Valkieri enters on long strides, his usual garments replaced or complemented by high-quality leathers meant for just such a purpose as this. His gaze travels across those who have already gathered, noting Dawn with recognition and Silas working to prepare. The others he studies in his approach of the field.


    Unfortunately for anyone who might be near the smith, Ida Ferron appears to have just finished at the forge but made at least some attempt to clean up a touch. There is still soot along her left cheek and the scent of metal is faintly present. Perhaps she is here to gauge the weapons or simply to socialize. Probably the former, but who knows. She starts making her way around the general seating to find a good viewing spot.


Valkieri has joined the Field.

Ida has joined the General Seating.

"Gloria bless you and keep you, Edain," Dawn says to the man, giving him a grin that's not nearly as dignified as it ought to be for the ritual of token-offering. Heedless of such things, she backs away from Edain and turns. Her hand lifts, a wave directed to mark the presence if Niccolo, Donella, other recognized faces in the crowd beginning to swell the arena's population. But it's towards the judges booth she goes, to drop into a seat beside Silas and lean in close to share a quiet word with the knight. She may or may not unhook the flask from her belt and offer to him beneath the table, in the same moment.

Edain nods to Dawn, "Thank you Lady Dawn, I will do my best to honor it well." He says bowing to her. Fussing with the token as he raises, to make certain it is steady. He bows to his head to Calista, "Lady Calista, it is wonderful to see you again." he says returning her general greeting. I might be noted that he's explicitly not responding to Talen's wager. He fades back to wait Sir Silas to call out the brackets..

"You too, your grace," Talen replies with only the most marginal of half-smirks, his shoulder dipping under the heavy hand of the duke. "They'll be providing the weaponry," he reminds. It doesn't seem at all like any big deal, except for those who are most cynical indeed. Waht if they're weighted?!
"Tired boasts, grand challenges, they're all much the same. Some are just more amusing than others," says the Sword of Lenosia then, hand brushing off his jacket in the last before he seems to be satisfied in his cleanliness. Taking a missive from a messenger that is fast in approach, he scans it before ushering the boy off without an answer.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Talen before departing.

Eos raised a brow when Salazar jogs up, with all his...Fun. If there was a man that was any more the opposite of Eos, it was very likely Salazar. Eos turns a small grin none the less and chuckles, "I take it that you are excited," to the man. "I am just happy not to in my inn room writing letters into the wee hours of the morning," comes sighed, but it's a light sigh that sees his shoulders lighten somewhat. He nods towards the field, making his way there with some assumption that the brash pirate lord would no doubt be close behind.

Eos has joined the Field.

Salazar has joined the Field.

"Lady Fidante, indeed, it has been some time. Since the melee endeavor, I think?" Princess Donella says to Calista. "Are they all to fight with favors, today? Wonderful. I am curious to see who you will back."


     Joscelin slips in the usual way, shouting, 'IDA!' as she spots her dearest friend. The woman grins and tries to make her way over to her. The jeweler is actually wearing a dress today.

    All things now in place, Sir Silas now stands from his seat at the Judge's Booth. One other joins him - by appearances a middle-aged Templar - as well as the Lady Dawn. It appears there will be three judges, and thus little squabbling.

    "Welcome ladies and gentlemen, lords and ladies, princes and princesses. This will be a straight-forward affair: I ask for all duelists to join the field, and pick their blade of choice from the weapon rack. You will be allowed to swap before each of your match-ups, if you so desire."

Niccolo has joined the Field.

Fortunato only belatedly appears to notice he is not the only person on his bench. His acknowledgement of Lady Fidante and Princess Donella is faint and sideward, as if he didn't want to draw too much attention. (Why, his attention is prepped to draw.)

Joscelin has joined the General Seating.

Edain has joined the Field.

Dagon has joined the Field.

Niccolo is approached by a messenger, he narrows his eyes but speaks to the boy. Something is delivered to him, wrapped and he takes a moment to study it. There's a hint of a smile on his face, and the duke looks over to the crowd for a moment. He whispers back to the boy, and urges him off the field once things start. Off the instructions, the duke goes on to the rack and looks through the weapons, selecting one.

Finishing his 'warm-up' Fergus plops his ass down onto a bench and begins loosening the buckles on his breasplate nearest his arm pits, as if to allow freer movement. Why he's wearing armor for a fencing competition, one really could not say, other than perhaps the Prince only has the armor as his fanciest 'outfit'. Standing back up, Fergus glances in the general direction of the judges stand, he doesn't talk with anyone, nor does he stand near anyone, crossing his powerful arms over his chest, his eyes finding Silas, as if awaiting for everything to begin. As Silas calls for them to pick a weapon, Fergus turns to the rack and immediately grabs up a sabre, not the heaviest weapon available, but the weapon nearest to what he's use to using, a sword.

In full scouting leathers the hues of Autumn, albeit the large albino bear headdress on her head, comes in Freja at a naturally quick pace that seems more innate than effort. She passes by the edge of the tournament ground to give a few words to Fergus, the brother that she isn't much shorter than. A friendly punch is given to his upper arm and off towards the benches she goes to find a seat.

Delia slips in, giggling to a companion before the red headed whisper peels away and looks around for a seat. "Oh! I hope you do not mind if I join you," she asks those she settles down near. "How exciting, fighting with out the nasty bruises afterwards."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Isolde before departing.

Freja has joined the General Seating.

"I believe so, Your Highness." Calista comments to Donella. "With a favor hmm? Let us see, I believe Lady Dawn gave her favor to both Prince Edain and Prince Fergus." She spies Isolde's arrive and waves the Velenosa Princess towards the seats. "I shall have to be quick if I am to give someone my favor. Let us see who is actually competing."

Viktarkim has joined the Field.

Marcas arrives a few paces behind Freja, his left hand idly hanging on the hilt of his sword on his hip. He doesn't join Freja to see to Fergus but gives him a curt nod if eye contact is made. He begins to head to the seating area, a shadow behind the Redrain Princess.

Marcas has joined the General Seating.


    Ida hears her name and can't help but smile wide. She stands and considering her height, it likely even easier to see that way. "Mistress Joscelin!" The greeting is loud and friendly, the smith scooching down a smidge to give the jeweler some room on the bench. "My my. Aren't we dressed lovely today," is remarked with a bit of a smirk. She gives a little wave at her person. "Just finished up something important myself, but washed up a bit. Forgive the appearance, but y'know how it goes." There's a wide grin at that. "This should be interesting, hmm?"


Tobias has joined the Judges Booth.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Fergus before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Dagon before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Ida before departing.

Valkieri is on the field even before Silas calls for it, his back straight and shoulders set, a focus to his gaze that probably makes him rather poor company to those around him. He considers the rack for several long moments before finally settling on a sabre for his selection.


     Joscelin sees many people she knows taking place in the competition, sitting next to Ida with a bright grin. "Absolutely," she replied with a laugh. "I am looking forward to it." And of course, she stands up cups her hands around her mouth and HOOTS! with pride and joy at the contenders.

Isolde waves up to Calista, seeing her, but she doesn't join the stands. She waits at the edge of the field, tapping her lips.

Lydia has joined the Judges Booth.

A few seconds after Dawn makes her way to the judges booth and just as Silas is making the beginning announcement, Lydia heads that direction herself, where she settles in beside Dawn and Silas with a wide smile as she does so, and a soft comment of, "Well, this ought to prove very exciting!"

Calista slides out the rose steel dagger from the binding strapped to her thigh and proceeds to cut a piece of her silk gold dust gown. The swath is long enough to either wrap around a wrist or tuck into a glove. The young woman brazenly leaves her seat for a moment with a wink to Donella before moving towards the field and waving Lord Eos over.

Viktarkim arrives amid the throngs of other people coming into the Tournament grounds. The tall, tattooed Prodigal wearing leathers slowly follows the flow of people as he looks around, dark eyes watchful yet curious. When he is able, he makes his way out onto the field when he hears Silas make the announcement. There are so /many/ people here though. Viktarkim looks around seeking for familiar faces and sees Salazar in among those upon the field. He goes to stand near that other man and says low, "Sure are a lot of people here. Are you competing?"

Joscelin has left the General Seating.

Eos picks selects a sabre from the rack, no doubt for much the same reasons as Fergus before him. Relying on only the point of a weapon, the instinct long since burned into his mind just wouldn't allow for it, even if it felt like a toy in his hand for the lack of weight. He paces out to stand with the other competitors, holding the blade loosely in front of him, or he would have, if Calista didn't distract him from the intent. He makes a quick switch on his feet to approach the Fidante Lady with a warm smile, and curious quirk to his brow.

The clink of familiar armor is heard as Lord General Tobias Telmar approaches the field. When he was first approached about this affair, there was a bit of thought involved... but if nothing else, the whole affair will br a good way of checking out the talent in Arx. The Red tabard of the Crimson Blades is worn over his armor as usual as his crimson cape flows behind him striding over to the judges booth. "My Lords and Ladies." Tobias gives a formal bow before he takes his seat, going quiet once more as he leans forward and steeples his fingers, those green eyes surveying the fields.

Dawn settles back in her chair and returns the flask to her belt. A smile is flashed at Lydia. "Won't it? I hadn't realized you were a judge too, your highness. I'll pray you have a better eye for scoring than I do... and try to remember it's poor form to ask if you favor anyone, while seated at this table." Her light-hearted remarks are made while pale eyes scan the people assembled on the field. But she draws herself from that idle study when Tobias makes his bow, drawing herself up to offer a most regal nod in return.

"Excitement is a state of mind," Salazar replies with an enigmatic smile to Eos. With his 'squire' being nigh forty-five in years of age, carrying naught but a buckler-shield for him, Salazar is no clean-shaven, plate-armored shining beacon of Arvani knighthood. A rapscallion, a renegade, a man who'd be as comfortable pummeling the dead snot out of someone with his fists as he would be putting a foot and half of steel through an Islander pirate, he tilts his chin up - watch your pride, son of Nilanza, for it cometh before a great fall - and with a flourish of his hand, gesturing his bandanna-wearing man to come forth. He plucks a rose from a bouquet that his crewman has been holding behind the small wooden-buckler with the Argento sigil - an argent lighthouse on sea-blue field - and then walks with long, bold strides towards the general seating, thorned rose held in hand. He comes to a stop in front of Isolde and looks right at the flower in his hand. Lifting the flower while continuing to intently gaze at it, Salazar brings it between himself and the Princess Velenosa. And then he re-focuses his eyes, so that he looks at her as well. There, he offers the flower. "For you, my princess," he says, dipping into a bow as he holds flower out. Will the Velenosa reject his gift?

This is a greatly theatrical and flowery ritual. It's here, head bowed, flower held up in grand offering, that Salazar gets accosted, on the side, by a large, dark and tattooed shav to his side. He turns to Viktarkim and arches a brow, but he can't help but laugh mirthfully with his eyes. Gods. His great romantic gesture ruined.

Wearing leathers, Dagon steps onto the field and begins rolling his shoulders, trying to get a little looser for the festivities to come. He offers a friendly nod to Edain and steps over to him. "This should be interesting, yes? At least it should be a bit more sporting than that team versus team melee that took place not too long ago. Not sure I could give a repeat of Victus' performance, not quite that stubborn." He grins.

"I don't think favors are marks of exclusivity, if Lady Dawn is the example I expect she is. Therefore, favor who you like. Dare them to refuse you..." And apparently Calista has that exactly in mind. Donella stays where she is though, sedately watching the competitors assemble, some displaying like vain peafowl, and others more perfunctory. "Well, at least now I now where you keep your weapons," she observes.

Like others, Niccolo finds himself choosing the sabre as well. He studies the blade for a moment, and dips his head in approval. Armed, he turns to the crowd and takes a moment to touch and adjust his bracelet. He waits patiently for the first fight to start, the man's dark brown gaze studying his surroundings and the other competitors.

Talen is reaching over his shoulder and idly feeling the back of his jacket's collar, tugging at a segment of the leather. "God damn it, Caprice," is the lowest breath given before he yanks out a tag, eyeing it. No doubt the seamstress' own mark embroidered upon the strip of silk, he casts it away and jostles his arms until comfortable, idle otherwise until the event begins.

Freja settles in to her seat and removes the headdress to settle it in her lap, absently smoothing back the fur from the one albino pink eye that isn't covered by a scar. She nods politely to Marcas as he enters the stands not far behind her. "Never far, are you? Why aren't you employed as a Redrain guard, again?"

