Victus has left the large bench.

Victus has joined the long bench.

Kima smiles warmly, reaching out to touch the Legate's elbow as she speaks a few quiet words.

1 Saik Guard arrives, following Karadoc.

Quite a crowd for the duel. Turo decided to show up to it to see what that was all about. But there's another reason why he's dropping by, beyond watching two people duel it out. He's looking around for someone in particular.

Titania arrives, following Edward.

    "Gods smile upon the one whose cause is just," Merek states, and makes his way towards a table to settle in so that he can watch the duel from his place.

Karadoc had of course arrived to see this one. He glanced around to find the rest of his family, and headed towards them.

Ilvin has joined the a brick and wood wishing well.

Saedrus arrives to the greens unescorted, must be from the Grotto, in a most lovely sleeveless crimson robe. He pauses at the great crowd of people and looks about, lengths of snowy white hair loose, and brought over his shoulder. When he does move, it is to find a better spot to see.

Melinda laughs a little as she watches Victus stand to greet his cousin before she smiles and offers a small word as she joins him on the bench. Her voice to her place.

Binky, an asshole crow, Gregory, an unassuming disciple arrive, following Aureth.

Edward arrives with the Lady Kennex and he motions, "And here is the Green." and then he motions towards Ford and he says, "There is the Marquis." he starts over in that direction.

Aureth has joined the a brick and wood wishing well.

Jaenelle grins and is a hugger. Her family probably is resigned to this fact. She gives Victus a hug as his arms are outstretched and moves to sit where he has gathered. "Yes, it has been. I am sure your world has been void of any color and happiness since we last spoke. You're fine now." This is said with a completely straight face.

Turo has joined the small circular table.

Jaenelle has joined the long bench.

Ilvin arrives, as he usually does, alone, the popular little priest often eschewing escort. His cognac eyes widen slightly at the sight of all the people, scanning the crowd quickly, before settling on Orazio, Gisele, and Aleksei. He smiles warmly over at them, calling out a cheerful "Hallo!" as he takes his quick, light steps to join them.

Joslyn doesn't need to be asked, she moves to Viviana's side, murmering in her ear before she sighs and leans in against the other woman, eyes casting out over the green, whatever Viviana whispers in turn, it brings a smile to JOslyn's face.

Octavia looks at her brother, then at the crowd gathered, before stepping across the circle to speak to Orazio. Her tone is lowered, whatever she says for his ears alone.

Orazio gives Kima a quick hug if she allows, replies quietly to her, then steps back. He looks around at the growing crowd and shakes his head, seeming a touch bewildered by the press. "Well. Blessed Aleksei, let me know when you are ready? I assume that Lady Octavia's Champion will do likewise, when he or she is ready."

Serafine arrives and Leta isn't far behind. The Knight hip-checks Leta and gestures to some empty seats.

Harald stands silent and stonefaced at the south eastern edge of the Green. Arms crossed, one of the warriors near him glances frequently toward the distant Palace, anticipating some messenger.

Not moving to a bench, the aged Dominus instead steads somewhere on the edge of the crowd. He leans against his staff, waiting for the proceedings to begin. A spectator, like so many others.

Ford steps with Octavia as she moves out into the circle, but he stops a few steps in as she speaks with Orazio.

Aureth arrives in a flare of coat and moves to join the little knot of priests around the wishing well. Obnoxiously, he is humming.

Gisele's own smile is kindled by Ilvin's arrival. He is, of course, gestured to the patch of coolness which surrounds the wishing well. Said gesture then transitions to a wave, the handkerchief a flag of bright cotton to signal Saedrus. When it lowers, she turns back towards Aleksei-- something said leaves her brow rumpled.

Orazio listens to Octavia, and chuckles. He shakes his head and says a few words back to her.

Karadoc walked up behind Kima and Razie, giving a smile, and giving Razie a nudge. "Go get 'em."

Viviana gives Joslyn a little smile in return, before leaning back a little further in her seat... her attention flickering around the crowd for a brief moment as it continues to grow. "Well, seems half the city's turned out for this" she notes with amusement.

Titania nods her head when she arrives with Edward ahe is in a lovely violet and white dress (sporting house colors!) moving to stand near Ford, she has a lovely bow strapped to her back with a matching quiver there is a small smile to her lips when she holds onto Edwards arm. She looks between Octavia and Orazio as they speak.

