Tugging out of her helm, Carmen taps her boots at the entrance, kicking off small piles of snow. Her destination is an easy one as she takes long strides toward Silas and his people and gives each a quick, professional once over before smiling. "Lord Commander. Lieutenant Harol. Mind if I watch your training?"

It was spar day! And yet... it seems the snow has kept most of the senior officers away. The crowd which has gathered is mostly trainees, plus the Lord Commander, who looks exceptionally cold. "At least we're inside," Silas mutters. "And we can wear leather." He blinks when Carmen's voice reaches him, and he turns in her direction to address her, smiling. "Ah, Mistress Carmen - good to see you again." He dips his head to her. "You're to be our new Crimson Blade liaison, yes?"

Extending a hand to Silas with easy professionalism, Carmen answers, "If you'll have me. The Captain spoke high of you. I'm looking forward to it." Her gaze drifts to Lucita and Kenna, smile warming. "I'm a medic," she observes with an amused non sequitur.

No senior officer is Kenna, just an officer! An officer with ink on her fingers that she's trying to rub off on her pants as she skips in. "Lord Commander Baron Cousin," Kenna is way to happy to be wearing her armor and holding her Oathlands longsword in her hand. She grins at Carmen, "We can always use another medic among us - we tend to get banged up fairly often."

Lucita steps lightly into the training ring area, each step careful when it comes to any icy or snowy patches. She has her hands tucked into her cloak pockets, the fur lining keeping them warm. Her glance sweeps around the area and at her side are her guard dogs, Golden the hound and Gunther, the Rotty. Gunther's head comes up and the paws do a little excited dance for a moment till Lucita's hand on his head strokes gently and calms him down. "Someone you recognize there, Gunther? Been over a year and a half now." She murmurs to the animal softly then glances toward the others. "Mind a spectator to watch your spars?"

Silas gives the extended hand a firm shake. "Welcome onboard, Mistress Carmen. The Crimson Blades have been stalwart allies of the Iron Guard, and anyone who can stop us from bleeding out is appreciated." The smile widens even further when Kenna arrives and makes her own introduction. "This is my cousin Kenna, newly-promoted Officer of the Iron Guard and the keeper of our coin." He looks up, in Lucita's direction. "Baroness Saik! Long time no see. And we certainly don't mind." He approaches the noblewoman and her familiar canine, to bend down and give Gunther some pets. "Gunther's gotten big," he comments. There's a long pause, as he assesses who assembled. "Hmm. Anyone interested in a three versus one spar?"

3 Iron Guardsmen arrives, following Calaudrin.

With a twitch of her mouth, Carmen answers, "Who's the one?" The woman - strikingly, inordinately tall - tosses her helmet onto a bench. It's unclear if she's actually included in the offer, but it never hurts to be prepared. "A pleasure, Officer Kenna," is Carmen's cordial greeting to Kenna as she tips her head in respectful greeting to Lucita. "Is there banging up happening tonight? I thought this was the wine tasting."

Calaudrin wields an elegant griffin knight's redsteel longsword.

Calaudrin is definitely here, but he looks he has a cold. He brandishes his sword around to indicate he won't shoot people with arrows at the sparring day.

Kenna winks at Silas before bowing to the Baroness in greeting. "I think it is a fairly good prospect of three on one against //you// Silas. Considering you could probably beat us all without breaking a sweat." She glances towards Carmen and stage-whispers. "Banging before wine, it's the guard's way. We like to be fully aware for it."

3 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Esoka is here as well, with Calaudrin. "Do well!" she encourages/orders him with a clap on the shoulder, before finding a place to sit. Somewhere with good acoustics. A bright wave is offered to Kenna and Silas as she situates.

Esoka has joined the Benches.

"We'll do wine after we're finished. To nurse our wounds," Silas nods to Kenna and jerks his thumb back at himself. "I'll be the one. Because I'm masochistic." He peers at Calaudrin, and his sword. "You've been practicing, Cal?" His eyes flicker to Esoka, in the stands. "I might regret this..."

Lucita gives Silas a beguiling smile and murmurs to him. "It has been too long. I hope all has been well with you and the others. Gunther here has grown, more musxular and Dame Leola has been working with him diligently to see he is very well trained, as is Golden. I drop by the memorial wall or the Barracks sometimes and speak with Sparte, he is usually around there." She gives a warm smile and a cordial nod to the others

Silas wields silver hued rubicund long sword wrapped in carmine leather.

Kenna wields shadow of griffin wings edged in moonlight oathlands blade.

"I've always been able to wield a sword." Calaudrin sneezes into his elbow. "But why bother when everyone else is an expert?" Such a pragmatic guy. He waves to Esoka and makes 'I'm going to! Maybe' faces at her. Along with weighing hand motions.

Folding onto a bench, Carmen can't help but grin up at Kenna and Silas. "I'll get the snow." Her eyes, though, scan their weapons, assessingly, curiously.

Dash the Guard Corgi have been dismissed.

2 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Silas has joined the fighting grounds.

"You know, he's not afraid of me, he should be." Kenna swings her sword like she //actually// knows how to use it for once. She's been practicing enough to NOT stab people on accident. "Calaudrin, what do you think?.... are you sick? WHY are you here sick?" That is an abrupt aside to Calaudrin.

"Because I'm committed!" And Calaudrin doesn't know anything about germ theory.

