Camelot must be kept united for Britain to survive and return to peace, for divided, the justice and liberty of the land will surely become broken as well.
The sun was beginning to set and the festival was beginning to start. Just outside the castle, in a clearing surrounded by the garden maze, streamers and flags had been posted to decorate the area for the event. A long table was covered with trays, soon to be uncovered for supper. Just beyond the large fountain, a long area had been prepared for the tournament. Facing this whole area, was a covered seating gallery, with special places for the royal families.
At four'o'clock exactly, the gates were opened and people flooded in. The knights had been preparing for the first event: fencing. The royal families were preparing for their grand entrance. First to enter would be Arthur and his family, after which some visiting royalty would be honored and introduced.
Catlee waited anxiously beside her father. Though she loved the festival, she always dreaded the "grand entrance". Normally, that was all. But this year, she was the be the 'prize' for the knight who won the tournament. A kiss on the cheek and dance. Really it wasn't much to be worried about, but she felt like a pawn. 'Of course I won't mind if Alric wins...' she thought for a moment, but before she could correct herself, she was interupted.
They were notified that they would be entering the garden soon to start off the celebrating. What was there to celebrate? Sure, the harvest season had begun and it symbolized things and what not. But only a couple weeks ago some of Mordred's own men had been spotted just outside of Camelot's gates. She knew better than most. She shifted weight and felt the echo of pain through her leg. She returned to her previous posture.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 63 Location: Camelot
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #1 on Sept 14, 2008, 7:21pm »
Alric was quite uneasy at the moment. He was in a private tent filled with people. He was standing in the center of it with attendants putting his armor on him. He was uncomfortable because of all the attention surrounding him in this tent. There were people bringing in food and drink for him, polishing and sharpening his weapons that he would use, polishing and fixing his armor onto him. Alric was quite overwhelmed with the attention. He was usually the one doing to Bedwyr. He had just recently come into his own in his duties, becoming fully accustomed to being a Knight of the Round Table, attending the meetings and voicing his opinion at them. His voice was met with some hesitation but on more than a few occasions he had given some sound wisdom. Not many occasions, but still not bad for an eighteen year old fresh Knight. Alric's thoughts tuned into the tournament and everything dealing with it once he heard the sound of the masses occupying the arena. He wanted nothing to do with the frantic like feeling of the attendants seeing to his preparation. There was more to do than get suited and go out there. Alric had to get his mind into things, concentrate on what needed to be done. And suddenly the fact that the tournament winner would win a kiss from Catlee and a dance with her shortly afterward popped into his head. His face gave a great big smile before he could quell this thought. He gave a chuckle and shook his head, concentrating on the task at hand. He would be one of the first to go into the arena. He stood there calming his nerves and concentrating on the herald, listening for his name to be called, and still Catlee and a possible kiss and dance kept popping into his mind. He needed to start fighting so that he could better occupy his mind.
« Last Edit: Sept 14, 2008, 7:22pm by Alric Fendrel »
"Stupid maze!" The hem of her skirt grazed across the grass, mixing the sound of the swishing grass with the sound of the cool wind blowing past her ears. It was at this point that her hands shot up to her ears to cover them, as they began to tingle in the chill. Looking both ways as she approached a fork in the hedge Lorelei Attlee, princess of the Netherlands, let out a very unlady like sigh and folded her arms across her chest. which way? Her head turned back and forth between the two ways. They both looked the same. Her nose wrinkled at the decision. She'd been lost in this maze for a little while now, what more was a couple more minutes. Now the fact that Camelot had their Harvest Festival in the middle of a garden maze, that's just crazy.
Still standing at the fork, Lorelei looked around her. She had to be alone. Sucking her lower lip between her teeth, her fingers twitched. She knew this wasn't the right time to do this, nor was it absolutely necessary. A small spark shot out one finger before she closed it into a fist. When she had learned how to do this, she promised to only use it when necessary, this was not one of those cases. Taking a deep breath she took a step to the right and continued on her way to the festival.
She'd finally arrived at the festival, with a couple pieces of the hedges in her hair Lorelei pulled them in out in what she hoped was very nonchalant. Letting out a small sigh, she straightened out her dress, the small heels of her shoes clicked on the cobblestone as she walked into the tent. Immediately greeted with talk of the tournament and who they thought was going to win. Standing in a small corner Lorelei silently cursed herself for even thinking of coming to Camelot. "Well this was a waste of time."
