Waldemai waves his cap politely at Princess Valencia and climbs up into his usual spot with the commoners in the cheap seats among the rafters. "Ale!" he calls. "Ale all around."

Waldemai has joined the upper rafters.

As if being closer to 7 foot than 6 werent quite enough, Ansgar has acquired himself a helmet with rams horns, that despite their curl add some height, and then a halberd that is taller than he is juts over his left shoulder. Ansgar removes said helm upon entering, its easier to drink without a helmet on. "General Ansgar is here, never fear!" Comes the bellowed entrance of the massive bear of a man.

Ian is already at the bar, nursing a drink, with his cane leaned up against his leg. This isn't the first -- or the second -- glass of rum that he's had this evening, but he's slowed down by now, so that the bottle the bartender left for him isn't getting emptied out as fast as it once was. He looks up at the boom of Ansgar's voice, vaguely familiar by now.

Into the arena strides Esoka. Dressesd in leathers, steel blade at her hip, swaggering. She's just in time for the bellow, which makes her grin. "The arena shall be interesting tonight, I do think." To the bar she goes, first and foremost.

Esoka has joined the bar.

Cirroch enters the Arena with his beloved Sasha on his arm and carrying their new arctic fox, Echo. He looks to Sasha and hands her the fox and leans down to give her a kiss. "Should I compete?" he asks with a smile.

Valencia makes her way into the arena, offering a nod to Maggnus, the Hart's master barkeep, exchanging a few words and a bright smile. The little princess turns and her smile grows even brighter as Waldemai arrives, "Good evening Master Waldemai. I'm so glad you are here. Lizette will be up soon with your ale," she grins to the man as he heads to the best, and most dangerous seats in the house. Turning, there is another grin as the bear of a man, otherwise known as Ansger arrives, bellowing his presences like a bear of the north. She smiles and offers him a gentle smile and a delicate hand, "Welcome, my lord. Yours is a face I am so very happy to see. Welcome. Oh, Lord Ian, I am so glad to see you as well. I think Missere Magg has something special for you to try," she nods to the bar and then smiles again.

Graham had been here at the Arena helping get things setup and make sure that everything is in order. He looks back as people begin to enter and will move away from the last of his self-assigned duties. The young solider looks around nodding to those who enter.

With a smile and a shake of her hips, Joslyn makes her way into the arena. She doesn't much look like she's come for a fight, dressed in silks and apparently armed with nothing, but Joslyn grins around at the room, waving to Valencia. "I made it on time for once!" Joslyn claims. "Have the fights begun yet?"

Sasha smiles brightly as she takes Echo into her arms and says "I think it would be a lovely idea. I would adore to see you compete Marquis. Ever so much." She gently kisses upon his cheek and looks about to all gathered, offering a warm and inviting smile to all.

Darrow enters unnannounced, silent, his cloak hanging down around his leather boots, open at the shoulder. He passes again without remark, heading along the stands towards the bar, where he angles his path towards Ian. He nods summarily at the Kennex Lord, turning his body to lean against the bar and his eyes to sweep over those present.

Waldemai waves his cap at Valencia in appreciation for the ale making the rounds.

As Valencia approaches him, Ansgar looks down at her with a grin. "Oh would you look at that, its the little chippy that flirted with me the last time I drank here." Ansgar waggles his thick brows at her as if he were just some 20 year old knight again." Ansgar looks about the arena. "I wonder who will have the guts to spar Ansgar, I'll fight with a mead in one hand and halberd in the other!"

Sliding in to the arena a few paces behind Valencia, Zerric strides with a free and easy pace, smiling and waving to those few paces he recognizes. Of course, the scholar is not without a pair of books to provide entertainment should conversation falter. Indeed, he bears a few books which he cradles protectively as he makes his way inside to at least half witness the spectacle.

Ian nods a silent greeting to Darrow; the barest angling of his head welcomes the Darkwater to join him, and he offers to share the rum he's been drinking by nudging the bottle in his direction. "Good evening," he says to Valencia.

Esoka raises a hand to offer a wave to Joslyn. "Not yet! Things are only just beginning. Do you intend to take to the ring tonight? I'm hoping to get in a bout or two myself." Overhearing Ansgar, she snorts. "Do you seek an opponent, my lord?" she calls. "I'd be happy to oblige!"

"Lady Esoka, welcome!" the little dark eyed vixen beams to the blue-eyed Greenblood as she arrives. "I hope we will see you in the ring." Turning another a beautiful and warm smile is offered Cirroch's and Sasha's way. "Gods above and below, I did not think I would see you again you have been gone so long, my dearest Marquis. I am glad to see you looking so very well. Welcome back to my Hart. You as well, Princess Sasha. You look lovely as always," she smiles again, pausing to offer Darrow a more solemn nod as he passes to the bark. "My lord. I am glad you are here. Thank you for gracing us with your company," she says gently as she turns to bid Zerric welcome. "Ah, master librarian! I'm glad to see you. I saw the donations of books. It's wonderful! I'm so very excited to see what else is donated to our little reading hall," she beams brightly, pausing to offer Joslyn a warm little hug in greeting. "My sweetest Lady Joslyn, I am so happy to see you. Please go get drinks and we will start very soon."

Graham grins and moves over towards the others. "Ah greetings all." He comments in general though does give more formal introductions to those he may not know so well though moving to step to the side of the Hart's owner for now. He looks over to speak of matches though he seems to consider if he will join or not.

Cirroch bows his head toward Valencia as he holds Sasha close. "Good evening, Princess. I just got back to Arx. Is it too late to sign up for a spar?" he asks with a smile. He is wearing a crisp white coat and shirt and crimson red pants.

"Oh I do intend on trying a few myself," Joslyn says with a wave. "Silken warrior tonight!" Joslyn grins as she looks about the room, squeezing Valencia in greeting. "Oh I'll have a drink as soon as I've had a round in the ring. Fighting without armor seems to have been my lucky charm, today." Joslyn grins, stretching out her arms, and looking then to Esoka. "I'd like to test my blade against you, but if the ring is claimed I'll wait my turn!"

As Esoka offers up herself in a spar, Ansgar looks over the woman and he has to grunt in response. "Terror's reach will turn that purple prettiness to red." Ansgar winks before taking up a mead, whether it had actually been his or not, who knows. Ansgar drinks it regardless.

Waldemai watches the by-play with interest and a reddening nose. "I will lay 500 silver on Dame Esoka," he calls down.

Sasha offers a warm smile to Valencia as she says "We are both doing very well. Do you like the new pet he got me? Her name is Echo." And she holds up the wiggling Arctic Fox before snuggling the small vixen close to her chest once more. And she easily remains drawn in close to Cirroch, her smile only growing more.

Captain Reedy, a Telmarine military aide arrives, following Corban.

Being welcomed by Princess Valencia, Zerric dips low in a polite and formal bow to the lady, beaming a cheerful smile. "Truly, Your Highness. The literature is a gracious gift from Countess Reigna, and Count Kael. As such, your mentionings of it reminds me of something for us to discuss at a later time, if it pleases you." Dutifully, he lingers near Valencia so as to wait for her to choose a place to engage socially. Though it seems the first selection of combatants and wagers are being made already, and the scholar peers out to look first from Esoka, and then towards Ansgar, regarding each with curiosity.

If Ian can catch Esoka's attention, he'll motion her over, apparently having something to say to her that he doesn't feel like shouting across the room.

Valencia grins back up at Cirroch, "Never, my lord. In fact, if it pleases you, you can be in the next match to step on the sand. Please allow me to welcome everyone and we shall go from there, yes?" she smiles sweetly, giving the man's massive arm an affectionate pat. "She is a lovely pet indeed. I'm var partial to foxes, but you know this," she grins turning back to Cirroch. "I'm glad to see you. You have been missed very much," she offers turning to take her place on the sands to welcome the rowdy crowd. Dark eyes fall upon Marcos as he arrives and she smiles at him, "Welcome," she whisperers playfully as she slips through the crowd like as shadow.



Gracefully clad in storm grey silks cut darling low in the back and embracing sultry curves, Valencia prowls into the center of the Ring of Valor. There is a gracious incline of her head as she offers radiant and welcoming smile to the room. Pausing for a lull, she calls out to the crowd, her voice ringing out across the arena bright and clear.

"My lords and ladies, misseres and madams, dearest friends, again,welcome to my Hart. As ever, tonight is a night to relax and enjoy the skills presented in the ring in excellent company with a strong drink or two."

Esoka beams, departing her seat at the bar and striding off to the arena proper. A hand is raised toward Waldemai, at that call. "I shall try not to disappoint, master smith!" She draws her blade, offering Ansgar a knight's salute. "We shall see who leaves here with bruises of a different color. I am ready when you are, my lord."

Ansgar wields Terror's Reach a rubicund halberd.

"All here are welcome to participate and the bar is open for your pleasure,” the little vixen invites the growing crowd with a sparkle in her eye.

"This event is a little bit of a tradition in our city and we are glad you could attend. As many of you know the Hart is a meeting place for all of Arx to raise spirits and funds for good causes. It is with this in mind tonight that we ask you to please consider supporting the Hart so we may be ready to help others in these troubled times. Any and all support -- whether it is by word, task or writ and coin -- is most graciously appreciated. Thank you so much for your consideration and for your ongoing generous support of our charity and our events. Thank you for blessing our Hart with your fine company and good will.

And now, let us all come together and enjoy the evening. We hope you enjoy the festivities! Much life, luck and love to you all! Thank you! Warriors, if you will take to the sands!"



"All here are welcome to participate and the bar is open for your pleasure,” the little vixen invites the growing crowd with a sparkle in her eye.

"This event is a little bit of a tradition in our city and we are glad you could attend. As many of you know the Hart is a meeting place for all of Arx to raise spirits and funds for good causes. It is with this in mind tonight that we ask you to please consider supporting the Hart so we may be ready to help others in these troubled times. Any and all support -- whether it is by word, task or writ and coin -- is most graciously appreciated. Thank you so much for your consideration and for your ongoing generous support of our charity and our events. Thank you for blessing our Hart with your fine company and good will.

And now, let us all come together and enjoy the evening. We hope you enjoy the festivities! Much life, luck and love to you all! Thank you! Warriors, if you will take to the sands!"

Clank, clank. Clank, clank. Enter Lord Corban Telmar in his partial rubicund armor mix, moving towards the bar to get himself a drink. "More memorization can wait until tomorrow, Captain Reedy," the Lord is saying to the fellow in Telmarine livery behind him. "We will blow off some steam here tonight."


Marcos arrives just as Velencia speaks. He peers over the heads of some, taking in the spectacle for the first time and looking bemused by it all. He moves to where drinks are being served and procures one for himself before moving over to a quieter spot, as if one could be found, and sets about watching.


The little southern princess smiles to Esoka and Ansgar as they enter the ring, "Thank you. A good fight to you both," she smiles brightly slipping off to take a seat in the stands.

Waldemai calls down to the assorted nobs below. "Still offering 500 silver on Dame Esoka. Any takers?"

Reaching up over his left shoulder, Ansgar draws the awesomeness that is his massive halberd. Ansgar walks out onto the sands with mead in left hand and halberd in right, but whether he forgot what it was he had said or he realized the difficulty of it, the Mead is set down nearby. "Ok you little shav princess, it is the last time you speak poorly of the Blackrams!" He advances on Esoka.

