Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree

Well, that was a given. Ky looked back up and watched Tarr staring down his wife, forcing herself to take a deep breath and swallow down her complete and utter hatred of the man. He really had absolutely no redeeming qualities, did he? Not only was he cruel, but he was also stupid, if he thought that Aleth was going to relent on Ky being present, no matter who else might or might not be there.

"Of course," Aleth inclined his head. At least that made things simple. He wouldn't have to be quite so much of an asshole about ensuring Ky was there, now. "We're happy to assist any way that we can."

Tarr nodded, pleased with himself for finding such a quick solution that didn't involve Dalia. He turned back to his meal, deciding Lyra did regret her outburst. "We'll wait for Lord Loquitur outside," he added. "We'll go out after about an hour, that way we're ready when they ride in." That would certainly test Aleth's mettle.

Aleth would never understand people like Tarr. He always made sure he was ready for visitors, and would make it to the door by the time they made it out of their carriages, but he saw no need to waste his own time and energy standing around waiting for people to arrive. He had far better things to do with his life.

But. His time we being purchased right now, so if Tarr wished to waste it standing around in the cold, so be it. "Sounds good to me."

Tarr finished his food quickly and rose. "Would you care to spar with me, Master Aleth? I'd like to get some more exercise in before greeting my father in-law and his allies."

Aleth stared at him for a moment. Well, now, that had been unexpected. And distasteful. He'd learned sparring for necessity's sake, both to defend himself and to be able to take these situations in stride. But he would never in his life understand the enjoyment that people seemed to get from them.

He also didn't think he particularly wanted to spar with Tarr, of all people. Aleth was strong, but a scholar. He didn't pride himself in his physical strength -- he had Tadaaki to handle that. Plus, he was twice as old as this boy, so it was hardly an even match. He smiled, also pushing himself to his feet. "Sounds lovely."

Tarr grinned widely. Finally, a reason to beat this man up. "I look forward to it. What's your preferred weapon?" His was the longsword, though he was proficient in several others.

My mind.

"I don't particularly have a strong preference." At this point, Aleth was becoming increasingly convinced that Tarr wasn't planning on pulling any of his blows. Was it better to get beaten with the flat of a sword or a staff? Did it even matter? "What would you prefer?"

"I'm quite good with a longsword." He patted the weapon sheathed at his side. "But I can also use a battle axe, warhammer, morningstar, and plenty of other weapons."

Well, he certainly didn't want to be hit with any of the last few that he mentioned. It made him uneasy to agree to something Tarr was 'quite good' with, but there was little choice, unless he wanted a morningstar to the side of the head. "Longsword it is, then."

"Perfect." Tarr strode to the door. "Come on, then."

Aleth's cheek twitched slightly, wondering if there was literally any way at all out of this inevitable beating. Tarr was doing this on purpose. He wanted Aleth's head cracked open when Loquitur arrived. He felt anger, frigid but furious, bubbling up in his chest. He turned and snapped at Ky, "Get my sword."

"Sir!" Ky knew that tone. That was the tone that ended badly for everyone involved. She snatched her folder and all but sprinted from the room -- managing to keep it to a "walk" but only barely.

Aleth irritably followed Tarr towards the door.

Tarr headed for the barracks. He slid into his training armor and unsheathed his sword, striding into the sparring ring. The snow here was well-trampled and slippery, but he moved with ease.

Aleth got progressively more agitated the longer this spectacle continued. It put an even worse taste in his mouth as he realized that Tarr planned to wear armor for this. A serious beating, then. "May I borrow some armor? I packed rather light for this visit."

"Certainly." He snapped his fingers and a soldier went to fetch some from the barracks. "I'm sure we have something in your size." His eyes flicked over Aleth, already assessing his weak points.

Aleth forced a tight smile, barely managing to unclench his teeth before he answered tersely, "Thank you."

What a fucker. He looked Tarr over. It was painfully apparent that Aleth was unmatched not only in skill, but also in size and strength. And, Tarr remained unburdened with any semblance of intelligence, so who knew whether he may or may not have the good sense not to beat the snot out of Loquitur's dignitary a mere hour before Loquitur appeared.