[center] [h1] [color=d72525] Sergio della Gherardesca[/color] [/h1] [/center]

I still cannot believe the terms in which this unholy union had been agreed. And moreover, how short of a time it took me to decide. I would almost certainly regret this.

I'd struck up a conversation with Amy whilst our respective injuries had been fixed. I wasn't so coherent at the start, I admit, the pain was not an ally in my attempt at small talk. But as the care was focused upon me I found my wits quickly. A greenhorn with her particular background was an unusual draft pick but having seen her abilities first hand that day, I was grateful to have her.

She asked about me, in addition. Perhaps out of kindness, perhaps out of genuine interest. I divulged what felt necessary. The normal sort of stories.

We did not speak of religion, which strikes me as odd in retrospect. Perhaps I could think of that a success in engaging idle talk.

In any case, I'd mentioned being hungry - and asked the cleric what food she fancied after the battle. Oddly, she specified a sweet treat of some kind. My father's recipes were what immediately came to mind, and so an idea had formulated in the clouds of thoughts misting up in my head after the fighting. But the key to the entire thing was a skill I did not have.

Enter: [b][color=7B68EE] Abele the Jester. [/color][/b]

He'd petitioned to join the Knights at least once before - to no success. Unlike me he had very little proof of merit or anything to his name besides the one he shared with me. And so the thought of a feeless trip to the headquarters so he could feel like anything of worth besides being the most prominent pain in my [i]asino[/i]...it appealed to him.

I take a moment by my usual spot near the gates, Abele in predictably close tow. He groans as I retrieve a cigarette, rolling his eyes. I relish the control I have for the moment. It wouldn't last.

A match is struck, and I take the first drag from the burning cigarette, closing my eyes. I shake my recovering arm slightly as a jolt of pain bolts through it. 

[color=d72525] "A minute." [/color] I state, firmly and with no concession. I would need as such before this undertaking.

He sighs, irritated, instead gazing at the gates to keep his dog-like brain occupied.