Perspectives
Lute
Subject: General Seth of Renais, son of Sir Caradoc of Renais (deceased), popularly known as "The Silver Knight."
I make a mental note of his approximate height, weight, and age. Being the prodigy that I am, I hardly need bother with written notes like those poor lesser scholars. Still, I can't understand Artur's baffling logic sometimes. He suggests that I study people and not just books, and then, when I do, he tells me not to stare. How am I to observe people and draw proper conclusions based on their behaviour if I can't observe them with the requisite attention and equanimity? Of course with my genius finding an alternative method is simple enough; it just requires a change of perspective.
It really is amazing how easy it is to watch someone when they don't know you're doing it– when you're standing on the walkway looking down into the castle courtyard and they never look up, or when they think you're immersed in your reading. It is somewhat trickier when the subject of your study is standing on the tallest tower. From down here I am only able to make the most superficial of observations: the early morning light glinting off his armour is aesthetically pleasing; the fluttering of his cloak in the wind calls to mind the classic image of knightly nobility. But none of this helps me to judge whether he's secretly pining for a lady beyond his status and reach.
For all Artur's claims that love doesn't require books, love is in fact the subject of many a treatise– albeit in fictional form– so it seemed only sensible while I'm here in Castle Renais that I should make use of its collection. And they do have a wide assortment of ballads and knightly romances that I was able to consult. It's unfortunate that they don't give a proper account of what happens when a brilliant mage, such as myself, falls in love. Perhaps geniuses don't fall in love? But... No, that's an erroneous conclusion. The absence of exemplars does not necessitate the impossibility of the phenomenon itself. And after all, Artur–
The subject is on the move!
If my calculations are correct (as if there could be any doubt), he is headed to the courtyard for the morning training of the Renais troops. Now I should finally have the chance to make a more detailed observation. It's almost universally accepted in ballads that a kingdom's most renowned knight must be in love with a woman of noble birth far beyond his rank– a queen or princess in most instances– or a woman of supernatural origins. Since Mistress Myrrh, in spite of her years, still appears as a child to human eyes, that leaves Princesses Eirika, Tana, and L'Arachel as the only likely candidates. And with two out of the three currently here in Renais, what better opportunity to determine if my theory is correct?
During the war I rarely observed the general with Princess Tana or Princess L'Arachel, but it seems to be common for a besotted knight to avoid the object of his affections and to worship her from afar, so any conclusions at this point would be premature.
From my vantage point on the walkway, I can see that Princess Eirika is in the courtyard below. Judging by her attire it's clear that she means to spar with the soldiers today. I understand she's taken it upon herself to continue to improve her swordsmanship even now with the war at an end. Certainly she's given none of the typical signs of a princess who's in love: she's neither pallid, nor sickly, nor refusing to eat, nor prone to swooning. I'd have to be closer, however, to determine whether she flushes at all in Sir Seth's presence and to more closely observe his own behaviour. Best to watch from the courtyard itself then.
Having calculated the most efficient route, I'm able to arrive in the courtyard before Sir Seth and take up position along the sidelines where I won't be noticed: it's essential that the subject of one's study be unaware of one's scrutiny or the unbiased nature of the results may be in doubt. Princess Eirika is speaking to Sir Kyle, but I arrive too late to ascertain the exact nature of their discourse, whether it be a matter of trivial day-to-day happenings or something of greater import.
"Good morning, Sir Seth," Sir Kyle greets him as he finally appears.
"Hello, Seth," Princess Eirika adds with a smile that I would characterise as something more than cordial: warm or friendly seem best suited. Judging by her reaction to Sir Seth I believe it's safe to assert that she is not in fact in love: a princess in love must necessarily grow pale, tremble, and possibly crumple to the ground when she lays eyes on the object of her affections. Instead, the princess appears quite cheerful and energetic, the very opposite of a love-struck member of the aristocracy.
"Lady Eirika," General Seth says with a bow. He has a very slight smile on his lips, but, as always, there's something guarded about Sir Seth's expression, which makes the true nature of his thought process and emotional state difficult to ascertain. He nods to Kyle and then his attention returns to the princess. "Is there anything wrong, my lady?"
"No, I was just hoping to find a sparring partner."
"I had suggested she wait for you Sir Seth," Sir Kyle says. "Sir Seth?"
Now what's this? The subject's reaction is unexpected. How interesting. I'm certain now that if I persevere, my observations will yield results.