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Chastity shook her head. “I just can not see the why any lady would give up a family to run around. I would think it would be sad, missing out on life. Don’t you miss having a husband to care for you? Children to see grow strong and well mannered?””

Charity smiled hearing the unvoiced comments. “I am happy and doing what I was meant to. It is a life you could ever enjoy, but it is what I want. I like seeing the new lands, and the work I have. I miss nothing,” She looked at Chastity then at Patience and Feather, who had been watching her since she entered. She had to wonder if the questions had been prompted. Either way might as well answer it. “I have a husband who loves me as deeply as I love him. He accepts my choices, and is happy to be next to me instead of in front of me. It suits us.” She smiled and waited a bit, until Chastity had stopped choking. “That is interesting cut work on your daughters dress there. Is it by chances inspired by Jaksomes inlaid leathers? Would you care to learn how they make them? I have a few extra kits, and would be happy to show you. I am sure as skilled as you are you will soon do much better then I am able to.”

Chastity looked at her shocked that she knew how to, and that she would offer. After all it was a type of women’s work, so who would She know any of that. As she clearly didn’t remember what a woman’s place was. Then again she was a guests, and it wouldn’t be right to turn her away. Plus it would be useful to know, Many of the upper ladies had taking to sporting a number of outland pieces. Her husband rightly spurned it, but if they could make it, in fitting forms then they would be all the envy. “I would think you would have fled from anything looking like sewing. I would like to see how it is done. there has  been a few pieces of it around, but such wild things that I could see why any one would want it, though the technique was intriguing. That ribbon work on your dress is amazing. I have never seen lacing worked like that before.”

Charity smiled, she had hoped that would lesson the shock a bit. The food started being served and she watched them as she answered, seeing how they dealt with the servants at the front of table. Just to be sure there would be no issues. She relaxed as the first waiter gave the servant a small plate then held out the platter of food. That would let Cri taste it then he could take the platter and see to her plate. It would be less food then they would like her to eat but no doubt Asaim was already arranging to have more waiting in the room. “I enjoy embroidery and still have to have something to keep my hands busy. I do what I can to pick up a few new patters each place we visit. We tend to be in Jacksom often, and the ladies seem to enjoy giving me lessons when we are there. There work is indeed wild. I do wonder that any of it has made it here. I am not any where near as skilled with the ribbons as the ones who made my dress, but I can show you the technique they used, if you like. It is tricky work,” She managed not to jump as Cri placed the food on her plate. She should be used to it, more so here at this table, but it still bothered her.

Chastity said. “Thank you. I have never seen any like that. Do you mind me asking where it is from?”

Charity knew that one was prompted, there had to be a lot of interest in the unusual people that came with her. Garstern winked. “Now that is a clever way of asking where we are from, lass, but no need to hint., we don’t mind, we are well aware that we stand out among you all, and have no problem with questions.” Chastity blushed top be so addressed.

Charity shook her head. “Gar, now just how many times have you gone up to a visitor and asked them where they were from? You sure didn’t ask me, just kept hinting,. They, and my dress, are from a land far to the south of here, on the other side of the Samtown Forest. Three years ago eight of us were talking into taking a short term job as caravan guards. I am still a bit puzzled as to how we ended up agreeing to it. Anyway that got us South and once there we found they had a good deal of knowledge they were willing share. We ended up staying a year, and with planes to meet regularly on the planes in the off season, and a few new members for the Dragons.” The rest of the meal the talk stayed light.

Jab was frown at the amount of food that she ate, but didn’t say anything. It was more then a lot of the Ladies were eating, and he knew it was hard on her to be at that table. Besides Asaim told him there would be more waiting in the room for them. For her part she was pleased to see that Charity was eating more, and her daughters were doing even better. Her husband must have put a stop to the four babe bite nonsense. Mother and the others did take almost full bites, but still only ate maybe a forth a cup, and that was just salad. She would have to see if uncle was still able to get the girls working to eat there. Some of Palmers should be old enough now. Heck it might help them if it was just pointed out to him what was going on. Something to think on, as well as what to say about his son. Though no doubt Heanrick had already noticed and would see to it.

