"I care little about their show. As I heard the battle with the lion was quite decisive. With your argument perhaps you should of let the lion fight longer." Garym actually chuckled at his own joke, but quickly stopped once he realized that he was laughing. He could not stop thinking of Lethe.

"You are correct it is a show, but not the one you think. It is important that we win this melee. It sends a message to friend and foe that Salisbury is well protected. Secondly, in war we would never seek to extend the battle. I am not one who believes that tourneys are only a game. This is why men like you and I exist. To give any less than my fullest effort would be a shame I could not live with."

"Wise words, my friend Garym" says Sir Gracian as he quietly steps up and joins the discussion. "The Grand Melee is far from a show. It is a way for the world to see the might of Salisbury, our Earl and by that also our King. Defeat is not an option as it would reflect poorly on our Earl and our King."

"Decisive yes, but very much a show.  Still, your point is well taken my friend."  Seeing Gracian approach, his smile grows even wider "In truth, I should very much like to find a certain gentleman who has made a variety of... remarks about my lady over the years.  I'm thinking he's owed a lance to the chest."

"I do not know what you are talking about my friend - I never doubted your chances against that lion." Gracian answers with a grin and embrace the two men. "Although I admit I think I held my breath during the entire fight. I think I will much rather face a Saxon warband or a giant rather than facing a lion."

"Hah!  Well that makes one of us I suppose!"  At the mention of Saxons, some of the mirth leaves his face and his smile becomes a bit more strained.  Perin is of course, half Saxon himself, and it's something that the other children would never let him forget growing up.  Old wounds never truly heal after all.  However the brooding expression is quickly replaced with a fierce looking smile as he asks "So my friends, if it's not too much trouble, might I ask for your help in finding a Sir Loftrees in the field tomorrow?  Like I mentioned, he was responsible for tormenting my lady for quite some time, so I'd very much like to return the favor."

"Would it not be wiser to face him by challenge. If, he has besmirched your ladies honor then he should face your blade, or offer apologies for his rudeness. Let your lady see that you are willing to protect her honor. It also sends a message to others that might wish to intrude in your amour in the future."

"Fortunately he has not done so within earshot of myself since we have started courting.  So I'm afraid that 'stumbling' across him in the chaos of the melee is the best I can hope for.  And my lady is all too aware of what I'm willing to do at her behest" he says gesturing towards the arena, and obviously referring to his recent fight with the lion.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Sun 22 Oct 2017.

"Again I have to agree with Sir Garym. There is greater glory in you challenging him to a duel than us launching upon him like a pack of wolves. I hate to tell you this Sir Perin but our friend here ..." he points to Garym "... speak wisely. Perhaps he has been listening to the words of wise old men more than you have Sir Perin." he adds with a smile and winks to Sir Garym.

"So what has this Sir Loftrees said? ... or rather what is he supposed to have said?"

Once again the mirth drains from Perin's face as he fixes his friend with a cold stare "I am not asking you to fight my battles for my friend, as I am obviously more than capable of handling it on my own.  I'm simply asking you to ensure that if I do find him, that our encounter is uninterrupted."

Blowing out a heavy breath, he closes his eyes for a moment as he attempts to steady himself.  These are his friends after all, they're simply concerned about him.  "And it's not what he said, it's what he did.  After his own attempts at winning her heart failed, he turned asking the Countess to dance into a game.  He'd goad the younger knights into doing so on any occasion he had, ensuring that she was constantly being hounded during feasts."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sun 22 Oct 2017.

"I am sorry if my words offended you my friend. I am merely concerned for you. You and I grew up together and I know you are a man of courage and determination. But I also know how headstrong you can be. I could just leave you to your own but what kind of friend would I be then? I have no doubt that Sir Loftrees is a bully and if I can help you then you know I will."

He takes a deep breath unsure if he should go on or not. "Love is a strange thing and it has many shapes. But ... France? Lions? ... she is a dangerous woman, my friend."

Perin smiles slightly and waves away his friend's apology "None is necessary my friend.  After all, your words are honest and come from a place of concern; an admirable quality in a friend.  And I assure you, this is not a case of one sided affection.  You are not privy to how she acts in private, so please trust me when I say, she truly is unique and worthy of all the effort."  The smile suddenly returns, and chuckling slightly, he claps his friend on the shoulder, adding "Me?  Headstrong?  Never!"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Sun 22 Oct 2017.

