Alfonso Donatello Fidante the Right Hand arrives, following Santiago.

Kuhlai D'Mahn an aide, 3 House Mazetti Guardians, Night an Ostrian Cat arrive, following Strozza.

Having entered quietly some time ago, Aswin Ulbran had made his way by the bar to pick up a tankard of ale before climbing the stairs up to the upper levels, his eyes turned back down below to mark the area where the fights will begin.

Ian is sitting at the corner table, having arrived a little bit early. He started with a pitcher of water, which isn't normal for him, but he also came in a little on the sweaty side, so who knows. He's got whiskey now, though. Someone brought him a bottle and a small (okay, actually kinda large) stack of glasses, which stand in the middle of the table.

Merek makes a way into the place, looking about, his dark attire on, while he nods a bit, waving to people.

Nurie comes in to the arena quite breathless, as if she'd had to rush to make it over and into the Hart to be here on time. Her steps are light, however, her cheeks flushed with excitement as well as exertion, and remain almost bouncy as she looks about for a place from where to view the sparring. She gathers up her long skirts to begin to climb to the rafter seating, searching the crowd for familiar faces.

The Hart pulses with excitement as guests begin to arrive and fill the Hart's vast arena. The seats and tables fill quickly with happy faces as fighters grin and prepare for what is sure to be an incredible night if good company and excellent matches. Valencia arrives in full force, her smile lighting up the room as she enters in a swirl of scarlet southern silk. A brief consultation with her staff sends them flying into action and the little vixen strides, head held high into the fray to greet everyone with a warm smile and a warmer welcome.

Felicia's first stop upon arriving at the arena is to snag a bottle of whiskey from the bar in exchange for a few silver. With a nod for her valet she heads down towards a familiar spot- a table by the ringside, at which she can drop into a chair and plant her feet on an empty one next to her.

Nurie has joined the upper rafters.


Piccola is fussing.

Or fretting. Hard to tell. She has a stormy look on her face, and is pacing back and forth anxiously. She's dressed 'nicely' today in a pair of tunics over a pair of leather pants. Boots still look dirty, and her clothes are peasant-quality. She's got a short composite bow over one shoulder, with a quiver, and a simple sword attached by a thick belt around her waist.

Back and forth, back and forth, like an agitated snake.


Sir Floppington has lain down somewhere near the Kennex folk. Meanwhile, his human charge -- Scout Rowenova -- is high up in the rafters above and stretched out over a supportive beam all carefree as she curiously observes the gathering crowds below.

Zoey pours out glasses of whiskey for the others at her table, a smile on her face as they converse in their corner.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant arrives, following Mikani.

Videl enters, leaning somewhat on the friend she's coming along with. The woman looks to be in a good mood, clearly pleased to see these start up again. As she spots Ian and Zoey, she gently directs her companion that way. "Looks like Lady Zoey and her husband are already" She pauses when she spots Valencia, "Your highness. I have missed these so much."

Sydney drifts into the Hart's Arena area, stifling a yawn into the back of her hand. She looks bedraggled, as though having recently rolled out of bed. That too-long wild flare of hair is sporting no shortage of tangles due to the day's shabby treatment. First things first - ain't much of a sip and spar without making use of the sip. She makes for the bar, orders a whiskey, and drums her fingertips while waiting on its arrival, nodding at the occasional familiar face.

"Anyway, we've finished off the entire duck cove," says Appolonia Seraceni as she walks, almost staggers into the place, waving around a thin cherry-dipped cigarello as if it were a pointer, "and most of the black beans we got from Ischia, so I'm sort of looking forward to it as an exciting adventure at this point. I don't know what would be worse!"

She is addressing Lord Drake of Wyrmguard, who has come in with her and makes her look extra tiny by comparison. Appolonia's hair has been cut quite short and has ragged edges, and she has a rather wide, staring expression even for herself now. "Did I overdress? I haven't ever come to one of these?" she asks Drake, taking a moment to wiggle the ironwool gown that she's wearing, hem pinned up to knee-height with metal clips to avoid the obvious 'stomp on a lady's dress tail and immediately stab her in the face twenty times' stratagem. (She waves with undue vigor at Sydney, and also at Ian, more experimentally.)

Santiago has joined the ringside great table.

Ulfric arrives with a large smile on his face and one hand resting on his sword hilt. Ulfric gives a nod to everyone he recognizes as he makes his way to the ring sides tables, clearly eager for the sparing part of the night.

Ian takes a sip of his drink, and then another one. Catching waving out of the corner of his eye, he nods to Appolonia.

"I didn't realize how excited I was for this. I'm glad we made a date for it.,"Thea tells Videl with a smile, as she's led by her friend. "Im glad you brought this back,"the Malvici says to Valencia with a grin. "Thank you for hosting this,"as she makes her way over to join Zoey and Ian. Already having a drink in hand. Thought from the looks of the table, she may not need it.

Philippe is at the bar. He got here early so he could get a good bar seat for tonight's matches. As Sydney bellies up to the bar for a shot, the old count lifts his ale in salute to her, taking another drink. "Young mistress," he says, but if she's not chatty today, he understands. Philippe is not known for excess speech either.

A glance up to the rafters as folks with a taste for adventure and excellent balance seek the seats with the best view in the house, their legs swinging from the rafters like a council of cats watching the proceeding. Even there the drinks flow, with little barmaids agily moving daintily across with pitchers, not spilling a single drop as the refill cups and mugs.

Valencia draws in a deep breath and takes the sight in. Lord Ian and his lovely Lady Zoey are offered a bright and fond smile and Aswin a shy by warm nod should she catch his eye. Merek, failiar to her is given a wave of welcome. Nurie's breathless arrival meets a smiling vixen and a little barmaid with a glass on a tray, offering her a free drink to start her day as she arrives in the rafters. Felicia's arrival is met with a look of delight and a graceful bow of head and a worried look is offered to Piccola. "You are alright, my lady?" Valencia asks the woman quietly pacing. "May I offer drink?"

There are always so many people at these things and Strozza does his level best to deal with it. He's used to crowded areas, ships an all. But this is a lot of hoi polloi compared to the sea rats he tends to prefer. No need to be proper at sea. Just the Cap'n.

But Strozza makes his way, looking for Valencia - or wherever he's supposed to give donations... Also he considers buying some extreme heal and sole shoes for Valencia. Girl is iddy.

Ulfric has joined the ringside table.

Felicia dips her head respectfully Valencia's way and offers a silent salute with her whiskey, stretched out comfortably with a look over those gathered with undisguised curiousity.


"No, thank you."

Piccola's response is a little curt, a little terse. She makes a face, and tells Valencia, as way of explanation, "Tournaments make me antsy." And a little more explanation follows. "People watching. Looking." Squint. "Besides, I don't drink before a fight. Need to stay sharp, and I do like to drink."

Sounds like a true alcoholic.


Mikani enters and looks around. She looks around and smiles and waves at those she knows. She makes a special nod and bow for Valencia before she makes her way towards the bar top to get her glass of rum.

Sydney throws a smile Appolonia's way in response to the enthusiastic waving, and properly seats herself properly when Philippe addresses her. She offers a laugh, shaking her head, "Sydney suits me just fine. We've gone out into the wilds together, there's no need to stand on formality. She leans her elbows in, "Come to watch, drink, or shall you be participating?"

Drake has Appolonia on his arm as he walks in, and takes in the bustle of the arena event, while listening to her question. He looks down at her, taking another glance at that gown. "Now that entirely depends on if you plan to spar. If you do... you may want to take a layer off." He is wearing leather pants along with a silk top, though there is the possibility that more armor may be underneath. On one arm is the star iron decorative vambrace he got after his recent duel. Drake notices Appolonia's wave to Sydney, and then sees her over at the bar near Philippe. "Good crowd tonight." Drake starts to move in the bar direction.

Drake has joined the bar.

Sydney has joined the bar.

Appolonia has joined the bar.

Nalani arrives, following Shard.

Nurie is pleased to have taken one of the offer of a glass, though it doesn't go unpaid for long--she takes out a coinpurse of silver to press into the the appropriate hands, and offers the vixen and barmaid a grateful bow of her head! Once she's taken her seat though, the impossibly bubbly Nurie becomes even more effervescent as she too notices the pacing pocket-sized knight. She doesn't shout or wave at Piccola though, not yet!

Mikani has joined the corner table.

"Forgive my excess formality, Sydney," Philippe says, with a nod. "It is an ingrained behavior. I have to remind myself at times to ease back." Philippe finally spots Apollonia and Drake, gesturing nearby himself before returning his attention to Sydney. "Watching and drinking is my speed these days. But if you are taking part, I will cheer your efforts," looking to Drake, "and yours as well, of course."



Lord Santiago Leonardo Cortez Fidante arrives, and beside him is the elder man Alfonso Fidante.
This dark man from Tor turns his eyes across all those faces present, and moves for the ringside Great Table. Seating himself, Alfonso can be seen mouthing the word 'tea' where the Lord gives a nod, sits, and steeples his fingers upon the surface.

Graham is moving about the room dressed in his armor and cloak but it seems for the moment that he is helping with taking drink orders and handing them out as the staff moves about. He looks as more people come into the arena area and smiles waving to those who arrive nodding in greetings. He spots a few he knows and pauses to greet them individually.

Rowenova gets out a beige sheet of scribing paper from a Halfshaf folio from her Messenger Bag before folding up said paper twice then tearing it up into quarter pieces. After doing so, she makes four birds from each quarter before sending them down from the rafters above. One lands on the bar, another on the corner table, another on the ringside table, and then the last upon the great table.

Valencia nearly bounces as Rowenova and Sir Flops arrive, the little dark eyed princess calling out. "Thank you for your missive, my sweetest friend. I am so excited to see you spar again as she turns to welcome Videl with the offer of a delicate hand. "Oh, my goodness, how lovely to see you? And I thank you. It has been far too long. I am so happy to see you," she nods warmly allowing her to find direct her companion toward the Kennex's table. Sydney arrives next and the little Lycene smiles again. "My dearest Mistress Sydney. You are so very welcome. I hope we will see your skill again tonight. Not many master the marital art of the hand," she invites as the woman moves by.

The new face of Apppolinia is me with a bright smile and a little nod of welcome, the little princess seeming happy and so very curious about the woman with the cherry tipped cigarello. Valencia smiles at the scent and offer a little impish smile to Lord Drake as he is being addressed. But the crowd moves on at Ulfric is in her sights, the dark eyed vixen straightening up on seeing him, her look of delight to see him again open and obvious. But there is not time to great him just yet as Thea speaks and is immediately offered a warm hug before she heads to join Ian and Zoey as well. "I am so excited, too. Come find me later, yes?" she invites.

Shard prowls into the room, a quiet and, given her clothing, rather dark and dour joiner of the festivities. Although how much 'festivities' she intends to partake in is also unclear.

From the rafters above, Rowenova waves down to Valencia, "Thank you so much for running this again!" says the Northern lass at an elevated volume for all to easily hear before she shuts up and simply observes everyone below.

While drifting towards the bar with Drake, Appolonia beams at Valencia. "So wonderful to see you, so very wonderful. Tell me, do we give now or after the battle? Because," and here she looks up at Drake with a smile that might be slightly wacky (or deranged), "I absolutely intend to give it a try! Why not, eh?! I see it's a thing that's happening on the regular, too.' She does pause to curtsey at Phillipe, which looks slightly absurd with her dress pinned up like this, but that's life for you.

Ian gives Valencia a solemn nod when she swings by the table. "Thank you for doing this again."

Felicia takes 4000 silver from Dance of Skulls cincture and sword belt.

Shard has joined the bar.

