Justice, an elegant hunting falcon have been dismissed.

Baby Badger have been dismissed.

Artorius removes his armor in preparation of the combat and sets his usual blade aside, taking a few breaths as all that remains on him now is a cloth shirt, pants, and combat boots. No armor! Those who knew him could see that sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

Ravana the tawny eagle leaves, following Ansel.

Ugarte arrives, following Fortunato.

Reese arrives just barely on time while adorned in ivory leggings with pink ribbons and white wool tunic. She has pink ribbons in hair and her Grayson tunic tied around her wrist. She looks a bit out of breath, like she just got here barely in time.

Fortunato draws up, bearing no graphite or parchment today. He merely whistles low at the crowds and takes a seat.

Fortunato has joined the Benches.

Reese gets a standard steel longsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Reese wields a standard steel longsword.

Aleksei gets a standard steel longsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Aleksei puts a standard steel longsword in a standard wooden weapon rack.

Ravana the tawny eagle arrives, following Ansel.

"I am sure my brother will be thrilled at the challenge before him. I hope there are heavy weapons, that is his specialty." Caelis says to Melinda. Seeing Alarissa, she offers a warm smile before turning her attention to the rose given to her. "Thank you Lady Melinda, it's lovely." She offers and looks to Edain. "Any favorites, your Grace?" She asks and looks up to meet his eyes.

Alexis gets a standard steel greatsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Artorius gets a standard steel greatsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Artorius wields a standard steel greatsword.

Ansel gets a standard steel longsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Alexis puts a standard steel greatsword in a standard wooden weapon rack.

Luca arrives just barely before the start of things, as per usual of late, looking like he just rolled out of bed for this, eyes half-lidded even with a sleepy sort of air about him, rumpled linen shirt and supple leather pants his usual uniform for combat or anything else. He's bearing his viper-pommeled blades as per usual, but even as he's slipping in behind Ribbons, he's unbuckling the elaborate double-belt to pass them over to the old Lycene man that's practically his shadow, murmuring to Reese as he thwaps her on the ass and leans in to kiss her cheek. "Go kick tail, beautiful. We'll meet up at the end of th is and see if your winning streak will continue against me." With that, he's sidling over towards the edge of the fighting rings to find a place to lean, yawning jaw-crackingly hugely as he does. Maybe he'll be woken up by time he's up to fight.

Ansel puts a standard steel longsword in a standard wooden weapon rack.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight arrives, following Alis.

Alis has joined the Benches.

Reese seems to realize she is in the first fight and goes for a longword. She has a smile of greeting for those gathered here and her cheeks are pink. "Oh, it will Luca and same bet as last times." She says and gives him an impish smile. "The best part about competitions is beating my husband." She adds, but she sounds more playful than gravely serious.

One of the Confessors mention to the other the rules of the duel tournament. No armor, and swords to be provided by the organizers. Alistair lets out a slight rumble as he takes a moment to unbuckle an dloosen the armor that is obscured under the scarlet jacket of his order. Perhaps hes trying to fit in! Undercover work. Thats it. He certaintly isn't fighting...

Ian settles in and scans the faces of the various combatants as they arrive with an intense, searching gaze. He smiles -- actually smiles -- just for a moment when he sees Luca there.

Alistair gets a standard steel longsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Alistair puts a standard steel longsword in a standard wooden weapon rack.

Dame Alexis arrives with Princess Valencia on her arm, in quiet conversation with the Velenosa noblewoman. Offering a small smile and sketching a bow, letting her go to find her seat, as the contestant slips over to the readying area, looking over at the arranged weapons. Shifting out of her armour somewhat reluctantly, giving a nod of greeting to the people she recognises - Princess Alis being among the first greeted. Princess Alarissa and High Lord Edain getting a second set of bows. Shooting a small smile to the people milling before the pre-combat area, before she looks to Silas. "Don't forget to get my name for your list, my lord." She reminds.

    Ansel glances towards the spectator area, Alis and Edain given a quick, ready nod once the Telmar spots the Valardin section. He moves over, setting down the two swords that he's carried in, entrusting their care to a rather nervous-looking young squire who seems to have only recently learned that he would be safeguarding an heirloom weapon for the tournament. That done, Ansel walks back towards the other contestants, looking to stand near the other Valardin participants.

Agnarr gets a standard steel greatsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Agnarr wields a standard steel greatsword.

Reigna arrives just before things get going, on the arm of her husband Kael, (who is here for reals!). They arrive and after a quick glance around, head over to the unoffical Valardin cheering section, moving to sit near Alis.

Esoka has gotten herself a seat on the benches and looks eager for the fight to begin. Fortunato is offered a bright wave, when she spots him. "Fortunato! A good day upon you. I regret a little I shall not be competing today, but given the fighters who've slated for it, it should be a valiant show."

Alexis has joined the fighting grounds.

The little raven-haired vixen arrives at the side of Alexis. Dark eyes scan the crowd offering smiles and warm nods to thoses she knows, pausing to offer a loving hug and light kiss upon Luca and then Reese's cheeks. A bright smile is offered Ansel's way and another to Ian, Artorius and Tobias. "Be well and fight well, my dearest Madame. I shall be cheering for your victory," she wishes Alexis playfully at the lovely blonde knight, offering bright and beautiful smile before she finds a seat in the stands, nodding a warm greeting to the Count and Countess of Keaton as she goes.

Artorius puts a standard steel greatsword in a standard wooden weapon rack.

Valencia claims this

Reigna has joined the Benches.

Reese heads over the fighting pit. She nuzzles her cheek into Alexis' kiss. "Thank you." She says. She then gets into the rink, looking all ready to fight.

Ian spares enough attention to nod to Valencia when he notices her before looking back towards the fighting area.

As Valencia looks his way, Tobias gives her a wave and a smile. His attention is mainly on the impending duels, but he seems to at least be keeping an eye on the spectators.

Alarissa offers a smile to Caelis, a dip of her head to the woman then glances to the rest of the bench Alis gets a wriggle of fingers, but it's Reigna and Kael that the young woman lights up for, getting up from the bench that she is on and making her way to the strech that Kael and Reigna are. "Count. Countess." A deep breath. "Come to support Valardin? I have silver again, riding on the house."

Alarissa has left the Benches.

Alarissa has joined the Benches.

Luca has joined the fighting grounds.

Fortunato waggles his fingers over at Esoka. "I'm a bit regretful you won't be competing either! I can't sit still for long at such events either way, but I would promise a little more effort."

Reese has joined the fighting grounds.

Alexis spots Esoka among the benches, and sketches a small bow to her. "A shame not to see you among the contestants, Dame Esoka. But we have other ways to test against each other." She gives the woman a salute - and exhaling softly, as she moves over towards Reese, sketching a small bow to her. "Good luck, Princess Reese. I understand you're first out."

Alis is of course here to cheer on her peeps, and even the alternative-damily ones too. This could be complicated, and her lips twist into a slight frown until she spots Alexis and Ansel and gives them both her brightest smile of encouragement, and a wave. That's when she settles into a spot at the benches, somewhere close enough that she can speak to everyone that she'd like to. "Lady Reigna. Glad to see you could make it!"

Valencia smiles up at Ian warmly and offers a little wave. Seeing no seats nearby she moves to the next bay of seating.

Gaius, a Thraxian Confessor, Balanar, a shadowy Confessor, 2 Armed Confessors leave, following Alistair.

Artorius offers Valencia an equally kind smile and a kind wave. He sheds a glance to Caelis and Melinda once more, giving Prince Edain a kind bow of his head as well. "Alright...this will be fun." He turns his head to Reese and Luca "Hey! I think I can get you this time if we face off Luca. Though I don't hold too much hope." he laughs in playful conversation.

Gaius, a Thraxian Confessor, Balanar, a shadowy Confessor, 2 Armed Confessors arrive, following Alistair.

"Princess Alarissa!" Reigna parts from Kael to embrace the Princess fondly, kissing her cheeks happily before nodding, "Of course! How could we stay away?" When she hears Alis' voice, she turns a wide bright smile on the other Valardin Princess, waving to her, "Hello! It's wonderful to see you too!"

With so many spectators, Agnarr doesn't seem to be able to arse himself to greet every one of them. Instead he waits.

Alistair hands off his armor and blade to one of his Confessors to watch over, giving an eye to one of his subordinates as he slinks off to go place some bets and other illicit dealings. Slowly the High Inquisitor turns to regard those who are present, his arms folding infront of his chest as he stares at them. For those who know him, he is not playing some kind of intimidation game. Thats just how he is.

"The world's nothing without hope Artie, keep hold of it. You'll do just grand I'm sure!" Luca calls back with twinkling eyes and merry, good-natured air to Artorious, albeit with sleepiness still riding the lazy prince terribly as he leans and watches the prep. And...did he just slip a hand into his belt and pull out a black glass flask for a quick belt of liquor? What kind of competitive Champion is this?! The worst!

Valencia has joined the Benches.

Reese smiles over to Agnarr. "Oh, Giant. This time, I am going to take you down and giants fall far." she says, but her words are still more playful than serious. She stands in the fighting rink with the steel sword drawn.

"Princess Alarissa, hello. Have you met Lady Melinda?" She asks and gestures to Melinda also on the benches. She looks to Princess Alis and smiles bright. "It's nice to see you, your highness." She offers, staying seated near Edain and lifting a hand to wave. Looking to Artorius she claps for him with a hand on her knee.

Estaban has no armor on and no sword at his side for the moment its off to the side, he looks out at the crowed that has formed looking around to see who he knows and nods to them then looks back at who is going to be in it and he sighs a hand coming up to rub over his face, what was he thinking.

"The steel will tell," Agnarr supplies Reese. He manages to get a hold of his blunted twohander, though it is smaller and handles nothing like his usual weapon, much to his annoyance.

Esoka offers Alexis an inclination of her head. "I decided to limit myself to one event this year, and the swimming was my choice. Today, I am here to support my fellow warriors. Good luck!" A chuckle to Fortunato. "You can always run laps around the sparring court if you get restless. To serve as a test of concentration for the fighters. How've you been? I feel it's been far too long since our paths crossed."

Melinda looks to Alarissa then her eyes move back over the Champions and she looks over to Art with a small smile on her lips, before her eyes are drug away from her watching's on Artorius to be introduced to the Princess, she smiles softer, "Greetings Highness." she offers softly.

Valencia has left the Benches.

Ansel has joined the fighting grounds.

Marian looks around, seeing the benches fill up. Then glances over at the slots and smiles when she sees that Fergus and her are facing off first. She nudges her husband and motions to where the matches are listed, "You ready to face off love?"

"Ah, buried in my paint, sniffing after contacts," Fortunato responds to Esoka with a shrug. "The artist's life, an artist's restlessness. It's not terribly exciting. S'good of you to restrain yourself to just one event, I suppose."

There is an introduction and Alarissa looks to Caelis, then to Melinda. "I have not had the pleasure yet." Alarissa smiles to the woman in question, grinning widely. "Save for in correspondance. Duke Grimhalls's daughter yes?" A clap of her hands and shake of her head. "If I were to shwo up at Grimhall with another invitation in my hands, and not sent by a servant and my dog, do you think your father would actually come. Or am I sincerely to be left to entrain just you Lady Melinda? Not that I mind."

    "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the concluding event of the Iron Pentathlon: the Duel Tournament. It will be done in round robin rules, meaning everyone will get an opportunity to face off against everyone else, including those within your own fealty. The fighter with the best overall record at the end of the tournament will win the Gold Medal, while the runner-ups will be awarded the Silver and Bronze accordingly," Silas announces, now standing from his seat. "Armor is forbidden, and competitors will be limited to the standard training weapons provided to them. They will fight until one yields or collapses. Mercies are on standby to treat injuries as they occur. Should anyone be too tired or injured to continue, they should inform me and adjustments will be made." There's a brief pause to catch his breath. "We have an odd amount of competitors, so one man or woman will sit out per round."

    While he speaks, attendants meander around the competitors assembled in the fighting area, giving out ribbon favors to help fighters express their team spirit. "Now, our line-up: representing the Crownsworn will be Archlector Aleksei Morgan and Inquisitor Alistair. Princess Reese and Prince Luca will be standing in for House Grayson once again, along with Count Thesarin Riven. Prince Fergus, Princess Marian, and Master Agnarr of the Valorous Few will be competing on behalf of House Redrain. Dame Alexis and Lord Ansel Telmar will be representing House Valardin. Lord Artorius Malvici and Lord Estaban will be fighting for House Velenosa. There are competitors currently absent -- I'm afraid we'll have to continue without them."

    "The first match will be Princess Reese Grayson versus Agnarr. Please step forward and take your desired weapons."

Silas picks up a standard wooden weapon rack.

Reese is already there in the rink with her steel longsword. She smiles when the her match is announced and even does this goofy bow. She then blow a kiss to Luca and peeks up toward Agnarr. She seems to be in a joyful mood.

Melinda laughs a little, "My father dose not have much enjoyment in social affairs, however you are welcome to come to the Grimhall and treat him anytime." she smiles brightly, before she looks to Caelis "He tells me he looks horrid in white, your brother dose, but I have asked him to attend with me to the affair if he can come."

Agnarr doesn't seem to be in any particular mood, save for business. He steps to join Reese, keeping his stance relaxed.

Luca mimes catching the kiss from Reese and tucking it into his pocket with a wry lopsided smirk (clearly intent on causing Agnarr to lose purely from vomiting at the saccharine lovey displays). Less lovey though, he's roaring out. "KICK HIS BIG ASS, RIBBONS!!!!"

Alarissa has left the Benches.

Alarissa has joined the Benches.

Alistair has joined the fighting grounds.

Valencia has joined the Benches.

Reese has her sword drawn and she charges at Agnarr, seeming ready to start the fight right now.

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

3 Laurent novice guards arrives, following Jael.

Before the match, though, Agnarr does deal with a message. He looks mildly annoyed.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Jael has joined the Benches.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Artorius seems to think to himself for a moment, mumbling a little as he leans against one of the fences "Agnarr is quite the fighter. He's one of the very few who have consecutive wins against me. I haven't fought Reese yet, but she's quite the warrior too." he analyzes the two's fight pattern, a habit of his when watching a fight. "I wonder who'll win?" he smiles though, the fight looking like a real exciting one.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 38 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 29, rolling 21 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Reese takes minor damage.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 34, rolling 14 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 70, rolling 25 lower.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 36, rolling 19 higher.

Agnarr remains alive, but close to death.

Agnarr falls unconscious.

Jael hustles in late, makes her way past the combat area, and scoots into a bench with Reigna and Valencia though she lets out an encouraging shout for the Grayson princess on her way past. To her benchmates, "Hello! Mind if I join you?" Though she sort of already has. "I got stuck in a meeting with the junior seneschal, so dull."

This was a long fight and Reese seemed to have this rather nimble sort of fighting style. Maybe she has been learning from Luca. They trade blow for blow. Reese takes many hits. At first it seems that Agnarr will win. As the fight continues, Reese's energy remains and she is table to down the giant with several blows of her long sword.

In the end, Agnarr's toppled by the smaller princess wearing him down, the gaps in his defense produced by his lessening ability to handle his heavier weapon eventually enough to exploit. That, or he may faaaall over dead tired.

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

Eirlys arrives, following Cristoph.

"Lady Jael! Please, join us!" Reigna seems to be thrilled to see the Laurent lady and waves her over. Jael gets a nod and a smile for the Kael who is also here (tm). Reigna is positively glowy tonight looking to be in fine spirits and in good health, as opposed to the fatigue she's been marked with of late. "I brought some spiced hot chocolate." She gestures to a wrapped ceramic jug beside her.

Reese and Agnarr whisper back and forth a bit. She then hands her sword to Silas and moves away from the center of the ring, so the next fight can begin.

Luca watches from the sidelines with that sleepy-lidded look not masking the fact he's taking in every motion with a master's gaze, seeming pleased deeply by how well it's going. By the end, he's letting out a shrill, ear-piercing whistle for his wife's win, but going on to claim after. "Well done though, Ag! You move your big ass about fast enough to make me more than proud. Look forward to our bout!" After which, he's spreading arms wide waiting for his bruised Ribbons to return to him for grinning congratulations.

2 Armed Confessors, Mariah, a nanny, 2 Grayson Guardsmen, Confessor Warren, Thump, a yappy pupper arrive, following Tikva.

Tikva has joined the Benches.

Eirlys has joined the fighting grounds.

Cristoph comes jogging in. "I'm late, I'm late!" He calls as he skids to a stop in front of the sands. He's clearly looking for his 'people'. Jael, the Keatons, a Valardin! Anyone. He dusts off the BEEara and readjust it on his head before he goes climbing through the seats.

Alexis lets out a little whoop and claps her hands together in applause for Reese as Agnarr goes down. Giving Luca a few nods of agreement. She settles down on a bench, looking up at Esoka with another little grin, then over to the Oathlands contigent, before fiddling a little with her own ribbons, which apparently go around her wrist.

Cristoph has joined the Benches.

Alistair offers a quiet little clap to Reese's victory, the man having watched the bout with a rapt attention, perhaps taking notes for any future fights or arrests.

Silas gets a standard steel longsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Reese moves over to stand near Luca. She looks bruised, flushed and happy. She then peeks over to Alistair and gives him a smile, but was that just a bit of a wary smile?

Eirlys wields Untamed, an oathlands steel sword.

Artorius cheers and claps in sportsmanship for both fighters "Well done princess Reese! An excellent fight Master Agnarr!" he smiles to both of them, settling down and crosses his arms as he calms himself in preparation for his match.

Valencia loses composure and jumps to her feet cheering loudly her beloved cousine-in-law! The litte fox stops and realizes, then promptly sits down as if nothing has happened.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

Marian gives a nod of respect to Reese who manages to pull out a win after Agnarr had such a good beginning. She gives him a smile, "Good showing Master Agnarr, she's a tough one in the ring." She nudges Fergus and makes sure he took notes on the two fighters.

Aleksei wields a standard steel longsword.