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

Cirroch leans down to kiss Sasha again. "Wish me luck, my love," he says as he pulls away from her. He reaches out and pats Echo on the head and then steps out into the sands and skirts the edge to walk around to get armor and weapon ready for his chance to spar. He keeps his eye on Esoka and Ansgar so as to stay our of their way.

Cirroch has joined the ring of valor.

Ansgar takes minor damage.

Valencia has joined the raised seating.

Cirroch gets Golden Hart Arena Claymore from Weapons Rack.

Cirroch wields Golden Hart Arena Claymore.

Zerric has joined the raised seating.

Joslyn moves to the ringside, watching the fight with great interest as she grabs a passing mead, which anybody would note is different from Joslyn's normal choice of drink. She grins a moment and looks to the crowd, but for the moment her attention is mainly on the fights.

Ian remains sitting at the bar, with a bottle of rum next to him and a glass in his hand. He settles in to watch the sparring with the keen eye of an expert.

Sasha blushes softly as she returns Cirroch's kiss and sweetly says to him "Luck, my darling." She watches as he pulls away and heads towards the sands. Echo sitting up and watching as her fluffy is wrapped around her paws. Sasha begins to watch anxiously and sucks her breath in a little bit.

Ansgar takes minor damage.

Ansgar takes moderate damage.

Seemingly, the first fight is underway, and so Zerric moves to the railings to peer down after Valencia has gave her speech. Then as the sparks of battle ring out, the scholar smiles before wandering towards the bar to acquire a mug of mead, balancing the pair of books in one hand and the mug in the other. Afterwards he moves to join Valencia at the raised seating.

Cirroch gets Vermilion Drake Sabatons from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Esoka snorts at the 'shav princess' bit. Probably more at the latteer part of that than the former. And without hesitation, she launches herself at Ansgar. She manages to duck, weave, and deflect that very, very large blade as they make their first passes at each other. Getting in a few quick licks with her blade for good measure.

Cirroch gets Vermilion Drake Cuisses from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Cirroch gets Vermilion Drake Gauntlets from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Cirroch gets Vermilion Drake Cuirass from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Cirroch gets Vermilion Drake Helm from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Waldemai found no one willing to bet against Esoka, so his cheering is merely interest in a good fight rather than fiduciary in nature. "Let's see a good clean one, and not too much blood in the sand!"

Cirroch gets Vermilion Drake Arm Armor from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

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

He's nearly twice Esoka's age and its obvious as he begins to move that Ansgar is favoring old wounds here and there, a stiff shoulder on some attempts at an overhead strike, despite this his attacks are strong, and with a lack of armor, save for his head, he's keeping more or less undamaged. Ansgar grunts at Esoka. "Lets not fight, my dearest, it is unbecoming in public..."

Esoka takes moderate damage.


Distracted by the fight, Marcos moves along towards the raised seating area at a slow pace. A sip from his cup as blows are traded and then a slow nodding. He steps up into the seats and finds a chair.


Marcos has joined the raised seating.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Graham has joined the raised seating.

Ansgar takes minor damage.

The little vixen turns to welcome Corbin as he steps in to grand arena, his armor clanking like wedding bells, and her smile blossoms as he and his man arrives. There is a warm incline of head as he gets himself sorted with a drink or two and the little fox turns to smile again at Marcos' way, waiting to see if he will join her, glancing back with great interest at the battle on the sands, the banter now beginning between the two.

Esoka takes serious damage.

Valencia so sayeth the Valencia

Graham moves to join the raised seating for now at least seeming to decide that he may not compete unless he must to make up for a match. He gives a greeting nod to those here already.

Corban smiles and dips his head to the proprietoress. "Your Highness. A pleasure to be here with you tonight." He takes a sip from the ale he has gotten for himself. "Hope to get in a round for the evening."

Esoka tries to get in close, so she can deal some blows with her elbows as much as her sword. Which means she's close enough to that big blade that when it hits her, it can hit her /very/ hard indeed. She grunts at a particularly choice slam, but doesn't falter. Lips parting in a fierce, feral smile as she fights.

Pressing his advantage of reach, both with his weapon and his utter size, Ansgar begins to work out the disadvantage in speed against Esoka, he's had years of fighting experience on most anyone in the room. "Better raise that weapon up and defend yourself, lest I need to toss you over my shoulder and carry you home!" Ansgar is unable to talk quietly, everything he says is bellowed.

Ansgar takes moderate damage.

Ansgar takes moderate damage.

Ansgar takes moderate damage.

Ansgar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 56, rolling 33 lower.

Ansgar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 24, rolling 33 higher.

Ansgar remains alive, but close to death.

Ansgar falls unconscious.

Esoka lets out a bark of a laugh at Ansgar's words to her. /Shoving/ that large weapon back toward him in a firm parry. "Like that, my lord?" That shove manages to get her in tight, which seems to have been her goal, and she sweeps her blade low for a blow at his legs designed to knock him off his feet. Her sword may not be as big as his, but she handles it well enough.

Waldemai cheers for fighting the good fight! "Well done! Well Done!"

Cirroch is all suited up in the red sparring armor now as he stands on the edges watching the spar. He swings his sparring claymore up onto his shoulders and does a few squats to warm up.

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

When Graham comes to join Valencia and himself at the raised seating, Zerric beams a smile and wave at the man. "My Lord, a pleasure to see you again." He declairs cheerfully before his attention is pulled out to the fight. Seemingly, the scholar looked out just in time to witness the hefty blow Esoka received, watching with delight as the Esoka ends the fight.

Marcos sets his cup to the side so he can clap for those sparring as they finish. S small smile apon his lips.

Its suddenly as if Ansgar forgets everything he had just learned in fighting against Esoka. Ansgar changes his stance, it shows no sign of defense concerns and he moves to press his attack just as Esoka shoves his weapon aside and sweeps at his legs. A literal cloud of dust rises up as that massive frame lands with a resounding 'THUMP'. Ansgar lets out a long breath before he's eventually helped back up to his feet. "What did they put in that drink?!" Ansgar glances toward said tankard and groans as he stands back up. "Its been a /long/ time since we've had mead this strong in the Cloudspine!"

The crowd is riveted to the battle below, cheering and calling out their encouragement, and so to does the little vixen, who is so caught up in the match that she nearly forgets herself, jumping up to join Waldemai and the crowd in cheering them even as the Hart's mercies go to check on the large Northman. "Bravo! Well fought!," Valencia cries, turning to look over her shoulder to smile at Graham and Zerric and then to Marcos, "Good evening, sir. I do not believe we've met. My name is the Princess Valencia. May I ask for a name?" she invites with a warm playfully smile, her eyes crackling with the excitement of the previous match even as the next combatants take to the sands.

Esoka offers Ansgar a bow, as he stands again. "Good little fight, that." She exits the ring, heading back to the bar, though she points up at Waldemai as she goes. "The smith's next drink is on me! I ever appreciate a vote of confidence!"

Joslyn cheers loudly as Esoka manages to take down Ansgar, grinning widely as she downs the rest of her drink. "That's it!" Joslyn grins. "No surprise strikes there tonight," she muses with a little giggle, looking between the fighters. "Shall I take the next opponent?" she asks, twirling hairpins in her fingers.

Cirroch steps forward at Joslyn's challenge. He grins at her and swings his claymore down of his shoulders. "I will fight you!" he bellows.

Corban looks around as well, noting Lady Joslyn looking for a partner. "If you'd like an adversary, I am happy to square off in the ring, my Lady," says Corban, finally. "Or if others would prefer, they can take it as well. I am sure I will find a round against someone." When Cirroch steps up, Corban recedes, allowing him first.

"Oh right, of course it was a good fight, next time I will be certain as to not let you have a few of those hits." Ansgar pats Esoka's shoulder as he moves to take a drink at teh bar as well. Ansgar removes his ram's horn helm and sets it beside him, groaning a bit at a tender spot on his head.

Waldemai waves down from the rafters to Esoka. "Thank you! Thank you very much. Better stay with ale,even by the bucket." Then, as the next fight is announced, "500 silver on Lady Joslyn. Any takers?"

Marcos's eyes open a touch wider as Valencia introduces herself. He gives her a somewhat strained seated bow and a more normal smile. "You Highness. A pleasure to meet you. I am Lord Marcos Saik." He says in a bass voice and a slight accent of one from the country-side. "I caught your opening speach. So all this is to benefit of certian causes?"


Corban considers for a moment, looking at Cirroch, and then at Joslyn. "I will take the other side of that!" he calls out to Waldemai, taking the bet. "Five hundred silver."

Valencia smiles to Sasha, "Will you take that bet, Princess Sasha?" the little vixen smiles good naturedly to the petite woman and then up to Waldemai in the rafters and back.

Joslyn nods towards Cirroch, twirling her hairpins with a little giggle. "Are you sure you can handle these little sticks?" Joslyn asks, grinning wiht a little wink, rising to step into the ring, elegant silks flowing as she does so, her skirts seemingly divided and allowing a free range of movement, lifting an eyebrow towards her opponent she dips her head.

Ian doesn't seem to be here to gamble; he's here to watch the fighting, and does so with the keen, interested eye of an expert.

Suddenly, as if it had escaped his attention, there is another aside from Graham at the table with himself and Valencia. Peering towards Marcos, Zerric smiles and nods his head as the man and the Princess trade introductions. Though there isn't a lot for him to say at the moment, both of them being above his station and all.

Waldemai waves down to Lord Corban. "You are on, my lord. Let's have a good, fair, fun fight!"

Cirroch walks deeper into the ring, holding his claymore up to his shoulder. He grins at Joslyn and shrugs his head. "I've heard of giants toppled by smaller weapons, my lady. We shall see!"

Graham claps politely at the end of the match watching as new fighters take the ring. He seems quite content to sip his drink for right now and just enjoy the company of those gathered. "I find that in sparring there is no such thing as a sure bet." the soldier chuckles.

Esoka heads back to the bar, finally ordering herself a drink. Ale. She claps her big, calloused hands together for Joslyn, cheering loud as the woman squares up in her silks. "Lord Ian." She gives the man a small nod, once she's settled again. "Sorry. Was in a bit of a hurry there. Did you have something to impart to me?"

Joslyn laughs in delight and nods her head towards Cirroch. "Very wise," She dips her head. "Lady Joslyn Stonewood," she introduces herself to her opponent, pulling her pins into each hand. "Good luck!" Joslyn says simply with a grin.

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

"Cirroch Sanna," Cirroch says back bowing his head.

Darrow shifts as Esoka approaches the bar and Ian, whom he's standing next to. He examines her with a comprehensive glance of his pale blue eyes. "Well fought, Dame Esoka. Dedication to carry it, even when staggered."

Ian gives Esoka a quick quirk of a dry smile. "I did, but you navigated it just fine without me sticking my nose in." He sips his drink, his attention drawn like a magnet to the ring now that the fighting is about to start.

Cirroch takes moderate damage.

Cirroch takes minor damage.

