Alban nods to Thorley. "I am indeed. I'm afraid I haven't finished unpacking from my last voyage, and thus my armor is still stowed. Still, I look forward to seeing the talent displayed here today, and do trust that you'll represent House Farshaw with honor and dignity."

Philomel, the Nightingale, Micana, the efficient amanuensis, 2 Igniseri scarlet phoenix guards, Golden, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Lucita.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards, Springbottom, the ravenous pygmy goat, Lucita arrive, following Sorrel.

Sabella, Sorrel arrive, following Theron.

"Your Highness, a pleasure to see you again," Valdemar responds to Reese, his tone pleasant even if any smile on his face would still be difficult to see under his helm. He then turns to look around at the other participants.

Cristoph laughs at Norwood's remark and shakes his head. "She'll probably roll her eyes at me. I'm lucky that she's indulgent about my hobbies."

"Alright, before we begin, to give some time to those who still haven't arrived," begins Caspian, turning towards the benches. "If you are competing, come down to the fighting grounds. Help yourself to the drinks and snacks at the tables." He motions to the tables. Then he turns back to the crowd, "I am organizing this fight not just as entertainment, but also to showcase the skills of some of the people who will be going to fight the Gyre. I ask that you take hope in what you see today, see the sharp skill and raw power that we will be bringing to bare against our enemies. I ask that you speak praise of those you see today, both to the fighters themselves and those you know. Let the people of Arx know that those defending The Compact are among our very best, to give them piece of mind."

Ainsley has joined the fighting grounds.

Esoka strides into the Training Center. In her leathers, sword at her hip. Bright blue eyes sweep around the other fighters who've gathered, a sharp smile lighting her face. "Well! This should be bracing."

2 House Wyrmguard Guards have been dismissed.

Sabella has joined the Benches.

Sparte lifts an eyebrow, pulling his staff from his back. "Didn't realize we were on display. I'd have worn my fancy socks."

Sorrel has joined the fighting grounds.

Orathy flicks his cigarillo down onto the sand and stomps on it, exhaling out the last plumes of smoke as he regards the competition. The announcement from Caspian set his eyes in a roll and a grunt.

Lucita clearly is not intending to fight, she is wrapped up in warm clothing and a cloak. She makes her way toward a bench to sit with Sabella.

Lucita has joined the Benches.

Theron has joined the fighting grounds.

Theron wields Vendetta.

Gawain has joined the fighting grounds.

Having been volunteered by her friends to participate, Sorrel makes her way over to the fighting grounds, glancing around curiously at the others here. She's got an easy smile on her lips and seems in a good mood.

Sorrel wields Symphony's Blade, a violet edged rubicund saber.

Lucita spots Waldemai over to the side. "Missere Waldemai Isenhu, If you are not fighting, come join us and point out some of the finer points of fighting as this goes along, if you should wish."

"You were very fortunate in finding her - not that I suppose I need to say that again." Seeing Klaus in the stands Norwood nods in his direction before he turns towards some of the others to watch. If there is any hyping up to be done the cool veteran shows none of it.

Gawain wields Chevalle's Charge, a rubicund longsword.

Rey turns up, a little bit late and maybe a little out of breath, still trying to braid her hair while somehow also holding onto her medical bag. The deep circles under her eyes suggest someone who maybe overslept -- or should have, if she didn't.

Shard grimaces faintly, but slips both blades from their sheathes, and prepares.

Gawain has decided to wear his good armor for this! The young Chevalle knight looks quite resplendant as he joins the other fighters in the center, afixing his helmet atop his head.

Ainsley gets Obsidian silk pants from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley gets black leather pants with fiery silk stitching from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley puts Obsidian silk pants in A sword crossed griffin backpack.

"This fight will be to the last one standing! If you can not stand or concede you are out! Fighters! Get ready!" Caspian calls, motioning to the ones on the field. "We will start shortly!"

Theron, Sabella, Sorrel and Lucita stride into the Training Center. The Sword of Ostria draws his rubicond greatsword from its sheath, heading to the fighting pits. "This should be fun."

Reese looks over the field and listens to the rules of the contests. She slips back into some of her pink armored gear then. She keeps her blade drawn and seems to be getting ready to fight.

Rey and her medical bag find a place to sit and await the inevitable injuries.

Waldemai has left the Benches.

Rey has joined the Benches.

Waldemai has joined the Benches.

Ainsley's, apparently, been learning from Luca. For he's dressed in only a pair of black leather pants, and a pair of comfortable soft soled shoes. His shirt and jacket peeled off and handed to his valet. Catsclaw is unsnapped and pulled from its sheath as he heads for the fighting grounds. Though... he appears to be sporting some bruising already? About the head and shoulders, most definitely.

Esoka offers a knight's salute to the other participants, and a wider sweep of her blade toward the crowd, then makes her way onto the fighting grounds.

After taking in the rules of the battle, Thorley prepares his cutlass, and steadies himself. A brief moment of clarity in his pale green eyes before he offers a salute to the other combatants and then a bow towards the crowd as he moves to join the combat.

With a shiny new halberd in hand, Echo heads for the fighting grounds and has a lopsided smile for her competition. The Redrain chevalier turns towards Caspain and straightens herself out as she chews at the corner of her bottom lip, taking inventory of everyone gathered around. "Lots of scary warriors out here today!"

Cristoph is ready! As ready as he can be while waiting to swing his sword around. He rocks on his heels next to Norwood, prepared to go.