Tikva claims a seat on the bench in a sliding fall of shiny beaded seasilk and goes, "Whoof. Late as hell," as she situates herself amidst the rain of skirts. She catches the eye of a few people she knows over at another bench, waves her hand cheerfully, and then turns her attention to the field!

Fergus frowns at the nudge, but he had been frowning a lot deeper at the fighting. There's a sense that the Sword does no longer want to be here, the idea of having his skills, still not back to what they should be, being spectated at. Leaning against the nearby wall, he folds his arms across his chest, watching. Waiting.

There is resounding applause from the crowd as Princess Reese fells her enormous opponent! Silas also adds to the applause, then stands to announce the next match. "Lady Eirlys has made it in time for her match! Representing House Valardin, she will be facing off against Archlector Aleksei Morgan! Good luck!" Right into the fire!

Jiacomo arrives, following Eleyna.

Aleksei rolls his neck one last time, shoulders shifting to loosen up, and then strides out onto the field with a grin. He twists the tourney sword in hand as he goes, testing the weight, getting a quick feel for it in that brief walk from the edge of the fighting grounds to the middle. He offers Eirlys a quick salute with his sword and a warm, friendly sort of smile. "Best of luck to you," he says before lifting his sword to start.

    Ansel gives a quick whistle of approval as Eirlys' name is called. He leans forward on the railing to watch the other Valardin.

Eirlys manages to make it in time gets the proper sword she is to use and starts to roll her wrist, loosening it up. She walks into the sparring area to face off against Aleksei. She smiles back, it is more like a baring of teeth and she says. "To you too."

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Aleksei takes moderate damage.

Jael, a cup of something clutched carefully in her hands, whoops loudly when Eirlys takes the field before settling in to chat with her bench friends.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eleyna arrives on the arm of Jiacomo, her usual companion when Talen isn't available. She moves slowly, determined not to do anything so undignified as -waddle- as she looks over the stands with a bit of trepidation. Her servant gives the Velenosa's arm a friendly squeeze and murmurs under his breath, "We can always go back to the Estate instead, your highness." Eleyna scoffs, rolls her eyes, and tugs Jiacomo along to find a seat in the benches, murmuring, "And miss the dueling? This is my favorite part. It'll be fine."

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

"What the abyss! No shirtlessness, Alek?! Kick his ass for that Eir!!!" Luca calls out, clearly jokingly with a wink for Aleksei from edge of the ring. Slowly the duelist seems to be waking up, his arm sprawled around his bruised but happy wife.

Synder The Wolfhound arrives, following Barric.

Eleyna has joined the Benches.

Aleksei takes moderate damage.

Aleksei takes moderate damage.

Alexis furrows her brow. Giving a nod to the pair fighting, leaning in to speak to Ansel. "He's mostly getting in light taps. She's looking for more solid openings, I think." And, to emphasise a blow from Eirlys, she lets out a little whistle of encouragement.

Aleksei takes moderate damage.

Reese looks up toward Luca at his words. "If you made the rules, it would be a fully topless duel." She says and then turns back to the fight, watching with intense interest.

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Barric has joined the Benches.

    Ansel glances aside to Alexis as she approaches and remarks on the duel. The quiet Telmar gives a nod of agreement, a polite smile of greeting, then turns his attention back to the spar at hand. "Tricky to do, without any armor," he comments.

Silas seems intrigued by the current match so far. It's closer than he expected! He ever-so-inconspiciously slides closer to Alexis to hand her something...

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 34 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Aleksei takes serious damage.

Reigna seems to be pouring something warm into cups and passing them out, so says the steam rising from the large jug she's pouring from. She nearly spills as she cheers for Eirlys' skill in the duel, "Go Valardin!" She cheers and then laughs, looking to Valencia and nodding as she pours again.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 14 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

"...Or maybe I jinxed her." Alexis notes. Furrowing her brow as the Archlector delivers a solid hit. She looks to Silas, and gives him a small smile, accepting the little thing he slips her.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 49, rolling 23 lower.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 19, rolling 35 higher.

Eirlys remains alive, but close to death.

Eirlys falls unconscious.

Valencia's dark eyes watch the fight below with growing interest, she glances Reese and Luca's way, offering a playful wink. Turning back she takes the up from Reogma with a gracious thank you and little smile before turning back to the fight at hand, just in time to see Eirlys fall, Eleyna and Barric arrive.

Artorius smiles as the fight rages on, curious as to who would win in the match between Eirlys and Aleksei. "Hmmm good fighters." he compliments the skill. "I wonder who I'll be facing first?" he humms, and when the fight seems to conclude, he cheers for both. "Wonderful battle! Good job to the both of you! Well done, Archlector Aleksei!" he smiles, looking to Caelis and having the face like he's having a great time.

Barric maybe late a bit, but the Prince does find himself at the Training Center where the competition is going on. He looks around, nodding to his cousins and kin as he goes by. Seems the fight is well on its way, and trying to watch and find a place to sit seems to be the problem for the day. With so many places taken, he spots a seat near Valencia and walks over to sweep down onto the bench where she is at to watch. "A good day for a competition such as this."

The fight isn't a short one: Aleksei starts off bounding in rather aggressively, only to end up pulling back on his defenses once the first flurry of blows passes. He's grinning the whole time, though, even when he begins to show sweat beading at his brow as the duel extends. But he's eventually able to slip in enough solid blows to come out victorious -- only to follow it up with the offered clasp of his hand. "Brilliant match," he tells Eirlys, grinning wide.

Aleksei drops a standard steel longsword.

Silas picks up a standard steel longsword.

Even glued to the fight, Luca manages to catch Valencia's look and grin her way, but he's right back tot he battle after a moment and calling out roaringly. "FINE, GO ALLEY CAT, SHIRTLESS OR NO, WELL DONE!!! Well fought thought Eir!"

Cristoph balances the hot chocolate somehow so that can clap for Eirlys. "Good showing! You made him work for it!" He calls out to her down there. When he's done making a ton of hand noise, he gives her a thumbs up.

Tikva cheers and whistles for Aleksei's victory. "Yay!" she calls.

Eirlys makes the man work for it, she dodges and parries where she can, hitting hard then moving back out of the way though it doesn't always work. She does unfortunately end up losing but she does nod to Aleksei, giving him a smile. "Yes, Brilliant match! Well fought."

Shard watches, silent but intent, from her spot on the benches.

Marian was hoping her cousin would do better in her match. She gives Eirly a nod of respect, because it was a well-fought match, "Good showing Lady Eirlys...it was close."

Estaban claps his hands, "Good job Lady Eirlys!." he gives the woman a smile and leans on the fence looking around at the others.

"Well fought," Alexis echoes, with a bright smile. "Well done, Lady Eirlys, Archlector."

    The crowd seems to be thoroughly enjoying the back and forth between the Archlector and the lady, the latter displaying an unexpected amount of skill and grit! The match ultimately goes to the Archlector, but it's clear he had to work hard for it. "Well done, both of you!" Silas exclaims as he casually accepts the item back from Alexis. "Next up: Prince Luca versus Lord Estaban!"

Barric claps at the final end of the match and Aleskei comes out victorious, though it did appear to be close there for a time. The offered hand from Valencia is taken and he kisses the top of it, "I am glad I could finally make it and not miss it all... Now, where can I find a drink?"

Waving to Artorius, Caelis gives her brother a thumbs up to encourage him. She might have been distracted talking with some of the ladies at the benches. As Estaban and Luca's match is called she winces. "Come on Lord Estaban! For the Lyceum!"

Jael whoops at the end of the match, "You did great, Eirlys!"

Reese cheers as the match comes to an end. She doesn't use any words, but she does make this excited wooting like noise. She then untangles herself from Luca so he can join the fight. She kisses cheek, but just very briefly. "Yay, Prince Nimble." she then peeks over to Estaban, he is her friend too. She looks torn. "And the Lord of sweet plum wines." She says, cheering for them both.

Melinda calls out, "May the Gods be with you Estaban!" she calls in a cheer with the others shouting out to the field. Melinda smiles before she waves also to Artorius but she joins her voice with Caelis's

Luca looks a bit surprised at hearing this, but leans down to kiss Reese for luck, pulls free his liquor flask for another quick belt (probably to disapproving crystal blue eyes of a certain be-ribboned Grayson princess) and then he's passing the flask off to Giuseppe as he trots out towards the ring with lazy grace and easy grin. "Well Ban, at least whoever wins, we can call it a proper Lycene victory, eh?" Even if he's now a dirty Grayson.

Luca wields a standard steel longsword.

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

"None greater, cousin Luca! Behave yourself!" Tikva calls brightly from her perch on the bench.

Marian looks over the next two duelers and tells her husband as Prince Luca and Lord Estaban face off, "Now see...I'm torn on this match. Prince Luca is an amazing mentor but I think Lord Estaban has a bit of grit." She shakes her head, "Regardless, it will be an interesting fight."

Valencia sits up and gets ready to cheer as her beloved cousin Luca takes the sands. Dark eyes bright with excitement, this fight has her full attention.

Artorius smiles to both Melinda and Caelis as both show their support for him. Humbled, he bows lightly to both and when Estaban is called to the field along with Luca, he cheers for both like the good sport he is. "Go Estaban! You can do it! Give us a good show you two!" he smiles, having some fun.

Estaban looks over at Arcelia and Melinda giving them both a smile then heads into the ring and grins at Luca."For Gloria, right." he stands ready.

Eleyna claps her hands together when Luca's name is announced. She sits up a little straighter and calls out, "Make it interesting, Luca!"

Luca takes minor damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 42 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban has rolled a critical success!
Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 12, rolling 33 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 19, rolling 13 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 79, rolling 32 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 22 lower.

Estaban is incapacitated.

Estaban falls unconscious.

Eirlys has left the fighting grounds.

Kael has joined the Benches.

Alexis rises as the battle between Estaban and Luca goes on, moving to gather the greatsword set aside for her use. "Well. My turn. Wish me luck," She suggests to Ansel, before turning to face the Valardin contigent again, bringing her hand to her chest in salute and giving a bow.

The High Inquisitor watches the rather quick battle between Luca and Estaban. Unlike Reese, Luca does not get a jolly little clap at the end from the dour Prodigal. "Better then your guarding..." Alistair remarks in his rough voice with a slight nod to Luca as he claims his victory.

Artorius whistles as the battle between Estaban and Luca rages, he smiles though, and despite the ending, he cheers "Well done the both of you!" he claps "good fight Estaban!"

Reese cheers for Luca when he wins the fight. "Yay, my nimble prince." She calls out. She then smiles over to Alexis as she speaks of being next. "Good luck, Dame Alexis."

Valencia loses composure yet again, leaping up with a whooping cheer for her cousin Luca! "Bravo!!! Well fought! Both of you!" she cries out, the spirite of the matches making her a revert a little to her wilder ways. As they depart the field a smile is sent to Luca and another nod offered to Alexis as she takes the sands. "FIght will, my dearest Dame Alexis! WIth all your heart, madame!" she calls out and smiles.

Marian claps her hands after Prince Luca takes the match, "Well done..." She gives Lord Estaban a look of respect because she's mentored under Luca and know how hard he is to hit. She flashes a smile to Reese who is cheering for her husband.

Reese smiles over to Marian, a smile that touches her blue eyes.

Luca's good natured about it, smiling and relaxed as if he's at ease, but that doesn't stop the Champion duelist from moving with that damnable speed that earned him title of Prince Nimble and Winged Fox and other such monikers. Lazy prince is for out of the ring. In the ring, he's precision in what would be death in other circumstances. He's always just out of the way of attacks after the first nick earns Estaban a grinning salute of sword and a quipped. "Oh, it's like that, Ban? Well done though!" After that, he was just taking him apart, brutal, bruising strikes, to limbs, then centerline, then finally toward head, but stopping short. He bows after stepping back. "Good fight though, man. We could work on your footwork one of these days, but great grounding and you landed first bruise on me of the night!" With that, he's clapping him on the shoulder, probably painfully, and starting off towards the edge of the ring to pass off his sword to the stewards watching them.

Eleyna pauses in her conversation to let our a most undignified cheer for Luca. She can't whistle, but she totally would be if she could.

    It was a one-sided match, arguably, but the crowd rewards the victor and the valiant efforts of his opponent nevertheless. Silas winces slightly when Estaban hits the dirt, but he was impressed with Estaban's tenacity underneath the onslaught that is Luca. He peers at the list in his hand. "Valiant effort, Lord Saik! Good work, Prince Luca." He clears his throat. "Dame Alexis Wyrmfang versus Lord Artorius Malvici up next!"

Barric claps for Luca, a none to surprising victory as he has seen the man in action and how he can dodge such attacks.

Alexis wields a standard steel greatsword.

Jael whistles shrilly when Alexis is called up. "Go get 'em!"

Silas gets a standard steel greatsword from a standard wooden weapon rack.

Estaban drops a standard steel longsword.

Silas picks up a standard steel longsword.

Artorius looks to Silas as his name is called, taking a small breath as he cracks his neck. He moves to take a greatsword from the rack to use in the battle, giving it a twirl to test it's weight. "Hm." he lets out simply, smiling a little as he shoulders the weapon and enters a stance, setting one hand on the hilt of the large weapon. "Let's have a good fight." he speaks to Alexis, looking with a focus.

Artorius wields a standard steel greatsword.

Estaban did his best trying to keep up with the prince but he knew how he fought! he saw him how fought and knew he was out matched but he tried and he is gona be hurting. He smiles at Luca, "Good fight!" he moves to lean on the fence looking to Artorius, "Thanks."

Alexis steps out onto the sands, hefting the sword over her shoulder the way she normally carries her glaive, pacing slowly. She nods her head in greeting to Artorius. "A fight to make Gloria proud." She agrees. Then hefts her sword in both hands. "At your leisure, my lord."

Caelis cheers and calls out for Estaban and claps for Luca as well before turning her attention back to conversation.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Melinda claps for Estaban, before she looks amongst the others and she cheers for them both before she settles back into her seat.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes serious damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Artorius takes serious damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 35 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 55 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 8 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 22 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 49, rolling 16 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 88, rolling 6 lower.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 31 higher.

Artorius remains alive, but close to death.

Artorius falls unconscious.

"Staying power on those two. And beautifully matched." Luca murmurs to his wife as he's sprawling arm around her, watching intently.

"ALEXIS!" Jael takes a moment away from her pleasant conversation to jump up and holler when the woman bests her opponent.

Estaban cheers on both of them! watching the fight shaking his head and whistling.

Marian was on pins and needles, watching the fight between Artorius and Alexis. When Alexis wins, she lets out a shout, "Good show Dame Alexis!" and gives her a salute as she makes her way to the ring.

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.

Alexis starts off defensive, moving slowly, taking a few hits and grimacing. But as the battle goes on, and the sweat starts to gleam on their skin, as breath grows more laboured, she becomes more bold - reckless, even, chasing the smallest of openings, and finally presses her opponent to the ground, before setting her sword aside, panting, even swaying a little - it was him or her going down at the end of that charge. "Well fought, my lord."

    Ansel applauds once Alexis remains standing and emerges the victor. "Well fought, Dame Alexis!" he calls.

"ALEXIS! WOOO!" Cristoph is so loud. The Laurents are so loud. What a disgrace.

Melinda calls out to them cheering for Artorius and then watches as he falls, she sighs 'nice battle!"

"Well done, Lexi! But fantastic stay, Artie!" Luca calls out after it fcomes to the end soon after his impressed comment.

Fergus gives a pat on Marian's shoulder. "Gonna do just great. Just watch your stomach, Marian." His wife is pregnant afterall.

Ansel wields a standard steel longsword.

Artorius manages to keep good pace with Alexis, and manages to keep to an Exact match with her. All the blocks and sparks from each time their blades make contact is quite a sight to behold before they begin trading major blows and it just becomes a war of attrition. The both of them move quite quickly, but in the end, Alexis manages to knock him down at the tail end of the final exchange. With a sigh and a slow sit up, he smiles to Alexis "Likewise. That was a close one. Next time we fight I'll win." he chuckles faintly, rising to his feet and returns to the fences, looking rather frustrated with himself, but it was a good fight, so he holds no grudges.

Alistair rumbles out an apprecitation for that fight! Very close. He murmurs some assessment to his Confessors... perhaps they mark Alexis and Artorius for ones to not be easily messed with.

Caelis cheers for her brother, proud of him and calls out. "Well fought! Nicely done Dame Alexis, Lord Artorius!"

Valencia leaps up and cheers with wild and reckless abandon as Alexis wins the fight! Decorum completely gone. "Wooooo! Briliantly fought!" she cheers, bouncing with utter delight at the win.

    Silas gives an impressed whistle and the crowd roars as the match comes down to the wire. Alexis pulls off the victory and it gets louder! "Princess Marian Redrain and Lord Ansel Telmar face each other next. Good luck, both of you."

Reigna looks to the ring and gets to her feet to cheer for Alexis an her victory. "Woooo!! Dame Alexis!" The Keaton Countess is also loud. She got it from watching Cristoph. Truth.

Marian gets the steel longsword and face off against her House Valardin mate, representing House Redrain. She gives a respectful bow to Lord Ansel, "This should be fun my friend." She then gives a salute to Prince Edain and Princess Alis in the stands before facing off against her opponent. She pulls back the longsword and then tells him, "I'm ready."

Having kept quiet, and remaining so, Agnarr does glance over at Marian and Fergus for a moment, frowning a little.

    Ansel takes up the sword offered to him and steps out calmly into the ring. He holds the weapon out, low enough that the tip nearly drags on the dust underfoot. Marian's bow is met, politely, and a ready nod given.

Given that his wife has the cheering with names covered, Kael is just rising up to cheer along side her and hoot and holler. He's a little hoarse in voice, but that's not stopping him.

Reese looks over to Marian as Fergus speaks of watching the stomach and she looks a bit concerned. She then smiles. "Yay, Dame Alexis." She cries out, but Artorius is giving a smile as well.

Alexis sets aside the tourney sword, proffering a bow to the stands where the Oathlands contigent is settled, and giving Ansel a clap on the shoulder as he moves past her, before she settles, breathing through her mouth, to watch the clash of the titans before them. Giving a nod of thanks to Reese, and a bright smile to Valencia, as well.

