Talen and Eleyna have arrived within the room arm in arm, which might be a surprise, or might just be them being polite royalty. Either way, the two find their seats - high backed chairs facing the small arena set up for the duelists. One can overhear the dark prince saying, "...then I'll have the last laugh," as relinquishes his hold on his wife to settle within the chair.

Having arrived a little ahead of the crowd, Joslyn stands apart for a time, her gaze resting on her reflection as the mirrormask stares into the wall. She seems thoughtful, in (no pun intended) reflection. There is a moment of silence but eventually she gazes through the reflection to the others entering the hall, and so she turns to face Eleyna, a smile on her lips as she strides over towards her, dressed in a lycene summer gown in sheer, form fitting silks, and her hair done back in a Lycene plait with her two hair sticks of glass roses sticking out. She bows her head towards Eleyna, a deep and respectful gesture. "Thank you for allowing me this honor, Your Highness," she says.

1 Saik Guard arrives, following Karadoc.

Narciso, Confessor of the Inquisition, arrives in the solemn, some might say sinister, long coat of his profession, black with the red flame of the Inquisition clearly in evidence. He also arrives... with a lute. He heads for Talen, grinning at him as he comes near. "So, cousin. How's the foot?"

Mirari is here already, standing by one of the mirror's peering at herself in it. Midnight hair down so it sweeps over her shoulders; dressed in an aeterna dress with a splash of blood red flowers stitched across it. Her fingertips covered in diamondplate rings tipped with little claws on them.

One finger reaches up to trace a diamondplate finger oh-so lightly over the mirror. She turns at hearing Talen's voice and makes her way toward the man, coming to stand on the other side of Joslyn. A bow is given and she says, "Your highnesses." A grin is given and she says, "Your highness, it's an honor to fight for you." This to Talen of course.

Karadoc made his way in, hustling along with his guards, motioning them off to the side. He had a small book in hand, and found a place off in a corner to sit and read, a pen out to make notes in the ledgers.

Mira runs into the hall breathlessly, jacket over her arm and blouse unbuttoned four buttons down from the heat. She just ran half-way across Arx, after all! Panting, huffing, and red in the cheeks, Mira doubles forward, hands on her knees, just enough to keep her skirt decent behind her. Huffing and puffing, Mira lifts her head, glancing about.

Niccolo enters with his usual retinue of guards. His expression is serious, and Romina walks close to the archduke. He studies the area that has been set up for the duel, but his features show very little. "Make sure to take note if any of the artwork is disturbed," he says to Romina, who offers a faint nod in response to the archduke's request. He crosses his arms over his chest, and finds a column to lean against.

Karadoc gave a nod to Mirari, and a smile.

Malena arrives at the event with Niccolo's retinue, making sure to bring her medical supplies in case one of the champions needs healing. She hovers in range of her patron, keeping an eye to the crowd as folks move about and tries to stay out of the way.

Arianna comes into the Hall of Mirrors with a slow, pensive step. Her eyes scan the room and with a sweep of her seasilks, she manages to find a seat. The number was very Lycene, cut with a severe swoop in the front and very high slits up the sides. Exposing her long legs and the slight curve of her rear. Finding a spot to stand, she leans back on her heels. One arm crossed under the other to support the one holding her goblet. She swirls the contents slowly before taking a sip. No matter the dispute, this would be one hell of a duel. The Lady Arianna languidly walks the perimeter to find a more comfortable spot to stand, or at least one with a better view. Giving a slow smile and a wink to Joslyn before settling in for the long haul.

Karadoc gave a smile to Mira, "Good to see you again. Had much the same idea I did."

Eleyna barely restrains the eye roll in response to Talen's 'parting shot'. She shakes her head, sending blond curls spilling over her shoulders beneath the lace and silk of the veil that she wears. Any response in return is stifled as the princess chooses to address her Champion instead. She approaches Joslyn and offers a cool smile as she says softly, "Thank you for defending my honor, Champion. Here is the agreed upon fee. It'll be doubled if you win." Her servant, a non-descript man in rather fine quality leathers, passes a pouch to Eleyna who then offers it to Joslyn. Eleyna exchanges a look with Mirari, one corner of her lips turning up in a bit of a grin for the woman, despite that fact that she acting as Champion for her husband, who is so obviously wrong.

A kind, or at least pragmatic, Velenosa servant takes pity on the Legate, who may have been wandering lost in the halls, and leads him to the Hall of Mirrors. Orazio smiles, exchanges a blessing for her services, and then clears his throat and attempts to make a dignified entrance, moving to stand off with the observers.

Karadoc rolled his eyes, but gave a nod to his uncle, "Late, as always. It is good to see you Uncle. We should speak more after, if you've the time. A few things to go over, I am thinking."