"I do not blame you. I am nervous, too, but I suspect you will be beautiful upon the sands. What is your name please?" Valencia smiles to Piccola who's nervous candor surpasses her own.

Rowenova has left the upper rafters.

Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound leaves, following Rowenova.

Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound arrives, following Rowenova.

Rowenova has joined the upper rafters.

"I'll participate. I can hardly turn down a challenge. I haven't lost when it mattered... at least not so far," Drake says. "Although I did make a pretty dismal showing at the grand melee, so, perhaps don't bet too much of a purse on me at this event all the same, eh?" He raises a brow across the bar looking at Sydney who was of course the champion of that particular event. Drake looks back at Valencia with a nod, but she must be quite busy hosting, so he doesn't take her time for too long. "I'll be competing of course, if sword is all right."


The green-and-white pocket knight closes her eyes for just a second.

"Piccola." Beat. "Of House Tessere." She plucks at the white tonic that is laid over her green long tunic. Sigh. "Yeah. That'll work." Whatever that means. "Thank you." She makes a grumpy huff and then puts on a tight smile.

Then paces elsewhere, as the event start.


Looking over from her spot from at the table, Thea spies Piccola, Drake, and Appolonia as well. She offers them a wave and smile, greeting them,"Good evening,"her face all sorts of excited for once. She leans back and crosses her legs, getting comfortable.

Sydney crooks a smile at Philippe, "Honestly, I'm in just about the same boat, today. Don't know how much I'm up for--" And then Valencia's calling to her, and she flusters slightly, "A-aha. You're too kind, truly. I suppose we'll see if the whiskey brings on some inspiration."

She stretches, and glances sidelong to Drake, "...Speaking of, sorry to have missed your duel. Woulda liked to see it." She rubs the back of her neck, "All of mine keep fallin' through. Rough luck, that - though, I was drunk as all hell when I accepted the last offer, and when I sobered up, it sure was a hell of a thing to duel over." She casts an eye up to Rowenova, as though musing.

Rowenova matches gazes with Sydney then jokingly shifty eyes, before then trying to hide behind the beam underneath her, but her edges are still seen.

1 Templar Knight guards, Sir Daniel the Beardless, a somewhat hapless Templar arrive, following Hamish.

Appolonia waves to Thea and appraises Piccola thoughtfully as she leans a hip against the bar, taking a brief drag on the cigarillo, pausing, and then saying something excited to the other bar-lingering folks.

Philippe pauses as Valencia starts taking collections. He reaches into his purse and produces a neatly folded envelope, sealed with Blancard's mark. He gets up from the bar for a moment, drops it off with the relevant attendant, and goes back to his place without a big fuss. Dueling is sport for the young, after all, but drinking is an old timer's game.

Drake chuckles at Sydney, but then shakes his head a bit. "Some duels are over somewhat ridiculous things. But this one sounded like there were some tensions brewing. I... try, to keep from being too involved in the actual subject of the argument at hand. After all, it is only our part to sort it out, not to join in the argument. I... hope that the Lady Brianna wasn't sore after everything, but, it was an excellent fight, all things considered. Good show for the crowd. That's what I like the most." Drake sits back, his shoulders to the bar. "If we had only gone to first blood, it wouldn't have been nearly so much fun." He smiles at Thea when he catches her gaze. Piccola, he doesn't know, but he gives her a brief look over.

Fiore the Sarcastic Attendant arrives, following Gabriella.

Thea takes Raptor Helm from a physician's medicine satchel.

Thea takes a red sword cape with golden chain and hawk embroidery from a physician's medicine satchel.

Ian settles into his chair. He doesn't look like he intends on sparring today, but he definitely looks interested in watching.

The young Count is moving about he moves back towards the bar top spotting Appolonia he smiles "Are you waiting for a drink? I can grab it if so." He pauses a moment before adding an introduction. "I'm not sure we've met if so my appologies. I am Count Graham Byrne." he offers with a friendly smile.

In the crowd of people Korka really doesn't stand out, heading over to the bar to take a seat with her back to the counter. She raps her knuckles on the bar to order then says, "Wait. Drinks are free tonight, right?"

Shard settles in at the bar, where she promptly proceeds to rub her forehead with a few fingers. She mutters something under her breath that sounds vaguely irritable, but otherwise stays quiet for the moment.

Strozza has joined the ringside great table.

Hamish is flanked by a pair of templars as he walks down into the arena, though at a gesture the two back off and mostly still sit nearby because it's their job and they actually answer to Preston, not Hamish. He pulls off his robes of station, leaving him in a plain black shirt and rough black trousers, folds them up and sets them down next to Sir Daniel before he continues down to the bar. When he sees Korka he approaches her, draws a small, sharp dagger and sets it down in front of her. "Thank you."

Appolonia smiles at Graham, a little too wide. She dips into another curtsey and says to him, "I would be delighted. A rum if they have it? But whiskey is fine; and I am Lady Appolonia of Seraceni. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir!"

Sydney picks Korka's voice out of the din, and sticks a thumb her direction to the bartender. "...You can charge her. She's very noble and dutiful and would prefer full price, I should think." She regards Drake's commentary with a rather stiffer nod. "Yes, well. Suffice to say I'm glad that mine was null and void by the time I'd sobered. Not that I would have turned it down, of course." A slug of her whiskey.

Moving through the chaos, finding his way to where the donations are being deposited. Several pouches handed to him by Kuhlai and deposited by Strozza with a nod to the work before he starts towards the raised table, bowing his head to Santiago as he finds the man there,

"My lord. Good to see you have survived the crush." motioning vaguely at the mass of people around.

Graham turns to Korka as she speaks and smiles "If not, they are on me what would you like?" He wonders over "Count Graham Byrne." the young man offers with another friendly smile.

Valencia smiles at Piccola. "It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I am glad you are here. I hope we might talk later. I must start the lists. Good luck in your spar," she nods as she politely excues herself. A gentle smile comes as the donations are given, the little vixen moved by the generousity of those present. "Thank you. You honour my Hart. This will help so many," she offers with a grateful nod to the kindness of the others, including Philippe who offers his donation. A breath and she is slipping to the sands to start the event in earnest.


Dressed in her typical silks, tremendous greatsword still ever-present strapped to her back, Gabriella Pravus enters the arena with the bright, wondering stare of someone who is doubtless having a fresh, first experience. Arms crossing over her chest, she sweeps the grounds with a thoughtful air, head cocked and brow raised. "Hm," she exhales, considerately, and then nods to herself, a smile blooming at her lips. "Magnificent." And, apparently pleased with everything she sees, Gabriella makes her way in further, looking for a decent vantage point for the upcoming festivities.

"Korka Glynn," the dark haired woman replies to Graham, giving him a nod of greeting then saying to the bartender, "A glass of red--" anything else is cut off when Hamish sets that dagger down. "Likewise," she flashes him a quick smile, nudging the backpack at her feet towards him, "I almost met your Queen the other night. I think your tokens helped me avoid that fate. Much to Mistress Sydney's dismay I'm sure."

Nurie chatters excitedly at her rafters companions, though her ale is disappearing rather quickly it's doing so with quite dainty sips. Her eyes are still bright and curious and excited, especially when it seems as if the pairings will start soon.



Clad in scarlet southern silks that embrace sensual curves and slender waist, Valencia gracefully moves to the center of the Ring of Valor. Offering a bright smile, she holds up her hands and graciously inclines her head to the enthusiastic crowd.

"My lords and ladies, misseres and madams. Dear friends -- welcome to my Hart and thank you for joining us tonight."

"It has been some time since we have gathered in this arena and we are so very happy to have you join us."

"Tonight we are accepting donations to help those who are suffering in the Lowers. There are many who need our help to support and sustain the families and people there," the little Lycene continues on a more somber note."

"All donations made in silver or writs tonight will be matched up to a total of 100,000 silver that will be given to assist to the good works happening there. Every silver counts, my dearest friends. So please be generous if you are able."

"And, to those are supporting, or will be supporting this good cause tonight, we thank you. Your care will save lives.

"Together we can help to make a difference to others. Together, we can build a stronger Avrum. And for this I thank you with all my heart," Valencia nods gently allowing the urgency of her impassioned request to resonate across the room before continuing.

"And now, to what you have you have all been waiting for. A show of skill finer than you will see anywhere. The Hart's Sip n'Spar is about to begin! Please rise and cheer our competitors tonight," the little vixen smiles as she waves a hand to the men and women who will soon be entering the ring. "And, if you please, the bar is open and the ring is ready to receive. Please enjoy the evening! Competitors, if you would please take to the sands!"

Anais, a svelte, sylph-like scribe arrives, following Evangeline.

Sydney sits up the slightest bit straighter at the sound of Gabriella's voice. A smile flourishes on her features, and she offers, "Gabrie! You're a sight for sore eyes." She's distracted by Korka's words and offers a light click of her tongue. "Oh, don't think I wish you malice. Merely intense inconvenience." She pauses entirely as Valencia launches in to her speech, then offers a little salute with her whiskey glass.

Drake looks for a second, a bit concerned toward Korka's comment. He nods to her from across the room. "Glad to see you in good health now," he says.

The Hart's Sergeant of Arms, a gruff no-nonsense, grizzled specimen of a man, moves onto the sands and rumbles out the call, "Lords and Ladies, good folk and gentles all, Scout Rowenova and Aswin Ulbran are called to the sands! May your fight with honour and fire in your soul and the rest be damned," offers and eyes the combatants with a look of approval. "Sir, madame, present yer arms and at yer leisure, lay on," he says with a gruff grin and a bow to each before stepping back for to allow them room to ready themselves.

Rowenova has left the upper rafters.

He returns the bow of his head and chest to Appolonia nodding at her question as well. "A pleasure to meet you, m'lady Graham is fine if you'd prefer?" He offers moving around side the bar to get the drinks requested. "pleasure to meet you as well." He offers to Korka cordially and will take the time to get the drinks together before returning to place them in front of each person by their orders.



Standing at the Great Table beside the ring, Lord Santiago raises his tea to those champions listed in the fights. His dark eyes scanning the room, before sitting back down.

Aswin has left the upper rafters.

Aswin has joined the ring of valor.

Rowenova has joined the ring of valor.

Felicia sets down her whiskey glass to give Valencia's speech a brief, if loud, clap of her hands and a sharp whistle before taking up her whiskey again. For her, the sips at the glass in hand practically count as demure by comparison.

Aswin wields Simple Nondescript Dagger.

Tarik makes his way through the crowd and finds a place to take. Before taking his seat, he offers a wave to Rowenova and shouts, "Good luck!"

Nurie cheers loudly as people start to make for the sands, not the least for Aswin and Rowenova who are leaving the rafters to take their places below. Though finding her glass empty, she narrows her eyes slightly towards the bar and where another might be found, debating when to go and seek it.

Tarik has joined the ringside table.

Hamish has joined the bar.

Ian turns his attention to the sands, even his drink largely forgotten as the first pair of combatants move towards the sands.

As his name is called, Aswin rises and follows Rowenova down to the sand. Once they have made it to the ring, the Ulbran offers Rowenova a slight bow as instructed before he bends into a ready position, his dagger coming up at at the ready.

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

Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound have been dismissed.

Arriving just in time for the announcement, Softest Whisper Evangeline crosses the threshold to the Golden Hart's Arena. She lingers near the doorway a moment to let her eyes sweep over the room and take notice of the patrons before choosing her path to take.

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

Valencia has joined the ringside great table.

Thea is quick to watch the ring."I have bets on Rowenova,"she already decides, almost missing Evangeline. Waving, she grins,"Whisper Evangeline!"

