Waldemai waves his thanks. "A pitcher? Thanks very much, your highness!"

Aethan orders coffee, and while he's waiting for it, he turns back to Faruq, and a little smile touches his face, though there's a wry cast to it. "That might put a damper on the evening," he remarks, in that slightly flat tone that he has, though it's probably just him. He nods to Lucita at her words, and says, "You as well, Baroness." The introduction has him inclining his head to Talwyn as well in greeting, before his coffee comes, and he stands up, nodding to all before he starts toward the table where his brother is.

Aethan has joined the ringside table.

Talwyn ticks towards the assorted personages sitting close to the baroness. With Lucita hold small court, easy for him to gravitate right into her presence, though not without a solid look to the bar and a nod in salute to his cousin yonder, Tyren. "Lady Rubino is my cousin," he announces in that contained tenor. "The very height of charm and grace, and the sort to give my sister a run for her money perhaps." A smile for Miranda and that courtly incline of his head. "Lord Pravus, Lord Kennex, we look to be in for an excellent evening. As for peacocks, it would be hard put to match the dress that Lord Silvio manages. He can pull off a gown like no other, though I heard tell that his highness wore one. Hard to believe." He then takes a seat at the table for the better to have a conversation without too much difficulty.

Talwyn has joined the ringside table.

Theodoric comes in, he is always well equipped and tonight is no different, he holds not one but two drinks not wanting to make the long trek to the arena bar. While typically he is sporting he brown patchwork leather similar to what his man Carmichael is wearing tonight under his large coat it seems he is wearing something quite out of place, while wrinked, like he might have slept in it. He takes a seat a the large great table, though he only drinks from one of his two cups.

"Well enough -- for me," Sebastian's irreverant response to Aethan is light-hearted and accompanied by another quarter glass of the dark liquid. Faruq's sharing of his bottle earns a momentarily surprised widening of eyes, and then an approving laugh, genuine. "Well, well. You have yourself a deal then, Lord Faruq." Easy enough for the Pravus Lord to say -- downing the rest of his glass, before lifting the shared bottle and splashing the contents in to replace what was there. He tilts it towards the Seraceni Lord in toast, before taking a sip. "I miss sailing," he mutters, lightly -- kind of under his breath. Soon enough, he's distracted by the arrival of Valencia, not to mention her announcement of free drinks. "To the Princess Valencia, what generosity!" he cheers. Lucita's introduction of him has him leaning forward to squint at Talwyn for a moment. "Ahh -- the musician? I've heard others speak of you, your highness. Positive things, of course."

Theodoric has joined the ringside great table.

Lucita returns Valencia's hug and cheek kiss, her smile warming. "You knew I would be here if I could. When I am not here it is usually for some reason or the other, like when I was in Saikland, it was a little too far to commute for the evening." She teases Valencia with a grin and a wink. "Have you met my friend Prince Talwyn Valardin as yet? He is a marvelous musician and sometimes I am lucky enough to get to play with him."

From up above the arena in the rafters, Tyren narrows a look below to spot Talwyn. He lifts a hand in recognition of his cousin, his measured voice rising above the roar of the arena to call down to the other Valardin. "The view from up here is quite stunning, cousin! I'll come down to speak to you in a bit."

Miranda cutsies to Talwyn and offers, "I didn't wish to waste such a wonderful introduction, your Highness." Perhaps it is why she greeted him as she did. She blushes at his compliments to her, however, "And you are very kind to say so. "Fecundo has not yet tried a gown, but I should daresay that the proper challenging might get him to wear it at least at the estate." She chuckles and asks, "How did you find your visit to my beloved Gemecitta?"

Faruq dips his chin towards his chest in a slow solemn nod to Aethan: "Indeed." Hearing Miranda's voice Faruq looks over in that direction and raises a hand in a wave to the woman: "Lady Miranda, when you get a chance, come meet my little sister Lady Malika hmm?" Another nod is given, this time to Lucita and Ian as he is by default addressing that direction. Gianna gains his attention next and he murmurs: "Beautiful song last night. It was a beautiful send off to the night and start to the dancing." Valencia's arrival makes Faruq fall silent, her bearing and addressing of the crowd able to gather his attention in full rather easily. He lifts his drink in salute to her comment of free drinks with a broad grin following to brighten his face. After: "Then you should endeavor to go sailing, Lord Sebastian. There is no reason not to hmm? Plenty of ships to be hired or crewed, if such were your desire."

Faruq also, bumps Malika with his shoulder: "You should go hmm? At least you have a weapon with you." He grins at Malika wickedly.

1 Grayson House Guards, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Deliverance, an albino falcon, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Rascal, a hyper terrier, Rosalie, a lady in waiting arrive, following Reese.

Prince Biscuit, the seadog puppy arrives, following Helia.

Gianna collects a glass of whiskey, her eyebrows arching gently upward when Faruq addresses her. She turns a smile on him, wide, though it perhaps doesn't reach her eyes. "Thank you, My Lord," she tells him, inclining her head toward him. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I don't believe we've been introduced...?" She looks from Faruq to Malika, inclining her head to her as well. "Gianna Whisper, Nightingale of the Bard's College."

"Be sure to bring something refreshing with you! The company down here is always good," Talwyn calls back. That clear, ringing voice might be an asset on a battlefield. Much better for a stage. He turns then to his companions new and old. He almost inclines from the waist -- too easy to turn it into a bow. Mustn't do that. "The Baroness-Regent does me a great deal of credit. With her as my social doyenne, I've been blessed to meet truly remarkable people. Princess. Charmed. This looks splendid." His hand is empty, alas, time to work on the business of a drink. Eventually, of course. "Gemecitta, Lady Miranda, was the very thing of beauty and splendour, after so cold a winter in the city. I feel finally myself here. You might find me starting to shun the heavier clothes and to haunt the gardens. Inspiration to be found everywhere."

Ian nods to Aethan when his brother joins him. He seems to be letting people flock around Lucita without paying them much mind, which is terrible manners, but Ian looks a little too seedy to be well mannered, really. "You fighting tonight?" He asks Aethan.

The drink flows freely and the large room buzzes with happy voices and laughter as the best of Arx makes their way to what has become one of the premier martial arts events in the city. Under the smile gaze of the little raven haired princess, the Harts stellar staff move quickly seeing to everyone's pleasure, not a cup left unfilled or a need or wish not met.

Valencia looks over and she smiles again, "My sweetest Lord Sebastian, how can I let my good friends and those I care for not enjoy an evening. Besides, if I am very lucky, you will place bets and praise my my Hart and me as a good hostess," she teases giving Lucita a playful wink as she places a small slender hand upon Sebastian's shoulder. "I'm so glad you are here," she smiles before lifting her large dark eyes to meet Talwyn's.

"I have not had the pleasure, my darling. Welcome to my Hart, your highness. I hope this is the first of many times we see your very charming face here," Valencia nods warmly, offering her hand to the newly met noble. "Do you spar?"

"On the contrary, Lord Faruq. There are /many/ reasons not to," Sebastian answers on the topic of sailing, with a brief grimace. He has, as ever, a sword strapped to his hip, though seems more keen to drink than to fight. He gives a nod of greeting to Gianna as she and Faruq greet each other, and with a murmuring, excuses himself, stepping over to join Valencia near Lucita's table, his hand patting hers on his shoulder. "Always, my dear Princess. I hope to see some interesting battles tonight."

Miranda lifts a hand towards Faruq, so he knows she's heard him. She smiles back to Talwyn, "Arx is very different, to be sure. I understand what you mean." She looks to the others, then says, "Excuse me, I do believe I'm being summoned." She says this with humor and gives a slight bow to those who are here. She then walks over to the bar where Faruq and friends are sitting. She moves to stand near Faruq and teasingly offers, "You bellowed?" She does lift a hand to lightly touch Faruq's nearest hand, "And are you fighting tonight?"

Evonleigh has joined the ringside table.

"Haven't decided yet," Aethan replies to his brother as he settles into his chair. He gives Ian a cursory glance, just a little bit more scrutinizing than normal, but whatever he sees, he doesn't comment on it, just takes a sip from his coffee as his eyes scan the arena, then return to those at the table.

Faruq dips his chin in a polite nod to Gianna: "I am Lord Faruq Seraceni, and this is my little sister Lady Malika Seraceni. It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you Gianna Whisper. I also wanted to thank you for staying and playing music beyond your song. It was enjoyable to tempt fate with so many toes on the dance floor to nearly crush." He shakes his head but then there is a Miranda! Faruq grins at Miranda and nods: "I did, after a fashion. I want you to meet my little sister Malika." He gestures to Malika at the bar with him. He reaches to take Miranda's hand in his own and draw her in closer to the bar with them: "No I am not fighting tonight. I am fresh from campaign. Fighting is furthest from my mind tonight."

"As do I, my lord," Valencia smiles up to Sebastian before turning to offer Gianna a bright smile. "Welcome to my Hart," she offers warmly, her dark eyes dancing as they find Lord Faruq, Lady Malika and Lady Miranda, "I am so happy to see you as well. You are well cared for? If you need anything, please ask, yes?" she nods, giving Lucita a little peck on the cheek and whispering, "Your pardon, my dear, I should call the warriors to the sands. I will be back."

Faruq finishes the introduction: "Malika this is Lady Miranda Rubino." A smile and a lift of his glass in a salute to Valencia: "Quite attended to, since Lord Sebastian decided to leave me my rum when he absconded. Thankfully." He reaches for that very same bottle and refills his glass.

Skipping. It's not dignified, it's not composed. It's what children do. But somehow, as Helia makes her way further into the Hart, there's a faint skip in her step that renders it graceful and charming rather than juvenile. Weaving past drinker and fighter alike, she stops before Valencia and dips into something of a dashing bow. "Your Highness," she says in greeting, with a bright grin and a warm tone. Then as she straightens up, she waves a hand at Lucita, grinning all the more! Hey there!

Miranda has joined the bar.

Cadern slips his way into the Arena curiously. Cadern looks a little rumpled as he searches for a seat absently reaching a hand up brushing some hair back as he wanders and pulls out a flask of whiskey to sit. His eyes meandering the room for familiar figures. He smiles as he sees Valencia doing her usual greeter duties and coordinating and he rubs his chin.

