Alistair doesn't know what Skald looks like, just the supposed story of how this all came about! He peers about, watching everyone who is present rather closely.

Laric has joined the Field.

Quill, the grunty little porcupine, Magnus arrive, following Paige.

Princess Isabeau Valardin has only moments ago arrived, lingering somewhere off sides in a cloak that is all her own. When her brother and his... company... arrive, however, she spots them easily and lifts up an arm as if to gather the Peerless Champion's attention.

Valarian arrives, following Lottie.

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, following Zoey.

Maxene, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant, Zoey arrive, following Alarissa.

Mercedes has joined the Far Stands.

Faye has joined the Far Stands.

Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, 2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, River, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Amari.

Beaumont is on time, sauntering into the stands with Saoirse on his arm. The big Valardin is wearing only a shirt, no robe as is customary for him - largely because the Velenosan princess next to him is wrapped in the blue robe with golden dragons on it. He spots his sister and waves, leaning down to speak quietly to the woman at his side with a big grin on his face.

Lottie hurried on into the grounds, holding a steaming copper mug of cocoa and a parchment bag of something else yet to be revealed. Every duel needs some good snacks.

Magnus has joined the Far Stands.

Paige has joined the Far Stands.

Valarian has joined the General Seating.

Side by side with Zoey and the retinue that always follows Alarissa, warm in that seasilk and fur cloak, they're easing into the tournament grounds and heading for the high booth. "My coin on Skald."

Alarissa has joined the High Booth.

Zoey has joined the High Booth.

Paige and Magnus Stahlben arrive together, the pair talking quietly amongst themselves as they enter the grounds. Paige murmurs something to her husband, letting the much taller man do the gazing around. When he finds what she was looking for, she smiles and takes his arm to make their way over to the Far Stands to join the folks there.

Sis, a redheaded morning person, Podraig, a young grumpy old man arrive, following Natalia.

Lottie has joined the General Seating.

Sorrel has joined the High Booth.

Godric looks almost ashamed of himself for being there when he gives Alistair a nod of greeting. He's not really here. Why would he be interested in a duel? But, at least he isn't smiling!

Zoey is quite warm in soft lamb's wool and a glossy bear fur cloak, and she steps lightly into the booth with Alarissa. "I should probably bet on Luca anyway." She points down at the Prince. "Don't lose, Luca," she calls over, "or I'll deny you alcohol at the next shindig." Her dark eyes twinkling, she settles and smoothes out her dress.

"Ah, is that so?" Laric asks Aleksei rhetorically and quietly, looking over the crowd in the direction the man is looking. He seems to consider Bashira, or maybe Rinel, then lifts a hand to them, or maybe that random guy sitting with them, the one with the fab hairpins. "Skald," he calls over to him, loud and clear. "Would you care to come down and say a few words before the champions get to their business? Your choice, of course," he adds amiably. That's a dad joke right there.

Alessia joins the audience in the tournament grounds, dressed in her teal sea-silk dress and wolf fur coat, to give her support to the prince. She takes a seat in the Far Stands as she fixes her gaze onto the field in anticipation of the event. She takes a wrapped cookie from her satchel and proceeds to eat while she waits.

Alessia has joined the General Seating.

As Beaumont makes his way to Isabeau, Saoirse on his arm, the Velenosan princess smiles ...well, not warmly. But like, the gesture is there. The expression is definitely a smile. She whispers something to Beaumont.

Alessia has left the General Seating.

Natalia has joined the General Seating.

Skald calls out, "Nah, I'm good! You talk enough for both of us."

As Laric points out Skald, Alistair looks to the totally not homeless looking man. His brows furrow in thought, but his normally impassive and expressionless features remain as such.

Shard stalks quietly into the area, eyes faintly narrowed. She doesn't exactly look to be in a very cheerful or celebratory mood--but when is she ever? Nevertheless, she picks out a spot in the stands and starts in that direction.

Luca's standing out on the field with Aleksei and Laric, speaking with them, even as the people are filling the stands. And oh, look at the people. The Lycene Champion turns his dark gaze around the crowds as his name is being called out from different places. He throws out a few blown kisses, to his people no doubt, and cups his hand to call to Zoey, "That does not seem like a fair threat, Monster! Why am I always to be threatened with no alcohol?".

"Joking?" Saoirse says to something Beaumont whispered. "Who would be joking?" Her eyes are wide and guileless, innocent as the day is long! New? Whatever the expression

Laric calls out for Skald, and someone answers. Fairen glances in the man's direction, arching his brow at him as he carefully appraises him.

Amari arrives not long after Zoey and Alarissa, but seems to have lost track of them in the crowd. So, she wanders, looking for a good vantage to watch the duel from. She draws her cloak tighter around herself, presses hand briefly to mouth to cover a yawn and angles towards where most people are sitting. Finding Natalia, who she greets, "Hello. Do you mind? I saw familiar blonde hair and followed you."

Aleksei shrugs out of his duster, rolling his shoulders a bit as he loosens up and looking between Laric and Skald with a quiet snort. And then he pauses. "Wait!" he says, focusing on Skald. "You gotta come down here and gimme payment while Luca's still in shape to brace me." He looks over at Luca as he plants his feet. "Can you brace me?"

Isabelle, who isn't happy to be doing this arrives, following Niklas.

Niklas arrives, following Sabella.

Amari has joined the General Seating.

Isabeau has joined the the Beverage Tent.

Zoey glances away from Skald to laugh at Luca. "Alright, alright. I'll have some special alcohol waiting for you if you win. How's that?"

Bashira stops to look at the man beside her when he answers as Skald, then there's a bit of an amused look given to her hands. Leave it to the Shaman to be sitting next to an actual God?

"Exactly," he says as Isabeau makes her way over to them. "Isabeau, this is Princess Saoirse Velenosa. Your Highness, my sister Princess Isabeau Valardin." He's guiding them over to a place to find drinks and still see the show, because this promises to be an interesting fight indeed.

Sina waves across the way toward Alarissa, though she stays in the general seating for now. Then she turns her eyes toward the field, and straightens up a bit in her seat, looking excited to see that Aleksei will be fighting on behalf of Skald himself. She blinks then, and turns around in her seat to look toward the man with the hairpins as Laric addresses him as Skald, and tilts her head slightly. She smiles, looking about as excited as she's ever likely to look, and waves at him. Then she turns her eyes back to the field as the champions get ready to fight.

Beaumont has joined the the Beverage Tent.

Bundled up comfortably against the cold, Natalia climbs up into the general seating, finding somewhere to settle in comfortably only for there to be a sudden Amari. Her reaction is immediate: her face lights up with warmth, and she nods promptly, scooting down the bench further and patting the spot she's vacated. "Please," she says, with obvious relief. "I am so glad to see you." And she leans in to speak more quietly to the Keaton Lady.

Shard has joined the General Seating.

