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

Dangerfloof, the Bearded Vulture arrives, following Freja.

Bear, an giant dog, Squee, the Flying Squirrel, Brigid, Freja arrive, following Darren.

5 Velenosa House Guards, Romina, a silent Mirrorguard agent arrive, following Niccolo.

Fergus could be in a better mood, but he was asked to show up. And it would be a bit odd for him to not show up to watch a fight. Thankfully, there's at least one reason as to why he's come by, and that's the other Sword he heading towards who's standing off by the side. "What is this? Fight the fucking Valardin week?" he says in greeting to Marian.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon arrives, delivering a message to Fergus before departing.

Gisele posture of prayer is not immune to greeting. Head tilted and Esoka spied, that woman is given an equally quick smile in return. Likewise Marian, whose bow is answered with gentle nod and gentler smile in acknowledgement. The priestess adjusts the set of her feet then, a backwards glance to ensure that the errant bucket-- leftover from the shrine's cleaning this morning-- is hidden behind the fall of her robes. Concealed? Yes. Excellent. She's able to lift her chin following and gaze out over the gathering crowd, expression one of warm approval.

Niccolo enters the shrine, hands clasped behnd his back and accompanied by his usual retinue of guards. Romina walks closer to him than the others, silent as she follows the archduke around. The man studies the gathering briefly, before he continues on to find a place to settle at.

Donella settles where she can see, her arms crossed over her body protectively.

As the the sounds of more bootfalls start to ring through the shrine, Edain raises his head from his prayer. His sword and spear lay crossed over him over his shield. The prince offers the spear to a boy of no more than 13 in Valardin livery, the spear, Valor, and he takes it to stand next to Marian. The prince then takes up his shield and sword and stands. As he looks about the shrine he sees many faces he recognizes but his first bow is to the Archlector of Gloria herself.

A curvy redhead arrives at the Shrine, wearing a short, hip-hugging black skirt, a crimson blouse under a tightly fitted jacket, and gold-framed spectacles. Mira Matessi, the Lawyer of Merchant Road, is wearing gossamer, see-through stockings, black shoes, and a silk choker about her throat with a dull red stone. Her fox-red hair sits lightly over her shoulders and down her back, with two fluffed, arched bangs in front.

Glancing at Alis, Caelis scoots over to join the princess with a nod to her. She doesn't say anything so as not to disrupt the sense of silence and focus but she offers an encouraging grin. Looking at Fergus, her eyes crinkle and she glances at Edain. "It'll be a solid duel for sure."

Darren comes striding up to the shrine with his cousin, Freja. A large mountain of a dog trots at his hip, though the animal seems fairly calm and obedient. He gives a quick once over of the crowd, inclining his head to Niccolo with a warm smile before he spots Donella in the crowd. He moves over to the Thraxian Princess, coming to stand beside her, and tilts his head to murmur something to her in a friendly-sounding sort of voice.

Arriving with members of Kennex, Telmar and his own flesh and blood, Victus strides forth into the shrine. He holds in both hands his own personal axe, the blade of it sharpened to a fine razor's edge. Stepping deeper into the holy site the High Lord would bow his head. There was respect to be had in this place of worship, one such that even Victus could not be ignorant of. While he says nothing his ebony eyes do gaze to the gathered crowd. Nobility crowded into this room like moths to a flame. The Thraxian's face is turned down in a small glower, his gaze suddenly shifting to throw a cast-iron glare at Darren's way before his eyes return to his soon to be opponent.

Fatima comes into the hall in silence, a bit of a reserved expression on her face. Taking a look at everyone gathered she gives her family a half smile and any who make eye contact with her a nod of her head. Finding a spot close to her Uncle Dominic, she bows her head quietly and offers a quick prayer. After a moment her eyes lift to watch the Rite with a liveliness that betrayed her staunch expression.

Tesha gave a look that almost could have been a smile to Donella after catching the Princess' take on things, adjusting her veil. "The Princess is quite wise. I do hope that you'll take her words as truth if not anyone else's." The Telmar's voice was quiet, more to those around her than anyone else as she gave a curtsy again. "If you'll pardon me, I should join my cousin. But, it was a pleasure to meet you Priness Donella, Lady Pontiff Kennex, Lady Kennex."

Freja follows along with Darren, her monster of a vulture perched on her shoulder as an intimidation factor since she opted for a dress, sans armor today. A nod of greeting is given to Donella and others before her dark eyes shift to the area cleared for the pair of combatants.

Thrax has arrived, the party can start. Lady Octavia finds a pillar to lean against, then looks in her purse to see just how much she has to wager on the duel. Her nose wrinkles at what she sees, but it will have to do. "Alright, fifteen hundred on Victus," the judge offers, waiting to see if anyone takes it.

Corban, standing near the entrance, gave an appropriate bow mized with salute to everyone who entered, even if they ignored him. After all, with his simple armor, he looked much like an armsman, not a Noble. When Tesha entered, he observed the group she was traveling with, an arched brow giving tell to his curiosity.

Alis spies some of the others entering, lifting a hand to wave to family and friends, before glancing over at Caelis to smile a greeting. "That it will be. Fergus is a trip, isn't he? I don't think there has ever been so many swear words in the Valardin ward at one time as there were at the spar between Marian and Victus." she murmurs, smiling far too brightly at the Redrain Sword when she says it.

Marian gets a half smile when Fergus approaches, "This is a rite of Gloria...not a sparring match." She has a half smile and gives him a bow in greeting. As the rest of the guests arrive, she makes a point of greeting them with a respectful bow. Then Alis arrives and mentions Fergus' colorful language. She gets a bigger smile and looks at Fergus, "Really?"

Donella murmurs something short back and shakes her head. To Tesha, she says, "I hope that you will come again. The reasonable and charming are always welcome at my tea-table." She may or may not HAVE a tea-table. But she does offer a smile.

