Re: At The Lists
Jaehaerys shifted in his saddle as the knight across from him took position at the other end of the list. He smiled grimly behind his helm. Thank all the gods the jousts came before the melee or he'd be done in already. Jaehaerys' armor was wrought for strength more than decoration, but the bloodred of it gleamed in the sunlight as dragons' scales shimmered through it. His helm was decorated only lightly- etched dragons the only ornament. His opponent's - a Connington of Griffin's Roost- on the other hand was a masterwork of a someone's imagination- a helm fashioned like a griffin's head and white and red armor made to resemble a bare torso more than plating. Jaehaerys hoped it was a strong as it looked. The other knight's lance streamed with ribons- the gift of some lady who waited anxiously in the stands. Or perhaps several ladies from the number of colors, Jaehaerys thought with some amusement.
The trumpets sounded as his father gave the signal. The lance in his hand was heavier than it had been earlier in the day, but familiar. His horse didn't seem to mind the fuss at all and danced beneath him in anticipation, echoing Jaehaerys' own emotions. He moved in the saddle and spurred his horse forwaward. His gaze focused on the shining breast of his opponent's armor. His heart was racing. Just... there. The lance lowered and he braced himself. The other knight's tip was steady...
A roar of blood in his ears or perhaps that of the crowd swept through him and all the world was lost as the lance shoved into his arm as it met the opponent's armor and a shove and then...
The blow shook him but years of practice kept him in his saddle. His lance was shattered he realized as his mount slowed at the end of the lists. He glanced back in a daze to see his opponent's mount riderless on the other end and the Connington flailing about as his squires tried to exctricate him and his spiky shoulders from the ground. Jaehaerys grinned as he pulled the helmet off.
One more down. An entire afternoon to survive. Jaehaerys rode from the lists to await the next match. Possibly in a tub of ice. If only it wasn't so much fun throwing people off their horses.