Joslyn looks up from her place on the bench and giggles towards Viviana, waving her over. "Vivi! You get over here!" she beams towards the other woman, patting the space beside her. Glancing over to Tikva, Joslyn nods, a little grin. "Oh, duels are always ridiculous, but hey, it's good fun. I still want to see how I'd do against either of these two," she says, nodding then to Reese. "Oh, well.... Good luck!"

Whisper the Snowy Owl, Frostbite the Wolf, Lisette of Ashford, Cosette of Ashford arrive, following Killian.

Tikva winks at Esoka even as she strums up a few bars of a plucky song. Though she would ordinarily play Reese's theme song for a duel, it appears that this time, she is not doing that. It's all instrumental.

Tikva checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Viviana turns her attention towards Esoka briefly, offering the woman a wide smile and a rhetorical question of "So you came to watch the show too, hmm?" The comment made, her attention turns back towards Joslyn, making her way along over towards the woman as she's invited. "Should have known you'd be here"

Blossom finds herself a tree to perch in, and begins drawing, sketching away the most common elements she can, so that she can save time for later. The artist hums to herself along with Tikva's song.

Mason wanders out from the house, carrying an animated toddler on his hip in the form of tiny Safiyyah. The Eurusi man looks quiet curious at the crowd gathering. "This is ... interesting." The man says, wandering over to where Esoka stands. "What is going on?"

Soon as it looks like Reese is ready to get on the with the fighting, Mae gives a little look around, holding Mini-Tikva in her hand, and opts to go over and sit down next to Regular-Tikva. "Hello, my lady," she says, with a smile. She eyes the figurine Tikva, then sets it down on her knee. "Oh... I'm just learning to play... Banjo," she says. And, yes, she is carrying a banjo, strapped across her back, along with the messenger bag.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon arrives, following Marian.

Calaudrin is supposed to be on duty. But that's fine. He can play hooky to come see this.

"Banjo's a fun little plucker. I like the balalaika because it's mellow and also its head is kind of a triangle, I think that's charming." Tikva strums a few more notes across the strings and smiles a sunny smile at Mae. "Also, hi!"

Killian drifts in, his wolf and owl with him, and a pair of Ashford commoners behind him. He doesn't close in on the event though, hanging back near the edge, his eyes watching keenly as he lurks in the shadow of a large tree.

Maeve happened to be walking past the manor when she noted people filing past her and towards the courtyard. Out of curiosity, the apothecary mingles with the growing crowd, stepping up on tip toes to see what is going on.

Joslyn curls up to Viviana's side as she arrives at her spot on the bench, nodding to her eagerly. "Oh yes. I never miss a good fight if I can help it. I'm glad you decided to come on out. I've seen both of them fight before, so I expect this should be an exciting bout!" Joslyn grins to Viviana, squeezing happily.

Marian was at the Shrine of Gloria when she got the news, so she finished her prayers and then headed over to the Grayson mansion to see what was happening in the courtyard. She gives a few smiles to those she recognizes, making her way over to Tikva, "Hey there..." She gives a nod to the two duelists, "Do you know what's going on?"

Ezekiel the German Shepherd arrives, following Artorius.

"Prince Ainsley and Princess Reese are going to fight!" Esoka replies to Mason enthusiastically, while she's wraggling her drink. She acquires wine. A second one is grabbed, once she spots Calaudrin, who is also waved at. "Come here! I have procured you a drink!" A chuckle to Viviana. "I'd not miss it. They're two of the finest warriors in House Grayson. I'm a Prince Ainsley partisan - due to my loyalty to Lady Riven - but this cannot end badly either way." A little nod to Marian, as the woman enters. As she was at the shrine herself not long ago. "Gloria is gifting us well this evening."

"Yeah, but... I can say 'banjo'," Mae counters. She swings the instrument around, to her front, fidgeting with it a bit. "My-... um. Friend go it for me," she says, turning the instrument over to reveal the old, faded violet flower painted on it. "Some kind of story behind it. It says... 'Always and Forever, My Purple Flower Petal'..." She smiles faintly, as she explains to Tikva.

Artorius arrives to the fight having heard news of it even where he was! He does smile a little when it's clear Reese and Ainsley are going to fight, and moves to lean against a column to watch. He LOVED watching duels...

