The walk back

Now dressed again the trio headed back towards the estate proper. Jeane made it quite clear that Vel had impressed her in more ways than one. “Fucking hells, my Lord, that was hot. I told you not to be gentle with me, and you clearly took that to heart. Keep fucking me like that and I just might fall in love after all.” Her smirk was meant to imply that she was joking, but Vel could see her emotions, and knew there was truth to it. “And I seriously underestimated your strength there, Vel. That was something else, I’m not sure even old Kreibar could have just thrown me over his head like that.” Vel smiled, appreciating the praise, but it also gave him an idea. “Is Dina much of a grappler?” Jeane looked thoughtful. “Not really. She is strong and has a steel grip, but she doesn’t value grappling and neglects it. She’s a high noble, after all, rolling in the dirt is not for her. She prefers to focus on swordsmanship and other more elegant pursuits.” That was relatable, Vel had basically never practiced grappling before today. He had focused almost entirely on fighting from horseback. It seemed like an oversight now. Someone pushing or tackling him off his horse, even with his saddle’s straps, was certainly possible. “So, do you think I could beat Dina in a grappling match?” Adi’s eyes lit up as she understood where Vel was going with this. Jeane nodded. “Definitely. My lady is stronger than I, but her technique is lacking. The few times we have grappled, I usually come out on top.” That sure was interesting.

Vel mentally told Adi to keep the conversation going for a bit, then lapsed into thought. Jeane could be useful in getting to Dina, but he wasn’t sure how she’d react to an open request for help manipulating her charge. Dina’s life certainly wouldn’t be threatened, so her oath would be in no danger of violation, but her loyalty quite possibly extended beyond that. On the other hand, she clearly liked and respected Vel far more than she did his oldest sister, oath or not. Something inside of him, be it instinct or his powers, urged honesty. He decided to trust it.

“Jeane, do you think Dina would be open to it if I challenged her to a grappling match?” Jeane kind of shrugged. “Perhaps. She definitely wishes to prove herself against you after her recent defeat in the joust, but I think she would be suspicious. She feels she was lured into a discipline where you had the advantage last time, and if you challenged her, I think she would suspect the same again.” Vel nodded, that made sense. “Okay, I need to get her to challenge me to a grappling match. Would you be open to helping me with that?” Jeane looked surprised. “I suppose that wouldn’t go against my oath, you wouldn’t actually try to harm her in the fight. And if you did, I could still step in.” She actually rubbed her chin as she thought. “But why do you even want that? After you won the joust, a wager was mentioned. When I asked Lady Amordina about it, she changed the subject and blushed. Does that have anything to do with this?” Vel nodded, but Adi answered for him. “Yes, it sure does. When they jousted Dina would have gotten Veldred if she won.” Jeane gasped. “But that horse is worth a manor! What on earth could she have offered if she lost?” Adi grinned at the other girl. “She had to jack Vel off with her tits.”

Jeane’s jaw dropped open, then she snorted with laughter. “Oh crap, I shouldn’t delight in this. But damn, my arrogant and stuck-up charge, using her tits to pleasure her brother. Bwuahaha.” Jeane was briefly lost to laughter, even doubling over. When she righted herself, she had to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye. “With all due respect, my Lord, you are fucked up.” She was smiling, there was no malice or judgement in those words. “I think you love it though, don’t you, shield Jeane?” She kind of grimaced as she nodded. “Fuck, I think I do. That is messed up. But the gods know Lady Amordina could do with getting knocked down a peg or twenty.” Vel could sympathize, being Dina’s sworn shield couldn’t be easy.

Adi got them back on topic. “Does that mean you would be open to helping us? Maybe you could plant the idea in Dina’s mind that grappling is something she could challenge Vel to. She can’t beat him on horseback, and there’s no honor in beating him on foot, for obvious reasons. Maybe you can suggest it is the only way for her to best him meaningfully and honorably?” Jeane grinned, but looked guilty. “As tempting as that sounds, I really shouldn’t. Whatever else she may be, I am sworn to her service.” Vel shook his head. “Who did you swear an oath to first, this house or Dina?” Jeane answered quickly. “House Andros, of course. I was a simple guard before I became my lady’s shield.” Vel nodded. “And which oath swore protection, and which promised service.” She nodded, seeing where he was going and conceding his point. “I understand what you mean, Vel. I am sworn to protect her, but also to serve this house.” Vel nodded. “And besides, who would you rather obey. Me, or Dina?” Jeane sighed. “You know the answer to that by now, I am sure.” Adi chimed in again. “So, will you do it?” Another sigh, then a smile. “Fuck it, yes, I will. For you, my Lord.” Vel was touched.