Briar, the fleet and agile shrike, Alejandro, a gravely sober middle-aged Torean arrive, following Aconite.

Time for business. Deva looks about as put together as hurricane, but here she is -- hair a mess and in need of a brush, dark leathers that have seen better days, and a busted arm in a sling. She heads for the prime seating location, naturally, and slumps into it with exactly zero grace. Her gaze scans those assembling, looking for a face or two in particular.

Haakon stands against the barrier of the duelings grounds, reclining comfortably backward. The reaver's sword, helm, and shield are set out for inspection in advance of the duel, as he awaits the beginning of the day's festivities.

Alis would not miss this for anything! Which is, of course, why she is attempting to lead Fiachra through the crowd using her 'I'm a short person' sneaky skills to weave through before people notice. And, take a seat at the -front-. Cristoph vs. Deva? AND getting to watch her Uncle fight? She refuses to miss a moment by being too polite not to fight for a seat where she can actually see from. "Did you bring the whiskey flask?" is murmured to her spouse. Dumb question, no doubt.

Mabelle has been occupying the seats for a while, she's sitting there in support of her cousin, letting whoever is asking know that, "THE ONLY FIRE HAZARD IN THIS HOUSE IS ME! I EARNED IT", otherwise, she is just happy to finally attend a duel and sit there with a packet of cookies. What?

Kenjay arrives without fanfare and with Bahiya on his arm and four guards in their wake. He too looks around, spotting Haakon and then Deva in short order; he offers Haakon an inclination of his head and a smile, then escorts Bahiya over to where Deva's sitting. The helm in his hand is an oddity, much as his armour is; his outfit was never designed by an Arvani smith, even if it was made by one.

2 Redrain Guards have been dismissed.

It's nearly time for this show to start and among the many people that are moving onto the grounds to find somewhere to sit, Cristoph is drawing his way through the crowd with Tyche. He's slipped his fingers into hers and they seem to be mid-conversation about something or other unimportant as they arrive. He pauses briefly and starts to scan- and hears his cousin shouting about being a fire hazard. SHE EARNED IT. So Mabelle is who he spots first, and he erupts into quiet laughter. Then up in prime seating he spots Deva and starts angling them that way. "Hey!" he calls out over the many talking people.

Sydney arrived quite some time ago to stake herself a claim near to the front of the general seating - well. Two, to be precise. She's in the second row from the front and has both of her legs folded over the seat in front of her, feet bouncing casually as she waits for the action to get going. Rather unabashedly more interested in those who are to fight than those who are here to watch, just yet.

Medeia has stopped fussing at Haakon since people are arriving, stepping back and looking around to see who she might sit and gossip/heckle with. Her eyes land on Deva, one brow rising, but decides now is not the time to fuss over the princess. She leans in close to her husband to say something quietly, then goes to sit by Mabelle. "Lady Mabelle, a fire hazard? What would happen to all your lovely clothes?"

Tyche has joined the Judges Booth.

Medeia has joined the General Seating.

"That's right, Lady Mabelle. Own your... triumphs." Sure, that's what Alis will call it. With a completely deadpan expression of course.

Cristoph has joined the Judges Booth.

Bahiya is garbed in gold, purple gems, and honeysilk, beneath a very thick cloak and a fur collar. The purple ribbon over her eyes shimmers as her head tilts, listening to what's said and smiling as she catches familiar voices. A hand on Kenjay's arm stalls him, and she unerringly finds his cheek to kiss, before she's handed off to Deva.

Bahiya says in Eurusi, "Good luck, my friend."

Tila makes her way through the crowd to a spot near the middle. She curtsies to Deva before sitting down, her hands folded in her lap.

2 House Velenosa Guards arrives, following Baldessare.

Tila has joined the General Seating.

Haakon leaves his helm, shield, and sword where they lie to cross the field toward Kenjay and Bahiya at their arrival. A curt nod, a stony expression, and a few low words are offered.

Mabelle appears to be pleased with herself and rather amused, winking to Alis despite herself, "Oh I do not burn my things. I will tell you later", she grins at Medeia, eager to concentrate on the fight, she's so excited!

