NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc: ooc thread can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9819933)

The court of King Alfred of the house of Stuart is alive as preparations are underway for the Spring Festival. Actually, preparations are coming to a close as the festival is the very next night. The grand hall has been decorated majestically with flowing purple curtains, golden decorations from wall to wall, and refurbished paintings of all the leaders of the house of Stuart. The hall is bustling with servants moving to and fro, setting up the last pieces of the festival from the seating arrangement to the silverware. The tables have been set up with the king's horizontally at the front and many other vertically in columns and rows. The king's table will sport King Alfred at the center, seated next to him will be the lovely Queen Cordelia, on the King's right Sir Lancelot, next to him will be Sir Brax, on the Queen's left will be Sir Gawain, and the rest of the seats will be filled with other noble knights (Sir Brax, Sir Lancelot, King Alfred, Queen Cordelia, Sir Gawain). The noblemen and other knights will be seated at the other tables.

Emaculately decorated invitations had been sent out to all the nobleman and knights of the land and all the knights of the court were recalled from their quests for the festival:

To Whomever is this delivered,

King Alfred of the house of Stuart, cordially invites you to His court so that you may be a guest at the Spring Festival. There shall be song and dance if you would like to partake, as well as a jousting tournament for the best of the land.

His Royal Liege,
King Alfred
House of Stuart


Knights and noblemen alike, had been flocking to the court for days now and those who were farthest away were just arriving. They were each met by the Royal Courtier and showed to their rooms so that they may relax. Their horses were taken to the royal stables where they would be taken care of by the king's stable boys.

The King however had not been seen very often as he had stubbornly not left his room yet to greet anyone. He was so busy with stately matters and the such that his room never had less than five royal advisors in it requesting his time. Currently there were eleven advisors in all attempting to talk over each other to get the king's consent on one matter or another. Finally the King had had enough, rubbing his head like a weary old man he said, "Out! All of you out, right now. I do not wish to be disturbed with anything."

A couple of advisors managed to say, "But-" before the king cut them off again, "I said anything! Now out." They knew not to defy him twice and quickly left the room without another word. When they had left, King Alfred yelled from his seat out the door, "Guard!"

One of the guards ran in, "Yes, M' Liege," he said as he bowed.

"I am going to write a letter and I don't want to be disturbed by anyone or it will be your neck. Is that clear?"

"Yes, M' Liege," said the guard, "Would you like for me to send for your scribe?"

"No, no - That is quite alright." responded King Alfred. "You may go."

The guard bowed again as he left the room and closed the door. Outside, the King's orders could be heard being passed from one guard to another. King Alfred sat down at a desk and pulled out a quill and parchment:

To Sir Bane Spire,

I regret hearing that you will not be back in time for the festival, but I don't daresay that your quest is of less importance. I will be sure to save you some a cup of wine so that we may share it when you return. Who knows, maybe you will be back in time for the jousting tournament at the end of the festival.
Be safe and sturdy and come back when you have completed your quest.

Your King and Friend,
Alfred of the house of Stuart

As the King finished signing his name on the parchment, he stood up and walked to the door. Opening it, he handed the parchment to the nearest guard and said, "Have this sent to Sir Bane without a stop." He then closed the door and walked over to his bed. He lay down and took a deep breath as he relaxed for the first time in a week. Closing his eyes he slipped into a peaceful sleep - but not much after he was awoken, "M' Liege, I am sorry to dist-"

"What in the name of bloody hell did you wake me for. I said I didn't want to be disturbed by anyone. I should have you beheaded for this," said the King as he sat upright.

"Yes, M' Liege. You should... I am sorry M' Liege, but she said I had to," said the guard as he remained kneeling.

"Who sa-" the King interrupted himself as a woman's figure appeared behind the guard in the doorway. "Ah, Cordelia," said the king past the guard to the woman. "That is alright. You can go now," the King said as he turned back to the guard. Queen Cordelia walked into the room as the guard shut the door behind her, "Now Alfred, what have I said about relaxing. The Spring Festival is tomorrow and you don't want to seem rude to our guests do you?"

"No, no. You are quite right," he said as Cordelia moved onto the bed behind him and began massaging his shoulders. "You are so good to me, Cordelia."

"Mmmm. We should go greet our guests," she said as she dismounted the bed and walked to the door.

"Yes, lets," responded the king as he followed suit. The two of them left the royal chamber followed by their guards and walked down to the grand hall.



Meanwhile on the otherside of the castle, a young lady of about twenty-three, stood on the ramparts overlooking the entrance. On the inside of the castle walls, below where the lady stood, was the blacksmiths' forge. She sat on the wall overlooking two young pages horsing around with a pair of swords. As the clinks and clanks of the sword reached her ears, she sighed. "Is everything all right Princess?" asked the quiet voice of Princess Daphne's servant and friend, Tom.

"I guess," she said as he sighed again. "It's nothing, really," she said as she turned around and gazed out over the walls. On one side of the castle was a decent sized lake and on the other was a large town, but the Princess was looking far past them, over the forest, and into the distant horizon, "If only he knew..." she said to herself so that Tom wouldn't hear.



Far away, traveling through a small town, was a large knight on the back of massive stead. The horse trotted down the street with the knight (Sir Bane Spire) petting its mane, "Good boy, Mars. When we return home, you can be the laziest horse in the stable, and the sooner we get there the sooner you can take it easy." The horse neighed as the knight continued to stroke its hair. "Here maybe this will it make it easier for you," said the knight as he removed his helmet and tied it to the horse's right side, as to counteract the weight of a large 'package' on the leftside. "Good boy," said the knight as Mars quickened his pace, "We'll be home in no time..."

Alejandra Raimunda was contemplating the nature of life, as well as the nature of irony as she rode toward the French city of Caen, from there to sail to Dover, from which she would ride to the festival of spring, being held by King Alfred.

She thought of the irony of her names, and how they related to her position as a knight. Her given name stood for 'defender of man', while her familial name stood for 'wise defender', both of which had been put to the ultimate test during the siege of Tortosa, by the Moorish brigands.

She also considered the troubles she'd encountered, from both sides of the law. From the underside, she'd faced an attack by a small group of bandits, as well as being required to aid a farmer chase down a chicken thief. From the lawful side, she'd faced challenges to her right to bear a shield, sword, and wear armour. This was because the Order of the Hatchet was remarkable recent, as things went.


Number of days later
Alejandra and Alonso, her horse, arrived in the city of Dover, thought it had been a rought trip, what with the strong storm that had chased them from Caen to Dover.

She then set off for the spring festival.

Day prior to festival
Alejandra arrived at the palace of King Alfred, and rode to the gate, to await aknowladgement of her presence. As was proper, something she'd made sure by contacting a herald, her shield was uncovered, showing the ensignia.

As an entrance guardsman noticed a knight approaching in the distance, he went straightaway to the royal courtier. The royal courtier sped down from his chamber with all due speed, and arrived at the gate shortly before the knight.

As the knight entered through the gate, the royal courtier approached. As he noticed that the knight was a woman, he spoke hesitantly, "Althuogh the court as not seen the likes of this before... with all due honor, I humbly welcome thou knight, to the court of King Alfred of the house of Stuart. I shall have your horse taken to the royal stables, if thou so desires, and I shall escort thee to thy room." The royal courtier stopped and signaled for a stable boy to come for the horse. "And by what name and allegiance shall I announce you good knight?" inquired the Royal Courtier.

Alejandra nodded as she dismounted from Alonso.

"My name is Alejandra Raimunda. I am a knight in the Order of the Hatchet, founded by Count Raymond Berenger, the Count of Barcelona." She said, her dulcet voice carrying quite well. As the stable boy approached, she commented, "He bites."

As the horse nipped in the direction of the stable boy, the royal courtier spoke, "That is quite alright, I assure you we can handle him." Another stable boy came over to help and the two of them together lead the horse off to the royal stables. "Right this way," the royal courtier said as he ushered toward the main castle with his hand. They walked inside and up a flight of stairs before stopping at a heavy oak door, "This shall be your room for the festival," he said as he opened the door. "If you require anything just tell a servant and he will bring it for you. I will be waiting right outside the door when you are ready to enter head towards the grand hall to meet the king... By the way, my name is Thomas if you should need to inquire on my whereabouts," said the royal courtier as he bowed and directed her into the room.

Sven was at an inn, when he got the invitation, sleeping. The innkeeper had rudely awakened him far too early in the morning (Sven thought the "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise" saying was a load of hogwash) and had practically thrust the letter into his hand. Sven had put it on his nightstand and gone back to bed.

Now, as he read it, he thought it over, and decided he'd attend. He hadn't been to England, only Scotland, and so might as well attend this festival.

After paying the innkeeper, Sven departed, in the early afternoon, on his horse, Drakker. Some distance away from the town in which the inn was located, he stopped to bathe in a stream, and then continued his journey until well after midnight, brooding upon his life.

Several weeks later, after procuring a ride on a boat across the channel, and a small bit of travelling in England, Sven arrived at the gate of the King Alfred's castle. He approached beyond a female knight already at the gates. Female knights seemed to be unusual in most lands he had travelled to, but as female warriors were commonplace where he was from, her presence did not shock him in the least. He was shocked by very little these days.

He stopped when he was behind and a little to the left of the knight who was already there. Sven had a very hard appearence. Standing far taller than average, his plain black travelling clothes, highly durable, complemented his dark brown hair and pale skin. His armor, also black, was packed away in saddlebags, which were getting quite roadweary at this point. He wore his huge shield across his back, the sun brightly shining on the crossed rose and axe emblem of the Sorvik clan he had married into.

Slouching a bit in the saddle, Sven did not speak, merely waited his turn, sitting patiently on enormous Drakker.

"Thank you." Alejandra replied as she entered the chamber he directed her toward.

She laided her saddlebags on the table, and removed a small cloth which she used to buff her shield, before sliding the cloth covering over it. She then removed her greaves, gauntlets, and mail harberk, and laid them to the side. Her bow was still slung where it belonged upon Alonso, provided the stable boys hadn't removed his tack and saddle yet. At this she smiled, he could be a quite fiesty horse, and more than one overconfident groom had gotten bit by him.

She changed into a gown, that was decent, but not what any lady of the court would consider fashionable. Garbed in her dress, boots, the dagger belted to her waist, she made a rather distinctive appearence as she exited to see Thomas again.

Sir Sarin Kazar was working on his swordmanship on a group of travelers that he had meet on the road. The peasants were armed with staffs and were having a hard time beating him on horse back with his sword cuting them down. He laughed at his victims as they ran away. He urged his horse to chase them down. His sword had yet to finish them off.

A younger lad appeared from the guard house and said "I apologize for you not being greeted by the royal courtier, but he is currently attending to another person. However, on behalf of the royal courtier I humbly welcome you to King Alfred's court. Your horse will be taken to the royal stable if it pleases you and I will escort you to your room." Thomas paused for a breath before asking, "And what might be your name and allegiance, good knight?"

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As Alejandra appeared in the doorway, Thomas bowed again. "If you don't want to rest than I shall escort you down to the grand hall now," said Thomas as he rose again. "Uh, ahem, at the risk of sounding rude, I must ask how I should introduce you to the court? I don't think Sir Alejandra would be very fitting," said Thomas nervously, "Unless of course that is what you would like," he added quickly. "You see while we have heard of female knights before, we have never had them in our lands nevermind at court. So...?"

As Alejandra appeared in the doorway, Thomas bowed again. "If you don't want to rest than I shall escort you down to the grand hall now," said Thomas as he rose again. "Uh, ahem, at the risk of sounding rude, I must ask how I should introduce you to the court? I don't think Sir Alejandra would be very fitting," said Thomas nervously, "Unless of course that is what you would like," he added quickly. "You see while we have heard of female knights before, we have never had them in our lands nevermind at court. So...?"
"I realize that there are few female knights, the order I'm apart of is fairly recent." She said as they walked, "As to introducing me, how about introducing me as Knight of the Order of the Hatchet Alejandra, and let his majesty decide on the appropriate shortened form. Thought the full one is my formal title." She commented almost as an afterthought.

ooc: Last for night, need sleep.

Sir Kazar finished his bloody work and took a few copper coins from the dead corpses. He rides towards the nearest town intent and a good nights rest. His sword still bloody from his little excerise.

"Very good," commented Thomas as he led her down the stairs and in front of two massive oak doors, decorated from top to bottom. "Time for your entrance..." Thomas signaled to the two guards in front of the door and they pulled back their pikes from a cross block and pushed open the door.

At the sound of the doors opening and a new guest arriving the hall became quiet except for a few murmurs. Thomas entered first and in a loud and booming voice, that you would be amazed to hear from his body, called out, "My Liege, it is honor that I present to you... Alejandra Raimunda, Knight of the Order of the Hatchet." Thomas bowed and put out his hand, ushering in Alejandra.

The crowd remained silent as she entered, but soon enough everyone was talking again - although some of the conversations had turned unpleasant. The King waited at his table alongside his wife Queen Cordelia, and Sir Lancelot.

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In the brush about 100 feet away, a man had saw the event unfold, in which a armored man on horseback cut down a pack of innocent peasants. After the first peasant fell, he made all haste and ran to town, being careful to stay off the main path. When he arrived he came through the streets screaming, "A madman approaches! A madman approaches. He hath already slain a pack of kinsman and is now headed towards this town."

The church bell began ringing furiously and the whole town awoke. The men came out of their houses with any weapons they could muster from pitchforks to spears and even the occasional sword. A mob slowly formed up and waited at the town's entrance for the "madman"

Sir Sarin as he rode towards town noticed a large group of peasants armed to the teeth guarding the entrance of the village. He has his horse stop and turn around, Sarin knew fighting a group of prepared opponets would be a foolish course to take.

A younger lad appeared from the guard house and said "I apologize for you not being greeted by the royal courtier, but he is currently attending to another person. However, on behalf of the royal courtier I humbly welcome you to King Alfred's court. Your horse will be taken to the royal stable if it pleases you and I will escort you to your room." Thomas paused for a breath before asking, "And what might be your name and allegiance, good knight?"


Sven looked down at the young man, his expression unreadable. "I am called Sven Akkerhaugen," he said, with some traces of an accent in his very low voice. "Though some people prefer to call me Sven Sorvik." His mustache gave him a somber expression. He hopped down from his gigantic warhorse. "I trust that you and the stable hands know to be careful with a soldier's horse. She's not friendly."

"As for my allegiance," Sven said, casually removing his riding gloves and shoving them behind his belt, from which, on the opposite side, hung his battle axe. "Currently I have none, though I was knighted by the Queen of Callisdrun, and retain loyalty to the Sorvik clan."

In the distance there was a figure walking steadily along the beaten road, allowin other faster walking people by and stepping couteusly off the path for carts and other such travellers. He seemed in no hurry to reach his destination even in full armour with his helmet on. He had a large sword slung across his back with an odd design of shield, but the tartan sash he wore hid much of it. On the side of his shoulder guard he had a piece of parchment with script on it pinned to the metal.
When he eventually got up to the gate guard he bowed and removed his helmet revealing a weathered but smiling face. He had a small thin scar trailing down his cheek but it looked old.
"Well then, a good morning to you sir" He smiled cheerfully.

Sir Hasdrubal laughed. He laughed like a child.

This was not very common thing for this rather dark, silent man to do. He was actually rarely seen to even smile. However, when it came about clashing blades, two (or five, like in this case) men fighting to see who was the strongest, then his whole being rejoiced.

Strike, thrust, jump to right, strike, and the last one of his "enemies" was down.
"Well done lads, I'm almost in sweat!" he said, smiling. The four young men that had just been beaten by the wooden practise sword and were sitting or laying in the ground, looked him like like they were going to attempt a manslaughter. A group of young ladies of the court had been watching the show, and they giggled in a way that made the young men's blood boil. Still, they had no choice but to pay the bet they had lost to the knight.

They were carrying Sir Hasdrubal around the garden that was filled with guests, one of them creeping in front of them and shouting "HERE COMES THE CHAMPION!" and making the crowd "laugh their ass of" like the peasantry said, when one of the stableboys ran to the garden, shouting his weird message:
"A Spanish ladyknight! I saw a ladyknight!" Silence fell, as people stopped and turned to the kid. Hasdrubal was first to react. "What do you mean, a women wearing a war gear? Sure that wasn't a daydream?" The boy went all red, but defended his words. "No, sir Hasdrubal, it's true! Go and look by yourself if you don't believe me." Hasdrubal stared the child, and smile disappeared from his face. "Do you give me your word?" Stableboy took a serious face, looked straight at the eyes of the man in front of him and replied. "Yes. She is there".

"I trust you. Lead us to there, Michael! I want to see that creature. Hurry, my horses!"
Youngsters acting as his mounts cursed, but they had lost the bet, and they were, afterall, noblemen. Promise is a promise. This extraordinary group started to move towards the castle and the mainhall of it, to see the mysterious "ladyknight" from distand lands.

"Very good," commented Thomas as he led her down the stairs and in front of two massive oak doors, decorated from top to bottom. "Time for your entrance..." Thomas signaled to the two guards in front of the door and they pulled back their pikes from a cross block and pushed open the door. At the sound of the doors opening and a new guest arriving the hall became quiet except for a few murmurs. Thomas entered first and in a loud and booming voice, that you would be amazed to hear from his body, called out, "My Liege, it is honor that I present to you... Alejandra Raimunda, Knight of the Order of the Hatchet." Thomas bowed and put out his hand, ushering in Alejandra. The crowd remained silent as she entered, but soon enough everyone was talking again - although some of the conversations had turned unpleasant. The King waited at his table alongside his wife Queen Cordelia, and Sir Lancelot.

Alejandra approached the king and queen. She took in the knight at the side of the royals, as she approached. Once near the table, she preformed a hybrid bow/curtsy that, while quite unusual looking, was executed with a grace that belied it's appearent akwardness. "Greetings your Majesties." She said in her melodius way.

A knight, coming from a distant realm, rode towards the castle. He had been travelling west-ward for a few years by now. He saw a castle in the distance, and decided to approach it. It looked like a party was being held, or about to be held, and he rode to the gate, and awaited for it to either open for him and give him a place for rest, or to remain shut and him to be on his way.

"To the mainhall, my wagons!" shouted the young knight. Lads who formed this vehicle sweared and cursed in rather nasty way, but the audience, all the people in the hallway and the crowd that had followed them from the garden, had great fun. They always had, when young Sir Hasdrubal was in good mood. He was famous for his original sense of humour and shows like this. This didn't happen too often though, and he fell sometimes into the darkness, not talking to anyone (except the king) for days, just sitting in his chamber and staring out the window. Now, however, he was everything but that.

