Feast at Giask - Part V
Nicholas descended the steps and away from the Throne. Although Sir Donald had launched himself towards Aldrakar first, it was he who departed as the - self-proclaimed - handsomest knight in Luria strode up to greet the monarch. Perhaps he had gotten lost along the way? No matter, it would certainly provide something worth watching. If nothing else, Nicholas was warming to the eccentricities of the capital.
He approached the large table, central within the Great Hall. He sat himself comfortably, briefly fidgeting to adjust his position; there were not banquets quite so magnificent at home, and it would take quite some getting used to. But he was nothing if not dedicated to the tasks set to him. He took a sip of his wine, savouring the taste - he was no connoisseur, but he was an able judge of what found his tongue wanting more, and what did not. It was a good wine; perhaps he would start a collection of his own, at Noble Manor Square. If Aldrakar's presence at the feast was anything to go by, he had a refined taste. Nicholas was determined to accommodate this, one day.
To his right someone feminine cleared their throat, to gain his attention. With a brief pause for recollection, the young knight realised it was one of the courtiers who had tittered at him perhaps only an hour before. Nicholas quirked his brow in surprise, before the endless letters of courtly chivalry reminded him that he must be polite. He inclined his head amiably, and introduced himself, all the while taking a few longer moments to subtly appraise her (it would not do to stare overmuch no doubt, and he was capable of maintaining his good manners). She was pretty, he realised, and, without the fog of apprehension before him, interested.
Perhaps the capital had its charms after all.
While they spoke, Nicholas kept some small measure of attention on their surroundings. It would be inappropriate to completely forget his position and where he was. As he did so, he scanned the Great Hall. He watched for the knights he had already met - William, Matthew, Benedict, Donald - and for any other matters of interest. The jeering of some rather more rambunctious members of the landed elite caught his - and his companion's - attention, as a tall, skinny nobleman slipped and fell nearby, just within earshot.
"Hello there, friend," he began, addressing Staedtler, while approaching to offer him a hand in standing,
"Are you quite alright?"
