Elena, a solemn knight attache, Alette, a discreet lady's maid, Isabel, a calm diplomatic aide arrive, following Zara.

1 Saik Guard, Micana leave, following Lucita.

Thea has joined the pond benches.

Nina has joined the pond benches.

4 Redoubt Buccaneers, Luna, the Darkwater Assistant arrive, following Carita.

Miranda has come to watch her brother duel! She enters the ground in her cloak, wrapped up tightly against the snow and cold winter air. Her hood is up, covered in snow, but she looks warm enough, if one discounts the red nose and rosy cheeks. She smiles to those she knows or, at the least, recognizes and makes sure to wave to her brother, not shy at all about who she might be rooting for. Then she settles for a seat at the pond and offers a quiet greeting to those with her.

Mal, a devious raccoon, Daegmund, an Oakhaven Shepherd, Sylvie, a bubbly Keaton huntsman in training, Carwyn, a Greenmarch War Elk, Brimbar arrive, following Shae.

Alis arrived early to get a good spot where she could see without standing on things, and had plopped herself right down with a bag of trail mix in hand to enjoy. One among many proper ways to enjoy a good challenge bout.

Alix, a young Oakhaven Shepherd arrives, following Kedehern.

Alix, a young Oakhaven Shepherd leaves, following Kedehern.

Alix, a young Oakhaven Shepherd arrives, following Kedehern.

Shae has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

The sound of hooves is the first thing to herald Champion Adalyn Clement's arrival. The horse draws through the gates at a graceful but unhurried pace, two riders astride him, the Clement noblewoman perched in front of Lord Vitalis Mazetti. Her body sways languidly with the horse's movements, one hand resting upon the hilt of her sword. A rider's version of a swagger if ever there was one.

Lierre has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

Nina walks in and slips into a seat near the pond, adjusting her cloak to sit properly. She is not sure what exactly the grudge match is about, but so far, watching fights has been somewhat fun! It's a good reason to get outside on a time when the weather is otherwise too chilly to worry about it. She claps politely when the Champion arrives.

From the entrance to the Laurent Manse, Duke Cristoph, Duchess Nicia and Baron Norwood come walking onto the grounds together. They seem to be engaged in conversation, chatting all friendly like. "Oh, look! People are already here," Cristoph says to the pair of them. A proper space has been cleared on the lawn for the duel, extra snow moved away so that there isn't /too/ much slipping. "What was this, to first blood? Ah, there's your daughter! I'm sure Prince Fecundo is about as well."

Scout Rowenova and Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound weave their way through the various benches gesturing quietly to a few people they might know before finally idling near Nicia.

Olivian has joined the pond benches.

Kastelon stands near the benches, observing with quiet and solemn interest.

Kastelon has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

Olivian's here - just to see the bout, to be honest. He finds a place at the benches to settle.

Clearly, this isn't a duel where anyone is actually upset. Norwood has a bag and upon reaching the space opens it up. "These are for each of us," and he pulls out berets to hand to Cristoph and Nicia, hosts first, then Adalyn, Fecundo, and himself. "Since I know how much you love berets Cristoph." It's deadpan as Norwood sits his firmly on his head. It looks ridiculous.

Tesha gives a look about as she enters into the manse, her stormy eyes looking for someone in particular, but, she doesn't see them here just yet. The Telmar is dressed in black today and wearing gloves to ward off some of the cold. She gives a nod to those that she knows as she finds a place to stand to watch the duel.

"Of course there are already people here." Nicia points out to the pair of them, shaking her head very faintly before she lets her attention shift towards Rowanova. There is a quiet smile offered to her before she is handed a beret. There is the very slightest uptick of a brow, but then she tugs it onto her head for solidarity.

Thea steps onto the grounds, as promised! Here to keep the bleeding at bay. That's right, you can bleed now, the young Malvici medic is here. Wearing her--aweseome bee looking beret on her head. Apparently it's too signify the awesomeness of her medicness. She bows her head politely in greeting, offering a brief smile of course as she makes her way to her cousins. The other cousins. Fecundo is busy...' is not available. Maybe you meant "receive messages"?

Fecundo is here, indeed. Seems to have been here for a bit of time and over to the side, stretching out and warming up. He has his helmet on the ground next to him for the moment and a pair of axes on his belt, one on either side. The people around do not seem to disturb his routine. When the Baron, Duke and his opponent arrive, however, he picks up the helm to put it under his arm and moves to greet them. He accepts the beret with a smile and a curious look, "Thank you...very unique."

Vitalis and his faithful steed are simply here to deliver the Clement Champion in style, of course. He draws rein near the cleared ground, and dismounts to play page to Adalyn's knight, offering the Clement Champion a hand down, fey smile playing about bearded features.

Becloaked in plum-violet seatouched wool and begarbed in a doublet of emerald green silk, Lierre has arrived. Her cheeks are pink but her strides are sure as she makes her way over to the benches at an easy pace. Bows are given where appropriate before she takes a seat, where she folds one leg over the other and rests her hands folded across her knee. She flashes a smile over to Shae and Kastelon, her Keaton kin who are sitting nearby.

