The "Graceless" Squire

She seems almost absorbed in the dance for the time being, only interrupted whenever the doors swing open, her head turning to them with a hopeful look, only for the dance to continue alone. It is, in truth, not too hard to guess who she might be awaiting.

It is odd, though. Her Knight had not made an appearance the whole week - presumed to be close by, but never showing their face: The Squire seemed to be the only of the two to have any attention directed to. It was only now, with the Squire seeming to be looking for that familiar mask, that the fact even became something worth noting...

The doors open and the Squire glances quickly with such intensity questioning that Sierra also glances towards the door. Unsure of whom had entered she looks back to the Squire, whose eyes seem to hold an emotion that still held the intensity, but not an emotion of having spotted the cause of it. Her feet guide her to where the Squire dances and, with far less finesse but able to follow steps, Sierra begins to dance alongside, shyness halting the question to dance together.

"Ah, yes, I am. My knight. I was... Holding out hope they might show up, but... I honestly don't know why they would." The Squire sighs. "They've never been... Particularly into public appearances. Much less, you know, things like this..." Her dance slows to a stop, as though voicing the concern was enough to make her realise just how fruitless her hope was. "I don't even know why they joined me on this trip..."

Seems she's just completed a bout of training alone, and is taking a moment to rest. No doubt, if left to her own devices, she would get up and resume training the moment her energy returns.

Mayhaps she would be amenable to a conversation, or, more likely, a training partner?

a rock suddenly skips across the lake, sending ripples across the smooth mirror surface, traveling a respectable distance before sinking into the waters blow.

a knight emerges to your left through the ferns and the trees, holding another stone in their hand.

Upon hearing their voice behind her, she seems to have been reminded that the stone must have come from someone, and so she stands, turning to face them as they emerge from the brush, and her head tilts upwards, a smile forming upon her face as she sees them.

gray holds the stone in their left hand to their chest, crouches slightly, and launches the stone with a snap of their forearm. it travels even further than their first one, curving in arc across the water. a pair of nearby ducks are startled by the disruption, and fly off, quacking in indignation.

gray rests their hands on the sword at their side, satisfied with the display. they turn to you again, speaking casually. "sorry to scare you by appearing so suddenly. im probably here for the same reason you are. too much excitement going on. needed to clear my head."

"No, no. It's... Quite alright. Some company would certainly not go amiss." She finally says, arcing her hand backwards before launching the stone, sending it spinning as it strikes against the surface of the water. Sure enough, it doesn't sink this time. It doesn't skip more than thrice before sinking, but that alone seems plenty to cheer the Squire up from her earlier failure.

As she relaxes some more while standing, her stance shifts, seeming to mimic Grey's own state, copying their hand, resting on the sword sitting at her belt. "You... Were only half-right about my reasoning, anyhow. I'd come here for practice, more than anything. My Knight commanded I do so, lest I 'embarrass myself' during the next tournament I join, like I did this one. Their words, not mine."

such a good squire. i wonder if i looked like this back then.

despite the fact that you can't see their face, you can tell they're shocked by your following words, and the nonchalant way you deliver them.

"It's fine. Naught new to me, at least." She waves off Gray's concern for a moment, taking the suggested rock into her hands, before handing it off to them to demonstrate another throw. "I... Suppose I did though, didn't I? Embarrass myself, I mean. Two defeats at the hands of the same person, not to mention my... less-than-stellar performance at the archery..."

Seems she's just completed a bout of training alone, and is taking a moment to rest. No doubt, if left to her own devices, she would get up and resume training the moment her energy returns.

Mayhaps she would be amenable to a conversation, or, more likely, a training partner?

a rock suddenly skips across the lake, sending ripples across the smooth mirror surface, traveling a respectable distance before sinking into the waters blow.

a knight emerges to your left through the ferns and the trees, holding another stone in their hand.

Upon hearing their voice behind her, she seems to have been reminded that the stone must have come from someone, and so she stands, turning to face them as they emerge from the brush, and her head tilts upwards, a smile forming upon her face as she sees them.

gray holds the stone in their left hand to their chest, crouches slightly, and launches the stone with a snap of their forearm. it travels even further than their first one, curving in arc across the water. a pair of nearby ducks are startled by the disruption, and fly off, quacking in indignation.

gray rests their hands on the sword at their side, satisfied with the display. they turn to you again, speaking casually. "sorry to scare you by appearing so suddenly. im probably here for the same reason you are. too much excitement going on. needed to clear my head."

