Joachim looked over the crowd, where Kyran and a man he did not recognize stood in wait. "Ah, so my vassal finally decided to show up. I wonder what the delay was?" he continued to stare at the tall thin man with dusty gray hair and severe, gray eyes.
"Who is that other man?" Catherine whispered.
Joachim's attention focused on the stranger suspiciously. "I have no idea. However, I am about to find out." Before he could even lift his foot Catherine already started through the groups of spectators toward them. "Catherine! Wait-" he paused when it became clear she was not going to listen."Kyran! Where have you been?" The second he managed to get through to them and steeped out between two people, the man's eyes looked at him in surprise.
"Why, I must apologize. Tis' a long story, though I am certain you will understand the circumstances."
"Enough excuses. I want to know what is going on here. Can you not see you are disrupting the guests?" Joachim's lower lip curled.
"I must apologize for the disturbance."
Instantly, Joachim felt his body freeze upon hearing an unfamiliar voice. The voice was smooth and slightly deep. His eyes looked up and locked with the stranger's penetrating gaze, made his lips fall still. Like a deer shocked by the face of a hunter, he dared not move once his eyes locked upon man, who continued smoothly.
"Good evening. You are Lord Armster, I presume?" He asked and without waiting for answer, an amused chuckle vibrated from his throat. "I was kindly informed by your vassal that there would be a small celebration tonight and I am pleased to say it has exceeded my expectations."
Joachim could not help but feel his entire being cease to move, and the man's words were so calm that it made his stance straighten, but no matter how tall he appeared his height made little match in comparison to the stranger's build and form. He was definitely not a giant, but still tall enough to make him uneasy.
"Who are you?" Joachim inquired sharply; his eyes narrowing further when he took a stiff step forward and folded his arms across his chest. "I do not recall having invited you. If you are Maurizio's friend, I wish to speak with you and he at once." The young man glared reproachfully.
The red-haired stranger gave a courteous bow, his voice calm. "Do forgive my interruption, Lord Armster. I was merely curious after hearing about the announcement of a new lord in this region."
"I am afraid I cannot accommodate you tonight," Joachim replied with disinterest, his eyes never leaving the other lord for a moment. The man's unnerving smile prompted him to add quickly. "Do forgive me for my candor. I only have enough food for the guests I invited. It would be a terrible shame for you to be unable to enjoy the feast as well-"
"Joachim, surely you do not mean that?" Catherine interjected, her face beaming upon seeing the red-haired lord bow respectfully. "It was kind of him to come. If he means no ill will, why send him away? Forgive my intrusion, but I am certain it would be interesting to meet a visiting lord from a different region."
"This should not be allowed," Joachim snorted, though the harshness in his tone relented once he noticed Catherine sigh. After falling into an uneasy silence, he gave a reluctant nod, his pale blue eyes hardening. "Oh, very well, if you insist…" He muttered, despite the look of the displeasure upon his face as his lips formed a slighted scowl.
Joachim felt his eyes freeze on the red-haired lord who continued to look at him in amusement. The lord wore armor the color of blood, which nearly matched his side-parted shoulder length crimson hair. Behind his head was a high collar that fanned around the back of his head. The elaborate armor flared out at the shoulders, resembling two unfolded bat wings. His arms and thighs were covered by a skintight black undergarment, patterned with an ornate design that reached to down to his jet-black gauntlets. The elbow-high cuffs of the gauntlets were lined with gold, revealing that his claim of being a lord was not unfounded.
Worn on the man's feet were knee-high armored red boots that matched his chest armor. Joachim noticed that the other lord's skin was smooth and pale like snow, whilst his eyes were so dark he could not tell his irises from his pupils. The lord's right eye was partially covered by crimson bangs, which curled gracefully at the tips and splayed around his face and shoulders. Though at first, he did not wish to admit it, the stranger's form and build was quite remarkable. Although the lord's face and hair seemed almost doll-like, his jaw-line and cheekbones gave him a proud, masculine appearance. The subtle mixture of elegance and strength was something such a man had mastered completely. A surge of envy flowed through Joachim as he looked up at the other lord, hiding his admiration behind a pale mask of irritation.
