#scarsdale

OOC for all, if you wish to go, the Count (and my phone) Intended that those honored with recognition could set a time to meet with him that would meet everyone's schedules. So, no sweat. Pick something, let me know. *G*

(There is a tap on Earl's....well, shoulder)

"Exactly. They are good, though. Dreams of forests. Good and woodsy. I always feel at home there. You have to see the water... hi Ice!"

(He is smiling, thinly) "Zara."

He stops at the tap, and turns around, "Yes?"

(He is watching up, dark eyed. Half the troll's size, but intent) "Challenger. Duel. For Zara."

"In the circle."

Earl sets his jaw. He can't say he's as surprised as he thought he might be, "IF that's what I thought it would take to win her , I would do it. But I think there's a very important person involved here who decides that. Namely, Zara herself."

Zara is frozen, confused.

(His eyes flick to her)

"But you... Ice, what are you doing?"

"Challenging. It's Beltaine. This would be the time to do it. Isn't that what you said, Ghost?"

"I said Beltaine was for duels, y-yes... but... but you didn't... didn't want..."

"Do you want me to walk away?" (His eyes on her, still)

Earl frowns, "Maybe I misheard things when I heard that brother and sister talk..." A look at ICE with , some anger, but mostly questions.

"It was." (His eyes flick to Earl) "Then."

"Ice, you're my best friend. My... I'd like to think of you as my motley-brother..."

August wanders over.

(He's watching her, waiting for an answer)

"Do you want me to walk away?" (He repeats, his rasp like sandpaper)

"How do you mean, walk away? From the fight, from... from me? From what?"

"I mean, drop this. To let it go, Ghost."

"Drop this?" He raises a brow

"Won't have to mention it again."

Zara looks between the two wilders, stricken into silence.

"Sorry, guys? What's going on?"

He looks to Zara, "It's your choice. I love you. I do. And I...I don't want to be 'that guy' who punches or stabs someone like you're a winnings pot at the end of a boxing match. But for you I'd fight if you wish it. " A sad look, "I would do anything for you to be happy, and now i think you may not be and... I'm not sure how to fix it with this."

(He makes no speeches, simply waiting with dark eyes intensely black, like hers. No expectation either way, it seems)

"....I d-don't want anyone to fight...."

"Okay then, that's settled," He looks to ICE, "No duel, no fight. Not between us, not tonight."

(His dark eyes on Earl) "You declined, then."

(Matter of fact)

Zara looks between Earl and Ice, tensed - like a horse about to bolt, all nerves and restless shifting.

"If 'declining a duel' means I surrender Zara to you, that ain't how it is either"

"I'm not... I'm not a..." even that whisper faltering.

(His eyes flick to Zara, then. Giving it a few more seconds)

"August, Zara, either one of you want to tell me what rules are in play with this crazy system? I'm not used to noble holds.. and it feels wrong to treat Zara this way and put her through this."

August speaks. "The lady is not a prize, gentlemen."

"That's what I said at the start..."

"I'll be your second, Earl." He turns to Ice. "Your second, Ice?"

"Miss Zara, will you retire for a time? Thank you."

@tanner has joined the channel

"A challenge can be issued on Beltaine." (A narrowing of eyes) "Does that mean 'someone to fight for him instead'?"

"August...what are you doing?"

"Sorry, Earl.... did you not want me to act for you?" Confused.

"And can someone explain these crazy rules to me because Zara shouldn't be treated like a purse at the end of a boxing match..."

(hey all. should I bring Tanner in? and can you all accept that my typing might be impared bu the busted up hand?)

((OOC I can live with all that, Tanner P!))

((Same!))

Zara shrinks back, all eyes.