Le Craint Family/Mariana le Craint/The Tournament In Rines

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian rode into the tournament grounds and looked around the area. He was amazed at how quickly everything had come together. He found the grounds where his tent was pitched and entered. There were simple accommodations, a few chairs and tables, a rather large cot, and plenty of tobacco. He noticed a large trunk by his cot, it housed his various sets of armor and weaponry. He nodded his approval before strapping on one of his favorite sword and sword belts and venturing through the grounds. He saw the former Grand Chancellor showing off, Vahanian judged the man's skill with a practiced eye and moved on. He found his way to the blademasters large tent and asked for the honor of a sparring session, they obliged him and he worked with them for an hour or two. Slowly at first, exercising the fatigue and tiredness from his muscles. Then he began to pick up the speed and intensity. The blademaster he sparred with was far superior but didn't press his advantage, just simply held Vahanian at bay until Vahanian adapted. It was a unique teaching method, and one that Vahanian responded to well. His mind soared at the challenge. He filed away the style for future study and use. After his training session Vahanian thanked the men, paid them their fee and left the tent to wander some more. He wondered at who else would arrive. He wished his pupil, Ferdinand, would be able to attend, but knew all too well that matters of state often prevented the luxury of attending such events. He would have enjoyed their sparring match.

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Vahanian Blint

Vahanian leaned against the support pole for a tent as he watched Jorvik show off again, smoke wafted from his lips and nostrils and surrounded him like a shroud as he puffed on his pipe. A shaky, yet vaguely familiar voice called out to the young knight from a half-hidden chair. "It can't be.." Vahanian muttered to himself. Her form was familiar, and yet foreign. Where confidence and sturdiness once stood, was now occupied by a shakiness and an almost fragility. The familiar individual looked his way, and Vahanian knew in an instant it was true. A face can change, hair can change, gestures, mannerisms can all be changed, but eyes remain the same. He saw it in her eyes, it was Maura. Vahanian's oldest friend and councilor emerged from the tent and muttered something to Vahanian and he shook his head, not lifting his gaze from Maura. "No, leave her be, she knows where to find us." Baldwin seemed put off by that statement and Vahanian reassured him "Trust me, there are maybe two places we could hide in the city that she wouldn't find us. She knows the tunnels that run under the city like the back of her hand." Baldwin muttered back to his lord "What tunnels?" Vahanian smiled a wolfish smile and said "Exactly."

Vahanian Blint

Roleplay from Ruairí Mac Róláin

The horse was settled and the day was waning into the early evening as Ruairí made his final check. It had been but a few hours before when he had received the reply from the Grand Templar to give him leave to join the tournament, and Ruairí wasn't one to waste time. His Captain Morena was the first person he informed, as she would be the defacto leader of his Kestrels while he was away. Next came the meeting with Morena, Colm, and Maebh, the full leadership of his unit, to go over the training plan for the soldiers while he was gone. The rest of his morning had been making the final preparations to Rines. "Alright lads, I'm off to make a damned fool of myself. So that means you will have to make up for me until I get back. I expect the best of you in the guarding of our holy land, follow the Captain's orders, and show the honor of our band." The youthful Lord would say astride his horse and framed in the golden rays of the sun. His hazel hues eyes cast a final glance over the assembled lot and with a grin he gave his final parting shot, "Who knows next time you see me you might be addressing the tournament's champion." His exuberance carried on the playful manner to which he spoke as Ruairí was well aware of his abilities. His goal was simply to make a good showing and build connections. The politics being of equal, if not greater import to the lad. With a final cheer from his Kestrels sounding at his back Ruairí set off. Off to Rines, and off to the adventure that awaited.

Ruairí Mac Róláin

Roleplay from Agamemnon Polemistis

Agamemnon enters Rhines nervously. This is his first time entering a tournament. And he knows many accomplished and skilled swordsmen and women will be here. He does not want to look foolish. He focuses a moment and realizes that even being young, he has already accomplished much. "This is what you have been working towards," Agamemnon said to himself. "All the times you missed getting into trouble with your friends, you were swinging a sword or learning how to lead in battle. Stand tall, and carry your name proudly. She is always watching and is the reason you are on this path." He continues walking down the familiar streets and past his previous estate. The hustle and bustle of the city brings a smile across his face. He takes in a deep breath, and upon exhaling realizes that today truly begins the tale of Agamemnon Polemistis.

