Cadenza has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Reese peeks over to Luca, having a gentle smile him that touches her blue eyes. She murmurs softly to Alarissa.

Joscelin cackles at Aleksei's suggestion.

Alarissa glances over to Khanne and nods.

Orazio raises his voice after saying something to Mae at their table, calling towards Aureth, "Join the clearly victorious side, Aureth!"

"So you can see why that seems like it would not be a very fair thing for me to do," Aureth says, laying his hand over his heart, jingling his friendship bracelet very deliberately. "I can't believe that, in the eyes of the Sentinel, you would ask me to do that."

"I think you should sit with your /true/ best friend, Blessed Aureth!" Mae calls over.

Felicia raises her chin briefly in acknowledgment of Cadenza's wave, offering the woman a grin of her own in return before she heads her way over. Her attention half split just to absorb the turnout, at least to judge from the brief chuckle she gives.

Felicia has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Khanne waves over to Magpie and says, loudly, "Hey! I made it! I shoulda made a Magpie banner to compete with Father Orazio."

"Uh-huh, works as a good enough cause f'me to sign on, Lucky." Luca murmurs to Aleksei with a thoughtful stroke of his chin. Then, he asides toward Aureth, "Those were the days of wine and scandal. Now, if Flash there hurts my sweet cousin at all --" Luca offers that same grin to Caspian. "-- well. Knees aren't necessary, are they?"

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, The Second, Norwood arrive, following Margerie.

3 Grimhall House Guards arrives, following Valdemar.

Grazia glides in curiously to see what the spectacle will be, her posture stiff, her head held high, her arm looped in that of the Sword of Ostria. "Let us sit," she says to him as she eyes the shenanigans curiously but distantly. She chooses a nice bench to settle upon primly.

3 Iron Guardsmen arrives, following Titania.

Grazia has joined the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

"I don't know, I can think of some recreational activities I've taken part in that definitely required the use of my knees," Aureth answers Luca with a particularly straight-faced look.

Orazio waggles a finger. "The Sentinel knows that everyone is allowed to have a favorite, Blessed Aureth. Just not to interfere with the actual fighting for that favorite." He lifts his flag and waggles it towards Khanne.

Theron has joined the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Magpie just gives Aureth a shrug. "Sit where you like. I won't be offended." He says with an east smile, then looks over to Khanne. "Patron! I'll sit with you." Elyse gets a nod and the rest of the folks the sailor knows are all given waves.

Margerie has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Cecilia takes a deep sip of her wine, quietly watching the gathering, the to and fro of the people as they prepare to watch this... event. She is without flag or partisan sign... for the moment...

Norwood has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Magpie has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Elyse has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Magpie gets carved dragon figurine from Magpie's Sack.

Magpie gets Night Cruise 'Limited' Gin from Magpie's Sack.

Cadenza would look up to Luca, waving wildly. "Luca!!!!" Laughing a bit she would scrunch her nose. "I can't believe I have to see you with your shirt off!!" Her tone was playfully as she blew him a kiss.

Jogging into the Lowers, the large form of Jeffeth Bayweather pants lightly as it seems he did a bit of running to get here. Deep blue eyes flit over the crowd. Once they settle on Elyse, the knight makes his way over to her. "It took me a second to realize you were extending an invitation." He admits with a sheepish smile.

"Well, I might just go over there because if I sit on that fountain I'm fairly likely to fall in," Aureth says reflectively, and then turns and sidles over to join Orazio and Mae at the picnic table. "This is not demonstrative of anything, mind," he adds, and flicks his wrist carefully over his shoulder so that he can make his ribbons ripple and dance nicely in the light.

Jeffeth has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Aureth has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Alarissa gesture to olenna, who takes the package from Chessa to pass it over. "Master Magpie!" Alarissa calls out. "Catch!" And is then lobbing a paper wrapped package the way of the Grayhope.

Harmon makes his way into the park to spectate the duel.

Khanne beams a smile at Magpie and gives him a hug as he sits beside her. She sticks her tongue out at Orazio with a playful grin. "Who needs a banner when I have the winner right here?"

Alarissa checked dexterity + athletics at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Esoka strides into the park. Expression something between keen interest and amusement. She scans the crowd, searching out a place to sit.

"For the record," Mae calls, to one and all. "I am sitting here because I need a table to draw at!" Mae calls out. "Not because I'm spiteful that Magpie didn't give me a friendship bracelet and am now rooting for Aleksei!"

For "the duel of the century", what warrior wouldn't turn out to see how it turns out? Valdemar makes his way to the site of the spectacle, wearing charcoal gray wool and black leather. Quietly, he looks around for a place to sit, a curious expression on his face.

Luca winds up snorting Lenosian red wine from his nose, and he falls over the bench to start cackling on the ground. Until it's time to start -- and he's /on/ and focused.

Magpie then waves Caspian over as he pulls out a dragon figurine and bottle of gin. "The promised payment, for when the duel is over." He sets the items beside him, then looks up as Alarissa throws something his way. "Oh, shit.. " Although, it doesn't even make it to him and just lands on the ground at his feet. He reaches down to pick it up, curious.

Valdemar has joined the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Titania comes walking into the park looking around there is a soft smile on her face and maybe a bit of a glow about her, she looks around her Ocean blue eyes scanning over everyone who is present and looking for a spot to take a seat.

Joscelin has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Harmon has joined the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Calaudrin has joined the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Grazia and Theron are arm in arm as they slip into the stage of the upcoming duel. The Sword of Ostria offers a nod to those that he knows, leading the Duchess of Gemecitta towards the benches. They seem to be discussing business, given their serious, sober expressions.

Cecilia lifts her chin a bit as Titania comes into the park, lifting a hand with an accompanying call of "Cousin!"

"Caspian! Fight with my dagger. Hana crafted it for me." Magpie says, holding the knife out.

Caspian checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 30, rolling 12 higher.