"Oh... it's in the yard..." Shae murmurs to Kedehern as they walk out of the manse... blinking a little, not having expect it to be HERE. But hey, less for her to walk! Spying many of her family she smiles to them; there is a lot of them, "Nephew, Father," she says to Cristoph and Norwood. And then a wave to Amari, Adalyn, Nicia, Lierre, Kastelon... probably others she has missed, sorry! "Hey Amari, Adalyn, Lierre, Kastelon, Duchess Nicia." All given a warm smile, and of course Rowenova is given a big bright wave, "Hi Nova." Moving to take a seat on the benches.

Korka has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

Hamish wanders onto the grounds, wearing a black brocade cloak over his usual priestly vestments, hands clasped together so his long sleeves cover them. Without a glance around he heads over to sit down at the pond benches, looking down to offer nods of greetings to those already sitting.

Nova quietly slips a leatherbound folio to Nicia before she grins big then turns back to Shae and Kedehern and goes to sit there. "Good seeing you!"

Rowenova has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

Sir Floppington parts ways with the wolf scout and wags up to Alis.

Cristoph smiles brilliantly when he's handed a beret by Norwood, "Excellent!" He immediately puts it on his hand before wrapping his arm around Nicia's shoulders. "This is wonderful thank you. Prince Fecundo, it's good to see you! Would you and Lady Adalyn like to lead this off? It's been a time since I hosted one of these. As others enter and greet them, the duke lifts his hand and waves. Yes, hello!

"Lady Shae." Nicia offers in return to the greeting, but then takes the leatherbound folio from Rowenova, nodding to her before she starts to look through it. Really, she's paying attention to this duel thing. Promise.

Kedehern would enter with his wife, Shae, of course, and greet his friends and family with pleasant waves, and such! Looking to Shae, "So... Which one are we supposed to support, anyhow? On the one hand, one is my nephew and liege. On the other, Baron Norwood's your step-father, and his champion is your sister..." A beat. "I think I much preferred these things when they weren't family matters, you know?"

Korka comes walking into the Laurent estate grounds like she belongs there, glancing around the crowd before choosing a spot to sit and moving towards the benches.

"Shae," Norwood replies to his daughter specifically, and KEdehern at his side. The beret upon his head gets tweaked slightly. "My thanks to the both of you, Adalyn, Prince Fecundo."

3 Black Fleet Reavers arrives, following Viviana.

Kedehern has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

Adalyn takes Vitalis's offered hand as she swings out of the saddle and onto her feet. She casts him a grin, nodding and murmuring her thanks before making her way toward her father and the company around him. "Duke Cristoph, Duchess Nicia, Papa," she greets with a respectful bow. "A dueling beret, how perfect!" There's clear amusement when handed the jaunty fashion statement. Stepping back, she rolls her shoulders, warming up for the match about to unfold.

Alis defnitely holds out a hand with some of the trail mix on it for Sir Floppington. "How lovely to see you again." she greets the canine. "Ellara is going to be so disappointed she decided to chase Herald Steve around the manor instead of showing up for the challenge." What? Everyone talks to the animals when they're around, right?

Fecundo steps and speaks a small aside to Cristoph, smiling a bit as he does so. He steps back after to give the man some space, then glances to Adalyn. And Baron Clement for a moment, offering a polite nod.

"I have no idea, we just cheer for them both?" Shae says to Kedehern, with a slight smile and shrug. Spying Alis, Shae gives the Princess a wave and warm smile, "Hello Princess Alis," and then she is looking back to Norwood. "I honestly have no idea what this is about," she admits, though as a folio is passed over from Rowanova to Nicia, there is a curious look there from Shae to the two women. But then she is looking back to the rather massive gathering the duel as attracted.

Sir Floppington takes this moment to look up at Alis with those soulful eyes before carefully accepting the trail mix with a tilt of his flop-eared head as he gnaws the bits and pieces into his toothy maw. He has good breath and pristine teeth as much as his fur has a healthy sheen despite the grey in it.

Olivian has left the pond benches.

Rowenova says, "I want one of those books before they might possibly be banned!"

Norwood drops Laurent and Clement Memorial Duel Beret.

Amari has been here, waiting for the duel to begin. There's a lot of waves, smiles and respectful nods offered to everyone she knows, and a few she doesn't because she's friendly like that. She's just staying out of the way mostly with a giant dog on either side of her, and a tiny goat clipping the little bits of grass showing through the snow at her feet.

Kastelon seems to have no clue what all this is about, and is merely watching with a stoic expression.

"I think it's some book, or something," Kedehern says to Shae, about what it's about. "The Salacious Baron and... Something? In any case, cheering for both, I guess, yes," with a nod.

Ragairseacht, a common nightingale, Thunderboy, a juvenile Keaton bloodhound arrive, following Veronica.

Nodding to Cristoph, Fecundo smiles a little and then goes to speak with Adalyn, asking her to step aside a moment.

