Shard hasn't taken up a seat. Not yet, anyway. She's found a spot of wall to lean against, which she's currently doing, arms crossed.

Dressed in clothing because it is fashionable, Luis enters with Lucita, the much older Igniseri. He allows his eyes to dance around the arena proper and a moment to take in the sounds that are bandied about. His gaze finds Valencia and he points out the hostess to his sister before quickly heading in that direction, drawing Lucita along by the arm. "Dear Sister, there is the Princess that you said wished to see me, though which is the Lady Dianne?" he asks of her.

Artorius grins at Melinda, and he chuckles shortly after, shouldering the massive blade. "Alright....you tease." he smiles to her and winks, before he turns his head to the oncoming horde of people. "Good evening, one and all." he greets.

Reese makes her way into the arena while close to Valencia and Denica. She gives Denica a smile. "Oh, nice to see you again, Princes Denica." She then looks over to Shard, having a somber nod of greeting for her. actually Reese seems pretty somber and troubled over all. Still Artorius is given a smile as well. "Good evening."

Valencia enters the arena, a smie on her face and a bright warm and welcoming nod to all those who are arriving. Denica gets a warm nod and Reese a little wink as they enter together. Dark eyes lift to the rafters and she smiles to see Waldemai in his customary seat. Bright smiles are offered to Artorius and Melinda and a respectful nod issued to Shard. Esoka receives another cheerful and welcoming smile, while Lucita is offered a warm hug and a little kiss upon the cheek, along with a whispered, "Congratulations."

Esoka strides into the Arena, dressed in leathers, steel sword at her hip. She mixes into the crowd, doing some mingling and people-watching as she winds her way toward the bar. Valencia is offered a quick grin and inclination of her head.

Lucita returns Valencia's hug and cheek kisses as friends exchange. "Thank you" She whispers in a soft reply.

Melinda has joined the upper rafters.

Shard returns the nods that are thrown her way, though her expression--neutral and generally unfriendly as it usually is--doesn't change at all. Her eyes scan over those entering, lingering longer on individuals she doesn't recognize.

Denica gives Reese a warm smile and looks around the room, curiously. "So we're going to be watching some more fights?" she asks. "That sounds exaciting!"

Lucita gives Luis a sidelong glance as he rather drags her along. She "Tsk, tsk's" a moment at him and "She is usually here, perhaps she will be later, I do not know. But look, there are a lot here who will enjoy your charm, Luis."

Valencia takes a deep breath, nodding a shy hello to Luis as looks up from greetting his sister. "My Lord. I am so very happy to see you as well. I do not think Lady Dianne has arrived yet, but she may still come," she offers gently. "Please enjoy a drink on the house and we shall get things started soon, yes?"

Waldemai enjoys a deep gulp of cold, wet ale, just what a smith needs after a long day slaving over a hot forge.


Luis attends Valencia's greeting smiling at the Princess as she greets his sister, releasing the latter so that she can be with the former, all the while his smile remains upon his face. He looks around the space and bows his head to those whom he knows it's important to do so to and then speaks, "Good evening your Highness, it is a pleasure as always to be visiting the Hart, I imagine there will be such wonderful things to see this evening and partake in," he admits, bowing once again to the Princess as well as the other, "And I am happy to see you as well, though I am not sure that I am of a mind to climb to be on your house this evening, but I shall enjoy the free drink," he teases, taking her hand to bow over it and kiss the knuckles before stepping back so that she is not horded all for himself.


Better late than never, right? Ian eventually turns up at the Arena, walking at an easy pace and with an almost normal gait, but still with his attention on the ground and his feet.

"If you will pardon me a moment, I would be happy to speak later. We should begin, yes?" Valencia smiles and then drifts away, another smile offered Luis' way as she moves towards the sand, pausing to greet Lord Ian. "Hello my dearest Lord Ian. I am so glad to see you tonight. I am so sorry for your troubles in Kennex. I am hoping much aid will be sent your way and to all those who are hoping to make great change. It is so good to see your face, though," she smiles and nods. "If you will pardon, I must go start proceedings. Missere Maggnus has a special bottle for you to try tonight," she adds, slipping off into the crowd as she continues to the sands.

Lucita says, "Lord Ian, You got here tonight, too, I see." She looks around the Arena again. "Where's Lady Dianne, doesn't she usually like to come to the spars, too?""

Nightshade, a tiny black kitten, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards, Ariadne, Penelope arrive, following Dafne.

Melinda looks onto those that have gathered, and she smiles softly to Ian before her eyes move back to Artorius and then her eyes catch Valencia and she nods a bit her head bobbing gently

Artorius gives a kind smile to all present, bowing and performing a knights salute.

Ian nods to Valencia when she blows on by in her usual flurry of activity, and then turns his attention to Lucita, who I'm assuming is also near the entrance? "She said she'd try to be by, later." He nods to Melinda and Artorius, both of them being familiar faces.

Esoka bellies up to the bar and orders herself an ale. Offering Waldemai a nod, when she spots him. "Master smith. Are you going to try and sands tonight, or merely here to watch? The competition is most sporting for either on these nights."

Luis, beside Lucita finds Ian there as well and offers the Lord a smile and bow of his head, "Good evening, Lord Ian," he adds in greeting as the small group are indeed by the entrance, though starting to mingle inwards.

Lucita looks from Ian to Luis and gives a smile. "Sit at the bar or the corner table? Either will have room for others to join us if they so wish."

Waldemai calls down to Esoka from his seat up in the rafters, "I've got my steel hat and my hammer. I'll be glad to put on a show if the evening calls for it." He's got his hat and his hammer, and he's also feeling no pain, it seems.



Gracefully clad in scarlet southern silks that embrace slender waist and sultry curves, Valencia moves into the center of the Ring of Valor. There is a gracious incline of her head as she offers bright and welcoming smile as she looks about the room. "My lords and ladies, misseres and madams, dearest friends, again, please welcome to my Hart. As ever, tonight is a night to relax and enjoy a good match, excellent company and a strong drink or two."

"All are welcome to participate in the matches or to simply enjoy the skills presented in the ring. The bar is open for your pleasure. We hope you will enjoy a drink at the pleasure of the house," the little vixen invites the growing crowd with a sparkle in her eye.

"This event is becoming a little bit of a tradition in our city and to date we have not generally spoken in earnest to ask for support of the Hart's charitable efforts. However, as many of you know, trouble times have found our city again and it would seem that help will be needed to support others on several fronts. With this in mind, tonight we ask you to please consider supporting the Hart so we may be ready to help others as required. Any support and donations are graciously received and appreciated. Thank you so much for your consideration and for your generous help and support of our charity and of what we are trying to do here.

And now, let us all come together and enjoy the evening. Thank you for blessing our Hart with your fine company and good will. We hope you enjoy the festivities! Please now, warriors, take to the sands. Good luck to you all! Thank you!"

WIth that, the little vixen steps from the sands to let the first of the fighters move into place to take their pleasure and test their skills.

Waldemai pledges, "If I win any bets tonight, all my winnings to Princess Valencia and the Golden Hart charity!"

THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Red Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Blue Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Violet Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Green Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Ian nods a greeting to Luis, as well. He's quiet through Valencia's speech, and then says to Lucita: "I'd intended to go to the bar, but I wouldn't mind sitting at a table instead."

THE GOLDEN HART - Silver Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Ian puts Basket-hilted Rubicund Sword in Aged Satchel.

Lucita has joined the corner table.

Dafne enters, with her usual entourage. Probably not to fight, since the tiny duchess in silks really does not exactly scream 'warrior.' She scans the crowd with a quick glance.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Artorius before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Lucita before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Dafne before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Melinda before departing.

Ian follows Lucita to the corner table, watching his feet as he does so, and eases himself into a seat there. He leans his cane against the table nearby.

Ian has joined the corner table.


Quiet for the introduction from Valencia, Luis smiles at the vixen out in the ring. He waits a moment before Ian offers and then he shrugs a shoulder at Lucita, "I can get you something to drink, if you wish, Sister, should your desire to be to sit down at the table with the Lord Ian." He pauses and his stance seems to suggest that he will remain standing for a time. His gaze takes in the arrival of Dafne and the exchange between the others, nodding to people in general when his eyes meet theirs.


Reese is at the hart while adorned in her pink and look rather somber. She doesn't seem to be paying full attention to what is going on, but she does have a smile for Valencia. She orders herself a mug of ale.

Denica settles herself beside Reese, a little look of concern as she murmers quietly to her, gathering a glass of rum for herself.

Lucita lifts a hand toward Dafne, curtsies given any to whom such is due as she walks near enough for that to be appropriate. "Duchess Dafne Zaffria, would you like to join us? You remember my brother, Luis, yes, and Lord Ian Kennex here?" Her question and greeting serve as an introduction.

Artorius smiles then "I would be delighted to attend a duel for the crowd, if you wish." he says to the Princess Valencia, resting the blade on his shoulders as he sits down cross-legged, as if waiting for a bout to occur. he knows most everyone there, though he does lock eyes with Melinda, his wife, warm smiles there.

"Thank you, Master Waldemai! You are so very kind to offer such," Valencia calls up to the rafters with a grateful and radiant smile before finding a seat of her own. Dark eyes find Luis again and she nods, moving through the crowd welcoming and seeing that all are comfortable as she goes. "I thank you, Lord Artorius. I am so very glad to see you and your lady here," she chimes happily with a sweet smile Melinda's way. Nodding brightly to Dafne as she arrives. "So very good to see you! Welcome to my Hart. Please, have drink, yes?"

"Lady Lucita," Dafne says, with an inclination of her head toward Lucita. "Certainly, I do," she adds with a smile toward Luis and Ian. "Good evening, all."