Valencia smiles at Marcos and nods, "I am so very pleased to meet you, my Lord Saik. Please be welcome in my Hart. I hope this is the first of many times that we find you here," she grins warmly, dark eyes giving the man a little study. "At this time we will be sending a some funding to the soup kitchen in the Lower Burroughs among other things. With all that is going on, new refugees, projects to support our citizens and the Hart's good works and one crisis after another, there seems not end of need," she smiles warmly up at him. "Would you care to join us," she invites, bidding him to sit with a wave of a small slender hand. "Please allow me to introduce the charming Lord Graham of Stonewood, the intrepid Missere Zerrice and this is lovey Princess Sasha, and that is the dashing Lord Corban," she nods, offering introductions to those closest to where she is sitting,

Ansgar glances over toward Ian as the man is talking with Esoka. A thick finger is pointed at Ian. "Don't I know you?"

Cirroch takes moderate damage.

Esoka bows her head slight to Darrow. "I always presume I'll come away from a sparring match with a few bruises, my lord. That's part of the fun. I like to think it takes several staggerings to do me in." To Ian, she chuckles. "I did my best. Big blades like that, you have to get in tight to mitigate their reach. Which sometimes means you end up flattened. But that one worked out."

Ian draws his attention away from the fight when Ansgar addresses him; even he can't become so absorbed in watching a fight that he misses the boom of that voice. "We've met," he allows to the much larger man.

Joslyn gets her pins ready, her eyes narrowing as she sizes up her target and his very large sword. She bites her lips and moves in slowly, ready to wait for his strikes, and as they do, she darts away, sliding in to make contact, and she keeps doing this, every time. Swiftly darting around his strikes and hitting his openings. "Apologies, I'd really rather not get hit with that!"

Sir Rodrick, a Valardin Knight have been dismissed.

Spirit, the Sleepy Brown Fox have been dismissed.

Echo, the Energetic Arctic Fox have been dismissed.

Marcos's smile widens in a sort of pleasure as he hears what the funding will be going for. He nods and bows to each as they are introduced by Valencia in turn. "A pleasure to meet you all. And I look forward to a return visit already, your highness."

Its the cane as he eyes Ian that seems to trigger a memory. "Didn't we have a drink after you fell out ofsparring ring and broke your leg?" Ansgar grunts and holds up his tankard toward the barmaid. "MEAD" He bellows before looking back down at Esoka. "So what is your name, I feel like I should know it."

Cirroch lets out a belly laugh after missing each and every swing. He pauses long enough to take a breath. "My opponents are generally slowed down by the snow!" he says by way of excuse.

When introduced by Valencia, Zerric smiles and bows his head towards Marcos. "It is a pleasure to have met you, My Lord." The scholar emits cheerfully, finally seeming to have settled properly into his seat. With that, he places both books and the mug of mead onto the table in front of him, then extends forth a hand to the Lord. "Do you savor the sight of battle often then?"

A brighter more beautiful smile could not be offered. "You have just made me one of the happiest ladies in Arx to hear you say so, my Lord," Valencia replies with nod. Turning she smiles to Graham and Zerric, "What do you think? I suspect we are about to be treated to another fine match with these two," she nods to the sands, before glancing and smiling Ian, Darrow, Esoka and Ansgar's way.

Darrow gives a sidelong glance to the large Ansgar as the man speaks to Ian, but returns his attention to Esoka. "The Princess Reese Grayson mentioned that you serve under the charter of the Gold Order. That is correct?"

"We had a drink," Ian allows to Ansgar. His gaze is being drawn back toward the sparring ring again. "And I had just come back from the Gauntlet. My injury's a lot older than that, however."

Joslyn chuckles. "Well, that would explain it. I wouldn't stand a chance in the snow, I've never even seen it until my first winter in Arx!" Joslyn explains, doding around and striking at him again, though this time, her strikes glance off his armor, the next strikes are dodged and parried and she grins.

Marcos takes hold of Zerric's offered hand and gives a firm shake of greeting. "Do I savor battle? hmm..No. I enjoy competition and sportsmanship in a wide veriety of venues however and in this case it fits the bill very nicely. And to be honest I have much to learn from those here who are skilled. Watching seems a good way to start to change."


Cirroch does a better job of avoiding getting stabbed more but still has no luck landing a blow on the very nimble Joslyn. "You'll have to come to Giant's Reach, then," he says with a smile. "We have hot springs for you southerners," he adds with a belly laugh.

"Dame Esoka Greenblood," the woman replies to Ansgar. "Sword of the Twainfort, and sworn knight to House Riven. And how are you called, my lord?" She keeps half an eye on the match between Joslyn and Cirroch, nodding to Darrow. "I attached myself to the order when Lady Niamh still lived. Gods keep her soul. I've had little time for it of late. I've commitments to the templars as well. Though I still support Dame Alexis' efforts with it as I can."

Cirroch takes moderate damage.

Valencia seems to allow the gentlemen to speak as dark glittering eyes fall upon the sands again, watching Joslyn and Cirroch circle each other, the light-footed lady dancing readily out of the bigger man's reach.

"Hot springs?" Joslyn swings as she speaks, silk skirts spreading as she twirls, spinning into her contact with a soft grunt. "You sure know how to get a girl's attention!"

"Nice to meet everyone, though I can only hope to live up to her highness's praise she is the real hero here with the Hart supporting so many worthwhile events in the city." Graham comments as he's introduced.

"You've not heard of me? I am Lord Ansgar Blackram, General of the Blackram Pikeman in our fight against the shav forces. I've come to the city to escort my Uncle while he visits with the Valardin family." Ansgar takes a healthy drink of his mead and smacks his lips together before glancing back at Ian as he talks of his injury, there's a bit of confusion. "Of course its an old wound, you dont typically have a well used cane for a new wound!"

Waldemai has more interest in this fight since he's got some silver riding on the outcome. "You show him how it's done, Lady Joslyn. Float like a tiger moth, sting like a wasp!"

Cirroch is starting to look a little winded and the spar doesn't seem to be going his way. He changes up his stance and smiles toward Joslyn as he steps around her a few steps sizing her up ready for his next attack.

Cirroch takes minor damage.

Echo, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound arrives, following Kael.

Cirroch takes moderate damage.

Valencia glances up at Waldemai, her smiles widens even more. "I swear, I should offer Master Waldemai an award for showing such incredible spirit. I adore his presence at these events so very much," she laughs softly, calling Lizette over to make sure the man's drinks are on the house for the rest of the evening.

The handshake that Marcos receives is given a degree less strength behind it than is given, Zerric being of a more modest stature. When the gesture is complete, the scholar withdraws his hand and presents the man a second bow of his head, delighting in the conversation. There is little interest that the man seems to bare for the fight below, seeming to favor his honey wine and the conversation at hand instead. "Truly, I can concur with such rationalization, My Lord. Perhaps one day I shall take to one of these warriors and learn how to defend myself proper." He announces before casting a glance towards Valencia. His gaze returns swiftly towards Marcos, however. "In fact, I've been considering investigating the possibility of involving myself in some more dangerous aspects of life, and delving into the scouting missions Princess Reese leads."

Ian nods solemnly to Ansgar. "As you say, my lord." He seems to have no problem switching the conversation on a dime; indeed, to look at him or listen to him, one might think this was just as commonplace as any interaction he's had. "Some people aren't so observant."

Joslyn grunts again into her attacks wiht Cirroch, striking hard and fast, she squints a moment and digs in her heels, dancing around his blade still, focused and intense she charges in, marking him and striking through his thick steel.

Waldemai has nothing against free ale! "Three cheers for Princess Valencia!" he calls to the other denizens of the cheap seats. "Puts on the fights and buys booze as well!" Because only ale could distract him from a bout.

Cirroch swings wildly with little concern for defending against Joslyn. His balanced attacks weren't getting him anywhere. Maybe going all out on an attack would work. It doesn't though. Ouch.

Cirroch checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 2, rolling 37 higher.

Cirroch remains capable of fighting.

Cirroch checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 49, rolling 42 higher.

Cirroch remains capable of fighting.

Cirroch checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 122, rolling 63 lower.

Cirroch checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 77, rolling 26 lower.

Cirroch is incapacitated.

Cirroch falls unconscious.

Marcos raises a brow as a scouting mission is mentioned, distracted with the fight below. "Really? What would make the scouting mission dangerous if I may ask? I'm new to the city and more then a bit out of the know as far as rumor goes." He sips from his cup only to set it down and prepare to clap as the fight comes to a end.

Corban mutters to himself and sends over his silver to Waldemai, having, apparently, taken the wrong side of that bet. But he claps for the duelists, looking around to see who might get the next round.

Although there is plenty of liquor present within the arena, Kael appears to have acquired himself a lovely tumbler full of some amber liquor at another portion of the establishment. He has in hand a parcel, held close to him, and navigates the edges of the arena before finding a lonesome corner table that he is able to spectate from.

Joslyn seems to be digging in her heels even further, as the fight draws on, striking at him with all of her strength she drives those pins into his side with soft grunts of exertion, quickly driving herself into him. It isn't long until he succumbs to the strikes and she finds herself standing the victor, but ever the good sport, she offers a hand to help him up.

Waldemai cheers for the big knockout, "Well fought! Well fought!" He is glad to see the healers putting Cirroch back together. Then someone hands him a pouch that clinks very prettily. "Thank you very much, my lord," he calls down to Lord Corban.

Valencia jumps to her feet with the crowd to applaud another incredible match even as the Hart's mercies rush to Cirroch's side. "Bravo! Well fought!" the little vixen applauds, offering a respectful nod to Lady Joslyn and then Cirroch when he comes too. Looking up she notes Count Kael's arrival and offers a welcoming nod his way, beckoning him to join her on the stands with a warm wave of her delicate hand.

As cheers are called out for Valencia, Zerric raises in his seat, scoops up his mead and calls out his affirmation. Thrice the scholar boasts her name happily, peering down at her with an albeit smug grin. Though back to the conversation at hand, he settles more into his seat and looks back at Marcos. "My Lord, the scouting missions often delve into the Grey Forest, which is said to be haunted by reflections. Terrifying demons and creatures of all sort." He explains towards the other man, taking a sip of his beverage before setting it down on the table in front of him again.

Esoka lets out a loud, bellowing "WHOOP!" as Joslyn triumphs in the ring against Cirroch. Clapping her big hands together in heavy applause. To Ansgar, she offers a half-bow of her shoulders. "Well-met, then, Lord General. I hope you enjoy the city. I've been here nearly a year and a half, myself, and it still seems filled with surprises I can't anticipate."

Cirroch of Giant's Reach felled by the small southern dualist. He lays in the sand for a few seconds and then lets out a laugh as he accepts Joslyn's hand, pulling himself up to his feet. He removes his helm and wipes some of the sweat from his brow. "Well fought, Lady Joslyn," he says. He waves off the mercies and limps over to the side.

Darrow asks, with quiet intensity, of Esoka, "I was acquainted with Lady Niamh, though not well. If I recall correctly, she passed during the Siege of the Silence." A brow arches as he asks her, "She founded the Order? Or ... re-founded, as it were?"

