Waldemai tries to avoid missing the fights if he can.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome arrive, following Eirene.

Eirene may as well watch, the irate looking Malvici woman bundled up against the chilly weather. She stalks her way into the plaza to see how this one is going to go down.

Beaumont saunters into the Plaza, cheerfully humming a tune as he does. He's in good spirits, is the Peerless of the Champions' Guild, and he's clearly looking forward to the fight. Every now and again he pauses long enough to sign an autograph from an absolutely adoring fan, and he seems in excellent spirits as he looks to the crowd gathering for the fight.

Zebulon stands in the center of the square, arms raised as he looks out to the gathering crowd. "Good evening, one and all! No grievances to be settled tonight. No one's honor on the line. No tournament. This is just a good old fight between to Igniseri Champions to see who's better! Now, my opponent can surely sail circles around me. No one doubts her skills in the water, but can she figth as well?" Zebulon paces side to side as he speaks, a smile brightening his features as he looks from face to face.

Wrapped up nice and snug in her black fur wrap, Appolonia wanders her way slowly into the Plaza. She gives a little look to those others gathered, pausing and then giving a small smile upon seeing Eirene. "Lady Malvici," she murmurs in greeting to the other woman before she falls quiet and looks out toward where Zebulon is standing and speaking.

Grazia has come out of her palazzo to watch the fight, though she's got her arms crossed against the cold forbiddingly, as if she disapproves heartily of the weather, and a steaming mug in her top hand. She motions towards Eirene, and one of the red-liveried Rubino-Zaffria servants bows and says, "Lady Malvici, the Duchess Rubino would like to know if you'd like hot whiskeyed cider." Apparently that's what's on order this evening.

Ariella comes walking in from Reflection Square, an uncorked bottle of Granato red swinging from her right hand, all swagger and smarm in neck to toe black alligator leather, decorated with gauche flames and phoenixes. She takes another swig, then tosses it behind her to her big, bald and ugly quartermaster. He was not at all expecting that and he reaches up more to defend his poor, already-broken-several-times nose rather than actually catching it. But after bouncing from one hand to the other a few times he finally does snap it out of the air and, with a glower at his captain, move off to the side. She walks over to where Zebulon stands, laughing at his words. "Maybe we should follow this up with a little race around the bay, though I doubt anyone would want to stick around to watch that. So maybe a little poke, a little fun."

2 House Velenosa Guards arrives, following Sofia.

"Lady Captain Ariella Igniseri, everyone! Always a pleasure!" Zebulon bows to the other Champion and then rises up, backing to one side to give them even space. He pulls out his cutlass and gives it a toss in the air, then catches it. Nothing fancy, more a quick test of where the luck might fall for him tonight. "I'd be happy to race you any day, my Lady, but today, just a little fun is in order!" He leans over as far as he can, stretching out his core and then turns to the left, then to the right. "Are you ready? Need another drink first? I have all night... take your time?"

Eirene nods back to the servant but declines. "A gracious offer, but I'm not in the mood for alcohol. Just to watch." She looks grimmer than usual.

"Fight! Fight! Fight!" Beaumont cheers as he waits for the show to begin, but he seems pleased that they're taking their time about it too. "And make it look good!"

Eirene IS TURNING DOWN ALCOHOL. This is not normal for her. Her arms fold over her chest as she watches the pair banter and limber up.

Ariella gives Zebulon a bland smile. "Ah, Captain Whitewake, people! The man who always finds things just a liiiitle easier if the other person just has one more drink." She takes a few steps back and draws her sword, then offers Zebulon a deep, perhaps a little over the top bow. Then she takes her captain's hat off and tosses it to the side. "Be back for you later, treasure."

Ariella wields Revival, a rubicund saber.

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

Waldemai calls out, "Good luck to both of you, and fight well!

Zebulon scoffs as he moves in slowly, his bright cutlass weaving in front of him as he watches Ariella closely, looking for any tells or openings. "Well, she's not wrong. Many things are easier after a drink or two?" From the slow, tentative motions, he lunges forward and stabs the blade along Ariella's right arm, the blade biting just a little into the armor to her skin. Merely a scratch, but first blood goes to the dark Champion.

Grazia sips her own hot cider, which has certainly been doctored with whiskey. She seems faintly surprised that Eirene is not interested in alcohol, but she doesn't push the issue or even say anything.

Carrying her own bottle of wine sans glass, Sofia enters the plaza and searches for a place to perch with the best view of the duel, apparently one of many on the days social calendar events.

Waldemai looks on intently. This fight is getting serious..."None of that dancing around stuff," he observes.

Beaumont nods at Waldemai. "I don't mind the showmanship, but this is an excellent fight for technical prowess. They're both quite good."

Quiet and watchful, the slight figure of Appolonia keeps silent as the banter turns to swordplay. Sofia gets a nod of greeting from the Seraceni woman but otherwise she remains quiet, focused on the fight.

