"Well, if ever you feel the need to share your burden, do not hesitate to call upon me," Gawain offers the younger man before changing the subject to other, lighter subjects. "Tell me of Baron Skavir's court. I barely know the man. Is he just and wise? A fair ruler?"
Napheen gave a small half-hearted chuckle. "If it is anything like the one I've got, tasteless things to get me drunk." Napheen said. "Though this one does taste better than my last one."
"So, you're partaking of the joust too huh?" Napheen asked with a slight grin.
"I am hoping he will be tempered by a proper knight." Lukous said with a small sigh. "But if no one takes him on as a squire he can never become a knight. I would hate for some knight who can't handle a squire to take him... that would be the worst thing. But do you have a choice in mind?" He asked.
"I'm not sure I know him much better." Marrik said honestly. "My mother was a servant in his keep when she had me. So I grew up within the halls, but the Baron rarely spoke right to me... Though he did speak with me when the kennel master needed help. You see Baron Skavir doesn't keep hunting dogs, he keeps wolves. So many people don't like dealing with them..." Marrik explained.
"Yes I am, are you?" Cat asked in a slightly more relaxed tone.
Trimar simply has to shrug "I'll hold my judgement for tomorrow. The Archery contest is more my interest but the grand melee can also show the most potential. The Joust is flashy and a good show of minute body control and split decisions...but in the end, a strong arm wins it most of the time." he said, showing a clear preference in fighting styles.
"But you liked the wolves?" Gawain asks, sincerely curious. "It is no small thing to have a strong bond with wild animals. It speaks to an affinity to nature, which can prove both a blessing and a curse..."
"Gawain asked if I would and I figured it would be a good chance to show the young ones how it is done." Napheen said with a proud nod. "Speaking of the young ones. What did you think of their performance? Who do you think will win the final match?" She asked.
The Duke nodded in agreement with Trimar's evaluation. "That is rather true most of the time. It is also wise of you to see what other characteristics arise through the rest of the fair." Lukous said. "Not too bad of an idea."
Marrik seems to visibly stiffen when you ask if he liked wolves but it was even more visible when you spoke of his bond with creatures being both a blessing and a curse. "I... I was good with them." Marrik admitted. "I am sorry Gawain, but I don't think there is much more I could tell you." Marrik stated, obviously trying to speed their encounter along. "Will there be anything else?"
Cat had to stop herself from blurting the wrong thing, but eventually answered, "Well, each Page performed rather admirably, with the exception of Mordred of course. That temper of his is going to be his downfall if he's not careful. As for who might win, hard to say. On horseback, I'd give the edge to Elmina. However, if Myla managed to cause a draw and they had to decide by melee, then the advantage would go to Myla. At least, that's my opinion."
"I am sorry. I am prying when I should not," Gawain apologizes. "Let's head back and enjoy the festivities?"
Trimar simply nods "You've asked my opinion...What is your opinion of the pages so far? I'm never opposed to a bit of advice as to where to point my eyes." he said, curious to see what the Duke may say.
"Yes, Elmina does very well on horseback, seems like she was born for the saddle." Napheen agreed. "Promising pages for the future." She stated with a nod before downing more of her drink. "How have the years been for you? Your family? Is your brother well?"
"Well, you know I'm the one that brings there here for their training and often oversees it. So as for my opinion it is obviously positive for all of them else they wouldn't be here. Why not narrow down that question?" He asked.
"It is fine." Marrik stated. "You mean well. I know that. There is no harm done Gawain." He said as they made their way back. "I will go let the Duke know I will be taking part. I suggest you ready yourself. I hear Napheen will be joining us. You should prepare for that."
Gawain returns to his quarters and prepares himself...
The question had come so far a field that Cat had to stop drinking as to not choke. My brother? Why is she interested in him? Catching her breath, she responded "The years for me have been about the same as the rest of the knights. My family is doing well, and Fergus when I last saw him today seemed in good health."
As if by magic, her brother seemed to have picked that exact moment to show up, "There you are dear sister. I see you're preparing for this exhibition." Noticing the other knight, he then asked, "And who might this be?"
