Being distracted with the conversation she was having with her fellow knights, Catriona didn't notice that Ser Lady Aline had stepped away.
Looking to the field once more, she couldn't help but smirk as Aline put Calous in his place. At each pass, the Knight of East Watch cheered with the rest of the crowd.
When Walden's arm snapped, Cat winced. She also suppressed the urge to run down and assist, not because she liked Walden, but because of her friendship and respect for Aline. Which again, was stirring up confusion on her part.
Lancelot grimaced. That was going to hurt, not matter how skilled the healing. Still, it was a good bout; Gareth had done nothing wrong. It was simply the way of such martial contests that these injuries occurred from time to time. Lancelot noted the boy's actions, and thought his concern for Walden did the boy credit. It was becoming that a Knight care for the health and safety of his fellows.
Finding his place near the king, Gawain takes the time to assess people's reactions to his brother's performance, even going so far as to recommend him.
"He would make a fine squire," he suggests to Lancelot, his dearest friend.
"Of that, I have never had any doubt, Gawain. Any kin of yours could not help but be of quality. Frankly, I wish I had held that awareness and concern for others at his age."
Lancelot hesitated for a moment, then spoke his mind. There was no sense in dissembling with Gawain, after all.
"Of course, I had given thought to this matter before. I would not want things to become awkward between you and your brother, or you and I. Our closeness would have no bearing on my training of Gawain, should I decide on that course of action. I would train him as best I can, as I would any squire. There would be no special treatment and he would pass or fail on his own merit. I wish you to know that I am saying this simply because...I would feel wrong if I didn't, but I believe in my heart that you already knew this to be true, and would not be commending Gawain to me if you did not believe it to be a good match...an impression I am inclined to agree with. No matter my final decision, the lad is impressive; you should be proud, my friend."
Tristram regarded the jousting match with interest. Both Walden and Gareth seemed in the upper echelon of the pages in terms of riding skill and properly placing a lance. The two figured to be evenly matched, and the knight thought he might get to see their skill with the sword. Then on the third pass Tristram winced slightly as he heard the crack of the youth's bone, nodding absently. Yes, almost equal in skill, but it seemed Gawain's brother had secured his claim as the victor.
The brooding knight's dark eyes watched as the victor leapt off his horse to run to the assistance of the fallen. Tristram cocked his head, unsure of how he felt about it. While decorum insisted that the jousting victor pass and then pay respect to the king, it was touching that the boy felt aggrieved over wounding his comrade. Oh well, it was the nature of such contests for injury to occur. At length, Tristram shook his head. Such a soft heart would likely only get the boy killed on the battlefield.
The young Gareth had skill, yes, but any knight who took him on would have to work on 'hardening' the young man. No chivalrous knight could be heartless, it was true, but more was expected of a knight than just a common soldier. The true knights of a kingdom set examples of how to act, of acknowledging the proprieties and mores of the land. Even if their heart bled to do so.
"You are the finest among us," Gawain answers Lancelot, "and our King's most loyal and trusted companion. It would be an honour for any of these young men and women to be your squire."
"I would trust you with my life," Gawain continues, "and I know that you would care for my brother as if he was your own."
Rion bids farewell to Jonith and moves through the crowd towards Catriona.
Hale, Catriona. I see from the expression on your face you feel as I do. How can we take on squires when yesterday we were in their place?
Do I read you correctly?
Looking up at Ser Rion, "Yes, you would be correct. Yet at the same time, I think neither of us would back away from the responsiblity if it were thrust upon us. Wouldn't you agree?"
Rion nods gravely. Yes we would. We've been trained to discharge our duty. But how do we pick squires when we feel unqualified to train them?
Cat slaps him on the shoulder, "We'll worry about crossing that bridge once we get to it. For now, let's just enjoy the tournament."
"Isn't that the point though?" Lamerake was unable to resist the urge to chime in upon overhearing Rion and Cat's conversation. "Getting a squire is just as much about us learning to be better knights as it is training them. They say the best way to learn is to teach." Maybe I should give that other boy more consideration.
After all, if the goal is to learn then taking an easier route will be less rewarding. He continues as the group waits for the next event "I think it is the perfect time to pick a squire. But Catriona is right, that does come later. Let's have a good time for the moment."