Esoka toasts upward to Waldemai. And outward to Valencia, as she makes her opening remarks. She looks a touched strained herself though, as she drinks and leans upon the bar, she clearly makes some effort to unwind from it.

Esoka has joined the bar.

Ian bows his head respectfully to Dafne. He's brought a drink somewhere around this time, but he doesn't seem to be of a heavy drinking turn of mood.

Waldemai starts to lead the commoners in the cheap seats in the sort of chant typically heard where large crowds of drunkards kick a bladder around for the purpose of committing mayhem on the opposing team. "Gonna have a fight fight fight! Hit 'em with a right right right!"

Perhaps a newly arrival to the city all together, Zerric Memphit certainly seems to have only entered the Hart for the first time. A young man dressed mostly in travelers garb wanders into the place and peers around for a place to sit.

Luis attends the bar and while waiting he spots Esoka, "Good evening," he says to her, nodding his head, and noting the sword at her hip, "Planning to take to the rings this evening?" he asks, then gathering three glasses, one with a stem, the other two without, he looks as though he may head back to the table, but he waits for an answer to be polite.

There is a little look of worry for Reese which nearly has Valencia walking into the newly arrived Zerric. "Oh, your pardon, my lord. I am stupidly distracted it would seem. Please, be welcome to my Hart," the little raven haired princess smiles. "I do not think we have met before. I am the Princess Valencia. May I as for name?"

Reese lifts her gaze to Zerric, having a smile of greeting for him that touches her somber blue eyes. She seems to have noticed him when Valencia does.

Esoka flashes Luis a bright grin. "Evening. I can't stay long tonight, but I'd like to get in a bout or two. The stresses of the past days have been many, and I feel a need to unwind. Yourself?" She gives him a look over, sizing him up with a warrior's eye. Her gaze eventually swivels to Zerric, taking in the new arrival with some curiousity.

Lucita looks over toward Ian's drink and says. "Is that better than the usual, M'Lord?" To Luis she says. "Don't forget something for Duchess Dafne if she decides to join us." A polite nod and smile is given the stranger clad in travelers garb.

Ian follows Lucita's gaze to Zarric, but not with any particular interest. His intense blue eyes stay with the traveler for a little longer than would be normal with a casual glance, then he looks back to Lucita again. "I'm not really a connoisseur."


Luis gives Esoka a smile in response, "It hadn't been my intention originally, to be honest, I had not expected to be here this evening, but I am glad that I managed to arrive in time. As for sparring, I am not quite... sure as of yet," he tells her. Tilting his head towards the table that contains at least two people so far, "Have to keep my sister in line... though we'll see for later," he adds with a promising note, tilting his head back to Lucita as she calls out, "Yes, yes, dear demanging sister, and what would the Duchess like?" he asks, though he's clearly asking Lucita, but is polite enough to bow to the Duchess anyways.

When a lady comes nearly bumping at least draws Zerric's attention. When he is addressed as a lord, however, a grin forms on his face as he peers in the Princesses direction. Then he dips himself into a low bow. "No no, my apologies, Your Grace. Zerric Memphit at your service." Suddenly all eyes are on him, and Zerric simply provides each person who gives him special attention a polite nod or bow depending on their observed social status.

Xander had heard something about fighting going on. And since he's new an whatnot to Arx, decides it would be a good way to spend an evening while waiting for orders from Duchess Malvici. That is, when she's not busy enough to see him. But he drops by at any rate, just see what's what.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Melinda before departing.

"The duchess likes surprises," Dafne says, lips quirked in a little smile. She glances to Lucita for a moment, as if to see if she has any suggestions.

Artorius lays his greatsword in front of him as he sits in the arena floor cross-legged, rolling his arm a bit and doing some stretches so he's more well prepared as the Count of Magnotta prepares for a fun night...hopefully.

Valencia smiles and nod warmly at the newly arrived gentleman. "Well met, Goodman Memphit. I am so very pleased to meet you," Vaencia returns, offering him a warm incline of head and the offer of a delicate hand."Is this your first time in our Hart?" she queries, dark eyes lifting to see Xander arrive as well. "Welcome to you as well, missere!" the little vixen smiles agian, sweeping Xander up as well. "You are just in time for a drink,"

Valencia has joined the corner table.

Melinda smiles softly to Artorius from the stands as she attends to a few messengers, she smiles softly as her gentle eyes alight onto him. She offers a little wave of her fingers in his direction

Denica has joined the corner table.

Lucita winks at Luis, he is not 'that' far away, your reputation is at stake, dear brother, Duchess Dafne likes surprises." She has a mischievous grin. "I wonder what you shall get for her." To Dafne she says. "If it is a bad choice, we can trade drinks."

Waldemai puts Simple Cloth Cap in Pouch.

Xander tugs at the pinned portion of his sleeve where the rest of his left arm should be with his right hand. He wears a something that might pass as a military uniform of one who belongs to the Southport military. But no commissioned officer. This is a NCO's uniform. Sergeant to be exact. "Your ladyship." he bows after being recognized by Velancia. "I wouldn't say no to a drink."

Esoka nods to Luis. "Well, if you take to the ring, Gloria's blessings upon you! If not, just enjoy the drinking." She sips her own ale, on that note. She continues her people-watching, sharp blue gaze flitting to Xander, who gets an inclination of her head.


Luis nods to his head to the Duchess of surprises and gives Lucita a wink before gathering another order with the tender of the bar, clearly having heard the whisper. A fourth glass is added, and this one is also stemmed, so he is able to take it along with two others in his hand. He gives a smile to Esoka and after her response, he'll head for the table, depositing a glass in front of Ian and one in front of Dafne, which is a bright amber liquid, and a very simple wine for Lucita as well. To the duchess, "There we are, I am told that it has a wonderful spice to it, though I have yet to sample it, and a whiskey for the Lord," he adds, before setting his own glass at the table and joining them.

Luis has joined the corner table.

"Yes, Your Highness. In fact, this is my first time in the city at all." Zerric replies towards Valencia, matching her smile with a friendly one of his own. Similarly, there is a soldier nearby and zerric turns to address Xander as well.

Waldemai is getting drunk and bored and the two are a bad combination. He climbs down out of the rafters, claps a steel helm on his head, and climbs into the ring, swinging his hammer. No, he does not look like a formidable opponent, just a belligerent one. "Who's on for a preliminary round?" he calls. "Anyone can beat me senseless if they donate five hundred silvers to the princess's charity."

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Waldemai has joined the ring of valor.

Waldemai wields Smith's Hammer.

"Then a drink you shall have," Valencia smiles between Zerric and Xander, ushering them both to the table occupied by Lucita, Luis and Denica. "Please sit and tell me what pleases palate. We have the largest cellars of Arx save the King I would think. What drink would please you most?" she asks gracefully taking a seat and nodding to a pretty little buxom serving girls with long brown curls. "Lizette, if you please, Velenosan red for me and whatever the table wishes, if you please." Dark eyes lift to the rafters, "For charity, I might step into the ring," she laughs.

Zerric has joined the corner table.

Xander has joined the corner table.

Artorius gives a flirty wave back to his wife Melinda before Waldemai flops into the ring. "Oh dear." he rises to his feet. "Alright. I'll take you on." he says with a big smile.

Artorius wields Arbiter, The Hawk Guard's Blade.

Waldemai doesn't have a chance against the Captain of the Hawk Guard of House Malvici, but it's for charity. "Thank you, my lord. We'll have something to talk about at the next family dinner, won't we now?" He twirls the hammer in a circle, getting it up to speed for a powerful strike.

Shard hasn't moved from her chosen spot against the wall. Her eyebrows lift as a match finally seems to be starting up, and what...particular sort of match it seems to be.

Ian shifts his attention to the ring when Artorius goes to square off with Waldemai. It's pretty clear right away that he's not here to socialize, and he's not here to drink. He comes to these things to watch people fight with the sharp eye of an expert.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd have been dismissed.

"Bravo for Master Waldemai and Lord Artorius!" the little vixen cries out from her seat, dark eyes flashing excitedly lifting her glass in honour of the combatants before settling in to watch.

Waldemai waggles his hammer at the Sea Rover Bodyguards. "Now, now, boys, not so eager." He points to his seat in the rafters. "Go have yourself a dip of ale from my bucket."

Luis' gaze turns to the combat as the participants line up for size each other and the man seems interested all of a sudden, "Ah, this shall be interesting, though I imagine one will go easier on the other as this is for charity..." he adds, a slight raise to his eyebrows.

Dafne holds the glass up to her nose, taking a whiff of the contents. "Hrm," she murmurs. "It certain smells spicy." She glances down to the ring. "Looks spicy, too."

2 Sea Rover Bodyguards have been dismissed.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd have been dismissed.

2 Sea Rover Bodyguards have been dismissed.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

Waldemai waves bye-bye to the bodyguards, and then manages to parry. Now that was luck!

Lucita looks over toward the ring as the men begin to circle and dodge or parry or whatever it is they are doing, at least no one seems to be flinching yet and there's no clang of weapon on armor. "Lord Ian, they look almost like doing that dance step from last night's game! No wonder the men trained in combat were doing so well."

Valencia smiles graciously back, "I should think Missere Maggnus would quit his position if I suggested such a terrible thing, which I would not. That seems so very wrong. Gods," she grins again. "I hope you grow to become very used to being in my Hart, misseres. I am glad you are here," she nods again, allowing time to ensure all at the table are introduced and know names. "So you are both new to the city, yes?" she asks, dark eyes smiling at Lucita and Denica as they settle in to watch the fight. Another little look is offered Luis' way, "You are well tended, sir?"

The Duke of Whitehold steps into the Arena area, looking around the crowd of people slowly. His fingers drum lightly on the sword hanging from his hip for a moment before he makes his way over towards the bar to fetch a glass of whiskey.

