There's a familiarity to how Patrizio Pravus appears within the Arena of the Golden Hart, compete with the twelve soldiers who accompany him throughout the thoroughfares of the city. That he, like they, is in Pravusi blue and steel goes without mentioning. That he's in immaculately shined armour is probably also something that goes without saying, but the archduke of Setara and the Saffron is looking warily at the sands for some moments, even as he's holding a glass of red wine in his hand, sipping from it while watching the multitude coming in to see the affair this evening.

Renata is in soft conversation with her assistant as she enters the Arena, hands cupped to sides of her face as she looks to the ground in her walk. Guards focus upon where they can fan out to with two sticking close to her in every step. Sparrow, leans over to mention the Archduke is here. It is in this moment which Renata looks up with small wave of her hand to cousin before nearly getting lost in the shine of his armour to then be nudged by Sparrow where she's able to break her gaze and look to assistant. "Yes. Wine would be lovely... No. I'm not throwing it at anyone..."

Sabella is not far behind Patrizio, flanked by her (smaller but still impressive) entourage of Grayson guards. She has her usual cheerful expression in place and is, to most standards, impeccable in appearance. She finds herself greeting Renata first, as wine seems to be in order. "Ooh, Princess Renta, hello! I hear I missed quite the fun when I left early last time!" She then waves to Patrizio. "Hello, Cousin!"

Theo comes into the Golden Hart and looks about. Smiles offered to all that are familiar to him. Having caught the last of Renata's words to her assistant has him giving a small chuckle as he continues his way in. Loitering near the back in case he has to leave before the event is over. Standing with his guards and assistants and hands clasped in front of him. He doesn't look like he will be drinking tonight.

Raymesin arrives, with no guards and no assistants and no fanfare, just stepping into the Golden Hart and looking around to see who's in. Overtall, clad all in black, he does rather stand out here among the colourful flowers of Arvani society.

Ian comes into the arena together with Raymesin. There's an ease about his gait that he's never really displayed before; while he clearly still needs his cane to reinforce his balance, and he couldn't be said to be moving gracefully, he's also not obsessively watching his own footsteps, and gives off a sense that walking doesn't take the concentration that it once did. This frees him up to scan the space even as he enters it with the same intense focus that he's always displayed.

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

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

Patrizio smiles warmly to Sabella. "This is twice in a short span of days - one might almost wonder if you're following me," he teases her, with a playful wink, before there's consideration of Renata, and then Theo, especially when the former's ordering wine. But that's not something that the archduke of the Summer Seas seems worried about, but more the matter of Raymesin and Ian arriving together, both of whom are given a dip of his head in acknowledgement.

Valencia arrives with a smile, nodding to her staff who are hard at work preparing the sands and seeing the Hart's guests will cared for and amply supplied with drink. Smoothing her skirts the little vixen smiles to see that the Archduke of Prauvs and Princess Renata are already in attendance. Princess Sabella too is there and receives a warm smile. Prince Theo is given a little bump of her hip as she moves by. "Congratulations, cousin," she winks as she passes to offer a bright smile to Lord Ian and Raymesin. "Welcome, welcome," she offers with a graceful nod before motioning to her staff to bring Ian a favoured bottle and to see Raymesin with a hot pot of excellent tea.

As Valencia passes Theo and gives him that bump he winks at her not wanting to retain her more than usual from her hostess duties. When she congratulates him, the prince says, "Thank you for all you have done." He must be referring to the wine samples she gave him and the use of using this very arena for the duel. Shaking his head some at yesterday's memory of how things went in that duel.

Sabella's eyes widen at Patrizio, but not in affected innocence as one might expect. No. The bubbly princess leans into the archduke's teasing, brightly replying, "But of course I am! There's simply nothing better to do!" Though her tone is playful, there's an earnestness to her that might make some people believe her words. She doesn't even bat an eye. A glass of wine is procured and a finger wave is sent Valencia's way.

"Family must always stick together, sweet cousin, mine," Valencia calls over her shoulder as she moves to wards the ring a nod and a wink to Princess Renata step towards the entrance. A brief look to the roster and she nods to the Sergeant of Arms. "We shall start soon," she informs the rough-hewn man who nods back once and to the point.

"I'm not going to argue against the good taste of following me about," comes Patrizio's rejoinder to Sabella, even as he does draw a hand through that fabulous mane of his, and there's a playful smile. Though, likewise, he favours Valencia with a warm smiles nd the bow of his head when he can hear her calling to the Sergeant at Arms. "If you have need of a combatant this evening, I am willing. Just not against Messere Corsetina again."

Renata looks up when she's handed wine trying not to stare or find herself looking at any of the shiny surfaces around her. An awkward display as she continually finds herself staring almost longingly at a armour to only be nudged by assistant as she then seeks to have a seat. A wave towards Sabella as she turns to watch who will take to the sands first.

Ian nods towards the bar, in a silent invitation for Ray to join him there.

Ian has joined the bar.

Raymesin, having not been here before, is subtly but notably taking his cues from Ian. He takes the tea with a nod of thanks for the person who brings it, and fetches up at the bar next to Ian.

