Kingsley Family/Alyssa/Love and Peace

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The Tournament of Peace and Love was a tournament hosted in Perdan City by Alyssa during her second reign as Queen of Perdan. Despite tensions in Perdan (Realm) with Eponllyn and Yssrgard at the time, the tournament went successfully. Below are the Roleplays from that event.

Roleplay Participants

Roleplays

Montgomery

Latínã enters the Tournament grounds and immediately heads over to the sword training area. Though seeming depressed she sits and watches others train. She clearly has a lot on her mind.....

Everlight

"My turn, Berwin! Let's have a round of cider to change things up." Isana lifts her mug in a toast to the already-grinning fisherman.

Guile

"Let's make it another three! One is hardly enough to get the tastes!" Berwin chortles, motioning back to the serving-folk to bring more tasty modern-Ikalak-inspired beverages in response to the Dawnstars' lovely toast.

Poe

Prince of Perfection

“Stay close my golden son, you could get lost” spoke Lucius as he walked around the tournament grounds.

His son Aurelian was trailing slightly behind holding onto his hand tightly as his father casts his eyes across the field to see who was present.

”You won’t remember but this was your home, you are a true son of Perdan like your father.”

McCloud

Matthew rides into the tournament grounds, happily chatting with his entourage. A smile broad on his face.

“The city of Perdan. Such a beautiful sight. We need to visit more now that I have a bit more freedom.” Matthew says with a smile towards Lara, his captain of the guard.

“Of course my lord, shall I order your quarters set up while you enjoy the festivities?” Lara responds nodding her head. Matthew waves his hand away. “Nonsense Captain, there still be plenty of time for that. Let the men enjoy the atmosphere a bit first.” Matthew says as he draws his horse to a stop and begins dismounting, handing her off to a waiting attendant. “You as well, enjoy the time off. This is a festival after all. No need to watch me so closely.” Matthew says with a chuckle as he adjusts his outfit.


”Yes My lord,” Lara give a quick bow from atop her horse, then begins dismounting as well. “One thing you can do for me captain, if you would,” Her lords voice makes her immediately turn to face him, as he is handing her a pouch heavy with gold, “Let everyone know that I am buying them a round. To celebrate this occasion. It is my first tournament I have been allowed to compete in in quite a while. I want it to be one to remember.” Lara takes the gold and turn to send the massagers out.

Matthew looks around at the festivities and smiles. He feels as though he can finally enjoy a tournament for a change. Watching from the sidelines always made him antsy. Finally he get to compete. He can barely contain his enjoyment.

Kingsley

The Queen looked out across King's Square from one of the palace balconies overlooking the city. The square was decorated festively, with banners and streamers of all shapes and colours strewn across buildings and over streets. The banners bore the colours of every lord in attendance, with each attendee's banner raised alongside the previous, higher lords in higher places but every house displayed prominently throughout the square and the tournament grounds.

Jaunty music played while the scent of bread and meat wafted up from the city square. She watched many of the nobles greeting and laughing, and some dancing with one another beyond the music. She expected most of the crowd were Perdanese, simple courtiers or hedge knights seeking her favor or one of the high lords of the Kingdom, but she recognized several familiar flags fluttering throughout the square, including many well-regarded foreigners. She spotted the colours of McCloud being raised to a prominent royal position near the center of the square, and smiled lightly at the arrival of her friend.

She had been doing that more of late, life had been so simple, peaceful and easy. We earned this, all of us here. She thought back to the bloodied young knight she once was buried in ash and blood. She could have never imagined a sight like this. So much had changed and she was grateful for it.

"Your Majesty." Called a knightly voice from the chamber beyond. Alyssa turned to see her knight-captain Sir Raymond of Rice standing at ease. "I shall escort you to tour the grounds. Alyssa simply nodded once deliberately and peeled herself from the railing, joining the knight-captain and 4 more of her Whiteguards as they left the palace.

"There are quite a few important nobles here already Your Majesty." Sir Raymond mentioned as they descended the palace steps.

"Indeed I saw, Sir." Alyssa replied the hem of her snow-white dress fluttering behind her as they descended the steps, the sword tucked snuggly into the sash around her waist wiggled lightly.

