Elma and I had just finished 'taxing' some local trolls. They had been quite negligent in the 'support of our economy'. We literally had to beat the taxes out of them. Twas not pleasant but necessary. Having accomplished this thankless task, we decided to go visit the Citadel of Stormhold and our friends there. The area was quiet with little activity going on. We found the Lords of Stormhold far back planning in one of the massive towers that sets their area apart from any other town. Vlar was involved in fixing founts or fonts or some such strange anomaly. Godric was sitting in a chair leaned back against the wall contemplating the finer... well who knows. And this storyteller is not saying if she does. Needless to say, much activity about nothing was going... Until I spoke up. "What is new in Stormhold," I asked. "Well, we have a miner who needs an escort. He wants to go to an orc infested area and needs protection," Vlar stated hesitantly. I could tell he was unsure if he should ask us to go being we were 'Ladies'. "Sure we can go," I stated emphatically, almost jubilant. "Orc crushing is right up our alley." "Well, M'Lady, there will be others to deal with. The elementals are also a consideration to be reckoned." "Definitely right up my alley," interjected Elma. "Got the sword just made for bustin' up them rock heads. "And besides, who says that 'Ladies' can't be proper escorts?" *My hands begin to get a faint glow of warmth* "Tis settled, you can be the escorts, replied Vlar. At that moment, Gawayn and Phaedrus stepped forward. "We would be honored to ride with you." "Well come along. This will be fun," I replied. "Aye Oni, this will be great fun," quipped Elma. Soon all was made ready, and we set out to 'escort' the miner. The cavern, as caverns always are, was dark and musty. Randall, the miner's name, set immediately to his task. Ore and elementals appeared as if by magic from the earth. The sound of steel hitting the hardened creatures rang out in the cavern. The noise attracted a group of orcs. I sent them packing with a little friend of mine. His swords carry a very virulent concoction. The fighters were having a great time with the 'escort' duty. The orcs were a source of fun, kind of a game. In any event, no match for the experienced guardians of the miner. Some of the elementals were a little resilient to magic, but they too succumbed to the blows of the warriors. The escort fulfilled its duty. Randall was able to collect much ore for milling. I even got to move some of the ore. It felt good to stand with this one called a common miner and get my hands dirty. This Lady deems it an honor to be on escort duty this day. To all those that pull out the resources of this Realm I raise my pen in honor of you.. The Working Class.. It is an art getting your hands dirty.