Sebastian has left the bar.

Sebastian has joined the ringside table.

Ian gives Aethan a Look when his brother surveys him. Not defiant exactly, but there's a whiff of something close to it in his intense blue eyes. He takes a drink, and then tops up his glass.

"I do hate to disappoint you, your highness," Talwyn begins by way of an explanation to Valencia. "Though I am not often given to sparring. Lessons to seek in the future now that my time allows it. But I would make a poorer showing than my reputation can stand on. Better to show support for the likes of the lords Kennex and Lady Rubino. There must be someone to cheer and praise their efforts after all." He gives a rare grin, olive complexion sharp and Lycene to the bone. The patrician features, however, are all Valardin. It makes for an intriguing contrast. "You will find me glad to be here. I'm considering a more direct involvement. Let's talk less of that later."

Gianna nods to Sebastian, a familiar enough face. In here, at least! She nods again to Faruq. "People wanted to dance, so I obliged. It was nothing, Lord Faruq. Well met, Lady Malika." She adds, to Miranda, "And you as well, Lady Miranda." Taking a small sip of whiskey, Gianna's gaze flicks toward others she knows - Lucita, and Talwyn, and the brothers Kennex, Ian and Aethan all get little tips of her chin.

After a moment, Sebastian settles down at the ringside seat, glass in hand, leaning towards Lucita. "How are you, Baroness?" he asks, with a familiar smile. "Lord Ian," is nodded to, as well.

Malika is amused as introductions are made "A pleasure to meet you Lady Rubino. Any friend of Faruq is suspect of course." Her words spoken full of good humor. Gianna is given a smile, "A musician? I have yet to hear the music the city offers. Perhaps I will get my brother to take me to the next performance."

Lucita gives Helia a little grin. "Hello there, yourself! Do you know all my table companions? At least the ones I know myself, I see a lot of old friends and acquaintences here and some few that I do not recognize." Her gaze lifts to Sebastian and she says to Helia and Talwyn. "Lord Sebastian is the one who made that statue of me that stands in the Verdant Hall, the one where playing the vielle."


Evonleigh enters the arena, gray eyes darting around with curiosity -- she is clearly not there to take par tin any fighting, dressed as she is in a dress, with a flower tucked behind one ear. She moves to the corner of a table with a free seat, prepared to watch and listen, to get her bearings a bit before speaking or engaging in any of the chatter -- she'll leave the sparring to others.

"I should like to speak more of that, your highness. You make my heart so happy to know this," Valencia nods sweetly to Talywn. "Later as it please you sir. Call upon me as ever,"s he invites as she sets off towards the ring, pausing to smile brightly at Ian and Aethan. "My dearest Lords of Kennex? Where is your beautiful lady wife, Lord Ian, and your brothers? It has been sometime since my Hart has hosted all the Kennex brothers. I hope we shall see that rectified soon. It would make my heart so glad," she nods warmly as she returns Cadern's smile with one of her own. "Sir," she smiles brightly as continues on her way.

Helia has joined the ringside table.

Aethan meets the look from Ian, and for a moment, it's hard to tell what he's going to do. However, the answer seems to be 'nothing,' because he is the first to break the eye contact, and he takes another sip of coffee as he glances toward the door, just in time to see Evonleigh. He lifts a hand to her when he does, in an attempt to catch her eye and add her to their party. "Another Lady Whitehawk," he says to the table, just in case anyone doesn't know. As he looks back to them, he catches Gianna's nod, and he returns it, lifting his cup to her. Valencia's words bring his eyes to her, though, and he says, "Your Highness. Porter's somewhere. Maybe he'll make an appearance later." He leaves where Zoey is to Ian, though.

No objection to being pulled in close to Faruq. Miranda happily takes full advantage and drapes an arm around his shoulders, fingers of that hand absently play with his smooth skin just below his ear. She looks to Malika, laughing softly, "And so you should! I must clearly need my head checked to enjoy the company of this handsome Corsair, hmm? A sister's job is never done. I, too, am a younger sister of an older brother who needs more tending than he likes to admit." Needling a Seraceni. Oh, she's having a good night! She glances towards Talwyn and offers, "I had not planned to spar tonight, Cousin! I'm afraid I'd not be a good show at all. Next time, perhaps!" She grins at that, then nods to Valencia, "I am well, for now, thank you." And to Gianna, "Oh, so you played that heavenly music. Thank you."



Valencia moves to the center of the Ring of Valor and offers a warm incline of her head before calling out, "My lords and ladies, misseres and madams, dearest friend... welcome to my Hart. As always, we are so very happy to see you here tonight," the little vixen says with a warm and gracious smile.

"Thank you for blessing us with your good company and for making our events so successful. Truly, it is your support and proud spirit that allows us to make a difference in so many ways," she offers earnestly.

"And so dear friends, to you. To light, luck and love," she offers raising her glass to the crowd. "May your hearts always be as full and happy as ours."

"And now, warriors, if you please, please take to the sands!" the little dark haired princes calls out as she turns to smile at the crowd once more before offering a gracious curtsy and leaving the sands to the esteemed competitors.

Waldemai waves his pitcher in salute from the rafters. "To Princess Valencia," he calls.

Ian nods to Sebastian and takes a drink. Slightly drunk and grumpy Ian is slightly drunk and grumpy. "Zoey should be along," he tells Valencia. Then, nodding towards Aethan, adds: "One of my brothers is right here." Then Valencia is sweeping off, so he nods to whoever else has gathered at the table since his attention was distracted by the Aethan staredown and talking to Valencia.

"I have been known -- on occasion -- to be graced by an inspirational muse," Sebastian offers on the heels of Lucita's words, tone wry. "Lord Sebastian Pravus," he offers to Helia, with a nod of greeting. He sits up, a little, as Valencia calls the first pair to the sands, curious as to who it will be.

A great deal of excitement allows Talwyn to ease back into his seat. He nods to Gianna, a grave dip acknowledging the woman's fame. "A good many people tonight. This is a dramatic event," he says with general ease. As Evonleigh joins them he leaves his seat to aid her if need be, or scooting his own chair aside to accommodate her. That means sitting back again, taking it all in.

With a beaming grin to Lucita, Helia moves to a seat as near to her patron as possible. Before she hops onto it, however, she gives bows to all those around her, smiling just as brightly to them as well. Then with a thoughtful screwing up of her face, she flicks looks between Sebastian and Talwyn. "I think I've met you both before?" Then she clicks her fingers at the reminder, "Ah! Yes! Lord Sebastian! And Prince Talwyn! So good to see you. All of you, in fact." Smiles! Then to Lucita she turns her wide-eyed gaze, "Ah, that statue is wonderful!" She nods to Sebastian, "Good work!"

"A musician," Gianna confirms for Malika. "Music is fairly frequent at a number of establishments, though the Bard's College is working toward its grand opening and, hopefully, a concert soon after. You are, of course, welcome to come take a look around, even if we're not officially open yet." She brightens when Miranda thanks her, her lips curving up further at the corners. "I did. Thank you! It was wonderful to stand on that dais. The grandest occasion I've ever sang at, to be sure." Spying Helia, she inclines her head in the woman's direction, should she catch her gaze.

Helia nods back at Gianna, giving the bard a friendly wiggle-finger wave of her hand. Then she looks over to Valencia. To her table companions she muses, "Hm. I think I should fight."


"Are we so many in multitude?" Evonleigh asks, with a smile, before nodding to Aethan. "Lord Kennex," she greets with a smile, and a nod to the lord, before glancing at him to his brother, curiously. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon after my poor navigating the other night." She nods her head to those present, a small smile for Helia, who she also recognizes. "Miss Helia, a pleasure to see you again as well. And to make all of your acquaintances," she adds to the rest of the table.

Entering into the Golden Hart comes Magnus Stahlben, the large northerner taking a moment upon entering to shift his gaze about the space for a moment before he moves first toward the bar to order up a large tankard of ale, and then to take it down toward one of the ringside tables. He angles toward the one that is most populated, then looks from one person to the next before gesturing toward the remaining empty seat and asking Ian, "Would it be alright if I take that seat?"

Magnus has joined the ringside table.

Reese arrives in the area while adorned in her pink and toting along her weapons. Her ivory hood is pulled up over her abundant and rather mess blonde locks. She glances over the area, trying to get a feel for things here even while heading to a place to sit.

Sebastian gives a low-throated laugh, taking Helia's praise with ease. "I had a good model. That helps." Lucita's greeting of Evonleigh has him glancing, curiously, in her direction, too. "Lord Sebastian Pravus," he introduces himself.

Ian slouches a little more in his chair as the table fills up. When Magnus turns up and asks to sit down, Ian seems, at first, momentarily baffled as how to answer. He looks at the other gathered people, like someone else should have more authority than him to make the decision. But them Magus is sitting down, and he doesn't seem to have a problem with it. "Lord Ian Kennex." Who is he introducing himself to? It's hard to tell, because he's not really looking at anyone. Maybe he's just stating the fact that his name is Lord Ian Kennex.

Helia's offer sets the little vixen to smile and she nods the woma's way. "I should be very happy to welcome you to the sands, m'lady. May I have your name?" Valencia asks brightly, her dark eyes lifting to nod a welcome to Evonleigh as she settles in her seat as the impressive form of Magnus arrives followed by the lovely Princess Reese, both offered a bright and welcoming smile as she awaits Helia's answer.

Faruq laughs at Malika's comment at the bar and the interplay between her and Miranda: "Even when you managed to throw me overboard, with help mind you, you still couldn't get the ship moving fast enough I couldn't swim to shore quicker than you could guide it to dock." He ribs his little sister back verbally. If he notices his rum being stolen, he doesn't mind, instead taking another drink from his glass. Faruq wraps an arm around Miranda's waist as she leans in close. He catches sight of Helia next, and Faruq lifts his glass to her: "Messere Helia, glad to see you here. May I introduce my sister, Lady Malika Seraceni, First Corsair of our Navy. Sister, this is the Champion Helia Andrasko. My first night here I saw her absolutely devastate her opponent in short order. Perhaps one day if you can ever turn your eyes away from sails and rope, she could teach you how to swing your cutlass hmm?" He makes an introduction, and teases Malika at the same time. He leans over to murmur something quietly to Miranda afterwards.