Ian's attention is almost entirely on the fight as it plays out, but he does hear what Lucita says to him. "I've heard before the idea that swordplay is like a dance, but I don't see it."

Melinda looks onto the people that have started the event and she lightly shifts her little crown a bit to sit perfectly on her dark hair, The countess all prim and proper as she watches the drink and spar wondering if she will need to carry her husband home.

Waldemai takes moderate damage.

With a small grin, Artorius gives a wave of his hand and his men simply move to rather keep watch over Melinda, moving to the stands to cheer on the guard captain as well. While Waldemai comes close to hitting Artorius on a few occasions, he almost practically leans out of the way just barely with an experts grace every single time. While Waldy is also fairly fluid on his feet despite being mostly drunk, a good kick to his stomach from Arty is enough to do some small damage. "You do well, Waldemai. Shall we continue yes?" he says shouldering his greatsword easily with a single hand.

Waldemai is still alive, still swinging his hammer, and getting more sober by the second. "By all means, my lord," he says. Getting winded, Walde?

Valencia looks to Ian and offers and impish grin. "I can see so in sparing, depending on the style. There is a rhythm to it, yes?"she muses, a dark brow lifting to Ian's comment. "My Lady Melinda? I know that the rafters is likely the best seat in the house, but would you care to join us as well?" she calls up with a grin.

5 Grayson Guardsmen arrives, following Lark.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Waldemai takes minor damage.

Whisper the Snowy Owl arrives, delivering a message to Lark before departing.

5 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Lark.

"Falling into a rhythm is dangerous," Ian says, without looking away from the battle. "Someone who knows what they're doing can take control of it, and by extension take control of the whole fight."

Esoka finishes her drink and settles into watch the bout between Waldemai and Artorius. Eventually, though, a courier finds her at the bar, and tugs her elbow a tug. After a quick exchange of words, she stands and excuses herself, heading out.

Esoka has left the bar.

Taking some time to peer out towards the fighters in the ring, Zerric nods his head in agreement at the idea that the duel sort of looks like a dance. Peeling his attention away from the fight, Zerric looks towards Ian and nods his head. "Are you then, one such person who could do such a thing, My Lord?"

Ian gets Basket-hilted Rubicund Sword from Aged Satchel.

Ian puts Basket-hilted Rubicund Sword in Aged Satchel.


Luis nods to Ian and smiles, "The Lord has it quite right, natural rhythms are a dangerous thing, unless of course one were intending to use them as a ruse," he admits, sipping from his drink and raising his glass to the Lord for the man's observation. He nods however, "That being said, Lucita, I do not believe that you have become any better at dancing," he adds, grinning and teasing her. A glance is given to the Princess Valencia as the other seems to be quiet enough.

Enyo makes her way into the arena part of the Hart, already appearing to have POSSIBLY been drinking before she wandered in. There's an undeniably cheerful bounce to her steps, however, one that doesn't seem to have anything to do with potential drinking.

Vercyn fetches his glass of whiskey from the bartender before he moves closer to the Arena propper. His eyes take in the fight that is currently taking place.

the battle seems to be pretty relaxed for Artorius, though he and Waldemai manage to give glancing blows to each other with their weapons at the -exact- same time, which seems to amuse Artorius. "Well done!" he says with a smile, still swinging his blade with a hand. "lets continue!" he smiles as he lunges at Waldemai, putting a little pressure on now perhaps!

5 Grayson Guardsmen arrives, following Lark.

Whisper the Snowy Owl, Frostbite the Wolf arrive, following Killian.

With a little bit of reluctance, Ian looks away from the combat in progress to Zerric. "I was." There's that cane leaning against the table right next to him. "I can still do it, as long as the person I'm fighting doesn't have the skill to take control of the combat back from me." He doesn't sound sad about this change in his fortune, or angry, or... anything, really. Ian's serenity goes on, unruffled while he fixes Zarric with those penetrating eyes.

Frostbite the Wolf have been dismissed.

Waldemai is beginning to pant. Swinging a hammer is no substitute for proper training. Still, he continues twirling the hammer, looking for an opening. "Let's keep teh show going, my lord," he offers.

Xander is nursing his beer, watching the fighting with a silent, yet critical eye. He's an instructor, that's sort of his thing to keep an eye on this kind of thing.

Waldemai takes serious damage.

The little vixen smiles brightly as the crowd parts to reveal the dashing Lord Vercyn and she offers him a welcome smile. "My dearest Duke Vercyn, welcome to my Hart. I am so glad to see you, your grace. Willyou be sparring tonight?" she calls out with a twinkle in her eye as she turns to offer a little smile to Enyo as she cheerfully enters the arena. "You are not wrong about being predictable, but, just so, not all dances are predictable, yes?"

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 1, rolling 69 higher.

Waldemai remains capable of fighting.

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 12 higher.

Waldemai remains capable of fighting.


From the corner table, Luis notes the arrival of Enyo and he raises his hand in a wave to the woman, "Ah, the Lady has decided to join us this evening," he remarks to his sister, but still manages to catch Enyo's gaze in the process. He looks to Xander and Zerric and the others at the table. "And how is the drink, dear Duchess?" he asks of Dafne.

Melinda has left the upper rafters.

1 Sea Rover Bodyguards have been dismissed.

Doesn't notice any smile shot her way at first, until the motion of the wave gets her attention and she looks that way, noting Valencia's smile in time for her to lift a hand up to wave back. "Hello!" Enyo calls in greeting before she begins to make her way towards the group in the corner table, "To think, I almost missed this."

Crown Princess Lark Grayson steps into the arena of the Golden Hart beside Lord Killian Ashford, a tiara of iridescent nestled in gold curls and her gown made of sunlight fading to dark at the hem, not a complete ray of shining presence, at least. Then there are the ink-dark eyes that sweep the arena as she lingers at the door, leaning closer to Killian to murmur to the man.

Artorius seems to be incredibly agile despite his size and muscular physique, leaning out of the way of Waldemai's blows....but he makes Waldemai pay for every attempt. A knee to the gut once which could clearly knock the air out of someone, and a few way-too-fast strikes with his blade that break through Waldemai's guard. "Are you willing to continue?" he asks with a small smile, perhaps enjoying the bout, but remaining honorable.

Waldemai has been taking the brunt of it. "The show must go on, my lord," he offers. "Just have them throw a pitcher of ale over me when they drag me away."

Vercyn lifts his glass to Valencia, approaching so that he would not have to shout across the room. "No, I do not think I will spar today. I try to make it a habbit to only take out my sword against people I am ready to kill."

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 123, rolling 61 lower.

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 78, rolling 13 lower.

Waldemai is incapacitated.

Waldemai falls unconscious.

Ian is having a hard time keeping his attention pried away from the fight, especially now that it's reaching its critical end stage. Or (if we're being honest about it) he's probably not trying very hard. "Those dances are the exception. In general, looking at fighting as a dance isn't very helpful. It teaches bad habits."

Killian enters with Lark, the Paladin dressed in his shimmering plate armor, adorned with griffons. He's got his swords at his side, the dual scabbard holding the two hilts in easy angle for drawing. He leans in as Lark whispers something to him, smiling slightly as he responds before looking around and motioning towards the raised seating as he says something else quietly to her.

It is just then that Zerric's drink arrives, and when it does the young man picks it up and lifts it in the direction of the older man. "Well, cheers to your continued health, My Lord." He says with a smile. Then there is another person joining the table and Zerric greets them as well.

Lark shakes her head softly, moving towards the raised seating. Her dark gaze catches on Dafne, tipping her chin in greeting for the Duchess.

Lark has joined the raised seating.

Killian has joined the raised seating.

Waldemai takes a last shot in the head, wobbles around in a circle, falls to the ground, and kicks his legs twice into the air. A good drenching with the cheapest ale revives him and he sputters. "Whew. Thanks for taking it easy on me, my lord. I hate to think what it'd be like if you went full speed." With that he staggers back into the rafters, medicating his headache with whiskey, applied internally. "Oh, and a donation to the Hart Charity," he calls down to the crowd.

"Good display." Xander says in a way that strikes of approval. As if he saw nothing sloppy out of either of those fighting. "Nice to see people still remember the basics. Don't need anything too flashy for something like this."


Luis notes the rapidly filled table and he lifts his drink, "I do worry that we have filled this corner of the Hart rather well and should things continue, and the foundations of the structure not be entirely adequate, we may set it to listing, I should probably make my rounds," he adds, as he rises and grins at those at the table, though he notes the fight coming to an end rather quickly, and he chuckles, raising his glass towards the arena, sending out a loud whoop of congratulations for both the victor and the good sport.


Luis has left the corner table.

Waldemai has left the ring of valor.

It seems that right at Waldemai's words, Artorius gives him a nod then he just twirls around his strike and punches him right in the face, and he kneels down with a kind smile. "My pleasure Waldemai. You did excellently." he helps him up to his feet. "and of course, for chairty." he smiles, sitting back down cross-legged and laying his blade down in front of him. "That was a good bout."

Waldemai has joined the upper rafters.

Luis has joined the raised seating.

"Hello." Enyo greets those at the table, offering Lucita a smile and a nod, "Nice to see you again...was the tour good?" She wonders, then when Luis stands she shifts out of the way, not wanting to block the man's exit. Then, realization seems to claw it's way back to concious thought, and she laughs, "I'm sorry, I'm not intterupting something, am I?"

Waldemai gets Simple Cloth Cap from Pouch.

Ian turns his attention back to the table (and his drink) once the fight is done.

