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featuring NPCs Célestin, Lucien, Benoit and Ghislain (NPCed by Eisheth) |
Tournament Grounds — Camaeline Countryside
The wind billows pennants and banners of House d'Aiglemort and other Camaeline Houses as far as the eye can see, here, outside of the strong walls of Besançon. The tournament field is located to the south of the city, in the area that is defined by the open end of the oxbow laid about Besancon by the river Doubs, in the green plains that are called Chapelle de Buis. The plain is partitioned off by fences into walkways and competition grounds, and in the middle of each set of fences grass has had a chance to recover from feet and hooves that once a year are wearing away the grass.
On the western edge of the field a huge mass of stands has been erected out of fresh beams of wood, all redolent of pine and of cedar, nailed in place with giant iron stakes and sturdy enough to stand firm below the mass of humanity which moves onto and off of it every day during the tournament competitions. Opposite the stands are the brightly colored pavilia, each with its banner waving overhead, where the competitors of each family might store equipment, rest and prepare. To the north, shielded by black canopies with white ornamental embroidery, are the raised stands reserved for high nobility and royalty, the center especially for the latter and the Duc d'Aiglemort with his close family.
The day has come for the great spectacle that is the duels contest of the tournament, and the stands are filled with commoners and nobles alike. There is the roaring crowd of the smallfolk, and the more comfortable seats higher up on the wooden construction, reserved for high nobility. It is hard to tell which of the two grand boxes looks more exquisite and elaborately decorated, the one reserved for the Duc d'Aiglemort and his close family or the one who has been prepared for the select guests from the Capital. King Léopold François Tavernier de la Courcel is there, as well as his wife, Queen Pénelope de la Courcel. They are accompanied by some of their offspring, the Dauphin Prince Cléon and his sister, Princess Crysanthe, a young woman who will turn seventeen in less than half a year. Their box has more security staff than any other, guards watching over the royal family, and their own servants and handmaidens attending to them. There is another box for the ruler of the provincial duchy Valliers, this one not as grand as the other two boxes.
Speaking of handing out wine and other refreshments, there is a constant flow of attendants, providing nobility with whatever they desire. Below in the stands there are people moving through the throng, some selling ale and cider, others selling baked goods, cinnamon rolls and pastries filled with goat cheese.
The first pairings of the duel contest have already provided a lot of suspense and entertainment, but it is now that there is a break of sorts, before the contest will proceed to the next phase.
Sylvaine wears a somewhat martial look today, if one can say that much, as her dress is still courtly and an example of fine fashion. Of fine white silk is the chemise, glimpses of which can be glimpsed in the neckline, which is brought to more attention by the bodice which is laced at the front. The color of the gown is a dark steely gray, and especially the bodice looks almost like a piece of armor, with a few shimmering plates of steel attached to the garment here and there, in playful imitation of a pauldron. Her lower arms have 'protectors' strapped to them, bracers of dark grey samite, and upon her head there is a headpiece of steel that has been hammered so thin that it does not get too heavy, not a full 'helmet', of course, but rather a fashion accessory. A light cloak rests on her shoulders, adequate for the autumnal season, with a hood that can be pulled over the head should the weather get too chilly. Blonde hair, some of which has been pulled back so that it does not threaten to obscure her vision, falls about her shoulders, as the courtesan relaxes in her seat, with a glass of red wine in her hand.
In an unsurprising turn of events Daniel finds himself in light armoring for the dueling contest. The large man is sheepish and seems to be looking through the crowd with the look of someone trying to avoid notice. Thankfully he's probably more conspicuous in his own head than he is in the field of contestant and watchers. The man's eyes continue to wander the area though as if to pick people out as he meanders the field.
Cochonnet could well have chosen to dress more boldly than she has; common-born though she might be, daughter of a Camaeline swineherd and his wife, she left these lands for Elua and a life of service to Naamah, and is only just recently returned. She might be well within her rights to flaunt the wealth her skill and flush library of kinkdom has earned her, but, instead, she's dressed down enough that she could pass through the crowd of smallfolk and blend in with the women there, all done up in their best to be seen at the games. The fabric of her gown is a doubled linen, left its natural creme hue and buttoned with two lines of large, polished ash-wood buttons down the front of the well-fit bodice. Her waspish waist cinched with a grey leather cincher not much wider than a belt, but sculpted at the sides to exaggerate her shape, and— the most extravagant part of the outfit, such as it is, a grey wolfpelt collar and cuffs, the former of which can be drawn up with black ribbons to warm her neck — but for now, they're laying flat almost to her shoulders in a comely accentuation. The skirt of the gown is long and full, supported beneath by enough underskirts to keep her legs toasty, and she wears a rather nice pair of grey leather boots, which might give away her true status if anyone gets too close a look at them. She has foregone the stands all day in favor of standing with the commons, and in the swarm she's managed her way one spot at a time as people come and go, finally filtering to the very front where she can rest a set of fingers on a partition and smile out over the field of game, almost able to reach out and touch the combatants.
Showing up for the tournament, Yves is wearing an arming jacket and heavy chainmaille over an outfit entirely in the colors of his house. Red and white in equal measure, with an obvious favor on his right arm, a touch of contradictory blue and gold fluttering in the wind. When he spots Cochonnet, he wanders over toward her on a direct path and leans nearby, "I always feel like I should bring my own sword to these sort of things, like I'm forgetting something," he remarks, checking the bottoms of his boots as he comes to a stop. Tapping at each sole with the toe of the opposite foot. A habit he has formed from a few years of tournament going.
The long dark hair of Lucien Valliers has been pulled back and tied into a ponytail so that it doesn't get in the way. Holding the helmet for now in the crook of his arm, the young warrior sips from a goblet of watered red wine. His chain mail is of exquisite quality, made of steel of a darker hue, which makes the tabard with the Valliers colors of white and red stand out all the more.
Another contestant standing at the side of the field is Benoit d'Eltoine, a man in his early forties, with a face that has been carved by years of experience in battle. His eyes are piercing, a light blue flashing in a face with somewhat tempered d'Angeline comeliness. Moreover, there is a certain efficiency in his movements, a precision and focus that many warriors call their own. His blonde hair has been cropped short, and the helmet he holds has the likeness of a lion's head. Black is the tabard he wears over his chainmail, and it shows a lion wielding a sword on a field of green.
Cochonnet reaches for Yves as he approaches, as though to draw him nearer her position, giving him a cheeky grin, "Like rutting with someone else's pecker, I suppose," she jokes on his predicament — or, well, maybe not jokes so much as goes to the obscene with her simile. "But it makes sense. Evens the field. Not to mention the blunts are less likely to accidentally murder anyone," she laughs, blue eyes sparkling, in fine spirits, overall. The journey from MArsilikos has been good to her, restorative after a period of dim outlook.
People acquainted with members of House d'Aiglemort will know Célestin as an experienced war hero and cousin to the Duc d'Aiglemort. 38 years old, he has dark eyes and chestnut brown hair that frames his face that has a scar on the left cheek. He is of medium height and wiry physique and has a gaze is observant and calculating. As he stands there waiting for the next round to commence, he sips from a wineskin, clad in a chain mail with plate reinforcements at the elbows and a plain black tabard with the white eagle emblazoned on the chest. His helmet has stylized wings and the head of an eagle, raising its beak as if in salute, and it is held currently by a servant while Célestin Godefroi d'Aiglemort prepares for the next fight of the day.
Daniel snorts at Cochos comment in passing there is amusement evident, "You would know better than most." He points out from the fringe as he fiddles with his armor. he considers of those competing nodding to Celestin and some of the others more familiar from time on the border.
Sylvaine moves to stand as she spots the large frame of Daniel Ferraut down there and raises her hand for a wave. Her grey eyes focus on the contestants waiting at the field, and she smiles as she catches sight of the younger son of the Duc Valliers, inclining her head in a nod to Yves. The courtesan is affiliated with his House, through the Duc's cousin who has mentored her for many years, the man who shares his first name with Yves, who has it as his second name. Nicodème Valliers.
Drawn in by the woman's hand, proper strong from hog wrangling, Yves smiles brightly and thinks on the simile, "Yes, something like that. You can find one in the right size, but the grip doesn't feel right, and a good grip is important," he confirms after a measure of it. "And yes, that's true. I'd rather know that the Duc's master of arms is in charge of these things, even if I /do/ have my own blunted blades," he points out and catches the nod from Sylvaine, repaying it with a nod in return. Not knowing where he knows her from, because he seldom knows anything, but people are always nodding to him, and the polite thing to do is act like he knows who they are. Leaning in he whispers to Cohonnet, "Can you find out how that woman knows me, I suspect I should know her."
Jovet d'Aiglemort, also present and accounted for among the participants, resting, just presently, with one tall boot's toe planted on a bench, the heel of same pressed down in a simple stretch of the achilles' tendon, elbow on his knee and fingers framing his face as he grins to his elder cousin, tipping up his chin to him and then standing straight to give his neck a quick crackle. He looks smart in his light armor; it's easier to be fashionable when you're not really trying not to be slain. It's polished and bright, a stark contrast to the two panels of black leather that hang before and behind him, the eagle d'Aiglemort embroidered in silver heart-level on each of the four panels, and all of them kept in place by his doubled chest-buckler of that same black color, if sturdier leather.
Unsure of her ability to visit the festivities in Camlach, Sylvie finds herself fortunate enough for the opportunity to attend upon the tournament. Normally unruly hair usually left loose is caught back away from her face into neatly plaited braids, sunlight catching off delicately detailed cuffs and coils of silver interspersed randomly in bright contrast against dark locks. A guard in Shahrizai livery shadows the young woman, as she works her way into the stands, settling into a seat with a flare of ebony skirts in anticipation.