Agamemnon Polemistis

Roleplay from Marcus Daubeny

As soon as Marcus arrived to the Tournament Grounds a scribe ran straight for him "Steward!" he called. "I am so glad you are here there are many things that must be overseen, food, entertainment and many other things." He nodded and took the check list from the scribe. "Let us begin by setting up the Pavilions and acquiring tables and seats." He started walking around the new tournament grounds, it had a very beautiful view of the sea and he had heard there was a beach nearby. As he walked past the Grand stand he noticed that it was very, well, Grand. It was made of mahogany and polished to a shine, he noticed the booth that was shaded and decorated with a thin cloth of deep purple, clearly this is where the Grand Mistress and the Oracle will be seated. "Steward? Are you listening?" Marcus turned back to the scrub "Sorry my mind was elsewhere." The scribe nodded and repeated himself "We have many chefs coming far and wide to try and serve food here at the Oracles party, it is up to you to choose whose cuisine will be served to our Esteemed guests." Marcus smiled at the prospect of taste testing all this food "How many dishes must I pick?' The scribe looked at the list "40 or so Steward." Marcus now looked mildly concerned, how many dishes must he try?

Marcus Daubeny

Roleplay from Marcus Daubeny

Marcus ran about, the pavilions had been set up earlier this morning and there were finally enough tables and chairs for at least 300 nobles and their parties if not more, the sword fighting area had been set up and watered so the rough dirt was a slick mud, whilst the jousting rows were located a little over to the right of the Sword fighting arena and the training area set up to the right. "Steward!" the scribe once again walked over tapping their checklist "Almost everything seems to be in order, all we need is to sort out the entertainment." Marcus nodded and took the list of possible entertainers, Jugglers, Actors, a Circus?, Singers, Bands "Tell them all to meet me by the beach in 2 hours, I will then see what their performances are like." Marcus then walked over to the training yard it was there he spotted a familiar face amongst those training, he walked over and called out to his friend "Countess le Craint!" he noticed that something seemed different about her but only slightly different, Marcus too had changed since the party, he wore the black and silver of Steward and had opted to shave his beard and cut his hair shorter, he hoped that she would still recognise him.

Marcus Daubeny

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

Finally, she had arrived. The long journey to the tournament grounds had been tiring. She approached the stables, offering the leads to a nearby stablehand and gave him a gold piece. She unsheathed her sword and unclipped her pack from the horses back. She dusted herself down and headed towards the entrance. A steward holding a piece of parchment, surrounded by armed guards, caught sight of Mariana and stood at attention. He inspected his list once more before turning and bowing before her. "Greetings Countess Mariana le Craint. Welcome to the tournament grounds. A tent has been set up for you just within the courtyard. If there is anything else you need, do not hesitate to ask." Mariana gave the man a gentle smile and entered into the grounds. The man cleared his throat and announced her arrival. "Countess Mariana le Craint has arrived." Mariana reached her tent. She threw back the flaps of the tent and pushed her way in. The interior was rather luxurious for a simple tent. A large double bed with a screen placed before it. An extravagant vanity with a large crystal mirror, lined with makeup and powders. Mariana shrugged this off and placed her pack at the end of her bed. She checked behind her before taking out simple leathers and pieces of polished armour. She reached behind her and unlatched the clasp on her dress. Carefully piecing together each segment of armour. She had chosen a different set of armour to her usual type. This set was more appropriate for a parade rather than actual combat but it would serve itself within the bounds of the tournament. Before long she was ready. She took a hold of her dagger first. Inspecting the blade and the pommel, she placed it onto the holster on her boots. She then took a hold of her blade. Polished and never used, it shined unnaturally in the candle light. She smiled and stepped outside her tent towards the training grounds. As she was testing her sword arm, striking ferociously into the air before her. She has began to amass a small crowd of people around her. Mostly comprised of officials and others who were competing. However, mid swing, she heard a voice she recognised. She stopped and turned her head. She sheathed her sword, approached the man and held out her hand in greeting. "Steward Marcus Daubeny, it is good to see you again." She looked him over, he had changed since they last met. More experienced some would say, but it was still the same man that invited her to the ball. "How have you been, it must have been at least a season since we last met. A change in style? I must say it suits you greatly, quite dashing indeed." She laughed politely, leading Marcuc away from the public training grounds towards a private stand that had been set up for nobles. "Have you come to partake in the tournament or are you just here inspecting the grounds? I must say I am quite excited, this is my first tournament afterall, a test to see if my time in the army has yielded anything."