Ansel takes moderate damage.

Laurents love cheering and Jael remains standing to add another delighted yodel as another Valardin representative takes the field.

Ansel takes serious damage.

Artorius sighs a little when he reaches the fence, cracking his neck a little. He seems to enter a state of focus, a must-win he thinks for the next match, though he does acknowledge those who cheered for him and bows his head appreciatively.

Ansel takes serious damage.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 3, rolling 33 higher.

Ansel remains capable of fighting.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 12, rolling 17 higher.

Ansel remains capable of fighting.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 23, rolling 7 higher.

Ansel remains capable of fighting.

Marian takes minor damage.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 34, rolling 8 lower.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 7, rolling 28 higher.

Ansel remains alive, but close to death.

Ansel falls unconscious.

Eleyna cheers for Marian, clapping her gloved hands together firmly as she grins.

Marian has trained with Ansel for years and knows the young man's strengths and weaknesses in the sparring ring. She uses her knowledge of him ruthlessly in the sparring ring tonight to get in as many hits that she can. He manages to get in a few well timed hits but her fighting skills have almost a decade on him and tonight experience comes before youth vigor in the ring.

Fergus looks on approvingly of Marian fighting and once it looks like she's won, he gives a solid nod at her. Former Sword of Sanctum she might be, but she doesn't need Oathbinder to be a hell of a swordswoman.

    Ansel falls, hard. Marian's early lead proves to be a bit too much to overcome, and after being forced to play at the match a bit more aggressively, the Telmar takes another pair of hits and is forced to the ground. A tired grin is flashed from the dirt-caked and sweat-stained Sword on the ground. "Well fought," he says.

Valencia returns the smile to Alexis, finally calming down enough to settle again on the benches. Still a little caught up in the excitement, she gives Barric a little elbow and nods up at him with a bright smile. "Care to make wager on the next fight, your highness. For charity's sake of course."

Eleyna has left the Benches.

Jiacomo have been dismissed.

Marian claps Ansel on the shoulder afterwards, "You did well there. Got in a few good hits." She offers her hand to Ansel to help him up, then moves out of the ring so her husband can step in.

"Well fought Princess Marian." Alexis offers, applauding as Ansel finds the ground. "Few have stood against her, Lord Ansel. Well fought. Give it another ten years."

    There are loud 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from the crowd as the Redrain princess and Telmar lord exchange blows, though it gradually becomes evident that Marian was faring better of the two. It ends with the Redrain princess the victor, but Ansel has his own loud fanbase in a certain section in the stands. He WAS pretty dreamy. "Good fight! The last match of round one will be Prince Fergus Redrain against High Inquisitor Alistair!"

Luca's watching the fight with distinct interest as he does with any of people he's taught or talked about teaching, cheering at the end when Marian's taking the win and taking it hard. Another of those shrill, ear-splitting whistles. "Well done, Mari!"

Artorius looks up just in time to watch the end of the fight! "Well done! Good fight, both of you!" he claps a little.

Unstrapping the heirloom blade from his side, he hands Demonslayer to the only person in the room he can trust with to hold onto it. That would be Marian. "Of course I'd have to follow you." he grunts to her, then moving forward. Alistair is given a look, then a nod. "Let's give'em a good fuckin show, eh?"

Fergus wields a standard steel longsword.

There is a little swing and swish of the practice blade as the large Prodigal takes a few practice strokes, glancing to his opponent briefly. Alistair steps before Fergus, practice sword in hand. The High Inquisitor peers at his opponent who surpasses him and height and possibly muscle! With his shirt off a few can see the marks of the abandoned lands upon his body. A few scars here and there on his woody tanned flesh. He did not always enjoy civilization. Despite his barbaric appearance the man gives a perfectly practiced bow to Fergus. "Gods be with you Prince Redrain." The Prodigal Inquisitor intones as he carries himself forward with the bulk of his form.

Alistair wields a standard steel longsword.

2 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Gaius, a Thraxian Confessor have been dismissed.

Balanar, a shadowy Confessor have been dismissed.

    Ansel makes his way out of the pit with Marian's help. A chuckle is given to Alexis as he makes his way to sit and rest for the moment. There's a touch of color to the Telmar's cheeks in response to the cheers that come his way from a corner of the stands.

Marian takes her husband sword, waving to the well wishers from her own fight before focusing on Fergus' match. She gives her husband a wolf whistle as he steps in to start fighting.

Fergus takes serious damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Luca's clapping at first seems equal opportunity for the next match, but he's calling out with a laughing air. "Sorry Ferg, gotta cheer for my favorite glaremonger! Go Ali!!!"

Alistair takes serious damage.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 53, rolling 13 lower.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 22, rolling 35 higher.

Alistair remains alive, but close to death.

Alistair falls unconscious.

A shrill, high pitched squeal rises up from the back, "Show him who's boss, Fergus," Lydia screams!

Alistair is clearly a bit on the aggressive side. Not gnashing of teeth and throwing taunts aggressive, just a constant press of swinging sword and chopping blade. His aggression is only awarded in the opening seconds of the bout, and either Fergus catches on to his overcommitment, or his aggression gives the perfect opening as soon the High Inquisitor is on the backfoot. All the while his face is a blank emotionless mask, a bit of sweat on his brow before Fergus finds his mark and drives the Prodigal to his knees, forcing a yield. Alistair gives a grunt, taking a moment to get to his feet. "Well fought Prince Redain." the man intones with a slight bow to the victor.

Marian gives a shout when Fergus uses his massive strength to land one hell of a blow on Alistair, "Go Fergus!" Effectively ending the fight with a blow that should make the other competitors weary to take him on.

Esoka has left the Benches.

Reese watches as the fight continues and her blue eyes widen as Alistair goes down to his knees. "Oh, wow.." She says. She then cheers. "Good fight."

Alexis applauds the Redrain victory, "Well fought;" She agrees, shooting Marian a small grin.

Fergus is taken off-guard at first, Alistair getting a really solid hit on the Sword. Focused and lethal, he doesn't say a word, fixating on the Inquisitor instead. Shaking his head in a snort, that might've knocked something loose on him, and this time he moves forward with a purpose, swinging in such a way that he's worth the title of being the North greatest warrior. Even if he doesn't think it. Blows are exchanged and the tide of the fight starts to turn until the Redrain is in control, until leveling the man with a final strike. Once it's done, he extends a hand to Alistair when he yields. "Good job. Got a fucking good sword arm."

Fortunato has left the Benches.

Ugarte leaves, following Fortunato.

"Straight at it like always, but still good form and strong arm." Luca quips, but with a wince at Fergus takes advantage of last rush and lays into Alistair. Still, after he's cheering them both and calling out. "Well fought, well won!"

Artorius claps and cheers for both fighters "Well done Prince Fergus! Good effort the both of you!" he cheers happily.

Once again, the Princess Valencia cheers and claps for the combatants, her dark eyes dancing with excitement. "I so with I could fight so. How exhilarating is must be," the little princess smiles wistfully to Barric. "Of courese in competition. Not in proper battle. I would think a proper battle would be so very different." She frowns slightly, wincing a little as Alistair is hit hard by Fergus. "Gods, that must hurt."

"Real battle tends to be /somewhat/ different, yes," Tikva says, propping her chin on her hand as she surveys the pit.

Alistair steps off to the side, giving a slight grunt as he rolls his shoulder in which Fergus delivered the final blow with the blunted blade upon. That is going to bruise, though Alistair seems only slightly inconvienced.

    The crowd cheers the prince and High Inquisitor on, but the Redrain prince stands victorius. There's some loud hollering in the Redrain-heavy sections of the stands. "Prince Fergus wins and the first round is officially concluded! You should remain where you are, Your Highness, since you're up to fight again! The first match for the second round will be Prince Fergus versus Lord Ansel!" It appears neither fighter will get much of a rest.

    Ansel looks up, brushing a handful of sweat-stained hair from his eyes with an expression that says 'Da-what?'

"Feels like a fucking gauntlet." Fergus mutters, giving a nod to Marian in specific. He's very frosty when he fights. Like it's a mood he doesn't really seem to enjoy, but is more forced into. Rolling his shoulder, he beckons Ansel with the tip of the waster. "Alright, I'll take some more beating." His neck jerks, popping some bones his spine loose. "Whenever you're ready."

"Make us proud." Alexis offers to Ansel, giving his shoulder a squeeze, and giving the Telmar Sword a slight push back towards the pit.

Lydia jumps up and down in the stands, so excited she caught Fergus' bout, and a soundly victorious one at that!

Marian keeps ahold of her husband's family sword, as Fergus has two fights back to back. She gives a salute to Ansel, wishing him good luck. She gives her husband a shout of encouragement, "You're going to do great."

    Silas decides to elaborate for Ansel. "As a general rule, if you go last the first round you go up again soon after in the next."

    Ansel gives Silas a thumbs-up in understanding as he's tugged back in the direction of the ring. The Telmar looks around for the stock weapon, scooping it up as he steps out into the ring. Fergus is given a polite bow in greeting and a ready nod once he's set.

Ansel wields a standard steel longsword.

Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands arrives, following Sophie.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Reese whispers softly with Luca and her cheeks are pink. Still she keeps much of her focus on the fight, watching with interest.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Ansel takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Ansel takes serious damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Elegance arrives, delivering a message to Marian before departing.

Ansel takes minor damage.

Ansel takes minor damage.

Ansel takes serious damage.

Ansel takes minor damage.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 17 higher.

Ansel remains capable of fighting.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 14, rolling 27 higher.

Ansel remains capable of fighting.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 13 higher.

Ansel remains capable of fighting.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 36, rolling 14 higher.

Ansel remains capable of fighting.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 66, rolling 18 lower.

Ansel checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 8 higher.

Ansel remains alive, but close to death.

Ansel falls unconscious.

Jael has left the Benches.

3 Laurent novice guards have been dismissed.

    Ansel quickly learns it's not a wise idea to go for a prolonged match immediately after a previous spar. He gets off to an early lead and digs in, trying to defend and wear the man out. It doesn't quite work as planned, however, and the Telmar once again hits the ground after catching a few hits.

Kael rises up from the stands, his wife's hand in his own, and he is lifting the pair of them up in the air. "For Telmar!" he shouts, using his outdoor voice. It might be a little hoarse, but he still can bellow with the best of them. "For Valardin!" When it is that Ansel falls, there is still that boisterous yelling from him. "Good show! Excellent match!"

Marian lets out a cry as Fergus gets his second victory of the evening. She gives a wincing smile to Ansel to let him know that she feels for him but can't be sad that her husband won. She then gives a motion to Fergus to let him know that she's up next so he better take Demonslayer off her hands.

    Fergus proves to be victorius again, but it's clear that Ansel's admirers still thoroughly enjoy the show. The man clearly doesn't give up easily; a true Telmar warrior! "Well done, Your Highness! Lord Telmar!" Silas gives a few loud claps. "Lord Artorius and Princess Marian are up next!"

Fergus has to work for this one, the Redrain and Telmar are decently matched through the entire thing. And the two go back and forth through the ring, blocking, dodging, countering, and defending. It's like poetry in motion, watching the two clash back and forth through the ring. Slowly they whittle at each other, tagging another one another sparingly. Eventually, Fergus starts to get the upper hand. And by the time it's done, and after his first fight and going right into another, he's worked up a healthy sweat. "You made me fucking work for it, Ansel. Good fucking job."

Alistair rolls his neck, rubbing at his bicep as he watches the one who defeated him enter into combat once more and claim another victory. He takes a glance at the charts and brackets, wondering if he will have a chance to fight Fergus once more.

Alexis lets out a whistle - having found a place to lean against the stands while watching the fight. "On the plus side," She offers to Ansel when he returns. "You are not going to be the cause of an argument between husband and wife tonight."

Artorius looks up as his name is called, cracking his neck faintly and moving into the ring to face Marian. But before he does so, he takes a greatsword when it becomes available to be grabbed and gives it a few twirls "Let's have a good match." he echoes his words from his last match. He enters the same stance as before, a focus crossing his features.

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.

Artorius wields a standard steel greatsword.

Marian has never fought Artorius before, so she gives him a once over when he steps into the ring with her. She tries to think of his match with Alexis, the moves she used to beat the man at combat. Then she pulls back her sword, letting her opponent know that she's ready.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Fergus takes back Demonslayer and hangs onto it, going to get some water since he's got a moment to breathe. Or more like splashing water on his face, then going back to watch his wife in her next fight.

    Ansel gives an appreciative chuckle to Alexis as he trots tiredly off of the center area. The Telmar flops back onto a bench, catching his breath.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Melinda looks back to the field as Artorius meets Marian, and she frowns softly, "Get her, she's right there!" she calls to Art jovially.

Estaban cheers for Artorius, "COme on!" he claps for his friend.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Ansel may not have won either of his matches, but a golden prize shaped like the Mother Mercy of Arx (okay, it /is/ the Mother Mercy of Arx) awaits for him at the sidelines. Lovingly, Sophie smiles at the Sword of the Telmarch from across the way.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 69 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 50 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Marian takes serious damage.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 1, rolling 103 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 43 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 68, rolling 2 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 29, rolling 40 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 112, rolling 21 lower.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 70, rolling 7 lower.

Marian is incapacitated.

Marian falls unconscious.

    Ansel, spotting the Mother Mercy up in the stands, suddenly looks noticeably less tired and beaten-up looking. He flashes a bright smile over at the Valardin, sitting up a bit straighter now.

Artorius seems to be on the losing end for a good portion of the fight with Marian landing many small blows in his holes of defense. Their clashes are gloriously documented, however, it was one solid hit that seemed to be the wake up call for Artorius, managing a magnificent comeback to press his assault on Marian, knocking her down with a focus that he usually gives on a battlefield. Once he saw she was down, he lowers a hand to her "Good fight." he smiles, moving his blade away from her for honor's sake...and just to be a gentleman. He looked TIRED! but he's still got more in him for the next rounds.

Charlemagne the Unicorn arrives, following Larissa.

There's a low appreciative whistle from Tobias from his position on the benches. The quiet man finally giving a reaction to the duel of Marian and Artorius, "Serious stuff."

"WELL FUCKING DUONE ARTIE!" Luca roars out suddenly when he's went up on practical tiptoes towards end of that brutal fight, seeing Artorius unwavering despite early battering. It's clear that it's an unexpected win a bit, despite Luca knowing how good the Lycene is, and he's left a bit stunned and excited just to see it. "Well done too, Mari, but gods, what a comeback! Beautiful fight!"

    The citizens of the Compact were getting to watch some great fights tonight, and the energy continues to be high. Cheers and shouts fill the training center as the combatants trade blow after blow, with neither truly gaining the advantage over the other. In the end, Lord Artorius pulls off the victory, but not without buckets of sweat required! "Amazing fight! Be proud, both of you." Silas grins and casually scratches at his chest. It felt good -not- being in armor, for once. "Lord Estaban and Dame Alexis fight next!"

Alexis detaches from the stands, moving towards the ring, hands hesitantly coming together as Artorius bests Marian, giving a slow clap. "Well - well fought, my lord. Princess." She offers, a little hesitant. Waiting to accept her tourney sword and making her way to the sands.

Marian gets in a fast and furious match with Artorius. At first, it looks like she's going to win the battle, but her less prominent strength and his amazing stamina causes her to lose in the end. She falls to one knee and ends up yielding to Lord Artorius Malvici, "Excellent match." She has to give the man props for his well timed blows. Then she makes her way off the field, giving to the next match.

Melinda:claps "very well struck!" she calls down to her Lord with bright eyes, and she claps hard.. "Nicely done Art!" she calls then she sits down excited for Art as he carves a name for himself in the match.

Alexis wields a standard steel greatsword.

Lydia enthusiastically cheers for Alexis from the back of the crowd.

Fergus watches Marian fight, watching her approvingly in silence, but frowning once she yields. He doesn't look upset that she loss, more like how everyone is celebrating her loss. A snort to that, extending a hand to Marian when she rejoins him. "You did well, Mari." he grunts out. Hard to get approval out of the bearish man.

Valencia applauds wildly for Lord Artorius and Princess Marian once the battle is done. "Well done! Bravo!" she cheers ethusiastically.

Reese cheers as the fight comes to an end and she smiles towrad Alexis as she steps up to fight again. She leans into Luca, whispering softly with him.

Artorius smiles to Marian, bowing his head for the good match before turning heel, setting his blade back in the stands panting a bit as he heads back to the fences. He waves a hand at all who gathered and cheered for him at the conclusion of the bout, bowing his head softly in appreciation. "Whew...that was tough."

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

Estaban breaths deeply and makes his way from the fence back out into the ring, "Dame Alexis." he smiles watching her and readys himself.

Shard leans forward, with her elbows resting on her knees, to get a better look at the combatants. With all the rest cheering around her, she still remains stubbornly silent, neither cheering nor clapping, nor engaging in any way with the contest beyond pure spectating, but it's clear that she's paying the utmost attention.

Alexis sweeps the greatsword over her shoulder again, giving Estaban a bow. "Well met again, my lord. We can only hope that I'll do better against you with sword in hand than I did when we were arm-wrestling." She muses. Setting her sword into both hands, she shifts into a ready stance, awaiting his attack.

Estaban laughs nodding his head and moves to attack her.

Marian leans on her husband and jokes as they makes they way over to the side, "Watch that one...he hits hard." She accepts a drink and then leans there to take a break while the next match starts. Alexis gets a shout out since she's a good friend and Estaban gets a respectful nod. She's glad she has a breather of the next few fights to cool down.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Alarissa has left the Benches.

Elegance, Maxene, Camille leave, following Alarissa.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 14, rolling 15 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 105, rolling 76 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 64, rolling 9 lower.

Estaban is incapacitated.

Estaban falls unconscious.

Lydia's jaw drops at just how one-sided this match seems to be. She stares at Alexis with some awe.

Charlemagne the Unicorn leaves, following Larissa.

Ian has left the Benches.

