these images made with the assistance of perchance character-generator

She rises early in the morning, breaks her fast and takes care of the morning routine. She gears up Bigor and is on her way. She esitimates it will take about an hour to get to the crossing. She has him go at an easy lope. She wants to get there quickly but not concern the border gaurds.

As she approaches the outposts Two Soldiers from each side of the border come ot to greet her. As soon as she is in range the Dunberry gaurds rcoginize her Ranger emblem. "Good mornining to you Ranger. When you cross the border show our friends over there your broach and they will not charge you a crossing fee if you are on official business." Mirian thanks the Soldier as she rides by him, heading for the Rothey gaurds. As she approaches she holds up her broach for all to see. One of the Rothey gaurds holds his hand up for her to stop. She pulls Bigor to a stop, "Yes Sargent? what may I do for you?" She puts on a slight show of authority now since she is now officially on official business. "Just A couple of questions Ranger, then you can be on your way." Mirian sits atop Bigr and looks down upon the man, expressionless. "May I ask your destination and purpose for crossing the border? Mirian takes her time answering, waiting until the man starts to squirm. "I am on my way to King Herme's Castle to deliver offcial documents on the behalf of King Langdor." She answers succinctly. "Thank you Ma'am." The gaurds stand aside allowing her to pass.

At A slow dignified trot she finish's crossing the border area. Once out of the border area she kicks Bigor back up to A lope. She has been told that King Herme's Castle is about a three hour trip from the border. From here forwad she has to be formal with her interactions with people. 'I am King Langdors representative after all."

Just past noon she reaches Herme's Castle. Upon reaching the drawbridge she is challnged by the gaurds. She new this was coming but it still feels strange. In Dunberry, as A Ranger, nobody would think to challenge her. "Halt and state your businss at Castle Long wing!" Demands the gaurd. She reaches into A pouch, pulls out her credentials as King Langdor representative. The gaurd looks at the papers, looks at her broach, decides she is who she says she is. "Very good Ranger." Handing her credentials back to her, "Do you now where you need to go?" Mirian shakes her head, "No Lieutenant, afraid not, this is my first visit." Hoding up A hand he tells her, "wait here." He walks back thru the Bastion. He returns a moment later with another soldier. "This is Sargent goland, he will show the way to the stables then the Castle entry." Mirian nods to the Lieutenant, "Thank you Lieutenant, I appreciate the escort." The Lieutenant walks back inside. Mirian looks to the Sargent. "Yes Ma'am, if you would please follow me." Once inside the courtyard she dismounts so she can walk with the Sargent. Sargent Goland looks surprised. Most people of importance will stay mounted and follow behind. She looks around, sees what she expects to see in the courtyard of A castle this size.

Once they arrive at the stables, Mirian gives the stableman instructions for the care of Bigor. She takes two shoulder bags from Bigor. One has the documents she is delivering, the other has a couple changes of clothes, formal wear and what she will need for a overnight stay. Turning to Sargent Goland, "would you please show me the way to the Castle entry for Dignitaries?" The Sargent makes a come with me gesture. "Yes Ma'am, please follow me." Mirian moves up next to him, he looks at her sideways.

They arrive at A door in the side of the Castle wall. There are two gaurds on each side of the door, one in front of it. As Mirian and Goland approach the door the four men and one woman come to attention. The one standing in front of the door is a Captain. As they approach the Captain sees the Broach clasping her cloak closed, recoginizes the Dunberry Ranger Emblem. "Yes, Dunberry Ranger, how may we help you?" Mirian again reaches into her pouch and produces her credentials, presents them to the Captain. Since the Captain already recoginizes her as A Dunberry Ranger looking a the papers is just a formality. "Very good Ranger, wait here, I will find a page to assist you." The Captain goes thru the door. Mirian turns to Sargent Goland, "Thank you Sargent, I believe I am good from here." The Sargent stands at attention for a moment, turns and leaves. Whie waiting for the Captain to return she looks around the Courtyard.

Several minues later the Captain returns with A young Woman in towe. "Ranger Mirian, this is Maka. She is a Castle page. She will assist you while you are at Castle Long Wing. If you need or want anything, ask her." He turns and holds the door open for them.