Mira looks over at Karadoc, taking in a deep breath to speak...but instead she just continues to pant, still catching her breath. She nods instead and tilts upwards carefully, her short skirt no longer following her curves quite so closely. "Y-yes. Didn't... Whew." She places a hand to her upper chest. "Didn't expect the other duel to last so long." She swishes a hand across her thigh self-consciously, making sure her skirt is back in position subtly.

Karadoc smirked to Mira, and gave a nod, "Mhmm. My thought as well. I expect this one to be just as entertaining, if in a different way."

Conker, the Ornery Red Squirrel have been dismissed.

Dame Barkley, a chocolate tri beagle have been dismissed.

Orazio gives Karadoc a stern look. "I am /rarely/ late, Lord Karadoc. I was distracted by the beauty of the estate, in this particular case." Suuuure he was. "But if you'd like to meet, I am generally happy to do so."

Talen turns his eyes over Joslyn as she approaches his wife, the consideration given for someone who holds an important meaning in the events ongoing. There is distraction, however, by Narciso. A finger leveled, then turned and crooked. "Naricso, I swear, if I find out it was you from someone else..."
Then he's spotted Mirari, who naturally gets turned to, after a mild wave to Narciso to come closer and stand beside his chair. Notably on -his- side, not the one beside Eleyna. "Mistress Mirari, how do you do. Welcome to the Hall of Mirrors. I do so certainly hope you'll sweep the floor with my wife's champion-- respectfully, of course." The last, it's almsot an afterthought. Dryly intoned.

There's a touch of a smile on Niccolo's features, offered to Malena when she comes to stand near him. He nods approvingly at the supplies she carries. Spotting Orazio, the archduke dips his head in his direction. "Legate," he greets the man respectfully. "It's good to see you."

Karadoc grinned a bit to Orazio, pleased to have gotten under his skin so quickly and easily. He leaned in to speak quietly to his uncle for just a moment, before he sat back to apparently take notes.

Orazio bows to Niccolo. "Your Grace. Thank you for the greeting, and likewise, of course." A glance towards Eleyna and Talen, and his smile warms. "I see that the younger generation has ways to keep things exciting, do they not?" He quiets then, to listen to Karadoc, his forehead creasing.

Joslyn accepts the offered pouch with a gracious smile. "Thank you. Not to worry, as we spoke of before, I am sure this will not be the last time that I defend your honor. I look forward to it," she offers, and with that she casts her gaze over to Talen and Mirari, giving a bow towards Talen, and a smirk for her opponent. "I've been looking forward to this since I heard I would be facing you. Lets give them a show, shall we?"

Malena flashes a shy smile back to Niccolo. She fumbles with the shirt as she watches the champions prepare. It's clear by her facial expressions that she's never seen a duel before. She seems quite interested in the whole thing.

Narciso does indeed join both Talen and Mirari. "Oh hardly." he tells the former. "Why would I give anyone the fun? Besides, it's not my style. I want to be there, see it for myself. Not a couple of rooms away to be satisfied by your shouted curses." he grins to Talen, before turning his attention to Mirari. "Mistress Knife, good luck to you. Don't feel obligated to sweep. Just cutting will do fine."

Mira cheers from the sidelines, now that she's recovered. "Go Talen! Or, well, Talen's champion. Who is fighting for Talen. Which would be..." She rises onto the balls of her feet, peering and craning. "Oh, Joslyn!" She whistles sharply, "Go Joslyn! For Gloria and Gild! And maybe the Sentinel too." The curvy, fox-haired woman nodnods a couple times, with a light bounce of bangs and bust.

Niccolo follows Orazio's gaze to Eleyna and Talen. "That they do. I'm just glad they've found a healthy way to handle their differences," the archduke muses with a lift of his shoulders. "And to see the Champions guild put to use," he says.

Karadoc looked to the pair as well, and spoke up just enough for NIccolo and Orazio, "What 'is' the reason for this duel?"

"That does sound more like you," Talen admits to Narciso while studying Mirari closely. "Show me, won't you?" he asks then, leaning in, extending his gauntleted-handeds, completey with sharp talons out of metal, for Mirari's own arms. "Your claws, I admit I quite like seeing when people blend fashion with weaponry. I shouldn't have doubted you on that, I suppose."
Then there's Mira shouting and his chin lifting, looking around, somewhat unsure of what's happening for a moment. Then there's Mira, off across the way, with her wardrobe malfunction. "Ah, cousin," he drawls, "hello. Do all the Artiglio lurk and only turn up when there's something happening with one another?" he muses.

Mirari dips her chin down toward Narciso and then back to Talen she says, "I certainly shall be drawing her blood." She stands near him, of course. Though she does give Eleyna a half smile, just a little wicked. To Joslyn she grins broader and says, "Oh, I've been looking forward to it too poppet."

