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Charity closed her eyes and took a breath thinking De had no idea just what kind of trouble they were going to be stirring up now. “Alright guys if you want to do this then we had best start moving. This is going to be fun. So do you think Mother will even notice the boots?”

Luke said. “I have never known her not to see a pair of boots, no matter who had them on. However this might well be the time she misses them.”

Charity smiled, and started walking. “They are going to be upset, it might just be a long evening. I do wonder what father thinks you want in a wife. Be interesting to see his choices.”

Luke said. “Maybe I should give him the full answer when he asks me about Jab’s properties.”

Charity shrugged. “Jab will tell them if you don’t. You know if you were to tell of the stallion that might just get him to stop. I know we said we weren’t going to, but it is something to think about.”

Luke said. “I have been considering it, but will try the songs first.”

De was looking at them. “Now perhaps I had best ask what the issues with property is?”

Charity said. “If father accepts that Jab is my husband he will expect there to be a house.”

Jabari smiled. “I can’t wait to tell him I turned it down as you already had three, so I saw no reason I needed more than the horse ranch I had, for your business bring in more than we need. However if he wants there is the wing I have in my Mother’s home, though I am trying to get one of the others to take it.”

Charity said. “Three? Oh that right there is a house on the farm. I forgot all about it. I still am not sure how that one house cam to be mine and not yours. It was a wedding gift after all.”

Gar said. “If you’re going into rooms as well, the council seat has given you some in each palace, and Father said that Cri’s place in the Winter home just transferred to you.”

Charity turned to look at him and shook her head, for he was in red as well. “I truly didn’t mean to start something. This is going to be interesting. And I think the houses will be enough of a shock for now.”

De smiled. “That is the way it tends to happen, might as well expect someone to be by checking after this. I think it has been decided we need to look a team at these formal events.”

Charity was wondering just what the guys had said. “I thought that was clear, but this surely will see to.” She shook her head and stopped at the door to the dining room, waiting for the others to go in. It was bad enough they were dressed alike she was not wanting to make it worse. Luke looked at her, waiting for her to go. “You know he is going to take how we enter is a ranking, given the dress. Now go on, there is enough without me going first.”

Luke smiled and shook his head. “Fine, Mike and I will go then Warren followed by you and Jab. Who knows that might help as well.”

Gar winked. “That fits better with the clothes, as your guard should enter first, and bonded pairs always together.” He laughed as both Jab and Charity glared at him. They were each so determined to stay out of power and hated to be reminded of the fact they couldn’t.

Charity bowed and said. “Just so your Highness which is why you will enter after we do.” He choked but they were moving before he came up with an answer.

Jabari said. “He is going to get you for that Love, but nice comeback.”

Charity smiled, as Asaim and Cri went and pulled out their chairs for them. “Well then I will just have to find another way to get back to him.”  She walked slowly across the room, giving everyone a chance to see her, and Jabari,, and take note of Luke and Mark’s similar walk, and the matching clothes they had on. At the table Luke paused and leaned a bit close to Mike for a bit then moved to his place on the family side but didn’t sit. Mike and warren likewise stood by there chairs. Charity shook her head. “What were you saying? Looks like they have decided it is time to play the game, and I was think that here at least he wouldn’t.” She winked at Luke. ‘Now you know what De said about this. I am not going to go for it this time either, brother. I can stand just as long as you.’

Jabrai smiled. “Come now how else would we know who buys the first night? Fe is shaking her head already.”

Luke winked, and let them all hear his reply. ‘Do you think she will weigh in here? Don’t forget the other two, Sis. I might just win this time.’

Charity likewise let them hear her reply. ‘I can make my point for Kanbe without his title coming in to it after all he is a Captain of a company. Gar’s title doesn’t impact on me, and that title out weighs his rank in seating order at a formal diner. Kanbe’s place in that order is the same either way. So nope, still won’t work.’ She had reached her chair and remained standing just as he had.

De was looking at them and shook her head. Then rolled her eyes when Kanab and Gar came in and joined in. “Guys really? I thought we had it understood that this was not going on this time. Will you just sit?”