"Hmm…" The lord murmured in a low voice, his eyes staring at the young man unblinkingly. "I do not require any food, though I thank you for your generosity. A glass of red wine will be satisfactory enough. Please," he added. "Run along and fetch me a glass."
Joachim stood and stared, his eyes ablaze the second he heard the man address him in such a casual tone. "If I am not mistaken, I am the Lord here. How dare you treat me like a servant! I will not be mocked like some kind of lowly jester!" He gritted his teeth together and held his head high in an attempt to look at the other lord in the eyes.
"Interesting…" The stranger began slowly without even raising an eyebrow after listening to the young lord's outburst. "It seems I have been impolite, do forgive me Lord Armster. Tis' uncommon for a lord to be as young as you; however I am pleased to find such a fiery tempered Adonis is the one whom I hoped to meet."
Joachim once continued to scowl but when his expression was met with a returned one from Catherine, a deep sigh resounded before he replied brusquely. "If you came out of curiosity, I am afraid you shall be gravely disappointed. I have been ill these past few weeks and have nothing to discuss with you." When he noticed the other lord's brow furrow in puzzlement, he added matter-of-factly. "I have been ill since childhood. Doctors tell me it is due to a combination of my albinism and an imbalance from black bile. Thus, I have been too ill to manage the Armster estate. If you wish to discuss regional or political exploits, vassal Kyran can assist you in my stead, Lord…?"
With a deep nod, the man stepped closer, bowing with his formal introduction. "I am Lord Walter Bernhard. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Joachim Armster. What an interesting name you have, in both first and last. Was your father Zaeviean Armster?"
"Yes, and what of it?" Joachim tossed head back, allowing tendrils of his snow white hair to fall against his cheeks in graceful waves. "How do you know my family? Did my father know you?"
"Ah, you could say he did." The red-haired lord answered cryptically, a smirk creasing the corner of his fine lips. "I was asking out of curiosity because I am here to pay my respects. I heard from your vassal that Lord Zaeviean died recently."
The bemused smile on his face slowly faded into a firm expression, until his eyes darted to Catherine so quickly Joachim barely prevented himself from gasping. "Who is this fine lady by your side? I do not recall seeing a woman so lovely in quite some time."
Catherine giggled when he reached out and took her hand, raising it gently to his lips, which lightly kissed its surface. "What do you think you're doing?" Joachim interrupted, his voice rising yet again until their eyes locked. The young lord found himself gazing into Walter's opaque eyes, unable to move as the other lord smirked at him coolly.
"Joachim," Catherine's eyes narrowed to meet his. "Lord Walter was merely complimenting me. Please, calm down. I think you are straining yourself too much tonight-"
"I am perfectly fine!" He nearly snapped, though managed to catch the temptation in time to speak firmly instead as he inquired. "Walter, or whoever you say you are, what business do you have in Creightel?"
With a flick of his long, black cape, Walter chuckled – evidently, more amused than impressed by the young man's impatience. One of his hands brushed away the coils of thick, red hair veiling part of his left eye, his regal head lifting so that his tall, built frame loomed over Joachim. Compared to Walter, Joachim's sickly pale form seemed even feebler than usual.
"I may be a stranger," He eased "However, I live in a castle south of Dalwood near your village. I would like to acquaint myself with my neighboring lords. It makes things more…interesting, if you will."
Joachim gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists. "You say you live near Dalwood?" The young man placed a hand to his chin thoughtfully, and when Walter nodded, he added warily. "I was not aware there was a lord ruling over that region." In his attempt to find answers, Walter provided more questions instead. Yet, before he could inquire further, he noticed that Maurizio had been listening the entire time. The knight stood behind Catherine, his eyes fixated on Walter, unable to resist the opportunity to contribute to their conversation.
"Why, is that not the forest of Eternal Night?" Maurizio asked between gulps of ale, draining the mug he held to the last drop before remarking. "They say it always dark there. Nevertheless, no one has returned to describe it in detail-"
"Of course someone has to have gone there and returned." Joachim scoffed, his icy eyes narrowing. "How else would anyone know about the fact it is dark if they had not returned?"
"Of course, it is only a legend!" Maurizio said, immediately withdrawing his excitement.
