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Post by Berwyck Nawren on Jul 30, 2012 19:52:14 GMT -5
Suddenly Berwyck's throat grew dry. Feeling his thirst begin to grow, he ordered his squire to go get him a goblet of ale. His tone to Connor was coarse, a rarity when he spoke to anyone. Almost as soon as the words were spoken, he regretted them, whishing he could go and change the wordings. He was too kind, so he was told, hating whenever he caused any single amount of pain to anyone...at least anyone who didn't deserve it. But it was hard, keeping an impulsive man as he was away from accidentally causing hurt to others. He was thankful that his squire didn't take it personally, especially seeing as how most did. With his mind filling with all sorts of thoughts, he took the goblet from Connor and began to down it entirely.
Trumpets began to play lightly which was followed by the King and Queen entering the Great Hall. King Lucien walked over to the head table where the royal family was to celebrate the feast. The King took up the goblet that awaited him on the table and with Queen Rhiannon at his side, he began to issue a speech commemorating Carneth's victory at Carrighan. "We, the Kingdom of Carneth, are most ever thankful for our victory over the Aravians. And we have the brave knights who have lead our men into battle to thank for this. Sadly Lord Thomas Beranville who had served us faithfully for many decades has died in battle." The King beckoned Berwyck and Mark Behan to go to the front of the hall. They did so and he tapped them both on the back. "However, we have the bravery of Sir Berwyck and Sir Mark to be thankful to. If it wasn't for their efforts, we would have lost the battle. They both shall be rewarded greatly whilst holding the full honor of our Kingdom. This is surely a time for celeberation and feast and so I bid you all a fare and humble night!" When the King finished with his speech, he turned to Berwyck and added, "Lord Helios should be proud to call you his son."
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Post by Simon Drayton on Jul 31, 2012 15:55:37 GMT -5
Simon had been leaning against the wall moments before the king and queen entered. The moment he heard the trumpets play he pushed against the wall and stood straight. He could recall the lecture he would get from his father when he didn't stand straight before royalty, even as a child. He was glad to be away from him, but he did miss his mother and younger sister, who had only been a babe when he left. He had bowed as the king and queen passed him. He stood straight after they were passed him, he watched as they walked to their table.
He listened to the speech but when two other knights were named as the reason they won it took all his might not to shout out in rage at the king. Wasn't it he who had told of how Avaria did everything when it came to battle? It was outragous that he didn't get any word of thanks or show of admiration from the king. He risked his life by betraying his homeland. If his father found him he would kill him before he could go before the king. Did King Lucien not know the price he payed for his treason?
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Post by Berwyck Nawren on Jul 31, 2012 16:28:34 GMT -5
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Berwyck said as he slightly bowed his head in response to the King. He didn't deserve any of it and neither did Mark. And yet he was forced to accept it willingly; choosing not to accept a gift from a King or any royal was unheard of...and would result in major problems for the life who declined the gift. It was the tips about Avarian tactics that Simon Drayton gave which was the cause for their celebration. Spotting the Avarian traitor on the other side of the hall, Berwyck approached him and voiced his apology. "The King doesn't care about what happens before or after the battle," he added. "All he cares about is what happens during it which would sound the outcome. It is wrong that he is gifting me and Mark rather than you."
Berwyck reached for another goblet of ale and downed it in one. He eyed a lady who had held his attention in the past month. He wished he didn't have the burden of being alone, and yet he knew he needed to. He couldn't afford to disappoint anyone, or worse, unwittingly cause them any inch of pain. He was a solitary man for a reason and he believed allowing himself to grow close to anyone would never be possible. Removing her from his thoughts, he turned his attention back to Simon.
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Post by Simon Drayton on Aug 1, 2012 14:36:15 GMT -5
Simon was rather angry about the fact that the king seemed to ignore the fact that he wouldn't have won if it hadn't been for him. He bit his tongue though as he saw Berwyck walking toward to him. "The King doesn't care about what happens before or after the battle," Simon had figured that since he didn't get recognized for his help. "All he cares about is what happens during it which would sound the outcome. It is wrong that he is gifting me and Mark rather than you." “He doesn't see it that way though, I could be killed for my treason.” That was why he would never go back home, he would die before going back home. He looked at the king, “My father, himself, would kill me if he ever saw me.”
