[center][h2]Arcture - Royal Palace Gwenovyra Ardens - The Long Hall[/h2]
[b]Thursday, June 16th 20XX[/b][/center]
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The Royal Palace of Arcture, also known as Gwenovyra Ardens, stands atop the hill in Arcture. The perfect place for royalty to look over their population. It's massive walls hold not only the palace and the palace grounds, but also various small estates owned by affluent members of the Order of Knights, who normally use these estates when they are on business within Arcture. The gardens of the grounds as one might find is flourishing, constantly guarded and maintained by mages who wield their magicks to keep some of the queen's favourite flora in bloom throughout all the seasons.

Today the crowds of Arcture shuffle onto the palace grounds, and then into the Long Hall, for which the famous tournament was known for. Those walking up to the palace through the city would note that it appeared as if festivities were about to enter full swing. A certain atmosphere of anticipation bubbling underneath all of the seemingly busy citizenry. As one may find a spot in the Long Hall they would look upon a gathering of knights and royalty stood atop a stage set in the centre. It was close enough that the large double doors behind it would not be blocked.

Among the people on stage were also what one might assume be staff, there were some others who were familiar too based on their uniforms, such as a large bearded man dressed in the Adventurer's Guild uniform, albeit a bit more regal than usual, and another who seemed to be present was... Kreydon Ashcroft. He was accompanied by a young lady with short hair. One could assume she was his wife, but their interactions seemed to suggest otherwise.

The large man of the Adventurer's Guild took his fist to his mouth and coughed, before standing up onto stage. He raised both his large arms to capture the audience's attention, and with a booming voice aided by magic,

[color=c4df9b]"Welcome one and all to the Tournament of the Long Hall! I, Marcus Enghart, am your host for this year's most exciting event! This tournament borne from one of our most hot-blooded and popular knight stories has come a long way, from the earliest melee tournaments, to the full-fledged festival it is today! Showcasing the realm's very best in an annual high prestige tournament! And this year it takes yet another step forward! Not only will we see the best of the realm, but we shall also bear witness to the future best! That's right! You've all heard the news by now I'm sure! This year we shall also be running the Students Division!"[/color]

There was a murmur of excitement. This, compounded with the talk of Silver Gate and it's presence has caused some stir of excitement. Will they get to see some techniques and fighters from the other world? Such a prospect was exciting for many of the regular folk here who despite living moments away from the portal, may never be allowed to walk through.

[color=c4df9b]"Is that some excitement I hear?! Of course it is! The talents of Garadin, Alladore, and even Silver Gate are a sight to behold! And we would like more people to see it! Over the next week, amidst the excitement of the festival we shall see both the best! And the best of tomorrow! A double danger combination! There will be no shortage of action this year! Preliminaries will start later today just outside the gates on the Elbern Plains, and will be ongoing until the evening or until all participants have been decided! These preliminary rounds are also for public viewing, so I invite all to come by and take a look! With the conclusion of this announcement we shall be going into the opening ceremony, and then this festival shall go into full swing!"[/color] There was a loud cheer and even some people throwing up some confetti. Some examination would show some guardsmen begrudgingly holding baskets of it.

[color=c4df9b]"With some words from our King Markovic Reyvonsky Arcture II, we shall be under way"[/color], the large man stepped aside to show an almost equally large man, identifiably of royalty with his regalia and crown. He had a short, straight beard, and such stern eyes one could feel his piercing gaze from the other end of the hall.

[color=aba000]"Like our knights of eld, and the knight who defended this very spot, I would hope all fight with honor, dignity, and a competitive spirit. My people of Arcture, let this week be that of celebration for our glory, and our strength"[/color].

The hall reverbated with the cheers of all who were in attendance, and the confetti was in full swing. The king was already walking away as people celebrated, and some even endeavored to leave early for some of the popular stores and stalls. The festival had begun.