"King Marchusson is here at your request. Duke Matthew as well. The Duchess of Chaos was at the training grounds earlier, though I'm not sure if she is still there."

"Hm... Alyssa said, as a trumpet sounded heralding the Queen's arrival. A small number of Whiteguards joined the others flanking her on all sides, raising the total of the Queen's escort as she made her way into the city square to see the celebration firsthand.

"You know this seems excessive." She said quietly to Sir Raymond, glancing at the swelled escort as she waved regally to the public as was her duty. Raymond merely shrugged.

"You are the Queen after all Your Majesty, we are sworn to protect you. It is a large crowd gathering, this number is reasonable."

"This sword is not ceremonial." Alyssa replied. Sir Raymond broke character for a moment and smirked.

"I counted you in that number, Your Majesty." He said returning his face to dutiful stoicism. Alyssa did not smile at the joke, but appreciated it, glad that even otherwise serious personalities like themselves could enjoy the light mood.

As they passed through the tournament grounds Alyssa spotted more banners she recognized. "Sir Tharan." She noted, perking up slightly at the sight of his personal colours. "I hope I will meet him again." Sir Raymond nodded, though they both paused at a sight they saw together. Alyssa's back stiffened as they spotted Lucius Poe at the other side of the square, holding a child and walking through the crowd, the younger marveling at the sights.

"Have you..." Alyssa began trailing off as Lucius whispered in the child's ear.

"He is being observed."

"Not followed." she said sternly.

"Observed, Your Majesty."

She nodded once. "For this week his a guest of Perdan. Ensure that my protection extends to him as well." She glanced back over at Lucius who vanished into the crowd hand in hand with the child's. "And ensure that child has a pleasant and exciting visit." She added, in serious tone. Raymond blinked at that and waved a guardsman who nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

Raymond exhaled as the Queen continued her rounds around the City Square. "Many are excited for your speech before the contest, Your Majesty."

Alyssa nodded. "I hope it will inspire peace. But that is for then. For now, I just hope to meet with our guests."

Everlight

Perched up on the low stone wall of the tavern steps along one edge of the square, with booted feet swinging, empty mug dangling from relaxed fingers, and a pleasant tipsy fuzziness to her senses, Isana watches the tournament crowds thronging about. The sun radiates warmth on her shoulders. She can hear Berwin calling out more rounds in the tavern behind her and smirks. Maybe he doesn't want to be fit to fight. Or this is a legendary new fighting style, Drunken Swordsman...

To Isana's left, a familiar and strongly-escorted blonde beauty emerges from the palace and begins to take a tour of the grounds. The woman's dress and the uniforms of her guards are brilliant, blinding white in the noonday sun, making the air around the party seem to glow.

Isana gapes. A silly grin floats dreamily up onto her features.

That incredible creature, that's my wife.

Fuelled by a sudden rush of affection and pride, Isana sets down the mug and lofts herself off the wall to drop lightly into the crowd below, intending to make her way over to surprise her lady love and tour the grounds together.

Poe

Perdan - Day 1 at the tournament

”Mornin”.

Lucius opened his eyes to the grinning face of Aurelian, clearly too excited for the day ahead to even contemplate sleeping in.

“Morning my son” he replied as he sat up and embraced the little one.

“We have a good day ahead of us. We eat, train and maybe just maybe we bump into a few old friends”.

As Lucius began to get ready he had a thought.

“Aurelian we should write to your mother and let her know we have arrived, your little sister will be missing you enormously”.

Hwitt

“What do you mean, I’m not sure you’re allowed in!?” Patriacc shouted incredulously at the gate guards into Perdan city, as the poor soldier looked nervously back down.

Patriacc Hwitt, Judge of Yssrgard stood at the head of nearly two hundred Yssr infantrymen, and beside him stood the Queen of the Yssr, Adrianna Le Monte. They had decided to attend the tournament, even if they couldn’t participate, to show the people of Perdan how to party.

Well, that was why Adrianna had decided to attend. Patriacc had decided to join her to make sure she didn’t get into too much trouble or spark a diplomatic incident. Or both. His time training and time spent as a father had tempered his own excesses somewhat, and he felt responsible to make sure Adrianna didn’t spark a war.

