Green squire and black knight

[Kevan Lyras]

Seemingly lost in thought, the Marsten knight stood at the entrance of the jousting ground, his eyes watching the various knights riding against each other, his fingers absently playing with a ring on his right hand, engraved with a sun and lightning bolts. Clad in his full plate jousting armor, tainted black as all his armor pieces, he waited for his turn to enter the grounds and face his next opponent.

When the young man in the yellow tabard and battered armor left the jousting grounds and attempted to pass him by, he turned around. "Master Aerion it is?", he took off his glove and offered the man his hand. "Quite a show you put on so far. I take it these creaks in your armor were not caused by any tourney lance?" His words were followed by a friendly smile.
The good jousters get younger and younger...

[Aerion Storm]

Aerion glances back, looking a little surprised -- as he always does -- when 'Aerion' is accompanied by even the humblest of honorifics. He's used to 'boy' or 'squire' or 'bastard,' 'nephew' at best. Still, he shakes his hand without hesitation, polite if careful, grip strong enough to show he's not meek.

"Tourney lances, aye, but in practice," he says with an affable smile, "Ser Harbert put hammer to steel often when he forged me into shape, and hit harder than any smith I've seen since."

"I am sorry, Ser, I am more accustomed to Southron tourneys and the banners and colors from there. You are...?"

[Kevan Lyras]

"Ser Harbert Baratheon? Well the man has certainly chosen a squire with talent, not that I would have guessed any differently." With a wink he added: "He likely has to make sure none of his squires loses a bout against one of Ser Alayne's pupils." As a squire to Harbert he undoubtedly must have experienced countless episodes of the infamous rivalry.
A most interesting young man...

"I am Ser Kevan Lyras, a sworn sword of House Marsten, there is nothing to be sorry about. My sun does not shine bright enough that I expect it to be known to any noble in the realm. Not yet at least.", another smile and a knock on the coat of arms on his chest followed the last remark, indicating it as a joke. "What brings you up here far from the southron tourneys? Do you know Lord Baelon or the Lady Gwynneth?"

[Aerion Storm]

"I have met them both, yes. They are kindly folk, and generous, it seems. That or they've a penchant for kindness to strays," he says with a laugh. "I also met your Lady Marsten, in point of fact. She, too, struck me as fine. I am...surprised, to be honest. A Storm, alone, would not be so politely received in Southron lands."

"Though perhaps that has to do with Ser Alayne, and his pupils," he settles on, armor clanking as he shrugs. "Ser Harbert has bade me be more wary at a Reachman's feast than patrolling the Dornish Marches, to be honest. It would seem, in some ways, these more Northern lords are more willing to overlook squabbling and...and...politics. I am honored they let me ride at all, but especially at the kindness shown me thus far."

[Kevan Lyras]

Kevan smiled at the remark about Lady Corrine: "She is a very cordial person indeed and I agree that the Drakesons are very kind." Then his manner became more serious, the joking tone absent from his voice: "But do not think that northern nobles are less focused on politics. Despite the gentle behavior and the friendly gestures, everything we do is carefully observed through black and green lenses by those around us..."

As quick as it came the serious tone in his voice was gone again: "So, you made it to the final eight, a laudable effort already, but I am sure you have your eyes fixed on higher honors. Might as well return to Ser Harbert with a winner's braclet!"
With a gesture towards the squires armor he continued: "You might want to reinforce that steel a bit though, the remaining knights pack quite a punch. I could lend you my brigandine armor if you are interested. It is not plate true", he pauses with a shrug: "but it is sturdier than what you are wearing now." With a laugh he added: "It is a lucky charm to, helped me gain the hand of my wife"

[Aerion Storm]

"I..." He swallows, then smiles. "I appreciate your offer, Ser, more than you may know. But I cannot. I would not risk your lucky charm, to damage or ransom. I will ride as I am."

"And as to the politics," he sighs, then tosses his head, dark hair flipped away from his face but looking, for a moment, like a stallion snorting away from something distasteful. "Such is not for me. I am loyal to my lord knight and House, but not...interested...in Black and Green disputes. I will serve as I am ordered, but I was ordered here only to test my mettle in the tilt, not to worry over such things."

[Kevan Lyras]

"As you wish young Aerion. I truely hope you do not regret your decision after the tourney.", he replies with an almost sad expression creeping on in his eyes.

At the squire's remark about politics, his expression changes again. The ignorance of youth or arrogance? I can't tell..
"Well then, Master Aerion, I wish you luck - as long as we not meet on opposite lanes"

[/scene?]

[Aerion Storm]

[sure, /scene]

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