When the door closes behind them Mirian turns to Maka, "Maka, if possible the first thing I woud like to do is be taken to a room where I can freshen up and change into proper clothes." Maka thinks for a moment, "yes Milady, I will take you straight to your room. Once we get there I will go fetch you hot water to wash with." Maka starts walking when Mirian stops her again, "A couple of things Maka, first can you bring food and drink to my room first?" "Of course Milady. Any preferences?" Mirian replies, "No preferences, surprise me. The seond thing, I am no Lady. Please call me mirian." By the look of discomfort that comes over her face mirian understands that is not allowed. "Alright, if you are not allowed to call me by name call me 'Ranger,' that is what I am. It will make me feel better. Can you do that?" Maka almost smiles before replying, "yes Ranger, I can do that at your request." Without anymore discussion Maka leads her to her room.

Once they are in the room Maka makes sure Mirian is settled and comfortable, then goes to get her food. While waiting Mirian removes eveything except her Tunic and trousers. She lays out her formal wear on the bed, inspecting it. 'I really hate this formal Ranger uniform. Whoever created it did not have to wear it.' Maka returns a short while later loaded down with a platter. Mirian gestures towards a table in the corner. Maka puts it down, turns to leave. "Whoa! slow down. Would you like to help me eat this platter of food? Its going to be way to much for me." Maka looks to the door, the platter, baxk to Mirian. Mirian looks at the door then to Maka, "do you belive anyone would come thru that door without permission?" With a look of alarm Maka assures her such a thing woud never happen. "Good have a seat and help me eat this platter." With A smile and a chukle Mirian says, "I won't tell if you won't." Maka looks to the door, to the platter then to Mirian, returns the smile, "I have to do whatever you tell me to do, with no questions." Mirian looks at the young woman with understanding, 'if I order her to eat, she cannot get into trouble. Smart girl.' Mirian points to the platter, "Maka, I order you to help me eat this platter!" Maka takes a moment to get her gigling under control, she likes this Ranger woman. "Yes Ranger Mirian, as instructed I will help you eat this platter of food." When Maka removes the cover they see Peacock meat, decorated with peacock feathers. Pastries, meat on one side, dessert onn the otherside. Beaver tail. Bread bowls to put the food in. Mixed feuits and cheeses. Sauces to put over everything. To wash it all down is Apple Wine and Pear Juice. The two women look at each other, neither are used to such fine food. Mirian looks at the food then at Maka. "Can you take whatever is left? Eat it later, or share with your friends?" Maka takes a wishful look at the food, "I wish I could Ranger, this is already pushing the rules. 'She ordered me to eat!' " Mirian understands her predicament and doesn't persue it further. They both pick up a bread bowl and load it it up. Mirian asks Maka about life here at the castle. They chat until they eat all the food that they can eat. Once they are done eating, they sit back and pat their bellies. "That was much better than what I normally get. The Kings secretary will be retiring A few bells from now. I should get you that hot water." Mirian nods her agreement. Maka recovers the platter, walks out.

When Maka returns she has a wash basin, towels and a cloth to was with. Mirian notices she has a pouch slung over her shoulder. Maka puts the basin and clothes on the table. She swings the pouch around, opening it, pulls out a cake of soap. Mirian wrinles her nose tells Maka, "please, put that away it is not touching my body!" She walks over to her bag, Pulls out a couple of the vials of the washing oi Culpeper makes for her. "Maka, come here smell these." She opens the vials and holds them up for Maka to smell. "Oh! Mirian,....apologies, Ranger, they smell wonderful! what are they?" Mirian resists the temptation to roll her eyes. "Maka, behind the closed door call me Mirian. As to what these are, my Husband makes these cleaning oils for when I am on the road. They smell much better than those soap cakes you offered." Maka leans into her hands again smelling the vials. "Do not let the women here know that your husband can make such things! You will have to bet them off with a stick!" Both women laugh as Mirian undresses to wash herself. As she approaches the table, naked she notices that Maka is almost standing at attention. "Please Maka, sit down and chat with me while I wash." Maka glances toward the door, hops onto the chair Mirian indicated. The two women chat about whatever comes to mind while Mirian washes. When she is done washing she puts on her formal Ranger Uniform, pulls up her hood, Picks up her bow. "Alright Maka, I have this torture device on, lets go see the secretary to make my appointment." Maka looks Mirian up and down. " Oh my gosh Mirian, you look great! and smell wonderful."

