A fun post
Groin... and I liked it too.
But just a general precaution: let us not make all the new soldiers just arrogant idiots. Remember you have to bear with them and you will have to rely on them if anything bad happens... (and in a long run some of us may need to start writing them as they will become household names). And anyway, part of them at the courtyard are king Eomer's soldiers going back the next day. So like the best men in the whole country... and surely Athanar's own men are not any servants of Mordor but valiant
rohirrim like your characters.
Anyway, in this environment lord Athanar's soldiers are the next thing to a friend in arms you have.
But yes, a rotten apple among the new soldiers is a good idea and we could get a lot of interesting things out of such a figure. Maybe he should be named as well... well not necessarily now, unless someone of you would like to take that character or would like to play with him a little more as an NPC? Maybe people could vent off some frustrations with him and then both sides (or if he is just horrible, then only him) would be punished? As you like...
But if you have any misconceptions about Athanar, then I need to say that had he witnessed that incident, he would have commanded a round of lashes to that rider, and probably to Matrim as well...
To their luck, Athanar hasn't heard about the incidence yet as he is indoors having the discussion.
This looks fine indeed! So much feeling in the air!
I'm looking forwards to see how Hilderinc will handle the situation... and what Saeryn & Thornden will answer to Athanar. Or whether someone is going to meet Aedre and her "uncle", or if Lilige will have an encounter with someone helping to move the personal matters... There are such a myriad of chances for everyone...
Just grab them...