"No, no. It's... Quite alright. Some company would certainly not go amiss." She finally says, arcing her hand backwards before launching the stone, sending it spinning as it strikes against the surface of the water. Sure enough, it doesn't sink this time. It doesn't skip more than thrice before sinking, but that alone seems plenty to cheer the Squire up from her earlier failure.

As she relaxes some more while standing, her stance shifts, seeming to mimic Grey's own state, copying their hand, resting on the sword sitting at her belt. "You... Were only half-right about my reasoning, anyhow. I'd come here for practice, more than anything. My Knight commanded I do so, lest I 'embarrass myself' during the next tournament I join, like I did this one. Their words, not mine."

[A small rest and some food go a long way in healing the jostled muscles from the joust—but it is quickly time again to face @graceless-squire, this time in hand-to-hand.

The knight wears lighter armour this time, as is custom during such a fight, and comes to face the squire in anticipation.]

“So, how shall we do this, hm? Fists? Swords? What is your preference, dear Squire? Hell, I’d ditch the armour and fight bare-fist if you’d like! After that jousting match, I am eager to feel your strength again—you nearly had me!”

"I... I suppose I'd prefer to keep the armour - though, I suspect the intent is that we go at each other with our fists?" She hums in thought. "That, uh, that said, I also would not deny a chance to bring a weapon to bear against you, should that be what you wish."

“Indeed! Hands it is, then. Perhaps another time for that duel with weaponry, hm?” [He smiles to her, patting a hand on her shoulder, and finding his way to his side of the ring.]

“Let us fight, young squire!”

She dashes forward, swiftly closing the gap between the Knight and herself, aiming to go for a grapple against him - though, clearly, this was hardly thought out too well, as she did not have any plan for what would come should she even succeed in the grapple...

“Come on, dear squire! Swing!” [Theodores voice is commanding, but friendly. His smile never falters. The excitement of battle coursing through him.]

The attack was most certainly a risky one, attacking head-on while he's looking at her - and therefore placing her well within reach of his attack - but perhaps the sudden attack had been fuelled by some sort of desire to prove something - or, simply, egged on by Theodore's voice. Despite this, though, she seems to have struck quite hard!

He recovers quickly, standing his ground, and throws a punch to the squires ribs right in-between the pieces of light armour. The familiar ache in his fist is almost pleasant…]

Her hands stretch outwards as she charges again, eyes wide and her grin wider as they grab onto his sides, fingers digging painfully in while her knee comes upwards, striking the same bit of his torso with renewed ferocity- gods, is she cackling about this?

Is-is she laughing? Oh how good it feels to see another take similar pleasure in the throes of battle! Squire Grace will surely make a worthy knight someday, and has proven so with the ache and bruises sprouting on Theodore’s ribs. But it isn’t over yet…]

And, yet, despite how intense the Squire really was, her strikes hold little power this time, and only make a few small bruises over all else, and end up becoming quite... predictable. She might need to focus again if she really wants to finish this!

Theodore takes the opportunity to slam his fist against squire Grace’s jaw, ensuring to follow through and use his body weight. He staggers a bit, but the hit is clean and rocks the squire.

These are the best sparring matches—the ones in which it could be anyone’s game, and you both end up bloody and bruised and smiling through it all. This is knighthood, this is the camaraderie and fighting spirit that Theodore missed so! He grins, breathing heavy, and protects himself once more as he circles the squire.]

She shakes her head a few more times, blinking away the spots in her vision - chances are, she might not notice just what Theodore's next plan is!

Sir Theodore steadies himself above the squire, and prepares for whatever is to come next.]

She can practically sense it, already, her defeat approaches, and in the face of it, her energetic nature that she'd been showing the whole fight begins to die down: It was over already, why bother expending more energy fighting an inevitability?

Sir Theodore simply pins the squire to the ground harder, and lands one last blow to the ribs. It is clear that squire Grace will not fight further, and the knight stands victorious! It is a bittersweet win—he always did like an underdog, but this battle with treat her well in the lessons she’s learned now!

He reaches a hand out once more, helping the squire to her feet, and pats her on the back roughly.]