After the meal Charity turned to Chastity and the ladies around her. “I fear I will be busy most afternoons, but is it still the habit to meet in the main room after supper? If so would that work for you, for the lessons? That way any who wanted to could get in. There is likely a few of Kaneb’s officers that are better with the ribbon work then I am, and they will no doubt be willing to show how it is done.” She knew that there was one, but how they would react when he took over. Well she would just have to wait and see.

Chastity smiled. “Yes that would be far better. I was just going to suggest that. For I fear we tried it in the afternoon it would distract the girls from there lessons.”

Charity smiled. “Defiantly not something you need me there for. I still can’t stand making or patching clothes.” One of the Aunts laughed at that “I wouldn’t want to risk taking them away from their learning, by my altitude towards the task.”

One young lady there said. “So if you don’t mind, just what do you do with torn clothes?”

Charity looked, and made sure they saw her looking, to see there were no young ears around. “Well you are not going to like the answer. But for the last three years Asaim has taken the clothes away as soon as he sees a hint of a tear. He also has seen to the laundry as well. Now that I have Cri he might let him, but I am going to let them work out who does what. Before then, well if I thought the item was worth mending I traded for it.”

They were clearly shocked. “You let a man take care of your clothes? But.”

Chairty smiled. “Asaim and Critern are servants, They are insult if I don’t let them do it. Asaim frowns when I dare pick up a towel I dropped, or try and pack a bag. Now that there are two of them it is going to be worse. Asaim at least has a job in the Med tent, Cri is not going to leave my side much. As to the trading, well I didn’t care who did it just as long as I didn’t have to. I know it is shocking, and not something your girls need hear of, and I won’t tell them. However some of the male officers do like sewing and so they might see a man doing so.”

Patience said. “Thank you for the warning, we can explain it to them this afternoon and ease the shock.  They shouldn’t be watching, but some will be just because it is some one new. Thank you for taking care in your dressing. The formal; welcoming is going to take place tomorrow night, as by then everyone should be here. It is taking a bit for Paul to make it with his family.”

Charity said. “Well then I know I will have a fitting dress ready. I was a bit worried about having one by tonight. As tall as I am now finding something of the right length is not easy, and I haven’t had time yet to see how the ones I brought with me stood being in the trunks. By tomorrow they will be fit to wear, no matter how winked they became on the trip here. Those of De’s were all briefed and Kaneb’s folks will all have fitting clothes, there is a slight difference in dress, but it is in keeping with the standards of dress here. Some places is a bit stricter actually. That said should there be a problem please any of you, let me or Luke know. We are trying to minimize our impact on you.”

“Yet you have taken in and encouraged disobedient children.”

Charity kept smiling, and hoped the others would stay out of it. “I was never fit for life here. There are too many times and ways in which that is so. That said no one pushed me to leave, just let me know I would have a place to go to if I did. None of your girls look to be as unworthy, as I am, of life in the Chosen’s light, but if there should be one is it not a help that there is a place they can go where they won’t be a burden on their family? That said No one will be encouraged to do anything, however no one asking to know more will be turn aside. That was in the agreement that was made with the Chosen.”

Patience shook her head. “No I cannot deign that you are unfit, would never been fit, your birth saw to that. However there was no reason to take up as you did. And to find you are still playing. It is sad. I had hoped you had learned something. Found another who could teach you better than I was able to, daughter. But I see you are still diluted. You were always to wild, and I was to forgiving. Still I never though you could get so twisted as to think you could know that which is beyond you.”

Charity never lowered her eyes or looked away, as she would have before. She did put her hand on Jabari arm, asking him to let her deal with it. Knowing he was a bit upset. “I am playing at nothing. This is my life. I am proud of my skills with blade and bow. I claim to be nothing other than what I am, a skilled fighter and mage,, a passable scout. I am here as a member of the Dragons. That is what brings me back. It is nice to be able to see how things have and haven’t changed, and to be able to show my loved ones where I grew up. However if we had not been hired I would not be here. I am sorry if you thought I was trying to pushing myself on you, seeking a place that is not mine. I am a guest here in the employ of the Chosen, nothing more. I didn’t mean to imply anything different, but thought it rude not to acknowledge the shared past.”

