The arena of the Golden Hart is a remarkable space and now it fills with the citizens of Arx who have come forward, brave and determined, not to be repressed by the darkness that surrounds the city. The little raven-haired princess walk to the middle of the sands at the side of Mathias and addresses the crowd, her voice clear, warm and filled with passion.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Golden Hart's arena. I am so very pleased to see you there. As you know there have recently been many terrible attacks within the city's walls. Even in the halls of Grayson mansion there have been bringers, and so as citizens it is very important that we are able to defend ourselves and our loved ones as best as we can. And so, the Champions and the Golden Hart will be hosting ongoing self-defence lesson for the citizens of Arx until the end of the siege.

As always, everyone is welcome to attend. And it is our hope that fighters of all levels are welcome to share their skills and to practice and spar in the Hart's arena. Today, as this is our first of hopefully many times we come together, drinks are on the Hart, but I ask that perhaps we celebrate after the lesson," the littel fox grins impishly.

Returning to the introduction, her smile tempers to one of quiet pride, "Today, I am very pleased to say that Missere Mathias, a respected swordsman, Champion and our first Champion of the Hart, has offered to lead the session and so I will turn the sands over to him.

But before I do, I would like to say, keep hope, my friends. It is the one thing that our enemies fear most. Your hope and your bravery. With that, we are undefeatable.

Master Mathias, if you will…"

Waldemai sees that he is in the presence of a princess and snatches the cap off his head in respect.

With that, Valencia smiles up at Mathias and nods, moving to the trunks and weapons racks to prepare in case equipment is required for those who have not had a chance to equip themselves yes. Seeing Waldemai doff his cap, the little princess offers a sweet and gentle smile, her cheeks flushing. "Welcome, sir. I am so glad you are here. Thank you, " she says quietly, not to interupt Mathias as he begins the session.

THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack is now unlocked.

Mathias stands in his black leather armor, the tabard of the Knights of Solace in evidence, white and silver against black. He's currently unarmed, though his rubicund greatsword remains strapped to his back. He nods to Valencia in greeting when she steps up to the stands, before looking back to the assembled group, watching them as the Princess speaks.

When his cue is given, the dark-haired Champion steps forward, nodding to those gathered. "Aye, welcome to the Hart's Arena, and to the first lesson offered by both the Golden Hart, and the Champions. And since I'm awful at speeches, let's get right down to it, aye?" He grins, before looking over the people gathered. "As this is to be a lesson, and I don't intend to waste anyone's time, I'll first ask of ye who here has experience wielding a weapon. Doesn't have to be combat experience. If you were as much as taught as to how to hold it, I'd like ye to speak up."

THE GOLDEN HART - Red Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Blue Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Violet Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Green Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Silver Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest is now unlocked.

More then one princess! The Grayson princess moves forward as they ask for people.. and she waits for things to start. She raises her hand a little "I can hold a small knife." she says quietly

Mischief the monkey, Mirrormask Woman arrive, following Remi.

Waldemai lifts his hammer up off his shoulder. "Once it cam clear what we were in for, Master Champion, I got a little coaching with this." Grimly, he adds, "If they come to my forge, they'll find a hot time, and not just the fires."

Mathias' eyes rest on Ailys first, and he nods. "Good against people with no or little armor, if yer quick enough, not so great against heavy armor. Good to know, Yer Highness." he nods to her, and then smiles to Waldemai. "Aye, I remember facing ye and yer armor, I reckon. Good to hear ye've been putting it to good use. Very well. Yer Highness, Master Isenhu, I invite ye to head over to the weapons rack and pick a weapon that fits yer style. From memory, no hammer, but ye'll find a longsword that'll do just as well." Mathias himself shows the exemple by heading to the weapons rack and taking out the claymore. "We'll be practicing with those, rather than actual weapons, to avoid too dire injuries and to better learn."

Mathias gets Golden Hart Arena Claymore from THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack.

Mathias wields Golden Hart Arena Claymore.

Waldemai gets Golden Hart Arena Longsword from THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack.

Ailys gets Golden Hart Arena Dagger from THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack.

Waldemai nods and goes to peer into the weapons rack. Yes, he knows a longsword when he sees one, although he handles it awkwardly. "As you say, Master Champion."