“We are here in peace, or whatever!” Patriacc replied to the apprehensive young gate guard, “We just can’t match around with soldiers, we are the judge and Queen of Yssrgard!”

“But…” the guard started to reply, “That’s the problem! You’re…Yssrgard! I’m just not sure if you’re welcome, like, you know…here!” The poor guard replied, as other soldiers began to rush to reinforce the gate in case of trouble.

“Well then go find someone who does know! Tell your queen we wanted to surprise you all! We will wait but I promise you, the longer she has to wait the drunker she’s going to get and the drunker she gets the grumpier she gets!” Patriacc yelled back, drawing a glare from Adrianna…

Le Monte

Just a few weeks ago, she would have balked at bringing Patriacc along for such a trip. But ever since their journey to Shadowdale and him saving her from the clutches of a priest of Ulfius (though she would never admit it, and hoped Patriacc would keep it secret), their friendship had been slowly improving. So she was glad to be on the road with him, reminiscent of when they were younger in the academy together. The only diferrence being that Patriacc was a boring family man now, and would likely ruin all of her attempts at fun. At least they had managed to keep this trip a surprise from Alyssa and Perdan.

So it was no surprise to Adrianna that they were being held up outside the gates of Perdan. Usually, wherever Yssr appeared, looting and destruction followed right behind. But for once, this was meant as a peaceful visit. Well, peaceful by Adrianna's standards, which considered brawls and fights as being peaceful ways to settle arguments. And as she listened to the exchange between Patriacc and this poor excuse for a guard, it became more and more tempting to just force their way in. Which is why, while on the way here, her advisors AND Patriacc stressed that she was the Wolf Queen now, and that came with certain responsibilities. One of those being to not start any fights or diplomatic incidents. So the She-Wolf clenched her fists as her patience quickly evaporated away, her signature icy glare boring into him. As Patriacc started to walk away, she tore her eyes from the guard to shoot a glare at Patriacc for the last comment. She turned to start yelling at him, but made sure to turn back around to the guard.

"The Keeper of Laws was only partly right. I don't need to be drunk to get angry and make you regret keeping us out here. Go get whoever the hell is in charge of this damn city and get us inside! We even brought gifts!" She started walking away, pointing towards the wagons they had, one filled with wine from Perdan and another labelled "Ice Wine of the She-Wolf". Catching up to Patriacc, she slapped him across the back.

"What the hell was that?! You went on and on about me not embarrassing Yssrgard, and in your first conversation, you embarrass your Wolf Queen! I knew I should have just left you at home instead of bringing you here." She sighed in frustration, more at the fact they were stuck outside then at Patriacc.

"Think they'll actually let us in? Maybe bringing 200 troops WAS a bit much, but we have to make an impression. At least we got plenty of booze out here to kill the time."

Konran

A tournament in Perdan they said It would be fun they said Drink, swordsmanship and glory awaits they said....

And yet there sat Vidran staring at several letters, nursing a somewhat self inflicted headache. He had very much enjoyed the free drinks courtesy of Berwin during the day, however alcohol combined with intense training had been..... unpleasant; and yet in his mind that wasn't even the worst of it.

Why couldn't it just be simple..... Sighing he quickly reviewed the letters once more

Yssrgard at the gate? He was grateful this was not his concern... Lucius showing off? Had he intentionally been throwing his fights in the last few tournaments... Truthfully he couldn't put this past him. A sage in brive? What.. wait... why? he discarded it to one side A list of perspective duellists of the Eastern continent and there estimated skills.... At they very least.... this would make betting somewhat easier...

He took a deep breath before picking up the final letter, brows furrowed as his eyes stared into the black and yellow seal engraved with a red sun.... Promises to keep...

Without a word to his squire he head out into the grounds.

Orobar

Tsingu had been wandering around Perdan City for some hours, enjoying the festivities that always came with a tournament. During his walk he had noticed the many posters displayed around the city. Some even knee-high so children could see them too. A bit curious, the Earl approached one for a closer inspection. On it was a drawing of an older man with an enormous hat. Under the picture was some text. 

  Wanted, overfed or deprived, for crimes against the Kingdom of Perdan,
  LUCIUS POE,
  Defection personified.
  Tips that lead to his arrest will be rewarded with 500 gold pieces.
  Approach this individual, considered crazed and delusional, with caution.