The procession rumbled in to the mainhall, and the man creeping in front of it announced:

"Here comes Sir Hasdrubal, the mightiest swordman and the best driver of human wagons in the Isle of The Brits!"

Callisdrun

The lad sighed, "We have already had some trouble with another knight's horse today... It kicked a stableboy claean through the wood gate. We will manage, however," he said as a stableboy came and lead the horse off.

"Right this way," the lad ushered to the knight, "I will show you to your room." They walked into the main castle and up the stairs to where the guests were staying. He stopped in front of a room where a man was standing. "I am Thomas, the Royal Courtier. I apologize for not being able to greet you as is custom, but I was attending to another," said Thomas as he bowed. "This will be your room," he said as he opened the door and directed the knight in. "When you are ready to meet the king at the grand hall, I will be waiting here."

The younglad whispered something into his ear before he said, "Very good. Now off to the frontgate with you to greet the others while I attend to Sir Sven."

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Staggering Drunks

The younglad had returned to the main gate in time to see another knight approaching. "I welcome you to King Alfred's court. Your horse will be taken care of at the royal stables," he said. "If you would follow me, I will show you to your room. There the royal courtier will be waiting to greet you." He ushered the knight forward, "And what are we to call you, good knight, so that we may present you to the king and court?"

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Theao and Madnestan

"Welcome, welcome!" said King Alfred as Alejandra bowed/curtsyed. "This is my wife, the beautiful Queen Cordelia," he said as he gestured to Cordelia who was standing eagerly behind the king. "This is the famed knight, Sir Lancelot, my most trusted knight and friend. And I of course, am King Alfred of the house of Stuart," he said in a mighty voice. Eyes from the crowd kept turning to look at the king greeting of the female knight, but he continued nevertheless, "You said your name was Alejandra. Well, that won't do... you shall be called Knightress Alejandra."

Noticing Sir Hasdrubal enter the hall, "Ahh, Sir Hasdrubal," called the king across to the oak doors. "Come, join me and meet Knightress Alejandra," he said as he waved for the knight to approach. As the knight began approaching the King whispered to Alejandra, "This is Sir Hasdrubal, a furiously loyal knight of mine and quite the swordsman. Though he is a tad arrogant for is own good."

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Tomzilla

As a knight approached the young lad came out again. "Hault there knight," he said as he did not see any invitation or have any recollection of the knight being at court before. "What business do you have at the court of King Alfred of the house of Stuart," said the guard as he stood in the way blocking the open gate's path.

Theao and Madnestan
"Welcome, welcome!" said King Alfred as Alejandra bowed/curtsyed. "This is my wife, the beautiful Queen Cordelia," he said as he gestured to Cordelia who was standing eagerly behind the king. "This is the famed knight, Sir Lancelot, my most trusted knight and friend. And I of course, am King Alfred of the house of Stuart," he said in a mighty voice. Eyes from the crowd kept turning to look at the king greeting of the female knight, but he continued nevertheless, "You said your name was Alejandra. Well, that won't do... you shall be called Knightress Alejandra."
Noticing Sir Hasdrubal enter the hall, "Ahh, Sir Hasdrubal," called the king across to the oak doors. "Come, join me and meet Knightress Alejandra," he said as he waved for the knight to approach. As the knight began approaching the King whispered to Alejandra, "This is Sir Hasdrubal, a furiously loyal knight of mine and quite the swordsman. Though he is a tad arrogant for is own good."
"It is an honour to be here." Alejandra replied, "I thank you for your gracious welcome." She said as she curtsied to Queen Cordelia, and bowed to Sir Lancelot. "I also thank you for devising a simpler title." She added

Turning to Sir Hasdrubal, "Greetings Sir Knight."

Jumping down from the "human wagons" as the group of young nobles carrying him was now called, Sir Hasdrubal kneeled before his king, the queen and the knigthress. "Your Majesty, My Queen." Then, up to his feet again, he turned towards the Lady wearing armour. He bowed deep, taking the hand of the knightress and touched it with his lips. "At your service, mylady."

King Alfred bent down and whispered into his ear, "You forget your place... Don't ever let me see you being carried around again," he said in a calm tone. He then stood up and said "Arise, Sir Hasdrubal."

Alejandra blushed slightly at the courtesy paided to her by the knight, who had been named as Sir Hasdrubal.

OOC: Woops! Let's say he rose up just AFTER the king gave the permission, ok? My character aint as stupid as I am :P

Letting down the hand of the lady, he turned, bowed again and moved to take his place in the table.

Alejandra looked at those sitting at the head table, examining the knights and royalty. She wondered where she would be seated, at the head table, unlikely, or one of the other tables.

The King gestrued for a servant to come over, "Show, the Kinghtress here, where she will be sitting for the festivities." The servant bowed before leading the Knightress over to a table inbetween the main door and the king's table. "If you need anything at all, just tell me and I will do my best to accomodate you," said the servant as he bowed and walked back to the sidewall.

"Thank you your majesty." Alejandra replied as she followed the servant.
Once there, she thanked the servant and took her seat, gazing at those at the table with her, wondering what they were thinking.

As the Knightress of much discussion sat down at the table, a knight sitting across from her spoke, "Hello there. My name is Sir Scaggsmore of King Alfred's court." He was an older man of about 45 and no doubt his glory days had long passed, "A most unusualy knight you are in these parts..."

"It is an honour to meet you Sir Scaggsmore." Alejandra replied, "I have noticed the scarcity of female knights outside my native Spain. Might I ask why my arrival is causing such unusual stir? I'm unuse to such a reaction, as the french, while questioning, did not view it as overly odd."

The knight gave a grunt as she said french, "Hah, speak to me of the French will you. They are nothing but cowardly fools..." He settled back down before continuing, "The commotion is because there has never been a female knight at the court. Most knights, other than the wise ones like Lancelot, do not respect you."

Sir Marza was practicing in the woods when he saw a messenger following a path. He noticed that the messenger was from King Alfred's court. Anger rushed into him and he charged the messenger. The messenger tried to run away but Sir Marza slashed his head off. Then he noticed a piece of paper on the messenger's dead body and after he calmed down he read the invitation.

'Interesting' thought Sir Marza. 'More knights will come to Alfred's court for this. Meaning more of his knights for me to slaughter in combat.'

Grinning evilly Sir Marza returned to his swordsmanship practice. A few hours later he set off on his horse to examine the festival.

"Ah," Alejandra commented, "Is it simply because I am a woman, or Spanish, or both?" She asked, "Also, how is respect traditionally earned between knights in England?"

Sir Scaggsmore had thought it quite obvious, "It is because you are a woman!" He sighed, "If you want their respect, you are going to have to either complete some quests or defeat them in battle," he quickly added, "And I doubt they are going to accept your challenge in a fight, so..." his voice trailed off.

The black stead pounded on the dirt road that led to the castle of King Alfred, house of Stuart, the Regent of England. The rider was cloaked, as he was not wearing his standard battle armor which had been pummeled in Normandy after a much debated joust. Indeed, the breastplate had been impacted by the head of a tipped lance, and he had not the money to fix something as finely made, forged in Toledo, the most infamous of all Spanish armouries, and the most infamous of all the world's sword blacksmiths. His face was hidden under the shadows of his hood, which hung over his eyes, and the tunic which covered his upper body, hiding a chainmail jacket he had bought in Calais. His legs were wrapped by baggy pants, much like the pants the Germans wore, and they were only tightly clung to his leg through the clasp of a greave and his leather boots. He had galloped through the town sorrounding the castle, which although nothing compared to his own in Spain, or those he had seen in France, was large nonetheless.

The iron portal was still closed and a guard on the tower screamed to him below,"What need you here?"

The rider snuffed and looked up, without removing his hood, the shadows still hiding his face and thus any emotion he could show. He was but a ghost, and that was the impression he wanted to give. Indeed, he was dead to all but himself. Most thought him killed on the fields of Huesca in Aragon. Others thought he had fled south to the open arms of the Moors, and thus dead at the Siege of Belmonte in the fields of Cuenca. Nobody had expected him to flee north, where knights without fame or money died by the hour, and more than that, nobody had expected him to make it to England. But he was no normal knight. He was the son of a count, house of Catalan, and old ruling house of Aquintaine, and he still had friends throughout France who had given him hospice. He retorted,"Don Rodriguez de Catalan."

The guard turned around to gossip to his friend quite openly saying,"A Spaniard, how quaint. Earlier, we let one of your countrymen, or should I say countrywoman, through. I see you have such manly knights in your country." The guards laughed and Rodriguez did not sway.

He looked down and simply said,"Let me through servant."

The guards took another laugh and opened the portals, letting de Catalan through, and the knight slowly trotted his way in, taking his time and taking a good look at the castle. As he emerged on the other side he was greeted by the life of those working within the walls of a fortification and he gestured to a local servant. When the smaller man arrived de Catalan dismounted and opened the man's hand, leaving a golden piece in his palm, and whispered,"Take good care of Tegulcigalpa."

With that, he made his way to the keep itself, where he would meet this Stuart king, and see what he in mind. Pushing his hood back on the way it took him about thirty minutes to make his way to the keep and then through the keep, but he finally arrived where his fellow knights and a single compatriot were. Looking at the woman he bent down his head and said,"Dona Raimunda." Then looking to the king he kneeled, bent his head, and said,"Su Majestad; Your Majesty."

Alejandra smiled and reminiced back to the battle for the city of Tortosa. She thought of the battle she'd fought with the leader of the brigands, and how she'd managed to force him to challenge her, by using insults that few, if any men could stomach.

"I think I could get them to challenge me, if I were of a mind to do so." She commented, "But perhaps his majesty will have a quest for me."

Sir Sarin was bored when he entered another village far away from his little excerise pratice. He had some money but had little information on what was going on in the Kingdom. He talks to the local innkeep for information about what is going on.

Mars slowed to a hault as they arrived at a town that was in a commotion. "Easy there, boy," Sir Bane said to his horse. "Lets see what all the fuss is about." He jumped off his horse and walked forward into the crowd. They were circled aronud a cart as they screamed and yelled at one another. Sir Bane heard shouts of, "Lets kill him." and "An outrage this is, we must hunt him down." As Sir Bane made it to the middle of the circle, the crowd quieted besides a couple murmurs of, "Is that him?" and "No, he is much to large." Sir Bane roared out, "Someone tell me what hath happened here."

"A knight, smaller than yourself, attacked these innocent peasants. He then tried to enter our town before we stopped him. We are afraid he will return to kill more of us..." yelled the peasant who had first seen the attrocity.

"Hmmm... When I return to court I shall speak to King Alfred of this matter," said Bane. "In the meanwhile stick together and don't be found without a weapon." After recieving a description of the knight he continued as he strode to his horse and mounted. "Off we are, boy," he whispered to his horse. It galloped at full speed on the path to King Alfred's court.

---------------------------------------------------------------

The Macabees

An advisor whispered into the King's ear, before he spoke, "Ah, another Spanaird we have... Well then, Don Rodriguez, I welcome you to my court. This is my wife Cordelia, and my most trusted advisor and the best knight in England, Sir Lancelot." After eyeing the knight for a moment he said, "You look simply terrible," he signaled to a servant to come over. "Allow me to make you some more suitable clothes for a knight. Just tell Peter here what you would like and he will have it made," finished the king as he smiled. "Now arise. Drink and have a merry time," he gestrued with his hand to another servant who immediately brought a wine cup for the knight.

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Theao

"Perhaps, prehaps not," garbled Sir Scaggsmore as he raised a goblet to his mouth. "But, I think you are right... It would be best to achieve this through completion of a quest. Otherwise the knights here may have even a lower opinion of you," he said as took another sip. "All in due time, though. For now you drink and celebrate."

Sir Sarin was bored when he entered another village far away from his little excerise pratice. He had some money but had little information on what was going on in the Kingdom. He talks to the local innkeep for information about what is going on.

"Ah, you know. The King is holding the annuall Spring Festival at his court. All the knights and noblemen of the land are invited, I am suprised you didn't know," the inkeep said as he handed him a drink. "Most knights have been recalled from their quests to celebrate, although a few are not able to make it and are traveling these roads."

Theao

"Perhaps, prehaps not," garbled Sir Scaggsmore as he raised a goblet to his mouth. "But, I think you are right... It would be best to achieve this through completion of a quest. Otherwise the knights here may have even a lower opinion of you," he said as took another sip. "All in due time, though. For now you drink and celebrate."
As the fellow Spainard entered and greeted her, she returned the greeting, with a nod of her head, "Greetings Don Rodriguez." Before returning to her conversation with Sir Scaggsmore. Taking the offered wine goblet, she took a drink, "What is the spring festival like?" She asked

Alric Fitzgilbert looked up as king Alfred's castle rose in front of him. It had taken a rather long time for him to get here and he stood in awe of it. This is my chance, he thought, to become a knight and restore the honor back to my family's name. Exhausted he ran up to the castle gate. I must remember for next time I travel across England, I will use a horse.

Theao

"Its a spectacular event!" said Scaggsmore enthusiastically. "There is a marvelous feast to begin and end it. Lots of music and dancers to entertain. There will most likely be a bard or two that recounts the story of a glorious knight and his quest. But the main event is the jousting tournament at the end - the winner is crowned as the best jouster in the world for a year," he said before stopping for a breath as his sentences had become nonsensical. He took a deep breath before saying, "Its a wonderful time, and you get to meet all the champions of England too - or at least all those who can attend."

He stopped to sip his wine before saying, "And if you need to ask the king for anything... this is the time."

----------------------------------------------------------------

Danard

One of the guards on top of the gate tower noticed the man running up. He tapped a fellow guardsman on the arm and pointed down below before saying to him, "Well he certainly isn't a knight... he doesn't even have a horse." He then leaned over the ramparts and yelled down to the man, "What be ye business at the court of King Alfred. I daresay you are no knight."

Just then Thomas, the Royal Courtier returned from the keep. "I will handle this, open the gate so that I may talk to him in person." The guards obliged as Thomas walked down the stairs to the entrance. He approached the man and said, "We are sorry but the king is not hearing any requests at the moment. Only knights and noblemen are allowed past this gate."

Sir Sarin finishes his drink and pays the innkeep for it. He saids, "I think I will go to the Spring Festival. I want to see who will all be there." Sarin was thinking however time to see who is my competion and who I will have to battle for my vengeance. Sarin heads out with his horse and goes double time to the Kings Court armed and armored.

Theao
"Its a spectacular event!" said Scaggsmore enthusiastically. "There is a marvelous feast to begin and end it. Lots of music and dancers to entertain. There will most likely be a bard or two that recounts the story of a glorious knight and his quest. But the main event is the jousting tournament at the end - the winner is crowned as the best jouster in the world for a year," he said before stopping for a breath as his sentences had become nonsensical. He took a deep breath before saying, "Its a wonderful time, and you get to meet all the champions of England too - or at least all those who can attend."
He stopped to sip his wine before saying, "And if you need to ask the king for anything... this is the time."

"Ah." Alejandra, "If I were to participate in the jousting tournament, I will be required to request a favour of the king. Otherwise I will be unable to compete, on any level."

"And why is that?" inquired Sir Scaggsmore. He wondered, "Why she would need to request something of the king in order to joust... unless she has no armor. Nonsense... what kind of knight has no armor."

Tomzilla

As a knight approached the young lad came out again. "Hault there knight," he said as he did not see any invitation or have any recollection of the knight being at court before. "What business do you have at the court of King Alfred of the house of Stuart," said the guard as he stood in the way blocking the open gate's path.


"I have been travelling for quite some time and wish for rest at this place. Also, I have noticed that there is some activity at this place. May I be more informed of the area?"

"And why is that?" inquired Sir Scaggsmore. He wondered, "Why she would need to request something of the king in order to joust... unless she has no armor. Nonsense... what kind of knight has no armor."
"I do have armour, but armour in-appropriate to that required for jousting. Also I lack a helm." Alejandra replied in response to Scaggsmore's musing.

"My father, Tostig Fitzgilbert was a knight. But, he has been branded a coward. I am here to try to try to become a knight and restore my family's honor." Alric nervously replied.

Sir Sarin was still on the road heading towards the Festival. His horse is still going strong and Sir Sarin is still eager to see everyone for his own personal reasons. He hopes no one remembers his humilation from the last time he meet the court.

OOC: Edit

Tomzilla

"You can rest in town... The castle is only for guests of the king. As for the activities, the King is holding the Spring Festival - the grand festival of the year," said Thomas. "Now... you must go. You can find lodgings at a nearby inn." Thomas walked away as the guards blocked the path into the castle.

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Theao

"I assume that is what you will be asking him for then?" said Scaggsmore. "I am sure he would be happy to accomodate you then. He doesn't like knights to be unprepared for battle."

Scaggsmore paused for a moment before whispering, "A piece of advise for you. If you enter the jousting tournament and lose early... you will have lost all chance of gaining the courts respect."

-------------------------------------------------------------

Danard

"That is very noble of you," said Thomas, "But it will take much more than to be knighted by the king. You will have to complete a quest first. It will be dangerous and you could die... so be prepared."

Thomas signaled to a guard to come over, "In the meantime you will be escorted to a waiting chamber. When the King begins hearing requests you will have your chance... but do not under any circumstance try to enter the grand hall to get to the king - you will be met by the unhappy end of a sword if you do..." Thomas walked away into the keep as a guard escorted Alric to the waiting room.


ooc: Deatharon... you are not at the castle already. Read my comment in the ooc thread before you post...

Theao
"I assume that is what you will be asking him for then?" said Scaggsmore. "I am sure he would be happy to accomodate you then. He doesn't like knights to be unprepared for battle."
Scaggsmore paused for a moment before whispering, "A piece of advise for you. If you enter the jousting tournament and lose early... you will have lost all chance of gaining the courts respect."

"That I will." Alejandra replied, "And as to the joust, I shall simply have to not lose early." She replied, sounding more confident she felt. While the instructors hired by Count Berenger, had covered jousting and lance-work, and she had done well, compared to male knights, who jousted for a living, she was unsure how she'd stack up. She also knew the she'd have to unseat in the first or second pass each time, which was a fairly difficult task. On the postitive side, she was quite determain to succeed, and had a few 'tricks' available to her."

