For todays event the center of the tournament ground has been roped off to create a field for the coming melee. On three sides of the field groups of men and women gather after dressing themselves in the simple padded tunics and picking out one of the blunted fake weapons being handed out by a brightly clad event officer. Whilst each of those groups is nominally a team there will be no prize for teamwork today instead the prize goes to the last man standing. Some amongst the teams will no doubt group up but others will fight with a one against all mentality whilst others will pretend to be on your side until the perfect bloody moment. Anything to win!

A large blonde man in Malespero colors is acting as Herald today and he steps up onto the stands as time gets closed. "COMPETITORS!" he announces. "You have ten minutes before registration closes!"

Aconite sinks into a seat in the quiet booth with Alejandro in tow. The Whisper watching as people start to fill in the seats to watch the Melee. She stands to curtsey respectfully to the Nobility arriving to sit nearby before sinking down into her seat once more.

She dressed in competitive colors, which is to say red and black. Redreef has a bit of a limited palette for when one is fronting for the County. But she figured something out, perhaps from a tailor she knows well. Either way, Martinique is present, daggers at the ready. Or fists. Or whatever. She's probably pre-gamed a bit, since she's living among Islanders.

Ian turns up with Jan, a little bit early, stumbling more than his share on the icy street. The tournament ground is easier for him to navigate, but even so, he looks relieved to sit down near Lucita. He turns up the collar to his coat, which is apparently his only real concession to the cold.

When the call to register happens Enyo is right there, putting her name down. Then she's off to change into padded tunic and get the blunted weapon. When she's done, she settles in to wait with the rest, letting her attention wander around the field and off. A few faces that she recognizes get a quick, cheerful wave and a flash of a smile before she's looking at the next person.

Dressed in gleaming, diamondplate armor, Gaspard steps out onto the field, striking a few stretches.

Ann has joined the General Seating.

Lucita enters the tournament grounds using careful steps. She is bundled up snuggly in a cloak that does a lot to conceal her form. She takes a seat in a quiet area from which she can easily observe. She lifts her hand to wave toward people she knows as she spots them amid the crowd.

Jan arrives at a slightly exaggerated swagger like someone who hasn't got their land legs yet. Rubbing her rump and rolling a shoulder she arrives with Ian who she flashes a grin and a thumbs up "Wish me luck, cousin!" then weaves off to get her name added to the list.

Valdemar is dressed mostly in black, like a good Mourning Islander, as he takes the field to join the melee. He stretches a bit, limbering up since he has forgone heavy army today, before drawing his weapon and looking over the other competitors while waiting to begin.

Caspian turns up, armored and ready. his face is bright with a smile and he drinks from the flask he carries. he swings his arms, loosening up a bit and giving smiles and waves to people he knows. He beams t Savio as the teams are declared. "Ahah! so should i be expecting a club from behind from my own teammate?" he winks playfully and grins. "And Dame Martinique! its always a pleasure to fight alongside you. though.. i feel our alliance is to be short lived"

Savio is on team BLUE with Caspian and Martinique! Glorious! Beautiful! Unstoppable! Not super smart! What a dream team. The equipment of the day seems to be the padded tunics and blunted weapons, of which he is in possession per the rules. Half paying attention, he wonders dreamily, "You guys sober?"

Martinique scoffs at Savio, "Sober? For this?"

Caspian waggles a blunted baton at savio and smirks, "always! i dont think you have ever even seen me drunk!"

Savio squints briefly at Caspian, as though unable to process this fully, then looks at Martinique. "So we need to take Caspian on a pub crawl."

And then there's a whirl of Martinique's head at Caspian. "What is WRONG with you? Drink immediately!"

Ann makes her way to take a seat in the general area. There are many here she knows who is competing they get finger waves from her as she settles in her seat. Excited to see who will actually be the last person remaining out in the field. No bets made though.

Caspian cackles, twirling the batons and smirking, "maybe i have an exceptionally high tolerance? What if you are both shit faced before i even get tipsy! then im stuck trying to carry both opf you home.. savio under my arm, martinique over my shoulder! what a sight!"

Cillian dressed in his leathers as normal but the man does not seem to be heading for the seats, no he is heading for the field. His cheeks and nose slightly pink already perhaps he had a few drinks before coming, he eyes those on the field and a deep breath is taken as he rolls his shoulders and readies himself for what is to come.

As it becomes clear things are going to start //very soon//, Enyo's attention at least refocuses on those on the field instead of staring off into the empty air. She starts to move, picking up her feet, then her knees. It's clear she's warming up muscles that may just have gotten stiff in the cold while she was daydreaming.

The cold air has nothing upon the shrill jingling noise of the bells upon Mattheu Rivenshari as he nearly bounces through the snow to the fighters field. *gasp* even his weapons have bells on them. A nod to Savio as he hops into the ring for the melee battle. "At least one of us will be showing that Princess Keely makes good choices in proteges, yeah?" There's a look around the group as he spots Cillian and Caspian, then Gaspard. That up, up, up, Yup. that's Gaspard alright. Clapping his hands softly together as the fighters all join to the middle, "Sober? How about when ever someone gets pushed out we put them to being the one to keeping the kegs warm?"