Caspian turns to Magpie, giving a little grin to the man, approaching him to take the dagger from him and look it over, letting out a whistle. "This is a good blade. I'll use it well," he says, twirling the dagger between his fingers. He looks between Magpie, Aleksei, and Luca, "So, how much longer before we put on the oil?"

Caspian wields Leeward, a high quality steel dagger.

Aureth calls to Magpie from his bench, "What, not giving up Pecker?"

As the time for DUELING comes to a head, Aleksei bounds up to the front of the crowd, waving his arms a bit to get everyone's attention. "Hey guys!" he says. "Thank you for coming to this VERY IMPORTANT DUEL over the best friendship of the very honorable Blessed Aureth Grayhope, Archlector of the Queen of Endings. Standing for /my/ friendship is the VERY AMAZING Prince Luca Grayhope. And -- Mags, do you want to introduce your champion?" To the crowd, he says, "Because this is a /very important duel/, our champions are going to be fighting /without armor/. Or shirts. And with oil. And, because Mags and I are /very generous/, we'll even give two lucky people in the crowd the opportunity to oil them up. Well, for Luca at least, I just came up with this five seconds ago and didn't ask Caspian, so he doesn't have to let somebody else oil him up if he doesn't want. Or, you know, they can just pick people! Lucky people."

Titania looks over her eyes brighten she had her Cecilia had been in Arx but had not had the chance to see her and so she moves over to her, "Cousin!" she wraps her arms around the other woman and hugs her.

Luca wields Viper's Fang, an elegant two-handed steel sabre.

Esoka has joined the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Khanne coughs when she hears Aureth.

Titania has joined the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Aureth puts two fingers to his lips and whistles his general approval of this development.

Joscelin looks absolutely tiled. Oiled. -Shirtless-. Yes. "Oh, such a -lovely-, proper, -Lycene- duel," she says, applauding the champions loudly. WOOOOOO!

Caspian checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 7 lower.

Harmon blinks a moment, having absolutely misunderstood the context of this duel.

Magpie laughs at Aureth, "Too hard, my Pecker. Gotta be fair to the competition." Then he looks to Aleksei before calling out, "Caspian here is my champion! Born of the people! A commoner like you and I! He was once a thrall, now he's a free man, fighting for the cause! Who wants to oil him!?

Margerie coughs shortly after Khanne, trying SO HARD not to sputter. "Did they say oil?" Oh, poor Oathlander auntie. Or lucky? Well. She came to the city for new things.

"YES! We said oil! And the torches! Mae! Did you bring the torches?" Magpie calls.

Joscelin's hand shoots up. "I'll oil one of them! Can I make a donation to get that uh.. honor?" she laughs.

Mae looks over at Magpie, wide-eyed and clueless. "Huh...?"

Orazio raises his eyebrows. "Wait - I'm not sure I care for the combination of oil AND torches. There's such a thing as being too spectacular..."

Margerie's tone becomes much more Auntly when she hears torches. Stern auntie. "Oil and torches are a dangerous combination! You boys be careful!" SEE? Orazio says so too.

Calaudrin shouts from where he's talking quietly to Esoka, "Do NOT set yourselves or this place on fire!"

Bows, overly grandiose and with many exaggerated flourishes. At least until Luca's mind backtracks a few quicksteps and he scoffs, "Grayson, Lucky. None greater than. 'Less you're trying to tell me something. In which -- gasp --" he inhales "-- the social scandal. The People's Prince. Okay, that one's not /true./ The Flying Fox. The only Luca the Lazy."

Aureth starts to laugh.

After Mapie introduces him Caspian throws off his cloak and tosses it to the ground, revealing the muscled mass that is his upper body, opting to partially undress before he came to the duel, chest exposed to the crowd. Curiously, he has a purple ribbon tied around his left arm. "Who wants to oil me?!" Though after a moment he swears, quickly grabbing his cloak to wrap it back around him, "Fucking Abyss it's cold!"

"Oh! Uh-... yeeeees. Of course I brought them! Lemme just... go... get them!" Mae calls out. "Someone take their time oiling Caspian!" Mae shouts.

"No no no, torches around the ring.. to see by. Not to be held." Magpie gets up and goes over to the community hall, grabbing a bundle near the building, then moves to stab the tall sticks with torches at the end into the ground. "Elyse! Gimme a hand?"

Khanne scoffs with a rather audible 'pfft', followed by, "wilting flowers... It's nearly the end of March! Practically spring! It's not cold!"

Mae then sets to scrambling into the community center, to grab up the torches, and to help Elyse and Magpei. "Hey Elyse!" she says, with a chipper smile. Seems Mae's in a good mood.

Alban arrives fashionably late, but not late enough, "Oh. They still haven't been oiled yet? Not something I want to watch..." He says to himself with a shake of his head before distracting himself by looking around the crowd of onlookers to find a place to join where he might know a face or two.

Joscelin gets a dark red leather wrapped flask filled with Stone Mountain white whiskey from a leather work apron.

Khinn, the Surly Attendant, Titan, a tiny flat-faced puppy arrive, following Saedrus.


"Can I also torch Caspian?" it's said in playful jest, as Elyse goes to help Magpie get the torches stabbed into the circle around the place. "Mae!" wiggle fingers in her direction, then plant another torch. Working her way around, cheerful grin still ever present on her lips. And for those who want to enjoy the sight, tight leather pants and no bend to the knees. On purpose, because that's Elyse. Might as well add to everything else going on.

Alban has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Reese checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 5 lower.

And Alarissa's looking very uncomfortable. A soft murmur to the individuals at her take she's standing up, gathering guards with her and making for the exits out of the park, every dark corner suspect.

Reese is looking pink-cheeked and pretty uncomfortable herself, but she doesn't get up.

Soon as the torches are set up, Mae pulls out a striker and sets to lighting them. Soon as she gets close enough to Elyse, she gives the woman's backside a hard swat. "Outta the way!"

Harmon stares, unblinking, and speaks in Valdemar's direction. "I don't want to be a duelist."

