The sound of the Dear Knight’s voice rang out after he knocked, he was wary as he let himself into the abode and took in the mages home. Eyes drifting to the sound of the kettle put on for tea, some smiles and small talk exchanged as they settled in for chess.
“Would you like to go first?”
Terran offered, Vorain took a cheesecloth of black tea and set it to steep in his cup. He didn’t think much on his answer before replying. “Oh no, I’d rather go second.” A light smile offered in return as the mage made his first move and noted how the mans opening moves always used the knight. It was a versatile and useful piece. He didn’t blame anyone for such, instead choosing to start by thrusting his pawns forward.
He was careful not to truly sip the tea offered, he was wary especially at the guardsmans home and he noted the cinderbloom oil scones offered. He refused for the time being, blue eyes now turning to the board and he put up a defense. One he knew that would force him to trade eventually, but for now he kept it as a message so as to not strike first.
Then as the even, slow pace started in their first few rounds talk drifted from talk of Kiersa and his shop. He noted the questions posed about who he knew, who he’d been talking with and he threw two names out. Though he kept the rest of his current acquaintances a secret, especially the noble assisting him. He enjoyed watching Terran’s reactions as they played, the annoyance with purposeful moves, the amusement in some of the words he uttered and then he brought it up. Not so subtle but, it would get his point across.
“Our conversation from a time ago...” he moved a poece forward after some thought, rubbing his bearded chin.
“Could one use such captured essences for say...Tracking? I have a rabbit that likes to run off...Would be easier to just have something to keep an eye on him in case he rushes off again.”
He didn’t expect the man to reveal much facially, he was an intelligent opponent and to do such would give Vorain to much information. They went back and forth on the subject...He noted Abighail would be to busy to help regardless, Amelia was new and dropped the other name mentioned.
The pace of the game got slower as Vorain made moves to force trades if Terran’s pieces moved in and the man did likewise. The tension was was steady, rising and falling at points in the game with idle talk. The game dragged onward, the talk ceasing as they got to the bitter and painful end. The remaining knight sitting in the back as others made moves forwards to take the king.
“Congratulations...” he smiled as the game at last came to an end and they shook hands. Terran moving inward at last to secure his win. He knew from the words exchanged and the way of the game...He would need to continue to make cautious moves to secure his assets. Nothing to sudden, adapting to what ever came next...
@arcane-artisan @terranlloyd @ameliarabon @abighail-stalsworth mentions)
