Waldemai comes in for a look around and maybe to get a few silver down

When Dianna arrived, it was without armor or apparent weapon of any kind. On the contrary, she was wrapped in velvet and lace -- apparently with the full intent to spectate and to sip, rather than to spar. Warm eyes darted around the room with quiet curiosity, taking in the sight of the place for the very first time. Her lips pursed faintly as she considered all the unfamiliar faces and her potential options.

Esoka enters the Arena, wearing a steel sword at her hip and the mix of steel and leather that she favors for sparring matches. And a surcoat bearing House Riven's herons, of course. One must represent.

Lethe enters wearing a simple dress and carrying no weapons. She takes a long look around while she takes in the surroundings and who is here.

As the Arena starts to fill up a bit more, Dante looks from face to face, sipping from his glass of wine and apparently trying to determine whether or not the people entering are participants of the spar or just here to spectate. Dante sets his helmet down beside him on the nearest flat surface he can find.


Serafine nods to Merek and gives a double-take, he's much different than what she's seen of him last. "Indeed, well met, Messere Merek," she greets him, sipping from her mug with a smile. "Are you here to get drunk and stab people in the spirit of fun and comradery?"

THE GOLDEN HART - Red Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Bowing to Aurelian, Caelis meets his eyes. "Hello." she greets and looks to Edain. "His Grace thought it might be good to take a break from planing and socialize." She explains and smiles to Edain. "Drinking and spectating sounds perfect. I f I re-broke my ribs so soon your sister would never let me hear the end of it."

THE GOLDEN HART - Violet Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Blue Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Green Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Silver Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Seeing Edain and Caelis, Alexis waits until they've settled down and taken their places before she approaches, sketching a bow - and setting the roll with weapons in it down a little. "Ah. Your Grace. My lady. Would you be so kind as to look after Wyrmstooth and the Dragon's Daughter for me? I sincerely doubt there will be sparring with alaricite tonight, so I figured I'll, ah. Be less encumbered." She explains, with a small smile to the pair.

THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack is now unlocked.

It's an impressive space with its high-arched ceilings and a raised seating area surrounding a wide open-style fighting ring that can easily accommodate a half a dozen warriors or more. A well-stocked bar where libations and wagers are made sits against one wall and mix of raised seating and tables surround the sands of the ring offer an excellent view of the matches and the fighter's benches below.

If one looks up, some guests have even taken seats in the rafters, for the perfect bird's eye view of the ring below, their feet dangling down as they enjoy their drinks from some of the best, if not more dangerous seats in the house.

There is a high spirited and happy buzz in the Hart's arena tonight as people gather to test their skills and enjoy a drink or two along with good company.

Gracefully clad in scarlet silks that embrace slender waist and sultry curves, the raven-haired Valencia moves into the ring, offering a little smile to one and all and then calling out to the crowd, "Lords, ladies, sirs and madams, welcome to my Hart. Tonight is a night of good company and sportsmanship. This is not a formal event. It is simply one to enjoy a good match, excellent people and strong drink or two. All are welcome to participate in the matches or to sit and enjoy. Please enjoy a drink or two at the bar on us. I hope we will make this a regular thing as we move toward our Tournament of Harts later this year. But for now, please be very welcome and enjoy the evening in our Hart!"

    "Yes! And not necessarily in that order," Merek tells Serafine, while he pulls a cigar out of the belt on his vest, lights it, and places it up to his lips to inhale from it, then exhale. He looks to the Shav'Arvani Princess, "It's been a rough year, I'm hoping to get to relax." He then looks over to Valencia and then states, "Can I get first spar!? And thank you for hosting such a great thing!" A beaming smile to his friend.

Merek is overheard praising Valencia for: Great event hoster.

Merek is overheard praising Serafine for: Obligatory commentary.

Merek wields Diamond Nightsong.

Ian is overheard praising Valencia for: Alcohol and violence. She's got her finger on the pulse of Arx.

Edain nods to Caelis and says, "Indeed she'd not forgive you.. and she'd consider it my fault and throw even /more/ shoes at me." yes Alis has spent the better part of the last two days throwing shoes at Edain every time she sees him. Seeing, Aurelian and Alexis, greeting him Edain bows to them both, "Prince Aurelian, It is good to see you out and about. Should be a good night of fighting. THere are some very fine fighters here." He turns then and bows to Alexis, "Dame Alexis. You are fighting tonight I hope? I'd very much like to see you face of Dame Esoka, I think that would be a fine display of Knightly skill!" Finally he looks to Caelis, "Shall we go greet and thank the host and find a good place to sit and enjoy the fights?"

Merek has joined the ring of valor.

Esoka applauds Valencia heartily after that opening speech. The bar is eyed thoughtfully. Getting a lay of the land, and a lay of the available drinks. She requests a tankerd of water first, though. "I shall take my alcohol after the violence." Hearing her name in the chatter of the crowd, she cranes her neck around. Catching sight of Edain and Alexis. They are chipperly waved at.

Sebastian smiles a little curiously at Serafine at the wink but then dips his head to her in greeting, standing against the bar with his rum. He watches as people begin to flood into the Arena. With people moving to the bar to acquire their own drinks, he has his refilled and then moves away a little bit to make room for others. To Ian he inclines his head and says, "I've been trying to come out more, for a bit. Before I disappear back into the studio for a while."

    Merek moves over to the ring when he hears little protest, and then takes his time to pull out his blade which flashes with a reflective quality upon it. He takes his time to put padding upon it, however he leaves the part that does not slash much less padded for ease of maneuvering it.

Serafine grins at Merek as he asks for first spar. "It's been ... interesting. My year got a wee bit more exciting with this last trip to the Darkwater. Did you know you can run into your Mirror there in the most gruesome of guises? I was impressed, and a little grossed out, but aye. Rough year for many, mm?" She pauses to listen to Valencia speak, raising her mug to the woman and cheering loudly.


    Aurelian nods to Caelis and says, "I am not a fan of watching myself, though I am sure you will enjoy yourself." If he doesn't like watching sparring matches, why is he here? To Edain he adds, "I am often about town cousin, I have lived here nearly as long as I have Sanctum after all. It is good to see you in high spirits however, and of course you could always restrict your sister's shoe allowance to provide her with less ammunition." offering an uncommonly seen soft smile, common for when he is good-naturedly joking with others. Then to both he adds, "If you both please excuse me a moment." as he turns to make his way towards Valencia after she announces tonight's festivities and bows his head respectfully, "Your Highness, thank you for once again welcoming me to the Golden Hart." His voice as formal, calm, and polite as ever. Does he even have another way of speaking?


Valencia smiles to Merek and gives a soft laugh as she steps off the sands so the fighters can begin. A warm smile is offered to Esoka for her kind appaluses and another smile is offered to Alexis as she arrives with Edain. "The sand is yours, missere. Good luck," she smiles to Merek as they pass, moving to go and offere her beloved cousin an enthusiastic hung. "SERA! You are here! I'm so very happy to see you!" she beams hugging her again. "You look beautiful."

The young Stormwood will clap and smile warmly towards the owner of the Hart. Graham looks about as more and more enter he smiles in greeting offering many a M'lord and M'lady and Sir and Miss. He knows that it will be a bit chaotic for now though he's enjoying himself all the same.

Ian settles into watching the people from his seat at the bar. His incisive gaze follows each person as they come in before switching to the next. These are not casual glances; there's a sense of intention about everything that Ian does, including this.

    Merek also looks to Serafine and then blinks a few times, "Well, I've been three-hundred feet under the harbor of Arx, amongst other things, so I'll state that I've had my share in recent times," he admits. He looks around, "Who'd like a match? I need to keep my skill up."

Serafine taps Merek on the shoulder. "I'll let you hit me."

Alexis beams bright, seeing Esoka's wave, and raises her hand in turn with a bright smile, giving her fellow knight a wave. Quirking a brow at Edain, and offering a bow to Aurelian as well. "I am fighting tonight, I hope," She echoes, to the High Lord. Considering Esoka and shaking her head. "What do you say, Dame Esoka? Are we to go toe to toe?" Exhaling, and sketching a small bow to Valencia when she spots the smile from her and rolling her shoulders. "It looks like it might be interesting."

"Of course we will." Caelis answers Alexis is regard to her weapons and looks to Edain. "Of course. We should say hello at least before getting something to drink." She agrees and snorts at Aurelian's suggestion. "That's just challenging Princess Alis to get inventive."

