Preston enters the tournament grounds with his small entourage of Templars, his helmet handed across to his squire along with his gauntlets as Preston walks. He heads towards the judging booth to take a spot.

Preston has joined the Judges Booth.

It's very much thanks to the help of various members of the Knights of Solace and the Templar order that the field is anything like prepared. Knights and squires and other attendants to the order mingle on the field. The Knights themselves form the back line of defense, while squires put the last touches on the wall guarding the treasure.

The field has been set up in an incredibly loose approximation of Arx. Like: we are talking some real artistic liberties taken, here. Solace and Templar stand side to side in defense, and there are miniature siege engines ready for the first assault, with melons stacked neatly next to them. Zara is -- herding.

Gracefully.

Look, you can actually only herd so gracefully. Standing near the judges booth, she lifts her voice. Her voice carries without sign of strain, which suggests quite a lot of practice has gone in to just that: "Thank you, everyone. If you intend to compete, I would ask that you please join the field. As a reminder, the cost of competition is a freewill donation. Please bring it to me or to one of the other Disciples of Gild to record." See? Other disciples, right there with her. They were there the whole time, seated at tables with ledgers and pens. "Once we're settled, we will begin with a prayer."

Sorrel has joined the Field.

Harlex has joined the Field.

Artur has joined the Field.

Reese arrives at the tournament grounds while leading her war horse along. The Princess is adorned in pink, ivory and so many ribbons. She glances over the tournament grounds, trying to get a feel for things and sucking in a soft breath. Her cheeks are flushed with pink. Reese looks over to Preston and waves in the Grandmaster's direction. The girl then turns her attention to Zara, listening to her words and seemingly thoughtful. She even bites softly at her lower lip as if trying to decide, before going up to give her donation.

Reese has joined the Field.

Landroval, the Eagle arrives, following Graham.

Arriving with a small entourage is the Count of Fair Harbour, Orvyn Harthall, tawny stag and coins upon the sable of his leathers. A silken robe adorns his shoulders and remains open at the front, light enough to not add further insult that comes from the leathers underneath in this Summer's heat. While the guards fan to their respective places, the man and his two elderly scholars wander towards the seating, a paige running to get them drinks so that when the trio are seated, they've refreshments. Passing people that Orvyn knows, even if having not seen them in some time, the Marquis bows his head in greeting, but is casual with his words. Hearing Zara's words, Orvyn gives a polite nod, but waits at his seat.

Acantha arrives with Benny, no other guards or with little fanfare. The Baroness gives a smile to familiar faces and gives a dip of her head to Preston when she sees him. While she made a donation today, she is not competing on the field. Probably so no one ends up injured!

Sorrel turns in her entrance fee and heads down to the field in an easy sort of way. Not quite bouncy, but certainly not in a poor mood. She takes a moment to draw up her long black curls in a messy twist so that they're out of her way for the moment, and they frame her pale face handsomely. She watches the gathering group with interest, nodding politely to her friends as they arrive.

After making his donation, Artur moves to join the group that is taking to the field, and grins at Reese as he comes up beside her and loops his arm with hers. "Come, Princess, we'll take the field and launch some melons and see if we can hit Eurus from here!" he teases her softly, before slipping his arm out. "If you do not already have an escort for the evening.

Harlex moves down to the field. He finishes a cigarillo and snuffs it on the back plate of his clawed gauntlet, letting the last lingering vapors leave his lips. Reaching up, he draws his hood down on his jacket. Clad from head to toe in black, he's either here to compete or to kill someone. Only when he's investigating the melons. Poking at one very gently with the tip of a dark claw, does he reveal his intention. Also the large sack of coin that he gives Zara, too, is the indication of his choice. That grim, cold set of green eyes look on ahead toward the Templar and Solace Knights. "Is this full contact?" He murmurs to /someone/.

Stefano, an inconspicuous Lycene bodyguard, Carmela, a gleaming dusken-feathered crow, Ambra, a plain-faced Lycene scribe arrive, following Mirella.

Thena has been quietly and industrously helping with setup and giving a terse earful to several squires who have tried to make her go stand around looking decorous. As the finishing touches are put on the proceedings she delivers a few final orders before watching the teams take the field.

Orvyn has joined the General Seating.

Reese looks over to Artur, having a smile for the Redrain prince that touches her blue eyes and brings her dimples to bloom. The girl has joined the field. "Throwing melons, I think I would be good at throwing melons, but I never done that before and it is good to see you Prince Arhur." She says, before smiling over to Thena and waving happily in her direction.

"It's melons and trebuchets, Colonel. I doubt it will be full contact." Artur comments to Harlex with a chuckle as he laughs towards Reese. "We get to use war machines. It'll be grand!"

Mirella has joined the Field.

Reese looks over to Artur, seeming to find the prince encouraging and he gets yet another dimpled smile. "War machines and melons, now I am getting excited."

"I still say we could have fit Skald in here, you know." Preston muses mostly to himself as he observes the little siege engines that have been put in "Though I suspect that would cause somewhat of a....hrm. Probably need a permit." As others filter in, Reese and Acantha both get their greetings returned with warm smiles from the Grandmaster (or, I guess, one of the Grandmasters). Preston unfastens his sword belt so he can sit, placing the scabbards in front of him at the judging spot.

Jeffeth checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 74 higher.

Thea ventures onto the grounds, unsure for a brief moment. Hesitant for only a moment though, she gives a brief smile and continues onward, greeting everyone as passes

Thea has joined the Field.

Zara has joined the Judges Booth.

Sir Bhandn was one of those who has clearly been involved in "building the city". He's belting both swords back on and wiping at his glistening features, before finding his way over to the Grandmaster of Solace to murmur that things were ready from what he had been doing. With that done, he withdraws a short distance away, to fold his arms and observe proceedings. Preston's arrival gets a deep bow of the head and sustained eye contact, and Zara a courtesy bow, but it's to the Sword of Lenosia that he offers a slightly crooked smile.

"I think you'll find that the melons are easy sport," he calls out to Harlex. "Then again, they are kind of meant to be eaten alive, something you're good at I'm told."

Thena has joined the Judges Booth.

Graham had entered around if not at the same time is Reese though he was stopped on some quick business. He moves over to the caller being Dara for this event and will hand over bagfull of silver. "Not entirely sure I will join the events but perhaps so and eitherwise this is in good faith.

Reese turns her attention to Thea, looking all happy when the warrior medic joins them. "Lady Thea, hi, yay, you are playing, do you know Prince Artur?" She says and then turns to Bhandn. "Hmmm...we can eat our weapons." She says, maybe thinking of melons. She gives him a smile, before her attention is gathered by Graham. "I think you should play Count Graham. It will be fun and what could possibly go wrong..."

Thena nods to Bhandn, waves to Reese, and sidles towards the judges booth. Is she a judge? Seems so. "Pretty sure there are laws about siege engines smack in the middle of the city," she replies to Preston, before amending it to, "Full-size ones, I mean."

"We can eat the ammunition, not the trebuchets.." Artur says, and then grins swiftly to Zara. "Though next time consider building trebuchets from cookies as a treat!" he teases, giving the Princess a wink as he moves to go find a place. "I will probably grandly suck at this, but it's all in good fun!"

Bhandn has joined the General Seating.

