Sir Marvin seems a pleasant enough knight, and has many questions for Sir Cedwyn. They are, perhaps, a little more probing that is strictly polite, but under the circumstances, allowances can be made. Haydn is a dutiful squire, and without direction sees to it that Sir Marvin and Sir Cedwyn never need to interrupt their discussion to seek after something.
Habren's colour rises as Sir Rodric approaches the table, and Cedrych smiles warmly and invites Sir Rodric to join him. A very pleasant conversation follows, involving future plans. Habren, a happy smile on her face, listens quietly, but rarely takes her eyes off Sir Rodric. She even, somewhat scandalously, surreptitiously places her hand over Sir Rodric's on several occasions. Cedrych either does not notice, or does not choose to.
partway through breakfast, Suger runs into the tent and brings himself up short. He is dishevelled, hair uncombed and his attire in mind disarray. Pieces of straw cling to his clothes. But, to his credit, he raises his chin and marches up to Sir Rodric's side and begins to wait on his knight. His cheeks blaze red as a few of the guests chuckle at his display, but he gives no other outward sign.
For her part, Lady Elaine sits with the Earl's party. She is quiet, picks at her food, and appears a bit pale this morning, but otherwise looks very much the aloof noblewoman. The only one at the table who speaks to her is the Earl and his wife, but otherwise everything seems a study is decorum.
Eventually, the Earl makes a show of putting pushing back his plate, and rises. The tent grows silent.
"Sir Cedwyn. On behalf of my company, and I think I speak of all others here besides, let me thank you for an excellent feast. As much as I have enjoyed your company, duty calls me away. I must be back in Sarum by noon, so I must away. My squires report our baggage train is packed and horses and carriages are ready. Therefore, I must away."
His party rises and they start heading out of the pavilion, but the Earl walks over to Sir Cedwyn. "Walk with me?"
Outside the pavilion, Earl Roderick waves back his squires, and they remove themselves to a respectful distance.
"Sir Cedwyn, last night I noticed you were involved in quiet conversation with Lady Ysbail. Yet later, I had received a reliable report that you and the Lady Elaine had a conversation last night about marriage. Indeed, Lady Elaine seemed as nervous as a maiden in procession to the tent this morning, which is exceptional in itself for a lady normally so composed as she. Yet over breakfast I saw you in deep conversation with Sir Marvin. I must confess that I was relieved. The Lady Elaine is no maiden, as I am sure you are aware, and requires a strong husband. I have other plans for her in this regard. But you and Lady Ysbail, I think, would be an excellent match. She is noble born, and well trained to be a Knight's wife. If your interests align, I would write to Sir Marvin your behalf to encourage the union. And to further encourage you, I will personally add a libra to whatever dowry Sir Martin offers, contingent on you securing Lady Ysbail's hand."
He pauses and turns full towards you. "Sir Cedwyn, unlike some of my peers, I am not in the habit of delving deeply into the personal lives of my vassals. Beyond concerns for the stability of the county, I leave you to arrange your domestic affairs as you each will. However, this is an exceptional circumstance. I do not command this, but I encourage you to see the wisdom of my counsel."
