Norwood has arrived early and he looks like he has a stick up his arse. His lips are pursed shut and he's sitting STRAIGHT UP. No matter that others might enjoy this, he's looking straight ahead. People can approach him, but he's clearly doing his OWN THING.

Yasmine Champagne is present and accounted for in the frontmost benches of the commoner stands, her skirts elegantly arranged over the wooden seating with a hired servant catering to her needs; mainly in the form of keeping her Dueling Goblet flowing with wine. It seems she's prepared a generous bounty of high-priced wine for her commoner pals, as there's a small crate of quality wine, rum, and whisky bottles and flasks in excess upon the benches just a few seats down, advertised as first come, first served with limited supplies. This girl knows how to party.

Regal, the majestic pygmy goat, Orin, a Felhound sergeant, 1 Keaton Huntsmen arrive, following Jaerith.

Regal, the majestic pygmy goat, Orin, a Felhound sergeant, 1 Keaton Huntsmen leave, following Jaerith.

Of course Shae is her to support her dad, and her sister. Arriving with the the large crowd that is gathering for the duel. First she glances around for Adalyn, and would head over to her, giving her arm a squeeze, and murmuring something to her sister. Once she does she heads over to the noble seating to join Norwood.

Porter has joined the Noble Seating.

Ophelia Velenosa arrives and makes her way over to find a seat with a good view, waving and smiling at familiar faces as she does. When she finds a decent spot, she clacks her way over to it and sits down with a sweep of her umbra dress to cross one leg over the other. In one hand is a splayed fan she uses to keep cool.

Esme saunters into the proving grounds with that feline grace of hers. She's exchanged her whites and sweetness for clothing of a /Winner/. This means that she's dressed in black that leaves very little to the imagination. Her emerald eyes slide over those present as she moves with an effortless gait to the Judge's Table. Her eyes slide over to Norwood and that smiles radiates. "Good luck, may the Gods decide." She turns her head to look for Jeffeth.

Ophelia has joined the Noble Seating.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, 3 House Mazetti Guardians, Sirra, a very quiet maid arrive, following Alessia.

Esme has joined the Judges Desk.

Catalana arrives in a gown of green. Her golden hair pinned back in neat curls. She immediately moves to find a seat in the nobles area and gives both Norwood and Esme a curious look as she walks past.

Catalana has joined the Noble Seating.

Shae mutters, "Good luck Adalyn!"

Qadira slouches on the commoner's benches, here ahead of time and with a little sweat steaming from her dark leathers - fresh off the grounds, it seems. She's leaning forward to prop her elbows on the painted barrier separating spectators from combatants, resting her pronounced jawline upon her forearms. There's no call from the wench, but she fixates her verdant stare upon Sir Jeffeth, nostrils flaring as she breathes, impatient for the action to start - to see the Bull in action.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes arrives, following Thea.

Jeffeth checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 43 higher.

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 2 Ashford Archer, 1 Ashford Scout arrive, following Lisebet.

Porter strolls in, looking every bit like he needs some entertainment. He's scribbling something down on a piece of parchement and handing it off to a messenger before he approaches the seating for the nobles and looks for a good spot right up front.

Jeffeth checked strength + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 80 higher.

Jeffeth checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Ringvald steps into the grounds with company, speaking to her as they approach. "Apologies miss Aviana, I thought it was at the center, it seems it changed venues. Regardless, if you're serious about trying a path of violence, coming to events like this should help on deciding if you truly want to fight. Being a bloody vocation is the point, but regardless, you have to take hits as well as deal them." He can be heard by anyone who might care to be listening, eyes set ahead to the gathering of people around the area. "The seating seems to be separated, that makes for poor conversation. Sit with me as a guest."

Ringvald has joined the Noble Seating.

Esme smiles vibrantly at Catalana and kills that regal death thing she has going on as she tries to wrap her up in a hug and states a comment to her ears alone. The smile even wider.

Norwood has left the Noble Seating.