Watching as Merek, wearing a Fidante cape moves out and begins calling for the first match, Dante tilts his head slightly as if trying to place the man, he looks about ready to offer to test the man's skill but Serafine does, so Dante finishes off his wine, moving closer to watch the match.

Serafine drops a bottle of rum.

Valencia has joined the ringside table.

Sebastian has left the bar.

    Merek looks over to Serafine and then motions a small bit, "Fair enough, shall we then? I've seen your skill, I don't think I can match it well, but I can give it the old try," he offers, then settles back to find space.

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

Serafine has left the bar.

Serafine has joined the ring of valor.

Aneka have been dismissed.

3 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

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

Merek says, "l"

As the event begins and Ian's attention focuses on the combat, Sebastian says a quiety, "It was good to see you again," and makes his way over toward where Valencia is sitting, and after leaning over to murmur a word or two to her, takes a seat and joins her at her table, settling in with his glass to lean over and exchange a few words.

Sebastian has joined the ringside table.

"I'd be most honored for it, Dame Alexis," Esoka replies with a broad, toothy smile to the Sword of Blancbier. "There's no shortage of fine warriors here tonight. I'm glad I came." She takes a gulp of her water. Downing the stuff quickly. Hydration and all.

Serafine clears the rail to the ring and readies herself, flexing her shoulders after donning her helmet, her hair streaming down her back.

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

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

Serafine takes minor damage.

The bar would have to do. Dianna curled her fingers in the lengths of her velvet skirts, hefting the hem a few inches as she climbed the steps to it, eventually perching herself on the very edge of one of the empty seats. She leaned forward towards the ring, eyes pinned to the fighters, whom she watched in naked assessment of their forms and armor.

Waldemai watches the fights, quaffing periodically.

Merek takes minor damage.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard arrives, following Eirene.

Severa, the Guard Shepherd arrives, following Aiden.

Serafine takes minor damage.

Serafine takes minor damage.

Ian nods to Diana when she takes a seat near him at the bar. But almost all of his attention is reserved for the fight. He watches the two combatants in the ring with the intent, critical eye of an expert.

Merek takes serious damage.

Corban makes his way in and over towards the bar, finding himself next to Lady Dianna. He waves for an ale for himself, and then smiles at the Mazetti that he has found himself next to. "Watching the combat?" he asks, casually. "A well-matched battle so far. I think it comes down to who tires first."

Merek takes serious damage.

Eirene is here! Just in time to watch the combat and grab a beer. Hoorah. The leather-clad doctor even has her sword un-peacetied and hanging rakishly low on her hip.

Alexis, too gets herself some water, once the two greatswords are settled by the High Lord of Valardin. "I'll let you choose which weapon I use then," She decides, with a smile for Esoka. Unrolling the cloth, revealing her two glaives - the one in Oathlands Steel, and the very distinctive design of the scythe-like Rubicund weapon wielded by the late Duchess Nadia Nightgold.

Merek checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 17 higher.

Merek remains capable of fighting.

Serafine takes moderate damage.

Aiden arrives to see what's going on in the Hart tonight, spotting several peal that he knows, but his direction was toward Esoka initially. "I take it you're fighting, Dame Greenblood?" A flash of teeth as he nods to her, "I'll be cheering you on."

Merek checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 36 lower.

Merek checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 24, rolling 27 higher.

Merek remains alive, but close to death.

Merek falls unconscious.

Edain smiles as Aurelian and Alexis go their seperate ways to go and do what they do so well. The Prince of Sanctum approaches, the table, Valencia has claimed along with Caelis and bows to her, "Princess Valencia, thank you for hosting such a fine event. I am looking forward to sampling drink and watching fights tonight."

Valencia gracefully takes a seat at the ringside table, her smile bright and eyes sparkling with excitement as the first bout begins. The little raven haired princess looks positively thrilled at the lively gather, smiling up at Lord Sebastian as he arrives at the table, "My dearest lord, welcome to my Hart. It is looks like it will be a wonderful night, yes?" she beames sweetly, her dark eyes glancing to the ring and calling out, "Go, Serafine!! Bravo to our first fighters. Well done both!"

Graham moves to grab a glass and tonight it seems wine is on the order. He moves to stand near the tables so that he can see the fight that's happening. He watches back and forth with the fighters trying to both watch for sport but learn perhaps if he can learn anything from the fighting methods.

Clapping his hands together. "Well fought, the two of you." Dante steps back away from the fighting ring, finding a serving girl, the Sword grabs a new glass of wine.

"Use the rubicund!" Esoka replies to Alexis, after looking over Alexis' weapons. "I am always eager to see such weapons in action. I shall be fighting with Riversblood tonight." She pats the steel sword at her hip. "It was my first weapon, and still the one I favor for sparring. My diamondplate is a more impressive thing, and surely better against the Abyss, but I still feel I know this one better." Aiden is offered an inclination of her head, which turns into an enthusiastic nod. "Most certainly, your highness. And I'll be honored for such cheers."

    Merek matches Serafine with a dodge and a parry on the first, and from there he then manages to trade blows before he harries the woman. He shifts on his heel and takes a few blows back, before he swings upwards and catches the Princess in a clean blow just as she manages to strike him with one. Somehow even though he should be down and out, he manages to sweep past a few more blows, until one finally manages to catch him and trip him up onto the floor, where he holds up his blade in yield.

Eirene has joined the raised seating.

Graham has joined the ringside table.

Princes Aurelian's welcome gets a bright and beautiful smile. "You are most welcome, my dearest prince. Join us, yes?" Valencia nods to the table as she turns to greet Prince Edain and Caelis, "My dearest Prince Edain, Lady Caelis, how wondeful it is sto see you in my Hart. Please be welcome. It would seem it is a night for it. I am so very excited to see you join us. Please, would you care to join us as well?" she invites, smiling to Graham as he joins the table as well.

Eirene has left the raised seating.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard leaves, following Eirene.

"Hello Princess Valencia. It's nice to see you again." Caelis offers and bumps Edain lightly. "I'll grab us something to drink?" She offers before letting go and looking to Eirene, waving to her aunt as she walks to the bar to get a pair of ales.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard arrives, following Eirene.

Aiden looks toward the arena ring in time to see that Merek has taken several hits and yields up the blade to Serafine. There's a thoughtfulness about this before his gaze turns back to Esoka, "I should hope we can speak again at length, but I will not distract you from your fight." For a young man that doesn't like blood sports, he's here, and that's because of one woman. He makes his way toward Valencia and bows his head, "Your Highness, I had heard there was some activity going on here tonight. I thought to poke in and look. A good crowd as usual, how good to see you again Valencia." He moves to greet her politely, once his turn has arrived to do so, and he ends up somewhere in the mix of people.


Serafine attacks Merek as he goes on the defensive, ducking his swing more than once, dancing backward only to slice in his direction, the Valiant Woman singing through the air. She curses when he clips her hand, a loud 'GILD'S SWAYING TITS!' barked from her as she tumbles backwards to shake the pain from her arm. She's back in it again, and eventually, with a headbutt or two in the right place, a low swinging kick, and he's down. She accepts his call and offers a hand to him, pulling off her helmet as she grins, sweating. "You're much better than last we fought!" she praises Merek, clapping him on the shoulder. "Well done!"

Waldemai has joined the upper rafters.

"Aye. And I feel like using the Dragon's Daughter in a spar would be a bit of an insult," Alexis retorts to Esoka, with a grin. "Nightgold's Ally is a fine weapon, and I'm sure we'll be finely matched against one another," She decides. Exhaling, letting out a little whistle and a laugh at Serafine's oath. Clapping her hands together, a clanging applause, before she ducks down to grab the scythe-like weapon. "After you, Dame Esoka."

Alexis wields Nightgold's Ally, an insidously-shaped rubicund glaive.


    Aurelian does give a bit of a knowing smile to Caelis as he makes his way towards Valencia, seems he knows how resourceful his cousin can be when she's driven. He doesn't verbally respond however, likely due to moving to greet their hostess. As Valencia returns his greeting he nods and says, "Forgive me if I do not watch the bouts much, that said I wouldn't refuse an invitation from the becon of hope of the city. Permit me to get a goblet of wine and I shall return." as he turns about to indeed start towards the bar.