Luke smiled. “Sorry Cap, Just making a point, see by waiting I get a chance to make it clear what I think, with few knowing what I am saying. Guys you need to set so I can.”

Kanbe looked at Charity. “After you sis.”

Charity shook her head. “Gar, you must sit first for at this diner your title trumps rank as it is not a military function. Then next is military rank so that would be Kanbe, as he is a company Commander, Luke next, as tactile officer and third in command. Do I need go over the rest or will you behave and stop this nonsense?”

They remained staring for a bit. Kanbe said. “Ah but you forget.”

Charity said. “No, I don’t but you do Brother. You still have the rank.”

Kanbe smiled. “For now perhaps, but not for long Sis.”

She shrugged. “That is out of my hands, but even then I will not be at the first, and then is not now.”

Gar bowed. “I would say this is not a state affair so do not see how titles matter more then rank, but I think the point has been made Commander. That said is there not more than my title to consider?”

Charity returned his bow. “I would say it has been stabbed to death, You are the one who taught me the ranks, sir. I was taking them into consideration.”

Gar said. “Not fully, think your title and your brothers.”

Charity smiled. “I think you are confused, if anything in this house his title is above mine. As I said to Kanbe then is not now, and even then it will not be of the first as you will be.”

Gar bowed and sat down. “But the day will come when you do sit first, of us Commander.”

Charity said. “That is a point I have no choice but to concede, but that is military and so has no barring in this house at this table. This silliness is bound to be irritating everyone. How long are you going to drag it out?” She shook her head as Kanbe copied him in bowing to her before he sat, then of course the rest of them couldn’t be shown up so had to do it as well.

Luke smiled and said. “Sis you could have ended it a lot sooner. All you had to do was admit the truth.”

Charity looked at him. “I was not aware I was not admitting it. Here as at Home you have the rank, not I. I didn’t know it appeared otherwise.”

Luke smiled. “For now yes, but latter?”

Charity said. “Latter the sands will change, and then may change again.”

Luke smiled as she sat last. “Sis in local customs who is it that is the last to sit?” She looked at him. “This is not our area of the house. So see I win, even so.”

Charity said. “Not completely, for the game you were playing was explained as it went, but yes you have me there. Here guys the head of the house is the last to sit, which was his real goal, and I walked into it. So that means when we get to Jacksome after this job I buy the first nights drinks for all who are brave enough to come. Sorry for the disruption, this plays out once each job just about. Hence the look De had when he started it.” Luke winked at her and she shook her head.

Chastity was looking at them, wondering just what it was all about. “Those are interesting outfits. More from your time South?”

Charity nodded. “Most of my clothes are as my shops there send me a few outfits every few months to see I keep up with what they are making, so I don’t visit the local tailors anymore. A few houses in Jacksome buy fabric from the mills so they just add in goods for me with the shipment for them.” Luke looked at her she shrugged, that chances that they thought she owned the shops were slim, they would most like think she had an account with is all.

Mark said. “So Jacksome is buying fabric? What else is traded?” Chastity just looked shocked, as did Father, whose frown deepened at Mark question. For trade was the providence of males, therefore not a thing a lady would know.

Charity said. “Well come up this way it is fabrics, dyes, inks, a bit of jewelry, leather and some other raw goods. Going the other way there is gems, paper, some mettle ores, fur and some fabrics and dyes. More dyes then fabrics go south and the revise is true of the goods coming north.” She took up her fork and took a bite, smiling a bit, think of how outraged her Aunt must be about now, as she was letting Cri decide on his own what went on her plate.

Mark said. “I didn’t think Jacksome would be buying fabrics. That might be a place to look into. Why would they be buying inks? They have the best, I thought.”

Uncle Jim nodded. “That is where I prefer to get the ink from, when I can, but there are few trade trips that way and getting second or third makes it a bit too costly.”

Charity smiled and looked at Luke, giving him first chance, he shook his head. “All yours sis, I don’t handle inks. Now if they want the leather, then I can get on the deal.”

