It's a fine summer day, in the afternoon, and Sir Bhandn made arrangements for there to be some refreshment, both for the competitors and for any watchers. He's at a table, talking quietly to a pale looking young man who is nodding along while reading a book. That table has a stack of paper weighted down with an ink bottle and sand bowl sitting nearby, waiting to be used for recording results.

A quick glance at the sun, and he's dropping his folded arms and standing up more at attention. A moment passes and he changes his mind on how to do this, deciding to instead climb up on one of the benches at one of the tables so that he can have a small height advantage and be more noticeable.

"On behalf of us in service to Gild, I bid you all welcome. May today's participants, and their watchers, provide us all with an entertaining time. For those of you wishing to compete, please form a line here starting next to myself and Dame Harthall. We will wait for each person to finish their run before beginning the next, so the lad can properly time how well you do. Then the next will go, and so on and so forth. Your reward is acclaim; this is not a competition for diamondplate, or steelsilk, but because you wanted to come here and show how well you can do and nothing more.

"That is to say, this is for fun. For those of you who just wish to watch," Bhandn adds, and there his mouth twitches upward, "do your worst to heckle them. With only words," he quickly adds.

From there, Bhandn casts a glance over to his co-host, and voices the question to Bree. "Did you have anything you want to add?"

Rowenova has joined the line.

Macda has joined the line.

Bree is here! With Bhandn! The pair of knights have been conferring about some of the obstacles, trying to determine how many people on the course at once, what happens if one of them fails to surpass a hurdle, how many times they can make someone do it before they realize they're being pranked... the important stuff! She's dressed casually, flowing linen, leggings, boots - no heavy armor or noticeable signs of her knighthood present, save for the fact that she's helping run this thing. As people start to trickle in, her blue eyes sparkle with delight, and the widest of smiles plays at her face. "So many coming to the challenge, Sir Bhandn! Well done," she claps the man on the shoulder, and then skips off to greet some of those already there. "Grandmaster!" it is the big leader of Solace she spies first, because look at him! "I'm glad you came. Going to give it a shot?" she grins at him, nodding her head to the course. "I'm keeping score," she tells him, a hand coming up to guard her mouth as she not-whispers the secret, "And I cannot be bribed." She looks to others, smiles for those she knows, waves to those she doesn't. Oh, and Bhandn is asking for her help. "Nope! You said it all! Have fun everyone! Try to keep up with the Knights!" A little fun boasting, but she seems in generally good cheer - like even if they lose, it'll still be a blast.

Kritr has joined the line.

Azova is there to cheer people on, and patch people up. So she just heads right over to the stands to settle in. And, "Knights of Solaaaaaaaace." Pause. "And Princess Sorrel! And anyone else I know. Good luck!"

Thea has joined the line.

Sydney has joined the line.

Ian is dirty, and sweaty, and probably pretty smelly, and in general not here to watch people run the gauntlet; he's probably here to work out. His coat is stripped off, leaving him in his loose fitting linen shirt, which is loose enough around the collar and generally sweaty enough that it does a poor job of hiding the scarring on his left shoulder and probably going down his arm, scarring that had to have come from the teeth and claws of an impossibly large animal. He's currently at one of the pullup bars, fighting his way through the end of a long set. As he watches people file in, he seems to come (gradually and belatedly) to the realization that there's going to be some kind of an event. This is confirmed when Bhandn starts making a speech.

Sorrel has joined the line.

Kritr steps up quickly and early. "The Knights of Solace are a GOOD BUNCH!" He calls out. "I'

Macda is also here, she, has decided to run in the gauntlet! Who says a princess cant try, look there is another one as well! A wave to Princess Sorrel and a smile to her face as she inches closer to her "good to see you in line Highness."

Porter has joined the line.

Striding forth to the fringe of the obstacle course, Scout Rowenova calls out, "Thank you for hosting this!" Sir Floppington notices the scholarly one and wags up to the young bookworm.

Drake is here from the Wyvernheart hall, willing to give this a go. He's been wanting to try a proper run at this for a while. He gives Bhadn an almost salute-like wave in greeting, and then the same to Bree, but they do seem to be busy with the duties of hosting and announcing. He has leather pants on, and a silk shirt... but he's already taking off the shirt. No point in getting that all muddy or anything.

Porter has joined the Seating for Blue Team.

The massive form of the Grandmaster is already moving over to the benches. Wearing a sleeveless tunic and baggy trousers, the massive man looks around somewhat wide-eyed at all those who arrive. He staaarts to sit down before there is someone calling out for him specifically. Jeffeth pops up with an arched brow. "Ah. No Knight Lieutenant. I will watch and cheer on the competitors. It would be very embarrassing to lose at our own event so I will applaud and cheer." Jeffeth rumbles with a broad smile as he goes to carefully claim his seat.

Jeffeth has joined the Seating for Blue Team.

Thea enters just after Rowenova, helm under her arm. She's sweating already, probably because she ran over. Or nerves. Who REALLY knows. Finding people shek nows already, she waves a bit. And smiles.

Little enough surprise to any that know her that Sydney Waterfall makes her presence known at a contest of physical prowess. She arrives dressed for the part, hair braided up tightly, tight-fitting Linen attire keeping her modest. She all but collides right into Drake, and slaps a hand against his shoulder. "You ever gonna give me that fight you keep promising? S'rude to keep a lady waiting. I'd thought you of all people'd get the importance of punctuality."

Icelyn has joined the line.

Is Porter late? On time? Who knows! He arrives at some point while everyone is filing in and sort of just skirts the crowd. He's definitely going to run it! However he's also going to find someplace to sit in the meantime. There's benches for a 'teams' and that's where he eventually gravitates to, after answering a messenger that hastily hands something off to him.

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

Ian drops off of the pullup bar, and goes all the way to the ground when his legs collapse under him, then fights his way back to his feet. He takes a few careful, stilted steps over to the bench where he left his cane and his bag, watching the line form while he fishes a waterskin out of his bag.

There is something of a long-distance salute given to the Grandmaster of the Knights of Solace, but Bhandn is up to his ears in getting named recorded for the competitors. "First up! Count Domonico Magnotti!" calls Bhandn's voice suddenly from where he's looking at the list.

Turn in line: Domonico

"Thank you, Princess Macda! It's good to see you here," Sorrel offers in a rather hoarse whisper that is nevertheless accompanied by a cheerful smile. "I couldn't miss a Gauntlet at Telmar Tower, though I'm sure I'll do very poorly on that last rope at the end because I always do. Always." She puts her hands on her hips and glances around at the competition brightly. Those who might notice such things may observe a healing burn at her throat.

Domonico is present, already preparing himself for attempting the Gauntlet, stripped to the waist and wearing his leather tassets, as he rolls his shoulders and flexes his fingers, considering the Gauntlet and the path that he will have to follow. The stern Count and Admiral looks over at the others present, giving those he knows a respectful nod before spying his sister Thea and he pauses to give her a Malvici salute in welcome... along with a smile. His gaze swings back to the obstacles and he hmmms quietly to himself, "It's just training... no different."