Eleyna nods to Joslyn and turns to move towards her chair. Her eyes find Niccolo and Orazio in the crowd and, for a moment, her face shifts into a rare warm smile for both men. She takes the seat, staring across at Talen with an expression of vague irritation. She rests her hands on her distended middle, likely trying to get a bit of sympathy from the crowd for Talen challenging her while she's in such a state. She calls across to Talen, "Is this a family reunion or a duel, -husband-?"

Mira didn't think she was having any sort of wardrobe malfunction. This is her usual attire. Looking herself over curiously at Talen's commentary, Mira shrugs, "It's been a hectic few months... I only saw Uncle Dona--" She glances at Narciso quickly before looking back to Talen. "....Blacktongue last week. I've been trying to see you all for ages! No one comes to Lenosia anymore!"

Orazio nods. "Quite right. As to the reason, that need only be revealed to the participants, really. The gods will judge if it is a worthy argument." He returns the warm smile from Eleyna with one of his own. "Besides, is it not better to resolve disputes with trained champions on the field, rather than with cutlery and crockery at the dinner table?"

"Our cutlery and crockery, I'm sure, is grateful for it," Niccolo observes off Orazio's commentary. "They have a dispute. It must be resolved. This allows for a resolution without doubt," he adds to Karadoc. "What the dispute is... as the Legate says, it's for the participants to know," he returns Eleyna's warm smile with one of his own.

Narciso gives Mira a glare at the almost slip, but once she catches herself, he smiles. "Nonesense! Where would they get their wine? Their silk?" he shakes his head. His attention shifts back to Talen and he nods wisely. "Quite. Though in the case you lose, or she does, I've had songs prepared. For either of you to sing. Which, for as long as your charming Champion is within dagger-reach..." A nod there to Mirari. "... I will loudly proclaim that Eleyna shall be the one singing. Seems fair, yes?"

Leta arrives just in time to spectate, though at first she peeks in uncertainly before the crowd present confirms she is at the right place. So there she is, garbed in summery attire, adjusting the angle of the feather on her hat before she advances further inside the room. Her hands settle on her waist a while, near her weaponry, as she takes in the scene, eyeing the two duellists with a curious grin dancing across her lips. Then she goes about being polite, which is to say approach Niccolo slightly, but not too much, and do a fancy but not at all correct bow. She's apparently taken to improvising, on the bows. "Your Grace."

"Right, right," Talen eventually utters, drawing himself upright in his chair again, leaving Josyln and Mirari to their preparations. "A little of both, it seems," he throws out to Eleyna before placing his wrists and curving his hands around the ends of the arm rests. With a suck of breath inward, he then calls out: "The terms are clear for this duel; to first blood, small weapons only. Other than that, there's little to no rules that I or Eleyna will govern, since we both want to win." With a look over towards the Velenosa princess, he then lifts his brows, passing the baton to finish up anything she wishes to say.

Arianna eyes the other people filtering in before she decides to leave her post. Sauntering over to Orazio and co, she clears her throat quietly and smiles to the man. "Forgive me, this is not the time or place. Silly me and all, but I was hoping to speak with you at length regarding a matter of the Faith. In Reflection, I have had some news reach my ears. Which...could be an attempt to mislead me and I would be loathe to have any misunderstandings with the Faith. Once again, my apologies but I just needed to ensure it would be alright to send a messenger before I did so, Your Holiness." Arianna was knowledgeable about lore and myths and other things, but she was not familiar with the titles of the Faith, that was for damn sure.

Joslyn cranes her neck back and gives a grin towards Mira, gently correcting. "I'm Princess Eleyna's champion, but thank you for the encouragement Miss Mira. I beleive I still wanted to get you that wine," she adds, a little grin as her eyes wander for just a moment at the bouncy young woman. She looks back then to Mirari with another nod, hips swaying then as she takes to the center of the display. Her fingers reach behind her head and from there tug the little hairpins from behind her head, with a little smile offered, a wicked smile given over to the rest of the crowd before casting a gaze towards Mirari, her look taking on a sultry, predatory appearance. "Ready when you are, darling."

Karadoc raised a brow, smiling a bit at something, making yet more notes in his book as he saw the duelists getting ready.

"Dame Leta," Niccolo offers to Leta, his deep and gravelly voice respectful as he addresses his knight. "How are you today?" He asks the woman, although those dark brown eyes mostly remain on Eleyna, Talen and the champions. There's a side glance Arianna's way when she addresses Orazio, but the archduke's attention quickly returns to the duel.