Feather coughed. “Perhaps this is best dealt with latter, but yes if there is a way to get the inks at a fair price I think there would be some interest.”

Another man said. “I might just be interested in the leather, there is some of Jakesome’s I would like a better source for, so perhaps we can talk more after supper.”

Charity said. “Luke Asaim has to run back after supper so can get you samples if you wish. Jacksome doesn’t make most of the colored inks, and few of the paints for that matter.”

Luke nodded. “He knows which case it is, so that will work, thank you sis.”

Jim said. “It will be good to find a better source of quality inks.” He looked at Gar. “So sir is this a big chance from your homeland? We hear little of the south here.” Charity relaxed and enjoyed the meal, eating more then she had at that table before.

Nothing more was said about the clothes until they were gathered in the front room after supper. Patience looked at Charity odd when she and a couple of others sat down. Charity smiled. “Asaim will be here in a bit with the kits, so we can start the lessons.” She looked at the hanging in Pataince hand, “That is lovely, Marabeth would be enthralled, she loves Ingreds patterns, and the colors you are using is a completely different take on it. I could never get the understating right, likely as it made me think of other things.”

Patience looked at her surprised. “How in the world did you lean the patterns living among soldiers as you do?” she frowned a bit at Cri who was standing behind her.

Charity smiled, and ignored her look at Cri, she would let him kneel latter, standing for a bit wouldn’t hurt anything.. “A few of us collect patterns, they give us something to do as we are waiting. There is often a good bit of time to fill, and the completed works can add a bit of color to the bunk, or a few coins to a wallet.”

One of the aunts said. “So you don’t make your money in the field?” Causing a few snickers and winks,.

Charity heard the unsaid comment but didn’t let her expression change. “Few don’t have other ways to earn coin. There are years work is lean, and there is always the chance you will not be fit to return to the field even though you made it off it. I make more from my copies then I do wall hangings, and was doing well enough that I had nothing to worry about even before I had other sources of income.”

Chastity said. “That is an interesting dress. I don’t suppose you know how they got that color?”

Charity said. “It is in part do to the fabric, it is made from the long hairs gathered from an animal about the size of a sheep, but lacking the wool. The due its self is made from a small blue flower, which has many uses. With different fabrics you get different colors,” Asaim bowed and held out the basket for her.

Chastity said. “It is interesting that you five made the same choice in dressing.”

Charity took the basket and Asaim moved back next to Cri who then left. Charity shook her head a bit, that hadn’t been just what she meant. “That it is, but I guess that they had it worked out. I knew Jabari would, it is custom for Mates clothing to match at formal events. I didn’t know that when the other three had ordered clothes the seamstress decided they need to have formals to match as well. However it does make sense as our lives are tied together.” She turned to the basket so as to not see the faces. Before she took out the kits she took out the wall hanging she was doing. “For the gift exchange in Jacksome the theme this year is old buildings, so this is what I am working on right now. This is a Hill village that was abandoned years ago.” She shook out the hanging so they could see the town. “This is taking from a sketch I made of the town. It is rough, but I think it will do.”

Chastity was speechless. Patience said. “Nice to see you didn’t forget everything. If only you could have remembered your duties. So your Husband keeps you in barracks or does he have a house?”

Charity took the kits out and said. “This will give you what you need to get starte and there are some digrams in them as well. Now this is what I am working on. but I will set it aside and show you the basics, then I am sure you will be able to run with it. I just want you to see this as an example of something a bit tamer that can be made.” Cri was back with the try and bowed. Charity shook her head. “Just set it on the table, Boy and kneel, before you make their legs hurt. Asaim make sure the others have drinks as well.”

Asaim bowed. “Yes Ma’am. Sir requested I wait until you had a cookie in hand before going to see to him Ma’am.”

