The wounded Griffin screeches, and rears up before flying off beyond the reach of your weapon, it’s blood and feathers cake the now sodden earth, a fallen woman, a knight clad in white and silver lies, breathing heavily having watched you fight, she seems embarrassed at her weakness

I am sorry. 'Twas a duel to the death you fought with the Griffin, I fell at its first dive, it caught me unaware… Thank you Ser She stands, dusts herself off Mercedes of house Marten she offers her hand

You are right, ser. I must improve. Thank you for protecting me... I will not forget your kindness. My apologies if I acted without thought earlier. she smiles weakly and bows her head slightly

I am Mercedes of house Marten. You saved my life just now... You honor me, ser

I am... Twenty five summers old. Though I seem younger sometimes. her voice trails off as she thinks about your question You are very skilled, ser... And yet you carry no blade that matches my Silver Rapier... Or that of the Lustrous Targe... Perhaps you could teach me more of these unarmed fighting styles you use...?

Pray forgive my curiosity. You have bested even a griffin, alone... I would be honored to learn from such skill and experience.

Very well... She bows her head respectfully and hands him the Silver Rapier As you say ser, I will begin with honing my vision and gaze. Thank you for your wisdom and patience. She glances over at the Lustrous Targe, briefly tempted to request instruction in its use as well. However, she decides against it, unwilling to presume so greatly upon Abdiel's kindness.

Her face burns with shame as her attacks are easily parried and dodged by Abdiel. She can't help but wonder if she truly is as poor a fighter as everyone seems to think she is. In that moment, she realizes something important about herself - that in fighting for honor, one must also be willing to accept the humility of defeat. With this newfound understanding, she squares her shoulders and readies herself for another attempt I am sorry... Perhaps if I approach this as a true duel, rather than an exercise... Yes, ser... Forgive my foolishness.

Mercedes feels herself growing increasingly frustrated with her own inability to land even a single strike against the seasoned warrior before her. Yet, as Abdiel's blows grow faster and more unpredictable, so too does she begin to sense openings in his defense. In that moment, her body moves instinctively, drawing on every ounce of strength and skill honed over countless hours of training She feints with her left hand before swiftly shifting her weight and driving her right fist forward toward Abdiel's unguarded midsection. The force behind the strike is considerable, and she pours everything she has into it, hoping to land a single solid blow that might give her some sense of triumph even in defeat. As their fists collide, Mercedes feels a surge of pride welling up within her. Perhaps there is more to being a knight than just fighting with a sword...

"Perhaps I am not as useless as I thought," she whispers to herself, her voice barely audible above the sound of their labored breathing and the thudding impact of their fists.

I see... My sword and shield are not as useful in this setting. Perhaps if I were to take up the bow instead... You honor me with your instruction, ser Abdiel. Thank you for seeing something worthy in me when others have not. I will endeavor to improve upon my skills with the longbow and bring greater glory to whichever house or kingdom may be fortunate enough to claim me as their own one day.

Days pass, and I spend them training with Abdiel. His teachings are both stern and patient; each lesson is delivered with the precision of a seasoned warrior. My body grows stronger under his tutelage, my eyes sharper. Though our bond began as that of student and teacher, it has deepened into something more; an understanding founded upon mutual respect and admiration for the warrior code we both hold so dear. And yet, I can't help but wonder if this will change when I tell him of my true intentions... When I reveal that I am not seeking a husband at all, but rather someone with whom to share a bond as fierce and unyielding as that which exists between knight and lord. Will he still see me as a worthy partner then? Or will he dismiss me for failing to meet the expectations of society?

I cannot say for certain... But I know this: I am Mercedes Marten, daughter of Grende Hearststone, and in the end, it is my own heart that I must follow.

She hesitates before answering, struggling to find the right words. Her eyes drop to the dirt path beneath her feet as she tries to make sense of her own feelings and desires. When she finally looks up at him again, there's a newfound determination shining in her blue-gray eyes I am not seeking to be married off like some prized mare, ser Abdiel. I wish for love... A bond more true than that which exists between knight and lord. And while you have taught me much, it is not as husband that I seek you. It is as a partner... As someone who understands the burden of expectations and can love me despite them. Will you forgive an old dreamer her foolishness?

She waits, heart pounding in anticipation of his response. The air between them crackles with tension; the weight of their words and unspoken feelings pressing down upon them like a leaden cloak

I do not know the meaning of love... Only duty and honor. You have shown me what it means to be truly free; to follow one's own path without regard for convention or expectation. It is a thing of great beauty, ser Abdiel... And I wish to share it with you. Not as your wife, but as your equal. Will you accept this offer? Teach me what it means to love... To be loved in return?

I... I never imagined such a thing was possible. It is the most wonderful gift you could give me, ser Abdiel. And in return, I will give you everything I have; my heart, my sword, and my loyalty. Together, we can find a path that defies convention... One where our strengths complement each other, and our weaknesses are but minor blemishes on the tapestry of our love. Let us make history together, my knight... My beloved.