Dominic instantly splits from Victus when they arrive into the shrine, taking with him the guards and situating them in a formation that allowed the watch. He stands at ease by them holding, leaning on his spear as his blue eyes gave the shrine and its occupants, a once look over bowing his head politely to those that meet his gaze.

Mira smiles over at Octavia, her hips tilting aside as she folds her arms under her chest. "1500 on Edain." She waggles her eyebrows, looking amused.

Karadoc moved over to find a place to sit, his back against something to lean on, as he idly watched the bout as he picked through the book. A small stray, multicolored cat appeared out of some where to crawl in his lap as he observed, making notes in the ledgers as he went.

Esoka ends up standing not far from Corban, as she mills herself a place to observe. The man in his simple armor gets a quick smile. There's excitement in her eyes.

Tesha says, "Please remember that bury the hatchet is an idiom, your highness." Tesha offered the final statment to Victus, another curtsy and a pleasant look to Donella. Upon catching the look from her cousin the Telmar crossed to join the other member of her family. "Thraxian wakes are truly incredible things, I've learned that much today.""

Fatima turns to look at the Kennex woman with a smirk on her face. After which she leans close to Dominic whispering something in Eurusi to him. After she straightens up her eyes search the room again, giving a wave and a wink to Freja, one of The Last Standing!

Finding a place to stand at, Niccolo lifts a hand in a silent gesture and his guards spread out a little, seemingly to entertain themselves by watching the fight. Romina remains at his side, cose to the archduke. The man's dark brown gaze finds Darren, inclining his head in his direction. A similar gesture is offered to Edain, Alis and Freja, and finally to Victus, Donella and Dominic. It's on Dominic that the Lycene High Lord's gaze lingers, studying the man for a few moments.

"I believe it. They're a colorful group." Caelis nods to Alis and leans back on her hands where she sits looking between Victus and Edain again. "I never spared with him using his shield. I imagine he's even tougher with it on his arm?" She asks and glances at the princess arching a brow. "Planning on betting, your Highness?"

Darren smirks at something Donella says to him, murmuring back before he looks over the crowd. He spots Alis, and waves his hand up in the air. "Princess Alis, hello there!" he calls over, and nods to Fergus as well, offering them both a big grin. He shifts afterward, and folds his arms across his chest.

"Fights a fight, Mari." Fergus grunts. "Just saying. Seems like more than a couple of fights and you've been the ones picked. Suppose that says something about you." Alis is eye-balled. "I don't know what the fuck you're on about, Alis." A hand reaches to scratch at the back of his head a touch uncomfortable. "Yeah well. You were fighting. Got into it."

Fergus gives a lazy wave to Darren. "Hey cousin."

Octavia counts out the coins she's keeping into a seperate purse, then sets the larger of the two on a bench as a declaration of intent, once Mira accepts her bet. One of the corsairs flanking her has an eye on it the whole time. Woe be unto him who would rob Lady Kennex. Well, woe and also loss of hand.

Dominic shakes his head to Fatima, rolling his shoulders to mountain military disciple while at the shrine. His gaze studying Highlord Edain from afar with a calculative nature before turning to look to Fatima and motioning her to the benches, "It will be good. Go have a seat."

Corban returns Esoka's smile with an incline of his head. He takes a moment to place a name and face, and comes up short judging from the brief frown on his face. But that is only a moment, and then his easy smile is returned. "I cannot believe they are placing bets," Corban says with hushed tones and an edge of exasperation to Esoka. And when Tesha joins them, his smile grows. "I cannot believe they are placing bets," he repeats in an eerie replication of the tone, this time to his cousin. "Thrax Wakes. Dear cousin, whatever have you been up to?"

Alis seems to enjoy giving Fergus a hard time; sorry, man. You're practically part of the family now. Her easy smile at his eye-balling her suggests he oughta get used to it. "Prince Darren, hello! Archduke Niccolo, it's nice to see you. And Princess Donella." The each get warm additional greetings, in the midst of her conversation with Caelis. "He is. Like hitting a brick wall." Pause. "Well, at least for me." She's not exactly a muscle head.

Donella makes her curtsy to the Archduke Niccolo, and the Princess Alis. So many people. She glances nervously over her shoulder, and fingers the blood-red beads hanging around her throat. She doesn't though, seem to have a lot to say. One could fire a bowstring stretched between her scapulae.

Freja mimes catching a kiss, lightly smacking her cheek for some reason with a wink and smirk aimed at someone in the crowd. Her attention shifts to Alis when Darren makes her greeting and she raises a hand in 'hello', Niccolo getting the same. The Redrain seems determined to be her usual wordless self for now, old habits and all of that.

Isabeau had arrived early in the retinue of House Valardin that had accompanied Edain, presumably also including Alis and Marian, to offer her own prayers to Gloria ahead of the rite. As the temple begins to fill with a crowd, she tries to find a place to stand where she'll still be able to see the goings on, but remain out of the way of any arrivals or wide sword swings.

Mira cheerfully produces three 500 silver notes from her purse and sets them on the table with a smile to Octavia. If the Corsair looms too close, she'll hip-check him back as well with a quiet, "Rawr."

Titania spots Niccolo and gives him a polite curtsy then looks around and spots Fatima she smiles, "If you will excues me." she smiles to the others and makes her wat over to Fatima to say hello.

Fatima laughs softly to herself at Freja's antics. Walking over to the benches and taking a seat like she was told. Crossing her legs and leaning back their is a slight wince of pain when she does so. Rough night to say the least, still recovering from the wake. Or something. Gently shifting her leg up and down she gestures to the seat next to her. Patting it and curling her finger for Freja to come and join her, if she so wished.