Kenna has joined the fighting grounds.

Calaudrin has joined the fighting grounds.

Silas shrugs his shoulders when Calaudrin corrects him. "That makes sense. I've just never seen you use one, until now." He moves to take his spot in the center of the fighting ring. He unsheathes his rubicund blade, instead of the shinier one. Yes he's one of those edgelords with two blades on him. "Ah, dedication. This is why he's our Deputy Commander." He smirks at Kenna. "Show me what you got, cousin."

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

Lucita moves over to the benches to sit by the other person there. "This should be interesting to watch.

Esoka snorts at Calaudrin. Maybe it's a confident snort? "There's something going around the Lowers, I think. I've not felt in proper smashing form for a good week. Don't get me sicker!" He's safely over there for now, at least.

Carmen has joined the Benches.

Lucita has joined the Benches.

"So that's why Esoka's here?" Kenna stands on tiptoes to wave at the knight up there in the benches. "So she can carry your sad butt home after Silas wins against us all?" Shes way to chipper for someone about to get beaten up. Then she'll settle herself into a fighting crouch.

Carmen has left the Benches.

Carmen has joined the fighting grounds.

Carmen wields A steel reinforced longbow.

Kenna wields shadow of griffin wings edged in moonlight oathlands blade.

Reedy, a King's Own aide arrives, following Corban.

Carmen glances skeptically between herself, Cauladrin, Kenna and then Silas. She's not entirely certain of which group she's more skeptical.

Lucita says, "Baron Silas, three against one? I'd volunteer to help even things out if you wished.""

"It's fine!" Silas calls to Lucita. "But if you want to join in the next fight, Baroness, I'd be more than happy to see you fight!"

Carmen checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 18 higher.

Carmen remains capable of fighting.

Carmen has rolled a critical success!
Carmen checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 27, rolling 103 higher.

Carmen remains capable of fighting.

Kenna checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 41, rolling 6 higher.

Kenna remains capable of fighting.

Kenna checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 56, rolling 8 lower.

Kenna checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 51 higher.

Kenna remains alive, but close to death.

Kenna is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

1 Saik Guard have been dismissed.

Micana have been dismissed.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound have been dismissed.

Gunther, a Rottweiler have been dismissed.

So sure, Calaudrin can wield a sword. Can he do it well? Not really. He does a whole bunch of swinging the blade around to try and hit Silace, which does. Kind of. Now and again, not that it amounts to much. There's also the one time where he stops to sneeze into a handkerchief and gets solidly whacked. "OW." He starts muttering under his breath and returns to the batttle.

The armor is for show. Carmen's first rule is: don't get hit. Silas, however, is having none of it. His focus on Calaudrin lets her get in a few scoring arrows, which unfortunately seems to draw his attention. Ow. Kenna's protection staves off the worst. So Carmen anchors herself into a corner of the ring and launches another true arrow at Silas. She smirks, already knowing she's going to feel this later.

Esoka stands up to scream, "COME ON!" at Calaudrin. It's not really cheering. But it's loud.

Kenna is cheerful right up until the fight starts, then she's //focused// and at attention. She isn't being aggressive and stays at the edge of the fight focusing on protecting Carmen, dancing in to try to land a hit on Silas but never //quite// managing anything but hitting the air about him. That doesn't stop HER from getting whacked solidly more than once, the last time being just a graze that manages to knock the breath out of her and causes her to drop her sword. There's a light curse as she holds her hand up - "I yield!" She bends to pick up her sword and goes to move away from the fight, rubbing at her chest. Ow.

Kenna has left the fighting grounds.

Silas assesses the three encircling him for a long moment, before he takes the initiative and strikes out at Calaudrin! Out of curiosity, and because he was the swordfighter that -wasn't- his kin. They tussle, and Calaudrin even manages to catch the Lord Commander off guard! He looks impressed, until two arrows suddenly lodge into the nooks of his armor. "Ow," he murmurs. Kenna then moves to guard Cal from his wrath, and Silas takes the opportunity to zero in on Carmen instead. "Archers first is always a good strategy!" He shouts, and bounds after Carmen like an over-enthusiastic dog. A dog with a sword. The clumsiness seems to be a ruse, though, and his sword strikes land true and hard. Until Kenna steps in front of Carmen and takes the blows instead. He attempts to go around his cousin, but she seems adamant in intercepting his blade. He holds back, but there is only so much he can do, and he seems relieved when she finally yields. "Well fought, Kenna!"

Carmen checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 47, rolling 7 lower.

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

Carmen remains alive, but close to death.

Carmen is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Kenna has joined the Benches.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound have been dismissed.

Gunther, a Rottweiler have been dismissed.

Kenna yields and Carmen swears loudly. She has her fingers on the arrow. It's notched. She - fuck. Nope. Too slow. There's Silas, and she is down, laughing and cursing. Carmen doesn't even bother, holding up her bow with a muttered, "Yield, yield, yield, yield." The look she shoots Silas is dearly amused.

Calaudrin is rubbing his face when other people get knocked out and suddenly Silas' focus is on him again. "Ow! What, ugh!" He brandishes his sword again, letting his armor take the beating for him. He's too distracted to yell back at Esoka telling him to do better. His focus is entirely on not letting Silas break his nose. But he's got a cold and he smokes (and drinks) too much. So he starts to look a little tired there.

