Preston’s Jousting Tournament and Feast

Date: 2025-09-06 17:02

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(Preston’s Jousting Tournament and Feast)

[Sat Sep 6 2025]

Wild Ride Equestrian Center – Outdoor Track South/span>/spanThe outdoor track curves in a broad, well-maintained loop of compacted dirt and sand, bordered by crisp white railings and open views of the sky. On one side, tiered wooden bleachers rise a few rows high, each polished bench outfitted with cup holders and small tables beside the armrests, all shaded beneath a white linen awning that provides cover from the sun. Tall lights surround the track, illuminating the space for evening training and events. Nearby, a small tower serves as the announcers’ booth, with clear commentary broadcast through hidden speakers throughout the area./span>/spanafternoon, about 77F(25C) degrees, and the sky is partly covered by grey clouds. The mist is heaviest At Birch and Woodcrest/span>/spanNemi chuckles softly as she nods to Esme when she turns back around.

Evalina gives Alice a warm nod, Helen presumably at her other side, “They really did. I thought I’d have an easy win, but now I just hope for top 3…” She trails off. “It’s wonderful to see though. Everyone looks incredible.”

Nemi nods softly in agreement to Evalina. “I just hope I make third with this armor-….”

“Nobody has one, if any of you carried around a jousting lance, I’d be surprised.” A point down field, far off into the distance, “I’ve got them.” Preston calls back to Nemi.

“Hiya Eva, nice crown.” Genevieve mentions over to Evalina, “By the way, did you happen to find an antique in the club yesterday?”

Kai wraps his arm around Rain’s waist and squeezes her up against his side, he informs the rest of the bleachers, “I’m the guy who accidentally ended up back in medieval times while dressed for the present. So like, a time traveller.”

Every step, silent as it is, sends Seraphina’s wings fluttering and shimmering in the dappled light of a fading sun. She walks alongside of Thomas toward the benches, pausing when Dovie calls out to her. “Thanks! I love your head piece. And the gown… Well….” She ends up just gesturing all over the form of Dovie.

“If Stelle doesn’t show do I win by default?” Kai calls to Preston.

Dovie chuckles at Seraphina, “Thank you! I thought going barefoot was going to go with the vibe, but now I feel like I should have pulled out some more stops.”

Rain snugs up against Kai’s side, hooking her ankle behind his, “I saw that movie, it was great.”

Obadiah looks up when Dovie greets Seraphina. He blinks then chuckles, “So many fairies today. I am glad I didn’t come as one.”

Evalina glances to Genevieve, thinking for a moment, then nodding. “I actually did find something curious.” She confirms to her, smiling. “Love the bustier by the way – though I am starting to wonder just how many gemstones you have!” She grins, “I half-feel like you’d put one in a onesie.”

“I guess my only question is… did anyone here decide to dress up like Ash?” Seraphina asks, following up after Kai’s statement on time travel and medieval times.

Dovie nods at Obadiah, “You are one of a kind.”

“Yeah, but she’s coming,” Preston retorts back to Kai. Soon he’s standing up, making his way towards the front of the bleachers. Passing by people carefully as he steps towards the front.

“The pokemon guy?” Kai asks Seraphina, he nods to Preston, clearly disappointed and turns his head to kiss the top of Rain’s head a few times.

Nadav walks up towards Preston in a historically semi-accurate Knights Templar tabard and chainmail, “I made it, only five minutes late. So not so bad.”

Preston smiles towards Nadav, “Perfect! Just waiting on Stelle now.” Glancing over Nadav. “I like the tabard!”

“Thanks.” Genevieve replies to Evalina with an easy smile, “And well you know, what’s the good of underworld influence if you can’t use it to glam up an outfit?”

There is a dramatic sigh in the direction of Kai. “Really? Evil Dead? Army of Darkness. Good? Bad? I’m the guy with the gun?” Seraphina says, hands to her silken clad hips. “Though I was more thinking the chainsaw.”

Tenzin makes a quiet entrance and remains at the bottom of the bleachers, standing. Calmly, he observes the gathering and all in costume.

Obadiah beams at Dovie and winks at her, “The original. Many times copied but never duplicated.”

Nemi nods to Obadiah. She takes a moment to hum softly as she heads over to Preston. “Our battle shall be legendary!” She states, chuckling softly afterwards. She turns to Seraphina. “I love it, very creative.”

“What?” Kai asks Seraphina and blinks a few times, he is distracted by Rain’s whispering and grins, lifts her chin with a couple of fingers and bends down to kiss her softly on the lips before murmuring to her.

“Step right up and grab some food, don’t be shy!” Sofia calls out from a table at the bleachers, hawking some refreshments as wings flap behind her. “We’ve got authentic medieval fare, all circa the 12th century! Boar ribs with a sweet and sour sauce from Italy, game hand pies with venison, partridge, and pheasant! Roasted pears in sweet syrup! And a delightfully spiced bochet mead from France!”

Jakem snags a bottle of mead and heads to the bleachers to take a seat.

Mercy steels herself for integration into the massive crowd, head ducked low, and finds a seat where she’s least likely to get brushed or jostled by someone else’s elbow.

Dovie glances over to Sofia and the food. Her stomach growls, audibly. “God… I want a hand pie so bad… but I shouldn’t eat before the joust…”

Evalina snorts to Genevieve, “Is that so?” She gives her a shit-eating grin, “I guess I am going to have to get into crime then. Maybe start a syndicate in Italy?” She pretends to consider it. “I could smuggle illegal cats. And if the cops catch me, I’ll just go,” She scrapes her throat, “‘Oh no, Mr. Officer, I am not a bad girl.. I just wanted to look pretty like my cousin does…'” For a moment, she looks genuinely contrite, but then she breaks the act with a giggle, letting it fade before returning to the subject. “…Anyway, do you know the owner of the antique? Or is it yours? I’ve just been carrying it with me, really..”

Obadiah chuckles as he glances at his phone and then grabs a hand pie as offered by Sofia and starts to munch on it, “You also shouldn’t ride on an empty stomach, Dovie.”

Thomas steps up onto the bleachers, having entered with Seraphina.

Preston moves to front of the bleachers now, and claps once, it’s rather loud. But it’s supposed to grab people’s attentions. “While we’re waiting for Stelle…”

Seraphina steps down from the bleachers, gently giving Thomas’s arm a squeeze when she leaves his side. She steps on over to Sofia, her gaze sweeping over the woman’s gown. “Stunning!”

Navessa has been wandering, checking out the food. She has absolutely gotten herself some of the pears- how could she not? And some mead. Now she settles in by Preston, taking her place appropriately by his side as she gets a good look over both the crowd and the participants in the joust.

Nemi lowers her visor a bit, not enough to give anyone a peak at her face as she removes a glove to feed herself some of the GOD HEAVENLY tender pork rib. It only takes about 5 minutes for her to finish the half rack on her own.

Mercy sits in a dramatic forward hunch and snacks on her comfort food of doritos.

Alice maneuvers her way over to Sofia at the tables, gazing over the food options with hungry eyes. She smiles up at Sofia, though, and wonders, “I guess everyone in town pretty much has you cater now, huh? You’ve got a monopoly on it.”

“Hear ye! Hear ye!” Preston begins, voice loud and booming. It’s got hints of someone who’s trained in projecting their voice.

Dovie decides to snag a hand pie after all.

Rain grins, turning her gaze to Preston.

Matthew arrives with Malin, the pair walking hand in hand just as Preston begins to holler out to the crowd. He quickly makes his way to the bleachers, offering the Swede a place to sit before sliding in beside her.

“Hear ye! Hear ye!” Preston begins, voice loud and booming. It’s got hints of someone who’s trained in projecting their voice. “Welcome all, ye kings, queens, princes, princessess, lords and ladies! It is an honour,” a beat, “No. It is a privilege to have you all gathered here today to enjoy this absolute magnificent form of entertainment!” His hands go up in front of himself, fingers spreading wide.

“The Joust!”

There’s a pause as he gathers his thoughts, just briefly, before continuning on. “Food and drink has been provided by the radiant Queen of Pizza herself, Sofia!” One hand moves, a grand sweeping gesture – palm held out flat – to Sofia. “It is a feast! Enjoy the food, and the drinks.” Lowering his hand he continues on, “I would also like to thank the wonderful, Queen Dovie of the Forest Flowers. She has been kind enough to allow me the use of this field, and the use of her horses.” Bringing his hands together in a clap, he pauses once more.

“There will be a prize for the winner of the best dressed costume contest. Please, mingle with each other, talk, eat, drink and make merry. But do not forget to send me a vote by text message at 710-0190 with the name of the person you are voting for! You can vote for yourself, if you wish, but please, only vote once.” Clapping once more, Preston breathes in.

“We shall start the jousting shortly. If you are participating, please, familiarize yourself with the rules! If there are any questions, ask me! I’ll do my best to answer them.”

Malin gives a squeeze to Matthew’s hand before she takes a seat, and her attention turns to Preston and his projecting voice.

“Thank you, thank you,” Sofia beams back to Seraphina and gives a little twirl. “Had to put on something fancy for my birthday.” She grins over at Alice and says, “It’s fun challenging myself with different sorts of recipes I gotta admit, seeing what sort of weird cuisines I can master. Hopefully it came out good!” She looks to Dovie and Obadiah as the former waffles and gives a knowing grin when she finally sneaks a pie. “Knew you would. It’s not too too heavy, you’ll joust just fine!”

Nadav blinks a few times before coming back to his senses.

“There are worse criminal origin stories.” Genevieve claims to Evalina and nods, “It is mine, or at least more mine than anyone elses I think.” She claims, raising her hand to greet Malin and Matthew when they arrive. “Oh I like your outfit.” She mentions to the latter. “Is there a particular reason you went with the solar theme?”

“Oof, I gotta start making costumes, I’m real lazy and poor about that,” Kai tells Rain, “I’m gonna start to change that. That’s my New Year’s Resolution,” he informs her, “Want to grab some drinks and grub?”

Jakem gives a glance about surrepticiously, then slides off the side of the bleachers, going… somewhere?

Evalina interrupting a conversation, cheers and hollers loudly for Preston, then catches herself, giving a more maidenly wave as she listens. She gives an undertstanding nod, then tries to wave at Malin and Matthew with a friendly smile.

“I will give the participants a few moments to familiarize themselves with the rules, but then the match ups will start.” There’s a nod towards Stelle, “Our first matchup, will be Nadav,” a gesture towards Nadav, “And Obie! When you’re both ready, come on down and follow me towards the horses. I’ll provide you a lance, and armour if you need it.” Preston announces.

Alice finally selects some food for herself, taking hold of some pears as she grins wide at Sofia. “What a fun time for your birthday, too. Happy birthday,” she happily declares, before she starts to go to town on those pears, looking over and listening to Preston as he describes the joust. Mouth full of pears, she wonders, “Do you think anyone’s gonna get seriously hurt? I hope not.”

Rain nods aside to Kai, “You’re hardly lazy, but JEANS Kai. And.. yes.. yes I do.”

Esme tilts her head subtly, gaze following something before she looks back toward the front. When Obie’s match is called she smiles, “Good luck, Obes.”

Seraphina picks up two pies. Clearly… one is for someone else. Surely, even. “I am going to have sit with you and take some cooking classes. Baking is my thing. These all look so delicious.” She leans in to kiss Sofia’s cheek, before her gaze sweeps the crowd and the multiple costumes, before they land on Preston.

Mercy finds Gabriel in the crowd from afar and throws him a bleary half-hearted wave.

Gabriel flicks Mercy a little wave when he sports her.

Malin provides a smile and wave to Genevieve in return before also greeting Evalina with a waggle of slim digits. She’s not in a costume today, but grins at Matthew who is.

“Mr. Ashford,” Thomas tells Kai. “Are you harassing the co-eds?” he says, before he looks at Rain. “I’m Thomas Hale,” he introduces himself. “I don’t think we’ve met.”

Evalina gives Genevieve a nod of understanding, smiling, “Well, I can give it to you now – or after the event if you like?” She fixes up her circlet to make it sit just a little lighter. “I’m happy to have found it either way, wouldn’t want others to find my Cousin’s stuff.” She furrows her brow. “…Though I’ll admit I have no idea exactly /how/ I found it. Felt like it was just there…”

“I love your…” Matthew look slike he’s trying to figure it out, “Ice queen… outfit?” he’s uncertain but clearly a fan of Genevieve’s outfit. For himself he just grins and motions, “Oh, yes, because I am the sun,” he doesn’t sound like he’s kidding, “and technically this is my formal Court clothing, but it works here as well.”

Stelle arrives eventually, certainly eventually, with an exhale and a touch sweaty. A nod is returned towards Preston, the blonde woman making her way through the crowd and settling in somewhere sort of near Alice.

Helen leans into Evalina as she looks aside towards Alice and says, “I don’t think we’ve met, which is surprising, because I recognize you at least from side knowledge.” She flutters a wave towards Malin when she spots her as well, “Hey, Malin!”

Kai stands up and offers Rain his hand, then descends the bleachers. He heads straight for the pears and grabs a mug of mead for Rain and another for himself and grabs a bowl of pears, “No, she’s my girlfriend. I leave harrassing co-eds to the male professors, Professor Hale,” he assures the man with a little shit-eating grin.

Rain glances up at Thomas, offering a smile tinged with amusement before she looks aside at Kai, “Kai, stop harassing me.”

Matthew then catches the tailend of Evalina’s waving and beams a smile in her direction, waving back. “Hey!”

Nemi looks around as she hums and nods softly, walking around as she eats the bread that she finds quite delicious after it soaked up all the juices from the pork ribs.

