[Introduction] A horrid turn of events

[regency_twihard]

The coach ride to Bath proves utterly imperilous, with no great calamity than a stop at an inn -- its taproom sadly lacking in sinisterly scarred ruffians or raddled wenches with sharp tongues, much less a kitchen with a fat, surly chef cuffing the kitchen boys. Once they resume their journey, they nearly turn back to the inn, when Mrs. Allen

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[homely_sonja]

Not quite a knight, but close enough - here's Brienne, who can be found in the stables, should Catherine get to exploring. Ugly as she is with her spotted face, crooked nose, fat lips and uneven teeth, tall and flat-chested as she is, she probably looks less human than she is.

The gentle giant type is currently grooming a horse, more to occupy her hands than any thing else.

[regency_twihard]

It's likely not till much later, that Catherine ventures into the stables, but it's a warm place out of the winter wind, and she can't help roaming along the aisle, looking at the horses and wondering what adventures they have had, what daring deeds their riders have performed.

Till she spots the giant of a woman -- bigger than some men she's met -- and she starts back with a little gasp.

[homely_sonja]

Brienne looks pained, if only briefly at the audible gasp, and pauses in her ministration on the bay mare she was tending to.

She pauses, blinks at the girl.

".... aye?"

It's to be noted that she is dressed in man's medieval gear, but not a servant's.

[regency_twihard]

"I'm sorry, I've just never seen a woman, or a noblewoman tending a horse with quite the same care as you do," she says. "I am Catherine Morland, of Fullerton."

[homely_sonja]

"I am Brienne, the maid of Tarth," she replies, quietly, a bit warily, even.

"The horses need to be tended to." Her tone is a touch defensive.

[regency_twihard]

"Oh, they do, and they look well-cared for, thanks to you," she says. She can't help noting that wariness. "I hope I did not seem to be questioning your work: I'm still growing accustomed to this place and how things are done."

[homely_sonja]

"It's not my work," Brienne replies, and shrugs. "I was just taking care of them because it seemed odd that there were no stable boys or horse-masters here."

[regency_twihard]

"I see," she says, coming a little closer and putting a hand out to tentatively stroke the mare's nose. "You're taking good care of them: she's a beauty."

[homely_sonja]

Dfkljdlkfjdl compliments. "-- thank you," Brienne replies, visibly uncomfortable.

Part of her is wondering why this girl is being so nice to her.

[regency_twihard]

"So to whom do these horses belong?" she asks. "I'm only passing fair as a rider, and I would not mind riding with a companion." It's a subtle invitation, but she has to be sure which horses are free to ride.

[homely_sonja]

"They belong to the house," Brienne replies, and shrugging, she adds, pointing to some inscriptions in old English over some stalls, "though some knights have claimed some for themselves."

She's not sure about the invitation, actually. Because frankly, she wants to know, who could possibly want to ride with her, who is not Stark or Asato?

[regency_twihard]

She boggles at the signs, unable to make the letters out. "So there are knights here?" Her eyes widen a bit. What isn't to be found in this strange place??

[homely_sonja]

"Aye," Brienne replies. "Some are kind, others are not," she warns Catherine. "Do not let their titles dazzle you."

A beat, and she adds, "And some are not knights, and are better yet for it."

She's thinking of Stark and, to a certain extent, Sandor.

[regency_twihard]

She tilts her head, puzzled. "Is not knighthood a reward for noble service. How could a man not be worthy of the title, or at the least be improved by the responsibility to go with it?" she asked.

She has a lot to learn, it seems.

[homely_sonja]

Brienne shrugs. "I don't know. I used to think the world of knights," (she still does, deep down), "but some are evil - some were even knighted for their evil deeds."

She's thinking of Gregor, specifically.

[regency_twihard]

She nods, her eyes growing grave already. "I have read of such things happening in books, but I suppose that I had hoped that it was less common than in the real world," she says.