Raymesin has joined the bar.



Clad in scarlet southern silks, Valencia moves to the center of the Ring of Valor. Offering a warm smile, she holds up her hands and gracefully inclines her head to the enthusiastic crowd.

"My lords and ladies, misseres and madams, dearest friends -- please be very welcome to my Hart."

"Tonight we are pleased to offer the finest of martial arts and skills in Arx and Avrum," Valencia calls out with a respectful nod to this evening's competitors. "We cannot say enough how honoured and lucky we are to have such noble competitors share their valor and skills upon our sands. We thank them for sharing this with us just and thank you, our respected guests, for you generous support of the Golden Hart by being here with us tonight."

"And now, dear friends, let the festivities begin."

"Competitors! Please prepare! Dearest guests! Ready yourselves to cheer! Missere Sergeant of Arms! Would please take to the sands! We now declare tonight's event open!" the little vixen continues with a bright smile. "Let spirits lift and voices rise. Tonight's Sip'n Spar has now begun!"

The Hart's arena again is filled with cheers as the Hart's vixen gracefully bows her head and gracefully steps from the ring. The event has officially begun.

An event such as this, Hali was not going to miss it. A chance to drink and spar? It is kind of what her life consisted of. Well, that and sailing. She arrives alone in her full sailor's ensemble, curved blade hanging at her waist and a bottle of something in her hand. Yes, she came with her own bottle. Was she pregaming? Quite possibly yes. A swig taken and a wipe of herm outh with the back of her other hand and she looks around, giving a simple nod to those gathered and the arena. "I may be to sober for this." Another swig.

The Hart's Sergeant of Arms is a grizzled, no-nonsense kind of a man. A veteran with a glint in his eye and more experience than many in the realm. Moving with the agility of a younger man, the old warrior moves onto the sands and holds up a scarred hand before rumbling out, "Lords and Ladies! Good folk and gentles all! Archduke Patrizio of Pravus and Missere Hali Harvey are called to the sands!" he bellows as he eyes the combatants with a look of approval as they enter. "Sir, your highness, present yer arms. May your fight with honour and fire in your heart and the rest be damned. LAY ON!" he barks with a gruff grin and a bow to each before stepping back.

Ian watches with interest as the first competitors take the sands.

Raymesin settles back against the bar, teacup held carefully in one gloved hand, as he too watches.

Patrizio has joined the ring of valor.

Hali has joined the ring of valor.

3 Setarcan Royal Shields have been dismissed.

9 First Legion Centurions have been dismissed.

Theo applauds when Valencia introduces the first match. Deep blue eyes look to Hali and then to Patrizio as he continues in his stance of watching. A soft murmur to one of his assistants. Possibly placing bets on who will win this match. He's not loudly vocal on who his choice is.

Bottle tosses aside with a careless throw and what might be a slight crash, Hali enters the ring and draws her blade, twiling it a few times. She spies Patrizio and shakes her head a few times. "Well this is not what I expected." She gives a now and a respectful tip of her blade.

Sabella grins at Patrizio before finding a seat, and finding Renata close at hand, she gestures for the other woman to join her. "Watch with me?" The princess' gaze moves from Renata to Theo, some flicker of amusement there.

Sabella has joined the ringside table.

Renata has joined the ringside table.

At the announcement, there's that breath that's clearly let out by Patrizio, before he's handing his glass over to one of his attendants. He offers a bow of his head to the Sergeant at Arms, before he's making his way out upon the sands, the drawing forth of that blade of his, before he bows to Hali, awaiting her there. "No one expects this kind of thing, I fear, but better here than somewhere that harm is intended?" He's smiling, even as he gets himself ready and settles into form.

Valencia draws back to watch the match, though she is careful to keep an eye upon her guests and staff. A deep breath as the Hali and Patrizio take to the ring. "I have not seen this the lady spar before. I am curious to know more of her skill," she nods with interest.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

Hali's form? Well it is a bit unorthodox to say the least. Most of her fighting has come on the deck of a ship and her training was not exactly proper.

Valencia has joined the ringside table.

There's a formality to how Patrizio approaches this kind of a spar, the slow circling, the mindfulness of watching how Hali moves as if sizing up how she might move, and what kind of things she might bring to bear, the faint air that this isn't his first go-round upon the sands. It's wary, how he's starting out, far less aggressive than the week before, keeping his eyes on how she moves when he's making those first exchanges of steel, the flash and slash of that blade, the gleam of the light off that polished armour of his.

Valencia has left the ringside table.

Valencia has joined the ringside great table.

The best time to be somewhere, is the time you end up there. Or at least, that's the approach Mirari takes by slipping in once the festivities have begun. While the woman could no doubt go unnoticed, but she choses not to. Dressed head-to-toe in glimmering steelsilk, there's an overly relaxed saunter to her steps. Decorated in a variety of blades that are worn proudly on various parts of her person, she looks ever so keen to watch people knock each other about for a bit. The smirk on her lips is wickedly indulgent and taking sight of the overall scene of people. Her attention primarily falls to Valencia who is their esteemed hostess for the evening. Mirari winks at her when she catches the other woman's attention. Snagging a glass of something dark and red, her attention passes along a couple other familiar sights. Theo and Renata are met with a cordial dip of her head. Mostly, she's interested in seeing who is fighting. Patrizio she recognizes immediately, but the other contender is unfamiliar. Eyebrows loft with curiosity, seeming interested to watch the fight.