Mariana le Craint

Roleplay from Marcus Daubeny

Marcus slightly blushed, "Thank you Countess Mariana, I thought it would do me well to change my look to be more "Official" looking." He followed her over to the private stands of the nobility, "Have you come to partake in the tournament or are you just here inspecting the grounds? I must say I am quite excited, this is my first tournament afterall, a test to see if my time in the army has yielded anything." "I am participating but It is mostly my job to oversee the Oracle's party as I am technically the run running it though it was the Oracle who declared it, I too am quite excited from what I saw back there you have quite a good arm on you, you will most certainly be a terrifying opponent t face, I almost feel sorry for the poor nobles who will have to face you and I hope I am not one of them."

Marcus Daubeny

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Maura stumbled clumsily through the enclosed noble area of the tournament grounds, when suddenly she noticed a shape that she recognized after brief yet intense recollection. "Lady Mariana!" - she rasped, grabbing at the air as if to set her course towards long missed acquaintance. She was not even halfway there when she noticed an agreeable young gentleman in Mariana's company. She stopped immediately and spoke in a tone much too loud for discreet matters: "Forgive me! I didn't mean to intrude upon your trysting! Carry on!" Then she turned on her heel and walked back hurriedly towards the training area.

Maura Arnickles Renodin

Roleplay from Mariana le Craint

"You exaggerate. I am still mostly inexperienced in martial combat, this kind at least." She chuckled slightly, tapping the pommel of her sword. "Well I shall be interested in seeing how you fight. This gives us a chance to assess the nobles ability and show off what we have learned. I am quite excited for it. You have done a wonderful job so far, I shall continue to look out for it." Mariana craned her neck slightly, she overheard a voice she recognised. One that she had not heard in such a long time, one that was unmistakable. Mariana laughed at this. She couldn't hold it in. Her joy over such a reunion was too much. She turned once again to Marcus. "Sir Marcus, would you mind allowing Lady Maura to join us? We shall have to continue this... trysting... another time." She smiled and winked towards Marcus before towards the direction that Maura. She hadn't got too far away. Mariana took a few steps forward and in a similar voice to Maura, mimicking her lack of discretion, she called out to her. "Lady Maura, a moment of you time if you may." She smirked, holding out her hand. There was a moment of awkwardness, unsure as to whether going in for a hug was too much. Settling on a handshake. "I... still cant quite believe it. Its is good to see you well. What happened? If you dont mind me asking. Your letter was.. surprising to say the least."

Mariana le Craint

Roleplay from Alacrix Galar

It was a long journey to Rines but he finally made it. He looked around the grounds at the people he would be up against. He was taken aback to see The Oracle herself fighting as well as priestess Eva. Well this will be interesting, he thought. To Alacrix there was only one person that he was on the lookout for.