And then he is off!

Bree looks for a moment like she might protest Jeffeth's decision to just sit in watch. Her mouth opens, and then it closes, and she nods. "Okay then." But she's darting over to him at the stands, a murmured word shared, and then she is off again to 'host.' Really, Bhandn is doing that. She's just there to support him! "Lord Drake!" She spies the man, waving brightly. "Good idea with the no shirt. The silk might get ruined," she nods approvingly, her gaze lingering only a moment before she's moving on. "Porter," she sees the big bearded fellow, and she's running over to give him a hug. This is Bree's obstacle course - working through all the people. When she releases him, she's pedaling backward on her way to Bhandn, and she spies Sorrel, "Your highness!" and then Icelyn. "Ice. Hi!" But the first competitor is being called, and her eyes widen. She rushes over to Bhandn to watch. "Sorry, sorry. I was saying hello.

It's okay - Icelyn isn't early either. She's rid herself of her leathers for the occasion and is dressed in loose, comfortable tunic and pants that still make her look too hot for the summer weather. She bows to people she knows, among them Thea and Ian, and she angles over to join Azova where she's seated herself.

Domonico checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Domonico checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Domonico checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Icelyn has joined the East Spectator Seating.

Domonico checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 16 higher.

Domonico checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 4 higher.

Domonico checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 10 lower.

Domonico checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 14 higher.

Drake gets the shirt off over his head, and half-folds it. He chuckles warmly, as Sydney gives him a casual shoulder slap. "Ah, you're right. I haven't been out to training all summer. Too much new house repair," he says. He inclines his head toward her. "I'll make the time right away. Next time you're free for it." He then gives Bree an up-nod of his head. "Hold it for me? I'd ask that one-" He thumbs over his shoulder at Thea, but then raises a brow at her. "But I'd get it back full of glitter."

Azova gives a cheerful wave to Icelyn when she sees her approach. "Lady Icelyn. It's so nice to see you." She doesn't even have to make room beside her, because there is a lot of space available for seating at the moment! "How have you been? Are you going to try it out?" A nod is given towards the Gauntlet.

Sending his response off, Porter finds his arms full of Bree and he wraps them around her tightly. It's a quick squeeze before she's moving off again. Looking around at the benches, he spots Jeffeth waaaay over there and he starts to slide along the benches until he's sitting next to the other man and can begin speaking to him quietly as the event begins.

Macda calls out "Go count!" wait she was not supposed to be cheering at the competition

Ian has joined the East Spectator Seating.

Sliding into the seat near Azova, Icelyn nods. "It's never unwise to test yourself," she says, watching Domonico's progress with a keen, sparking gaze. "Are you here to run it yourself, Lady Azova, or just to watch?" Pause. "Or to tend the runners, for that matter?"

The big man glances up to Bree, smiling gently up at Bree as she rushes over. He waves his hand dismissively to her. Glancing over on the bench he spots Porter, sliding sideways towards him. Jeffeth decides to help the other large man out and starts sliding right back at him. Soon the pair are sitting next to each other after doing a lot of seated shimmying.

Sydney offers a light little wave of her hand, "That's what they all say. 'I was repairing my house!'" She grins affably, as though pleased of such a reality, and offers a grin towards Drake, teeth flashing in amusement. She tracks Domonico's progress through the course, tapping her cheek lightly, "...cruel to put a rope at the very end, when you're likely already exhausted."

Thea sees Icelyn and smiles at her. "Lady Icelyn. Hello." Then there's Azova, so she finds herself waving to her from a distant. Yikes! So many people she knows today! She goes to sit down, but sees her brother, shouting,"Thank you for keeping your clothes on!" Speaking of clothes, Thea turns toward Drake when he mentions the glitter,"I dont know what you mean, Drake. Honest." The flecks of gold in her green eyes light up with amusement. Nothing to see here!

Ian returns Icelyn's nod from where he sits. Which is, coincidentally, in the same general seating area as where she settles. "You got him, too?" He asks Thea in a wry tone, while nodding towards Drake.

"Many people are tired by the time they get to the end, but not the Count, I see," Bhandn offers to the air. "Lord Drake Wyvernheart is next!" he suddenly calls out.

Turn in line: Drake

Late, but here to support anyway, the most recently arrived Knight of Solace - that would be Gemma - rushes in and skids to a stop, kicking up dirt with the heels of her boots. She heads for a bench instead of the training area, so she can whistle loudly and enthusiastically. For everyone. The redhead will be making an equal opportunity ruckus.

"HI PORTER!" Azova cannot pass up the opportunity to call out to a friend. And Lord Ian is the recipient of a polite nod, Thea a wave. All the people! "This is true. It's never unwise to test yourself, I like that." she decides, snorting back a laugh at the idea of /her/ running the Gauntlet. "Me? No. I'd definitely wind up injuring myself. I'm just here to cheer. And, apply bandages as needed."

Macda looks to Thea, "thats no fun, take the clothes off!" she teases just catching half of the conversation as she stands in line.. her eyes move back onto the count, "great run!"

Domonico does not go for any particular flash or showy moves. It's all business and he tackles the Gauntlet as if he was there by himself. The single bar, low hurdles, wall, double nars and v-logs are dealt with in turn, his well muscled body propelling through the course with competence... until he catches his foot on one of the high hurdles and there is a tumble. He hits the ground, stunned for a split second before he springs to his feet, finishes the hurdles and climbs the rope with the ease of someone who has done this many times before. BONG. Goes the gong as he rings it.

Drake steps up to the line. He nods at Syndey, in assessment of the whole... rope thing, and he sizes up the course just one more time before giving it a run.

Drake checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Drake checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Drake checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 37 higher.

Drake is giving Bree his shirt, and she snorts at being asked to hold it. "Uh, sure!" She grabs the silk, tosses it over a shoulder, and then moves to watch Domonico. A good old "Whoop!" is shouted for the man as he starts out amazingly strong.

Drake checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 44 higher.

Drake checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 4 higher.

Drake checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 3 higher.

Drake checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 1 higher.

"Lady Thea, I hope you've been well?" Icelyn says with a friendly, sincere interest to the Malvici lady. To Azova she nods, a dry chuckle audible although the smile is only in her eyes. "I hope we won't be needing your professional service. But it's good to see you here."

Gemma's whistle attracts her attention and Icelyn's dark gaze turns that direction, focusing on the knight as she comes over. For a moment, she looks a little confused. "Excuse me ..." she half-mouthes it over the noise in Gemma's direction, although they're close enough to speak. "Have we met?"

"I didn't,"Thea answers Ian. There's a coy look that flashes across her flash. "There's no fun when it's expected. Now he may expect it. I may need to take a break now." Seeing Dom, she cheers for her brother, a smile for him,"Well done. I may not live up to that!" Her eyes going to focus on Drake now. When Macda yells about the clothes, Thea laughs,"He's all yours. Clothes and all!"