Norwood has joined the Judges Desk.

Adalyn has arrived, decked out in her leather armour, her sword sheathed at her hip. A hand rested lightly upon the hilt, the Clement's expression one of focused intensity that relaxes just slightly as Shae approaches. She nods and leans in, a murmur offered to her sister before the other woman heads to the seats. Standing alone now, she stands drawn to her full height, rolling her shoulders in preparation.

Thea comes quietly in, Finn close to her side. She smirks at the letter in her hand, amused for a moment before she goes to settle on the benches.

Lisebet makes her way out to see what is going on. Curiosity may in fact be one of her weak points. The petite duchess pauses to see who is around and what is happening.

Thea has joined the Noble Seating.

Aviana nods her head walking along with Ringvald, "It is okay Lord Ringvald." she moves along with him looking around as they move to sit in the noble seating. "Thank you."

Aviana has joined the Noble Seating.

Tesha arrives dressed in green velvet and oleandar lace. Apparently someone else with better taste was the designer. The red head doesn't join the seating just yet, taking her time to simply stand off to the side and watch those that are going to duel for the moment. She does give nods of greeting to those who pass her.

Catalana immediately hugs Esme back. Who cares about the regal killing it thing. It's Esme! Basically the goddess of love and happiness. She murmurs to her friend. "Good luck. Also you look amazing and fearsome." She then saunters off to find her seat.

Amari isn't too far behind Shae and offers a quick smile of encouragement to Adalyn before she's off to find a place to sit near her cousin. Seeing how uh, focused Norwood is, she doesn't disturb him behind giving him a solemn nod of acknowledgement.

Ian may not have been paying enough attention to know that this area was going to be in use today, judging by the bag he's got with him. He probably originally came here to train. But he notices all the people (because he's not blind), and his brother and cousin in the stands, and heads in that direction.

Amari has joined the Noble Seating.

Ian has joined the Noble Seating.

Norwood has arisen from his seat and after a murmured word to Esme looks out to his daughter on the grounds. He bows in her direction also - SO MUCH BOWING GUYS - and then sits himself down again. It's fine.

Rosaline, former contortionist of Tor arrives, following Blacktongue.

Esme gives a soft happy noise at Catalana and then composes herself. She smiles over at Norwood as she brightens more to that. "This is going to be wonderful. I'm so excited." Her eyes move towards Adalyn and she waves over at her. In fact, she waves to all the people coming in. Her eyes slide over looking for the mountain of a man. She will also hug anyone that walks by and will partake in it. Then she seems to remember she's going for cold, hard winner.

The Archlector of Gloria walks out to the edge of the dueling ring and drives her sword into the earth before her. Her snowy head is bowed and her mouth moves quietly in prayer. Soon after she rises from her kneeling position and retrieves the sword. The benediction is a simple one, a blessing of Gloria for honor to prevail in the duel. "The Goddess witnesses now," is all she says aloud before offering a chivalrous, knightly salute and walking off the field.

When it is time for the action to begin one of the combatants is nowhere to be found initially.

Clank-clank-clank-clank....

It's a pretty important occasion. The knight had retired from Champion duels when named Grandmaster but had come out of retirement for this single fight. One would think he would show up...

Clank-clank-clank-clank-CLANK--

A hammer can be seen flying in front of the crowd. It seems to be oddly adorned with butterfly wings. The hammer lands in the grass. Must have been a powerful throw whoever.. CLANK-CLANK-CLANK

Sprinting in, in front of the stands is a massive armored figure moving at alarming speeds towards the grass of the proving grounds. The massive figure goes flying through the air, gauntlets smacking against the grass as the man becomes completely inverted and vertical, soaring through the air in full plate. Landing briefly, the knight goes into a backwards handspring, landing his hands on the haft of the hammer that had been previously thrown and scooping it up all in one motion. With a somersault into the air, finally Jeffeth comes landing with a heavy thud onto his feet.

