Conker, the Ornery Red Squirrel arrives, following Joslyn.

Joslyn arrives, following Alexis.

1 Saik Guard, Bodyguard, A Cat arrive, following Karadoc.

Alexis steps inside with Joslyn, the tiny knight having chosen to wear just a simple short-sleeved tunic in valardin blue, with matching pants. The Wyrmguard dragon in flight is emblazoned in white across her chest, and she wears a white, long-sleeved undertunic along with it. A belt and calfskin boots in pale leather finish off her outfit. "And we can always leave, if there's too many people," She assures the woman as they step in. "Though I kinda wanna see what this is all about. And present the Oathlands, hopefully in an honourable way."

Karadoc made his way in, in greens, blacks, and whites, flanked by his guards, who he shooed off to the side. That cat slipped in as well, going where it wanted. He grinned, looking about, giving a nod to those he was familiar with.

Khanne is seated at her usual table at the moment, waiting for people to arrive and the event to get under way. There is a bottle of whiskey in front of her, no glass. She's at home here in The Spirits. Why would she need a glass? She wears a silk dress of green, grey, and white, and her hair twisted up and stuck in with hairpins painted like mountain snow.

Joslyn looks around curiously as she nods towards Alexis. "But, like you said. It's easier to do these things with somebody you care about," she gives the knight a small smile, drawing a deep breath, quietly gazing about. "I suppose I could represent Tor. Looks like Southport has their representative."

The man running the whole show happens to be standing at the bar, talking over some small details with the bartender, or is maybe thanking him for using his bar and any possible damages that might be incurred in the process. This is Redrain after all, so there's always a chance that something over than a arm-wrestling match might break out.

The man claps his hands together, seeing folks start to trickle in. "Alright. Those of you fuckers that came here to show your stuff, why don't step forward." He gestures at the wooden bowl with scraps of paper. "To make this shit fair, I ain't gonna place. We're gonna let luck decide that one, eh? So, write your name down, toss it in a bowl and I'll start drawing names to see who's gonna square off against each other." He, for one, doesn't seem to be doing as such. Not his competition, he's just the guy running about.

Freja tries to sneak in right after things just begin, making a beeline for the bar to swipe a whiskey and watch.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler arrive, following Estaban.

Fridrik, a small White Fox, Estaban arrive, following Charlaine.

Fridrik, a small White Fox have been dismissed.

Karadoc rolled his shoulder, and went ahead to step forward, "None of my kin showed.... I might as well make a good showing for it." He smirked, "Don't underestimate though... I'm wirery." He brow waggled to Freja, and then chuckled, as he went to put his name in the bowl.

Alexis grins, giving Joslyn's hand a squeeze. Looking over to Karadoc as he's pointed out as the Southport representative, and giving him a nod, before she looks back to the woman from Tor. "Guess this is when we go and sign up, huh?" She suggests, with a little grin. Stepping forward, and giving Fergus a nod. "I think both of us are gonna sign up as well." She offers, picking out slips of paper for herself and Joslyn, looking for a writing implement to use.

Karadoc checked command + intimidation at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Joslyn comes along beside Alexis, squeezing her hand in turn with a little smile again. "I suppose it is," she nods to Fergus. "I think I'd like to give this a go."

None of his kin showed he said and just then Estaban walks in looking around dressed in his leather armor done in the House saik colors. He has his sword at his side and a bow strapped to his back. "This should be interesting." he says to Charlaine who is on his arm when he walks in.

"There we got. That's the kind of shit I like to see." Fergus nods, standing off to the side and watching contestants put there names into a bowl for him to sort people out into pairs to square off. "The rules are pretty fucking simple, so simple your mamma could figure them out. Keep your hands locked, elbows don't leave the table. First person to put the other's hand down against your table is the winner. That's it. We like to keep our shit simple." The big Sword gives a nod to Alexis and Joslyn. "Have at it, it's welcome to everyone to prove just if their walk can back up their talk." The sneaking of Freja is noticed, eyeing his sister from off the side. "What? You're not going to join in? Don't want to hurt those man-hands?"

Reese arrives, following Valencia.

Karadoc grinned, "Scared of the big bad Saik lord.... Oh! Hey there cuzo!" HE laughed, "Thank goodness. I thougth I might break a sweat here soon..." He joked.

Khanne lifts up a hand and shakes her head. "No arm wrestling for me... I'm not eactly strong of muscle. Just here to drink, and watch, and maybe have a bit of a smile somewhere along the way." She smirks lopsidedly at the chiding Fergus gives to Freja.

Alexis gives Joslyn an encouraging pat on the shoulder, looking over the bar and giving nods to Khanne and Freja - when she becomes aware of the latter - and then again to Charlaine and Estaban. "Simple ain't bad. I'm looking forward to how this is going to work out." She declares, to the group clustered around the bowl of names.

Charlaine walks in with the guard, her eyes were slightly sadened though she was happy he was taking her out. She looks around as her eyes move to Khanne and she dips her head before she offers a smile o Alexis "Hello." she offers shyly, and slowly the woman releases her escorts arm so he can join.

The door opens two princesses arrive -- one golden blonde the other raven-haired. Walking with a smooth stride, Valencia smiles brightly and glances about the room, her hips rolling easily beneath storm grey silks that gracefully embrace sensual curves and slender waist. She moves deeper into the tavern, pausing as dark eyes sweeping the tables until they come to rest on the revellers in the center of the room. A sweet bright smile kisses her lips and she moves forward again.

Diddanwch the Pine Marten, A fiery headed prodigal named Gwddfgwyn, Ysbail arrive, following Asger.

Diddanwch the Pine Marten, A fiery headed prodigal named Gwddfgwyn, Ysbail leave, following Asger.

Khanne watches Alexis and Joslyn sign up, and then Karadoc. Pulling her bottle of whiskey near, she tips it up for a drink, then uses it to toast a hello to Charlaine, Estaban, Valencia, and Reese who all arrive fairly close together.

Joslyn takes a deep breath, nodding to Alexis and shooting her a smile, looking then to Fergus. "Well, I hadn't planned anything today, but hey. I'm not completely weak. Maybe I can do okay."

Estaban grins moving over to clasp Karadoc on the shoulder, "I not miss this one cousin." he moves over to put his name in so that he can be paired. "Lady Charlaine, come let me introduce you to my cousin." he smiles at Karadoc.

Fergus dips his head into the bowl, looking at the names so far entered. "Alright, we got Joslyn, Karadoc, Alexis, and Estaban so far." There's a look around the rest of tavern and those occupying it. "Any other of you fuckers what to try your hand this? What's the worst that can happen? Beyond a broken wrist." If that might deter anyone, he waves his hand. "Don't that kind of shit doesn't happen." Pauses a moment. "Often."

Esoka slips in amid the crowd at the Spirits. She's dressed in leathers, arms bare to display the elaborate ink-work of her shav'arvani tattoos. And for ease of arm wrestling, probably. There's a broad smile on her face as she strides over to sign up for the competition.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Alexis assures Joslyn. Looking over to the new arrivals, raising her hand in a wave to Valencia and Reese and Esoka, too. Giving a small bow to Charlaine. "My Lady." A beat. "Mistress Manicelli, this is Lady Charlaine Blanchard, Voice of House Blnachard. Lady Charlaine, Mistress Joslyn Manicelli, handmaiden to the Duchess of Tor," She explains.

Charlaine smiles to Alexis and she nods her head to Estaban, "Which one is your cousin?" she asks softly before she blushes slightly at Alexis calling her out. She smiles a little and inclines her head to the introduction to Joslyn "Greetings." she says as she moves so that shes not standing in the way of arm wrestling.

Joslyn dips her head towards Charlaine. "A pleasure to meet you," there's a little smile. Small and understated as she looks to Alexis. "See? I don't know everybody!" A twist of her head and she gives a little smile towards Reese. "You signing up, Reese?"

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

Reese arrives along with Valencia. She signs up for the contest because Reese is like that. A smile is given over to Joslyn. "Oh, I am. Are you?" She asks gently.

