2 Armed Confessors, Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards, Rary the Lycene beauty arrive, following Grazia.

Theron inclines his head to Enyo, continuing his training, until Garibaldi waves as if indicating it's time to start. The Sword of Ostria nods, and stops his warm-up, quietly in wait.

Grazia has joined the Noble Seating.

Simone has joined the Noble Seating.

Alis has joined the Noble Seating.

Eventually both Marquessa Cambria Mazetti and Marquis-Consort Hadrian Mazetti make their arrival with the latter on the arm of the former, because Haddles do what Haddles do. Two of the heads of the Hydra make their way to the noble seating and settle in to laze about in standard Lycene fashion. A wave is cast here or there, a smile shot in another direction, and finally it is the Sword of House Mazetti in the form of Lord Theron that Hadrian offers a raised hand in salute to the Hydra's Sword.

Hadrian has joined the Noble Seating.

Cambria has joined the Noble Seating.

Ansel arrives, in crimson armor clad. His helm is tucked smartly under his arm, like one might carry a stack of books, the little white plume of white drifting a bit in the breeze. Behind his shoulder is sheathed the ancient-looking heirloom blade that the Telmar bears, and at his hip is kept a more perfunctory-looking longsword, presumably the implement to be used today.

The Telmar pauses near the edge of the area, looking quietly around at the scene before him. His composed veneer breaks a bit upon seeing Alis' sign, a little smile tugging at the corners of his mouth and breaking up the seriousness of his features.

Corban lets out a loud whistle when Ansel enters the field. He, after all, needs to support his Sword. "Way to go, Ansel!" calls out Lord Corban, shouting down to the Sword of the Telmarch. "Show 'em who is the immovable red wall!" Need to be the supportive one here.

Zane, a tall and silent servant arrives, following Venturo.

Zane, a tall and silent servant leaves, following Venturo.

Grazia strides in quietly, an imperious look on her face, and she moves to sit down in the noble seating to watch this match. She looks over the two combatants expectantly, examining each one.

Mission Accomplished! Alis can now commence with the smugness for the rest of the day. An entirely composed and appopriate wave is directed at the Telmar Sword when she finds a seat, completely at odds with the sign that she brought with.

Simone strolls in and looks around the area. Seeing Marius and Corban already there, she starts towards them but pauses and calls over to Ansel, "You've got this, brother!" Then she continues on towards the stands moving to sit by Marius and Corban as she greets them quietly, "Hello."

Ashes, a silver-coated house cat arrives, following Kaine.

Arn shouts from nearby, "I have little expectation of your victory, son!"

Adriana looks at the two swordsmen curiously. She pouts to herself as she tries to figure which one may best the other. The young girl sits patiently in her seat with hands folded in her lap.

As the appointed hour arrives, Princess Isabeau Valardin stands at the edge of the proscribed space for the sacred rite clad in blue and white and raises both arms in the air so that she can make the opening announcements. "Ladies and gentlemen of Arx, welcome all! Before we begin this evening's midsummer Rite of Gloria, I would like to ask that we observe a moment of silence in memory of my cousin, Marquis-Consort Jacque Lyonesse, who was so recently brutally murdered at the hands of the godless. As we gather to honor the goddess tonight, House Valardin declares that we are not afraid of cowards who would slay a man in his bed; steel bends, honor holds!"

Thereafter, she bows her head and observes said 'moment of silence'... which actually lasts for several moments, at the very least. Once observed, the princess looks back up over the crowd and declares, "Now... it is my great honor to introduce Lord Ansel Telmar, the Sword of the Telmarch! And Lord Theron Mazetti, the Sword of Ostria! May they fight with honor and please Gloria!!"

Kaine has joined the Commoner Stands.

Rohm the Blackguard, Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd arrive, following Caelis.

Bliss has joined the Commoner Stands.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy arrive, following Sabella.

Walks in, quickly taking her seat and turning to watch the duel unfolding in front of her with a quiet, pensive face, hands folding onto her lap.

Bliss walks in. That was her.