When Mirari gives Theo a cordial dip of her head in his direction, he offers her a smile and a thumbs up. Remembering how well she did in her own fight, last week.

Looking up from her conversation with Renata, Sabella looks over at Theo. "Prince Velenosa! I have a question for you." She gives him a pleasant smile.

It was not often that Hali was actually cautious. In truth, she was quite brazen and aggresive in combat, at least that is what her reputation stated. However, the man across from her she knew of. Was the Crimson Blade second in command scared? Perhaps, but she was studying him as well. He was not the typical adversary she was used to fighting with. Blades struck and parried. Steps out of the way of swings on both their parts. She was growing more comfortable and when she saw an opening, swung, striking him, but a mere glancing blow that was met with an visual look of suprise and dissaproval. It was in her retreat that she left herself open, taking a good shot to her non-wielding arm, causing her to wince and call out as it clearly affected her. "Ai!." She shook her head a few times and smiled. "Okay pretty boy...that's all you get." She set herself up once more with a deep exhale.

There's something to be said for a little luck towards the beginning of a spar.

Not that Patrizio's getting overconfident when he's already gotten in once, but that sword of his is kept where he can easily enough parry, thrust forth now and again to slash, and while he's taking a hit here and there, from the resounding sound it makes against the armour, he's not slowing at all. Yet. "I don't know so much about 'pretty boy', since I strongly suspect I've years on you, messere," he teases gently, "but I would admit that /staying/ pretty is part of my goal here, yes."

A bright smile finds Valencia's lips as Mirari is spied and the elegant woman is offered a graceful incline of head in welcome. The little Lycene seems happy to see her in attendance. The sounds of the match rings out loud and evokes a cry of approval from the crowd. This makes Valencia smile all the more, her attention now locked upon the ring, but only for a little. Quietly with a look to Theo she is circulating towards Lord Ian and Raymesin.

Ian has stripped off his coat and vest, suggesting he plans on a fairly lightly armored spar. Some kind of sword wrapped in oilcloth leans on the bar next to where he sits. He's sipping at his whiskey with the air of someone who's drinking socially, rather than with intent towards getting drunk.

Valencia has left the ringside great table.

Valencia has joined the bar.

Raymesin is quietly taking off bits of his own armour, stripping down to match Ian. Even his shirt is black.

Theo pushes off from the wall he was upholding. His attention mostly on the match and the words exchanged there on the sands. As Valencia looks to him even with a quiet look he's grinning at her as cousins do, right? Well this cousin does as he makes to move over to the table on which where Renata and Sabella are sat. "Yes, Highness?" He says towards Sabella first and a nod of acknowledgement to Renata and his smile remains for the kind princess.

She is hitting him a few times, but only lightly enough to make it llook like she knows what she is doing. At this rate, his armor might need some polishing after the fight, but he will not wake up with any bruises. She is doing her best to stay calm. Not to enter that aggresive Hali that she is known for. Dodging and weaving the strikes as they come in with a little bot of flair, much like a dancer. Unorthodox? Absolutely. She runs her free hand over the back of her neck and takes a step forward. "I'll make sure I avoid the face. Deal?" She gives her opponent a wink and twils the blade in her wrist a few times. "Try this one..."

Scarf, the violet serpent have been dismissed.

Renata appears distracted. She can focus on the fight for a moment, then has to look away. Staring at the table she sits at, almost as if she's trying to not stare at any one thing or place for too long.

"To be fair, I prefer to avoid all my opponents' faces. It makes it awkward buying a drink later when you've scarred someone in the non-emotional manner," rejoins the archduke in his genial nature, that warm laugh of his when he's touched, and again, with Hali's blade, the clang of it off his armour while he's getting a hint more aggressive in his pursuit of the goal upon the sands. It's also not effortless, with the faint sheen of sweat apparent upon his brow. "Your style's quite interesting, and you're keeping me on my toes."

All of a sudden Theo is coughing. Why is he coughing? Hard to say. He's not been drinking. As soon as the coughing subsides he's a touch amused and finally he decides to take a seat with the princesses. Eyes still trailing on what is going on in the sands as he finds his seat.

With the glass in her hand, stem resting between two fingers, Mirari watches the exchange that unfolds between Patrizio and Hali. The exchange brings a mildly amused grin to her lips, but soon it tempers back into a self-satisfied smirk. The woman doesn't roam, rather she leans against the bar watching in silence. From time-to-time, her attention drifts but for the most part, she's just here to watch the fighting and it provides her with a pleasant calm. Enjoying a brief moment of respite, or maybe it's just the proximity to violence.