"I know you wish to compete and succeed," Scaggsmore said with the voice of an old wiseman. "I can see it in your competitive spirit, but be warned - the other knights will hold a great advantage over you. Their arms are longer so that they may reach you first in passing, and they are undoubtably stronger than you, meaning that they can hold a longer lance with ease..."

He leaned in before saying, "With all due respect, it may not be wise for you to compete... but do what you must."

"I know you wish to compete and succeed," Scaggsmore said with the voice of an old wiseman. "I can see it in your competitive spirit, but be warned - the other knights will hold a great advantage over you. Their arms are longer so that they may reach you first in passing, and they are undoubtably stronger than you, meaning that they can hold a longer lance with ease..."
He leaned in before saying, "With all due respect, it may not be wise for you to compete... but do what you must."
"I shall take your words under advisement, because much of what you say is true. If I did enter, and win, it could engender more hostility then entering and failing, or not entering at all." Alejandra replied

"I see you are wise beyond your years..." Scaggsmore said. "A very good virtue, you have. The choice is yours whether to join or not, although you may be damned if you do and damned if you don't."

De Catalan rose nodding against to the king, and finally giving a single nod to Sir Lancelot in his honor, and a deep nod to Lady Cordelia whispering,"Dona Cordelia." The king motioned for his servant to bring the Spaniard a cup of wine and better attire, but de Catalan quickly stepped in,"I mean no disrespect Your Majesty, but I cannot accept better attire, although I will accept this wine, as I've heard the wines of England are close to those of Spain. As for the former, I must decline your offer, while I mean no injury on your honor. I am a man who has gone through battles and other hardships, and this is the consequence of actions I have taken in the past, and as a proponent of chivalry-"

He heard the Dona Raimunda snort in the back, and he shot her a glare and then continued"- As I was saying, as a proponent of chivalry, I cannot accept this as it would hurt my own honor. I must prove to you my worth, and I must not accept gifts, for that I will only have to return."

He waited for this to sink in and to see whichever reaction the King gave, hopefully a good one and he pressed on,"But indeed, I am here to ask a favour, although perhaps one that would serve to honor both our houses. I wish to enter your services. I will fight wherever you may want me to fight, I will search for the ends of the Earth. All for nothing except a humble pay so that I can furnish the things that a knight may require, such as the repairing of my armor."

He never looked the King in the eyes, always showing humility. He had learned the tact of lesser nobility in Spain serving for the court of both the King of Castilla and the King of Navarra. He had used it to his advantage throughout France, and he figured that it would be just as reliable in England than anywhere else.

"I see you are wise beyond your years..." Scaggsmore said. "A very good virtue, you have. The choice is yours whether to join or not, although you may be damned if you do and damned if you don't."
"I thank you for the encouraging and wise words." Alejandra replied, "It is quite possible that it is an impossible choice, and I shall have to chart the path of Scylla and Charybdis carefully."

Alric thanked Thomas as he was being escorted to the waiting chambers. He was shown in the door of his temporary home and the door was slammed shut behind him. Exhausted, Alric almost imediatly fell asleep on the simple bed in the room.

The Macabees

King Alfred was taken aback by the knights refusal of his gift, but as De Catalan continued he saw the humility on his face and heard the humility in his voice. The King turned his head to look at Lancelot, who gave him a slow nod. "I believe I understand your situation, good knight. You speak with humility and are curteous beyond that of most knights, therefore I am willing and proud to accept you into my court," said King Alfred as he paused, "Provided you prove yourself in battle. I believe Sir Lancelot would be willing to spar with you, right Lancelot," he said as Lancelot nodded to him. "Very good. If you would like, I will have your armor repaired so that you may spar, or if you trust Lancelot's hand, than you may opt not to wear armor at all. I do not expect you to defeat him, just to hold your own decently... do you accept?"

--------------------------------------------------------------

Theao

"A studied person you are, too," remarked Scaggsmore. "If the knights were only less stubborn they might accept you, but alas they are all young and arrogant," he said with an anger in his voice. "What shall you do then?" questioned Scaggsmore as his voice calmed.

Callisdrun


The younglad had returned to the main gate in time to see another knight approaching. "I welcome you to King Alfred's court. Your horse will be taken care of at the royal stables," he said. "If you would follow me, I will show you to your room. There the royal courtier will be waiting to greet you." He ushered the knight forward, "And what are we to call you, good knight, so that we may present you to the king and court?"


"Asgenar Harne', of the order...well, just leave it like that ok lad?" He looked round behind him
"But er, I'm afraid my horse is back along the raod someways. I wouldn't worry about him, I never got the hang of the damn things. Too many legs for me" He chuckled
"Just between you and me, where can a man get a bath without servants waiting for him to finish. I smell like sixteen mules kept in an untended stable for a week and thats no lie." He laughed again and his equipment clanked.

Theao
"A studied person you are, too," remarked Scaggsmore. "If the knights were only less stubborn they might accept you, but alas they are all young and arrogant," he said with an anger in his voice. "What shall you do then?" questioned Scaggsmore as his voice calmed.
"It is something that I will need to think upon before making my descision." Alejandra replied, "If you don't mind me asking, who are the most respected knights at the court, and why?"

Rodriguez de Catalan weighed the options set before him. King Alfred had offered him to repair his armor and then spar with Sir Lancelot, or he could spar with the British knight with armor or without. He could not keep this King waiting but it was a tough choice. Nonetheless, if this King said that his Knight was a good swordsman than so be it, he gave Alfred his response,"Su Majestad, I cannot keep a knight of such standing waiting. I agree to spar and I trust in his abilities and I trust that I will not get hurt in this exercise. Hopefully God will entrust that with me."

Then de Catalan noticed something that was more important,"Ah, Your Masjesty, it seems as if there is one minor detail I seem to have forgotten. I have but two swords, the rest broken in the competitions and battles I have fought. One, Fortuna, you can see here hanging from my belt, for it is my battlesword, forged in Toledo. The other, my rapier, made in Genoa herself, is still with Tegulcigalpa, my stead, which has been taken by a loyal servant of yours through the prodding of a gold coin. Unless you can offer one of similarity I'm afraid that I must wait to spar, for I have nothing to spar with now."

Staggering Drunks

On the inside the younglad was disgusted by this man, 'How could he be a knight?' he thought to himself. "If you follow me, I will lead you to your room. There you will find a wash basin where you can rid yourself of that putrid odor," said the lad as he ushered the man forward.

He led the knight into the keep and up the stairs to his room. "Take your time cleaning up. When you are done the royal courtier will be waiting to present you to the king..."

---------------------------------------------------------

Theao

"Well, Sir Lancelot is clearly the most honored knight at court as he is the greatest knight in England. Needless to say he has completed many quests and vanquished many enemies in the name of the king. Next would be Sir Gawain - he too is a highly skilled knight, and many consider him to be Lancelot's only true rival - although that is debatable. He once came to the King's aid in battle, in which the king would most likely have died otherwise. The man standing a few feet behind the king," said Scaggsmore as he gestured to an old looking man, "is the wise Sir Brax. He is nearly seventy years old and has served the House of Stuart loyally even before the reign of King Alfred. He is one of the King's closest advisors and a very wise man."

"Next to those three," Scaggsmore continued, "there are many respected knights - some for their skill, others their wisdom, and others for their accomplishments - but they all fail in comparison. Although, the King does have a few knights who he considers real friends such as Sir Bane and Sir Frisk. Sir Bane's father, Sir Kai, was the King's closest advisor before he was killed and Sir Frisk was a childhood friend of the King's."

----------------------------------------------------------

The Macabees

Lancelot spoke for the first time, "I thank you for your honor and respect."

"I assure you, Lancelot will do the best not to harm you," said King Alfred as he stroked his beard, "As for your sword, I am sure that any man here would be willing to lend you one of his. However, I know that a man's sword is unique to him, such that you would perform better with your own rapier." He contemplated the matter for a moment before continuing, "I propose you two options, you can either borrow a sword like your own and spar now or you can relax for tonight as I will have your rapier sent to your room in the morning and you two can spar to kick off the festivities. The choice is yours..."

Theao
"Thank you for that information." Alejandra replied, "Perhaps if I get a chance to, I shall speak with them. Perhaps one of them would have a suggestion for the horns of dilemma I find myself stradling(sp)."

de Catalan pondered a bit more and gave his final decision,"Indeed, we shall wait until tomorrow. I'm sure that your guests will find themselves to be thrilled by the best knight of England defeating a lowly Spanish caballero. But, perhaps, if I myself hold my ground my name may grow throughout England. I have made a name for myself through the Cathar lands of Southern France, and even in Normandy, but I never had the gold to pay for such weapons which would allow me excel. Nonetheless, I am not considered petty throughout areas I have ridden in. Maybe I can leave that behind here also. But, alas, tomorrow, I will be ready."

Rodriguez gave a deep bow to King Alfred, then turned to give a smaller nod to Sir Lancelot, although nonetheless deep, and then turned to Queen Cordelia and half kneeled while taking her hand and kissing her regal ring. With the wine cup in his left hand he brought it back up to take a final sip and said,"Again, thank you for your hospitality. Never have a I walked into a court with a king so honorous as this one. I do not know how you may valour the following words, but I will remember this, and if you ever need me, I will remain within the town."

He gave yet another deep bow before slowly walking backwards, without turning his back on the King, and finally he took another look at the Spanish woman in the room and gave his final words to her,"Dona Raimunda, nice to see you again. You remain beautiful as ever."

Before he left he took one last glance at King Alfred to await permision to leave or to see if the King had something else to say. Indeed, if the King wished, Rodriguez could chat until the Second Coming.

Theao

"Indeed. I am sure they have some advice beyond that of my own as they are much wiser than I. When you get a chance be sure to speak with one of them."

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The Macabees

"Tomorrow it will be then!" roared the king over the chatter of the court, "A duel between Sir Lancelot and Don Rodriguez de Catalan to kick of the Spring Festival."

He turned back to de Catalan, "Judging my the cheers of the crowd, I too think they would be delighted to see Lancelot bury you, but I am sure you will put up a decent fight."

As de Catalan bowed and spoke a few last words of praise the king replied, "Your words are too king, but I shall take them to heart. Perhaps if you succeed tomorrow you will remain in the castle until you venture out in the future. Enough of my ranting though, go - have fun, drink and be merry."

Theao
"Indeed. I am sure they have some advice beyond that of my own as they are much wiser than I. When you get a chance be sure to speak with one of them."

"That I will." She replied, looking at Don Rodriguez, and trying to place where he knew her, as she only knew him from second hand accounts.

She was a bit shocked at the out-pouring of cheering at the anouncement of the duel, both from noise, and the unexpected of it.

Sir Hasdrubal didn't trust this Spaniard. That was his very first thought, and the deep bows, the flattering, the whole character of this man made the impression even stronger. He found his hand already approaching the sword, and Sir Gawain gave him a quick glance. Their eyes met, and Hasdrubal moved his hand away from the left hip. He took his wine and consentrated on swallowing it, while staring the puny-looking kinght in front of the table.

He lied towards Sir Gawain, his close friend and companion, and said with voice so down it was close to whisper,

"I do not trust that man."

Rodriguez walked out of the castle after an equally long time that it took him to first come in. Fortunately, the court in which he had met King Alfred was spaced a good distance from the inner gate of the keep, which led to the small village within the walls of the castle itself. As he made his way outside he noticed that several of the Anglo-Saxon guards kept looking at him in very suspicious ways. It seemed as if these Nordics hadn't seen a Spanish man wearing a sword in a long time; at least a Spanish man that was not a Moor. Every time they shot a glare at him he snared back looking them up and down and putting his right hand on the hilt of Fortuna. Indeed, the same suspicions had come from one of the King's own, Sir Hadrusbal. Even at the thought of that name Rodriguez sneered. Barbarian. Hadrusbal had been a name given to the children of Carthage, a North African city-state that had grown beyond its borders and even into parts of Spain. Africans. Barbarians, indeed. If that man got in his way he would kill him. It was sure that Rodriguez was underestimated in the court of the King, and tomorrow he would prove just that in the spar. He would defend himself against Sir Lancelot in such a way that Sir Lancelot would be forced to wound him, although there were certain tactics which would force Sir Lancelot to take a swipe at his arm, an area not as lethal as his chest or abdominals. It would most likely end up merely a flesh wound, but it would force the fight to a halt, and it would end in a very elusive draw. But, that would have to be left for tomorrow. For the rest of the day Rodriguez would have his fun. However, one was not correct to assume that Rodriguez had mal intention against the King, for he did not, he only wanted glory - that was why he was a knight, not Count of Barcelona. But the latter name did spark a certain interest that only trust within the English court would allow him to swim into Spanish politics. But, again, this was to be left for later, very much later.

As he walked into the village within the castle walls he was overwhelmed by the smell of fresh foods, a very distance smell from the stale air that was witheld in those castle walls. Although he made himself look like a poor and humble man it was far from the truth. The son of a count was rarely poor, even if he was also the son of a whore and had no claim to his father's ranking. He walked into a tabern Guþlaf, which translated into War Legacy, a standard name for a boy, but apparently also the name of this tavern. Walking in, his grieves clanking against each other, he stirred no real attention and he walked to the bar where he sat upon a stool.

The tender of the tabern made his way down and asked,"What ye want?"

The Spaniard looked up and said with his Spanish accent,"Cognac."

The tender sneered. The drink of nobility. But he brought Rodriguez what he wanted anyways and with his hasty and illeterate tongue lashed,"That will be ya six pence."

Rodriguez nodded and put out ten on the wooden table top and smiled,"This is for your good services to a Spanish man."

Another man sitting behind him took interest at this latter comment and he turned upon his stool to stare at Rodriguez. He only looked and failed to say a word or even move his tongue and at first the Spanish knight attempted to focus on his drink, chugging it down within one gulp. Then, vexed at the fact that the other was still looking at him he also whiped around and said,"What is it inbrain?"

The other man laughed and retorted,"Inbrain? You are the inbrain. Remember, you are in English country now Spaniards. You have no allies here. You are a ghost. But, I see you have money, and a man with money always succeeds in these parts. I offer my services. I will kill anybody you want, even if it's the King himself!"

Rodriguez snorted and responded,"You make high claims, but regardless I have no need for the death of Alfred. Indeed, I am looking for his hospitality. But I will remember your face man."

With that he got up on his feet and made his way outside the tabern, and to his accomodations, waiting for the next day. It seemed as if money really did make friends around here.

Theao

"Well that should be quiet exciting," Scaggsmore said as the roar startled him as well. "Although I don't think he has much of a chance against Sir Lancelot... I have heard that he has never lost a duel - and yet he remains humble. That is the mark of a true knight - I just wish the rest of this lot would be like that," he said as he gazed around at the cheering knights.

----------------------------------------------------------

Madnestan

"Maybe not... but the King and Sir Lancelot do - and they both have wisdom and experience beyond your years," said Gawain to Sir Hasdrubal. "You are a good warrior, that much is obvious, but you must remember there is more to being a knight than just skill with a sword."

Theao
"Well that should be quiet exciting," Scaggsmore said as the roar startled him as well. "Although I don't think he has much of a chance against Sir Lancelot... I have heard that he has never lost a duel - and yet he remains humble. That is the mark of a true knight - I just wish the rest of this lot would be like that," he said as he gazed around at the cheering knights.
"It should be, perhaps Don Rodriguez will provide Sir Lancelot a challenge in the duel." Alejandra replied "It would be quite nice if all knights were akin to him, but then those like Sir Lancelot, would no longer be unique."

"Quite right," said Scaggsmore, "And we wouldn't want that, would we."

He looked towards the table at which the king was now seated with his party. On Brax's right there was a lone chair, empty. "I wonder if he is going to return in time for the festival..."

"Quite right," said Scaggsmore, "And we wouldn't want that, would we."
He looked towards the table at which the king was now seated with his party. On Brax's right there was a lone chair, empty. "I wonder if he is going to return in time for the festival..."
"Who normally sits there?" She asked, following Scaggsmore's line of sight.

"Why, Sir Bane of course. It was his father, Sir Kai's, seat before him and when he died King Alfred handed it down the bloodline," said Scaggsmore. "He is off on a quest somewhere, and I heard that he won't be able to return in time..." his voice trailed off.

"Why, Sir Bane of course. It was his father, Sir Kai's, seat before him and when he died King Alfred handed it down the bloodline," said Scaggsmore. "He is off on a quest somewhere, and I heard that he won't be able to return in time..." his voice trailed off.
"He's the king's friend, isn't he." Alejandra said, "Hopefully he'll return in time for the festival."

"Indeed he is," remarked Scaggsmore, "Unfortunately his most recent quest took him far away to the north. The invitation to the Spring Festival most likely arrived later than the others..."

At his accomodations, outside the castle walls, he fell silent within his room. It was rather small and rather poor, but that's how they were built these days for the common people. Rodriguez had found the lad who had taken care of Tegulcigalpa, and he had done so well with the stead that Rodriguez had given him the permanent job of taking care of his horse while he was in the village, and he gotten his rapier, Madalena, as it was called. It fell across his lap and he started to slowly pass his hand over the steel blade of the beautiful piece. It had taken him blood, sweat and tears, along with a near death experience to gain the sword, and the markings on it. Thinking of tomorrow Rodriguez also fell upon old memories.

Indeed, after he had passed through the Cathar lands and entered the area of Marseilles, a small fishing village, he had been called out by a French knight for battle after Rodriguez had insulted the local lord as a usurper to the classical throne of Aquintaine. The battle was heated and intense, but within an hour and no more, the other man lay dead and his rapier, much better than Rodriguez' Fortuna at sparring was claimed by the Spaniard. It was a dear miracle that the blade had not cracked, but it was fact, although it did need some minor repairing. After searching through the history of the knight he had found that the knight was not of France but of Genoa, a city in Northern Italy, and his sword was from the best reputed forges of the city. From there he had named it Madalena after the woman he loves, who had been slaughtered by the Aragonese. From there, he had slain a good number of knights and brigands within France, and he reached a Kingdom called Burgundy whereupon after slaying a simple brigand he was awared a heron mark on his rapier, which he kept on there to this day - it was a mark of proffessional excellence.

Unpacking his small bag of pences and gold coins he thought about his armor. Tomorrow he would fight a man in steel with a chain mail shirt, and that itself was a disadvantage. Perhaps he should order one of the Genoan forges to make him an armored suit, but ney, that would take far too long. Perhaps if he one day travelled south he would order a fabled armored suit from the Genoan forges. Perhaps.