    Lord Tobias Telmar also joins the Judge's booth. Along with Lydia. Silas seems to have anticipated Tobias's arrival, but Lydia's not so much. He regards it with a shrug and continues, however. "Today we venerate our Lady, the goddess Gloria, by challenging each other in honorable combat. Perhaps you will even make a friend."

    He sits and glances over the parchment after exchanging a few whispers with Lady Dawn. "First match of the evening is between Lord Eos Saik and Master Talen Artiglio. Take your positions at the center of the field, duelists."

    Blinking, taking just half a step back as someone approaches her unexpectedly, she looks at Salazar, mirrors of her mask glittering, her eyes intense as she looks the man over. She then looks at the flower and brightens. "A gift... for me? Why thank you, darling. I don't even know your name, but far be it from me to turn down such a beautiful blossom. Are you fighting this evening?" She looks at Viktarkim, who has the worst name in the world to type gdi, and brightens. "And what of you, Master Viktarkim. Are you fighting as well? Perhaps I should make a contest to see which of you shall get my favor this evening, hm?"


    Ida takes a messenger and then glances about, settling on the field eventually. She simply nods at the boy but doesn't appear to send him off with anything. Likely most people are at or competing in the event, so such things may simply have to wait. Joscelin's enthusiasm, as it might always, causes the smith to laugh once more. "Now, where is Mistress Acacia I wonder," is then said, her eyes glancing around again. "Well, that likely means I simply won't lose any silver tonight."

Calista dips into a proper curtsey and as she tips her head in kind to Eos, she flashes him a wink. "Fence fiercely, Lord Eos." The words are soft as they are teasing before she slips back to the seats and reclaims her place near Donella.

Edain bows his head to Dagon, "Good to see you Prince Dagon. I am looking forward to this quite a bit. Sometimes admist the more visceral combat events we loose sight of good, sound, technical fundamentals. It will be good to see those on display front and center here." Edain says. He looks in the direction of the judges podium and grows silent as he looks to the field to watch the first match.

Lydia settles into the empty seat, hands in her lap and back straight as she leans slightly forward to watch the field below. "Judging isn't /that/ hard, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it, Lady Dawn." She does look over to glance at Tobias a moment, favoring him with a smile. "Lord General, always pleasant to see you, and Sir Silas, this is a fine event indeed! Thank you for holding it."

Marcas nods to Freja, "I am, part time." he tells her. "Mainly social functions, occassionally when called upon by members of the family." he tells her. He doesn't sit next to her, more behind her and to the side. A fit position for someone to oversee her and watch her back. Adjusting his sword so it rests comfortably without bothering others seated near him. In reach for a smooth withdraw of the steel should it prove necessary, however unlikely that may be given the amount of security at these events. He cranes his head up when the event starts to take place, looking on at familiar faces of the competitors.

Valkieri draws in a breath and then exhales, long and controlled. There's a sense of banked energy in his lean form as he keeps to the side of the field once Lord Eos and Master Talen are called to their match first. His arms cross over his chest as he watches, although his back never loses that perfect straightness.

Eos steps away from Calista to make a quick jog back to the field, what with his name having already been called up. He finds his way towards center, and towards Talen, dipping his head to the man as he adjusts his hand on the hilt of the saber. "If there is a way to make introductions, I suppose this is it, Master Talen."

Lady Sylphie Zaffria is running late, obviously, as she enters the stands just as Tobias' announcement is given. Her smoky gaze lifts immediately to the grounds, interest glinting silver there as she looks over the men, but then her attention turns back to the immediate stands, searching-- And seeing Dawn, she sets her path in that direction. "My lady Grayson, Lady Lydia," she greets of the two she recognizes, not questioning further before she claims a seat nearby and arranging her pink skirts.

The announcement of the first duel catches Niccolo's attention. He seems pleased at the match up, and his gaze goes from Eos to Talen and then back to Eos. There those dark brown eyes linger and he studies the man, offering a small nod of encouragement in his direction. Stepping off to Edain, he speaks to the prince. "Your Grace. I imagine you would put your money on Lord Eos if you were a betting man?" He asks Edain, with a tinge of curiosity.

Joscelin has joined the General Seating.


Wait, what is Salazar doing? He's offering a rose to Isolde? Ehm. Viktarkim notices that a little belatedly and realizes the other man's attention upon the woman. Even a tattooed savage has enough clariety to realize belatedly what's going on inclines his head with respect to the Princeess, rumbling low to them both, "Forgive me." He did not intend to interrupt anything. Poor Salazar, hahaha. Ah, but Isolde takes it all with so much grace! "I know nothing of fencing, Princess, but I now a little of using a blade. I came to observe, and aye, participate if they'll have me." Now, however, he probably owes Salazar a few drinks later to make up for his having interrupted the man.

Talen hears his name and looks upward, steel gray eyes hard on the judge's booth and its occupants. "Very well," he murmurs, striding off in the direction of the weapon rack. "If anything particularly tragic happens to either of us, do ensure apologies are sent to either the Lady Saik or our benevolent archduchess," is thrown from the bronzed-skinned man to the Niccolo in his pass.
Securing one of the long, slender rapiers he snaps and and swings the flexible steel blade, hearing it sing with every swipe in the air. Disatisfied, he reinserts it and selects another, lighter. "Better," he says, nodding to the nearest official as he heads for the arena.
"Lord Eos Saik, we haven't met one another on the field before? Surprising, really. Yes, hello there, how do you do." It's so very cavalier, rhetorical and over before one knows it. "If you spot me first I'll buy you a glass of Southport Saint's wine and we may bond better after the bloodsport about to ensue." With that, he bows, looking to Silas and his assistants.

    The Iron Guardsman offers Lydia a faint smile. "I'm glad to see you attending, Lady Lydia." His gaze then fixates ahead, on the match about to unfold.

    (Whenever you two are ready, simply @check dexterity + medium wpn at 15 three times, then pose. But by all means get your introductory poses in first!)

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 61, 46 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 33, 18 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 55, 40 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 23, 8 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 20, 5 higher than the difficulty.

Samantha has joined the General Seating.

"It depends on the technique." Dagon comments to Edain, glancing to the judges as they announce the first match. "There's looking flashy for a crowd but that can only get you so far in a real fight. Killing a man should be about efficiency, not showmanship." Niccolo's approach and question grabs his attention and Dagon offers the man a nod. "Duke Niccolo, good to see you. Participating?"

Mirari has joined the General Seating.


     Joscelin winks at Ida. "She's missing a show for cert-" She stops to cup her hands around her mouth and shouts a name, but it gets a little lost with all the noise. Cheering and clapping, she sits back down.

"Well, if the silver is better from our hands we may have to steal you away. You are dutiful." Freja allows with a passing glance to someone who passes offering whiskey for the event. She plucks it with a nod of thanks and drinks enough to wet her lips. "Did Mistress Ida get in touch with you about the set of steel?" She falls quiet as the duels begin, sharp eyes darting to the field.

Dawn straightens from that quiet conference with Silas and laughs as she inclines her head to Lydia. "I do appreciate the vote of confidence, your highness. I do what I can but my greatest skill is knowing when to leave specifics to those with expert knowledge," she remarks, tilting a gesture towards the gentlemen also seated at their table. It's a gesture that transitions easily into a wave for Sylphie, the greeting accompanied with a smile. Then it's all eyes on the field and the smile fades, her focus rather sharper now that Eos engages with Talen in the first heat.

"Salazar Argento," and you bet your bottom dollar that Salazar capitalizes on those rolling r's to turn his light Lycene accent into a mark of exotic intrigue. This is a pirate with a pedigree. He lifts his gaze and turns to speak to Viktarkim, grinning in good humor, when his man takes quick and anxious steps towards the Stormborn himself. Pirate crewmen and sailors may make great conversation pieces if they're your men, but they make awful retainers and courtiers.

"Milaird Argento," he says urgently in a lowborn accent common to the Lower Boroughs, "... yer Laird da' demands ye at -once-." No regard at all for the fact that the Princess and Viktarkim are right beside, overhearing. "... 'E's not well, aye. He seeks yer company, will ye?"

Rose just barely left his hand, Salazar turns to look from his crewman to Isolde and then Viktarkim. "... Apologies. Excuse me, I'm sure you, uh, understand." And without even a glance over at his Lycene brethren taking each other on, Salazar storms off the field and away.

Salazar has left the Field.

Samantha is perhaps a late arrival, but regardless shades her eyes to gaze at the judges booth. It does not lack for familiar faces, as both Dawn and Silas are given a lift f her hand in brief wave, but it does lack for additional seating, and so Samantha makes her way to the general viewing area. The Marquessa takes the aforementioned seat quietly, with a smile and nod of greeting to those already seated.

Delia leans forwards in her seat watching the duel begin with a delighted smile. Those full lips draw into an excited, 'Ohhh' and she looks over to the person nearest to her, who happens to be Calista. "Isn't this exciting?" She pauses. "Oh that is a lovely dress!"

There's a nods to Lydia, along with a smile, before Tobias looks back to the field, studying the two competitors with still steepled fingers. "Second opinions never hurt, Your Highness," Tobias says to Isolde amicably as he watches.

"Your Highness," Niccolo dips his head to Dagon, returning the man's greeting. "It's good to see you again," he holds up his sabre and dips his head to the man. "That I am. I believe you will be participating as well?" He asks the prince, briefly studying him for a moment. "If so, may the gods guide your blade to its target."

Mirari has come to join the festivities, or rather the watching of the festivities, but is likely a bit swallowed up among the crowds. Still, she makes a striking enough entrance, or at least, cuts a pretty figure, swishing along in her silks. Reaching the seats, she makes her way toward an open spot, with a string of 'oh, pardon' 'excuse me' and 'haha, no, that's quite alright' as she bumps and tussles her way through, finally drawing her skirts up just a little before seating herself. There she gives a light huff of satisfaction, and turns her eyes out to see what can be seen of the match.

    "Well now I am -utterly- disappointed." Isolde laughs, watching Salazar run off, still holding the rose. "What a charming gentleman. Do you know of him?" She looks to Viktarkim, watching the pirate run off and shaking her head. She looks at Tobias, tilting her head. "Lord... Tobias, isn't it? A second opinion of what?"

"I am." Dagon says, nodding. "May you have the same divine favor, Duke Niccolo. I sense that the competition today will be quite fierce." He glances at the fight between Talen and Eos. "I think the Champion has shown himself to be a little better this time around, but well done by both of them."

Calista glances over to the other side now as the sweet voice of a Whisper flutters near her ear. "Terribly exciting, but this is nothing. Merely the beginning." Shadowed emerald eyes skim over her once perfect dress to now notice the piece of gold dust silk that has been sliced off. "Thank you. I will have to bring this gown to a seamstress." She tells Delia, showing the young woman where she tore off a piece to give as a favor to Eos. "Or should I leave it like this, wear it proudly?"

Dawn is caught unhooking her flask from her belt again when Samantha ventures by. The lady's expression brightens and she uses the flask to salute the other young woman as she moves to take a seat. Then, a small nip is taken of whatever's she brought along to wet her lips and throat.


"Yes, Princess, I know Salazar though we've only recently met. He is a jovial merchantman." Viktarkim is not aware that the man is also a Lord since Sal never introduced himself that way. "Seaman who's very interested in wines." The Prodigal looks amused, "I've never attended such an event before." He turns enough to watch the first contenders, falling silent and studing the strange weapons they choose and how they use them. Fencing is decidedly not what he knows, his dark eyes curious. Someone in the crowd shouts his name and he looks, trying to see who it was, or whether he was mistaken. So much noise. Most of Viktarkim's attention is upon the fencing as he doesn't wish to miss something he could learn from - like the rules, if there are any, and how to use these thin, light, strange blades.

Delia considers the damage to the gown and then glances towards the field once more. "If he wins then you should keep it that way. If he does not then we will pretend it never happened and have your girl repair it."

Lydia catches sight of Sylphie then and offers the woman a cheery wave, although it's clear that most of her attention is on the fight below. "Aaaah, Talen seems to be dominating, but that's to be expected. Poor Lord Eos!"

Fortunato sets charcoal to canvas. Nay, he streaks charcoal across the canvas in a series of broad, energetic lines. Capture the movement of the fencers. Or approximate the movement of the fencers. Good enough.

