(no subject)

[baloonworld]

oolong's source materials and glossary can be found here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1251/1251-h/1251-h.htm
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1252/1252-h/1252-h.htm


OOC: there's a bit in the middle where I bitch about Gerrard for a bit. I hope that there's enough before and after where I praise him that it comes across as "Gerrard is complicated*" rather than "Fuck that guy". Feedback on that point much appreciated. Also any other feedback :)

*for oolong values of "complicated" anyway,


How xuld [should] ony cherye [cherry]
be with-oute ston?
& how xuld only [recte ony] dowe [dove]
ben with-oute bon?
How xuld ony brer [briar]
ben with-oute rynde [branch]?
how xuld y loue myn lemman [lover]
with-oute longyng?
Quan [When] þe cherye was a flour,
þan hadde it non ston.
quan þe dowe was an ey [egg],
þan hadde it non bon.
Quan þe brer was on-bred [unborn],
þan hadde it non rynd.
quan þe maydyn haʒt þat che [she] lovit,
che is with-out longing.

Le morte d'oolong Book 4: Of the Great Torney that was held in Bader.

CHAPTER I. <i>How a great empire came into this land to war against Prince Lazor, and also against that Kingdom that height the Kingdom of Bader, and what counsel they had against them. </i>

And it so happed that in that time, the Griffon Empire made great war on the Kingdom of Exiles, and also on the Kingdom of Bader, and so these two kingdoms made counsel together, that they should stand together and make war on that empire.

And so it was noised that there was to be a grand tournament, that the warriors of these two goodly lands might tourney and know each other better, And this tournament was held on the land of lord Medici, that was a passing great lord of Bader. And with that good lord were many warriors, and also there were many warriors of the Kingdom of exiles, that were from the lands of the lord Van Heusen, or of the lord Grey, or of other places. And these warriors traveled wightly, that they might be foughten in that tourney.

And these goodly warriors were of the fellowship of Van Heusen, And this Baron gave fealty unto Prince Lazor. And the warriors were Lieutenant Gerrard Knight, Lieutenant Prospera Sarrasri, Arch Geomancer Tinker Lacflay, Smyrna, Lieutenant Katrin Law, Druid Francis Lee, Arch Wizard Archibald Percival Maximillian,  Wizard Kavara Luero, that was called the Lady Weaver, Sergeant Caledfwlch ap Brochvale Dumnonii, High Journeyman John  Dunmow, that height Smithy, Aniseed Teasel that was a goodly leech, Wizard Lomax Sorenar, that was all things at all times, Gladiator Marius, Corporal Phillip Anders, High Master Halamar, Arch Wizard Barel Salaphael, Lieutenant Magma, Corporal Elvin Drude, Pyromancer Physara, Lance Corporal Theron Hawkwood, High Wizard Akkarin, Judge Exhor Astalder, that was a holy man, and had sworn that he should harm none, Corporal Leo Taranis Daeleth, Epifanio LacFlay. All these were worshipful warriors, or else a great clerk of enchantment, or in some other wise were strong to dure marvelous good men of their hands.
And with them was oolong, that was a noble warrior as before rehearseth. But his squire, that height Dewey the pointer might not go, for he was besieged with a seagull, so that he may not out of the castle.


 CHAPTER II.  <i> Of the goodly communication between that noble lord and the warriors of Van Heusen</i>

And then it was that that haut lord gave them greeting and good day, and so they greeted them courteously and held goodly speech together, and Kavara and Katrin gave oolong good day, for they had enchieved the quest of the plague lady in fellowship together.

And wit thee that there was goodly communication between these warriors of the Baron Van Heusen and the warriors of that Lord, and that they spake of their goodly customs; For wit that Bader hath passing strange customs. For it was ever the custom in the Kingdom of Exiles that none should sit down to meat on such a high day, ere that they had some strange adventure, or else avised were of some great marvel, or else had foughten with some miscreature, and so many adventures were enchieved, and many good warriors won great worship, but in Bader, it was the custom, that at a tournament, warriors should tourney with each other, and this should be for pure worship, and to the worship of their goddess that height the Champion, and not for some hidden train.

CHAPTER III.  <i> Of the tournament </i>

It so happed that that the first contest was of a great medley, where fellowships were foughten each with the other, until they yeld them,  or else they fell, and were tended by goodly leeches.