Ailys picks a small dagger and handles it easily, she smiles then to Waldemai and she looks to Mathius as she moves to stand along side the other .. "I am just learning.." she says softly

Stepping to the side of the ring, Valencai stands next to Remi as he arrives, glancing up and offering a little smile. "I think it is a very good start. And fun for those who like to spar, yes? But gods, can you imagine what can be done if all off Arx is trained?"

Remi comes in and as Valencia moves to stand beside him the man gives a small nod looking down into the arena as he leans against the railing to look down into it. "It is a good start aye lass, Be better if'n I could get those pardons and get some others in here to help with the training, But damned fine."

"Ye have yer weapon, and by a stroke of luck, we each represent one of the three great families of weapons. Whether it's a hammer, or a longsword, there are some principles that apply that are the same, when placed in opposition to either smaller weapons like Her Highness is wielding, or the claymore that I am." Mathias explains. "Ye both are still learning, and wielding weapons of equal worth. Their methods may differ, but in the end, a knife-wielder can bring down a big man like me if she's quick enough and precise enough with her strikes, just like a man with a longsword can run me through just fine. Especially if I wasn't wearing armor." He looks from Ailys to Waldemai. "That's the second thing ye'll want to take care of. Weapons are good, and they'll see yer enemies dead, but they're only half of it. Ye need armor to protect yerself, especially in actual battle. Someone like Prince Luca may get away with running around half-naked for duels, but it ain't worth a damn in combat when ye get multiple people wanting ye dead in a hurry." He pauses, letting his words sink in. "Yer Highness, Master Isenhu, what type of armor between light or heavy do ye reckon would go best with yer weapon?"

Waldemai looks surprised at the question. "Never thought on it," he admits. "As a smith myself, I just figured I'd make my own, and that'd be what I wore if push came to shove."

Valencia nods as Ailys takes up a dagger and nods approvingly and smiles at the heft of Waldemai's hammer, and turns to listen carefully to Mathias' speaks to the characteristics of each weapon and the tactics to make them most lethal. She gives a little laugh as her cousin's habit of fighting light, so to speak, but nods realizing Mathias' words ring true for most. Folding her hands before her, she continues to listen to the lesson.

Ailys looks to Waldemai and she smiles "I have yet found someone to make me something. She looks to Valencia and then to Mathias, "I would think something that combines leather and perhaps some kind of steel mail easy to move in yet protective."

Sparte is sitting abck in the audience, in his armor. He is watching the event passives, trying to take in a few of the nuggets of wisdom.

"Good instincts, even about making yer own armor, reckon it'd be more familiar then, aye? Remember what I said about choosing between light or heavy armor based on yer weapon? Well, apologies, it was a complete trick on my part." Mathias smiles. "Ye can wear heavy armor and wield a hairpin if ye have the skills and body for it, just as ye can do like me and wear light armor while wielding a claymore or a greatsword. Armor is not based on yer weapon, but on yer own skills and abilities, and what yer about to face. Ye can also mix and match, as Her Highness proposed. I'd argue it's the most effective way to confuse yer opponent." he nods his head approvingly to Ailys.

"However, ye have to keep in mind, heavy armor is exhausting. Even light armor can take its toll on yer body. Heavy armor, however, does a much finer job protecting ye, especially if yer facing multiple opponents. You get tired damn quick if yer dodging around without stop, in comparison to someone wearing heavy armor who doesn't HAVE to dodge." Another pause. "So now I'll ask ye to pick armor of yer choosing. Ye have multiple sets, some heavy, some light. For this exercise, I'll ask ye pick only one set, either light or heavy, and do not mix. We're learning, after all."

The little princess, glances aside and smiles at Sparte, "I am glad you are here, sir," she leans over and says quietly. "After your demonstration in the ring the other day, I am more than delighted you are here to share your experience. Never have I seen such prowess and use of the enviroment to take on an opponent," she offers with great admiration for the man. "Thank you for attending."

Valencia claims this.

Waldemai is a guy who spends a lot of time beating on scraps of metal and very little thinking, so it takes him a while. "Well, I'll guess this, and you'll tell me if I have it wrong, Master Champion. I'm pretty quick on my feet, and the heavier the army, the less that'd help me, so I'd choose light based on that. Is that fair enough?"