Gaspard dips a nod down to Mattheu, and others that he recognizes. He is otherwise silent, standing in the field, ready for combat.

Savio waves his hands airily in an 'it is what it is' kind of way at Caspian's prediction of a night out. "I have full confidence in you. Also I am taking this for agreement that you will go on a pub crawl with me." He does spot a few more familiar faces and offers a blown kiss toward Enyo, mwah, and a 'hah' toward Mattheu. "Princess Keely has only the very best taste in proteges, I think that's a given."

Ian sinks into a slouch, his expression dispassionate. He's probably paying attention, but he doesn't look especially engaged.

The announcer declares "And we're closed to new entrants. Competitors! If your ass touches the ground. You're out. If your body leaves the field. You're out. If you get knocked unconscious. Ouch and you lost. The winner will be the last person still standing at the end of the day." He lifts a black flag high above his head before releasing it to flutter down towards the ground. "FIGHT!"

Jan has left the Quiet Booth.

Savio has rolled 1 6-sided dice: 3

Mattheu has rolled 1 6-sided dice: 1

Caspian has rolled 1 6-sided dice: 3

Jan wields an exotic twin headed flail bound to a short handle.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Savio is successful.

Gaspard checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Gaspard is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Mattheu is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and huge wpn at easy. Valdemar marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Caspian is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique fails.

Enyo checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Enyo is successful.

Cillian checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Cillian fails.

Jan checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Jan is successful.

Savio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Savio is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian marginally fails.

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Valdemar is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mattheu is successful.

Stojan, a cleverly reserved assistant, 3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards, Cato, a stealthy non-descript man arrive, following Denica.

"Ah, you assholes!" Martinique has missed her first attack because she has to dodge the assaults of others. She swipes her blunted dagger in the air at Enyo but misses as she has to avoid several other attempted hits, some of which she greets with "Hey! Unfair!" even as she scampers aside, readying her false blade for all else.

There is no kindness in Gaspards gaze as he advances upon Caspian, and despite it being a tournament Melee, Gaspard is rather ruthless in the swing of his dulled sword, as when his sword is blocked, he follows up with a hefty left hook to Caspians jaw, his own jaw set firmly, lips pursed. It's then that he notes Cillian out of the corner of his eye, leaping back in time!

Artists function on their own schedule, where time is merely a concept. As such, Denica slips in quietly at some point during the event. She's got her big floppy hat on again, and hides behind the brim. Keeping away from the crowd, she seems to be eying up a quiet place to sit, seeming a bit withdrawn or at least, more subdued then usual. Clutching her own choice of weapon, she holds her sketchbook tight against her, scanning the crowd for a place to sit, while glancing quickly to get a look at who is fighting with subtle curiosity.

"Fancy meeting you here!" Enyo calls towards Savio in response to the blown kiss, then as soon as it starts she's moving. Quickly, it seems, making the choice to attack Savio, even while the attack from Martinique comes towards her. She doesn't dodge, just isn't there when Martinique struck because she was focused in on Savio. She didn't even notice it possibly, so focused on taking a swing at Savio, amused and highly entertained by her choice of target, and the response of him when she attacks.

Jan has already chosen her target as she takes up her flail. She leans in to listen when Mattheu whispers to her and nods, not altering her target. Instead she hefts and advances to swing on Martinique but taking great care not to get in Mattheu's way "This is a melee, Love, what did you think was going to happen if you joined in?"

Jordan, apologetic Gentleman of the Chamber arrives, following Noah.

Noah has joined the General Seating.

Noah has left the General Seating.

Noah has joined the Quiet Booth.

Caspian is waiting for the signal to start and launches forward, laughing merrily as he does! "See! if iw ere drunk for this id be libel to just trip over my own feat!" he looks around for a target and spies the jingling lord. baton whirling he jumps forward to strike a flurry of blows.. only to be parried, dodged and made to look impotent in the most spectacular. "Well done my..aaah!" he staggers back from the towering Gaspard, parrying his blows as best he can. Caught unprepared, the heavy blow to his chin sends him staggering back, blinking vehemently to try and stop the world from spinning and and get his feet back under him as he wobbled a bit.

When a start is called for the melee, Valdemar advances on Martinique purposefully. It isn't until he is about to swing his blunted greatsword at her that he realizes that two others apparently had the same idea. At that point it is too late to change course, though, and so he swings, narrowly missing her due to the distraction of the others, not to mention Savio coming to attack him, which he just barely gets his sword back in place to bat away the incoming weapon.

Aconite cheers with the crowd and claps as the flurry of blows are exchanged, though she does lean over to Alejandro and ask quietly about something which the Torean Champion responds to before falling quiet. Aco continues to cheer though she doesn't appear to have a favorite.

"I am so happy to see you he--" AH, ATTACKED! Attacked by Enyo! BETRAYED! FOOLED AND TRICKED. "Ah, AH, no longer happy to see you here!!" Savio informs Enyo, though he is laughing as he manages to slip past her attack, juuuust barely. And no luck in attacking Valdemar either, who handily blocks him, though the Saffron islander warns, "I'm not smart enough to learn from that," as though to suggest he will come back for more on that one.
Back to Enyo's attacking self, though. "Stoppit!" laughing. "Are you bribeable?!" No one said bribery is against the rules.

