Marching Towards Annuminas : Festival at Esteldin

16/09 - The Tourney at Esteldín:
It was a sunny afternoon; the sound of laughter and bardic tunes being carried in the gentle breeze as it tugged at the banners of nobles and families that lined the ancient walls of Esteldín. Many tents lined the main path; some selling wares, some acting as shade from the blazing sun. Thandanar, the Order’s new Master of Lore, called for the attendees to gather around, to welcome them to the festivities and to deliver a speech on behalf of Lord Belenir Thend of House Beleganor. “Today's festivities are held today in the honour of our new Dúnedain allies in the North,” his message read, “We are eternally grateful for what you have done for us. We look forward to standing beside you under one banner. Though I cannot make the festivities, I shall be there with you in spirit as I remember my family. I leave Thandanar the honour of welcoming you.” The Master of Lore had his own words to add, as he wished for the recovery of Esteldín’s Steward, Hunhir Hithfaer, and the memory and sacrifice of the fallen Dúnedain will not be forgotten. Towards the mid-afternoon, the time came for the main event; the Melee Tourney, where the great fighters attending took to the field. Steward Minaiadan took to the field first in his armour of the Order. Against him was a heavily armour-clad dwarf from Thorin’s Gate known as Norun Goblin-Slayer. Though his strength gave him the initial upper hand against Minaiadan, it was his arrogance that led to the Steward besting him, in an impressive display of swordsmanship.
Many fights followed, each more thrilling than the last; a Hobbit acrobat, known as the “Hare of Hobbiton”, bested the Elven Lord Rirossion of Celondim. Knights of the Order made their names known, as did many Dúnedain from Annuminas to the Angle of Mitheithel. Anarlossë of Evendim, a famed ally of the Order, faced her kin Sarnel of Tinnudir, and Halfaeron, the “Hidden Spirit of Tornhad”, defeated the Elven Champion of Meluinen, Heledir.