“Hey, Helen!” Malin calls back to Helen, wiggling some on the benchseat of the bleachers to try and get comfortable.

Sofia shoots a grin back to Alice and looks over the field of contestants for a beat, saying, “I imagine the serious injuries suffered will directly relate to just how tough most of the competitors are, you know? I mentioned I might joust backup without armor, and I get shot a few times a week on the regular and rarely have to go to the hospital for it, so what’s a lance, right?”

Obadiah stands from the bleachers and gives a deep bow to all the pretty ladies in turn, too many to name, really making a literal fool of himself with his over the top antics, before skipping, yes skipping, to one of the horses and mounting up, making sure the bells on his hat and shoes give off lots of jingle jangles.

Thomas looks at Rain for a moment after she decides not to introduce herself, and then turns away to talk to watch the field.

“I could take it now if you don’t mind.” Genevieve tells Evalina, “There’s a good chance I might have to leave before the end.” She clarifies and nods at Matthew, “Ahh that makes sense, unfortunately I don’t think my biker gang gear is likely to be able to double as fancy dress.” She complains.

Evalina leans back into Helen, calling out to Nadav, “Hey, you’re spectacularly sunny today!”

Navessa does slip away from her spot directly at Preston’s side to sit nearby instead, giving him all the space he needs to gesticulate wildly. Or to talk to anyone he might need to as he oversees the event. She claims a seat (if she has to hipbump someone to do so) near the organizing man and settles in with her food, taking out her terribly anachronistic phone briefly to send off a message.

Mercy snorts a little, grinning to herself while her fingers swipe across the phone.

Tenzin offers up polite applause as Preston announces Nadav’s and Obadiah’s names as the first in the tournament. He resumes his stance, hands folded.

“Want some of my pears, or anything else?” Kai asks Rain after Thomas turns away, his lips quirked into a grin.

Dovie whistles for Obadiah.

Nadav turns to look in Evalina’s direction with a curious expression and then begins moving to… the other horse!

Sofia lifts the low hem of her dress slightly off the ground to show Alice her riding boots, adding, “I came prepared just in case I gotta hop on a horse, even though it sorta clashes with the fit.”

When Kai doesn’t introduce her, Rain goes to answer Thomas, but he’s turned around so she instead turns back to Kai and reaches out to pinch some of his pear.

Gabriel applauds for Obadiah as he mounts the horse.

Returning to the bleachers, Seraphina passes by Obadiah on his way down, and hip checks him. “Good luck! Also, if there are so many fairies, hopefully -I- am memorable.” She winks and hands a pie off to Thomas befoer seating herself. With a freed hand she can cup her mouth, and give a good hoot-n-hollar.

Alice turns her attention to Helen, offering a bright smile and a little wave, even though she’s got a mouth full of pairs. “Hi! Yeah, I dunno if we’ve met. I’m Alice Renwick. Today, I’m an Elven knight. Normally, I’m someone else.”

“Rain, this is Thomas Hale, alleged professor, Alleged Professor Hale, this is Rain Hollow, baker, actress, wonderful girlfriend,” Kai takes it upon himself to introduce Thomas and Rain, “That’s Sera, his girlfriend slash uhh assistant,” he nods to Seraphina.

“Aim for the target on his chest!” Genevieve calls down to Obadiah as advice.

Alice also peers over at Sofia’s riding boots, giving her a grin and a wink. “Gotta stay ready, even in a dress.”

Esme briefly dips to claim some mead before returning to her seat, ready to watch.

Matthew tries to catch Sofia’s eye, upnodding her, “Hey, that’s a great looking gown,” he compliments, then down the line to Seraphina, “Look at you all ferried up, love the wings.”

“I would also like to ask, that please, during the matches, please do not yell too much!” Preston calls out, as he watches Obadiah and Nadav mount up. Strolling his way first to Obadiah’s horse, the man finds a lance from a rack behind him. Handing it off, and then dashing across the field towards Nadav, and handing him that lance. “I would also recommend putting armour on, unless you wish to be hit in the head. Or.. the chest.” A sweeping gesture to the armour back behind both men.

Malin peers at Matthew. “Wasn’t that what I got you for the carnival?” she asks the man as she looks at his outfit. “I didn’t know you made it your official Court attire, but I guess I should feel flattered now.”

Evalina ‘s smile lingers for a few moments, her eyes prying into Genevieve, then she gives a nod. She takes a few steps towards her, her hands behind her. One leaves her back, presenting the antique, “Then I bestow upon you, Lady Genevieve of the Frozen Underworld,” She starts solemnly, playing her role of a lady, “This trinket you once lost, so that it may bring eternal winters to our enemies.” She grins after, then once it’s taken, returns to her place, settling back against Helen once more.

“Thank you, Miss Hawke,” Thomas tells Seraphina, before he turns to look back to Rain. “Miss Hollow,” he says. “I saw you on the roll, but not in my seminar. Perhaps the schedule wasn’t ideal.”

Matthew grins at Malin, “Yes,” he tells her, nodding, “this is my official court attire, and you did get this for me for the Carnival, but the Carnival was an official Court event.”

Rain smiles to Thomas and Seraphina, “Hi, nice to meet you.”

“I’m just getting myself sorted, I’m hoping to make the next ones, Professor,” Rain explains.

Sofia gives a little curtsey and a thankful smile back to Matthew, saying, “Appreciated!

“I should hold them more,” Thomas admits to Rain.

Malin leans in against Matthew’s side. “I’m just dressed up as a Sexy Baby, according to Mars,” she tells him. “Maybe if I put an undercorset on it would be an almost medieval sexy baby.”

Nadav hauls himself up onto the back of a majestic and regal looking horse and takes its reins giving it a brief circle and then preparing to face off against the dreaded… jester in the form of Obadiah. He lifts up his lance after putting on a helmet, he does already have real chainmail underneath the Templar’s tabard. “For handpies and revelry… Have at you Jester Knave!” he cries while bringing his horse into alignment for the charge!

“They did have much more liberal age of consent laws in Medieval times.” Genevieve comments to Malin.

Obadiah spurs his horse to the end of the list and turns him around before putting on his helmet and reading his lance. “Don’t fail me now,” he mutters to his horse as he gets ready for Preston’s signal to start the process of breaking lances.

“I’d enjoy a chance to be in any of your lectures Professor,” Rain admits to Thomas, “Is there anything else coming up soon?”

“WHere do I get one of thoes delicious looking pies?” Matthew asks, looking over the crowd for who looks to be distributing pies. “This is your medieval underwear,” he reasons to her.

“Uh.. I am his assistant, thank you very much Kai. Stop demoting me.” Seraphina remarks to Kai, a big smile given to Matthew. She shimmies her shoulders to give her wings a little shivering shake, glimmering under fading sunlight. “Thanks, Matt!” The smile is sent to Rain. “Pleasure Rain.” Then a bite of pie, which is met with closed eyed, further pleasure.

Matthew says “They wore rompers as underwear, right? “

Dovie cheers as the two riders mount their steeds. “Go Obie! You can do it!” she enthuses.

As both Nadav and Obadiah begin to ready themselves, Preston looks to both of them. Stepping out of the way, he raises a flag. It’s a green flag. And then, on his mark. He lowers the flag, and shouts. “JOUST!” Before just hauling ass out of the way of the horses.

Nemi nods softly as she ends up back next to Esme. “Whom are you betting on?” The dame asks curiously.

Obadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance strikes the opponent’s waist with bruising force. 02(+1 points)/span

Genevieve accepts the antique from Evalina and slips it away beside her. “My eternal thanks your royal majesty.” She replies, dipping her head slightly and sending more snowflakes cascading.

Obadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance tip smashes squarely against the opponent’s visor, sparks leaping from the steel. (+2 points)/span>/spanNadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance drives with crushing force, unseating the opponent from their mount. (+3 points)/span>/spanNadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA solid hit lands against the side of the opponent’s neck, jarring them in the saddle. 02(+1 points)/span

Nadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA devastating blow sends the opponent crashing to the ground in a spray of dust. (+3 points)/span>/spanJakem takes a slurp of his mead from beneath the bleachers, periodically glancing up with a bridge-trollish mischief before turning his attention back to the match.

But then Matthew hears the familiar crunch of doritos and he zeroes in on Mercy. “Hey,” he calls towards the woman, “how much for the doritos?”

Malin glances down at herself, and then tells Matthew, “I showed up in my Middle Ages Unmentionables, I fear.”

“Oh no!” Seraphina says, a hand patting herself down. “I forgot two handkerchiefs.”

Esme supposes to Nemi, “Always gotta bet on Obie.” Though as the match goes on, it’s likely she may regret that. “Though I also didn’t know we could bet…”

Matthew says to Malin, “Just the way I like it.”

Malin nudges Matthew ever so lightly in the arm with a bent elbow.

Navessa has a sip of her mead and sets it and her plate of food on the bench next to her rudely taking up the space someone else could use to sit. Or Preston could use if he needs a break from hosting everything for a moment. She takes out the sketchbook she has with her, opening it and propping it against her lap; pencil coming out as she starts sketching the initial duo jousting.

Matthew points towards Nadav, playing off Malin’s nudging, “Who’s that guy?”

Alice raises an eyebrow to Evalina, leaning over to murmur, “Honestly, I want to learn how to pull a sword out of a woman’s chest. I mean, that’s the ultimate yuri, right?”

“What’s a Kuudere?” Genevieve wonders of Evalina as she watches the joust, wincing a little. “You’d think wearing a big red cross on your chest would be more of a disadvantage.”

“He’s held two classes and I ruined one of them,” Kai informs Rain, “Maybe you’ll get a class in the winter. Anyway, got anything I can wear as a favor for my match, m’lady?” he asks, waggling his brows. When he notices Matthew and Malin, he gives both a pair but favors Matthew with a quick cumbia dance, like a goof.

Mercy hears the ‘Hey’ and glances up to find Matthew, a stranger, not only addressing her but trying to con her out of hard-earned doritos. She squints at him and leans away a little, body hunched protectively over the bag. “Ain’ fer sale, they got plenty at seven-eleven.”

Thomas tells Rain, “I suspect I will do something on practical magic soon — though I think the next event I hold is likely to be something for the general public, perhaps a rare book auction at the library.”

It isn’t even close. Four to Seven the actual knight easily unseats our poor jesters more times than not causing Obadiah’s delightfully bright jester’s costume to get covered with dust and a couple of bruises. “Ow,” he says after the last charge, rolling over to his feet, “Clearly I am not meant to be a knight.”

Nemi hums softly as she nods. “More of a playful thing…” She states with a soft nod as she turns to Evalina. “I could make that happen-…. maybe.”

Nemi says “But the whole lance wouldnt explode..“

Rain holds out a pewter crufixix on a chain to Kai, “Yes my love! Wear this as my favor!”

Malin gives a wave to Kai after his greeting her way.

The charge comes and Obadiah manages to strike in the center mass of Nadav’s authentic chainmail causing an audible *uuf* and resounding WHOMP throughout the stands… but the counter thrust by the Templar sends the jester from their steed as the majestic horse with regale bearing rides on to the end. There is some time as the second alignment is made… once more they are off galloping with sand and debris kicked up… This time the exchange is tame another waist shot with a grunt and a blow to the jesters neck trying to unseat him to no avail! “This is… Very bad for my hip.” he laments to no one imparticular as a fresh lance is given and… they are off ending with Obadiah’s admission he is no knight and the Knight Templar raising his shattered lance to the crowd with a whooping udulation from his throat!

Kai pulls the crucifix on and laughs a little at Rain, “Thank you my dear. Shall we return to thine seateths or would you like some meateths?”

Likely, Seraphina can’t make a lance break in a shower of flowers, but with a light little carress of the bracelet around her wrist, and with a following blown kiss toward those who are down on the field, flowers do begin to sprout, as if her kiss were the seed to their successful bloom. She winks at Evalina. “For anyone to pick up and give to the individual winners of their choosing!”

Evalina giggles softly at Alice, “I mean, you could try that. Once.” She tells her, “But just once.” Her eyes flit to Genevieve after. “It means someone who, even if they love someone, acts distant. Like they lack emotions – though they often do show those emotions when it matters.” She tells her cousin cheerily, “It’s from those books that bonded Alice and Arachne.” She watches the joust after as she gently squeezes Helen’s arm. Another look afforded to Nemi, “I’d love to see it.”

Malin asks Genevieve, “So, babies could be sexy back then?”

(re for crowd) Likely, Seraphina can’t make a lance break in a shower of flowers, but with a light little carress of the bracelet around her wrist, and with a following blown kiss toward those who are down on the field, flowers do begin to sprout, as if her kiss were the seed to their successful bloom. She winks at Evalina. “For anyone to pick up and give to the individual winners of their choosing!”

Rain squints at Kai blankly, “I.. don’t want meateths, what?” Leaning in, she straightens the crucifix around Kai’s neck before turning back to the seats.

Perhaps trying to keep good luck and karma on his side, Nadav announces to the crowd and Sofia , “A round of drinks for the whole gathering! On Nadav’s tab…” and with that he is off to dismount and get the armor/lance ready for the next.

Nemi hums. “Well I cannot do that….”

Jakem lets out a soft whistle of appreciation. Maybe it’s for the performance of the jousters, or maybe it’s for something he can seem from beneath them.

As the horses kick up dirt and dust as they charge towards each other, Preston watches from a safe distance, he’s on the field but entirely out of the way. Each point is tallied by him, watching the jousting, and tracking up the points. There’s a grimace from him when Obadiah gets unseated, and his poor jester outfit gets a little bit dusty. At least it was a good joust! Nobody can say there was no effort put in from either side, they gave it their all but the Knight has won the first round.

