"It's not motherhood if you aren't leaking everywhere," Serafine says cheerfully, offering Eleyna her arm. "Where would you like to sit? And aye, she is. She's wearing my favor and everything."

At yesterday's joust, the Countess had arrived -- of all things -- late. Now she arrives in a bit of a fluster, her purposeful footsteps kicking up the hem of her thick, wollen dress. Mia stops just in the entryway and lifts a hand to shield her dark eyes, scanning not the crowds this time, but the fields. She was looking for someone, of that there was no doubt.

Estaban looks around as all the people filter in he spots silas who is on the blue team and winces silight and then finds Aiden in the crowed and nods to him.

Tikva waves animatedly towards Mia as she spies her in the crowd. "Countess Mia!" she calls. "Come and meet my new cousin, Prince Calarian! You will find that you are both quite the people to know!"

The air is crisp and cool and it is a good day to watch some people beat the shit out of each other for 'love of combat.' It's good being a knight sometimes. Edain leans forward in the Judges stand and holds up his arms, "Thank you all for coming to Grand Melee... the climatic event that will bring the Tournament of Roses to it's close. It has been a lovely tourney so far and I am looking forward to seeing you all compete today."

The prince motions to the pedestal at the foot of the judges stand an on display on each are two lovely Championship belts. "As the teams dileberate their battle strategy, I would like to draw everyone's attention for the prizes for the champions that will win the day. The Read and the Blue teams will battle until their is one team left. At that time whoever remains on the winning team will battle it out for bragging rights. The last fighter standing will claim the Belt of the Unyielding Champion. At the end of the day whoever fought most impressively will be awarded the Magnificient Championship! They will both be able to claim a Boon of his Majesty, King Alaric IV!"

The Prince then looks to Seraph Ailith who has joined him in the booth again today and says, "Seraph Ailith would you do us the honor of Blessing the Proceedings before we begin? Then I will inspect the teams and see if we need to make any last minute adjustments due to people being unable to join us."

Calarian has joined the General Seating.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Justice, an elegant hunting falcon, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound, Baby Badger arrive, following Reese.

Calarian moves with Lady Tikva towards the seating, though his hazel eyes move to the quiet booth -- where Aiden's at. He sends Philip over to talk to him, while his eyes turn towards Countess Mia at his cousin's introduction.

Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle have been dismissed.

1 Grayson Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound have been dismissed.

Justice, an elegant hunting falcon have been dismissed.

Aiden has left the Quiet Booth.

Kael arrives, following Reigna.

Looking up toward the high stands, Katarina raises her dagger in salute toward her sisters, Shae and Jael. A bright smile curls her lips briefly, though it fades just-so when she notices the Keatons to not be in the crowd...?

Esoka has assembled in the preparation area for the Red Team and is doing some last-minute strategizing and exchange of hellos with her side. She's dressed in a mix of common steel and leather, Riven surcoat shining white and blue. It must be a new one. She hasn't had a chance to dirty it on the field yet. Her chin lifts toward Edain as he begins speaking.

Eleyna takes her sister's arm gratefully and leans into it as she glances around. "Anywhere. I want to be able to see properly. You two should come meet Donato when you've a chance. We've been told not to take him out and about much until it's warmer outside, so you'll have to endure a trip to the Estate."

Reigna has joined the Quiet Booth.

From the Judge's Box, the Palace Seraph approaches to stand alongside Prince Edain. Ailith warmly smiles to the crowd and competitors before addressing.

"Honoring Limerance and Gloria with the Tournament of Roses has become tradition in Avrum. Each year, we are graced by competitors who captivate audiences with their bravery and skill exemplifying the virtues of our Gods. May this blessing honor our Gods." The blessing begins with an irenic tone that projects with the practiced intonation of a priest skilled at addressing at a crowd from long distances.

"O Limerance, Lord of Fidelity,
We gather here today at the Tournament of Roses to honor you,
for our faithfulness, sovereignty, and adherence in our commitments,
for our dedication and perseverance to remain true to our promises.
May we humbly live up to your graces.

O Gloria, Goddess of Chivalry,
These worthy warriors stand before you,
And seek to honor you with feats of bravery and skill.
We beseech you to turn your shining face
Upon this grand melee and find it pleasing.

May these festivities serve to demonstrate
Fidelity to Limerance and each other,
And to exemplify honorable combat to Gloria,
We pray our love will grow deeper as you both continue
to bless us with courtly virtues and glory.

In your names, we praise."



Freja has left the Far Stands.

Freja has joined the the Beverage Tent.

After a short conversation with Philip, Prince Aiden rises from his seat and slowly makes his way toward where his cousin is at. His eyes turn to the field and he waves to Estaban but otherwise keeps himself rather mute. No cheers yet.

Aiden has joined the General Seating.

Serafine has joined the Quiet Booth.

Saedrus draws his attention away from the field of participants towards the Judges Booth as Edain begins the tourney, and Ailith moves to give the blessing. The Whisper dips his head respectfully from his seated place in the general stands. A few soft words whispered more to himself as Ailith finishes up and evergreens soon lift back to the field.

Tristan checked command + animal ken at difficulty 0, rolling 59 higher.

Reese puts an elegant pair of long rose gloves in a dark leather backpack adorned with small violet roses.

Reese gets silvered steel gauntlets from a dark leather backpack adorned with small violet roses.

Jael offers a military salute to Katarina across the field, a very good one even, and then waves to Reigna and Kael when she sees them walk onto the grounds.

Skirting lateness, the Count and Countess Keaton arrive at a quick clip and head for the nearest open seating area they can find. Reigna has a bundle of wool with her -- a blanket she spreads over her lap once she and Kael find seats.

Alexis mouths the prayer along with Ailith, forming the circles of the Faith over her chest as the benediction finishes.

Whiskey, whiskey, oh that ol' siren of the North - Freja makes a beeline to the beverage tent the moment she sees it, her heavy albino bear cloak moving with her long strides.

"I--," Mia started to reply to Tikva as she presented Calarian to her. It was all a bit much, wasn't it? The enormous crowds, the jostling bodies. "It would be a pleasure, Your Highness. If you could give me just a moment?," she asked, withdrawing a small silk handkerchief from her sleeve and fluttering it at the pair of them. "I think I've spotted the Count on the field and should give this to him before they begin...," she trailed off, her words cut short by the seraph's prayer. It may be one of the few times that someone looked rather distinctly like they wanted to swear in response to someone offering up words to the gods.

Eleyna has joined the Quiet Booth.

Tikva grins a little crookedly. "Do you need me to loan you my lungs to get his attention, my lady?" she asks Mia companionably, before turning to murmur something pitched more quietly to those around her at the seats.

Reese arrives while adorned in her silvery steel armor and toting along her weapons. She seems to have been running just a bit late. She heads toward the field, giving a smile of greeting to those gathered here.

Reese gets Dazzler, a leaf-bladed short sword from a dark leather backpack adorned with small violet roses.

Freja is seen to be making a rather rude gesture with a choice finger on her right hand as she lifts a glass of whiskey to imbibe, vaguely in the direction of her brother.

Calarian gives an angled bow of his head in greeting to Mia -- granting her a smile. He lifts one of his arms, the hand elevated to get Reese's attention -- if he can or not. Regardless, he gives her a smile from his position seated by the other Graysons: Tikva and Aiden.

Serenity arrives, following Khanne.

And at that, the sour expression on Mia's face very much became a smile. A grin, even, and a devilish one at that. "I would be very much obliged if you would, my dear," she answered Tikva.

Reading a note, Caelis looks up and finds Katarina with a warm smile. She puts her hand over her heart in a salute to the Valardin princess on the field.

Khanne has joined the High Booth.

Tikva checked stamina + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Thesarin's long hair flutters in the breeze as he ceases his pacing to listen to Ailith's address, his hand flexing around the hilt of his sword. He takes a deep, calming breath as he watches the last of the preparations for the melee to begin.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon, Ursa arrive, following Marian.

Serenity have been dismissed.

Tikva fills her lungs, puts her hands to her mouth, and bellows, "THESARIN!" Because, you know, she's helping.

Kael and Reigna are present, they just happen to be running late. This might happen to be due to the fact that either the Count or the Countess -- perhaps the pair of them -- had to stop by the concession stand. While Reigna has that bundle of wool, Kael has been loaded down with a grand supply of foodstuffs. The combinations might even be atrocious. Nonetheless, he lifts a hand toward the combatants, particular acknowledgement given to Katarina -- whom is offered a chin-up broad grin, a bow of his head to Cristoph, and a wave to Gaston. To Jael's acknowledgement, he inclines his head. Then, seating, quickly.

