Collab post between Kaname and Madmoiselle
Henry & Hadrian
A man designated Hadrian to move forward to starting position. His eyes were fixed onto Henry's frame. The prince had no idea whether or not the duke had any idea who he was jousting but regardless Hadrian was determined to win. A win against the other nobleman would show those in attendance that the DeGrey family was still strong and in a way, it would double as a subtle threat Henry or at least Hadrian hoped so.
The young Duke Henry, with his head held high and his green shield bearing the sigil of his house; a red bear rearing up towards the sky, readied himself for a fight.
Henry gave his mare a small pat on her neck before clicking his heels into her side to push her forward. His eyes glanced narrowly between his visor, staring at the man with the blue flag who would signal for the joust to begin.
"Come on girl, don't let me down now." He murmured, clutching his lance in his hands as a excited tingle shot down his spine.
Caspian let out a loud snort as another man cam over with a shield bearing the red and yellow crest of the DeGrey family. Silence overtook the field at the sight of the insignia, it had not been made common knowledge that Hadrian would be competing. Just like the Duke he secured his gear and gripped his lance with a strong grip. He could feel Caspian ready, the horse knew exactly what was to happen. The blue flag descended and the stallion moved, running towards the opponent heading his way.
The sight of the DeGrey sigil unnerved Henry, though he wouldn't show it. With the King sitting high above the court, there was only one other who would dare enter the battlefield. Hadrian Henry thought, an amused expression forming underneath his silver helmet.
With Banshee whinnying underneath him and scraping her hooves, Henry let out a small whistle to urge his horse on. The thundering of hooves made the crowd leap up in excitement, and it sent the buzzing inside of him into full swing.
As his body leaned forward, in order to meet Hadrians own lance against his shield, he brought his lance forward and unleashed a roar that only made Banshee run faster towards the Prince.
If other's could see the look on Hadrian's face at this moment, the loving and kind prince all believed him to be would appear to be an illusion. His features broke out into anger as he eyes filled with hatred. The match was the opportunity he had been looking for it would seem, Hadrian could have his time to hate and hurt someone else during it, his everything shielded by the thick armor he wore.
His own lance bashed against the Duke's shield and as their horses passed one another. There was a press of pain to his left arm as his own lance bashed just above Henry's shield. Caspian sped down the track, the prince slowing him in order for the stallion to turn around for the next round. His arm that held his lance huts. Damn He thought, he really had been hit, but it would not slow him down.
When Hadrian's lance struck his shield, the force sent him back a few inches in his saddle. Letting out a grunt he shook his head and rammed his own lance towards the ghastly colors of the DeGrey house.
He urged Banshee to turn with a small tug on the reins, but he noticed the horse wasn't as responsive to his touch as she had been minutes ago. He leaned down to glance at her legs, and hissed when he saw a few splinters inside his horses flesh, clinging to her leg as dribbles of blood made their way to the sand beneath her hooves.
"I'm sorry girl, just one more round." He whispered, patting her neck before forcing his horse into a gallop towards the Prince.
Caspian was eager to continue on and once set on the right path, continued on in his run. Hadrian braced himself soundly as he held both his shield and lance in place firmly. He had the feeling of time slowing down as he got closer and closer to Henry. He could feel his lance make contact with Henry's body.
He fell from his horse, the impact of Hadrians lance hitting him spot on between his ribcage. Banshee let out a shrill whinny and rose up, stomping her hooves inches from where Henry now lay. The crowd was quiet for a moment, and then the cheering from the Kings side of the court could be heard throughout the Kingdom.
"Shit..." He mumbled, slipping his helm off and throwing it down somewhere to the left of him.
It took a moment for Hadrian to get Caspian to calm and stop his excited movements. The cheers from his brother's section were the first hint that he had actually won the match. Turning Caspian around to face the field he could see Henry's form on the ground. Hadrian watched quietly as Henry before slowly walking his horse over the his cousin.
It was back to being the charismatic diplomat now that the match was settled. He took his time climbing down from Caspian's back and removed his helmet, setting it on Caspian's sate. The prince moved towards the duke, offering a hand out to Henry once he was close enough.
"Good game, cousin." He announced politely, a large grin plastered on his face.
Hadrian's certainly pleased with himself, Henry thought as he begrudgingly lifted a hand for his cousin to help him up. Dusting himself off, he returned his cousins smile with a wolfish grin of his own.
"Good game indeed" He replied with equal politeness, though there was a certain edge to it. "I believe I should take some time to look after my horse. I'll be sure to address the King and his court after Banshee is taken care of. Good day." He gave a small bow to the Prince and cringed as he dipped his head down.
I'll be black and blue by the end of tomorrow, I just know it. He thought miserably, not bothering for a second glance towards the Prince as he took Banshee's reigns back into his hands to lead his horse to a healer.
The prince gave a bow back, though his was more like a nod of the head, to his cousin as the other man walked away. Hadrian stood proudly as the announcer walked to his side and an declared him the winner. He looked towards where his brother sat, raising his shield and patting the DeGrey crest the adorned the wood.