Mongoose arrives, following Joscelin.

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

Cleo has joined the upper rafters.


Cleo looks around with a soft awed expression at the arena and all the seating and tables. She claps her hands lightly in pleasure and then smiles brightly at the sight. Wandering over towards the entrance point to the rafters she clambers up like a squirrel and finds a place to sit, "Hi!" She calls to the people already there, "I'm Cleo!" A bright and happy introduction. A ball of sunshine. Oh dear.

Wash arrives, following Aethan.

Quill, the grunty little porcupine arrives, following Paige.

Carmichael Ulbran arrives, following Theodoric.

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Jasher.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger, Tiny Tom arrive, following Sparte.


The Crafters Guildmaster is walking with careful determination, like the more distance she puts between the door and herself, the more content she is, the more relaxed she is. The plump, pretty jeweler is wearing a dress that only enhance her curves, revealing an intricately scarred back and otherwise smooth skin, flaring out to wide hips that carries the weight of such ornate, gorgeous, silk-made bliss that the dress -had- to have been made for her, the fine work recognizable to most as being of Morrighan Redrain's design. Making her way to the bar, Joscelin orders herself a drink, smiling bright at the barkeep before looking out at the Arena and the surrounding floor, wondering if she'll spot anyone she knows here this evening.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice have been dismissed.

Mongoose have been dismissed.

Theodoric has joined the corner table.

Dressed in storm grey southern silks that embrace slender waist and enticing curves, the petite princess enters the Hart's famous arena. Her long dark lock swept back from her lovely face and held in pace by a few jeweled pins, Valencia moves deeper into the vast room with a smooth and easy gait. Taking a moment to look about, her large dark eyes glimmering with delight as she offers those she knows a warm incline of her head and warm smiles those she does not yet know.

Once Asher has followed along towards the arena - with his drink, by the Gods, he's going to finish it - he has found that he does not want to sit near the ring. Well, not on the edge of it. Instead, there's a spot above, in the rafters. Surely there's a way he can get up there...? Well, he'll find a way. Even if he has to do some creative climbing to get up there to find a seat.

Artorius smiles to Waldemai. "If you wish it friend, I'll happily enter the arena with you. It will be fun, nonetheless." a bow of his head as many more people arrive. "Evening friends!" he calls out.

Sparte slips in with Wilhelm at his back, making his way to find a seat. A slight rustling amongst the pouches at his belt reveals Tiny Tom is along for the ride today, though hopefully she'll stay in her hiding spot. He grins at Valencia when he spots her, giving her an appreciative and silly double thumbs up as he finds a seat.

Sparte has joined the bar.

Caspian has joined the bar.

Asher has joined the upper rafters.

Moving over to the bar, Caspian sits himself down next to Sparte, patting the man on the shoulder. "Hey Sparte. Long time no see? How's it goin'? You fightin' or watchin'?" He asks the man, taking a sip of his coffee that he brought along with him.

Kaine takes some time to take the Arena in, then smiles a bit to himself and heads toward the bar to take a seat. He flashes a smile at Joscelin as he settles in. "Hello, Guildmaster! Fancy meeting you here. How are you doing?"

Kaine has joined the bar.

Wash carries his drink to a table, sitting close enough that he can enjoy the fights.

Wash has joined the ringside table.

Joscelin has joined the bar.

Aethan comes into the arena with Wash, and he also has a drink in his hand, what looks to be a cup of coffee. He heads to the table as well, sitting down and setting the cup on top as he leans back in the chair. His eyes move to the ring momentarily, before he looks back to his companion.

Aethan has joined the ringside table.

Giuseppe, a kindly old man arrives, following Luca.

Sparte scratches behind his left ear, glancing over to Caspian. "Oh, I just watch at these if I can. How is Grandmaster life treating you?" Sparte grins. "Is it as much paperwork as it sounded?"


Joscelin hears her name called, or rather, her title, and smiles bright at Kaine as she recognizes the Crafter. "Messere Algair," she says with a chuckle. "Is it so fancy? It's a wonderful event, I try to make it when I can." She moves to take a seat, twisting to look at both Kaine and the floor, lapis silk shifting as she settles. "How are you?"

Jasher, with a drink in his hand, considers the choice of seats available before sauntering over to the table Wash has claimed and commandeering a spare seat.

Jasher has joined the ringside table.

"It's okay," Caspian says back to Sparte with a shrug. "I actually have not been doing all that much lately beside the tournament and popularity contest. Been hoping to get more done, but first, I want to fight my heart out," he says back to the man, nudging him with an elbow.

Paige enters the arena with a smile, looking towards all the people gathering before making her way towards the bar. She does, however, stop off briefly to sweep a bow before Valencia, offering a grin towards her, "Your Highness, a pleasure as always." Then she's off to join those at the bar!

Paige has joined the bar.

Artorius raises his glass to all those who come to apparently join him at the bar! "Good evening and salutations. Let's all have a wonderful night, yes?" He seems to be in good spirits, as opposed to his usual reserved nature.

"Oh, has the format changed at all since I've last been here? Or is it still fight with whoever you want, whenever you want?" Caspian inquires both to Sparte and those at the bar, looking around a moment. His eyes go to Artorius, giving him a smile, "You as well." Then his gaze fall upon Joscelin and Paige, "Hello Guildmistress Joscelin, Paige, how have you two been?"

Paige is greeted with a warm smile and a wave. "Welcome, mistress. I am so very glad you are here," Valencia beams as the woman heads off to find a seat at the bar. Waldemai, one of the Hart's favoured guests, and one that the barmaids seem happy to see that he gets extra special care in his perch in the rafters, gets a bright smile and a nod, the princess herself so very happy to see him arrive. Caspian is offered a respectful nod of welcome as is Joscelin and the little vixen begins to make her way through the crowd towards the sands.

When Luca comes in, he comes in like a whirlwind, which is saying something for the man, who sometimes can't sit up for more than an hour at a time without falling asleep. He must be in his nearest, pre-nap moments when his sobriety is at the highest level and his sleepiness, the lowest. "Yeah! A wonderful night!", he calls out to Artorius, catching the man's words with his arrival. He's moving through the crowd, light on his feet, graceful in his maneuvering, and somewhere along the way he picks up a glass of something, from somewhere. Who can tell what's in it, or where it came from? It must be alcohol, because he tips it back and drains it, leaving it on another table. All of this, on his way over to sweep up Valencia before she can reach the sands and spin her around, "If it isn't my favorite cousin!", he says, settling her back on her feet after and pressing a kiss to her forehead, "I heard there was sipping and sparring happening tonight. Is that why all these hooligans are here?"

Sparte chuckles at Caspian. "I hadn't checked, but I think they're less keen on the 'whatever you want' bit ever since I broke that nice bench." Sparte glances around before looking to Caspian. "If you want to show people how much better you are than me, I can get in there with you. I figure you've plenty of candidates though. Here comes one now." Sparte nods slightly to Luca.


Joscelin grins at Valencia and raises her glass to the hostess, before turning in her seat to greet Caspian. "Messere Wild," she says with a grin. "I'm doing better, the longer I'm away from my bench. How are you?"

Jasher's lips turn into a smile, lighting up his eyes. "Quite. I'm very impressed. You made out quite well since we parted."

"Master Caspian, I've been doing quite well, thank you! Hoping to test myself against someone out there, see how well my bow can stand up to their.. whatever!" Paige flashes a grin towards Caspian before she leans on the bar to order up an ale.

2 House Velenosa Guards arrives, following Sofia.

The little raven-haired fox is taken quite by surprise by her favourite cousin and she squeals with girlish delight as he sweeps her up into an embrace. "LUCA!!! You are here!!!" Valencia cries out joyfully, hugging the man for all she's worth and placing a warm and deeply affectionate kiss upon the cheek in return. "I have missed you so. I am so happy to see you!" she says with devoted delight, squeezing his hand and turning to smile at the gathering crowds. "Yes, it shall be a beautiful night. And even more so now that you are here. I'm so happy!" she beams, jumping up into his arms to hug him again.

Silvio sweeps, rather than walks, into the event with a drink already gained from a server in the main hall. He moves like a Prince, lifts his chin like a Prince, but answers to Lord these days. He sips his drink after a few steps, then casts his dark eyes around for someone he knows. Spotting his cousin, he heads in Luca's direction, retorting with, "Favorite cousin? The shock of it all...." This puts him nearer to Valencia as well and he smiles for her warmly.

Graham had been mostly in the background up until now helping the server's and helping people find places to sit and the like. He has a bit of time to relax and enjoy himself though now and so move back out to the front of the room and looks about. "This is a wonderful turn out." He comments when he reaches Valencia's side.

Valencia beams with even more delight as Silvio arrives. "You would be so, too, if you came to see me more often," she teases gently, moving to offer Silvio a warm and enthusiastic embrace as well. "I am so happy to see you. You look so well. Thank you for coming," she nods brightly as Graham arrives at her side. "Gentlemen, you know my good friend Lord Graham. He has kindly offered to see that all our guests are well recieved tonight. Speaking of which, I should start the event, yes?" she nods, gently excusing herself with another smile to start the matches.

Artorius approaches Valencia, leaving the bar with a sheathed greatsword on his back. "Princess, so good to see you again." he greets Valencia with a warm smile on his face, and to his brotha from anotha motha, Luca. "Luca! Long time no see friend. How have you been?"

Silvio makes a gesture to let Valencia depart, nodding once to Graham. "Oh yes..I know Lord Graham. He is a marvelous fighter, particularly against terrifying beasts. Surely...you remember me, Lord Graham, though we did not have much time for introductions. I am Lord Silvio Rubino."

Luca finishes hugging Valencia, once and then twice, before Silvio catches his attention. "I know, it's shocking, isn't it? The Lycene way..", he tells the man, with a laugh, walking over to roughly pat his other cousin on the shoulder. "Good to see you. I hope you're being treated well. With the, uh.. who did you marry into again? I remember it. It's on the tip of my tongue..". He doesn't seem to wait for an answer. Instead, he calls out to the crowd, "Who is going to spar me? I need to spar! So I can sip! Then I'll sip all the rest of the night." He picks up a shot of something that's walking by, it must be for him, isn't it? He tips it back and kills the beverage. There is a grin he shoots at Artorius after, "Art! Too long, too long. You never write! You ever.. er.. write!".