Theron salutes Hadrian back, the heirloom sword of House Mazetti, Allegiance, sheathed at his back. He chuckles after Corban's cheering, inclining his head respectfully to Ansel. "Well met, Sword of Telmarch. I am Theron, the Sword of Ostria." He weighs the rubicund in his hands, finding the balance adequate as he turns to the man. "I salute Gloria, Goddess of War. May she smile upon our demonstration of prowess and courage today as a show of our devotion to our honed craft." The Ostrian's sword-point lowers, almost scraping the ground, the stance straight but deceptive. A fool's guard.

Lys is sauntering out from the Training Center. Dressed in slinky blue silks, she saunters up to the noble seating and finds herself a seat. Like she fucking owns that seat, yo.

Lys has joined the Noble Seating.

Cambria, on the arm of Hadrian, also waves to her Sword, Theron. There is a beaming smile for the man about to engage in the Rite. So too does Ansel receive a nod of acknowledgment before Cambria takes her seat beside the Marquis-Consort of House Mazetti. She then appears to engage in some conversation with Enyo at the benches.

Arn shouts from nearby, "Fear no enemy! But watch"

Isabeau has joined the Noble Seating.

Arn shouts from nearby, "But watch out for southerners and their libertine ways!"

Caelis has joined the Noble Seating.

Garibaldi, the Lycene swordbearer have been dismissed.

Sabella has joined the Noble Seating.

Ansel, still sort of grinning to himself a bit at Alis' sign, turns his attention towards the Valardin Princess at the edge of the fighting area. Just before Arn's comment, that is. The Telmar Sword gives a little dip of his head in the direction of the cheerful Duke, then quiets as Isabeau invokes a moment of silence to begin the event.

That settled, Ansel turns to return Theron's greeting in kind. "An honor, Sword of Ostria," replies the Telmar, politely offered, a respectful dip of head and shoulders given. "I am Ansel, the Sword of the Telmarch," he mirror-replies. "To Gloria be the honor of the day," says the Redmarcher, ducking his head and slipping the claw-gouged helm from under his arm onto his head. He buckles the chinstrap, then pulls free the sword at his hip. The blade is turned over once, twice, held loosely out to his side, such that the tip nearly drags on the dirt underfoot.

Joining the crowd, Caelis slips into the proving grounds and ambles over to the noble seating. She finds an empty spot, eying the ring as she settles in, leaning her forearms on her knees comfortably.

Ravana the tawny eagle have been dismissed.

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

Ansel wields crimson mountains of The Telmarch Oathlands steel longsword.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Lucita.

Agatha shouts from the Training Center <TC>, "Just remember, from Farhaven you're ALL in the south! HAH!"

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting have been dismissed.

Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy have been dismissed.

Tesha gives a bit of a look out over the two duelist. Ansel being the one she focuses on. Though she seems to be interested in watching both her cousin and Theron. She was curious to see how they differed in style.

2 Redrain novice guards, Simon, the Mastiff Puppy, Chantilly, the demure companion arrive, following Elgana.

Stojan, the assistant, 3 Thrax Guards arrive, following Denica.

Edelma, Denica, Paige arrive, following Barric.

1 Rivenshari Clansman arrives, following Vano.

Once it appears that both Ansel and Theron are at the ready, Princess Isabeau shouts from the stands: "Begin!"

Denica follows the rather large group from the training center, sticking close to Agatha's side for the moment, sipping a drink and looking then to the display that's about to unfold.

Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, 2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen arrive, following Amari.

Paige has joined the Commoner Stands.

Lys's laughter sparkles up from the noble benches, and she wiggles a finger at Corban, "Deal, two thousand." But then she lowers her voice (just a tad).

Edelma casts a wide grin over at Agatha. That woman is her kind of Princess! She glances up at Barric, whose arm she's on and murmurs, "this seems like a good vantage, unless you'd rather sit, Highness."

Cullen has joined the Noble Seating.

Amari has joined the Noble Seating.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Lucita.

Kaine has left the Commoner Stands.

Ashes, a silver-coated house cat have been dismissed.

Barric seems more than content to just stand and watch from the placement that he's ended up with Edelma. "It should do fine." He smiles at her and then leans to murmur something to her.

