Darren strolls into the courtyard with a large dog trailing at his hip. He skirts around the refreshment table in order to find a spot to see the duel - he requires no rum this time, perhaps because he's brought his own refreshments, in the form of the flask he unhooks from the belt at his hip.

Warming a bench, quietly sipping from a bottle of spirits, Magpie is here just like any others, to watch. When Larissa takes a seat near him he throws the woman a smile, "Hey hey. Care to make a wager?"

Isabeau arrives in the company of A...larissa, two princesses of House Valardin come to watch Thraxian men turn each other into meat for honor. That's pretty much the primary pasttime for westerners, isn't it? Besides beekeeping, that is.

Skapti followed Regla, taking a seat, but not before turning the chair around backwards.

Dagon stands ready on the field already, clad in his black-enameled, bloody-red glowing spiked rubicund armor and with Reafian in hand, albeit the blade reversed and pointed downward, his thumb upon the pommel. Whatever may be at stake, he is calm and stoic in demeanor, rigid in posture, largely unmoving as whatever crowd gathers. What draw bloody business in the Thrax Ward has for the general public is anyone's guess. Awaiting his foe's appearance on the repurposed dance field, he speaks once the other man approaches. "I would not consider it an occasion of any levity, personally." He glances around. "It seems everyone is here and the time is arrived."

Melinda moves to sit next to Fatima, "Hello My princess, may I sit beside you?" she asks as she looks from person to person... She offers her hand to the Princess before she turns to watch.

Victusppl

Beyond the benches, beyond the tables, beyond the growing number of people collecting within the Thrax courtyard, Jaenelle moves. She seems to be heading to a specific spot close enough to observe but not by the others. There is a small pile or rubble that was left from the century old fortification the estate now sits on, and the Thraxian Princess turned Velenosa seems rather at home on this spot as she climbs over rock and stone to sit gracefully upon one of the larger ones to watch her family settle matters.

Curiosity is likely the culprit for bringing Khanne to the Courtyard today. She walks in with her flowy silk dress, but seems keen to observe the crowd a bit before finding a place to settle. She sees many she recognizes, giving a wave to Ysbail, Magpie, and one to Darren in particular, while others get nods and smiles.

Larissa glances over to Magpie with a reckless grin and rubs her hands together "Oh, you are on. I will favor the Duke.. name your terms if you dare." she waggles her brows with exaggerated... waggle.

Not Cristoph's usual scene, but who can turn down a good duel? He arrives alone, wearing his new piece of headgear. Shameless. And he finds a clear spot where he can get a solid view of the impending beat-em-up.

The Warlord of Thrax enters and makes his way down to the scene. He wears the austere steel that is the mainstay of his wardrobe. Two single-handed axes hang from the belt of the Bastard's Butcher. On his arm is his sister Fatima. Abbas has been systematically working his dreadlocks out and his hair has turned into more of a long wild grey-streaked mane. The infamous Bastard's Butcher finds a seat with his sister to watch. He is grim-faced and his jaw is set in a hard line.

Daisy, a fluffy white puppy arrives, following Holden.

Eirene folds her arms over her chest as she studies the two combatants, drink in hand tucked aside. The Lycene woman looks totally comfortable in the summer sun dressed as she is in layered black and red leathers. "Kennex. Navegant." She nods bruskly to the two Thraxian lords.

Abbas has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Magpie smirks to Larissa, "Alright. I'll support the prince. How about... Whoever wins gets a fun afternoon of their choosing at the expense of the other?" He suggests, grinning. There's a wave to Khanne when he sees her looking his way.

Titania spots Fatima and moves in her direction, "Princes Fatima, may I sit with you?" she gives the other woman a soft smile. If she allows she settles down slowly a small wince when she does and looks around.

Dominic flashes a smirk to Dagon and shakes his head saying to Dagon, "I am sure you will do fine." The giant turns to settle on his side of the ring, raising his spear to Victus and Abbas. He spins his spear and draws a line on the ground adjusting his form, "Your charge, Duke of Tyde."