Karadoc, the ever so scrawny, who was currently stretching his arm, gave a smile and a wave, "Good. Then after I go down, you can avenge me cousin." He gave a bow of his head to Charlaine, "The handsome one. A pleasure to meet you."

Esoka raises an arm to wave with enthusiasm to Alexis. "Sword of Blancbier! Hello! Are you playing? This sounded like great fun. Are another wave, and flash of her broad, toothy smile, is directed to Reese. "Your Highness! Grand! Grayson will be well represented. And the ale here is quite good. I've tried it a time or several, I'll admit."

Valencia smiles fondly as she takes in the scene, a bright smile is offered to Khanne and another to Fergus and he organizes the contestants. The smile blossoms more as Alexis waves to her, which she returns whole-heartedly, another sweet smile offered Joslyn's way. Warm nods are also offered to Charlaine, Freja, and Esoka's way as well. And finally there is a shy smile offered Karadoc and Estaban's way.

With what appears to be all the names in the bowl given, Fergus reaches out with a pair of big hands, one shuffling and mixing them all up together. "Alright, let's see who's up first." Sparring himself a quick drink, he withdraws the first name out of the bowl. "We got Alexis. And," A bit more mixing up with the bowl. "We got Estaban. So, we'll take it one match at a time. Contestants, take your seats. I'm gonna be your referee to make sure the win is legit.

Karadoc grinned, "Well, I wont be the first to lose... So, there's that." He gave a grin to Valencia as she looked over, and to the others he recognized as well.

Reese smiles gently over to Esoka, nodding in response to her words. "I really should try some of the ale." She murmurs and orders herself a hug of such.

Alexis rolls her shoulders, cricking her neck by turning her head from one side to the other, looking to Estaban. "Dame Alexis Wyrmfang," She offers to the man. "A pleasure to meet you." Offering her hand for a shake before she moves to settle down in her seat. Shooting a bright grin to Esoka as well. "Playing, and the first one out. Wish me luck, Dame Greenblood." She offers to the woman, before she puts her hand out for Estaban to clasp.

Charlaine smiles to Karadoc, as she looks back to Estaban then over to Karadoc, she smirks "well if you think so." she says teasing slightly at Estaban's cousin. She looks to Alexis and then to the woman he introduced her to, "Are you going to go?" she asks the woman.

Estaban smiles moving to take Alexia hand, "A pleasure Dame Alexis." he grins, "Lord Estaban saik." he sits down looking to Charlaine and Karadoc, "Wish me luck." he grins spotting Valencia but then his eyes go to Alexis and he moves to clasp her hand.

Khanne puts two fingers in her lips and whistles a cheer as the competitors are called. "Gooo ... People I don't know!" She smiles and lifts her whiskey for another toast!

Esoka calls for an ale, before she takes her seat. "I hope they bring it quickly! I want to finish my drink before my turn! That always makes these things more fun." She settles near Reese to watch. And to drink, once hers arrives. Alexis is offered a sharp whistle from between her teeth as she steps up. It's encouraging. Valencia's nod is returned, with an inclination of her own curly head.

Karadoc laughed, "Luck?" He grinned and brow waggled, "You really want me to give you luck?"

Valencia's eyes dance with delight at the vibe in the tavern. It would seem the little princess loves a contest or two. She slips through the crowd to get a better view of the action, passing by Karadoc in the process, pausing to say a few words before moving on to find a spot in front of the crowd. Spotting Estaban's grin, she cannot help but return it.

Reese smiles and she hash her ale with her now. "It does make it more fun." She agrees with Esoka and then take a sip of her drink. Alexis is given a smile of a well.

Joslyn nods to Reese. "Oh yes, already did," she gives her small smile towards the pricess, even as she hunches herself over as she takes a seat nearby, giving a little smile in return to Valencia, running her fingers through her hair, for a moment she applauds for Alexis as her name is called. "You got this, Alexis!"

Karadoc gave a nod to Charlaine, "Oh, a poll was taken. It's generally known to be true." He smirked, teasing back to her, and looking to see how his cousin would fare.

Khanne s=grins to Esoka and says, "that's when shots come in handy." She winks and calls out to the tender, "shots of your best whiskey, all around! Put it on the Halfshav tab!"

Walking over, Fergus puts a big hand over the pair that has their's clapped together, making sure that they're pointing up so as to not give someone else an advantage. His hand just about covers both of theirs. "Alright. When I let you, you two have at it, yeah. Give us a good fucking show. And...go!" He lets go of his hand.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 21 higher.

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Thistle slips into the crowd, watching the proceedings with a curious sort of amusement. Her eyes are drawn to the fighters in the center as she makes her way over to the bar.

Karadoc laughed, and looked to Fergus, "Oh?... This is more Lycene the more I hear of it... Even down to the drawing partners.... You'd fit in well down in Southport..." He teased, giving a wink.

Once the feat of strength starts in earnest, Fergus kneels down, keeping his eyes level with the tabletop to keep an eye on if someone's elbow is lifting off the table or not. "That so, eh?" he asides over to Karadoc. "Well the people paired up want to take a roll in the furs after, I sure as fuck ain't gonna judge."

Khanne looks over to Karadoc and yells out, "you can't have him! You Lycenes have enough of our people lately." Playfully, she sticks her tongue out at him. She may be slightly tipsy already. She may have started on her whiskey early. She may have been drinking for hours. Pacing herself, yeah."

Alexis shoots a grin to the people offering her well-wishes - which may be why her hand begins slipping towards the table, and she quickly clenches her jaw, fingers curling more tightly against Estaban's hand, as she stares at him with a pale gray gaze. "No fair, I was... Trying to greet my adoring fans..."

Karadoc frowned, looking to Fergus, "Then how will we know who wins?!"

Esoka makes a thoughtful "Mmmm" sound to Khanne, as to shots. "Perhaps I'll try one when I've downed the ale? Any you recommend here? I tend to drink straight whiskey when I'm in the mood for it, but I', not opposed to experiments." She starts into her ale at a quick clip, once she's received it. Thistle is offered a friendly grin as she mixes into the crowd near the bar.

Charlaine laughs a little as she shakes her head bemused to Karadoc, though her eyes do go to Estaban, she leans forward and watches closely a smile pulling on her lips.

Estaban jaw tightens slightly as they start his attention on the woman across from him, "You should pay more attention." he smirks lookinf ro hwe pale gray eyes with is one bright blue ones. His fingers tightning around her had as he continues to try and get her hand down.

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Karadoc grinned, and looked to Alexis, "You know, I read a book once what said holding hands leads to babies. I think it was an Oathlands scholar... A very curious studious sort. Never married... But lots of page boys... Hm..."

The little fox smiles at the barkeep how brings her a bottle of her favourite whiskey. "You remembered," she smiles with such great pleasure. "Thank you." Taking bottle and offered glass she opens it and pours a healthy portion. Dark eyes keenly watching the contestants with great interest, pausing only a moment to notice Thistle arrive. She turns to smile at the young woman, "I only wish I was strong enough to take part in such a contest, yes?" asks her with smile, looking to the table and back again. Holding up the bottle she asks, "Would you care for a drink, my lady?"

Valencia claims this

"By the looks on their faces." Fergus remarks back over to Karadoc, keeping his eyes on the match. He hasn't lifted a hand yet to to signify a winner, but he certainly is eyeing the proceedings a bit closer. Almost like he's done this sort of think in the past.

Khanne watches the bartender pour shot after shot of Nightgold whiskey. "Ale? Uh.. I know not about ale. I drink whiskey more than anything else. Nightgod is hte best, just beware if anyone ever offers you Nightgold Vodka...." She shakes her head and says, "never... again... Ever." The bartender starts sliding shots over to people, letting them decide what to do with them.

"Alright Lexi," Joslyn shouts out, for some reason. "Stop putting on a show and put him down!"

Thistle returns Esoka's friendly grin with one of her own. The blonde is about to order a drink when Valencia takes notice of her. "I'd love a drink, your highness." She replies cheerily. "But mm, I find it more fun to watch other people compete personally."