Paige has left the Commoner Stands.

Silvio waves his hand in the air, wiggling his fingers, and it appears he is waving to, cheering on, Ansel.

Vano has joined the Noble Seating.

Norwood has joined the Commoner Stands.

Amari arrives, hopefully not too late, arm in arm with Cullen. Some quiet words pass between them as they find their way to the noble seating and claim spots for themselves. She settles in and arranges herself in a tidy fashion, eyes bright, as she looks about.

Ansel moves in, the crimson-plated longsword in his hand coming sharply up to meet the Mazetti's greatsword with the resounding clash of metal against metal. He steps aside, then forward, coming up with the longsword at the man's side, again meeting the other Sword's blade in mid-stroke. Again, metal sings. It's clear the pair is only beginning the first moves of this delicate, deadly dance, maneuvering in only far enough to gauge openings, tendencies, and routines.

Norwood slips into the commoner stands just in time to hear Adriana's words. The older knight sees the woman's shaky expression and so he settles a good armslength away. "Fieldstone, as in Jonathan and Paige?"

Enyo's focused on the fight, and otherwise pretty quiet for the sart of it. But after a moment she gets to her feet, lifting her hands to cup her mouth before she shouts, "Kick his ass, Theron!"

The Sword of Ostria is a careful individual when it comes to fighting an opponent he doesn't know. They square off with a clash of swords, the metal ringing out in the Proving Grounds as they try once and again to find an opening, to land a blow. Neither, so far, have accomplished it. The Mazetti in leather, the Telmar in steel. The difference in dueling approaches between the Swords is reflected in their choice of armor as well. Almost like Lycene versus Oathlander, duelist versus knight.

Ansel takes minor damage.

Ansel takes minor damage.

Edelma leaves, following Barric.

Marius stands up in his seat and cups his hands around his mouth, shouting down to the combatants. "Ansel, lay him low and drinks are on me! Stop playing with him!" before he takes his seat again and leans into his wife, "Better?"

Mirari has left the Commoner Stands.

This time, the Sword of Ostria has more or less understood the style of his opponent. His blade sinks forth in a quick jab that is meant to unsettle Ansel's balance, following it up with a diagonal uppercut slash, raking the blade against the man's steel plate. He knows his reliance on his leather armor is limited compared to the enemy's steel, so he moves fast to parry the attacks, readying counters each time. Finally, in the last two strikes, their swords clash again, and he nods once to the Sword of Telmarch, stepping away, his focus intense.

Once again, Ansel moves to the side, then forward, sword sweeping in an arc towards the Mazetti's midsection. And once again, the two Swords' swords meet in mid-strike, clashing loudly. This time, the Sword of Ostria manages to jab around the Telmar's defense and land a glancing blow against his shoulder, forcing him to backtrack and re-assess. The pair seems to be figuring out each other's style a bit more, now, moving in closer and quicker.

Ansel takes minor damage.

Theron takes minor damage.

Theron takes serious damage.

Corban is overheard praising Ansel for: Winner!

Silvio bursts into almost unseemly cheers. "YES!!!"

Cambria is overheard praising Ansel for: Superbly fought.

Waldemai has left the Commoner Stands.

Agatha points at the Oathlander and leans towards her sister, murmuring something.

Cullen is overheard praising Ansel for: You are a winner!

Lys is overheard praising Ansel for: Wow, what a hit!

Agatha is overheard praising Ansel.

Agatha is overheard praising Theron.

Elgana leans in to Agatha to hear what she has to say and then she leans away blinking and blushing.

Sabella is overheard praising Ansel for: Great win!

Adriana is overheard praising Ansel for: Praise Gloria!

Sabella is overheard praising Theron for: Amazing sword work!

Hadrian is overheard praising Ansel for: Gloria favors you today.

Hadrian is overheard praising Theron for: Next time. Still my favorite living Sword.

Hadrian is overheard praising Theron for: You're off high five duty tomorrow morning, that's how proud of you I am.

Marius is overheard praising Ansel for: Not bad!

Alis is overheard praising Ansel.

Arn shouts from nearby, "You should have beaten him more quickly!"