Cleo has joined the General Seating.

Caspian blinks a few times when Skald answers to Skald, saying, "I THOUGHT it might have been you! I wasn't sure." He pinches himself, noting, "Well, I'm not dreaming." He looks over to Rinel, saying, "When I said the sign I was gonna bring was too creepy, I decided on this one, since it seemed a bit better." He reaches under his seat and pulls out a sign, holding it up.

The sign reads 'Skald 2cool'

Laric flashes Skald a universally understood 'okay' gesture, then turns back to speak at Luca and Aleksei again. Not too hard to tell from the stands that his expression is shading a bit curious and a bit skeptical.

"Oh sure, I can brace you.", Luca promises, tearing his attention from his adoring fans. He steps around behind Aleksei, "You want me to brace you from behind? Would that be akward? Should I hug you? I could make that awkward. Not for us, but for everyone watching..", he assures.

Saoirse has joined the the Beverage Tent.

Skald sighs, because he just sat down. But, who is he to argue with this tradition? He stands to lope back down the seats, using them as stairs, until he can reach the field. He gives Laric some super sassy side-eye and then addresses Aleksei. "Good luck, and all that. I forgot what we were disagreeing about, but you two seem excited so that's neat." And he gives Aleksei a crisp high five.

Maybe just a slightly too crisp high five. 5 inflicted and Aleksei is harmed for minor damage.


Arriving perhaps a bit late, Cleo looks around curiously at the Tournament Grounds and then meanders through the crowds over towards the largest seating area and tries to find herself a place to sit without stepping on any toes. It's not easy. Settling in she squeezes against the railing of the seating area then watches with wide eyes at all the hubbub!

Godric just tries not to stare. Yep, that's it. Words are for people who have social skills, and he's lacking. A look at Laric, and then back at Skald, and his brow just furrows sharply. Like it's a puzzle he's not sure he wants to figure out.

Alistair's arms behind his back tighten a bit as Skald makes his way down the stands. Everyone else seems mesmerized or skeptical at the supposed god. Alistair seems... well he seems nothing. He is dour as always, but there is a look of crossness to him that those who are familiar enough with his general passive features might note.

"Naw, man, don't be /awkward/, just get your shoulder in my back or something," Aleksei huffs at Luca. He seems fully prepared for a not-insignificant blow as he raises his arm and -- yup, braces. He sucks in his breath hard when the high-five connects. "Fucking--" He shakes out his hand, and then his arm, and sighs. "Well, that hurt."

"We're not even that late!" Sabella points out to Niklas, hugging his arm as they head for some good seats, "Do you think people think that's actually the god? That would be weird, right? If the gods don't have anything better to do than answer challenges given by the Master of Questions, I'm going to have a lot of questions myself about life, the world, and just everything! Oh, look! Celebratory mugs! Let's get one!"

"Don't curse in front of a member of the Pantheon, Master Morgan!" Rinel shouts down from the stands, a frown on her face. "It's not appropriate!"

"That's fucking ridiculous," Aureth tells Rinel companionably.

"He can do what he fucking wants!" Bliss calls to Rinel. "That's the point!"

"I do what I want!" Aleksei yells back at Rinel.

Aureth is overheard praising Aleksei: You little shit.

"You have to admire a god who is willing to answer challenges in such a charming way," Sorrel sighs in a slightly fangirlish sort of way, taking a swig from a bottle of rum and then offering it to Zoey with a grin.

"Something about papercuts and whether or not you should try one," Laric reminds Skald easily, making an absentminded gesture to him. "More about the principle of the thing." His subsequent sigh when Skald pays Aleksei with a HIGH FIVE is probably lost under the resounding skin slap, but he smiles mellowly and passes Luca a sizable purse of coin. "With that out of the way, let's retreat and let the professionals hash it out before Gloria," he says loud and clear. "Best of luck to you as well."

"Exercise your right to choose, Sir Morgan! I approve!" Katarina calls down to Aleksei.

Katarina is overheard praising Aleksei: Do what you want, when you want! Go Skald!

Feeling he was reasonably careful, Skald then reaches up and ruffles Aleksei's hair. "Kick his fuckin' ass, kid." And to Luca, "No offense to your ass." And then he turns to climb back to the seat with drinks and signs about how cool he is.

Caspian winces as he hears the high five, yeah, that sounded like a hard one. "Skald! You're not suppose to injure your Champion before the fight! You want him to win!" Caspian calls out in a helpful reminder to the god. He calls over to Akelsei, "Need someone to pop and fingers back in your hand for you? Try eating the browning, Luca might have shoved something in it that'll mellow out the pain!"

Rinel moans and covers her face with her hands. "We're all going to get smited."

Bashira watches Skald lope down the stands and the Shaman is curious as she watches him. Very very curious. Then she gives a look back to the people around her and there's an amused laugh at the reactions.

Sina checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Luca's right there when Aleksei catches the 'crisp' high-five, putting his weight into his friend's backside for the sake of helping him to keep his balance. The sound the high-five makes causes him to wince, "Ooo, that sounded like it fucking hurt, my friend.", and he eyes Skald just a little bit with his dark gaze. "My ass is not offended.", he assures.

Khinn, the Surly Attendant, Titan, a tiny flat-faced puppy arrive, following Saedrus.

Alayne gently foots beside the most mild creature available to her eye and judgement - Rinel - standing beside her in absolute, witnessing silence.

Sina just chuckles, then starts laughing in earnest, as Rinel shouts about cursing in front of gods, and then the shouted replies. She puts her face in her hands, trying her hardest not to burst out laughing, her eyes streaming tears. And then the man claiming to be Skald curses too, and then she laughs some more, her fair olive features turning a bit red with the effort of trying to contain herself.

Erupting into laughter over all the shouting from the various benches, Signe still maintained an arm around Tempest.

Alessia chuckles at the resounding high five, leaning forward with clasped hands. "Perhaps, this is your lucky day, your highness." She mutters humorously.

Oswyn has heard some strange rumours about this particular duel, and so he arrives on the tournament grounds, wiping blood from his hands. Maybe the Scholar's just encountered papercuts of his own.

Aleksei checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Sabella is overheard praising Jayus for being super busy with like super important things probably!


Oliver flinches just a little bit at the crack of the high five, chuckling low and deep. He glances over his shoulder, noticing Alayne, and lifts a meaty hand to wave in her direction. "Mistress Alayne," he calls out, voice booming. "Come sit and watch the fight with me. I've got whiskey... somewhere. Where is my flask?" he starts looking about the benches.

Laric mutters, "I might have been drunk, ... ... might ... ... me ... ... him a letter. You ... ... ... don't ... ... why we were ... about papercuts. There ... ... lot of back and forth "you're a ... ... I sent him a book ... cut himself with ... he, ah, threw it at my head from wherever he was. It was a long night."