Dominic catches Niccolo's gaze and responds to it with a venerated bow of his head and his close fist coming to his chest in a Thraxian salute. With the attention of the Archduke on the Prince, Dominic seems to straighten, clearing his throat so the men and dogs do the same.

Esoka makes a low grunting sound to Corban, as to the betting. She does not partake in it. "For my part, I come to see courage and valor displayed. I've not seen either the Highlord of Thrax or Valardin on the field, and I think it to the good that they show respect enough to meet each other in honorable combat. How are you called? I am Dame Esoka Greenblood, for my part. Sword to House Riven." Tesha is offered a respectful inclination of her head, when the lady is noted.

Marian shakes her head and holds her tongue from saying anything further. She gives a solemn greeting to Archduke Niccolo, Princess Donella, Prince Darren, High Lord Victus and other nobles that enter the shrine. She looks to Alis and shoulder nudges her when she mentions that Fergus is in the family, giving her a wink.

"I managed to beat him in what was undoubtedly a fluke." Caelis offers to Alis with a crooked smile and spots Titania, giving the Kennex lady a wave. "It'll be interesting to see Prince Victus fight. I've fought other members of the Thrax and found them daunting opponents."

"Are you betting on your brother, Princess Alis?" Darren calls out to her with a grin and a warm laugh. Fergus gets a wave in return, and there's a nod to Marian as well. He moves to rest a hand lightly on Donella's shoulder though, giving her a friendly sort of squeeze, before his hand drops back to his side. He, at least, seems respectful of her lack of words, and instead twists to talk to Niccolo, "Where is my sister, eh, your Grace? I'm surprised she isn't here to join you. Maybe she'll be at the duel between Prince Talen and Princess Eleyna?"

Gisele shifts as the crowd settles. With their attention on the combatants, she nudges a heel backwards. The bucket rocks. Another careful nudge and it moves an inch. Bit by bit, until the errant bit of domesticity is well hidden, without risk of its presence interrupting the sacred, and solemn nature of the event. Someone has been practicing their composure-- and balance-- to manage that feat with hands still clasped, and face arranged in a look of gentle devotion.

The Warlord pf Thrax arrives and and takes a seat next to Fatima.

"Your Highness," Niccolo returns Alis' greeting, his voice deep and gravelly. Donella earns a touch of a smile as does Freja when she returns his greeting. "My lady," he greets Titania after she curtsies. The salute from Dominic catches his attention once more, and that touch of a smile remains on his features. He then looks at Marian and offers a dip of his head to her. When Darren speaks, he looks at the Redrain prince. "She had a few things she needed to take care of, I think she might end up missing that duel as well. How are you today, Your Grace?"

Tesha says, "Lord Uncle Arn said that every thing is a battlefield, once." Tesha began softly, looking across at everyone person by person in thought. "I had the fortune of meeting Princess Donella, both in person and in reputation before when I happened upon Prince Victus and Prince Abbas after the wake last night - by the way I was right that it was a good idea to carry willowbark at all times. In all things you should assess." She offered what would have been a smile if her face left its typical stoic calm. "Dame Greenblood, sword of House Riven. My cousin Lord Corban Telmar, and I am Lady Tesha Telmar. It should be an interesting match. My liege is a knight beyond compare. Prince Victus is a peerless warrior. Those two words are not synonyms, however.""

Freja moves to join Fatima, sitting down beside the other woman - but only after Fergus gets a playful 'thwack' on the back of his head from the flat backside of her hand. "Are we betting?" she asks of the other woman.

"Of course I am. Would you like to make a wager, Prince Darren?" Alis looks over again, with a raised eyebrow. "A Donation to the Mercies, perhaps." she suggests, thinking it rather appropriate. "Prince Victus is indeed a fierce opponent. I have no doubt it will be a tough match, after watching he and Princess Marian fight the other day." is agreed, with Caelis.

Titania looks over when Caelis waves in her direction, she greets the woman with a return wave and looks to Fatima and Abbas, "Do you mind if I join you both?" she is dressed very different today a nice dressed, hair down over her shoulders and she seems a bit on the shy side at the moment.

"Order!" The Archlector's voice would be heard before she is seen. Along the wa leading to the circle of people within which the conflict will take place a line of Gloria's disciples in gleaming mail and tabard move into place to form the corridor of steel and fighting men, their blades held in hand with pointts toward the floor. Cassandra herself stands at the head of this group. The Archlector is a tall, lean women emblazoned in armour outlined in gold and silver, the Shield of Gloria on her tabard. She is holding a sheathed sword in hand as she calls to those gathered, dark gaze intense while she waits for the hall to come to silence.

Cassandra carries herself with a quiet severity and perfect discipline. The scarred, youthful Archlector is a person who makes discipline her trading card and each person selected for this ritual is the same, holding perfect posture when the official comes to stand in front of the procession. "Present... Arms!" As she speaks Cassandra draws forth Chivalry's Point, the gleaming diamondplate sword that is emblazoned with the sigil of Gloria on its pommel and the word "HONOR" etched along the blade. Swords are drawn, on cue, lifted in a salute as one.

"Now. Those who would fight, please step forward." Cassandra calls out then, standing just past the procession in the arena itself. "Prince Edain Valardin. Prince Victus Thrax. I will not be reciting your titles today. You come before the Goddess tonight not as Lords but as men. We are gathered here to honour Gloria with the rite of combat. To present ourselves fully to the Goddess and show her our true valour and intent. As warriors. As citizens of the Compact. As people. Remember Glory does not go to those who fight and win but to those who fight justly and remember the tradition and values given to use by Faith."

Cassandra pauses briefly. "But winning never hurt. You may begin." The Archlector, for all her circumstance, is quick to get out of the way of the combatants. The temple's warriors have yet to lower their swords. Their arms will be sore in the morning.

