The east courtyard.
Stone walls rise so high and thick around this great open
courtyard that that the cruel winter winds do not reach to the
bottom. Nonetheless, the quiet air is cold here, for the sun's
rays never reach the smoothly-paved ground either. Great iron
lanterns overhead throw a flickering light down to the center
of the courtyard, causing strange dark blue shadows to dance on
the frost in the far murky corners.
To the west, three steps lead up to an arch. To the east, two
stairways run up along the wall to meet on a high raised
landing, in front of an arch in the eastern wall.
Sir Launfal arrives through the white marble arch.
Lord Sicard arrives through the white marble arch.
Sir Alrik arrives through the white marble arch.
Sir Gaudis arrives through the white marble arch.
[Lots of people bow or curtsy.]
Catharsis bows deeply.
Sir Alrik bows politely.
Martel bows carefully.
Martel sways slightly.
Lord Sicard bows courteously.
Sir Gaudis bows quickly.
Sir Launfal nods appreciatively.
[People continue to bow and curtsy.]
Sir Launfal waits patiently.
[People just keep on bowing and curtsying.]
Lord Sicard turns to Sir Launfal.
Sir Launfal announces, "Denizens...."
Sir Launfal announces, "The last challenge has been declared a
draw due to circumstance ... "
Sir Gaudis smirks.
Sir Alrik gazes warningly at Sir Gaudis.
Sir Launfal continues, "beyond our control."
Sir Gaudis ignores Sir Alrik.
Sir Gaudis listens to Sir Launfal.
Sir Alrik listens to Sir Launfal.
Sir Launfal glances at Sir Gaudis.
Sir Launfal glances at Sir Alrik.
Sir Launfal raises his pair of eyebrows.
Sir Alrik nods apologetically.
Sir Gaudis nods innocently.
Sir Launfal announces, "This has led to much debate amongst us,
the Knights of Honor, regarding the outcome of the Quest.."
Sir Launfal glances at Sir Alrik.
Sir Launfal glances at Sir Gaudis.
Sir Launfal glances at Lord Sicard.
Catharsis gazes worriedly.
Sir Launfal continues, "But we stand united in our decision."
Sir Alrik nods firmly.
Lord Sicard nods to Sir Launfal.
Sir Gaudis nods.
Sir Gaudis snorts covertly.
Armsman Philo glances discreetly at Sir Gaudis.
Sir Launfal says assuredly, "As always."
Sir Alrik glares at Sir Gaudis.
Sir Launfal announces, "We have reached a decision."
Sir Launfal announces, "We did see in each Quest, qualities
worthy of Knighthood in all the candidates."
Sir Launfal announces, "We, the Knights, have deemed that each
candidate is worthy of Knighthood so all have been accepted."
[Lots of people gasp, blink, smile, and/or applaud.]
Catharsis blinks.
Armsman Philo raises his arched eyebrow.
Catharsis cheers.
Martel sighs softly.
Catharsis laughs.
Sir Alrik smiles.
Catharsis cackles gleefully.
Armsman Philo gazes at his silver pin contemplatively.
Sir Launfal glances at Catharsis.
Sir Gaudis sighs quietly.
Catharsis blinks disbelievingly.
Martel gazes sadly at Sir Gaudis, Sir Alrik, Lord Sicard and Sir Launfal.
You see Punzel, a freckled guard, Andrew, Catharsis,
Fenimir, Avaria, Kimli, Crystal, Noddi, Ashitaka, Jenisha,
Watchman Artegal, Illiana, Brunswick, Dittersdorf, a dusky
courier, Katalina, Zenaida, Charmiam, Sir Gaudis, Sir Alrik,
Lord Sicard, Chorus, Sir Launfal, Mintle, Duren, Wiccania,
Cassandra, Robert, Myrth, Martel, Nomar, Armsman Philo, Aeris,
Delacroix, Morte, Kvalhion and a short guard.
Sir Launfal says to Catharsis, "Sera, step forward."
Lord Sicard nods approvingly.
Catharsis moves from Delacroix to the white marble arch.
Sir Alrik smiles at Catharsis.
Sir Alrik smiles at Armsman Philo.
Sir Alrik smiles at Martel.
Sir Launfal asks Catharsis, "Sera, say you Nay or Yeah?"