Turning towards the bleachers, Preston begins to clap for Nadav. “Everyone! Give it up for Knight Nadav.. fighting for..?” A pause, as he shrugs. “The winner of the first round is Nadav! Alice, and Nemi are up next!”

Nemi chuckles softly.

Malin takes time to check out all of the creative outfits attendees have worn.

Kai grins at Rain and shakeks his head, he takes another bite of pear and turns his gaze to look to Nadav and Obadiah to see how it’s going.

“Well done,” Thomas tells Seraphina as flowers bloom.

Esme gives applause when the fight ends and Alice and dam are called up. “May be the best knight win!” She tells them with a bit of a grin.

Alice nods to Evalina.

“Oh sort of like a Byronic Hero?” Genevieve wonders of Evalina and nods at Malin, “For sure, definitely like eight year olds were getting married and stuff so that’s pretty close to being a baby really.”

Obadiah stumbles back to the stands and sits down among his collection of friends. “Well that could have gone better,” he muses as he sits down heavily. “Let’s see how the other matches go.”

“Nice to meet you, Alice, I’m Helen, I think I said that?” Helen asks but shrugs her shoulders, smiling at Alice, “I take it you and Evalina are friends? I’m sure we’ll get to know one another more in the future!” She does look towards the announcements now, watching and reaching out to settle a hand upon one of Evalina’s legs.

“Ayyyy,” Matthew calls twoards Kai, but his attention remains on Mercy, head tipping when she curls herself protectively around that bag of doritos. “Not for sale?” His tone is incredulous, lips pursing like he intends to fight over a dorito mole hill. THe moment lasts only a few seconds of his solar stare, before cracking a smile, dispelling his tension. “A’right, if they not for sale, they not for sale.” ANd he turns to address the crowd in the bleachers instead. “Chat. where those pies at?”

Nemi nods at the call of her name, quickly heading over to the sturdy horse as she nods firmly. Getting handed a lance after she gets helped onto the warbeast of a horse which easily supports the weight of her armor as she nods firmly. Waiting for a lance a moment after she nods softly.

Rain settles herself back on a seat near the back.

Nadav comes back up from the sands and smelling of horse and sweat from three runs and approaches Navessa with a wave to Sofia, “Navessa, I half expected you to joust.” he admits slightly winded from the exertion and sweaty from the back and forth with Obadiah

“Byronic Heroes are lovely,” Malin says to Evalina, and then nods to Genevieve. “Terrifying. When I was eight years old, I was making mud pies and imagining I was a fairy in a magical land.”

Evalina stands up, the proper lady right now, merged into her role. She approaches Alice, then, presuming she offers her her lance, ties the ribbon in her hair around it. “My knight. Win this fight for me – be my champion, and earn yourself a Costco Hotdog.” She wishes upon the elvish knight most solemnly, then before even finishing the ceremony, replacing her ribbon again – she has two, it turns out.

“Even here, representing the Templars. Congratulations on the victory,” Tenzin calls out to Nadav. He scans the sea of faces from while the next challengers prepare. His gaze settles on Mercy and her doritos longer than the rest.

Sofia gives a little wave over to Nadav from her food stand and says, “Part of me wanted to joust, but handling the food was plenty.”

Seraphina winks at Thomas then, but a voice has her attention and she waves her fingers to Helen in greeting, calling over, “Hey, Helen. Been a while!” She watches Obadiah and Navessa return to their seats and brings her hands together, however belatedly.

Malin gazes at Matthew a moment. “Did you just call these people ‘chat’ ?”

“I think for medieval lords making mud pies is totally a thirst trap.” Genevieve asserts to Malin.

Nemi seems to wait patiently for a lance as she hums softly, Looking across at her opponent. Chuckling softly in her armor. She then raises an eyebrow at the foghorn that sounds out.

Matthew beams his smile right back at Malin, “Yes.”

“Riders!” Preston calls to both Alice and Nemi, making sure each are handed a lance properly. And, if they need it, a helmet and armour. There are armourers on standby here. “Are you both ready!!!?”

“And not be able to stand like a noble lady on my boyfriend’s arm?” Navessa says to Nadav, shrinking back just a little from the sweat dripping off of the man. Her nose wrinkles, just a little. “Also, I’m fairly sure I wouldn’t be able to hold a lance.” Carefully, she tears a page out of her sketchbook and holds it out to Nadav. “Here.”

Mercy holds Matthew in a wary gaze a moment longer but when he backs off, she eases up similarly, and after about a minute of the gears turning in her head to recall what would be polite in this scenario, she instead offers the open part of the bag out to him to take some if he wants.

Alice does indeed hold her lance out towards Evalina once she’s mounted on the steed, swinging up and over the horse with practiced ease. As the ribbon is tied around the end, she holds the lance aloft, then trots her horse over into the jousting arena, controlling with grace and ease, sitting tall and straight-backed, the very picture of Elven grace. Once in place, she readies herself, steadying the lance, and makes a quick salute as though she were lifting the visor of her helmet to Nemi. Then, to Preston, a nod.

Nemi turns to Preston as she nods softly, waiting patiently she finally gets handed a lance, less ornate, precise. Dangerous.

Dovie claps for the two new jousters, cheering both on.

Obadiah goes to eat some of his pie as he looks at his phone and starts laughing, his bruises already most of the way healed.

“YOU MAY JOUST!” Preston cries out, waving that flag again, before, once more, just hauling ass out of the way in order to watch the events unfold, arms folded across his chest as he readies to tally up the hits and the points.

Nemi uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe tip glances off the opponent‘s shield, leaving no mark. (+0 points)/span>/spanAlice uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance tip smashes squarely against the opponent’s visor, sparks leaping from the steel. (+2 points)/span>/spanAlice uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe tip glances off the opponent‘s shield, leaving no mark. (+0 points)/span>/spanNemi uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe rider’s aim falters, and the lance drives into the dirt instead. (+0 points)/span>/spanAlice uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA solid hit lands against the side of the opponent’s neck, jarring them in the saddle. 02(+1 points)/span

Nemi uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanA precise strike glances off the crown of the opponent‘s helm, rattling their head. (+2 points)/span>/spanMalin starts laughing at Genevieve’s claim. “It would create an illusion of luxury,” she admits. “And things could get dirty really quick. A damsel and her mud pie. What knight could resist?” Then she snickers at Matthew confirming her question. The next joust begins and she watches.

Nadav accepts the charcoal sketching from Navessa even as she shys away from the smell of victory! Sweaty people in chainmail in 2025. He holds it in a gloved hand and then asks, “Have you done the thing? The spray thing so I can fold without smudges?” of course a Templar would want to fold a charcoal sketching, what a heathen.

Evalina wraps an arm around Helen, glancing aside to her as she leans into her. “I think my champion has this in the bagf.” She opines as she watches the fight with glittering eyes.

Alice guides her steed without fear or concern, leveling the lance for each charge. Two of those charges even go quite well, though on the final charge she takes a strike so close to her unarmored head that it unnerves her. Eventually, though, she brings the horse to a cantering stop, looking out over the crowd for a moment. Then, she reaches up to take the ribbon off her lance, holding it up in the air triumphantly as her horse paws at the dirt below.

Thomas shoots Evalina a smile. “Evalina,” he greets her. “You’ve been so busy, we haven’t had a chance to catch up.” He reaches up, adjusting his hat.

“No,” Navessa says as he asks. “I didn’t think of doing this until I got here.” And realized she’d be sitting alone with nothing to do except risk eating and getting fat! “I can hold it until later-” a hand offered out with the gimme grabby motions.

Nemi watches as her horse charges forwards, shoulders locking forwards until her visor gets hit and her aim shifts, faltering majorly. Damn lucky she’s glad she reinforced it. Another joust, her shields hit and her aim falters. And then another joust, another shot to her head yet she returns the blow as quickly as the first time. She knows she’s lost but she does’nt show it. Quickly providing Alice with a firm nod of approval. Horse to a stop, nerves calming as she sighs softly.

“A CostCo hotdog!” Helen calls out to Evalina, “That is a prize worthy of fighting over!” She waves towards Seraphina as well, smiling as she says, “It has been a while! You look lovely!” She places an arm around Evalina as well, “You think? Because I would go into a rabid frenzy of jousting fury to get myself a Costco dog.”

Dovie claps for the contestants, taking a bite of her hand pie, savoring it. She certainly doesn’t look like someone who is about to joust.

Jakem sips his mead as he watches with a keen interest as the two square off, idly reaching up to until a random patron’s shoelaces.

Nadav hands the sketch back to Navessa so he does not ruin it with his further competition. “I will get it from you later, I think is good picture.” he says in a clipped and blunt cadence before looking up to the stands and nodding at someone and Tenzin. “I hope to make it to the finals. It does look like more people enjoyed thought of dressing up than getting to joust.” he comments to Navessa and then looks out at all the pretty involved costumes and outfits amongst the revelrous crowd.

Nadav hands the sketch back to Navessa so he does not ruin it with his further competition. “I will get it from you later, I think is good picture.” he says in a clipped and blunt cadence before looking up to the stands and nodding at Tenzin. “I hope to make it to the finals. It does look like more people enjoyed thought of dressing up than getting to joust.” he comments to Navessa and then looks out at all the pretty involved costumes and outfits amongst the revelrous crowd.

Obadiah claps loudly for the pair. “Don’t worry Nemi! You can keep your job!” he yells then starts laughing.

Nemi chuckles softly, nodding as she dismounts the horse and passes the lance off to head over to sit next to Obadiah.

Malin extends to Obadiah, “You make the perfect Jester, good sir.”

Matthew hears the crinkle of the bag and looks to find Mercy offering him some of those hard-earned doritos. His whole vibe shifts, grin tugging wide as he dips in to for a few chips. “Doritos are my favorite,” he admits admits around an easy smile, already crunching on one of before he remembrs his manners. “I’m Matthew, thank you…” and he stalls, awaiting the offering of Mercy’s name.

Evalina giggles softly, a hand held to her mouth, as she does, “Oh, but my dear Helen,” She tells Helen, “The hotdog is such a meaningful price, I fear if I would offer it to all, this competition would turn into a bloodbath…” She grins. “…For one, I’ll need to actually convince a costco to open here maybe…” A grimace. “Alice, please lose for me!” She tries to shout, realizing her error.

It’s a hard skill to learn, riding a horse, angling a heavy lance towards an opponent. This match, between Alice and Nemi is a lot closer. Only a single point difference. Preston claps loudly for both participants, making his way into the middle of the field, between both horses.

“THE WINNER OF ROUND TWO.. IS ALICE!” Preston declares with a shout. “Thank you, to the both of you, for a well ridden duel.”

Rubbing his hands together, Preston breathes out. “I believe, I have a little announcement to make now.” A grand, royal sweeping gesture of his hand is towards Dovie. “Dovie of the Forest Nymphs has sent me a message telling me she does not wish to joust, and wishes to have a champion take her place.” Pausing, “I will allow this.” Now he’s giving the floor to Dovie. “Please, Dovie of the Forest, who do you wish to have take your place against Gabriel? Because, you two are up next!”

Malin applauds for Alice.

Seraphina brings her hands together in loud applause, including her feet in a joyous stomp!

Alice dismounts and makes her way back across the field, trying not to look as smug as she feels as she returns to standing near Stelle and Evalina, a little grin on her face.

Obadiah beams at at Malin, “I thought it was very fitting. But I have been told to say this outfit was all me. Nothing was done by any tailor. I sewed and designed it myself.”

Dovie stands, putting her hand pie behind her back and beaming at the crowd. “Obadiah Mercer, the royal jester has agreed to ride in my stead!” She curtsies to the rest of the audience, telling Obadiah and Gabriel. “Good luck, brave knights.”

Matthew claps for Alice, “Nice jousting,” gets called towards her.

Sofia applauds for the jousters from behind her table, beaming a smile. “Excellent tilts!”

Obadiah stands up, again, “I rise again to be beaten!” And then makes his way to the warhorse once again.

“Mine too. An’ hot cheetos.” Mercy confides in Matthew, a boldly personal detail not often shared, then gives a little nod to the introduction while returning it in kind, “Mercy. Think I seen yer profile on MyHaven before, least you look kinda familiar.”

Evalina applauds Alice with a mixed expression in her face, looking more than a little concerned about that hot dog. She gives Stelle a friendly smile, then requests of Alice, “Alice, I’ve not thought this out. This city /doesnt have/ a costco.” She tells her, “My champion, uhm. If you lose this, uh. How about a trip to Boston, mm?”

“Is this is a shipping?” Seraphina asks.

There is a look that suggests Malin is impressed over Obadiah’s reveal of being a seamster. “No way,” she says, gasping some. “Well, bravo, Nobie. Bravo.”

Thomas inquires, “What is a shipping?”

Kai nods to Rain solemnly

Gabriel rises from his seat in the bleachers and offers a slight bow to Dovie after she has named her champion, and then a wide grin to Obadiah, “I wish you the best of luck.” with that he hauls himself up on to his mount.

Rain nods subtly, “Thought so.”

Navessa takes the sketch back from Nadav, not really paying attention as she slips it into the sketchbook while working on one of the two women at their passes. She does, however, look over her shoulder toward Matthew’s briefly. Her brow furrows, but she goes back to her work on the sketch. And when done… just turns the page to the next. Well… she quickly goes back, scribbles some notes on each. Primarily names and the winners of each, it would seem.

Esme grins to Dovie, “This’ll be good.”

“And there we have it! Obadiah Mercer, the Royal Jester has agreed to ride in Dovie’s stead, so please,” Preston calls out, watching Obadiah take his place on the mount, and Preston makes his way over handing him the lance. Before jogging over to Gabriel, and handing him an opposite lance. “Let me know when you’re both ready!”