Ther eis a bit of fatiuge as well setting in upon the Sailors brow. Is she breathing heavy? Oh that is quite obvious. She even hunched over a moment, rising slowly with a smile after a barrage of strikes, parries and hits landed and taken. Both of them are getting through the other's guard, it is becoming a war of attrition. A smile is given back to him as she bounces on her toes a bit, moving her head from side to side. She is doing well to stay in control of herself. "I like to call my style...slightly buzzed sailor." She winks again and moves back in for another round of combat. "It is good I am keeping you on your toes, tho I would prefer you on your ass."

Theo has joined the ringside table.

Mirari has joined the bar.

Something Hali says causes Valencia to blink and she quickly covers her mouth with her hand to cover the smile that suddenly blossoms there. Lips pressed, dark eyes dance with amusement. Turning, she smiles to Mirari. "It is good to see you. Our new competitor is very spirited, yes?" she nods to the ring.

Harlen arrives, following Duarte.

Patrizio huffs out as he, too, is hardly as fresh as when he started the battle, the shift into a more aggressive stance, that grin when there's suggestion about 'slightly buzzed sailor'. "It begs asking if more alcohol helps with such a thing, though it also makes me think of a few that I should introduce you to. People whose style much matches that, truth be told." This comes with a twinkle to those jade eyes when the sword he bears goes snicker-snack, not that he seems to be making a great deal of headway with such an approach. "Though that also perhaps requires my cousin to be back in port, 'fore I start to make recommendations to such... and she might prefer to go barehanded."

Sabella gives Renata a questioning look for a second or two before her indomitable smile comes back in full force for Theo. She looks thoroughly amused by something he's said. There's a quick glance past the table to the ring to see the status of the match, but then she's speaking quietly to her fellow royals again.

Duarte slinks in, eyes darting around with a muted but mirthful smile. He is heading toward the bar! But he catches the combatants in the ring and tosses out some obligatory support, "Go Your Grace! Duck and weave! Rah rah."

Duarte has joined the bar.

Lifting her glass to red lips, Mirari takes a slow sip, enjoying the flavour of the wine, savouring it. Having caught Hali's comment, she looks over at Valencia with a nod in agreement. "I've always enjoyed a bit of theatrics with my violence," the woman says favourably. "It's good to see you again Valencia. You look as stunning as always," the woman says in a complimentary fashion. "I'm glad you've made these a more regular occurrence. I can handle only so many social niceties, but a fight? That's always fun."

Renata has a soft hum of a song which slowly carries from table she shares with Sabella and Theo. Unable to hold her gaze upon the spar for long until she is left with rosy cheeks. Something said at the table, a stare to both Sabella and Theo. Closing her eyes with hands seeking to cup to sides of her sight.

Oh she is visbly tired. Her chets rising and falling with each breath that seems a bit more labored than theone before it. Most engagements she has been in have ended far sooner than this. Tho, given who is across from her, she knew this was not going to be the case. "The answer is always more alcohol. It either makes it btter, or makes you forget how bad it was. Really, it is a win-win situation." She narrows her eyes as she steps forward, taking a deep breath and tries to get into his head a bit. "Your hair...it is a bit ouf of place..right there." She raises a finger with a wince of her face to point it out." She is then stepping forward with a confident little swagger, is she showboating a bit. Her hips swaying as she sailor walks towards him with her blade extended and she sticks her tongue out with a smile. "Ready?"

"It does! I do think the banter is almost better than the sparring itself," Valencia laughs softly back, her expression warm. "I like that people from all over our city face each other and all the trappings and titles fall away upon the sands. To spar with friends, yes?" she nods aside to Mirari. Valencia's cheeks flush to the compliment. "You are far too kind, my sweetest lady. I cannot compare to you, however. Oh, and again, thank you for the blade. Missere Skaldia was very happy to receive it. She wished to convey her thanks to you as well."

Theo was trying to watch the match but he's distracted by the princesses he shares the table with. He looks from one to the other as if he's watching this match now and what words are being exchanged. Looking to his cousin, Valencia, he shrugs and the hostess would hear him give off a small chuckle.

"You do realize that I'm not quite /that/ vain, yes?" Says the archduke whose armour was perfectly buffed and shined before he arrived for the spar, and who still maneuvers with that eye towards being a showman even as he's wheeling and feinting upon the sands in the centre of the arena. But there's a warm laugh when he's lashed out again, and taken still some blows in return. "I think, messere, that we should call it at this point, and perhaps abscond to the side, and permit other pairs to take their place upon the sands, if you are amenable to such a thing."

Yeah she strutted with swagger right into that first blow. Even tho she asked if he was ready, his strike was so swift that it was her that was not ready as the blade strucl her side this time, causing her to recoil. "I asked if you were ready. Did not mean I was." Tho she is smiling through the sting of the blow." Strikes land, blades are evaded and she finally steps back, hunched over trying to catch her breath. As he suggests they call it a technical draw, she slowly raises her hand as she reaches for a breath. "Aye. I shall agree that we retire to the bar and allow others to sweat upon the sands." She rises to her full posture and makes her way over to him, offering a half-curtsy and a nod of her head as she extends her hand. "It was my pleasure Your Grace. It is not oftne I get to fight with someone prettier than I."

Renata turns to assistant over a missive nodding slowly as she slips from table. "Princess Sabella. Prince Theo." She makes for a small wave to Patrizio and Valencia before finding her leave.

