The stands bore a celebratory atmosphere as the squire's tourney began; with Lords and Ladies glad to see young bucks testing their strength for their entertainment.

There was some movement between the stands, and highborn guests continued to gossip, connect with old acquaintances, and pursue matters of personal and family interest.

PC's not jousting in the Squire's Tourney can choose to:
1. engage with or seek out a nominated NPC for RP or Intrigue,
2. be open to be engaged by an NPC who might seek them out, or
3. choose to focus on the tourney [Rolling Status: Tournament, or Awareness: Notice to notice matters of interest]

Those who have granted a favour in the squire's tourney must choose the latter option.

While Cat doesn't reject anyone seeking to speak with her, her attention is on the tournament. Maybe she can spot something that might help Valen Vance out. She settles in comfortably and watches each of the squires as they joust. She realizes this will help her learn some names, too, as the first names are announced.

22:59, Today: Lady Catelyn Mooton rolled 20 using 6d6, dropping the 2 lowest rolls with rolls of 5,4,5,6,3,2.  Awareness: Notice at tournament.

Jenny smiled at Caetlyn. "Best of luck for your champion." she said, friendly. "And remember to smile at him. He'll do better when he feels you are cheering him on" she added, as though she was experienced in tournaments, although she wasn't. She was completely fascinated by the new experience and kept rapt attention on the tournament. She also tried to keep her behavior proper; she didn't want to embarrass herself here.

02:46, Today: Jenny Goodbrother rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,4,3.  Status.

Cat struggles to remain lady-like while still following Jenny's advice as Valen does so well on his first pass. While her clapping might be a little vigorous, her verbal cheering after his victory only quiets when she sees some eyes settling on her and realizes maybe she should tone it down a little. But that doesn't do anything to lessen the huge smile she has for Valen if he looks her way.

The Blackfin stands are alive with polite applause and commentary from the gathered minor nobility, with several squires competing, and favours granted for the event.

Successful check of 9 or above:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The strongest tilts of the first round appear to come from Edric Mallister and Ofren Kettleblack.

---

Successful check of 18 or above:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Something seems off about the tilt between Daveth and Ayron. The Kettleblack squire appeared to pull his lance away from the centre of Daveth's shield on two of the tilts, resulting in a less powerful blow. Perhaps Daveth managed to gull his oppponent with a ruse, or maneuver his mount, but perhaps not.

---

Bryn watches the tilts with some interest but his main focus seems to be chatting with the people around him, generally in a pleasant mood.

He cheers and claps at each victory though is more enthusiastic about those of Daveth Darry and Darvil Blackfin. With Valen Vance's first victory he is sure to catch his cousin's eye and give her a wink, as if to imply she chose a good champion to bestow her favour upon.

OOC: I don't have any intrigues that come to mind that make sense right now so; 2. be open to be engaged by an NPC who might seek them out.

Jenny giggles gently. "Oh, don't mind them. It's all right to be enthusiastic for your champion, it's a privilege of us being young maidens. I might even faint dramatically later on." she said happily to Caetlyn. "Although I think Dunstan might be happier if I jumped into the competition." she mused.
"Valen's doing very well!" she said warmly to Cat, and joined in cheering for him, and Darvil. "A good day for House Blackfin." With what Darvil had done to help save her from the wolf attack, she was happy to see him succeed.
She suited her action to her words to Caetlyn, and cheered wildly when Dunstan rode, favoring him with a warm smile when he won.

"Come cousin, sit by me," Lady Gwendolyn called to Bryn, "we are too seldom acquainted, and I would not waste the opportunities presented to us by Lord Lyman's tourney." At a gesture she waved for Myranda and Lanna, the two handmaidens waiting upon her person, to retreat a little and create a private audience between Gwen and Bryn.

Lady Gwendolyn initiates an intrigue with Bryn.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Lady Gwendolyn: Round 0
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 13
Disposition: Hidden
Goal: Hidden
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
<Goldenrod>Gwendolyn Blackfin, rolled 13 using 3d6+1 ((3,4,5)).

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 06:07, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Bryn smiles and excuses himself from a conversation with his neighbour, giving Jord a firm and friendly clasp on the shoulder as he stands to move, "Of course, cousin, I have looked forward to spending more time with family."