2 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Kael has joined the Quiet Booth.

Calarian's shoulders hitch a little bit at the shout that comes just a little bit to the side of his ear from Tikva.

Marian has joined the Quiet Booth.

6 Thrax Guards arrives, following Fatima.

Looking at the stands, Gaston returns the wave to Kael and Reigna, and gives another to Shae, Alis, Alarissa, Jael, and the others! He then turns back to discuss strategy with his team some more.

Reese has joined the Blue Team Staging Area.

Golden eyes catch onto Caelis and the salute over her heart, bringing a dimpled grin to Katarina's lips. She tucks a blade under an arm and thumps her own gloved fist over her heart in returned salute, a curt bob of her head given with many kisses blown to Reigna when she spots her and Kael out in the crowd at last. Cheer squad has arrived.

Talen strikes his longsword into the sand and waits with his gauntlet wrapped over its pommel, his kiteshield held on his off-arm. For all he's a southerner, he's looking remarkably influenced by the western neighbours. "Let us split them up. We can expect they're grouping up."

At the sound of his name, Thesarin's head jerks up to the side, his eyes narrowed in surprise. But when his flinty eyes find the source of the yelling, he relaxes; even from this distance, there's no mistaking Tikva. He raises an armored hand to identify himself - if the white-and-blue Riven surcoat and his own forbidding demeanor didn't do that already.

Reese seems even a bit confused about what team she is on. Eventually she seems to figure it out and heads over to the blue area. She notices Calarian and waves happily in his direction.

Esoka slips something that looks rather like a coin in the pocket of her leathers, murmuring a few words along with the prayer, then she bows her head until it finishes. She's not far from Thesarin, and she flashes her count a grin once she's looking up again. Laughing merrily at the sound of Tikva's bellow.

Another salute, for Gaston, and then Jael sits down and positively beams at all the food baskets getting unloaded around her. "You all have the best ideas. I'd love some of the whiskey. Still a bit achey from the joust." And of course booze is the answer.

Marian makes her way over to the stands, finding a free spot near Countess Reigna. She gives a smile to the group as she comes to take her seat. She takes a moment to spot her husband to note what team he's assigned to.

Tikva claps and grins in delight that she has managed to evoke the Count's attention, and tips her chin to Mia. "There he is," she sing-songs.

Khanne rushes into the tournament grounds, her cloak thwapping in the air behind her as she hurries, knowing she is a bit late. Wanting to stay a bit out of the crowd at the moment, she heads straight to the high booth, taking a seat there. She pants for breath a bit, whispering to the others. "Did I miss much?" Realizing she barely knows some of the people near her, she beams a smile and says, "hello!" Upon catching her breath, she looks around a bit and spotting some friends from afar, like Freja, Reigna, Kael, Saedrus, Aiden, and some others, she waves, then looks to the field.

Fergus takes a moment to make sure the gold ribbon, likely a favor from his wife is secured to the joint of his elbow on his gauntlet. A rude gesture with his hand is given, and that's probably for his sister.

Reigna waves to both Katerina and Jael from her perch under her blanket. There's a quiet smile on teh Countess' face today and when Kael arrives with that combination of food she lights up even more. Something within her booth catches her attention and she looks to Elenya curiously.

Reigna belatedly catches Khanne's wave and waves to the shaman in return.

Freja has tossed back the first whiskey and is going for the second when she raises a hand in wave to her fellow Shaman, Khanne.

From the stands, Saedrus makes a little wave to Khanne and smiles: good luck!

Shae nods to Katarina and waves to her happily. "Good Luck Your Highness!!" She calls down to the Princess. Though at the wave from Gaston she sits up a ltitle bit more and waves back. "Knock 'em out Lord Gaston!!" She calls out to him brightly as she smiles widely. And then would wave to Eirlys and Cristoph as well. And Fiachra too, though he is not on the same team as others. Oh family! Spying her cousins, Kael and Reigna she waves to them both as well. "Count and Countess Keaton!"

There was a faint twitch at the corner of Mia's mouth when Tikva erupted with such volume. Just a little one. Perhaps it was the ghost of a laugh. "Thank you, Your Highness," she replies, with a distinct note of amusement in her voice. "I'll return momentarily." And with that, she began to work her way through the crowds, towards the fighters -- and towards Thesarin specifically. The woman had the sort of purposeful gait that suggested it would probably be in everyone's best interest if people, and horses, and probably even the gods themselves, simply shuffled back out of her way.

Serafine stands and cups her hands around her mouth. "KNOCK 'EM DOWN, LETA-LOVE! TITS AND KISSES!"

Reese wields Dazzler, a leaf-bladed short sword.

Looking over the field, Caelis calls out to Estaban "Lion of Saik! You can do it!" She looks to Fiora as well and cheers for her too. "Knock 'em to the floor!" She calls to her cousin.

Kael, once he settles down at the quiet booth, is nodding toward those he is seated near politely. That isn't to say he isn't scanning the other seating options, waving afar to Khanne in return with a grin, and then focusing in on his cousin. Toward Shae, Kael is waving back and offering a booming, "Cousin!" Because, of course, that's going to identify Shae.

Edain has rolled 1 11-sided dice: 6

Tristan wields simple steel sword.

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

Edain has rolled 1 12-sided dice: 6

Fatima Thrax arrives a little late to the party, upon looking on the field, she finds Victus and blows him many kisses! "Bravo Victus! Show them how a Thraxian does it!!"

Caelis has left the General Seating.

Rohm the Blackguard have been dismissed.

Serafine has left the Quiet Booth.

Serafine has joined the Red Team Staging Area.

Rohm the Blackguard have been dismissed.

Katarina turns her head to look up toward Fatima when she hears her shouting her support for Victus. Her brows lift with good humor, sending her a brief wave of the hand.

Agnarr wields a monstrous sword of war with a long banded grip.

Caelis has joined the General Seating.

Serafine jumps the railing into the arena, an apologetic look at Leta and Talen as she goes on. Well.

Serafine wields The Valiant Woman.

Eirlys has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Eirlys has joined the Red Team Staging Area.

After inspecting the team's Edain makes some last minute adjustments, "Ok, Lady Eirlys I drew your lot, so you are moving to the red team.. and everyone let us cheer for Princess Serafine for being willing to even up our teams at the last minute!

Thesarin knows well the figure headed his way; he's seen his wife's purposeful stride enough times to recognize it, after all. He clanks his way to the periphery of his team's staging area to meet Mia, a curious expression on his face.

Esoka offers Alexis a bow of her head across the field, and gives a knight's salute to Silas, Reese and Aleksei as well, with her blade. An inclination of her head to Mia and a bright, "Countess" as the woman approaches her general area. But she does //not// get in the way of that.

May I have a few minutes to speak to my new team?

Serafine scratches her nose. "You've done pitted me against my lover, my brother-in-law, -and- my lord commander. Please don't get me divorced, disowned, and celibate."

Eirlys says. "Prince Edain may I have a few moments to speak to my new team?"

After the dusky skinned Thraxian lass spots the Princess Katarina's wave, she laughs and yells out,"You too Princess Katarina! Slay em dead! I mean...you know. Win!!" A dark chuckle passes her lips as she walks around the field to find a place out of the way where she might stand to observe.

Tristan checked command + animal ken at difficulty 15, rolling 58 higher.

Alexis bobs her head back at Esoka, glancing over to Mia as the countess approaches her knight.

Silas wears an expression of feigned solemnity. "The Iron Guard is divided. 'Tis a sad day."

"I'll kick her fucking ass for you, then." Fergus grunts at Serafine. "Sure you can kiss her damn boo-boos and other shit later."

Victus lifts his hand toward the stands to give a mock wave toward Fatima in prime gladiatorial fashion. A brow lifts for his new team mates and a welcoming wave is offered as well.

Edain nods to Eirlys, "of course."

Talen had been distracted the last few minutes, probably trying to pour wine into his facehole, through that visor. When he comes back, he looks around to gauge the gist of what's going on and how far until the event starts.

Reese smiles over to Esoka as she stands among the red team. Her helm is removed from for the moment, revealing her ribbons and golden locks. Her cheeks are pink with excitement. She seems all into this upcoming fight. "Dame Esoka.." She says in the direction of the other team. She eventually gets undistracted and looks back toward her team, nodding to something.