Enyo is overheard praising Theron.

Denica is overheard praising Ansel.

Cambria is overheard praising Theron for: A daring display by the Ostrian Sword, as always. He does his House proud.

Enyo is overheard praising Ansel.

Alis is overheard praising Theron.

Denica is overheard praising Theron.

Alis is overheard praising Isabeau.

Silvio is overheard praising Theron.

Hadrian is overheard praising Arn for: Best commentator imaginable.

Silvio is overheard praising Ansel.

Caelis is overheard praising Ansel.

Elgana is overheard praising Ansel.

Simone is overheard praising Ansel for: You did great, little brother!

Caelis is overheard praising Theron.

Adriana lets out a cheer for Ansel as he wins the bout and calls out a 'Praise Gloria!'

Cambria is overheard praising Isabeau for: She put together a wonderful Rite to Gloria.

Marius is overheard praising Theron.

Agatha is overheard praising Arn for: I must meet this person that is as noisy as I am.

Hadrian is overheard praising Isabeau for: A fine host. A really fine host!

Hadrian is overheard praising Cambria for: A really fine co-host, too!

Denica cheers for Ansel as he finally gets his victory, though the exchanged whisper between Agatha and Elgana does earn them a curious expression and a smirk.

Hadrian is overheard praising Theron for: That hair though.

It does seem as though Ansel, in the end, gets the better read. Theron must be gone too slow in some way, moving a bit to the wrong side, in a tragic misreading of Ansel's trajectory path until he's bitten by the blade of his opponent in the side. He feels it enough that when it comes away bloody, he doesn't need to be told of the outcome. Lowering his blade, he touches the slash wound and nods to the Sword of Telmarch. "You win. Congratulations, my Lord." There's a grin after this. "Now, any healers around? I'm bleeding."

Alessia is overheard praising Theron for: Well fought, Cousin!

Bliss has left the Commoner Stands.

Tesha is overheard praising Theron for: A well fought match!

Paige shouts from the Training Center <TC>, "Congratulations, Lord Telmar!"

Princess Isabeau finds her feet in the stands almost as soon as the winning blow is struck. Rather than clapping or cheering for the honorable combatants, she looks to leave her feet and again take up her position at the edge of the arena. Though, this time, she may be flanked on either side by Ansel and Theron, should they amble their way over in time. "Praise be to Gloria! Lord Ansel is the victor with a blow well-struck, but Lord Theron fought with honor in kind! Praise, too, for the Houses of Telmar and Mazetti, who are blessed to have such honorable fighters as their Swords. And, of course, praise be to you, people of Arx, for loving the gods so!"

Tesha is overheard praising Ansel for: You did well cousin!

Hadrian's gloved hands come together as he offers applause for Theron and Ansel both. As the blows land and defenses are renewed, Hadrian rises up to his feet as the duel progresses. As the winning blow is struck, Hadrian's fists rise up into the air before he calls out, "So close!" Then Theron's call for a doctor is answered by Hadrian shouting back, "I'll lay my hands on you!"

Alessia has only quietly watched the fight, wincing slightly at that final blow. Still, she does rise to her feet and cheer along with everyone else, clapping her hands proudly for Theron, and also for the victorious Lord Telmar. "Well fought!"

Isabeau is overheard praising Ansel for: An honorable rite of Gloria and a well-struck victory!

Lys lifts her voice to call to the fighters, "What a beautiful fight! Well done, steel-wearing, lord!" She lifts her hands to clap a little bit.

Isabeau is overheard praising Theron for: An honorable rite of Gloria and a well-fought match!

Isabeau is overheard praising Arn for: Praise for House Telmar!

Alessia is overheard praising Ansel for: He beat my Cousin, but it's all in the name of Gloria. Well done!

Isabeau is overheard praising Cambria for: Praise for House Mazetti!

Isabeau is overheard praising Hadrian for: Praise for House Mazetti!

Veronica has joined the Noble Seating.

Simone smiles proudly at Ansel and calls out to him as loudly as she can, "I knew you could do it, little brother! Well fought! Don't listen to Father!"

