was spinning. She, herself, had only begun to train with a wooden sword and this woman had her spurs. She would be no match for her in combat, but Nimue smiled to herself and picked up the pace. There was always poison.