Oleander, the tarantula, Hiss, the Lenosian viper, Sybilla, the Lenosian lady's maid, 13 House Velenosa Guards, Bianchetta, a powerful white Ostrian horse arrive, following Eleyna.

Orre, 5 Grimhall House Guards arrive, following Harald.

Hiss, the Lenosian viper have been dismissed.

Oleander, the tarantula have been dismissed.

Bianchetta, a powerful white Ostrian horse have been dismissed.

3 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

Freja the long suffering have been dismissed.

Dame Cupcake, the most elegant have been dismissed.

Barbara, the stalwart Stormward secretary, 4 Kennex corsairs, Constantine arrive, following Ford.

Vanora rises slowly to her feet from the green couches. Very slowly, with a hand fussing at her lower back. "Greetings everyone. Friends and family. Fellow Islanders and friends from other places. Some time ago House Grimhall built its own practice yard so our warriors could recover here after big battles and major injuries. To us it marks something else as well....the future of our family. My childr will be raised in Arx much of the time, and need to learn from his father and grandfather what it means to be an Islander, a Grimhall, and a man. They are capable teachers. So this is both a testament to our past and our future, and to some traditions that will continue to mean 'Isles' for a very long time. These values of safety, this blessing of family...these are Islander ways too...and we want to remember them ourselves, and demonstrate them to the world. I'll be sitting down now and unlikely to get up, that is my physical challenge for the day. Those of you who came with other challenges in mine, I give you my husband, Valdemar Grimhall, Sword of Grihem's Point."

On their way in, the Kennex brothers are chatting idly. No doubt blabbing about this or that, nothing terr--wait, it's Constantine, they probably are talking about something important, with Ford making every attempt not to. Ford, however, pauses as he makes his way in doing a double take when he sees the familiar label of vodka on display for drankin'. He smirks to himself and returns to speaking with Constantine.

3 Redreef Guard arrives, following Ember.

Alarissa has joined the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Alarissa has left the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Alarissa has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Alarissa arrived near the start, sitting and mingling with others, looking over the grounds. WHen vanora rises to speak, those night blue eyes turn her attention to the Lady, then to the Sword, hands in her lap with palm in palm.

Ember lets out a low whistle as she walks into the practice yard, looking around with bright amber eyes. She steps around some people, and makes her way to a bench, settling down on it with a thump. One of her attendants moves to get her some rum, and she takes a sip, nodding her greeting towards Vanora and her family.

Ember has joined the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Ember has left the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Ember has joined the Bench 1.

Cora had snuck in just before Vanora began speaking and found a nice shadowy wall to lean against. Looking rather hungover and tired the booze is not where here eyes are drawn.

Having been here quite early...before everything was even finished being prepared, the Baron is now in a place of perfect lounging with a glass of rum in hand and his back to a wall. Nearby of course his is protege, Sheena, whom he brought along for whatever reasons that only the Baron might comprehend. Edward smiles when the Hostess and Lady does to make her announcement and then he settles into his place again and takes a drink of rum. As others enter he will point out who they are given the mannerisms he is using and the way that he tilts to speak to Sheena.

Carita's been here from the start, flitting around from group to group, socializing. Having chosen a nice spot to sit, when Alarissa joins her she leans to speak quietly with her, only to quiet as Vanora rises to speak.

Jordan arrives in his full suit of high quality steel, a striking-looking rubicund mace dangling from his belt. There's a bow offered towards the Lords and the Ladies of the House, and then another to the royalty. But right now, he seems to be making his way to the arena, bearing an easy-going expression.

Carita has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Jordan has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

As Vanora rose to speak, Constantine allowed poor Ford a bit of respite from manners of business. He turned attention fully to the woman until her words seem to come to a conclusion in which pale gaze shifted to the mentioned Valdemar. As festivities motioned to continue, distant nods of greeting were given to those familiar to him rather than interrupting their own revelries just yet: Ember, Coraline, Edward, Carita and Jordan.

The Archduchess of Lenosia arrives with her usual retinue of guards and her assistant at her side just in time to hear Vanora speak. She gives her a sympathetic smile and wanders over that direction, murmuring a few words before she seeks out a seat for herself.

Eleyna has joined the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

When his wife rises, Valdemar does as well, standing silently at her side as she greets their guests. He is dressed in sparring leathers himself, with both an axe and Grimhowl, the ancient sword of house Grimhall, sheathed at his back. Inclining his head to her when she introduces him and then moves to sit down, he offers her his hand to help her ease back onto the couch. Once she is settled, he faces their assembled guests. "As my lovely wife says, there are many traditions that are important to our people, and one of those that we share with the Compact as a whole is that of honorable combat. Any of you who wish to may join me in the pit shortly, so that we can properly initiate it into that tradition. The rules are simple: a free for all, with the last combatant remaining in the pit declared the winner. No weapons better than rubicund, and no armor greater than the same, or exotic leather. Other than bragging rights, we have obtained prized for the winner and runner-up," he announces as he begins to walk toward the sand pit himself.

Valdemar has left the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

The protege of Edward is keeping very quiet and looking very fidgety and at his side. As she is directed to who everyone is Sheena shifts her eyes to them and still nerviously starts to curtsy to everyone then stops and galnces at Edward in a bit of uncertainty. She does not know the appropriate behavior in such a large group and around so many people. Finally she just stares at Coraline and decides to mimic her. She's someone Sheena knows, thus, perfectly safe to mime.

Sparte comes in straight from work with the Iron Guard, a rare sight of him in the full iron guard armor. Save the helmet, which isn't worn for long anyway. He takes it off, tucking it under one arm as he looks around the practice yard with the weathered gaze of someone used to being a tourist and not tired of the experience. "Neat." He even brought praise.

Constantine glanced aside to Ford with a small smile, "Will you be participating in the pit? I would myself, but I fear my martial skills would be laughable in the company of true warriors."

Valdemar wields Blood Reaver.

Ford shakes his head in Constantine's direction with a laugh, "I'm much in the same boat, my ability in the ring is lacking somewhat lately. I'm quite content watching, though."

"If you didn't bring the proper equipment, dear, I'm sure we've spares. I'll go find some for you?" Vanora overhears Constatine's question and addresses Ford

Jordan wields Red Feast, a long rubicund mace.

Constantine nodded to his brother's words, "Then I'll join you with Lady Carita in a few moments?" But as Vanora chimed mention of spare equipment his brow arched and he glanced aside to Ford in wait of his reply.

"Waving to everyone she knows, which means everyone really, Cora reserves a mock glare for Carita, "I doubt I will win, in particular due to /someone's/ great idea, I will do my best to do some damage." And starts heading that way only to pause and sigh, "This wiukd be a horrible idea."

Alarissa looks to vanora who speaks up from the couches. "I will need to take my leave yes. If there is time, I will return."

