A place for scenes specific to Sir Garym.

The queen was truly breath taking as Sir Garym had heard. If, he were worthy he could see how such a woman could control a man, but he was new to his knighthood. Eventually, he would marry, but for now he was more interested in making a name for himself. Once he had tested his mettle against whatever God could throw at him then he could claim a wife for his trophy.

London was grand. The feast was beyond any that he had seen before,  but adventure called to Garym. Most likely he would not find it here. The only thing to do was to petition his Lord, Earl Robert, to send him forth doing the his will.

He waited until decorum would allow Garym to approach the Earl. "Lord Robert, I am so inspired by the deeds of three of knights, my peers. I would ask thee to send me forth in your name. Surely, there must be a task that I could do. Let my deeds bring more glory to Salisbury."

The Earl smiles at his new knight, "you sound like Sir Tyngyr, God rest his soul.  A mighty warrior and stout heart, always seeking trials.  Would that his luck had been better," he comments sorrowfully.

Giving a wave to the pageantry all around them he notes, "these are the fruits of those adventures, Garym.  Partake while you can for your wish will be granted soon enough.  The Summer will be a busy one for us and maybe the Fall as well.  Soon enough you will be longing for the days when there was food enough to eat and a solid roof over your head."

Garym politely gave a small incline of his head acknowledging the Earl's words. He had truly hoped to escape this place. He had seen it, and that was enough for tonight. The next time he returned he wanted to do so as a man of substance. Looking around the room there were more heroes of the realm than he could count. Even those that were his peers were elevated this night. "I am sure that you are correct my Lord. I fear though I may be more suited to a lonely crossroads or in the middle of a raging battle. I think I have spent more time on the practice field with my sword and horse than I have with persons of such caliber."

"Have you ever noticed the druids who sit at the ends of tables here?" Sir Robert asked.  Looking around, Sir Garym saw more than a dozen of the men he had never noticed before.  With a smile, the Earl went on, "now everytime you go to a feast you will spot them because I pointed them out."

He lets this sink in before bringing home the point, "Sir Jaradan is the best swordfighter in Salisbury by far.  Far better than Sir Gawaine and yet few here have heard of him.  The thing is, if you get your name out there people will remember it and when you do something, it will catch their attention.  It is not just what you do it is who notices it."

Garym chided himself for his naiveté to such things. Just like a tourney there were protocol that happened before the jouster ever entered the list. He needed to view court more like a battlefield, and the courtly skills the weapons that he used for victory. "My Lord Robert, I thank thee for your wisdom in this matter. I hope by the next courtly affair I can bring as much glory to Salisbury there as I will upon the battlefield."

Sir Robert chuckles, "wisdom comes with age . . . most of the time.  Court and the battlefield are just different versions of the same struggle.  They both require practice.  If you are interested in any of the available Ladies, try out some of your skills now when it is relatively safe and Salisbury has some cachet."

He nods toward Sir Perin and the Countess Fiona, "take a page out of your fellow's book.  I wouldn't dare approach Fiona, much less attempt to win her over.  No one is going to win a Lady's hand tonight but you can start on that road.  If you are interested in Glory and nightly camaraderie, start by issuing some feast challenges^* or start up a conversation."

^* I will be getting to feast challenges during the next break, essentially you call someone out and challenge them to a courtly or romantic skill, which they must perform.  Great fun and the possibility to gain check marks.

Garym joined his Lord in a chuckle. "I believe you are right, my Lord. With your permission, may I be dismissed to follow you advice"

Garym had understood his Lord well. Tonight, had a purpose, and that purpose was to be noticed. There were three Ladies, Gwendolyn, Fiona, and Rhodia, that if seen talking to would accomplish this task. Rhodria was known for her generosity, and perhaps she would allow him the chance to be seen with her. "Lady Rhodria, we have not yet met, but I would ask that perhaps we could speak to one another. Truly, I would think it a great boon. I am Sir Garym of Salisbury. I must confess I am never afraid on the battle field, but it took all of my nerve to steel myself to complete this quest of meeting you."

The Countess smiles brightly at the young knight who so courteously introduced himself, "I would be charmed.  It seems that the knights of Salisbury are in good stead with the King and Queen.  Are you heading out on any great quests or setting off to fight any great foes?" she inquires.

Sir Garym gets a check in Courtesy.

"Yes, the Knight Salisbury have demonstrated their worth. I wish I could claim such honor, but I am newly knighted after our last campaign. One day, I shall be held in high regard by the King and Queen, but tonight I celebrate my fellow knight's victories." There is no hint of resentment towards those honored. Garym understands his current station, and their deeds demonstrate the possibility to rise above one's stars.

Garym looks up towards the King and queen before once again speaking. "I have heard rumors of battles to come. Sir Robert instructed his knights to enjoy this eve for soon enough we would long for such comforts. As I said, I am recently knighted. I can not imagine that I will be in the vanguard, but one day I hope to charge forward leading the vanguard against king's enemies. I must of course prove my worth, but I have little doubt that I can. I am truly confidant in my martial skills, but my courtly skills are lacking. Maybe, I can show you that I am not totally without grace. I was once told a story of one of Salisbury's greatest knights."