Tsingu laughed. His old Duke would of course enjoy the protection guaranteed by the tournament rules, but he would know how his former friends now felt about him and his betrayal.

He moved on towards the stage built next to the fighting grounds, while gargling with some rum. Swallowing it, he started singing the letter a, varying in tone and loudness. Tsingu was about to perform a poem, Her Ever Light. An ode to the love between his Queen and her beloved wife.

Poe

Perdan - End of day 1

It was a quiet first day at the tournament for Lucius, he spent the majority of the day showing Aurelian around the city. Tomorrow he planned to seek out some of his former realm mates so that they could meet his son, after all he wasn't sure when he would get the chance to visit the city again.

"Aurelian, how about tomorrow we seek out Vidran or Isana. They would love to see you."

The boy was overjoyed.

"Is Uncle Tsingu here?" asked Aurelian.

"Quite possibly Aurelian, where do you think we should look for him first?" smiled the Duke. "In your shadow" spoke Aurelian innocently.

"That's right son! After all he's been living in it for years".

Orobar

Tsingu climbed the stage, ready to be the first one to use it and recite a poem in honor of the love and peace festival. He had heard rumors about the many famous bands and artists who'd perform later today. The Gimme Ten Chicks Experience would bring Perdan's national anthem on the banjo. Veteran's Fair Pain would sing 'won't you snatch somebody to love', a hit in Yssrgard. And Who Now would rock their song 'Dry Population', a protest song about the many elderly in Sirion. What a day it would be.

On the stage, Tsingu cleared his throat and said with loud and clear voice:

"My Ever Light, a poem by Her Majesty Queen Alyssa, for her beloved wife, Lady Isana Everlight, a gift to celebrate their anniversary."

The Earl took a bow and started reciting. 

  She's sweet as honey, my appealing bride. 
  She offered her shoulder, the night that I cried.
  At first I hid my love, something forbid.
  Training with swords was all that we did.
  Then one night in a tent, I felt her lips on mine.
  And by the Gods, it was divine.
  True love can't be chained, the light found a way.
  So we danced together, don't mind what they say.

  And now I tell everybody, it's for you that I long.
  My feelings for you I can't describe, you're always my sun.
  I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind,
  That I announce here aloud,
  How wonderful my life has been since the day that we vowed.

Hwitt

Patriacc sneered as Adrianna slapped him. “Embarassed you? Everything I just said was absolutely true. Which I say with the greatest respect, oh Wolf-Queen blah blah blah so on and so forth…” Patriacc twirled his hands in the air as he walked with his friend. They had gone through too much together to stand on pointless ceremony.

“As a matter of fact I don’t think they’ll let us in. I figured it would just be funny enough to see if they would. Or I reckon we can just offer the guards a goodly amount of alcohol, get them drunk, and get in anyway. Or maybe scale the walls with some ladders? How funny would that be!? Ha!”

Patriacc laughed as the pair ended up, by sheer chance, beside one of the carts laden with wine, mead, beer, and aqua vitae, which was becoming all the rage among the Yssr in Itorunt. Patriacc grabbed a mug, which were always close by, and filled one with mead.

He drank the whole mug in one large swig.

“If all else fails we can just make camp here. We are in peace, as they wanted…and we can have our party! Let all the nobles hear that the Yssr are having one of their own outside and that all are welcome! Once they get tired of poems and recitals and life solos or some other such nonsense, I figure they will come out and have a good time, quaff some mead and maybe start a good natured peaceful fight or two.”

He refilled his mug, and grabbed a second, filling this one with the new aqua vitae, the “water of life” that was becoming so popular in the west. He handed it to Adrianna saying, “Here, drink this and tell me what you think, my soldiers have been saying it’ll hair on your arse.”

Hwitt

The True and Accurate Tale of How I Met my Wife Amelara Everwind: A Noble Love Story

During my first war against the realm of Perdan there was a series of battle against them in the region of Leibo. It was during correspondence with enemy nobles that I initiated conversation with a young noblewoman named Amelara Everwind. Those battles were glorious and good, and I cherish their memory!