Narcissa arrives with Aconite beside, thee pair of women conversely amongst themselves before joining the general seating none too far from Mabelle. The pale Fidante shrugs her shoulder once, dislodging the sulking raven who looks none too happy to have his perch denied him as he takes to the air only briefly, settling to sulk on the railing of the stands instead. "Lady Mabelle, are you starting fires again?" she teases, arching one brow sharply.

Being quite a bit taller than Alis, Fiachra trails just an arm's length behind her. Where he doesn't have the same advantage of short stature, he does seem to be able to move with a great deal of finesse. He manages to get through the crowd just fine and answers her with a chuckle. "Of course." The huntsman gives her an amused, conspiring look.

"Uncle," Deva unpeels herself up from her chair as Kenjay starts escorting Bahiya over. She greets them with a small, but genuine, smile and gently reaches for Bahiya's arm with her good hand. "I'll tell her all about how good your swings are," she promises. "Thank you for being my champion," is added gratefully, her head bowed to Kenjay before she helps Bahiya into a seat and sinks into her own. Only then does she greet Cristoph and Tyche, nodding politely and waving before swooping up her flask. "Guess you call it?" she asks the duke with a tilt of her head.

Baldessare strides towards the general stands, flanked by his guards. He gives quick nods to people he knows, Tila, Narcissa, Mabelle, and others, before taking a seat.

Baldessare has joined the General Seating.

Tyche arrives on the arm of Cristoph, one of the two challengers this evening, and she laughs at some words spoken of a conversation they held before. When he begins to lead her to the judge's area, she makes a small protest, a hand directed to the general seating, but there's no denying him in this and so she's suddenly part of this duel more than she had imagined. "Princess Deva," she greets the Redrain with an almost apologetic laugh, "Best of luck to your champion tonight. I am deeply invested in the outcome of this duel!"

Nadine, Persimmon, the darling fainting goat, 1 Laurent veteran guards arrive, following Jael.

Bahiya has joined the Judges Booth.

Moonsilver, the pale-feathered raven arrives, following Raven.

Kenjay grins at Haakon and returns a few words, and then he's escorting Bahiya up into the seating. He gets stopped for the kiss on his cheek, and murmurs something back before turning and going back down to join Haakon. He has no shield to show, only two shortswords, suggesting a rather different fighting style.

Alis stands briefly so she can jump up and down and wave up at the judges booth; how /else/ are they going to see her? Be thankful she doesn't shout her hello, and she trusts the others there will let Lady Bahiya know of her greetings. Her gaze then settles on the Champions, and of course she waves cheerfully to Kenjay. "I should have known better than to ask. And if anyone does ask, it's definitely milk or tea in the flask." she jokes back to Fia, finally settling in fully to watch the display of martial talent.

Tila inclines her head to Mabelle. "Greetings." She nods and smiles to Baldessare. "Prince Velenosa. We keep running into each other."

Bahiya is handed off to Deva and smiles at Deva's words, and Haakon's as well, nodding graciously to the latter. Her smile grows and she follows Deva's guidance further, taking a seat where she is bidden. Her cloak is drawn a little more about her and she speaks quietly to those seated near her.

Alis was totally waving at her, right? Right? Tyche waves back! Hello out there! Whatever bemusement she might have felt at being at the judge's booth has vanished, and she seems to have decided that this is where she should have been all along.

Sydney tugs her hood up and over her as the snow begins to fall in earnest - not that it does rather much for keeping all of her hair dry, but at least it's a start. The redheaded pugilist is content to keep quiet for only so long before she leans forward and calls to Kenjay, "Draw from all of your experiences, Kenjay, an' show 'em something they ain't expecting!" The Lowers is thick in her voice today, which runs rather counter to her garb.

Aconite chuckles quietly at Nevermore's antics as she drifts along beside Narcissa. The tall Courtier looking Mabelle's way once Narcissa asks about things being on fire ans she smiles with a small courtsey to the Laurent Noblewoman. However rather than speak, at least for now, Aconite's dark eyes linger on people as they pass with a growing smile.

Deva waves back at Alis, and then tells Bahiya the Valardin High Princess is jumping and waving madly. There's a small, brief smile for Tyche as the woman joins, a thoughtful look before she nods. "I'm sure. Yeah, we'll see how this goes," she waves around with her good hand, then looks back out into the crowds. She's looking for someone, and... disappointment. That's how she looks already. Disappointed. So she slumps further into her chair and focuses instead on the champions getting ready.