"I am so glad you did not," Valencia smiles again as Enyo makes her way to the table. "Welcome to my Hart. Would you care to join us? The sparring has just begun and it is a wonderful match." Another smile and warm incline of head is offered Killian and Lark's way as the couple makes their way into the Hart. "And welcome to you, too, your Highness, my Lord," she says, returning her gaze to Enyo. "And so you know Lady Lucita and Lord Luis, have you had the pleasure of meeting many others here? I would be so happy to introduce you."

Shard leans slowly off of the wall, one eye narrowing. Her arms are still crossed, but the fingers of her right hand are tapping out a slow rhythm against her arm.

Lucita says, "Well fought!" She calls out to both the contestants then looks toward the others at the table. "I understand about the avoiding rhythms and patterns being necessary, and it makes it all the more obvious I'd never be good in combat. Music is all about patterns and rhythms and that is what comes most strongly to me.""

Reese quietly slips out, after having a gentle smile of greeting for those she knows.

The High Lady of Bastion nods in greeting to Valencia, before Lark's attention is caught away by Luis's approach.

Rising from the table, Luis stops as he passes Enyo, "Ah, Lady, is good to see you, and I am glad that you were able to make it here tonight," he offers, though as Valencia speaks to her, he settles back a couple steps, waiting his turn, "I fear the table is quite crowded, perhaps you'd like to join some of us in the raised seating area?" he asks, of her, giving a nod to those whom he's leaving behind, and then waits a moment before approaching Lark and Killian, "Your Highness, and Lord, a pleasure, would you be at odds were I to find a moment of escape in this area?" he asks with a smile, indicating with his glass towards the overcrowded table that he had just left.


Denica has left the corner table.

The little princess lets out a cheer for the combatants, applauding both enthusiastically. "Bravo! Well done! Thank you both!" she calls out to Weldemai and Artorius as they take their leave from the sands. "Oh, indeed. If it pleases, we may join the stands or adjourn to the bar?" Valencia offers graciously.

Xander is going to insert his opinion where a bunch of nobility is talking. He's just some soldier looking to enjoy his drink and watch a fight. So he'll keep his trap shut for now, idly rolling his shoulder before leaning back in his chair.

"I do, yes....and no, I don't. I'd love to, though. " Enyo replies, then she glances towards Luis when he asks her about moving to another spot, "Well, sure..I suppose so." She then inclines her head towards those at the table, "I'll wander back around, and buy everyone a round on me when I do...if you'll all excuse me." Then she turns to wander off after Luis, "You know, I did some thinking on your reason for not joining....and I've got an idea about that if you're interested."

Enyo has joined the raised seating.

The old Duke slaps his open hand against an empty table to celebrate the combatants, before he lifts his glass to sip from his whiskey. Vercyn settles into an easy silence as he looks around the arena curiously

Artorius looks around "If any others wish, I will fight again?" he asks curiously, looking around.

Someone in a red-orange cloak with fox ears slinks into the Arena, round lenses gleaming red-white in the shadows with reflected torchlight. Sulking and brooding and generally being grumpy, Mira Matessi edges around the crowd, slouching a bit and shuffling.

Lucita nods. "any place you wish will be fine." She lifts her glass ready to move where suggested. To Enyo she says before she moves out of range. "Very much so. I have some suggestions for reading material from Lady Aislin that will be looking forward to delving into later."

Shard fully separates from her spot by the wall. She doesn't say a word--she doesn't really make any noise--but she does start off at a fair pace from behind the seats, down the aisle, toward the center where the fights take place. Her expression? It hasn't changed at all. It's a guarded neutral, jaw set.

Shard has joined the ring of valor.

Ian watches Shard walk into the ring of valor. He sips his drink.

Waldemai is glad someone else is getting into the ring. "I'll put five hundred on her," he calls to the assembled onlookers. "All my winnings to the Hart charity!"

"I would, but the brass in Southport had me hand in my arms and armor before I left for Arx." Xander offers to Artorius. "So unless you'd rather have a drinking contest instead of a fighting one, afraid I can't really help you on that."

"Mistress Mira, your cloak is remarkable. I adore it," Valencia offers with an admiring look at Mira's fox ears cloak. "Where ever did you get it?" she asks as Shard takes the ring with grim and quiet silence. She nearly catches her breath and then she smiles. "I have never seen Mistress Shard spar, but I delighted." Another smile is offered to Waldemai, "Your generosity is beyond all, my dearest Master Waldemai, thank you," she smiles gratefuly, turning to see who will take Shard's challenge.

Killian stands from where he's sitting at the raised table, looking around and spotting a server to motion over, quietly muttering something to them before turning his attention to watch the ring.

Mira grumbles something at Valencia, stooping lower wrapping her cloak more tightly about her like a perturbed hedgehog. But she sighs, looks up from under the hood, and un-hedges a bit. "...Thank you. I ordered it from Messere Saya, from the Lower Burroughs. I was very pleased with it." The curvy little fox-haired lawyer sounds very tired. Exhausted.

Lark's gaze cuts across the room, for a moment, at Saya's name. It lingers on Mira and Valencia, studying, before her attention is drawn back to those with her.

Peeling his attention towards the new arrival, Mira, Zerric dips his head towards the woman bearing a friendly smile on his face. Though his attention is quick to shift back towards those at his table. Towards the soldier, Zerric looks in the mans direction and bobs his head. "So, apologies but I must have missed your name."

Artorius sheathes his blade and enters the stands, smiling to all. Though he sees Mira, and decides to approach her. "Hello Mira. you look tired, are you alright?"

When nobody seems immediately interested in fighting Shard, Ian shifts his attention back to his drink.

Shard doesn't look terribly perturbed. She merely takes up her leaning down there instead, arms folded again, eyes faintly narrowed. One boot scuffs into the sand.

"It would seen a challenge has been called but the most formidable Mistress Shard," Valencia calls out with a little smile. "Surely someone would be brave and courteous enough to answer call? I would happily do so, but it woudl be a very very short match," she grins to Shard and then back to the crowd. "Lord Killian, I do not wish to put you on spot or to be rude, but it has been some time since I've seen you step on sand. Would you grace us with your skills?"

"He will fight, with my favor, win or lose," Lark answers for Killian as Valencia makes the challenge, rising from her seat briefly to draw out a sunlit piece of silk and leaning to tie it around Killian's arm before he can argue, perhaps.

Mira looks up at Artorius while Valencia issues her call for someone to fight Shard. "Not really. No. But I will be." Her eyes narrow. "In the fullness of time." She has dark rings under her eyes, like she hasn't been sleeping.

Killian knows better than to argue, after all, he's not been hit on the head -that- many times and he offers a little flourish of a bow to Lark, "As my Lady commands me," he says cheerfully, before turning towards Valencia, "it seems that I'm to be whacked around this evening," he says in an amused tone as he steps down from the raised table and heads towards the sands.

Killian has left the raised seating.

Ugarte arrives, following Fortunato.

Xander has left the corner table.

Killian has joined the ring of valor.

Artorius narrows his eyes some at Mira "We'll talk later alright?" before he seems to go speak with his guards for a moment.

Dafne arises from the table, her amber-coloured drink clutched between her hands, and approaches the other table. "Your grace," she murmurs in greeting to Lark, with a dip of her dark head.

Fortunato arrives with a canvas-wrapped board and charcoal and seats himself on the farthest periphery he can find space in. On the floor.

"Duchess, please. Come keep me company, now that I have thrown my escort to the wolves," Lark invites to Dafne with a smile, gesturing to the chair beside her. Surely she won't do the same to Dafne, right??

Estaban comes walking through the doors looking around he has a bit of a smirk on his face as he looking around seeing who maybe here or is around.

Shard stands up straight and turns to face Killian as he comes down into the ring as well. The man gets a glancing over, a nod, and then she slips her blade free with a small, simple motion of one hand.

Shard wields a rubicund short sword with a black leather wrapped grip.

Valencia offers a grateful and happy nod to Killian as he prepres to take the sands and a slightly worried look to Mira's not so happy mood. But the fight is about to begin and her eyes turn back to the sands to offer all due courtesy to the fighters below.

When it looks like there's going to be a fight after all, Ian's attention is back on the ring. His electric gaze follows Killian's progress to the sands.

Waldemai calls out, "Five hundred on the woman!"

Dafne has an attack kitten, so she is unafraid. She settles into the chair next to the High Lady. "Metaphoric wolves, I am sure," she replies. "Actual wolves would be far too messy for a place like this."

Mira nods to Artorius and shuffles off toward wherever food may be found. Still keeping her cloak tightly about herself like a warm blanket, Mira eyes the selections greedily, yet not taking anything just yet.

Killian gives Shard a small smile and a bow, "It's good to see you again," he says politely, as he raises his helmet and settles it into place. He then draws his blades from their sheathes, one shimmering in the light of the arena unnaturally bright. He swaps the hands they are in though, reversing the alaricite blade to defensive in his left hand as the plain steel sword is moved to his dominant right.

Killian wields Hawks Talon.

Lucita is seated at a table with Ian, Valencia and Zerric. She lifts one hand, not in a wild wave, but a discrete gesture toward Estaban.

Dafne has joined the raised seating.

Shard doesn't smile. This seems to be a general rule of hers. There's not even a twitch to her mouth. But she does, however, flash Killian a brief salute with the hilt of her drawn short sword.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.


Luis smiles at Dafne as she arrives at the raised seating, giving her a nod of welcome, "Ah, Duchess I do hope that you enjoyed your drink?" he asks after Lark and her exchange their words.

Vercyn empties his glass, setting it on the table next to him He turns and offers Valencia a bow. "Your highness, I am afraid I must depart. Business requires my attention."

Killian takes minor damage.

"Thank you for coming to join us this evening, my dearest Duke. I hope we will see you again soon, if it pleases," Valenica offers back to Vercyn with a warm and fond smile. "Do return soon,yes?"

Killian takes moderate damage.