To Thomas, Seraphina chuckles and rests her head on his shoulder a moment. She doesn’t respond. Perhaps to leave him to the Google.

Tenzin is just another townie, clapping his hands with care at the results of match two. He neither partakes of the catered cuisine, nor does he sit. The monk awaits the next match with turns of the head.

Dovie nods at Esme. “Oh yes, this was far more violent than I was expect, I’m not even wearing shoes!” she declares as she nibbles on her handpie.

Mercy glances out at the actual jousting when she realizes Gabriel is over there, astride a noble steed, evidently about to compete.

Alice purses her lips, looking to Evalina at the mention of her prize vanishing like dust in the wind. Rather than lambast the woman, though, she makes deep, watery puppy dog eyes. “So… so no hot dog?” she asks, as if she’s been told Christmas is cancelled.

Mercy says “What in the fuck..“

Obadiah rides his horse to the end of the list again, but with no helmet this time. “Alright, we ball,” he tells Gabriel and gets ready to charge.

Tamar meanders her way through to the jousting, bronze-edged eyes scanning the crowd pensively before she looks over at the horses and knights. Eventually she makes her way over to Tenzin, standing nearby the monk.

Navessa takes a slow, deep breath and lets it out carefully. Almost meditative. Also just a bit of trying not to be annoyed, clearly.

Seraphina gives her feet a little bouncing again against the bleachers. “Go Obie!” she calls out enthusiastically down into the field to Obadiah. She gives two big stomps, then she claps. It is rather rhythmic!

Gabriel collects a helmet and shield after mounting, situating them both before taking the lance and leveling it toward Obadiah, holding the point steady toward his opponent as he awaits the go.

“Fuck him up Gabe!” Kai shouts from the stands to Gabriel suddenly.

Matthew motions towards his face, half obscured by that sun mask, “Yeah, hard to recognize me,” he says with casual, dead-panned humor. “But my handle’s mega stud.” The corner of the man’s lips twitch, a suppressed smile, likely laughing at himself before sobriety wins him over. “Hot cheetos are pretty good. Thanks again,” and off he drifts to return to Malin’s side.

Evalina sighs deeply to Alice. “…I’ll manage a hot dog.” She murmurs, “Somehow.” A faint smile afforded to the warden.

Hefting that flag again, Preston holds it up, glancing between both riders of Obadiah and Gabriel. “Riders!” he declares, “You!”

“May!

“JOUST!” The flag is waved again, and Preston dips back out into safety. Once more readying to count up the points.

Obadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance whistles past harmlessly, striking only air. (+0 points)/span>/spanGabriel uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance strikes the opponent‘s waist with bruising force. 02(+1 points)/span

Gabriel uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe tip glances off the opponent‘s shield, leaving no mark. (+0 points)/span>/spanObadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance drives with crushing force, unseating the opponent from their mount. (+3 points)/span>/spanGabriel uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance drives with crushing force, unseating the opponent from their mount. (+3 points)/span>/spanObadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanA precise strike glances off the crown of the opponent‘s helm, rattling their head. (+2 points)/span>/spanMalin provides a gentle pat to Matthew’s leg, right above the knee. “I never knew hot dogs were such an important factor for medieval themed events, but now I know for the future.”

Esme cheers as the battle begins!

Mercy swipes a wave to Matthew after he departs.

“Obie, put him in a tail swim, ink in his eyes, show him the power of the Fae!” Matthew hollers out, in support of the jousting Mercer.

“Gabe, don’t let him put you in the tail spin!”

Dovie gasps as the jousters battle!

Matthew looks over at Malin, “Wait, what about hotdogs, are there any, I’m still looking for pie,” he says.

Tenzin is a man minding his own business, silently observing the sight of knight versus knight charging. He may be watching the horses a little more.

He glances to his side as the empty spot is filled by Tamar. To her, a respectful bow of the head is given.

Malin shakes her head at Matthew. “I do not think there are any Costco hotdogs. Alas, babe.”

Matthew shakes his head and then informs Malin, “The pride of the sea rides on Obie’s steed.”

Nemi cheers out for Obadiah from within her armor. “GO SIR MERCER! STRIKE HIM DOWN!” She yells out.

Malin mms in a sound of gentle agreement with Matthew who has claimed Obadiah represents them.

It is close, Obadiah barely squeaks ahead, but it is clear that neither he nor Gabriel are professional jousters. At the end, Obadiah rises from the ground where he was unseated after the third tilt and makes his way to Gabriel. “You alright?” Obadiah asks him as he holds out a hand.

“Good job, Knight Alice,” Helen says to Alice as she smiles when the woman returns and leans a head into Evalina’s shoulder, watching the jousting, “Is it acceptable to have non-Costco Hot dogs? If not we’re on a road trip…”

Seraphina stands from her seat beside Thomas, explaining, it is just putting two people together that you would want to see together.” She is down by the food sources, and she hand selects something. Returning to the benches, she settles by Matthew, and graciously, one of the wrapped pies it passed on. Now that she is there, she asks him and Malin, “how’ve you two been?”

Gabriel lands a glancing blow and a moderate strike before the final one hits home on his fellow jouster. Only it strikes home a bit too late, leaving room for Obadiah’s lance to strike center mass and send Gabriel careening off the horse to land back first in the mud. When Obadiah approaches there’s a blink, “I think I saw a movie about this once.. much more fun on screen.” then he takes the offered hand and hauls himself up, “Good work, was a damn fine shot.”

Obadiah pulls Gabriel into a manly hug, patting him on the back before returning to their seats.

“Another close one!” Preston shouts, clapping excitedly for both riders. “But it seems that Dovie’s champion is able to hold his own this time! Well done, Obie. You’re doing Dovie proud!” Setting up the lances after taking them from both Obadiah and Gabriel. “In another close joust, Obie manages to squeeze out the win!”

“Next up, and the last round of the Quarterfinals, we have Kai and Stelle! Please, come on down!”

Mercy lets her gaze linger on Tenzin for a little longer than its idle drifting through the rest of the masses but, her expression remains blank. Maybe he just stands out.

Malin looks to Seraphina and those fuller enhanced lips form a broad smile. “Hey, you. I’ve been great. We went to Big Sur for a few days, and that was a lovely trip. How have you been?”

Alice purses her lips, ponder Helen’s question. Eventually, she says, “No. The only acceptable hot dog is a Costco hot dog. It’s the only hot dog you can get with a drink for only a buck fifty. It’s all beef. I’m gonna tell you a story,” she warns, and then she starts telling that story.

“When I was a kid, I read these books, Hank the Cowdog. There’s like, a billion of them. In one of them, Hank steals a hot dog from the cowboys while they’re around a campfire. And there’s, like, a three page long lurid description of how delicious that hot dog was.” She pauses. “I’ve been chasing that hot dog for my entire life. And do you know where I found it?” She grows closer, eyes wide. “Costco,” she says, firmly.

Rain rises from her seat, giving a loud, “WHOOOO!” as Kai’s name is called, “Hit it Kai!”

Navessa finishes another sketch after the joust. And makes her notes, signs it, and moves to another page. Between each, she sips at her mead, has a bit of food, and just settles into the rhythm.

Stelle nods towards Kai and comments, “Good luck, no?” She makes a motion, urging the young man forward towards whichever horse he desires and stepping towards whichever he does not.

Matthew graciously accepts the game pie, a smile splitting across his face. “Sera, you have just made these games,” he declares, holding it up for inspection as it’s put on display for Malin and any others looking his way. “I’m great. How are you?”

Gabriel returns Obadiah’s hug and heads back to their seats, “Very glad to have dead nerves at a time like this.”

Matthew asks Malin, “You want to share this?”

Esme grins to Gabriel and Obadiah as they come back. “Hell yeah! You two were awesome.”

Kai may have thought Obadiah didn’t hear, Kai, but he did. “Fuck him up, Stelle! Stake him to the heart!”

Malin replies to Matthew, “I’ll have a bite, but I’m still pretty full from the breakfast you made.”

Nemi walks over to Obadiah. “Bring it here boss!” She states as she goes in for a heavily armored hug.

Tamar offers Tenzin a quiet nod of her head in greeting in response to his own but she seems to have no inclination to start a conversation amongst the swelling noise of the crowd. Instead she follows the monk’s gaze to the jousters, more than content to simply watch alongside him.

Kai nods and kisses Rain on the lips, half-dipping her in her seat, “I shall knock this wench from her perch!” he declares in a shitty accent. He heads down and over to a horse, “You have been found wanting, dear wench!” he points at Stelle and drags his thumb across his neck before vaulint up onto one of the horses. He doesn’t do it very gracefully and has to scramble up to get seated.

“Knock the wench off!” Rain squeals from the bleachers, a heavy dollop of mead shooting out her shaken bottle to soak the tier below.

A grin is short towards Kai as Stelle mounts without effort, shield unslung and woman sitting tall with a hand outstretched in a call for a lance. She’s helmetless, neck protected but face bare! Perhaps convinced not wearing a helmet is enough plot armor or convinced she’s just that good. Or maybe she’s just going to end up like Henry II.

“Laaaaance!” Kai calls in his shitty British accent, hand outstretched expectantly.

Malin accepts the pie and she partakes in it, sampling the flaky crust and the meats within. “Oh, that’s good.” Then she notes, “But it’s not a Costco hotdog,” as if that is the epitome of gourmet foods.

Evalina grimaces at Helen, “I think she really likes costco…” She murmurs. “It may be easier for me to just pay Costco to open a franchise here…” She considers with a furrow of her brow, slumping in her seat a little, then looking at Alice, “So, you reckon your girlfriend will wreck Haven’s errand boy?”

Navessa doesn’t look up from finishing her notes on the last sketch so she can do the next, but says: “I think he’s having too much fun saying the word wench.”

Preston makes his way over to each individual rider. Handing Stelle a lance, and Kai a lance. “Riders, let me know when you’re ready!” Preston states, and bounds off to find his flag. Maybe he’s got a future in flag twirling at this rate, or something like that. Or, he just really loves flags!

“Hope so,” Alice murmurs to Evalina, the intensity of her hot dog story fading as she returns to normal.

“Get the wench, Kai!” Matthew cheers on Kai before taking a bite of his pie. The moment he does the jousting is all but forgotten, eyes right back down to Seraphina, “Did you make this pie? This is amazing, it’s soooo good!”

Dovie watches intently, looking between the contestants.

Nadav looks over to Kai and then back to Navessa, “I feel like as an Irish lass, you would be more accepting of wench and lass as modern parlance?”

Navessa gives a small shrug in answer to Nadav. “Sure. But there’s a point of overuse, yes?”

Stelle spins the lance one in hand testingly and then gives Kai a brief salute, lance tip dipping downwards. A moment later she shoots Preston a nod, ready.

“I’m good,” Seraphina says to Malin and Matthew alike, finishing up her own pie with a nibble. “Big Sur! I dont think that I have taken a regular trip since moving here, to be honest. It’s always El Dorado, Laueria…. Anupharis tonight.” She glances about to find Thomas in the crowd again. “I am jealous, really. I would love to take a little vacay some time.” That nibble turns into a healthier bite to devour what remains, and then her fingers are licked. “These are fabulous, Sof! A round of applause for the chef!”

Kai raises his precision lance to the air in salute of Stelle, “Prepare to be unseated, m’lady!” he calls to her boastfully, “I am ready,” he informs Preston and lowers his lance unsteadily, aiming it roughly in Stelle’s direction.

“Do you think he will join the jousting circuit and get to use it past today?” Nadav asks somewhat rhetorically back to Navessa with a chortle.

Malin giggles and she nods. “I know, it is,” she replies to Matthew. “I just wanted to add to the Costco hotdog drama.” Looking back to Seraphina, she smiles brightly once again. “You should totally go sometime. It was so peaceful, and it was a much needed break.”

Thomas takes a bite of pie and then pears, relaxing back — trying to follow the conversations without much success.

Matthew takes another big old bite and then just gets to clapping, “ROund of applause for the chef, Sofia, you made–” he’s looking Sofia’s way, speaking with a mouth full, “dis?” He lets a thumbs up do all the talking and then nods, supporting Malin’s claims on Big sur to Seraphina.

Kaelyn finishes her ribs, licking her fingers clean and then wiping them on the crime that was jeans at a costume contest.

Nemi turns to Alice. “Are you okay? Just want to make sure that blow I landed on you did’nt hit anything major…”

Alice grins big and wide for Nemi, nodding enthusiastically. “I’m okay,” she promises, patting her foam armor. “I warded it, so I’m not too dinged up. Your armor looks CRAZY good, Nemi, you did such a good job.”

“I think we’re going to just have to get a Costco hot dog, can’t really beat a good story about how cherished they are,” Helen says to Evalina as she gestures towards Alice, “I think it was George Washington that said, ‘Out of all of the dogs in this nation, there is but one, that stands above all others. CostCo Dogs.'” She nods afterwards, “Saw him make that speech.”

“Considering,” Navessa points out, gesturing out to Kai with her pencil, “he didn’t even bother to dress for it?” Pencil back to page where most of her efforts are going to sketching Stelle. “No.”

Likewise, Tenzin does not waste his voice. He stays a watcher without words, standing next to the woman until she steps away. Through this quiet, they, as the laymen call it, vibe. Despite the large crowd here today, the monk’s study appears to wander back every so often to Mercy’s section of the bleachers audience. He extends the woman no festive greetings; there is only knowing silence.

Nemi nods softly. “Yeah- I’m not used to fighting on horseback, It was quite fun though non the less- Surprisingly nothing on my armor or shields bent- Surprisingly.” She states with a soft chuckle.