The flurry of bells singing in each swing, step, and dodge upon both attacker and weapons only tells ALL where exactly Matthue is in the massive onslaught of melee that is taking place. As he charges to slide upon the sands towards Martinique seeking to kick her from her feet and she is swearing at all that attack. He is quickly thrown into a dodge from Caspian as glaive swings over his head with bells upon the chain singing out to block the charge from the Champion, laughing as he attempts to swing the blade upon staff out towards his target. "Oh. I see! Take a fun spar from the night before, trying to seek out the same options of openings! Caspian! I wasn't even aiming for you!" Mattheu does look over his shoulder quickly to see where Cillian is, then a wink to Gaspard as the glaive glances from blocking Caspian and into a swinging arc for Martinique. Only as he is hoping to his feet at end of that swing does he start to run forwards, with a hop to seek out where Cillian in. "I'm coming for you next Cillian!"

Have you ever thought to yourself what does the personification of arrogance look like? Well the answer is soon at hand as Archduke Noah Velenosa strides into the the Tournament Grounds. His bluish eyes sweep over the people as he does sort of a silent sigh of disapproval. This does not stop him from going to the /quiet/ booth and tossing himself upon it. A nod of his blondish head to those that greet him.

The surge of combatants in the melee quickly turn the battlefield into a surge of chaotic motion that pulls some combatants apart whilst pushing others back together again.

Cillian does not waste time, he is on the move with his blunt sword. His line of sigh is on his prey and the hunter is on the move there is just one problem there is a giant wall in his way! So it is the wall that he goes for. His movements are quick but not quick enough or perhaps he was surprised by Gaspard just about knocking Caspian silly. But the swing comes and the man has already moved out of his reach there is the soft sound of his own bells that ring out.

Ann is steadily watching the field as the melee starts. Looking impressed as she hears Martinique and how well they are doing. But now she's watching Gaspard. There's a wince as she watches Gaspard and Caspian and covers her face with a hand but still peeking through her fingers. This is exciting! Eyes widen as she watches Caspian and then she's tracking Valdemar. And now that same gaze finds Matti in the field. There's a snort from Ann when she hears Matti's declartion. "Oh spirts..." Laughing she watches what is going on now as she attempts to dig her own flask out of her pocket. Its a bit cold out here for even a Northerner.

Denica has joined the Quiet Booth.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Savio marginally fails.

Gaspard checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Gaspard fails.

Valdemar checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Botch! Valdemar fails completely.

Martinique checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Martinique is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Mattheu is spectacularly successful.

Enyo checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Enyo is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Caspian is successful.

Cillian checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Cillian fails.

Jan checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Jan is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and athletics at normal. Valdemar is successful.

Gaspard checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Gaspard fails.

Enyo checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Enyo is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Caspian is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Martinique is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Valdemar is successful.

Martinique checks dexterity and dodge at daunting. Martinique fails.

Mattheu checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Mattheu is successful.

Cillian checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Critical Success! Cillian is spectacularly successful.

Jan checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Jan is successful.

Savio checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Savio is spectacularly successful.

Gaspard checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Gaspard is successful.

Gaspard takes a brutal shot to his knee, causing him to stumble and fall, hitting the ground with a THUD and rattle of armor

"I might just be bribable. What are you offering?" Enyo wonders, laughing at Savio's antics. But maybe, just maybe she assumes that he really will offer her a bribe of some kind because she switches her attention off Savio. Instead she turns towards Martinique, who seems to have targeted her not once, but twice. She knocks aside the attack from her, and takes a quick swipe of her own towards the woman with her blunted sword.

Jan keeps on pressing Martinique "You are quick!" She turns to Mattheu "Can you believe it took three? attackers?" She turns in a sharp pivot then and attacks Enyo who is both nearby and not on her team.

With just a second to think it over, Valdemar turns his focus entirely to Savio, squaring up with him. As he steps in to take a swipe at him, though, he trips. Over his own feet, over a clump of grass, it is hard to tell what causes it, but he stumbles and almost falls down entirely, just recovering in time to get out of the way of Savio's counterattack.

"Wait, bribery is on the table?" Martinique asks of Savio. "I know we're on the same team but--hey, you other guys, would you just take money not to hit me?" She's serious about this inquiry even as she rushes Enyo with no hesitation. Of course that's just the first part of the course, and she fights against three opponents; two she manages to parry but the third, Mattheu, she falls against, a blow to her head she can't overcome; she falls and the servants drag her aside.

Caspian staggers back, trying to parry the onslaught of blows from the bigger man. Any of his attacks seem to either get parried, avoided, or simply land with no effect on Gaspard. the edge is quickly rushing up behind him and Caspian begins to look around for a way out, when someone strikes a blow to Gaspard. the man's relentless assault stops and Caspian manages to finally get his feat back under him

Cillian moves to continue to dance with Gaspard even if he can't hit the wall he can keep him distracted while Caspian does though, when the man goes down he looks to him, "Stay Wall." as if to tell him not to get back up, he looks to Caspian a smirk comes to his lips. Not exactly the prey he was looking for but he does spot Mattheu, "I'm coming for you Mattheu!" he calls in return to the fast moving River Lord.