He politely moves from his position in the stands towards the indicated seat, making friendly eye contact and comments to those he passes.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Bryn Blackfin: Round 0
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 8
Goal: yet to be determined
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
18:08, Today: Bryn Blackfin rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,2.  Initiative: Status.

---

Jenny smiles at Bryn. "Lovely to have you with us. I hope you are enjoying the jousting!"

In reply to Bryn Blackfin (msg # 6):

When Bryn and Cat catch each other's eyes she subtly acknowledges his wink the slightest of nods.

Thoren stood in the stands with the others, choosing a vantage point that would both allow him an easy study of the field to view the tournament as well as keeping an eye on his niece, who now seemed to be in conversation with his nephew.

OOC:

Sorry, a little late to the party here.

Awareness (Notice): 13. Found my result above. :)

17:50, Today: Thoren Blackfin rolled 13 using 5d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 5,1,3,1,4.  Awareness (Notice).

Gwendolyn watched the first tilts of the Squire's tourney unfold, applauding Darvil and Valen's victories over Horas and Forrest decorously, and smiling as Edric Mallister and Dunstan Tullison progressed to the second round.

She turned back to Bryn “Ser Jasper's entourage from Fairmarket brought such a wide variety of folk - Reachmen, Stormlanders, and Lyseni, Smiths, Musicians, Knights and Septons; it is a far deeper cup than we brew at Blackfin Den. How do you find life in the town? She asked, genuinely curious.

She considered Ser Jasper, who sat amidst his own expansive entourage including his son Jon, nephew Konrad, and host of wards. I know little of Ser Jasper's wards, even Saerai Paege, whose family once held Riverthorn. Do you know her well?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Lady Gwendolyn: Round 1
R1 Action - Consider - Gain 2B on a future action.
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 13
Disposition: Hidden
Goal: Hidden
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
<Goldenrod>Gwendolyn Blackfin, rolled 13 using 3d6+1 ((3,4,5)).

---

This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:10, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

"Fairmarket is a busy place full of all sorts, as you observed. I find it exciting there, with much to do and many opportunities to do business. It is little surprise given its access to the surrounds. It is nice to be out here for a change where there is fresh air and it is much quieter."

Bryn raises an eyebrow at the specific mention of Saerai, "There certainly are quite a number of us warded with Ser Jasper, which is not too bad for someone like me who tries to learn from him. The others, hmmm, not so much."

He rubs his chin briefly, "Saerai and I are friendly enough but I would not say that we are close. She was particularly nice to me when I first arrived, likely she felt empathy for the death of my parents given that she was orphaned herself. She is quite nice if you get the chance to talk with her, though she almost always has the septa with her so conversation can be restricted to somewhat bland topics. I could possibly help if you wanted to know something specific about her."

Tilting his head slightly he enquires, "Perhaps you might visit Fairmarket and see for yourself? I would offer to host you but alas my modest apartments are not quite suitable for a Lady with an entourage such as you are. In any case I suppose that would be difficult at the moment, what with your responsibilities at home. I believe I heard you father was in poor health, I hope nothing too serious."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Bryn Blackfin: Round 1
R1 Action: Read Target vs passive Deception. +1D Deception/Persuasion for remainder of intrigue
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 8
Goal: Friendship
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
08:54, Today: Bryn Blackfin rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,5.  Read Target.

---

When Valen unhorses his opponent, Cat starts applauding. She seems about to do much more than her loud clapping, until she sees  Ofren still lying on the ground. She tempers her enthusiasm, letting her clapping fade as she watches with everyone else, wondering if the young squire will be OK. Regardless, she still has a smile for Valen when she looks his direction.

Gwen nodded in agreement with Bryn's description of Fairmarket and his reasons for appreciating it. She appeared to listen closely to her cousin's commentary on Ser Jasper's wards, then smiled thinly at the question concerning her father. "Thank you for asking after father - some days are good, others are not. Regardless, I certainly have the freedom to visit Fairmarket as Lord Thoren is quite capable of running Blackfin Den should my father and I both be unavailable to do so."