The Old Duke smiles and inclines his head. "As soon as I am able" With that, he turns and walks out

Lark's dark eyes watch the fighting in the ring, leaning forward slightly as the combat seems to turn against the man with her favor. She does not seem upset, however, only intently aware of the combat taking place.

Shard takes minor damage.

Killian takes serious damage.

Mira has joined the corner table.

Ian leans forward, having forgotten both the conversation and his drink in favor of watching the spar. Again.

Killian moves to spread out from Shard in the ring, circling and pacing. The bottom line of the fight becomes obvious quickly though - the armored Knight is not fast enough in his armor to keep up with the nimbler fighter in her leathers. Two strong hits are soon landed upon the knight, who can't help but stagger somewhat from the force of the blows, laughing quietly. "Lovely, another Luca," with a rueful shake of his head. He shifts his stance and reverses both swords to attack position, launching a furious assault that throws all caution to the wind, knowing that only by risking such can he possibly score the hits upon Shard.

Out of the main bit of the Hart and into the arena comes the small, cloaked figure of Mae Grayhope. As ever, she's wearing a shimmery near black cloak, with the hood up. Her face shadowed, it'd be hard to tell it's her... except, well, who else perpetually goes around like this?

Valencia grins playfull, calling out, "There is never enough of my beloved cousin, my sweetest Lord Kilian," the little vixen grins, attention moving between the sands and the conversation at the table. "Gods, I am so happy to see this match."

Estaban spots Lucita and heads in her direction, "lady Lucita, your highness it is so very good to see you both." he smiles he does that a lot lately. He looks around, "Seems people are enjoing themselves." he looks over to spot Killian in the ring and he cheers on his fellow Guardsman.

Shard, indeed, seems to be from the same basic school as the famous Lycene-turned-Grayson fighter when it comes to speed. She's fast on her feet and her primary method of defense appears to be simply not being wherever Killian tries to strike. But there's no flash to her movements. There's no stylistic twists or turns, no beauty to the dance, no flourish of performance. She moves exactly as much as she needs to and no more. She stops and starts in seemingly erratic patterns, moving one way, then suddenly another, then a third. It's not a pretty thing to watch, but it is, apparently, effective. So, however, is Killian's sudden, risky assault--if only just. He lands that hit he's after, even if she rolls with the blow, coming back after him like a hungry, silent predator.

Shard takes moderate damage.

Killian has rolled a critical success!
Killian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 3, rolling 65 higher.

Killian remains capable of fighting.

Killian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 18, rolling 29 higher.

Killian remains capable of fighting.

Shard takes moderate damage.

Killian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 2 lower.

Killian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 34 higher.

Killian remains alive, but close to death.

Killian falls unconscious.

Waldemai cheers for the fighters. "Well done! Very exciting! Bravo bravo!"

When Killian falls, Enyo lifts her hands to her mouth, tucking her pinks into the corner to whistle before she starts to cheer for Shard. It's the sort of annoyingly excited cheering of true fan.

Ian leans forward further as he follows the end of the fight, following Killian's movement as the armored warrior is clearly starting to tire. He nods to himself once it draws to a close, and, remembering his drink again, sips from it.

Lucita says, "Lord Estaban! I was unsure if you would get here tonight. Do you know everyone here?" She gestures at the table and before he can even answer she nods toward Luis, surrounded by women. "My brother is over there if you want to speak to him.""

Lark, one of the women surrounding Luis, or rather, the only Crownlander surrounded by Lycenes, lifts her hands to clap for Shard's victory and Killian's defeat.

It's definitely not a pretty thing, the nimble fighter dancing out of the way of those blades over and over. There's a few hits that, were it not for how fluidly Shard moves, Killian might have done some serious damage, but ultimately a blow lands and he staggers back, dropping to a knee and holding up a hand, "I yield," he calls, shaking his head to try and clear the ringing from it. It takes a few moments, but finally he stands and resheaths his swords as he looks towards Shard. "Well fought, it reminded me of when I was younger and Luca and I would spar on the road..didn't end well for me then either," he says ruefully as he gives her a slight bow of his head.

Mira winces when Killian goes down, flinching back a bit at the final thud. "Glad I didn't bet any silver..." she murmurs, still looking a bit shy and awkward, despite having taken down her hood.

Mae's eyes are locked on the ring, and on Shard. When she claims victory, a smile spreads across Mae's lips. But then the fight is over and people are cheering and clapping. Mae slowly looks around, and immediately looks like she regrets coming here. Too many people, the look on her face reads. She starts to back her way out.

Lark also gestures to one of her guards, nodding to Artorius. In short order, the guard brings the man a purse of coins.

Shard shifts her sword to her non-dominant hand and gives Killian a rough clap on the shoulder--where she didn't score a hit, or at least that's the intent. "Good match," she agrees, voice rough. Indeed, for all that dancing, she hasn't escaped unscathed either, and the tail end of that battle was one in which she caught quite a few blows herself.

Conker, the Ornery Red Squirrel, Dame Barkley, a chocolate tri beagle arrive, following Joslyn.

Valencia rises to her feet and applauds wholeheartedly, a bright smile kissing her lips. "Bravo!" she cries out nearly bouncing up and down in her excitement. She catches herself and quickly glances around to make sure not one noticed. Dark eyes turn to Estaban as he arrives at the table and she moves to greet him with a little hug and an offer of a delicate hand. "Congratulations, my lord. I hope you will both be beyond happy," she smiles, looking from him to Lucita and back. There is a glance Mae's way and a look of sympathy and compassion as the woman starts to back out. She offers a little nod and smile her way in invitation for her to join the table, but does not press her to stay.


Luis salutes the combatants and rises slowly from his seat as the match comes to an end. "Well fought," he exclaims to them both and then goes back to sipping his drink.

The fight only scarsely holds Zerric's attention. Though as Valencia makes her announcement, the man peers towards her for a moment to consider her words before looking back at the now ended fight.

Killian smiles slightly to Shard, "We'll have to try it again sometime when I'm more appropriately dressed for a spar, see if I can make it a bit more challenging for you," he offers cheerfully. He even manages not to wince -too- much at the clap on his shoulder or the slight limp on his left leg as he heads for the edge of the ring and departs. He does however spot Lark handing over a purse and shakes his head slightly, muttering something as he reapproaches the raised table.

Joslyn takes a few steps into the arena, while she doesn't look quite dressed for combat, she does immediately ask. "I'm not too late to join in the fights, am I?"

Lark's dark gaze draws towards Valencia as she hugs the lord, lingering on the princess and Lucita and Estaban all before she murmurs a question towards Luis. It seems that the High Lady of Bastion misses little.

Mae does catch Valencia's nods. She offers a sincere smile in response, and a little wave of her hand. But then the small woman turns in a flutter of her cloak. She /almost/ bumps into Joslyn, and offers a smile to that woman, too. Then she darts back out.

Killian checked command + teaching at difficulty 34, rolling 11 higher.

Killian checked command + teaching at difficulty 10, rolling 27 higher.

Fortunato slips out after a couple of quick sketches.

Ugarte leaves, following Fortunato.

Lucita claps for both contestants. A little color rises in her cheeks at Valencia's congratulations.

Valencia's dark glittering eyes meet Larks and she smiles, her gaze flicking ot Luis and back, though the distance between their seats in the arena make conversation a little difficult at present. An little sigh is releases as Mae makes her escape and she turns back to her guests a big smile offered Mira's way. "Yes, even so," she laughs softly.

Killian is overheard praising Shard for: An excellent fighter, truly a whirlwind.

Shard, when Killian moves back into the seats, remains down in the ring. Her eyes go to Joslyn at the question, but she doesn't say anything. She does, however, keep her blade drawn, even if the tip is down resting lightly against the sand near her feet.

Killian is overheard praising Lark for: The Princess whose favor can carry a man through the end of the world and back again.

Estaban nods to Valencia returning the hug that is given, "Thank you, your highness." his eyes look over to Killian, "Well fought Lord Killian." he smiles more looking to Lucita then over in Luis direction, "He seems busy, perhaps later." he looks back to Lucita with a smile.

Joslyn gives Shard a smile and nods towards her. "If you're the one that I should fight, I believe we are quite overdue for a rematch," she smiles, making her way to the stage, provided there are no others that she maybe missed.

Joslyn wields two slender hair sticks set with dainty glass roses.

"500 silver on the brave Lady Joslyn Stonewood, who saved my own cousin," Lark says, the words meant to carry, before she falls back into conversation at her table.

Lucita says, "Oh, this should be interesting to watch. Lady Joslyn is the one who has been working me so hard to learn how to use my hairpins for more than anchoring my veil so it does not blow away. I want to see how it may actually work in a spar."

Shard gives Joslyn a nod, and steps back, lifting her short sword as she does so. "I'm for it," she agrees. Her voice is quiet, but it may well carry. "They need more fights to bet on tonight."

Joslyn grins to Shard, and still dressed only in her silks she moves to join her. "Shall I fetch some armor, or shall they watch me dance?" she wonders, looking to Shard, an eager smirk on her lips.

Killian has left the ring of valor.

Killian has joined the raised seating.

Joslyn has joined the ring of valor.

A little thing whispered Estaban's way and Valencia looks up to see Lady Josclyn take the sand. Her smile blossoms threefold to see this and she claps her hand with excitement. As Lard declares her bet, there is another impish smile.. "I think the ladies of Arx who fight are likely some of the most ravishing and formidable creatures in the world," she remarks to no one in particular. "I wish I was one. Gods, to be so would be brilliant."

"Your choice is yours," Shard replies, simply.

Waldemai waves from the rafters to Lark. "I will cover that bet, your highness!"


From the raised seating, Luis can be heard accepting congratulations while also admitting to the fact that his sister is indeed engaged.