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 madames, 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.

"Tonight we are, as always, welcoming donations in support of ongoing good causes and to replenish our charitable fund so we can ensure that we are ready to rise and meet any challenges or needs that might arise within our realm. We thank you deeply for your ongoing support. Truly, it is your generosity and good will that allows us to make a difference and our peoples stronger."

I am also pleased to say that from here forward, we will be listing the winners of our matches on our rosters so we can better honour their wins and build a list for our upcoming champions of the Hart tourney. We thank all of our warriors here for rising to the occasion in good spirits and good will.

"And, 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 glad you are here and we wish you, as always, much light, luck and love."

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

Waldemai applauds the Princess. Or maybe the warriors. Either. Both. "Hear hear! Bravo!"

"Someone pick a fight so Waldemai and I can bet on you." Mirari calls out from the rafters, careful not to spill any of the drinks set out on the beams.

Mirari gets an ironwood-hilted keen steel dagger from a hip-slung black leather dagger harness.

Through the doors comes a vision in a white gown adorned with sparkling purple gems that glitter softly in the light. Princess Sofia Velenosa strolls in with regal grace and a commanding presence, letting those eyes roam over the people gathered with a look of composure. Two stoic looking guards flank the Princess as she steps forward listening as Valencia annouces the beginning of the evenings festivities. "It seems I'm not late after all." She muses softly.

Caspian claps and whistles over to Valencia, thrusting his hand up in a fist towards the ceiling. Then he rises, calling out, "A MOMENT PLEASE, TWO THINGS!" He holds up his hands, "One, remember there is a popularity contest for The Champions! So vote for your favorite Champion! Second, I'm taking on every and all challengers, but first I have someone I must fight!" He points to Paige, giving her a grin, "Of course!"

Caspian gets A steel barbute with rounded spikes along the dome from a simple blackened leather backpack.

Giuseppe, a kindly old man leaves, following Luca.

Jasher looks Mirari's direction as she speaks up, then turns his gaze to the depths of the ring.

Giuseppe, a kindly old man arrives, following Luca.

Paige gets Verdant Volley, a darkwood and steel recurved longbow from simple leather backpack.

Caspian wields Relentless, a keen-edged black steel dagger.

Caspian has left the bar.

Caspian has joined the ring of valor.

Paige has left the bar.

Quill, the grunty little porcupine have been dismissed.

"Ah, yes I do indeed and thank you. Though only did what I was able to..." Graham speaks to Silvio with a friendly smile "I am glad we mostly remained unscathed even." He will look back as Valencia speaks and smiles to her words it's always a pleasure to be here on these nights. "Hm.. I wonder if I should compete maybe at least." He seems though to be glad to let others go first.

Paige wields Verdant Volley, a darkwood and steel recurved longbow.

Artorius smiles kindly to Luca, shaking his hand in a firm warrior's handshake. "Well, I've been quite busy of late. Troubles with home really stole all of my attention. I apologize friend. If you seek an opponent, I will gladly step up." He smiles to him softly.

Paige has joined the ring of valor.

Grabbing a pratice dagger, Caspian vaults over the railing to the ring of valor and lands in the sands, giving a little grin over to Paige as he tilts his head her way. "A bow? You don't see people fighting with those very often. This should be interesting."

Cleo has left the upper rafters.

Weapons Rack is now unlocked.

"Maybe vary your fights Caspian, let other people fight in between, some other people wanna spar different people!" Mirari calls from the rafters before she takes a drink from her flask.

Red Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Bronze Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Laughing even as she unshoulders her bow and heads towards the ring, Paige calls out, "I promise I won't trip over my own feet! I hope!" She sets her pack down outside the ring and sends her little porcupine companion back home, then hops the rail to grin at Caspian. "I know, right? I've even managed to win once or twice with it!"

"Cute porcupine. You should have kept him though, you could have thrown him at me!" Caspian says with a teasing grin, spreading out his feet. He calls over to Mirari, shouting out, "No! The arena is mines! I'm gonna carve my name on it!" He lets out a little chuckle before turning to Paige, "Lets begin!"

Amanda steps into the Arena, dressed in a dark blue dress of simple but elegant mack, covered in a light grey wool cloak. The blonde Whisper is prim and proper and poised and perfectly practiced in the way she moves into the ring. After retrieving a glass of wine, she spends a few moments observing.

Luca shakes Artorius' hand just as firmly, but he moves in for the man-hug as well, from one warrior to another. "Trouble at home? You'll have to sit and tell me about it sometime, over a drink, old friend. Tonight though, we all celebrate! Leave your home trouble for the moment, take a load off, rest easy and get piss-drunk. That's just what the Sip 'n Spar is for!" When the man offers to spar him, the Fox-Prince laughs, "You're going to use that big old sword on me, aren't you? That thing's dangerous, you know. Am I brave enough to face you? Maybe. I'll need another drink, first!".

Testing the string on her bow, she nocks the first arrow (blunted!), and grins at Caspian, "Well come on then! Or did you want to just stand back and let me wing arrows at you all night?"

Paige ^

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

There is a smiling glance up to the rafters and then one offered to Artorius as Valencia steps from the sand so that Caspian and Paige may begin. Sofia is offered a blink and a happy smile of welcome as she is seen, "Good evening, cousin," the little vixen calls out cheerful. Amanda is offered a warm welcome as well, "Good evening, my lady. Welcome to my Hart. Please join us," she invites with a little encouraging nod as she returns to stand by Luca, Graham, Silvio and Artorius.

When the fight starts Caspian rushes Paige, trying to close the distance. Her first arrow grazes his shoulder, the man just barely unable to avoid getting hit. The next arrow hits his arm at a shallow angle and flies off, ineffective. And then finally he's close, ducking under the third arrow and lunges forward with a brutal stab with his wooden dagger in Paige's stomach. Ikes!

Joscelin is sure to clap and cheer as appropriate, whether someone takes damage or deals it. Because.

Jasher looks down at the combatants as the fight begins, regarding the ebb and flow with an intense stare.

Amanda spots Valencia, and that invitation. She graciously dips her head, and starts that way. "Princess Valencia, is it? Amanda Whisper. Thank you very much for the welcome." She glances to the fight, then back. "I have been meaning to attend one of these... finally managed to do so. I am quite excited." Amanda offers a dip of her head to the others, who stand with Valencia.

Moving lightly, keeping a close eye on Caspian's moves. When he ruses, she looses the first arrow, winging him lightly. She gets a second shot off before he reaches her, another glancing hit. But then he closes the distance and can't get the arrow nocked in time to avoid taking the direct hit! Oof! Eyes widening, she attempts to put a few feet between them and takes aim once more.

Caspian then proceeds to beat upon Paige, dodging each of the point blank arrows and hits her again and again, getting two more hits upon the woman and avoiding her in turn.

Arty laughs with Luca! "Aye, aye. But everything is alright now, so there's nothing at all to worry about, I promise my friend." a chuckle at his words. "Of course. and aye, I plan to. it's felled a great many warriors Luca. Though don't worry, I'll try not to hit you too hard." a wink for the Fox Prince

"I am so very pleased to meet you, Whisper Amanda. And I am delighted you would find your way to my Hart," Valencia offers back with a warm smile. "Please, sit and we shall see that you are well cared for. What would you care to drink?" she asks with an encouraging nod, a little look of worry turned Artorius' way as he speaks of troubles in his life.

It seems Caspian got lucky in the beginning, because now it's turned into an exchange of swipes and arrows that for the most part goes nowhere. Caspian's armor protects him from Paige's arrows when he fails to dodge them, and he can't seem to land a meaningful hit upon Paige as her armor dampens his blows. He only gets one hit that actually looks like it hurts, a swipe at her arm, and it isn't even that good of a hit!

Now that they have the measure of each other, Paige takes to a more defensive position, watching him warily and taking more pot shots to keep him off-balance rather than attempting direct attacks. The next flurry of attacks seem to affect neither combatant at all. While they both score hits, armor absorbs the blows to render them largely useless.

Luca claps Artorius on the shoulder, a little hard, very friendly-like, "Okay, okay. Just don't hurt me too bad. And if you do, make sure it's going to take a lot of kissing to heal up right. I can handle a good bit of pain, as long as I get all the kisses after.", he says, and then there's a moment before he's adding, "Er, you know, not from /you/. No worries, old friend. I'll find my own kisses. I don't need them from you!" Then he turns to Valencia, "I think we're getting onto the sand after Cas is done in there."

Wash doesn't seem surprised by the direction the fight is taking.

2 House Velenosa Guards have been dismissed.

Theodoric watches the arrow battle with intense interest, as if he doesn't quite understand what he is seeing. He celebrates each strike with a firm clapping, often coming dangerously close to spilling his drink.

Sparte is relaxed at the bar with his cup of milk, watching the fight with a concerned expression.

While they've danced around each other in the last round, Paige seems to be switching up her tactics, trying different things to see if any of them work. She manages to land a few glancing blows, nothing that Caspian can't easily shrug off, but in return, one of his blows lands heavily and its only by the grace of her armor that she isn't more bruised from it! She wings him again in return, the arrow skipping off his hip harmlessly.

Paige might be playing it more defensive, but all that seems to be doing is slowing things down. Rather then powerful hits landing each of Caspian's swings are grazing blows, a stab into her side, a swipe under her arm, and all the while Paige's arrows keep hitting thick, Everwinter Bear leather rathen then squishy Champion flesh. And finally in the last exchange Caspian gets another glancing stab at Paige's ribs, but one that still hurts, though it leaves him open for another arrow that strikes him upon an unprotected part of his arm, but just barely.

"Oh, I have wine," Amanda says, to Valencia. "Thank you, though." She offers a smile, then settles herself down.

Artorius didn't even budge at the hard shoulder clasp, smiling and giving a -hard- shoulder clasp of his own back to Luca! all in good sport. "Oh of course, of course. I'd be mildly concerned if you tried getting me to kiss you, friend. Princess Reese would definitely be trying to kill me." a mild chuckle then. A look to Valencia with a kind smile for her. "Aye, indeed."