He turns around at the voice and grins "What can indeed." Graham wonders though he'll move back towards Reese standing at her side "You are correct this could be fun." He finally echo's though wondering on the exact method of the game he'll find out.

Entering arm in arm with Calandra Whisper, Sir Jeffeth Bayweather is greeted by a gaggle of children or something that are asking him to do 'something', hopping around and making demands. Eventually the massive knight with a huge smile gives a flex of one arm. After showing a very ridiculous arm the children seem satisfied or something and Jeffeth is able to move forward closer to the field. Murmuring softly to Calandra, a brief peck is pressed against her cheek before Jeffeth unentangles and makes his way over to the field to compete. In the thing.

Thea gives a slight wave to Reese as she ventures over to her. "Price Artur you say? I think so.."she teases him a little but confirms to Reese,"I have yes." Turning to both Reese and Graham,"How are you both?" If course including Artur as well.

Jeffeth has joined the Field.

Calandra has joined the General Seating.

Graham has joined the Field.

Reese hmms softly. "No eating the trebuchets. I think I got that." She says softly to Artur while waiting in the field of the contest to start. The Princess looks pink-cheeked and cheerful. She seems pleased when Graham join, giving him one of her gentle smiles. "I'm very good. I admit that I do like the idea of a medic on a field. I mean its a game, but one never knows." Reese then adds while looking to Thea.

Acantha has joined the General Seating.

Mirella arrives, doing absolutely nothing at all to draw attention to herself other than nodding and dipping into polite bows as she encounters people she knows and those she does not. No skirts today, so curtsies are out of the question. Leggings, soft ankle boots and a tunic that is not free from adornment; there's a thin ruffle of lace around the wrists, dark as the rest of her outfit is. Using a velvet ribbon to secure her raven hair back from her pallid face, the short Lycene woman pads her way over to where the other future melon-lobbers are gathering.

2 Harthall house guards, Niall RedTree, adorably awkward squire arrive, following Ouida.

2 Harthall house guards have been dismissed.

Orvyn nods his head to the arriving pair of people into the General seating, "Good afternoon to you both," he comments to Bhandn and Calandra, raising his cup and sipping from it afterwards. A check of the fields and he turns to give a polite cheer to the ones taking to it, sizing up the competitors as they move around.

Acantha gives a look over the field and then to Benny. She motions for him to follow her and they go and find themselves a seat in the general seating. She reaches down to scoop up the animal with her and he's settled across her lap. She gives a nod of greeting to the others that are seated.

Bhandn does give Reese a bow as well, when she speaks to him, and a murmur of "Your Highness". It is a sign of acknowledgement to go with a faint smile over her comment about eating the ammunition. This knight, however, seems to have no intention of participating, as he moves not towards the field, but to the general stands to watch.

As the other disciples tally and record, Zara watches the stir of the crowd as people place themselves. Bhandn draws her eye as he passes, and she takes a moment to pause and address him: "Thank you for your assistance, Sir Bhandn. The walls look tremendously well-constructed -- although perhaps not as delicious as some might wish." She glances to Artur with a tip of her head and says in an aside -- that carries quite far, actually! -- to him, "But that would ruin the cookies."

As the crowd begins to settle, each in their place, Zara lifts her hands for quiet. "Again, thank you for joining and giving so generously to the Knights of Solace and the Templars of Gloria. I've had cause to be reminded recently of just how grateful I am for the strength of their arms as they guard the faithful, and shield the traveler." A prayer follows, to Gild for charity and to Gloria for honor (in melon-flavored competition), and then a moment of silence for reflection.

When the pause is over -- and it draws just a touch long, just long enough to be awkward, just long enough for everyone to remember that it's an Oathlander who is running things -- then Zara says, "There are Templars stationed at each of the miniature trebuchets to aid you, but it is your aim that will see you to victory. You be scored not only on how quickly you knock down your wall, but how few melons it takes. You may begin!"

The Templars -- Knights and squires both -- are there to aide, in the assumption that not _everyone_ is personally familiar with siege weaponry, no matter how ardently devoted to them certain members of the order may be.

"I will have to ask Sir Calaudrin next time I see him if there is indeed such a law on the books. But, I do suspect the palace might have a few objections. The melons would also end up quite some distance away, it might make it difficult to work out the winner." Preston concedes to Thena with a bow of his head "A good crowd though, Princess Reese has a lot of experience. Lady Acantha there is the one who helped get our Templars out of Clearlake after the whole Threerivers incident."

"Quite well m'lady, I hope you are well too?" Graham speaks to The though turning to Reese and returning her warm grin before waiting for what is to come.

Reese turns her focus to Mirella when the small woman arrives, giving her a welcoming smile as well. "I like your style, Mistress Mirelle." She then falls silent, turning her focus to Zara. She looks somber and thoughtful as she listens to her words, before joining in the prayer. Reese then gives the Oathlands Princess a gentle smile.

Ouida has joined the Field.

Niall RedTree, adorably awkward squire have been dismissed.

There's a grin to Zara. "Not if you eat your display when it's done!" Artur calls back out to her. There's an encouraging smile to the princes, before she begins the prayer, bowing his head thoughfully through the benediction as he listens and takes in the words. And then the contest begind!

Harlex checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Mirella checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Artur checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Ouida checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Reese checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Thea checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Keeping in tow with her knightly companion, Calandra is seen hiding a soft laugh behind a hand as she and Jeffeth are swarmed by children, for whom he shows off for at their request. Adorable! Unfortunately she can't join him on the field once the kids scatter, accepting that peck with a delighted, yet tamed smile before waving him off. But before she heads for the stands, there's a lingering gaze upon the judges' booth, a smile meeting one particular woman up there, Zara, along with a bow of her head before she heads off. Settling in, she offers a pleasant dip of her head to those already there, though her words in particular are sent to Orvyn at his greeting. "And to you. It's sure to be quite a show today. Any thoughts on who'll take first?"

Ouida enters the grounds not long after the Harthall entourage arrives, though it appears that she goes not with them to the stands, but makes her way over to the tournament grounds. The Harthall knight has a coin purse at the ready to present, before she takes her place amongst the other competitors, her expression relaxed and pleasant as ever. She too bows her head at the prayer, before straightening to regard the field with a calculating gaze.

There's a wobbly moment or two, but no one loses any fingers -- or blackens their eye -- as they get the melons loaded into the trebuchet and send the first hail of melons splattering across the shipping crates. It makes, to be honest, an absolute mess. The wall wobbles, and some of the top boxes fall, but it remains standing.

Reese notices Ouida's arrival, giving the Ouida Lady Knight a polite nod of greeting followed by a gentle smile that is warm and yet quickly fleeting. Maybe because she is now loading her melon. The Princess gets her melon aimed properly and it splatters upon the a shipping crate exploding pinkly.

"There would be some very surprised wildlife outside the city gates," Thena concedes to Preston, not to mention hapless travelers and beachgoers. Luckily these melons seem to be staying well within the limits of the tourney ground.

With his first melon fired, Jeffeth watches with no small amount of concern as it is absolutely obliterated on the crates. A moment is given as the large Knight of Solace slowly looks around the crowd, in particular in the direction of his Grandmaster. His lips purse slightly before he looks back to the trebuchets. Quietly, "Who has to clean this all up." He grunts before crouching to pick up another melon, apparently concerned about firing another shot... It's very messy.