Joslyn nods to Shard and pulls hairpins, not from her hair, which remains anchored safely behind her head, but from a pocket, leaving her alaricite safely nestled behind her. "Let's do it!" she cheerfully says, assuming a battle ready stance, and shooting a bright grin towards Lark. "I'll be sure to secure your silver, Your Highness!"

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

Shard takes minor damage.

Without armor, save for the protective layers of his fancy-schmancy gambeson, and girt only in his belt with sidearm, Agnarr wanders on and through the Hart, finding himself a place to watch the fight.

Agnarr has joined the ringside table.

Estaban blinks looking to Valencia nodding his head to her, "I understand your highness." he says to her his smile fades slightly but its still there, he stands near Lucita's seat arms folding over his chest as he looks out into the ring.

Joslyn unarmored, Joslyn moves upon Shard in a flash, easily darting around any of the slashes of her sword. She holds a hairpin in each hand, moving almost as if it were a dance, twiling, using the momentum of her movements to drive her strikes home. Shard, herself proves difficult to land a solid blow to, and so only a single of Joslyn's strikes land true. She grins wildly towards her opponent, looking as if for the moment, she's having the time of her life.

This fight is...different. Both Shard and Joslyn go at each other in a whirl of movement and weapons, fast enough that it's hard to follow, let alone keep track of which woman is doing what. Joslyn is the one to score the first blow--it's a glancing one, but it's a hit--that skitters across Shard's armor but clearly strikes through. Shard is the opposite of her opponent; no grin, no visible delight, if anything her expression, apart from the briefest grimace, doesn't even flicker.

Shard takes minor damage.

Estaban leans down to whisper something in Lucita's ear shaking his head and then placing a small kiss to her cheek then standing back up and grins at valencia his arms going back across his leather armored chest.

Shard takes minor damage.

Ian follows the flash of Joslyn's sharpened hair pins with interest. Occasionally that intense, focused gaze switches back to Shard to follow her reactions to Joslyn's whirling attacks. The's more engaged in this fight than he's been in previous ones.

Shard takes minor damage.

"Parry. Her pins don't have momentum over your sword. You're tiring yourself out too quickly," advises Agnarr from the sidelines, gripping the back of a chair at a ringside table before seating himself, lips pressed together. His pale gaze tracks the movement of each fighter, though he does stop to order a drink.

Lark checked perception + empathy at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

Enyo glances over when she hears Agnarr, lifting a hand to wave at the big man, "Hello again! I made it out without trouble." She calls, her hands spreading out to her side to indicate her whole and healthy state of being.

As the fight continues, Joslyn's swipes intensify. Her focus increases as she starts to make out the patterns in Shard's movements, managing to anticipate and for the moment, land a few more glancing blows. None of them great, but the idea of small weapons as always has been death by a thousand cuts. Her grin never falters, besides those moments when she charges forward with a grunt. For the moment, she's dancing cautiously around the blade, striking only when she finds her openings.

The joy of Josyln seems infectious and Valencia smiles even more, though her gaze does drift to Agnarr as he calls out his advice. The mountain of a man gets a sweet smile and warm incline of head. "Master Agnarr," she offers as LIzette arrives at his table with a bottle and glass before making the rounds to ensure that Killian, Lark, Luis and the others on the stands are well cared for and their cups full. A glance up to the rafters has a little grin appearing again, as another serving girl carefully makes her way up the ladder to bring Waldemai another pitcher of ale.

Valencia claims this

Shard is visibly unchanged, but for all her effort, she still hasn't managed to land a hit, and she's taken a few in turn now. Agnarr's call doesn't have her glancing over, but the very perceptive might notice a pulling near her mouth. Not quite another grimace. It's unclear what the expression might be related to.

Lucita says, "She is more ..agile than me, and dodges really well, and is fast to get the little pokes to work instead of just glancing off." Lucita is obviously trying to figure out how small weapons work, quite interested in the technique. "Is her not wearing an armor an advantage to her in some way?"

Shard takes minor damage.

Shard takes minor damage.

Waldemai is surprised when a waiter shows up with a pitcher on the house. "Whoa! Thanks, your highness," calls down. "And if I win this bet, the prize goes to the Hart!"

Now focused on Shard more as she is steadily worn down, Agnarr raises a hand to stroke at his beard. He spares Enyo only the briefest of glances, the fight retaining the bulk of his interest. "Can see that," he notes in a bland done, "Reckon you've come here now to bleed on your own terms, instead of some mugger, eh?" His eyes trail back to Shard being grazed where her armor isn't.

Killian glances over and says, "Trust me, the lighter you are in a spar, the better off you are. There's a reason Prince Luca fights nearly naked and is untouchable, what works on the battlefield is not what works in a spar." He considers and then adds, "I think in fact that Prince Luca might have actually fought naked once for that matter."

Mira blushes suddenly at the table, looking a little surpised and amused and awkard all at once. She smiles shyly, commenting in response.

Ian shakes his head, just the slightest motion, as he watches the fight play out.

Joslyn is rather relentless in her onslaught, as she continues dancing around the blade, never really letting Shard get close, and striking at her when the openings appear, she seems rather intent on wearing her down, her grin twisted slightly in a grimace of concentration.

Estaban chuckles oh Luca, the thought of his old friend makes his shake his head and remember he needs to visit the prince. He loks to Lucita and smiles again, "It is alright, I was expecting it to happen." he gives her a warm amile and then his eyes are back on teh fight.

Valencia's cheeks colour as little as Luca's habit of fighting au natural is discussed. "He is... spirited that way. Brave of him," she comments back with a little glance Lark's way.

Quietly stepping inside the room as to not disturb the fight, Delilah's bright cobalt gaze is immediately drawn to the two in the arena. A smile crosses her face upon recognizing a contestant, and naturally, the girl finds a place to sit with a good view.

Delilah has joined the raised seating.

"Me? No...I came to not bleed on any terms." Enyo calls back to Agnarr with a laugh, shaking her head in amusement before her attention drifts towards the fight.

Shard takes a few more hits. Small ones, but they build on each other. She's not showing signs of faltering yet--but she still hasn't landed one single hit on Joslyn. The other woman is decidedly dancing circles around her. Visibly, she doesn't seem frustrated by this, but there's no telling what's going on behind that mask of an expression.

Smiling back at Mira, Zerric dips his head at her before peeling his attention towards the fight to observe it. Though he does say something in response to something Mira said to him.

Shard takes serious damage.

Joslyn takes minor damage.

Shard takes minor damage.

Joslyn takes moderate damage.

Shard takes moderate damage.

Dianna arrived to the Hart long, long after the sparring matches started -- and long, long after she expected, a fact evidenced by the faint frown that she wore on her face. Warm eyes scanned the faces of those gathered, looking for anyone familiar among the crowd.

"Bruise, then. Less that armor's only for show," murmurs Agnarr in response to Enyo, holding in a brief bit of breath and then exhaling to take a drink as things get more heated down below. Now he isn't giving any more commentary.

Lucita struggles unsuccessfully to avoid laughing at the thought of a naked spar and just says "At least that would spare shredded silks though might be more difficult on the hide." She playfully tries to lightly swat Estaban on the forearm. "Well I wasn't expecting that."

There is a loud shout as Joslyn charges forward to slam hard into Shard, that grimace of a grin twisting as she laughs, stepping back. From that moment on, there is a shift in her entire style, she charges in much harder, far more aggressive, moving then on the inside of Shard's defenses. It's a risky gambit but it results in a few more hard hits, trying to knock her off balance, but it also leaves Joslyn far more vulnerable, and Shard manages to take advantage of this, striking hard back at Joslyn, and knocking the wind out of her, but she's still rather relentlessly charging forward.

Enyo makes her apologies to those at the table she's been sitting at, then gets to her feet to make her way down towards the table at ringside. Without asking Agnarr if he wants company she drops herself down into a chair, lowering her voice so that she's no longer yelling across the room.

Enyo has left the raised seating.

Enyo has joined the ringside table.

Shard seems to be a very quiet fighter. There's no shouting, no growling from her, and only some heavier breathing as the blows land, but there's a very distinct change as the fight shifts. She, too, comes in hard and fast, and while she's still at a clearly distinct advantage as far as landing hits, when she gets in a few of her own, finally, she makes them count.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 61 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Killian stands up again and finishes off his drink, smiling to the others at the raised table. "It was a pleasure," he says to them politely, before he looks towards Lark. "Princess, may I escort you back to the Mansion," he asks quietly as he offers her an armored hand. He waits for her to be prepared before escorting her towards the exit, giving a nod of his head to Valencia as the pair head for the doorway. "Princess, thank you for the hospitality."

Joslyn takes serious damage.

Shard has rolled a critical success!
Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 11, rolling 107 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 17, rolling 71 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Joslyn takes moderate damage.


Luis, still standing in the raised seating area, makes his farewells to the various folks that are leaving and then bows his head to Delilah as she joins the area, stepping down from the seating as well to slowly make his way over to the corner table where his sister and other's sit.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 30 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Lark's dark gaze lingers on the ring as she rises, her fingers caught on Killian's forearm. But she nods, quietly, as she allows the Ashford lord to escort her away.

Mira winces at the brutal battle taking place in the sands, and the relentless march of Shard against the whirling pins of Joslyn. Looking progressively more concerned, she shrinks back a little more with each crushing blow and scraping poke traded back and forth.

Luis has left the raised seating.

Luis has joined the corner table.

Killian has left the raised seating.

Lark has left the raised seating.

5 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Lark.

Whisper the Snowy Owl, Lark leave, following Killian.

Dafne finishes her drink and arises, taking her leave from those at the table. She inclines her head toward Lucita and Valencia as well, and then slips aways.

Dafne has left the raised seating.