"I am Ser Lady Napheen." Napheen answered giving Fergus a respectful nod. "I was actually just speaking to your sister of you and your parents. The common pleasantries and all." She explained before she took a drink. "Did you know that you mother has been whispering in ears again?"
Sitting outside of Gawain's tent was Gareth. His right elbow was placed upon his knee and his hand held the side of his face. In his other hand held a letter which was most likely the reason for his more undelighted look.
"Really," Fergus said with a charming smirk, "And what is she whispering?"
Cat took another drink of her ale to hide her eye rolling.
"Asking around for matches." Napheen answered. "Nicely of course but asking all the same." She said with a slight smile tugging at her lips. "So I was wondering how you two where handling it."
"Well, that certainly sounds like Mother," Fergus responded, "I handle it as I always do. Although, on this trip, I may ask if Mother and Father might ask for a certain Lady's hand."
Catriona almost choked on her ale. Please, not her, she mentally screamed. Calmly, she asked, "And who might that be?"
"I'd rather not say Cat until I speak to our parents. They may have different plans. No use in getting my hopes up."
Gawain raises an eyebrow. "What news?" he asks, hoping for some inconsequential bit of gossip, but fearing for the worst...
"Good to hear you have one in mind. Parents tend to listen more to their children when they agree with the main goal. Just remember, the higher up the are the more difficult it will be. That isn't always the case mind you, but it is the norm." Napheen stated with a shrug. "Though I am curious as I'm sure many others will be."
"Though I guess I should mention something else. Have either of you had the chance to meet with Baron Skavir?"
Gareth holds up the letter and Gawain can see the seal on the back is that of the Taelen Royal family. "Mom and dad." Gareth said simply, though obviously slightly irritated. "Appearently King Arthur will be holding a ball some time from now, and they're coming... I'm sure you have a letter waiting for you inside as well. [b]"Mother said she's sending fabric so that we can have proper garments made. She wrote in mine that she believes I might have out grown anything there. I'm guessing this means the whole family is coming and we'll all have to match... joy..."
Fergus thought for a moment, "I believe he visited East Watch a couple years back, but I didn't meet him personally."
"Can't say that I have," Cat replied, "Why do you ask?"
Gawain shrugs. "These are small discomforts in the grand scheme of things," he reminds his brother who is assuredly the wisest of his siblings. For the time being, focus on the tourney. It is here and now, while this ball is, as you say, some time from now."
"Be glad you didn't not the nicest man though he is polite." Napheen said before she finished her ale. Setting the mug aside she looked to the siblings. "He's been oddly quiet as of late... to be fair he was never a loud one, keeps to himself more than any noble I've ever met. I don't like that but that isn't the reason I brought him up." She stated with a wave of her hand.
"What little that has been coming out from his lands is the normal taxes for the capitol, and marriage offers. Which means he's likely sent one to East Watch for Catriona... and if the woman you have your eye on Fergus is a noble, ones likely gone to her family as well." Napheen warned them. "So I'd act with haste."
"It's not just that..." Gareth said as he put the letter away. "Mom sent another letter, she asked me to write back about you." He explained. "You still write home don't you?"
Trimaran tried to think a bit "I suppose if I were to take a squire they would need to have a level of grace about them. Both in a room and on the field. Even if the charm is merely budding, that would be enough for a start to nurture. At the same time, the unnoticed can also be very welcomed. I think both fields are such that I can teach in." he said musing a bit.
He looked a the Duke "Anyone spring to mind to watch or talk to? I find surprise conversations with strangers more illuminating than speaking to them as a known entity they are trying to impress." he said smiling a bit, remembering how that poor boy flustered at his treatment and upon the dawning of whom he was.
"The affairs of the kingdom have occupied most of my time," he pretexts. "But I will be happy to see our family together once again."
With that, Gawain changes the subject in the most obvious manner. "Have any of the knights shown an interest in taking you on as a squire?"
Yay, Cat thought as she downed the rest of her drink.
Fergus paled slightly. Standing up, he then said, "Excuse me miladies, but I believe I have a message to send home." With a bow, he turned and left.
