Kael arrives without an actual steed, betraying the fact that he has absolutely no intention of actually competing. Maybe it is due to the fact that it looks as though he has not slept in the past three nights. He seems to be in fine enough spirit however, reaching down to pat at that extra large bloodhound of his that is padding faithfully along at his side. After a survey of the area as a whole, he moves over toward the spectator seating to claim a seat.

Kael has joined the East Spectator Seating.


The gauntlet usually does not host the Joust. But, one Lady Tesha Telmar is a lover of the joust, so she has set up a competition for one to be held on the gauntlet grounds. There are riders gathered already for those wanting to take their turn on the course. Lady Tesha has taken care to make sure there are refreshments and food that people can eat easily.

The redhead herself is seated near the judges booth for the moment along with a few of the pups that she's known for having. She's dressed in black and white as opposed to her normal crimson. She greets those that enter in with a smile.


Waldemai climbs into the spectator stands to watch the jousts.

1 Silvershields arrives, following Yasmine.

Yasmine has joined the East Spectator Seating.

Maru has joined the West Spectator Seating.

Eshra has joined the West Spectator Seating.

Vicente enters into the Gauntlet, a bit of a stiffer movement to his step and his hands are folded behind his face. His face is not angry but stern and his eyes scan about the area in an attempt to find a location to view the joust.

Sorrel leads her sorrel mare into the Gauntlet with an air of familiarity and a spring in her step. She looks eager to ride, as it turns out, a cheerful smile on her face. She heads to wherever it is that competitors are signing up to put her name in.

With a jingle of bells and a swirl of brightly colored silk, the Lady Eshra enteres the Gauntlet on the arm of her husband. The two are not fighting.. no one has the time it would take to talk Eshra into ever getting on a horse again, instead the two Rivenshari climb into the stands.

1 Farshaw trained guards arrives, following Ryhalt.

Yasmine files into the periphery of the Gauntlet with many prospective spectators, fashionably dressed for her comfort of the occasion. Nimble fingers delicately fuss at the dark pins anchoring her scarf over her curls as she takes to a seat within the eastern-facing spectator stands, knees dipping in a flawless curtsy to the Marquis of House Keaton just before she settles. “What a fine day to witness the best of the best competing in the circuits of the gauntlet today,” she opines affably.

Adalyn leads her spirited steed in, apparently in the midst of a pep talk. "Listen, we can do this. You're fierce, you're fast, you're fabulous. But you have to actually LISTEN to me, okay?" The animal tosses his head and exhales a snorted breath, likely in defiance of the Clement's attempts to cajole him into submission. To her credit, she does manage to lead him straight to the proper area, gathering alongside the other competitors.

Maru's silks are less brightly colored but no less fetching than his wife's, and his bells jingle just as much. By no stretch of the imagination does he look like the sort of lord who competes in a joust, and he confirms that as he walks up into the stands with Eshra to take a seat and watch.

Amari is already amongst the riders, looking over her horse, a handsome dapple gray gelding. He has some black and green ribbon tied into his mane, representing Keaton colors, naturally. She's decided more rose gold in her full rubicund plate and aeterna cloak. She's having some words with him when Adalyn approaches, but she's more than pleased to cut them short to greet the Clement. "Lady Adalyn! Is that one of the Duskshire garden destroyers?" She asks of the fiesty horse she's leading.

Kael's settled in one of the lower seating areas, reaching down to pat that large bloodhound that has settled at his feet. As he does so, his eyes flick toward Yasmine to track her for a moment. His brows furrow and it is clear that he is attempting to place her. Recognition hits however and he inclines his head, just so. "Yasmine Champagne," he says, sounding pleased for being able to summon that from memory. "Reigna's protege." He has evidently not gotten the memory that such may not be a thing. Still, he continues on amiably enough, "Yes, it is rather a good day. I - ah, there is my cousin!" He swells with pride, and though he refrains from actually shouting just yet, he is flashing her a grin.

Michael has arrived in typical gear for him, diamondplate everything except a rubicund cuirass. Hmm. He is not headed to the seating though, he has a hand holding loosely upon the reins of a piebald stallion who seems utterly bored to be here despite the ruckus and commotion. Upon the horn of the saddle, rests his helmet and he is patting the horse's flank while he waits.