Nightshade, a tiny black kitten, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards, Ariadne, Penelope leave, following Dafne.

Gaze lifting to Enyo briefly as she seats herself nearby, Agnarr rolls one shoulder, not seeming to terribly mind. His gaze tracks Shard now with a discontent press to his lips at how she's being soundly beaten.

Estaban has joined the corner table.

Joslyn keeps on striking out forward, just trying to land her strikes, trying to make each of them count. She bites her lip and keeps on stabbing at Shard, and in her desperation, she takes a few strikes of her own, try as she might to get out of the way, the lack of armor making each of those blows count all the more. The dress will certainly need repair when the night is through.

Lucita nudges Ian "Look, it's Lady Dianna. We need to introduce her to Luis!" She lifts one hand just a little, not madly waving it about to attract Dianna's attention.

Ian has left the corner table.

Dianna's face lit with a warm and easy smile as Lucita waved to her. Well, that certainly settled where she would be heading. Lifting the trail of her hem, she moved over to their table. "Lady Ignisieri. Your Highness. No broken bones tonight, I trust?"

Dianna has joined the corner table.

Estaban chuckles at Lucita, "Prince Luca is a good fighter I have fought at his side before and well many other things when we were younger." he grins giving Killian a nod as he leaves.

Lucita says, "Lady Dianna Mazetti, this is my brother, Luis Igniseri. And you have met Lord Estaban Saik, yes?"

"Gods, I am terrified to even know what my beloved Luca and you got up to, my Lord," Valencia laughs softly. "If it is a half as bad as... well, just so, I'm sure it was fun at least," she grins playfully. Dark eyes smile as Dinanna arrives and she offers the woman a warm welcome, "Lady Dianna, it is lovely to see you again. Please let me introduce Missers Zerric and Mistress Mira. You are well?"

There's a change in Shard's style, or what can be called that. It's ferocious, even if the effectiveness is still questionable. She takes blow after blow, and they're no longer insignificant, but for the moment she's still standing, and she trades a few nasty ones in return. She's right on top of Joslyn, not giving an inch, even if she's still clearly struggling to hit her.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 44, rolling 17 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 48, rolling 11 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Mira waves shyly to Lady Dianna, offering a small smile. She's wearing an orange fox cloak, with fuzzy ears sown onto the hood that's laying about her shoulders.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 67, rolling 16 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Valencia looks up at Luis and then to the sands. "It is to close to call, I think, but this makes it all the more exiting, yes?" the little fox smiles up at the Lycene lord. A sip of wine is taken and dark eyes lock onto the fight below again, the little southern princess holding her breath in anticipation as she watches the battle unfold.

Joslyn is apparently still unable to bring Shard down, despite her best attempts, she manages to avoid the strikes of the other woman, and she keeps on charging in, but Shard remains on her feet. "Do you even feel what I'm doing?" Joslyn asks, the beginning of fatigue finally starting to set in.

When introduced by Valencia, Zerric bows his head towards Dianna, granting the unfamiliar woman a deep smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, My Lady." He greets easily.

Shard is breathing heavily, that's clear for all to see. But her only response is to swing at Joslyn yet again.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 105, rolling 33 lower.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 64, rolling 3 higher.

Shard remains alive, but close to death.

Shard falls unconscious.

It was a rather long fight, and with those beginning sensations of fatigue, Joslyn charges forward once again, her arms swinging hard and wildly at Shard in the hopes of finally, taking her down and knocking her off her feet. Joslyn shouts, she's a loud fighter, aggressive and expressive, her skirts flare out as she spins her entire body into the last strike, hitting Shard square in the middle, and drawing a breath in, ready for more, and yet, that is it.

Waldemai cheers for the fighters. "Well fought! Well done!" And if it bothers him that he lost his bet, he ignores that entirely as he has a small purse sent down to Princess Lark.

Valencia forgets herself and rises to her feet and cheers with reckless abandon in appreciation for the show of prowess and skill, her eyes sparking with admiration and delight in such an tremendous match.

Mira has left the corner table.

Runtystiltskin, the runted war elk arrives, delivering a message to Waldemai before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Waldemai before departing.


And the fight is over and Luis rises to toast the fighters with his drink, "Well fought," he adds, then looks to Lucita, "I do believe you've a marvelous trainer, perhaps you should practice?" he offers with a chuckle.

Shard goes down heavily--/finally/--and she stays down for the moment, one hand on her stomach, clearly just taking the opportunity to catch her breath. There's a wild light in her eyes that doesn't show in the rest of her guarded expression that suggests that, perhaps, she was enjoying the fight too. Maybe.

Delilah raises from her seat almost immediately after the fight, cheering out alongside Waldemai, "What a splendid show of skill!" The young Lady's gaze rests on Shard for a short moment, and then Joslyn, whom she supports with a warm smile.

Joslyn laughs in elation as it finally all comes to a close, the adrenaline surge causing her body to tremble as she has nothing left to do with the energy, so she laughs, moving over to Shard, and stowing her pins away, she offers a hand to help her up, should she accept, and she shoots a smile over towards Lucita, Luis and Delilah. "I hope you were paying attention, Lady Lucita," Joslyn says with a grin.

Another fight is over, and Zerric is obligated to join the others who stand, lifting his drink in appreciation of the fights for putting on such a show. Though, he does cheer some, it's not quite so loud or boesterous as others might be.

Estaban has left the corner table.

Valencia blinks and blushes as she remembers herself, offering an apologetic look, and her blush deepens some more. "Yes, of course. We have many wonderful things to enjoy. Is it Lycene red that pleases palate, my lady? And Missere Zerric, you are well cared for?" Dark eyes turn over the room and Delilah is spotted, "Oh, my goodness, Lady Delilah. How lovely to see you! You will join us for drinks yes? And you as well," she invites Enyo another time as drinks are quickly brought to Shard and Joslyn below as the crowd cheers on.

Waldemai staggers down out of the rafters, awash in ale. "Three cheers for Princess Valencia!" he calls out. "Another fine night of fights!" And it's off to the wilds of Southport Square.

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Joslyn adds to Shard. "Well fought, as always, Mistress Shard."

Lucita says, "I was, as closely as could see. It was so well fought and ...you moved so quickly."

Delilah has left the raised seating.

Dianna rose to her feet, applauding lightly, but with an approving smile on her face. "Whatever you recommend, Your Highness, I'm sure would be delightful. Though Lycene reds so often remind me of home, and home is a very long way from Arx."

Shard takes the offered hand, and shoves herself up to her feet. She wobbles for just a moment before seemingly steadying for good. "And you," she returns. She hefts her sword, but...now that she's up, while she moves to the side of the ring, she doesn't exit it either. Not yet, in any case.

"I thank you, my Lord Luis, you are too kind to me. I fear you have caught me at one of my many guilty pleasures,"" Valencia says sheepishly with a little cringe. "There is a fine Oathlands mead newly arrived and a Thrax whiskey that is suprisingly good. But Northern Best is excellent for something strong and rich to taste. Oh, and a new apriocot brandy, you must all try this," she offers with a little wave to the buxom brunette serving girl to come take request. "Lady Delilah, what is your pleasure? Missere Zerric? Lady Lucita? Would you care for something stronger as well?"

Joslyn gives Lucita a bright smile. "As I knew you would. You are perhaps the brightest of my students. I wish they were all so attentive as you," Joslyn says with genuine warmth, giving Shard a nod as she departs the ring, herself, she gives Delilah a smile. "Glad you could make it, My Lady. Glad you enjoyed the display, I don't always have such a crowd," she smiles and looks over towards Valencia as well, inclining her head, accepting the grinks on offer, taking a few steps to, for the moment, join with Delilah.

Responding towards Valencia with a smile, Zerric dipping his head at her as she addresses him. "Yes, Your Highness. Though having only just arrived, I've not quite had a chance to scout out employment opportunities just yet." He explains with an easy roll of his shoulders. "I might say that it is time to centralize myself in one location." At the mention of additional beverages, Zerric shakes his head. "No thank you, Your Highness. I should get going, actually. Thank you for the show."

Delilah's bright cobalt gaze meets the voice addressing her. "Oh, I would love a drink," Delilah says to Valencia with a dip to her head, "I'll have whatever she's having." The young woman lifts her chin towards Joslyn, before giving grinning her way. "That was truly amazing, I had no idea you were so skilled in such a way."

At the mention of a lack of employement, both of Dianna's brows arched at Zerric. "May I ask what exactly it is that you do, Master Zerric?" Whose family name she unfortunately hadn't caught.

Then, Agnarr is rising from his table after draining his glass of whiskey, tugging on his swordbelt before he begins to make his way around - then into the ring, despite not being as well-equipped as he often is to do so. He settles pale eyes on Shard lingering. "Want another match?"

Agnarr has left the ringside table.

Agnarr has joined the ring of valor.

Joslyn has left the ring of valor.

Lucita says, "It was a show indeed, fascinating to watch. I think the only thing helping with the lessons so far is that in playing music, my wrists and hands, arms stay toned in the way what you have shown me uses, Lady Joselyn." She then turns her attention to the table again."

Bowing when addressed by Dianna, Zerric smiles pleasantly towards her. "Adventurer, road-side scholar, traveler.. These are all things that describe what I do. I serve as a messenger, scribe, or at times, legal advisor. Though I'm not settled into a profession proper at the moment." He explains pleasantly before pulling himself from his seat. "I beg your pardon, My Lady, but I really must be off. Perhaps we can continue the conversation later?"

Joslyn is drinking red wine, as always. Valencia should know her order so well after so long, and so that i what is brought before Delilah. Joslyn smiles towards her, giving a dip of her head. "I'm perhaps one of the more skilled small arms fighters in the city. I've yet to meet my match... with small arms at least," she smiles, looking then to Lucita once more. "They've helped, but you also apply what I teach. You listen! I look forward to our next instruction."

