Thread: Squire's Secret (Benny and Gunner)

Jacqueline's movement faltered at Friderick's look. For the briefest of moments she felt fear flash through her body. Friderick had been a stern and stoic man to work for and train under. Yet for a moment she saw that all disappear. Aside from the forlorn longing she swear she saw almost mad fury. It was baffling and terrifying all at the same time. How bewitched he was with some...some woman! What was the matter with men? The momentary whip of fear melted to mild disgust. She thought he was being ridiculous. Sure the woman was pretty but what other qualities did she have? The disgust churned and roiled in her guts to her own sort of fury. Somehow she thought perhaps Friderick may be a little different. With his lack of ribald humor like the other knights. No, as it turns out, he was no different than any other man. Disappointment then coursed her. God above too many emotions in such a short span. Red eyebrows quirked at the knights as he spoke. Another lecture. Jacqueline huffed quietly as Friderick, once more, rambled on with yet another sermon. No courting. That was perfectly fine. She wasn't exactly there to find a bride. That would make for a very awkward situation and potentially deadly. He refused a drink instead deciding he had enough of the town and wanted to train. Aye sir, Jacqueline responded simply enough as she turned to follow Friderick. As they walked the episode continued to play across her mind. She was burning with more questions. Was beauty the only quality a woman needed? What about a mind? What about morals? Hell she'd even be pleased if someone would tell her they desired a woman who was good with figures even if it just meant managing the household. No. Just beauty. A hot weight settled in her chest. Well it was a good thing she was in hiding from that life. A spike of muscles spasms forced her to slowly unclench her hands and jaw. When did she start clenching them? That was strange. Obediently Jacqueline followed behind Friderik, glaring holes into the back of his head. Her opinion of him suddenly brought quite low. Just like all the others, just quieter about it. For once she was very silent, almost sullenly so, as they arrived to their camp to gather lance, shield, and sword. Lips pressed to a thin line, a little crease between red eyebrows. Why did it bother her so? This new knowledge of Friderick was strangely distressing. Very strange indeed. He pointed to the field and gave instructions. Still tight lipped Jacqueline marched on towards where directed. Stupid...men...dumb...fancy woman... she grumbled once out of earshot, boots kicking up more mud and clumps of grass than should be with her stomping. A rumbled in the earth. Jacqueline stopped. Thundering hooves. Her stomach clenched and she turned. No notice, no warning. Wingfoot and his melancholy rider were bearing down at her! For a moment she froze up. First instinct was to raised the shield but with training swords in hand as well the hold was clumsy. The swords were forgotten, dropped under foot and her hold on the shield was stronger. Her teeth clenched and eyes squeezed shut at the moment of impact. Being not the largest person to ever wield shield and sword she was still knocked back, feet scrabbling over the fallen swords, before landing back first into the mud. Air rushed from her chest as she hit, covered by the shield like a stiff blanket. Wide eyes she laid there a moment before sharply gasping and pushing the shield off her. Regining breath and feet she grabbed the nearest object, one of the training swords, and lobbed it at Friderick. What the hell is wrong with you?! The furious shriek not entirely manly and the first time she had cursed aloud. I'm not miss lady fancy britches who can't even say your name right! Take your anger out on her and her stupid feathered head! Maybe if you beat her teeth in you won't find her oh so perfect and pretty! Jacqueline's furious insults came to a screeching halt. For one she realized she was simply shrieking across the field at him. For another she was taunting a mounted and armed opponent. Perhaps not the wisest courses of action.