ravenDivinity

When the Flames Die

"Ah, but alas, I lack the sword skills required of me..." Gareth chuckled. Even if he did join the Order, he would only have the chivalry required, but not the fighting ability. The job was more suited for trained warriors than for hobbyist commoners. "I suppose I'll keep my nose out of it, unless something calls me there." He only wondered what sort of things Thomas had to do to earn the scars on his body, which he shyly examined underhandedly. "Well it appears as though you have been doing it for a long while." Harker returned a gentle smirk. He, on the other hand, had no injuries to advertise, his entire body unscathed since birth.

When the Flames Die

Gareth caught himself watching Thomas strip down, and he privately admired Thomas's form, which resembled something of a famous statue cut fine from plastered material. When the sword came unsheathed, Harker found interest in it as well, not because it was a weapon, but because it was a well-tempered blade forged fine in the standard required for knighthood. However it didn't resemble the swords he saw the other members of the Order carrying, so perhaps he obtained it elsewhere. Thomas spoke, breaking him out of his quiet thought, and he perked up again bringing his eyes to Thomas's face. A profession was in question, and Gareth still had yet to choose one. There was something to appreciate in them all, some sort of finesse and technique, some form and wonder, and he was dumbfounded at the idea that he could only pick a single mastery to take on as a job for the rest of his life. "I don't have one yet..." Gareth brought his gaze to his boots. "I've been doing errands for neighbors for money. There are so many fine crafts, and so many righteous works, like knighthood. I am vexed by the choice."

When the Flames Die

Gareth answered, "No, I have not." This would be his first time wielding a bow in true competition with someone else. Of course, for someone who hunted, little adjustment was required—in real exploits, the target was mobile, but in the tourney, the bullseye was the target and did not move. He wouldn't have a hard time. Harker pulled down his hood and stood by the entrance, gawking at the arrangements sent forth for Thomas. "My... Fancy." He strolled about the room, not knowing what to do in particular in that moment, thus he simply went around and examined the many intricate displays of armor he found there, touching nothing.

When the Flames Die

Gareth grinned. "Then I shall be there." His eyes watched the clerk record Gareth's information, and then he nodded to register his compliance with the clerk's instructions. When the clerk dismissed Harker, he turned his full attention to Thomas again. The older half-elf had offered to have Gareth along during preparations, and Harker gave himself no choice other than to accept, for his youthful heart found glee in the idea of being in Thomas's warm company. "Why, of course, ah, I shall." No compelling argument came against his decision. An evening with a knight, under an exclusive proposal, and time to see that knight before his glory awaited the younger and provided him with excitement, and popularity through victory would bring him to heights. The day held many good things for Gareth.

When the Flames Die

Gareth nodded and was glad to hear Thomas's appreciation, taking his eyes and ears off the older man not once in the time they strolled to the clerks together. "Pardon any arrogance, but is that an invitation, Thomas?" If what Gareth asked was correct, he might find it endearing. "If so, it'd be my honor to attend." The half-elf was so fixed on Thomas, thus he nearly missed their approach to the clerks. The young Harker ceased ogling Thomas in admiration to pay his attention to the clerks as Thomas and he cleared the distance. He greeted the clerks with a smile on his face wordlessly, as he knew Thomas would initiate the dialogue.

When the Flames Die

"Ah, thank you." Gareth ambled alongside Thomas, and he hanged onto every word, nodding along. Even still despite being told twice now to have confidence in victory, Harker denied any sort of prowess with the bow, but he remained silent on the matter out of respect for Thomas. The half-elf was pleased to hear about Thomas's competing and believed in Thomas's ability, for from a trained knight no less should be expected. Against the Morningstar, however, Thomas would be challenged greatly. "I wish you luck then, Thomas. I will cheer you on from the crowd." He granted Thomas his blessing in battle, and he made a covenant then to support Thomas in the tournament.

When the Flames Die

Gareth stopped at Thomas and beamed up at him, a smile reaching his soft lips. "Ah, Thomas! Yes, I quite liked it." He bowed his head to the admirable knight, assuaging his anxiety. "It is, ah, nice seeing you here. I am on my way looking to sign up for the archery tournament," informed the younger man earnestly, hinting at his inability to find the signups on his own. Harker liked being in the company of Thomas. Other half-elves were rare, and it was nice to come across another half-elf, and not only another of the same race but one that was trained in all sorts of ways of kindness and justice. Perhaps Thomas could help him find his way to the tournament clerk.

When the Flames Die

Gareth saw the change in expression on Karl's face as Leid's escorts approached, therefore he assumed by some decree they were ordered to keep surveillance on Karl. He dismissed this thought, though, for the tournament was at the forefront of his mind and thus was his current objective. "Very well, thank you! I will see you, perhaps later." With that, he gave a curt bow and started off, toting his bow and quiver on his back. Butterflies trod in his stomach while he strode to the fairgrounds, looking down at his feet and not paying much mind to where he walked. Harker hoped he wouldn't bump into anybody in his absentmindedness, assuming they should all take note of him and avoid an accident.

When the Flames Die

"Ah, I see." Gareth had no clue where the fairgrounds were. He decided he would ask a knight about it and figure out where they were. Harker nodded to Sophia. "Indeed, I came to live here some month ago." That bearded man had sat at their table, and Gareth acknowledged him with a bow of the head. "Gareth Harker. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir." He stood up and looked around leisurely. A good round half- to full- hour was left before the feast ended, so he deemed it appropriate to sign up for the tournament, if he could figure out where the signups were held. "Anybody know in which direction the fairgrounds lie?" asked Gareth, leaving the question open to the table.

When the Flames Die

Gareth asked, "Oh? Where do I sign up?" The imminent quality of the tournament struck him, thus the event allotted little time for his preparation. It wasn't much of concern, however, as he merely needed a good breakfast and a strung bow to compete at his fullest. Harker rested his chin on his hand, the upcoming challenge urging him to think.