Tesha gives a look to those who have arrived and there is a nod to those that she knows, a smile given to Vicente when she sees the man and there is a dip of her head to him. There's also greetings to Kael and the others. "Welcome to the first joust held at the Gauntlet. Should this go smoothly we hope to host a few more." she grins to that. "We'll be accepting competitors for a few more minutes, then we will get started with the joust." she announces.


Yasmine affects an amiable smile toward Kael, inclining her head in affirmation when he places her identity. “Yes, I did enjoy a relationship of patronage under the Marquessa for a time, though such an arrangement has since ran its course and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have made her acquaintance. She truly is a remarkable noblewoman,” the prodigal supplies in pleasant exchange, her gaze drifting from him toward the gauntlet grounds as participants take their respective places. “This ought to be interesting. Swift, but a sight I’m glad I ensured I was here for.”

"Lady Amari!" Adalyn greets the other woman with an eager smile, a snicker quickly following. "It is indeed. That's the proper breed name, of course. He's rotten and ornery and has a mind of his own." After a moment's pause, her own words appear to sink in and there's a flicker of shock that registers in her expression, paired with amusement. "Why, I think I understand how Papa must feel now. Yours looks so handsome, representing Keaton well." She gestures to the ribbons in the mane of Amari's horse, appearing faintly jealous. She clearly didn't dare attempt to fasten such adornments to her own fiesty mount, but represents her House with a new diamondplate breastplate in Clement colors.

Michael has joined the Fighting Pit.

Amari seems rather reticent to acknowledge the spectators, for whatever reason, nerves perhaps. The few glances sent towards the stands are brief ones, but she doesn't fail to pick Kael out of the faces and return the wave with a lift of her own gauntleted hand. Yasmine is included in the smile she flashes before she's turned back to Adalyn in the wake of Tesha's announcement. "He thinks very highly of himself." She says of her horse, regarding Adalyn's anew now that she knows its providence. "Let's see how these two Duskshire destroyers fare. Uncle Norwood will be pleased as anything if we both make a good showing."


Tesha stands and gives a look to those that are competeing and there's a smile, "Our first pairing is Lord Michael Bisland versus Lady Amari Keaton." she calls out. "If you would like to take your places." she motions to the lanes for the joust.


Kael's brows knit, his attention taken from the field momentarily to consider Yasmine once more when she indicates that the patronage ran its course. He inclines his head to her, curiously, and murmurs, "Of course. Your assistance with the seatouched wool was very appreciated." When his focus moves back to the area of those competing, he looks curiously toward those present. Amari's of course a source of pride, he regards Adalyn rather curiously with at least passing familiarity with the Clement, and then there is Michael. When he spies the Bisland Sword, he regards the man with a bit of keen interest, looking as though he was going to call greetings or well wishes, but just like with Amari he refrains. Especially when the first contestants are called. He rises to get a better look.

Michael is nearby the two Oathlanders bantering about armor and coloring but doesn't intrude just yet to bother them. Especially considering they are competitors just now! But he hears his name and glances for THAT competitor first before finding Amari and nodding to her. "Nice and easy. We're just here to have fun." To his steed after he jaunts himself upwards into the saddle and pads off to his side of the lists.

2 Armed Confessors, Fionnuala arrive, following Veronica.

Adalyn's gaze shifts curiously toward Michael as he is named as Amari's opponent. "Go get 'em. Have fun!" she calls eagerly to the Keaton, bouncing on the balls of her feet as nervous energy builds up. She maintains a tight grip on her own horse's reins as she stands beside him to watch the first match, lest the spirited mount get any ideas.

Amari mounts up with a final quick smile to Adalyn and encouragement, "Have fun." With that, she turns Bandit around neatly enough and he dances over onto the line. She hefts her lance, squares her shoulders and returns Michael's nod before snapping her beaked visor down in place. Her horse stamps impatiently, but she at least looks calm and collected as she waits for the word to go.

Amari checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 35 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 36 higher.

Michael checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 29 higher.

Michael checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 57 higher.

Veronica has joined the East Spectator Seating.