Karadoc glanced around, taking note of everyone here, and raised a brow, smirking to himself just a touch, and shaking his head. He 'huffed' and made notes in the ledger of the book he was picking through.

When Tesha introduces him to Esoka, Corban gives a saltue, hand to chest, to her. "A pleasure, Dame Greenblood," he says, and then nods. "An astute observation. I have not yet had the interesting happenstance of meeting Prince Victus Thrax." he gives Tesha a cautioning look. Nothing else is said, though, as the ceremony begins.

Donella murmurs under the breath, "2000 on them both knocking eachother or themselves senseless, for the amusement of blessed Gloria."

Edain wields Truth, the valiant Oathlands redsteel sword.

Fergus just gives a grumpy kind of muttering towards both of Alis and Marian. "Good luck out there." he comments towards Edain, then moving back to stand off to the side, taking the thawp to his from Freja, who gets a loose shove. "Who you got if we're betting." is the question posed to his sister.

Fatima looks over to her brother when he arrives. Her eyes look up and down his figure to check that he is intact, and sober. Once he seems to be in good order she smiles and turns to watch Freja walk over and take a seat. Playfully nudging the other woman she smirks,"Oh that would be quite obvious! I think them both very experienced combatants, but my money is on Victus. If not for the sake of loyalty and all that." A soft laugh touching her lips before she clears her throat and straightens up. When the Archlector began speaking she grew near silent, lowering her voice to whisper a few choice words to Abbas and Freja both.

Alis bows her head reverently as Cassandra speaks, lips moving in silent prayer as she gives tribute to the Goddess Gloria before the rite begins.

Darren chuckles over to Donella, leaning to nudge her with his shoulder. Then, to Alis, he upnods. "I'll match Princess Donella's bet. Two thousand silver. I'll take Victus, since you are taking your brother," he winks to Alis, and then looks back to Niccolo and sighs a bit. "One of these days, we're going to run back into one another, her and I. I've been trying to take her fishing!" he laughs a little. "But you and her should come to dinner, soon."

Esoka bows slight to Tesha and Corban both, as they are introduced to her. "My lord and lady. Of the knightly traditions of Valardin, I have heard much. The chivalric ideals are things I have studied hard since taking my own knighthood near a decade ago. They are difficult to aspire to - as all worth virtues should be - but in these dark times they hold great importance." Another slight bow is offered to Cassandra, as the gets things rolling. A quick smile is shared with the Archlector, before her attention shifts to Edain and Victus.

Marian gives Fergus a nod, silently thanking him for his well wishes. She watches as the archlector comes forward to start the fight, giving Cassandra her full attention. Her face is soft, relaxed as she looks on both men. She joins Alis in giving a silent prayer to Gloria.

"Can I speak as myself and not as Voice? As Voice I would -never- choose sides. Political no-no." Freja teases to Fergus, recovering from the shove with a few steps. "You choose yours, and I'll simply bet against you like I always do."

The High Lord of Thrax steps forward, his eyes having never left the face of Prince Edain all the while. The murmuring of the packed shrine was completely beyond his own perception. There was nobody in his world right now besides the Archlector holding them aside and Edain beyond the barrier. He is completely silent as she speaks, his face a stonewall of neutrality and a glowering scowl. Calloused hands heft the axe above his head, leather straps falling to the side. Its own reflection shines in the jewels of the Thraxian Coronet he wears atop his head with pride.

"Prince Edain of Sanctum." Victus calls, his fingers running up and down the hilt of his weapon in anticipation. "Good luck." There comes a murmur of something under his breath, shared only with his opponent as they stand at equal distance from each other.

Gisele stands just a little taller when Cassandra calls the observers to order, and the participants to their mark. As the Archlector gives her speech, the little priestess' smile shades proud. No warrior, she, but even a scholar might feel their pulse quicken at the call to arms. Observer and Faith's witness, her eyes turn to the High Lords summoned into Gloria's ring and remain there as the rite begins.

Freja adds for Fatima, "Well, he is your liege Lord. You ahve to bet on him. I have no stock in either one soooo..."

The second Victus frees his weapon from its peacebound, Dominic's longspear comes against the ground in three loud taps that are accompanied by the swiftness of Thrax men turning to attention and all roaring a single word, "Thrax!"

Gisele says in Celestial cant, "s coronet"

Fatima looks up to Titania with a broad grin on her lips. Reaching out and taking the other girl's wrist she pulls her gently toward the bench. "Please of course, join us. You can sit next to Abbas."

As he his called forward, Edain moves out into the fighting area cleared in the center of the shrine. He raises his sword and slams it's dark crimson blade to his shield. As it rings out through the shrine he bows to Cassandra and then turns to face Victus, "To Honor Gloria, To Honor the Oathlands. Fight well High Lord Victus." He actually cracks a slight smile at whatever, Victus' murmured and says, a bit more loudly, "I'm told it's what you do best." and he takes a step back and raises his guard.

Mira blinks, looking over at Gisele in surprise! "Excuse me..." Shuffling a little closer, the redhead lifts her eyebrows excitedly, "What language is that? I'm not sure I've ever heard it before."

Rolf, 5 Grimhall House Guards arrive, following Harald.

Victus Edain=Three rounds and pose or five rounds and pose? :)

Cassandra's arrival causes Niccolo to look in her direction. He inclines his head respectfully, and when she announces the fight can begin, he murmurs a prayer to Gloria. That done, he turns to Darren and offers a wry smile. "I think she would love to go fishing. I'll let her know, and of course, we would love to come over for dinner."

"Going to have to bet on the underdog, because if I bet on Victus, pretty sure Marian wouldn't let me live that shit down." Fergus takes a moment to eye the pair about to square off before back to Freja, rolling a shoulder in a shrug. "Alright, with all that fucking said, I'll put three thousand on Edain."

Edain takes minor damage.

Edain takes moderate damage.