Renata has left the ringside table.

6 First Legion Centurions, Sparrow, an enthusiastic and bubbly assistant leave, following Renata.

As the fight comes to an end, Ian begins to unwrap the sword he brought with him. The blade is very long, as long as a rapier, but has a slender, flattened profile and an undeveloped hilt, both traits are out of the ordinary for a rapier. The alloy that the sword is made from is a beautiful, pale gold, like sunlight fused with steel, somehow. He's shrugged off both coat and vest, leaving him in a loose fitting, offwhite linen shirt. And pants, obviously. He leaves his cane behind as he pushes away from the bar, and the mechanical wrongness about his gait is pronounced without it, leaving him pacing carefully to the ring.

"It was a pleasure, distinctly, messere." Patrizio's sword finds the scabbard at his side, before he's taking up Hali's hand, clasping it firmly as befitting a warrior for some moments. "You fight well, and I appreciate the giving of the effort here before this fine crowd." And that smile spreads further, before he gestures. "Come, let us retire, and let me buy you a drink in thanks, while others take our places down here." A gesture to those watching, before he bows as well to them, and to Valencia in honour of her hosting. "My highness, lady of the Hart, the sands await the next pairing, when your Sergeant is ready to call them forth."

As Duarte joins the group at the bar, Valencia offers him a surprised but happy smile and inclines her head in welcome. "Count Amadeo, please be welcome. It has been some times since we have seen you in my Hart. I am glad you have returned. Please what will you be drinking?" she asks turning to catch Renata leaving. A little nod is given before she returns her attention.

Patrizio has left the ring of valor.

Ian gets a long, slender goldsteel blade from Oiled leather bag.

Ian wields a long, slender goldsteel blade.

Hali has left the ring of valor.

Ian has left the bar.

As Renata makes to leave Theo is left in confusion but he to seems to be rising up and away from the table he was just in.

Ian has joined the ring of valor.

Theo has left the ringside table.

Hali has joined the bar.

Raymesin takes his cue from Ian, rising to his feet; stripped down to his shirt and a few bits of black leather, he follows Ian to the sands, undoing the peacebonds on the brace of knives at his belt as he does so. When he wields the brace of blades, one is shining diamondplate and the other is sooty black.

Raymesin has left the bar.

Raymesin has joined the ring of valor.

Raymesin wields The Wheel's Edge, a diamondplate dagger.

Patrizio has joined the bar.

The crowds go mad with cheery. Both fighters receiving hails and hollers from the crowd. As the crowd roars, the Hart's Sergeant of Arms gives a nod as he steps back into the center of the ring and holds up his hands. "Give a cheer for the first fight of the night. A fine match," he nods gruffly. "You've done yourselves proud," he speaks to the competitors before turning to face the crowd. "Both fought hard and bravely, but we don't want to have to sleep her tonight, and so by both competitor's request, this match is called a draw!"

The crowd rises to cheer both Hali and patrizio, and again the man waits till at least a little calm comes. Holding up a hand again, he nods to the next to Ian and Raymesin "And now our next match! Lord Ian of Kennex faces Missere Raymesin of Ulbran! Warriors, when you are ready... May your fight with honour and fire in your heart," he grins with an approving nod. "Fighters! LAY ON! "

Sabella looks. Confused. And then she's following after Renata.

Sabella has left the ringside table.

6 Grayson House Guards, Maureen, an unflappable nanny, Clark, an exasperated guard leave, following Sabella.

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

"A whiskey, please, lovely Valencia. The good kind." Duarte smiles wide for the hostess. "Truth be told, love, I have frequented the rooftop quite a bit but perhaps at the later hours after you've retired. I enjoy the view immensely."

Ian checks 'unconsciousness save' at normal. Ian is successful.

Ian remains capable of fighting.

"I would offer you no other," Valencia smiles to Duarte as she nods to the barkeep behind the counter and subtly signals to Duarte. Turning to smile at Patrizio, she inclines her head politely. "Your Grace. A fine match indeed. Will your partner care to join us while Lord Ian and Missere Raymesin show us some truly excellent sparring?" she asks, pausing to invite Theo to join the bar if he wishes.

Ian raises his sword as he and Raymesin find themselves facing each other in the ring. And that's... about the last point where what's happening in the rink has any hope of being followed. Because Ian and Ray are fast. Fast enough that every exchange is little more than a blur of blades and motion, moving with devastating accuracy. Fast enough that it presses the boundary of what's even possible. But Ian is definitely getting the worst of it, because fast as he might be, his opponent is faster, much faster. He's left, even with all of his skill, doing his best just to fend the other man off. His expression is slack and calm as he fights, his eyes bright, almost luminous, and intense.

Raymesin raises his blades in salute to Ian, and then he's launching himself - almost literally - at his foe. He has very little in the way of formal style and a great deal in the way of brutal efficiency, the sort of knifemanship honed by decades of back alley fights and little-to-no formal instruction. The sheer length of his arms makes up a great deal for his blades' lack of reach, and all in all his sheer skill and grace are just breathtaking. And he's fast, so fast that he's just a blur of black with one single point of shining white wielded in one hand, his sheer reflexes having to be seen to be believed. One vambrace deflects Ian's blade, his boot deflects another attack, and he's just pressing the Kennex hard throughout.