Scout Rowenova climbs down from the rafters above as she stuffs gear into her Messenger Bag, apparently having layered down to linen gear alone before meandering over to Tarik. She sets her bag down by his chair and gives him a quick kiss upon his cheek. "Thanks, Love." before making her way to the fighting ring. "Princess Valencia, I present my body as my weapon of choice." Then, she bows to Aswin before reading a stance of her own, hands up in a praying position it seems: fingertips steepled inches away from her chin.


Hearing that familiar voice, Gabriella draws to a pause. Sky blue eyes turn towards the bar; one couldn't think that smile of Gabriella's could get any more warm, but somehow, someway, the knight manages the feat as soon as that gaze of hers falls on Sydney. "Syd," is her warm greeting, and wherever the Setarcan was planning on going, it is forgotten as she diverts towards the bar without a second's hesitation. "It has been far, far too long." Her gaze turns towards Valencia as the speeches and the event begins in earnest, but her words remain for the brawler as a single, dark eyebrow lifts. "Are you playing the part of participant, or avid enthusiast tonight?"

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 67 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 11, rolling 73 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 76 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 21, rolling 76 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 55, rolling 72 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 63, rolling 26 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Appolonia raises her own cheese-and-deathstick in salute, and seems vaguely abashed. Which fades as she beams at Gabriella from afar, waving with her other hand. (Gabriella would probably notice she chopped most of her hair off. Her own hair, not Gabriella's.) As she gets onto a seat, she tells Graham, "I'll remember," even as he moves to circulate further.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 90, rolling 10 higher.

Rowenova remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 132, rolling 28 lower.

Rowenova checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 86, rolling 2 higher.

Rowenova remains alive, but close to death.

Rowenova is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Graham looks back towards the fighting arena a moment following the fight but he isn't forgetting those nearest by either however. "Anything to eat at all or well just let me know if you need anything else. Is this the first time you've been here for the sip and spar?" He nods in Appolonia's direction "Of course."


Piccola remains off to the side, waiting for her turn.

She continues to pace back and forth, although not as furiously. She pulls her simple sword from its sheath, and swings it around her lazily to stretch out her muscles. Her eyes are on the fight, however, as if studying the two combatants in the event she may have to face them. And her weapon? Just a sword.

It's clean, sharp, and balanced, but it's just a simple steel sword.


"Thanks to your dragging me along," Korka inclines her head to Drake as well with a quirk of her lips, raising her glass his way, "Good to see you're still alive, Lord Drake. And I come here when they have these spars. It's good to know who fights and how," she replies to Graham.

"Go Nova!" Felicia calls from her spot at the opening flurry, raising her whiskey and draining her glass. Her emerald gaze settled on the combatants on the sand.

Nurie puts two fingers to her lips and whistles loudly and cheerfully as Rowenova and Aswin square up. "SCOUT ROWENOVA!" she cheers happily. Possibly this is breaking etiquette, but she doesn't know any better, in her enthusiasm. "KICK SOME--ooops!" She almost loses her glass, and having to suddenly hug it cuts her off. She doesn't have a battlefield voice though, so her encouragement might be lost in the ambient noise.

Drake looks at Korka with a big smile. "Last time I was in peril you were right there with me. And yes, I did drag you a bit. So I'm glad to see YOU'RE alive." He winks at her. "But we'll leave it at that." Maybe he'll get himself a drink, as he's not the FIRST up, after all, and he hasn't moved from the bar so far. His eyes wander back to the fight... with a bit of surprise, for a moment. "Rowenova is tough," he says. So her opponent was... surprisingly to him at least, a bit tougher. He claps his hands a few times.

As the fight in the sands grows more heated, Aswin can't help but let out a bark of laughter as Rowenova continues to evade him or to outright shrug off his attacks. Finally once it has ended, Aswin offers a respectful nod of his head toward Rowenova before saying, "Good fight. You are a tough one. Next round is on me, yeah?" Then he offers a nod toward those spectating before making his way back up to the rafters seating.

Aswin has left the ring of valor.

Aswin has joined the upper rafters.

Evangeline lifts a delicate hand in Thea's direction makes her way towards the noblewoman while the fight is underway. Every now and then the Whisper stops to watch the competitors and by the time she is at Thea's side, the fight is over. "Lady Malvici, now I believe I am exceptionally lucky this week, running into you twice."

Ian lost interest in the fight pretty quickly once it became clear that it was going to be a diamondplate dagger against an unarmed person, and is back to drinking again.

Graham smiles looking to Korka nodding at her words. "I see that's very smart, I dont often spar myself in public but I enjoy watching for the same reason." He is curious getting a drink for himself first though taking a drink. "So you are fighter then excellent."

A welcoming smile is offered to Hamish and joyful hug is offered to Mikani as is discovered as she passes by. "So good to see you, my lady. Enjoy!" Valencia beams not wishing to distract her from the fun. Shard is offered a fond smile and a gentle incline of head. "I'm glad to see you again. Thank you so much for coming," she offers with earnest accord to the mercenary. Korka is also greeted enthusiastically, the little vixen seeming pleased to see her and the fine form of Gabriella is welcomed warmly as well. Graham is given a gentle word of what appears to be thanks for his careful care of those guests who seem lost and Tarik a little bouce and a smile. "You're just in time to see your lady start us off. I'm so excited. Thank you for being here. Finally, the little vixen makes her way to the great table and gracefully takes a seat beside Strozza and Santiago. "Gentlemen, my apologies. It is a fine night for festivities, yes? I'm so glad you are both here."

Hamish looks through the pack Korka hands him, pulls out an exceptionally skully ring and puts it on, along with a Harlequin skull pendant, then passes it off to Sir Daniel who is beginning to look like he takes exception to being a valet. "Well," says Hamisht to Korka, "I'm glad she saw fit to leave you here for a little while longer."

Sydney sways a hand between the bar and the arena, and puffs a breath towards Gabriella, "Well, I'd intended merely to drink, but... hmn. I suppose I really ought to, since I already came out. Would hate to see you come all this way and just sit at the bar! Agh. Would that you'd come sooner, I'd have requested a fight."

Gabriella has joined the bar.

"Avid and gracious fan, I'm afraid," Valencia replies to Gabriella with a big smile. "I have no skill for it. Would you care to join us? Please do. You as well," she nods to the few who have yet to find their seats. "Please. Let us drink and cheer, yes?"

First reaction for Thea? Go rush to check on the fallen. But remembering there are mercies about, she stops herself. She shakes her head a bit, knowing the Scout knew what she was doing. Taking a drink, she cheers for her friend still. Looking up at Evangeline, the Malvici chuckles,"Or you're cursed. Depends who you ask."

Felicia makes a quiet grunt at the result, grabbing the wealth of her hair to twist and pull up on top of her head before pinning them in place with a couple of hairpins. Her whiskey's left with her valet as she rises to her feet with a lazy stretch before heading towards the sands unhurriedly.

Rowenova evades plenty, and then there are a few hits tagged but they are weak and do nothing to slow down Aswin which seems to surprise her. Despite the ongoing onslaught between them both, she finally wears down, but it does actually take some time. Aswin finally beats her, and then she half grins. "Impressive, indeed. I am on a diet, so only tea, please." says she before getting up and dusting off her linen shirt before then swaying her way out, from the fighting ring to a chair adjacent to Tarik at the ringside table. Clunk! "Phew!"

Rowenova has left the ring of valor.

Rowenova has joined the ringside table.

Felicia has left the ringside table.

Felicia has joined the ring of valor.

Oh right! It's Thea's turn. Rising from her place at the table, she sets her glass on the table. She jogs over to the sand, planting the helm on her head, she darts off, making sure her good luck scarf is tight and secure.

Thea has left the corner table.

Thea has joined the ring of valor.

Felicia wields frozen washes of the tempest seas handsome oathlands blade.

Thea wields Skystrike, the finely crafted diamondplate kopis.

"Would you believe this is my first time spectating the fights at the Hart?" Evangeline tells Thea. Mirth touches her lips in reply and she shakes her head. "Cursed would only be if I kept running into your brother." She teases. "So, since I am not sparring, seems like I need something to sip. What are you indulging in, my lady?" Since Thea runs to the pit, Eva makes use Thea's abandoned drink.

The crowd goes wild with cheers and Aswin and Rowenova break the long wait for the Hart's Sip n'Spar. Cheer roar and fill the room up to the rafters, tumbling out into the streets of Arx. Valencia smiles as the gruff Hart's Sergeant of Arms, reenters the ring and holds up his hands. "Well fought," he offers with approval and a nod. "My lords and ladies, gentles all, your winner, Goodman Ulbran. Show him your applause!"

Graham claps politely at the end of the fight, returning a smile to Valencia at her thanks glad to help out it seems though he looks back towards those at the bar a moment not wishing to miss anything while things move along or those needing a refill on their drinks or bite to eat for that matter. He does keep an eye on the sparring pit to see who will be next quite glad to see the crowd.

Appolonia frowns for a moment at what Sydney says, and then glances at the Valardin and momentarily to Gabriella. "Do excuse me," she says to them, but particularly the newly arrived Gabriella, "But I just realized I don't have a weapon on me." Her eyes search around and - aha! She sidles at substantial, courtier-esque speed towards Ian, and murmurs to him, "My good lord Kennex, might I borrow something a bit pointy from you? I'm afraid I didn't plan any of this out, much like the rest of my life."


Verity Locke is easy to miss in the crowd. Other than a generally pleasant appearance, which is itself an endemic situation in this city, she's not dressed to impress by noble standards. Household staff is more her audience. The courtier slips around the edge of the room, rounding her way to the bar where she can come up at Philippe's elbow and put a hand on the old count's shoulder. "My count," she says, "I apologize for my lateness. Is everything to your liking?"


Verity has joined the bar.

Ian had started to reach for another glass when Appolonia approached, but he stops when she asks not for a drink, but for a knife. There's a startled pause, then he shrugs and hands his diving knife over to her. "Do you want something to drink before you go out and fight?"

As Felicia and Thea team up next, Nurie is up on her feet again with the same whistle, crying out happily, "GO DAME HARROW!" Hopefully her enthusiastic support isn't a bad luck charm!

Sydney calls after Appolonia, "Aw! But we wanted to see you brawl! Boo!"

Rowenova shouts from nearby, "Go you two! I can't decide who, so good luck!"

Drake smiles a bit after Appolonia, and then shakes his head. He does wish he had a dagger to lend her, but, all he has at his side is swords. He gives a nod to Verity as she approaches the bar... and then turns toward it to grab a whiskey, as it's passed in his direction. His attention then fixes on the next spar in line.

The man goes on as Felica andn Thea take to the sands next. "And now it is for Dame Felicia Harrow to meet the skills of the Lady Thea Malvici. May your fight with honour and fire in your soul, ladies. Show them what you've got," he grins with a sparkle in his eye as he gives them room to prepare. "Fighters, present yer arms and lay on yer leisure."

Felicia salutes Thea when she reaches the sands and offers her a respectful bow. The sound of Nurie's voice from above brings her attention up her way with a startled kind of laugh and another salute offered in that direction before she settles into a ready stance,"Gloria be with you."

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


"Would that I had known you were here, I would have come eagerly adorned in all my very best." Gabriella's answer to Sydney is one that comes immediately and with more than ample sincerity behind the charm of her smile; she finds a seat at the bar near the redhead, undoing Gluttony from her back to lean the massive thing beside her like a precious companion as her gaze sweeps the arena. She stops on Appolonia, bright blue eyes blinking and one brow lifting in open question at her new, stylish 'do -- which does not stop her from mouthing a warm 'hello' to the woman. She casts a warm and appreciative look Valencia's way shortly thereafter, one hand pressing to her chest as she offers a shallow, seated bow. "I would be honored, but liquor's siren song calls to me. Perhaps soon."