Alexis may be paying attentio now, but she's already at a disadvantage, and her knuckles are slowly slipping closer to the table. Her biceps bulge against the layers of cloth, and her arm is shaking. "I like your grip," She offers, as a small gasp, to Estaban.

Charlaine shakes her head as she elbows Karadoc, "be nice." she warns, though the bookish girl would totaly not be able to force him to be.

Esoka nods to Khanne. "Never had a tastse for potato spirits. A shot of Nightgold whiskey to case this, then!" That's ordered, with volume, from the bartender. She's still working on her ale, but she's a solid half-way through it by this point. She lets out another whistle as the match between Alexis and Esteban continues. For morale.

Karadoc smirked, "Be.... Nice...?" He flashed a look to Estaban, "What HAVE you told this dear woman about me?...." He huffed, and shook his head, mock annoyed, laughing though.

Valencia blushes slightly at something. Drawing her attention back to delicate blonde girl she smiles again, "I find that whiskey always tastes better when share. Please..." The little princess happily pours Thistle a general portion, though she holds off one serving it in Velenosan style as this is a Redrain event. She does lift her glass though to the woman, "To life, luck and love... may we have all in abundance."

Quirking an eyebrow at Valencia's blush, Thistle takes the glass. She raises it and repeats the Princess' words. "To life, luck, and love." Then, the blonde takes a nice long sip of her whiskey. "You enjoying the celebration, your highness?"

Estaban grins gripping her hand more, "Thats what most woman tell me." he winks at her with a grin as he pushes her hand further down on closer to the table top.

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Karadoc shakes his head sadly, "Seriously?... With that lead in... That's what you are going to go with cousin?..."

Charlaine laughs a little amused, "What would you have said?" she asks to Karadoc her eyes turning amusedly upon him.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Alexis snorts at that, glancing to Karadoc. "If you believe that's how children are conceived, my lord, I'm afraid there's little we can do to help you." And that, it seems, is the last bit of distraction needed, as Alexis' hand meets the table, and she blinks. "What? Oh. Ugh..." She sighs, shaking her hand once Esteban lets go, and then offering it to him. "Well fought, my lord."

Khanne gives a nod and a smile to Esoka. "I like you already. Khanne Halfshav, have we met?" Her brows knit together slightly, trying to remember. "It's been difficult to remember lately, who I have come across... been a long fucking year."

Joslyn blinks in surprise and sighs for a moment in a brief bit of diappointment. "Sorry, I guess I was distracting you."

Karadoc smirked to Charlaine, "If you think my grip's nice, you should see how it handles my tool!" He smirked, and gave a nod as his cousin won. "All in the wrists. Well done Estaban." He gave a wink, giving his shoulder a pat. He chuckled to Alexis, "Oh, I'm quite versed. Well done, but, of course, all fall before the Lion of Saik!" He called out, raising a cheer for his cousin.

Fergus is watching. And watching. And then it looks like somebody is going to slip. Turns out that Estaban puts Alexis' hand down. "Alright, we got our first fucking winner." He pats Alexis on the shoulder. "You did good, lass. Nothing to be ashamed of. I've lost plenty myself. There was once this raw-boned rail of a kid who put me under. Still haven't lived that shit down yet." But he goes to the bowl. "Good fucking match, let's see who's next we got Joslyn and Karadoc. Step on up, show'em what you got."

Esoka just blinks at Karadoc, and his talk of conception. There's a snort. And she keeps drinking. Getting through the last of her ale, and swallowing it with a wince, as the competition between Alexis and Esteban winds down. "The drinks here are fine to drown in, at least!" she calls to Alexis. For morale. Quick grin to Khanne. "I know you by reputation, my lady, but I don't think we've met properly. Dame Esoka Greenblood. Sword to House Riven." The next ones up are offered another whistle from her.

Charlaine giggles a little to Alexis before she claps as Estaban wins this round and she smiles "Well done My Lord!" she says as she shakes her head amused at Karadoc, she whispers softly to him though she steps slightly away from his side and she joins the ladies near the bar.

Estaban chuckles looks to Karadoc, "Give me a break." he smirks his jaw tightens more when his hand almost slips but get grips hers and down to the table top it goes. "Good match Dame Alexis." letting her hand go he stands up letting Karadoc sit down patting his shoulder, "Come on Cousin." he smirks and looks over at Valencia where she is then to Charlaine smiling shaking his head at Karadoc.

Alexis gives Fergus' hand a pat, and shoots the prince a rueful smile, before she rises, and gives another bow to the Saik contigent. "Good," She calls out to Esoka. "I'll expect you to buy me a drink in sympathy." Her grin wide, as she wraps an arm around Joslyn's shoulder. "You were fine. And besides, I'll get my revenge against you when you're up, right?" She suggests. "I'm going to get a drink. And if you're not up yet, you're coming with me." She instructs.

Khanne looks over to Karadoc and his mention of a tool, snorting a laugh before she applauds for Alexis and Estaban. "Good show, both of you! Congrats man that won... what was your name again?" She looks to Esoka then, clearing her throat. "Uh... a good, reputation I hope? If anyone was speaking of one night.. and a tree... in the forest, well, it wasn't me. I swear it. Was some other red head tangled up in a hammok thing up there...." She holds her hand out and says, "nice to meet you." She lets out a shrill whistle to cheer on the next competitors though.

Karadoc took a breath, and stood, walking to take a seat at that center table. He rolled his shoulder, getting ready. He eyed Joslyn, "You send me against a Champion?... Oh this should be good...." He grinned, eyeing her closely, as he pushed his sleeve up, revealing that 'manly' (extremely muscle bare arm). "Remember. I'm wirery." He nodded, offering his hand.

Joslyn rises then, leaning into Alexis for a moment as her arms wrap around her. "Yep, exactly. Put on your best distraction you can muster!" she says, a small shift happens in that moment and she grins widely for a moment, laughing before releasing Alexis and moving to sit across from Karadoc. "You may be wirey, but you've got leverage. I'm far smaller." she points out, giving him a quizzical smirk.

"Well done!," Valencia applauds with earnest delight and lifts her glass in happy salute. Nodding her head ot Estaban, the little fox smiles again, turning to reply to Thistle, "Oh, I adore watching such things. But there is a part of me that wishes to be in the midst of the competition. And now could I not, with such fine competitors, yes?" A bright grin is offer to Joslyn and Karadoc as they take to the table.

"Another glass of whiskey!" Esoka orders from the bartender, with a gesture to Alexis. Indeed, she's paying. To Khanne, she chuckles low. "I hadn't heard that story, though now I want to. I do know that you're Minister of Agriculture, and are tasked with many difficult works right now, given the state of the lands. It must weigh very heavy. Tonight is for fun, though."

Karadoc grinned, "Means you've a lower certain of gravity. Means you'll go down easier."

"Dame Alexis Wyrmfang, Sword of Blancbier," Alexis offers to Khanne, as she gives Joslyn's shoulder another squeeze when the woman settles down. "Best of luck, sweets," She assures. "I'mma step over to the bar so I don't distract -too- much." Making her way to Esoka, to give her hand a squeeze in greeting. "Well met again, Dame Greenblood. I trust you are well?"

Karadoc checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Charlaine buys Estaban a drink and herself one as well as now she watches his cousin as he participates. A bright smile to Alexis and then Khanne before she looks over to Joslyn and she gives a nod her way too.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Estaban looks to Khanne, "Lord Estaban Saik." he smiles taking the drink from Charlaine smiling at her, "Thank you." he says to her then back to Khanne, "I do not believe we have meet before."

Karadoc was locked hand in hand with Joslyn, struggling with all he had to keep her from downing his arm immediately. "Is that.... All you.... Got? I can...." Huff, "Do this alll day...."

Joslyn smiles over her shoulder to Alexis as she departs, her smile easing onto her face as she faces Karadoc once more, lifting her hand to grab a hold of his, lifting an eyebrow as she begins the process of forcing him down, slooooowly. "Hon, did you start yet? You know we're starting right?"

