Merril, an Assistant Page, 3 Bisland pride guards arrive, following Lailah.

5 Redoubt Buccaneers, Bengalo, the sneaky black cat, Luna, the sweet, studious assistant arrive, following Carita.

Lailah has joined the High Booth.

Quintin swings his bag around to his lap and opens it up. "Apple?" he asks those nearby, holding one up.

12 House Velenosa Guards, Ibasia, the Velenosa Lady-in-Waiting arrive, following Jaenelle.

Lisebet sits with her family, looking cool as a cucumber in a dress Princess Reese might like. She glances at Quintin and shakes her head negatively, before she leans over to murmur something to those nearby.

Carita has joined the General Seating.

Lisebet mutters, "It ... ... a good ... ... ... ... will ... pleased and bless the ... with right ... ... or ... ..."

Merek has on his black dress attire, steel rings upon it to keep his tool kits, while he has his cloak adjusted about him. He makes his way to a place he can watch for the duel also.

Beaumont has joined the Field.

Thea silently sits, crossing her long legs comfortably.

Rysen enters the tournament grounds flanked by Rukhnis, Lygeia and Deor. He makes his way to the edge of the field, and nods to Deor and Lygeia, who bow, and make their way to the judges booth.

Beaumont swaggers in, smirking as he sees the crowd gathering. And then that smirk changes to an honest-to-goodness smile and he waves to the crowd before running a hand through those curly golden locks. His helm is carried under the non-waving hand and he makes his way to the field, looking pleased to be there indeed. He's a man of confidence and it shows.

Jaenelle has joined the General Seating.

Harlan nods towards Quintin and nods, "Thanks." He takes the apple, disengaging from wife and sister, and takes a healthy bite of the fruit with a crunch.

Rukhnis follows in just behind and to one side of Rysen, looking suitably sombre and severe for the occasion, which is to say, much the way she always does. Her dark eyes scan the crowd, gaze intense and expression unreadable, appearing to scrutinize each person there with aloof impartialty.

Fianna Crovane is present and standing where she can watch the duel without anything blocking her view. Dressed in her winter gear that consists of a long sleeved top, fitted trous tucked into tall boots, and a wool coat, she appears at ease with the current weather. It's cold, but not Stormwall cold. She nods to those she recognizes and gives a smile to her cousin, Lord Rysen, and Rukhnis when they arrive.

Lailah arrives to watch, despite having a book with her. The scholar approaches an empty seat and takes a look around to see who else is there.

Carita arrives and glances at the crowd and with a smile for those she recognizes, quietly finds herself a seat to watch the impending show.

Pharamond notes to Lisebet. "I would expect such, yes," he offers, genuinely, as he looks to the family and then those others. His hands rest neatly in front of him, casually at his waist, occasionally reaching up to pull his cloak closed once more, though never full closed as this being the type event that it is, the House Sword is seen with the house's sword, but beyond that he seems relaxed, waiting for the duel.

Pharamond has left the Quiet Booth.

Down on the field, Brianna finishes going through her warmup and stands tall, waiting for things to begin.

Rhiannon walks in, right in the open and she walks over to the booth where her family sits. She stops to the side and looks out over the grounds in silence.

Quintin passes that apple over to Harlan and pulls out another for himself. He shines it on his shirt and takes a bite. Spying Rhiannon, he raises his hand to wave to her.

Rhiannon has joined the Quiet Booth.

Delilah mutters, "I ... have bet a box of ..."

Jaenelle arrives at the tournament grounds, moving with purpose towards the general seating area as her guards all but melt into the background within viewing distance of the Archduchess Regent. Those she knows gets smiles as she passes towards one of the seats, though Victus is paused at and the woman leans to say something more quietly to him.

Olivia stands and crosses the field over to Beaumont. She still has a face of ice as she does. Not really looking at anyone. Trying to drown out the noise. She is silent as she approaches her champion. She pulls a sleeve of Aeterna from her satchel and ties it around his arm. He looks up to him, waiting for eye contact to give a light smile and a nod.

Mikani enters looking around. She has an unusual serious look on her face. Unusual in that she usually has a warm smile on her lips. But today she looks to be all business. Mikani continues to walk in and seeing Carita veers off to meet up with the other Countess.

Mikani has joined the General Seating.