Victus has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Titania has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Mira tips back one of her mugs of mead, turning it to the side a bit so she can keep an eye on the field as the container is tipped further and further and further back. The other mug is set on the bench next to her, and her legs cross as she waits for the duel to begin.

Cristoph has joined the seating along the southern wall.

Alarissa, that pallid Princes of Valenosa is indeed arm in arm with Isabeau, making for the southern seating so that they can get a good view of the ongoings. There's a glance to her partner, smiling. "I'm sure Prince Edain might show, but if not, I decided to at least come." Put support in Dagon's side. Her blue eyes go to the man in question, that enameled armor then back to Isabeau. "This will be interesting." But then there's Christoph and there's a dip of Alarissa's head to the Duke.

Abbas stands and acknowledgement Dominic with a dip of his head. A grin breaks his lips.

When it appears they are both ready, Dagon has but one further preliminary ritual, pulling a small compass that hangs on his neck up to his lips, as if a charm or talisman, and then letting it slip again inside his cuirass, close and safe. Shortly after, he reaches up to pull down the serpentine visor of his helm, rights his blade and lifts it in salute, to their Highlord first and then toward the general audience. And after that? Well, it seems they have begun, as he begins stalking fowrward.

"We'll be wanting booze for this." Victus comments with a sidelong glance to Ysbail as he beckons her to join him at the refreshment table. Particularly his attention moves onto the fellow High Lord in attendance, a quick nod shared between friends in high places. His attention is rapt on the center of the courtyard, not an ounce of emotion on his face.

Dominic takes critical damage.

Ford finishes his drink, pursing his lips slightly, he sets his empty container down.

Spying Khanne through the crowd, Darren picks himself up and ambles towards her. He gives her a light nudge with his shoulder before offering up the flask. "Come to watch?" he asks, but of course it is a rhetorical question, and he points out a pair of seats where they could see. "We can go sit," he offers. He catches Victus' presence and dips his head politely towards him.

Cristoph spots Isabeau and Alarissa taking their seats and departs from his solo act to join them by the benches. "Ladies." He tips his head at them before slipping into an available empty space.

Larissa follows Magpie's wave over to Khanne and gives the woman a curious glance and a cheerful smile before turning back to Magpie with a laugh "Mmmm that could be dangerous, are you quite sure you could keep up?" she asks with a twinkle in her eye as she turns to the men in question. Dagon struck an imposing figure in his layers of black and grim expression and her smile softens and she nods at Magpie "Terms accepted. Good luck darling, I'm not going to promise to be gentle." she winks before she stands and lets out a cheer for Dagon!!!

Dominic takes moderate damage.

Dominic checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 65, rolling 0 higher.

Dominic remains capable of fighting.

Rolf, 5 Grimhall House Guards arrive, following Harald.

It would be a shame to miss a good duel, and so Holden is here to not miss it. His stoic expression as he makes his way to join the southern seating is offset by the lanky white dog who follows him with her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth. There's a respectful nod of his head to the Valardin princesses nearby, but he doesn't interrupt their outing.

Giving a nod to Victus, Ysbail joins him at the refreshment table, smiling brightly. She offers waves and smiles to... more people than she expected! Khanne, Darren, Abbas, and Harald all get them. She would do the same to Dominic, but it looks like he's too embroiled in the duel to notice, so she reserves it for another time.

Dagon wields Turning Tyde.

Khanne smiles at Darren and nods. "Yeah, thought I would get out a little. been cooped up. I was... curious." She shrugs, then looks to where he gestures in offer to sit. "Sure," she says, taking the flask from him and drinking as they walk over.

Dominic takes very serious damage.

Dominic has rolled a critical success!
Dominic checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 73, rolling 3 higher.

Dominic remains capable of fighting.

Fatima peers around at all the members of the community coming to see the duel. It was intense and while she stuck close to Abbas' side for the most part, she did occasionally meander over to the refreshment table to get more libations. I mean who doesn't need more libations.

Harald is among those viewing the duel from the perimeter of the courtyard. The Grim lord watches with crossed arms and narrowed eyes.

