As they peered out of the caravan at all the festivities, Jenn couldn’t help from feeling a chill of excitement. It had been far too long since her last tournament, even though the tavern girls think that this is her first time.
They stopped and got out, and started to unpack. Their two servants started putting up their tent, while the girls sat inside starting to get ready for the first tournament of the day.
Jen did admit that she enjoyed seeing so many bright and colorful dresses among the crowd. Last time it was quite obvious who the nobility and the peasant were, but on this occasion it was hard to distinguish.
They took their place on the bench in front of the Duke of Goldshire’s box, where the Duke and his wife sat. The Duke’s own son, Keaton, was going to be fighting that day. Keaton was a regular visitor of the tavern and thus invited the ladies to the coveted spot.
The horns started blowing as everyone settled to their seats. Suddenly, like a wave, people started to stand to great the jousters. They entered the field, all five of them, all in different garish colors. Three of them looked to be older gentlemen, and the other two younger, one being Keaton of course, with his balding blond hair.
The tournament started, and Jen couldn’t take her eyes off of the dueling. The other girls grew bored after the first match, and continued to talk amongst themselves, or asked the servants to purchase pastries and other tasty goods. Jen ignored them, fixated on the fighting. She loved the incredible thrill of watching the horses run towards each other, the clashing of the lances, and the entertaining taunting of the two riders.
“I wonder if the ground fighters would be more attractive. Nothing but old men this year”. Said Chandelle.
“Except for Keaton.” Said Emilee, they all knew she was attracted to Keaton.
“There is another younger one, I believe.” Said Jen, her eyes still fixed to the running and clashing.
The herald entered the field once again, and started calling out the next fighters.
“Introducing, for the first time, two new fighters to the Goldshire Tournament.” He said, cheering ensued. All the girls turned forward for this was Keaton’s match.
“On the left side, we have the newly made Sheriff of Goldshire, the son of Duke Saul, Keaton!” More cheering.
“And on the right side, we have the privilege of gaining a special traveler, not even remotely from these parts but known all over as Lord An-drek!”
The crowd cheered as Andrek walked his horse along the crowd. Jen stopped and stared. His face was beyond the most handsome she laid her eyes upon, with high cheekbones and the most perfect chiseled profile. She could tell he had elven blood within him with such fair features. What was the most striking were his crystal blue eyes against his dark hair. When he smiled he looked friendly and inviting, it was refreshing as a warm drink on a cold winter’s day.
She looked over to the other ladies beside her; they too seemed stunned at this Lord’s presence. It seemed he had all the ladies present in some sort of hypnotic trance. She turned her attention back at him and their eyes briefly met. For the whole second when their glance locked she felt her eyes burn with such a fire she has never felt before. She bowed her head and folded her hands.
The two fighters took their places, the herald called out to start and they ran towards each other. The match itself was more interesting than the others and was very well fought. The jousters shout playful insults back and forth before each run, amusing the crowd.
At one point the town’s earl jaunted and said “Son! Win this one for your town! Win this one for your father!” Keaton raised his lance in agreement.
Andrek laughed and pointed to Jenn and the others. “Win this for your father, but I’m winning this next run on those beautiful ladies sitting below there.”
The maidens playfully giggled, Jen even managed a smile herself.
“They are only here due to my good grace.” Said Keaton, readying his lance.
They ran towards each other, and Keaton touched Andrek’s shoulder with his lance. Massive cheering ensued. Andrek wasn’t too disappointed; however, he ended up winning the match, but only by one point.
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