Followed by Coraline and Rinel, Jordan leads the trio into the Arena of the Golden Hart for some sparring. He casts a look around and smiles before heading over to a table and settling down.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon arrive, following Victus.

Metzger, a great grey shrike arrives, following Dominique.

3 Grayson Guardsmen, Philip, an overworked assistant, Crown Observer Barcus, Dominique arrive, following Calarian.

Lizette, a pretty buxom barmaid arrives, following Valencia.

Skye arrives by herself, a curious look on her face as she makes her way in for the event. She glances about, trying to find a group in the crowd to sit with.

Rinel beams at Victus and squeals at the Highlord's cat.

Felicia prowls into the arena to take up her usual spot at the ringside table, clad, as usual, in her black leather and rubicund. Whiskey, by the bottle, the 'poison' of choice as the redheaded King's Own finds herself a spot to drop into and prop her feet on a nearby empty chair.

Ian has been sitting at a corner table for a while now, judging on the impact he's made on the bottle of whiskey sitting on the table next to him.

Following behind Jordan with Rinel, Cora grins wildly, there will be fighting and booze, now THIS is a party she can get into.

The little vixen is late. She rushes in in a swirl of storm grey silks and a bright smile, offering warm greetings to one and all, thoroughly delighted to see such a happy and boisterous crowd.

Calarian arrives into the arena to watch the spectacle. His arm is interlinked with Dominiques. He leans in and murmurs something to her with a smile before he leads her towards the bar.

Jericho enters the arena with the lovely Lady Fianna Crovane on his arm, and with her, he walks to the upper rafters where they can best watch the fights, claiming a seat with her. "Greetings all, greetings all." he smiles softly to Fianna then.

Lethe takes an eager look around once she arrives. She smiles to those she knows and tries to find a good place to watch.

Striding inside a bottle of rum and a ratty looking cat trailing behind him, Victus steps into the Golden Heart. One hand is dipped into the pocket of his new coat while the other keeps a stranglehold on the bottle's neck. "Been awhile." He muses to himself, taking a long look around. The familiar squeal from Rinel catches his eye, Lilybelle carrying her golden badge around her neck proudly. It elicits an amused snort as he waves toward the Scholar before taking a seat by the ringside.

Victus has joined the ringside table.


Letting out a soft chuckle, she squeezes Calarian's arm. Dominique beams brightly as she glances about, letting her betrothed lead the way before hopping up onto one of the bar stools.

Dominique has joined the bar.

Calarian has joined the bar.

Zoey wanders in and heads towards Ian's table. She stops long enough to curtsey to Victus and the Claw of Arx before continuing on her way.

Zoey has joined the corner table.

Skye has joined the ringside table.

Jan makes her way into the gaming house and peers around. She heads for the corner table pretty much immediately, plopping down in a seat by Ian. "Did I miss anything good? Am I late?" she demands. She tips her chin to Zoey, too. "Maybe it's time for that drink."

Ian greets Victus with a vague toasting motion made with his glass before he takes a sip. He nods to Zoey when she comes to join him.

Jan has joined the corner table.

Skye moves over to where her High Lord is and quietly slips in to join them. She gives a wave in Ian's direction, giving smiles to Zoey and Jan who are sitting with him.

Aethan is one of the people streaming into the Hart, and he looks around, his expression even more unreadable than usual. He steps to the side out of the way so that he can look around, before he spots Ian, Zoey, and then Jan at one of the tables, and starts that way as well to snag a seat while there's an empty one to be had with a nod at those assembled there.

Arriving on Jericho's arm, Fianna offers a bright smile and wave towards everyone she recognizes. Ian, Valencia, Jordan, Coraline, Rinel, and Dominique are all subjected to her terrible good cheer. Then she's heading up to the upper rafters with Jericho and smiles back at him, leaning in to murmur something to their rafters companion!

Aethan has joined the corner table.

Lethe has joined the upper rafters.

Jordan offers a smile over to Skye when he spots her. "Baroness!" He greets, brightly.

There is no doubt whether it is sip or spar for the petite Lady Lisebet Farshaw. She comes in, glancing around to see who is here this week. Perhaps it will become a tradition of hers to come out and cheer on all those who spar.

Jan calls out, "Aethan!" and kicks out one of the chairs at the table in offering for him to sit.

Waving back to Fianna with equal good cheer, Cora looks for a place to settle and looks at Rinel, "Where is good to sit you think?"

Ian looks at Jan as she sits down, and then at his bottle of whiskey. And then at Aethan. And then at the whiskey. He picks up the bottle and holds it up so the bartender can see. This is not going to be enough. Also they need glasses. He finds times for greetings to Fianna and Skye once this important work is done.

Jordan also nods to Fianna, grinning back at her with full cheer on.

Rinel says, "Hmmm... I've never been before! Your choice, Your Highness. Oh, is that Echo? Hello, Echo!"

Pausing to ensure that all the drinks flow freely, she nods to her staff and slips through the crowd like a little grey shadow towards the sands. Glancing up she looks for Waldemai in his customary seating in the rafters and smiles, offering a little wave, and another smile and wave to Ian and Zoe. Graham gets a warm nod and does Jericho, Rinel, Aethan, Calarian, Felicia, and Skye. There is a surprised but bright smile for Victus, the little vixen look well pleased to see her long lost friend and a sweet mile to Fianna, Islin, Dominique and Coraline. A little wink is sent Echo's way and the petite southern princess finds herself at the edge of the ring.

Zoey blinks a little when Jan kicks out the chair, the sound of it startling her for that moment. She leans into Ian's arm and rests there while she waits for the drinks to arrive.


There's so many people. Dominique bows her head in acknowledgement and offers friendly little waves to people in greeting. For the most part, she's in people watching mode as she orders some red wine and leans against Calarian.

Grinning and waving to those she knows, Cora thinks, "We can go sit with Echo to be sure!"

"Princess Echoooooo-o-o-o-o!" Fianna doesn't even hesitate to cup her hands around her mouth and make the play on words. She grins, standing in her seat to wave at the Princess with both arms.

Florian arrives, following Derovai.

Surprisingly, Echo is here (basically) on time! The Redrain princess gave a quick glance about the room before making her way inwards, pausing only at the sound of Rinel's voice. "Oh hey Rin! How are you? Where are we all sitting?" Yes, she's letting Rinel decide, judging by the way she's eyeing the woman expectantly. Valencia's wink doesn't go unnoticed, and Echo makes sure to sneak a hug and all the cheek kisses -- And oh god, no Fianna is echoing out. "Hi Lady Fianna! Hi everyone!"

Jericho waves at Echo as well, smiling to her and bowing his head softly, before he also sees Valencia, giving her a bright little wave.



Valencia moves into the center of the Ring of Valor and offers a smile and a warm incline of her head to the arena and then begins...

"My lords and ladies, misseres and madams, dearest friends… welcome to my Hart. As always tonight is a night to come together to enjoy excellent skills, the finest of company with a strong drink or two. All here are welcome to participate and the bar is open for your pleasure," the little vixen invites the crowd with a smile.

"If you will allow me, I would also like to say that tonight we are also collecting donations in support the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the three regions affected by the war. Funds collected tonight and at our upcoming event next week will be donated to this very important cause. We thank you deeply for any support you can offer. It is your generosity and good will that allows us to make a difference and our peoples stronger."

"Thank you as well for blessing us with your kind company, inspiring spirit, and for making this event, and all our events, such a wonderful tradition in our city. We are so very happy and proud to offer our Hart to you. We are so glad you are here. Please allow me to wish you, as always, much light, luck and love."

"And now warriors, if you will take to the sands!"

Victus gives little waves back to those who greet him. Ian, Zoey, Rinel and Valencia all getting the same. He might have been drinking though he didn't seem to be /totally/ uncoordinated tonight! Meanwhile, the controversial Claw of Arx has taken up her own seat just beside the ring. Her one eye peering at those about to step up and battle, for her amusement of course.

Valencia nodding to the arena's Grand Marshals, she slips from the stands and makes way for the fighters t begin.

Calarian leans in to Dominique and murmurs something to her once they've settled and said their greetings. After he gives her a curious look, though he smiles innocently enough.

Rinel gives Echo a hug. "We're going to sit at... the ringside table!" she decides.

Rinel has joined the ringside table.

Echo has joined the ringside table.

Jordan has joined the ringside great table.

Tempest arrives, following Signe.

Derovai's here. It's been a few weeks since he's been around at the sip-and-spars, but Valencia's bookie has arrived and is ready to get to work. "If anyone wants to place bets, talk to me," he declares, with a nod at the Hart's owner to confirm his job for the evening. He grabs one of the raised seats -- he's not the tallest or shortest fellow, but at least he can be seen easily over there.

Coraline has joined the ringside table.

A quick detour is made to Jericho's side to wrap up the Valardin prince in a quick hug, before Echo nods to Rinel's suggestion and drops into a seat at the ringside table. The knight-princess hooked her ankle around a chair leg and dragged out a seat for Coraline after beckoning her over. "Come join us!"

Derovai has joined the raised seating.

"Who's on first?" Felicia enquires from the ringside table,"I'll cheerfully go a round with whoever's game." even if no promises on the entirely sober, given the way she's drinking that whiskey.

Settling into the chair offered, Cora gives Echo a grin and plops down, grinning to everyone present, "My deepest thanks Princess Echo." Stretching legs out she grins at everyone equally, oh yes she is happy about this.

Aviana comes walking in looking around her hazel eyes looking about the place almost seeming a bit over whelmed, she moves to find a seat to watch from a distance for the moment.

Lisebet stops at the bar to get a drink, offering a respectful and polite nod to Dominique and Calarian over that way. She does not interrupt them, instead turning to the call out by Felicia at the ringside table. She gets a bottle of whiskey and heads that way, glancing over. "I have whiskey, might I join you all?" Of course, she also has a glass of her own too.


With a glass of wine in hand, Dominique raises her glass as Lisebet stops by to get a drink. There's a knowing Mona Lisa-esque grin on her features as she chats quietly with the prince as she continues glancing about, content to watch for now.

Signe soon arrives with the very curious Tempest in tow. He's sniffing at the boots and slippers of the persons in passing while the shaman drinks in the sight of a diverse audience gathred at the event. She's tossing out some friendly waves while politely weaving her path towards the chairs at the rinside.

"Lady Farshaw, of course, please." Felicia offers with a nod of her head towards an empty seat with a broad grin,"No takers?" asked of the room at large,"Come on guys... while sipping's great, it's better with sparring to go with it?" she suggests with a laugh.

Jordan is happy at his corner table, nodding at Derovai and lifting a hand, signifying he wants to place a bet, apparently. "I'll fight," he mentions, to Felicia.

Lisebet has joined the ringside table.

Rinel says, "I'll fight! I won't /win/. But I'll fight."

Calarian just grins after Dominique and him murmurs for a few moments. A glass of liquor in his hand as he sips before he raises it to his companion. Offering her a polite acknowledgement, perhaps affirming whatever she has said as he takes another healthy sip.

"How much?" Derovai calls over to Jordan. He's got a ledger in his hand, provided to him by one of the attendants for the Hart, and a small pile of silver deposited in case he needs to make change. Ready to go to work, it seems.

Arriving a little later than most of the crowd, Eiran wanders into the arena with a stride that speaks of easy confidence. There's a slight raising of his brows upon seeing the place so full, though that look of surprise is soon eclipsed by the beginnings of a smile, his eyes flashing with interest as he makes his way toward the bar.

Felicia ahs,"That's better then... two now, did we want to do a three-way free-for-all... or...?" Felicia enquires, tossing back her whiskey and rising to her feet, making a small gesture,"Either way's fine with me. Scholar Tern, Sir Ober." she gives a flash of a bright smile as she prowls down to the sands.

Valencia moves back as the warriors prepare, wishing them good luck as she moves past to stand near the ring, her dark glimmering eyes keeping an eye on things. A smile is offered to Felicia at her words and a nod is offered to Derovai who begins taking bets. Eiran is offered a warm incline of head as he heads to the bar and Signe a warm bright smile as she is seen through the crowd.

"A hundred," Jordan calls out back to Derovai, but he looks over at Felicia. "You against me, and then I'll have a drink and settle back for the night."

Felicia has left the ringside table.

Felicia has joined the ring of valor.

"On your own fight?" Derovai looks briefly puzzled at Jordan. "That's not really how it works." But he'll take the bet down anyway. "Betters against Sir Ober, on Dame Harrow, for a hundred silver?"

"One fight and you'll be done..?" Felicia grins at Jordan,"Alright then, come on." she nods twoards the arena as she takes up a spot at one end, adjusting her gloves as she waits for him to get there and drawing Persuasion from its sheathe.

Felicia wields Persuasion.

Signe has joined the ringside table.

Graham has been busy with helping out as he is used to doing in such events. He will offer and pass out drinks and help with anything else. It's only after he's seen to this that he will move to join the crowd once more finding the owner of the Hart "Valencia, how are you this evening?" He asks before offering "Anything else I may help with?"

"I'll bet on yours," Jordan tells Derovai, shaking his head. "I don't bet on my own fight."

"Mine?" Derovai looks puzzled. "Who said I was..." He shakes his hea bemusedly, but makes a note, settling back to watch. "All right, actual bets on this fight... going once. Twice." And he waits.

^head

"Lord Graham," Valencia smiles sweetly up at the man with a little nod. "How are you? You are so very kind to offer. If you wouldn't mind, I should like to see everyone have a lovely time. Would you see to introductions so that everyone feels welcome and comfortable?" she asks hopefully. "It is a wonderful crowd this evening. I'm so delighted. I do see some new faces. I hope they enjoy themselves and return."

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

Volare wakes up.

Volare have been dismissed.

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

Glancing up from near the bar as he hears Derovai closing on the bets, Eiran calls out "Two hundred on her!" as he gestures in the direction of the ring.