Cochonnet has been travelling with Yves, perhaps it's no surprise at this point for anyone to learn, and so is surprised, even to the point of opening her mouth about it, to spot Lord Daniel there in the bull pen as well. "Heavens, it's the headlong stallion, isn't it?" she gawps briefly, then, as Yves makes his request, she glances backward, noting whom he's noting. "What, and lose my spot?" She stood around for a while for this spot, after all. But she's grinning. "Alright," she goes on, pushing a boot down onto a slat of the partition, she leans over it and to Yves to give him a very polite kiss on the forehead. "For you." And, at those close quarters, perhaps the temptation of a less polite kiss, if he'll have one.
Daniel smirks at Cochonnet, "Well they have to keep me somewhere. can you think of somewhere better for me?" His eyes continuing to wander and he gives a nod to Jovet and his preparation. Sylvaine gets a bright wave as well and a wink in response to her greeting and he makes his way over, "Enjoying the show so far?"
Glancing past her at the woman, Yves appears to consider his request and whether it's worth losing Cochonnet's aura pre-fight. In the end, he answers, "I need to go look at all the steel anyway," and accepts the rather chaste kiss on the forehead with a smirk, and then leans in for a more passionate one in return. "For you," he replies. Lifting his arms above his head, he turns in place and starts to meander further into the pen, going over to start looking over the blunted swords, picking each one up in turn, giving them a few test swings. Feeling the balance of them. Testing them with his gloved hands, the rasping of his gloves along their dull edges.
"Oh yes, I have," Sylvaine replies with a bright smile. Her hand lifts to touch against the martial headpiece on her head. "I even dressed for the occasion. So… my lord. What do you think? Will you last all the way to the final fight?" The question is offered with a wink. "I heard a rumor… about a favor that will be given. It will be interesting to see who will earn it."
"My lords. My ladies. Your Majesties and Highnesses." The Duc d'Aiglemort has moved to stand in his box and executes a bow in the direction of the royal box. "People of Besançon! It has come to my attention that Princess Crysanthe has a special request she would like to announce." His voice carries well and sounds surprisingly smooth for someone who has commanded others in battle. Maybe because royals are present?
Daniel shrugs his wide shoulders to Sylvaine, "It is quite a competitive field. With a little luck and Camael's blessing perhaps but it is a festivity for me there are others who care more. And you look delightful the proper battlefield angel." He admits ruefully and then he oohs, "Well lets see what this changes. " he says as the announcement comes about.
"His Grace, the Duc d'Aiglemort has the right of it," a very young sounding female voice replies, and it comes from Princess Crysanthe de la Courcel herself. She remains seated though, as she addresses the people, and it may be an exercise or test, whether she will manage to make herself heard. "It is custom that… on occasions as these, a favor is to be bestowed. I am not as fortunate as to be acquainted with any of those who are competing. Would the contestants please line up and lift their swords so that I may decide to whom to give my favor?" A handmaid provides her with a fine scarf of white and purple silk, and Crysanthe takes it into her hand. "Please, my lords. I am waiting.", she addresses those on the field with gentle charm.
<FS3> Yves rolls Presence+presence: Success. (7 2 2 3)
Jovet is resuming his jaunty, casual posture at the bench, talking to some of his countrymen currenly residing on it, though the look from Daniel gets him to toss the guy a sideways grin, and the announcement from the Duc draws his toe down from the bench so that he can stand straight to a loose and easy attention, chin up, eyes up, shoulders back, hands at the small of his back to receive word. The Princess is then announced, and her request is met with a smile almost paternal in its indulgence. He draws his hair up behind him, just long enough to rake back and tie with a thin strip of leather. Thus drawn back, it better frames the masculine cut of his jaw and strong profile, and he proceeds without rush but again without dallying to the line for the princess to size up.
<FS3> Jovet rolls Presence+Presence: Good Success. (7 8 1 2 6 1)
<FS3> Luc rolls Presence+Presence: Failure. (2 1 4 3 5 2)
<FS3> Daniel rolls Presence+Presence: Failure. (1 4 2 3 5 6)
"I can't think of anywhere else, for sure," Coco gives Daniel that much assurance, though soon enough her whole attention is taken up by the second kiss which Yves is taking from her, and which she's giving him freely or more than freely. Only when the announcement is made she breaks and whispers, "Don't think I'll be hurt if you take mine off — a favor from the Princess is a real honor and opportunity," she swats him meaningfully to get his butt out there for judgement.
The crowd had fallen silent when the princess had raised her voice for her little speech. Things are getting lively, when the contestants start to line up on the tournament field, and there are some cheers as not only the royal guest but also everyone else in the crowd looks each contestant over. Names are being called out, mostly by females. "Daniel Ferraut!" - "Lucien Valliers!" - "Yves Valliers!" - "Jovet d'Aiglemort!" Whereas some of the men in the crowd vouch for the more experienced veterans: "Benoit d'Eltoine!" - "Célestin d'Aiglemort!"
But it seems, Princess Crysanthe has come to a conclusion, when she raises her hands and announces, "I have made my choice. Lord Jovet d'Aiglemort. Would you please come here to receive your favor?"
"She'll never pick me anyway, I'm too handsome," Yves jokes. Moving out onto the field when called and sent along by Cochonnet, he raises his sword for the deciding examination — and then cups it in the fold of his arm while he applauds for the 'winner' of the favor. Choosing to remain standing at attention for the royals, he waits for their dismissal before he retreats to continue looking over the blunted swords. Not quite settled on the one he'd chosen earlier, he resumes his exacting examination.
Sylvaine applauds when the princess makes her choice. A shrug and a smile is offered to Daniel, and a wink to cheer him up a little. Nonetheless, she decides to leave her spot to stroll down so that she can watch from a closer distance. Or maybe it is so that she can offer Lucien Valliers her good wishes for his next bout.
Jovet himself might, in the grand scheme, have more young men vying to call his name than young women. He's a gorgeous specimen, to be sure, but all the various Ladies who have yet pinned their hearts upon that impressive stature and gorgeous profile have been disappointed— his preference being quite exclusively for masculine companionship. It might well be known he even yielded his right of succession to his little sister, who will be a Baroness one day in his place, out of a general lack of ambition wedded (no pun intended) to an aversion to marriage of the procreative sort.
But Jovet is hot, and he knows it, and the Princess' decision curls the corner of his lip into a cute little simper that, coupled with a certain flamboyant sway in his step as he steps up to accept her favor, might clue the Princess in. "Honored, Princess, utterly honored," he tells her, and presents himself, head bowed, fist at his chest and arm out to his side for her to apply her favor.
Sylvie applauds with the rest of the crowd as the princess bestows her favor. She leans back and murmurs something to the guard next to her, the man nods and disappears for a bit. Returning shortly after with a steaming cup of cider for the young woman and a tankard of ale for himself. Smiling her thanks, she closes her eyes briefly in appreciation of the heavenly scent wafting from her drink before gently blowing against its surface and taking a tentative, but appreciative sip.
The king and queen observe with mild amusement, but neither of them speaks up to draw attention away from the moment. Their daughter moves to stand and starts to wrap the fine silk shawl about Jovet's upper arm. "This will make you my champion for today," she tells Jovet with a sweet smile. Dark brown is her hair, somehow pronouncing the pale alabaster hue of her skin. Leaning in, she — perhaps in a moment of youthful enthusiasm — presses her lips to his cheek. "May Camael be with you."
What a charming display, and it does not fail to affect the audience. A cheer goes through the crowd, once Jovet has been properly gifted with a favor and a kiss. While the princess will resume her seat, with her dark eyes following Jovet with the faintest blush touching her cheeks. Shooting a glance towards her parents for reassurance, she smiles when King Léopold gives a nod of approval, along with some murmured words at a low volume. Her mother, Queen Pénélope, squeezes her hand. "Well done, my child." While her oldest brother, the Dauphin, rolls his eyes just so. "A handsome man," he comments, however, as his eyes seem attracted to the same person his sister is watching depart to the tourney field.
The Duc d'Aiglemort smiles faintly, perhaps less affected by such a romantic display, but it seems he is eager for the tournament to proceed, when he gestures for the herald to continue.
"Your Majesties. Your Highnesses. My lords, my ladies. People of Besançon!", the herald calls. "We are ready to continue. In the next round, we will have four pairings. In the first pairing, Lord Yves Valliers will face Lord Célestin d'Aiglemort. In the second, Lord Daniel Ferraut will face Lord Lucien Valliers."
Jovet doesn't say 'Oh, Honey,' out loud when the Princess presses up to kiss his cheek, and he closes his eyes briefly to keep it from being read too easily in his eyes. The girlish enthusiasm for his good looks, he's dealt with it often enough before, but this is, you know, the King's daughter, and not the time nor the place. Instead, opening his eyes again, "I'll leave everything I have on the sand before I disappoint your favor, Princess." Not a promise to win — he… well, never thought he would win, but he likes a good fight. Now there's some pressure, and the least he can do is pledge his best and not tap out when he might otherwise. He steps back until the Princess is seated again, not turning his back on her until then. Then, nostrils flared, his chest fills with a deep breath. Alright.
One of the present to compete is the Vicomte d'Annecy, Luc Montchapetre. His expression at the moment is one of concentration, as his attention is focused on his preparations, listening and watching for now.
When his name is called, Yves proceeds out into the dueling ring and offers a bow to the present Ducal family boxes as appropriate as well as holding a longer bow toward the Royal family. Spinning his wrist a few times to loosen up, he finally turns to his opponent, the much older war hero. He offers the man a nod of the head before he settles into an easy neutral fighting stance. Preparing for the storm.
Célestin d'Aiglemort offers a grim smile to the young Yves Valliers. The smile seems to twist his face in a way that it pronounces the scar even more. A look from pale blue eyes towards the Royal Box, and then he is already donning his helmet. Saluting Yves with a raised sword, he grants Yves the time to spin the sword, but somehow does not elect to spin his own. "My lord.", is offered in a voice that conveys both respect and a warning, as the scarred Célestin waits for the bout to begin.
Cochonnet watches the favor-granting with a smile she covers with a soft cough and a hand when it threatens to grow too, too amused by the situation. And Yves is up, but while he's getting ready to fight, she turns to find that face he sen her to discover, only to find it's not in the right place anymore. "Oh, balls," she huffs, and takes a moment to try to find the person in question in the crowd.