VIolent entertainments for good reasons? Check. Half-naked Alley Cat oiled down and fighting the good fight? It better be check! A half-drunk Luca the Lazy swaying in with bigass grin and immediately calling out in eager and obnoxiously voluminous bellow? Triple check! "WOOOO! KICK HIS ASSH, ALLEY CAT!!!" No it doesn't matter that Luca hasn't even seen Aleksei through the crowds yet. He's just happy people are dueling again, even if they didn't hire the Champions guild properly to do it! And hey, even better, his wife's already here, so Luca's stalking her way with that languid duelist's grace managing to counter his state of inebriation, giving her (very likely disapproving) look a wry, lopsided sort of grin as he nears, leaning in to catch her up in a quick kiss on the neck, barring having gotten stabbed for making a scene. She really does need to pay someone to keep Luca in line in public someday.

Aleksei offers Octavia a cheerful smile when she approaches Orazio to exchange a few quiet words. "Mind telling me who I'm fighting, my lady?" he asks with crooked humor.

Bless Gisele! The handkerchief catches Saedrus' attention and the crimson draped Whisper heads towards her, stepping gracefully about persons to greet Gisele with a gentle bow and kiss to her cheek.

Ford takes a half step to the side as he begins unfastening his sword belt. He stops in front of the Thrax corner of the circle and hands Saffron's Edge off to Barbara who's waiting patiently on the sideline. Once she takes the sword she hands another to Ford.

Karadoc looked to Luca, giving him a bewildered look as to why the prince would be cheering on the Saik Lord. He shook his head, muttering something. "Joslyn is the Kennex champion. She told me yesterday, but I didn't realize who the other one in the duel was."

Saedrus has joined the a brick and wood wishing well.

Reese sighs when she hears Luca before she sees him and it is long suffering sigh. Her helmet is removed, allowing one to see the pink flush that matches the shade of satin ribbons. "Luca are you drunk?" She asks softly of the Prince.

It's so warm today, there's no telling whether Gisele is flushed from heat or publicly receiving a kiss from the Whisper. Her smile for Saedrus is quick and self-conscious, either way. "Gods bless, and welcome," she tells him quietly, before a quick glance about the green is chased by a look to those clustered in the Faith corner.

Joslyn nods to Viviana. "Yeah. It was pretty high profile. The publicity would've been nice, but..." she shrugs and blinks towards Karadoc. "Oh um... There's apparently been a change of plans."

Nightshade, a tiny black kitten, Penelope, Ariadne, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards arrive, following Dafne.

Mira is behaving herself tonight, being very, very quiet on the Long Bench near the Thraxians and Friends. Crossing her legs and smoothing her plaid skirt, Mira waits patiently, with decorum. No cheering or whistling this time.

Leta respectfully hip-checks Serafine in return, and waves a hand at her, affecting a serious look for serious purposes as she walks alongside the Velenosa princess, tilting her head and glancing around at the large crowd present for this.

Octavia seems unsatisfied with Orazio's answer, snipping briefly, then turning to Aleksei and offering, "I had hired a champion, but my lord brother has asked for the right to fight in my place. I would not refuse him that." With that, the woman turns on her heel and strides back across the circle to Ford, catching him by the shoulder and whispering in his ear, and then taking her place along the outside of the circle.

Reese has joined the small circular table.

Luca has joined the small circular table.

"Well, I'm sure there will be other chances, hmm?" Viviana replies lightly to Joslyn with a little smile. "I mean, let's be honest... no shortage of reasons for people to duel each other, hmm?" she adds cheerfully. "Just have to wait for the next one to roll around"

Serafine has joined the long bench.

Ford angles his head to the side upon Octavia's whisper. There's a nod. Words exchanged.

Leta has joined the long bench.

Kima gives Karadoc the side eye, but says nothing. Instead, she takes a seat and prepares to watch the duel as it unfolds!

Landroval, the Eagle leaves, following Graham.

Edward's eyes go up at the sudden change and then Edward moves to lead Titania over to the edge where Octavia will come to wait on. Then he will slip away to go stand over near Duke Grimhall.

Dafne and her kitten-ruled entourage (let's be honest, most things are ruled by kittens) arrive on the judgment green, and not too late it seems. The duchess hesitates, considering the seating.

