<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0080FF"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;">House of D'Aries</span><br/><span style="font-size: 130%; line-height: 116%;">Castle Asture</span></span><br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o793/Galvin_Fugazi/4d346bf9-c817-405c-b853-1d680fc1dba7_zps5271719f.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/><span style="color: #0080FF"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;">Lord Alexander D'Aries</span></span></div><br/><br/>Alexander had not been surprised at the bold treachery of Sir Hagener. It was common knowledge the man was not very sane, earning him the title of 'The Loon.' It was a pity, too, as Sir Alexander had so hoped the Loon would beat Yakari out of the tournament, but as it was now it seemed Yakari would be awarded more than he deserved. At least in Alexander's opinion, but perhaps he was just bitter due to the fact that Lady Danielle was chasing after Sir Yakari so desperately. Pfft, that little vivacious vixen needed a real man, not some boy.<br/><br/>No matter, at least Hagener had injured Yakari enough to likely keep him from participating further in the tournament. That was what Alexander hoped for, anyway. At that though, Alexander mounted his steed, his squire handing him his lance. Lord Alexander nodded his thanks as he lowered the visor of his helmet. He had already forgotten his opponent's name, as he only could recall those who mattered to him and his plans. He adjusted on his horse as he was handed his shield, and again he nodded his thanks. The squire gave a grin,<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #FFBF00">"Luck be with you, my lord!"</span></span></span>Alexander gave a laugh,<span style="color: #0080FF"><span style="font-weight: bold">"Boy, it has nothing to do with luck..." </span></span>the squire gave an amused smile and bow, running to his place.<br/><br/>Alexander's opponent had gathered himself as well, both staring each other down through the slits of their helmets, each determined to win. The flag came down and Alexander gripped his shield and lance firmly as he and his opponent galloped towards each other in fierce desire to win. Alexander angled himself in such a way that his lance caught the man's chest, knocking him from his horse and splintering Sir Alexander's lance. He grinned victoriously, though no one could see the cocky smile. His opponent stood, dusting himself off. He could be heard laughing and Alexander was glad the man was such a sport, unlike Sir Hagener.<br/><br/>Both returned to their positions, new lances granted to each. The flag went down, and once again the two charged at each other. This time, however, they both splintered their lances on each other and neither fell from their horse. Sir Alexander was mildly annoyed, but glad that he was actually getting a challenge from the man. Quickly enough, they reset--Alexander winning the next round.<br/><br/>Finally, the last round came about--the last for surely Alexander would win. His squire once again gave him words of encouragement that were unnecessary, but Alexander accepted them graciously as the boy was only being loyal. He made sure to be firmly seated, feet placed in his stirrups with no chance of dislodging. He normally did not bother with such a thing, but he desired a victory and he would have it. The flag came down for a final time, dust flying into the air as each man surged his horse forward with more gusto. Alexander held his lance up with a surprising and steady ease, once again angling his body as he had done the first time. His opponent favored his shield this time, but it was no match for Alexander's firm stance and the man was thrown off his horse. The crowd immediately stood, cheering. Alexander raised his gauntlet covered fist, his horse circling in victory.<br/><br/>He dismounted, slapping his horse on the rear and it galloped to his squire. He walked over to the fallen knight, offering a hand. The man gave a grunted laugh and reached out, allowing Alexander to hoist him up.<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #0080FF"> "Fine jousting, Sir. I hope we'll have the pleasure of doing it again next year,"</span></span>Alexander said jovially as he took off his helmet. The man gave another chuckle, lifting his helmet as well,<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #40FF00">"Aye, hopefully. But my wife likely won't let me now!" </span></span></span>he said jokingly, thrusting a thumb behind him towards the stands. Alexander followed the line and saw a very worried woman, hands clutched to her chest, though her eyes seemed full of relief. Alexander gave a smile, waving at her and the woman gave a hesitant wave back.<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #0080FF"> "Ah, your wife is quite the attractive woman. It might be best to listen to her anyway--who would ever want to leave that behind through a tournament?"</span></span>the man laughed at Alexander's joke, nodding.<span style="color: #40FF00"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"Aye. Indeed. Well, congratulations to you. I'll have to go settle her now..." </span></span></span>with that they shook hands and the man limped off to ease his obviously tender wife.<br/><br/>In the background the herald could be heard announcing Alexander as the winner as he walked out of the tournament arena, giving a gracious bow to the Queen as he passed the box, his squire chasing after him. Now that he had his jousting victory, he could go figure out where Danielle had run off to and finally engage her.