Just like Sir Dalan Sir Gracian make sure to seek out all the knights he faced congratulating them all on their skills and drinking to their good health. The Earl has told them to act as ambassadors and he is determined to do as his Earl commands. Although he rather be with his friends and his wife then he make sure to take the time needed with each knight he faced listening to their stories and gossip and making them feel welcome.

But finally he can return to his friends and his wife, kissing her fondly before turning to Sir Dalan that winch from his bruises. "Oh stop now , my brother." he says with a grin and pokes him jokingly in the side where he is the most bruised. "We both know that in the end it comes down to pure and simple luck and right now Fortuna smiles at me but one day soon I will be the first to drop from the saddle - and when I do it will probably be in the most embarassing way possible!"

The man laughs heartedly and turns to Sir Garym and nods with a smile when listening to what Sir Dalan says to Sir Garym. "I agree ... listen to Sir Dalan, my friend. Jousts are magnificient events with colors, drink, food and women but they are just events and mean nothing in the end. What is important if what kind of a man you are and we have all seen you in combat and I am proud to count you as a friend. So grab your cup, drink your wine and enjoy the feast Sir Garym. Because you have earned it!"

Garym was not in the mood for consolatory words. The Joust was the Pinnacle of the Tournament. Some believed that it was not a true example of war, but Garym was not one. It demonstrated many of the qualities of Knighthood: Valor, Martial Skill, and Honor. He had barely shown any of these qualities in the last to tourney jousts.

Worse, he was angered that he cared so much when he had still done so little for Lethe. He knew in his heart that his pride would damn him in the end. He need to respond to the moment, but he found it hard to say much. "You did well Gracian."

Gracian let it pass thinking that now is not the time so he instead he join the festivities and pay as much atention to his wife as he can when duties doesnt intervene. But as soon as he spots an opportunity for a more private talk with Sir Garym he sits down by his side and place a cup of wine infront of the young knight.

"What troubles you Garym? There has to be more to this than just the joust. I could be wrong of course but something is amiss - even my wife thinks so ..." he points at Ariette who is laughing and talking to some ladies of the court "... and women got a sixth sense about such things. Is there anything you want to tell me? Anything I can do?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:46, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

Perin hadn't partaken in the joust, preferring to save himself for the coming events.  But that didn't mean he couldn't clap and cheer for his brother knights as they fought bravely.  Poor Sir Garym though, he was already in a bad enough mood given the events of earlier, his elimination from the joust in the first round no doubt soured his already bad mood.  Thankfully it seems that Sir Gracian had things in hand, which left Perin free to socialize.

Despite having spent quite some time with Fiona over the past few seasons, he had yet to meet her household knights.  This seemed the perfect chance to get to the know them.  Still, he couldn't confine his attention solely to them as it would be quite rude.  And so much as before, he is the picture of knightly hospitality, wandering about the room as he chats amiably with the assembled nobility.

Sir Dalan glances at Sir Garym, obviously surprised that the other knight was in such ill humour from a tourney defeat. Then Sir Gracian's words made him realise there was perhaps much here he had not noticed, all attention drawn to his new wife and new responsibilities. Sir Dalan retreats, allowing Sir Gracian to soothe their brother knight's feelings.

"Sir Perin, what stroke of courage or madness made you think to fight the lion? Are you truly Sir Gawaine in disguise?" Sir Dalan's words are mostly in jest, but he can't but think of the bear he had faced - and the lion is said to be fiercer yet!

"Madness and love can often look quite similar I'm told brother." Perin replies with a grin.  "My lady asked me to kill the creature in her name, and that I shall." Despite his cavalier attitude about the whole thing, Perin was in truth more than a little nervous.  He had handled a bear with little trouble, but a lion was no mere beast.  Still, Fiona had asked this of him and he would not fail.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

"Well, you are not wrong about madness and love," Sir Dalan replies. He grins. "You are sure the fair Countess has not bewitched your senses?"

