#odyssey

"I understand... but you did not say which challenge you wanted for yourself?" Abueala says

She crosses a fist over her chest in a salute. "I would change you, Miss Abuela."

"Oh my... yes.. this will be something. I also, " she says honestly, "Do not wish to die. So will you submit to a protocal thath elps curb Gwydion rage?"

"Her rage is also her strength, since it's part of who she is. Maybe if it's phrased to stop a deadly blow?"

Her eyes widen and she hurriedly nods. "Yes, please. I want to fight, I don't want.... I don't want that."

He suggests. But bows his head to Dagmar's choice.

Abuela nods "Rage comes easily in this place. It is the angry sister to Fenix's gentle one. Well, this will be enjoyable in a way. A pure hearted knight? I am delighted at this honor"

She purples a bit. "Um."

He whispers, "A knight is sworn to valor..."

She takes a breath and nods. Symon's whisper resonates.

"Come, litlte one... this will be battle to honor the land itself"

"Honor the land? I like the sound of that."

"Oh yes... " Abuela says "This place once was once sacred. Perhaps it still is. People would fight to please the gods, and bring good rains, growing soil. "

"Well, I hope that this is a pleasing fight."

Mitra looks at Abuela, "Your grand daughter would worry if she knew you were accepting this"

"Shh, we will not tell her" the serpent wings s ays "Announce the fight"

"But you said there's magic to be sure Abuela isn't killed, right? And we have a healing cookie..."

"..I don't hink I could actually kill her, anyways..."

Mitra scoffs "i'm not the herald. I technically rule here.. but all right."

"I just... I've hurt stuff by accident.."

"Shhh.." Abueala says "So have I. Might like the wind, things will get blown over... but that is why we are guardians. Might as a shield for those we love. No? "

Dagmar nods. "His blade defends the helpless, His might upholds the weak."

"These are good works, Little Knight. it is going to be an honor to test with you. Do not worry .I have healing nearby too as do you"

She nods. "Let's give them a real good one, right?"

Mitra is working magics... and one by one, the unenchanted ..leave, as if new ideas of places to go flow through them. Only those who see the Dragon will be watching this

Dagmar puts on her helm, visor still raised.

And the wrestlers below clear out. Mitra speaks despite her earlier comment about not being the herald "Ladies, Gentlefolk, a challenge has been issued for a prize of necessity! to honor the land, blood will be shed! The feathered serpent herself, who we love and call Abuela, will face a mistress of steal and storm from far North and East...Knight of the Falcon, Dame Dagmar Hammerstrike! In a challenge of POWER!"

Symon tries not to fret. At least, he only frets when Dagmar isn't looking. When she glances his way, she gets a cocky thumbs up.

She shoots Symon a thumbs up, and steps into the Pit.

And the crowd cheers.. money begins to change hands. Betting!

Symon leans forward, watching, intently.

Abuela winds into the Pitt, and the fires dance behind her , giving an outline.

"So, you've chosen a test of power..." She circles "the rules are few... the options many... you can use magic. So may I." And it starts to rain

Dagmar grunts, nods, and pushes down her visor.

the floor gets less steady, slippery... "Good girl" Not sarcastic, encouraging, "Remember not to angle your visor so the water gets into your eyes... and watch my mid section as best you can... the core of my balance. " Is..she getting grandmotherly advice?

A blink, but she nods. She watches the great Coutl move, waiting to strike. She digs in her heels, finding her root.

Some of those betting sigh and exhange money back. If the feathered repitile is going to give ADVICE to her foe..

Mitra herself sighs and Symon can hear her "She's supposed to be ready to beat her brains in, instead she wants to bake her hot rolls."

And then Abuela lunges with a speed that's truly scary!

Symon wasn't taken in by the grandmotherly advice, but was watching the ebb and flow of the undulating serpent - he flinches as she moves, as though the lunge is coming at him!

Dag GRINS and adjusts to brace the blow.

Braced as she is, Dagmar is still SHOVED several feet holding holding... but she doesn't slip! Then her back hits the wall

Good! The wall is sturdy! And she uses Flyswatter to try and knock the dragon back!

She uses both hands, holding the halberd abreast, and pushes off the wall with a burst of raw strength.

And the dragon goes back, "Oh ho..." She is not a dumb beast though, and seems to know how to let the push take only a part of her back, and even as her head is driving back, the feather tipped tail slaps at Dagmar's legs from the side!

Dagmar is not Siv - her style is straightforward, often blunt. But she's no sluggard, either. She turns to parry the tail with her weapon.

And gets breathed on! It is not as she might expect, fire! Rather it is a like being caught in tropical storm!

Flyswater threatens to rip out of Dagmar's hands

Stubborn, she holds her ground! Patience. She waits for a chance to strike.

and tail swipe again!