On their way to the secretaries office many people give Mirian peculiar looks. Not the first time most of them have seen a Dunberry Ranger before, just the first time to see a female Ranger. When they arrive at the secretaries office, there are three people ahead of them. They wait silently in line, waiting their turn. When they finally get to the Secretary he asks in A bored tone of voice, without looking up, "State your name, title and business." Mirian stands there silently until he looks up. "ahh yes, I heard there was a Dunberry Ranger here today. How may we assist the Kingdom of Dunberry today?" Mirian, Dunberry Ranger, I am seeking a meeting with King Hermes to give him documents from Langdor." Mirian stands there silently while the Secretary loos thru his books. "I can make an appointment for you tomorrow afternoon at 14 bells. Will that work for you?" Mirian is fine with that, it willmgive her a chance to spend more time with Maka and enjoy the local food. "Yes, that will work fine for me. I will leave at first light two days from now." She turns and leaves.

Mirian waits until no one is around and asks Maka, "Well? what should we do with ourselfs until 14 bells tomorrow?" Mirian asks Mischievously. Maka smies back, "I am here to serve you Ranger. What would you like to do?" Mirian leans in close, whispers "tell me what you would like to do when I ask." Mirian asks in a normal voice, "what would you recomend?" Maka looks up thinking. "We could go down to the Village and catch the open market before it closes if we hurry." Mirian likes the idea, she always likes to visit Markets, you never know what treasure you are going to find. "lets go, but first I need to change." The two women run back to Mirians room.

once Mirian is changed they run out of the Castle. Once outside they start whooping and hollering like a couple of youngters. They arrive at the Market out of breath, still playing. Mirian asks, "would you like to eat here or back at the castle?" Maka looks a little uncomfortable, "I do not have any money Mirian. I like to come down here and look around." Mirian, keeping her voice light replies, "I did not ask if you have money. I asked if you would like to eat here or at the Castle. I would not call myself rich, but I am comfortable. Now, do you want to eat here or at the Castle?" Maka's face lights up for a moment, then frowns again. Mirian asks, "what are you thinking?" Maka hesitates before answering. "There is this one stall I have always wanted to try but it is expensive." Mirian nods her understanding. Growing up in A orphanage she nows what it is like to be without money. That is partially so free with what she has now. Mirian reaches out and takes Maka's hand, "its my treat, lead the way." As they walk they swing their held hands in the air.

"Get whatever you want, do not hold back!" Mirian says to Maka. Maka cannot read very well so ahe looks to the side where there hand drawn pictures of the food. She looks to the worker inside the stall, " we would like to split a loaf of bread. For me, I would like some wild Boar and venison, with Cameline Sauce, A cheese filled pie and Spiced wine." Maka turns to Marion, "is that alright?" Without answering Maka, Mirian tells the man and says, "That sounds really good. Double that order please and we would like a platter to carry it on." The man takes their order but tells her that the Platter will caost A extra Copper to make sure they bring it back. He tells Mirian all together she owes 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 copper. Mirian reaches into her coin purse and pulls out 3 gold pieces. She tells him to keep it. "Thank you Lady, that is very generous of you. Please, go sit down. I will bring your platter to you shortly." The two women move to a section of the market that has benches and tables. They sit and chat until their platter shows up.

The man quickly walks over with their platter, sets it down between them. "Enjoy your meal Ladies, while it is still hot." He returns to his stall. Maka stands to remove the cover. Both women are impressed with the layout of the food. Maka picks up the bread, slicing it in half the long way, scooping out some of the bread so she can use it as A trencher. She puts A little less than hlf the Boar and Venison into the trench, pours some of the Cameline Sauce over the top. She suddenly looks up to Mirian, looking embarrassed again. "I am sorry Mirian, you bought this, you should have gone first." Mirian laughs telling her, "You go ahead, I am happy to see your enthusiasm. It is A pleasure for me to share food." Maka moves her wine glass and cheese pie to her side of the table. Mirian pulls the Platter towards her and makes her food as Maka did. They both take a bite of the bread and meat at the same time. Both of their faces light up at the taste of the food. Everything blends together perfectly. They chew slowly to savor the experiance.