L O R E L E I attlee twenty-one. ready to break out of her mold.
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Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #3 on Sept 14, 2008, 8:13pm »
Wait a minute. There was Lorelei now...only now entering the tent. Arthur whispered something to Catlee that summed up to "go help the other princess" and just to avoid his nagging, she went. Reluctantly. Gosh, she hated being a princess, too many duties, too many people to worry about. "Princess Lorelei! We are just about to start the ceremony for the tournament. My, let me get that leaf out of your hair. Luckily you aren't too much of a mess, what were you doing in the maze?"
Too many questions at once to be sure. But it was better to over-whelm the princess than to let her talk her head off. Catlee hated royal small talk. She took Lorelei's hand and quickly led her over to the group of royals. On her way back, she spotted Alric. The knights were also in the large tent, but in a part sectioned off from the rest. The curtain had blown away for a second and he was right there.
"I'll be right back, don't worry, you look fine," she said, resisting the temptation to roll her eyes. She stealthy went to the curtain, hoping no one would notice her and those who did wouldn't make any note of it. "Psst! Alric..." she whispered beside the small opening. Catlee peeked through just as his attendants scurried away. "Good luck!" she whispered to him, with a playful wink. "Even if you will be competing against knights with ten times your experience," she added to keep from sounding too nervous or excited.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 63 Location: Camelot
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #4 on Sept 14, 2008, 8:39pm »
Alric had just been finished being dressed in the ceremonial and protective armor they were required to wear. The main attire being the colors of Camelot and their shield being customly decorated. He decided to make it red over silverwith a black line diagonally from upper left to lower right, with a large black 'F' in the middle. The 'F' was lined with the alternating colors, silver while in the red, and red while in the silver. The young Knight decided this to declare to himself that this is the mark of his family, which would start with himself. He was looking at the shield leaning against a post when he heard a "Psst! Alric..." from his side. Alric turned his head and saw Princess Catlee, the woman who was just on his mind. "Good luck!" the woman whispered to him and gave a playful wink. "Even if you will be competing against knights with ten times your experience." Alric began to blush slightly and smiled while leaning a bit closer and returning her words with a whisper of his own "Thanks, you know something Cat...you've always known how to bolster my confidence." He gave a little laugh, "They may have ten times more experience, but they are ten times older and slower than I am too." He said louder than before, partly to continue they playful tone she had set in, but also to get into the minds of the other Knights, to put them onto a reckless offensive so that he may capitalize on that position. Bedwyr had taught him well, fighting wasn't all about physical ability, it was mental as well. More mental than some beleived.
Catlee Pendragon Administrator . if i wasn't . MEANT to FLY member is offline
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Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #5 on Sept 14, 2008, 8:49pm »
"Thanks, you know something Cat...you've always known how to bolster my confidence. They may have ten times more experience, but they are ten times older and slower than I am too," he said in return. Catlee noticed how he called her 'Cat' and leaned in only a little. She tried to hide a smirk.
"Well, if that's the case, then I expect to see you on the winner's podium, Sir Fendrel," Catlee said in return, playfully adding a challenging tone to her voice. She hoped he didn't read to far into her statement though. Her mind jumped to the prize for the winning knight and back to Alric.
"I had best be getting back to that princess from the Netherlands and my family before someone gets worried...which you know they will," Catlee told Alric, glancing over her shoulder. Feeling slightly emboldened by her 'sneaky' act, Cat blew a quick, playful kiss to Alric. "Now don't disappoint me! If you do, I'll make sure you have to sit through one of my etiquette lessons," Cat taunted, rolling her eyes.
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #6 on Sept 14, 2008, 9:25pm »
Fun, everyone else was having fun. and what was she doing? She was sitting in a corner twiddling her thumbs in hopes that it would make this dreadful thing go by faster. Twirling a piece of her hair around her finger Lorelei looked around. Everything you'd expect from a fancy royal party was here. You had the royals in a line, the knights standing in a seperate tent in order to prove they're worth to the royals to become part of the court, and of course to win they're prize, normally a kiss or dance from the princess of the court. Having gone through it many times herself, she knew the tradition well.