From her chair across the 'dueling area', Eleyna waves a hand in an almost dismissive gesture. She glances toward the mirrors briefly before she fixes her pale blue eyes on Talen once more. "Yes, yes. The terms are clear. I'l try to be a gracious winner and not rub my victory into your face too much. Ladies, whenever you are ready to begin."

Mira ohs, slumping a bit at the correction. Glancing over at Mirari, Mira flashes a very sheepish, very wide smile with teeth. "I'm.../suuuure/ you'll do fine. Just fine. Perfectly all right." She clears her throat a bit. "Try to win for Talen, would you?" She wavers a hand across the way, "I mean, I know it's Joslyn and all, but you can win! ...Probably." She nods a couple times. About her throat is a black silk choker with a dull red stone, and Mira brushes her hair back over her shoulder from it idly as she watches.

Mirari turns back toward Joslyn and smiles toward her brightly. A little dip of her chin is given and she says, "I'm ready." She moves toward the floor, turning to face Joslyn. Her diamondplate covered figures are lifted and wiggled.

Malena does her best to stifle a laugh at Eleyna's response and then carefully looks to make sure that no one really saw that. She takes a breath and does her best to look solemn as the duel is about to begin.

Orazio raises an eyebrow as Arianna approaches. He smiles. "I am not a Holiness, my lady, but it always nice to meet a new member of the faithful." He bows to her. "Father Orazio, Legate of Concepts. And you are?"

Joslyn wields two slender hair sticks set with dainty glass roses.

Talen leans away from Eleyna, toward Narciso and extends a small pouch of silver. A side bet, maybe? Words are uttered quietly, even as he cuts his pale grey-blue eyes upon the field. "Don't be obnoxious, Eleyna. You're better than that," he manages at last, when he sits upright once more, sniffing indifferently.

Joslyn lifts her hands, the little points of her rose tipped hairpins at the ready, knees bent and in a ready stance. With that, she begins her approach towards Mirari, tilting her body just so with a narrowing of her jade eyes.

Mirari takes moderate damage.

Talen lifts his hand and places it over his eyes, "Oh for fuck's sake."

Narciso steps away from Talen for a moment, only to return soon after bearing a mirror. In time to see the result of the first bout. "So, dear cousin. Care to have some music lessons?"

Arianna looks at Orazio for a long moment. Her eyes searching his face for some unspoken emotion. Though after a moment a bright smile touches her lips, there was a certain darkness there. Though not intentional, one could tell the girl was doing her best. Smirking as she swirled her cup she makes a half shrug,"Admittedly faithful, but not very educated about the proper respect to address someone of your station." There is a sip, and then an assessing gaze that sweeps over the Legate. "Well met Father Orazio, Lady Arianna or Ambassador Grayson. Whichever you prefer. Excuse me for one moment, as I properly introduce myself to the Lord of the House." Turning to the Archduke for just a moment she whispers quietly,"Your home is lovely, and although I come here frequently enough to visit my cousin. I have never once gotten to make your acquaintance Your Grace."

There is no response offered to Talen's request that Eleyna stop being obnoxious. She doesn't need to respond. The smug expression on her porcelain face speaks -volumes-.

Leta straightens up and flashes a broad smile as a reply to Niccolo's question. "All's well, your Grace. All's well." she says with a couple of quiet nods. Then she also inclines her head in a deep nod to Orazio nearby. "Father Orazio." she says, because she knows that one already, and tips her hat. That done, she glances between Eleyna and Talen and just looks - mildly, cheerfully bewildered? Nobles! Her eyes turn to the fight proper now as it begins, and her fingers rest on the dagger sheathed at the front of her belt.

Mira calls out, cupping her hands, "Drinks are on me if you throw the match!" She adds, quickly, still shouting, "Within reason, from a pre-selected list of available beverages, at a time and place of my choosing!"

"Does it look like I want to have music lessons?" Talen asks, before he waves his hands, letting Narciso continue with whatever it is he had planned. While he watches the fight, the first cut that reveals itself to only be below the threshold of the fight's parameters, he leans and says with a tense jaw to his cousin: "She's going to be even more insufferable if she wins and she's pregnant. Do you know what that means? It means if you see me fall down past your window one evening, it's probably suicide by balcony, not murder by balcony. I'll end it myself."

The first go around is quick with Mirari slashing out and attempting to get a rake of her clawed rings at Joslyn's neck; but the other woman just faster than she is. She flicks a little bit at the woman's hair, and in return Joslyn's hairpins manage to catch on her shoulder-- not drawing blood, but cutting one of those aeterna straps.

"My dress! You wretch!" Mirari causes in laughing outrage, as the dress sags a little to the side, a glimpse of soft olive toned curves flashing.