It's while Prince Mason is trying to sort out the sudden duel about to happen that Safiyyah, the toddler he's holding, points up at Blossom with a pudgy finger and shrieks loudly, "Tee! Tee!" Mason lets his gaze drift to where the child is waving with frenetic energy, "Oh. Yes sweetheart, there's a woman up in the tree." He says, confusion in his accented voice. "Hello up there." He offers before looking back to Esoka. "Oh. Really? Interesting. I suppose siding with my wife's sister would be proper."

"Twas a merry eve at Grayson manse when Ainsley and Reese asked each other to dance," Tikva says, cheerfully, chanting in more or less rhythm as she strums over the strings. "That's pretty cute," she interrupts herself to tell Mae. "You can't say balalaika? I find it's harder to spell-- I mean I know how you start spelling balalaika but sometimes I find it difficult to figure out where to stop."

Viviana smiles and leans happily against Joslyn, giving a little nod at her explanation. "What, two skilled combatants engaging in a duel over somewhat questionable grounds? You think I'd miss that?" Viviana asks playfully, giving Joslyn a little nudge. That comment made, she looks back to Esoka for a moment. "I'm afraid I'd have to put my silver on Princess Reese" Viviana admits. "If I were a gambling woman. Which I absolutely am" she notes with amusement.

The sound of Esoka's voice carries and Calaudrin heads to her, depositing a kiss on her cheek before settling in. "I'd say that I'm for Reese, just so I could bet against Esoka but I need to see Ainsley tomorrow at the barracks. So I better not." He gives the people around him a lopsided grin and chin lift of greeting.

Blossom waves down at the toddler, then continues to scratch at the paper with her charcoal, kicking her feet as she watches the two prepare for the duel.

Joslyn grins at Viviana's comment, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I'm afraid I'm in agreement with you so I guess I can't bet with you," Joslyn says with a mock disappointment. "We can't both bet on the same woman after all!" Joslyn leans into Viviana, eyes forward as she watches where the fight will be taking place, and... oh yes, she sips her wine because of course she found some wine!

Reese is looking rather shiny in all her silvery steel. She smiles to all those arriving. The princess seems to be in a good mood.

Marian gives a nod when Esoka tells her about who's fighting. She takes a moment to survey the area, and doesn't tell anyone who she's voting for. Instead, she focuses on Reese and Ainsley, looking to see what kind of mood their in when they arrive.

Esoka's beaming smile only broadens at the kiss from Calaudrin. She hands him a wine glass, and sidles up to him comfortably. Brows arched. "What is it you want to bet me, good First Officer? I'll take the Princess' side happily if the wager was worth is while." A gesture to Viviana. "I trust the Sword of Setarco that it's a good bet." Mason's toddler gets an, "Oooooo!" More beaming. "Is that your baby? She is adorable!"

"Balalala... ka. Balalaka. Laika... Blike-uh. Balalaika," Mae murmurs, to herself, repeating the word a few itmes over until she can manage it. There it is! She flashes a smile up to Tikva, then looks around once more. Her eyes find Reese, and she stares for a long moment.

Reese gives Mae a gentle smile. "I love you too, Mae." She says in her direction. "I should wear your ribbons during the fight, a favor for luck."

Ainsley gets griffin's lament rubicund breastplate from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley gets griffin's lament rubicund sabatons from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley gets griffin's lament rubicund gauntlets from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley gets griffin's lament rubicund sleeves from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley gets griffin's lament rubicund helmet from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley gets griffin's lament rubicund greaves from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley gets a regal cloak bearing the sigil of the Iron Guard from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Maeve ducks around people and finds herself still blocked from view. It is then that she notes the woman up in the tree. With a mischivious grin, she kicks off her shoes, gloves, and cloak, throwing them to the ground before she climbs up the same tree with Blossom. She climbs one branch over and smiles to the other woman. "Hi!" The greeting is offered to Blossom. "Best seats!"

"I'll..." Calaudrin has to think on it before a brilliant (but also no good at all) smile comes to his lips and he leans in.

Mae gives a little laugh, to Reese. Her eyes are bright and merry, and she nods a few times. She moves Mini-Tikva off her knee, to the bench beside her, and hten she stands up. She quickly unties one of the ribons in her hair - white stain with little violet flowers on it - and holds it out towards Reese. "Bring this back to me, my brave knight!" she calls out, at the blonde in shining armor. She waves the ribon, to really sell it.

Ainsley gets Threnody, an alaricite longsword from A sword crossed griffin backpack.

Ainsley wields Threnody, an alaricite longsword.

Blossom smiles and waves to the person joining her in the seat, offering "Oh hi, how are you? I'm going to draw the duel, once they start!" She doesn't seem quite as eager as she was... she's starting to lose interest from the lack of stabbing.

