<strong>Aeryn Sunlight<br/>Speaking with Eshalu, relaxed and happy<br/>Port Respite</strong><br/><br/>"Speak it well?  You speak it far better than I speak elvish, dear one."   That just slipped out, she didn't seem tonotice she had said it.  Belatedly, she wonderd if Elashu understood the diffrance between deer and dear.<br/><br/>The ranger was watching something.  Or someone.  Aeryn lifted her head slightly, scanned the area, not sure if Eshalu was going on the alert, or merely curious.<br/><br/>A slightly grim smile at the question.  "The Society.  Crossbows are simple to shoot.  Hard to make, expensive to purchase, but easy to use. And Society crossbows, settle the string on a hook on your belt, stick a foot in the stirrup on the front, step down, and you are cocked, then load, aim, shoot.  Repeat as needed."  Her smile turned a trifle smug.  "Men have much more strength in their arms and shoulders.  in their legs, not so great an advantage.  Trained women who know what men will do to them  if the bastards get over the walls will lay down a hail of bolts like no one who has not seen such will believe.  Proper training can steady people, use their fear and stiffen their spines rather than turn them to jelly."<br/><br/>Aeryn was holding Eshalu's hand again, and showed no sign of letting go.  Lightly strokng the back of the elf's hand with her thumb, in fact.  Walking just a bit closer, their hips occasionally otuching lightly.  Suddenly letting go of the ranger's hand, stepping to get clear for sudden movement, her hand resting on the hilt of her poignard.<br/><br/>"Child!'  Her voice was a bit sharp.  "The Magna Sophia house is not so far from the docks, I know that much!"