Lady Katarina

"Well, I like that you want to take me with you and that you want to keep people safe. I don't think I know a single person other than Kalli that would run headlong into danger like you do," Eliza said, leaning back into me, and I smiled.

"All part of being a man! Or I think it is. I am sure there are many men from where I am from that would feel the same as most of you. I think the difference is that I was used to risking my lives to save others. It's almost like it's a part of me that I can't get away from, not that I would if I could. I think it's the part that defines who I am and want to be," I explained as we approached a metal gateway.

It opened to a round courtyard surrounded by a brick path with a white water fountain that had a statue of two naked women pouring water from pitchers. The mansion was made of brick, and it had an opulent stairway leading up to it.

At the door to the house, a large woman in a fancy red dress was standing with two guardswomen and a servant in a maid's outfit. The Lady must be the one Eliza was talking about, but she actually looked pretty friendly, but looks could be deceiving.

I would withhold all judgment until I got a chance to really have a conversation with the woman.

"Countess Eliza! It is good to see that you have returned, but where have all your Gaurdswomen gone? Senna, what is the meaning of this, and who is the large Lady in strange clothing?" The woman asked.

"Lady Katarina, this is Galio. I am sure you heard about the undead attack, and she was the one that took it down, alone. The girls are back at the forest village helping out. Galio is also my Partner," Eliza said and then looked up at me, asking, "can we get down?"

I nodded and lifted her up in both arms, throwing my leg over the saddle and sliding down. Once on the ground, I set the Countess down and bowed to Lady Katarina.

"I see. Then this person is someone that should be respected," The Lady said as I stood up straight and then curtsied to me.

"You are far too kind. I was just doing what I could to prevent needless injury," I said, and the Lady nodded to me.

"Let's get inside. The women are crowding around the front gates like flies to shit. If we don't get inside, every word we will have been twisted into thirty different stories per word!" Growled Lady Katarina, and I almost burst out laughing.

Still holding my judgments, but she was working on winning me over without even knowing it! The Lady seemed like she could be a hard woman, so there might just be some crossed lines, but it could always be something worse.

Senna followed us inside along with the maid, but the two of them walked behind Eliza, who was walking just behind me now. Lady Katarina was walking just in front of me as we walked down a long hallway with pictures of beautifully painted scenes of lakes, mountains, and waterfalls.

"Eliza, if you don't mind, I would like to talk to Galio in private for a moment. I will bring her to the meeting room after, and we can all have tea and muffins. Trina, dear. Do you mind going to get that ready for us?" Lady Katarina asked.

"Yes, Lady Katarina," The maid said from behind me, but Eliza grabbed my arm, and I turned to look at her.

"Are you sure?" She asked with worried eyes.

I nodded and bent down to give her a kiss. Eliza was surprised at first but returned it, slightly trembling.

When I pulled back, Eliza chased my lips, breathing hard. I grinned and pecked her on the forehead.

"Go ahead and wait for me," I told her, and she nodded, leaving down a hallway opposite the one Lady Katarina was standing in.

"Interesting. Then the talk of the city is no joke, and you are our little Countess's new Partner," Lady Katarina said as I turned to her and nodded, gesturing my hand to lead the way.

The Lady nodded and led me down the hall and around a corner to a room that seemed in a far off corner of the house. Inside was a brightly lit sunroom filled with plants and flowers, along with a table and two comfy looking chairs.

"Please sit down. I called you in here so I could learn of your intentions with Eliza and Northwall. The fact that she is acting the way she is and actually listening to what I ask is remarkable, so I don't question you on that," The Lady explained as she took a seat, and I did the same.

"Well, I just woke up in a forest with no memories, and Miss Eliza came riding into the village I first found. She tried to get her to guard to become violent with Elder Lily, and I stopped them," I explained, and Lady Katarina swore.

"Oh, for the love of all things under the twelve islands! I am sorry! Eliza only listens to half of what I say and applies that double! I am probably just as much to blame, but this is not the same girl I am used to seeing! Eliza is normally in a mood all the time and is defiant with everyone. I hardly recognize the girl you had in your arms; she looked so happy!" Lady Katrina said, sounding relieved.

"I assumed that there was something like that going on with the abrupt passing of the previous Countess," I said, and Katrina nodded.

"Yes, her passing did quite a number on the poor little girl. Now, you plan to be Eliza's Partner, but what of Northwall?" the Lady asked, leaning forward, looking curious.