<FS3> Cochonnet rolls Perception: Good Success. (8 6 6 8 6 3 4 7)
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
Stepping forward as soon as the bout begins, Yves parries and then extends a glancing riposte into his opponent's right chest with a distinctive tap, followed by a smooth parry, deflecting a blow down and to the side. His armor catching a glancing blow, he rolls through it, using his armor to its purpose, he steps to the side smoothly, utilizing a degree of fancy footwork to put his opponent slightly off balance and deliver a more resounding broad-sided blow with the edge of the broadsword, even more meat in his second blow. But the third is the prize that he aims for, neatly dodging his opponent's sword the third strike is clearly a strong one that might have been deadly if not for blunted blades and their armor.
Célestin moves with efficiency. He isn't exactly slow, but the agility of the Valliers seems to be something he may not have expected. His sword is swung at an angle, but the tourney sword doesn't manage to penetrate through the armor of the younger man twice! It is the third exchange of strikes that nearly throws the scarred d'Aiglemort off balance, and he takes a deep breather, his pale blue eyes focusing on Yves Valliers, as Célestin remains on his feet - and is not inclined to yield yet.
<COMBAT> Celestin has changed stance to cautious. (Eisheth)
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Critical wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin has been KO'd!
Luc watches the current fighters rather carefully, eyes narrowed a bit as he watches.
In the next exchange, Yves steps forward and a brief exchange is offered. A cautious mainline blow deflected toward his arm only to riposte neatly with a resounding hit from his blade across the other man's helmet.
The old eagle decides to focus his next attack on Yves' arm, and he manages to get through this time. But at a high cost. By diving into the Valliers' comfort zone, Célestin opens his guard and makes him vulnerable - in case someone is skilled enough to take advantage. The next thing Célestin knows is that he goes down and falls to his knees. With a soft "THUD", the weapon falls from his hands, as his head rings from the strike - even if that strike was for the most part deflected by the helmet. Shaking his head to regain some clarity, Célestin finally manages a "You win."
Jovet didn't mean to have a seat, but nevertheless there's an imminent sinking of his well-shaped tush to the flat of the bench he'd left earlier as he watches the Valliers kid just walk all over his cousin, one of the best fighters he knows. Well, that's going to be someone rough to go up against, for sure. Consider his interest piqued.
The young Valliers nods his head at the words of the man, already having decided not to keep smacking the man around with the dull blade. Offering a hand to haul the man to his feet, he gives him a friendly smile. "Well fought!" he offers pleasantly, offers a parting bow to the royals again — followed by a wave toward his parent's far less fancy Ducal box — and then walks off the pitch, heading over toward where he'd last seen Cochonnet.
"And the winner of the first pairing is… Lord Yves Valliers!", the herald sums it up in his announcement. "Well fought, young man. So… next to compete are Lord Daniel Ferraut, brother to the Comte Ferraut, and Lord Lucien Valliers, nephew to the Duc Valliers."
Célestin accepts the hand, and there is a chill in his gaze, as it meets the eyes of Yves Valliers. The friendly tone of the young man's reply seems to soften that chill for a moment, though. "You too." And he is already on his feet and moves off to the field to recover for a bit.
Cochonnet had spotted Sylvaine, if only briefly through the crowd, but then there are the first blows of combat, and what Camaeline in her right mind can keep her eyes away when that siren song is singing out? Especially when her own favor is appended to the arm of one of the fighters. And soon enough Yves is walking off again, and toward her, and she's shaking her head with a grin. "Oh, Companions, Yves. That was… absolutely wild."
Daniel is a little distracted as time gets closer and he nods as his name is called. he walks forward lifting his blunted blade in salute. He grins, "Good luck." The large mans eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, but from my perspective: that was pretty normal. The wildest duel from my perspective, was the Companion's Day tournament a year or two ago, when I trounced Cyriel in the first hit of our first duel, and then he came back and faced me in the finals and we had a good match," Yves replies, thinking about it with a distant stare as he replays the battle in his mind. Turning his hips, he sort of lifts one leg and half slides up onto the edge of the bull pen's wall so that he can watch over his fellow tall competitors. "Did you find out about that woman?" he asks, conspiratorially. His lips coming down near Cochonnet's ear.
One of the people cheering for Yves has been his cousin, Lucien Valliers. Lucien may be a bit older than Yves, but that doesn't mean he is less eager to enter the field to face his next opponent. "Well done, Yves!", Lucien had called to his relative, before donning his helmet and moving over to the field. "Lord Daniel Ferraut." Lifting his sword in salute, Lucien considers the larger man. A smile curls his lips. "Good luck, you say? I think there is little luck when it comes to blade fighting against blade. Just skill."
The first bout had been a quick and violent one. Sylvaine had cheered from the sideline nonetheless. Especially, when it is Lucien who is called out for the next pairing. Her grey eyes drift and find Daniel, and she smiles. But the lift of her brows indicates that she may have her doubts about the outcome.
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Daniel with Broadsword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Lucien with Broadsword - ARMOR on Left Hand stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Daniel with Broadsword but Daniel DODGES!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Lucien with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
Luc nods a little to himself as he sees the end of the first fight, turning his attention to the second one now, letting out a bit of a breath. There's a glance around at the crowd, then back to the combatants.
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Daniel with Broadsword but Daniel DODGES!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Lucien with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
"I'm still here, aren't I?" Coco laughs at Yves, hanging on the partition. "But she's not, she gone from where she was sitting. I spotted her down closer to the grounds, but then I got distracted by some fine swordmanship," she blames him with a grin. "Oh, look, there she is," she spots her down the fencing a little bit. "Want me to go over and you can join us?"
Yves turns and gives his cousin a small wave of the hand at the cheering, happy for family to be competing. Looking down at Cochonnet, he seems pleased when she mentions his swordsmanship and says, "Thank you, yes," and gives her a moment to get ahead before he follows from the other side of the fence. Since her journey is undoubtedly complicated by the crowds on the other side, whereas his is only entangled with the occasional knot of competitors.
Lucien is quick. His first strike goes to Daniel's abdomen, taking advantage of the size of the other man. Even so, Daniel seems to be quick on his feet. Surprisingly quick. Twice, the Ferraut dodges Lucien's blows, while landing one to Lucien's chest. "Camael!" A hint of frustration can be heard in the Valliers' voice, but somehow it comes of more like a cry of protest. He chuckles and shakes his head. "Not bad, Ferraut. But let's see how you deal with *this*." And there he is already going at him again, for a next exchange of blows.
<FS3> Sylvaine rolls Perception-2: Failure. (6 6 2 4 2 1)
Daniel is grinning ear from ear as they start. As much as it is a duel Daniel treats it more like combat shrugging off some of the hits trusting the armor and when he hits swinging hard. He laughs brightly at the challwnge from Lucien, "Yes! Show us what you have!" He seems just thrilled to be fighting.
Sylvaine draws a breath and then exhales, her fullest attention on the swordfight between Daniel and Lucien. Thereby fully oblivious to the fact, that Yves may be moving in her direction. When there is a brief pause after the first exchanges of blows, she calls out, "Lucien!", cheering the Valliers on.
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Daniel with Broadsword but Daniel DODGES!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Lucien with Broadsword but Lucien DODGES!
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Lucien with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Lucien with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Lucien has been KO'd!
If Sylvaine isn't expecting Yves on the far side of the fence, she certainly won't be expecting Coco in her coiffed black hair and her wolfpelt collar to be excusing herself into a spot quite close next to her in the crowd, nudging in against the rail just by her, one hundred and ten percept inside Sylvaine's peronal space, but, well, it's a cozy crowd. She doesn't interrupt the match with an introduction, but leans there to watch he give and take with excitement.
As they go at each other again, Lucien evades the strike of Daniel with a grin, but his own sword only hits air. The two combatants seem to get into tune, as if following the same dance steps - which leads to the next exchange of clashes hitting home, moderate hits to the chest that will certainly cause bruises, even if from blunted swords. As they go at each other again, Lucien lands a nasty strike to the side of Daniel's chest. It's Daniel's sword however, that brings Lucien to his knees, as it throws him off balance and brings him into a position where can only yield. "This round goes to you," Lucien Valliers announces, sounding a bit incredulous perhaps, but far from giving up altogether. There will be more rounds and a second chance, after all.
"Lord Daniel Ferraut wins this round," comes the announcement of the herald, who somehow still manages to make himself heard over the cheer of the crowd. "Next up will be Lord Jovet d'Aiglemort who will face Lord Benoit d'Eltoine." A pause. "And then, Lord Luc Montchapetre will face Lord Ghislain Basilisque."
Daniel looks utterly excited as the two dance around each other and then they trade hard blows. As Lucien tags him hard, "Nice!" He spins and he swings jusy a light one and blinks, "Over?" He sounds disappointed… he nods to Lucien, "Excellent fight we should spar more soon."
Jovet rises along with his name, but has a moment to spare while the victor is enjoying his applause. Daniel, hm? The seaside must have done him some good. A fellow with dark hair on the bench beside him rises in turn, and he gives the guy a fond pat and squeeze on the rear before he gets handed his blunt and lifts his hand to untie his mid-length, thick, wavy hair. It'll provide a nice cushion between helmet and head, and he draws the protective plating down over his cheeks, hopping a few times on the balls of his feet and grinning invisibly at Daniel from within his helm as he passes him heading onto the field, tipping him a brisk salute with his blunt, as well, a more visible sign of respect. The full salute, of course, waits until he's in position and facing off against Benoit.
Luc raises an eyebrow as he watches the conclusion of that particular fight, before he nods again as he hears the announcements made. Expression focused, he moves a bit so he can start preparing, while still keeping an eye on those facing off already.
<COMBAT> Jovet has changed stance to Cautious.
