By the Twang of the String - Archery Tourney

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Obligation and responsibility kept Emma at the camp for one more day to open the Archery Tournament as part of the Festival. She'd given her word to play host, spending the morning arranging targets and laying out the range while determining where the spectators could stand safely out of harm's way. Ropes served to cordon off the locations, poles with pennants wafting in the light breeze to add a colorful and festive air to the lakeshore on which the tourney would take place. The sailing crafts had been warned to keep to a safe distance in anticipation of any arrows that went astray.

The prizes stood on a table draped in blue and gold, waiting to be awarded to the victors. A trio of targets stood at the ready, emblazoned with the bright circles by which the scoring would be tallied. Each archer was to bring arrows marked with their house colors, and if there should be more than one competitor from the same house, they were to mark it with their initials so that scoring could be kept accurately.

Servants prepared an open pavilion to seat those who preferred shade to sun, a long table holding drinks and refreshments for those interested in savoring the event with fine wines, ales and ciders, along with delicacies both savoury and sweet. Benches sat within the pavilion to offer seating while a stand was hastily erected to hold those who wanted a closer view.

Dressed in a pale cream gown trimmed in gold and blue, her dark hair festooned with a delicate circlet of pearls and sapphires, Emma kept her features schooled into pleasantry, if not happiness, as she stood waiting to greet the competitors and welcome them to 'her' event. It promised to be an interesting event, one open to ladies as well as gentlemen, and she secretly wondered whom of the ladies would take part.

@riordan, Prince Tristan Carlisle, Princess Anastasia Fyodorov, Princess Katya Fyodorov, Lady Fiona Lancaster, Lady Vivianne Trevelyan, Lord Thomas de Lac, Lord Laurent de Lac, Lady Lisette de Lac, @rupert, Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Frederick was blissfully unaware of the goings on in Court. Had he know what was going on, he would have preferred to be in that particular state of bliss. Fortunately, it was none of his affair, anyway! Thus, he arrived at archery tournament with a genuinely pleasant expression on his face. The man was not wearing any of his truly fine attire. In fact, he looked more like a hunter than anything else.

The boots upon his feet were worn, soft deep brown leather with matching sturdy trousers. A white tunic with a black overcoat were the only indicators of his house colors. The tunic was open to allow his skin to breathe for what promised to be a demonstration of physical endurance as well as skill. A quiver of arrows was comfortably strapped on his back and his bow was in hand. Indeed, the man looked very much the part of the rugged hunter.

Frederick approached the princess, but stopped at a polite distance. "Your Highness," he dropped into a courtly bow, "It will be a delight to demonstrate my skill to you. Enjoy the display."

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

It wasn't necessary prudent to display her skills in archery, but Vivianne wanted to keep an eye on Princess Emma as well as a certain St. Claire young lady. That one had a penchant for trouble just waiting to break out at a moment she was convinced was likely to be inopportune. Arriving with her bow and a quiver of arrows fletched in blue and white, she wore a discreet smile as she recognized the Treniatan Grand Duke.

Stopping behind him, she curtsied to the Princess and nodded to the Grand Duke. "Good day to you both, Highness, Your Grace. This should be a very interesting contest. Thank you for allowing the ladies to compete."

Mischief lighted the dark eyes, challenge firing deep within them as she brushed back the kirtle's skirts of blue over white. Her dark hair was in that sensible braid down her back, and the dress was a starkly plain linen. Vivianne didn't especially want to stand out in the crowd or overtly display her minimal resemblance to Emma. Turning to survey the others as they arrived, she wondered just who the competition would be.

[Princess Anastasia Fyodorov]

Anya was a little hesitant to join in the archery tournament in light of current circumstances, but her pride (and an effort to support her sister) would not let her stay away. Wearing one of her most flattering gowns in rich green, her hair braided and coiled like a coronet around her head, she went to observe, debating participation. A proud tilt to her chin refused to acknowledge any slights to her family or name, though she did not yet spot Katya, knowing her sister had a quiet desire to enter thanks to her likely future spouse.

Approaching the trio already present with a pleasant smile, her voice lifted lightly to greet them. "Princess Emmaline, my lord, my lady, I give you good day. And a lovely one it is for the tournament, do you not agree?"

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

While not the one to use the bow as his preferred weapon, Tris was a naturally competitive sort, so of course he’d find himself taking part in the tournament, particularly in the light of current events. Giving the heavy thoughts a mental pat on the shoulder and a shove off into nether regions of his mind for the time being, he checked to make sure that his arrows were correct ones. Being as there were two Carlisle members participating, he’d have to pick the correct arrows, those matching his name and not his brother’s.

For the time being, he headed to the field cordoned off to serve as the tournament grounds, and found the grounds - and the group already gathered there - easily enough. The gather, already including his sister and several participants, was fairly easy to spot, as well, given that they were grouped in the same place for now, which helped him make his way toward them.