Alarissa has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Maxene, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat leave, following Alarissa.

Aksel had arrived generally when everyone else did. The token Northerman, has taken up a spot leaning against something. He listens quietly to what Vanora and Valdemar have to say, nodding to parts here and there. At the offer of a free-for-all, Aksel simply gives a nod of his head and moves towards the training area, pulling his steel axe and resting it on his shoulders.

"I appreciate the offer, Lady Vanora, but I'm afraid equipment won't improve anything other than my weight." Ford says with a jovial half laugh.

Aksel wields shadowed sapphire mountains of Stonedeep greataxe.

Sparte slowly raises one hand towards Valdemar. "I, uh, I could join in. I mean, if you want more people to take part."

Orre, 5 Grimhall House Guards leave, following Harald.

Ember has left the Bench 1.

3 Redreef Guard leaves, following Ember.

3 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

Dame Cupcake, the most elegant have been dismissed.

Vanora gestures Sparte over and speaks to him quietly from the green couches.

Coraline gets a sea serpent's battle helm from a simple leather backpack.

Coraline gets a sea serpent's battle breastplate from a simple leather backpack.

Coraline gets a sea serpent's battle pauldrons from a simple leather backpack.

Coraline gets a sea serpent's battle gauntlets from a simple leather backpack.

Coraline gets a sea serpent's battle cuisse from a simple leather backpack.

Coraline gets a sea serpent's battle sabatons from a simple leather backpack.

Coraline gets Sea Dragon's Maw from a simple leather backpack.

Coraline gets Sea Dragon's Scaled Corset from a simple leather backpack.

Coraline gets Sea Dragon's Coat from a simple leather backpack.

Constantine's gaze drifted as Ember departed and Ford declined, turning instead to join Carita and Jordan at their table. Well, partially, he did have the forethought to at least ask, "Do you two mind if I join you?"

When Sparte speaks up, Valdemar turns to face him and nods his head in response to his question. "Anyone who wants to join is welcome, Cousin. I would, of course, be honored to have you take part," he answers briefly before Vanora gestures for him.

Coraline wields a slender ember-hued rubicund longsword.

Sparte goes over to listen to Vanora dutifully. He blinks a few times, glancing after the group that left. "Oh, uh... Alright." Sparte gives a nod to Vanora, looking over to Valdemar. "I've been given a vital task, Lord Valdemar. I'll be back in just a moment." Then off he hurries, after the group that just left.

With a finish of his rum, Edward leans up off the wall and he moves to walk towards the edge of the ring. It is clear that he is not intending to participate in the melee but to shift to a position that is closer to the Duke and the Lady Grimhall.

"Oh, please do, Lord Kennex." Carita's smile warms for him, she'd been speaking quietly with Alarissa, but as she leaves there's a lull in the conversation. "I believe Sir Ober is about to join the fighting and I'd love the company." She pats the seat beside hers.

Edward has joined the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Constantine has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Coraline puts Sea Dragon's Maw in a simple leather backpack.

Coraline puts Sea Dragon's Scaled Corset in a simple leather backpack.

Ford has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Taking her steels out of her backpack Cora moves to the sands as well. Poor Sheena.

Constantine settled into a seat beside Carita, reclining back a touch to drape long limbs in a suitable position. Ankle hitched atop opposite knee and chin soon leaned on waiting palm. A small smile drifted aside to the table's conversation though it was only a brief touch and he spared commentary in favor of glancing toward the pit for the moment.

Vanora murmurs quietly, "I'll be right back" before rising to her feet..not gracefully...but she doesn't topple over. She moves towards the small blackwood table and pauses to sit briefly.

Vanora has left the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Vanora has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Puff, a dainty yellow-green canary, 2 Leary House Guards arrive, following Arcadia.

The fluffy, yellow-haired head of one energetic Arcadia Leary pokes its way out into the newly minted practice yard, a chirping canary of equally yellow hue nested in her wild cut of short, sunshine tresses. Her nose twitches, pale blue eyes sweeping around the crowd with a sense of youthful wonder. Soon, she's skip-dancing her way all the way in, taking in the sights of the Thraxian event.

Bethany looks a little bit dubious, walking into the practice yard, but here she is anyway, making a go of it.

As Sparte leaves on whatever task Vanora has set him to, Valdemar stands in the center of the sand pit, streatching his shoulders a bit and taking the axe from his back. "Sir Jordan, Princess Coraline, it is good to have you both here. And you, I am not sure we have met before?" he asks of Aksel as he looks around at the others who have joined him on the sands.

Puff, a dainty yellow-green canary, 2 Leary House Guards leave, following Arcadia.

Aksel squats at the edge of the sands, digging his hand into the sands to grab a fist full of it. He brings it up and lets the sands drop away and back to where they came from. He glances towards those who indicated that they are here to do battle, before rising and taking a step into the sands for the first time. "Aksel Nygard," the Northman replies to Valdemar. He studies the man a moment, "Don't think we've met M'Lord, but I think I've seen you someplace, before."

Bethany scans the people competing with the air of someone who's looking for someone in particular, and she must have spotted whoever it was, because she starts moving again with a sense that she's going somewhere. She doesn't say anything until she's close enough to say it in a normal tone of voice, though, and she isn't in a particular hurry, so Aksel will have plenty of time to see her coming. "Master Nygard." She's not quite standing on the fighting sands, like there's an invisible fence there keeping her out.

A late arrival to the event, Thorley glances aside to his squire, Wulfwin. "Take to the stands, and observe. Some day, it will be your turn in the arena of battle, and you will need all of your skills in these type of exercises." the knight rumbles as he glances around, and offers a polite bow of his head in greetings.

Vanora has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

"A pleasure, Master Nygard, and welcome to the Grimhall Longhouse. I am not sure where you might have seen me before, but the name...you are a fellow Sword, are you not?" he asks the man who just introduced himself. The two of them, along with Coraline and Jordan, are out on the sands, seemingly getting ready for a melee. The Grimhall heir then glances over at Bethany, raising a brow when he sees how close she is to the sands, and asks her, "Planning to join the melee, Mistress...?"

Thorley wields the Sanguine Duskblade.

Vanora wanders around between tables and groups of standing guests. "Thank you so much for your patience with us, it seems I misplaced the weapon that the Duke was planning to spar with tonight and the family has been struggling to help him find it and save me the embarrassment of spoiling a party I'd wanted to throw in the first place. In the meantime, at some of the tables are bottles of the finest drinks that we have to offer, and bits of bread and cheese and the like if you are hungry. Socialize. I'll solve our Mystery of the Missing Sword, and we'll do this thing shortly."

The curtsy Bethany gives Valdemar is graceful. Practiced. Every motion flows into the next like it's not so much executed as designed. "Not in this dress, my lord." She arranges her delicate features in a pleasant, but not effusive, smile that never quite makes it to her eyes. "Bethany Mercier." Then she asks Aksel a question in a softer tone of voice.