Catharsis replies formally, "Yeah"
Sir Alrik nods approvingly.
Sir Launfal says officially to Catharsis, "The Queen does approve."
Lord Sicard smiles.
Sir Gaudis nods.
Sir Launfal nods to Catharsis.
Sir Launfal turns to Armsman Philo.
Sir Launfal says to Armsman Philo, "Armsman, step forward."
Lord Sicard nods approvingly.
Armsman Philo straightens attentively.
Sir Gaudis smiles at Armsman Philo.
Catharsis smiles encouragingly at Armsman Philo.
Sir Alrik nods to Armsman Philo.
Sir Launfal asks Armsman Philo, "Armsman, say you Yeah or nay?"
Armsman Philo says, "Since my awakening, I have longed to join
the ranks of knighthood..."
Sir Launfal nods approvingly.
Sir Gaudis smiles.
Lord Sicard listens.
Catharsis glances at Armsman Philo pensively.
Armsman Philo says, "In that dream, I joined the Winter Watch,
and rose through its ranks to my present station..."
Sir Alrik nods respectfully to Armsman Philo.
Sir Launfal nods understandingly.
Armsman Philo says, "But in my duty to the Winter Watch, I have
also found a duty to the people of the Outer Bailey..."
Sir Launfal raises his pair of eyebrows.
[Several people blink.]
Lord Sicard listens to Armsman Philo.
Armsman Philo says, "I believe that the people of the Outer
Bailey need me, and that the Winter Watch needs me. I fear
my answer must be, 'Nay'."
[A whole mess of people gasp or blink.]
Martel nods formally to Armsman Philo.
Lord Sicard raises his eyebrow slightly.
Sir Gaudis gazes at Armsman Philo pensively.
Armsman Philo bows formally to Sir Gaudis, Sir Alrik, Lord
Sicard and Sir Launfal.
Martel bows deeply to Armsman Philo.
Lord Sicard nods approvingly.
Catharsis asks Armsman Philo, "Are you certain you cannot
fulfil both duties, Armsman?"
Catharsis gazes pleadingly at Armsman Philo.
Sir Launfal straightens surprisedly.
Sir Launfal says slowly to Armsman Philo, "And so it shall be."
Sir Alrik gazes at Armsman Philo appraisingly.
Sir Launfal glances disbelievingly at Armsman Philo.
Catharsis nods respectfully to Armsman Philo.
Sir Gaudis gazes at Armsman Philo's pair of honey brown eyes.
Sir Gaudis nods slowly.
Sir Launfal turns to Martel, "Ser Martel, please step forward."
Sir Alrik smiles at Martel.
Martel moves from the low steps to the west to the center of
the courtyard.
Martel is a tall, bulky man with a full head of wavy dark
brown hair, long and worn in a ponytail, and tanned skin. He is
carrying his plain sack. He is wearing a brown scabbard, a
handkerchief, a cavalier hat, a pin, a silver necklace, a grey
pouch, a rosette, a white cape, a creamy white brocade doublet,
black gloves, black boots, white hose, tan kersey trunkhose and
a bandage.
Lord Sicard nods approvingly.
Sir Gaudis gazes at Martel.
Sir Launfal asks Martel, "Say thee yeah or Nay?"
Martel gazes at Sir Gaudis, Sir Alrik, Lord Sicard and Sir Launfal.
Martel says resolutely, "Your Lordship and knights, you honor me
more than I would have imagined possible when I first awoke here.
But I am afraid I must decline this honor at the moment. I have sworn
an Oath to two others, to not accept a knighthood till one is offered to
each of us. And as they are not here standing with me now, I am forced
by my word to decline. My apologies to the court, and her majesty.
Long may she reign. My Lord Sicard, I thank you for allowing me to
compete in this challenge, even though you knew this. And I hope to
one day stand before you again when I can accept the great honor you
present to me."
Catharsis glances uncertainly at Martel.
Sir Launfal flusters.
Martel bows deeply to Sir Gaudis, Sir Alrik, Lord Sicard and Sir Launfal.
Martel winces painedly.
[Lots of people glance surprisedly at Martel, gasp disbelievingly, etc.]
Martel tears slightly.
Sir Alrik gazes at Martel appraisingly.
Armsman Philo gazes at Martel appraisingly.
Armsman Philo nods respectfully to Martel.