The brunette tipped her head slightly, though her hazel eyes remained fixed on her cousin. "I've been impressed by how well you have done in Fairmarket, coz. And I do wonder if you might be up for an additional challenge."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Lady Gwendolyn: Round 2
R2 Action - Read Target - Gain +1D on Deception/Persuasion for remainder of intrigue
Disposition: Amiable
Initiative 13
Disposition: Hidden
Goal: Hidden
ID: 11
Composure 9/9
Gwendolyn Blackfin, rolled 15 using 6d6 drop lowest 3 ((6,6,3,2,2,1)).

---

Jenny smiled up at Thoren. "Ser Thoren! Will you be thrilling us with your exploits later in the tournament?"

She cheered for Valen and Darvil, but saved her greatest emotion for Dunstan. She held her breath and fidgeted nervously during Dunstan's close victory, but erupted in cheers when he triumphed. "Tullison!"

"Between this and Davil's match against Edric, things are getting terribly exciting!" she said to the others.

"Oh dear, your Valen against my Dunstan. It's bad fortune..." she says to Caetlyn, a little worried. She didn't want Caetlyn to be upset, but she certainly didn't want Dunstan to lose.

While young, Cat is already fairly observant and sharp. "The Warrior seems to be guiding my Valen's hand with clarity today. Dunstan would have stood a better chance of reaching the final had he been in the other semifinal. I see why you find Dunstan meeting Valen now to be bad fortune."

In reply to Gwendolyn Blackfin (msg # 16):

Momentarily distracted by the clash of the squires below, Bryn pumps his fist in the air and enthusiastically cries "Yes!" before turning back to Gwen a little sheepishly.

"Sorry coz, I just won a bet I was particularly invested in... A challenge for me you say? Business has been going rather smoothly lately, so colour me interested. What did you have in mind?"

"Riverthorn, coz, is what I have in mind for your next challenge. I am not certain what you know about that place, but I'll fill you in on what I know and why I have you in mind."

The Blackfin heiress gestured in the general direction of the lands in question, though brought her hands back to her lap after the brief upturn of the palm of her right hand. "Riverthorn was essentially lost to plague and then abandoned to the wilds. And, unsurprisingly, it seems that lawlessness has taken root where once a strong and capable family held the lands for the Lychesters. The bandits that have taken root there are now the plague, and they affect both Lychester and Blackfin lands alike."

Gwen quirked an eyebrow. "The family that held those lands for many years is House Paege, which I understand now contains exactly one member. Lord Lyman seemed somewhat at a loss concerning how to move forward with Serai Paege, but I immediately thought of you, coz. Your success at a young age with Fairmarket would make you an ideal candidate to be Lord Protector of Riverthorn and return it to prominence. Lord Lyman has agreed, so long as the Faith can attest to the suitability of resettlement - it has been over five years since reports of plague in Riverthorn, but the crown will likely need assurances that it won't start spreading again. So long as the crown is satisfied that the risk of plague spreading is slight, Riverthorn can be yours, coz."

Gwen paused and smiled slightly as she regarded her cousin, her hazel eyes opened slightly wider than was her norm.

Bryn nods along as Gwen explains, his expression becoming quizzical, then his cheeks redden and he frowns briefly.

"That is not quite a challenge, more like task to last for a lifetime... I have skill with administration true but clearing out bandits is something else entirely."

He goes quiet for a few moments, almost long enough to indicate he is waiting for Gwen to say something before thinking aloud, "Saerai Paege's lord protector. I had not even considered anything like marriage until well after I turn eighteen. It might makes things more easier for me but maybe more complicated."

As if snapping out of his thoughts his eyes refocus on his cousin and the usual smile returns to his face, "So Lord Lyman agreed, does that mean this was your plan rather than his? I suppose I had better be on my best behaviour while I am here."

Gwen watched her cousin as he thought, understanding that she had just dropped quite a load on him. She nodded at his question. "Lord Lychester originally seemed inclined to resettle the lands but possibly ignore the claim that Serai Paege has on Riverthorn. He was looking for someone that is capable of the management of a house and is trustworthy to take over. My idea was specifically you, coz. You're shrewd and calculating, and you won't go riding out to kill some bandits on your own, leaving Serai a young widow."