Artorius looks to Valencia. "Oh, a red wine, please? if it isn't too much trouble."

Aethan watches the fight from his seat at the table, less impassive and more interested than usual. He shakes his head or nods here or there at various points, though it is without comment, until he turns back to the table briefly to say something lower.

Things are not looking well for Paige. Caspian is widdling Paige down with hit after hit, most of them small, but they are adding up. And while she may land arrows upon him, Caspian keeps them hitting the thickest parts of his armor, protecting him from them. He flips his knife around and comes down with a stab on Paige's shoulder, a clean hit that looks quite a bit painful, though the next two hits are fruitless and bounce uselessly against her armor, he gets another grazing cut across her leg.

Paige is not looking too great, she's badly beat, while Caspian still doesn't look like he's in all that much pain.

"Of course," the little raven-haired princess beams Artorius' way. "Would you care for something, my Luca? Or would you prefer to wait until your match is done?" she says with a playful grin as she offers a little nod to a passing barmaid and soon wine arrives. Glancing across the room, Valencia watches carefully to ensure are all well served. As Theodoric cheers, she smiles a little more, clearly happy to see him enjoying himself, her eyes glimmering as she turns to see Aethan take a more intense approach to his observation of the display of excellent skill in the ring.

Joscelin has left the bar.

Luca holds his tankard up to Valencia, "Wait? Oh no. I need this /before/ I get into the ring with Art, here. Have you seen the size of his sword?!", and he tips that tankard back and just goes for it, draining as much as he can in the moment, which seems to be a lot, because a few hale gulps later, the thing seems to be emptied. He slams it down on the table, shaking out his hair and wiping his mouth with his sleeve, "Alright, Art! Get ready to mess up this pretty face of mine! Remember, the worse you hurt me, the more attention I'm going to get out of it!"

After the latest round of exchanged attacks, Paige is wincing from the blows she's taken, still unable to land a good, solid hit to her opponent. Drawing in a deep breath, she does something unusual. She shoudlers her bow and smiles, sweeping into a bow for Caspian, "I believe I'll offer a surrender, Master Caspian. I'm sure we could dnace around and you could whittle me down a hit at a time until I'm done in, but I'd prefer to still be able to enjoy what's left of my ale."

Paige has left the ring of valor.

Paige puts Verdant Volley, a darkwood and steel recurved longbow in simple leather backpack.

"You did good, I haven't ever fought someone with a bow like that before. Usually I'm just dodging arrows as they are fired in vollies," Caspian says back to Paige with a little grin, stepping over to her to pat her on the back. He calls out to the crowd, "Give it up for Paige! She's quite the archer!"

Mirari climbs down from the rafters and approaches the bar, smiling. "Bottle of whiskey, two glasses and fill this with ale." She says, tapping the tankard. "Oh and another tankard of ale for Waldemai, thanks." She waits as she leans against the bar, fingers tapping on the surface.

Wash applauds. "Rarely a fair battle, bow against knife, but a good showing! Well done!"

Jasher claps a few times, with just the amount and vim required to qualify as polite.

Kaine applauds lightly as the battle comes to an end, though he winces a little as he looks Paige over.

Chuckling, Paige lifts a shrug and offers, "As you said, Master Caspian, there aren't many archers to spar against. So I spar against melee fighters and see how long I can last. This, however, was going on a bit longer than I'd anticipated! Better to surrender now while I can still drink!"

Artorius watches as the fight comes to a close, clapping for the combatants! "Well done, the both of you. It was an excellent fight." he nods approvingly, before he looks to Luca. "Guess it's our turn. Take another swig while you can." he winks lightly at his friend, who's a dangerous swordsman, to be certain. Either way, He moves to the sands, ready to face Luca in combat.

It takes some doing, but Mirari manages to climb back up to the rafters and begins to hand out drinks. She settles back into her seat and crosses her legs as she prepares to watch the next fight.

Luca has joined the ring of valor.

Caspian has left the ring of valor.

Caspian has joined the bar.

Amanda offers a polite applause as the match draws to an end. She waits until the noise dies some to offer, aside, "This is quite the event, your highness." A pause, then she's rising up. "And if you'll excuse me, I'll see if I cannot go mingle some?"

When the fight ends, Aethan adds his applause to the rest, giving a nod to Paige and lifting his hands toward her. It doesn't last long, though, before he's picking up his cup again to take another sip as he waits for the next bout.

Caspian heads on back over to the bar and sits himself down, giving a smile over to the crowd, "Miss us?" He turns to Artorius next, "I'll make sure to get a fight in with you..." He pauses, "Actually, I don't think we ever introduced ourselves. I'm Caspian Wild."

Artorius has left the bar.

Artorius has joined the ring of valor.

"Yes, please! I should be so happy for you to enjoy yourself," the little vixen nods brightly to the lovely whisper. "But do join me later if it pleases. "I should like to get to know you better," she smiles as Amanda moves off to mingle. A little smile and a whisper of good luck is offered to Luca as he heads off to the ring and Valencia offers a smile of admiration to both Caspian and Paige as the leave the sands behind to partake in the festivities. A little nod of satisfaction she turns to find seat at the table, offering invitation to any who would care to join her.

"You're right. I better drink all I can while I'm not cleaved in two..", Luca says, picking up another drink and tossing it back. He reaches down into the bag of weapons he's brought with him, digging through for something suitable until he finds a dueling spear of high-quality steel, "Aha! I knew I'd get a chance to use this thing again soon", he says, bringing the weapon with him as he hops the railing into the arena. Then he turns, remembering his drink, grabs the tankard, and brings it along with him onto the sands. "Alright, just remember what I said.", he warns his opponent, with a smile.

Valencia has joined the ringside great table.

Luca wields Viper Riot, the Lenosian dueling shortspear.

Artorius wields Intricately forged ancient steel broadsword.

Artorius draws his weapon of choice. "I haven't used this blade as often as I'd like. Though it served well in battle, when it was so rarely used." a look to Luca. "A spear? A new weapon for you? No matter. it will be fun nonetheless." he tests the weight of his weapon before he enters a stance. "Regardless, this should be fun."

Graham has joined the ringside great table.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd have been dismissed.

2 Sea Rover Bodyguards have been dismissed.

Jordan steps into the arena apparently to watch the fights. He seems fresh out of a bath although his armor is worn, so he's likely expecting a spar or two tonight. Quietly, he heads on over to the bar, watching as Artorius is about to fight Luca.

Luca gets intricately forged ancient steel cutlass from a low-slung, ornate sword belt of white leather.

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

"Of course, your highness," Amanda says to Valencia. Then she drifts toward the ringside table, toward Wash and Aethan and Jasher. "My lords," she says, politely. "It seems to have the good seats. Would you mind if I joined?"

Jasher looks up Amanda's way. At her query, he motions with his head to the empty seats. "Sit."

Amanda has joined the ringside table.

Wash gestures: "Please, join us Whisper."

Aethan starts to reply to something said at their table, but when Amanda approaches, he looks up, eyebrows raising. He nods to her as well, though, and offers his own addition to Jasher's and Wash's invitation by gesturing, as well.

Caspian watches the fight with interest, propping an elbow on the bar as he looks to the two, giving a smirk, "Luca is still too strong. It's not really fair to that poor man." He grabs his coffee once again and sips it. Looking over to Sparte, he realizes, "We've ever fought before, have we?"

The match starts and Artorius bomb rushes Luca like a demon! Moving -fast-, he clashes blades with Luca, but he can't seem to get a solid hit on the Fox-Prince quite yet. Though he manages to barely or wisely dodge much of Luca's attacks, he hits Artorius twice, both enough to do good damage to him. A cut on his cheek and a nice hit on his breastplate. Rolling to the side, he watches Luca, shouldering that massive weapon with a single hand. "Hah! Not bad. I missed this, you know." a smile.

Theodoric paces the arena a couple of times, gathering another tankard from the bar. He watches closely, before deciding he needs a better seat, and takes one nearer the ring.

Theodoric has left the corner table.

Theodoric has joined the ringside great table.

Luca's spear is a shortspear, and that's good, because it means he can keep one hand on his drink while he's fighting, just the way he likes it. He's rushed, because he's a little too lazy to do the rushing himself. It would appear that, with a spear, the man is something of a reactionary. So when Artorius comes around with that huge sword he's wielding, the Fox-Prince does his best to not be wherever his opponent's blade is. And he seems to be doing a good job of it, never pressing his attack until he's ducked beneath a missed blow, or stepped to the side to avoid being hammered on by the weight of Artorius' swing. Only in those little seconds of recovery, does he dance forward and thrust with his spear. "Are you saying you miss me, Art? Aw, I miss you too!", he says, before stabbing his friend.

The fight is as expected a brilliant one, weapons flashing as the combatants move about the sand. The little fox's eyes are held fast and she cheers her cousin with a bright and spirited cheer. Dark eyes lift as Theodoric arrives and her smile blossoms even more as he joins her. "Missere Theodoric! I'm so happy to see you here. Thank you for coming," Valencia nods warmly, reaching to take up the bottle of whiskey to fill the man's cup once more. "Do you spar, missere? Or are you a fan of the matches?" she asks with a little smile.

Waldemai cheers from the rafters, "Go get him, Artorius!" Guess who Wald's money is on!

Jordan has joined the corner table.

Jordan nods a thanks to the bartender as he heads on over to the corner table, settling down comfortably. He sips from his ale while he watches the fight.

Artorius was fast, but Luca seemed to be just a little bit faster, as he always was. The two trade each other blow for blow as their blades clash with brilliant sparks and excellently performed, masterful swordplay. Though Artorius is struck with anotehr good strike, he responds quickly. Like a -tank-, Artorius swings that blade with near blinding speed, managing to strike Luca right in the gut with the flat edge of his blade. Gods know what could have happened if he used it's sharp edge. Nevertheless, Luca somehow managed to pay Artie back with a well-placed strike! But perhaps the best moment of this whole exchange? is that the two strike each other at the exact same time and both manage to miss each other. "I have, my friend." not even a sweat on his brow. "We really shoudl spar more often." and he rushes back into the fray!