That dragonplate helm gets lifted and settled over his head, and hips wiggle in the saddle to get comfortable before the horns blare and the joustting begins!

Michael checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Michael checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

Michael checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 40, rolling 28 higher.

Michael checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 68 higher. Michael rolled a critical!

“It was a given, as Aurora is a very close friend of mine and I will always happily give my support in any of her endeavors. It was only a bonus that it led me to Lady Reigna,” the merchant mogul’s attention drifts away from Kael for the meantime, content to lose herself in the infectious energy of applauding spectators around them as the first contenders mount their steeds. She leans forward, braced against hands posed at the bench’s edge. “I'm not terribly familiar with these riders, my lord. But given what I hear about the Oathlands being home to some of the most famed of cavalrymen, it's only natural I'll assume there's at least a baseline of competence?"

Amari checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 40, rolling 13 higher.

Amari checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 4 higher.

Regal, the majestic pygmy goat, Orin, a Felhound sergeant, 1 Keaton Huntsmen arrive, following Jaerith.

Kael's head is inclining toward Yasmine by way of agreement, though for the most part his focus is on the match down below. "The riders?" he asks of Yasmine, after saying a few swift words to the newly arrived Veronica. "That is my cousin, Lady Amari Keaton, Voice of House Keaton. Her competitor is the Sword of Pridehall, Lord Michael Bisland. You are correct, however, there are quite a few cavalrymen, and no shortage of knights within the Oathlands." When the tilt begins though, he's fully focused on this particular joust.

Maru watches as the tilt begins, pointing and saying a few words to Eshra and then laughing at whatever she says in reply. He seems amused, and rather attentive to the joust.

Amari has the technique down, and she doesn't flinch away or try to avoid the hit Michael so expertly nails her with on the first run through. What she gives in return isn't exactly a tap either though, so the field resounds with the crack of wood and clunk of metal as the pair meet. When she reaches the opposite side she shakes her arm out a little and opens and closes her hand a few times before she readying again for another pass. It'll be fine! On the next tilt, the Bisland doesn't hit her /quite/ as hard and she gets a respectable piece of his shoulder with her lance tip but it seems pretty clear she's outmatched in this pairing. For the third and final pass, she seems far less eager than Bandit to go again, but she goes all the same. This time Bandit's wild streak is kept less under control, and her positioning is not the greatest compared to Michael's. She's left open for a tremendous hit and she eats it, badly. Yay for helmets, but down she goes, off the horse and into the dirt where she's just going to take a break.

Eshra sits at Maru's side, watching as the competition, occasionally offering comment to Maru and giving him odd looks as if unsure he isn't teasing her.

The jousts happen swiftly enough! Splinters from shorn lances littering the sands around the fencing as the two crash into each other again and again. Michael gets jolted here and again. Amari's first pass causing him to dig his heels in tighter against the stirrups and readjust himself in the saddle during the preparations for the second pass. The pulling wide of Bandit lets Michael edge himself just right to catch the interior side of Amari's shield and up-end her. He'll slow at the end and turn to watch Amari's disappearance.


Tesha claps, "Well ridden!" she calls. "Lord Michael Bisland is the winner of the match! Mercies, please see if Lady Amari needs tending to." she asks the one that's at her side. "Once the course is reset we'll be seeing Lady Adalyn Clement against Princess Sorrel Thrax!" she calls.


Sorrel mounts her horse and guides her to the starting point, taking up a lance. "Good luck, Lady Adalyn," she calls out in a friendly way as her horse dances, waiting for the signal to begin.

Adalyn watches the joust with full attention honed in on the two competitors. She cheers loudly, her voice raised to join the din of cheers coming from the spectator seating. As Amari is unseated, she winces sympathetically and quickly rises on tiptoe, neck craned to try to catch a glimpse in the hopes that the Keaton isn't too badly injured. Hearing her name announced, she swings up into the saddle and leans forward to murmur a few words of encouragement to her horse. "Good luck to you as well, Your Highness," she calls goodnaturedly to Sorrel.

Sorrel checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 26 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 44 higher.

Adalyn checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 20, rolling 17 higher.

Adalyn checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 23 higher.