"That forest stretches for miles. Anyone who goes there would probably get lost and never find their way out. Not even hunters or travelers take that route since they say a vampire dwells thereabouts."
Joachim rolled his eyes and gave an overly loud sigh. However, when he looked at Walter, the lord said in a curious tone. "Is that so? Hmm…do go on. I enjoy listening to legends about Eternal Night. Though, I shall say, Eternal Night is quite a fascinating place. The branches of the trees nearly cover the sky like a canopy, so it is no wonder some mistaken it for perpetual night..."
Joachim sighed again and turned his head away, trying his best to ignore the statement but he could not help but sense the sheer amusement still emanating from the stranger. "Well," The knight continued. "They also say the vampire that lives there captures maidens in order to lure their unwary rescuers into his domain. Actually, I have heard that a few women in Dalwood have disappeared without a trace over the past century. Who knows? It is a legend anyway, and nothing has happened as of late to confirm it."
"Nor will anything happen," Joachim chided. "I scarcely see why we are talking about such nonsense. Vampires are merely figments of the human imagination created out of our desire to defy death." Joachim shook his head, unable to hide the tone of exasperation in his voice. He straightened his posture even further to a rigid stance, unmoved by the conversation, despite the growing interest of his comrades.
"Why would a vampire do such a thing? How can that be entertaining?" Catherine asked while her eyes darted between Joachim and Walter, her lips curving into a frown upon finding that she was caught in the middle of their debate.
"Vampires work in many ways, milady." Walter replied. Uncharacteristically, Joachim's attention was drawn to the man's patient words. "Perhaps that vampire simply enjoys it like one enjoys a sparring tournament between knights. If one had the ability to do as they please, eternal life would seem rather monotonous after a time."
"Oh, and I suppose you're the expert on that?" Joachim eyed Walter once again in suspicion. A faint twinge of a smile crossed the other lord's lips when he stared back at him without replying. Whether it was out of his desire to mock him or out of irritation was impossible to determine.
Despite Joachim's harshness, Maurizio shrugged, his light brown eyes dancing between the two lords with growing delight. "Well, a description of the vampire was recorded by an old man who witnessed the creature bite his daughter. The man's wife and son were butchered that same night. I scarcely say, it was one of the most brutal murders I have ever heard about. The vampire's swiftness was said to be almost godly, with the ability to control objects, people, and translocate instantly. It was also said to be extremely frightening when it attacked, possessing such power and strength that even the strongest knight might cower in its presence."
"That is utterly ridiculous! No…it is not even that, it is merely ignorance. Vampires are excuses for murderous acts people commit upon one another, as well as to scare those who are weak minded." Joachim gave Walter another foreboding glare.
"Joachim, are you implying that I am weak-minded? I think it is a possibility, especially since people in Dalwood and even our village of Creightel have suddenly disappeared or been found dead - presumably bitten by diseased bats." Catherine folded her arms across her chest, refusing to look at him as he struggled to come up with a response.
Joachim huffed and waved her away, his eyes not hesitating to remain locked on Walter's amused smirk. "Catherine," he began. "I did not intend to insult you. I simply believe that vampires do not exist. There is no evidence to support such stories."
No sooner had he attempted to argue that contrary than Walter's deep voice fill the air. Almost everyone stopped and looked at him, their faces transfixed by his presence. However, unsurprisingly, Joachim was the sole exception. The young man looked away in boredom as the other lord replied.
"Some legends are not as unreal as they seem. If you are interested in the Church's hunt for witches and heathens, the existence of vampires is not implausible."
Joachim's eyes narrowed again upon hearing the other lord's implication. "The day I meet a vampire is the day a lark sings at midnight. Such ridiculous notions are not fit for my ears or my attention."
Walter chuckled, and the sound was so different than anything Joachim had heard before that his eyes darted to stare at the man. Traces of amusement circulated within his dark eyes. "My, I did not expect I would cause such animosity! Perhaps Lord Armster, it would be best if you and I had a talk – alone."
"Fine. Let's have a conversation then." Joachim sneered. "I want to know more about you, Lord Walter, and why you have come here."