Jael makes her way onto the grounds in armor, in a didn't-have-time-to-change way, not a making-a-statement way, and chooses Alis to descend upon. "Did I miss anything?" she asks the High Lord, settling herself nearby.

Though engaged in some light chatter at her place in the stands, Medeia does give Kenjay a polite wave of greeting while watching Haakon go to speak with the prince.

"Me?" Cristoph asks as they arrive in Deva's general vicinity. He looks a little uncertain! Maybe it's because they never actually got to the part where they hammered out any of the details around this. "I'm going to make things up." She's been warned! He doesn't sit and instead cups his hands around his mouth to project his voice as far as he can. "Thank you all for coming! Today the matter to be settled is whether or not the Laurent Manse is a fire hazard or not, according to Princess Deva Redrain. Allegedly there are too many doors, rooms, and not enough signs. Should the duel not go in my favor, I am prepared to put up ample signage." But for some reason he's holding his index finger and thumb just A TINY BIT apart. What does this mean? Maybe nothing! "If it does, perhaps Princess Deva will apologize for these outrageous claims! Tonight we have Lord Haakon Eswynd representing myself and Prince Kenjay Redrain representing Princess Deva!" Breathe. "And from here, we can let the Champions take it. Good luck! And thank you, Lord Haakon!"

Kenjay has joined the Field.

Baldessare inclines his head to Mabelle and Narcissa. "Lady Laurent, Lady Fidant. I am delighted to see you both." His gaze sweeps to Tila. "Lady Sanna, it is excellent to see you here as well." He gives Tyche a respectful nod. At last, his attention returns to Haakon and Kindjay.

Raven strides in, sans entourage but bundled head to toe to guard against the cold. She scans the crowd and there's a brief purse of lips as the faces she sees are mostly unfamiliar. She makes her way towards the general seating though there's a snort at what she overhears of the obligatory pre-show melodrama.

Raven has joined the General Seating.

Aconite has joined the General Seating.

For good measure, Fiachra lifts his hand to wave to the judges' booth as well as Kenjay. He does cast an amused look down to the bouncing Alis, but he makes no comment on her stature. "If they've proper manners, they'll mind their business about my flask," he says with mock-narrowed eyes. He chuckles then and casts a look out over the other spectators. "Quite the crowd."

Mabelle squints as Cristoph promises to put up signs and murmurs to Narcissa, "Signs are horrible decor, I WILL take them down. Oy". Mabelle offers a quiet smile to Baldessare and invites him to join them as they sit. Her hand is waved from afar to her cousin Jael before she concentrates on the field.

Tila gives each individual a smile and nod as they are introduced. "Wonderful to meet you all." She turns her attention to the field.

Haakon dips his head to Cristoph as the Duke speaks the greeting, raising his own voice to answer such that all can hear:

"A guest cries the hall is too complex
And thereby did her good host vex.
Yet Laurent manor remains unburned,
So if about a body gets turned
Mayhap fault lies not in house or cost,
But in guest's talent for getting lost."

A wry curl briefly twists his scarred lip with the words, before fading into stoicism as he dons his helm, pulls on his gloves, and takes up round shield and sword in turn. A trio of salutes are offered as Haakon strikes the flat of his sword against the iron rim of his round shield, each flourish accompanied with a dip of the head and shoulders. First to Duke Cristoph, second to Princess Deva, and lastly to Prince Kenjay.

Alis was of course also waving at Tyche! She's in the judges booth isn't she? They were ALL subjected to a greeting up there! A warm smile is offered Jael as she sits on the other side of her. One arm is linked through Fia's. And the other arm is now linked through Jael's. "Not yet! They're just about to get started." is noted quietly, a chuckle escaping at her spouse's response to people asking about what he has in his flask. "Drinks available if you need them. Obviously. It /is/ quite the crowd. People need the distraction, I think."

Haakon wields old-fashioned broadsword.

Winter, A Highhill Puppy arrives, following Kiera.

"What is they were gold plated?" Medeia wonders as Mabelle objects to the signs. "They could have gemmed borders and lovely caligraphy."

"If it were a fire hazard, I would have managed to burn it down by now," Jael notes dryly as the Champions are called. "Oh good, I was afraid I was late. Fiachra, it's been a long time." She offers a flicker of a smile as Alis links an arm through hers, then waves to Mabelle with her free hand.