"She very well should..." murmurs Kael rather thoughtfully to Veronica, with a glance sidelong to his other cousin. There is something thoughtful there, albeit brief, for he soon enough has to cringe at the blow that unseats Amari. In fact, it very well may be that he does not breathe until someone signals that his cousin is fine and well (enough). Breathing, at least. Incoming Keaton Tournament Voice. He's loud: "Well done, Amari!" Yes, even if she's eaten dirt, she gets cheered. After a moment more he calls forth, "Well done, Lord Bisland!" You know, he seems sincere, with a peculiar note - conflicted pride? - in that very call.

Amari is helped up and cleared away by the Mercies who make sure she isn't just being held together by armor alone. It seems she's not all shattered bone inside. Jelly people with no intact bones can't limp to the stands and take a seat like she does. There, she unstraps her helmet and sets it aside to sit and gather her wits again. She gives a belated lift of her hand to Kael before pulling off her gauntlets too, and slowly shaking out her hair until it falls loose again. Her eyes go to the field, for the next matchup.

Better late than never is an often used phrase. Lord Jaerith Keaton, Commander of the River Dogs embodies that phrase often. Well, when he's not actually doing something important. Like right now! A jousting tourney is always entertaining to watch, especially since he never has to actually do it. Unless they invent Boat Jousting.

Regardless, he's late, probably because he had important drinking to do.

Like magic, or just plain luck. (maybe it's practice), Jaerith seems to manifest with the rest of his family. (It's no trick, he just slipped in the back). He too adds his voice to the cheering of Amari. "Well done!"

adds her applause to that of Kael, though she winces quite violently at the sight of Amari eating dust. "Good show!" she calls, perhaps not quite as loud as the male Keaton nearby but certainly loud enough to be heard over the din that decrescendos after the match is complete. A wry lopsided smile quirks the corner of her mouth upward, as she observes, rather blandly, while nodding toward Jaerith, "I really should be out there myself. Travel is, as usual, playing havoc with my mounts."


That's a voice Tesha's not heard in awhile and there's a look over her shoulder and a smile to Jaerith, "Lord Keaton, it is good to see you." she states to the man. Then she's looking back to the joust that's going on.


His deep baritone voice bellowing out from the western spectator stands as only a Seliki could, Maru calls out, "Well done! Win that glory, lad!"

Yasmine has left the East Spectator Seating.

In the first pass, Sorrel is both the more confident rider and gets in a good blow with her lance. She keeps her seat on her horse very well, and turns gracefully when she reaches the far end.

Adalyn gives her horse perhaps a little too much free rein in this first pass, their ride less controlled than Sorrel's. Her competitors lance lands a blow squarely to the Clement and, although she manages to get in a hit as well, hers appears to have less force behind its landing.

Adalyn checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 1 lower.

Adalyn checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 27 higher.

Oh. Old Man Maru is shouting something, isn't he? The Bisland Lion's chin lifts and gaze sweeps the stands before he spots THAT Seliki and offers him a wave, /after/ acknowledging Tesha's call. Michael meanders away from the lists and dismounts to run hands over his steed's legs a bit. Ensuring the steed didn't catch a splinter anywhere.

Sorrel checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 64 higher. Sorrel rolled a critical!

Sorrel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

During the second pass, Sorrel rides like absolutely nothing could unseat her. Adalyn gets in a good blow, but she keeps her seat almost easily, and returns as good as she got. Her sorrel mare is positively playful about the jousting, and they move like one creature.

Kael huffs a breath, nodding to himself when Amari raises her hand. There's relief there, undoubtedly. Relief that fades to a genuine delight upon spying Jaerith. Not *overly* delighted, mind, but similar to seeing your troublesome-but-beloved younger brother rolling into town. (Even if he's really a cousin.) "Good to see you back, Jaerith. I will need to give you a few days off before finding something for you to do." There's something wry that enters his tone with that last comment - as if he's already got a list lined up.

Bandit wanders over to nudge at Amari and look at her like, 'are we not doing more of that jousting stuff?'. She shakes her head with a wan smile for his enthusiasm and passes the reins to one of her green cloaked Huntsmen to see him watered. As he's walked off, she turns and climbs up the stands to join the Keaton contingent. "Jaerith and Veronica in the same place? How long has it been? I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me." She gives her head a playful shake to make sure they're not and her eyes are in there right. They are. She uses them to keep tabs on Adalyn and Sorrel's tilting well enough.