Joachim's movements felt mechanical, for when he walked his legs carried him stiffly toward a nearby wall. As he went, he had to look over his shoulder to ensure that Walter was accompanying him, for the man's steps were oddly silent.
Walter paused briefly before turning to Joachim, bowing to Catherine and Maurizio in temporary farewell. "It was a pleasure good sir and lady. I look forward to continuing our discussion in a few moments."
Catherine smiled in return, her cheeks turning a noticeable shade of pink. Without further delay, Walter finally returned his attention to Joachim, his voice quiet yet bold. The two lords stood next to a wall, outside of earshot from the guests, who had seated themselves at the table and occupied by the mounds of food set out for them by Joachim's servants.
"Well, Lord Armster." Walter began at last, almost sighing in exasperation. "You appear quite distressed this evening. Pity, considering the purpose of this event is to celebrate."
Joachim glared back, hardly daring to breathe while the man towered over him. A slight smile appeared across Walter's face, which prompted the younger lord to inquire.
"I want to know how you knew my father." He nearly flinched to find his words had quickly filled the air in their blunt and irritated tone, as his eyes locked on Walter when the man let out a low huff.
"Yes, your father…I should have expected you would want to know that. Lord Zaeviean and I had our differences, which his death ultimately resolved."
Joachim's eyes bore into Walter's, and with trembling lips, lowered his head and felt the white strands of his shoulder length hair fall around his cheeks. Walter's gaze was penetrating and mystifying. The young man felt somehow vulnerable in his presence, as if at any moment Walter was capable of crushing his frail body on a whim. The uncertain feeling within him was so strong that he unknowingly backed into the wall, his back pressing against it so hard that his armor ground against its stone surface.
Walter stared at him for a long moment, his expression unchanging, until he cocked his head and replied shortly. "What a pity. I regret that he and I had unfinished business. Tis' no matter of importance now, however…"
The tone in which the other lord spoke became so bitter that Joachim shuddered and turned away. "Business?" He wondered aloud. "What kind of business did my father have with you? As lord of Creightel, I now have the right to my father's affairs. If you had something to do with him I demand that you tell me!" he held his head high and stared at him directly, but when Walter laughed his eyes widened at the sound.
Walter's voice remained deep, perhaps almost chilling in its boldness. "And you are quite the lord, Joachim. I have never encountered a lord who mingles with both nobles and peasants so freely. Is that clever young lady whom you call Catherine, a gypsy?"
"Does it matter? I care not." Joachim lied. Of course he knew that feigning indifference was easier than admitting that his affections for the young woman had not gone unnoticed by Walter, either. Joachim's gaze hardened, but his words felt weak compared to that of the man before him. A strange silence consumed his throat, and he swallowed hard.
"Hmm…" Walter mused, while Joachim had to use every effort to stop himself from trembling under the man's somber voice. "You look just like your father – you have his hair and face, but those eyes…belong to your mother."
"What are you talking about?" Joachim inquired sharply, but clutched a hand over his chest when the room began to spin. For a brief second he thought to have seen an almost reddish tint reflect in the red-haired lord's eyes. "No…not now…" he whispered, choking desperately to breathe.
"What is the matter?" Walter asked slowly, his voice quiet but hinting of alarm. "You seem tired. Perhaps the lady Catherine has good intention to think you are not well this evening…"
Joachim shook his head and squinted as if a bright light had invaded his vision, but the room was still darkened by torchlight and the shadows cast around the room hid part of Walter's face. "Its…nothing…really…I sometimes…have dizzy bouts…but they pass."
His voice quickly became ragged, and at the worst time his dizziness had returned to him. In frustration he attempted to push himself back up the wall, but only succeeded in nearly falling over onto the floor, until he closed his eyes and felt something grasp firmly onto each of his arms and lift him back onto his feet.
"Are you certain you are well Lord Armster? You have paled like snow, perhaps you should sit down and rest."
"I don't want to sit down!" he spat through gritted teeth and managed to slide himself away from Walter's hold, feeling his body freeze the moment the man's icy cold hands touched him. "I don't need your help! Occasionally this happens, and I have managed fine on my own."