Declan is overheard praising Dagon for: A true champion.

Melinda gives her father a nod of her head before she looks over to the fight, her eyes linger on Dagon for a moment her eyes lift slightly. She perces her lips as she watches the fight.

Ford lifts his eyebrows and stands from his seat. Right.

Ford has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Carita must have blinked, albeit slowly, because a lot has happened and she was barely paying attention.

Eirene sips her rum as the two prepare to duel, expression blank but eyes appraising.

Margot was here all along, really!

Margot has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Jaenelle's expression is completely composed as she watches the men from her spot alone on the rubble. She does not take the bet baits as her eyes follow the weapons, remaining peacfully calm and quiet.

It seems as though Dagon approaches with every intention of living up to his title, and attacks like the namesake storm. There is no caution in his methodology, leaving his armor to keep him safe and focusing fully on the offense. Rushing forward, he lets the man's spear glance off his armor and uses that opportunity to close, cutting in an upward diagonal. But that motion has energy behind it, and rather than let the other man find his feet, he presses the attack. With the blade already lifted, he catches his free hand to it to double-grip the hilt, and raises it high for a vicious downward stroke. Again, defense is left by the wayside, and again, perhaps he gives Dominic a chance to raise his spear, but it hardly seems to matter as the blade comes down with incredible force, cutting through leather to taste the blood and flesh beneath.

Well. That was... brief. Princess Isabeau, sitting in the southern stands with Princess Alarissa and Duke Cristoph, actually sits up a bit straighter as the Duke of Tyde crashes into the Thraxian prince and thrashes him in nearly a single stroke. It was an impressively brief battle, but not necessarily a disappointing one. If there was ever a more obvious moment of 'note to self' being marked, its equal is unlikely to be seen as yet this day.

Margotsits quietly at the table not drinking just smiling a knowing, beautific 'that's my man' smile.

"Well. That was anticlimatic," Darren remarks to Khanne, having not even been able to properly seat himself before the duel was already over. There's a low chuckle as he retrieves the flask from her and takes a gulp of the whiskey, capping it afterward to rehook it to his belt. "Good show, Duke Dagon!" he calls from the sidelines in a congratulatory sort of way.

Abbas has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Mira blinks at the massive blow from Dagon, frowning a bit as she looks down at her second mug of mead. Continuing to frown a bit longer, Mira eventually just shrugs and tips back the other one too. Waste not!

Melinda watches as the duke strikes the Prince, and her eyes move to Victus then back to Her father before she draws a deep breath as she waits to see what is said.

Dominic falls on one knee, the blade biting into the leather and flesh, forcing a snarl to escape the man. He fixes his eyes up to Dagon and places his hand under the blade, through will and grit, Dominic pulls the blade from his shoulder and scurries back, falling to the side. A curse escapes his throat as his glare fixed on Dagon but he nods, raising his weapon in yield, "I yield." He says through spit and blood.

Carita glances over, and over, and ooooover to notice Margot beatific expression. Her own chin lifts a fraction, the edge of her lip twitches with a hint of a satisfied smile. The hint of an expression is hidden in the gesture of her hand as she toys with a lock of her own hair, self-grooming. Will wait, patiently, until the duel is officially recognized as concluding before she steps away.

Magpie groans as Dagon deals that first blow to Dominic. "Shit." He says, then throws a winning smile over to Larissa. "Just how I hoped it would turn out!" He says cheerfully, all charm. "Now *you* have to figure out how we'll spend the day." He has a sip from his bottle and just watches with a quiet grimace, rubbing at his shoulder in remembered pain from the past... "I know how he's feeling right now."

At the signs of blood and a hard strike, the Malvici doctor tosses her drink back and takes a step forward. Not to move on the scene, no, but simply to ready herself should her services be required. She looks to the officiant and nods to signal herself available should it be needed. Her expression is as sober as the combatants.

At that southern seating Alarissa's watching with inquisitive eyes when Dagon appraoches indeed, like the namesake and sucks in her breath when Dominic yields. "Oh my."