Unfortunately for Waldemai, Ariella is very much into dancing around stuff. Though after her (very) poor showing in her first bout, the Captain of the Red Bargain isn't about to be lured in by Zeb's goading, eyes moving between his face and his weapon, waiting for the feint, waiting for her chance. He lands first blood, true, and when he starts to move again he lands a second hit, a gash across her shoulder where she took the blow that ended her first bout, but he does so at great cost as her saber finds its way past his defenses and delivers a long cut along his side. It's a good hit, but a bad and deep cut. "Fuck! I mean, haha! But, shit!"

Quenia was here the whole time. Really. She was. She was just quiet and sneaky like a Lycene. She smiles a bit at those who've made their way there, and meanders closer to the events, but stands off from everyone.

Aiden has joined the bench bearing the Rubino crest.

Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery arrives, delivering a message to Beaumont before departing.

Zebulon might have maybe underestimated Ariella's skills and after his last match with Whisper Bliss, he might have a little bit too much confidance coming into the fight. Or, it's just his luck, per usual. Both of he slashes hit, but barely and with just enough red to make it interesting. As he turns to the side, leaving himself open, she strikes deep and true, right through his armor and Zebulon gasps as he reaches his hand down to press to his side, trying to staunch the slow leak of crimson onto his armor. He coughs and then forces a smile while watching her much more attentively now. "Good one, Captain." He grits through his teeth.

Quenia has joined the bench bearing the Igniseri crest.

Grazia has joined the bench bearing the Rubino crest.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard have been dismissed.

Planchet the Lycene maggiordome have been dismissed.

Despite the nasty wound, the pair seem to decide to go ahead and keep at it. They trade several near hits, Ariella nimbly leaping back when Zebulon comes in with a sure strike, the bigger man turning just so as the tip of her sword skitters useless across the steel that protects his chest. Captain versus Captain stretches out, as neither seem to be able to land a blow neary as decisive as the first Ariella landed, though after another round of dancing just out of the way of the steel in the other's hand, Ariella manages to connect again, ducking around under his swing to land a stinging wound along the back of his off arm.

Quenia sneaks over to the Igniseri bench and settles down, neatly arranging her skirts around herself. She pulls her cloak closer to her in order to keep the cold out. She winces noticeably when Ariella gets in a strike against her protege, and watches to see whether Zebulon will recover or not. A nod is given in the direction of Aiden and Grazia, her lieges, and she wiggles fingers in Appolonia's direction.

Aiden slips in unobtrusively to watch the fight, settling behind Grazia and whispering to her. He spots Quenia's nod along the way, offering a welcoming smile to her.

Beaumont cheers at the fight. "You're fighting well, Champs! Keep it up!" He's cheering along as they dance this way and that, wincing at blows struck and enjoying the spectacle.

Zebulon pulls his hand away from his side and shakes off the blood onto the gound where it falls like small raindrops at his feet. He moves the sword from hand to hand, shifting on his feet to test his side after the recent exchange. Everything still seems to be working. A little slower, he circles with plaze aith her, sword dropping from his slick hand and he reaches down with the other to grab it back up with an audible painful sounding grunt and a grimace and then, wounded as he may be, he presses forward with little thought to his own defense.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery arrive, following Saoirse.

Oswyn makes his way into the plaza, lugging his satchel full of physician's supplies.

Appolonia gives a small smile as she notes Quenia, giving the woman a bow in way of greeting. Her gray eyes flit then to Oswyn curious before she glances back toward the champions fighting.

Beaumont is watching the combat, cheering each Champion equally as this is one of those exhibition duels where no one wins and no one loses. Not really. Judging by the grin on his face he's enjoying himself though, even as he looks around the crowds. Perhaps he's looking for someone.

And there she is! The person Beaumont is looking for, that is. A self-assured Lycene beauty ducks under the tent and gives a light shiver -- which makes sense because /she has no coat/. And it's cold. But Saoirse Velenosa is bare armed and brave. Or dumb.

"I know there are rivalries in the House about which of you is the best ship's captain. Just please don't kill each other as you hash this out!" Quenia quips to both her cousin and Zebulon, a light teasing note to her voice. Zeb, however, gets a bit of a worried look. He tends to pass out at these things! Okay, maybe just that once, but Quenia was there to witness it that once. So, she frets. She glances over at Oswyn with a nod of approval then looks to the boisterous cheering that comes to Beaumont, giving him a curious look.

Grazia is sitting on a bench that bears her crest with Aiden, sipping her hot cider with whiskey, and generally having a pleasant time despite the cold, which she disapproves of heartily.

There's another round of blows, neither of which manage to make it past the armor of the other competitor. Taking a lesson from Lys de Lire, Ariella stops and holds her sword out, gesturing to Zebulon, then feints one way before she darts in the other and lands one last hit, this time bringing her blade up under his armpit. It could be a much worse hit, but her blade is turned aside by his armor and rather than piercing muscle, leaves a long mark along his sword arm. Then she's stepping back rapidly, bringing her saber up and offering Zebulon a quick salute. "I accept your surrender, Captain. Else I may have to board you with my seamen and that will just get awkward."