Alban once more nods to Thorley, though little more acknowledgement or expression is given. Perhaps a speck of interest passing his intense gaze. Nothing more.

Orathy chuckles darkly and grins in a sneer like way, "Reckon this be a good reason to throttle some fancy silkers around the way." His eye tries to find the best dressed of the lot.

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

Perhaps Orathy's eye will instead find Rey, her hair still half braided, having forgotten to finish braiding it in favor of waving to him enthusiastically.

Reese wields Dazzler, a leaf-bladed short sword.

Avaline wields elegant blush roses of steel sword.

Orathy does spot the enthusiastic wave and he can't help but wear a dumb look for it. Like someone cheering for him? Really it just makes him puff out his chest a little more.

Esra has joined the Benches.

Sparte grins over at Orathy, watching him preen a bit.

Rey remembers, belatedly, that she was braiding her hair. She fingercombs it out again, sweeps it back over her head, and starts the layered braid anew.

Michael has joined the Benches.

A voice shouts from the benches, "FOR THE IRON GUARD!" Its aimed down towards Sparte, and hails from a loudmouth Prince of Bisland, Michael.

Leta wields a two handed longsword of good steel with an ornate copper inlaid pommel.

Orathy takes serious damage.

Sparte takes minor damage.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Echo takes moderate damage.

3 Iron Guardsmen arrives, following Rymarr.

Esra enters in his quiet way, eyes alighting on Sorrel in the ring before making his way over to the benches. "Is this seat taken?"

Orathy takes serious damage.

Orland arrives, following Duarte.

Orathy rounds on Ainsley after he gets hammered by him... there's definitely some swear words happening down there! Then he's hit on the other side. More curses! Alllllll the swears! "KNIGHTS MY ASS!! Cowards!!" It seems effective enough to start taking the street tough down. The old timer looks nothing compared to the pile on of nobles. Maybe he shouldn't have taunted!

Leta takes minor damage.

Gawain takes serious damage.

Orathy takes moderate damage.

Rymarr has joined the Benches.

It's chaos out here, and Theron has to contend with more fellow challengers each passing time. There's a parry from Valdemar's attack, an attempt at a sweep at the man that fails, and he has to dodge and parry everything out with iron will. When Cristoph and his Sword appear, he turns to the lord of Artshall, parrying his attack and that of his loyal retainer's, managing a solid defense against so many assailants thus far.

Felix calls out down towards Orathy. "Think of it as a compliment! Must be afraid of you if they're trying to take you out first."

After briefly attacking Orathy, he leves the poor man alone who is getting ganged up upon, and instead turns his attention to Sparte, grinning to the man as he swipes his blade at him several times. "Throw something at me now, huh?!"

"For Grimhall!" Valdemar yells out as he first charges Ainsley, though that swing ends up straying wide of the intended target. When Theron in turn makes a target of the Grimhall heir, however, he turns to face off with the Lycene, doing his best to land a solid blow. Something that has yet to happen.

Avaline is quick to join her sister in the melee, giving her a big grin as she moves to join her and a lift of her eyebrows cast over the others. "Looks like I made it just in time." she grins, sword drawn and at the ready.

Leta takes minor damage.

Echo takes minor damage.

Orathy takes moderate damage.

Orathy is taking hits from all sides... "Fucking shit!" he swings his axe at Gawain and gets a piece of him, then growls out as he continues to battle on, jumping and weaving as much as he can while he continues to take attacks. Shard he glares at, "You're next-" a point of the axe and he goes for her. Then Reese hits him! "Aye aye I get it! Ya teaching me how it feel for a gang beating!"

Hearing no objection Esra settles down on a bench and watches Sorrel's performance in the practice melee with rapt curiosity.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Norwood II arrive, following Margerie.

Shard says nothing in response. She merely pushes off to the side, moving low in that ugly, jagged way she has, blades snapping in for another attempt.

"Its a compliment Orathy, you are the biggest threat, literally the biggest!" Reese says, maybe speaking of his height.

Echo takes serious damage.

Caspian takes minor damage.

Orathy checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 3, rolling 38 higher.

Orathy remains capable of fighting.

Ainsley moves to the otherside, opposite that Shard went. Swinging his blade up and attempting to get at Orathy. Focused and intent, with only a hint of a grin on his face.

Gawain says nothing- he's simply an armored hulk, his face obscured by his helmet. If he's hurt by Orathy's blow, he makes no indaction- he just continues to focus on the man.

Margerie has joined the Benches.

Thorley takes serious damage.

Orathy checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 13, rolling 39 higher.

Orathy remains capable of fighting.

It's the confusion of taking hits from multiple sides that really does it in for the old street thug! He pivots around to eye the Grayson's grin. He's getting beaten up a lot, staggering a few times but remaining on his feet.

Esoka feels a sting on her early, that grin flashing to Leta, and her early focus going in that direction. Her blade often just seeks the target nearest to her, though. It's a chaotic press of a free-for-all. She tries to keep a bead on where the other Grayson-sworn are in the fight, and parry all-comers who attempt to bash her.

"It is always interesting to see a Mourning Islander fight alongside an Oathlander," Theron comments as, on the defensive, still, he manages to parry attacks by the Sword of Grimhall and the Sword of Artshall both, keeping himself on the defense.

Sparte speaks up. "Give Orathy a break, he can't help being so hittable. You can wail on me a bit if it'll make you feel better. Bona fide Iron Guardsman, and you get a free pass. Who'd miss that chance?"