It is just about dark by the time they finish eating. They slowly meander their way back to Castle Long Wing. As they walk they continue to chat, Mirian is learning a lot about life at the Castle. As they approach the Castle they are allowed entry without challenge. By now all the gaurds know Mirian is here, and of course everyone here nows Maka. "Maka, would you please join me in my room? I have a few items I would like to discuss with you about tomorrow." Maka looks up to Mirian, back to sounding serious and all business. "Of course Ranger Mirian."

Upon entering her room Mirian asks Maka if she could arrange to have her clothes clean while she was meeting with King Herme. "Now that we have business out of the way, please go back to calling me Mirian." Giggling Maka assurs her that she was being business like because that is what is expected of her. "I understand, "replies Mirian, I just wish people were allowed to be themselves."

They chat late into the evening. "Maka, it is about time for me to go to bed. Would you like to stay here with me tonight?" Mirian sees Maka tense up. She smiles down to the young woman, "relax Maka, I do not like girls, at least not that way. I have enjoyed your company. I thought we might get up early and take my horse, Bigor, out for a ride. he gets cranky if I am away from him for to long." Maka visibly relaxes now knowing that Mirian is not expecting 'services' from her. "That sounds like fun!" They undress for bed and sleep for the night.

As usual, Mirian awakens early and wakes Maka. They get dressed, head down to the kitchens. Arriving at the kithens they ask for some meat and eggs. Tea to wash it down. Looking around to make sure no one official is around, Maka introduces Mirian to the night to dawn kitchen staff. "She's not like the other Dignitaries that come around here. We have been running around having a good time in between her official duties. I am going to be sad to see her go." Mirian shakes her head, "Maka and friends, I am just like you, I grew up poor. I just got lucky enough to be accepted by the Rangers. I still consider myself one of the people. I am not special." The kitchen people mumble amongst themselves not to sure about what she said. "I believe it is time for us to head out Maka," turning to the staff, "do you have any apples or carrots. May I get a couple for my horse, please?" One of the younger boys moves to the back of the room. He returns with two large applesand two large carrots. "Please, milady, may I come give your horse a carrot?" Before answering she looks to Maka for guidance. "I believe it would be ok, it is the end of his work shift, he shouldn't be missed." Mirian turns back to the smiling boy, "why do you want to feed my horse carrot? why not an apple?" The adults in the room know by her tone of voice she is playing with him." The boy looks very serious as he answers, "Milady, everyone knows if you give a horse an apple they will let you ride them. I was hoping to ride your horse." Mirian nd the other adults have to work hard not to laugh. Once she has herself under control Mirian replies. "Well my young friend, lets go find out if that is true, shall we?" As she holds out her hand, he takes it. The three of them walk out.

As the three approach the Stables the Stable man greets them. "May I assit you this fine moning?" retuning the greeting, Mirian asks for her horse and riding gear be brought forth. Mirian and Maka watch the boy look around in awe. It is probably the first time he has been this close to actual horses. The stable man brings Bigor forward ready to ride. Mirian double checks the gear, decides everything is good. "Come here little man." He almost leaps over to her. "let me see one of those apples." He hands over one of the apples to her. She takes the apples placing it flat on her palm. "Place it on your palm like this and hold it up for him. He will bite it in half, be ready to catch the falling part." The boy holds up the apple, Bigor reaches down and bites it in half. The boy catches the other half. When Bigor is ready he holds up the other half. Bigor eats it down eagerly. "You think he will let me ride him now?!?" Mirian is having difficulties not smiling and laughing. She looks to Maka and sees she is having the sme difficulties. "I am sure Bigor will let you ride him." The boy lets off a whoop! of excitemnt. "Bigor! rider!" she points at the boy. Bigor flicks his ears in understanding. She moves next to Bigor and holds her hands out. The boy comes to her eagerly, Lifts him up into the saddle. His feet cannot reach the stirrups. She shows him how to hold the reigns. Once he is settled she leads Bigor out of the stables. The boy is so excited he is almost shaking. She leads Bigor arounf the long way to the gate out of the Castle, to give him the longest ride possible.

when they finally reach the gate, Mirian helps the boy down. "Why don't you give him that other apple so that he never forgets you." The boy reaches into his pocket and pulls out the second apple and two carrots.. He holds up the apple for Bigor, Bigor bites it in half, chews happily. Bigor takes the other half and chews it up. "May we have the carrots? We want to give him treats also." The boy gives her the carrots. "Alright our little friend, time for you to go back." The boy comes over to Mirian and gives her a big hug, "Thank you for letting me ride your horsey, I will always remember it!" Mirian laughs in her head, 'wonder what Bigor would think of being called horsey?' "You are very welcome, now you need to scoot, get back in there!"