Climbs back up to the top of the judges stand and says, "Ok we will be starting very soon, Don't forget to cheer your favorite fighter! You're adulation will inspire them and help to make it clear who fought the most spectacularly here today!"

"Dame Esoka," Mia greets, with a bow of her head. Though her own faith may tend towards other gods, she knows the woman well enough by now to a offer a firm, "May Gloria smile on all of your efforts today." And then she turned towards Thesarin, offering up the same square of white silk that she'd fluttered at Tikva only a few moments before. In one corner, a blue and grey heron had been embroidered, along with the initials 'M.R.' beneath it in careful little stitches. "I've only just finished it. Do try to keep from getting too much blood on it, my lord, if you would? Though if you must, I'd prefer it be someone else's."

Leta looks up at the announcement, and watches as Serafine joins the other team. She lowers her eyes to herself, but there's not much in the way of stray cloth, so she throws out a shrug, hands held up, "Haven't got any favors!" she calls out, apologetically, then reaches up to adjust the crown of flowers affixed to her helmet.

Reese gets a vibrant satin ribbon favor in Grayson colors from a dark leather backpack adorned with small violet roses.

Talen looks across to Dante and levels a bet. A rather strange one, all things considered. "To play Tehom's advocate, 5,000 silver says Red team wins."

Dante glances over at Talen and indicates his helmet. "My helmet for yours that Blue wins."

Estaban looks over at Silas from where he stands giving the command a nod of respect from where he stands.

Alexis quirks a brow over at Talen. Looking... Dubious at his oddball bet.

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

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

Talen purses his lips in consideration, "My helmet is rather important to complete the ensemble. Are you suggesting I wear mismatching armour? I thought you were a Fidante," he utters. "Disgusting." With a look forward, he sniffs and says: "Deal."

Dante laughs as Talen says this. "Well I won't be losing, so Calista will not have to kick me out of the house for wearing mismatched armor." Dante winks at the other southern sword. "It'll be nice to have a good fight again."

After Talen just pink slips his helmet to the other Southern Sword, there's a short bark of a laugh. "I'll just use it as an excuse to buy a new set of armour. This one has sustained some damage from being thrown from the balcony a few times." A glance to the audience benches, to Eleyna, at this.

There's a brief pause, almost as if Thesarin finds himself surprised by the offer of Mia's favor. But if that's the case, he recovers quickly, and reaches out to accept the square of silk. He removes one of his gauntlets, using the now-free hand to tie the square around his other armored wrist. Mia's droll comment provokes a slight smile from the count, and a little lupine growl that could almost be called a laugh. "I make no promises, my lady," he rumbles. "But I'll try to keep my own bleeding to a minimum."

Estaban looks to make sure his blue and white (Valadrian colors) ribion that is braided together is secured tight a small smile when he fiddles with it then looks to her team makes.

Edain raises his hands at the top of the judges stand, calling for silence. He then motions to the young herald standing at the base of the stand. Herald Steve clears his throat and says, "To celebrate the Rejuvenation of the His Majesty King Alaric IV, to celebrate life and love, and fidelity and the lessons of Limerance and all of the Pantheon it is time to FIGHT!"

Calarian claps his hands at the mention of the King, the sound dry and audible because he has no gloves.

Alis has left the High Booth.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight have been dismissed.

Mia has joined the General Seating.

Eleyna catches Talen looking up at her in the stands and waves at him, not hearing as he basically bets against himself.

Esoka bows to Mia. "I shall try and do Gloria proud this day, my lady. And Riven, too, of course." The exchange of favors just earns a smile. And makes her adjust the little crest, with insignia of the Iron Guard, she wears around her neck. And then, it's time to fight! She squares up, raises her blade, and prepares to get into it.

Alis has joined the High Booth.

he quantity of small, wild-haired Thrax princesses that have overnapped is raised by one as Denica races to join her cousin in the stands.

Fatima has joined the General Seating.

Denica has joined the General Seating.

Clad in his usual black robe, Halsim also sports a fur cloak as he steps into the tourney grounds. The dark skinner islander gives a sweep over the field, before he steps over to the general seating and takes a seat.

Halsim has joined the General Seating.

Denica shouts, "KICK ASS, cousin VICTUS."

Fatima is overheard praising Victus for: For his bad assery!

Calarian has rolled a critical success!
Calarian checked composure at difficulty 5, rolling 32 higher.

Aioni, a regal snowy white owl arrives, delivering a message to Marian before departing.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Katarina takes moderate damage.

Fiachra takes minor damage.

Alexis takes minor damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Alexis takes serious damage.

Alexis takes moderate damage.

Alexis checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 77, rolling 26 lower.

Alexis is incapacitated.

Alexis falls unconscious.

Dante takes serious damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Tallius has joined the General Seating.

Alexis has set herself up close to Reese, and raises her rubicund glaive, looking to tap one of the Red team's archers. She is not expecting the massive pile-on that happens, however, and with the clang of metal on metal, she is batted about the field until she gets knocked over, unconscious.

Jordal, a bodyguard arrives, following Isabeau.

Isabeau has joined the General Seating.

Alexis has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Jasper arrives, following Deva.

Reese takes moderate damage.

Katarina takes serious damage.

Cristoph takes minor damage.

Fiora takes minor damage.

Reese takes serious damage.

Fiachra takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Jasper leaves, following Deva.

Aiden has left the General Seating.

Thesarin takes moderate damage.

Fiachra takes moderate damage.

Cristoph takes minor damage.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 1, rolling 38 higher.

Corban remains capable of fighting.

Cristoph takes serious damage.

Aiden starts to leave the general stands and heads somewhere that the noises of combat area little less... audible.

Aiden has joined the the Beverage Tent.

Fiachra takes moderate damage.

Fergus takes serious damage.

Corban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 66, rolling 31 lower.

Corban is incapacitated.

Corban falls unconscious.

Katarina takes moderate damage.

Cristoph has rolled a critical success!
Cristoph checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 66 higher.

Cristoph remains capable of fighting.

Cristoph checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 85, rolling 69 lower.

Cristoph is incapacitated.

Cristoph falls unconscious.

Katarina checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 24 higher.

Katarina remains capable of fighting.

Not that he's anything close to a Mercy, but Saedrus has gotten used to patch ups thanks to /someone/. Which might explain by the Whisper is quietly decending from the stands -- with others? Go Team Civilian Triage -- to wait aside for any fallen combatants.

Corban has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Cristoph has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Fiora has left the Red Team Staging Area.

6 Thrax Guards arrives, following Abbas.

6 Thrax Guards have been dismissed.

Saedrus has left the General Seating.

Caelis has left the General Seating.

Reigna has left the Quiet Booth.

Kael has left the Quiet Booth.

Saedrus has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Reigna has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Caelis has joined the the Concessions Tent.

One of the problems of being on the front lines is that one is also on the front lines to be -- well -- whacked. After an ineffectual swing at Dame Alexis, Lord Corban finds the Prince Talen bearing down on him. The powerful blow staggers the Telmarch Lord badly, and he immediately takes a knee, yielding out of the contest.

1 Grayson Guardsmen arrives, following Sabella.

Cristoph gets promptly whalloped by several people in quick succession while standing next to Silas sometime while also whalloping Corban. He'd looked surprised, if you could see under his helmet. He yields and struggles off the field before dropping down on the ground. Help please.

Katarina has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Katarina has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Alis has left the High Booth.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight have been dismissed.

Kael has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Alis has joined the High Booth.

Reigna sees Cristoph stagger and go down and points to Kael, "Do you think you can get him off the field? I do not want him to be trampled." She turns to Caelis and beams a warm smile, "Excellent. Let's see about find them so we'll be ready when our first competitor arrives."

Saedrus has left the the Concessions Tent.

1 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Sabella.

Kael had been escorting his wife, given the givens. Now, when she is pointing toward Cristoph he nods once in brisk fashion and is moving to aid his liege. He tries, if his lord is incapable, to make it seem as though Cristoph is moving under his own power. He'll be maneuvered back to the tend setup where Reigna is.

Caelis has left the the Concessions Tent.

Reigna has left the the Concessions Tent.

Kael has left the the Concessions Tent.

Kael leaves, following Reigna.

Saedrus has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands arrives, following Sophie.

Alexis is laid out until rather a lot of both civilian and Mercy healers come look at her, but finally, the Mother of Mercy herself manages to get life into the smallest knight, who gasps and blinks and coughs, staggering. Giving a quick nod of thanks and a squeeze of the woman's hand, looking over at the field. "Gods... That was brutal."