He doesn't quite stick the landing, there's a little stumbling after all /that/. But he does compose himself rather quickly, going into a deep bow towards the crowd, fist pressed to his chest. Jeffeth then turns to promptly bow to Norwood and Esme. Finally he turns to Adalyn, bowing once more.

With all that flipping and bowing complete, a little tiny crow lands on Jeffeth's shoulder, letting out a cheerful /caw/.

Jeffeth has joined the Dueling Ring.

Blacktongue slips in late and finds somewhere out of the way to watch from as Jeffeth makes his entrance. A thoughtful look and a low impressed whistle is given.

Not inclined to miss a duel when she has the time, Alessia settles onto a bench as soon as she enters the training center.

Alessia has joined the Noble Seating.

Esme is overheard praising Jeffeth: For the best retired Champion for his last showdown again. All the praises for the entrance.

Adalyn, known for her cheery demeanor and larger-than-life personality, has managed to comport herself thus far with far more restraint and seriousness than usual. Then again, it's not every day she gets to fight for the honor of her own House. Gaze settling upon Norwood in the crowd, she bows to him in return. Jeffeth's eye-catching entrance causes the young Champion to turn to face him. Her footsteps are light and graceful as she strides over to stand near her opponent. "Grandmaster Jeffeth. Why, I didn't see you come in." There's a hint of humor in her tone that indicates quite the opposite.

Esme is overheard praising Adalyn: For being an amazing champion and taking part in my first and only duel (so far). Praises be to her.

There's a loud and boisterous, "Fuck! Yes!" from the common stands as Qadira abandons her watchful intensity in favor of... well, that.

Norwood is overheard praising Adalyn: That's what I call dignity. For now.

Esme is overheard praising Norwood: For challenging or being upset. Should it be for being upset.

Norwood is overheard praising Jeffeth: Well. Okay.

Blacktongue is overheard praising Jeffeth: Well done entrance. I'm glad I didn't poison him.

Klaus has joined the Noble Seating.

Qadira is overheard praising Jeffeth: I'll drink to that! Fidget's still cooler, though.

Eddard leaves, following Adalyn.

Catalana is eagerly engaging with her family and laughing. That is, until Jeffeth flip flops in and then the cursing by the commoners. Oh my! The lady looks to Qadira before applauding for Jeffeth and his flips.

Eddard arrives, following Adalyn.

Tesha has joined the Noble Seating.

Yasmine is overheard praising Jeffeth: What an impressive entrance. The Bull of Solace never disappoints his adoring fans.

Octavian, a silken spaniel, an aid in Kennex livery, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Zoey.

Tesha watches the entrance given by Jeffeth and the redhead nods her head to that. She then looks to the Nobles seating and moves to finally mount the stairs up to the stands. She gives a dip of her head to those present and takes a seat.

Zoey has joined the Noble Seating.

Esme comes to her feet and claps. "WOOOOHOOOO." There she goes failing at that icy winner-ness again. She claps even harder and waves to him. She seems to like the grand-standing of it all. It's for entertainment as well as honor and this shows on her features. Esme glances around and waves to the others as well that have come in. "Welcome to my challenge. Don't forget to praise your champions. They are SO amazing. They are the best." It hasn't even really started yet and she's already bouncing. She drops to her seat near Norwood. He may look his dour self and she's lit up with excitement. She will hop to her feet to hug all the people that come by her, if they allow it.

Nevermore, the sulking raven, Cuddles, the pinch-happy scorpion, 3 Fidante House Guards arrive, following Narcissa.

Ian belatedly realizes he should be clapping, and does so.

Norwood claps with so much restraint. So. Much. Restraint. There's no hugging going on from him. IN fact, just take Esme, and do the opposite. That's Norwood right now.

Zoey sneaks in during the applause and slips into a seat near her family.

Lisebet claps for the grand entrance. She stays quietly watching though.

As the clapping starts, Shae joins in, leaning over to murmur to Amari as she does so.