Oswyn makes his way to one of the benches. If he notices the nods or looks he gets, he doesn't react. He seems pretty much oblivious to them, and he's instead squinting toward the duelists.

Beaumont brightens as he sees Saoirse, though that smile he gives her turns to a frown as she comes close. "Princess Saoirse, aren't you a little cold? I'll offer you an arm or my robe if you like, both are quite warm. Though the sight of a Princess of Velenosa arriving wrapped in a robe with Valardin dragons all over everywhere might be a little surprising. Still, it's not like we're not used to holding people's attention, right?" He bows to her. "You look lovely. I'm glad you made it!" And then Ariella is winning the fight and he's cheering for her too!

2 House Velenosa Guards leaves, following Sofia.

Waldemai applauds. "Well fought! Now have something warming and get healed up!"

Aiden has left the bench bearing the Rubino crest.

The large form of Jeffeth Bayweather marches into the plaza to catch the tail end of the duel. Giant hands reaching up to clap thunderously on his approach. "Well fought!" The big man bellows with a bright smile.

The deep gash continues to slow Zebulon through the last of the fight and it is obvious that he is in more pain that he is allowing to show on his face and in his movements. he tries to recklessly attack her, just to get something more in before his body starts to give out on him and he lowers his sword, nodding to Ariella. "Well fought, Lady Captain." He stands up straight and begins to bow to her, but his knees buckle under him and he ends up on the ground, but quickly pushes back up to his feet. "Good match!" The words are yelled but sound hollow when backed by his discomfort.

Saoirse takes Beaumont's greeting in stride -- you know, yes, yes, hello, the sort. She leans forward slightly and places one of her hands on his forearm, tilts her head forward, and murmurs, "I think," a beat, "that if there's a sumptuary style that will cause ruffled feathers, I must accept." Saoirse takes a half step back and issues a sly, half-sided smirk. Complete with one eyebrow quirked! She whispers something.

Appolonia is applauding, at least she might be as there is movement under that thick black fur wrapped about her slight form that could be applause. "Well fought," she calls out. A shiver rolls through her form as she turns to make her way from the Plaza, pausing only when she notes Jeffeth. She gives the knight a nod.

Oswyn pauses on his way to the bench. Sounds like the duel ended, so he keeps going until he reaches the edge of the cleared area and kind of squints around with an expectant look.

That curious light dies quickly in Quenia's eyes when Valardin is mentioned. She looks away and quickly turns her attention away from Beaumont back to the duel before her to see that it's ending. Some small amount of relief touches her eyes. "Well fought you two!" she calls out to Ariella and Zebulon. "You each do House Igniseri proud. Thank you for putting on this display today!"

Grazia claps politely for the combatants without any sort of commitment to it. She seems quite content to just watch the exchange.

Beaumont grins at what Saoirse whispers, apparently in an excellent mood tonight. It doesn't hurt that he has managed to score an exceptional companion for the evening either. His robe he takes off and wraps around her, mumuring something in return before adding, "And an evening full of duels seems right up our alley, in truth."

Oswyn knows that hulking form. "Sir Jeffeth?" he ventures. "Does anyone require patching up? I decided to be proactive and just come to the duel."

The large knight looks down to Oswyn with a light smile, before nodding to the duelists. "Look like both of them may need a little treatment Oswyn." One huge hand flies out to clap Oswyn's shoulder giving a light squeeze. "Good to see you." Jeffeth rumbles, when Appolonia is nodding at him, Jeffeth raises one hand to Oswyn. "Excuse me."

He is then stepping over to fall in step with Appolonia, bowing as he approaches, fist pressed to his chest as he does.

"Do you know what these duels are about?" Saoirse asks as she engulfs herself in the Valardin robe. It's blue - natch - and does not really go with her green ensemble, making wearer all the more glaringly obvious. "I couldn't keep track."

Appolonia gives a nod to Jeffeth as she makes her way to follow along with the knight. "So what do you think about mice?" she asks. A curious question indeed.

"This particular duel was more about seeing who would win than anything else," Grazia notes to Saoirse mildly as she rises to her feet slowly. "No disagreement. Just an exhibition of talent."

"Well, this one's about who's the better fighter among the Champions. Ariella proved herself today - and her finishing line was absolutely epic." Beaumont approves. "For the next - who knows? Skald versus Laric is almost certainly going to be fought by Aleksei and someone else, and about something no one cares about. But I'd like to see it nonetheless. I'm sure everyone who's anyone will be there."

"Thank you, Sir Jeffeth. Good to see you as well," Oswyn tells Jeffeth with a little wave. He nears Zebulon and Ariella.

"We got a healer about? Could use a little stitchin' over here?" Zebulon carries himself over to the bench where Quenia is watching and sits down slowly, grabbing a random, dirty cloth laying nearby to shove against the deep gash in his side.

Waldemai heads back to the warmth of his forge.