Thread: Squire's Secret (Benny and Gunner)

Friderick didnt think Jacques would stick around for this. What lad didnt want to explore a whole town and port by themselves? But if he followed, the Baron paid him little mind as his keen blue eyes were glued upon the woman in question. His heart thumped just to receive her gaze. He had always been fascinated by her eyes and smitten deeply by Lady Aurianes beauty. She was truly statuesque to some degree, a woman a Lord could be proud of to have by their side. No, he did not feel the least bit insulted when she mispronounced his name, not once but twice. He didnt interrupt as he came to stand beside her horse, a hand idly petting the mane of her horse as he listened to her. He smiled back and didnt even turn aside to look towards Jacques when he was mentioned too by the Lady. He gave only a nod to that question. But Lancasters werent what they were here to discuss. You are most honoured to have such a seat, Lady. Friderick said with a chuckle. And its Friderick, not Fredegar, Lady. He said but waved off the correction dismissively. But I am glad you will have so prominent a booth, so that all can see your radiance. Yes, I am here to joust. And I hope to dedicate my impending victory in your name. I swear it by God Himself. Friderick declared to her, a hand coming over his breast. It was a promise from the heart. Victors usually had the chance to dedicate their victory to a Lady, a Lord, or whatever else holds their fancy. Chivalry usually had it being women, either the competitors own wife or other relative or someone he fancied and wished to court. It was the only way a lowly Baron like Friderick could even have a shot with Lady Auriane. He was determined to win her affections and her favor, if she would grant it to him. First, he had to win. I have heard of this feast and though I am invited, it was my intent to practice what I can. But if you are attending yourself this evening, I would consider it an honour to join you, if only to behold your magnificence sitting at the table. Perhaps I might have the promise of a dance later? Friderick then said, his tone courteous and bold, his hand still over his heart because it was thumping and yearning for Lady Auriane, the fairest of all maidens under the sun as he deigned it. He was truly laying on all the courtship he was capable of. Unfortunately, he did not possess the means for more, such as perhaps presenting her with jewelry or some other gemstone encrusted object, which all her other suitors did. And no doubt she had the privilege of being offered to sit, dine and dance by other Lords as well. Richer Lords than the meagre Baron of Alnerwick. Or I might be furthermore bold, I would request of the beautiful Lady Auriane that she might bless me with her favor, so that I might wear it proudly when jousting to victory. Friderick asked, his hand moving down her horses man, closer to her leg. A favor could be anything from a Ladys napkin to a length of her dress cut off, to wear around the handle of a blade or lance. If only Friderick could be so lucky as to be just a simple garment that touched her body Yet before she could answer, there came another call of Aurianes name. Count Theodore, sitted upon a finely saddled horse, wearing silks and leathers that must have cost a fortune. He was surrounded by his own footguards, for Theodore was no knight or warrior. But his effeminacy gave him an advantage over brutes like Friderick. He knew what women liked. My Auriane! He called, acting like she belonged to him already. I have found a silk merchant with colours impossible to our own weavers. Come, you must see these! He said, with his words thick with the promise of a purchase for her. Just what Auriane would like. And his ring of footmen would let no one pass except Auriane so it was not an invite extended to Friderick. The Baron frowned, hoping he might receive his request first but the Lady was known to besmitten by whatever was flashier at the moment. Theodores offer far out exceeded the promise of a tourney dedication that might not even come to pass.