Benoit d'Eltoine is the man of short cropped blonde hair, with a map of experience carved into his features. He may be older than the lovely bearer of a princess's favor, and definitely less handsome. His helmet is shaped like a lion's head, but the gaze that comes to linger on Jovet is cold as a dead fish. "A pleasure," he states, but never has such a statement sounded such an obvious lie. The lift of the sword in salute is not carried out in full, as if to offer an insult to the d'Aiglemort - a fact that is noted by the crowd however and commented with a loud "Booo!"
<COMBAT> Benoit attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Light wound to Left Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Benoit with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Benoit with Broadsword - Light wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Benoit attacks Jovet with Broadsword - ARMOR on Head stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Benoit attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Benoit with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
There is a low chuckle resounding in the lion helmet when Benoit delivers a light strike to Jovet's leg. A bit more force, and he would have brought Jovet to his knee, or so he perhaps assumes. But meanwhile, the man bearing Princess Crysante's favor manages a series of three strikes hitting home, causing bruises in the veteran's chest and even one to the neck. The chuckle dies and fades into a low series of displeased grunts - especially, when Benoit misses Jovet in his last strike. Where others would have taken a moment to compliment their opponent on their prowess, Benoit d'Eltoine does not, enduring the fight in silence - or at least a lack of eloquence.
Jovet absolutely drops one hip and a corresponding shoulder into a slightly less martial pose when Benoit snubs him with his salute. "Okay, girl, you wanna be like that," he answers back, tsking once and lifting a boot behind him to swing back and tap his blunt against the sole. Then, drawing his blade up defensively, he plays it safe— he might otherwise go after Benoit a little more vigorously, but he's got a Princess' favor to try to protect, so he'll guard it well and himself in turn, taking the blows with a careful grace as to minimize their impact, getting a few of his own in, then fully arcing his back to miss a blow aimed to his shoulder, the meanwhile using the moment to his advantage to swing up and batter Benoit's ribs once through the maile. After the hit, he backs off, politely giving Benoit a chance to recover instead of pressing his advantage — again, a tactic he would reconsider in other circumstances.
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Benoit with Broadsword but Benoit DODGES!
<COMBAT> Benoit attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Benoit with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Benoit attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Benoit has been KO'd!
<FS3> Jovet rolls Politics: Failure. (4 6 2 2 6)
Did Jovet just call Benoit "girl"? This seems to enrage the man, turning his cold calculation into wrath. His sword is swung with full force at Jovet, and as if anticipating the other man's move, Benoit himself ducks away beneath Jovet's strike. It is clear, that the next strike will connect, as Benoit once again goes for the right leg, this time aiming to hit harder. But through an odd twist of fate, Jovet moves at just this moment, turning the devastating blow into a glancing blow - while Jovet manages a strike that will decide this bout. It will send Benoit to the ground, a low cluttering sound of chainmail about the form of the experienced fighter. There is the sound of clenching teeth. But no comment will be forthcoming. As if to will the defeat not to have happened by not acknowledging it.
"Aaaand… Lord Jovet d'Aiglemort, champion of Princess Crysanthe wins this bout! Next up will be Lord Luc Montchapetre facing Lord Ghislain Basilisque."
A cheer goes through the crowd, and some who look up towards the Royal Box would have sworn that Princess Crysanthe has moved to stand, clapping her hands in enthusiastic applause.
It sure as hell wasn't Jovet's best fight, but he'll take a win where it's presented, and offer the downed fellow a hand to help him pull himself up by — it's a cordial thing among competitors, and he wants to be seen offering it even if he's fairly sure it won't be taken. "What crawled up your asshole and died?" he meanwhile asks of Benoit.
Benoit sees the offered hand. But he backs away and turns to his other side, pushing himself up from the dirt without accepting the hand. "A cocky d'Aiglemort," he retorts in a low grumble, giving Jovet a dark glance as he turns to look his way. "See you maybe in some of the next bouts. The next one might go differently."
Letting out a brief breath as he hears the announcement, Luc waits until the combatants has moved off before he moves to take his place. There's a nod and a smile towards his opponent as he does his last preparations, before he nods towards the crowd. "Let us give them something to talk about, shall we?" he offers, before he moves into the position to be ready to unleash himself at the Basilisque.
When the bout between Jovet and Benoit seems to turn a bit personal, Yves nearly divorces himself from the fencing to go over and assist in breaking things up in case they go beyond the amicable dueling. Better not let this slide into an actual duel of some sort. That'd just sour everything. When nothing more comes of it but some whinging from the poorer fighter. "Well fought, Lord d'Aiglemort!" he calls out, instead of his customary cheering for all competitors. Eat that!
Ghislain Basilisque is a young man in his early twenties, with red hair and some freckles dotting his face, giving him a somewhat cheerful look. The red hair, rumor has it, the young lad has inherited from his mother, a foreigner from Alba. Which is a fact that may make him less liked in certain circles. Even so, Ghislain has proved himself worthy in some skirmishes in Skaldia. And he has managed to make it this far, so he must have at least have some skill. Stepping onto the field, Ghislain lifts his sword in cheerful greeting to Luc. "My lord. I am honored.", he declares with a grin. Then he dons his helmet and turns to face the Montchapetre, with a happy sort of competitiveness, eager to test his mettle against the other.
Jovet offered, at least. Good thing the crowd (and the Princess) can see the offer, and not hear their conversation. 'Cause next, it's all, "Pff. You wish you had this d'Aiglemort cock up your asshole," punctuated with a perfectly swishy loft of a finger to punctuate the fact. And then he'll go on and meet Yves, "Oh, hell," he grins, "I have to fight you, next, don't I? You practically ravished my cousin," he simpers a little bit, dark green eyes lively as he gets a look at the Valliers kid up close.
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword - Serious wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword but Ghislain DODGES!
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword but Ghislain DODGES!
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).
It would seem that Luc's initial tactic would be to take Ghislain down early, as he moves in to attack with force at first. But he gets a solid hit to the neck in return. And so his next attacks come in a bit more blindly, ending up leaving himself open to get hit in return. "Quit running around," he grumbles, stepping back a bit to recover as he prepares to strike again. Starting to circle his opponent a bit now.
Yves offers Jovet a hand to shake and introduces himself, "Yves Valliers, son of the old man there," he gestures to his father sitting in the Valliers Ducal box not too far away. Not like he's name-dropping, more like he's happy that he finally gets to do his thing with the old man present and not just from afar in Marsilikos. His usage of the phrase 'old man' almost seeming like he might be trying to downplay his feelings. "Oh, you did well, nothing to worry about. Your cousin is an excellent fighter," he mentions pleasantly and glances over as the next match begins. "Honestly, this is my first tournament in a while where I don't recognize anyone. I've been living in Marsilikos."
The Basilisque seems to be as nimble as the animal in his coat of arms: the snake. Snaking his way about Luc in a dance, quick on his feet, dodging twice, even if Luc's first strike somehow landed a heavy blow, breaking at least one rib in Ghislain's chest. "Oof." A low sound, riding on an exhale as air was pushed out of his lungs. "I'd be a fool to follow your advice," he counters, continuing in his dance about Luc Montchapetre. "No. I'll keep dancing, and you should follow my lead. Or take me down, if you can." It is a playful taunt, the glee hard to go unnoticed in the voice and tone of the Basilisque lord.
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword but Luc DODGES!
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword but Luc DODGES!
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
Just be careful about what you wish for. Luc ducks away from the next hit, delivering one more to the chest of his Basilisque opponent. "Like that, hmmm?" he offers, before he ducks back again. His aim seems to suffer from the ducking away, and but at least he gets out of the way of most of the incoming strikes, even if one of them finds his chest.
"Like that.", Ghislain replies with a groan, after receiving that hard strike to his chest, extremely unpleasant as it hits the same spot where the earlier strike had broken a rib. He stays on his feet though, the dance now a bit slower for a moment, but luckily, Luc's next strike goes astray and does not really hit home. It grants Ghislain a pause, long enough to refocus, so that he can land another strike of his own next, paying Luc back in kind. "I am a quick learner," he boasts with a grin. "Right?"
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword - Serious wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Luc with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Ghislain with Broadsword - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc has been KO'd!
And still, his attacks seem to fail him, but Luc takes a few hard hits. The last one to the neck sending him to the ground. After a few deep breaths, he raises one hand. "This one goes to you," he offers, before he adds, "Make sure I get the chance to face you once more later on." He gets to his feet, and moves off to recover from taking those hits.
Ghislain takes a few more hits, but he does land another good blow, hard enough to bring Luc Montchapetre down. At least within the regulations of this tournament. "My lord." The freckled Basilisque removes his helmet and reaches out to help Luc to his feet. "Well fought. And ouch. That rib hurts. I hope to see you later, in the final." He smiles.
Jovet tucks his blunt under his opposite arm and reaches out to grasp and shake Yves' hand. "Yves Valliers," he echoes the name, "Well, you've got the blood, huh?" he grins. "Jovet d'Aiglemort," in case anyone isn't tired of hearing their own names again and again. "Ah, hey, that's why I don't recognize you, either. What's in the water down there, huh? You're a beast," he chuckles. "Maybe I should sojourn there for a bit myself."
"My training is mostly from Camlach, but there is a difference between Marsilikos. Winds off the sea keep things a bit more temperate, I suppose, it's not a bad place to live," Yves replies mildly, resting his hands on the pommel of his blunted sword as he idly stares off into space. Thinking about what he might say in Marsilikos' favor.
With the final match of this round delayed for a moment, the herald allows for a moment of chatter. A welcome opportunity for sellers of beverages and refreshments to make another round among the common folk, and for servants and handmaidens to refill the goblets of lords and ladies. After a few minutes, the herald gestures for the horns to play the fanfare. "And now. We will proceed with the next round, my lords and ladies. Your Majesties, Highnesses and Graces. Let us cheer for the next contestants who will face each other in this next bout: Lord Yves Valliers and Lord Jovet d'Aiglemort."
