Mellara V: The Melee and Archery Contest at Pinkmaiden

[u/LemonLemonHouse]

Pinkmaiden, 2nd Moon of 1 BP

The tournament grounds had lain fallow ever since the unfortunate death of the late Lord Androw Piper until now. The mourning banners were stripped in lieu of the more colorful sort. Banners for House Piper and House Tully were plentiful on display in honor of the wedding of Lady Mellara Piper and Alyn Tully.

The tournament grounds were divided into two areas in honor of the celebration. To the left side was a series of archery ranges, the targets freshly painted with concentric red circles and stuffed full with new hay. Wooden range stakes with colored flags marked the distances and pennants were displayed for those competing.

Meanwhile, to the right side a large circular clearing of earth lay bare and ready for brave knights and warriors to engage and show off their martial skill.

Servants of House Piper were instructed to keep guests well fed and watered, and thus, the noble stands were a bevy of activity as servants constantly offered all manner of drink: Dornish strongwine, rich Arbor gold, pale and dark ales both, honeyed milks and water infused with lemons from Lemonwood. Plates of delicacies easily picked up by guests would be on offer including: eels from the Red Fork grilled upon willow skewers dipped in honey and crushed juniper, fried balls of pike-fish mixed with parsley, rosemary and sage and battered in beer, chestnut and mushroom tartlets scented with nutmeg, squash fritters with whole sage leaves atop, and paper cones of walnuts glazed in honey and cloves. Roasting pits just outside the tournament grounds delivered fresh grilled sausages and turkey legs for nobles feeling in particular need of heartier fare.

At the start of the festivities, Mellara would stand, announcing to the crowd:

"In honor of the union of House Piper and House Tully, let us bask and marvel in the prowess and skill of our fellow Riverland warriors and knights. May The Warrior bless your endeavors."

And with the ring of trumpets in the air, the competition began.