Reese looks over to Jeffeth at his words. "It might be Sir Bhandn or maybe all the knights of Solace, including us."

Orvyn is giving a companionable nod to the other Harthall that takes to the field when he turns his gaze back to Calandra, "Well up until I saw my dear sister take to the field, I would have spoken for Sir Bayweather, though I fear that I am loyal to a fault and must now change my support to the Lady Ouida Harthall, whom will no doubt honour her house with her prowess on the field," he adds with a chuckle. Then there's the launch of the melons, the flight of the melons, the squash of the melons in such rapid succession that his attention is brought back to the field and he claps eagerly, nearly spilling his wine. "Good show!"

"Does this thing come with a manual?" Artur inqiures of Zara with a tease as he gets his melon loaded, and looking the machine over, he ahas. "Here we are. At least it's not a hobby horse and a broomstick." he says playfully as he loads and fires. The melon splutters against the crates, and the Prince considers. "I assume the birds and other wildlife will be delighting in having their melons pre-cracked for them?"

Harlex studies the release of the melon with some annoyance. It smacks against the corner of a crate. Bursting it moderately but making a mess all the same. "Ain't going to be none of the nobility," he notes toward Jeffeth's question then shrugs.

Before she treads a slow path towards the field of fruity battle, Mirella dips an additional courteous nod to Reese as response the the compliment the princess bestows. "Thank you, your highness. You are very well-dressed, as usual." Because while not the Lycene, all those rosy hues, they suit the ribbon-adorned royal quite nicely. With those pleasant words spoken, however, the short and dark-haired woman finishes her leisurely stroll to the siege grounds. All the rare formalities associated with loading up a melon into a trebuchet are handled before Mirella takes her aim. It's a poor result in truth when compared to the more adept attempts of her fellow competitors, but it does create a nice melonsplosion as it hits something. Chunks of flesh sail through the air with a pleasant thud, to which Mirella smiles with dry satisfaction. Her efforts have born fruit. Ohohoho.

It's probably been a long time since Ouida has loaded anything like a trebuchet, but she manages, squinting slightly as she takes her aim, hiding a smile at the carnage on the crates beyond. She offers a wink to Reese. "Well, look on the bright side. It will still be better than cleaning up the grounds after a jousting tournament! Unless one really really /really/ does not like melons."

Thea bows her head to the new arrivals, as she loads her melon. Takes a moment, but shes got it. Thea aims and watches the crate explode with juice and sticky meat and things...Sort of."That wasnt the best but that was kind of fun,"Thea admits.

"Fire some other fruit as well, and we'll get some casks and make a nice Summer fruit wine!" Orvyn calls from the stands, a little out of place, but smiling all the same.

"No, you can't have a mini trebuchet, you'd just eat it anyways." Acantha murmurs to Benny as he looks to her. Oh yes, those were big begging eyes. She ignores them for now. She keeps an eye on who is firing and how they are doing.

Thena raises her voice to reply, "Penitents," to Jeffeth's semi-idle question. It's hard to tell if she's kidding.

"I feel bad for whoever wins the alaricite." That /completely not purposefully loud/ remark from Sir Bhandn is offered to the air from where he's loitering (he's standing, not sitting). "Imagine their surprise when they find out that's not the only prize they won. They get all these melons to take with them too." He's also looking /at the judges/ while saying it, in no attempt to get their attention whatsoever.

The birds already watching the field as the melons splatter give some hint to where it will undoubtedly end up. Many of the melons that they load look to be the kind of poor quality -- lump, bumpy, and overripe -- melons that failed to sell in the market. It's all destined for pig slop. Who's gonna get it there? --well, probably not Zara, no. Aeterna might be stain resistant, but there's a certain kind of peer who isn't exactly _strain resistant_. She looks like that kind. Not _martially inclined_.

"If you have any questions, the Templars should be able to guide you. Do be careful, though," said strain-prone princess says to Artur with humor warm in her voice. Zara looks over the field and watches that wobble. "Very well done, all of you -- but you're not quite there! Another volley!"

Reese turns her attention to Mirella, seemingly flattered by her words. Her cheeks warm and her blue eyes brighten. "Thank you Mirella." She says in her direction. "Yes, better than after jousting." She adds, agreeing with Ouida. The girl then peeks over to Bhandn, looking amused at this words.

Mirella checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Harlex checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Reese checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Ouida checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Artur checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

"It's a pity my husband isn't here to handle these things for me. He's really the best at using siege equipment to excellent ends," Sorrel observes to no one in particular as she lines up her second shot cheerfully.

Sorrel checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Orvyn chuckles with Bhandn's remark, "Ah, is that how it is to be? Had I but known... I would have joined," the man looking nothing of the martial sort, though wiry in his own way. "But good show!" he calls out hte last to the field of competitors, "Bring the walls down! Don't leave us Melon-choly!" he'll pun from the back seat.

Thea checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Loading up a second shot of the melon, Artur runs his fingers over the ridges and lumps. "This feels like a creature I fought once." he says with a chuckle, before Zara calls out about the questions, and he gives the Princess a grin and a wink. "Here I was hoping you'd come favor me with your personal assistance." he announces teasingly to her as he lets the melon flies.

Preston does wince a little as the melons pelt home "Yes. Clean up is a tricky one. But. We do have squires too. I'm sure there is an important knightly virtue that cleaning up melons helps. Or...hrm. Do rabbits eat melons? You could unleash Armel's horde." Preston speculates. Preston breaks into a small laugh and leans back in the booth as he watches "So many people gathered to honour Gloria and Gild. It's nice for us to come together without people trying to murder us. Or tables needing to be flipped."

Extremely well-targeted melons lobbed by Mirella, Sorrel and Thea knock out key boxes on the lower levels that were holding the whole thing up. The wall goes down in a shower of rind, overripe melon flesh, and clattering wood.

Thena leans forward to observe the melonic destruction. "Might be more than the rabbits could handle. I could take some back for them though." The corner of her mouth quirks up and she applauds the fall of the boxes. "It's been so long since someone tried to kill me, I barely know what to do with myself."

Reese's melon this time just barely hits the shipping crate. A little more the left and she would have missed. The girl has the grace to blush. She cheers as the wall goes down. "Nice shots, Mistress Mirella, Lady Thea and Princess Sorrel!" She says, while looking their way. The girl spars a moment for Orvyn, seemingly amused by his pun. Her cheeks stay pink and the prince seems to be enjoying the contest.

Clearly Mirella's poor aim during the last round was just a test run to work out exactly how best to get those melons sailig gracefully through the air. Squinting and taking her time, the Lycene minister fires off another spherical fruit boulder that smashes into one of the boxes, knocking the whole thing out of line with another explosion of juicy melon-flesh. The dry smile that crossed her lips only grows more satisfied, quirking up the corner of her lips in a tight way. She looks positively feline. So smug.

Mirella also dips a gracious nod to Reese!

Not quite as impressive as the first shot, at least Ouida doesn't take out her own eye or anyone else's with the second. She does take a moment to applaud and cheer the wall coming down due to Mirella, Sorrel, and Thea's efforts, however, before she starts hunting about for another likely melon, perhaps not one /quite/ so squishy this time.