And with that, Gabriella looks back towards Sydney, snorting at her jeer for Appolonia. "Perhaps after this, we can find a moment for ourselves. We are overdue, and I would not say no to opportunity to selfishly monopolize your time."

Axelle, a personal valet have been dismissed.

Hamish offers polite applause for the two going up to fight, then turns back to the bar and orders a bottle of the spring draw, then looks down to the others. "Mistress Waterfall. Lord Drake. Prima." Each 'greeting' punctuated with an upward tilt of his chin. Then he turns back to watch Felicia fight, scouting out just how sore he'll be tomorrow.

Mikani has left the corner table.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant leaves, following Mikani.

Thea bows to Felicia with a respectful ease. A smile for her as well...

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

Valencia is overheard praising Aswin: A fine fighter! A wonderful display of skill. I hope he graces our Hart again.

Appolonia wields Diver's Knife.

Valencia is overheard praising Rowenova: No one is more fiece a friend or fighter. Well fought!

Shard returns Hamish's chin tilt with one of her own, though it's a little rough. "Archlector."

"I'll drink after, I think," Appolonia says to Ian, testing the knife's weight a little bit but not brandishing it too assertively. "I hope you're well. Come join us over at the bar! Lord Wyrmguard walked me in." She smiles warmly at Zoey and Videl as well, before she begins to walk backwards - cautiously - so that she can watch the fight. (She calls back to Sydney, "Now I'll have to come back a second time, won't I? Pray for my safety.")

Ian gives Appolonia a distracted nod. He's already been sucked into the fight, and watches it with a focus that makes it pretty clear he's stopped paying attention to pretty much anything else.

Zoey returns Appolonia's smile before she steps away.

Philippe looks over at Verity when she puts her hand on his shoulder. He nods in mute approval, lowering his voice to speak to her without drawing too much attention to himself. It's a busy fight night, after all.

Sydney's demeanor around the Pravosi Princess is warm indeed. She smiles wide to Gabriella, and offers, "Have only had a handful of fights get me anywhere near as thrilled as our last, and I'm surely looking forward to seeing you settle the score on me. I wouldn't say no to you monopolizing my time with such a spar either like our first or second, to be sure." She takes another long sip of her whiskey, and offers a smile to Hamish, one that's slightly wary around the edges. "Evening, Ham. Anyone discover they have an exhilarating past life for you to look into, today?" Her head swivels a touch distractedly as Thea and Felicia begin to touch off.

Felicia clearly wasn't expecting the medic's speed to be that... or maybe the kopis distracted her, that first blow certainly shakes the spiderwebs out of the Harrow fast though. The leap back to buy herself some planning distance accompanied by a laugh and a few nods as she circles a little warier for the medic's skill. From the grin on her face though, the challenge is definitely appreciated.

Drake, now that he has a glass, raises it toward Hamish as greeting. He starts looking again at the arena. His eyes follow Thea first, then watching the fight as a whole.

And the fight as started. Thea has barely given time for the Dame to do much of anything. She moves. A solid hit placed soundly against her side. Thea steps back just as quick.. And while the Harrow has managed to throw some decent hits of her own, Thea's armor has soaked it pretty well or she's dodged it. She's known to be pretty quick. As for Felicia herself, she too has managed to avoid a good number of the Malvici's attacks, just---well--there were a few that still got through.

Anais, a svelte, sylph-like scribe leaves, following Evangeline.


Verity replies to Drake's nod with a small yet genuine smile, but otherwise spends her attention on replying to Philippe. She secures a barstool next to him, which is a moderately lucky find considering the crowd. Or, maybe she can thank his grim aura.


Valencia is overheard praising Felicia: Brave and bold. An excellent fighter.

Valencia is overheard praising Thea: Swift mind and feet to match. She is a wonder!

Graham is overheard praising Valencia: For being a great Host.

Nurie has left the upper rafters.

Valencia is overheard praising Appolonia: A new and lovely face my Hart. And a fighter as well! Delighted!

Appolonia is overheard praising Valencia: Long live the fighters.

Nurie has joined the upper rafters.

Valencia is overheard praising Piccola: She was nervous, but I think she has no reason to be. I am so happy we met. I hope she spars on our sands again.

Valencia is overheard praising Shard: Sharp wit and blades. I am honoured she joins us again.


Leaning back until her shoulder blades bump the bartop, Gabriella's sharp gaze falls upon the unfolding fight, right elbow propped upon her left palm as she quizzically cups her cheek. Her attention is a split thing, however -- and even with her intent interest in the fight, the lion's share of it seems to go towards Sydney as the brawler speaks. "I've a confession -- I still find myself coming back to it, now and again," confides the knight. "And I must avenge myself on both fronts, as I recall. It seems you have been quite busy in my absence, though." And here, she leans to the side, just enough to flick the cuff of star iron decorating Sydney's ear. Her smile blooms with an approving flash of teeth. "Good."

Valencia is overheard praising Drake: His reputation proceeds him. I'm so excited to have seen such skill. I hope he returns often to my Hart.

Valencia is overheard praising Ulfric: A familiar face and a fine fighter. I am thrilled!

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 98 higher.

Felicia remains capable of fighting.

Valencia is overheard praising Sydney: I have had the pleasure of seeing her fight before. She remains a wonder.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 24, rolling 52 higher.

Felicia remains capable of fighting.

Thea checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 27, rolling 11 higher.

Thea remains capable of fighting.

Hamish watches as Korka takes off, eyebrows doing the job of frowning more than his mouth. Then, without looking away from the fight, he says to Sydney, "No. Ran into a man who insisted he was a wolf in a past life, but it turned out he was just trying to get out of a public urination charge."

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 46, rolling 66 higher.

Felicia remains capable of fighting.

Valencia is overheard praising Hamish: A new competitor to the Hart, but a welcome one. I'm honoured he joined us tonight.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 48, rolling 33 higher.

Felicia remains capable of fighting.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 90, rolling 22 lower.

Felicia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 52, rolling 34 higher.

Felicia remains alive, but close to death.

Felicia is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Valencia is overheard praising Strozza: A find companion to watch a fight with. Generous of heart, kindness and charity. I'm glad I know him.

Videl is overheard praising Thea: Good Fight

Videl is overheard praising Zoey.

Valencia is overheard praising Santiago: I am grateful to him for this day and many others. His wit, charm and generosity inspires.

Kiera has joined the bar.

2 Pravus Honor Guard, Abram, an ornamental hermit arrive, following Matteo.

Carrier Raven named Bucko have been dismissed.

1 Redoubt Buccaneers have been dismissed.

Sydney casts a relatively simpering look at Verity, before turning to regard Gabriella when she begins to speak again. She brightens rather immediately again, looking fully engaged. "Oh, how could you not? We fought until we were so out of breath I thought I'd die on the spot. Just like our first spar, even!"

Her eyes lid a touch as Gabriella leans in and flicks her earring, and her lips quirk upward in abject amusement, "...What's the saying? Beware of the young, for if you blink, you'll miss their improvements?" She winks, "We're both young enough for it to qualify. I'm sure we have plenty of spars and back-and-forths left in us. I don't know that I'll ever grow used to trying to turn aside Gluttony, though." Her fawning is disrupted by Hamish's retort, and she's startled into laughter. "Fuck, you're funny. Every time. Off guard."

It's a long bout, the two combatants fairly evenly matched overall. Thea's blows strike early and at first the knight stays on the back foot, trying to stay out of range of that kopis. When Felicia manages to find a break in Thea's armor, however, she switches to a more aggressive stance... pressing the combat medic to try and keep herself on the front foot. It's a costly strategy that certainly opens her up to Thea's precise strikes but over time the toll definitely begins show on both of them. The last one Thea sneaks through Felicia's guard has the Harrow raising her free hand, citing,"I yield!" and backing off, huffing heavily as she nods for Thea,"Damn you're good." the praise offered with a breathless laugh.

Nurie follows the fight between Felicia and Thea with interest, though she's distracted during the latter portion, at least until the final blow is struck! With that she's cheering for both once more, and happily, lifting her half-full second glass of ale in salute.

Again the crowds go wild, some chatting can be heard from the stands, both fighters getting saluted with joyous fervor. Again the Hart's Sergeant of Arms nods as to the combatants as he steps back into the center of the ring, "Another fine match. Give a cheer for the fight worth seeing. And your winner, XXX!" The crowd erupts again and the man waits till the calm a little. Holding up his hands, he nods to the next fighters, "And now our next match. Show them why you came here, gentles. A bit of appreciation goes a long way for a better fight." Turning he nods to the women, "Lady Appolonia Seraceni and Lady Piccola Tessere, you've been called to the sands. May your fight with honour and fire in your soul. Show them why they should know your names, ladies. Good fright," he offers with a curt nod to each as he steps back out of the way again. "Fighters, present yer arms and lay on yer leisure!"

Matteo arrives late, already slightly tipsy with the scent of Setarcan Red on his lips. With mussed hair and ruffled black silk, he makes the perfect picture of the nobility he is supposed to be. Except following him is an old man, dressed in Northern shaman garb, who is currently entertaining him by offering the wisdom of: "Sometimes, a crowd can be just as lonely as being alone, if you know nobody." The prince laughs, nodding and agreeing, "Only for you and me, old friend." Notably, he wasn't seen with this man at all before in the city since his arrival.

Ian leans forward, elbows on knees and his hands loosely clasped together, while he watches the fight. His electric blue eyes move constantly, from the whole to details and back to the whole. The angle of a foot, the turn of a head. He only looks back at his table long enough to take a long drink.

Felicia has left the ring of valor.

Felicia has joined the ringside table.


Ladies?

Piccola makes a face at the ring announcer, shaking her head. She looks as if she may want to give him a piece of her mind, but the crowd is roaring and the ring is calling. Sigh. With her sword in her hand and not a piece of armor on her peasant's garb, she takes her place, and gets ready for what comes next.

A pause to sweep her finger under her nose.


Atli, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy arrives, following Tanith.

Piccola has joined the ring of valor.

Felicia is overheard praising Thea: Proof that a medic doesn't mean not dangerous with a blade!

Thea has left the ring of valor.

Thea has joined the corner table.

Atli, a Whitehold Mountain Dog puppy have been dismissed.

Zoey cheers and claps when Thea emerges victorious!

Drake has been watching the fight intensely. As Thea steps off, he gives her a bit of applause, and a smile. "Congratulations to you. It was a close fight at that! But I had all confidence." Now the next fight... well, that also has his attention, and he immediately moves his eyes back to the arena as Appolonia steps out and readies herself.

As she stands at the bar, Appolonia straightens up - and sees Piccola. She considers. And then she pauses for a moment and turns to TAKE OFF HER CLOTHES!

Not entirely. But the gown has the weight of ironwool. She unlatches her boots and leaves them there too, stalking down in her chemise and with Ian's borrowed knife in hand.

Appolonia has left the bar.

Appolonia has joined the ring of valor.

As the archers take the field, Nurie stands up again, letting out yet another two finger whistle, even longer and louder than before. "HURRAY LADY PIER--I MEAN PICCOLA!" she cries happily, and then lifting her ale cup. Which seems to have been drained a wee bit more. Well, third time's the charm, right?

Tanith has joined the bar.

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

Thea stops the moment Felicia says yield. Breathless, she thanks her with a grin"You are as well. We should do this again sometime, yes?" before making her way back to her table. A drink is definitely needed.

Ian quirks half a smile when Appolonia starts stripping. "This brings back memories." He takes a sip of his drink and just leaves that statement -- THAT STATEMENT -- hanging. Because now there's a fight and he's only paying attention to that.