Rysen smiles warmly, and bows when he catches sight of Fianna. His gaze floats over those in attendance, as a chill breeze pass through his hair and the white fox fur of his mantle. When his eyes meet Brianna's, he nods, and his fist rises to his heart in a quick salute. As he turns to take his seat, he glances at Olivia, and he pauses a moment, but then makes his way to the judges booth.

Rysen has joined the Judges Booth.

Ronja has joined the General Seating.

Rhiannon looks over at Lisebet. "At least you're not locked to the shrine now, right? I mean, or are you?"

Peri is here with her family, looking more subdued than is usual. When she sees Duchess Fianna and, she bows to her and her house and speaks quietly.

Apparently the time to exchange presents, introductions, and bets is right before a duel. With that being evident, Delilah and Malcolm are busy talking to Acantha, Mirk, and Lailah. There may be delicious contraband chocolate being exchanged. Everyone is welcome to be jealous.

Brianna returns Rysen's salute, tilting her chin up just a bit. In her heavy fur cape, leathers and pauldron, she looks a little more than /half/ shav, but don't you dare tell her that.

Lisebet smiles at Rhiannon and shakes her head. "No, my vigil there is done," she replies, before she murmurs softly to those at her table again.

Rukhnis accompanies Rysen on his course towards the judges booth, gaze level and step soft and sure. Olivia receives no more pronounced or readable a look than anyone else, the Eurusi woman's eyes glancing coolly off her as she and Rysen pass by at a distance.

"Ladies, Lords, and all good people of the realms!" shouts Rysen from his booth, "House Ashford and House Crovane welcome you to this duel to honor The Sentinel and Gloria, and settle out dispute once and for all." His voice echoes through the Tournament Grounds as he continues. "Allow me to introduce to you, the Champion representing House Ashford, Prince Beaumont Valardin - Peerless of the Champion's Guild!! And representing myself, I present to you, the fearless warrior and champion Lady Brianna Halfshav!!" Rysen pauses a moment and raises his right hand. "Champions! Are you ready to fight honorably in the sight of the gods and all in attendance?"

Bonnie has joined the High Booth.

Victus briefly lifts himself up so he might put a hand to Jaenelle's shoulder and squeeze. For the briefest moment, the flicker of a smile flashes across his face. It's there and gone again, so quick it may have just been a trick of the light. Afterwards he settles back in, eyes on the field. Sizing up both competitors as his lips pull back into a thin line.

Olivia leaves her spot next to her Champion and makes her way to the Judges booth. As stoic as can be right now.

Olivia has left the Quiet Booth.

Olivia has joined the Judges Booth.

Mihaly has joined the General Seating.

Bonnie arrives in a timely fashion; just there for the opening introductions but hopefully after the opening remarks, recitals, or other pageantry that gets in the good way of an otherwise fine and wonderful brutality. Making her way to the higher booths, she finds herself a nice spot easily; lots of experience in nudging, less so in making it inconspicuous.

Pharamond has joined the Quiet Booth.

Mikani watches the champions take their places. Being a former champion her eyes are sizing up them both and curiously.

Wyatt looks, without a doubt, lost. He waves cheerfully at the Shepherds and then walks past the high booth to the Concessions Tent, where he seemingly is lost for an inordinately long time, before emerging with a questionable fried treat that he waves triumphantly.

Harlan is standing with his family -- well, other than Olivia, who is the truly aggrieved party here (in his mind anyway!) He does look faintly worried as she moves to the Judge's booth though. He gives a nod towards Beaumont out on the field once.

Wyatt has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Beaumont bows to Rysen and Harlan, saluting each one with his greatsword. "Indeed I am," he calls in a booming voice. And then he's turning to Brianna as well and he grins now - though it's hard to see under his helm. He salutes her too. "May the best Champion win," he comments to her but it sounds less like a taunt and more like anticipation of a challenge. "And may the Gods preserve the righteous!" The point of his weapon dips and he stands there now, giving Brianna a moment to prepare herself.

Quintin sits with the majority of Ashfords, eating an apple and looking solemn. That's mostly because of how his eyebrows just are, however.

Fianna slips her gloved hands into her coat pockets and straightens a bit, exhaling a visible breath upon the wintry air. Her tawny gaze lifts to Lord Rysen at his booth and she soon removes her hands from her pockets to clap after Lady Brianna is introduced. Now she watches the field where both Champions gather.