Garym had heard that women were very capable of deceiving most males. Garym was not totally certain of this truth, but it rang very true. "We will of course stand by your side. I still believe it wiser to challenge him. Accuse him publically, and force him to deny that it has happened. At that point, he is yours. Challenge him claiming that you will prove him wrong by divine right. When, he loses his cronies will no longer so willingly do his bidding."

At length the afternoon wears on and the final evening feast begins.  There is a lot of talk about the arena events, be it the cool precision with which Sir Dalan handled the panther, or with which the bear was dispatched, or the rather tragic defeat of Sir Lamorak and the knight who was badly mauled by the bear, or the more back-and-forth between Sir Perin and the lion and the lion's eventual defeat.

Earl Robert beckons everyone to silence as he congratulates the day's winners, including the absent Sir Dalan, and mourns the death of Sir Lamorak, for whom he requests a moment of silence.

When he is done, the Queen rises and addresses the assembled knights, lords, and ladies.  "A year ago I announced the creation of the Court of Love.  All true knights should endeavor to find and nourish the values of Courtly love wherever they may be found across our great kingdom.  The Court of Love and the Round Table are two sides of the same coin," she announces.  "Completing a Quest for Love is as high an honor as any other Martial or Chivalrous Quest."

After this announcement, the servers begin to bring out the first course as the tables erupt into conversation.  Popular topics include the day's events in the arena, the implications of the Queen's speech on filling the empty seat on the Round Table, and of course the match between Sir Perin and Countess Fiona.

After the first course, which was loach in cold green sauce, the waiters bring out some poached cod.  Both are quite good and there is plenty of wine and ale with which to wash it down.

As the servers come to clear the first couple of courses, the entertainers circulate and people begin to move around a bit.

What would people like to do?  There is plenty of gossip and speculation going on.  If you have already received a check in something (like dancing) it may be worth trying out some other skills.

Ariette and Fiona are currently chatting together.  Galeria is talking to a couple of ladies from Silchester.

Sir Garym: Ellowyn, who is here by herself, is willing to watch over Arianwen if you would like to bring her along.

Garym had brought Lady Lethe to the feast. He could no longer stand the idea of her not being her. He was seated with many of Salisbury's single vassal knights. Ellowyn had been kind offering to sit with Lethe. Garym could not help help, but to continue staring in Lethe direction. She seemed to want to come, but this was more people then she had been around since Garym found her.

The usually cheerful Perin was doubly so; and it seems that something has put the large man in quite a good mood ahead of the feast.  Noticing Garym enter with a woman he didn't recognize, he made a note to ask his brother knight about it later.  He wasn't aware that Garym had been actively courting someone, so it was quite a curious sight.

Scanning the room, and seeing Fiona otherwise occupied, he decided to make the most of the situation and socialize.  The fact that he was linked to the Countess, and had killed the beast that had slain Sir Lamorak meant that people were approaching him to speak, rather than the other way around.

Sir Gracian arrived at the feast with his wife, the fair Lady Ariette. He was cheerful after an afternoon spend doing his best to secure an heir and now he was at the feast along with his beautiful wife enjoying fine meals and wine and good company. His wife looked ravishing and soon after the first course she was deep in conversation with Fiona giving him the opportunity to slip away and see old friends.

The loss of Sir Lamorak and the absence of his friend Sir Dalan put a damper on the festivities but only slightly. He could see Sir Perin being the center of attention and he couldnt help but smile. Just 10 years ago all this was just a dream but now he was living that dream. He was a knight, he was famous, he was rich, he was married and he felt like nothing could stop him. He could not see Sir Sejanus but he was sure the bookworm was busy courting Lady Galeria and with a little luck he could make up for last nights comments.

But where was Sir Garym? Oh there he was. And could that be the fair maden Lethe that he had mentioned? The young Garym could hardly keep his eyes off of her and seemed to have a look of despair in his eyes. Gracian sighed and walked up behind Sir Garym, placed his hands on his friend's shoulders and whispered in his ear. "I can see why you are in love, my friend. Dont deny it. You want to protect her and spend your life keeping her safe. It pains you to see her lost to this world and I do not blame you. But fear not ... no Angel, Demon or Fey will keep you from bringing her back to life so you can give her your heart. Trust me, my friend. And know this - I promise to fight by your side if you ask it of me. No matter what it takes we will get her back."

He clapped his friend on his back and already knew he had said too much. What was it that suddenly made him so eager to help Sir Garym find love? Perhaps it was the wine - or perhaps it was because he himself was in love and wanted the world to feel the way he felt. He scanned the room and saw his wife laugh at something Lady Fiona said and he heart beat a little faster. He laughter always made him smile.