"Well, if I didn't know any better, I'd say my fool brother is in love."
"Or believes he is." Napheen comments with a shrug. "What about you Catriona?" Napheen asked as if it was simply a follow up. "I know who your mother is, I'm surprised you're still unmarried." She teased.
"Well Nilson, poor boy, is often unnoticed. Fairly good archer for his age but he doesn't know how to assert himself. Then you have Feylinn, she can dance around at combat practice like it is the ballroom." Lukous told him with a sigh. "But of course they are still young and need guidance. Feylinn is rash, and Nilson needs to learn to speak up."
"None have come to me to talk about it if they have." Gareth said with a shrug. "Why? Have you heard something?" He asks, seeming to perk up a bit.
After getting another ale, and downing part of it, a now more relaxed Catriona responded, "Well, there have been offers, but they were from minor houses and mother felt they weren't right. That, and we made an agreement that I would be allowed to be a knight for a time before I was to be wed," She took another swig, "That period is soon to end however, so I expect there will come proposals in due time." The knight finished her cup, "But if my future expects me to give this life up for all time, he has another thing coming." Slamming down her empty cup, she ordered another.
Gawain offers only an encouraging smile as an answer. "You still have to prove yourself in the days to come," he reminds his brother. "And I encourage you to ask yourself who you wish to ride with. If the answer to that question is clear in your mind, you should act upon it. It will be too late when the tourney is done."
Napheen laughed, almost uncharacteristically. "So am I right to assume you've made no plans for an intended?" She asked as she pushed her empty mug to the side. "I would think as a knight you'd meet many options."
"Well honestly..." Gareth began with a sigh. "Outside of you brother... there aren't many. I'm also older than the other pages, which might be a problem to so of the knights." He explained. "Could I... as you a bit about some of the knights?"
Trimar traced one of his ears gently for a little while as he thought over what the man had said. "Confidence is difficult to teach and regardless of what knight would teach him or the knight he is to become, he'd need the confidence to handle himself in most every situation." he said reflecting a bit about it.
He thought for a bit "Rashness...can be difficult as well but I feel is more manageable and teachable than confidence. I'll have to speak with the both of them then and see their skills for myself before going any further." he said musing aloud further.
He looked at the Duke "Thank you for the wisdom. I am sure this will help me focus my thoughts a bit." he said smiling.
With her fourth ale a third gone, Cat couldn't quite stop herself, "Not many noblemen have caught my attention. They just seem to be missing something."
"Your age is only a problem in your mind," Gawain reassures his brother. "Nobody cares how old you are. What matters is your skill, your wit, and your heart."
"I will share with you what little wisdom that I have about my fellow knights," he continues, "but I encourage you to speak to them and make up your own mind. You're clever. You'll figure out how things work around here..."
Napheen also beginning to feel the affects of her alcohol, laughs. "You know, I think I understand what you mean." Napheen told her with a shrug. "Possible, or I'm completely wrong and this is going to get awkward fast."
"I am glad to help. These pages are the future to our kingdom. Thus I am willing to help match them to proper knights as much as I am able." Lukous said. "Oh, and thank you for bringing one of them back. I was filled in about what happened. I hope the spy master can find who orchestrated this."
"Well, there are some who claim that Ser Lady Titana is the strongest of the knights." Gareth began, "Not to mention her fighting style is an interesting one. I think there would be a fair amount to learn."
After finishing another third, a curious look crossed Cat's face, "Awkward? What do you mean?" *hiccup* "Pardon me."
"Despite her temper, she would make for a fine mentor," Gawain agrees. "But keep in mind that a knight's worth is not defined by fighting prowess alone. Ser Lady Catriona, Ser Lady Genivee, and Ser Jonith are all fine warriors who have much to teach about honour and heart."
"Go," he urges his brother. "Speak to the knights. It's the only way. Your fate is entirely in your hands."
"You'll be fine," he reassures the young man, smiling encouragingly before taking his leave.
"I can guess if it will be awkward or not with one statement." Napheen said before she leaned closer and tapped her empty mug "No man holds your interest. Yet interest is held."