Freja gives her brother two thumbs, waaaay up. "Then that means my bet is on Victus, same sum. Oh, and if I win you have to..I don't know, smile for once."

Alis need not yell for Edain to know of her solid support. Instead, during the roaring of the Thrax she smiles in his direction and gives him a small nod. Pride is writ large in her expression, before she turns to nod at Darren to take up his bet.

Corban's calculating look was returned with a silent long stare of her own before her head turned to face-- what was that? The motion of the pen of all thing and Karadoc's notes caught her attention over the ceremony about to begin, trying to follow his gaze to where it went when he left attention to the page before she looked down to the two men. Quietly, she added; "I would wager that Prince Victus made clear it was his intention of ripping Prince Edain straight from his armor." She noted at the murmur.

Edain takes moderate damage.

Titania grins and is pulled in to sit next to Abbas, she looks to the thrax Warlord and smirks then her eyes look forward to what is going on.

Victus Edain=You can do the honors if you like!

Watching the exchange, Caelis sucks in a breath and leans forward, bracing her forearms on her knees to watch the fight closer. Her eyes flick between the two fighters quickly with a tense expression.

Mira glances over when Sophie arrives and offers the woman a friendly wave, followed by a formal curtsey. But the action is cut short when there's a loud clang and bang from the battle ring, Mira gasping with wide eyes as she turns about, skirt swishing.

Marian doesn't offer to take any bets for either side. She keeps an eye on Edain as he takes the first few blows from Victus sword. She winces, knowing too well just how hard Victus hits.

The contest has only just begun, so while Isabeau's attention is certainly set on the combatants, it's still easy for her to notice her little sister's arrival. The older of the pair of princesses is situation somewhere near Alis and Marian, which likely also means that she's in the vicinity of Darren and Donella. Isabeau reaches out a hand toward Sophie and makes an almost impatient 'gimme gimme' grabbing gesture.

Fatima tries not to smirk at Freja and her brother's antics. Looking up to them both she shakes her head."3000 it is then ladies and gents." Her eyes never leave the exchange of blows however. Clearly invested in the battle. Moving a lock of hair from her face, she purses her lips at the blows Edain takes. She did not pity him for standing against the man, he was really more of a shark than human and when he smelled blood in the water. Well...

"Fuck that." Fergus frowns at the mere idea about smiling about *anything*. That sounds far too painful and it's likely his mouth no longer remembers how to even remember that. "Rather give you more coin than having to do some kind of nice shit like that. I'm nice enough to you already."

Karadoc noticed the glance, and gave a small nod to Tesha, but then the battle started, and he was watching it, making small notes on the too and fro of the duel.

Harald enters quietly, remaining to the rear of those assembled. Arms are crossed over his chest as blue eyes narrow in stony study of the two combatants.

And there the two men close in to do battle. And there is a palpable tension between both of them. The prince tries to get in close and and strike the larger fighter. But never let it be said that Victus is fast. Very fast. Unable to land a blow, The prince is quickly realing as that massive redsteel axe reigns down on him. Knocking him off center as he tries to keep his feet and regroup.

"No, you're a bully and make me cry." Freja says to Fergus with a curt nod.

Victus doesn't take the time to himself for measuring his opponent. He already did that with the Sword, today was a day he needed to let loose for certain. With a primal cry, Victus hurled himself forward, much faster than a man of his size should allow. His first solid strike lands on Edain's shield, followed by another arc straight to the front of his armor and a bash of his hilt coming down right after. The aggression and anger hanging off of the Thraxian was dense enough to be cut with a dull blade.

"That a fucking lie and you know it." Fergus growls, giving Freja a light thwap in the arm.

Niccolo turns his attention to the fight when it begins. Those dark brown eyes of his follow the movements of each warrior, his features schooled and showing very little reaction. Rather than watching the fight for entertaining, it's almost like the archduke is studying it.

Wincing, Caelis leans over to talk to Alis quietly as she watches Victus lay in with his axe.

"We can't start this again. We're not the one fighting." Freja clicks her tongue at Fergus, chiding him. "Today. Besides, I already made an incident of throwing an axe last night...."

Esoka winces as Edain takes a blow from Victus' very large ax. She refrains from cheering, for either combatant, but her blue eyes are intent upon their movements. Trying to follow them, to glean what she can from the way they comport themselves. The aggression from the Thraxian lord earns another of those low grunts.

Victus takes minor damage.

Gisele's joined hands lift, fingertips lined just before her moving lips as she murmurs near-silent prayers, exhorting Gloria to look favourably on both, and for the men locked in combat to do well in her eyes. Her own gaze ticks between the two fighters. Whether she knows what counts as doing well in a fight like this is impossible to say-- it's early yet and she's already held her breath, twice, three times, for the shock of metal against metal, the cry loosed by one of them...

Fatima chimes in to Freja's comment about axe throwing,"It was a good toss by the way, I gave it a seven out of ten Freja."

Edain takes serious damage.

Alis watches her brother take those first few vicious blows without expression, studying the approach by both combatants with slightly narrowed eyes for a moment.

Donella inclines her head toward Isabeau and her party. "Highness." She flinches at the sound of battle contact, as unsubtle as an iris in the rain.

"The fuck did you do with an axe." Fergus stares at Freja for a moment, looking back at the fight, frowning. "Peh, true. Can't take the attention off that. Go a few rounds in that pavilion once I get the damn thing built."

Darren nods over to Isabeau, offering her a warm smile. "Hello, your Highness," he greets, before his own eyes flick back to the battle, watching with interest.

The Mother Mercy of Arx may be a teeny bit late and looking in need of a nap, but she is here to both honor the Gods and her family. Amiable smiles are offered to those she passes, a tad more pronounced should familiarity be a factor, as she makes her way towards the kin. With the adoring amusement of a sister ever so fond of her sister, she slips her hand into Isabeau's eager own, giving an affectionate squeeze. That done, her attention fully settles on the match.