Rukhnis has joined the Judges Booth.

Thea has left the Quiet Booth.

Thea has joined the General Seating.

Mihaly wasn't thrilled about the idea of sitting in some snow covered stands, but oddly, it wouldn't be the first time in the old knight's life that he had done exactly that. With a thick hood pulled up to keep his bald head warm, he moves along far enough towards the general seating, sweeping collected snow off a decent spot in the crowd with a gloved hand before sitting down.

Lisebet sits by her family, though she's trying to avoid the gentlemen eating apples it seems for some reason. She gives Rhiannon a nod, quietly.

Harlan has left the Quiet Booth.

Harlan has joined the Judges Booth.

In contrast to the wordy, pious Oathlander, Brianna signals her readiness with a slow, dignified nod, then salutes her opponent with her axe. She steps into a fighting stance, her weight on the balls of her feet. She's ready.

Crow - Thraxian Steward arrives, delivering a message to Lisebet before departing.

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

Beaumont wields illustrious Oathlands steel behemoth greatsword.

When Malcolm thinks that he sees Wyatt, looking lost and wandering about the various tents, he lets out a shrill whistle - then waves wildly toward his cousin. Once that's done he, er, remembers his manners and takes his seat.

Pharamond continues to relax, some, as he stands before loking out towards the crowd and then the field. He stays settled beside the Duchess, while the others gather in the stands and the Judge's booth fills up with the relevant parties. The words invoking riteousness draw him out and he raises a brow, "Who is the physician..." he wonders casually before waiting for the duel to begin.

At the words of both champions, Rysen nods to Harlan and the turns back to the Champions and says, "Honor and glory is yours, Champions!" He drops his arm and shouts, "Begin!"

Victus shouts from nearby, "HIT 'EM HARD!"

Rhiannon looks over at PHaramond and then shrugs. "Livvie, likely? You know how she is."

Waldemai cheers the start of the fight. "Hurrah! Hurrah!"

Wyatt waves a chicken leg at Malcolm cheerfully, and then applauds wildly at times that seem gravely out of synch with anything exciting happening, as he has no idea what he's doing.

Olivia clenches her little fists so tight... poor Harlan's hand.

Kaya is quietly watching as the two champions face off against each other. Kaya is resting comfortably as she silently watches the duel

Delilah shouts from nearby, "Good luck!"

Michael is overheard praising Sparte: A welath of knowledge in that noggin.

As Harlan signals them to go, Beaumont circles slowly. Lifting the tip of his sword he takes his guard, both gauntleted hands on the hilt of his greatsword as he keeps his eyes on his target. Brianna is in front of him and he steps - to the right, to the left, back to center. Testing her. Seeing her weaknesses and strengths. He feints to the left, seeing if she'll bite with a hard block. He resets and steps to the right, to see what she does. And then he resets again. He's not taunting her, so much as he's testing her in ways that show he respects his opponent and doesn't intend to lose foolishly.

Quintin watches intently, leaning forward in his seat and resting his elbows on his knees. He's got his apple down to the core by now, so he just holds it for now.

Brianna begins the dance, throwing out a few feints of her own, playing with range and approach. She's more mobile than the heavily-armored Valardin, and she uses that to her advantage. The tall woman is only a few inches shy of her opponent's height, dancing in and out of range. She /is/ taunting him.

Kaya has left the General Seating.

As the fight begins, from the General Seating area, Ronja manages to accidentally be the loudest voice during a lull in the crowd noise: "LET'S GO, PRINCE BEAUMONT!" she cries out as if she's trying to make her voice carry halfways across the city, and then a piercing whistle far more annoying than the sound of any winter wind.

Rysen stands with arms crossed beneath his black mantle beside Rukhnis. Though his dark brow and solemn demeanor hang on him like a weight, his eyes follow the movements of the champions with great interest, as they circle and move, fighting to control distance and gain an advantage.

Olivia watches the fight nervously. She is not the composed woman she was pretending to be before the fight started anymore.

At least the dueling champions distract Lisebet from teasing Quintin about those apples. For the moment.