"No, I don't believe that we have," Eos offers in return, "But I'll never turn down a glass of Southport." He takes up his own stance, his own weapon of, well, if not choice, of choice-for-the-night. He holds his sabre at the ready, waiting for the call to begin, narrowing his focus to only the man opposite him and watching for those little telegraphs that perhaps aren't so evident in the Sword as they might have been in other fighters. He's a beat too late on the first, his feet not quick enough to evade the thrust. Perhaps he'd have made the second if he'd not lost such ground on the first, narrowly missing, and from there it's uphill and he's struck a third time. When Eos steps back from the quick bout, he exhales a quick breath, and works his right shoulder back, brow furrowed a little for the inevitable frustration, but when he looks back to Talen, he nods to the man, offers a genuine, "You are quick, Master Talen, well played."

Calista presses her pouty lips together as she considers Delia's words. "Yes, I like that." And just like that the Fidante decides on what the future of her dress will depend on. "I believe I may have seen you at other events in the past but I am still fairly new to the city. I am Lady Calista Fidante of Tor."

Sylphie's gaze misses little as the men gather below, and of the others who have taken the stands. Her gaze sweeps briefly over Calista's dress, then lingers on the men wearing favors. Then her gaze is quick in searching out Valkieri where he stands beside the field. The woman is quick to stand, the sound of ripping coming as she tears off her own bit of her pink gown; ruined, never to be worn again. She doesn't mourn it before she carries her steps to the rails separating the seating from the field, calling over, "Lord Valkieri," impatiently.

Delia turns her attention onto Calista once more, her curl clad red head bobbing to the lady. "I am Delia of the House of Whispers. It is a pleasre to become aquainted with you formally My Lady. I do so love to be near those with such ravishing taste in fashion."

Talen is stood tall and proud but with relatively unassuming posture in his place upon the field. With all the demeanor of someone high born, chin high and back straight, the ward nevertheless seems to understate everything about himself otherwise-- everything but the display of swordsmanship, that is.
"En garde!" comes the cry of warning, before he moves. It's no surprise then that the Sword of Velenosa is indeed a dab hand with the weapon of the same name. There's the back and forth of raspy sounds as steel begins scraping and striking, the visual cues for distracted audience members in the sparks flying and the incredibly sudden break in tension when the tip of Talen's rapier flexes in an arc under the pressure of his joust to the Saik nobleman's covered chest, punctuated by a
{The reset comes a moment later, form resumed until the second and third are unveiled to be victories as well. The middle of the trio is, however, remarkably close with only the practiced talents allowing the young Artiglio to parry aside what could have been his undoing. "Well played, Lord Eos. You are also fast... but not enough, today. Commiserations."

"Indeed," Niccolo muses to Dagon as he watches the result of Talon and Eos' duel. "I was wondering how his skill with the sword would translate to this competion. He can be quite brutal in his approach, normally," the duke offers. "But I'm pleased with the results," he adds, with a dip of his head.

Talen is stood tall and proud but with relatively unassuming posture in his place upon the field. With all the demeanor of someone high born, chin high and back straight, the ward nevertheless seems to understate everything about himself otherwise-- everything but the display of swordsmanship, that is.
"En garde!" comes the cry of warning, before he moves. It's no surprise then that the Sword of Velenosa is indeed a dab hand with the weapon of the same name. There's the back and forth of raspy sounds as steel begins scraping and striking, the visual cues for distracted audience members in the sparks flying and the incredibly sudden break in tension when the tip of Talen's rapier flexes in an arc under the pressure of his joust to the Saik nobleman's covered chest, punctuated by a sudden sound, a mild growl of satisfaction.
The reset comes a moment later, form resumed until the second and third are unveiled to be victories as well. The middle of the trio is, however, remarkably close with only the practiced talents allowing the young Artiglio to parry aside what could have been his undoing. "Well played, Lord Eos. You are also fast... but not enough, today. Commiserations." (fixed!)

    The results of the first match were clear, with the exception of the second touch. "A good effort, but I believe Master Talen wins his first match." Thankfully Talen's opponent seems to agree with him! Silas gives Lord Tobias and Lady Dawn a cursory look to see if they disagree before announcing the next match.

    "Prince Edain Valardin and Prince Fergus Redrain are to duel next. Good luck, both of you."

    (Same drill. Make introductions, check three times, then pose and look fabulous.)

Having remained rather silent, just watching as Eos and Talen do their match, Fergus grunts at the outcome, as if not surprised in the least. Turning his attention toward Edain, his haunted gray eyes settling on the man when their match is called. "Prince Edain, lets hope you are ready." Fergus grabs the sabre he had picked out earlier and tests the weight of the weapon. "Let us begin."

As the two go at it, Tobias studys them well. "A lot of dexterity in play." The Lord General comments off-handedly to his fellow judges, "good initiative, solid footwork. Siezing the moment gives Master Talen this round." The gravelly baritone of General Tobias agrees.

It takes a moment: Valkieri's focus is on the fighters, but after a few seconds his gaze turns to the sound of his voice. He has to scan faces to land on Sylphie, and his brows twitch. He strides over to her quickly, loathe to leave his view of the matches. "What is it?" he says, close to a snap, his gaze already glancing back at the next match.

Isolde nods to Viktarkim, watching the end of the fight with some interest, playing with a long black silk piece. "I do so love these events. It's almost art they way they fight. I have an appreciation of such things." She does seem a bit distracted, paying attention to the fight.

The Prince of Sanctum gives a hearty cheer for the first bout. Pleased and impressed by the display of technical skill by both men. Then, as he is called for the next match, Edain, picks a simple epee from the the rack of available weapons and makes his way out to the center of the field. He raises the fencing blade in a crisp salute, "Prince Fergus, It is my honor to fight you." He lowers his blade then and settles into his stance. Indicating to Prince Fergus that he is ready.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 51, 36 higher than the difficulty.

Dawn tilts her fingers from her brow to mark agreement with whatever assessment made among the judges at their table. And then? Then the lady must laugh, as both of those she'd favored must face each other. A deep breath is drawn and she shouts, "Gloria bless you, highnesses!" Lo, her promise is kept: she is cheering for one, for both, and earnestly so.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 47, 32 higher than the difficulty.

Sylphie says nothing to that question at first. No, she only starts tying the strip of pink around the man's upper arm with simple, professional movements that sees it secure and not easily dislodged. Only after will she lean closer to drop her voice to a whisper, to tell him something.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 49, 34 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 40, 25 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 30, 15 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon glances over at Edain as the Prince's name is called. "Good luck, Prince Edain." He smiles, giving the man room to walk ahead. To Niccolo, the Thraxian Prince says, "This should be a good match, and no, I don't want to wager anything." He goes quiet, allowing the match to continue, watching the skill of both men before commenting, "I believe Prince Fergus has taken this."

Viktarkim watches closely to the two fighters' forms, to how the blade is used, the lunge and thrust without attempts so much to slash. His dark eyes follow them until it's quickly over. "Talen is, unsurprisingly, good with the blade." A glance back to Isolde, "You know him?" And then the next two are paired off and ready to start. The Shav's attention returns to follow Edain and Fergus's progress.

Valkieri leans in where Sylphie does, shifting close enough to hear her over the hubbub of the crowd around them. When he pulls back, there's an almost wolfish smile curving his lips. He murmurs something back to her in an undertone before turning to return to the field.

Donella has left the General Seating.

Donella has joined the General Seating.

"The Sword of Lenosia?" Isolde looks at Viktarhim, trying not to laugh, though there is amusement in her eyes. "Why yes, yes I do. He's my sister's champion, and our House Sword. I'm sure he won simply because he knows I'd tell my sister how he embarassed us." She laughs then, warm and rich. "He is a dear friend, and I came to support him, as well as others."

Freja rises in her seat, cheering loudly for Fergus as his name is announced. The usually quiet woman's voice carries loudly and over the crowds and other voices, thunder over snow. "BREAK A LEG OR I'LL BREAK YOURS!" It sounds cheerful enough, and with the rare and heartbreaking smile that is on the Princess's face she must meet it with mirth and jest.

Talen wanders from the pits, passing Edain on his way along to the benches. "Please win, Prince Edain. I do so love it when I face off with the Valardin," he bids of the man, unveiling this in clear expectation that his earlier wager was known to the high lord. "I would like to see if you are as skilled on your feet as your are upon horseback," he says, almost bristling with tense, if neutral challenge.
"Drink," he bids of the nearest attendant, turning aboutface and standing beside Niccolo. The young man leans in, as if to converse and share some opinion of how that last bout went. Then a short laugh, an almost stifled sound of rough amusement, before it's gone.


     Joscelin laughs as the crowd's energy picks up, standing in her seat, clapping, cupping her hands around her mouth and howling with the crowd.

Nodding as Edain shows he is ready, Fergus, clad in his armor, which appears he has loosened up the straps to give an easier move, as no real damage will be done here. Fergus advances in on the first match, moving in to touch blades with Edain and with a couple quick flicks of his wrist and a swipe to strike with the side of the rapier to Edain, he wins the first, is second matc is very close with the man, but its evident Edain does better overall. Fergus meets up for the third and final meet between the two of them and with his third meeting, Fergus's sword arm appears to have been warmed up as he handily takes the third match, before stepping back, raising the sabre up and giving a firm nod. "Good matches." Is all he offers in his gruff voice.

"I think it's a little too early to call it Prince Fergus', Your Highness," Niccolo remarks to Dagon, eyes on the duel, before he glances over at the man he stands next to. There's a single chuckle. "And don't worry, I wasn't going to offer a wager," he assures the Thrax prince, studying the man, before his attention returns to the duel.
    When Talen joins him, there's a lift of the corner of his mouth at what the other man whispers. Slowly, he shakes his head. "Not yet." He actually responds to Talen out loud.

Talen looks gutted. Well, not really-- but he does sigh.


Someone (Freya) is shouting about breaking a leg! Viktarkim looks that way and watches her, studying the woman. After a long moment he glances back to Isolde and twists one side of his mouth slightly. His baritone is thick with his tribal accent, flavoured of the far, far west. "Sword of Lenosia." The tribesman gives a faint nod, "I see. Thank you, Princess Isolde."

Freja*

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 50, 35 higher than the difficulty.

Calista waggles fingers at Mirari as the courtesan makes her arrival to the grounds and joins the other o the bench.

Eos had retreated to the edge of the field after his match, but he didn't go so far as to find someplace to sit. He set the saber to lean against one of the benches and stood with his arms loosely crossed to closely watch he next several rounds, paying close attention to how the fighters carried their weight, moved their feet, and maneuvered their attacks.


Joscelin's jumping up and down in the crowd and shouting is also noted. Viktarkim sees Joscelin and waves to the Jeweler though whether she'll notice him with so many people here, it's hard to say.

His blade lowered and Edain advances. There is very little fancy in the Prince of Sanctum's sword or footwork. Good solid fundamentals, as he tries to find a way to score on the skilled Redrain warrior. They volley back and forth, each touch looking for an opening. The first touch comes as they both land scoring blow almost simultaneously, with Fergus scoring just breath before Edain can. As they reset and advance again, it is again tense for a few moments and there is a reversal of fortunes as they almost simultaneously score, but this time Edain is able to beat the blade of Fergus to scoring. The third go, the more experienced Prince Fergus overcomes Edain's defense rather handily, and the prince curses himself under his breath as he resets forr another go.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.

"It is my pleasure, darling." Isolde reaches over to slip her arm through Viktarkim's, settling in to watch the fight, almost as amused by this one as the first match. "Princess Freja is... a fervent supporter of her brother." She nods toward Fergus. "Prince Fergus. He's fantastic, isn't he? And Prince Edain never fails to impress either." She sighs, happily. "I still can't decide who to give my favor to now."


     Oh, Joscelin noticed Viktarkim. She makes sure he knows she saw him, waving both arms in the air, her dark hair loose and wild, like a banner in the stands, howling like a she-wolf.

A smile catches briefly at a single corner of Sylphie's lips, but she inclines her head in an acknowledging nod to Valkieri's reply. Where he turns back to the field, she turns back to the stands to climb them again and slip into another seat. Her ash gaze returns back to the field to watch the contestants actually fighting at the moment.

But by this point, the Redrain's Sword experience is showing, and he has the Prince of Sanctum's patterns figured out. He can almost read Edain's every move in his eyes.

Ho! Ha ha! Dodge! Turn! Parry! Spin! Thurst!

And Prince Fergus has the right answer for Edain's ever move and scores the winning touch.

    Silas scratches his chin and nods firmly. "I believe Prince Fergus is the victor. Well done, both of you. It is still anyone's tournament. Get some rest." He pauses to let the other judges comment, if they wish to.

    "Prince Dagon Thrax and Lord Salazar Argento, come forward."