Marian puts down her drink for a moment to clap and shout for her friend, Alexis, as she wins her match, "Good fight." She gives Estaban a wave too, letting him know that he continues to show grit to keep coming back and fighting more.

Kael rises once more from the stands, still holding onto Reigna's hand and thrusting it up in the air. This means that poor Reigna gets to practice her reach, given his greater height, but he is caught in the moment. "Well done!" he calls out.

Ian has joined the Benches.

Valencia catches and holds her breath as the battle rages on. Her eyes widen and she rises silently as Estaban falls. There is nothing but respect in her eyes for both the combatants and she applauds whole-heartedly.

Alexis starts off fighting defensively - parrying strikes, and riposting if she manages to unbalance the Saik lord. The larger sword helps make up for her height, giving her the larger reach, which means that Estaban has his work cut out for him. He does get in a couple of hits, and even staggers the tiny knight. But in the end, she uses the broadside of the blade to slam him off his feet. She leans then, heavily, on her sword, before offering a hand to helpn him off. "Well fought, my lord:"

Reigna gets pulled up out of her lean towards Valencia, looking briefly startled, but when it's clear she's supposed to be cheering, she joins in, "YAY VALARDIN!" ...Because that's who we're cheering for, right?

:adds a resounding cheer as Alexis slams the man aside with the side of her sword!

Lydia adds a resounding cheer as Alexis slams the man aside with the side of her sword!

    Estaban fights valiantly, but Alexis handily defeats him. There are loud cheers for both in their respective fanbases! Silas clears his throat again. "Nice moves, Lord Saik. Great job, Dame Wyrmfang! Next up will be Prince Luca versus Lady Eirlys!"

Ian has left the Benches.

Estaban drops a standard steel longsword.

Artorius claps for both fighters "Good fight Estaban! Good win Dame Alexis!" he claps with a light smile on his face. He was just having the time of his life and really...really happy he gets a chance to rest before his next bout.

Silas picks up a standard steel longsword.

Alistair rumbles a voiceless approval at the quick fight, his eyes drifting over to regard Luca and his opponent now.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

"That's it Ban! Make her work for it!" Luca's calling out encouragingly midway into the match, wincing a bit at some of the massive blows the tiny knight is laying out, but supportive still even unto the end when he's cheering along with the rest. When it comes light he's up next, he moves to give Reese a good luck kiss hot enough to melt alaericite and then slips off with an impish grin and another slap on her rear (he's a gonna get stabbed by his wife soon!). He's looking a bit more awake now at least, but still with a lazy sort of hip-cocked stance as he spins the practice blade a bit to get feel for it, waiting for his opponent, to whom he'll give an equally lazy sort of salute and some quiet words that don't carry far.

Tikva puts two fingers to her lips and whistles, shrilly, for Luca.

As the Oathlands section breaks out in non-stuffy applause and victory cries for Alexis' victory and then Eirlys' call to the ring, Sophie blinks a few times, as if suddenly realizing she's at a melee tournament that consists of more than the Sword of the Telmarch. So it is that she jubilantly cheers, face bright, palms turning a bit pink as she earnestly catches up on the clapping.

Estaban does his best this is twice now the small knight has bested him, he hits the ground and is breathing deeply now, looking to Alexis he stands up taking her hand to get up. "Well fought Dame Alexis." phew she made him work for the hits he did get in. He moves to lean on the fence to catch his breath.."Go Prince Luca!" he calls out to the man.

Reese returned Luca's kiss and her cheeks are quite pink. She cheers for him. "Prince Nimble, dance around her!" She says, seeming to have favorite in this match, but she could be biased.

Eirlys makes her way back to the ring, the sword in her hand she is rotating her wrist as she gives a nod to Luca with a slightly feral smile and a lazy salute back to. "Let's get to this." She says.

Valencia has nothing but affectionate pride all over her lovely face as Luca returns ot the sand, but some how manages not to act like a tiny Lycyen hooligan this time, though her love of the matches and her cousin is plainly etched on her sweet face.

Luca takes moderate damage.

Barric claps for Alexis and then watches his friend and new cousin Luca take to the sands.

Luca takes minor damage.

Alistair has left the fighting grounds.

"Good luck, Lady Eirlys. May the nimble man stumble around you," Alexis offers to Eirlys, moving towards the stands again, setting aside her sword. Pausing to pick up a cup and get some water from a nearby barrel. Exhaling softly, and patting at her forehead with her sleeve. "This is... A lot of fun. To watch and to fight," She offers to Ansel. Then giving a bow of greeting to Sophie.

Luca takes serious damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Freja has joined the Benches.

Luca takes moderate damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

    "Don't get too many large events like this," agrees Ansel, glancing back to Alexis. He tries in futile effort once more to move his sweaty hair out of his eyes, but only succeeds in making his forehead dirty with the grime on his hands.

Luca checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 0, rolling 73 higher.

Luca remains capable of fighting.

Luca checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 66 higher.

Luca remains capable of fighting.

Luca checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 52 higher.

Luca remains capable of fighting.

Luca wields a standard steel longsword.

Gaius, a Thraxian Confessor have been dismissed.

Balanar, a shadowy Confessor have been dismissed.

2 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Wordlessly, the Redrain Voice enters and makes a beeline for a set of benches to spectate. Freja's sharp eyes dance between the different duels taking place with an air of detached curiosity - save for when her brother takes the stage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Lydia sees Freja arrive, and offers a small wave that goes completely missed as the Voice heads straight to her destination.

Alexis gives Ansel a little nod. Rolling her shoulders, watching Eirlys go against Luca. "He can dance circles around anyone, really." She muses.

Freja upnods at Lydia, not entirely blind being a scout and all.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 4, rolling 32 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Luca takes minor damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 29 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 22 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 74, rolling 7 lower.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 39, rolling 4 lower.

Eirlys is incapacitated.

Eirlys falls unconscious.

Aleksei wields a standard steel longsword.

Agnarr wields a standard steel greatsword.

Reese cheers as the fight comes to an end. "Yay, Prince nimble!" She calls out.

Tobias checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

    The crowd seems confused at Luca's initial performance. WTF was he doing? Then things seem to return to normalcy and Luca seems to remember that he's a swordsman and not a pugilist. Eirlys puts up a great fight, but the renown champion reigns supreme! Silas coughs. "Good, uh, tactics! Next up, for the conclusion of the second round, Agnarr versus Archlector Aleksei Morgan!"

There's a sudden burst of laughter that's quickly stifled as Reese says 'Prince nimble' from Tobias. He quickly stifles it, though.

Luca starts out like before, all lazy grace and no seeming defensive form to his stance. And like before, the first blow to land is on him and seems to wake the man up. He's grinning a ferocious, toothy grin and moving like something demonic, matching her blow for blow in smooth dodges that go on between the pair for entirely too long. A beautiful display of grace on both their sides with only moderate bruises building up on his opponent's side. But the fatigue wins out, when he's barely starting to sheen a bit on that bronze-skinned-brow, his opponent's starting to flag, and when finally he cuts through he's pulling back and actually bowing to her over his sword. "Fantastic footwork and well-fought!"

Artorius looks confused by what Luca's doing "Stop dancing Luca let's go!" he cheers him on when it appears he's dragging, and then the real fight happens and he claps for both "Well done the both of you! Good match." he cheers.

Aleksei has been waiting and watching the other matches, studying the fighters with professional interesting, cataloguing this and that about their fighting styles. And when he's called back to the field, he does so with an easy, energetic grace and a quick grin. He takes the tourney sword passed off to him, tossing it between his hands once before it settles in his right with a few twists to reacquaint himself with the weight before he's offering a quick salute to Agnarr and starting off the match.

Tikva calls down to Aleksei, "Do!" and then laughs to herself because she thinks she's funny. (Her toddler is nowhere in sight.)

Exhaling, Agnarr arses himself from the corner and takes hold of the blunted steel, sending a brief glance into the benches with no rush to his stride. He does not return Aleksei's sword-salute, but bobs his head once, and wasting no time to re-warm up, settles into a relaxed stance, guarding with the iron door.

Reese peeks over to Tobias as he stifles a laugh. She blushes, but gives him a smile. "Well, he can dance around anyone." She says. She then looks between Aleksei and Agnarr with a thoughtful expression as if trying to guess who will win.

Eirlys is fast but apparently not fast enough she kept getting hit as she tried to dodge out of the way and eventually fatigue set in which really didn't help. She does give a nod to Luca. "Well fought." She offers before heading out of the ring.

Marian wasn't sure what was going on with Luca at first but then he gets his second wind. She gives a salute to her former mentor and then a wave to Eirlys to let her know that she did well. Then she turns her attention to Agnarr, giving him a shout of encouragement as he faces off against the archlector.

Aleksei takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Aleksei takes moderate damage.

Aleksei takes moderate damage.

Aleksei takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Aleksei takes minor damage.

Aleksei checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 13 higher.

Aleksei remains capable of fighting.

Aleksei checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 59, rolling 6 lower.

Aleksei checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 27, rolling 23 higher.

Aleksei remains alive, but close to death.

Aleksei falls unconscious.

There is a faint wince from Sophie when Eirlys goes down. A quick look is cast in the direction of Ansel, who is quietly conversing with Alexis, and the duo of Oathlands Swords are given a fond smile before the Mother Mercy is making egress.

The match is a bit extended on either sides, and partway through Aleksei seems to move from a more defensive tack to an aggressive one: but in the end, it's Agnarr who claims this particular duel, and the Archlector is forced to yield with a weary grin. "Well-fought," he says.

Marian gives a loud roar when her Redrain teammate wins his match. She nudges Fergus, "Look at that. He did good." And then claps also to Aleksei for being a good competitor against Agnarr.

Tobias gives a casual salute over to Reese at her explanation, before he goes silent again.

Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands leaves, following Sophie.

On his end, Agnarr continues to maintain a balanced approach, possibly not baited into trying to batter down against Aleksei's defenses. "Aye, well-fought," he concurs, and afterwards settles his waster on his shoulder, heading off to make room for the next, sweating again.

Reese watches the fight with close attention. She sucks in a soft breath as Aleksei is taken down and her blue eyes widen. "Good fight."

    It's a fierce fight, but Agnarr's punishing blows put him ahead and earn him the win over the Archlector and former champion. The Redrain contingent erupts in a roaring cheer. "Great job. Stay where you are, Agnarr. You're up against Prince Luca now that we're starting the third round. The Count isn't present, unfortunately."

Halting midstep, Agnarr wipes sweat out of his arming cap and his matted hair, returning to the ring with a mere nod, not seeming terribly enthused about having to face Luca next. But he does wait in a relaxed guard, not so tired as to be inattentive.

Clapping for the rounds, Caelis looks up from her quiet conversation. She spots Artorius and Estaban and gives them both thumbs ups.

Luca wields a standard steel longsword.

Fergus nods at Marian, and a more approving nod for Agnarr at his victory. Clearly, the Sword of Farhaven is staying in 'violent mode'. Looking uneasy, ready for the next fight. It's the about the way he knows how to function right now.

Reese watches this fight with all this taut interest. "Kick is butt, Luca!" She calls out.

Either a bruise is going to set in and he can't do anything about it, or the Inquisitor has gotten over the pain. Alistair stops rubbing at his arm to instead clasp his hands behind his back, watching as the next round begins... the man having had plenty of time to rest up what with him getting the buy this round.

While it might seem that Cristoph disappeared, he's still here! Though he's quiet between certain matches and most recently he's just returned with some food. That he's eating, standing over here by himself. But he looks happy enough. "Go Valar- Oh this isn't one of those matches? Someone should fire me."

Luca looks a bit surprised to be back up, but moves forward quickly enough, grinning wrly for Aleksei and smacking him on the shoulder in passing, then taking up blade and saluting Agnarr with it. "You've improved your footwork, biggun. I'm happy to see. Good fights so far." With that, the lazy stance and the fight's begun.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Alexis looks to the combat but applauds politely. "Well fought," She offers, to the two fighters. Giving a small whistle as Luca joins the pit

Marian shakes her head and sighs, "Tough pull..." Knowing that Agnarr has to go up against Luca without any break given. She is feeling better after hydrating and getting herself to cool down. She gives Agnarr a shout of encouragement as he faces off against the prince.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Freja applauds loudly for the vassal of Redrain, laughing brightly before drinking deeply again from her flask.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 49 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 39, rolling 16 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 66, rolling 7 lower.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 24 higher.

Agnarr remains alive, but close to death.

Agnarr falls unconscious.

Tikva is overheard praising Luca for: Wow.

Agnarr wields a standard steel greatsword.

Barric has left the Benches.

Synder The Wolfhound leaves, following Barric.

Luca takes moderate damage.

Esoka slips back into the Training Center, having concluded some business or other. She scans the stands, spotting Tikva, and heads that direction.

Luca takes moderate damage.

Esoka has joined the Benches.

Ansel has left the fighting grounds.

Ravana the tawny eagle leaves, following Ansel.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 11, rolling 29 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 24 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 48, rolling 2 lower.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 18, rolling 38 higher.

Agnarr remains alive, but close to death.

Agnarr falls unconscious.

Reese jumps up and down a little and woots as Luca wins the fight. "Yay, nimble, slayer of giants!" She then calms herself and gives Agnarr a smile as if feeling a little bad about the cheer. "Good fight, Agnarr."

Artorius cheers for the fight at hand! looking over to Melinda and Caelis with a kind smile, looking then to the fight at hand! "Excellent fight!"

It's a brutal, terrifying long slog of back and forth, amazing speed and bruising blows both sides, Luca taking brunt early on, but later pushing off to Agnarr moreso as Luca wears his opponent down. But unlike last, this time, Luca's actually worn out and rolling his shoulder painfully after, grumbling in a good-natured familiarity. "You and the big damned blades, you fucker. Always make me hurt to batter you down, but well-fought as ever, Ag!"

Marian has to clap for her former mentor and then gives Agnarr a salute to let him know he put in a good showing. Prince Luca is tough to fight in a duel. There is no shame in losing to him.

It can't really be said that Agnarr takes this loss gracefully despite Luca being a familiar mentor, given he appears frustrated. Or extremely tired. Probably both. Stumbling back to his feet, he raises his left hand to Luca, murmurs something to the effect of, "Good fight," and stumbles off to the side to sit back down.

Melinda has left the Benches.

1 Grimhall House Guards have been dismissed.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

    Aaand they were off! Luca the Nimble lives up to his byname and seems to out-dance the giant Redrain mercenary, though Agnarr manages to land solid hits. It ends up not being quite enough, and Luca is ultimately the victor. The Grayson section of the stands erupts in cheers! Silas takes his time to clap, knowing how skilled both warriors were. If he couldn't beat them, they -had- to be good, right? "Wonderful! Next up, two Valardins! Lady Eirlys versus Dame Alexis!"

Alexis wields a standard steel greatsword.

Eirlys steps back out into the ring and gives a slight bow to Alexis, the woman is given a smile. "I look forward to sparring with you, Dame Alexis!"

Alexis steps up, picking out her sword, and offering a bow to Eirlys. "At least the Oathlands gain no matter who wins, my lady. May Gloria watch you with joy."

Alistair watches as his opponent for this round departs, important business taking him away from the games of dueling and such. Well... another round of resting and recovering from the beating Fergus delivered. The man gives no reaction as he looks to stare and read the next fight.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Elegance arrives, delivering a message to Marian before departing.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Lydia squirms and gyrates trying to get a better view, cheering on Alexis at the top of her little lungs!

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Valencia watches the fight in silences now. Her eyes upon the fighters and a small smile upon her lips. She barely breathes.

Marian calls out for both ladies during the fight, not caring who wins, just supporting both her friends.

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Elegance arrives, delivering a message to Marian before departing.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes serious damage.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 0, rolling 63 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 36 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 36 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 12, rolling 37 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 6 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 56, rolling 3 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 14, rolling 51 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 111, rolling 65 lower.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 68, rolling 26 lower.

Eirlys is incapacitated.

Eirlys falls unconscious.

Reese cheers as this fight comes to an end. "Wow, those Valardin ladies can fight." She says.

Marian claps enthusiastically for both House Valardin ladies at the end of the match. It was close, so close and there were moments where Marian thought either one could take it. In the end, Alexis managed to take the fight. She give them both a salute as she makes her way into the ring to grab her sword because she is the next one up for combat.

"And another fantastic comeback. Oathlander's take a beating and keep on stabbing." Luca quips admiringly after having jumped up cheering loudly for the comeback.

The two Oathlanders circle and beat at each other with measured thrusts and strikes, leaving each of them no doubt with bruises. Alexis quickly learns NOT to go on the offensive against Eirlys, and takes her careful, measured time. But by the end,, with gritted teeth, she manages to once more be the one standing. Though now, she's panting, and leaning heavily on her sword. "I thought you had me, my lady." She admits. "Marvelous fight."

Reigna cheers as the fight reaches its end, "Well fought! For the Oathlands! Go Dame Alexis!" She cheers nosily though she doesn't lose hold of Kael who she is curled up next to.

    Valardins sure do know how to bring the fight... to each other, no less! The ladies trade light and heavy blows alike, and the crowd remains enraptured until the very end. Alexis wins, but as far as Valardin is concerned, it's a literal win-win! "Excellent fight, ladies! You do your House proud!" Silas glances down at his sheet again as the weapons are recollected. "Princess Marian and Lord Estaban next!"

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Artorius cheers on Estaban as he's called up "Give us a good fight Estaban! You can do this!" he encourages him, nodding with respect to Marian as she takes the field.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Valencia rises up gracefully from her seat and cheers with utter delight, the joy of the competition causing her to beam as if it were her birthday.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 18, rolling 19 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 9 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban has rolled a critical success!
Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 46, rolling 6 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Lydia cheers as loudly for Marian, now leaning against whatever bar or table or rail she can manage, as if trying to project her spirit into the ring.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 61, rolling 18 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 6 higher.

Estaban remains alive, but close to death.

Estaban falls unconscious.