Magpie leaves Mae to do the lighting, returning to his seat and finally opening the gift that Alarissa gave him. His face lights up when he sees the stuffed plushie of Binky and throws the woman a wide grin. "Ooooh, thank you!" The man calls to her, hugging the toy close. Then the man looks to Cadenza. "You mind getting him oiled so we can get things going?"

"Joscelin wants to oil a champion!" Aleksei hollers. "I don't have enough of an attention span to auction stuff off. Josie, why don't you come up and get Luca oiled down. I'm sure it won't be weird to do it in front of his wife!"

Alarissa has left the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Olenna, 5 Thrax Guards, Pellinor, Duchess, a graceful greyhound, Chessa leave, following Alarissa.

Joscelin squeals in delight and hops up. "Ten thousand in silver donated to the Faith on behalf of the Crafters Guild, for the pleasure!" she laughs, bowing low and respectful to Reese. "Quick, where's that oil!"

Harmon stares at the display, unblinking. He speaks in Valdemar's direction. "...I don't want to be a duelist."

Saedrus arrives, hopefully not too late, wrapped up in aeterna and warm fur and a tiny puppy in his arms. Head dipped to regard Khinn at his side, he smiles for something said, evergreens turned up over the gathered crowds. "I am not entirely sure, somewhere front an center I assume."

Shard arrives, looking anything but celebratory. She's fairly stalking, really, with her head down and shoulders hunched. She slips in along the sides of the gathering, narrowly eyeing those present with distinct care.

"Casp -- Flash -- you're cold? It's bracing. It's fucking freezing. But, it builds character. Like mud. And stab-wounds." As Luca shamlessly strips to the waist. He looks elsewhere, toward Joscelin, and his eyebrows wiggle before he looks over -- over -- toward Reese. "It's for a good cause, Ribbons." He bows a little in his Princess' direction.

Thena has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Cadenza would look to Magpie and laughed a bit as she stood. "Fine fine...." Removing her cloak she'd push her sleeves up as she called out. "Where's the oil?!" Chuckling she'd make her way down towards Caspian then as she winked. "I was told to come oil you up....so we can get this show on the road....hmm?"

Aleksei totally hands over stoppered bottles of oil to Cadenza and Joscelin. "Have at it! Very generous, Guildmaster," he adds to Joscelin in particular with a grin.

Margerie makes a show of looking away from the oiling, and just a big a show of peeking back once for a glimpse. Though whether she's just playing along or actually ogling is anyone's guess.

Thena never shows up to these things. Except when her family and family associates are on the line. She drops into a seat at the picnic bench and murmurs dryly, "Oh good, I didn't miss the oiling."

Standing at the fountain, Sir Jeffeth is standing next to Norwood at the fountain. His eyes affix on Thena as she walks in, raising an arm up to the woman, motioning her over to him. "Thena! Over here!"

Alban has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Caspian lets out a little laugh, both overhearing Joscelin and Harmon, eventually unwrapping himself form his cloak as Cadenza approaches, drapping it over her shoulder. "Yeah, go ahead and oil me up. I'm eager to put a new scar on that chizeled body of your cousin," eh says with a snicker.


Joscelin cackles softly, grinning at Luca as she rubs him down with oil. "I know Reese," she laughs softly. "She knows I am respectful." And she remains so, oiling the man quite thoroughly, without being obscene or over-doing it. "I'm just happy to retouch my Lycene roots. My father would be proud," she says, the plump, pretty jeweler radiating joy, laughing.

Shard has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Aleksei has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Brogan comes wandering into the park as he'd heard from the two combatants there was going to be a fight. His eyes widen a bit when he sees oil being applied, and casts a meaning glance to both Caspian and Luca. There's a grin, almost a smirk, and he shakes his head as he spots Felicia then moves in her direction.

Brogan has joined the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Elyse jumps at the smack, but then laughs, wagging a finger at Mae. "Nothin you don't want to follow up on while Magpie watches, Mae." and it's likely the sellsword isn't bluffing. But she does saunter back over to take up her post, to where she can watch the proceedings. Then waves over at Shard, if she can catch her fellow Few's eye.

"I'm sure you'll both be warmed up soon enough," Aureth calls with a kind of audible, cheerful leer as the women approach the combatants with shiny, shiny goop.

Theron just shakes his head it seems royals will lather up commoners as well, his expression turning into a scowl briefly. He manages to conceal it behind nothingness, though, commenting at his benches.

Felicia's shaking her head,"Not on your bloody life. Not at this time of the year. Well, okay, maybe for like, a hundred thousand silver... but I feel cold just watching them." and watching, she is, without any particular sign of lasciviousness or embarressment. She stretches her legs out before her with a whistle for Joscelin and Cadenza both before smirking in Brogan's direction,"You're just in time for the oiling."

"Maybe I'll fight you after they're done," Mae says, to Elyse, with a grin. Then she finally turns back and skips (yes, skips) her jingly way back to her picnic table, and drops back down next to Orazio.

And Thena's up again. "I'm sorry Legate, everyone. Be right back, duty calls. I think." She extricates herself from the bench and edges very carefully around the oiling to join her fellow Solace knight. "Sir Jeffeth, hello."

Aleksei beams upon spotting Saedrus's arrival, bounding over to him to wrap him up in his arms, puppy and all, and lift him off his feet for a thorough kiss. "C'mon, they're almost ready to go at it," he says, tugging him over to the table Orazio staked out with a little flag with his name on it.

The joy is unfortunately very contagious -- and Luca winds up grinning and laughing all through the process. Once's he has been thoroughly oiled-up by the Guildmaster, Luca poses. Once, twice. That's what might constitute his warm-up.

Shard lifts her chin toward Elyse, though for whatever reason her course changes as she goes to sit at the picnic table Orazio, Aureth and several others seem to have commandeered.

Reese checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Harmon nods in reply to Valdemar. "Lucky to be small, uncoordinated. Will not be asked to champion anyone besides suicidal. Harmon of Malvici."