“Valiant effort, you’ll be a knight in no time, young squire! Focus that energy, hone that anger—it is certainly not courage you lack!”

[He offers one last big smile, and runs off to the sidelines to say hello to some of the spectators.]

(Rolled strike 6 against shield 3 - 2 damage) {2 hp remain}

"Thank you- er, for the battles. Both of them, I mean." She offers with a hand over her heart and a bow. "I suppose I aught... Go inform my Knight of the results. I wish you luck in your upcoming bouts, Sir Theodore!"

Seems she's just completed a bout of training alone, and is taking a moment to rest. No doubt, if left to her own devices, she would get up and resume training the moment her energy returns.

Mayhaps she would be amenable to a conversation, or, more likely, a training partner?

a rock suddenly skips across the lake, sending ripples across the smooth mirror surface, traveling a respectable distance before sinking into the waters blow.

a knight emerges to your left through the ferns and the trees, holding another stone in their hand.

Upon hearing their voice behind her, she seems to have been reminded that the stone must have come from someone, and so she stands, turning to face them as they emerge from the brush, and her head tilts upwards, a smile forming upon her face as she sees them.

[A small rest and some food go a long way in healing the jostled muscles from the joust—but it is quickly time again to face @graceless-squire, this time in hand-to-hand.

The knight wears lighter armour this time, as is custom during such a fight, and comes to face the squire in anticipation.]

“So, how shall we do this, hm? Fists? Swords? What is your preference, dear Squire? Hell, I’d ditch the armour and fight bare-fist if you’d like! After that jousting match, I am eager to feel your strength again—you nearly had me!”

"I... I suppose I'd prefer to keep the armour - though, I suspect the intent is that we go at each other with our fists?" She hums in thought. "That, uh, that said, I also would not deny a chance to bring a weapon to bear against you, should that be what you wish."

“Indeed! Hands it is, then. Perhaps another time for that duel with weaponry, hm?” [He smiles to her, patting a hand on her shoulder, and finding his way to his side of the ring.]

“Let us fight, young squire!”

She dashes forward, swiftly closing the gap between the Knight and herself, aiming to go for a grapple against him - though, clearly, this was hardly thought out too well, as she did not have any plan for what would come should she even succeed in the grapple...

“Come on, dear squire! Swing!” [Theodores voice is commanding, but friendly. His smile never falters. The excitement of battle coursing through him.]

The attack was most certainly a risky one, attacking head-on while he's looking at her - and therefore placing her well within reach of his attack - but perhaps the sudden attack had been fuelled by some sort of desire to prove something - or, simply, egged on by Theodore's voice. Despite this, though, she seems to have struck quite hard!

He recovers quickly, standing his ground, and throws a punch to the squires ribs right in-between the pieces of light armour. The familiar ache in his fist is almost pleasant…]

Her hands stretch outwards as she charges again, eyes wide and her grin wider as they grab onto his sides, fingers digging painfully in while her knee comes upwards, striking the same bit of his torso with renewed ferocity- gods, is she cackling about this?

Is-is she laughing? Oh how good it feels to see another take similar pleasure in the throes of battle! Squire Grace will surely make a worthy knight someday, and has proven so with the ache and bruises sprouting on Theodore’s ribs. But it isn’t over yet…]

And, yet, despite how intense the Squire really was, her strikes hold little power this time, and only make a few small bruises over all else, and end up becoming quite... predictable. She might need to focus again if she really wants to finish this!

Theodore takes the opportunity to slam his fist against squire Grace’s jaw, ensuring to follow through and use his body weight. He staggers a bit, but the hit is clean and rocks the squire.

These are the best sparring matches—the ones in which it could be anyone’s game, and you both end up bloody and bruised and smiling through it all. This is knighthood, this is the camaraderie and fighting spirit that Theodore missed so! He grins, breathing heavy, and protects himself once more as he circles the squire.]

She shakes her head a few more times, blinking away the spots in her vision - chances are, she might not notice just what Theodore's next plan is!

Sir Theodore steadies himself above the squire, and prepares for whatever is to come next.]

She can practically sense it, already, her defeat approaches, and in the face of it, her energetic nature that she'd been showing the whole fight begins to die down: It was over already, why bother expending more energy fighting an inevitability?