Ian says quiet goodbyes and slips off, his demeanor abstracted.

Gaspard gets up, dusts himself off, shakes his head and walks over to the stands, not looking pleased.

Ian has left the Quiet Booth.

Jan leaves, following Ian.

"Money? Favors? Promises? Entertaining poems about how you are the best person ever?" Savio offers bribery to Enyo. This distraction might cost him some accuracy and technique in trying to fight Valdemar, who is rather handily avoiding the Saffron Islander's practice-weapon attentions.

Ilira has been here. When she arrived is unclear, but she lingers in the background and on the outskirts, her delicate alaricite talons laced serenely at her waist. She looks on from her vantage point with a bright, steady gaze, attentive to each participant until a particular clash holds her attention.

Gaspard has joined the General Seating.

There's a wince when Ann sees Gaspard has fallen and then sees him dusting himself off. If he's coming her way she hands him her flask and tells him, "Drink this." But now she's busy looking at Cillian and Matti. Shaking her head with a small smile at the threats being offered out in the field.

Once again the fights on the field shift like a living creature offering opportunities for contestants to slip away and fight different opponents in different places. Out there on the field its getting muddy and difficult to keep your footing in the snow. Its also extremely hard to see who is where and who is who until after you've planted a fist in their face. Rather like reality really.

Gaspard accepts the flask, upending it and sitting there in relative, negative air silence. "Thanks." He says aside to Ann, idly kneading his knee with a bit of a wince.

Jan is overheard praising Pasquale.

Ilira's attention fixates notably on Caspian in the aftermath of his fight with Gaspard, assessing him from afar with a small, fretful crease to her brow. Shaking her head faintly, she turns away and heads instead toward a proper seat.

Ilira has joined the Quiet Booth.

The Rivenshari's glaive sings through each swing and finds a final blow as others come after Martinique. The swing filled with bells finding their song as Mattheu pulls at the chain to allow a quick duck and slide into roll away from others seeking to attack him as well. Even as the battle is upon the sands he dances as if there are slippery water filled decks to content with. Pulling the glaive back and letting a small curved blade set ready to block and parry before he rolls back to where the servants are dragging Martinique to the side, a nod to the taller of the two assistants that follow him. Violeta reaches into a satchel to produce a colorful bottle and hands it to one of the servants, while Mattheu calls out. "Get her the bottle as she wakes. The pear might bring her about, or allow her find a moment of drunkeness while the rest of us find bruises!" He then looks back to Caspian, "I'm ready for you now Champion! And if not, I'll have plenty to drink while THE WALL known as Lord Gaspard pummels you to the floor!" There's a look to Gaspard as if this is his chance.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Savio is successful.

Enyo checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Enyo is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Botch! Valdemar fails completely.

Jan checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Jan is successful.

Ann looks to Gaspard and tells him, "You can have the whole thing." Laughing when she sees that is what he has done. "You know what? I need to get you shit faced. Probably help with the knee too." Only to be distracted as she watches Matti out in the field and there's a soft sigh that comes from her and her features soften as she rests her chin on a hand. Nudging Gaspard after a moment, "This is suppose to be fun. But maybe we can find more training for you, yeah?"

Cillian checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Cillian is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Mattheu marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Caspian is successful.

Jan checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Jan is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and athletics at normal. Valdemar is successful.

Gaspard drains the flask dry. "It was fun. Until I was the first man out. Pathetic." He comments aside to Ann. "Not a good impression of a Templar knight. He who would protect the weak." With a look at Ann before offering the emptied flask back. "Thank you. And yes, I may just need more training."

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Valdemar is successful.

Enyo checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Enyo marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Caspian is successful.

Jan checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Jan fails.

Jan checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Jan fails.

Noah is sitting at the Quiet booth... quietly. Of course, he may or may not be speaking to one of them. His lips do move every so often. A hand is extended towards Jordan. There is a bottle handed to him. Noah shows all the grace and etiquette by drinking out of it. His eyes stay on the fighting.

Jan swings her practice flail at Enyo, following through clearly planning to pivot to come back again. Instead what happens is the momentum carries her right into the perfect position for near by rivals to have an unchallenged opening at Jan's tender bits. An emphatic cuss is vaulted from her lips as her muscular rump leaves a butt-shaped crater in the sand.

Maybe it /was/ his own feet he tripped over the first time, because Valdemar does it again, stumbling as he goes to swing his blunted greatsword at Savio, and thus swinging wide by a large margin. Planting his sword to stop his fall, he once again just barely manages to avoid the other man's counterattack. Shaking his head a bit, he squares back up and remarks, "One of these times you're going to make me pay for that."

"Favors, promises...I also like poetry." Enyo points out to Savio, starting to turn towards the others. Since negotiations are still open with Savio he is currently not on her list of people to attack. So instead when the light swipe comes from Jan she blinks, laughing once more before turning her full attention towards her, stepping in to take a swing, "Oh, well, yes...let us dance then!"