Asher whistles from the upper rafters when he sees that Valencia is looking about, but cannot find him on the ground floor. She's obviously looking for someone, after all, and the only other people around, are up there. When she motions for him to join, he looks at his hands - one hand has a bottle of wine, another has a mug of ale. So, he chugs the ale, and hands it off to the person closest to him, possibly Mirari, and then climbs down using just the one hand and his feet, to go and meet the Princess.

Asher has left the upper rafters.

There goes Luca, dancing around the arena, mostly worried about Artorius, but at least a little worried over spilling his drink. He gets another solid stab or two in on his opponent, and just when he's growing a little loose and easy with his newfound spear, his friend catches him with that damn big sword, flat to the gut, not only causing him to spin to eat some of the strike's momentum, but also causing him to drop his tankard. "Damn it, Art! Anywhere but the drink, man! I can recover from any other wound but that! That and heartache." Then he grabs his spear with his other hand, looking serious. As serious as the Fox-Prince can look, that is. The grin doesn't help. "No matter. Now I'm just going to have to use both hands." He steps forward to engage, "We should. But I'm about to get your cookies, old friend."

Asher has joined the ringside great table.

Tealle's appearance is the customary quiet one, a glance around the arena for familiar faces, and without knowing many, accepts a cup of ale to sip. There's a fingerwave and a dip of her head for someone in her general area, apparently recognized late.

After finishing her ale, Paige leaves some silver for the bartender, then slips out quietly to go deal with something that's come up.

Caspian has left the bar.

Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman leave, following Caspian.

Riagnon has joined the corner table.

There's a lot of nice footwork between both Luca and Artorius, spear versus broadsword, and the Fox-Prince seems to be baiting attacks with little success, looking for an opening, until he baits just a little too well and catches his opponent's blade to a shoulder. Again, he seems to roll with the blow, to attempt to mitigate the damage, and the roll ends with a long-armed thrust from maximum distance, just enough to return the strike against the man who attacked him, hitting him in the meat of the leg with.. just the tip.. of his spear. "Touche..", he tells his friend, grinning at him, "But I'm coming for those cookies!", and after he lunges forward to thrust again at Artorius, glancing a second strike off the man's other shoulder.

Teagan's arrival is noticed by the little vixen as she turns to welcome Asher, Theodoric and Jordan to the table, a warm nod of greeting is offered as one of the Hart's staff arrive to see what Teagan wishes to enjoy this evening.

Wash is overheard praising Luca for: Well-known as the most talented warrior in the realm.

Luca is overheard praising Wash for: no YOU'RE GREAT

This is an excellent match! it seems both of them are rather on the serious side, but Artorius still can't manage to wipe that smile off of his face. Though as they twirl away from each other's strikes, they both strike each other at the same time! thoug hhe hits Luca right in the meat of his shoulder. "Well played indeed." he chuckles lightly, despite being stabbed. Moving away from that blow, he swings back at Luca! only to miss, but roll along with the strike he delivers to mitigate that damage. The two rush at each other like two demons vying for supremacy. An excellent contest all the same.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 9, rolling 64 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 31, rolling 41 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 23 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 90, rolling 19 lower.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 52, rolling 14 higher.

Artorius remains alive, but close to death.

Artorius is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Luca is overheard praising Artorius for: An honorable and fierce combatant, as ever! Nobody tell him we don't do honor in the south..

Waldemai cheers the fighters. "Well fought, both of you. Well done! Bravo!"

Mirari salutes Waldemai, taking the coins with a wink. "Thanks, this silver will go to something pretty."

Artorius is overheard praising Luca for: For an excellent fight! still as fierce as I remember him to be.

Jordan looks up when he spots Teagan. Flashing the noblewoman a smile, he rises to his feet and pulls a seat back for her in invitation. An unspoken invite, anyways, because he's settling back down upon his chair and drinking from his ale as he watches the spar. Apparently he chose the one seating option that's further away from the arena.

Valencia rises from her chair and cheers brightly for the competitors in the ring, but it would be wrong not to be exceptionally enthusiastic in her cheers for her cousin as he wins the day after a rather well fought match. The little vixen looks about the arena calling out in a light clear voice as the crowd goes wild, "Well done, sirs! Beautifully done! Bravo!" she smile broadly. "Who shall take to the sands next?"

Amanda pauses her conversation at the table - or her yammering at the men trying to watch the fight, whichever! - for long enough to offer a polite applause. Then she's back to chatting.

It's when Artorius looks like he's beginning to slow down just a little that Luca seems to really pick up speed. It's like a predator noticing a weakness, and the Lycene loses the sleepy-eye'd look he has with an astonishing sort of quickness. A ruse? The smell of blood? Perhaps he's just thirsty and Artorius is standing between him and a drink. So he goes at the man, jabbing with a sudden thrust. He baits the attack again, and when it comes, he doesn't duck the huge weapon, this time he goes right /over/ it, digging the end of his spear into the sand to help himself along, through the air. He only just manages to get his spear out of the way of the blade as well, but he does manage, bringing it around in a hard sweep at the back of Artorius' knees, to take him onto his back, the man's steel armor making it that much easier to offbalance him. He brandishes his weapon at his friend, "Do you yield?", then grins, "Oh, of course you yield. I know you. You're looking thirsty.", and he offers a hand out.

Teagan's dark green-eyed gaze has been focused since her arrival at the various battles taking place, enough that she's nearly unaware of being noticed herself. As she's approached by one of Hart's staff she leans to quietly deliver her order. As she does, she notices Jordan, and should he glance in her direction, dips her head. Kaine, too, receives a little wave, should he notice her as well. "Ahh, thank you, Sir Ober."

Gianna strides into the arena?s seating area, for once not carrying a musical instrument. She goes up on her toes to peer toward the sands, but it is far too crowded for her to get a proper view. She does look up, and it seems the dark-haired bard is considering the rafters.

Kaine looks over to Teagan, and gives her a little smile and wave with one hand, holding a glass of whiskey in the other.

The large form of Jeffeth Bayweather walks in slowly, eyes adjusting to the light, first flicking to the combatants of Luca and Artorius. The hulking figure cants his head to the side some, frowning ever so briefly before the duster clad knight is heading deeper into the tavern, looking around for an acceptable seat smiling brightly at meets his gaze.

Artorius keeps up with Luca continuously remarkably well, and it looks like it could still go either way for the longest time as parries, dodges, and flourets are heartily exchanged. However, since Luca managed to stab Artorius right in the leg during the last exchange, there's a brief moment where he actually missteps, and he curses under his breath, taking the hard sweep on the hard ground, though as soon as he manages to get right back up to a knee, sword in reverse hand, he notes the spear in his face, and he laughs a little bit. "Well done, my friend." and he accepts the hand. "I'm getting slow as time progresses with me, no?" he teases him, patting Luca on the shoulder and lifting his hand, showing proper sportsmanship before he bows and heads to the bar. "Drinks on me, Luca. Come on."

Artorius has left the ring of valor.

Artorius has joined the bar.

Luca has left the ring of valor.

Teagan has joined the corner table.

"Drinks on me! That's my favorite phrase, when I'm not the one saying it.", Luca says, vaulting over the arena's railing, and tossing his spear into his bag of weapons. Once the match is over, it's like he's forgotten about it. There's no need to brag. "You get those drinks warmed up, Art. I need to go talk to someone real quick.", and he's moving through the crowd. He pats Jordan on the shoulder in passing, "Sir Ober! Handsome as ever, I see.", and it's a rough, friendly sort of pat, before he's moving again, it would seem, for the rafters. The prince navigates them with some skill, as practiced as ever, only needing to catch his breath just a little after the sparring session.

"Well said Count Magnotta." Wash says, clapping. "Well said, and well fought. Hard to make such a good showing against Prince Luca. But well said, well fought."

Jordan smiles over to Teagan, nodding again to her. Of course he's noticed. "Come join me and Lord Riagnon here, if you'd like, my Lady?" He offers again with a grin, before speaking to the Acheron at his table, lips curving in amusement.

Joscelin spots Jeffeth from her seat at the bar. She raises her drink and shouts, "HONEY KNIGHT!" in slightly inebriated greeting.

Luca has joined the upper rafters.

Gianna has joined the upper rafters.

Jordan also doesn't ignore Luca, honest! "Thank you, Your Highness. I'm glad to see you've been doing well, as well," he tells the man.

Having only just entered, Riagnon offers the Teagan a goofily lopsided smile as he pulls out his own chair to join Jordan. He sinks down into it, falling into to casual conversation easily enough.

The phrase 'honey knight' catches Wash's attention. He turns to look at Jeffeth and raises his glass in greeting. "Honey knight. Not an appellation to strike fear in most, but it is fitting for so gentle a knight."


Chuckling, Joscelin grins at Wash. "Some battlefields require sweetness, not a show of force." And sips from her glass.

The big man arches his brow and frowns ever so lightly at his 'title' called out by Joscelin. The Honey Knight gives a sheepish and almost tentative wave over to Joscelin, looking slightly abashed by the phrase. A tentative smile is given Joscelin's way as Jeffeth seeks a seat out for himself.

The crowd simmers, but spirits are high as the drinks flow freely. The Hart's staff is happy to keep glasses full, a few of the barmaids even climbing into the rafters with carefully balanced pitchers for those daring to watch from above. Valencia smiles to Riagnon, though she has not had the pleasure of meeting the woman before, her eyes dancing. Another smile is sent to Kaine as Teagan joins him and Jordan offers a seat. Gianna's arrival is met with a warm nod and sure enough there is someone there to see that the woman has a glass and an excellent seat for the next match. Valenica nods happily to this and turns to welcome Jeffeth, "Hello! Please be welcome to my Hart, sir! Please join us, yes?" she invites.

Artorius smiles to Wash, lifting a glass to him as he sets up the drinks, taking a healthy tankard of whiskey himself. Either way, he sips on it as he watches his urroudnings, a happy smile on his face.

Amanda can't help but look for the 'honey knight'. Spotting the big man, her smile goes a touch sly, and she stares across the way for a long moment. Then her gaze is back to the men at her table.

Joscelin has joined the bar.

