[center][h2][color=008B8B] Ineraz Evrenarth [/color][/h2][/center]
The business meeting finally over, Ineraz let his guest be escorted back out of the estate, while he strode in the opposite direction, feeling vaguely satisfied. As well as the meeting had gone, his mind was now on entirely different matters already. Fulfilling the promise he had made to himself, he went to check up on his hounds. They were settled well in a stable; there was no other suitable place for them at the estate, but they seemed content with the lodgings.

[color=008B8B]“Nor!”[/color] he called the leader of the pack that had been following him earlier – the other two groups of Drakken and their accompanying packs were not back just yet – and all of them came running. Based on the hints of blood around their muzzles, they had eaten recently. [color=008B8B][i]Good.[/i][/color] The alpha male was large enough that when Ineraz crouched down to give him a friendly scratch behind the ears, they were almost shoulder to shoulder. He had plenty of smaller hounds as well, but most were left back home. With a playful glint in his eyes, Nor tackled him, and they tussled, Ineraz besting him easily. Ineraz patted him and some others, then left them to their activities and dusting himself off, went to attend his other occupations. From the backyard, he returned inside to find Kasycra.

[color=F0E68C]“An invitation for the upcoming tournament, Ineraz,”[/color] his older brother handed over the letter to him as soon as Ineraz entered his study. Even though it was not for him, specifically, but rather a general invitation for them both (and for their father, if he fancied to show up), a pleased smile spread across Ineraz’s face, his mood made even lighter. Noticing his expression, Kasycra stated [color=F0E68C]“I take it you will join,”[/color] his matter-of-fact tone revealing his neutrality on the matter.
 
[color=008B8B]“As much as I dislike being put on as part of a [i]show[/i],”[/color] Ineraz’s derision for the concept was clear, but as he also had a spark of interest in his eyes, the reason for it made clear by the following, [color=008B8B]“I do [i]not[/i] want to give up on this fine opportunity for the sake of a minor aversion of mine.”[/color]

[color=F0E68C]“Do you intend to curry favour with some other nobles, hmm?”[/color] His older brother was obviously teasing him now, though knowing him, he was probably at least partly serious, even if it was a minor part.

Ineraz rolled his eyes [color=008B8B]“The only care I have as far as the tournament is concerned is a good fight. Hopefully several good ones,”[/color] he said wistfully. Before his mind could wander too far, his brother interrupted him.

[color=F0E68C]“I [i]do[/i] hope I need not lecture you on the other possible merits,”[/color] [i]and demerits[/i] went unsaid but was very obviously implied in Kasycra’s dry statement.

Ineraz gave him a very flat stare. [color=008B8B]“No,”[/color] he replied curtly and tonelessly.

Kasycra made a noncommittal noise, then proceeded after inspecting Ineraz rather thoroughly, especially his apparel. [color=F0E68C]“You are obviously still travel-worn. Go take care of yourself,”[/color] his dismissive yet subtly fussy attitude left Ineraz torn between loathing and exasperation. Prudently, he chose to focus on the latter. As he was already heading out, his brother added off-handedly [color=F0E68C]“Do your best to represent our house tomorrow.”[/color] Ineraz left the room without offering any kind of a reply.

He went to the room designated as his, and took off his armour to give it some maintenance; polishing, checking for wear, tears, rust or dents. His armour consisted mostly of dark beige and dark grey leather, with a few metal additions. Overall, his gear was made to maximize maneuverability and offered light but still vital protection. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, now only in a tunic, he also had his weapons spread out before him, considering them.
 
A crossbow and a bow, useful for long range and very handy for hunting. But pit-fighting might not be the most suitable for either. His sword; one-handed and somewhat curved with an accompanying scabbard of a faded red and light grey colour, a small version of their coat-of-arms depicted on one side. His hunting knife, definitely not something that he would bother taking for the fights as its purpose was mainly skinning and cutting up animal meat. And his trusted side-arm, a dagger. He took his time sharpening and cleaning both bladed weapons he would use. He took the opportunity to check his long-ranged weapons as well as his arrows and bolts, though it was unlikely he would take either for the tournament. After all, those fights were usually close-quarters and in the event that he required to attack from a longer range, he had his elements.

It was well into the night when he finally finished taking care of his apparel and weapons. Now, there was only his own body left, and he took a long bath, luxuriating in in the warm water, both its temperature and form something he could easily control. After that, he went to bed, stuck his dagger between the mattress and headboard, his sword leaning close-by on a dresser and in one of its drawers, his knife. He trusted his family more than he would a stranger and not quite as much as his Drakken, but there always was a reasonable limit to trust. Even taking in account the command he had over his elements, being unarmed and not even close to a weapon would be a folly, anywhere. Soon, he relaxed into sleep.

[hider=Summary] After his meeting, Ineraz goes to check on his hounds and plays with them for a bit. Then, he has another chat with his brother. He finishes the day with preparations for the tournament.[/hider]