Mirian and Maka walk out the gate with Bigor right behind them. They walk for awhile, wanting to get out of sight of the Castle. Once they are out of sight, Mirian stops. She points at Maka, "Rider!" Mirian holds her hnd out to Maka, "Come here." Maka slowly walks over to Mirian. "I am going to help you get on Bigors Back so you can ride him around." Maka looks a little nervous, "I have never ridden a horse before, I thought we would do it together." Mirian looks at her new friend, smiles, "alright, we do it together." Mirian helps Maka onto Bigors back, then swings up behind her. Mirian nudges Bigor into a walk. Maka tenses up for a moment. Mirian twists around Maka so they can see each other. After seeing Maka's face she sits back again. 'nervous but excited.' They continue to walk until Mirian feels Maka relax. "Good, you ar getting the feel of it. Would you like to go a little faster?" Maka is still a little nervous but wants to go faster. "Yes Mirian, yes, lets go faster," she almost shouts. She gives Bigor another little nudge, Bigor speeds up to almost a jog. A fast walk. Maka grabs hold of Bigors mane, lets out a little whoop. When Maka relaxes again Mirian tells her that they are going to speed up to a trot. "A trot is not as smooth as a walk or lope, but is smoother than a full gallop. We will not be doing a full gallop on this ride." Maka says she's ready. Mirian nudges Bigor into a trot. As he moves up to A slow trot he bobs his head up and down like he does when kids are around him. Mirian knows this means he is having fun to. They continue at A trot for quite a while before Maka asks, "Will he go faster if you ask him to?" Mirian laughs, "You do not want to find out how fast he can go. We will move up to what is called A lope. That is what we usually travel at when we have a long distance to go." Maka takes a tighter hold of his mane, shouts, "Faster! Lets go faster!" Mirian nudges him up to a lope. After A short distance Maka calls out, "It is almost like being in A rocking cradle!" Mirian laughs as she recalls hearing that description before.

They continue loping down the road for a long ride, until Mirian pulls up Bigor. She slides off his side. When Maka sees her slding off she gets ready to slide off also. "No, stay on." Mirian tells Maka. "You are ready to go on A ride by your self." Maka leans down, grabs a double fist full of Bigors Mane. She looks scared and excited at the same time. Mirian gives Bigor a gentle slap on the rump. Bigor turns his head to look at Maka as if he was asking her if she is ready. Bigor takes off at a slow walk. "hold the reigns, thats the proper way to do it." Maka slowly sits up, holds the reigns. Mirian walks beside them. Bigor goes into a slow trot when Mirian jogs beside him. While Maka is clearly enjoying herself she is not ready to go faster by herself.

Mirian looks to the sun and decides it is time to go back to Castle Long Wing. Mirian brings Bigor to A halt. "Sorry to say but it is time to head back. I am going to need to wash up again and eat before dressing for my meeting with the King." Maka is clearly saddened by this but understands. Mirian swings up behind her. She reaches around Maka, placing Maka's hands on the reigns then her own over the top. Mirian nudges Bigor up to a smooth rolling lope all the way back to the Castle.

Upon entering the Courtyard they go straight to the stables. Mirian pulls out the two carrots and gives them to Maka, "here, give him these. I am not sure which he prefers. The Apples or the Carrots." With delight she takes the carrots and offers one to Bigor. Bigor takes half the carrot in one bite. Once he has eaten both carrots the turn Bigor over to the Stableman. As they enter the Castle Mirian Tells Maka, "I woud like to wash first then eat. Would you get me some hot water please?" Maka acnowledges the request, "Yes Ranger, of course." Mirian goes to her room while Maka goes for the water.

When Maka enters with the water Mirian strips all the way down. "I will go get you a platter of food. anything in particular you would like to request?" Mirian thinks for a moment before replying, "yes, Could we get A platter of mostly fruit and berries? light on the Cheese and meat? Juice or water? No alcohol. Oh, and a couple of apples or Carrots for Bigor." Maka smiles at the request, laughing, "we wouldn't want to forget Bigor!" She goes to get the food. Mirian washes and puts on her clean clothes, after eating she will put on her formal uniform.

