It is the evening after the great contest between Sir Gawaine (championing King Arthur) and the Grey Knight (the dead King Ryons).  Arthur has ordered a Royal feast in celebration of Sir Gawaine's victory and a great assemblage of knights, lords, and ladies has gathered.

The hall is lit with a thousand candles, with tables stretching out to the edges of the massive hall.  On a dais are the King and Queen, and spread out around are lords and ladies, and farther out, knights of the realm.  There is a low murmur of excitement in the crowd as rumors fly about heroic deeds.  Many of the knights sent out at Easter have returned with wondrous tales but it seems that some remain untold.

---

Sir Garym, Sir Perin, Sir Sejanus, Sir Tyreth

As squires, you accompanied Earl Robert on his campaign against the Saxons.  Although the campaign went well, many brave knights fell and you were knighted by Earl Robert and given manors to fill the ranks.  You fought in a couple of the battles before word came of the disturbance during the Easter Tournament.  Sir Robert was not in a position to withdraw from his campaign, instead trusting that his representatives would, well, represent Salisbury.

As Pentecost grew near and no sign of the Treasure needed to ensure victory was forthcoming, Earl Robert was ordered to return to London.  The specifics are not known to the players, but Sir Robert immediately began marching to London.  It was a long and tiring march and the mood of all was gloomy.  Rumors had circulated about the quest for the 13 Treasures of Britain and it was generally believed that none had been found and the King's reign was going to end.

The morning of Pentecost, as they hurried toward London, the knights overtook Cadlew, Sir Tyngyr's brother and squire.  They heard about Sir Tyngyr's last stand against the Barguest and a bit about Sir Caradwg, Sir Dalan, and Sir Gracian's adventures.  Earl Robert immediately rode off at a gallop toward London, ordering his knights to continue as planned and take up residence at the White Tower.

Arriving in London is like nothing the new knights had ever experienced.  The place is huge, people are everywhere, there is so much to see and hear and smell that they are literally overwhelmed.  The mood in the city is one of jubilation.  Sir Gawaine has defeated the Grey Knight, King Arthur is vindicated, a great feast is to be had.

There is precious little time to get settled, clean off the weeks of dirt and grime from battle and travel, and get dressed for the feast.  As a group, with Earl Robert in the lead, you enter the great hall in the White Tower.  The room is as large as your own manors and filled with more knights and nobles than you knew existed.  You are led to a set of tables near the dais, seemingly a place of honor for reasons that are not enunciated.

Feel free to post reactions, descriptions, etc. during any of what has been described above.

---

Sir Dalan & Sir Gracian

At the appointed time, the pair arrive to pick up their companions for the feast and find that carriages are awaiting them.  Both are stunned by their dates.  Although they had seen the Ladies dressed up, it seems that the women have taken things to an entirely different level.  Both Ellowyn and Ariette apparently realize that they are about to be the center of attention in front of the entire Court, likely more important a day than their own weddings.

Ellowyn shimmers in the Elven dress, accented by a necklace of sapphires.  She reminds Sir Dalan, perhaps a little uncomfortably, of their night at the Faerie Court.  She is simply dazzling.

Ariette, meanwhile, is clad in a gown of deep green that beautifully highlights the mithril and diamond necklace that Sir Gracian gave her.  She is stunning.

When they arrive at the White Tower, Earl Robert is there to greet them.  He smiles warmly at his knights and even he seems awed by the young Ladies, bowing and kissing the hand of each.  "I am very proud of you both, as well as Sir Tyngyr and Sir Caradwg," he says.  "You have all done a great service to the King and represented Salisbury with honor."

He then leads the knights and their Ladies (or is it Ladies and their knights?) into the Tower.  Near the entrance to the hall, they find Sir Gawaine, lying on a stretcher, his eyes closed.  Next to him is a stunning redhead in a dark blue gown.  At their entrance, the redhead whispers something to Gawaine, who opens his eyes, spots the two knights and smiles.  Lifting himself slowly off of the stretcher, he greets the pair in turn, "Sir Gracian," he starts, shaking his hand, "Sir Dalan," he continues, shaking Sir Dalan's hand.  "I owe you my life, a debt I won't forget.  Your bravery and perseverance have saved the Kingdom."