Karadoc checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

The little fox studies the match, glittering eyes narrowing a little as she watches. "I am told there is technique to such things. That there is an art, yes?" she says to no one in particular as she takes a little sip of her drink. "It would seem that Lady Joslyn as the way of it, though," she notes looking rather impressed as Karadoc's arm is slowly pinned, pressing her lips together as the banter begins at the table. A little smile is sent Eilonwy's way as she recognizes the woman. Waving her over, the little princess offers, "Would you care to join us for a drink? This is...," she pauses and blinks, the looks at Thistle. "I beg your pardon. But I have not gotten your name. My apologies."

Valencia claims this

So many people between the door and Carl Hall. Eilonwy stops short and studies the chaos. She nods to Valencia and smiles a little seeing Karadoc get beat.

Charlaine watches Joslyn and Karadoc and she giggles a little as the woman looks to be winning the contest. "Go, Joslyn!" she calls in encouragement before she tips her drink to her lips, a light smile dancing on her features as she enjoys the party.

Karadoc was straining, face turning red with the effort. He 'was' trying at least.... Poor guy. "What freakish strength your little arms have..." His chest was puffing and huffing as he struggled. He looked to Charlaine to the side, "Traitorous woman!" He laughed, shaking his head. He stopped, all of a sudden, grinning like mad, and leaned forward, to try to give a kiss over their hands, as a change of tack.

"Oh, well... uh... that's good, cuz. Isn't true anyway." Khanne smiles at Esoka, tipping her bottle towards the woman in a cheer. More somberly, and with a sigh, she nods. "That I am... and yeah, it does weigh heavy, but, with not being able to go into the forest now, not much I can do tonight, so..." She nods again. "Fun it is." She turns on her smile again, bright and as honest as she can make it for the moment. Turning that smile to Alexis then, she says, "pleasure to meet ya, um, Khanne," she says by way of introducing herself. "Lady Khanne Halfshav." She says that loud enough for Estaban to hear as well. "Nice to meet you, Lord Estaban Saik. Congrats on the win."

Joslyn begins to pick up the pace a little more, she's starting to get him ever closer to the table. There's a pleasant smile as she looks over at him, giggling at the exchange between him and Charlaine. "Hon, you're supposed to push my hand, not pull."

"She does have a solid arm for someone so small, doesn't she?" Esoka comments as she watches Joslyn. A touch impressed. To Alexis, she nods. "Well enough. There are grim tidings of late from certain quarters of the city, but I'm trying to put them out of my head for a few hours." She's at the bar, drinking and talking and watching the arm wrestling.

Karadoc checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

"An honour, lady Khanne," Alexis returns to the Halfshav. Shooting Charlaine another smile and picking up a mug of ale. Furrowing her brow. "Mm. I have heard some grim tidings as well," She agrees. Leaning on the bar, bringing two fingers to her lips, and letting out a sharp whistle. "Go Joslyn!" Her eyes glitter. "Now I'mma have to get her to arm-wrestle me sometime. Or just wrestle. I dunno."

Estaban smiles, "A pleasure to meet you Lady Khanne and I thank you." he looks over and whistles, "Come on Doc! Don't let a girl beat you!" he cheers his cousin on watching him strain shaking his head some and downs his drink looking to Charlaine chucking moving closer to her.

Valencia applauds loudly at Joslyn's victory, nearly bouncing where she stands with the excitement of it all. Bright smiling eyes find Estaban and she grins playfully. Taking another sip of her drink she returns her gaze to Eilonwy, "It is so very lovely to see you again. You are well?" she asks setting the bottle down again.

Karadoc had tried. He'd tried strength. He'd tried that rakish smile. He'd even tried to distract her with the attempted kiss, but, his arm was slammed to the table regardless, wrenching him back and away, laughing as he stood, twisting so it didn't pull from socket. "Ow ow ow.... I give! Well done!" He laughed, and fell into another chair by the bar, rubbing at his arm.

Charlaine smiles in adoration to Estaban as he gets closer to her, and she flushes slightly. She smiles to him, "Thank you for inviting me." she says before her eyes then move and she gives a sad sort of nod to Khanne, "trying not to think of them M'lady, events like this help."

Joslyn lets the moment linger, but as he moves in for that attempted kiss, she finishes up by slamming his hand down to the table, inclining her head to him with a smile. "Well done," she says, shaking her hand for a moment before offering hers to shake his. "Thanks for the fun, Lord Karadoc. I hope I didn't hurt you too badly?"

Looking back at Valencia, Eilonwy seems to have been trying to edge around the crowd to her room and gives up. Walking over instead she curtsies to Valencia. "Highness. What is this? The bar is usually quieter." She murmurs and looks to Karadoc again before glancing to Princess quickly.

Fergus has been watching the next match play out. "Good show, good fucking show you two. We got our next winner, Joslyn." There's a look over at Karadoc. "You were just baiting, I know how it is. It's the pretty face, ain't. Your drinks are on me tonight, lad." Reaching for the bowl, he draws out two more names. "Let's see here. We got, well, I suppose it's easy to guess. Esoka and Reese. Step on up and put those arms up, ladies."

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard arrives, following Eirene.

Alexis' whistle turns into a loud ceer, and she raises both arms in the air, spilling a bit of ale and blinking as she gets a few droplets over herself. "Oh, shards, sorry." She offers apologetically. "I got carried away." And then, as if to underscore, she raises her voice again. "Well done Joslyn!" Looking to Valencia. "She's great, isn't she?" And then giving a nod of greeting to Eilonwy. "Arm wrestling contest. I don't know if there'll be other games after." A beat. "Dame Alexis Wyrmfang. A pleasure to meet you."

Esoka claps heartily for Joslyn. Then, finally knocks back her whiskey shot. "Mmm!" Khanne is given an approving nod, after she's swallowed. Good recommendation. With that, she steps up to take her place at the table. Bright-eyed and perhaps a little flushed.

Karadoc huffed, and took it, smiling, and giving a shrug, "I would say only my pride... But, oh no, that's left soundly in tact. Why do I need 2 arms anyway?..." He teased, and gave her a wink. He laughed to Fergus, and gave a nod, "Well, there's a silver lining!" He looked around from his new spot near the bar, giving a nod to the others, and a smile to Eilonwy as she walked in, "You! You distracted me. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. That's what happened. Certainly. Most definitely. Barman, get me a drink or 3."

Eirene's made up for lost time apparently by drinking in advance. Expensive burbon hangs on her like a perfume, the Malvici woman having had little sleep and plenty to drink already. Her blue eyes have dark bags under them and her scowl looks more lined than ever. A hand is raised in greeting as she stalks in, shedding her leather coat for the warmth of the room.

Khanne nods to Charlaine and says, "yeah, they do... unfortunately, there's a lot of things for me to try to forget now, and little time do do so. Like.. now. I need to be going to a meeting..." She starts to rise from her seat, lifting her hand to wave to Fergus. "Great success here, I think, Ferg. Hope to see you again soon." She flashes a smile to everyone else that she knows, or has just met, nearly bumping into Eirene on her way out. "Oh, hello, Eirene. Enjoy the event!"

Khanne has left the Sturdy Table.

Valencia looks over to Karadoc and then back to Eilonwy. She smiles gently. "It is often quieter. I spent many a night here when I first arrived. It is like a second home to me. Many things happened here," she offers a little whistfully. "It is good to see so many having a lovely time, yes?" The little fox looks up at Alexis' words and grins, "She has been and will always be a very formidable lady, my dearest Dame Alexis. Woe to any who underestimate her," she calls over to her. Another look is offered to Karadoc and Valencia draws back with a little smile so the couple can speak.

"Eilonwy Thunderoak, my lady." Eily tells Alxis and bobs briefly. She whirls and looks to Karadoc planting her hands on her hips. "I did not Lord Saik! And I know cause that's the first you looked at me-I was watching!" She adds more smugly and raises her chin. Turning her attention back to Valencia, Eily pushes her curls from her face with a sigh. "You stayed here too, Highness?"