"Well I will keep an eye out for you then," she says.  "Perhaps you could keep me informed of your doings?  I feel so isolated sometimes, to hear about what you brave knights are actually doing would be a rare glimpse into a more interesting world."

A maid whispers something into the Countess's ear, she replies before turning her attention back to the young man before her, "it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, Sir Garym of Salisbury.  I hope to hear more from and about you soon.  However, it seems that I am needed."

"Of course Countess Rhodria. As I had said when I first introduced myself. I considered you allowing me to speak to you a boon, and if you wish repayment of that boon in the tales of adventure than it shall be done. I personally thought that you would have had me slay a dragon or two. Would of been a most fair price. I bid thee farewell until I have a story of note for you." Garym smiled which he was not noted to normally do. He watched the Countess leave, and for a brief moment he thought the impossible, but he then chided himself for his silly thoughts. She was a Countess, and he was a poor County knight. For a moment though he understood why Dalan and Gracian would trade adventure for love.

Chapter 2.3 - Fall (515 AD) - Before leaving Carlion

During dinner, Sir Robert approaches Sir Garym.  "I was wondering if you could attend an upcoming tournament in Essex on behalf of Salisbury?  I saw you talking with Countess Rhodria and I thought maybe keeping in contact with her would be something you would wish to do?"

The tournament is in another 2 months, but it is also a long way away, probably a couple of weeks journey.  You are free to spend some of that time resting and recovering at your manor, or doing other things.

The events of chasing weighed heavily on Garym's mind. They should not of escaped. There were times that Garym could of done something different to bring them to their justice, but instead they scurried back to the Isle that spawned then.

With Robert's request, Garym had a chance to redeem himself. He could also show the Countess that he was more than a fumbling Courtier. "Milord, I always seek a chance to test my lance against worthy foes. You honor me allowing me to represent Salisbury in this Tournament. Do they joust for Love or Glory?"

"Glory, methinks," replies Sir Robert.  "Love is still a new concept to most, although one that we, as knights of the Queen's Guard, should foster."

"I will prepare immediately, Milord. I will not promise victory for that is vain, but if God be willing I will win this tourney for Salisbury. Do you have any missives for Countess Rhodria of Essex?" Garym mind drifted for a moment fantasizing about victory. The pride that the Earl would have in him. The Countess looking down seeing that the Knight of Salisbury won the tourney. Perhaps, she would award him with her token, but before the thought could fully form Garym scolded himself silently for such lack in discipline.

"I am sure that you will represent Salisbury admirably." Sir Robert says.

"Only the usual pleasantries," he responds.  "Essex is too far away to be a useful military ally but it is always best to have generally good relations with other lands."

"I understand milord. With your permission may I be dismissed? I have much to do in preparation." Garym politely bowed awaiting dismissal. There was much that he needed to do.

He called forth his Squire, Budfannon. "Lad, you have much work to do over the next few days. We set out to Essex for a tourney. Today, I give you leave to say to enjoy the luxuries of life, but return to me by the first light to make our gear is ready."

"Of course," Sir Robert waves you away.

"Thank you, MiLord," Budfannon simpers with a bow before heading off in search of the maid who caught his eye earlier.

In the morning, all is as it should be.

In the morning, Garym ate a hardy breakfast as he instructed his squire on the tasks that were needed prior to their departure to Garym's demesne. Garym and Budfannon prepared their horses and gear. Once done, Garym reviewed his young squire's work correcting any mistakes as he did.

"Budfannon, when we return Woodford. I want you to immediately tend to the horses. I will speak with Master Awenal, the Steward of Woodford, about our trip as well as general welfare of Woodford. I want to be able to travel as soon as is needed." Garym was making a mental list of what was needed.

"Of course, MiLord," the squire replied.

Returning to Salisbury takes about 6-7 days following the main roads and traveling at an easy pace.

Garym returned to his manor, and started to resume the duties of lord over Woodford. He truly hated the day to day duties of insuring his manor ran properly. For the most part; he left the most of the tedious details to Master Awendal.

The best times of the day were when he was training Budfannon in the ways of combat, or the times where he could right Harbinger through his demesne. If, ooften thought the life of a prized stallion would fit him well.

Garym thought often of the tournament, and drilled hard preparing for the jousts to come. He and Budfannon would need to leave soon enough to allow them about 5 days hospitality for the Countess Rhodria. This would allow Harbinger time to rest before the tourney, and Garym time to acclimate to Essex.

Time passes slowly, and even those enjoyable pastimes are interrupted by the minutia that comes with running and estate,  But at last it is time to get started and soon the pair are on the road again, wounds healed, ready for adventure and glory!

Traffic on the road is light until they get through London, where traffic increases significantly.  It is still a couple of days ride after that but at length they arrive in Essex.  While they are still in Briton, the flavor of the land, the buildings, and even the people is a little different here.  Nothing that you can put your finger on but little things are just not quite what you would expect.

Sir Garym and his squire are put up in a local manor and they have a couple of days to rest up and get a feel for the place.  The lists open in two days and there will be more information then about the events, number of participants, prizes, and what have you.

Garym calls out to Budfannnon after he finishes his morning chores. "Budfannon see if we can find a squire. I wish to dictate a letter to the Countees. It would proper to offer courtesies and thanks for her hospitality."