Sparte looks sheepish when he is addressed, even with all the armor on. "I... Got out of hand the other day. I think I'd rather just listen today, thank you." He shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

Mathias gets Emerald Scorpion Sabatons from THE GOLDEN HART - Green Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias puts Emerald Scorpion Sabatons in THE GOLDEN HART - Green Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias gets
Bronze Lion Helm from THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias puts
Bronze Lion Helm in THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias gets Amaranthine DireWolf Helm from THE GOLDEN HART - Violet Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias puts Amaranthine DireWolf Helm in THE GOLDEN HART - Violet Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias gets Vermilion Drake Helm from THE GOLDEN HART - Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias puts Vermilion Drake Helm in THE GOLDEN HART - Red Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias gets Sapphire Serpent Helm from THE GOLDEN HART - Blue Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias puts Sapphire Serpent Helm in THE GOLDEN HART - Blue Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias nods. "That's fair enough indeed, Master Isenhu. Reckon ye'll find the Bronze Armor chest to yer liking. The one that looks like a lion." he grins, before turning to Ailys, awaiting her decision, or questions.

Remi meanwhile remains silent watchful of the lesson in the process of being given. His eyes turning between each present before he settles in on a bench near the edge of the arena.

Waldemai gets
Bronze Lion Helm from THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest.

Waldemai takes out the leather helmet and claps it on his head. It and his leather apron cover him from gleaming scalp to knees, and from there he's got his boots. "I reckon this will do me for now. I won't have much chance to do more than clap on a hat anyway if they come a'looking for me."

Valencia glances at the chests and then at Remi. "Would you care to spar, my prince? I promise to be gentle on you," she smirks up at him clearly sure that the Prince of Thrax would hand her her love firm bottom with in moments. But still she can't help offer the challenge to him.

Ailys gets Amaranthine DireWolf Helm from THE GOLDEN HART - Violet Armor Tournament Chest.

Ailys gets
Silver Eagle Gauntlets from THE GOLDEN HART - Silver Armor Tournament Chest.

Ailys finds things and puts them on, she looks around "Is this enough Mathias?" she asks as she puts on the helmet and gauntlets. She looks to him then to the others with a small grin

The question from Valencia has Remi glancing to the Princess as his scarred right brow lifts, "Ya want to spar lass? And infront of all the guests?" A grin taking shape as he leans in to murmur something in the Vixen's ear before he is shrugging and motioning to the Arena leaving it for her to decide

Mathias nods, smiling. "Aye, it'll do for the purposes of this exercise. Now, with this first lesson, I'll be facing one of ye after the other, in turn. Ye'll make one attack against me, what ye think might work against an opponent like me. If it manages to get through my guard, good! If not, I'll point out what needs more work, what ye need to change. Then I'll move to the other, and face an attack from them in turn." He looks between Ailys and Waldemai. "So, which of ye want to go first?"

"If you would indulge me," Valencia gives a little smile and makes her way over to the chests, calling over her shoulder she moves off with a sure and easy gait. "But only if it please. I am still learning. I may be far to novice for you, but one should always challenge one's self, yes?" The little fox gives Mathias, Ailys and Waldemai a little grin as she passes by to secure as set of the finely made tournment armor from one of the chests. She looks down thoughtfully and selects a set of leather, slipping away to dress so as to not shock or distract the lesson or the other students.

Waldemai doffs his helm to the Princess. "If you like, I can go and show you how it's not done." He checks to make there there's the correct number of negatives in that sentence and adds, "Your highness."

Ailys steps forward, "I will" she smiles as she steps forward and she looks a little to Waldemi and then she smiles a bit as she looks over to Valencia, her eyes shift and she giggles "go on then Ser." she says letting Waldemi go ahead of her.

Valencia gets
Bronze Lion Arm Armor from THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest.

Valencia gets
Bronze Lion Cuisses from THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest.

Valencia gets
Bronze Lion Gauntlets from THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias checked dexterity + huge wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 67 higher.

Waldemai checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 31 higher.

Remi checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 31 higher.

Ailys checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 21 higher.

Valencia checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 19 higher.