Listening to the older knights, Rion relaxes and leans back to enjoy the next joust.
Lancelot put a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"If I am those things, then surely it is only because of the fine men and women that I have at my side. If not for all of your courage, I would be the meanest of men, not fit to bear the honor of our liege. This is no modesty."
Lancelot idly fingered his locket as he spoke, thinking of his sister.
"But enough of such talk. This is a time of celebration! For even if I am unable to select Gareth, surely he will be chosen as a squire."
Lancelot got Gareth's eye, smiling and nodding approvingly as the young man snapped off a quick salute. He regarded Gareth almost as a nephew, but the young man knew that in these situations, their relationship should be professional. Lancelot was pleased with Gareth's actions.
The next match was set up and about to get under way. On one side of the field was a thin young woman with oddly pink hair! Feylinn is the daughter of a minor southern noble and a fey maiden, though none had seen her mother. Her father was before her, seemingly give her advice for the joust but one would doubt if this young woman could even lift the lance.
The other end was Galahad, and Ser Lady Genivee at his side. Though the young man seemed nervous. Could this young woman be more misleading than Elmina was? Genivee however helped him into his horse giving his words of encouragements.
Then both where sent off before Arthur. Both paid their respects before they headed off to their respected sides. Finally, they charged. Galahad's lance found its mark upon the shield and shattered, however Feylinn's lance glanced Galahad's shoulder plate. When they came to the end, Galahad was favoring his shoulder as he was given a new lance. From the other side of the field, Feylinn had raised the front of her helm and called "Sorry!" Galahad said shook his head and called back "Just, aim lower... actually I take that back Fey, I just keep aiming for my shoulder... rather leave with a broken shoulder than anything else..." He said before the lowered their visors and began the second charge. Galahad's lance did not break this go, nor did Feylinn's though at least hers hit the shield this time. The final pass ended much as the first one, broken lance for Galahad and a very very bruised shoulder. He made the victor's pass before leaving the field.
Trimar raised a brow at the youth's hubris. He scratched his chin "Oh, I suppose Jousting isn't my field. But then I wasn't referring to jousting was I? Though if you prefer I suppose I could climb on a horse and make you eat your words." he said stepping towards the boy with some intent.
He licked his lips "I doubt a whelp like you has even seen your life in danger, would you like to try?" he said starting to lean into his role as the villian in this farce.
He took another step forwards at this time, his hand moving to his hilt in an effortless but swift fashion, he body turned ever so slightly to hide the crest on the scabbard of his sword from his "enemy" but moved it easily to glint off the lighting in the tent and draw his sister's attention to it.
After the first three matches between the young pages, Tristram watched eagerly as the young man and woman made their first pass at one another. The knight frowned as Galahad rubbed his shoulder, wondering if the blow had been purposeful on the young girl's part. The brooding knight cocked his head at the end of the match, confused as to Feylinn's intent. Had she been so unskilled with the lance that she couldn't properly aim it? Strength of arm was but one of many skills a jouster needed to possess, but one needed to at least be strong enough to aim properly!
Compared to the other three matched, this one had been almost a let down, but Tristram still dutifully watched as Galahad made his victor's pass. Perhaps Galahad had hoped to not embarrass his opponent. If so, that was a mark against him, in Tristram's book. A knight never went out of his way to humiliate an opponent, but playing down your strengths was a dishonor to both your King and your opponent.
All in all, it was still a rather good set of jousts for people so young. Most of them even had good attitudes to go along with their budding skill set! The knights in attendance would have a good crop to pull from to train the next generation of knights for the kingdom. Tristram pushed away his brooding nature and smiled slightly at those beside him. Today was a good day for King Arthur's court.
Lancelot leaned over to Sir Tristam.
"What are your thoughts, my friend? Have any of these hopeful squires put a thrill into you? Tell me, which of them might have the honour of learning from Sir Tristram? Or are you reserving your judgment yet?"
Tristram turned his dark eyes to Lancelot, still smiling. He was on speaking terms with most of the knights in Arthur's kingdom, but Lancelot was one of few which he was proud to call friend. The young knight mulled it over, then started off diplomatically. "All of them show potential to be great knights, in time. There have been many poor decisions, but we were all young once, and age brings wisdom. It's hard to tell how they will turn out when this young. If I had to choose a standout, I would say that Elmina was impressive. She carried herself with honor, learned quickly from her mistake, and already knows that horsemanship and jousting is more than who has the stronger right arm or thighs. What are your thoughts, sir?"
