The fanfare of this day dwarfed any of the previous days fanfare and even that of the Parade. The sounds of trumpets, musicians and the cheering crowd swirling together into an unending buzz of excitemen. The pavilions were full to the brim and bread, meat and mead were being passed around and consumed by all. The Knights who were defeated in previous rounds had a special set of seats reserved for them, Hercule Achille du Bois Guilbert sat in the middle, joking and laughing with wine, meat and other good foods around him and the other Knights. Small children happy to be meeting their favourite Knights, and Ladies on the prowl for suitors with rich purses ringed the defeated contenders.
For many hours the entertainment continued, feasting, singing and idle chatter filling the crowd. Salespeople saying they were from far-away places peddled useless but strange looking items to the richer members of the spectators in the pavilions.
The Herald arrived with the usual blast of trumpets as he seated himself on a comfortable chair in his reserved box. The Knights then arrived on the Tilt-yard.
The perfectly timed beat of drums and blast of trumpets created music both noble and intimidating as Sir Ralph entered the Tilt-yard. The Herald rose to his feet and spoke "The first contender for the Blessed Helm is Sir Ralph. Proud owner of the title of the Duke of Brionne, and one of Bretonnia's most celebrated Knights. Victor over Marquis Etien de Rochforte, Sir Hillier and Joc'de Tayl'ore, Sir Ralph's skill is renowned. May the Lady be with him!!!" With the ending of the speech the crowd roared in applause and Sir Ralph took his place. His armour was glittering and finely detailed, his Squire held a flag proudly bearing his Heraldry that flapped in the breeze.
With the music continuing in a beat of drums and other instruments, Sir Bran Belfort then entered, his Squire following closely behind. The Herald turned to face Sir Bran Belfort, and spoke once more "The second contender for the Blessed Helm is the noble and pure Sir Bran. Knight from Rosemont Castle that stands defiant in the province of Quenelles, bravely holding off all evils that try to take its blessed walls. Victor over Sir Deal, Ellanion Lethel the Elf and Hercule Achille du Bois Guilbert, Sir Bran is indeed a worthy opponent for all who would face him. May the Lady be with him!!!" The onlookers again loudly applauded in honour of this Knight as he took his place in the Tilt-yard. The pavilions fell silent as everybody awaited the signal for this, the final joust, to begin...
VS
Sir Ralph
(Purity Virtue) - (0-0)
Sir Bran Belfort
(Purity Virtue) - (2-2)
In the silence that ensued, each Knight consided his chances. Sir Bran had suffered a some minor injuries (1 Wound) in previous rounds while Sir Ralph was in good health. Their thoughts were interrupted by the signal from the Herald and, with their hearts beating loudly in their ears, and each member of the crowd hanging on to the edge of their seats, the first pass began. Sir Ralph aimed for his opponent's Helm, Sir Bran targeted Sir Ralph's Shield. Sir Bran attacked first but his lance missed on a 1!!! Sir Ralph's lance hit on a 4 and broke on a roll of 6, sending a mass of broken lance-pieces flying everywhere, and the crowd into a frenzy of cheering people. A 2 (re-rolled from 1) saw the lance punch straight through Sir Bran's armour and caused a wound!!! A further roll of 4 meant that the now badly injured Knight stayed in his saddle.
As the second pass began with a storm of trampled dirt and dust being thrown into the air by the Knight's turning warhorses, Sir Bran aimed at his opponent's Helmet. The pure Knight not giving up for one second and still retaining hope for victory. Sir Ralph, hope flaring brightly in his heart, aimed at Sir Bran's Shield, wanting to end this Joust quickly. Sir Ralph struck first but to his dismay missed by a mouse's wisker on a 3!!! The return attack from Sir Bran was a miss on a 2, the lance sliding straight past the Helmet of Sir Ralph.
In the third pass both Knights charged full speed at each other, trying to win this Joust with one final move. Sir Ralph tried to increase his lead by aiming at Sir Bran's Crest whilst Sir Bran re-aimed at his opponent's Shield, it looked as if it would all come down to this final pass. Sir Bran's lance struck first on a 6 but merely bent awkwardly on a 1, it did not break!!! Sir Ralph's lance was too hastily aimed and missed again by a very small distance on a 3.
With only one lance broken, this one is Sir Ralph's favour, the last joust ended and both Knights shook hands, congratulating each other on a good contest. Sir Ralph was the winner of the entire Tournament, without suffering a single wound!!! The crowd applauded, cheering as they showered rose-petals upon the two Knights, celebrating the final joust's outcome.
Sir Ralph won the day by having more LANCE BREAKS than his opponent.
Sir Ralph rode about the Tilt-yard victoriously, waving to damsels and spectators in his moment of victory. The crowd cheered and applauded with enjoyment. This celebration continued for a few short moments before the Herald's trumpeteers sounded the call for all of the Knights, even those defeated in their Jousts, to move onto the Awards Ceremony.