"Sir Bhandn," Bree calls to her cohost. "You realize you're going to have to run it when they're all done! You threw down this gauntlet, you gotta pick it up!" She turns to watch Drake, her eyes widening as the shirtless man works through the obstacles with amazing skill. "I think maybe everyone should go shirtless!" she calls helpfully to those others waiting. "It seems to have helped him. I'll hold all shirts of anyone up for /that/ challenge." Bree is just so helpful.

Kiera is here to watch her brother's turn to run the course, eyes fixed on him, moutg set as she watches

Drake hasn't taken any recent public runs of the Gauntlet, but it's clear he's taken a practice run or two. The first bar and hurdles don't cause him much trouble, and then the wall... which he has no issues with, climbing with all upper body strength. The double bars are a good swing, and he turns backward on the last one, giving a bow. As a Champion, he likes to make sure he's got the crowd on his side when he can warm them up.

But the last half is the tricky half. Drake leaps into the log segment with determination, trying only to worry about muscle memory and instinct rather than think about it too hard. The final hurdles, and the rope climb, are challenging, and he very nearly falters, but makes it to the top without a tumble. At the end of it, he looks quite relieved. He tosses Bree a thumbs-up, then makes way for the next runner.

"I refuse to go shirtless in anything but the direst circumstances," Icelyn informs Bree, because she did say /everyone/. Her dark brows go up, but her tone is not unamused.

"You realize you're going to have to run it before me, don't you?" Bhandn's return-fire question to Bree comes with him folding his arms as he watches Drake not only offer his shirt to Bree, but a show at running the Gauntlet as well. "Of course I'm going to run it too. Scout Rowenova!" is his next call.

Turn in line: Rowenova

After dropping off a whole bunch of her gear with Sir Floppington to lay on, which he most assuredly does, Rowenova steps out to the obstacle course in her wolf pelt, leather gloves, double-breasted doublet, and fancy pants.
Squaring up like a sprinter might do before a foot race (thumbs and fingers upon the ground below with staggered feet and knees bent underneath her), the Halfshav Scout waits out the go signal. Then, as soon as her name is called, the scrappy Northerner bursts forth toward the single bar!

Rowenova checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Rowenova checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 38 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 42 higher.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 3 lower.

Rowenova checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 13 lower.

Rowenova checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 9 lower.

"I hope so as well, but it's nice to be prepared isn't it?" Azova murmurs towards Icelyn, glancing up at Bree's suggestion and letting out a laugh. "How thoughtful of you, Dame Bree. Eye Candy for everyone?" is quipped.

Domonico meets Drake after the Champion finishes his run and claps a hand on his shoulder in congratulations and clasping his forearm in a warrior's greeting. "Outstanding run My Lord."

"I'll be expecting it from here on out," Ian remarks to Thea. He's trying to be Very Serious, and mostly succeeding because he's pretty good at Very Serious, but there's a hint of light bright blue eyes, amusement, maybe even mischief.

Sydney clicks her tongue over towards Icelyn, "...For a thing like this, a woman'd have to be even less blessed by the gods than myself for that to be remotely comfortable. Taking this without something holding y'down? I suppose I'd respect it, but I'd wince watching for the entire run."

Macda claps as well for Drake, she seems to be a team player. "great run!" she says as she cheers for him as well as she bounces on her toes and she awaits the next one to cheer. She smiles a little at some conversation around her and she laughs good naturedly

She must have paced wrong, for Nova bursts forth through the first four of the obstacles before she ends up tripping on the V logs and then simply smashes through a few hurdles when she was supposed to have jumped. Then, the Rope. That does not go well. Eventually, she leaves the field for the next person, none too pleased with her own performance.

Kritr snorts in amusements and repeats overly loud: "Blessed by the Gods."

When Drake finishes up and moves anywhere near Bree, she tosses his shirt at him. "Nicely done. You'd make a fine knight, you know," she grins at him, but her gaze shifts to the call of her name from the stands. She laughingly waves to Azova, dipping her chin, "Just trying to help everyone out!" Icelyn's protest has her lifting her brows and she admits, "I wouldn't take mine off, either. At least not here."

Icelyn gives Sydney a firm nod of agreement. "/Just/ so," she says with such emphasis that she almost starts to sound grateful the shirt thing is not going to be an issue.

And although Bree is quite playfully bantering with any who will engage, there's a moment where she loses her balance, a glance toward the stands distracting her enough to make her misstep. This earns a peel of laughter, and she calls to Bhandn, "I don't know if that is a wise choice for today. But I will! The challenge was made, so I will rise to it."

Lifting a brow, Thea snorts at Bree and Azova both. "I've--fought close to, but I mean..fair is fair." However she makes no move toward her leathered vest. Looking over to Drake, she applauds him,"Nice job. The shirt must have made you lighter somehow,"teasing him a little. A smile still on her lips when she chuckles at Ian. "See if I send you things now. I'll them all back unopened!" Thea can't QUITE see his face to make out the seriousness of it all. But she'll assume it's one hundred percent! When Nova's name is called, the Malvici is can be heard cheering loudly for her.

"Thank you," Drake says to Domonico. "Good run yourself. Good recovery." He catches the shirt when Bree tosses it to him. Then he smiles at her. "Well I do what I can." He gives Macda a nod. As for the shirt... he's probably not going to just put it back on, rather, just tossing it over his shoulder to go and sit and watch the rest of the runners. He sits near to Gemma, giving her a glance as he hasn't seen her around before. "Wouldn't want to get it caught on something," he says with a nod at Thea, smiling back at her.

"Princess Macda Grayson! Your Highness, show us what you can do!" Sir Bhandn is wanting to keep it moving, by how he quickly calls the princess's name almost on the heels of Nova's run. He gives the scout a look, and a small salute with a brief bow. "You did /fine/," he insists. "You finished, didn't you?" After that, he'll move towards Bree to briefly murmur in her ear as he keeps his own eyes on that of the Gauntlet and Macda's upcoming run.

Turn in line: Macda

Sydney position her hands airily on her hips, as though mortally offended by Kritr. "Are you implying I'm anything less than blessed by the gods?" For the sake of this particular euphemism, no. No, she is not. Wonderful abs, though.

Macda checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

Macda checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Macda checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 6 lower.

Macda checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

Macda checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.

Kiera laughs "It's certainly doing my brother's ego a favor" she says but she's beaming with pride. The cloud over her mein only moments before chased away by drake's showing and his ever cheerful demeanor

Macda checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 7 lower.

Macda checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

2 House Deepwood Guards, Rona, Aurora, a dark coated Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Emily.

Kritr turns to stare at Sydney's chest, since he's invited and then shrugs. "I don't know that Gods had anything to do with it. It's a funny thing to say though. You're funny."