Okay, there is a call for a knife throwing contest! The skills will be dex + small weapon or dex and athletics? Will that work for everyone?

Ashe, the studious Stormward paralegal, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Octavia.

Wash nods to Joscelin. "You can't argue with success." Wash agrees. "I've rarely seen the knight bested, in gentility or at arms."

Joscelin gestures at Jeffeth again and grins at Wash. "He loses at scones."

Wash stands up. "I've thrown a knife or two in my life, might get lucky."

Wash has left the ringside table.

Wash has joined the ring of valor.

Gianna has left the upper rafters.

Gianna has joined the ring of valor.

Asher has left the ringside great table.

Asher has joined the ring of valor.

Knife throwing is called! So Artorius gives a two finger wave to Luca, prompltly points him to his drink, and heads to the sands. He hasn't thrown a knife in a while, since he hasn't has to, so this should be funny.

Artorius has left the bar.

Artorius has joined the ring of valor.

Amanda is overheard praising Luca for: A well fought match!

Octavia takes a step off to the side as she enters the seating area, remaining quiet and rather expressionless as she looks over those gathered, then the event taking place on the sands.

Amanda is overheard praising Artorius for: A well fought match!

Amanda is overheard praising Valencia for: A wonderful hostess!

A timid wave is given to Amanda with a toothy smile before Jeffeth is heading over towards Joscelin and slowly taking a seat beside her at the bar.

Gianna scrambles down from the rafters, despite having only just gotten there, really. She leaves her bottle up there and strides onto the sands, coming to a halt by Wash. She inclines her head to him. "Lord Kennex," she greets.

Asher leaves his bottle of whiskey at the table as he leaves. "Well there we go. I'll be back, obviously. Don't let my bottle get drank!"

Jeffeth has joined the upper rafters.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 69 higher.

Porter has joined the ringside table.

Artorius checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 39 higher.

Gianna checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Gianna checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 4 lower.

Jeffeth has left the upper rafters.

Jeffeth has joined the bar.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 32 higher.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 50 higher.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 44 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

Artorius checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Artorius checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

Gianna checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Gianna checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 27 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 40 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 12 higher.

Blinking at the barstool, Jeffeth looks down at Joscelin. "Oh! I should go compete!" Then the large man is quickly abandoning his new compatriot and running down to the sands to join in on the fun.

Jeffeth has left the bar.

Jeffeth has joined the ring of valor.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 44 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 58 higher.

Wash has a familiarity with knives, but his experience with them amounts primarily to simply idling away hours at sea throwing daggers at wooden targets.

Marius arrives, following Giulio.

Deliverance, an albino falcon, Rascal, a hyper terrier, Rosalie, a lady in waiting arrive, following Reese.

Jeffeth hurries towards the sands and gets in on the end of the action. He may not be great with fighting with knives but he sure is good at THROWIN things. And throw them he does! Flinging the knives at the target, the big man slowly looks at his companions who are also competing. Giving a slow smile. "Hey everyone."

Artorius flips a knife in his hand before he chucks them at wooden targets one after another! They manage to each hit the target at varying intervals. One even hits bullseye! Arty rolls his wrist. "Damn..need more of a flick on the wrist." he scolds himself. It's been awhile! "Hey there." he says to Jeffeth with a smile.

Asher has a good hand on things - daggers and knives and even hairpins; the small things

Reese arrives in the arena while adorned in shades of pink and ivory. Her golden curls are tangled up with lots of ribbons. She has a sword on either hip and a bow strapped to her back. The warrior princess moves with the cat-like grace of one who is heavily trained. She quickly looks over the bar, trying to get a feel for things here.

Theodoric claps loudly, momentarily knocking his glass over, stopping to prop it back up, "Good show Bayweather!" he shouts into the ring.

Slender Gianna is a calm, methodical thrower. The knives whirl end over end and thunk home, though her shots are less impressive than the others and she knows it. A small line appears between her eyebrows; her lips purse for a moment. She is not pleased. The bard folds her arms across her chest as she regards the results of this round. Mmmph. "Sir Bayweather," she greets, her expression easing for that at least.

Asher has a good hand on things - daggers and knives and even hairpins; the small things are easy to get launched, though he may be a bit rusty at throwing them. We'll see what happens! Flick, flick, flick. How'd he do?

Luca calls down from up in the rafters, "You throw knives better than dyed eggs, Bayweather!", and then he shouts to Artorius, "Don't just take that, Art! You're better than that!", with his hands cupped around his mouth. Then he picks up his drink, and he's back to drinking again, legs swinging from the rafter he's sitting on.

Marius trails after Giulio as he makes his way into the Arena space, those dark eyes looking from person to person. Is that a hint of a smile on the man's features? Perhaps. A dry amusement settles his lips his head tilting towards those present. A jug is carried in one hand, his eyes moving about the room, as if seeking, and failing, to find someone. His lips settle into a frown, head shaking slightly.

2 Harthall house guards arrives, following Islin.

The sands are cleared and targest set up for the competitors and the end of the arena is cleared. The crowd cheers with delight as the blades flash through the air, but only three may advance. "Well done," the little southern princess cries as she takes to the sad to annouce this rounds winner. "Thank you all. I am pleased to announce that Misser Asher, Sir Jeffeth, Lord Wash and Count Artorius will more to the next round. Thank you for your very able showing, Mistress Gianna. You are without a doubt very skilled," Valencia nods earnestly. Turning she looks to the remaining contestants. "Gentlemen, if you will please take your places."

Reese realizes that knives are being thrown an she looks over to the fighting with interest. "Woots, Songbird." she cheers a she notices Gianna throwing. She looks over to Valencia, waving her direction even as she continues further into the Hart.

Artorius rubs the back of his neck. Though he hears Luca as he yells down at him. "I know! I haven't thrown in a bit!!" he calls back out to him. He takes his knies again and takes his aim...a deep breath. then Throw!

"Gianna." Jeffeth pipes brightly, bringing up one large hand to squeeze her shoulder briefly. "So good to see you!" The big man murmurs warmly. "Good throwing!" Seemingly oblivious of the outcome of the first round. But then Valencia is calling them to move forward, and the huge man steps forward alongside Asher, Wash, and Artorius. He smiles at the other men before going to pick up the knives and prepare for the second round.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 57 higher.

Jeffeth has rolled a critical success!
Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 185 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 40 higher.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 33 higher.

Gianna schools her expression into her more standard impassivity. She does, however, turn toward the crowd and give a low bow before striding off the stands with a toss of her hair.

Artorius checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 2 lower.

Artorius checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 8 higher.

Artorius checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 9 higher.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 38 higher.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

Islin swaggers into the arena with his guards behind him. The Harthall Lord wears a set of dark leathers and carries his rapier and dagger sheathed at his belt. A cheerful smile is given to those here as he looks around. "Hello! I'm not too late am I? I was hoping to get in some sipping...and maybe some sparring." He grins cheerfully looking about for whoever is in charge of the drink.

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

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 24 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 20, rolling 23 higher.

Ariella wanders into the Arena, all oh, is there an event going on? and smiling broadly when she sees the fighting going down. A pair of sailors follow along after her, amiably bickering with one another about who is better at what martial talent, but then they see the happenings in the ring and shut their dumb faces right up and go to order themselves something to drink. Rolling her eyes at her men, Ariella makes her way over to the bar and orders herself something cheap and painful before turning to watch the night's entertainment.


Joscelin stands and pays her tab, and tells the barkeep to add Jeffeth's to hers as she moves to leave. She salutes Valencia the moment she can get the woman's attention, then the jeweler heads out of the Arena.

Joscelin has left the bar.

Ashe, the studious Stormward paralegal, 2 Kennex corsairs leave, following Octavia.

Artorius throws his knives and he misses one! the other two get meager results and Arty just shrugs. Sadly, he is eliminated. "Oh well." he shrugs to the crowd and proceeds to bow lightly to them before he makes his way back to the rafters. At least he tried! He's no ranged combatant.

Taking note of the sea captain and, seemingly at a loss of someone he was looking for, Giulio meanders over in that direction. The heavy earthenware jug is settled down and he asks for two glasses from the bartender. "If I may? I brought this for someone, but, alas, they seem not to be present. It's strong, sweet, kicks like a mule." A few fingers are poured for himself, and he raises a brow towards Ariella. "Lord Giulio Mazetti," he offers by way of casual introduction to the Igniseri woman.

Giulio has joined the bar.

Flick, flick flick! Asher throws the knives like he knows what he's doing, but the last throw is distracted. Holy crap, what a throw from Jeffeth! Asher gets distracted by that, and his own is a little off because of it. "...Something tells me that I need to practice more." He moves on to the next round, but he totally believes he's not going to win.

Jeffeth picks up the first knife and throws it. It's pretty good. Everyone else is continuing on with the knife throwing, but the big man gets distracted at the most recent entrant. The huge man glances over to Ariella with an arched brow, a smile, and a wave. Unfortunately Jeffeth just throws the knife anyways even while he isn't looking. Whether or not it's a complete fluke the blade thrown while Jeffeth wasn't paying attention is prefect. Bullseyes. The next blade is picked up again and Jeffeth throws again, paying attention this time, like nothing ever happened.

Wash continues to throw with the same lackadaisical consistency of someone who has never pursued the craft of knife-throwing with more than a man wanting to pass the time away. "You have more nimble fingers than one would expect." Wash says to Jeffeth. "Well thrown."

Porter waves his arm at Gianna, at first attempting to gain her attention and then beckoning her over to the ringside table now that she's taken her bow.

Kaine lets out a soft "Wow" at Jeffeth's throw and seems impressed by the others, too. He applauds, but is nudged by a messenger, who drops off a scroll as well as a giant sack that the servant seems tired of carrying. Kaine grunts as he pulls the sack into his lap, and looks into it, blinks a couple of times, and quickly reads the scroll.

Glancing over to Asher then to Wash, Jeffeth blinks. "What?" He knits his brow for a moment before just shrugging and smiling. "Thank you."

Spying Porter's wave, Gianna tilts her head thoughtfully to one side, then heads over to the ringside table, pulling out a chair next to him and depositing herself down into it. She crosses one leg over the other and murmurs, "Captain." She nods to Amanda as well, a familiar sight from the Whisper House.