A subtle gasp escaped his lips, and he breathed deeply while attempting to walk away from the wall. The second he lifted his body from it, he cried out when it fell backward and hit it violently, nearly sending him onto the floor again. With the speed of an eagle, Walter's hand enclosed around the collar of the young man's robe and held him up. His eyes widened and gazed up at Walter's face as his body fell limp in the man's hold.
"You are not well." Walter insisted, his voice becoming quiet and restrained. "You must rest. If you are chronically ill, I see no point in making it worse. Life is too short without being ill, after all…"
"I-I…." His eyes slowly opened and closed, and his breaths weakened again until his lids shot open at the sudden cry.
"Joachim, are you alright?"
Softened footsteps grew steadily louder, until he felt warmth enclose around him in an embrace. His eyes slowly fluttered open, falling upon Catherine, who had appeared next to the other lord. A look of concern washed across her face upon seeing his disoriented state. The woman's bright green eyes did not leave him for a moment, her lips trembling as Walter gently let go of the young man, his dark eyes watching carefully to make sure if he could stand without falling.
"Catherine…" Joachim whispered upon feeling her hand touch his cheek in concern. The words barely left his lips, which had become dry and cracked while his throat ached for water. Almost intuitively, the young woman withdrew a small flask from her pocket and uncorked it, pressing the opening of the bottle to his lips. A flood of cold, fresh water flowed down his throat, reviving him enough that he steadied himself.
"Come Joachim," She took his arm and began to lead him toward his chair at the table. "Whether you like it or not you will rest for a while. These kinds of obligations are stressful for you. Please don't worsen your condition."
"No, no I am alright! It was just a spell, its nothing to worry about." When he looked at her face, it was washed with concern though a weak smile managed to appear.
"Joachim, I fail to understand how you could think that Walter is an uncaring man. He kept you from falling! How kind it was of him – thank you, Lord Bernhard, for your courtesy."
Joachim's attention diverted momentarily to Walter, who stood silently, the locks of his crimson hair splaying around his face as he bowed. "It was no trouble at all. Celebrating can become quite tiring after a while, especially when one suffers from an illness."
Joachim winced at his words, hating the thought of being weak but he caught the hint when Walter slowly followed as Catherine led him across the floor to the tables. "I am not a child, Catherine!" he protested.
"Perhaps not, but you are acting like one." Catherine replied coolly. "I understand you're not feeling well but you need to mind your temper."
His throat tightened and he could not think of another objection except to turn his head and watch Walter nonchalantly following behind them. The man's movements were smooth and silent. When his eyes locked with Walter's, he swallowed hard and turned to face ahead again. The moment they arrived at the head table, Catherine eased him down into his chair.
"Now, you are to sit there until you calm down. I will hear no more arguments from you; Walter is to stay at the party. It is the least you can do to show your gratitude."
Joachim rested his head against the velvet lined chair and sighed deeply, but quickly straightened when Walter walked around the table and sat across from him, facing him deliberately.
Catherine's attention returned to the other lord, her eyes glittering in admiration, though the shy smile upon her lips attempted to hide it. "It is a pleasure to have you here Lord Walter – even if Joachim refuses to admit it. I am pleased to be in your company tonight."
"Thank you, miss Catherine. I suppose my evening ride proved worthwhile then since I was able to meet a fine lady such as you. Have you had a pleasant evening? After all, to be entertained at another's party is greatly important. I ensure anyone who visits my castle is always kept occupied." A broad, cheeky grin swept across Walter's face, making his dark eyes glisten in the candlelight. The other lord began to chuckle to himself, amusement flashing across his face, though hiding something like a mask.
Joachim's eyes darted between Catherine and Walter, watching how she turned in her chair so that she could face him. "You have a castle?" she exclaimed. "I have never set foot in one before! Tell me, what is it like? Do you have lots of servants and big beautiful rooms?"
Walter rested an elbow on the table while cupping his chin in his hand. "Yes, my castle is the largest in these lands - I am quite proud to be its master. I have servants like any other lord, but I am often away so it makes little difference. When I am there though, I enjoy being entertained by my…guests."
"What's the name of your castle? What do you do when you go away?" She blinked several times and leaned closer to him, and Joachim gasped softly when he noticed Walter began to smile like a Cheshire cat.