Viviana can't help but give a little grin at Joslyn's words. "Shame, I'm sure it would have been an intresting wager" she jokes softly. "But you're right, just doesn't work when we're thinking the same side's going to win it" she admits, settling in a little closer as she gets ready to watch the coming contest.

Reese wields Devotion, a silvery pink alaricite short sword.

Ainsley is finally all strapped into his shining pale rubicund armor! Threnody is taken from Planchet, so that he can strap the belt on and draw his sword. A hand is raised to anyone who has tried to greet him. He looks across aggravated and amused-- more amused now that he's seen what a crowd he and Reese have drawn.

Tikva does not apparently seem that inclined to grant her bold champion a favor. She is, instead, just providing musical accompaniment for him. The martial theme is on the dramatic side for the silliness of the occasion but that is her jam.

Killian lifts a brow as he watches the pair drawing blades, "Isn't that..a bit excessive? For a figurine..I mean..a slip could be tragic, and even master swordspersons make mistakes.." he mutters from his shady tree on the edge of the goings on.

Maeve smiles to Blossom. "I am well. I just thought I would sit in the tree with you. I do love trees.." She would hug it if she weren't keeping herself balanced. She glances down to the pair that prepare for their fight. "I am not sure I like duels. I am not even sure I want to seeit. Why do people duel anyways? This confounds me."

Artorius smiles at everyone making their bets and gossiping about the nature of the battle in question, he simply chuckles. He looks like he's in deep thought, but crosses his arms and watches, his intricate and fitted darksteel armor surprisingly not weighing him down today.

Mason smiles at Esoka's cooing over the toddler. "This is Safiyyah, my daughter, yes." He confirms, holding the tiny child tightly. She has pale eyes, but dark brown waves that fall wispily around her tan-toned face. The toddler is still pointing up at Blossom on the tree and yelling 'tee' over and over again because that's what ya do when you have a single syllable vocabulary. "This is drawing quite the crowd." The prince remarks, then says, "Maybe that is good. Some levity after such a long couple of weeks."

"Duels are a rite of honor to Gloria," Tikva says as she strums on the strings of her instrument. "It dishonors Gloria to stand against them. Although I do think Ainsley really ought to be satisfied with the real thing, in this instance," she winks, "a duel in good grace between the finest blades of Grayson should trouble no one."

Reese secures Mae's ribbon into her golden locks so that now she has pink and blue ribbons. She then places her helmet on and the ribbons are concealed. She gives the crowd a little bow. She then looks over to her cousin even as she draws her sword. "When you are ready, Ainsley. Let Lady Tikva go to the best Grayson! And let Gloria be with us both."

"That's one answer" Viviana comments over toward Maeve, seeming rather amused by the question. "The other answer, of course... is that it's fun" Viviana replies. "Fish swim, birds fly, musicians play, tailors sew, and warriors fight. Just the way that some of us are wired, I think"

Marian gives a silent nod when Tikva mentions that duels are a rite of honor. She takes this very seriously despite what actions might have led up to the duel. She murmurs, "May Gloria be with you," under her breath because she does not want to distract the fighters with her words. This match is hard because she doesn't have a favorite. She carefully listens to the sentiment in the crowd.

Ainsley sends Tikva a little blown kiss before he turns toward Reese and nods his head, "Aye, Gloria guide our hearts in this duel, and our minds to act honorable before her!" He grins and steps forward toward Reese; now that he's paid his respects to Gloria before the duel. "To the first blood, my cousin."

Mae gladly gives up her favor to Reese, and smiles big. She then sits back down. Out comes the Lady Inquisitor Tikva Riven Figurine once more. She stares at it, then she glances aside, at the real Tikva. She giggles. A moment later and Mae's digging around in her messenger bag again. Soon, out comes a corgi plushie. She puts the Tikva Riven figurine atop the corgi. "To battle..." she whispers.

Maeve listens to the explanations nearby and the young woman seems to contemplate. "I see." She seems a bit more content now with the duel, happy to watch the events unfold fromher vantage point.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Esoka's brows arch at Calaudrin. And then whispers back to him, and laughs. Duly amused. "I will take this. It is agreed." She raises her wine glass, to give him a little toast. To Mason, "Safiyyah! What a pretty name. Well met, little princess." Another toast, and another sip, and her attention is fixed on the contest.