Felicia takes serious damage.

Valencia pauses to smile as not one but three messengers arrive. She smiles apologetically to Graham and accepts the missives, offering each messenger thanks by word and coin.

Derovai raises a gloved hand to acknowledge Eiran's bet, though he winces as Felicia is the first one hit. "Good thing it's not to first blood," he calls over to the other man, more than a little dryly.

Well that one certainly stole Felicia's breath, and definitely puts her on a more defensive footing even as she acknowledges it with a breathless bob of her head, tapping her cuirass briefly by way of acknowledgment. A broad grin on her face as she endeavors to find a way through his defenses.

Signe raises a hand to wave at Valencia just before the spar begins. She points silently to the ring below and mimes an archer pulling on the bow string then firing off an arrow. She then points to her self then nods enthusiastically.

Apparently Jordan has grown accostumed to fighting in armor. His motions are swift and his defenses, while slower than without a suit, are still quick enough to be a blur and a flash of motion before he's trying to strike back. Felicia scores a really good hit on his armor, which apparently gets absorbed, and he continues the fight with a nod to the King's Own.

Lisebet manages to wave to Valencia - it's not her first time here (Lisebet that is), but she does acknowledge the hostess. And then her gaze is off to the fight, curiously.

Jordan takes minor damage.

Felicia takes moderate damage.

His bet placed, Eiran concludes his order at the bar, stepping away with a goblet of ruby red wine, from which he sips as he observes the combat with keen interest. That first blow struck produces a wince, though Eiran cheers energetically each time his chosen champion dodges or parries.

Felicia takes moderate damage.

Jordan takes minor damage.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting arrive, following Sabella.

Felicia takes minor damage.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 60 higher.

Felicia remains capable of fighting.

The little vixen smiles Signe's way and nods warmly to her request, glancing to the fine mesh netting that surrounds the arena. Reaching out, Valencia speaks softly to a passion member of the Hart's arena staff and offers instructions. The young man smiles and winks, obviously a fan of archery. Request issued, she catches Lisbet's wave and returns ith with a bright smile, happy to see that she has returned to enjoy the Hart's offerings.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 24, rolling 38 higher.

Felicia remains capable of fighting.

Jordan takes serious damage.

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

Jordan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 8, rolling 41 higher.

Jordan remains capable of fighting.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 81 higher.

Felicia remains capable of fighting.

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

Jordan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 31, rolling 34 higher.

Jordan remains capable of fighting.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 20 higher.

Felicia remains capable of fighting.

Jordan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 64 higher.

Jordan remains capable of fighting.

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

Jordan has rolled a critical success!
Jordan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 112 higher.

Jordan remains capable of fighting.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 82, rolling 14 lower.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 46, rolling 22 higher.

Felicia remains alive, but close to death.

Felicia falls unconscious.

Waldemai applauds and whistles from the rafters. "Great fight! Well done!"

Zoey likewise snags a staff member and sends him running round to Valencia's side. Apparently, Zoey's keen to shoot some arrows as well!

Derovai raises a skeptical brow at Eiran's cheering, but he keeps watching, more than a little dubious as the fight progresses. At the same time, he seems to be amenable to being volunteered to fight, dropping a hand down to his dagger to ready it for the upcoming spar.

Skye watches with baited breath as Felicia gets in a few blows on Jordan. However, then Jordan manages to get through and win the fight. She gives a clap for Jordan as he does well in his efforts.

Derovai wields Catsclaw, a Dagger.

As the final missive is opened a leather pouch is found. Valencia reads the note with interest and her smile of gratitude cannot be mistaken. Looking up she searches the crowd to find Skye's bright eyes and she nods with a gracious and grateful smile, whispering, "Thank you so much."

The fighting is nasty and closely fought towards the end where both fighters are essentially standing there, slugging blow after blow at each other. Jordan strikes a bit more swiftly than precise towards the end, holding himself steady despite the weight of the armor bearing down fully on him, and, by the time he's done, he's a sweaty mess, his heart beating like a drum. The blade clatters to the ground after the strike that defeats Felicia and he limps forward to offer her a hand to shake. "Well fought!"

As the fight ends, Aethan looks up from the conversation he's having with those at the corner table to clap as well, before he puts two fingers in his mouth and lets out a sharp whistle.

3 Bisland pride guards have been dismissed.

The young Stonewood nods to the princess "Of course, i'd be glad to help get everyone to know one another." Graham says with a bow of his head to her. He will move to weight in to the crowd towards where the others are both fighting and watching the fights. He looks to those nearest by for now.

It's a long bout, no doubt, with a lot of blows traded, and dodges made. Felicia lags behind, taking a couple of good blows that tire her out rather faster than her opponent, but, well, the King's Own is stubborn, and she hangs in there as long as she can before one good blow knocks her to her knee's and she winds up rolling onto her back with a laugh,"I yield!" she insists to Jordan,"You win." accepting the hand offered to rise with a bit of a wince,"That first one was vicious, not going to lie... nicely done, sir Ober. Now, I definitely need more whiskey."

Ian finishes off saying something and applauds, but the sound of his clapping is totally covered up by Aethan's whistle.

Jan raises her hands to her mouth and hoots, stomping her feet in appreciation for the battle. "YEAH!"

Felicia has left the ring of valor.

Felicia has joined the ringside table.

Zoey claps politely before taking up her drink again. Jeffeth gets a smile and a wave when he enters.

Rinel has left the ringside table.

"Good job!" Sabella calls out, having come in too late to actually have seen anything, "Those hits were really hard! And battling!" she gives smiles and waves to those she knows, glancing around for a seat.

"That's a hundred silver to the Hart, -- you," Derovai tells Eiran, seemingly lacking a name for the hapless bettor. "Pay up." And he pushes himself up from his chair, looking around to see who he's supposed to fight, since his name has been volunteered.

There's a pained groan when Jordan eventually gets the best of Felicia, though Eiran offers applause toward the winner all the same. His hand dipping toward the coin purse at his hip as he casts a glance in the direction of Derovai. Flagging down a passing member of staff, coins are counted out and directed Derovai's way.

Dante has joined the ringside table.

Removing his helmet, Jordan cradles it in the crook of his elbow before leaning down to pick up his blade, wincing a bit as he heads over to the great table. There's a bow to the crowd before he settles into his chair, flagging a waitress and making a quiet order. The helm is placed over the table.

Rinel waves weakly at Derovai. "I think we're fighting, Master Voss. Not with words, for once."

Jericho does actually clap as the fight comes to a close, laughing a bit as everyone ends up cheering or groaning at the gained or lost bets. "Heh....always an exciting fight.

In walks the Lord of Roses, skirting most of the seating to approach one of the ringside tables... notably perhaps, the one with the most female to male ratio. It does seem he recognizes someone there and begins casual conversation.

"Well fought," Lisebet calls out, though she refrains from additional clapping or groaning.

Ian lifts his drink in a greeting sort of way when Sabella and Jeffeth come in. Then he drinks from it. Efficiency. Dante gets an actual wave.

"Well done!" Signe cheers from her seating.

Silver Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Derovai deposits Eiran's wager with staff to take it to Valencia, with a nod. And then he looks over to Rinel, raising a brow. "Ah, this -- if you're sure." But he seems amenable enough, punch-dagger at the ready and his skepticism fading as he hits the sand of the fighting ring. To Eiran, again, he calls out, "You take the bets now."

Bronze Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Dante catches Ian's wave and grins widely and sincerely, waving back with a bit of a wink, saying to those around him, "If you do accept me, be warned, I will at some point in the evening have to go and buy Ian several, several drinks."

Weapons Rack is now unlocked.

Dante has left the ringside table.

Dante has joined the ringside great table.

Echo has left the ringside table.

Echo has joined the ringside great table.

Signe has left the ringside table.

Felicia has left the ringside table.

Felicia has joined the ringside great table.

Signe has joined the ringside great table.

Skye has left the ringside table.

Derovai has left the raised seating.

Derovai has joined the ring of valor.

Skye has joined the ringside great table.

Lisebet has left the ringside table.

Lisebet has joined the ringside great table.

Sabella has joined the corner table.

Victus has left the ringside table.

Victus has joined the ringside great table.

The large lumbering form of Sir Jeffeth Bayweather enters. Wrist tucked in between the pommel of his blade and his hip. As he approaches a bright smile goes up his lips as he sees Skye. "My Lady! I have heard we did well!" The big man bellows out in her direction with a bright smile.

Valenica nods warmly to Derovai as the donation from the wager is placed in her slender hand. "Thank you so much, missere. And thank you, my lord," she nods to Eiran with a sweet smile, putting the silver in a chest to be counted and donated with the rest of the collected writs and silver.

Jeffeth has joined the ringside table.

When Sabella sits down at his table, Ian motions to the bartender with his glass. They need one more.

Rinel has joined the ring of valor.

Glancing over his shoulder to see who Derovai might have been talking to, there's a look of surprise when Eiran realises it's him. There's a brief look of panic as eyes widen, though a moment later he's recovered and starts calling out "That's right! Keeper of the books! Place your bets on how hard the mouthy gentleman gets hit!" he yells, gesturing around the place and then down toward the ring.

Rinel grins nervously as she readies her spear and adopts a basic spearfighting stance. "I shan't lie, Master Voss. I hope I do well enough for this to be therapeutic."

Rinel wields a short spear with green leaf head.

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

Florian wakes up.

Florian have been dismissed.

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

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman arrive, following Caspian.

Zoey waves at Thesarin, inviting him over to the corner table.

Caspian has joined the bar.

Derovai's quick, but apparently Rinel is too, and the two are somewhat evenly matched in terms of speed. He moves in close, trying to cut off her points of attack with that spear, heedless of the fact that... well, it's a spear, and he's only got a dagger. The first round, he stays back, his movements defensive, trying to gauge her abilities.

Thesarin makes his way into the Arena, froning vaguely as he goes, hands balled at his side. He looks over people at the Arena, giving a nod toward Zoey when she nods at him, and starts toward the corner table.

Thesarin has joined the corner table.

Followed by his enterage, Caspian strolls into the arena and his eyes are immedately drawn to Derovai. As he walks towards the bar he grins towards the man, calling to him, "Go Dero! Do a good job at getting your ass kicked!" He gives the man a grin as he sits himself down a stool, ordering himself some fortified wine.

Rinel laughs delightedly as she keeps Derovai at bay, her emerald eyes sparkling in amusement. "Master Voss! You're as adept at knifework as you are with words!" She grins at the man. "Unfortunately for your pride, I am a /terrible/ spearwoman."

Rinel takes moderate damage.

Derovai takes moderate damage.

Signe drops Swift Strike Scorpion Whiskey.

Rinel takes minor damage.

Derovai takes minor damage.

Making his way over to the Corner table for a moment, Jeffeth bows deeply to Zoey and Ian. "My Lady, My Lord. My belated congratulations." A bright smile before he looks over to Jan, bowing once more. "My Lady." Then, yet another bow down to Sabella. "Your Highness. I had heard you were out of the city it is good to see that you have returned safely." And then finally he looks to Aethan with a light smile. "Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, Knight Lieutenant of the Silver Order, at your service."

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

Derovai takes minor damage.

Aethan glances up again at Thesarin's arrival, as well, and gives the man a nod, but his attention is divided, mostly on the fight. "They're both quick," he comments, before the arrival of someone else has him looking that way, and he nods to Jeffeth. "Sir Jeffeth," he says. "Lord Aethan Kennex."

Collecting some money from a few interested betters, Eiran writes a few things down on a scrap of parchment he's managed to find, but whether it makes sense or reflects the money he's been given is a mystery. Still, he's doing it all with a flourish and a winning smile and really, isn't that what really counts?

Zoey smiles at Jeffeth. "You're very kind, Sir Jeffeth," she says quietly. "Would you care to join us? We're very much not talking about the wedding right now, but rather enjoying the sparring."

"Sir Jeffeth," Jan greets, tipping her chin at him. Her eyes crinkle at the corners. "Yeah, have a seat if you'd like."

Lethe has left the upper rafters.

Derovai strikes out. But it's difficult against a spear, and he takes a few good whacks. He doesn't seem to mind, though, shaking his head at Rinel. "Well, something's keeping you going. It can't just be your willingness to beat me up." And he scoffs at Caspian's words. "Whose side are you on?!" he calls over to the duelist. Another feint later, and he adds, "Don't answer that."

"Yes, it was touch and go sometimes. Travel in a carriage such a long way is always risky, but it all went well in the end." Sabella replies with a smile to Jeffeth.

3 House Riven Soldiers, 1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, white-tailed eagle, Lianna arrive, following Mia.

Rinel is beginning to work up a sweat, her breath coming more laboured as she engages with the man. She takes a few strikes, looking a bit panicked, then glances briefly at... an angry cat? The scholar narrows her eyes at Derovai and moves in quickly, teeth bared in an almost-grin. "You'd be surprised at how much willingness I have to do exactly that, Master Voss," she grits out.

Rinel takes minor damage.

Rinel takes very serious damage.

Zoey spots a Mia! She waves at the woman, motioning her over to the table where Thesarin, as well as others, are sitting.

"A pleasure and an honor, Lord Aethan Kennex." Jeffeth rumbles with a bright smile to the man. Another bow to Ian and Zoey. "Thank you for the offer, My Lady, My Lord." He gestures over his shoulder with his thumb to Coraline at the ringside table. "Seems my squire has fallen asleep. I should go keep her company til she wakes up." Another bright smile back to Sabella. "Well it's good to have you back in the city, Your Highness."

Dante has left the ringside great table.

Rinel has spoken too soon--though she manages a few good hits on the man, her reckless stance leaves her far too open, and her opponent's blows leave her winded. "I yield!" she yelps, after a particularly strong blow knocks her onto her bottom.