Maka returns with the food, setting it on the table by the wash basin. She moves the wash basin to the floor by the door. She uncovers the food. Mirian is pleasantly surprised to see sliced Apples, Pears, Peaches and Plums. In bowls there are Strawberries, Rasberries, Elderberries, Blackberries, Cherries and Grapes. On one side there is a bowl of broken up Walnuts and a loaf of bread. On the other side there is a Pitcher of what looks and smells like Apple Cider. Lastly Maka pulls out of her pocets two Apples and Two Carrots. "I thought Bigor would like his whole." Mirian laughs as she takes them, placing them by her bags. Mirian again offers Maka to eat with her. "I hope you like fruit and berries." Maka looks at the food, her mouth starting to water. "Like I said last night, this is much better than what I usually get." Mirian makes a 'after you' gesture. "Please eat the meat and cheese if you wish. I really just want some of the fruit and berries." Maka looks at Mirian with a 'are you sure?' look. "Please eat the meat and cheese, really, all I want is the fruit and berries." Maka Takes a Plum and A couple of Rasberries. She squishes them all down into a paste. She slices the bread so that it can be used as A trencher. Loads it up with some meat, spreads the paste over the meat places some cheese over the meat and paste. Looking at her creation, she takes a big bite. "Hmmm! This is some of the best food I have ever eaten the last couple of days. Thank you so much Mirian!" Mirian picks up a piece of Apple and A peach, sticks them into her mouth. The two women eat their fill, sit back and pat their bellies. "I must go shortly. Will you walk me there and wait for me? There should be plenty of light, we can go for another ride, or go to the Market again. Or whatever you would like." Mirian gets up and changes into her formal Uniform while they talk. "It is fifth night, I usually meet friends at the Village Pub, would you like to come? You could meet some of my friends. Including the ones who have been feeding you this wonderful food." Mirian is delighted at the prospect of meeting her friends. "That would be great! I would like to meet your friends. Mirian is now fully dressed in her formal Uniform.

Maka leads the way to King Hermes Throne room. Upon their arrival the guards give her the once over. They do not like that the Dunberry Ranger is taking a Bow into the Throne Room but were told it is a part of her formal Uniform and let her go in. Maka sits in a nearby waiting room.

As she enters the hall the first she observes is the lighting. It is Dimly lit, with sunlight coming from narrow windows and flickering wall-mounted torches. The walls are adorned with tapestries and banners. The air is filled with the smell of incense and scented candles. As she walks forward ahe sees that there are two tables lining the walk way. At one table are members of the various Clergy representing several different Deities. At the other table are members of the Nobility. Surrounding the stairs leading up to the throne and around the throne itself are soldiers wearing Heavy Chainmail, holding large shields and short swords hanging from their waists. The throne is situated on a raised dais so that the king towers over everyne else in the room. The Throne is upholstered in velvet and crimson, it is carved from wood and stone.

Mirian walks forward looking neither right nor left. She knows the room is designed to be intimidating. As she approaches the bottom of the stairs leading up to the throne, one of the Clergy and one of the Noblemen stand and greet her at the bottom of the stairs. The Nobleman asks for her Credentials. She reaches into her poach and pulls them out. The Nobleman makes a long, slow show of examining them. "Please see and reoginize the Ranger Mirian of Dunberry. Emissary of King Langdor of Dunberry." King Hermes looks down for a moment before saying, " Do you have Documents for me? Your King and I have been corresponding for some time now." Mirian bows deeply fom the waist, reaches into her poach again, "yes Milord." She hands over three scrolls to the Clergy Woman. She slowly walks them up the steps to the King. She hands them to him one at a time.

He Slowly opens them one at A time and reads them. "One of the Documents is a personal correspondence between old friends. One concludes a piece of bussiness. I will not comment on the last one. As I understand it, You plan on leaving early tomorrow. I will have two Documents ready for you before you leave." The Clergy oman walks back down the stairs, "You are excused Ranger, as King Hermes said, you will have documents to take back with you. They will be brought to your room when your page friend brings you food in the morning." By years of training she did not react to that last comment. "Do not concern yourself Ranger, we, nor the King, care if you are friendly with our house staff." She turns and walks back to her assigned seat at the table. Mirian turns and walks out.

