Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

The minute he stepped into the chow tent, Marcus paused and let his eyes adjust to the ever present gloom that hovered in the air. Noises of men in mid-conversation assaulted his ears and he felt a smile fall into place. These were his comrades, his fellow soldiers, his family glancing around, he noted each and every one of them and nodded to himself. These men were why he did what he did now, why he had decided to work towards peace. These men, and the families that they had all left behind in Narvashal, were worth fighting for even though the playing field and the end goal had changed, Marcus would still fight for all he was worth. The cause was an important one, not just for them but also for the good of two kingdoms and their citizens.and maybe, just maybe, for the love of one woman. Thinking of Illayna widened that smile on his face and put energy in his step. Last night in the castle, when he believed her life was in danger, all he could think about was protecting her, even at great risk to himself. She was an acolyte of the goddess and untouchable but in that moment, she had only been a woman in his eyes, one that he cared about. That realization gave him pause to ponder as he walked. Shaking off the thoughts finally, he made his way through the food line, filling a plate before settling at one of the tables. Within moments he felt another body sit across from him and slowly raised his gaze, meeting Cedrics. His second studied him for a moment and then picked up a hunk of bread, tearing into it before talking, light crumbs dribbling from his lip as he did. Is it true, Marcus? Did you stop Lord Aquitaine from attacking the Princess last night? The man didnt have to mention Illayna by name for the High Knight to know who he referred to but he still paused before answering. Cedric has been his right hand man since the day he had become top knight but he was a fervent supporter of the war. Theyd already had one discussion regarding his actions where Illayna was concerned and Marcus didnt know where he stood now. Finally, he nodded. It would have broken the truce, Cedric, and I couldnt allow that. We may spill Greymere blood on the battlefields but we wont do it at Midsummer Festival unless provoked. The Lord had been drinking and forgot that. Thankfully I was there to stop it. Cedric studied him for a moment, his gaze boring into Marcuss and finally he nodded. If thats what you need to tell yourself, Marcus, then so be it. We both know the truth. With that, the knight stood and started to walk away, pausing to look back. Watch your back today, Marcus. The High Knight watched him depart, Cedrics final words playing through his mind. Had he heard something and felt compelled to warn Marcus? Or was he simply offering him good luck on the hunt? Unable to tell, he finished his food and stood, returning to his tent. Grabbing his bow, he made his way to the stables and readied his horse then directed the stable hands to take care of the rest. When the Lord arrived with the other nobles in tow, pleasantries were exchanged and then they saddled up and rode out, a retinue of guards in tow. Marcus kept an eye on the mood of the moment, waiting to see if the Lord acknowledged the previous night, but nothing was ever said and soon he began to relax. As their party passed down the roads, heading for the countryside, pedestrians scattered from their path, wise to the ways of the armies on the streets. Soon they left the city proper and moved to the rendezvous point, waiting and watching as other kingdom delegations began to arrive. Marcus stayed on his horse, his eyes scanning the gathering crowd, watching for the Princess, hoping for one last glimpse. He was torn inside regarding her, one part of his heart wanting to see what the future might hold and the other part wanting to respect the emblem of the Goddess. As he turned in his saddle, he came face to face with Lord Jacobs, the man having ridden up unnoticed, almost causing Marcus to startle. As soon as he acknowledged the man with a dip of his head, the Lord spoke. That was a very brave thing you did last night, High Knight he said, pitching his voice low so only Marcus would hear. Just the sort of thing a leader of the future would do. Glancing over at Lord Aquitaine for a moment then back at Marcus, he smiled. Have fun out there today and be safe. With that, the Lord turned his horse and cantered off, leaving Marcus staring after him. As the cryptic remarks played through his mind, the knight turned and began to scan the crowd again, looking for Lady Illayna and any Greymere men, wondering what the day would bring.