Thesarin is seated a the corner table with Zoey, Ian, and the others. He waves down a tall pint of bitters, looking as ever exactly like a well-dressed shav from out of the Grey Forest, nodding solemnly as Rinel is knocked over on her backside.

Derovai also has decided to go all-in to attack Rinel, apparently tired of being batted about with a spear. So he charges in, half-shoving, half-jabbing her to the ground. It's not a pretty move, but it's an effective one, and then he jumps back a little, watching to make sure that spear Rinel holds lands well out of the way of danger. Then he extends a gloved hand to help her up. "You're quick. Do a little more work with that spear and you'll be pretty competent. Maybe someone can teach you. Not me -- I like my daggers."

Mia slips into the Hart quietly -- or at least as quietly as any one woman can manage, when surrounded by a small entourage of house guards and one exceptionally grim-faced Prodigal who is, judging by the way his eyes darted around the arena, taking quick stock of every weapon in sight. But! Fortunately for the Countess, the place is packed tonight, so maybe a cluster of five or six new arrivals won't be worth much note, after all.

Rinel takes Derovai's hand with evident surprise, allowing the man to help her up. She murmurs something quietly to the man.

The crowd cheers wildly and applaud the fighters below and Valencia moves to the edge of the ring again, cheering right along with them. A looks at the crowd makes her smile once more and she nods graciously as the combatants leave the field so that the Hart's arena crew may start to set up for the Archery contest.

They work quickly, targets being set up and fine mesh netting being pulled up around the vast ring so that any errant arrows may not end up in inappropriate places. The little vixen nods and moves the center of the ring and holds up her hands. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to call our archers to the field for a show of great skill and keen sight. Ladies, sir, if you would join us please?" she nods to the competitors.

Jordan waves over to Thesarin and Mia, offering the former a salute, and the latter a bow of his head.

Ian gives Zoey a quick squeeze of the hand and a kiss on the cheek before she can get up to get ready to do the archery thing. For luck? For motivation? Encouragement?

Rinel has left the ring of valor.

Rinel has joined the ringside great table.

"Don't get used to it," Derovai responds to whatever Rinel whispered. "Mind that spear of yours." And he's dropping her hand, cracking his neck as he returns to the betting table, adding to Eiran, "How'd it go? I believe Sir Ober owes money to the house, if he was betting against me, for one."

Derovai has left the ring of valor.

Derovai has joined the raised seating.

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

Zoey looks up from her table when the archers are called, and she smiles with a little surprise when Ian kisses her cheek. "Well, seems I'm up," she remarks to her table. And she's stringing Dawn's Light as she walks down to the sands, pulling a blunted arrow out of a quiver at her hip.

Zoey has left the corner table.

Zoey has joined the ring of valor.

Eiran looks more than a little relieved when Derovai returns to resume book keeping duties. Handing him the scrap of parchment with his notes and selection of coins, there's an auible sign of relief.

"This will be an elimination round event. All archers will participate in each round, with the highest scores moving to the next round. Targets will be moved back as the rounds escalate," she explains. "Archers, are you ready?" she asks stepping back to allow them to take to the chalk line drawn upon the sand.

Dante has joined the ringside great table.

Good luck, Lady Zoey," Aethan says when the archers are called to the field. He takes another drink from his glass as his eyes move to the arena with interest.

Valencia claims this

Jericho perks his head up when archers are called. "Heh..this should be fun." and he kisses Fianna's cheek softly. "I'll be right back." he smiles then, reaching the fighting circle to draw his bow. "alright...let's have a good little elimination tourney." he says almost happily. he loves archery.

Jericho has left the upper rafters.

Jericho has joined the ring of valor.

Signe has left the ringside great table.

Skye gets up from her seat to join the other archers in the sand. She pulls out her bow and then moves to the ring of valor

Signe has joined the ring of valor.

Skye has left the ringside great table.

Skye has joined the ring of valor.

Felicia has left the ringside great table.

Skye wields golden seahorse rubicund bow.

Jericho wields Shadowfury, Bow Of The White's Wolf.

Ian turns a little bit gingerly in his chair so that he's facing the ring better. He finishes off the whiskey in his glass and tops it up.

Zoey wields Dawn's Light, an alaricite bow.

Kaine would look out-of-place as a potential combatant, given his complete lack of armor or weaponry, so it's probably a good thing that he's just a member of the audience. He slips around, off to one side, carefully moving past any people that might get in the way as he seeks a good position from which to watch the ring of valor.

Signe moves down to the floor where others have lined up, "Do you have a bow I can borrow? I could also throw some arrows."

Zoey gets Roar, a lion rampant steel and blackwood bow from a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

Thesarin looks over at Jan, from his spot at the seat, and he reaches to the the end of his left sleeve, reaching over to pull it up to his elbow. Over every square inch of ripped muscle, he's tattooed with winding curves and points in coppery-brown ink, interlocked, and more than a few faded scars. He says something to the table before he looks up and gives nods of acknowledgement toward Mia and Jordan as they approach.

Jordan claps for the archers. "Strike true!" He calls out with a grin.

Zoey hands a spare bow to Signe with a little wink.

Signe expressed her gratitude to Zoey in lending her a bow.

His 'duties' for the night dispensed with, Eiran polishes off his goblet of wine, before slipping away in the direction of the door.

Signe wields Roar, a lion rampant steel and blackwood bow.

Derovai takes the paper from Eiran, nodding. "You want to take this over long-term?" he wonders. He may be joking, but he arches a dark brow at the other man, visibly curious. "I'm sure you did an excellent job."

Tempest have been dismissed.

"Go, Zoey!" Sabella shouts from her table, throwing her hands in the aor as if to indicate some kind of good shot homerun.

No, it seems not, as Mia is already receiving greetings -- and from unfamiliar faces, no less. While Zoey is a nod during her descent down into the arena, Jordan by, contrast receives.... and odd look. One black brow arches at the sight of a bow but! She inclines her head all the same before moving towards her husband's crowded table, the tattooed guard accompanying her following closely at her heels. Far closer than the other Rivens were.

"If you'll excuse me." Dante states plitely as he smiles and rises up, bowing a bit and speaking with a servant for a long moment before heading over towards Ian.

Mia has joined the raised seating.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 74 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 9 lower.

Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 11 lower.

Dante has left the ringside great table.

Dante has joined the corner table.

Apparently, Joslyn has arrived just in time to watch the archers, she grins and waves to Zoey as she moves to take her place. "Good luck, Lady Zoey!" Joslyn shouts, grabbing wine from a passing server. She watches the archers with great interest, scanning the rest of the crowd for potential interesting people.

Skye draws her bow and takes aim at the target set before her. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly as she shoots. The first shot hits the target but not as close to the bullseye that she would like. She takes another arrow and once again does that careful aim before shooting. This time it's close. She gives a triumphant smile and then does her last shot that ends up being on par with her first one. She then takes a step back to see how others did.

Fianna gets Golden Hart Arena Longbow from Weapons Rack.

Jeffeth has left the ringside table.

Fianna wields Golden Hart Arena Longbow.

Mia has left the raised seating.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 45 higher.

Mia has joined the raised seating.

Mia has left the raised seating.

Mia has joined the corner table.

Dante gets a tiny black satin jewelry pouch from a rose-carved steel and ironwood case.

Dante gets a delicate gold pendant from a tiny black satin jewelry pouch.

Zoey sends her arrows in quick succession towards the target. One of them damn near hits dead centre, but she seems... displeased with the other two. She toes the chalk line a little and squints at the target as if staring it into submission.

Fianna has left the upper rafters.

Fianna has joined the ring of valor.

Jericho fires off his three shots, and one of them might as well hit the center, but it's off by just that bare inch. the other two land all around the bullseye, but don't get the bullseye. "damn.." but he does smile softly. Now to hear the scores....

Laughing as she races down after Jericho, she rummages about on the weapon rack and grabs a bow, flashing a grin at Jericho with a wink, "Told you I've been practicing!" Turning to the targets, she takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly, pulling the arrow back and releasing. Following it with two more arrows, she whoops and spins around in a circle when all three hit. "Woo!'

Fianna claims that ^

Signe fumbles with her first pull, the arrow snaps back and whacks her in the forehead. Maybe she shouldn't have started the archery contest by chugging down a cup of scorpion whiskey. Still confident in her abilities the second arrow manages to hit the target. She whoops a cry of celebration, to cocky for her own good. The last arrow has no chance in hell hitting the target and flies straight towards the large ringside table. "Duck!" She shouts aloud in warning.

Derovai watches the archers for a long moment, leaning back as if he might accidentally get hit with an arrow otherwise. Sitting as high as he is, he might be a tempting target!

Joslyn comes around to the tables and looks towards Caspian, making her way towards him, sipping her wine with a sly smile on her lips, standing behind the empty seat. "Mind if I take this?" she asks. "I believe I never did have a proper chance to catch up with you earlier."

Caspian turns his attention over to Joslyn as the woman comes up behind him, giving her a wide smile as he motions to the seat. "Of course. It's been a while since we seen each other for more then a few minutes. How have you been?" He motions to Joslyn as he looks to the others at the bar, "Do you know Lady Joslyn? She is a skilled Champion."

The crowd goes wild with cheer, though there may be a collective wince as poor Signe is assaulted with her own bow. There is a cheer as she hits the target on the second try and then a scream and much ducking to be had as the arrow strays wildy, with more than a few souls diving for cover under the table. Fortunately, the arrow is caught by the mesh and the crowd cheers again.

Valencia checks to make sure the Nightgold lady is alright and looks relieved that the nets held before stepping forward to call out those moving to the next round, "Baroness Skye Blackshore, Lady Fianna Crovane, Lady Zoey Bisland and Prince Jericho Valardin will move to the next round. Thank you so very much, Lady Signe. Your second shot was well made, my lady," she nods as her staff move the target further down the sands. "Ladies, your highess, at your ready."

After watching the ring of valor from a standing position for a time, Kaine starts to wander towards a seat - any seat at all, really - with a view of the ring.


"I'm afraid I do not." Dominique replies, offering a bow of her head and a bit of a curtsy. "A pleasure to make your aquaintance, Lady Joslyn. I am Dominique Wyrmguard of Blancbier, and this is Prince Calarian Grayson." she says, making the introductions.

Joslyn has joined the bar.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 33 higher.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 18 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 30 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 40 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 21 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 16 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 6 lower.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 11 lower.

Signe has rolled a critical success!
Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Joslyn. Prince Calarian Grayson. And this is Marquessa Dominique Wyrmguard," Calarian says as he introduces he and his companion to the new guest at the bar. "It's a pleasure to meet you. As I told your friend, skilled champions are always worthy of praise."

Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 4 lower.

Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 3 higher.

Signe checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.

Skye bites her bottom lip as the target is put further away. She takes her shot, not hitting as good as she would like. She makes a few adjustments that are just off, causing her her to miss the target. She takes a deep breath and finds her center once again. This time she does a better shot with her last arrow. She glances over at the other targets where her competitors are shooting to see if she made enough to keep in the contest.

Derovai's work appears to be done. He raises a hand to Valencia, signalling that he's done taking bets, as none seem to be forthcoming when it comes to the archery. He forgoes a drink and, it seems, he's heading for the door as well. Archery doesn't seem to quite be his thing.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 26 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 31 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 31 higher.

Lisebet is one of those who ducks, and thankfully unnecessarily so as the netting catches that stray arrow. She then glances around her table a little sheepishly.

Aurus heads over to the bar, entering the busy arena. Easily spotted for his height, he seems to take note of Dominique and Calarian, nearing the pair. "Dom! And Prince Grayson...somehow I meet you again in close proximity to my cousin. Good to see you again, your highness." A nod is given to Joslyn and Caspian who are both at the bar, a bright and brilliant smile tugged on his face as he glances down at the event going on.

Kaine eventually wanders close but not quite into the ring, apparently lacking a desire to be turned into a pincushion. He moves close to a table at the side of the ring, and asks, "Excuse me... may I sit and enjoy the competition with all of you?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady," Calarian offers to Joslyn with a polite dip of his head in greeting. "As I told your friend, skilled champions are always worthy of praise." He leans in to Dominique though and murmurs something to her as he rises up from the bar. "I'm afraid though," he offers to the others at the bar, "My time has come and I have to head back for some important business."

Zoey quietly sends a few more blunted arrows towards her target, but she's frowning, perhaps in concentration.

Signe has left the ring of valor.

Signe has joined the ringside great table.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Joslyn dips her head towards Dominique and Calarian. "I must say, I've known Marquessa Wyrmguard by reputation for so long I'm surprised we've never actually met. Long overdue, I'm certain," she cheerfully pipes up, sipping more wine and lowering her voice to the rest of the conversation at the bar, smiling and nodding in return to Aurus.

With the target moved back, Fianna grins her trademark cheery grin and sends three more arrows flying. They manage to hit the mark, she lets out another whoop and looks to the other archers, "This is great! You guys are awesome!"

Zoey puts Roar, a lion rampant steel and blackwood bow in a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.


There's a frown as Calarian says he needs to go. There's a soft and chaste kiss upon his cheek, as Dominique nods. "I will see you later then, I'm sure." she replies rather fondly, before she hears the boisterous voice of her cousin. "Aurus!" she chirps, extending her arms wide open to greet her cousin. "A new box of chocolates arrives tonight." She says with a wry waggle of her brows before glancing to Joslyn. "Well, it is a good thing we have the opportunity to meet now, my lady."

Ian is tending towards fading out of the conversation every time it's Zoey's turn to shoot -- whether people are talking to him or not.

Calarian has left the bar.

Dominique has left the bar.

Metzger, a great grey shrike leaves, following Dominique.

3 Grayson Guardsmen, Philip, an overworked assistant, Crown Observer Barcus, Dominique leave, following Calarian.

Metzger, a great grey shrike arrives, following Dominique.

Dominique has joined the bar.