Cirroch puts Vermilion Drake Sabatons in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Cirroch puts Vermilion Drake Cuisses in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Cirroch puts Vermilion Drake Gauntlets in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Cirroch puts Vermilion Drake Cuirass in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Cirroch puts Vermilion Drake Helm in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Cirroch puts Vermilion Drake Arm Armor in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Finishing off his second meat, Ansgar pats his meaty hand on the bar top, grabbing his helm he gives Ian a nod. "A pleasure, Lord Ian, as always." Ansgar seems to be having a lucid moment, and when Esoka calls him Lord General, he grins at the woman. "Oh I haven't been a Lord General for quite some time, I am now a Knight of Solace." With that said, Ansgar seems to be readying himself to leave.

Cirroch puts Golden Hart Arena Claymore in Weapons Rack.

Joslyn dips her head and makes her way off to the side with Cirroch with a dip of her head. "A pleasure, Master Cirroch," Joslyn offers with a smile, having heard no title in the earlier introduction, moving off the ring to allow the next pair of combatants to fight, and dipping a head towards Esoka with a grin. "Thank you for your enthusiasm," she says, chuckling.

"Marquis," Ciroch says as a polite correction. "Pleasure was mine."

2 Igniseri novice guards arrives, following Lucita.

Leana, an Igniseri Guard, Lucita arrive, following Luis.

Leana, an Igniseri Guard have been dismissed.

When Valencia is beckoning him forward, Kael abandons his lonesome little corner to instead collect his things and approach the hostess. He works his way up the stands and inclines his head low, dipping partially into a bow that is managed even with the items in hand. Her companions additionally are nodded to by way of greeting. "As ever," he says to the Princess, "an impressive event, your highness."

2 Igniseri novice guards have been dismissed.

Cirroch has left the ring of valor.

Cirroch has joined the raised seating.

Kael has joined the raised seating.

Esoka bows her head slight, as she speaks of Niamh's passing. "It was just a little after the siege. She died in bed at peace. Some trouble of the heart of the brain? I am no physician, but it came on very suddenly. She seemed in perfect health one day and the next..." She sighs heavy. "She founded it, aye. Dame Alexis has taken up the mantle of leading it, in an attempt to carry it forward." To Josyln, she waves brightly. "You were a whirl up there! Did that fellow even touch you?"

Waldemai is well illuminated after all the free drinks he's been getting, and when another noble he knows rolls in he lifts his mug. "Ho, Lady Lucita! You've missed a couple good fights!"

Joslyn dips her head once more to Cirroch. "My apologies, Marquis Sanna. I'll have to bear your family name in mind to avoid any future mistakes. If you don't mind my saying, I noticed a few things I might be able to help you with if you'd like to avoid being poked full of holes in the future," she offers with a little smile. She turns her attention back to Esoka, moving to join her with a cheerful wave. "He did not, though I suppose it wasn't fair of me to not wear my armor," she muses with a considering smile.


Arriving through the main entrance, Luis is dressed in black leathers with various levels of detailing that depict flame, feather, and rising phoenix. Each portion of the leather seeming to embelish a different aspect of the firebird, though he is not alone, at his side is Lucita, dressed in her own resplendent, end of summer wear that is colourful to counterpoint his dark-shadowy state. They step through, looking about, before Luis will lead Lucita towards the Hostess who seems in the midst of already greeting others. He will wait a moment, pausing to wave to Waldemai as he seems to see them before they're even fully through the door, "A good evening to you Master smith, it's not been too long since the last time! Great show in the pond."

Lucita lifts a hand to wave toward Waldemai, a little smile given him. "Oh, no. I missed some? How did they go?" She turns to Luis and says. "See, I told you we'd be late!"

"My dearest Count, I am so pleased to see you. Please join us, yes? This is not an evening to be sitting alone," Valencia smiles again, sweetly offering the man a delicate hand in greeting. "I believe you know Miserre Zerric and Lord Graham, but have you met Lord Marcos and Marquis Cirroch?" she smiles introducing all the parties.

Graham has left the raised seating.

"She's right. He didn't," Cirroch says with a smile leaning in close to Esoka and Joslyn as he limps past them, having removed his armor and weapon. "Lady Joslyn, I look forward to hearing all about it, but tonight I get drunk!" He climbs up to the raised seating after grabbing a strong drink. He turns to sit near Valencia as he looks around for his beloved Sasha, unaware of the introductions taking place.

Waldemai raises his mug to Lord Luis as well, and calls down to Lady Lucita, "There they are at the bar, Dame Esoka and Lady Joslyn."

Darrow clears his throat, pushing away from the bar after a solemn nod to Esoka. He drifts towards Valencia and the ring, asking in a hollowed tone, reflective-blue eyes panning around. "Was there to be someone else?"

Ian sits at the bar, and watches with intense blue eyes as Darrow moves towards the ring.


There's talk of Joslyn coming away unharmed and Luis smiles at Lucita, "It would seem that your tutor is here showing off her style again," he admits with a small smile. "It shall be good to hear of how she plans to teach you again, though she was supposed to have someone for you to spar the next time she saw you... I hope you're ready?" he asks. There's a nod to Cirroch as the man admit his loss, but Luis gives him the respect he deserves for even fighting at all. "Sorry that we missed it, though I shall hope there will be more before the evening is through," he says, looking around and tapping the hilt of his sword with his free hand. "Dame Esoka, Lady Joslyn, stirring up the crowds again as usual?" He asks of them, then turns to Valencia when he sees her finally free, "Ah, Dearest Princess, a good evening and thank you for hosting once more," he says as he approaches and offers to take her hand for a kiss of knuckles and a bow over her arm. "A pleasure, as always, to be in your company."

Esoka raises her mug of ale to Cirroch. "The drink is good here, my lord, so you've come to the right place!" She takes another gulp of her own ale. Looking over Joslyn's silks with a mixture of admiration and puzzlement. "I don't know how you fight in skirts. I feel like my legs are getting tangled up in them if I try to walk too quickly." The sound of her name makes her turn her head, and she flashes a grin to Luis. "Lord Luis! I gave it my best. I had a good little fight against Lord Ansgar of Blackram. And now, I am having ale."

Luis and Lucita's arrival had gone somewhat unnoticed by Zerric, and so when Valencia is calling out in their direction, he lifts himself some from his seat to greet them both with a smile and a wave. "Lord Luis, Lady Lucita! Good to see you both again!" He declairs happily before settling back into the raised seating.

Valencia smiles to Darrow, "Yes, I belive Lord Corban was hoping to take to the sands. Would you aceept his challenge, my Lord Darrow," she asks looking up at the pale blue-eyed Darkwarter Lord, glancing about to find Lord Corban and calling, "My lord, did you still wish to dance?" she nods with a smile just as Luis speaks to her. The man gets a beautiful smile in welcome. "My dearest Lord Luis, and thank you for joining us. It would not be the same without you," she beams as he takes her delicate hand. "Please join me, yes?" she smiles again, turrning to offer an affectionate smile to Lucita. "But please pardon me a moment while I see to this next match. I will return."

Cirroch smiles to Esoka and raises his own glass. His search for Sasha is interrupted by Luis. Cirroch smiles at him and bows his head. "You missed quite the display," he admits. He then turns to see Valencia and Kael and nods his head to him. "Nice to see you again, my lord."

Corban laughs and looks around for who he is being paired with, nodding his head once. "Yes! Let us go. Lord Darrow is it?" he asks, as he begins to move down to the arena.

Hearing a voice calling her name, Joslyn turns to face Luis and she smiles towards him. "Doing my best!" she says, grinning and giving a little dip of her head to Lucita. "Good to see you as well, Lady Lucita. Have you been well? I'm afraid I haven't been able to find a student to match your abilities quite yet, but I'll find you somebody to really test yourself with," to Esoka, Joslyn nods. "I have my skirts cut in a very specific way, helps me move easier, and my first combat lessons were strictly self defense, so I learned to fight in skirts, since that would have been what I was wearing. I suppose I just got used to it!"

Waldemai looks over the fighters, and doesn't recall seeing any of them in the arena. Of course, it could be the ale talking. At least he knows one of them. "Five hundred silver on Lord Corban!"

Ian leans forward a little bit with a sense of anticipation when it becomes clear that it's going to be Darrow against Corban.


Rising from kissing Valencia's hand, Luis smiles at her then draws back so that she is not too surrounded, "Of course, dear princess," he replies, and then she is gone, which leaves him with opportunities, "Luci, feel free to mingle, unless you wish to hold my arm for the rest of the evening?" he asks of her, teasing tone in his voice, though it's clear that he does not mind the presence of his sister at his side. "Thank Dame Esoka, I shall be drinking soon enough, I admit." There are calls for a battle and Luis grins with the smile of a schoolboy, looking out at the sands as the combatants move in that direction. "Alright, we are not too late, and I do hope someone is still interested in sparring afterwards, I would like to stand on the sands once again," he adds. Turning to Zerric, Luis gives the Master Librarian a large smile, reaching over to pat the man soundly upon the shoulder, "A good evening to you Master of Libraries of the Golden Hart, how do you fair this evening? Will you be sparring as well?" he asks.


Lucita:curtsies to Valencia as she deals with the next match. "Of course, Princess. You have a busy time here with so many showing up." She glances to the others she knows giving each a smile of greeting and a friendly gesture of not meaning to ignore anyone, she says. "Good evening to you all!" A moment later she calls up to Waldemai. "Doubly sorry have missed it then." To Joslyn she says "Well enough though please don't be in a hurry for me to have more lessons, I have so much to do that it will be a while before I can manage another."

Esoka does more boisterous shouting as Corban and Darrow enter the ring, cheering them into it at high volume. She does /not/ take Waldemai's bet. "If I was wagering, I'd put my money on the Telmar," she says to Joslyn. "Though I'm eager to see how Lord Darrow carries himself. I've never seen him fight before." Lucita is offered a quick smile, before all her attention fixes on the bout.

Valencia looks up and smiles to Waldemai, "I will see your bet, missere," she nods, lifting a glass to him.

After he's spoken a few words to those that he is in the stands with, Kael is looking across those gathered and taking the atmosphere in. Noting Waldemar's words, the Keaton Count is of course supporting his fellow Valardin: "If anyone cares to take the bet, a thousand silver on Lord Corban Telmar!" He lifts his glass of amber liquid and flashes Corban a mighty grin. When Valencia sees the bet, however, his gaze turns to her with a raised brow.

Waldemai waves down to the Princess. "You are officially faded, your highness," he calls. "If I win, it's 500 for me, and if I lose, to the Hart's charity and we all win!"

As Luis inquires of him about the potential to spar, Zerric chuckles and shakes his head clearly at the idea of it. "Not in the least, My Lord. I'm afraid that with so many fine and brave warriors here to watch, I would provide little entertainment aside from my own embarrassment. No, I'll keep to matters of attending to library here for the time being, thank you, My Lord."

"Well there's nothing more that I can teach you about small weapons," Joslyn admits to Lucita. "But I do hope to work on your dodge and endurance in the future. No hurry, but I hope we can meet up eventually for more, you've done so well," Joslyn smiles, looking to the fight with an added bit of interest, she looks to Esoka and nods. "I've never seen either of them fight, but the Telmars are a tough people. My money would go on them every time. Unless it were Lord Percephon, now that I think about it..." she muses, smirking before turning her attention back to the fight.