Orazio sighs, and offers Octavia a polite bow as she withdraws, before looking over to Aleksei and offering a brief smile. He moves over to speak quietly to him.

Melinda watches Ford's exchange with Octavia and she tilts her head slightly as she watches rather attentively.

Joslyn has joined the small circular table.

Freja shifts her weight to one hip, producing a flask from her belt to drink deeply from.

Karadoc raised a brow at Joslyn, "Well, I should be glad for that at least, I would hate to cheer against you. I didn't realize you would be against my most dear Uncle Orazio." He smiled a bit, but then went to go join Kima and take a seat.

Titania looks concerned now her grip on Edwards arm tightens a bit, "I did not know he was fighting." she looks to Edward when he slips away she watches the Lord for a long moment then moves over to touch Octavias arm.

Carita is sitting at one of the small, circular tables. Watching the events unfolding with a detached sort of interest, as she cups her chin in the heel of her palm. Her free hand idles with the aquamarine shell at her throat - thoughts clearly elsewhere. But, soon she escapes her reverie and watches the rest of the Thraxian contingent.

Aleksei's brow arches at Octavia's response, and his gaze sweeps over to Ford curiously. Having divested himself of his longcoat, he considers his pile of gear for a moment, and then he reaches for a black leather longcoat that looks a step down from his white Archlector coat. He pulls it on, still considering the Kennex Marquis with a professional eye. He reaches for a plain steel longsword next in lieu of his alaricite

Aleksei gets an unadorned steel longsword with a leather-wrapped hilt from a black leather swordbelt.

Aleksei gets a black leather longcoat with gold stitching, embossed with a wolf sigil over the interlocking rings of the Faith from a black leather swordbelt.

Aleksei wields an unadorned steel longsword with a leather-wrapped hilt.

Ford sets his hand on his hilt as he steps forward, offering a hand to Aleksei, "Good luck."

Joslyn grins to Karadoc with a smile. "When I am hired as a champion, I am a tool for the defense of the honor of others. My opinions are irrelevant."

Harald acknowledges Edward's approach with a mute nod, arms still crossed over his armored chest. His eye fixed on the pair of duelists, he rumbles to the Redreef, "I await a call to council. If drawn away before this is done, tell me of the end."

Karadoc smirked, "Mine are simply irreverant." He gave a wink, "This should be interesting at least."

Eirene shouts from nearby, "Beat his ass, Aleksei!"

Edward gives a nod to the Duke, "Of course my Duke." he remarks as he tucks his hands behind his back and stands at attention. He tilts his head to study the Marquis as he goes out and says, "I will pay close attention."

Melinda nods to Harald as he speaks before she looks onto the scene at hand. This was her first ever Duel to watch and she leans up on her seat to watch, trying not to elbow Victus as she moves her eyes dancing every wich way, like a new goldfish in a bowl.

Karadoc has joined the small circular table.

Kima has joined the a brick and wood wishing well.

Carita has left the small circular table.

Carita has joined the small circular table.

Aureth checked composure + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Aleksei pulls away from his little group near the wishing well to face Ford with a wide, bright grin. "And you, my lord," he says, clasping the man's hand with his own: it may be wrapped, but his grip is firm. "Shall we get to it, then?"

Ford nods once, "As you like." Then he turns and steps back to his corner, lovely violet coat swooshing as he turns back towards Aleksei and finally drawing his blade.

Ford wields Judgement.

Orazio steps away a little bit from the group he's with, raising his voice to carry. "Let us uphold one of the ancient and holy traditions of Arvum, the honor duel. The duel is to first blood, between champions. May the gods look upon us and guide the hands of the chosen warriors."

With the duel poised to begin, Gisele shifts her stance just slightly to observe Aleksei's approach of Ford. Every attempt is made to school her expression into something suitably solemn, befitting the murmured prayer made beneath her breath as the champions square off.

Henrik arrives, delivering a message to Harald before departing.

Saedrus remains by the well, both hands held neatly folded at his front and his attention forward towards the duellists. Tranquil as ever.

Aleksei has left the a brick and wood wishing well.

Aleksei steps onto the field with Ford, rolling his neck with a sort of easy, relaxed athleticism. He gives his sword a few idle twirls in his hand, considering the weight of it -- certainly heavier than his usual -- and then offers the Marquis a wide, wolfish grin. "All right, then."

