Dawn at the Cathedral of Cuiraécen

[DM B]

As you pass each other the Sword Mage's blade flies from her hand, to stand quivering in the dirt.

He taps the sword, removing any magic affecting it, then backs away a few steps, daring you to take the blade.

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

Having finished his argument with Baron TsHalen the Pontiff and some of his Knights stand in front of Baron TsHalen. The matter with the Baron seems to be forgotten for now though all attention on the duelists.

Whispering albeit the louder kind of whisper, Pontiff Isilviere try to find hope where there is likely none to be found.

“Divine All Farther pray help me find a way to save both these unbelievable skilled fighters”

[X-DM Jon]

Baron Tshalen, instigator of all this, looks almost manic by now.

"Just do it! Why doesn't he just kill her! Honor demands it!"

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

The Pontiff ligthning fast turn around and yell Baron TsHalen in his face with less than 15 cm between the two

"WILL YOU SHUT UP NOW OR SUFFER THE MY WRATH!"

[X-DM Jon]

And there it is, right in front of you. You're looking down at the pure, naked terror of this man, you got him good just then. But the memory won't go away.

 You have seen him before! Like this! In the grip of terror!

 It was... In the time of High Prefect Hubaere Armiendin... Holy relics had been stolen. A good many years ago. You received information that the Tshalen family had stolen them! And indeed there they were! Hidden away in their treasury.

 They had denied everything at first of course, but the templars had been thorough and when you came, as aide to one of the Bishops. You saw him. In the grip of terror. His entire family, reduced to shuddering, terror-stricken islands of humanity... Lost.

 Later it was discovered that it was the Swordmage who had stolen the objects and planted them with the Tshalen family. It was discovered and they were cleared of all charges, but somehow the family never really recovered... And war threw a blanket of blood over the necessary retribution. Later it was forgotten... So many horrible things happened in those years, Tshalen became just one out of so very many.

 And Aurlien forgave her everything, just like that. And she fought and killed the Eyeless One. Crazy Aurlien...

 But this man never did! Never forgave anyone anything.

[X-Ghieste & HOT/GH (Matt)]

In a loud clear voice, booming across the field, the Duke of Ghieste replies to the baron's manic screaming,

"No Baron! Honour does not demand it! As anyone of truely Noble spirit and rank would know!"

[X-DM Jon]

Meanwhile, the Green Knight sniffs the fresh air and breathes deep. The sun is upon high and bathing him in it's rays. He looks blessed from where you stand. Completely at peace.

"Ah Marya, It is good to be alive. But you must have a purpose or you're as good as dead. So why won't your brother show himself on this day of all days? Aren't you a loving family? Doesn't he care for you at all?"

[X-Tornilen/SM (Alexander)]

Ignoring the drama taking place outside the duelling ring, the Swordmage is focused only on her opponent. Seeing him wait, she smiles to herself. "Having both hands free does have it's advantages, arrogant fool!"
Reaching with one hand inside her cloak, she pulls out a small pouch which she throws in the general direction of the knight. As she does so, she is gesturing with her other hand - halfway between them the pouch explodes in glittering motes of dust, hurtling towards Ser Estevan.

He is forced to shield his eyes, and while he is occupied she makes a dash for her sword. Please Cuiraécen... by the shadow's death, give me a chance!

Grasping her sword, turning towards him, she hestitates. She throws a quick glance around - where is Drago? Last she saw him was inside the Cathedral - earlier this morning. He should be here.

[X-Tornilen/SM (Alexander)]

Seeing that she might has a moment to gather her strength, but keeping a wary eye on his sword in case he start tearing at her magic again, she responds:
"I have a purpose. A purpose to serve my own ambitions, my realm and my people. Whom do you have responsibility for? By now, most of them are dead, are they not?

[X-DM Jon]

You get hold of the sword and start circling again.

"Death? It is but the final step on the path to glory everlasting!"

He takes two swift steps towards you, swings the sword high, you parry and step back, but he follows, pushing you with his shield. Your cloak's blades tear at his armor, but make not a dent. In a flurry of parries and thrusts, you disengage again.

