#earthrunes

After murmuring, "Attend to my words," to Zara, Coradel steps to the center the ring, between the two.  "I demand honor in this fight.  This is a contest between combatant and combatant, metal and metal, skill and skill.  Let no treachery enter here!  You have agreed to decline the use of magic.  So now I say that if any treachery occur here -- by device, poison, cursed weapon, or otherwise -- may the Dreaming strike down the treacherous one thrice over!  May he know no health, no love, and no comfort hereafter."  A confident look to August, and a hint of a sneer to Mirwinn.  "Understood?"  Apparently she was paying attention to what Mirwinn said as he chose his blade.

Mirwin actually shivers, maybe the idea of no love for HIM alarms him, "Understood, Baroness"

August bows "Understood, my Lady."

The two foes stare at each other, eyes locked, waiting for the call to begin, Mirwin says "You know, I wasn't one of those who got to thrash you regularly, but I did enjoy being a spectator. Might even be more fun giving you a stab myself"

August does not deign to respond, but keeps his face expressionless and focuses on any tells or weaknesses in his opponent.

Bachdion is right, as the duel is called to begin, he can see Mirwin's core weaving.. but he's not always guarding his arms

Having made her pronouncement, Coradel has stepped back and waits, watching, at the side. Her favor — a silver and red sash with a badge bearing the Truthbranch emblem — flutters at August’s arm.

August salutes Mirwin and closes, but cagey and careful. Let him extend for an attack, reach for the touch.

And he tries! Mirwin's hand lashes out

Sword flashing

Coradel glares as Mirwin boasts, but then they are moving, and she wills August to see how his foe’s arm is exposed....

August keeps his point steady, focused on his opponent's sleeve; he can parry that way with little effort and is still in range of his target.

And August smoothly deflects the sword, then counters at the hand!

A quick flick of the wrist, a deft reposte that keeps the sharp tip of his blade near the point of his attack, and allows for a follow-on thrust at the arm for good measure before he comes back to on-guard.

Coradel maintains her decorum (barely) as August’s strike lands clean and good.

Blood flows from Miriwn as he finds himself staring at his arm, the thin armor he wore was something no WIMP could shove through...and the skill something that... "But.. you're just a ...book worm"

August salutes him and turns his back, approaching Coradel and sinking to his knee before her.

Mirwin drops his blade, and kneels. With the duel lost, the Baroness can do ANYTHING to them, and he knows it

Emma would love to heal that light wound, but she's got a pokemon update

Coradel touches August’s cheek. “The Victor,” she proclaims calmly, and bends to kiss his cheek, murmuring softly. Zara would hear it, though: “I am so hot for you right now.”

Then she straightens, and bids August to stand. Then she turns to Mirwin. “Your turn. On your knees.”

Miwin is already kneeling

No doubt, the mild exertion is what pinks his cheeks as August stand and turns to face Mirwin.

Of course he is, and Coradel notices this a moment too late. “I think we shall have both the ransom AND the oath of service. The ransom you both must arrange to win yourselves free from our dungeons. We will provide the list of books. Then you both shall oath to serve Count Jude ap Liam for a year and a day before you may return to Alabaster Hollow. I dare say Count Jude won’t thank me for burdening him with two such worthless cretins, but he will make as much use of you as is possible.”

Mirwin seems a bit broken, some world view he was sure of is shattered, but he nods

She turns to the thanes (these two are no longer worthy of the time of knights). “To the dungeon with him. Tape the mouths of both of them when they do not need to eat or speak with one of us.”

Rollo nods "Our duty and pleasure, Baroness" the little boggan is going to enjoy this.

Oswald bows and they both move as one to seize the guy

She nods graciously to Rollo and Oswald.

Mirwin's arm IS cleansed and wrapped, but not in her sight. They can tell she's done with them.

And there's a loud cheer from the disttance, the obstacle course set up with Lady Captain Siv's direction. It seems an audiance gathered

She turns her back on him and faces August. “I believe one of your squires can pen the message to Count Jude explaining the situation and the new help he can expect soon.”

He bows.

A smile to the crowd as August takes his bow.

Then she takes his arm. “I think you and I have need of a bit of privacy, my love,” she purrs.

Velvet whispers "I'll see to the message promptly, Lord and lady" A light blush on her cheeks but also a romantic smile

"Ah. Thank you, Squire Velvet." says the captured Baron.

As for August, he is dragged off to be bedded while applause from a still adoring crowd follows him. The victor will be quite well rewarded!

(end scene..bom chicka eye of the tiger wow wow)

**Point of order? August will make eye contact with Zara (if such can be found) and mouth Thank you as he is removed from the field.

(FIne by me 🙂 )