And this oolong was placed in fellowship with Tinker, that was a great clerk of magic, and such was the virtue of her power that she was strong to dure and mighty of her hands, and of Leo, that was an archer, and wonderly woodcrafty, and of Aquaspex Ilario Alfedo, that was an enchanter of that land.

And these fellowships foughten with each other and strove wonderly that it was a marvel to see it, for wit there that these were all good warriors or else great enchanters, or in some other wise were strong to dure and grimly.

It so happed that those of oolong's company had ado with the fellowship of that noble warrior that height Katrin. And it was a great joy for oolong that he should meet Katrin in so worshipful combat, and they fought longtime, and gave each other many sad strokes, but ever they held up their shields and doubled their strokes, then right so  the noble lord declared that the combat should end and the winner adjudged. And wit thee that these warriors clipped other with full good cheer, and went to their places to watch the other bouts, for they had been in fellowship as was reciteth aforetimes, in Waygate and at the tournament that height the Circus of Destiny.

And then it so happed that they had single combats between champions, and were foughten with that warrior that height Gerrard Knight, that was a passing good warrior, and a strong man of his hands, and so this warrior was foughten with that noble clerk of magic that height Tinker. And through misadventure, Tinker struck him down astonied, and yet again, that his skull was all to-shivered, and right so he died, and therefore Tinker made dole out of measure, and this was greatly to her worship for it was a great pity that so good a warrior should be struck down.

But by adventure, there was of that fellowship Aniseed Teasel, and she had this virtue: that she could heal great maims, and so they laid Gerrard out in the shrine of champion, and Aniseed fetched all the gobbets of the head, and set them together again and laid her hands on them, and it stuck as fast as ever it did, and so Gerrard arose lightly and spoke saying: it was but by misadventure that I was struck down, and so he comforted the noble warrior Tinker. And all of this were to his worship, for had he list then that good warrior should be destroyed, and put to the disworship, for such was the custom of that land.

And right so the fellowship of oolong withdrew them from the lists, that they should win no worship the whiles Tinker was discomforted.

It so happed that oolong parted him from watching the medley, that he might be refreshed, and the whiles he took refreshment, he spoke awhile with that bawdy warrior that height Aniseed Teesal, and in jape she spake an she would be married to any wealthy person, be they warrior or damsel or squire, and when oolong wist this, he was passing heavy, for it ill becomes good warriors to marry save if they have done some great deed to prove their love for each other, and he wit not that she spoke in jest, for she was passing droll, and so passed they to other matters. And it so happed that the noble Tinker spoke of her father, that was a great lord, but kept disworshipful customs, for he weened that humans were the vilest of miscreatures, and ever was he 'gainst them, but by this, he put forth his power to destroy goodly and worshipful warriors.




CHAPTER IV. <i>  Yet of the same tournament  </i>

And then there was a great contest of scouting, and the victor should be that fellowship that seized the device of the others, in this contest those of Van Heusen formed one fellowship and the other were warriors of the light company, that were passing good warriors of Bader. And that there might be no warriors mischieved betwixt these kingdoms, they foughten them but lightly, and but they had been struck thrice would retreat aways, and so rest them and come again. And wit that these warriors ran lightly through the woods and laid in bushments, and employed many trains, but ever were they the curteist of warriors.

And there was one of the light company that cleped out crying Woe, for I am female and am like to be put to disworship, and in that company was Smyrna. And this Smyrna was of the Amazons, and but that she were gone from that land, she held to many goodly customs; for she had sworn an oath that never should the first blow be hers, save only if that she was foughten with a man, and that ever should she aid any in need of succour, save only if they be male. And so she did away from the game, and raced foot-hot to the cry, but it was a train, and so she fell into a bushment, but that it was greatly to her worship that she should keep so goodly a custom.

And so passed they a while in this wise, but at the finish the company of Van Heusen won the degree through the mean of Wizard Lomax Sorenar, and so parted them with good cheer. And then there were other games, between the fellowship of Van Heusen and the fellowship of the light company, and I ween that there was some mal engine, for they came again saying lo, these are disworshipful warriors, that are conversant to their word, but hath no courtesy, and keep ungoodly customs.


CHAPTER V. <i>  Yet of the same tournament and of the noble quest for oolong's jerkin. </i>

And so oolong took vigil in the shrine of champion, for it seemed a passing good daity, and worshipful. And then was he ware that there was another there that made dole, but stilly and so oolong went unto them and wit that it was that noble warrior Tinker, and so he wot that it was by reason that she had slain that good warrior Gerrard that she made this dole, and so oolong spake that he should give what comfort he might, or an she list it he would withdraw him, and it so happed that she desired solitude, and so parted them.