Ainsley and Reese are very well matched; the first two exchanges of blows sees Alaricite glancing off of each other. Ainsley parries Reese's first blow, only to have his own knocked out of the way as well. A soft laugh is given and he dances around her, knocking her sword out of the way and then having his own blocked. On the third exchange he knocks her blade aside with his gauntlet'd arm, and slashes at her side. His blade landing on her armor with enough force that it might bruise her-- but it won't draw blood.

Mason gives Esoka a warm smile in return, "Thank you." He doesn't even try to pull Safi's attention from what she's fixated on. Instead he watches the duel as well, absently rubbing the toddler's back. "This is a rare treat to watch."

Tikva checked luck + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Reese has her silvery pink blade drawn and she charges at Ainsley. She strikes at him once, twice and a third time. Ainsley is quite the fine warrior and he is able to evade all three of her attacks. She avoids his first two strikes, but his third one hits. Reese is hurt, but she isn't bleeding yet and this means she is set upon continuing. She charges at him once again.

Tikva tries to match the improvisation of her music to the clash of blade and talent before her. It sort of works? Mostly.

Marian winces as Reese takes the first hit, having sympathy for how that feels. She murmurs to herself, "Gotta stay away from that blade." She looks to Ainsley to see what he can improve on.

"Seems maybe you should have taken that bet after all" Viviana comments quietly to Joslyn as the first exchange seems to result in Reese getting the worse end of things. Still, it's hard to be too disappointed in how things are developing when there's a good fight, good company, and a good drink in hand.

Reese takes minor damage.

Renault, a floofy persian cat arrives, following Selene.

Artorius watches with a wide smile as the battle begins. He's not really rooting for anyone in particular. He does wince a little when Reese takes a hit, but he claps his hands, cheering for both fighters!

Mae's distracting herself only lasts a bit before she's drawn to the fight. She catches the swell of her lower lip between her teeth, and she watches with modest anxiety.

Ainsley ducks underneath a blow that Reese swings his way with her silvery pink blade. A laugh is given as he comes back up and tries to hit her, but finds her blade there to knock his uselessly out of the way. "Good foot work, Reesie." Her tells her as they dance around. "Oof." He says when he turns his shoulder and accepts a blow to his armored shoulder rather than take it somewhere more vulnerable. His expression is one of amusement and pride now. His next hit barely grazes over Reese's side, scratching at her armor.

Joslynsits up to watch the fight, though she's still leaning against Viviana, looking quite comfortable, she does wince as Reese takes a hit, but from the look of things, she's still in the fight! "Well, perhaps I should have taken that bet," Joslyn comments with a wry smile. "Reese really needs to step it up, or she's gonna get cut sooner or later."

Killian watches as the duel begins to get underway, but after a few blows are traded, he slips back from the shadow of the tree he was under, moving away and slipping back from whence he came.

Whisper the Snowy Owl, Frostbite the Wolf, Lisette of Ashford, Cosette of Ashford leave, following Killian.

Reese continues to try and strike against Ainsley, but her cousin is very hard to hit. She looks a bit frustrated. She his hit again, but blood has yet to be drawn. Upon hearing Joslyn's words, Reese looks over in that direction. "Oh, don't worry, I got this.." She says, trying to sound more confident then she feels. She then turns back to Ainsley and tries to watch him very close to see what she will do.

Selene emerges from the Grayson Manor, where perhaps a few had seen her enter earlier on business... only to find that a duel has broken out in the meantime! That's a bit of an odd turn of events, to be sure. Looking surprised as one might expect her to be, she hastens to look around with just a little worry. Though, people are cheering, so it can't be anything too serious. "What... what is going on?"

Reese takes minor damage.

Artorius looks to Selene with a kind smile "It appears Reese and Ainsley are having a duel over...I actually don't really know what it's over. I think a statue?"

"Might be a good thing that you didn't" Viviana replies to Joslyn quietly. "There are only so many bets with you I can lose, you know" she teases lightly. "After a while, it just becomes me making bad decisions" she jokes, before her gaze turns back towards the duel in progress.

Ainsley takes minor damage.

Ainsley takes moderate damage.

Marian murmurs outloud, to no one in particular, "If she holds him off, she might wear him out." She still finds herself switching almot blow by blow who she's voting for. One moment it's Ainsley and the next it's Reese. When Reese finally gets a solid blow, she can't help but murmurs, "Yes...that's good."

With a little chuckle, Joslyn nods, leaning against Viviana as the duel commences. "Well, you know how it goes. Besides, I think the last wager we had worked out quite nicely for both of us, wouldn't you agree?" Joslyn smiles and than grins at the duel. "Oh! That's it Reese! He's getting tired, Just hold out!"

