Sir Dalan traveled with his wife, squire, his men and her servants. Though a now distant Baronet in his own right Sir Dalan had thought it a sign of respect towards Earl Robert to at least arrive with the men of Salisbury. It had been a tough year and they had to look united.

He fell into easy conversation with Sir Perin for a time, but he was soon distracted by Sir Alister's magnificent steed. "As beautiful as a Spanish dancing girl my brother," he joked, though his tone couldn't disguise the look of admiration in his wide eyes.

It was also a pleasure to speak with good Sir Garym who seemed much recovered from his wound taken during the Irish invasion and of whom there were already stories spreading of fabulous adventures - and a radiant new bride. "Tell me my brother are the rumours true about a seat on the Round Table?"

However it was the words of Sir Gracian that left Sir Dalan momentarily speechless. Almost he had managed to convince himself that Inapercu and a night with the lovliest woman he had ever met had been a dream. Aliandra... Could she...?

After looking at Sir Gracian for a long shocked moment, he whispered back: "Congratulations my brother... a son by an Elven maid!" He shook his head in wonder. "I...  that is Ellowyn and myself have been trying..." He trailed off, not knowing quite what to say.

"Worry not my brother" Gracian said and placed his hand on Sir Dalan's shoulder. "I am certain that you will soon have a child. Good things are worth waiting for.

But now we are at the Tournament and you must push away all doubts you may have and win Glory for fair Ellowyn just as I am determined to win Glory for my Ariette ... one last time." His voice trailed off until he seemed lost in thoughts for a moment before a tired smile crossed his face. "Yes ... we must win Glory at the Tournament!"

---

OOC: Not sure if the rules permit it but is it possible to invoke Gracian's Passion for Ariette at the Tournament? I have this idea of him riding one last time to honor Ariette, but I am not certain if the rules permit a Passion to be invoked if the person is deceased.

And if Teller has other plans then I am of course all ears. Tournaments tend to be exciting :)

Going to a tournament was about the glory of participating, but this tourney was different. In the past; Garym was lost in the evening. He did not know what to say or do. He was polite, and even well spoken, but the social aspect of the feast was lost upon him. This feast, he was excited to attend. He had proven him self worthy in the court's eyes, and more importantly in his own mind. He also was going with Arianwen; he looked forward to dancing again with her even though he was not any better than their last dance. He knew it was prideful and Arianwen was not a trophy, but to be seen with her was to be the envy of any other knight. Not to be seen, but to be with.

Garym smiled often at the thought as the made their way to London. He hade brought quite an entourage for a vassal knight including his trusted Squire, the troubadour, and Arianwen's maid.

He wanted to spend as much time as possible with those that he considered friends, Gracian, Dalan, Sagremore, and all the others he had met at Bod Dynal. Gracian had made mention of the rumor of Garym taking a seat at the Round Table. He did not want to be proud, but he couldn't just say nothing. "I am not certain what is yet to come. Just last year, I would of longed for nothing more than to be a member of this order, but today I am fulfilled with or without it because of the many blessings the Lord has already given me."

Garym looks back to Arianwen as he finishes. What else could he need? Even before the thought is finished; Garym feels the pain of guilt for the Gracian's loss. What type of friend was he that would parade his on happiness over his friend's sorrow.

"The Lord merely presents a man with choices but it is up to the man to make the right choice, Garym. If you win a place at the Round Table then you do so because of the choices and sacrifices you made. The Lord gave us a free will, my friend. That is what makes us human."

Gracian leans in closer and smile as he goes on "... and I an happy for you. Both of you. I really am. I remember how proud I was when I first appeared at a feast with Ariette. It is a special feeling. Enjoy it - you earned it."

The knights, after several days on the road, at last approach the City of London.  It is not quite the jumble of traffic from previous visits, as they are some of the first knights to arrive.  However, it is still a teeming metropolis that is difficult for the men from rural Salisbury to get used to.

As they begin to push their way through the throngs of people, Sir Perin excuses himself and heads off in search of the Countess Fiona, who he believes has already arrived.

