#errant rp

[borrowed-blade]

I've never been to a masquerade before. In fact, I don't believe I've ever been to a ball in the first place. I've been on duty during events, but rarely in the main ballroom. I've certainly never been a guest myself.

I've been well patched-up after my ordeal in the Hunt, though I am limping a bit. Truthfully, I'm in far better shape than I have any right to be after what happened. The herbs and poultices the medic applied to my leg must have been very powerful indeed. Perhaps they were made from more than nature.

Regardless, I am relieved to be able to attend the masquerade, even in this state. I might not make the best dance partner, but it's nice to see everyone in their finery, in their masks and costumes. Everything feels a little looser.

Open rp, happy to do multiple threads

[borrowed-blade]

There's a buzz in my spine as I make my way to Ser Gray's room in the manor. A bottle of honey mead weighs heavy in my hand, and my other can't seem to stop fidgeting. I can't remember the last time I was so jumpy about a tryst.

Then again, I can't remember the last time I knew about a tryst before it was happening. I've gotten rather used to going with the flow, to letting the moment take me away. Knowing about it hours beforehand, having time for the nerves to simmer, is an entirely different matter.

Not that I'm having doubts, not for a second. But I want this to be good. It's taken a while for Gray to soften with me. I want this to be good for them.

A spike of fear digs into me as I raise my hand to knock at their door. What if they changed their mind? What if they close off again, or pretend nothing happened between us? What if they aren't even here?

I swallow my fear and knock.

@knightclubbing

[borrowed-blade]

I hate to admit it, but I'm nervous in the saddle. Jousting is new for me, I hadn't even been sure about putting my name forward for the lists. I'd been encouraged to do it by my fellow knights, but now that I've seen a few bouts and watched some of the others fall from their horses and be led limping away, I'm beginning to wonder if they only wanted to see me go down.

My horse shifts a pace under me, sensing my anxiety, and I try to steady my breathing. I pat the animal's neck and look across the pitch to my opponent: Ser Etienne, the Silver Knight. He's fully kitted now, but I've seen him around and at the feast. He's older than me, far more seasoned as a knight, and wields chivalry like it is a weapon in itself. This will be far from his first joust.

I swallow drily, but nudge my mount to take my place on the pitch, reading my lance.

@silver--chevalier

[borrowed-blade]

It's less nerve-wracking this time, entering the joust. I am given the same mount as the first time, the bay mare with the white blaze down the muzzle, and she seems to remember me as I climb into the saddle. My nerves are mostly steady, but I try keep my confidence in check. Just because I won the last joust doesn't guarantee anything today. Sir Gills has also been victorious.

I do my best to seize them up as we both take our starting positions. The knight wears armour that almost appears patched, like it has been repaired many times, but I don't doubt its strength if they are willing to wear it in the tilts. The steed they ride draws my attention, but I can't quite discern why. I keep staring at it, and it's... just a horse. Visually, there is nothing to give me pause, but I've had enough dealings with the fae to recognize something otherworldly about this horse.

My own mount shifts nervously, and I give her a steadying pat before taking the lance offered to me. I'll have to stay calm with this creature in the lists.

@collybia-knighted