Caspian lunges forward, laughing a bit as he swings the baton to land a blow against the side of Jan! a cheapshot, and he felt bad about it right after! thankfully, the universe saw to him and Cillian and Mattheu were there to make sure he took his punishment. His eyes flew wide "Oh shii---!!!" he back pedaled frantically, parrying dodging and twisting. "Oh so THATS how its going to be?! alright then!" he waggled his baton between the pair, "Lets see who gets it first!" his smile was broad, though a massive bruise was growing on his chin..

Jan is overheard praising Martinique.

Ann snickers when she sees who Caspian is suppose to melee with. "Oh spirts." Hiding her face in Gaspard's broad arm. She's sure she will hear the result when needed.

Jan is overheard praising Enyo.

"What about a favor /and/ a poetry?" Savio's tipsy ass promises Enyo. "Is that enough bribery for... an alliance?! We could be the last ones standing, Enyo! To the very end! Don't tell Caspian," he adds, although Caspian probably can hear him anyway. All this chit-chat, though -- even he has spotted Ilira over there and he waves! It's not great for his attack game, and he laughs as Valdemar squares back up from a stumble. "Oh, it is all in good fun. Maybe I should pay some more attention then, huh?"

Jan has joined the High Booth.

Mattheu makes sure that a bottle of the completely not at all stolen, no one tell Eshra - bottle of Pryania Pear liqueur is set for Martinique, then takes to his feet in a hop and jump. Nearly dancing through the battle to find Caspian, the Champion having called him out as he was at end of swing and block with his glaive. Bells singing in each step and danced step to side to ensure anyone seeking to attack him was well outside of his range. Only to jump to the air with the glaive, and bells upon chain to be wrapped upon his hand. Slicing through the air to find that Cillian is attacking as well and the initial slice is pulled back, failing its mark. Then to dodge from two possible blows as he laughs as both his friends. "If you're not wearing some set of bells after this then I failed!" he calls out to Caspian.

Lifting a hand to gently pinch Anns chin, Gaspard says, "Don't hide away. Look on. Be strong." He says gently to Ann, though he's clearly amused.

It takes a minute but Martinique crawls back awake and heads for the booths. She has blood flowing from her nose but she's survived that before. She'll sit, politely, and watch the rest of the matches.

Ilira brightens considerably as she waves and beams back at Savio, pointing out Valdemar in the same motion. She is half-twisted in her seat to watch the ongoing melee over the back of the booth.

Aconite talks amongst those in her booth but she is watching and occasionally a confused look crosses Aconite's face but Alejandro is quick to lean in and whisper something to her which grants some understanding.

Martinique has left the Field.

Martinique has joined the Quiet Booth.

Ann grunts at Gaspard but he's pinching her chin. That is a distraction and she's looking back out in the field. Laughing when she hears Matti's words. "He's going to have all of Compact wearing bells at this rate." Lips upturned. "I know who you are rooting for. You don't have to tell me." But now she's looking for Cillian.

As the melee progresses the green tunics start to become a rarity. Red ones seem to be almost everywhere. With so many fewer people on the field the opportunities to shift and move between opponents start to become more and more challenging. Soon it seems you will have to finish the fights you start before moving on.
Up in the stands Pasquale leans to speak softly with his companion. His attention rarely straying from the grand brawl-melee going on in the center of the tournament. The announcer, closer to the edge of the arena, and far louder than Pasquale could ever be announces "And Lady Jan Kennex is out!"

Jan rises from the sand, shoves her flail back in it's loop and stiffly wobbles towards a seat to watch the rest of the fight "I really should have gotten names so I'd known who to cheer for..."

Cillian laughs as Caspian realizes both Mattheu and Cillian are coming at him. "YOu were in my way." he grins, there is a look in the Northern lords eyes he is enjoying this way to much. His eyes look to the side as Mattheu comes in to swing is pulled back, he shakes his head as his own bells rig out and he is ready for the attack.

Caspian has rolled 1 2-sided dice: 2

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Savio marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at normal. Caspian is successful.

Enyo checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Enyo is successful.

Cillian checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Cillian fails.

Valdemar checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Valdemar is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Mattheu is successful.

Savio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Savio is successful.

Enyo checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Enyo marginally fails.

Noah checks composure at normal. Noah is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Valdemar is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mattheu is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mattheu is successful.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian marginally fails.

Jan watches with interest to see how the rest of the lot do. Occasionally there is a wince or a soft appreciative whistle.

"Well I haven't given you much reason to pay attention thus far, Lord Amadeo," Valdemar responds before once again stepping toward him and swinging his blunted weapon. This time, however, he gets /much/ closer to his mark even if he doesn't manage to connect, bringing the greatsword down in a threatening arc, then goes on to bat away Savio's counterattack.

"Sounds like a very good deal to me." Enyo decides, taking the deal that Savio offers as she moves on to the next target. Once more she swings, and her sword is knocked away before she takes a hit that knocks her down. It's not hard enough for her to be out cold, but it makes her head swim a little before she is drug off the field and out of the melee.

