Lord Richard's Joust


After passing judgment on Val Sedgwick, Soren, Queen of Tarn, walks toward the stables... Soren of Tarn speaks with Lord Richard... Lord Richard, in full armor, rides up. "My lady, I noticed a gathering yonder. Most unusual. The ladies set out the red carpet."

"A Trial of Love, M'Lord. Your ladies insisted I preside."

"My ladies? Pshaw! At best, I serve as their groundskeeper." Lord Richard speaks with wry humor... Soren's lips quirk.  "Your lance, Lord Richard. And how else may I serve you, our most redoubtable groundskeeper? But why do you joust? Surely you've proved your skill and valor a hundred times."

"Practice, dear Lady. Unsettled times with our empty throne. I must be ready, should there be attacks."

Her eyes twitch at his mention of the throne. She begins to climb... "Then you'll need this shield."  She pauses. "I do wish... "

- and promptly SLIPS! He studies her eyes.  "'Tis sport, dear Lady. You yourself have swung a sword."

Soren blushes and draws a breath. "Yes, I've, as you say, 'swung a sword'...  that once... until you quite captured me."

"None of it. Did you not still have your sword after our encounter?"  He shifts weight in the saddle. "My thanks for your concern and most gracious assistance."

- and promptly SLIPS! Sandra edges closer.  "What was THAT all about? Thought you two were at swords points!"  She reaches out. "Is that a blush on your cheek?"

"Nonsense!   I'm off to view the jousting. And, Miss Snippy, you'll wash MY riding cape before YOU put it away." Sandra CAN be irritatingly acute... Lord Richard greets Sir Bors.

The bout begins...

Soren has come to watch... Soren arrives as lances strike!

Nice catch!

CRASH!

It was all a PLOT! DISASTER!!

He takes a mighty blow!

"RICHARD!"

Oh no!

"OOF!"

A hard landing!

"Richard?"

Soren's true feelings tumble out....!

"Oh! I've wanted you in my arms, but-"

But Lord Richard revives! Lord Richard stirs.  "Woman, what are you saying?"

Soren's face reddens.  "I... I thought you were dying." How mortifying! He gets to one knee.   "From a little bump at a joust? Take me for a hothouse flower, do you?"  He draws in a breath.  "An embarrassment at most. All in good sport."

Soren doesn't know WHERE to look!

Soren scrambles to her feet.  "SANDRA!"

Sandra had better watch out! The girl grins. "Well whaddya know?"

"None of it."  Soren sets her jaw.  "We are leaving. You will walk behind."

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