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

Dianna dipped her head once in response to Ian. "My lord," she offered up -- or at least she had assumed as much, based on his appearance. But then Corban had greeted her, and her curious, watchful expression was replaced instead with a soft smile. Mostly soft, anyway. One corner of her mouth turned up a bit higher than the other, as though she were in on some private joke. "It is my first time in Arx, my lord, and I'd heard there was going to be a spectacle. And I don't think there's very much point in putting on a spectacle if no one goes to see it." Her hands folded together in her lap and she turned towards, ever so slightly, before adding, "Besides, you didn't really think I was going to fight in this, did you?" Her eyes dropped down to her dress. One brow arched. Apparently, she was teasing.

Ian shakes his head slightly in that moment when Merek starts on that swing that opens his guard up enough for Serafine to get a really good hit in -- at the beginning of the swing, before she takes her chance.

Esoka draws her steel blade, offering Alexis a knight's salute and then proceeding to the arena's sparring area. "Gloria favor us with a fine fight tonight!" she calls out, bowing to the crowd, and then assuming a ready stance.

Graham smiles and raises his wine glass to Valencia "Hello, my dear highness, will I get to cross blades with you this evening?" He asks curiously to her though he claps politely after the first fight ended and was a good match to his eyes.

Eirene's made her way to a table, found a glass of wine (Which is surreptitiously tested for poison in Lycene fashion) amd then she raises a hand to Caelis and the soon to be husband of said girl. Aiden gets a nod of 'sup' too for their earlier interactions, and then she looks down at the fight. "Nice fucking hit, Sera," she calls out to Serafine. And now comes the next bout and she whistles loudly. "Let's go, let's go, next match!" She may already be into her alcohol, but she takes a long drink when Esoka makes her toast.

Corban looks down at Dianna's dress, taking it in for a moment. "You would be surprised what people fight in," he says finally. "You could be a stealth dagger fighter in that." He laughs and then offers a hand. "But welcome to Arx, my Lady. Lord Corban Telmar. It's a pleasure."

Eirene has joined the raised seating.

Waldemai calls out, "One hundred silver on Dame Esoka!"

Edain bows his head to Valencia, "That is a very fine offer, but I fear for my dignity, I think Lady Caelis and myself will find another table where there will be now witnesses to me loosing almost every single wager against her..." As Caelis goes off to get them something to drink Edain calls after her, "I'll take something Fruity I think, Lady Caelis!" Well at least he's not embarrassed of h aving a sissy drink.

Edain has joined the corner table.

    Merek takes a moment to push up after he finishes with Serafine, and snorts at her cussing method. He then takes his time to pat her back on the shoulder, and give her a hug should she allow, "Much better? I suppose, Luca is amazed at my ability to catch arrows now. A feat he thinks even he can't match," he teases. He doesn't sound like he's joking about being capable of that. "I've had a lot of training to prepare for wars."

Merek has left the ring of valor.

Lethe walks toward the bar to get a drink. As she sees Corban, Ian, and Dianna she smiles to them. "Hello this is really quite the event!" She looks in the direction of the ring.

Corban turns his head when someone calls out a wager on the fight. "I'll take that bet!" calls Corban. "One hundred silver on the Dame Alexis."

Kit, the grey fox, Brigid the Genet arrive, following Monique.

Monique arrives, following Vercyn.

Aiden is trying to be mindful of where he's going - such a crowd, and nearly bumps into a lady on the way by. He dips his head with an apologetic murmur, and then states, "There's so many people. I need to find a seat before I step on someone!" He's looking for one of the seats, although for the time being remains near to Dianna and Corban, "I do beg your pardon. I'm Prince Aiden. I only came to see what sort of sport was happening tonight. In truth, I was hoping to see someone here."

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard have been dismissed.

"Gloria favour the bold." Alexis agrees, with a slight grin, as she steps out. Looking to Waldemai and quirking her brow, looking back to Esoka. "You have a fan. Hopefully he'll not be disappointed." Raising her hand in recognition of Corban's bet, shaking her head. "I suppose this is where we give them a show." She sweeps the rubicund weapon into both hands, then gives an upnod at Esoka. "Come at me."

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Esoka takes moderate damage.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Waldemai looks around and spots the voice. "Thanks!" he calls. "It'll be a good one!"

Ian nods a greeting to Lethe in between matches, and takes the pause in the fighting also as a time to get his drink topped up. Then back to watching the spar. Sip.

Edain offers Corban a thumbs up when he puts money on Alexis. Clearly he approves of the choice. He turns to watch the pair fight intently, he is expecting this one will be a close bout.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Valencia smiles brightly at Princes Aiden, her eyes lighting up happily to see him. "Welcome, your highness," Valencia replies with a warm incline of head and the offer of a delicate hand. "I am so glad you are here. Thank you so much. You have been missed. I hope you are well, sir," the little vixen smiles. "I recall the event you hosted here. I believe it was Silas that won, yes? Though his highness Prince Edain and my Serefine both did so very well, yes? It was such an exciting event. I would so love to see you host another here one evening."

Esoka takes minor damage.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 63, rolling 4 higher.

Alexis remains capable of fighting.


"Battle's a good teacher, the best, I think," Serafine remarks to Merek, moving to take a seat somewhere out of the way and not too far from the ring. She buys Merek a drink, whatever he'd like, and grins at him. "Luca's a close second." She stops by Valencia's table to drop a kiss to her cousin's cheek, squeezing the pretty Fox's shoulder. "And look, Val, I didn't break anything!"

Serafine has left the ring of valor.

Serafine has joined the ringside table.

Monique arrives on Vercyn's arm, a bottle already in hand, one which the Greenmarch shares with the Halfshav Duke, leaning up to utter something to him.


    Making his way to the bar, Aurelian orders a goblet of wine, waiting for it to be handed over before making his way over to join the table as Valencia requested. "Once again I ask forgiveness for placing my focus on those at this table instead of the bouts taking place Your Highness." in his calm, serious, polite tone.


Valencia grins up at Serafine and laughs, "So you have not... yet... " she tease her. "The night is young and I have new benches."

Aiden laughs good naturedly for Valencia, "As long as there are no benches to be swung about-" he grins politely to her, "In fact, I was hoping to help Countess Arcelia out with some fundraising, but I haven't heard back from her. Now I have other reasons to fundraise... so many in fact. Ahh, the need is great. So little time." A beat as he looks at the vixen, "How're you doing? It has been time-" and there is a look as he pitches up on his tippy toes, "Oh yes, Silas did well, I had hoped to see him here personally. Both of us have been extremely busy, our schedules hardly align."

Aurelian has joined the ringside table.

There was a quiet "Ohh!," from Dianna as she was jostled in her seat by Aiden, whom she looked up at fleetingly. "Of course, Your Highness," she said, before slipping her hand into Corban's offered one. "Lady Dianna Mazetti, of Ostria." The words were offered just loudly enough to continue to loop the Prince into their conversation, if he liked. Her accent distinctly marked her as a Southerner, that much was clear. The particulars and pecularities of her Walled City, however, were very much likely to be another matter entirely. "Now, since you have silver on it -- which one is Dame Alexis?"

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 66, rolling 13 lower.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 35 higher.

Alexis remains alive, but close to death.

Alexis falls unconscious.

Eirene has another drink as Alexis and Esoka go at, grunting happily. "I'm up for a match if anyone feels like beating the shit otu of me," the Malvici says to the room as a whole. "I tend to drop but not after a long ass fight." Her leathers, ornate with embroidery, actually are as fancy as they are to hide repairs under the pretty threadings. "Cael," she calls out to the still Malvici girl. "Want to duel me, or see your man beat the ever-living Gloria-left-buttock-living stuffing out of me, and by stuffing I mean blood."

The Northern Duke laughs at whatever it was Moique whispered to him before he takes a pull from the bottle that he apparently is sharing now. He turns his head, softly responding to the Red Head on his arm.

Waldemai cheers. "Well fought there! Well fought! Oh, thank you, my lord," he adds as he receives a few small coins.

"WHo wants to spar?" Dante calls, putting down his glass and donning his helmet.

"Of Ostria-?" Aiden pipes in toward Dianna, "I'm afraid my geography lessons fail me here... Where is it that you're from?" Aiden does keep looped in with the conversation, as much as he can move aside to not stand in the way of other people coming and going.

Sebastian watches the fight going on in front of them from his seat at the ringside table, taking a sip of his rum every so often. He spends almost as much time watching those who come up to greet Valencia at the table as well, though he remains silent, merely observing with interest, people watching as much as anything else.

Serafine picks up a bottle of rum.

