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<span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-r">Diplomacy 24 vs DC 25</span></span>
The thought crosses your mind to tease Natasha about how you intend to lay your claim upon her little brother... as an addition to your retinue. Levity upon the eve of battle can do wonders for morale, and with Trevor on the verge of knighthood you <span class="mu-i">will</span> need a new squire. The boy has certainly shown that he has heart. If the good first impression lasts through the campaign to purge the cultists, you may speak to the village chief on this matter before returning to your homeland.
Two things stop you from proceeding with this merry prank.
His status as a lordless highlander complicates matters. Homely and charming as this village may be, it belongs to a nation that is no nation and a people who have no lords or kings. Errant Knights have taken squires from the highland folk before, many of whom have risen to become great heroes of the kingdom. Taking Rickard as a page would not be without precedent.
Your oaths to the Duke leave you with much less freedom to choose your retinue than such men, however. Many people of influence would seek to send their sons and tomboyish daughters to serve you as squire, and you've no doubt the Duke has already assembled such a list for the moment young Trevor is knighted.
Page would be a far easier ask, and more appropriate to his age. Declaring that desire now, however... no, it is not the right time. His family and his chieftain must be consulted, and then you must petition the Duke for his permission to bring a highlander into your retinue.
Also, you feat it will antagonize Natasha more than amuse her. Something you wish to avoid, so close to the start of what will certainly be a bloody campaign.
"Ah, well, I retracted my harness to keep our equipment on an even footing, Natasha," you tell her. When she arches an eyebrow in suspicion, you continue with your explanation that, "An honor duel is not so honorable when one side has the advantage in equipment. Folding plate does far more than protect, it lends the strength and endurance of steel to those who wear it."
"Is it then the fashion in the lowlands, for lady knights to prance about in something that clings like a second skin beneath their armor?" Natasha asks you. She's gone as far as to try to cover her brother's eyes, though you cannot understand why.
"Not just women, but men as well," you inform her. She perks up at your words... and deflates just as swiftly as if she remembered something sour. "Armorsilks are an improvement upon the gambeson that is as protective as brigandine... and thus, suitable for Rodrick's duel."
"Whatever you say, lady Louise." Natasha sounds like she doesn't believe you. Before you can broker further argument, she curtseys, and pulls her brother away. "I am afraid that it is well past Rodrick's bedtime now. Thank you for your tolerance of my brother's intrusion upon your camp this evening. Say goodnight, Rodrick."
"Good night!" Rodrick waves as he's carried off.