There's a hearty laugh from the massive knight as he turns to face Adalyn. "That's a shame. I'm not doing it again." Comes the booming rumble from the Bull, sounding slightly breathless from all those armored acrobatics. His hammer is spun in one hand before the hammerhead is set down into the grass. Removing his helm, he goes to look around the crowd briefly, a light smile playing on his lips. "Well, the prayer has been said, yes?"

A small nod is given over towards Astraea before Jeffeth looks back to Adalyn. "No point in delaying, hm?" His helm is replaced and Jeffeth brings up his hammer in salute to Adalyn. "May we bring honor to Gloria."

With that he moves to his side of the ring.

Though the garden is a decadence of variance, from the thorns of its poetic Voice to the brighest bloom of its Duchess, Tor at the very least will show up for its own - or to check the health of the vines. Narcissa arrives with a contingent of guards in Fidante livery, though the pale woman is adorned in monochromatic grays and blacks. With a polite nod to any and all gathered, she weaves her way with raven in tow to a corner of the spectators.

Regal, the majestic pygmy goat, Orin, a Felhound sergeant, 1 Keaton Huntsmen arrive, following Jaerith.

A discerning glance toward the front rows of the commoner benches would reveal there to be some 'friendly' betting going on between Yasmine and Rowenova. The former seems amused, inclining her head in agreement as she reaches aside to take a weighted pouch from the hands of a guard at her beck to put up beside her benchmate. All the while, she watches the unfolding match with renewed intrigue, bringing her hands together in raucous applause with her common-born compatriots.

"Good. It would hardly be considered a fair fight if you found yourself out of breath before the fight even began," Adalyn responds to Jeffeth with a shadow of a grin. A respectful nod is offered, then her helm brought down upon her head. "May we bring honor to Gloria!" Drawing her sword, she positions herself in the ring opposite the other Champion, her body poised and ready as she awaits the start of the fight.

Adalyn has joined the Dueling Ring.

Adalyn wields handsome snow-covered woodlands lit by starlight oathlands blade.

Jeffeth wields The Butterfly Effect, a giant high quality steel war hammer.

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

Drake mutters, "If you ... I'm going to confine ... to just one woman of ... ... ... been paying ... attention." ... laugh. "I can't ... I won't ... up a murderer or two, ... maybe I can talk her out of it."

"But ... leave ... ... of it for ... Don't ... to ... on his ... ..."

Jaerith has been here the whole time. He's seated in the good seats. ... Where did he get that bottle of wine? Regardless, he's having a drink while watching the show.

Dominique has left the Noble Seating.

Metzger, a great grey shrike, Jok, the muscley muscle knight, Maximus, the drooly Highhill Mastiff leave, following Dominique.

Astraea has left the Commoner Stands.

Princess Sparta Thistlefur, a shy stoatlet have been dismissed.

Esme speaks with Norwood at the stands. She's animated. The poor man. Her hand comes to indicate the stands. Then she smiles again. As the duelists are taking the ring. She claps and then clasps her hands. "This is so exciting. I cannot wait for.." Then she notices Narcissa. There is a slight narrowing of her eyes as she realizes the woman has again found a way to evade her hugs. One day. This shows on her features before she brightens and waves to her. Then she settles back down to talk with Norwood.

Narcissa may be quiet and a recluse, but she is not blind. Her golden eyes find Esme's, narrowing just in kind. The tightening of her jaw is brief, but stubborn all the same.

And the fight begins...

Squaring off, the big knight immediately swings his hammer up into both hands. Holding it more like a quarterstaff than a warhammer. An incredibly weighted quarterstaff. But the man seems to have the strength to use it as such. As the two circle, they near each other and finally the first engagement occurs with a clash. Swinging the haft of his hammer up, he catches Adalyn's blade in a parry and sends it off to the side, using the momentum he turns and swings his shoulder heavily into Adalyn's side.