 You're becoming tired, yet he's still pushing you back!

[X-Haelyn's Aegis/RK (Andy)]

Robhan absently turned aside the lunge of the leering fool beside him, and shook his head at the Pontiff's blatant martial display, "a blanket at least to preserve your modesty Wallac, only a barbarian wears unshielded armour in public" he muttered.

Cameron dear boy, at some point there is a definite risk that the sword mage will 'accidentally' incinerate the frothing baron over yonder with a ball of fire or some such - either to seek end to the duel or ensure she does not die alone - pray request the Pontiff and any others of godly ilk to stand well clear; the baron's doom is near certain one way or the other and 'twould be best he died alone.'  The page looked shocked for a moment then dashed off with his message.

Robhan continued to watch the situation unfold, he ignored completely the baron - whatever the result the man would be lucky to see daybreak - and paid little heed to the swordmage for all her pride and skill.  No Robhan had interest in the Greenknight alone.  Why did he fight this pointless duel?  Dislike of wizards? Worthy enough reason possibly but there were other wizards far more foul and far less likely to have allies to claim vengeance - puissant swordplay would be no defense against an assassins poison and many had benefited from the Sowrdknights reign.  Blood-lust? He would not be the first to seek bloodtheft by duel and feigned slights to honour but the implications were grim.  Greed?  What pittance could the doomed baron pay him?  Or was it rather that for all the clash of the duel and taunts that he in truth fought another - had he hoped that the Swordmage would call her brother as champion - did he seek to draw out the dragon in a second duel - or cause him grief?  The knight could easily have delayed matters if so - though given time the Swordmage could simply have avoided the duel or demanded that the Baron - her lesser in rank - face her directly so mayhap haste had been needful, particularly had they feared she would resort to underhand means to even the fight.

Robhan frowned, the matter should be looked in to...

[X-DM Jon]

He lunges, but you dodge to the side and strike him with all your might. The blade bites through his steely green armor and draws a few drops of blood. But it is as if you're striking stone, so hard is this material he's wearing.

 With a mighty swipe he swings his sword around and cuts straight through the armor right at your upper leg. Cutting through flesh and spouting blood all over the place. Dizziness sweeps over you! And you feel a terrible blow to your chest, sending you reeling backwards and into the merciful sand. Blood is seeping from your leg wound, whereas all you lost in the second blow, was your air.

 Yet your breastplate is the worse for wear. It bites into your flesh as your throw yourself to one side and out of the way of his follow up thrust into the sand.

 You stagger to your feet and turn to face him again.

[X-Osoerde (Alan)]

William Osoer watches quiescently from beyond; it is obvious that this is beneath him.  As Caine Tshalen and the Pontiff, bellow at one another, the imperceptible glass pane between him the surround crowd seemingly shatters for in an instant.  William, far faster than his often listlessness interaction with lord and commoner alike would be indicate, confidently interposes himself between the Pontiff and Baron Tshalen.

Looking to Caine and then to the Pontiff, before speaking.

"Peace. Be at peace." 

It is clear that it is a directive, and the Archduke is not known to brook disobedience from anyone, regardless of whether or not be is fond of them.

"Watch, sometimes death is in fact the Will of the All-Father."  It is not clear to whom he is speaking.

[X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper)]

The Pontiff yells to the Green Knight

"Show mercy and let her live"

The Green Knight seem to be completely ignorant of the remark though. A little ashamed of his lack of self controll and remembering the reason for Baron TsHalens bitter grudge Wallac takes a few steps away from him

[OOC: I assume the Archdukes command is meant for his vasal]

[X-Roesone/ARR (Robert)]

Arvour detaches himself from the crowd of onlookers and with a quick and purposeful stride, moves towards the two dueling swordsmen.

"Enough" he shouts "There is no honor in this!" 

He looks at the Green Knight and bellows "What is there to gain from killing lady Tanar when the one you really want is her brother!"

He looks at the gathered crowd "And where is Drago Tanar? The sister of a champion of Cuiraecen fights an unfair battle. Shall he not take her place as is his duty as both a brother and a champion of the Stormlord?"