Domonico moves over and out of the way of others running before he sits, still barechested and with a sheen of sweat over his body. Rowenova and Macda get hearty claps as they compete. "Well done!' he calls in all honesty.

When Thea makes it back to the fringe, Nova gives her a hug. "Thanks." says she with a heartened smile before looking to Bhandn with the same one, too. "And you, too." She soon finds herself a seat somewhere next to Sir Floppers, giving him a few rubs behind those floppy ears. She smirks about the banter between Krit and Sydney before calling out, "Thank you!" to Domonico.

Bree chokes on a laugh as Bhandn murmurs something to her, but that laugh is shortly lived, because something makes her eyes widen into large blue saucers. Maybe the run of Rowenova, strong at the start, but getting tied up wit that rope, was enough to earn that reaction. Still she manages a cheer for the woman.

Sydney flashes her teeth in a grin, jabbing her thumb at her collarbone. "I'm fucking hilarious, Krit. Don't let anyone tell you different." She breezes, pausing to watch Macda's run, as though in appraisal. She offers a light wave towards Rowenova.

Nova also thanks Bree. She soon shouts, "You better believe it, she is!" to where Kritr is over there by Sydney to whom she waves.

Macda tries her best and her best is just not good enough today as she tries to run the gauntlet, which is seriously funny as she makes it through the single bar, and the hurdals, the wall catches her and she slips up twisting an ankle but she pushes onwards! Doubble bard and Vloops great form but then... comes to the last and she winces as the gauntlet beats her .. with a little huff she catches her breath.

Gemma, at first, gives Icelyn a long, thoughtful look. "You certainly look familiar, but I can't quite place it!" she admits after a beat, but a bright smile soon follows. "I've only just returned to the city. Dame Gemma Glass," and with that, she bows politely at the waist. As Drake sits nearby, she gives him a polite greeting and a broad smile as well. "Good show!"

"Lord Kritr Clearlake!" is who the aging Knight of Solace calls to make the next run, though there is a momentary pause beforehand as he eyes Bree's laughter fit getting momentarily stymied by that choking.

Bhandn has joined the line.

Turn in line: Kritr

"Oh my gods," Bree exclaims, and then her hands come up, one after the other, to cover her mouth. "Sorry," is muffled behind her palms to Bhandn, and then she manages a laugh as the hands unfold away, "Sorry. I was just thinking, there's no way I'm going to get any better than these competitors. Do you see them?"

Kritr steps up quickly and early. "The Knights of Solace are a GOOD BUNCH!" He calls out. "I'd like to see a proper challenge set for them. So here I am. KRIT CLEARLAKE!" He does a little hyping of his own before he claps his hands together and takes a run at the gauntlet. He does not take off his calfskin vest or fur skirt, but he does doff the rest of his clothing.

Kritr checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Kritr checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Kritr checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 35 higher.

Kritr checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 7 higher. Kritr rolled a critical!

Kritr checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 15 higher.

Kritr checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 9 lower.

Drake watches Macda on the gauntlet, and though she does falter a bit, he applauds for her anyway. It's always good to see a Princess willing to put herself out there. He inclines his head toward Gemma a moment later. "Nice to meet you, Dame Gemma. Hope you're enjoying the city so far."

Icelyn returns Gemma's bow with one of her own, regardless of hr station. "Dame Icelyn Acheron," she says. "Well met." She shrugs off the sense of familiarity for now and asks, "Have you come to compete?"

Watching Macda run, Thea cheers for her too. "That was still a great effort!" Which still looked painful! When Kritr is announced, Thea turns to watch him now. Head tilted. But then he's shouting and..."I swear you need your hearing checked!"

Kritr checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 18 higher.

Macda groans a little "I should had done better... " she pouts a little as she tries to tend her ankle. Her eyes turn to Drake "ooh you should see me in spars.. I love getting good n dirty".. she tells Drake before she looks over to Kritr, "ooh look at that one!" she claps her hands for Kritr "well done!"

Kritr puts his money where his mouth is, though he's not built for speed. It's a sign of good evolution that he can mantle his eighteen stone over anything, but he does finish the course puffing and heaving. He claps for himself, or the course, giving the logs a thumbs up as he staggers away. He probably overestimated his own ability. He stops, hands on knees when he is distanced enough not to be in anyone else's way. He'll get his breath back eventually.

"It's better than I last remembered it," Gemma admits to Drake, a broader smile curling the corners of her lips. "Arx has always been home, but duty called me away for a while. It's good to be back. And you are?" Her voice lowers a bit as she speaks to Icelyn in a more confidential tone. "My horse and I had a bit of an issue on the travel back, so... not today." There's a pat to the knee she seems to be favoring slightly. "Next time, though! Are you, did I blink and miss it?"

Ian drinks his warm, sheep's bladder-flavored water (yum) while he watches people run the gauntlet with a casual sort of interest.

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "Go KRIT!"

As Krit does his run, Nova shouts for her fellow Northerner! After he is finally done, she moves to make sure he does not stagger into anything!

Icelyn nods to Kritr as he finishes the course, part greeting, part acknowledgement for finishing. To Gemma she makes an understanding noise, well aware of horses' failings on the road. "I understand. And no," she adds. "You haven't missed anything. I do plan to compete, when Sir Bhandn calls my name."

There's an actual whistle that comes out of Bhandn's mouth as he watches Kritr's handling of the second set of hurdles. "Best one yet on that part of the course," he comments to Bree, offering some brief applause before his sleeve is tugged and a pointed finger from a busily writing young man alerts him to the fact that the Lord Clearlake is done. "Ah, thank you. Lady Thea Malvici! You are next!"

Turn in line: Thea

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "Go Lady Thea!"

"Well done, Krit!" Bree cheers on the man she's faced in the training center once before. "Dame Brigid, I'm sure, will be sad she missed the showing."

Thea checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

She must have missed the announcer, so Drake introduces himself to Gemma. "Drake. Wyvernheart, formerly Wyrmguard." The gauntlet then gets his attention again as Thea's name is called.

Domonico comments as he overhears Macda, "It's true Princess Macda is quite interesting to watch when she is sparring... although it has been quite some time since I have witnessed it.' At Thea's name he hollers loudly with a voice used to shouting commands across a busy deck in a battle. "Malvici!!'

Thea checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Thea checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 14 higher.

Kritr has joined the The Gauntlet Obstacle Course.

Thea checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 43 higher.

Thea checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 4 lower.

Thea checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 6 higher.

Thea checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 12 lower.

Gemma squints a little at Drake's reaction, then nods once. "Well met," she says a beat later. "Best of luck to you, Dame Acheron. I look forward to seeing you show everyone how it's done!" Her hands drum upon the sides of the bench next to her, continuing to make a clatter as the competitors each take their turn. She may not know many present, but she's sure trying to drum up plenty of enthusiasm.

Macda sticks her tongue out at Domonico and she laughs before she claps as she can for the other people running the gauntlet. "Yeah! well done!" she says as she tries to ignore her ankle.