She shook her head. “I do not know how you can possibly think you are fit at the things belong only to men. It is in a away a relief that you are here, but yet I do wish you had not become so ill. Still thank you for agreeing not to share your ridicules notions with the children here. We do not need them confused so. Yes, of course it would be wrong of us all to go around as though we were strangers when that clearly is not the case. You have our blood, and no matter how twisted you are, what silly notions you have, that blood makes you family. That can not be changed. However it is a help to hear you admit you know this is not where you belong, that you are unfit. For all you do not do as you should. I am sure a number of the ladies will appropriate the lessons you offered, that cut work is becoming a rage in some circles, as unfitting for eyes as most of it is. Perhaps by learning to do it they can see something fitting is made from the techniques. It does seem an odd hobby for one in the job you say you have.”

Charity said. “Not really there are a number of others who enjoy some form of sewing. You need something to do in the off seasons, and it is best if you have something other than you fighting skills you can make money with. I keep my hand in the copy market as well, but my wall hangings have a market, the cut work ones sale best, but they all do well enough it pays to make them. I first started learning the cut work in self difference, but then I found it fun to do. I do think a few will enjoy it, and the tools needed are easy to come by. Now then I had best go see what Asaim needs me to tell him, and let you go before one of the girls has dumped the buttons out.” She laughed as Pat shook her head. “Well having to pick them up was better then patching, and it wasn’t that hard to bump into the chest. I am sure none of them will ever give you even half the trouble I did.”

Pat said. “No I don’t think there is a one that is as much of a trail as you were. Though Milly’s young one is likely to find the buttons.”

Charity said. “It truly was easier for me once I was making something instead of just patching. Perhaps that would get her to set better as well. I do hope we don’t cause you more difficulties. Oh and when the buttons are against the black shelves they do not spill easy.”

Patience blinked, that child was always a mystery. “Thank you I will keep that in mind. Now I am sure you know where everything is, but ask if you need something you can’t find. Feel free to make use of the supply closets. You all have the rights to the house same as any.” She turned and left, not needing a reply. The poor thing needed know that they would be paid double for all that was used in keeping them.

Charity shook her head and went started back to her room, not to surprised that more then Cri followed her. Jabari said. “That was well said. I don’t know that I could have done half as well as you are. So do you want to go work of some steam?”

Charity smiled. “I think it best that we let them get settled in before going up to the field. I don’t want Hunt yelling at me about interfering again, but Luke can show you where the family practice area is if you want to. I will wait until I get to the field tomorrow though. Truly the words don’t bother me now. You and Cri were more upset by it than I was dear.”

They got to the room and Jabari smiled to see Asaim had food waiting for her. “Good now you can eat. Yes I know you ate, triple what the other ladies did, but still one full plate is not enough. Not when you are planning on adding to the wards and shields.”

Charity smiled. “Honestly you guys. Asaim we will need formals tomorrow night, that should give you enough time to see all the imagine winkles are out. Ask in the kitchen if you need anything, they will help, though grumble and tell you that is what the bell pull is there for.”

Asaim bowed. “I have already been informed I should use the bell and not go after your food myself. Miss. Beth asks that you come see her soon, and informed me that after this I need not trouble myself food would be sent here for you. She said she would just send the boys here to and trust me to see it went to their room should they not come get it?”

Charity laughed. “She meant, Luke, Mike and Warren, and they will be here in a bit. She knew the minuet you all where here and had a room who was where,, likely before the last of the bags were in. However Father is with them as well. Luke refused to answer any questions about you. Saying it wasn’t his place, so father is coming for the answers. I think I will wait until he and Heanrick are here to start working on the wards. It will do them both good.” Cri bowed and held out a plate for her smiling when she made him wait.  Charity turned to the door. “Come on in there are enough chairs in here. Guys apparently Beth didn’t think you ate enough at lunch either, so come get your second one.” She took the plate from Cri,.