Caspian was having fun trying to slash at Sparte, but then he had to slash back! And Sorrel joins in! He lets out a cry of surpise as he begins to duck and wave, shouting, "Hey! At least let me get my revenge first!"

Theron takes minor damage.

Sorrel was attacking Sparte, but when he diverted to Caspian, so did she. She winks at her target, grinning playfully.

Leta wades into the field with a smile framed by steel, picks out a two hander sword and whistles to herself as she goes. She waves at Esoka, strolls over and hits the other knight first thing with a light thump. And look, there's Reese! Leta bows her head and takes an opportunity to poke her sword that way before refocusing on Esoka. After trading a few blows with a snort and a laugh, she plants her feet in a defensive guard and just holds her ground. Thorley comes close to attack her, so Thorley gets the sword next.

Avaline takes critical damage.

Orathy growls out, "Let this be a lesson to the common folk! They turn on ya soon as they can!" Such a trouble maker! And why not, he knows he's going down! It's only a matter of how many hits he takes before he does.

Thorley is starting to realize that really, he's outclassed as one of the older, yet newer knights in the combat. Against the more well-trained blades, he's finding himself unable to strike, but continues to valiantly try to battle, even as he takes his first hard hit of the match, and gives a grunt of pain. That will sting later. There's a glance towards Leta and a quick flash of an impressed smile before he tries to continue the attack.

Dandy, the red fox arrives, delivering a message to Rey before departing.

Cambria has joined the Benches.

Reese leaves Orathy alone this turn and goes for Leta instead. "A foe worthy of me!" She says charges with her pink blade and completely misses.

Orathy checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 18, rolling 47 higher.

Orathy remains capable of fighting.

Norwood has kept his focus on one combatant and a tight smile flicks on his face as he manages to finally score. "Combat makes strange bedfellows." Even if soon that ain't gonna be a thing.

This time, Theron takes a couple of attacks, neither of which are serious. He does return the favor at Norwood, however, letting the blade slice at the man as he continues to sidestep, keeping himself mobile without losing ground. "So it does, good Sir."

Valdemar takes minor damage.

Orathy checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 5 higher.

Orathy remains capable of fighting.

Caspian takes minor damage.

Cristoph takes serious damage.

Valdemar keeps his focus on Theron for a time, letting out a laugh when he points out the odd "alliance" that sprang up between himself and the Oathlander. "You chose to fight me, Lycene! I don't know what you did to this one," he responds with mirth in his tone. However, when Thorley decides to try his luck with the Grimhall lord, he does not miss a step in turning to face a new challenge...even if it does not take long after that for him to take his first solid hit, letting out a grunt as he presses his own attack.

Reese keeps focusing on Leta who she has yet to actually hit. That only seems to heighten her focus though.

Thorley takes moderate damage.

Sparte takes minor damage.

Orathy checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 13 higher.

Orathy remains capable of fighting.

Valdemar takes moderate damage.

Avaline checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 34, rolling 3 higher.

Avaline remains capable of fighting.

Orathy checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 125, rolling 71 lower.

Orathy checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 80, rolling 40 lower.

Orathy is incapacitated.

Orathy falls unconscious.

Thorley takes moderate damage.

Cristoph takes moderate damage.

"It is true, my Lord," Theron concedes the point to Valdemar, turning to try and swing at Cristoph, but his swing goes wide -- wide enough to parry the sword flurries sent at him. His expression straightens as he faces Norwood, beating away the other man's blade with Vendetta, in time to ready himself for another series of attacks. "I suppose that is the use of having two or more of the same House in a free for all."

Esoka goes from focusing on Leta to focusing on Thorley, who was attacking not long ago Leta. She goes where the twists and turns of the large scrum take her.

Orathy is trying his hardest with grit and determination built from the decades of life on the street to tolerate each and every hard blow. He's slowing down. Even with practice blades it's clear that the old man is taking a beating, blood showing up on his face. Then as he turns to attack Avaline, he gets cleaved in the back of the head by Gawain... and topples, finally.

Sparte winces. "He wasn't too smart before and he'll be insufferable now."

Rey winces when she sees Orathy finally cut down. She takes up her medical bag, but she doesn't dare actually go into the melee to where he fell.

Gawain does not let up on Orathy. The Oathlander must have caught the scent of blood in the air- and once the big man goes down, he looks around for the next vunlerable target- Avaline.

Ainsley continues to swipe and jab at Orathy, but when Gawain downs the Culler, a small noise is given. He turns then and does a neat pirouette on his feet, and advances on Reese. A gleam in his silver eyes at his blonde cousin.

"It would be unfortunate if we were left till last - but it does have his advantages." Norwood winks at Cristoph - "For the moment." Then refocusing Norwood faces Theron again, keeping a wary eye on Cristoph's back as well as his own.

Caspian continues his two on one fight with Sparte and Sorrel, doing his best to block and dodge as he attempts to strike at the male counterpart, and even lands a grazing hit.

Shard does one last jab at poor Orathy as well, although it's not the final one he takes. And then she, too, spins neatly on one heel, and goes in low and fast for another target. She's moving along parallel with Ainsley, although she doesn't seem to so much as glance at the Grayson.

Rey has left the Benches.

Without warning or introduction, Sorrel suddenly breaks into song, a hymn to Gloria, that rings out over the battlefield: "Guide always my hand when I go to fight // Grant me no warfare unless it is right // Keep me beside you always in the Light // Protect me always from unending night!" She's got a beautiful voice, and she practically dances with her sword to the song.

Orathy has left the fighting grounds.