[A small rest and some food go a long way in healing the jostled muscles from the joust—but it is quickly time again to face @graceless-squire, this time in hand-to-hand.

The knight wears lighter armour this time, as is custom during such a fight, and comes to face the squire in anticipation.]

“So, how shall we do this, hm? Fists? Swords? What is your preference, dear Squire? Hell, I’d ditch the armour and fight bare-fist if you’d like! After that jousting match, I am eager to feel your strength again—you nearly had me!”

"I... I suppose I'd prefer to keep the armour - though, I suspect the intent is that we go at each other with our fists?" She hums in thought. "That, uh, that said, I also would not deny a chance to bring a weapon to bear against you, should that be what you wish."

“Indeed! Hands it is, then. Perhaps another time for that duel with weaponry, hm?” [He smiles to her, patting a hand on her shoulder, and finding his way to his side of the ring.]

“Let us fight, young squire!”

She dashes forward, swiftly closing the gap between the Knight and herself, aiming to go for a grapple against him - though, clearly, this was hardly thought out too well, as she did not have any plan for what would come should she even succeed in the grapple...

“Come on, dear squire! Swing!” [Theodores voice is commanding, but friendly. His smile never falters. The excitement of battle coursing through him.]

The attack was most certainly a risky one, attacking head-on while he's looking at her - and therefore placing her well within reach of his attack - but perhaps the sudden attack had been fuelled by some sort of desire to prove something - or, simply, egged on by Theodore's voice. Despite this, though, she seems to have struck quite hard!

He recovers quickly, standing his ground, and throws a punch to the squires ribs right in-between the pieces of light armour. The familiar ache in his fist is almost pleasant…]

Her hands stretch outwards as she charges again, eyes wide and her grin wider as they grab onto his sides, fingers digging painfully in while her knee comes upwards, striking the same bit of his torso with renewed ferocity- gods, is she cackling about this?

Is-is she laughing? Oh how good it feels to see another take similar pleasure in the throes of battle! Squire Grace will surely make a worthy knight someday, and has proven so with the ache and bruises sprouting on Theodore’s ribs. But it isn’t over yet…]

And, yet, despite how intense the Squire really was, her strikes hold little power this time, and only make a few small bruises over all else, and end up becoming quite... predictable. She might need to focus again if she really wants to finish this!

Theodore takes the opportunity to slam his fist against squire Grace’s jaw, ensuring to follow through and use his body weight. He staggers a bit, but the hit is clean and rocks the squire.

These are the best sparring matches—the ones in which it could be anyone’s game, and you both end up bloody and bruised and smiling through it all. This is knighthood, this is the camaraderie and fighting spirit that Theodore missed so! He grins, breathing heavy, and protects himself once more as he circles the squire.]

She shakes her head a few more times, blinking away the spots in her vision - chances are, she might not notice just what Theodore's next plan is!

[A small rest and some food go a long way in healing the jostled muscles from the joust—but it is quickly time again to face @graceless-squire, this time in hand-to-hand.

The knight wears lighter armour this time, as is custom during such a fight, and comes to face the squire in anticipation.]

“So, how shall we do this, hm? Fists? Swords? What is your preference, dear Squire? Hell, I’d ditch the armour and fight bare-fist if you’d like! After that jousting match, I am eager to feel your strength again—you nearly had me!”

"I... I suppose I'd prefer to keep the armour - though, I suspect the intent is that we go at each other with our fists?" She hums in thought. "That, uh, that said, I also would not deny a chance to bring a weapon to bear against you, should that be what you wish."

“Indeed! Hands it is, then. Perhaps another time for that duel with weaponry, hm?” [He smiles to her, patting a hand on her shoulder, and finding his way to his side of the ring.]

“Let us fight, young squire!”

She dashes forward, swiftly closing the gap between the Knight and herself, aiming to go for a grapple against him - though, clearly, this was hardly thought out too well, as she did not have any plan for what would come should she even succeed in the grapple...

“Come on, dear squire! Swing!” [Theodores voice is commanding, but friendly. His smile never falters. The excitement of battle coursing through him.]

The attack was most certainly a risky one, attacking head-on while he's looking at her - and therefore placing her well within reach of his attack - but perhaps the sudden attack had been fuelled by some sort of desire to prove something - or, simply, egged on by Theodore's voice. Despite this, though, she seems to have struck quite hard!