Called to the dueling ring, Yves once again goes forth. Stretching as he walks. As he gets to his position in the ring, he lifts his shoes, checking each with a slap of the broad side of the blade. He offers a brief nod to his family again, and then a bow toward the royals. Repeating his earlier gestures, but perhaps with a bit less formality so as to not drag things out. Looking toward Jovet, who he'd just started to talk to, he offers the man a nod and focuses on the match ahead.
Sylvaine comes to life yet again. After offering her heartfelt words of regret to Lucien Valliers, she now focuses on the other Valliers who is still in the contest. Clapping and cheering with enthusiasm for Lord Yves, she for now has remained oblivious to the other presence beside her. Touching her hand in thoughts to the fashion accessory that looks like a steel pauldron on her own shoulder, she looks almost like a war goddess, but a war goddess would perhaps not look as comely and pleasant as the courtesan does.
Oh, here we go. Having had some time to get properly psyched up for the bout, Jovet's not spent much of it on the bench, but full of a dire mingling of dread and anticipation and on his toes watching the intervening match/es. So when called up, he points his blunt to Yves with a grin from the sidelines, catching at his attention with a grin before he dons his helm and jogs out onto the field with a bounce to his step. Coming to face Yves in a jaunty salute. "Be gentle with me, now, we just met," he winks saucily at Yves, and prepares to try to fend off those brisk, devastating blows he witnessed earlier.
<COMBAT> Jovet has changed stance to Evade.
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Light wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
The bearer of Princess Crysanthe's favor is called forth again, and up there in the Royal Box, a certain princess holds her breath for a moment. Over at the Ducal Box, the Duc d'Aiglemort looks towards the Valliers box and offers the other duc a faint smile from afar. After all, it is this other duc's son who is giving quite a good showing of skill down there on the field.
Yves steps forward in his normal neutral stance, not trying to achieve anything outlandish or sacrificing any offense for defense or anything of the sort. Instead he steps forward, taking a touch to the abdomen in the process, the two then spend a few moments dodging each other followed by a swift tap to the neck of the other man. He doesn't comment on the evasive behavior of the d'Aiglemort, simply focuses on his swordsmanship.
Jovet dances with Yves, managing to touch maile with his blunt, in among the rest of the pivots, turns, twists, dodges, parries. He takes a firm thwak up under the rim of his helm, landing on the mail against his neck, and he falls back again, re-orienting himself, lowering his stance, keeping his steel perpendicular, his elbow and back heel working in unison to angle his faux blade in preparation to meet the next volley. This Valliers kid is quick, but maybe if he can draw out the fight a little longer he can get a decent blow in. Jovet loves a decent blow, after all.
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Critical wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
Another exchange, another few dodges, and then Yves takes a solid hit to the head that rattles him, but he soldiers on. Weaving his sword and starting to attack more aggressively, since apparently things are not working for him otherwise.
<COMBAT> Yves has changed stance to banzai.
Jovet continues the dance, and damn if he doesn't get his opportunity, keeping out of the way of Yves' blade for the most part, finally pivoting all the way around and backswinging for a blow that lands high, meant for Yves' sword-arm and landing at the side of his head, instead. He even holds up his hand as though to put the fight on pause, about to ask whether Yves is OK and if he needs a second, because that one rung out like a bell. But hell, it looks like he just made the Valliers youth mad, and he steps back into a lunge, bringing up his blade to cross in front of him to ward off what he can.
Sylvaine winces when she observes that unpleasant hit to the head Yves receives from the hand of the d'Aiglemort. Holding her breath for a moment, before she exhales, relieved that this does not seem to throw the Valliers off his feet. There is another glance, towards the box of the Duc Valliers, and then another sweeping glance, searching for someone in particular as she looks over the crowd.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Light wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
"You know him?" Coco pipes up from her spot at war-angel Sylvaine's false pauldron, not forgetting that she's meant to be, you know, spying on her for Yves.
The fencing continues, Yves still not looking too happy with his own performance. He continues to prod at Jovet's openings when they present themselves, landing only light blows to the arm and chest.
Jovet leads Yves along with him, always on the defensive, but, at this point, it's better to be on the defensive than on the ground. He can at least sort of set the pace, drawing on those ferocious attacks that, if he didn't take the energy to avoid them, would land a lot more solidly than they are. And at this point trying to change tactics is pretty rough, Yves isn't laying off of him long enough to let him reassess and reconfigure. So this is how it is, unless he can find another lucky break against the whirlwind, or until one of Yves' blows can fully land.
"It would shed a poor light on me if I didn't. This is Lord Yves Valliers, the youngest son of the duc.", Sylvaine responds to Cochonnet, turning her head to regard the woman. The courtesan smiles. It is not an unfriendly smile, even if it comes with a slight upward tip of her chin. "A cousin of the Duc Valliers has done a lot to deserve my utmost gratitude, so I suppose you can say that I am on good terms with House Valliers."
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves has been KO'd!
Taking a few more blows, Yves stumbles back from the heavy hit to the chest. Seems to consider whether he wants to push things further, and decides that this fight has not gone in his favor at all. So he opts to simply bow out. "Your match, Lord d'Aigelmort," he concedes and exits the dueling ring.
Jovet gets a firm stab in against the maile on Yves' chest, taking a blow on the hand in the meanwhile… falling back to draw on a further onslaught, he's taken slightly aback when none comes. He shifts stance, waiting, and when Yves taps out, he drops his blunt to his side giving him a nod. "You'll be back when your ears stop ringing and probably take the whole thing," he chuckles at his competitor, going to grasp hands with him in a friendly fashion. "Thanks for giving me a win in front of the Princess, though," he confides. "No pressure like wearing a favor, huh?" he glances briefly to Yves' own and gives him a further clap on the shoulder before tossing a salute with his blade to the Princess and taking his leave.
Silence falls over the crowd as they are watching. Each strike that connects is a masterpiece it itself, given how quick and agile the two opponents are. When Yves receives that heavy hit, there is a deep sigh from the vicinity of the Valliers Box. But at least he does not go down. He yields, leaving the victory for this round to Jovet d'Aiglemort.
Princess Crysanthe smiles and lifts her hand in an elegant wave towards her champion. And the herald meanwhile announces the outcome. "Lord Jovet d'Aiglemort wins against Lord Yves Valliers."
"Oh, of course," Coco grins at the propriety of knowing who Yves is, then, filled in a little bit about the family connection, she smiles. "Oh? Which cousin? I mean, if you don't mind me asking. I'm Coco, by the by," she makes casual introduction, as one well might sidled up against some wooden fencing in grounds.
Making his way over toward Cochonnet, Yves leans against the fencing behind her, rather than interfere with her conversation with Sylvaine and rubs at his chest a little as he does so. "Not my best showing," he admits, only minorly perturbed. Turning slightly he sighs and stares off into space, leaning in to put his head near to hers over her shoulder. "Say, did I mention that's my family in the box there? In case I was oblivious earlier."
"You fought well, my lord," Sylvaine addresses Yves, half-turning to offer him a curtsey. "You may not remember me. But I know of course who you are." She smiles. "I am certain that your father will be quite proud of you. And after all… it is not too late to still win the day." She looks a little curious and surprised though, that the woman beside her seems to be on familiar terms with the duc's son.
"After defeating Lord Luc Montchapetre, Lord Ghislain Basilisque will face Lord Daniel Ferraut!", the herald announces.
The red-haired Basilisque lord holds his helmet below his arm, and had been enjoying the fresh air for a moment. That is, until his name is called yet again. The lad seems to be in best spirits, even tossing a wink at one of the women standing among the common folk. "Wish me luck.", he demands with a smile, before he moves onto the field. The helmet is finally put on again, and he offers the salute of the sword towards Daniel Ferraut. "You're quite a tall fellow," Ghislain realizes, sounding not too intimidated though.
"You did great," Coco is happy to assure Yves, and, yes, certainly with more familiarity than a swineherd's daughter ought to speak with the son of the Duc. "Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor, after all." The indication of the box earns him a cheeky little grin. "It's OK, I sussed it out from the general color scheme," she teases him.
Daniel has been quiet for a time and as he is announced he beams. He moves forward, "Aha! time for the show once more." He approaches the ring waving is sword in salute to Ghislain and he grins, "Not just tall but see I like to make sure everyone has a good target."
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Ghislain with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Daniel with Broadsword but Daniel DODGES!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Ghislain with Broadsword - Light wound to Left Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ghislain attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Ghislain with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Ghislain has been KO'd!
"It is the right color scheme, isn't it? The one in the front there is my father, the Duc. His name is Jervais, my mother there is a Montchapetre, her name is Evianne," Yves points them out and then also goes on to point out his older brother Phileas, the heir and whoever else might be in attendance in the box in question. "I'll introduce you, if I get a chance."
Daniel is indeed a tall fellow, whereas Ghislain Basilisque is more the medium height-lanky type. The Ferraut may not be as quick… okay, he manages to evade one of Ghislain's blows, but after all, the red-haired half-Alban at least manages to land two hits, one to an arm and the other to a hand. Probably aiming to disarm. At which he fails. When he finally feels that blunted blade crash once again against his rib cage, Ghislain is done. Really done. With a a groan, he sinks to his knees, as his rib cage seems to explode in a fresh wave of pain, probably with a second rib broken beneath that strike. "I yield!", he calls. "You're too tall for me, my lord." A least he doesn't seem to have lost his humor.
Cochonnet definitely didn't think this trip was going to end with her in attendance at the Duc of Valliers et ux. But she doesn't let the surprise turn shake her, taking it as easily as she does anything else: with a joke. "Well, I introduced you to my parents, so… turnabout is fair play, I suppose." The jest between them is somewhat rich, the statuses of their two sets of parents could not be more different. At this point Sylvaine might begin just to smell the Orchis canon on this one. And she looks beyond Yves at the fence to watch Daniel take down Ghislain. "It looks like he's feeling better, at least," she laughs.