Cristoph doesn't seem to have particular focus on who he attacks, though he crosses blades with a few of the same name repeatedly. Currently, he's locked Avaline in his sights. But in the meanwhile, he's nearly back to back with Norwood and exchanging blows occasionally meant for the other man and vice versa.

Avaline checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 65, rolling 31 lower.

Avaline checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 13 higher.

Avaline remains alive, but close to death.

Avaline falls unconscious.

Thorley takes serious damage.

Thorley takes minor damage.

Duarte watches the fight.

Sparte wields Knothole Stave.

Ainsley's silver eyes briefly flick in the direction of Sorrel, and her singing. His off hand lifts to her in a salute.

Reese is attacked by Shard, Ainsley and Leta. She tries to keep focused though and manages to evade their attacks.

Finally landing a pair of blows - Thorley should have been paying attention to his side as he takes a hard blow from Esoka, and grunts, his counter attack also missing as she gets in another blow on her. "Damn.." he hisses beneath his breath as he continues to try to fight off the attacks coming against him.

"Ahh!" Klaus stands and offers a wave of the hand so that she may sit. "Please, join me. I was just watching as the Duke and.." He falters and smiles his ever observing eyes casting back to the grounds while he makes room for her.

Alban observes Sorrel for a moment, inclining his head at her song approvingly, then frowning and muttering something quietly as Orathy goes down.

Rey has joined the Benches.

Cristoph makes his final push against Avaline before veering towards Echo and trading blows there instead.

Orathy gets dragged to the side or something like that, because you know, unconscious people don't like to get stepped on.

Orathy has joined the Benches.

With Avaline going down a moment after Orathy does, Rey is doing triage right now, just making sure that nobody is seriously hurt. She hovers and fusses over Orathy, humming little snatches of music as she works.

Sorrel takes minor damage.

Norwood takes moderate damage.

Norwood takes moderate damage.

Thorley has rolled a critical success!
Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 17, rolling 53 higher.

Thorley remains capable of fighting.

Esra finds himself humming along with Sorrel's song as he watches her steps and sword strokes carefully.

Orland leaves, following Duarte.

Ainsley dodges out of the way of an attack from Reese while attempting to attack her. At the same time he dodges out of the way of a swing from Leta. Calling to her joyfully, "Hallo, Dame Broadbent. How's the Princess-Knight-Officer?" This is said in the tone of voice of someone who knows he's being annoying. Serafine hates being called princess, after all.

Norwood takes hits, this time pulling in a hiss as he manages to parry one destined for Cristoph instead. For the first time in the battle he turns his attention away to a different opponent, "I will be back," as if at a party that Norwood will return to in just a moment with Theron.

Reese continues to fight against Ainsley, Shard and now Gawain. She stays very focused. When Leta switches targets, she gives her a grin.

"Don't be gone too long, I'm going to get lonely!" Cristoph calls over his shoulder to Norwood, stepping forward to engage his opponent once again. However this ends up, he does seem to be having a grand old time out here.

Esoka thrusts her blade at Thorley for a bit but, seeing that Valdemar is focusing on the man...she turns to aim her blade at Valdemar. Like she's following a chain of opponents through the melee.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Valdemar takes minor damage.

Cristoph takes serious damage.

Norwood takes minor damage.

Norwood takes moderate damage.

Leta faces Reese, in a long exchange of blows in the middle of the melee, clashing steel all around. Leta's keeping to the longer range of her sword, backing away into open spaces, parrying and sidestepping within the vague clearing around the two. Then Ainsley and Shard enter her personal hitting-people space, so she pivots, flips her sword and brings it around to take a swing at the Prince, blinking at the question for a second before replying, "Oh. Just fine, your Highness. Just - just fine."

Sparte pipes up. "One hundred silver to anyone who can outsing Sorrel!"

"Respectable strategy, it is just a shame that I have no intent on letting you go, my friend." Theron replies to Norwood, watching him leave, and charging at Cristoph all the same while the Laurent Duke fights with Echo, only to get intercepted once again by the Sword of Artshall, who is struck with a shallow blow. To the Redrain Princess, the Sword of Ostria offers a nod.

Valdemar fares much better against Thorley, it would seem, though he does take another harder hit. This only seems to get his blood pumping, though, as he growls and launches himself at the Oathlander, his weapon making a loud thudding noise as it connects hard with his target a time or two. Then, however, he realizes another opponent is attacking him, and turns to try to face both Esoka and Thorley at once.

"I only know sea ditties not fit for mixed company." Thorley manages with a sharp gasp of breath as he somehow remains standing despite the heavy hits he's taken.

Sorrel is not called the Bladesong of Blancbier for no good reason. Her song is inspiring, the kind of song that soldiers fighting can really get behind -- even if they're just beating the snot out of their friends and neighbors. She cannot help but grin at Sparte's offer.

Shard is still completely silent, apart from her breathing. She's apparently not the type of fighter who engages in mid-combat banter. Or singing. Or, for that matter, grins, winks, or glares. She's focused, certainly, but that's about all that can be read from her.

Norwood takes moderate damage.

Completely mercenary, at Sparte's offer of a hundred silver, he gives up his grudge against the man and turns his blade upon Sorrel, facing her and begins to slash at the woman with a wink give her way. "Sorry, I like money!"

"My dear Sword," Norwood makes his words almost like a respectful bow as he turns back to Theron, "Pardon me in that case then," Stepping back into his place Norwood faces Theron again.

"It's for SINGING, not knocking me down!" Sorrel protests to whomever the mercenary is who's attacking her.

