These words I, Maitresse Yvianne de Castel d’Avignon, commit to writing in haste on this last day of June AS xxxviii so that my recollections will be preserved, since mere thoughts and remembrances will pass with time as memories fail. All should know of the deeds of Arms, pageantry and renown attached to the Rose Royal Tournament series.
These tournaments have so widely been proclaimed and word of the first tourney has spread so rapidly that it caused much excitement for several knights and squires, most especially those who are fond of adventures and deeds of arms. Many of the populace who had no intention of taking part themselves, also traveled to witness the performances of others based on the report of those enthralled to have been in attendance at the first tournament.
On the 28th of the month of June, as it had been proclaimed, the list was set in the Shire of Stormsport, on the field of the Crimson Shore. The day was bright, clear, and sufficiently warm and the place of the tournament was smooth and green with grass. Three richly decorated pavilions belonging to Ladies of the Rose were pitched near each other in the appointed place for the Gallery. Among those Ladies who raised such fine accommodations and oversaw the comforts of their guests were Our gracious Queen Maurya, Duchess Meirwen, Duchess Rowan and Duchess Dorinda. Consorts were invited to join Her Majesty of AEthelmearc and Their Graces and although some ladies chose to attend their noble Lords or had other obligations, none left the Gallery without a favor to deliver and instruction to return as their duties allowed them. Those gentles who intended to enter the list, and those who wished to see the deeds of arms they knew would occur, and those men at arms who came only to attend their Knight or Squire also arrived at the list and drew up on the remaining sides, erecting pavilions and galleries to provide shade and wherein to seek their comfort throughout the daylong tournament.
You must know, though I have not before made mention of it, that His Majesty, Christopher as well as Their Royal Highnesses, Henri and Berengaria were present at this tournament. Being desirous of witnessing extraordinary sights, they would have been much vexed if they had not seen these tournaments with their own eyes, but knew of them only through tales and song.
When the time to begin the tournament arrived, the heralds called forth the combatants and in an orderly manner they came into where the list field had been set. There were many gallant Knights and an almost equal number of Squires and Noblemen eager for a grand tourney and desirous of victory and renown. Challenges were made in reverse Order of Precedence, and the gentle consort of each of the combatants was presented as their champion either chose an opponent or was chosen. After the pairings had been made, they went to the proper places, where they then made ready for the first round. As in the first Rose Royal there was an uneven number of entrants. This time it was his Highness, Henri, who armed himself and prepared to advance into the list. Although the Dauphin is inspired by his Lady Wife, he chose to honor all ladies not in attendance to witness the feats of their most noble champions.
The challenge round was filled with deeds of prowess and bouts which amused and delighted the gallery, and those who had also assembled. Most memorable was the bout between Lord Dominic McMoreland, who fights sinister, that is with his weapon held in his left hand, and Baron Tristen Sexwulf, who fights in a more common guard, being right handed. Both having earned advancement into the single elimination tournament still chose to take part in the invitational tourney. Since the outcome would have no bearing on the final pairings, they were challenged by the Gallery to switch guards and to fight using their off hands. The urging came from Her Grace, Dorinda’s lips, but perhaps it was one of the ladies in her Gallery who came up with such a difficult request, for we all know the good Duchess to be most fair and kindhearted. It was most impressive to note that even fighting “backwards” Lord Dominic could have bested many an experienced fighter and Baron Tristen is almost equally skilled with either hand.
When the challenge bouts had ended and the entrants had refreshed themselves and took breath, a Grand Melee was called for. For those who have never witnessed such an amusement it can be a bit confusing. All combatants arm and enter the list at the same time and do enjoin in a mass display of proficiency with a variety of weapons. At the cry of, “Lay on” such a rain of blows on the helmets and arms, bodies, shields and legs commences that it is oft times hard to keep track of who is alive and who is not. Though it may appear to be brutal and vicious, all fought honourably and with valor. Such fun was had that as soon as the first melee had been concluded, a second melee was set. This time, the Companions of the Order of the Chivalry held the field and undertook to maintain the lists against all comers.
The Ladies of the Gallery then collected together in the Royal pavilion, where they talked over the chivalry, appearance and gallantry as well as different feats of arms that had been that day performed. Five of those entered in the list: Duke Sir Morguhn, Sir Maynard, Sir Kadan, Baron Tristen, and Lord Dominic had already won invitation into the single elimination tourney that would determine the winners of this second Rose Royal Tournament, leaving the ladies to decide upon only three combatants who would advance in the list this day. The choice was hard as those who had presented themselves were so evenly matched. The five invited entrants and their ladies were again called before Their Majesties and it was announced that His Lordship Aengus, His Lordshp Graedwyn and Sir Isenwulf would join them. By skill and by their own words to the Gallery the victor this day would be chosen from these eight. A best of three, single elimination tourney was fought. At the conclusion of each bout, questions were asked and answered and tokens were distributed. Duke Sir Morghun was quickly determined the winner of the tournament by virtue of his prowess. The gallery choice, decided by the number of favors he collected, was THLord Graedwyn.
The tournament was now at an end and all were given leave to tear down their pavilions, clear the field and prepare for Court… although His Highness, several Knights and Squires remained upon the field for some time, taking on all who would care to cross swords with them. A short while later, during court, Her Majesty presented the winners of the Tournament and issued invitations to them as well as Baron Tristen, His Lordship Aengus, His Lordship Graedwyn and Lothar Hugelman for the next Royal Rose Tournament, which is to be held in Delftwood in a fortnight. The Ladies of the Gallery were given praise and thanks for their efforts and the spectators likewise for their attendance. All of the entrants in the tournament were warmly thanked for the amusements they had given. They had all gallantly behaved themselves, and well supported the honour their ladies and their households as well as of the realm of AEthelmearc and many had won renown and respect for themselves.
May those who did attend and bear witness to this Tournament speak of the chivalry and prowess of the combatants and the attentiveness, largesse and appreciation of the Ladies, and tell all those who may inquire of deeds of arms yet to come of the remaining Rose Royal Tournaments and make every attempt to witness them in person.
And after so much writing, in brief I conclude.
In reverence of chivalry and honor I remain,
Yvianne