Simon glanced at the maiden Berwyck was eying. “Why don't you talk to her? I'm sure she would be happy f you did.” He looked back at Berwyck wondering why he hadn't made a move on her yet. “I would go talk to her but I am taken.” Though he sometimes weakened around beautiful maidens. He sometimes hated himself when he weakened but he just couldn't help himself at times. Sure he could say no to them but he hated to see the disappointment on their faces and in their eyes. He had always been that way even before he had met Frances. He was a lady lover, what could he say?
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Post by Berwyck Nawren on Aug 1, 2012 15:23:31 GMT -5
"I can't." Berwyck replied. He wanted to get his mind off of her so he decided to change the subject. "What made you leave Avaria?" The question had bothered him for some time. He wondered if it was by design, to infiltrate the court. That theory was discarded as was most of them. It was rare for anyone to change allegiance when they were grown to believe in one way...that the other side is evil while theirs are good. After all, it takes more than a lot of courage to go against one's leader.
When he had emptied his goblet, he got another one. He wasn't a drunkard...he just drank on occasion to help him deal with certain things. And in this case he needed it. Battle was a bloody mess and he hated it. He hated the war and wished it would just end. How can they continue to fight for centuries? Couldn't they just end the petty feud? They should just find some common ground. It would be a lot better than having hundreds of men die due to a war whose cause is no longer remembered.
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Post by Simon Drayton on Aug 1, 2012 16:12:55 GMT -5
Simon still didn't understand why he wouldn't go talk to her. He wanted to press but when he asked why he left his homeland he smiled. "I fell in love with the most beautiful woman." He looked up then looked at Berwyck, "only problem was that she was from Carneth, I told my father about her and my love for her but he forbade me from seeing her again. I argued with him then decided my loyality to him and King O'Cruen wasn't worth as much as my love for Frances."
His father hadn't cared much for his second eldest as much as he did for Simon's older brother. When it came to his treason his father would disown him. As far as he knew his father had disowned him, but Simon didn't care, his mother had gave him enough money to last him for a while.
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Post by Berwyck Nawren on Aug 1, 2012 16:36:09 GMT -5
"I don't have the luxury of love," he said as he downed his third goblet. His attention was averted when Prince Cenred approached them. "Can you believe Arys?" The Prince asked. He was obviously angry with his younger sister, as he nearly always was. Their rivalry was just annoying..."What is it this time?" Berwyck asked, his voice carrying the tone of irritation. Cenred grumbled and walked away, likely going to pout to the Queen. The Prince was like a giant child. King Lucien and Queen Rhiannon had obviously spoiled the man, if he deserved to be called that.
Noticing Simon's look, Berwyck explained the Prince's behavior. One could grow to hate Cenred with one conversation...and nearly everyone hated him. The Knight was sure that even King Lucien hated him. Why else would he ask others to lead his men into battle? And why else would he grant Arys more powers than his own heir. Everyone knew that when Cenred would take the Throne, Arys would likely be the one to truly control Carneth. If it was up to the King, he would disinherit Cenred and make Arys his Heir Apparent.
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Post by Simon Drayton on Aug 1, 2012 17:37:41 GMT -5
Simon was almost skeptical of Berwyck's words. "Why would you say that?" Before Berwyck was able to answer the prince came over. His eyes went from the knight to the prince then back again. Since he was still new to the place he didn't understand what was going on. After the prince was gone Simon asked, "Sibling rivalry?"
He knew the prince and princess of Aravia didn't like one another. He could tell by the way they acted around one another when they thought no one was looking. "I don't think any sibling doesn't fight." He knew he fought with his older brother, though sometimes with swords and sometimes with fists.
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Post by Berwyck Nawren on Aug 1, 2012 17:59:48 GMT -5
"It's more than just sibling rivalry," he replied. "Imagine Cenred as a child who has never been told no before. And imagine Arys as the one who told him no for the first time." Berwyck became distracted by the hilt of his sword as it pressed against his side. Failing to adjust it properly, he removed it from his belt and signaled Connor over. "I really hate these feasts," the squire said under his breath as he approached the two knights. Handing the sheathed sword to his squire, Berwyck ordered him to take it back to the armory.
Before Connor left he added, "The King wants you to train the knights tomorrow." Shocked at the statement Berwyck asked, "Why does he want me to train them? Why can't Cenred do it?" "Cenred is Cenred," the squire replied. "You've seen his footwork. It's terrible!" Berwyck couldn't help but laugh as the squire went off to put away his sword.