Caelis has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Reigna has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Saedrus looks relieved for the arrival of the Mercies, smiling to Sophie especially when she sees Alexis at least-- you know, alive. He follows along with the mercies to the makeshift recovery tent, no doubt alongside Reigna and Caelis.

Aiden can be heard shouting toward the field, "SHOW THEM WHY YOU'RE LORD COMMANDER SILAS!" Hey, the bird prince can squawk! Then he sends a few arm waves before he slips back in to the beverage tent.

Once Alexis is stabilized, Reigna flashes a smile to Sophie, "Thank you, Mother Mercy, you are a wonder to watch in action. I always learn something watching you work." Rei looks around, lookign to see if Cristoph has been brought from the field yet.

Reese has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Baby Badger have been dismissed.

Alexis has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Denica cackles from the stands, "Such a LOUD cheerleader."

Agnarr picks up An Unyielding Grand Melee Championship Belt.

Agnarr drops An Unyielding Grand Melee Championship Belt.

Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle have been dismissed.

Justice, an elegant hunting falcon have been dismissed.

Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound have been dismissed.

1 Grayson Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Team Mercy makes its way over to the makeshift recovery tent. Sophie warmly returns the smiles even as her keen blue eyes assess the would-be patients, starting with the worst of the lot.

Having successfully crawled his way to not-death, Cristoph is more than happy to semi-consciously be hauled away by Kael. Again, it'd be easier to tell if wasn't wearing a helmet. But that's the breaks. Until someone takes it off his head.

Isabeau has left the General Seating.

Jordal, a bodyguard leaves, following Isabeau.

Corban wakes up.

Corban has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Reese has joined the Blue Team Staging Area.

Sophie has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Kael has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Fiachra takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Thesarin takes serious damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes serious damage.

Fiachra takes minor damage.

Estaban takes serious damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Agnarr takes minor damage.

Fiachra checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 83 higher.

Fiachra remains capable of fighting.

Thesarin checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 43, rolling 17 higher.

Thesarin remains capable of fighting.

Fiachra checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 87, rolling 13 lower.

Fiachra is incapacitated.

Fiachra falls unconscious.

"Won't breath a word," Jael says to Nicia, then picks her way down the stands with the Countess towards where Cristoph is sprawled out near the healer tents. "You go to him, I'm going to pop out and send a messenger, see if I can scare up another healer from the Manse or something." With a final worried look at her brother she trots off the grounds.

Jael has left the High Booth.

3 Laurent novice guards leaves, following Jael.

A huge hideously ugly mastiff, 1 Solace novice guards arrive, following Thena.

Fiachra has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Nicia has left the High Booth.

Thena has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Alis has left the High Booth.

Estaban takes very serious damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Reese takes serious damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 16, rolling 9 higher.

Estaban remains capable of fighting.

Estaban checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 41, rolling 17 lower.

Estaban is incapacitated.

Estaban falls unconscious.

Katarina has left the the Concessions Tent.

Aiden has left the the Beverage Tent.

Aiden comes out of the beverage tents, almost in a flurry. He's heading over to where the mercies are, likely to ensure that Lord Saik didn't just get himself terribly hurt! Wince.

Estaban has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Kael has left the the Concessions Tent.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight have been dismissed.

Alexis has left the the Concessions Tent.

Alexis has joined the General Seating.

Gaston takes serious damage.

Gaston takes moderate damage.

Esoka takes moderate damage.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Thesarin checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 103, rolling 61 lower.

Thesarin is incapacitated.

Thesarin falls unconscious.

Thesarin has left the Red Team Staging Area.

"He challenged me to a fight in the sparring match and I kicked his ass," Marian tells her with a laugh, smiling as she remembers their first meeting, "Everyone, including him, thought I would lose for sure because he was the Sword of the North. Then I managed to beat him and instead of being angry, apparently I turned him on because when he confronted me later, we collided in the bedroom." She gives a deep laugh, "After that, he and I started this whole fighting and fucking..." She gives an apologetic look, "cycle. And it wasn't until I almost got myself killed in front of him that he freaked out and asked me to marry him because he didn't want to lose me." She runs her fingers through her hair and admits, "I tried so hard to fightit because I didn't want to love again. But he just got in the cracks of my shield and then wouldn't leave."

Denica has left the General Seating.

Tallius has left the General Seating.

Wash has joined the General Seating.

Eirlys takes minor damage.

Wash finds his way, eventually, to an empty seat not far from Calarian.

Eirlys takes moderate damage.

Fatima has left the General Seating.

6 Thrax Guards leaves, following Fatima.

Eirlys takes serious damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 9, rolling 54 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Severa, the Guard Shepherd leave, following Aiden.

1 Grayson Guardsmen arrives, following Aiden.

Thena has left the the Concessions Tent.

A huge hideously ugly mastiff, 1 Solace novice guards leave, following Thena.

Saedrus has left the the Concessions Tent.

Aiden is settling down near where they dragged Lord Estaban Saik too, prying off some of the leather to get down to business and see what sort of ... injuries the Saik has obtained.

Saedrus has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Victus takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Estaban lays there blood on his leather, yup he is going to need to get new ones of them now really no choice. So he lays there silent as Aiden works on his injuries.

6 Thrax Guards arrives, following Fatima.

6 Thrax Guards leaves, following Fatima.

Esoka takes minor damage.

The Prince Aiden has taken lessons from his sister, Ailys, in matters of healing. Though he wasn't nearly as good or capable as she was, he was still on the levels of most professionals. The white jacket was at least removed before he started, flung out beside Estaban in the dirt somewhere. The expression on his face is very severe and strained, as he starts figuring out where all the blood is coming from. He looks like he's talking but apparently only the Saik will hear it.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Mia has left the General Seating.

Quiet, a Valardin champion, Aioni, a regal snowy white owl arrive, following Katarina.

Quiet, a Valardin champion, Aioni, a regal snowy white owl leave, following Katarina.

Caelis has left the the Concessions Tent.

Up in the stands, both of the Countess Rivens's hands flew to her face in shock as Thesarin went down. There was a look of horror that washed over her features, brief though it was. Brief, because it only took a second for her hands to bury themselves in the thick wool skirts of her dress before she hefted the hem up and practically flew towards the stairs, descended them with a surprisingly heavy tread of her footsteps. Usually, Mia's steps were purposeful. Now, there was a very good chance that she would simply shove someone out of her way if they made the mistake of being in it.

white-tailed eagle leaves, following Mia.

Sophie has left the the Concessions Tent.

Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands leaves, following Sophie.

1 Grimhall House Guards arrives, following Melinda.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 30, rolling 43 higher.

Eirlys remains capable of fighting.

Serafine takes minor damage.

Reese takes minor damage.

A huge hideously ugly mastiff, 1 Solace novice guards arrive, following Thena.

Serafine takes minor damage.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 32, rolling 17 higher.

Reese remains capable of fighting.

Assured there is no more she can do, Reigna takes a break, walking a few steps away from the makeshift triage station, moving over to Kael and slipping an arm around him, clearly needing some of his support at the moment.

Caelis has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Saedrus leaves the makeshift recovery tent briefly to check on Estaban in Aiden's care. He looks up towards the field briefly, half worried no doubt, but otherwise does what he can to help before following whatever else needs to be done under the mercies' instructions.

Thena walks back in from outside, mouth set in a hard line. She wipes her hands on her pants legs and looks around for more wounded.

Aiden looks up toward Saedrus as the Whisper comes along to aid him, the Prince's hands shaking a touch but with the help, the pair manage to ensure that the Saik isn't going to slip away. "Thank you," he murmurs after Saedrus, "Maybe this is what I should be mentoring in..." he notes as he wipes his hands free of some blood, glancing down again at his fallen friend, muttering, "This is why I hate these tournaments..."

Reigna has left the the Concessions Tent.

Esoka takes serious damage.

Fergus takes minor damage.

Eirlys checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 102, rolling 24 lower.

Eirlys is incapacitated.

Eirlys falls unconscious.

Serafine takes serious damage.

Fergus takes moderate damage.

Saedrus kneels by Aiden, speaking quietly to the poor shaking-hand Prince.

Estaban seems to get more color into his face and his chest starts to heave up and down so thats a good sign right?

Eirlys has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Corban has left the the Concessions Tent.

1 Grimhall House Guards leaves, following Melinda.

Caelis has left the the Concessions Tent.

