>>5237627You stride over to them, the rowdy card players standing to attention as you pass before you bid them return to their distraction. If they want to waste their meal time playing cards it's their prerogative. The men stand, Alys does not. Which is odd, but not improper, as she isn't sworn to your service. You take your seat at the head of the table.
“Good afternoon, everyone.” You say, as Alys flags down one of the servants and indicates you need a meal. It had slipped your mind entirely honestly, but you had been taking your lunch in the infirmary with her for so long you had nearly forgotten your long exercises in the training yard necessitated you restore yourself. No doubt she'll scold you for your neglect again. Friedrich nods respectfully as he sits, while Domlech looks mostly annoyed he had to temporarily quit eating to greet you. Redran looks nervous as they come. “It's Captain Redran, right? How long have you headed the garrison here?”
“T-ten years, Captain-General!” He stammers out.
“Calm yourself, man, the men are up to snuff so I have no quarrel with you.” You mean that, they are a match on the training field for any of your own men at arms back in the Hold.
“I appreciate your praise, Captain-General!” The excitable man seems to be developing a flop sweat. Alys giggles at your side while Friedrich shakes his head slightly in exasperation. Domlech continues eating the turkey to the bone, and then begins gesticulating wildly at the nearest servant. You note Redran has finished his meal and is fidgeting.
“Do you have somewhere to be, Redran?”
“Afternoon roll call Captain-General!”
“Then you're excused.”
He nods with enthusiasm and marches away from the table, gathering the card players with him as he leaves the hall.
“He seems a little, uh, jittery.”
Alys smiles. “He was perfectly fine before you walked in. I think he built you up a bit in his head.”
“What did I do?”
Domlech grunts. “Told em ye beat me one on one, chief. That seemed to do it.” His second turkey leg arrives and he begins his gluttonous task once again. Your own meal arrives. A roast and potatoes. Your favorite. Someone has been talking to the kitchen. Politely, you begin eating.
“So, you needed to talk, Alys?”