Cadern smiles in response to Valencia's greeting. He inclines his head as he listens to her starting things going. Eventually he spots rather large table with open spaces and pauses near Theodoric, "Mind if I sit?" He asks of the man continuing to glance around.

Theodoric nods up at Cadern from his seat, "Please do, I find it's a great place from which to spectate both in and out of the arena." he grins and lifts his drink in welcome.

Cadern has joined the ringside great table.

Since Helia hasn't sat down yet, it's easy for her to dip into a bow towards Magnus. And then crane her neck up at him, "Hello! I'm Helia!" Next she turns to Faruq with a happy wave, "Oh, hello!" Then comes a bow to Malika and a, "So lovely to meet you, Lady Malika!" Grinning at Faruq, she waves a pleasantly dismissive hand, "Oh, my opponent was wonderful though, really." Finally, she nods towards Valencia before giving her table companions an apologetic little grin. "Ah, the sands for me! Please excuse me!" Bounding over to Valencia, she announces, "I'm Helia Andrasko!"

Helia has left the ringside table.

Helia has joined the ring of valor.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards arrives, following Desiree.


Evonleigh meets each introduction with a dip of her head and lashes, along with the proper milord, milady, or your highness. To Helia she smiles, brightly enough. "None too shaken, no. I hope I didn't spoil any sport for you," she says lightly, before looking to Aethan. "It's a different sort of theater than the kind I'm usually found in, but theater all the same." She looks to Helia as the woman prepares to fight. "Good luck out there."

Heimlin, the Scholar, 5 Harthall house guards arrive, following Orvyn.

Miranda laughs at Malika's comment to her. She offers, "I bet it was." She does turn her attention to the woman Faruq introduces to his sister, looking the champion over with interest. "I'm sure she could truly teach us all something." She regards Faruq who is clearly impressed with Helia, then looks towards Helia herself. She looks as if she might say something, but then tilts her head towards Faruq as he murmurs to her. She smiles, broadly, a slight flush to her cheeks and she lets out a fairly distinct giggle. She tilts her head lightly, murmuring to Faruq in return before kissing his cheek. Her fingers of her other hand trace once along his jaw before lowering.

When Helia volunteers to go, Aethan waits for a few moments, looking around, but then stands up. "I'll join you," he says, before looking back at Evonleigh briefly with a little snort, though it's definitely amused. Then he starts down toward the sands, taking the axe from his side. There's a glance back to his brother, before he turns to Helia with a nod of greeting.

Aethan has left the ringside table.

Aethan has joined the ring of valor.

Ian angles his head towards Lucita when she murmurs something to him, but then Aethan is getting up to compete, and this catches his attention. Really catches his attention. His electric gaze follows Aethan into the ring.

Offering a nod toward Ian's introduction, Magnus lifts a hand to lay on his chest before he says, "Count Magnus Stahlben of Bonespire. It's good to meet you, Lord Ian. Will you be fighting tonight?" He eases down to sit, still likely towering over his tablemates as he lifts his beer to take a drink, apparently having decided that Ian is his buddy for the night. He offers a nod toward Aethan as well, and then toward Valencia.

"I'm so pleased to meet you, Mistress Helia. Good luck to you," Valencia nods as she turns to see who might join her in the ring. Dark eyes fall on Aethan and she lifts a brow and then smiles as Shae calls down from the rafters. The little princess looks up with amusement and smiles. "Would you care to join, missere?" she calls out brightly as Helia takes to the sands.

Talwyn has left the ringside table.

Zephirine leaves, following Talwyn.

Aethan wields Gleaming Battle-Axe.

Helia wields storms upon a fiery horizon oathlands steel short sword.

Sebastian sits up just a little bit more when Helia steps up towards the ringside, like he's curious, giving a smile when Aethan does the same. "Oh -- care for a wager, your protege against the Lord Kennex, Baroness?" he suggests to Lucita, with a low-throated chuckle.

"And good luck to Lord Kennex as well. How exciting to have the table represent," Evonleigh asides, a glance to Lucita and Ian, before nodding her farewell to Talwyn.

Waldemai calls out, "I'll put five hundred silver on M'lord Aethan!"

Desiree looks around with a confident smile. As she notices the ringside she looks for a place to sit.

Faruq lifts his drink to Waldemai: "I will match your bet Messer Smith! 500 on Helia!"

Helia checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 15, rolling 53 higher.

Heimlin, the Scholar, 5 Harthall house guards leave, following Orvyn.

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

Desiree has joined the ringside great table.

Waldemai waves his pitcher of ale...already much deplenished...to Lord Faruq. "We are on, m'lord! We are on!"

Lucita looks toward Sebastian and says. "What kind of wager did you have in mind?" She hurriedly adds. "no risque modeling, hair-do's, or entertaining for one of your art shows!"

Whipping her sword out of its scabbard, Helia gives Aethan a thumbs up with her free hand, "Yes! Good! I like you already!" Then she whips the blade in a few elaborate swirls, just because she's a champion and all and that's what they do. Then she bounces into a fighting stance, "Let's have some fun!"

Ian shakes his head, possibly to Magnus (since Magnus asked him a question). "Not tonight." He looks like hell, so that's no surprise, really. His attention stays fixed on the spar.

Aethan's smile is just slightly wider at Helia's words, before he raises his axe, readying himself to go. "Sounds good," he confirms, though this man doesn't really look like he knows what 'fun' means. Of course, appearances can be deceiving!

"Oh, you are a spoil-sport, Luc," Sebastian replies to Lucita, far too casually, only a flicker of a smile. "Some of your latest bottles, then," he decides. "And for yours?"

Malika offers Helia a smile and lift of her mug in greeting, "A pleasure." though her words might be lost in the crowd. She then gives her brother a look, "For your sake be glad I love the sea, you know what happens when we spend to much time together on land. I am sure no one in the house wants to try to stop our competition as they tend to get more destructive as we go on." She taps her mug to Faruq's bottle before returning to the drinking.

Where there are rafters, there are posts, and posts are fine to lean against when you've a glass of whiskey and something to watch. Gianna leans there, one leg crossed over the other, hip jutting out to the side.

Miranda grins at Malika, "Yours, too? My brother and I are both knights. Practices could get... personal." She laughs softly, "Though we always have each other's backs, of course." She does look towards the fight, looking comfortable leaning into Faruq.

Magnus drains his tankard of ale before the fight even gets started. This is noticed when he lifts the thing up to his mouth to take another drink only for no liquid to come out. He mutters something before offering toward Ian, "Damn things never last as long as they ought to. You want me to get you one?" And then he's pushing himself up to his feet and moving toward the bar.

Lucita nods to Sebastian. "sounds good. For mine, just a quick sketch for the children to enjoy, of your choosing. Something about equal to the wine."

Faruq laughs at Malika's comment: "At least for the time being we have a number of pirate fleets to destroy hmm?" He bumps his sister with his shoulder and then refills his glass from the bottle of rum. Another murmured conversation to Miranda but he chuckles: "It was rather adorable when he threatened me though." He smiles at Miranda: "Very precious." His attention is drawn towards the fighting in the ring of valor though and as the weapons clash and the dance begins he falls silent to watch intently.


Shae's legs swing from where she sits on a beam in the rafters, Tyren next to her, his legs much longer. She peers down at the fight, watching, assessing, murmuring something now and then to the man sitting with her.

"You have yourself a bet," Sebastian declares with a knowing smile to Lucita, leaning forward to watch the ongoing battle closely.

The battle begun, Valencia moves to greet Reese properly, with the offer of a warm and affectionate hug and a kiss upon the cheek, "My dear highness. You look lovely tonight. I'm glad to see you, it's been so very long," she nods warmly. "Please come find me when you have time. I have a new cider you must try," she nods encouragingly.

A little look aside brings Valencia's gaze to Gianna and the little fox's eyes glimmer playfully. "Would you care to join us at the table, mistress?" she invites with a sweet smile. It won't do to have you all alone," she says with a nod waiting a moment to see if the lady will join her before slipping off to find Theodoric to offer him a proper welcome.

1 Navegant Marines, Dahlia, a confident red and white corgi puppy, Winter, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Skye.

Blades, blades everywhere! The two fighters trade hits, parrying and dodging until Aethan manages to score a good one against Helia's side. Somehow, though, the leather of her breastplate manages to deflect the edge, albeit sending her stumbling back a few steps. "WHOA! You dinged me me!" Even as she goes back for another attack, the swashbuckler shouts to the crowd, "Master Torian, guys! Lowers Leathers! Tell him that -- WHOA, careful there Lord Aethan -- Helia sent you! I want a discount!" Then she takes a couple of lightning fast swings at her opponent, not doing too much damage but driving him back. Bouncing like a bunny, Helia grins, "Go go go! Eeeee!"

Jordan strides in, stopping by the doorway to watch the fight for a moment before making his way to the bar.

Malika relaxes be it the drink or the more familiar turn of the conversation. Leaning in towards Miranda she nods, "I am sure it is required of all siblings. I refused to accept he could do anything I couldn't match." Faruq's words about pirates get a nod before Milika turns to watch the arena.

Puff, a dainty yellow-green canary arrives, following Arcadia.

Chase, a Silent Reflection in grey hooded robes arrive, following Vayne.

Reese has joined the ringside table.

Skye makes her way in to observe the fighting, careful to skirt the edges as she looks for a quiet place to watch the fight from. She glances to see who's in the arena and doesn't recognize who is there. She glances about to see where folks are sitting. There's a moment where the young baroness does look a bit lost.

Valencia has joined the ringside great table.

There's not much fanfare from Aethan as the spar begins -- he is certainly not as enthusiastic as Helia. Or, rather, he does not give any advertisements about where to go to get leather armor or weapons, either. However, his smile does widen when she does, and maybe it's distracting enough that he needs a moment to recover. In any case, she gets in a few hits, and he has to reset, though he certainly looks like he's enjoying himself. More than generally, it should be noted.

