1088 Enormous.

I always thought it was kind of a shame that Carol’s backstory took so long to get around to. Not that this conversation encompasses all of it, but it’s certainly more, and more in depth than anything I can remember revealing so far. She’s hinted at this time in her life before, but I didn’t want her explanation to deteriorate into something overtly sexual, and the fact of the matter is that with Thomas it would have. Also, the girl talk with Jo gives me a chance to reveal some more about her. Puberty scars us all to one degree or another. That stuff can really stick with you, and how you turn out certainly does.

I had a lot of embarrassing conversations with a lot of girls in my attempt to make this conversation sound natural and the stories sound real. Stuff like this can go sadly awry, really easily. I wanted to make certain that didn’t happen. With Carol her boobs are always the elephants in the room. Which is true for any busty girl. It’s going to affect how she grew up, how she reacts to the world, how the world reacts to her. I think I’ve done an okay job of making her bust a part of her and not her a face stuck to some boobs.

Jo, of course, is at the other end of that spectrum. So she’s had a reverse experience, which is important too.

Anyway, I’ll let them do the talking. There’s a tornado on the ground up north, so I’m gonna make sure things are prepared, just in case.

Little story bit for you.

It suddenly occurred to Julius that Regalius was likely the one who saddled him with the useless magical map. He considered letting him fall back down again, but his better nature won out. As Julius helped Regalius to his feet he became aware of another presence in camp. How long she’d been there, was unclear, but no one seemed to have noticed in the commotion.

The silent figure was apparently taking in the scene, arms crossed under her dirty white robes, features obscured by her hood. Once Regalius was righted he took notice of her too.

“Commander!” He sputtered. “That was-”

“Typical.” She said, cutting him off. “Once we’re down that hole that sort of nonsense will not be a luxury we will have.” An arm flipped open one side of her cloak and took hold of a truly impressive mace. Except it appeared as though her arms were still folded across her front. His brain did the math and Julius gaped in spite of himself. If she took any notice there was no sign of it. The remarkably busty cleric simply tossed her weapon down, casually, next to one of their makeshift seats. Once settled she removed her hood and surveyed the campsite.
She was redheaded, and said hair was cut in a boyish fashion. It was rebelling somewhat here and there, but overall the look suited her face perfectly. It was a face he recognized, but he could hardly believe it. He’d seen it on posters. In fact, he’d seen most of her, in various stirring images, all over the country, but he’d always assumed they were exaggerations. Two places in particular, but in actuality she lived up to those images and then some. He was completely unable to regain control of his face.
Eventually her gaze lit upon him. She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head, as if she expected him to give her a report.

“You’re… the hammer of god!” Was all he managed to blurt out. Her eyes moved past him and on to Regalius.

“He’s a quick one.” She intoned pleasantly. “Where’d you find him?”

“He came very highly recommended!” Regalius said, sounding accused. “The best in his guild by all accounts!’

Julius looked to Niona for support, but she was completely unmoved by the revelation that the commander of the entire land’s military was just sitting there. Niona looked up from her pan briefly.

“Want some lunch, Alina?” Alina nodded and let herself slide onto the soft ground. Once she was settled again she looked back to Julius, who had placed him self under the shade, and possible protection, of Dew Beam.

“You gonna tell me your name?” Asked Alina. “You already know mine apparently.”

It was true. Practically everyone in the country and almost everyone in all the other knew about Alina Redgrave. The youngest commander ever to lead the army and only the third female to do so.