Caspian looks back and forth and back and forth.. then settles on mattheu! he lunges forward, swinging a strike at the man, "Have at you and your bells!" he stood, shocked for a moment, as the man seemingly flowed out of the way of the strike. Caspian expected a parry, and was off balance! he stumbled forward, the momentum carrying him forward and almost knocking him down. it was fortuitous, as he the strike cillian had aimed at him whistled by. caspian regained his footing.. clearly the field was icey.. lets go with that.. and spun around. he looked to Cillian and grinned, "You tried to hit me! it was a good strike! im so proud! now hold still so i can return the favor!"

Ann is overheard praising Bonnie.

Mattheu looks to both Enyo and Caspian as the duo must have made a pact and charge for him. The glaive and bells are singing fast and loud as each swing and block are set. The chain upon staff is pulled back in while bells are still singing. Mattheu looks to Enyo as he blocks her shot to him, then to Caspian with a nod, "You're enlisting others to attack me for YOU? Is this because of our previous fights? Do you not wish to be naked upon the sands, giving a view and many chills to those that wish to lay with us?" He laughs while rolling away, seeking another place to find some safety within. As Enyo lands to the grounds he whistles over to Violeta with a nod to check on the lady, and possible pull her out of the way. Then resting with the bells to find his next target, or who he is to protect himself from.

Jan is overheard praising Mattheu.

"...Where did Martinique go?" Savio suddenly gasps like Valdemar is gonna know, or maybe Enyo. "MARTINIQUE!" She's nowhere in sight! Because he's not looking toward the stands. "SAVE ME SOME ALCOHOL!" Wherever she is, he is sure that is the message is important, and relayed. Block, block, the practice weapons clatter against each other; Savio is using a much smaller blade but he's quick, even if inattentive. "I've just realized this is a mirrormask-on-mirrormask fight, no?" some amusement there. "I feel the need to question it."

Cillian laughs at Caspian, "You know what happens when you get between the hunter and prey don't you." he smirks at the Champion as he continues to move not giving the man the chance of him staying still to hit him, he is going to make the man work for it. His eyes look to Mattheu as he licks his lips then his eyes go back to Caspian now.

The fight whittles its way down until there are only five people remaining on the field. Savio and Valdemar have been facing off for a while now and that fight seems set to continue until one of them finally loses the match whilst Caspian, Cillian and Mattheu seem to be in a three way brawl. Theres an oooooh sound of dissapointment mixed with several cheers from the stands as the Enyo is dragged off the field. "Lady Enyo Malvici is out!"

Enyo has left the Field.

"They are some civilized combatants," Martinique wil comment as she watchers. "Savio I'm up here because I got knocked out--but don't worry!:" she waves her glass at him as reassurance,

Ann shakes her head and is nudging Gaspard, "They are still standing!" Laughing too.

Gaspard is nudged, chuckling some. "Thanks, captain obvious."

Caspian checks dexterity and small wpn at hard. Caspian is successful.

Out indeed! Enyo doesn't even look disappointed by it, mostly cross-eyed for a moment, but then amused by it. After she regains her feet she moves on to finding herself a place to sit, stretching her legs out in front of her before she lifts her hands to cup her mouth, calling out, "Kick his ass!!"

She could be talking to any of those still out on the field.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at hard. Savio is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Mattheu is successful.

Cillian checks dexterity and medium wpn at normal. Cillian is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Valdemar fails.

Lucita has left the Quiet Booth.

Lucita bids those at the quiet booth a goodbye and carefully makes her way out.

1 Saik Guard, Micana, an efficient assistant leave, following Lucita.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian marginally fails.

Caspian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Caspian is successful.

Noah has left the Quiet Booth.

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Critical Success! Valdemar is spectacularly successful.

Jan issues a sharp whistle to Enyo and hoists her flask in invitation!

Noah stands to his full height as he stretches a bit. Then he moves to leave. He nods to those he knows before striding out.

Cillian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Cillian is successful.

Jordan, apologetic Gentleman of the Chamber leaves, following Noah.

Aconite stands until Lucita and with a nod to Noah stands and leave before the Whisper seats herself agaon.

"Yes, I suppose we are," Valdemar affirms when Savio brings up their shared discipleship, "It probably /should/ be questioned." In spite of his words, he doesn't hesitate to attack him again, this time swinging in a horizontal arc that gets nowhere close, but at least the momentum from it carries him away from his opponent's intended blow and when he turns, the Duke finds himself in an advantageous position.

Never tell Savio you want to question something. He looks pretty delighted, even as he continues to trade attacks with his not-rapier practice weapon. Speed and reach are his thing, not large weapons of powerful strike! "Why are you here, what brought you here?" he asks. "Only for fun? For something to prove? Are those mutually exclusive? Should they be?" Teasing a bit, but he'd probably take answers, too.

Caspian is focused mostly on not getting hit as the barrage of attacks come flying at him. he dodged, he dipped, he ducked, he dove, and .. he forgot to do the last thing. As such.. cillian's blow caught him, a solid TWACK as he struggled to keep upright. it was a valiant struggle.. but a futile one. Down he was driven onto the ground, stunned and bewildered as the stage rushed to drag him off the field. "huh.. wha---.. did anyone see the horse that hit me..?"