Catriona watched very carefully, something about the way Feylinn carried her lance didn't quite sit well with her, and she tried to determine whether or not the Page was struggling.
"Elmina, I think, will make rather a fine knight, given the proper tutelage. She has a good base...but more than that, she has good instincts.
For myself, I find my eye drawn to Gareth. We are knights, and have a code...but at our heart, we are warriors, and many is the warrior that gives himself to the fight. In Gareth, I see a kindness, a care for his fellows. That mercy is a quality that I fear we sometimes value less than other knightly attributes, and I would see it fostered in a lad of his skill and courage. What a knight that one might make!"
Tristram nodded, rubbing his chin in thought at Lancelot's words. "Gareth is a fine warrior, and his caring spirit is something to be admired. However, I worry that if it isn't cultivated correctly it could lead to mercy for those who don't deserve it. A knight must be courteous, and kind, but only give mercy to those who ask of it or deserve it. Knowing who that is will take time, especially for a tender-hearted lad. But you are right, he is a fine young warrior, and surely will make a good squire for somebody. Likely you, if Sir Gawain has his way!" The dark-haired knight clapped Lancelot on the shoulder good-naturedly.
"She's got a good heart at the least, even if her aim leaves something to be desired." Though the impact of her hit didn't seem to suffer much from that. Hearing the rumble of his stomach and the aching that could only be filled with food he stood up. "I'll be right back. If I wait much longer I think my stomach will begin eating itself." Lamerake steps out and stretches before following his nose to find something to sate his hunger.
Trimar- Wymer stepped back from the unknown noble a nervous yet almost angry look upon his face. "You wouldn't dare." Wymer said, though his tone wavered from the original confident tone he once had.
Everyone still in the stands- The last match before the next round was about to begin. The final opponents where now at their end of the field. At one end was Myla, though she stood alone no family around her. It was likely that her family couldn't come as she was the only child and her father was said to be one of the busiest barons in the western lands.
The other end stood Mordred, alone as well. It would seem unlike his brother Gareth he did not send someone to tell Gawain or even Gareth that he was the last to joust. Though that wasn't too surprising coming from him.
As the donned their armor and mounted their horses Arthur stood and address the people who had gathered. "This will be the last match before the second round. We will give the young pages a break to eat and rest before rejoining around mid-day for the next group." With that Arthur sat down and crossed his arms.
Myla and Mordred rode the bow before their king then to their ends. The charge went off as any other, however this time neither lance shattered. Both seemed to be testing the other. The second pass proved more entertaining, as Myla knocked Mordred'd helm off and Mordred's lance shattered. There was a small scowl upon Mordred's lips as he looked to Myla whose face was still hidden by her helm. Final pass began and many leaned foreword in their seats as, both shattered their lances! It was a tie.
Following tourney rules both dismounted their horses and drew blades. Unlike normal tourneys these blade where blunted though the could still kill if use properly. Clash of steel upon steel rang out through the field and seats. Mordred was obviously the aggressor between the two, as many of the attacks where his while Myla blocked or dodged his strikes. "You're becoming annoying!" Mordred shouted at her. Myla grinned only slightly under her helm and said calmly "Oh yes, I'm the annoying one Mordred." Though her voice was heavy with taunt. Mordred's face contorted into one of anger and he charged at Myla. She waited, looking like she was going to block, however at the last moment she moved out of Mordred's way and her foot caught one of his. He toppled to the ground, losing his balance. Myla pointed her blade at Mordred's neck that was exposed thanks to his lack of helm. "I believe you should yield." Myla suggested as she removed her own helm with her free hand. "for I have won."
Clapping began to fill the air and Myla turned to face Arthur and gave him a bow as Mordred got up out of the dust.
Lamerake- The fair grounds hold many places one could buy food from. Bakers have brought breads and sweets, taverns have set up small booths with places to try their drinks and meals.
Rion smiles at Myla's cleverness and confidence. He turns to Catriona and Lamerake.
