Here is a bit of an intermezzo. Lucius Poe, a warrior poet who speaks with the universe and sees things others can only dream about challenged Nemean to a duel. Because Nemean has no song in the Universe and it is all quiet around him, according to Lucius. Naturally, Nemean accepts.
Duel
Sir Nemean JeVondair Renodin, Knight of Bisciye meets his challenger Lucius Poe, Knight of Aix for the agreed duel till surrender.
Lucius has decided to use the 'trick moves' strategy while Nemean JeVondair has chosen the 'neutral' strategy, giving Nemean JeVondair the advantage.
The duel rages for quite some time and superficial wounds are suffered on both sides. Finally, a deep blow strikes Nemean JeVondair down and his second declares it a surrender.
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The Healing Process
Days blend together as Nemean lay in bed. Fortunately the windows permitted fresh air and during the evenings the hearth bloomed with heat. He hadn't known boredom before suffering the near mortal wound at the hands of Lucius Poe. The fight had replayed itself in his mind over and over. At first he could only grasp and hold on to bits and pieces of it as he passed from wakefulness into delirium. At some point, it was hard to discern when exactly, it played out like a scene at a theater. Stroke up, the blade sang. Feet shuffled. The sound of fabric straining.
The meals were awful. The liquid greens and bitter grub the healers forced him to eat made him retch. At least there had been a kind nurse. Employed by one of the greybeards. She'd wait until her Master and employer was done with Nemean and came to smuggle boiled fruits in for him. And cakes. Usually after the midday sun had begun to dim. He'd begun to keep a watch for when the sun began it's descent for it would herald her arrival. Neala was her name. Cream white skin. Dusted lightly with freckles. With large brown eyes that always made him feel welcome and safe.
She wouldn't say much and made a point for keeping her private visits brief. Nemean was in no position to protest. Not until the second week. But as soon as the healers noticed his steady recovery they placed new demands on him. Apparently one of the healers had been a career soldier before taking up the profession as bonemender. The man had forgotten none of the military discipline as he broke Nemean like a horse tamer does a stallion. He had the Prince exercising his legs, first stumbling and shuffling. With ample of cursing from Nemean which was about as harmless as feathers being thrown at a slab of granite. Consequently the warrior healer worked his hard hands on the Prince's muscles and much howling ensued.
While it felt like torture the effects were unmistakable. The wound healed steadily. His body was growing stronger and his vigor returned. While he wasn't out of the woods yet, the warrior healer agreed, he could return to active duty. Nemean, ever discovering new humilities. Profusely thanked the healer. The man offered some somber wisdoms and Nemean vowed to commit them to memory.
''Now where is that Poe.'' The words said far more confidently than the duel's result would suggest. Nevertheless, armour was donned and the mantle worn.
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Lucius Poe declares friendship afterwards and overall it was a great character development moment.