Captain Reedy, a Telmarine military aide have been dismissed.

The little vixen looks up at Waldemai and laughs, "Gods, you make losing so delightful, my sweetest missere. How lovely you are," Valencia shoots back to the rafters, turning to smile at Kael, "Would you care to be met as well, my sweetest Count? I am game to do so if it please you," she smiles over at the Count of Keaton wiht a playful grin.

Darrow turns curtly on a heel as Valencia speaks to him, moving without gusto or bravado down to the ring. His pale gaze flickers to Waldemai, and then to his opponent, Corban, as he steps onto the ring. "It seems the crowd favors you, Lord Corban. I am Darrow of Darkwater." He reaches a hand to his back, unlimbering his heavy blade.

Captain Reedy, a Telmarine military aide have been dismissed.

Darrow wields Joy, a blackened alaricite longsword with an arcanely mirrored blood groove.

Corban wields Breathtaker.

Cirroch finishes up his drink and turns around to Valencia and bows his head toward her. "Thank you for hosting this spar again, Your Highness. I must go find what happened to my love, Princess Sasha. Have a good night," he says as he stands. He waves at those in the stands and then if he catches Joslyn's attention he waves to her too.

Corban steps into the ring and raises his longsword in a salute to the Darkwater lord across from him, before settling into a balanced stance. "Gloria favor the honorable spar," he calls out. "And let's give the people a show."

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

Lucita lets go Luis's arm and makes her way over toward the bar. "Lord Ian, good evening." She gives Joslyn a quick grin, "Maybe. Baron Estaban..." She lowers her voice to complete the teasing comment.

Ian looks briefly in Lucita's direction and nods to her, but he seems especially interested in this fight, and is quick to go back to watching it.

Valencia seems to look confident in Darrow, dark eyes resting upon him as he enters the ring. "My honour and silver is in your hands, my lord. See me safe to harbor, sir," she calls out with a smile. "Thank you for coming to see us again, my dearest Marquis. I hope you return to my Hart again soon. You were missed," the little fox smiles up at Cirroch as he bids her farewell.

Corban takes very serious damage.

"I've sparred with Lord Corban before, and he's always a fierce opponent," Esoka says to Joslyn. Though a low whistle escapes her as she takes in Darrow's blade. "This, indeed, should be most interesting."

Corban takes moderate damage.

Valencia's mouth opens slightly and looks up to the rafters, "Woudl you care to double it?" she chimes with a look to Waldemai and then Kael, flashing a bit of an impish smile despite knowing better to call a fight so early in the match.

Corban is knocked off his block early, the powerful swing of the Darkwater lord staggering him. The Telmar shakes his head, apparently needing to reorient himself at those blows. "Even in the practice ring, alarcite is a powerful weapon, my Lord," he compliments.

Waldemai is drunk enough to agree to anything. "Aye, your highness! One thousand on Lord Corban!" he shouts down to Princess Valencia.

As if the entirety of his slow, relentless march to the sands were another man entirely, Darrow is suddenly in motion. Both hands grip about the long pommel of his blade, and he turns the heavy flat of it against Corban's shoulder and blade.

He's mute, now, his sunken expression and wasted cheeks set grimly, only marching forwards.

Joslyn considers the fight and nods to Esoka. "Hmm. Just doesn't seem sporting to use alaricite in a spar," Joslyn murmers to Esoka, gesturing to the hairpins that she hadn't removed. To Lucita she smiles. "Perhaps!"

Cirroch has left the raised seating.

Kael lifts his glass toward Valencia, and evidently that combined with the inclination of his head is to serve as his answer. He settles back in his seat thereafter, content to sip on his drink as he observes the bout. There is a slight wince that is more empathetic than anything else to the blows that proceed. Valencia's call has him chuckling softly before answering, "Nay! I am content with my bet as it stands, else Reigna shall be vexed at me!" Though his focus is on the match, he does lean forward and offer a few words to those others near him.


Luis arches a brow as the combatants draw their blades, noting to Lucita, "Both of those weapons are worth the price of entire towns... these two are ready to..." he whistles, giving Lucita a grin as he seems to be enjoying the fight.

Darrow takes minor damage.

Ian follows the motions of the weapons with an alert, perceptive eye. He's forgotten about his drink entirely as he leans forward, absorbed in the give and take of the combat.

Corban takes serious damage.

Darrow presses his attack, with reach and a staggering ferocity. The rictus-pommel of his archaic blade flash as he wields it. He suffers a cut from the Telmar lord, but the Knight of Sorrow continues on, relentless of his own safety, seemingly, his blade rising high to then cut down.

Corban, at least, manages to reorient himself after those first hard blows, back off his heels enough to sneak in a blow against the Darkwater lord. But then there is another dig of the blade against his armor and the Telmar thinks about his strategy.

While the conversation with Luis has come to a close, Zerric resettles himself into his seat, glancing occasionally at the fight below. While Kael addresses the table more privately, the scholar cheerfully responds, seeming to shake his head at something. Though as the conversation progresses, he pulls one of his books from his stack and splays it open to peer at its content.

Corban takes minor damage.

Corban takes minor damage.

Esoka pats the steel blade at her hip, nodding in agreement with Joslyn. "That he stands up at all to a weapon like that is a testament to his mettle." She takes a sip of her ale, nursing it as the fight goes on, blue eyes fixed on the contest.

Corban has rolled a critical success!
Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 14, rolling 176 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Darrow takes moderate damage.


Luis seems drawn into the combat, so that he misses Zerric's reply, but then he turns his attention to the Librarian, "I am sorry Master Librarian, I did not mean to be rude... I just, I had not seen a diamondplate blade wielded before."

Lucita glances toward Luis and gives a little shrug and turns her attention toward the fight, moving a step or two so not blocking anyone's view and able to see it well. "I don't think I could get close enough to even connect to either of them with hairpins and can easily imagine one whap and being sprawled on the sand. Good thing I plan only to watch these spars!

Sweat streaming from the man, Darrow fights not as if a candle burning, but a brushfire blazing. It's clear the efforts tax him, but even the blows to his body seem only to spur him forwards.

Lord Corban is taking hard blows, but he falls into a more guarded stance, apparently trusting Darrow's weakening condition to help him along. And it does, to an extent, the Darkwater taking a blow from the Telmar. But the truth is Corban is quite far behind.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 29 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 14 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Darrow takes moderate damage.

Darrow takes minor damage.

Ian nods to himself as the strain is starting to show on both men.

Darrow takes very serious damage.

Lucita says, "Gee, they are both so tough, don't see how either is managing to stay on their feet!"

Peering up from his book towards Luis, Zerric beams a smile and shakes his head at that. "I would urge you to think nothing of it, My Lord. Truly the fight is a spectacle to be sure!" Declairs the man who not only brought books along with him, but has even taken to reading one of them. "To be sure, a diamondplate weapon is a rare sight to behold! All the more, I would be hardly prepared for a fight."

Valencia sits on the edge of her seat, dark eyes held hard to the sands now, bottom lip held firmly between teeth as she watches.

Corban's rope-a-dope strategy is seeing some success as fatigue begins to catch up to the Darkwater, and the Telmar presses the attack, his blade finding purchase. He is still behind -- that much is obvious -- but not as much as he was a minute or so ago.

Bleeding, despite the precautions taken with the weapons, the Knight of Sorrow swings his headsmans' blade in a level chop, that - if it had been unprotected, and had Corban the misfortune to not dodge it, would likely have shown its purpose. His teeth show, jaw clamped tight.

Darrow checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 3, rolling 44 higher.

Darrow remains capable of fighting.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 6 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Darrow checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 12, rolling 19 higher.

Darrow remains capable of fighting.

Corban has rolled a critical success!
Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 87, rolling 45 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 119, rolling 33 lower.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 75, rolling 30 lower.

Corban is incapacitated.

Corban falls unconscious.

Lucita claps soundly for both the men sparring. "That was an amazing fight!"

Waldemai is up in the rafters cheering along with the others. That was the fight of the night so far, by far! "Well done! Well fought! Three cheers for both! Rah! Rah! Rah!" As the excitement fades, he can be seen counting coins into a pouch and calling on teh waiter to bring it to Princess Valencia.


Marcos comes to his feet as the fight concludes, bringing his hands together with force as he claps. "Bravo! Excelent!"


Corban feels his grasp on being on his feet slipping, and so he throws his all into his next attack. The problem, however, is that Darrow is there first, connecting with the Telmar and sending him back into the sand with his ears ringing. "Well done, my Lord," says Corban as he clamors up to his feet after staying down for a moment.

Valencia gracefully rises from her seat applauding whole heartedly. A little grin and quiet words are offered to Kael and a bright smile and salute is offered to Waldemai, "I thank you messiere, and look forward to offering you a chance to win this back," she nods playfully as she slips down the stairs to personally thank and congratulate both combatants on an incredible fight. "Thank you, my lords. And thank you so very much for seeing me safely to harbor, my dearest Lord Darrow."

As the sparring match continues to wear on, the toll taken by both the men's armor and injuries is clear. Darrow is locked in close with Corban, and in a last, driving effort, shoulders Corban back from himself, thrusting, to strike the final blow. He staggers back, himself, against the railing. The Knight won, but it wasn't pretty, and he's marred and flat exhausted, himself. He takes a moment, then pushes himself away from the railing to offer Corban a hand. "May the dark against the Compact stare at you in terror, Lord Corban Telmar. It should be, with your abilities."

Esoka cheers loud as the match concludes. "I could not have stood on my feet so long against that. Bravo!" She raises her mug, then finishes her ale off in a deep gulp.


Luis sees the fight come to it's conclusion a lot closer at the end than it had looked in the beginning. When it came down to the final blow, he was entirely unsure as to who would be winning, but then Darrow finishes the fight and Luis bows his head, "Ah, well that was a rounding comeback by the Lord Corban, another few seconds and you may have had the Lord Darrow, but victory is earned, well done Lord Darrow," Luis tells both men, offering to buy them both their next round of drinks for the display.

Joslyn applauds and smiles, turning to Esoka. "I'm afraid we'll have to test blades another time, some business calls. Do take care!"

Valencia looking from lord to lord, "I hope I will see you both for rematch?" she smiles sweetly up at them. "I am so very happy to have you both in my Hart. You are always so very welcome. Thank you both."

Esoka nods to Joslyn. "I should not be too much longer here, either, but I'm at the training center often. A good night, my lady." She sets her empty ale mug on the bar and prepares to be off, with that.

Things are getting a little too quiet for the drunks in the cheap seats. Waldemai calls down, "I've got my hammer. If we're in a mood for some comic relief, I could stand a few wallops."

Esoka has left the bar.

Darrow limps up towards the bar again with a sober, meaningful nod at Ian. He wipes a hand across his features, streaming a bit of blood and saliva from his lips. He pauses to bow his head to Valencia, respectfully. "Your Highness is too kind. Mangata willing, the ships in my stead will always see the shore." It's at this point, bloodied, a messenger finds him, - a messenger who seems quite alarmed at the status of the man. Darrow takes ale from the bar, dousing a rag in it and scrubbing at his features, missive in the other.

Olenna arrives, delivering a message to Darrow before departing.