Puff, a dainty yellow-green canary, 2 Leary House Guards, Sir Jesmond the Giant arrive, following Arcadia.

Sorrel clearly does not need her husband's help when it comes to shelling things with melons. She looks rather pleased with the destruction she has wrought, hands on her hips proudly.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Arcadia before departing.

The next shot goes plunk and Jeffeth is wearing a thin expression on his features. It's not until Thena mentions penitents that the big man's shoulders sag somewhat, relaxing. Whew.

Loading the next melon, this one appears to have been aimed far better than Thea's first. It goes crashing into the crates and explodes! Theavckearly is quite satisfied with melon crushing and things and smiles a little. She turns to Reese and the others who applauded her and thanked them graciously.

"What about those wolves on the way to Grayreeve?" Preston asks of Thena, looking sidielong at her with a little bit of suspicion at her claim "Though, I guess wolves are not someones, but things. Lord Aramis and his friends did try to kill us....they did some heavy damage, but. Well." Preston's shoulders lift in a half shrug "I'd rather people didn't try to murder you anyway, Dame Thena. Your guard probably appreciates it too." Preston looks down to the melon war again, and some of the glancing blows that go off "I hope no-one is wearing their nice silks. Stains and all that."

Garibaldi, the Lycene swordbearer, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants arrive, following Theron.

Bree checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Bree checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Arcadia has no idea what she has walked in on. But there are melons going splat everywhere! Stepping off to the side, she waits for someone to make eye contact and let her know where it's safe to stand.

Bree has joined the Field.

With the wall coming down in a pile of boxes, boards, and squashed melons, Orvyn lets out a cheer, "Onward soldiers! Sack the castle and bring us the spoils!" Like a true general, leading from the rear. He cheers again, though there's a bit of a cringe when one particularily ripe melon explodes in a spectacular way, almost too realistic in it's splat.

"It looks like you've breached the walls," Zara says as she paces the side of the field to advance down the line. She steps carefully around the carnage, and sweeps her skirts away from a lump of squishy orange melon. "If you will advance through breach--!" She'll go around; they have to go through.

The next portion of the field, set at some distance from the fallen wall of crates, is guarded by knights: Solace and Templar stand side by side, presenting a gleaming line of defense. There are some extremely artificial hazards set on the field, that look as though they've been borrowed from a theater company: fake trees, fake rocks and little scrubby bushes in pots. There's a broad ribbon of blue cloth that seems to represent a river or moat, as well. Zara continues past this all on the side and back to the judge stand. "Scout or soldier, each plays a valued role in the field." Although from the mini sermon that follows, she clearly _personally_ places quite a lot of emphasis on the glory and honor of direct confrontation. The gist of it, in the end: sneak through the hazards or confront the defenders in a bloodless duel to first touch.

But one can always get clever.

"House Keaton raises dogs, and they that might eat them," Bhandn calls out towards Preston. "Just a thought." He'll keep watching with a kind of clinical detachment, not seeing anything to banter about with respect to the game being played... yet.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants, Sirra, a very quiet maid arrive, following Alessia.

Harlex checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

Mirella checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 30, rolling 20 higher.

Reese hears that they breached the walls and offers up another cheer. The girl peeks over to Orvyn. "On it, Marquis will bring you back the spoils!" She says seemingly encouraged by his words. She gets out her wooden practice sword and continue forward!

Typically a Sword arrives precisely as they intend to, however in this case, Theron is running behind. Noticing the multiple sieges taking place already he snaps his fingers. Glancing back to Garibaldi he shakes his head slowly. "Next time stab me to wake me." He starts to turn towards the beverage tent, and pauses to comment again. "But only a little..." A few steps and another pause. "Not in the face." Finally he continues his way towards the beverage tent all while keeping an eye on the general action of falling walls.

Bree checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 50 higher.

Ouida checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 50 higher.

Thena sets the tip of her finger down on a blot of melon that has made its way to the judging benches. She's so judging. "Tainted wolves don't murder, they just are. Though yes, we were lucky in our losses, if that's even a thing you can be." The bridge of her nose wrinkles. "I heard about Fournier."

Arcadia slips back out, the game a little much for the small countess.

Puff, a dainty yellow-green canary, 2 Leary House Guards, Sir Jesmond the Giant leave, following Arcadia.

Reese checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 37 higher.

Thea checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

Jeffeth checked strength + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 44 higher.

Looking around, Artur seems to be inspired by Zara's speech! Approaching the Princess, the Prince offers a bow. "But with their defenses breeched, we can only inspire them further to break!" he offers to her as he gives her a smile. Grabbing a broom, he mounts up and straddles the stick with one hand, and takes his lance with the other. "But, in order to be properly inspired to break through, one needs a reason to advance. So I ask, Princess Zara, may I have the honor of your favor to carry to the field and for your inspiration!"

Harlex steps through the breach. He takes one of the training swords available for use and swings it a bit, walking a bit closer to the defenders. One of them comes at him and he just pokes him in the chest quickly, effortlessly. He knocks a few others away with a tap here or there.

Artur checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

Reese is charging with the others looking pink cheeked and cheerful. She attacks any pretend foes in her way, but is careful not to hurt anyone playing the game. The girl looks over to Artur, looking impressed by his words. "Oh, that was smart, I should have asked for her favor too, it will bring luck." She says.

Bree, who was totally here for the trebuchet shooting, is also here for the breaching! This is more her style, and she follows those who favor the training sword for their display of skill. With a grin wider than a grin really should be allowed to be, she strides forward with training sword in hand and makes quick work of the 'opponents,' even going so far as to stab just to the side of a fake tree. Just in case someone is hiding behind it, obviously.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon, Ursa, 2 Redrain Guards arrive, following Marian.

Clearly having no clue what she's walked into, Alessia pauses momentarily, an amused smile on her lips before spotting her cousin by the berverage tent. "Theron." She nods in greeting, inclining her head to the games. "What did I miss?"

The bull helmet goes on. Rolling his shoulders, the Bull of Solace steps forward and.. Does not take a weapon. Instead the massive man just rushes the field, over the destroyed walls, through the melon rubble and straight at the defenders. He isn't about to stop and actually engage with the defenders. Though there is an apologetic look cast through the holes of the Bull's faceplate to the his fellow Fiath Militant as he just /charges/ right through the line. Large hands flinging up to shove powerfully at the chests of any who get in his way. And he'll just, keep going.

Well, now that the part that requires some finesse is over with, it's time to be a big bold Oathlands knight. Ouida stands a head taller than most Arvani women and is as tall or taller than a great deal of Arvani men as well--and she's built to take a lot of hits and keep pushing. And so she does as she charges in the breech, taking up the sword and happily clearing a path--and drawing attention--that others might well take advantage of.

Sorrel checked charm + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 28 higher.

Lifting her sword in a dramatic way, Sorrel begins to sing a gorgeous war hymn that is haunting and somehow quite special. It's distracting for the defenders, and so it's not really with stealth that she moves through the wall but that the defenders are so mesmerized that they aren't quite certain how to fight the bard princess. And she waltzes on through.

