One thing in particular that did disappoint Maxine was the fact that she wouldn't be able to see her father or other siblings as they wouldn't be back in time before they would have to leave. She had already decided that she was going to leave the next day so that she could make her way to Lake Town and compete in the qualifying round. There was a chance that she could spend a little more time at the Martel farm but she wanted to be sure that everything was in order beforehand. She was sure that her father would understand and she did hope that when she reached the finals in Royal City, he along with the rest of her family would be there to cheer her on.

For the rest of the day both Maxine and Charles made preparations for the upcoming tournament. This included making sure that her sword and armour were up to scratch. Charles made sure that her sword was sharpened and she would practice with to make sure that it still felt right. To some this would seem somewhat pointless as she had been using the sword for years by now so if it hadn't of felt right, she would have had it replaced some time ago.

Even so, she didn't want to leave anything to chance. As far as she was concerned, it would be the most important moment of her life, so she needed to ensure that it happened and that nothing could go wrong. Also, she had Charles read the letter to her several times to make sure that there were no details that were missed. One thing that she had noticed was that there was not a gender restriction. Even so, it would be difficult to state that as a woman she would have a disadvantage in the tournament.

There was one detail that Charles did find worrisome and this was the fact that there was a fee to sign up. For some knights it was a fee that was barely anything, however to him and Maxine it would be considered quite an investment. Not just that but if she were to lose, she would also lose the money that she paid to enter.

Already he was going over his book and looking at the money that had come in and out of their pockets. They had saved some money after the incident with Gwen as they had taken their money back after she had been defeated. Even so, they had not been able to take part in a job for some time and because of this she their finances didn't look as healthy as they would have liked.

While all of this was taking place, Jessica was keeping her eye on things and she too couldn't help but feel worried. The idea of her eldest daughter stepping into duels and going up against skilled knights was one that she felt was daunting. Her size and strength would only take her so far and Jessica thought that it might not be enough. She remembered the tournament that Sir Tucker had entered and won his knighthood, however he had not won the tournament itself. That time he was defeated in the second round, if not for the kindness of a Lord, he would have walked away with nothing.

Jessica feared that the same would happen to Maxine, but this time, no one would give her the kindness of knighting her. She felt that her daughter was building herself up to disappointment. This was something that she didn't want at all and yet she felt like it was coming to that.

After a few hours of practicing and preparation Maxine did eventually sit down at the main table of the house where she, Charles and her brother Jaime were all waiting for their dinner. Jessica was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches to it. Maxine wasn't particularly looking forward to this as it was her sister Carrie who would normally cook within the household.

They all knew that Jessica's cooking was subpar at best but she did still try her best to provide for her family. Even if it meant that she would have to cook up something that she knew that they wouldn't like she would still do it. She knew that she wasn't the best cook in the world, but she still did her best in this regard.

Eventually the plates of food were placed down in front of each person at the table. Maxine looked at it and she could see a slab of meat with some vegetables placed on the side. She wasn't particularly keen on eating it as she was well aware of her mother's cooking skills. However, there wasn't anything else that could be eaten at that moment in time and thus she took a deep breath and took a bite out of her meal.

Although it wasn't up to the standards that she would normally eat, she admitted that it tasted alright. It was obvious to her that her mother had put in a lot of effort into making it and her love was evident in it. She looked over to Charles who too was eating it, he didn't show any signs of discomfort in eating the meal. Instead he was just happy to have someone cook for him.

"So, you're really planning on entering this tournament?" asked Jessica after she had taken a bite out of her own meal. She knew that it wasn't the best but she still ate it regardless. It was the one aspect of motherhood that she was disappointed in herself for.

"Of course," replied Maxine. "It's my chance to earn my knighthood. Just like father did before me. You were there when he dropped down to his knee and the Lord of Indigon knighted him."

"I know that's what you want sweetie but I'm just saying that it's best not to get your expectations too high."

"What? Do you think I'll fail?" This was something that she couldn't believe was coming out of the mouth of her mother.

"Of course not, but I'm just saying that there is a chance that things might not go the way that you want. We all have dreams and expectations in life but not everyone will achieve said goals. I know that you want to be a knight, you've wanted that ever since you were five. But your quest to become one is much harder than the one that your father did. It's just that there are people who aren't exactly ready to see someone like you become a knight."

"Do you mean because I'm a woman?" Normally such a statement would greatly anger Maxine but because it was coming from her own mother. She bit her tongue and listened although she wasn't too happy about it.