As they meet back up for a winning touch, Fergus has most definitely warmed his sword arm up at this point and coming back to Prince Edain, he meets his sabre with the man's weapon, his sabre dropping down the length of the man's weapon to meet the guard at his hand before he snaps his sabre sideways and slices the sabre to score the touch to the man. Fergus just offers a wink to Edain, no words. Turning, he returns the sabre to the rack and sits down.

Woe be to the person who is sitting in front of Freja, she stands up immediately and cheers LOUDLY, knocking over her whiskey on the poor soul. It is probably for the better, as she seems well into the liquor by now by the flush on her cheeks.

As Fergus is declared the winner, Lydia applauds enthusiastically, although not with the volume that Freja displays.

Edain raises his epee to salute Fergus, "I would expect no less of the Sword of Farhaven." Edain says graciously as he retreats from the field.

A cheer rises from the judge's table for the last round of competitors. That would be Dawn, and though she's not nearly as enthusiastic as Freja, she does her duty by Fergus with vim and vigor. And to Edain as well, for he receives a salute as the men part ways-- and a tilt of her flask as if to offer up its use should he feel like wandering their way.

    Silas scratches his chin and nods firmly. "I believe Prince Fergus is the victor. Well done, both of you. It is still anyone's tournament. Get some rest." He pauses to let the other judges comment, if they wish to.

    "Prince Dagon Thrax and Master Viktarkim, come forward."

Isolde laughs quietly and shakes her head, releasing Viktarkim's arm. "Well, then here." She leans up, kissing his cheek. "Good luck to you."

"Solid posture from both of you, but the footwork in the second round from His Grace forced the round loss. The match goes to Prince Fergus." General Tobias agrees with Silas.

Marcas whistles loudly at Fergus' win, standing as well with a clap of his hands. Another series of whistles erupt out of the Northman as he raises a fist. Settling down, he starts to sink back into his chosen seat.

Niccolo dips his head to Dagon as the other's man name is called. "Once more, gode guide you, Your Highness," he offers to the Thrax prince and then remains at Talen's side. "I need to get back into regularly sparring. It's been too long since I've been on the field," he says to the Sword of Lenosia.

Donella cheers loudly for her younger sibling, thumping her palm against her shulder.

Dagon hears his name called, turns and nods to Niccolo and Talen. "See you both shortly, I hope." He heads out onto the field where he assumes his opening stance, sword pointed at the ground in front of him. He sucks in a breath and lets a a calmness come over him, his midnight blue eyes hardening slightly. He nods once to Viktarkim, and under his breath murmurs, "Mangata, fill my heart with the storm and make my blade as the wind."

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 77, 62 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 45, 30 higher than the difficulty.

There is a lot of 'golf' clapping from Calista at the seats.


Isolde snakes her arm through his and Viktarkim is surprised by the intimacy of the noble woman. What with /him/ being a former Abandoned, covered in his tattoos and scarification marks over his face and arms. "So far, I haven't met a Redrain yet that I didn't like. Prince Darren was especially generous unto me." Oh, but then they are calling Salazar's name and he's left - and then Viktarkim's own name is called. He carefully disengages his arm with Isolde, "My turn." He gives the Princess a respectful incline of his dark head, then goes to select one of the fencing blades.

Once he has one, a rapier perhaps, the warrior-scout for House Grayson goes out to meet Prince Dagon. The Prodigal waits for Dagon to look ready, then lifts his blade to salute the noble Lord. For a few seconds he studies the other man and takes a few quiet breathes of his own to focus. Here goes...

Glancing to the stands as his sister is no where near easy to miss in her cheering, he nearly smiles, but its hidden by a grunt of humor. Fergus then glances up at Dawn in the judges stand, offering her a wink at her cheer. It is strange, a wink from a man with an annoyed expression, but Fergus manages to pull it off.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 60, 45 higher than the difficulty.


     Joscelin, her dress wet from hem to neckline, courtesy of Freja's whiskey, is on her damn feet again without a care, yelling wildly. She cups her hands around her mouth again and shouts Viktarkim's name, her favorite in this match.

Dawn has a grin for Fergus and his winking face. Not the flask, mind you, but... "Oh, it's Lou's Prodigal," she remarks for the next round. Really, she ought to be paying more attention to her solemn duty as judge but the gentlemen at the table seem to have the more education observations well in hand.

"Undoubtedly," Talen says to Dagon as the Thraxian prince leaves the benches. "It would do nothing but please me to cross blades with one we normally consider a close ally."
"You know you can always join me for daily practice-- but you're always so busy with your quill and papyrus," Talen says to Niccolo openly, hands clasped at his front. Thumbs idly brushing against one another, watching every motion with keen interested. "The shav," he says, thick empthasise on the derogatory term, "has some moves, it seems. I didn't think fencing would be its thing." /Its/.

Talen is overheard condemning Viktarkim for: I didn't think fencing would be its thing.

Marcas has left the General Seating.

"I might start doing just that," Niccolo agrees with Talen. "Although some of us do have work to do, other than beat up on things, you know," he says to the ward, with a touch of mirth in his voice. Throughout the conversation, the duke's eyes are on the duel. He lifts a brow when Viktarkim scores that one last touch. "That he does," he responds to Talen, his tone pensive.

Unsure if Mangata will heed his prayer or not, Prince Dagon Thrax, Heir to Maelstrom comes out swinging fast and hard, his movements seeming to be quick and graceful and more at home on the deck of a ship than on land. It doesn't seem to impact his swordsmanship though, as he quickly lands the first point. Stepping away from the prodigal, when the second round starts, he comes fast and heard again, quickly slamming through Viktarkim's defenses and landing a hit. The third round doesn't go his way, and while spinning out of one attack, Viktarkim's sword grazes his thigh. He lets out a breath, nods, and steps away, readying himself.

Lydia sucks in a breath as she watches the match. "Prince Dagon will be hard to beat, it seems. It may come down to between Prince Fergus and him."

Salazar has joined the General Seating.

Viktarkim has no idea about this 'fencing' stuff but he's been watching and does his best. It's a very unfamilar blade in his hand, so very little weight to it! Nothing at all like his arming sword. His dark eyes are intent upon Dagon and despite his best efforts, he gets one, then two touches against himself. The oddly marked savage is being careful to keep his own blade in line and then, he does manage to step in very quick at the third attempt and scores a thrust against the other man's thigh! The quickness of the movements has gotten his blood up, not in anger but with the excitement for the action. Viktarkim's form isn't any good for fencing but he seems to know what to do with a sword at least. A quick smile, "I've never fenced before in my life. You are very good, Prince Dagon." And then they are to continue and he goes quiet once more.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 40, 25 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri watches the match with a close eye, clearly trying to mark as much as he can about each competitor's style. The pink silk favor that Sylphie has left him with remains tucked tight around his arm.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 28, 13 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 25, 10 higher than the difficulty.

Dawn leans forward with an arm folded against the table, flask still cradled in her hand. Her eyes follow the movement of the men on the field with rather more intensity than displayed in the previous match. "I'll have to find him an instructor," she remarks as the match rolls to an end. She dips her head then to Silas and Tobias to mark agreement with some quieter remark made.

    Silas banters with Tobias within the Judge's Booth, but it's too quiet for the others to overhear. He nods to Dawn and clears his throat. "Prince Dagon scores his first victory. Well done. Enjoy your brief respite."

    "Duke Niccolo Velenosa and Lord Valkieri Rubino are next up."

The Lady Sylphie straightens at the names called, but she does not cheer aloud. She claps, politely, offering a soft, encouraging smile from the stands first in Niccolo's direction before her attention settles on Valkieri as he readies himself.

"I am no fencer either, if that makes you feel better. To hold steel in your hands on the islands and at sea means you are willing to take a life, so one ought to try and be better than the other man, yes?" Dagon grins, his expression almost feral, eyes cold as they take in the other man. "Once more into the fray then?" He assumes his stance, waits for Viktarkim to indicate that he's ready and then comes forward, attempting to make a few changes to his technique to cause his opponent to give an opening. Seeing it, he takes it, landing the third and final touch. Backing away he nods to the prodigal. "Well fought. I think we have given these people a show, even if neither of us are fencers." He smiles and walks back to the sideines, offering Niccolo a nod along the way.

Finally, Valkieri exhales. If he has any trepidations about facing the more experienced man, it's not readable in his face. He strides to the center of the field and offers Niccolo and respectful bow. "My lord," he says before raising his fencing sabre to begin.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 29, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.


     There's more encouraging howling from the stands, Joscelin's voice carrying across with all her energy and excitement.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 43, 28 higher than the difficulty.

"Solid work from Prince Dagon. Solid try from Viktarkim." Tobias declares from the booth in between banter with his felllow judges.

Talen says, "For a shav."

Niccolo inclines his head to Talen, and confidently walks to the center of the field. He twirls his saber once. "My lord, I was hoping to have a drink with you before crossing blades, but this will have to be it," he muses and then offers a salute to the man. He assumes a dueling position, and begins.


The Prodigal knew he wasn't likely to win this, no. But Viktarkim's here to learn something, to observe the others. How they move, how they handle a blade, how they interact with one another. It's a quick, very fast fourth engagement but Prince Dagon is clearly the superior fencer! No surprise at all there. "Aye, wise words." When they have stepped back apart again, Viktarkim lifts the thin blade in a brief salute to the Prince, "Indeed. Glad not to be fighting you in earnest, today. Good luck in the following rounds." With that, he departs the fencing area to rack the borrowed blade.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 53, 38 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 48, 33 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 47, 32 higher than the difficulty.

Hearing Talen's words, Fergus, quite literally...smiles. The Prince then gives a sharp bark of laughter and stands abruptly, moving towards the weapons rack and lifts up an epee, the heavier sword, as if wondering whether he should try it in his next bout.

Isolde beams proudly as Niccolo shows off. That's her dad.

Calista is overheard praising Dagon for: The Prince who makes the ladies swoon with his thrusting.

After a quietly exchanged word with Lydia, it's back to observing for Dawn. Her focus chases Niccolo and Valkieri across the field, a smile tugging at her lips as she watches and says something to the others at the table.

Mirari takes a break from her conversation to cheer on the Duke, excitable little partisan that she is!

"We shall have to drink afterwards, then," Valkieri says with the faintest of smiles. He's quick on his feet, and not without talent, but Niccolo has decades of experience on him, and he can't manage to land a touch before the duke has landed three. There's no denying the clench of his jaw and the effort of restraint it requires for him to incline his head at the end. "Well-played, my lord. I cannot compete."

Calista is clearly chatting about Dagon's prowess in fencing to folks around her.

Viktarkim eventually comes back to where Isolde is and snags a tankard of beer along the way.

The Velenosa duke narrows his eyes at Valkieri. Niccolo moves speedily, his footwork near perfect as he avoids all attempts by the other man. The strikes he delivers with the sabre start with a point touch, and then follows with two other quick touches. When he ends, the duke faces Valkieri and dips his head to the man. "Well fought, my lord. You will get there," he twirls his sabre after his words, then lowers it. Another short nod and the man starts on his way out of the field.

For her part, it would seem, the Marquessa Deepwood seems to appreciate Valkieri's good sportsmanship, and offers demure applause at his behavior.

"And now," Talen begins, "you know where I get it from." This is heard being said aloud to the nearest attendant by the Sword of Lenosia while he's tucking his rapier under an arm and giving a loud, golf clap. The paternal role model is watched with unwavering attention and then he wanders toward the rack to collect a new weapon, the same type but a different one all the same; it might be damaged, after all. "Your highness," he says in brief, to Fregus.

Donella meanwhille smiles, but sits not really actively talking to anyone. She applauds the performance of the "Silver Fox."

This time, Sylphie's voice raises in a quick, bright whoop of cheer for the Duke, her cheeks flushing as she does so and her lips caught into a smile after. But her gaze slides back to Valkieri, a brow lifting in a question towards him.

{tThere is a sudden uptick in chatter in the Judge's Booth as Niccolo and Valkieri trade swipes. Per usual, it's Silas's voice which sounds off the loudest. "We believe the match goes to His Grace, Duke Niccolo Velenosa. A valiant effort by Lord Rubino."

    "Onto the second round. Leading is Prince Fergus Redrain and Lord Eos Saik. When you're read, m'lords."

Isolde smiles warmly as Viktarkim returns and she nods. "A decent showing, Master Viktarkim. For not being comfortable with the art of Fencing, you held your own quite well, even amidst the taunts and whatnot. Do you think you'll pursue this particular dance?"

Finally, Dawn can cheer with a clean conscience!