Lucita says, "Still got some of that whiskey you did not finish off in Granato if you want some." She calls out toward Calaudrin. "At least I think there is some left."

Kenna checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Indeed, with the Kennashield now down, there was nothing separating Silas from his initial prey. He offers an apologetic smile, and brings the last blow down on Carmen's shoulder. He recoils when she yields. "You did well! If you hit me again..." Silas trails off, and turns to re-fixate his attention on his initial target. "Here I come, Cal!" Silas doesn't really hold back when it comes to fighting his Deputy Commander. Poor, poor Cal.

"CARMEN!" Kenna calls from up on the benches, "Come join us!"

Carmen has left the fighting grounds.

Calaudrin checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 4, rolling 77 higher.

Calaudrin remains capable of fighting.

Calaudrin checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 41, rolling 36 higher.

Calaudrin remains capable of fighting.

Calaudrin checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 57, rolling 33 higher.

Calaudrin remains capable of fighting.

"Coming, coming," Carmen grumbles good-naturedly to Kenna as she rolls out of the ring and joins the spectators. She squeezes the woman fondly on the knee as she eases onto the bench. "Thanks for being the sacrificial sheep. Owe you a drink, meat shield."

Lucita says, "Just point me to where you wish me to be. I'm just an extra here, M'Lord." She grins a little. "I'll even just be a bench warmer if you so wish."

Carmen has joined the Benches.

Calaudrin checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 105, rolling 12 lower.

Calaudrin checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 64, rolling 11 higher.

Calaudrin remains alive, but close to death.

Calaudrin is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Calaudrin tries to get in more than glancing blows numerous times, but they all seem to fall off of Silas armor. He makes many grumbly complaints, but more obnoxiously he seems to shrug off very painful hits for a signifiant amount of time. At forty, he's apparently just too old and crusty to die without a lot of effort. He's probably been promoted because he outlived other people. But finally one blow comes that's hard enough to have his ears ringing and he holds up the sword. "I yield, I yield. I'm using the damn bow next round."

Esoka stays on her feet to yell some more at Calaudrin while he rings his way to the end of that fight. "You got hit many times before yielding!" It's a compliment. Of sorts. She pats the steel blade at her belt, considering. "Are you lot having another go? I'd not mind taking the ring tonight."

Silas keeps whaling on Calaudrin and seems slightly worried when it appears the older man just won't fall down. He doesn't seem to make much more progress in harming Silas, either. "Damn, Cal, dying in the training yard doesn't seem very... you." Thankfully, Cal does not decide to die, and he breathes another relieved sigh. "Take the rest of the day off, Lieutenant. Hopefully you can defeat that cold of yours."

Corban makes his way on into the Training Center, just coming onto the last bit of the battle amongst the Iron Guard and others. "You are headed into the ring, Dame Esoka?" asks the First Captain of the King's Own, patting his rubicund blade by his side. "Well, if you are, then I should rather enjoy fighting alongside you. If you do not mind."

Esoka has left the Benches.

Kenna has left the Benches.

Carmen has left the Benches.

Lucita has left the Benches.

Oh, another go? That's a thing? Kenna's bouncing to her feet again, "I'm down!" She glances at Carmen, "You want in? I'm always down to have my arse kicked again." This time she does adjust her armor though. Live and learn!

Lucita i

Silas looks up to Esoka, then to Corban when he emerges. "Aha! Hello, First Captain. Just what we need." He looks from him, to Esoka, to Carmen. "Why don't we have an Iron Guard versus King's Own, the Faith, and the Crimson Blades bout? It will give us all a thorough work-out." His excitement is building, and it's clear in his voice. "You can join us, Baroness Saik."

Lucita wields Ember Reckoning, a rubicund dagger.

Dash the Guard Corgi have been dismissed.

2 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Lucita chuckles softly. "Join the Iron Guard side. Alright. I'll give it a try." She looks aside. "This is something Esta would never do, spar me, afraid he would hurt me."

Distracted momentarily by Esoka and Corban, Carmen snaps a smile back down to Kenna and twists her bow. "Sounds like. Sorry in advance." Then she moves to join Corban. "First Captain. Don't believe we've met - Lieutenant Carmen Harol. I'll be your archery support today."

Lucita has joined the fighting grounds.

Carmen has joined the fighting grounds.

Kenna has joined the fighting grounds.

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

Corban wields heart of The Telmarch Oathlands redsteel blade.

Esoka reaches over to clap Corban onm the shoulder. And Carmen as well. Her companions! "Don't worry, my heart," she says with a flashing smile to Calaudrin. "I like you functional, so this'll not be too bad." She offers the lot of them a knight's salute, and squares up.

Lucita edges around the group, not accustomed to sparring in a group and it shows but she focuses and selects a target, weilding her dagger.

An arrow notched but bow lowered, Carmen looks at Corban and then her four opponents opposite. She exhales and digs in a heel, defensively.

Calaudrin wields Iron Shooter, a recurve longbow of alaricite and walnut.

Lucita has left the fighting grounds.

1 Saik Guard have been dismissed.

Micana have been dismissed.

Kenna checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 3, rolling 55 higher.

Kenna remains capable of fighting.

1 Saik Guard have been dismissed.

Micana have been dismissed.

Esoka wields Riversblood.

Kenna checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 35 higher.

Kenna remains capable of fighting.