He recovers quickly, standing his ground, and throws a punch to the squires ribs right in-between the pieces of light armour. The familiar ache in his fist is almost pleasant…]

Her hands stretch outwards as she charges again, eyes wide and her grin wider as they grab onto his sides, fingers digging painfully in while her knee comes upwards, striking the same bit of his torso with renewed ferocity- gods, is she cackling about this?

Is-is she laughing? Oh how good it feels to see another take similar pleasure in the throes of battle! Squire Grace will surely make a worthy knight someday, and has proven so with the ache and bruises sprouting on Theodore’s ribs. But it isn’t over yet…]

And, yet, despite how intense the Squire really was, her strikes hold little power this time, and only make a few small bruises over all else, and end up becoming quite... predictable. She might need to focus again if she really wants to finish this!

[A small rest and some food go a long way in healing the jostled muscles from the joust—but it is quickly time again to face @graceless-squire, this time in hand-to-hand.

The knight wears lighter armour this time, as is custom during such a fight, and comes to face the squire in anticipation.]

“So, how shall we do this, hm? Fists? Swords? What is your preference, dear Squire? Hell, I’d ditch the armour and fight bare-fist if you’d like! After that jousting match, I am eager to feel your strength again—you nearly had me!”

"I... I suppose I'd prefer to keep the armour - though, I suspect the intent is that we go at each other with our fists?" She hums in thought. "That, uh, that said, I also would not deny a chance to bring a weapon to bear against you, should that be what you wish."

“Indeed! Hands it is, then. Perhaps another time for that duel with weaponry, hm?” [He smiles to her, patting a hand on her shoulder, and finding his way to his side of the ring.]

“Let us fight, young squire!”

She dashes forward, swiftly closing the gap between the Knight and herself, aiming to go for a grapple against him - though, clearly, this was hardly thought out too well, as she did not have any plan for what would come should she even succeed in the grapple...

“Come on, dear squire! Swing!” [Theodores voice is commanding, but friendly. His smile never falters. The excitement of battle coursing through him.]

The attack was most certainly a risky one, attacking head-on while he's looking at her - and therefore placing her well within reach of his attack - but perhaps the sudden attack had been fuelled by some sort of desire to prove something - or, simply, egged on by Theodore's voice. Despite this, though, she seems to have struck quite hard!

He recovers quickly, standing his ground, and throws a punch to the squires ribs right in-between the pieces of light armour. The familiar ache in his fist is almost pleasant…]

Her hands stretch outwards as she charges again, eyes wide and her grin wider as they grab onto his sides, fingers digging painfully in while her knee comes upwards, striking the same bit of his torso with renewed ferocity- gods, is she cackling about this?

[A small rest and some food go a long way in healing the jostled muscles from the joust—but it is quickly time again to face @graceless-squire, this time in hand-to-hand.

The knight wears lighter armour this time, as is custom during such a fight, and comes to face the squire in anticipation.]

“So, how shall we do this, hm? Fists? Swords? What is your preference, dear Squire? Hell, I’d ditch the armour and fight bare-fist if you’d like! After that jousting match, I am eager to feel your strength again—you nearly had me!”

"I... I suppose I'd prefer to keep the armour - though, I suspect the intent is that we go at each other with our fists?" She hums in thought. "That, uh, that said, I also would not deny a chance to bring a weapon to bear against you, should that be what you wish."

“Indeed! Hands it is, then. Perhaps another time for that duel with weaponry, hm?” [He smiles to her, patting a hand on her shoulder, and finding his way to his side of the ring.]

“Let us fight, young squire!”

She dashes forward, swiftly closing the gap between the Knight and herself, aiming to go for a grapple against him - though, clearly, this was hardly thought out too well, as she did not have any plan for what would come should she even succeed in the grapple...

“Come on, dear squire! Swing!” [Theodores voice is commanding, but friendly. His smile never falters. The excitement of battle coursing through him.]

The attack was most certainly a risky one, attacking head-on while he's looking at her - and therefore placing her well within reach of his attack - but perhaps the sudden attack had been fuelled by some sort of desire to prove something - or, simply, egged on by Theodore's voice. Despite this, though, she seems to have struck quite hard!

[A small rest and some food go a long way in healing the jostled muscles from the joust—but it is quickly time again to face @graceless-squire, this time in hand-to-hand.