Mirian leaves the Throne Room, asks the gaurds where her companion is. The Gaurd points to a room, Mirian thanks him. She opens the door, "hey you! lets go, I want to get out of this outfit." She starts walking towards her room, she really wants to get out of this outfit. Maka trots to catch up. "How did it go with King Hermes? I have never been in the same room with him despite working and living here in the Castle. Is he really scary like they say?..." She takes a breath to ask another question when Mirian puts her hand up, "Whoa! let me catch up. No, he is not scary, at least not for me. We conducted our business, I was excused and left. Now, lets go to my room nd get me out of this Jester suit shall we?"

The two quicly walk to Mirians room. Mirian quickly strips out of her Uniform. She folds it up and puts it away in her poach, she pulls out her change of clothes. "is it going to be possible to get those washed before I leve tomorrow?" Maka grabs the pile of clothes and runs out of the room. she returns shortly, "When I bring your food up in the morning, I will also bring up your clean clothes. I was informed that there would also be a messenger bringing you correspondence to bring back to your King"

The two women run outside and stop. Mirian turns to Maka, "What shoud we do until it is time to meet your friends at the Pub?" Maka thinks about it, answering, "lets walk around the Village. I am sure that for A person like you it will be nothing special, but it is home." Mirian shakes her head, it alwys saddens her when people think of her as being some kind of upper class person. She has laways been and always will be down to earth. "I would be honored if you showed me around your Village."

As they walk thru the Village they see the Open Market that that they visited the day before. Close to the Market is the Holy Row. There are five different Churhes dedicated to different Deities. After the Churches Are the homes of the Villagers, followed by some shops. The Blacksmith, the Village Stables and Inn. Tanner shop, Carpenter and more shops. When they reach the Weavers shop Maka asks if they may go in. Their are two men at the counter. Maka wlks up to one of them and starts chatting. Mirian knows young love when she sees it. She gives the other man a head gesture saying, 'lets go outside.' The older man, perhaps the Father smiles at Maka and the other man, walks outside with Mirian.

Once outside, "I thought maybe the youngsters would like some time alone." The older man nods. "yes, my son rokin has had feeling for the Castle girl for awhile." Mirian and the old man stand outside and chat for a little while.

"Rokin, I only have a short time before I have to go. The lady I am with is A Dunberry Ranger. She has delivered documents to King Hermes. She is leaving in the morning. They spend the next little while kissing and touching each other. When the door rattles they jump apart.

The old man mumbles to Mirian, I wouldn't have warned them. I would have surprised them instead. Mirian and the old man chuckle together. They both knew what was going on behind the closed door. "Father, Maka tells me she and some of her friends are meeting at the pub tonight. May I join them?" The father hesitates, "I do not know my son we do not have that many coins at the moment." Mirian holds up her hand, looks around the shop. "Maka? Normally, I would leave a few coins for your services while I have been here. Would you like Coins or one of these very fine blankets." Maka looks around the shop, "Ohh, Mirian, I have always wanted one of these blankets, the Castle gets cold sometimes." Mirian catches her looking longingly towards a particular blanket. Mirian notices that it is made of heavy wool and has a scene of horses running across it. Mirian looks to the old man, "how much for that blanket. We will want it delivered late tomorrow afternoon if possible. How much will that cost?" The old man looks up, adding it in his head. "With delivery, Ranger, That will be seven silver." Mirian looks to Rokin, "If you personally deliver it with a smile I will add three silvers. Are you agreeable to that?" Rokin looks to his Father then to Mirian, "yes Ma'am. for the three extra silver I will deliver it with a frown if you want!" Maka pokes him in the ribs, "Don't play with my friend!" The Father tells Rokin to bring the blanket down from the wall. They fold it up and lay it on the counter. "It will go out around noon Rokin assures them. Mirian reaches into her coin purse pulls out A handful of mixed coins. She hands Rokin three silver, "It must be delivered with a smile or you fail on your contract, understand?" Rokin stands at mock attention, replies, "Understood Ma'am!" They all laugh knowing Mirian was giving him coins to attend the Pub visit tonight. He and Maka obviously like each other, this is not going to be a chore. He is being paid to visit the girl he likes. Does it get better than that??? Paid and visit the girl? Mirian turns to the father, using her body to block sight of her hand. She places two gold pieces in his hand. She make a shushing gesture with her lips and face. She reaches down and lifts her coin pouch for him to see. He looks deeply into her eyes and sees she wants them to have the extra coinage. He doesn't understand why but he excepts it. 'Rich people are funny people!' Maka looks outside, "Mirian we should be going." The two women walk out, walking towards the Pub as it is starting to get dark.