He's a large man, but not a particularly agile one. And yet when Beau starts moving he moves deceptively quickly. A swing to the left, a step to the right, he blocks her next blow and then swings down again - but she blocks that one too, sword crashing on sword. He could try to overwhelm her with brute force but instead he steps back, letting her re-engage as she wills this time, inviting the attack.

Harlan is eating his apple up in the judge's booth.

Pharamond waves to a person walking around offering drinks and since he heard Ronja, he looks over a moment before handing a coin to the person who has drinks and sending them in her directoin. And so for rooting so loudly for their Champion, a free drink is delivered to the fan of the Prince.

There's no whispering, or fidgeting, or nervous looks from Rukhnis. She stays absolutely still and silent, her gaze fixed on the combatants intensely and almost speculatively, as she watches the way in the which the two begin carefully, testing, taunting, attempting to draw one another out. Aside from the very faintest curl to her mouth there's nothing to indicate how she feels about the duel at all.

Rhiannon sits quietly with the Ashfords. Her elbows rest on her knees as she leans forward to watch. She's intent on the fight, utterly focused.

Wyatt has left the the Concessions Tent.

Brianna comes in fast and low, getting under Beaumont's guard and getting in a solid wraparound shot to his right hip as she moves past him, dancing back out of range once more.

Olivia stands sharply as her Champion takes a hit

Harlan remains standing at his sister's side, gently patting her hand as if to reassure her.

Beau staggers as the axe digs into his hip - it's a hard hit and it bites but he has good armor and that's what armor is for, after all. Faulds soak the damage and then he's stepping not left or right but straight in and even as she tries to recover he's swinging down at an angle, and his greatsword hits and hits hard. Rather than follow it up he backs off now, a professional not lost in bloodlust but giving her time to recover and signal the end to the fight on her own terms. It's the honorable thing to do, after all. On guard now, but not attacking, he waits for her acknowledgement.

3 House Riven Soldiers, 1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, Lianna, Feydin, a white-tailed eagle, Vigilance, a juvenile female Oakhaven Bloodhound arrive, following Mia.

2 House Riven Soldiers, Oura, a white-tailed eagle, Valor, a juvenile male Oakhaven Bloodhound arrive, following Thesarin.

It was a fight to first blood, and Beaumont's greatsword cuts through Brianna's leathers, giving her a pretty gash on her left shoulder. She doesn't realize she's wounded until she hears blood dripping onto the ground. That's that, then. She falls to one knee, yielding.

Waldemai cheers. "Well fought! An honorable duel!"

Acantha is overheard praising Brianna.

Acantha is overheard praising Beaumont.

Rhiannon is overheard praising Brianna.

When Mia arrives at the tournament grounds, it is bundled up against the miserable weather in her very finest, and very warmest, cloak. Her eyes scan the crowd slowly, as if seeking out some face among them even before considering the combatants -- which is perhaps quite fortunate, given that she arrived just in time to miss all of it.

Rhiannon is overheard praising Beaumont.

Olivia jumps the wall at the judges booth and runs out to the Wounded woman

Pharamond is overheard praising Beaumont.

Acantha has left the High Booth.

Pharamond is overheard praising Brianna.

Lisebet gets to her feet, intently as the champions exchange blows, and it seems the fight is over. "Well fought!" she calls out.

Rysen has left the Judges Booth.

Rysen has joined the Field.

Lisebet is overheard praising Brianna: Fought with honour!

Olivia has left the Judges Booth.

Olivia has joined the Field.

Lisebet is overheard praising Beaumont: Well fought, Peerless!

Harlan is overheard praising Beaumont.

Harlan is overheard praising Brianna.

Harlan has left the Judges Booth.

Kaldur is overheard praising Brianna.

Kaldur is overheard praising Beaumont.

Quintin sets his apple core aside so as to bring his hands together for some applause.

Acantha gives a nod to those she had been seated with, gathers her pack and starts to make her way down and out.

Santino arrives, delivering a message to Narcissa before departing.

Rysen glances at Rukhnis and whispers something to her, and then departs from the booth and makes his way into the center of the Tournament Grounds.