Sir Launfal says curtly, "And so it shall be."
Lord Sicard nods.
Sir Gaudis eyes Sir Alrik triumphantly.
Martel exhales slowly.
Martel glares at Sir Gaudis.
Sir Alrik glares at Sir Gaudis warningly.
Sir Gaudis nods politely to Martel.
Martel nods stiffly to Sir Gaudis.
Sir Launfal announces, "An annoncement shall be made regarding
Sera Catharsis's swearing in at a later date."
Sir Launfal turns to Sir Gaudis.
Catharsis blinks puzzledly at Martel.
Sir Launfal exclaims to Sir Gaudis, "Really!"
Catharsis nods politely to Martel.
Sir Gaudis glances at Sir Launfal.
Catharsis glances at the stars.
Sir Gaudis bows to Sir Launfal politely.
Sir Gaudis raises his bushy eyebrow.
Sir Launfal announces curtly, "That is all."
Sir Alrik nods.
Sir Gaudis nods.
Sir Launfal appears to be non-plussed.
Sir Launfal leaves through the north passageway.
Sir Alrik leaves through the north passageway.
Lord Sicard leaves through the north passageway.
Sir Gaudis leaves through the north passageway.
Armsman Philo bows.
Martel slumps.
Armsman Philo sighs broodingly.
Punzel hugs Martel silently.
Martel holds Punzel tightly.
Martel cries softly.
[Many folks leave. A few folks express support for Armsman Philo
and Martel. A few folks congratulate sera Catharsis.]
Catharsis bows politely to Martel, "I cannot agree with your
decision, ser, but I respect you for it nonetheless."
Punzel asks Catharsis, "You would have him break an oath?"
Punzel sadly shakes her head.
Catharsis glances at Punzel, "Are you certain he would have had to
break an oath?"
Punzel nods, "Aye."
Martel bows to Catharsis, "You honor me, knight-to-be. It was
a hard decision, but the only one I could make."
Catharsis nods thoughtfully to Martel.
Martel nods to Catharsis, "Tis an oath sworn."
Catharsis tells Punzel, "I do not know the Duelist's oath, so I do
not know if he would have had to break it."
Armsman Philo bows formally to Catharsis, "Congratulations,
Dame Catharsis"
Catharsis adds, "Or if the two might have been compatible."
Punzel says, "Twas a different oath, sera."
Catharsis blinks.
Catharsis shrugs, "Then I know nothing of it."
Punzel nods, "Aye. And so please do not judge."
Catharsis bows politely to Martel, "Good eve then, ser. You
have been giving honor this evening, nonetheless."
Punzel curtsies respectfully to Catharsis, "Good eve, and
congratulations, sera."
Catharsis tells Punzel, "Sera, I did not judge."
Martel bows to Catharsis.
Martel leaves through the white marble arch.
Punzel leaves through the white marble arch.
The eastern end of the Grand Passage, a long high hallway
running west-east through the heart of the castle.
Martel and Punzel are standing near the eastern archway.
Martel hugs Punzel tiredly.
Punzel hugs Martel tightly.
Punzel murmurs, "It was the only thing you could do."
Martel nods, "Aye. As is what I must do next."
[Martel and Punzel go to the Duelists' Room.]
The Duellists' headquarters, a lavishly decorated clubhouse.
Seven drinks are lying on the bar. Martel and Punzel are standing
near the north door. A low table is standing in front of the
red velvet sofa. A plain sack is lying on a low table.
Martel sits down on the red velvet sofa.
Punzel sits down next to Martel.
Martel says softly, "That was .... harder than I thought it
would be."
Punzel gazes quietly at Martel's pair of dark brown eyes, "You
did the honorable thing."
Martel nods resignedly.
Punzel holds Martel gently.
Martel says, "I just wish there was an honorable way to do what
I will do at the meeting but ..."
Martel shrugs.
Punzel adds quietly, "Even if those for whom you did it deserve
it not."
Martel nods to Punzel, "They .... were not even there."
Punzel nods sadly, "I know, love."
Martel brushes his ordinary cheek.
Martel says resolutely, "They are no brother and sister to me
any longer."
Punzel gently touches Martel's ordinary cheek, "They have broken
their oath to you, love. They have."
Punzel says, "You lose no honor in acknowledging that fact."