Heading in what they hope is the direction of the White Tower, Sir Alister, Sir Dalan, Sir Garym, and Sir Gracian find themselves in a small square in the heart of the city.  As they start to head off in the direction a local priest instructed, a large procession enters from the West with porters yelling, "make way, make way for the King!"  The men who follow are a rough looking bunch, barely more civilized than Saxons to the eyes of the Salisbury knights.

Sir Garym recognizes the livery as that of King Belinans of Sugales (South Wales), a Cymric, Pagan who Sir Garym believes is related King Arthur.  In the carriage beside the King is an utterly gorgeous woman.  The carriage is led and followed by a group of knights who seem more than competent and a little more civilized than the remainder of the entourage.

Seeing the knights, the procession stops and the King bellows, "good Sirs, could you direct us to the White Tower?"

Sir Garym gets a check in Heraldry, the rest of you stink at Heraldry.  :)

"Your Highness, King Belinans, I am Sir Garym of Woodford. I would be honored to lead you and your entourage to the tower." Arthur was uniting the Britons as was example of these pagan knights. They may not civilized, but they were guests of the High King's hospitality. "My comrades, Sir Alister, Sir Dalan, and Sir Gracian, we hail from Salisbury."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Sat 27 Jan 2018.

"Your Highness. Your ladyship." Sir Dalan says, bowing in acknowledgement of the king and his glamorous companion. "I am Sir Dalan, Banneret of Dover's Crossing and Knight of Tisbury. As good Sir Garym suggests we should be honoured to aid you."

"Indeed it would be a great honour, Your Highness, Your Ladyship. I am Sir Gracian of Dinton and Banneret of Stonewall. We are Yours to command!" says Sir Gracian and bow to the King and the procession.

"Well, lead on then good Sirs," the King replies.  The woman, who is not introduced, watches the knights from Salisbury with some interest but does not speak.

Fortunately, the friar's directions were true and easy to follow and after a few minutes the group arrives at the White Tower and Sir Constantine.  The knight first greets the King who thanks the party before being ushered inside.  Sir Constantine then turns his attention to the knights from Salisbury, "ah, Sir Dalan, Sir Gracian," he begins, nodding to each in turn.  "It is good to have you back," with a rueful grin, he notes, "I was sorry to hear about Sir Caradwg and Sir Tyngyr."  Looking at the others he inquires, "and who are your companions?"

Sir Dalan bows his head when Sir Caradwg and Sir Tyngyr are mentioned. "Gallant men, brothers in arm. It his comfort to know they are recalled still."

After a short, sad pause he turns to his comrades to introduce them: "Sir constantine may I present Sir Garym of Woodford and Sir Alister of Burcombe. Courageous and steadfast sons of Salisbury both."

"We do not so easily forget those who fought and died for the King's Honor," he replies, "nor those who saved Sir Gawaine," he continues pointedly.

"It is an honor to meet you, Sir Garym, and you, Sir Alister," he greets each in turn.  "The lists will be displayed in the Basilica next week the day before the tournament begins.  The monks will be recording names as usual."

Indicating a young boy he says, "Thomas here will get you to your rooms.  You have a few hours to get settled before supper in the main hall."

There is not really a lot of time before the meal, but feel free to relate any thoughts or impressions.

Garym inclined his head courteously to Sir Constantine as Dalan introduced him. Normally, he was a man of many words, but since returning from his quest he had found more joy in each moment. He of course looked forward to the tourney to come, but just standing her in the White Tower made him content. He believed that he was a lucky man to be living in the age of King Arthur and his beloved Queen Guinevere. It was a wondrous time of magic, prophecy and change. Not all had embraced Arthur's beliefs, but Garym believed that one day Arthur's ideas would reign supreme ushering a new prosperity for Noble and commoner alike.

Garym gave instructions to Budfannon to make sure the Horses were taken care of as well as the gear secured.

"Well my brothers I think I'll settle in. It has been a long journey and I best be fit for supper." He stretches his limbs, glad to be on his feet once more and hands the reins of his steed to his squire.

"Perhaps a toast to absent friends later?"