Nova tells Kedehern, "The Salalcious Tale of the Baron and His Rose."

HEaring the full title has Norwood TWITCHING. To Cristoph and Nicia, "We're all clear that the book is a work of //fiction// yes?"

Making her way onto the Estate Grounds of the Laurent Manse, Viviana's lonely eye roams the surrounding space, and the crowd present. The fencer flashes a grin and offers a wave to any familiar faces as she makes her way over to claim a bench for herself. All the better to watch the day's entertainment.

Viviana has joined the pond benches.

Tesha remains standing off to the side for the moment, watching the champions readying for their duel. She gives a bit of a chuckle at something that is said, but doesn't comment on it. She's left her hair down today so keeps having to fidget with it every so often. She hadn't watched a duel in a good while.

After explaining something to Fecundo, his expression doubly amused the entire time he turns back to Nicia, watching as she's going through a... folder? Where did she get paperwork at this duel? He sighs, but it's fond (and accepting) of this state of things. It's then that Norwood starts to twitch, "Yes, yes. Of course. A work of /fiction/."

Alis is absolutely not snickering over there somewhere when Norwood starts to twitch. Nope, not her. That sound is definitely... a cough, or something. Yes.

Vitalis moves off with his horse, to tie it up somewhere out of the way. He returns to stand next to Miranda, at her shoulder. Both Mazettis, see. He leans down to whisper in her ear.

Veronica comes trotting up from the Valardin ward proper, hair pulled up securely at the back of her head despite the cool weather. She gives a quick wave to those she passes on the way into the grounds, already scanning for a bench.

Veronica has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

Miranda grins.. broadly... at the whisper in her ear. Enough that she looks as if she might laugh. She turns her head slightly to Vitalis, murmuring back and there's some finger-pointing to her brother, Fecundo. A hand gesture as if motioning towards the Valardin Prince.

A warm smile and wave is given to Veronica as she joins the group at the chairs and benches, "Veronica! Hello! How have you been?" Shae says brightly, happy to see her cousin.

Baelor definitely shows up to this event. Watching people smack each other with swords is about the only thing to draw him out of his routine. Norwood is clearly busy with...whatever the duel is about. Someone else can explain to him the why. "Lady Tesha." Tesha, being the person Baelor steps up beside and calls for attention. "What is it about, anyway?"

Amari has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

Carita has joined the pond benches.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Rurik, a prodigal assistant, Aegis, a large red Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Mirk.

Mirk has joined the pond benches.

Vitalis snorts at Miranda, brows lifting, continuing their murmured conversation while the bout has yet to start.

Charlotte had heard the commotion from her house and followed the trail of noise. She met the duke yesterday, so surely he won't mind her sneaking in and cheering for well, anyone wearing bees. Spotting an open seat, she makes her way through the crowds and sits down.

Baelorppl tjea

Charlotte has joined the a set of chairs and benches.

Veronica returns Shae's wave as she drops down onto one of the benches. "Shae, it's good to see you again! It's good to be back in the city." She cocks her head. "I might need your expertise soon, actually. I'm not as dab hand at training the pups as you are."

Sir Flop finishes up the trail mix that he is offered before he sits by Alis and gently wags, looking over his shoulder at her before looking out toward where those who will fight will be.

Tesha looks to the side and then there's a Baelor, she gives a bit of a head tilt, "Lord Baelor." she greets him. Then she's straightening. "Apparently there was a book written that Baron Norwood did not like. The Salacious Tale of the Baron and His Rose is the name I believe." she tells the Keaton.

There are a whole lot of Keatons around, so Lierre waves to them all as well as anyone else she knows. Literal handwave time, this.

A wave is given to Baelor, "Hello Uncle," she calls to the man, with a warm, bright smile. Spying Mirk arriving she gives him a warm, friendly wave and smile as well, "Hello Lord Mirk," and then she is turning her attention back to her cousin, Veronica.

Nicia has a unique ability to find paperwork at any time, any where. Evidently. She does at least tuck the folio away after quickly looking at it, "Book?" She wonders, glancing towards Cristoph, then Norwood, "I thought that all books were true stories?"

Mirk returns the greeting with a wave. "Lady Shae. A pleasure to see you again, so soon. And Lord Kedehern." A dip of his head to Amari. "All three of you are about. We'll have to catch up at some point, but for now..." He continues onwards, and finds a seat elsewhere. There's a nod to those at his section of the seating, particularly Miranda and Thea and Carita.

Alis knows what her duty is when a canine sits near you and looks at you expectantly, and so like a good knight she tugs a glove off in order to offer Sir Flop the requisite scritches. Even if her attention might wander elsewhere a moment.

Of course, Sir Floppington leans closer to those scritches from Alis, doing so with a blissful look in his soulful eyes which gaze up and back once more.

Adalyn draws aside to listen to Fecundo's remarks, nodding agreeably and gesturing him forward with a murmured response. She stands patiently, alert and ready and remaining in constant movement while things get underway.