She felt misled and unfulfilled, rudderless and without purpose. She was left behind as the Lion’s army retreated, leaving her alone and wounded to face the Wolf pack alone on the battlefield.

This is not a sad tale, though, and we wrote to each other in those moments. I told her that the deaths of her men were no tragedy, and that they dined forever in the glorious halls of Valhalla, something to which all warriors should aspire! She was a woman of singular bravery and wit, willing to fight, wounded and surrounded, to her very death. This intrigued me! So it was that as she retreated I had my men follow her.

The wolves were commanded to return, to go back to the den and prepare again, but I followed this woman and she showed no fear! Against impossible odds and the threat of death she showed no fear and offered to fight me! Me!

So it was that I gave her an offer of truce that day, to sit and dine with her, with the promise that if she was still there at noon of the next day I would kill her and her men in fair and just battle. We dined and spoke of many things, and that night we came to understand each other warrior to warrior!

The next day I told her she could return to the lions, to this city, or that she could return with me and be counted among the wolves who never leave their people behind even to the end or to our detriment.

She chose to come with me! We have been married now for nearly 2 years and have had a child whom I love with all my warriors heart, and a second on the way.

What more love can be for one warrior to the other? From a person to their spouse, or a father to their child? Even separated as we are by our beliefs or by our realms, these are things that we can all understand and celebrate.

Drink deeply, lover deeper, fight and live for the people you love! This is the Yssr way!

Guilotine

Inside the palace, inside one of many rooms reside Miles doing paperwork from the coming fair. “By god dam it, how many drunken bar fights are there going to be in one dam day… can these nobles even know the concept of taking it easy..” remarking to himself, a sudden nock on the door and a one of the guard captains walk in.

”sir, there is a predicament at the front gate, Lord Patric and his wife, the wolf queen are at the entrance and at this moment are being barred from entrance.” Says the captain guard looking a bit worried.

Looking quite astonished and getting from his desk, miles starts to talk and walk to the door. “They are WHAT?, have you no common sense?! You are currently barring former king of Yssrgard and AND the acting queen?!? Have you god dam lose your mind? You are about to create a political nightmare and you think this is predicament?!?. Calming down a bit, pushes aside the captain and makes haste to the front entrance to meet his war friend. 23:14, 20 November 2021 (CET)~~

Rushing to the front gate to greet the unexpected guests, a almost patrol of 8 men follow close behind keeping pace, they constantly look to be on guard for somthing or someone. Reaching the front entrance and spotting Patricc from a distance. “AH, look at what the cat drugged in, if it is it Patricc and queen Adrianna, I hear the guards won’t let you in, how about I change that, for in turn for a favor?” Miles says walking up to them gleefully smiling to them both.

Hwitt

Patriacc was finishing his third mug of mead with Adrianna when he heard a familiar voice call out from the castle gates. He turned, shaking his head to dissipate the growing fog in his mind, and smiled as he spotted the one member of the Perdanese nobility that he actually liked. Patriacc slapped Adrianna hard on the back and pointed toward the gate. "See!? I told you we'd get in! And you always said it's pointless to try and interact with nobles from other realms. Miles is alright..."

He began to walk toward the gate, stopping for a moment to look back at his companion, "I mean...he's a Perdanese fop. But out of all of them, he's the least insufferable. Honest too, which counts for something in my book."

Patriacc approached the gate and smiled toward to his friend until they finally met. Patriacc had made sure to grab a bottle of wine from the cart, and offered it to Miles, "Well it's about time someone paid the official delegation of the Wolf-Queen of Yssrgard some damn respect! How are you, Miles! We've just been out here getting pissed. Figured we could help you fops learn how to party. So we will certainly head on in for a...favor you say?"

Patriacc got a mischievous grin as he pointed back to the Wolf-Queen and he leaned in close to Miles, whispering in a conspiratorial tone, "If its a night with Adri, you can probably manage it with some help. Shes still painfully, horribly, annoyingly single."

Guilotine

Miles snickers as he takes the bottle from Patriacc ,“Ah Patriacc long time no kill, when I heard you were at the front gates I had to come, and please don’t be alarmed Queen Adrianna as Patriacc says or I think he said I am okay.” Looking back to Patricc he gives a wide grin.