Graham tries to keep up with all that is going on, the archery contest and those needing a drink and the like, and even watching some of the sparring going on. The young Stonewood is busy to say the least but in great spirits all the same to see everyone working together.

Skye sees the results of the contest, recognizing that she's the lowest score. She then moves to retake her seat at the ringside and watch the rest of the contest as a spectator.

Skye has left the ring of valor.

Skye has joined the ringside great table.

Kaine has joined the ringside great table.

Dante rises up and asks the other tables, "Are there any wishing to place bets /against/ Lady Zoey? I will take any within reason, and can... as always... be convinced to be idly unreasonable."

Aurus has joined the bar.

Sabella applauds everytime someone shoots an arrow, cheering every so often, "Good shot!" then she says to someone at her table, "The ones near the middle are the best, right?"

"I'll bet a hundred on the Dragon Prince," Jordan calls out, looking around briefly to find Derovai. Oh, there he is. "If you're up for it, that is. Also, did I win my bet?"

Again, the crowd cheers and some move aside again as another arrow goes astray, but even that gets a roar of good natured cheering from the crowd as the arrow is caught by the mesh.

Valencia again moves forward to call out the names if those moving to the next round, "Lady Fianna Crovane, Lady Zoey Bisland and Prince Jericho Valardin will move to the next round. Well, done, Baroness Skye. Thank you for competing, my lady," she nods as the Hart's staff move the target even further down the sands. "Ladies, your highness, at your ready."

Joslyn applauds for and grins towards Zoey. "I certainly don't plan on betting against her. Though I confess, I did not know she was so talented with a bow."

Jericho fires his shots and all of them find their marks! and he smiles softly to himself. "Not bad, Lady Zoey, Lady Fianna." he compliments the two of them. "Thank you for shooting with us." he calls out to Skye and Signe.

"Depends on whether you were betting for me or against me," Derovai calls over his shoulder as he makes his way out. "And bets go over there." He points to one of the Hart's assistants who's taken his place at the raised seating.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 8 higher.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

Fianna checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 1 lower.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 19 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 15 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 46 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 23 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 20 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 38 higher.

Dante calls out to Jordan, "Is that a 'yes' to my offer of a personal bet against Lady Zoey?" He smiles a bit toooo charmingly and then sips some whiskey. Carrying on conversation at his table as he awaits any other would be bet takers.

Derovai has left the raised seating.

Its reached that time. That time when the excitement overcomes her ability. Fianna fires off the first two arrows just fine, they aren't amazing shots, but they land! The third, however, goes wild when the girl is just a little too quick to release the arrow. Laughing, she flashes a grin towards Jericho and Zoey, "Good luck in the finals!" She bounces up to kiss Jericho on the cheek, "See you in a few!" then traipses off to put the bow back on the weapon rack she found it on. Pausing near Valencia, she bobs and nod and smiles brightly, "Thank you for the use of the bow!" Then she's exiting the ring and heading back up to the rafters.

Fianna has left the ring of valor.

Fianna has joined the upper rafters.

Signe smiled, when Jericho calls out from ring she shouts back "It was fun!"

Zoey smiles slightly at Jericho and Fianna. "Thank you for shooting," she says in her soft spoken voice. She glances at the target again and her smile fades into something more neutral. Focus, Zoey. This target isn't trying to dodge!

"Two contestants left! I'll match any bets for any who wish to bet on Jericho over Zoey, within reason! Speak now before they fire their arrows, though!" Dante calls to the crowd from his location, clearly a long time member of the Golden Hart.

There is a great cheer, the crowd again cheering Fianna as she takes her leave of the sands and then a louder one for the remaining competitors. Valencia again moves forward and cries out, "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your finalists, Lady Zoey Bisland and Prince Jericho Valardin," she smiles. "Well done and congratulations to you both. If you will please take your places," she nods to each. "Best of luck. My lady, your highness, at your ready."

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 25 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 17 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Jericho checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 10 higher.

Skye is overheard praising Zoey for: She has fine archery skills!

Skye is overheard praising Jericho for: He did a good showing at the archery contest.

Lisebet is overheard praising Zoey.

Lisebet is overheard praising Jericho.

Dante brightens considerably from his location when the final arrow finds its mark. So close to all the others. He hops up on the rungs of a stool, tilting it precariously to bow with grace and regality to the two archers in the ring, and of course, to those whose silver he helped part them from. Then he retakes his seat with less show.

Dante is overheard praising Zoey for: Making me rich /and/ marrying my friend? I'm a fan.

Ian is overheard praising Zoey for: Didn't expect much more than that she'd win.

Dante is overheard praising Valencia for: A boon to the Golden Hart

Ian is overheard praising Jericho for: Excellent archery.

Dante is overheard praising Jericho for: Excellent archer, and hopefully takes a liking to me as much as I take to his... is it, sister? Cousin? Well... I compliment his bloodline and bow.

Zoey releases her final three arrows and keeps an eye on Jericho's shooting while she unstrings her bow. Great care is taken with the weapon before it's packed away. She turns to Jericho and offers the prince a pretty, graceful curtsey. "Thank you for a fine match, your Highness," she says with a smile. "Hopefully we can do this again sometime." And with a bright smile for Valencia, she heads back to her seat by Ian.

Lisebet gets to her feet, at her table and curtseys briefly.

Jan is overheard praising Zoey for: A fine archer!

Skye has left the ringside great table.

Jericho knocks in his arrows, and they strike true! Zoey just struck better. that said, he turns his bow in reverse and he bows his head softly to Zoey. "Ah, seems I lose this match. A pleasure shooting with you." and he smiles warmly to Zoey before waving at all present and returning to his seat.

Jan stands up and hoots. "Well done, Lady Zoey!" she hollers. And Jan can be LOUD.

Fianna puts Golden Hart Arena Longbow in Weapons Rack.

Valencia smiles and hugs Zoey and offers Jericho a graceful bow, "Thank you both and congratulations. I think we can most certain do this again," she nods warmly as Dante receives a rather fat purse from a member of the Hart's staff. Turning to the crowd the little vixen calls out. "Ladies and gentlemen, your winner! Lady Zoe of Bisland! Thank you to all the competitors, you wer wonderful!" she smiles and joins the crowd in appauding.

Ian knocks back the rest of his whiskey so that he can free his hands to applaud for Zoey. What's that? He could have put the glass down without emptying it first? Can't hear common sense over Jan's whooping.

Zoey returns to her table only to find that Dante has stolen her seat! She looks around for a moment and then lingers awkwardly.

Thesarin turns to offer a short round of table-pounding directed toward Zoey.

Zoey has left the ring of valor.

Lisebet has left the ringside great table.

"Quickly, whiskeys and wines moved to the raised seating?" Dante proposes to the folk with Ian and others.

Dante has left the corner table.

Dante has joined the raised seating.

Ian turns back and discovers that his drink is magically full again, and also that the table is full. He pauses for a moment, then: "Looks like we need more space. Raised seating?"

Ian has left the corner table.

Jan has left the corner table.

Ian has joined the raised seating.

Jan has joined the raised seating.

Zoey casts Dante and Ian a grateful smile and follows the crowd.

Zoey has joined the raised seating.

Sabella has left the corner table.

Sabella has joined the raised seating.

Signe's applauding both the winner of the achery contest and those that competed. "Well done!" She shouts aloud.

Jan takes her whiskey and one of the bottles and heads for the raised seating area with the others from the corner table. Time to occupy more territory!

"I'll take on anybody that wishes to spar?" Joslyn says, rising from the bar and finishing her wine. She's folding up her skirts for a better ease of movement, but seems content to take to the ring in only her dress and wielding a single hairpin.

Joslyn has left the bar.

Joslyn has joined the ring of valor.

Ian has to brace himself on the table and push himself to his feet, and he'll fall behind the others on the short trip from table to seating, watching his own footsteps as he goes. He takes the steps one at a time, and seems relieved to sink onto a seat and lean his cane against the seat. But he gets there.

Jericho ends up pausing before he returns to his place, turning back to Joslyn. "Eh...why not." and he draws his curved longsword, hopping back into the arena. "Swordsmanship has never been my area of expertise, but I'll answer the call."

Jericho wields Eclipse, Blade Of The White's Wolf.

Rinel checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 20, rolling 2 lower.

Joslyn wields the Rose of Stonewood.

Aethan has left the corner table.

Aethan has joined the raised seating.

Lisebet pauses as it seems there is one more match, but she decides it is time to leave nonetheless. "Good luck!" she calls to both combatants, and then she makes her way out.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard leaves, following Lisebet.

Joslyn bows to Jericho as he takes up his sword, and she smiles. "Thank you, Your Highness," she says. "Lady Joslyn Stonewood, at your service," she grins and lifts her pin high, feet digging tentatively into the ground, preparing herself.

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

3 Fidante House Guards, Isla, a small silver fox, Claudio, the chivalrous knight, Sofia, a saucy sailor's aide arrive, following Cadenza.

Signe picks up Swift Strike Scorpion Whiskey.

Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, 1 Grayson Guardsmen, Rascal, a hyper terrier, Deliverance, an albino falcon, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rosalie, a lady in waiting arrive, following Reese.

Jericho enters a more defensive stance as he smiles. "Prince Jericho Valardin, at yours." and he does a small knights bow before he re-enters his stance, his eyes on Joslyn as the battle begins!

Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle have been dismissed.

Signe puts Swift Strike Scorpion Whiskey in a half-moon satchel carved from a fine wolf pelt.

Jordan lifts a hand in a greeting to Jan, "Going to fight at all today, Lady Jan? I was looking forward to seeing you beat someone down."

Signe puts Cask of Raconteur's Jagged Edge in a plain leather rucksack.

Jericho takes minor damage.

Jericho takes moderate damage.

Cadenza slips her way inside, a brow raising as she looks around. It was busy. Those blue eyes scan the room as she slowly makes her way forth in to see what was going on, waving to those faces she knew in passing.

Reese arrives at the Hart while adorned in her pink and toting her weapons. She peeks quickly over the arena trying to get a feel for the setting. She has a smile of greeting for the many she knows here.

Jan shakes her head and replies to something Ian says at their table. Jordan's call gets her attention, though, and she shakes her head. "Not tonight! Well done on your match, by the way!"

Zoey looks down at the fighting and claps cheerily for Joslyn. She has a clear favourite.

When both Reese and Cadenza step inside, Echo wiggles her fingers out to the two before canting her head to a few empty chairs near her.

Reese starts to make her way toward Echo upon seeing her gesture. She goes to take a perching seat upon one of the empty chairs. "Hi, Princess Echo, how are you?"

The spar begins and both combatants approach each other. Joslyn moves slowly, her eyes squinting as she sizes him up, not wanting to move too close too quickly. Ducking through his attacks, she looks for and spots his openings, striking when she's able. Small hits, but she remains consistent.

Reese has joined the ringside great table.

Caspian shakes his head, "I have not," he explains to Dominique. Turning to Aurus, he further explains, "My patron was Lord Darrow Darkwater, but he died in the defense of Darkwater Keep, thus I am in the market for a new patron." His smile fades a bit, the man taking a sip of his wine, "It's a shame he died, but he died bravely."

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

"Quite alright," Echo replies in cheery tones as she shifts slightly in her seat to face the Grayson princess. "You're coming into the tail end of the festivities!" A brief pause was given before the Redrain chevalier's lips pulled into a warm smile. "... I'll forgive you for that."

Ian seems to have slipped into teacher mode as he explains something to Jan, indicating the fight that's playing out on the sands. Not so teacher that he doesn't pause to take the occasional drink, though.

Dante rises up and waves Cadenza over to he and the Kennex's and a few others at the raised seating. His cheeks are already rosy with inebriation and he lightly tosses up a heavy bag of silver and catches it with a waggle of a brow.

Jericho is in that zone as he watches Joslyn...he's never fought someone who wields hairpins before...definitely a new experience as they clash! while he almost hits her once or twice, she lands small strikes on the Dragon Prince, causing him to swing on his feet until they are face to face again. "heh....interesting weapon of choice. I commend you." before it's back into the fray!

Cadenza grins as she sees Echo, making her way over. "Well hello hello....." A wink as she looks to Reese. "I'll see you at your party by the way...not sure if my messenger went through....we were pretty drunk that night." Laughing she would catch Dante's wave and waves at him widely. "You! I'll be over there in a sec!"

3 Fidante House Guards arrives, following Ignacio.

Ven enters just after Cadenza, unclasping his cloak and hanging it up by the door while surveying the busy scene for familiar faces.

Jan twists in her seat, turning more of her attention to the fight going on below and nodding along to whatever Ian's saying.

Reese looks over to Echo, giving her a smile. "Oh, good, I am glad that I am forgiven, Princess Echo. Now I don't need to hire a champion to defend my honor." She says. Reese then turns to Cadenza. "Oh, I will be very honored to have you there." She smiles over to Rinel next. "Mistress Rinel. How is your spear training coming?"

Since Jericho has decided to stay in the ring a bit longer, Fianna takes the opportunity jaunt on down to visit with some friends. "Echooooooo! Hi!!" She bounds over towards the ringside table and grins at the Redrain Princess, "How are you?"

Rinel smiles bashfully to Reese. "It... goes. I traded blows with Master Derovai for a time before he bested me."

Echo snorts out a half-laugh at Reese's comment and she cants her head towards the princess as her gaze lists to sparring ring for a brief moment. "

Dominique glances about as she looks up from her companions at the bar. Nodding for a few moments, as she takes it all in. "I'm sure that you will find an excellent patron, Master Caspian." she offers with a bright smile befor elooking out to watch the fray. "She's very good." Canting her head to the side, trying to figure out how one fights with hair pins.

Extending that same smile Fianna's way, Echo gestured for the woman to come closer. "Pretty good, just been enjoying myself especially thanks to courtsey of Lady Signe's scorpion whiskey. You did pretty good out there!"