Gianna looks to Valencia, one brow arching. She inclines her head to the princess and replies, "Of course, Your Highness. Thank you so much for the offer." Valencia's drawn her attention over Reese's way, and the Whisper inclines her head to the Grayson Princess.

Gianna has joined the ringside great table.

Faruq is distracted from the fight enough to notice Jordan's arrival. He lifts his glass of rum to the man: "Sir Jordan! Good to see you my friend. Quite the fight down there tonight." He takes a drink from his glass: "When it's over, I'll introduce you to my little sister." He bumps Malika with his shoulder: "Lady Malika Seraceni. Malika, this is Sir Jordan Ober, a knight and general of Ashford's armies." He says all of this distractedly though. Reese gets another smile and a wave: "Princess!" He calls out in greetings.

Miranda offers to Malika, "It's in the manual, my Lady. Sibling Manual. Our duty is to keep them on their toes." She chuckles, glancing over to where Faruq is greeting folks. She looks over at Faruq, then shakes her head. She murmurs softly to him, speaking into his ear a moment.

Arcadia emerges into the buzzing atmosphere of the arena with a bright-eyed look, her pale grey-blues alight with the absorbed energy of the event. She's leaning into the tips of her toes as she walks, her eager attention bouncing from this to that as she can't quite decide where to settle. Most of the faces are met with a look of curious unfamiliarity -- and the unfolding fight, of course, is looked upon with an expression of pure entertainment.

Vayne pauses once he's inside the arena, taking a quick look around at those gathered, a genial smile for those gathered. He moves over Skye's way, and says something quietly to her.

Reese heads over to a table, taking a seat there. She smiles to Faruq. "Lord Farua, nice to see you./" She then blows a kiss to Valencia. She waves over to Gianna. "Hi Whisper Gianna."

Evonleigh watches, wincing and squinting when blades clash, or, worse, blades contact armor or flesh below. When Aethan takes a second hit, she looks away, clearly a little squeamish and possibly rather regretting coming in to quench the thirst of curiosity. "I don't know if I have the constitution for this. I'll never be able to watch my sister do this," she murmurs, laughing lightly at herself for her sympathetic reactions.

Casting a glance around the arena as he settles into his seat, Magnus spies Arcadia and lifts a hand in her direction, waving her over toward the empty chair at his side.

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, following Zoey.

Zoey has joined the ringside table.

Arcadia has joined the ringside table.

As the fight goes on, Helia grins widely at Aethan, sensing that he shares her own love of sparring at least to some extent. Weaving in and out as he makes his attacks against her, she lifts her voice, "You're good! very good!" There's a cheerful tone to her words as she spins her flashing blade again, then steps back and darts forward to tag Aethan once more! It's clear that she's LOVING this.

Sebastian, too, winces -- but not because he's squeamish so much as he can see things aren't going well. "Come on, Lord Aethan!" he raises his voice in support. Evonleigh's comment earns a wry observation: "Sad to say, you get used to it."

Skye motions to the bar where a few others are sitting at to Vayne, "Let's get a drink first. And then perhaps find closer seating." She glances back at the fight and then moves over to the bar to get a drink. It's clear all these people make the young baroness nervous and she is going to grab a drink to fortify herself.

Skye has joined the bar.

"Lord Faruq, hello! And hello, Lady Malika," Jordan nods to both, approaching them once he's secured his bottle of rum. "Mistress Andrasko is surprisingly nimble. Or maybe not surprisingly, that's a duelist's fighting style most of all." Readjusting his helmet, the knight considers his assortment of weapons and chuckles. "Maybe I should spar. Considering it, but not sure." He looks to Miranda for a moment. "Have we met? I don't know if we have but -- as he said, Sir Jordan Ober, knight of Ashford, nice to meet you."

Faruq watches each hit, each dodge, and he nods with an ever widening smile: "Messer Waldemai, it does not look good for your wallet!" He calls out.

It takes some urging to get Arcadia to focus on something other than everything -- the large hand of one Magnus Halfshav enough to capture her oft-wandering attention for the time being. She gravitates towards his table with a natural skip to her step, body flopping down into the aformentioned seat with an effortless and seemingly accidental grace. "Count Whiskey," she dubs him, a respectful dip of her head given as she joins those at the ringside table. "This is a prime view," she notes.

Lucita is distracted enough to miss some of the people coming and going though she does give Zoey a gentle smile and then looks back toward the fight in progress. "She is doing well, Keep it up!.

Resplendant in glowing aeterna and fiery diamonds, Zoey breezes into the arena. The swiftness of her stride slows a little as she spots the sparring, but she still ends up by Ian. She touches his shoulder as she sinks into a seat beside him, but her attention is largely on Aethan and Helia.

Aethan is not doing as well as Helia, not by a long shot. But he continues gamely, and he certainly doesn't seem to mind that he's clearly losing. He studies her movements as she goes, even when she hits him, as though he's filing them away for later use. After all, that's the point of a spar, right?

Vayne has joined the bar.

Waldemai waves the nearly deleted pitcher from the rafters at Lord Faruq. "The bet pays for itself with the excitement, my lord," he calls back. "And who knows who the gods will favor in teh next!

Ian has all of his attention on the spar, his shark eyes moving, catching moment between the two fighters -- shifts of weight, the angle of a parry, the direction of their gaze. He does look away briefly when Zoey touches his shoulder. It's perhaps a surprise he made it here tonight, given how bad he looks. But hey, he's got booze!

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 3, rolling 42 higher.

Aethan remains capable of fighting.

Miranda turns her attention from Faruq and the fight to Jordan. She smiles gently at him and shakes her head, "I am Lady Miranda Rubino. We are well met now, Sir Jordan." She offers amiacably. "My head is spinning at all the people I meet every day!" She chuckles a bit.

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

Aethan remains capable of fighting.

Valencia notices Blessed Vayne's arrival and her smile blossoms threefold to see him as she offers Skye a warm nod hello as well, though Skye's invitation noted, she stops short of inviting them to the table for now. Turning back she offers a nod to Lady Desiree. "I know the lovely Lady Desiree very well. Welcome, my sweetest friend. I'm glad you were able to join us," she nods brightly.

The mug is again lifted to Sir Jordan though Malika makes no attempt to match Faruq's bellow. Instead, it's the lift and silent smile to the man he named until he draws closer, "A pleasure Sir Jordan".Turning to look at her brother, she opens her mouth to say something then just closes it and returns her gaze to the arena.

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 7 higher.

Aethan remains capable of fighting.

Up in the rafters, Tyren rises and helps Shae to her feet, before the pair of them disappear down the steps and out of the arena.

Tyren has left the upper rafters.

Shae has left the upper rafters.

Daegmund, an Oakhaven Shepherd leaves, following Shae.

Shae leaves, following Tyren.

Skye gives a gentle smile to Valencia, "We'll be over in a second." She gives a gentle nod of greeting to Faruq, Malika, and Miranda as she joins them at the bar to order a glass of white wine. She turns to the archlector Vayne and asks, "What do you want?"

Aethan is certainly outclassed, but after the first few hits he seems to find his rhythm again, and while he's still losing, he manages to fend her off slightly better than he had been doing before. He even manages to land a hit on her! It's not a //huge// hit, but it will probably hurt.

Vayne replies to Skye with a smile, "I'll have the same, but I recall offering to buy this round." And buy he does, slipping the bartender some money. The rest of what he says is done so quietly.

Sebastian gives a distracted -- if polite -- nod of welcome to Zoey as she arrives. His attention, too, is largely fixated on the fight at hand, though. Aethan's improvement earns a pleased hiss of breath. "Looking forward to those bottles," he murmurs to Lucita, even though it's far too early to claim victory.

Ronja has joined the corner table.

Faruq blinks: "Oh I am terribly sorry, I apologize Sir Jordan. I should have done full introductions." He is distracted by the fighting though, and by a quiet conversation with Miranda also: "Please forgive my rudeness." When Skye arrives at the bar, with Vayne following it seems Faruq lifts his glass towards the pair: "Lord Faruq Seraceni, Sword if Ischia." He nods towards Malika: "My little sister Lady Malika Seraceni, our First Corsair." Then he includes: "The Lady Miranda Rubino." Gesturing to each in turn but the fight! That fight! Shaking his head at a particularly hard hit he smiles at Skye and Vayne, a glimpse of brilliant white teeth behind his lips: "A pleasure and an honor to meet you both." Then he chuckles: "Well at least she knows she's been in a fight now." As Helia gets hit again.

Theres a flutter of an appreciative smile from Arcadia in response to one Magnus -Stahlben-'s little display of etiquette with the chair. She scoots herself in, and nabs out a glass of some sparkling, clear-ish wine from the tray of one of the wandering waitstaff.


"I suppose," asides Evonleigh to Sebastian, regarding 'getting used to it.' "Some are built for it and others are not, I guess. I'm definitely not." When more people join their table, she gives each a nod of greeting to the new comers, introducing herself softly. "Hello. Lady Evonleigh Whitehawk," she murmurs, before looking back to the spar, only to look away again, with a wince.

Valenciawinces a little as Aethan fights furiously and finally lands a hit. "I have never seen the lady fight before. They are both very good, I think, yes?" she nods to the others at the table as she turns her eyes back to the sands.

Helia's having so much fun with the dodging and the blade twirling and the bouncing to-and-fro that she lets her guard down for a second. The fool! The foolish fool! Of course, this gives Aethan the chance to really land a good one on her, knocking her back once more with a 'fwoosh' of breath. Rather than look annoyed -- winded, but not annoyed -- she seems as overjoyed as one can when they've just taken a whack to the gut. "FWOOOO! Gods, damn good hit. OUCH!" Rather than back down however, she leaps forwards again, feinting a swing of her blade and instead launching a proper flying kick into Aethan's torso! Wheeee! And impact!

