Thread: Squire's Secret (Benny and Gunner)

Despite the difficulty of keeping her secret Jacqueline found herself enjoying the journey with the men. Her firewood gathering partner was a pleasant lad and she avoided Fabien as much as possible. Especially when he spoke of his preference for red heads. Part of her wanted to laugh at their talk while the other wanted to vomit. She wondered what the boy would think if he knew he was talking to one of his favored red haired women. More and more she grew accustomed to the bawdy humor and language the men used. It had been quite the shock at first having never heard any talk quite like it before. Though it would be noted among the men that 'Jacque' stayed quite silent when the discussion of women and their assets was brought up. Just as quiet as Friderick. She found that a little strange that he didn't join in, but there were a handful of others who didn't. Certainly she didn't participate in an sining. Ever. For one her voice was far too high and would be noticed. For another, she could turn a hand to plenty of fine instruments but was under the distinct impression she sounded like a dying cat when singing. Finally they made it to Archmouth. Friderick was right. The squalid stench of city and fish struck her nose straight away. Her father's holdings were generous but their estate was kept small. Certainly they had large cities but their family estate was not shoved at the very center of one. For that Jacqueline found herself grateful. There was so much noise and folk everywhere. It was oppressive and yet exhilarating. The excitement of a tournament hung as heavily in the air as the city stink. First the setting of camp. As always quick and efficient for the well practiced group. Once all was ready and settled Jacqueline looked up to see Friderick approached, fully resplendent in his armor. She felt that weird, tightness in her guts again. There had been times she had caught herself watching the knight and had to suddenly busy herself with something else. What on God's good green earth was the matter with her? At his commands she fetched the banner and headed in with him as he lectured on her duties and why they mattered. He certainly was one for lectures. Worse than a nun really. Still she listened intently and nodded as she carried the banner and walked through the town with him. She stood by as he registered for his events. Interesting she didn't know there were qualifiers to be able to joust. While she had been to plenty of tournaments in her day she had never learned that small detail. It made sense. Tournaments would take a fortnight or more if everyone who wished to was permitted to joust. Jacqueline's head kept turning this way and that, seeing the hustle and bustle of the city. Certainly her family was wealthy but wealthy enough to afford a comfortable and peaceful existence outside of such activity. She was fascinated and yet wildly uncomfortable with the sheer amount of people about. With his name successfully down they had some time. His offer of a drink and the dry remarks were met with a short scoff, low in her throat. That was days ago, can you not just...let it...go...? She trailed off as Friderick's attentions were suddenly halted and drawn elsewhere. She followed his line of sight and her eyebrows raised. A woman was riding by, attended by a mass of servants and vassals. Everyone else was on foot. Jacqueline glanced back and forth between Friderick and the woman. That wistful, dopey expression on his face. It took her a second to grasp what was happening here. A strange pang and a lash of flame whipped her chest and she felt her ears burn. Her guts tightened into knots as her knuckles turned while on the banner staff. At his dismissive comment, while drifting towards the woman, snapped her back. What the heck had that been? She rubbed her guts a little but didn't leave to write her father or something. Instead she trailed a little behind Friderick yet her blue eyes were narrowed at the woman. The woman looked up, her dark eyes catching the flutter of a banner nearby then to the men approaching. Her head tilted some in confusion before realization dawned on her. There had been so many men, all of them fine and handsome, they tended to blend together. Ohhhh Fredegar! She cooed and halted her little group. How lovely to see you. Her eye lashes fluttered as she gave the man a grin. Jacqueline's jaw began to hurt as her teeth ground together. She found her gaze connect with the woman's. The lady glanced at the tunic Jacqueline wore, momentarily looking puzzled then quite interested. Fredegar is this little boy your new squire? A Lancaster...how lucky for you... Her dark gaze shifted back to Friderick. Are you here to joust? How very brave of you. I have the privilege of being seated on the dais with Count Liudhard you know. He has promised a very fine display, a grand feast and of course...a hefty purse for the winner. Jacqueline couldn't believe this display. Her grip didn't slacken on the banner as she watched. While she couldn't deny the woman was lovely...Jacquline hated her. It wasn't exactly fair but...she couldn't stand the sight of how flouncy and prim the woman was. Decorated in her finery, not even getting off her horse to greet Friderick. Oh, calling him Fredegar. Jacqueline waited for Friderick to correct the insufferable creature. He had a penchant for corrections and lectures. Why should this be any different?