Alacrix Galar

Roleplay from Marcus Daubeny

Marcus looked surprised when he heard a new voice call out to Mariana. He turned and saw a another noble approach she seemed a bit embarrassed when her gaze settled on him she turned and left, He was about to tell Mariana that of course she could join them when he heard the familiar rasp of, "Steward!" The scribe hobbled over, "The Entertainers are ready by the beach." Marcus nodded and looked back to the exchange between the newcomer and Mariana, "Just a moment." He told the scribe. He was just about to walk over when Mariana say, "I... still cant quite believe it. Its is good to see you well. What happened? If you dont mind me asking. Your letter was.. surprising to say the least." He stopped and decided to leave these two to their reunion, he quickly said to Mariana as he walked away "Lady Mariana I must take my leave if you and Lady Maura are in the mood, do come down to the beach later, I have a felling I will be there of a while" He walked off towards the beach with the scribe following writing furiously on his checklist.

Marcus Daubeny

Roleplay from Maura Arnickles Renodin

Maura motioned to departing nobleman as soon as he was out of an earshot: "Good pick. Comely. Seems to have his wits about him. Favoured by the Oracle, since she allows him handle..." - she waved her finger in air pointing at all the features of the tournament - "... this." Once the ladies were alone Maura took Mariana by the arm, prompting her former protege to guide them in a slow stroll to a more convenient spot, all the while talking vividly, yet keeping the tone of voice reasonably conspirational. Maura was much thinner and certainly shakier than the last time they saw each other, she was holding younger Inquisitor's arm tightly enough so that she could steady herself and evoke at least a mockery of the image she used to be - a formidable warrior, a motionless sentinel, a shield of the Faith; now merely a shadow of her former self, yet a shadow content with her ability to act her part. "The odd letter... yes..." - her face darkened - "let's just say I meddled with things I didn't quite understand, I thought I had control when I had none and learnt my mistake too late..." - she continued in a hurried whisper, barely audible: "...no that's not right not too late too late would be with me not here at all would it not yes it would..." - "... where was I? Just in time! Is when I've... learnt." They leisurely walked several more meters - "Certainly one ought to come equipped with something better than parlor tricks when attempting to enslave a beast from beyond the veil, and most certailny one ought not apply trivial intelect to otherworldly matters... Good Mariana! How things have changed! I recall sending Lord Divus and Sir Ferdinand off to rain misery upon Mordok heretics and now I hear they seat half the Grand Council. I defended southern border with little more than stones and pitchforks against endless hordes and now I see maps of the Holy Realm stretch from coast to coast. One might think that Obeah Herself walked the earth to bring us to the light." Another couple of steps they passed - "and you! Dear, you must tell me of your exploits, as promissed. I recall my time in those exact same boots most fondly. Tell me, what is the most curious one as of yet."

Maura Arnickles Renodin

Roleplay from Ruairí Mac Róláin

The day of the tournament was fast approaching and already many of those seeking to participate had filled the streets of Rines. That most holy of cities was a buzz with life, music, the call of the merchants selling their wares, and Ruairí found himself there in the midst of it all. It filled the dark haired youth with a greater vibrancy as he was able to truly take in his adopted homeland and her people in a way he had not yet had the privilege to do since arriving on Beluaterra. Surely it must have been a blessing of Obeah that his arrival had coincided so well with the timing of the tournament. In the days that had passed Ruairí's time was often split between the training grounds, his own minor pavilion, and the taverns at night. It was early on that the young knight decided to forgo training with the sword. Even in his youth it had never been the weapon he had proven well with, and why he took up the bow when he did. So it was the joust that Ruairí dedicated himself to bettering in. The lad knew he wasn't likely to win the grand prize of the tournament, but he did seek to give the best showing he could and the joust offered him the best opportunity. So day and night the knight could be found working with his horse, steadying his arm and his aim, and the progress gained actually was beginning to bare fruit. It left certain ideas for the future, but that was for a different time. When not training Ruairí was keeping up with the politics of the realm. The back and forths, and sending his own private missives out here and there to make some of the moves to see his goals furthered. When the path was revealed and his suspicion confirmed he had set pen to paper to reaffirm his convictions. "This will change so much." Ruairí mused in the privacy of his pavilion, "I suppose it will be interesting to see what they all have to say." The young knight added with a chuckle as he left the comfort of the pavilion and made his way to one of the taverns to celebrate the coming birth of a new realm in the land.

Ruairí Mac Róláin