Shadows grew longer as the sun slowly followed it's downward descent. The training day was coming to an end and the knights knew it; many had been standing around for some time knowing sun fall was approaching. Ulrich was still fighting and hadn't stopped since he returned from checking on his grandmother. With his practice fight against two opponents ended, which he won, Ulrich removed his helmet and wiped his brow with a dry linen cloth. His shoulders rose and fell with his breath, an even tempo despite the rigorous activity of the day. The two knights whom Ulrich fought were both breathing heavily with their palms pressed against their legs, bent over. There were many knights that did not take the physical aspect of knighthood seriously. Ulrich held little respect for them.<br/><br/>"Gather round men, a quick word then you shall be dismissed."<br/><br/>The knights grew closer to the man speaking, a senior knight named Wilhelm, who continued.<br/><br/>"As some of you may know there is a ball in the coming days and the King has asked me to select some of our finest knights to attend. His majesty desires the extra protection for the healers and other magic users and for the kingdom to see their knights in numbers."<br/><br/>A rolled scroll was brought to Wilhelm by his page, and Wilhelm proceeded to read off a list of eight names. Of them, Raff and Ulrich were two. Ulrich's emerald green eyes hardened as he heard the order, a slight stretching of leather was heard as he clenched his fists. He couldn't help but interject.<br/><br/>"Sir Wilhelm, do the magic users not already have knights assigned to them? Why the need for more numbers?"<br/><br/>Wilhelm nodded slowly then answered evenly, expecting the question from Ulrich in particular.<br/><br/>"Because this is a ball that the less wealthy are invited to, Sir Ulrich. The King wants for his people to see a show of healthy and strong men ready to fight in their defense. As there are twelve knights sworn to the magicians, eight more were requested. With Lords and Serfs attending, it's always wise to have a few more eyes on things."<br/><br/>The gathered men grunted in agreement and Ulrich bowed his head and stepped back. It was now he realized that this was a money making scheme. Wilhelm had been good to him though, perfectly aware of his fighting prowess but unwilling to inform anyone high up enough to have him be one of the Twelve. He would endure.<br/><br/>Wilhelm dismissed the men and gave Ulrich a knowing glance, seeming to say with his eyes, "I'm sorry Ulrich, but I need you there." Ulrich shrugged off his chainmail quickly and handed it to his awaiting page. The page took the rest of his gear and started cleaning it while Ulrich began to make his way back home. Raff called out, jogging up to wrap a burly arm around Ulrich's neck.<br/><br/>"How 'bout that mess eh? Imagine us two. At a ball. Should be load'sa fun don' ya say Ulley?"<br/><br/>Ulrich couldn't help but smile at Raff's antics. Any other occasion and the ball would actually sound like fun. Ulrich snaked out of Raff's grip and lightly punched him on the arm, which to lesser men would have been a painful experience.<br/><br/>"I'm worried Raff. I hate seeing where out kingdom is going at times; to see men and women who only want the best for their loved ones pinching and spending every shilling they make for this God-awful magic."<br/><br/>Raff sobered quickly, placing a broad hand on Ulrich's shoulder.<br/><br/>"Aye, it worries me too at times. But your gran is still with us thanks to that God-awful magic, so I say we keep working and keep fighting and keep drinking and see where it takes us. Nothing stays the same for ever, brother."<br/><br/>Ulrich nodded slowly, the words<span style="font-style: italic">"Nothing stays the same for ever"</span>striking a chord within him. Raff was right. Everything changed eventually.<br/><br/>"C'mon now, Annie has been roasting a duck all day. She says there's enough for you and gran, we'll go help her carry it to the esteemed estate of Sir Ulrich and eat and drink like great men do."<br/><br/>The two men took off in the direction of Raff's home within the castle walls and talked loudly, laughing as they did. Problems forgotten for now, but the ball was days away.