Freja rises again and cheers loudly for Niccolo, nothing near what she did for Fergus, but enough to be a nuisance to those with delicate sensibilities.

Also, Freja does NOT spill whiskey on Joscelin this time.

"Good work from both competitors, but Duke Niccolo Velenosa wins the match with solid positioning. Good show." Lord Tobias Telmar declares from the judges booth.

As his name is called, Fergus does indeed grab the heavier epee, "Lets try this." He seems to mutter to himself, glancing towards his own swords as if fondly wishing it were those he was working with. Fergus moves toward the fencing... line? And raises the epee up in a salute to Eos. "Lord Eos, I look forward to testing you now that I've warmed my arm."

Even Talen, who clapped for Niccolo, turns and looks at Freja's boisterousness. "Is she drunk?" he wonders aloud. He'd condemn her but he's just a petty commoner.

Valkieri's gaze catches on Sylphie, and his eyes narrow stormily at her cheer for Niccolo's win. Any moment of friendliness they may have had over her favor is now clearly /ruined/, because he tears his eyes away from her with a distinct glower and returns his attention to the field.

Eos cuts an eye towards the booth with a raised brow. Fergus. Well then. Eos takes up the sabre from where he'd left it to rest and makes his way back out to the field again. This would be a learning experience if nothing else. He raises the sabre in return to Fergus, and dips his head to the man opposite him. "I will give you what challenge I can, Prince Fergus."


     Joscelin is on her feet WITH Freja, and cheers wildly with her, screaming with delight. Because that's how we do it.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 52, 37 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.

"No, just slightly. I am not throwing punches or doing drunken cartwheels so I am -not- a lush this evening." Freja defends from her seat once she reclaims it, offering more in her defense, "And the latter was all of Darren's doing -not- mine!" She nods to seal that matter before beaming a smile at Joscelin, though Talen gets a glare.

Valkieri misses the storm that passes over Sylphie's expression as he turns away, her own smoky gaze narrowing and a breath of impatience escaping from her lips. Instead, she tears her gaze away from the man and finds Joscelin behind her. And Freja, with her loud cheers! She rises and moves closer, smiling at the women, as she questions with a low breath of teasing humor, "Are you hiding drinks back here? Why are you not sharing?"

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 23, 8 higher than the difficulty.


The Prodigal takes a good drink from the tankard and wipe his mouth before he answers Isolde, "No, I would rather improve my skill with my accustomed blade, Princess Isolde." Viktarkim's attention is upon the next rounds between Fergus and his various challengers, following the Redrain Prince closely.

Niccolo turns to the crowd, looking at the different faces that he sees cheering for him. There's a hint of a smile but the man continues on to the weapons rack, and like Talen before him, he switches his weapon for a new one. He tests the weight, twirls it and nodding approvingly steps away from the rack, turning his attention to the duel.

Talen is so very conveniently not noticing the glare from Freja, of course, his attention upon Niccolo. "Your grace, you did well. If we're face to face, I'll push the bet into something else. Winner takes both purses; runner up and final victor?"

Apparently the heavier sword, even though you typically only use the tip is the ticket for him, he dives in with all three matches, one or two were close, but he manages to make his second match with Eos look as if there was no real fight there at all. Fergus steps back, raising his epee up in yet another salute. "You're better than you make out, Lord." Fergus informs him before he returns the epee to the weapons rack once more.

"Good sport, Lord Valkieri!" is called out from the stands, perhaps not obviously from Samantha, but still.


     Joscelin reeks of whiskey, but to be fair- "She dumped them on me," she says, pointing to Freja. The woman is far more exuberent and lively than Lady Sylphie saw her in the shop earlier, her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright and excited.

"Drink," Niccolo says to a passing servant, who delivers a goblet for the duke. Drinking from it, he looks from the duel, to Talen. There's a brief moment of consideration, and he inclines his head. "Very well, Talen," he offers to the younger man with familiarity. "Whoever wins if it comes to us, gets both purses," he easily agrees, turning back to see the end of the duel.

Joscelin is overheard condemning Talen for: For being a wet blanket and having a stick up his-...!

Freja sticks her tongue out at Joscelin, but is on her feet again and cheering for her brother with his victory at hand. She sticks out like a sore thumb with the bear head missing one eye, her volume and just sheer height. She kinda towers over the women nearest to her. The whiskey is held up in silent toast for Fergus from across the stands.

Sylphie has joined the General Seating.

Talen seems to be pleased by this and explains, "I have to pay Princess Isolde back for breaking a statue in the Grayson ward. I think it was something like 10,000 silver worth of marble." You, fucking, what. That ridiculous sum sits there, hauntingly large.

Eos steps up to each set with the sabre with purpose and intent, stepping quickly and trying to find the opening to get past Fergus' epee, but time and again, they just don't come, and again Eos finds himself stepping back from a third set without a touch. He gives a dry chuckle and raises the sabre again, another dip of his head as he steps back. "Not quite good enough, your Highness. Good match," spoken before he turns to find his way back to the sidelines.

    "Prince Fergus Redrain is victorious once again. But who knows what luck has in store for Lord Eos?" Silas sounds hopeful, but perhaps it was out of sympathy. "Get your rest for the next round, m'lords. There's still some distance to go; it is a marathon, not a sprint."

t"Next, Master Talen Artiglio and Master Viktarim."

As the final rounds are underway, the lady from House Fidante gives her applause for Master Talen as he's called onto the field.

    "Prince Fergus Redrain is victorious once again. But who knows what luck has in store for Lord Eos?" Silas sounds hopeful, but perhaps it was out of sympathy. "Get your rest for the next round, m'lords. There's still some distance to go; it is a marathon, not a sprint."

    "Next, Master Talen Artiglio and Master Viktarim."

Dagon watches Fergus and Eos, idly sipping on some water as he does so. When the match is over, he waits for names to be called and winces slightly as the prodigal is called to face Talen. "I think I would have to put some coin on Talen in this once." He says idly to Edain as he approaches the man. "I think Talen and Prince Fergus are the two to beat here, you?"

Oh, WHAT. Joscelin is on her feet and she can't yell loud enough! If anyone was speaking to her, they are momentarily forgotten as she cheers wildly for the Shav!

"I heard of your little adventures in destroying valuable cultural items," Niccolo tells Talen, with a lift of his brow. "I approve of Isolde collecting that debt," he offers, with a glance to the crowd where he tries to find his daughter. "Now go, and win the round," he pats Talen on the shoulder.

Donella has left the General Seating.

Donella has joined the General Seating.

"Good initiative from Prince Fergus! Good try at defensive positioning from Lord Eos!" Lord Tobias Declares after Silas' is done.

Talen advances without so much as a delay, not even replying to any who speak to him as he makes for the field. Viktarkim is given a long, baleful stare of pale gray-blue before the bronzed-skinned Lenosian dips his rapier in an angled line of metal. It's prepared for brutish offense rather than agile duelist motion. No words, only a primed, rangy build ready to spring forth. "Come," he throws in challenge.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 69, 54 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 61, 46 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 41, 26 higher than the difficulty.

Dawn, proving herself once again not very impartial, raises her flask in a salute to Viktarkim as the man takes the field. Then she leans forward to fold her arms on the table and observe.

Glancing to teh stands once more when his sister is cheering louder than most when his time comes and he wins yet again. Fergus has to smirk briefly at her over the top cheering.. "Freja..." He mutters only loud enough for those who are nearest him may hear him.


Here we go again, and -this- time against Talen, Sword of SomethingOrAnother. Viktarkim takes another drink and then reluctantly sets his tankdard down. He draws a slwo breath, then goes on out to take up the same rapier he had used before, it being about the heaviest of the blades he could find in the rack. It's a little closer to what he's used to even if it's slower than the lighter foils. He goes on out to face Talen in the field and eyes the other. Very quiet this time, serious, then the Prodigal moves in to see what he can do.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 25, 10 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 24, 9 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 21, 6 higher than the difficulty.

Sylphie flashes the brightest of her smiles as she takes the whiskey, lifting it to her lips for a generous swallow. That turns out to be a mistake as the Lycene lady collapses into a fit of coughs while attempting to breath while it burns its way to her belly. She will pass the flask back as she does, at least, so not to spill more. And around the coughs, she defends, "I believe, Mistress Joscelin, your cursing and jeering is well done. No need to curse like a soldier when you can curse /better/."

When Eos settles back on the sidelines, he gives the sabre in his hand some thought, tipping it back and forth to watch the light play off of it before glancing towards the rack. If one thing wasn't working...It doesn't take very long to visit the rack and exchange the sabre for a heavier epee, something closer to the swords he was accustomed to. When he returns, he takes a spot near the stands, leaning back to bracing of the risers and settling back into watching the next several matches.

Valkieri takes another slow breath, forcing his composure, and steps a bit closer to Niccolo as they watch the match. "Your man's swordsmanship is remarkable," he comments. Like a normal person capable of making normal conversation. That's him.

'En garde!' is the call before Talen's leaping. There are several motions, lightning quick, fleet footed and dangeorus. Talen's forte seems to be this in every aspect but one-- the wounds only inflict mild damage to the shell of armour Viktarkim is wrapped in. One can see the frustration, the disatisfaction. Not being able to impale something is clearly a point of contention.
When he's conluded the last reset and won the third of his bouts he discards the weapon to the floor, letting some servant pick it up. "I want to see you in a melee," he tells the prodigal before turning around and walking off to find himself another drink, rehydrating. Not an ounce of real respect, in truth.

Dawn rubs the side of her nose with a finger to stave off a wince. "The gods work in mysterious ways," she remarks, apropos of nothing. But she nods to the other judges, a silent offering of opinion and agreement with the course of the match.

Ida has left the General Seating.

"That it is. I've been training him since he was a child," Niccolo says to Valkieri, with a touch of a smile as he watches Talen in action. He turns away before the end of the match, turning his attention instead to Valkieri. "By now he has most likely surpassed me," the duke admits with a certain amount of pride in his voice. "But I'll be catching up with soon again, I'm sure." He says. "Do you enjoy sparring, my lord?"


Aye, try as he might, Talen simply out classes the Prodigal in fencing. By far. Viktarkim is still fast and keeps up but he's clearly not a fencer. The tattooed tribesman doesn't loose his cool though, dark eyes intent on studying the other man's movements and Talen's attitude. Then when it's over and he's clearly lost, the corners of his mouth curl very slightly in a smile. He says very low, "Better yet, let us meet in the wilds." His fencing weapon is not treated disdainfully. Viktarkim takes it and suitably racks it, then keeps an eye out for the next match. He's a little sweaty.

    Silas seems more relieved that there was no apparent cheating this time. He offers Dawn a sympathetic look when the result of the match-up become obvious. "Master Talen wins the match. Good effort, Master Viktarkim."

    "Lord Valkieri Rubino versus Prince Edain Valardin, next."

Sylphie looks towards the whiskey flask as Valkieri's name is called, considering. But then she does let out a polite cheer for the man, clapping.

Edain returns to the center of the field and raises his epee in a salute. "Honor to you Lord Valkieri." Edain says lowering into his stance and preparing for the bout.

Dagon turns to Edain and slaps the Valardin on the shoulder. "Win it." He settles in to watch the two men fight.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 71, 56 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 55, 40 higher than the difficulty.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Joscelin before departing.

"More than almost anything else I can think of," Valkieri says to Niccolo with something of a bland smile. "Ah," he murmurs, looking back to the field when his name is called. "A moment, my lord." He turns back to the field, approaching the center where Edain has beaten him. "Well met, your highness," he says, offering a salute of his saber before the match begins.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 52, 37 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 22, 7 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim gives Silas a nod of respect as he leaves the fencing area and returns to watching by Isolde.

Talen seems suitably impressed by the middle bout between Valkieri and Edain. "My..."

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 25, resulting in 23, 2 lower than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 25, resulting in 36, 11 higher than the difficulty.

Calista is overheard praising Edain for: Prince Edain, Prince Edain, the master of his rapier.

Freja has left the General Seating.

Freja has joined the General Seating.

"Very nice," Niccolo observes, the words aimed at Talen even when his gaze remains on the duel. He gives his sabre a little twirl, judging eyes following the movements of the combatants.

"I want the High Lord," Talen says with words that an abashedly possessive. One could almost write fanfiction over the misconstrued meaning of his phrasing. "He will pose a good challenge."

that are*

It is a contrast in styles. The sweeping strikes of the saber, against constanst pressing of the lateral advance of the heavier epee. Edain wins the first the first thouch but then the second....