“Good day, Your Graces, My Lady,” he greeted, his eyes scanning familiar and not quite familiar faces of those present before they stopped on his sister’s. “Hello, sister. It’s good to see you around.” Eyes full of mischief, as he had only seen her just that very day, Tris tipped his head to the side, taking the same tone as usual, no more, no less. He didn’t see the reason to change anything, either – unless it was needed, and right now? It was not, or at least he did not think so.

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

Running a little late, Serah finally made her approach of the field on which the archery was to be held. Aware that Emma held true to her promise as the event's host despite her obvious desire to return to Triadon, she was proud of her cousin and hoped to support her. Tristan's presence was a welcome sight, as was Princess Anya's, though her gaze fell and lingered upon Frederick with a rather shy smile.

He looked very similar to their first meeting, deceptively dressed in what appeared to be the clothing of a commoner rather than the exalted nobleman he was born to be. The spirit of challenge roused in her as she approached, she greeted her cousins with a curtsey and a smile, a nod for Princess Anya and Lady Vivianne. "Cousin Tristan, this is a pleasant surprise, I've not seen you in weeks." Pale blue eyes teased him as she nodded to Frederick. "Are all of us competing today?"

Prince Tristan Carlisle, Lord Frederick von Arles

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Turning his head to the newest arrival, Tris bowed as one of his cousins approached. “Cousin Serah, I have to agree and could say the same about yourself. We’ll have to catch up sometime.” An impish grin now openly visible, the teen glanced around all of them, lightly counting the participants to himself. “Yes, I’d say everyone armed and carrying proper equipment suitable for an archery range is a participant, though I do believe we’re missing a few for now?”

Directing the question to Emmaline, as he wasn’t entirely certain of their numbers, Tris curiously glanced from one to another, wondering whether the other Sarkoszy Princess would be participating, as well. He was well aware that Katya was fiercely competitive, given that this little idea could be considered theirs, even if they didn’t quite expect the entire Court expressing desire to participate and the whole thing turn into a grand festival. Giving a hopefully unnoticed snort of amusement as he remembered the exact details of that meeting, Tris fiddled with his leather arm guard, making sure it was properly in place. He suspected a few more nobles, not to mention the spectators, were going to show up before the tournament would start.


Lady Serah Lancaster, Princess Emmaline Carlisle, Prince Riordan Carlisle, Lord Rupert de Vere

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rose was running a little late, and a wonder she was still on the Festival grounds. Fidgeting with her bow and green and white fletched arrows, not needing any initials since it looked like she was the single representative of St. Claire, the young woman fidgeted her way toward the gathering, curtsying as she realized it held several nobles of a station higher than her own. Eyes darting around from face to face, she grinned toward those she recognized, though she couldn’t say those were quite many. So far, she could count at least three royals, two of whom she has met already, so the curtsy she greeted the group with was appropriate enough for everyone.

“Good day, Your Graces… My Ladies,” she grinned, resisting the urge to fidget like Prince Tristan was with her own leather arm guard, though barely so. She was a bit nervous, given that she didn’t think she ever participated in anything this grand and was slightly afraid of setting the arrow to crowd by accident rather than the target, but she supposed time would tell how far she advanced during her training. Giving a curious glance and a bright grin toward Princess Emmaline, Rose found that whatever the reason Her Highness was planning to leave the festivities for, she was grateful for her remaining to hold the tournament despite whichever troubles were evident last night.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Glancing to Tristan, Emma nodded. "It is early yet, and I feel sure there will be more participants. Let's give it a little while yet." She smiled faintly to soften her words, nodding in the direction of several courtiers drifting in to occupy the stands erected for spectators. A nod greeted Rosalie, pleased to see that she was entering and taking her chance with the archery. "Good luck, Lady Rosalie. I know you'll do yourself proud today." Certainly, she'd had the chance to see the younger girl practicing with bow and arrows, and had faith Rosalie would comport herself admirably.

Much as she wanted to present a cold front to Anya, she didn't blame the princess for the actions of her brother. She was as much a victim, if Emma was honest with herself. "Will you be shooting as well, Princess Anastasia?"

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

So many women in the tournament! Frederick had never seen quite a turn out such as this. Where were the men of the tournament? He glanced around for some, not seeing any immediately. It was not that he wasn't opposed to seeing women show to attend but more that there weren't some men eager to prove themselves. Men were more prone to shows of strength and skill, especially when it came to impressing ladies.

Impressing ladies just happened to be one of Frederick's many goals today. "Oh, dear me," toned thoughtfully, especially when he eyed Serah, "I am not only going to have to shoot my best, but I may have to be on my best behavior. However shall I succeed with my mind in two places at once?" The voice was clearly showing his tease.

