[sup][h2][center] [color=black][sub]V E R R I C K O ’ H A R E [/sub][/color] [color=2B822F][sub]V E R R I C K O ’ H A R E [/sub][/color] [/center] [/h2][/sup] [sup][h2][center] [color=GRAY][sub]&[/sub][/color] [color=BLACK][sub]&[/sub][/color] [/center] [/h2][/sup] [sup][h2][center] [color=black][sub]S I R M A T H I A S L A R S E N[/sub][/color] [color=5B89A6][sub]S I R M A T H I A S L A R S E N[/sub][/color] [/center] [/h2][/sup] [center][color=gray][sub][sub]collab between [@Aerandir] & [@Rodiak][/sub][/sub][/color][/center] [indent][indent][color=gray] Mathias had spotted Verrick when he arrived with Princess Sadie. He had pointed him out to Lukas, who had wiggled in his arms with excitement. When the man finally approached them, Lukas had practically hopped down from his father's arms and ran to Verrick. [color=5ba69e]"Ve... Verrick!"[/color] Verrick looked down as Lukas ran to him he raised his right hand slightly to perfectly catch the blonde boy’s head to mess up his hair. Overtaken by the excitement of seeing the man, Lukas pulled on his sleeve, trying to get Verrick to pick him up. When that didn't work, he began to jump up until he found the perfect angle and wrapped his arms and legs around the right arm. He wasn’t expecting the kid to jump on his arm. Normally it wouldn’t have been an issue, but by some unfortunate luck, Verrick felt a jolt of pain in his shoulder with an audible ‘pop’. He grunted in pain, but held his composer. Years of training to be silent certainly paid off. [color=2B822F]”Hello there Lukas.” [/color] He said in a slightly pained smile. Before Mathias could even greet the man, Mary spoke up. [color=a65b63]"Caesonians, as barbaric as ever."[/color] She had put down the paper and was now looking at them. [color=a65b63]"Are the people here so deprived that they will act in such a way over [i]waffles[/i]?"[/color] [color=5B89A6]"Perhaps they were very good waffles? Like the ones from Puerto Vira, where they fried and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. And Lukas, please get down."[/color] [color=2B822F]”I think it had to do with Duke Vakenia…being Duke Vakenia. I swear that man is Chaos incarnate.” [/color] He said slowly, still hiding the fact he was in pain. Only sounding like he was slightly straining to hold up the boy. [color=a65b63]"That man is a menace to society."[/color] Mary agreed. Mathias walked over to Verrick and patted his shoulder. [color=5B89A6]"It is good to see you, my friend."[/color] he smiled, [color=5B89A6]"I reckon you and Princess Sadie had a relatively peaceful trip here, aside from the brawl."[/color] He glanced at the cape Verrick had covering his back, noting the outline of the bow. Verrick eyes were the only betrayer of the added pain from Mattias patting the same shoulder Lukas just popped. He nodded to Mathias as he greeted him. [color=2B822F]”It’s good to see you as well.” [/color] His tone changed slightly to that of a more sarcastic tone. [color=2B822F]’ I didn’t even allow her to get out of the carriage. I simply snuck in and got her breakfast.” [/color] [color=5B89A6]"Take it you will be competing as well?"[/color] [color=2B822F]”Nope. I just wanted to put a little practice in this morning.” [/color] He said dryly while looking up at Mathias. He looked down at Lukas. [color=2B822F]”I didn’t expect weight training as well, but I guess I have no choice.”[/color] He added while lifting the boy again. Despite the pain, hoping that letting him down quickly would jolt his shoulder back into place… It didn’t, and only sent more pain coursing through his arm. [color=2B822F]”I am surprised you are here though. I thought you didn’t like competitions.” [/color] [color=a65b63]"Lukas, if you let go of Verrick, I'll buy you a fruit tart."[/color] Mary walked over to the boy and offered her hand. In a heartbeat, the boy grinned and let go of Verrick, taking Mary's hand. She nodded at both men before letting Lukas pull her to the concession stand. Mathias watched Mary and Lukas go before turning back to Verrick, [color=5B89A6]"I don't, but Mary and Lukas somehow convinced me of it. Mary said it would be a perfect opportunity to meet eligible ladies.