#brightwindsbarony

She nods. "I think she would benefit from more direct mentorship with her kith."

"While I believe you would be a wonderful mentor, I don't want you to feel like this is an order. I just... I also know that some things, I couldn't teach as well as a troll."

"Well, I'm kind of leading your thanes. This might spread me a bit thin." He ponders "Still, not a bad notion I suppose. You want me to teach the other children how to fight some too?"

"Well, is there a better troll to ask?"

She glances back at the childling, spreading a wing around her like a swan guarding a cygnet.

"I just need a chance!" Ashlee says

Redfang scratches his chin, "Best thing in my opinion? " As if waiting for permission to continue

Sparrow nods, encouraging.

"Rotate it. Different styles , one for hand ot hand, one for melee, another for throwing an archery at the least. Helps us sort out who has the best teaching skills, doesn't overwhelm anyone too much on top of regular patrols, that sort of thing. That's how I've seen some lodges do it"

She nods. "Smart, yes."

"But I WILL get lessons?" A surprised look

"Sure, why not?" The old grump says "Heck, might see if Sir Morthwyl wants to help. He's got a squire to teach, maybe he'd throw other kids in now and then. And he's pretty tall.. for an elf" A grin

The girl... touches her face. WHich should have nothing to do with this conversation

"Sir Dubh does a more robust sword style than I..."

"If you suggest. See, they're going to face al lsorts of kithain.. learning how to fight from more than trolls might help" He says "But I'll take first crack at it." he looks at Ashlee "I told you you shouldn't fight against wilders.. I didn't say you shouldn't learn how to fight"

"Oh. I.. I guess i thought maybe I made.. well, lots of times folks don't want to .." She touches her face again

"And I agree with Little Joe - this is training for your benefit, not training you to fight on the front lines. You are what we're protecting."

"Girl, sidhe aside, how you look has very little to do with fighting well." Tyrnog says, then looks to the baroness 'No offense."

The girl blushes "But I want to DO the protecting"

She nods.

"And with training, you'll have certain expectations - if we are under threat, the childlings must be sent somewhere safe. They will need a calm guardian with them."

"I can protect Grete and Catir?" A pause "I don't think either will lilke that. They're... kind of stubborn"

"They are."

"And proud. Duty is not always easy."

"Well, how am I supposed to protect them if they go rushing off becuase of Gwydion mad and Witchtel revenge and all?" She asks her texan drawl slipping

"That's a good question. Sometimes, the people you have to defend might resent you."

She sighs

"Story of a troll's life sometimes, Ashlee. We'll teach you what we can how to do that too. " Tyrnog says "Me? I find it depends on which kith you're protecting. For sidhe, it's best to let them think you being their guardian is their idea."

And he winks at Sparrow

"Oh. I could see that, but isn't that... dup.. dup.. sneaky?"

Asks the girl

Sparrow laughs and nods.

"Sidhe are very proud. We take a lot of management. Ask Hope."

"Well, I don't want to be too sneaky" She says

"Discreet. Tactful."

"I can do that" she nods

"Of course you can." Redfang nods then looks to the Baroness "I'll ask around , see who is okay with teaching what then we'll bring you our plans, if that works?"

She nods. "It does. I will be happy to spar when you think she'd benefit from going against fast and light."

Ashlee brightens at that

"I think you just made her day" Redfang nods "or we did."

"You both did." The girl admits "Thank you"

"No, you made mine. Thank you, Tyrnog."

"Most welcome. You two exuse me. I have another chapter to read"

"Certainly. Enjoy!"

"Thank you, Redfang" the girl says

He chuckles and nods "Go on, help the Baroness paint, or give her something to wipe that off her chin" He tells Ashlee

And that does it, Ashlee giggles

"I.. what? Do I have a smudge?"

She nods and makes a motion at her own chin

Sparrow finally wipes it off on her sleeve. "Alright!"