Larissa glances over to Darren and gestures towards the battle fear "The Duke may not be a bear, but I'm sure you could give him a run for his blade if you would like to volunteer to prolong the fight? I wouldn't be opposed to winning two bets tonight" she turns and winks to Magpie. - However seeing that the blade cut through the leather and cut Prince Dominic rather badly, the humor ran out of Larissa's eyes and she stood to get a better view, biting her lip in worry. "Do you think he'll be alright?"

Over near the edge of the courtyard, the tunic clad Halsim watches from afar. Eventually, he goes to lean against a wall as the duel is essentially lightning fast.

Margot tilts her head to mutter something to Victus before she rises and clasps her hands together though while weapons are still bare she doesn't move closser to the fighters.

"That was efficient." Cristoph decides. "Well, I suppose that's that." He watches as Dominic makes with the yield and smooths down the front of his tunic. There's interest in his eyes as the duel is wrapped up.

Khanne winces as Dagon's blade strikes Dominic. She knows the pain of the bite of a blade, and watches as the latter pulls it from his shoulder. She shakes her head softly and looks to Darren. "I don't even know what to say... that was... brief. I was expecting more of a battle." She narrows her eyes and steals the flask back, tipping it up for a drink.

The High Lord of Thrax stands from the refreshment table as the duel reaches its apex in moments. To say his expression was apathetic would be an understatement. There wasn't a strong feeling to be had one way or the other as he alone crossed from the table to the would-be battlefield. He stands between the two men at the conclusion of their battle. First looking to Dominic, then to Dagon as well. When he speaks his voice is booming, loud enough for all to hear but carrying no needless undertones either.

"Duke Dagon Tyde, you won." There really wasn't any other way it needed to be put. "Prince Dominic, you showed courage standing in the face of that." Finally, Victus' eyes move to Dagon again. "Do you accept his yield and can we be done with this shit?"

Declan watches Dagon's victory with an cool reserve, giving a single nod of approval.

Holden isn't a particularly expressive man, but he seems impressed by Dagon's performance all the same. "Efficient," is him agreeing with Cristoph's take on the duel.

Harald gives an almost imperceptible nod when Victus steps between the duelists at the yield. Audible to those nearest him are the even words, "A worthy blow."

Darren smirks over to Larissa and gives his head a shake. "Forgot my armour," he winks over to her, before looking to Khanne and chuckling a little. "It was short and sweet, at least?"

Fatima is still in disbelief, shaking her head at the incredulousness of how fast that duel happened. After Victus speaks the youn dusky skinned woman will nod along with Harald's words and repeat them,"A worthy blow indeed."

Mira peers over at Holden and Cristoph at their clipped appraisals of the duel. Opening her mouth to speak with that pedantic tilt of her head, Mira lifts up a bit...and...just kind of nods, the breath escaping her. She shrugs and nods, in agreement: "Efficient."

The Warlord of Thrax watches the vent and grunts. He had not yet started drinking and it was all done. With the duel over brutally quick dark eyes go to the pair that fought. Abbas dips his head towards his cousin (Dagon) and claps metal hands together a single time. The man then turns and Abbas goes back to the Estate in silence to drink.

Darren is overheard praising Dagon for: A Worthy Sword

Darren is overheard praising Dominic for: A good showing.

Behind the rubicund mask, the monstrous visor, Dominic can see Dagon's eyes as he stares down in the wake of that stroke. They are cold and hard and unbelievably dark. It is easy to forget, sometimes, but in that moment there is no mistaking him as Donrai's grandson, his near doppleganger image. Yet for all the fury he may contain within, Dagon is not his grandfather. And although the blade is certainly *lifted* a third time, held high aloft as if ready to deliver what could easily be a killing stroke, it halts, at the highest point in that arc, as his foe scurries backward. Just as easily, he lowers the weapon, slow and calm, and turns to face the approaching Highlord. "I should be the last man in the world not to grant mercy when it is asked, not to offer it when it is warranted. I had no quarrel to begin with, and have none further now, my liege, so I accept his surrender graciously. I hope this goes some measure toward proving my worth to you, and as ever, I serve at your command."

