Calling for counsel - 9/15 Morning - Percival/Zel [closed]

[Percival Torgood]

The young shield hadn't planned on stopping on his way to the stables, but when he had spied Zel Rithert alone in her room packing, with the door open, he knocked lightly on the old wooden frame and smiled warmly. "Lady Riethert," he nodded from the hall, not daring to enter unless he was invited.

The young man had his white and red cloak draped around his shoulders despite the southern summer heat. He was a well composed young man who wasn't prone to overheating, despite the fact that he was generally active about the grounds. His black hair had recently been trimmed, and he was cut more like a knight than even he would have thought possible.

Blushing a little bit at his own sillyness, he inclined his head into a bow. "I was wondering, if you weren't too busy, if I might have a word with you?" He had been warned by others about the ability of ladies to gossip, but Percival Torgood was nothing, if not trusting. But he didn't really have any true friends other than Kivi in the Moor, and he couldn't risk the soldiers talking. Or worse, the wrath of KJ, if he ever found out.

[Zel Riethert]

Zel had been methodically arranging her belongings in preparation for their imminent departure from Heather's Moor for the Harvest Festival in Hell's Ridge when she heard her name formally called, the voice strong but soft. Glancing over her shoulder, Zel's blue eyes caught on the tall knight standing in her doorway, and it took a moment to register who she was looking at. "Sir Percival," Zel said lightly after a moment, pausing in mid-fold of one of her dresses. She folded her arms over her chest, the young knight under Zel's critical eye, as she drank in his appearance. He looked the part of the knight, that was to be sure -- and the long dual-colored cloak fell off his shoulders in a becoming manner. But this was the first they had exchanged more than mere pleasantries.

"I have all the time in the world for the Knight of the Capital," Zel spoke, her tone warm and thick like honey. She had not had much contact with Percival Torgood since his rather unexpected presence was announced in the Moor, but then again Zel had been rather preoccupied with trying to maintain order within the grieving house of her adopted family. Taking a moment to lay her folded garment delicately on her bed, and pass one hand through her rather unkempt golden waves, Zel stepped to the doorway, where Percival stood just outside the door frame. "What seems to be the matter, good knight?"

[Percival Torgood]

Percival smiled nervously and took a step or two into the room. Leaning back again, he peered into the hallway, just to make sure there wasn't anyone around. "Oh, I was just ummm...curious, I guess. If ummm...Lady Kivennah had said anything to you about me?" The knight was accutely aware of the lump rising in his throat as he spoke, and took a moment to mentally force it back down. His hands wrung themselves lightly in front of his body as he thought if there was anything he should add to his previous statement.

The young man glanced at the window, just out of habit, and then turned back to the blond girl before him. "We had a tea the other day, you see, and I was...wondering I guess, if it had come up in conversation at all." The words sounded like a rehash of what he had just said to her, and now he was starting to wonder if he shouldn't make a hasty retreat. It was entirely possible that he was just making things worse. It occured to him that making an attempt at covering himself couldn't be too foolish, and so he added, "Or, Lady Karenna or Master Kelwes for that matter. Call me self-conscious, but I'm just trying to make sure I'm not stepping on toes, or anything of the like."

[Zel Riethert]

"Kivennah?" Zel repeated the name he spoke, one thin eyebrow raising slightly in obvious surprise. Of all topics of discussion, Zel had not assumed it would be about Lady Caldoran. Her arms remained folded across her chest, and Zel's blue eyes remained fixed on the knight standing before her, who would look rather regal -- had he suddenly not taken on the slight fidgeting of a squire. He wrung his hands and seemed to shoot her an almost nervous look. ... Now this, was intriguing.

" -- No, I can't say she and I have spoken -- about you. Merely in passing, Sir Percival." Zel paused, ruminating on the possibly origins of this conversation. And what it might mean. And perhaps, more importantly, what had transpired that Percival thought would be important enough for Kivennah to want to tell Zel about it -- and why exactly she hadn't. His next words peaked her interest even further. Tea? With the warded knight? Kivennah had to know Zel would not approve of harboring such lower company... perhaps that was why she kept it a secret. " -- Of course, Lady Kivennah has been rather preoccupied lately, as have I. What with our departure close at hand, and the remaining disarray of the Caldoran estate... I'm sure you understand," Zel backtracked slightly, as she watched Percival attempt to hastily retreat from their conversation. She wasn't letting him go that easily -- not now that there was clearly something occurring beneath her nose she had not previously seen.

"I'm sure she appreciated the company, nonetheless. She has been through some very troubling times, of late. It's... lovely, for you to be there her. Very much outside your range of responsibilities to the family. I'm sure your Commander would commend you for being such a gentleman," Zel continued, her words light, unassuming. She paused, reaching out to lightly touch the knight's forearm, knowing full well his modesty would get the best of him and he'd attempt to recoil. "Did something happen? You seem troubled, Sir Percival."

[Percival Torgood]

Percival had been nodding his understanding, almost robotically as he listened to the young woman's explanations and musings on Kivi's and her own preoccupations. He seemed to frown a little when he realized that Kivennah hadn't mentioned him. Perhaps he was reading too much into this. Perhaps he had made a mistake. His eyes darted to the door, wondering if there was an out for him.

When her hand reached out and touched his, he could feel his skin jump, but he did his best not to flinch reflexively, lest he give offense to the woman. Instead, he very smoothly folded his hands behind his back, as though he were at ease. "Yes, yes of course, Lady Riethert. I understand what you mean, about things here in Taldorach." His face twisted just a little at her insinuation of his duties, and he shook his head to dispel the notion. "While I do try to fulfill my duties to the best of my ability, I do have free time for a few hours a day."

He wondered if Zel thought that perhaps he was taking advantage of his position. "I would never call on Lady Kivennah while on duty, unless it was on court business of course." When she asked if something had happened, he contemplated changing the subject. Lying was out, at least for Percival. He wasn't even sure he could make it believable. "Troubled? No, not really." His blushing cheeks betrayed him at last, and a shy smile crossed his lips. "Why would everything not be perfectly well, Lady Riethert?"