Drake looks over at Macda, smiling at her now as Domonico brings up the spar. "I like getting dirty too." He can't help himself. "I'll have to put you on the list of people I... promise to spar with, and then forget about for a while." He winks at her, obviously joking.

Sydney offers Drake a momentary stick of her tongue as she deadpans, "Accurate."

Jeffeth has joined the line.

"Are your dogs going to run it with you?" Bree chimes in to Thea as the woman begins the course. The friendly tease is accompanied by a kind of nervous energy movement of the knight, bouncing for foot to foot as if she can't wait to get out there and try her hand at the gauntlet.

Hearing her name, Thea is off! Crossing the bars with ease. It helps to have long legs sometimes. Even it takes a minute to get them moving. When the hurdles come, she's managed to get the momentum perfectly as she jumps those effortlessly. By the time the Malvici woman gets to the WALL, she has that thing climbed like a spider monkey! Okay, she's been seeing too many spiders lately. It shows! But she's starting to lose her breath, and well..When the high hurdles come next, Thea stumbles. Just a little. Her ankle snagging the top. But she finishes. Jumping up to the rope and climbing, there's barely any strength left as she gets to the top. Barely. Sliding down and just smiling. Huffing and puffing. "DONE!" Jogging back over to the rest. Her brow and arms covered in a sheen of sweat.

Icelyn allows a wry chuckle at Gemma's word, but inclines her head in thanks. "Perhaps next time I'll get the same chance," she says. "It's always an experience watching knights run the Gauntlet." Her eyes stray back towards the course where Thea is taking her turn, applauding the Malvici as she makes her way through the course. Held back, but there.

calls to Bree laughing,"I only have ONE! But I think he'd kick my ass now!"

Kiko, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrives, delivering a message to Kiera before departing.

Thea totally claims!

"I blasted well wish I'd known this was going on," Ian gripes to Thea once she rejoins the group. "I missed a good chance for some revenge."

Bhandn's eyebrows go up as Thea crosses the double-bar obstacle. "Not bad at all, there," he offers to the air after she is on to the logs. There's a moment's consideration for Ian at his comment, but Bhandn is opening his mouth to say only two words: "Mistress Sydney!"

Macda laughs a bit as she looks over to Drake, "oh do you now?" she asks toying a little because he made it all to easy. "Be careful about forgetting.. or maybe you just need a stronger reminder." she looks to Sydney and she waggles her brow to her "I will spar with you and /not/ forget." she tells the other before shelooks then over to Thea "wow so many good runners!" she says as she pushes her hair back slightly.

Domonico shakes his head with an amused smile at Macda and the flirtation between her and Drake. Thea gets a solid round of applause as she completes the run.

After hearing her name called, Sydney flashes her teeth, "Sydney Waterfall, House Fist of House Waterfall!" She corrects, cheerily - that's not a thing. Stretching left and right, Sydney eases up onto her toes and regards the course with an easy calm. She pauses to tighten the knot on the wraps of linen bandaging across her chest that keep her from risking scandal and splinters both, takes a steadying breath and her gleaming bottle-green eyes lock into focus - and she's off!

Sydney checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Sydney checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Sydney checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 28 higher.

Sydney checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Sydney checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Sydney checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 3 higher.

Sydney checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 13 lower.

Drake applauds for Thea's performance from his seat on the sidelines. He'd say something back to Syndey, but, well, she's up. So all he says is calling out, "Good luck!" He smiles to Macda. "Send a messenger, that will remind me. Next time you're bored and training. If I don't get it.. I'm out of town perhaps."

Icelyn can be seen mouthing the words 'House fist? ... House Waterfall?' with a slightly disapproving frown. But she watches Sydney's performance with interest nevertheless.

Thea wipses the sweat from her forehead, grinning at Ian. "Revenge? I gave you PRESENTS!" When the Drake, Martino, Icelyn, and Macda congratualte her for a decent job, she thanks them. Even though they said nice words. "Thank you. I may need to work on a few things." Her head dipped to Bhandn as well. There's still a grin on her lips though. When it's Sydney's turn, she goes to watch.

Turn in line: Sydney

Sydney moves with a ferocity about her that suggests she wants to take this all as quickly as possible. There's an economy of motion to her stride that suggests plenty of experience putting her body through its paces as she approaches the first obstacle. So far, so good.

She makes mince of the single bar, nearly clips but clears each of the low hurdles. She tackles The Wall like it's The Hill, clears the double bars like they're nothing, and the V-Logs don't do a thing to slow her down. She just /barely/ keeps her legs up for the high hurdles and then hits the rope and... sloooooowly slides down it when she's halfway up.

"Fuck!"

She takes it again. And sloooowly slides back down. "Gahhhhhhh...." She worms her way ungracefully up the rest of the rope and then hunches over, hands on her thighs. "/Unfair/... rope..."

"YOU GOT THIS!" Gemma yells with a very healthy set of lungs for someone of her size.

Kritr applauds Thea's work. "Nice job on the double bars Lady Midnight." He calls out. "Good choice NOT WEARING A SKIRT!" He whoops for Sydney's run and twice as loud when she fails the rope. "Funny stuff!" The applause is authentic, even if the teasing is a little harsher than needful.

The yell has Bree turning, and then she spies Gemma in the stands. "Hey!" She waves brightly, but stays in her place of scorekeeping (quite fairly). "Allllmost Mistress Sydney!" she calls right before the fateful rope. A small wince, and she offers this, "Ropes have felled many a warrior before!"

Macda nods "that rope is rough! seriously rather it be used for more gentler things!" wait, whaaaaat? Princess Bawdy.

Kiko, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrives, delivering a message to Kiera before departing.

Ian shrugs to Icelyn in a 'yeah, that's a thing, but what can you do?' sort of way.

"Her Highness, Princess Sorrel Thrax!" Leaving the formality to titles only, Bhandn steps aside after calling Sorrel to start, to at least offer Sydney a few murmured words, and a small nod right after.

Turn in line: Sorrel

Sorrel checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Sorrel checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 43 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 32 higher.

Sorrel checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 3 lower.

Sorrel checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 2 higher.

Sorrel checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 4 higher.

Domonico looks to Macda and nods seriously, "Indeed. I believe it would be useful for knots... on board ship..."

Drake asides to Thea, though in a stage-whisper sort of way so that people around can still hear. "The secret is to sneak out and practice when Tesha isn't watching the yard. Now he takes interest in Sorrel's run, looking back to the course again.

Gemma hears Bree address her and springs right up from her seat. "Hi Dame Harthall!" she calls back, still loudly so. Now that she's on her feet, she strides onward closer to where the other Knights of Solace are and peeks over Bree's shoulder at the scorecard. "You have quite the showing today!"

Sydney offers a winded but amused nod to Bhandn, and slaps her dirtied hands against the side of her pants, moving to join the spectators now that her run has ended properly.