Marian gives a silent nod as Edain fairs better in the next few strikes, taking in the aggression of the Thrax lord and even landing a glancing blow. She murmurs under her breath, "Come on..." Wincing when once again he's hit, this time it's a solid blow. She leans over to murmur to Alis.

Titania eyes wince slightly when the first round of blows are traded, she lays her hands in her lap watching the fight listening to whats going on around her as she does.

The next set of blows, Edain keeps low and keeps his shield high, He manages a blow agaist the HIgh Lord's side with the flat of his blade, but there is little on it. Just a quick tag. Eventually the larger more powerful fighter forces Edain's shield down and a blow to the chest sends him realling back, as he tries to catch his balance.

Again, as before, and almost always so when watching fights unfold, Isabeau keeps herself confined to clapping rather than roaring out any words of praise, encouragement, or cursing. But, with her sister Sophie's hand tightly gripped, she is reduced to only white-knuckled squeezing and the occasional flinch. Donella and Darren are acknowledged each with obviously distracted ducking nods, the latter lower than the former, but she's otherwise occupied in hugging the Mother Mercy's arm and watching the pair of High Lords duke it out for the glory of Gloria!

"A seven?" Freja gasps at Fatima, a hand on her cheek in mock shock. "It stayed -in- the wall and took off three of Victus' hairs of his head. I saw it." She nods her head to seal that fact with some finality, even patting the rubicund duo at her hips. "They're...well matched." She observes of the Gloria activists.

Mira winces as Edain takes some terrible hits. Wringing her hands together, Mira crouches just a bit, head ducking as she watches the battle unfold. "C'mon, do it for Gloria... And Gild!"

Their constantly clashing of steel on steel sends sparks whirling through the shrine grounds as Dragon and Serpent gnashed at each other with ferocity. Victus gives a hiss of pain as he feels the first bit of pain for himself. It fuels his adrenaline as he roars again, slamming the axe home into Edain's chest. "COME ON!" He bellowed out, fingers clenched tight enough for his knuckles to turn white as primal nature charges forward again.

Tesha says, "Thank you for agreeing to escort me, later, cousin." Tesha stated softly to her cousin as she watched the battle and then the croud in equal measures; catching sight of Donella's wince at the metal clang. A thoughtful pause before she looked to her cousin and then back with long, slow blink as if she were calculating something in that space between."

Edain checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 35, rolling 21 higher.

Edain remains capable of fighting.

Edain checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 53, rolling 10 higher.

Edain remains capable of fighting.

Edain checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 78, rolling 15 higher.

Edain remains capable of fighting.

Harald's glowering scrutiny alters only slightly at the martial display: one greying brow raises very slightly not at any of Victus' resounding axe blows, but at the glancing hit landed by Edain. A very small nod follows.

Corban turned to Tesha slightly. "Of...course," he said, knowing fully he had said no such thing, but why bother disputing Tesha? His eyes followed her gaze to Donella. "What is on your mind, Cousin?" he whispered.

Mira jumps up and down, pumping her arms against her sides, "Come on, Edain! You can do it! For Gloria!!" Her eyes wide and her bangs bouncing above her glasses as her hair flies, Mira jumps once more and crouches a bit, watching with concern and parted lips.

Fatima watches the battle raging back and forth. Though she a bit nervous at the beginning of the match - not so much now. It was with an excited look on her expression that she watched now. It was only a matter of time, Edain put on a good show. Though as she said, once Victus smelled blood in the water it was all over. Praising Gloria with a silent vigor, Fati's eyes are alight with joy. "They both honor Gloria with their skill in battle." It was a quiet utterance to those around her, but surely it resounded in such a small space. Standing up now in her excitement, she moves forward navigating through the masses to stand close to the skillful display of combat. Wanting to witness the final blow up close and personal. Her hands were neatly placed in front of her, fingers laced.

Esoka's next grunt is one of sympathy for Edain, as he continues to take those blows from Victus. "This is very fierce," she says, approvingly to Corban and Tesha, though there's a measured note to her enjoyment. That aggression from Victus is watched with more attention than admiration.

A bit absently, Sophie offers a cordial smile to Donella, for the Thraxian princess did just offer greetings to the Valardins. And then there is a mild wince, although it's left for others to decide if that is from the blows Edain keeps withstanding or from the way Isabeau is unthinkingly trying to crush her younger sister's hand. Soothingly, her free hand rubs Issy's arm even as the Mercy's attention shifts back to the match, her lips faintly moving in what might be some semblance of prayer.

Niccolo watches Edain and Victus continue to fight, his gaze lingering on the Valardin prince. After a few moments, he lifts a hand as a silent gesture to his guards. He leans in to whisper something to Romina, before he steps out.

5 Velenosa House Guards, Romina, a silent Mirrorguard agent leave, following Niccolo.

Freja falls completely silent then, leaning forward with her dark eyes focused entirely on the fight at hand. The scout falls still; blink and you might miss her!

Asheryn, a Gyrfalcon arrives, following Rickard.

It is appropriate that Victus is from the Mourning Isles. Battle is like a tide. It has a flow, and sometimes, you make one misjudgements early on and you find yourself fighting the current for the rest of the fight. That has been the story of this fight. The wide arcs of Victus' axe create terrible rapids that Edain has been unable to fight past. This last exchange comes as a serioues of hard blows. His shield arm is tired and often knocked away. Victus' final blow connects with a report that is no less that bone crushing vambrace shatters and goes clattering to the floor. HIs shield arm is forced from the socket and his armor flies off.

