As Spring wanes and the planting is completed, the knights of Salisbury gather in Sarum and head as a group toward London.  A lot has changed since King Arthur's last Pentecost Feast, when Sir Gawaine defeated King Ryons, the Grey Knight.  Many Salisbury knights have died during campaigns, adventures, or the recent invasion by the Irish.  Many too have married, while new knights have been added to the rolls.  Earl Robert is now married to a Princess and his attention is not so firmly focused on his former County.

There is a feeling of excitement, tinged with trepidation.  The Knights of Salisbury won fame and glory for assisting Sir Gawaine and being elevated to the Queen's Guard.  However, the invasion of Salisbury has tarnished that image somewhat.  Still, there is much to look forward to and unlike years past, the Salisbury knights will be arriving a week early this year.  They will have some time to explore the city, meet people, shop, or perhaps even find adventure.

A few knights who were notably absent over the Winter have reappeared.  Sir Perin, short his left hand, tells grandiose tales of Dragons and the Far North.  As he tells it, Countess Fiona is not bothered by the lost appendage nor the burns along the left side of his body.  It seems that Dragons are not as heavy sleepers as reported.  He talks rather incessantly about Sir Loftrees and Sir Cormacc and his plans for getting back at them.  His attitude toward Praetor Jonathel has not improved much either.

Sir Alister has also returned from his voyages to the South.  Sadly, he was forced to sell his charger.  Fortunately, he had already received a larger Andalusian Charger from Praetor Jonathel. 

Feel free to describe thoughts, plans, etc.  You will have a few days to wander the city, so think about what you would like to do, see, accomplish (either you or your character).  I will plot out a few mini-encounters for you to be able to meet some NPCs.  Most non-Saxon, non-Irish, non-Fae NPCs will be here.  There are probably even a few new women if anyone is in a courting mood and has anything specific in mind.

Sir Gracian har returned to this world a somewhat changed man. His grief and pain is still evident yet he seems to carry it more stoically and no longer lashes out at the world around him. There are still far between his smiles and laughter though and from time to time he seems lost in deep thoughts and when he finally smiles it seems as if it is memories – recent or old, who knows – that make the knight smile.

He joins the knights of Salisbury on their journey from Sarum to London yet seems to avoid Sir Perin that seems lost in his never-ending feud with Praetor Jonathel. Instead he seek out the company of Sir Alister, Sir Garym and Sir Dalan.

He compliments Sir Alister on the fine Andalusian Charger and calls it “a magnificent beast worthy of a King”. He is glad the young knight were compensated for all the time and energy he put into the Quest for The Holy Sword the previous year and says he is certain that Sir Alister “will win Glory for Salisbury on a horse like that – and look good while doing it.”

Sir Garym is obviously in love and Gracian has heard rumours of Boars and a certain Baroness. Listening to the tales of how Sir Garym won the hand of Lady Arianwen he cannot help but feel a tinge of sadness as the tale makes him remember how he himself met his fair Lady Ariette.  Yet the time spend in the Kingdom Inapercu makes it easier for him to push the thoughts away and be genuinely happy on behalf of his friend. “I am glad to see you have found love, Sir Garym.” he says with a smile and a tinge of sadness in his eyes. “Enjoy it, cling to it, fight for it and never let go of it. As men we may win wars and build kingdoms but without a woman to dedicate it to it is all for nought.”

And when he knows no one else is there to listen he seek out his old and noble friend Sir Dalan. “It has been too long my friend and I have missed your company. But what more is I come to you to bring you news. I have been to the Kingdom Inapercu this Winter brought there by the Elven maiden Flydorill. She comforted me and … and I have a son with her. Now I did not see the maiden Aliandra but there is a chance that … “ Gracian raise an eyebrow.

Arrived in London and settled Sir Gracian seek out the church of friar Coombs and there prays for the soul of his beloved Ariette. He makes a donation of £5 to the Church and £5 to be distributed among the poor and ask for prayers to be said on behalf of Lady Ariette.

When that has been arranged he (and his squire Idres) seek out rumours of the other knights that will be there for the Tournament. Sir Gracian is determined to win Glory at the Tournament!