"Aye," Aksel replies to Valemar. "I carry Nightgold's Sword." He pauses and gives a shrug, "Might have been awhile ago, or I could be wrong." He turns to offer Bethany the slightest of smiles, "Bethany Mercier, I thought our next meeting was to be over some whisktea?" Heavy on the whiskey, in Aksel's case.

Other swords that Thorley has not met yet brings him over to the small group gathering on the sands. "Good evening." the knight offers. "Sir Thorley Sandreef - Sword of Westrock Reach."

A smile goes to all who will be fighting, now in her armor, sword held comfortably. "Sir Thorley, good to see you again."

Vanora has joined the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Bethany arches a brow at Aksel's question. "Well, I was going to give you a ribbon, but if you insist..." A light, mischievous humor threads through her voice when she speaks. She reaches into her pocket and removes a tea bag. Which she then offers to Aksel.

"Your Highness." Thorley offers with a bow of his head. And then gives Coraline a grin. "It seems I've come under-prepared for the grand melee. I suppose I will have to rely on skill."

Sparte follows Vanora back into the Practice Yard, glancing over his shoulder a few times as he goes. When he gets towards the area for the melee he gives Valdemar and the others assembled a nervous smile before slipping on his helmet.

"Wonderful to meet you, Mistress Mercier," Valdemar responds to Bethany following a low laugh, before turning to Aksel and replying to him, "Well, we have met properly now, Master Nygard, and afterward we can share a drink or two if you'd like." When Thorley joins them on the sands, he turns to address him, "Sir Sandreef, I am honored you could make it." Sparte receives a brief smile as he comes to the sands as well.

Sparte wields Knothole Stave.

"So often we must. I don't imagine I will win bit I will fight with honor upilon the sands at least. Squire Sparte, goid to see you participating as well!"

Whatever Bethany whispers to Aksel has the Northman, looking like a fish out of what the way his mouth opens and closes a few times but no sound coming forth. He finally snaps his jaw shut and he shrugs before whispering quietly back to the woman. When she produces the tea bag Aksel stares at it a moment before takes the offering. He looks down at the tea bag then over to Bethany then down at the tea bag. "Thanks. I'll carry it with pride." With that he places the bag inside his breastplate, obviously confused as to what just transpired. "I might need a drink now." He admits to Valdemar.

Bethany laughs, and for a moment, just for a moment, that good humor lights up her eyes. She touches Aksel on the arm, curtsies again to Valdemar, and then withdraws to find a place to sit.

Sparte nods to Coraline. "It is an honor to participate in such a tradition, I would not want to miss out on such an event." Sparte glances back over his shoulder again, giving a glance to Vanora and parting his hands helplessly before looking back to the people on the sands with a renewed nervous smile.

"All in the honor of Gloria." Thorley gives a nod to Valdemar. "A pleasure, my Lord. I'm impressed with the fields." he admits as he looks around. "Quite nice."

From her seat at her table, the Grand Duchess looks toward the table where the Kennex and Carita sit, brows lifting briefly, before she continues to speak with those near her.

Waving over a servant when when Aksel mentions a drink, Valdemar then asks, "Rum, Master Nygard? Or would you prefer mead...or vodka, maybe? I am not sure if we have any whiskey out." Whatever the man's preference is, though, the servant happily fetches a glass. He then bows his head to Thorley. "Thank you, Sir Sandreef, I look forward to breaking it in," he says, before giving a brief glance back toward the Longhouse.

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

Bethany has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

"Whiskey," comes Aksel's immediate response. He motions to the servant though, when it's made known that there isn't any whiskey out at the moment, to prevent them from running off on his account. "After," he calls to them. He's likely going to need it.

3 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

Caspian has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, 1 Grayson House Guards arrive, following Niklas.

2 Grayson House Guards, Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Clark, an exasperated guard, Niklas arrive, following Sabella.

Standing in the sands, Cora looks around, "So, I have never done a melee before, any advice from the veterens?"

"Keep moving, don't let yourself don't get bogged down so much in one opponent that you ignore other attacks." Thorley offers to Coraline as he prepares himself.

Valdemar and those who have gathered for the melee are in the sand pit, and when Aksel tells the servant that he wants whiskey, the man runs off into the longhouse to find some for after the fighting is done. "Alliances can shift quickly in a free for all like this one. Don't get too comfortable fighting alongside anyone, your Highness. Eventually you will end up facing them," the Grimhall heir answers Coraline

"Stick close to someone being engaged and try to offer them help if there's a lot of people on them." Jordan offers as advice. "Trust me, gratitude goes a long way in the battle royale. And besides, it's better to be down to fighting four of your friends than four of your foes."

"Be the last one standing," calls out Niklas helpfully as he walks in to the training yard with Sabella, bandages off, a thin red line going from the corner of her eye down to her jaw, on his arm. He looks around the yard and offers waves to everyone he recognizes. Which is basically everyone. "Sir Jordan! Grandmaster Caspian! Baron Edward! Lord Valdemar! Dame Caroline! Lord... oh, shit, give me a second, I'll get it..." Niklas looks at Constantine for a long moment, eyes narrowing, "Oh, yes, Lord Ears. Though you did grow into them. Lady Vanora. Lady Carita. Master Sparte. Marquis Ford. Grand Duchess Eleyna." He turns to the Kennex corsairs, "Jim, Willem, New Jarls, Classic Jarls." Then to the Velenosa guards, "Jiacomo, Giovanni, Vincenzo, Antonio..." They're all guesses, but they're not bad guesses. He stops, looks around, "Where's Barbara?"

"Oh I thought I was nice to everyone, do I have any foes in this group?" Cora asks looking between them all." Cora laughs at Niklas' words and waves to both Niklas and Sabella, "That is terribly helpful advice Prince Niklas, thank you. That is what I shall aim for."

"Is that what this type of battle is called?" Vanora pipes up towards her husband, remaining at her seat. "A battle royale? Where everyone fights everyone? all at once?" Her pale green eyes are interested and curious.

Constantine rose from his seat, chuckling in his soft baritone yet again at something said. "'-Ish.' Well it has been good to see you, Grandmaster, even if briefly. Unfortunate about your restrictions." His attention turned more fully to the table, "Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier my time is a bit limited this evenin--" Ah, and then there was Niklas. "Hello, Prince Niklas. Always good to see you. And you as well, Princess." Though he returned to his farewells, "Marquis, Lady Carita, Sir Jordan, Grandmaster, mistress.." The last intended for the unknown Bethany. "Pleasure sharing company even if brief."

Sabella is rather quiet for her, though maybe that's just because Niklas is using up all the words. She gives a bit of a smile and a wave around to those at their various tables, "Thank you for the invitation, Lady Vanora. Just promise me you won't install a concert hall, for I am going to steal your husband away for the Bard's College someday!"