Ainsley takes minor damage.

Soon as the battle seems to turn, Mae is on her feet, and starts clapping. Then grabs hold of her hands, to keep herself from making too much noise. Big, big eyes stare on, so very interested.

Esoka winces as Reese takes a hit. Opening graze though it might be. Still, she's plainly enjoying herself, next to her fellow with her wine, watching a good fight with good music. A firm nod to Mason. "Indeed. I've seen far too few duels since I came to Arx. And I missed the one between Prince Dagon and Prince Dominic recently. Though, from what I hear, that one was over handily in favor of to the Sword of the Maelstrom before it was worth the bother. This should be more entertaining." She yells, since she's placed some sort of bet on this, "Hit him soundly, Princess Reese!" She cheers louder, as the princess does just this.

Tikva checked luck + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

As they go around and around Ainsley starts to become a little bit slower; sweat visible on his face through his visor. A laugh is given as Reese continues to hold him off and neither of them have managed to draw blood just yet. they're both be pretty badly bruised by the time the first is over, however. "Good work Reesie." he says after a particularly had blow, and around and around they go s'more.

Ainsley takes moderate damage.

Reese takes moderate damage.

"A statue?" Selene wonders, both amused-sounding and curious. "How very... curious." The duel itself warrants her attention, though surely she has little clue of the actual technicalities of it, the technique involved. No warrior is she. She only knows when they whack each other. "Erm, good hit, er hits, Highnesses!"

Marian watches with breath held as the two fighters strike at the same time. She blinks and for a moment isn't sure who won because to her it looks like they cut each other at the same time. It seems that both drew first blood. She looks around to see if anyone else has an idea on who won.

Ainsley and Reese go around and around with Reese slowly bruising the prince more and more. When they both get inside of each other's guards, and Ainsley is drawing his blade down fast toward Reese's shoulder, his sword falling fast with no way to stop it even as she gets under his reach and ...

This was a very close fight. Ainsley was clearly better at the start of the fight, but Reese started to do better once her cousin got tired. They draw first blood at almost the same moment. Reese striking him just a second or maybe two before Ainsley and certainly before he could stop his swing. It is so close that it might not even be clear to all those watching who won at first. Reese is injured, but Ainsley is too. "Ouch..you hit hard, Ainsley." She says, but gives him a smile. "I am not sure who won." She adds. "But you can have the figure. I adore Tikva, but you love her in a way that transcends words." She says, but her voice is laced with pain she tries to hide. She needs to be all tough after all.

"I suppose I really can't complain" Viviana agrees with a little wink offered Joslyn's way. Her attention turns back towards the duel, looking a little surprised as the two combatants strike each other. "Well, that was... close. I'm not even sure who struck first. Guess it's a good thing we don't have a wager to settle" she jokes softly. "Might have to figure out what happens when we both win, otherwise"

Mae gasps, as it looks like a hit is made. She takes a step forward, then stops. She clutches the Tikva figurine in one hand, and her plushie corgi in the other. Then she blinks a few times, and takes a few more steps forward, looking wholly unsure what protocol would have, here.

Tikva swings to her feet, her balalaika swinging on its strap as she advances on the field of combat at a march.

Joslyn giggles slightly with a nod, but than she's opening her eyes wide and looking at the fight. Who won?

Artorius absolutely beams as the fight comes to it's conclusion, cheering greatly at the dramatic conclusion! He does look to Selene and chuckles a little.

Ainsley gives a small laugh at Reese as he shakes the little speckle of blood from Threnody. "Well fought, Reesie. And no, you keep the figurine. I'll pay that goddamned snake his silver and his couch." A roll of silver eyes is given and he says, "You won the duel, and under the eyes of Gloria and Limerance the figurine is yours." He bows low to his cousin, seeming almost delighted in the fact that she beat him.

Marian gives a little smile as Reese comes out the victor. She then slips out of the courtyard, heading out to an appointment that she's now late for.

Marian is overheard praising Reese for: For winning the duel!

Selene is overheard praising Ainsley for: So very gracious!

Ainsley is overheard praising Reese for: An excellent duelist!

Selene is overheard praising Reese for: Most statue-winning duelist.

Reese is overheard praising Ainsley for: Always brave and willing to fight.

Mason is overheard praising Reese for: Go go Sister-in-Law, finely fought!!