Kai is distracted by Navessa’s words and breaks character, “Hey, I’m a fucking time traveller! Draw me!” and scowls, he turns to look back to Stelle.

Sofia grins in agreement back to Matthew and says, “I sure did! All authentic medieval recipes.” She glances down to the emptying table and wonders out loud, “Think I should bring some more out? We’re already out of mead and pies. Still got some pears and ribs left though!”

Kai raises his precision lance to the air in salute of Stelle, “Prepare to be unseated, m’lady!” he calls to her boastfully, “I am ready,” he informs Preston and lowers his lance unsteadily, aiming it roughly in Stelle’s direction. (re)

“If both riders are ready,” Preston shouts. “Then, you may joust!” That flag is waved once more, a solid wave – indicating, like all the other matches before, that they may joust.

Stelle uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA precise strike glances off the crown of the opponent‘s helm, rattling their head. (+2 points)/span>/spanStelle uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance catches the opponent’s hip with a sharp crack of impact. 02(+1 points)/span

Stelle uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance tip smashes squarely against the opponent’s visor, sparks leaping from the steel. (+2 points)/span>/spanKai uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance tip smashes squarely against the opponent’s visor, sparks leaping from the steel. (+2 points)/span>/span“More Mead!” Matthew calls out, “or at least one more for me!”

Kai uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe rider’s aim falters, and the lance drives into the dirt instead. (+0 points)/span>/spanKai uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanA precise strike glances off the crown of the opponent‘s helm, rattling their head. (+2 points)/span>/spanEvalina blushes before whispering to Helen

“That’s my.. KNIGHT!” Rain yells as Kai turning to someone beside her quieter to check, “Knight? Jouster? Knave.. what is he?”

Alice cheers for Stelle, clapping from the bleachers. “The French are the strongest knights in the whole world!” she calls out. “The British are half as good and twice as ugly!”

Nemi nods softly to Rain. “Knight.”

“Knave, for sure.” Seraphina jokes with someone.

“Knave, for sure.” Seraphina jokes with Rain.

“He’s your lance!” Matthew calls towards Rain.

“A visual that I don’t need.” Seraphina tells Matthew.

Kai rushes forward on his horse and grunts as he gets popped in the forehead with Stelle’s lance, though he gives as good as he gets. He turns his horse and rushes at her and gets popped in the hip, fouling his second pass. Finally in the third rush he and Stelle both hit each other in the head but it’s Kai who flies backward off of his horse, crashing down into the dust, “Gaaah!” he yelps before he impacts the ground.

“That’s my KNAVE-LANCE!” Rain calls out, following it with a whooping whistle.

Nemi coughs softly. “Technically He’d be a knight, referred to as Lord by others. I’d be a dame- lady respectively.”

Sofia claps her hands together gently and says, “I’ll grab another round of food so more people can try then!” She slips out quietly, watching the jousters with a smile.

Matthew snickers at Seraphina, the rain’s falling, but he doesn’t seem to mind, this sun shines bright through it all.

“Particularly since he just missed one of his three thrusts.” Genevieve points out to Seraphina.

“I drew him,” Navessa reassures anyone around her who may have been concerned about whether or not she was including Kai in her sketch, “with the amount of effort he deserved.” She sets the pencil aside briefly to pick up her mead for a drink before taking it up to finish the sketch. She frowns at it. “I wonder if anyone has a can of hair spray so I can hand these out today.” A small shrug.

Rain wrinkles her nose, sitting down as Kai misses them all.

Seraphina laughs merrily at Genevieve’s observance.

Thomas comments to Nemi, “Knights aren’t lords. The wife of a knight, by courtesy, is a lady. A woman who is a knight by right is Dame, and her husband has no courtesy title.”

The flag is waved and off Stelle goes, body tensed and lance couched ready for sport rather than war. Her first strike hits the impact of her opponents lance stunning her though she seems tougher than nails. Her second pass sits low, impacting the man in the midsection as she shifts in the saddle to avoid her opponents charge. Once more both riders impact high again on the third, the blonde blinking her eyes once her horse has come to a self aware stop and smiling down at her opponent. “Nicely done, maybe you should change euh… jobs, no?”

Nadav looks from the front where Navessa is working out to the rest of the crowd, “Hair spray… Hair spray? Anyone around here have some hairspray?” he hollers

Mercy actually attempts to meet Tenzin’s gaze this time, his attention her way obviously noticed and piquing both her interest, and caution.

Dovie claps for Stelle. “Bravo!”

“Oooof,” Preston lets out, marching over to help Kai up should he need it. “That’s another close one! The French take this round though! Give it up for Stelle and Kai people!” Preston calls out, taking both lances from both of them.

“The Quarterfinals are over. We’re moving onto the Semi-finals!” A beat, “And remember, people, send in your votes for the best dressed! I’ve only received three votes so far!”

“Next up, in our first Semi-finals match. It is Alice and Nadav!”

“Uuuugh,” Kai groans up at Stelle and leaves the lance by his horse, he gets up and holds onto his head, staggering as he wanders back to the bleachers, his forehead gashed open from the last impact he took.

“Not every lance is perfect,” Matthew reasons with Genevieve, “it’s not the accuracy of the jab, it’s the rhythm of the stab.”

Malin snickers at Matthew.

“Goddess… are you okay, that’s a pretty nasty gash there babe?” Rain says, leaning over Kai to fuss at him, “Should you see a doctor?”

“I need to head off.” Genevieve says as she starts shuffling her way down the bleacher seating, “Lovely to see everyone though, enjoy the rest of the joust.” She adds and nods sagely at Matthew, “Excellent point.”

Kai plops down beside Rain and tilts his head back to let the rain wash the blood from his face as it begins to knit itself shut, “Nah, I heal fast,” he assures her, “At least I got a couple hits in. I didn’t think I’d manage one,” he tells Rain from the corner of his mouth, grinning a little.

Malin waves after Genevieve. “Goodnight, Vie. Rest well.”

Matthew waves at Genevieve, “Good to see you, later!”

Evalina slaps elegantly for Stelle, “Bravo! Bravo!” She says with a raised voice, a melodious quality to it, “Most wonderful! You’ve defeated the…” She glances at Kai, “…Evil dragon?” Her brow furrows. “Are you okay, Kai?”

Obadiah winces. “That was close,” he observes to no one in particular before cupping his hands to his mouth and shouting, “Way to go, Stelle!”

Dovie waves to Genevieve. “Good to see you!”

Evalina claps*

“I’ll be okay, I’m sure it looks worse than it is,” Kai assures Evalina, grimacing a little as he keeps his face tilted back into the rain.

Nemi cheers out for Stelle. “Go Lady Stelle!” She shouts out as she nods softly.

Tenzin does not volunteer himself as someone with hairspray. It may be because he’s fixed his stern stare on Mercy’s deadened one. The caution is one he already had. His canted eyes narrow with recognition.

Nadav leaves Navessa as he jumps down from the tiered seating to reclaim the winning steed from the first match the majestic and regale one! As he is up in the saddle, he borrows a padded helmet from Preston and reclaims a lance. Looking up to the crowd he calls out, “For the Templar and a round of mead!” then begins to bring the horse back around.

Rain uses the corner of her cloak to dab at Kai’s face, mopping up the blood till the fabric turns black, “Mmmph.. you did so well.”

Navessa finishes the sketch of Stelle’s victory over Kai and tucks it away. It can be fixed later and eventually sent out to the winner. She brushes back an errant bit of hair, a petal falling from her braid to the bench beside her. She gets a new page ready.

“No it’s good I lost, it wouldn’t be any fun if I played up the insufferable British guy and then won,” Kai tells Rain, tilting his face so she can get at the blood that the rain doesn’t catch, “Thanks baby.”

Kaelyn leans forward in her seat, gripping the underneath of it. For a moment it looks she is about to fall out of it before she settles. She shivers in the rain, droplets starting to cause little malfunctions in her makeup.

Alice mounts the opposite horse from the one she mounted before, reaching forward to pat its neck in greeting. With the rain falling, now, she holds a hand out to be given her lance, reaching up to tie a dark violet ribbon on it once more, holding it aloft for a moment before she angles her horse to face her opponent. She makes that same visor-salute, despite her lack of a helmet, and nods to Nadav, then to Preston, signaling her readiness.

Navessa is, however, quite grateful for the canopy to keep the rain off for now.

After so many rounds the routine is easy. The riders mount up, they get handed a lance, and Preston glances to both of them. “Riders! Ready?” Alice has indicated, so Preston glances to Nadav. “Ready?”

Nadav lines up to tilt with Alice , “Aye!”

“You may joust!” Preston exclaims, once more, getting out of the way. This time a bit more casually, not hauling ass.

Alice uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanA devastating blow sends the opponent crashing to the ground in a spray of dust. (+3 points)/span>/spanAlice uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe tip glances off the opponent‘s shield, leaving no mark. (+0 points)/span>/spanAlice uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance strikes the opponent’s waist with bruising force. 02(+1 points)/span

Nadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA precise strike glances off the crown of the opponent‘s helm, rattling their head. (+2 points)/span>/spanNadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance tip smashes squarely against the opponent’s visor, sparks leaping from the steel. (+2 points)/span>/spanNadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA devastating blow sends the opponent crashing to the ground in a spray of dust. (+3 points)/span>/spanObadiah totally didn’t wander off with Gabriel

Kai sits up and wipes at his forehead, the gash has stopped bleeding and has halved in size, it’ll likely be back to smooth flesh after a few more minutes.

Evalina watches the fight with a fascination, then shrinking in her seat, looking worried as Alice seems to take quite some hits, her arms wrapping around Helen, clinging onto her closely, “Oh gosh, this doens’t look good at all!” She exclaims to her with concern-tinged voice

Casey sits quietly in the bleachers, fiddling with her phone half the time between joust, people watching for the remainder of the time. She wears a little pout on her face that indicates she might be in a less than ideal mood.

Alice hits the dirt hard on that last tilt, careening down to the ground with a quiet ‘oof’ as the wind is knocked out of her by a sudden reacquaintance with gravity. She stays there a moment, just a moment, then pushes herself to her feet with a groan, though there’s already a grin on her face. She retrieves her ribbon, now sullied by her loss, and nods to the better knight, before making her way to the bleachers.

The first tilt sees Nadav thrown from the saddle landing with a spray of sand and dirty despite nearly taking Alice’s head off with his counter thrust. There is a groan from the man who is seeing stars followed by a slowl hauling of his ass back up onto his feet. The horse is brought to him, he is re-seated and the rest of the joust goes in his favor! The sparks from the second blow spray but it is the final tilt that sees Alice unseated like he had been and the Levantine Templar once again raising a broken lance to the crowd and whooping in udulation!

Malin murmurs, “It smells like dog here,” to Matthew as her nostrils flare some.

Rain leans in to kiss Kai’s cheek, “I still think you’re wonderful, even if you’re a loser.”

Rain glances up at the sky, “Eesh, what weather for it.”

Helen leans heavily into Evalina as she supports the woman clinging to her. She laughs softly, a joyous sounding thing, though her reaction isn’t to be nearly as worried, “Maybe we don’t have to get those Costco dogs after all…” She teases with her tone and smiles afterwards, “Now, how we really would have made this a sure win is by having a shifter as the horse and they could certainly outsmart any normal horse, unless they’re a really stupid shifter.”

“And Nadav takes it!” Preston shouts, “It seems Nadav is absolutely on a roll here. But, Alice isn’t out fully! There’s still a third place match to play.”

Taking those lances back, Preston shouts for the next participants. “Dovie, or her champion, Obie the Royal Jester, versus the Elegant French Knight Stelle! COME ON DOWN!”

“You say the sweetest things to me,” Kai tells Rain and leans in to kiss her temple, he rubs at his forehead to get the last remnants of the wound off of his forehead to rinse away until the rain.

“Go Obie!! In it to win it!!” Dovie calls out, clearly relaxing in the stands.

“Good try, Knight Alice, a valiant effort to secure yourself a costco dog,” Helen says to Alice as the woman returns from her duel.

“Oh,” Alice wonders. “There’s a third place match.” She echoes Preston, mostly to herself, before she looks over at Evalina, grinning wider. “Looks like you’re not off the hook,” she warns, nodding to Helen. “That hot dog will be mine yet.”

Obadiah glances to Dovie and then chuckles before rising and walks down to the warhorse again reaching for a lance from Preston. “Why do I feel like Kuzco?”

Matthew wrinkles his nose and then says to Malin, “Yes, wet dog, actually,” like it were worse. “And–” his voice drops even lower when he murmurs quietly to his girlfriend before looking around to ensure nobody else heard.

Ella slinks into the seating area and elects to sit in a shaded part, away from the bulk of the spectators.

Mercy regards Tenzin with a parting, inquisitive tilt of her head before her eyes finally move along, though it’s obvious she can barely keep up with the sensory overload of so many people and all the resulting noise.

Nadav comes back up from the sands towards Navessa with more sweat and now covered in dirt and sand on part of his tabard and armor. “Well I will at least have some art from his, how did the sketch turn out. Did you get me falling, or unseating the opponent?”

Rain lifts her hand, giving a little wave of familiarity to Ella.

Evalina chuckles softly, “Alice, it may not be a costco dog,” She tells Alice, “But if you win this, I will have a hot dog made for you.” She assures her, “Win third place at least, my Elvish Champion!”

Esme comes out of her reverie just in time to watch Obadiah and Stelle compete it seems!

Stelle mounts her horse, settling into position. “Good luck, no?!” she calls out from afar, hand patting against the horse and then hand out for a lance, eyes mirroring the lightning above. She offers Obadiah the same salute she gave to Kai but adds a dip of her head, dual respect and a signal that she is ready.