Mabelle murmurs to Medeia, "I cannot put a sign saying 'Mabelle's room', they will know where to loot, be reasonable"

Deva is overheard praising Haakon: That was funny!

Raven's eyebrows lift and she fishes a bottle of Sin's Spice Dark Rum from somewhere as she settles down, "Oh gods, Is Eswynd fighting? Oooooooh, I got here JUST in time." She tugs the cork out and beams broadly, "I am SO glad I came!" to whoever she's settled next to, "We're in for a treat I think!"

After a brief moment, Baldessare turns to Mabelle and Narcissa. "Lady Mabelle Laurent, Lady Narcissa Fidant, may I introduce Lady Tila Sanna to you both. I count she and her brother as close friends." He indicates each lady as he speaks for clarity.

Medeia listens to Haakon's... poem? Her expression flickering with amusement. Then she 'ah's to Mabelle. "You are correct, of course. That would be unreasonable. Though, any talk of signs is presumptive of my husband losing and that? That also seems unreasonable." Raven's entrance draws her eye, earning a smile and wave of greeting.

Kenjay acknowledges the crowd with the wave of a hand and a broad grin. At the end of Haakon's poem he catches up and pulls on his helmet, doing up the chinstrap, then catches up his shortswords. He too offers salutes, to Deva, then to Cristoph, then to Haakon. His voice rings out, tinged at the very edges with Eurus. "For Gloria, for honour, and for just how dangerous Laurent Manor can be to the unwary!" And then he's latching the latticeworked faceplate in place, before offering Haakon another salute and settling into a neutral guard stance.

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

Sydney's eyes hawkishly turn to Haakon, not bothering in the slightest to mask the fact that she's sizing the man up from head to toe, though her gaze lingers longest on his firm, thick, solidly defined... shield. She leans back and calls, "Remember to use both of those pretty swords, Prince!" The best advice.

Kenjay wields Plain Gladius.

Kenjay checks dexterity and performance at normal. Kenjay is successful.

Tila turns her attention back to the ladies. "It is always an honor to meet one of my brother's friends, Lady Laurent." She smiles at Aconite, inclining her head in acknowledgement. Tila turns towards Raven at the sound of her name. "I am Tila Sanna."

"Not *that* long," Fiachra says, looking with amusement to Jael. "I was there when you sat in the shield." The huntsman looks on towards the field then, distracted by the start of the match momentarily. He chuckles at Alis then and slips the flask from its place on his belt. "I brought enough for us, anyways. I could part with a small bit, if you like." This he directs towards Jael.

"Have a good fight," Deva calls out from where she sits, nodding to both Champions and waving with her good hand and a flask gripped tightly in it.

Kiera walks on to the tothe ttournament grounds just as the duel begins and makes her way into the oathlands stands with a wave tila as she does

Haakon cants his helmed head to a curious angle as he regards his opponent and Kenjay's choice of weapons. Affecting a wide stance, he draws the broadsword in his left hand back, poised above his own shoulder, and advances the shield at bent-arm's length, taking a first deep step into range and beginning the duel with a great sweeping cut. The slightly taller fighter looks intent on dictating the pace, pressing hard after Kenjay amid a flurry of strikes, parries and counters, falling back a step or two when his foe retaliates. Both men are sruck several times, but thus far thier armor looks to be bearing up.

Tila s smiles at Raven. "There is no need to apologize for performing your duty. I will take you up on that offer of a drink at a later time." She turns back to Aconite, giving the courtier a smile and nod. "Thank you for the best wishes." She turns her attnetion back to the field and the combatants.

Mabelle randomly cheers Haakon in the weirdest way, considering he is not a Laurent, she still calls, "STINGS ALWAYS WINS"

Kenjay blurs into motion when Haakon's first sweeping cut comes in, and it's sheer poetry in motion. The scarlet-clad swordsman twists, meeting Haakon's blade with one of his own and sending it wide, then pivoting to bring his second blade to bear. And it's breathtaking to watch, sheer speed and grace, as sword and shield face a pair of dancing shortswords wielded by a blur of steel and scarlet. Whatever else Kenjay may be, he's a showman as well as a swordsman, and he wields his swords as if he were half his actual age. Steel rings out, sometimes higher in pitch and sometimes lower, with the combatants seeming to be well-matched.