Verity gives Sydney a challenging look in return, but the smile that teases the edges of her lips dispels any suspicion that this is more than goodnatured jousting. It fits the evening. Her gaze shifts to Gabriella when the princess flicks Sydney's jewelry. A moment later, she puts her composure back on and lowers her head in a greeting relative to their stations. "Princess, a pleasure to see you here. We haven't spoken since the... ah, was it a drinking contest? I can't remember at this point."

Afterward, Verity leans back in to continue speaking in a quieter voice to Philippe.


Tanith has left the bar.

Valenica is rapt with atttention upon the sands as the the formidable combatants enter and are introduced. The crowd cheers again and she sits up a little straighter, clearly excited to see the next match.

Thea winks over at Drake, still a bit breathless before she lifts the helm from her head. "Thank you Lord Drake. But I have no doubt that Dame Felicia will kick my ass next time." Unwrapping the scarf, Thea grins over at Videl,"It brought me luck. Thank you,"leaning down and giving it back.

Piccola wields Ramo.

Felicia has left the ringside table.

Bonehilda, the prettiest-colored spider have been dismissed.

Appolonia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 39 higher.

Appolonia remains capable of fighting.

Appolonia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 20, rolling 6 higher.

Appolonia remains capable of fighting.

Appolonia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 17 lower.

Appolonia checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 8, rolling 41 higher. Appolonia rolled a critical!

Appolonia remains alive, but close to death.

Appolonia is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Mal, a devious raccoon arrives, delivering a message to Ian before departing.

2 Pravus Honor Guard, Abram, an ornamental hermit leave, following Matteo.

Ian is nudged out of watching the fight by one of the staff, who has a note for him. He opens it and looks it over, then slips it into an inner pocket of his coat.


Gabriella can't stop the entertained snort that flares past her nostrils as Sydney speaks. She leans back, orders a scotch; her smile still hasn't entirely faded by the time she rights herself. "Yes," she says finally, voice wreathed with fond recollection. "Exactly like the first. And cherished for much the same reasons."

It's a fond look still, when that smile finally fades, and her hand finds its way to her lap anew. "And I am quite sure I will never mount a truly effective defense against your fearsome fist-skewers," she asides, amusement wreathing her voice, a spark dancing in her gaze. "With luck, it shall be a long, long time before either of us are proven wrong. For now, though, I am pleased simply to be able to see you in the ring again." It's as Verity speaks that Gabriella turns her attention the Blanchard minister's way, brows lifting. "Mistress Verity, it has been an age! I believe you must be correct, but I cannot say to a certainty. Which must mean the contest was a rousing success, yes?" She taps her finger upon her chin. "... Though I recall there being a prize of a boat trip, and to the best of my knowledge, I've yet to receive it..." Because of course she won. Of course.

Videl has left the corner table.

Nalani have been dismissed.

Felicia rubs her side as she makes her way slowly from the ring with a rueful grin for Thea,"Just shows I need to spend less time with the books and more time in the field again! But truthfully, you've got great skill... I'm impressed, and not at all disappointed to be handed my ass by you." she advises before finding her seat... and some whiskey, because whiskey heals all ills.

Felicia has joined the ringside table.


It is a good, fair fight.

Piccola fights from this odd stance. Practice soldiers might guess that she's probably used to fighting from the top of a horse, rather than on the ground. For the beginning of the fight, she seems to be fighting cautiously, as if to gauge the skill of her opponent. Once things get going, though, she presses as hard as she can, shifting stances. She takes a few hits, from which she retreats, but keeps at attacking her chemise-wearing opponent. Until, at last, a final blow is made.

And then, the spar over, she offers Appolonia a hand up wordlessly.


Santiago has left the ringside great table.

Alfonso Donatello Fidante the Right Hand have been dismissed.

Santiago has joined the ringside great table.

Whiskey really does heal all ills. So does vodka. But Thea has whiskey and she lifts her glass to Felicia in a respectful cheers, a grin on her lips. Her eyes go and watch the next fight, interest there as she takes a large drink.

Tarik looks up from whisper to Rowenova to let out a cheer for Shard.

Strozza has left the ringside great table.

Kuhlai D'Mahn an aide, 3 House Mazetti Guardians, Night an Ostrian Cat leave, following Strozza.

Rowenova whispers something back to Tarik, then she (too) sits up a bit here, and she shouts out, "Go Prima Shard!"

Piccola has left the ring of valor.


Appolonia doesn't help matters by fighting in a strange way as well. For you see:

Appolonia has no idea how to fight.

That's not entirely true. She's *seen* fighting happen. She's done things. She's read things. Read stage plays. Even so, when she pulls out the borrowed knife, she holds it in a backhand grip and raises it upright, standing on the balls of her now-bare feet and weaving. She mumbles to herself, though the words don't make a lot of sense - 'it's not him' is the main standout from what might be taken as the standard sort of 'come on you can do it, me, i believe in you and i've known you all your life' chatter one does when facing fear.

Appolonia darts in, eventually, and she sweeps with the knife, shallow raking slashes. Each time is punished, although several counterstrokes to the chest do not breach the glittering, nigh-miraculous chemise. Ostentatious, perhaps, but it seems to do more to turn the slashes into strikes rather than negate them. At a final thrust, Appolonia slaps a hand at her temple, blood wetting her fingers - she sinks to one knee, looking up at Piccola. For a moment she bares her teeth and--

-- it goes away, and her eyes roll back. "Ooogh," she states. "... thank you, my lady - ahh - well; I've learned a great deal; many thanks." She accepts the hand and rises, wavering. The cut on her temple is very shallow, although being a nick to the scalp area, it probably looks horrifying. Still, someone has to bleed.




As Shard enters the ring, so will Lord Santiago settle beside Princess Valencia and his dark eyes will now pay sharp attention.

As on of the fighter yields, the crowd roars again, delighted with the fights they are witnessing. The Hart's Sergeant of Arms nods with quiet approval as he steps back into the center of the ring, "Well done," he offer with spark of a smile as he turns to the crowd to bellow, "And, your winner, Lady Piccola Tessere!"

The crowd explodes again, cheering both readily as they step from the sand. The Sergeant waits till there is a lull and callous out in a deep rumble. "Stand tall. Our next match is called," he cries, his gruff respect offered to those who enter the ring next.

"Captain-General Shard and Lord Drake Wyrmguard! You've been called to the sands. May your fight with honour and fire in your heart and blood. Show them how it's done. Good fright," he offers with a brisk nod to each as he steps back out to give them room. "Fighters, present yer arms and lay on yer leisure!"

Drake gets up from the bar, as the fight seems to be almost over, as he has one to handle of his own. He is fastening an armored vest around his shirt, making sure he's well guarded at least for this particular bout. He gives a bit of a concerned look to Appolonia, making sure she's at least up right. But the fact that he's up next means he cannot dwell on her too much for the moment, despite concern in his expression. Then Rowenova cheers... for his opponent. Naturally. "I thought I was a crowd favorite once upon a time. But not so lately." He draws out his sword.

Drake has left the bar.

Drake has joined the ring of valor.

Drake wields Breath of Fire, a Rubicund Broadsword.

Korka looks over as Drake and Shard take the ring, "Don't die, Lord Drake!" she shouts over the din.

Nurie once more cheers for the combatants that are leaving the field, though there's a look of pride in her expression as well, and now she waves enthusiastically at the Tessere pocket knight from her perch up in the rafters. Her glass is empty again though, but she manages to sit down again without falling off!

Shard pushes up from the bar, where she's been terribly quiet and uninteresting, and heads down to the sands. No swagger here, just a deliberate pace, and Drake gets a firm nod before she loosens her weapon in her sheathe, and then draws it. Her stance is light; not particularly tensed in any way, but with one foot slightly in front of the other.

Shard wields Bitter Harvest, an alaricite shortsword.


"Did you win?" says Verity to Gabriella, with all the dubiousness of someone who already has an opinion on the matter. She holds her uncertain expression for a few beats longer, and then breaks into another smile. "I think we all missed our boat ride opportunity. We'll have to find another. Then again, it may be the wrong year for that -- and I've found that being on a boat seems to invite... drama?"

Verity's attention moves to the field, where she catches the last moments of the fight between Appolonia and Piccola. "Oh," she says, her tone light. "She has a knack for that, doesn't she?" Verity does not clarify herself. Instead, she claps for the next fight, since she knows that guy! He's the guy with the sword.


Thea hears Drake and calls out loud enough,"Because fires seem to follow in your wake,"smirking as she watches him step in the dirt. But she does take interst in the fight now. Looking at Ian and Zoey, she's unsure now,"I want to say Shard this round. Nothing against Lord Drake or anything.."

"A difficult call, to be certain," Zoey agrees.

After giving a hug to Tarik, Rowenova lets go and sits up to pay attention as she lets out a laugh. "Sorry!" says she to Drake.

"Mmm," Ian says, already distracted again.


"You're welcome, m'lady."

Once Appolonia is back up, Piccola goes and finds a place to pace about anxiously all on her own again. She does notice someone waving to her in the stands, and swings her sword at her in salute. Hard to call all the way up there, so the green-and-white pocket knight just goes back to what she does best.

Apparently, pacing.


Korka has joined the bar.

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

Tarik has left the ringside table.

After having rested some, Rowenova stands up and takes her gear to Sir Flop, who looks up at her with a wag. She sets her gear by the good boy before then stretching out her sore muscles. She glances up to the rafters above, then, before looking to the ring of valor once more.

Appolonia has left the ring of valor.

Appolonia has joined the bar.

Rowenova has left the ringside table.

Rowenova has joined the corner table.

Kiera has left the bar.

Aswin has left the upper rafters.

Valencia is overheard praising Zoey: Always game for bit of fun. Her passion for archery makes me smile every time.

Valencia has left the ringside great table.



Lord Santiago watches the fight, tilting his head as the fight goes on, "Hrm. It looks as if the woman there has barely broken a sweat."

Santiago says, "Odd."


Back straightening, Gabriella doesn't even look remotely perturbed by Verity's dubiousness; that also doesn't stop her from very matter-of-factly proclaiming, "Without a doubt," in response -- nor does it stop the way her brow lifts after as she looks Verity's way. "Though I am still a bit hazy on the details. Perhaps it is a matter that should be settled at a later date."

Talk of recent events just draws a thoughtful look to Gabriella's features, of course. "Hm, perhaps. But think of the challenge! A more exciting journey there could never be. And it would be terrifically short-lived, so one would not have to worry about the thrill dying out oversoon. A perfect adventure at sea, I would say." She seems to have reasoned this matter out quite seriously(?).

Drake checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 3, rolling 66 higher.

Drake remains capable of fighting.

Drake checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 57 higher.

Drake remains capable of fighting.

Sydney leans over and thumps her shoulder against Gabriella's, leaning companionably against her as she takes another sip of her drink. "Would both of you kindly attempt not to drown in the attempt? I don't particularly wish to see that." She presses a hand to her collarbone, "Though, I suspect Verity might float."

Drake checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 34 higher.

Drake remains capable of fighting.

Drake checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 38 higher.

Drake remains capable of fighting.

Rowenova wields steel reinforced recurve hunting bow.

Drake checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 118, rolling 41 lower.

Drake checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 74, rolling 27 lower.

Drake is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Drake pulls out his sword, and steps into the ring. It's not that he can't hear the gossip. So he must take Shard seriously on this. He looks impressed at her blade. Against a shorter opponent, he usually tries to rely on reach and distance, but the difference here isn't so much.

The fight goes on for some time, Drake not fighting particularly aggressively but instead watching the woman's moves and taking his shots where he can. He strikes a few times against her, but doesn't seem to be able to get past her sword defenses. He keeps an eye on her weapon rather than the turning of the crowds, at least for now. It's not a style of fighting he's used to.