Laughing a bit she would take that bottle of oil and chuckled a bit. "Let's hurry this up....but don't....talk about my cousin like that...." Cadenza would start to pour the oil on him before getting him all oiled up. "Alright...." Taking his cloak she would nod a bit then as she smiled. "Have fun!" With that she would move back to her seat at the fountain.

Khinn stalks off to some other area of the festivities when Aleksei is seen on the approach. Saedrus though smiles brightly, "there you are," he chuckles softly, then omphs quiet for being picked up. Titan, the puppy yips excitely -- but no kisses for him. Saedrus comes away pink cheeked, "oh, I am not too late then?" he asks reaching a hand for Aleksei's as he's pulled away.

Reese's cheeks are pink like the ribbons in her pink locks, especially at Aleksei's words about /Luca's wife/. She doesn't respond to him, but she does give Joscelin a brief smile that touches her blue eyes. She speaks quietly at the bench.

Saedrus has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Joscelin makes quick work of Luca, grinning at the duelist and Prince. "There you are. All oiled, young man. Did I miss a spot?"

Caspian Once oiled up by the lovely Cadenza Caspian flexes for the crowd, showing off his muscles, making sure that the ladies over at the picnic tables can see his well sculpted form, gonna give them a show, after all!

Caspian checked charm + seduction at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Aureth is overheard praising Luca for: Very nice.

Aureth is overheard praising Caspian for: Super aesthetic.

Magpie is overheard praising Caspian for: My oiled champion!

Orazio is overheard praising Caspian for: If we had photos, would be super photogenic!

Luca checked charm + manipulation at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Joscelin is overheard praising Luca for: Pretty adorable, all greased up like a hog ready for a pork slide!

Sir Jeffeth steps away from the fountain to meet Thena in the middle. "Thena." The big man murmurs, lowering some to speak to her softly. "Where should we sit?"

Magpie brings his fingers to his lips and blows a sharp, loud whistle at the oiled men and their glistening bodies in the torchlight.

Jeffeth checked composure at difficulty 1, rolling 5 higher.

Cecilia checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Aleksei wolf-whistles loudly for both of the oiled champions. "What a sight!" he declares with loud enthusiasm. "I think we're about ready for a duel!"

Magpie checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Thena checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Finally, once he's all gleaming bronze under torch-light and in that golden hour of the afternoon, Luca stalks toward the path that's been marked out for the duel. He yawns, stretches his arms out over his head and rolls his shoulders back, prepared.

Cadenza checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Joscelin checked composure at difficulty 7, rolling 2 higher.

Cecilia checked composure at difficulty 7, rolling 10 higher.

Esoka checked composure at difficulty 7, rolling 4 lower.

Margerie checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Valdemar laughs aloud about...something, before resuming his quiet conversation with others around him.

Caspian follows just behind Luca, knife already in hand, grinning as he speaks to the man. "Looking forward to this, Luci. It's time to decide who is truely Aureth's best friend," he says, unable to keep from snickering, shrugging those broad, oiled, muscled shoulder.

Grazia is overheard praising Reese for: Putting up with this nonsense.

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

Thena tilts her head to catch Jeffeth's words, then looks around the crowded place. "Well...there's space still at the picnic bench. I think you'd fit. Or the arbor if you wanted to talk about something in particular, though either way I'm obligated to yell and whistle loudly every now and again since it's family honor and all." She does not swoon.

Joscelin reclaims her seat at the benches, getting out of the way in lieu of waiting for Luca's response. She settles next to Aureth, Mae, Saedrus, Aleksei, and Orazio, or nearby, a HUGE grin on her face. Bahaha.

Margerie checked composure at difficulty 7, rolling 8 higher.

"Good luck, Caspian! Fight well!" Magpie calls, then cheers loudly.

Aureth whistles loudly because it's obviously an appropriate time for this.

Theron is overheard praising Reese.

"Be my hero, Luca!" Aleksei hollers out.

Jeffeth indicates over to the arbor with his chin to Thena, walking over there with her.

Elyse whistles loudly, giving a cheer following, "Go Caspian! If you can't do it, we'll find someone who can!"

Jeffeth has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Jeffeth has joined the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Thena has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Thena has joined the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

"Go Caspian! Win for Magpie!" shouts Khanne loudly, slipping fingers into her lips after to let out a raucous, shrill whistle.

Cadenza would call out then. "Get him, Caspian!!!"

Titania raises her voice, "Come on Prince Luca!" she cheers the prince on and then blushes looking to Cecial and grins.

Orazio does not yell. That would undignified. But he does wave his little flag with decorous enthusiasm.

Mae has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper leaves, following Mae.

Cheryl the Assistant Innkeeper arrives, following Mae.

Mae has joined the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

"Look how shiny you both are!!" Brogan booms out over the crowd, "I think you both could cut diamondplate right now!?! A bit CHILLY!?!?"

Felicia give a sharp whisle of approval for the champions, even as she shakes her head anew at them being half naked in the frigid air.

Though Caspian looked cold as fuck, oiled up and bare chested in winter, his focus begins when Luca and Caspian are staring each other down in the field of battle. "Lets do this Luci." And the battle begins! Blows are traded, Caspian moving in close to get in range to use his knife, blocking the man's saber as he gets in range and swipes at him, trying to land that bleeding cut. But he is also avoiding getting cut himself, dodging and weaving, using knife and relxes to keep his bare upper half from getting another scar, blue-black eyes intense with focus.

Are these two literally dancing? It seems so, with the smooth way that strikes are parried, thrusts are dodged. Luca's only guarded at first, teeth bared in a feral smile as he starts to ignore the cold weather in favor of watching his opponent. Next, balanced, as he paces around Caspian and tries to test potentially vulnerable spots... but the other duelist manages to thwart all of the Lycene's attempts. The Prince's stance shifts, again, as mercurial as his moods -- looking more aggressive. He grins at Caspian and steps forward to press another attack.

Caspian takes minor damage.

