It’s a beautiful day in Winterhaven, ever since this morning people have been gathering in front of the city gates where the field has been prepared for the much anticipated Jousting Tournament.
When the afternoon is halfway, slowly some of the officials of Winterhaven come out of the gates and take place on one of the three special pavilions that have been erected. When these people have found their place, the town Herald as well is the Royal Herald come out and announce the visiting royals, who then find their way to their appointed seats. Finally the royal family comes out of the city, much cheering and loud applause follows them. A special platform has been erected for The King where he has a perfect view of the jousting. On the platform he is flanked by the Crystal Guard and Vanidel Borgstrom, the bard of Winterhaven.
To his left (right for the viewer) is Aun Kerac, King of Rutileo. Last time he visited Winterhaven he was still a lot younger, but the people still remember him and his companions for the many good deeds they did in the region. The family of King Darnald sits to the left of King Aun, first Queen Roselinde, then her sister Queen Violet of Belathre, followed by Prince Tom and Princess Silvy. Queen Violet was supposed to sit in the chair next to her husband, King Leopold of Belathre, but Prince Tom was so insistent to sit next to his favorite aunt that this arrangement was made. As King Leopold had many matters of state to discuss with several of the heads of state present at the tournament this was an acceptable solution.
In the pavilion to the right of King Darnald are, Baron Arnold of Fallcrest, Sir Alarch and Suldy, an anonymous ambassador of an eastern empire and King Leopold. The relationship with Baron Arnold are very tense as he rules Fallcrest with an iron fist. However he demanded a seat of honour as the King had waived all arguments for the duration of the Jousting Tournament.
In the pavilion across the jousting area sit from left to right: Rinald, the city treasurer, Lady Eilaga the Swift, a close friend of Valthrun the prescient who sits next to her. Next to him sits King Keavak the Just Ruler of Gyrtan, Lady Eilaga is his adviser, so when Valthrun told her about the Tournament she asked the king if she could come. The king agreed and he himself decided to join with his kids, who sit behind him. Next to King Keavak sits Grandmaster Theodoric.
Behind Grandmaster Theodoric sits, Crown Prince Leonan of Gyrtan, flanked by his sister Princess Fhaella. Mayor Paelik specifically wanted to sit on the backrow because he felt he would have a better overview there and also sit next to Sir Carl brother to Sir Richard who will be participating in the Jousting Tournament. Finally we have Kialto the town crier.
While everyone was taking their places the Royal Herald and City Herald are accompanied by Yeoman Hank of Salish on the roof of the viewing tent straight across from the city gate. When they get a signal to signify everyone has found their seats they sound their trumpets! As everyone goes quite the King rises from his throne
“Ladies and Gentleman, thank you all for coming here today. Because of Winterhaven’s 100th birthday we will hold, as you all well know, a Jousting Tournament! For this tournament the best 32 knights from around the globe have gathered here and will be introduced to you in a parade today. Tonight we will have a big party and tomorrow the actually jousting will start. The jouster randomly drew a number and they will come out in that order. Every for subsequent jousters, will form a Group in the tournament. So let the games begin!” With that he points to the Winterhaven’s Main Gate.
Slowly the gate opens and the first knights are seen. The heralds start again with their trumpets.