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Post by Simon Drayton on Aug 1, 2012 18:34:47 GMT -5
Simon shook his head, "It's a bad thing to spoil kids, you don't live to regret it." He knew of some commoners who killed their father just to take over the family business. "At least one child is in the right mindset." He looked at Berwyck's squire and grinned at his comment of the prince.
He looked at Berwyck. "Mind if I come along and observe?" He liked watching training and learning new things. "I might learn a thing or too as well." Plus he thought Berwyck would be a good trainer for the knights
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Post by Berwyck Nawren on Aug 1, 2012 18:50:30 GMT -5
He nodded his head in agreement. "The men begin training at dawn." Soon it was time to sit down to eat. Berwyck showed Simon the table for the Knights of Carneth and their wives, explaining that there was no other order as to their seating arrangements. A few minutes after they sat down, the servants brought in the food and the actual feasting began. He didn't care much for the food, barely touching it. He was too preoccupied with his goblet.
"You're drinking again," his cousin Arthur Mehawk, a Knight-in-training announced. "When you have seen battle as I have, you need it to help remove the images from your mind. Some men choose to turn to a woman while I turn to a drink. Battle is a troubling mess. The things you will see and do will haunt you for the rest of your life. Let that be a lesson to you, Arthur."
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Post by Simon Drayton on Aug 4, 2012 21:28:47 GMT -5
“I've seen how you and your men fight and it's so different from how I learned to fight. So I welcome learning how to fight like you, Berwyck." Simon picked up his goblet of ale then downed it. He had seen many battles in his short time of knighthood. He had also seen many children dying from sickness from being poor. “One day I hope to marry Frances." He could already see her sitting beside her.
While a young man came over to them and spoke to Berwyck a servant came and filled his goblet. Upon hearing the knight’s words he rose his goblet a little. “I’ll drink to that, Berwyck. I may just be twenty-eight but have seen plenty of blood shed.” Simon shook his head trying to get the images that came to the front of his mind back to the back. He hated battles but loved using his sword, the only thing he really hated was the killing for a war he didn’t really know what they were fighting for.
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Post by Berwyck Nawren on Aug 5, 2012 15:39:10 GMT -5
Nodding his head in agreement, Berwyck looked down to his goblet. He looked straight into the warm liquid that had always brought him so much comfort. It was quickly turning to his enemy and he no longer had the effect it once gave him. It had more recently begun to build the issues he had with war to unbelievable heights. He remained silent for a while as the feast drudged on. By this time he was lost in his thoughts, nearly missing what was spoken next.
He looked up in time to make it seem as if he had been listening the whole time. He was still in shock at seeing the Lord Beranville killed in battle. The late Lord was in fact a huge influence on Berwyck ever since he first came to the court. The transpired man had been much more of a parental figure than his own father could even claim to be; it was the same way with how the Cenred and Arys looked up to the man. Everyone was dismayed at the death, but to the knight who sat in his mind, drinking away his sorrows, the Lord was so much more than a loyal ally. He was like a father to him and his death in general was so unsettling.
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Post by Simon Drayton on Aug 12, 2012 15:16:50 GMT -5
After they fell into silence except for those talking to one another, Simon spoke quietly. "You knew the lord who died in the battle?" He didn't know what else to say as he hadn't known anyone to die for a good cause. What was he thinking? A good cause? War is never a good cause, all it causes is death.
"I hate war, especially when no one remembers or knows what we are fighting and killing for." To him the kings were being stubborn, they were too stubborn to try to make amends. He would have liked to make amends with both his brother and father but they would kill him for his betrayal.
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Post by Berwyck Nawren on Aug 12, 2012 16:54:40 GMT -5
He nodded his head in response to the question. "Lord Beranville was like a father to me, in the absence of my own." Berwyck became silent again as soon as he had finished speaking. For the first time since they had sat down, he looked up from the liquid in his goblet. He agreed with Simon's comment. "War is a bloody affair that will never give in to anything. I believe the war will never end. Both the Argoths and O'Cruen dynasties are bound to their honor...much more than they should be."
Soon the feasting finished whilst the dancing and conversing began. He found himself growing weary of the happenings and wished to retire to his bed. He signaled Connor over and asked him to ask the King permission to leave the celebrations. He had an early morning and wished to get a good night's sleep...hopefully for the first time in nearly a month. Connor returned with the King's permission, making Berwyck come at ease. He stated his goodbyes to Simon and his family and left the hall.
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