Vitalis straightens from murmuring to Miranda and espies Nicia tucking paperwork away, eyes tripping sharply from the folio to Nicia's face, to the folio, to the combatants.


After speaking with Adalyn, Fecundo moves over to one side of the yard and lifts his axes, clanging the flats together for a sharp ring to draw attention, "Lords, Ladies, and those of common birth. Welcome to the Laurent-Clement Duel this evening. I, Prince Fecundo Valardin, represent Duke Cristoph Laurent who challenges that Baron Norwood Clement...on sending his daughter to procure a rather salacious book, may or may not have attempted the Kidnapping of his children, Eadric and Annalise. As such...should I win the day for the Duke...against Lady Adalyn Clement....his request is that the Baron not leave his books and loose change laying about the manor.." With that, he bows and gestures to Adalyn.

"I assure you," Norwood replies to Nicia, not taking a MOMENT's notice of the paperwork. "If I wished to engage in a paramour's company I would not allow it to be written about in scandalous detail."

Norwood mutters, "Really, the bag just had ... hole in it."


"Salacious books get written all the time. Was it /about/ the...Norwood? Nobody would believe that." Baelor's arms cross over hischest and he waits to see just how the duel will commence.

"Yes, Norwood. Please stop leaving your salacious novels and loose change about." Notice that Cristoph doesn't ask Norwood or any Clements to stop taking his crazy kid. When the other man starts whispering to him and Nicia, he begins to laugh.

Korka nods to Norwood's words, saying to the people around her, "Valardin houses insist that things be recorded in nothing short of tedious detail."

From her spot at the benches, Nova lets out a Northern laugh after Cristoph.


Looking away from the conversation at the benches for a moment, Viviana wonders aloud, "Kidnapping now? --Goodness, what are you all getting up to over here in the Valardin ward?"

Tesha gives a look to the man at her side and there's a moment she tries not to smile, "I am unsure, I did not read it." she admits. "Should I?" she gives a bit of a smile now. Then she leans in to whisper something to him before she gives a greeting to Mirk. Her favorite Halfshav.

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly, 1 Inquisition Confessors, 1 Graypeak Aerie Warden arrive, following Delilah.

Delilah has joined the pond benches.

Is that a smile threatening to show itself on Adalyn's face? No, just the way the glare of the sun is in her eyes surely. As Fecundo finishes, she draws forward and raises her voice for all to hear. "Today I, Lady Adalyn Clement, represent my father Baron Norwood Clement who hereby proclaims his innocence - and by extension, mine." She's quick to add /that/ tidbit in. "There was no kidnapping plot, attempted or otherwise, only an attempt to trade for said salacious, fictional book to protect the Baron's honor." She steps back, nods to Fecundo and adds: "For Gloria!"

Meanwhile at her spot by the pond, Thea was giving her take of what she thought was the duel. She was way off and gives a brief shift of her gold-flecked green eyes. Oops.

Fecundo wields a matching pair of steel axes.

"Were the children kidnapped?" Nicia wonders, glancing at Cristoph for a moment, then back to Norwood before she just shakes her head very slowly at him. She then she hands the folio off to a passing Laurent servant. One probably well versed in handling random bits of paperwork passed off at random times, and turns her attention fully towards the duel.

Vitalis lifts his voice to cheer following Adalyn's cry, "For Gloria!" Not much for duels, he's making an effort. See that cheer!

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

Placing his help on his head, Fecundo mirrors Adalyn's sentimet, "For Gloria"

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

"No, and to be clear, he //gave// Eadric away. Adalyn has kept him quite alive." Norwood says this nonchalantly. "Though I hear she almost lost him the other day." Norwood settles his arms across his chest and nods along with the cheers. "For Gloria."

"No, no. But Lady Adalyn has had Eadric for the last several days. Have you noticed how much quieter it's been around the manse?" Cristoph comments to Nicia, watching the folio get passed off. Then Fecundo and Adalyn are ready to go and he fixes his eyes onto the Champions.


"If it is /written/ about Norwood.....it might be the most boring novel ever put to ink. I would worry for your sanity if you read it." Baelor hmpfhs with only a small sly grin to Tesha.

Miranda cheers, clearly ont he Laurent side today!

Lierre, surrounded by her Keaton kin at the benches, as well as a few others, applauds courteously before the duelists commence with the combat. Then she folds her hands on her lap again, quirking a quick smile to her benchmates. Her head turns back to the fighters thereafter, her gaze attentive.

"Of course not. I had the office walls covered in wool and tapestries, and then a wardrobe shoved in front of the door. I haven't heard a thing when in there." Nicia replies with a shake of her head, then she lifts her hands to applaud the Champions, "Do we owe Lady Adalyn money for damaged property yet?"

Best not to interrupt the duel, but a bit of starlight falling from the darker sky zigzags straight through the assembled viewers come to appreciate the duel. In honour of the moment, Lilah has her usual assortment of deadly hairpins in place, tipped mostly by the Wheels of Death. Nothing like justice and balance for all! Her scurrying journey delivers her to a spot by the pond, and Vitalis' cheer brings a quick wave in his direction. Yet onward, she dips for a space beside Mirk.