Kenna checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 140, rolling 97 lower.

Kenna checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 92, rolling 30 lower.

Kenna is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Kenna steps beside Calaudrin, putting herself in front of their archer. Meat Shield Engaged! At first she's striking towards Corban and making absolutely no effect. So she then switches to Esoka, also making no effect. Several blows in and Kenna gets knocked flat on her ass with a dazed look. "Ow." A tiny word, before she's holding up a hand, "I'm yielding. Yup." Slowly she rolls over to push herself up and move out of the fighting. "Good luck team Silas!"

Kenna has left the fighting grounds.

"Kenna stop standing in front of me that's why I wear armor!" Calaudrin grouches at Kenna and then she's yielding. He sighs and steps back, attempting to at least get of range of people who want to hit him. Like his wife. That he shot with a bow multiple times. AH HEM.

And then they clashed! Silas does his best to protect his cousin from Carmen's dastardly arrows, but has middling success. He decides if he can't get in Carmen's way, he'll have to go on the offense, and redirects his attention from Corban to her. All the while doing his best to avoid the blows of the other knight. Initially, he manages to do so, but Corban gets a good hit on him which ruins his own attack, and Kenna goes down! "Noooo," he whines.

Carmen is the (height-wise) biggest target on the field, and oh, did she get some good hits in on Silas in that last fight. With Corban and Esoka dealing with problems of their own, there is nothing the archer can do when, after her first quick shots against Kenna land true, Silas gets back to her. She retreats steadily on the ring's perimeter, dodging and ducking to get off arrows that skitter uselessly against Silas's armor.

Silas does his best to make sure that Carmen is protected, but Silas keeps seeming to get around his defenses. But the plus side is when he manages to strike Silas hard, taking very little in return. So, in general, the First Captain is holding his own on the battle thus far.

"Your armor isn't as good as your wife!" Kenna calls back as she limps herself over to a bench and settles herself upon it. Off comes armor, one piece at a time. The bruises are already starting to grow and she whistles lightly to herself. "Dannngggg... That is going to //hurt// tomorrow..."

Lucita tries to ease in and use her dagger to the best of her ability, usually just scratching or bouncing off Corban's armor as he seems almost impervious to her efforts. It is with a degree of surprise she manages to find a target and connects. Her eyes widen and she goes back to keeping her mouth shut and her attention on her team and her opponants.

Carmen checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 87, rolling 39 lower.

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

Carmen remains alive, but close to death.

Carmen is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Esoka keeps /trying/ to hit Calaudrin. With her bare fists, at times! But she can't quite get through Kenna's guarding of him. So, her blows are directed to the Whitehawk, until the woman yields. "Good fight, Lady Kenna!" She gets down to business now. Attempting to pummel Calaudrin again. Mostly with her sword.

Esoka keeps trying to hit him and Calaudrin starts to laugh. Then he starts to cough. Then he has to take a breather, don't mind him. He'll be fine. It's just a cold.

Carmen's eyes flash with humor and friendly fury as she stares down Silas. "Screw you," she grits out before he soundly plunks her. The woman drops like a stone. She pounds her fist twice on the ground. That'll have to do for a yield call.

Silas finally manages to get to Carmen, partially due to Calaudrin taking aim at Corban. Breath labored, he pauses to give her a salute. "Well done, Mistress Carmen. You turned my cousin into a pin cushion." He then pivots... and engages Corban again.

2 Whitehawk Guards, Cabbit, a nub-tailed tabby kitten arrive, following Bedivere.

Corban mutters to himself, doing his best to hold Carmen, but ultimately unable to keep her from going down. And then Calaudrin manages to slip under his defenses, and he turns, re-directing himself on Silas.

Lucita edges around the opponants and gives a respectful nod to Carmen as she leaves the spar. She never loses eye contact with her opponant.

"He does that to all of us." Kenna calls out to Carmen, attempting to be comforting. Pushing herself up from her seat she's going to go dig about until, "AHAH. Wine." A bottle gets brandished not unlike she did her sword earlier, before it gets opened and offered to Carmen. Who needs cups? The two women can empty this together! "What do you think?"

With his guard detail of a couple men with Whitehawk sigils on their armor and a nub-tailed cat on his nub-ended arm (the right one), Lord Bedivere Whitehawk shows up with his left/whole hand petting down the very back of The Cabbit and heads direct for the more-peaceful benches upon which he sits down and then apparently offers the Whitehawk guards to do so, too. Cabbit totally purrs!

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 105 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Bedivere has joined the Benches.

Carmen has left the fighting grounds.

Carmen has joined the Benches.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 67 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 57 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Carmen drops back down alongside Kenna and accepts the drink without hesitation. "You weren't joking. How's your shoulder? You're a tough bird to bring down, Officer." Picking at the pins holding back her hair, Carmen lets her braid fall to her shoulder with a quick shake of her head. "I'm off-duty."

"Uncle!" Kenna calls out to the eldest Whitehawk, Bedivere. The call is towards two women who look like they've been beaten. So much beating. She rolls her shoulder carefully, and just smiles ruefully, "It'll feel better after I lay in some warm water for a while. Esoka doesn't joke around when she hits you. How about you? Silas doesn't pull his hits."

Kenna is overheard praising Esoka: She hits HARD.

Kenna is overheard praising Silas: Ow.