Serafine takes serious damage.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 36, rolling 36 higher.

Reese remains capable of fighting.

Esoka takes minor damage.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight leaves, following Alis.

Esoka takes moderate damage.

Esoka checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 31, rolling 32 higher.

Esoka remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 18, rolling 24 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 57, rolling 12 higher.

Fergus remains capable of fighting.

A huge hideously ugly mastiff, 1 Solace novice guards leave, following Thena.

Ailith has left the Judges Booth.

Fergus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 64, rolling 7 lower.

Fergus is incapacitated.

Fergus falls unconscious.

Esoka has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Marian frowns as Fergus starts to get hit from multiple sides. She yells out to her husband, "Yield! Don't be so stubborn." She looks a little worried because that last round was brutal on her husband.

Cristoph wakes up.

Esoka has taken a lot of hits. Finally, one of them staggers her and she stumbles. It doesn't //completely// fell her. She takes a knee on the field. But her sword is lowered, and she raises a hand. "Enough! I yield! Well fought, Dame Leta! Prince Talen! Baron Silas!" She's unsure which struck the hit that put her down, truth be told, so she spreads the yield around.

Fergus has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Caelis has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Serafine takes moderate damage.

Dante takes serious damage.

Serafine checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 10, rolling 66 higher.

Serafine remains capable of fighting.

Serafine checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 54 higher.

Serafine remains capable of fighting.

Serafine checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 48, rolling 7 lower.

Serafine is incapacitated.

Serafine falls unconscious.

Fergus held up well enough, but the fact that he's been whittled down through the entire affair has finally gotten the best of them. And he wasn't willing to leave until he's knocked down to one knee. Which, finally, after it seems to take as long as it did, finally succeeds on the fact he's been knocked out. Beaten, battered, and looking like he's going to need more than a couple of healers, he starts to drags himself on over to where the healers are.

Victus takes very serious damage.

white-tailed eagle arrives, following Mia.

white-tailed eagle leaves, following Mia.

Talen says, "I'll give you my helmet AFTER the fight, Dante. Fucking shit."

Marian has left the Quiet Booth.

Serafine has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Marian has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Dante laughs when Serafine is dropped. "Victus could drop us all yet, but I can wait until the end." Dante tells Talen.

Victus looks left and right, noting that he is the final one standing for team Red. Blood was spattered on his leathers and he was sporting quite a few bruises and cuts himself. He stares ahead to the enemy team and gives a quick shrug. "Come knock me down then, fuckers."

"Well struck!" Wash cheers from the benches.

Marian leaves her booth and makes her way down to the healer's tent where her husband is being brought. She has a concerned look on her face as she moves there.

Reese is very badly damaged, but she keeps going. "I would be honored to knock you down, High Lord Victus." She says and attacks.

Victus takes serious damage.

Victus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 5, rolling 88 higher.

Victus remains capable of fighting.

Victus has rolled a critical success!
Victus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 176 higher.

Victus remains capable of fighting.

Victus checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 76, rolling 22 lower.

Victus is incapacitated.

Victus falls unconscious.

Tikva calls from the stands, "Oh, Reesie, sit down before you fall down!" With a kind of friendly, warm alarm in her face.

Saedrus makes his way from Aiden and Estaban and back to the tent as more participants on the field are brought off.

Ian stands up once Victus goes down, and starts making his way towards the beverage tent.

Ian has left the General Seating.

Ian has joined the the Beverage Tent.

"He fought with the fervor that only a Warlord of the Mourning Isles could! The Blue Team has carried the day!" Edain says as he gets down off the Podium to check on fighters, "But we still need to find out who the last warrior standing will be.. Blue Team.. face off against one another to see who will be our Unyielding Champion!"

Leta draws first blood on Victus, and then last, and then steps back with a respectful bow of her head, rotating her grip on the haft of her pollaxe as she looks across the field to the other members of her former team. She's a little dusty, but all else shiny and new, and even the crown of flowers atop her head remains in place. "Alright then."

Saedrus pauses on at the entry of the tent and looks towards the field as Edain calls for the last fighters to fight to the last standing.

Tristan has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Saedrus has left the the Concessions Tent.

2 Pravus Guard leaves, following Nicia.

Tristan has joined the Blue Team Staging Area.

Victus has left the Red Team Staging Area.

Aleksei takes minor damage.

Aleksei takes serious damage.

Talen draws his blade back and wipes off the blood on his forearm, then flicks his arm out toward the benches, toward Eleyna's spot. Literally blood spilt for his wife, it seems. A rare showing of... showmanship. Or creepy romanticism. Then he's off into the fray with Dante and Leta.

Serafine has joined the Quiet Booth.

Marian has left the the Concessions Tent.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon, Ursa leave, following Marian.

Saedrus has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Aiden pats Estaban on the shoulder and looks up toward the call of last one standing. He furrows his brows, looking toward the field, worried sterling silver gaze flashing toward the Lord Commander.

From her place in the stands, Eleyna uses her trained oration skill and the ability to project that comes with it, and raises her voice in a cheer for Talen, "Make the Lyceum proud, you cur!" Oddly, the princess seems to use the prejorative in the same way that some people call their spouses 'dear' and 'beloved'.

Alarissa is overheard praising Victus for: Last Man Standing On Blue Team

Edain coughs, "Red team"

Estaban seems to be awake come coughing slightly talking with Aiden in soft tones.

Aleksei checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 2, rolling 55 higher.

Aleksei remains capable of fighting.

Wash is overheard praising Reese for: For standing strong in the face of true peril

Aleksei checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 42, rolling 4 higher.

Aleksei remains capable of fighting.

Ian emerges from the beverege tent. He stops and looks back, then gives Freja a brief dry smile, and a salute with the bottle of rum that he's apparently managed to get his hands on, probably in return for a good pile of silver. He's not drinking it, though.

Dante cleans his tourney sword and moves with Leta and Talen off toward ALeksei, apparently they had a plan? Dante manages first blood. "Well fought, I was told you're a threat to my pretty face." He winks before glancing around at the rest of his team.

Ian has left the the Beverage Tent.

Once Victus is the last felled from the Red Team, Aleksei looks to his once-compatriots. He clashes a few times with Reese, and soon enough has several fighters on him at once; while he manages a flurry of rapid parries, eventually one of the blows makes it through his defenses and has him stumbling back, clutching his ribs and breathing hard. "Yield! I yield." He laughs a bit wheezily and starts to drag himself off the field.

Saedrus steps out from the concessions tent when it looks like half the remaining fighters converge on Aleksei at once (geez). Whatever is going on in the tent is ignored and the courtier steps out, staring at the field with wide, evergreen eyes.

Aleksei has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

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

Silas takes moderate damage.

Silas takes minor damage.

Dante takes minor damage.

Keso, a street urchin have been dismissed.

Aleksei has joined the the Concessions Tent.

Dante takes minor damage.

Dante takes moderate damage.

Silas takes minor damage.

Between looking absolutely cross with Lord Saik, and glancing up toward the field to see the fighters now converging on eachother, Aiden Grayson wasn't having a good time. There's a hard look in the sterling silver eyes as he watched mirthless, "Come on Silas!"

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

Silas takes minor damage.

Silas takes serious damage.

Dante checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 19, rolling 20 higher.

Dante remains capable of fighting.

Silas checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 6, rolling 28 higher.

Silas remains capable of fighting.

Estaban lays his head back down and is just going to lay there for a bit his chest hurt.

It's rather known that Eleyna Velenosa likes duels, considering how much she's paid to Champions to fight various duels for her over the years. So, at this stage of the melee, she's leaned forward and riveted to the action. Whenever Talen scores a hit, she cheers loudly, cupping her gloved hands against her mouth to make her voice louder.

Dante checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 18 lower.

Dante is incapacitated.

Dante falls unconscious.

Silas checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 25, rolling 28 higher.

Silas remains capable of fighting.

Dante has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Silas checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 61, rolling 3 lower.

Silas is incapacitated.

Silas falls unconscious.

Reese has rolled a critical success!
Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 51, rolling 129 higher.

Reese remains capable of fighting.

Leta's steady and methodical, solid footwork, nothing too flashy, nothing too brash. It's clear she's taking her cues from Talen as far as who she's picking off first, that pollaxe rising and falling. The hammer end sees more work than the stabbing tip for now, pounding armor and attempting to knock opponents off-balance. Still, she winces in good-natured, apologetic expression as she rams people into the dirt.