Sparte attempts to smack Caspian again. "I said sing you dogwit!"

"Nice hits!" Cristoph calls across to Echo, keeping in time enough with Norwood that he's not stepping back onto the other man's heels. It's almost as if the Duke and Sword have fought before and are repeating the steps in a dance.

"Always, my fellow Sword," Theron smiles, slipping back into his guarded stance as he continues to move in the direction of Cristoph, trying to get at the man.

Ainsley calls to Sparte, "As my wife isn't here-- and I'm not going to take that bet either. Even then I probably wouldn't... That way lies trouble."

Alban grunts, "I suppose if she's unconscious, it'd be easy to outsing her, though." His expression humorless.

Cristoph checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 4 lower.

Cristoph checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 14, rolling 38 higher.

Cristoph remains alive, but close to death.

Cristoph falls unconscious.

Norwood checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 13, rolling 20 higher.

Norwood remains capable of fighting.

Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 15 higher.

Thorley remains capable of fighting.

Norwood checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 26 higher.

Norwood remains capable of fighting.

Norwood checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 79, rolling 41 lower.

Norwood checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 11 lower.

Norwood is incapacitated.

Norwood falls unconscious.

Sorrel has left the fighting grounds.

Cristoph has left the fighting grounds.

Giulio has joined the Benches.

Springbottom, the ravenous pygmy goat have been dismissed.

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

4 House Deepwood Guards arrives, following Samantha.

Samantha has joined the Benches.

Moving in to attack his opponent on the flank, Theron strikes a hit at Norwood, proving to sink through the other man's defense. Then it appears as if Echo does likewise, and he flashes her a smile, with a nod in respect as he lifts his greatsword, looking around as if to find a target. He moves in the direction of Ainsley and Reese, charging forward.

Caspian takes very serious damage.

Caspian takes minor damage.

Rymarr has left the Benches.

3 Iron Guardsmen leaves, following Rymarr.

"Ohhhh - the ladies of Lenosia, the ladies of Lenosia, with wine-red lips and lalala-" Leta starts to sing, because one hundred silver is one hundred silver, but that's a waste of breath she'll likely sorely need, so she eventually just lalalas and fades off to keep her breathing steady and even. For the most part, she's focused on Ainsley, though every now and then she takes a tentative swing in Shard's direction to keep her fellow sellsword on her toes.

Giulio makes his way into the training center, a faint smile on his lips. Idly, he watches the combat, before seeking -- and finding Cambria. With a dip of his head, he makes his way over, his gaze flitting towards those at the battle. One eyebrow lofts in a curious consideration, before he settles himself on the bench, near the Marquessa.

Sorrel bows out of the fight, almost suddenly. Perhaps she's done with the melee. In any case, she pauses near the exit to sing once more, a fierce battlesong with a driving beat that works well with the combat, even as she sheathes her sword. "Joined strong by unity // Faith, hope, and victory // Together we have greater might! // Forever holding in the Light! // The darkness will be banished! // Abyssal forces vanquished! // As one people we do fight //To persevere o'er endless night!"

Cristoph takes a hard enough of a hit this last time that he holds a hand up. "Yielding, yielding. Need my brains intact." He calls out good naturedly before staggering over to the benches. Is that Margerie? And Klaus? How many of them did he see exactly? Twenty?

Cristoph has joined the Benches.

Ainsley is not having much luck hitting Reese, but he's also not getting hit either. He dodges out of the way of Leta's swing, and then Reese's as he attempts to get into the blonde's guard, and poke her. Occasionally he manages to hit her only to bounce off of her armor. Then he turns just in time to duck out of the way of Theron's charge.

Lucita gets To Arms, Came the Rallying Call from a dainty small pouch the hues of shadows on the snow.

Norwood has left the fighting grounds.

Alas, the men of Artshall do not last long beyond one another. Norwood does his best to defend, but when he is taken out he goes down quickly. Ah, thems then rolls. Yielding he follows Cristoph off the field. Very sweaty, but it doesn't stop him from heading towards the benches where the small group is gathered.

Samantha makes her way toward one set of benches, apparently having tagged in after Rymarr tags out. "Hello, everyone." she offers cheerfully, and settles in to regard the fighting. When it comes to honoring Gloria, she definitely prefers to be a spectator.

Norwood has joined the Benches.

Valdemar takes moderate damage.

Shard takes minor damage.

Echo takes moderate damage.

Rey steps away from Orathy to go check on Avaline, wherever she's passed out. "Oh dear. This will leave a nasty bruise... Let me just..." Fuss, fuss.

Caspian lifts up his free hand to give Sparte the middle finger and a grin as he makes a thrust to Echo, landing in a solid hit, and winks over to the woman.

Ainsley dodges out of the way of a swipe from Sparte's stave, and he turns big betrayed silver eyes at Sparte. And says, "For that you get to Silas' paperwork for a week!" And then he briefly diverts from Reese for a moment or to swipe at Sparte.

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

Esoka takes moderate damage.

Felix gets a messenger, reading the note he nods. To those on the bench with him, they get a bow and a word of greeting, but then he moves to depart.

Felix has left the Benches.

Theron is attacking all around, apparently, now that the Laurent contingent has yielded. He's laughing all the way, apparently relishing in the chaos, or in the pleasure of becoming an agent of it for the time being.

Wiping at his head Norwood joins in time to hear the witty comment. "My lord," the formality is all in good humor as Norwood as he settles down heavily not yet taking off the rest of his armor. "Only another would take her place."