Shard moves away from the side of the ring, matching Agnarr gaze for gaze. She doesn't actually say anything in turn, but she flicks her sword into a readied position. That, it seems, is probably answer enough.

Luis has left the corner table.

Zerric has left the corner table.

Dianna tt nods. "Of course, Master Zerric, of course. I expect it will be an interesting one, with a list as long as that." But then she turned to Lucita, expression expectant. "I have been well, my lady, I have been. In fact, I was at the Queensrest Inn earlier this evening before the drudgery of new duties called me away to meet with some of the Mazetti stewards, and while I was there, I had the pleasure of meeting Lord Porter Kennex. I rather like him, and hope I can say the same of the last of the Brothers Kennex whenever it is I stumble across him. I'd like to collect the full set." Her lips pursed. It seemed she amused herself with all her teasing, which somehow made it all worse. "I hear congratulations are in order for you, though? Something about a wedding in the works?

Agnarr wields a well-honed faussart of substantial length.

Enyo gets to her feet when the next fight gets ready to start, starting to make her way towards the door. There's a quick wave towards those at the corner table, "Another time!" She calls in promise to Valencia before she heads out into the night.

Enyo has left the ringside table.

Paying only a minor heed for safety right this moment, Agnarr draws his own sidearm. It is a good deal smaller, definitely, than his warsword, but it's still meant for two hands, and he grips it so with the point low and forward, giving his shoulder a light roll before he upnods Shard.

Valencia smiles to Luis and Zerric as they depart. "Lycene red it is then," she gives a little laugh and Lizette moves off to fetch drinks for her guests. A little lift of brow is seen as Agnarr asks Shard for another spar and she glances to the woman still lingering at the edge of the sands. "Agnarr is a formidable as any in Arx, but perhaps the lady will fell him tonight, yes? Gods, I hope she will join the Tournament of Harts,"

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

"It was certainly impressive, Joslyn. I should feel at ease with you around." Delilah says with a giggle before being distracted by the wine brought before her. Lifting her glass as thanks, she continues, "Though, her stamina is quite impressive as well." Delilah says, nodding towards Shard.

Soot, a gray foxhound puppy arrives, following Petal.

Shard returns the nod with a very faint one of her own. If anything, her expression is more schooled than it has been all night. And with that single motion, she begins to circle the far larger man, watching him carefully.

Shard takes moderate damage.

Petal arrives while adorned in blue common clothing and toting her sewing basket. A hound is following close at her slender legs. She glances quickly over the area, trying to get a sense of what is happening.

"Delightful, Your Highness. Thank you," Dianna replied, inclining her head deeply.

Keeping his attention solely on Shard, Agnarr keeps his expression flat, somewhat mirroring his opponent in sheer concentration. He doesn't speak, conserving breath and energy, putting to advantage his substantial reach and stride. One of his cuts, light and whippy, strikes her arm, committed enough to sting through what few pieces of armor she does wear. No dismemberment here.

Dianna tt mmm'ed thoughtfully at that, giving Lucita a sympathetic nod. "My own cousin has just named me Minister of Conservation and Something or Other that she hasn't decided on yet, so I understand the burden. Or will, I'm sorry to say. It seems I've a good deal to learn about infrastructure and architecture, besides whether or not I think it's hideous. But that does sound lovely, and terribly romantic."

Joslyn sips her wine casually and smiles brightly towards Delilah. "Should any danger befall you in my presence, my lady, I shall endevor to keep you from harm," Joslyn promises, a dip of her head and a grin offered. "But you're right. She is a very sturdy woman, I was starting to worry towards the end there." She admits, chuckling just a touch.

Shard's expression flickers noticeably as the hit lands. When Agnarr lands a blow, you /feel/ it, even if that one was moderate, all things considered. In turn, her attention seems entirely locked on the giant, as she attempts to get inside his reach to land a hit of her own. So far, no success.

Shard takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Shard takes serious damage.

Delilah winks towards Joslyn before taking a sip of her drink. Catching sight of Shard and Agnarr's fight, she gestures towards some some nearby seats, "Let's continue our conversation somewhere more quiet?" The young woman then leans in and whispers in Joslyn's ear.

Then suddenly Agnarr snaps out in a sudden thrust that clips the side of Shard's arm. It is largely the spine that contacts her, but the point scrapes enough that it stings. This blow he follows with a more committed cut thrown down onto her shoulder. It lands, painfully. What he doesn't expect is for her to retaliate right after and cut him right back. It invokes no mortal harm, merely sawing through a few layers of his expensive gambeson, but he still feels the force and grunts softly, quickly backpedaling.

Joslyn has joined the bar.

Delilah has joined the bar.

Joslyn nods to Delilah, gesturing towards the bar to take a seat with her and a smile offered. "Yes, lets." she smiles.

Given her behavior toward Joslyn, particularly toward the end of their fight, one might be forgiven for expecting Shard to chase Agnarr, but this isn't quite what happens. She attempts to stay close to him, but she's still watching him carefully, keeping her weapon in close.

Valencia seems rapt to the fight again, dark eyes watching the match continue.

Shard takes serious damage.

Steel rings against steel, with neither fighter gaining the advantage. Agnarr favors a cautious approach for part of it, more conservative than wild, doing his best to keep Shard from intruding on his 'minimum range', so to speak. Following several exchanges, with one blow of his scraping vulnerable arms again with no lasting harm, he halts the follow through of the cut and cuts down close to her elbow before swiftly raising the weapon to intercept the landing blow of hers thrown in retaliation at the forte of his faussart. He peels off, quickly backstepping. It's not exciting as the previous match to watch, he being pragmatic as he is.

Shard checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

It's there, for those looking carefully--the flicker of irritability and frustration across Shard's features. There, displayed, and there, gone. She sucks in a deep breath, she grips her sword, and she goes after Agnarr again. Doggedly, perhaps, more doggedly than her previous fights, but there's no backing down to be seen about her.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 74 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Lucita has left the corner table.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 29, rolling 51 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Though he's much larger, his more conservative method of fighting, coupled with maintaining a relaxed posture whenever possible, Agnarr manages to conserve energy, the rest done by his conditioning. He still remains methodical, eyes narrowed, sweat dripping down his brow - he doesn't recklessly cut, cut, cut at Shard, he waits for the opportunities to present themselves. Nicks - and then he once more adds another scored line onto her armguards.

Dianna has left the corner table.

Shard stays up for the moment, but it's quite clear which direction this battle is going. Not that it's stopping her, it seems. She steps back. She assesses. And she comes in yet again.

Valencia is sitting on the edge of her seat now. Her dark glimmering eyes locked to Shard's movements. "What do you think?" she asks aside to Joslyn, Delilah and Petal.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 42, rolling 25 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 39 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 46, rolling 29 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Joslyn watches Shard while speaking quietly with Delilah at the bar, Valencia's qustion draws a little smile and an uncertain shrug. "I'm really pulling for Shard to take down Agnarr. It would make the night end so wonderfully."

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 96, rolling 34 lower.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 57, rolling 13 higher.

Shard remains alive, but close to death.

Shard falls unconscious.

Soot, a gray foxhound puppy leaves, following Petal.

Remaining still rather conservative, Agnarr watches Shard intently - the beginnings of concern leaking through his sweaty, fight-worn mien. But she can still put up her sword to oppose him, and it isn't over yet. So he fights, scoring more blows, light and heavy both, that she doesn't seem to feel, mostly targeted at her arms still to damage her ability to wield her sword. He even takes a new, painful scrape in the process. But then he espies the opportunity and binds against her sword before he bashes her in the chest with the pommel-cap of his sword. That's not too pleasant. Quickly he withdraws, catching his breath.

Shard lands with a decisive thump in the sand, with her sword sent whirling some few feet away. As before, once down she stays down, catching her own breath and clearly feeling the thorough pounding she just took. It's hard to read her expression. Mostly, it's the same, neutral, intensive one it's been all evening. There's a little bit of strain here and there. But then, she has had three fights in a row.

Joslyn winces sympathetically as Shard hits the dirt, giving a bit of applause in return, saying aside to Valencia. "She did well," Joslyn says. "A shame, but he's just a tough one to take down."

Valencia cringes as Shard is hit hard, darky eyes narrowing in sympathy, but then she is up on her feet and applauding the combatants below. "Gods, three matches and even so, she is fierce. Aurdic is lucky to have her," the little vixens says with a look of respect and awe. "Well fought! Bravo!" she calls. Again, drinks are brought to the fighters as the regain their breath and the Hart's mercies see to any injuries that might have befallen them. "Gods, so many brilliant fights tonight."

Wiping his faussart thoroughly on his sleeve - it is mostly dirtied, not really any significant blood on it - Agnarr slowly sheathes the weapon back at his belt, wiping at his face to brush away sweat and next a gash she's scored on his hand. Then once this is done, he steps forwards towards Shard, squats down, and offers her his hand. "C'mere," he beckons. "Fought well. You'd shoot me before I noticed, anyhow, and probably hit me right above the bevor."

Shard eyes Agnarr for a moment. Carefully even. There's the suggestion, the slightest movement around her lips, that she might say something, but instead she grabs for his offered hand, grips it hard as she pulls herself--or half pulls herself, if he's pulling too--back up to her feet. "Free drinks," she notes of the servers coming down to them, instead of whatever else she was going to say. "Good fight, Agnarr." Then she moves off to retrieve her sword, wipe it down, and sheathe it.

Glancing up towards Valencia and the rest, Agnarr shrugs slightly, offering no objection to the idea of free drinks before he inspects the gashes cut into his expensive gambeson by Shard, mildly annoyed. Then he trails towards her, conversing in low tones without leaving the ring just yet.