Gwen smirked. "I envision most of your work to be with your brain and in your sleeping quarters as it would be good if there were a half-dozen Paege children running around Riverthorn before too long. Lord Lychester has offered initial military assistance, and I pledged to provide some from the Blackfins as well. Lord Thoren needs his own challenge, and wiping out these bandits alongside Ser Lyonel would be something I think he'd relish."

The Blackfin heiress gestured generally toward Lychester Castle. "Once the initial scouring has been completed, the knightly line of Paeges will return to service to the Lychesters. You'll have the support of his family as well as ours until you get your feet underneath you, coz. At which point your destiny is your own."

Gwen again smiled. "As for the speed of it all, there will be a bit of time before your own wedding ceremony, coz. Ser Jasper and Lady Serai have yet to be approached. The crown hasn't been notified. The Faith will need to conduct their own investigation into the plague or lack thereof. So far we have the Lychester and Blackfin houses that are in tentative agreement on a good path forward. First step is securing your approval, Bryn."

Puffing his cheeks and slowly blowing air through his lips, Bryn tilts his head in consideration.

"It is a very appealing destiny, I will give you that."

He rubs his left earlobe briefly before clasping his hands together in his lap.

"I doubt Ser Jasper would take too much convincing, it would put him in a good position politically speaking. Lady Saerai though, I remember her saying she would like to devote herself to the Seven. It would be best to approach her away from her septa if possible."

He pauses again, looking up at where Lord Lychester sits in the stands then back at his cousin, "This is pretty big, eh? You have my tentative approval, at least until Lord Lyman calls on me to lay out his expectations. Depending on what they are I might back out. Knowing you, you likely have a contingency plan already."

He grimaces slightly, "In hindsight I should have spoken differently around Ser Lyonel at the feast. Hopefully Daveth wins the joust and then I can smooth things over."

Gwen tilted her head slightly and waved a hand at her cousin's concerns. "One advantage of youth, coz, is that you can more easily be forgiven for a mistake, if you even made one. That said, please do keep in mind your potential future relationship with the Lychesters until things are settled."

The Blackfin heiress glanced over her shoulder briefly, then settled her gaze back on her cousin. "People often profess desire for something when they believe other choices are closed off to them. Saerai cannot retake her ancestral lands alone, and Ser Jasper likely cannot or will not do so for her. I will be happy to speak with her on your behalf, coz, though I'm not going to try to force her to depart the path to faithfulness if that is her one true desire. I may remind her that I understand that many women find both the making of and bearing of children a religious experience."

Gwen pressed her lips together briefly before continuing. "We will need Ser Jasper's agreement first, I think. You will need to let me know if you'd like to be a part of that discussion or if Lord Lyman and I should broker this on your behalf."

Gwen did nod her agreement that there is a contingency plan. "I do have three other back-up plans, of course. But this one seemed best as the primary option and the only one to which Lord Lychester agreed." Her brow scrunched together a bit. "What wager did you make on the squires?"

Cat waves back to Valen when he salutes her. As he rides she grimaces a bit each time he is hit, but then she sees him stay in his saddle and applauds vigorously. At his triumph she jumps up while applauding, clearly thrilled he's into the finals.

Bryn nods at Gwen's comments on minding his relationships and gives a short noise of approval at the intent to respect Saerai's faithfulness before he then shakes his head slightly,

"Talking to Lady Saerai first would be my preference but you are probably right to approach Ser Jasper first. I am happy to be part of the discussion with my mentor but I suspect you may be more likely to succeed without me in the room. It would come down to how you intend to present the idea. I will follow your suggestions for this one."

He acknowledges the contingencies with a nod then smiles at her question, "Ser Ronald Darry thought to take my 5 dragons by wagering a fitted set of full plate and a castle-forged poignard from his father's armoury that his cousin Daveth would not make it to the final four."

He looks over to where he had left his companion Jord then back to Gwen, "As handsome as I might look in shining armour I think Jord might find more use for it. Perhaps I might gift it to Daveth instead should he win the knighthood though I am sure he has ready access to the armoury anyway."