Martel gazes at a low table, "But ... tis still going to be an
oath broken. Even if I upheld it till now."
[Robert and Kiera arrive.]
Punzel shakes her head, "If they have broken an oath to you,
your own oath is rendered null. How can you keep an oath to
those who do not keep their own?"
Martel shrugs.
Martel gazes at the window.
Martel says emotionlessly, "We all must do what we must. No
matter the difficulty."
Robert says to Martel concernedly, "This is one time where I
wish I could find the right words to say"
Martel smiles gently to Robert, "It was the decision I knew I
would have to make for these last 2 months."
Robert nods to Martel agreeingly.
Robert says, "And all of us knew it"
Martel nods, "I think after the meeting, it will be important
to raise a few rounds. To Titles won and passed by."
Kiera nods agreeably.
[Robert agrees.]
Punzel tells Martel quietly, "In turning down this honor, you
only showed yourself more worthy of it. You are the most
honorable person in this castle, whether you have a title or no."
Martel turns to Punzel.
Martel gazes at Punzel's pair of grey eyes.
Martel silently hugs Punzel.
Robert nods to Martel, "And I happen to agree"
Punzel hugs Martel tightly.
Punzel says, "No title will change who you are."
Martel cries quietly, "I only tried to do what I felt right. I
would ask no more and no less from the rest of you."
Punzel gently strokes Martel's ordinary cheek, "And I only hope
that others of us would be as strong, love."
Robert says to Martel supportively, "We know, Brother, we know"
Kiera gently touches Martel's arm.
Martel mutters, "This night will have another long
argumentative meeting."
[The beginning of a Duelist meeting follows, attended by Edouard,
Allenya, Martel, Punzel, Robert, and Kiera. Discussion of unrelated
issues for a time.]
Allenya nods to Martel, "I had heard you have declined a Knighthood."
Allenya smiles softly.
Martel nods to Allenya, "I did. For Arrion and Brahm."
Martel says quietly, "Who, it hurts me to say, are no longer my
brother and sister."
Edouard says quietly to Martel, "A hard choice to make, I am
sure. But you deserve congratulations on being offered the
chance to refuse. It is a great honor."
Martel continues, "As I have stood alone for so long. For
these many months, with no support from them. This is the
final straw."
Edouard nods understandingly to Martel.
Allenya asks, "So you wish to sever your triad?"
Martel says, "Brahm came to no challenges, and Arrion only one.
Neither were even here today for me to point to in the crowd."
Punzel nods quietly, "They have not kept their oath to Martel. It
is they who have severed the triad."
Martel says to Allenya, "I do not want to. But they have done it to me.
I only make it official, as they are too much the cowards to do it themselves."
Allenya asks softly, "Neither were Edouard and I - do you hold
that against us?"
Martel says to Allenya, "I have SEEN you in the last months.
We have talked. How long should I go without their support?"
Punzel reminds Allenya, "They have not been here to help Martel
in any of his difficulties. None. They have abandoned him. How
is that expressed in the oath they swore?"
Martel removes a cavalier hat.
Martel removes a pin.
[Lots of people look surprised or sad and watch Martel.]
Allenya asks, "So you will leave now?"
Allenya asks, "And allow them to completely undo all of this?"
Allenya shakes her head.
Robert asks Martel, "And why quit then? I understand your
Triad has not been there for you, but perhaps there are others
who share your beliefs"
Martel says, "I will only leave if you ask me to. But I will
not stand with those two. I have done everything I can. Given
them that which I have strived for."
Punzel vigorously shakes her head, "It is they who have done
wrong. You have always stood firm."
Punzel gazes seriously at Martel, "You must not go, love. You mustn't."
Allenya nods thoughtfully.
Allenya glances at Edouard.
Martel shrugs, "I know not how our charter deals with this.
But if I must leave and find a new triad, I will do so."
Kiera gazes beseechingly at Martel, "Please do not leave us, Brother"
Edouard says, "I don't think that anyone questions your own
dedication, brother, to your oath or to this guild. Triads
have chosen new members in the past. There is no reason why
you would not be welcome to do so, if you wish to stay."
Robert nods to Martel, "Even though you and I may never see eye
to eye on some things, I have always respected you for standing firm"
Robert says to Martel firmly, "So don't quit us now"
Martel nods, "I want not to leave. You all are the only reason
I go on some days. But ... I will not make you keep me."