Gianna has left the ring of valor.

Gianna has joined the ringside table.

Amanda is overheard praising Jeffeth for: A throw worthy of the Gods!

Porter is overheard praising Jeffeth for: An astonishing bullseye!

Stepping up to the bar Islin orders a large glass of something expensive and strong and then turns to watch the display of skill out in the sands with a wry smile. "Is it just me or is that guy kind of scary?" He gestures to Jeffeth with a smirk. "I should make a note not to annoy him...too much."

Doo de doo doo doo. In walks a Big Red Bear, not totally paying attention to folks yet as she makes her way to the bar. Or who threw which knife. But that one shot makes a satisfying THUNK to be heard even over all the noise in the Hart. Agatha

Porter is overheard praising Gianna for: A vigorous showing of talent.

The blades fly again much to the delight of the crowd. Valencia stands back, glancing to the side to offer Princess Reese a warm a smile as she arrives and a littlle wave as Joscelin departs. The round is fast as each is seasoned fighters and she nods with a smile to announce the who will be moving to the next round, her lips parting in shock as Jeffeth's throws meet their target with remarkable accuracy. She blinks and calls out. "Thank you so much, our winners for this round are Sir Jeffeth, Lord Wash and Misser Asher. Thank you so much, my Count. It was well shown. If our remaining competitors might ready themselves, please?"

Teagan's mug is lifted in the direction of someone in the distance, who isn't exactly clear, before her attention returns to her table mates.

Artorius has left the ring of valor.

Artorius has joined the upper rafters.

Amanda is busy staring at the knives - and maybe Jeffeth, too - and talking idly with those at her table. She nearly misses when Gianna comes by. A delayed response, but she does notice, and turn to off a soft smile and a small wave.

Doo de doo doo doo. In walks a Big Red Bear, not totally paying attention to folks yet as she makes her way to the bar. Or who threw which knife. But that one shot makes a satisfying THUNK to be heard even over all the noise in the Hart. Agatha's eyes widen a bit at the sight and a long, low, super impressed whistle is let out. "Wow, that must be one of those little sneaky ... " Blink. "Little sneaky -JEFFETHS-?!?!"

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 30 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 24 higher.

Mirari looks smug and she grins towards the smith. "Then a new hammer you shall have." She leans on her hands and kicks her feet back and forth. "It won't be horribly fancy, but you'll enjoy the use of it."

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 27 higher.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 25, rolling 21 higher.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 25, rolling 6 higher.

Asher checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 25, rolling 8 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 16 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 2 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 25, rolling 25 higher.

Ariella glances up when she overhears someone refer to someone else as Captain. Hey, what? That's her name! So once she has her alcoholic alcohol, she pushes away from the bar and heads over to the ringside table, pulling out a chair and sizing up Porter. "Captain." A quick smile, then she's plopping down into her seat and turning back to the contest.

Ariella has joined the ringside table.

From his table the corner, Riagnon jolts to his feet at Agatha's entrance which is probably way easier to notice than the fact that Jordan has their whhooollle table rooting for Luca. Anyway! The knightling slams down his tankard with an obnoxious slosh and a lets out a pitchy roar directed towards the princess that ...isn't AT ALL bear-like /but he tried/.

Porter throws a jaunty mock salute to Captain Igniseri upon spying her at the bar.

"Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, Knight Lieutenant of the Silver Order. At your service." Jeffeth pipes brightly over to Asher. Even while he's throwing more knives. He bows over to Asher in between knife one and knife two. Knife three is thrown out. He's paying attention more now to his actual throws. And maybe that's why they're not as cool anymore.

Pouring himself a few fingers, Giulio shrugs, takes a long swallow of the pear liquid. Agatha gets a wave from the man, as he looks towards the various flows of knives. He upnods Mirari, leaning back against the bar for a moment.

Wash continues to throw with nearly apathetic indifference at the target. Even as it has been replaced with one smaller than ever. "Can you even see the knife in hands that large?" Wash asks Jeffeth. "Fingers that size are usually reserved for ... creatures with very large hands. Or something." Wash says, failing his wits roll.

Asher has good aim, let's be fair. But he's just not on his game tonight, not like Jeffeth is. Or Wash, apparently. They've got him beat. And because of that, he takes a step back and chuckles. "A pleasure to meet you, Sir Jeffeth. Asher Grayhope, no title. I make jewelry." He gives a big thumbs-up to Jeffeth, then to Wash. "Gods be with you, because considering the power this man has, nothing else will win you the prize." A bit more laughter, and he's off to go fetch drinks for those in the upper rafters.

Mirari waves down at Giulio, a smile on her face before she leans back into the quiet conversation being had in the rafters. She pours another few fingers of brandy into a few glasses, taking a drink from hers.

Wash looks at Asher. "A Grayhope? With good sportsmanship and manners? Now I've seen everything."

gain the crowd cheers as the blades fly. The little vixen seems rather impressed and she moves to the sands to announce the finalists. "Madames, misseres, lord and ladies, your highnesses, please a round of applauds for all our contestants tonight. I am so honoured they would grace us here tonight," she calls out to the crowd with a bright smile. "And it would seem after a rather intense competition, Sir Jeffeth and Lord Wash are to be our esteemed finalists. Gentlemen, if you ready yourselves and throw when you are ready, please?"

Wash has rolled a critical success!
Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 22 higher.

Wash has rolled a critical success!
Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 59 higher.

Wash checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 8 higher.

"A pleasure Asher Grayhope." Jeffeth rumbles happily, stepping over to the side. Wash's comment has him frowning lightly over at the smaller man. "Plenty of Grayhopes are very nice." The big man rumbles with a gentle nearly indignant frown before going to throw his knives.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 14 higher.

Agatha turns towards that familiar pitchy roar and squints through the crowd. She starts weaving this a way and that away towards Riagnon, her giant flagon managing not to slosh out onto anyone. SOMEHOW. "HEY! Little Ragdoll! Has your voice still not finished dropping yet?" There's a fond joy in her face as she sets the drink down, the better to have free hands to clap down on the young man's shoulders. "When did you get here?"

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 30, rolling 37 higher.

"That's the first one I've met." Wash says. "I'll buy him a drink after you kick my ass at knivesies."

Sparte sets down his drink to clap loudly for Jeffeth and Wash as they keep at it. "Neither of you are allowed to throw things at me anymore! Matter of self preservation!"

Riagnon has left the corner table.

Draining his glass, Giulio gives a last look for the person he seem to have been seeking, before shaking his head. Shrugging, he meanders over and makes his way towards the upper rafters.

Giulio has left the bar.

Giulio has joined the upper rafters.

As the target gets placed further away, Jeffeth narrows his gaze a little bit before throwing his knives hard to hit the target. His first throw is terrible. Still finding the mark but not very on point. The other two are better, but not enough to close the gap. At the result Jeffeth smiles brightly over at Wash. "Well done, My Lord." He pipes, taking a step back to bow deeply, one fist pressed to his chest. Glancing over to Sparte, Jeffeth arches his brow. "I didn't know we were allowed to throw things at him before."

Reese heads over to the bar orders a mug of ale and then starts in the direction of Sparte, taking a seat not far from the guardsman.

Reese has joined the bar.

Then Wash gets serious. After Jeffeth's throws he settles in, takes up a proper stance and lets fly with deadly serious demeanor. His earlier nonchalant demeanor is erased and his desire to win is betrayed. "We should have taken advantage of that privilege when we had the chance." He agrees. "Well thrown though. None of my throws put together won't master that one of yours though."

Porter lets out a shrill whistle of support for Wash, pinky fingers tucked into the corners of his mouth to do so!

Aethan adds his applause to Porter's whistle, with a cheer for Wash and a cry of, "Kennex!"

Amanda is overheard praising Wash for: Impressively skilled with a knife.

Gianna applauds the outcome of the contest, adding in a whistle of her own. It's a very loud whistle.

Theodoric is overheard praising Wash.

Asher is already on his way to get drinks for those in the rafters. Bottles aplenty! They might slosh a bit as he climbs up to the rafters to hand them off, however.

Teagan rises from her seat, a ghost of a smile offered to her table mates as she tries to cover the spill on her sleeve. There's a nod for Jordan as he speaks to her, briefly, before she makes her way out.

Theodoric is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Asher has left the ring of valor.

Asher has joined the upper rafters.

Porter is overheard praising Wash for: An artful athlete and good sport.

Wash turns and bows to the audience and crowd. He salutes Aethan. "Admiral. Lord Kennex. Sir Bayweather. And Master Grayhope!" He waves to Asher. "Come share a drink with us. Next week the luck will be with one of you, I am sure."

Jasher sends his customary round of claps. The most that could be said about this one was that there was a bit more will to it than his last rounds.

Closing the distance between Agatha and himself, Riagnon hops-steps onto the balls of his feet. Y'know, like that's going to suddenly make him 6 feet tall all of the sudden. "It's way deeper!" He protests with a goofy grin before with a furrow of his bushy brow, he tries that again with exaggerated attempted-baritone. "*It's way deeper.*" See?! "HERE here?" His eye bulge, glancing around the Hart, "I don't know, a little while ago maybe?"

The little vixen grins and cheers along with the crowd as the men compete, but it is Wash that wins the day! "Madames, misseres, lord and ladies, your highnesses, may I present our winner of the first ever knife throwing competition at the Hart, Lord Wash of Kennex!" she calls out with appropriate aplomb, offering her own applause to the roar of the crowd. She offers a sweet smile and quiet word to Jeffeth and then moves to congratulate Wash on his win, before returning to the table.

Theodoric has left the ringside great table.

Carmichael Ulbran leaves, following Theodoric.

Gianna is overheard praising Jeffeth for: A truly remarkable throw!

Teagan has left the corner table.

Gianna is overheard praising Wash for: Winning the knife throwing contest!

Asher manages to get up to the rafters, and hands off a bottle to the first person he gets to up there. "Luck was not with you, good man, the Gods were! I told you it would take them to beat him, and they heard the need!" It's a jovial laugh there. He's clearly happy about what happened.