It goes badly for him almost immediately in spite of his caution, him taking a graze through his leathers. He holds on with determination, his teeth gritting, but he's struck again quite soundly. For him it's enough to hold on until she seems to be tiring a bit, but he's sweating under his leathers. Another strike gets past his defenses and tags him in the chest, and that hurts enough for him to feel rattled by it.

Thea watches the fight, leaning forward. She won't lie, this has been her favorite so far. This has been rather long, even her drink has been forgotten.


Verity doesn't argue with Gabriella's assertion because, of the two of them, Gabriella is the giant woman with a giant sword. It works out like that sometimes. Eventually, she pulls her attention away from the fight to give Sydney an alarmed look. "Wait, why would I float?!"


Sydney outstretches an arm and settles it gently on Verity's shoulder, "...No, no. Your diet has been going wonderfully. I merely... you're an accomplished swimmer, is all."

Felicia finally elects to get to her feet after a good rest, ambling over to the bar to join the crowd there.

Felicia has left the ringside table.

Felicia has joined the bar.

Philippe looks confused. "Will this match be in the water? Is there water?"

Thea has left the corner table.

Shard starts this battle defensively, with that same light step. There's a conservation of energy about her, as she moves, at the beginning, no more and no less than she has to. She's fast, she's very fast, but so is Drake, and the first few minutes are spent circling each other like two predators, each taking swipes and each avoiding them. Shard's got a curious way of movement. It's not like most other light-armored fighters, not remotely a dance. It's almost /ugly/, as she tends to spring in any direction without any fluidity beyond the sudden, unpredictable changes. Lesser fighters might find that confusing, but the Wyrmguard keeps up. She lands a hit or two, small ones.

And then she changes. She comes in fast and aggressive, less interested in avoiding his weapon as she is in hitting him. One might think that's impatience, but she doesn't seem angry. A strange thing might be that Shard does not appear to fight angrily. Drake keeps up with her, however, even when she manages to get in under his guard. They're fast. Erratic, but very, very fast.

And in the end, it's a matter of stings, rather than hard blows. Shard's attacks become more vicious, but Drake is a master. She hits him, certainly. Again, and again, but even when he's begun tiring, clearly tiring, she never hits him predictably. It's a slow whittling down, and after all that, she only strikes two powerful hits. One fails to bring him down. A full two minutes later, the second one only just manages.



As the fight continues, so does Lord Santiago watch, and as the fight continues well beyond, so do his dark eyes focus on the combatants and as Drake begins to lag behind, greater, and greater still. So does a thin little line begin to form between his brows, tea forgotten, and the Lord leans forward to steeple his fingers. A tap a few times, and he will watch a few moments longer unblinking, before turning to speak something to the Princess.


Verity crosses her arms protectively over herself, eyes wide at Sydney's answer. "I'm going to sneak into your room at night and replace all your belongings with cheese, and then you will be undone."

She's missing the entire fight because she's so aghast.


Drake takes a knee... and holds his empty hand up, taking defeat, though with grace. He gets back to his feet weakly, and gives the woman a respectful nod. "Powerful style you have there." He smiles at her, though there's a bit of a limp in his step as he gets back to the bar.... then throws himself into a seat. He gets a cloth to wipe his face, looking for the next match.

Ian started out watching both fighters the way he's been watching fights so far, with absolute focus. But it's not long before all of his attention is on Shard, and there it stays for the entire fight.

Drake has left the ring of valor.

Sydney has left the bar.

Sydney has joined the ring of valor.

Drake has joined the bar.

Valencia sits at Santiago's side, her dark eyes watching almost as carefully as Ian's. She smiles to herself, obviously impressed with the talents seen tonight. Unable to stop, she rises along with the crowd to cheer with glee.

Ulfric has left the ringside table.

Ulfric has joined the ring of valor.

The reputation of the fighters that step into the ring now bring a slight hush of respectful awe that quickly deteriorates as the combatants meet in the middle of the sands. The Hart's Sergeant of Arms watches on with quiet approval, his bushy eyebrows wriggling at times as he grins every so often.

As the match concludes the old warrior nods and steps back into the center of the ring, "And that is how it's done. Well fought," he grins turns to the crowd to call out in a rumble. "And, your winner, Captain-General Shard!" Another cheer with chants of Shard and Drake raise to the rafters again, as the pair steps from the ring to toasts and calls for more.

The Sergeant waits for the crowd to settle before calling out, "Do you want more?! And so you shall have it. Our next match is called," he cries, his gruff grin cracking his weathered face as he nods to the next who enter dare to draw into the ring next.

"Goodman Ulfric Ravenhelm and Goodwoman Sydney! You've been called to the sands. May your fight with honour and fire in your heart and blood. Show them how we do it below the bridge," he grins with warm regard. "Fighters, present yer arms and lay on yer leisure! Good match to you both."

Ulfric wields Valardin Steel Dragon Longsword.

Sydney wields rubicund cestus with crimson spikes imbedded into black leather straps.

Shard doesn't smile. She has a face that suggests smiling is...unlikely, even at the best of times. But she does give Drake a respectful nod, and she follows him out of the arena, rather than leave first. She slips her short sword back into its sheathe right before she crosses the threshold between arena and seating area.

Sydney slugs back the rest of her drink and rocks up out of her seat. She stretches her arms tall above her head and stretches until she's practically up on her toes, then lets it down. "Alright, then." She plucks off her jewelry and sets it neatly in Gabriella's palm. "Guard these, would you?"

She meanders on down toward the sands, casually winding some leather around her fists that affix the gleam of rubicund neatly to them. An unconventional weapon to be sure, but one that unarguably fits with the rest of the pugilist's aesthetic of lightweight armor. As soon as she sets foot on the sands, the energy of the woman changes. She becomes even more energetic, charged with the anticipation of the fight to come. "Alright, then! I /far/ prefer the sands!" She looks over at her opponent, sizing him up. "Well, you'll certainly have the reach, won't you?"

Scout Rowenova and Sir Floppington both intently watch the ongoing fight with the human being of the messenger duo shouting out a couple cheers!

Rowenova says, "Good fighting!"

smiles aside, her brow lifting lightly to Santiago's comment. "Oh, how so, my lord?"

Valencia has joined the ringside great table.

Valencia has left the ringside great table.

Valencia has joined the ringside great table.

Ulfric rises from his seat, stretching his arms as he enters the ring. Looking at his opponent he grins "Let us make this a good match." he says as he raises his sword.

Sydney thumps her hand - the palm of it, to be sure - against her chest, and shoots a wide grin, "Let's!"


With conversations dropped for now, Gabriella turns her attention toward Sydney as the red-haired brawler gets to her feet. She takes hold of that jewelry with the curl of her fingers around them, head dipped with great solemnity. "With my life," she intones gravely, "until you return for them, I shall ensure these never become replaced by cheese."

With that, though, Gabriella's attention affixes firmly to the arena grounds, that gaze lined with something both sharp and nostalgic as she watches Sydney prepare herself. A quiet smile returns to the knight's lips.

"Well fought! Bravo!" Valencia calls in kind as he fighters step from the field again and Ulfric and Sydney arrive. A breath and a sip of wine is taken and the little vixen casts a keen eye about the arena to ensure all are well cared for during their stay. Satisfied, she turns to smile at Santiago and then looks back to the sands.

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

Ulfric has left the ring of valor.

Irene - Shaggy Wolfhound have been dismissed.

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

Ulfric checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 130 higher. Ulfric rolled a critical!

Ulfric remains capable of fighting.

Ulfric checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 49 higher.

Ulfric remains capable of fighting.

Ulfric checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 118, rolling 26 lower.

Ulfric checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 74, rolling 30 lower.

Ulfric is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Appolonia smiles at Drake and turns round to both set down the cloth with blood on it and to pick up a glass of liquor. Then she turns around, potentially too late.

"I believe the cheese is now safe," Philippe says, taking a nip of his whiskey.

Shard returns to the bar and sinks back on the stool she was just sitting on. She's not as tired as Drake, certainly, but now that the fighting's done and the adrenaline is fading, she might as well be. Still, she sits at an angle that she can watch the next bout.


Verity watches the fight in silence. When Philippe comments, she purses her lips. A moment later: "I suppose you're right." The courtier glances over. "Will you be staying longer, count?"


Ulfric has joined the ringside table.

There's a rather good reason that Sydney Waterfall has developed a reputation for pugilism - and that becomes immediately apparent. The moment that the signal is given to begin, she throws all caution to the wind and launches into a full-frontal offensive, her motions precise, swift, and unrelenting. She doesn't have the height advantage in this particular fight, but it's easy enough to see where her name and title comes from.

The flash of red hair trails after her as she presses - and presses, and /presses/, far more interested in landing attacks than in defending herself, and the results appear to speak for themselves. That flurry never truly ends. The first strike sounds painful. The second, excruciating. The third, and she has Ulfric on his heels, and that final strike puts an end to matters with a sharp blow not from those fists, but with a sharp strike from her boot.

Drake gets back to the bar, loosening his vest, and getting himself another drink. He wipes his face again, but seems to be... healthy enough. This fight... he doesn't seem to watch as closely. Blame partially his fatigue, but, he's seen Sydney in action before, so her making a decisive blow here is no real surprise to him.

With her rear against the wall by the corner table, Rowenova bends sideways, gently petting Sir Floppington's long ears to which he gently wags before Rowenova rights hersef up once more.

Hamish has left the bar.

Felicia has left the bar.

Felicia has joined the ring of valor.

Sydney has left the ring of valor.

Sydney has joined the corner table.

Sydney has left the corner table.

Sydney has joined the bar.

Korka clicks her tongue as Drake comes closer, "Lord Drake, I thought we'd already established you needed my favor to win. I hadn't even given it verbally this time," Korka says with just the hint of a smile as she drinks her wine and focuses on the next fight, "I did bet on you, though." She looks up as a messenger delivers a small note, passing along a silver or two as she takes it.

Andre, the messenger who can't even arrives, delivering a message to Korka before departing.

Felicia's on her third whiskey as she applauds Shard's return to the bar with a lopsided smirk. She's the sucker that signed up for another round, though, so after a little more whiskey to help kill any lingering pain from the last one, she elects to pass the Oathlands blade off to her valet before heading down to the sands. The other, plain looking blade, though peacebound, is left on her hip. The sword belt is twisted about slightly to move it out of her way as she takes up her spot across from Hamish, offering the Archlector politely with a deeply respectful bow,"Blessed, somehow it feels sacriligious to be facing you in the ring. I'm here to meet you with fists, but I hope you'll forgive that I don't allow Her blade out of arms reach in order to keep it safe."

"Ah. That must have been disappointing for you. She had the superior stance on me this time around." Drake gives Korka a little smile, if looking chagrinned about her misfortune... which he was the direct cause of. He says something a bit quieter to her.

Nurie has left the upper rafters.

Hamish pushes himself to his feet when the fight ends and walks back over to where a godsworn Templar of Gloria, the goddess of honor, chivalry and war, oathed to give his life to protect the leadership of the Faith, is babysitting his shit. He sets down the backpack Korka gave him earlier, removes the ring and Harlequin pendant and puts them away, then heads over to the ring. "I'm not about to ask you to remove Wheelspinner, Dame Felicia. You have been chosen to carry it and carry it you should. Though I do hope you don't bathe with it. I once knew someone who bathed with a magic sword and then it told all the other magic swords about his weird back tattoo. They're chatty." He offers the knight a brief bow in return. "Don't hurt me too badly, but if you do no one will hold it against you."