“So it seems that Patriacc has come in negotiating as well, it seems that he would like me to accompany you to bed tonight for that favor coming in, though I doubt think that would be so.. how would you put it, diplomatic of me though I wouldent mind if we both just happen to get drunk, in the same bar someone where, and just so happens to get in the same room.” Miles just looks directly in Patrick’s eyes with a wide sneering grin.

“joking aside, that Favour is just simply forgetting the gold perdan owes you as well as accepting this here blade as payment and a gift from friend to friend. “Miles holds up the Shouting Blade of Handow to Him. “This blade has served me well in the past and it is time for its new owner and new history, may this be a sign of friendship between 2 uncommon nobles of different realms.” Miles nudges Patricc and whispers into his ear, “As well as a a gift for the future” miles gives a wink to Patricc.

“Well, without further ado, welcome to the city of Perdan, and please don’t cause too much trouble, I don’t need MORE bar fights on my to do list, as well as Patricc before the festival is over I would like to talk to you more in private over somthing.”


Meanwhile from where the guards are station that is on duty to protect Miles are looking to be on completely ready mode to attack ay a moment hair staring directly into the army both Adrianna and Patriacc brought.

Orobar

In several taverns around the city, one could read a text engraved on a wooden plaque and displayed behind the bar: 

  A romance born in true despair, 
  Her dress is yellow, the whitest hair.
  Her taste a sparkle on your tongue,
  She will inspire you to a song.
  Be careful not to lose your mind,
  An empty wallet you might find. 
  But these warnings I will not hear,

​​​​​​​ For my one and truest love is beer.

Gadwel

Jericho watched Tsingu Orobar with a peaceful smile as he recited the poem on stage and decided in that moment, he was going to write a poem for the occasion. Ser Gadwel had a deep love for poetry, though greatly preferred to enjoy it in privacy. Something about the wine this afternoon and the atmosphere of romance in the air had inspired him, with Ser Orobar's recital being the final catalyst.

The next afternoon, during a lull in the performances of the evening, Jericho Gadwel climbed onto the stage.

"Lords and Ladies, A poem to celebrate the love between Queen Alyssa and Lady Everlight," 


  Love is...


Stiff and pale Jericho hesitates and looks around those in the area before closing his eyes and reciting. 

  A light through a storm to a ship at sea
  Rain to a seed under desert sands
  a coin to a peasant weak with famish
  justice to every man.


Jericho opens his eyes once more to a small, silent collection of strangers. He quietly gets off stage and disappears into the taverns.

Le Monte

Adrianna had been matching Patriacc's pace, except with wine instead of mead. Hearing the same voice come from the gates, Adrianna simply scowled as she polished off the last glass. She had lost her patience moments after arriving, so this poor noble was likely to get the brunt of it. "They're only letting you in because you're here with the Wolf Queen! Not because of some stupid letters or relationship with a damn kitten."

As Patriacc strode off first, the She-Wolf decided to start on another glass. It would be better for all involved if Patriacc started off the talks. But then it dawned on her that he would likely do something similar as before with the guard. Getting up, she was able to hear most of what Patriacc had said except for when he looked to lean in and whisper.

"I swear, Amelara is going to be a widow by the end of this trip." Adrianna muttered as she finally arrived, though just to come too late, the damage was already done. Miles was snickering and grinning, while Patriacc had that smug look he always got after he caused her trouble. And apparently that trouble was offering up his Wolf QUEEN to some kitten! Her glare fell upon Patriacc, even if he was immune to it, before looking straight into Miles eyes as he finished his thoughts on them spending the night together, a fire burning in them.

"Don't let Patriacc hear get your hopes up, I doubt you could even survive a minute alone with me. Though your welcome to try! I haven't tasted Perdan blood in awhile." She then nudged Patriacc in the ribs, though it was more like a full force elbow.

"Who was the last kitten I slept with again?! Was it your wife, or was there someone after that?" A small grin snuck onto her face, though soon was replaced with a raised eyebrow and puzzled look as Miles presented a blade to Patriacc and talked about some owed gold. It must still be some unresolved thing from that incident in Clermont. Not her problem, though it offered a perfect opportunity to mess with Miles.