Gwen nodded at her cousin's responses. "Yes, Lady Saerai is in a peculiar position, Bryn. Under normal circumstances a betrothal would be offered to the head of the family. In her case, that is, well, her. However, my understanding is that Ser Jasper has operated in that capacity, and his involvement in Lady Sylvia's nuptials makes me think his involvement would be as significant for Lady Saerai."

She paused and tilted her head slightly. "More, Lord Lyman believes that Ser Jasper has the right of refusal. As we are at his family's seat, well, I prefer to play by his rules here unless we have good reason to do otherwise."

Gwen took a moment to breathe in through her nose. "I don't want to sound like a septa myself, but do be careful with your wagers, Bryn. That amount of coin is significant to some in the realm. I expect the Darrys are well-respected in these parts. And I am a believer that where significant coin is wagered, accusations of impropriety often follow." She did make an understanding upturn of both her hands and matched it with softening of her features and voice. "But I also understand it can make these proceedings more enjoyable for those that are inclined to take some risk. It is fun to win."

"Ser Jasper has been pretty good about allowing me to control how I live my life as his ward but there were always trade-offs. Be careful not to underestimate him."

"As for the gambling, well, it can be good for business to be seen to be prospering and willing to make deals. At least that was my excuse. Now that I think of it I am sure you are right, coz. I won't tell you too much about the other wager I made lest you become cross with me,"

He looks over at Lord Raylon Ravensong then back to her, "He has a ring that belonged to my father. It has the Blackfin and Mooton markings on it so I think it may have been quite important."

Gwen nodded at the advice concerning Ser Jasper. “That is helpful, Bryn. I am aware of his reputation, but you have a far superior understanding of the man. Is there anything else you think would be helpful for me to know about Ser Jasper?

The Blackfin heiress pressed her lips together. ”It sounds like something offered upon betrothal or marriage, so I’d tend to agree the ring is important. Good luck, coz, and I don’t need details if you think it best to withhold them.

Bryn shakes his head, "I can only tell you the obvious really. He is disliked by many as the Durrandon's tax man so anything that would cast him in a positive light to the people of the Riverlands or improve his usefulness to the royal family should be easy enough to sell. Clearing Riverthorn of banditry for families to return and opening up a new source of tax income should do both of these."

He thinks a moment before continuing, "He has no specific weaknesses that you could exploit apart from a fondness for Dornish wine and cheese from the Vale if you could get any. He is clever, shrewd and proud. Though for you it may work it is best not to attempt flattery or pander to him, but deal directly and lay out the strength of the benefits he receives for supporting your plan. Let him know your value to him as a partner."

He surreptitiously eyes Lord Ravensong once again before partially mumbling, "It was two bets actually... Oh look it is Darvil's tilt against my champion."

He grimaces a little, "It looks like that last one took a lot out of him, I hope he does not push himself overly hard."

Gwen listened carefully to what Bryn had to say about Ser Jasper. Every bit of knowledge she gained could potentially help. ”Thank you for the insight, Bryn. That is all very helpful. Hopefully he sees this as something where everyone comes out ahead, if we are successful. And Ser Jasper won’t be risking all that much - as you say it should be a fairly easy sell unless he has other plans already in motion.”

She looked over at her other cousin who was positioned with lance in hand ready for his next tilt. She cupped hands around her mouth to offer encouragement to him. ”SWIFT AS THE CURRENT, BLACKFIN!”

"Oh!" Jenny gasps, covering her mouth in shock. She had been afraid of this. She sways for a moment but reconsiders dramatically fainting because Thoren is here and she's afraid the Ironborn might learn about it. At least it eases her heart to see that Dunstan is all right, and she keeps her gaze on him, sympathetically.
"Well fought by Valen. Truly impressive" she says to Caeltyn, courteously.
She is more subdued cheering for Darvil afterwards. "Is Darvil all right? That looked like a tough fall" she says, worried for him.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Sun 20 Feb 2022.

"Doubtful, my lady," he responded. "Tournaments are not my speed. Best to let those with the skill in these arts entertain us." There was art to them, no doubt, and talent and skill at arms among the men that participated. There was the possibility of glory, and also of injury. He had a knighthood by title and right on the field of battle, but he was no knight of the joust.

In the squires tournament, he cheered both for his son Darvil as well as for the young Vance, as both of their success would speak well of House Blackfin.