Ian pours a glass of rum for Darrow and slides it wordlessly in his direction.

Valencia smiles kindly at the man. "My Lord Darrow, if this is how you see to ships in your care, then I am happy to have mine in your hands. I thank you for coming to tonight. I hope it is the first of many such nights we see you. Please, enjoy another drink," the petite southern princess offers, smiling to Ian as he sees to filling Darrow's glass and pausing to wave over Magg with a fresh bottle of rum and a clean rag. "Please join us if it pleases you, gentlemen," she invites and then turns she leaves them to their discussion and returning to the raised seating.

Thesarin steps into the arena, walking slowly and just the slightest bit stiffly as he heads on into the arena, looking around at the people there. He's not dressed in his armor, tonight; just simple explorer's clothes that almost cover his tattoos, with a sword sheathed at his hip.


Luis looks around, watching as a few people leave and others enter, seeming to keep the arena in a steady state of movement. He gives his sister a nod and leans over to whisper to her, while stepping aside so that Tehasrin can wander past. There's a look up to Waldemai as the man seems to offer his hammer for combat, though Luis looks to Valencia and then Zerric, if only to see what state the two of them have gotten in. He finds an ale for himself and starts drinking, a little lost in his thoughts for the briefest of moments.

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Darrow takes the glass, and downs it with a rasp and pained grunt.

Ian doesn't seem to be in a particularly social mood, this evening. His features are drawn, aging him well beyond his years. Aside from the combat, he mostly seems interested in his drink. He nods to Valencia, maybe to acknowledge that he heard her speak, but doesn't make any move to go over to her table.

Waldemai jumps down from the rafters as the party starts to get slow. He waves his smith's hammer, the weapon he knows best and shouts, "I'll stand in against anyone for a five hundred silver donation to the Hart fund." He is bandy legged and well-muscled, but doesn't look like much of a fighter in terms of technique.

Being the scholar that he is, as the excitement of the fight draws down, Zerric's attention shifts to focus more on both whatever conversation is at hand, and towards the book he has splayed open in front of him. So as Luis peers at the man, he hardly even seems to have caught wind of that, least his name is called out.

Lucita is rather quiet tonight, paying more attention to the fights than to the crowd. At the whisper Luis gives, she gives a grin and nudges him. "Go ahead. Know you have been itching to try a spar. I'll watch, as for being quiet, that's just me being glad was not there on the sands." She steps to the side to watch and leans against the par. "Tell me what you think of Luis in a spar, Lord Ian."

Ian stirs himself from his thoughts and nods to Lucita, possibly without having really heard what she said.

Valencia looks to Waldemai and shakes her head, "You are a man whose spirit is beyond compare, missere," she smiles fondly as he takes the sands and makes his challenge. "You would do well to accept Count Kael's invitation, he is one of my most favourite hosts in the city,"she grins to Marcos before turning to offer Kael a delicate hand, "You need to be in my Hart more often. Promise me you will, yes?"

Olenna arrives, delivering a message to Darrow before departing.

Thesarin looks to Waldemai, and crosses his arms, looking around to the other people sitting around. And he nods once to the man. "I'll stand the five hundred." He speaks in a low voice with just a hint of a growl, perhaps a trace of an accent, in a tone that seems practiced at speaking over noise. "If you can find a challenger."

Chuckling softly, Kael raises slowly from his seating and inclines his head toward those that he was seated with. "You shall not, and the pleasure was mine," he assures Zerric before nodding once more toward Lord Marcos. Thereafter he turns to offer one more kiss to the back of Valencia's hand with his lips just barely not touching. A few words are spoken quietly to her, he inclines his head, and with that his parcels are gathered and he is off.

Waldemai has joined the ring of valor.


Luis sighs and removes his arm from Lucita's as she heads for the table with Ian, looking towards the man, then looks to Tesarin as he seems to comment and Luis begins to look a bit sad, but then smiles as he sees that Thesarin merely plans to sponsor the man, "Alright then, seems fair, it's been a while since I've taken to the sands, and I imagine that just getting hit a bit should make me realize whether or not I wish to get back into the ring, or not." Luis teases, but then nods to Waldemai, "Whatever happens, you'll be drinking free for the rest of the night," he explains, then starts to head down towards the sands, passing Valencia and her conversation with Kael.

Luis has joined the ring of valor.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler arrive, following Estaban.

Luis wields Renewal, a rubicund saber.

Waldemai jumps into the ring, and claps his steel hat on his head, because, drunk or nor, spar or not, he prefers his brains inside his head. "Well, met, Lord Luis," he says, and "Thank you."

Kael has left the raised seating.

Echo, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound leaves, following Kael.


Luis steps into the ring, a little less showy than Waldemai, but nodding to the man as he draws his saber and slowly raises it, "Indeed. Forgive me, but thank you and your willingness to participate," he explains, his eyes dancing at the idea of the combat that is about to begin.

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

Valencia smiles to Luis, offering a deep incline of head as he takes to the sands. "I wish you luck, my lord," she nods and smiles up at him. That familiar rumble seems to catch the little vixen's ears and she turns around. A bright smile finds her lips as Thesarin is seen. "My darling Count Thesarin, welcome back to my Hart. It is so very good to see you. You will join us, yes?" she invite him to join them as the fight begins.

Waldemai takes serious damage.

Waldemai takes moderate damage.

Waldemai takes minor damage.

Estaban comes walking into the Hart looking around, his blue eyes scanning this way and that. He has a bit os a smirk on his face as he looking about.

When Luis takes to the arena, Zerric peeks up to watch in the fight. In fact, the scholar even folds closed his book to regard the event, eyeing the fighters carefully. Seemingly, it's an entirely different story when close friends are in the arena.

Lucita is not seated anywhere but she is leaning on the bar watching the ring, nudging Ian's arm a little. "You think Luis will be alright? I haven't seen him fight lately...OH. Look! Go Luis, you can do it!"

Waldemai is drunk as a skunk, and although he is surprisingly quick on his feet and unsurprisingly strong, he's not much of a fighter and a worse dodger. Three quick raps, none of them devastating, but all of them connecting, have him turned around a little. "Where did you go, my lord," he calls, whirling his hammer up to speed.

Ian is watching the fight, although with not nearly the kind of interest he devoted to Corban and Darrow's faceoff.


Luis nods his head to Waldemai, the man and his helm giving Luis an interesting target. Fighting against a man with a hammer seems to be something that Luis is not quite ready for, stepping out of the way of the first attack instead of parrying it. It's the second and third that he parries, moving his hand to catch Waldemai hard, but then seeming almost apologetic as he lets up a little, though not entirely intentional, Waldemai seeming to have gotten a read on the Igniseri's leading foot. "Ah, well, yes... I am here still... You are well? I dare worry that you are taking it easy on me."

Waldemai takes serious damage.

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 43 higher.

Waldemai remains capable of fighting.

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 17, rolling 27 higher.

Waldemai remains capable of fighting.

Valencia wince a little, a glance to the Hart's mercies and then to the departing Marcos. "Thank you for joining us tonight. Come visit soon and we shall see to introducing you to our city, yes?" she invites the newly arrived Lycene lord. "Call any time. YOu are so very welcome here."

Waldemai continually gets pounded. It's like a schooling at the hands of a real fighter. "Well, I know what I'm up to next summer, my lord. Got to fix my footwork to put on a batter show."

as in assault and battery


Marcos stands from the rasied seating area and offers yet another bow and begins to move off towards the exit and off towards home.


Marcos has left the raised seating.


The fight continues and Luis seems to be finding his groove, his feet moving quickly as he slides into each attack, stepping under Waldemai's drunken guard, though he chuckles at the man's work, "That you remain standing after so many blows I fear that you require more credit than others give you." He bows over his sword, eyes remaining upon the man as he slides int oa less offensive stance, "Tough nut you are."

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 27 higher.

Waldemai remains capable of fighting.

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 13 higher.

Waldemai remains capable of fighting.

"Princess Valencia." Thesarin gives a nod, and a short smile, to the woman as she moves to greet him. But his attention turns quickly to the fight, watching Luis dance around Waldemai with his blade. He nods, just once, at the fight, watching as the man takes his pounding with good graces. "How are you tonight?"

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 62, rolling 6 lower.

Waldemai checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 29, rolling 23 higher.

Waldemai remains alive, but close to death.

Waldemai falls unconscious.

Lucita cheers for both men once again. "Takes a degree of courage to get in the sparring ring. Well done!"

Waldemai has been handed enough and the final blow is, well, final. Two attendants drag him out of the ring by hos legs and a third thows a bucket of cold water over him. "Whoa, woosh," he says. "Water. Don't touch the stuff. Fish..." he remembers where is is and changes the old saying, "...swim in it. Thanks for the lesson, my lord."

Waldemai has left the ring of valor.


As Waldemai goes for another blow, Luis steps aside and then connects in such a way, rapid strikes, but enough to slowly bring the other man to a stop, until he goes down and Luis blinks, his eyes seeming to lose focus for a moment as the rush of adrenaline comes down and he finds himself the victor. There is a pause before he looks to the spectators, then sheathes his sword and steps forward, reaching out a hand, but the attendants are there, and so he instead follows them to the edge of the ring and makes sure that Waldemai has a nice mug of ale before he's fully back to. "There you are, and thank you... I will have to give the Hart a decent donation for such a show. Master Smith, I dare say you would be a brute in armor, you stood long after many men, and I mean that in plural, would have fallen."

Luis has left the ring of valor.

Estaban spots Lucita and head in her direction a smile spreading across his lips, "Did I miss something?" he asks her looking over at the ring.

Valencia winces once and then again, then smiles gently at Waledemai as a pair of mercies flutter to his side to check him over. "Missere, you have the heart of a lion," she offers with a fond shake of her head. A little breath is taken and a smile sent Zerric's way as he observes the fight as well, before turning back to reply to Thesarin, "I am well. Even better to see you in my Hart again. You are well?" she smiles up at the man briefly before turning eyes back to the sands. "Do you spar, my lord?" she asks suddenly, her brow furrowing lightly as she looks back up at the large lord at her side.

Ian finishes his drink and heads out.

Ian has left the bar.


Luis converses with Waldemai for a few moments, ensuring the man's coherent enough, but then laughs with him, seeing him well and ready. He then claps the smith upon the shoulder and turns to return to the rest of the group, pausing to make a show of handing Valencia a pouch, "For the wonderful charity that Waldemai has so specified," he says, bowing over it and to Valencia. He then moves a little furthe past to say farewells to those whom are leaving.

Waldemai climbs back into the rafters, where the other riff raff jeer him goodnaturedly. It better be good natured. He;s still got that hammer, a standard twenty pound sledge.

Waldemai has joined the upper rafters.

"Well fought." Thesarin sounds sincere, although most men would look slightly more cheerful at a wake than he seems to be. He steps over toward the pair, offering a hand around the wrist of both men in turn, and a single short nod. He turns toward Valencia, and the expression softens just a touch. "I've never been to one of these. Thought I'd come by. Don't make as much a habit of sparring as some."

Lucita smiles up at Estaban, Ian in a distracted mood it seems even with vexing nudges to his arm, she gives him a sad look and says. "Talk later?" Back to Estaban she winks. "You missed a lot! We missed some, too, Luis had to get his armor fixed before coming here. Am glad you are here now!"