Of that day, the last contest wad the contest between the light company and the fellowships of the barony Van Heusen, and the contest was in this wise: that there should be feigned battle that the warriors of the light company should strike from bushments, and skulk in the darkness, and the fellowship of Van Heusen should strive to have ado with them and defeat them, and that each defeat should count for that fellowship. But by the order of that warrior that height Gerrard, the fellowships of Van Heusen were not to strive amongst each other for to win worship, but to hold together, that they should deny to victory to the fellowship of the light company. For Gerrard list that the light company should not win the degree. And I wit not if this were by reason that he was araged of the light company, that they should say that he had no courtesy, of if it were that he were an envious warrior, and since he was the commander, if the fellowship of of Van Heusen should prevail he should win the degree, but it so happed that this Gerrard should win worship by this command, and no other. 

And it so happed that Gerrard had assigned companies aforetimes, and named them Hammer and Anvil and Stirrup, but it happed that he had kept his council, so that when he spoke of these, there was great confusion, and oolong wist not that he should be in the company of that noble warrior that height Katrin, and so he guarded him the shrine that those who sought piece therein might not be shend by this game. And right so Katrin came unto him saying, wherefore art thou not in my fellowship?, but oolong wist not of this, as was before rehearseth. And then it so happed that Katrin did guard a small gate for mickle hours, the whiles that the light company had refreshing of good meats and drinks.

And about midnight, many of the warriors rested them, but ever did some of that fellowship keep watches, and so guarded them. And they were ofttimes harassed by the light company, that came nigh privily, and so fought them. and one of the light company was a most marvellest warrior, for he traveled by enchantment, that none might touch him, and right so did the noble Smyrna have ado with him, but ever would he Vanish by sudden enchantment, but oolong and Tinker and Gladiator Marius were ware of him, and laid in bushment where he must appear, and by adventure Gladiator Marius had the better of him; and wit thee that the gladiators are all passing good man of their hands, but in this he won by adventure.

And so oolong passed lightly to his tent, and gat him warm clothes, and had no further ado with the warriors of the light company, and then guarded them long time. And by adventure, oolong took watch with Aniseed Teasel, and right so he askth of courtesy, wherefore she had enquired of his house and lands, for only had that maladictus enchanter of mal-thought that height Traci enquired in this wise, and it seemed that she was a more courteous warrior than she to use such customs. And so Aniseed Teasel spake that it was in jape, and then came there an attack, and so parted them, but oolong was glad to wit that Aniseed  was a good warrior and should win her love through great deeds and by enchieving some noble adventure, for never should a good warrior seek to win love through disworshipful customs.
And so they kept vigil for many hours, and then there was one that went unto That worshipful warrior that height Gerrard Knight and spake Arise and make thee ready, and take the watch, and so he relieved them.

And there was on the watch that noble Druid that height Francis Lee, and wit thee that this was a passing strange warrior, and passing wise in the ways of beasts, so he spake he of mickle miscreatures and grimly beasts, that he alone was privy to, for he was kin to the Koala.  


CHAPTER V. <i>  The last of that same tournament  </i>


And because he was forguarded, oolong rose not lightly from his slumbers, and there came lightly Lieutenant Prospera Sarrasri, that had found a wonder, and departed again, with great fellowship, that they might see the wonder, for there was a grove that had been despoiled, and wit thee that this was a disworshipful act, but none wottest wherefore it was despoiled, and so parted them.

And by reason that oolong had yet to don harness, that goodly enchanter that height Sergeant Caledfwlch ap Brochvale Dumnonii took pity and put forth his power that oolong might dure from many blows.

The they returned them to the castle of that good lord, and made them ready for the tournament.

And it so happed that there were ordered lists, that each fellowship might fight the others, for to win worship, And so this company fought them with the fellowship of Magma, that was a good warrior, and a marvelous enchanter, and with him fought Archibald, the good enchanter, and Roberto of the company of lord Medici, and also Druid Francis Lee, that was brother unto the wombat, as was before rehearseth.

And when they wit that they were to be foughten with these good warriors, they misdoubted them, for wit thee that they were to be foughten with Lieutenant Magma that was so a great enchanter, that he had this virtue: that any weapon that stuck him must break all to-shivers save if it be protected by some great enchantment, and so Tinker went unto Arch Wizard Barel Salaphael, and bade that she would make her spear that it might hold against Magma's power, and so she did, but it so happed that  Barel's magic was such at none might stand before it unless they were a passing strong warrior,or else protected by mighty enchantments, and it so happed that in the medley, Tinker struck Druid Francis Lee with that spear, and so he fell in twain, and therewith she swooned and wept, and made passing great dole, for it was greatly to her disworship to slay a good warrior in that wise.

