*Dorian Whitehall*
Sir Wilfred and Tartan entered the dimly lit chambers where Dorian had thrown himself, following his unexplained reaction to what happened during the dragon attack. "He hasn't got up in three days", Tartan looked at him with a worried expression. "It takes time for the mind to heal. Why don't you ask him to spar? It would be good to get him up and take his mind off of whom ever or what ever has hurt him", Sir Wilfred responded looking at the emotionless Dorian splayed out on the bed, his body covered in earth and some light wound on his face and arms. Then he turned his gaze back to Tartan, his red swollen face stuck out like a sore thumb, Wilfred took a moment and then smiled at Tartan "You aren't in the best shape yourself". "I don't seem to be, do I", Tartan looked down at his hands that held a slight tremor. "It's gotten so complicated in the last few days. First a Rhakr attacked Dorian and now a dragon, I just want things to go back to the way they were". Wilfred nodded, "In time to come, there will be more challenges, and you will have to face them, for your King, as a united front. You're not just a knight, your his cousin and his best friend. And when Dumbar returns, the three of you will be reunited, to cause mischief again". Tartan smiled, "You're right of course, you always are", he turned his attention back towards the bed.
Dorian was laying in his bed, his head ringing as he thought back to what happened. Why am I so sad, I barely knew her. I mean she said I'm her descendant. But that doesn't explain my grief. And I can't use my, mana. I'm just a weakling, a burden again. I thought I had something. But I lost everything. I always lose. Tartan is alive at least but his face is all scars and his flesh is feeble and brittle.
Dorian attempted to push himself off of his bed, Tartan made a move to help him but Sir Wilfred put a stop to him. Dorian stumbled trying to regain his footing, it has been a while since he was standing and his muscles were adjusting accordingly. "If someone saw you. Walking like a newborn fawn, they'd think something actually terrible happened. Not you just being a lazy bastard", Tartan quipped. Before receiving an elbow from Wilfred, that made him groan and chuckle at the same time. "See, the guy that got his face burned off, can still have a laugh".
Dorian after finding his footing, leaned against the dark wall that was so moist, it even wet his clothes. "Maybe you'll need a bit of wine to ease the...", he stopped for a moment. "Where's Quinton", he had a broken leg last Dorian remembered. Where was he now. Sir Wilfred's expression darkened, "Dorian you don't need to worry about Quinton now, he's okay, you should rest yourself. Your more important".
Tartan moved to intercept Dorian, placing a hand on his chest and pushing him back down, against the bed. "We'll take you to him later". Sir Wilfred nodded, "I'll leave you two alone then", Wilfred turned and left the chambers.
"Dorian, you must rest. We need our King back to full health", Tartan looked at the dejected and weak Dorian, he was frail now, but his frame was still as broad as ever. "He's alive though?" Dorian asked. "Yes he is", Tartan responded not taking his eyes off the ground. "Good". Dorian thought to himself, I was weak, and I know I won't become any stronger remaining like this. But I'm lazy and stupid and how the hell ever am I going to get stronger. If at every turn I get knocked down. She said go to the far east, but I don't even know where that is. And I have a Kingdom to rule. I just want rest. It's impossible rest, being a King and all. I know it but i wish for a simple life. I'm being drawn into something greater. And I don't want to be part of any of it, I just need peace. I'm such a hypocrite too, I want rest. But I do nothing, it's stupid really. I'll be stuck in this endless cycle of wishing. But never getting, anything.
"Why don't we go sparring. Later", Tartan smiled, "But it's alright to refuse, I know I'm just the better fighter and all". Dorian chuckled, "Even with half a face"?. "That only makes me more, terrifying. Blood oozing from my every spore. You'll shit yourself, like you did against the Rhakri", Tartan stifled a laugh. "You didn't need to mention that", Dorian said and punched Tartan. "If you hit as weak as that, you won't be able to beat me at all". "Shut up", Dorian smirked. "Best I leave and prepare the practice arena", Tartan said whilst getting up and moving for the door. "Best you do", Dorian slumped back in his bed, as Tartan left.
Hours later Dorian emerged from his chambers, he made his way towards the designated training area. Whitehall was quieter than usual, less people around. Why was that? Dorian entered the area, and spotted Tartan prepared, wearing his light armour and of course held a blunt edged blade. Aswell as Sir Wilfred, who would make sure, either one of them didn't get too carried away. The ground was hard and brown, dust would rise if they fought properly. They both weren't renowned fighters. Dorian picked up a blunt sword and shield. Last time I held a sword. I used mana, this time I'll have to use raw strength.
He readied himself, his stance wide and sturdy. "Let's begin our training so, Tartan". Sir Wilfred lifted his hand, "Begin". They didn't move for a moment, forgetting that they both fought defensive styles. But eventually Tartan attacked. Lunging forward he swung his sword down, Dorian blocked, pushed him back, shifted and swung his blade. Which narrowly missed Tartan. I'm slower, but that's from being a lazy bastard. Dorian blocked Tartan's next attack, then Tartan quickly shifted and hit Dorian's side with the flat edge of his blade. Dorian fell to one knee, "I'm okay, just a little weakened from my resting", Dorian got back up and blocked several more of Tartan's attacks, before he was struck again. Damnit. Tartan smirked, "Seems your a bit worse for wear". "I guess so", Dorian nodded back. Tartan moved with quick grace and sliced at Dorian's head. But that was a mistake. Dorian ducked, and with his superior frame, he pushed Tartan over with his shield. "You seem a bit slower than usual, Tartan". "You do too, Dorian". They smirked and Dorian pulled Tartan back onto his two feet.
After putting away his weapons Dorian thought to himself, maybe I ain't so bad without mana, I mean I bet Tartan, ya but I still wouldn't do well against a tourney knight. And Tartan wasn't trying his hardest. He huffed, "Sir Wilfred, why's there so little people around?". Wilfred looked at Dorian, "Word has spread fast but not yet to your ears, King Dorian". He waited a moment, "King Lorcan Riage, set out on a voyage a few weeks ago, to the Basin of the Dead. And only returned a couple of days ago. Many men have travelled to meet his arrival and his new prize. With him was a head of three Amphiptere". An Amphiptere I thought they were dead, but I guess I'm wrong. "But why did people go to Lorcamir so, I mean just to welcome a man. That wasn't even their King?" Dorian was puzzled. "He will have a tournament, in honour of his name. And all Houses great and small, have been invited. It will be the largest Tourney in history. That is why", Sir Wilfred looked at his King, "Will you attend, my Liege". Tartan and Dorian both nodded. "Since when are you, 'my Liege', Tartan", Dorian asked smiling. "Well someone has got to keep you in check".