The vast plain outside the Stonehelm blazed with bright light that night, every brazier and fire torch lit to drive away the cold breeze from the sea. Long tables of oak groaned beneath the weight of dishes - roasted vension, spiced fowl, lemon cakes and buttered turnips, and, pride of all, the black bear from the hunt, its meat glazed with honey and pepper.
The smell alone could make a man weak with hunger.
Minstrels played from the gallery above, their lutes and pipes weaving through a rumble of laughter and the clatter of cups. Banners hung from the rafters - black and white swans, green turtle, black lion, golden stags - the colors of the Stormlands gathered in one hall.
Dramon sat not far from the dais, a privilege as the runner-up of the melee. His retinue sat not far from him, amongst minor knights and squires. Olynd feasted on the bear meat with boyish glee, grease shining on his chin.
"By the Gods," Olynd mumbled around a mouthful, "the beast tastes better than I feared."
Lanner chuckled, raising his goblet. "Aye, though I'd have thought the cooks'd drown it in spice to mask the game, but this- this is fit for lord's table."
"It is," A knight said quietly, cutting a small piece from his plate. "I'm Herbert Bolling, knight from the Bolling house. I'm pleased to make acquaintance with you, Dramon."
The meat was dark, rich, and smoky, with the right amount of sweetness.
"Ser Bolling, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" Dramon cautiously asked while he munched on the bear meat.
"Dramon, may I ask what is your aim after tomorrow? Are you going to accept service under any lord?"
"I'm too young to enter the eyes of the esteemed lords, Ser Bolling. I wish to travel the seven kingdoms before seeking employment under any lord."
"There is a group of bandits who are attacking our villages. They have made their base in moutains northwest if our fief. If I request you to help us root them out, will you accept?" Herbert questioned.
"While I would agree that getting rid of bandits is the right thing to do, I wouldn't promise you such if you expect only me and my retinue make enemies of the bandits you speak of. So, Ser knight, what is your strategy dealing with these despicable bandits?"
"We have 20 knights in our land. If all our 20 knights attacked the bandits they would no doubt be eradicated, it leaves our land with no defenses. Thus, I would like you to join our expedition in the red mountains."
Dramon thought for a while. "I'll discuss with my companions first, then I'll share which decision was reached. I have no problems with your proposal."
"Thank you, for your support." Herbert took his plate and returned to where his retinue was.
Soon after, Lord Gulian Swann rose, his great voice cutting through the noise. "Lords, knights, and ladies, and goodmen of all! You have honoured my son Balon's coming of age name-day with courage and valor. The hunt has pleased our bellies, the joust has pleased our heart, and the melee has proved the mettle of our Stormland sons!"
A cheer rose, mugs slamming against the wood.
Gulian continued, "The bear meat we ate today was hunted by my first born, Donnel. He also gifted his brother coat made from its fur. Ah!!! such expression of brotherly love buoys my fatherly heart. *Ahem*... *Ahem*... Enough about my sons," he raised his cup towards Dramon, "who would've thought that a boy from Rainwood can achieve so much in his first outing? His skill at arms, his bearing, and his courage are worthy of praise. Although he is not a champion, he is the rising star that would shine bright upon the seven kingdoms!"
Applause thundered through the venue. Olynd, and Derrin whooped and thumped table, while Lanner allowed himself a rare smile.
Dramon stood, bowing low. Gulian raised his goblet. "Let's remember the name of the star, Dramon Wyce! Let's drink for the rising star!" He booomed.
"For the rising star!" The crowd cheered.
Wine flowed freely after that. Venue swelled in song and stories - bawdy ones from the squires, bold ones from the knights, and romatic ones from bards.
Dramon's table overflew with various types of people after that. Minor lords who wanted to take this young star for themselves,squires who wanted to dual him - even some knights who wanted the same, and knights who wanted to take him as their squire, bards who wanted to write songs about him; in there there were also some fair maidens who only interested in glancing at his visage.
Eventually Dramon excused himself from all of them, then arrived at the river bank alone. He took in the river breeze and enjoyed the serenity it brought with it.
He heard faint footsteps, like a rabbits hop, nearby. When he turned he spotted a maiden clad in white and forest green dress.
He raised his eyebrow questioning her. "I'm Elyana Vypren, I brought this mead to quench your thirst." She nervously said as she put the cup forward while squeezing her hands from the side toward her chest.
Dramon had already wore down by countless requests before. He just took the cup and sat down facing the river.
Elyana sat besides and slowly, sneakily linked her arms with his, Dramon sighed inwardly but did nothing. He could not bring himself to admit that he wasn't enjoying this, he very much did so. At least more than ramblings he's been hearing before coming to river bank.
Seeing that Dramon didn't show any reaction, she became bolder and moved closer still until her hot breath grazed his chin. She started to rattle off why she came here, where she's from, everything to him. He barely heard any of it.
Soon mead in the cup ran dry. He got up and asked Elyana. "I'm going to my lodging, care to follow?" Then walked towards his lodging.
To his surprise Elyana did follow him. He abruptly stopped and looked her in the eye. "You do know that I'm going elsewhere after today. I can't give you the life you yearn, yet. So, please come to your senses."
She looked right back at him, her palms forming fists. "All I know is I want to be with you, even for a while longer. If we do not meet again, then it is the will of the seven. But please let me make unforgettable memories with you today."