Tesha gives a soft laugh, "Should we write a book about you instead, Lord Baelor?" she asks as she quirks an eyebrow at him. "Though, if you worry for my sanity I shall not seek to read the book." she nods sagely at that.

"Not as far as I know - yet. But Adalyn is much in the habit of hiding the things that get destroyed quite well. She has practice, I'll send you a bill in a few months." Norwood totally casts shade on his dauther as he watches the fight keenly.

The first movements by Fecundo are tentative, testing, as he circles Adalyn. When he first moves in, he takes a scrape off his armor and laughs a little, returning to place a ding of his own in the lady's armor., though he misses on the next pass while evading her sword. He hmms a little as he gets ready to circle again, "Nice blade.."

Skiftfeather - an Elegant Snowy Owl, Morigan Bradshaw - Nurse and Doctor in Training, Fayre Wyrmfang - Excitable Champion, 1 Valardin Knights, Jaibrian - Oathlands Vanner arrive, following Isidora.

"I don't think so, but I can ask after the duel is over. He went missing for awhile yesterday. I think he probably did that thing where he climbs up the fireplace? I'm going to have grates installed so no one accidentally cooks the boy this winter." Cristoph comments to her, looking faintly amused when she mentions the wardrobe is /shoved/ in front of the door. His eyes remain on the duel but he asks, "Do you want better locks?"

Miranda leans forward, watching the duo as they fight. Her elbows on her knees, hands clasped in her lap. She calls out, hands cupped around her mouth for best effect. "Come on, Brother! Give the crowd a good showing!!"

Adalyn draws her sword with a flourish, striking a fighting stance. Her eyes never leave Fecundo as she begins to move, looking for an opening. She darts forward, her sword coming down in a slashing movement that glances off of her opponent's armor. A blow traded likewise as she ducks from his axes. There's a wide grin, a nod as she calls to him, "Yours are impressive as well."

Thea snorts over at Miranda before looking at Fecundo to watch,"Domonico should be here. Then they could have compared show notes."

"GO ADALYN!!" Shae calls out, cheering for her sister.

Norwood checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 15 higher.

"The most raucous and tawdry event in that novel would probably be handholding. And only alluded to, never written starkly." Baelor nods as Adalyn and Fecundo begin their duel.

Isidora enters with her entourage behind her. If she's worried her face doesn't show it. It is a mask of placid calm.

Isidora has joined the pond benches.

Stonefaced is Norwood as he watches the duel. There might be a tiny flick of a smile when Adalyn gets close, but then it is wiped away again. Nothing when she gets hit.

As the fight continues, Fecundo begins using the agility benefit offered him by the choice of leather armor, weaving in and out of Adalyn's strikes as he goes, the axes wielded in tandem, sometimes one as a shield. Moving in and out of the lady's reach, Fecundo manage two harder strikes into either side of his opponent's metal armor before slipping from her reach.

Nicia shakes her head, "No, the locks are fine. It helps block out the noise though." She is not at all paying attention to the fight beyond looking at it, and looking mildly concerned.

"Excellent bladework, Prince Fecundo!" Cristoph calls out to the man when he manages to get a clip in on Adalyn. "And footwork!" He glances down and over at Nicia, watching her for a moment before he puts his hand to her lower back.

Vitalis hisses when Fecundo lands two blows, attention on the fight, though he takes a seat next to Miranda. "Watch those Lycene's Lady Clement, they'll surprise you!"

Carita is overheard praising Cristoph: Wonderful dueling event!

Miranda calls out to her brother's well placed blows, "Well done!" She grins and looks at Vitalis, nudging him playfully. Family. Mazettis. And on opposite sides!

While Adalyn truly enjoys the fight, showmanship comes easily to her. There's a twirl of her sword as she attempts another blow, but her opponent is swifter than her and lands a couple dings to her armor. She dances away, eyes wary and watchful for an opportunity.

Hamish stands and roars, "For Gloria!" apparently uninterested in which champion actually takes home the victory as much as he is in the glory of shouting very loudly and being aggressively religious.

Isidora takes a seat by Miranda, her sister by marriage, her honeyed eyes look over at Vitalis. There is a hint of pride in her face. Her husband the peacock was putting on quite a show. Calmly she looks back at the duel.

Rowenova says, "Get him!"

"I swear I do not know where she got that flair for the dramatic... her mother had a certain flair, but not like that." Norwood is more or less talking to himself, but it might make its wear to ears of others nearby.

Miranda eyes Rowenova, "Hey! That's my brother you want her to 'get', Nova!" Uh oh... if Miranda wasn't grinning so broadly, one might think she might be mad at Nova! She does scoot so Isidora can sit on her other side, since Vitalis is now beside her. She gives Isi a one-armed hug.

Nova grins across to Miranda, "That he is!" She cannot help but to crack up, doing so with a Northern laugh. She winks to the Lycene crew over there.