    Merek watches the current fight with curiosity, and then moves along with Serafine, "He's not gotten a chance to teach me save once, I like it when he's time though," he admits. He has a nice whiskey ordered if she's paying, and drinks from it, but with all that umbra and other such things, he can be stated to be doing well. Especially the diamondplate. "So, what's been keeping you busy? Besides Leta?" he asks the Princess.

"A pleasure to meet you," says Corban, shaking Dianna's hand lightly. He sends off his coin with a server to pay for his lost bet, shaking his head. "I /had/ money on Dame Alexis," he says. "But Dame Esoka is an absolute beat when she can get a hard strike in with her sword." 'Beast,' here, apparently, is a compliment.

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

Caelis has joined the corner table.

Eirene says, "Fidante - I'd be down." Eirene stands and waves at Dante, raising a hand since he offered a bout. "Your sister, Queen send her a new spin of the wheel, said you kicked ass with a blade but I never got to see it." As she stands, she's drawing her longsword - fancy though it may be too, it's just a normal steel blade. "Shall we, Lord Dante?"

Alexis starts of well enough - while Esoka gets in the first real hit, the smaller woman is happy to use her greater reach to keep the knight at bay, parrying her blows and returning a few sweeps, leaving touches here and there. But Dame Esoka is the Sword of Twainfort for a reason, and she only needs one opening to land the flat of her blade against Alexis' face, bloodying the tiny blonde, and leaving her staggered. And while Alexis manages to parry a few more blows and even land a hit - it's all over but the crying. She drops to a knee, and steadies herself on her weapon. "I yield. Gods... Ow..." Head ringing, and with a grin on her face, even with her nose running with bright red. "Well fought, Dame Esoka."


Serafine grins at Merek. "Leta does keep me busy, it's true. Nothing else, really, beyond Iron Guard duty." She gives a small shrug, sips from a new mug of mead. She laughs as Valencia ALL BUT INVITES HER to break her new benches. "Aye, the night is still young." She pauses to whistle as Alexis and Esoka duke it out, cheering for both as the fight comes to an end.

Ian wasn't paying such close attention to the spar that he didn't catch the name 'Mazetti'. Once it draws to an end, he gives Dianna a longer, more thoughtful look.

Dante wields Thorn's Honor a rubicund broadsword.

Eirene wields the Flame-Mender.

Eirene has left the raised seating.

Eirene has joined the ring of valor.

Waldemai calls out, "A hundred on Lady Eirene! Any takers?"

Serafine raises a hand. "Aye!"

Pulling out a rubicund broadsword, Dante offers Eirene a grin. "My sister likes to talk up my skills, I fear." Dante moves to follow Eirene. "But let us see if I can hold my own, yes?" Offering a slight bow then. "And good luck."

Esoka is a bruiser of a fighter. Even with a sword, it's her instinct to get in close and mix things up as much with her elbows as with her blade. In this fight, she sees it as a necessity, to decrease the advantage of reach Alexis has with her larger weapon. And once she's in close, she sees an opening and...POW. It's a punishing hit, and staggers the rest of the fight to a close. She extends a hand down to Alexis, when it's done. Grinning back, when she sees the smile on the other woman's face. "Luckily fought. It is ever an honor to take the ring against you, Dame Alexis. I owe you a drink!"

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

Valencia winces as Alexis is sent to the ground and she cheers for boththe fighters whole-heartedly, offering a sweet smile to Eirene as she arrives and sending a playful wink Lord Ian's way. The little vixen turns towards Dante as he calls for a fight and a little smile parts her lips as she looks to see who takes him up on his challenge. "Oh gods," she gasps and laughs as she realizes her error. She gives Serafine a playfully scathing look. Good thing the little southern princes likes to support the crafter's economy in Arx.

    "I've had a lot to keep me busy, being a Student of Vellichor and learning what I'm able, amongst representing House Fidante with my wares as the Duchess' protege, then doing Iron Guard work, then liason work for the Gold Order. Just so much to keep track of," Merek admits to Serafine, while he cheers for the fighters. "I'll put one-hundred silver against Lady Eirene!" Just to be contrary! And maybe earn coin.

Monique leads Vercyn to towards the bar, grinning at the chaos. She lifts a hand to Corban in greeting.

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

Eirene nahs at Waldemai, waving her hand at the people betting on him. "He's going to kick my ass," she reassures them. "But I love a good fucking fight. Gloria glora gloria, hoorah," she says, saluting with her blade in Lycene dueling fashion before taking up a stance.

And because a Fidante is fighting! Merek states, "1000 silver on Lord Fidante!"

Eirene takes minor damage.

Waldemai waves to the Princess. "Thank you, your highness."

Graham sips some more of his wine watching the match and then glancing to those at his tables. "Two very good matches so far I would imagine the best fighters would wish to be seen at your Hart." He comments taking another sip and claps politely once more and waits for the next match to step up.

Eirene takes minor damage.

Eirene takes moderate damage.

Dante takes minor damage.

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


    Turning his pale eyes to Merek Aurelian asks, "Have you been assigned a mentor as of yet?" in a calm, curious tone, likely referring to Merek's mention of studying with the Scholars of Vellichor.


Eirene takes moderate damage.

Dante takes moderate damage.

Eirene takes serious damage.

Eirene takes serious damage.

Eirene checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 71 higher.

Eirene remains capable of fighting.

Dante takes moderate damage.

Dante takes minor damage.

Eirene checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 90, rolling 46 lower.

Eirene checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 52, rolling 25 lower.

Eirene is incapacitated.

Eirene falls unconscious.

Corban spots Monique at the bar and makes his way over towards her, smiling brightly. "Lady Monique!" he says, giving an apologetic grin to Dianna. "And who is this you have brought with you today?" Even as he makes the greeting, he takes the Greenmarch by the arm, pulling her a little closer to him.

"You -do- owe me a drink," Alexis offers, with a laugh. Removing a gauntlet, taking the hand up and glancing to Eirene and Dante as they go at it. "If the Lady Brigadier is as fierce with her sword as her tongue..." She muses. Shaking her head. Then wipes a sleeve against her bloodied nose. "Once my head's cleared I might give it another go." She decides. "But I'll take that drink, first." Exhaling. "Gloria favours you tonight. Are you going to fight more?"

Vercyn walks with Monique, letting her lead him towards the bar. "What shall we dirnk, My Lady?"

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

Waldemai sends some small coins over to the princess enough to cover his bet from his perch up in the cheap seats.

Both of Dianna's brows shoot up as she looks down at the combatants -- and the streak of red running down Alexis' face. Without thinking, she rose up to her feet, then paused. Stopped. There wasn't much she could do about the matter, really. "So I can Lord Corban; I can hardly remember the last time I saw a blow that hard." Her head shook, just once, before she took in the Lycene fighters with a small, but statisfied smile. "It's no fault of your own, Your Highness, I assure you," she replied to Aiden. "We are very rarely visited by anyone at all. Ostria is along the western coast -- west of Tor, and south of Chevalle, in that little inlet into shore."

"Oh, yes!" Esoka replies enthusiastically to Alexis, as to more fighting. "It's been a fine week for me, testing my blade against fine and spirited opponents. I don't think I've quite reached the end of it. What are you drinking?" She opens her purse to cover the both of them, and orders and ale for herself. Why not start sipping, since she's sparred a little? She keeps half an eye on the match between Eirlys and Dante, cheering loudly for the pair of them.

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Moving with the grace that comes only with someone who has fought their entire life, Dante starts off slowly and then as he gets the feel of Eirene's defense and offense capabilities, Dante begins to focus more on his attacks and very little on his defense for the last half of the bout. After one or two good hits, its obvious the wounds seem to both slow Eirene and bring spirit to Dante, pressing the tall woman hard. As Eirene drops with a hard final hit, Dante steps back and offers a bow of his head. "Well fought." The Sword of Tor winks at Eirene and removes his helmet to run a finger through slightly sweaty hair.

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

"Duke Vercyn Halfshav, it's my pleasure to introduce to you Lord Corban Telmar, Voice of Telmar," Monique replies, smiling brightly at the Telmar Lord, moving closer to him. "And actually, Lord Telmar, I had some business I wanted to discuss with you. Now is as good a time as any. If you don't mind, Duke Halfshav? I'll try to return post-haste!"

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

Waldemai has joined the upper rafters.

"I'll have what you're having. I'm easy." Alexis offers, with a little laugh. Settling, and getting a napkin from the 'tender, so she may better stem the flow. Exhaling softly, furrowing her brow. Giving an apologetic shrug over at Corban and Dianna.

