To Offer a Helping Hand (ATTN Natlya)

[Prew]

His past experience in helping train raw recruits for the Queen’s Guards helped Prewtez remain patient with the girl. His suggestion that she speak with the armory’s weaponsmith had not seemed to register with her. Perhaps he was just too used to the Warder Yard now and took certain things for granted. He realized he needed to think back to when he had first arrived here. But, bloody ashes, he had been a grown man, a former soldier, familiar with the ways of weapons and training. Natlya did not have that benefit, he needed to remember that.

“Judging by your size, I would think it best you start with a sword. A katana or rapier would suit you more than a broadsword would. Once you gain some confidence using just the one weapon we can begin to think of a second. Does that make sense to you?” he would leave off reminding her about the unarmed combat class again. She would soon find that there were expectations placed on Drin regarding class load.

“Drin are also expected to spend a good part of their time doing chores,” he smiled at the memory of his time in the stables, “Is there a particular area you would feel most comfortable? The kitchen, perhaps, or the stables?”

[Bella]

Comfortable? she thought. Why would anyone be comfortable working in the kitchens or stables? She had done her turn in both over the past few years and she certainly didn't like either of, and what she didn't like, she wasn't comfortable in. Still, she knew that such chores were not shirked here and she couldn't be too obvious in her distaste.

She was also, however, trying to keep everything in her mind that he had said so far. She needed to take a class about unarmed combat, and go to the armory to look at swords... Which ones had he said? Katana and rapier, right? She was never going to survive this place, she was becoming more and more convinced.

"I have experience with both," she said carefully. "I suppose I've done more work in kitchens, though, and not as much around horses and animals."

[Prew]

"Well, there is also housework... you know, keeping the Hall clean, and yard work, and... trust me, they never run out of things for Drin to do," he recalled his own time as a new recruit to the Tower. He had been fortunate that the Mistress of Training at the time had recognized his experience with horses and assigned him to chores he really didn't mind doing. He supposed most recruits weren't so lucky, but as her mentor he thought he could put in a word with Ravak and have her assigned to something she wouldn't dread.

"Natlya, if you have a preference I could speak to the Master of Training. It is worth a shot, don't you think?"

[Bella]

Who would have a preference about that sort of thing, she wondered. All chores were...well...chores. They were all unpleasant tasks and ones she had worked very hard to avoid. That was not an option here. It was, in fact, the farthest thing possible from an option. There was absolutely no choice, not if she wished to remain here at the Grey Tower. And, she was determined to not fail.

"I am willing to do any work that is required of me," Nat said. The words tasted bad, but her acting skills kept it from showing. Only one person alive would be able to tell she was lying, and he was busy getting a line up of chores on her own. "I do not need special requests. I will attend the armory as soon as possible, and would be honored for your tutelage, Gaidin."

See? She knew how to be polite and demure, even when she wasn't having any fun or getting to steal something.

[Prew]

Prewtez had the feeling he was overstaying his welcome. Time to leave the girl alone, he decided. After all, a Gadin sitting at table would either scare other drins away or lead to them bothering him for stories of glorious adventure. Well, they'd find out soon enough that this life was not about glory. Best to give Natlya a chance to meet some of her peers.

"I'm sure you'll be fine, Natlya," he stated as he rose from the table, "And when you are ready, I would be happy to spar with you. And, of course, please contact me if you need anything. If you can't find me, the Master of Training will get word to me."

[Bella]

It took no small amount of effort, but Natlya managed to stuff down the wealth of relief she felt when he rose to leave. She was definitely done with this conversation, and the path of knives she had to traverse just to not get her neck in a noose... Was this what he whole life was going to be like now? Probably, yes.

"Thank you, Gaidin," she managed to say politely, bowing her head. "I will remember that and seek you out when I'm ready." Which 'ready' would likely never happen, but just to keep things moving in life, she'd undoubtedly have to find him again at some point.