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

Crowd rise cheer raucously as the combatants meet in the middle of the sands, both fighters squaring at their ready. To the crowd's great delight, Ulfric's dog tries to join the spar and then quickly departs to the fight can start in earnest. The Hart's Sergeant of Arms watches on nodding every so often and the match concludes the battle hardened man steps back into the center of the ring, "Well fought," he offers with an upnod of approval before turning to the stands to call out in a rumble. "And, your winner, Goodwoman Sydney!" More cheer and toasts breakout as the pair steps from the ring to toasts and calls for more ring out.

The Sergeant waits for the crowd to settle then nods to the next to fight. "And so, oOur next match is called," he cries, his gruff grin cracking his weathered face as he nods to the next who enter dare to draw into the ring next.

"Archlector Hamish Farmer and Dame Felicia Harrow! You've been called to the sands. May your fight with honour and fire in your heart and blood. And may the gods smile on ye, Blessed. That's one's a tough 'un," she grins to the man with a wink. "Fighters, present yer arms and lay on yer leisure! Good match to you both."

Axelle, a personal valet have been dismissed.

Bethany Mercier certainly knows how to make a quiet enterance. Such are merchants, keen on observing and learning the area they deal with, even if they had been here for years. There is always something to learn. She moves gracefully toward the bar, finding a place to sit and orders some red wine. Checking the competition.

Sydney returns to the bar, clapping her hands briefly on her pants to clear away the sand in a well-practiced motion. She reclaims her whiskey, and leans over to clasp Gabriella's hand in hers. "I trust you kept them from turning to cheese, as promised. Certainly no foul play from certain Lockes?"

"Well, I think I'd need a bigger tub to bathe with it. And fortunately for me... no back tattoos." Felicia advises with a grin,"And I don't think I could. I hate to disappoint a man looking for a fight, but that doesn't mean I want to explain it to Her later." she laughs,"And fists are my second worst way of fighting... edged out only slightly by the use of hairpins."

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


With the conclusion of Sydney's bout, Gabriella leans back into her seat, looking appropriately pleased. That sharp stare of hers finds the pugilist as she approaches, a grin flashing at her lips when Sydney draws close enough -- and just as soon replaced by a sobering look when she speaks. "It was a grave struggle, and a grand spectacle," she says, and as hand clasps hand, warm star iron presses into Sydney's palm. "... but through great determination and greater incentive, I have triumphed. You are as brutal as ever, Syd."


Verity rises from her seat and, after lowering her head in deference to Philippe, begins to make her way out toward the exit. As she passes Sydney, she widens her eyes, points at them, and then points at the brawler.


Hamish has joined the ring of valor.

Shard has left the bar.

Nalani leaves, following Shard.

Verity has left the bar.

Philippe sees Verity off with a nod. "I shall," he says, to something. He seems grateful at something. It is mysterious.

Ulfric has left the ringside table.

Bethany has joined the raised seating.

Rowenova says, "When followers of Death fight to the Death!"

Sydney shouts from nearby, "Put 'em in the morgue!"

Hamish takes one of many swings that doesn't connect and calls out, not yet panting and puffing but probably getting there, "NO WE DON'T!"


For her part, Piccola remains ... walking.

Just back and forth. Back and forth. She's silent, watching the fighters in the ring, keeping her sword rested back on her shoulder. Eyes move sometimes from the spectacle, particularly to the table at which the other fighters are located. Does she want to join them? She actually seems just fine where she is, judging from the look on her face: all focus and energy.

Just waiting.


Bethany has left the raised seating.

Santiago has left the ringside great table.

Alfonso Donatello Fidante the Right Hand have been dismissed.

"Perhaps you should challenge her to a fight," Korka suggests to Drake, gesturing at Piccola and her pacing, "You'd be doing someone else a favor, I think, judging from her stance. I'd bet on you again, even let you borrow a favor for the fight."

Felicia's stance is balanced, neither aggressive, nor defensive, but the war on her face is... yes. She doesn't particularly want to actually /hit/ Hamish, and maybe it shows with the series of grimaces crossing her face. When Sydney yells out, she can't help the appalled look she throws her direction, totally leaving herself wiidddee open in horror at the thought.

Nova lets out a Northern laugh! "Right right, that would be a grave mistake!"

Taking the pieces of jewelry and other accessories in hand, Sydney seats herself and fastidiously begins to reaffix them, a sharp smile working its way over her features as Gabriella compliments her. "I don't think I was particularly brutal. I just had a message to deliver, and I wanted to keep my points... concise." She sways back and forth in her seat, struggling with the fastener for her earring. Apparently it's a finicky beast, this one. "I appreciate you defending my honor in my absence. Cheese is delicious, but not very fashionable or defensible."

Drake looks over at Piccola as well, when Korka gestured. "Challenge her? ... Well, she does seem to have energy to spare, and skill to measure." He starts to rise up from his seat, the fight at the arena for now not interesting him so much as this curious situation. He looks at Piccola, and nods for her attention.

The little vixen watches again, her attention held on the ring as Hamish and Felicia square off. Seeming to have forgotten to Valencia draws in a little breath, her smile returning to her face as she over hears the conversations around her. She does not interrupt, but she does seem to smile at some of them.

Felicia just can't any longer. There's been a lot of blows traded, but from the way the redheaded Harrow is eyeing the Archlector, it's concerning her at least. After a flurry of blows back and forth, it's the knight who actually steps back and raises her hand to state,"I yield." suddenly.


Piccola is short for a stormtrooper, as they say.

Oh, sure, she looks as if she could punch the fuck out of a table, but nerves? Nerves. She catches Drake's look at her and chin-bobs at him. Does she understand what he wants? Probably not, because she goes back to her pacing afterwards, jaw moving slowly around as if she were loosening it up to later unhinged it and consume an entire side of beef or something.

An odd little duck, in green and white.


Sydney pauses as the clear favorite backs out, and she very thoughtfully, very courteously offers, "BOO!"

This makes Appolonia jump in her seat.

Like anything in Arx involving two people over 30 getting sweaty, the fight is ungainly and not something many people would pay to see. To start with the bout is pretty evenly matched. Which is to say that neither of them are about to go toe to toe with Sydney or open up a pugilism academy in the suburbs. Hamish knows what he's doing, he probably would have been pretty good a decade and a half ago, but he's a big guy and right around his age big guys start to have bad knees and it shows. Before long he's taking big swings that might send a horse to the floor if they connected, but nothing is connecting and Felicia's got him on the proverbial ropes. And then she yields. "What?" Hamish looks a little confused and then, despite the fact that he was almost certainly seconds away from tasting dirt, kind of affronted. But finally he says, "I accept your unconditional surrender, Dame Felicia. We can discuss the terms of treaty over a beer, I think."

Rowenova says, "The clergyman who turned boxer found much glee in visiting his former ring opponents who were now old and sick and administering a few last rights."

Rowenova randomly narrates from the corner wall with a few arm gestures, too.

"Maybe I should have specified to a spar and not a duel," Korka muses as Drake does head over to Piccola, "Oh well, if there's a lot of proclamations yelled in the street tonight don't tell anyone it was my fault."

Hamish has left the ring of valor.

Hamish has joined the bar.


"Hm. Brusque, then. It seems a fair enough compromise in terminology," decides Gabriella Pravus, with a single, firm nod of her head. "And brusqueness is often quite brutal." The smile she offers is a brief but bright one in its amusement, before she watches Sydney contend with that last piece of jewelry. Without a word, she eases out of her seat to move closer and leans in to unilaterally begin fussing with it instead.

"In this world, who knows? Perhaps one day we shall find a cheese stronger than alaricite, and five times as delicious as even the best of cheese," Gabriella asides as she methodically works. "The great and cruel irony of the Gods, of course, being that we shall never be able to taste it." If she has more to say, though, she's drawn to a pause at the end of the bout, head tilt, and brows lifted. "Unfortunate."

Regardless of what Blessed Hamish may feel, the crowd again shows its appreciation for those that take to the ring, the room cheering their approval. The Hart's Sergeant of Arms calls out with a voice that reaches the rafters, "Well done. A good show. Ladies, Lords and gentle folk, your winner, Blessed Hamish!" The crowd rises to their feet again to cheer loudly for them. "And this concludes the sparring for this now. But nay, leave yet. Now's the time to refill your drinks, for next we have another fine contest," he announces, stepping off as well to take a long pull of ale from a waiting mug himself.

The sands now cleared, targets appear and a fine metal mesh is drawn about the ring to protect those in the audience.

Once the ring is prepared to his satisfaction; the Hart's Sergeant of Arms booms out. "A call for a different contest this night. Those who are skilled in the cart of archery will not test their skills. Archers step on the sands. Lady Zoey Kennex. Scout Rowenova. Lady Piccola Tessere. Bring your bows."

Felicia shoots Sydney a narrow-eyed look, but bows to Hamish respectfully,"Too much whiskey earlier, I think." she offers piously as excuse with a flash of a grin,"I still have some left, and will happily buy you a beer to discuss treaty terms with."

Felicia has left the ring of valor.

Felicia has joined the bar.

Rowenova wields steel reinforced recurve hunting bow.

Rowenova has left the corner table.

Rowenova has joined the ring of valor.

"You look like you wanted to go another round," Drake says to Piccola. "If you're interested. Might be a bit packed tonight, but... there's always the training field otherwise." He did, at least, understand Korka's meaning... and looks over to her, then says something to to Piccola more quietly.

Pushing off the side wall, Rowenova finally ceases her silly puns (for now), picks up her back quiver and recurve bow (half refined and half wild), then trots out to the central ring with a little hop over any imminent obstacles.

Zoey has left the corner table.

Zoey has joined the ring of valor.

Zoey wields Dawn's Light, an alaricite bow.


Piccola stops to hear what Drake has to say.

In response, though, she looks to the ring, and then shakes her head. "Another time, m'lord. They are calling me to the sands." She slides her sword back into its sheathe, and then picks up her bow. This, like her sword, looks well-used, but very ordinary. Some would call it a 'peasant's bow', but it looks rather closer to what a horseman might use. "Perhaps thereafter," she tells Drake almost curtly.

And then she's off to the ring.


Piccola wields Spina.

Piccola has joined the ring of valor.

Zoey takes one last sip of her whiskey before she leaves her table to join the ring.

Ian watches Zoey move into the center ring with the other archers. He pours a little bit of whiskey in his glass, and settles back to watch, less focused, now, than he was when it was swordfighting.

Drake steps back to watch the archers, now folding his arms.

Sydney contents herself with Gabriella's company when it becomes clear that there will be no epic brawl straight to the finish. She accepts Felicia's narrowed eyes with a wide-armed shrug. "What? You know what you did!"

Criticism delivered, she offers a satisfied sound at the sound of that fiddly ear clasp finally actually hitting the proper mechanism to click snugly into place. She's clearly not used to it yet. It must be new. She turns to look over her shoulder and flashes a wide smile at the other woman, "Gods. /Thank you/. That one is always the absolute worst, and it takes me minutes and minutes on my own." The musings from the Pravosi has her chuckling, "...Nonsense. Just eat it off our enemies. Death by a thousand bites."

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

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

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 24 higher.

From her back quiver, Rowenova pulls out a Halfshav-crimson arrow which has sable-black feathering. What Sydney says over at the bar has her letting out a quick laugh before she quiets down and listens up. Then, she finally strings that fancy arrow into her recurve bow and lines up for the first shot at the archery targets, doing so with an intent focus on the yonder target.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 70 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 48 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 34 higher.

Tarik is overheard praising Valencia: For a wonderful event!


As with her fighting stance, Piccola's shooting stance is peculiar.

She stands bow-legged, and up on the balls of her feet. She holds her weapon slightly tilted, and pinches the string and arrow between her thumb and forefinger. Whereas many archers remain quite calm and poised, Piccola's stance requires her to be rigid and tense. And her shots come rhythmically and quickly -- one, two, three.