The second touch the two men seem to fight over for a very long time, Both looking for their opening and neither able to find it. As their swords lock together, they seem stalemated. Imoveable object and irresistable force. Finally when neither can gain advantage the push off, to gain distance and reset. As they do, Prince Edain is able to to disengage the blade and just lightly brushes a scoring touch just before Lord Valkieri is out of his reach.

Both men still a bit drained after the hotly contested 2nd touch, Edain comes forward very aggressively, landing his third touch quickly before composure is regained.

Viktarkim has left his previous tankard untouched since it may have been tampered with by now. Instead he draws out his flask and has a drink as he watches the continuing matches. Princess Isolde seems to be busy speaking with others so the tattooed and scarred Prodigal looks over the crowd. His attention rests briefly on Freja, studying her over ther with Joscelin.

Valkieri checked composure + etiquette against difficulty 15, resulting in 27, 12 higher than the difficulty.


     Joscelin is seated now, next to Freja, grinning at the folks and the fights and the matches; thrilled.

Dawn might well hold her breath during the second bout between the current combatants. A cheer rises from the lady when Edain breaks the lock and when the third touch is score, she thumps the flask against the table.

"Do yo now," Niccolo muses to Talen, eyes still on the fight. "I can arrange for a little get together between the both of you," he says to the Sword of Lenosia. "Her Grace might enjoy watching such a fight."

Isolde shakes her head a little as she watches the fights, hmmming. She pats Viktarkim's arm and slips out.

There's that moment where Valkieri clearly thinks he might have a chance of slipping past Edain's guard, but it's the Valardin who manages to break the lock of their swords and get the touch, and he's on him too quickly for Valkieri to defend himself against the third and final. His back goes stiff as he realizes his loss, but again, despite his clenched jaw, he manages a stiff nod. "Well matched, your highness," he says before striding back off the field.

    There seems to be some disagreement between the old templar occupying the judge's booth and Silas, but the squabble is thankfully short-lived. "We believe Prince Edain to be the winner of this match, but commend Lord Valkieri for that -splendid- riposte. Gloria herself would be impressed, no doubt." Hey if priests can talk as though they know, so can he!

    "Next up is Duke Niccolo Velenosa and Prince Dagon Thrax. Good luck, m'lords."

"Well done, Your Grace." Dagon says to Edain as he passes the man. Reaching the middle of the field, the Thrax looks across at Niccolo and nods, saluting the man with his sword. "Duke Niccolo. Can't say I look forward to facing you but I will give it everything I have." He takes a step back, taking in a breath to murmur words under his breath. "Mangata, fill my heart with the storm and make my blade as the wind." He steps forward and assumes his opening stance and nods.

Niccolo offers Talen a look of amusement, and then strides over to the field with sabre in hand. Once he reaches the center he faces Dagon and dips his head, returning the other's salute with the sword. "I think you'll do quite well, Your Highness," he says to the Thrax prince. Like his opponent, the duke assumes his opening stance, but whatever words he murmur are quiet.

Dawn nods approval to Silas' declaration and tracks the next gentlemen to take the field, relaxing back into her chair again to watch.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 28, 13 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 52, 37 higher than the difficulty.

Sylphie has left the General Seating.

Edain bows his head in thanks to Dagon and says, "Thank you for your support Prince Dagon." as the next match is called, he smiles to the Thrax prince and says, "The Duke is very fast, and I've never seen him get winded, look out for his feint. It will be wonderful match." he looks to Niccolo, "Good luck to you as well your Highness."

Calista sits up a little taller now as she watches Dagon and Niccolo go at it. Her hands come together for a loud, bold applause. Her liege versus her friend; Lots to cheer for here.


And there's Niccolo up to gence against Prince Dagon. You can bet your tight little undies that Viktarkim is watching this match closely. The Prodigal even moves up closer where he can have an excellent vantage point to watch both men in action.

Dagon comes out fast, and he's able to score the first touch. The next two touches go to the Duke. Taking a few steps back after the third touch, the Thraxian prince tries to come up with a new plan of attack to try and even things up in the next exchange. Nodding to indicate that he's ready, he waits for the Duke before pressing the attack again.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

The first touch goes to Dagon, but rather than get worked up over it, Niccolo just shows a touch of a grin on his expression. No words are exchanged as he then moves in, and lands two touches of his own. He inclines his head in silent acknowledgment of the other's skill, preparing for the next attempt.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 44, 29 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Calista is overheard praising Niccolo for: My liege is a Silver Fox and fierce with his rapier.

Freja is up on her feet again, cheering Niccolo in spite of the loss. A whistle and then she sits back down to her whiskey and conversation.

Mirari again pauses in the girl-talk to cheer on the Duke, albeit not to the glorious victory this time.

Dagon sucks in a breath and attempts to put everything he has into an all out attack, using his advantage in youth to try and outlast the Duke. He's able to score a point to tie things up 2-2 and push it to a fifth exchange. When he scores his third and final point, he lets out a long breath and nods. "Gods, I thought I was done for after you went up in points on me. I think I am going to go take a quick breather, you are damned fast. Good luck in the next one." He nods to the Duke and walks off to find some water.

Once that last touch is landed by Dagon, Niccolo comes to a stop. He looks at the offending spot on his person where Dagon managed to get a point. His dark brown eyes drag from that, to look at the prince. The duke dips his head and salutes. "Well done, Your Highness. You adapt quite well. Flexibility is a very valuable trait," he offers, in that deep voice of his. With an incline of his head to the crowd, the duke returns to the sidelines.

Talen makes a sound of mild consideration before he looks to Niccolo, raising an arm to signal him across as he wanders back to the sidelines. The nearest servant is stopped, a goblet of water taken from the tray and sipped before he passes it off to his liege. "Your grace," he issues in greeting, in acknowledgement, in instruction. Rehydration is important, yo. "You can place suitably well yet," he notes.

Viktarkim is overheard praising Dagon for: Doing House Thrax proud with Fencing.

    "You both have given us and the audience quite the show! You both deserve praise, but Prince Dagon is determined to be the victor after a fierce match. Well done!" Indeed, the crowd seems to be rooting and hollering for both duelists. Silas peers back down on his parchment.

    "Lord Eos Saik versus Master Vikarkim, step forward. You have something to follow!"

Valkieri watches the match between Dagon and Niccolo with close attention. He offers the Velenosan Duke a nod as he returns to the sidelines. "It was well-fought, my lord," he says, and then his gaze skips past to Talen with him. "As have all of yours been. I admit I'll likely feel successful to land one hit on you."

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 50, 35 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 26, 11 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 28, 13 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 30, 15 higher than the difficulty.

Calista is overheard praising Eos for: My Champion!

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Dawn before departing.

Dawn has enjoyed several peaceful hours but that luck was destined to end: a messenger comes dashing to the judge's table and whispers into the lady's ear. Her expression shades from enjoyment to something more somber as she nods to the lad and pushes her chair back. After a few quiet words exchanged with her fellow judges, she departs.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 49, 34 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 65, 50 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 41, 26 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 71, 56 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 53, 38 higher than the difficulty.

Dawn has left the Judges Booth.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 39, 24 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 50, 35 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim may know nothing about fencing but he's game to keep trying, and learning from it. Perhaps. He comes forward when he's called and is quiet, the tattooed man having been watching Eos's skill throughout the event. The Shav draws a slow breath, gives a nod when he's ready, and the two of them start. Focused, his blade hand is not skilled enough at this faster, lightning quick fighting style. Eos time and again gets his touches in. Viktarkim doesn't say anything, breathing a little harder and still quick, but not quick enough. In moments it is already over. A quick salutes to Eos, "Well done, Lord." Still, he's getting to see these men fight, even if it is fencing. A moment later and he clears the way once more for the next contestors.

Fortunato has left the General Seating.

Eos picks himself up from the bench when he's called up again, nodding to the competitors leaving the field as he took it to stand opposite Viktarkim. He hefts the epee in his hand, reassures his grip, and feels slightly more confident for the additional weight of the new weapon. After two stark losses, he might have something to prove, but still drags out of his inner replays of Viktarkim's previous bouts enough to nod to the man, to offer, "Good luck, Master Viktarkim," before the first set is called. Limiting himself to thrusts and jabs didn't seem to hinder him much. He works a feint or two to slip around his opponents guard the first and second set, and by the third, he's apparently truly found his pace with the epee, lunging forward with a swift, precise thrust to take the last touch. When he steps back, he looks on the epee with some small pleased smile for the success of the change before looking up to Viktarkim. "And you as well," he offers as he steps back. "Well done."

As his name is called, Fergus grabs the epee that he had used in his second fight, moving up to meet Valkieri with the weapon, he ends up down two hits to one, manages to pull out to a tie when they meet up again, but with their tie breaker bout, Fergus is bested quite well and he gives a feral growl and glances down at the Epee as if the weapon had all the blame. "Sabre" Fergus bellows to the servant near the weapons rack. "This damn epee is a pokey not a slashing weapon." He stops in his departure and looks back to Valkieri, giving a nod to the man. "Well done."

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 43, 28 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 40, 25 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 30, 15 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 71, 56 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 50, 35 higher than the difficulty.


     Joscelin continues to cheer wildly from the stands.

Talen doesn't answer Valkieri until he's concluded the bout and won against the Redrain prince. "Yours, too," he observes. "I look forward to entertain your swordplay on the field." Talen's focus is claimed by the Velenosan duke and he bows his head in respectful accent, "I believe we're next, your grace." This said to his father-figure, the man he's grown up taught much of what he knows. It's not surprise then that two out of three bouts are won by the older male, the slick sheen of sweat upon a brow clear in the Artiglio's focus.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 73, 58 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 53, 38 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.


     Joscelin boos!

Valkieri's temper is simmering, but right now it's just hot enough to give him an edge of focus and determination. His bout with Fergus goes on a bit longer than most of the others as they trade touches, but finally he's able to land that last mark and claim his first victory of the night. His lips curve with satisfaction that he does his best to minimize. "Well played, your highness," he says before returning to the sidelines. He snorts at Talen's words, but it's with humor, and he watches their match with particular interest.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 25, 10 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 53, 38 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo dips his head in agreement with Talen. "That would be us," he pats Talen on the shoulder before they both hit the field. Once more the duke's footwork is near perfect, and it helps him land two touches and only take one in turn. However, his ward starts catching up with him, getting the scored tied and finally landing his last touch. When the match ends, the duke actually grins and seems content with the result. "You know, this makes us even, I believe," he muses to the younger man, his voice deep and fatherly as he leads the way to the sidelines of the field.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Niccolo before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Viktarkim before departing.

Freja rises from the stands and waves a fond farewell to those there, moving to join her brother as he goes to make his leave of the field. She offers a smile towards Niccolo and the other contenders as she goes, the Princess calling it a night.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 25, resulting in 29, 4 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 25, resulting in 38, 13 higher than the difficulty.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Niccolo before departing.

Talen is heard conversing with Niccolo at the sidelines even after the bout, his hands wiping his brow and a hand securing a towel so he can scrub his face. "As always, no? I only usually get the upper-hand when I cheat," he says in a mixture of humility and amusement. There's no shame there. Talen has been known to partake in a little trickery here and there. Some deception, fraud, dishonesty! Maybe that's why there are boos from the crowd.

Viktarkim gets a messenger and looks a little surprised at the message content. Despite his interest in Prince Dagon's and Edain's match, he is distracted as he reads it and then rumbles a low reply which is penned and sent back after the Prodigal pays the messenger.

As we have learned throughout this tournament, Prince Dagon is nothing if not adaptable. Prince Edain tries to come out aggressive, but the Thrax Prince has good read on the Valardin High Lord by this point and he is able to claim victory with three touches in rabid succession. As the match ends, Edain salutes the Prince, "Well fought! Gloria will be proud."

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 28, 13 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 49, 34 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 42, 27 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 26, 11 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 52, 37 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 29, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus moves towards the stands to help his sister down out of them. "You need help?" He asks her as he waves for a servant to come over and lead his drunken sister the rest of the way, helpign her until he hears his name called.

Dagon moves to stand across from Edain. He nods to the Valardin. "Fortune favor your swordarm, my friend." He assumes his stance and then attacks. He's able to score two hits quickly in the first two exchanges. The third exchange is something entirely difference. The clash of steel can be heard as the two exchange blows for what seems like an eternity. He fianlly scores the third hit and sighs. "Well done, Your Grace. I have been wanting to test myself against you for some time. I am not disappointed, you are every bit as skilled as I thought. Come, let us get some water."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Joscelin before departing.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 25, 10 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 42, 27 higher than the difficulty.