Taking his pact and unloading it upon the straw bed he unravelled the leather strings and opened it. He first took out his steel helmet, built in Norse fashion, with a center piece covering his nose. Following that he took more money out, which the lad protecting his horse had failed to notice. He also had his giant shield swung across his back, which he placed against the wall. Then, sweeping his bed clean he took off his tunic, and then his chainmail armor and fell upon the straw and instantly fell to sleep. He would awake tomorrow for the big day. For now, he would rest.

"Indeed he is," remarked Scaggsmore, "Unfortunately his most recent quest took him far away to the north. The invitation to the Spring Festival most likely arrived later than the others..."
"Is not the festival on the same time each year?" She asked, "So wouldn't he know when to return?"

Scaggsmore said, "No, not all. Well... around the same time yes. But, not the exact same week. And leaving a quest to come to court for the festival, and arriving a week early would look quite poorly."


The King had seated himself at the table as no more new guests had arrived. He was in conversation with Lancelot who was seated next to him, "Tell me Lancelot. What do you think of our humble guest?"

"He has the appearance of a shabby brigande, but his character is that of a humble knight. I believe that he is a better fighter than most gentlemen of the court would believe so."

"Yes, I had the same feeling. I thinks he has a history greater than that of a lowly knight. He seems to be seeking grandeour and honor from the court."

"Indeed, and he might very well recieve it tomorrow."

"You aren't suggesting..."

"No, not all, my good king. But I do not daresay it will be the easiest battle I have ever encountered. I would hope that he does not force me too bloody him... but the choice is his."

"Yes, well..." The conversation drew on as the moon grew high in the evening night. Eventually the king stood up and held his arms out and in a booming voice that silenced the crowd he said, "I go now to sleep. Tomorrow awaits an exciting day and the beginning of a marvelous festival." He then left the room by himself, but the rest of the court understood the signal. They all began wrapping up their conversations and gonig to bed. Soon only the servants were left in the hall cleaning up and preparing for the following evening's feast.


-----
Far away, Mars came to a hault under a large oak tree. Sir Bane dismounted and prepared himself for the continuance of a long ride home...
-----


*The following day*

The King arose early in the morning and walked to the roof of the keep. There were four watchmen standing at the 4 corners looking out over the land. "Anything?" he asked them as he walked over to the north rampart and looked out over the castle entrance.

"No, M' Liege."

"Alright, alert me if you see anything."

Alejandra said good night to Sir Scaggsmore and retired to her room. She laided down on the bed and quickly fell fast asleep. Without her 'alarmclock', she would likely sleep a great deal of the day, unless someone came to wake her.

By eleven, the castle was again bustling with movement. Servants were putting the finishing touches on the grand hall and were fixing up the grandstands at the jousting event, which was to be used on the last night. The knights and noblemen of the court had stirred and could now be found all over the castle doing various things from conversing to practicing theirs swordskills.

The king had been frequenting the tower every hour to see if the there was anyword of the knight, but the watchmen had seen nothing.

Sir Brax had entered the King's chamber upon his request. The king sat on his bed with a pair of maid servants massaging him. "How are the guests?" he inquired to Brax.

"The guests are fine," he responded in a slow and raspy voice. "Although Sir Bane is still missing and I haven't seen the Knightress this morning."

"Yes, I know Sir Bane has still not returned. As for the knightress go have a look to see if she is awake. Also send out watchmen to look for Sir Bane's coming - alert me if you learn of anything."

"Yes, M' Liege," Sir Brax said as he bowed as best he could and walked out.

In the hall, Sir Brax noticed Sir Lancelot sitting on a chair and eating a piece of bread, "Lancelot, would you make yourself usefull and see if the knightress is in her room. I need to attend to other matters." He then walked off before getting a response and went to send out the messengers.

Sir Lancelot said through stuffed teeth after Sir Brax had left, "No problem." He stoof up and walked across the castle to the guests room. He walked down to the end of the hall until he reached the second to last door. He knocked on it with his gauntlet before opening the door and saying, "M' lady, be you awake?" He had creaked the door open just a few inches and now stood with his back to it, listening for a response.

Sven had gotten washed up quickly, and had donned another set of his black travelling clothes. He no longer owned anything fine, though he had never had much fancy wear, either. At the banquet, he'd been fairly quiet, only talking to a few people, and he himself had taken the lowest place among the seats. Even so, his appearence would have stood out, as a dangerous looking man in all black, towering over just about everyone generally did. He had left late, returned to his room and read some of the books on the shelves late into the night before going to sleep.

He woke up near noon the next day, washing his face before heading down see if he could get something to eat. Sven had not been very hungry the previous night, and so hadn't eaten much.

As Lancelot stuck his ear in the room, he heard a faint, feminine snore. Alejandra was still fast asleep. She was use to getting physically woken up by Alonso, rather than getting verbally woken by a soft-spoken knight.

"Guess not..." Lancelot thought as he heard a sound coming from inside. He slowly opened the door and looked inside. The knightress was sound asleep on her bed, "At this time of day, really," Lancelot said. He backed over to her bed and tapped her on the shoulder with his arm behind his back. She didn't wake up, so he tried it again, and again nothing. He finally grabbed hold on her arm as best he could without facing her and shook her forcefully.

Rodriguez woke up early next morning, awoke by the scream and scratch of the sound of the rooster's howl. He rubbed his eyes raw as he yawned, and then strethced his arms. His broad chest only got larger, while his muscles in his arm flexed to their maximum, showing the strength he had harnessed through the previous year of war and duels, and his epic ride through France to England. He lathargically rose to his feet and looked around his room and scoffed when there wasn't a single thing to wash himself with. Slowly making his way to the door he threw it open and looked down the hallway which made the third floor of the tavern. Walking in his undergarments he made it to the end of the hall and then down the stairs, where he passed through the empty bar and into the back courtyard where there was a communal well. Trying his hand at pulling down the rope which worked the lever he brought a basket full of water for himself and he dipped his face in it, scrubbing all the dirt off the side of his skin. He then proceeded to clean the rest of his body, taking off whatever he was wearing and just doing it there. It took him only a while, as he had done this regularly - he was a man who liked to keep clean.

He made his way back up to his room where he looked around for his clothing and his armor and he prepared himself for this very eventful day. He first put on a second layer of undergarments, including a wool shirt, and instead of long pants he wore a garment more in the form of the old Latin way, a tunic which ended in a skirt which dropped to the midlevel of his thighs. He then bent over to proceed to put on his steel grieves, which had a dual thick leather strap to tighten them about his calve muscles. After those were in place he put on a third layer of clothing which was a padded leather jacket which would provide a substantial level of protection. Finally, he finished it off with his chain mail tunis, which covered it all, showing nothing but the miniature links which made the armor. He then took the extended leather scabbard and threw it around his waist, putting the Madalena in it. He left the Fortuna against the wall.

Closing the door behind him he made his way down to the bar of the tavern and searched for the owner of the place. When he found him he closed on him and whispered,"Do not let anybody near my room. This is for your efforts. It will be doubled if you succeed in your orders." He placed sixpence in his palms. With that, he walked out the front door of the tavern. He wouldn't make it to within the castle yet, he first had to visit a fellow countryman, or more specifically a fellow countrywoman. Indeed, he had a reason to come to England, but that reason required specific prerequisites, which would take him to the Cathar region of France. But he figured he would be too late, so he would just see her in the festivities regardless. Perhaps he would so some visiting at the castle itself.

"Guess not..." Lancelot thought as he heard a sound coming from inside. He slowly opened the door and looked inside. The knightress was sound asleep on her bed, "At this time of day, really," Lancelot said. He backed over to her bed and tapped her on the shoulder with his arm behind his back. She didn't wake up, so he tried it again, and again nothing. He finally grabbed hold on her arm as best he could without facing her and shook her forcefully.
As her arm was shaken, her other arm swung up and smacked where the neck of a horse would be, or as the case was a man's face. Rubbing her eyes groggily, she sat up and blinked as she caught sight of the man. Eyes still blurry with sleep, her hand flew to the bed-side table where her dagger lay, as she asked, "Who are you."

On his way downstairs, Sven passed the door to Alejandra's rooms. He saw that Lancelot was doing his best to awake the woman. "Excuse me, Sir," he said, in his charactaristic low voice. "Where would I be able to obtain some breakfast?"

Despite having washed up before leaving his room, it was obvious that he'd just woken up. He made it even more obvious when he rubbed his face, as if to rub sleepiness out of himself.

Rodriguez walked up the plank to the inner gate, the entrance to the keep of the castle. His appearance was a thousand times better than it was yesterday, and the guards seemed to acknowledge that as they let him through as a knight. He entered the complex, his armor clinking, his sword by his side, and looked for a familiar face. Namely one he had seen in the courts the day before. He eyes scanned the vast room within the keep and he continued to walk to see if he saw anything. He finally saw a servant and asked,"Good person, can you direct me to the room of Dona Alejandra, or Sir Lancelot? Or, perhaps even better, the King himself if he is not sleeping or busy?"

As he waited for the servant to comply or respond he kept on looking around for anything, even for food to eat. But his attention quckly turned back to the servant.

Theao & Callisdrun

"Oww," Sir Lancelot said as the Knightress slapped him across the face. "Its just me, Lancelot. I was told to wake you... its nearly midday," he said as he swung he raised his hand to show no weapon. "I am sorry for waking you, but I was not sure if you would ever wak up..."

Lancelot heard a voice outside the door asking where breaskfast might be found. Without turning his head, he said, "If you head back towards the main hall, but take a right before you enter, you will eventually wind up at the royal kitchen. you can ask them for whatever you would like... or you could simply ask the first servant you see to bring you something..." After the knight left he re focused on the waking lady.

---------------------------------------------------

The Macabees

The servant bowed to the approaching knight responded, "I believe the King is in his room attending to other matters, although if you would like I will send him a message for you. As for the lady Alejandra, I believe she has yet to come out of her room. I last saw Sir Lancelot when I got some bread for him to eat, although he wandered off afterwards and I do not know of his current whereabouts." He remained bowing, "Is there anything else you would like, sir?"

Theao & Callisdrun
"Oww," Sir Lancelot said as the Knightress slapped him across the face. "Its just me, Lancelot. I was told to wake you... its nearly midday," he said as he swung he raised his hand to show no weapon. "I am sorry for waking you, but I was not sure if you would ever wak up..."
Lancelot heard a voice outside the door asking where breaskfast might be found. Without turning his head, he said, "If you head back towards the main hall, but take a right before you enter, you will eventually wind up at the royal kitchen. you can ask them for whatever you would like... or you could simply ask the first servant you see to bring you something..." After the knight left he re focused on the waking lady.

"Alright," Alejandra replied as she returned the dagger to the night-stand.
"Now if you would ..." She gestured to the door, meaning for Lancelot to vamoose.

Once he'd left, she rose from bed, and began getting dressed. She decided to dress in riding clothes, which was a leather jerkin, a pair of pants, and boots.

She then exited her room and looked to see if Lancelot had remained or left.

Rodriguez shook his head at the news and responded,"No, better not to take matters of the mind of King Alfred." He was about to tell the servant that he had asked all that was to be asked but then he continued,"On second though, where can I find some food?" His stomach rumbled in the least noble way, and he cofered it up with his hand and smiled at the servant,"Yes, I am terribly hungry."

Theao

Sir Lancelot had remained standing outside her door when she had come out. Noticing her interesting choice of clothes, he studdered quickly before continuing, "I again apologize for waking you so rudely, m' lady. I tried whispering and then tapping you lightly but you didn't wake...'

----------------------------------------------------------

The Macabees

The servant smiled, "Well if you continue down the way towards the grand hall, but take a right at the oak doors, you will eventually come to the royal kitchen. If you ask they will make you whatever you like. Otherwise you can just tell me what you would like and I will go get it for you..."

Rodriguez shook his head and simply said,"No, no, no use troubling you, you have much more important work to carry about. No need to aid a poor knight like me to find food. You better scurry about before your masters get angry. Nevertheless, I thank you for your aid."

After letting the servant go about his business, as he stepped away and began to, himself, scurry to where the servant had directed him. He made it to the large oak portals and turned right, and there the kitchen was. The fires and steams were filling the room with quite a scent and the Spaniard's stomach rumbled a bit more, and he approached one of the cooks saying,"I was told you're the best cook in all of England! They say you can make me anything, and I will take them up on this! But then again, all I want is a simple breakfast, not a meal. Indeed, do you truly expect me to fight on a whole meal? Of course you didn't!" He gave a hearty laugh and continued,"How about a little bit of bread and perhaps some meat, of whatever you have?"

Theao

Sir Lancelot had remained standing outside her door when she had come out. Noticing her interesting choice of clothes, he studdered quickly before continuing, "I again apologize for waking you so rudely, m' lady. I tried whispering and then tapping you lightly but you didn't wake...'

"I guess it's what I get for using Alonso to wake me." Alejandra replied, "Is it still time for breakfast?" She asked as her stomach growled menacingly.

The Macabees

As the chef noticed a knight walk into the kitchen he said, "I thank you for your compliments," although he did not stop from his busy work to chat. He signaled to an assistant and he brought the knight a load of a bread and a glass of wine. "Ah, I give you a prime rib. Nice and juicy, yes?" said the chef as he tossed a good sized stake onto the fire. "How you like it done? Nice and rare, eh?" he said smiling.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Theao

Guessing that Alonso was her horse, Sir Lancelot did not attempt to pursue that path. Instead he said, "Ah, well..." rubbing his head he continued, "Well its a little late for breakfast, but I am sure the chef would not have a problem of wipping up something for you." He bowed and gestured down the hall with his hand, "After you, m' lady."

Theao

Guessing that Alonso was her horse, Sir Lancelot did not attempt to pursue that path. Instead he said, "Ah, well..." rubbing his head he continued, "Well its a little late for breakfast, but I am sure the chef would not have a problem of wipping up something for you." He bowed and gestured down the hall with his hand, "After you, m' lady."
"Why thank you." She said as she started down the hallway. "Would you mind if I asked you a difficult question?"

Sir Lancelot straightened after Alejandra had passed and said, "Not at all, m' lady." He walked next to her, but half a step behind, as they walked down the stairway and down a hallway.

He was handed the cup of wine and he took a sip while the chef said something, and it was perfect and he replied,"Indeed, rare my friend. This wine is great. I do not want to compare with that of Spain, but nonetheless, it is something to marvel at."

He looked around the kitchen and waited for his food to cook. He would wait around here for a while since this place was so tasty, literally. He drank the rest of the wine in a single gulp and looked over to another servent in the kitchen, gesturing her to come to him and he handed her the chalace,"Dear lady, may you fill this up for me with more wine? "

The cook carried on with his busy work as his food was prepared and Rodriguez, with nothing better to do but stick around, patiently waited.

Sir Lancelot straightened after Alejandra had passed and said, "Not at all, m' lady." He walked next to her, but half a step behind, as they walked down the stairway and down a hallway.
"As you may have noticed, I am a woman, and there is a distinct lack of female knights here." Alejandra said, "I also noticed that because of that, females are generally placed on a low end. Thus I was wondering, would you have suggestions on how I might improve that I am a valid, and competent knight?"

The Macabees

The servant walked over and bowed before taking his wine cup. She filled it up with wine and returned it to the knight as the chef was saying, "I am glad you like. It was grown at the royal vineyard a short distance away. Each vine is carefully watched over so to maintain the best taste."

The fire was hot, so it was not long before the steak was done. He handed it to the knight and said, "Eat up," and went back to his prepartion of that night's feast.

---------------------------------------------------------

Theao

As they walked Sir Lancelot listened before finally saying, "Indeed, I had noticed," he said with a chuckle, "But a good question that is. Although, I wouldn't say women are placed on the low-end but rather it is seen as improper for them to be warriors. King Alfred might rule the land, but I think we both know who really runs this castle," he said as he winked at her. He stoppedd walking and turned towards her, "Ah, seriously though, I would suggest either defeating a knight in battle, which would be hard to do as most knights would refuse your challenge, completing a royal quest given to you by King Alfred, or simply do well in the jousting tournament."

Theao
As they walked Sir Lancelot listened before finally saying, "Indeed, I had noticed," he said with a chuckle, "But a good question that is. Although, I wouldn't say women are placed on the low-end but rather it is seen as improper for them to be warriors. King Alfred might rule the land, but I think we both know who really runs this castle," he said as he winked at her. He stoppedd walking and turned towards her, "Ah, seriously though, I would suggest either defeating a knight in battle, which would be hard to do as most knights would refuse your challenge, completing a royal quest given to you by King Alfred, or simply do well in the jousting tournament."
She chuckled at his borderline scandlous comment. "Then I must seek out a royal quest, as like you said, a challenge would be nearly out of the question, the joust is as likely to earn me respect as contempt, beside which there are a few complications to participating at this time."

Rodriguez let the cook put the meat in his bread and murmured a,"Yea, very good wine and very good meat, and very good breakfast." With that, the cook turned away and went back to work and Rodriguez slowly chewed his way through the makeshift breakfast he had constructed for himself. Sometimes the memories of the last year came back, and it did with the meat. He remembered himself sitting in the fields of Bordeaux, looking over the bodies of twisted and mangled dead men. It was not a battle, but it was almost as bad. He and Tegulcigalpa had run across a pillaged Moor merchant convoy, most likely ravaged by 'religious' brigands made of thieves. The stead, at the smell, backed away while Rodriguez put the back of his hand over his nose, about to throw up. Fortunately, food was scarce that day. He remembered, being hungry, letting himself down from the horse, and looking through the ravaged carts and such, finding for any scraps of food, while the stench portruded into his nostrils. Finding a dead dog, he had decided to eat that.

Rodriguez, still in the kitchen, shook off the thought and he noticed he had stopped eating his breakfast. Before thinking twice his stomach rumbled again and he took another bite and continued chewing his way, while sporadically taking gulps from the extraordinary wine. He would stick around the kitchen for a while, for this food was very good.

Theao

"Well the joust could breed contempt... depending on how you manage it that is..." Sir Lancelot said, "But then what are the complications and how can I help?" They started walking again and were soon at the oak doors of grand hall. They turned right and began walking down the long hall to the kitchen...

-----------------------------------------------------------

The Macabees

The chef noticed that the knight had stopped eating momentarily, "You no like?" he inquired, "I will make you something else then... what do you want," he asked determined to satisfy the knight's pallete.