The four knights and three ladies then proceed into the great hall.  It is pretty clear that Sir Gawaine should not be out of bed, much less walking.  The group approach the dais, where King Arthur and Guinevere sit.

King Arthur addresses the assemblage, "Sir Gawaine, in appreciation for your bravery and valor in defeating the Grey Knight, I hereby name you my Champion and grant you the Earldom of Rydychan.  I recognize Lady Galindria, who honors this court with her beauty."  The redhead curtsies.

Sir Gawaine responds, "Your Majesty is most generous.  It was my honor to dispel the false claims made against the Crown.  An honor made possible by my heroic brother knights from Salisbury."

Turning his attention to the knights from Salisbury Arthur intones, "and Sir Robert and the knights of Salisbury, Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian, whose courage and steadfastness enabled them to return the whetstone of Tudwal Tudclud, which made possible Sir Gawaine's defeat of the undead King Ryons.  Sir Robert, I name you Master of the Queen's Guard.  I recognize the lovely Lady Ellowyn and beautiful Lady Ariette de la Belle Sourire, who both grace this assembly with their beauty."  Each curtsies in turn.

"I am honored by Your Highness's benevolence," Sir Robert replies with a bow.

"What boon do you wish of me as a show of appreciation for your service?" the King asks the two knights.

Feel free to post reactions, etc. and answer the King.

The new knights have all seen Sir Gracian and Sir Dalan before.  Both were highly regarded in Salisbury as a result of last year's tournament in which Sir Gracian made it to the semi-finals of the joust and Sir Dalan captured an enemy combatant during the melee.  Impressive for new knights.  However, the two are almost unrecognizable in their finery and with their stunning dates.

For Sir Dalan it all seems a blur - the breathtaking sight of Lady Ellowyn in her dress, her hand in his, the meeting with Sir Gawaine, standing before the King...

He feels dizzier by far than when he fought the giant! For a moment he fears he might faint or be struck dumb by nerves at the great events taking place. But then he looks over and sees Ellowyn at his side, with those big blue eyes and dark brown hair and that smile that a dozen ladies would kill for. She forgave him his faux pas when he approached her unknowing of the etiquette, she had danced with him and lent him her scarf.

He knew what he wished to ask, and now he had the confidence to do it.

"Your Majesties." He bowed before Arthur and before Guinevere. "It is my one desire - my hope to wed fair Lady Ellowyn."

He knew it was no small boon to ask to wed the daughter of an earl and a friend of the Queen herself! But ask he must.

Garym had dreamed of this moment. Walking amongst the best that the country had to offer. He now had the opportunity to prove his worth as a man. He had spent most of his lifetime in training so that he could walk into the great hall.

Names of the greatest knights spoken with the same reverence as the saints themselves. One day; Garym would be able to stand before the King, and the King would recognize him for skill of arms in defending the Kingdom from those that would bring them harm.

It would be easy to envy Sir Gracian and Dalan, but instead their deeds set a bar that he one day would overcome. He did have one wish that he would of had his chance to test himself against the Barquest.

I will never wash my hand again, Sir Gracian thought when Sir Gawaine shook his hand. He tried to make eye contact with his friend Sir Dalan but the man seemed just as lost as he himself was.

The whole day had been surreal and Sir Gracian partly expected to wake up from a dream at any moment but somehow he never seemed to be able to wake up. After returning from his meeting with the beautiful Lady Ariette, Sir Gracian had had a long talk with his squire Idres. Of course the boy had claimed his innocence but Sir Gracian couldnt help but suspect his squire had had something to do with arranging the meeting.

But any doubt about Lady Ariette and any anger towards his squire that Sir Gracian may had had disappeared the moment he saw Lady Ariette again. The deep green gown that seemed to hug her body and the look in her eyes made his heart beat faster and his mind race (partly with un-chaste thoughts). Never had he been so proud in his life as she stood beside him and accompanied him to the White Tower where they met with Earl Roberts. He tried to pay attention to the praise he received from his liege but the whole thing was just too much for the knight and at some point he was afraid to pass out. And then they met Sir Gawaine! And he thank them! He thanked them - and shook their hands!

