(Thomas’ POV)

Thomas was eager to take off his armour. He had been sweating in it for almost a week now, and he wanted nothing more than to get dressed into his sleeping clothes and nap until food was served in the Great Hall. If he was lucky he would get an hour long nap in. Almost everyone had already left for the bar by now, and those that hadn’t were preparing to do so. He was lucky enough to be left completely alone.

Once he was in his lighter, more breathable sleeping clothes, he got into the hard and unwelcoming bed that he was provided. He didn’t miss the opportunity to take the bed furthest from the door all the way in the back corner. He had aimed to sleep, but saw the opportunity of being completely alone to take a long, deep cleaning dip in the river. He did not want to bathe with all those sweaty men with a kingdom full of people who he didn’t know watching him.

The river was close to the barracks, only a two minute walk away. When he got there, he had to build up the courage to strip fully naked and quickly get into the water. The river was slow moving, lined with pebbles and the occasional grasses. The water was clear, which was a relief. The walls that surrounded two sides of the river were made of thin logs tied together by strings, but seemed to do the job. Thomas wasted no time in cleaning himself off.

Finally, after three washes with soap, he felt clean enough to leave the river and dry off, putting his more casual clothes back on. Still there was no sign of any of the other knights. They were likely already stinking of alcohol, sweat, and other horrible body fluids that came with being drunk. Even the thought of it made Thomas a little sick to the stomach.

He still had an hour until he needed to be at the Great Hall for food. That was time enough to write a letter to his family. From his bag he collected his pen, ink, and paper. He then sat on the bed, the pillow behind his back and the ink pot on the little side table he was provided, and began writing.

I arrived safe. The ride here was long and lonely, I’m exhausted, but I’m safe and sound. My horse is taking a well deserved rest, as will I. We have to spar, swordfight, do general fitness tests… more.

Hopefully this will be easy, all I really want is to return home.

I can feel the other knights staring at me, I can almost tell that they’re thinking of me as a non-threat.

Even though I’m here to ‘compete’, I will try to find souvenirs for each of you.

Stay safe.

~Thomas~

It was a small letter, but it was only his first day there, he didn’t have much to update them with. After letting the ink dry in the paper, he folded it gently, and put a few flowers that he had found on his journey into the letter before sealing it with a bit of twine. He would send this letter tomorrow. For now, he got up and began his walk to the Great Hall. He prayed that he would get there, eat, and get out before anyone else got there.

His prayer was… Half answered. When he got there, only some local knights were there eating. The food was fresh, warm, and welcoming, so he took a plate and filled it. He sat alone, only giving the other knights a small glance as he went past. These were quiet, they had likely been the knights that had preferred not to go to the bar like him. He respected that.

When he sat down, the first thing he ate was the fresh, even still warm bread. It tasted heavenly, so heavenly that he had to close his eyes to fully take in the fresh taste and warmth. It was as if he had been starved for days. Clearly they had an amazing baker. It tasted like home… and that made him feel slightly better about being in this new place.

As he was eating, he noticed the rowdy voices of drunk men beginning to fill the room. None of them seemed to bother Thomas, and he kept his head down anyway, hoping that none of them would recognise him in the first place, but eventually he felt the same burning gazes as he felt in the introduction ceremony. This time, he decided to look around to locate these burning gazes, and found the source.

A few seats across from him was the man who was beside him at the introduction ceremony. He had dishevelled, mid-neck length grey hair and grey eyes that were burning into Thomas’ soul. Did this man have something against him? He scanned his body for any hint of why he may hate him. On his sleeve he saw the crest of the rival kingdom, one who constantly fought his own in competition for territory. He realised that he may have even fought this man before in the one proper battle he has been drafted to… he hated the thought of it.