The knight wears lighter armour this time, as is custom during such a fight, and comes to face the squire in anticipation.]

“So, how shall we do this, hm? Fists? Swords? What is your preference, dear Squire? Hell, I’d ditch the armour and fight bare-fist if you’d like! After that jousting match, I am eager to feel your strength again—you nearly had me!”

"I... I suppose I'd prefer to keep the armour - though, I suspect the intent is that we go at each other with our fists?" She hums in thought. "That, uh, that said, I also would not deny a chance to bring a weapon to bear against you, should that be what you wish."

“Indeed! Hands it is, then. Perhaps another time for that duel with weaponry, hm?” [He smiles to her, patting a hand on her shoulder, and finding his way to his side of the ring.]

“Let us fight, young squire!”

She dashes forward, swiftly closing the gap between the Knight and herself, aiming to go for a grapple against him - though, clearly, this was hardly thought out too well, as she did not have any plan for what would come should she even succeed in the grapple...

[A small rest and some food go a long way in healing the jostled muscles from the joust—but it is quickly time again to face @graceless-squire, this time in hand-to-hand.

The knight wears lighter armour this time, as is custom during such a fight, and comes to face the squire in anticipation.]

“So, how shall we do this, hm? Fists? Swords? What is your preference, dear Squire? Hell, I’d ditch the armour and fight bare-fist if you’d like! After that jousting match, I am eager to feel your strength again—you nearly had me!”

"I... I suppose I'd prefer to keep the armour - though, I suspect the intent is that we go at each other with our fists?" She hums in thought. "That, uh, that said, I also would not deny a chance to bring a weapon to bear against you, should that be what you wish."

... Oddly enough, the more observant folks may note that her Knight is... Nowhere to be seen

She stands there quietly, studying the field, scouring it for her designated opponent, while checking her own armour to ensure that the armour is fully secured and she is... as safe as she can get for such a bout. She gives a short, satisfied nod, and returns to her scouring and stretching.

When Sir Theodore approaches, she offers a bow to the Knight, armour rattling slightly as she does so. "Good, uh, good day, Sir Theodore! Are you... Fully prepared?"

“Ah, good day, Squire! I look forward to our match. I am indeed prepared. Let us mount up, yes?”

"Yes, of course! I wish you the best of luck, Sir Theodore!" She offers one last time, going to bow again- only to be interrupted by a call from the sidelines for her to mount up, too. With a nod, she strides away from the centre of the field, slowly clambering up onto horseback - a far more put-together creature than the Squire herself was, standing confidently. She must be borrowing her Knight's mount for this occasion.

She patiently awaits Sir Theodore to mount his horse as well, clutching her lance in two hands. Deep breaths in, deep breaths out. She was... As ready as she could be, and now all that remained was to wait.

Soon enough, the time arrived. With the slightest motion, she urged her horse forward, and charged in the direction of the Knight on the other side, thrusting forward with the lance as she comes closer. Her eyes close in the last minute, placing the wish she has for winning towards whatever luck she might have...

The squire looks prepared, although the horse is clearly one they are not accustomed to fully. He says a silent prayer to the universe, and readies the lance firmly in his gloved hands. With the starting shout, Theodore kicks his spurs into Willow and races towards Squire Grace.

A game of strength, of courage, of stupidity in part—bounding towards one another, the intent of knocking each other down, all for the revelry and roar of the crowd. Fighting every natural instinct in yourself to move out of the way, simply to show one’s bravery and power.

Within mere seconds, the squires lance hits firm against the grand guard on the knights shoulder. Theodore’s own lance just scratches the squires own, barely harming them. It takes great effort for him to right himself upon the horse, Willow’s snorts of concern and protest calming once Theodore pets at her mane again.

Her horse doesn't shake, nor make a sound. It halts it's advance for a second, not showing worry for it's own safety, nor that of it's rider. For a moment here and there, it seems almost... Static. Frozen in time while the Squire on it's back shifts and checks her lance for damage.

The moment the second shout rings out, though, the horse moves, propelling itself forwards towards Theodore's own horse without even waiting for Grace to be ready. The girl yelps in surprise, her hands shakily righting her lance before pointing it forward just in time for the second pass.