Miranda nods to Faruq and smiles over at Skye and Vayne. "Greetings! This is very exciting, isn't it?" She looks back to the fight, nodding to it. She is without a drink, her arm is draped, instead, over Faruq's shoulders. Her opposite arm is free to move about, "I do like a woman who can fight and advertise a good leatherworker at the same time." She snickers. "Discounts."

Zoey's hand slides down from Ian's shoulder to rest beside his hand. Sebastian and Lucita are both given warm, distracted smiles, but the woman doesn't bother speaking right now. Her dark eyes are fixed on the spar before long.

"Not a thing, Lord Faruq." Jordan chuckles to the man, shaking his head and waving a hand dismissively at the notion. "You've done the introductions well enough, my lord. I was the one who was remiss." He smiles at Miranda. "Lord Fecundo's sister, then? A pleasure to meet you, my Lady. I rather enjoy the company of your brother and deeply respect the skills he displays at tournaments. It is awe inspiring." He nods to Skye and Vayne both, apparently acquainted with them. "It's always on the verge of defeat that people show the true sharpness of their reflexes," he comments to the Sword of Ischia.

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 54, rolling 19 lower.

Aethan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 23, rolling 42 higher.

Aethan remains alive, but close to death.

Aethan is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Miranda chuckles at Jordan, "No no.." She points to Malika, "She is his sister. I have my own brother to torment, Sir Jordan!" She ohs as Aethan is out! She comments to Faruq, "You won your wager, congratulations!"

Ian without looking away from the spar, Ian intertwines his fingers with Zoey's. It doesn't even look like a conscious thing on his part. Just something he does by instinct.

Skye gives a smile to Faruq as he gives a greeting and introduces himself and the others already at the bar. She motions to herself, "I am Baroness Skye Blackshore." She motions to the man with her, "This is Archlector Vayne who's kind enough to be keeping me company." She admits to the group at large, "I've never been to an event like this. It's quite interesting."

Waldemai sends a small pouch down to Lord Faruq, but his attention is on the ring. "Well fought! A fine bout!" He punctuates it with swigs from his pitcher, and calls, "More ale! Bring it right up!"

Lucita is overheard praising Helia: mades a very good showing in a spar and won a piece of artwork for me in doing so!

Lucita is overheard praising Aethan: well fought

Malika looks amused as Miranda speaks, "Oh you can have him if you want at a discount." A wince as she watches the end of the spar, "That might leave a mark or two, but a fine match indeed."

At least he got one hit in, but that's the last hit that Aethan gets in. Helia scores one more good one, this time to Aethan's knee, and he falls down onto the sands. It's apparently enough -- he holds up a hand with a little laugh that's more genuine than most of his laughs. "I'm done," he says, a bit breathlessly and with a slight wince. "Well fought."

Lucita says, "That was very well done. But I had best be going after that. Time to get back home and check on things there."

Zoey squeezes Ian's hand gently before releasing it to applaud for her brother-in-law and his opponent. "I'm sorry I missed the beginning," she murmurs. "Aethan already looked as if he had taken the worst of it by the time I arrived."

Lucita has left the ringside table.

Lucita is overheard praising Valencia.

Waldemai's call for ale does not go unheard as a bright eyed, buxom little brunette climbs the ladder to the rafters balancing a tray with the ease of a seasoned sailor. Making her way to the Master Smith she gives him a saucy wink and fills his glass. "Will that be all, Master? Or will ye be wanting a little more?" she grins playfully.

Waldemai looks at the tiny glass. "A glass?" He hands her some silver. "Bring the whole bucket!"

Ronja has left the corner table.

Faruq laughs at Malika's comment, nodding to Miranda. When the pouch is sent down he lifts it up in acknowledgement to Waldemai and then pockets it: "Well fought! Gloria would be proud of that one!" He calls out to those on the sands, clapping his hand on the bartop since his other hand is rather engaged with his arm around Miranda's waist. He chuckles and downs his glass of rum to refill it, he'd even been forgetting to drink: "Baroness Blackshore." Faruq says to Skye with a smile: "I recently met a member of your family I believe, one Lady Rowynna I think it was? I also know the Lady Iseulet. It is a true pleasure to finally meet you." He lifts his glass in salute: "To your family." Then takes a drink. Vayne gains Faruq's attention next: "An honor to meet you Archlector. I shall have to drop by the Shrine and speak with you at length sometime. I have... some questions, but now is not the time."

Bent over double for a second, breathing heavily and chuckling, Helia then stands up and offers a hand to Aethan for him to shake should he wish to. "Well fought! Gods, you hit hard. We should do it again sometime." And then, with a wave to the crowd, she moves back to the bar, hand over her ribs and orders a drink. Rum!

Aethan has left the ring of valor.

Aethan has joined the ringside table.

Helia has left the ring of valor.

Aethan isn't about to refuse the hand up, and he nods once. "We will," he says, before he turns to start back to the table, maybe slightly slower than he had gone down to the ring, but he looks all right, at least. Something Ian says a little bit more quietly makes him nod as he sits down, and he says, "I'll take you up on that." He nods to those who've arrived as he was fighting, Zoey first, and then Reese and Arcadia.

Sebastian makes a disappointed noise, for a moment, but he does clap for both of the participants. "Good show," he calls, leaning to murmur something to Lucita about settling that debt later before she leaves.

Sebastian is overheard praising Helia.

Sebastian is overheard praising Aethan.

Lizette gives a little laugh and calls down to Anna and soon a bucket is being hoisted up to the rafters!

Weapons Rack is now unlocked.

Skye gives a bright smile to Faruq as he brings up her cousins, "Oh you've met Lady Iseulet and Lady Rowynna. How lovely. I am so lucky to have them both by my side." She pauses to clap as the fight is won and gives praise to the skill of the fighters, "Well fought." She raises her glass to his toast, "To family..." And then takes a sip of her wine.

Red Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Jordan gets Golden Hart Arena Longsword from Weapons Rack.

Blue Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Bronze Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Jordan gets Vermilion Drake Cuirass from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Jordan gets Vermilion Drake Helm from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Silver Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

Jordan gets Vermilion Drake Sabatons from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Jordan gets Vermilion Drake Gauntlets from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Jordan gets Vermilion Drake Arm Armor from Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Miranda has left the bar.

Miranda has joined the bar.

Jordan wields Golden Hart Arena Longsword.

Faruq smiles again to everyone at the bar: "It was a pleasure to meet you all and see those of you whom I have not seen in some time. Unfortunately, business calls hmm?" He steps away from the bar after a few quiet words with Miranda. Bumping his forearm against Malika's shoulder: "Be good sister. Or at least be very good at being bad." He smiles. Skye's comment draws Faruq's attention again: "I quite enjoyed their company for the little time I have had to spend with them. Lady Iseulet is quite the diplomat and has been most helpful in getting a few things resolved. Unfortunately I must be off, I hope we can find some time to talk where it is easier to hear ourselves think hmm?" He smiles and bows to Skye: "Until then." Then it's off to the exit.

Faruq has left the bar.

Miranda has left the bar.

Miranda slides away from Faruq as he rises, smiling at him. She does look to Malika, "It was lovely to meet you, my lady." She nods to the others at the bar. "Baroness and Archlector, a pleasure. Enjoy the fight!" She slips her hand into Faruq's.

Miranda leaves, following Faruq.

Sebastian is overheard praising Valencia: A great hostess, as ever!

Skye gives a bright smile and waves to Faruq and Miranda as they had on out. She seems happy enough to be sitting there at the bar with the archlector, quietly chatting with him since the brother and sister has taken their leave. She does notice Malika and gives her a wave, "Oh I don't think we've met yet."

Jordan nods to both Miranda and Faruq, before smiling apologetically to Malika. "Time for me to practice a little. Since I left my armor at home, I'll go take to the sands with the Hart's gear." Offering her a nod, he heads over to the pit, blunted longsword drawn and held easily in a sideways guard.

Malika watches her brother leave and just shakes her head, "Right, I am the one who needs to be good." She drains her mug and gets it refiled before turning her eyes back to the arena as Sir Jordan enters it.

Ronja stands from the table she had been seated at for all of maybe a minute before the ring emptied. With her hand on the hilt of her cutlass, she takes a long look around the room. She stops at the side of the greater ringside table, leaning in to Valencia. Why she chose Valencia was anyone's guess. "So, can I just jump in, or...?"

Valencia nods to Ronja, "You are so very welcome, madame. Please take to the sands and ready yourself... though may I have your name, please?" the little fox asks politely.

Gianna has left the ringside great table.

Magnus is overheard praising Aethan.

Magnus is overheard praising Helia.

Ronja shifts a look to the man already in the ring for a brief moment before answring Valencia with a nod, "Name's Ronja Sandreef. Thanks." Satisfied that there weren't any other stipulations or rules, she drops to the sand and now addresses Jordan directly, "Best o' luck to ya."

Ronja wields Galecutter, a cutlass with brass guard.

Ronja has joined the ring of valor.

Ian is overheard praising Aethan: He still needs to learn how to control the momentum of his ax, but he's getting better.

Jordan nods wordlessly to Ronja, spinning the blade within his grip. He tilts his head to her, then, before moving in.

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

Evonleigh has left the ringside table.

Theodoric is overheard praising Valencia.

The fight opens, naturally, with a jab. Jordan uses the jab to keep himself out of range of his opponent's attacks, but it doesn't do much when his next blow flies wide and she exploits an opening at his side. The armor seems to hold, however, and he replies to her own counterattack with a backstroke swing that lands on her side, harder than the previous blow.

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

Desiree nods to Cadern. "I do prefer pleasant things. Perhaps next time." She smiles. "I'm afraid I can't stay for much longer."

Ronja wields her cutlass awkwardly - there's no finesse, no care, no practiced motion to it. She's able to step in past his defenses at one point, but winds up wasting the opportunity by trying to slice into him with the flat side of the blade. She comments with a grunt as she steps back from his two-pronged counterattack, "Right, not using a rapier today," and steps back in to attack.

Valencia has left the ringside great table.

Valencia has joined the ringside great table.

Skye gasps at how quickly that Jordan takes control of the fight. She puts a gloved hand over her mouth and murmurs something to the archlector next to her. She almost forgets she has her drink in her hand, but remembers before she spills it. She takes a sip, her eyes not leaving the fight.