Wrapped in aeterna and exotic furs Saedrus steps into the already rowdy tournament grounds. Pushing to his toes he spots Luca and Aleksei, the duelists with a small smile and then moves off towards the benches to find a seat.

"I'm not a Sir!" Aleksei hollers over at Katarina next. He gives his arm another few good shakes and adds, "Thanks, man," to Luca before he grabs his sword and draws it from its sheathe. He steps out onto the battlefield, giving the sword a few dextrous swings, reacquainting himself with the weight of it before flourishing a bit. He grins, just getting back into the feeling of a world he left several years past. "You gonna freeze, buddy?" he calls over to Luca.

Skald is overheard praising Jayus for: Nerd.

Saedrus has joined the General Seating.

Sabella has joined the General Seating.

Aleksei wields an unadorned steel longsword with a leather-wrapped hilt.

As daunted as one could possibly be in the awe-inspiring happenings surrounding the everything of such a night, Alayne buckled and struggled herself haphazardly through the puzzle of peoples gathered as witnesses on her way to Oliver's side. She covered herself with her cloak and hood, sparing Skald but a passing glance; a narrowed, distasteful stare that spoke naught but spite until she reached the tailor's side. Once then, she'd plop down softly and lean her obscenely thin palms together on her lap. "This is a circus' show," she'd comment on the side for Oliver, sighing deeply.

Oswyn has joined the General Seating.

Alayne has joined the General Seating.

Luca grabs his spear from where he'd tossed it on the ground, taking a few steps back from Aleksei to allow his friend and opponent room to warm up with his sword. "I am going to freeze to death, probably. A terrible way to go. So keep me warm. I want to die drunk and in love and maybe in a warm bath if I can't die on a battlefield.", he assures, giving his dueling shortspear a few lazy, near-languid twirls, while peering out across the crowd, "Look at all your beautiful people!", he calls out, and blows a few more kisses. Someone even gets a wink.

Luca wields Viper Riot, the Lenosian dueling shortspear.

Zoey gratefully accepts the rum from Sorrel and toasts Luca with it before taking a swig. She returns it to its owner and brings her hands together in a cheerful clap, urging the two champions on.

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

It didn't matter that Luca never specified - or looked very accurately - at whom he had winked at. Alayne would've bet her life savings, the thoroughly amounted knowledge of her whole existence as an Apothecarian, and a right leg, that the Prince had just indeed winked at her, and she'd deflate- she'd swoon red from forehead to neck, falling onto Oliver's lap like a deseccated rag, languid and useless. "That's it- Master Oliver. I am going to die here," she'd murmur, assertively.

Astraea has joined the Quiet Booth.

Sina recovers after a bit from her fit of laughter, and leaves her seat for a moment, to get grab a mug of mulled wine from the beverage tent, then she returns to her seat and settles in, huddling into her cloak once more as she wraps her hands around the mug. She glances around, waiting for things to get started.

Laric hasn't quite made his way to a seat, lingering on the field (though far out of the way) and speaking quietly with Alistair there.

Ectorion has joined the Quiet Booth.


There's a low grunt as Oliver sits up a little straighter on the bench rather than purposefully slouching to fill up as much room as possible as Alayne comes to sit. His brows draw into a furrow, before he sees what he is looking for, reaching out to snag his flask from where he's located. He was just about to offer it Alayne's way when she unceremoniously collapses across his lap, and he sits there for a moment, blinking a few times, flask held above her head. Awkward. "Could you die not on my lap, at least?" he smirks at her, thrusting the flask into her open palm. "Drink," he encourages.

Sorrel blows kisses enthusiastically to both Luca and Aleksei, then takes another swig of rum before turning to Alarissa. "Warmth from a bottle, your highness?" she inquires playfully.

"I never have cared for rum, but thank you Princess Sorrel." Alarissa demurr's, a leather clad palm up to ward off the offer. The duel starts and she looks that way. "We left the coffee house opening to come. Hopefully, we will return once a winner and honour has been declared."

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen arrives, following Kael.

Oaken, an Oakhaven bloodhound, 4 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Kael arrive, following Reigna.

Natalia is sitting with Amari in the general seating, heads tilted in as they talk quietly and watch the proceedings.

Count and Countess Keaton are so late. They are skirting the event, their pace a hurried thing and they scan the seating in general. Ah-hah, Kael spies someone(s) and is soon enough leading his wife that-a-way.

Kael has joined the General Seating.

Reigna has joined the General Seating.

Aleksei stalks a dueling circle with Luca with a light, careful step, his swordhand continually shifting the hilt in his hand as he watches Luca with a close eye. His grin is wide and wolfish, like he's stepping back into some very well-loved shoes that were hiding in the back of his closet for several years. And then he moves in with the fluid grace of a born swordsman, still managing to keep his step light and dextrous despite his recent ordeal. His sword flashes in the blink of an eye, glinting in the sunlight as it clashes with Luca's spear, slipping into empty air as they trade blows in those first several instants without making contact. But it's still shocking early in the match when Aleksei's blade seems to slip past Luca's defenses; even Aleksei looks surprised.

From the Beverage tent, Saoirse is ...hobnobbing with a pair of Valardins? And then suddenly, she does a little twirl and tilts - arches, really - over to look at the people entering the area.

Aureth whistles noisily and claps. "Lucky!"

Amari spots the very late Count and Countess, and quickly slips an arm from beneath her fur cloak to wave them over.

Sorrel takes another swig of rum to make up for Alarissa's disinterest and turns her focus on the fight at hand with interest. "Wow, that was fast. Aleksei read Luca like a book! What a lovely play there!" she declares.

Astraea rises from her seat and claps for the conclusion of the bout, then she looks at Luca and yawns playfully before sitting down again next to Katarina, Fairen and Ectorion.

Shard checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Saedrus is standing from where he has /just/ gotten comfortable to clap-- and wait did the Sofest just whistle? Nah. Must have been someone near by.

Silvio has popped in to see his cousin win and so that's what he assumes has happened when he arrives with a grin.

Caspian is overheard praising Aleksei: You lucky bastard. Both for dueling for Skald and winning with a single, decisive hit.

Jordan wolf-whistles as he gets to watch the last few movements of the duel, only for that upset! "Nice one, Master Morgan!" He calls out, though he looks over to Luca with some concern. "That was a pretty strong blow. Any healers nearby?"

"Well that's a shame." The glaivedancer remarks as the match ends with a clear victor. Alessia rises placidly, leaving the general seating, followed by her cat.

Sina's attention is mostly on the fight, not on the banter going on between Skald and those around him, though she does occasionally stifle a chortle here and there. She cheers for Aleksei from the beginning, and when he so handily wins the fight, she cheers some more. "Over too quickly! Is it best two out of three?" she asks, glancing around. "How do these things work?"

Alayne has left the General Seating.