Still, despite her... lack of preparedness - or, mayhaps, because of the unpredictability it caused, the lance strikes again towards her opponent's armour, yet still - still - it failed to dismount the Knight from his horse.

The knight rolls his shoulder, easing the ache, and yells for Willow to run—*slam* again, this time against the corner of his grand guard, and it causes him to fall back slightly. Yet, once more, he clenches his jaw and rights himself upon the horse!

He pounds against his chest with his free hand, a show of stability and strength for the crowd. Willow trots around, finding her starting position once more, and the adrenaline spikes in Sir Theodore’s blood. The memory of it all is swiftly coming back.]

Within moments, the two are rocketing forth towards each other, Grace's confidence coming to full fruition at her current streak of hits. Her eyes lock on her opponent, and her lance drives forward to strike!

The seconds blur, the clash itself barely long enough for Grace to focus on in the adrenaline. One moment, she's confidently charging towards her victory, the next, she can't feel the saddle beneath her. She's vaguely aware of... Something. A stinging bruise in her torso, the feeling of gravity taking effect over her armour... Then, the sudden crashing thud of the ground beneath her.

She had been removed from her horse by Sir Theodore, and now lay on her back, staring up at the sky. A distance away, she spots her horse, slowing itself to a stop upon realising it's rider was no longer on her back. It turns to look to her, then... Simply trots away, back to the stables without her.

It is not long, however, until he finds himself looking to the squire in the dust. Theodore quickly dismounts his own horse, and rushes to the side of the squire, reaching a hand out for her to grab and stand up. He puts his visor up, a smile wide on his face.]

Once upright, she looks around, bowing towards the crowds as they applaud the show, before turning and offering another bow to the Knight himself. "Thank you, Sir Theodore, and... Well Fought, indeed!" She, of course, looks a tad downtrodden by her defeat, but not quite enough to put a dampener on the mood of the moment, and she stands with at least a modicum of pride at having had the chance to participate in such a way - much less how close she had actually gotten to defeating the knight, and moving on instead.

... Oddly enough, the more observant folks may note that her Knight is... Nowhere to be seen

She stands there quietly, studying the field, scouring it for her designated opponent, while checking her own armour to ensure that the armour is fully secured and she is... as safe as she can get for such a bout. She gives a short, satisfied nod, and returns to her scouring and stretching.

When Sir Theodore approaches, she offers a bow to the Knight, armour rattling slightly as she does so. "Good, uh, good day, Sir Theodore! Are you... Fully prepared?"

“Ah, good day, Squire! I look forward to our match. I am indeed prepared. Let us mount up, yes?”

"Yes, of course! I wish you the best of luck, Sir Theodore!" She offers one last time, going to bow again- only to be interrupted by a call from the sidelines for her to mount up, too. With a nod, she strides away from the centre of the field, slowly clambering up onto horseback - a far more put-together creature than the Squire herself was, standing confidently. She must be borrowing her Knight's mount for this occasion.

She patiently awaits Sir Theodore to mount his horse as well, clutching her lance in two hands. Deep breaths in, deep breaths out. She was... As ready as she could be, and now all that remained was to wait.

Soon enough, the time arrived. With the slightest motion, she urged her horse forward, and charged in the direction of the Knight on the other side, thrusting forward with the lance as she comes closer. Her eyes close in the last minute, placing the wish she has for winning towards whatever luck she might have...

The squire looks prepared, although the horse is clearly one they are not accustomed to fully. He says a silent prayer to the universe, and readies the lance firmly in his gloved hands. With the starting shout, Theodore kicks his spurs into Willow and races towards Squire Grace.

A game of strength, of courage, of stupidity in part—bounding towards one another, the intent of knocking each other down, all for the revelry and roar of the crowd. Fighting every natural instinct in yourself to move out of the way, simply to show one’s bravery and power.

Within mere seconds, the squires lance hits firm against the grand guard on the knights shoulder. Theodore’s own lance just scratches the squires own, barely harming them. It takes great effort for him to right himself upon the horse, Willow’s snorts of concern and protest calming once Theodore pets at her mane again.

Her horse doesn't shake, nor make a sound. It halts it's advance for a second, not showing worry for it's own safety, nor that of it's rider. For a moment here and there, it seems almost... Static. Frozen in time while the Squire on it's back shifts and checks her lance for damage.

