[h2]Royal Box[/h2]

"Oh, like in Lufen and Igraine!" Elisandre said, referring to a well-known story about a knight and a fairy – one often respun as a romance. "When Lufen rejects or forgets her, he always has to go on some quest to make amends! But... the Moonlit Queen wouldn't let the Duke do it himself?"

"Real fairies seem mean." Maletha said, nodding.

[hr]

Tyaethe's harrumph didn't really dispute the point, nor did the pinkening of her pale cheeks, but there wasn't time to get in more teasing with Haizea enthusiastically answering. "Why, for the challenge! A knight's skills are honed through combat, and how else could we find where we lack than to continue to seek new challenges?

"Tournaments are perfect! Everyone gathering together to test themselves and with the safety of healers on hand..." the priestess was practically bouncing in place as she extolled the virtues of her chosen venue. "And to watch is to see how strong and skilled your protectors are! That reassurance, that balm for the spirit, is exactly what a paladin should be providing."

"[i]If[/i] people play safe, or it's not someone [i]scary[/i]," Tyaethe interjected.

"Well... yes... and when someone is too concerned with prizes, it spoils it a little, but those are rare!"

[@Octo]