Raven smiles to Tila and salutes with her bottle, "Welcome to the city, I look forward to it." She tilts her head and studies Mabelle briefly then to Medeia, "Stings?" Her expression intrigured. A nip is taken from the bottle and her gaze keeps flicking back to the field, "Oh, they are very closely matched-both in gear and skill. I wonder if it will come down to who's in better shape?"

Tila waves to Kiera, motioning for her to join the group in the general seating.

Medeia's attention barely leaves the fighters, though there's a flicker of playful offense sent in Narcissa's direction for something she said. Mabelle's enthusiasm is catching, bringing a grin to her lips. "Stings," she confirms for Raven. "Like bees? Laurents are known for bees and honey."

Jael whistles loudly as Haakon makes his declamation and takes the field, and her mild confusion at Fiachra's reply doesn't stop her from reaching for the offered flask. "Yes please. I forgot to bring my own refreshments." Her eyes are glued to the combat, but she tips her head to listen to Alis.

From the judges booth, Cristoph calls out, "Excellent fighting!" He's very intently focused on the two Champions and is leaning forward in seat. Forward. Forward. Don't fall out of the chair, buddy.

Bahiya sits in the Judge's booth at Deva's side, her expression rapt, head tilted as she takes in everything the other woman describes.

Steel rings and chimes, and then suddenly there's a change in Kenjay's movements. What had been a more guarded stance, with a definite eye to defence, turns into something altogether more aggressive. It's still spectacular to watch, almost more for the benefit of those who're watching the fight than the man who's actually doing the fighting, but there's an edge to Kenjay's movements now that there wasn't before. And there's a pattern of strikes and a deft twist that brings Kenjay to where Haakon's shield isn't.

Someone hands Cristoph a note in the middle of all of this and he sits over there looking deeply confused. Then he hands the paper to Tyche.

Aconiteseems unable to focus on one thing for long, the cookie she'd been handed remains with one bite out of it while her dark-eyed gaze bounces between the fight and the Nobility she's in conversation with.

After taking a good pull from his flask, Fiachra passes it first to Alis and nods to Jael. "We'll go 'round," he suggests, gesturing one hand in a sort of 'circle' pattern. He looks to both Alis and Jael in turn then to gauge their approval for this plan.

Kiera looks on the fight with interest. She's used to cheering for her brother when he fights but these two are quite skilled at their craft.She has watched kenjay before and enjoys it even though she's not supposed to be cheering for him--but laurent manor is damned confusing

Tyche is trying to watch the fight! Why is Cristoph handing her a note...? She looks down to read it, and there's a bark of laughter. Yes. Unladylike and ungraceful. Her hand lifts to cover her mouth, and she looks out to the crowds, searching for Mabelle. When she spies the woman, she lifts the note to wave it, and then nods toward Cristoph, as if in affirmation.

Alis watches the two different fighting styles clash, gaze intent on both champions as they battle it out for the honor of Laurent's hiv... house design. "There's something to be said for being fast on your feet rather than soaking damage." she murmurs to her bench companions, obviously impressed with both of the fighters. And of course, she nods her approval at the idea of passing the flask around.

"Go Uncle Kenjay! This is a great show!" calls Deva from the bench, voice loud and clear as she cheers on her champion. Much of her time is spent engaged not-yelling at Bahiya to tell her what's going on. There's a curious glance between Cristoph and Tyche, and then the crowd, and a fleeting moment of trying to piece things together. Her expression is almost... sad? Her jaw tightens and she returns to watching the fight, flask clutched tightly.

Haakon continues to try and bear the smaller man backward, by hewing cuts of broadsword's edge and bludgeoning blows of his shield, which the reaver seems to use nearly as often in attack as he does in defense. It's a gamble, and one that often puts opponents off balance. But in one of those crunching shield punches, Kenjay times a counter-thrust perfectly, his left-hand gladius scoring Haakon's extended arm, just above the vambrace, and just below the maille sleeve, scoring a bloody cut to the reaver's tricep. A wordless exclamation of, "BAH," is shouted at the blow, and Haakon growls a few words to his opponent, taking a look at his arm to verify the obvious (that he is indeed bleeding) and raising his sword to Kenjay.

"Well. Guess I better go patch that up." Medeia frowns, but doesn't actually seem displeased. She says something quietly to Raven before heading down out of the seating.

