The Tourney at Ashford

Derrick hadn't been completely honest with Warryn in their talk earlier. Certainly he had found the tournament to be rather nice, but there were other things that left him more then a bit confused. Not the least of which is he had spent quite a bit of time hitting women today.

More then he would like to admit honestly... The second had been quite a surprise and honestly, he still wasn't sure how he made her angry. The only thing he knew was he was probably better off keeping his mouth shut around them. It seemed safer that way.

Another member of House Algood was wandering about in the streets. Lady Cassana approached the man-at-arms with a displeased look on her face. "You embarrassed me in front of the others earlier today," she stated plainly. She was obscuring details, of course, but she was certain he knew what she was referring to.

This was just what he didnt want right now, still he wasn't going to run away. Standing straight he looked at the young woman. "My apologies milady, that was not my intention."

"It had to be a spectacle. Perhaps the sparring grounds were not the correct location." She stretched out her right wrist. "You barely looked hurt from the bout."

"There are a lot of eyes here to see these things." More then he had expected at least. "As to injuries, I earned a few bruises Milady. But I'm quite tough, we'll need to practice putting more force behind your blows."

"I was barely landing them on you," she continued. She let out a sigh. "I wonder if a blade would have made a cut or if your armor would have stopped it."

"It wouldn't of gotten past my scalemail, that's the point of heavier armor though." He brought a hand up to scratch at his head. "All I can suggest is to practice more, I'm a few years ahead of you in that regard at least. Also remember most of those knights will be easier to hit then me."

"They may be easier to hit but they will also have thicker armor." She let out a soft sigh and looked away. "That is true. I do not have the luxury of practicing openly."

"Well, if you're jousting they will likely be on horses as well, and that's another beast entirely. We will have to work on your spear work for that."

"Maybe next session should be in the woods? I'm sure we can find a clearing or something? There will be less onlookers, and no one can wonder why I'm always fightning you."

"Are you challenging me to a joust?" she asked with an amused look on her face.

Cassana shrugged. "I suppose the woods would work. Although it would be even more suspicious if someone found us there."

He shrugged, a soft frown crossing his features "Wasn't really my intention, but it's something we could try if you liked."

"You would likely know better then me on that account. I could wear armor myself though, and with a helm on, few are likely to recognize me."

"It may be better to practice on targets. Jousting is quite dangerous." She placed a hand on her hip and thought for a moment. "If someone were hoping to injure or maim someone on the lists then the joust is a perfect opportunity to."

The lady let out a sigh and nodded. "Armor it is, then. Be sure to bring your actual weapons though."

"Alright." He agreed with a nod. "Just name the time and place to meet milady. The forest or the sparing grounds."

He would probably have to go without his shield, but he could manage a few different weapons instead.

"I will address you in the morning then. It is often difficult to make complete decisions at such events." She let out a soft sigh. "I believe the woods will do better though."

"I'll make myself available when you wish it then Milady." He offered with a dip of his head. "Though I usually spend the earliest hours of the day exercising if my duties don't call me other places."

"You are always striving to become a better warrior," she remarked, a tinge of jealousy obvious in her tone. Cassana let out a soft sigh. "The afternoon should be suitable unless matters call us elsewhere.'

"I suppose I am, though that's just because I don't think I have reached my limits, and honestly." He frowned softly. "It's all that I know, all that I'm really good at." Nothing else had ever came to him in the same way. "The afternoon it will be then, unless you inform me otherwise Milady."

"I am sure you know more, Derrick." She paused, searching for something, but ultimately moved on. "Your skills surpass mine, if that is worth any mention. I am certain you will do well in the grand melee."

Cassana dipped her head. "The afternoon then."

"I hope to." The young man replied a slight smile crossing his lips before it disappeared. "It's not likely I will win, but I'd like to see how well I do." Not that the two ladies he fought with weren't good opponents, he just never felt extremely pressured by them. Though he had to admit Alessia had been fairly good.

Cassana smiled. "Now then, it would only be proper for a man-at-arms to escort a lady home to the compound, correct?"

"Yes, Milady." He offeted simply as he started to do just that. His face the same impassive mask it often was.

The noblewoman walked abreast with him and let out a soft sigh. "Have you been to the tavern yet?"

"If you're talking about the Dornishman, then yes I have." He replied simply. "I was a bit hungry so I decided to stop in to sample the food there." One might note, that he had eaten dinner at the Algood Compound at bit earlier in the evening. Though it really didn't matter much. "Was there something you were wondering about it?"