Joslyn rises from her seat then with a small smile towards Karadoc as she turns back around to greet Alexis once more, a kind smile offered towards her, wrapping arms around Alexis as she joins by the bar, she even manages a small blush towards Alexis and Valencia both. "I hope I'll see you both at the duel," she says. "Should be fun!" she settles down then in a seat besides Alexis, calling over to a server to bring over some wine.

Karadoc, seeing Eirene enter, waved her over. His right arm was bare to the shoulder, and seemed to be hanging limp at his side. "Auntie! It's broken. I'm sure of it. Oh woah... I'll not be able to write all those reports now...."

Reese was daydreaming, whoops! Maybe the drink got to her. "Oh, its me..." She says and then smiles sheepishly. She strips out all her metal armor, leaving herself in just in her linens. These linens are stained from being worn beneath armor. She smiles. "Okay, wrestling." She murmurs and then gives Esoka a grin.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.

Reese checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Karadoc raised a brow as Reese started to strip. "Mud wrestling. Keep going!"

Estaban chuckled at Karadoc, "Here have a drink." he hands his cousin a drink then looks over at Valencia giving her another smile and he looks to who Karadoc is speaking to, "By the Gods Cousin is there someone you don't know?" he looks to him in a teasing way and looks to Charlaine smiling. "Soon I am going to need to head to check in with the Guard."

"Mal, the fuck is up with you?" Fergus calls over to Eirene, then putting his hands over the ones that Esoka and Reese clapped togther. "ALright you two. You know the drill, eh. Give a good show." He releases their hands, letting them have at it. "And go!"

"No lady, just a knight," Alexis offers kindly to Eilonwy. Wrapping an arm around Joslyn as the winner of the batch joins her at the bar. "You did really well, mistress Manicelli," She offers, in a purr. "Why, I'd say you've earned a prize." Grinning bright - and when Karadoc calls attention to Eirene, she raises her arm in greeting. "Lady Brigadier! Good to see you." And, with that greeting taken care of, she gives a nod to Valencia. "Very formidable indeed." Looking to the table, and raising her arm to cheer the two combatants on.

Esoka beams as she sets her arm on the table and clasps Reese. "I'm honored to face you this, Princess!" And then, she gets to it. She's under no illusion that this will be easy, and throws as much strength into it as she's got in her arms. Which is a decent amount.

Charlaine nods her head to him, "is there a final round of winners vrs winners? You might be needed for that." she says as she sips her cup and she smiles a bit, her eyes dark and intence as she lowers her voice to whisper to the Lord. The voice of Blanchard gently inclines her head and flushes before finishing her drink

Reese blushes at Karadoc's words. She does stop her stripping her linens though. The warrior princess then sits down across from Esoka and reaches for her hand. "I am honored as well, Dame Esoka." She says. Reese tenses and tries to push down Esoka's arm, but it seems that the knight is stronger. Reese has lost ground and is struggling. She seems to be losing. Her cheeks are quite pink with her efforts and her breathing is elevated.

Valencia pauses to reply to Eilonwy, "I might as well had a room here, my dearest mistress. The time I spent at that table," she nods to the sturdy table at the center of the room with a bright smile. The little princess returns her attention to the match, calling out. "Good luck!" before moving to stand beside Eirene. Glancing aside she nods warmly, "Good evening, Lady Eirene. Are you alright? May I get you something to drink?" she offers.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Reese checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Karadoc took the drink, and downed it. Then made a face of disgust, looking to his cousin, "Estaban.... You wound me... What.... Is this poison you give me?...." He looked to the bartender, "Wine! I can't drink... this... stuff." He motioned to the whiskey he'd been pouring. He rolled his eyes at Ielonwy, "Oh no, of course I saw. I had her up until that point, certainly." He gave a nod, gesturing with the empty glass. He put a hand out as Valencia slipped past, giving a staged whisper, "Where are you off to? We've a dance saved for later, yes?"

Esoka leans in, grunting, but she does not have as easy a time with this as her first blush might've suggested to her. She's pushed back, eyes widening at Reese. Her grin only broadens. Now this is fun!

"Lady Juliet is my former lover and Count Max was a friend," Eirene says dryly to the room, answering all the questions at once. "So I am here to drink and laugh at people hurting themselves."

Valencia checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

"Well then." Eilonwy watches Karadoc for a moment before scowling. Turning her nose up the petite shav sweeps past the bar with a flare of her skirts as she goes.

Karadoc twisted at the waist, swinging his limp arm in greeting to Eirene in a comedic gesture, it swinging wide, and then his hand doing a moon shot full circle to slam into the table behind him, "See... Broken!"

Joslyn glances towards Eirene as she enters and speaks. Something in her words causes the tenuous smile that had formed to fade from her face before she nods slowly, leaning against Alexis as she closes her eyes. The words of the knight still managing to bring a small curve of Joslyn's lips. "A prize? I can't wait."

A little shadow crests in Valencia's eyes but she manages to hold steady. the little princess studies the woman a moment and nods gently, "Just so. May I join you?"

Fergus is taking his time watching the match that's turning into something of a struggle, going back and forth. "Now this is a damn match." he says, keeping an eye on elbows, making sure that neither of them lift off the table. He does hear Eirene, snapping a look to the bartender. "Hey. Whatever she fucking wants, put it on my tab." The things you do for friends.

It seems to be a close match between Reese and Esoka now. Reese struggled and regained some ground. They are now very close. She continues to struggle.

"A prize." Alexis repeats. Still, Eirene's words and Joslyn's reaction does not go unnoticed. "You want to go talk to her?" She asks, a little quieter - distracted from the arm-wrestling that's ongoing. She exhales softly, leaning in against the taller woman.

Estaban looks to Karadoc, "Its whiskey!" he laughs watching his reaction to the drink he handed him. He moves to nudge Doc seeing how the woman got upset and left. He looks to Charlaine listening to her words and he smirks turning to face her and speak softly to her.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Reese checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

The match still is close with Esoka slightly ahead. Reese seems quite focused on Esoka's arm and isn't paying the room much attention.

Reese checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Charlaine flushes and smiles cutely flirty with Estaban, the Lady looks a little taken with the Lord, and as they softly and chastely exchange cheek kisses, she turns back to her drink. Her eyes move to those who are competeting now.

Esoka is struggling some as well. Maybe mainlining shots of whiskey wasn't //the// best decision for her constitution. She continues to wage her contest of strength with the Grayson princess, though, beads of sweat starting to show on her forehead.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Karadoc frowned a bit, and rubbed his hand. He watched the match going on for a bit longer, before giving a shrug. He reached back behind the bar, and grabbed a bottle at random, "Takin this. It's on his tab." He gestured to Fergus, "I'll be back." He looked to Estaban, "The hopes and dreams of all of Saikland are riding on your arm.... Well, at least mine and yours. Win it, win it for me, cousin. Or better yet, win it for this one, and I'll be waitin to meet again when I'm less into my cups to be enjoying it." He grinned, giving his cousin's shoulder a squeeze, and a kiss to Charlaine's hand, if allowed, before making his way out into the streets, his guards falling into step with him, laughing to themselves at the state of their lord.

The Redrain is given a thankful salute as Eirene looks over the alcohol. "Give me what he gets," she says, jerking her thumb back at him. Valencia gets a shrug of indifference before she goes to prod Karadoc's arm, to see if he's really hurt or joking. "Esta- will you kick him next time he tries to wuss out on real drinks?"

Reese is starting to lose. She huffs and she puffs and she tries to press back.

Reese checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Esoka grunts, loudly, as she pushes her arm against Reese's. She's gaining a little ground now, the tattoos on her biceps bulging as she tries to put this over the top...

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Fergus keeps watching until Esoka brings it over the top. "Yeah. Fuck yeah. That was the best match of the night so far. I like it when they're evenly matched. Good fucking job, both of you." He raises his arm to signify Esoka's won. "Alright! We're hitting the next round. Winners Estaban and Joslyn, step on up. The one who wins here will go to the final match."

Eirene takes the drink passed over to her and it actually makes her pause. "Shit, Redrain," she says, lifting the mug to Fergus. "I like." She arches her eyebrows to Valencia and mutters something back, her expression dark.