As Princess Catlee approached her, Lorelei put on her most princess-y smile and greeted her like the polite well bred lady she was. Giving a small curtsy Lorelei, smiled to the princess. Though she had not known Catlee for long, she seemed to remind Lorelei of how she too felt as a girl her age. "Oh good, I was afraid I missed it. And thank you m'lady for the help with my hair. The hedge and I seemed to have gotten into a disagreement." with a small smile Lorelei followed Catlee to a group of diplomats. oh goody! her head replied at the sight of the diplomats. It figured it was at this moment that Catlee decided to leave in a hiccup of excuses.
Rolling her eyes slightly at the diplomats and other royalty conversing around her this was not her favorite part of being a princess, the appearances. Searching for Catlee in an effort to make some sort of friends here, she saw her. In a corner. Speaking quietly with a knight. Lorelei raised her eyebrow in Catlee direction and smirked. maybe this place won't be as bad as I thought... As Catlee blew a kiss to the knight, Lorelei turned her attention back to the diplomats giving a nod to make them think that she had been listening the whole time.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 63 Location: Camelot
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #7 on Sept 14, 2008, 10:06pm »
Alric had felt closer to Cat, if that was possible since they had been almost inseparable since they were children, ever since the incident in the forest a few weeks back. He caught her smirk at his comment and just thought that he was being clever. ”Well, if that’s the case, then I expect to see you on the winner’s podium, Sir Fendrel.” Cat playfully said to his bold comment. He smiled to her as she slipped these words in before he could muster a reply for a light shade of red was forming on his cheeks from thoughts of the meaning behind the comment “I had best be getting back to that Princess from the Netherlands and my family before someone gets worried…which you know they will.” Catlee then glanced over her shoulder and blew Alric a quick, playful kiss. ”Now don’t disappoint me! If you do, I’ll make sure you have to sit through one of my etiquette lessons.” Cat taunted him and roller her eyes as his cheeks deepened with their blush, he had always been a shy one and very easy to read for her. He was unaware of the Princess looking over as she blew him a kiss, but he leaned forward more before Catlee could leave. ”Don’t you worry one bit Cat….It will be me you dance with this day….and it will be me you kiss…” He said with a large mischievous smile on his face, full of confidence and bravado. Alric had been truly blossoming and opening himself to her in the past few weeks.
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #8 on Sept 15, 2008, 2:33am »
Bedwyr was showing his age. It wasn't that arthritis was swelling his joints or that he'd had trouble getting out of bed this morning or anything. It was just, on this day of pomp, everyone was strutting around like a peacock, wearing the prettiest things they possessed. He, on the other hand, was walking about, decked in tradition. Not to say that he didn't look nice; no, he was prettied up sure enough, but in his own manner, one that showed that his roots came from outside the country.
Not a single piece of plate armor was to be found on him, only chain-mail. After all, with only one arm, and therefore, no chance of bearing a shield, he could hardly afford to get beaten around like the other tin cans that would be out there today. Yes, it was less protection, but it was more speed, and that was important to him. A simple leather belt gird his sword at his side, his old sword, his simple sword. Still, this was a party, and he did have to dress up. As such, he had a well-made tunic over his armor, declaring his crest. In the crook of his arm, he carried his helm. It wasn't the sort that one put on display, but it worked well enough, he hadn't actually used it enough to give it that worn look. Shining bright about his neck, was his bronze torc, newly polished. Later on, he'd add a few things, like his cloak, but he had no use of them now. The tournaments were getting ready to start.
Hearing Alric's voice rise up from a distance away, he raised that the boy was once again harping on his age, but for once his attention was focused on someone other than Bedwyr, so he chose to ignore the comment for now.
Drawing his sword, he went through a few quick drills, letting the mettle settle into his hand, before sliding it back in it's sheath. Then he took a seat and waited. Too bad they had to stay cooped up in here until the fighting started. He didn't know about the others, but he could certainly do with a bit of sunshine and free air.
Catlee Pendragon Administrator . if i wasn't . MEANT to FLY member is offline
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Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #9 on Sept 15, 2008, 7:01am »
Catlee couldn't help but smile mischievously before confidently turning away and walking back to the others. Oh, back to being respectable and everything. Joy to the world. Catlee checked her hair and dress. If she was go do to this...again...she might as well do it right. "Are you ready, Princess Lorelei?" Catlee inquired, turning to check on the other princess only because she was suppose to.