In comparison, poor Adalyn looks like a rag doll riding atop her spirited horse. Her mount has a mind of his own and appears to be the one in control rather than his rider. Mercifully, the Clement manages to land another blow with her lance but again lacks the power of her opponent.

Adalyn checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 40, rolling 7 lower.

Michael has left the Fighting Pit.

Adalyn checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 7 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 40, rolling 5 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 32 higher.

"Jaerith? Do things?" Veronica snorts with mirth toward Kael and nudges Jaerith in good-nature before welcoming Amari back to the fold. She raises a hand and extends her index and middle finger into a V-shape before the Keaton Voice then quips, "Maybe it is a trick! You took a nasty spill. How many fingers at I holding up?"

"Alas, dear sister," Jaerith says overdramaticly. "They will not see your mastery of horse and lance this time." He smiles winningly, moving a bit to get a better look at the passes.

"They are lucky no one has invented boat jousting, or I would trounce them all." He bows as is appropriate to Tesha, exerting his winningest expression. "My lady, a pleasure." To Kael, he grins. "I appreciate that. I'll be sure to be as shiftless as I can until then."

He's ... Probably not lying.

On the third and final pass, Sorrel rides steadily and confidently, and she places her lance in an attempt to unhorse the other.

Adalyn appears to mutter something to her mount, probably an admonishment that is cut off mid-sentence when the animal begins to buck, nearly unseating her. "What are you-?!" And then they're off one last time, Adalyn hanging on for dear life as she tries to adjust her weight in the saddle. Her lance just barely glances off of her opponent, but Sorrel's blow lands solidly, crashing into her shoulder and upsetting her already precarious balance. Down she goes, tumbling to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

From the spectator stands, Eshra is shaking her head as she points to Adalyn and her runaway steed, head tipping to say something to Maru as if she is proving a point.

Amari has joined the East Spectator Seating.


Tesha gives a dip of her head to Jaerith and then to the other Keaton's in attendance. Then she turns her attention back to the field. "Princess Sorrel is the winner of that round. Are two finalists are Lord Michael Bisland and Princess Sorrel Thrax. Please take a moment to prepare. Please see the Mercy's if you need to!" she calls.


"At least vee fingers." Amari answers after narrowing her eyes and staring hard at Veronica's two raised fingers. "It's my shoulder, actually. I can feel it swelling under my armor. It's not usually so tight." That's the extent of her concern about it though, as she's more interested in the Keatons, and what's transpiring on the field. Watching Adalyn struggle so, she winces sympathetically, and when she's fully unseated, the wincing intensifies. "It looks more painful from this perspective, doesn't it?" She stands slowly, watching to see if the Clement lady is more okay than not.

Kael's wincing when he spies Adalyn going tumbling, shaking his head slowly in response. That being said, the group of Keatons near him certainly has got most of his focus. A flash of a grin to Veronica, a side step to Amari whom he happens to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to (refraining from shoulder butt) before giving an additional grin to Jaerith. His spirits, it seems, have been substantially improved by his company. When the final tournament is announced, of course the field is given a look.

Maru rolls his eyes and everybody can see it. Whatever it is that Eshra said, he's not having any of it. He says a few words in response, snorts, and shakes his head.

"I daresay it does," Veronica agrees with Amari after another wince is worked through - this one resulting from witnessing Sorrel unseat Adaryn, with help from the mount of the latter. "I daresay my new horse wold have stepped on my face on top of dumping me on the ground. She is... spirited," she quips by the by, relaxing once Adaryn proves more or less whole and with her own attention drifting from field to family, where she regards Jaerith, Amari and Kael all with fond amusement.

Yep it might actually be an argument brewing, as Eshra also shakes her head, bells ringing out, her jaw set stubbornly as she answer Maru.

"That wretched animal," Adalyn mutters from her position on the ground, staring up at the sky. With a groan, she manges to push herself up and rise to her feet, met by the Mercies who make sure she's in one piece before sending her on her way. Pulling off her helm and tucking it under her arm, she walks gingerly toward the benches to join the familiar Keatons. "Well, that didn't quite go to plan."