The more alert might realize that Reese isn't exceptionally strong. She gets beaten by Esoka and it seems that this might be more than just than bad luck. She likely really is weaker than the knight. Her armor often hides it, but when out of her armor and when arm wrestling like this, it might be clear, she is not as strong as the average career warrior. Her arm is pressed down by Esoka who clearly wins. Reese seems to take the lose well. Her cheeks are pink, but her smile is sincere. "Oh, you are good." She says to the knight.

Esoka just //beams//, face all bright eyes and big teeth. More when Fergus calls it the best match of the night than at her win. She leans over to try and give Reese a little one-armed hug, before taking her leave of the table. "Look at that. We gave them a good show! You've a good deal of fortitude, Princess, though it should not surprise me now. You should try the whiskey. It's very good. I think I will get more of it." She ambles back to the bar, to get her watching spot back when Joslyn and Esteban are up.

Joslyn nods to Alexis, still smiling softly. "Now you have me intrigued," she says. To her other question, Joslyn shakes her head, a quick glance in Eirene's direction. "I don't know... I may be the last person she wants to talk to right now."

1 Saik Guard, Bodyguard, A Cat leave, following Karadoc.

"Well done, Dame Greenblood! Well fought, Princess Reese!" Alexis cheers, once the match is done and it's clear who won. "And Lord Karadoc left, which I guess means he concedes any additional spots." She notes. Giving Joslyn a shrug. "Well. I might go over and offer my condolences, whatever little good it'll do."

Charlaine gives a nod to the Saik cousins and she chuckles before she looks over as Estaban gets called again...

Reese smiles over to Esoka, seemingly taken in by her beaming. "Whiskey sounds good." She murmurs and rises to her feet with the intention of getting some. "And you are very strong, Dame Esoka." She then has a smile for Alexis.

"Which is good, because you're getting another shot." Fergus says to Alexis. "We're gonna need someone to fill in the spot to go against Esoka, here. So once Estaban and Joslyn are done, you two will have at it, eh?" A nod is returned to Eirene's salute. "Figured you'd appreciate it, Mal."

Eirene leans back against the bar, nursing her drink and watching the wrassling. "Both of you better not suck," she says to Joslyn and Esteban, a smirk forming slightly. "And don't ask me to enter, my arms are skinnier than my ass."

Estaban looks to Joslyn nodding to her before he sits down waiting for her to offer her hand when she does he clasps her hand smirking.

"Don't count yourself short, Mal." Fergus says, waiting for the other two to set up. "You got a great ass."

Joslyn leans into Alexis for just a moment more before nodding to her and than kissing her cheek before rising once again to sit across from Estaban. "Well now," she gives a little bow of her head. "I had a good run. You're a pretty big looking man."

Valencia's demeanor quietens significantly and she goes very still. She watches the the revellers for a little longer and shoots the rest of her drink and places her glass on the table. There is a glance to Eirene as the woman replies and a quiet response in return before the little fox leaves the woman in peace.

"Hopefully I'll make a better showing of it now," Alexis declares to Fergus. "Unless I'm supposed to go against Princess Reese first." She shoots Esoka a grin, though. "I'm looking forward to going up against you." Giving Joslyn a pat on the shoulder. Then, she moves over towards the bar, towards Eirene and Valencia. Giving the princess a nod and a wan smile, which fades. "Ah. I heard what you said, Lady Brigadier. And I am sorry for your loss. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Oh, wonderful!" Esoka says, to the news she'll be going against Alexis. She gets herself that next whiskey. It's not swallowed in one gulp. She makes some effort to sip it. But at the clip she's going, it'll easily be put away before it's her turn again. "That'll be good fun." A chuckle to Reese. "I'm not blessed in many ways, but I've that going for me, at least." She looks Eirene up and down, considering. "Though you never know how these things will go. It's as much about momentum as power sometimes."

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Reese looks over to Valencia, having a gentle smile for her. She gets her whiskey and takes a testing sip of such. She then turns to Esoka. "I think you are right about that." She murmurs. She peeks between Joslyn and Estaban, curious as how their match will go.

Estaban has rolled a critical success!
Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

"She died before I could fucking break it off with her," Eirene says in a dark angry reply to all the condolences. "So maybe it's best she died before I could do that to her. Even if she saw it coming..." She takes a long pull of the liquor, giving Valencia a glare. "If I feel like fucking crying into my whiskey I'll let you know."

Joslyn sits across from Estaban, eyes locked onto his as her arm moves into place, gripping his hand. The mark is set and they begin. They begin. Joslyn's face tightens, but other than that... neither of their arms seem to be moving. "Gods. It's like a wall of muscle," she says with a groan.

Charlaine laughs a little at Joslyn and her words, her eyes glued to the progress of Estaban, she hopes he will best his cousin but Joslyn was a great match! She pauses and leans in holding her breath.

Valencia turns back to Eirene. "If you do I will be there if you should need company," Valencia offers back, meeting her glare with a compassionate and gentle nod, not particurly fussed by the glare. "The offer stands, as always, as ever." the little fox moves to stand by Reese's side nodding ot her smile and then leaning to speak softly.

Estaban locks eyes with hers jaw taunt as he holds her hand and tries to push her hand down but its not moving, he grins. He remains silent for the moment.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Alexis furrows her brow. "Well. That sounds thoroughly... Shitty. And I'm sorry." She informs Eirene. "And I do mean what I said - anything you need, you ask. But I'm not going to bother you if you'd rather be alone." She glances over to Valencia, giving her a smile. "And if you're going to just watch the arm wrestling," She tells Eirene, as an addenda. "Then I'm not going to stand in the way." Indeed, she moves aside, to make extra sure she isn't blocking the view. Giving the two combatants a whistle of encouragement.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

She's starting to lose ground now. Joslyn grunts as her arm begins to shake and she begins teetering over towards her side of the table.

Fergus continues his referee job, keeping his steely eyes peeled on the pair and their ongoing struggle against each other's arms. He doesn't say anything to not wreck the concentration

"Here to drink," Eirene restates as she holds up the mug, "and watch people strain themselves." She jerks her chin towards Jos and Esta before taking another drink. Her body language and tone say she's not really in the mood to entertain condolences.

Esoka does not interrupt Eirene, though she does lift her glass to the woman before taking another drink. The glass is set down to clap her hands together for the two competitors.

Estaban starts to get a better ground gripping her hand tighter pushing her hand further to the table, his eyes still locke don hers a smirk on hi s face.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 1 lower.

Alexis nods, and takes another big gulp of ale, then whistles loudly again. "C'mon Jos, you can do it!" There, that's probably that revenge distraction, right?

Their arms come to a halt once more and she strains a bit against him, her arm stops moving as she pushes more into it. "At least... let me... feel like... I'm doing well..."

Reese murmurs softly with Valencia and then gives her a gentle smile.

Eirene says, "You're doing good Jos." She raises the mug again and finishes the rest, half-turning to order a refill. "Kick his ass."

Valencia nods back to Reese, her face quiet now.

Estaban chuckes as his arm does not move now a stall in movment, "You are doing well." he looked over at Charlaine and then to Eirene, "Thanks for the support Aunt Eirene." his eyes fall back to Joslyn.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Charlaine shakes her head calling out "You have got this!" she says to Estaban, her voice eager for his win. She then moves over to Eirene, with a chuckle "can I buy you a drink?"

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Eirene winks at the Saik. "She makes me pretty Shit. What have you gotten me lately, kid," she jokes. The liquor is helping with the mood. Charlaine's question is met with a short bark of a laugh. "Fucking Redrain has my tab," she reminds the girl, nodding towards their host.

"I'm liking this." Fergus offers with a very, watching this clash of arms. But still there's no gain on either of them. "What is this, you two on a fucking date? Holding hands? One of you better start moving here pretty damn soon." It's a jest, meant to spur one of them into action.

Valencia gives Reese a fond smile and a light kiss on the cheek. "Give Luca my love. I think I have avoided responsibilities enough for one night, yes? Thank you for coming to with me," she offers with a gentle smile.

