>>6068737>>6068763The champions begin speaking with one another. Eric begins probing Zachariah with questions about the North, living in the cold, and what he would hope to do as Emperor. Zachariah answers politely, keeping the conversation going but being sure not to overshare. Andrea and Annabella, despite their differences, have no trouble striking up a conversation about something you could honestly care less about. Further down the table, you can see that Nicholas is doing his best to get Sasha and Nancy to speak with him. Iain, next to you, is in a short back and forth with JP that looks to be bordering on an eating contest with the way they’re both eating.
Messian seems content to watch. His stoic blue eyes taking in everything around him. You can’t let him miss out on the fun, can you?!
“How are you handling the change in climate?” You ask him.
He doesn’t seem startled at all by the sudden question. “No trouble, really. I’ve been to court several times in the past.” He replies, focusing his attention down the table. “And you?” He finally asks.
“The climate isn’t an issue so much as the lack of water. Don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep right without spending at least part of the day a’ sea.” You grimace. “Your the crown-prince of Errat, then?”
He nods, “Indeed. And you’re the bastard son of Edward Kabot.” The remark is not a question.
“Indeed.” You grin. This is a spicy one. “I guess you’ve studied up on us, then?”
“Naturally, we gathered information on the likely champions, as I’m sure you did.”
You laugh, “Ha, never. Life is less fun when you avoid surprises. Any juicy tidbits you have on any of our new friends, here?”
He meets your eyes. “As if I’d tell you.” He replies matter-of-factly.
“Fine fine, be that way.” You pop a mushroom into your mouth, “How ‘bout this. You tell me about someone at the table, and then you can ask me a question, anything at all.”
“What if I lie?”
“Well, then I’ll know you’re a liar, and the same goes for you if I lie.”
He grins for the first time. “Fine then. Ask.”
“Tell me about the big fella down there, ol’ John Patrick. Duluth is right next door, you must know something.”
He ponders for a moment. “JP…” He brings a hand up and twists his goatee. “Is one of the Champions I know the least about, aside from you.” He says frankly. “We had prepared for the Prince Henry Horton of Duluth to be the champion. We had considered alternatives, like JP, but studied them less. He’s the Prince’s younger brother, much larger though, as you can see. Warded in the Winterlands and is apparently betrothed to a girl there, although I expect if JP finds success here that Betrothal may be reneged on. He is a skilled combatant. He has had some impressive finishes in melees throughout the Empire, despite still being a novice knight. As for his other qualities, I’ve yet to figure out. He comes off as rather simple minded and outgoing, but I’ve long learned not to take such signals at face value.”
(Cont).