Charity shook her head. “He would.” She took a cookie from the tray, and smiled as cri took a place against her leg, lightly kissing her knee. “Mother I truly thought that question would go to Jab. We have officers courters in the fort, basically a two room apartment. Jabari is the commander of the mages. Before he took that post we had a small room in the bunk house as I had been there long enough to be out of the greenies barracks where I was for the first year. As to a house, well he remained me there is the wing in his Mother’s house he hasn’t yet gotten one of the others to take. However he was able to turn down the house when offered as I already had three. Though as one was a wedding gift I still say it is as much his as mine.” Patience was looking a bit pale. “Perhaps you best have a drink mother, I see the Boy found some wine.” She broke off a piece of the cookie and held it out to him. Granted he would have tested them all ready, but best make a point out of it, as one of the ladies there was Huxtly’s wife. He might still be holding a grudge against them. Chastity coughed when Cri took it with his mouth, and then nodded, before kissing her leg again, smiling, loving being treated so.

Luke said. ‘Sis just what is going on over there? I don’t think I have seen them looked so shocked. You need a rescue?’

Charity said. ‘I think they like my wall hanging. Oh and Mother asked me if Jab had a house. One of the ladies here is General Huxtly’s first wife, and so to make a point I fed Cri a bite of cookie before I took a bit. I am fine, but they might be looking for an escape. Asaim will have drinks when he gets there.’

Luke said. ‘I do think you are having too much fun. So far they have been letting the boys ask us about battles. But I think they are likely going to move on soon.’

Aunt Ell said. “Dear that must be a bit rough, having such trouble. Just what does your husband do? How did you meet such, um so it is just you?”

Charity had to fight not to laugh. “Well, there is some business interests he has, and his horse farm, he is skilled in bow making, he and Warren have a nice list of clients and a can sale bows almost before they are finished, and then there is family money as well. We met when I joined the army for a bit as part of my lesions when I was in the Hills. We just. Well I was swept away. We were bound to each other in ways I didn’t understand just then. But after that we were together a lot, and so came to exchange vows, which I learned his mother had expected to happen when I went into the Hills. I do not ask who he is with nor does he ask who I am with, just that I am. That said, there are a few others that sometimes share our room, and I am sure that others keep him company when he is in the field.”

Chastity said. “He asks that you are with others?”

Charity shrugged. “They worry about me being alone. It seems I sleep better when I am not alone. So when we are going in different directions he makes me promise I will have someone stay with me at least every third night. Now that Cri is here he will worry less. And that will make it easier on De. My being Warren’s second this last year made it a bit rough, as often we all had to be in different places. So she would have to try and find a way for Mike or Luke to be with me so Jab and Warren wouldn’t be checking on me every few hours. Now then I think I have scandalized you enough for one evening so what do you say we move to something safe and get started on the first steps?” She took and started handing out the kits. They took the escape this time and so the talk moved onto safer grounds.

Feather turned to Luke. “So I bet you have a nice savings by now, have you given any thought to what you are going to do? Surely you don’t think the fort a fitting place to start a family.”

Luke shrugged and looked at Mike,, and winked. “I am fine with the family I have sir and am not looking to start anything. But yes We have some business and properties we are all set.”

Feather looked at him. “It is time you were thinking of settling down lad, I know it is fun, but a man needs a wife and home as he gets older. It is what the Lord asks of us. Just what is with those clothes and that ridicules display at the table?”

Luke said. “Charity thought it best to stay with clothes not from here so it was clear that we are not from here. Seems like a solid idea to me, for all it is not working to well, and I like these better anyway. Then to I think she has five outfits not in this style, two of which might be wearable here. I am in slightly better shape, but only because males can get by with tight clothes, as most of my northern clothes is likewise gear for when I am pub hoping in Jacksome, or in court there.”

Feather said. “And you just happen to match?”

Luke shrugged. “It was one of Charity’s seamstress I asked, well we actually, about getting some new clothes from. She saw that we had formals that matched, as is expected of those whose lives are tied together.”

“Tied together?”

Luke said. “There are threads and bonds that will keep bring us together, it is that tie that made her my shadow. It is deeper then I can explain. However to put it a way you can understand. Charity hold my Oath, as she gave me hers that is what the thing at the table was about, and is what the clothes mean the five of us are sworn to each other.”