Caspian is overheard praising Luca: Skald approved hotness. But not at all refined.

Alessia is overheard praising Aleksei.

Pasquale is standing up to catch every move of the duel, and there's a blink as it concludes. He eyes the spot in the crowd that Skald went to - and the sky, for a beat - before cheering soundly for the Champions. "Entirely entertaining!"

Alistair finishes talking quietly with the Master of Questions, the High Inquisitor intoning in a low rumble as the duel concludes. "You lost..."

Waldemai has left the General Seating.

The other Softest, though? Bliss is up from her seat, cheering uproariously as she claps her hands together, seeing that blood and Aleksei's victory. Sure, it was fast, but the grin on her face shows she is impressed nonetheless.

Beaumont cheers as the fight ends, but then Saoirse is twirling and it's especially eye-catching because she's wrapped in a blue robe with golden dragons everywhere. And he eyes her appreciatively, and then waves cheerfully as he says something to his sister, standing nearby.

Sina is overheard praising Aleksei: For fighting on behalf of Skald! Because Skald! And winning!

Skald raises his voice to yell, "Good job! I win!" He grins at Bashira. "It's my lucky day."

Luca, for his part, doesn't look thrilled about the cold, but he does look a bit delighted to be out and standing against his friend, the pair of them circling around one another. The sight of Aleksei's wolfish grin causes him to say, "Don't you look at me like that. The people will start to talk.", before they're going at it, his dueling shortspear in both hands, his steps light as a feather. A cold feather. They trade blows together without much success, catching air, catching each other's weapons a time or two, before Aleksei's sword slides through the Prince's defenses. It's not a light blow, that much is for sure, though most of whatever happens with it happens beneath the Lycene's longcoat. The man freezes, his dark gaze going a little wide. "Fucking shit, Aleksei..", he says, quietly.

Oswyn looks a little lost, but it seems to dawn on him what's happened. He twists in his seat, squinting in Skald's direction curiously.

Luca checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

Rinel blushes at Skald's remonstrance, bowing her head demurely. But then Aleksei is walloping the pants off of Luca, and she cheers, jumping up and waving her hands. "Go, Master Morgan!" She laughs delightedly and reaches out to grab the shoulders of both her neighbors. Then she realises who she's grabbed. She releases Skald's shoulder gently and pats it with a strained smile, smoothing out the wrinkled fabric of the god's upper sleeve gently. "Aheh. Yes. Congratulations, Master Skald."

With Luca's loss and Aleksei's win, there's a lopsided smile, possibly a smirk on Alarissa's face. "As fast as the time that Prince Dominic challenged Duke Dagon for the position of sword of Thrax. One strike, that was all. nearly cleaved Prince Dominic in two. Proved why he was the sword and no other." Alarissa claps for the display.

"That I did," Laric tells Alistair starts to cross the field once Aleksei draws first blood, brow creased as he takes a quick look over Luca to make sure only his blood is leaking out. He brings his gloved hands together in applause. "Well fought and a fine return to the Champions, Master Morgan!" He lowers his hands and calls towards Skald, "You certainly did. Feel free to take your moment of gloating, should you like." He slows as he nears Luca, reaching out a hand to him and calling again, "A physician down here immediately, please."

Bashira gives a laugh, "You did win!" she cheers with Skald. She seems apparently content to do so for the moment. But she's also trying to see if Aleksei and Luca are alright.

Margret stands from her seat in the stands, and begins making her way down when a physician is called for.

Margret has left the Far Stands.

Jordan looks over at the person who declares victory. His eyebrows lift, and he approaches Sina, murmuring something while staring at Skald.

Laric is overheard praising Aleksei: Welcome back to dueling! Traitor. Way to champion paper cuts. Do you like them or something?

Zoey is watching carefully as the first few blows whiff past the champions. And then there's -that- hit. She leans forward a bit, looking with sudden intensity at her friend. "I think that caught Luca off guard in more ways than one," she murmurs aside to Alarissa and Sorrel.

Sina is overheard praising Luca.

Laric is overheard praising Luca: A noble effort for a righteous cause!

Sonnet, a silver tabby kitten, 2 Leary House Guards arrive, following Tomwell.

Skald blinks and looks up at Astraea as she wanders near.

Sofia has left the High Booth.

2 House Velenosa Guards leaves, following Sofia.

Sina smiles when she sees Jordan, and when he leans to whisper to her, she glances up at Skald too, then smiles, whispering back with a little shrug of her shoulders.

Alessia is overheard praising Luca: Well at least he got one prayer answered today. Pretty faces in the crowd.

Tomwell has joined the General Seating.

Alayne has joined the General Seating.

Cleo has left the General Seating.

Astraea squints at Skald and stares for a moment before grinning and trying not to laugh before uttering a quiet aside.

Isabeau claps... politely?... as the duel comes to its curiously swift conclusion. She watches the goings-on with the sort of rapt attention of someone doing their damnedest not to turn their head otherwise. That is, of course, until she does, pitching a slightly sidelong look at Beaumont as he murmurs something near her ear.

Oswyn squints harder at Skald, raising his arm to shield his eyes with his hand. Which he seems to realize is a silly thing for him to do, so he lowers it again. He closes his eyes briefly, gently rubbing at his eyelids with his index finger and thumb, then opens them again and keeps squinting at Skald, blinking rapidly.

Beaumont is overheard praising Aleksei.

Aleksei blanches a bit at Luca's reaction, dropping his sword and reaching to brace the man's arm. "Hey! Hey, you're fine. Right? Totally fine!" He glances over towards the stands, frowning a bit worriedly, before looking back to Luca.

Beaumont is overheard praising Luca.

Saedrus has left the General Seating.

Khinn, the Surly Attendant, Titan, a tiny flat-faced puppy leave, following Saedrus.

Tomwell has left the General Seating.

Sonnet, a silver tabby kitten, 2 Leary House Guards leave, following Tomwell.

Khinn, the Surly Attendant, Titan, a tiny flat-faced puppy arrive, following Saedrus.

Isabeau is overheard praising Aleksei.

Isabeau is overheard praising Luca.

Saedrus has joined the General Seating.

Lottie is overheard praising Luca.

"I said," Shard says, much more loudly, clearly directed at Alayne, "Who the fuck are you?"

Isabeau is overheard praising Laric.

Lottie is overheard praising Aleksei.

Katarina glances across the grounds, spotting the rest of the Valardin cousins that is Isabeau and Beaumont. The siblings are given an affectionate wave before she's looking after Astraea curiously.

"What? That's crazy. I get to see a god in my lifetime?" Jordan asks outloud of Sina before realizing he's meant to be exchanging murmurs. But then Skald calls out Alayne and so he's watching the two.

Oswyn shoves his satchel off his lap and stands up, clutching it to his chest. He looks pale. He makes his way through the seating, struggling to get to Skald without doing something rude like shoving someone. "I --- excuse me. Pardon me. I have a, um, a question," he calls out.