Titania eyes look to Ford not taking them off of him, her hands clasped in front of her while she watches and perhaps holds her breath.

Octavia checked composure at difficulty 7, rolling 6 higher.

Thena slips in quiet-like and, as always stuck between worlds, settles into a spot somewhere between the godsworn and the commoners.

Octavia clasps her hands behind her back, remaining stonefaced as she watches the two duelists square off and handle all of the necessary swooshes and sword twirls associated with a social cockfight.

Aleksei takes minor damage.

2 Grayson Guardsmen, Alejandra, a snowy white hound, Planchet, a young valet, 2 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Ainsley.

Carita has left the small circular table.

Artorius watches the two perform with admirable skill thus far, a wide smile appearing on his face as he cheers for really no one in particular.

Charlemagne the Unicorn arrives, following Larissa.

Remaining nonplussed and cool as possible, Ford keeps his sword lowered until he sees Aleksei ready himself. Then as the man approaches he lifts and takes a single step forward swiping downwards. It's an exciting opening gambit to be sure, especially after a series of dodges soon follow.

Saedrus checked charm + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 27 higher.

Larissa arrives fashionably late to the party and sidles up to Saedrus in the crowd. She doesn't say anything, she simply stands next to him and watches.

Freja has joined the large bench.

Despite a particularly effusive nature, Aleksei's early gambits have the look of someone testing defenses. His brow arches when Ford manages a blunt hit early on, and he circles back around with a sharp, focused interest on the Marquis before sidling in again.

Ford takes serious damage.

Orazio checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 2 higher.

Gisele checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 5 lower.

Gisele squeaks out a tiny, "Oh thank the gods."

Freja checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 7 lower.

Victus checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 29 higher.

Thena checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

Freja chokes on her whiskey, coughing and having to pound her closed fist against her sternum. The flask is dropped and Freja doubleds over, hands on her knees in the midst of that fit.

Aureth checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 5 higher.

Orazio does not jump up and down and fist pump the air. But it looks like it costs the Legate a bit of effort. He takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly, and then says, loudly, "The gods have spoken. Bless the Champions for their will and their skill, and bless the Pantheon and all who give praise to them."

"Hm. Damn." Victus shakes his head slowly and... shakes his head slowly at Freja. Bad, bad, bad.

Octavia checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 9 lower.

Serafine has left the long bench.

Griza have been dismissed.

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

There is a look down for a moment and then Edward lets out an exhale before he looks up at it again and glances to Harald for a moment before he looks back to the ring.

Ilvin checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 7 higher.

Luca's suddenly rushing out of his seat upright enough to nearly topple it, bringing hand to lips to let loose a truly ear-splitting shrill two-finger whistle even before he saw the blow land properly. He just saw where it was going. After which, there's a "WHOO ALLEY CAT!" He is _so_ going to get stabbed by Reese shortly.

Mira suddenly stands when a messenger arrives with a whispered message. Without word or explanation, she departs the field. Her eyes are a bit wide, her face a bit pale.

Mira has left the long bench.

Melinda looks over to Ford and then his sister as Ford gets hit, she stands from the bench, as things seem to be done. She looks over to Octavia with a little frown before she moves over to her Father. Slowly the lady walks over to Harald, "should I offer him first aid?" she asks him highly disappointed at how Thrax has preformed today.

There was the smallest tinge of pain and he felt the front of his shirt get warm. Ford blinks slowly and lifts his head slightly once he realizes what's happened and simply turns, returning towards the Thrax corner to get something to clean himself up.

Melinda has left the long bench.

Titania checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Artorius lets out a loud cheer at the heavy hits being made. He claps heavily "Fight your hardest!" he cheers, clearly enjoying himself.

In the end, it holds an air of efficiency. Aleksei is without much flourish as he slips in and out of Ford's reach, and that cut he finally manages across the Marquis' chest is exact and precise. There's a moment where his sword is still lifted, where he waits to make sure that Ford will acknowledge it, before he relaxes with a hint of a comradely smile and a respectful inclination of his head before the other champion withdraws. His gaze slides back over to the group of (mostly) Faith members near the well, his smile going a bit wider.