"For Dayne!" the large Blackram roars, as he charges after Princess Reese, knowing just how dangerous the Grayson Princess is. He has no illusions of being the last man standing, perhaps he'll give a good showing at least.

Silas knows the odds are heavily stacked against him now that Aleksei was out of the fight, and one of his remaining allies was barely standing! Still, he isn't the Lord Commander of the Iron Guard for nothing, and he attempts to team up with a heavily wounded Reese and Tristan for one last stand against the Lycene. Alas, after managing to bring one opponent to his knee, Leta whaps him good with her blade and he's promptly knocked out!

Silas has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Reese is badly injured. It doesn't look like she should be still be standing, but she is. Blood seeps around the joints of her armor, the pink and silver stained red. Her expression is mostly concealed by her helm, but her eyes can be seen. They hold an expression pregnant with the agony of one who really should be on the ground and nearly dead. She looks to Gaston as he charges at her and lifts her pink blade.

Aiden shoots up on his feet, abandoning the Lord Saik after having to watch the gut wretching moment that the Lord Commander is taken down. The Prince is already heading that way and he might just hit anyone who gets in his way.

Serafine is bleeding next to her sister in the quiet booth, watching her beloved kick ass. She keeps wanting to sit up and cheer but no. No. Her body says 'not today'. Ow.

Talen's position on the field is amongst Agnarr and Leta, his shield raised, guarding his front and face. The visor helps moreso with the latter. It seems the Sword of Lenosia's decision to armour up today has done him well, though it looks battered, it nevertheless gleams -- it is mirrored, after all.

Reese checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 65, rolling 30 lower.

Reese is incapacitated.

Reese falls unconscious.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 14, rolling 57 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Calarian winces notably when Reese falls to the ground, rising from his stand to watch and make sure his cousin is okay.

While Eleyna acknowledges that Serafine is injured with a vaguely sympathetic nod, it's not like she's not bled next to her before. Besides, there is fighting to watch!

Alexis lets out a sharp whistle of encouragement as Leta downs Silas.

Talen ducks aside and looks over his shoulder to Gaston, backing up, reassessing. "Lord Gaston Blackram, how do you do. You have fought admirably."

1 Grayson Guardsmen leaves, following Aiden.

The Blackram just gives a brief nod in return, "And you." A bestial smile forming from under his helm, and "Let's make a show of it, shall we?" And then out lances his glaive, trying to pierce Talen's defense.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 15, rolling 80 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Serafine is not offended that her sister cares more about the father-of-Eleyna's-baby than her beloved sister that bleeds patiently at her side.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 26, rolling 14 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

"I'm not very good at shows," Talen replies, "that's for champions." Swing, clang, parry. "Let's let the gods decide who shall take the day, however."

Reese lays unconscious on the ground and bleeds profusely. Her blood isn't pink, it is red. She is breathing though.

Agnarr checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 50, rolling 32 higher.

Agnarr remains capable of fighting.

Saedrus has left the the Concessions Tent.

Agnarr checked willpower at difficulty 15, rolling 17 higher.

Reese has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Esoka has joined the General Seating.

Gaston takes serious damage.

Dante comes limping back into the grounds after having been brought back to, he notes that Talen is still at it, as well as Leta. "You'd better win, TALEN! You owe me a helmet!" Dante drops down into a seat with a groan of pain.

Calarian is quietly watching the bleeding Grayson on the tourney grounds, trying to determine if someone is going to help her. His hazel eyes travel to the concessions tent. He wonders aside of Tikva, "Is nobody going to aid her?"

Talen says, "I SAID WAIT A MINUTE DANTE"

Though he can still stand, or at least approximate the act of standing, Agnarr's lack of proper steel leg harness proves to be his undoing, cuts to the leg past the gaps in splint-and-quilt padding leaking blood. Nothing vital appears cut, but eventually, head hazy, he backs off from the fray, calling, "Yield." Even if, with visor raised, he's got this terribly sour (as well as pained) look on his face.

Kael is on the move toward the fallen Reese, taking care with the Grayson princess as he tries to pull her back toward the concession tent. "Easy goes, your highness," he murmurs under his breath before scanning the area for his wife.

Eleyna looks over at Serafine as she bleeds next to her. She wrinkles her nose and says teasingly, "I think you are getting blood on Leta's cloak. They have healers, you know." Her eyes drift toward the melee once more and she rises from her seat as Talen scores a strong blow, clapping and calling out, "House Velenosa!" And then she winces at having stood up entirely too fast.

Serafine squints at Elenya.

Agnarr has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Agnarr has joined the the Beverage Tent.

Talen takes minor damage.

Aleksei has left the the Concessions Tent.

Dante takes a wine that a serving girl brings him, offering her a winking smile before shruging. "Talen for the awesome-est" He cheers again before moving to find a spot he can drink quietly.

And thus, under his own power, Agnarr makes it away from the fray. With no more opponents to accost him, he drags himself off to the beverage tent, the edge of his rubicund dragging against the ground (and my, dulling it), before flopping down on his arse.

Dante has joined the the Beverage Tent.

As Agnarr yields, Leta touches two steel-clad fingers to her helm and nods to the man, "Well done! Maybe next one." then pivots on her heels to pair off with Tristan this time, offering him a nod before settling into a cautious guard.

Talen has begun to act much like a turtle might relying on armour and a shield over his ability to snake out sharp hits against Gaston. The hiss he gives has nothing to do with his serpentine appreciation, however, and everything to do with the fact that Gaston drew blood. "First blood to you, Lord Gaston. Congratulations."

Hardly having the strength to lift his blade, Agnarr merely salutes his hand instead for Leta, dropping it back to his lap.

From the High Booth Shae jumps up, cupping her mouth with her hands. "LORD BLACKRAM!!! WOOOOO!!!~" And then she goes back to sitting with Princess Alarissa and Lady Khanne.

That savage smile still lurks on Gaston's face, nodding to the Sword of Lenosa. "Didn't expect to last this long. Now that I'm here, feeling stubborn. Hope you understand m'lord," replies the Blackram, black, bloody, and blue. He seems to be attacking with abandon really, no thought of defense, but... Well, luckily Dame Wyrmguard makes exquisite wares.

Estaban gets up from where he is, his hands coming to his chest and ribs wincing in some pain he looks around to try and find aiden and silas.

"Lord Gaston," Talen says, as he rams his shield into him to keep him at bay, with a breath. "You could always retire now. No shame in it, after all." There's a laugh, a deep from within his tin suit.

Gaston takes moderate damage.

Tristan takes moderate damage.

"True enough!" barks Gaston to Talen, "But then where's the fun in that? Perhaps a bit more, and I'm sure you'll send me off shortly!"

Tristan dodges and dekes, sword locked with Leta's weapon. When she finally lands a blow on him, he simply shrugs and notes, offhandedly, "I'm better on a horse."

Leta takes minor damage.

Gaston checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 40, rolling 56 higher.

Gaston remains capable of fighting.

Gaston checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 64, rolling 20 higher.

Gaston remains capable of fighting.

Leta takes minor damage.

And then there's another pair of hard blows, as the more experienced Lycene takes the Blackram to school. After another few smashings, Gaston backs off, nodding to Talen. "Well fought, My Lord... I yield."

Leta finally takes a couple of hits, hardly felt through her armor, and nods her acknowledgment to Tristan, "Aye, well, I wouldn't last five minutes on a horse myself." she replies as she circles the other fighter, cocking her head for a moment to keep track of the other two fighters remaining.

Talen squares up when he keeps licking Gaston with wound after wound, though it's clear in the man's shoulders he's starting to flag. Armour is heavy and hot, it isn't meant to be on a Lenosian's back. When he finishes his latest strike, he tips his blade up and holds it in southern style, despite the broader blade. When Gaston backs off, he waits a safe time (as he's used to trickery of the kind) and then formally bows for Gaston as he exits the field. With that, he starts to circle Tristan and Leta, not yet joining the fray. "Wine!" he calls, reaching up and pulling off his helmet, tossing it to the side of the arena. "Send that to Lord Dante Fidante, Sword of Tor, would you?"

Tristan takes minor damage.

Gaston has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Still on her feet, Eleyna lets out a loud cheer when Talen manages to best his opponent... and then notices him stopping for a snack break? She bellows out, "Get back out there and fight, you insufferable cur!"

Serafine sits up a little, wincing. She cups her hands around her mouth again to shout at Leta. "-YOU ARE AMAZING! KEEP IT UP!-" and then flops back into her chair. Medic.