Eleyna lifts a brow and just -stares- at Mira, her expression icy and the gleam in her pale blue eyes likely several shades colder as she says in an even tone, "This is a duel to honor, Mistress Matessi. 'Throwing it' would be a slight against the judgement of the gods."

Karadoc smirked as the dress started to sag, and sat a little more up to see better as he continued with the running note commentary.

"A noble-born ambassador of Grayson who openly claims not to have been educated about proper respect? Interesting," is all that Orazio says, his voice and expression quite mild. He watches her turn to address Niccolo, and then turns his attention back to the duel. Mira's call out causes a tightening of his lips, but Eleyna addresses it, and he simply nods in firm agreement.

Malena winces for Mirari since she takes the first blow. There's a momentary smile that Eleyna's champion landed a solid blow, and then she schools her features because she is trying to remain impartial. She stiffens as Mira suggests that a champion 'throws' it. She nods in agreement when Eleyna corrects her.

Mira blinks, looking completely surprised. "I thought you said there were no rules."

Joslyn begins her first step towards Mirari. Mirari flashes forward with those bright claws of hers, and Joslyn doubles back, taking a swift sidestep away and forward, lashing out towards her. It's a close scrape, but Joslyn does manage to cut into that strap of the dress. This fades her combat face a little, into something a bit more like a grin, words are spoken, but not loud enough to be heard over the din of the rest of the room.

Mira frowns and exits.

"It's called being subtle, cousin," Talen calls to Mira, amused, watching the reaction between her and Eleyna. When she just-- walks out, he looks skyward. "Narcio," he leans over, "are all of our relatives nuts except us?" And that's saying something. "Blacktongue, you and I are the most sane, I think. Poor Arvum."

Narciso*

Mirari takes serious damage.

"I suppose we now have," Niccolo adds to Arianna, with a touch of a smile on his lips. "Well met, my lady. I'm glad you enjoy the estate. We should remedy our lack of meeting more often then, and perhaps share a drink some time." Like some of the others, his expression grows a little serious at Mira's comment, but it is handled so he turns his attention back to those immediately around him. Leta garners a small dip of his head at her response and he leans in to whisper something to Malena quickly. "What do you think of the duel, my lady?" The question is presented to Arianna.

Narciso can be seen laughing at whatever it was that Talen told him, adding. "I'll be sure to keep a net out, else you're giving me work to solve. And besides, maybe she'll pay me to drag back her escaping husband, mm?" a grin, before he begins playing with the mirror. A well lit room, and he's catching the light! How grand. "Me? Sane? Oh dear. Our family truly is badly off." And then he blinks at the next bout of the duel. "Well then." He drops back the mirror. Doesn't pay attention, it shatters on the floor. "Fair's fair." And the silver pouch is handed back to Talen.

Eleyna lifts a brow when Mira runs off, but dismisses the woman the moment that she's out of sight. Instead, she focuses on the duel itself, though her expression does not quite regain the edge of gloating humor that it possessed before. Though, she does turn to look at her husband and says in a dry tone, "You really do have the most -interesting- relatives, darling."

Mirari tosses her head back and laugh as she comes around to Joslyn once more. Something murmured to the other duelist as she tries once more to get her claws on the other woman. Striking out managing to get close to the other woman's hands only to be parried away.

"Gods, sometimes I wonder about the people of this city." She turns to Orazio with a smirk and shakes her head,"No I completely understand respect, and I may be a Grayson but I was born and raised in the Lyceum, Father. Customs are a bit different there and I am still acclimating. However, as an Ambassador one travels to a plethora of places - each with it's own ritual, customs and traditions. After a time they all seemingly blend together and at times it can be difficult to recall the correct information. Once again, forgive me." Looking at the match she slowly claps as Joslyn scores mark after mark against her opponent. A sly smirk is offered to Niccolo at her question. "Well truth be told, Joslyn was my own instructor for a time. I think the two are well matched but one has more determination than the other. Mistress Mirari has already earned the respect of the Lyceum, and may be content with her reputation providing adequate protection from retort or physical conflict. However...the sweet Joslyn clearly has her own legend to build. In the end, I think that Joslyn will emerge victorious."

Talen checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 30, rolling 7 lower.

Malena murmurs a soft response to Niccolo and then winches as Mirari takes another hit. Joslyn is given a nod of respect at her fearsome blow and fingers her apothocary belt, ready to step in and help the loser once the match has been called.

"Thirteen years bad luck, that," Talen says lowly to Narciso as he drops it, "and probably about 500 silver's worth of damage, so I suppose," he murmurs, extending his hand for the bag and stashing it back in his pocket. When suddenly Mirari takes her wound that will see her defeated, he leans back and breaths steadily inward, then exhausts it. "Well," he starts to say, as if he's really struggling to hold it together. There's a vein visible in the side of his forehead from the tension, then he leans over and clasps his hands between his knees, staring at the pit, to see how it's resolved before exploding.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Sir Huntley, the Beagle arrive, following Alis.

