#bergen_county

Art bows to his opponent.

"Now we know that Bergen is a place that invites people only to talk shit and then try to force us to eat it and say it's chocolate cake." Glower.

Cyfiawn bows back

Actually Thistle doees hear some folks NOT pleased with the baron. It does smack of bullying and some Bergenites are looking embarrassed by his behavior. But custom means this must play out

Art circles warily, watching his opponent

Cyfiawn seems a bit open

matching the circle

The nocker is angry, her spirals the same color as forge-heated steel.

A pair of nevers, chiming with disapproval, flit in orbits around her head!

One centauress with Gwydion falconn but on a field of blue is muttering "This is wrong. Someone tell the Count? What do you mean he's with the jousters?"

Art runs his hands along the stave again, thoughtfully.

It looks like he is holding the staff too low... one might expect that of a fledge. Actually, it's almost dragging in the dirt, leaving him open.

"This is stupid." An undertone, then she calls out - "C'mon, Art!"

Cyfiawn has a similar weaknness... then he blinks and smiles, as if something is terribly funny

The weapon might be too heavy? He's letting it drag a bit, as with untrained muscles.

Cyfiawn obliges, annd makes a somewhat clumsy poke

Art ducks under it! He was waiting for it, and dives form Cyfiawn's legs! Not just his stave, but his entire body behind it, trying to knock the larger boy over.

And he does! Cyfiawn is generally surprised! For a moment, Arty looks like a warrior... and the Gwyd fledge is down...

and says "Well done. I yield. Baron Gilderlock, you need to apologize as you agrreed before all these witnesses and then you must go."

The Baron gapes "WHAT???"

Art braced himself after rolling away from the Gwydion, arms up to cover his head - not cowering, but to protect his head from the oncoming blows... which are... not oncoming?

He blinks... wondering if he DID hit his head when he wasn't paying attention.

A blink, and then Thistle grins!

Cyfiawn rolls up, bows to Arty, "For my part in aiding this man , I apologize. He seems to have forgotten Gwydions can detect OTHER Gwydion lies. 'no reason' he said.. that was a lie. He taints his honor badly I see, but I could not allow him to keep tainting Count Hemlock, or our house's . We ARE honorable, most of us, annd the Count IS a good lord. Id would rather let you beat me black and blue than take arms against an innocent who is in the right"

Arty bows in return. "I took offense when I could have looked aside, and allowed myself to be baited. I am sorry that you were drawn into this."

He also bows to the crowd. "And for causing a disturbance at the Count's festival."

He does look to the Baron now, though, expectantly.

Many treat arty with deference now, approval. Gracious

The Baron hisses "Very well, I ..apologize for any..insult given by me to your hold, or it's ..folk"

A saucy tilt of her chin and a smirk at the Baron's apology.

If it helps, it looks like he's swallowing glass on each syllable

"I accept your apology on behalf of Silverwolf." To Cyfiawn, he offers his hand to shake. "If you ever want to compete again, you're welcome to challenge me in chess, riddles, or naming the stars."

Cyfiawn takes the hand "Actually, I think you might have had a chance with the staff. Only someone who knows what they were doing could leave it that open like that " a grin "For fun maybe? But... I could use practice on the other stuff" Then "Should I go with the Baron? He must leave. But I did represent him, even if only for a momet"

Art looks to Thistle, questioning.

"I think you're not drek." Magnanimous with faint praise!

One of her Nevers is following the Baron, making tinkling sounds like a bugle to escort him out. BRR BRR BRR BRRR!

Art grins. "Please stay."

The baron finds some of the Count's thanes are therre to 'escort him'... and nno, they don't let him dictum the Nevers

Linnea joins the fading crowd, along with a dripping Gwen. "Art? What have you done this time?"

Cyfiawn smiles "My pleasure, Art." He turns to see Linnnae "Lord Art has shown honor and poise in defending the good name of Silverwolf, a hold which produces extrrodinary fledges of Loyalty"a nod to Art "And ann unncany ability for integrity and calling tripe tripe" A smile to Thistle!

"Uh.... huh." She nods, but her expression is... well.

She blushes, a bit disarmed. "Uh. Thanks."

Gwen is drenched, flush with embarrassment but blinnks "Wait, Art saveed the day? That's.. that's good"

Linnea reaches over to put a hand on Art's shoulder. "Thank you for your kind words, sir."

She holds on, perhaps a touch tighter than necessary, but she neither crushes nor shakes him.

"Art was pretty badass." Her spirals shift a bit pink again.

"Kept his cool way more than I did."

"Most welcome, Thistle" Cyfiawn says, then to Art "Your lady has a sharp tongue, but it's a true one"

"We've missed the joust, but the pastry judging still awaits. Let's meet Dame Lavender over there." Linnea suggests, not letting go of the shoulder.

Art grins! "Thistle just has the guts to say what everyone is thinking."