Luca takes minor damage.

Caspian moves with both speed yet precision and control, blade moving right where it needs to be to deflect it without being overwhelmed, sliding off knife and away from his body. Though he's fast, so fast, he nearly get knicked on the arm by Luca after blocking one of his attacks, the man jerking away from the blade. He's not cut, yet. Sliding left and right, ducking, weaving, and blocking, he makes a swing for Luca, attempting to cut the man across the chest; but he barely misses as well!

There's an opening - a flick - a minor graze of steel against skin as Luca barely Caspian. It's not displeasing, but, the Grayson Prince isn't gloating. Yet. His eyebrows scrunch together and he hisses a breath through his teeth, blowing out a puff of air. "With this much dancing, Flash, you'll owe me dinner too."

"You got this, Luca!" Aleksei hollers out from his seat.

Khanne squints at Aleksei and shouts, "Go Caspian!"

Magpie has been watching intently, blue eyes wide, "Keep it up Caspian! He looks frustrated!"

"Fine, but don't expect me to put out the fight night, you gotta near it first," Quips one bare chested, oiled up man to another bare chested, oil upped man, winking his way. He checks his arm, making sure he isn't bleeding, and nod when he confirms he ain't bleeding. He switches the grip on his knife and beckons Luca with a curl of his finger. "Come at me."

Titania is overheard praising Orazio for: For waving his little banner!

"You got this, Caspian!!!" Caddie raised her fist in the air then.

Esoka bellows a boisterous, "Go Prince Luca!" from her spot beside Calaudrin in the stands.

"Go fetch wine," Theron commands Garibaldi, nodding to the swordbearer, who seems very reluctant to do so. But he does so, anyway, and is back in a manner of moments with a bottle and a few glasses, serving and pouring a goblet to those at the bench.

"Nah -- not really my type," Luca mutters, offering the other a lopsided smirk. "-- I like anymore that manages to /hit/ their target, Flashy."

Luca takes very serious damage.

Shard swears low, although not low enough that it doesn't carry. The word isn't in Arvani, but it doesn't sound as though it would be repeatable to younger ears that could understand it.

Caspian responds to Luca's taunt by making a quick swipe towards him, but it's a feint! He twists his knife around and lunges, moving to where he suspects Luca will dodge. But he gusses a little wrong, and what was meant to be a careful cut not to hurt Luca is instead a good cut across the man's upper chest - not anything that would be anything near life threatening, but that's gotta be painful! Caspian's eyes go wide as he steps back, asking, "Shit, you alright Luci?"

Shard says in Northlands shav, "Well, fuck me standing."

Brogan says in Northlands shav, ""No kidding, eh? Caspian is damn quick with those knives."

Luca checked stamina at difficulty 10, rolling 11 higher.

Khanne says in Northlands shav, "Standing is an excellent way to... I mean... Go Caspian!"

Aleksei is overheard praising Caspian for: What a fight!

Luca remains standing. It's a testament to the quality of Caspian's borrowed dagger -- the cut is so clean that he barely feels it -- a hand presses to his chest, mildly bemused, as though he isn't sure that the strike landed. Until he draws his hand away and it's bloodied. "Oh." He brightens up, overjoyed, and he grins. "Yeah, Flash. Keen. Good hit. Right on target. Great fight." He laughs, loud, and offers his opponent a bow. "If I had any reservations about you with Caddy, they're gone."

Aleksei is overheard praising Luca for: What a fight!

Magpie gapes as Caspian's knife flashes across Luca's chest and there's a line of red in it's wake. He's dead-silent, then leaps to his feet screaming, "YESS!!!!!!! FUCK YEAH!! You did it! WOOO!!!" Ok, he sounds a little surprised, but no less elated, rushing over to the ring to grab Caspian in a tight hug.

Cecilia is overheard praising Luca.

Cecilia is overheard praising Caspian.

Orazio is overheard praising Luca for: Well and handsomely fought!

Mae gasps, and her eyes go wide. She stares for just a moment, then she's dropping her sketchbook and pencil, and pulling pulling the healer's kit out from around her waist, and starts for the injured prince. "Oh, geez, Luca!" Mae squeaks out, as she draws close.

Margerie is overheard praising Luca.

Margerie is overheard praising Caspian.

Orazio is overheard praising Caspian for: The champion, with a magnificent stroke of a knife.

Margerie has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Norwood has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Calaudrin is overheard praising Caspian.

Luca is overheard praising Caspian.

Aleksei's brows spring upwards when Luca takes that blow, standing swiftly. "Holy shit!" he exclaims. He turns around to the crowd and goes, "Hey, uh, can anyone beat my totally basic medical knowledge to give him a quick patch?"

Cadenza is overheard praising Caspian for: Heck of a duel.

Standing from his perch at the benches, Aureth whistles and claps his hands. "That was a gorgeous fight to watch! Now somebody bandage up that beautiful chest."

Joscelin is overheard praising Caspian for: A -BAM-! well done!

Khanne blinks and watches Caspian slice Luca's chest. "Oh... whoah!" She stands and starts to applaud. "See, I knew Caspian would win for Magpie!"

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, The Second leave, following Margerie.

Cadenza is overheard praising Luca for: Heck of a duel!

Brogan is overheard praising Caspian for: Excellent Duel and Honorable Actions

Orazio is overheard praising Magpie for: The gods have chosen the true Best Friend of Aureth!

Harmon turns pale(r), then quietly gets up, the medical tool bag hanging by his hip jingling like a tiny dirge for the death of Harmon's miniscule amount fo dignity.

Brogan is overheard praising Luca for: Well fought and tough son of a ...

"I got it, 'Leksei!... Probably..." says Mae, as she starts to pull things out of that healers kit.

Joscelin elbows Mae. "We're never going to hear the end of this. You know that, right?"

"I could make a simple patch--" Saedrus starts to offer, but Mae's on it. Probably for the best.

When Harmon sees that Mae volunteers however, he sits right back down, happily.