The fight concludes, and Zerric beams a happy smile towards Luis, clearly pleased that the man has left the battle mostly undisturbed. As Valencia looks towards him, the scholar smiles back at her, nodding his head. Though for the most part, her remains silent as he regards the situation, taking another sip from his mead.

Estaban smiles moving to give her cheek a kiss and looks over at Luis, "Oh so your brother spars I see." he grins watching her brother, "Perhaps I will ask him to go another round."

Valencia smiles graciously to Waldemai, so moved by his generous spirit that she gives him a little peck on the cheek for his troubles. "Thank you, my dear missere. Thank you so much," she nodes graciously then turning to Luis as he arrives back at her side. "And you, oh...," she looks down at the donation and smiles again. "You are so sweet. Thank you, my most darling Lord Luis. Truly," she offers to the Lycene Lord, dark eyes shining brightly up at him. The little southern princess turns to smile at Thesarin, "Well, my dearest Count, I am glad you have come and I hope this means we will enjoy your company more often. Come, let's all get a drink at the bar," she calls out waving to Lucita and Estaban, and then Zerric as she gently takes Thesarin and Luis' arms. "I think a celebratory drink is in order, unless you would like to spar again, my Lord Luis?"

Lucita says, "I daresay he'd like that!" She murmurs to Estaban, blushing a little at the kiss, and looking up at him through a veil of lashes a little touch of her hand on his. "Just tell him not to break your ribs or I'll be really grouchy at him.""


Thank you, Count... was it? I am sorry, I am just coming down from the high, though I thought I had heard something mentioned before hand," Luis offers, "Lord Luis Igniseri," he offers by way of introduction, removing his leather gloves and tucking them into his belt before clasping the man's wrist. He looks to Lucita and Estaban, but waits a moment as he nods to Zerric, "Thank you Master Libraria, I saw you even put down your book. Your interest is well appreciated." He teases the man, but the smile seems genuine. Back to Lucita and Estaban, Luis gives the man a grin, "Ah, it is good to see you Baron Saik, I had wondered if you would show and I am happy to see the smile you bring to my sister's face, well met again, and if you are wishing, I think I can go another," he offers, checking himself over and tightening a strap at his side.


To Valencia, Luis gives a smile, "Ah, yes, thank you dear Princess, it was fun, though I think I hear someone already looking to take me away again..." though that doesn't stop him from having his arm with Valencia as she goes to offer him a drink.

As Valencia regards the man, Zerric smiles back towards the Princess, nodding his agreement. "Truly, the man deserves a drink at the very least." He agrees before looking towards that very same Lord. "Of course, My Lord. There is no wish for ill outcome when you are involved in a fight, after all."

"Count Thesarin of Riven." He has a strong handshake, this Count, and he gives a single pump before lowering his tattooed arm to his side. He lets Valencia lead him to the bar without any fuss, and gives the Princess another nod. "Often busy these days, but I just might make my way over." He does grin, wolflike, for just a moment. He nods to Zerric as the other man approaches. "Both these champions can take a next drink on me."

Valencia has left the raised seating.

Valencia has joined the bar.

Lucita has joined the bar.

Estaban smiles patting her hand gently and looks to Luis, "Shall we Lord Luis?" he heads to get in the ring.


"Indeed, Lord, it would be a pleasure," Luis replies to Estaban, gently extracting himself from Valencia as he moves back towards the sands, stepping down the walk and then joining Estaban in the ring. "I would say you could be as kind as the Master Smith was, with me, though I have no reservations that you shall try me to my limits." he tells the Baron.

Luis has joined the ring of valor.

1 Saik Guard have been dismissed.

Waldemai is torn on this fight, having just had his head handed to him by Lord Luis and knowing Lord Estaban. "If anyone wants to bet, I'll take the other end for five hundred," he calls down. He checks his pouch to be sure.

Gunther, a Rottweiler have been dismissed.

Estaban has joined the ring of valor.

Then it seems that Luis is stepping into the ring a second time, and Zerric watches with a lingering sense of interest in the soon to come fight. At the offered bet, the scholar glances into his coin purse for a moment. With that, he looks back up and closes the purse, rolling a shoulder dismissively.

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


With Estaban in the ring with him, Luis draws his saber and gives the Baron a nod, saluting him with his blade before choosing a more balanced, yet relaxed stance, waiting for the other man, or some signal as to when they shall begin.


Valencia looks up to Waldemai and grins playfully. "I'll gladly see 500 on Lord Luis, if you will forgive me, Lord Estaban," she offers. "But only if you and Missere Zerric join us for drinks at the bar," she adds with an impish smile, dark eyes turning to the sands to watch.

Estaban pulls his sword out giving Luis a return salute and takes a guarded stance watching the man with his blue eyes giving the nod he is ready.

Drinks is the magic word. No, please is the magic word, but drinks will do. "Five hundred on Lord Estaban, then your highness," Waldemai says and them climbs down to join the hoi polloi at the bar.

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Luis takes minor damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Lucita laughs and says. "I'll have to cheer for both, I want both of them to win, This is hard to even think about!"

Waldemai has joined the bar.

Zerric has left the raised seating.

Zerric has joined the bar.

Well, who is he to disagree to drinks with Valencia and the other man? To that, Zerric smiles towards the Princess and waves a hand her way. "Certainly, Your Highness. If your intent is to lead me elsewhere, you have but to ask." He declairs, scooping up both his books and drink from the table and wandering over in their direction, plopping down into a stool that favors being closer to her than than anyone else. If only for familiarity.


The Fight begins and Luis steps into the fight, moving forward though this is a lot different than before, his saber finding no purchase as he steps out of Estaban's reach. Then he is struck, which only spurs him on to strike back, each finding the measure of the other. Luis' grin falters a moment, "This is going to be a lot more interesting," he adds, chuckling as he becomes more serious as he focuses on Estaban, ready to engage once again.


Estabanis able to esily move out of Luis first strike but when his blade finds its mark he moves back but in doing so leaves himself a bit open and he finds that Luis blade strikes back! "Indeed Lord Luis." he smirks and gets back into a stance at a ready.


Further crossing of blades as they ring out in the night, side-stepping and moving about, Luis is not able to find a mark upon Estaban in the brief flurry, though he can at least admit that he did keep Estaban at bay as well. Another tilt of his head and his grin slips into something a bit more serious, "Well met, Lord," he adds, cirlcing a little before entering the fray once again.


Luis takes minor damage.

Thesarin has joined the bar.

The saik is quick on his feet as he side steps and dances about as their swords clash against one another, the sound ringing out letting any here know there is a sword fight going on. He nods his head to Luis he may have a smirk on his face but he is serious, he steps back and watches Luis move around then jumps back into the fray.


Luis is struck again, though enough that it doesn't cause him to lose his stride, it is still a mark, and the man gives Estaban a nod in the return. Several more blows ring out, but they're parried, or dodged as Luis continues to fail to find the measure of Estaban's movements.

Thesarin finally sits down, a little slowly, keeping his eye on the fighting ring as he does. moving just the slightest bit slowly. He takes a tall pint of bitters, looking over to Valencia as he settles in. "Did I miss any interesting bouts, this evening?"

Lucita almost forgets to sip from her drink as she focuses on the Estaban and Luis.

Estaban sword finds its mark again and then he is out as he is quick and then their swords clash in a furry as he moves about circling the man he will call brother at some point, he nods his head and then moves in again.

"Lead you off the road at night, Missere Zerric? You? Never," Valencia smiles to the Hart's librarian as she offers Lucita a comforting one armed hug as the match continues. Taking her eyes off the fight a moment she smiles to Thesarin, "My deaerest Count, you missed some incredible matches, truly. I wish you could have seen them. You must come to our next evening of matches," she nods with no little amount of respect or awe for the talents shared tonight.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Luis takes minor damage.

Luis takes minor damage.


Now the fight is on, as the blades are starting to strike, though Luis only gets one to Estaban's two. It's a quick succession and Luis is not swift enough on the retraction and so he pays the price with a solid blow to his side, wincing a little, but giving the Baron another grin of determination.


Chuckling at Valencia, Zerric rolls a shoulder at her words. "Truly? I was hoping such would be the case. Though were you would even take me, I wonder? The possibilities are endless." He teases back, his grin growing with amusement before his attention is taken once again to the fight, wincing as Luis takes a pair of blows. One more than his opponent. "You have this one, My Lord!" He shouts out to Luis from his position.

Estaban is tagged again but Luis pays the price as he moves in and quick there is a strike to a arm and then to the side and out he is again, it seems the two are goating one another as they spar.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Luis takes minor damage.


The two are striking each other, but the term 'love-tap' may be an apt description as armor softens what still remains of the blow that manages to actually connect. They are moving and reading one another, though the fatigue is starting to set in, if only a little bit, trained eyes may note the shifts in grip, the slightly slower response.

Estaban is starting to feel the spar now as he moves a bit slower and he is starting to sweat a little moving about in his leather armor but he is not giving up no he is determined to see where this goes.

Luis takes minor damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Luis takes very serious damage.

Waldemai watches the display of skilled footwork and swordplay through a drunken haze. It's not the sort of beat-down that one typically looks for, but it's not one-sided, either.

Estaban takes very serious damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 3 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Luis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 19, rolling 18 higher.

Luis remains capable of fighting.

Lucita says, "They are so evenly matched, trading blow for blow!"

Luis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 26 higher.

Luis remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 10 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 22 higher.

Estaban remains alive, but close to death.

Estaban falls unconscious.

a huge spotted dog named Fury arrives, following Aksel.

Lucita watches the end of the fight, wide eyed, "I'm lucky to have you both watching out for me! Well done, the two of you." And she cheers for them.


Luis is taking the brunt of the blows until he misteps and takes a serious blow, nearly sending him down in that hit. He grunts and there's a heavy wince upon his face. Though his immediate response is to drive forward, coming up under Estaban's response and striking back just as hard. After that, it's a slug fest. Luis driving forward, and taking blow after blow as Luis can feel himself being pummeled and doing the same in return. Stars shoot across the man's vision, but he holds it together, but just, even as he strikes Estaban a final time, it's all that Luis can do to remain standing, staggered really as he wobbles unsteady, possibly going down himself, but manages to stay upright. Just.

Waldemai calls "Well fought! Well fought!" It was an excellent match between two capable fighters, and all the more fun because it ran so long and gave everyone more chance to kibbitz. But it was Lord Estaban who went down, and so he is out another five hundred on the night. "Here you are, your highness," he says, passing the princess her winnings.

"Damned good match." Thesarin gives another simple nod, and watches both the fighters stagger back out of the ring. He turns to Valencia, as he has another long pull on his beer. "Any names I'd know spar tonight? I'll see if I can make my way here, time to time"

Aksel has come right at the perfect time, it looks like. At the end of the fight. He peaks over some shoulders to see who was in the arena before going and grabbing a glass of whiskey.

Valencia jumps up and cheers the due readily, calling out, "Bravo! Well fought, gentlemen!" before turning to accept her winnings from Waldemain, "As much as I adore winning, almost as much as I adore getting presents, I am starting to feel guilty in taking your silver, my sweetest sir. Are you sure? Truly, if this silver will do better in your pocket, I am happy to return it to you," she offers earnestly, suddenly a little worried at liberating so much silver from the smith's coin purse.