"And we are down to three! Who will stand and who will fall!" Edain calls out from the Judge's stand, "We are close to crowning our unyielding champion! But so many have fought so valiant. Everyone, spectator and fighter alike! Cheer for your favorite fighter that took the field today! The one you feel fought with the great splendor, courage and skill!"

Tristan takes very serious damage.

Edain has left the Judges Booth.

Roland, a great horned owl, Squire Serad Iron Foot leave, following Edain.

Dante gets a helmet sent to him and he removes his own with a grin. "I won my bet..." He tries the sweaty helmet on and nods his head, removing it and dabbing at his forehead with a cloth.

Talen hears the princess, yet he does wait until the goblet of wine is thirstily downed and the helmet Dante returns to him is given. With a look over it, he inspects it a second, then he shoves it on. Then? He joins the fray, heading for Tristan. "Sister," he greets Leta easily enough, like nothing at all is amiss.

"Oh, that depends on the horse," replies Tristan, still bantering despite the blood beginning to mark his armour. "Most of them don't attempt to maul their riders. At least, not the ones I raise." He dodges Talen's sword.

Tristan has rolled a critical success!
Tristan checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 58, rolling 84 higher.

Tristan remains capable of fighting.

With Edain's announcement, Khanne gets to her feet and cheers loudly. "Yay Red Team!" She whistles shrilly. "You all did great! Cheers for Victus as last man standing for the Red!"

Roland, a great horned owl, Squire Serad Iron Foot arrive, following Edain.

Edain has joined the Judges Booth.

Wash is overheard praising Victus for: Defiant to the last!

Alexis grins, and gives another sharp whistle gesturing towards Esoka, applauding.

Seeing as Tristan is perhaps getting hit a lot, Calarian rises from his stand to head over to the beverage tent. When Edain requests them to root for someone, he gently prods Philip who is quick to holler for the Prince, "Princess Reese Grayson! Woo!" The poor guy has this 'I hope I get fired soon' face.

Alarissa stands as well beside Khanne and cupping hands, yells out the same. "To the red! Prince Victus! To the last he stood!"

"I'm sure I'd have an easier time of it on one of yours." Leta assents to Tristan, head cocking to sneak a quick glance in Talen's direction before steeping forward to land another solid blow, this time using the steel-clad haft of her weapon. It's not as pointy. "I just can't properly fight atop one, that's what!"

Calarian is overheard praising Reese for: Fought valiantly for her House.

Caelis has left the the Concessions Tent.

Calarian has left the General Seating.

Calarian has joined the the Beverage Tent.

Serafine is overheard praising Leta for: That's my woman, looking as gorgeous and badass as anything.

Tristan is slowing, however, breaths coming fast, and his auburn hair sticking to his forehead with sweat, and he cannot quite manage to dodge the swing of Leta's pollaxe. He steps back, and lowers his sword. "I yield.. Not so bad for a stable boy, I suppose."

Calarian is overheard praising Tristan for: Who would've thought that he was this close to taking both tournaments.

Shae is overheard praising Gaston for: Good job showing them how tough house Blackram is!

Serafine is overheard praising Talen for: Ugh I really really really really hate to love you. Oh well.

As the fighting comes down to Talen and Leta, Eleyna turns to give her sister a look, lifts her brows, and says, "Care for a wager?"

Tikva has left the General Seating.

Tikva has joined the General Seating.

Estaban claps his hand and cheers, "Good Job Red Team! Go Lord Commander Silas!"

Serafine looks at Eleyna, then grins. "Only if you're betting for Talen to lose."

"Me," the big sellsword tries to say in his spot by the beverage tent, languishing with his wounds. Cheering for oneself, so sad. He does laugh painedly after.

Calarian has left the the Beverage Tent.

Tristan has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Calarian has joined the General Seating.

Talen draws a line in the sand when Tristan yields, providing enough time for him to make his exit, a formal bow given to that finalist as well. "Well fought, Sir...?" Confusion inflected, identity unknown. Once done, he turns and looks to Leta, his mismatched helmet hiding his face. "Leta," he greets, throwing his shield off so it clangs onto the ground. Gripping his sword at the hilt, he lifts it into a high guard. "Good luck."

Eleyna gives Serafine a look and tilts her head, "Then are you betting that he will win?"

Serafine wrinkles her nose. "Ugh. I don't know. Don't we win either way? More valor and illustrious praise for House Velenosa?"

"That's an excellent point," Eleyna leans forward, watching intently.

As Tristan yields, Leta takes a step back and inclines her head in a polite nod, "Well done!" she says to him, then finally turns to Talen and nods. "Good luck, Highness." she replies, her lips curving into an easy grin behind her helm. Her whole armor's mismatched, let alone her helmet. Her crown of flowers is barely hanging on by a thread, and the dirt about her is strewn with petals.

Esoka calls out a cheer and stands, as Tristan yields. "Tristan the Royal Stablemaster! As fine a blade as any on that field, and the fall of a fair few of us. And an honorable yield after a fine fight."

Leta takes serious damage.

Leta takes moderate damage.

Talen and Leta's final is about as dramatic as they come, yet it's drawn out long enough to see the progression. With a swing of his sword, their blades crash together in the first instant. Then Leta manages to avoid the strike that is brought down next. When he manages to catch her the first time, it buys him a second shot, renting open steel. Both wearing the thicker plates, it's hard to get blood, you have to work for it.

Eleyna leans forward slightly, hands clasped together as she can't tear her eyes away while her sister is hiding hers next to her.

Freja calls out her cheer from the whiskey tent, "Prince Ferugs, Until the Last."

Once she's facing Talen, Leta shifts her footing, pollaxe held in front of her body in a careful guard, as if trusting the weapon's slightly greater length to ward off the Velenosa prince. By now, her face is flushed and gleaming behind the steel it's encased in. She strides forward, attempting a couple of light jabs that do nothing but glance off mirrored steel, and in turn takes a pair of hard hits, that send her back a few steeps, and sprinkle blood alongside the flowers. Nonetheless, she grins wider, loosens her stance, and presses forward.

Leta takes moderate damage.

Leta takes minor damage.

Talen takes serious damage.

Leta takes moderate damage.

Talen takes serious damage.

Leta checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 42, rolling 48 higher.

Leta remains capable of fighting.

Talen checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 1, rolling 44 higher.

Talen remains capable of fighting.

Dante is overheard praising Talen for: Proves why he is the sword of Lenosia

Calarian is overheard praising Talen.

Calarian is overheard praising Leta.

Leta checked stamina, willpower + survival at difficulty 79, rolling 12 lower.

Leta is incapacitated.

Leta falls unconscious.

Freja is overheard praising Fergus for: To the Last, forever and always.

"And by the gods! That was an amazing, grueling Melee! Prince Talen Velenosa is the Unyielding Champion of the Tournament of Roses!" Edain calls out in a loud clear voice and calls for Thunderous applause!

Eleyna leaps to her feet and turns to run out of the booth and down the field. Well, as much as a woman who gave birth recently can run. She pushes her way through the crowd to make it to the edge of the field, grinning.

Alexis rises and applauds, giving another sharp whistle, then winces and quickly takes her seat again.

Shae moves to her feet clapping for Prince Talen, and then turns to the women she is sitting with to speak to them.

Serafine is bleeding but manages to keep pace, limping the whole way. She looks pretty determined to get to her Leta, cursing under her breath as she does so because ow ow ow ow buggery OW.

Lydia rushes down a couple rows, touching Alexis on the shoulder. "Are you ok?!"

Dante stands and begins to clap his hands together for Talen as he wins the day. "I may have won our bet, but you won the day, well done Prince Talen!"

Khanne cheers once more, loudly, for the Champion, Prince Talen!

Alarissa is overheard praising Talen for: For winning

Esoka is on her feet, her big metal-clad fists banging together and yelling for Talen. Even though he hit her quite a lot on the field not so long ago. Perhaps //because// of that.

Alarissa is overheard praising Gaston for: For holding out as long as he did

Freja is overheard praising Agnarr for: For representing House Redrain well.

Freja is overheard praising Talen for: Not a caltrop in sight.

Kael, from the sidelines, is offering his applause toward Prince Talen, and in truth all competitors within the grand melee. He moves toward the fallen Leta afterward and, should no others be rushing to do so, Kael is aiding in moving her toward the healer's tent.