Cadenza would gasp slightly as she saw that hit. A hand would go to her cheek but then she took a sip of that flask that magically appeared.

Caspian laughs as Magpie comes to hug him, careful not to stab his patron with his own knife, wrapping one arm around him and lifts him up. He could not look happier, twirling the man around a few times before setting him down. Bromance right here. "That was a great fight!" He turns to motion towards Luca, calling out, "And don't forget to praise Luca! He's one of the best fighters in Arx!"

Titania smiles and gets up, "I will be right back." she starts in Luca's Direction, "Prince Luca, if you will allow me, I can help you with your wound."

Harmon will then skitter out of the stands quickly.

Aleksei follows after Mae, giving Luca's shoulder a firm squeeze. "You fought beautifully for my honor!" he tells him. He looks back out to the crowd, trying to suppress his grin. "I, uh. I must /concede/ that it was wrong of me to argue over friendship! Aureth is clearly able to name whoever he likes as his best friend, or however many people he likes." He turns to Magpie, offering him his hand.

Brogan stands clapping for both of the fighters, and adds "Now put your damn shirts on..." after a quick pause, "I'll drink with anyone, but oiled and shirtless is off the list for you two." and raises the flask he just got back from Cadenza in their direction.

Harmon has left the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

"Probably. Though, Flash, I wouldn't complain one bit if the playing field were just a little evened out." Luca looks for a place to sit, and after walking away from the dueling circle, he finds one and flops down. He blinks once. Watching Mae warily, yet. He says nothing and allows her to tend to the wound. "It doesn't hurt too much."

"The gods have chosen, Aleksei!!" Magpie calls out with smug satisfaction before he looks to find Aureth in the crowd and points a finger at the man, arm extended. Once the Archlector is looking his way, Magpie just gives him a thumbs-up. Then he's grinning. "Okay, I owe you your payment. One of the dragon figurines. The *last* bottle of Night Cruise I have. And some coin for fighting in this cold, shirtless." He passes over the payment to Caspian, then looks back to Aleksei, reaching to shake his hand with a smirk. "Mmhmmm..."

Aureth steps down from the bench and walks over to both Aleksei and Magpie. He gestures with his hands like c'mere, c'mere, and moves to haul them both in for a huge hug. He's very demanding about it. C'MERE YOU GUYS.

Orazio is overheard praising Aureth for: For having arms big enough to hug two best friends.

Joscelin has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

"Stop-... moving..." Mae mummbles, as she chases after Luca. Of course, Luca sits, and then Mae blinks. "Oh, right, that-..." She clears her throat. Then she eyes him. "Why you lookin' at me like that? If I was going to kill you, I'd have done it by now," she mutters, as she presses a cloth to the wound.

Standing up, Cadenza was clapping wildly. "You guys did great!!!" Looking to Caspian, she smiled warmly then as she clasped her hands in front of her. Looking to Brogan and Felicia she'd laugh. "We're going to hear about this for a while...."

Joscelin is still applauding, grinning from ear to ear. She leaves everyone to it, blowing a kiss to Mae and murmuring farewells.

Esoka stands up, as the fight concludes. "Well fought! Well fought! Gloria's honors to the lot of you!"

Calaudrin has left the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Esoka has left the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Reese looks over to Luca, seemingly at least a little concerned for his injury. She looks over to Mae as she goes to tend such, likely aware that he is being treated.

Calaudrin steals Esoka's hand, "You lead the way." He tells her, dipping his head as there's lots of noise and cheering.

"Caddie, can you give me my backpack and cloak before I turn into a living ice sculpture?!" Ask Caspian with a laugh, giving a grin to Magpie as he takes the payment. "This is a generous payment. I had a lot of fun. But before I forget, here is your knife back." He hands the knife to him, handle first, as not to stab the man.

Titania spots Mae helping Luca and stops and moves back to Cecilia, "I think I am going to return home." she moves to kiss her cousins cheek, "I hope to see you again cousin."

Titania has left the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Magpie wields Leeward, a high quality steel dagger.

Esoka grins broad at Calaudrin, taking his arm and escorting him out of the park. Casting a wave behind her with her free hand, as she goes.

Cecilia tilts her head toward a messenger who's managed to snake his way through the crowd to her ear. She gives the short man a little nod and turns to her cousin, "Of course, dear. I will be seeing you, Cousin."

Khinn returns to Saedrus' side, tapping the courtier on the shoulder before something is spoken at his ear. Saedrus smiles still, nodding, and excusing himself from the table he's settled at. If he can manage to snag Aleksei's attention on his way there's a kiss at the corner of the man's mouth before Saedrus departs. Congratulations of course to Magpie, and applause for the Champions Luca and Caspian -- well done!

Frowning lightly, the large man brings up one hand to set on Thena's shoulder briefly. A light squeeze is delivered there as they have a light conversation between the two Knights Solace, speaking softly amongst themselves.

Saedrus has left the a sturdy redwood picnic table with bench seats.

Cecilia has left the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Caspian does not look comfortable right now. Half naked, covered in oil, he wraps his arms around himself to preserve his warmth. Hell, his nibbles are so hard he could have cut Luca with those! Winter, man, winter!

1 Kennex corsairs leaves, following Cecilia.

3 Iron Guardsmen, Ted, a melodramatic twenty something leave, following Calaudrin.

Calaudrin leaves, following Esoka.

Magpie happily gets his knife back from Caspian, then lets Aureth wrap him up in that hug. "Awwwwww... I'm so thrilled!" He says cheerfully.

Elyse grins at Magpie. "Well, you won. Good job picking Caspian, I wouldn't bet against him, though Luca does seem to be a very good choice, too. Need me for anything else tonight?"

Khinn, the Surly Attendant, Titan, a tiny flat-faced puppy leave, following Saedrus.