Eirlys is good with dodging and that is kind of her thing, trying to NOT get hit but it doesn't always work out. Alexis made her work for it. Work hard and in the end she ended up losing the match but she has a smile on her face, either win brings points to the Oathlands. She is breathing heavily and she would bow but she would fall. "It was a fantastic fight. I want to get to spar with you again Dame Alexis." Then she is out of the way for the next set of people.

Fergus wields a standard steel longsword.

"I should be delighted, Lady Eirlys. And perhaps you'll run the gauntlet with me as well," Alexis suggests, looking to watch Marian go against Estaban, clapping cheerfully as Marian wins.

Marian enters the ring, having rested a little since her last match and she's ready to prove herself after losing to Artorius. She attacks Estaban with fierce intensity, driving her sword at him with a single mindedness that shows her determination to win. She finishes her match and then gives a salute to Estaban, moving forward to help him up if he needs it.

Eirlys smiles at Alexis. "Of course, I would love to run the gauntlet with you. Anytime you'd like, we can meet up and do so."

Valencia blinks and looks aside as Lydia comes into focus for the first time. "Duchess Lydia! I am so sorry. I did not see you. I have gone battle blind!," the little princess calls out to her friend, her smile radiant and exicted to see her again. While the crowd continues to cheer, she quickly slips over to offer the Nightgold a warm little hug and kiss upon the cheek. "When did you return? And why did you not send missive? Shame on you!" she teases playfully.

Agnarr has left the fighting grounds.

Agnarr has joined the Benches.

Estaban drops a standard steel longsword.

Wiping his sweat and moving his pile of his discarded armor, Agnarr briefly takes residence on a proper bench.

    Marian handily wins her match against Estaban, but there are cheers of encouragement from the crowd for the Lycene lord. He was a trooper! Redrain is enthusiastic! "Great! Next up, Prince Fergus against Lord Artorius!"

Silas picks up a standard steel longsword.

Fergus has a decent break between the two fights in a row he had earlier. And yet again, Marian goes before him. A sword is grabbed up, watching his wife make another good showing. "Good job." he grunts at the redhaired Redrain. "I'll see if I do any better against Artorius." Speaking of which, that man gets a bit of a nod. A look into the crowd to spy his sister, tilting his sword. Then back to the man he'll be facing against. "Whenever you're ready."

Artorius claps for the recent fight "Good fight Estaban. You tried hard, and that makes all the difference." he smiles encouragingly to the fellow, looking then to Marian and gives her a nod. Though when his name comes up again, he would nod a little, hopping back down to the ring looking refreshed after his bout with Marian. He gives his blade a few swings, before shouldering the large weapon with a single hand. "Let's have a good fight, Fergus." he smiles, cracking his neck, he enters a stance, a focus returning to his eyes.

Artorius wields a standard steel greatsword.

Fergus takes serious damage.

Kael keeps his arm around his wife at the stands, his eyes following Valencia's line of sight when she is calling out toward Lydia. There's a curious look offered toward the Nightgold Duchess when Valencia travels to her, but soon enough it is back to the upcoming battle that he looks.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Freja reminds Fergus, "Win this thing, or don't. Either way, if you take the whole thing I'm honor-bound to shave my head."

Artorius takes minor damage.

Lydia practically climbs up on the table or whatever as Fergus fights, one adorable bundle of cheerleader, whenever an acquaintance is in the ring. Hard to believe the girl is a duchess, with all the carrying on, but then she is from the north and allowances must be made.

Tikva has left the Benches.

Mariah, a nanny have been dismissed.

Thump, a yappy pupper have been dismissed.

2 Grayson Guardsmen have been dismissed.

2 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Confessor Warren have been dismissed.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Tikva has joined the Benches.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Fergus takes very serious damage.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 66 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 23 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 23 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 7 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 77, rolling 17 lower.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 42, rolling 7 higher.

Fergus remains alive, but close to death.

Fergus falls unconscious.

Reese watches the fight with intense interest as she stands on the sidelines. "Oh, wow, that was intense." She murmurs softly.

Freja observes as Fergus falls, "...well, I guess I am no longer honor-bound to shave my head."

Aleksei's attention is pulled away from the fight when he finds himself tugged by a messenger. He frowns, taking the letter, and then the expression deepens with some hint of worry. "Fuck," he mutters. He grabs Luca's shoulder and tells him, "I've gotta go, would you tell them--" And then he's off.

"Great fight indeed. GO ARTIE!!! LYCEUM ASCENDANT!" Luca truly is a terrible, terrible Grayson.

Alis notes, in Freja's direction. "You could try shaving his head while he's out."

Artorius engages Fergus with a vengeance, landing a seemingly solid hit right off the bat before really entering a swordfight with the man. With a great deal of parries and blow-trading from both men, it is eventually Artorius who takes the win after knocking down Fergus for the last time. "You're a tough one...was hard to take you down. Good fight." he smiles, lowering a hand to help the fellow up. "Let's fight again sometime!"

Marian watches as the goes on between her husband and Artorius. She winces when her husband's opponent manages to get in a nasty blow and after that, Fergus continues to fight but he isn't able to make up ground. She still claps for both of them, "Good match..." Both fighters put their heart into it.

Aleksei has left the fighting grounds.

Keso, a street urchin, Peanut, an oversized mastiff leave, following Aleksei.

Valencia winces as Fergus hits the ground and shakes her head, though she takes a moment to whisper to Lydia before slipping back to her seat.

Fergus was doing pretty well, but there was one really good shot to his shoulder that more or less his arm go completely number, and he just couldn't fight well after it. When you can't feel your sword, you don't exactly fight all well, so once it gets bad enough he holds up a hand to yield. "Yeah. Good fight." He's *not* happy. He's pretty pissed, but at least he's a decent sport about it. So he goes back to where he was standing previously and back to waiting for his next match.

Freja is already beginning to rise to her feet to try Alis' suggestion as Fergus is rising. The scout whistles innocently, suddenly finding some dirt under her nails -very interesting.

Gaius, a Thraxian Confessor, Balanar, a shadowy Confessor, 2 Armed Confessors leave, following Alistair.

Gaius, a Thraxian Confessor, Balanar, a shadowy Confessor, 2 Armed Confessors arrive, following Alistair.

Gaius, a Thraxian Confessor have been dismissed.

2 Armed Confessors have been dismissed.

Balanar, a shadowy Confessor have been dismissed.

Artorius stays on the field when it's clear Alistair is his next opponent. He takes a slow breath, cracking his neck a little and gives his blade a twirl. Fergus got some good hits on him..

Alis is absolutely pretending she didn't make the suggestion too, Freja. They can do their best to look innocent together!

Alistair rolls his neck slightly as he steps forward, holding a hand out and claiming one of the practice swords as he watches Artorius do the same. The Prodigal turns to regard the Malvici man, offering a practiced bow before he readies his blade once more. This time he doesn't move to strike the first blow... allowing Artorius to come to him or for the two to do a little dance.

Alistair wields a standard steel longsword.

Alexis, leaning against the wall, watching the fighting, peers up with a smile to Valencia and Lydia. "I wasn't aware the two of you know each other. I mean - it makes sense. Her highness was a part of the north for a few years, yes?"

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes serious damage.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 1, rolling 48 higher.

Alistair remains capable of fighting.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 41, rolling 13 higher.

Alistair remains capable of fighting.

Valencia smiles brightly back to Alexis. "We have had some rather interesting adventures," the little princess replies with a sparkle in her eye and a warm smile Lydia's way,

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 75, rolling 27 lower.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 3 lower.

Alistair is incapacitated.

Alistair falls unconscious.


    Estaban versus Fergus next!

Artorius almost seems to bull rush Alistair! while Alistair gives him a good glancing blow right at the start of the fight, it barely fazes the Malvici Lord. they trade blows back and forth with both men making each other pay with their advances. Alas, it is ultimately Artorius who smashes Alistair's guard to knock him down with a hearty swing of the greatsword. When it was clear the fight was over, he would smile to Alistair, lowering a hand to the fellow "You did good! Let's fight again sometime."

Marian claps as Artorius takes his next fight right after fighting Fergus. She looks at her husband with a smile, "He's something else. I can't wait to see Lord Artorius and Prince Luca in the ring." She then realizes her husband is up next and gives him a round of applause, "Good luck love."

Alistair is able to put on more of a show with Artorius, the two dancing blades against each other with numerous feints, parries and dodges as the two crash again and again. Towards the end the Prodigal throws aside all pretense of defense, clasping the blade in both hands and intending to bring it down upon the Malvici noble in a final gambit to end the fight before it becomes too tiring fo rthe large prodigal. Alas Artorius is able to parry the reckless attack and drive the High Inquisitor to his knee. Alistair lets out a grunt, more at the pain then displeasure of his defeat, "Well fought my Lord." he responds in kind.

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

Fergus wields a standard steel longsword.

Luca separated from his wife after Aleksei's exit to slide over towards Silas, murmuring some message while he keeps eye on the match, grimacing at parts, cheering at others, whistling at the end. "Sorry Ali, but well fought and held out against that damnable strong arm of Artie's! Well done!" Someday, the Inquisition is going to disappear Luca for calling Alistair Ali. And no one will bat an eye about it.

Cristoph has left the Benches.

Just as quickly as Fergus is getting comfortable, he's getting called back out to the ring. Oh goody, Estaban gets to fight Ferg when he's angry and not at all in a good mood. Win or lose, Fergus may now need to get some frustration out. The Saik drew the short straw on that.

Estaban pushes up from the bench rolling his shoulders he knows he is going to lose but eh he continues to trudge on anyways moving to the ring he breaths deeply watching Fergus and gets ready.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Luca checked command + teaching at difficulty 0, rolling 44 higher.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 8, rolling 11 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Fergus takes serious damage.

Estaban has rolled a critical success!
Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 52, rolling 2 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Alistair likely has a running count of how many times Luca spits out some nickname or short name for him. Who knows what that count will be used for.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 78, rolling 33 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 42, rolling 4 lower.

Estaban is incapacitated.

Estaban falls unconscious.


    Marian versus Eirlys next!

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.

Luca is overheard praising Silas for: For running an awesome pentathalon

Estaban drops a standard steel longsword.

Silas picks up a standard steel longsword.

Artorius is overheard praising Silas for: awesome events! Very well done!

Fergus did not show quarter to Estaban, at all. He even left himself open, taking hits and his own punishment while dealing out his own. Once he levels the Saik man one last time, he lifts a hand to the man. "Good fight. Drop me a message, I'll teach you a couple of things." Might be his way of saying sorry.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

Marian claps as Fergus wins his bought, giving a salute to Estaban who is on the receiving end of her husband's bad mood, "Good match." She then realizes that she is up again. She smiles as her name is called to enter the ring. This time she's facing one of her students, Lady Eirlys, in the ring. She gives her a bow and holds up her weapon, letting Eirlys know she's ready, "I'm looking forward to this cousin." She gives her a wink, "Let's give them a good show."

Alexis nods. "I do believe I first met our lady at the Hart, where introductions were made and then she visited my shop, later." Alexis explains to Valencia with a smile. "Sitting together, you were, I believe?" Looking from one to the other, from Valencia to Lydia.

Eirlys steps out and smiles. "I am looking forward to this as well, Cousin." She nods. "Let's!"

Estaban takes his hand getting up nodding, "Sure, any help improving my sword work is welcome." he breaths deeply running a ahnd over his forehead remving the sweat from it.

Marian takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Marian takes very serious damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Marian takes serious damage.

Agnarr wields a standard steel greatsword.

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Valencia's smile blossoms. "Excellent memory, madame. I am so glad you remembered such. And I am doubly happy she came to your shop. Lovely people should always be brougth togehter, yes?" she replies to Alexis with another warm smile and incline of head. "I think perhaps we might meet again for drinks at the Hart soon. I have toomany lovely people who need to meet. Plus I am dying to dance."

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 1, rolling 65 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 18, rolling 27 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 9, rolling 36 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 24, rolling 36 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 30 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 34, rolling 3 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 37, rolling 11 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 61, rolling 28 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 59, rolling 5 lower.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 27, rolling 53 higher.

Marian remains alive, but close to death.

Marian falls unconscious.


    Alexis versus Agnarr next!

Artorius cheers for the Lady Eirlys and Princess Marian! "Good fight the both of you! Right down to the wire!" he smiles wide, clapping loudly for the duo.

Reese checked command + animal ken at difficulty 0, rolling 54 higher.

"Fantastic match! Beautiful fight!" Luca crows from his position near the ring, utterly pleased by this entire tourney it seems and how good of a showing everyone's making.

Alexis wields a standard steel greatsword.

Descending back to the fighting pits with mild reluctance and dragging his arming cap on, Agnarr peers over at Alexis, the short knight sparking no recognition in his mind. "Let's be on with it, then," he tells her, hefting his own equivalent waster as he settles into a loose stance.

By no means is it easy to fight against Marian, Eirlys fights hard against her cousin. At the end it is literally down to the wire. They both put all they had into that fight and she is standing there breathing heavily saying. "Well Fought."

Marian meets Eirly blade to blade in the sparring match, taking her student right to the wire, but as luck would have it, Eirly manages to beat her by a hair. She drops to her knees panting after her bout and tells her cousin, "You did so well Eirlys...be proud." She takes a moment to get herself up and then walks over to drop down on the bench to get a drink.

Ferg's mouth forms into a thin line at seeing Marian go down. But at least she's enjoying herself. At least more than him. Hey, he's trying to cheer up. A nod is given to his wife, then going back to being grumpy

Alexis steps up, the tiny Oathlander against the giant Northerner. "Don't think we've met, no," She agrees. "Well met. Dame Alexis Wyrmfang." She hefts her sword in both hands. She does not do any sort of gesture that implies any brethren should come at her. But it's probably implied.

Edain has left the Benches.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Lydia seems subdued the past bouts, after being the enthusiastic one-girl cheerleading squad. As Alexis steps away from their conversation, the young Duchess stares after the fighter. What did she say to Lydia? She watches this round in a much more reserved fashion, though still clearly rooting for Alexis.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Eirlys yells. "Alexis you can do this!!!"

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Reese has left the fighting grounds.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Lydia wrings her hands and crosses her fingers.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Freja just drinks, drinks, drinks from her flask while humming a merry tune.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 9, rolling 68 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 18, rolling 23 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 69, rolling 20 lower.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 10 higher.

Alexis remains alive, but close to death.

Alexis falls unconscious.

Marian watches this next match with mixed feelings. She wants House Redrain to win but Alexis is someone dear to her. She sits there, watching with baited breath until Agnarr comes out the winner. She gives a roar for him and then Alexis gets a salute.


    Luca versus Reese next!

Alexis starts off defensive - and takes a few hits here and there. But mostly - mostly she was content to wait things out. Until Agnarr was getting winded - that's when the tiny Oathlander lets out a yell and rushes in - only to have the giant beat her back time and time again, until finally she falls to her knees. Panting, she gives a nod of her head. "Well fought, goodman."

Lydia applauds Agnarr, politely and with a sincere modicum of her enthusiasm. Something else must be on her mind.

Reese perks up when her name is mentioned. "Oh, us, yay." She says and smiles, this mile that touches her blue eyes. She peeks over the crowd and then tries to locate Luca. She blows him a kiss goes to look for a steel sword.

Artorius cheers for both combatants "Well done, both of you! A good win, Agnarr!" he seems a little jealous of Agnarr that he beat the person who defeated him, but oh well! When it's announced that it's reese versus Luca, he cheers for them both "Let's get a good show Lucky!" he cheers "Give him a good hit for me, Princess!" he laughs.

It cuts particularly close by the end of it, with Agnarr, as with the previous bouts, tiring quicker than his opponent, but his last cut, nearly fully committed, is lucky enough to be the winning blow (and hopefully not shattering.) "Well-fought," he permits to Alexis after taking a beat to catch his breath. Then with the next fight annonuced, he smirks, pacing off to the side to get a good view of this one.

Reese wields a standard steel longsword.

Luca wields a standard steel longsword.

Valencia rises and applauds for the fighters in the ring again. A warm smile is sent Alexis' way and a nod. "Well done," she says softly.

Alexis gives a nod of thanks to Valencia, setting aside her sword, and moving back to her spot by the stands next to Lydia and the Velenosa princess once more.

"Way to be biggun." Luca calls out to Ag, then moves forward with a wickedly predatory sort of grin on his face for his wife. Even doing so though, the Champion is pulling off his rumpled linen shirt to expose an expanse of smooth rippling bronzed muscle. And worse, as he moves out to the center ring and falls into that lazy-seeming, but deceptively effective stance and, he's calling with a Lycene lack of any sort of shame. "This is what it comes to, darling Ribbons. Winner takes all the naughty sexings they want!" DISTRACTION AND BLUSHING UNTO MY ENEMY!!!

Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound have been dismissed.

Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle have been dismissed.

1 Grayson Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Justice, an elegant hunting falcon have been dismissed.

Luca takes minor damage.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Luca takes moderate damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Valencia keeps rather quiet during this match, though her lips twitch with amusement and it appears that the little fox might wish to perhaps chirp up a quip or two. She coughs gently and tries to remain neutral... mostly.

Reese takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Reigna has left the Benches.

Luca takes minor damage.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Luca takes moderate damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 26 higher.

Reese remains capable of fighting.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 3 lower.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 4, rolling 62 higher.

Reese remains alive, but close to death.

Reese falls unconscious.

Reigna has joined the Benches.

Marian claps for both Reese and Luca who have a good showing for their match. She's impressed just how long it took for them to wear each other down. She watches the flash of blades, the dance the two fighters fall into, "They're so well matched." She gives smile to Fergus, "Not looking forward to facing either one." She makes a point of clapping for both because she doesn't care that Luca wins over Reese. It was an amazing sparring match to watch.


    Agnarr versus Marian next!

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.

Valencia grins at the pair with such fondness, pressing her lips together and applauding with her usual playful zeal.

Artorius claps for the two "An excellent match Lucky! A grand effort Reese!" he laughs, cheering for the both of them with a wide smile. Happy that so many are trying their best to get the fight to be greatly entertaining and a great deal of effort.

Agnarr wields a standard steel greatsword.