(a quick over view of everything that happens in the next few minutes) [once you get through rping all this, just go on to the fencing and other tournament events]
The people of Camelot had gathered around the arena, waiting with excitement. The ceremony began as trumpets blew and drums were beat. First, the rounds came out, adored in their finest armor with shining swords and holding tall spears with ribbons tied just before the blade. They looked magnificent as they lined up in front of the royal gallery. They saluted their spears to the sky as the king and his family entered.
They came from their tent, walking up the wooden steps. The queen and princess adored in wonderful gowns, spun with the colors of autumn and the king and princess wearing their royal tunics, though it was rumored they might later join the tournament and put on armor. Then Arthur announced the guests visiting Camelot. The knights turned to face the visitors as they entered, still in a salute. The visiting royalty entered and took the same path as Arthur and his family, sitting in their designated seats.
And the tournament began.
Catlee heard the trumpets and drums. She could hear the knights as they marched out. Now it was her turn. Her father lead the way and she was right behind him. She held her head high, smiling as best she could. The only reason she was able to smile, though, was the thought of one particular possible outcome tot he tournament. She took her seat, which was to the right of her mother. Princess Lorelei was to take the seat to her right. Her brothers were beside her father. She smiled at Alric and winked, wishing him good luck. Then she clapped with everyone else as the games began.
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #10 on Sept 15, 2008, 8:21am »
The King gathered all within the tent just before the herald had announced the beginning of the ceremony. He stood next to his wife, the queen. His eldest son Tristan stood behind him with his daughter Catlee next to him and his son Conrad behind them. All adorned fancifully, looking the best they could. It was after all the day of the Harvest Festival. Arthur turned his head and looked at his children “Now let us put on our best faces for the people, they are the reason we are here.” he said with that amazing awe inspiring accent of his, which even for his people was a beautifully different accent. Arthur gave his children a wink, showing his large smile, his children knew how much he enjoyed these events. The King heard the heralds call, announcing the royal family and began to walk out with Guinevere on his arm. They walked out of the tent and up the wooden steps to their place among the seats. Upon their arrival Arthur announced each visiting guest and they each appeared in turn. Once all guests were seated Arthur gave a salute, bringing his right fist up to his left shoulder, to the Knights about to compete. “Today, we celebrate the coming of the harvest. This symbolizes growth and rebirth. It shows that we are strong enough to survive the winter! It shows that all of Britain will unite under the cause of peace and we will strive through all obstacles in our path to stay within a realm of peace. The harvest is a time of hard work and plentiful gains. And a reward for your hard work is this festival. May all of you prosper and enjoy yourselves! Let the tournament begin!” Arthur said with a great roar from the crowd at each essential moment. It wasn’t much of a speech but it was just enough to praise the people and enforce their quest for peace in all of Britain. Arthur sat down next to his wife and children in his throne. “Now let’s see who will prevail today and be the recipient of good Catlee’s kiss and dance.” he said to his family and some of the closer guests, which included the ever eccentric princess from the Netherlands. And the herald started to announce who would be the first four to fight...it just so happened to be Alric and some none descript Knight, the other pair fighting on the other side would be Bedwyn and another none descript Knight. The two fights would be separate and would go on at the same time to make the tournament quicker, given the amount of Knights partaking.
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #11 on Sept 15, 2008, 9:47am »
This was a waste. of. time. That was obvious. Here she was at a party/ball/emotion-torture convention with a princess that ran off to be all lovey dovey with her boyfriend of sorts and a group of diplomats and royals who all want to talk about what King Arthur should be doing differently and how if THEY were the king the kindom would be much better off. And since she was a girl and held no power over all this.
With the sudden reappearance of Catlee, Lorelei tried to repress her smile. Grabbing a drink off a tray that past, she covered her mouth with the cool gold. Letting the cool liquid slide down her throat and chill her stomach, Lorelei still repressed her smile. Linking her arm with Catlee's as the walked behind the King to where the tournament would be held.
"this is going to be so much fun!" she giggled hoping to hide the sarcasm in her voice.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 63 Location: Camelot
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #12 on Sept 15, 2008, 11:54am »
Alric had been standing at the very end of the formation, standing in seniority order. It seemed as if the newest knight of Britain would be the first to be tested. Alric was wearing half plate mail. His shoulders and chest piece were plate, the rest was chain mail. The symbol and colors of Britain were emblazoned on his chest piece. He had differed from his fellow Britainians along with Bedwyr in this regard. The only two that hadn't had on full plate mail were the former teacher and student pair standing on either end of the line. Bedwyr had always taught him speed and flexibility in a battle will out do pure strength any day. Alric was sure to set this to be truth today. He also chose sight over protection with his choice of helms. He picked a steel cap that came to a slight point on the top with only a piece that came over his nose, guarding it from being broken. Alric wanted to be able to see everything around him, he didn’t want to be blindsided. He was going to be fast and victorious.