Perin's grin grows even wider "With nothing more than her charm and grace brother, don't you worry." Flashing a frown towards Sir Garym and Gracian he murmurs "Do you know what that is all about?  Sir Garym almost took off Sir Sejanus' head last night, and it seems that his mood has not improved."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:36, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

"No, I fear my own lady's charm and grace distracted me of late," Sir Dalan admits. "Perhaps the melee will ease his spirits? No treacherous horses there!"

In reply to Sir Perin (msg # 27):

Sir Perin wanders about during the jousts, chatting up people, listening.  He does not hear much relating to himself or Fiona, primarily because people seem loath to talk about such things in his presence.  He does seem to come upon an unusual-for-him number of suddenly-halted conversations, however.  The best he can figure, the Countess is the subject of a great deal of curiosity as a result of her status and somewhat eccentric habits.  People have been watching her for some time and are now abuzz about sudden new developments.

The knights from Hereford are singularly polite, well spoken, and seemingly chivalrous.  All are well dressed and well equipped.  All recognize Sir Perin immediately and greet him by name.

Sir Perin does not get a chance to talk to or observe Sir Loftrees more than peripherally.  He sees him defeating a Young knight during the third round of the joust but little else.

"Friend Gracian, I am not certain what you would be able to do for me unless you are a great Sage. I did not realize that I was slow witted until I met Lethe. She has needed my help, but I have failed her. I have had her wounds healed, I have seen to her needs, but I can not mend her spirit." Garym was speaking in riddles he knew, but he was angered at his failure in aiding her. He feared that the failure tainted the rest of his endeavors.

"This winter as I practiced hunting. I came upon the maiden, Lethe. She was curled up freezing. I took her to my home in hopes of helping her because her injuries were not to great. My priest and nurse helped her recover, but never have I heard her voice. Some great tragedy befell, and I can not seem to make it right. I went to Sejanus, and he suggested I turn my responsibility over to some nuns. I will not do this. I believe that she has had enough pain and sorrow. The task falls to me to mend her spirit." Garym was obviously more upset as he spoke of the convent. He kept his voice low, but his had was crushing the wine glass.

 When Sir Serjanus is not getting invited to get off his horse, he and Casca take in the sights,and look into the potentials of replacing his horse, that recently died.

Sir Perin and Sir Dalan chat about Ladies and Madness, while Sir Gracian and Sir Garym talk of Ladies with Madness.  Sir Sejanus checks out the horse market and finds a number of near-identical horses that will do all in the 100d price range.

Once everyone has had a chance to change into less martial attire, they head over to the feast.  Sir Dalan, Sir Garym, Sir Gracian, Sir Perin, and Sir Sejanus are all seated together at a long table that fits sixteen knights, all of whom are from Salisbury.

Earl Robert, Princess Gwendollyn, Sir Lamorak, and other Notables are at the smaller head table.  Countess Fiona is at a table with her knights, Ellowyn and Ariette are each at tables with their husband's knights.  Galeria is at a table with a number of other Ladies.

(OOC:  I assume that Lethe is not present as she would not be seated with Sir Garym and a table full of knights and she would have a hard time communicating elsewhere, not to mention it being very difficult on her psychologically.  She has mostly avoided crowds while at the tournament so far, only watching when Sir Garym jousted.  Up to Sir Garym.)

After a rousing welcoming speech from Earl Robert, the feast begins.  The first course is a cameline meat brewet.  There is, of course, plenty of wine and ale as well.  Next comes the broiled salt-water fish.  All of the food is excellent and it is a welcome change after the tired food that accompanies any winter.

As minstrels and jugglers appear, the guests begin to mingle, chat, and dance.

So what will everyone be doing?

Sir Gracian and Sir Garym can continue their prior conversation in either of their private threads.

 Sir Sejanus Ate, drank, and conversed with his fellow Knights. But try as he might, the young Knight had a hard time enjoying himself. He kept giving sidelong glances at Sir Graym, a concerned expression upon Sejanus’s features. But he did also cast glances as the Lady Galeria, smiling to her, during the feast.

 When the courses had completed, and the entertainment began, Sejanus walked over to the Lady Galeria, and actually bowed correctly, well, almost correctly. His working on the social graces was definably a work in progress.