"Yes, it is. I know that you're bigger and stronger than the majority of people, but I don't think that would be enough for you to win them over. Maybe you can find a Lord who is willing to knight you like your father did. But there are certain expectations in this land and one is that a woman stays at home and bears children. Not become a knight, I'm not saying that you should quit, far from it. I'm supporting you every step of the way; I'm just saying that there are some battles that you can't win."

"Thank you for your concern mother but they are unfounded. Once I win the tournament at Royal City, I will request that the King himself will knight me and then I can become Sir Maxine Martel."

"That's the thing, I remember what Charles read to you when you asked him. The winner would get a request from the King within reason. I wouldn't doubt that he would put knighting a woman as an unreasonable request."

This was something Maxine hadn't thought about and for the first time since hearing about the tournament, she couldn't help but feel a small amount of doubt. Even if she were to win the tournament, there was a small chance that her request would be unfulfilled. The cash prize would make the tournament worth it, but without the knighthood it would be a hallow victory at best.

Charles for his part stayed silent as he could see that this was more of a discussion between mother and daughter. He had his own words that he wanted to say, but he thought that it was best to wait to tell her in private. Instead he simply concentrated on what he was eating, although it was a little difficult to stomach it all.

"If the King is an honourable man then he will have no choice but to knight me," said Maxine as if she was trying to convince herself more than her mother.

Jessica wanted to think the same but she couldn't really know for sure. When she had been put on trial some time ago, she had met the King himself but that king had died recently and now it was his son who sat on the throne. This king, she knew absolutely nothing about so she couldn't determine whether he would knight Maxine if she won the tournament or simply laugh in her face.

"Of course, Maxine is going to be a knight," said Jaime. He didn't really understand what was being said but he wanted to help support his eldest sister as much as he could. "She has sword and armour just like Dad."

"It takes more than just a suit of armour and a sword to become a knight little brother," replied Maxine. Her voice was quite stern but she reached over and rubbed the head of Jaime. "But with you supporting me, I'll become a knight in no time." This time her voice was a little softer and she smiled at him.

The rest of the meal went without much incident and Maxine played with her youngest brother for a while as well. It was a little hard to keep up with him as he seemed to be filled with enough energy to power an army. However, as time went by his energy levels began to deplete.

After a while, he couldn't even keep his eyes open anymore and thus it was decided that he should go to bed. At first Jaime was very resistant about the idea of going to sleep but after a few short minutes he was almost fast asleep.

Rather than Jessica taking him to bed, it was Maxine who took her brother. This was because she was planning on departing the following day so he wouldn't be able to see her again for a good while. Not just that, but Rina was causing some problems that Jessica had to tend to. This way she could concentrate on dealing with Baby Rina while Maxine tucked her brother into bed.

Before Jaime went to sleep, Maxine told him a story involving a knight taking on a dragon to save a princess. It was a story that he had heard several times but he enjoyed listening to it every time. It brought a smile to his face every time that either his father or Maxine told him the story.

"So, the knight was able to defeat the dragon?" asked Jaime as he lay in his bed. He looked up at Maxine who sat on a large chair close by.

"Yes, he did," replied Maxine. "Because for how strong the dragon was, the knight was able to exploit his weakness and save the princess."

"One day, I'm going to fight a dragon and save my own princess." If he had the energy he would have jumped up in bed while stating this but instead he remained lying down and simply looked over to his sister.

"I'm sure you will little brother. But now it's time for you to go to sleep."

"Please, one more story? I want to hear about the one with the giant who was able to throw a mountain."

"Maybe next time, besides you can barely stay awake."

With that Maxine got out of her chair and gave her brother a kiss on the forehead. After picking up the chair, she wished him a good night before stepping out of the room and quietly closing the door. She couldn't help but give a small sigh before she moved the chair back to where she had found it.

Once she returned to the main room of the house, she could see Jessica sitting on a large seat with baby Rina in her arms. It looked as though she was going to sleep as well but wasn't quite there yet. Jessica wanted her baby to sleep, not just because she needed to but also so that she could have a little time to herself before she had to go to bed. Then the entire process would take pace once again the following day.

Charles too was sitting there as he was going over a lot of things in his book. There were many things that he was thinking through and writing them down was the best way for him to decide on what should be done. Money was still a big concern for him and since she was back to her normal size, the price to feed her had gone up accordingly. At least she could earn them money now through jobs, that is unless she spent it on pleasurable company.

It was around this time that Jessica looked over to him as he was writing a few things down. There was something that she wanted to talk to him about, but for the moment she waited as he continued to write in the book. Only when he put his pencil down and closed it did she know when the best time was to ask what she wanted.

"I couldn't help but notice earlier that Maxine was helping you train, am I correct?" asked Jessica. She did slowly rock Rina in her arms and it seemed like the baby was very close to falling asleep.