Alis gives Sir Flop one last good scritch behind the ears before making her apologies and melting back into the crowd to deal with whatever note that messenger just handed her. "Nice berets!" she calls out, on her way past the hosting parties.

Charlotte doesn't mind playing devil's advocate, sitting with those cheering for the Clement's, she hops to her feet and cups her hands around her mouth. "Get her! Go the bees!"

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant leave, following Alis.

Sir Flop looks up with thankful eyes to Alis before he flops down all lazy.

"She developed it in all her years tormenting you, just like the rest of us," Cristoph quips to Norwood, laughing.

"Go Adadlyn!" Shae cheers from the chairs and benches.

"Oh really?" Tesha asks of Baelor. Then she goes quiet as she stands beside him, watching the two duelists as they work.

"Maybe I should have sent her to live with her cousins rather than keep her with me." Norwwod replies back, his tone implying that despite him saying that there was NO way that he ever would have done that. Norwood loves Adalyn.

From her doublet pocket, Nova pulls out a coin purse. "You're on!" says she.

"It seems to have worked for me, Baron Clement," Kedhern remarks from where he's surrounded by the gaggle of Keatons.

Perhaps the Valardin Prince repeats a pattern in his motions on the next set of exchanges, but this time is it he who gets caught by Adalyn's blade and has to hop back, though any indication of how badly hurt is masked by the helm. Fecundo is moving just fine and twirls the axes, "Well done...shall we try something different?" His footwork changes some as he moves in a more circular than direct fashion.

Veronica can be seen flashing Rowenova a cheerful 'bring it' sort of hand gesture, producing her own coin purse. Bet in progress!

Norwood mutters, "... ... ... ... our duel?!"

Norwood mutters, "Are they //betting// on our duel?!"

A bit of fancy footwork has Adalyn dodging just out of reach of Fecundo's dual blades. She lunges, landing a glancing blow off his helm before ducking away. "Indeed. I like keeping things interesting." She eyes his movements, beginning to circle.

Nova lightly tosses the coin purse to a short height before swiftly snatching that same purse on its downward fall. "Yes, Baron Norwood. Yes, we are." Then, she grins back to Veronica.

Cristoph mutters, "Oh, come ... ... the good people have a ... fun. ... ... a ... ... betting. I'm sure ... Gild doesn't mind."

Vitalis grins at the coin getting tossed out and elbows Miranda. "See." He leans in to whisper to her, watching Fecundo closely.

Miranda calls out to her brother, "Come on, Brother!! Don't -let- her hit you. Your sons could have dodged that!" Oh. Now she's heckling him!

Lierre shakes her head to Norwood, as if to say 'I am not betting.' She's a real goody-two-shoes, this one. Nonetheless, her expression is one of amusement, even if she's fighting back a smile -- her eyes twinkle with it.

Veronica whistles shrilly as Miranda's taunt rings across the field. She probably does have decorum stowed away somewhere, but not too concerned about it here, it seems.

Cristoph is laughing at something that Norwood is saying, replying back quietly. Then he's cheering once again. "Go Prince Fecundo!" he calls out, clapping loudly for the man as the duel continues.

Charlotte looks over to the other stand and spots Thea. She gives the woman a wave and quietly excuses herself from the seat she'd found earlier.

At hearing Norwood and Cristoph muttering back and forth to each other, Shae glances their way. Shae holds up her hands toward Norwood, as if to say she was not doing so. And then to Veronica's question about Adalyn, she gives a shake of her head. "No, not at all. She is an excellent combatant."

Charlotte has left the a set of chairs and benches.

Charlotte has joined the pond benches.

Fecundo does certainly change how he moves. His steps are circular as is the movements of his axes. Perhaps using the flash as a distraction, he manages to score another firm strike against the side of Lady Adalyn's armor before shifting back and calling without shifting attention, "Sistermine...let the peacock have his fun, yeah?"

Miranda laughs at her brother's response to her, settling back a moment and glancing to Vitalis as they speak quietly.

Thea looks over at Charlotte and bows her head,"Lady Charlotte, hello. Did you come over to the best side, places bets?"looking up to Rowenova amusedly. Fecunda gets a smirk as well as he chides Miranda.

It takes a moment longer than expected for Adalyn to shift, shaking her head as if to clear it as Fecundo lands a few strikes. She gives a quiet grunt, eyes narrowing in concentration as she tries to recover from a few misses in a row.

Isidora shouts out, "Hurry up and finish her My Raven ..." Isidora doesn't even drop a beat before she adds, "We can have more fun elsewhere." Now there is a beat and she flushes as she realizes what she has said.

Rowenova winks with a grin to Thea before she looks back to the fight and...

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "You can do it Lady Adalyn!"

Norwood checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 0 higher.

There's a small undignified squeak from Norwood at a particularly good blow before he PULLS HIMSELF TOGETHER and clears his throat in a nice composed yes-I-am-a-knight-and-Oathland-Lord-yes way.

Miranda grimaces as her brother takes a blow. "Ouch! Shake it off, Brother! And stop playing around! This is serious! There are wagers in your favor! Don't let us down!"