But Edain does not fall. He stands, there is anger and defiances in his eyes... His sword raises again, A cut on his forehead gets blood in his eyes. But then.. He takes a breath. And past his towering opponent he sees Gloria's shrine and remembers. He remembers this this not what this fight is about. His sword lowers and he draws a deep breath, "Gloria has spoken. You are the victor, High Lord Victus."

Fatima is overheard praising Edain for: For the glory of Gloria!

Mira is overheard praising Edain for: Refused to fall down!

Isabeau is overheard praising Edain.

Marian gives a silent nod as Prince Edain yields to High Lord Victus, ending the rite to Gloria. She murmurs a silent prayer to Gloria under her breath and then bows to the victor to acknowledge that he fought with honor and then to her liege who gave a valient effort. She straightens and then bows to the archlector for her officiating the event.

Mira sighs, lowering her hands and her shoulders slumping. As the bells chime outside, Mira blinks, lifting her eyebrows. "Hmm...?" Turning her head a bit as if trying to remember something at the edge of her memory, Mira gasps suddenly, "Talen!" Turning about, Mira skip-bounces to the exit, still a terrible runner. But she's getting better!

Gisele's study of the combatants grows intense, her gaze locked to the weapon Edain raises after his shield is forced from his arm. It's a look which gentles only when the sword is lowered. Something is murmured, surely some benediction to the goddess, as the priestess folds her hands over her heart and inclines in a bow towards the High Lords. Her bow joins with the swords raised by the Templars, a showing of honour and respect for the two who've completed the rite.

"Prince Victus is a warrior." Tesha repeated as the battle continued on with more furious blows in a response to Esoka, the simple statement seeming to have some other layered meaning. Her gaze broke from the battle to consider the Thrax anew. "She's uncomfortable... something comforting should be said, shouldn't it? Pardon me a moment." With that, she broke to approach Donella.

There is a moment, as the Prince of Valardin takes those tidal blows, that Esoka tenses. She murmurs something under her breath, in the language of the Crownlands shav tribes, which sounds very much like a prayer. 'Gloria' is the only recognizable word, for those who do not speak that tongue. But, when Edain yields, she smiles. And offers a knight's salute to both men. "Glory be to both combatants. Gloria's courage and honor are served."

Karadoc raised a brow as the fight was ended. He gave a small nod, writing more notes into the ledgers, and gave a small round of applause, before standing, folding the book up, and heading out. "Time for the second round..." He chuckled to himself, before heading to the other duel.

Nyx, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to Freja before departing.

Between the grueling brutality of the fight, Victus' expression is more animal than man at this point. His hair stands on its ends and his breath heaves through his nostrils like hot steam. He was true to his words, he would take armor than piece by piece until he'd pummeled an entryway to his opponent and he'd done just that. Each strike had the same ferocity to it, followed by another and another as ruthless aggression reigned in this circle.

Yet even through all of that, as the clattering of armor bounced off the floor, Victus stood still. His ebony eyes locked with Edain's now that he could see his face proper again. Just like that, it was over. Victus lowered his axe just the same as Edain did. "Tin-man." He heaves as sweat drips down his face, his hand moving to tap the indent in his armor left behind by the pommel of his blade. "You got me." Another flash of teeth as the High Lord grins ear to ear, stepping up to the Prince of the Sanctum and grabbing his sword arm to raise it above his head.

"Go down with style at least, Edain. You're makin' an ass out of yourself." Victus muses aloud.

1 Saik Guard leaves, following Karadoc.

When the fight ends Cassandra lifts her sword once more. As on, the woman and the attending Templar all sheathe their blades in a rattling clash that acts as another salute. Edain's words, however, are allowed to stand. Cassandra doesn't interrupt it by speaking save to say, "Gloria smile upon you both." The Rite is over. Off to the side a healer seems prepared to tend to the worst of the wounds.

Victus is overheard praising Edain for: Kept his chin up all the way through.

Darren nods approvingly as the fight is declared for Victus. "I'll be matching your donation to the Mercies, Princess Alis," he calls over to her, before he turns back to Donella and murmurs something to her. She gets a broad smile afterward, and he reaches to briefly take her hand and give it a squeeze, before he starts off.

Freja rises to her feet then, applauding the pair wordlessly. No praises are sung from her lips, nor smile gracing her pale features. It was well fought, well won. The duty done. After the accolades she turns to Fergus. "You owe me three thousand silver."

Tesha is overheard praising Edain for: settling the bad blood in honorable combat.

Cassandra is overheard praising Edain for: Always fight to win, but know when you have lost. Never waver in the face of adversity.

Alis looks just as proud of Edain for knowing when to yield and let go of his anger, as she does when he wins a battle. Bit Victus last remark has her scowling at him. "Mind your manners, High Lord. This is a Rite to Gloria, and not a place to be making petty swipes at people." is noted cooly, before she turns to smile at Darren with a nod. "2000 silver."

Anyone can learn to swing a sword... or and axe... or a spear and be called a warrior, but it takes an honorable man, a genuinely noble man, to recognize what it is to fight for Gloria. Princess Isabeau relinquishes her deathgrip on her sister if only so that she can abruptly dip down into the lowest curtsey that her knees might be able to tolerate, reverently bowing her head in Edain's direction.

"Get your fucking coin later. I don't carry that much on me at once." Fergus says, watching the match end. "Not like you don't know where I live. You'll get it."

"I can just sneak in and find it. Besides, it has been a while since I pilfered your whiskey stash." Freja reminds the Sword of Farhaven.

Alis is overheard praising Edain for: For showing honor in combat.

Dominic nods to Victus, a grin on his face. He turns around and briefs the men quickly before dismissing them back to Thrax ward and freeing them and himself of the burden of ceremonies. Leaning his longspear into his shoulder, Dominic claps for the victory. Hard to hide his smile even under his beard. The Prince looks around before whistling to his family to let them know he was leaving with the men back to Thrax. He waves as he leaves.