Constantine has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Vanora laughs at Sabella. "Ah sweetheart. I haven't built a concert hall no...we could never match the accoustics of the Ampitheatre. I have however had a conservatory designed, filled with pretty art and every kind of instrument one can think of...and from the raised platform the music does fill the senses. Not as well, but...its a fine means when we'e here. I'm even taking harp lessons."

"Lord Niklas, you're in an awfully good mood, tonight. Thank you for the advice, though, I'll endeavor to follow it," Jordan laughs, adjusting his gauntlets and looking at the sands. "Well, it's going to be heavily disputed, isn't it? Quite a few House Swords, a commander of a knightly order..."

"Ah but Sir Ober, this isn't where most of my time has been spent practicing lately, now in a game of war, then I might truly have confidence I might do well against you. Still I hope to do well enough to make a good showing. And against House Swords I might well be in trouble, not being one myself." Cora says with a laugh.

Coraline checked command + teaching at difficulty 19, rolling 6 higher.

"You were not given the title Dame as a gift." Thorley points out firmly to Coraline. "Especially the Knight of Thrax." there's a small frown at that. "It was earned, and you are every bit as good as any sword, or warrior." He pauses, his cheeks darkening as he realizes what he just did. "Your Highness."

Vanora looks mildly pale and settles deeper into the couches. "I believe the Duke is...that we should go ahead and begin the festivities while you've all enough light to see by." She nods to Valdemar.

Running a gauntleted hand along her neck Cora smiles warmly to Thorley, "Thank you Sir Thorley, it isn't that I think I am less than Swords or anything, I am just out of practice in spars. But thank you truly for the ecouraging words. I will do my best indeed and we shall see where it takes me. I simply meant I will be fighting very strong opponents is all."

Sparte glances over to Vanora at the mention of a concert hall, looking thoughtful. "I think Lady Saik has something like that built here in Arx. It doesn't see nearly as much use as she would like, as I recall." His attention goes briefly to Lord Niklas with a polite nod, then a respectful salute to Sir Jordan. "It is an excellent gathering. I hope the people who will train here find strength in our examples."

Jordan has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Nodding when Vanora announces that the Duke's delay will last longer, Valdemar tells those gathered in the sands, "It appears as if we are ready to start, then. May Gloria bless us all!" With this, he raises his axe in salute to his fellow combatants and takes up a position at the edge of the sands in a defensive stance.

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

"Ah-heh." Thorley offers, coughing a little. "Yeah, well, my manners were lacking. Too much time around training the pups over at the Blades." there's a small smirk at that. Though he glances at the idea of a concert hall. "A combat play." the knight opines. "Singing and fighting."

"Whenever I participate in a challenge I always send my champion in with some good advice. For instance, prior to his bout with Grandmaster Caspian, I suggested Sir Jeffeth use a two pronged assault of classic Valardin formalism and neo-Setarco dialetheistic rhetoric." Niklas make a dismayed face. "He didn't really listen to me and instead just hit the Grandmaster repeatedly with a hammer. Which did work, I suppose!" Caspian gets a broad, genuine grin. "You did the Duchess proud, though! Sir Jeffeth fought as our wedding present, so he wasn't allowed to lose. Otherwise our wedding might have ended in-" Niklas pauses. Has the decency to look awkward. Then to nobody in particular he says, "Connie had the biggest ears when we were growing up. One summer Renny and I convinced him that if he didn't wear a hat he might fly away. Elara tried to join in on the joke once, but then Connie pointed out that she had a big head. Which she did. Denholm once took us to a village of abandon who were bending the knee and they worshipped Elara because they thought her head was the moon come down from the sky." Niklas squeezes Sabella's hand, then brings it up and kisses her knuckles.

Eleyna watches the practice yard, a frown on her lips and her pale eyes narrowed into slits with an obvious expression of disgust, even anger. She takes a breath and, when she hears Niklas greet her, throws a lazy wave in his direction before she settles in to watch the fighting.

Jordan rises to his feet after a brief murmur to Bethany. He grins at her, lowering his faceplate as he steps on over to the sands. He spends a moment to look at Eleyna, considering her expression briefly, and then he's on to fighting in the pit, the mace drawn from the belt.

Aksel has been off to the side quietly awaiting for this start. Perhaps he's contemplating the tea bag, or maybe whiskey, it's hard to say. However, when things start to get underway, the Northman wields his greataxe, and gets ready to join into the battle.

"I'm surprised we still get invites to family dinner nights," Sabella says with a laugh as Niklas recounts those tales, leading him over to sit. "Or did you want to join them on the field?" She asks, "I haven't seen that sword I got you lately. Did you trade it for a banjo?" She smiles then at Vanora and nods to Sparte, "Lady Lucita has a lovely music room, it's true. We actually held the initial fundraiser and greeting for the Bard's College there."

Bethany exchanges a few words with Jordan before he goes to the field. The last thing he says to her is enough to get a soft laugh. Then she sits back down again, and arranges her skirts once more.

As the melee begins, Thorley finds himself side by side with Cora for a strike on Valdemar. After he scores a blow and one in return, the knight gives a grunt as Cora switches targets to draw away Jordan and gives a brief smile before he gives a curt nod of thanks. Another strike from Valdemar causes Thorley to step back for a moment and try to regain his bearings.

As things get started, Cora could see that nobody else was attacking Jordan, well this just would not do! Cora gives Jordan a respectful salute then focuses on him. Of course that drew the man's attention but now it is about getting at least one freaking hit on him, just one because damn that man can dance.

Apparently the Northman picks out Sparte to go after. Why? Who knows. But it's evident from the start that landing a blow on Sparte is going to be epically difficult. But, Aksel sticks with it, focused entirely upon the stick wielder taking a few lumps, even as his Axe doesn't find it's way through the other mans defense. Things aren't looking to be going in Aksels favor. Alas.

Sparte falls into a series of sparring exchanges with Aksel, the dull end of his staff making easy contact with his counterpart while doing minimal damage. Sparte grins at Aksel, giving the man a wink and banter for his trouble. "Did you hear about the blacksmith who started making boats?"

Initially attacking Thorley by way of a flank, Jordan turns suddenly to face Coraline. He salutes her back, raising a shield he had been given on his way into the battle royale. Unfortunately, he's a little slow, and she manages to hit him twice, though his armor mostly holds true for now.

Valdemar remains in that guarded stance as he wades into the fight with the others on the sands, keeping his greataxe low and ready to react to incoming blows. He squares off with one of his fellow Swords, Sir Thorley, first. Grinning at the other man, the Grimhall heir exchanges blows with him at first, before they begin a series of parries and dodges. Eventually, though, he takes a more aggressive approach toward his opponent and lands another solid strike before dropping back into that lowered, almost crouching stance. "Hopefully I won't end up knocked out, flat on my back, this time," he remarks, then lets out a laugh.