Whatever Valencia says in those far softer tones has Remi grinning as the man moves off after the young Princess, The Thrax prince unfastening his normal blade setting it aside on the bench he had been on before he is moving to gather up a new blade. The Thrax Prince forgoing the armors offered.

Late. Which is not a hallmark of the Lord Redreef, he comes into the arena area and walks down the row of stairs to stand by the ringside tables. He smiles looking about the few who have shown up and then he blinks, a look crossing his face that could be construed as either uncertainty or anxiety.

Mathias checked dexterity + huge wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 55 higher.

Mathias smiles as he watches the two exchange who goes first, before Waldemai finally does, attempting his own attack on Mathias. One that is parried by the Champion of Solace with the claymore. "A well enough attempt, though I reckon ye hesitated. Not yet familiar with a sword rather than a hammer, I take it. Ye need to be faster on yer feet, if ye intend to reach yer enemy."

Mathias then turns to face Ailys' own attempt, parrying it with similar efficiency. "Ye have a harder task than one with a longsword, Yer Highness, especially when facing a man with a blade like mine. Greater reach means I can keep ye back and on the defensive. Ye need to be even quicker, take advantage of missed swings to step into my guard and strike."

The little raven-haired fox adjusts her armor as best she can but it still hangs a little loose in some places, tough she tries to carry it with some decorum. She takes a little breath, all business now apparently, and carefully waits for Mathias' next instructions and Orincess Ailys takes to the sands first, though she does turn and flash Lord Edward a bright smile as she once again adjusts the shoulder guards as they slip again.

Waldemai nods at the good advice he receives. For practice, he dances a small jig while trying to keep from stabbing himself in the foot.

Valencia gets Golden Hart Arena Knife from THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack.

Valencia wields Golden Hart Arena Knife.

For being noticed Edward gives a smile and wave to the Princess before he steps away from where he is and he heads over towards the racks to select a couple of pieces of equipment.

Ailys nods her head to him, "you have me at a disadvantage, I am not being stealthy" she says a little as she looks over to the other woman, she smiles a little as she moves a bit and she listens to the lesson

"Aye, yer not being stealthy. But chances are, if yer attacked, ye'll be the one surprised, not yer opponents. So better to train without the advantage of stealth, aye?" Mathias smiles to Ailys. "However, if ye prefer..." he turns around, his back to Ailys. "Attack again, when ye will, Yer Highness."

Ailys checked dexterity + stealth at difficulty 1, rolling 24 higher.

Mathias checked perception + stealth at difficulty 1, rolling 29 higher.

Remi moves into the sand with a cutlass held in his right hand, the man moving to settle in a few paces infront of valencia testing the weight of the blade and its balance before he is shifting his weight and moving into a more offensive stance as he watches the young Vixen move.

Ailys checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 19 higher.

Mathias checked dexterity + huge wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 68 higher.

Valencia watchs carefully, dark eyes taking in all that unfolds. The smile grows as Ailys creeps up upon Mathias. She holds her breath

Ailys laughs as she tries to sneak up on Mathias, she takes her dagger and tries to impale him but as she moves in for the stab her arm is easily knocked away. Mathias was good!

Valencia cannot help but applaud both Ailys and Waldemai. The little souther princess seems rather enthusiastic about their efforts. Finally, it is her turn. She nods and stops forward to face Remi, taking a moment to speak. "No pay close attention to my form and you may learn something," she teases playfully clearly not serious about her abilities as a fighter, though she odes see to take the lesson itself very seriously. She turns back to Mathias and smiles up at him. "You will critique, yes? I have so much to learn," she ask Mathias as she squares off against the much more skilled and much more formidable princes. "Ready when you are, sir."

Indeed, Mathias spins around and brings the tournament claymore down to parry the smaller blade. "Another thing to learn, stealth's a fickle thing. Ye may think ye have the upper hand against the one yer sneaking up on... and then end up with the tables turned. Ye were quiet on your feet, I'll grant ye that. But in combat? Sometimes it ain't good enough." he explains to Ailys, before nodding to Valencia. "Of course." And he goes to a more relaxed stance, ready to watch the duel.

