| Subject: At the training grounds |
Author:
Keth
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Date Posted: 20:26:15 04/20/02 Sat
Keth lounged idly against a fence in the training grounds, watching the activities of the other men with interest. Carefully, he noted their fighting styles, their strengths and their weaknesses. In a battle, it was always helpful to know the shortcomings of those around you, in order to compensate. And Keth was battle-hungry, anxious to prove himself. Youngest son of a minor nobleman, he had little in the way of rank here. A hardened and powerful warrior, yet doomed to remain a footsoldier, his talents unused.
Keth knew, with total confidence, that he could probably beat almost every man here in single combat. He had a quick mind for tactics and strategies, ideal officer material. Apart from his low status. That, coupled with a strong independent streak that often lead him to challenge the orders of his commanders, meant that he had been consistently passed over for promotion, in favor of lesser fighters of higher rank. At 23, Keth had already realised that his only hope of being given a chance to show how well he could command would be to prove himself in battle, bathed in the blood of Gondor's enemies.
Nearby, a group of warriors were talking. Tiring of reflecting on the frustrations of his chosen career, Keth strolled over to join them. They welcomed him gladly; his quick wit made him a popular companion. Currently the conversation appeared to be about their various female 'conquests' in the city. With a sardonic smile he joined in, a quick jibe here, a subtle dig there.
Shaking the laughter from his eyes one of the men, Merrian, turned to him.
"What about you Keth? Have you tried your luck with the, er, willing maids?"
Keth smirked. "Well, I can't say I haven't had a few offers." More guffaws.
"And you didn't take them up? What's wrong with you, friend?"
The subject was a difficult one. Keth may only have been a minor nobleman, but he still had pride. The idea of bedding a whore repulsed him. And never yet had he met a woman he felt compulsed to spend the rest of his life with. Not a woman who would have him, anyway.
Forcing a smile now, he replied, "Nothing, my friend. I'll wager a woman would pick me over you any day."
"A merry jest. But would you be prepared to put it into practise?"
The guffaws of laughter were obvious now. Well, he reflected, he had got himself into this. Good-naturedly, he laughed. "Aye, I would. Name me the lucky girl and we'll see."
"That one over there." The speaker was Daim, new to the ranks. Blue eyed and fair skinned, but not much of a fighter. He was pointing over to where a slim figure had just entered the training grounds. From this distance, all Keth could see was her long, dark hair. What on earth was a woman doing here? She must be a commoner, a huntsmans daughter perhaps?
"Done. Watch and learn."
Bidding a confident farewell to the spectators, he sauntered over to try his luck. After all, a man had his reputation to think of. It wouldn't do to pass on a bet.
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