[center][h2][color=b5a0d2][b]⚘[/b]   Steffen Gravinir   [b]⚘[/b][/color][/h2][/center][hr]
For the great work the knights of Iron Roses do for every day people, bookkeeping and administration was not necessarily their strength. In fact, the last year or two, paperwork had been ramping up significantly. Being the few who is willing to tolerate the mundane, brain and leg-numbing work known as equipment management was a blessing and a curse for Steffen. On the one hand, he's always with work to do, on the other, he participated in less actions, including the raid the previous day. Whichever is a blessing or a curse is for others to decide. Steffen was living just fine in the small corner of the Candaeln library. 

Despite the work, Steffen never was in any lack of sleep. He diligently finished his self-arranged schedule early before taking to bed at the exact time as any day, and then up at daybreak. Breakfast was modest, the morning tea was healthy, a quick workout was serene. Then it was back to doing more paperwork. However, today things were a little different. 

A messenger visited him in the morning, informing him that he was selected to join the Knight-Captain at the Princess' Ball. It was a little unexpected, but Steffen agreed. If it was the Knight-Captain, he could not possibly refuse. He'd push the non-important tasks for the next day or ask Sir Ishild to take care of what he couldn't. That was no big deal, but the next messenger to arrive was not as interesting. Carried with him was a familiar-looking sword. 

"Please take this out of our record, if you don't mind. No rush." The messenger was a fellow knight Steffen had met a few times. A nice lad. But he looked grim.

[color=b5a0d2]"This sword, is this from Sir Rickert?"[/color]

The knight nodded, his eyes closed solemnly, letting the silence convey the message. The Ingvarr stood up from his chair and reached over the table to pat the man on the shoulder. [color=b5a0d2]"It will be done. Thank you for your time."[/color] He said softly, giving him an understanding nod. [color=b5a0d2]"If you want to chat later about it, I can always make time."[/color] 

"I will be ok, thank you so much Sir Steffen." The knight rested his hand on Steffen's, gently lowering it. "May his soul rest in the goddesses' embrace."

[color=b5a0d2]"Indeed, may the goddesses watch over his soul."[/color] Steffen did not concern much with religion, but these people do, and he knew to always respect that, especially in grave moments. [color=b5a0d2]"May you have a good day, Sir Rostam."[/color] 

The knight bowed and left, leaving the Ingvarr with melancholy. But it soon turned to duty, as Steffen took the weapon that once belonged to a great knight, gave it a thorough wipe before placing it in a redwood box embroidered with rose imagery and coat of arms. Though some family would prefer to use their own ceremonial auxiliaries, usually the higher class ones, it was still standard procedure for a knight's procession. Then the equipment would be carefully examined and the records edited. It normally didn't take too long, but Steffen often found it to be a little too...cold. So he took some extra time with it.

"Sir Steffen?" Another knight popped into the corner he sat on, wearing a much more formal attire, prompting the Ingvarr to stop writing for a moment. "You were invited to the Princess' Ball right?"

[color=b5a0d2]"I am. Is it time?"[/color] He asked

The knight nodded his answer. "It already started." Oh dear, time flew by while he was working. He hadn't even gotten dressed yet.

[color=b5a0d2]"Oh, thank you for the reminder. I'll be there."[/color] The knight bowed and was about to leave when Steffen raised his hand to stop him. The knight looked curiously as the Ingvarr wrapped up the piece of paper in front of him, put it in a light blue letter envelope embroidered with flowers, sealed it and placed it in a redwood sword box. There were a few more envelopes like it in there too. [color=b5a0d2]"Can you give this box to Sir Ishild as you pass by her? It's for Sir Rickert's family."[/color]

"Certainly." The knight nodded, took the box and left before Steffen could say thank you. It was good to know that there are some comfort for them.[hr]
The day went on, and Steffen hurried back to get himself dressed. He chose an all-black tuxedo with black pants, shirt and pants. The only light-colored piece of clothing on him would be the white cravat with a small rose at the top by his neck, and several embroidery on his coat. He jogged to the castle to save time, but slowed down by the gate so as to catch his breathe and not sweat. He was already late anyway, so better to be late well-dressed than late and looked dead. 

As Steffen made his way to the ball, he saw the moment when something was going wrong. All of a sudden, there were distant movement of the knights in various directions towards the ballroom, as the door slammed shut. A couple others also arrived outside the ballroom. 

"Ah, Sir Steffen, it's good that you're here." One of the knights said as he saw the towering outlander over him. "There's an assassination attempt. Go check the path to the royal quarters."

[color=b5a0d2]"Understood."[/color] Steffen nodded firmly as he dashed back to the first hall. He cursed himself for forgetting his spear back home.