Orazio smiles at Arianna. "How curious. I was also raised in the Lyceum, but I don't recall anywhere that proper respect towards the Faith is not taught." He takes on a puzzled air. "And, I confess, I've never known a diplomat to claim they aren't capable of remembering the differences between the cultures they interact with. A novel approach, to be sure." He shakes his head, looking a touch bewildered. But the winning blow draws his attention back to the match, with interest.

Joslyn grins at Mirari as she spins herself around, the skirts of her dress flaring out dramatically as she maintains a steady and quick pace. Joslyn never really stays still, never allowing a momentary lapse, and so, when Mirari lashes out once more with those claws, which... well somehow she knocks those away with only the tip of her hairpins, a sly smile given towards the former whisper, Joslyn laughs as she continues her momentum, arms held out as she slashes out once more, this time, the hairpin cuts into the other shoulder of Mirari's dress, leaving a little red trail as she finally finds a home in the flesh of her shoulder, Joslyn giving a little apologetic smile towards, her, with another quietly spoken word only for her ears.

Mirari checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Alis is late, but she is here. As promised! A somewhat solemn expression is worn, as her eyes seek out the combatants watch what might be left of the duel.

"Mm?" Narciso glances back to the broken mirror. "Oh, that's where it went. Well, perhaps then I'll be able to reach the same level of misfortune that seems to have befallen you." he says cheerfully to Talen. "So how much do you think it was?" he asks casually. "Or worse, do you think the Gods themselves wanted you to lose? Maybe I should have that net be put in place." He looks back to Eleyna and calls out. "How long do you give me to put that net before driving him to jump? Are we talking about minutes or days?"

Karadoc made a face at Mirari's hit, letting out a breath finally. He shook his head, and gave a soft round of applause at a match well faught. He made notes, and then smirked about something.

Leta's got her eyes on the fight now, with only a brief glance towards some of the distractions provided by the audience. So she winces at each attack that strikes true, letting out a low whistle at the second one, eyes squinting to make out whether that counts as first blood or not, though she seems rather certain of it. "Ah, well then." she makes another quiet noise, smacking her lips together, and her gaze strays back to the audience.

"My dress!" It's utterly outraged at this point, perhaps because now that slinky dress is /gone/.

It slides down her body in a shimmer of white aeterna. Pooling to the floor and Mirari stands there in nothing but a pair of white lace shortpants that fit to her hips like a second skin in typical lycene fashion (which means that they are barely anything).

The dark haired woman heaves a breath and for a moment looks like-- mostly naked --she might lunge after Joslyn once more, but instead just shakes her head and starts laughing. Apparently she has no shame about being almost as naked as the day she was bore infront of a crowd of mostly strangers.

She sweeps a hand out and gives an extraggerated bow to Joslyn.

"Youth, Legate," Niccolo muses to Orazio, looking between him and Arianna. "I think the young lady certainly understands the point by now," he says, his gaze lingering on Arianna. "I remember your mother fondly, but I haven't seen her in some time. And the last time I saw you well..." he rubs his chin, trying to remember. He looks back to the duel at the ambassador's observations about the fight. "Very likely," he agrees with her prediction of the results.

"It seems the gods have chosen," Orazio says, and raises his hands to applaud. "May Gloria look kindly on both champions, for they have fought well, with dignity and grace." A sidelong look to Niccolo, and he inclines his head. "Of course, Your Grace."

Alis apparently arrived just in time to see someone lose their dress. And whether it's to throw everyone off by validating valardin stereotypes. Or, because she is indeed stereotypical.. she claps a hand over her eyes when there's suddenly a lot of nudity involved in this duel.

Karadoc grinned, and seemed to be adding more notes as well, as he watched the miracle unfold. Or at least the dress. "I think many would look kindly on them." He agreed with Razie. He stepped forward, just to the edge of the dueling area, pulling his cloak from his shoulder, and offering it to Mirari, if she should like it. "Well done, Miss Corsetina." He gave her a smile and a nod of his head.

"I haven't decided how deep down the rabbit hole this conspiracy against me goes, yet I assure you, it's pretty deep. Still," Talen murmurs to Narciso, rocking his jaw, clenching and unclenching it, "Gloria has decided. My wife gets to be even more fucking insufferable than she already is."
Looking down upon Mirari and Joslyn from his seat, he rubs his temple, massaging that vein and smirks at the poor destruction of the dress. "Well, it seems your lady's maid has an agenda other than winning for you, Eleyna. It is to disrobe the courtesan. Well done."