Cambria is overheard praising Hadrian for: I guess those pants are pretty fine.

Ansel, moving backward once again, maneuvers for an opening. Again, the pair's swords meet in midair, clashing resoundingly over the expanse of the fighting area. Ansel turns his shoulder, ducking past another glancing blow from that massive sword of the other Sword. He pivots, slashing horizontally with a bit more force than even he expected, sending the man back. The Telmar follows through, spinning a bit before coming to a stop.

"Well fought, Lord Mazetti," says Ansel, catching his breath a moment, ducking out of his helm. He offers a hand, pacing over nearer. "Very well fought."

Hadrian steps down from the stands with a quiet word to Cambria, though his destination is bound for Lord Theron. As he approaches he offers a bright grin and reaches out in an effort to pat the Sword of Ostria at his upper arm, "Win or lose, you stood your ground and did so well. Next time, victory is yours. You know it, I know it. Gloria saw you." Then Hadrian reaches out to gesture Theron off the field as he murmurs quietly to Lord Theron, Marquis-Consort and Sword of Ostria together.

Eshra's smokey chuckle sounds at Vano's momentary confusion and acceptance, before clasping him on the shoulder. "Well we can always get earlier and let you bet. Of just have a good old fashion tournament when we have everyone in to see the place." glancing around at the celebrating, can't help but shake her head in that same.. huh thought

Isabeau has left the Noble Seating.

Cambria is also on her feet, clapping her hands together and calling out praise for the combatants. She listens to whatever it is Hadrian has to say, then nods. She takes the opportunity to seek out Isabeau, then.

3 House Riven Soldiers, 1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, white-tailed eagle, Lianna arrive, following Mia.

3 House Riven Soldiers, 1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, white-tailed eagle, Lianna leave, following Mia.

white-tailed eagle, 2 House Riven Soldiers arrive, following Thesarin.

Theron takes the hand, shaking it firmly. "Gloria be praised, my Lord." With the non bloodied hand, that is. The one that was wielding the sword. When Hadrian approaches the Ostrian leans in to listen and nods affirmatively, murmuring a reply as he's escorted off the field.

white-tailed eagle, 2 House Riven Soldiers leave, following Thesarin.

Enyo gets to her feet along with the others, cheering for the pair before she drops her hands, one thumb hooking into her belt as she glances around. Then she's moving away from where she'd been sitting, whistling softly to herself.

Tesha gives a look back to the field after frowning at...something. She doesn't really know. "Well fought, Ansel!" she cheers for her cousin. Then there's a look to Vano and Eshara as she catches just a bit of their conversation, "Yes, the betting didn't get as big as it sometimes does. Probably a good thing since it's a religious observance." she tells them.

Alessia doesn't linger. She rises from her bench once the fight is over, and joins those who are milling toward the exit. She quickens her pace once she's past the press of people, showing a decided lack of comfort around a lot of people. Soon, she's off out of sight.

Enyo has left the Noble Seating.

Alessia has left the Noble Seating.

Sabella has left the Noble Seating.

Ansel shakes the other Sword's hand, giving a polite bow of head and shoulders once more, before beginning to make his way towards the spectator area. A few helpful-looking healers scurry on over, tending to a few of the cuts and bruises on the Telmar's arms and shoulders before he politely waves them off. A bright smile is cast up towards Tesha, Simone, and Corban, spotted up in the stands, and a wave is given to Alis, sign and all. "Thank you all," says the quiet young Telmar, gratefully.

Simone wrinkles her nose at Marius then says, "Just for that I should drag you to say hello to Father." She tries hard to stifle an impish grin at the thought of that.

"Not sure people would be as interested in our kind of fighting. Weapons make it look a lot flashier. But...we'll see." Vano replies, leaning out of the way of some passerby. "That's going to be a thing then? Opening the place up to everyone? Remind me to keep my door locked. Not...that I have anything of value in it."

Hadrian moves off at Theron's side, with the former watching the latter with a careful eye, but taking no steps to try to escort or support him off of the battlefield. Theron was, after all, more than capable of handling himself. As the pair walk, Hadrian and Theron seem to be quietly conversing together.