Alexis, too, hoots and cheers for the pair who've been facing off, applauding politely as Luca proves himself the better this time. "Well fought your highnesses, well fought."

Fergus gives a nod to Marian at her commentary, perhaps sharing her views on that. He's already getting a bit tired and winded already from the amount of fighting he's done thus far tonight. And there's still so many to go. Agnarr, Marian, and more than a few others.

Lydia can choose sides in this one, it's all Redrain! "Go Marian!"

Marian moves into the ring, getting her longsword for the match. She glances over her fellow Redrain, "It's going to be fun Master Agnarr." She looks almost playful as she jumps into this match, "I'm curious to see how I'll do." Then she bows to her opponent, giving him her respect and then moves forward to clash with the warrior.

With the spouses finished with their absurd number of exchanges, Agnarr wipes his brow, tugs his arming cap on securely, and steps back down to the fighting pits level, bearing his heavy blunted trainer and nodding over to Marian. "Going to try not to hit below the ribs."

It is....truly something to see. Luca and Reese are equally skilled at this point, equally speedy, equally determined to win all the sexings apparently, and at first it seems as though it's going to be a long, LONG night of the pair of them moving about each other almost too fast too see, barely missing by millimeters ever blow they throw at one another. Luca takes first small tap, but even then it's a LONG time before either starts getting the upper hand. He's glistening with sweat by the end, seeming more worn than her, but both are huffing and puffing, but not slowing much for all of that. Perhaps sweaty shirtless Lycene distraction wins out though, or perhaps Luca's suddenly alternating attack and defend patterns that are too hard to predict are too much. Either way, in the end, he's battering down his wife, taking more than a few good bruises himself for it, but finally bringing his faux blade to her throat in attack that would cleave her head if it went through. And stopped at the last moment as he murmurs out. "Gods you're sexy right now."

Given the end of that previous fight, Agnarr may be caught glancing at the floor to make sure he's stepping -only- in sweat.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Though Alistair was likely eager to see Luca humbled by his wife, he doesn't break his blank gaze when the Grayson Prince falls to the Velenosian's blade. The Inquisitor gives a little sniff. "Keep it to the bedroom." He grumbles out to Luca. They still have a tournament to finish!

Marian takes minor damage.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 8, rolling 46 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Reese really tried to beat Luca that much is clear from watching the fight. She chases him around, she evades many of his blows and she even doesn't take every strike possible, trying to save some of her energy for what she likely believed would be a long fight. She is eventually taken down by her husband and sucks in a soft breath when the sword is pressed to her throat. "You are too, Luca." She says and drops the steel blade to her side, seemingly surrendering, but she did clearly get beaten. She probably wouldn't yield otherwise. She looks over to Alistair at his words, having the grace to blush. "Yes, Luca.." She says, agreeing with him, but she sounds affection. She moves out of the way so others can fight. Reese is flushed and bruised. Her body and her pride are bruised!

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 55 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 87, rolling 22 lower.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 7 higher.

Agnarr remains alive, but close to death.

Agnarr falls unconscious.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

It's not as close-cut as that earlier match with Alexis, but Agnarr proves not to be a pushover here either. Again, however, his lacking conditioning and his size do lead to lesser stamina than he does his opponents, and both his tiredness and Marian's own well-placed thrusts and cuts seize the day for her. "Got me," he mutters, backing off once it's obvious he'd been knocked down and defeated. "Good match." Then, back to the benches.

Freja rises from the benches and with a polite nod, excuses herself.

Freja has left the Benches.

Reese is overheard praising Luca for: He bested me and is the most nimble.

Marian fights hard against her fellow Redrain, wanting to prove her mettle against the other man. She is fierce in battle as she goes toe to toe with Angarr. This time Gloria is with her as she drives the other warrior to his knees. She gives him a smile and then holds out her hand, "Good showing." She follows him back to the benches and sits down to watch her cousin and her husband battle.

Reigna has left the Benches.

Reese is overheard praising Silas for: He is the best duel host!

Luca departs the ring with a fierce, happy grin and arm around his wife. He nods to Marian and Ag as they're entering, offering up. "Should be a grand one. Always love to see Notherners have at. Fierce-like." After which, settling to watch them, he's shrilly whistling at the end for Marian's win, watching her now with a more intent sort of thoughtfulness of someone planning future fight clearly.

Reigna has joined the Benches.

Fergus wields a standard steel longsword.

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Eirlys has rolled a critical success!
Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 66 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 27, rolling 23 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 44, rolling 10 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 71, rolling 0 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 83, rolling 17 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 112, rolling 26 lower.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 69, rolling 21 lower.

Eirlys is incapacitated.

Eirlys falls unconscious.

Alistair wields a standard steel longsword.


    Alistair versus Estaban next!

Marian watches the fight between her husband and her cousin intently. She watches as Fergus uses his sheer strength to overpower Eirlys, and she wiches. But once the match is concluded, she makes a point of clapping loudly for both fighters. They did a good showing.

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

The High Inquisitor offers a bow to Estaban, shifting his stance to differ slightly from his last two fights. Of course the Prodigal is not some sword swinging Lyceum duelist or Valadrin Knight. His number of combat stances likely can be counted on one hand! He makes the first move... steping forward and swinging his blade wide!

The fight was more back and forth. Fergus looked like he had the Greenmarcher on the ropes and then she came back to give the Redrain a run for his money. But at the end, he lets the sword lay slack against his side, giving a hand to his family through marriage. "Good job, Eirlys. I'll hang this win over Marian."

Alis has left the Benches.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight leaves, following Alis.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Eirlys literally lays on the ground for a moment holding up a hand to give a thumbs up. "I am glad I could help in your marital competitions." She says to her cousin in law. She has a smile on her face. Once she can get up she moves over to find a place to sit and cool down. Why does Fergus have to hit so hard? "Though I call cousin in law abuse with some of those hits."

Estaban takes minor damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 17, rolling 26 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 4, rolling 49 higher.

Alistair remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 87, rolling 41 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 49, rolling 13 lower.

Estaban is incapacitated.

Estaban falls unconscious.

Reigna has left the Benches.

Alexis is watching with a flush to her cheeks, clearly excited by the thrill of the combats, cheering Eirlys on, and only making a slightly disappointed noise when she falls. "Well fought, Lady Eirlys!" She declares. "Well fought, your highness:" To Fergus. And she offers her congratulations a bit later, when Alistar barely beats Estaban, too.

Reigna has joined the Benches.

"Hold out, Ali!!!" Luca's crowing mid-fight, on edge of his seat now, eagerly watching. He'll be lucky if he doesn't distract Alistair with the irritating nickname, but at least it's coming from a place of supportiveness. Course, he's following it up immediately with a roared out. "So close, Ban!!" So it's not clear _who_ he's rooting for in this one. Maybe just for the violence. Luca roots for the violence, regardless of wielder.

Marian thought for sure that Estaban had this fight. She gives the lord a shout out but then the tide turns on the young man and Alistair takes the match, pulling it out in the last seconds. She claps and tells Fergus, "Really good match. I couldn't tell who was going to win."

Eirlys hears Alexis. "Thank you, Dame Alexis and you can call me Eirlys!" She calls back. "He hits very hard, it's hard to dodge when it feels like you are being hit with a tree!"

'Cling!' 'Clang' 'Crash' The dance of blades sounds out in the dueling ring as Alistair drives towards Estaban and the two exchange blows, feints and parries in a whirling display of combat prowess. Estaban clearly has the Prodigal on the backfoot before the Inquisitor is able to turn the course and drive the bout to a finish. By the end Alistair might be showing a bit more sweat then normal, Estaban having made him work for that. "Well fought." he gives in his typical dour tone with an incline of his head.


    Alistair versus Eirlys next!

Reigna has left the Benches.

Reigna has joined the Benches.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

Artorius chuckles faintly at the match "Well fought, the both of you!" he cheers during the bout, and when it is over, he smiles "Well done Alistair. Good fight Estaban, you did good. Now come get some rest." he nods a little, looking over at the benches to his sister Caelis, giving her a warm smile.

Alistair turns to regard his next opponent, moving a hand wipe sweat from his brow as he stares at the Greenmarch. If there is any recognition for meeting a fellow Prodigal in the ring of combat, he gives none. A bow is given and then the battle commences!

Eirlys takes the sword and walks out to the sparring ring. She looks at her opponent and gives a small smile before getting ready for the fight.

Eirlys also gives a small bow before things begin.

Donella has joined the Benches.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Agnarr wields a standard steel greatsword.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Caelis is still seated on the benches next to Edain. Her eyes are more closed than open though she smiles faintly at Artorius, wiggling her fingers sleepily.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair takes minor damage.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 2, rolling 55 higher.

Alistair remains capable of fighting.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 44, rolling 8 higher.

Alistair remains capable of fighting.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 69, rolling 6 lower.

Alistair checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 0 higher.

Alistair remains alive, but close to death.

Alistair falls unconscious.


    Agnarr versus Fergus next!

This... was not as much of a fight. If Alistair had half a mind he would likely tell Eirlys to stand still so he can crush her, but she is so nimble and well skilled with the blade he never lands a real attack. He grumbles something out about sticking to demons before giving a proper bow to the Greenmarch after bending the knee in a yield.

Eirlys is quick and light. One of the few sparring matches that she has been able to show off this side of her fighting. She dodges in and out to hit Alistair then back away so she isn't hit. One of the times it looks almost like she is dancing instead of fighting. When it is over she offers Alistair a hand up and says. "Well Fought."

A nip of whiskey from his flask beforehand, and then Agnarr readies himself for this next match after the two, facing Fergus and sizing up the large, but not equally large northerner while gripping firmly his twohander. "Prince Fergus," he murmurs, "If I win, two of you don't get to keep up the whole villa tonight," he says dryly. Then he awaits his opponent in a stance.

Fergus wields a standard steel longsword.

"Well fought Eirlys! Well done!" It's late enough, and sweaty enough by now, that - per her request - Alexis is dropping the lady from Eirlys' address. Accepting the Greatsword, she shifts away from the wall where she was conversing with Valencia and Lydia, and moves over to the pit, giving another salute.

"That's just cruel to do to a man after getting his blood up with this much combat!" Luca calls out to Agnarr's viciousness, even after he was giving Alistair a sympathetic and respectful sort of nod for his fights.

Alexis wields a standard steel greatsword.

Marian claps for her cousin who wins her match and then gives a laugh at Agnarr's statement. She shakes her head and sits back to watch Agnarr and Fergus face off. Alistair get a respectful salute for his efforts against Eirlys.

Artorius whistles at the quickness and speed of Eirlys and nods lightly impressed, taking a breath until Alistair takes a bad fall. "Excellent round, the both of you! Well done." he claps with a smile.

Grunting he steps forward to square off with Agnarr. "And if I win, we're going to bend my wife over right in front of your damn door." Another jerk of his neck, popping bones in his neck. "Alright, Agnarr, let's get fucking down to it."

Marian is given a wave and a smile before Eirlys finds a place to sit.

"Jape's on you there, prince. Carlsroom's got no doors." Then it's on.

Grunting, Fergus steps forward to square off with Agnarr. "And if I win, we're going to bend my wife over right in front of your damn door." Another jerk of his neck, popping bones in his neck. "Alright, Agnarr, let's get fucking down to it."

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes very serious damage.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 28 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Caelis has left the Benches.

Rohm the Blackguard have been dismissed.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 13 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 41, rolling 5 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 22 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 14 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 22 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 58, rolling 22 lower.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 37 higher.

Agnarr remains alive, but close to death.

Agnarr falls unconscious.


    Alexis versus Reese next! (And Reese will fight again right after)

"Well _that_ was just brutal! That's what you get for threatening a man's right to dip his wick loudly, Ag!" Luca, ever with the commentary and helpfulness.

Reese wields a standard steel longsword.

"Alexis you can do this! I believe in you!" Eirlys yells before making a loud whistling noise!

Reese draws her steel longsword and steps back into the ring after hearing her name. A smile is given to Alexis.

"A fierce battle, your highness." Alexis praises to Fergus, and gives a nod of the head to Agnarr, before she positions herself in the pit, sweeping the blade from across her shoulder. Bowing to Reese. "May Gloria find pleasure in our battle, your highness." She offers to Reese. Then rolls her shoulders and raises her blade, awaiting. Grinning perhaps a little broader at Eirlys' cheer.

Valencia smiles brigtly at Alexis and nods warmly as she moves to take the sands. A sweet smile is offered to Lydia along with a gentle little half hug.

Marian watches the brutal match between her husband and Agnarr. The two really go at it in the sparring ring. In the end, Fergus wins and she gives a roar of approval as her man is the last one standing. She even gives Agnarr a round of claps.

Fergus is being pushed farther than he's been pushed in a long time. And Agnarr is no damn slouch. The two clash hard enough that makes the ring shake. Thundering blows given to each other. And even a shot to the chest that makes it hard from him to breathe. More hard blows, harder and harder until it looks like neither of them can barely stand. Somehow, the Sword of Farhaven is left standing, extending a hand to help the other man up. "Only a Northman could take hits like that. And give back just as fucking good."

Donella has left the Benches.

Reese takes minor damage.

"Keep the hardest ones to your wife," Agnarr suggests, but, though fallen, accepts the help of the northern prince to his feet, but does return to his bench on his own power.

Tikva has left the Benches.

2 Armed Confessors, Mariah, a nanny, 2 Grayson Guardsmen, Confessor Warren, Thump, a yappy pupper leave, following Tikva.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Reigna has left the Benches.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Lydia cheers Alexis on, though as the evening has run so long, perhaps with just a little less energy than when this all started for her. Not an ounce less sincerity though, that much is clear.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Reigna has joined the Benches.

Reese takes minor damage.

"Come On, Alexis, You got this!

Reese takes minor damage.

Artorius cheers! "Woo! good fight so far! keep it up!" he was smiling quite excitedly. Thankful that he had the opportunity to rest himself a bit before his next bout.

"Hold out, baby, you got her! That big damn blade's got to slow her down eventually!" Luca's calling out encouragingly for Reese.

Valencia smiles at and gently hooks her arm through Lydia's as the fight stars in earnest

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Lydia has on, cheering with Valencia.

Reese takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 37 higher.

Reese remains capable of fighting.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 26 higher.

Reese remains capable of fighting.

Alexis takes serious damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 44, rolling 20 lower.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

Reese remains alive, but close to death.

Reese falls unconscious.


    Marian versus Reese next!

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.

Eirlys jumps up and screams. "GO ALEXIS! I am getting you some Whiskey, Woman!" She grins widely, her dimples showing before turning to Reese. "Well Fought Princess!" Then she sees Marian. "You got this Marian!"

Alexis moves more than before, shifting back and forth, taking her licks, but giving in turn too. When Reese goes oddly passive, conserving her energy, the tiny Valardin lashes out with cries, but manages to score little more than touches. Eventually, it's back to defensive pacing, waiting for her opening, and somehow, seeing Reese to the end. Though not without the Oathlander panting, soaked in sweat, and bumping her fist to her chest. "You are a worthy opponent, Princess Reese. Gloria smile upon you." And with that, she helps Reese up, and staggers out of the pit.

Valencia jumps up and cheers ethusiastically as both Reese and Alexis offer a grand show of skill!

Luca winces at some of the massive blows taken by his wife, but he's supportive to the end and when finished, he's cheering still for her, but going on to call. "Well won, Lexi. A fierce fight!"

Marian watches as Reese get pommeled by Alexis in the fight. She grimaces, "Tough break." And then gives her friend, Alexis, a thumbs up. Then she moves into the ring to face off with Princess Reese who has just been defeated by Alexis, "Hey...you okay to do this?" She looks at her Grayson friend with concern, "Let me give you a moment to catch your breath."

Artorius claps "Excellent fight!" he smiles applauding the two women. "Excellent win Dame Alexis!" he looks to Reese "You did good Reese!" he smiles.

Reese once again was really trying to win, but she couldn't take down Alexis. She appears to be quite troubled. She gives a smile though and tries to summon words. "You are a wonderful fight. She then goes into the fight and gives Marian a nod. "Oh, I am thank you." She says, keeping her sword in hand.

Alistair is overheard praising Silas.

Reese takes serious damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Alexis pauses to pour some water over her head, and to drink some, and to tug at her tunic which suddenly is overbearingly hot and sticky, before she moves back to Valencia and Lydia, shooting the two women a smile - and shooting Eirlys a bright grin as she passes her. "I will be glad to accept your whiskey, my friend." She confides.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 2, rolling 64 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 8, rolling 70 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 81, rolling 22 lower.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 44, rolling 6 higher.

Marian remains alive, but close to death.

Marian falls unconscious.


    Alistair versus Agnarr next!

Reese fights Marian, while trying to evade any blows to her tummy. She manages to take down the Oathlands and Northern princess. Reese is looking rather exhausted after this fight. She looks over to her, making sure that she is okay. "Good fight. I should hangout with Oathlands warriors more often." She says, giving Alexis a sheepish smile too.

Marian gets in a few hits here and there but isn't able to get a solid hit once Reese starts to get into her dance. She is sweating with frustration as she tries to hit to no avail. She is a good sport about losing to the Grayson princess and gives her friend a smile as she moves back to the benches.

Alexis returns Reese's smile, sheepishness and all. "I think that would be good. You'll find few people as skilled as Princess Marian - and I'll be happy to record your Gauntlet score." Alexis assures the Grayson princess, with a little smile. "I do look forward to it."

Mal, a devious raccoon arrives, following Shae.

Titus, a young wolfhound arrives, following Gaston.

"That's it, Ribbons! Hold her out. She's flagging hard!" Ever with the enthusiastic chanting is Luca the Lazy, being not so lazy for joy of combat watching. "Well done though, Mari.

Marian laughs at Luca's cheering once the fight is over and gives her mentor a thumbs up from where she's now sitting on the benches.

Gaston had clearly been here all along, rooting for his fellow Valardins, and a few others from other houses that he'd made acquaintances with. Yep. HERE ALL ALONG.