Quite the odd duck.


Tarik has joined the ringside table.

Zoey is completely focused when she draws her bow and nocks her first arrow. She lets out her breath as she aims, then fires. She repeats twice, smiles when she sees her grouping, then gives a satisfied nod.

When arching, the only tense thing about Rowenova would be her cobalt gaze which ultimately intesifies as her whole body seems to move fluidly otherwise, drawing shot after shot until all three zing to the targets beyond them. And, all three hit, especially the second which squarely hits center.

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

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 55 higher. Zoey rolled a critical!

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 46 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 42 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 15, rolling 46 higher.

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

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 46 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 20, rolling 27 higher.


After the targets are moved, Piccola goes back into her weird stance.

One. Two. Three. *thunk* *thunk* *thunk* Her nostrils flare after, as she releases and then takes in a deep breath. She looks at her competitors' targets, and bobs her head in acknowledgment. The competition is certainly fierce tonight.

She looks back to her target with a smile on her face.



"It is always something of a process," notes Gabriella absently. "Getting used to something new. But eventually, they begin to fit us, rather than the other way around." She leans back just a bit to observe her work, seemingly satisfied as her hands fall back to her side. "The struggle is well worth it, though. They truly do fit you well, Syd."

With that, and an amused snort for Sydney's rebuttal, Gabriella takes her seat once more, one leg crossing crisply over the other. "... Fair point. Very well, I concede; at the least there are certainly grimmer ways for a battle to end." Her attention turns towards the archers as she finally takes up that glass of scotch, enjoying a deep, burning drink of it as she observes. Not her forte, archery. But it interests her all the same.

Tarik returns to the Golden Hart and heads to the ringside table to cheer for Rowenova again.

Ian watches the archers without any particular interest. Well, maybe he's interested in watching his wife shoot. He sips at his drink, which he's also interested in.

Even after taking aim from further away, Rowenova really works the recurve bow and still manages triple hits, except they are not as close to the center as they were during the first round, but they are still hitting. After that, the Halfshav scout toward Tarik with a wolfish grin before she turns back to the archery targets for this third round coming up.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 26 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 54 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 22 higher.

The archers are skilled, there is not questioning that. Valencia watches quietly, studying each woman's form and concentration as the every single arrow meets the target with a thud, thud, thud.

Zoey raises an eyebrow at Rowenova when the first round is tallied. "Not bad, Scout," she says with a smile. "Let me see if I can catch up." The second target is presented, and she takes her shots with the same focus and precision. Each finds its mark with a satisfying *thunk*.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 55 higher. Zoey rolled a critical!

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 38 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 25 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 40 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 30, rolling 24 higher.

Rowenova says, "Thank you, Lady Zoey. Both of you are shooting very well."


For her part, Piccola says nothing.

She just shoots. One, two, three. *thunk* *thunk* *thunk* She stands up straight after, looks down the field, and lets out a low whistle.

Her smile increases a little more.


Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 82 higher. Rowenova rolled a critical!

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 17 higher.

Rowenova checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 25 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 33 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 26 higher.

Zoey checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 19 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 7 higher.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 2 lower.

Piccola checked dexterity + archery at difficulty 35, rolling 47 higher. Piccola rolled a critical!

"And that is why I don't plan to argue with Rowenova in the future." Tarik lets out a deep laugh. "I am not going to get far from any frying pots thrown at my head."

Felicia has left the bar.


As the tournament continues, Piccola settles in for another set of long shots.

One, two, three. *thunk* *whiff* *thunk* The dark-haired, pint-sized archer doesn't seem particularly phased about missing one of the targets, given that her last shot hits dead-on. She just shrugs at the result, slips her bow over her shoulder, and walks herself on out of the ring.

After which, she seeks out Drake, and walks towards him.


Alfonso Donatello Fidante the Right Hand have been dismissed.

Sydney sends an apologetic glance to Gabriella, "...Seems the late hour is beginning to catch up with me. About the topic of our discussion - not the... cheese, obviously, the one prior. I'd like to revisit it in earnest. So... if you happen to find yourself with Gluttony, there's a ring or two I know. Or, if you can't be bothered, I can certainly indulge you in some brawling." Her brows loft, and that look of apology warms to something more pleasant, "...It's wonderful to see you. Truly. I often suspect Pravus hides its most promising away in some vault for months at a time." Faux-concern. "If that's true, than you need only blink thrice, and I'll save you from this truly terrible fate." A slight hiss of a laugh, and she offers, "...Ah. You're fun to be around. I like it."

Korka has left the bar.

Hamish finishes his beer, clambers to his feet and follows on Felicia and Korka's heels as they head out.

Hamish has left the bar.

1 Templar Knight guards, Sir Daniel the Beardless, a somewhat hapless Templar leave, following Hamish.

The crowd quiets for this part of the night, only to cheer loudly as all three ladies make an excellent show. But in the end it is Rowenova who wins the day. "Well done. A fine show of artistry," the Hart's Sergeant of Arms nods respectfully as he turns to the crowd to call out with a rumble, "And your winner, Scout Rowenova!!" There is a roar of approval for all who competed, but perhaps the northerns in the arena are just a little bit louder.

Drake has returned to the bar at this point, just watching the shooting go down. He figured out at this point that Piccola was simply nervous. He applauds when it's over, and gives her a nod when she gets back toward him. Korka was already on her way out, which doesn't surprise him totally, but he's a few drinks in, and punch drunk from his spar besides. "You did well," he says to Piccola, and certainly means it.

@emit A half dozen arrows of Halfshav colors are sent forth, and all six of them are fast and true, sinking into the targets and never missing one. After that, Rowenova lets out a hearty laugh. "I may have broken things when angry but never thrown them at a mate before." She jokingly puts her forefinger to her chin as if she might be considering changing up that operating system now. Though, it is all for show and she just laughs. "Thank you, Sarg!" Turning to the archery competitors, Rowenova gives a bow to each of the noble women before scurrying out of the ring to head back to the ringside table!

Rowenova has left the ring of valor.

Rowenova has joined the ringside table.


A brow lifts at the apology offered to her in both word and expression; Gabriella's head tilts, but rather than answer immediately, the knight reaches out, a hand finding Sydney's shoulder to impart a warm, companionable squeeze. Her look is deeply serious, and deeply reassuring.

"It is a very fine vault," she assures, "with many amenities."

And with that, she blinks once, finishes her drink, blinks a second time, sets it down, blinks a third, grips Gluttony's hilt -- and it is unclear if she's blinking a fourth time as she rises onto her feet, flashing Sydney a big grin to go along with the redhead's laughter as she slings Gluttony once more to her back. "It is more than alright, Syd. As you said, we are young. We will have more than plentiful time to make up for this great tragedy." And here, Gabriella leans in, passing a few, whispered words with the pugilist before she pulls back, and presses a hand solemnly over her heart.

"I ought depart, but I shall see you soon," she assures. "This I swear."


"Thank you."

The green-eyed woman looks down for a moment. "Frankly -- " Piccola sticks a thumb behind her. " -- I'm not used to doing that in front of others. It's one thing to be on the field or in a stall practicing. This?" She makes a discontented noise in her throat. "Not my thing." She holds up a hand as Rowenova goes by.

"I think our challenge may have to wait for another day."

She explains to Drake. "I hadn't intended to stay long. I've things to finish back at the House's grounds." Beat. "Horses can be impatient children at times, m'lord. Not a good idea to leave them waiting for their oats."

A half-smile, after.


After releasing her final volley of arrows, she nods to Rowenova. "Well done!" she declares before returning to her seat with Ian.

"Korka says I can't do it without a favor from her, and she seems to have slipped." Drake gives Piccola a wink. "So, agreed, another time."


"Was the plan for me to lose, m'lord?" asks Piccola of Drake. "That you may keep that favor in your success?"


On her way by Piccola, Rowenova slaps her hand in a high five before then speeding further and hopping out of the arena ring to zoom up to Tarik there. Flinging her arms around him, she gives him a big hug before she lets go and then sits down beside him.

Drake chuckles. "Ah, just a fair fight. But you also ride, so now I know you're a woman to watch out for." He gives her a bow. Then he looks back over to the bar, to be sure he hasn't lost track of Lady Appolonia in all the excitement. "Are you ready to take leave as well? I think we've both taken a lick or two."

Appolonia has gotten about two drinks in, but seems to have lapsed into quiet while having a couple of drinks. Probably from the sword wound!


And Piccola returns the hand-slap -- ska-doosh!

"Very well, m'lord." And with Drake heading to where Appolonia is, the woman in green and white makes sure her gear is together. Bow and quiver? Check. Sword? Check. Nurie? Piccola looks into the crowd, and sees that the woman has already left. Okay, whatever. Last thing to do --

-- she marches through the crowd to bring herself to Valencia, to whom she murmurs, "Thank you for the invitation, m'lady."


Sydney offers a pleasant wave with the back of her hand as she departs, "A wonderful evening to you all. Especially to Drake, my one and only love, who I pine for dearly with every passing moment." The delivery is weak, but it still makes her snicker on her way out the door.

"And, heavy of heart, I face the cruel and Drakeless night. Fare thee well."

The formal sparring over, Valencia takes a well earned drink as Lizette approaches with a big smile. There is a blink and then a clap of delight. "I am so honoured and delighted. Please draw up the paperwork for 100,000 in silver. It appears whe have surpassed our mark of a total 500,000 silver donation," the little vixen smiles, her eyes welling up with sincere awe, obviously so very touched by the generosity seen tonight. "I hope this will go far to help those in the Lowers," she says with a deep and happy breath. Turning she nods to smile at Piccola. "You were wonderful," she offers with a bright smile. "I hope that this means we will see you in my Hart more often, my Lady. Please use my arena to practice and spar if it pleases. It's open to all. I look forward to seeing your star rise in Arx."

Zoey has left the ring of valor.

Zoey has joined the corner table.

Ian bows his head to Zoey when she comes back. "Well shot," he says. "Your arrows all hit the targets." He finishes off his glass of whiskey, and then stirs to rise.

Gabriella has left the bar.

Fiore the Sarcastic Attendant leaves, following Gabriella.


With a half-smile, Piccola tells Valencia, "I actually like being relatively unknown."

Not that she does a good job of it. Even in that peasant gear, it's hard to hide the fact that the woman's probably been trained something fierce somewhere in her past. "But I shall, m'lady, I shall." She nods her head curtly, and then looks about. "To find my -- mm, yes, that way."

She heads off to where the stables ought to be.


Piccola has left the ring of valor.

Drake watches Sydney go, shaking his head at her. "You know I could ALWAYS escort you. I'm sure you need the assistance." But obviously, he's joking.

Ian braces on his cane and pushes to his feet. It takes him a moment, but he gets there. "I have another appointment," he sighs to Zoey. "You're welcome to come along."

Zoey rises as well. "I shall then." She turns to Valencia. "Lovely as always, your Highness. I look forward to the next."

Rowenova says, "Take care, Lord Ian and Lady Zoey. Good seeing you both!"

Ian nods to Nova and heads out with Zoey.

Ian has left the corner table.

Zoey has left the corner table.

Octavian, a silken spaniel, an aid in Kennex livery, 2 Kennex corsairs leave, following Zoey.

Zoey leaves, following Ian.

Sydney turns about to flash a grin Drake's way, "Then pay me more heed, so my heart stops this terrible aching." ...And please, let her stop her horrible acting. Mercifully, she find the door, and departs, amused.

Sydney has left the bar.

The crowd slowly starts to disperse to the main hall for more revelry or to the streets. Valencia simply sits a moment to reflect upon things. Her dark eyes warm and a soft gracious smile upon her face.