A grin's offered up to Valencia when he's drawing over, the smile as well to Duarte, before the jade eyes are turned back to the mistress of the Golden Hart. "I think both of us would love to take up that gracious offer of yours, if we might be given leave to impose." He's turning his attention back to the sands, watching them and.. no, indeed, something strong is probably a good order, even as Setarco Fire's broken out for himself and Hali.

Ian checks 'unconsciousness save' at daunting. Ian fails.

Ian is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Again the crow is on it's feet to cheer the battle unfolding upon the sands. Valencia, too, pauses to watch them, her breath held softly and her hand pressed gently.

The battle is as fierce as you would imagine and the crowd goes rises to cheer as both warriors reel and move across the sands. Even the Sergeant of arms looks impressed. As one fighter yields, the crowd roars their pleasure again as the Hart's Sergeant of Arms steps back into the center of the ring nodding with approval." And, your winner, Missere Raymesin of Ulbran!!"

Theo is overheard praising Valencia.

Valencia is overheard praising Hali: Very impressive first fight. I look forward to more.

Ian pressed and further pressed, Ian takes a surprising amount of abuse, but eventually, he's beaten down. His knees buckle, and it's pretty clear, especially to him, that he's not going to be getting up again, especially since he's still only just barely fending Ray off. "Yield." He's parrying even as he yields. "Well fought, Ray. I was expecting to lose, but not that fast."

Valencia is overheard praising Patrizio: Always a join to see upon the sands. A true gentleman and fierce competitor.

Hali is overheard praising Valencia: A wonderfully hosted event.

Raymesin stops the moment Ian yields, his blades going away a moment later. And then he's offering Ian a hand up. "I weren't quite expectin' that m'self," the Lowers man admits, then turns to lift a hand in acknowledgement of the Sergeant of Arms' shout. "Just 'Arlequin Raymesin, please," he says.

It might take a lot to get a reaction out of Patrizio that does not come with a smile, but.. there it is, when Ian's pressed to it, and he lets out a low whistle, with a serious expression upon his features. "Wow," says he seriously enough, before he's quaffing that Setarco Fire, and down it goes without a wince. "Remind me not to fight Messere Ulbran if I get the idea into my head."

"You'll give the Traitor's people some trouble," Ian chuckles to Ray. "Give me a hand up."

Theo had been heading away from the table and towards the door. When there is a moment he will kiss Valencia's cheek and tells her, "We still need to talk about Golden Hart." Smiling at her when he says that she would know what he is referring to. A nod of his head to those he is familiar with before he truly walks out that door.

Valencia is overheard praising Ian: Always a joy to watch upon the sands. Honoured to enjoy his skill.

Leaning back against the bar and sipping wine, Mirari is keen to watch another fight. The woman's eyebrows loft as she observes the second fight between Raymesin and Ian, immediately captivated by every moment. The woman puts down her glass and claps, impressed. Mirari notes everything, from start to finish, "that was stunning," she says of the fight. Then she looks back at the bar and catches something in the conversation retreating into the conversation, but not until it's all over the done with.

Valencia is overheard praising Raymesin: Magnificent! Truly breathtaking to watch such skill and power. Bravo!

Ian takes Ray's hand and lets the other man haul him to his feet. He lays a hand on his shoulder, just long enough to make sure that he's assured his balance. "If we both live through the week, I'm going to expect a rematch. It's been a long time since I lost a fight."

Raymesin waits for Ian to be sure of his balance before he moves any further. "Too right," he says, and then looks up at the audience. "An' that's the kind'a skill as we're gonna be bringin' against the 'Orned Wanker an' 'is armies. 'Opefully that's at least a little reassurin'."

Theo is overheard praising Hali.

Theo is overheard praising Patrizio.

Theo is overheard praising Ian.

Theo is overheard praising Raymesin.

Ian leaves the ring along with Ray, only to find someone waiting for him with a message. He apologizes, collects his things, and goes.

Ian has left the ring of valor.

Raymesin has left the ring of valor.

Raymesin has joined the bar.

Mirari would you care enjoy a match tonight?

Raymesin returns to the bar, and starts to strap his leathers back on between sips of tea.

3 House Velenosa Guards, Renault, Timothe leave, following Theo.

"Congratulations, Missere Ulbran. You are a very talented fighter indeed. Not many can best Lord Ian," Valencia smiles to Raymesin. "I'm glad you were able to join us. How do you find the event?"

Raymesin salutes Patrizio and Duarte with his reclaimed teacup. "Thanks," he says to them, then sets the teacup down and pulls on his toughened leather cuirass, getting it settled into place before starting the process of fiddling with the buckles. It's a process he seems to be intimately familiar with. "Thanks," he offers to Valencia. "Seems a'right. An' there's tea, which is even better."