Bethany watches the fighting with the polite interest of someone who has absolutely no idea what she's supposed to be looking at, although some of he harder hits, the ones that really make noise, are enough to make her draw in a sharp breath.

Carita rises to rest her backside against the table as she watches Coraline and Jordan, her voice pitched for those left at the table with her, though it's apparent she's laughing about /something/ that's she's telling the table about.

Sparte grins at Aksel when he slips in another quality jab. "He was tired of working with low quality oar."

Sabella has joined the Bench 1.

Niklas has joined the Bench 1.

Whatever Carita is laughing about is also enough to get a brief smile out of Bethany.

Ford has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Barbara, the stalwart Stormward secretary, 4 Kennex corsairs leave, following Ford.

Niklas looks up as Ford leaves. "Oh, there's Barbara!"

Niklas looks back to Sabella. "Shit, Isabelle wanted me to give her a wedding invitation."

"Do tell," Aksel comments to Sparte as he circles his opponent studying him a long moment, before the next round of attacks are to be had. Apparently, Aksel needs to brush up on how to take down someone who's wielding a large ass stick. As good as Aksel is with his weapon, he's obviously no match for Sparte. He rolls his eyes at the punch line "That's a bad one", but still remains focused upon his opponent. Swing and a miss.

Jordan strikes swiftly in an attempt to press his advantage on Coraline. It seems that his steel armor is just as resilient as his diamondplate, because he's taken a few ugly hits and the armor still holds. With a sound of amusement, he rears back the mace and sends it slamming into Coraline's own armor, attempting to lift his shield to block her attacks - and failing, somewhat.

After that nice hit of Jordan's the first time around and getting some minor ones since, Cora has gone turtle, partway through the bout and she grins at his attempts to get inside her defenses, indeed her grin is showing she is enjoying the fight quite a bit, the bruises ignored, the hangover ignored, the tiredness ignored, no this is all battle!

Sabella watches the match, wincing and cheering every now and again, "I don't know how they manage to stay standing for so long."

It seems that Thorley and Valdemar are just pounding away at this point. The Westrock Sword may be in some of the lightest armor, but he's not letting it slow him down. Catching sight of Coraline in more trouble than it's probably worth, the knight calls out to the Princess. "Switch!" And with that, he moves immediately to protect Coraline.

Nodding to Thorley, Cora moves to go after Valdemar this time around, her grin just as strong.

Remaining squared off with Thorley, Valdemar continues to move his greataxe rapidly, managing to block much of the damage the knight's swings might have inflicted. Once more, though, whether due to impatience or misjudging his opponent, the Grimhall heir lets out a growl and begins to swing harder, and though he manages to catch the knight with a solid strike, he takes a bit of a harder one himself, causing him to fall back just a moment while his opponent moves to protect the Thraxian Princess.

Jordan nods once to Valdemar. "Looks like you and I are bound to be hitting the same target now, my Lord."

Caspian has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

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

"It looks that way, Sir Ober. Let's see if we can't clear a path here," Valdemar responds to the knight that now finds Thorley between him and his initial opponent.

Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 36 higher.

Thorley remains capable of fighting.

2 House Mazetti Aspirants, Marius arrive, following Giulio.

There's a faint smile on Giulio's face as he makes his way into the practice yard, conversing with his servant as he does so. Taking note of the melee, he moves so as not to distract the combatants, his guards following with him. Eleyna receives a respectful bow, as does Vanora. Sabella and Niklas receive smiles, a faint tilt of his head following.

Edward still sits with the Lady and the Archduchess, watching the proceedings. Occasionally talking to the pair from where he lounges or leaning over to speak more quietly with the Lady.

Eleyna gives Giulio a wave and a nod as he bows at her, a faint smile curving her lips. "Lord Giulio. How does the day find you?"

Giulio says, "+where/fi"

"This is lord Guilio Mazetti then. A pleasure I'm sure, I know we've been hoping to run into one another, and you've learned the trick, the perfect place to find me is at an event I am hosting. Come, join us, make yourself comfortable, grab a drink and see how the fighters fare." Vanora states

Carita's attention is snagged momentarily by the newcomer, her smile curling at some point, before her attention returns to the fighting at hand. Her backside had been resting on the table to watch the match more closely, but she pushes off of that to settle back in a seat.

"Well enough," Giulio says, with a tilt of his head towards the Archduchess. "I pray her Grace is well today?" And then, when Vanora addresses him, he replies, "So they've told me," a flash of a grin following. "I certainly hope I continue to believe it anyways," he adds, glibly, before nodding to Marius, who follows along behind h him as he walks towards where the Archduchess and hostess sit. Edward receives a polite bow, before he gestures to his secretary and factotum, who draws out an earthenware jug. Immediately afterwards, a brass flute is produced, into which a few fingers are poured for Giulio.

Taking a swallow, he nods to those present, before setting the jug in an accessible place. "Custom," he offers with a very Lycene smile.

"I am well." Eleyna eyes the jog produced and laughs a little. "You are a most accomodating man, Lord Giulio. Sybilla, fetch me a cup, darling. Only for you, Lord Giulio, will I break my usual custom of only drinking wine."

Sparte laughs as he trades parries with Aksel. "You have a good point but it doesn't seem to be giving you an edge." He pulls back for a moment, glancing over to the other combatants before returning his attention to Aksel. "I'm rusty, I'll need to practice the banter."

Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 47, rolling 17 higher.

Thorley remains capable of fighting.

Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 49, rolling 9 higher.

Thorley remains capable of fighting.

Aksel continues to foolish attack the man with the stick. He doesn't talk, just keeps coming and keeps taking hit after hit. "Fuck it," Aksel says after a serious blow to the head. His feet shift a bit, and instead of a more defensive stance, the Northman sacrifices defense to press the attack. And finally, Aksel is able to land a blow. Two even! "Finally,"

Focusing his attacks upon Thorley, Jordan doesn't waste any time in trying to land a hit or another, and finally put the Sword out of commission for the tournament. In turn, he's doing his level best to defend from the opponent's attacks, sidestepping and weaving his way out of the blows when he can. No laughter or commentary from the knight - just the breathing as he fights.

With a smile, Giulio bows his head towards Eleyna. "I will take that as the greatest of compliments, your Grace, on behalf of myself and my brewmaster," his lips twisting in a smile. Leaning in, he offers a few quiet words for Vanora, before nodding to Marius again. A few more tin cups are withdrawn and a few fingers poured for Vanora. Then, glancing towards Edward, Giulio asks, "Would you care for some Southern Thunder? 'tis a spiced pear liquor. It kicks like a mule, however."