Sydney has joined the East Spectator Seating.

Azova looks fascinated of course, watching all the displays of martial ability. Certainly she even tilts her head to the side once or twice, wondering how people are managing to achieve their victories.

"Life is a series of things that need to be worked on," Icelyn says to Thea, sounding quite cheerful about the whole thing. When Ian nods to her she gives him a sardonic look and a sigh. Good to know she has company.

"I played running the gauntlet smart. I figured a skirt would be highly hard and inappropriate. And I didn't want to pose as a distraction." Thea winks over at Kritr and grins. She leans closer to Drake as he "whispers" to her and snorts. "I'll have to remember that. I thought I got up early enough, obviously not." Watching Sorrel, Thea cheers for the Princess. She's obviously cheery this evenening. Or rooting for people. "It really is. If you're done learning, you're dead,"Thea responds to Icelyn.

Sorrel is familiar with the Gauntlet, having run it many times before, and she does make a pretty good showing, particularly at the wall and the double bars. The V-logs give her a bit of trouble, but she makes it over the high hurdles and she even manages the rope for once. When she is done, she looks very pleased with herself.

When Gemma skips up to her to peek, Bree at first has the reaction of drawing the parchment to her chest to hide the evidence! But Gemma has been watching, she knows how they have done, and there's a laugh as she dips the page to let her look. "We have! And I tried running it before everyone got here, and I'm willing to bet I won't live up to Drake's showing." She glances up to see the princess making her way through the obstacles. "Or Princess Sorrel, either." She tilts her head to eye the redhead beside her. "You're not running it?"

Sydney whistles loudly as Sorrel makes her way through, looking particularly impressed at her performance on the wall and the double bars, cheering, "Yeah! Show that course who's boss!"

Macda snickers as she elbows Drake, "I think the Count needs Rigging lessons." she smiles a little before shelooks back to those running. As Drake whispers to Thea she looks to the woman and she gives a smile "you did great.."

"Well done, Your Highness, well done indeed," calls out Sir Bhandn, still keeping his words brief and to the point. He's largely watching and keeping an eye on the tallies being written down. "Lord Porter Kennex!" is the next name to be called up to run the course.

Porter checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Porter checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Porter checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 18 higher.

Porter checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Porter checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 24 higher.

Porter checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 4 higher.

Porter checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 2 lower.

When Porter's name is called, Bree looks to the stands to see him leave Jeffeth's side. She watches him take the course, her fingers curling into a white-knuckled hold about the quill she's been using to scratch down scores. "Come on, Porter!" she yells for him, seeming to have borrowed Gemma's lungs for the shout.

Over at the benches, Porter has been quietly involved in a serious looking discussion for Jeffeth for most of the night. It eventually concludes with him lightly elbowing him in the ribs as the two men sit there. He has been keeping a general sort of eye on the competition this entire time. And when it's time for his name to be called, he hops up again, runs over and begins the course. It's pretty decent run, all the things considered. Nothing really gives him any trouble, until of ALL things, the ROPE. Isn't he a sailor? Doesn't he deal with ropes ALL THE TIME? No? He manages to mess that up in a comical fashion and falls onto his back about a 1/4 of the way up. Standing up, he dusts himself off, gives a bow and tries again. With that completed, he rejoins the benches to look nice and exhausted.

Sydney can be heard shouting, "Fuck you, Rope!"

Domonico focuses on the runners, given more applause to them all before he overhears Macda's comment to Drake. "If Lord Drake can teach me something about sailing then I will be impressed."

Porter shouts from nearby, "YEAH! What she said!"

Drake gets an elbow to the side, and chuckles. His eyes shift over to Macda and look at her in an appreciative way, the corner of his mouth quirking up. This distracts him for a second, and then he hears the sound of Porter taking a fall, and Sydney's cuss, and looks up with another laugh.

Thea thanks Macda, sincere actually,"I appreciate it. Still going to need so much practice." She's about to say something else, as Thea does. But she hears Sydney. If she had a drink, she'd be cheering the woman. Instead, Sydney gets a,"Here here!"

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "What he said and what she said!"

The fact that the ropes foil the man is hilariously funny to Bree. She laughs. And laughs. When Sydney calls out, and Porter echoes, she laughs some more. Finally the giggle fit is controlled, and she waves a hand at the man. "You almost had it!"

Kiera goes over to drake's side to whisper something smirking

"Not today," Gemma murmurs to Bree, giving the side of her upper right leg a ginger pat. "Let's just say I have an embarrassing tale from my trip back. I'll need a few more days before I humiliate myself further," she adds with an amused twinkle in her eye. Her attention returns to the competition, and she whistles loudly for Porter and the next.

Turn in line: Porter

Turn in line: Jeffeth

"Next we have the Grandmaster of the Knights of Solace," declares Bhandn's voice, though he's starting to get a little hoarse from how loudly he's been yelling each of these. "Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, take your turn!"

Jeffeth checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Jeffeth checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Jeffeth checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 51 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 32 higher.

Jeffeth checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 2 lower.

Jeffeth checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

Jeffeth checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

When Bhandn calls the Grandmaster's name shortly after Porter's, the Knight Lieutenant quickly scrambles to look at her notes. "He said he wasn't going to!" she calls to the older knight, but there's a look of pleasant surprise to her features as she watches the man stride up to the course.

Kiko, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrives, delivering a message to Kiera before departing.

No, seriously, where did Sydney even /get/ a flask from? Either way, the young woman is chugging back something that looks decidedly murkier than all but the river water out of the lowers. "You've got this, Jeffeth!" She crows, in obvious show of support. Now that she doesn't have to worry about running the course herself, she's decidedly louder.

Macda winks a little to the count "dontcha worry I am sure you will figure it out." she tisks a little to him before she looks back to Drake, her fingers roll over her twisted ankle. And then there is Jeffeth "Dont let the rope fuck you!" maybe it was her catcall that made him slip.

"Rope burns in uncomfortable places." Kritr shudders.

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "Go Sir Jeffeth!"

Drake really wanted to see Jeffeth's performance at this task, so he looks back to the gauntlet when the other man is called up to run. He shakes his head slightly at Kiera in passing. He looks at Macda briefly as she rests her ankle. "Do you need someone to check that?"

Micana, an efficient assistant, 1 Saik Guard arrive, following Lucita.

Just as Bree watched every move Porter took through the obstacles, she watches Jeffeth. An hand reaches out for Gemma's arm and she squeezes as she watches their Grandmaster take the course. He's good - skilled and strong, but those obstacles can trip up anyone. Sidelong to her fellow Godsworn she asks, "Was your embarrassing story on your journey back that you got tripped up by some logs?" she wonders good-naturedly, and marks down the scores that she must.

After leaving the quiet talk with Porter, the large man makes his way over to the obstacle course. Reaching down, the Legendary Athlete goes to take his shirt off. At least his physique looks legendary, because the rest of his performance is decidedly less so.