Sina smiles at Jordan, then glances around toward Shard as she hears shouting, and then glances at Alayne curiously. "Wonder if we're going to see another duel after all," she murmurs, eyeing the pair.

Saedrus takes a graceful gait down the stairs making his way towards the two duelist, to congratulate Luca and Aleksei-- with a curious tip of his head towards Luca.

Luca flashes Aleksei a tight smile, "I uh..", and he opens his longcoat a little bit just for them. "I think this is quite a comeback for you.", he says, though he offers it quietly. Despite the wound, he gives the man a rough pat on the shoulder. "You have to jump around and blow kisses and stuff, when you win, you know. Go do your lap. I will hold onto this sword for you.", he suggests.

Skald is looking down at the field, wondering why ALeksei looks so concerned. Before he can figure it out, he turns his attention to Oswyn. "Yeah? Hi there. Uh..what's the question?" This is asked a little warily.

Amidst the rattling of the many peoples; the cheering and overall loudness, Alayne's face turn awkwardly to meet Shard's callings. She'd squint lightly, taking longer than any average individual should in trying to take in Shard's physical detailing. "Me?" she'd ask incredulously, finally lifting a right hand as to splay it open across her chest. "I am Alayne!" she'd raise her voice - as to overcome the general populace and reach Shard - before adding. "And who are you?"

"Is Prince Luca okay?" Sorrel wonders, glancing curiously to Zoey for a moment. "He looks like maybe he's not doing as fine as we might like." She motions in Aleksei's direction, and the fact that he's holding on to Luca.

Saedrus has left the General Seating.

Oswyn comes to a halt when Skald addresses him and immediately swallows "I," he says. "I..." And he lowers his voice to ask something.

Godric has seen what he came to see, and only once it's over does he uncap the flask of whiskey at his side to drink. Then, he just shake his head, muttering under his breath as he makes his way from the stands back out to the rest of Arx.

There's another slow nod from Astraea and then an arched brow before she peers around at all his admirers and begins to slowly side step away and make her way back towards Ectorion and Katarina and Fairen...and the bird. The very big, beautiful owl that was intent on throwing the judgiest of looks.

Godric has left the General Seating.

3 Armed Confessors leaves, following Godric.

Caspian has left the General Seating.

Caspian has joined the Field.


Oliver looks up from where he is sitting with Alayne, a brow spiking in Shard's general direction.

Shard's teeth show just a little as she answers. "I'm the person," she says, more loudly than necessary, "wondering why you're so bone dead stupid."

Isabeau reciprocates Katarina's wave amicably enough, though if there's some homeless man in hairpins being crowded by curious onlookers, well, the blonde Valardin princess doesn't seem to notice. Nope. Definitely not happening.

Alistair peers at Luca and Aleksei and their odd embrace, with a sword used as the intermediary. He raises an eyebrow slowly, as if to get an assessment of Luca to make sure he isn't going to keel over dead and then slowly his gaze turns to look up at Skald and Oswyn as he approaches to ask a question.

"That's silver well-earned," Laric says, hissing in sympathy when he sees Luca's wound. He keeps a raised hand near the Champion, ready to give him some more support if he needs it. "Someone is coming."

Felicia's got an ear out, but most of her attention is definitely on Valarian, or, well, Lottie, less on her brother. She gives an acknowledging grunt for Valarian's words before grinning briefly at Lottie,"There's only the seven of us. Technically we all count Arx as home, but Scipio's usually busy over at Whisper House, and Skaldia's at the Lodge, and I'm over at Crownsguard. Valarian was the only one to leave for any really significant length of time... Arx has been our home for the last five generations at least."

Zoey inhales softly. "Lady Margret is down there," she says to Sorrel, leaning against the edge of the booth. "I'm sure he'll be alright." Her voice is calm, but she hasn't stopped her hawk-like observance of Luca. "That was... quite a hard hit."

Lottie blinked, looking to Valarian as he whispered.

Aureth looks away from the distractions of the benches to watch Aleksei and Luca with furrowed concern in his brow. He is clearly failing in his commission from Aleksei to stop people from swarming Skald, though.

"I can help." Alarissa calls down to Laric and Luca, rising from her spot.

Signe has left the Far Stands.

Oswyn is presently ignoring the calls for a healer, intent as he is on speaking with Skald.

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

Margret makes her way down to the field, her steps quick despite the limp she has, and begins unslinging a bag from her back. She gives Luca a look of worry and...and is there some intrigue in her eyes as well. "I'm going to need to take you to the hospital to remove that, your highness. To prevent you from bleeding out." As she speaks she approaches him to begin stabilizing the sword.

God or help? God or help? With a frustrated whine, Rinel stands abruptly and bows to Skald, murmuring a (too) polite farewell before scurrying down towards Luca.

Saedrus comes nearby enough to offer Laric a bow, and Luca a small smile. "I am not a mercy, but I know a little patch work, if you need it." A beat and evergreens tip towards Aleksei smiling more than his mouth, "let the champion gush over the crowd, mm?"

Rinel has left the General Seating.

Rinel has joined the Field.

Skald looks a little softened and reaches out to draw Oswyn - inexorably, irresistably - into a sort of a one-armed hug. Perhaps this is meant to be comforting.

Alayne Oliver=Lets be our crutches in this sea of spam: Did Shard reply to my pose? I am looking MADLY

Mirari has left the General Seating.

a lithe, dark-cloaked Lycene woman leaves, following Mirari.

Caspian is overheard praising Margret: Healers like her are important to Champions!

Alistair turns away from the fighting field where Luca is enjoying a new scar. He will live. And Reese will love him more for the new manly scar he has to sport. He makes his way through the crowd towards the stands, specifically where Skald gives a one armed hug to Oswyn. The comforting gesture is entirely sweet, if Alistair wasn't peering at the two waiting for knives... or other means of harm to appear.

Aleksei looks over to Lady Margret's approach, offering her a slightly worried look. "Remove /what/? I didn't leave the sword in him." He hesitates a moment, and then looks back over to the stands. "Is it real bad? I could ask--" He hollers over to Skald. "Hey! Can you, like--" He makes a fiddly gesture at Luca. It is very unclear what this might mean.

But with so many people, probably far more skilled than him, the Softest Whisper just steps a delicate step aside and lets those healer types in. Plus Saed's silk sandals will be ruined stomping about on the cold field too long.

Oswyn stiffens when Skald embraces him, and his eyes go very wide. "Oh," he breathes. Maybe it's just a really great hug. He seems stunned. Perhaps too stunned to speak.

Bashira gives a look to Skald and gives him a soft smile, "Prince Luca will be alright. I think Master Aleksei hit him harder than they imagined and it's surprised them. There is a bunch of people that can aid him." she tells him quietly. But she doesn't move to interrupt his talks with anyone.