"Oh crap! Yeah!" Laughing she'd pick up his cloak and backpack, making her way down towards Caspian. "I was just...so caught up in the oiled and shirtlessness that was your physique..." Cadenza would laugh ehe as she had managed to grab her own cloak as well. "Good job....." Looking to Luca she would smile brightly then. "Good job cousin!!!!!!"

3 Iron Guardsmen leaves, following Titania.

Magpie shakes his head to Elyse, "Nah, I'm good!"

Luca offers a smile over at Reese, sleep-soft, as he wiggles his fingers in her direction. "Ribbons -- did you see that, eh? Don't bait that Flash. Lesson learned." With a nod toward the rest while he remains still as Mae tends. "Stopped moving." He smirks slightly, "That. Please, no killing. Death by Grayhope isn't ranked high of my list of ways to die."

Aleksei huffs a laugh and allows himself to be drawn into the group hug with Aureth, clasping an arm around both Aureth and Magpie. "All right, all right!" he declares with a laugh. He extricates himself long enough to get that kiss from Saedrus before turning back to the others. "Thank you for coming, everyone!"

Glancing out of the arbor, Jeffeth waves a hand to Elyse as if signifying for her to wait for him. Leaning in to Thena to murmur a little more.

"Aye, I think we will, but it's well deserved given what we saw here." Brogan agrees with Cadenza. He moves over to the man, "Well fought, Caspian. Damn scary with those knives." and then moves over to Luca, "And you as well..." Taking a look at the wounds, "Everything alright? Valencia would skin me alive if we didn't make sure you're good to go."

Caspian gets a pelt made with rabbit fur, A blackened set of arm bracers with a white fur lining, A blackened set of gloves with a white fur lining, A blackened vest with a white fur lining, A steel barbute with rounded spikes along the dome, a knitted wool scarf that has been dyed an ombre of white to green to black, a snug deep emerald green v-neck cotton shirt from a simple blackened leather backpack.

"I love you both very much," Aureth says with fierce affection. He tousles Aleksei's hair and then smooches Magpie's forehead and then lets both of them escape.

Elyse nods and slips away, giving a wave here and there as she departs. Stopped by the wave of Jeffeth's hand, lips quirking up into a smile, "Got a woman with you and still want me to wait on you?! What kinda girl do you think I am, Jeffy?" but her steps readily turn towards the pair, offering a short bow to thena. "Elyse, of the Valorous Few. Lieutenant of. Still figuring out where to put that, I'll ask Caspian, he usually lists it out really well."

Rising to his feet, Valdemar nods at something that the Duchess Rubino has said. "Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea," he answers, his gaze drifting back and forth between her and Theron.

Mae gets a clean roll of bandages from a first aid pouch embroidered with a candle flame.

"Thank you, Cad." A blink of cinnamon-brown eyes, and he looks aside, "... Huh? No, Bro. I'm fine. I drank wine. It just makes the blood flow more than it should. Dunno why."

Mae gets a small tin pot, labeled 'Wounds', with a waxy ointment from a first aid pouch embroidered with a candle flame.

Luca checked stamina at difficulty 15, rolling 22 higher.

"Reese! Bring him a cloak or something... he's going to freeze if he doesn't bleed to death," Mae says, though she hardly seems serious bout either of those things. "You know, Luca... you lost me fifty silver," she adds, in a low voice. Then, she asides to Brogan. "He'll be fine."

Thena glances around as the crowd starts to filter out and gives Jeffeth a grim little not-quite-smile that lightens into a little bark of laughter, then she turns and laughs again, a less strained sound, as Elyse teases...Jeffy. "Well met, Lieutenant. Dame Thena, Knights of Solace."

"Congratulations Mags! Way to go Caspian!" Khanne stands and waves at everyone. "I have to get going, but it was a lot of fun!"

Caspian grins wide to Luca, giving him a small nod as he hurriedly dresses himself in the clothing that is in his backpack. He pulls out something though, a rabbit fur, looking it over curiously. "I still have this thing?" He lets out a snicker to Elyse before turning back to Luca, obviously a bit worried for the man. Hearing more congradulations from Brogan and Khanne he waves to them. "Thank you!"

"Caspian, you need a drink, you just come by the Murder and put it on my tab. You can drink for free there anytime you like." Magpie says cheerfully, clapping the champion on the back. To Khanne he calls, "Seeya later, Patron!!"

Straightening up some, Jeffeth looks down to Elyse and then down to Thena. A light smile on his lips. "This is my Commander, Elyse. Thena. Knight of Solace. My superior." The large man murmurs, motioning to Thena. Jeffeth looks back to Elyse before smirking a little at Thena's reaction to 'Jeffy'. He looks to Elyse. "Drink?"

Grazia rises to her feet as she prepares to depart. She does note the call from the healer and frowns deeply at Mae. "That is Princess Reese Grayson," she rumbles in her throaty voice, disapproval deeply etched in her words. "Prince Luca," she addresses. "I hope that you will join us at the Queen's Rest Inn when you have been properly seen to." And then she makes to leave.

Khanne has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

"Your fault for betting on the nag," Luca informs Mae quietly, as he draws out the flask from his belt. He uncaps it, taking a drink from it, and remains decidedly unbothered -- even bored -- from needing to sit still while being patched up.

"Oh right," Caspian says, handing over the figurine he was given towards Cadenza. "This is for your auction. I thought about keeping it, but I rather it be put to a good cause."

"Thank you, good to know..." Brogan replies to Mae, and turns back to Caspian at the thanks. "Well earned, my friend. Well earned." As Felicia gets up, he asks her, "Going somewhere to drink?" Just as Caspian pulls out a rabbit?!? No, just a fur, "Thought you were doing stage magic for a second, Caspian." Brogan reaches out his flask to Luca, "Northern Whiskey if you're looking for a bit of a fire in the belly..."

Reese seems to be a bit unsure how to respond to this all. She is no social genius and that shows right now. Reese glances over to those at her bench as they seem to be leaving, giving them a smile when they start to depart. She then looks over to Luca, giving him a nod. "I saw. He must be amazing to have defeated you." At Mae's words she reaches inside her backpack, pulling out a pink wool cloak, because Reese would wouldn't have a cloak of any other color. She heads over to Mae and Luca, handing the cloak over to the injured duelist.