Suddenly, the fight takes an unexpected turn and Zerric lurches forwards with an air of concern for his friend in the arena. When Luis comes out the victor, the scholar beams a smile down at the pair of them. "Well fought indeed." He calls out, agreeing with Waldemai before opting to take a steady sip of his mead.

Estaban continues to go at Luis he can feel himself becoming tired and so he puts everything he has into the fight really and thats when he lets his guard down slightly, hit after hit he thought he had Luis and thats when the man comes back at him and in suprise he is hit hars stars running across his face as he does down and just lays there on his back for the moment.

Valencia jumps up and cheers the due readily, calling out, "Bravo! Well fought, gentlemen!" before turning to accept her winnings from Waldemai, "As much as I adore winning, almost as much as I adore getting presents, I am starting to feel guilty in taking your silver, my sweetest sir. Are you sure? Truly, if this silver will do better in your pocket, I am happy to return it to you," she offers earnestly, suddenly a little worried at liberating so much silver from the smith's coin purse. "Lord Darrow, Lord Corban, Lady Esoka and Lord Ansgar and Lady Joslyn and Marquis Cirroch all stood tonight in the ring," she offers to Thesarin. "I do hope you will join us. It would be such a delight to have you."


Luis offers Estaban a hand up afterwards, having to steady himself just as much as he may be aiding Estaban. "Ah... I... that's what a real spar feels like... and I shall feel it all the same tomorrow, and the next... I imagine," he tells the Baron, his hand rubbing at his side, then realizing that that isn't helping, so he loosens a few laces and sighs at the relief. "Gods man, I know I left myself open, and... I will never do that again, you nearly broke my ribs..." he chuckles, but then winces and the mirth is cut short, "maybe you did. Well fought, Baron. Thank you." He will speak a bit more before they reach the stands and drinks are waved for so that Luis can drink and he seems to relax after that, "Well... I think that's it for me tonight... Someone prick me with a fork... I'm done."

Waldemai shakes his head. "It is fine, your highness. I am well-paid for servicing the equipment for House Malvici, and after you can eat and have a roof over your head, the only point of money is to enjoy it."

Valencia re-poses. *blushes*

Lucita moves away from the bar to approach Luis and Estaban, giving both a hug as they leave the sparring area. "A drink after that would be very good. Am proud of both of you. "


Luis shakes his head as Lucita hugs him, wincing, "Ow. Ow... that's not for sympathy, that actually hurts," he tells his sister. Holding her at arms length with his good side.

Estaban takes the hand getting up nodding his head, "You fught well Lord Luis." he smiles and is in some pain himself but he does his best not to show it, he looks to Luis with concern and them Lucita and nods, "Drinks, drinks help numb the pain." he smirks.

Thesarin grins just a moment, and gives a nod. "And how'd Dame Esoka fare?" Seems he has a particular interest, and he gives another nod. "I'll try and make a point of it, Princess." He looks to the champions with a raised glass and a slow nod. "Fine showing, both of you. And yes, drink helps."

Valencia smiles gently up at Waldemai, "You are as kind as you are spirited, sir. I am so glad to know you. Thank you, sir. Truly." She offers the smith another smile and then there is pretty Lizette with another mug of ale for the man. It would seem he will never pay for another drink in the place if Magnus and the ladies of the Hart have their way. The little vixen smiles with approval and turns to Luis and Estaban. "Again, a truly remarkable match. Thank you both for sharing your skills with us," she offers graciously as she turns to find something much stronger than wine to ease their hurt from their battle. It is then she sees Aksel and a sweet and happy smile parts her lips, "Missere Aksel, welcome to my Hart. Come, join us, yes?" she invites him over without hesitation.

Lucita moves back to the bar with the two men and just as she gets there a messenger approaches. With resignation she holds out her hand for ...whatever.

Waldemai has left the bar.

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


Luis grins and accepts the drinks, realizing he's already emptied the last mug he had somewhere in the short walk. He loosens more laces at his sides and then at his neck, easing the leather chestpiece free so that he can breathe more easily. "Ah. yes... thank you dear Princess for allowing us the opportunity. I think we'd each been hoping for that for some time..." he adds, accepting even heavier drink as he waves to Waldemai as the man leaves. There's more as he bows his head to the Count, "Thank you Lord Thessarin. I'd offer more, but I'm done... I am just going to enjoy these drinks for now, I think." He says, turning to Aksel, "Ah, Aksel, a good evening to you. I'd wondered if you'd show. I fear my future Brother has made me pay dearly for a small victory, and so..." he leaves it at that, noting the other conversations that are already moving forward.


"Always, Princess." Aksel says with a polite nod of his head towards the woman. "Unless the Lord," he gives a nod to Thesarin, "would like to step in the ring for a spar?" He takes a drink from his whiskey. He nods his head to Luis, "Sometimes other things keep me from being here on time."

Lucita glances at Luis as he whispers to her, blushes and draws in a short breath before her glance goes to Estaban and quickly away. She then reaches for a drink as if she might just need it right then.

Now that the fight is over, the scholar settles back more into his seat, finally finishing his first mug of mead while others have finished many more drinks than him. With that, Zerric pivots back in his seat to address the bartender, ordering another round for him to sip on. As Aksel arrives, he peeks up and grants the man a wave, smiling at him from his seat at the bar. "Missere Aksel, a pleasure to see you again!" Hmm.. Not 'Just Aksel', this time.

"She was brilliant. It was an incredible match, to be true," Valencia smiles to Thesarin, taking up her own glass now, nodding to Waldemai as he takes his leave. A rueful look is offered to Aksel as he speaks of being kept away, "I fear I shall have to endeavor to be more interesting," she laughs softly. Turning back to the others, she lifts her glass, "To life, luck and love. To small victories, grand friends... and to many more wonderful night in the Hart. to you all."

Toasting with Valencia, Luis smiles and then drinks, looking at the Princess the whole while, before he waves his good hand to Zerric, "Ah, Master Librarian, what are you reading?" He asks, approaching slowly as he disengages from the others, allowing them their moments, "How did the others fair earlier? I believe I should try the Lady Joslyn one time... she moves... well I have been told and have seen."

"Hadn't been plannng on it. Not dressed for a bout." Thesarin, it's true, is in a simple explorer's outfit, rather than maille. He's sitting over the bar with a drink in hand, and gives Aksel a once-over as he has a long pull of his bitters. He makes a noise at Luis' comment on Joslyn. "Those hair-pins of hers look a joke. They're not." He raises his cup at Valecia's toast, leaning against the bar with his free elbow, and just the slightest hint of a smile.

Estaban sits down lossing some of his own straps and strings and gets a drink sipping from it, he looks to Luis then to Lucita and just grins, its such a grin that would make someone think the cat got the mouse kind of thing. He chuckles and downs the rest of his drink.

Aksel raises glass at the toast of Valencia before taking a drink from his whiskey. "Zerric," Aksel greets with a nod of his head before looking towards Thesarin, "Suit yourself. If you're looking for armor, the Hart has some or I have no problems getting out of mine." He gives a shrug of his shoulder as he settles up against the bar taking anything drink from the whiskey.

"I've probably read this same book at least a dozen times already, My Lord. It's 'The Common Law Practices of the Lycene', and I do ever so enjoy it." Zerric replies in a jovial fashion when asked about his books, beaming a smile at Luis before a realization seems to strike his attention. "My apologies, My Lord." He offers before shifting to discuss the subject of the sparring. "I believe Lady Joslyn was the victor in her fight, though I must admit I can not really recall. Do be careful if you should choose to engage her in the ring."

Valencia takes the bottle from the counter and begins to top up glasses here, there and everywhere. "Lady Joslyn is not to be trifled with. She is as formidable as she is charming. One would best to know remember such," she grins impishly. "If I were half so talented in the arena I would be delighted," she remarks waiting to see if anyone else will take to the sands tonight.

Lucita says, "She usually wins spars when forgoing armor, armor slows her down." She looks Estaban over and gives a half laugh when she spots his grin. "Wish you had been with us last night, some of us were at the beach, summer will soon be drawing to an end and another month, the water too cold to enjoy.""

"Fought beside her in the Forests. Sight to see." Thesarin gives a nod, and then chuckles, a low noise in his throat, and he raises a hand toward Aksel. "It's kind of you to offer. But it's going on late." The shav count lifts up his beer and drains it to the dregs.


"Ah, light reading then," Luis responds to Zerric's comment, giving the man a grin and then laughs, which causes him to drink his drink because that's a safer thing to do, and likely will help numb the pain sooner rather than later. "Oh, I imagine she is much more formidable than I, but it is in our failures that we truly learn," he offers, looking around and then toasting the man before taking a seat at the table nearby. He accepts his cup being refilled by the Princess, pausing with her for a moment before he sighs happily, drinking away. "She is something..." he adds, looking towards the others.


Estaban gets up and leans in to kiss Lucita on the corner of her lips and leans in to whisper something to her he smirks and looks to everyone, "I need to go check in on Vomas, I will see everyone later." he looks to Luis, "Hunting trip soon my friend." he smiles and head out.

"Light reading?" Aksel asks with a tilt of his head towards Zerric. "If you say so." He starts to take a drink from his whiskey and finds that it is all gone. A brow lifts as he looks at the glass before getting a refill. "No worries, My Lord." Aksel says to Thesarin. "Another time perhaps."

Lucita smiles at the others, curtsies and says. "I'll walk back to our district with you, if alright, Estaban." And taking for granted it is alright, she tells the others "Good night, it was fun and will see you soon, Princess, Luis."

Grinning at Luis' remarks, Zerric nods his head to affirm the statement. "Certainly, My Lord. There is yet still some I learn with each passing of the content, but the amount in which I discover dwindles slowly. Despite this, it is still a fascinating read..." And the scholar has to stop himself from babbling on about the book. Just in time to beam a smile towards Aksel. "Truly! We'll have to look at getting you a copy!" Because he's not about to loan out his personal book, really. Then as Estaban and Lucita are getting ready to leave, he perks up some and offers them a farewell wave. "A pleasure to have met you, My Lord! And a pleasure to see you again, My Lady!"

Thesarin prods at Luis with his elbow, giving a hint of a grin as he sets his mug down onto the bartop. "Afraid you're sniffing at the wrong tree there, friend." He turns to nod at Esteban and Lucita as they make their way out.


"Once sitting upon the horse doesn't hurt, let us find some game," Luis tells Estaban as the man rises to leave, a look between him and Lucita, and there's a small smile that graces the man's lips. "Be well and heal soon," he adds. Giving a chuckle as he feels Tehsarin prodding him and he grunts, "Hey now..." he says, watching the others leave.

Estaban has left the ring of valor.

Lucita has left the bar.

Lucita leaves, following Estaban.

The event quietly winding down, the little princess offers Lucita a warm hug, "Travel safe and we will see you very soon, " she offers with a fond smile. There is happy sigh and she settles gracefully on a seat at the bar. "I would offer to spar with you, Missere Aksel, but I'm sure I would be no match," she laughs softly.