"I look forward to it, Princess Reese." Moving her way from Echo and over towards Dante she grins a bit then. "Well well....here you are. Not enjoying the new pool...." Playfully Cadenza nudges him on the shoulder. "Are you sparring?"

Sabella yawns suddenly, "Apologoes, everyone, I am still not quite recovered from traveling. It was lovely to spend an evening with you all." She offers Reese a wave as she stands to head out.

Sabella has left the raised seating.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting leave, following Sabella.

"When I was a handmaiden, I learned to defend myself with what I had available," Joslyn says, stepping back and letting the skirts fall, flaring out in a dramatic display, as her hair loosely spreads out. She grins, moving in, still keeping up and avoiding his strikes. "Now that I fight, I like to stick to what I'm used to!" While she's unable to hit him during this round, she still grins widely towards him, a joyous rush in her expression.

"I haven't been drawn to the arena /yet/, I've been betting.... and /winning/." Dante tells Cadenza with a mischevious grin, "Do you know everyone here? The Kennexes? Lady Zoey. Jan and Sabella?"

Whatever topic it was that had caused the Rivens to remain at their table after all the others had departed, Mia appears to be frowning at her husband -- and making no secret of the fact, either. Her brows are furrowed, and her dark eyes are resting squarely on his face, waiting for... something.

Ignacio wanders into the Arena area of the Golden Hart. He rests his off-hand on his sword hilt idly as he glances through the crowd with a faint smile on his face until he catches a glimpse of his cousin and his wife, making his way over to the two. He flashes a grin between Dante and Cadenza, "So, you two going to spar each other?" He asks as he joins them.

Jericho can't help but laugh a little bit in enjoyment. Matrix back-bending over one of Joslyn's strikes before their sharp weapons clash on more than one occasion. He's unable to hit her, but she's -fast- and he's still working on improving. the difference in skill level is incredibly clear. That said, he simply smiles. "Well spoken!"

Dante brightens all the more and salutes Ignacio with great flourish, "Oof, I mean, I do need to knock my hubris down a few notches so I'm willing as long as I can bet on her." He replies to his cousin and Cadenza over at the raised seating.

Having her fill of the spar and games Signe pushes herself out from her seat and takes her leave.

Signe has left the ringside great table.

Caspian is overheard praising Zoey for: She is quite skilled with a bow!

Islin comes into the Arena with a cheerful looking swagger to his steps, his movements showing confidence and grace. Making his way over towards the bar he flashes a bright smile to those present at the bar. "Hello everyone!" Flagging down the bartender he orders some rum and props against the bar while he waits for it.

Jan glances over at Dante and Cadenza when he says her name. "Huh?"

Ian nods to Cadenza and Ignacio, suggesting that yeah, he probably knows them. He has his arm around Zoey, now, and when he needs his other hand (the hand holding his drink) free so he can gesture to something happening on the sands, he gives the drink to Zoey to hold. It's all quite efficient.

Cadenza lets out a laughs at Dante as she she looks to the table. "I know some yes. Today I felt so rude in not speaking but duty called...." Looking to them all she waves. "Cadenza Fidante....a pleasure to those I don't know yet...." Looking to Ian and Zoey she winks. "Congrats...."

Fianna flashes a grin towards Echo and gives a nod, "Thank you, Your Highness! I'm still learning though. I hope to get better! But it was truly fun just to compete and be out there with the others. THey're all quite talented!" She glances towards the ring and chuckles, "My date certainly seems to be having fun tonight. I'm glad we could come."

Zoey is drinking from Ian's whiskey whenever he deposits it in her hands, because double fisting drinks just isn't ladylike. She smiles at Cadenza and inclines her head. "Thank you," she murmurs.

Jericho takes moderate damage.

"Probably," Caspian says back to Dominique with a shrug of his shoulders her way. "I haven't won a fight against her yet. Though to be fair, I had not fought her in months. It may be different now, it may not be."

The attention of the dark haired knight falls upon Ian and Zoey after Cadenza speaks to them, a smile remaining on his face, "Yes, I have been meaning to congratulate the both of you. You two always seemed to be a nice couple and I am sure you will be a happy married pair as well."

Kaine has left the ringside great table.

4 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

Ignacio has joined the raised seating.

Cadenza has joined the raised seating.

Jericho takes minor damage.

Jericho takes moderate damage.

Ven drifts over towards Echo. "Good evening! Progress is coming along on preparations for that thing. How are things going for you?"

One of the Kennex Corsairs enters the Hart, making a beeline toward Jan. The Corsair stoops to say something quietly to her General, and Jan nods and starts to get up. "Lord Ignacio. Lady Cadenza," she says. "Well met." She wrinkles her nose at Dante. "Cousin. Distant. But I've business to take care of, so I'm off. Enjoy the rest of the evening."

1 Rivenshari Clansman arrives, following Vano.

Zoey turns her smile to Ignacio. "Thank you, Lord Fidante," she says with a little smile.

When he's introduced, Aethan looks up from his glass, and he nods to Ignacio and Cadenza. "Lord Fidante," he says, "Lady Fidante. A pleasure." He looks down to the arena, and after a moment, nods to it. "Think I'll go next if there's more takers."

Ian nods to Jan. "Have a good evening."

The fight presses on and as Jericho tires, Joslyn presses her advantage, dancing around him and his blade, she gets close and up into his face, she doesn't let up, growing more aggressive with each of her strikes. Many of her strokes bounce off his leather and she winces, but slowly and surely she seems to be wearing him down, a dangerous game for an unarmored combatant as always. "Besides, as a champion," she says. "It really is all about putting on a show!"

Also Aethan nods to Jan when she goes. "Good night, Jan."

Zoey nods to Jan. "Be well."

Straightening up in her chair at the sound of Ven's voice, Echo gestures to the seat that Kaine had now departed. "Evening, Master Ven! I'm so glad that we've made so much progress already, and I can't wait to see what happens to be in store for us." Pausing then, the knight-princess smoothed out any creases in her silks. "I've been doing okay, just been watching the spars and whatnot."

Cadenza waves to the leaving Jan.

Ven has joined the ringside great table.

A rose? Where did? Jan blinks at the flower, then at Dante. "Where were you keeping that?" she demands. "Uh. Nevermind." She holds up her hands. "You can just keep that. Thank you? We'll talk later? I need to --- I need to go." And she's off. Puzzled, mostly. Quite puzzled.

Jericho has a bright smile despite how badly he's taking a beating. Either way, he chuckles softly to her. "true...true." at least he has courage! he rushes back over to her, attempting for one last gasp!

Jericho takes moderate damage.

Vano steps inside to the sound of little tinny bells on his belt. Mostly here to watch from the looks of things. Maybe fight? Could be either, but the shaman doesn't look to be in any particular hurry, standing aside the door to watch on.

Caspian has left the bar.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman leave, following Caspian.

Victus has left the ringside great table.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon leave, following Victus.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon arrive, following Victus.

Victus has joined the ringside great table.

Jan is mercifully already moving and speaking with the Corsair. Mercifully.

Jan has left the raised seating.

Looking to the ring once more, Fianna feels it is her moral duty... to mess with Jericho a little. Cupping her hand saround her mouth, she calls out, "Hey! Don't get TOO roughed up, I still have plans for you tonight!"


That definitely catches her attention. Dominique looks up towards Fianna for a few moments and then to Jericho. Then she just facepalms.

Jericho checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 50 higher.

Jericho remains capable of fighting.

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

3 Fidante House Guards have been dismissed.

Isla, a small silver fox have been dismissed.

Claudio, the chivalrous knight have been dismissed.

Sofia, a saucy sailor's aide have been dismissed.

Jericho checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 17, rolling 34 higher.

Jericho remains capable of fighting.

Vano has joined the ringside great table.

Jericho checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 66, rolling 25 lower.

Jericho checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 62 higher.

Jericho remains alive, but close to death.

Jericho falls unconscious.

"My apologies, my lady," Joslyn says to Fianna from her place in the ring. "I'm afraid it cannot be helped!" Joslyn laughs aloud, twirling in the ring ad striking hard, dancing around him and sidestepping the blade as he strikes at her, and though there were a few close calls, at the end of it all, she's standing proudly in the center ring, completely unscathed.

Dante receives a messenger and stands up, "Oof, I'll be right back." He bows to those he's with and makes his exit post-haste.

Dante has left the raised seating.

"Lord Dante -- how's Princess Isidora?" Jordan asks from his table of the man, flashing him a smile. "I thought you were intent on the pursuit of her?"

Graham has joined the ring of valor.

Jordan shrugs, a little too late in calling out the man before he departs.

Jericho gets knocked flat on his ass. -again-. Alas, he eventually manages to get back ot his feet, smiling to her. "too quick for me." he smiles at how he was unable to even put a single mark on her. "Perhaps next time..." and he rises to his feet, bowing lightly to Joslyn before he leaves the ring.

Laughing at Joslyn's response, Fianna calls out in return, "That's okay! I think I can nurse him back to health. He might even like it!" And when Jericho leaves the ring, she heads over to smile up at him, "Ready to head off or do you want to stay a little longer?"

Graham moves towards the circle though he's outside of it for the moment. He looks inside to those who currently sparr "Hm, perhaps I may take a turn before I must retire. After those in line of course." The young man asks looking back.

"If you ever need any pointers, I'd be happy to provide some training and practice," Joslyn offers. "Well fought, Your Highness," she regards the rest of the room. "If anybody else wants to challenge me, I'll be here all night," she offers, moving off to grab a drink, spotting Reese and waving over to the princess rather cheerily.


Dominique blinks for a few moments looking confused. "Wasn't she just...betrothed?" She shakes her head and throws her hands up in the air before she nosewrinkles. "I think I have had enough. Gentlemen." and she curtsies before paying her bar tab along with theirs before heading out.

Reese checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Vano has left the ringside great table.

1 Rivenshari Clansman leaves, following Vano.

Zoey is overheard praising Michael for: Best. Cousin. Evar.

Reese is overheard praising Aiden for: Congrats!

Reese is overheard praising Valencia for: Great party!

Zoey is overheard praising Valencia for: Wonderful event as always!

Reese is overheard praising Echo for: Awesome Bear princess

Cadenza is overheard praising Valencia for: Always a fun night!

Aethan is overheard praising Valencia.

Rinel is overheard praising Coraline for: A friendly sparring partner

Coraline is overheard praising Valencia for: Wonderful party! Always better with fighting!

Jericho smiles softly then to Fianna. "Yeah...I think we can go run off now." he rubs at his bruises. "But first." he sneaks up on Echo to give her a big hug!

Reese is overheard praising Graham for: Super helpful and humble both!

Reese is overheard praising Luca for: Awesome husband and sober for a week!

Echo had been quietly chatting away with those around her, so when Jericho approached and snuck that hug, the knight-princess' cheeks reddened a shade and she returned the hug. "Have fun you two!"

Reese is overheard praising Victus for: chasing in boons for important things!

Dominique has left the bar.

Metzger, a great grey shrike leaves, following Dominique.

Victus is overheard praising Reese for: DAMN RIGHT.

Victus is overheard praising Valencia for: Fight and drink!

Laughing when Jericho makes a run for Echo, she flashes the Princess a grin and nods, "We will! And you too!" Fianna turns that bright smile on Jericho and tips her head towards the exit, "Come on, Your HIghness. I think I have some salve at home that'll help those scrapes. Then we can do whatever!"

Jericho smiles big and wide then to Echo, bowing his head softly to her. "We will. and I'll see you soon okay?" he then turns and walks with Fianna back to whatever it is they were gonna do after that.

Earthenware Jug in hand, cheeks flushed with OBVIOUS tipsiness, and whistling a happy Northern tune is the figure of the large Northman, Brogan. His large finger is looped through the little handle, and he pauses a moment to see all the people here. He bites his lower lip, blinks once, and lets out a long breath as he takes the last few steps into what he affectionately calls The Pit. The observant few might find bruised knuckles, and maybe the start of a shiner on his left eye. All in all, though, the Northman seems quite happy as he takes a long pull on his jug.

Mia has left the corner table.

Thesarin has left the corner table.

Mia pushed herself up from her seat, sliding her hand from her husband's as she did so. She looked up to Thesarin then and asked, "Which overflowing table?"

Reese is overheard praising Brogan for: flushed and joyfully drunk.

Jev swaggers in dragging a sword along. "I'm here and ready to fight?!" He announces loudly. "Oh! And I'm Jev, bytheway!"

Cadenza has left the raised seating.

Cadenza has joined the ring of valor.

Aethan has left the raised seating.

Thesarin stands, and turns toward the raised seating with a nod and a grunt. He takes a few steps in the direction of the table, before he spots Brogan making his way inside. He slows to a stop and gives the man a short nod. "Lord Brogan. How now."

Aethan has joined the ring of valor.

Getting a quick message, Cora nods and heads off.

Coraline has left the ringside table.

Brogan is overheard praising Reese for: Bad Ass with Ribbons!

Reese is overheard praising Ida for: She makes great stuff and is so generous too. A noble oathlands artist.

Joslyn has left the ring of valor.

Jericho has left the ring of valor.

Jericho has joined the upper rafters.

Ven gets maps of Arvum from a messenger bag.

Jev has joined the ring of valor.

Ian nods respectfully to Brogan when he comes sauntering in, but Cadenza and Aethan heading to the sands are of more interest to him.

As Thesarin stopped to greet the Nightgold brawler, Mia's dark eyes darted between Brogan and her husband, and then back again. And back, one more time. Gods help them both, for one very brief moment, the woman looked like she might actually laugh, before she managed to straighten her expression. "My lord," she greeted lightly enough.

Cadenza pushes from the table and looks to Ignacio. "Hold this for me." Taking off Heartseeker she just....drops it in the Fidante lord's lap.

Cadenza wields Wild Heart.

Aethan wields Gleaming Battle-Axe.

Reese seems to be having a very serious conversation at her table, she is look all somber and focused.