Maybe it's because he's just finished his drink. Maybe it's the quiet woman standing at the entrance for a moment to get his attention. But soon enough, Sebastian's standing, murmuring farewells to those at the table with him, and slipping quietly out.

Sebastian has left the ringside table.

The blows that are being traded down in the sands have Helia's utmost attention. Her eyes are wide as watches the combatants take swings and jabs at each other, and she stands on tiptoes and leans this way and that as annoying randomers get in her line of sight. Raising one hand in an exasperated 'seriously?' gesture at one particularly lumbering dude, she finally gets a good eyeful of what's going on as he shifts to the side. Then in a break between the fightins' she places her rum down on the bar with a clonk, cups her hands over her mouth and yells out a really energetic, "YEAAAAH!" Perhaps someone has had too much sugar.

He's quick on his feet, it's true. And Jordan doesn't let up much; a second jab to keep Ronja on her defensive and he takes a cautious step forward, stance still reactive rather than proactive. He keeps himself well within the perfect striking range of his weapon, his eyes watchful, his face expressionless. Full focus in the fight. It seems as though his opponent is becoming more defensive, which prompts just the tiniest of smiles across hi face. He receives another attack that bounces off of his armor, and his stance changes slightly.

Zoey's eyes widen slightly, and she glances over her shoulder to source the producer of that hyperactive hollering. Helia gets a brief stare followed by a faint, amused smile, and then the Kennex Lady is back to watching the fighting.

Valenciaoffers Cadern and Desiree a gentle look as they chat, and Theodoric a bright smile as he returns. Turning back to the ring she watches the fight with interest, her dark eyes quietly assessing the warriors as the move about the ring.

It was equally frustrating and encouraging that over the course of their brief exchange, Ronja had, on several occasions, managed to touch her weapon to her opponent's body but not managed to inflict so much as a bruise. She, on the other hand, was starting to falter where she stood. Not quite ready to go down, she slows her pace and focuses on Jordan's posture, finding her balancing and focusing on her defense. If this enormous blade (by her standards, at least) was supposed to be good for anything, it should be it's defensive weight, right?

The fight continues on much to the crowds delight, even the Hart's staff pausing to watch the battle unfold in the heart of the arena.

Desiree has left the ringside great table.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards leaves, following Desiree.

The field is more even in the next few exchanges, Jordan still watchful, but both opponents seem to equally miss or connect strikes that don't seem to do much damage. He nods at the change of stance, a first acknowledgment, though his stance is still halfway between offense and defense. Unchanging, for the time being.

Waldemai has left the upper rafters.

Ronja may have been able to draw the fight into a stalemate for the time being. At the very least, she seemed to understand how to hold the weapon better now than when she started. A calm came to her eyes as she focused on defending herself from his attacks, pleased with her success in not getting beaten into a pulp but not quite satisfied that she couldn't break through to land her own hits.

This time, he manages to sink in a nasty hit in a counterattack, while there's another interval where the swords clash and there's no significant development, but finally Ronja manages a hard hit. Jordan nods again, in acknowledgment, his grip on the blade firm, but his stance changing into a fool's guard, the tip of the sword pointed downward, his body straight.

Reese is quietly at the gathering. She seems to have been daydreaming though!

Ronja accepts a few painful taps and a good bash from Jordan's weapon as she decides to test his defenses again. Apparently, it worked, as, to her own obvious surprise, she manages to finally press past and actually cause some noticeable damage. Then they separate again, and she nods to him. "You're pretty good at this," she comments in the pause before closing the gap again, though she knows better to underestimate that posture.

The fool's guard is extremely good to leverage a diagonal bottom-to-top cleave, and it shows; when she steps in close enough for the range, he has the tip of the blade catch across her torso and the recovery posture is an overhead stance. There's a flash of a smile to Ronja as he steps forward to close the gap on his own. Efficient, but minimalistic.

Malika has left the bar.

The match continues on and Valencia leans forward in her chair, dark eyes focused on the fight. "She is lasting much longer than I thought. Sir Jordan is a lion in and out of the ring," she nods with approval. "I think Arx has a very new and very promising new warrior in her midst. I think that is wonderful."

There seems to be a server running between Zoey, Skye, and Valencia. Probably setting up the next spar.

Cadern grins, "She's stubborn. I approve." He says firmly looking thoughtful and nods, "The under dog is ever the more fun. And well... if the under dog never won we wouldn't all be here would we?" It seems the table is easily discussing the odds on the ongoing fight.

Vayne watches the fight with interest, occasionally remembering that he has wine to drink and other people at his table with whom he should speak. So, he does those as well. He'd clap, but he has wine in his hand and who wants to wear their wine? Clashes with the tabard.

Luckily, Vayne's wearing aeterna.

Aethan has left the ringside table.

She's panting heavily now. Ronja takes a few hopping steps away, shoulder cautiously pointed to Jordan as she takes a step or two to assess her own position. Defense had never been her thing, and anyone that had heard her name before today knew it was attached to the exact opposite. "Been a good fight," she offers before again closing the gap.

Ian nods to Aethan when he gets up to go, and then slouches back into his chair again and takes a drink.

Aethan stands up from the table as he says something to his companions, and he starts for the exit, though gives a nod to Valencia as he goes. "Good night, Your Highness. Thank you."

Skye gives a nod to the server when the note is passed, accepting the challenge that is given. She smiles at her companion, excited to see how things end. She gives a wave to Valencia to let her know that she's game to what was in the note. She turns to her companion, motioning to the fight in the ring with excitement.

Jordan nods to Ronja, flashing her an easy-going smile as he moves in to strike, taking the initiative this time in that intermediate stance of his. Less reactive, a hell of a lot more proactive, but still somewhat guarded.

Ronja checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 12, rolling 23 higher.

Ronja remains capable of fighting.

A little look is offered Cadern's way and then a smile. "I do not think she is remotely an underdog. I think she is an unknown, there is a difference, gentlemen," the little vixen smiles slowly, her eyes glimmering brightly.

Catching Skye's wave, Valencia returns it with a smile and then a nod to Zoey before having a quiet word with the assistant sergeant at arms who moves off to see that two large targets are being rolled to the side of the fighters pen and a fine net is readied around the ring itself. A little smile and warm nod of farewell is offered to Aethan as he departs, but it is not long before the little princess is watching the fight once more. "If you were to lay a bet, Missere Theodoric, Lord Cadern, who would you call?" she grins aside once more.

Ronja has rolled a critical success!
Ronja checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 13, rolling 53 higher.

Ronja remains capable of fighting.

Cadern smiles, "I stand by my statement. I think Ronja has a chance. If only by sheer stubborness. I always say luck outweighs skill and Sir Jordan certainly has the skill."

Ronja checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 22, rolling 13 higher.

Ronja remains capable of fighting.

Ronja checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 33, rolling 6 higher.

Ronja remains capable of fighting.

Skye gives a gasp as Ronja takes a hit that should have dropped her. She shakes her head and remarks to Vayne, "I don't know how she's still standing."

Ronja has rolled a critical success!
Ronja checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 15 higher.

Ronja remains capable of fighting.

Vayne replies, "There are few things that can surpass the human will," to Skye. "I'm impressed with that." And he looks it.

"Resilient." Jordan compliments his opponent as he continues to wail on her, strike after strike, and though to him she appears wobbly, she's certainly not flagging down. After the compliment, he readies his blade again in a fool's guard.

Valenciasits up in her chair and gasps a loud at the resilience of the warrior, her lips parting softly as she stares at the dramatic fight unfolding.

Anyone could see now that Ronja was barely standing. Her knees shook beneath her and it took the strength left in both arms to hold her cutlass aloft. "I...am gonna get really drunk after this," she promised, circling around a few wobbling steps before once more falling in to attack.

Ronja checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 112, rolling 73 lower.

Ronja checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 70, rolling 31 lower.

Ronja is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

There is silence for a beat and then the crowd rises in a rush of cheers calling down their approval for the competitors. Hoots and hollers of praise as the crowd goes wild!

Vayne is overheard praising Ronja: Testicular fortitude!

Cadern is overheard praising Ronja: Stubborn fighter

Skye is overheard praising Ronja: For her fortitude

Skye is overheard praising Jordan: Well fought

1 Navegant Marines have been dismissed.

Dahlia, a confident red and white corgi puppy have been dismissed.

Winter, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound have been dismissed.

Octavian, a silken spaniel have been dismissed.

There's a mild glance from Arcadia in Vayne's direction, as if she had overheard... something. But soon she's looking back to her drink, polishing it off with a content and alcohol-warmed look on her face.

Faruq returns some time later spinning his hat around on his fingertip. He is just in time for all the cheering and he blinks and curses softly under his breath: "Ahhh I missed a hell of a match it sounds like!" He sighs and then returns to the bar: "I do apologize about that Baroness. Business waits for no one at times." He offers a bow to both Skye, and Vayne, then moves to retake his spot on the bar.

Faruq has joined the bar.

Valencia is overheard praising Jordan: Well fought. One of the most formidable and patient fighters in Arx.

Valencia is overheard praising Ronja: Well fought. A rising star to be sure.

Naturally, Helia raises her hands and claps them with obvious heaty apprecation. "Good fight," she yells before she bows, waves and smiles to all around her. And then she's off!

Prince Biscuit, the seadog puppy leaves, following Helia.

Zoey rises as the fight ends and looks down at Octavian. Then Ian. "Watch my dog, won't you?" she asks with a hint of private amusement. "Octavian. Stay with Ian." She reaches for the silk wrapped stick things leaning against her satchel and hesitates over them. A glance at Skye, though, and she picks one. The silk is unwound to reveal an alaricite longbow. She kisses Ian's cheek and strolls towards the ring, waiting patiently while the mercies tend to Ronja and Jordan. She takes the available time to adjust the quiver of blunted arrows on her shoulder and string her bow.

Ian looks down at the dog.

Ronja has left the ring of valor.

Skye wields golden seahorse rubicund bow.

