#carnival

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EARTH RUNES FREEHOLD, PENNONS

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Earl looks at Zara and says "ear plugs only help so much" And strokes her hair, "Sorry. Do we need seats further back?"

Coradel stands before Baron Nemausus, victorious and slightly breathless.

August is still standing, watching, rapt.

Zara shakes her head, though she is definitely squinting now.

She can't resist casting a glance back over her shoulder at her opponent, who is hopefully on her feet by now.

The Baron taps against wood, three times, and his voice carries so all can hear, not like thunder, but as if it were an audible whisper in each ear. It's very Eiluned in that regard. Yes, Lady Jennette rises stiffly, and is heard to say "Three fingers. I'm fine." The baron's voice overides that in it's area wide whisper save where he actually speaks:

Seeing Jennette up and around, Coradel directs all her attention to the Baron.

"Lady Coradel, you are Champion of the tourney. Your prizes are three fold. First, the Trophy of the Champion of the Tourney" It is indeed impressive, a trophy with a vague shape of a jouster rearing up. Yet as he moves to hand it to her, it begins to transform reflecting Coradel in gold! "Place it in display where you wish, or if you will honor this hold, I will put it in Earth Runes hold itself where it will show our pride in you, a ward who has shocked and surprised all with the prowess and heart you have shown."

Indeed, the statute on the trophy moves every once in awhile, assuming the same poses, the same joyous looks, as Coradel does.

August's grin is enormous.

Coradel is surprised and delighted by this, and while she does not have the Baron's amplification, she says clearly enough for all, "My Lord and my Foster Host, I would be honored if this trophy might be displayed within the walls of EarthRunes, my Foster Home."

Well, that sends more cheers from the locals! They're not used to their hold being PART of things.

Zara hides against the troll, as if Earl could shield her from the noise.

Earl does offer his chest as a buffer for at least one of her ears.

And she shamelessly snags one of his blue hands to cover the other.

Some of those from the County, particularly the nobles not of the Barony, are not as pleased by this. But hold their ground. Zara hears, amid the din, whispers about how this seems a grab at autonomy. Pennons here instead of the County Seat? Such grand displays? What is the old greybeard playing at?"

Earl smiles and does just that

"The Second, is more for thy noble steed than thee," The Baron says and snaps a finger, servants bring forth a red horseblanket glistening with glamour, it is a treasure "the Blanket of Gringolet, Horse of Gawain... which is empowered to not only keep your horse healthy, and strong, but over time and with infrequent infusions of glamour, may turn Samson into a true fae steed as well. Extending his years, and making this already amazing steed even more keen of wit and will. "

August beams at this.

Coradel's eyes widen, and she puts a hand to her mouth. She hadn't expected such a treasure...nor how much it would mean to her. It takes a few moments before she can speak with full voice. "My Lord, I am deeply grateful for this prize, and for the great goodness it will do for Samson. He has earned it."

"Of that, there is no doubt," Lady Jennette says softly, but it carries.

The Baron nods at the Beaumayn, then says " the last prize is the right to name the Queen of Love and Beauty or the Prince of Charm and Grace. Have you one you wish to bestow this upon?' A laurel is handed to her, "But present this to said person."

August.... looks somewhere between thunderstruck and horrified.

Magnus grins and looks at August "here comes the boom, ready or not..." Singing under his breath

Coradel takes the laurel wreath and looks at it for a long, suspenseful moment.

"...surely, aye, she wouldn't be afraid to...." Dark eyes go from Earl to August to Cora.

August seems frozen in place, while wishing he could run.

She's clearly deliberating, staring at the laurel.

Then she looks to the Baron and whispers something to him before stepping away and striding with purpose for August.

He goes pale.

A soft nod from the Baron. Nothing said at the whisper

She meets his gaze and wills him not to run.

Earl watches the interplay, and mutters to Zara "Why is he so .." And he silences himself

Run? He can't remember how to breathe.

When she reaches August, she speaks to him, but not at the full-throated voice, so only those nearby may hear. "You, August Truthbranch, are my choice for this honor. I have worn your token today, and you have been the source of much of my support. You are a man of true grace and dignity...and you have every right to this honor." And she reaches to set the laurel on his head.

August closes his eyes... and drops to his knees to receive the honor.

As soon as the Laurel hits his head, suddenly everyone around finds themselves seeing what is best in August. His dignity. His strength of will! His kindness and mercy. It is more than a bonus to his natural charisma, or looks. This laurel takes what is best in him and shares it with others to see more clearly. If August were a bad man, it would only do so much. But he's not. For all his flaws, he is a good person, a good man, and was in another life a great lord. Echoes of that now shine through.

Zara's dark eyes dazzle, silently staring at the Liam

OOC: Until the end of the day, the wearing of the Laurel removes any social penalties and because August is such a good fellow he gets a +1 dice on ALL Social rolls.

And cannot botch them!

Coradel smiles as the truths are made clear. "Rise, Prince of Charm and Grace!"

BIC: Earl smiles, "There's the guy."

OOC August is going to be a cup of pudding by the end of the day.

((Well-respected pudding))

He rises when bid.

OOC So chocolate, then.

OOC; hah