Reese gets a white wool cloak with small pink roses and a full hood from a willow woven basket lined with petal pink wool.

Thena shakes her head briefly, glancing between Jeffeth and Elyse. "Not Commander, at the moment."

Grazia has left the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Theron has left the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

Valdemar has left the a pair of redwood benches with slatted backs.

3 Grimhall House Guards leaves, following Valdemar.

Garibaldi, the Lycene swordbearer, Valdemar leave, following Theron.

Theron leaves, following Grazia.

Felicia has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Luca nods in the positive to the voiced invitation from Duchess Grazia, grinning yet, as he turns to accept a decent swing of Northern whiskey. "Thanks, Bro." Lastly, yes, there is a cloak.

Aureth gives Luca a big, cheerful thumbs up with both his hands. "Watching you fight is always glorious, Luca," he says, and then moves to return to his bench. "Is there a rule against being a godsworn Champion?" he wonders as he sits back down, turning his gaze across to the others. "Do they take oaths?"

"Of course, Luca. And I'm sure the next one will be just as exciting!" Winking to him she'd look back to Caspian then. "So! Are you celebrating or going to get that gross oil off of you...." Cadenza would fold her arms over her chest then as she just watched him soak it all in.

Mae clicks her tongue at Luca, a smirk on her lips. Then she blinks, and looks over at Grazia. She stares for a long moment, then snorts. "Yeah, okay, fancy lady," Mae says, with a roll of her eyes. She looks back to Luca. "Think she forgot what part of town she's in," she says. Then Reese is there with a cloak, and mae just finishes up wrapping the man's chest. "There ya go..." and then she helps get that cloak aroun dhim. "And now you're pink and beautiful. Well done, Luca!"

"Debating it!" Felicia calls out in Brogan's direction,"Thinking somewhere maybe a little warmer might be the order of the day. I'm beginning to feel it even through the badger fur." she offers wryly,"What did you have in mind?"

Elyse smiles at Thena, a rather carefree smile, dimples showing. "Pleasure to meet you, Dame Thena. I think this one has entirely too much free time on his hands. He hangs around with me too much longer, he's gonna get drunk and wake up in the Few's barracks signed on ith us." but it's clear she's joking, even as she shakes her head. "I had one of those strong whiskies, and drank an ale rather quickly right after. Any more and I'm going to be falling over myself. And I've already had a rising spar with Mirari earlier." her eyes glinting with mischief. "You going to step up where you take a lady?"

"Wash up, the celebrate," Caspian says back to Cadenza with a little grin before turning to the crowd, "Party at The Murder of Crows after I get this oil off of me! Drinks are on me!" He calls out to the crowd.

"Thanks, '

"Any time, Luca." Brogan replies to the thanks for the Whiskey. To answer Felicia, Brogan nods to Caspian, "Sounds like it's a Murder of Crows kind of night. See what kind of trouble we can get into there?" His eyes moving between the few that are still present.

"Your drinks are free, Caspian! Not the entirety of the Lowers!" Magpie calls out, then wanders over to Mae to wrap his arms around her from behind once she's done with the mending of Luca. "Well-fought, your highness." He says to the prince.

"Commander." Jeffeth reiterates more to Thena than to Elyse. Looking down on Thena, that had going to her shoulder once again. "I have concerns Thena. I will speak to the Grandmaster about them and let you know how it goes." The large man looks down at Elyse with a light smirk. "I could try. I have a few ideas." The knight drops his hand, stepping over the mercenary and offering out his arm.

"I know, I'll pay for everyone else's!" Caspian says with a laugh given to Magpie. And with that, he's off, telling the crowd, "See you after I bathe!"

Cadenza was off behind Caspian, just shaking her head.

Cadenza has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Isla, a small silver fox, 1 Velenosa House Guards, Claudio, the chivalrous knight leave, following Cadenza.

Cadenza leaves, following Caspian.

Yep, that's enough to get Felicia's attention, and more than a spark of interest,"Only if someone's buying a bottle of Dame Cordelia's that isn't me." like Caspian, woo, she grins toothily in his direction before jerking her head in the vague direction of the street,"You been there before?" she asks.

"Thanks, 'Reth," Luca mutters again, eyes lidding. "Who knows --" to himself. "-- Oaths and vows, maybe. Others. Not me. Only vows were the share-the-name ones, right Ribbons? Thank you for the cloak. It smells all comfortable with your scent. Does pink have a scent? Like candied roses, I think. Huh? Oh, yeah. They all rolled in for the duel. Thank you, Mae." A pause, working through more name. "Cad, Flash. Bro. Mags." He yawns, "I'm tired now."

"He can work that out with the gods on his own should it come to that, I suppose," Thena replies blithely to Elyse with a little flash of a smile before she lets out a little sigh and nods to Jeffeth. "Please do. Go do something fun for now though. I need to get home and put out a minor fire. Not a real one."

"Reese smells pink," Mae confirms. "When she isn't stinky," she adds. Then she clears her throat. "Okay! All done!" Mae declares. She leans in and kisses Luca's cheek, then leans back against Magpie. "Congrats. I lost fifty silver," she informs her husband.


"Maybe I want to take Dame Thena out for a drink, hm?" flashing that dimpled grin over to the woman, before Elyse just shakes her head, offering a pout. "Maybe soon." then she eyes the arm offered to her. "You know I'm not a /real/ lady, right, Jeffy? Just walk, you big looming.. I don't know where I'm going with that." a wink shot to Thena, before she does, then, place one hand on the arm, motioning with the other. "Onward, sir."

Brogan has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Brogan leaves, following Felicia.

Jeffeth has left the a stately wooden arbor with a gently curved arch adorned in climbing roses.

Elyse has left the a serene stone bowl fountain with accented grooves.

Elyse leaves, following Jeffeth.