Kenna is overheard praising Carmen: Arrows are hard to dodge!

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 36 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Kenna is overheard praising Calaudrin: Get 'em boss!

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 65, rolling 8 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Kenna is overheard praising Corban: Dang, he can take a HIT.

Bedivere stands up, and Cabbit paw waves (with the Lord's assistance) toward yonder Kenna. "Hallo!" says he with a slight smile before he sits back down, since he is less capable than the center's medics who run around all over.

Kenna is overheard praising Lucita: I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to go in with only a dagger.

Tossing back a swig of wine, Carmen says, wiping her bottom lip with her thumb. "Like a dog with a bone. Wouldn't mind seeing him and my Captain go at it, though. Last time he and I scraped, he got me into a hold and - shit you not - lifted me in the air like a dead fish." Carmen stretches out her long arms, bottle still held in one, to demonstrate as her attention turns to Bedivere with a friendly smile. "Here for the show?"

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 70, rolling 3 lower.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 36, rolling 18 higher.

Corban remains alive, but close to death.

Corban is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

"Harlex, right?" Kenna digs through hre brain of proclamations and pulls that one out. "We've only talked briefly but he seems like he could take down an ox with his bare hands." There is wine being passed back and forth, "This is Lord Bedivere Whitehawk - the only sane man in all of our Barony."

"Ugh, go down." Calaudrin mutters as he continually plunks arrows at the hard spots in Corban's armor. He wants to wear him out obviously, not kill him. Plunk. Plunk. Plunk. Ka thunk. Bonk. Ping. Ding.

Lucita blinks as Corban goes down and reaches up one hand to brush a few beads of sweat from her brow. When done she turns toward Esoka, bows a little and begins to ease in, keeping an eye out to avoid getting in her team mate's way and to get close enough to begin what her teacher used to call many many parchment cuts and once in a while a splinter or deeper nick.

For a bit, it seems like they're at a stalemate. Silas finds a formidable opponent in the First Captain, and even if he was at full health, they would likely be almost evenly matched. What turns the fight in his favor is, of course, the exceptionally skilled - even if sick - archer on his side. When the arrows inevitably land on the fleshy bits, and it's apparent Corban can't go on, Silas stops to offer him a good-natured salute. "Wonderful fighting, First Captain!"

Esoka makes a "Phah!" sound as Corban quits the field, offering him a parting knight's salute. For her part, she keeps whacking away at Silas and Calaudrin. In a friendly fashion! Not that it still doesn't bruise.

"Harlex," Carmen agrees, opening her mouth to continue only to look more closely to Bedivere, green eyes instantly more alert. "Lord Bedivere? You wrote me." Recollecting herself and distracted by Corban's fall, Carmen continues, "Lucky meeting this. It's a good scrap."

Lucita is overheard praising Corban: well fought

Bedivere stands up once more at Kenna's intro. Cabbit the nub-tailed kitten does not seem to really mind, laying along the right arm of the Whitehawk lord and purring away whilst carefully cradled with the man's left hand during a deep bow to the present people. He stands up once more and pets down the purring feline's back then nods once to Carmen. "Not only that, but then my amazing family is here. Well, two of them." He nods over at Silas and Kenna, then he looks back to Carmen. "Ah yes, you must be the one who wished to talk concerning leadership techniques? It is good to meet you."

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger arrives, following Sparte.

Esoka has rolled a critical success!
Esoka checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 29, rolling 213 higher.

Esoka remains capable of fighting.

Esoka checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 79, rolling 5 lower.

Esoka checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 52 higher.

Esoka remains alive, but close to death.

Esoka is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Kenna winces as Corban goes down. "Owww. Oh, I don't know if Esoka can take on all three of them..." She trails off as she reaches out to take up wine and lift it to her lips. As she bumps Bedivere playfully on the shoulder. "So cabbit has decided to adopt you, huh?"

"I am. Lieutenant Carmen Harol with the Crimson Blades," Carmen offers, moving to extend a hand in greeting only to notice the cat and pause, clearly unsure what to do with a fancy folk who wanders around with a cat on his arm. She opts to sneak the wine back from Kenna for another swig. To Kenna, she explains, "Trying to find some mentors on leadership and motivating squads. Your uncle was kind enough to reach out. Heard some great things about him." Another smile to Bedivere. "Hope you're still interested."

Esoka certainly /tries/ to take all three of them at once. It involves a lot of whirling and bashing and elbow work. Eventually, though, the collective blows send her sprawling. She grunts. Propping herself upright. And raising a hand to gesture to Calaudrin. Come down here, you.

When up against other masterswordpeople, rely on the archer, is Silas's ongoing strategy. He does little more than distract Esoka while her husband continues to fire her, and Lucita continues to jab at her from her other side. Silas immediately stops advancing when Disciple of Gloria can't go any further, and bows respectfully. "Spectacular swordplay, Dame Greenblood, per usual." Silas grins.

"Oh dang." Kenna breaths out when Esoka goes down under the combined onslaught, even as she raises a hand to shout, "GO SILAS!" #familypride. Back to the other people who are out, Bedivere and Carmen. "You don't get a better teacher on that then Bedivere, all of Whitehawk's soldiers adore him."

Lucita is overheard praising Esoka: Being dodgy is good and she held up to three against one for a while!

Lucita is overheard praising Kenna: Nicely fought

Silas is overheard praising Carmen.