Daniel clearly moves faster than most people expect for his size even if he isn't particularly speedy, but he hits with almost berserker like glee. But it's obvious he seems to care less for the strikes that hit him as the other expert combatants hit him. It's also clear that going at slower speed is not something that Daniel does good at. He grins at Ghislain, "You strike true and excellent. We should do this again." He says breathing heavily his eyes twinkling merrily, "It was an honor to fight you." He says offering Ghislain a hand up still seeming just excited to be fighting more than the win itself and seeming mostly disappointed that it's over.
"And… the victory goes to Lord Daniel Ferraut!" The herald makes his announcement, glancing over to the Royal Box. "Which means… he will face Princess Crysanthe's champion next, Lord Jovet d'Aiglemort!"
Luc watches in quiet, eyes moving to follow the fighters. He nods a bit as he sees how this fight ended up, letting out a bit of a breath as he listens to the announcements now.
"I am Sylvaine nó Cygne Fière," the same introduces herself to Coco and Yves, tilting her head a little to the side so that her half-helmet headpiece shimmers in the afternoon sun. "La Cygne Fière is a small salon here in the city." She smiles, probably angling to hear an introduction of the woman whose identity she is still clueless about.
"If they're at the feast, it should be easy enough," Yves mentions idly, not really thinking too much of it, idly shifting the pommel of his blunted blade in his hand as he watches the final moments of the previous match. "You know, next time we go to one of these things, you could dress up as an attendant and probably get right up by the dueling circle. We always need people to take things and help pull on straps," he mentions with his usual touch of conspiracy. "Oh, yes, I'm Lord Yves Valliers," he introduces himself, probably not necessarily, to Sylvaine. "A pleasure, that's quite the outfit you're wearing, it seems like something Coco here would wear."
Daniel ahas as the next challenge is announced. He grins at Jovet, "Lord Jovet, we meet again." He says happily and shifts a little limbering up and he grins, "I hope I'll give you a good match." He says shifting his blade from hand to hand. "I think I'm glad I joined the lists." He says moving his weight as he squares off against the other man. Daniel's eyes again lighting with eager anticipation of crossing blades.
While Yves checks in with the ladies, Jovet is back at his bench with his little posse, having a slow drink of water and watching Daniel with interest. That's a killer strike he's got there, and it makes Jovet whistle. Soon he's called to meet him, and he re-applies his helmet and hustles out to meet him on the field, grasping hands with Ghislain briefly on his way off the field in turn. "If your doctors were worried about you, Lord Daniel, I only wish they could see you now," he laughs. "Good fight," he salutes the man with his blade after a friendly fashion.
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Daniel with Broadsword but Daniel DODGES!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Daniel with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Daniel with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
Daniel laughs, "I'm sure they'll hear about it and complain." He shrugs, "They always complain that I don't know how to take it easy, that's why they encouraged my brother to send me somewhere I would recuperate more… It was the only way to keep me away from the border." He shrugs, "But let's give them a show hmmm?" And this fight seems different with both men dodging more strikes Daniel again letting his armor take more of the attacks. The man focusing more on hitting and striking using his reach and large frame to prevent damage but more than anything continuing to look far too gleeful trying to put his blunted blade into the Princess' champion. "We can go faster." He suggests to the other man.
For the first time this contest, Jovet doesn't try to bait his opponent right out of the gate, but seems keen to get in at the big fellow, bringing the fight to the center, still wary, of course, but not in such a defensive posture as he was when facing off against Yves or Benoit. Maybe he thinks having made it to the semi-finals he at least hadn't disgraced the Princess' favor and he can take more risks. He takes a firm blow to the chest and yet knows Daniel can hit much harder. "What, are you in a hurry?" he grins, taking a moment to dance backward and get his air back. "Have a date waiting on you or something?" And in he dips again, trying to get a low strike in.
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Serious wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Jovet has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Daniel spends a luck point to keep fighting!
<COMBAT> Jovet spends a luck point to keep fighting!
Daniel grins, "Well not yet, but I'm sure eventually. Don't you?" He says as the two exchange another pair of blows Daniel diving out of the way twisting as he passes a strike at Jovet's chest and the low strike catching him on the neck and head sending him tumbling back reeling. It takes him a moment no doubt only saved from follow up from Jovet because of his opponent dealing with his own strike. Daniel is slow to get up before levering himself up, "That one stung, try that again." He challenges slapping his blade and pausing a moment gathering himself and then lunging forward again.
"Cochonnet Cocotte no Glycine, Second of the Orchid Glycines," Coco gives not only her current salon but also her canon in one fell swoop. Her name… must be some sort of pseudonym, a professional nom-du-lit, and, at any rate, "Call me Coco," she adds, "Everyone does. Oh, that would be fun," of Yves' notion of her taking the role of his steward on the turf. "I'm a little bit of a costumier, on top of my other various titles," she explains to Sylvaine. "But I don't tend to dress up when I'm not at work," she looks to Yves with a somewhat warm smile. Yes, she's not here on contract, she's here on vacation. With him.
"No lack," Jovet banters back through something of a gripped jaw, as he strikes hard against what turns out to be Daniel's neck as he tumbles forward— his own chest bearing a second blow that knocks the ability to breathe straight out of him, and he falters, and thinks of falling, but he promised the Princess he wasn't going to tap out on her. He gasps, lungs burning as they finally remember how to take in air, much to the chagrin of his twice-battered ribs, and he finds himself turning to meet a Daniel earing hard down on him, and he lifts his blade to meet him as he comes.
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Jovet with Broadsword - ARMOR on Left Hand stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel has been KO'd!
Daniel rushes forward towards Jovet, clearly trying to score the first strike. He lets out a cry of victory but the strike hits Jovet's armor and doesn't seem to do enough and in return Jovet continues striking Daniel's large torso and he lets out a grunt a hiss of pain as he's battered again and he puts up a hand, "Yield!" He says as he stumbles slightly, "You've got the better…this time."
"Salon Glycine, in Marsilikos?", Sylvaine pipes up, regarding Cochonnet now with new interest. "Mademoiselle Coco, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Perhaps you would like to come to see La Cygne, while you are in Besançon? The towns at least are very different, and I suppose, so are their salons." Towards Yves, she adds, "This here is something my tailor designed for me. Something fashionable and daring. I am not sure I would wear it at other occasions, but for this tourney, it seems to be quite fitting."
Luc lets out another breath as he watches the fight happening now, frowning as he considers the fighters thoughtfully.
Jovet reaches up with his off hand to break the blade's arc with his wrist, catching it on the armor just right and shoving it aside, meanwhile leaving his right arm free to trust straight into Daniel's chest as he comes barrelling down, using his own impetus against him and leaving him reeling to a yield. Jovet opens uup his left fist and reaches to grasp Daniel's yelding hand. "My favorite fight yet today, Lord Daniel. Maybe let me buy you a drink when this is all over?" he grins.
The bout seems to be decided. A cheer can be heard from the crowd, and the announcement from the herald, declaring Jovet's victory. "It must be the favor of the princess," the herald muses aloud. "Princess Crysanthe is turning the outcome of this tourney, through a favor and her charming smile."
"Flatterer!", the princess retorts, raising her goblet of red wine, her cheeks rosy. But she looks very pleased with how things have turned out so far.
The brows of the herald furrow just so. "Nevertheless. It is time for the losers' bracket. Lord Luc Montchapetre will face Lord Lucien Valliers."
"Yes, in Marsilikos," Coco confirms. "We're a blend of Orchis, Bryony and Jasmine flowers— a regularly pleasant bouquet," she laughs. "And I'd love to come and see your salon, thank you awfully for the invitation!" Even off-duty, she hasn't entirely put away her curiosity, and she is always looking for new and interesting visages in which Naamah is served.
Jovet does once more lift his blade in salute to the Princess, adding a forward hunch of a bow and a charmer's smile of his own, yielding to her the credit for his good fortune on the field before he escapes from it to sit down a while and have a bit of tea.
It looks like Luc has managed to recover a bit from his earlier fight, as he gets back into place, letting out a breath as he turns to watch his opponent. "Lucien Valliers…" he mutters the name of the other, trying to think of what he's noticed watching the Valliers earlier. "Good luck, my lord," he offers to the man, just as he gets ready to fight again. "Give it your best," he adds.
"I will, my Lord!" Lucien Valliers replies, confident enough, giving a swift salute and then squaring off against his opponent.
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Luc with Broadsword but Luc DODGES!
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Lucien with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Lucien with Broadsword - Serious wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Luc with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Lucien with Broadsword - Serious wound to Left Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Luc with Broadsword but Luc DODGES!
This time, Luc moves forward a bit more forcefully, aiming to take down his opponent as quickly as possible. He takes a hit in the process, grimacing momentarily, before moving forward again. "Come on, you can do better," he growls in the direction of Lucien, as he prepares for another attack.
<COMBAT> Lucien has changed stance to Cautious. (Eisheth)
The nephew to the Duc Valliers seems to be quite intent on giving a better showing this time, after failing against Daniel Ferraut previously. Lucien is young and stubborn, and he releases a cry of triumph in the moment, he manages a first hit to Luc's arm. Alas, this action offers an opening in his defense, an advantage Luc seizes and uses to the fullest, landing a devastating blow to Lucien's abdomen, and then, his hand. Leaving the Valliers lord in agony. "I can," he manages a reply despite the agony, through clenched teeth. The next volley of attacks will certainly be aimed with more care.
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Lucien with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Lucien attacks Luc with Broadsword - Light wound to Left Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Lucien has been KO'd!
And now, the next slash coming from the Montchapetre is aimed in an attempt to take the Valliers leg taken out. As he does so, he focuses more on attack than defense, but it does seem to give him an advantage. Even though his hand takes a hit this time, as he steps back a bit. "A few good hits there," he offers.
The nephew to the Duc Valliers has already met defeat once today. The second defeat marks his elimination from the contest. It takes merely one more exchange of blows to decide the matter. And while the strikes of the dulled blades do not hit as hard as they have before, that blow to his right leg brings Lucien down and he yields. "You win, my lord," he tells the Montchapetre, finally acknowledging the fact that he has lost. "Well fought. And good luck for your next rounds."