I will never wash my hand again he thought and beamed with pride and joy as the doors to the great hall opened and they entered the King's Court as guests of honor. He could feel Lady Ariette hand gently on his and his heart fluttered with joy.

Slowly they proceded through the great hall with all eyes on them. He tried to see if he recognized any familiar faces but everything was a blur and he could hardly focus. And then King Arthur spoke his name for all to hear and called him forward and Sir Gracian almost started to shiver from pure excitement. No. Not almost. His shivered.

"Your Majesties." He bowed as graceful as he could before King Arthur and before Queen Guinevere. "I ask for your permission to wed the fair and gentle Lady Ariette de la Belle Sourire to whom my heart belong forever. Of all the treasures in the world she is the purest and greatest of them all."

Sir Perin was still in shock as he followed his fellows to their place of prominence.  The death of his master, Sir Alein at the hands of the Saxons during the final battle in their most recent campaign had affected him deeply.  Still, that didn't prevent the young man, from doing his duty, cutting down the beast who slew the great knight, and zealously guarding his mortally wounded master until they could be relieved by the rest of Earl Robert's forces.  For his role in the battle, Sir Perin was knighted on the spot.

Taking his place with the other new knights, he watched the events unfold.  He had known Sir Gracian and Sir Dalan during their time as squires.  All three men had bonded over their status as outsiders, and he was quite pleased to see them getting the recognition they deserved.  Still, there was just the slightest twinge of jealousy as they each requested to marry two of the most sought after women in the realm.  However he quickly buried those feelings, they were unbecoming of a knight, and these were men he counted among his friends after all.  Besides, there would be plenty of chances for him to earn glory (and perhaps find a wife) in the years to come.

The King smiles at the requests, giving a quick look to his own wife who seems to nod in reply.  The King then does something quite remarkable, he addresses each Lady in turn.  "Lady Ellowyn, is it your desire to wed Sir Dalan?"

Lady Ellowyn blushes and replies with another curtsy, "more than anything Your Majesty."

"And Lady Ariette, is it your desire to wed Sir Gracian?" he inquires of the young lady.

Lady Ariette smiles brightly and replies with a curtsy, "it is my most earnest desire, Your Majesty."

Arthur nods with a smile before beckoning to two men standing nearby.  Sir Mylon, Marshal to the Earl of Cardiff and Duke Morvid of Gloucester step forward.  The King addresses them "Duke Morvid and Sir Mylon, do either of you have any objection to these unions?"

The two men bow and reply, "no, Your Highness."

Returning his attention to the two couples, he announces, "Sir Dalan, you have my permission to wed Lady Ellowyn and Sir Gracian, you have my permission to wed Lady Ariette."

The two knights now have the opportunity to say a few words before the Queen has her own announcement and the feast can begin.

A few points that should be obvious to your characters:

1. The King made the extraordinary step of getting the ladies' thoughts on the marriages.  And he did so before asking their Father/Guardian.

2. Both Sir Mylon and Duke Morvid had clearly been prepped and convinced in advance.

3. Queen Guinevere, normally the center of attention, is dressed much less strikingly than usual, as if subtly blending a bit into the background.

"Thank you your Majesty" Sir Dalan says, bowing to the King before turning to Guinevere and bowing again. "Thank you your Majesty. I swear to honour the great faith and the gift you have given to me."

He turns next to Sir Mylon. "Thank you for your consent Sir Mylon. I shall serve you as any son should his father."

Finally he turns to Ellowyn and here his formal politeness cracks and a smile - nervous but overjoyed blossoms across his face. He takes her hand. "And to you Lady Ellowyn of Escavalon, I shall ever be your protector, your confidante, your worshipper, your husband. You are as the sunrise on the sea, changing all before you to gold."

Sir Gracian is not convinced it is all a dream. The King has granted him permission to wed fair Lady Ariette and with the blessings of the Duke of Gloucester? He has an urge to scream and shout with joy but he managed to control himself. He takes a deep breath and bows deeply to King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. "Thank you your Majesties. No words can express my gratitude. I only hope I may forever serve your Majesties and never falter in my duties."

Then he turns to Duke Morvid of Gloucester. "I thank you Duke Morvid for your consent and this great gift you have given me. I will forever be grateful."