Cristoph's puzzlement and Tyche's laughter makes Mabelle grin from afar as she flutters are fingers at the Inverno Lady. She then calls toward the ring, "Come on Eswynd! Or I will come over to your house and put signs there too!". Where is the gentle Lady Mabelle and what basement is she tied at?

"I really don't know what the fuss is all about, you just have to go in the front, and then around the first table, dogleg left past the door to the stables and-" This part is Jael doing a lot of precise but mysterious hand gestures. "Boom, there you are, in the solarium."

Sydney settle back onto her heels upon spying the trickle of blood running down Haakon's arm, her eyes gleaming.

Bahiya tugs on Deva. "What's happened?"

"I think he just drew blood," Deva tells Bahiya. Then she realizes, Deva, please use better words for your companion that cannot see who 'he' is. "It looks like Lord Haakon is bleeding. It was quite the strike to his arm."

Kenjay takes a step back when Haakon calls out, his blades lowering; the raising of the other man's sword as Kenjay's own lowering, the blades crossed in a formal gesture. He holds that pose for a moment, then shifts both swords into one hand and unlatches his faceplate. There are a few low words for Haakon, and then Kenjay's turning to face the stands and offer the crowd a bow. "Her Highness, Princess Deva Redrain, is victorious!"

Raven laughs at whatever Medeia calls after the healer, "Tell him I know his woe well!" she exhales and eyes the field a touch sullenly, "Gods, do I." She shakes her head to herself and turns the bottle up against her lips.

Aconite takes a moment longer to tilt her head towards Mabelle, clearly intrigued by the something. The events unfolding within the arena steal her attention away though and she lifts her cookie to finish it all in one bite while people are distracted by it. Seeking a small kerchief from her pouch to dab her lips before tucking it away.

"It looks like you're going to be getting little bee signs everywhere." Alis comments gravely, when first blood is drawn and the winner declared. "Well fought, Champions!" the princess calls out, doing her best not to look like she's pleased about the result. Deva did this on purpose, she's sure of it.

Kiera applauds both champions "Good show gentleman

Bahiya stands gracefully, unthinking, grinning so brightly beneath that purple ribbon. Her hands press palm to palm; she's the image of warm, delighted pride.

Haakon turns toward the gallery as Kenjay does, raising his sword in a final salute to the Duke and to the Princess, adding another to Bahiya, and the final brandish of his sword to Medeia before nodding once to his recent opponent and starting back toward his chosen corner.

Deva looks more stunned than pleased with herself, wide-eyed and leaning forward to get a better look. It's not until Kenjay is shouting that she sort-of genuinely smiles for probably the first moment this whole time. "He's really good," she tells Bahiya fondly, giving the other woman's hand several pats. "Beautifully fought, Lord Haakon, Prince Kenjay. My thanks to both of you," she says, briefly pressing her good hand to her heart. Then she slants a look toward Cristoph, one brow raised high.

Narcissa is overheard praising Haakon.

Narcissa is overheard praising Kenjay.

Winter, A Highhill Puppy leaves, following Kiera.

Alis is overheard praising Haakon.

Jael sighs at Alis' remark. "Maybe we should put out little balls of string, too. Honestly, it's been like...two years since we found someone lost in the back." She applauds though, for both champions. "Good fight though."

Alis is overheard praising Kenjay.

Once Medeia makes it to the side of the field, her handmaiden Klavdiya joins her side carrying a bag of medical supplies. "Well fought, both of you. Congratulations, Prince Kenjay. May I offer a quick check of any injuries?"

Once the fight is over Mabelle rises and claps for both Kenjay and Haakon, "Well fought. Well done. Very honorable. Thank you for your service today". Mabelle eyes Deva, then Cristoph, then Deva. She's huffing at signs on the inside. She will demand to have a hand on their tiny design.

Jael is overheard praising Kenjay.

Jael is overheard praising Haakon.

Does Cristoph fall out of his seat? Does anyone push him to his doom? No! He remains safe and in one piece, much to someone's relief, probably. Instead he stands up and claps his hands together loudly and with enthusiasm. "Thank you, Lord Haakon, for representing me so thoroughly and with a great display of skill. Thank you, Prince Redrain for allowing us to witness your impressive fighting style," he calls out. He steps back a bit so that he can publicly make this address to Deva. "Princess Deva Redrain. You have a point about the many confusing twist and turns of my home. I will endeavor to get appropriate signs place in my home so that you won't get lost on your next visit. Nor will anyone else."