She will make a fine knight, if she is in control of her pride. It is hard for me to discern the line between a boast and a strategic taunt. What think you?
Catriona enjoyed watching Myla play with Mordred, which is something she'd have done exactly with an attacker like him. At the end, she thought to herself, Hmm, talented, but her footwork and attitude do need some adjustment. Still, perhaps I could work with that. The Knight of East Watch surprised herself with that line of thinking.
Rion's question brought her out of her thoughts, "I think......I may just take on a Squire after all."
Tristram turned away from Lancelot to watch the last tilt of the first round of jousts. The knight watched with satisfaction as the two young squires tested each other on the first pass, then performed admirably on the next two, resulting in the only tie of the first round.
The young knight watched the swordplay with a knowing smirk, his eyes following the action as the young woman deftly avoided the aggressive Mordred, letting him tire himself out. It was a dicey strategy, as a slip in her defenses could allow the young boy to claim the victory, but she played it well and soon had the lad on the ground.
Tristram's brow arched up as he turned back to Lancelot. "Mordred lets his anger get the best of him. Perhaps with work that could be tamed. Myla is skilled, though I'm not sure I like her methods of taunting. Not very knightly, I suppose. But still, a well-fought match!"
Gawain finds his brother's tent.
"You put on a good show. You had the crowd's rapt attention – and the king's," he compliments Mordred.
"You just have to mind your footwork and your temper," he continues, teasing his youngest brother with a smile.
Trimar could only smile a bit more twistedly. He wasn't fond of portraying the bad guy, but the boy had to much pride in his own skill and had he brought that upon the field or even into meeting his potential Knight...well that could ruin his chances or cause his death.
He pulled the blade the rest of the way in a flourish and was on the boy within an instance, using the waving in the boys confidence as his opening. The blade swung low as if going into his stomach before, Trimar used the boy's eyes on the blade to twist his body and plant his feet and suddenly Trimar was behind him. Trimar's arm slipped up under the boy's arm and used his head to pin the arm while his blade arm went over the other laid flat upon the boy's neck easily able to slice upwards and cut his throat at any moment.
He smiled coyly "Your sister here could tell you the tales I am sure of many a hubris knight, confident in their talent. And they should be in their own right, it's true. You've earned a bit of pride Wymer, I watched the passes and you have skill but humility makes the man and pride makes the enemy. Use your talents to make your comrades stronger, lest you make an enemy out of a friend."
He looked up to Wymer's sister at this point. "I apologize for the way I've delivered my lesson here today...before I let him go, perhaps you'd like to tell him my name?" he asked grinning.
Upon her introduction, he relinquished his blade and with a flourish put it away and came back in front of the boy. "I hope you think less poorly of me, I tend to find myself falling into old habits at Tourneys. It's a bit fun to be able to spy on your competition and others as another and very informative. I wish you luck in your future, good health in your life, and hope you take this lesson to heart." he said smiling sincerely and awaited the boy's fury.
Gawain- "No, Myla had their attention." Mordred said with a huff and a shake of his head. He was half way out of his armor and what little was left was being torn off. "I would have taken Wymer over Myla." He sighed.
Trimar- "That's enough Trimar." Amalda said as she shook her head. "Wymer, this is Ser Trimar. One of my fellow knights." She explained as she crossed her arms.
Wymer pushed his way away from Trimar and came along side his sister. "You knew? Is that why you stood there and did nothing?" He asked.
"I wanted to see where he was going with this." She answered with a shrug. "I knew you where never in any actual danger."
The young boy turned to Trimar and glared at him. "You're an odd knight." He stated bluntly.
Trimar bows slightly at the "compliment". "It takes all kinds young page. But you must admit, you'll remember this event and thus, hopefully the lesson?" he said simply as he stared at the two.
He grinned a bit in the end "If you don't mind, I'd prefer to stay hidden just a little longer, it's nice to listen in and get a feel of one's true character when they think they are safe." he said and left if there was no other words for him from them.
"Wymer might have been an easier adversary," Gawain concedes. "I any case, well fought. I am proud of you."
With that, Gawain leaves his little brother to rejoin with the king and his court. He searches for Ser Owen the Wise in the crowd...
Trimar- "I won't say anything." Amalda reassured him as she shooed the knight away so that she could speak with her brother and ensure he had a meal before the next joust.