"So, you think it fine to come out and offer something to my escort, yet have nothing to present to the Wolf Queen of Yssrgard?! You might have a little more to worry about then just bar fights with such an offense!" She crossed her arms as she just stared at Miles, ignoring the guards standing around.

"And stop with this intimidation thing with the guards. If we had wanted to come and cause REAL trouble, our actual army would be here. I mean, just think what your dear, sweet Queen Alyssa would think? Being so apprehensive about peaceful GUESTS at a Love and Peace tournament."

Everlight

"What a perfect morning," Isana sighed.

The Queen-consort had convinced her wife to take a short morning walk together before the day's tournament festivities resumed. Hand-in-hand Queen Alyssa and Countess Isana were strolling the Royal Gardens in the growing warmth of the autumn sunlight. Already there were hints of bustle in the distance, of merchants hanging out their wares to tempt the tournament-goers and a few new competitors on horseback entering the city gates, their banners unfamiliar to Isana fluttering proudly.

The plants crowded around the walkways were an unseasonal riot of colour, carefully tended and encouraged to bloom late in the season, and arranged in combinations to evoke the various realms of the continent. Golden chrysanthemums bordered the main paths to celebrate Perdan's leonine symbol.

"You know that poem about us that Tsingu recited yesterday?" Isana asked, turning a sweet smile to look at Alyssa. Alyssa's gaze was far away, a small furrow creasing her fair brow. "Darling?"

"Hmm, what?" Alyssa's face flicked back to find bright green-blue eyes waiting. She squeezed her hand. "Sorry, my love. My mind is already on preparations, wondering if that entourage at the gate has been properly greeted at this early hour..." She frowned slightly, eyes apologetic.

Isana gave a slight shake of her head, still smiling, and leaned closer to rest her dark-haired head on Alyssa's shoulder. "I know, Aly dear. The poem that Tsingu performed yesterday, about us, well at the tavern last night someone made up a tune, and they were singing it! It's lovely."

The happy sentiment dispelled some of the distraction from Aly's features, and she seemed to Isana to be back in the moment once more. "Would you sing it for me?" Aly asked. Isana straightened and grinned. "I can attempt!" She launched into a rendition, first quietly and with growing volume as she gained confidence. A few other early strollers paused or looked their way nearby.

"...I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't miiiiiind~! That I sing here aloud!"

She paused, letting the loud note ring out across the garden and fade. Isana took both of Aly's hands in her own and continued.

"How wonderful my life has been since the day that we vowed." She finished softly, and looked up at her love in a spellbound moment. "Of course, they've not quite got it right, it was wonderful before that, but..." Alyssa began to pull a face at the interruption of the romantic pause, and Isana grinned, and kissed her before she could say anything.

Kingsley

A kiss in the garden was not a rare thing between the Queen and her bride, but it still felt as special as the first time. Alyssa beamed at Isana after their lips parted. She leaned into her, her arms wrapping around her and nuzzling her cheek. Alyssa closed her eyes enjoying the quiet intimacy this peaceful moment allowed them. The garden grew quiet, only the wind and the chirping of birds fluttering around one another accompanied the couple at the song's conclusion. Isana's singing, though beautiful and sweet, Alyssa imagined, must have been an obvious signal for any others to grant the pair privacy. Though the festival in the streets below was for the sharing of their affection, Alyssa had indeed had her mind far too occupied with the duties of hosting, and was grateful for the few moments of quiet with the woman she loved.

"Yes, it very much was. My star in the night." She muttered fondly into Isana's ear.

She heard the crunch of an autumn leaf before she saw the interloper, her eyes flashing open at the sound, her body tensing slightly as a rush of adrenaline shot through her. She looked towards the source of the sound, her hand still nestled in Isana's and caught the eyes of a Whiteguard, one of the Royal Knights sworn to her defense.

"Mydame." Alyssa said to the knight, her voice stiffening from the gentle tone she spoke with Isana to the regality of command and royal duty.

"My apologies, Your Majesty." The knight blurted out, obviously trying not to appear gawking at the open display of affection before her.

"That's quite alright, just tell me what you need to tell me."Alyssa answered patiently.

"Ah, of course Your Majesty... His Royal Grace Duke Matthew is here. He says he wishes to accompany you to meet with the foreign dignitaries at the gate."

