Olivia nodded at Paul's words. Of course, the monks and the sisters would take good care of her grandmother. It is, after all, what they were good at. But, still, even with that knowledge, she often wondered why Lady Eddithia was not allowed any visitors. Was her condition severe? Contagious, maybe? The headstrong teenager vowed to find a way to visit her. Surely, seeing a family member would be good for her: it might even hasten her recovery. But then, slipping away to visit her grandmother would be going against her father's wishes...not that his wishes of late made any sense. What he didn't know won't hurt him, right?

A commotion happening in the far corner of the bar caught her attention and she turned to see two patrons arguing loudly. She watched as a big, burly knight stood up and chastised the men very effectively, his appearance and his booming voice enough to calm a storm even without that dagger. While the two patrons looked as though they were about to wet their pants in fear, Olivia found herself chuckling. She decided that she liked the big man.

"You really should not be out in town unescorted at this time of the knight, m'lady." She looked at Paul as he stood up then at the hand he offered her. "If you would permit, it would be my honor and duty to ensure you returned to the Castle safely." 

[color=tan][i]He is sending me away,[/i][/color] Olivia thought in dismay but she kept her composure. She smiled at the young Duke-to-be and then shook her head. She didn't take his hand. [color=tan]"Returning to the castle at this late hour will not only send the whole household into an uproar but it will also ensure that I will never set foot in this town again."[/color] She gracefully stood up without his help, her back a little stiff from what she thought was rejection. [color=tan]"I apologize for taking too much of your time, milord. I will take my leave."[/color] she politely curtsied and then turned to walk away. She looked around for Darma but when she didn't see the handmaiden around, she sighed inwardly but continued on towards the door. She'll have to make her way to the inn by herself and meet up with the handmaiden there.