It takes a sideways cleave but Ronja ends up felled by the powerful strike. He spends a moment to look at the blunted sword, shrug, and then he lowers it. "I'll buy your drink." Jordan offers, outstretching a hand to Ronja. "Come on up. Well fought, Mistress."

Skye pulls out the golden seahorse rubicund bow that was made by her own design. It flashes under the lights as she stands and makes her way down to where the targets are being set up. She sends a wave to her friends at the bar as she comes to meet Zoey on the field. She looks around to see if anyone else if going to join them.

Skye has left the bar.

Zoey gets Dawn's Light, an alaricite bow from a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

The crowd is still going wild as Jordan and Ronja depart the sands. Suddenly there is a whirl of cables and a large finely meshed net rises up around the ring and targets are set up to the far side as the sergeant of arms calls Lady Zoe and Baroness Skye to the ring. Valencia smiles to the women, quietly wishing each a stable hands and good sight.

Arcadia pauses, pale grey-blue eyes peering over the freshly emptied rim of her wine glass as archers apparently begin to take center stage. "... Is there some sort of archery contest happening?" she asks the ether through a wine-buzzed haze. The sight of the alacrite and rubicund bows has her slightly intimidated -- if not insanely jealous. "Mn." She glances down at the steel of her custom, Cady-sized crossbow.

Jordan puts Golden Hart Arena Longsword in Weapons Rack.

Jordan puts Vermilion Drake Sabatons in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Jordan puts Vermilion Drake Gauntlets in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Jordan puts Vermilion Drake Cuirass in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Jordan puts Vermilion Drake Helm in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Jordan puts Vermilion Drake Arm Armor in Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Zoey smiles warmly at Skye when she approaches. "Well met, Baroness. Glad you were willing to join in on the fun." She steps inside the netting and waits for the targets to be erected.

Ronja eventually rolls over enough to grip his hand in hers and stands, her hazel eyes locking Jordan's for a moment; the grin on her lips can be seen just as well in them. "I appreciate that. Well fought, yourself. I think you beat the memory of your name out of my head, though. What was it?"

Zoey has left the ringside table.

Zoey has joined the ring of valor.

"Sir Jordan Ober, General of Ashford, at your service." Jordan meets her gaze and smiles in turn, upnodding to the bar. "A pleasure to meet you, Mistress. That was a very good fight."

Ian continues to watch the dog. Somewhat suspiciously. In case it tries anything. He takes a drink.

Valenciasmiles a little as Jordan and Ronja get even better acquainted before turning to watch the next competition.

The spaniel sniffs at Ian's boot before rising on his hind legs to try and lick at his elbow.

Faruq lifts two fingers to his lips and whistles for Skye and Zoey while they gear up. He waves the bartender over and orders more rum for himself. Leaning over closer to Vayne he speaks to the Archlector quietly at the bar for a moment. Looking up towards the rafters Faruq chuckles: "Ah, Missere Waldemai is gone. I was hoping to place a wager on this contest as well." When Jordan and Ronja come off the sands he claps for them both: "I am sorry I missed it, judging by their response," A gesture to the crowd: "It was a very good match."

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

"Captain Ronja Sandreef, formally," she answers between panting breaths. "Good fight indeed." She works herself upright to stand on her own as she hears Faruq address them. "Yeah, yeah-" she answers through a groaned breath as her now upright posture reminds her of every bruised muscle, "He kicked my ass but I made him work for it."

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

"Well fought." Reese says while while still quietly at her table. She smiles over to Faruq, just seeming to notice him. She is a bit slow on the uptake tonight. It happens and Reese the denseness happens more than it does to most people. She then looks to Ronja and smiles. "He is truly a pain in the ass to fight. You did well."

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 38 higher.

"Sandreef," Jordan echoes that name, uncertain for a moment. "Ah, Sir Thorley's kin." He nods at that, grinning at Ronja. "Making me work for it is always good. There's a Redrain Princess -- Agatha -- she's a trampling bull on a good day. And a whole caravan's worth of horses on a bad day, when it comes to sparring her."

Skye tests her string, making sure that everything is in working order. She gives a glance at her opponent, giving her a bright smile, "Yes, I am looking forward to this." She then looks out at the target, gets her sights in order and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she releases the first string. The arrow flies true and hits the target solidly. She gives a smile and then aims again, the second arrow is release and doesn't fly as true. She glances at her opponent, gauging her skill and then gets a stubborn look as once more she lines up the target. This time her shot does better, the best of the three. She then stands back to see how the others did and get the ruling from the judges.

"I am praticipating," Cady decides for herself with a liqoured-up and youthful confidence, the tousle-haired Leary pushing up from the table to duck into the ring and take aim at the same set targets. Crossbow pulled back, she looks far too drunk to be doing anything close to handling a weapon. But here she is. Handling one!

Arcadia checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Arcadia checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

Arcadia checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Zoey waits politely to the side while the Baroness takes her shots, smiling at them each in turn. "You've quite an eye," she murmurs as she takes her turn at the targets. The first two are not -quite- as polished as Skye's, but the third smacks home with a sickening thud. "Do you feel that the blunted arrows are just a touch more ungaingly in their arc?" she asks her companion. "I find that I need to make minor adjustments to my grip to compensate." And then there's a Cady! The Leery woman receives a grin. "You're doing well, my Lady. Solid hits and well aimed."

Ronja gives pause when Jordan mentions Thorley's name. A wince passes her expression, though this one probably isn't because of the recent fight. "Yeah, that's...yeah." She then turns to answer Reese, "I'm humbled to hear it, Highness. Thank you. I'd fight him again. Maybe in a day or two." What looks to be the start of a bow ends abruptly with a subtle grunt. Satisfied that, 'eh, well, good enough, she probably got the idea,' Ronja starts old-lady shuffling her way to the bar.

Ronja has joined the bar.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 10 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 25 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 33 higher.

Arcadia's weapon is one of mechanical ferocity; lacking the elegance of the classical bow and string. Steel-tipped bolts fire out from the end of the pressurized release, one after the other. FTT. FTT. FTT. The bolts reach a high velocity quick and deadly, but there is a certain lameness to the way they fly -- too straight, too perfect; the aim more precise than a traditional bow, but less intuitive. Cady's lips set into a line, clearly unsatisfied with her own performance. "Mnnnn," is her reply to Zoey's compliment, the Leary bouncing impatiently on her toes as she reloads her bow. "I've done better. I'm shaky from delicious wines... I will be better soon, once the Duke shows me a few pointers..." She's frustrated, but ready to go again.

Arcadia checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 20 higher.

Arcadia has rolled a critical success!
Arcadia checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 48 higher.

Arcadia checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 17 higher.

Reese watches as arrows go flying, seemingly curious about the results. She then turns to Ronja, giving her a smile. "A few nights sounds about right." She murmurs softly. "I'm Princess Reese." She adds in her direction, not seeming to know her. She then looks over to Arcadia looking all impressed.

Skye gives a smile to both Arcadia and Zoey as they land their hits. She gives them both bright smiles, "Oh you both did well." She gives a nod to the targets as they start to be moved away, "Hmmm...I don't usually shoot from this length." She sizes up difficulty, pulls back and lets the arrow fly. This time it's not as solid. She makes an adjustment and the arrow flies better. Then on her third try once again it's her best in that round. She makes a happy noise and then turns to watch the others.

Vayne applauds everyone's result, pausing only to speak with the people at his table briefly.

"Oh." Jordan rubs his cheek as he studies Ronja for a moment. "My bad." He frowns a bit, though he upnods to the bartender. "What's your poison, Captain? Rum?" He asks with a sidelong glance, though he grins when she mentions she'd fight him again. Reese's compliment has him laugh, nodding to her. "I try to always be a pain in the ass to fight, Your Highness. Have a lot of greats to catch up to," he winks at the blonde.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 37 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 72 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 29 higher.

Reese looks over to Jordan, giving the man a smile. "You are one of the very few to beat me recently, Sir Jordan." She says toward the man.

Ronja nods to Reese from the bar, something of an apologetic smile on her lips. "Sorry, Highness," she speaks briefly, knowing she's half-shouting across the floor at this point, "I saw you at the, uh, fundraiser.. I'm Ronja Sandreef, at your service." She then turns her attention back to Jordan. "Rum's great! So's whatever. I've never been picky about my booze. No apologies, by the way - So you know my dad, then?"

Faruq watches the archery contest while occasionally speaking to Vayne at the bar. He smiles at Jordan and Ronja: "From hearing all of the accolades you two are receiving, I am very sorry I missed the spar. Hopefully you can put on a repeat performance at the next one. I shall certainly not let business intrude then." He laughs wryly with a grin following. As the next shots are made he whistles sharply and claps at the contest: "I will have to pick up the bow again sometime soon." He runs two fingers along his jaw lightly from the corner to his chin: "I've been spending to much time on the sword of late."

The crowd cheers and calls out as the ladies show their prowess on the field. Not a single arrow is shot wide.... the single ribbon bedecked arrow stuck deep in the rafters remains alone tonight with such talents in the Hart. The sergeant of Arms gives a nod of approval and calls out. "Thank you competitors. It is my honour to announce that round one goes to Baroness Skye and Lady Zoe. Round two goes to Lady Zoey and Baroness Skye, narrowly defeating Lady Arcadia. Lady Zoey and Baroness Skye, please take your places for the final round. The highest score will be declared the winner!"

Faruq also waves to Reese when she spots him again, lifting his glass of rum in salute or toast then takes a drink.

Ian remembers to look up once or twice, but mostly, he's keeping his eye on the dog.

"Fought him in a tournament recently." Jordan explains to Ronja. "The one that's pretty much gotten me the final pieces of diamondplate to finish my armor." He grins at Reese. "Hey, you're pretty much the best swordsman in the entire city, it's almost impossible to hit you, much less beat you. Last time it took, what, eighty exchanges? Ninety?"

Zoey nods encouragingly to Arcadia. "That one shot was quite beautiful," she murmurs softly as she lines up her first shot. It's steady as always. Her second shot, though? That one punches through the dead centre with enough force to visibly shake the entire target. The third is fairly run of the mill. She steps back and quietly goes about adjusting the string on her bow.

a lithe, dark-cloaked Lycene woman arrives, delivering a message to Zoey before departing.