He approved of both of Darvil's tilts, both the one that he won, as well as the won he lost. He rode well, and took his fall like a man. He would tell him as much later.

"It was a hard fall, but nothing he can't handle," he said confidently.

Cat replies to Jenny, "Yes. Really, they both fought well. I really do feel the Warrior guiding Valen's hand today, though. I pray to the old gods and the new that he may win his knighthood this day." Cat seems quite forthright about everything she's saying, apparently just letting out her thoughts in the excitement.

"That's understandable. I'm sure you'd be very impressive in a melee, though. Wielding the ax is an art, that's what my father always says" Jenny said to Thoren, letting her Ironborn side show a bit.
She nodded, reassured that Darvil would be well. "You put my mind at ease, ser"
Jenny was impressed by Caetlyn's piety and happy for her sucess. "They did, it was quite a joust and I'm very proud of Dunstan. I'm sure the Warrior is guiding your champion. This day of victory is a gift from God to your and Valen, Caetlyn." she said, smiling. "Be sure to enjoy it or I'll be cross with you" she added with a giggle.
"The Warrior and the Old Gods both? That seems a little unfair to his competitor, leaves him outnumbered" she teased. She found Caetlyn's mix of old and new Gods puzzling... although she herself had ambiguous feelings between the Drowned God and the god of the Seven. In this case, though, she was only joking.

"Yes. Both. House Mooton was here before the Andals. It seems only right to honor both the old gods and the new." Recognizing the teasing she playfully added, "One should always seek advantage before entering combat, no? It would be best for Valen's side to outnumber his opponent's."

Gwen winced when Darvil fell, but like her uncle expected he would be fine. Her cousin didn't seem to be moving as fluidly as normal, but he had some time to recover before they returned to Blackfin Den. With good treatment and good fortune, he would hopefully be fully recovered by the time they left Castle Lychester.

Valen's tilt went better, and Gwen applauded his effort. While he wasn't currently directly attached to her house, that was something that could change should he manage knighthood at the tournament. Ser Valen had a nice ring to it, and she would be pleased to see him anointed sooner than later.

Gwen observed the chatter between Catelyn and Jenny, both of whose favors were worn by squires that had progressed to the last four. She was glad to see the two conversing, and looked forward to chatting with both of them further. Gwen hadn't yet had the opportunity to have a good chat with Catelyn, but they should have the opportunity soon.

The Blackfin heiress' gaze went to Ser Berion as he gave his remaining squire encouragement and instruction. With fortune and the grace of the gods, Valen would emerge victorious. When the squire looked in the direction of the Blackfins before taking his first pass, Gwen smiled and lifted a hand in recognition and encouragement.

When Valen looks over to toward the Blackfins, Cat shines a big smile and waves to him to show support. If he were closer he would sense better how giddy she is with excitement while still being nervous that she might see him struck hard.

Cat claps for Valen. But her applause is definitely muted when she sees his opponent spit blood. "I want Valen to win, but I really don't want his opponent seriously injured in the process."

Gwen looked over at Lady Aliana and considered the feelings that she must be experiencing at that moment. Having children was a blessing, but watching them voluntarily ride into danger had to be heart-wrenching. Perhaps Gwen would one day be blessed with children of her own, but would then have to sit and watch just like Aliana did right now. The Blackfin heiress knew that she'd react exactly the same as Lady Aliana, and could only hope her future husband would behave differently.

She agreed with Lady Catelyn, of course. "Indeed, but Daveth seems to feel the need to prove himself whether prudent or not." Perhaps Gwen wouldn't react exactly the same as Lady Aliana. She might attempt go over Ser Lyonel's head were she in Lady Aliana's position. Hazel eyes scanned those with the power to declare a victor - Ser Edam first, then Ser Adham, then Lord Lyman.

Bryn claps as the squires ready themselves for the next clash but there is a look of slight concern on his face and he adds to Gwen's comment, "Darry has already more than proven his point to his family by making it this far, I think there is something else going on. I only befriended him at the feast but I doubt I am misreading things, pushing himself like this seems out of character. Perhaps if the prize had not been a knighthood he would have retired the field."