"Thesarin!" Brogan replies with a grin, yep a little split lip there, and claps the other man on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "Life's grand, my friend. I'm glad I caught you. Apologies for bein' late..." he gives a respect nod of his head to Mia, "my Lady." Before turning back to Thesarin, "How's your night goin'?" Then, a wry grin, adds "Friends, Aye? No Lords between us if it works for you both..." Brogan gives a nod in return to Ian, eyes drifting to the Ring, and in obvious agreement that the action in the Pit will be more entertaining than the Northman... probably.

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

Jericho has left the upper rafters.

Jev sad doggy faces and drags his sword over to a bench to sit down. Alone.

Fianna has left the upper rafters.

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

Cadenza pulls that hood up on her head as she unsheathes her cutlass and gives him a salute. "Please....not the face, my lord. You and brothers with the punching. Is that anyway to treat a lady?"

Joslyn has joined the raised seating.

"Not the face," Aethan agrees, and then he begins. He has the look of someone who might have been good once -- and maybe could be again, if he would stop drinking quite as heavily and maybe practice a little bit every once in a while. But it's like riding a bike, right? Right? Sure. So he starts off doing pretty well, though seems to be relying a lot on movement, which may not be the best when one's stamina is not at its peak.

Cadenza chuckles a bit. "I might be cross if you do..." At that she just smiles from the shadows of her hood. Whipping that blade to her side she moves around him before moving in quickly. Seems for now the two would dance around one another and simply dodge and parry.

Thesarin returns Brogan's clasp on the shoulder, and adds in a sturdy clap on the back. It's all very, very manly. "Fine and well. You met my wife, the Countess Mia Riven?" He gives a short nod to the man, and a low grunt. "Making ready for another trip out... so reckoned I'd stop by. See you or the Princess." He nods to Broagan again with a low grunt. "Countess, don't know you've met Lord Brogan?"

Thesarin is overheard praising Mia for: For being awesome and helping Prodigals

Jev watches fight with head cupped in hands.

Once they're actually fighting, Aethan doesn't waste his breath in talking. Sometimes he dodges, sometimes he parries, but so far he's holding up well. Of course, it hasn't been going on all that long yet.

Agatha comes gamboling in to the room, so so so very late for her favorite night of the week at the Golden Hart. Fight Night! There's a bright grin when she sees Cadenza in the ring. Hooded or not, she's seen the woman fight enough times now to recognize her. "WOO! Go ... hooded mystery woman!" In case her friend is trying to be all mysterious and such. And then she's charging at Brogan, at least when Thesarin has let go of her uncle's shoulders. "Uncle Brogan, hello! Think you've made enough tonight to help out the Scouts?" At least she said his name to give him time to prepare for the incoming attack bear hug.

Tabitha enters the arena quietly, and with a look of apprehension on her face. Clearly she's not the sort of person who frequents these kind of events, if her slightly nervous manner is anything to go by. With cobalt eyes scanning the area, she then spots a familiar face and heads towards Graham, giving a little wave.

Tabitha has joined the ring of valor.

"We've not met, no," Mia replies with a shake of her head. It was enough to make her long rope of a braid sway, prompting her to pull it forward and over her shoulder for the moment. "A pleasure, Lord Brogan. I take it you aren't a Greenwood I've somehow managed to avoid tripping over in all these long years, despite the resemblance to my husband? I'd thought I'd met them all, particularly the ones we've ennobled, but seeing you here now, I'm beginning to doubt." Is she jesting? It's... well, it's entirely possible. But given how straight-faced the woman is, it's a bit difficult to be *entirely* sure...

Jordan rises from his table, offering a bow towards Reese and nodding to Rinel before departing.

Jordan has left the ringside great table.

Rinel has left the ringside great table.

Rinel leaves, following Jordan.

Rinel arrives, following Jordan.

Cadenza giggles a bit as she continues to move round him then looks up to Agatha, waving before going back into the fray. No one is hitting the other...yet.

Rinel has joined the ringside great table.

Aethan takes moderate damage.

Agatha is clearly Cadenza's good luck charm!

Aethan grins, and while it's more like a baring of teeth than an actual grin, it does seem to mean that he's enjoying himself -- and it's a lot more emotion than he generally shows, that's for sure. Even when she gets a good hit in, a smack that sends him back a pace or two, he just shakes it off and readies himself, taking a second to judge before he advances again.

There's a tilt to the Northman's head as Thesarin tells him he'll be heading out, "Well, if ya want company, you know I'm always willin' to work with a friend." He smiles over at Mia, "No, we've not had a chance at a proper meet, but I had the chance to see your beautiful family a few weeks ago in passin'..." Brogan gives Mia a warm smile, "It's a pleasure, my Lady. I hope the children are doin well." A little sadness seen in his eyes at the mention of children, but could be easily missed with the smile on his face.

Then there is a charging Redrain Bear, and he turns /just in time/ to take her hug full force to the chest. There's a loud "OOF!" as he manages to keep the two of them from bumping into Thesarin and Mia, "Heyas, Red Bear. Glad to see you too... Do you know the Countess Mia and Count Thesarin?" He tries to wiggle them both around for a proper introduction.

Trying to answer Mia, he gives a wider smile, "Well, I'm pretty sure I'm all Nightgold, Mia..." his eyes moving to Thesarin again and a wink tossed his way, "But, could be one of us were stolen at Birth. I'd be honored to have your Husband as my blood-kin."

Ian watches the spar as it continues -- pretty much to the exclusion of all else. The tumult in the Arena might as well have gone still, for all he reacts to any of it. His expression is impossible to read; calm, focused. His electric blue eyes follow even the combatants' slightest movements.

Jev has left the ring of valor.

Cadenza exhales a bit as she looks him over. Slowly she's circling him as she tilts her head. Licking her lips she just goes in for that strike to his side before skipping off to the side. Rolling her shoulders she nods a bit as she continues to watch him now.

Reese is overheard praising Rinel for: She really understand felines. I wonder why hmm!

Aethan takes moderate damage.

Aethan takes very serious damage.

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 58, rolling 35 lower.

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 27, rolling 11 higher.

Aethan remains alive, but close to death.

Aethan falls unconscious.

A newcomer makes his way into the arena, his eyes going first down to where the two combatants fight. Briar Marjawn studies the fight, and then the room at large with an interest of one who has never been here before. His eyes eventually do find the bar, and he smiles before making his way in that direction. Unless this should be some sort of fancy bar, he will at least be able to order a drink without messing it up too badly. Maybe.

Briar has joined the bar.

Mia checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Agatha is easily enough to spin around. Well. She's easy enough for Brogan to spin around. She is a 'don't try this at home, kids' level difficulty for most people. She waves a hand at Thesarin and Mia. "I've met the Count, but it's good to meet you Countess. I've heard about how you've brought people together at Twainfort. It sounds really impressive." Look at her, aoo oblivious anyone has to worry about being composed.

The fight continues, and as it goes it becomes clear that Aethan's strategy is not going to work out that well for him, because he starts flagging well before Cadenza, and making some mistakes. Maybe he's remembering a time where he was more youthful, and less constantly drunk. Or at least one of those two. She gets one hit in, then another, though he still comes back swinging...until one particularly good hit knocks him on his ass. He falls hard, and he's stunned for a moment, before he just starts laughing. A real laugh. "I yield," he says. "I know when to quit."

Graham turns away from the area a moment, as he's approached though he smiles brightly "Tabitha!" He says over the crowds and fighting and all that he seems quite glad to see her returning the wave in kind. "I am glad you could make it." He comments though he will offer his hand over knowing she isnt usualy comffy in big crowds.

Perhaps Mia startles easily. Or perhaps Agatha is simply that fierce. Or perhaps Mia simply didn't want to end up on her ass on the floor of the Hart after being barreled into. Either way, she takes two quick steps backwards as the Northerners crash into each other, one hand moving up to her chest as she did so. (Southerners. Honestly.) After a moment, during which her cheek tinged a bit pink, she managed a wry, "My apologies, Lord Brogan. The last time I had a Northman come barreling at me, it was with an axe in hand. And we were certainly not sparring for silvers and sport, as I have the scars to prove." Both of her brows lift. "Your niece, I take it? A pleasure, my lady."

Rinel checked dexterity + dodge at difficulty 20, rolling 13 lower.

Her motions were more wild than refined. Those years on her ship had turned her style less refined and more purposeful. Once she got her rhythm, she would land a hit on his side.....a hit on his back....before moving close and thrusting the flat of her blade against his gut to knock him down. Panting heavily she slowly pulls that hood off and smiles. "I never do." Holding her hand out to help him up she smiles. "Good fight, my lord...."

Tabitha moves in a little nervy trot towards Graham as he holds his hand out, immediately reaching out holding on to it. With wide eyes she looks up at him, then around the crowds, noisy and boisterous as they are. Blinking a little as she turns back to Graham, she quietly says, "It's so busy!"

Aethan has left the ring of valor.

Cadenza has left the ring of valor.

Cadenza has joined the raised seating.

Ignacio pushes himself to his feet, making his way over to Cadenza with a smile on his lips, "That was very good Lady Cadenza, impressive as always." Offering the sword back to the raven haired woman, "I am afraid, I must head back to the Villa now though. It has been a long day and I must get some sleep."

Joslyn applauds as the spar comes to an end, resting languidly and settled beside Zoey and Ian. She grins towards Cadenza, sipping her wine casually.

Aethan takes the offered hand and hauls himself to his feet, and while no doubt bruises are already forming, he doesn't seem that much the worse for wear. "Good fight," he agrees. "I'll take a rematch sometime." He starts back to their table their previous table then, where his brother, Zoey, Joslyn, and Ignacio still sit, though he does not sit when he gets there. "I think I'm going, too," he says. Far from looking put out about his loss, he looks strangely invigorated. "I'll see you soon." He claps Ian on the shoulder, before looking to the rest to include them all in his statement. "Good night."

Victus' expression has turned blank at the ringside table when he watches Lilybelle gouge Rinel's hand. He has so little reaction, like such was just an average day. "You are playing a dangerous game." He mentions aside to the Scholar as Lilybelle hobbles away on three legs, the last one held onto a bit of salted fish.

Ian blinks once, and the world springs back into motion around him again. Or more -- he notices the world again. He seems a little surprised to find Joslyn herem but nods a greeting to her. "Sleep well." This to the departing Aethan.

Sidney lingers among the standing spectators for a long few minutes after stepping into the crowd, watching the end of the duel with a smile of interest but no particular comprehension of the particulars. He obviously doesn't know how to track the feints and hits, his bright gaze instead tracking aimlessly over the moving bodies and then drifting aside to the milling audience. He gives a gracious, general lowing of his head in respect to the nobility, just in case anyone happens to be paying attention, and then slips across to the bar.

Sidney has joined the bar.

Cadenza gives Aethan a nod before she takes back that diamondplate sword from Ignacio. "I still have a long way to go..." A smile and she moves to sit back by that table, flopping down into a seat.

Henrick has joined the ringside great table.

Cadenza wields Heartseeker, a diamondplate saber.

Graham nods to Tabitha and smiles warmly "It is, the Hart holds this event often and I try to help out serving drinks and greeting people and what not." He offers with a small shrug of his shoulders. "It isnt so bad especially here, remember what I told you when we met. People are equal at the Hart." the last part is spoken in lowered voice.

Meandering on in, the figure of the mercenary Henrick could be seen. Something of a grin toys his lips as he looks about, before stepping towards the bar. Sliding a few coins across the table he buys a middle of the road bottle of whiskey. And then, he's wandering towards the ringside table. Settling down, he upnods those present. "Evenin'," he offers, his head tilting towards those present. Reese gets a grin.

Ignacio has left the raised seating.

3 Fidante House Guards leaves, following Ignacio.

"Aye, my Lady." Brogan replies back to Mia with that large smile still on his face as he catches his breath. "Princess Agatha, Red Bear to my Ice Bear, and wonder niece." he confirms, and once every one is settled he'll let the tall warrior-princess go. "No apologies needed, and I totally understand. We've all got some bad memories, especially recent. I'm sorry our greetin' caused a bit of distress."

As Aethan starts to head out, the Large Northman waves to him, "Safe travels! Thanks for comin' to the Hart..." slipping back into his role as Voice. He also winks to Cadenza as she heads back to Ignacio, "And well fought to you both." Raising his jug, and taking another drink.

Agatha flinches as Mia describes the circumstances. "I would say I am a gentle giant, but I'm a ferocious one. I am a giant that VERY much respects and serves the Compact though, m'lady. I assure you that I would stand to protect all we are allied with." She presses a hand to her own chest an bows her head towards Mia. "Uncle Brogan isn't my uncle by blood, but he might as well be. I've called him that since I was little and hanging off his arm."

Joslyn dips her head towards Ian, smiling warmly over her wine, a wiggle of her fingers given to Agatha. "You weren't coming here looking to test your blades against anybody, were you?" Joslyn wonders curiously, smiling viviaciously.

Aurus has left the bar.

Cyrus, 2 Culler Brutes, 3 Culler Hoodlums arrive, following Orathy.

"Princess Agatha Redrain. The Red Bear." Thesarin nods toward Agatha, and then again toward Mia. "Met her at Stormwall. Priness, Countess Mia Riven." He looks toward Brogan, and gives a low nod, and a low noise at the back of his throat. "...I'll be on mission for Princess Reese. Might be I could have word with her..." He's quiet a moment longer, and gives a short shrug of his shoulders. He looks over toward Joslyn, and then back to Agatha with a snort. "Sounds like you're being called out, Highness."

Tabitha gives a tentative nod and a sweet little smile to Graham, then quietly walks out of the ring, pulling gently on his hand to guide him somewhere else. The skirts of her satiny dress sway as she moves, lending even more grace to her smooth gait.