Reese goes to find a place to sit. She looks rather exhausted. Those were two tough fights!

Eirlys totally backs up the fact that Gaston has been here the whole time, yep. Was totally here. She saw it and everything.

Gaston has joined the Benches.

Shae has joined the Benches.


    Artorius versus Eirlys next! (then Estaban if he returns)

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

Artorius hops into the ring when his name is called up against Eirlys! He smiles to her and offers the Lady a knights salute "Let's have a great fight." he bows his head before entering a stance. A focus apparent as he looks eye to eye with the young Lady.

Artorius wields a standard steel greatsword.

Eirlys moves into the ring and gives a salute back. "I agree, Let's!

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Shae has been sitting there the whole time next to Gaston too!! "WOOOOOOOOOO! EIRLYS!!! GO VALARDIN!"

Artorius takes minor damage.

Luca's settling next to Reese, arm around her again, but calling out eagerly to the combat. "Have at her, Artie! Show off that Lycene footwork!"

Gaston leans forward, watching the current match. "I've fought both of these two sparring before, actually." Gaston comments. A pause, as he scratches his scars. "They both completely trounced me, of course," with a bit of a chuckle.

Reese leans affectionately into Luca and listens to his whispered words. Her cheeks and pink murmurs something back. She watches the combat after the whisper, trying to keep focus there.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Estaban is here he really is he just leaning on the fence arms over his chest with his eyes closed perhaps resting for the moment gathering his energy for the next fight.

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 8, rolling 36 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Eirlys has rolled a critical success!
Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 17, rolling 89 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Now, Reigna -- ridiculously fatigued Countess as she is -- had been snoozing on Kael's shoulder. While he had been rapt in watching the fights, evidently he takes pity on his wife and gathers her up, slipping from the training center with her.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 63, rolling 15 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 69, rolling 31 lower.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 22 higher.

Eirlys remains alive, but close to death.

Eirlys falls unconscious.

Kael has left the Benches.

Reigna has left the Benches.

Reigna leaves, following Kael.


    Artorius versus Estaban next! (making it official and everything)

Agnarr has left the Benches.

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

Artorius smiles and bows to Eirlys as he wins their bout, turning now to Estaban. "Let's have a fun fight." he enters a stance again after performing a knight's salute out of respect, then it begins!

Estaban eyes open when he hears his name called he nods his head to Artorius and gets ready.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Eirlys gives a smile and a bow to Artorius before moving out of the way for the next match to take place.

"Well fought, Eirlys!

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 3 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 52, rolling 4 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 24 higher.

Estaban remains alive, but close to death.

Estaban falls unconscious.

"Well fought, Eirlys!" Gaston called down to the stands, waving her way. Sure, she lost in the end, but she held the advantage for quite a while, and Artorius was no one's pushover. "Well done, Lord Artorius!" He takes a seat again, and hunkers down to watch the next match as it begins.


    Reese versus Fergus next!

Luca actually winces visibly the instant he sees that mighty blow early on falling, almost as if he wants to look away and can't. When Ban takes it and keeps standing though, Luca actually pops up to his feet cheering for him. "That was one abyssal hit! Good gods, Ban!"

Artorius seems to bomb rush Estaban, a glancing hit landing across his face before a gut-punch heard 'round the world enters Estaban's ribs that could easily break some or at least knock some wind out of ya. It was more than enough to down most men, but Estaban is a tough one! however, it was the straw that broke the camels back. When it is clear that Artorius has won, he lowers a hand to Estaban, "Good fight!" he smiles.

Luca checked command + teaching at difficulty 0, rolling 54 higher.

Valencia turns to smile a warm welcome to Gaston and Shae as they arrive before returning to her quiet conversation with Alexis and Lydia at the side of the ring.

Reese looks over to the fight and she sucks in a soft breath when Estaban falls down. "Oh, he is going to be hurting tomorrow." She murmurs. She then rises to her feet, maybe realizing that her fight is up next too.

Fergus looks wiped. Exhausted. The fight with Agnarr really took a lot out of him. Which makes sense, it's a known fact that the man took a year off training, off fighting, off everything. For reasons that are his own. So the fact that he's tossed himself back into this mess has been a trial. Almost looks like he had fallen asleep against the wall until someone nudged him and told him it was turn. Not a lot of energy in his steps, feeling the sword in his hand and stepping forward. A glance is given to Reese and his eyes close, as if trying to find the will to fight.

"Thank you Gaston!" She smiles waving up at the man and to Shae when she sees the woman.

Fergus wields a standard steel longsword.

Reese wields a standard steel longsword.

"Well fought Eirlys and Lord Artorius!!" Shae calls out from next to Gaston in the stands. As the next duel startes with Artorius and Estaban, and she leans forward a bit. "Woooo, Lord Artorius! Good fight, both of you!" Shae waves back down to Eirlys and beaming proudly at her.

Marian roars to her husband, "Come on Fergus! Wake up!" She's not satisfied with him sleep walking into this fight.

Marian watches as Artorius brutally takes Estaban down. She winces and then salutes Artorius as he takes the win. Estaban gets a sympathetic look.

Shae checked command + animal ken at difficulty 0, rolling 51 higher.

Reese is in the rink with her longsword in had right now. She gives Fergus a sheepish smile as he closes his eyes, which he might miss. "Prince Fergus? Are you okay to fight or too sleepy?" She says and her voice is gentle. She doesn't seem mean her words with any mocking.

Valencia winces a little as another fighter falls and then politely applauds.

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

Estaban just is never a match when it comes to estaban and Artorius this always happends he was not ready for the man if it was because he was tired or what but he just had no chance, he takes the mans hand and gets up, "Well fought." he winces his hand moving to his side while he walks back over to the fence.

"I'm fine." Fergus says, trying to have a small moment of zen. The sword is picked up, hearing Marian. "Let's get to it."

Eirlys yells. "Come on Fergus, you got this!" Hey he might not be Valardin but he is family!

"GOOOOO RIBBONS!" Yes, yes that was Luca. Who else?

Fergus takes minor damage.

Alexis applauds Fergus, then furrows her brow as Reese moves to face him. "I'm not sure which of them to cheer for," She admits. "Both, I suppose."

Fergus takes minor damage.

Alexis wields a standard steel greatsword.

Gaston winces, watching, and then "Well... That's pretty much what happened when I saw them spar, so not really a surprise, I suppose..."

Reese takes moderate damage.

Artorius and with that, he walks back over to the fences, arms crossed as he cheers for the next combatants! "Go Reese! Go Fergus!" he claps, trying to will both of them onward

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Fergus takes serious damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 3, rolling 60 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

"Fergus wake up!!!"

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 11, rolling 43 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 46 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 31, rolling 40 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 31 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 44, rolling 1 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 63, rolling 25 lower.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Fergus remains alive, but close to death.

Fergus falls unconscious.


    Alexis versus Luca next!

:gasps, sighs.

Lydia gasps, sighs.

Shae nods her head at Gaston's remark on the duel, Amber eyes following Reese and Ferfus as they take the field. "Wooo Princess Reese, Prince Fergus!" Cheering them both on.

Valencia sits up for this one. She glances between the two and firmly shuts her mouth.

Too exhausted. Too much taken out of him. Fergus was barely trying. Well, he tried, but really didn't look like he much left in the tank. He yields when he feels he's done. "You win." he grunts, tossing the sword on the floor and going back to spot.

"Alexis you can to this! I believe in you!!! If you win this one I will get you two bottles of whiskey!" Eirlys yells, trying to cheer her fellow Valardin on!

Marian watches the fight between Reese and Fergus, seeing how the blow trade similar to how she faired with the Grayson princess. Marian gives Reese a salute for doing well and then offers a hug to her husband who's finding that the marathon of duels is stretching his stamina.

Reese charges at Fergus with her drawn longsword. She gets hit rather hard more than once and is bruised herself, but in she manages to win. She gives Fergus a sheepish smile, maybe a bit concerned by his exhaustion. She the goes to sit back down on the bench. "Woots, Nimble, revenge me!" She says, but her words are playful.

Alexis moves, and gives a nod of her head. Shooting a smile to the two noblewomen above her, before she moves to the fighting pit, raising her sword over her shoulder. "May Gloria find our display of her art pleasing, your highness," She tells him, before setting one foot behind the other and raising her sword, ready to defend herself.

Artorius cheers for both of them "Good fight, both of you!" he cheers, and when it's time for Luca and Alexis to go at it, he cheers for Luca "Avenge my loss Lucky!" he laughs "Put on a good show!" he does look to Eirlys with a raised brow "...since when were we betting whiskey?" he asks as if wanting to get in on this.

"Alexis! We're rooting for you!" Gaston shouts, pumping a fist. "Win it for Valardin!"

Luca wields a standard steel longsword.

Fergus has left the fighting grounds.

Still shirtless from his earlier strip down to distract his wife, Luca mounts the field with anticipatory grin, kissing Reese on the way by and taking up one of the swords to feel the weight. As he goes out, despite his half-clad state, he actually bows over his blade to Alexis as formally as any Valardin knight...then ruins it by opening his big mouth to call out. "Do I get her whiskey bottles if I win?" And then they're at it.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Luca takes serious damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Lydia shouts, "Wear him down!"

Alexis takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Luca takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes serious damage.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 14, rolling 41 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Luca takes minor damage.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 8 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 38, rolling 0 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Luca takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 13 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 97, rolling 64 lower.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 57, rolling 15 higher.

Alexis remains alive, but close to death.

Alexis falls unconscious.

Fergus has joined the fighting grounds.


    Marian versus Luca next!

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.

Lydia cries out, "Finish him, Marian!"

"Nobody can best my nimble!" Reese calls out, but she does smile over to Lydia.

A death by a thousand cuts. That's what Prince Nimble promises, and Alexis stoically endures, even managing to get in a few decent hits as both she and the former velenosan prince flags. But eventually, it's too much, and a particularly vicious blow has her dropping to her knee, bowing her head in defeat. "Well fought, Prince Luca. Avanged she is." Alexis offers, with a small smile, giving a salute to Reese. Then she rises, and staggers out of the pit. Giving Marian a nod. "Show him some Oathlands steel, your highness."

Marian watches as Alexis and Luca square off. She watches with pride as Alexis throws her weight into the fight, and holds up well against her former mentor. He manages to win the match and then it's Marian's turn to take on Luca. She comes walking into the ring with a bounce in her step, giving Luca a wink as she stands there. She gives Alexis a salute to let her know she's going to give it her best shot.

Valencia smiles gently at Alexis as she makes her way off the sands. "You were brilliant and I was so very proud for you to carry my colours today. Thank you for the honour," the little princess offers with a gentle nod, and a little kiss upon Alexis' cheek. "I wish I was half as skilled as you were. My cousin Luca is an amazing and formidable fighter. I have loved watching him spar since I was little. But you are also one ot be much admired, my lady."

Luca's actually focused on this fight, starting off strong with a whipping blade, then dancing about for awhile, parries, dodges, back and forth and back and forth some more, holding a strong guard until the time is right and he can try to draw an overextension to take advantage of. Then he's suddenly going furiously forward, glistening and weary, taking bruises for his effort, but driving home at the petite knight with a precision and power that's testament to the threat he rates her as after watching her take Reese. After he's ending with a vicious blow that drops her, he's grinning down joyeously and offering a hand up. "Beautifully fought, Dame Lexi!" Holy crap, he _can_ use titles! Even if he mangles names still! Either way, huffing and puffing, but seeming energized by the battle, he's moving off to await his next, saluting Marian with a wry, lopsided grin and eager air. "You're a brave, brave woman, Mari. They grow them fierce in the north!" And with that clear compliment, though not explained why she's brave, he's driving forward at her to begin the next dance.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Gaston is clapping loud and long for Alexis, and the grit she showed. The sheer endurance and grit. He seems very proud of the Wyrmfang Knight.

Marian takes serious damage.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 68 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 13, rolling 61 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Luca takes minor damage.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 38, rolling 15 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 75, rolling 4 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Alexis gives a fist salute to her chest to Luca, grinning at his use of her title. And then she's giving the same to Gaston, alongside a nod of thanks to him and Shae. Making her way back to the stands, this time climbing them, to settle with Valencia and Lydia, and watching the fight, giving a sharp whistle to cheer the combatants on.

Luca takes moderate damage.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 109, rolling 48 lower.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 67, rolling 9 lower.

Marian is incapacitated.

Marian falls unconscious.

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

Artorius claps "Well done!!" he claps for Luca and Mari "Way to hang in there until the bitter end Princess Marian." he smiles, clapping a little.


    Eirlys versus Estaban next!

Marian gets a few hits in on Lucas during their match, but overall her mentor controls the ebb and flow of the fight. Marian finds the experience a little frustrating but she keeps that good sportmanship. When he finally works her down to almost nothing, she yields, acknowledging that he won the fight. She gives a salute to Artorius that commends her grit.

Estaban is called back out he holds his side again for a moment and breaths deeply wincing but he goes back out into the ring looking to Eirlys and readies himself.

Eirlys calls out. "Well Fought, Marian!" Then she walks into the sparring ring and bares her teeth at Estaban. Maybe she is to tired to smile properly? Maybe she has been hanging with Gaston a lot. Who knows?

Probably a little bit of both, really. Gaston gives another round of applause for Luca and Marian, and as Eirlys walks to her match, "You've got this!"

Luca's apparently in the zone now, moving like the famed Champion duelist he's supposed to be, even if his stance still seems lazy by normal sword standards. A shifting, precise step that matches needs of the moment, in this case his needs progressively calling for more and more ferocity as he takes blow after blow at Marian, always avoiding the centerline, and somehow never enough to drop her despite the hits. "Gods woman, you're built like an oak!" He cries out as he thrusts himself forward, taking pains for it from her blow, but striking out like he's going to crush her with his blade, only to halt it bare centimeters away at her yield, leaving him to sigh out in relief and then grin brightly. "Well fought!"

Reese cheers as Luca wins. "Yay, Luca!" She calls out. She then smiles over to Marian. "Good fight."

Alexis cheers for Luca, and gives a hoot for Marian. "Well fought! You almost had him."

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

"Well fought Princess Marian, and Prince Luca!" She calls down to the fighting area. Jumping to her feet as Eirlys takes the fighting filed, with Estaban "WOOOOOOOOOOO EIRLYS!!!" Both her hands around her mouth as she cheers loudlys for her friend.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Fergus just continues to watch, having not to add

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 6 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 17 higher.

Estaban remains alive, but close to death.

Estaban falls unconscious.


    Fergus versus Luca next!

Luca wields a standard steel longsword.

Fergus waves a hand. "I forfeit." Seems like he's more than aware there's no chance he's beating Luca. So just going to pass on that. "I'm waiting to fight my wife.

Eirlys seems to have gotten a second wind and she goes after her opponent as if this were a real battle. She keeps her teeth bared most of the time. The one time she gets hit she growls before going dodging back then sliding in to fight again. When it is over she stands there not looking worse for the wear and says. "Well Fought." To her opponent before looking up at Shae and Gaston with a that same bared teeth smile.

Luca's popping back up, even looking bit weary, he's eager...and at that forfeit, he's looking almost a little pouty, but it doesn't last long in face of Fergus' explanation. 'Can't blame you there. I'm eager to see that one myself."

Marian looks a little surprised when Fergus yields without taking the field, but understands that he wants to conserve his energy for her. She still has a few folks to take on before she gets to her fight with Fergus.

Alexis wields a standard steel greatsword.

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.


    Alexis versus Marian next!

"Marian you make sure you kick Fergus's ass! When you get a chance!"

Lydia perks up a little, watching the fight between her two friends carefully.

Estaban is looking beat up but he remains moving lean against a wall wincing some when he folds his arms over his chest breathing deeply after Eirlys kicks his ass as well, "Well fought." but then again he has spared with her before and knew what was to come much like with Artorius.

Shae claps as the Eirlys and Estaban's duel comes to an end, letting out a loud 'Wooooo' again. And then a giving Eirlys a bared teeth smile back in return! "Come on Dame Alexis!! Go Valardin!!"

Marian blinks when she realizes that she's up next and then stands up and makes her way over to Alexis. She still manages to wear that smile, undaunted by the next couple of tough matches that she needs to take on. She raises her sword, looking at the greatsword her friend is carrying, "Well...I ready."

Reeses kisses Lucas cheek after the forfeit. She then smiles as the next match is announced. "This should be very interesting."

Alexis rises from her place in the stands, giving the two noblewomen a squeeze of the shoulder, accepting her blade as she walks up to the pit, and proffering a bow to Marian. "Princess. I'm honoured. I look forward to learning from you." She notes. Then, she shifts, one foot behind the other. Both hands on the sword-hilt, raising it at the ready, and giving Marian a bright grin. "Come at me."

Marian takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Marian takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Marian takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 2, rolling 44 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 8, rolling 49 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 35 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 37, rolling 40 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 38, rolling 58 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 19 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 43 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 103, rolling 34 lower.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 62, rolling 15 higher.

Marian remains alive, but close to death.

Marian falls unconscious.

Eirlys stands up and whistles. "Well fought both of you!!! Go Alexis! And Well Fought, Cousin!"


    Artorius versus Reese next!

Marian might not be winning this fight but she makes damn sure that Alexis has to work her ass off to knock her down. There are quite a few times that she takes Alexis' mighty blows that folks think she's going to fall over but the determined Marian keeps on swining. She finally gets pressed down to her knees and has to yield, giving a smile to Alexis, "Well fought." Then she gets help getting off the mat.

Artorius wields a standard steel greatsword.

Reese wields a standard steel longsword.

It's a long fight, and Alexis guards herself well, focusing mostly on blocks and counter-attacks, wearing down the former Sword of Sanctum, moving aside again and again. Using the massive sword to push the larger woman aside when she goes in for attacks. She's sweaty and bruised, and grins brightly, offering her hand to Marian and tugging her into a hug. "Well fought, your highness. I still have much to learn from you," She assures. "You honour me today."

"Sorry, Artie, gotta go with the sex for my cheering! KICK HIS ASS BABY!" Oh Luca, ever so charming.