Eirene's a scrapper. Her style is not to win but to last long enough for her patients to get an evacuation while holding off an assailant. And hold off she does, taking some good hits from the Sword of Tor but giving a few back of her own which aren't to be discredited. When she fights, there's no cussing. There's no swearing or colorful descriptors. Just a Southport stern expression and crisp fighting style with her strong steel blade flashing. When she finally has enough, she pulls her dueling scarf back from her face and motions with her free hand. "Yield, that's good a-fucking-nuff. Julie wasn't bullshitting, kid. She'd be proud." To those who bet on her, she yells, "Lemme know what you lost, I'll float you. I don't win fights, I patch them up."

Aiden looks a little as if he was starting to regret his decision coming here, his form all tense and folding in on itself as ihe tries to stay out of the way. Luckily he still stands somewhere near Dianna's seat, allowing him to keep the conversation with an interested look, "I can't say I've been to the Western coast myself, perhaps that is why I have misplaced the location. My apologies, sometimes it doesn't seem quite as exciting in a book as compared to speaking to someone about their time there."

"Absolutely, Lady Monique," says Corban, lightly to the Greenmarcher, taking her by the arm so that he can lead her out of the arena.

Kit, the grey fox, Brigid the Genet leave, following Monique.

Ian leans forward as he watches the fight play out; gradually, casual interest becomes something a lot more pointed. He nods to himself once or twice, and only remembers that he's holding a drink when the fight is over. Sip.

Dante leans in to speak quietly to Eirene as she is calling out to those who bet on her. He smiles after whatever is spoken quietly in Eirene's ear before the Sword of Tor is dealing with some messengers.

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

Vercyn chuckles, inclining his head to Corban and Monique as they leave. The older Duke moves to the bar and sets the empty bottle of Halfshav whiskey for disposal while getting a fresh glass for himself.

Eirene mutters something back to the Fidante lord as she wipes a bit of sweat off her face with the scarlet scarf, grinning at their conversation. "Sounds good to me," she says in reply, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Good fight, my lord. Drinks then?"

Vercyn has joined the bar.

Valencia watches the fight carefully, her eyes following Dante and Eirene as the move across the sands, a sweet and quiet smile now gracing her lips. At the end of the fight again she applauds calling out to the fighters below, "Well done! Bravo!" The little princess turns to the table, seeming to notice Ian's growing interest and smiling gently to Aurelian, thanking him for the drink. "Lord Dante is a remarkable fighter. He is always such a delight to watch. I have missed seeing him dance. What do you think Lord Ian? Are you enjoying the matches so far?

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

Esoka slides an ale down the bar to Alexis, once she's claimed a pint for herself. She nurses it with a languid sort of slowness, her head still in the game and on the other fighthers in the room tonight. A bow of her head when Eirlys yields to Dante. "That was honorably done all around. I'm not sure I've ever seen the Sword of Tor in action before. It is a sight to behold."

Ian lifts his glass to Valencia. He's serene as ever, but at least he's engaged, tonight. "Always."

"I can hardly blame you for that; I think everything is far more interesting when experienced yourself, as opposed to read about in a book. Why imagine living someone else's life, when you have your own?," Dianna said, canting her head to one side and considering Aiden's stance, his posture. She was about to say something else when a messenger, a bit out of breath, arrived with a letter for her -- and what was, by the sound of it, a heavy, jingling purse.

Eirene has left the ring of valor.

As Esoka speaks to him, Dante nods his head in response. "What would you expect from a Rose, but honor?" Dante winks with glowing good nature. Turning to grab another drink, Dante quaffs a large quantity of the wine. "Well that was fun." Turning, he raises his glass toward Valencia. "Well done, as always."

The tiny blonde knight settles, and takes a large pull of her ale, raising her glass to the two fighers, and considering the field. Then raising her free hand in greeting to Monique, once she spots her. Looking over to Valencia, offering the hostess a blown kiss, and exhaling softly, grin on her face despite it all. "I've missed Arx." She confides, to Esoka. "It's good to be back."

A sip of win is take herself and Valencia offers Lord Graham a bright smile. "Will you be taking to the sands, sir?" she asks dark eyes lifting to offer a warme welcome to Lord Valerio and Lady Lilia as they both arrive. She glances to the bar in hopes of catching Vercyn's eye and waves him to the table with a delicate hand. "Join us, my dearest Duke Vercyn? Your good company is more than welcome, yes?"

    While Merek is speaking with Serafine, he notices Dianna and had heard something, while he takes a moment to wave that direction politely, "So many Velenosians here tonight, and of the best persuasion!" he states, with amusement, and then he waves at Valerio as he comes in.

Aiden smiles quietly to Dianna and takes the opportunity with her messenger to find himself... a way out, after he has scanned the crowd and failed to see whom he was wishing. He does at least, murmur, "Maybe we can speak of that side of the world another time, Lady Dianna." And then he's on the flight path out of there.

He is now looking about to see who will next step into the ring. Graham looks back to the table a moment "It's been a great evening so far." the question from the host brings his focus back to her. "Hm if someone needs a punching bag i'll gladly stand in." He grins.

Severa, the Guard Shepherd leaves, following Aiden.

Once the Hungry Wolf has his drink he rises from the bar. He inclines his head to Valencia as he makes is way towards the closer seats. "I suppose that I can be persuaded to have a better view of what is going on."

Vercyn has left the bar.

Vercyn has joined the ringside table.

    Merek looks to Aurelian after a moment and blinks a few times, then muses, "I'm fully inducted as a Disciple, I just bare the title Student," he muses after a moment.

"Another time, then, Prince Aiden," Dianna said with a small nod. And then she blinked at Merek's greeting and laughed -- the sound was surprisingly warm, a little too easy. "Am I so obvious as all that? I didn't even come in house colors, let alone with our hydra flapping in the breeze above my head. So much for slipping through the crowds as a quiet observer."

Lilia flashed a small smile of greeting toward Valencia when her steely gaze momentarily met the womans. Slowly, she moved her way about, glancing about as she got a better feel for the place, and the activities going on.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd arrives, following Artorius.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd have been dismissed.

Serafine stands and grins at her cousin. "Mmm, my shift starts, Valencia," she says to her, then nods to Merek with a grin. "Enjoy the evening! Thank you, Val, this was a wonderful way to start my day."

Serafine has left the ringside table.

    "It's the company you keep, and something I heard someone mention earlier," Merek tells Dianna, since he's definitely not a magician! Possibly. He then adjusts his cloak a bit and reaches up to pull his helmet off. His glossy black hair has a silver sheen to it, like he were older and graying gracefully, even though his face is quite 'in the twenties'. Fancy scar too. "Ah, take carev Serafine," he tells her, waving, then looks to Dianna, and also Aurelian if he catches his attention, "Merek, Merek Black. Student of Vellichor, Protege to the Duchess of Roses and servant to House Fidante, and Officer of the Iron Guard." A respectful incline.

Esoka dips her chin to Dante. "Nothing less, of course." Another long drink of her ale, as if in a toast to Alexis' words. "And Arx is glad to have you back, Dame. I have heard some of the tales that've come out of the Maelstrom. It sounds like it was a terrible thing to face. But the fight was for a good cause against the darkness, of course. Part of me is sorry I did not sail out as well, but my duties to Riven are heavy these days."

Valencia's dark almond shaped eyes scan the crowd to see who might take to the sands next. Lilia's smile is returned with another bright and playful smile, a warm incline of head, and a little wave of an invitation to join the tabel if she so wishes. She turns to Serfine and a little playful pout finds full lips as her cousin declares her departure. The little southern princess rises to give her sweetest Sera a big warm hug, "Must you go? Say you will come and spar again, yes?"

Eirene's got a glass of wine, a slight bruise on her cheek from her duel with Dante, and a shit-eating grin on her face. She looks happily pleased as she goes to find a chair to watch the next rounds. She -might- be headed towards Edain and Caelis. She might swerve and give them privacy.

Alexis chuckles, stretching a little, taking another large sip of beer. "Now to find someone else to knock me over."

Ian's focus gradually settles on his drink.

"I make no claim to such a lengthy introduction, sir," Dianna said, rising from her seat long enough to respond to the bow with a faint curtsy. And perhaps turn to the bar in a moment or two. Somehow, she'd forgotten to get herself a drink. "Lady Dianna Mazetti, of Ostria. No more, and decidedly no less."