Sparte snorts at Ainsley with a grin. "What, not yours? He knows better than to trust me with it, same as you do. Now pucker up."

Shard takes minor damage.

Leta takes minor damage.

Sparte takes moderate damage.

Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 31, rolling 5 lower.

Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 4, rolling 29 higher.

Thorley remains alive, but close to death.

Thorley falls unconscious.

"If you want a kiss you have to ask Princess Tikva first!" says Ainsley, and he's about to swipe at Sparte again, but he catches sight of Reese landing a blow on Shard from the corner of his eye. Without a word he spins around again and thrusts his blade in the direction of Reese.

Gawain takes minor damage.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Shard takes very serious damage.

"Brother mine, I do trust you to do us well in this," Giulio calls out, having taken a seat beside Marquessa Cambria, flashing a grin in the process.

Alban mmms slightly, but doesn't say much of anything else as he sees Thorley fall. He then gathers himself up and stands, leaving the benches, offering appropriate bows and nods to those remaining, and begins striding towards the exit.

"What if I offer to kiss her first, Ainsley?" calls out Samantha, of all people.

Thorley has left the fighting grounds.

Alban has left the Benches.

Sparte oofs a bit as Leta catches him unexpectedly, turning to face her with a grin. "Hey there. Having fun?"

Thorley has joined the Benches.

Orathy has left the Benches.

Valdemar manages to hold off his two attackers for the most part, taking a glancing blow somewhere along the line. Eventually, he manages another solid shot or two on Thorley, though he stops when the man begins to withdraw from the fight. Now he faces off with Esoka, a grin on his face under the helm he wears, in spite of the bruises he will no doubt leave with.

Gawain takes serious damage.

Rey satisfies herself that Avaline is going to be alright just in time to see Orathy staggering out. She gives him a worried look before going to have a look at Thorley.

"What would your lord husband think of that, Sammy?" calls Ainsley, even as he silently moves forward to try and put himself between Shard and Reese.

Eventually, the weight of battle, the multiple attacks - it's all finally too much as Thorley just runs out of steam as he's sweating hard underneath the new armor. It served him well, but eventually, he gives out - falling to a knee. "Yield." he grunts, before moving to get pulled from the battle, singing underneath his breath possibly from a hit to his head, "There are fish in the sea, no doubt about it / Just as fine as the ones that ever came out of it. Little fish when he's caught fights like the biggest whale, / thrashing the water with her mighty tail..." Just give him a few moments to get his bearings back when he joins the triage.

Esoka pauses brief to bow to Thorley as he exits the fray. She does a quick assessment of the field. Thinned a little, if not much for comfort. She keeps her assault focused on Valdemar, nicking him only a little, but she's not breaking a sweat yet.

Gawain takes minor damage.

Esra has left the Benches.

Leta spots Sparte coming into range of her sword, and flips it over to land a solid blow with the crossguard, wielding it more like a hammer than anything else. Turning that way does leave her open to Shard's counter, so she winces and backs away a step or two. "Ow. Can't complain, Master Sparte," she says, while parrying a couple of blows from him, though she seems more intent on striking Ainsley next for a couple of swings.

Gawain takes minor damage.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Gawain takes minor damage.

Caspian takes minor damage.

Echo takes moderate damage.

"Grew up on the sea, Lady Healer.." Thorley responds as he feels the healing touch of the woman hovering over him. "Ain't made to be some massive land bruiser. Gonna need to work on that." he gives her a hint of smile before chuckling. "Just need to get better at movin, and not standing there nad getting hit."

Theron takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Echo checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 34 higher.

Echo remains capable of fighting.

Gawain checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 9, rolling 30 higher.

Gawain remains capable of fighting.

Sparte takes minor damage.

Valdemar takes minor damage.

Gawain checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 12 lower.

Gawain checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 30 higher.

Gawain remains alive, but close to death.

Gawain falls unconscious.

Ainsley takes serious damage.

Theron takes minor damage.

Sparte takes minor damage.

Gawain has left the fighting grounds.

Echo checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 111, rolling 82 lower.

Echo checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 68, rolling 27 lower.

Echo is incapacitated.

Echo falls unconscious.

Leta takes serious damage.

Esoka takes moderate damage.

Theron takes serious damage.

Ainsley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 56 higher.

Ainsley remains capable of fighting.

Valdemar takes moderate damage.

Caspian takes minor damage.

Sparte checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Theron takes serious damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

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

Ainsley remains capable of fighting.

Echo has left the fighting grounds.

Echo has joined the Benches.

Esoka takes moderate damage.

Valdemar takes serious damage.

Sparte starts singing amidst the battle. Because why wouldn't he. "Oh they fight and spit and scratch and claw to let us know they love us all! The only maiden you'll ever need, a cat with fleas and a fish's sneeze. They'll share your bed your boots your coat, their fur you'll where out when you go, don't dare wear back another's scent or soggy boots is all you'll get."

Caspian takes moderate damage.

Leta takes moderate damage.

Shard takes minor damage.

Caspian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 0, rolling 82 higher.

Caspian remains capable of fighting.

Shard takes minor damage.

Theron takes minor damage.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 62 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Valdemar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 25 higher.

Valdemar remains capable of fighting.

Leta takes serious damage.

Ainsley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 38 higher.

Ainsley remains capable of fighting.

Theron takes minor damage.

Klaus has left the Benches.

Punshine, a disgustingly affectionate pygmy goat arrives, delivering a message to Cristoph before departing.