Aconite is overheard praising Haakon.

Aconite is overheard praising Kenjay.

Kenjay is overheard praising Haakon.

Cristoph is overheard praising Haakon.

Medeia checks 'recovery treatment' at hard. Medeia is successful.

Deva is overheard praising Kenjay: Best Uncle Champion!

When the fighting comes to an end, Tyche still clings to the note she was handed, and it gets crushed in her applause for the champions. "Well fought!" she calls, even if she was here to support the side which lost the day. She does not interject herself in Deva and Cristoph's finishing of their duel rights, only grinning when he speaks of these new signs which will be appearing in his house. Too late she realizes the note is in her hand, and she takes a moment to try to smooth it out again.

Raven sets the bottle between her knees and applauds the champions, "Well fought!" she chews her bottom lip and eyes the field consideringly.

Cristoph is overheard praising Kenjay.

Cristoph is overheard praising Deva.

Deva is overheard praising Cristoph: I'm glad you won't let your visitors burn now!

Sydney is all but an echo of Raven's sentiments, "Well fought! Well-controlled!" Her praise is rather lacking, but that's largely because her voice sounds somewhat raspy at about the midway point of 'well fought'.

Medeia is overheard praising Kenjay.

Medeia checks 'recovery treatment' at hard. Medeia is successful.

Deva languidly pries herself from her chair, rising as Cristoph does but keeping space between them so he can shout away to his heart's content. "Apology accepted, Duke Cristoph. I will be more tactful with my words regarding architecture in the future, despite my very grounded safety concerns. I am pleased for the security of Laurent's future visitors." She then bows her head gratefully toward the champions as they're tended to by Medeia.

Mabelle stands energetically, "Well this is been unexpectedly fun. I should come to more of those", and as she says that she bids everyone goodbye and darts out the grounds with said energy.

Narcissa asks aloud of no one in particular, "Wait, burning visitors? Is this what this was about, fire? "

Kenjay murmurs a last few words to Haakon, then withdraws to his own side of the field. His blades sheathed, he pulls off his helm entirely, running a hand through his hair and stopping about six inches after the hair runs out. Looking slightly sheepish, he trails over to where the medical team awaits to tend the (deep) bruises Haakon left behind.

Mabelle has left the General Seating.

"I was going to try and help Deva make sure the signs are absolutely gaudy and awful. But that would also be torturing you and Mabelle. I just can't put my heart in that." Alis sighs heavily towards Jael. Apparently, tormenting Cristoph is fair game though. "Well, shall we head back before the crowd attempting to leave is crushing?" That's right, sneak out before anyone knows they're gone! The arm tug (tm) is accompanied by a slight smile up at Fiachra.

With the big declarations out of the way, Cristoph glances down to the field one more time and watches as the healers on duty attend to Lord Haakon and Prince Kenjay. Then he just steps forward a foot or so and inclines his head toward Deva, the expression on his face questioning as he lets his gaze move from the fighters to the princess and then back again once more before finally resting on her. As this happens, there are a few quiet words uttered to and the lift of one hand.

2 Valardin Knights leaves, following Fiachra.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant, 8 Valardin Knights, Fiachra leave, following Alis.

Aconite's dark eyes slide sidelong to her Patron and her lips twist up in an amused grin but she remains a woman of few words. However what's unfolding between Sydney and Raven draws her fickle attention next.

With a few quiet words exchanged with Cristoph, Deva nods once or twice before moving to help Bahiya out of her seat. "It was beautiful," she tells the Ambassador after taking a short, steadying breath. "I need a drink," she declares, despite the fact that she's been flask chugging this whole time.

Tyche waits for the two challengers to finish, moving to the edge of the judge's booth, one hand gripping the railing. She looks out over the crowds still lingering, watching the laughter and merriment of this wintry duel carry over. And she waits.

There area few words exchanged back and forth and eventually Cristoph stops gesturing his hand around. He exhales and offers her smile before stepping back to find Tyche over there by the railing. "Did you still want to find a place to celebrate and drink?" he wonders brightly, waving some of the people off that are escaping from the tournament grounds.