Luca gives Laric a look and a nod, "Well, that is why we do this. The silver. Imagine how fucking drunk I am going to get. Worth it.", he assures, putting on his best and most not-bleeding-under-this-longcoat smile for the Master of Questions, even while Margret's looking him over. "Eh. Can't we just put a bandage on it?", he asks her, "What's the worst that can come out of there? Whiskey? We don't even have to go to the Hart after this.", he mentions. He lifts a hand from inside the small crowd of people that are around him and Aleksei, waving to the stands. Then his dark gaze cuts over to Saedrus with a smile, "I agree. He should be off making his victory round!"

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka arrive, following Merek.

Lottie is overheard praising Margret.

Merek comes into the grounds, then finds his way to a seat where he can settle in and watch with his hood up and cloak around him in black and cerulean hues as he watches to see if things started.

Quill, the grunty little porcupine arrives, delivering a message to Alistair before departing.

Skald gives Oswyn a final - gentle - shake. A comforting shake! And then releases him so he can yell at Aleksei. "Stop fussing and do something entertaining! Point out how right I am! Damn!"

Rinel glances at Margret. "How can I help?" asks the scholar-physician.

Alayne looks all shades of confused at Shard's response, furrowing her brows in defiance. "Oh, you're another Skald? Of course. You are another Skald- there's two Skalds now," she'd announce - dripping in mockery and as sardonic as it could be - her feet dragging up and from Oliver's side to stand up. "You look like you're not from here, and so I'll not judge you on this matter- if you truly believe that is Skald, then you're as fool a woman like those who go out into the woods and pray the leaves and the stones to bring them rain and food," she'd retort, before finalizing with a mild shrug of her thin - unhealthily so - shoulders. "But what do I know. It is just my opinion."

Shard checked composure at difficulty 30, rolling 17 lower.

Alistair stops as he receives a messenger, turning slightly in the crowd to peer at Paige for a moment. He shakes his head slightly, accenting it with a little shrug of his shoulder. 'All seems to be well.. enough'. "I think the former Archlector is hoping you can... work some talent on the man he just skewered." Alistair rumbles out to Skald.

Caspian has left the Field.

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

Oswyn's head bobs; he steps back and lowers himself carefully onto one of the benches, closing his eyes and rubbing them again.

"Wow," Aureth says in a wondering tone, pale gaze skipping towards Alayne at this little speech. His remark is surprised, almost impressed. "You /are/ pretty stupid."

There's late, and then theres -- This. Melody squeezes through the crowd and, after glancing through the sea of people, finds herself a spot somewhere off by the far stands.

Merek turns his gaze to stare at Alayne, just stares. He does not even speak, seemingly in the same state as Aureth only times about a hundred, as if she had just turned into a dragon.

Melody has joined the Far Stands.

Marius arrives, following Giulio.

Zoey starts to relax a little when Margret takes over the medical side of things. She sits back in her chair, pulling a delicately etched silver flask from her satchel. She unscrews the top and takes a swig, the aroma of cognac floating about.

Giulio has joined the General Seating.

Saedrus slinks off towards the stairs of the general seating while people fawn over Luca and Aleksei does his Champion best. Evergreens tip up towards those sitting up there though and the commotion beginning to brew.

Shard regards Alayne for a moment, her expression unchanging apart from the slightest, barest hint of more teeth. Then she starts walking toward Alayne. It's not a fast walk. It's a rather casual pace. But it's very purposeful, and of all the people in the stands, she isn't shy about /firmly/ pressing them out of her way.

Reigna pauses in her tracks when she sees Margret assisting Luca, and then she changes course, back towards Natalia, Amari and Kael, but she is still casting looks to Skald, hopeful, bashful looks and before she arrives, she veers over towards Skald, moving over towards him, all bright eyed and grinning and all but bouncing in place. She is waiting for the right moment and then she looks to Skald and beams, "Hi! Hello, I mean... wow. Hi!"

Bliss has just motioned out toward Skald for some reason as she's speaking with Pasquale, but then that invective is launched from Alayne and she just slowly turns her head and her focus onto the woman, actually standing a little as she does so, her eyes wide with anticipation. Whisper or not, the grin spreading on her face is unmistakeable.

Merek seems to notice the way Shard moves and is pushing people, then he motions to his fellow Guardsmen that came with him, before he moves to interpose between her and Alayne as well.

Aureth is overheard praising Reigna: Very accurate.

Duarte has his feet up enjoying the wealth of little situations to delight in watching. "You may want to flee," he advises mildly in Alayne's direction.

"Ugh, you are such a /pain/ in the /ass/," Aleksei huffs back at Skald. It's very holy behavior. After multiple attempts at encouragement, he does step back to let Margret handle Luca, drawing out a cloth to wipe his blade clean so that he can stride back over to the edge of the field nearer the stands and sheathe it. "And that's why people shouldn't tell Skald he should try experiencing a papercut, I guess! Wait, who pissed off Shard--"

Astraea's jaw drops and then she's flushing with heat,"Oh that poor girl...Ectorion, ummm do you want to leave now? How abouts you Kat? Uhh Fairen?"

Sina peers back toward Alayne and Shard, and frowns slightly at Alayne's words. As usual, however, she's quiet. She does, however, stay the hell out of Shard's way, her silvery eyes wary as she watches the pair.

Skald stops yelling at Aleksei to peer up at Reigna. "Hi. Wow, yourself."


Oliver breathes out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. Then, as Shard begins to purposefully approach Alayne, he rises, stretching up to his full height. "I don't know much about whether or not that fellow over there is -the- Skald, Alayne, but I'm thinking this is a perfect opportunity to go get a stiff drink. Somewhere else." He offers his hand to Alayne, though he keeps his gaze on Shard.

Margret lets out the smallest of sighs at Luca's request before she nods her head. "It would be better if you were in the hospital, your highness. But if you insist." And then she begins the process of bandaging everything up as well as she can manage on the field. Which she is, by the way, very good at. When she's finished she takes a step back to examine her work. "Please be careful. No shenanigans." She says to Luca. Then her attention turns to Aleksei to check him over for obvious injuries.

Aleksei already walked away! But he looks to be walking in an uninjured manner.

Giulio makes his way towards the the general seating, sitting down with little particular motion. His servant ghosts behind him, like a shadow. A nod is offered towards those he knows, but, other than that, he seems quiet. He glances towards Skald and Aleksei, one brow lofted. And then, he's glancing towards the challenge circle. His secretary offers him a glass of brandy which he accepts. A faint smile toys his lips as he glances towards Luca, head slightly tilted.

"Now does seem to be a rather good time," Katarina voices in agreement to Astraea, starting t orise from her booth and gathering the warm blankets with her. Yep. Those are coming with her.