Rowenova says, "I want that Lycene money!"

Miranda calls out to Nova, "Come and get it!" She grins at her!

After trading words with his sister, Fecundo moves back into the fray with Lady Adalyn, trying to make a low pass under her guard. Unfortunately, she catches him with a hard blow across the shoulder. When he turns for a quick riposte, he blade is there, catching in in the same spot, spilling blood across the icy and slick ground. Even Fecundo recognizes that is game, set and match and steps broadly out of the lady's range, first holding up his axes and then lowering them in concession, "Good match, Lady Adalyn...the day..is yours."

Vitalis looks sharply at Rowenova, sitting forward from his spot on the bench next to Miranda. He roars the Clement words, "Always faithful!"

There is a widening of Shae's eyes at Kedehern and Veronica's conversation, and then a sudden laugh, and a shake of her head. Though the squeak from Norwood draws Shae's attention to her step-father. But as Adalyn strikes a good blow on Fecundo Shae lets out a loud 'Whoo' of excitement. "GO ADALYN!" Nodding a little afterward to Kedehern's comment to her. "Well fought, Prince Fecundo!" Shae follows up with as it seems the duel is finished.

A heartfelt groan comes out of Veronica by the benches when Fecundo steps away. She digs through her coin purse and holds out a handful to Rowenova. "Well bet. I'm suitably ashamed of myself," she intones, chuckling dryly. Her sharp eye stays on Fecundo and Adalyn though, perhaps concerned that all fighters make it off the field without dying.

@emit Nova kips up to her booted feet and speeds past Sir Floppington who gets up with a blink or two. She eventually circuits the fighting field, rolling up to where Miranda is with a grin and jokingly looks as if sizing up her pockets but does not really touch them. She briefly winks before speeding around to where Veronica is. "Good job, both of you!"

Miranda stands at her spot by the pond and applauds, cheering, loudly, proudly, "Well done! Well done both of you!" Sure she heckled Fecundo a little, but it was a good bout none-the-less!

Charlotte's smile, from listening to the conversation buzzing about her, melts at the sight of blood. She doesn't pale or gasp, but her eyes certainly raise and a hand is lifted to her chest.

Nova happily accepts the coin purse from Veronica, "Thank you, Lady Keaton." After, she bows deeply before popping up to her full height once more.

Miranda eyes Nova when she slinks over and motions to the woman to 'move along' cheerily.

Kedehern stands, and claps loudly! "Well fought, the both of you!" And then, "Congratulations on a victory well earned, Lady Adalyn!"

Her series of misses seems to refocus Adalyn, her muscles tensed as she lunges forward with a swift swipe of her blade. This one is aimed true and does the trick. As Fecundo steps back, she draws up to full height and bows to her opponent. "Well fought, Prince Fecundo. You are a fierce opponent. It was a privilege to face off against you."

Alright, Norwood can't keep it in any more. He's already standing but his hands come together in a furious cascade of applause. "WELL DONE ADALYN!" He looks like he is literally about to burst with pride.

Lierre lifts her hands from their elegant entwine on her lap and applauds soundly for the duelists. A smile curves her lips upwards, and her eyes narrow into twinkling crescents.

Thea is already climbing to her feet, but pauses. She looks to Isidora, telling her,"I was going to go off and patch up blood and things, but if you'd like to tend to your husband, I completely understand." She grins a bit,"He may prefer you over his Malvici cousin anyhow.."

Veronica is overheard praising Fecundo.

Veronica is overheard praising Adalyn.

Lierre is overheard praising Fecundo.

Lierre is overheard praising Adalyn.

Amari applauds both the duelists, after Prince Fecundo has conceded. She's looks amused still from whatever was being discussed nearby, but calls out a serious congratulations and compliment, "Nicely fought!"

Lierre is overheard praising Norwood.

Lierre is overheard praising Cristoph.

Kedehern is overheard praising Adalyn.

Kedehern is overheard praising Fecundo.

Norwood is overheard praising Adalyn: SHE WON MY DAUGHTER WON GUYS THAT IS MY DAUGHTER

Miranda is overheard praising Adalyn: Excellent Duel! Well done! VIctory!

Isidora watches Thea, "If you were promised to do the healing here ... I don't want to step on toes."

Miranda is overheard praising Fecundo: Best brother and excellent showing at the duel! Well done!

Hamish is overheard praising Adalyn.

Hamish is overheard praising Fecundo.

Shae is overheard praising Adalyn: WELL DONE ADALYN! BEST SISTER CHAMPION!

Nova pockets away her own purse and the coins from Veronica then closes up those pockets (her own) as she grins back to Miranda as well as Vitalis, too.