"Yeah, she did but I don't think that I did a very good job," replied Charles. He gave her a nervous smile. "It seems like my talents lie elsewhere." He also gave a sigh before he spoke. "I can't help but feel like I disappointed her."

"Oh, don't feel like that, I know that my daughter might have some difficulty expressing her more delicate emotions but I assure you that you did nothing of the sort. If she's pushing you it means that she cares."

"I know, but I sometimes feel that I'm simply holding her back. Nothing would make me happier than being able to fight alongside her and hold my own. But unfortunately, I lack neither the size nor skill to do such a thing. Instead all I can do try and stay out of the way and hopefully not get hurt in the process. Sometimes I feel like a coward doing something like that."

"It's alright, don't feel like that. Standing and fighting is all and good in some situations, but there are many where stepping aside or hiding yourself is the best course of action. If you know that you're going to be in danger then what you're doing is the right thing. I know that Maxine wouldn't want to see you get hurt. I can tell that you mean a lot to her. She doesn't work alongside many men for this long."

"I-It was because I owed her a life debt, but she states now that I don't owe her anything anymore."

"Even more reason to show that she cares. I know my daughter very well and if she didn't want you around, she would have left you in some tavern in the middle of nowhere. The fact that you're still by her side and she's brought you here twice means that she truly cares about you. Maxine might act tough and a bit of an ass at times but deep down she's a loving person. Although she doesn't want to admit it, she inherited more from me than just her height. If she berates you over something, it is because she doesn't want to see anything bad happen to you."

"T-Thanks Mrs. Martel."

"Please call me Jessica." She smiled at him again. "Mrs. Martel makes me feel old." She chuckled and Charles couldn't help but chuckle as well.

He also couldn't help but think back to the night at the murderous inn that he and Maxine had stayed at. However, rather than the life and death situation that they had found themselves in, instead it was when she had been under the influence of whatever drug that they had slipped into her ale. Then she was much more loving than she normally was and was more than willing to give him a hug.

To Charles, her behaviour then was stranger than he had expected. But in a way, he did like this more affectionate Maxine. Even though he did have a small fear that she might hug hum too tightly and break a bone. It didn't take much to remind him just how strong she was and how easily she could hurt him if she truly wanted to.

Just then, they heard the door open and when they looked over, they could see Maxine stepping inside of the room. She could see that her squire and mother had been talking to one another but right now she didn't know what they had been talking about. It didn't take much for her to assume that they had been talking about her.

It wouldn't surprise Maxine if Jessica had been talking to Charles as if he was some kind of future son-in-law. As long as she could remember, she remembered her mother saying that she wanted all of her children to grow up to be happy and not alone. This included her, even though the life she was choosing seemed to prevent her from building a real relationship like what was expected.

"Did he go down easily this time?" asked Jessica as she saw Maxine stepping into the room. "It was quiet so I'm assuming that he didn't throw a tantrum."

"Thankfully not as he knows that I don't have the patience for that," replied Maxine. She sat down on an empty chair close by, she thought that she would give her squire a little breathing room.

"Let's hope his days of throwing tantrums are behind him. Now did you say that you were planning on leaving tomorrow?"

"Indeed, we are, I want to sign up in Lake Town as soon as possible. Then I can sign up and maybe have another day or two of preparation. I'll mostly spend that time training Charles with the sword." Her squire didn't answer as he was still nervous about going through with such training.

"That's nice but don't be too hard on him, swordplay doesn't come naturally to him as it does you and your father."

"I will not sugar coat things if that is what you're referring to. That kind of thinking is likely to get you killed."

"Maybe, maybe not. But still, do you want to be in separate rooms. With the others gone for a little while, there's more than a couple of beds free."

"Well Charles?" asked Maxine as she looked over to her squire. He had been sitting in his seat and had been caught by surprise when the conversation had drifted his way. "Would you like to sleep in one of the other beds?"

"Y-Yes I would," answered Charles although he wasn't sure if he was sounding disrespectful or not. "T-That is if you don't mind."

"It's no problem at all," replied Jessica with a smile on her face. Charles couldn't help but feel happy as her expression and tone made him feel more welcoming. He was surprised that Maxine was more like her mother in this regard. "I'm sure that Carrie won't mind you sleeping in her bed."

"Thank you, I appreciate that Jessica." This got the attention from Maxine as she knew that her squire normally referred to her mother as Mrs. Martel. The only reason she could think of why he would be calling her by her first name now was because she had suggested it to him. "Your hospitality is very much appreciated."

