Triver sighed as he looked down at the simple cup that had been set down in front of him by one of the serving maids. She was a pretty thing; short cut curly brown hair with dark brown eyes and a kind, dimpled smile. Triver had fancied the serving maid at one time but she had caught the eye of another and had become the man's mistress for some time before being left with a bastard son.  His plate had gone untouched aside from his occasional stirring. 

[color=a2d39c]"You must eat."[/color] Garrod said from his spot across the table. His plate was piled high and there were bits of food stuck in his beard. [color=a2d39c]"You've had a long day. I know that violence is not your thing, Prince Triver, but please do not be troubled by what you saw today."[/color] Garrod was a battle hardened man who had seen friends die and might have been close to death himself at one point in his life. His words, although cold, were spoken from the experience of a warrior. 

[color=0072bc]"I do not feel hungry."[/color] Triver sank lower in his seat, mindful of the faint scar on his arm. His tunic sleeve had been torn off at the shoulder, leaving him with a bare feeling. [color=0072bc]"I cannot feel hungry after seeing men die today...and..."[/color] Tears welled in his eyes but he was quick to wipe them away before reaching for his cup. He needed to distract himself from the images that flashed behind his eyes. Rough material brushing against his side caught his attention. Turning to face the left, Triver was greeted by the sight of his half-sister. She had pulled her hood down before reaching to untie her heavy cloak. It crumpled down to the floor behind her before she leaned against Triver. She had helped heal the remaining people who had been injured in the scuffle or those that had come from the infirmary to watch the trials. Ser'deni gingerly placed her hand on his cheek. [color=a187be]"It will be alright, please eat."[/color] 

Triver brought a hand up to run his fingers through her long dark tresses. If his father were to be there then he would have kindly asked the woman to move away from him. He knew that healing was not her strong point, it never had been and she had exhausted herself with the events of the day. Garrod gave a small smile as he watched the two. He was one of the very few who had known the truth behind the black haired woman. Garrod was also the king's childhood friend, the son of the former Head Knight and his wife who had served as Lady-in-Waiting to the previous queen. The passing knights and servants brushed off the sign of affection in fear of angering the prince (who would then tell his father, who would order their execution.) Triver passed her a roll before deciding on taking one himself from the basket in the middle of the table. 

[color=a2d39c]"Why can you get him to eat?"[/color] Garrod asked with a slightly annoyed expression. 

The mage gave a light chuckle before sitting up. 

Triver paled slightly as she told Garrod the story of how the last time he had refused to eat, she threatened him with one of her flying friends. Of course she would have never carried out with the threat but Triver's declining health at the time had her worried and the boy had the stubbornness of a stone wall. And it went unspoken that the prince and mage were fairly close to one another; they calmed each other down and cheered each other up when they needed it.

Garrod shook his head before taking a drink of his wine. [color=a2d39c]"I will never understand you two."[/color] 

Triver looked around the room until he found the two victors. He excused himself while he went over to them. [color=0072bc]"Congratulations, you both did well."[/color] Triver said to them with a slight smile. 

He made up his mind at that moment. They would become his knights, after this he would inform his father of his decision.