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

    "Ostria, that was the name I heard earlier. I've heard it's a wonderful place, very respectful," Merek tells Dianna, and inclines. He then moves to find a place to settle and have his drink, calming from all the crowds being around.

Serenity, Drysi, a young shaman apprentice arrive, following Khanne.

Following his last messenger he received, Dante finishes off the last of his wine, grabbing up his helm, the Lord of the Sword, Dante Fidante casually slips out of the arena.

Graham looks back as he hears the words at least partialy familure "I'd be glad to be slapped into the sands if you wish it." This to Alexis having seen her fight quite fiercely before hand. Though he wont move from the table just yet.

Esoka has joined the bar.

Dianna has joined the bar.

Alexis rises, languidly, moving with her beer in hand, and gives a nod of thanks to Esoka, raising her drink to her, then sketches a bow to the crowd at Graham's table. "My lord Graham. I am sure it would be even." She offers. Then nods to the others "Princess Valencia, thank you for your kindness and courtesy in hosting this. Prince Aurelian. As the High Lord said, good to see you again." A beat. "I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you two. I'm Dame Alexis Wyrmfang. Sword of Blancbier." Another bow, then, as she offers her name to Sebastian and Vercyn

Lilia gave a polite shake of her head, declining the invitation to join the table. She gave another quick glance about before she slipped out of the arena.

There was a soft 'mmm', from Dianna as Merek departed, coupled with a thoughtful furrowing of her brow. But then she turned towards the bar and ordered her drink, pulling a few silver from, well, that purse that she'd received only a few moments earlier. Her fingers curled around in, inhaling the scent of an extremely dark and possibly quite heady glass of wine.

Edain has left the corner table.

"Good luck and Gloria's favor!" Esoka calls to Alexis. "I shall cheer for your next match." She stays at the bar, for her part, lingering over her beer and happily people-watching the crowd. Dianna earns a quick smile. "Are you fighting tonight, or just watching?"

Edain has a quiet conversation with his fiance at their table for a time, but after while they both stand and get ready to go.

Caelis has left the corner table.

Rohm the Blackguard, Karrigan's Watchful Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd puppy of ultimate fluffiness leave, following Caelis.

Roland, a great horned owl, Squire Serad Iron Foot, Caelis leave, following Edain.

Eirene flips off Caelis as the girl leaves without so much as a 'hello auntie.' She pouts, truly and deeply wounded or at least making a face that says she is.

Holding the doors open for Khanne and gesture her to proceed him with a flourished bow, Valerio arrives with what most would call a grin, appears to be a big smile on the scarred face. Raising a hand from his current position in order to answer Velencia's question. "No My Lady, circumstances have me, ah, unavailable to volunteering for the sands. My apologies." Regardless, Valerio is present in armor with Warhammer, as he is wont to do. As Merek moves to make his escape, Valerio acknowledges the greeting and waves back to speak as the man passes. "Be sure to check the white journals tonight, and enjoy your evening."

Dianna blinked a few times, then looked down at all her burgundy velvet. And then she started to laugh again, shaking her head in answer to Esoka's question. "Spectating only, I'm afraid. Contrary to Lord Corban's assumptions, I don't have any daggers hidden up my skirts and if I did, I think they'd make for very bad match against swords and glaives, madame."

Ian finishes off his drink and sets it on the bar so that it can be refilled. The tender takes a good long look at him, takes his glass away, and replaces it with a glass of rum. With dry amusement in his eyes, he nods a thanks and sips from the glass.

"I leave it up to you, but I have seen you fight quite fiercly indeed." Graham says with a smile in friendly way he looks nodding to those who enter or those who look to leave. The young Stonewood has finished his wine and doesnt look to get more for the moment at least.

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

Walking in just ahead of Valerio, Khanne smiles to him as he holds the door for her and makes the flourished bow. She is chuckling, seeming to be in good spirits as they walk in. Tilting her head, she asks Valerio, "is something happening in the journals tonight?" She looks around the room and waves to those she knows, quite a few people, it seems.

Valencia blinks at Eirene's loving gesture to her neice and coughs as her drink seems to find its way down the wrong pipe. She coughs and finally clears, then turns back to the woman and waves her over, "Lady Eirene, would you care to joins us," she calls out with a gentle smile. "If it pleases," she adds turning to reply to Vercyn, "I would like a place to hold all books that all may enjoy. A place in the Hart for simply reading in comfort or to host excellent discussions about all sorts to things. Science, the arts, politics, how we might make the world better, or what is the best wine of the realm, whatever pleases. But I should need funds to do so, and donations of books. The more books the better. Can you help me with this?"

Waldemai wins one, loses one. With the fights over he jumps down from the rafters and heads back to the forge.

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

"I can talk to my friends at the Guild, if it pleases, your highness." Alexis offers to Valencia. Offering an apologetic look to Vercyn. "To ensure you get good prices for shelving and carpentry and such."

Vercyn turns in his chair and smiles towards Khanne. He lifts his glass to his Neice by way of greeting. "I will see what can be done to assist you, Your Highness."

Esoka continues to work slowly through her beer, nodding at Dianna's reply. "I'd not mind seeing a pair of properly matched dagger fighters. It's much defter work than the sort of thing I do. The drinks are very good even if one isn't entering the ring, though. How are you called, my lady? I'm Dame Esoka Greenblood. Sworn knight to House Riven and Sword of the Twainfort."

The little princess looks up at Alexis with a bright smile. "You are ever a champoin of my Hart, Dame Alexis. Truly. And you, my sweetest Duke, thank you so very much," Valencia nods, clearly moved by the generosity. "Prince Aurelian and Lord Graham have been so helpful. Lord Ian as well, though I have yet to bother him with this one. But shelves, beautiful shelves would be so welcome." The little vixen couldn't look more happy, and offers a bright smile to Khanne and Valerio as Vercyn draws attention to his niece. "Lovely lady, welcome. And to you as welll, my lord," she nods to the pair.

Vercyn he then turns to Alexis and bows in his chair. "My apologies. I was lost in my own world for a moment. A pleasure to meet you Dame Alexis. I am Vercyn Halfshav, Duke of Whitehold."

"I've heard of you already, with the word 'beast' attached. I think the lord meant it as a compliment," Dianna said, her lips pursing faintly. If her expression was any fair indication, she wasn't particularly inclined to agree with the sentiment. "I wouldn't consider it one myself, regardless of whether or not it's the custom in Arx. But you certainly hit like one. It was very impressive. Lady Dianna Mazetti," she replied, lifting her glass to Esoka. "Of Ostria."

Eirene can't deny the hostess' invite. Eirene picks up her wine, having it refreshed, and makes her way over with a bit of swagger - slightly diminished by her reacent beat-down.

Eirene has joined the ringside table.

"A pleasure to meet you, my lord." Alexis offers to Vercyn, then shoots a smile to Valencia, and offers a bow to Eirene as she joins them. "Lady Brigadier. Well fought," She offers. "I'm about to take Lord Graham to the sands. We'll see if he, too, can knock me over."

"Ah. Well. I finally was able to pose my heartfelt thanks. Over the, erm, revitalization of Mangata's Statue on the eastern shore. For helping my friend out. I named those that went with me, no real details. They deserved recognition. Merek was one of them." Valerio answers Khanne with the smile continuing and offers an arm for her. Then a furrowing of his brow as a messenger arrives, and he barks a laugh. "Turns out one of my other Nieces is here. Cambria wishes me to behave appropriately. Shall we go visit her?"

"I do not think so highly of my chances, but I at least will like it to be a good match." Graham will stand placing his helm on and removing the sword from its place at his side so that he may move over towards the sands typicall good luck charm warn just at his neckline may be seen from time to time.

Graham wields Stone's Blade, a rubicund longsword.

Esoka lifts her pint, in return for Dianna's lofted wineglass. "Well-met, my lady," she says. At the word 'beast' applied to her, she throws back her head and laughs. "Not the first time it's been attached to me, I'll confess. As a fighter? I shall take it as a compliment. Have you been in Arx long?" She turns on her seat slight, to have a better view at the contest about to take place between Graham and Alexis. "I favor the Sword of Blancbier in this. My hit //was// lucky. With that great sword of hers, I'd have been in trouble if that went much longer."

Alexis wields Nightgold's Ally, an insidously-shaped rubicund glaive.

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

Eirene clasps her hand on Alexis' shoulder as she passes by. "Kick his ass, hm?" She grins and takes a seat near the others. "Lords. Ladies. Eirene Malvici, Voice of Southport and possessor of a ton of stupid titles people keep handing me," she says to be sure of introduction. Not entirely sure who she hasn't met though they look familiar.