The concern spreads into a grimace and he casts his voice low so that only those immediately nearby might hear, "Hopefully this Vance squire can end it decisively with this tilt and without maiming or killing his opponent."

Observing Gwen do doing so, Bryn likewise looks to those who could call an end to the joust, "They could end it now but it might be seen as an incomplete victory for the winner, though a serious injury or death as part of the wedding celebrations would surely be an ill omen. What a difficult position to be in."

Gwen nodded at her cousin's observations. Her response to him was at a similar volume so that it would be difficult to overhear the brunette's musings. "It is tantalizingly close for them both. Difficult to quit when the score is still a draw and your stepfather is employed by those that would declare a winner in case it is still drawn after all the passes. Valen needs a clear victory. Daveth just needs to maintain the status quo."

She gave her cousin the slightest of smiles. "And you may be calling that Vance squire Ser in the not-too-distant future, coz." She glanced again at the family Lychester and their retainers before returning her gaze to Bryn. "Even if they gave thought to stopping things, it is a situation of damned if you do, damned if you don't."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

"Quite a strategist" Jenny said to Caetlyn, smiling. She clapped politely for Valen and looked a little nervous when Caetlyn mentioned the condition of his opponent.
"The Isles are full of that kind of foolish bravery. They have a game where they throw axes at each other."

As the remaining pair of contestants again rode toward the other, Gwen sat forward in her seat, her attention fully on the two squires. Her hands were folded in her lap as she watched the fourth pass unfold, and she held her breath as the moment of contact approached. The Blackfin heiress winced slightly as both lances struck true, a departure from the mask of neutrality that she so often wore.

Gwen brought both hands up to cover her mouth as she watched in horror as Daveth's mount ended up on his leg, though she didn't look away even as Daveth screamed in agony and Lady Aliana cried out in anguish. The sound of splintering bone wasn't one that Gwen would soon forget, and she fought against the tears that threatened to spill forth.

After the initial shock and observation of the aftermath, her gaze drifted around the stands to see how others were reacting.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Fri 25 Feb 2022.

Cat had been watching so hopefully, and then she just cringes, gasps, and can barely look. She keeps subtly glancing up, hoping to see each of them walk away from that impact.

"Ah," Bryn exclaims at the collision which had unhorsed the pair of squires, leaping to his feet and absentmindedly placing a reassuring hand on Gwen's shoulder before removing it soon after.

He claps with some enthusiasm when it becomes clear that his new friend would survive but frowns when the hedge knight calls out from field below.

"He is right," he mutters under his breath, "both should be knighted."

The young Blackfin listens to Lord Lychester's declaration and sighs, turning to his cousin, "The Vance squire, Valen, yes? A fine warrior. I shall have to speak with him later, do you imagine he would see a set of Darry-made plate as an insult?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:18, Sat 26 Feb 2022.

"Oh my God!" Jenny cried out in horror. Her heart went out to the injured Daveth. But she calmed down; she had to be there for the other ladies. She gently squeezed Catelyn's hand to encourage her. "Valen's all right" she said softly, soothingly, not sure what Caetlyn could see.

Gwen felt Bryn's reassuring hand on her shoulder and settled her own hand on his for a moment, letting her cousin know that she appreciated it. She nodded at what Bryn added, though it was a moment before she found her voice. "I don't think he'd see it as an insult, no. Rather I expect he would consider it an excellent consolation prize." She looked over at Bryn and forced a smile. It was a good idea, but the shock of the final clash weighed heavily on her.

Bryn nods, taking another look at the hedge knight below and taking in what he can of the man's appearance and heraldry from this distance. Another man worth speaking with perhaps.

"The main joust event should start soon, I wonder if we will be in for more of this sort of excitement," he comments as if to himself.

Gwen nodded. "I hope it's a different sort of excitement than the final pass here, but yes, coz. I look forward to seeing what the knights have to offer."

Once things are sorted down at the joust Cat looks up more clearly. She stands up and says, "I hope so. I'm going to check," to Jenny. Then she finds her way out of the stands to head around and find Valen.

"There's nothing more exciting than a joust" Jenny said as though she were experienced in these matters and not a novice. "Especially when Lady Gwendolyn's champion is going to compete" she said, smiling.