Joslyn strains against his hand still, her arm shaking as she tries to move back, but to no avail, but at least he hasn't pushed her yet. Joslyn quirks her lips. "Isn't that what family is for?" she asks. "Shouldn't you at least buy a girl a drink first?"

Esoka runs out of drink, while Joslyn and Estaban are waging their struggle. She considers the glass. "Should I have another? Should I not? Hrm..." She gives this considerable thought, though has to pause in her deep thinking to bark out a laugh at Fergus' date comment.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

"If Prince Redrain has your tab, are you buying me a drink?" Alexis inquires of Eirene, laughing and whooping at the pair. "Go on Jos, you got this!" Looking over at Esoka. "I'll have one alongside you. We'll face each other on even footing." She declares.

Estaban laughs at Joslyn, "Why bother with drinks and not get right to the fun of it all." he grins still trying to get her arm to move again.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

"Excellent fete, Fergus," Valencia calls over as she turns to go, departing with a rustle of southern silks.

Reese leaves, following Valencia.

Reese arrives, following Valencia.

The Malvici shrugs as she takes a drink of the refilled mug. "People can buy their own damn drinks," she mutters, shooting Alexis a look.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 30 higher.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 26 higher.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 13 higher.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Estaban has rolled a critical success!
Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 4 lower.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Charlaine laughs a bit, "yes they aught to unless they are offered." she smiles a little as she watches the wrestling match and she is clapping "they are pretty evenly matched."

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 61 higher.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

"They can," Alexis agrees. "But it was worth a shot." She decides, as she raises two fingers and gestures to a bottle of whiskey, getting herself a shot poured, settling down and watching the fight. "Go Jos, you can do it!"

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

1 Saik Guard, Bodyguard, A Cat arrive, following Karadoc.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Esoka reaches a hand over to clap Alexis on the shoulder. "A plan!" And with that, she orders another whiseky. A low whistle escapes her lips as she continues to watch. It's less encouragement than a simple expression of impressed this time. "My, this is bracing!"

Karadoc made his way back into the room, shaking his head idly. He took a drink from the bottle, and moved to go see who was going at it now.

Estaban checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 23 higher.

So, they go back and forth for a while, Joslyn is straining against him, and every time he looks like he has her, she manages to push him back. After a while, however... she's tired, she's sweaty and she just cannot do it anymore, and finally, spent, her arm collapses onto her side with a gasp. "Gods... okay that was good," she says. "Good one."

This was a match for the ages, the two go back and forth, back and forth. When it looks one might lose, the other comes back, and vice versa. Fergus for his part is enthralled, but after what might seem like a long time, Estaban finally puts Joslyn's arm done. "Holy fucking shit! That was a badass match. This is kind of shit I was hoping for. Good fucking job, both of you. Estaban wins, he'll move onto the final round." He gives the man a look though. "Unless you got somewhere to be and you want to abdicate your win to Joslyn here. Nothing wrong with doing that if you want."

"That's the spirit," Alexis declares to Esoka, shooting her a grin and clinking their glasses together. "Aw, close!" She yells out, as Joslyn's knuckles finally touch the table. "Good job, Joslyn! Well done, my lord. This one's for you." And with that, she tosses back the whiskey, grimacing slightly after the quick swallow, and shooting Esoka a grin. "I'm getting all sorts of pumped up here."

Eirene bangs the mug on the bar in appreciation. "Good fucking fight," she says, whistling for the pair. "Doing Southport proud, Saik!"

Karadoc grinned, and cheered, "For the Greens!"

Estaban puts her hand down and breaths deeply, "Are are wvery good." he smiles and blinks at Joslyn and laughs at something she says. He looks to Charlaine and moves over to her placing a kiss on the edge of her lips and whispering something to her before he is running out the door..

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler leave, following Estaban.

"Well armed!" Esoka hollers after Estaban, as he runs out. She drinks, nodding firm to Alexis. "I as well. So glad I came out tonight. Things have been so heavy lately. Wrestling arms was precisely what I needed."

Charlaine kisses him, and her eyes close briefly she grins as she hugs the man to her happy for him, she nods her head and lets him run off to his meeting. But the voice is glowing, and she was blushing hotly

Seeing Estaban leave, he nods. "Man had shit to do. But shit, that match could've gone either way, so Joslyn here moves onto the final round. But we still got one more semi-final match. Alexis, Esoka, get on up and and decide who the final match is going to be for the night. One of you is gonna take Joslyn the Arm-Slayer here."

Ryder the falcon arrives, delivering a message to Eirene before departing.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Alexis gives Esoka a fistbump, and grins. "Things have been heavy. Now let's see which one of us is going to go up against Joslyn." She moves to settle at the table. "That said - I -am- going to arm-wrestle that man again." She notes, looking after Estaban. Shooting Joslyn a grin. "And you, if I lose again. But it'll be all unofficial-like."

Joslyn nods to Esoka as she leaves her seat. "Yes, this is exactly what I needed tonight," she agrees, beaming at Alexis, wrapping an arm around her to squeeze her tight for a moment before she takes her place. "You got this. Knock em dead. Keep her busy, I need to rest my arm for a bit."

Joslyn adds to Alexis. "Well, weren't we going to wrestle?" she asks, lifting her eyebrow and putting on a smirk.

Karadoc smirked, "Long as I get to watch, I'll consider it a good consolation prize." He sat back and started to sip from his bottle of nightgold vodka.

Eirene tips the mug to the next round of wrasslers, the woman in the black and flame enjoying the combination of liquor and entertainment. She looks a bit less irate.

Esoka retakes her place at the table, leaning in, arm up to clasp Alexis. "Let's to this!" She sets herself up solidly. She's a solid sort of girl. She's more flushed, and less steady, than she was during her first match. But she looks like she's having fun.

"Semi-final match. See Alexis here can redeem herself, eh? Maybe if she's lucky, Joslyn will give her a private match later." Fergus winks, giving Alexis a little nudge when she sits down. Placing his hands over theirs, he waits til they're set til letting go. "And have at it!"

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Reese gets back into all her armor. She peeks over to toward the wresting match, seemingly curious as to who will win.

Alexis grins, her hand clasping firmly around Esoka's, and she's not even pretending to hold back this time, the fingers of her other hand clenching at the edge of the table, as she leans into and presses onwards. "You know, if you lose we're going to blame it on the drink." She tells the other Sword. "What's my excuse?"

Eirene glances from Charlaine towards the doors. "You want to fuck him," she says harshly, "go to town. Want to marry him, talk to Baroness Saik." She gives the girl a glare and goes back to drinking. "Do I look like a fucking tour guide to the Saiklands?"

Esoka has rolled a critical success!
Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Reese peeks over to Eirene and her cheeks blush at her words!

"Phah, you've been drinking as much as I have!" Esoka says with a laugh. "Helps my focus! Err. Kind of." Probably not. She puts her back into it, though, and pushes Alexis's arm //back// from its initial press on hers.

Karadoc raised a brow, hearing what Eirene said. "What's this now?"

Charlaine blinks, she looks genuinely hurt at the harsh reply, she shakes her head, as she stands and moves to the door

The bitchy Malvici rolls her eyes. "She's not last a fucking week in the South." She shrugs at Doc. "Has the hots for Esta."

Karadoc gave a nod to Eirene, "I got that earlier...." He took his bottle and moved over to speak with Charlaine, speaking quietly with her before she could bolt out the door.

"Shit, Mal." Ferg glances over at Eirene. "Save some of that fucking sass for the rest of us."

"Nah, I'm like, two drinks behind. I think. I lost track." Alexis admits, her arm wavering a little at the push back. Grunting. "No fair, I was winning!"

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

"Were you?" Esoka blinks at Alexis. Snorting. "Need more whiskey, plainly." She pushes in a little more, doing some more grunting. Maybe alcohol //does// help her focus.

Joslyn cheers for Alexis, even as she's being pushed back. "Come on, you got this!" she says, settling herself in a seat near Reese, giving her a small smile. "Glad I came out here. Just what I needed, you know?"

