Thread: Dominant Paladin, Innocent Bard (PsionicCuttlefish & SweetandSour)

With just a bit more attentiveness than before, Tyler watched the orcess as she approached the noble pavilion to present herself, accompanied by the lingering cheers and applause of the crowds. She was rather unusual, in several ways. Not quite so in her appearance--she bore a number of visible scars that people commonly attributed to the typically violent lives of orcs, though hers were even more extensive than Tyler had ever glimpsed on a travelling orc before. The choice of black to color her armor with also wasn't unusual, along with the armor itself having 'scars' of its own from battle-damage that were repaired, but enough not to look good as new. What was more unusual was her choice of weapons--staff and whip? Nowhere near the kinds of weapons that people tended to think of when they thought of orcs, yet she must have been exceptionally skilled with them, to have won the whole tournament with them. Most strangely, however, was the reveal in one of the early rounds that she was a paladin--a crusader empowered by divine will--after a minor display of her power between a round, using one of the several abilities common to most holy knights. Tyler had only noticed due to the stir of curiosity that had waved through the crowd then. When she arrived and knelt, Lord Orvioville addressed her. Congratulations to you, for your impressive victory! He said--and if he had any reservations about how he was about to attempt to basically pawn off his son to an orc, Tyler didn't see it in his face--then nodded approvingly at the orcess musing about challenging him. Quite bold, and I do appreciate it...yes, I do believe that would have been a most enjoyable test of strength and skill for both of us, but alas, I am not what I once was. The lord admitted with a small amount of wistfulness. He did raise his eyebrow slightly, but smiled as the orcess spoke of the prize. But of course! Tyler's father said, almost enthusiastically. For your victory in this contest, you have earned the honor-- He had started to say, but the orcess cut him off--with immediate acceptance. Father and son both subtly but noticeably froze in startlement, though the lord recovered swiftly. Most wonderful to hear! I am very glad to bestow upon you the prize of this tournament... He started to say, but Tyler seemed to still be stuck in surprise. She had accepted? Just like that? Without even knowing ahead of time? Or.... did she? Tyler had noticed how she looked directly at him right as she stated her acceptance. She also parted the bangs of her hair to fully reveal her scarred eye, a ragged gash that evidenced a fearsome injury she had taken in the past--and survived. He didn't know what to think. He had been passed over by warriors so many times already--to his private relief each time--that Tyler no longer truly thought it would happen , even with this latest scheme. Meanwhile, Lord Orvioville was still talking. In addition to the prize bounty of wealth to be given to the victor, it is with great privilege and distinction that you receive the most significant honor of this victory... He said as he then gestured to Tyler, sitting in the chair off to the lord's side. My son, a noble's son, as your new squire! Henceforth, he will follow you, serve you well, and learn from you, and in time he shall grow to be a mighty champion in his own right! Lord Orvioville might have sounded just a tad too eager about the announcement. Meanwhile, Tyler--though his upbringing ensured he was relatively good at keeping up appearances and manners when it counted--couldn't help but timidly sink just a smidge further into his chair. Well, this was it--either the orcess would be saddled with him right now, or she'd find some way to duck it--though, if anyone wouldn't be pressured to save face and accept such a public 'honor' so as to not tarnish their reputation...it'd probably be an orc.