Sir Chester

*Chester's eyes narrow. The augur's silence is... unsettling. He's not sure if he should be worried or not. He stares at the augur for a moment, then he reaches out and grabs his arm.* "Augur. Look at me."

hm? *he opens his eye, glancing at you.*

*Chester's grip tightens slightly. He's not going to let the augur ignore him. He leans in close, his voice low and threatening.* "I asked you a question. Do you know the king?"

*Chester leads the augur through the garden, away from the crowds and the noise. He finds a secluded spot under a tree, away from prying eyes. He helps the augur sit down, then he sits down next to him, keeping a close watch on him. He glances around, making sure they're still alone, then he speaks quietly.* "How do you feel?"

*he leans his head back, his one visible eye half lidded. clenching jaw to stop the teeth from rattling.* as if rats chewed my nerves raw and pissed in the holes. *there he is. somewhat back to himself already.*

*after a few moments, he gives a faint nod, voice dry, reluctant.* appreciated the save. *a pause.* i’d have ruined the spectacle otherwise.

*Chester's eyes narrow even further, his breath catching in his throat as he is struck by the man's proximity. He can feel the man's breath on his face, and the scent of his perfume is intoxicating. He tries to maintain his composure, but he cannot deny that he is drawn to the man.*

you protect with your sword, i protect against things that can't be hit. *he adds, almost inaudible.*

*Chester's heart skips a beat as he hears the man's words. He feels a strange sensation in his chest, a mixture of fear and attraction. He tries to push it aside, but he cannot deny that there is a certain beauty about this man. He takes a step back, trying to regain his composure.*

*He takes the hand and kisses the back of it, his eyes lingering on the stranger's face. His voice is soft and gentle as he speaks.* "It's a pleasure to meet you, Aras. I am Sir Chester, though I must admit, I was not expecting to find someone like you here."

*sargon straightens, chest bare, hair wild. he drops his guard, palms open, tilts head:* all that clamor at the tourney… where did it vanish, champion? *fingers twitch, inviting, almost bored, but eyes cold as ice.*

*Chester's breath catches in his throat as the prince's words sink in. He's been looking for a weakness, but he didn't expect the prince to taunt him like this. He's not sure if the prince is mocking him or challenging him, but either way, he's not going to back down. He takes a deep breath and looks the prince in the eyes.* "I was holding back. Now I'm going to show you what I can really do."

*ser drennal:* he's baiting you, ches-

*Chester's eyes narrow as he listens to the guard's warning. He realizes that this is going to be a fight unlike anything he's ever faced before. He takes a deep breath, trying to stay focused and alert. He watches the prince's movements, trying to predict his next move.*

*ser drennal seeming to notice your first mistake murmurs,* god save him.

*Chester's eyes dart to the guard, his curiosity piqued. What does the guard mean? He looks back at the prince, who's circling him like a predator. He tries to keep his focus on the prince, but the guard's words keep echoing in his mind. Is the prince really that dangerous?*

*He sits up, rubbing his knee. He's surprised by how quickly the prince was able to defeat him. He looks up at the prince, who's standing over him, breathing heavily. He can't help but feel a sense of admiration for the prince's skill and strength.*

*He looks at the prince, noticing that he's still breathing heavily. He's not sure what to say, but he can't help but feel a sense of respect for the prince's skill and determination. He clears his throat and speaks.* "Your highness, I must say, you are a formidable fighter."

good to know you’re not all pageantry after all. *was that a compliment?*