Before walking into the Pub Mirian Hands Maka four pieces of Silver, "Tell your friends you had A good few days." Maka looks almost sad as she says, "Mirian are you sure? I know you have more than me, but you are not made of money. Are you sure about this?" Like she did for Rokin's father she hefts her coin purse, showing that it is still heavy. Maka smiles, puts the coins away, walks into the Pub. There is a loud shout of, 'MAKA, over here." She sees her group of friends calling out to her and waving. She takes Mirians hand and leads her to the table. "hello everyone, This is my friend Mirian. She is A Ranger from Dunberry. Some of her friends stiffen a little, "PLEASE! do not worry. She really is my friend, she just wants to have a couple mugs with us. She has to leave us tomorrow and go back to being serious. Tonight she just wants to relax and be one of the people." They look at her for moment, look to Maka. Knowing she is normally A good judge of character, gesture for Mirian to sit down. The group Drinks mead and chatters until the Barkeep kicks them out. Because Mirian bought a few more than they are used to, she is concerned with everyone getting home. By the time they walk everyone home it is past high moon. Maka is still slightly intoxicated by the the time they return to the Castle. The gaurds all know her and look the other way. Most everyone in the Castle knows Maka and the Dunbeery Ranger have been friendly the last couple days. The Ranger brought her back safe. Thats what they care about. The Gaurds clear a path back to Mirians room. Mirian tells the last gaurd that helped them, "Please tell everyone I said thank you." She hands him a gold piece, "everybody have a Mead on me." Mirian tells him. The Gaurd replies, "Dunberry Ranger, we all like Maka, she is kind to us and sneaking out food to us from time to time. In between errands for you she has told people in the Castle how good you have been to her." She thanks him for his kind words and closes the door. Mirian helps her get undressed and into bed.

The next morning Mirian wakes her as the sun is coming up. "Rise and shine! It is the bgining of another beutiful and glorious day!" Maka, head hurting a little, looks Daggers at Mirian. "Do I have to get up?" Mirian laughs, "well I wouldn't mind if you stayed in bed but it might look suspicious to others if I go get my own food. I am going to hve to be leaving soon." Maka groans as she swings her feet out of bed. She sits there for a moment, head throbbing. "I do not normally drink that much. Doesn't your head hurt?" Not waiting for A answer she gets dressed. "Would you like anything in particular this morning?" Mirian replies with, "some fried eggs and cheese. Two pitchers of Pear or apple Juice. add whatever you want and say it is for me." Maka looks appalled at her, "you believe I can eat like this?" Mirian, who has had a few Hangovers herself over the years says sympathetically, "at least eat some bread. The Apple or Pear juice is more for you than me."

Maka leaves, returns shortly with the food and Juice. She also has a Castle Messenger with her. The Messenger stands at the doorway holding two Documents. "I have been informed to tell you that these douments must remain sealed but are not in a hurry." He hands her the documents and walks away. Mirian places them in her courier poach. She turns to the food and drink that Maka brought. "Eat the bread and drink some of the Juice, it will help. Maka looks doubtful but does as she is told. After eating some of the bread and drinking the sweet Pear juice she actually does feel a little better. "Maka, I really do have to go. If you want to go back to bed I will Understand you not walking me out." Maka chews and swallows the bread in her mouth washing it down with the Juice. "I should walk you down to the Stables. Believe me though, I will be heading straight to bed as soon as you mount up Bigor." They finish the food they want. Maka tells Mirian, "I will take care of the Platter when I come back in."

When they reach the Stables Mirian gears up Bigor, Gets ready to mount up. Maka pulls out two Apples and Two Carrots. She feeds one of each to as she strokes his Muzzle. "I am glad I got to ride you and make friends with you, Bigor." She gives Mirian the other Apple and Carrot, "for later, he deserves treats!" The two Women hug, wishing each other well. She mounts up and rides away to her next adventure.