Patrizio smiles as he allows a glance about, the consideration of those present, a glance as well to Valencia, before he muses to Raymesin, "I imagine that the master barkeep could find some tea. Or the beverage that I /hear/ was called for last night, after her highness' cousin was declared victor at the duel." He, though, seems quite content with the Fire in his glass as he's making himself comfortable.

Hali has left the bar.

Valenica looks tickled. "Missere Raymesin, you sound surprised. This is the Hart. We seek to make our guests happy if we can," she nods cheerful to the man and then to Patrizio. She pauses to look to speak to Hali, but the woman seems to have stepped away for the moment. Duarte's look to Mirari, draws a brow up, but though perhaps curious, she speaks not.

Mirari closes one eye after Duarte whispers to her, then she looks over at Valencia. The woman's lips cast into an easy smirk, "Count Duarte has challenged me to a spar. I have graciously accepted. If you wouldn't mind hosting another round, Valencia?." The Setarcan woman stands up to her full heigh, expression serious. The glass of wine is placed on the bar and looks at Duarte and then at the sands.

Valencia's brow lift and she nods gracefully between Mirari and Duarte. "I would be most delighted to see you step upon our sands. Let us prepare the ring for you, yes?" she nods and politely excuses herself to rouse the Sergeant of Arms to inform him there is to be a new match.

Oh how Duarte's eyes narrow as his face melts into a defeated sigh.... Well - there's no getting out of it now. He's just going to have to put the glass down and slide off the stool, muster the strength to stand like a man about it and waddle toward the sands with Mirari.

Mirari wields Choices, a vicious set of gleaming alaricite finger talons.

Harlen immediately starts asking around for new employment as his meal ticket goes off to get his ass handed to him by Mirari.

The crowd has simmered into happy banter and laughter as the warriors rest and the sands prepared. At Valencia's approach the Sergeant of Arms bushy brows loft and he looks towards the bar nodding respectfully. With a quick, lithe step he moves to the center of the ring and holds up his hands waiting for silence. "Rise and stand! Our next match is called," he announces his sharp eyes sliding across the crowd. "Count Duarte of Amadeo and the Missere Mirari of Corsetina. You've been called to the sands. May your fight with honour and fire in your heart," he nods briskly to each as he steps back out to give them room. "Fighters, present yer arms and lay on! Good fright!"

Celina, a dutiful physician's assistant arrives, delivering a message to Raymesin before departing.

Graciously dipping her head to Valencia, the raven haired woman walks towards the sands with an easy saunter. Her expression doesn't shift, but she notices that Duarte follows her, and so she pulls out her weapon of choice, each one, tucked into her belt. They affix to her fingers, she claps them together, making sure they are on well enough. "I've no doubt, we will provide some entertainment. What a great idea, Duarte," the woman says to the man. "You can even go first," she says, standing still in the middle of the sands. "Honour and fire," Mirari echoes those words as she waits for the fight.

Duarte has left the bar.

Duarte has joined the ring of valor.

Patrizio arches a brow as the pair are departing for the ring of honour, even as he's taking another sip of his drink and settling there upon the stool to see what's about to come of it.

"Oh how kind of you," Duarte replies, distractedly, as he is futzing with one of his daggers trying to figure out how it's meant to come out of its sheathe.. "Is there a snap, or something...?" he mutters.

Mirari has left the bar.

Mirari has joined the ring of valor.

Duarte wields Spider's Fangs.

The woman stands still, waiting patiently for Duarte to sort out his weapon. "There's often a snap or a tie, if you are trying to be polite about it." Then after she nods at Duarte having heard what he said. "Come at me when you are ready," she says calmly to the man.

Valencia looks intrigued. "Best of luck both," she nods as she passes Mariri and Duarte as the head to the sands. Returning to the bar, she settles and nods to Raymesin and Patrizio. "I am curious to see how the match unfolds. The lady is a most beautiful fighter."

Duarte eventually wrests the dagger free, but not without upsetting the waist of his pants. He readjusts them to a correct fit, and then dual wields the other dagger - a lot of good that will do him. He raises his brow and shakes his head to Mirari, "'fraid not, love. I am quite of the mind to not charge, as doing so would upset my natural instinct to not suffer injury."

With his lips pressed into a firm line for some long moments, it's clear almost immediately that Patrizio is trying more not to laugh when he's listening to the back and forth, watching the pair there upon the sands as they're preparing to start their spar. Another sip's taken from his glass, before he asides to Valencia and Raymesin, "This should be interesting, regardless. She had me on the defensive our entire match, though I was also trying to fight her with a long blade."

Raymesin lifts his teacup to demonstrate that he has tea, then settles back to watch the fight on the sands. He's still pulling on various bits of equipment he'd ditched in order to face off against Ian - there's quite a lot, all told.

There might be some people that at this point would feel sorry for Duarte, but Mirari is not one of these people. If Duarte doesn't want to charge towards her, she has given him the opportunity. The woman extends her fingers, letting the metal glint in the light before her attention squares on him. The woman has some idea of the man's skill, or at least could wager a bet from over the years, but she takes nothing for granted. That's how she's gotten where she is. When the officiary of the fight says it's started, Mirari doesn't hold back. The woman is vicious and brutal, it's written into every moment and the look in her eyes. Yet, there's something undeniably graceful about it. Everyone has their passion, this is hers. Mirari lunges forward and just a little to the left, aiming for the man's center of gravity.