But when he turns to Lady Ariette he is for a moment speechless. He only sees her beauty and her smile and he feels like his heart is about to burst from joy. He has to force himself to finally speak when he take her hand.

"And to you my fair and pure Lady Ariette de la Belle Sourire. Men go through life searching for love yet few ever find it yet today I have been blessed. Because you have shown me true love and saved me from a life lost in darkness. You will forever be my shining beacon and I will forever honour and defend you and be your proud and loving husband."

He has to fight hard to resist his urge to take her in his arms and kiss her.

It was a good match for Sir Gracian. He would receive a huge dowry, and in time most likely be promoted in title to at least a Banneret Knight, but the flowery words coming from his mouth surprised Garym. He had always heard that Sir Gracian was a warrior first, but it seemed that he had given up his edge for the love of a woman. Gracian would not be the first to succumb to a Lady's wiles.

Dalan was expected to dazzle and beguile a bride, so this was not a great surprise. The man did have a way with the words. Probably better that he had learned to wield a sword and shield better because his words could not stop the charge of an crazed axe wielding Saxon. But, with his marriage if he chose to he would most likely never need to raise a sword again except in ceremonies when the foppish knights paraded around in their finest armors. Perhaps, there was more to Dalan underneath the Courtier's tongue. He had been a part of a great quest which was something that Garym had yet to do.

Garym thought it strange that these two knights would be so close of friends, but in some ways it made perfect since. They complimented each other. Neither fully complete, but together they had made a hero.

 The feast at the High Kings court all but took the young man’s breath, as he, and the other newly knighted where let to one of the tables usually reserved for those greater than they. The throng of Lords and ladies filled the Great Hall, where a list of who’s who in Britain, all around the three young Knights.

 Sejanus, the young, newly, minted Knight, anointed such, by means of Saxon blood and cold iron, assumed his seat upon a bench at the table. He felt as out of place, as a Fish out of water. He was not one for large crowds, being on the quiet side, and only speaking when he felt there was something worth saying. But those piercing blue eyes of Sejanus seemed to miss nothing, as he scanned the room, going from one face to the next.

 When the King and Queen entered, Sejanus felt   himself greatly honored to be allowed to behold such things that his eyes beheld. He placed a hand upon the simple wooden crucifix, which he wore around his neck, and spoke a quiet prayer of thanks, to the good God above, for being so blessed.

When the two honored knights and their future wives have said their piece, the Royal couple nod to them, and the entire group take places at the head table.  Sir Robert being the only one unaccompanied.

The queen then rises, looks around for a moment and then declares, "and so we see the power of Love, good knights, Lords, and Ladies.  These exemplary knights who fought fearsome beasts, traversed a Wasteland created by avarice and unchivalrous behavior, and were tested again and again never wavered.  They did it all for the love of family, of comrades, and most of all, of beautiful Ladies.  For what is Chivalry but the proper treatment of women?"

She smiles out at the gathered crowd, "to that end, I am founding the Court of Love, to be symbolized by a beautiful garden of flowers that will flourish and be populated by lovers.  And I entreat my knights to roam the far corners of Briton to help unite lovers."

The queen then seats herself as those gathered applaud.  It seems that some are immediately taken by this new concept while many are still wary.  However, no one seems inclined to question the Queen.

In rapid order, servers come out, first at the Royal dais and then spiraling outward to the far corners of the room.  It seems that despite the short notice, Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere are up to the task as the servers move with near military precision.

The first course is beef marrow fritters and fruit tarts.  There is mead, ale, and beer by the flagon and wine by the glass.  As the food and drink appears, the hungry knights can slack their hunger and thirst, look around, and chat among themselves.  Soon after, the second course arrives, large cuts of roasted meats, including chicken, turkey, and goose.

Once everyone is served their second course, minstrels and musicians begin to play.

This is your first of several opportunities to interact with others.  Assume that you have talked among yourselves already.  If you are interested in meeting any of the fine ladies listed in the other thread, you would be advised to introduce yourself now as they will soon have other suitors vying for their attention.

Some general notes and observances:
1.  Sir Gawaine disappears after the second course.  Those nearby can tell that he is in a great deal of pain and was only here for appearances.  The young lady who accompanied him remains, she is his cousin, and is fair game if anyone is interested.

