Carlisle Castle, Ward of the North.

[René Artois]

Roger simply nodded, wondering what the man himself was really like.

[Mors Vigilia]

And so commenced a further gruelling few months of hard mental work where both Roger and Walter spent almost twenty hours together each day making sure that even when sleeping, Roger would be dreaming in French.

[René Artois]

And very soon Roger had picked up a good deal of the language, as well as the manners required of him. It seemed he was a good learner, and Walter a good teacher.

[Mors Vigilia]

For the first time since Roger's education had begun, the Lord de Lacquartier returned to the castle. Not knowing how long he would stay here, Walter quickly summoned Roger so that the two could meet with the Baron.

[René Artois]

Roger quickly answered the summons and hastened to see Walter.

[Mors Vigilia]

The steward accompanied Roger to the reception hall, though the Baron was not there. After a short search Carlisle was found in a small room where he was watching a wooden tub sporadically become filled by heated water from the kitchen. The man looked and smelled as if he had been wearing those same drab clothes for a month.

Without saying anything, Walter prodded Roger for him to speak.

[René Artois]

Sire.
Said Roger, quickly.

[Mors Vigilia]

Carlisle looked blearily at the young man, trying to place him.

Roger. You are still here.

[René Artois]

He shuffled nervously.
I am sire...

[Mors Vigilia]

Carlisle grunted in reply and sat upon the only stool in the room. Walter sidestepped to allow a servant to enter with more water.

I thought that you might like to take Roger with you to the border?

Remaining silent, Carlisle stared at Roger, his eyes requesting the young man's input.

[René Artois]

Roger felt quite eager but didn't want to show it.
I take it a squire will be needed?
I can cook pretty well too...
He added, knowing it was a lie but hoping to appeal to the man's stomach.

[Mors Vigilia]

Born and raised as a huntsman, Carlisle believed that if a man could not cook - or at least keep himself sustained in the wilderness - then he was not a true man. Undressing, he laid his clothes onto the stall before lowering himself into the tub.

Five days. We go to relieve the current wardens in five days.

[René Artois]

Roger nodded,
Aye sire!

[Mors Vigilia]

And so five days later, that's exactly what happened.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...1#post12635674

[Mors Vigilia]

Carlisle arrived at his favourite spot in the Lakes, quickly settling down in his small shelter of hide and leather. The sun was setting to his right and the pinkish orange hues of light danced majestically upon the water before him. This was the first time today that he had allowed himself any kind of rest except for when nature dictated otherwise, for he knew that the rest that awaited him by the Lakes would be the much sweeter for the wait.

His horse had been tied where the Baron could see it if he turned his head though it was far enough not to disturb him too much. Reaching into his saddlebag, Carlisle withdrew a few muslin biscuits and a flask of beer, slowly he began to consume them while gazing over the lake before him. Exhaling contently, he felt the serenity of this place seep through him as the sun sank further below the horizon and sleep began to overcome him.

Waking, Carlisle felt the warmth of the rising sun upon his face and smiled slightly as he allowed himself to rest there awhile without the need to get up immediately and face the day. He heard his horse stir awake, giving a low whicker at the dawn, though the Baron also noticed something else, as if there was something else out there with eyes fixed intently upon his position...

[Mors Vigilia]

Rising slowly, Carlisle walked nonchalantly to the nearest lake in front of his shelter. Getting down on his haunches he cupped his hands to scoop up water to drink whilst carefully scanning the area with his eyes. There, where the rushes could hide a possible watcher, at least it would if the actual watcher was making any attempt to conceal themselves... Standing slowly, Carlisle turned to face the person who now stepped up behind him and raised an eyebrow in shock - almost a shout from the Baron.

Good morning.

She was young, maybe fifteen years old with long auburn hair down to her waist, splitting into two braids at the end. Her eyes were blue-green and they seemed to be taking in all they could of the Baron.

What are you doing here?

The girl shrugged and gave a shy smile.

I followed your tracks again. You come here a lot, don't you?

That eyebrow raised again, Carlisle had never known anyone to be able to fully follow his tracks and fewer still who could find him when he didn't want to be found. Calming from his astonished state, Carlisle offered the girl breakfast. It was the least that he could do...

[Mors Vigilia]

Walter watched the girl carefully, he knew that he probably didn't need to considering the Baron's involvement but men could behave strangely where women were involved. Carlisle had arrived that evening with the girl riding behind him and no explanation as to her presence. The steward felt as though he recognised her somehow though his recollection was hazy in his old age. The two shared few words with each other though the girl trailed Carlisle wherever he went. Walter wanted to ask about Roger's whereabouts, no doubt he was still with the Wardens though it peeved him somewhat that the Baron had left a promising young squire in favour of this girl...

[Mors Vigilia]

After a month, Walter confronted the Baron. He passionately plead for his lord to return to the border and continue the training of his squire. Carlisle only gave a small twitch of a smile when his steward warned him of straying from his duties for the company of a girl. Somewhat surprisingly to Walter, the Baron agreed, stating that it would do him good to get away from the city. The girl would stay here in comfort until he returned.

[Warhead7]

Henry Shieldworth arrives at Carlisle Castle, looking for Lord Carlisle. He requests to see with an important message from the Archbishop.

[Mors Vigilia]

He is brought in to see the steward in the baron's absence. Though the baron was on his way back to the city, this was not known by anyone in the city. The steward - a frail old man - looked up weakly at Henry...