This young woman seemed easy going, which he found endearing. If one took small things too seriously, they might take life or death situations in unpredictable fashions. He grinned, as if he was amused at a secret joke only he was privvy too. "I've known him for a few months in the Highmast Taverns. He's mostly harmless." Markus explained as they reached the Caravan. He casually grabbed the reins of one of the mules and began guiding the beast forward as they set off into the forest. Calls ahead and behind them showed that everyone was now in position. A few Dwarves on the Wagon behind them grumbled and spoke to one another in their native tongue. "He mostly gets himself into trouble and I have to dig him out of it." 

A light wind began to blow from the west, partially halted by the great oaks and elms that now surrounded them as they made their way into the wilderness. Marku's hair swayed lightly as he walked beside Valarie. He kept his shield strapped to his back, and his free hand resting on the pommel of his bastard sword. He generally fought with his shield at his back to keep away stray arrows or enemies he couldn't see. Of course if he was in a mass melee, he'd take it out. 

"I have a few years under my belt. It gets easier as the months go by, mostly." he said. "A lot of it is walking and making sure you have food. The fighting never lasts long, to be honest. Just make sure your shoes are sturdy and your pack is full. That and clean weapons." He turned to look at her for a moment. He wanted to talk a bit more of how the fighting is, but he didn't want to sound like he was talking down to her. Plus, it took experience rather than words to know what that was like. No explanation in the world would keep her alive or condemn her to death. It was up to everyone individually. 

"Your sword looks fine." he said, examining it closely. He of course meant fine as in 'finely made' and not merely 'adequate.' "No doubt if you know how to use it, you'll probably have no problem fighting one on one. Just make sure to slash and sweep against many foes. Goblins and Orcs tend to gang up on people when they can, for all their talk of Honor." 

This woman must be fairly fit. Rapiers were about as heavy as long swords, contrary to popular belief. They had a similar amount of metal used to craft the blade. It was simply thinned and elongated to make it a superb thrusting weapon. Maybe once they made it to their destination he could see how good she was with the blade. He'd not sparred in a long time. It was something he lamented that whenever he drew his blade, there would be blood spilled before he sheathed it again. "Why'd you decide to come to Highmast and set off with this outfit?"
[@Luminosity]