Harald gives a flat snort at the aftermath of Aleksei's telling stroke. A short nod to his daughter's query, and the Grim lord turns away, striding toward the palace.

Rolf, 5 Grimhall House Guards leave, following Harald.

Thena lets out a breath and bows her head, rubbing at the back of her neck. It's the only indication of some form of relief at the outcome.

Saedrus checked composure at difficulty 10, rolling 14 higher.

Eirene doesn't need composure. Like Luca, she's on on her feet and letting out a cheer. "Fuck yeah, that's that way!" She whistles loudly before taking a drink from her flask.

Karadoc gave a small clap and smile from his seat, a grin for his family, and a nod of satisfaction to Razie.

Ilvin neither cheers nor jumps, but as the fight ends as quickly and decisively as it does, his lips do curl in a soft smile of relief and quiet satisfaction. The matter is resolved. When Aleksei looks their way, the Archpriest of Limerance offers him a warm, congraturlatory smile and a quiet nod.

Titania held her breath during the entire thing seeing Ford hit and its serious she almost takes a step for him but she lets out the breath and stands where she is her eyes moving to octavia swallowing hard then to Ford.

Octavia is not controlling her emotions as well as the Legate, but why should she? Her face is twisted into an expression of rage as her brother walks back towards her - an expression he probably knows means he shouldn't open his mouth. "You disappoint me," she quips before stepping into the center of the circle.

Narciso checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 14 lower.

Luca is overheard praising Octavia for: Cooold.

    Merek looks over to Octavia as he notices her words and reaction, "Gloria has chosen," he states.

Aldwin is overheard praising Aleksei for: Gloria smiles on this one.

Luca is overheard praising Aleksei for: A beautifully efficient blow

Reese rises to her feet and joins the cheering for Aleksei. "Yays, Gloria favors the Legate. No flayings!"

Saedrus lifts his head fraction when that calling strike is made in Aleksei's favour. The courtesan sighs a gentle breath from his place by Faith and Saiks, smiling brightly again at last.

Orazio returns Aleksei's smile with a warm one of his own. He offers his champion a low, respectful bow. As he rises, he says, "Thank you, Blessed Aleksei. You fought well." A turn to Ford, and another bow. "As did you, Marquis. Thank you for your blade." Then, he turns to bow to Octavia, as well. "Lady Octavia. Let this be the end of our quarrel, as the gods have asked."

Reese is overheard praising Orazio for: He his cause is right. Gloria has spoken.

Turo leans back in his seat from the final exchange. "Well. That's that. I suppose." he shrugs, drinking from his flask. Nothing really more to said about that.

Orazio is overheard praising Ford for: For defending his sister's honor with courage and skill!

Kima, much like her cousin, the Stray, claps at the outcome of the fight. She also smiles like a cat that got the canary, quite smug. She does not, however, have anything to say. Instead, something seems to make her start...laughing.

Merek is overheard praising Ford for: Well fought.

Aureth is overheard praising Aleksei for: Nice.

Reese is overheard praising Aleksei for: He fights for the Faith and won.

Merek is overheard praising Aleksei for: Well fought.

Orazio is overheard praising Aleksei for: For being the gods hand in this quarrel.

Narciso seemed happy to let others comment on the end, focusing on his lute still, as if he hadn't noticed there was a duel going. But then he hears the words of Octavia... And he starts laughing. And clapping. "Good show! Good show!" he cheers. It's unclear whether he's talking of the duel or the aftermath.

With the udgement of the blades meted out, Aldwin turns back for the rectory and drags his retinue with him. Not literally.

Aleksei is overheard praising Ford for: An honorable match by the Kennex Marquis.

Artorius is overheard praising Aleksei for: Well done!

Gisele reins back in that slip of composure, chin tucked and a hitching breath taken. Her cheeks flame. Distraction comes in the form of Bern stepping up behind her and murmuring in her ear. The priestess listens, nods, and-- with smiles for those who stand with her, and a brighter beam for Aleksei-- she turns to slip from the field.

Artorius is overheard praising Ford for: Well fought friend!

Scholar Neve, Sir Barrett, 1 Knight of the Temple leave, following Aldwin.

Gisele has left the a brick and wood wishing well.

Bern, a quiet acolyte leaves, following Gisele.