[/color] He shrugged, [color=5B89A6]"In all honesty, I doubt I will win. My archery is not what it used to be. Now, you, on the other hand..."[/color] He grinned. [color=5B89A6]"You'll have no trouble, I'm sure!"[/color] Verrick watched when Lukas hopped off him and took Mary’s hand. Letting a small sigh of relief as the weight was suddenly gone. He nodded to Mary as well as she left. [color=2B822F]“You spoil that kid too much. You’re going to have a new Felix to deal with when he gets older.”[/color] He said calmly. [color=5B89A6]"The Prince is not as bad as you think."[/color] Mathias rolled his eyes; Verrick wasn't the only one telling him that. But how could he not spoil Lukas, if he could, he would give the whole world to his son. He looked at him when he explained how he got here. Blinking with a now a look of hard skepticism at the fact they somehow ‘convinced him.’ [color=2B822F]”Right…” [/color] In a very sarcastic tone. Knowing Mattias, he probably caved to the mere fact his son begged or threw a tantrum wanting to come. But he said nothing about it. He then mentioned the fact that his archery was not what it used to be. Verrrick tilted his head. It wasn’t very good, to begin with, as he often joked with him about it. Matthias was far more talented with a blade. However, he didn’t make that joke but instead looked back to make sure Lukas and Mary were not looking or close enough. [color=2B822F]”About that…”[/color] Looking back at Matthias, then passed him. He walked around him without another word to a light post and twisted his waist to his right. Then without hesitation used his body to shift and put all his weight into his right shoulder and slammed it into the post. With a shocked gasp escaping his lips as he felt another pop and then a very relaxed sigh of relief. [color=5B89A6]"Verrick—"[/color] Mathias frowned, watching slam himself against the post. He dismissed the strange looks from the people around them before approaching the man again. [color=5B89A6]"I'll tell Lukas to be more careful and not climb on people."[/color] He shook his head, [color=5B89A6]"Are you okay? How’s the arm?"[/color] He lifted his right arm sorely and rotated in a slow circle as he turned back to Matthias. [color=2B822F]”I might have to shoot with my left arm today...”[/color] [color=5B89A6]"Verrick, are you sure your arm is okay?"[/color] He asked with worried eyes, and was about to ask again when he heard his name being called. Mathias turned around to see the source of the voice was none other than Lady Damien. [color=2B822F]“Yeah I’m fine.”[/color] He said rubbing the shoulder and feeling the decade old scar on his shoulder as he did. Every once and a while he would teak it wrong and his shoulder will pop out of place. [color=2B822F]” Just the old wo-“ [/color]before he could finish he could hear someone yelling over everyone. [color=1e4fff]”Sir Mathias!!! Sir MATHIAS!”[/color] A bright smile crossed his lips as he waved back, matching her enthusiasm. [color=1e4fff]”Good luck! I Do hope you win!”[/color] He was relieved to hear her wish him luck, especially after last night's dance. Mathias was no stranger to women changing their attitude when he mentioned he had a son, and he had thought she would too, but there was Lady Damien proving him wrong. Mathias was about to yell something back when Lady Damien suddenly went red and turned back. He only grew more confused when she doubled back but said nothing, leaving the knight blinking. [color=5B89A6]"Well,"[/color] he turned back to look at Verrick, [color=5B89A6]"Looks like I have two people I will disappoint today."[/color] Verrick raised an eyebrow. Confused at the girl's action as well. However he noticed the smile on the taller man’s face.[color=2B822F] “Well well. [i]SIR[/i] Mathias. We can’t have that.” [/color] Verrick said, slapping his much taller friends shoulder,[color=2B822F] “Come on. I’ll give you a few pointers before your match.”[/color] [/color][/indent][/indent]