"I to-totally was." Alexis grunts, her arm slipping a little further. Her cheeks flushing red, and her jaw set. Still, there's only so much the tiny knight can do to banter -and- arm wrestle. Focusing her gaze on those hands locked together, straining to hold back.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Esoka strains, but stays locked, losing some of the arm ground she was gaining on Alexis. Grimace. Push. Farther from the top.

"Nngh." Alexis offers, as her rebuttal, finally turning the tide, at least for a moment. "Shards, you're strong." A hint of admiration to her tone. Muscles once more bulging tight against the cloth of her tunic-sleeve.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 0 higher.

Alexis has rolled a critical success!
Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Esoka is sweating now. From exertion, rather than whiskey. There are little veins starting to be visible on her forehead. She pants out a, "So are you" at Alexis, with no small amount of admiration. She gains no ground.

Alexis opens her mouth, exhaling, bright grin on her face. She, too, is enjoying the hell out of this, win or lose. Shaking a little from shoulders down, she laughs. "Oh gods, don't give me false confidence, dame Greenblood. You'll risk me letting up on you!"

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Esoka checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Esoka does not let up. She goes down fighting. With arms. But her grip //does// stumble in the wake of Alexis' consistent pressure. And down, down, down it goes.

Another good match, Fergus is looking rather pleased with himself. It's not the quantity of the people that showed up, it's the damn quality. And he stands up from kneeling once a winner is declared. "Well lookie here. Seems that Alexis went and redeemed herself after all. Good job you two. I should note that first, second, and third got free drinks for the rest of the night, so feel free to get fucking smashed if you want. Gonna let Alexis rest her arm for a minute then she'll be taking on Joslyn in the final. I have a feeling, whoever loses, is going to win anyways."

Hands slam to the table, and Alexis all but rises from her chair, sweat beading on her forehead, trickling down her temple. "Damn," She exhales. "Well fought. Gods. My hand was about to give in," She admits, offering a handshake and pulling her close, for a quick murmur to the woman's ear.

Charlaine nods her head to Karodoc's words, "alright." she says then she sets her hand on his shoulder, "Tell me who wins? Your Cousin should go on to challenge the winner I think." she says bemused as she turns from him.

Eirene pounds her mug on the bar again in universal appreciation. "Hot damn. Gloria herself would be fucking applauding that. Good show!" More drinking, especially for the victory.

Joslyn stands up from her seat and cheers loudly for Alexis's win. She has a favorite of the night after all and than she beams, that little lopsided smile finding its way once again to her features as she observes. "So we're against each other. I'd say best of luck, but..." there's a wink. "I'm gonna try to get nice and good at pinning you down."

Esoka clasps Alexis' hand in a firm shake, shaking her head at whatever Alexis whispers to her. "Get to it! I want to watch! I think I've still managed free drinks." Because she needs more, clearly. She'll go claim them, anyhow.

Karadoc laughed, "Let them have it... They need it more. Seem's my dear little cousin has himself his own prize for now anyway." He grinned, and walked on back to the bar to post up and drink that horrid, finely crafted vodka.

Alexis gives Esoka a nod, then grins broadly at both Fergus and Joslyn. "You want this seat? Or that? I'm just going to stretch my arm a little," She explains, and indeed, does a couple of pumps. Letting out a soft breath. "And yeah, sounds like I'll want another drink. Thirst-quencher, mind, not for getting wasted on."

During the break, all that talking made Fergus thirsty, coming over to the bar near Eirene. Without asking a drink is slid over to him. "Mal." he grunts, tipping back the glass. "Didn't think anybody was gonna show up. Didn't have to balls to back up flapping mouths. Glad to be proven wrong."

"To Prince Fergus Redrain!" Esoka says, loudly, once she's gotten yet more whiskey. "This was a good idea!" The glass is also raised in the vague direction of Alexis and Joslyn. "All luck to both of you. I'm certain it'll be a good show."

Joslyn settles in the seat, sipping on her wine while she waits for Alexis to get herself ready, but as Alexis stretches, she shivers, biting her lips and taking a deep breath before draining the glass of wine and readying herself for the final match.

Reese has her whiskey and has been being rather quiet. she smiles when the match comes to an end. "Congrats." She says in her direction. She then smiles over to Esoka at the cheer.

Once she's got herself another mug of ale, Alexis takes a deep gulp, then grins to Joslyn, and sets her arm down. "A final showdown, then. Make me look good losing, mistress Manicelli." She laughs, and raises her mug with her free hand, echoing Esoka's toast. "To Prince Fergus Redrain, for a grand evening's entertainment."

"It's nothing, but you gonna make me all fucking fluttery and I'll go write pretty shit in my journal." Fergus takes enough drought of his glass, coming back over to the table to oversee the final in his officiating capacity. "Okay, this is for all the fucking marbles. Bragging rights an all that shit. Don't think this is the last one I'm gonna throw. The winner is going to have to protect their crown, eh?" Once the last two standing are ready, he places his hands over top theirs. "Luck to both of you. Lemme see those arms flex big enough I start knocking over bottles." Then, he let's go. "Have at it!"

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Joslyn raises her empty glass in toast along with the rest. She drank it too soon! She nods her head pleasantly to Alexis as she settles down lifting her arm and looking her over, a slight tremble as her hand takes Alexis's. She mutters something to herself and smiles then, ready to begin.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Alexis is not to be discouraged - maybe it's the drink that's gotten her aggressive. Either way, she looks Joslyn square in the eye, and flexes her arm, firmly, letting her biceps bulge before she presses hard towards the woman, leaning in to whisper to the Lycene girl.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard have been dismissed.

Joslyn focuses on Alexis, her eyes locked onto the muscles of her arm. All that focus seems to be doing her little good as she's quickly having her arms pushed back, even as she strains against Alexis' efforts. The whisper brings a little color to her cheeks, and she murmers something in return.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 19 higher.

Esoka settles in to watch the struggle. Leaning rather heavily on the bar. It's a comfortable bar. But however many drinks she's had, she still manages a loud whistle of appreciation at the wrestlers.

Alexis grins broadly, flexing again, bringing Joslyn's arm closer to the table. And maybe there's a flush in her cheeks that isn't entirely due to the alcohol, too. "If you're letting me win, mistress Manicelli, you'll never hear the end of it." She threatens.

Joslyn is just... blushing brightly now, her arms being forced down by the muscled Valardin. Joslyn's eyes are on Alexis, biting her lips as she tries to push herself forward. "I-I'm not! Stop making me blush!" she says, her own defense seeming to just brighten the glow of her cheeks.

Joslyn checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Alexis checked strength at difficulty 15, rolling 4 higher.

Her hand slams Joslyn's to the table, And Alexis brings it back up, over to her lips, to plant a kiss at her knuckles. "I will try, mistress Manicelli." Still, the flush is in her cheeks, and now there's a smolder to those pale grey eyes. "You've still earned your prize from earlier, mind."

Karadoc smirked, and gave a round of applause as the match was won.

"And we got a winner." Fergus steps forward after referring, taking a hold of Alexis' wrist and hoisting her arm into the with the immeasurable strength the Sword of Farhaven has. "Give her a round. Here's your fucking champion. The crown is her's til somebody else steps up to try and de-throne her. Good fucking job, Alexis. Your damn redemption story." A hardly slap on her shoulder before leaning over to Joslyn, giving the other woman a wink.

Joslyn blushes brightly, a color in her cheeks not often seen. Trembling slightly. "Y-you. Good job... You... Muscles. Gods... yes."

Reese smiles as the contest comes to an end. She cheers on the winner. "Yays, very nice, very strong." She murmurs.

"Those are my favourite," Alexis laughs, giving Fergus a pat on the chest in turn, with the arm not utterly jellied from consistent wrestling. "Well done, everyone. This has been delightful!" She declares. Shooting Reese a wink, and reaching out to offer Joslyn her free hand. "NOW we can get wasted," She decides, with a laugh. Looking to Karadoc and Esoka as well. "Thank you. This was amazing."