Freja gives a bark of laughter as she gives the servant a gentle shove away when her brother motions for her escort. The woman tends to always be armored, and armed. Today is no different. She exchanges some soft words with her brother and then moves down from the stands, the servant not straying far behind her. A 'guard', but a wary one all the same. So many in service of House Redrain have been wrangled into spars with her. Alas.

Niccolo looks at Talen in amusement and lifts his shoulders. "True," he gestures for a servant. "Drink and towel," and those are delivered, with the duke drinking once more and then wiping his face off. "We're definitely making morning training a routine," he notes.

Freja has left the General Seating.

Valkieri checked composure + etiquette against difficulty 20, resulting in 23, 3 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 40, 25 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 21, 6 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 23, 8 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 41, 26 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 29, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Donella is overheard praising Dagon for: Our young kraken shows how well he knows which end has the business!

When Valkieri returns to the field, it's for another longer match: he begins a regain ground after losing the first two touches, but when they're tied it's Eos who manages the final victory. Perhaps it's his victory in the last round that contains his seething; the nod of his head is polite before he returns to the sidelines.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 56, 41 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 57, 42 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 44, 29 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 57, 42 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 57, 42 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 61, 46 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Eos watched the bout between Niccolo and Talen with particular interest, making careful study of how the two fighters, so familiar with each other's styles, handled one another at the end of their weapons. Notes taken and filed away for future spars. When he was called up to face off against Valkieri, he offers a quick greeting of, "Lord Valkieri, well met," before falling into the sets. He makes a strong showing of the first two sets, changing up his strategy form his last match, but then Valkieri catches on and adapts and takes those third and forth. Eos is grinning by the fifth, enjoying the closeness of the contest, and when he takes it, he offers the other man a nod and a genuine, "Well fought, my Lord," as he follows off the field.

Donella claps all the same, not in the least disappointed by her expression.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 25, resulting in 43, 18 higher than the difficulty.

And then it's back to the field for Niccolo, when he's to face Viktarkim. The duke studies the man carefully. "Let's see how well we face off against each other," he offers, his voice deep and neutral. The fight begins, and the duke once again relies on his speed to deliver those three touches one after the other. Judging eyes regard the Prodigal. Then there's an incline of his head. "Well fought," the duke says, before he steps back to the sidelines.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 53, 38 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 45, 30 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 22, 7 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 50, 35 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 42, 27 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 63, 48 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 39, 24 higher than the difficulty.

Hearing his name called up once more, Fergus moves towards the sabre he had set aside after bellowing for one after his recent loss. He grabs it up and gives a salute with it to the Thraxian before their epic bout begins, getting two hits to one, then losing a hit before winning the match with the final tie breaker. Fergus nods, glancing at his sabre, it was a close match, but he still pulled off the win. "Well done."

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 34, 19 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 40, 25 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 30, 15 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 61, 46 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 34, 19 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon nods to Fergus and returns his salute. The first three points do not go in his favor, and it's everything he has to score the tying point. He attempts another all-out attack in the final exchange, but is the first to present an opening that the northerner is able to take advantage of. "A good fight, your highness." He nods to the Prince and walks off.

Viktarkim is directed to where he's to pair up again, this time against the noble Duke Niccolo, whom he has also been watching closely. Aye, that man has the Shav's respect already, even before they match off. He lifts his fencing blade to the Duke and gives the older an a brief incline of his dark head, "Aye, Your Grace. I'm certain you'll best me, but it's no shame to loose to you, I think." One never knows when he might get a lucky touch if he tries hard enough. Try the Prodigal does, keeping his wits about him and moving fast. But the Duke is clearly very experienced. The scores are recorded and when they part, Viktarkim rumbles low, "You must be a formiddable man in battle." Even a savage can use a few larger words in this language or Arx. And then he too clears the way for the next pairing, and to watch.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 33, 18 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 62, 47 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 73, 58 higher than the difficulty.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Tobias before departing.

The display between Talen and Edain is as tense as one would expect, the Valardin prince and the Velenosa ward at it for multiple moments longer than most. When the conclusion arrives it comes with a hefty delivery of humility to the not-prince, the young Artiglio. "You did extremely well, your highness," he concedes, a respectful observation. "You are one of the few westerners I have faced that can quickly reply after a defensive angle. That's new to me."

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 26, 11 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 33, 18 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 25, 10 higher than the difficulty.

Mirari gives the predictable cheer for the Velenosa Duke, once again interrupting her little bits of girl talk on the side. Though, while the cheering is spirited, she seems less so otherwise. When's the hot oil wrestling?!

    Sir Silas scribbles like a madman.


Ah, and then Talen's up against Edain, and Edain wins! That's something to watch. Viktarkim drinks from his flask after wiping his sweaty brow as things continue. There's plenty of dust kicking up and it's hot work even with brief rests between matches. Summer heat beats down on them all.

Valkieri checked composure + etiquette against difficulty 25, resulting in 50, 25 higher than the difficulty.


     The crowds go wild, cheering, the energy intense and joyous! What a great event, people insist! Fantastic! Wonderful!

Here comes the end of Eos short-lived winning streak. Just the same the epee was warming up to his hand, becoming more comfortable to maneuver, and when he faces Niccolo, he dips his head and grins across the line. That it forced a fourth set, well that's a small victory in Eos' camp after watching the Duke over the course of the evening, and even with his loss, he straightens up after the last touch of the Duke's weapon with a chuckled, "Well taught, my Lord. I'm looking forward to the next."

As Edain takes to the field across from Talen, the Prince Salutes. he is unfailingly polite, but there's a tension there. Especially as he remembers his sisters match against the Sword of Lenosia some time ago. It hangs in the edge, as Edain sets his jaw as he looses his first touch to Talen. The man is visibly faster than the prince. Resetting his stance he refocuses and manages to take the next three touches. He is out of breath as their match ends and Edain salutes Talen and says, "It is something I learned from my Brother Prince Vance. If your opponent is faster, you sometimes have to slow your pace in response and wait for your moment to strike."

And the so called Silver Fox is once more to enter the field. This time, Niccolo faces against Lord Eos. "A little taste before we have that spar, yes?" He says to the other man, with a salute. He lands his two touches, and looks suitably impressed as Eos lands one in turn. And when they face off again, the duke has to work to get that one touch in. When he does, he exhales, lips almost forming a grin. "Well done, my lord. I look forward to our spar," he muses, saluting and returning to the fields. There's a glance to the crowd, and Niccolo spots Calista, Mirari and the others.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 38, 23 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 30, 15 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri's next match is much more -- perfunctory. Dagon outclasses him quickly, and he doesn't even land a touch before he's done. He takes a deep breath. He holds onto the the thin threads of his temper through the frustration of being so thoroughly outmatched by so many. "You fought well, my lord," he manages to say before removing himself from the field.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 42, 27 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 25, 10 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 24, 9 higher than the difficulty.


     Joscelin stands to her feet again, each match leaving her more thrilled than the next, but it's clear she has her favorites. She cheers, calls out the names of those she knows, proud of her friends.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 29, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 14, 1 lower than the difficulty.

The Thrax salutes Valkieri and waits for the return salute before trying to use his speed to his advantage. Three exchanges and three points and he's the winner. He nods to the Lord. "Thank you, and it's your highness." He corrects with a polite smile before stepping away to the benches.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 43, 28 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 34, 19 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 51, 36 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 53, 38 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 50, 35 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked composure against difficulty 7, resulting in 42, 35 higher than the difficulty.

The matches are coming faster, and again, Edain finds himself saluting Viktarkim and he advances on his opponent. He gives up the first touch, but is apple to take the final three. "Well fought!" he says saluting the man as their bout comes to an end.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 45, 30 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 48, 33 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 27, 12 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 44, 29 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 69, 54 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 53, 38 higher than the difficulty.

And the match he had been anticipating comes. Fergus glances to Talen and gives the man a nod. "Well, Sword, let us see if I can make up for my last loss against you." Fergus seems to actually respect Talen as he approaches the man, raising his sabre in a salute and then with each match of their blades, Fergus seems to have the edge in the fight, over and over. He steps back, looking suitably surprised and even arches his brow at Talen. "I swear to the gods if you were holding back I'll be pissed."

Talen checked composure against difficulty 15, resulting in 10, 5 lower than the difficulty.


The Prodigal then is matched with Edain and they go at it, kicking up yet more dust as they go thier three rounds, and then a fouth. For a breath there, Viktarkim was holding his own but then he misses Edain entirely with his thrust while Edain scores a touch very solidly. For the barest instant the Shav might look to have a flicker of anger, but no. The Prodigal in service to House Grayson keeps his cool with a little effort and salutes Edain respectfully, "Well done, Prince Valardin."

"I'm terribly bored," Talen admits to Fergus in a blunt, outright issue. "Prince Luca and I are at an impasse. We're taking turns to come to these pathetic shows of excellence. If I could smell your blood on the ground perhaps I'd grow a little more excited and give you what for, your highness. You once considered me incapable. If you fight me when I'm not about to actually open up your stomach for all to see, you'd be right. I fucking hate holding back." Talen's truth is laid bare and then he bows, a contrast of respect, before he goes for a drink. Not angry, it seems, just suitably petulant over his inability to demonstrate his martial prowess in its natural habitat.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 26, 11 higher than the difficulty.

Squaring off against Eos, Dagon salutes the man. He's unable to finish the match on the third exchange, so he goes tries to push his offense at the expense of defense and is rewarded with his third point. He nods to Eos, "Well fought, my lord." He takes a breather and watches the other matches while he waits for his next.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 47, 32 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 52, 37 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 39, 24 higher than the difficulty.

On to the Princes. Eos steps to the line when he's called back again against Dagon, shrugging and rolling his sword-arm's shoulder. The long string of matches and the less practiced and natural (to him) movements against the younger opponents wearing a little. It doesn't slow him down much though. He still gives a fair showing against the Thrax prince, and at the end, slightly winded, he gives a dip of his head, a chuckled, "And you, your Highness," as he falls back to await his last match.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 67, 52 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 30, 15 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 22, 7 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked composure + etiquette against difficulty 30, resulting in 22, 8 lower than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 67, 52 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 29, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 26, 11 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 23, 8 higher than the difficulty.

In a rematch of their duel from a few weeks ago, Prince Edain and Duke Niccolo cross blades again. The Duke comes out to a quick two to one lead, but Edain is able to gut out the last two touches and claim the match. As then finish their bout, Edain salutes Niccolo and says, "It remains my great honor to duel you, Your Highness."

Talen is flagging, that much is true. As the Sword claims his weapon and advances he makes quick work of Valkieri but when he finishes, he drops his sword in a low fling, sending it to the side lines. Both hands come to his knees and he actually lowers in half, panting. When he draws himself upright, he offers Valkieri a simple nod. "That'll do, Lord Rubino. That'll do."

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 22, 7 higher than the difficulty.

And once again, Niccolo returns to the field. "Your Grace," he salutes Edain and studies the man carefully. "It's been a while since our last fight," and with that, he goes in and yet again, the duke gains the upper hand. It's not enough to carry him through it, though and with a faint grin he salutes Edain, walking away from the field.

And then its the shav. Fergus growls a bit, a man who gained his name as a Sword through killing Shav's. Fergus eyes his house sword as he stands from hsi bench and moves with the fencing sabre toward the man, he gives a salute, but does not speak to the shav. Fergus then shows why it was that he became a sword through killing shav's by sweeping the match with getting in a hit before Viktarkim before him on each go. "Better luck next time." Fergus tells him, turning and stepping away to put the sabre back on the rack until he is called once more.

Valkieri's saber goes flying in a similar fashion as Talen's, but with considerable more force as he's clearly /flung/ it off in rising anger. "Do not /mock/ me," he snaps at Talen for the Sword's words, stalking off a bundle of tense muscles and frustrated scowls. He crosses his arms over his chest, seething.

Talen checked charm + etiquette against difficulty 15, resulting in 27, 12 higher than the difficulty.

Talen raises his hands to his mouth and calls to Valkieri, "Oops!"


The boughts are coming very fast, the fencing Marshalls calling out the names in quick succession. Like Talen, Viktarkim is sweating and getting a bit tired. The Shav at least isn't used to this summer heat and damn, it's so much hotter than he's used to up in the mountains and forests of the north. He wipes his dusty, sweaty brow and closing his flask, takes up the light thin blade once again - this time to face off against Fergus. A grim man indeed. The Prodigal does his best, getting nailed pretty fast. He too says nothing, dark eyes narrowing when it's over. He doesn't look particularly amused.