The moment the second shout rings out, though, the horse moves, propelling itself forwards towards Theodore's own horse without even waiting for Grace to be ready. The girl yelps in surprise, her hands shakily righting her lance before pointing it forward just in time for the second pass.

Still, despite her... lack of preparedness - or, mayhaps, because of the unpredictability it caused, the lance strikes again towards her opponent's armour, yet still - still - it failed to dismount the Knight from his horse.

The knight rolls his shoulder, easing the ache, and yells for Willow to run—*slam* again, this time against the corner of his grand guard, and it causes him to fall back slightly. Yet, once more, he clenches his jaw and rights himself upon the horse!

He pounds against his chest with his free hand, a show of stability and strength for the crowd. Willow trots around, finding her starting position once more, and the adrenaline spikes in Sir Theodore’s blood. The memory of it all is swiftly coming back.]

Within moments, the two are rocketing forth towards each other, Grace's confidence coming to full fruition at her current streak of hits. Her eyes lock on her opponent, and her lance drives forward to strike!

The seconds blur, the clash itself barely long enough for Grace to focus on in the adrenaline. One moment, she's confidently charging towards her victory, the next, she can't feel the saddle beneath her. She's vaguely aware of... Something. A stinging bruise in her torso, the feeling of gravity taking effect over her armour... Then, the sudden crashing thud of the ground beneath her.

She had been removed from her horse by Sir Theodore, and now lay on her back, staring up at the sky. A distance away, she spots her horse, slowing itself to a stop upon realising it's rider was no longer on her back. It turns to look to her, then... Simply trots away, back to the stables without her.

... Oddly enough, the more observant folks may note that her Knight is... Nowhere to be seen

She stands there quietly, studying the field, scouring it for her designated opponent, while checking her own armour to ensure that the armour is fully secured and she is... as safe as she can get for such a bout. She gives a short, satisfied nod, and returns to her scouring and stretching.

When Sir Theodore approaches, she offers a bow to the Knight, armour rattling slightly as she does so. "Good, uh, good day, Sir Theodore! Are you... Fully prepared?"

“Ah, good day, Squire! I look forward to our match. I am indeed prepared. Let us mount up, yes?”

"Yes, of course! I wish you the best of luck, Sir Theodore!" She offers one last time, going to bow again- only to be interrupted by a call from the sidelines for her to mount up, too. With a nod, she strides away from the centre of the field, slowly clambering up onto horseback - a far more put-together creature than the Squire herself was, standing confidently. She must be borrowing her Knight's mount for this occasion.

She patiently awaits Sir Theodore to mount his horse as well, clutching her lance in two hands. Deep breaths in, deep breaths out. She was... As ready as she could be, and now all that remained was to wait.

Soon enough, the time arrived. With the slightest motion, she urged her horse forward, and charged in the direction of the Knight on the other side, thrusting forward with the lance as she comes closer. Her eyes close in the last minute, placing the wish she has for winning towards whatever luck she might have...

The squire looks prepared, although the horse is clearly one they are not accustomed to fully. He says a silent prayer to the universe, and readies the lance firmly in his gloved hands. With the starting shout, Theodore kicks his spurs into Willow and races towards Squire Grace.

A game of strength, of courage, of stupidity in part—bounding towards one another, the intent of knocking each other down, all for the revelry and roar of the crowd. Fighting every natural instinct in yourself to move out of the way, simply to show one’s bravery and power.

Within mere seconds, the squires lance hits firm against the grand guard on the knights shoulder. Theodore’s own lance just scratches the squires own, barely harming them. It takes great effort for him to right himself upon the horse, Willow’s snorts of concern and protest calming once Theodore pets at her mane again.

Her horse doesn't shake, nor make a sound. It halts it's advance for a second, not showing worry for it's own safety, nor that of it's rider. For a moment here and there, it seems almost... Static. Frozen in time while the Squire on it's back shifts and checks her lance for damage.

The moment the second shout rings out, though, the horse moves, propelling itself forwards towards Theodore's own horse without even waiting for Grace to be ready. The girl yelps in surprise, her hands shakily righting her lance before pointing it forward just in time for the second pass.

Still, despite her... lack of preparedness - or, mayhaps, because of the unpredictability it caused, the lance strikes again towards her opponent's armour, yet still - still - it failed to dismount the Knight from his horse.