With the first contact being made, the dance begins. And it is quite a dance. The pair go through exchange after exchange neither really finding a major advantage in the opponent's defenses. At one point Adalyn's blade is swung up, looking like it may strike a solid blow, but Jeffeth swings his forearm, the steel taking the blade and apparently not causing any damage to the behemoth. The back and forth continues with Jeffeth neither pushing very aggressively nor going back into a turtle. He meets her where she is, and does not relent. Finally through the exchanges of the battle, the massive man sends up one knee at Adalyn's stomach. Though she manages to catch him in return...

Bright gaze never leaving her opponent, Adalyn slides into motion. Her sword slashes down with force, sunlight gleaming brightly against metal as it cuts, stabs, slices through the air - a series of movements to counter her opponent. She remains alert and focused, studying Jeffeth to get a feel for how he moves, any signs that might hint at where he will travel next. The dance has begun, blows parried and countered, several near-hits exchanged. Jeffeth's knee drives into her stomach, knocking the air out of her lungs, though she manages to counter by ducking and driving her shoulder into his ribs.

Esme winces. She doesn't mean to but there is something about the two striking each other that always seems to cause it at first. Then she smiles and watches. Her emerald eyes sliding from one champion to the other and back.

"Don't take that, Bayweather! Hit her with the bodyslam!" Oh, Qadira.

Norwood checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 21 higher.

Norwood is stone, even has his daughter gets thwacked. It's fine. This is totally normal.

Jaerith winces a little, drinking more wine. This isn't going too great for the cause of his Uncle. He refrains from cheering, instead remaining quiet. He does shoot Norwood sympathetic glances, though. It's the best he can do right now, beyond wandering over and sharing wine. Not that Norwood would probably accept it at this juncture.

The shoulder going into his ribs drives a grunt from the Bull followed by what sounds like a laugh? Maybe. Stumbling backwards, there is a nod of the greathelm from the massive man. Respect. Though he is then moving forward, as Adalyn's blade comes up, Jeffeth leans into it. The blade striking ineffectually against his breastplate as he steps inward the hammer is brought low and the haft juts out. Striking to the ground, the big man yanks it forward violently, effectively sweeping the legs out from under his opponent.

Once she goes down, Jeffeth is stepping back rolling his shoulders and balancing the hammer in both hands, giving her a little time to gather herself before the fight carries on.

Blacktongue is watching the back and forth intently, enthralled by the intensity of the skills on display. There's a restrained grin as things seem to swing in Jeffeth's favor.

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

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

The little crow that had landed on Jeffeth's shoulder is still here, just doing lazy circles above.

Ringvald is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Adalyn sees the hammer sweep the ground, but finds herself without enough time to adjust to its incoming trajectory. Down she goes, landing hard though she wastes no time in returning to movement. She swiftly rolls sideways, regaining her feet in a position that puts her outside of Jeffeth's reach. For the moment. Sword held aloft, she nods faintly to her opponent, then launches into motion once more.

Esme watches this for a few more moments and then towards the stands around her. It's clear that while Norwood is stone, Esme is animated. Her eyes slide over each person and then back towards the fight. She bounces a bit in her seat and then her hand reaches out to bap-bap-bap on Norwood's arm as she points towards the Champions.

1 Templar Knight guards arrives, following Hamish.

Korka has joined the Commoner Stands.

Yasmine is overheard praising Qadira: Unapologetic life of the party.

Hamish enters the grounds, looks from the heavily populated noble stands to the sparser seats in the commons and heads over in that direction.

Hamish has joined the Commoner Stands.

When Adalyn rises to her feet and lunges in for the attack, Jeffeth... reacts oddly.

He doesn't really move. Not at first. When the blade comes flying at him there is a subtle shift. The point finds his breastplate before the man is suddenly moving in a blur. His hammer is dropped completely. Raising his arm and moving forward stepping extremely close to Adalyn. Her arm is caught and then wrenched backwards in a way it should not bend.