After those first hard hits, Leta abandons her guarded stance and attacks. Every muscle aches, her arms are sluggish, her legs are shaking, but she powers through a hit and returns it, wielding the pollaxe like a hammer as the two contenders trade blows back and forth, each slamming the other about the arena. Leta has the worst of it. Her knees buckle, and she braces herself against her pollaxe. For a moment, she raises a hand, hesitating on the yield, before charging forward once more, bodily slamming the Velenosa prince for one final hit. Yet she's wide open, there, and at last she is struck, and staggers, and drops her weapon, and finally hits the dirt.

Edain picks up An Unyielding Grand Melee Championship Belt.

Edain picks up A Magnificent Grand Melee Championship Belt.

Talen's armour is rent apart from the attacks from Leta's poleaxe, he's bloodied and he's utterly exhausted, so when finally Leta falls victim to her wounds he sort of slumps down slightly and uses his blade to prop him up. While he drags in breath, he looks for the official confirmation of the win, then he steps forward to kneel beside Leta. One can swear he asks, "Are you excited about the amount of shagging we're going to have for getting this far? I am." Then he takes the favour off his arm and kneels, dabbing Leta's head. "I did promsie her blood," he excuses himself.


Serafine rolls her eyes as she follows Leta and Kael to the healer's tent, calling out to Talen: "Yours can't yet. Mine can, though. Maybe. After she's healed."

Edain makes his way down from the Judge's stand and takes up the two championship Belts, "Prince Talen Velenosa.. come forward so that I might present you with your championship belt you may bear with pride." He looks about the grounds then and says,"As for the most magnificient fighter. the one that will have people talking for a very long time. It was so close.. and I could tell everyone cheered so loudly for many people... but sometimes, victory does not stir our hearts, as much as much as standing in the face of impossible odds and meeting them without fear. High Lord Victus's prowess even as his team was overwhelmed and how he stood outnumbered, and his savagery up to that point has moved many of you.. and so High Lord Victus Thrax is the Magnificent Champion of of the Tournament of Roses!"

Caelis applauds for the fighters, her gloves tucked into her belt from working and hands clean. She smiles, seeing Talen hailed as the victor. "For the Lyceum, well fought!"

Dante has left the the Beverage Tent.

Dante is overheard praising Victus for: Well fought!

Talen does as he's bid, for once, though it's arguably only because there's a carrot on the end of the stick as it were. When he's presented with it, he nods simply, then leans in to murmur something to Edain. There's a hand extended, offered to the Prince of Sanctum, before he steps aside and looks toward Victus. "Your grace, congratulations," he drawls, forcing himself to stand straighter, despite his flagging muscles.

Dante claps his hands together as Talen is given his prize, and then he watches Victus move up to get his as well. "Well done, the both of you!"

Leta wakes up.

Eleyna approaches Talen and takes in his battered armor, bloodied state, and the oddly mismatched helm with a long look before she steps in close and leans in to murmurs something into the Sword's ear before leaning away to inspect his championship belt with a tilt of her head and a grin, stepping back then to allow others to offer their congratulations.

Serafine covers Leta's face in kisses.

Freja rises as the winners are announced and with a nod of her head, slips out quietly.

Leta's not really in any shape to actually walk anywhere. The blond knight, her armor quite thoroughly mangled in a variety of places, just lies there and leaves artful trails of blood behind as she's moved to the healers' tent.

Victus limps inside the tournament grounds, literally seconds after awaking from his injuries. His hand still clutching his side, he glances up at the gathering crowds. "Heard I won something?" He calls out.

Freja has left the the Beverage Tent.

Alexis rises again, a tad more slowly this time, applauding the two victors. But mostly, she seems content to settle in her seat and relax, now that it's all over but the crying.

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

Reigna moves over to Leta, kneeling as she begins to do her work, pulling various things from her kit as she gets down to the serious work ahead of her. Reigna's white linens are ruined by this point, so the addition of Leta's blood hardly makes it worse. She looks to Serafine and murmurs, "I will do all I can, my lady."

Ian follows along a half a minute or so after Victus, still toting the now open bottle of rum. He takes his time heading back in the direction of the stands.

Esoka does more cheer-yelling for Victus, when he appears. Got to represent for her team, at high volume.

Alarissa is about to depart from her booth when Victus appears and there's a smile at seeing the man upright and moving forth to accept one of the prizes of the evening, clapping her hand for him.

Edain approahces, Victus and folds the championship belt carefully and hands offers it out to Victus, "Yes High Lord.. your prowess throughout the match, and your valiant final stand when outnumbered so greatly has swayed many hearts in your favor... Though I feel it was so close there might be some that will may well want to challenge you someday to carry that belt. But on this day, your bravery has named you the most Magnificient Fighter of the Tournament of Roses, and this belt and the King's Boon shall be yours."

Calarian is overheard praising Edain.

Calarian is overheard praising Alexis for: Valiantly fought.

Calarian is overheard praising Tikva.

Estaban grabs his bow and starts to head out of the grounds slowly he is gona be hurting a bit.

Shae has left the High Booth.

Shae claps for both of the Champions. And then heads out to go check on some of her friends!

Kael moves back and allows Reigna to do her work, though his eyes are on his wife observing each and every move that she makes. When she travels on to the next person, he's just following along by way of silent support or guard duty. Something.

Victus blinks almost in surprise when Edain approaches with the championship belt. He looks back to Ian, almost as if to confirm this was indeed happening. When his eyes are back on Edain, his face is grinning beyond its bruises. "No shit?" Calloused hands wrap around the belt and hoist it into his shoulder with some difficulty. "No shit..."

Turning to face the remaining members of the crowd, he hoisted the belt up with a pained grunt and let out a victorious howl.

Calarian claps for Victus with a smile, from his position by the stands.

Talen has left the Blue Team Staging Area.

Mal, a devious raccoon leaves, following Shae.

Khanne cheers for Victus as he raises the belt! "Yeahhh! Victorius Victus!"

Tikva rises as well and applauds, vehemently, for a quick round of clapping and cheers. She sways up onto her tip toes and touches Calarian's elbow to mutter something to him, and then begins to melt away across the benches, heading out of the tournament grounds.

Tikva has left the General Seating.

Mariah, a nanny, 2 Grayson Guardsmen, 2 Armed Confessors, Confessor Warren leave, following Tikva.

Leta's mismatched armor comes off eventually, at least the parts needed to reach her wounds below, and the worst of the cuts and stabs are tended to. She's not quite spry and ready to leap to her feet, but at least she blinks her eyes open eventually, and grits her teeth through it. She squints, one-eyed, at Serafine nearby. "Almost had it." she grins weakly.

Ian raises his eyebrows to Victus and makes a toasting motion with the bottle of rum. He doesn't drink from it, though.

Calarian smiles aside to Tikva, giving her a nod -- though he quickly enough turns around to comment something to Philip. The man departs, leaving him with his guards. Presumably, it is a message he has to deliver.

Philip, an overworked assistant have been dismissed.

"I want to thank everyone for coming today! Hail his Majesty, King Alaric IV, Praise Limerance and all the Pantheon and Praise the Compact! Over the last few days I have seen such amazing feats." Edain says calmly, but his baritone voice carrying across the grounds, "There may be dark days in our a future, but never forget that skill and bravery we have witnessed these past few days. And when those dark horizon's take comfort in knowning exactly what an absolute ass-kicking awaits the foes that are fool enough to line up against us! Gods Bless you all!"

Reigna glances up as she finishes her work on Leta, getting the worst of the wounds bound and stitched as needed. Her stitches are small and loose enough that they will not pop or tear and still keep the wounds together. Salve is smeared over each wound and then they are wrapped in linen. She offers a look to Serafine and says as she hands over the salve, "This should be applied thrice daily."

Serafine shakes her head at Leta and cups her face in her hands. "You are a beloved, ridiculous creature." She kisses Leta tenderly, then offers to help her limp with her. "Come, lets see if we can find out way home, mm?" She accepts the salve with a smile. "Thank you, Mercy, I appreciate it."

Wash stands, thanks Calarian for his invitation and nods to Tikva. "It was so loud that I didn't catch your name. Apologies."

Calarian claps approvingly for Edain -- and Victus, again. The sight of the pair seems to make him smile. The words shared make him nod a few times.

Waving his hand over at Reigna next, Agnarr slips off the stool to sit on the ground. His steel on the upper body has held up - it is only his less armored legs that take the brunt of it, slicing largely superficial cuts and blows that nonetheless have stained his trousers. "Stitch these up, will you."