Joslyn peeks up from where she's snuggled on a bench beside Viviana, and than wiggles her fingers towards Selene. "Ah, most Radiant," she beams. "You remember us, yes?" Joslyn asks with a giggle.

"Gloria chose rightly, for Ainsley had no right to demand your figurine, Reese." Tikva interposes herself between Ainsley and Reese as Ainsley straightens from his bow, winding her arms around his neck and flattening herself against the weight of his armor as she eyes him. "You goof," she accuses.

Mason is overheard praising Ainsley for: Well fought! A very close duel and a pleasure to watch!

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon leaves, following Marian.

Esoka is overheard praising Reese for: Highly entertaining! Gloria was honored.

Viviana can't help the amused smile that plays at her lips as the duel's conclusion is sorted out between the combatants. It lasts for a moment or two, before her attention is drawn towards Selene as Joslyn greets the woman. She offers a little wave of her own.

Reese looks over to Ainsley and then she pulls off her helmet. "It was very close. I should say, I never beat Ainsley sparring before. I am surprised. He is a great fighter. It is an honor to have beaten my cousin." She murmurs and then heads over to Mae.

Selene claps her hands together as Ainsley bows toward the pronounced victor. She's still not a hundred percent certain what just happened, but she knows virtuous and knightly behavior when she sees it. And while she couldn't particularly TELL that Reese won, well, she'll take all their words on it! But then, spotting Joslyn, she hustles over that way. "Oh hello, oh and Lady Viviana again!" A smile for both the women. "Joslyn dear, I'm so very sorry I've been... a little absent of late. Business, business." Which may explain her emerging FROM the estate rather than showing up at it with the rest of the crowd.

Mae quickly shoves her corgi plushie, and the Tikva figurine, into her bag. She then steps forward, to Reese. "Oh, my love, you did so well!" says. She very carefully reaches up to rest her hands on Reese's shoulders, and then goes to tip toes, to deliver a kiss to the knight. A short, tiny, chaste little kiss. "And now I am going to bandage you up because you are bleeding!" she squeaks out, decidedly concerned.

Esoka looks unsure, for a moment, as to //who// won. As it settles, she breaks into cheering. "Bravo, Princess! And bravo, Prince Ainsley! That was a pleasure to watch!" She grasps Calaudrin's arm. "I am declaring that a tie, for the purposes of our wager. I won, so I'm allowed." These statements may contradict each other, but she does what she wants.

Ainsley sheathes his blade and wraps his arms around Tikva, so he can drag her in for a kiss; passionate and fierce. When he pulls back he complains, "/She/ started it by saying she'd give it to me if I won a duel!" He complains a little bit. A glance is given toward Esoka and Calaudrin, grinning there way.

Reese leans into Mae a little more than she means to, suggesting that she is more hurt than she is letting on. "Oh, maybe..you should look at me in a bit." She murmurs and holds her shoulder which is bleeding. "It was a good fight though." She adds.

Joslyn nods in understanding to Selene. "Oh of course. I meant to find you to ask you how your business has been, but I've also been quite busy of late as well," she explains. "And yes, Lady Viviana," she beams to the woman beside her and affectionately nuzzles her, beaming in delight. "Dont you worry though, I'll make sure to come visit you soon, and we can catch up on everything!"

"A pleasure to see you again" Viviana offers cheerfully to Selene. "And it seems that everyone's been quite busy as of late. Must be something going around" she comments with a little amused smile.

With Reese leaning on her, Mae just smiles sweetly. Short, but not weak. She can support the poor wounded princess. She then looks over to Ainsley, but finds him kissing Tikva. Her nose scrunches. She waits until he's done. "Mmm... Good job, your highness. And good to see you again, my lady," she says, to the two. She looks back to Reese. "Go now? Or do you need to... do.. princess stuff?" she asks, quietly. Only then does she look over, and spot Esoka. She smiles brightly, and gives a little wave, with her free hand. "Hi Miss Knight!"

Mason exhales a satisfied sigh as things wind down and no one is gravely injured. "I should probably get Safi inside. It was nice to see you, Esoka." He says to the woman, smiling warmly. "I hope to spar again soon." Then he'll move to head for the house, stopping once closer to the door to lower the toddler to the ground and hold one hand so she can walk under her own power. It's slow-going, but they'll get there eventually.

Tikva bites very lightly at the curve of Ainsley's lower lip as he draws back from the kiss, and her smile is bright as she glints up at him. "Goof," she repeats. "Good to see you, too, Mae! Nice fight, Reese."