2.  Sir Robert goes off to talk to Princess Gwendollyn.  A couple of other powerful bachelors also surround the young lady.

3.  Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian have had the opportunity to chat with their fiancees, each other, Sir Gawaine (a little), Ellowyn's father who seems generally OK with things, the Duke, who is Ariette's liege, seems quite happy with things, and Earl Robert.  They can start dancing or whatever.

4.  The knights of Salisbury are receiving more than the usual amount of attention from those present.  In large part because unlike Sir Gawaine, who people admire but know they can't replicate, Sir Dalan and Sir Gracian seem like anyone else and thus their success suggests that anyone has the potential to succeed.

Countess Fiona can be found at the end of a table, by herself, it seeming that her nearby companions left or, more likely, were driven off.  She is wearing an expensive green gown that highlights her eyes and a wide gold sash at her waist that shows off her figure.  She is absently nibbling on a fruit tart and occasionally sipping some wine as she peruses a . . . book.  It is quite unseemly.

Sir Dalan partakes of the feast, which is a welcome respite from the long and exhausting days on the quest for the whetsone. He is of course most focused on his fiancee who he can't keep from smiling at, still not quite able to believe his good fortune. He tells her stories about his adventures... albeit leaving out the encounter with the succubus and the elfmaid, for obvious reasons.

"... and where it not for good Sir Tyngyr all should be lost at the last," he finishes, blinking away tears. He looks around and lowers his voice to confide in his fiancee. "Ellowyn, know you anything of Morgan Le Fay? The faerie king left us a note saying she was behind the business of the Grey Knight. Perhaps as a woman you are wiser in the ways and stories of women than we men are."

The King certainly knew how to throw a feast, that's for certain.  Never in his life had Sir Perin seen such a variety of wonderful and delicious food!  Suddenly a flash of green and gold caught his eye.  It was the Countess Fiona, seemingly sitting alone, and reading a book?  A woman after my own heart.

Limping slightly, Sir Perin approached the Countess as the musicians began to play and many of the assembled nobles started to dance.  Smiling in a charming manner, he bowed slightly (wincing as he did) before addressing her. "My lady, I must apologize for disturbing you, but I was hoping that you might honor me with a dance."

  Sir Sejanus sat and watched the goings on at the Feast. He was fascinated with the dancing and merriment, and attempted to grasp the spirit of celebration. But, in truth, He was far more at home upon the field of battle, or in study. However, he was a Knight, and with such, came obligations and duties.

  The young Knight got to his feet, and mingled, or at least attempted to mingle. As he allowed his eyes to roam, his attention was captured by a Maiden. A comely maiden, garbed in a green gown. Sejanus found himself staring at her, for being discreet was not his to command.

The Lady seems heedless of those around her, even when one of Sir Sejanus's fellow knights from Salisbury approaches her.  After some time she acknowledges him but hardly warmly, in fact quite the opposite.  It seems inevitable that their 'conversation' will not last too long, although the young Sir Perin seems determined tenacious.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Wed 06 Sept 2017.

Sir Gracian was lovestruck. Cupid had fired his arrow and hit it's mark because nothing could tear Sir Gracian away from fair Lady Ariette. He enjoyed her company, her scent, her laughter and her smile. He whispered things in her ears and danced with her even though he was hardly a good dancer.

He didnt tell her much about his adventure to the North. Not that he avoided the subject but this was a joyous occasion and the loss of Sir Caradwg and Sir Tyngyr was not something he wanted to think about tonight. "I would love for you, my dear, to meet my brother-knight and good friend, Sir Dalan. But let me introduce you to him and Lady Ellowyn tomorrow, my love, and then enjoy their love like we enjoy ours." he said and kissed her hand with a smile. "I can not take my eyes off of you. Never have I seen such beauty as yours."

---

Sir Gracian has three things on his to-do-list:

• Introduce Lady Ariette to Earl Robert and thank him for his support (Intrique/Courtesy).
• Ask Lady Ariette to introduce him to Duke Morvid of Gloucester so Sir Gracian can thank him and get to know him (Intrigue/Courtesy).
• Spend as much time as possible with his wife to be (Dancing/Flirting)