Eina, Soot, a ferret arrive, following Peri.

Between grand tournaments, the Tournament Grounds are rather quiet, the servants of the Crown making sure that the grass is tended and flowers are trimmed for when the grounds are called upon to host martial business once more. Standing near the podium where the judges sit is Sir Corban Telmar, First Captain of the King's Own, waving those who have come to hear the story in closer.

"Please, please. Gather around. Be ready for the tale of Sir Dayne Valardin and the tournament held here."

Story time. The Redreef lord (that's Gogil for those of you who are playing at home), makes his way forward when Corban calls out to gather about. A warm smile graces his lips as his long arms cross over his chest, obviously ready to listen to the tale.

Lord Naka Laurent nods a quick greeting as he approaches. He seems to use a great deal of economy of movement, but smiles pleasantly enough and says, "Thank you," as he comes to a halt.

Peri has always loved stories and the spring in her step gives clue to that. She is talking exuberantly with Eina as they make their way to the grounds. As they reach their seats, she pulls a notebook from her backpack.

"Thank you for coming," says Corban to his small group of interested people. The First Captain is resplendent in his silver rubicund armor, as well as wielding a simple, plain, and pointed alaricite sword at his side. "The Lord Commander Dayne was one of Arx's greatest heroes, the bravest knight that mankind has ever seen." His eyes move from one to the other. "In advance of unveiling his statue and plaque at the Hall of Heroes, I wished to tell his story, so it might be shared and remembered and his heroism remembered."

"When I last left my tale, Sir Dayne was believed dead by his family, training with the kindly beggar that saved him from attack once upon a time. And Prince Radley conquered the tribe believed responsible. But he did not know Sir Dayne lived. In fact, none knew Sir Dayne lived. Until .." Corban gestures about the Tournament Grounds. "Here." Story time begins.

So as to avoid interrupting the story unduly, Naka makes no audible response, but composes himself to listen attentively.

Gogil looks like a man about to ask questions but his hand covers his mouth as he listens to the story from the First Captain. His light brown eyes glance around the area, taking in the location as though it's his first time seeing it.

Peri opens her notebook and starts taking down the introduction to the talk, but the dramatic pauses catches her up in the story and her notebook is forgotten. She leans in with anticipation."

"It was a year after Dayne first went missing. A mystery knight appeared at the grounds and announced his intent to compete. This was unusual. Most knights came to fight for the glory of their names and that of their lieges in the Rose Tournament. But it was not unheard of. For those knights that had not made a name, they sought to do so here."

Corban gestures, then, to the jousting list before him. "But this mystery knight drew immediate attention by going undefeated during the joust and then promptly signing up to compete at the Grand Melee of Arx, which drew the finest fighters of the day, eager to attract the attention of the King and the Crown Prince, Alaric the Third."

Gogil looks over at that list that Corban gestures to, "Oh, can I see that later?" he can't help but ask, but then immediately looks sheepish at his outburst covering his mouth and saying behind his hand, "Sorry!"

Naka closes his eyes for a brief moment, picturing the action out on the grounds, before returning his attention to the First Captain of the King's Own.

"The mystery knight then went on to win the Grand Melee, and, as you might expect from why you are all here today," says Corban, beginning to walk over towards the field where the grand melee is held. "It was Prince Dayne Valardin. When the fighting was over and he was victorious, he removed his helm, confirming that he was quite alive indeed. And unlike with the current King, where the boon is declared in a separate ceremony away from the field, Prince Dayne knew what he wanted immediately. He wished to join the King's Own and to lead it one day if the King found him worthy." Corban touches his own breastplate, where his Order's insignia resides.

Naka takes a moment to look at the insignia indicated and nods his head.

Gogil didn't didn't have an outburst earlier, he just politely listened to Corban speaking about the things. He runs a hand through his hair, before cocking his head curiously.

"The King thus swore him in to the Hundred on the spot, much to the astonishment of his brothers and sisters who were looking on, the once Prince, now just Knight, who asked for a chance of an undeserving prince to take on leadership of the august order." Corban smiles faintly at the memory. "Dayne lived his days with humility and chivalry. He was unfailingly courteous, considerate, and slow to anger. He was so well recognized not just for his martial skill, but knightly virtues, that men and women that stood in line for the Lord Commander's post before him stood aside, knowing that there was one true possibility for the role. Many called him the most-disciplined man to hold the role."

His hands steepled in front of him, Naka briefly lowers his head a short distance towards the ground in remembrance.

Eina sits beside Peri. Her face shines with inspiration. The tale of a knight so loyal grips her.

"And so it was, every Tournament after that, Sir Dayne fought at the Grand Melee only because the Crown asked him to represent the Sovereign," says Corban, bringing his story to a close. "And every time, Sir Dayne emerged victorious. Yet he never took the boon for himself. Instead, he would grant it to the fighter the crowd felt fought most honorably. Not the strongest or the swiftest or the runner up, but one of honor."

Corban's hands fold behind him in a sort of parade rest. "There are two more chapters of Dayne's tale to tell. One I will share in the Valardin District, and the last at his unveiling. But I thank you for coming to share his story today. Please. Keep it alive in retelling and in your hearts. For it is how we will remember the greatest knight Arvum has known."

"Thank you for taking the time to share the tale," Naka says. "I hope that it leads well into the unveiling at the Hall of Heroes."