Allenya asks carefully, "So rather than asking for the guild to
realease them from their oath you would rather us release you
from your oath to the triad?"
Allenya says, "We have had triads that have not worked before..."
Allenya says, "And we all voted and disussed why - Ser Victor
is a prime example."
Martel asks, "How can we decide that an oath I swore to them is null?"
Allenya says, "Kardiez is another...he was released from his oath by
his own request I think..."
Allenya glances at Edouard.
Edouard asks Martel, "How can you hold yourself bound to an
oath that is already broken by another?"
Punzel asks quietly, "And so the guild may vote to release Arrion
and Brahm from their oaths, as they did with Victor?"
Punzel says, "For having not supported Martel as they swore to do?"
Allenya nods to Punzel, "It is an option."
Martel clarifies, "We can push them from the guild ... that I
understand. But the oath I break is one I swore to them."
Martel says to Edouard, "Because they break oaths not does not
make it better or easier for me to do so."
Allenya says, "Then you need only ask, Martel, those who swore you in."
Allenya says, "To release you from your oath. That really is
all that need be done."
Martel nods, "I would ask them, if I could. Absence does not
always make the heart grow fonder."
Allenya says, "No."
Allenya says, "Mark, Edouard and I swore you in."
Allenya says, "We are the ones who by right you would ask."
Allenya says, "And if we were not available you would ask the
entire group."
Punzel nods slowly, "How does one deal with an oath sworn to
fellows who then abandon one? Martel and his triad swore a
private oath, in addition."
Martel nods to Allenya, "But some oaths were sworn before we
were duelists."
Martel says firmly, "There are two oaths here. One as duelists,
and another as a triad, before the duelists."
Allenya nods understandingly, "Ahh.. Then those oaths are yours
to handle."
Allenya says, "But we as Duelists swear you in as a triad..."
Allenya says, "So we see them as together.."
Martel says, "If the duelists can release me from them from the
duelist oaths, that would be a start. But I still break the
oath I swore them privately, and needed to say that."
Allenya says, "You speak of oaths amongst yourselves.."
Allenya says, "Which is between the three of you."
Martel turns to Allenya.
Martel asks, "I then ask you two, as the elder triad here, to
banish sera Arrion and ser Brahm from our ranks."
Allenya glances at a Duellists' headquarters.
Allenya asks, "Will there be any who speak for Arrion or Brahm?"
Allenya glances at a Duellists' headquarters.
Punzel firmly shakes her head.
Martel tears slightly.
Martel squeezes Punzel's hand.
Kiera shakes her head sadly, "At one time, but no more"
Edouard nods regretfully to Kiera.
Martel says to Kiera, "They were once the best. And I but
their shadow but ... no more."
Allenya nods, "Will there be any who will agree to release them
from their oaths to the triad Martel made with them and the duelists?"
Allenya glances at a Duellists' headquarters evenly.
Punzel nods, "Aye."
Edouard nods quietly to Allenya, "I so agree."
Punzel says, "I would release them from both oaths."
Kiera nods slightly to Allenya.
Allenya glances at Robert.
Allenya asks, "And you?"
Robert says quietly, "As do I"
Allenya nods, "Mark...cannot be here to speak...but I feel he
would agree."
Punzel nods, "As would my triad, I know."
Robert nods slowly.
Allenya says, "Let it be known that Arrion and Brahm are
realeased from their oath by Edouard, Mark and I."
Martel sighs sadly.
Allenya says, "Let it further be known that Martel is still a
duelist if he wishes.."
Martel smiles gently, "I so wish."
Edouard nods approvingly.
Punzel hugs Martel relievedly.
Robert nods to Martel, "Good, I would hate to have to try to
beat some sense into your head."
Allenya nods, "You are urged to find yourself a triad...one
that you feel you may depend upon and trust. But the time for
that is of your choosing for now."
Martel wears a cavalier hat.
Martel wears a pin.
Kiera gazes relievedly.
Robert smiles at Martel.
Edouard exclaims, "Yes...spare us another hasty choice such as
Victor Savary!"
Edouard grins.
Kiera chuckles.
Allenya smiles slightly.
Punzel smiles tearfully.
Robert chuckles slightly.
Martel nods to Edouard, "There are none here now I would take
who are not already members but ... I will look."
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