"Thank you," Luc replies to his opponent, moving off to the side to get something to drink and prepare for his next fight.
A second match of the losers' bracket, Benoit d'Eltoine versus Célestin d'Aiglemort, is decided after a few exchanges of blows, in favor of the d'Aiglemort who then moves on to face Ghislain Basilisque. Perhaps the good-natured freckled half-Alban is already too battered to deal with the seasoned war veteran. In the end, he has to yield to Célestin.
The question of who Célestin will face next has still to be decided, in the next match between Yves Valliers and Luc Montchapetre…
When he's called away from the quiet conversation with Cochonnet and Sylvaine, Yves once again stretches as he walks. Having a sort of ritualistic approach to his duels, despite the fact that the last match had not gone as well for him. Striding out into the dueling ring, he taps the bottoms of his boots and then settles into a neutral stance. All business.
"So that's how it is, another Valliers to take out?" Luc calls out a bit lightly in the direction of Yves. "Well met." And then he too moves into the proper stance for settling this business.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Luc with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Yves with Broadsword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Luc with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Luc with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Left Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
A quick shuffle, and the exchange of movements begins. Yves offering a swift parry-riposte for the first blow, taking the small amount of energy from the blow to his abdomen without comment. The two followups are met with clean dodges, neatly moving his whole body as he sidesteps and delivers two swift thrusts to the abdomen again. Hammering on a single point.
Like when he fought Lucien, Luc moves straight to the attack, letting out a few grunts as he takes the hits from Yves. Moving back a bit, he approaches more carefully now, trying not to get hit as badly.
"That sounds… delightful," Sylvaine remarks, when she hears Cochonnet's explanation about the canons that are catered to in her salon. "An interesting combination. La Cygne has a less varied approach. We follow the canon of Dahlia." When Lucien Valliers faces Luc Montchapetre and finally has to yield, Sylvaine cannot help but glance at the lord from afar with an empathetic look on her features. A soft sigh then, as the next Valliers is called out to face the victorious Montchapetre. "Good luck, Lord Yves," she says, watching him as he starts his bout against Lord Luc.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Luc with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Yves with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Luc spends a luck point to keep fighting!
<COMBAT> Luc has changed stance to Cautious.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Luc with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Luc attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Luc has been KO'd!
Cochonnet's grin quickens when Sylvaine chooses 'delightful' to describe their little bouquet by the sea. "It has been called so," she confirms. "And I'm eager to see La Cygne's unique presentation of the canon of its choosing," she smiles. "If your fashion sense is anything to go by, I'm sure it's absolutely entrancing." She flutters her fingers good-luck to Yves and then watches him go to meet Luc upon the grounds. "He takes his fighting so seriously," she smiles fondly as she remarks to Sylvaine.
As things continue, Yves continues to prod at that same spot on Luc—that predictability is probably what ends up earning him a similar hit to his own chest. But despite the brief discomfort, he presses forward, launching a final and perhaps the most resounding hit of the bunch to a similar spot on Luc's chest. "Well fought," he remarks without comment about the earlier quip about his cousin. He needs to focus on his fighting, not on that sort of thing. Helping the man to his feet if necessary and then remaining in the ring afterward for his next match. This time a re-match against Celestin. Rubbing at his chest a little, he stretches to try to stay loose and ignore the building bruising.
"A good fight indeed." The herald raises his voice as he points towards the tourney field. "Lord Yves Valliers wins against Lord Luc Montchapetre. He is to face Célestin d'Aiglemort next. For a second time, if I remember correctly."
Some people are gracious in defeat. Luc Briand Montchapetre might not be one of them. After getting to his feet, he offers a bit of a grunt in return to Yves, before he remarks. "Next time." And with that, he moves to get off the field, moving so he can get out of his armor and hve his bruises tended to. A little while after he disappears, there's sound of something metal hitting something else, as if it was thrown, though.
Célestin, the scarred d'Aiglemort, raises his sword in salute. This time along with a nod of his head. "You've come far, my lad," he allows. "May we do our best to provide a spectacle to honor Camael!"
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - ARMOR on Right Hand stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword but Celestin DODGES!
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Light wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
Surprised that Celestin isn't being quite as much of an ass this time, Yves nods his head in agreement, though he doesn't engage in any other pre-duel conversation. Trading ineffective blows, followed by some smooth dodging, and then a trade. Right arm for a hit to the chest, a reflection on an earlier move earlier that'd ended their first match.
Apparently, Célestin has found back to his form. At least this first exchange of blows goes far better than in his first bout. They start off not really harming each other much, dodging and with their armor deflecting the strikes. As if to gauge the best angle to land a hit.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - ARMOR on Neck stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Serious wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - Critical wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - ARMOR on Right Arm stops the attack!
And the exchange continues, Yves' delivering two decisive blows: a decidedly firm blow to Celestin's chest followed by an even more serious side-stepping swing to his neck. But the weathered veteran presses on, retaliating with a heavy hit to Yves' stomach that for a split second knocks the air out of him, but the young Valliers doesn't look ready to give up just yet.
Had he been that much of an ass? The veteran sees a young cub and is sceptical at first; also, there is that urge to teach the young man a lesson. As it is, they are pretty much even this time. The hard blow he lands on the lad's abdomen would have taken out any other of usual training and disposition. Célestin looks surprised to see Yves not yet yielding. But the older man is impacted as well already, by pain and fatigue. "You are a stubborn one," he states, and the way he says it sounds almost like praise. "Let's finish this…"
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Right Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Celestin with Broadsword - Serious wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Celestin has been KO'd!
In a mistake, Yves manages to land a hard hit to Celestin's hand, only to end up pushing it further mainline into his chest for a more seriously grunt worthy blow to the ribs. He retaliates in the next exchange by sidestepping a similar blow and bringing his sword around in a swift chop across the other man's abdomen. Taking a step back while the man recovers, he gives him a nod, "Well fought, Lord d'Aiglemort," and offers the man a hand to his feet.
They are giving each other a hell of a hard time. Their guards have come down, as they try to land better hits, aiming to finally make the other yield.
Célestin d'Aiglemort is a seasoned veteran of many years of experience in the battlefield. His fame carries far, and the scars in his face and on his body, albeit currently hidden away beneath his armor, tell a tale of what he has gone through. Yes, he gives Yves quite the beating now, but the same goes for the young lord. Not giving way, but instead pressing on. The final blow to his abdomen brings Célestin finally down to his knee. "Well fought, indeed. You deserve to proceed. Even though… were we to face each other for a third time…" His musings are drowned in the cheer from the crowd, and the herald's announcement. "Lord Yves Valliers wins against Lord Célestin d'Aiglemort. Lord Yves will face Lord Daniel Ferraut next."
Not leaving the dueling ring, Yves only manages to pause and take a breather. Moving over to the edge of the area to get some water before he starts to stretch and work his muscles, trying to get the kinks out and keep himself from locking up with all of the bruises he's forming beneath the full maile. After a breath, he moves back to the center and resets himself, waiting for Daniel. He doesn't take a stance quite yet though, waiting for the last possible moment.
Daniel has been stretching out a bit after his loss adjusting his side. He glances up at the name gets called. He smiles again and he stretches his arm and begins moving towards the circle as well. Even with the loss he doesn't seem to particularly take it any more seriously, just another fight to enjoy. His eyes twinkling as he lifts his blade in salute of Yves.
"Choice of fashion depends on the occasion," Sylvaine clarifies towards Cochonnet. "What seems to be appropriate to wear and draw glances may be in order to wear at an occasion as this, but pretty much risqué in other social contexts, such as a ball at the ducal palace." As the attention of both courtesans are drawn to the field, where Yves had faced Celestin, and now will face Daniel Ferraut in his next pairing. "This reminds me of a Yeshuite tale I heard some time ago. David and Goliath."
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Yves with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Light wound to Left Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
Though he's clearly flagging after so many consecutive duels against solid opposition, Yves steps forward with surety. Taking a few prods to his chest in exchange he deals two glancing blows to Daniel's chest and leg, and a more serious hit to the chest. Dropping back after the initial exchange, he seems to be doing his best to keep his rattled bones from causing him too much discomfort, but there is only so much an extra breath can do. Straightening his helmet with his shoulder, he lowers his stance slightly, perhaps aiming for a different approach.
Daniel surges forward as the two begin exchanging strikes. He growls faintly as while he tags Yves it seems his opponent gets the better on each strike. Apparently Daniel's reliance on armor may not in the end be the best strategy. Eventually as he starts to slow from the repeated strikes from Yves a knock to his leg twists him enough to completely miss Yves. He grins, "How very… consistent." He complains of Yves as they circle but he's still grinning and searching for an opening.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Light wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Right Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
Cochonnet knows a little bit about having to moderate her wardrobe for propriety's sake— or letting propriety go up its own hind end. So it's a knowing smile she shares with Sylvaine on that score over the tremendous spectacle between Daniel and Yves on the turf. "Oh, yes? Who ends up on top?" she wonders, of the offered parable.
When a hit to the head doesn't do the trick, though it costs him a hit to the neck, Yves seems to decide that it's time to start taking all of the power out of Daniel's arms. Hitting each of them with a decidedly sound blow, taking a glancing blow to his own arm and dodging the follow-up in the mix. His lowered stance seems to be taking some of the pressure off of his chest, which is undoubtedly tender from repeated hits and no time to really relax.
"Goliath was a giant," Sylvaine elaborates. "And David didn't seem to have much of a chance against him. And yet. He threw a tiny stone — and here the analogy starts to fail — a stone that hit Goliath at the temple so he fell, defeated." She chuckles, it is an elegant unobtrusive and somehow melodic chuckle, and turns her grey eyes to regard Cochonnet. "I can tell, Lord Yves is doing quite well down there. Do you think he has it in him to proceed to the final, and perhaps win the contest?"
Daniel lets out a slight growl as Yves continues to give him a knock out by a thousand cuts. Still Daniel is not so easily taken down stubbornly clinging on consciousness though his strikes, growing weaker with each hit. He stumbles back a moment and then rushes for what might be the final pass.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Daniel with Broadsword - ARMOR on Head stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Yves with Broadsword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Daniel with Broadsword - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Daniel has been KO'd!
