Torm had expected to make it into Yattar in relative obscurity, perhaps mentally prepare himself for the melee. He wasn't sure just how good he would be under someone's patronage this quickly. Had he already done his best, he would have proven himself and felt he had worked for the privilege of vassalhood, but now he if he accepted... Torm felt he would have to work twice as hard to prove Lord Falkenrath's decision was not a poor one, and nervousness bred mistakes. 

Still, this had been one of his main goals for making the trek to Yattar. Perhaps Il and Saint Magnus smiled upon him, rather than bestowed a cunning curse. After the briefest thought, he knelt at the lord's feet. "I accept, my liege. It would be an honor to serve." Had he refused, it might have been seen as an insult, and in the back of his mind, he felt a small, nagging thought. Had he said no, he would be unable to see the Lady Theophana any longer beyond a polite hello. 

He should have expelled that demon of a thought away, but it was so minuscule he barely registered it. 

"Very good." Sigfried said, his tone monotonous as if he'd already forgotten him. He bade Torm stand up, and the Squire did as he was bid. He saw Theophana beaming at him, but Sigfried looked at him in a way that demanded his attention. "Now, since you're of my house we'll need to give you the right surcoat. I won't have you gallivanting around like a sellsword, and I suppose you did not come to Yattar just out of curiosity." 

"No, my lord." Torm replied. "I intend to compete, by your leave." 

Sigfried sniffed and wrinkled his face for a moment as if something had caught his sensibilities off guard. "Well, I have a few of my best men in the joust and melee. Are you an archer?" 

Torm felt somewhat crestfallen, though he hid it well. "No, my lord. I-" 

"Too bad. Could have won a pretty pence for me, but I suppose you'll do for the melee. Just don't make me look bad." He said, and glanced back at Theophana. "Or the rescue of my wife will look rather unimpressive, no matter what coin and trouble you saved me." 

Torm placed his hand from his chin to the top of his forehead. Commoners had begun to perform a cruder version of the knightly salute in recent years, and some lords had forbidden it. It seemed adequate in this instance, and for his part, Sigfried appeared to be satisfied at the gesture. "Now, go get yourself some food. Your horse is in the stables." Sigfried snapped, and a servant girl of small stature rushed into the room in a white linen dress. "Show him to his quarters." The lord didn't even look at the girl. Torm hesitated, not having been formally dismissed but realize he was being bidden to leave. Torm gave a nod to both lord and lady, and to his surprise, he saw Theophana locking eyes with him for a moment. He gave a faint smile, and turned follow the servant girl. 

At the doorway, a courier stepped past Torm, nearly tackling the strong squire. He shoved past Torm and stopped mere yards from the nobleman. "My lord, baron Hreltig has asked for your presence." 

There was a small catch in Sigfried's eyes, and he gave a curt nod. "Very well. Wife, I must go for the afternoon. Please try not to get nabbed by the cook." He said dismissively. Torm had the inclination of not leaving, but when Sigfried turned, Torm was heading out the door with the servant girl.