"Indeed ... to absent friends." says Gracian and nods before he returns to his chamber to prepare for the feast while his squire Idres take care of both his master and the horses.

Gracian tries to steady himself. It will be the first real social event since his wife passed away and it seems an almost impossible task. The feast will bring back painful memories but life must go on and duty demands his attendance.

The evening meal is less formal than a feast but given the presence of King Belinans, it is slightly more upscale than the knights from Salisbury are normally accustomed to.  The King, Queen, and one of the knights are at the main table with Sir Constantine and his father Lord Cador.  The Salisbury knights share a table with a couple of the knights from Sugales as well as two other knights, none have previously met.

What would you like to do?

You can talk to the Sugales knights, the other knights, or among yourselves.  You can ask about whatever topics interest you or speak on any topic you like.  You will each have two chances to gather information or discuss topics of interest to you.

Sir Dalan takes his seat and greets the two mystery knights in friendly tones. "Well met my brothers. I am Sir Dalan of Dover's Crossing. Where do thee hale from?"

Sir Gracian takes his seat as well. So many new faces in the crowd and so many familiar faces gone. The invasion and foolish quests has taken it's toll and positions has had to be filled. As one of the "old" knights Sir Gracian sees it as his duty to not just welcome the younger knights but also help set the standard and show what is required of a Salisbury knight. So he greets every Salisbury knight and tries to remember the names of the new ones, he ask them questions about how they are managing and offer advise on anything from land to etiquette to anything in-between. He remembers all too well what it was like to attend his first Pentecost Tournament and suddenly be standing next to Dukes, Barons and Kings.

And then he turns his attention to the knights of Sugales. They are guests of the High King and Gracian does not care if they are Christian or Pagan as long as they are men of honor and loyal to King Arthur. He raise his cup to them and speak out loudly. "A toast to the brave knights of Sugales and their noble King Belinans!"

---

OOC: Two Actions, you say? Action #1: Make the new knights feel welcomed. I dont know if it turns out to be Intrique or perhaps nothing at all. Action #2: Make the knights of Sugales feel welcomed. I suppose Hospitality is Gracian's thing :D

"To the Knights of Sugales and their noble King Belinans!" Garym raised his mug high, and drank to the toast. He did not drink heavily for he feared that it would dull him to much.

As the cheer finished, Garym rose up pausing for a moment to gaze into ArianWen's eyes. "I ask the court's indulgence as I speak of softer things than tournaments or campaigns for glory."

Garym leaves his place at the table, and starts to walk as he speaks. "Until last year I walked around like blind man, but I heard our Queen speak words of wisdom proclaiming the importance of love. I was not ready to understand them yet. I like many was rooted in tradition. Marriage was not a practice of love, but a contract that insured the family line. Negotiated and sealed with the exchange of a dowry. I left the feast thinking little of the Queen's words, but little did I know I would stumble blindly into their truth."

Garym looks back again at his wife. His one true love. "I found my damsel in distress. Much like the stories shared at bedtime to children. She needed me so I thought. Being a man of virtue; I saw no recourse but to help her."

Garym paused smiling devilishly before he continued. "Besides, she is one of the loveliest women I had ever seen. What else could I do? We travelled through adventure and danger, but in the end I realize that my Dearest, Arianwen, saved me from a life not living. A life without love."

One last time Garym paused. This time to compose himself less he make a unknightly show of emotion. Garym raised his mug high again. "I wanted to thank the Queen for making this a land where love reigns. To our Queen Guinivere. To Lady Arianwen who saved me. And finally, to all the Ladies of Kingdom that give life a purpose."

This time Garym drank his mug to the bottom. As he returned to his seat; he whispered to Arianwen "Thank you, my love."

The first of the knights responds to Sir Dalan, "I am Phillip of Ganis, my liege, King Ban sent me to compete in this tournament and learn more about the Court of King Arthur," he says in accented English.  The second man inclines his head, saying in a heavy brogue, "I am Imchad of Cruachu in Connacht, vassal to Eogan Bel."