Skye looks a bit surprised to find that she's among the final two. She gives Arcadia a salute for her fine performance. Then she moves up to do the last round. She readys her bow, and looks to Zoey, "I look forward to seeing your shots." Then she focuses on her target.

There is a glow to Arcadia, regardless of her loss. She glances into the crowd, nervous at first, and then bolstered by the energy of it all. "Mm. You two are wonderful archers," she murmurs to Skye and Zoey both, giving a dip of her head. "This feels very good. It is my first tournament or contest ever -- martial, at least." She bites at her lower lip, and then moves toward the edge of the ring. "More exciting than anything I could participate in back home at the Leaholdt, that's for sure." Hair matted slightly with sweat, she returns to the table, retaking her seat beside Magnus and groping for a new glass of wine.

Is it bad that Zoey doesn't look surprised to be in the final two? She doesn't seem vain about it, either. There's a sort of easy calm about her as she smiles at Skye and nods at Cady... Perhaps Ian is rubbing off on her. "Well done, Lady Arcadia. I look forward to watching you progress in your studies."

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 10 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 5 higher.

Skye checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 17 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 36 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 26 higher.

Ian and all his good influence are mostly still focused on eyeballing the dog.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 25, rolling 28 higher.

Valenciacheers loudly for the ladies, looking delighted with the skills they bring. Suddenly Lizette is at her side with a missive. The little vixen offers a smile of thanks to her and quickly reads the note.

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

Skye takes a deep breath as the target is moved even further. She wrinkles her nose, tries to concentrate but her nerves get the better of her. Her next several shots place on the target. She doesn't miss. But it's clear that she's starting to reach the limit of her skill. She glances at Zoey as she takes aim and makes her shots. She pauses to clap for her opponent who clearly had the better shots.

From a few seats down the bar from Faruq, Ronja chuckles a bit as his compliment. "I surprised myself. I'm wondering if he took it easy on me. But I'm glad to have made an impression, at least." To Jordan, she answers, "You'll have to tell me about that." She lifts her weapon to show it to Jordan briefly before returning it to her side. "This used to be his. He had it delivered to me this morning, figured I'd give it a swing. Thanks for helping me test it."

Malika has joined the bar.

It's a bit more difficult as the targets inch backwards, but Zoey has a smooth rapidity to her shooting. Almost zen-like, she rapidly releases the missiles into their goals, one after another. When finished, she immediately unstrings her bow and turns to incline her head graciously to Skye and Arcadia, warm smile on her lips. "Thank you, Ladies," she says with gentle earnestness. "It's always good to get out here from time to time." Valencia gets a grin and a little wriggle of fingers before the dark skinned woman is returning to Ian. Who seems to have taken her request to watch the still-in-vain adoring pup literally.

It's what Zoey gets for giving Ian an order like that when he's drunk.

Reese looks back to Ronja. "Oh, nice to meet you, Mistress Ronja." Se says softly and belatedly. "It was a very very long fight." Reese adds, sounding all flattered by Jordan's words.

Vayne applauds the contestants, having remembered to finish his wine before doing so. He rises from his seat, and bids his tablemates farewell. And then he heads for the door, with a wave to anyone he missed.

Faruq claps for all the archers: "Very well done all of you!" He calls out to them: "Far better than I could do now, or even when I was still practicing with the bow."

Malika returns quietly to the bar and on spying her sibling settles on to a barstool beside him, "That was quick." she mutters to him.

Faruq lifts his shoulder in a slight shrug to Malika: "Was business, not pleasure." He smiles wolfishly at her and then tosses back some more rum.


**********************************************************************
A ship returns to the port in Arx and a somber delegation disembarks. High Lord Victus, Princess-Consort Alarissa, Princess Coraline, Lord Arik, and Princess Marian walk down the gangplank. With them are two bodies - Prince Barric Grayson and Lord Valerio Mazetti rest on wooden planks, carried by their companions off the ship. Rumors fly - they left on a mission of mercy, a rescue mission. And though they were successful it was not without great cost. They say Lord Valerio died standing between Lord Arik and danger, selflessly giving his life that his companion could live. Rumor has it he saw the Shining Lands as he died, and his final words were a greeting to his long-dead, beloved wife. And Prince Barric? Beset by controversy and rumor, it is said he was firm in the face of danger, courageous against the evils of the abyss (surely that is hyperbole, but the peole nod anyway because it makes a better story), and that his final words were to confirm his loyalty and love for his family. "None Greater Than Grayson," he said as he fell.
**********************************************************************



**********************************************************************
A ship returns to the port in Arx and a somber delegation disembarks. High Lord Victus, Princess-Consort Alarissa, Princess Coraline, Lord Arik, Prince Luca and Princess Marian walk down the gangplank. With them are two bodies - Prince Barric Grayson and Lord Valerio Mazetti rest on wooden planks, carried by their companions off the ship. Rumors fly - they left on a mission of mercy, a rescue mission. And though they were successful it was not without great cost. They say Lord Valerio died standing between Lord Arik and danger, selflessly giving his life that his companion could live. Rumor has it he saw the Shining Lands as he died, and his final words were a greeting to his long-dead, beloved wife. And Prince Barric? Beset by controversy and rumor, it is said he was firm in the face of danger, courageous against the evils of the abyss (surely that is hyperbole, but the peole nod anyway because it makes a better story), and that his final words were to confirm his loyalty and love for his family. "None Greater Than Grayson," he said as he fell.
**********************************************************************


The crowd again goes wild as the winners are announced and Valenica rises from her seat to lift her glass to them. "Bravo!" she calls out with a bright smile. "Most well done!" Quickly, the Hart's staff beging to remove the nets and targets, clearing the way for any last contenders for the evening. As Vayne rises to leave, the little vixen smiles gently and offers a little wave goodbye, "Goodnight, my dearest Blessed," she offers before he goes.

Skye gives a bow to those that compliment her shooting skills. Then she quietly says her goodbyes to her friends as she starts to head out the door. It's clear that after a few drinks and shooting arrows, this lady is ready for bed.

Vayne has left the bar.

Chase, a Silent Reflection in grey hooded robes leave, following Vayne.

"Will do," Jordan grins at Ronja. "I don't think he likes me much." With a wink to the Captain, he straightens, then, drinking down his one shot of rum and enjoying the burn briefly. "Anytime. New weapons take some adjustment time."

As the sparring winds down, Faruq finishes his rum and then nudges his sister with his elbow: "That was more entertaining than I thought it was going to be hmm?" He smiles wryly at Malika: "We should do this more often I think. It's good to get you off the ships and into the city. Let all these fine people know who you are." He slides his empty glass over to the bartender and rises to his feet, stretching: "I am sorry I missed that last spar before the archery contest... you will have to tell me about it." A hand is lifted in a greeting and a wave over towards where Reese and Arcadia sit: "Next time I am sure you will do better Lady Arcadia. Less time in the stacks before the next one perhaps?" His smile turns roguish and playful: "Highness, it was good to see you again as always but I should be off. Have a pleasant night."

Pushing off from the bar Faruq walks over towards where Valencia sits and he dips his chin towards his chest that follows into a bow as he sweeps his hat off with the gesture: "I don't think we had the chance to be properly introduced. I am Lord Faruq Seraceni, and I was far more entertained tonight than I thought possible without the risk of life and limb. For that. I thank you." He straightens up with a soft laugh: "And the drinks do not hurt either." A wink is given to Valencia then he waves with a nod to her table mates and starts for the door.

Nico arrives, following Holt.

Nico leaves, following Holt.

Nico arrives, following Holt.

Zoey wraps her bow up and nudges at Octavian with the toe of her slipper. "Stop pestering Ian," she says fondly to tha animal. Glancing at her husband, she gives him a smile. "Feel like heading upstairs yet?"

"Oh gods," Arcadia peeps out, a faint blush forming in the wake of Faruq's words. "You met me during the -one- time I dared enter the maze of the Archives. Believe me, the stacks are the last place I wish to be!" She sighs, a crossbow bolt twirling betwixt nimble and skinny fingers, "Please, do not think me a scholar. Consider this the first impression, mn?"

Malika looks agast at the words coming from her older sibling and does her best to become one with the bar. Through tightly gritted teeth she spits out "I am going to kill you Faruq." She grabs a bottle of rum likely one Faruq did not empty and begins to drink. If it were possible to see red in her skin she would be scarlet.

Valencia smiles up at Faruq and returns his greeting with a bright and sweet smile. "A pleasure, my lord. I hope we will see you both again soon. My Hart is open to everyone. Do come to visit us soon, yes?" she invites, offering him a delicate hand in farewell before he departs, her smile sweet and warm.

Ronja orders herself a glass of "Uh...Rum, I guess," from the barkeep, and turns in her seat to face away from it, cradling the glass in her lap. "I'm not sure what to think of this," she responds to Jordan, tapping the blade at her side with a shrug. "Ah, well. Oh, hey," she points across the bar to Holt and Nico, indicating them to Jordan, "Holt over there volunteered to coach me, and Nico's gonna be my sparring partner. You should tell them about how spectacularly I failed today."

Ian nods to Zoey when she gets back and hands the leash over to her again.

"You didn't fail." Jordan states to Ronja, simplistically enough. "You've barely just begun. Check back in a few months."

"Alright alright, I've got a better one. What's the difference between a rabbit and a plum?"

That would be Holt Weaver, who is walking into the Hart alongside his comrade Nico. He has a particular way of walking; chin up a little, shoulders slightly back, thumbs tucked into his belt on either side of the buckle. And a smirk on his face, though that's less a part of his mode of walking and more a permanent expression.

"They're both purple, except for the rabbit."


Zoey takes the lead in hand and unattaches it from Octavia's collar. Now that she's no longer in the ring, she seems confident enough that the spaniel won't bound off somewhere and get hurt by rogue arrows. Even if they are blunted, they can do major damage to a small animal. She waits for Ian and they leave together, puppers trailing behind like the happiest doggo on the face of Aion.