Victus stands with a nod to those at the bench and a flash of a wink at Freja. He just saved her life in case nobody else noticed. "Be well, cousin. The rest of you also." He waves his hands toward them and lets out a loud whistle for his guardsmen. Victus and his retinue set out for the palace.

Leta watches the fight to its conclusion, and lifts her hands to applaud with a grin to Aleksei, though she remains quite comfortably seated. It's all the bandages on her arms, perhaps. That, and she largely looks a little nonplussed at the rest of the proceedings.

Aureth is overheard praising Ford for: It honors the gods to serve as champion for those you are sworn to protect, even when the odds are against you.

Larissa frowns a touch as people begin to blame Ford for the loss - a sour expression marring her lovely face "Disappointing indeed" Though it was clear she wasn't speaking about Ford or Aleksei. "Well fought Champions!" she applauds the pair of them

Eirene is pretty much emptying her flask as the cheers and praises flow. "Wow, bitchy much," she says of Octavia, eyebrows raised. "Good job Leksei," she calls again, saluting him with her flask. "And good on you, Marquis. Was a good effort."

"Forgive me if I feel slighted by the gods, by being told to accept your insult, Legate," Octavia replies in a sour tone. "Nevertheless, as I agreed, I will speak of it no more."

Aureth checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

    Merek stares at Octavia, even if she is a noble, the stare he gives is one of disgust.

"Well fought. Well done. Good show, and so on. Gods bless; I'll see you at home." That last is clearly only for his actual roommates and not everybody else. Aureth sketches a little bow. He raises an eyebrow at Octavia, but behaves himself. He smiles very faintly, and then turns aside to stroll off across the Green.

Aureth has left the a brick and wood wishing well.

Binky, an asshole crow, Gregory, an unassuming disciple leave, following Aureth.

Jaenelle shoos off Victus who became her sudden escort to this dual for important matters, though she seeks out another. Luca. Luuuuccccaaa. She heard him, it is hard not to hear the loud man. "Luca!" she calls out, hoping he might see the small woman.

"Champions?" Narciso blinks upon hearing Larissa. "There were Champions?" He squints. "I see only one." And he points to Joslyn. "Or are we using the term in general? This is confusing."

Titania moves over to help Ford if he needs it, concern on her face for the man she whispers top him.

Orazio looks at Octavia, and his expression becomes solemn. "Lady Octavia. Remember what I asked of you, if I win? Consider that in this matter, perhaps it is not the gods who are wrong, but you. We can honor and believe in our culture, while still recognizing the places where it is terribly wrong. I was raised in the Lyceum, and there is more than one form of poison." He extends a hand. "Think about it. That is all that I ask."

Thena sort of shakes herself off like a cat that got splashed with something, shoves her hands in her pockets, and meanders off.

Victus has left the long bench.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Fluffy Maine Coon leave, following Victus.

Luca let's out a hugely inappropriate laugh that may or may not have been timed right after that comment, but even _he's_ looking a little embarrassed at his own outburst and is hiding it by bringing his volcanic glass flask to his lips as if that totally covers it up. TO Narcisco's comment, Luca's quipping aside with a grin. "Hey now! You see two at least. I'm the master at arms of the guild after all! But the terms' general for anyone acting the part generally, even if they don't go through the Guild."

Aleksei makes his way back towards the direction of the wishing well, offering a few bright grins to those he's recognized as offering him cheers -- Luca and Eirene, for one. He's just drawing close to Saedrus when he catches Octavia's words and his brows sweep upwards in surprise, his gaze sliding between her and Orazio.

Aleksei has joined the a brick and wood wishing well.

Dafne is overheard praising Aleksei for: Well fought for the Faith.

Dafne is overheard praising Ford for: He acquitted himself honourably.

Ford shakes his head to Titania as he takes his sword sets it on the bench in the Thrax corner and sits down. He laces his fingers together in front of him and stares ahead, brow lowered ever so slightly.

Freja has left the large bench.

Dafne applauds for the fighters, and glances askance to Octavia at her words to the Legate, her brow knitted in a faint frown.

"And yet you already mentioned it again, Lady Octavia." Reese calls out. She then sits back down, taking her seat close to Luca.

Kima opens her mouth as if to speak, but having overheard Orazio's reply to Octavia, the Baroness reconsiders. Instead, she remains silent, hands clasped behind her back.

