#bergen_county

Dagmar has the advantage of the Gwydion boon, but can she be subtle?

She's not dumb,, despite the biases some have about trolls and BIG trolls at that

And on she goes.

.............

The melee matches can be brutal... and Colton's expert shield and arm work turn out to be handy!

while Sylvi has to watch and resist troll protective urges

He has her complete attention, that's for sure. And yes, that cute thing she does with biting her lip as she watches. Of course, she's had success in the melee in the past, but she didn't sign up for it this year. And she's realizing how seldom she gets to see him fighting.

He's good! No, that's not quite it. he's BETTER. He fights like a soldier

And yes, a warrior. But his moves have gained a pragmatic edge. Hes' not here to thrill the crowds. he's hear to defeat the foe.

A fair cry from the Leanhaun flourishes he started with as a Unseelie Noble's gladitator pet

She notices the difference. Wow. I mean...WOW.

His foe is another troll, an older one. The odds should be even, yet It becomes aparrent that the Storm...for he is a Storm, is better

"Damn" A voice says nearby "He's good" A husk of admiration

He might not be there to thrill the crowds...but a little bit of her notices he's also not focused on showing off for her this year. Which...is fine, she tells herself.

A proud smile. "Yeah, he is." She looks to the source of the voice.

The girl appears to be ..well, not all trolls are blonde Scandinvian types alone... Dagmar is proof of that, as is Teesha DeBuke. But yeah, you don't see too many Native American Trolls... or at least part Native American. Especially with smooth skin like Rosey Gray Marble

"Sorry" The girl says. Younger by a year or two than Sylvi. She wears.. is that a SilverWolf tabbard?

"It's just.. his shield work is optimal."

"Yeah, he's been working hard to master it." She doesn't want to distract her attention from Colton too long, but she does glance at the girl again. "You're from SilverWolf?"

The girl moves to her side so they can talk without Sylvi ffeeling she has to look at her "Yeah. I am now. I'm Gwen. Fledge. You're Rivervale?"

"Yeah. Sylvi." She offers a hand to shake, again not trying to divide her attention.

She shakes the hand, strong grip, not as strong as Dagmar, nor the Chief or Colton, but strong. It's the stony nature of it that's.. odd.

"By the Code that makes sisters of us, I greet you" She says as if reciting a lesson

Yes, the stone texture gets a double-take. And she gives a grin. "That's really formal, but I like it. I greet you, too. And he's Colton, the Storm at DarkGate. You've heard of DarkGate, right?"

"Yes. I even remember him. He was one of the ones who helped rescue me, and stop the raiders." A bit of admiration, hero worship? or something more? Girl COULD be crushing

And that's when Colton catches the enemy's shield in his own and uses it to YANK the older troll to the ground and then down him!

A gasp from the CROWD! And some cheers after!

Sylvi almost missed it because Gwen's crush-tone distracted her, but she definitely gives a CHEER!

And Colton gets applause and says "For Darkgate, and the Emissary of My heart!" then offers a hand up to the downed foe

He DID remember to do something just for her!

She smiles at that, and blows him a kiss when he looks her way. And she really hopes Gwen takes the hint that Colton is Not Available.

Indeed, Gwen blushes at something, but says "You're the emissary
right?"

"Yup, that's me!" she says chipperly. Good, message delivered. "But Baroness Nadeen does the diplomatic trips to SilverWolf."

"yes, she does. She's.. very classy but kind" Kind may not be a word most apply to Nadeen, but Gwen seems sincere then says "please don't think I'm hitting on you but.. have I seen you somewhere?"

A blink and she looks at Gwen directly. Surprised, but not offended. "Um...oh, maybe my YouTube channel? I do makeup videos."

"That's it. I'm not big on that, but I .. oh my gosh. yes. Make the Seen or whatever it's called yes! Okay. I'm not even that girly a girl and I think it's amazing."

And Colton approaches "Hey I have a few minutes until my next match" His focus on Sylvi, he doesn't quite SEE Gwen.

"Make A Scene," Sylvi corrects Gwen kindly before Colton arrives, then turns to him. "You were great! That shield move was amazing."

"OH" She blushes but quiets stoicly. She is not as extroverted as Siv or Vali. But then, few are

Sylvi claims a kiss...a nice one...before saying, "I think you know Gwen, from SilverWolf?"

"Thanks," Colton says "wish I could say I created it. " And he kisses her in return "I think Darkgate will have a good showing"

"And yes " A nod "Sorry Gwen. "A smile "I was.."A look at his lady then back "Distracted. How is Silverwolf treating you?"

"Nicely mostly, ups, downs, but overall they're good people" Gwen says "And I'm learning a lot. NICE shield work"

"thanks" He nods

Sylvi holds onto Colton's hand. "Do you know who you're fighting next?"

Well, she's probably holding his gauntleted hand, but still....

"Fortunately NOT Dagmar" He grins "The Hammerstrike would not be budged by that yank with shield move. I think it's a sidhe of House Gwydion."

"Good luck. Gwydions are vicious " Gwen says. hey, she's being raised by Ailil "Uhm.. not the trolls i mean" A blush

"Maybe not vicious...but I've seen some pretty intimidating Gwydion troll moves, yeah." Then she looks to Colton. "Maybe the Count entered the competition? I'm not sure, but I wouldn't put it past him."

"Oh sweet gods of light i hope not" he says "Anyway, another kiss for luck?" And he steals one.