Jaenelle stands when Victus moves towards the field and between Dagon and Dominic, fingers twisted around one another as her gaze falls on Dagon first before moving over towards Margot. There is a dip of her head and soft smile for the other woman, and for the first time she seems to let out a breath she had been holding.

Abbas is overheard praising Dagon for: Brutal. Thraxian.

6 Thrax Guards leaves, following Abbas.

"I'm not sure how sweet Prince Dominic thinks it is, but... yes, I suppose so," Khanne says to him then grins. "No armor for your own fight today? Me neither. Plus, Ysbail might get angry if I need stitches again..."

Isabeau politely claps for the contest's combatants as the concession is officially accepted, the matter of Sword settled. It's then that she acknowledges Holden with a small nod of agreement in his echo of Cristoph's assessment. Her sapphire eyes then sweep over the other faces yet to be seen in the crowd, lifting her chin as she spies Fatima somewhere near the array of rum.

Isabeau is overheard praising Dagon.

Isabeau is overheard praising Dominic.

Dominic struggles to stand up once the yield is rendered but he manages to get up to one knee. He bows his head to Victus and says as his gaze turns to Dagon, "I came with one intention and one only, to challenge your position as Sword of Thrax. You met my challenge as Thrax do. I hold no will but worth is not given, it is earned..." He coughs, "As you do." Again the Prince tries to stand, using his longspear for support. He groans once on his two feet, waving his hand to everyone and bowing his head to Victus and Abbas.

Holden is overheard praising Dagon.

When Dagon accepts Dominic's surrender Margot finally looks away, and over Jaenelle, her smile remaining wide. "Your Highness, or can I call you cousin now? Did you see what my husband just did?" Pride blossoms in her soft voice.

Melinda has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Holden is overheard praising Dominic.

"Effecient, indeed." Alarissa's watching the ongoings of the field, before she looks to Christoph and Isabeau. "I should return to Valardin. Let Prince Edain know what has happened." There's a bit of a smile on her face when she speaks of 'what has happened.' If you'll excuse me.

Darren steals the flask from Khanne once more, smirking over to her. "All right, back home I go," he remarks, tipping the flask in farewell before he heads off away from the courtyard.

Melinda smiles quietly to Margot as she moves quietly over to her fathers side. Her eyes move from face to face, and then she looks over to Princess Alarissa. She pauses there before she looks over to Harald and murmers to him

"You were always more than that" Jaenelle tells Margot with a playful tsk to her tone. "I saw, they were brilliant. I am just pleased that it did not end up with Dagon laying on the dining room table, the room and all of us in it, covered in his blood. I had to burn that dress." She sighs at the memory, head shaking slightly as she once more glances to Dagon, bleeding cousin and ower of presents.

Fatima is overheard praising Dagon for: For Standing Against Adversity, Always

Margot has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Fatima is overheard praising Dominic for: For An Admirable Effort

"I'll join you," Princess Isabeau declares to her companion. The Valardin princesses arrived together, and they'll leave together. She is one of the Valardin Voices, after all. Poor Prince Edain is about to be beset.

"Oh for the love of Mangata's tits boy, you're fine." Victus claps Dagon on the shoulder at his formal showing. Finally the giant of a man's face had cracked, showing an outpouring of relief as the festivities for the evening were already concluded. Turning now to his bloodied cousin, Victus extends his hand and steadies him. "There ain't any shame in going out as a warrior as you did either." he says to the Prince as his head turns to those gathered. "Duke Dagon Tyde remains sword of Thrax. I make a formal request that Duchess Margot does her damnedest to keep her modesty in check for at least five minutes, please." With that done, the High Lord takes to the task of helping Dominic off the field and toward the table lined with rum. Dagon is beckoned along as well, to share in a drink for the victor.

Isabeau has left the seating along the southern wall.

Turo is overheard praising Dagon for: Precise and efficient. Exactly how it should be.