"Where are you going?" Gareth asked. "Aren't you going to see if you have a letter from mother too? I mean you got here and talked to me, you haven't even gone into your tent."
Catriona could feel her cheeks redden, Napheen had struck the heart of the issue. One that she herself had only come to realize only scant hours earlier in the day. The knight was sure the alcohol was influencing what she was about to say next, but she didn't care. Leaning closer herself, "And you would be correct, interest is held. By a close friend. One I am not sure how to approach the subject with." The scent of Napheen's hair wafted over, She smells nice.
"I wish I could help more." Napheen said with a sigh. "The land of my birth was different with relationship of such a nature. I haven't actually been here long enough to say how this land would view it, but where I came from it was nothing to shy away from. But are you worried about how your friend will take it?" Napheen asked.
"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a concern."
"Hmm, friends becoming lovers, no matter the framework, is a difficult thing..." Napheen commented. "More feelings there than in a simple meeting or acquaintance... I would say talk to your friends about it but I am unsure if you have friends you could speak to about it."
"That's just as difficult. I only just today realized my feelings, and I'm still trying to get a handle on them."
"Ah yes." She nodded "The breakthrough... well I wish you luck and happiness Catriona of East Watch." Napheen said in an almost uncharacteristic smile. "And try not to get too drunk, I don't want it to be too easy to knock you off your horse. Make you look bad." She teased.
Cat smiled, "Oh, don't worry about that."
Gawain smiles and enters his tent, leaving his brother to think upon his words. Inside, he hopes not to find a letter from his mother, but he fairly certain that she will have written...
"Good to know." Napheen said before she walked off, swaying only a touch.
A letter in placed upon the small table and the writing on the top is very much in your mother's hand.
Beloved Son,
I do hope this letter finds you well. Taelen misses you, and so does your family but I do hope this land you are in is treating you well. I am sure you are aware that in a few moons time there will be a ball at Camelot, in which your father and I will be attending. I have sent some of the royal fabric following this letter so that you and Gareth, and Mordred can have proper outfits made. Please do try to write more dear, we're worried about you being so far from home. Though that does remind me, have you spoken with any of the noble ladies of marriage age? Any that you like? Do I need to start sending letters to them? Please let me know.
Love you my eldest,
Morgause, Queen of Taelen
Finishing her last ale, Catriona stood. Or at least did for a moment as someone unseen force decided to tilt the room rather suddenly. Falling back in her chair, the knight muttered to herself, "Come on Cat, you can do this."
Her second attempt was far more successful. Getting outside, it took her a few minutes to get her bearings, then headed to the arena.
Gawain considers delaying to write a letter once again, but figures that it has, indeed, been far too long since he wrote...
Dear mother,
I am well and busy. There is much to do and the days are long, but it is an honour to walk at the side of King Arthur.
Still, I pray daily for the people of Taelen and for my family so far away.
I only very recently learned about the upcoming ball, and I look forward to seeing you and father. Will any of my brothers and sisters be there as well?
Until I see you again, may Arkay guide you into the light.
Your son,
Sir Gawain of Taelen.
That should do, he thinks to himself, fully aware that he avoided answering her most pressing questions about fashion and marriage...
The area had Drafen and Jonith there already. Drafen didn't look to well and Jonith seemed like he was enjoying himself, cheeks rosy and a mug in his hands. "Ah! Catriona, so nice to see you." Jonith smiled like a fool as he raised his mug. "Ya look good... all.. three.. of you."
Drafen groaned as he stood his head. "This.... this was a terrible idea..." He muttered,
Feylinn, Walden, and Landon stood around each other, talking. They paused when Trimar got closer. "Ah, hello Ser Trimar." Walden said with a nod. "I there something we can do for you?" Feylinn asked.
Gareth was still outside when Gawain came back out. "I can take that to see it off properly. I have to send mine back to mother as well." Gareth said with a sigh.
Taking a seat next to the two of them, Catriona responded, "Just remember Jonith, I'm the right one."
Gently putting a hand on Drafen's shoulder, "Slow breaths my friend, and lean forward a little."