the tourney

two hours before

      Noel leaned against the wall behind the standing pillars as he watched Ned danced between the pillars dogging his foes attacks and parrying the swings that came to close. He would strike every once and awhile but other than he would dance around looking for his opponents weaknesses and strengths. The fight went on for twenty minutes before Ned struck his foe down by cutting the back of his knee and plunging his sword down the man’s spine and  through his heart. Noel had to give it to him Ned was a great fighter.

      Ned walked over Noel breathing heavily. “So did you learn anything?” He asked. Noel nodded. “find your opponents strengths before you strike.” He explained. Ned smiled. “I took you for a fool when I first met you.” He said. “I see that I have mistaken you.” Noel pushed himself off the wall. “That’s why men can’t read me correctly.” Noel explained. “I can be tricky and unpredictable in a fight so expect everything.” He said. “When do fight next?” Ned asked. “I fight in two hours.” He told Ned. “Ah time to relax and talk.” Noel nodded and smiled. They both walked back to the hall together talking about his fight. When they entered the hall everybody cheered Ned. He smiled and waved but ignored them for the most part. They talked story for an hour and Ned had a few drinks that he brought from his home. Noel politely refused that he offered. “I have to fight in an hour.” He would say.

        “So what’s of your family?” Ned asked. Noel looked down at the ground. “I’m actually here because of my family.” He said. “How come?” Ned asked taking a swig of his beer. “My mom is dying so I thought if I could win this tournament I could send the money to her to pay for her cancer treatment.” He explained. Ned’s mocking smile went away. “I take it back you still are the innocent one.” Noel looked at him and smiled. “You have better intentions than any other senseless killer I’ve met in this hole.” Ned said. Noel smiled and let out a little laugh. “Thanks I guess.” He said. Ned looked at him. “May the gods be with you in your fights to come and may them take you to Tamarack to slay him.” Noel smiled. “Thank you.” He said. “Why do you talk like a knight from medieval times??” He asked. Ned looked at him. “I just watch a lot of Game of Thrones.” He said with a smile. Noel  guffawed. “I thought that you worked at medieval times or something like that.” Ned laughed. “No I just like talking like and thanks for braking my character!’’ He said jokingly.