I.. [ can she? the last woman to pick up a sword and ride a horse in her memory was declared mad. ] I do not know if I can. I am a woman.

[ lizzie says this as though it ought to explain everything. and she listens, taking in the cold reality of this place. her father is gone. her brothers and even her uncle are, too. and there are only a limited amount of people to protect everyone here.

lizzie sucks in a deep breath, and lets it out in a sigh. ]

Nor would I expect them to be. I am sorry, it is a good deal to take in.

This may seem like an odd question, but.. women can do that, here? Without being called mad, or worse?

[ after thinking for a moment: ] If it is possible, then I may have no choice.