Gawain- Mordred tried to hide the smile that pulled at his lips from his eldest brother's words. "Thanks." he said.
As the last joust of the first round finished, Ser Owen had remained only long enough to listen to the crowd before standing, stretching, and heading away from the crowd. At least from what Gawain could see.
Rion, who has been keeping an eye on his old master, tries to follow after for some advice.
Noticing Rion following his old master, Gawain chooses to wait until one or both of the knights has returned to address the question of Mordred's squirehood...
Catriona thought for a bit more, then decided something. Getting up, she made her way from the crowd and went looking for Myla. The Knight wanted to get a better measure of her personality, such a measure could dictate whether she takes the Page as a Squire.
Rion & Gawain-
As Rion got closer to him Owen swiftly wrapped his arm around his once squire's shoulders as he called "Come along Gawian. I have this special skill called advice giving. You have the look of one who needs it." He grins as he brings both, should Gawian follow, to a larger tent that had been set up by one of the local taverns called The Menagerie. Sitting them down in the far East corner, their backs to the opening so that his wouldn't have to be. "Ale and lunch?" He asked.
Catriona- Myla's tent is easy to find. Even more so as the young page is sitting outside of it sharpening what would have to be her primary weapon... a razer. However seated at her side speaking it her is Emlina, and the two seem to be at least some form of friends.
Not one to refuse an invitation, Gawain accepts and follows Owen and Rion into the tent.
"I am not sure if it is advice that I am seeking," Gawain starts once they had ordered. "My brother Mordred will someday make a fine knight. He is smart and an able swordsman. But he is arrogant and, truth be told, not well-liked."
"He will need a strong mentor. A wise mentor. Someone who can make him bend without breaking his spirit." Gawain looks to both men at the table with respect, obviously suggesting that one of them could take Mordred as a squire.
Rion & Gawain- Owen laughed a bit as he waved for one of the maids to grab them three lunches and turned his attention back to the men before him. "And you want me to be his knight?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "Or at the very least you wish for me to suggest people for his training?"
Remembering his training, Rion tries to sit somewhat to the side so that he is partially facing Owen but can still see the tent opening out of the corner of his eye.
He listens intently to Gawain and Owen before breaking his silence.
I have the opposite problem, sir. I need your advice on how to choose a squire. I have seen some of their skills on display but I know little else.
As the beginning matches have drawn to a close, Tristram turned to Lancelot. "Perhaps you would join me at The Menagerie's tent for some lunch and something to wash the dust out of our parched throats? Maybe we can see some of the possible squires or other knights and interact with them. I wish to be very careful, if I do happen to take a young one under my wing."
If Lancelot agrees, Tristram walked with the fellow knight to the tent that housed the makeshift dining establishment that had been set up for the tourney, entering behind the well-known and liked Lancelot.
"It doesn't matter about the skill." Owen stated as their food and drink came. He thanked the maid and told her to keep them coming he'd pay the tab at the end of it all. "Should you chose to take a squire this will be your first. I highly suggest you pick one closer to what you know best and who fits you more in temperament. Nilson would be a good pick for you. He's a shy boy but knows the bow well for one of his age. From what I've seen his jousting had improved greatly, Luke often writes to tell me of them as I often keep an eye out for those he might wish to turn into knights. He's very proud of Emlina but he has said Nilson is improving." Owen explained before he took a long drink from his mug. The lunch speical today it seemed to roast chicken with a side of potatoes mashed and a large slice of bread.
But that wasn't the only thing one could get at The Menagerie. They took pride in the host of different drinks. The common ale was known as Dragon's Draft. But there was also a wine know as Basilisk's tears, a apple cider called Siren's Cider, and even a whiskey name Griffon's Growl then many more. Their meals where often larger than the common tavern's meals for the same price but lately other prices where falling as the economy was recovering.
Upon seeing move knights enter the tent, Owen waved them down and called "Care to join us for some lunch?"
The kinship between to the two Pages was reminicent of how Cat and Aline were at that age. She really needed to do something about their relationship, she'd grown too distant lately, and.......despite her confusing feelings, Catriona really didn't want to lose that friendship.