Theao

"Well the joust could breed contempt... depending on how you manage it that is..." Sir Lancelot said, "But then what are the complications and how can I help?" They started walking again and were soon at the oak doors of grand hall. They turned right and began walking down the long hall to the kitchen...
"The two major complications are my lack of plate armour, as well as the lack of a helm. Both of which are important in a joust." Alejandra replied as they continued walking.

Rodriguez took a look at the cook from the side of his eyes, and he smiled and said,"Man, for God's sake! Your food is great, not go prepare to appease the guests for tonight instead of worrying about a lowly Spaniard who has nothing better to do but annoy the cooks of the king! But, I will take up your offer. If I want anything else I will go straight for you, since you make the best food here!"

Rodriguez continued to chew on the meat and sip from the wine, as he kept on looking around. He turned back to the cook and said one more thing,"Ah yes, I meant to ask Lancelot this, but I can't seem to find him, more likely due to my apathy. But, you're a cook. Even cooks go out of the castle. Do you know of any better taverns I may stay at? The one I was at last night was absolutely horrible."

Theao

"That is a problem. Although if you would like, I am sure I could find you a suitable helm and plate armor. But I understand if you don't want to joust... a quest would work fine too. Most of the knights currently present will be venturing out to continue their quests when the festival is over and I am sure
the king could find you a quest that needs to be tackled..." They had now reached the kitchen door, as Sir Lancelot stopped and waited.

--------------------------------------------------------

The Macabees

The chef calmed down and took a breath as the knight spoke. "I again thank you for your compliments, don't be hesitant to ask for anything else."

The chef turned back to his cooking but soon heard the knight ask another question about taverns. "Ah, well I must confess that I don't get out too often, as I have been given a room at the castle." He quickly added, "I am sure the King has already offered you one, but if not I am sure you could obtain one. Although if you prefer not to stay at the castle, I understand." The chef thought for a moment before bursting out, "Now that I think about it, my cousin John owns a tavern nearby. I think it is called the Store's Spatula... no, the Door's Crabula... no... The Boar's Tabula. Yes thats its it, The Boar's Tabula. Tell him Samuel sent you..." the cook's voice trailed off as he continued his cooking.

Rodriguez nodded at the cook and finished the conversation with,"Thank you." Taking the cook by the shoulder he opened his palm and put in a gold coin and pressed on,"Take this for your fine service. The house of Catalan does not underpay."

He continued to munch on the meat, leaning against one of the supports to the ceiling of the kitchen, made out of pure stone, and took another gulp of his dark wine, failing to notice the two that had come in behind him.

Theao

"That is a problem. Although if you would like, I am sure I could find you a suitable helm and plate armor. But I understand if you don't want to joust... a quest would work fine too. Most of the knights currently present will be venturing out to continue their quests when the festival is over and I am sure
the king could find you a quest that needs to be tackled..." They had now reached the kitchen door, as Sir Lancelot stopped and waited.

"I shall await the chance for a quest." Alejandra replied as she opened the door to the kitchen and was almost blasted off her feet by the aromas coming out of the various stew pots, ovens and spits.

The chef thanked him numerous times for the gold coin before going back to his cooking. But before long he saw Sir Lancelot out of the corner of his eye speaking with the Knightress Alejandra.

"Very well, if you would like to go questing, we shall ask the king about it sometime. Now about the food..." said Lancelot

"Ah, Master Lancelot. What can I do for you on this fine day. Would you like to taste tonights meal?" asked the chef as he beemed at Sir Lancelot.

Walking over to the chef, he said, "Where are you manners, Samuel. Ask the lady if she would like something, before asking me." Though he took the spoon of soup that the chef was presenting, and he chuckled.

Now noticing Rodriguez sitting at the table eating he said, "Ah, Don Rodriguez. How goes your day?"

Meanwhile the chef turned to Alejandra and asked, "I am sorry. What would you like to eat. You name it, I will make it..."

snip
"Don't trouble yourself on my account, perhaps a roll, some cheese, and a bit of meat." Alejandra replied, unuse to being 'waited' on in such a manner.

Don Rodriguez suddenly turned about to meet the gaze of both Sir Lancelot and Doña Alejandra. He let the cook finish his speech and then greeted each accordingly, bowing his head first to Lancelot saying"Sir Lancelot." Then turning to Alejandra and bowing even deeper cordially greeting her,"Doña Alejandra." He finished his greetings by approving of the wine for perhaps the fifth time in two days,"If you're both here for breakfast, I suggest you try this wine. Doña, it's almost as good as the wine that flows from the lands of the Moors, south of Valencia and north of Al-Andaluz."

Don Rodriguez suddenly turned about to meet the gaze of both Sir Lancelot and Doña Alejandra. He let the cook finish his speech and then greeted each accordingly, bowing his head first to Lancelot saying"Sir Lancelot." Then turning to Alejandra and bowing even deeper cordially greeting her,"Doña Alejandra." He finished his greetings by approving of the wine for perhaps the fifth time in two days,"If you're both here for breakfast, I suggest you try this wine. Doña, it's almost as good as the wine that flows from the lands of the Moors, south of Valencia and north of Al-Andaluz."
"Good morning Don Rodriguez. While I do not doubt the truth of your appraisal of our host's wine cellars, it is a bit too early for wine." Alejandra said as she greeted her countryman.

Rodriguez chuckled and responded,"It's never too early for wine! But, alas, enough prodding. Dear lady, have you ever passed through the lands of the Cathars, of Southern France? This might appear as a question out of the blue, as some say, but there's some focus behind it, and I must ask you."

"Nonsense," said the chef. "I am here to cook, and so I shall do so. I shall make you a nice juicy steak." He signaled over to his assistant and she brought over a loaf of bread, a small wheel of italian cheese, and goblet of water.

Lancelot had bowed to the Don Rodriguez before wandering around the kitchen picking at the food.

Rodriguez chuckled and responded,"It's never too early for wine! But, alas, enough prodding. Dear lady, have you ever passed through the lands of the Cathars, of Southern France? This might appear as a question out of the blue, as some say, but there's some focus behind it, and I must ask you."
"Yes I have, why do you ask?" Alejandra asked, as the question was out the blue.

"Nonsense," said the chef. "I am here to cook, and so I shall do so. I shall make you a nice juicy steak." He signaled over to his assistant and she brought over a loaf of bread, a small wheel of italian cheese, and goblet of water.

Lancelot had bowed to the Don Rodriguez before wandering around the kitchen picking at the food.
"Then I must thank you for your enthusiasm." Alejandra thanked the cook.

Rodriguez looked at Lancelot while he walked away to pick at the food. It was not that he didn't trust the man, he just felt that Lancelot could only know later, although truly, Lancelot would be one of the main men Rodriguez seeked when the time was right. He turned back to Doña Alejandra and continued,"I lived amongst them for at least a month, and I learned of many legends, including one that would interest me most."

He thought a bit and then pressed on,"Indeed, it is the chalice of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ himself. The Holy Grail. They say it is within the arms of the Cathars and I am prepare to lead the most trusted knights within my personal circle and within the circle of Alfred. Perhaps, five of us total."

Before she could ask any questions Rodriguez de Catalan went on,"I am the son of the Count of Barcelona and a whore. Therefore, I have the money of a count, regardless of my current....disposition, if you will, yet no personal claim to Barcelona. The heir, son to the true wife of the Count, is dimwitted and not fit to rule the city and its sorrounding territories. It risks aquisition either by Aragon or the Moors in Valencia, and I am not prepared to risk that. Therefore, I am willing to search the seven seas and go to the corners of the Earth to bring back the most lucritive items to Alfred and gain his trust, so that I may lead a host of the most infamous English knights south and lead a coup in Barcelona. Coups and wars nonwithstading, this is all long term."

Finally, he led up to his final proposition,"As a fellow Spaniard, I come to you first. Do you wish to join me in this most holy of quests? I may not know where it may take us, I may not know where it is, but I have the truest feeling that it is out there."

[OOC: Yes, tomorrow if possible, I'll talk to DMG over this bit. The quest has been talked over, but the rest hasn't, but nonetheless, it has no revelence to the current plot so we have a while to talk about it.]

The chef listened half hearteedly as he finished preparing Alejandra's meal. He walked over to her with it and said "Here you are, m' lady," before returning to his fire.

After taking it all in, Lancelot spoke, "I had a feeling you were more than you let on to be... However I will head you two warnings. The first is that many men have searched for grail, good men, men that I have trained, and yet not a one of them after years of searching as found it. Most have died on the route... fallen to wicked knights or plotting madmen, so if you to embark on this quest I would say be prepared to find nothing except death. As for the other piece of advise, it is this... I know King Alfred quite familiarly and have so for many years now and I know it would take more than respect for him to help you overthrow your future leader. Coup is not a word he likes to hear... from anybody." Lancelot finished his warning and continued to munch on the snacks...

snip
Alejandra was quite distressed, and it showed on her face. He was talking of attacking and overthrowing the man that had been responsible for her present position and stature, the man who was his own father.

She turned away as her loyalty to the Count of Barcelona, warred with her loyalty to Spain, which in tern warred with her loyalty to the people of Barcelona.

She did not answer as could not trust herself at the moment not to say something, and commit herself to a path she could not bear.

ooc: Soonest will be on tomorrow will be around 5:45-6:00pm Central, and on Tuesday/Wensday, soonest will be around 10Pm.

Rodriguez scoffed,"Alfred might not like the word 'coup', but he will like it when learns of the dark politics of Barcelona. Why do you think I had to flee? Do you think I lived with the Cathars because of my personality? It's disgusting. My father is old, his rule is the rule of his son, a madman. He had waged war against Aragon, and that's where I almost was slaughtered, leading a group of knights of Navarra. Fortunately for the soul of my father Aragon agreed to a peace, but my failure cost me my stature in Spain. I was forced to fleet through France, and now I'm here. I'm afraid Alfred is my final possibility. If not, I may have to flee to the East and find a life there."

He shook his head,"Regardless, Lancelot, your men that you trained moved on pure ideals, pure mythology. I have heard the stories of people who know more than any of us combined. You must trust me."

Lancelot's tone changed at Don Rodriguez's last comment, "I don't think the Knightress would agree with everything you have said, but what do I know. As for the men venturing for the holy grail... you know nothing of them. They traveled the world in search for it, they talked with everyone, and they were great knights." Lancelot paused momentarily and when he spoke again his tone had changed to one that was threatening yet calm, "But hear this... never refer to His Highness by his first name... am I clear?"

The chef, meanwhile, trying to change the topic, asked Alejandra how her food was.

"Thank you, the food truely is delicious." Alejandra replied, realizing the cook's intentions and agreeing full well with his attempt.

ooc: Need sleep

Don Rondriguez let go a chucle which turned into a hackle and said,"Of course. I know but one thing of them, and that is that they failed. Regardless of their training they did not find the grail. I guess, if you are not interested, I will just find it on my own. For that, I must say goodbye to both of you. I feel you lack a basic understanding today's politics, but that should come from one who's life is based around that of his King, and one that is based around being understood and accepted. But, alas, not one man, or woman, is alike, and I guess that I shall just go on it by myself."

He thought to himself for a brief second and then said,"Indeed, tell your King that I will not make it for the festivities. By the time you see him I will be gone. A bid you Godspeed and farewell."

Without a second glance he let the remainder of his food on a piece of wood, and quickly made his way out of the castle. It took him perhaps twenty minutes to find his way out, but he did nonetheless, and there he looked for the servant who had taken care of his stead for the last day. Finally, finding him he called for Tegulcigalpa and gave the young man a gold coin saying,"This is well deserves. If God gives me the right to be back, you shall be entrusted with her again." With that, he turned the horse around, and galloped out to the village, where he would pick up his belongings and leave for Dover...

Sven took his time walking to the kitchen. When he arrived, he found several others there, already. Lancelot and Alejandra were enjoying breakfast and chatting.

"Good morning, Sir, M'lady," he said as he walked through the door, with an odd, lurching gait. Leaning on the wall, he asked the cook. "I do not mean to distract, but might I please get some porridge, with spices in it, for breakfast?" Some might think his voice was ominous sounding, but Sven had pleasant, down to earth way of talking, even with the accent.

"What news is there this fine day?" he asked the others in the kitchen.

"Not very knightly was he," Lancelot said after Don Rodriguez had left.

"No, not at all," said the chef, "He didn't even finish his food..."

"Well, I must be off to inform the king. Although I do think that when it is announced the duel is off, the court will think him a coward for running. Nonetheless he might be less rude next time he is at court..." Lancelot said to Alejandra as he walked to the doorway.

"If you need anything at all, M' Lady, come find me and I shall have it provided."

OOC: Can someone give me a breif summary of what's happened so I can make an IC post? Thanks.

Staggering Drunks

On the inside the younglad was disgusted by this man, 'How could he be a knight?' he thought to himself. "If you follow me, I will lead you to your room. There you will find a wash basin where you can rid yourself of that putrid odor," said the lad as he ushered the man forward.

He led the knight into the keep and up the stairs to his room. "Take your time cleaning up. When you are done the royal courtier will be waiting to present you to the king..."

"Putrid? Come now boy, thats the smell of hard labour. Treat your feet well and thay shall do in turn to you, remember that."
When he got up to his room he breathed in relief to be off the road, he found the long streching miles tempering but everyone can get tired of walking after a while.

He unslung his Orria, his odd shaped shield, then his claymore and tossed them both onto the bed. He reached round behind his back for the buckles to his plate armour and let them fall to the ground with a resounding clank. He appeared to be apologetic to somone for this though, and when he picked his armour up to be placed on the bed along with his weapons it was done with care and reverance.

The only piece of his equipment he did not lay arranged on his bed was his knife which he layed on the side of the bath. After he was fully stripped of his gear he knelt by the water with his head bowed and picked up his knife, he pricked his palm to allow a solitary drop of blood to drop and mingle in the water.

"With the blood of my soul I purify my body" He recited a chant. He was always confused why some knights saw this as an evil ritual, surely blood was life so it was a holy thing to use in rituals, in small amounts of course, it should not be squandered. After a moment he appeared satisfied and got into the water to get clean.

A few minutes later the Knight appeared at the top of the stairs fully armoured and much cleaner. He shook his long hair so it sent droplets everywhere and he chuckled.
"Asgenar Harne', at your service" He bowed

Sir Hasdrubal was returning to the castle from his morning ride. He was a man who didn't need that much sleep, and was usually one of the last to go to bed, but amongst the first to be awaken. He had had his breakfast before the dawn, and had already out of the castle while most of the inhabitants were still in bed. He had ridden through the village, and up to the hills beyond it. It had taken not much more than an hour, and he was now already making his way back. Half way between the village and the castle, he saw the Spanish knight, this "Rodrics" or whatever, riding down towards him.

He lead his horse straight in front of the man coming to him, and blocked the path by positioning cross the road so that the Spaniard was on his right side.

"What is this, mister? Where are you heading, with such rush? Are you not supposed to fight Sir Lancelot this morning? You should be preparing for the defeat, instead of running to the village!" He had an arrogant, sneering look on his face, when he continued:

" Or could it be so that you have found dueling to be such a dangerous event that you rather pack your stuff and escape?" He looked at the man with uncovered discust. "I would not be surprised..."

Rodriguez, his chainmail waving on his body as the horse jolted him up and down stopped with a halt at the outer gates at the sight of Hadrusbal. The Spanish knight was not one to hate and so he politely nodded to Hadrusbal and said,"Greetings Great Knight."

He slowly dismounted from his black stead, Tegucilgalpa, and pressed on,"We never formally met, Sir Hadrusbal. I am Don Rodriguez de Catalan, and yes I am to not fight Lancelot, although perhaps I have rushed things a bit. I do not wish to leave with the words of a coward branded on my forehead. Dear, how brash I am."

Extending his arm he was willing to shake that of Hadrusbal and he finished off,"Indeed, let us find Sir Lancelot and I shall duel him. Then I shall leave for something that Sir Lancelot knows very well what it is. Regardless, you are correct, I must complete what I promised."

Sir Hasdrubal was now totally confused. If someone had said to him like he had just said to this knight in front of him, he would have certainly taken that as a 1st degree insult and immeadiately challenged the insulter to fight him, just to protect his honour.

Answer like this was the last thing he had expected. His self-confidence was totally gone.

However, to the extended hand he could not react but in one way. He dismounted, took the hand and shaked it.

"Yes" was all he managed to say.

Rodriguez calmy took the man's hand and clasped his other hand over it shaking it vehemently, taking notice of the other man's confused look. Releasing his grasp he put his right arm over the shoulders of Sir Hadrusbal and offered,"Let us go and find Sir Lancelot."

The two started walking and Rodriguez continued with his story,"It seems as if Sir Lancelot has taking a bad taste toward me, perhaps because of the fact that I am brash, but regardless, that's of no importance to me. I am a man who has goals, even if others don't agree with them, and I am no position to wait here for the festivities. Nonetheless, I have better thought my position and have decided to go directly to the King before I leave here." He was careful not to say his first name in front of those in his circle, as he had learned with the other knight.

He pressed foward,"Indeed, I am not a man to be insulted. You can do anything to me and I will not respond in a belligerent manner. Indeed, I may be brash when I get some idea, but I am calm when it comes to combat. Some say that is my greatest strength. So, let's find Sir Lancelot and hammer out the details of our fight. Indeed, here is Madalena by me, just for this spar. So, where do you hail from? You do not look like an Englishman. You look, perhaps, a bit more proffessional in the art of killing."

Back in his tracks again. Now he knew what this man meant. It was nothing more complicated than the simple fact he was too much of a coward to defend himself, just skilled in hiding it behind all those words. Words were obviously his weapon, and Sir Hasdrubal hadn't ever been too good with those, atleast with people that were. Rapidly flowing words, they were the greatest strength of that man.

Guess I just have to play his game then, if he refuses to play mine he thought when they began to walk. "In fact, my ancestors were Norsemen, the sailors that pillaged these lands centuries ago. Perhaps there are some of their features in my looks, who knows... About the killing, I take that as a compliment. My sword is best I can offer to my king, and the skill to use it."
To you, I hope.

[OOC: Last one then back to class!]

Rodriguez nodded and replied,"Norse, I came across them in Normandie. It has been a while since Spain has seen the Norse."

He took a breath and went on,"You called me a coward before, and I will adress any concerns you have. I am a man with many thoughts, and I have priorities. Unfortunately, Lancelot is not a priority, but I wil fight him because of said concerns. However, please, I am no coward. I was trained to be a knight since the age of 6. Indeed, since then I have bee trained to kill. I lead my own at the Battle of Huesca, where I witness over three thousand men slain. From there I have travelled through France and killed many knights and defeated the many best of France. I am no coward, and you will soon have that impression. Sir Lancelot will most likely tell you and your King of what I am running towards and perhaps then you may get a better understanding. But, alas, impressions are what forms a character in a man."