"Well fought Princess Marian and Dame Alexis!!" Shae calls out, clapping for them both. "Come on Princess Reese and Lord Artorius!" Cheering on the new match.

Artorius hops back down to the ring, giving his shoulder a roll as he shoulders the large weapon he has with ease, one hand on the grip as he maneuvers it into his stance. At Luca's cheering, he merely sighs, looking Reese dead in the eyes after giving her a knights salute, realizing the task that lies before him. "Come at me with your best." he smiles.

Alexis makes her way towards the stands, shooting a smile to Artorius and Reese. "Good luck to the two of you. May you make Gloria smile."

Reese rises to her slippered feet when her name is announced. She looks a bit nervous, suggesting to the more empathic that she thinks Artorius will be hard to beat. Still she smiles and even does a playful bow. She then looks over to Luca. "Luca!" she says, but she gives him a smile. She waves over to Shae a moment leter. She then turns to Artorius. "Oh, I will, Lord Artorius."

Marian isn't really sure if Artorius or Reese is going to win this match. She sits back and watches to see how the two well trained fighters fare.

Valencia rises gracefully in the stands to offer respectful applause to the combatants, nodding with admiration at the hard fought battle and the resilience of the women in the ring.

Artorius takes serious damage.

Fergus forfeits again and stays quiet, just watching. He's become a lot more broody as the night has grown long in the tooth. Clearly more than just simple fighting is on his mind. But then again, he was never all that chatty to begin with.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Alexis settles with Valencia and Lydia again, shooting a smile to her fellow Oathlanders, before looking to the two noblewomen. "This is an interesting fight."

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

"That's it! Keep at him!" Luca's enthusiastically prclaiming, on his feet, pacing along the edges of the ring trying to get better angles to view the beauty of the battle playing out

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 48 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 18 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 49, rolling 7 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Valencia leans forward in her chair, carefully watching the fight unfold. "It is always so impressive to watch...oh dear," she murmurs to herself as she watches.

Reese takes very serious damage.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 17 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Reese takes minor damage.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 11, rolling 56 higher.

Reese remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 60, rolling 4 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 82, rolling 7 lower.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 46, rolling 28 higher.

Artorius remains alive, but close to death.

Artorius falls unconscious.

"Don't overextend! Let him wind himself with that big bloody sword!" Luca's practically screaming as he bounces on the sidelines, eyes wide and clearly worried for the outcome, but by the end, he's letting out a woop of joy for her hardwon victory that's positively deafening. Good thing he's not in the stands by all the nobles or he might get in trouble for it.


    Fergus versus Marian next!

Lydia cheers on both her friends!

Reese charges at Artorius and it close match and one of those matches that take forever. Eventually she is able to take the impressive southern warrior down, but she is quite bruised up and very breathless. "Oh, good fight. I didn't think I would against you, Lord Artorius. I feel well so flattered." She says and then starts from the rink to make room for the next fight.

Marian wields a standard steel longsword.

Valencia cheers because there needs to be much cheering for this match!

Artorius fights Reese evenly for much of the match! The both of them reaching a point of sheer exhaustion as they trade blow for blow, but while Artorius manages to land a final good blow, it's not enough to take Reese down, and ultimately, she knocks Artie down. He takes a breath and stays down a moment before sitting up "Damn.....good fight." he nods a little with a disappointment in himself before rising, handing the blade back to the rack for another to use until his next fight. He looks HURT physically speaking, but looking like he's in his own head. He looks to Reese and bows his head, what a good sport! "You did good. Next time, I'll win." he smiles playfully competitively before moving back to the fence.

Marian enters the ring, giving her husband a bow before getting into her fighting stance. She is tired, hurt from all the boughts leading up to this one but she gives him a smile, "I promise not to go easy on you." She gives him a wink before testing out the weapon in her hand and finds a grip that suits her, "I'm ready Fergus if you are."

Fergus gets a sword offered to him. And he takes a long look at it. There's a moment where he looks like he doesn't even *want* it. Like he's just suddenly lost all taste for fighting. Either he's just tired or it's something else. With a long sigh, he picks it up and pushes himself away from the wall. Can't even be excited or happy to even fight his wife. It's less that he's tired and more like he looks the fight has just left him. There's a bit of a grunt at Marian. "Eh, I figure you'll beat my ass."

Fergus wields a standard steel longsword.

Fergus takes serious damage.

Marian takes very serious damage.

Alexis applauds again, then lets out a whislte of encouragement to Reese and Marian, as the latter moves to fight Fergus.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 68 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 31 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Fergus takes serious damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 45 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 19, rolling 43 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 42, rolling 18 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Esoka has left the Benches.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 22, rolling 34 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Marian checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 56, rolling 12 higher.

Marian remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 42, rolling 9 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

"GOOOO MARI!" Cries the Luca-peanut-gallery.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 6 lower.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 54 higher.

Fergus remains alive, but close to death.

Fergus falls unconscious.

"Go Marian!!! That is my cousin!!" Eirlys cries out. "Well Fought!"

Lydia giggles and cheers as Mariam shows who wears the pants in that family.

Reese cheers as Marian wins the fight. "Yay, warrior princesses are the best kind!"

Luca is overheard praising Marian for: Go go warrior princesses!


    Artorius versus Luca next!

Valencia happily applauds the fighting Redrains. She is apparently getting over tired.

Luca wields a standard steel longsword.

Alexis must be getting tired as well. She's actually idly ruffling Valencia's hair at the applause for the Redrains, and gives a cheer to Marian's victory. "Well fought, your highnesses."

Fergus tried putting up a fight, but his heart just wasn't in it. Hasn't been for some time. He gets a few decent licks in, but again, like always, like it always is, Fergus finds himself eating dirt. And there's just a bit of resignation on his face, like the result was just anticipated and accepted. Slowly, very slowly, he gets up to his feet. Maybe a shake of the head before moving back to where he's been standing.

Marian puts her heart and soul into this fight against her husband. There are a few times where it looks like his mighty blows might drop her but she keeps on going with a grim determination. At the last second, when it looks like that Fergus might win, she pulls it off, she drops him to his knees. She stays there for a moment panting as she looks at Fergus to see if he's fine. Then she makes her own way to the benches after giving her well wishers waves.

Artorius looks beat up, but he hops back down to the ring and grabs the blade, putting two hands on the grip this time as he wanted to give Nimble over there his best shot. He enters a stance rarely seen when he's fighting with all he's got after performing a knights salute. "Let's dance Luca.." he says wearily, but the smile on his face betrays the tone of his words, tossing his shirt to the ground as was a bit of a tradition in all the years they've fought periodically. He re-enters his stance, both hands slowly forming around the handle and the blade itself pointed at Luca.

Artorius wields a standard steel greatsword.

"Go Luca!" Reese says and jumps up from her spot on the bench, clapping excited and everything. She needs to drink less coffee.

Luca's positively screaming himself hoarse by end of that last fight, such a comeback it was that he's practically frazzled and drained by it's intensity. But when his name is called up next, he's grinning bright across to Artorius, then turning to give Reese a quick kiss before trotting out. As he goes, he's calling out. "K Artie, off with the shirt. If we're gonna do this, we're doing it proper Lycene showman style and having us a half-naked dance for everyone!" With the other doing so, Luca's grinning fiercely, moving into place, blade held steady and low and then whipped up into a quick salute. And then they're both in motion like demons crashing into each other.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Shae applauds as the match between Marian and Fergus ends. Watching as Artorius and Luca take the field. "Wooo Lord Artorius!!"

Valencia blinks and smiles at Alexis and laughs as her carefully coiffed hair is mussed. Though the little princess does not seem to mind in the least. "GO, GO MY LOVELY LUCA!" she calls. Yup.. .the little fox is now officially punchy

Fegus pushes him away from his spot, and leaves without a word.

Artorius says, "pass'"

Fergus has left the fighting grounds.

Reese moves to sit not far from Valancia, now that Luca is busy fighting. She gives her a warm smile. "He really is the best fighter in all of compact." She says dreamily, sounding like she is crushing on her husband right now.

Marian doesn't follow her husband. She chooses to stay to see who wins the final matches. She does accept some drinks to hydrate herself. She looks over and sees that her husband left his legendary sword and then takes it into her care. She's got a thoughtful look on her face while she sits watching Luca and Artorius face off.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes serious damage.

Alexis offers an apologetic smile to Valencia. Then leans a bit closer to Lydia again, watching the fight.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Lydia relies on Alexis for a little support, up way past her "bedtime". She's happy Alexis' fights are behind her for the evening. And Fergus and Marian. Being 100% pumped and cheering everyone on has drained the frail girl pretty completely.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 22, rolling 40 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Valencia smlies again at Alexis and offers her an impromptu hug before turning to wink at Reese. Dark and confident eyes turn to the sands, the little princess knows what's what in this fight.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 34, rolling 19 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 30 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 45, rolling 11 higher.

Artorius remains capable of fighting.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 54, rolling 2 lower.

Artorius checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 23, rolling 55 higher.

Artorius remains alive, but close to death.

Artorius falls unconscious.

Reese claps for Luca as he wins and blows him a kiss. "See...nobody can beat him, not even Lord Artorius or myself." She says and seems to thinking that beating them is a big deal. "I think I am next again." She says, rising to her slippered adorned feet.

Artorius clashes with Luca like two demons smashing into each other! So many parries and dodges and flourishes, their blades clashing on multiple occasions! However...Artorius is just too beat up from Reese to keep going against Luca, eventually falling down. But was likely most admirable is that each time he got dropped hard, he got up twice as fast. But Luca was wise in keeping up the pressure, Artorius just trying to fight, but it's too much for him. He doesn't yield though vocally, simply trying to get back up before Luca can land his last hit, but he can't immediately. Just too beat up from the past fights. "Damn..." he says with a hint of frustration. Eventually mustering the strength to get to his knees.

Reese wields a standard steel longsword.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

Luca is...just brutal. Maybe because it's the last person he hasn't faced of the mix. Perhaps just because they're fellow countrymen. Or perhaps just because he's giving his old friend respect of that try. Whatever the case, Luca's performance is perfect, beautifully violent, whittling down every so slightly on his opponent after they've dodged back and forth so much it seems like neither may win. When he strikes finally, it's to wear him down, not try to drop him. To slow him enough to hit further, to take him apart while never letting that big blade land on himself, and ultimately to drive a thrust at his throat that he pauses with a bright grin millimeters from the flesh as he declares. "You've gotten amazing, Artie. Be proud of it!"


    Reese versus Eirlys next!

Reese heads into the rink after Luca and Artorius finish. She gives them both a smile. She then draws the steel longsword. "I wonder if we should take our tops off two, since those southern men seem to think they have the bestest chests. Probably not hough.

"Ain't going to complain," Agnarr figures dryly.

Marian is overheard praising Luca for: For being undefeated after 13 rounds!

Reese is overheard praising Luca for: Nobody can best Prince Nimble in a duel, not anybody!

Artorius eventually stands with the help of the blade, moving the large weapon to the stands nearby. "Heh...I've gotten old. I remember helping teach you how to use that." he points to the weapon after moving te blade tip from his throuat expertly. "Oh well...there's always next time." he smiles faintly, clearly a little defeated. But he walks with pride! Moving to the fences to put clothes back on with a wince.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Valencia offers Reese a rather shocked look and then blushes pink at the suggestion

"YIT's alright Lord Artorius, well fought!! You'll get him next time!" Shae calls down to Artorius cheering to cheer him up a bit, smiling brightly as she claps for him. "Well done, Prince Luca." A pause as she watches Reese and Eirlys. "GOOO EIRLYS!!!"

Reese takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 8, rolling 35 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 31 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 32 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 28, rolling 73 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 55 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 68, rolling 19 lower.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 34, rolling 29 higher.

Eirlys remains alive, but close to death.

Eirlys falls unconscious.

Marian gives both Luca and Artorius a round of claps, giving her former mentor the majority of the celebration since at this point he's overall champion. She tells both of them, "Well fought!" She then gets distracted by the fight between Reese and Eirlys, getting distracted by the furious blows between the ladies. She lets out another round of claps for her cousin for faring so well against Reese. Of course, Reese gets applause too. Marian is happy that her fights are over and she can enjoy herself.


    Reese versus Estaban next!

The fight takes quite a while, but eventually Reese takes down Eirlys. She gives her a smile. "Well fought." She says and stays in the rink.

Valencia is overheard praising Alexis for: Proud she wore my Hart's colours for tonight. A fine example of a gracious and talented fighter and champion.

Agnarr wields a standard steel greatsword.

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

Gaston would stay and watch the rest of the matches, cheering, and then slip away after farewells.

Gaston has left the Benches.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Lydia is overheard praising Valencia for: A gracious host, keeping so many engaged through the long tournament.

Estaban takes minor damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 2, rolling 50 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 25 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban has rolled a critical success!
Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 22, rolling 50 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 34, rolling 1 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 12 lower.

Estaban has rolled a critical success!
Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 46 higher.

Estaban remains alive, but close to death.

Estaban falls unconscious.


    Agnarr versus Eirlys next!

Shae has left the Benches.

Mal, a devious raccoon leaves, following Shae.

Reese attacks the Southern Lord again and again. He is very hard to take down and sure can take a lot of blows from her! "Wow..Estaban." She says once he is down. "You sure are persistent." She gives him a smile that touches her blue eyes and starts from the center of the ring.

Eirlys wields a standard steel longsword.

Estaban is srsly going to need help later the southern lord is looking beat up as hell at this point.

Artorius seems real quiet all of a sudden for most of the time, trapped in his thoughts most like, but he claps for Reese when she manages to defeat the rather stubbornly persistant Estaban.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Marian is getting tired, finding herself needing to head home before she collapses from exhaustion there. She calls her servant over to help her gather her and Fergus' stuff, since he left it behind, and then leaves to let the last few fights go on without her.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Marian has left the fighting grounds.

Eirlys takes very serious damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 29 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 32 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 19, rolling 54 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 24, rolling 19 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 30 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Agnarr takes moderate damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 18 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 4 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 47, rolling 10 lower.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 17, rolling 16 higher.

Eirlys remains alive, but close to death.

Eirlys falls unconscious.

Valencia rises gracefully from the stands and turns to offer a little kiss upon Lydia and Alexis' cheeks. "I must sleep. It has been a long day. Well fought, my dearest Dame. I hope I will see you both in my Hart soon." Stepping down the stairs she pauses to offer a little hug to Reese, "Well fought, Ribbons." And an affectionate hug and light kiss on the cheek to Luca, "You, I shall not praise too much or you will be incorriable. I adore you, though, my beloved cousin." A smile is offered to Silas, Tobias, Estaban and the formidable Artorius, and a smile towards Eirlys as she fights Agnarr in the ring.

Valencia has left the Benches.

"Praise away, love. I'm always incorrigible!" Luca calls back to Valencia with a wry grin, clearly riding high for the fine combats.

Artorius wields a standard steel greatsword.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Agnarr has rolled a critical success!
Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 49, rolling 45 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes serious damage.

Artorius takes minor damage.

Artorius takes moderate damage.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 63, rolling 22 lower.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 19 higher.

Agnarr remains alive, but close to death.

Agnarr falls unconscious.

Estaban wields a standard steel longsword.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes moderate damage.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 44, rolling 1 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 78, rolling 57 lower.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 42, rolling 11 lower.

Estaban is incapacitated.

Estaban falls unconscious.

Reese tries to cuddle up with Luca now that the fighting is coming to an end. She looks sleepy, but happy. "You won, Luca."

Estaban did not win any rounds but he stuck through it all and with the beating her took, his body just is not happy with him so when he goes down this time the southern lord is not moving or getting back up.

Artorius looks to everyone after putting clothes back on, looking tired and defeated. "Well, least I tried. Thanks for the competition everyone." he waves lightly, rubbing at his eyes a little due to the late our. He waves with a gentle smile.

Too worn overall to be buttpained about it, Agnarr goes to drag and haul Estaban to a bench.

Eirlys sits quietly, having tired out from all the rounds and waits to hear who placed after Luca. She looks tired, beat up but proud of herself, a bit more of the wild in her showing than normal.

"I suppose I did. I was just doing it for the fun, but this is good too I suppose!" Luca quips to Reese's acknowledgement, relaxing sprawled around her contentedly, followed up with a wicked smirk as he adds. "Besides, everything after spanking you was just gravy!" Oh he's so getting in trouble for that one!

Artorius has left the fighting grounds.

"Luca!" Reese says and her her cheeks are so very pink as pink as the ribbons in her golden locks. "You are lucky that I am too exhausted to do anything about your mouth." She says, but she also seems rather affectionate. She might find Luca all hot right after winning, possibly.

    And the tournament, as well as the Pentathlon, finally concludes well into the night. Or morning? It's hard to tell, and the people comprising the crowd now are a completely different bunch than the one that occupied the stands at the start of the tournament. Silas tabulates the results of the last match, and stands to announce the winners.

    "The Duels Tournament has come to a close! Prince Luca of House Grayson wins the Gold Medal. Dame Alexis of House Valardin takes home the Silver Medal. And Princess Reese of House Grayson wins the Bronze Medal. Thank you, everyone! This was a marvelous thing to oversee, and you all did extraordinary!"

Estaban is hauled over to a bench he is not moving and man are is the brusing starting to show already.

"That... was a lot of people." Tobias deadpans from his corner of the room. "Might have been interesting to join in, but I'm more of an armored fighter." With that, Tobias moves to stand, before he starts to head for Silas.

"Well, there you go, love. Two for two on our medals. None greater than Grayson and all that." It's clear the Lycene duelist still finds the saying a bit amusing, but he's easily adding it Reese's way as he starts to rise a bit wearily, looking to make their way off, presumably to other prizes.

Shard pushes up from the bench. She's been there a long, long time, and it requires some wincing and stretching on her part, but she looks decidedly satisfied with what she's seen. She starts for the exit at a slow, easy pace.

Luca has left the fighting grounds.

Giuseppe, a kindly old man leaves, following Luca.

Reese is overheard praising Alexis for: She is tiny and very very fierce!