The knights not involved with the fighting filed off and went to a staging area. Alric got into his ready stance after giving his spear, which held a flag of the same design as his shield, to a young attendant who ran off with it. He drew his longsword and lifted his shield in defense, allowing the other knight to assume the offensive. The other knight around his mid twenties edging closer to his thirties gave him a scoff at Alric’s seemed ‘hesitance’ and gave a charge to him with a small roar which drew a cheer from the crowd. Alric smiled, the man was playing into his hands. Alric gave a roar as well and made to charge the man as well, which caused him to skitter to a halt expecting Alric to collide. Alric held back with a chuckle, he was getting into his head, embarrassing him in front of the crowd. The mind game worked as the man roared and came onto Alric with a flurry from his sword. Alric, keeping his smile throughout, gave perfect defense for the predictable offensive maneuvers the man displayed in his rage. He then side stepped leaving his foot out slightly as the man gave a great diagonal chop. The knight was overbalanced and stumbled forward, tripping on Alric’s extended foot and crashed to the ground with a loud thud and clank from his heavy plate armor.
Alric smiled confidently and kicked away his sword before he could attempt a turtle like offense. He stood over him and held the sword to his chest pointed to his neck. ”Do you yield Sir?” He said loudly enough for the royal family to hear, Arthur was indeed the final judge in all matters pertaining to the tournament of course. ”Aye, I yield Alric.” the knight said with a laugh. Alric sheathed his sword and dropped his shield, and helped the man up. They clapped each others shoulder and smiled in respect. They both then turned to the royal family and gave a salute.
« Last Edit: Sept 15, 2008, 11:55am by Alric Fendrel »
Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #13 on Sept 16, 2008, 2:30am »
The image of stoicism, Bedwyr filed out of the tent behind the other knights. It was a nice day, he had to admit; the sun and the breeze being just right. If he'd had to pick a day for festivities, he would have picked just such a one. Still, he had no love for the event. Sure, he to feast and have his fill of meads and wines, sure, he loved a good fight, but this was a game, put on to appease the people. He tried not to grudge them it too much, after all, it did make people's hearts lighter, which was important these days, but looking around, seeing fine cotton clothes died in a host of merry colors, silk ribbons fluttering in the lasses hair, young boys gripping wooden swords, he felt a cold disapproval burn. These merry people were encouraging him and his peers to practice something that they knew absolutely nothing about. Then again, Arthur would probably say that it was the job of the knights to keep the people so wonderfully naive.
Listening as his old friend gave another of his heart-warming and comforting speeches, Bedwyr spared a frail smile. The man may have been hopelessly hopeful, but somehow Bedwyr admired him for it. He had to admit though, he found the prize of the tournament rather disappointing. Not that the Princess wasn't a sweet little lass, but ehrm... no. Just no.
At last the signal was given and he moved to the edge of the field along with the other fighting men. Looking out on the field, he found himself watching Alric take on his first challenge for the day. It pleased to see him that the boy had taken his advice over the fashion of the day. Only once did he worry during the fight, namely, when the lad laughed at his opponent. "Careful, Lad," he muttered under his breath. "See where the anger moves him..." But apparently the young knight had gambled right, because he won with hardly a sweat. Grinning now, Bedwyr added his own, slow applause to the roar of the crowd.
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Re: EVENT - Harvest Festival « Reply #14 on Sept 16, 2008, 10:41am »
So far the fencing had been rather exciting. Catlee would have been interested in seeing how they would have stood up against women though. Even though the general idea of women fighting was in low respects, Catlee often though they could be just as good as men. But that was partly from her arrogance which was received after her duels with Conrad. She often felt bad at being better than him.
"Are you enjoying the tournament so far, Princess Lorelei?" Catlee inquired, for once glad that she didn't have to talk to the older ladies. Sure, she did feel more obligated to converse with the princess, but it came more easily. "This will be interesting. See, Sir Bedrydant was the master of Sir Fendrel when he was just a squire. It is hard to say how this will turn out," Catlee informed the princess after a short pause.