"You ask many questions milady, but I enjoy good conversation." He casually drummed his gauntlet covered fingers on the table, and after a few clicks from the metal filled the air, Joachim gritted his teeth as he continued. "My castle is known as Eternal Night, named coincidentally after the forest surrounding it. As its master, I often go away to tend to…business…but I enjoy the serene feel of the forest. Darkness does invoke much in me, but it is also filled with adventure."
"Adventure? Do go on! I love tales of adventure. It is so rare for people around here to have interesting things to talk about!" her eyes lit up like stars at the word, but with a resumed smile Walter chuckled as if amused by a small child's request.
"How about do not go on, and save me from the burden of listening to your foolishness." Joachim's eyes hardened upon the man, who returned it with a frozen gaze until Catherine waved him away.
"I want to hear what he has to say! If you aren't interested, keep quiet!"
Joachim sat back in his chair, emitting an obvious huff in irritation, but it was quickly covered with Walter's eager explanations.
"The forest can be a magnificent place, but it can also be one filled with bandits and thieves. On one occasion I happened upon a group of them who thought to raid my castle whilst I was away. They did not make it very far before I ensured their plans came to an end. I fought all eight of them at once, but they were unskilled and easy to subdue. I left the last thief to flee the forest, so that more would never return unless they wished to meet an unfortunate end."
"A very compelling story lord Walter, but how is it possible to fight eight men at once? What you said is exactly that, a story and nothing more." Joachim smirked slightly and shook his head.
"Ah, anything is possible – even what seems impossible has been known to happen. If one has the power, then one can do as they wish. The battle I fought prevented them from stealing, but even so if they went into my castle I would not allow them to leave. If you know what it means to be skilled at something and have confidence in it, then why doubt yourself?"
Joachim moved his lips to speak but paused briefly on the question, his mind searching for the appropriate response as Catherine added in. "Oh that was a simply wonderful story! You're so brave to do something like that, far braver than any knight I have ever met! Do you have any more stories?" she nearly jumped in her chair with anticipation. Joachim saw the growing sparkle in her emerald eyes. He shifted in his chair and gazed at her solemnly, noting the growing pink coloration in her cheeks.
"Of course I can tell you more!" Walter answered. "I am always willing to share my experiences, for I have seen a great many things…many things not seen by just anyone…"
"Really?" Joachim chided, his fingernails gripping the arms of his chair whilst he smirked. "I would not lie to make myself look better in another's eyes."
His lips became taut and held his head high, glaring at Walter across the table. The man's gaze fell into his once again, not blinking but always searching as if able to see through him, a thought so discomforting he finally looked away. No matter how hard he tried he could not pin point the source of the man's mysterious aura, but another wave of dizziness flooded through him and it felt so painful he rubbed his brow with his hand to try and make the feeling die away.
"Dizzy again?" Walter asked slowly. "Hmm…you best listen to Miss Catherine's advice. It could cause you more…strain if you will."
Catherine instantly looked at him and nearly got out of her chair, but she remained seated and held up a hand. "Joachim, please just relax for a little while. Ignore us if it suits you, but try to rest…."
Her eyes reflected evident distain, which made him close his lips together compliantly and relax in his chair once again. The room spun in his mind while conversations died away and he nearly stopped focusing all together, however it passed once more and he blinked several times until he was sure it faded – for the moment.
"What are you discussing over here? You're missing the fun!" Joachim jumped in his chair when a hand clamped over his shoulder, and he looked up to see Maurizio's face grinning at him broadly alongside Jezebel and Emmaline. He fumbled with his words, but by the time he thought to explain their attention darted away when Catherine added in.
"There you all are! You should sit down; Lord Walter has some adventure stories to tell! The one he told me about defeating eight thieves was amazing!" Maurizio raised his eyebrows, and the moment Joachim thought his friend would refuse he instead sat down next to him in the empty chair.
"Adventure! Where there's adventure, you shall find me! A good story or two never hurt, and since I know so little about you Walter, I would very much enjoy hearing some."
Joachim rolled his eyes and leaned over to his friend, and in curiosity Maurizio complied and listened to him whisper sharply. "Do not waste your time. Walter makes them all up – do you seriously think it is possible for a normal man to defeat eight men in battle without aid? We should have a drink and mock him for spinning tales."