Michael takes his time returning to the lists, propriety insisting that if a rider just rode that it is only prudent to be slow at getting to the lists. He'll saddle back up again and settle into place, sending a lance back and asking for a different one after testing it's weight. Then nodding and curling it's butt up underneath his elbow and getting ready to tilt.

Adalyn has joined the East Spectator Seating.

Michael checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

Michael checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

"Did your new steed come from Duskshire?" asks Kael of Veronica with a flicker of amusement, perhaps just in time to be heard when Adalyn comes up. Speaking of which, he cants his head toward her by way of greeting and remarks, "Lady Clement. I am pleased to see that you are whole and mostly well. It was a good match; Princess Sorrel is fierce competition." His eyes cut over to the Rivenshari in brief, but soon enough his focus is on the field once more. After all, it is the final match.

Sorrel checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 30, rolling 32 higher.

In the stands, Eshra narrows her eyes at Maru as he says something and turns back to the lists. Then shoulders bumps against him hard enough to rock the man a little before she lays her head on his shoulder to watch the rest of the matches.

The lance held by Michael lifts high as his stallion seems to finally find his competitive spirit and strafes from side to side in apparent eagerness. He'll wait for the bugle calls before 'Mashed Potatoes' the piebald stallion lurches forward and his lance lowers. Closer, closer, heels pressing and body lifting to lean into the meeting of wood and momentum! The pass being near enough to equal that only the most skilled of observers could decide for it one way or the other.

Michael checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 40, rolling 3 higher.

The next round begins fiercely, with the winners of the last two matches tilting against one another. And it's close. It's very close. Sorrel gives Michael a dangerous hit, yet he affects her ride quite seriously.

Michael checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 8 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 40, rolling 1 lower.

Sorrel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 40, rolling 27 higher.

Jaerith seems relaxed and cheerful. He enjoys the company of his family, and a tourney is always good entertainment. As Adalyn joins them, his dark green eyes take her in. "Quite a show, my Lady. Your steed is ... Fierce. There is, after all, always next time." His attention sweeps back to the lists, not quite as intent as Kael, but it's still exciting.

"It seldom does." Amari smiles, making room for Adalyn to join her on the opposite side from Kael. "Princess Sorrel is a very strong jouster and our Duskshire destroyers can be a little.. undisciplined. Norwood's going to frown at them so hard for this." She's only half-joking her tone suggests. Turning, she throws some introductions, "Veronica, Jaerith, have you both met Lady Adalyn Clement?"

This time, Sorrel barely keeps her seat. That may be a function of solidly walloping Michael as the two pass in the lists. It's a fierce competition, and it's surely not over yet. Her mare seems finicky now, though.

It appears that the lull between charges wasn't quite long enough for Michael, he was adjusting, adjusting, trying to fix something before the prepatory bugle calls and forces the Knight to ready himself. A slight stumble of Sorrel upon her horse causes Michael to tarry and get waylaid for it but an all too skilled blow that lands upon his shoulder and twists him violently in his saddle.

Michael checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 50, rolling 6 lower.

Michael checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 50, rolling 3 higher.

Sorrel checked dexterity + ride at difficulty 50, rolling 24 lower.

Sorrel checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 50, rolling 12 higher.

Merek makes a way onto the field while he looks about in thought, settling in.

"Oh, no. Duskshire steeds are the /worst/ behaved ones," Adalyn warns Veronica, having overheard Kael's remark. She seems to find humor in the situation, an easy smile coming to her features as her gaze shifts between the familiar faces present in the stands. Settling onto a bench, she bows her head to Kael. "Thank you. She's quite the masterful opponent." Her gaze flits to Amari. "I would say next time I'll arrive astride a sedate mare, but where would be the challenge in that? Still, you're right, Papa will NOT be pleased." Amari's question prompts a glance between Jaerith and Veronica, the look accompanied by a warm smile. "Yes, we've met although it's been a while! Good to see you both." Absentmindedly rubbing her shoulder, she turns attention

Adalyn turns attention to the final joust.