Eirene has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Larissa stands watching the next few moments with baited breath - it was the way Dagon lofted his sword, that hard edge of his voice and for a moment the Courtesan looks frightened. Of Dagon, or perhaps just a ghost. Her mouth goes dry for that instant and she could almost believe it was Donrai out on that field.. except that Donrai would have taken that third blow. Larissa breathes out a slow expel of breath and forces a bright smile to her pretty features as she takes her seat again and forces a laugh to Darren "And here I believed the Redrain fought naked. I suppose you cant beleive everything you hear after all.." she muses and wigles her fingers as the Prince moves to depart. Then she winks at Magpie "Don't you worry one bit, I'm a Whisper after all.. we will have no shortage of entertainment I promise."

Khanne gives a sort of salute to Darren, relinquishing the flask as he makes to leave. She sighs, and looks around. "Well... now what?"

Victus is overheard praising Dagon for: Honor doesn't lose its deadliness.

Victus is overheard praising Dominic for: Courageous as always.

Dominic is overheard praising Dagon.

Regla is overheard praising Dagon.

Fatima giving a smile to Dagon and Margot, a bow of her head to her uncle Dominic - princess Fati turns to head inside. Blowing a kiss to Isabeau, Victus, Turo, Regla, Melinda and other notable faces, the woman is gone as fast as she arrived.

Larissa is overheard praising Dagon for: Fighting like Donrai without becoming Donrai

Margotmms to Jaenelle, "As am I..." She blinks once innocently at Victus, "Oh your Grace, I shall show you and maintain my bodesty for six minutes. And then I make no promises." Delighted Margot may even have a minor sense of humor.

Alarissa has left the seating along the southern wall.

Fatima has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Mira hops up from her bench and wanders off for places unknown, eventually dropping off her mug near the refreshments table.

Declan murmurs as he walks out, "Rum then."

Dominic is pulled away to the table with rum and takes a glass to pound down as he exists both here and not here, his shouldered all bandaged up. "What the fuck happened?" He says and takes another drink.

Mira has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Titania has left the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Dominic has left the a cleared portion of the courtyard for dancing.

Dominic has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

Larissa is overheard praising Dominic for: For upholding Thrax traditions with grace and pride

Melinda is overheard praising Dominic for: Fought with Honor and Grace.

Larissa has left the simple benches lining the northern wall.

Harald looks aside to Melinda, and nods once. Uncrossing his arms, he speaks to one of his men, quietly.

Magpie is overheard praising Dominic for: Lost me my bet, but at least you lost in style!

Carita laughs softly at something, shaking her head slowly with growing amusement. Offering the smoothest curtsy toward the victor's side as she slips off.

Dagon seems satisfied with Victus' words, standing (mostly) stoic against the hard clap on his shoulder. "Thank you, my liege," he offers, dipping his head. And then, while he does let himself be led off for rum (it's always a good time for rum after a fight) he can't help but glance over as he hears himself being discussed in what is a... fairly morbid manner, as Jaenelle speaks with his wife. "I am also pleased it did not end up that way, again. I only have so much blood." That may not be how biology works, but hey. At least now he allows himself *moderate* good spirits.

Dagon has left the a cleared portion of the courtyard for dancing.

Dagon has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

With the wounded being brought right to where she still stands, Ysbail merely waits for the men to reach the refreshment table before getting to work on Prince Dominic. The flask of clear liquid is pushed into his hands with a murmured, "Two sips, no more, switch to rum after that." She bends over the man and starts tending to the wounds, the needle and thread making its second appearance today so she can stitch up the wounds.

Melinda is overheard praising Dagon for: Maintaining his title with a great show.

Ysbail has joined the a refreshment table lined with rum.

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

"With all due respect, Victus," Jaenelle tells the man, "I have seen Margot be the most modest modest person who ever was modest in the face of unmodesty. It was truly impressive." She says with a deep and exaggerated nod of her head, eyes wide to prove her point. Dagon is smiled at brilliantly, "you are my favorite Dagon, I wish you to keep all your things where they should be."