"Trust me." he repeated and clapped Sir Garym's back trying to reassure his young friend that things would eventually turn out to the best.

 Sir Sejanus joined the Feast,at the table with his fellow Knights."Greetings Brothers, I trust I did not miss anything of importance."

As his fellows chat, Sir Perin circulates a bit, basking in the sudden bout of fame and attention.  He was a complete unknown at last year's Pentecost feast, although some tongues began to wag when he danced with the Countess.  Now, however, everyone seemed to know his name and is happy to greet him and praise his prowess, with the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, although none are drunk enough to mention the witch part openly.

He has a hard time finding out much about what people think about his courtship of Fiona as people seem somewhat loathe to talk about him to his face and even less inclined to talk about the Countess.  Mostly he can get a few general vibes from off-hand comments.  People, for instance, seem to have noticed that Fiona is much more engaged than she normally is at these events.  They also seem to think it is a good match, even if Sir Perin is well below her station.  There is some good-natured ribbing about her supporting him . . . well, at least it seems good-natured enough.  People are still pretty sure that she is a witch though, even if none come out and actually say that.

In truth, Perin is a bit taken back by his newfound fame, but he does his best to make the most of it.  People that would otherwise never deign to notice him, are now in fact seeking him out to talk.  And so the young knight heads into a far different kind of battle than he is used to, armed with nothing more than a charming smile.  While it's a battle he has no chance of winning, he can at least hope to not make a fool out of himself.

After a number of conversations, he's surprised to hear that folks think him a decent enough match for the Countess, even with the significant disparity in their status.  And while he's sure that a few of the good natured jabs about being a kept man were anything but good natured, he lets them slide.  Let other people think what they want, he knows the truth of the matter.  Truth be told, he was eternally grateful to Fiona for her support, especially with how she handled the situation with the poor harvest.  As for the witch thing, well, let the superstitious rabble think whatever they want.

Eventually he manages to disengage himself and begin making his way back towards the table where it looks like his brothers have been chatting for quite some time, though the conversation seems to be winding down.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:42, Tue 24 Oct 2017.

Garym wanted to deny what Sir Gracian was saying, but he could not. His face seemed to change melt from his harden look to something softer. Maybe there was hope still.  "Thank you. Gracian."

The moment was broken when Sejanus came. Garym still wanted to meet him in the lists to do some training. He knew that the man was not to blame. His own Priest had given him similar advice until Garym put an end to it. But, Garym needed to be mad at some one, and for now Sejanus was convenient.

"You are welcome my friend." Gracian said before returning to his wife. But on the way he stopped and listened to the bards sing songs of love or tell tales of a glorious past. He listened to them closely and for a moment there he became jealous of Sir Dalan. His singing was legendary and Gracian couldnt even hum without people sticking wool in their ears.

At some point he finally got up and returned to his wife and a joyful evening of feasting. But he stopped drinking and began to mentally prepare himself for the Grand Melee tomorrow. He did not want to wake up tomorrow with a hangover and he was determined to see Sir Lamorak and pay him the final respect before the Grand Melee.

Sir Sejanus joins the group at the tail end of Sir Gracian's conversation with Sir Garym.  Soon after, Sir Perin returns to the table and the servers are back at their work, first with a selection of cheeses, and once those are being devoured, roast bream and darioles.  As always, the wine and ale are flowing.

When the dishes from the third and fourth courses are being taken away, the entertainers circulate once more with jugglers and acrobats parading about and performing on the dance floor.

Dancing seems to be out of the question.  Which might be fortunate because Fiona and Ariette, who have been chatting for some time, have walked over to Ellowyn's table and are now in the midst of an animated discussion with her.  Garym is pretty sure that the young lady he brought to the feast is smiling for the first time since arriving.  Galeria, meanwhile, is talking to several Roman knights from Silchester.

It seems that the men are on their own once more . . .

Sir Garym gets a check in Awareness.

"The morrow should be most stimulating for all concerned. When the final feast is concluded at the end of the Melee, there is an important matter I wish to present to you all." Said Sejanus, the last part,in a most serious tone of voice.

Noticing the serious look on his friend's face, Perin frowns and nods "Of course brother."  While he's concerned about his friend, hes more than a little distracted.  As Fiona and Ariette, who had been speaking for quite some time have now walked over to Ellowyn's table and are chatting amiably with the young woman.

Deciding that he too should continue to be social, Perin takes his leave of his brother knights and departs.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:07, Wed 25 Oct 2017.

 Sejanus nodded to Perin. " Sir Perin, when you have a moment, there is a matter I wish to speak with you about."