A sneaky Mirella is sneaky, all light-footed and dark of garb. She might as well be a slinky black cat, padding slowly but surely around the melon-scattered field. Others taller and more flamboyant in deed and word will attract more attention than the diminutive Lycene. She's quiet and stays in the background, using whatever coverage and concealments she can to make stealthy forward progress. She slips behind a fake tree, ducks like a shadow behind an artificial rock, wends past a potted plant. Nonetheless, the valiant attackers with their dashing theatricality serve her better than her silent prowling can achieve.

"You know, no-one has yelled at the people in the castle what their crimes against the Gods are. I always try to lead with that. Some errant belief people might surrender due to the better parts of their soul when faced with the true scale of their malfesience. Of late I've had to finish reeling off the crimes while fighting. People don't seem willing to wait." muses Preton as the battle proceeds. Thena's response gets a sigh "Yes. 500 disciples and knights at the Pickets, as well as house troops dead. A high cost, but heresy must be ended wherever it blooms. Flower, stem and root. Aramis' death...well, I guess the Gods have a small sense of humour....is it really so many years since we went to that abandoned hold? With the cracked dome?" his tongue clicks, a moment of nostalgia distracting him from events. Bhandn's suggestion gets a small confused look from the Templar "You know, I fear I don't keep dogs. Do they like melon? Good if they do. Waste of Petrichor's gifts is to be abhored." And then Jeffeth goes in "Ah. Yes. I thought your man might enjoy this bit, Thena."

Thea grasps a wooden practice sword, charges with the others. The young Malvici may actually be---smiling? No--that must be an illusion. She helps to somewhat "take down" the defenders.

There is a shrug and a gesture at the field. "Mostly? Me being late." Theron chuckles and shakes his head pointing. "I got here a few moments before you. Some breaching occured, and they are charging in, but I don't see actual defenders." Theron looks a little dissapointed, as if he was hoping for actual armed combat. "So, since I got here late, I'm getting a drink. Want one?"

Marian arrives at the event, making her donation before quickly making her to the general seating since it appears the current melee is underway. She gives a deep smile as she notices a few of her favorites on the field.

Marian has joined the General Seating.

"One might think it enough to honor Gloria and Gild," Zara says to Artur with a cool and thoughtful appraisal that e a s i l y makes gaining her favor one of the harder challenges on the field. Like, a wall of boxes one smashes with melons is all well and good, but it is extremely hard to mount an assault on that chill reserve with a trebuchet. Or a lance. Still--. Zara assents to unthread a ribbon and tie it at the end of Artur's broom. "Ride with the gods," she says, solemn, and then straightens to watch the competitors demolish the field.

Some of them _quite_ literally. Knights are nudging each other to get out of Jeffeth's way, and one _particularly_ clever competitor follows in his wake.

"Need more scouts," Thena declaims, observing the field, though her lips thin as Preston details the Templar's recent losses because they can never just have a nice light chat ever. "All the talk about Abandoned recently reminded me of that expedition. That noble house, destroyed." When Preston points out Jeffeth she does a sort of face-palm and shakes her head. "Well, that's one way to do it."

12 House Velenosa Guards, Ibasia, the Velenosa Lady-in-Waiting, Ellani, the palm sized spider arrive, following Jaenelle.

Browsing the group of people involved in the tournament, Alessia squints for familiar faces. "And you thought it'd be poor form to charge in there with a sword shouting 'defense'." She smiles mischievously. "No, don't do that." She turns to the drinks. "Of course, I'll take whatver you're drinking, thank you."

Such battles, such dramatic visualizations of war, brought about in the frenzy of flattened fruit. "It's a sticky situation, but the Princess shall bring us the win! She tells us, it must be true!" Orvyn calls after Reese's words, then there is Jeffeth running in, "Bold showing Bayweather!" followed by two Harthalls weilding swords and that's what gives the man pause, caught up in the skill of the two while watching as the chaos ensues. "Well done Harthalls!" Is he allowed to recognize the Crownsworn one? That is what the glance he gives his scholars suggests after the words leave his mouth.

Brannen shows up to the event...late enough that he can avoid his sister introducing him to everyone, and where he can get a /solid/ survey of the security situation for the event. He also has a small, paper box in one hand. Whatever is in it, is staining the box with golden brown. The shiny man keeps to the outskirts.

"Pah, scouting. They can see the 'enemy', Thena. Carry the courage of your convictions - the enemy is there, so there is where you must go." But Preston is back to light hearted, clearly not wanting to dwell on maudlin statements, his lip twitching into a grin as he tries to get a rise of the other Grandmaster "And, I do not know. Jeffeth's method is quite direct. It's helpful to have someone you can sit on a flank of your army and know that whatever happens, he will hold."

Preston does tap the hilt of his sword as he thinks back to the expedition "It must be...4 years ago at least that we did that? I remember hurting. And I remember the war table. It was a lesson. One that served well when we helped Princess Reese. Even if I did nearly end up fighting, hrm. Was it Lord Killian? I cannot even recall the dispute now. Something about a matter of the safety of the Mercies. It feels yesterday, but also so long ago."

Bhandn, on the other hand, catches the arrival of Sir Brannen, and that's enough to get him to go in motion. "Sir Harthall," he offers by way of greeting, but he'll choose to stand near Brannen's spot, arms folded, and offer occasional words in a lower tone, absently pointing in the last direction that Bhandn saw Bree charging.

Reese is still charging and fighting with her wooden practice sword. She briefly looks upon Alessia and Marion, giving the them a quickly fleeting smile that suggests she notices them. The girl is once again encouraged by the Marquis Orvyn, his words earning a very brief dimpled grin. Did she hear Preston speaking? It is hard to tell although for just a few seconds her blue eye are somber with memories.

Acantha receives a missive and there's a bit of a frown as she settles Benny on the ground, "Apologies, need to get going." she whispers to those around her. She's finding her way out of the seating and then out just as quietly as she entered.

Brannen says something back to Sir Bhandn, and grins crookedly at whatever it is.

Acantha has left the General Seating.

Benny The Beaver leaves, following Acantha.

12 House Velenosa Guards, Ibasia, the Velenosa Lady-in-Waiting, Ellani, the palm sized spider leave, following Jaenelle.

The walls are breached; the defenders have given way. And now Zara bends her head in conference with those on the field monitoring the fray to tally.

As the competitors gather on the far end of the field -- past the wall, beyond the defenses -- the true prize is squires on hand with wet cloths to wipe away the any melon splatters that tracked _exceptionally_ far off course. Sticky hands? Don't worry! Gild provides!

Zara's voice carries once again as the last of the competitors makes their way through: "Thank you, everyone, for the blessing on your skills and the generosity of your hearts. I would like to now announce our winners: in third, we have the Princess Sorrel, who demonstrated a remarkable talent with trebuchets, and wins the rubicund. Lady Ouida, you fought with honor; Gloria surely smiles on you. You win the diamondplate. And to Dame Bree Harthall, whose diligence carries through even to the foliage, a bar of alaricite. Brother Felix has additional offered to a discount on his services if you should wish to work with him on them. Please speak with me later for details on that."

Marian stifles a chuckle as she watches more of the events unfold. Jeffeth's charge gets a shout from Marian. She grins and then makes a point of saluting the judges across the way in greeting just before the winners are announced. At mention of Sorrel winning, she gets a round of applause from the warrior princess as well as the other competitors that placed well.

Marian is overheard praising Bree: Well done!