Alayne gave Aureth and Merek a stranged look, the passing-by comment not quite going over the woman's head. "Why is it stupid- stupid to be skeptical? Forgive me if I am not dropping down to knees at the sight of him. If there are Gods, they're plucking fruits off of their mighty Garden, in their kingdom of who-knows-whe--" and that's when she noticed; she'd see, from the hinting at the corner of her eye, the approaching menace that was Shard stomping in her direction. A hundred different veins of green soon webbed across Alayne's throat, squeezing down as fearing as a hare about to be devoured by a lion. She'd reach out to seize Oliver's shoulder-cloth at the fullest of her grip's strength, frightened. "I don't want to die," she'd meekly stipulate to the close-by Oliver.

Aureth is overheard praising Luca: I'm very impressed with the way he stays on his feet and doesn't die.

"Papercuts are kind of pointless, anyway. Not worth experiencing and it hurts. By the gods, it hurts." Jordan quips before observing Reigna make her hopeful approach to the hairpin-wearing god. He's making a point to avoid looking towards the possible Alayne versus Shard no-holds-barred brawl.

Saedrus tips his head from his little vantage point, "I do not believe he had time to be injured, Lady Greenmarch," he calls to Margret. "But he is lovely to touch if that is the sole purpose of checking."

Sorrel can't help herself. She beams and calls over to Skald like a fangirl, "Skald! I'm a huge fan! I wrote you a song! You're awesome!" Her evergreen eyes are twinkling, and she tells her companions, "I'm going to bring Luca some of Galen's rum. He probably needs it."

Signe departs from the benches to make her way to ground level with Tempest and Atila in tow. She had observed Oswyn's interaction with Skald but something else was drawing her attention near Shard and Alayne. Catching some of the interaction between the pair and their demeanors are unmistakeable. "Alayne, I'd take the man up on that drink offer." She politefully warned while trying to catch up to Shard's determined movements.

Sabella hasn't even finished like a third of the drink in this mug, but she pushes herself to her feet, quickly sliding among the patrons sitting and standing alike, to try to get in Shard's way, like some kind of moron, "Shard! I don't know if you heard me saying hello from all the way over there! Is Audric here too? I haven't seen either of you since that night down at the Murder of Crows. Now that was a meeting I think we'll all remember for awhile!"

"Oh, no. Doubt is healthy," Aureth says amiably. He tips his chin towards Shard, and says, "And then there's not so healthy."

Alistair is overheard praising Luca: You needed a few more scars anyways.

"Luca's name is synonymous with shenanigans and derring do, but the pain ought to be a good deterrent." Laric tells Margret as she steps away from the wounded champion, hand back out and ready for Luca-catching. He eyes the man. "We ought to get you off your feet. Do you want to find a seat and enjoy the commotion, or shall I call for a litter to get you to a bed?"

Ectorion frowns, "I think that might be for the best," he admits, "it seems that things are going to be..strange." He sighs quietly.

It's apparent Rinel is thoroughly outclassed by the physician on the field! So she begins to return to her seat, only to encounter... "What in the name of Lady Gloria and all Her holy armed attendants is going on here?!" she shouts.

Fairen is remaining in his seat for the time being, staring down at the frame of Skald, brow arched up at him.

Sina finally glances away from the growing spectacle, and looks to Jordan. She gives a shrug of her shoulders at whatever question he whispered at her, and takes a sip of her mulled wine, before offering the mug toward him with a lift of her dark eyebrows as she murmurs something back.

Skald seems to notice the commotion kicking up around him as guards are pushing towards them. He peers away from Reigna - so rude, and suddenly jumps to his feet. "Wait, wait a minute, kiddo. No need for that!" And with one arm he steps and scoops it into Shard's midsection, lifting her off her feet into a careful embrace. He does hear Sorrel, and calls out blindly. "That's great! I'm sure you're awesome, too! Come sing it for me sometime."

Alistair checked composure at difficulty 35, rolling 8 lower.

As Skald jumps to his feet and then 'picks up' Shard in one fell swoop the High Inquisitor blinks and his mouth opens for a second. Now thats a sight.

Isabeau takes pause for a moment, her gaze going fuzzy and unfocused as she falls silent in her strange stare. Thankfully, her strange state fades not long after its start, but the princess appears to have had her fill of the thrilling crowd for the evening. "I'm... going to head home, Monty," she comments to (presumably) BeauMONT before abruptly leaving her brother and his arm-candy behind with their new bottle of whiskey. Oh, dear.

"Can I just... hug you? Thank you. So much. For... Well. Being you." Reigna is totally going for it. While others seem skeptical, Reigna? Reigna is a full on believer. He claims to be Skald? He's Skald. "I met Prism and she was... Well I was very impressed and she was lovely to speak to and I felt... it felt like praying. And I just... You are amazing." And yes, she goes in for the hug. Because some people are reckless like that.

When Fairen decides to keep his seat, Astraea looks a little nervous. Her gaze flitting between her companions, Skald and this Alayne. Then she's shaking her head and offering up a heavy sigh before she wanders towards Skald but then he's already scooped up a Shard, but the cool kind, not the weird evil kind. Instead, she smiles and offers something in passing to Skald and his captive mercenary. It sounds like get 'em. Maybe. Then again she was moving pretty quickly by.

Paige has left the Far Stands.

Magnus has left the Far Stands.

Quill, the grunty little porcupine, Magnus leave, following Paige.

Isabeau has left the the Beverage Tent.

Jerome, a bodyguard leaves, following Isabeau.

Zoey seems highly amused with Skald just hoists Shard into the air. She sighs softly and pushes up onto her feet. "Let's go check on Luca, first, and then head back." She pauses. "I should probably return to the Hart, though, before long."

Looking as if she had just witnessed the coming of an Archfiend in person, Alayne's right palm slams down on Oliver's own like a ship's loose anchor, unfurling its full weight upon the seabed that was the tailor's appendage. "She's got a sword; she has a sword, Oliver. She'll kill me with that sword," Alayne reasoned, her voice becoming squeaky; small, quiet, whispered- hushed, none the imperial; none the confidence when preaching Luca, and she'd quickly hide her head meekly under her hood, trying her hardest to become a blip in the proverbial radar despite her absurdly tall height.

"Eh. I think this should cut down on the shenanigans for a day or two.", Luca seems to agree with Laric, before looking between him and Margret, "If someone can get me a chair and a bottle of something strong, I think I will just sit here for a bit and watch all the people lose their shit over Skald." He gives Margret a grin, before calling over to Aleksei, "Hey! You are supposed to be blowing kisses! Not arguing with the god!"

Jordan takes the mug, drinks a sip, and then offers the mug back towards Sina. "Well, now that the duel is over, time to go." With another murmur to Sina, he smiles at her before departing.

Skald is not great with so much going on, maybe. He gets hugged and reflexively picks Reigna up with his other arm, and for a moment he's holding two VERY DIFFERENT women up against his sides, like the world's weirdest babysitter.