Making his way out, Jeffeth's arm twinges almost immediately on the single bar, prompting the man to let out a strained 'oof'. The low hurdles are handled at an average pace, though when the big man gets to the wall he makes up for the slower pace.

Massive arms flinging the man up at a rapid pace, making him look rather weightless as he scales the wall. The double bars don't present a problem only for the

V LOGS. Are a problem. Whatever they are. They're hard.

Tripping his way through the high hurdles the massive man eventually gets to the rope. Once his hands grasp the rope, the big man zips right up. Climbing is his strength, it seems. At the top he lets out a grunt, giving a somewhat sheepish smile before making his way down.

"That's our Grandmaster!" Bree shouts from her place, because Solace pride, apparently.

Icelyn has joined the line.

Lucita slips into the area, glancing around till she finally spots a place to sit. She heads over to the spectator seating and gives a smile and a little wave to the others there as she settles into a place she can easily watch.

Lucita has joined the East Spectator Seating.

Sydney winces slightly at the minor setbacks, but looks suitably awestruck by the performance on the wall, and just spreads her hands apart, mouth hanging open, eyes all but starry. She comes to her senses a bit at the V-Logs and higher hurdles, and looks like she's ready to applaud politely until Jeffeth demolishes the true endgame - The Rope.

"YEAH! Rope! You're the worst! You're /done!/"

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

Sorrel has no voice to yell with, so she just claps with a bright smile on her face. She seems of a mind about the damn v-logs. Whatever those are. Stupid things.

"Lady Icelyn Acheron, you will be the last before Dame Harthall and myself, it seems!" And with that said, Bhandn rubs at his throat right after, wincing faintly before moving to get himself something (water, not tea!!) to drink.

Deeply approving of Jeffeth's performance, Icelyn claps his arm as she passes him on her way to the course. Typically, she sizes up the course before she launches herself like an enemy about to join battle. Then she is off.

Icelyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Icelyn checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Icelyn checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 1 lower.

Icelyn checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

Icelyn checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 2 higher.

Icelyn checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 2 lower.

Icelyn checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 5 lower.

Kiko, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrives, delivering a message to Kiera before departing.

Kritr applauds, but notes that nothing has yet approached Drake's performance. He nods to Jeffeth appreciatively. "That's how it's done. Well climbed."

Icelyn is not the strongest Knight of Solace there ever was, and it shows. She struggles with the bar, but skips the hurdles with no issue. The wall causes her some problems, but once she's over that the double bars are passed quickly - and the v-logs don't seem to give her too much trouble either, surprisingly. The high hurdles begin well and end badly as she fails a jump and catches her ankle, sending her sprawling - and then it's the rope. Look, nobody likes the rope. It's a terrible beast of a thing and Icelyn is no exception. She gets about halfway up twice before ending up on the ground again, and when she finally does make it, she is too tired to clamber down again and just slides, leaving her palms with rope burn. But she finished! MOstly.

Macda looks to Drake "its a sprain, I am sure I can manage." she says quietly "twisted it on the wall .." she shrugs a bit as she looks over to Jeffeth "great job!" she says quitly.

Thea hears Macda and turns her head. Stepping over, Thea already starts to murmur to the brawly princess,"Mind if I look?"

Drake watches out, wincing at little as Icelyn also seems to struggle with the rope. It's definitely a run killer. He's just about to suggest to Thea that she do her medical thing, but she's ahead of him there. He leans back so that she can get a good look at Macda.

Azova has left the East Spectator Seating.

Orion, a healer's surly Assistant, 2 Redoubt Buccaneers leave, following Azova.

"She'll be fine," Ian remarks to Drake. "Just needs to lace her boot up tighter and have a drink." He fishes his flask out of his bag, ready to supply the second part of that questionable (very questionable) prescription.

"Dame Bree Harthall," Bhandn calls to the air, though in a reduced volume from before. "I believe you are next. Then me." Still keeping it simple here, he again rubs at his throat and takes a drink.

Icelyn's run is filled with ups and downs, but still Bree cheers for her fellow Knight of Solace loud and heartily! Also, it seems all of the knights were saved for last, because all those who came to the challenge have gone, and now it is up to the two who issued it to take their turn. "You don't want to go first, Sir Bhandn?" She asks of the man with a wide grin, but she's already setting her scoring sheet aside, and trotting over to the course. "I just hope I can get up those ropes," she murmurs a little self encouragement, and then she's off, her blue eyes dancing with the fire of competition. Will it be enough, though?

Bree checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Bree checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Bree checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 58 higher.

Bree checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 53 higher.

Bree checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 2 higher.

Bree checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 18 higher.

Bree checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 16 lower.

Macda offers Thea her leg as she pulls off her boot. Her eyes look back to Drake and then she laughs to Ian "hey I wont pass up a drink, or a foot massage for that matter."

Looks up to Ian, grinning,"Maybe you should share your box,"while she goes to tend to Macda. She starts to feel feel around her ankle, carefully.

Thea claims that too. Bleh

Ian hands his flask over to Macda. There's northern whiskey inside. "I don't have the box," he tells Thea. "It's too big to carry around. And it has glitter in it."

Likewise, Icelyn applauds as Bree takes off, stolidly behind her fellow knight through her whole run. She hasn't returned to her seat, but lingers near the course so she can get a better view of Bree's and Bhandn's runs.

The line has been dismissed by Bhandn.

All of that energy Bree had been feeling from the competition, from the crowds, from Jeffeth and Porter just casually talking, comes out in her run. The single bar is swung on, the low hurdles sailed over as if they were nothing. The wall? She gets a running leap, her hands grabbing the top, a hoisted pull easily taking her over, and then as if she hasn't done almost half she takes those double bars with a speed that is certainly impressive. The V-Logs are... v-logs. She does them. Bounce, bounce, bounce. The high hurdles are basically just low hurdles with a little more attitude, and she shows them that she fears them not! And then she leaps for the ropes. "Oof, ahh... fuck..." the Godsworn curses like a sailor as she steps right through a hole in the ropes, tangles, claws her way up, and finally reaches the end. "I hate ropes!" She declares with a laughing spin toward the crowds. "I really, really hate ropes."

Domonico stretches before he stands up, half noting the runners and giving Bree a good applause. He pats Thea on th shoulder, "Be seeing you later Sister, good running today." He looks to Macda, "Same to you Princess. Hopefully I will see you soon, in the ring or otherwise."

Kritr stands up as Harthall takes off, he has his breath back and he can see quality when it begins to shine. He's actively cheering with a muffled sort of barking grunt and a stomp of his foot on the bleachers until the rope downs the knight of Solace in the end.

Drake watches the foot massage for a second, but... now Bree is going to take the run, and that he thinks will be a show, so he leans back to watch it. The start is definitely promising. But that rope. Still, he has to clap, because of her spin around, and all that energy.