Sir Gracian spends a bit of time explaining to the foreign knights how tournaments work and some differences in chivalry and custom, so that they feel a lot more comfortable.  (There are only about a dozen people here, you are the only Salisbury knights, others are quartered elsewhere.)

Sir Gracian criticalled Hospitality, gain a point in Hospitality.

King Belinans smiles at Sir Gracian's toast, raising his glass in acknowledgement of the toast but not drinking to himself.  "Yes," he replies, "Queen Guinevere's Court of Love is a flattering copy of my wife's Order of the Wreath," he indicates his as yet unnamed wife, who smiles radiantly.

Looking around, the knights notice that the knights at the high table are all wearing a green wreath with five golden flowers on their left shoulder.

Sir Garym and Sir Alister get checks in Awareness.

"Love is indeed a rare treasure. A man can go through his whole life and search for it never find it. Yet once found you realize it can be lost forever in a heartbeat." Gracian mumbles mostly to himself. He seems lost in his own thoughts for a while before he force himself to return to the real world.

Gracian turns to King Belinans and his stunning wife. "I am curious about this Order of the Wreath. May I know more of the Order?" he asks.

Sir Dalan's eyebrows raise in surprise at the presence of an Irish knight but with an effort he keeps his cool. Britain was an island full of kingdoms, not all of which owed happy allegiance to Arthur. Perhaps Ireland was the same and not all served Muirchertach Mac Erca.

"Welcome to our fair country my brother's from beyond the seas. Sir Phillip, Sir Imchad I hope you accept a toast from a man of Salisbury to the universal brotherhood we knights share. To honour, to justice, to loyalty, to faith, to glory, to us. I wish you the utmost success in the tournament."

He raised his goblet to toast the foreign knights.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:59, Fri 02 Feb 2018.

Garym smiled to the Queen, and gave her a respectful nod.

"Welcome to you both" Garym allowed the others to continue with the niceties, but he struggled with the fact that the Warrior from Ireland sat with them. He knew little enough of his own kingdom's intrigues, and even less of about the factions of Ireland. Until two years ago, the Irish lived in a different world than Garym, but now the Knights of Salisbury could not ignore their exsistence any more.

"Imchad, we of knights of Salisbury have come to know some of the warriors of your Isle. I will give them credit; they were truly cunning in their tactics on the battlefield. I have learned much by facing them, but the part that I do no understand is why they have targeted Salisbury?" Garym kept his tone level and polite because Imchad was a guest of King Arthur, but he longed to better understand, Garym wanted to be ready for when he next faced the Irish again.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Sat 03 Feb 2018.

"It is an Order of Knights dedicated to Love," the large knight at the head table replies.  Inclining his head toward the Queen, he continues, "formed by the beautiful Queen Elidia the Fair."

Everyone drinks as the toast continue.

Sir Imchad shrugs, "probably Muirchertach Mac Erca" he sort of spits the name, "thought you weak or you had something he wanted."  With a remorseful shake of the head he concludes, "had we known that he had shipped a third of his men to fight you, we would have made him pay."

If 800 men is a third of Muirchertach Mac Erca's fores, then he has a LOT of men.

The rest of the meal proceeds and concludes.  In the morning, the knights have some free time to do as they wish.  What would you like to do?  You can seek out people, practice skills, look for items, pray at the religious shrine of your choosing, etc.  Not everyone is going to be here as yet.

OOC: I am not sure if Sir Gracian had time to do the things he wrote in msg #2. If not then here is what he does:

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The next day Sir Gracian seek out Friar Coombs and donates £5 to the Church and £5 to the poor and then ask the friar if it is possible for a requiem mass to be held in Lady Ariette's honor or at least for the Church to pray for her.

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OOC: If I have misunderstod the whole thing then just tell me and I will adjust the post :)

Rising in the morning Sir Dalan goes to see if his Dover's Crossing knights have arrived yet. If so he is happy to practice a little swordplay with them and swap stories of war and adventure.

If they have not come yet he offers to practice with Sir Imchad, keen to quiz the latter man about Ireland - a land he has never been but will soon go to