Giulio has left the General Seating.

Marius leaves, following Giulio.


"Those are probably the kind of thoughts you want to keep to yourself in mixed company," Oliver mumbles to Alayne, nearly dragging the young Apothecary to her feet as she goes green. "And you're not going to die, you're going to be f --" he sputters when he catches sight of Skald lifting Shard right off her feet, and he blinks a few times. "Well, perfect timing. Say goodbye, Alayne, we're goign to go find a dark hole to hide you in," he grips Alayne in one hand and his flask in the other, lofting the latter to those about him. "It was nice meeting you, Aureth! And you as well, Skald," he offers before he starts pulling Alayne out of the grounds.

Shard might have been expecting people to intervene, as she doesn't seem terribly surprised by those trying to distract her, and not particularly surprised by Merek's guardsmen (although she does start to say something that doesn't look /kind/ as they start moving into her path), but what she was not expecting was...being picked up like a sack of grain and hefted right off her feet. Her limbs flail for a moment in sheer surprise, she twists in the hold, and then she makes a noise in the back of her throat that sounds both irritable and...no she's still about as surprised as anyone. ".../There might be/," she protests. She doesn't actually kick him though.

"Your friend is an absolute idiot, Melody," Bliss says, the roar of the crowd and the grin on her face having apparently stripped her of all Whisperly demeanor. She turns her head to kiss Elgana on the cheek, then laughs as Skald just lifts Shard up. "Your friend is an idiot who literally has a God looking out for her, so, be thankful for that," she muses. "And yes, I'm entirely certain now that that's actually him. What a day."

Astraea has left the Quiet Booth.

Ectorion has left the Quiet Booth.

Ectorion leaves, following Astraea.

Katarina has left the Quiet Booth.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice, Quiet, a Valardin champion leave, following Katarina.

"I have so many question." Fairen mutters to himself, perhaps not as silently as he means to. The Northern Hawk Owl perched on his shoulder fussy some as he rises to his feet, moving throught the crowd towards the frame of 'Skald'. It's likely difficult for him to wade through the crowd, but he does eventually get close enough to see him more fully. The bird on his shoulder snaps her attention onto Skald, appraising him with just the same harsh, judgemental gaze as she would anyone.

Rinel just stares in happy awe at Skald. "This is /amazing/," she breathes.

Pasquale stands to offer some parting to Magnus and Paige, and whisper something-or-other to Bliss...but then Skald is hugging people, and all he can do is laugh again. And clap, for the show.

"Is he really the God?" Margret asks Luca softly, her red brow lifting as she watches Skald lift up Shard and then Reigna.

Bashira is still awfully amused by all of the goings on. Chaos ensues when a God actually comes to a Duel. The Shaman stands where she is and just watches, but she gives a look to Oswyn and there's a smile to him, "Will you be alright?" she asks him.

"Go, go, go; nothing to lose but our chains; nothing to lose but our chains. The wolf bites the chain; the chains bites the wolf," she'd chant - eagerly and without hesitation - urging Oliver with each and every word, if the palm that was trying to lead him forward as if he was a horse wasn't enough. "Good bye- good bye, good bye; see you later, good bye," she'd farewell, and wave; and tease, and smile - however awkwardly - at the many, and little, faces she knew on the steps on the way out. But out she was going.

"... What," Merek states, as he watches as Skald picks up Shard. He then looks to his guards and shrugs a bit, as he motions for them to back down, and turns then to the meek Alayne, "I'm going to ask you not to publically mock deities. I mean I never thought I'd have to tell someone not to, but there you are." He then raises a hand to wave to Skald, "Hey, nice to meet you, you're cuter than I imagined."

Sorrel is promptly at Luca's side with a bottle of Galen's favorite rum, so it's probably pretty strong. "Here you go, my friend," she says to him, offering out the bottle. "Spiced with sorrel herbs, even." She seems to be in a good mood, now that Luca's been patched up and everything seems to be fine. She opens her mouth and music comes pouring out of it:

"The trouble with choices is that one must choose

One option might win; another might lose

Choosing to act now or choosing to muse?

Too many choices can sorely confuse!"

Saedrus leans, crossed armed, by the supports of the general seating. Ashen brows lofted and some measure of amusement and shock painted on his lips. There is a tip to his head though, that amusement winning as he spies Bliss speaking to Melody above the crowd.

Sorrel checked charm + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 66 higher.

When she is picked up so easily, Reigna squeaks with surprise and then delight and goes in for the hug which is easy given the givens. She spies Shard and flashes the Prodigal a bright grin, "This is so amazing! Hi Shard! We are being hugged!" Can Reigna get any happier? It is hard to say.

"I think," Aureth says in a long, considering breath, "that we could all probably use a relaxing smoke right about now."

Bliss probably hadn't meant to speak /that/ loudly, but her contralto carries, and when she spies Saedrus' grin she lifts a hand and wiggles her fingers at her compatriot, not a lick of regret or shame on her face.

There is a pause in the stands from where Kael was keeping an eye on Reigna. Not a good enough eye, mind, for she's off hugging strangers. "Ah, excuse me," murmurs the Keaton rather politely to those that he was conversing with -- perhaps a bit awkwardly in fact. "I need to go and collect my wife." He hesitates just a bit, murmuring something quietly to Natalia before moving closer toward Skald and his target, eyeing the situation warily.

Alarissa has left the High Booth.

Maxene, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat, Dame Cupcake, the most elegant leave, following Alarissa.

"I concur." Saedrus calls towards Aureth once he he's done chuckling over Bliss.

"Of course it is," Aleksei says to Bliss a bit indignantly, hands on his hips. "You think I was repping some /fake/ Skald? I know the difference!" He glances back over his shoulder when Luca yells at him more for not blowing kisses, and then he huffs another breath. "Fine!" he says, and while Skald busies himself picking up ladies, Aleksei strides forward to where Saedrus leans and pulls him into his arms, leans him over in a dip, and kisses him in as dramatic a fashion as possible.

Sina takes the mug back from Jordan, and takes a sip from it, before finally rising to her feet and moving away from the benches. She wanders off, away from all of the people and the crowding around Skald and all of the noise. She finishes her wine and moves to put the mug where it belongs, then she pulls her cloak closer about herself and makes her way quietly out of the tournament grounds.

Sina has left the General Seating.

"Fair enough," Laric waves over to one of his lurking Confessors, who heads over to grab a camp chair that's out on the field, bringing it over and setting it up for Luca. He eyes the crowd around Skald speculatively, waits for Luca to get comfortable, then starts over towards the stands.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN," he calls out loud and very, very firm. This is his Inquisitor voice. "I'm sure you're all very excited to talk to Skald, but he's here as a courtesy and to enjoy himself this evening, not to field questions. Give him some space and mind your manners." Or maybe it's his dad voice.