"Nonsense, Joachim." Maurizio waved him away. "I want to hear it, and so do Jezebel and Emmaline! They've been eyeing Walter since he arrived. A stranger can be one of the most interesting people to listen to!"
Joachim growled softly at the loud presumptuous voice Maurizio used, and with a hearty laugh he moved away and turned his head to look at Walter. "Maurizio-" Joachim began again, but stopped to see Jezebel and Emmaline walk around the table and sit next to Walter.
"I love stories, especially when they are told by such a noble and handsome lord." Jezebel sat nearest to Walter, her eyes glittering while she moved so close she was nearly leaning on him.
Walter returned her gesture with a slight smile. "And who are these fine ladies I have the pleasure of entertaining this evening?" His voice spoke in the renewed bemused tone, as he turned and looked at the two women who giggled the second his eyes met theirs.
Walter reached out and touched Jezebel's face with his gauntlet-covered hands. "Has an artist ever painted such beauty? I suppose it can never be captured for it is too beautiful to be put on a canvas, but it would be breathtaking for any man if he could admire it forever. Tis' a shame that such beauty does not last."
"My, what a gentleman you are Lord Bernhard! Please, you're embarrassing me!" Jezebel's eyes gazed into his.
Walter answered again with a reassured smile. "I do not mean to embarrass you, but how can I overlook such exquisite features? Please, milady, addresses me as Lord Walter. I dare say that lovely woman next to you is equal in beauty. I dare say that even the moonlight would envy her."
Both women giggled and Joachim noticed them slide their chairs as close to Walter as possible. "As for you, Catherine…" Walter added, his dark eyes looking upon her unblinkingly. "The moment I saw you, I did not question that I was in the presence of a goddess. You are wed, are you? I would not be surprised if that were true, for a lady so fair as you deserves a strong and gracious man…"
Joachim froze like a statue in his chair, watching Catherine say nothing, but noticing her face turn the color of crimson. Jezebel and Emmaline's laughter made his mind spin, but he was jerked back into reality when Walter stared at him across the table.
"As for you, Lord Armster…. there is much I can say. You are a strong-willed lord, with a face not unlike that of a porcelain doll. You sit there staring at me with such loathing, but that I cannot help but say is a rather attractive trait. What woman here would not die to become your lady? Illness aside…"
"Do you think I want to have you speak of me in that manner? Your tongue is not fit for my name, so I suggest you keep your comments to yourself." Joachim's voice rose and he breathed deeply through his nostrils, flaring them when Walter chuckled. All the women sat rigidly at the table with their hands folded in their laps, but their eyes never leaving him for an instant.
"Relax Joachim, he was merely complimenting you." Maurizio said, attempting to diffuse the situation.
Joachim pulled his friend close and whispered in his ear. "Maurizio, his words were inappropriate! I suggest we escort him out, for he has worn out his welcome."
Maurizio pulled away and stared at him for a moment, shaking his head when he glanced at Walter before remarking. "The rest of us want to hear him out. Now, on with the stories."
Joachim gaped to find his friend lean over the table and chuckle as Walter nodded, watching how Maurizio's deep auburn eyes stared directly at the man while his forest green robes swept with his movements when he raised a hand and summoned a servant for drinks.
A slight grin pierced his friend's lip to meet the glint of admiration in his eyes that heightened considerably the moment Walter's voice began. "As you wish, I will tell another story…."
Joachim could not force his eyes away from the red haired man sitting directly across the table from him. Walter had relaxed into his chair and leaned on one side, with a gauntlet hand draped over the arm of the chair and covered by Jezebel's grasp. Tendrils of his slightly curled, wavy red locks fell gracefully around his face and shoulders. His skin was so pallid Joachim had no trouble seeing his face. He stiffened when the man's eyes locked deliberately with his. Everyone else at the table was glued to Walter as he spoke, giving a few dramatic hand gestures as he continued his stories.
"So, I fought all of them! Then more of those despicable things came, and when I thought to have slain ten I found myself slaying twenty! It seemed impossible for me to win, but I had no doubt it would be an easy accomplishment…"
Joachim blinked once and sighed under his breath, knowing all too well he was not really listening.
