We saw Bran and Shevraeth only at dinner, and that seldom enough, for they were often away. When the weather was particularly bad, they might be gone for several days. On the evenings we were alone, Nee and I would curl up in her room or mine, eating from silver trays and talking.
Branaric and the Marquis managed to be around on most days when the weather permitted gatherings in the old garrison courtyard for swordfighting practice. Even though I was not very good at it, I enjoyed sword work. At least I enjoyed it when not rendered acutely conscious of all my failings, when the bouts were attended by someone tall, strong, naturally gifted with grace, and trained since childhood--such as the Marquis of Shevraeth. So after a couple of particularly bad practices {in which I tried so hard not to get laughed at that I made more mistakes than ever}, I stopped going whenever I saw him there.
When Nee and I did join Bran and the Marquis for dinner, for the most part I sat in silence and watched Nee covertly, trying to copy her manners. No one--not even Bran--remarked on it if I sat through an entire meal without speaking.
Thus I was not able to engender any discussions about the Marquise of Merindar, so the letter--and the question of kingship--stayed dormant, except at night in my troubled dreams.
Branaric and the Marquis managed to be around on most days when the weather permitted gatherings in the old garrison courtyard for swordfighting practice. Even though I was not very good at it, I enjoyed sword work. At least I enjoyed it when not rendered acutely conscious of all my failings, when the bouts were attended by someone tall, strong, naturally gifted with grace, and trained since childhood--such as the Marquis of Shevraeth. So after a couple of particularly bad practices {in which I tried so hard not to get laughed at that I made more mistakes than ever}, I stopped going whenever I saw him there.
When Nee and I did join Bran and the Marquis for dinner, for the most part I sat in silence and watched Nee covertly, trying to copy her manners. No one--not even Bran--remarked on it if I sat through an entire meal without speaking.
Thus I was not able to engender any discussions about the Marquise of Merindar, so the letter--and the question of kingship--stayed dormant, except at night in my troubled dreams.
( Sherwood Smith )
[ Court Duel ]
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