Cadenza smirks a bit as she watches Ignacio leave then turns her attention to Brogan. "Hey! And thanks!!" Blowing him a kiss she turns her attention back to the table.

Pouring a few fingers of the whiskey, Henrick looks over towards Rinel. There's a raising of a brow, his head shaking once, before pouring a few fingers into his glass. At the whiskey cleaning, he upnods Rinel. "Fuckin' good idea. Wound fevers fucked as all git out." There's a shake of his head. And then he takes a swallow. Well, then he looks towards Victus, his eyes widening.

Reese looks over to Thesarin upon hearing her name, having a smile for him and then for Mia. "Oh, Countess Riven and Count Riven." She greets. "If you need to speak with me, I am all ears." She says, before peeking over to Henrick and having a smile for him as well.

Orathy checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

Tabitha has left the ring of valor.

Tabitha has joined the corner table.

Graham has left the ring of valor.

Graham has joined the corner table.

Orathy has joined the bar.

Someone's at the bar suddenly. So many people in one place, it's hard to keep track of coming and goings, but Orathy Culler is suddenly at the bar, nursing a drink. Shifty guy, ain't he?

"Not in the least," Mia replied with a faint hint of a smile. "Only a bit of surprise at exuberance of it, I assure you. And I certainly won't begrudge you that. I'd be equally delighted to see my own brother come from the Twainfort, though I suspect if he and I tried a twirl like that, our hostess would be taking bets on which one of us would snap in half first." After a moment's thought, she added lightly, "In all honesty, I shouldn't have been so startled. You already remind me a fair bit of our own Dame Esoka, and I assure you, Princess Agatha, that there's few higher compliments I could give anyone. She may be Riven's Sword, but she's also a cherished friend. *And* gives the sort of embrace likely to crack a rib."

Taking a quick look around, Brogan waves to those he's missed, and smiles to the friends as well. Eyes falling to Briar, a person he's not seen before, Brogan calls out to him, "Well met, friend. Enjoy the drink, and make sure to take a chance to tumble in the Pit if you like." His gaze moves back to Thesarin, nodding once as he glances to Reese, "If you'd like and she's interested, I'd be happy to go with, Thesarin. Just let me know what works." Brogan smiles to Mia, and nods "Aye, the Princess here definitely gives some tight hugs too."

Agatha flinches as Mia describes the circumstances. "I would say I am a gentle giant, but I'm a ferocious one. I am a giant that VERY much respects and serves the Compact though, m'lady. I assure you that I would stand to protect all we are allied with." She presses a hand to her own chest an bows her head towards Mia. "Uncle Brogan isn't actually my uncle, but he might as well be. I've called him that since I was little and hanging off his arm. And -thank you, ma'am. That is high praise. I've seen her spar. She's amazing." Then Thesarin's pointing someone out and she turns to see Joslyn. "Oh! Hello again. And sure! I'm happy to make a little mayhem. Do you have a preference on what sort of armor?"

Joslyn smiles to Agatha. "Wear and wield whichever you wish," Joslyn says. "I choose to go without armor, myself. I find that my speed is more than sufficient most days." she says, rising from the table.

Zoey has left the raised seating.

Octavian, a silken spaniel have been dismissed.

3 Bisland pride guards have been dismissed.

The nearest server gets a bright smile as soon as their gaze lands on Sidney. "Wine, when you've a moment," he requests. He settles in a languid lean against the counter and lets his attention drift first to those nearest him, taking Orathy's sudden appearance in stride. It's possible he didn't notice that Orathy *wasn't* at the bar before, although he certainly notices the axe in his hand. Orathy, or possible the axe, gets an amiable nod from Sidney, and then he looks over Briar with particular interest in the man's long hair.

Agatha grins at Mia, Brogan, and Thesarin. "Hold that thought!" The expression that the Red Bear wears as the potential for practice is made manifest? It's just downright adorably and completely cheerful. Some overgrown, fully adult kids just have too much energy for the whole world's good.

Bliss has joined the raised seating.

Shrugging, Henrick looks around taking a bit of a gaze towards those poresent. Something of a smile toys his lips and he drinks some of the whiskey. "How's the fighting been?" he asks of the people at the table.

Jev comes back in, dragging sword along. "Anyone ready to fight yet? I thought this was the gods damn sip n' spar?" Jev huffs.

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

Agatha has joined the ring of valor.

Orathy didn't really ... did he have an axe in his hand? Oops. Wasn't it fight night? Something like that. Orathy nods at Sidney, shifting his axe back where it belongs. Whiskey will be drunk, in the meantime, although dark eyes do pick out the arena... clearly interested.

Henrick has left the ringside great table.

Henrick has joined the bar.

Joslyn rises from her seat as Bliss arrives, she waves to the Whisper and smirks. "You're late," she says, wrapping her arms around her tight and moving then to the ring. "But just in time for the show. I hope you'll be my cheering squad!" Joslyn winks, moving to join Agatha.

Coming in quite late but still managing to make her way into the tail end of the sip and spar, Bliss settles into the raised seating near where Joslyn had just been as the woman makes her way to the proving grounds. Seeing who is out on the field now, she brings two fingers to her mouth, letting out a shrill whistle of encouragement toward Joslyn. "You've got this!" she calls to the Stonewood Lady. "Show them why you were able to beat me earlier!"

"Princess," Mia said to Reese with a quick dip into a curtsy. And then she fell silent for a moment. And a moment longer. And then another. Until Mia simply tilts her head to look up to Thesarin and declared, rather bluntly, "I like them." Which... yes. She really does just blurt out, right in front of Brogan and Agatha, even though they're both *standing right there* and perfectly capable of hearing her. "We should ask them to dine at Heron Hall; the boys can gawk at Redrain warriors as well as Valardin knights, though I doubt Kelleth will so willingly surrender the title of 'Bear Lord' to anyone other than Lord Telmar."

Jev points to the big guy carrying the ax. "Wanna fight?"

Joslyn has left the raised seating.

Joslyn has joined the ring of valor.

Standing up, Henrick saunters over to the bar, this looks more like his speed. He looks towards Orathy, flashing him a grin. "You look like a trustworth' sort. Share some whiskey with me." And then he pours both of them a glass from the bottle he brought with him.

Ian settles in to watch Joslyn and Agatha fight with more of a sense of enjoyment than he displayed before -- and more of a sense that the rest of the world still exists.

Briar has left the bar.

Reese looks over to Brogan. "Me? You mean you want to spar me or did you want to talk to me. I never know." She says, sounding like she is struggling to follow everything going on. She then smiles over to Mia a moment later, seeming to catch her greeting.

Dante has joined the raised seating.

Walks back in casually and takes up some whiskey as he rejoins Ian and Cadenza at the raised seating, bowing with a smile to Bliss and showing something off.

Ian looks away from the fight playing out on the sands long enough to nod to Dante.

Orathy glances toward Jev, a sneer forming on his whisker surrounded lips, "Aye fuckin rights I will." He nods toward the arena, "Once I be havin some whiskey to settle in me gut-" such is the case that Henrick saunters over and brings him a glass. That rouses his intrigue and suspicion, before he barks a laugh, "Trustworthy eh? Shiiit. What sort of poison is in the glass eh?" He will the offer from Henrick regardless.

Tabitha sits close to Graham, her side pressed against his, and holds on to his hand with both of hers. Moving her gaze over to the ring of valor, her eyes widen a touch beneath lifted brows. Wincing ever-so faintly in preparation of the fight that's about to take of, she grips Graham's fingers just a little tighter, then distractedly says, "...oh! No... it's alright. I felt a little unwell earlier, and..." Her words trail off as she watches Agatha and Joslyn trade blows.

Agatha takes moderate damage.

Agatha takes moderate damage.

"The fighting has been very good," Echo says aside to Henrick as her pallid gaze flicks onto the two entering the ring of valor. "Princess Agatha has been training really hard." A pause, before the knight-princess crooks a finger her way. "Though I wouldn't be surprised if she's been slacking what with the Bear Cubs." The Redrain chevalier snorts out a half-laugh at something Jev said before allowing her attention to drift for a breath. Upon spotting Brogan, she pats at the empty seat next to her. "Come join us!"

Bliss turns toward Dante and gives the man a smile as he makes his way up the seating, reaching to her hat and sliding her fingers along the brim to tip it lower in greeting. "Bliss, Champion and Whisper," she informs him. "Fidante? From Tor, then?" she wonders with soem curiosity in her voice. "What's that you've got there?"

Jev crosses his arms and rests his sword against his leg. "Hurry up then..."

Bliss's sharp whistle catches Sidney's attention as he looks reflexively over, breaking into a warmly amused smile when he sees her cheering. He doesn't try to catch her attention in turn, with so many people in between them, but he does seem a little more relaxed as he accepts his wine from the server and takes a very long sip. Well. A drink. He manages to knock back about a third of it, but he does it with such graceful nonchalance that he could plausibly pretend he only took a sip.

Orathy up nods toward Jev, "In a rush to be flung around the arena eh? Hold yer horses aye? I be there in a minute. Who do I get to be sparrin with?"

As the fight begins, the two women size each other up, Joslyn with her miniscule hairpins, and Agatha with her greatsword. Joslyn starts her runs, deftly dodging the rather intimidating blade, her skirts flaring out and catching a bit of attention, she winces as a few strikes get rather close and the other woman manages to dodge and deflect everything she throws at her. It goes on for some time, and she laughs. "You're good," she says. "How is it I've never heard of you before now?" she wonders as she dodges and attacks, finally managing to land two solid blows on the Redrain Princess.

Brogan grins in Mia and Thesarin's direction, but other than that he acts as if he didn't hear any of the conversation between the two. He nods to Agatha as she heads out, adding a a shout "GIVE HER HELL!" He smiles over at Echo and nods his head, then turns back to Thesarin and Mia, "Would you two like to have a seat at the table? Might be easier for us to hear without all the crowd ruckus..."

Dante has left the raised seating.

Catching Sidney's eyes, Bliss returns a smile to him, but toward Cadenza she gives a two fingered wave in warm greeting and a smile over to her. "Lady Fidante, a pleasure, and thank you for understanding about last time we ran into each other. I should be much more talkative tonight." Then she crosses her arms on her knees, leaning in towards Dante and - well, she can't really stage whisper in this enormous crowd, but she says as conspiratorially as she can, "Oh, yes. It's quite wonderful. Are you, though? And have you been to the city itself, much?"

Graham grips the others hand though he does look between the fight and the other at the table looking concerned "Unwell, in what way?" He asks to the other before turning to the fight, looking as a few blows are landed he will clap to the back of his hand. "Would you like a drink or some food or anything?"

Dante has joined the raised seating.

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

It's the sort of fight that's good for a bear. There are opponents that one learns from because they're similar, but better. There are opponents that make mistakes and show you what not to do. And there are those that fight so radically differently that there are new ideas on how to react to them. That last category? That's where she is tonight. Agatha is used to pushing people out of range with the bardiche until she can hammer them into submission. That doesn't work with an opponent that insists on staying so close up. The hairpins? Surprisingly effective. the first hit catches her /very/ off guard. "That.. THE LITTLE THING HURT!" It's the surprise that makes her bellow, not the pain, and then Agatha throws her head back and laughs. Probably not the best time for it when the second shot in a row lands. "OKAY, OKAY, back to it. HAH!" She shuffles back in and grins. "Well, I'm from the north. I've only been here since a little while before Stormwall. Maybe you've just been busy!"

"We should have them." Thesarin nods toward Mia, and again toward Brogan. He watches the fighting for a moment, and gives a grunt toward Brogan. "You are welcome, at Heron Hall. If you'd ever like." He takes a few short steps toward the rounded table, gives a short nod toward Reese, and leans in to whisper toward her.

Agatha takes moderate damage.

Agatha takes minor damage.

Agatha takes minor damage.

Reese speaks softly with Thesarin, seemingly all serious, like she is back to talking business.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman arrive, following Caspian.

Joslyn takes serious damage.

Agatha takes minor damage.

Joslyn takes moderate damage.

Joslyn takes minor damage.

"Me?" Bliss wonders to Cadenza, then gives her a faint smile. "Yeah," she says as she nods, looking much more comfortable with the topic this time and, indeed, her Lycene accent picking up around so many Fidantes. "From Tor. A lifetime and a name ago. I don't really think about it much these days, and that's part of why I clammed up."

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman leave, following Caspian.

Joslyn takes serious damage.

Joslyn takes moderate damage.

Joslyn checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Joslyn remains capable of fighting.

Agatha takes minor damage.

Joslyn checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 37, rolling 17 higher.

Joslyn remains capable of fighting.

"I'd love to have dinner with you, and your family." Brogan smiles broadly between Thesarin and Mia, "I'm sure the Princess.." nodding to Valencia, "Would like to come along as well. She makes sure I don't do anything too rude..." He moves towards the ringside table, sitting down in the seat offered to him, and pulling out a seat for Mia and Thesarin, "Are you both still havin' a drink?"

Brogan has joined the ringside great table.

Tabitha leans her head against Graham's shoulder, turning her head from the fight and closing her eyes. She jolts occasionally at the noise that's clanking and getting shouted out all around her, but she manages to murmur some words to Graham through the din of the room. "No drinks or food, thank you. I'm alright for now. Felt bad earlier. Headache. A little dizzy. Not bad now, but I was feeling quite unpleasant for a while." Still resting her head in its place, eyes still closed, she asks, "How have you been? Good night?"

As the fight wears down, Joslyn begins to tire, all those quick movements quickly wearing her down against the other woman, squinting a moment and pressing everything forward. She still manages to deal out her own share of damage, but as she slows, Agatha's sword begins hitting her, again and again. She shouts out in pain as some of those strikes are particularly hard, but she presses on. "Well, I may have met my match," Joslyn confesses finally. "It's time I stepped it up."

Rinel has left the ringside great table.

Ven has left the ringside great table.

