Olivier de Bretagne

Athelstan nods.

"With no need of swords, when they have the tools of a farm or a forge to hand."

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"Indeed. We have many farmers, families but few fighters. On that front, I have much to do."

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"And so will I have, helping to train them, once we settle here."

Part of him wishes just to stay, see Athelstan heal, hold him warmly in his arms at night and work by his side by day, until he turns on his own to kiss Ragnar again, or demand more.

It would be just the right place.

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"Unless the war is over before that happens."

He wants to stay too, in more than just part of him. But he won't ask for it.

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"I would be very grateful for your help." Olivier nods, "And your company. But I would be gladder to see the end of the war."

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"Which won't mean there can't be any other enemies," Ragnar says, "or that training people to defend themselves is a bad idea."

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"Not at all. If nothing else, there will always be passing brigands - but you don't need the whole estate to deal with them."

Edited Date: 2016-09-09 12:33 pm (UTC)

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"But it would be wise for as many of those who wish to learn to do so. Regardless of their sex."

Ermina comes back to join them, a plate of hot bread and butter. "What are you planning now?"

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"Arming the villagers," Ragnar says, grinning. "And training them, of course."

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"So that if trouble of any kind should find them", Athelstan continues, "they can see it off themselves, where it might take too long to send a runner for Olivier."

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"Hmm." She hums thoughtfully and pours them all some more ale. "Including me?"

Olivier smile, "If you wish, my love."

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"Of course," Ragnar says. "If you trained, then more young women will realise it's a good thing to do."

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"Not every young woman is cut out for it, nor should they feel they should be. Nor every man, for that matter... but those who are should not be made to see it as wrong."

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Ermina gives Athelstan a warm smile and squeeze his shoulder as she takes her seat. "You're very wise, dear brother. I'm sure there will be a few grateful for that chance to learn."

Edited Date: 2016-09-09 01:06 pm (UTC)

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"They will have the choice, men and women both," Ragnar says.

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Athelstan nods, leaning a little into Ermina's hand.

"Just as if there are any boys who show more inclination for learning than for farm work, they can be picked out."

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"Then I shall ask around the farms. When would suit you to begin such training? I know your path is uncertain at the moment but I would be very glad to begin soon." Olivier muses.

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"Should we pick people, and start with the basics, this time around?" Ragnar says. "Set them a routine they can do, with the help of yourself and your few active fighters?"

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"Probably for the best. We don't want to ask too much of them too soon."

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"Perhaps if you wish to give it some thought tonight, I could bring some of the more eager lads to the field near your farm tomorrow?"

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Ragnar nods. "And one or two young women, so we establish that bit early on," he says.

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"Are there any young women you already know would be interested? The bolder ones?"

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"I certainly want to learn." Ermina points out, "And I'm sure there are one or two of my maids would be very interested."

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"Like that younger daughter of the former miller," Ragnar nods. "Unless she is too likely to make eyes at the men."

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