Ann stares wide eyed at the field and sees that Caspian is down but not Matti or Cillian. She's tugging at Gaspard's sleeve, "Spirts like me!!" Lady Crovane may be just a little excited as it seems she can't contain her words and the tugging she's doing to her poor protege.

Gaspard laughs gently as his arm is tugged on, looking aside. He doesn't budge much though.

Cillian move quick on his feet, you have to be when your a scout. The man moves, he been learning as of late. The Northern man may look big, but his steps at light. His sword moves swinging at Caspian, not giving up when its blocked and he dodges him! When he notices the man leaves himself open he comes in with a hard swing hitting and then pushing off the man sending him to the ground. He twirls his sword in hand as his body turns to look to see who else there is.

"And the Champion Caspian is out!" Declares the event announcer. "Only four remain! Will chivalry or practicality win the day?!"

Mattheu spins through the small number that are left a spin of jingling bells as he swings past Savio, "Hello you!" Only to duck and step away from any attack and sought that the dashing bard might have for him, then to slip to his knees and take the glaive in full swing within his jingling dance through the field towards Valdemar. A brief look to Cillian as he appears to pull his swing as to only find Valdemar.

Martinique will move down the stands to drag Caspian out. "Alright friend, you're out. What are you drinking?"

Jan has left the High Booth.

Jan has joined the the Beverage Tent.

Caspian is sitting, still a bit woozy. Martinique though seems to snap him out of his daze and he looks up. his chin is a nice blue and black, and another is forming on his forehead. still he offers a lopsided grin, "I suppose if i said cider you would laugh at me and tell me that doesnt count eh?" he struggles up to his feat, dusting himself off and following marti

Valdemar checks dexterity and huge wpn at normal. Valdemar is successful.

Jan makes her way to the beverage tent and orders a few drinks while she keeps an eye on the list field.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Savio marginally fails.

Cillian checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Cillian is successful.

Caspian has left the Field.

Caspian has joined the Quiet Booth.

Mattheu checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Mattheu marginally fails.

Savio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Savio marginally fails.

"Yes I would laugh." Martinique answers quite seriously. "You are a soldier and deserve a soldier's drink." And she doesn't mean just a 'cider'. "You have fought well today and I would not see youu il treated."

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Valdemar marginally fails.

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Valdemar is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at easy. Valdemar is successful.

Savio checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Critical Success! Savio is inhumanly successful in a way that defies expectations.

Valdemar checks dexterity and huge wpn at hard. Valdemar is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Mattheu is successful.

Cillian checks dexterity and medium wpn at easy. Cillian is successful.

Savio checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Savio is marginally successful.

Winter, A Highhill Puppy, Angeline arrive, following Kiera.

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at impossible. Valdemar DONE GOOFED!!!111

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Valdemar is successful.

Valdemar checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Valdemar fails.

"Fun, and a chance to practice against people other than my house guards," Valdemar answers his fellow Mirrormask, chuckling before going on, "But no, I don't think those reasons would be mutually exclusive. Maybe they should be, though. I don't know, what do you think?" As he asks his own question, he is stepping in to take his next swipe at the Saffron Islander, narrowly missing again. But he is clearly too focused on Savio, as he takes a hit when Cillian moves to attack him, shaking his head to clear it afterward and just barely managing to avoid incoming blows from Savio and Mattheu, but quickly succumbs to the odds as all three men continue attacking him, dropping in a heap, unconscious.

Jan drinks deep and loiters by the drink cart. There is a grimace as she watches Valdemar goes down into the sand.

Bells singing are the only thing left upon the field as Mattheu finds himself dodging from swing and lunge only to stop on the other side of the fight to catch his breath in a short moment looking to the fields. "Cillian? How..." The Rivenshari looks to who the thought would be his opponent of Savio with a raise of his eyebrow then a jingling nod to the man as he calls out, "One of us might be able to tell our patron that we fought bravely, though this Northern..." He points towards Cillian with a laugh, "I don't know if I have it in me." Then to look to Cillian in that same statement as he stands and gives the glaive a spin. "Which direction will you step Lord Cillian? Should I plant flowers for you now?"

A servant in Malespero colours ducks through the fighting and drags Valdemar out of dangers way.

"OW," Savio yelps as Valdemar's weapon clocks him right in the FACE and he reels back a moment, hand pressed to his bleeding nose. "Noo, I'm nothing without my beautiful FACE," he despairs, although a return strike adds to the collective weight of blows that fell Valdemar. "Oh, shit," he realizes that was maybe too much. "I am going to have to clean so many mirrors," he anticipates punishment, though doesn't seem to mean it." Face bleeding is enough for him, he's out, and waves Mattheu off, "All yours," he assures, as he helps the Malespero servant assist Valdemar away.

Ann just covers her eyes and tells Gaspard, "I can't look. Did I hear right? Lord Matti and Lord Cillian are the only ones left? What?"

Gaspard dips his head. "Looks like it."