Caspian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 37 higher.

Caspian remains capable of fighting.

Esoka takes moderate damage.

Theron takes minor damage.

Valdemar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 9 higher.

Valdemar remains capable of fighting.

Rey steps away from the improvised healing station to track down Gawain, wherever he's passed out and/or just sitting there being miserable. She's quick and efficient in her work, just checking his pulse and breathing, making sure he's stable and doesn't need more concentrated attention.

Sparte glances around. "No? Not better? You havn't owned a cat, clearly."

Esoka checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 27, rolling 35 higher.

Esoka remains capable of fighting.

Leta takes minor damage.

Leta checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 12, rolling 63 higher.

Leta remains capable of fighting.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 19, rolling 89 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Valdemar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 114, rolling 53 lower.

Valdemar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 72, rolling 26 lower.

Valdemar is incapacitated.

Valdemar falls unconscious.

Caspian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 48, rolling 15 higher.

Caspian remains capable of fighting.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 44 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Leta checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 24, rolling 51 higher.

Leta remains capable of fighting.

Theron checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 14 higher.

Theron remains capable of fighting.

Caspian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 69, rolling 13 higher.

Caspian remains capable of fighting.

Caspian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 84, rolling 29 lower.

Caspian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 47, rolling 47 higher.

Caspian remains alive, but close to death.

Caspian falls unconscious.

Gawin seems to be mostly okay. He's encased in a bunch of armor and while his brains were rattled hard enough to black out. Still, he nods his thanks to Rey when she checks on him.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 38, rolling 39 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Leta checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 25 higher.

Leta remains capable of fighting.

Theron checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 18 lower.

Theron checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 15 higher.

Theron remains alive, but close to death.

Theron falls unconscious.

Esoka has been trading blows with Valdemar for a good, long while. And taking more than a few herself, in the effort. She's having some difficulty penetrating his guard but, finally, she sees and opening and charges in to exploit it. Taking a half-second to catch her breath after that bull of a hit. This has been a long, long fight.

Caspian has left the fighting grounds.

Leta checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 58, rolling 12 higher.

Leta remains capable of fighting.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 32 higher.

Shard remains capable of fighting.

Caspian has joined the Benches.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 53, rolling 1 lower.

Shard checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 22, rolling 50 higher.

Shard remains alive, but close to death.

Shard falls unconscious.

Ainsley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 17 lower.

Ainsley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 23 higher.

Ainsley remains alive, but close to death.

Ainsley falls unconscious.

Leta checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 68, rolling 1 lower.

Leta checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 34, rolling 56 higher.

Leta remains alive, but close to death.

Leta falls unconscious.

Theron has left the fighting grounds.

Shard has left the fighting grounds.

Theron has joined the Benches.

After Thorley leaves the fight, Valdemar squares off with Esoka, his approach to fighting her becoming more and more aggressive. Though he doesn't sound angry or even frustrated. Rather, there is an exuberance that keeps him swinging his sword in spite of the fact that he is clearly breathing heavily, until she finally gets that blow in, rattling his helmet and sending him sprawling to the ground, unmoving except for the rise and fall of his chest.

Rey helps Gawain out of a little bit of his armor, enough that he's going to be more comfortable.

After receiving an attack from Esoka that literally makes him fall on his ass, stunned, Theron starts laughing, holding up his hand in a clear sign of 'yield'. He picks up his sword, sheathes it, and then heads on over to the benches, settling down beside Sabella.

Theron has left the Benches.

Theron has joined the Benches.

Sparte takes minor damage.

Sparte takes moderate damage.

Ainsley has left the fighting grounds.

Esoka checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 56 higher.

Esoka remains capable of fighting.

Esoka checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 72, rolling 25 higher.

Esoka remains capable of fighting.

Sparte takes minor damage.

Planchet, a young valet have been dismissed.

Sparte looks at Reese in mock horror when she takes a swipe at him, but then grins pretty easily about it after.

Reese has a smile for Sparte. "Its just you and me now Sparte and I am going to take you done!" She says and charges the guardsman.

Ainsley turns in time to see Shard going down. Attempting to go in that direction causes him to not see Leta's swipe coming at him. He hits the ground like a sack of potatoes with a groan. He mutters, "Reese's gonna win..."

Samantha claps her hands. "You can do it, Reese!" And then winces when Ainsley goes down, but nonetheless adds, "Well done, Leta!"

Esoka circles around to fight with Reese as the mass of fighters thins. She receives a hard blow from Sparte, for her trouble. She drops to her knee, shoulders shaking as she positions the tip of her blade on the ground. "That stick is very solid. I yield. Good little fight."

Shard pulls herself to the sidelines, decidedly bruised and battered. "All and all, an appropriate metaphor," she says, low, but not quite low enough.

Esoka checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 103, rolling 12 higher.

Esoka remains capable of fighting.

Sparte takes moderate damage.

Esoka has left the fighting grounds.

Hopefully someone will drag Valdemar to where Rey can look him over without risking being trampled. Once this happens, she goes to check on him.

Sparte leans on his staff, grinning at Esoka. "Almost as hard as my head I'm told." He takes a whack from Reese again, but maintains his good spirits. ...He isn't swinging back?

Sparte takes minor damage.