 He looked at Asaim, who shook his head, meaning he was not wanted to help with the others. So he sunk to his knees next to Charity, where he could quickly see the plate was filled again, insure she would eat. At least he understood better why she had problems eating. Why the others barley ate, and the way they looked at those who did. Growing up under those eyes would make it rough on anyone, and then with Mistress being a powerful telepath as well. He would have to find a time to talk to Asaim though, yes he needed to see to her, but he should have part of the other tasks as well. However it was Asaim place to tell him what duties was his.

Luke shook his head. “I don’t know how she can think I failed to eat enough. You though I can see, one plate of salad is no where near enough. Though I did see they were still frowning at you for eating it.” He took the plate from Asaim though and then took the chair next Mike, not even thinking about it.

Warren set in-between Luke and Charity smiling a bit as he looked at them. “Ah, good I thought she would remember. I just worry too much about minding my manners when first off a trail to eat at a table. Char, that plate had better be followed by two more, and not of salad. Why your Mother thinks folks can get by on an eighth a cup of salad per meal is beyond me. Don’t you dare tell me it didn’t affect you. I saw your bites get smaller under their eyes.”

Luke looked at Feather, and smiled. “Come on and sit, Sir, there is no need to be standing. And it is nothing to do with your table. The food is more then enough, it is just that we always need a few days to be sure of our manners when guessing in a house. The palace servants in Jacksome likewise have food waiting on us after every meal the first week. Charity always has to be pushed to eat, it is just an old argument you are hearing. Inspector please join us as well, and no you are not intruding.”

Charity smiled, and handed her plate to Cri, who jumped to refill it. “See I am eating. I don’t know about you guys.” A shield snapped up over the wing. Feather looked at her. “Just want to add a bit to what Jab has done. He knows there are a few I just have to do myself to be comfortable. It wont take but a bit. This ward will let us know a bit more about who is coming, the one there now just says if they are known and if they are armed. Mine will give a bit of weight and height, as well as name fore those it has the signature of. This one is how I knew who was coming up the tower steps, that is when I was awake, and if they came up to the fifth step.” There faces were a study as she slowly built the ward and set it. That covered the other antispying shields she was putting up around it. By the time she was done, and the others add theirs little sound and less magic traces would carry beyond the hall. She took the plate form Cri looked at them and deseed to let them see her set the last shield. “This last one he has me set as it is easier for me then for the other mages that were in the company. This is one we would like to set over the camp if you can allowing Sir.” That last was said looking at the inspector. “I believe you do use it in some places, or a form of it at least.” She set out and slowly built it. Making it clear she didn’t reach for a nod as most mages would have to do for it. They were both a but pale when she finished. She started eating waiting to see who would speak first. She looked at Luke, as was her habit when showing off, to see how mad he was. He just nodded at her, agreeing it was best they saw it while there was time to adjust.

Feather finally said. “What How? But you can’t.”

Charity smiled. “I tried to tell you that night, but you didn’t, couldn’t hear me. We have done some scrying and from it are sure the force coming will be large then what we faced. I needed you both to understand as much as you can that I am a strong mage. I can do things yours can’t That ability may be important latter so I thought it best you see it now. If it is needed you need to know I can do what I say I can, and it is going to take time to get used to. Sadly it has likely caused you to forget what you wanted to know.”

Luke said. “I think that it is far more important that they come to terms with the fact you are a mage then what your relationship is with those three. They should mostly have worked that out anyway.” He casually put his hand on Mike’s leg. “I am going to go see De, and will be back.” He stood and started to kiss Mike, as he generally would, but remembered and stopped. Thinking his father had likely seen enough for now, he left the room.