"I am known as the best warrior in the land through many, and I deserved such a title for men flee at the sight of me and tremble at my blade…" As he continued groups of people standing nearby walked over to the table and stood around it, listening silently while their eyes were drawn to him.
Walter's words came out like a blur in Joachim's mind, and he gave a loud yawn when the man at last finished. Catherine cupped her hands together and beamed at Walter. "Oh that was simply marvelous! You kept my attention the whole time, you're far better than any storyteller I heard as a child!"
Walter gave her a slight smile in return, and when a servant appeared and set the drinks of wine on the table he reached and swiped three, handing them politely to each lady before taking one for himself. "That was the most boring made up tale I have ever heard in my life. I nearly fell asleep trying to listen to it."
Joachim leaned back in his chair without touching his glass, and instead brushed aside a strand of his ivory hair. His lips formed a displeased frown.
"I thought it was well told!" Maurizio exclaimed, instantly diverting their gaze away from him and to the knight. "I wish my adventures were as compelling as yours! So little happens around here that the only chance of adventure for me was in the crusades, but alas…"
The groups of people surrounding the table buzzed like bees in agreement, and without hesitation Emmaline said. "I loved it!" she nearly jumped up from her chair, but still kept her hand over the man's gauntlet until Jezebel added.
"Yes I agree! I wanted to be there at your side, the side of a brave strong lord who can hold his own against all matters of treacherous heathens and scoundrels!"
Walter's smile became broader the more the compliments flowed in, even from the spectators as Joachim gave another exasperated sigh and listened when the dancing music once again resounded through the room.
Without another complaint he looked at Catherine, silently trying to get her attention with his gaze but her attention was absorbed in Walter's stories. The music began to pick up in pace, and with it so did the beating of his heart while he sat there in contained silence gazing at her form. He watched how her hair fell down her back in thick ringlets, the way her mouth parted when she laughed and the sparkle of her jade colored eyes. Joachim nearly recoiled in surprise when Walter suddenly locked eyes with him again, staring endlessly though still appearing to be listening to the constant compliments directed at him.
For a moment all the man expressed was his bemused smile, until he turned to Catherine. "Ah, music has brought new life to this event. Miss Catherine, would you care to dance? It would be an honor if you accept."
Joachim felt the air being sucked out of his lungs from hearing the other lord's invitation. Without hesitation he bolted from his chair and shouted, his eyes widening further to find his own objection had swiftly escaped for everyone to hear. "No." A wave of dizziness again swept through him when all eyes fell upon his frame as he stood trembling in place and clutching a hand to his vest plate. Catherine merely gave him an annoyed glare while she got up and wrapped her hands around Walter's arm.
"Joachim," Catherine said, her voice somewhat strained. "Do not worry. I shall be back in a moment."
Joachim's mouth gaped and he continued to stand, but his feet began to demand he sit back down when they wobbled unsteadily, but he refused and continued stare at Walter when he got up with her.
"The lady is right. Are you afraid I will not return her to you? Do not worry…." A low chuckle parted from his lips, and Joachim followed with his eyes as Walter escorted Catherine away from the table.
"What's the matter with you tonight?" Maurizio questioned. "You're being defensive and rude to a guest. That isn't going to reflect well on your lordship…"
Joachim glared at him and clenched his hands into fists, feeling his rage pulsate when he looked at the dance floor and saw Walter and Catherine begin a slow waltz. "Lord Bernhard is not my guest." He whispered darkly under his breath. "If all of you want to have fun with him then do as you please, but I have no such intention."
Without another glance he stomped across the floor, and heard whispering echo through the room over the music. "Joachim! Come back, where are you going?"
He ignored his friend's startled call and continued onward, his eyes staring ahead and not daring to look at Walter when he made his way across the dance floor toward the doors on the opposite side.
"Joachim?"
Jezebel and Emmaline's calls sounded soon after, but the second he heard their footsteps flying over the floor after him, he broke out into a run and flew by groups of spectators that turned and stared at him in disbelief. Within moments he burst through the doors and ran down the long hallway until stepping outside into the cold night air.
No one followed him.