Sofia arrives with a basket of pies and a crate full of bottles, one in each arm, and then sets them down by the table, calling out, “More game pies and mead available, no one’s going hungry or thirsty on my watch! Way better than costco dogs!”

A solemn nod is afforded Matthew by Malin in response to what he’s murmured against her ear, and then she smiles at Sofia and says, “Hey, it’s good to see you, and that’s a beautiful gown.”

Matthew notices that the refreshments have been replenished and he heads down to collect some mead and then returns to the bleachers. “I thought about a second pie,” he telsl Malin, “but I don’t want to deny any dogs their meal.”

“You know what else is better than costco hotdogs!?” Preston shouts, making sure each rider is ready. “A GOOD JOUST!” That flag is waved, and Preston steps back. “RIDERS! YOU MAY JOUST!”

Malin grins at Matthew. “You’re very thoughtful.”

Evalina says “If there’s going to be werewolves, perhaps I should give Mason a heads up so he can deal with the lowly mutts…“

Obadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanA precise strike glances off the crown of the opponent‘s helm, rattling their head. (+2 points)/span>/spanNavessa moves her hair to her opposite shoulder, a few more flower petals falling to the ground. “Neither,” she tells Nadav. “I got one of you in the first tilt,” she shows him the sketch, with the lances bent as each of them — Nadav and Alice both — hit one another squarely upon their first pass. “Now, while I get this next one… Nadav, would you be so kind as to get me some food? Mead, at least.” She really doesn’t want to go into the rain. It’ll be damp enough even under the canopy soon.

Obadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanA devastating blow sends the opponent crashing to the ground in a spray of dust. (+3 points)/span>/spanObadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe rider’s aim falters, and the lance drives into the dirt instead. (+0 points)/span>/spanStelle uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance catches the opponent’s hip with a sharp crack of impact. 02(+1 points)/span

Stelle uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance slams against the opponent’s helmet, ringing metal with a thunderous crack. (+2 points)/span>/spanStelle uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA precise strike glances off the crown of the opponent‘s helm, rattling their head. (+2 points)/span>/spanElla turns her head towards Rain, her gaze hidden behind the mystique of sunglasses. She shows no other sign of recognition, turning her attention back towards the joust as she pulls her hood over her head.

Obadiah gives a respectful nod to Stelle as he rides to the end of the list and gives Stelle a respectful nod in return before digging his heels into the steads flanks and charging… three times and three times the scores come to a tie. “One more?” he offers Stelle, before glancing to Preston, “One more?”

“Sure, since you do art for free.” Nadav replies to Navessa and goes wandering off his heavy boot footfalls preceding his movement. Approaching Sofia the man lifts a wet and dirty glove to the woman with angelic wins, “Sofia, I do not approve of the wings, but the food and dress are good yes?”

Having waved and tried to catch Ella’s eye, when she looks straight through her, Rain curls her lips down into a subtle pout, shifting back to far to activities once more.

Preston claps for both Stelle and Obadiah. “We have a tie!” Preston shouts, gesturing to both of them, turning back towards the crowd now. The man gestures outwards, “THEY’LL HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN!” A wave of his hands. “LET’S GET SOME CHEERS OUT.” Turning back around he faces Stelle and Obadiah. “It’s time for SUDDEN DEATH. YOU EACH GET ONE ROUND!”

Stelle wobbles in the saddle after the first pass, her own lance striking low. The next seems to catch her shield in just the right spot as her lance impacts Obadiah and the blonde tumbles down but once she’s reseated she moves for the third, another strike impacting Obadiah as his own blow goes by. “One more? Or three more?” she asks, bruised but apparently more than willing.

“I approve of the wings.” Seraphina says to Navessa and Sofia, giving her own a little shiver of movement with a shimmy of her bare shoulders.

Thomas cheers, waving his apparently endless game pie in the air from the stands.

Alice cheers wildly! Mostly for Stelle, but a little bit for Obadiah, too!

Tenzin lets his right hand lower, opening and closing its fist. He watches Mercy like a guard dog for some time more. The action distracts him to return to the actual event. He exists here, and then he chooses to occupy another space elsewhere. The monk walks with his body cloak into the storm. He may regret it later.

Obadiah turns back to the end of the list and looks at Stelle with a steely grin, “Once more, with feeling.”

Obadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe tip glances off the opponent‘s shield, leaving no mark. (+0 points)/span>/spanStelle uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance slams against the opponent’s helmet, ringing metal with a thunderous crack. (+2 points)/span>/spanSofia laughs back to Nadav with amusement and says, “They’re just from a fancy gemstone, I don’t really have wings!” She thumbs at a plumveil gem that rests against her cleavage, rolling her eyes and then giving Seraphina a grin. “It’s Sera’s blood that I’m cosplaying as here, so as long as she’s not offended, I’m cool with it.”

Dovie gasps!!

Esme grimaces at the sudden death results! But she’ll applaud for Stelle’s win when it’s time anyway!

Stelle nods her head and urges her mount forward with much more feeling. Her body hunches, a dense target that deflects her opponents lance away while her own finds its mark.

Mercy takes in a deep breath then gets up from her seat, hopping down the others between other seated audience members, absolutely unconcerned and heedless of stepping on hands or snacks along the way.

Navessa does not catch the exchange about wings, too caught up in sketching this particular match: a tie into sudden-death as it is!

Nadav collects two hand pies and a mead from Sofia’s setup and looks towards Seraphina. “So it is, but still. You are already have, what did you say, thirst trap photos on MyHaven. Do not think you need magic wings to enhance.” he says with some confidence but he does linger looking at Seraphina and Sofia before the sound of jousting behind him makes him realize, there is a clock to collecting the food. “I will see you after the joust.” and with that he walking back down towards Navessa with a mead and handpie.

“AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!” Preston shouts, voice seemingly getting a little hoarse from constantly yelling, but he soldiers on. “Dovie’s champion has faltered. The French Knight takes it! And will be moving on to the finals!”

“Let’s give them a little break, but, we’ll have the third place match up soon. Unless..” Preston gestures towards Obadiah. “If you are ready now, we can have Obie and Alice compete for third place. And then the finals between Nadav and Stelle!”

“Remember, please vote for who you wish to vote for in the best dressed! I have received 6 votes so far!”

Dovie tells Obadiah, clapping. “I’m still very proud of you! Thank you for jousting in my stead!”

Obadiah gets off his horse when the lance slams against his helmet and then looks like there is a ringing in his ears, a hand reaching out to balance himself on the rail while he regains his balance and senses. “I’mma stab you next time,” he promises Stelle with a good natured grin, still looking at the ground. “Once the room is done spinning of course.” before handing the lance back to Preston and resuming his seat.

Stelle hands her own lance off to preston and drops from her steed, giving him an earned pat on the neck. “It never quite goes your way when you stab me, no?” Stelle retorts, amusement drifting through her words as she makes her way back towards the bleachers stained in sweat and nursing a bruise next to her eye.

Navessa did overhear that, glancing sidelong at Nadav as she accepts the pie. “Are you seeing Sofia?” An arch of brow, half curious. Half… almost accusatory? Not entirely, though. She balances the pie in her off-hand while finishing the sketch. “Six votes? Wonder who-” a glance over her shoulder, as if guessing who all has taken the bulk of those paltry six votes.

Rain nods gently to Kai.

Nemi says “Hm? “

Navessa says “Many of us are a bit… occupied at the moment with the joust.“

Nemi says “Whats up?“

“I don’t think I caused this rain to come, not enough thunder and lightning,” Helen says as she looks upwards towards the canopy and shrugs her shoulders, turning to watch the match finish. She begins to look around at the others nearby, searching over various outfits and appreciating them before turning to her side and leaning in closer to Evalina.

Nemi quickly taps her helmet for a moment.

“I’ll give Obie the chance to recover, should he need it,” Preston calls out, making his way towards the bleachers quickly, to grab a drink of mead. “When Alice, and him are both ready, they will compete for third place.” A wave to the horses. “Take your places, when you are!”

Kai lifts his arm ineffectually above Rain’s head to shield her from her namesake.

“I am not offended. I think they are magnificent looking upon a magnificent woman.” Seraphina says to Sofia and Navessa. “Wait, what? I have -thirst trap- photos?” She blinks at this statement. “Anyway, they are merely cosmetic, an illusion to be honest. She will not go off flying, as much as I won’t with these.” She gives her fairy wings another flutter, sparkles catching the remaining light. “Would I want to? I often have had dreams of it, not going to lie. But I am as I am, now.” She smiles, nodding to the man as he departs.

Alice steps forward to claim her horse, taking over from Stelle, who she shares a glance with on the way to the arena. Could it be… some sort of… forbidden love? Or is it just two warriors acknowledging one another on the battlefield? How scandalous! Nonetheless, she takes a few moments to stroke the horse’s neck, cooing softly to it before she mounts up, giving Obadiah as much time as he needs to get ready.

Navessa looks up as the break is called and Preston approaches the seating. She reaches a hand out toward him. “You’ve been doing fantastic. I think everyone is enjoying themselves.”

Obadiah settles down on the bleachers before realizing it is time to go again… “Alright… Once more with feeling. For Dovie’s third place prize.” He gets back up and rejoins the warhorse, “Don’t let me down,” he mutters to him, “You haven’t yet.”

“Seems to be quite the show,” Thomas says, leaning back.

Nemi looks over to Obadiah, she nods as she continues to watch the dueling jousts between the contestants, humming softly. Chuckling a bit as she looks over to Esme and chuckles a bit.

Preston smiles at Navessa, giving that hand a quick squeeze and hurrying off after taking a sip of the mead.

Sofia tilts a head to Seraphina with amusement and says, “Your thirst trap photos make mine look downright innocent, if I’m honest…” in a low, conspiratorial tone.

Preston jogs back out into the middle of the field, handing each rider their lances. “NOW, FOR THE THIRD PLACE MATCH. WE HAVE OBIE, DOVIE’S CHAMPION, AND ALICE!” A nod, “RIDERS READY?”

Nadav calls back over his shoulder, “I was talking about Sofia’s thirst trap photos. I would never, accuse woman of having thirst photos if she did not say it first.” he clarifies for Seraphina

Dovie cheers for Obadiah, “Goooo Obie!!”

“Get ‘er Obes!” Esme cheers

Navessa says “Sorry, got distracted. If no one else answered, the equestrian center.“

Alice nods her readiness to Preston, before giving Obadiah a visor salute. “May the best clown win,” she calls out to him.

Obadiah still looks rattled but nods, starting to sing to himself more than anyone, “Then the winged hussers arrived, comming down the moutain side…” He nods to Alice and charges at the word from Preston

Nadav looks back to Navessa, “Seeing Sofia, like her outfit or dating. She dates that bookish man, the Librarian.”

“JOUST!” Preston calls out.

Obadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance slams against the opponent’s helmet, ringing metal with a thunderous crack. (+2 points)/span>/spanObadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance drives with crushing force, unseating the opponent from their mount. (+3 points)/span>/spanObadiah uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance tip smashes squarely against the opponent’s visor, sparks leaping from the steel. (+2 points)/span>/spanAlice uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance drives with crushing force, unseating the opponent from their mount. (+3 points)/span>/spanAlice uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe tip glances off the opponent‘s shield, leaving no mark. (+0 points)/span>/spanAlice uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance slams against the opponent’s helmet, ringing metal with a thunderous crack. (+2 points)/span>/spanSeraphina nudges Sofia in the side very lightly, stating, matter-of-fact, “I don’t have thirst trap photos. In any sense!” Probably lies.

Thomas eyes Evalina. “Is that authentic ‘we don’t have baths’?” he wonders.

Dovie cheers loudly for Obadiah. “YEAHHH!”

Matthew leans against Malin, coming out of his lapse of silence. “Obie’s pulling one out for the sea!”

Despite her best efforts, Alice has failed. She slips down from the horse, rubbing at the spots where the lance hit her, then falls to her knees right there in the lanes, throwing her hands to the sky as she cries out, “Nnnnooooooo!! I wanted a CostCo hot dog for a dollar fiftyyyyyy!”

“Woo! Go Obie!” Esme hollers out with applause

“Go Obie!” Matthew calls out, “Ride with the motion of the ocean!”

Evalina giggles as she looks at Thomas with a wide smile. “Rosewater, mostly.” She shares, “I also have some orris powder on me – and a bit of beeswax. Medieval fragrance is more of a… Mmm… A combination affair.”

Riley turns her head, zeroing in on Navessa She approaches with eyes on the joust, but her words are for the woman she’s approached. “I do not understand. Why are they training on horses, why in front of people?”

Casey leans forward to rest her elbows on her knees, she’s watching the ongoing joust but she looks miserable and at one point she rubs her temples as if to fend off a headache. She’s definitely not keeping up with all the commotion in the bleachers.

Obadiah turns the horse around after the last tilt, a grin coming back to the jesters face. He rides over to Alice then dismounts offering her a hand up, “Come on Yuri-Sama. Let’s get out of the way for the next race.”

“And Obie takes it!” Preston calls out, “Or, well, Dovie takes it!” He’s clapping for both of them though, “Dovie has claimed the third prize, through the use of a champion! Well done Obie the Royal Jester!”

Preston strolls over to Alice, and pats her on the back (should she let him), “There’ll be other CostCo hot dogs you can win!”

Malin leans into Matthew in return, and she nods, watching Obadiah. “A true knight who rides the current!”

Seraphina’s attention is back to the field, and her hands are brought together rapidly, cheering on both riders with gleeful abandon. But her words show a preference for the winner, “Go Obie!”