Caught there, Jeffeth is still in motion, his dominant hand, now free flies up. With a combination of his arm, body and applying pressure Jeffeth is able to force Adalyn's own blade from her hand. In one fluid motion Jeffeth swings the blade downward and behind him. It's a quick and odd movement that has Jeffeth then releasing Adalyn and quickly stepping back.

As he does, raising her sword in the air, the trail of red glinting off the blade is clear. As well as the tear in the armor on Adalyn's calf, where a small line of blood now trickles out. The blade is held towards Adalyn before quickly flipped and offered back to her, hilt first. "Well fought, My Lady."

Thea has left the Noble Seating.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes leaves, following Thea.

Esme is overheard praising Adalyn: WELL FOUGHT!!!

Lethe has left the Noble Seating.

3 Tyde Houseguard, 2 Redwood Initiates leave, following Lethe.

Esme is overheard praising Jeffeth: My winner. My hero. My Champion.

Zoey is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Ophelia is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Zoey is overheard praising Adalyn.

Bree is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Ringvald is overheard praising Adalyn.

Tesha has left the Noble Seating.

Adalyn's battle cry dies on her lips as she finds her arm wrenched back at an unnatural angle, a cry of pain replacing the sound of exuberance. And it's over before she has time to truly register the pain that blossoms across her calf, the young Clement staring down to see the trickle of blood. She blinks once, twice. Her jaw set, she bows her head. When she raises it to accept her sword in hand, her features have been carefully arranged into a neutral expression, save for the hint of disappointment that is impossible for her to quite conceal. "You are a formidable opponent, Grandmaster."

"YEAH! JEFFETH!" Qadira screams from the stands, "Send her to the Abyss, old man! Cut her--"

Watching the fight with intrigue, Alessia can't help but squint at Qadira at her words.

"Barmaid Qadira!" Yasmine hisses at Qadira, immediately reaching over to thrust her glass in her face. Drink more, speak less.

Klaus eyes Qadira with a disapproving furrow of his brows.

Porter is overheard praising Catalana: I don't hate you but I'm still not marrying Bertha.

Catalana glances at the screaming from Qadira. Her nose lifts in the air slightly, and she murmurs to those nearby "How common." Instead, she applauds the two champions. Politely and delicately. Like a lady!

Porter is overheard praising Adalyn.

Porter is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Yasmine is overheard praising Adalyn.

Klaus is overheard praising Adalyn.

Alessia is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Klaus is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Alessia is overheard praising Adalyn.

Ian looks less than approving about something, but it's not entirely clear what, since he's not looking at Qadira. Maybe he just normally looks that way.

At earing Qadria's screams, Shae glances the woman's way, her gaze narrowing some. A shake of her head, rather obvious that she was not a fan of what the woman said. And then she goes back to watching Adalyn and Norwood.

Aviana looks to Qadira then to Catalana when she makes her remark, she breaths deeply looking to her hands then looks to Ringvald and smiles.

Norwood checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

At the Judge's desk Norwood and Esme have sat, occasionally murmuring to one another during the fight. He offers out his hand to Esme to allow her to rise. The two champions get a very formal bow from the Knight and then he'll project his voice like a good general ought to be able to do over the sound of the crowds.

"Lady Esme Fidante. In a moment of concern you expressed a sentiment. I, ungraciously, did not take your comments how they were intended. I admit now that while I did not enjoy hearing them, your words had merit and were well within the realm of propriety as a fellow noble. My Gloria smile upon you." He falls quiet as he bows to her just the right amount. One could almost write a book using illustrations of Norwood for how it is to be done.

Drake is overheard praising Jeffeth: Put on a good show!

Blacktongue is overheard praising Adalyn: well fought.