Wash is overheard praising Jeffeth for: An all-around gentleman and knight of the first order.

Smiling brightly, the big man leaves the sands, smiling to Jasher at his clapping. "Thank you." Jeffeth rumbles, his eyes falling onto Ariella. The big man bows deeply, fist pressed to his chest. "Good to see you again, My Lady."

Agatha is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Agatha is overheard praising Wash.

Wash is overheard praising Valencia for: Gracious hostess and well-liked Princess.

Valencia is overheard praising Asher for: For being a wonderful friend and for suggesting such a brilliant contest!

Gianna is overheard praising Valencia for: Hosting a wildly successful event.

Kaine lets go of his drink momentarily to applaud Wash for winning, and the other contestants for trying.

Porter is overheard praising Valencia for: Hostess with the mostess and a showy little vixen!

Ariella waves Jeffeth over to her table. "Come on over, then. You may not have won, but everyone wants to get a blessing from the hand that made that first throw."

Gianna nudges her seat over some. If Jeffeth is joining the table, they should probably make some room. She's speaking quietly with the others at the ringside table.

Jeffeth has left the ring of valor.

Jeffeth has joined the ringside table.

2 Harthall house guards have been dismissed.

Valencia is overheard praising Wash for: For being the first winner of the Hart's first-ever knife throwing contest!

Wash has left the ring of valor.

Agatha has joined the raised seating.

Wash returns to his table waving to the rafters. He settles in for his drink as well.

Wash has joined the ringside table.

Riagnon has joined the raised seating.

Prince Luca calls down from the rafters, "Wash! You're a dark horse! The melee, now this?! I'm coming for you!", and there's a grin, and then a laugh.

Agatha meets Riagnon somewhere in the mist of the crowd and then steers her former squire over to some seats. Though she does give the ring a look. Then the poor kid a look. "Want so show me what you've learned while I've been away? Or should I give you a few months here first? It's amazing how much you'll learn. And fast!" There are a few gestures towards folks in the room as she chats. Jeffeth, Valanecia, Reese and then, blinking, up towards the rafters.

"Did you just call me a drunk horse?!" Wash shouts back. "Who gets a horse drunk? That's a good way to fall off your horse!"

Gianna has left the ringside table.

Valencia grins and laughs softly with a look to the rafters and back. As Agatha looks her way, the little fox returns the glance with a bright smile, "Would you care to grace our ring with your skills?" she invites the formidable Northern woman.

Valencia grins and laughs softly with a look to the rafters and back. As Agatha looks her way, the little fox returns the glance with a bright smile, "Would you care to grace our ring with your skills?" she invites the formidable Northern woman.

"If you're not drinking enough to get a horse drunk then what are you -doing- with your life, Lord Wash?!" Asher has serious feelings about what does and does not make for a good evening where alcohol is concerned.

Gianna has joined the ringside table.

Wash agrees with Asher. "Yes, but I'm still NOT a horse, though I do intend to be drunk."

"Well that would have been even more impressive, winning the competition with hooves instead of hands." The Grayhope holds up his bottle in a 'cheers' motion, and then takes a long gulp. Clearly, making friends over booze is something he's okay with.

"I'm not fIGHting you here!" Riagnon only screeches a lil bit at Agatha, his smile only brightening. He bats a hand playfully in the air. P'shaw! His gaze happily follows those greeted by the Red Bear, taking some note and at the same time not.

Aethan has left the ringside table.

Aethan has joined the ring of valor.

Luca calls down to Wash, "If you don't think you're a horse, you're not drunk enough yet!", as if catching up on the conversation.

Artorius has left the upper rafters.

Artorius has joined the ring of valor.

Glancing over to Agatha and Riagnon, Jeffeth smiles over to the pair of them. Though quickly looks ashamed at something and is quickly fiddling with his belt.

Artorius wields Arbiter, The Hawk Guard's Blade.

Aethan wields Gleaming Battle-Axe.

Porter Kennex applauds with vigour as his older brother ups from the table and girds himself for battle.

Riagnon does not make it at ALL obvious that he and Agatha were just talking about Jeffeth. That definitely wasn't him pointing just now. At Jeffeth.

Luca gets a diamondplate sword from a low-slung, ornate sword belt of white leather.

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

Porter has left the ringside table.

Porter has joined the ringside table.

Agatha cuffs Riagnon like a mother bear. "Well here or the training center are probably the safest places. Much as anywhere is safe to fight me. Huh." She tilts her head up towards the rafters and calls out to Luca, "What if I think I'm a Bear? Am I too drunk to -start- drinking?" It's casual enough. Her eye catches on Jeffeth looking suddenly awkward and her gaze narrows a bit. But only for a couple of seconds. "Hey, Jeffeth! When you're done with that part of your admiring public, come over here to meet the ragdoll!"

Mirari has left the upper rafters.

Still in time to watch a spar or few break out, Melody slips into the arena and, naturally, her gaze bounces from a couple of people pointing to... "Hey Jeffeth!" Slinking over to his side, the prodigal set her hand on Jeffeth's shoulder and whispered into his ear. A smile followed for the others around his table, "I'm a bit late. Have you won any spars yet, and can I spectate with you?"

"I would only worry about you, Princess Bear, if you didn't think you were one." Wash returns, hefting his cup. He's definitely into the sipping part of the sip and spar now, keeping an eye on Aethan and Artorius."

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

Aethan remains capable of fighting.

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 6 higher.

Aethan remains capable of fighting.

Aethan has rolled a critical success!
Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 44, rolling 6 higher.

Aethan remains capable of fighting.

Sparte rises up, giving a few brief farewells to the others at the bar with a friendly smile. A glance is given towards the ring before Sparte makes his way out, humming some nursery rhyme tune to himself as he goes.

Carmichael Ulbran arrives, following Theodoric.

At the call for another round, Aethan stands, heading down from his table toward the ring. When he gets there and sees his opponent, his eyebrows raise, but then a little wry smile appears on his face, and he inclines his head to the other man, getting ready to begin. When they do, it becomes clear that he is so far outclassed that they aren't even doing the same thing. It's bad, people. So, so bad. But bless him, he tries. And he manages to stay upright for a few seconds, so that's...good? Maybe? Of course, maybe it would be better for him to give up.

Wash has left the ringside table.

Wash has joined the ringside table.

Sparte has left the bar.

Tiny Tom, Wilhelm the Iron Messenger leave, following Sparte.

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Luca calls down to Agatha, "You /are/ a bear, Bear! I'll fight anyone who says otherwise!", and he winks at her.

Reese speaks quietly at the bar with Kaine. She does pay the room some attention though, having a smile of greeting for Melody when she arrives.

The huge man is looking conflicted, glancing up to Riagnon and Agatha and back to his table, murmuring softly. He looks up to Riagnon and arches his brows a bit before his attention is torn back to the table. Then finally Agatha is calling out to Jeffeth and he's smiling brightly at her, raising a hand. "I'll come over." The big man reports before Melody is coming over to him. When Melody arrives the big man adjusts in his chair to look up at her, smiling broadly. "Melody. Good to see you." He murmurs warmly, canting his head to listen to what she whispers. Gesturing for her to sit. "I lost a knife throwing contest, to Lord Wash over there. Haven't fought tonight though. I might go over to Princess Agatha in a moment if you want to come."

Amanda sits next to Jeffeth at that table nearest the ring. Whatever she's been up to, it obviously involves causing Jeffeth to make funny looks. But then she turns her gaze up to Melody. "Good evening." Back to Jeffeth. "You are perhaps the most popular man in this city. Maybe the Gods see that burden is not too much for you to bear," she says, in a short, sincere prayer.

Artorius headed down to the ring, brandishing his infamous blade, Arbiter. Shouldering the massive sword, he looks at Aethan and he bows his head before the fight begins, and he rushes his enemy like an absolute demon. Swinging that sword with only one hand, and swinging it like a normal one handed sword at that, those swings are -fast- and they are -powerful-. He mnages to almost cleave straight through Aethan's armor on the first hit, and the following hits are not so great for Aethan at all. Though he did manage to slice Artorius for a good stab, Arty keeps his distance, watching as Aethan struggled to stand. He sees him using just sheer willpower to stay standing, and Artorius nods once very softly. "My opponent has the heart of a lion. I am honored to spar you." he says in true respect, before he rushes forward back into the fray. there was still a chance for Aethan to come back!

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 86, rolling 36 lower.

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 48, rolling 10 higher.

Aethan remains alive, but close to death.

Aethan is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

The fight is brutal and quick paced and the little vixen is rapt with attention to the match. A particularly bad blow has her turning her head with a wince. Looking up again Melody's arrival is noted and the little southern princess smiles. "Welcome to my Hart," she offers with a little smile. "Would you care for a drink. This match is rather intense," she says with a breath and another smile.

Gianna inclines her head to Melody. Her gaze shifts to Jeffeth, and she murmurs, "Go on. And have a good evening."

Jordan has left the corner table.

Luca has left the upper rafters.

Giuseppe, a kindly old man leaves, following Luca.

Agatha lifts the tankard towards Wash and Luca in turn as they acknowledge her very ursine nature. There's even a noisy "ROAR!" to shake some of the nearest woodworks. "If I ever claim horse instead of bear, though, too drunk!" That established, she nods approvingly to Jeffeth. "Your friends are welcome too!"

Aethan does not come back. Are we surprised? No, we are not. However, he doesn't seem that sad about it, honestly. In fact, he laughs as he falls straight on his ass at the last swing of Artorius'. Well, he kind of half-laughs. The other half is the wind being knocked out of him. He blinks up as he just lies there a little bit daaed for several moments. And then a few more moments after that. "Ow."

"Never took you for the kind to throw knives around," Melody surmises of Jeffeth before she passes an apprasing look over Wash. "I probably would've bet on you anyways." A smile for Amanda follows, and the prodigal adds, "He's quite popular, isn't he? How about I give him a breather?" With that, she's dropping into an empty seat at the ringside table. "I'd love a wine, if you have some," she calls out to Valencia, before waving out to Reese.