OOC: He's reading minds! That man is a witch! Burn!

How the hell does he do that?! thought the young knight, listening this weird man walking on his side. He knows my exact thoughts and answers to them. This is supernatural! It took few seconds before he got rid of these childish thoughts and replied;

"I am sorry for my rude words. They were not justifiable. It just looked like you were running to somewhere... But that was a hasty assumption. I no longer doubt you're courage, but say nothing about your skills before I have seen you actually cross blades."

[OOC: Well:


You should be preparing for the defeat, instead of running to the village!]


As they entered the castle, their armor rustling against their undergarments, giving a raspy metal to metal sound, and as they continued their small talk, Rodriguez called over a servant and ordered,"Fetch me Sir Lancelot. Tell him Rodriguez has changed his mind, and that the duel stands."

With that he turned over to Sir Hadrusbal and said,"Now that we have gotten better aquainted and we have dismissed all misconceptions I will let you go. I do not doubt you'll see the sparring?"

"I'll be glad to." Hasdrubal replied. "But I think I'll go and wash myself first. See you soon."

OOC: Not blaiming you or anything, shouldn't have said a thing in the first place. Dunno why I did.

Alejandra watched the others leave, and decided to explore the castle more fully, prehaps to find a secret room or passage way.

Sven was a bit taken aback that the others did not even acknowledge what he had thought was a friendly greeting, and instead left him alone with the cook without a word.

"So, about that porridge?" Sven said to the cook. In his mind, he shoved away the thought that perhaps all Christians were this rude, since he knew that to be an assumption that was probably incorrect, and not helpful.

Lancelot had gone straight to the king's chambers after leaving the kitchen. There he told King Alfred of his discussion with Alejandra and the comments of Don Rodriguez.

"The Holy Grail... such a marvelous and yet loathsome object, no?" said the King.

"I know exactly what you mean and it is the very reason I have never gone venturing for it... Still, if Don Rodriguez wants to go in search for it he may. I won't be stopping him," responded Sir Lancelot.

"Yes, yes. Although I don't know if he searches for the wonderous goblet for the right reasons. Is end objective is for the overthrowing of his own father, a most unacceptable outcome. However, we will deal with that if he ever manages to return from his quest."

"Yes, M' Liege. All in good time. For now I think we should prepare for the festival."

Just then a guard opened the door and a servant walked in saying he had urgent news, "M' Liege, Don Rodriguez has returned. It seems that Sir Hasdrubal has convinced him to stay and fight."

As the King turned to Lancelot he said, "Ah... so we will indeed have a duel tonight. Well, let us not keep him waiting." The servant bowed and left the room and was soon followed by the King and Sir Lancelot.

Right outside of the King's Chamber, Sir Brax was walking down the hall, "Ah, M' Liege. I have done as you have requested, although there is still no word from Sir Bane."

The King's good mood dropped slightly as showed by his tone of voice, "Very well..." he said and then left down the hall. Sir Lancelot and King Alfred entered the now empty grand hall and sat down at the head table. One of the King's guard was sent to fine Don Rodriguez and bring him to the hall. He found him at the keep's entrance, "Don Rodrigues," the guard said as he bowed, "You are requested in the grand hall. Please follow me." He then turned and walked back to the Grand Hall.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen after the other knights had left, the chef was still cooking away. "Ah, porridge you want, and porridge you will get." He put up a pot of porridge and signaled for his assistant to bring Sir Sven a cup of wine and some bread.

"Thank very much," Sven said, taking as he was given his food. "Mmmm... very good." Sven ate his breakfast quietly. He did not consider it to be particularly late for eating breakfast. This was the normal time, as far as he was concerned. He ate very quietly. He had always been taught that it was impolite to eat loudly.

"What is your name?" he asked the cook. "And how long have you been preparing food here?"

A guard in the colors of the King approached Rodriguez and after a brief exchange of words the Spaniard ended up following the knight through the corridors of the castle, and finally, after a short walk, his armor scraping against his skin and the chainmail clinking throughout, he arrived at Grand Hall, where King Alfred himself was and the knight kneeled to his forefront and said,"Su Majestad, I am at your disposal."

Alejandra had wandered into a room. Peeking into it, she saw signs that, while not frequently used, it had been used recently. Looking around she noticed it was a store room, full of barrels, and other various sunderies.

"I wonder what are those." She commented to herself. She then began searching throught the barrels, which mostly contained flour, salt, and other similar things.

Seeing a barrel that was fairly inconspicous, in a secluded corner, she wandered over, and popped the lid. Looking down, it appeared to lead into a tunnel. After shutting the door, she walked over and slid into the barrel, covering the lid as she went.

Alric sat up in the bed and saw that he woke up a little later than he was hoping. He got up to dig through his pack for food. And, luky for him, there was some old, stale bread left at the bottom. He sighed and ate most of it. He then stood up and yawned.

(ooc: I am not sure what to post now.)

The Kithcen

"I am glad you like the food," said the chef. After stirring a pot vigorously for a few seconds he turned back to Sir Sven and said, "My name is Samuel and by family has been in service as chefs to the House of Stuart for four generations. So, I have been helping prepare food ever since I was but a little child. As for being the royal chef and head cook, I have held that title for nearly tweleve years now."

Just then Sir Brax walked through the door slowly. "Ah, good to see you Sir Brax. The usual I assume?" said the chef.

"Yes, the usuall would be delightful, said Sir Brax. After sitting down next to Sir Sven he said, "We have about an hour before the festival is going to begin... tell me about yourself Sir Sven."

---------------------------------------------------------

The Grand Hall

"So you have returned Don Rodriguez," said the King as the knight kneeled in front of him. "If it is still your intention to fight Sir Lancelot than I think it is best we lay down some ground rules. Remember, however, nobody is forcing you to fight and if your intention is to still become a knight of my court," he paused, "than I might reconsider why you would like to join." His voice had a tone of knowledge in it as he continued, "I have spoken to Sir Lancelot about todays previous events and are well informed of your intentions. We have agreed that we do not disagree with your course of action, but rahter your final intentions behind your course of action..." The king again paused, "But who knows... I think that only time will tell..."

---------------------------------------------------------

An Unused Room

As Alejandra jumped into the "barrel" he should slid down a rough slide type tunnel. She traveled nearly eighty feet in all, before coming to a stop, thirty feet below her previous location and about seventy-five feet north.

The room she landed in was below the guest room section of the castle but deep underground. The room had no light in it as natural light could not reach it and any torches that may have once burned in there would have been gone. The room was a perfect square, 20 feet by 20 feet. Halfway across each wall and about nine feet up, were four unlit torches. In the corners of the room stood four knights in full armor, although there were no actual knights inside of the armor. Each held a long sword in their two hands and was rested with the tip of the blade against the ground.

If Alejandra could have seen in the dark, she would have noticed that the room was bare other than the armors and one sole rectangular rock, standing upright in the center of the rom. The four sides of the rock each a had a thing slit in them.

What a curious room...



ooc: Danard, I have something planned for Alric. Just go to the gate entrance when the festival starts *wink*

Rodriguez almost cracked a smile, but he kept his face straight and serious, and as hard as a rock. Indeed, he showed no emotion as he responded,"Indeed, Your Majesty, I am still interested in this swordfight duel with Sir Lancelot, and to that end I brought Madalena with me, which you can see by my side. And indeed, nobody can tell the future until it comes. Regardless, I think all will turn out good, as it always does, does it not, Your Majesty?"

His head was still bowed, as he knelt on one knee, and he made no facial contact with King Alfred. The other knights had not said a word, and they merely looked on.

snip
Alejandra was slightly shocked at how steep the tunnel was, as it was far steeper than she'd expected it to be. As she brushed herself off, and shook herself, she realized it was pitch-black.

She decided to see if there were any torches, and began feeling along the walls. As she walked along the wall, feeling for a torch, she ran into the suit of armour and both, she and it fell over with a crash.

Overcome with bordum, Alric opened the door out of his room and began wandering aimlessly around back towards the gate.

The Grand Hall

"Unfortunately, I do not agree... although it is a matter of perspective and opinion which at this time I do not wish to delve into," responded the King. "Anyhow, down to business. We must set up the rules to this fight... Seeing as you the challenged and without a proper suit of armor, I will allow you to propose the first rules."

ooc: As I had posted, the grand hall is empty other than King Alfred, Sir Lancelot and now Don Rodriguez

---------------------------------------------------------

A Secret Room

As Alejandra knocked into the suit of armor, it toppled over. The sword fell out of its place and clanked down on the ground next to her. As she fell, her hand landed on a burnt rag-like object. The sound of the armor falling caused an echo to bounce around the room as it was now clear that it was mostly empty...

"I'm from Callisdrun," Sven said, between spoonfuls of porridge. "It's a very cold, dark land." He sipped some wine before continuing. "I haven't seen my home in a few years, however." He was not naturally a very talkative person, and appeared to be holding something back.

A Secret Room

As Alejandra knocked into the suit of armor, it toppled over. The sword fell out of its place and clanked down on the ground next to her. As she fell, her hand landed on a burnt rag-like object. The sound of the armor falling caused an echo to bounce around the room as it was now clear that it was mostly empty...
She felt the rag, and guessed there was a torch somewhere around. She then proceeded to search for a torch on the other walls, running into the other three suits in turn.

Still bowed down Rodriguez replied,"I am in a perfect suit of armor. This chainmail may not be as effective as plates when it comes to arrows, but in a sword fight it is perhaps better than the plate armor, and indeed, lighter and allows for greater agility. But that is besides the point. As for rules, I have none. I have always been accustomed to being told the rules, and as I mean no disrespect, but I cannot think of any now."

The Kitchen

"Well do go on, my good boy. We have plenty of time," Sir Brax said as Sven had ended his description very abruptly.

The chef walked over with Sir Brax's food and layed in front of him, "Here you go, the usual."

"Thank you, Samuel. It smells delicious," Sir Brax said. "Now continue..." he said with a roll of his fingers.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The Grand Hall

"Very well then. The rules shall be as follows: First, no motion to the head with a sword. Second, if someone draws blood - the fight is over. Third, when one of you is put in a lethal situation, you two are to reset. Fourth, I shall decided when the fight is over. Finally, remember this: this is a fight between gentlemen, so act like it..." The King's voice trailed off.

"The fight shall begin in one hour right here. You are free to do as you please until then, but be prompt... I do not care for tardiness. Agreed?"

"Aye, M' Liege. Agreed," said Sir Lancelot as he spoke for the first time.

Don Rodriguez de Catalan nodded and repeated after Sir Lancelot,Aye, Su Majestad. I request leave, and I will return in an hour."

Alejandra had felt around the walls of the room, and gotten a fairly accurate guesstimate of the size. She also found that each corner had a suit of armour.

Having felt the rag, she knew, at one point there had been torches in the chamber, and wondered if they'ed restocked the rings. Pulling out a flint and a piece of metal, she began creating sparks, trying to get a better look.

As she looked up, she noticed a torch, but it was out of reach. She decided to see if she could knock it down. Bringing a breastplate over, she set it down under the torch and grabbed one of the swords.

Balancing on the armour, she began trying to knock the torch down. After a few attemps, she finally managed to get it down, and lit it. She then began looking around the room, but this time with light.

The Grand Hall

"Go then," said the king as he waved him away with his hand. "An announcement I shall make, in an hour."

-----------------------------------------------------

A Secret Room

As the room lit up from the burning torch. A message could be seen on the opposite wall:
You are very close to discovering the secret of ages.
Find the clue and it will lead you to wise sages.
Look to the corners to complete the sides,
A closer look will see what it hides.
Complete the square you must,
And you will be shown through the dust...

A Secret Room

As the room lit up from the burning torch. A message could be seen on the opposite wall:
Alejandra looked carefully at the riddle, then at the room.

"Well, there are four suits of armour and swords in the corner, a pedestal in the center." She commented
She began looking over the pedestal and noted four slits. Walking over she examined one of the suits of armour, and found the sword looked about the right size. She slid one into, and seeing it fit, did the same with the other three.

As soon as the fourth sword was in place the room began to change. The torch Alejandra was holding was extinguished but soon after the three more on the walls were ignited and the room glowed with a bright intensity. The stone in which the four swords had been inserted now shook before descending into the ground. The writing on the wall disappeared as the passageway in which Alejandra had come, sealed with a stone wall.

The stone that had descended into the ground now spat out a scroll. When opened it read:
To the north you must travel.
The Staff of Merlin is there.
Vital it is to the castle.
To one who is powerful it will lead.
Greater powers are in work...

Another message appeared on the wall where the previous one had been:
To open the door, you must return the sides to their corners...

She took the scroll and tucked it into her belt. She then withdrew the first sword, and returned it to the first of the suits of armour. She did the same for the other two. She then returned the one she'd knocked over back up, and returned it's sword.

The Kitchen

"Well do go on, my good boy. We have plenty of time," Sir Brax said as Sven had ended his description very abruptly.

The chef walked over with Sir Brax's food and layed in front of him, "Here you go, the usual."

"Thank you, Samuel. It smells delicious," Sir Brax said. "Now continue..." he said with a roll of his fingers.



"What would you like to know? I'm originally from the town of Bergen, though I moved up north to Drun to become a Berserker, on board our longships." He paused, he had finished his meal, but stayed seated anyway. "That's why my horse is named Drakker, that's what our ships are called. After a couple years of that, I was commended by our queen, and served as a regular night for a couple more years, during which time I resided mainly in Drun."

One thing that often struck those in the lands he had travelled to as odd was that Sven had two different last names, Akkerhaugen and Sorvik. He had not explained any reason for this thus far. "That's not to say I didn't get around, but Drun was once again my home."

A Secret Room

As Alejandra returned the swords, a stone panel opened up, across from where she had entered the room. The stone door lead up a long flight of stairs and through a secret panel in the wardrobe of a guests bedroom. The bedroom was the last one on the end of the row, but had remained unused despite the overburden of guests.

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The Grand Hall

"I think it is time don't you?" King Alfred asked to Sir Lancelot. After recieving a nod of agreement, the king clapped his hands to summon a servant, "Please summon Don Rodriguez and alert the guests that the festival will be starting shortly."

The servatn bowed and left the room. Soon after trumpet sounds could be heard announcing the beginning of the Spring Festival and the guests began flocking into the grand hall. Most of the knights and noblemen of the court had taken their seats and were served with an appetizer of soup. Soon the duel would begin and the guests would be cheering...

--------------------------------------------------------

The Kitchen

"A Berserker were you... how very interesting," said Sir Brax. "I would love to hear more about your past, but I believe I hear the trumpets blasting... start of the Spring Festival and we wouldn't want to miss the much anticipated duel would we?"

Sir Brax stood up and said to the chef, "Thank you for the meal, Samuel. I will be sure to pass along any compliments on your food." The chef nodded and bid them good bye. Sir Brax waited for Sir Sven before leaving the kitchen and heading to the Grand Hall

"I suppose not," Sven said as he got up and bussed his own dishes. "I'll see you there, most likely." He then made his way out of the kitchen and into the grand hall. Despite his hard boots, he made barely any sound as he strode into the large room.

A Secret Room

As Alejandra returned the swords, a stone panel opened up, across from where she had entered the room. The stone door lead up a long flight of stairs and through a secret panel in the wardrobe of a guests bedroom. The bedroom was the last one on the end of the row, but had remained unused despite the overburden of guests.

She then made sure the door/panel was closed and began heading toward the site of the joust, she'd speak to the King either after the festival, or the next day.

Contradictory thoughts filled the mind of Sir Hasdrubal as he slowly walked to the main hall. He was one of the last ones to enter it, and seeing most of the noblemen were already in their seats he hurried his steps. He was uncertain what to think. First of all, his feelings towards the Spanish knight weren't really better than before. All the pretending, explaining, trying to act like a friend right after beeing insulted made him to feel discust.

Still, that man had guts to face Sir Lancelot. Obviously he must have had some sort of a backbone afterall. Though the battle was to be fought only to the first blood, a total coward wouldn't have accepted this doomed, hopeless fight.

He sat, looking around the room to see how people might think about the coming. But, as eyes reached the other Spaniard in the room, the gorgeous lady that was said to be a knight, all these thought flew out of his mind.

Realizing he was actually staring the lady, he quickly turned his head and asked Sir Gawain, to get all this Spanish people out of thoughts, "What do you think, Gawain? How long will that man hold against Lancelot? My guess is not too long..."

Sven made his solemn way through the assemblage in the Great Hall, finally taking a seat near where Alejandra, the female knight, was standing. Sven noted that the woman was good-looking, but the thought did not occupy his mind for more than a split second. He was married, and saw Alejandra merely as another warrior. From his travels in these warm lands, he knew that here a woman had to be especially good at the knight's profession to gain respect. "Who do you think will win?" he asked idly. "I have heard that Don Rodriguez talks in lofty terms, and many seem to think he is brave to agree to this duel."

Realizing she was being addressed by one knight, and gawked at by another, she felt somewhat embarressed, but didn't let it show.
"As to who I think will win, I'm not really sure, as I only arrived a few minutes ago and didn't get a chance to see them as they prepared." Alejandra replied

"Myself, I don't know either," Sven said. "Lancelot is held in extremely high esteem, but I have not heard much of Don Rodriguez." From his manner, it was plain that he was talking to Alejandra as an equal, and that he would think it strange not to do so. There were many female warriors where Sven was from. "It's a bit unclear to me why they are dueling. Is there some sort of slight between them, or are they simply doing it for sport, as an exercise?"

"Putrid? Come now boy, thats the smell of hard labour. Treat your feet well and thay shall do in turn to you, remember that."
When he got up to his room he breathed in relief to be off the road, he found the long streching miles tempering but everyone can get tired of walking after a while.

He unslung his Orria, his odd shaped shield, then his claymore and tossed them both onto the bed. He reached round behind his back for the buckles to his plate armour and let them fall to the ground with a resounding clank. He appeared to be apologetic to somone for this though, and when he picked his armour up to be placed on the bed along with his weapons it was done with care and reverance.

The only piece of his equipment he did not lay arranged on his bed was his knife which he layed on the side of the bath. After he was fully stripped of his gear he knelt by the water with his head bowed and picked up his knife, he pricked his palm to allow a solitary drop of blood to drop and mingle in the water.