Larissa turns to Narciso and smiles "Funny isn't the things you don't know about people.... All kinds of things one might imagine. Aleksei may be called Archlector now bt he wasn't always and I certainly think the Marquis stood well as one. Though I see others are all too eager to disagree it appears. Perhaps some time reflecting over Gloria is what's needed." she shrugs lightly.

Edward takes the few steps to stand near Ford and Titania, knowing she is near them. Putting himself also near Octavia though he stands still more out of the way. He keeps his hands behind his back and he continues to listen to the goings on.

Joslyn blinks to Narciso. "I /am/ a champion, and Ford chose to champion his sister instead. It isn't my place to choose who Lady Kennex chooses to represent her," she says, curling into Viviana a bit more. She seems to not want any real part in the conversation, just innocent cuddles.

Luca belatedly catches sight of his cousin and is seeking another excuse for escaping attention he's drawn down by calling out. "Jae!" and with a quick kiss of Reese's cheek and a murmur to his table, he's slipping off towards her own with only a faint unsteadiness from his clear inebriation.

The courtesan seems, for once, oblivious to much else going on about the park as Aleksei makes his way over to him. Saedrus dips his head in a gentle bow to the Archlector before his gaze cants towards Orazio and Octavia briefly before his whispers to Aleksei.

Orazio listens to Octavia's whisper, and shakes his head. "The matter is settled. I shall not reopen it." His hand is still extended to the lady, offering to seal the end of the quarrel with a handshake.

Luca has left the small circular table.

Luca has joined the long bench.

Ilvin tilts his head, moving quietly to stand near and behind Orazio, in silent support of the Legate as he watches Ocatvia closely, curiously. Unlike some others, there is no disgust or disdain in his expression for the woman's response. In fact, his look is almost one of quiet understanding, compassionate even when he stands on the opposite side of the issue. Still, whatever his thoughts, he remains quiet and keeps his own counsel, letting Orazio and Octavia settle the matter between them without interruption.

Octavia's final words are for Orazio's ears only, though her sour expression doesn't leave her face. She takes his hand and shakes it once, then motions for her guards as she turns away. Let the people who don't know why she called for the duel talk trash, if they choose. She's keeping her word by departing before she says something she'll regret.

Narciso nods to both Larissa and Joslyn. "So that's how it works! Good to know! Never paid attention to duels myself." he shrugs. The Confessor then tilts his head. "So a Champion can be a champion, but a champion doesn't need to be a Champion. But Champions prefer to champion because otherwise they're not doing much as Champions, while still allowing other champions. Yes?"

Gino, a surly sailor arrives, following Antonio.

Gino, a surly sailor leaves, following Antonio.

Leta just frowns at the exchange on champions and gods and so forth. Not so much in disapproval as confusion, really. If she has an opinion, she doesn't express it. Puzzlement doesn't quite count as an opinion.

Orazio shakes, briefly. Then he sighs, and also turns away, moving back towards the wishing well and the group there. His expression is thoughtful, and not as pleased as it was a moment ago.

Larissa tries very hard not to smile at Narciso. In the end she admits it is a losing battle and sends a grin in his direction "You have it precisely, darling. Well done. It's simple really." she dimples.

Titania sits down with Ford and looks to Edward when he moves closer then back to ford she is concerned and speaks to him in soft words.

Karadoc moved over, giving a small nudge to Orazio, along with a bit of silent support.

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

    Merek stands up and shakes his head a bit. He then takes a moment to brush his cloak around his frame. He looks over to Orazio, and then moves in his direction. He seems thoughtful a moment, and just nods.

Eirene calls out to Ford, "You want me to slap a quick dressing on that?"

Joslyn blinks to Narciso and than just nods. "Yeah... I guess? Bloody..." she sighs. "I just hope people remember that I am always ready to stand to defend honor... or. Well, I'll fight duels for people. It's the most fun I can have between invasions."

Saedrus' bright evergreens blink as he turns to spot Karadoc. The courtesan smile warmly and dips in an elegant bow, spilling snowy hair over his shoulder as he does. "Lord Karadoc," he greets kindly as he rises to stand.

Melinda was about to call to Ford, though she smiles a bit before she turns slowly and she moves along

Ford lifts a hand and shakes his head, "No. Thank you."

Titania checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.