Charity smiled and shook her head. “Well I think it is likely fairly clear now, but just in case. Jabari is my Husband, Asaim was sent with us, under orders to watch over us, and so took on the job of servant, which is the role he deeply prefers to have anyway. Critern is my sworn servant. He has vowed his life to my service. It is a new post, as he was sent with the troops and Kaneb’s Unit.” There we will see if they pick up the hint. Can’t do more then hint, but doesn’t hurt to drop a few. I think the inspector has some idea of what is coming. “Does that help sir?”

Feather said. “That is what I thought. Well Jabari there is a family hunt the day after tomorrow, as you are family I expect you to be there. Luke can show you where to meat us. Now then just how did it come about? I take it Luke approved?”

Charity reached out to Luke. ‘No fair big brother you could have at least told him how you found out I was married. That question should have been yours. And he just informed Jab he was expected to join the Family hunt. No wonder you ran away.’  Charity smiled. “Luke met Jab a bit before I did, and never expressed any problem with my choice, but I didn’t consult him. Luke was not with me during the time I got to know Jabari. I went to a different country then he was in for few moths to get some lessons he was not interested in and some he didn’t need, but I did. It was during that time that the bond formed between Jabari and I, and then it deepened into more then most bonds of it form do, and we were sworn to each other. That was done before we returned to the area where Luke was. That ceremony was enough for Hill’s to consider us married, but some of Jabari’’s people were not happy with it. So I requested a second ceremony in their traditions, again not asking Luke what he thought, nor did anyone else.”

Luke said. ‘He what? He never asked me about how I met him, just who you were sleeping with. I told him I didn’t keep track, and even if I did know I sure wouldn’t answer. It was non of my business who you slept with. That should have told him I had nothing to do with your wedding. I truly just wanted to ask De if she wanted them to see the legions heading away yet.’

Charity said. ‘Well he does know, as well as the fact you let me travel to an unknown land on my own. Which seemed to brother him more, guess he thought you stayed with me in the filed? Man but that would make Warren and De really happy.’

Luke said. ‘Oh dear I am sorry sis, truly I am. I never thought of him asking or thinking that. Good grief you are more than capable of traveling on your own. I guess I did forget a few things.’

Feather coughed. “That is. Well I should have know it would be outside the norm with you. But you were alone, and in an unknown.”

Charity smiled. “Father I am a mercenary there have been times when Luke is the one to send me to the front lines, I often work as a scout. That means I am alone for long starches of time watch people who don’t want to be watched. Sometimes ones know to skin those they catch watching them. Letting me go to the Hills was in truth less risky then letting me visit the brothel in Jacksome.”

Luke said. “Sis, I though we agreed not to speak of that! I don’t think I have ever seen the good inspector so red. Perhaps we had best poor him a glass of wine before you see if you can find the troops for us.”

Charity smiled. “What? I just said I went to one. I guess I should have said I wasn’t looking to use their service, just hunting a missing prince, so I could get the set of knifes he owed me? He had told me to meet him there trusting I wouldn’t do it. Then he had the nerve not to be there. However I tracked him down in one across town, I should have known he would be in that one. It didn’t fit his tastes.” The inspector was torn between laughter at Feathers face and embarrassment at the thought of the child in the brothel.  Now then you can poor us all a glass. You did go to Gar for the wine right? I want the good stuff if you are going to make go to their camps. The Tower is bad enough. Yes I will go, they need to see, I am not disagreeing with that.”

Mike winked. “Sis, that was just mean. Now they are going to be wondering all week which one had the men in it.”

Charity said. “No they would have if you hadn’t said one did. They would have just thought decorations and body types. Of course now you have given them a new worry about me being in the brothel.”

Warren said. “Surly they had that thought when you first said you visited one. I mean how many reasons are there to?”

Jabari said. “Well that explains how you knew where they were and which ones were worth visiting.”

Charity smiled. “Actually Love it was the next visit I found that out, as that is when Jamale took me on the city tour. I just had a fairly good idea of what one Philp would be in when he wasn’t where he told me he would be.

Jabari frowned. “You let me going, knowing what it was going to be? I couldn’t see straight for a week after that tour!”

Warren shrugged. “It is tradition, we all take it, and suffer the effects, but it does prove useful.”