Cillian moved in after Mattheu when he looks over his shoulder at him, his steps are quick as he moves it and goes for the Duke and helps knock him out. He breaths deeply as he stands now facing Mattheu, his hazel eyes meeting the mans. He chuckles as he rolls his shoulders, "Come Lord Mattheu, let the spirits be with us both hmm?" he grins as he starts to move around the Rivenshari like a wolf thats about to pounce its prey.

"In a remarkable display of what can come of skillfully ganging up on your opponent Duke Valdemar Grimhall goes out but not before taking Lord Savio Amadeo with him! Only two remain! Will it be Lord Cillian Blackwood, Minister of Warfare and Sword of the Storm March who takes the day, or Lord Mattheu Rivenshari, the Sword of Riva?"

Valdemar has left the Field.

Savio has left the Field.

Pasquale has called for a check of dexterity and medium wpn at hard.
Mattheu is successful.
Cillian is successful.

Mattheu checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Mattheu marginally fails.

Cillian checks dexterity and dodge at hard. Cillian fails.

A figure in a cloak hurries through the crowds seeking out the Softest Whisper and leans in to whisper to her. She smiles, "Perhaps another time.." She says to the booth as a whole and stands, hurrying after the Apprentice Whisper.

Aconite has left the Quiet Booth.

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

Denica has left the Quiet Booth.

Stojan, a cleverly reserved assistant, 3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards, Cato, a stealthy non-descript man leave, following Denica.

Jan is overheard praising Mattheu.

Jan is overheard praising Pasquale.

Martinique has left the Quiet Booth.

Mattheu charges at Cillian as if he's been in this dance before. A leap only to find himself diving mid leap. The glaive spins back over his shoulders, barely gracing against what Cillian spins to hit him and Mattheu then dropping the glaive only to slide under the sweep which the Northern lord swings at him. A quick grab at his weapon and very sharp pull up between Cillian's legs to spin at the man's knees and knock him to the ground before climbing above him and laughing as a soft word is shared between the two and Mattheu slips off of his final sparring partner. Upon his feet quickly, bells singing out, a flourished bow to those in the stands as he looks up to the judges booth then to Savio and Caspian with a wave before finally looking to Cillian to help the man to his feet.

Pasquale is overheard praising Mattheu.

Pasquale is overheard praising Cillian.

Caspian is overheard praising Pasquale.

Caspian is overheard praising Mattheu.

Caspian is overheard praising Cillian.

Jan lifts her mug "Congratulations to the victor! Take full advantage of those bragging rights!"

Gaspard applauds lightly

Waking up sometime after being helped off the field, just in time to hear the winner announced, Valdemar applauds as well.

Caspian claps loudly, letting our a loud cheer and beaming, "Well done!! bravo! well fought Lord mattheu! congratulations! Lord Cillian well fought my friend!" he continued to clap, smiling and laughing lightly "This was marvelous! thank you to Lord Pasquale for hosting!"

Ilira has left the Quiet Booth.

Mattheu is overheard praising Valdemar.

Ann is not sitting now. She's standing in her seat and looking intensely at the field. This is exciting! Who will it be?! She will be happy for either Lord to win this. "Wooooooooooo.!" Yes that is Ann cheering for the Lords. Then she says, "Gooooooo Matti and good job Cillian!" Laughing as she watches the field and then back to Gaspard with a big grin. "I can't believe it!"

Mattheu is overheard praising Caspian.

1 Kennex corsairs, Wyatt, a large Kennex Laika Hound, Mary Lucennia, an alluring lady's companion arrive, following Cecilia.

Mattheu is overheard praising Savio.

Valdemar is overheard praising Mattheu.

Valdemar is overheard praising Cillian.

Valdemar is overheard praising Savio.

Valdemar is overheard praising Pasquale.

Mattheu is overheard praising Cillian.

"And the victory goes to Lord Mattheu, Sword of Riva!" Announces the blonde man with the loud voice. "Congratulations Lord Mattheu. Compete tomorrow if you want a chance at the grand prize." The same servant who dragged Valdemar off the field takes a purse over to Mattheu. Offering it with a bow.

Mattheu is overheard praising Pasquale.

Jan is standing by the drink tent, mug lifted up as she salutes the victor of the melee event. She seems to be alone for the moment.

Cillian thought he be ready he was watching, he move to swing at the man only to have him move and dodge him, when he is suddenly taken off guard and brought down to the ground with a oof breathing deeply as he looks up at the man sitting on him. He closes his eyes then opens them moving to take Matti's hand and gets up. He does not seem to care he was taken down there is a smirk on his lips and he looks over at the stands and puts a gloved hand on Matti's shoulder leaning in to say something.

Pasquale has joined the General Seating.

Caspian has left the Quiet Booth.

Cillian has left the Field.

Cillian is overheard praising Mattheu.

Cillian is overheard praising Caspian.

Caspian trots down to the general seating to join the others, still clapping. "That was amazing! well done everyone! o havent had a friendly brawl like that in to long! you all did marvelous! and lord mattheu, it was masterfully done your victory!" he looked to Ann and smirked, "Did you even manage to watch it at all Lady Ann?"