>>6340247>>6341435>>6341459>>6341459By Saint Michel and Saint Denis ! It is rejoicing to see people worrying for me, so like Guillaume (or William) the Conqueror at Hastings I shall remove my helmet to show that I am alive. But I have to disappoint you, I have not been wounded in some duel with a vile knight or been on campaign, I have simply finalised to move from a place to another, and had to have my thesis subject reviewed (I shall have to rework it). And moving from house to house is like laying siege to a castle or courting a woman, it demands much attention that you cannot give to your comrades and bannermen. I am very sorry for it.
>>6341792What wonderful news, this absence has helped some new men to find their courage and mount on their horse ! Be welcome and ride in the sun, exchanging japes and complimenting the best blows of your brothers instead of lurking in the shadows like some manant. All to say that am always glad when someone joins, you deserve a good barrel of fine Burgundian Wine.
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You were not the kind of man taken to long tirades to justify yourself. It would even appear weak, a lord does not have to explain itself before it's servants. But they were not only servants but friends too, and you could see the worry in their eyes. Oh, of course Elana and Pennicyllynn had the soft hearths of women and even if you knew that women discouraged men from dangerous endeavours only to see them enterprise such endeavours more eagerly, you could discern a sincere worry in those blue and green eyes. And Brother Louis, he was an honest man and a man of God, he preached well and you did not want to disturb him. If you had been ten years younger you would have laughed at their worry but you were a man grown, a man who was at the height of it's maturity, you were 27 years old. So clearing your throat you explained.
-Listen, kind ladies, dear brother... I understand that you worry for your lord, and it shows an admirable feudal spirit, but jousting is glorious, and fun, and less dangerous than a melee. So everything will be fine.
You saw that it was not enough and you turned towards Elana.
-Think, please, of what sort of lord you want, or that dear Rose would want to marry. A man who fears danger ? No ! If I were such a man, soft and careful rather than one who faces it head on, I would not have saved Rose, or have survived (forgive me for saying this) attempted murder by Elana. it is a good man who keeps his skills sharp and his vitality up by such sport !
