Olivier de Bretagne

"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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"Two or three would be a start. It would encourage those who want to but fear they wouldn't be allowed."

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Ermina laughs. "She is likely to make eyes and want to learn to fight at the same time. But I can't see why that would be a problem. Most of the men I know would be too distracted by her eyes to have much warning for a strike."

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"Then let her kick them around a little," Ragnar grins. "That might be fun."

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Athelstan chuckles quietly.

"It would teach them a lesson."

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Ermina grins evilly. "My thoughts exactly."

Olivier chuckles, "Tomorrow shall be quite interesting indeed."

Just then, the maids bring in their meal - a side of venison, vegetables and a thick gravy of red wine.

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"Oh, that smells good!" Ragnar says, grinning widely. He can keep up during extreme hardship, but enjoys creature comforts just as willingly.

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Even Athelstan has to nod in agreement.

"One of your own deer?"

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"Hunted in the woods on the borders of the estate." Olivier nods proudly. "The last of it, I fear. The deer and the boar one of the farmers brought down were the centrepieces of a celebration of the end of winter, shared with the village."

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"And now, they need to be left alone to mate and have their young," Ragnar nods. That is true for everything in lean early spring.

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Athelstan nods.

"Only the most desperate would kill a beast in spring, and then they'd avoid the king stag."

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"We were careful only to take older male beasts, whose loss could only strengthen the herds. The meat is not so tender but cooked slow, is edible enough. I have learnt much of hunting and husbandry here."

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