[D2 LM] Joust: Medgar Tully vs. Humfrey Hardyng

[Rahvin]

The Lord Tully, known as the Redfish for his stoic defense of the Targaryens during the Blackfyre Rebellion, strode forth on his majestic horse. Next to the great Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, the champion Humfrey Hardyng seemed much more drab. The Tully gave a salute to his opponent and approached the box where the Ashfords sat.

The man smiled and produced a small rose from his saddle, "A gift for the name day lady." Ashlyn shyly took the rose from the lord and gave a little sitting curtsy. Medgar looked to the Lord Ashford, "Your father would be proud of what you've done. I am glad to have attended this great event."

And with that, the two jousters took opposite ends of the field. Their coursers came to speed, hooves pounding like thunder as they charged at one another. There was a ferocious crash as the two came together, followed by a massive gasp from the crowd - both jousters tottered in their seats, the impacts heavy. Onlookers watched as the two jousters struggled to maintain their saddle - only to both fall to the ground with a series of clanks and crashes.

The spectators glanced at one another and a massive roar of a cheer went up, the two jousters pulling themselves to their feets as squires ran forth bearing sheathed blades. Almost as one, the two combatants pulled blades free, reflecting light from the midday sun. The Tully and Hardyng approached each other slowly, making wide wary circles around one another, neither willing to commit to the attack first.

Then - unexpectedly - Medgar Tully lunges, his long blade flashing in to strike at his opponent. Humfrey's shield rises to catch the blow and his sword strikes in return. They dance around, trading blow after blow, some bouncing after shields and armor, others landing home and leaving dents in the heavy plate they wear. It's clear before long that both combatants are tiring; their gear is not intended to be used while afoot, let alone while engaged in combat.

Finally, the Hardyng knight swings high, landing a blow in the space between Medgar's gorget and shoulder plate. The blow is hard and drives the Lord Paramount to his knees; the Tully struggles to stand up but a second blow - perhaps a little gentler and aimed better - topples him backwards. Humfrey steps forward over the downed knight and Medgar raises an arm to signal his yield.

Slowly, Lord Ashford rises, "Our victory - Ser Humfrey Hardyng!"

The crowd applauds; it was a battle well fought.