Tourney Grounds

[Ser Podrick Baelish]

"I shall leave now, I have some business to finish..." He bowed to Cedric, kissed Aelinor's and blinked at her.

[Princess Aelinor Targaryen]

Aelinor feeling that the talk of war was not giving either of them a good feeling, she nodded at his question with a smile. "Oh, it was wonderful, my siblings both looked beautiful and my parents couldn't have been prouder."

She looked at him,"And it seems that now my father wants to see me do that same", chuckling lightly.

Taking the kiss on her hand from Ser Baelish, she smiled and nodded at him. "Good day to you as well, Ser Pod.."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

Cedric chuckles as well. "Well, you can not blame him. A woman as beautiful as you must have many admirers. If the talk amongst the other knights is true, you are certainly the favorite to be crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty."

[Princess Aelinor Targaryen]

"I can.."she chuckled,"And admirers, I did not know I had so many until now." Aelinor smiled,"as you probably well know I am more into studying and politics than... personal relations."

"And I would be honored by any knight that would brave such violence to crown me with the title of Queen of Love and Beauty."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Yes, I had heard that you were rather entranced by books, my lady. I admit that I do not really care for them, but I will not hold it against you." Cedric grinned at the jest.

[Princess Aelinor Targaryen]

"Thank you Ser, it is much appreciated."Aelinor nodded at Ser Cedric,"I find it fascinating to learn about the different aspects of the world reside in, but in that I always miss out on other things, I guess."

Looking around the tournament grounds,"Things like this... People like you for instance and Ser Baelish."

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Well then, I must say that you are missing out. I am quite an interesting person, If I do say so myself. I can not speak of the Valeman though."

"I imagine you will be quite enthralled by the jousting, my lady. People always are. It seems like there will be quite a good field of opponents too, though they will all be looking at me from the flat of their backs before the day is done."

Cedric made no attempt to shield his arrogance. No matter the company, he always thought of himself as the best jouster on the field.

[Princess Aelinor Targaryen]

"I see", she smiled,"And there is clearly nothing wrong with being confident, especially with enough volume, so that your competition can hear you."

"Which will make them compete harder, do you agree?"

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"If they need an incentive to joust better, than they should not be riding in the first place, my Lady."

[Princess Aelinor Targaryen]

Aelinor laughed,"I see your point Ser Tarly. I do.."

"But yet here they are hoping to win all the same." She smiled."All in the eyes of my famliy and other dignitaries. Why?"

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"Is it not obvious, Princess? They are here to make a name for themselves and to secure alliances with other houses. The war may be over, but the wounds have yet to heal, and the knight who wins this tournament will be a sought after prize by every lord in the realm."

"This peace is only as strong as the piece of paper it is written on."

[The Great Other]

The Kingsguard approaches. "My Lady...your father wishes a word."

[Princess Aelinor Targaryen]

"Ah, yes I do understand, Ser Tarly", she nodded with a smile. She was about to ask him to escort her around to see the other knights when the Kingsguard approached her.

"Yes, of course.."Aelinor smiled at Ser Tarly again,"I do apologize Ser Tarly, but if you would excuse me, and good to you luck as well." Aelinor was then escorted back to the Keep.

[Ser Cedric Tarly]

"My thanks Princess. I will see you at the tourney."

With that, the knight retreated from the royal princess.

[The Great Other]

The Master of Ceremonies looks upon the child. "Fine you may fight in the Melee but you might get hurt."