<em>[OOC: Rather than moving the story too far forward with the meeting of Sylria, I wanted to set up Lilian's rescue mission from another point of view  :-)]</em><br/><br/><strong>Aimee Lisle</strong>[Carriage #4: Marie Archambault, Aimee Lisle, Madie Thomas, and a few other female servants]<br/><br/>Aimee was not looking forward to the trip as much as she would have liked.  Her prime spot on the grapevine put her in possession of quite a few of Avonleigh's choice gossiped- about bits.  Sifting through the pieces, Aimee wondered which ones were true.  When her mistress had decided to plan this trip, she refused to listen to Aimee's protests.  Ever the spoiled heiress, Lilian was never one to be deterred when she wanted something.  Aimee regretted not sharing some of the juicer, sexual bits with Lilian.  It would never do, her sheltered lady hearing about such dirty things.  However, if she had heard them, the shock may deterred Lilian from going at all.<br/><br/>Aimee was five years older than her mistress and had been with Lilian since the day Lilian was born.  When Lilian was small, she had been so attached to Aimee that she made Aimee sit in on her lessons as well as play dates.  As Lilian grew, Aimee still sat discreetly at the back of the room taking careful note of her mistress's needs and wants.  Aimee used her knowledge discreetly and wisely.  While reading and writing was common among the higher servants, she knew that her learning on languages and historical policy were dangerous.  There would be no gossip to be had if she lost her servant's accent and empty mind.<br/><br/>As Aimee sat in the carriage, she shook the gossip out of her head.  They were already headed to Avonleigh and even the best rumors couldn't outweigh the real thing.  It would be better to be useful; ticking things off quickly on her papered list, pen in hand, favorite blankets, favorite doll, favorite pillow, nightgowns, dresses, shoes, favorite flour- Aimee was sure that all of Lilian's favorites were packed tightly away.  No complaints there.<br/><br/>Suddenly, the carriage jerked to a halt and mayhem began.  After an unintentional dark slash on the page, Aimee tucked the paper securely between the carriage cushions.  Amid the thud of men's shoes and voices, Aimee could hear Lilan's commanding voice- carrying just a hint of fear.  Rolling her eyes, Aimee knew that there was nothing that she could do for her mistress beyond saving prayer.  Lilian never did listen to anyone, she had more of a penchant for ordering.  Aimee wasn't too worried after the first gunshot, however, after a second and third, Aimee knew this was no normal bandit encounter.<br/><br/>Peaking her head out of the window, Aimee saw Lilian begin to break away from the cover of the wagons.  "Marcus you dumb wit" she cried "MY MISTRESS!" trembling finger pointing to Lilian's retreating back.