How Thorley is still standing despite the damage he's taken is probably a pure testament to stubbornness. He may be facing two on one, but the Sword holds his ground, even with Coraline out of the fight. There's a thin line of his lips as he continues to defend, and get hit. But there's no turn about for now. Just a firm line that the knight is determined to hold.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery, Ailfryd, a tall, thin man with a haugty air arrive, following Saoirse.

Giulio has joined the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

As agreed, Valdemar works with Jordan to attack Thorley, and though he manages to land some blows on the older man, the knight remains on his feet, weathering the onslaught. Undeterred, the Grimhall heir presses on, a look of determination on his face at this point.

Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 67, rolling 3 lower.

Thorley checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 4 higher.

Thorley remains alive, but close to death.

Thorley is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

And the first one goes down. It takes several hits, but finally Thorley drops to a knee and then forward, one hand bracing in the sand. "Yield." he grunts, frustration clearly evident in his voice. Stronger armor, he may have held out longer.

"Oh, look, a messenger," says Niklas. There is no messenger. He holds up nothing and says, "Ah, it appears there's very important business we have to get to." There is no important business. "Well, Sabella, we'd best get to it." He gets to his feet and heads to the exit. "Thank you for the invite, Lady Vanora! Good people! Great conversation!" Then they're out.

Niklas has left the Bench 1.

Sabella has left the Bench 1.

2 Grayson House Guards, Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Clark, an exasperated guard leave, following Sabella.

Isabelle, who is just so tired of everyone's nonsense, 1 Grayson House Guards, Sabella leave, following Niklas.

When Thorley drops to one knee, Valdemar is in mid-swing, and so ends up striking near Sparte. Following that stray blow, he bows his head briefly in salute to the yielding knight, before turning to face Jordan, who appears in much better condition, directly.

Aksel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 52 higher.

Aksel remains capable of fighting.

With a new opponent now that Thorley is off the field, Valdemar begins to swing at Jordan, though he remains in a more defensive stance. A good thing, too, as the knight's blows come in strong, though none of them seem to catch enough to make a dent in the Grimhall heir's defense. So far.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery, Ailfryd, a tall, thin man with a haugty air leave, following Saoirse.

Aksel is a determined individual. Even as he takes the blows from Sparte, he's finally starting to find a grove and a way through the stick wielders defenses. A sharp thwap of the stick to his hand, though, causes Aksel to stagger a bit, and drop back into a more defensive stance. Maybe fatigue will be a factor. Only time will tell.

Sparte is showing a bit of fatigue himself, though the fighting is putting him in good spirits. He grins at Aksel for every hit given, but twice as wide for every hit taken. "Excellent form! I should spar with you again some time!"

Adam, A Young Apprentice, 4 Navegant Marines arrive, following Turo.

4 Navegant Marines have been dismissed.

Jordan changes tactics, shifting to a more defensive posture when fighting Valdemar. After a couple of light strikes, he finally hits his stride with a harder bash, turning the head of the mace sideways in order to swing it at the Grimhall Sword's torso.

It can't last forever, and before long, Valdemar takes a few shots from the knight he has squared up against. He is beginning to tire some, though he is not yet out of the fight, remaining in a low, defensive stance as he has throughout most of the melee.

Who knows what the hell Sparte and Aksel are doing. Sometimes they land blows, but either nothing is on them or their armor is super durable. Likely a little combination of both. Opening himself up a little, Aksel agressively stalks Sparte about the sands, not a care in the world about what's going on with the other two.

Sparte is getting himself a proper workout, but still has a broad grin for Aksel. Sure, the blows arn't knocking either of them down. His form is getting sloppy, but it shows he is having fun.

Valdemar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 2, rolling 47 higher.

Valdemar remains capable of fighting.

Jordan somehow works a powerful overhead strike to Valdemar's shoulder with the mace in the heat of their fighting, after taking an axe to the chest. The knight nods once to his opponent as he continues his onslaught.

Turo has been here the whole time. He's just been watching and cheering on the combatants. It's true. And he's vocally in support of the thorough beatings going on, too.

Turo has joined the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Carita has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Valdemar grunts when he takes a mace to the shoulder, but it is still not enough to stop the stubborn Mourning Islander. It does, however, prompt him to become much more aggressive, swinging his axe higher, and making it a little more difficult to bring it back around in time to block incoming blows.

Maxene, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat arrive, following Alarissa.

Valdemar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 19, rolling 31 higher.

Valdemar remains capable of fighting.

Alarissa moves back in to the Grimhall grounds, returned from whatever it is she was tending to. Spirits seem a little brighter as her eyes goes immediatly to those sparring.

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

Valdemar remains capable of fighting.

Bethany stands when Carita starts to leave and Turo arrives. Not that she's going anywhere. It seems to be nothing more than a polite gesture. She sits a moment after Turo does.

Valdemar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 62, rolling 22 lower.

Valdemar checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 29, rolling 31 higher.

Valdemar remains alive, but close to death.

Valdemar is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Jordan takes a hit after Valdemar's strike catches inbetween the pieces of his armor, and he hisses out in pain. Nodding to the Grimhall, he brings his mace up to an overhead blow and brings it down onto the man's chest to finish the fight.

Aksel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 31, rolling 28 higher.

Aksel remains capable of fighting.

Aksel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 41, rolling 35 higher.

Aksel remains capable of fighting.

As the knight's mace crashes into his chest, Valdemar has the wind knocked out of him, dropping him to a knee. Bowing his head in respect to the man, he then makes his way out of the sandy pit to go and catch his breath.

Carita rises from her seat at the tables with a sigh, her smile warm for both Turo and Bethany, with a few quiet words for the both of them, clearly delivered with fondness, before she rises to make her way toward the couches. "Lady Vanora," there's a sweetly dipped curtsy for those seated on the couches as a whole, but an extra one for Eleyna. "Archcuchess," comes respectfully before she turns her attention back on the Grimhall woman. "It was a lovely gathering, but alas, it's time for me to go." Those blue eyes of hers fall on each person residing, Edward, "Baron Stormbreak, charming as ever, no doubt," so as not to leave him out. Then, she smiles warmly Giulio's way, "I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to truly properly meet," but her hand is offered his way, palm down, "Lady Carita Darkwater."

The Archduchess inclines her head to Carita and gives her a reserved smile, "Lady Carita. It has been a lovely gathering. Thank you so much for hosting, Vanora."

Aksel and Sparte continue taking passes at one another. Blows strike against armor without doing any real damage. Still, Aksel presses, not looking at the least bit winded for the ordeal. At least not in comparrision of Sparte. So focused upon Sparte, that Aksel doesn't see the mace until its to late. However, as strong as that blow is, the Northman still stands. For how long, is anyones guess.