"With the blood of my soul I purify my body" He recited a chant. He was always confused why some knights saw this as an evil ritual, surely blood was life so it was a holy thing to use in rituals, in small amounts of course, it should not be squandered. After a moment he appeared satisfied and got into the water to get clean.

A few minutes later the Knight appeared at the top of the stairs fully armoured and much cleaner. He shook his long hair so it sent droplets everywhere and he chuckled.
"Asgenar Harne', at your service" He bowed

OOC: After a while, Asgenar's back began to hurt and he began to snore gently.
I still need a reply;)

"Myself, I don't know either," Sven said. "Lancelot is held in extremely high esteem, but I have not heard much of Don Rodriguez." From his manner, it was plain that he was talking to Alejandra as an equal, and that he would think it strange not to do so. There were many female warriors where Sven was from. "It's a bit unclear to me why they are dueling. Is there some sort of slight between them, or are they simply doing it for sport, as an exercise?"
Alejandra was somewhat surprised by the egalitarian attitude of this knight. "As to the reason for the duel, I'm not quite sure of thier motives in holding it." She replied

[OOC: This'll have to be quick. I have class until 2PM PT today.]

A small servant, a man, came scurrying towards Don Rodriguez who had been looking around the open areas of the keep, and then had wandered outside to look at the battlements of the outer walls. It reminded him much of his homeland, Barcelona, and the places he had fought. Indeed, the area was known as Castilla. Suddenly, he was approached by this servant and Don Rodriguez bowed and said,"How may I serve you?"

The man flushed, obviously not used to being greeted by a superior in such a manner and he stumbled over his words,"The King awaits you with Sir Lancelot in the Grand Hall."

Rodriguez nodded and told the servant to go back to his work, and he began to make his way back into the keep, walking right over the wooden drawbridge and into the dark and gloomy castle walls. There was hustle and bustle as usual within the walls, but Rodriguez ignored this all and made his way towards where he was needed. He felt for Madalena by his side, making sure she was there. Although he did not have his more trusted Fortuna, which with he had cracked the skulls of dozens of fellow countrymen and Frenchmen, he felt safer with the thinner sword since it was much more adept at sportful swordfighting. His chainmail clinked as he briskly made his way to where he was needed.

Finally, he entered the cambers and saluted the King, "Su Majestad." Kneeling on his right knee, he bowed to King Alfred in the standard Spanish subvervient manner. He peeked around to witness the gaze of Sir Lancelot, Sir Gwain, Sir Hadrusbal, Lady Alejandra and a host of others. Sir Lancelot had brought his refined gear, obviously waiting for this to begin so that he could prove his battle tested prowess. However, he would be deeply suprised once the sparring began, and he would soon be forced to notice that he was not battling a nitwit. Even if Don Rodriguez lost, he would not be made a fool.

Sir Gawain replied to Sir Hadsrubal, "I have no doubt that Sir Lancelot will win, but it will be a good fight. Come now, let us take our seats so that the festivities may begin." Sir Gawain walked to his chair with Hadsrubal and sat down on Queen Cordelia's left.

Sir Scaggsmore wandered over to his table, "Ah, lady Alejandra... Exciting this will be, no?" He was clearly past his fill of wine and now slunked down in his seat.

The King gestured for Don Rodriguez to rise, "Now then... lets not keep the festival waiting." He turned to the court and roared out, "And so marks the beginning of the Spring Festival. Let the duel begin..."

Sir Lancelot bowed to Don Rodriguez, "Best of luck to you, good knight." He then proceeded to the small area that was cleared for the fight and took his mark. Bowing to the court, he lowered his visor and waited for Don Rodriguez to approach.



Meanwhile outside the castle walls, a fully cloaked rider approached under cover of darkness. While passing a tavern a man (Alric) asked him if he was heading inside the castle. "Aye," he responded and then gave the man a lift onto the back of his horse. The two rode up to the castle gate on the back of a large horse and asked the guards to let them in. The guards, in their own way, had been celebrating the beginning of the festival and were cleary drunk. They shunned the riders, but as they did so, the cloaked man pulled back his hood slightly so that his eyes could be seen. The guards opened the gate and let the riders in. Once inside the man (Alric) thanked the cloaked rider and dismounted, as the cloaked rider headed for the keep.



ooc: Staggering drunks... just have your character be in the grand hall now. On your next post, just assume that you have been watching the duel.

Don Rodriguez rose and bowed first to King Alfred saying,"King of England I salute you." Then he turned to Sir Lancelot and bowed,"May the best man come out the victor." Finally, he turned to the crowd and bowed for a third time, and finally turned his back on them all and with his right hand took his helmet from underneath his left armpit and turned it around his hand, bending his neck down and placing the helmet on his head. It was a tight fit but he was able to put it on. The rest of the crowd would simply see a line of spines coming down from his forehead, straight down the center of the helmet, right to his neck, giving the helmet a barbarous look. The cheek plates covered his tanned face, while a nose guard came and covered the uppermost bone of his nasal area.

http://www.clubchesterfield.co.uk/images/armour/H6204/h6204.jpg

It blended beautifully with his chainmail armor, who's small links and chains were designed to stop the blade of a sword from penetrating, although the blow would still be felt. It was also capable of stoping a broad arrow warhead, but recent advances with the penetration capabilities of arrows, especially the lengthening of the arrowhead. He had faced them in Northern Spain against the Aragonese composite bowmen and the new bolts used by crossbowmen. He had seen fellow knights die, and he himself had been hit within a crack in his plate armor at the back of his knee. It had taken months to heal the wound, and he was lucky it did not penetrate the bone much.

Turning around he walked to the arena, where Sir Lancelot was waiting, and he spread his legs, putting his right leg behind his left leg, putting all his weight on the back leg so that he would be able to pivot around and manuever. He bowed his head a bit to Sir Lancelot again, as a sign of friendliness, and then quickly unsheated Madalena, it's thin and well balance steel blade giving him the advantage he needed in sparring. With that out, he awaited Sir Lancelot's own movements, and would allow Sir Lancelot to be the agressor...for now.

The crowd was silenced as the two combatants faced each other. It was clear, Don Rodriguez, was going to start on the defensive as his stance showed. Sir Lancelot obliged, and flew into a fury of attacks. As the court held their breaths, Sir Lancelot began the fight, bringing his sword down with great speed knight. The crowd cheered as the sword cut through the air towards his opponent...

Don Rodriguez set his gaze on Lancelot as he picked up speed, building up the force in his arms to pound the Spaniard. The Briton pounced in one sudden movement, bringing his sword up and strinking at Rodriguez. The Spaniard used his agile armor and his weight to pivot to the rear, bringing his own blade to meet that of the Briton at an almost perpendicular cross. The Spanish blade hit it near the bottom of its own handguard, and near the tip of the British sword, allowing for Rodriguez to have greater control over the blade [less torque], while the Briton would have to put more effort into it. With that, Rodriguez grinded his blade against that of Sir Lancelot, skewing the angle of the hit, and allowing de Catalan to take a step back and make a clear cut for Sir Lancelot's stomach, as the Briton reeled from his middle weight sword being swiped to a side. Don Rodriguez, of course, if his attack suceeded, would halt the blade right when it was about to hit the other man's armor, as not to damage the other man as per agreement.

Alric thanked the man as he rode away. He began to hear rumors about a duel between two knights. He decided to go watch.

As soon as Lancelot had brought his blade down, he had moved it again to parry a counterattack. As Don Rodriguez lunged his blade at Lancelot's stomach, he continued a fluid motion down knocking the blade away, before stepping to the side. It was obvious that Lancelot was quick with a blade as it never seemed to stay in any place for more than a split-second, and at times it even seemed to disappear.

As Lancelot sidestepped, he again attacked, bring his sword towards Rodriguez's side with a backwards slashing motion.

Unfortunately for Lancelot, his newest attack was aimed towards an already protected region of Rodriguez' body. Indeed, his blade had been parried to his left, and so the final vectoring of Lancelot's blade would also be to his left, but further behind since he was forced to put much more force into it, and since it was a heavier blade than the Madalena. Rodriguez didn't think twice before he again shifted his weight to his front foot and brought the blade to completely stop Lancelot's sword by placing his sword in such a way that the point would be looking directly at the stone flooring of the castle, and so that again the interception would be near his hand guard to increase control.

When he did that, however, he cut all possibilities of a successful counter attack, so he released after the stop, and jumped two steps back, and again went to his defensive stance, with most of his weight to the back foot, and his sword ready to parry any further offensives from Lancelot. This would be a long duel.

Lancelot's intentions had been fufilled and Don Rodriguez was now backing into the corner. Shouts of "Watch your step," and "Your almost to the edge," could be heard from the crowd as Don Rodriguez was now standing less than three feet away from the tables used to block the combatants in the "ring".

As Lancelot followed suit by taking two steps forward, he noticed a cloaked figure entering the room. Over Don Rodriguez's right shoulder the cloaked figure made it way along the wall and to the back of the room, unnoticed by the engaged crowd.

Lancelot continued his assult by unleashing an attack he had created in which he first lunged his sword at the opponnents stomach and then curled his sword in a "C" shape to manuever around an incoming parry, before continuing the arc up to the opponents right shoulder or neck area for a final blow.


(edit: Due to poor description on my post. I would like to inform you that the "C" strike is more of an backwards, layed on its back, "G"... There was much confusion about this between me and Mac, but we finally figured it out. Although in this instance we are still going with a C manuever)

Don Rodriguez traced Lancelot's newest lung, and each part was broken up in his mind. After years of training, a year of war and death, and another year of constant battling and jousting in France, Rodriguez had learned some of the most rare arts of sword combat making him one of the best, but mostly unknown, sword fighters in Western Europe. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, this was also according to his own personal opinions and not to those who hadn't, or even had, seen him. Nonetheless, he was not a pushover per se, and he had absolutely never lost a duel in the past year. Indeed, had he, he wouldn't have gotten this far in his journey.

Rodriguez again had the advantage in this new engagement, as Lancelot swirled his arm around to faint an attack to the stomach, which really aimed for the shoulders, although at first the Spaniard didn't see this. Indeed, how would he? Nonetheless, his sword flashed in front of the spectator's eyes as the Madalena moved to hit the Briton's own blade in the center, not being able to strike where it was favourable to him due to the speed of things. When the Briton's sword suddenly changed directions because of his technique the Spaniard still had no problem parrying it since he was forced to swipe at one direction, which was upwards, meaning in the end the Briton facilitated the parry.

Rodriguez brought his massive shoulder back, allowing for the Briton's blade to miss regardless of the parry , as he put more weight on his back leg. His sword then struck that of Lancelot's, allowing him to quickly change positions again by moving to the right and foward, putting him back in the center of the area.

Of course, Lancelot would have time to move himself, and both men were facing each other again. Suddenly, Rodriguez' head became a blur, as he remembered the combat in Aragon once again. He always had these flashbacks, although they lasted a mere millisecond. He shook his head and focused back on Lancelot, leaving his past displeasures behind, and settled himself in the same stance once again. However, he opted for the iniative, strike at Lancelot by aiming at the other man's right breast [OOC: your right, not my right]. He knew the other man would [i]easily parry the attack, but that was the objective.

Sven simply nodded at Alejandra's last response, as the duel had begun. "Hmm," was all he said as he watched Don Rodriguez and Sir Lancelot at their sword-work. It was very different from the axe duels that occurred in Callisdrun, which usually ended with broken bones or worse. Sven would not be challenging anyone here to a duel, unless they insulted him greatly, as an axe versus a sword was awkward. It was hard to win a duel with an axe versus a sword-wielding opponent without substantially injuring them or destroying their weapon. Since he had travelled these southern lands, he had tried a few swords, but preferred his axe.

He had to admit though, that swordfighting carried an elegance that was impossible to achieve even with a Callisdrunian axe. Sven gave a nod of acknowledgement as Sir Scaggsmore sat down by him and Alejandra, and then turned his attention back to the duel.

As Don Rodriguez thrusted out at Sir Lancelot, he easily parryed it to the side and then stepped away. Seeing Rodriguez attempt to sieze the initiattive, Lancelot changed his fighting style from that of a slash and hack to a thrust and stab. He turbned his body at an angle so that his side was almost perpendicular to Rodriguez, and with his sword out in front of him he quickly launched a series of quick thrusts and stabs that would force Rodriguez onto the defensive.

Alejandra watched the duel, somewhat distracted by the parchment she had for the king.

"Whats that?" Sven whispered, seeing the piece of parchment Alejandra had tucked under her belt. He was curious, and so far he had been making a big effort trying to be friendly here. Many people who had dealt with him since his departure from Callisdrun described him as rather frosty. It appeared that Lancelot had retaken the initiative in the duel, but Rodriguez was holding up pretty well.

"Whats that?" Sven whispered, seeing the piece of parchment Alejandra had tucked under her belt. He was curious, and so far he had been making a big effort trying to be friendly here. Many people who had dealt with him since his departure from Callisdrun described him as rather frosty. It appeared that Lancelot had retaken the initiative in the duel, but Rodriguez was holding up pretty well.
"It's something for the King, but as it's not pressing, I was going to wait till after the festival." Alejandra replied, hoping he wouldn't ask again as then she'd feel somewhat compelled to tell, and she really didn't want to let the secret out just yet.

OOC: I'm just going to post to throw my self in here.

IC:

After month's of traveling, Cassandra was pretty sure she finally found it. Some sort of festival was taking place, and this looked like the town from all of the stories. Perhaps this was the chance for her to finally gain her knighthood? She went into town, and started asking around...

The Grand Hall

From the corner of the Grand Hall, the unnoticed cloaked figure remained shrouded in darkness. Not terribly interested in the duel, he watched the the guests and listened in on their conversations.

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In Town

Cassandra was asking about the goings on of the castle to everyone she passed. Finally a nice old gentlemen stopped and responded, "That there be the Spring Festival. If I am correct it has just started and will be going on for a few nights." The old man paused for a moment before asking, "Where you be heading? The Castle?"

Sir Hasdrubal followed the dance of the blades with utter disbelief. That was certainly not what he had expected from the Spaniard. It seemed like he knew every move of Sir Lancelot, and even the C-strike, that had caused great difficulties last time Sir Hasrdubal had tested his skills with Lancelot, was repelled rather easily. "I have to be more careful with that man..." he mumbled, as the fight went on, without any visible sign of Sir Lancelot gaining the upper hand.

ooc: edited post 175 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9836326&postcount=175) in which Lancelot makes the C attack... it is not in fact his Arc d'Assault. (That may be used later or at another time - or not).

"Yes I suppose I will. It will be nice to get inside after all these days of traveling."

Asengar watched the fight with mixed emotions, on the one hand the combatants were going at it rather wholeheartidly, but on the other hand there was little show of true north enthusiasm from the audience. He munched on his micellanious meat good he had been brought by a page thoughtfull and hammered his gauntleted fist on the edge of the viewing ring rythmically.

He was looking at the two fight with elagant curves and swift slashes and blessed the day he had been trained in his own order, if any of his order were caught fighting like that it would be fasting for a week. The two were skilled with the sword yes, but they were not using thier entire bodies, using every part of themselves as a weapon and increasing power with the entire frame.

After considering throwing food at the two like they did at home tournaments he decided against it.

Don Rodriguez still had most of his weight on his back foot, as he did most of the time, and as Lancelot begun to lung foward Rodriguez met his thrusts at every point, and finally, noticing that he was moving back he crossed sword with the British and forced him onto a shortlived stalemate, putting his weight foward and pushing the other man [through the sword] back a bit so that they were both in the middle. Either Lancelot would have to disengage, moving back anyways, or he would just flow it it until the Spaniard disengaged.

Nonetheless, by the end of that manuever, whatever the outcome Rodriguez attempted to take the initiative once again, thrusting towards the other man's liver.

In Town

The old man decided to give his advice to the girl, "Well, if you want to get in the castle, there are a few ways: You could simply ask the guards to let you pass, but it is unlikely that would work. You could tell them you have a message for the king, but you best have one when you reach the king. Or you could simply ask someone with access to the castle to bring you in... a knight maybe?" The old man finished speaking and walked off down the street.

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The Grand Hall

With his extended range, from his fighting style, Lancelot was easily able to parry Don Rodriguez's thrust at his side. Lancelot again thrusted and stabbed at Don Rodriguez, but now aimed for his arm, which would be harder to parry against.

During the fight, Prince Daphne had entered the Grand Hall and sat down at the King's table. She had previously been unseen by the court during the previous week leading upto the festival.

"It's something for the King, but as it's not pressing, I was going to wait till after the festival." Alejandra replied, hoping he wouldn't ask again as then she'd feel somewhat compelled to tell, and she really didn't want to let the secret out just yet.

"Sounds interesting," Sven said, still watching the duel. The atmosphere of the duel was not near anything that he had seen in his home country. It was so... quiet, and Lancelot and Rodriguez almost appeared to be dancing, rather than fighting. Sven took a piece of string and out of irritation, tied his long hair back in a ponytail. "It's so very warm in this country," he said, almost as a justification for doing so.

"You come from further north than here, do you not?" Alejandra asked, as she found the weather a bit on the cold side. She watched the two knights dueling, and wondered which would slip up first.

She wondered how either would do in a matadorial match.

Lancelot swept Rodriguez' sword to the side in a heavy parry, and then recovered his strength to thurst at the Spaniard's arm. In a quick, desperate, manuever, Rodriguez brought his shoulder back and doubled around Lancelot to regain his old defensive position, shifting his weight once again to his back foot, hoping to tire Lancelot through all this fighting. The blade had been close, but not close enough, and Rodriguez shook his head thinking,too close. Indeed, with the strategies planned by Lancelot he was expending much more energy than the Spaniard, including thrusting at extended ranges, and the blade manuevers pulled. It wasn't to say Rodriguez wasn't tired, for he was, but he was hoping to last a bit longer than Lancelot.

"I come from very far north, yes," Sven said. "Most would say that it's a very cold place, and now that I've been in the southlands for a while, I'd have to agree. It's very different from anywhere in the southlands, as well." Callisdrunians tended to call all lands but those immediately adjacent to them "the southlands."

As the raging battle continued, Princess Daphne continued to steal looks over at the wall where she thought she had noticed someone familiar. However, everytime she looked back the figure had disappeared. Meanwhile the court began to become restless of the fight and much more interested in getting their dinner.

The King finally stood up and in a might voice cried, "Hault the fight!" The combatants stopped thier manuevers and Sir Lancelot removed his helm and bowed to the king. "Don Rodriguez - You have proved yourself a worthy knight and if you would like I invite you to join my court."