Sydney watches Bree with keen interest, and offers a low whistle, slowly rising to her feet and all but dancing at the tips of her toes as she watches the run progress, and -- THE ROPE. "House Waterfall denounces The Rope!"

Kiko, a Kite of the Cloudspine arrives, delivering a message to Kiera before departing.

Bhandn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Bhandn checked dexterity at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Bhandn checked strength + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 19 higher.

Bhandn checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 15 higher.

Bhandn checked stamina at difficulty 20, rolling 4 higher.

Bhandn checked dexterity at difficulty 25, rolling 9 lower.

Bhandn checked stamina at difficulty 25, rolling 21 higher.

Macda takes the flask from Ian, "thank you man." she says as she takes a swig of the drink before handing it back. her food extends in Thea's hands and she smiles slightly "wow.... you are soo good." she says quietly to the other as her foot is being tended to she gives a half close of her eyes.

When it comes time for Bree to complete her own run at the Gauntlet, Bhandn takes a big long drink of his bland beverage, still rubbing at his throat. "And then there was me," is all he has to say. "Sir Bhandn Yvar!" he says as he then also chooses to go topless for this particular event. No pristine beauty here, he's a nick of scars in several places, some of them well faded and a particularly nasty gash adorns his left abdomen, a place he momentarily rubs after revealing it to the world. There's a deep breath, a bit of stretching arms and legs, and then the Knight is off!

A shrill whistle comes up followed by loud whooping sounds. Large hands cupping his lips, the Grandmaster makes a lot of various noises in celebration of Bree's run. "That's it!" Jeffeth lets out, one fist beating at his chest twice before pointing to Bree. "The Knight Lieutenant carries us!" Before slapping his hands together loudly into clapping. He's very happy for her.

Lucita says, "Those 'V-logs' are rough. I limped around for a week after trying to scramble over them one time and managed to get rather bruised up.places"

Thea looks up to Macda and winks,"I've been told I'm good with my hands,"her hands still on her foot. "It's just a slight sprain. You'll be fine. Just keep it up and wrap it. And.." Thea tells her, full expecting not to be listened to,"Stay off it for a couple days. Or rather, take it easy."

Having slumped himself against the benches to recover, Porter hasn't done much at all except cheer when Icelyn and Jeffeth do their runs. It turns out he's pretty loud, what a surprise! When Bree goes through the course, he calls out just a little bit louder, cupping his hands to his mouth to really increase the volume. "GO DAME HARTHALL!" Shrill whistling too. By little bit louder, it's more like, super loud at this point. And when she kills the course, even the ropes, he hoots with laughter and claps his hands. Booted feet thump against the ground. "NICELY DONE." As Bhandn takes his turn he calls out, "GO SIR BHANDN! WE ALL KNOW YOU'RE NOT REALLY OLD."

Bree laughingly trots back to her spectator's spot, having to watch every move Bhandn makes to get it down. Her cheeks are pink, her smile bright and wide, and she turns a distracted look on Jeffeth and his cheering. 'I did it!' she mouths the words of accomplishment. And Porter's cheers, too! She looks to him, waving a hand in appreciation. His last remark has her looking back to the oldest of all knights, and she encourages him, "Young at heart, always! Get those ropes, Bhandn!"

Ian takes a drink from his flask before returning it to his bag.

Busy as she is watching Bhandn's run, Icelyn still spots Lucita enter and bows to the woman, raising her hand in greeting. Bree gets a smile and an encouraging hand sign as she finishes her own run.

Drake says a brief good-bye to his sister, who has to be off, and watches Bhandn do his Gauntlet run. Porter's heckle makes Drake laugh aloud.

sits at the edge of one of the benches and watches Bandh try to run the gauntlet.

After tending to the princess, Thea's attention has drifted to the rest of the gauntlet. She's been cheering for everyone really. MAYBE MORE FOR THE ROPE! "I feel like that damn rope needs a trophy all it's own."

Kritr says, "Feel like we should be keeping score how many fall and on which obstacle. The rope wins an awful lot."


"Someone should challenge it to a duel," Drake asides.

Lucita lifts a hand to return the wave once it is spotted. She looks toward the course and shakes her head. To those near her she murmurs. "Any time I fall off of less than four of those things, I've done good."

It isn't a terrible performance at the Gauntlet for his age, but the high hurdles catch Sir Bhandn more than once on his way over them. He even goes face down into the ground on two of them, his back foot having caught them each time. Just not quite limber enough for it today, it seems, but his arms and upper body are demonstrably strong as he manages the rope climb at the end with a will, shimmying up and down as though he had been training just for that exercise. Bhandn has to take a few moments to catch his breath when he finally returns his feet to the ground, and only afterward does he make his way over to where the scores are being tallied.

"The results!" he yells, trying to get his voice back to its original volume. "For the fastest runs, in excess of an impressive one hundred points, Dame Bree Harthall, Lord Drake Wyrmguard, and Grandmaster Jeffeth Bayweather. Following behind them, between seventy and ninety: Princess Sorrel Thrax and Count Domonico Magnotti! Those interested in their exact score can speak to myself or Dame Harthall, but I congratulate all of you for finishing, especially those dreaded logs and more so, the rope at the end," he adds with a hint of a grin.

"I thank each of you for coming out to an event of merriment, and I declare it finished save those who would hear how well they did. May each of you walk in favor of the gods."

Kritr's applause dies and he dons his furs again, heading for the exit.

Porter has left the Seating for Blue Team.

Jeffeth has left the Seating for Blue Team.

Brother Chester, Fidget leave, following Jeffeth.

Gunner, a lovable goof of a Mistward Labrador, Jeffeth leave, following Porter.

"Hear, hear!" Bree chimes in when Bhandn speaks of the gods, her hand coming to her chest to boy to him in that formal Knight of Solace way. "And cheers to Sir Bhandn for putting this together, and letting me pretend I helped!" The Knight Lieutenant offers her appreciation for the man, moving over to clap him on the shoulder. "We make a good team, eh? Even when I steal the helmet you're wearing and put your life at risk." She flashes a grin, and then waves the scorecard for anyone who wants to see!

Macda laughs a little, though she frowns a little as she looks to her ankle "no fair, I would totally challenge the rope to a duel but I am ordered to stay off my feet." she pouts a little as she looks over to the announcer. "great gjob Bree, and drake and Jeffeth!" she calls out loudly

Bree is overheard praising Bhandn.

Bhandn is overheard praising Drake.

Bhandn is overheard praising Bree.

"Well done," Icelyn says, directing the words to the nearby Drake. Second place, not bad! She dusts down her hands (like they need it), and then shakes her head to Lucita. "You're in good company, it seems," she says dryly. "The gauntlet isn't an easy thing to master. I've never yet managed it."

Macda is overheard praising Drake.

Kritr has left the The Gauntlet Obstacle Course.

Macda is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Icelyn is overheard praising Bree.

Icelyn is overheard praising Drake.

Icelyn is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Macda is overheard praising Bree.