"Well fought, Prince Fecundo!" Cristoph calls out when the man concedes to the lady. "Congratulations, Lady Adalyn!" He claps his hands together loudly for the pair of them before turning to Norwood. To the baron, he gives a bow. In an overly solemn voice he begins, "Baron Norwood Clement. Loyal Sword of Artshall for all of these years. Uncle to virtually all of the scions of House Laurent except Lord Kedehern who is an uncle himself, I /apologize/ for accusing you of extortion and kidnapping. It was a most ridiculous accusation made in jest. I promise that from this day forward, I will do my very best to collect any books that may have been written about you in a fasion that is... tawdry."

Amari is overheard praising Adalyn.

Cristoph is overheard praising Adalyn.

Cristoph is overheard praising Fecundo.

Kastelon is overheard praising Adalyn.

Cristoph is overheard praising Norwood.

Kastelon is overheard praising Adalyn: She won a duel against someone who won a tournament.

Shae is overheard praising Fecundo: Well fought, Prince Fecundo!

Fecundo first offers a bow to Adalyn and then to both Duke and Baron, and finally a wave to the spectators before stepping off the field toward his wife and letting Adalyn have the field. He doesn't look terribly pained, but the should had a nice slice through the armor and is bleeding some.. Hard to tell on the black armor, though that might be the point.

Rising from her bench, the Sword of Setarco joins in on the applause for the pair of Champions. Aloud, Viviana calls out, "An excellent showing, Lady Adalyn, Prince Fecundo!"

A small pouch of silver exchanges hands at a set of chairs and benches, between Korka and Kastelon, the latter frowning in a way that might almost be a smile on someone else.

Miranda chuckles, "Excuse me, I think my Sister-by-marriage and I should go see to my brother. She reaches to help Isidora up, "Come on, Sister. Let's go make sure he's not seriously hurt, hmm?"

Veronica chuckles, looking to Kastelon. "You and I ended up in the same boat," she notes, casting her eyes heavenward without any real upset.

Fecundo is overheard praising Adalyn: Worthy opponent.

Nicia lifts her hands up and begins to applaud for both the winner, and the loser. Although she doesn't mention anything regarding tawdy novels or kidnapped children, instead a very faintly amused twitch of her lips can be seen.

Nina applauds for the fight, also starting to stand up. She seems glad to have just been entertained a bit today. However, she'll probably leave now that the main event has ended, as... well, it's a bit chilly outside and kind of wet.

Vitalis rises to his feet, clapping heartily for Adalyn and Clement. He whistles loud, fingers pressed to lips, and keeps clapping, a laugh pealing for Cristoph's promise to 'collect any tawdry books about Norwood.' He shakes his head, still clapping. Vitalis cedes his place next to Miranda, to accommodate Fecundo's arrival. "Highness, well fought. Don't hold back next time." He tucks his chin and Fecundo, bows and withdraws, moving over to Adalyn, eyes bright as he beams. "Well fought, Champion."

"I'd say this calls for some refreshment, perhaps," Kedehern remarks. "Perhaps some nice cider, or good Laurent mead," he muses.

Norwood attempts to pull in his pride at his daughter's performance, but he can't manage a fully solemn visage as he turns to accept Cristoph's words. He's smiling like the father he is as he returns the bow. "Your words are most gracious my Duke. My service to your family has been, and will continue to be, the honor of my life. It means a great deal that you will assist in making sure that these books do not spread any further."

Vitalis is overheard praising Fecundo: Well-fought bout. Good show.

Thea tells Isidora and Miranda with a slight grin,"You tend to him. I may tug stitches and such..assuming he needs them, a bit harder,"teasing Fecundo while she can. With that, she makes her way to Adalyn.

Vitalis is overheard praising Adalyn: Well-fought bout. Good show.

Adalyn is overheard praising Fecundo: A formidable opponent, indeed!

Kastelon cants his head in concession to Veronica. He still doesn't smile, but appears good-natured enough.

When Kedehern talks of consumables, Nova suddenly fixates on him, "Where?"

Carita is overheard praising Fecundo.

Fecundo is overheard praising Cristoph: Enjoyable duel.

Tesha gives a look to Baelor, "Lady Adalyn." she tells him quietly. "Baron Norwood seems very proud as well." she nods to that. "I should be going though, were you going to stay and give congratulations?" she asks the Knight.

Carita is overheard praising Adalyn.

Fecundo is overheard praising Norwood: Enjoyable duel.

Isidora moves with Miranda and Thea to reach Fecundo. "My Raven. How are you doing?" She says as she moves to kiss him on the cheek. Very chastely.

Miranda has left the pond benches.

Rowenova has left the a set of chairs and benches.

Viviana has left the pond benches.

Hamish pushes himself to his feet and crosses over to Korka, looking to the lord with whom she just exchanged some silver. "Did the Inquisitor bilk you, my lord? She is quite the sharp."

With the apologies and probably life long commitment to collecting all of these books made, Cristoph turns to Nicia and gives her a little nudge with his shoulder. "Would you like to get something to drink?"

Lierres makes her farewells with smiles and waves, and then she's gone!

Miranda speaks softly to Isidora and Fecundo, mostly Isi. Then she looks her brother over and tiptoes up to kiss his cheek.. the one opposite from Isidora.

Thea has left the pond benches.