[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=39b54a]William Fraser[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]https://bookesther.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/john-thornton-smile-gif.gif?w=500[/img][/center][hr][hr][center][color=39b54a][b]Location:[/b][/color] [b]Road to Gretna Green From The Kirkpatricks[/b]
[color=39b54a][b]Skills:[/b][/color] Perception [/center][hr]

	William was glad that his comment hadn't sparked any argument. Maybe it was the shock from the freak wind, but Rutherford seemed almost obedient. He grimaced and he grumbled, but he held his tongue, walking down the road and nursing the wound on his head. Maybe it had knocked some manners into him. Whatever connection the Duchess had with Millicent, she seemed keen to preserve it, taking the other woman's arm as she led the group down the road. Clearly some purpose drove the Duchess, and for now, that purpose seemed to be protecting Millicent.  

	Hesitating slightly, William smiled slightly as he nodded at the Duchess' thanks. He tried to stop himself from watching her as she walked away, busying himself with collecting his things from the carriage. He knew next to nothing about the Duchess, but he knew a dangerous woman when he saw one. Who she was dangerous for, William didn't know yet. But she clearly wielded some power if she could silence Rutherford, and she could clearly use her sword. Not only that, but there was another detail that intrigued William. For a woman that held the title of Grand Duchess, her hands were calloused and worn like a common worker. Whatever she was, she was far from a pampered noble. For now, William resolved to play the part of the courteous gentleman, and any passions that the sight of the beautiful Duchess might stoke, would be quickly dampened.

	Belongings gathered, William set off down the road after the others. He found himself falling into step, taking up the position of an impromptu rearguard. Something had caused that freak wind, and until they were safely indoors, then it could come back at anytime. Almost instinctively, he rested a hand on the hilt of his dirk. The blade at his hip might not do anything to the weather, or whatever creature had caused it, but he wasn't planning on going down without trying. For now though, their surroundings were still, but William didn't allow himself to relax. He had lived a good life, and he didn't intend on stopping any time soon.