Silas is overheard praising Corban.

Silas is overheard praising Esoka.

Silas is overheard praising Kenna.

Silas is overheard praising Lucita.

Lucita is overheard praising Silas: Tough man! Two spars!

"Do better, she said! Ha!" But Calaudrin does indeed come over to Esoka and offer his hand. And he clears his throat and catches his breath. Ugh, being alive is hard.

Lucita is overheard praising Carmen: well fought!

Silas is overheard praising Calaudrin.

Carmen slips two fingers into her mouth and gives a shrill whistle for the fighters, standing and fallen. "Alcohol is this way!" she calls over. Then she looks back to Kenna and Bedivere, grinning. "Good to know."

Lucita is overheard praising Calaudrin: Many many arrows shot and many hitting their targets!

Sparte steps into the Training Grounds in the midst of a discussion with Wilhelm, "-is just horrible when you think about it. You wouldn't eat it if it came out of a dog, certainly wouldn't spread it on your bread or put it in your tea." Sparte gives a small shudder at the notion before pausing to look around. Just missed a proper spar, he can't help but be a little disappointed.

"That /was/ better," Esoka tells Calaudrin, in a grudging and grumbly sort of way as she takes his hand up. She uses the momentum she gets from it to propel herself into his face, to kiss him soundly.

Something about the presence of Cabbit and Family brings a smile to Bedivere, despite how rare that is to see. "Lady Tabitha said she was looking after Princess Muffin, so I am watching out for him for a time now. I do not mean to take away her beloved feline, of course. He is still hers, even if we have an everlasting friendship. Thank you for those kind words." says he to Kenna. Then, to Carmen, he nods once. "I am. It is good to meet you in actual person, Lieutenant Carmen. I have heard good things about the Crimson Blades."

Kenna is overheard praising Esoka: Kissing Calaudrin in public!

Lucita turns toward the others once the spar is over, checking her dagger blade and then cleanig it and slipping it into the sheath. Once done and the heat of the spar is over, the wintery cold bites in again and she shivers a little and pulls her cloak around her more snugly. "Thank you for letting me participate in that with you."

"You aim well for a sick guy, Cal," Silas asides and relieves a crick in his shoulder. It is clear he is tempted by Carmen's call for alcohol, and he ambles over in his clunky suit of armor. "Hey uncle. Got to see me get clobbered?" He spots the approaching Sparte in the corner of his eye and waves. "Sparte! You missed the big fight, sorry."

Silas stops and turns to Lucita, offering an informal bow. "Thank you for joining the fight, Lucita. You did exceptionally well." He cants his head. "I think people make the mistake of underestimating you.:

"You're going to get-" Calaudrin doesn't really get any of that out. It's probably 'you're going to get sick' but he doesn't bother to fight off Esoka's public displays of affection. Sorry everyone! He squeezes his arms around her and then lets go with an 'oof'. "Lets get drinks, I think I'm going to need them."

Kenna sticks her fingers in her mouth and whistles loudly for the Esoka/Calaudrin kiss. It's the piercing whistle that is so high pitched it makes the ears ring after. "Sparte! You're alive!" That said as Kenna pops from her seat and moves to try to hug Sparte. Because it's what she ~does~.

Eying Silas's approach, Carmen digs into her bag and yanks out a partially full bottle of whiskey. She offers it to him with a grand gesture. "Be honored to share some with you, Lord Commander. Thanks for the friendly welcome party." With a more professional assessment, Carmen scans the others ambling over from the ring. "Any hurts anyone needs looked at? I'm your new liaison from the Crimson Blades and handy with needle and thread, at least where skin is concerned."

Esoka uses more tongue in her public display of affection than anyone (but possibly Calaudrin) needs or wants to see. But, she's a forceful sort of woman. "Yes! Drinks!" she hollers happily with the wave of an arm. "Good fighting, Lord Silas, Lady Lucita! That was most bracing!" She'll fade into the night, with that.

Sparte makes his way over, throwing a salute to Silas chased with a grin. "Quite alright sir, I'll just have to make up for it at the next one." Then suddenly there is a Kenna and Sparte is giving a small yelp of surprise as the huggening happens. "Oh, uh, alive, yep." Sparte gives Kenna an awkward pat on the back.

Bedivere pipes up, "Greetings, my Favorite Nephew." says he with a little grin because Silas is his only nephew, but all the words are fondly spoken anyway. "Looks like quite a few of you clobbered each other." Cabbit waves to Sparte with Bedivere's help. No thinking about that particular riddle recently spake! "Guardsman Sparte." says he before looking to Carmen and nodding to her.

Esoka is overheard praising Silas.

Calaudrin is overheard praising Kenna: Constantly in the way, but it's appreciated!

Lucita chuckles softly. "M'Lord, Esta wanted me able to defend myself a little, at least to try, not stand there wringing my hands and crying 'help me, s.a.a.av.v.v.e.e. me!' and I'm too weak to do much with bigger weapons. It does come in handy though. I managed to help kill a crocodile once with it though that was so very messy."

Calaudrin is overheard praising Silas: Good showing. I'll stick with the bow, I guess. Maybe.

Silas winces slightly, but accepts Carmen's offer of whiskey. He takes a single long swig, wipes at his mouth, and hands it back. "Thank you, Mistress Carmen. Yes, welcome to the Iron Guard." He looks up to Bedivere and nods. "That's how it usually goes." There's a thoughtful pause from now, as he regards Sparte. "Come to think of it, we never sparred, have we Sparte?"