Artorius swing his mighty blade only once more, striking with the flat end of his weapon as he knocks Aethan right down! Though Artorius is victorious this time around, He is no fool. He walks over to Aethan after planting his sword into the ground, away from his opponent, he reaches down to help the man up. "You did good, my friend. Truthfully, you have the heart of a lion. Let us spar again, sometime." he smiles warmly to him as he shows sportsmanship, attempting to help the man back to his feet.

Porter stands from the table and leans against the railing, looking into the sandy pit at the dazed Aethan. "You did well, Aethan," he cheers, applauding his brother. "Count Magnotta cuts quite the rug."

Wash nods to Melody. "He doesn't really look the part of a knife thrower does he." He answers her. "Me, I look like a jongleur on my best days. A proper scoundrel compared to the good Sire Bayweather of the Knights of Solace. I am Wash Kennex, and you are?"

A chuckle escapes the man's lips, his head tilting in the direction of those departing. He smiles towards those present, before standing. Bowing his head towards Asher, he says, "'twas a pleasure." And, with that, he makes his way out.

Giulio has left the upper rafters.

Aethan is overheard praising Artorius for: I've never been beaten that quickly before, so that should count for something.

The Hart's mercies rush to Lord Aethan's side, helping him to his feet and out of the ring so they can check him over. At the same time, the astute staff of the Hart hear Melody's call and sure enough, there is a bottle of wine on the way. Valencia frowns with concern at the ring as Aethan is lead off, and quickly excuses herself, departing the table to see that he is okay for herself. "My lord? Are you alright?" she asks with a gentle smile.

Melody has joined the ringside table.

Thank the gods for that hand up from Artorius, because Aethan sorely needs it. But once he //is// up, he's able to remain upright, which is always good. "Maybe," he says with another little laugh -- and also a wince. "Thank you. That was...something else." //What// else it was, he does not say, but it's probably obvious. He gets escorted off by the mercies, and he's probably grateful for the ministrations, though Valencia's concern gets a wryer smile from him. "I'm fine," he assures her. Or at least, he says it. It may not be very assuring. "Thank you, Your Highness. No one ever said I was the smartest Kennex."

Aethan is overheard praising Valencia for: For a great event as always.

Artorius smiles as Aethan gets his bearings and he hands him off to the mercies for treatment. Hoisting his sword out of the ground and sheathing it with extreme ease, given the size of the massive weapon, Artorius turns heel to walk back to the stands.

Artorius is overheard praising Valencia for: Excellent event!

Agatha twists in her seat a little as she hears someone using an oh so familiar phrase. Not the smartest Kennex. The Princess lets out a (for her) quiet HEH before salling back into catching up talk.

"I think you are a very sweet and wonderful Kennex," Valencia smiles down at him, her dark eyes kind and concerned. The mercies give the all clear and she allows him room to recover, slipping back to her table and gracefully retaking her seat.

Porter has left the ringside table.

Aethan has left the ring of valor.

Aethan has joined the ringside table.

Artorius has left the ring of valor.

Artorius has joined the ringside great table.

Theodoric has joined the ringside great table.

Kaine has left the bar.

Asher figures that he may try his luck in the ring. That may be the second bottle of hard drink talking, though. He's then climbing down from there, where he was the last left in the rafters, and make his way to the ring. Wait - are there people in the ring? Nope. Not yet. So he climbs in, and sees about checking the weapons there for use. Anything useful? Maybe.

Asher has left the upper rafters.

Asher has joined the ring of valor.

Gianna has left the ringside table.

Jordan has joined the ring of valor.

Jordan wields a polished steel longsword.

Asher wields a plain dagger of excellent make.

Jordan watche as Asher heads over to the ring. With a smile, he rises to his feet, selecting the sword in the racks that is closest to the one he wields and nods to the man, gesturing to the arena with the swordtip. "Your move, Master."

Artorius whistles and cheers as the combatants go to the ring. "Fight well!" he calls out to them.

Agatha is off in the corner getting messages.

Asher still seems to be looking over the armaments to use, and finds one on the racks that looks acceptable. A simple dagger, not really adorned or anything. It's nice. But not amazing. He looks back to Jordan and smiles slightly. "Let's be on with it then, aye?"

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

Amanda rises up from her seat, and she's starting to say her farewells. "My lords, your highness, Captain, Sir Jeffeth... Mistress Very Nice O'Commoner," she says, all with a polite smile. Even that last one.

"Sounds good to me," Jordan states to Asher, balancing the weapon in his hand and moving in towards Asher slowly. People in plate don't exactly afford to have much speed.

Left to his own devices once more, Riagnon leans eagerly forward in his seat to spectate. And drink... a lot.

"Be seeing you, Whisper Amanda," Melody responds through warm laughter and a wave. "You too, Jeffeth." A friendly few lazy pats with the back of her hand followed against Jeffeth's forearm a few times. "Take care, yeah?"

Amanda has left the ringside table.

Pushing out from the table, Jeffeth is soon leaving just after Amanda. The big man raises to his feet, bowing deeply to the table before he's following on the feet of Amanda. "Melody Nice O'Commoner." He goes to squeeze Melody's shoulder, then smiling over to Ariella. "Good to see you again My Lady. Have a lovely night, everyone."

Jeffeth has left the ringside table.

Amanda pauses on her way out to offer Valencia a farewell. "Thank you, your highness. It was delightful." And then she's leaving.

There is a tension in the air as the combatants take a moment to size each other up. The petite princess watches quietly, her eyes falling to the next table. "I think this shall be rather exciting," Valencia muses with a flush of smile. Another sip is taken and she turns back to speak to those at her table.

Asher checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 11, rolling 3 higher.

Asher remains capable of fighting.

Asher checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 37, rolling 8 lower.

Asher checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 17 higher.

Asher remains alive, but close to death.

Asher is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Aethan has left the ringside table.

"Night Sir Bayweather. Admiral." Wash replies to those departing his table. He's intent on drinking a bit longer tonight.

Riagnon has left the raised seating.

After a moment, the fight is on. Jordan's first strike finds purchase into Asher's side, the following strike to the man's shoulder. He mostly steps out of the way of the attacks, only on occasion choosing to parry. Mobility after a sort; the armor makes a hit glance off of it, before he sends the steel crashing down at Asher one last time to unbalance the man.

Aethan stands up from the ringside table as well after saying his goodbyes, and starts to walk down toward the exit, though he stops to nod to Valecia as he goes. "Princess Valencia, thank you again." With that, he heads out.

The fight is over almost as it starts - but then, the man wearing cheap leather is obviously going to be beaten by the man wearing steel. It makes sense. Asher may have hit a few times, but it's glancing blows off the armor. The Grayhope man is thrown on his ass from one of the blows, and just laughs about it. "Hard to search a weak point when someone is not unawares." He gives a nod of his head, and pushes himself to stand afterwards. "A bit as expected, but I need the practice anyway."

"It was a good fight, Master," Jordan promises, nodding respectfully to Asher. "And a pleasure to fight you. I'll spar any time you like." Having said this, he heads out of the fighting pit, sheathing his weapon but not before introducing himself, "I don't know if we've met, but I am Sir Jordan Ober, Knight of Ashford, at your service."

Whistling a tune under his breath, Ezekiel meanders into the arena, his bright green eyes warm as he looks about. Tilting his head towards Reese and Jordan, he offers a smile, before walking towards the bar. He listens to the bartender, his eyes widening at the corners. Still, with a nod, he pulls out actual silver for the glass of brandy he receives, his head tilting gratefully towards those present.

Asher heads for the exit of the fighting arena as well. "A pleasure, Sir Jordan. Not the 'getting knocked on my arse' bit, but you know what I mean."

Graham has left the ringside great table.

Asher has left the ring of valor.

Wash waves for Asher to join them for a drink. "Messere Grayhope, I owe you a round. I've lost that badly in my time too. Sir Ober is beyond my abilities these days. These knights, they do nothing with their time but train. Whereas we have important drinking to do."

Reese is quietly at the bar, seemingly to be in a daydreamy sort of mood. She does glance over to Ezekiel at his greeting, giving the man a smile that touches her blue eyes.

The crowd suddenly "oooh' in a massive wince as Ashe gets hit hard, though the underdog in this fight gets a roar as he tries to rally. Valencia winces in empathy and cheers wildly for them both, rising to her feet to offer both respect for taking to the sands. Gracefully returning to her seat she draws a deep breath. "I am looking forward to our tourment. I think we should host it soon," she decides with a little look back to the sands.

"Well done! both of you." Artorius calls out to the fighters as he claps for the two of them. "A tournament? Well, I'd like to sign up ahead of time." a chuckle.

Jasher has left the ringside table.

Jasher finally unpetrifies himself from his seat to leave now that the spectacles have mostly settled, pausing only to give Valencia a respectful nod before passing by.

Asher heads for the table with Wash and meets him there. "I've been abroad for many months, no need for combat. I'm rusty. Drunk. Perhaps tired." A quick look at him shows that all are true; his armor is perhaps dirty, his face gaunt, bags under his eyes. "Thought I might try anyway." A shrug. He finds a seat near Wash, and reclines some. "Could use more practice anyway. And better armor, if we're going to be attacked by some manner of Herald again."

3 Thrax Guards leaves, following Jasher.

Wash buys Asher a drink and asks him about his journeys.

A harpcase is carried carefully across Ezekiel's shoulder and, once he receives his brandy, he sets it down, before unslinging the harpcase. It rests gently against his leg, before he reaches for his brandy, sipping at it casually.

"I'll be looking forward to the tournament as well, Your Highness," Jordan calls back over to Valencia, before heading over to the bar for his next round of drinks.

Agatha has left the raised seating.

Valencia smile to Jordan and raises her glass to him. "Then I shall work extra hard to see that this happens," she offers back as he heads off to the bar. "Well, I think a new bottle is in order to celebrate another excellent night of matches and even more well made company. Thank you all! To light, luck and love!" she offers in a little toast.

Asher doesn't even care what kind of drink it is. He just needs something to burn his throat. "I went all around. Looking for books. History books. Ones that might not have been put in the city's Archives, aye?" He smirks. "No such luck. I'll have to take a second look in the Archive, I think. Maybe there will be something useful there. Forgotten histories remembered."