Those dark, coal-like orbs flit towards Carita's face and one eyelid shivers in a wink. Long fingers curve just beneath her palm and he brings the hand to his lips. The faint brush is dry, courtly even, his smile warm. "It is a pleasure," Giulio says, releasing her hand. "Lord Giulio Mazetti," he offers by way of introduction. "I hope we have time to acquaint ourselves better in the future."

Sparte changes to a purely defensive stance when Jordan enters the battle with Aksel, quickly backpedaling. He stops swinging altogether, only deflecting. He doesn't seem willing to continue striking at Aksel while Jordan is on the offensive.

There is a lift to his glass of rum for Carita and he smiles, "Good evening to you Lady Darkwater." he says smoothly, "Oh. Tomorrow. If you get time I will send word to meet with you. I have something to discuss. Have a good evening."

Cora having had to leave the fight early to take care of an urgant something or other cheers on those remaining, waves to everyone else and looks like she is about to follow Carita when she thinks of something and speaks quietly to Alarissa.

Vanora sits up further and applauds Valdemar as he comes off the field, making space for him on the green couches. "Oh thank you again for coming Carita, it's always a please to see you, I hope we will again. Thank you for the compliments...I was a hosting disaster I'm afraid but it all worked out well enough, and I've learned some key mistakes not to make again. It's been wonderful having this time to sit and truly talk, Eleyna, and I know we want more of those soon."

Aksel does turn to attack Jordan, though. Cause why not!

Aksel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 65, rolling 5 lower.

Aksel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 69 higher.

Aksel remains alive, but close to death.

Aksel is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

With Lord Grimhall coming from the pit Edward steps away to get a full pint of the mead and bring it back for him, "A good showing, Lord Valdemar, damn good showing." he looks into the pit and then back to the Lord Grimhall, "If you will excuse me. I am going to go help drag Aksel off the field."

Eleyna gives Vanora a look and nods with a smile on her lips, "Indeed it has." Then, the Grimhall heir is coming off the field and Eleyna hails him with obvious humor in her tone. "Valdemar! Well, done. You certainly are a glutton for punishment, aren't you? You need a drink." Eleyna declares with a look for Giulio.

Vanora has left the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Marius is already rising after the brief glance from Eleyna to his lord. A tin cup is withdrawn from the satchel he carries and an earthenware jug is poured with a stout slug of a liquor that smells like spiced pears. "M'lord, perhaps you would find this refreshing," he offers to the man. "'tis m'lord's Southern Thunder."

Giulio grins a little, before leaning into whisper something to Eleyna.

Once he is clear of the sparring pit, Valdemar makes his way toward the couches where his wife is sitting with some of their guests, a bit of a grin on his face. "Thank you, Baron Edward. It is the first time I have tried sparring in leather rather than steel. It is a bit easier to move around in, definitely," he responds to to his fellow Islander, before bowing to the Archduchess and adding, "And thank you as well, your Grace. Pain is just that...it passes, if you wait long enough. A drink would certainly be welcome, though."

Valdemar has joined the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

It's down to two. Jordan nods to Sparte after his exchanges with Aksel, focusing on the squire with his blows, then.

messengers means that Alarissa makes her way out again with a soft sigh as duty calls.

Maxene, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat leave, following Alarissa.

Carita's brows lift, "A letter? You're being mysterious," she tells Edward, before turning her attention back on Giulio. "I hope so as well," comes with a smile, her eyes tracking the hand that takes her own and the kiss that's offered before it falls away. There's, then, a warm squeeze of Vanora's shoudler before she makes her way out. There's a few steps taken backwards as she notices Coraline following her, so she can sink up with the Princess and walk along with her.

Finished speaking to Alarissa, and looking sadly at her tunic which she quickly changes out for her usual black silk, Cora gives a respectful bow to Vanora, "Beautifully done party, thank you." Giving a cheerful wave to everyone she turns to go with Carita.

Sparte lets out a little huffing sound, shaking his head. "Sir Ober... I was really enjoying that match. Then you go and make it look so easy."

Jordan laughs at that. "It wasn't easy at all, Sparte! I had to get through three people before it came to this!"

Well, if you had one strike later, then you have just won the prize. The strike to Aksel's chin drops the Northman flat on his back, obviously knocked cold. Thankfully though, there's Edward there helping pull him from the sands. This rouses the Northman enough as he shakes his head of the cobwebs, "Ah, Baron Edward. Long time."

Luna, the sweet, studious assistant, Coraline leave, following Carita.

Edward chuckles as he gets Aksel off the field, "Yeah. Our run ins should not be me dragging your ass around," he chuckles with some good humor and then he motions, "You good to stand? Everything okay?" he waves his hand in front of Aksel's face, "If so there's whiskey." he waits to help the large northman up onto his feet and ensure he is steady.

"Better then abysmal duckbears," Aksel comments as he starts to rise up. To say he's wobbley would be an under statement. Though, he manages not to fall over. The offer of whiskey though is certainly taken up. There would be something really wrong if he said no to whiskey.

Sybilla leans in to whisper something to Eleyna which makes the Archduchess sigh as she rises, "That is, unfortunately, my cue to return home before Talen sets something on fire. Excellent fight, Lord Valdemar. Lord Giulio, it's a pleasure as always." Then, with her retinue of guards in tow, Eleyna sees her way out.

Eleyna has left the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Sybilla, the Lenosian lady's maid, 13 House Velenosa Guards leave, following Eleyna.

"Worlds better than abyssal duckbears." Edward rubs his shoulder with the reminder and then he eases back from the man, "You're steady. Whiskey is over there." Edward points to the table, "If you fall over again just yell." he grins.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 92 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 54 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 79, rolling 29 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Bethany excuses herself after she notices Aksel fall -- or, eventually after she notices, anyway -- and goes to join him. "I believe I owe you an apology." She's smiling, though, and generally not looking all that apologetic.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 90, rolling 4 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 129, rolling 38 lower.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 83, rolling 33 higher.

Sparte remains alive, but close to death.

Sparte is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Jordan is dealing hit after hit at Sparte, and yet he doesn't fall! Until finally he takes a powerful hit that seems to lull him out of complacency, and then he laughs. A first, in the entire battle royale. "Good hit, Sparte. I'm seeing stars." For good measure, he retorts with a powerful overhead strike of his own.

Bethany has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Sparte gets hit, and gets hit, and comes back for more! It is a wonder he isn't dead yet, with the way he seems to consistantly set himself up for punishment. Then Jordan finally hits him hard enough to lay him out flat, and Sparte does not get up. He just lies there, silent for a few seconds - probably trying to remember how to breathe. Then out comes a barking laugh from Sparte. "That was fantastic! You hit like a goat the size of a cow!"

Turo has left the small blackwood table with low backed chairs.

Adam, A Young Apprentice leaves, following Turo.

Clapping, Giulio tilts his head towards Jordan. "Well fought, Sir Ober," he offers, with a flash of a grin, raising his brass flute in the man's direction. "Well fought indeed."