Graham takes moderate damage.

"Behave?" Khanne asks to Valerio after smiling a greeting to Valencia and then to Vercyn. She gives her uncle a wink then turns back to Valerio. "If we are expected to behave, perhaps you should not have brought a northerner." She chuckles and links her arm with his. "Let's go visit. Who is your niece?" As they walk she comments, "yes, everyone who works on things deserves some sort of recognition. Sometimes that simple thank you can go a long way.

Alexis gives a small nod to Graham, then moves to the pitch, sweeping forth that glaive again. Eyeing the sword. "You fought well in the isles, my lord. You need to be more confident." She chastises - then sweeps out to try to land the first blow.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Graham takes serious damage.

Graham takes minor damage.

The Duke of Whitehold raises his eyebrows at Khanne's wink, but smiles at her. He turns back in his seat to watch the contest take place upon the sands.

Alexis takes serious damage.

Graham takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Graham takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Graham takes minor damage.

Graham checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 45 higher.

Graham remains capable of fighting.

Graham checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 52, rolling 47 higher.

Graham remains capable of fighting.

Graham checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 67, rolling 7 higher.

Graham remains capable of fighting.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Graham checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 175, rolling 108 lower.

Graham checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 120, rolling 56 lower.

Graham is incapacitated.

Graham falls unconscious.

"Barely a fortnight, in fact. The journey took longer than I would've liked; the captain I rode with refused to sail any farther north than Caith, given the rumors of everything happening in the seas, so I had to ride the rest of the way," Dianna said, her nose wrinkling faintly at the memory. Or maybe at some still-lingering saddle sores. "It's my first journey so far north." She stretched onto her toes, then, eyeing Alexis and Graham down on the sands. "Do you know the other fighter?"


    
praise valencia=The Beacon of Hope continues to bring together all of the Compact fr the betterment of all.

Aurelian is overheard praising Valencia for: The Beacon of Hope continues to bring together all of the Compact fr the betterment of all.

Graham trades blows and dodges with the other, a dance about the sands where blows are landed here and there though he appears to become a bit winded as time goes and blows land finally he is struck hard and takes a knee "I yield." he says with a breath though he doesnt seem to be put out with how he faired. "Well fought and won." He comments.

"Says the woman who has entrusted a 'wicked Lycene' to escort her?" Valerio chuckles and straightens himself up a little to look over heads for a familiar. Ah. There. "Dianna Mazetti, lovely girl. My Marquessa requests I don't chase off -all- of her potential suitors.

Alexis is slow and steady, methodical. Grunting as she takes hits, and nodding approvingly. But she is the Sword of Blancbier, and she is as unrelenting as the glaciers on the snow-covered mountains. Inexorably, she wears her foe down. Breathing, and setting the hilt of her glaive down, to offer a hand to Graham. "Well fought, my lord. Gloria see with favour upon you."

When Khanne and Valerio come close, Ian looks away from the just-ended fight, and nods a silent greeting to the other man.

Valencia is rivited to the fight below, her eyes intent on watching each move, wincing as Graham falls to Alexis' blade. Another smile is offered to Khanne and Valerio and then to Dianna. "Oh, your pardon, I do not think we have met yet. I am the Princess Valencia. Welcome to my Hart, my lady," the little vixen smile a warm welcome to the woman, "May I have your name?"

Esoka shakes her head. "I've heard of Lord Graham and am supposed to aid him in some training soon, but we've not met properly," she says. She yells LOUD at Alexis' win, clapping her big hands together. "For him to even step in the ring with her takes courage, though. Welcome to Arx, then, Lady Dianna. I've been here over a year myself, which is sometimes strange to think about. Some days, it still feels like an intimidating sprawl. Others...rather like home."

A member of the Hart's staff arrives with a note in hand and murmurs polite apologies as he interrupts. Valencia offers an apologetic smile and turns to receive the missive, gently smiling and thanking the man and pausing briefly to read the missive.

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

Eirene's taking another long drink as the fight ends. "Nice, nice," she applauses as drink is put down. "I think I could go another round if anyone wanted to take me up on it?" The tall, thin woman asks of the remaining crowd, her dark eyebrows raising. It's about the only hair she has which isn't liberally laced with silver and white.


    


Khanne chuckles and asks to Valerio, "only some of them? Most?" She grins, then spots Ian, giving the man a nod in greeting. She had been distracted for a moment by the competition, but has returned her attention to those around her. She hears, then sees Esoka, smiling and waving to her.

Alexis gives a bow at the applause, and then at Eirene's declaration, she merely gives the woman a raised brow, and a smile. Rolling her shoulders, before shifting her grip on the glaive into both hands again.

Alexis has joined the ring of valor.

Vercyn pounds a fist on the table as the fight ends. He lifts his glass to Alexis and inclines his head to congragulate her on her victory. He empties the glass and sets it down before looking around the crowded area for a moment.

"It seems you see as clearly as an oracle, Dame Esoka--," Dianna began, before she shook her head once, sharply, at the knight's shouting -- as though the unexpected exuberation may have left her ears ringing. "I'm afraid I know very little of the Twainfort, so I've no comparison to make." But then Valencia was addressing her and she lifted amber eyes to the princess. "We have not," she said, dipping into a curtsy that came as easily to her as breathing did. "Lady Dianna Mazetti, of Ostria." A faint smile tugged at her lips. "I'm beginning to think I ought to train a small bird to follow me around chirping out my name, with the number of times I've said it tonight."

Eirene has left the ringside table.

Eirene has joined the ring of valor.

Eirene unsheaths Flame-Mender. "Prepare for a short and sweet fight," she says as she grins at Alexis. "You're going to pound me."

"Why do Lycene women keep telling me that?" Alexis quips, with just a hint of colour to her cheeks, then upnods again, for Eirene to make the first move.

"Lady Dianna Mazetti." Valerio with a serious face intones the name almost in a scold, as well as supplying the name for Valencia at the same time. When Dianna turns to look at the voice. He winks and gives a grin. "Might you give your Uncle a hug, mind my armor, and I'd like to introduce you at the same time to Lady Khanne Halfshav." He gestures from Dianna to Khanne. "Lady Halfshav, my other cause-me-worry Niece." Ian gets a sharp nod in return. "Lord Kennex."

Valencia reads the missive and then opens the package. There is a little gasp as the blade is revealed and then a sad and gentle smile as she touches the blade before wrapping it up again and instructing Lizette the barmaid to carefully store the blade in her office. A renewed smile kisses her lips as Eirene and Alexis take to the ring and Dianna returns her greeting. "I would suggest a full flock, considering how many invitations you will be making at events," she grins playfully up at the woman. "I am very glad to meet you. Welcome to my Hart. I do hope this is the first of many times we will meet. I will not keep you from your conversation. I am very happy you are here, tough."

Lucita arrives, following Ariella.

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

Eirene takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Eirene takes minor damage.

Eirene takes minor damage.

Eirene takes moderate damage.

Eirene takes moderate damage.

Eirene takes serious damage.

Eirene takes minor damage.

Eirene checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 7, rolling 43 higher.

Eirene remains capable of fighting.

Esoka sees the wave her way, peering in Khanne's direction, and shooting a toothy grin at the Halfshav woman. Raising an arm to wave back with feeling. "Lady Khanne! A good eve upon you." To Dianna, "The Twainfort is a small place, so I am not surprised you've not heard of it. Not far from the Deepwood Hold a little to the northwest of here. It is home, though." There's a wistfulness in her voice, if a distant sort, and she's easily distracted by the Alexis/Eirene bout.

Eirene checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 3 lower.

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

Eirene remains alive, but close to death.

Eirene falls unconscious.

Ian nods to Khanne as well, before shifting his attention to the fight. He's sitting at the bar, loosely cradling a glass of rum in his hands, nursing it from time to time.

Into the Arena area come a pair of twin ladies, the duo of Ariella and Lucita, "Luci! They're having fights! And we're missing it!" She exclaims to the woman, "I hope we didn't miss too much!"

Khanne gives a nod of her head to Dianna and says, "a pleasure to meet you. So you are the niece of this wicked Lycene?" She smiles with a glance to Valerio before looking back to Dianna. "I imagine he is all sorts of trouble to put up with. Are you enjoying youself tonight?"

