Now we commence the Archer’s Contest. To all our folk in the Eastern Kingdoms who hunt and wage war, the bow beside the brachet has been important, and many are there who are famous in the realms for their skills with it. We honour the spirit of this ancient art and pledge to bestow unto the winner; whoso aims the keenest, a longbow of holyoak from the Northshire Valley, that is worthy of a Hero.
Four groups of archers competed in a eliminatory round in which only one from each group was selected: Lady Marisol, Jack Grimsdale, Myriia Barrett and Fiona Wren. These four competed in pairs, giving us a final between Lady Marisol and Fiona Wren, in the end
Next, the Riflery, for when our foes set upon us with truncheons and iron tools in darker days, was it not first our Dwarven friends who fought them back with the marvel of gunpowder and the stoutest of blunderbusses! Riflemen, step forth ere we speak your names for all the crowd to know, three each time, for the first round, and you shall be honored when keenest to the mark!
In a similar way the competition started with four eliminatory rounds, were Ortellus Falheim, Mylcia Garson, Anthony Halsonn and Caesar Colby advanced to the next round. In the end Anthony Halsonn got the second place and
was the winner.
The next day the riddles and melee competition were held, at the riddle competition four people were named Wise in our land,
. At the melee
The third day hosted the horse race:
Good people, we bear witness to the quickening horse race, for just as we celebrate the valour of the boldest who fight, so must the fastest who ride also find their acclaim here in the Everstill Tourney, for who is worthy if not those who will risk limb and neck in the delivery of our war-time messages? In honour of all couriers and the good beasts who carry them, I make the affiance to bestow a gilded saddle made with a beast leather so comfortable and peregrine that you will scarce believe it is not all a fairy tale, to the fastest rider.
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As some people have pointed, most of the race wasn’t visible to people, yet it was exciting to see who will cross the finish line first. In the end
Lady Ygerne Osfrith crossed first, quickly followed by Lady Faelenn Silverhawk.
After the wizardry contest started at the bridge that crosses over the river:
My friends, to celebrate the unity of our realms, let us think back to where it all began; that long ago were fiery magicks taught, and it was the first accord ever struck between High Elves and Men. I raise this challenge, in honour of King Anasterian’s great gift to the Arathi Tribe, that here our mages will dazzle you with bright spells as they duel each other with wands of the Arcane, and whoso dazzles best, will receive a gift from the High Elves just like in days of yore, courtesy of the Silver Covenant!
Since here only eight people were allowed to participate and given the characteristics of the competition duels were held for people to advance to the next round. Most people took their defeats with grace and the spirit one expects in a competition, sadly others, like Marilyn von Sterren refused to return the bow to the other mage after being defeated and did not even stay to see the rest of the competition, something that was commented among the public that did not appreciate such a display of bad sportsmanship.
Personally, this was for me the most exciting competition, the ability of some mages was great to see, and some duels were just breath-taking, with the tension and expectation of who will be hit first, like the semi-final duel between Master Runebraid and Mister Vossler that lasted for quite a while. Watching the duels was a bit dangerous as some shots passed close to the public but no incident happened. The final was between Miss Voidsharp and
Mister Vossler who, after another intense match, won the competition.
On the last day, the competition that for many is the jewel of the tournament finally took place, the jousting competition with twenty knights duelling each other. First few duels went fast with people getting knocked off their horses. This is clearly the most dangerous competition, even if most just got some pain due to the hit and fall, there were some more worrying instances and even medics and healers were needed, and we wish a quick recovery to all those injured.
After many duels, some almost touched the victory, like Dame Juniper, Sir Emmeric or Sir Cailen, but we got to the final between Sir Desartin and Sir Gavin, it was a quick duel, since Sir Desartin got removed from his horse, making
Sir Gavin champion of the competition.
The tournament was closed with the following speech by Lord Llywarch:
All good things must come to an end. There must be a dawn and a dusk, and now our contests have been won, our challenges have been conquered, and the worthy have aptly distinguished themselves, but we must never forget that these are all just friendly games in the spirit of good etiquette! I applaud each brave soul that has stepped to these challenges, and I applaud you all for that you were made glad throughout them. All of us have come here for a good time, but we have also come to honour our bond; the great fellowship between all folk in this glorious Alliance that we love and defend, together.
Now! Celebrate our champions! Wine and dine to hearts’ disport and see the cheer dure all through the dark night, and for thee, good people who have cheered so dearly, one last spectacle you shall have at, to carouse as well as any Anroth! Behold!
I had the chance to speak with Lord Llywarch ap Lleron after the tournament to ask some questions about how it went and the idea of organising it.
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
If I may ask, how did the idea of organising this tournament happen?
Llywarch ap Lleron:
We understand the knightly hastiludes that honor the Grand Alliance, as a tradition, were become the most popular in Lakeshire, but none have thought to uphold the tradition in some years. We, of all people, have great cause to be most appreciative of the Alliance. I find there is no better way to express it.
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
So, can we expect more tournaments in the future?
Llywarch ap Lleron:
It is certainly expected, now. I couldn't possibly comment!
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
I haven't seen many events with so many attendees, did you expect so many people coming?
Llywarch ap Lleron:
On every and all account, sweet lady. All folk love to celebrate, and all who love the King and the Kingdom will therefore come here, to celebrate the Kingdom's champions. It is also ever the desire of young knights to prove themselves in any way possible. In lieu of war, tourneys are a grand opportunity.
Gaedryel Ravenshade:
And was there any competition you especially enjoyed, Lord Llywarch?
Llywarch ap Lleron:
Why, every each one was our pleasure to witness and to host! Yet if one must choose which treasure be troved amongst the many, the Joust is the prize contest.
Hoping people had fun, and that this tournament also served to remember people there is life beyond Stormwind, we will see you on the next one.