#a-knight-errant

[adalheidis]

I loved this ask so much that I took a screen, and I'm really glad I did because by the time I got around to sit down and answer it Tumblr decided to obliterate it out of my inbox completely (for some reason?)

anyway thank you Sir Gareth of the Esterlands for this wondrous message that I shall cherish greatly🙇‍♀️ You will be glad to know it reached me while I'm in the process of drawing more knights!

[knights-hand]

When it’s grey dawnlight, and the prince has given strict instructions not to be disturbed until he calls for his breakfast, and the Jester of Hearts cannot be found anywhere.

Who else was ever going to have their way with the returned favourite first, but His Grace?

So a small handful of knights are already out in the yard hours before the appointed time with residual energy to work off. The slaps and slashes against the pells are just that little bit harder than usual; the grunts of those wielding them a little more passionate.

At least it’s not just me.

I glance sideways at the next fellow over. It’s the same knight I spoke with the night before, when the Jester of Hearts was making their spectacular entrance. He drives at his pell fiercely, brows drawn but lips curving upward at the corners. Does the man truly take such joy in his training? Or is he merely going through the motions? His arm taking practiced swings while his thoughts lie in a hidden reverie?

I stop, put up my sword for a moment, and watch him. His form is faultless. I nod approval to myself.

“Sir Thorn, isn’t it?” I call across to him.

I wait for him to stop swinging and turn to me. He is breathing heavily, his eyebrows raised.

I lift my sword again.

“Would you care work out your frustrations against a moving target, perhaps?”

The newcomer speaks once more. I haven't taken the time to speak to him much myself, and perhaps one could call that unchivalrous of me. In my defense I've seen many a brave knight come through this palace full of promise, only to fall or vanish shortly thereafter. Until recently I feared such a fate had befallen my dearest jester. Instead they waltzed right back in and taught me a lesson on hospitality.

I wipe the sweat from my brow and give him a once over. He looks capable enough, but I know better than to judge an unknown quantity by appearance. I've yet to see the man in true combat, so perhaps a test mettle is in order.

"Aye, a moving target might be more interesting."

We move away from the main training ground, and considering the tension in his gait I suspect the offer to take my frustrations out was more of a confession than an offer. He seemed quite taken by the jester, but then again who isn't?

As we reach our destination and say our pleasantries, I step back. Both our faces are brimming with an intensity rarely seen in a practice duel but I hold my ground steady, the challenge clear on my face.

Prove yourself

[knights-hand]

I should go to sleep but I cannot stop looking at these photos

You are so gender 😍

And hot

Who said that 😳

Uh gotta go bye

Thank you friend, but worry not; the pictures will remain for you to enjoy in the morn. Until then, I wish you sweet dreams of knights and gender and hot people