Reese turns her attention to Zara as she hears the princess' words. She is pink cheeked and has stopped her charging. The girl looks over to Sorrel, Ouida and Bree as their names are announced, having a smile for them each. "Congrats, Gloria was with you today Dame Bree, Lady Ouida and Princess Sorrel."

Marian is overheard praising Ouida.

Reese is overheard praising Bree: Woots, first place, congrats!

Marian is overheard praising Sorrel.

Artur is overheard praising Bree.

Reese is overheard praising Ouida: Yay, a wonderful night and fighter!

Artur is overheard praising Ouida.

Reese is overheard praising Zara: Great Hostest and princess!

Artur is overheard praising Sorrel.

Calandra is overheard praising Bree.

Reese is overheard praising Preston: Yay, Templars!

Artur is overheard praising Zara.

Mirella is overheard praising Zara.

Mirella is overheard praising Bree.

Preston is overheard praising Zara: An excellent host of a charity event.

Calandra is overheard praising Ouida.

Mirella is overheard praising Sorrel.

Reese is overheard praising Thena: Yay, Solace GrandMaster!

Mirella is overheard praising Ouida.

Marian is overheard praising Zara: Excellent event!

ORvyn stands and draws his scholars up with him, clapping them on the shoulders and cheering, "Well done Dame Bree! Lady Ouida! Princess Sorrel!" He claps his hands after relieving the poor scholars from his grip, catching sight of Brannen, he changes his tune, "Sir Brannen! Had you been on the field, we could have had a sweep!" he exclaims, giving the man a rueful, yet pleased smile, but then he turns his attentions back to the field, "Gild favour Harthall, we thank you for your blessing," he adds, pressing his fist to his chest, but then moving from the stands so that he can go congratulate people in person.

Calandra is overheard praising Sorrel.

Thea is overheard praising Ouida.

Reese is overheard praising Sorrel: Yay, the Dragon Knight Bard!

Marian is overheard praising Preston.

Calandra is overheard praising Zara.

Thea is overheard praising Sorrel.

Orvyn is overheard praising Bree: Well done!

Thea is overheard praising Bree.

Orvyn is overheard praising Ouida: Perfectly executed!

Orvyn is overheard praising Sorrel: Excellent work!

Orvyn is overheard praising Zara: Thank you for hosting.

After some subtle applause for the victors, Mirella slips out of the fruit-splattered tournament grounds. Sneeeeeaky.

Orvyn is overheard praising Preston: And you.

Bree turns to hear the names announced, perhaps not having been keeping track of how the performance of it all was going - because when her name is called as first, she blinks, and then laughs. A glance about in bemusement to her fellow competitors, before she steps forward. "Princess Zara, thank you! I would, in turn, like to donate the ingot back to the cause," she is quick to say, and then she skips over to Jeffeth, punches him in the arm and says, "Did you see that?"

Mirella has left the Field.

Stefano, an inconspicuous Lycene bodyguard, Carmela, a gleaming dusken-feathered crow, Ambra, a plain-faced Lycene scribe leave, following Mirella.

Reese is overheard praising Mirella: Sneaky and good aim!

Orvyn is overheard praising Thena: And you too.

Harlex has left the Field.

Reese is overheard praising Thea: Great aim and a wonderful warrior Lady!

Orvyn is overheard praising Jeffeth: Mighty Bayweather

Even though he didn't win anything, Artur is all smiles and chuckles as he gives his 'horse' small pat as he moves to put he broom away. Then as the winners are announced, he gives a grin and chuckles. "Ah, I may not have won on the field.." he says, and unties the ribbon and gives Zara a warm smile. "But, I did earn a prize worthy of proper praise." he says with a wink towards the Princess.

Orvyn is overheard praising Reese: Well fought Princess!

Orvyn is overheard praising Artur: Melonworthy!

Reese is overheard praising Artur: charming, clever and brightens up events!

Ouida takes one of the offered cloths with quiet words of thanks for the squire that hands one to her, quickly wiping down her face first, and then her hands. Standing amongst the slimy melons, she keeps the cloth close for a moment, before handing it back with a practiced smile. When she hears Sorrel announced, she offers a hearty cheer. A look of surprise cracks the mask at the mention of her own name, but she bows respectfully to the crowd, and then beams and cheers once more for Bree. "Well done, everyone," she cheers to the rest of the sweaty and potentially slimy fellow competitors, extending another graceful bow to them also, and to the judges.

Zara is overheard praising Thena.

Zara is overheard praising Preston.

Ouida is overheard praising Zara.

Zara is overheard praising Bree.

Zara is overheard praising Ouida.

Zara is overheard praising Sorrel.

"I think it would be great form to do such." Therom remarks, then shakes his head. "However, it likely would be frowned upon and end in lectures and such." His head shakes back and forth. "Nope. Enough of that nonsense." He collects a round of brandy, offering up one to his cousin. A sketched salute towards Reese as she looks their way. His attention turns back to the field. "Wait who..."

Ouida is overheard praising Bree.

Marian is overheard praising Artur.

Ouida is overheard praising Sorrel.

Preston stands from the judging area to clap for the winners, smiling as they are announced "Excellent winners." Preston comments to Thena "I thought Sir Jeffeth might pip people there. Though a Solace victor, hrm. I will need to get my Templars up to speed for next time we host this." Preston then lifts his voice "And a huge thanks from the Faith Militant to our host, Princess Zara Valardin. Sanctum has a special place for the Faith, especially the Faith Militant, and the support of its most noble and faithful ruling family of Valardin reminds us all of how far we have come, all we have done as a people. And gives us strength for the journeys ahead."

Calandra having watched the event with more tamed enthusiasm, there's a clear shift in her demeanor when the winners are announced, the woman standing and waving with a cheer at one particular contestant. "Bree!" She calls over the crowd, beaming. Bree may notice a familiar blue flower in her hair if she squints a little.

The big knight is quickly punching Bree right back in the arm, reaching up rapidly to pull his helmet off with a broad smile. There's another thwap against her should before he is grabbing both of her shoulders and giving her a jostle. "You won!" Jeffeth pipes brightly before glancing over to Zara. Then back to Bree, smiling broadly.

Reese looks over to the melons and then over to crowd and then over to broken melon. "They do look yummy.." She ponders. The girl notices Theron's attention and gives him a smile. Finally she goes to find a pink chunk if melon to taste.

Brannen checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Ouida is overheard praising Preston.

Ouida is overheard praising Thena.

Sorrel beams brightly at the idea of winning, even if she did come in third, and a bit unconventionally. "Well, I shall have to find a deserving knight onto whom to gift my rubicund winnings," she declares brightly, beaming at the crowd. "I shall take recommendations."

Reese is overheard praising Orvyn: Hart Marquis and makes for fun and humorous audience!

"What can I say, I prefer not letting the other guy see me." Thena refuses to be riled. "Four years or so, yeah." But they're not going to dwell right this second! She applauds as the final combatants make their move, then whistles loudly when the winners are announced. "Nicely done!" She perks a faint grin as Preston praises their hostess with the mostess, and adds a terser but no less grateful, "Thank you, Princess Zara."

Thea is sticky with pink cheeks, but--she is all smiles,"That was--fun." Even though the young woman didn't win anything. Thea Congratulates the winners with complete sincerity then blinks as Finn darts off to sniff the melon. This should be fun as she goes to trail after him.

