Pursuit of the Sun 1.2

A rare sight in Dismal Square – the arena is clean and covered with sand so that the blood is more visible for everyone's enjoyment, a closed lodge has been erected for noble persons, a tent for resting fighters, and even a canopy under which an orchestra of bards with Amadeo at the head is located. Many commoners have gathered, arguing among themselves for a place in the front rows. Finally, lovers of gambling and profit have not been left out – enterprising people have organized a betting office in the open air. A dry, frosty morning favors the fighters – no one will stain their clothes with mud, and armor will not rust from snow and rain; nobles and merchants wrap themselves in furs, while the common people impatiently shift, trying not to freeze their fingers, and the least cold-resistant ones run to warm up in the tavern from time to time.

The Aranian tournament is only a pale imitation of the luxury and sophisticated etiquette of Legran courts, but some elements of southern culture have still found their place in these gloomy lands. The regent opens the tournament – despite his advanced age, he will not miss the opportunity to show people that his body, weakened by age, still retains many years of experience and a mighty spirit.
Soldiers struggle to bring a cage with a hideous creature into the arena – it rages inside, trying to bite them. About two meters long, weighing over a centner – such creatures are abundant on the southeastern coast of the country, and today everyone must remember the days when the land was teeming with them. And remember the days when creatures like it abundantly populated the land, and remember those who saved humanity from most of them.

There is no herald in Aranne, so today the seneschal, Sir Camille, takes on this role, and he opens the tournament with a welcoming speech, standing on the podium.
“People of Dismal, noble ladies and gentlemen, as well as all those who have arrived to us from distant lands today – I greet you on this day of valor. Today is the one hundred and fifty-sixth year, when we all survived another winter, and today we will pay tribute to the valor of our ancestors, thanks to whom each of us can meet this day. Let the warriors show their courage and skill, the ladies – their charm and favor to the best of them, and let the common people be inspired, watching how helmets and shields are broken in this day. Sir Adalhard du Charol!
The regent jumps onto a chestnut horse to the applause of the crowd, and a page hands him a spear. The soldiers open the cage – and as soon as the monster gains freedom, the ruler of Aranne spurs his horse. A second later, he pierces the creature with a spear, spilling the first blood of the day, and those who paid attention to the lodge of noble persons at that moment could notice how many of them sighed with relief. The orchestra begins to play.

The next stage is jousting with light spears, "for fun." Anyone who wishes can participate, and the duels are opened by Geoffroy du Charol and Gautier Lalain de Charny. They clash three times, each time breaking their spears, and clear the arena for the next.
Zurich, who was offered a place among the noble persons, is explained the custom: before the start of the competitive battles, she can show favor to one of the knights by giving him a scarf or any other ribbon, which he will tie to his spear, and after each round of jousting, everyone will vote for the one who showed the most not skill, but valor. Thanks to her considerable intelligence, she understands that this means "who is more likable in one way or another"... At the end of the tournament, those who win the merciless ladies' court will receive additional prizes.
Cassius notices "Laura" among the noble persons, and her father among his potential rivals.
Sandar and Hargon can participate in the betting or simply watch the battles.