And then that worshipful warrior withdrew her from the lists,  for she might not fight for pure sorrow and with her went Aquaspex Ilario Alfedo, the good enchanter.

But speak we not of that at this time, but of that medley, while these parties fought them long time, and Magma did essay to touch oolong's shield, that it should have brast all to-shivers, but oolong put him from him, and so they fought them, but at the last Magma had the better, and so parted them aways and fought them with other warriors. And then did Archibald put forth his power that oolong should take his part, but he wist that in this wise he should win no worship and so he struck him a sad stroke, but it so happed that this Archibald was a  mighty enchanter, and so it did little harm, but he wist that he might not long dure from such grimly strokes and so suddenly parted him, but wit well that oolong ran foot-hot thereafter. But at the last Magma's fellowship had the better part, and so claimed the victory.

And so did Tinker withdraw her, and the noble enchanter with her,  but the noble fellowship held then together that they might essay the coming battles and so worship their comrade. And it so happed that the noble lord spake, that it was to the fellowships disworship that Tinker had slain that good warrior, and therefore none might fight in her place, but that one might fight for that noble mage of his people. And right so by adventure, there came a goodly cook of that noble lord's company, that he would hold the part of that fellowship. And he height Private Alberto Dante.

And so this fellowship fought them with the company of Barel, and of that strong and clerkly warrior that height Lomax, and also of
#Possibly Smithy?
#ugh I'm sorry
And it so happed that this Barrel was a strong enchanter, and by her arts she put oolong to slumber, but then was Alberto ware, and so woke him with a great buffet, and then they had strong battle together, and oolong gave Barel such a buffet that she was thrown from the ring, but then oolong was assaulted by three strong warriors that he might not stand and so he yielded him, but then long time did the good warrior of the light company keep him, and defended him and lightly voided blows, that it was a wonder to see, but at the last they overcame him.

And also in these contests there was again ado with the fellowship of that noble warrior that height Katrin. But by adventure they had with them Prelate Stefan Treviso, that was a fell enchanter, a that put forth such power that none might stand his blows, ne no those of his company, save if they be warded by some strong enchantment, and so this poor company was put to the worse, yet held them with dignity and goodly tatches, and though they might not prevail, it were to there worship to due so long against such good warriors, and so well avised.

All this was marked by noble heralds, who bare him best, and their names

CHAPTER VI. <i>  Of the sudden adventure  </i>

It so happed that though in the kingdom of Bader it is the custom that no attacks should come by sudden adventure, there were many of that company that were of the kingdom of Exiles, where it is the custom that there should be many strange wonders, and so by adventure there came a disworshipful warrior, and they list that there should be no alliance. And so by duresse they gat them a damosel of Lord Medici, and lightly departed. And in this wise there was a sudden adventure, and this were due to these disworshipful warriors of Bader, and so were the warriors of the Kingdom of Exiles greatly comforted, that this goodly custom should be maintained in Bader, and so went they foot-hot that they should be foughten with these disworshipful warriors.

And of the party of these foul traitor warriors were many miscreatures, and so the fellowship of Van Heusen had ado with them, and so overcome them. And then they recountered with a strong miscreature, that height a #ghostType, and it was so grimly visaged that none might stand and be foughten therewith, save if they were of passing great will, and so many of the fellowship of Van Heusen passed therefrom and had ado with other warriors, and then they had strong battle together, and so overcame the disworshipful warriors.

And then they were ware of a goodly shrine, that had been despoiled by these warriors. Right do did that worshipful warrior that height Smithy go unto the shrine, and by his virtue he set it to rights, and drove the spirits of mal-engine from that place, but they list not to part them, and so there was great struggle, and he strove with them long time ere they parted, and wit well that they did great harm, for that strong warrior that height Gerrard was so maimed that he might not stand, ni had he no arms. And Smithy might not see, and many other maims took that fellowship, that they might repair that shrine.

And so returned them to the manor of lord Medici, and there was a great prize giving, and these good warriors had the degrees:
#nodamnclue.

Comments

[aralli.livejournal.com]

Reading this at 6:45am while trying to wake up was interesting :D