Sofia thumbs through MyHaven casually, skimming through photos as she leans back into Seraphina. “Let’s see… leather catsuit, bikini, bent over in yoga clothes. Nope, no thirst traps detected here.” She lifts up to watch Alice and Obadiah tilting, clapping politely for the both of them when Obadiah emerges victorious.

Perhaps Navessa has become bored with her sketches. Or perhaps she has been inspired by Alice’s display of woe. Her latest sketch is entirely centered upon the woman in the mud, wailing in the rain at the sky about her loss of a wildly cheap (especially in this economy) CostCo hotdog. In the background is the jester-attired Obadiah, looking particularly sinister for having taken it from her. However, Navessa looks up at Riley at the question. “They are not training, they’re competing. It’s a joust. The jester just won third place.”

Seraphina glances back at Sofia, gasping, “Yoga is mostly all bending over! That is not fair.

Alice takes Obadiah’s hand. What a kind and chivalrous jester. She accepts the help, and trots back over to the bleachers.

“He rides like a surging storm that is unstoppable, and very wet with glory!” Malin calls to Obadiah.

Alice must sadly return to Evalina’s side, holding out the ribbon with downcast eyes. “I failed you, my lady. I failed the kingdom of Costconia.”

Obadiah winks to Ella and Malin as he takes his seat, “I didn’t even have to use ink to cheat. I guess I can be a good guy.” He gives a wave to Evalina, Sofia, and Seraphina when they cheered for him and then takes a seat among Dovie and Esme, commenting to Dovie, “Third place ain’t bad, m’lady.”

Esme grins to Obadiah, “Great showing.” She agrees with a nod.

Matthew stands up, whistling like a fan, fingers in his mouth. “Should’a inked anyway!”

“Next time gotta use a photo in one of those weird awkward yoga poses with a goofy face,” Sofia teases back to Seraphina. “Then I’ll totally believe you.”

Nadav hops down from the stands as the third place match is decided and moves to secure his lucky horse, brushing down its side and rump as it has been ridden quite a lot today already. “Alright my big beautiful friend. Once more for the Temple and good food.” he says mostly for the animal and wearing a dirtied Knights Templar Tabard over authentic chainmail.

After squinting at Navessa Riley turns to place her hands on a rail, looking out toward the competition field a little perplexed. She takes a breath and sighs, then squinting at the field of battle. “Competing…” She sighs again, mulling that over while she stares blankly toward the field.

Dovie cheers for Nadav. “You can do it!”

Stelle exhales deeply, wiggling out her arms and seemingly recovered from her last bout. “Hello there,” she offers towards the warhorse, making acquaintance as she prepares her first ride upon him. Will this be her undoing? Once the horse has given her hand a sniff she begins to mount, settling her shield hand upon the reins as her other hand holds out for a lance whenever the lance bearers are ready.

“You should go get some food,” Navessa says to Riley, gesturing toward where the food waits. “It’s all very good. Quite filling.” She does shift slightly in her seat, tucking the last sketch back in her sketchbook. She quickly stuffs her pie in her face which is very unladylike for the woman dressed as, well, a lady. But she needs to have her hands free because the rain *does* threaten their canopy-protected seating. Just one more sketch to go and she can stop fretting over it too much. Until she has to figure out how to get the sketches to the winners. That’s Future-@my problem.

“And now..” Preston begins, a slow sort of way, creeping out into the fields. “Right before we begin the finals.” The man stands there, straight backed, hands held behind him. “One more reminder, to please, please, send me your votes for who you think is best dressed. I will be tallying the results shortly after the finals of the joust!”

“AND NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO. ALL YOU KINGS, QUEENS, PRINCES, PRINCESSESS, LORDS AND LADIES. PLEASE, PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR THE FINAL TWO OF THE NIGHT!”

Stepping back, Preston spreads his hands wide. “A CLASH OF TWO TITANS. THE ROYAL RUMBLE.” From on his person, Preston reaches out to find a glove, and tosses it on the ground in a showy sort of fashion. “THE GAUNTLET HAS BEEN THROWN DOWN! NADAV AND STELLE!”

Marching his way over, he hands off lances to Stelle, and then Nadav. “NEW HAVEN? ARE YOU READY?”

“RIDERS? ARE YOU READY!?”

Seraphina laughs with Sofia, “Fine. But it will be with baby pygmy goats or puppies.” She upnods to Obadiah, “Third place is a decent place to be. It was a good match. Both of you!” She ticks her head to Alice then, to indicate his partner in crime.

Esme cheers for the final match, leaning forward a touch in her seat to watch.

Dovie cheers for Stelle and Nadav. “Wooooo!!! Winner winner chicken pie dinner!”

Evalina accept her bow back from Alice gracefully, then places a hand on her shoulder, “My knight,” She starts, “You hath fought with honor – a boon to our kingdom.” She assures her, then taking her hand, “All who saw your fight, shallt know that thine warm hounds are currently on discount for 1.45$!” A smile. “No shame was had.”

Nadav lets out a whooping udulation as the lance is thrust into the air, the horse is wheeled around to align for the final series of tilts. “Good luck Dame Stelle, may God and luck decide our fates.” he further calls out, preparing to put the regal horse into a gallop.

Lance in hand Stelle/span>/spanSofia cheers for Nadav and Stelle and insists to Dovie loudly, “The pies don’t have any chicken in them though! It’s pheasant and partridge!”

Evalina draws her cloak over her hair and around herself, shielding herself from the storm. It’s not very effective all in all, the fabric more form than function, still leaving her white linens soaked. A stark contrast to her proper act. She claps for the final bout, “May the best Knight win!”

Obadiah also cheers and leans forward too, watching intently

“IF BOTH RIDERS ARE READY.” Preston waves that flag, indicating the start of the final round. “RIDERS!”

“YOU!”

“MAY!”

A pause for dramatic effect, of course.

“JOUST!” And off he’s going, rushing away from the clash of titans.

Stelle uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe rider’s aim falters, and the lance drives into the dirt instead. (+0 points)/span>/spanStelle uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance strikes the opponent’s waist with bruising force. 02(+1 points)/span

Stelle uses a precision–honed jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance whistles past harmlessly, striking only air. (+0 points)/span>/spanThe sounds of Riley’s assisted breathing drone softly in her silence. It’s not unlike Darth Vader’s breaths, but on a smaller scale and unimposing volume. She turns her gaze from the field to look at Navessa, then a look to the food. She brings a hand up to touch on her assistive respirator, and after a short pause she brings it back down, settling her hand on the rail again. Riley’s eyes return to the joust.

Nadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA solid hit lands against the side of the opponent’s neck, jarring them in the saddle. 02(+1 points)/span

Nadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanThe lance whistles past harmlessly, striking only air. (+0 points)/span>/spanNadav uses a ornate jousting lance/span>/spanA precise strike glances off the crown of the opponent‘s helm, rattling their head. (+2 points)/span>/spanSeraphina toys lightly with one of the cuffs on her ears. But when Preston calls out the start of the joust, she is again back to cheering. Her feet stomp again, trying to rattle the benches with the might of her padded shoes.

“RIGGED!” Alice shouts out immediately.

Helen scoots a little to allow Evalina to adjust her cloak and then scoots back against her. She doesn’t seem to mind the rain as she smiles, watching the next bout, “I do like a good storm. It adds something to the whole jousting match doesn’t it? The mud being kicked up… feels like it would be in slow motion in a movie. I always think about a Knight’s Tale.”

Navessa dips her head in a nod to Riley.

“It’s not rigged,” Thomas tells Alice. “But he’s a Templar: perhaps he is cheating,” he admits to her.

Perhaps it is the skille of Stelle or the exhaustion of Dame and Knight in the final bout by the competition is fierce. Not in bold and spectacular strikes but in how narrow the margin of victory truly is. Nadav has been hitting high neck and head lance breaks all day and the opening is not different, but a whiff on the second, puts him in a tie with his torso being pummeled for the umpteenth time leaving him wheezing from the bruises that are piling up despite the armor. In the end though a head strike will see him winning on points even if it is unglamorous and no one is unseated the Knight Templar rides to approach Stelle with his hand gloved hand held up in salute. “Well tilted Dame.”

Nemi sits down next to Dovie and Obadiah. “How are you two doing? Been awhile since I’ve chatted with either of you two.” She states with a soft chuckle.

Navessa does not look up from her sketch after acknowledging Riley’s words. “I doubt he’s cheating,” she says quietly in answer to Thomas. “He is a very… focused man, I have found.”

Riley tilts her head and lifts her hands from the rail, finding herself belatedly applauding Nadav, and a little slowly.

The new horse seemingly proves not the perfect match for Stelle, her aim faltering upon each pass. The first misses and her body jerks, the second a whiff by both riders before the third nails her hard enough to nearly deseat her from the saddle. She hangs on but it’s close. The horse whinnying and nearly rearing as she struggles to regain control of the powerful steed. Her own hand comes up once the horse is settled, her own hand up in salute and her head bowing, “Nicely done, no?”

Obadiah leans back a little and blinks his eyes. “Wow, that is some bum luck,” he says with a little sigh and leans back and then glances to Nemi with a smile, “I am ok. Been in and out of town.”

Nemi hums softly. “Needing to get more outfits for my day to day so I’m not wearing the same five sets of clothes… And I’m glad your both doing good.” She says, a soft nod coming from her after.

There’s a cheer from Preston, and his eyes alight with joy at the joust. “It is not rigged, I can assure you of that, Dear Alice,” Preston calls to her. “It is the way these things go.”

Stepping out towards the two riders, he takes the lance from Stelle, and offers her a massive round of applause. “AND THERE WE HAVE IT. NADAV HAS TAKEN FIRST PLACE! STELLE TAKING SECOND, AND DOVIE IN THIRD!”

“PLEASE, GIVE IT UP FOR ALL THE COMPETITORS. IT WAS AN EXCITING EVENT! FEEL FREE TO MINGLE A LITTLE LONGER, BUT DON’T STAY OUT TOO LATE!”

“And once more, I will give ten more minutes for all the votes to be in, and then, I all announce a winner of the best dressed!”

Dovie claps and cheers for Nadav, Stelle, and Obadiah. “It was Obie, my Jester Knight!”

Nemi starts rapidly clapping, cheering for the others before she gives a sharp whistle after the names are announced.

Riley’s cheeks raise slightly, barely affecting the angle of the mask. She turns again to address Navessa with a palm turned up. “I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Riley, and… I’m very much a rush in rush out melee preference on a battlefield. This?” She points to the jousting runner boards out there

“Well done,” Thomas offers to Stelle.

Nemi chuckles as she looks towards Obadiah. “I know who my vote goes for- And it Ain’t me.”

Evalina glances aside at Helen, smiling, “You’re a dork sometimes.” She says it affectionately, then leaning against her again. “I kind of wish someone would begin playing We Will Rock You already. It belongs at events like this…” Beat. “Any men who can sing around, you reckon?”

“Only one?” Seraphina asks Preston. “How can you even choose!” She stops her foot stomping, though it still rattles along the bench for a time.

Sofia lets out a loud cheer for Nadav, Stelle, and Obadiah as they are announced by Preston, chuckling gently and letting out a cheerful, “Huzzah!” before snorting and admitting, “Alright, that word is kinda lame.”

With the announcement that Nadav is the victory , the Knight Templar kicks the horse into a gallop back and forth in front of the stands with a whooping udulation, raising the shattered lance up and down a few times a show for the spectators before riding off to the side to dismount and disrobe the borrowed gear.

Stelle trundles off the horse once the lance is taken, a glance given and eye contact made before she offers it a small smile and wanders back towards the bleachers. She nods at Thomas, offering, “Thank you,” before she settles back towards Alice hand over her mouth coming back bloody but soon wiped on her tunic.

Alice approaches Stelle once the woman returns, reaching out to take her arm and pout. “I can’t believe you lost,” she whines. “I can’t believe Preston rigged the lances so you would lose,” she lies as easily as she breathes.

“Huzzah!” Preston calls out, shortly after Sofia does, and tilts his head towards Seraphina. “I know, everyone is dressed absolutely amazingly, but, you gotta decide on one!”

Stelle grins and says, teasingly with a glance at Obadiah, “Oh I do not think it was Preston. It was probably Obie, no? Everyone says he cheats. I will stab him for it later.”

Obadiah beams at something then stands and doffs his hat to the crowd bowing to everyone cheering for him and the rest of the competitors before putting his hat back on and commenting, “I think I need to lay down though. Just for a moment.” He grins then at Stelle and adds, “I have never cheated a day in my life.”

“Navessa,” Navessa says to Riley in response to her introduction. “I believe there may be a melee in the future. But it is a lot of event to do in one day.” She does cheer with the rest, though perhaps not so boisterously. She is still working on that final sketch, after all. Though she’s frowning at it, hesitating. Her pencil hovers over the page and finally, she just closes the sketchbook on it. No, it seems some other plan lies there. It is tucked away… somewhere under one of her layers of skirts. The woman stands, watching Nadav as he takes his victory laps. When Preston returns to the stands, she braves the rain finally (with a parting nod to Riley to step up to his side and tuck her arm through his. “I think it went off very well,” she murmurs to the man.

Esme chuckles softly, “Rest well. You definitely deserve it.”

Evalina claps for the winner, excitedly waving her ribbon through the air. “Congratulations!” She exclaims, then cocking her head. “…Maybe the outfit contest should have been a weighted favorite thing…” She murmurs softly, considering as she settles down. “I wonder. Is this winner a natural or a supernatural? It’s pretty impressive.” She asks Helen as she glances around.

Thomas reaches up, adjusting his wizard’s hat.