Marian stands up and starts to make her way down to the competitors on the field. She makes a beeline for Artur with a wide smile, "You did excellent out there...from what I was able to see." She does apologize, "Sorry I didn't get here to see it from the beginning." She smiles over to the other competitors that she recognizes.

Reese has her piece of broken melon, the girl taking a taste of such as she starts from the field. She tries to go sit close to Preston. "This went very well, Sir Preston." She says.

"She was looking at me, of course." Alessia says with little humility, as Theron looks befuddled, though she accepts the brandy glass graciously. She lifts a hand to greet Reese, a greeting extended to Thea too.

Grinning, Artur watches Marian approach and gives the Princess a quick hug. "I think I did well. But certainetly not enough to win. I missed you out here, though, Marian, you could have done wonders, I'm sure!" he teases her with a laugh. "But I did earn Zara's favor!"

Brannen lets out a call of victory for Bree, still favoring his sister a little more than Godswornness might normally decree. But it doesn't count if they are BOTH Godsworn, right? But, then he hears another voice. He turns towards Orvyn and his lips part. He stares overlong, then gets flustered about staring, then looks at the box of figs, then over at Sir Bhandn, before he realizes that he hasn't responded to the Marquis...and his cousin. He summons up an awkward wave and a bow of his head.

There's a moment where Bree attempts to give the alarcite back when it looks like Zara's gonna push it straight back at her. There are all the subtle markers of a courtesy stand-off before the Valardin princess bows her head to the woman. "You truly did a remarkable job, Dame Bree." She'll just -- figure out what to do. Later. She inclines her head to Preston, her expression brightening in acknowledgment only to fade sly as she glances sidelong to Artur: "It was granted in honor of the gods, do remember. I trust you remember them in your prayers."

Reese peeks over to Artur. "I think that earning Princess Zara's favor, might be sort of winning." She chimes in with. She then nods in agreement with Alesia's words. "Oh, I was!"

Orvyn has left the General Seating.

Thea realizes there's Marian and Alessia as well and gives them a brief smile and nod,"Ah! I didn't see you! I'm so sorry!" trying to get the dog from the mess.

Bhandn checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Marian glances over at Zara and then back at Artur, "That's quite the favor." She shakes her head at the mention of competing herself, "I would have if I had arrived sooner but sadly my duties kept me away and by the time I got here the field was already set." She greets Thea with a wave, "Yes, I slipped in well after the competition started so don't feel bad that you didn't notice my arrival."

"All for a good cause, yeah?" Bree grins at Jeffeth's shaking, her entire body moving from the exuberant gesture. Then her name is called, and blue eyes round to find Calandra in the stands. Only a moment's hesitation hits the knight before she's lifting a hand to wave quickly, her smile not faltering. To Zara, and her acceptance of the prize returned, Bree simply shrugs. Perhaps foolish to give up a prized ingot, but she seems quite content in her choice.

Sorrel heads over in Bree's direction and clasps a hand on her shoulder. "Congratulations," she says with warmth. "You did an excellent job and should enjoy the recognition."

"I will make sure to pray with it in my hands, Your Highness." comes Artur's honest response to Zara as he gives a cordial bow of his head. "Perhaps you can help me with that sometime?" he asks her quietly.

"Yes, fair point. We should make it so we can always see you, Dame Thena. Maybe Princess Reese has a pink helmet she can lend you? Should stand you out in a crowd?" Preston suggests with a broad grin, trying his oh so saccharin smile at the Solace Grandmaster. As Reese and the others come over, Preston grabs his swords and steps down from the booth, nodding "An excellent event, I agree, Princess Reese. Princess Zara did an excellent job. And, well. There are fewer times like now that the Faith Militant needs the support of so many noble houses. In Grayson lands and on Maelstrom, the first fortresses of the Faith Militant in hundreds of years will be going up. To hold the roads open, and that should the enemy come again, we will meet them far from Arx, and mobilise faster. Our armies have been everywhere from the Everfrost of the far north to the Lyceum border through to Grayson lands too between Dame Thena and I."

Stefano, an inconspicuous Lycene bodyguard, Carmela, a gleaming dusken-feathered crow, Ambra, a plain-faced Lycene scribe arrive, following Mirella.

Ouida returns her practice sword to the appropriate area, even pausing to claim a few left on the field to aid in the cleanup. Notably, she does /not/ attempt to shovel the splattered and overripe melons, her long legged stride carrying her from the field itself at towards Zara. "I know such things are not easily come by even for those who serve armored in the Faith," she says gently, of the alacrite, and touches her heart with the fingertips of one hand, liberated from its leather glove. "A very noble gift, Dame Bree."

Stefano, an inconspicuous Lycene bodyguard, Carmela, a gleaming dusken-feathered crow, Ambra, a plain-faced Lycene scribe leave, following Mirella.

Orvyn moves down from the stands to walk among the competitors and congratulate them, knowing many of them, and so personal handclasps, shoulder punches, and the like are offered from the island Marquis. He moves past Bree, giving her a smile and a nod of congratulations and then to Ouida to see how she is holding up, "Well done sister! You fought like a woman blessed!" he exclaims. PAusing to turn ot the hosts and bow his head to them in the process after their speech.,

There is a snort of amusement. "Of course she was." There is no irritation his his voice, he just rolls his eyes at Alessia. "I meant the winner. Regardless, I need to remember to up the donation a little, one in your name too."

Bhandn turns his head to give Brannen a direct look. No humor or scowling, just a brief look. "I did once, yes," he replies in a normal volume, turning his attention back as winners proceedings go on. "She died over a year ago," he adds, briefly putting a hand on that white cloth tied on his arm. "I don't think you would have liked her, though. She would have told you off, and I'd probably be stuck with the taste of -- something foul -- in my mouth for /me/ talking to you and not letting her do it. Capricious, but she cared."

Thena has one word for Preston and his suggestion and that word is, "No." But she follows him out of the judges booth anyway and just tries to look imposing and Grandmastery while her Templar counterpart handles the speeches.

"Princess Sorrel," Bree greets the woman warmly, offering a dipping of her head in respect. "I did a much better job here than the last time you saw me in action, that's for certain," she laughs. "And thank you. I will enjoy the recognition, but someone else can enjoy the spoils. And congratulations to you, as well. Together, with my cousin, we might overtake any fake army," she says as Ouida speaks, beaming at her relative.

Reese sucks in a soft breath as she listens to Preston's words, the girl's cheeks pale save for that touch of clinging melon juice and her blue eyes are somber. "I will do whatever I can to be of help to the Templars and to Solace." She says in his direction with a subtle note of passion in her voice. The girl even looks admiringly on Preston, like she has great faith in him. "Not that it will be much compared to the needs and well we are so blessed to have you." She looks to Bhandn in a brief moment of sorrow, but never comments. She then look to Bree, seemingly impressed with the knight.

"I truly meant what I said at the beginning: traveling so recently, I was glad of the aid from the Knights of Solace on the road, and to ride into the tension of uncertain negotiation knowing that I rode with the strength of the Templars," Zara says to Preston, entirely serious as the hints of warmth and playful teasing fade to a quiet and focused earnestness. "The strength of the Faith is a comfort, and a blessing."

"Oh, good." Alessia smiles, relieved he came prepared. "My poor memory." She shakes her head. "Shall we?" She walks by Bree and Sorrel. "Congratulations to you both." She offers with a warm smile.