"Worthy!" scoffed Sir Sven quietly to Sir Gawain, "Lancelot wasn't even using his left hand!"

Sir Gawain quickly silenced Sir Sven,and whispered to him, "You don't need to alert the king of Lancelot using his weak hand... I am sure the King already knows."

Without anyone hearing Sven and Gawain's comments, the king continued, "Now then... let us begin the feast." He clapped his hands loudly and servants began piling into the Grand Hall carrying plates and trays of food. The King sat down and began feasting as Lancelot bowed to Don Rodriguez and proceeded to his seat. As he was sitting down he looked over in the corner and saw a cloaked figure standing there with only his mouth showing.

Rodriguez bowed deeply, and when he had the chance he turned to Lancelot and simply said,"You and I think nothing alike. We would be two opposing forces. I think I shall remain on my own, no offense meant. Regardless, next time perhaps you should use your left hand, like you do when you greet, or when you eat, and perhaps, next time I shall use my full strength. Indeed, perhaps one day we will fight a true fight, where truly, the best man will win. Again, I apologize for any misconception in my tone, I mean this with no disrespect."

He then listened solemnly while the man boomed about tonight's dinner, and he followed the other knight, and when he bowed, Rodriguez bowed back, and took his own seat.

Sir Hasdrubal was, again, quite very confused. This feeling had became too common these days. He felt like a child who has been left outside when parents decide what to do, and he hated it. Was this whole shit set up, agreed beforehand? He had expected Sir Lancelot to win easily with his weaker hand, and was already surprised when the Spaniard kept the balance against it, even taking the initiative couple of times. However, he had been certain that when the fight went on, Lancelot would have switched the swordhand. This hadn't happened, and several possibilities came to his mind. Perhaps king just wanted to save this man from beeing embarrassed? Or was it a desicion of Sir Lancelot? Perhaps that's more likely... Lancelot has always been so gallant in every aspect of his life, even when duelling...

In these thoughts he sat quietly, without even touching his food. His eyes wondered around the hall, but he surprised them constantly glancing at the two Spaniards.

Whattehell, he finally mumbled, King and Lancelot are wiser and by far better than I am with these things... He leaned back, watching how this Spanish knight went to talk with Sir Lancelot, whispering something to him..
...but I have my instincts. That brown man is not to be trusted.

"I come from very far north, yes," Sven said. "Most would say that it's a very cold place, and now that I've been in the southlands for a while, I'd have to agree. It's very different from anywhere in the southlands, as well." Callisdrunians tended to call all lands but those immediately adjacent to them "the southlands."
"Compared to my native town of Tortosa, in Spain, this is fairly cold." She replied, as the king declared the match over, and the feast began, she wondered if he would be unoccupied for a period, so that she might show him the scroll she'd found in the hidden chamber.

Lancelot grinned slightly as he placed his helm and sword on the empty chair next to him. "Perhaps," he said before beginning his food.

As the King feasted on the many types of meet and vegetables in front of him, Sir Lancelot attempted to signal Alejandra to approach the king and ask him for a quest - as they had discussed about in the kitchen. However, he wasn't sure if he had been able to convey his message to her through the throng of people in the Grand Hall.

Alejandra saw what might have been a motions to come see the king by Sir Lancelot. She began heading in that direction, hoping for additional comfirmation of yea or nay.

As Alejandra got up and began walking towards the King's table, Sir Lancelot nodded his head ever so slightly as to signify that she had recieved the signal correctly. However as he did so, a deep voice from behind him distracted his attention. "I believe your helmet and sword are in the wrong place," came the voice. When Lancelot turned around to confront the mysterious voice, he had to look up a long way before arriving at the person's head. He saw the mouth of the man shrouded in shadow, but the rest of his figure was cloaked. "Come now, I haven't been gone from court that long."

"Bane!" said Lancelot as he remembered the voice.

"Indeed it is I," responded Sir Bane as he removed the hood of his cloak, "I have returned from my quest, succesful."

Lancelot stood quickly and embraced Sir Bane before welcoming him back. Soon all the people seated at the King's table were welcoming him, including Sir Gawain, Sir Brax, Queen Cordelia, Princess Daphne, and finally King Alfred himself.

Alejandra noticed the newly arrived, and highly welcome man. She wondered who it was as she neared the high table.

After Sir Bane had been welcomed by everyone at the King's table, the King turned to Alejandra and asked, "Is there something you need, knightress?"

"Your Majesty." Alejandra said, "I believe this will be of interest to you." She said as she drew the parchment and held it for the king to take.

Sir Bane watched Alejandra carefully as the King quickly scanned over the document. When he was done reading he handed it to Sir Lancelot and said, "The Staff of Merlin, eh? Might I ask where you got this document and what your intentions are?"

"I found it on the palace grounds." She replied, "I thought that I could quest for it. Should I be able to obtain your permission of course."

"A most unbelievable story, that you just happened upon it on the castle grounds," said the King with a knowingly glint in his eye. "Nevertheless, I will grant you the oppurtunity to quest for the Staff of Merlin. But be warned, the Staff of Merlin which was lost many years ago after Merlin's disappearance will not be easy to acquire and will be heavily guarded."

The King waited momentarily for it to sink in before continuing, "When you find the Staff return immediately with it." He then ordered a servant to find a picture of the staff for him. The servant soon returned with a scroll in hand, which he then handed to the king.

"This is what the Staff (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b360/DMG2005/Staff.png) looks like," said the King, "But I assume there will be other ways to know the Staff other than its appearance."

"Yes your majesty, I am willing and prepared to undertake this quest." Alejandra replied, "By your leave, I shall begin immediately."

"Wait until after the festival," said the King. "For now, eat and celebrate and when we have finished the final feast you may depart to the north."

"Yes your majesty." Alejandra replied as she bowed and returned to her seat.

As Rodriguez ate, he eyes Alejandra and her approach to the king, and their subsequent talks. The emotion in her face was not solemn, and there was something suspicious. Regardless, he would worry about that later, and he continued to eat his meat, politely cutting it with his fingers before sticking it in his mouth. He was not one to eat like many others, with purely fingers, although he truly didn't mind that either. He eyed the various foods arrayed across the table. He had never eaten so well since the feasts with his father years and years ago.

He turned to Hadrusbal. He had taken a liking to the man, although he knew that the northerner still had no respect for the Spaniard. Regardless, he pursued some conversation,"So Sir Hadrusbal, are you the son of a distant noble? How did you come by becoming a knight at Alfred's court?"

The question pulled Sir Hasdrubal back to real world, as he had wondered far, far away from this noisy hall in his mind. He turned to face Sir Rodriques, and begun his story.

"My father had a castle in North. He was an ally of King Alfred, and I was sent here to be further trained and educated. Two weeks after coming here, the message reached us that the castle of my father was attacked and burned. My father and both of my brothers were killed in swordfight... Hannibal killed four of the attackers with his dagger, as he didn't have time to get a sword.
My father got an arrow in his stomach and my oldest brother, Hamilcar, tried to protect his body, refusing to run."

Not a single muscle moved in Hasdrubals face, and it seemed like he didn't talk to the man in front of him anymore. It was like he was following that battle fought in years ago, like it was fought right in front of him, end his eyes looked straight through the Spaniard, to far distance.

"My mother thought they would try to rape her so she opened her wrists, and my sister jumped from the window of his room in the tower. The attackers killed everyone in the castle, including the childrens and women. Even the
animals were slaughtered..."

He kept a pause, still not giving any attention to those who were listening his silent story.

"Only one of the stable boys was left alive. No one knows why... From him I have heard what happened. No one knows who were those 'knights wearing black armour'... They have done the same to some other catles too, attacked in the middle of a night and destroyed the place and every soul in it. They have never been captured or fought in open."

Dark, frightening determination came in to his voice and eyes when he added;

"But I will find them. I will find them, and I will kill them, and nothing in this world can stop me from doing that."

Don Rodriguez saw the pain in the man's eyes, and understood. He wasn't sure if he should dwelve into his own story, especially with the ractions from Lancelot and Lady Alejandra, but his own story, although not as violent, was just as painful to him. He nodded, and took another bite, then pursued further,"Do you like adventures Sir Hadrusbal?"

Sir Hasdrubal looked at the Spanish knight for few seconds, and nodded. "Yes, I think I do. Why?"

He had already made the mistake of telling Lancelot, but with it obvious news to even the king, he decided to just tell the northerner,"On my way out of Aragon, after the disastrous battle, I stopped for a month in a place in Southern France, on the Ligurian coast, owned by a people and religious sect called the Cathars, hailed by Paris as heretics. Personally, to me, they are a wise people, and I have heared rumors within their camp that they hold the holy grail, or at least know where it is."

He let that sink in and then continued,"I wish to offer you something, although please, do not take as disrespectful. I will offer you my aid, and the aid of whatever knights I can conjur in Spain, to destroy those who destroyed your family and your life, if you give me two of your years to find this holy grail. It can take less, it can take more, but I am looking for good men. Lancelot called me mad, but I know it's out there. Please, think it over."

He looked Hadrusbal, and gulped, nervous. If Hadrusbal said no, he would just have to embark on the trip on his own.

Sir Hasdrubal (Hasdru, not Hadrus, dammit! :D ) leaned back, considering the words of Sir Rodriques. He was surprised when he heard himself answering "I believe your words, and would like to join you in your journey..." Wondering what the hell was he actually doing, he continued "...but I am, afterall, knight of my King. His permission is required for me to commit myself for such a long mission."

[OOC: Bah, Carthaginian names!]

Rodriguez nodded and said,"Of course. But let's not worry His Majesty about this now, I suppose. Indeed, I have the feeling he just wants to eat and enjoy the festivities." With that, he turned to continue eating his food. With another man, that made two. Perhaps Lancelot would rethink his decision.

OOC: Carthage pwn0x0rxors!

"Guess you're right" Sir Hasdrubal replied, turning his head to see the King. "When have you planned to start this journey? I persume you'll wait the end of the festival?"

Rodriguez nodded again,"Yes, after the festivities. I also have the feeling that it would be safer if we had more men with us. There are brigands in France, and news spreads fast, and if someone hears that we have found the most sought for relic in the history of mankind, we will be targets. Perhaps we can ask the king for a few horsemen; not necessarilly knights, but cavalry nonetheless."

[OOC: I've already gone over it with DMG [well, except details on who's going; that's left for the RP], but it's not going to end in southern France; there's going to be a twist, although in the end it will be found.]

"That sounds wise... It is certainly a dangerous attempt, to try to find and safely transport an artefact like that."

OOC: Gotcha.

Alejandra watched her countryman talk to another knight, and was wondering if he was soliciting for his search for the Grail. She would have gladly aided him, save for his darker ambitions that she could not support.

She wondered how her quest for the Staff would go thought.

A Knight eh? Well, this would prove to be a slight challenge. Cassandra begin looking, not asking around for a Knight to let her into the castle.

Rodriguez looked at Hasdrubal and nodded, and then caught Alejandraw's gaze, and he smiled and then turned back to Hasdrubal,"Indeed. Nonetheless, my past year in France earned me friends, and I think I can get us to the Cathars unscathed. If we move fast after retreiving the grail, we will make it back to England, although I don't know how the Cathars are going to react to us attempting to take the grail, if it is truly there."

"What kind of a people are these Cathars? Do they live in villages, towns or farms? Also, are they likely to defend the grail by force?" With a grim, he added "Not that it would necessarily be a bad thing. I'd like to secure my place in heaven by killing some of those who refuse to give this grail of the Son of God!"

At the King's table the people continued to eat and talk. Sir Bane answered told of his journey and answered many questions that the others had. Everybody was enjoying themselves immensely especially the king - that is until he looked over and saw his daughter's seat was empty. Turning to his wife, Queen Cordelia, he asked, "Cordelia, where has Daphne gone too?"

"Gone?" responded Cordelia confusedly. She then looked over to the princess' vacant seat and understanding came over her, "Oh! I haven't the slightest idea... I didn't even notice she had left." After pondering it for a brief moment she continued, "She is probably just tired and went to bed..."

"Maybe..." said the King, "But it is still early. Anyway, I have noticed she has been rather quiet for the past few weeks... I am worried."

"It is probably nothing," said the Queen as she brushed off the matter.

"Still..." said the King as he turned back to his food. After several minutes he looked back to the princess' seat but it was still empty. Turning to Sir Bane he beckoned him closer before whispering into his ear, "Would you mind going to find the Princess and bringing her here? She seems to have left the festival early..."

Sir Bane stood up and nodded. He stood up with his cloak covering his body and excused himself from the table, promising to return soon. He walked over to a servant who was carrying a platter of food, "Have you seen which way the Princess went?" The servant responded that he has been too busy with the food, so Sir Bane began walking to the door in order to begin his search.

Rodriguez took a deep breath and prepared to explain the Cathars,"They are a French community of non-Catholics, that believe in something I cannot fully explain. They are Christian in all respects, but they do not believe in our pope. They believe this Earth is evil, and that their souls will be reborn after life, and that success is to not be corrupted by this world. They do not believe in the trinity, they believe that all are equal. They are the opposite of what the rest of us think, and although I perhaps agree with them in some aspects, although I am a loyal Catholic, they are outcasts, and strangers. They are a huge population, perhaps in the dozen of thousands, and I do not know if they will fight. In fact, I know for a fact that they will not fight, but the nobles of southern France, my allies, protect them because that's how they remain largely autonomous from the crown in Paris. I do not blame them, and the Germans do the same. Nonetheless, if we take the grail and get out, nothing will stop us. They simply won't have enough time to react. We will be hunted men, but we are the most elite knights in England and Spain, and possibly Europa."

"Heheh! As my brother used to say, Only our greatnes exceeds our modesty!"
His smile melted as he saw the the sweaty, smiling face of his brother Hamilcar after beating couple of their friends in battle practise. The picture he saw in the eyes of his soul was strong, but he knew this wasn't the right time to start memorising his brothers. He knew where those thoughts would lead.
Therefore he tried to get rid of these thoughts by consentrating on other things. "
By the way, what do you know about that countrywoman of yours? Would it be worth asking her? To join the search I mean."

Rodriguez took another look at Lady Alejandra and simply said,"I tried, but she doesn't like my motives. She has some sort of allegiance to my father, but she doesn't understand the politics of the situation. You see, my father is old and sick, and he's controlled by my half-brother, Alfonso, son of the countess. I am son of a whore, so I have no claim to the throne, but Alfonso is a tyrant and threatens to put Barcelona on the line, and threatens to face defeat against Aragon, ending Barcelona's independence. I cannot see that, and my ultimate goals are to return to Spain and kill him and claim the leadership of Barcelona for father alone, or if he's dead by that time, for me. From there, I don't know what I will do. But nonetheless, that's for years and years to come. It might not ever happen. But first, before I do any of that, I think I will visit the lands to the north, and perhaps after that I will be ready to claim the throne."

Alejandra excused herself from the dinner, she was feeling somewhat ill. All the rich food, after the relative tasteless travel fare was not really sitting well with her stomach.

Asking a servant where the best place to get some air was, and receiving directions to the main tower, she proceeded there. Climbing the stairs she arrived at the top, and noticed another lady, about her age, and walked over.

"Hello." She said.

Princess Daphne turned abruptly from her viewing point overlooking the lake, "Huh? Oh... you startled me."

She waited mometarily before saying, "My name is Daphne... whats yours?"

"Sorry for scareing you." Alejandra said, "My name is Alejandra."

"A pleasure to meet you, Alejandra," Daphne said. "What are you doing up here?" she said as she returned her gaze to across the lake.

"I just came to get some air, the rich food from the banquet was troubling my stomach." Alejandra replied

"Oh... okay then," said Daphne. As she gazed out over the water she sighed...

She was interupted in mid sigh by a voice from behind her, "Princess! There you are, I was looking all over for you. What are you doing up here, while the feast is going on?"

"Princess?" Alejandra said, startled at the fact the Daphne was actually Princess Daphne. She then turned to see who had spoken.

"But of course..." said the voice, as the cloaked figure of Sir Bane appeared from the stairwell, "Tis Princess Daphne."

Daphne did not turn from the rampart to face either of them, but she blushed slightly.

"And who might you be good sir, a Prince perchance, come to pay court to the Princess?" She asked

At Alejandra's comment, the Princess blushed even more, but still did not turn.

As the cloaked figure fully stepped out of the stairwell, he kneeled on the floor and bowed his head. "I am... Sir Bane Spire," he said as he remained kneeling with his head bowed to the ground.

"You don't have to kneel on my account." Alejandra replied as she curtsied, to both.

"M' Lady," he said before standing to turn towards the Princess, "Princess, what are you doing up here?" asked Sir Bane.

The Princess turned to face him for the first time. She stared at him for several quiet minutes before finally speaking, "I was just getting to know Alejandra," she lied.

"That's right sir Blane, we were talking." Alejandra confirmed, backing up Daphne.

Sir Bane turned his head towards the lady, "I see..." While doing so the Princess smiled quickly at Alejandra. "So, why did you decide to come up here to talk?" asked Sir Bane suspiciously.

"Don't ask so many questions, Bane," said the Princess as her expression changed, "She said we were talking and thats what we were doing..."

"My apologies Princess... and to you M' Lady," said Sir Bane.

"Is there something else you wish, Sir Blane?" Alejandra asked sweetly.

"No, M' Ladies..." Sir Bane said. "I was asked to escort the Princess back to the Grand Hall, but I will wait until you two are finished," he said as he bowed his head. He raised his head and put the hood of his cloak back on, before turning and walking back to the stairs. He walked down eight stairs and sat down so that he was out of sight.

When Sir Bane was out of sight, Princess Daphne smiled at Alejandra and said, "Thank you."

"That's alright." Alejandra replied, "If you don't mind me asking, and don't feel like you have to answer, why are you up here?"

"Oh nothing..." the Princess said as she sighed. She contemplated on what to say next. "Just unrequited love... or morelike unknown love," she said before growing quiet.

"Who is he?" She asked, always up for a spot of girl talk.

"Oh, it doesn't matter... he doesn't know," said the Princess. She attempted to change the subject away form herself, "What about you? Are you married or in love?"

"No, to both of your questions." Alejandra replied

"Ah... how much more pleasnt it is, to never have loved," she said before growing silent. "So... what draws you to this court?"

"Ah no, I envy you for finding someone to love, even if he is oblivious of the fact." Alejandra replied