    The matches come and go and the crowd is enjoying the show immensely. Especially when it appears there's people genuinely not getting along!

    "The final round commences," Silas announces. "First match is Lord Eos and Prince Edain. Good luck to you both."

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 29, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 43, 28 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 20, 5 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 24, 9 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 22, 7 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 29, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 29, 14 higher than the difficulty.

Eos checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 25, resulting in 30, 5 higher than the difficulty.

Edain checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 25, resulting in 24, 1 lower than the difficulty.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Calista before departing.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 54, 39 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 59, 44 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 43, 28 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 57, 42 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 40, 25 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 40, 25 higher than the difficulty.

Valkieri checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Viktarkim checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 28, 13 higher than the difficulty.

At this point fatigue is setting in for many of the fighters. The tourney is taking it's toll. The matches are in short burts, but it is alot of energy expended in a short time. Eos wins this bouth, the final touch t hey fight for some time before, the the Saik Lord makes the winning touch.

Last round. Last opponent. Eos drags himself up and digs deep in the reserves to present a square shouldered and figure before Prince Edain. He raises the epee that has served him far better than the sabre and dips his head, trying not not sound too weary from the night when he offers, "It is an honor, your Highness. Good luck."

He feels the back and forth of the match the narrowly missed set followed by the victorious one only to all but hand the third over entirely. When it comes to the fourth he grits his teeth and pushes through the weariness, plies everything he's picked up over the evening and fights the Prince through parries and feints, jumping back from thrusts, until he can finally find that last victorious opening. When he steps back, he's breathing heavy and grinning for the burn in his muscles, and takes a half-bow and offers, "Thank you, your Highness," for the fight before he turns to find rest.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Calista before departing.

    "Lord Eos is the winner. Next up is Master Talen and Prince Dagon," Silas announces.

Donella visibly sits forward in her seat.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 45, 30 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.


     Joscelin is on her feet yet again, cheering her head off for Kima's brother! HOUSE SAIK!

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 41, 26 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 116, 101 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 39, 24 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 26, 11 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 54, 39 higher than the difficulty.

Talen checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 41, 26 higher than the difficulty.

Eos glances back at the cry for House Saik coming from the stands, from the excitable jeweler. He chuckles over it and raises the epee towards Joscelin before turning back to watch Talen face off against Dagon.

Salazar has left the General Seating.

Donella has left the General Seating.

Calista has left the General Seating.

Calista fans herself after such a rousing match or rousing matches.. Perhaps there is just too much excitement for the Fidante to contain herself and she departs from the seats, bidding those there adieu. She waves and blows a kiss towards Eos, her champion for the evening and turns to take her leave.

Dagon steps forward. He didn't know which he had been more concerned with, Talen or Prince Fergus. He gives the Sword of Lenosia a salute. "My fortune bless your blade, Master Talen." He mumurs his customery prayer to Mangata, assumes his stance and then attacks when Talen nods. The first point goes to the Sword, and Dagon takes a second to adjust his tactics. The second exchange goes entirely Dagon's way, the Thrax picking up speed and unleashing an onslaught on the Sword, actually managing to shatter his rapier at one point, rolling and scoring a hit on Talen's thigh with the barest bit of metal still left. He tosses it away and steps to the rack to grab a new rapier.
    Assuming his stance once again, he attacks, scoring a 2nd point and going up on the Sword. The next two exchanges are a bit of back and forth with Talen scoring his second point and then Dagon finally getting his third and final point. Sucking in a breath, he nods to the other man. "Damn, I knew that was going to be hard fought. Well done, Master Talen. You certainly deserve your position." He nods and then goes to the bench to sit down.

It seems Dagon's blessing of Talen's weaponry left his own cursed, the shattering sending shards of metal that cause an arm to lift to protect the Artiglio's eyes. When he's scored against time and time again, he hisses in heavier breath, clearly finding the fatigue draining.
All the same, however, the Sword of Lenosia does manage to keep up a good defensive, even reclaiming his ability to progress until finally a solid score by the Thraxian is issued. In acknowledgement of the win he steps backward, bows and then claims aloud to Dagon, "I have never, in all my times in the south, seen a rapier shatter. Thraxian rum must have magical properties, your highness. You have my respect."

Talen praises the shit out of Dagon, really. That his praises are empty, though... that's just a minor detail.

    Silas himself double-takes when one of the weapons evidently -shatter-. He has to remind himself that he's still in the middle of judging and hosting the event. "A-ah, Prince Fergus and Duke Niccolo are up next."

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 48, 33 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 45, 30 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 60, 45 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 36, 21 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 35, 20 higher than the difficulty.

Niccolo checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 31, 16 higher than the difficulty.

That hit though. Eos winces from his position on the bench, leaning back slightly impulsively and raising an arm, empathetic reaction and sucked breath through his teeth. Reservation be damn, that was impressive.

There's a twitch of a grin at the corner of Fergus' mouth when Dagon shatters his blade. Fergus moves to salute Niccolo with his sabre. "Well, let us see." Fergus says in a rather tired tone, he looks a bit exhausted from his previous 6, but Fergus still manages to make a sweep of the fight, his last attack he seems to be showing off. Fergus steps back and salutes Niccolo once more. "Well done." Fergus glances toward Dagon then and shrugs. "Well, lets see if there are enough weapons in teh rack for you this time."

    "Prince Fergus wins. Next is Lord Rubino and Master Viktarkim. Regardless of the result, it will be Prince Dagon and Prince Fergus for the tournament grand prize," Silas announces. His parchment is an utter disaster of ink splotches.

Niccolo steps up to the plate that is the center of the field once more. Once there, he salutes Fergus. "Your Highness," he offers as way of greeting. The duel begins, but white the duke has found mostly success in landing touches throughout the duels, this time, he fails to land any. When the duel ends, he lifts a brow and inclines his head to Fergus. "Very tight defense, Your Highness. Well done." THe duke steps to the sidelines.

Valkieri barely restrains himself from throwing himself headlong into a fight with Talen at the Sword's reaction. He barely even sees the matches that follow, focused as he is on cooling his own temper. When he's called back to the field, his greeting to Viktarim is bare and perfunctory. (Fortunately, he's not facing another noble to take offense at his lack of graciousness.) His attacks hold a certain aggression born of the evening's bracket, and though his opponent manages to land a point on him, he at least is able to end his own tourney on a victory. He takes a deep breath, calming his heartbeat this time, as a sheen of sweat is visible across his face. "Well fought," he finally says, tipping his head in a respectful nod, before making his way back to the sidelines.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 32, 17 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 44, 29 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 52, 37 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 45, 30 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 42, 27 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 37, 22 higher than the difficulty.

Fergus checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 50, 35 higher than the difficulty.

Dagon checked dexterity + medium wpn against difficulty 15, resulting in 46, 31 higher than the difficulty.

Silas has left the Judges Booth.

Dagon is overheard praising Edain for: A talented fighter, his showing in the fencing contest is worthy of praise.

Dagon is overheard praising Fergus for: An incredibly talented fighter. I would be hard pressed to try and fight him alone on the battlefield.

Dagon is overheard praising Talen for: A talented and skilled swordsman, he is worthy of his position.

Dagon is overheard praising Niccolo for: The Duke pressed me and nearly had me. A talented fencer and someone I will be wary in future competitions.

Niccolo is overheard praising Fergus for: Prince Fergus was the only one I was unable to land a touch on during our duel. Well done.

And then there were two. Fergus glances down the sabre he had been using other than one fight through the night. Noting a few knicks in the blade, he still keeps it, the weapon has served him well. Fergus moves to salute Dagon. "Well, I already claimed I would win this competition, so I cannot let you win." Fergus then proceeds to show why it is that he is the Sword of the North, carrying a weapon of such a legacy that he cannot even live up to it. Fergus loses one match, but with his breaking match, Fergus pulls out the win, switching his sabre to his left hand, he approaches Dagon with a large out-stretched hand. "Well done."

Niccolo is overheard praising Dagon for: Prince Dagon more than held his own during the fencing competition, almost taking the win.

Edain is overheard praising Fergus.

Edain is overheard praising Dagon.

Fergus is overheard praising Dagon for: He broke a weapon like boss. He proved the prowess of the Thraxian's.

Edain is overheard praising Talen.

Edain is overheard praising Eos.

Niccolo is overheard praising Edain for: Prince Edain proves yet again, that he is a formidable swordsman. His father would be proud.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Niccolo before departing.

Edain is overheard praising Niccolo.

With the bouts all done, Tobias stands to stand, his red crimson cape flowing in the wind suddenly as he surveys the Grounds. "That was interesting." Tobias looks to Silas, "feel free to call on me for more of these if I have the time for it. I had to shuffle some meetings for this, but it was worth it." Lord Telmar smiles to the man.

Edain is overheard praising Valkieri.

Eos is overheard praising Silas.

Edain is overheard praising Viktarkim.

Dagon is a little disappointed that Duke Niccolo couldn't hand Fergus another loss, especially after he had expended a good amount of energy in his fight with Talen. With a sigh, he stands up and then steps up to face Fergus. "Understood, though quite a bold statement to make." He laughs, and then readies himself. He manages to score a single point, but he's happy not to get shut out. "Well done, your highness." He steps forward and takes Fergus' hand. "Think I'm going to go drop in a hot bath after this and just let the thralls keep filling it up with hot water. Gods."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Fergus before departing.

Valkieri is overheard praising Niccolo.

Donella is overheard praising Fergus for: Not only skillful, but consistent.

    The crowd breaks out in boisterous cheers for both the winner and his defeated opponent, both having given superb performances throughout the miniature tournament. Sir Silas wears a broad smile and nods to Tobias. "Thank you for agreeing to judge with me, Lord Tobias. Perhaps next time you can compete?" He asks hopefully. He stands and takes two velvet pouches from an attendant who scurries forward, one clearly bigger and heavier than the others. He approaches Fergus first. "Well done, Prince Fergus. Put this towards your set of rubicund, perhaps?" He gives the Redrain prince the larger pouch, then slinks off to Dagon. "And you, Prince Dagon, have gained quite a few admirers today. Well done." Dagon is given the small - though perhaps cuter - pouch.

Fergus is overheard praising Silas for: Its a good thing he's good at hosting events, since he can't win a fight against me.

Mirari is overheard praising Niccolo for: Our wonderful Duke shows what an experienced hand can really do!

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Niccolo before departing.

Donella is overheard praising Silas for: Another fine spectacle.

Valkieri is overheard condemning Talen for: Would that he had as much respect as he had skill.


     Worn out and smelling of whiskey, Joscelin grins, satisfied, and shuffles out with the rest of the crowd.

And when the competition ends, Niccolo starts getting a barrage of messengers. The duke takes them and looks at at the gathering. He dips his head at Silas respectfully, and steps out to handle House business most likely.

Niccolo has left the Field.

Conversation has died down in the stands a bit, or rather been drowned out as people watch the final matches with greater intensity - and a lot more shouting. Mirari is still cheering the wonderfully -exeperienced- (it's not nice to say old!) Velenosa Duke all the way, although she applauds through the actual final match as well. Only then finally does she rise and start making her way down along with much the rest of the crowd.

Joscelin has left the General Seating.

Eos was leaning forward, engrossed in the last match with his arms propped on his knees and a small grin wrinkling the corners of his eyes. When all is said and done and the winners are named, Eos rises from his seat and offers Prince Fergus and Prince Dagon, "Congratulations to you both, well earned wins." He winds his way to the rack, giving the epee one last twist through the air before putting it away with the rest of the weapons. He starts to take a few steps towards the exit, before doubling back to find Silas. "Thank you for hosting this. It has been an interesting diversion from the usual."

Taking the larger purse, Fergus weighs it in his hand before offering Silas a nod. "Well done on your event, Silas." Fergus glances aside to Dagon. "Cute purse." A smirk of amusement before he moves to grab up his helm and swords, belting them off to leave.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Fergus before departing.

Mirari has left the General Seating.

Eos has left the Field.

Dagon has left the Field.

"This tournament was amazing, most fun I have had in a long time, Sir Silas." Edain says bowing to the Grayson knight. He turns then to Fergus, "Prince Fergus, congradulations on your victory, you fought amazing. You as well Prince Dagon." He bows then to Niccolo and Talen, "Duke Niccolo, Master Talen, it was my honor to fight you both." And finally he looks to Valkieri and Viktarkim. "It was an honor to meet and cross blades with both of you as well." And once these acknowledgements are made the Prince makes his way from the field.

Edain has left the Field.