For his part Edward takes a longsword off the rack and a dagger. The latter getting hefted and considered more than the longsword. With that done he turns and begins to walk towards the edge of the Arena where he will wait, giving the longsword an idle test swing after he finishes testing the weight of the dagger; his eyes turning to watch the duel with the Prince and Princess.

Remi checked dexterity + medium wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 23 higher.

Valencia checked dexterity + small wpn at difficulty 1, rolling 41 higher.

Ailys puts
Silver Eagle Gauntlets in THE GOLDEN HART - Silver Armor Tournament Chest.


     Remi is watchful of the young Vixen a few moments listening to her words the man smiles softly, "Ah but Vixen, you forget.. I pay attention to your form I am likely to remember or focus on little else." The words spoken in tease before the man is shifting his weight and moving in, The cutlass brought up before being guided back down in a slash towards the woman.

Ailys puts Amaranthine DireWolf Helm in THE GOLDEN HART - Violet Armor Tournament Chest.

Mathias puts Golden Hart Arena Claymore in THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack.

Ailys puts Golden Hart Arena Dagger in THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack.

Ailys wields Rosewood, a rubicund dagger.

Valencia stands to the side as she was shown, graceful, perhaps. Inexperienced, withouth a doubt. But perhaps that is why her rather unconventional attack may have worked on the Prince of Thrax. Or perhaps he was just being kind, or distracted by something, but whatever it would seem, the little fox moves into his attack.She turns just at the last moment to slip under the larger man's reach and under his guard, and scoring a lucky little hit before dancing away.

Valencia checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 8 higher.

"Well, reckon I don't have to give many criticisms on that one." Mathias arches a brow. "Ye did rather well there, Yer Highness." the Knight of Solace remarks, looking rather amused.

Edward chuckles softly seeing the Fox move so adroitly into the guard and he nods, "That was unexpected..," he says though not to anyone in particular. "That was rather well done for Her Highness."

Remi steps back as she blocks and parries away the blow, The man smiling softly dipping his head. "Tha' was beautifully done lass." A small smile taking shape, "Though even when someones got a blade on ya, they won't be using just it to attack."

Max, an emperor tamarin have been dismissed.

Rosalee, The Champion have been dismissed.

2 Grayson Guardsmen have been dismissed.

No one seems to be more surprised by the unexpected unfolding of her first defense and attack that Valencia herself. She braces to feel a hit the slap of steel as she moves past him but nothing comes. Her lips part and her dark eyes widen as she turns back to face Remi again.... and then blinks... several times in fact. She looks to Mathias and nods her thanks and then turns back to Remi. She gives him a little look, looking as though she trying to assess where he was fair to easy on her, but she nods to his advice and moves back so that Edward may take his turn.

Waldemai puts
Bronze Lion Helm in THE GOLDEN HART - Bronze Armor Tournament Chest.

Waldemai puts Golden Hart Arena Longsword in THE GOLDEN HART - Weapons Rack.

Waldemai stows his borrowed equipment back in the chests they came from. "Thank you, Master Champion," he says. "Guess I should make myself a nice steel hat if I expect some trouble, eh?"

Mathias chuckles. "That's the wonder of combat. Ye never know when the fox shows her teeth." he grins, before spending the rest of the night giving pointers and advice to the combatants that come and go, doing his best to teach what he's learned through blood and sweat.

The event for him was the Fox getting a leg up on a wolf. With that said Edward turns to step into the arena for his turn at practice and pointers. Glad to stay late so he can learn some things about either way from Mathias, or the others willing to offer advice on his ill used skills.

The sparing continues for a little longer with Mathias offering advice and points to the students present. At the end the Hart's staff arrive with refreshements for one and all. The little princess, tired but very happy, steps forward. "Thank you so much for attend. On behalf of the Hart and the Champions I thank you so much for coming to learn these important skills to day. Please know that you are more than welcome to used the arena to practice at any time. That goes for our more advanced fighters as well," she smiles at Sparte and Remi. "We will never charge for these lessons as it serves our city, but if you would like to support the Hart or make a donation, we would not say no so we can continue to offer such classes. Thank you so much, Master Mathias. You are a wonder and so very generous to help us so." The little fox smiles and takes a breath once everyone has a drink. She lifts her glass, "To life, luck and love... to fine teachers, excellent students and to never giving up hope!"