Lenore hadn't meant to offend, but she hadn't been overly pleasant either.  Regardless, she was a bit shocked at this servant's uncouth manner and untamed tongue.  Perhaps it was borne of being right hand to the Princess, but even servants had a place.  Lenore meant to put Medea in hers.  She began to interject, but the maid bid her good day and stormed off.  Shocked at the outright snubbing she'd just received, Lenore lingered in place a moment, her eyes staring after the plump woman.  Until one of the guard happened by and remarked in a teasing tone, "way to show the maid who's in charge, Lenore.  I think the boys and I will follow her lead from now on."<br/><br/>Uproarious laughter burst out from the group, but a glare from Lenore silenced them.  "Get it ready.  We leave upon my return.  You there, boy.  My horse."  She snapped her fingers at the lad and he fetched her horse swiftly.  The dapple grey mare had been rubbed down and cleaned, and she looked stunning.  But Lenore only noticed that her saddle hadn't been properly latched.  A few harsh words were left with the boy when he returned with her horse and she mounted up, trotting after Medea.<br/><br/>The maid wasn't far, and even if she had been, Lenore was on horseback.  She could have found the woman, no matter where she'd gone in the city.  The guard captain called out in her firm voice, "you there, maidservant.  Halt a moment.  I mean you!  Listen here, when the captain of the guard asks you something, you answer properly, whether you're the Princess' personal servant or the Duke of Burling."  Her horse followed Medea, her voice calling out to the woman.  "If you are as utterly useless as I suspect you are,  then simply keep your head down and don't get in the way.  It's for your own safety.  I'd hate to return only to tell the king how the Princess' maid was accidentally slain in battle.  If, on the other hand, you have some manner of talent or virtue, the sort that would we would need on the long trip ahead, then we welcome your services."  Her words hung in the air between them, uncertain in hearing and understanding.  So far, this trip was not getting off to a good start.  Then again, when did anything involving the Princess ever get off to a good start?