Nadia was not really sure how to respond to Roland’s flowery speech. She certainly felt no fire burning in her heart, nothing heroic or awe inspiring anywhere within and she knew for certain there was nothing without to evoke such a powerful speech. But all the same, she couldn’t help a small blush creeping over her cheeks at the words of faith and she hoped the darkness in the stables would hide it from view. She was going to say something, but a new voice rang out and Nadia jumped, visibly startled by the orc’s appearance. The orcs words did nothing for Nadia’s stature, if anything, she seemed to shrink a little, away from the words and the attention they drew.<br/><br/>“<span style="color: #006666">I can handle myself,</span>” she said defensively to the orc, and just to be defiant she swung up behind Roland onto the worg Blacktooth, shifting around in the saddle until she found a comfortable way to sit. The only awkward part was where to hang on. The only logical place was to wrap her arms around Roland and she hesitated to do that. As she sat there, contemplating this particular dilemma she realized, with a bit of awe, that Roland’s discussion about a man was actually about her. She blinked at the tall man’s back, and then grinned, ducking her head down to keep anyone from seeing it. It worked out best if she was seen as a boy, rather than a girl. She glanced back at the orc woman, slightly envious at the bold way she wore clothes, the strength of personality she possessed.<br/><br/>“<span style="color: #006666">I’m going to help</span>,” she said with conviction, staring directly at the orc, “<span style="color: #006666">I know I can, and I want to. It’s everyone’s home, and if I can make a difference, that is where I should be</span>,” she gave in and wrapped her arms around Roland’s waist. If it was between this and tumbling backwards off,  she could swallow her pride and hold on. “<span style="color: #006666">I’m ready,</span>” she said, hoping she sounded braver than she felt.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>