"Ah." Alyssa remembered the situation at the Gate and knew it required attention. "He may indeed accompany us. We shall meet him shortly and go down to the gate together. Get horses ready, ensure a fine one for our Royal guest."

The young knight bowed far more deeply than necessary. "Of course Your Majesty. It shall be as you say." She acknowledged as she departed with the greatest of hastes away from the site of her interruption.

Alyssa turned back to Isana after the knight had gone. A wistful grin came over her. "I was like that to, a bit, wasn't I?"


The Queen arrived at the Courtyard where they were to meet Duke Matthew and the horses. Alyssa smiled a brief but warmly sincere smile as she met Matthew's eyes. He made a courtly gesture to her, which she accepted.

"Duke Matthew," She said, holding onto Isana's arm. "My wife, Isana Everlight, the Countess of Brive, Dawnstar of Perdan."

" 'Sana, this is Duke Matthew McCloud of the Aerie. The former High King, and my dear friend. He asked to join us on our way to the Gate to meet the dignitaries." She turned to Matthew. "And I accepted. Perdan and Caligus are a united front. It will be good to show the Yssr that we are as one."

Together they gathered themselves in their saddles, and accompanied with a troop of Whiteguards and city officials, they set off through the streets of Perdan.

An impromptu parade had followed them by the time they reached the gatehouse, Perdanese citizens wave and crying out at the Queen's procession. Alyssa and Isana's horses had long been used to riding closely, but Matthew was close at hand as well as they travelled through the winding City Streets.

It was to her shock to find the gate already open, with Patriacc Hwitt joking with Miles Guilotine who stood alongside several nervous-looking city watchmen, whose wide eyes watched the Yssrgardians carefully. She also spotted a rather large host outside the gates as she approached the scene, quickly scanning to gather as much information as possible.

"Queen Adrianna." She called as their horses stopped a respectful distance from the Wolf Queen and her party. "And Lord Patriacc. Welcome to Perdan City, though I see you have been welcomed already." she said, giving a short concerned look to Miles before turning back to the Wolf Queen.

"I'm afraid as my invitations stated only nobles are welcome to the tournament, so I am afraid soldiery will not be invited in the city without the permission of the Duchess. I will see to it however that they have plenty of supplies to celebrate outside. I shall have arrangements made for the two of you to stay in the Palace, and I shall assign some of my personal guard to escort you where you wish to go, to ensure you are not troubled." She said with a confident, diplomatic nod.

Gadwel

Jericho stood aside King's Square, in front of one of the lowest-raised banners at the end of neighboring street, a little ways off from King's Square proper. He stood beside his Captain Wilfried, though neither were dressed for combat. Instead, they stood as life-long friends, admiring the banner before them together. The banner, a green and white design with a golden bell in the center, was the banner of the Gadwel family.

"Did you ever think you'd see this banner at a noble event?" Wilfried spoke with arms crossed, then turned his gaze from the heraldry to Ser Gadwel.

Jericho's eyes welled as he brought one arm around the shoulder of his friend and gripped him firmly "I'm just glad you're by my side to see it."

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." The two sat there, arms around each other's shoulders, smiles pinned across their faces, admiring the lowly banner as the sun began to drop and the bustle of the tournament began to rise.

Goldhaart

After spending days riding to Perdan city after fighting monsters in the south Lord Dandro GoldHaart nods to his knights to make sure their armour and horses are ready before finding the dance hall and to relax.

Making his way through the city alone accept his warhorse Summer, Lord Dandro was still dressed in his full plate white with gold trims battle armour, the badge of Perdan a golden lion on one pauldron and the badge of the Golden Dawn on the other shoulder holding his white and red riding cape that concealed all but the handles of the master-crafted blade down his back and his three hunting knives one under both armpit and one across the lower back.


Lord Dandro was enjoying the spectacle the city has become when he saw the banner, a green and white design with a golden bell in the centre.

Looking to find the owner. Still from horseback, Lord Dandro saw Ser Jericho Gadwel. Lord Dandro lifted the visor of his helm before speaking.

"Ser Jericho Gadwel, how are you? What activities do you have planned before and after the tournament?"

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