Brannen nods to Bhandn once and then lets it go before he gets in trouble with his dismal social graces. He turns his eyes to where his sister is central in attentions and a smile creeps over his face. Its clear he's proud of her, and not a drop of envy.

Orvyn quickly gives a nod to one of his scholars and they then quickly hand out a few messages to people on the grounds, that done, he focuses back with the winners, "Well done.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise, Roland, the worst bard in Arvum arrive, following Niklas.

2 Grayson House Guards, Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Clark, an exasperated guard, Niklas arrive, following Sabella.

"Indeed, I found much peace with myself once I embraced my Faith," Marian overhears Zara's comment and adds her own experience as she breaks from Artur to go congratulate the judges on a fine event, "In my youth, I was prone to anger and fought for personal gain. There is much more satisfaction in honoring Gloria on the field." Like Reese, she adds to Preston, "You have my help as well. I'm glad I was able to come and give back to the Templars and Knights of Solace."

When Orvyn draws close, Ouida offers him a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Alas, I spent too many formative years as a more wandering knight to not wish to enjoy the spoils as well," she offers, with a wink to Zara and Bree. "But it will put to good use, I give my word." She pulls off her other glove, tucking the pair of them into her belt, the one nod to the summer heat, though at least it's more pleasant than sweltering. "It was a pleasure to see you upon the field, however, Dame Bree. And congratulations to you as well, Princess Sorrel."

"Should we get in such a position, we shall trust your good sword arm, and I shall enthusiastically provide the war chant to boost morale and help lead the way into battle," Sorrel says brightly to Bree, nodding easily. "It's one of my talents, as you may someday find out. Well, stick near me and you almost certainly shall. Things happen to and around me. Ask Sir Jeffeth."

Ouida has left the Field.

There is a Pause from Theron as Garibaldi grabs his attention. "Alas, no. Enjoy yourself though." Theron abrubtly departs as he takes a message from his sword bearer.

Garibaldi, the Lycene swordbearer, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants leave, following Theron.

"I am hopeful that Sir Leif's duties will calm down and he can lead efforts in the North. I am....conscious given the upset of the Fireside Heresy that examples are better than lessons. Sir Leif is an example." Preston answers to Marian, his head dipping a little in acknowledgement. "But, I am grateful, as I am sure we all are, for the support of your noble and royal people, and of the noble houses. The Faith serves the Gods, but the Gods love the people. All that we try to do is honour that love and obligation."

"Lady Thea." Alessia smiles, approaching her friend. "How've you been?"

Reese looks upon Marion, nodding in response to the WarChief and seemingly very aware of here words. Her expression is one of respect. She turns to Preston listening to his words with close attention.

"I think it's still going! How are we not on Arx time yet?" Sabella asks Niklas as they stroll in way more than fashionably late at this point. She gives a bright smile to the crowd, waving to Reese, "We must be getting old, we've gotten too used to the slow pace of Bastion. Did we miss all the fun?" She asks of those nearby, "I'm afraid sometimes we are lulled into nap time more than the children."

Orvyn nods with Ouida, "You did well, and as we spoke about the other morning, I do believe that this will be put to good use, if I'm thinking what you're thinking..." he adds, but then moves to collect his retinue and head for his Keep now that the competition is over.

Marian frowns at the mention of Fireside Heresy from Preston, and nods in agreement with his words, "Yes, it is unfortunate when one's hubris comes before the gods. It's why I look to examples like yourself to stay grounded." She gives a pause at the arrival of Niklas and Sabella, "Ahh yes your highness, I'm afraid the competition is already over. We're jut chatting and catching up afterwards."

"Sir Jeffeth, is that true?" Bree does just as she was told, asking Jeffeth about Sorrel's mysterious aura. "Do things happen to and around her highness?" She grins, and seems about to respond when a note is delivered. She takes a moment to unfold the missive, brows lifting in curiosity before she looks to Orvyn, a small nod given in response before she tucks the note away.

Turning back toward Artur, Zara considers him with a cool, narrow gaze. She looks very thoughtful. She says something quietly to him, but there's a point where she nods back to Preston.

Zara mutters, "I believe that ... ... a book ... prayers ... ... ... ... helpful. And I'm certain that ... ... many ... of service to ... Faith would ... him better ... to instruct you."

Reese is sitting down upon one of the benches. She has melon on her right cheek that she hasn't noticed. The girl waves to both Sabella and Niklas as they arrive.

Thea turns to the voice if Alessia, her hair falling and looking a mess, but--still easily content,"Sticky but well,"she answers. "A needed break from other things. How are you?" Just then, she also turns and greets Niklas and Sabella with a slight smile."

Heimlin, the Scholar, 5 Harthall house guards, Kestrel, the Scholar leave, following Orvyn.

"Well, I guess this is where I make myself useful," Bhandn suddenly says dryly to Brannen, eyeing the multiple corpses and spilled entrails of the melons that make up the "battlefield". "I told Her Highness I'd behave myself by helping with carting all this to the pigs and whoever else was getting fed tonight."

In other words, there goes Bhandn to get started with finding a crate to start gathering up bits of broken melon.

Jeffeth's features screw up as he looks over to Bree with a cocked brow, then back over to Sorrel then back again. He slowly shrugs in the affirmative. "Well, yeah." Jeffeth grunts, hands open, palm up. "But uhm. Things happen to and around everyone." Jeffeth grunts. "Things are happening around me, right /now/." Jeffeth murmurs, looking around the fields. So many things are happening.

Artur chuckles at something Zara says to him, looking thoughtful for a moment. Then he leans in to speak quietly to her before he straightens up. "I should get back to the manor. I need to get things prepared for tomorrow. Perhaps I will see you there, Your Highness?" he asks Zara, before he's preparing to help clean up as well before leaving.

Reese looks over to Bhandn as she hears his words. "Do you need any help, Sir Bhandn." She adds while rising to her feet in their pink slippers. She is pinker than normal after the melon fight.

"I'm still not certain what the rules were." Alessia chuckles lightly. "Having arrived shamefully late." She glances around, a hand is raised to the arriving Graysons in greeting.

Niklas clucks his tongue at the news. "Ah, Sabella, there's fashionably late and then there's just missing everything. I fear that time abroad has dulled our senses for this sort of thing." He offers Marian and Reese each a tilt of his head and a bright smile, then turns to look over the dwindling crowd. "Well, let's go attach ourselves to some interesting people and hope for the best."

"We have people for that," Thena calls in Bhandn's direction, faintly exasperated. But who's she to stop a man from cleaning up broken melon bits?

The appearance of a squire wearing Harthall livery and delivering a note to Ouida as well, has the knight frowning slightly as she reads it. "Thank you again, Princess Zara, for directing us in this event. Sadly I must also take my leave." Ouida offers her a bow, and then another smile for Reese. "I shall hope to see you again very soon, cousin," she tells the other Harthall night. "I hope you all have a pleasant evening."

With the prizes distributed and a mess on the field, the event has broken down into circles of quieter discussion. Disciples of Gild are ever-present to help tally the last of the donations, but the event seems to be settling down.

Reese looks upon Ouida. "Take care it was wonderful to see you and to watch your skill with the sword, Lady Ouida." Reese says.