"And it is a pleasure having someone like you in the house. I was always hoping that there would be a man who could reel Maxine in." Maxine didn't respond as she felt a little embarrassed and was afraid that she would berate her mother for such words. "If you make these visits a regular occurrence, maybe I can even look into getting your own bed here for when you stay."

"T-That won't be necessary mother," replied Maxine who kept her arms crossed and tried to hide the embarrassment that she could feel. "This visit is the last in a good long while that we're planning. After that I wouldn't be surprised if it's months, maybe even years before we return here."

"Oh, that is disappointing to hear. But at least I'll know that there's someone looking out for you." She chuckled for a moment and her daughter knew full well what she was talking about. This once again embarrassed Maxine a little but she said nothing about it, instead she just stayed quiet and dealt with it.

A few more hours went by and eventually, it became time for even the adults to go to bed. It was a point in time that Jessica didn't particularly look forward to as she didn't like having the bed to herself. She was used to having her husband lying next to her, but with him still on his trip, she would be sleeping alone. However, when he returned, she would be overjoyed and it would make their reunion that much more special.

Baby Rina slept in a crib that wasn't too far away from her parents' bed. She was already fast asleep and the crib that she was sleeping in had first been purchased when her eldest sister had been born. It had been used by each of the Martel children during their first year or so and in the mind of Jessica, it was a bit of a shame that none of her own children would use it after Rina.

Such things were not on the mind of Maxine as she climbed into her own bed in her bedroom. It was a little small for her but would do for the time being. It still felt strange to be back in her old room, it was even more surprising that it was still there. However, she knew that most likely that when Rina was old enough, she would move into this room and it would be converted into one for her.

Even so, she still found herself getting comfortable in her own bed and in a setting that was familiar to her. She had slept in the beds of many taverns and had even shared beds with others for pleasurable means. But there was nothing like sleeping in her own bed and just relaxing there in general.

Charles on the other hand was having a bit of a problem. The bed that he was lying in was much bigger than he had expected. Then again, he shouldn't have been too surprised as it was designed for a young woman who was eight and a half feet tall. Carrie might have lacked her older sister's muscles, but she still had her height and she could make herself even bigger if she wished.

One thing that he did notice was that Carrie's room was more feminine looking than Maxine's. Once again, this wasn't too surprising as Carrie was much more lady like than Maxine. She had been the one who regularly wore dresses and was waiting for a handsome prince to sweep her off of her feet and marry her. Even though her older sister had told her on more than one occasion that it wouldn't happen, simply due to the fact that someone like that wouldn't want a wife who was more than two feet taller than them.

Even so, Charles slowly started to drift to sleep in the giant bed although he was worried about this upcoming tournament. It wasn't his fear over whether Maxine would win or not, he was fairly confident that she had what she needed for victory. What worried him was that she wouldn't gain the knighthood that she wanted and would be severely disappointed by it. He didn't want to see that happen as he wasn't sure what she would do in that situation. He especially didn't want to find out.

Not too long afterwards, he and everyone else in the household were asleep and things seemed to be peaceful. However, near the crack of dawn there was the sound of Jaime running through the house. He had woken up early and was so filled up with energy that he couldn't help but run. He made no attempt to be quiet and this eventually woke up everyone else in the house.

This had been something that Jessica had gotten used to so she wasn't angry at her son for this, instead she just made him some breakfast and tended to Rina who too had been awoken quite early. For Maxine however it was a rude awakening, for close to an hour she tossed and turned in an attempt to fall back to sleep but it didn't work. Instead she was annoyed over the fact that her sleep had been disturbed.

Even so, her morning started with a large breakfast that she prepared for herself. After that she stepped outside and began to perform some stretches. This exercise was done without her armour and this gave her more movement. It was a peaceful time of day as there were still a lot of people who hadn't woken up yet or were still stirring. The birds were singing and the sun was up, although there were some clouds in the sky that did bring the threat of rain to the land.

Stretching wasn't the only exercise that she performed as she also did some press ups as well. She remembered doing these before she left to become a knight and she would have one of her younger siblings stand on her back while she did this. However, this time she didn't have any of them around.

Instead to make the press ups more challenging, she only used one arm and even so, it almost seemed too easy for her. Her muscular frame gave her more strength than she needed for this task. Maxine even contemplating putting her armour on and then attempting again as it would be more difficult for her.

Despite this, she continued her push ups and counted as she did them. She wouldn't stop until she had done at least a hundred, then she would swap arms and do it all over again. As far as she was concerned, her muscles mostly came natural to her, but if she didn't exercise and maintain them, then there would be no point in having them. They would likely turn into fat and that was no physique for a knight.