Nimue listened with wide eyed fascination as Maric described the adventures that could be had living the life of a knight. She had never heard of a woman becoming a warrior although there were tales of by gone eras where women were battle leaders, like Boadicea. When Maric stopped to sip the wine she had poured into his goblet, Nimue breathed,<br/><br/>"Take me with you. I crave adventure. I lust for the freedom that must surely come with being a knight."<br/>Her voice was quiet enough that the Lady could not hear although she did a raise an eyebrow at her secret conversation.<br/><br/>Formally she said aloud,<br/>"Perhaps Sir Knight, since you have no squire or other servant with you, the Lady could be persuaded to allow Avalon to serve  you. I could join you on your quest since I am not yet a full member of this community with a few skills that could be helpful."<br/><br/>Nimue did not wait to see the reactions of either party but busied herself with keeping Maric's wine goblet filled and his plate piled with meat pies and sweets. She wanted him to see she could anticipate his needs so he would consider her offer.<br/><br/>"Nimue, that is all for now. You have duties elsewhere, "the Lady chided her. "I'm sure Layla needs your assistance."<br/><br/>Nimue's head jerked up quickly. The Lady was giving her that look as she gestured with her eyes toward the door.<br/><br/>"Oh, yes," Nimue answered with a look of longing directed toward Maric. "I had forgotten. Thank you, Lady."<br/><br/>She hurried from the chamber and made her way to the steps leading down to the cave. She was shocked to find the golden dragon curled up around the proud black stallion as if she found him a most irresistible cuddle toy.