Glancing about, Henrick finishes his drink and then moves to depart, though he does grin towards Orathy.

Henrick has left the bar.

Reese whispers softly with Thesarin. She then smiles over to Bragan, seeming to notice him once again. "Lord Brogan. We will be in touch soon." She murmurs toward him.

And there there are the lessons folks get from fighting Agatha. Fighting a wall that gets up and walks around and swings a huge weapon isn't much fun. Even though she's taking bruising blows, she just keeps coming. And she's doing what she can to make sure the hits land where they'll limit the damage, and her weapon is well padded, but they're just so absolutely relentless. And like Aethan in the previous match? She has a disarmingly cheerful smile every time she gets hit. "Well. One of us is bound to sit down soon. Let's keep going and find out who!"

Agatha takes minor damage.

Joslyn checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 66, rolling 1 lower.

Joslyn checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 8 higher.

Joslyn remains alive, but close to death.

Joslyn falls unconscious.

Atreke, a severe-looking scribe have been dismissed.

Rinel has joined the ringside great table.

The young Stonewood leans in to listen to the spoken words. Graham frowns at her not feeling well. "Hm, perhaps though we'll get something to help before we return?" He comments his free hand will reach across to brush a stray hair from her face. He turns back to the fight and looks worried "Hm, I hope Jos is alright." He murmers. "I have been here though this evening serving drinks and seeing to guests, I live quite the exciting life." He winks to Tabitha.

"I once had a dinner guest -- a royal dinner guest, no less -- rise from the table in response to dessert, stride into the kitchen, and hug the cook. Poor Mab nearly had a fit, and for weeks after, I'd occasionally find her staring off at one of the walls and murmuring to herself in shock at the recollection of the whole affair," Mia said reassuringly. "I doubt you could manage anything more scandalous than that without actively trying. But. Maybe I'm underestimating you, Lord Brogan." She gestured towards the bar with an open palm. "The Count was having beer, I believe. I'd be happy with a small glass of whiskey."

Victus is raising from his seat and awkwardly shimmying his way out from behind the ringside seat. The High Lord takes a moment to stretch and give a two-fingered salute to those still in attendance. After which he turns to leave, his cat following close behind his footsteps.

Ian nods respectfully as the High Lord starts to leave.

Sidney has been watching the match with a mild, generalized interest, his gaze apt to drift over the rest of the audience, but as Agatha and Joslyn tire his focus sharpens back onto them. The worried exhalation that gusts out of his chest when Joslyn falls is probably evidence enough of how rarely he watches real fights, and he looks instinctively to Bliss from his place at the bar.

Dante mimics Ian's respectful nod to the High Lord.

Her attention going back to the fight in the center of the arena, Bliss grimaces when she sees the fight running to its conclusion, but still claps her hands politely together and lets out a cheer. "You almost had her!" she calls out toward Joslyn when the Stonewood woman falls to the floor. She doesn't seem bothered by the outcome, her gaze moving toward Agatha with some consideration in her eyes.

Victus has left the ringside great table.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon leave, following Victus.

Reese looks over to Bliss, giving the champion a smile of greeting. She goes to herself a mug of ale. "Whisper Bliss, a pleasure to see you again." She murmurs, before noticing Sydney near the bar. He gets a smile as well. She turns back to Brogan at her a table a moment later.

Joslyn finally after what seems like an eternity on the field, Joslyn finds herself hitting the sand and she throws up her hands. "Fuck! Yeild," she winces, grinning then after a few moments. "I can't remember the last time I was taken down quite so handily," she winces.

Orathy has left the bar.

3 Culler Hoodlums, 2 Culler Brutes, Cyrus leave, following Orathy.

Brogan looks up from the table, nodding to Mia, "Please, have a seat..." and waves to the Barkeep to order a mug of beer, and a small glass of whiskey. "And I don't know if I'd consider that scandalous if it was a fine dessert..." he answers honestly, with a smile, "Maybe that's part of my problem."

Mia has joined the ringside great table.

Rinel has left the ringside great table.

With the fight winding down, Bliss manages to notice Reese's greeting toward her, bowing lightly toward the woman from her seat and returning the smile. "Princess Reese, a pleasure as well. Have you been enjoying the fights?" she wonders. Then she turns back to Cadenza, clarifying from earlier. "But yes, from Tor," she says with a smile, "Where Lord Dante is the Rose of. I wonder, my lord, what are your favorite memories of the city?"

Clasping her hands together, Echo emit a low whistle as the fight came to an end. "Geez Aggie! You gotta teach me --" Suddenly, Lilybelle is making her escape, causing Echo to get momentarily distracted. "Uh.. Right -- You gotta teach me how to swing like that." Rinel gets a nod from the Redrain princess at the ringside table along with a quick hug before she presses her shoulder into Brogan's side in a show of affection. "Brogan! Here to spar, or only to watch?"

Thesarin has joined the ringside great table.

"Fine show," Thesarin calls out toward the arena as he settles into the ringside table, taking another beer with a short nod. "Damned fine show, from the both of you."

Sidney still looks a bit unsettled by the end of Agatha and Joslyn's match, his dark brows furrowed together and his mouth flat, but he's still got an eye on Bliss and he sees when Reese turns to glance at him. At her smile he brightens all at once, the concern melting away from his expression, and he beams a smile back at her as he lowers his head in a bow across the crowds. Apparently he wasn't *that* worried.

Mia mutters, "It ... wouldn't ... been ... ... ... the dinner guest in ... was ... elven ... Between ... crown and the ... I ... sweet old Mab ... fainted."

Giggling lightly at Graham's words, Tabitha then makes a thoughtful face and whispers something into his ear.

Reese looks over to Bliss, giving her a nod. "Oh, very much. I always like watching the fights." She says in her direction. "I don't fight much anymore, but I do have a duel planned coming up. Not a real duel. A Rite to Gloria. I feel like picking a fight so I can get into a real duel and hire you though, Champion Bliss." She looks around all thoughtfully, seemingly suspiciously like she is trying to find someone to offend. Reese then looks over to Sidney. "I'm Princess Reese, General of the Grayson Army. May I ask who you are?"

Agatha may be a wall and her footwork might not be as good as some of those she faces, but Gods help them all, Princess Red Bear can turn on a silver when she hears the word yield. Joslyn goes down and throws her hands up. Agatha makes the subtlest of adjustments - she doesn't stop the swing. She pivots -maybe- an inch. Drops her left shoulder. And the blow crashes down to the sand inches from Joslyn. But it most surely by design. Better than stopping too sharply and risking injury. Agatha lets go of the weapon once it's balanced and instead holds a hand out to her opponent. "Thank you for a very good match. You'd already impressed me with those hsirsticks earlier. I respect them even more now! Let's get something to drink." Hey, she's even breathing a little hard after this match! When Joslyn is on her feet, Aggie retrieves the bardiche so she can get out of the ring for the next fighter.

Graham looks back to the ring for a moment though waiting for Joslyn to regain her footing and he can breath again, the chuckle regains his attention easily enough. He will smile though leaning to listen to the whispered words as well. He speaks softly in return to her own words.

Ian studies Dante for a moment, taking note of his state of intoxication. Satisfied that the Fidante isn't going to give himself alcohol poisoning in the near future (probably), he braces himself on his cane and rises. "I'd better get going." He nods to the other sharing the raised seating with him and then heads off.

Ian has left the raised seating.

Joslyn nods to Agatha and takes her hand, smiling and getting to her feet. "Yes, let us get a drink," she agrees. She smiles to Bliss and beckons for the whisper to join her. "Have you met Bliss? Oh yes you were with us earlier," she grins. "I was hoping to give her a nice victory to admire."

"Well, if you find your excuse, you know where I am and how to reach me," Bliss says to Reese with a light laugh, patting at the rapier on her hip. "And what an honor it would be, to represent you of all people. Do you have an opponent set for your Rite to Gloria yet?" she wonders out loud. "Those are always fascinating to watch, such a very different style."

Sidney is probably a poor candidate for offense, if Reese had been considering him. He's already moved from concern to delight to confusion in the past few seconds, and it's unlikely he's capable of holding a grudge for much longer. He blinks back at her, briefly puzzled by the question, and then slides from the bar (with his wine) to slink close enough they don't have to call to each other. "Sidney, my lady," he tells her brightly. "Sidney Whisper." He's dressed a little less excitingly than Whispers usually are, but his clothing is a fine, if somewhat plain ensemble of well-tailored linen and silks.

Reese smiles over to Joslyn, seemingly having just noticed her. She seems to sometimes get confused at large gatherings. "Lady Joslyn." She greets and has a smile as well. "Oh, Sir Jeffeth. He beat me in a spar, so I figured it should be an interesting match. We are fighting without armor and with equal weapons or equalish anyways." She says. She then turns back to Sidney. "Oh, a Whisper." She says and smiles. "Do you have an speciality in the house?" She says, sounding curious.

It takes Bliss a moment to notice Joslyn beckoning her over, torn between three conversations as she is, but when she does, she smiles and holds up one finger as she says a few last words to Cadenza and Dante both. "Come, join us for a drink, Lord Dante," she says as she stands up, moving toward Agatha and Joslyn.

Tabitha just nods her head at Graham's shoulder.

Sidney's lips part on an inhale and he pauses for a brief, rapidly calculating moment before breaking into a bright grin at Reese. "I am an excellent scribe, your highness. And drinking partner. And I'm very good with the birds." His eyes crinkle at the corners, as if he's aware of the minor absurdity of his answer and is inviting Reese to share in the humor of it. "I also polish quite a lot of the silver, and I never leave a streak."

"Another time, I assure you." Dante informs Bliss with yet another bow. Somehow, he finishes off yet another glass of whiskey... it wasn't his. It's not obvious where he got it from. His cheeks are rather rosy as he seems intent on following his cousin-in-law Cadenza out while getting in every last attempt at gregarious flirtations and farewells along the way.

Cadenza stands then as she stretches a bit. "Well thank you. Hopefully I"ll see you next time...." With that she raises a hand to Joslyn in parting before looking to Dante with a chuckle. "Come on you....your cousin wold never forgive me if I left you here like this....or maybe I should." With that she makes her way out, waving to those she knows on her way out.

Joslyn has left the ring of valor.

Joslyn has joined the bar.

Bliss has left the raised seating.

Bliss has joined the bar.

Cadenza has left the raised seating.

Dante has left the raised seating.

Dante leaves, following Cadenza.

Joslyn reaches for Bliss' hand, lacing fingers through. "You're going to need to help nurse me back to health after that one," Joslyn says, winking towards her and chuckling, following Agatha a little moment, waving to the departing Dante and Cadenza before Reese gets her attention. "Ah, Princess Reese, I saw you talking earlier but I didn't want to interupt. I'll have to see that match, and see how we measure up the next time we face off. I've been training and my showings are usually better than... that," she grins towards Agatha.

Agatha grins at Joslyn. "Give me one minute. I'll catch up to you." It's a very brief minute. Just enough time for her to do some cool down stretches and a quiet prayer. She's quick to find her way over, though, and smiles at Joslyn's companions. "Right! Bliss. She's the one with the rapier. Very tricky fighting. Looks like something you'd see with the champions, putting on a show and all. In a good way, I mean!" She waves a greeting. And then, somewhere in the midst of greetings, an entire keg is delivered over to Aggie. There are a few blinks before she reads a note and chuckles. "Awwww. Now this is a sort of support I could get used to! I guess the drinks are on my friend!" Unnamed friend, apparently. She grins at Echo. "You want -me- to teach -you? Crazy cousin!"

Graham will accept the nod silently and push his seat back offering to help Tabitha up from where she sits. The young Stonewood considers before speaking a few more words in the same whisper. He will begin to walk when she's ready towards the door if passing others he will speak of a wonderful evening which he has had.

Reese rises to her slippered feet, leaving her half finished mug of booze behind. She then turns to Joslyn. "Oh, we will have to spar again soon. If I get brave enough to face you that is, Lady Joslyn." She then turns to Sydney. "A scride very interesting. I will have to show you my books sometime." She says, but then slips off, with a wave and a smile for many gathered here. She even blows Echo a kiss.

Reese has left the ringside great table.

Another smile blossoms and Echo makes a show of catching that kiss and shoving it into her bag. And Agatha's comments only serve to widen that smile, now showing teeth and dimples alike. "I'm afraid of you! I swear!" A brief pause then, as she waved her hand airily and averted her gaze. "Anyways, see you around Reese!"

Giving a wave to Reese as she leaves, Bliss turns her head toward Joslyn with an amused smile and letting their hands be laced together. "You did still impress me. If that had been a duel, you would have won without a scratch on you," she notes to Joslyn. "With the fight being what it was, though, very different." She then pats her rapier with her previously raised hand as Agatha addresses her. "That would be because I'm a Champion," she says toward Agatha with a wink. "So I'm glad that's what my fighting style reminds you of. I still need to work on the particulars, get back into form. Maybe we can try some things out on each other?" she wonders with an amused smirk.

"I like books," Sidney agrees cheerily after the departing Princess. In the brief lull of her wake he takes a long drink of wine, then pushes his curls back from his face with his free hand as he looks from Bliss to Joslyn and then the others lingering near their group.

"Well, I go for form over function in these things of course," Joslyn nods to Bliss. "When I'm in a real fight, I'm wearing steel, no flash at all," she admits. "It was steel that saved my life after all. Damn thing still broke what felt like every rib," she adds, wincing. She bumps her shoulder into Bliss as she talks, considering Agatha. "I'll rematch you sometime," she promises. "Just need to make some changes in my training, I think. I look forward to it, I always love a new challenge."

Graham nods to the words spoken and will begin to lead out of the arena with the other upon his arm. He keeps looking sideways though perhaps a little concerned until they reach the stairs down, which takes a little more attention not to trip and fall.

Graham has left the corner table.

Tabitha has left the corner table.

Tabitha leaves, following Graham.