"It has been some time. I trust you've been well, my Lady?" Jaerith says pleasantly. His body language is casual and confident. His dark green eyes twinkle with amusement. "Perhaps we could catch up soon. Over dinner? Perhaps drinks?"

He has a problem. He can't help it.

The last pass is a difficult one, as both horses are misbehaving by this point. Nonetheless, despite her mare, Sorrel manages to hit Michael quite hard again. The force of the blow is nearly hard enough to knock her out of her seat, but she manages to stay horsed until she rides to the end of the lists. And then she very gracefully stumbles from her mount, already barely hanging on.

Kael glances in brief back to Jaerith, to Adalyn, and his lips part as though to make some comment. Alas, he manages to refrain, clears his throat, and quite pointedly goes back to watching the match.

Just a moment to undo his helm and lift it over his head, shake out glorious hair and look all the more like a handsome Bisland Lord that he already thinks he is. Then the helmet is replaced and lance taken up in preparation for the final pass. Splendid and intense, the final pass is tumultous, lances erupting in a cacophony of wood splinters and found glory. Lost glory as well. Michael's shield nearly unwinds from his arm and Mashed Potatoes feels the jostling and unsteadiness of his ride and corrects, juking left to force the man upright and then balancing to keep him upon his steed for a few more steps until Michael grabs the saddlehorn to grip tight.

"I will not be sure of just what problems Leoithne has until I get her to a proper trainer, but she did come with me from home, I assure you. Her issues are Keaton issues," Veronica replies in the face of both Kael and Amari teasing (or not so much teasing) her, and her eyes drop to Amari rubbing that shoulder. More quietly, so as not to speak over Jaerith, she wonders, "Is that your archery arm, or your replying to invitations arm?" The she turns just in time for the collision of the latest bout with her eyes widening in appreciation of the skill of both Sorrel and Michael.


Tesha gives a look between Adalyn and Jaerith and there's a bit of a smile, then she's turning to look back to the final pass and there's a round of applause from the woman, "Good show!" she calls. "Princess Sorrel Thrax is our winner, Lord Michael takes second place. Both have beatiful prizes awaiting them though." she states as she heads over the the dragon chest. "At your leisure, your highness and my lord." she tells them.


Tesha gets a gold and rubicund vamplate etched with charging knights from a pale dragon chest.

Waldemai applauds the champeens. "Well, run! Good show!"

Tesha is overheard praising Sorrel: Our Joust winner!

Tesha is overheard praising Michael: He rode well!

Eshra sits up and applauds, shaking her head as she does. The Lady hasn't been in the Compact long enough not to think this was simply crazy.

Eshra has left the West Spectator Seating.

2 Rivenshari Clansman, Timbo, agile and cheeky rivenshari youth, Apria, Starling of the jeweled wings arrive, following Eshra.

Eshra has joined the West Spectator Seating.

Amari's shoulder is already too tender for her to applaud in proper fashion, so she whistles her appreciation for the showing instead. "Well fought!" She calls down from the stands before like Kael, she also flicks a glance back at Jaerith. A brow is lightly arched, but she seems more amused than not. Veronica's question is given a soft laugh. "I need both for archery, but I bet I could write with a quill between my toes if I had to. It might even be legible." Hmm. Rather than think about that too much, she turns instead to Adalyn again. "If you're all acquainted we should get together again soon."

Maru sits up and applauds as well, bellowing, "Well done!"

Veronica is overheard praising Amari: She exhibits impeccable sportsmanship even in the face of painful defeat.

Michael's gauntleted hand pats Mashed Potatoes upon the neck as they both recover and amble off to go, ya'know, show off. Potatoes's favorite part is now, he saunters and gallops and prances away from the lists, dragging Michael to the edge of the stands so everyone can see him before finding a place to line up for the after event ceremonies.

Tesha is overheard praising Amari: She participated in our joust and is as always, amazing to watch.

Tesha is overheard praising Adalyn: Lady clement was a joy to watch!

"I know you would find a way," Veronica relays to Amari as she, too, applauds the joust, winner and loser both. "Good show!" she amplifies her voice to yell out over the crowd, then falls silent and still, habitually beginning to observe the rowdy crowds ebbing and flowing around the Keatons and Adalyn with the practiced eye of the troublemaker-seeker.