Malena moves to Mirari as soon as the fight is over, motioning to her apothacary belt, "Excuse me...if you wish, I can see to your wounds." She looks to see if the woman gives her permission to heal her. She gives what she hopes is a helpful look.

Talen is overheard praising Joslyn for: Well fought, well won. Perv.

Talen is overheard praising Mirari for: Kept it together, until she didn't.

Talen is overheard praising Eleyna for: Insufferable, yet bound to me forever. Help.

Eleyna watches avidly as Joslyn managed to strike the blow that renders Eleyna the winner of the duel, though her brows arch as Mirari is left in a state of dishabille in the aftermath. Though, everyone involved in the duel is Lycene. It wouldn't be a proper duel without a little skin showing. Eleyna accepts victory with all the grace and condescension that is appropriate for a Princess of the Velenosa. Meaning, she gives Talen a click of the tongue and says in a cloying voice, the kind of saccharine sweetness that is surely hiding poison, "Well fought, Talen. But it seems the Gods agree with me." She rises from her seat and applauds. "Well-fought, Joslyn and Mirari. A duel that was fought not only with honor in the eyes of Gloria, but also with immense grace and elegance."

Arianna making a soft tutting noise Arianna looks over to Orazio,"You are correct, on all points Father." Though she looks back to Niccolo, speaking softly. "Well, Your Grace it pleases me to hear you say such things about my mother. She was a testament of Lyceum values, and taught me to enjoy the finer things in life." There was a dark chuckle before she leaned closer to him, examining his face. "Oh come now, you can remember. I know you must have tons of nieces and nephews and other family to remember though. So I will let you off this once, we last met during a festival. I was maybe twelve then?"

Arianna is overheard praising Joslyn for: For her unyielding skill in battle.

Eleyna is overheard praising Joslyn for: Well fought, Champion. I hope you'll be available next time my husband needs to be taught a lesson.

Arianna is overheard praising Mirari for: For a good show and giving Joslyn a run for her money.

Orazio is overheard praising Joslyn for: An excellent duelist, and very Lycene.

Eleyna is overheard praising Mirari for: Well fought. Sorry about the dress.

Niccolo is overheard praising Joslyn for: She is a fine example of a champion.

Mirari is overheard praising Joslyn for: MY DRESS!!

"I could investigate for you, you know. On my off time. Maybe. Busy right now. Try again later? Or perhaps soon. Who knows!" Narciso answers Talen. "And on that note, I'll leave you to your wife's tender mercies. I've someone to catch!" And with that, Narciso leaves his cousin to his fate. Because that's how their family works.

Niccolo is overheard praising Mirari for: Makes losing look, very, very good.

Orazio is overheard praising Mirari for: Well fought, and well done to maintain dignity under trying circumstances.

Quork the uncommon black raven arrives, delivering a message to Arianna before departing.

Talen says, "Ciao, Narciso. Try not to get into any trouble where I need to rescue you."

"Ah, yes, that festival," Niccolo dips his head in a nod to Arianna. "I remember now. You kept curtseying whenever you ran into me," he says with an almost fatherly chuckle. "I'm glad to see you've been doing well," he offers to the young woman, then looks over to Malena when she offers her healing skills.

Well Joslyn certainly didn't look away, though her eyes might have opened up a little in surprise, she bites her lip a little before Mirari starts laughing, and so Joslyn joins in, a soft giggle as she quirks her lips, stopping then to say. "Let me get that mended for you. Truly it's the least that I can do," she says. Her eyes cast back up to Eleyna and Talen both with a bow offered. "I am glad that I could both entertain and defend your honor. I look forward to the next time I represent you in the sparring ring," she offers a smile towards the princess, and another glance towards Mirari before saying to Talen "Not my intention... At least not to my conscious mind. You're welcome, by the way."

Harper enters, late as late as late could be. Looking, well, polite. She offers the gathering a bow at the waist and steps aside, looking wary.

Orazio turns to Karadoc. "It looks as if the question has been resolved to the gods' satisfaction. Would you be interested in catching a drink with me, Lord Karadoc?"

"Of course," Talen rumbles low to Eleyna, "they're always right, no? A shame that they don't see through the lovely facade you've got going there," says Talen, sorely, as he presses his palms against the arm rest and pushes himself upright. Ticking his chin up proudly, he steps down down towards the pit and draws off the mantle cloak that he's wearing, offering it to Mirari alongside a pouch of silver. "10,000 silver, as agreed. Well done, Mistress Mirari." With a flick of his eyes down over her, then back up, he smirks and turns his eyes toward Joslyn, a solemn nod of appreciation. "You both performed well."