That's Kenna, master of the awkward why-are-you-doing-this-to-me hug. "Good. Cuz I got something to ask you quick," and then she's lowering her voice to get a word in quick.

"Get some rest, Cal!" Silas commands yet again.

Sparte thinks for a little while at the question, slowly shaking his head to Silas. "I don't think we have sir, but..." Sparte squints a bit, looking to Kenna with a raised eyebrow. "Oh blooming turtles." Sparte leans in to say something quietly to Kenna in response.

Standing and straightening, Carmen takes back the whiskey and slides it into her bag. "Looking forward to working with you more. I should get some snow myself. You whacked me good a few times." Offering a general wave to the crew still gathered, Carmen adds, "Thanks for letting me join in."

Kenna beams at Carmen, "It was good to meet you! I'm looking forward to seeing you about more."

Silas waves to Carmen when she starts her departure. "Thank you for the fun, Mistress Carmen! Be well and stay warm." He looks back to Sparte. "Well, now's the time..." He blinks. "Blooming turtles? Where?"

Walking backwards a few paces to grin down to Kenna, Carmen says, "Likewise, Officer. Still owe you that drink."

Carmen has left the Benches.

Cabbit (and Bedivere) wave(s) goodbye to Carmen.

Sparte smiles at Carmen as she goes to head out, lifting a parting wave for the almost meeting. Attention back to Silas, Sparte gives a nod of understanding. "Just a turn of phrase, Officer Kenna said something I wasn't expecting. Should I use my staff or get something off the rack?"

Lucita glances toward Bedivere and gives a beguiling smile. "Nice to see one of Baron Silas's family. I'm Baroness-Regent Lucita Saik.

Bedivere has left the Benches.

"Oh, right!" Lucita reminds Silas, and he gets to a proper introduction. He turns to gesture to Bedivere. "This is my uncle, Lord Bedivere. Uncle, Baroness Lucita Saik is a family friend." He nods firmly, and turns his attention back to Sparte. "Use your staff. I'll be using my sword."

Bedivere steps down from the benches area to meet up with the Baroness Saik, with Cabbit the nub-tailed kitten on his nub-wristed arm. "Thank you, Nephew." says the older Whitehawk befor turning back to Lucita, "It is good to meet you and to know you. House Saik is of the Hundred Cities, yes?"

Kenna looks mildly sheepish when Silas remarks on Sparte's words. "Sometimes I just ask Sparte strange things out of no-where. Usually he isn't phased by them. I'm just going to, you know," and she vaguely gestures towards the bench by Bedivere. "Uncle, why don't I take Cabbit and you get in on that?" SPARRING.

Lucita inclines her head and as a warm smile comes to her lips. "Yes. Saikland Greens is one of the more distant holdings, about half way up the long finger of a bay between the city of Tor and Ostria. A river at the top of the bay leads up into Valardin territory. I'll be having to make a trip back there before too long."

Calaudrin has left the fighting grounds.

3 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Sparte glances over, grinning with recognition at Lucita and Bedivere. He lifts a hand with a brief wave before getting out his staff and making his way over to the training area.

Sparte wields Knothole Stave.

Sparte has joined the fighting grounds.

Silas approaches the fighting ring again. "Anyone is free to join us," he chimes in reply to Kenna and Bedivere. "Though I can't promise I'll hold back." His gaze alights on Sparte again and he grins.

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

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

Reese arrives in the training center while adorned in lots of pink and while toting lots of weapons. She glances over the area, trying to get a feel for things here.

Lucita lifts her hand to wave in return to Sparte and then turns so she can keep an eye on the spar. She is standing near Bedivere and speaking to him as the spar starts.

a Northern woman in full leathers with a wolf headdress arrives, delivering a message to Lucita before departing.

To Kenna, Bedivere mentions, "I do not spar much these days. I used to be an impressive fighter, but then, you know. You can hold Cabbit if you want to, though, so he can have a break from me." He carefully offers the nubby kitty atop his nubby arm toward Kenna, careful to help steady him with a whole hand, too. Bedivere first nods to Sparte, then does so Silas. He soon tells Lucita, "Ah, I have heard much about Tor but not as much about Ostria. I hope all goes well on your trip back. I should visit Hawkhold soon and make sure we have the defenses situated post Lodge."

a Northern woman in full leathers with a wolf headdress arrives, delivering a message to Lucita before departing.

Lucita is overheard praising Rowenova: such a thoughtful protege! She sent me candy.

Kenna doesn't take Cabbit from Bedivere, though she does rub the cat's ears briefly. "It's okay, if you're not going to spar you can keep her. I'm sure she prefers your arms."

Lucita looks at the cat with interest. "Some can be so affectionate, and some are so very independant.

Reese has a gentle smile for Lucita that reaches her blue eyes. She then smiles to Kenna and Sparte as well. She looks toward the fight in progress seemingly curious about such. She doesn't seem to know Bedivere, but he gets a smile as well. "Greetings all."

