InsaneJournal

Tournament: Grey Warden Challenges
Who: Alistair, combatants, and spectators.
When: Solis 4, 9:45
Where: The Arena
Rating: T
Summary: Eager fighters test their mettle against the Wardens in the arena.



Alistair was a bit more excited for this part of the tournament than any other. That was partly because those fighting were people that he actually knew, but mostly because he had been promised a new dish at the feast tonight. Thus, for the feast to happen, the tournament must end. And it ended with the Warden Challenges.

Dougal and Bethany must have split the duties today, because he could easily recognize Dougal’s handwriting all over the parchment that he clenched in his hand. He could not help but wonder which one drew the short straw, was writing the speech for the final fight of the tournament considered better or worse than writing the speech for the Warden Challenges? He would have to ask them later, if he remembered. On second thought, he had better just not mention it. While Dougal probably would not complain to his face, the man was a master at looking like a kicked and starved puppy whenever he felt overburdened. Alistair tried to avoid him at those times, that look ought to be outlawed!

“Fine guests!” Yes, definitely Dougal’s writing, Alistair could practically hear the man’s voice as if the Seneschal was saying the speech instead of him. Downright creepy. “And…other people.” He could not help but add, just to break the odd feeling that he was Dougal. “Although that the tournament is over, we, the Grey Wardens, want to show you one last display of finesse, skill, and might!” Really, what had Dougal been on when he wrote this, Alistair wondered, and why was he not sharing it with his Commander?

“Any among you could have offered a challenge, a chance to fight a Grey Warden in one on one combat. A brave few have stepped forward.” Among those few, one was the tournament winner, along with the second place winner, another a semi-finalist, and a Grey Warden recruit himself.

“They will be hard fought battles, with mages pitched against conventional weapons, bow against steel.” Alistair cocked an eyebrow at the last line, but kept reading since he saw that Dougal had not waxed poetic for long. “The usual rules apply, fights are until yield or exhaustion.”

“And so without further ado, let us commence with the Warden Challenges!” There was an uproar at the final words, far greater than he expected. Alistair blinked, but then smiled and twitched one hand in what would have to pass for a wave.