"Oh, no doubt," Coco doesn't have to think about it very long. "You should have seen him at the tourneys down in Marsilikos. He more or less walked all over everybody," she laughs. "It's a strange thing, isn't it? For such a green youth. But there you have it."
Spinning away from the aggression, Yves counters with a glancing blow off of Daniel's helmet, but apparently the man's hard head and the helmet is enough to stop the blow from being decisive. Instead, he takes a glancing blow to the chest, and in the next pass counters with a smooth dodge and answers with a chopping upwards cut into the man's abdomen. He pauses then as that seems to be the end of things, and offers a, "Well fought," and a hand up. He retreats then to the edge of the dueling circle and takes a few minutes to really try and knead the aches and pains out of his chest and limbs. Stretching and rubbing at the armor a bit.
Daniel takes another series of strikes, particularly a heavy hit to his head. But that doesn't really slow Daniel down, apparently not a critical location. In the end another light strike on his abdomen as he passes sends DAniel tumbling to the side. He drops to a knee catching his breath and grunts, "Yield!" HE calls wincing as he touches his side. He slowly gets up rumbling, "Very persistent." HE complains and he grins, "Very good fight. Good luck." He says as he takes himself off from the field wincing a little as he maneuvers. The large man poking at his side tentatively. He still looks far too happy.
What a fight! The crowd is cheering for the two men who fight each other with blunted swords, some of them favor the Ferraut, while others shout and cheer for Yves Valliers.
"This decides it!", the herald announces, once Daniel Ferraut has yielded to Yves. "And so… Lord Yves Valliers will proceed to the final bout, and once again, he will face Lord Jovet d'Aiglemort!"
Sylvaine directs her gaze back to the tourney field, just in time to witness Yves' victory over the 'giant'. "He is very skilled for such a young man," she allows with a fine smile. "But then again, he's a Valliers."
Cochonnet says, "Mmh. I could have made a bundle on him, betting. Ysa would have my hide for passing up the chance, but I'm not much of a gambler by nature," Coco opens up a little to Sylvaine, then cheers for Yves — and for Daniel, too, who put Yves through his paces, at least — at the conclusion of the bout. "It was a good match. Gets the blood rushing."
Jovet has had, meanwhile, a chance to have a nice cup of invigorating tea, a massage with poultices for his earlier injuries, and a good think about how this thing could possibly end. It's a double-edged sword, after all, with the Princess to please on the one side and the Duc not to displease on the other. And, again, perhaps it's best not to please the Princess over-well, if you all follow my drift. She's already blushing over his victories, and that's really quite enough of that. At any rate, it's more than he's accustomed to reading into a tourney's outcome. At the very least, having made it to the finals, he's done his due diligence in honoring the Princess' favor, and nobody can say he hasn't.
By the tail end of the lower bracket he's snuck back onto the field, blunt in his baldric, helm under his arm, unremarkable in comparison to the fight on the field. He's hoped for Daniel to pull it out; he enjoyed fighting with him, after all. It's a little more like fighting with a man and a little less like fighting with a rabid badger. But Yves proves unstoppable once more, and he takes a deep breath, drawing back his shoulders and then lifting his helm when his name is called again, setting it into place and strolling out to meet Yves.
When Jovet comes forth, Yves turns in place and walks back out toward his position in the dueling ring. Rolling his sword a few times to loosen up his wrist, he leans over and touches his toes a few times. The tall young man idly adjusting bits of armor now so that everything chafes just a bit less. "Do you think the fair princess will hold it against me if I win?" he asks of Jovet as they square up, rubbing at the his helmet a little in a gesture that has no actual effect, since he can't reach his hair.
Having gotten out of his armor by now, Luc makes his way out to where he can watch the end of this event, while sipping on some wine. He moves over towards the spectators, rather slowly.
Jovet swings a shoulder back, tapping the blunt to the sole of his opposite boot and then swinging it up to salute his opponent. "More likely she'll hold it against me, if I lose," he chuckles. "But I suspect she may have to live with the disappointment," is his way, coupled with a strong, neutral stance, of saying he doesn't intend to dodge the fuck out of him this time, at least. And since that was pretty much the only way he got out of his earlier scrape with the Valliers prodigy still standing… well. Does it amount to throwing the match? Perhaps not quite. But opting out of a winning strategm is sort of an odd choice.
"Lord Luc," Sylvaine greets the returning Montchapetre lord with a beaming smile. "You are back just in time, to witness the final bout." Raising her glass of wine to him in a toast of sorts, before she brings it to her lips to have another sip. To Cochonnet, she remarks, "I am not the type who is taking bets. My wagers are made on another level entirely."
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Right Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - ARMOR on Left Arm stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Yves will spend luck on attack this turn.
Daniel finds himself a seat near the field to watch the final fights in delight. He now has himself a large drink and seems content to watch the show, "Now I get to enjoy proper audience view." He says brightly and claps his hands as the final combat prepares.
Jovet might not be backing off, as before, and he comes to meet Yves with an initial rush, but, seeing an incoming blow, he dips beneath it and pivots to smack the back of Yves' right knee from behind before using the impetus to roll past and up behind his competitor, letting him come around and parrying and being parried again in turn, pressing in and getting hit, hitting in turn, instead, but nothing significant.
As his next match commences, it's clear that the repeated bouts are wearing Yves down a little. He's not managing any meaningful hits, and is in fact dodged twice in the mix. Taking only a lump to the leg for his efforts. "Your skill at evading my sword is superlative, Lord Jovet," he remarks, confounded by how easily he seems to be being dodged, despite the man's more neutral stance and fighting strategy.
<COMBAT> Jovet will spend luck on Defense this turn.
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves will spend luck on attack this turn.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword but Yves DODGES!
There's a smile offered in return to Sylvaine, raising his glass in return. "May it be a good one," he offers, before he adds, "I hope it has been a good event for the people watching." Turning his attention to the happening out there again now.
Somehow, more confounding, and Yves is truly confused at how easily Jovet is dancing around his swordsmanship. He doesn't get the impression that Jovet is a better swordsman, but no matter what ploy he tries, nothing seems to find any success. It's just one miss after another, and in the process he takes a hit for his troubles.
It's true, despite Jovet really getting in there, or, at least, not shying away, he lands a good strike and arcs out of the way of another, takes a blow full-on but against the best fortified portion of his chest, where the armor can absorb it. It might be that his cup of tea and massage have given him time to rest, while Yves is still sore from clawing his way through the lower bracket. At any rate, he backs off for a second after the frenetic volley of blows, giving Yves maybe a chance to breathe and giving him a small second salute before coming to again.
<COMBAT> Yves will spend luck on attack this turn.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Serious wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Yves spends a luck point to keep fighting!
[> <COMBAT> Yves will spend luck on attack this turn.
<COMBAT> Yves has changed stance to evade.
<COMBAT> Jovet has changed stance to banzai.
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword but Jovet DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
Finally, Yves manages to land a hefty hit to Jovet's chest, but his luck is running out and he takes a hit to the head in return. It clearly rings his bell, but after a bit of evasive footwork, he resumes, pushing onwards with the remainder of his energy. Pushing forward despite the accumulating bruises and discomfort.
Oh, yes, there it is, an earthquake on Jovet's sternum followed by a very decisive aftershock. His back contorts and he swings up hard alongside, getting up against the side of Yves' helmet and knocking it sideways against his head, and then not at all backing off, he follows those evasive moves, becoming the pursuer for the first time today, swerving from a blow, landing one against his opponent's armored flank.
They are holding their breath up there in the boxes, royal and ducal. And even over at the Valliers Box, Lord Jervais Auguste, Duc de Valliers, can be seen as he leans forward in his seat, eyes focusing on Yves, as his youngest son refuses to give in this easily but on the contrary, soldiers on.
Princess Crysanthe has lifted her hand to her lips, her eyes wide as she watches her champion compete the young raw talent that is Yves Valliers.
<COMBAT> Jovet attacks Yves with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Yves attacks Jovet with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Yves has been KO'd!
The next exchange decides it for Yves, he can't just let himself get injured and despite the fact that all he takes is a heavy hit to the arm in exchange for an equal hit to the chest, he calls it, "I yield. Well fought, Lord Jovet, the field is yours," he decides and offers a parting, albeit painful bow toward the stands before he withdraws from the field. Better to go on and duel another day than risk some sort of permanent injury from soldiering on when he otherwise shouldn't.
Jovet is pressing, now, for sure. All his clear-eyed circumspection on the situation flies out the window when he's near chest to chest with an opponent on the field and each blow he takes makes him want to pay it back. He takes a hard strike on the arm, even leaning into it the whip up his blade from below for a slicing hit up across Yves' chest, and is about to strike again, no doubt, when Yves signals the yield and Jovet obviously and immediately respects it, slashing once through the air to spend that built-up energy and then shaking his head, tucking his blade below his off-arm and bowing to the young man. "Well fought is right, to both of us. You kept me on my toes, for sure, today, and it ended up being a fun match. Let's do it again, sometime," he suggests, then, retrieving his blade, he salutes his own familial box, and, of course, the Princess.
Silence had fallen over the stands, for this final exchange of blows. And while it is supposed to be a contest, not a fight about life and death. And yet. Sweet victory is almost so close each of them can smell it. Just one more blow. Just one more hit. But the tournament is taking its toll. There had been some rounds previous to the main spectacle, a great show of martial prowess and valor and tenacity. So when the crowd finally launches into a cheer, growing in volume to an overwhelming wave of noise, they cheer not for the winner alone, but for both who have entertained them with so much determination to end up as the winner. It had been a great feat to get this far. But in the end, there can only be one.
"Lord Jovet d'Aiglemort. Champion of Princess Crysanthe, emerges as the winner of this duel contest," the herald puts to words what they all have witnessed in that breathtaking last bout.