With the blade returned to Adalyn, the big man bows deeply, pressing his fist to his chest. "And as are you. I'm lucky this will likely be my last duel. You'll be the dominant force in these bouts soon, I'm sure." Jeffeth rumbles as his helm is slowly drawn from his head. The little crow lands down on his shoulder. Looking over towards Qadira's comment, and then all the reactions she gets the big man lets out a little laugh. "No one is going to the Abyss or getting cut up. It's alright everyone. People tend to get riled up in Champion bouts. If I was offended every time someone cheered for me to be killed on the sands well.." He smiles broadly, reaching up to give Adalyn's shoulder an affectionate squeeze. "Well done."

Turning, he bows deeply towards Esme and Norwood, fist pressed to his chest.

Porter is overheard praising Norwood.

Porter is overheard praising Esme.

Drake is overheard praising Adalyn: She fought hard for it.

Esme is overheard praising Norwood: For taking the loss well and for holding up his end of the apology.

A soft round of applause comes from the Voice of Fidante, approval and accolades for both Champions. Narcissa bobs her head once in a nod of approval, though a smile hasn't curled her lips throughout the entirety of the duel.

Narcissa is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Narcissa is overheard praising Adalyn.

The nasty looks send Qadira's way are met with stoicism by the Archlector who has decided to sit only a few seats down from the loud woman. There is a general genial nod, as if to say, hey, I got this, faith all up on this one.

Esme barely contains her joy at this, but she does. Her shoulders are pressed backwards a bit as she offers towards Norwood, "Thank you, Baron Clement. While I shall pray that paths of conversation now give pause before reaction; I must also say that I understand honor. I am glad that you reacted in an honorly fashion when you thought I was offering disrespect. There are many roads that we choose to go down and I find you picked the one with the most respect and honor. Thank you for your challenge and accepting the outcome." She says this all very composed and proper. With just the right nod of her head and then she flashes a bright smile towards Narcissa and another to Catalana.

Esme then releases Norwood's hands to come over towards Jeffeth. This allows her etiquette to break as she attempts to hug the mountain of the man. "YOU WON! You won for me. I'm so proud of you and so honored to have you as my champion." She beams at him. That same radiate smile is given to Adalyn. "You! You did so well. I was sure that it was anyone's match for a bit there. You are to be praised and honored. This was a respectful showing and you were amazing."

Blacktongue gives a slow dignified clap from where he stands watching like a super goth scarecrow. Impressed but trying not to show it too much.

Shae is overheard praising Adalyn: The best sister and Champion, ever! Well fought!

Jaerith is overheard praising Adalyn: Well fought. A picture of graceful defeat.

Lisebet is overheard praising Jeffeth.

Lisebet is overheard praising Adalyn.

All the nice things have been said, and as Esme does, Norwood moves away from the desk and towards Adalyn. He doesn't go for a hug, but does offer his arm to his daughter, his lips moving but the words for Adalyn's ears alone.

Lisebet is overheard praising Norwood.

Lisebet is overheard praising Esme.

If Adalyn has overheard Qadira's comments, no reaction or offense is evident. Sliding her weapon back into its sheath, she turns to face Jeffeth fully and bows low in return. "I'm honored by your words, Grandmaster Jeffeth, and to have had the opportunity to duel against such an imposing fighter." Her gaze flits to the judge's stand, her expression once more ever so carefully composed as she listens to her father's words and Esme's response. As Norwood approaches, she links her arm through his and murmurs a quiet remark.

Lisebet raises, after all the requisite cheering and clapping, and makes her way towards the exit, heading generally towards Grayson territory and Ashford Manor.

Ophelia stands up from her seat after cheering, still using her delicately splayed fan to cool herself as she collects her dog's leash with her free hand. And with a sweep of her umbra dress, the Velenosa princess makes her way out of the area to get some air now that the event is over. Duchess Scone follows, as does Robyn. Naybe they can leave before that /crow/ spots them.

Ophelia has left the Noble Seating.

Robyn, an artful archeress, 2 House Velenosa Guards, Duchess Scone, a prissy white poodle leave, following Ophelia.

Laudine, a stern middle-aged maidservant arrives, following Tabitha.