“Lady Galeria, I would be most honored if you would join me in a……” Sejanus looked to the dance floor, and seemed about to ask her for a dance, but then thought better of it…” Join me in a spirited conversation on the Philosophy of Livy.?” He said in an  embarrassed expression upon his face, that he attempted to conceal.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Mon 16 Oct 2017.

Sir Gracian eat, feast and drink with both friends and strangers alike. He even try and dance with his beloved wife but it is likely clearly seen that he is a horrible dancer.

When possible Sir Gracian will see if the druid Diarmuid is present at the feast. He may have come as part of the Queen's retinue ... or perhaps he just happens to be at the feast. That druid seems to come and go as it pleases him. If he is not present then Sir Gracian ask to see if anyone knows where in Logres the druid could be found.

---

I dont know if it Intrigue to find out where Diarmuid can be found?

With the meal ended, Perin makes a bee-line for Fiona.  Despite her outward appearance, he knows that she rather enjoys dancing and there's little doubt in his mind that she will want to make the most of the opportunity to do so.  Besides, a dance would allow the two a chance to be close and carry on a conversation in relative privacy.  Reaching to the Countess he interjects himself into the conversation, smiling gently as he does "My lady, I apologize for interrupting, but I was hoping that I might steal you away for a dance."

Sorry, I was supposed to mention that Diarmuid is at a table near the table at which Galeria is sitting.

Sir Gracian approach Diarmuid when there is a chance to do so. "Peace upon you, Diarmuid. It is good to see you again but it is not the only reason I come to you. I fear a friend of mine, young and gallant Sir Garym, is in need of your wise words and knowledge. Can you come to our table and listen to his tale?"

Sir Dalan is enjoying himself with the food and drink and general merriment, though he tries not to overindulge lest he grow bloated or addle witted in his fight with the panther. He's never faced one before but by repute they are cunning and fierce foes.

As the meal ended he got to his feet and walked over to Lady Ellowyn's table. He bows,
 then straightens up, a grin on his face. "A dance my love? I fear I am clumsy as ever on my feet, but at least I shall be clumsy with you in my arms."

The couples depart the dance floor, some more dramatically than others, and servers come around once more with food and alcohol.  The third course is fritters and the fourth sturgeon.  And of course, lots more alcohol for anyone who needs it.  Lots!

With only a final course to come there is another break and people mingle once more. Diarmuid comes over to the table to talk with Sir Garym at Sir Gracian's request.  Lady Galeria is . . . nowhere to be seen.  Fiona is chatting with Duke Ulfius of Silchester.  Ellowyn is talking to Sir Robert.  Ariette is looking at Sir Gracian as if perhaps he should be dancing with her rather than talking to druids.

Actions?

Sejanus shoved aside his confusion and anger at what had happened between he and Galeria. He attempted to live his life as a stoic, but at times he fell short of that mark.

 The Knight looked the area over, and then spotted the one he needed to speak with. Sejanus headed that way, and touched his fellow Knight upon the shoulder. “Sir Perin, I must speak with you, on a matter of most dire potential consequences.” Said Sejanus in a flat tone of voice, face devoid of expression.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Tue 17 Oct 2017.

Momentarily alone Sir Dalan walks over to Princess Gwendolln. He bows and offers the woman a polite but rather sad smile. "A pleasure to meet you once more your Royal Highness. Perhaps my wife told you of my reaction but I was saddened to hear of Lord Merdoc's passing."

Garym rises in polite greeting to the Druid. "I am Sir Garym; I believe you are Diarmuid, and Sir Gracian ask you to speak with me. I face a problem that I am unable to solve. I am hoping for wisdom and aid in helping the maiden I call Lethe."

Some time (and drink or two) later he glanced over at Robert, and where he was chatting with Ellowyn.  Fiona was far too busy to interrupt, but he could certain pull his lord away from a chat with the wife of a friend.  Approaching the pair, he bows slightly before addressing them "My Lord and Lady, I apologize for interrupting, but I was hoping to borrow Earl Robert for a moment."

Ellowyn bows and retreats, while Sir Robert looks up at his two knights, "of course, what can I do for you?"  He squints slightly before adding, "I hope this is not more girl troubles."