Leta was standing her ground, exchanging blows with Sparte, occasionally trying to get in an attack on the light-footed Reese whenever the opportunity presented itself, when she's set upon by Ainsley and Shard. So she turns that way, staggering back as she's hit from one side, then another. But she stands, some blows glancing off her armor, others hitting hard enough to make her wobble, until she's a sweaty, dripping, red faced mess. Then Leta snarls, and from the steady careful stance she held on throughout the fight, she goes on the attack, half swording her blade and charging. She puts down Shard, then puts down Ainsley. Then she stands there, and all it takes is a nudge from Reese to push her over.

Michael yells louder than Samantha, right next to her. "For the Guard, Sparte! For Victory! For my cooinnnpurrrsseeee!!!"

Esoka has joined the Benches.

Reese now focuses her attentions upon Sparte. She keeps charging at the slender guardsman and is clearly trying to take him down.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 51 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Shard eyes the fight, and then rolls her eyes.

Sparte takes the hits. He'll surely be worn down, but he still isn't swinging back. Instead he starts to sing again. "Oh there was a princess all in white, itching for a fight."

Ainsley drags himself off to the sidelines to flop down in the sand near Shard. A hand lifting to test his lower lip. A small frown is given and he says, "Damn, this is bleeding isn't it? Was that Leta that did this?" Ainsley doesn't even bother looking toward the fight.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 22, rolling 57 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte sings, "She took out a sailor a mother a jailor and still she wanted to fight. By the end of the day all were ragged, their teeth she'd knocked jagged, and her pretty white dress like the heart in her chest was pink with the day's hard won baggage."

Samantha not-so-politely plants her elbow into Michael's ribcage, smiling sweetly as she turns to address her benchmates.

Rey flags someone down to get them to move Valdemar closer to the improvised healing area, and then returns to have a look at Esoka. "Goodness! You look exhausted."

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 62 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 100, rolling 16 lower.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 60, rolling 23 higher.

Sparte remains alive, but close to death.

Sparte falls unconscious.

Leta lies on the ground, where it's nice and flat and things aren't moving around. No, the ground's just sitting there, and it doesn't get out of the way when she tries to hit it. Many ragged breaths later, she pushes up onto an elbow and starts, very reluctantly, to crawl off towards the healing area.

Thorley has left the Benches.

Sparte is mercifully(?) knocked out before he can go into another verse. Quite soundly out. He isn't getting up.

Waldemai cheers the fighters. "Great melee, everyone! Well fought! Well done!"

Since Sparte wasn't yielding, Reese finishes the combat, but she does seem concerned with him not hitting her back. Finally she takes him down. Reese crouches down near him. "Sparte, are you okay?"

Shard says, flatly, "Hey, look at that. She didn't stop fighting you just because you decided to stand there making stupid faces and singing."

"About time!" Caspian calls as Sparte finally falls, moving over to the fighting grounds once again, waving his hands to Reese. "And we have here folks, our winner of the free for all. Princess Reese Grayson!" He looks down to Sparte, who is down on the ground, then he looks over to Rey. "Can you make sure he ain't dead?"

Lucita claps for the combatants "Well fought, well done!"

Ainsley checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 3 lower.

Looking like he just swallowed a rotten egg Ainsley lifts his hands and claps. Saying with as much enthusiasm as he can muster, "Well fought, Princess Reese. Gloria favored you this night."

Caspian has left the Benches.

Caspian has joined the fighting grounds.

Eventually, Valdemar begins to stir, rubbing at his ears (supposing someone removed his helmet), and grumbling about something. Eventually, he gets loud enough to make out what he is saying, "Bells! Stop the damned bells!" He finally opens his eyes then, and slowly sits up, though he does not stop rubbing at his ears.

Reese seems completely unsurprised by Ainsley's and Shard's reaction. She sighs like she has been through this before and keeps crouched down by Sparte for now.

For good measure, Caspian poke Sparte with the toe of his boot, just to make sure that the man is indeed not dead.

Reese is overheard praising Sparte for: He can stand for quite a long time! has saying power.

Reese is overheard praising Caspian for: Hosting great fighting events.

Ainsley says to Shard, blandly, "It's a shame one of the greatest swordmasters of our time is such a spoilt brat." Still he pushes himself up from the ground, holding a hand toward Shard, "Drinks?"

Ainsley is overheard praising Caspian for: Organizing an excellent display of gloria's favor on our fighters!

Giulio has left the Benches.

Giulio has joined the Benches.

Margerie is overheard praising Caspian.

Michael is overheard praising Sparte for: For coming second best to Reese, a wondrous achievement.

Reese looks hurt as Ainsley speaks about son, having the look of an often kicked dog has heard this many times. She sucks in a soft breath and then another, but keeps her silence.

Rey looks over at Sparte on the ground in the fighting area. Actually, her gaze takes in the whole general sweep of the carnage, and she sighs. Brushing stray wisps of moonspun hair out of her face, she takes her medical bag over. "Poking him with your shoe isn't going to help," she chastises Caspian gently. She doesn't look like she's capable of chastising harshly. Or anything harshly.

Theron is overheard praising Reese for: The Pink Menace is glorious again!

Turning his gaze back to the crowd, Caspian calls, "Please feel free to congratulate anyone who you feel fought well! And also, please make sure you talk to your friends and family, and assure them with the displays you saw today!" He says with a wide grin given to the crowd, waving his hands around the fighting area.

Cambria is overheard praising Theron for: Well fought, as always.

Margerie is overheard praising Rey for: In a time of war and battles, it is good to see the healers practicing as well!

Ainsley is overheard praising Rey for: For dedicating herself to an evening of helping tend to the bruises of idiots hitting each other with wooden swords.

Cambria has left the Benches.