Bedivere brings Cabbit close but steps to where Kenna and Lucita can pet the nubby-tailed kitten if they would like to. Cabbit seems to be pretty relaxed, purring profusely, and leaning sideways into any wayward fingers about his triangular ears. Bedivere just supports him, so he can soak up All The Love. "Yeah, I do train to keep what I have left of me going, but more privately these days." He peeks over to Reese, "Hello." says he.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 0, rolling 69 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 66 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 43 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 39, rolling 56 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 44 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Lucita does the honors with the introductions. "Princess Reese Grayson, this is Lord Bedivere Whitehawk, Uncle to Baron Silas Whitehawk." She gives a little smile. "Lord Bedivere, this is the renouned Princess Reese Grayson.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 79, rolling 30 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Kenna beams at Reese, bowing to her, but her attention keeps getting caught up in the fight between Silas and Sparte. Her mouth might be handing open more than a little big.

Sparte checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 84, rolling 29 higher.

Sparte remains capable of fighting.

Silas checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 35 higher.

Silas remains capable of fighting.

Silas checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 43 higher.

Silas remains capable of fighting.

Silas checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 4 lower.

Silas has rolled a critical success!
Silas checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 47 higher.

Silas remains alive, but close to death.

Silas is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Reese looks over to Lucita, nodding in repsonse to her words. "Oh." She says, before looking upon Bedivere. "Hi, It i nice to meet you." She says in his direction. "You command the Whitehawk troops?" Seh asks, before looking to the spare in progress. "Oh, this is an interesting fight." She says.

When Lucita introduces him to Reese, Bedivere turns with Cabbit on his arm (which seems to be missing a hand but matches up with the cat's missing tail) as his remaining hand (the left one) pets down Cabbit's back. "Greetings, Princess Reese. I have heard of you, and it is wonderful to meet you. Yes, Marshal of Hawkhold and the War Minister of Whitehawk, too." Then, there is something going on out on the fighting sands. He can feel it in his bones, so he peeks out toward Silas and Sparte.

Reese looks back to Bedivere, listening to his words. "I am honored to meet you as well Lord Bedivere. I have heard of Baron Silas' commander uncle and was very curious to meet you." She confesses. "I command the Grayson troops."

Lucita murmurs aside to Reese. "I was in my first group spar not long ago. I lasted to the end with no wounds but then... no one attacked me. I did get in a few blows with dagger though. That makes two spars I've tied, one where opponant yielded and this one... the only ones I have not lost though I give them a good spar before I have to yield.

Just excuse Kenna. Her mouth is fully hanging open now. Did... did... IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?

The spar commences. Initially, Silas has the advantage, and keeps it... until his armor begins to weigh him down, and the sweating starts. Sparte, for his part, takes the blows with admirable strength - and eventually that seems to give him the edge! He just won't fall down, while Silas evidently can't take quite as much damage. The blows begin to pile up, and even a small jab begins to feel like a hook to the jaw. Eventually, he stumbles and falls over himself. He stays on the ground, staring up at the ceiling above them and panting heavily. "I give up," Silas gasps. "You win. Somehow."

Lucita smiles at all the others and draws her cloak around her, shivering a little. She finally says. "Much as wish could stay and talk with you all, I'm getting cold enough I better get back home to the Tower. I've been out in the cold much longer than the usual for me." She starts to turn and leave, gives a curtsy and murmurs. "May the rest of your day be a very good one!"

Reese looks over to Lucita, giving her a smile. "Oh, I wish you saw your spar, Baroness." She says toward her. "Your spars that is. I look forward to seeing the next one."

Smack. Smack. Smack. No, Sparte. You don't dodge with your face. Wait.... Wait, how is that working?! Sparte's relative love taps with his staffs to the beating he was taking from Silas gradually shift into a more agressive series of half-length jams and strikes, the lightweight ironwood showing that it is plenty solid. At the end of it when Silas yields, Sparte leans on his staff with a big grin. "That... I'll help you up as soon as my ears start ringing sir." Start?

Silas says, "I'll take solace in the fact that I can at least hit you," Silas mutters up at Sparte. "Though it doesn't seem to bother you at all." He sits up, and looks aside at the edge of the fighting area, to the spectators. "Anyone who fights him, find a better strategy! Also hey Reese," he finally greets with a crooked smile."

Reese smiles over to Silas. "Baron Silas." She greets. She then looks back to Lucita. "Oh take care Baroness it was great to see you."

Kenna is still shaking her head oh-so-slowly. "Maybe Carmen shouldn't have left. You both probably need a mercy right about now." But then she's getting a messenger that makes her shake her head. "I have to go just... sit down. Soon. Both of you, please?" And then the Whitehawk woman is rushing off to do whatever it is that she does.

Sparte holds up his own hand in front of his face, sticking out two fingers. He squints at it a few seconds before nodding. He heads over to the stainds with a telltale wobble to his path associated with drunks, the staff helping to balance him, before taking a seat there. "I shouldn't have another spar for a bit."

Cabbit waves goodbye to Lucita and Kenna, doing so with Bedivere's help. Then, Bedivere nods to Reese. "Mayhaps, we will head to war one day together, but hopefully not, but... if we must, then it would be great to work with you." Then, the Uncle glances out toward Silas quietly excuses himself before heading out and offering out his remaining hand to help up his Nephew.

"Aw, I was going to propose you and Reese go at it," Silas says and slowly climbs back to his feet, with Bedivere's assistance. "Thank you, uncle. That just about concludes Spar Day, then." He turns to Bedivere. "Speaking of war, I hear we may be in need of a siege engine?"