Tesha gets a diamondplate vamplate with dragon etching from a pale dragon chest.

Amari is overheard praising Tesha: An excellent inaugral Tower joust! Hopefully there will be more to be knocked out in.

"Well done! Both great competitors!" Adalyn calls down, joining the cheers of the crowd as the jousts come to an end. Even amidst the din of the cheers, her gaze shifts to Jaerith. "Quite well. I daresay we've some catching up to do. I think I may take you up on that dinner or drinks," she answers agreeably, leaning in to make a brief comment, her voice pitched low. Veronica's comment draws an exaggerated exhale from the Clement before she offers her own teasing response. "I'm glad to hear it's not just the Clements who have issues." She offers an eager nod in response to Amari's suggestion, clearly all for it. "Yes, let's! I'm sure we would be able to find all sorts of fun to get into when we're gathered all together."

Adalyn is overheard praising Tesha.


Tesha gives a clap as Sorrel and Michael are done. "Lord Michael, hopefully this rubicund vamplate will serve you well in the coming months and in other jousts." she tells him as she hands over the rubicund vamplate. Then to Sorrel there is a smile, "Your highness, I hope that this vamplate will serve you well. I do believe the decoration is fitting given the winner." she admits as she hands it over. "A round of applause for our winners!" she states as she steps back.


Sorrel seems both surprised and delighted by her prize, looking it over with amusement. "This is really ideal for a Wyrmguard girl," she admits as she considers its craftsmanship with admiration in her eyes. "Thank you so much. It was an honor to ride today."

Veronica has left the East Spectator Seating.


Tesha gives a smile to the two that have one, "It is our pleasure. We'll look forward to you both at the next joust event that Telmar holds." she tells them. Then she turns towards the crowd, "Thank you all for coming this evening. I hope that you enjoyed the joust!" she states with a smile.


A bow is tilted over his saddle to Lady Tesha Telmar as she begins to close up the event and hand away prizes. The Rubicund blade and it's sheath finds a place in Michael's saddle before he'll turn to ride MashedPotatoes towards tents so he can dismount and perhaps come back to bother people.

"Well done," calls Kael toward the victors - yes, both - and he regards that Bisland just a moment more. He bows toward the host before turning his attention back to the Keatons that are gathered still. "I believe that I am going to go and take care of some ledger review before retiring for the eve. A good eve to you all - and Jaerith? Do try to enjoy your time back in Arx. Amari? Willowbark tea. To you as well, Lady Clement." With an inclination of his head, Kael departs.

Kael has left the East Spectator Seating.

"Cousin," Jaerith says to Kael as he turns to leave. "I don't know how to do anything ''but'' enjoy my time," he finishes with a grin.

Sorrel is overheard praising Tesha: Hosts a good joust!

Maru rises up from his seat, and then turns to offer Eshra his arm and help getting up. There's a wave across the arena to Michael, and then he's headed off back out of the gauntlet.

Yes, willowbark tea does sound amazing. Terrible, but amazing. Amari gives a slow nod to Kael and looks to those remaining with a wan smile. "I think, if you all don't mind terribly, I'm going to depart for home as well."

Maru has left the West Spectator Seating.

Eshra has left the West Spectator Seating.

2 Rivenshari Clansman, Timbo, agile and cheeky rivenshari youth, Apria, Starling of the jeweled wings leave, following Eshra.

Surprise, an incredibly fluffy blue seal point kitten, 1 Rivenshari Clansman, Eshra leave, following Maru.

Adalyn smirks at Jaerith's comment. "That's the way to do life," she notes approvingly to him. She starts to lift a hand in a wave to Kael,wincing as it causes pain in her injured shoulder. "Willowbark tea. When we're done sipping that and have completely recovered, Papa will have us running drills on horseback, I'm sure of it." There's a faint shudder as the idea of getting back in the saddle sounds far from enticing at the moment. "Take care, Lady Amari!"

Amari has left the East Spectator Seating.

2 Keaton Huntsmen, River, a happy Oakhaven bloodhound, Barf, the Bog Dog, Bandit, a dapple gray Duskshire feral leave, following Amari.