Mirari steps out of the dress and leans down, picking up the aeterna and holds it in the direction of Joslyn. "Oh you better, poppet! This is my favorite dress, you little wretch." But it's said with amusement. She takes the cloak from Karadoc then and wraps it around herself. Just because she doesn't have any shame in her body doesn't mean she's going to wander through the town naked. "Thank you, Lord Saik." Mirari says to Karadoc and then to Malena she gives a small shake of her head and says, "Thank you, my dear, but it is just a scratch. I'll put some ointment on it to make sure it doesn't fester, but I'll be fine."

The money is accepted from Prince Talen and she grins at him, "Thank you, your highness. It seems your wife picked a very determined champion."

Leta raises her hands and claps. One claps at these things, hopefully! But she chooses not to cheer, just in case. Her eyes make a detour towards Eleyna, and she can't help a slight grin crooking her mouth. It's accompanied by a subtle shake of her head, but it's a grin, before her interest returns to the fighters as the whole thing wraps up. "It's a right shame I'm no good to first blood." she muses.

Eleyna lifts a brow and gives Talen a long look as he flicks his eyes over Mirari. She blinks and then looks away quickly as she holds her out out for another pouch from Jiacomo and offers it to Joslyn, saying stiffly, "Your bonus as promised, Mistress Joslyn. My thanks for your services." With a lift of her chin and another glance at Talen, Eleyna stalks away and down the hallway toward the exit.

Talen's Spidey Sense(TM) is tingling. That's because the Black Widow is going to kill him tonight.

Malena gives a curtesy to Mirari when she refuses the healing, not at all upset that her offer is refused. She then moves away, back towards her patron, "Your Grace..." She gives him a curtesy, then one to Eleyna who is the winner of the bought. Talen gets one as well. Then she's all out of curtesies so she heads out.

Arianna reads the missive with amusement and rolls her eyes. Leaning down she whispers a few choice words to the Archduke before she stands, raising her goblet to Joslyn.

Alis waits until Joslyn has spoken to Eleyna and then lifts her hand to wave briefly. She may or may not have to slip back out soon. But, wanted to make sure she got to see her friend and acknowledge her fighting prowess beforehand.

Harper quietly watches the end of the duel unfolding. She has a feeling. You know, that feeling that a child gets when mum and pa are having a row. She ducks her head some, scritching behind her neck where her coif meets the rest of her armor and she starts an Electric slide until her back touches a wall. That's where she parks herself.

Niccolo watches Eleyna stalk out, then inclines his head to those immediately around him. "Excuse me," he says and walks over to Talen. "You're never going to win, you know," he tells the man, "Even when you do," he pauses by him, and puts a hand on his shoulder.

Karadoc gave a nod to Mirari, "Welcome." He smiled, "You make it look better anyway. Should likely be common fashion before long I think." He chuckled, giving her a look over for a moment, before nodding to Razie, "Yes, I think that'd be good. Meet at the tower?"

Joslyn takes the aeterna from Mirari with a little nod, blushing a little bit. "Determined... I suppose you could say that!" she says with that lopsided grin. "Well, I had fun. Where should I bring this back to you? I have a friend that should be able to patch this right up good as new," she says. She notices Alis in the back and gives a pleasant wave to the Valardin princess with a bright smile, as Eleyna hands her another agreed upon pouch, which she accepts with a gracious smile. "If ever you're in need of a champion, you need only ask."

Talen remains after Eleyna stalks off and crosses his arms over his chest. "I think I'm going to avoid going up there for at least a dozen hours," he murmurs, "for my safety." With a smirk, he then bows his head once more to Mirari and Joslyn, then turns around to spot Niccolo, glancing to the hand on his shoulder. "I'm coming to realise that, father. It's even worse being married to one of the Velenosa princesses, for sure. However you managed it, I'll never know. As you say, even when you win, you lose."
Spotting Harper on the back wall, he whistles with two fingers and beckons her across. Oh yes, you've been spotted.

Orazio bows to Niccolo as the man excuses himself. "Your Grace, may the gods keep and guard you." The smiles at Karadoc and Mirari. "I could see it becoming quite popular, indeed." He nods to Karadoc. "That sounds delightful. I'll see you there." With that, the Legate makes his goodbyes, and slips away.

Hiss, the Lenosian viper, Sybilla, the Lenosian courtesan leave, following Talen.

Jiacomo, Talen leave, following Eleyna.

Alis decides to flee before there is violence. What she doesn't see, she can't be a witness about! Plus, her player is getting hungry and must try to find dinner.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Sir Huntley, the Beagle leave, following Alis.

Hiss, the Lenosian viper, Sybilla, the Lenosian courtesan arrive, following Talen.

She straightens up, quick, scrubs her hand across her cheek and tromps forward at Talen's call. Harper pauses, bows again, and mutters. "Good day, your Highness. Patron. Er, I heard what all went down." She sniffs, looking bleak.