Feather was frowning. “Don’t you think that is a bit rash? Is not her husband fit to see to her? I fail to see why you need to take on that chit if it is in truth married, and if not then surely the bar can see to it. Seems to do well from the looks. I doubt your wives will appropriate have that around the young.”

Luke looked a Jab worriedly, fearing what he was going to do. Jab took a drink and said. “Sir Charity is the one who takes care of us. We just try to see she takes care of herself as well. I am sorry you cannot see how important she is, but please stop trying to say she is making her living on her back. She didn’t go for that plan. That said I think it best we leave before you say something we cannot let go. I fear your anger is getting away from you. My parents said it was always hard when a child’s life takes it in a way you can’t understand. I think it best if we give you some space.”

Luke stood up. “Thank you Jab and yes I think we had best turn in, Jab you care to join us for a hand of cards?”

Jab said. “Sounds good to me. You have a good evening folks, and sorry for the distress we caused.”

Feather looked at them darkly. “So not only do you expect me to be live that jumped up servant is some kind of mage, I am now to believe you are letting it run your life? If you want to throw your life away say so, but don’t go making up fairy tales about that rat to cover it.”

Luke winced, and hoped they didn’t know just what his father was meaning. “Father, I told my life is with De, not here. However I will say it again. My bonded and I have lands in Jacksome, the Olive Plans and in the Forested Hills. Those are the place I will spend the years I am not in the filed. This land is not home. It is where I got my foundation, but it is not where I am meant to live. I am not looking for a wife. I have my family. It is not anything you would find fitting but it is mine. I didn’t come here looking to change my life, I came here do to a contract. I thought you understood that and accepted that. I am sorry I was not plainer.”

Charity looked over at them and paled. “Looks like there is a bit of trouble. I need to go keep Jab and Luke from going to far if I can. Excuse me.”

Pat’s looked and for once her expression and Charity’s matched, both looking worried. “Just what is going on?” She stood as Charity did, hoping that her presence would at least remind Feather of the guests.

They never got the chance for Feather jumped up and yelled. “You let that slut convince of that? How did you let that taint affect you? The schooling you had should have let you see clear. My failing was in not seeing it was dealt with. I never thought it would take it so deep as to. I knew you let the brat get away with to much. But to let it twist you! I was to week. I should have seen to it. All the signs were there. Yet again I failed I should have let them finish it when they offered. But thought the lesson would do. He was right. It was too late if it ever would have. It needs to be destroyed!”

Charity said making sure her voice filled the room. “No do not draw those knifes! We are guests in this house and land. None of you will Violate Gusting Laws! He will not act on his hasty said words. That said, we will leave the house first thing in the morning. There is room for us in the field. Watches will be posted and He will no longer be allowed in armed. Thurs his empty threat is handled. Inspector I am sorry to make your job that much harder. But they are honor bound to see the threat on my life answered. I will not let it come to blood shed. I should have realized sooner how he felt. Feather, I am sorry my presence in your house is such a burden on you. Had you but said so we might have found a better way to minimize contact.  Do forgive me for not seeing it sooner and so causing you to break Hospitality in such an outrageous fashion. As I said we will not reciprocate the breach, but will withdraw from you house with the light. I will let the servants see to my things and see that those sworn to me do not leave the wing we are using until we can see to remove ourselves from under roof.” She looked at them until they left, including Gar and Kaneb in it, both of whom still had one hand on their knife. Luke was just looking shocked and Mike was more worried about him, But Warren was looking deadly. Jab was worried about her and not sure what he wanted just yet. When they left Charity said. “De I am going to need your help with Warren, I am not sure he will listen to me, right now. He knows a bit more just what Feather was talking about. I should have been watching the conversation. Feather I will break the rules enough to say this. The only reason I walked out of that shed is because I am a mage. As you had to know for you weren’t drunk all the times you let Stive take over. Nor is claiming a fit or drinking going to work this time, it is just the threat we a facing that keeps me from leaving your lands.”