Caelis sits up straight and lets out a breath as the fight ends. She shakes her dark hair off her shoulders and looks from the fighters to Alis with a small smile. "I have prayers of my own to see to. Give my best to your brother please, your Highness." She asks and clasps a hand lightly on Alis' shoulder before she slips out of the shrine.

Rohm the Blackguard leaves, following Caelis.

"Steal my whiskey and I'll tie you to a chair and shave your fucking head." Fergus says in a way that that is *not* an idle threat. Nobody steals his whiskey. "Guess I'm stopping by the bank." Turning then, he moves to head out.

There is a sympathetic wince when her Highlord cousin's shoulder is dislocated. If it is the will of Gloria that it be so, then is shall be the will of Lagoma that Sophie sets it right. It's not as though she and Edain haven't been down this road before. First, though, she nods her head in a final show of reverence for the rite, only to blink a little, slightly befuddled when she's pretty sure she heard something about donations made to the Mercies.

Tesha says, "Happier that he won, or that this whole affair is over?" Tesha asked Donella with a quirk of her head to a side in question. "I would imagine from your face it's a bit of both right now."

Marian tries to catch Fergus eye to give him a nod, to let him know she's staying behind to see to Edain. She keeps to his side, moving over as Sophie tends to Edain.

"You and Anze already did that. I was thirteen." Freja reminds Fergus, -sharply-. "At least learn som enew tricks."

Alis grins at Sophie. "There were wagers made, so I suggested we donate to the Mercies the wager amount." is noted, as she bids farewell to Caelis and stands to move behind Edain as Sophie heals him.

Fatima gives a slow smile to Victus before turning on her heel and walking past the crowds. She had seen enough and although this was quite the array of people, she preferred to make her exit whilst people were still in a good mood. Pausing for a moment as she walks past Marian, Alis, and Isabeau,"Your Lord fought well, and his actions have no doubt pleased Gloria this day. It was a joy to witness, til next time." She dips her head a bit and slowly begins to stride from the room. Blowing a kiss to Freja and Abbas on the way out.

Donella says, "It is a good cause, but this shrine AND the mercies."

"No reason to change the old tricks if they're still funny as shit." Fergus gives Freja a wave over his shoulder. Marian is given a nod in return, needing to say nothing on the matter

Once the contest is decided, Corban gives a fist to chest salute to Edain, though from a distance, he does not expect one in return. "I believe your terms are not complete, dear Cousin, Corban says to Tesha. he sweeps the shrine with his blue eyes, looks to the shrine proper ,says a silent prayer, then about faces to exit the shrine.

Gisele dips down behind the altar and takes up that pesky bucket. With the rite concluded, she lifts it up and walks tilted, careful to keep from sloshing water about as she picks her way around the edge of the crowd. Her only pause is near Cassandra, there to murmur, "Gloria blesses this day. Thank you, Archlector."

Ulf leaves, following Fergus.

Alis looks around for the Archlector as well then, to see if she is still about. "Archlector Cassandra, may I have a word when you've a moment?"

Donella glances toward Tesha as she comes toward her, nodding to friends as they depart. She simply finds a place to sit before the shrine.

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

Esoka lingers for a spell as the fight wraps up, then gives a general bow toward the altar and takes her leave.

Well, her dear cousin Edain is severely injured, but Sophie pauses long enough to flash a beatific smile to Alis and Darren. "What a grand day that both Gild and Lagoma shall be so honored. Thank you, both." That said, she is off to tend to the Prince of Sanctum.

The Prince of Sanctum is to hurt to hide the wince when Victus raises his hand, "Thank you High Lord Victus. May Gloria smile on all your victories." When he lowers his arm, he turns and sees Sophie there. He tries to avoid direct eye contact. There is going to be a scolding in his near future. He looks then to Cassandra and says, "Thank you Archlector. You serve the Faith with Honor."

Gisele bows her head to Alis and then gives a deeper obeiscence to Cassandra. "Gods bless," she bids the pair before moving off with that bucket, to see it emptied out somewhere less likely to splatter nobility with proof of mundane chores done recently.

2 Faith of the Pantheon novice guards, Bern, a quiet acolyte leave, following Gisele.

Victus lets his grin spread as he looks Edain up and down. There is a measure of respect in his eyes as he looks over his battle-wounds. Raising his forearm, Victus offers it out to Edain's workable arm, a warrior's salute to be shared between the two of them should he choose to take it. "I don't know any fancy metaphor about hatchets... But I will buy you a round of rum the next we meet. By Gloria's grace." Pitch eyes travel down the length of the crowd, noting his missing family save for Donella. She receives a small smirk in kind.

"Thank you. Both of you." There is a pause as Cassandra lets those words hang. Bows are turned, nods given, and then further greetings. Afterward the woman departs. "You may," Cassandra responds to Alis quietly as she approachesw ith careful strides. The other warriors have disbanded to return to their usual posts but the Archlector apparently has no such problem. She moves with long, purposeful strides and comes to stand beside Alis as she draws a deep breath. She pauses here and studies Alis briefly, towering over the girl by several inches.

Tesha took a place easily as the others were heading out, sitting near the Princess. "My cousin, Lord Corban Telmar," She introduced with a nod in his direction. "Hopefully it will be a lasting thing. It seems, in all honesty, as if it should be so."

Marian moves over to Edain, giving him a deep smile, "Not too bad." She would normally clap him on this shoulder but restrains herself. She gives a nod to Victus, glad that the two of them have seemed to resolve their differences, "Congratulations on your glory to Gloria." She looks to Sophie to see how she thinks Edain is doing.

Alis does not seem to have much problem needing to look up at people, since it's kind of a thing. But rather then speak aloud for everyone to hear her, she murmurs quietly to the Archlector so that the conversation is kept private while Edain's wounds are tended to.