Valencia winces a little as she recalls. "It is so, the lady is very good with her claws," she smiles back to the sands with a hint of admiration. "I wish I was so gifted, but alas we cannot all be so. Though, I suspect Count Duarte is also formidable," she nods aside before looking to the Hart's staff who move to help Raymesin with his armour should he allow it (with apologies for not being on the job in the first place).

A fight has broken out here. Use @spectate_combat to watch, or +fight to join.

Duarte is like noooooo!!!! and trots with high knees /away/ from Mirari!

Duarte checks 'unconsciousness save' at easy. Duarte is successful.

Duarte remains capable of fighting.

Duarte checks 'unconsciousness save' at hard. Duarte marginally fails.

Duarte is incapacitated and falls unconscious.

Raymesin doesn't want any help with his armour, thanks; he's fine, and very much used to putting his own armour on without help. He does pause to applaud the combatants, though, before pulling on and then pulling back his hood.

Of all the things, Mirari doesn't expect Duarte to flee from her, when she attacks. He's quicker than she thought and when she lunges for the first hit, he's not there. The woman decides, she will just chase him and this time she comes up from the side, and she strikes his arm with brute force. It's a hard hit, that doesn't bother her, all is fair on the sands. "You flee well, that's a good skill to have. I mean it," she tells the man and it is. Any jokes aside, she watches him and gives the man the benefit of the doubt, making sure to keep up and while it's not what she expected, she adapts. Trying to get in his way, she delivers another hit, she feels the back end of it and then stops, knowing how it will land.

There is a fleeting moment of 'hey I escaped!' glee on Duarte's features. Maybe even a grin when Mirari can't catch him! It is very short lived. When comes from the side and strikes him he shouts "Ack!" and before he has time to fall, he's hit again to make sure that once he's in the dirt, he stays there. His arm twitches a little and he smiles an involuntary smile as some of the more happier moments of the life that's flashing before his eyes appear.

This time, Patrizio can't help but laugh when he's watching the pair. Though when Mirari does finally catch up with Duarte and there's that scrap between them, the expression turns towards the more serious anew, even as the count's spilling to the sands. "I'm not going to envy how that's going to feel tomorrow," comes his voice, with a good twinge of remembering himself how that felt.

Valencia's head cocks as Duarte backs off and she smiles softly as the Count is clearly playing to the crowd. But then Mirari strikes and sends the man decidedly to the sands. Valencia rises from her seat and lets out a gasp and then a cheer for both combatants.

Again the crowds cheers, some rising from their seats as Mirari' talons do their deadly work. Though the battle is short, the crowd cheers all the same erupting into a roar as it comes to its conclusion. Again, the Hart's Sergeant of Arms steps back into the center of the ring and holds up his hands with a slight grin. "Good friends and gallant guests, attend and cheer for the winner of the match, Mirari of Corsetina!" Without hesitation, the crowd roars again!

The Sergeant waits till at least a little calm resumes and nods as the mercies rush by to make sure Duarte will live to fight another day. Holding up a hand again, he nods to the next fighters, "The sands stand ready for any and all who wish to test their skill," he invites with a rough bellowing voice.

Approaching Duarte and extends a hand of comradery, knowing quite well what she's done. "I'll buy you a drink," she offers the Count, seeming uninterested by any reactions or announcements.

Patrizio rises to his feet, applauding the pair, even as he's looking to Duarte while Mirari's checking on him, as if there's some concern. Though there's that turn-aside of his jade eyes to Raymesin and Valencia, before he murmurs, "I almost wonder if we should have someone more at the ready at future fixtures to have alcohol close at hand for those who get to meet the ground in unexpected fashion."

Harlen, who was unable to find a new job, is happy to see Duarte is not dead because it means now he doesn't have to. He scurries into the sands, flashing a grin to Mirari along the way, to go help Duarte get back up. The Count waves the boy off in favor of Mirari's hand - the one without the ouchy talons!

It take a moment or two, but whatever mystical concoctions these sparring arenas have to give the wounded really work wonders! And soon enough Duarte is making his way back to the bar. "We pay for those? I thought Valencia gave them for free..." of course he would. Harlen's the one who always handles the tab after Duarte leaves.

Valencia is overheard praising Duarte: It takes a very confident man to face a most dangerous foe with such skill. I applaud his spirit.

Valencia is overheard praising Mirari: Truly a woman of style and grace, charming as she is deadly. Honoured to witness her talent again.

Mirari is overheard praising Valencia: A lovely host!

The Sergeant waits till at least a little calm resumes and nods as the mercies rush by to make sure Duarte will live to fight another day. Holding up a hand again. "And, now we come to the end of tonight's matches. The sands now stand empty. Three cheers for all the combatants! Three cheers to our goodly audience! And, three cheers for the King and Kingdom of Avrum! The bars are open. You ken what to do," he invites with a rough bellowing voice and heads off to congratulate the competitors before getting a well-earned ale for himself.