Vercyn rises from the table and provides a nod to Valencia. "I thank you for the invitation, but I am afraid that I must be going. I have some business that requires my attention."

Valencia turns her attention back to the ring again, dark eyes watching the women face each other in the ring. A little smile kisses her lips and she shakes her head. "Gods, I wish I were half as talented," she says softly turning to smile her companions at the table. "Such grace, truly."

Eirene's no Sword, but still she can hold herself in a long fight against one. Her style is Southport swift, designed to feint and deal with smaller lighter blades; there's no chance she can stand against the rubicund glaive the Sword so expertly weirds. But, as before, she puts on a fine showing, even scoring a good blow against Alexis' thigh in a lucky shot.

Dianna curtsied again, "Thank you, Your Highness. And then thank you again, for acting as my hostess. It's certainly been a sight to see so many fighting styles from all across Arx." But she had, of course, heard her name echoed by her uncle. A hug? She did one better, rising onto her toes to press a light kiss to each one of his cheeks. "Uncle Valerio. Have you made any small children cry yet tonight?," she asked with an arched brow, her expression both expectant and teasing. "If you haven't, I'll be dreadfully disappointed. And so will Lady Halfshav, by the sounds of it." At which point, she offered another one of her graceful curtsies. She moved as though she were dancing, even without a trace of tune in the air. "It's lovely to meet you. And I apologize profusely for.... whatever it is my uncle's said or done so far tonight."

Lucita follows along after Ariella. "Thought you saw the arena here and knew they have fights, spars sometimes. You want to sit where we can watch?" a curtsy the Princess's direction is given, a nod of greeting to those she knows.

Alexis continues the same tactic as before. "No, you move" it might as well be called - parrying away the sweeps of Eirene's blade, the tiny blonde knight grinning as she sweeps her glaive back in turn. Battering the Lady Brigadier with blow after blow, until she can put her weight into it, and with a sideways strike, sweep Eirene of her feet. Not like that.

Vercyn has left the ringside table.

"Of course I saw it when we were here, you pointed it out, but I didn't know they were actually having a fight tonight!" Ariella exclaims in response to Luci. "And Yes! I want to find a spot to sit and watch!" A big grin is flashed at Lucita before she turns to look out across the room, "Where should we sit?"

Eirene ooohs as she lands on her leather-clad butt, grimacing a bit at the final strike. "Nice, nice. Told you so,"she says with a wink. "Was fun. Now, I drink..."

"On occasion I provide her with terrible influence." Valerio comments to Khanne as innocent as he can. "Such as my humor for instance." He gestures at Dianna with his free hand. He allowed his right cheek to be kissed so she can see his eye roll at her. "Scamp. No I have not terrorized small children today. They are learning stealth tactics I think. Invasion must be imminent." He also mock-grumbles for both women. "I am only moderately trouble thank you. I must point out, she is not locked up in some tower somewhere for her own safety. And I can handle my -own- apologies, thank you." Valerio sighs at Khanne and shakes his head sadly. "Like I said. My humor. My mistake!" He flashes a grin to take any potential sting out of it.

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

Esoka lets out another hearty cheer as the Alexis/Eirene match draws to a close. She lingers over the remnants of her beer, finishing it off. A courier taps her elbow, delivering a parchment to her. She reads it with a low chuckle then slides off her stool, saying a few quick good-byes and then taking her leave of the Arena.

"It was fun," Alexis agrees, with a little grin. Taking a bow, and offering a hand to Eirene. "As Dame Esoka did for me, may I offer you a drink in turn? The winner's treat?" She suggests, nodding over towards the bar. "And then we can rejoin the hostess and her friends."

Esoka has left the bar.

Lucita glances around and says. "Check where the empty seats are. It is your turn to pick one. OH, there's Lord Valerio. See, there are some you are getting to know around the city."

Another little smile comes to Valencia's lips as wicked uncles are mentioned and she glances Valerio way, her expression amused. "To be true, my Lady Dianna, it is a most excellent way to see a range of styles and fighters in more happy circumstances. Excellent for learning I think, yes? You must come to more events, then," she invites with little nod as she settles back in her chair and has a deeper drink of wine, turning to her table companions, "More wine?" she asks. There is another smile as the twins arrive. Valenica offers Lucita and Ariella arrive, "Welcome ladies, please join us if you wish," she calls as Sebastian rises to take his leave. "Thank you for coming tonight, my Lord Sebastian. I will see you next week I hope, yes?" she smiles up at him and offers a delicate hand in farewell.

Khanne can only shake her head and laugh. "Had he come to walk with me, perhaps he would have, but I met him outside. Perhaps next time," she jokes. Looking to Dianna, she says, "I assure you, he has said nor done anything that needs apologizing for.... yet." She glances aside at him. "But then, the night is young."

Sebastian has left the ringside table.

Graham moves with a nod back to the table. He will now get a refill of wine, and take a large drink. "Well it was good to work out the kinks from not practicing for a while though I doubt the result would have changed."

Lucita nudges Ariella and nods toward Valencia's table, to which they have been invited to join. "You just absolutely must pick there, best seat in the house."

Eirene rolls her neck as she shakes her head to the offer. "I should get home and rest."

Eirene has left the ring of valor.

"Don't think of it as a mistake, Uncle. Think of it as revenge -- for all those years of listening to your horrible jests, now they've been turned back on you. Something something about reaping and sowing, and all that," Dianna said, gesturing towards him with a glass of wine so dark as to be almost black. "And locking me in a tower won't do any good. Then I'd simply start writing them down and having them delivered. Preferably at horribly inconvenient times, like when you're escorting ladies around for the evening. Now, as Lady Halfshav has said, you have the opportunity to spoil the night yourself instead of relying on me to do it for you." There was a grin, then, over the curved rim of her cup. One she hides swiftly by taking a small sip. "Which should provide me almost as much sport as Princess Valencia has tonight." It was a good way to make an assessment of all the fighters, that much she agreed with.

Ariella grins over at Lucita, "See, I was going to have us climb up into the rafters!" she teases, tugging at Lucita and heading over towards Valencia's table, "Hello Your Highness!" She says, "My sister and I would love to join you and the two fine gentlemen!"

Lucita has joined the ringside table.

Ariella has joined the ringside table.

Alexis shrugs, buyt moves to refresh her drink byt the bar, offering a nod of greeting. "Lady Dianna Mazetti, was it? Still not with songbirds to announce your name?" She offers, with a bright little smile, and a bow. "Dame Alexis Wyrmfang, Sword of Blancbier. A pleasure to meet you, my lady." Offering a nod to Ian, too. "Lord Kennex. Well met." Raising the mug to the occupants of the ringside table when she receives it.

Alexis has left the ring of valor.

Alexis has joined the bar.

Aurelian has left the ringside table.

Ian had started to let himself fade into the background, watching the people (or sometimes looking down into his drink), but the sound of his name draws him out of his thoughts, at least long enough to nod a greeting to Alexis.

The little princess stiffles a little smile at Dianna's comment, but her eyes smile with amusment. After bidding Eirene farewell, she quickly finds her drink and welcomes Lucita and Ariella as the join the table. Glancing up at the raftes she beams, "I love it up there. Best place to read in the entire Hart, save the library when we finally build enough support to build it. You should defintiely take a look, but be careful. It is nearly a two story drop. Not easily walked from, yes?" she nods.

Lucita says, "We lost track of the time. Prince Aiden was telling us about the menagerie and we wound up roaming around and visiting the different exhibits. It was much larger than had expected."

Valencia claims this

"There was a miscommunication. On my part specifically. Apparently messages are much more easily read when you actually send them on their way." Valerio clears his throat and looks mildly embarressed. "But she is right, the night is stil young. I have plenty of time to extol the virtues of Lady Halfshav." Then an open-palmed gesture at Dianna. "See? See how she repays me? Hours of entertainment, and. Please My Lady this knife in the back of my armor, can you reach it for me?" He holds up a finger finally to Dianna. "Behave, young lady. It is not my ire you risk, but your cousins. Her sharp tongue could cut Mandate." Another grin and he leans to murmur something in return to Khanne. Then he extends his arm in a big wave towards Lucita and Ariella in greeting.

"Ah, the menagerie. Indeed, it is a most interesting place to look at," the little vixen nods, waving Lizette over to fill the glasses at the table. Dark eyes find the sands again. "I think this has been a most excellent start to a rather remarkable evening, yes?" she comments with a little smile Khanne and Valerio's way and then back. "I hope we see many more such nights this spring."