Shaking the thoughts aside, she stepped to the Pages, "Well fought Myla. Your skills have definitely improved since I last watched you spar. And you Elmina, excellent work with your horsemanship."
Catriona- Myla look up to the knight and offered a respectful nod as she stood along with Elmina. "That is kind of you to say Lady knight. But I still feel out of place with a sword." She commented honestly. Elmina gave a small laugh and elbowed Myla in the side. "You did great! I bet you'd even give me a tough channel." then she looked to the noble knight and bow respectfully. "Cider is getting much better at carrying me, but he's still so tall for me. I can't understand why Duke Lukous chose him for me." She shrugged. "You assume we'd make it to the sparring stage and that will wouldn't be off my horse before it." Myla said with a slight smile. " And Elmina, I believe you're going to be very tall, after all you're taller than me as it is now and you've surpassed Nil in a year."
Trimar found a quiet place to slip off the minor embellishments that he'd chosen for the disguise. It wasn't hard to fool people really, it was all in the minor details more than the outright.
He decided to make an appearance once again as himself, just to keep people from wondering of him. He watched as most seemed to be headed towards the Menagerie and he seemed the best place to make his appearance.
He stepped inside and saw the table where most of the knights seemed to be gathering, so he felt it a great place to join in. He snatched up one of the wenches and gave her a twirl playfully in an attempt to make his interruption of her job less bothersome. He ordered a good meal and the Siren's Cider before slipping down at the table with the others.
He smiled at the others "A fair bit of fun so far, eh? Interesting how the young pages already act and behave behind closed doors. Need to watch that Wymer kid though, got a bit of pride in him. Least, Landon has a healthy bit of respect for his fellow pages and has a healthy bit of remorse for having loss." he said saying, what he assumed they were all talking about, the pages and their potential.
Rion smiles, back in his comfort zone listening to his old master.
Thank you for the advice. I will speak with Nilson.
The matter somewhat settled in his mind for the time being, Rion settles back to enjoy the ale and food.
Resting a hand on Elmina's shoulder, the Knight of East Watch said, "I'm sure it will all work out. May I have a word with Myla in private?"
Gawain looks at Rion and Owen, and considers the latter's words. "I have in mind to find a mentor for Mordred who will know how to manage his temper and teach him not only how to fight, but how and when not to fight," Gawain explains. "A knight is more than a swordsman, after all."
"Wymer is an ass." Owen stated bluntly. "I really hope the talk I had with Titana actually sinks into her head and she takes the boy as her squire. I think she'd do well for him. He'd have little to no pride the way he does now when she's done." Owen said with a small sigh. "Though I believe she has her eyes on Gareth for her squire."
"Well Gawain, off the top of my head those who could put up with Mordred's temper and are skilled with the blade would be... Marrik, though he has never taken a squire before. Then there is Tanith, though she's only trained one other squire before. Finally there is Aline, who has also never had a squire before." Owen said before he pulled off pieces of chicken and placed it upon the bread before taking a bite. Thinking something over he finally nodded and said "That is to say unless someone here that is skilled with a blade takes him as a squire."
---------------------------------------------------
Catriona- "Of course." Myla said with a nod. "I shall see you later Elmina." She told her friend as she headed back into her tent. Elmina gave a wave as she said "Of course! Don't be late for next round!" Then left.
Myla invited Catriona inside her tent, it was small but two people could be in there without being too confined. "So wanted to speak with me? I take it over the joust?" Myla assumed.
Gawain listens to Owen's advice. "I had not thought of Ser Lady Aline. She would indeed make for a fine mentor for my brother..."
He finds a page and addresses him aside: "Find out the whereabouts of Ser Lady Aline and return to me."
Trimar snorted a bit at Owen's bluntness. It was always so refreshing not to be around the stuffy personality of the Nobles but then again, every now and then one craved the refinement.
Trimar shook his head when Owen mentioned one of the ones here. "I'm sure he's a fine lad and while I do have the strength and skill with the blade, I lean towards the bow. Besides, he's a little too....indescreete a choice for me. A bit too easily known." he said with some careful wording and thought.
He did point a bared bone at Owen "She would do well for him I think, she is certainly skilled in his areas and she's a hardass. He didn't take too kindly to a small attempt to dim that pride a bit." he said before popped some of the meat into his mouth.