Rysen bows respectfully to Brianna, and his grey eyes glimmer with respect and admiration. His expression is solemn and he turns to face those in attendance. In a loud, resonating voice, he proclaims: "To all who have come, bear witness to my public apology, I, Rysen Crovane, Lord of Stormwall and Voice of Crovane, hereby accept full responsibility for the misunderstanding between Lady Olivia and House Ashford, and myself. Furthermore, I apologize for the pain and distress I have caused Lady Olivia and her family." He ceases speaking, and his voice echoes through the grounds.

Rukhnis makes a sharp, soft clucking sound with her tongue as Brianna yields, and that's it. She shakes her head slightly and makes her way over to the kneeling combatant in Olivia's wake, to see whatever might need to be done.

Rukhnis has left the Judges Booth.

Rukhnis has joined the Field.

Benny The Beaver leaves, following Acantha.

Michael stands and clap-clap-claps for the well-fought duel. But no words. Just steady clapping before his fades when everyone else's does.

Thesarin keeps pace with Mia on her way toward the tournament, just in time to see it end. He's bundled up as well, just glancing at the field of honor and hurrying to match Mia's brisk pace

Fianna claps for the conclusion of the duel and continues to stand near the edge of the field where she can see Lady Brianna. There's a fist to her chest in salute to her cousin's Champion and now she looks up at Lord Rysen with a proud nod and smile.

Mirk sighs, at Brianna's eventual loss, and pulls out a purse, holding it out to Malcolm. "A deal is a deal," he informs the man. "Seems this time you had better luck than I did." There's a quirk of his lips, as if he might have another comment, but he holds his tongue. "It does. I'm rather impressed by what I've seen of Lord Rysen."

Kaldur blinks, as quickly as it began it's done ... feinting jabs, circling and then two truly struck blows, one beating the other by a hair and his brows lift, the Seliki knight whistling low. He looks to Victus, "Seems you were right, High Lord, that reach won the day."

Beaumont salutes Brianna with his sword as she yields, and then offers her a hand up from the fighting arena. "You fought well, Champion. It was a pleasure to meet you on the Tournament Grounds today." He turns then, as Rysen offers his apology, and he bows to Rysen. "A noble apology as well," he calls up to the stands, and then he's patting the favor tied around his arm and bowing to Olivia as well before he sheathes his sword at last.

Rysen makes his way to Brianna's side, and nods to Rukhnis. The dark eyed retainer walks to Rysen with a carved blackwood box held before her. She opens the box and removes an ornate warrior's arm ring of gold inlaid with duskstones, and hands it to the young Lord. Accepting the arm ring, Rysen turns to Brianna and says, "Lady Brianna of House Halfshav, you offered to fight on my behalf from the first moment the public challenge was issued. I cannot thank you enough for your support, nor for the courage and valor you showed in honorable combat. Please accept this gift as a token of my gratitude."

Rysen offers the warrior's arm ring to Brianna.

Pharamond stands as well as the duel is over and he stays near to the Duchess as others head towards the field, continuing to watch those about. He seems pleased, though his smile isn't as wide as some Pharamond has worn. Still, at Rysen's words he nods, before holding a hand out to the Duchess. "Well said," he says, not overly loud but still, to acknowledge Rysen's apology.

Thea silently nods her head and steps off the grounds.

Thea has left the General Seating.

Finn the youthful northern puppy leaves, following Thea.

Ronja continues to cheer long and loud from the general seating, celebrating with perhaps too much gusto at Beaumont's victory. Perhaps too much, but still not crossing over into tastelessness. (Yet.)

Brianna rises under her own power, proud to the last. "Well fought, Lord Beaumont," she says, lifting her mask so he can see her face.

Rhiannon rises to walk out to the field with the rest of the family. She gives a low nod of her head to Rysen at his apology and then walks over to check on Olivia. She is often the Ashford Voice's shadow. But of course the sweet-natured lady would run right to the injured person and heal them--even if it was a foe.

Olivia se stands from inspecting the fallen Champions wounds. She walks over to Rysen and looks him in the eyes for a moment before turning out to the crowd. "Both I, and House Ashford accept the apology my Lord. I hope both we and our houses can continue to work together in the future to continue to strengthen the compact." She turns to the Champions. "Well Faught Prince. Well faught my lady. You honor the gods with your service."

"well said indeed," Lisebet says with a smile. She reaches for that offered hand of Pharamond's, taking it, so they too can head towards the field. On the way, she pauses to wave at Ronja.