[Princess Katya Fyodorov]

Archery was one of Katyas major skills and she was looking forward to the chance to showcase it. She did not care much what the others thought of her skills save for Prince Tristan. She had the desire to prove herself though that was likely unneeded. Still, she wished to remind the man that she was more than just a pretty face. The bonus was that others would see this as well. Spotting the group of people easily enough, Katya made her way to them, happy to note that her sister had already arrived as was the Prince.

"Greetings, Your Highnesses, My Lord, My Ladies," she greeted cordially though her mind was mostly on surveying the field. "Sister, do you plan to participate?" She asked of Anya curiously, thankful she had thought to initial her arrows, just in case. A warm smile with a hint of challenge thrown in was cast Prince Tristans way, Katyas eyes lighting up with mischief. Katya had no idea how to act around Princess Emmaline so she chose to simply act as she normally would had her brother not insulted the woman. A fresh feeling of irritation shot through her that she dismissed. The past had happened and all they could do was move forward.

[Princess Anastasia Fyodorov]

Anya feared it would be extremely awkward between Emmaline, Katya and herself, but she was quietly grateful to both ladies for at least presenting the appearance that all was well. She smiled with greater warmth, coming closer as she considered the question, posed twice over. "I am hardly the archer you are, Katya, but if Princess Emmaline lends her blessing, I will give it a try." Dark brows rose towards the Princess, inviting commentary. "Or else I will be happy to keep company with you, Your Highness."

Honestly, at this point, she was willing to do a great deal or go to significant lengths to keep the peace between all of them, especially for Katya's sake.

[Lord Alejo Cataluña]

Having got lost again due to unfamiliarity, Alejo decided he and Catalina would use the time to explore. There was some time until the tournament, after all, but their attire would already inform anyone who was familiar with such that they would be among the participants. Their arrows, fletched dark blue and silver, also wore initials of either of them to avoid confusion, and Alejo made sure that both of their bows were unstrung for now. After all, it was a weapon on its own and could be considered as such.

Weaving their way through the grounds, they came upon the area they needed by virtue of asking several servants for direction. Knowing several languages with fair ease, including that of Demeria, was helpful to a point, especially when they were in the country itself, and only thing that really made them stand out was the Linten attire, light and conservative clothes that befitted the event and did not restrict their movements. “Seems to me being lost has some advantages,” Alejo remarked with humor to his wife in a quiet voice as they neared the group. “Good day, my Lords, my Ladies. Tis an honor to be able to join you. Forgive our tardiness, finding the grounds can be a bit daunting when you’re unfamiliar with the place.”

Addressing the group in general, he bowed as befitted the dignitaries of highest rank present, whom he could guess being the royal siblings of Demeria and those of Sarkoszy. The house colors of the arrows of the participants, as well as the clothes of the lady seemingly in charge of the Tournament, gave away both their social position and their heritage to an acute observer, and due their regular lifestyle, both Alejo and Catalina could be considered such, though he wasn’t aware just how far that knowledge spread. For now, he merely observed the group with mild curiosity, an observer rather than a participant in a conversation.

[Lady Catalina Luña]

Catalina did not mind the chance to explore this new land at all. They would also be soon having a bit of fun, which she always enjoyed. She briefly recalled the time when she could barely hold a bow which had swiftly changed due to the necessity. She disliked being idle if they were to be under attack during voyages and Alejo disliked Catalina being in any sort of danger. Therefore, learning how to dagger fight, use ranged weapons and how to wield a sword had been good compromises.

"Well, of course. Exploring without direction is sometimes quite entertaining as well, my love," she replied in Linten to Alejos remark, using the phrase she often used in place of 'lost'. Quick blue eyes flicking over the gathered individuals, she noted each of them, their stances, their attire, everything was noted. "An honor indeed, Your Highnesses, My Lords, My Ladies," she greeted in her typical soft and melodic tone after her husband had spoken, dipping into a curtsy as befitted the higher ranks. Catalina absently noted that she was among the shortest people there, and as usual, her husband had been most amused at the fact that her bow only served to make her petite stature even more noticeable. Still, to underestimate the little Linten would be a mistake most grave.

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

Vivianne stood to one side, not so much avoiding attention but taking advantage of the situation to put her alert ears and eyes to best use. She busied herself with checking the string on her bow, counting her arrows, lurking but seemingly not paying attention to the discussion. A quick glance confirmed the approach of the two Lintenese whom she'd not formally met as yet, but her ears were definitely attuned to the exchange between the Princess, Prince Tristan and the foreigners. If there was going to be trouble, she had a feeling it would be now.

A quick scan of the spectators didn't reveal Lord Rupert to her, but she hadn't counted on his attendance at the event. It seemed geared towards the younger crowd, though the King himself might opt to attend. Time would tell, but for now, she was going to keep a watchful eye on things.