Nemi coughs softly. “I’d be content with not winning. So many others have such great outfits in all honesty- Obie, preston, Dovie, Stelle, Sera- All great outfits.” She says ot noone in particular as she smiles softly.

Seraphina smiles at Navessa. “Congratulations, by the way! I thoroughly enjoyed every match.”

Overhearing, Navessa calls out to Evalina “Human. Not supernatural.”

Seraphina probably meant that to Nadav

Stelle offers Obadiah a wave and then settles into a seat completely. She deflates actively, France’s most tired knight.

Dovie calls out to Thomas. “I like your outfit!”

With all the yelling Preston has been doing, now, he can finally settle himself down into the bleachers properly but Navessa is there, and he’s happily wrapping his arm with hers – leading her back towards the bleachers to settle down. “Thanks,” he murmurs back in reply to Navessa. “I need to eat.” So, off they go, back towards those bleachers and Preston settles himself down to take up some of the food. Drinking and eating.

“Three more minutes!” Preston calls out, “If you still wish to vote for your favourite!”

Riley says “If anyone needs me, now that the joust seems to be mostly over… I need to go hunt down Aurora, my horse. It’s a mist walk“

Thomas replies back to Dovie with a smile, “Thank you!” There’s some low humor. “I just put on my ordinary working clothes,” he jokes.

Nadav finally returns to the stands soaking wet, sweaty, and dirty… Such glamor in victory!

Seraphina jokes with Dovie, “All he needs is a basement and a computer!” She tries to smooth out the silks that are now simply clinging to her thanks to all the rain, but she also doesn’t seem too fussed by it.

Obadiah gives everyone a wave once more then slips out. “Let me know if I win the costume competition,” he says to Dovie and Esme

Nemi stands up to walk around, humming softly as she moves to look over the food. She turns and gives a wave to Obadiah “Travel safe m’lord!”

“Remember to get home safely tonight! It’s wolfing hours – and all those fancy dresses and armors would look pretty absurd on a dog.” Evalina says with a raised voice, for some reason holding an actual, sharp, rapier.

Dovie giggles at Seraphina.

Kai glances down at Rain and rubs at her upper back lightly, remaining quiet as he looks around at the others still gathered for the event, his lips pressed together in thought.

Alice says “Tee emm I.“

“We’ve still got a little bit of food left over, take some home, I don’t want any leftovers!” Sofia calls out from her food stand to the remaining revelers.

Preston glances upwards, and then looks at his phone. “Alright!” Preston calls out now, standing up just a little bit. “No more votes!” Looking around, “A drum roll, please?”

Esme chuckles to Dovie and then looks toward Preston

Navessa lets go of Preston’s arm so he can stand and announce the winner for best-dressed.

Nadav uses his woolen clad legs to do a hand drum roll for Preston

Stelle has no drums but she does bang on her armor.

Seraphina looks to Preston, with doe-eyed hopefulness.

Nemi coughs and chuckles softly as she takes the final rack of ribs. Turning towards for Preston she sets her shield down awkwardly as she-

Nemi starts drumrolling on her armor to assist in the announcement!

Sofia drums her palms on the table the remainder of the food sits on for Preston, joining into the stomping, banging chorus.

“And the winner, of the best dressed portion of the event,” Preston announces, nodding at all the drumrollers, smiling at each of them. “Is…”

Again, he’s pausing for flair. For the dramatic. You gotta have some dramatics in life.

“Evalina!”

Esme applauds when Evalina is announced the winner!

“Well,” Navessa says, though she *is* clapping for Evalina. “I hope she’s bringing us all $1.50 CostCo hot dogs from Boston.”

Dovie claps for Evalina. “Congratulations!!”

Stelle claps her hands together slowly, commenting, “Well deserved.”

Nemi cheers out! “Cheers for the Hot Dog lady!” She calls out as she chuckles.

Thomas tells Evalina, rising at last. “Well done,” he says to her.

Alice claps happily for Evalina. “Yaaay! Good job!”

Nadav applauds but perhaps looks disapproving of his co-champion, the championess of fashion.

“Woo!” Kai cheers for Evalina when she’s crowned the winner, “Good job Cats!” he calls to her, laughing a little and eats a bit more of his bears, “Mm mmm..”

Sofia claps for Evalina and gives a gentle smile.

Thomas glances over at Seraphina. “I need to go lie down for a little bit. Do you want to walk back? Or I can give you a ride.”

Another round of applause is issued for for Evalina when her name is called out. “It is very pretty, I have to say!” Seraphina offers to her with sincerity.

Evalina looks more than a little excited to begin with, staring with anticipating eyes, then blinking for a brief moment, glancing at Helen, “Did he just say my name?” Another blink. “Oh my god! Ya-” She cuts herself off, then stands, freeing her head and dress from her cloak before giving a curtsy to the crowd, “Thank you everyone!” A beat. “And thank you Preston for hosting this event!” Beat. “You all had wonderful, wonderful outfits. I hope everyone will take pictures so we can keep enjoying them!”

Preston makes his way over towards Evalina, slipping something from a pocket as he does, in order to give Evalina her prize. “Congratulations, Evalina!”

“I will ride there with you unless someone else can give me a ride.” Seraphina says to Thomas.

“Of course,” Thomas tells Seraphina, as he makes to go.

Rain leans against Kai.

Seems that Seraphina doesn’t have much time to see if someone else could be her champion and give her a ride. She also begins to stand.

Evalina gasps, taking the ring from Preston, then playing up a blush, holding her hands together, “A ring? You’re asking me to be your bride?!” She jests, then smirking, then putting the ring on – around her glove. A little difficult, but still. “Thank you, Prestie.”

Rain nods at Kai, rising.

Helen looks towards Evalina as the woman’s name is called out and she says, “I think he said your name!” She begins to clap as well when the other woman stands, “It is a wonderful outfit!”

Kai stands up and takes Rain’s hand in his, he waves at Preston and the others that remain and heads for the street, “It was fun! Thanks!” and adds to Preston, “I think I injured my neck, I have whiplash. You’ll hear from my lawyer!” he cackles and heads off.

Rain gives Preston a wave, “Well done, it was a huge success!”

Nadav approaches Dovie amongst the crowd, the new outfit already well broken in. “Dovie, I have to thank you for the custom work so quickly. I think I would have lost if not for the authentic chainmail. It was worth every penny. If you ever want free meal and hookah at my shop, it is yours.”

Preston snorts at Evalina, shaking his head a little bit at that. “No, no, I did not get down on one knee to announce that,” comes his explanation, smiling though at the jesting. Stretching now, popping his neck a little bit he rolls it. “You signed the waiver!” He did not, there were no waivers. “Thanks for coming, everyone!”

As Preston goes to give the ring, Navessa gets to her feet and gives a good, long stretch to give her back a break from being hunched over her sketchbook all evening. “Well,” she says to the… well, no one and everyone in particular. “I need to go get these sketches fixed… and figure out how to get them to the winners of each round.” She passes Preston on her way out. “I need to stop by my place, but I’ll be home tonight.” A hand on his, lightly, fond, and she heads out. There’s no way she’s leaving her car at an equestrian center. She’s already had too much horse for one day.

Dovie smiles back at Nadav. “I’m just pleased that it came in handy for you, and I would love to come for a meal and some hookah. We shall find a good time for it, I am grateful for the invitation! It will be a good chance to celebrate.”

With things winding down, Esme starts to slip out, offering a parting wave.

Sofia looks down at the reasonable amount of leftovers and smiles, nodding slightly. “Someone can take the rest of these, I’m going to head out. Was a lovely event, you were all gorgeous and jousted well!”

Navessa hears that the food can be taken and does without a second thought.

Nemi nods softly. “Stay safe Sofia!” She yells out as she chuckles.

Nadav nods to Dovie and suggests, “You have my DMs, just let me know later is better or very early.”

Matthew heads over to the snack table and collects a pie, “Don’t mind if I do!” he says, “I’ll eat this later.”

Dovie nods at Nadav. “I will keep that in mind, congratulations again!”

Matthew makes his way over towards Helen and waves, “Hey, I got distracted by all the jousting but what’s up, good to see you here!”

Helen calls out to Evalina after she receives her prize, “What did you get? A ring? You’ll have to show it to me up close! I have to head to this conference call soon though, so I might excuse myself and head back home if you want to stay a while.” She looks over to Nadav’s “Might haev to take the mask off, because I’m not sure if I recognize you!”

Alice glances around as the crowd starts to thin out – she gives a little wave to Preston, then a little knightly bow to Evalina. “I’m gonna get away from the crowd, this is already a bit much for me,” she admits. “Lots of fun, Preston. But don’t ever ban Sunday Brunch from a horse event ever again.” She delivers that dire warning, then makes her exit, Stelle in tow.

Nadav does not have a mask on nor a helmet! “I am Nadav Harari, I own the smoke shop on Madison.”

Preston settles down a little bit, just relaxing as he takes a load off.

Evalina smiles at the bow, then shows her ring to someone her hand for it, “I can drive you home.” She tells her with a smile. “I can just head back after.” She offers Helen her arm.

Evalina smiles at the bow, then shows her ring to Helen raising her hand for it, “I can drive you home.” She tells her with a smile. “I can just head back after.” She offers Helen her arm.

“It’s all pretty much done,” Preston mentions to Evalina. “I’m probably going to head home soon, myself. My voice is..” Preston coughs, and grumbles. He did a lot of yelling, and his voice seems kind of hoarse.

Helen leans in towards Evalina’s hand, taking it gently into her own and inspecting the ring, “Oh that is very beautiful. Something to add to your accessory collection. I need more things myself!” She takes the woman’s arm afterwards, “Thank you, that would be nice. I really do want to finish up this call so I have my evening free.” She lifts a hand to wave to everyone else nearby, “I’ll see you all later! It was a wonderful event, Preston!”

Matthew points his phone towards Nadav then snaps a photo without asking, rude. But it’s second nature and he then calls towards the man, “Hey, you got some real jousting skills, don’t think I’ve caught your name, though. I’m Matthew.”

Preston waves to Helen, “Thank you for coming out!”

Dovie arises and begins giving orders to employees to take down the posters before she wanders over to Preston. “Wonderful job! Great event!”

“I’ll be back in a moment for the… afterparty.” Evalina smiles, then waves around before guiding Helen out of the field, back to her car.

“Matthew, thank you. I was a soldier for a time, a lot of it transfers, as does experience having ridden a horse.” Nadav explains downplaying any particular mastery of the art.

Nemi yawns softly. “Its getting late for me and I gotta feed the horsey…”

Nemi turns to Preston. “This was amazing-” And then turns to Dovie. “Might be commissioning you once I get a few more paychecks in….” She nods softly, and waves!

“A soldier, and… did I hear right, your name is Nedav?” Matthew wonders of Nadav, following up with, “are you from the Other?”

Nadav says “Na dav, Nadav.“

Matthew repeats after Nadav, “Na dav,” not clocking the difference like he’s said the same thing twice, “got it, thanks!”

Malin finishes up whatever she was working on on her phone and then looks over at Preston. “Thank you for hosting, Preston. This was a lot of fun.”

Nadav looks at Malin in a kind of distracted stare before checking his phone and saying to Preston, “It was exciting, thank you for accepting my jousting entry.”

“Oh… okay, just with a name like Nadav,” Matthew starts to say, but then is shaking his head, “I thought you were from the Other!” He huffs out a laugh at his own expense, “Nadav, good to meet you, I should’ve been betting on you the whole time!”

Preston smiles at Nadav with a small wave. “Thanks for showing up! And well jousted. You did great.”

“Its hebrew.” Nadav points out for someone benefit and then spies a wolf on the street. “Well that is bad.”

“Its hebrew.” Nadav points out for Matthew benefit and then spies a wolf on the street. “Well that is bad.”

“Yeah, we need a dog catcher,” Matthew sighs, dramatically, “Where’s COnnie when you need her…?”

As the horses are led off, Dovie waves to Malin, Matthew, Nadav and Preston. “Good to see you all! Goodnight!”

Preston grunts, and glances towards the southeast, towards that wolf. “I don’t even have my weapons on me,” the man complains.

Matthewsomeone glanecs at Malin, “Babe, let’s get outta here, someone let the dogs out, there still a full moon?”

Matthew glanecs at Malin, “Babe, let’s get outta here, someone let the dogs out, there still a full moon?”

Matthew pats his pocket

“The horses are getting confused, no?” Stelle comments, looking over the menu before being whisked away towards food instead of drink. “This looks kind of nice.”

“Oh! Okay, drinks in one section, food in the other,” Alice reports, before she picks a spot on the floor and practically throws herself into a cushion.

“I-” Stelle starts an eyebrow raised at Preston but Stelle nods her head towards him in greeting. “I am going to get a drink if anyone wants one.”

Preston rubs at his face, as he wanders in. “I spotted Sunday Brunch,” Preston mentions to Alice, “Thought I’d come in and join for a bit.” A beat, as he notices the eyebrow raised. “Is this a no guy’s sort of thing?”

“Get me something,” Alice calls out to Stelle with a little wave. To Preston, she considers telling him it’s girls only, but she instead stays quiet, glancing at Seraphina, letting her decide.

Fluffing out the finally dried material of her costume, and catching the light with the sparkles within the translucent portions of it, Seraphina takes a seat down with Alice, and then pats a place beside them. “I don’t care, if Stelle and Alice don’t.”

“If Miss Sera doesn’t mind, I don’t,” Alice adds quickly. “I was gonna tell you to go away purely to be mean to you.”

Preston raises his hands up, and just turns around and walks out. “I can take a hint,” he calls from over his shoulder, “Enjoy, ladies! Be safe.”

Stelle stands once more and wanders off back to the bar, jingling with each step.