Harlan nods towards Rysen and says, "To be clear, House Ashford holds no enmity towards Lord Rysen or House Crovane. We consider this matter settled, with honor, and before the Gods." He then gives Beaumont a incline of his head, "Thank you, as well."

Quintin has left the Quiet Booth.

Pharamond has left the Quiet Booth.

Rhiannon has left the Quiet Booth.

Bonnie stands as the combat ends, with a good, hearty clap of appreciation. Yay for blood on the ground. Looking over towards Mirk first, there's a brief snickering when seeing the handed off payment but also a philosophical shrug worthy of the Lyceum's best; shoulders rolled, palms raised, flap against her sides afterwards, "It pretty much comes down to that." But then she's settling in, either to leave after the crowd or just show an interest in the post-slashing wrap-up.

Lisebet has left the Quiet Booth.

Pharamond walks with Lisebet out towards the field as well, giving a nod to Rysen and the others gathered around, before looking to the two duelists as well. "Well fought," he says sincerely. "Quick, precise. It may not have had the same duration as the duel the other night but was still a testament of skill for both of you."

Malcolm has left the High Booth.

Lethe has left the General Seating.

3 Tyde Houseguard leaves, following Lethe.

Delilah has left the High Booth.

Fianna Crovane watches as her cousin remains on the field with Brianna and Rukhnis after his apology is given to House Ashford. "Good form, Rysen." she says, even though he won't hear her in the moment. With proper respect given to all parties involved, the Duchess slips her hands into her coat pockets and leaves the tournament grounds with a rather proud smile.

Merek is overheard praising Rysen.

Merek is overheard praising Olivia.

Merek is overheard praising Beaumont.

Michael is overheard praising Rysen.

Michael is overheard praising Olivia.

Merek is overheard praising Brianna.

Michael is overheard praising Brianna.

Michael is overheard praising Beaumont.

Brianna looks up from where her wound is being tended and nods graciously to Pharamond. "Thank you. I feel a bit underwhelming, at the moment, if we're being honest."

"Well," Mia turns towards her husband, murmuring, "It seems I've gone and got snow in boots for no good reason. A pity."

Rhiannon checks on Olivia and then she turns to walk over to the Champions and gives them a dip of her head and offers her hand to each. "An honorable fight. My thanks to both of you," she says in her quiet way.

Mack, a sable Northern Shepherd, Bruno, an energetic Wolfhound, 4 House Crovane Guards leave, following Fianna.

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly, 1 Inquisition Confessors, Pearl, a Maelstrom Forest Cat leave, following Delilah.

"Countess Mia, Count Thesarin!" Michael calls out from his seat next to Sparte on the bleachers. "Oh. Count Thesarin has some bearing on this bit, Sparte."

Pharamond looks to Mia and Thesarin. "To grace us with your company is plenty of reason to have made the trip, as far as we are concerned. The snow may melt but our hearts would never be the same if we did not have the fun of your arrival," he says to Mia and Thesarin, his face a bit more full of that Pharamond humor now that the matter is resolved.

Olivia approaches Beaumont specificly, "Thank you Prince." She smiles up to him.

Beaumont bows to Olivia. "My pleasure," he says to her. "And I hope it eases your heart a little." He gives her a smile he likely intends to mean as charming.

Lisebet sends Bigsby off with a message, and turns her attention to those on the field. "Thank you both for your devotion to Gloria," she says. She pulls back, closing her eyes for a moment, and swallowing.

Mihaly stands up from his snow covered spot, hand tapping at the end of his pipe to knock some ash out. "I don't remember duels being so quick. Then again, maybe that just says something about better skill these days." he remarks off-handedly before turning to consider heading out. "There you two are." he adds upon seeing Mia and Thes.

Peri is overheard praising Brianna.

Peri is overheard praising Beaumont.

Harlan comes back to his wife, without apple (it's eaten!) and gives her a hug, "You all right, love?"

Merek offers up his clapping for the victory of exchange. He then makes his way from the place he was seated about at, and makes his way from the tournament grounds.

Harlex has left the the Beverage Tent.

Narcissa has left the the Beverage Tent.

Nevermore, the sulking raven leaves, following Narcissa.

Dolmen, a Crimson Agent, Narcissa leave, following Harlex.