As the melee draws to a close, Valdemar stands up and applauds loudly. "Well done Sir Ober! And you, Sparte!" he calls out to the final two once he hears the laughter of the second man, "Thank you to everyone who took part in helping us to initiate our sparring ring, and to those who came to observe!"

Giulio is overheard praising Jordan: Excellently fought!

Giulio is overheard praising Sparte: A true test of endurance, well done!

Giulio is overheard praising Valdemar: Excellently fought!

Jordan laughs at Sparte's comment on his strength, offering a hand up for the man. "I keep hearing that. It was an amazing fight, though. Thanks everyone who took part in it," he calls out, before offering a bow to Valdemar. "It was my pleasure to help initiate the ring. It's got plenty of space and I look forward to seeing it get much use in the future."

Edward finally returns to the couches and then he claps for the Knight, "Good job Sir Ober." and then he smiles, "I knew that you would be one of the last two standing, Sparte." he sighs and then turns to take his glass of rum and finish it.

Sparte rises up with Jordan's help, taking off his helmet and shaking a bit of the sand out of it. He still has a big, idiot grin plastered on his face as he looks to Edward. "Very kind, but the one deserving of praise is the Sword I fought for the full of the match." Sparte gestures to Aksel. "His form was remarkable and his staying power exceptional. If Sir Ober had turned to face me rather than them first, well, It would have been him in the final standing. I would gladly practice with him again."

Edward has left the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

"As expected from the sworn protector and honor-warrior of House Nightgold," Jordan states to Sparte, nodding respectfully to Aksel. "Well fought, Sir Aksel. It was a pleasure to take to the sands with you."

Edward gives a nod, "Indeed. Aksel is as fine representative of his House." he glances to the fellow and then he hmms. With that said he turns from the group and then walks over to where the Lord Grimhall sits. He takes a moment to speak with him and then he turns, "And I think I have had enough excitement. Good evening."

Aksel takes a moment to respond to Bethany, perhaps he was more out of it then he let on. "Apology? What for?" He tilts his head towards Jodan, "Just Aksel will do. I haven't been knighted. And I look forward to our next tilt." He raises a glass of whiskey he didn't know he had first to Jordan, then to Sparte. "Good tilt, look forward to the next one."

Bethany steers Aksel very gently in the direction of somewhere where he can sit down before he falls over. "It looks like my favor didn't protect you. Maybe I should have gone with the ribbon." There's a playful note to her voice. Also, she might not understand how favors are supposed to work.

After a moment, Giulio moves to stand, a faint smile toying his lips. "Well fought, all. Well fought indeed." He offers a smile to the various duelists. "Master Sparte, we should talk sometime soon regarding our discussions. There are a few things you might find fascinating," he offers. "Your assistance with some of those pesky little word problems was... most pleasant." He offers a clap to Jordan's shoulder and a bow of his head.

With a nod to Valdemar, he says, "The Southern Thunder is a guest gift." And with that... he moves to depart.

Giulio has left the group of sea green couches embroidered with silver Grimhall crosses.

Aksel rubs his chin in consideration as he's lead to someplace to sit. "Naw, choosing to after the guy with a big stick and that moves like the wind was my fault." He gives a shrug of his shoulders, "But I next time we can always try a ribbon. But fuck if I know how this is supposed to work."

Sparte starts shaking sand out of the rest of his armor, after that knock on the sands there is a bit in just about all of it. He'll be a minute.

Bethany laughs. "Neither do I. You'd think, running a tea shop in the Valardin ward, I'd have picked something up by now." She looks up at the darkening sky. "Speaking of which, I should probably go back there to have a look at today's receipts. The last rush will have died down by now. Will you be alright?"

"Generally you wrap the ribbon to your wrist, under your armor," Jordan adds, helpfully, to Aksel. "Or a necklace, or anything that can be worn that the lady that favors you would like to bestow." He chuckles, flashing both something of a wry smile after that. "It was a fair attempt."

Aksel tilts his head to Jordan, "Ah, that's how that's supposed to work." He gives a shrug of his shoulders before turning to Bethany, "Now we know. And yep, I'll be good. Just give me a few more minutes to stop seeing triple of things, and I'll be right as freshly fallen snow." He takes a drink of the glass of whiskey, that'll help.

Bethany looks to Jordan. "Is that how it's done? I'll have to see about getting some ribbons embroidered." It's hard to tell how serious she is about that suggestion because of the mirth that threads through her voice. Aksel gets a more considering look. "Send me a messenger if you have trouble, and I'll see that you have a carriage home. Goodnight Master Nygard. Goodnight, Sir Ober." And with a last curtsy, she starts out.

"Goodnight, Master Nygard, Mistress Mercier," Jordan offers a nod to both as he removes his helmet and starts to walk out of the arena. Somewhat carefully. He got bruised pretty badly!

Sparte finishes shaking out his armor, picking up his staff off the ground and replacing it on his back. "I really enjoyed this cousin, so glad that you organized it."

"I am glad you could make it and take part, Cousin. It was good to see someone with Grimhall blood in the final pair," Valdemar answers Sparte, smiling briefly. He then takes another sip from the glass in his hand, "I hope you have been well?"

Sparte nods to Valdemar. "I have." Sparte glances over to Jordan, giving a small smile. "I'm squiring, currently... Though not to a single knight."

Valdemar glances over at Jordan as well as the winner of the melee prepares to depart. "Yes, I believe you mentioned something about that before, though not that you were squiring to more than one knight. Is it to the entire Order, or some other arrangement?" he asks curiously.

Sparte licks his lips. "Well... I went to Prince Ectorion first, asking for help in finding a way to learn about why others become knights. Understanding the paths they've chosen, and why. He helped me come up with a plan, to squire briefly under a series of knights. Thirteen is the goal, I'm... Still at the start."

"I see. That sounds like it could take some time, to go through thirteen different knights. Do they each need to decide you are ready for knighthood before you can move on to the next?" Valdemar asks, his gaze intent on his cousin.

Sparte licks his lips a second time. Then a third. He frowns, reaching up and poking at his lower lip a few times. "Huh..." He reaches for the small medical pouch on his belt, rummaging through it. "Sorry. Uh, well, more or less. I mean... They have to think I'm capable, or they won't take me on at all."

Valdemar watches him a moment, listening to what he has to say before nodding his head in understanding. "I hope it is going well for you. If there is anything that I, or house Grimhall, can do to help, I hope you will let us know," he replies, before going on to ask, "Are you alright, Sparte?"

Sparte blinks a few times at Valdemar. "I, uh... Oh! My lip, right." Sparte pulls out a small jar, carefully uncorking it. "I just got hit hard enough to make it start swelling. Didn't actually split the skin, though, so... Well, I'm not a mercy, but I'll figure it out... Or look really odd in the morning."