(1867-05-02) Normont Tourney: Free for All
Normont Tourney: Free for All
Summary: The Free For All event for the Normont Tournament, it was a bit muddy.
Date: 1867-05-02
Related: Other logs for the Normont Tourney of 1867
Players:
Adrienne  Aidric  Alexandra  Amara  Clara  Clarke  Devlin  Dora  Eleanor  Emilia  Evelyn  Gastogne  Jasper  Jonathan  Leander  Lucas  Malcolm  Martyn  Raelyn  Raimond  Samuel  Symon  Thaddeus  Tiadora  

Tourney Grounds - Normont - Rivana

The tournament field of Normont is a wide, sprawling field with three tiers of stands for the viewing audience to partake in. A wide field of gravel with straw and mud packed atop it serves as the primary tournament grounds, with embankments that can be used for a separation bar for jousting and barriers setup for melee. A track leading up to the main streets serves as a leadin for the traditional parade for the participants, and when the tournament is being held as a readiness zone for combatants and their assistants coming to and fro to the tournament grounds that is sheltered.

The viewing stands are backed by a large herald of a Falcon, the ducal crest of House Gerrell, made out of laid stone and carved in blocks to be carefully assembled as high as the main stands, marked underneath with a carved map of Rivana and with emblems of the One Faith about it.

The stands are divided up into three main sections. They are wooden stands, braced against stone and metal, with a long overhang to provide the crowd with protection from the elements. A grandstands area is at the center, where the ruling families of Normont sit with their honored guests and those conducting the tournament, with surrounding areas for nobility. The grandstands, of course, have the best view and the most comfortable chairs, and servants go to and fro attending to the nobility. A large flag rests about the grandstands of the heraldry of House Gerrell, the red and black banner displaying the falcon sigil. The next layer of stands are for the richer merchants or those who have managed to pay for better tickets, and are comfortable and have easy access to comforts and sellers taking up food and concessions, and good drink. The lowest stands are for Commoners, and those 'stuck in the mud' - and occasionally they might even get some flung up at them from the combatants. Often sections of the stands will be unofficially divided up to those from specific cities amongst the kingdoms of those participating in the great tournaments, making cheering sections.

1867-05-02

What only threatened yesterday has become manifest today, as a steady rain started falling in the night, and has continued throughout the day. This has left the melee circle of the tourney grounds a sodden, muddy mess…but that makes for grand entertainment! Who doesn't like seeing their knights get a little dirty as they battle for dominance? The Knights themselves may welcome the activity, as here in the mountains that rain coupled with the slightly chilly temperatures does give incentive to keep moving to stay warm.

Of course, the rain is less of an impediment to those in the Duke's private box, and even many of the nobles in attendance have servants with umbrellas keeping the water from soaking their patrons, though those in the uppermost seats need not worry over it, as there is an awning above that rarified air. Within the Ducal Box sits the Duke Symon Gerrell and his sister Tiadora as well as their distinguished guests…for Symon the Archduchess Eleanor Greycen and his betrothed, Princess Dora Callidus as well as her bastard half-brother Jasper Callis. For Tiadora, that list includes the Princess Clara Tracano, and the Viscountess Raelyn Cassomir and her sister Lady Emilia.

Despite the rain, the crowd does look a bit more numerous and seem a bit more enthusiastic than that which observed the Parade. Still, perhaps a bit more thin than most circuit tourneys, but nowhere near enough that things might be considered "unsuccessful" at this juncture. Bundled in cloaks (oilskin for those that can afford it) the common folk huddle together for warmth as they prepare to watch the Melee free-for-all. Below, the soon-to-be combatants await the signal to begin the melee free-for-all.

They don't have to wait long, though, as Symon, taking a cue from his soon-to-be Goodfather, produces a hand-cannon and fires it into the air, signifying the start of the fray!

Tiadora has to roll her eyes when her brother fires the handcannon off. "You really love those things, don't you?" She looks to her future sister-in-law and sighs to Dora. "I think we're never going to see him without one from henceforth, are we," she giggles. Going back to her seat with the Cassomir ladies and the princess, she loses the smile and looks a touch anxious. "Here we go.. I just hope the commoners don't get too upset with the women fighting. It must be so bizarre for them, I am barely used to it myself.."

Making his way over into the free for all, Clarke t'Cauthone advances cautiously then as he makes his way over and into it. He then goes to dip his sword up and over in a quick salute, going cautiously through the melee as he catches his first opponent, moving in over for a quick exchange aimed over at the Rivanan knight Leander Giraldi. Sword up and in front of him, he goes in for a quick engagement if possible, mindful that in the midst of the melee attacks can come from all over!

Aidric grimaces as a drop of rain falls from the back of his helm and down the back of his neck. "Black bloody Abyss, if I'd known it'd be this miserable I'd have stayed in bed," Aidric grouses, despite being Normont born and experienced in it's often poor weather. He gives his helm a shake and warms his hands one more time by the coal fire before he pulls on his gloves and takes up his sword. Armed, he makes his way to the field, glancing up at Symon all warm and comfortable in the stands, while it is not the first gesture that comes to mind when he thinks of his duke, Aidric, gives Symon a bow. He was one of Symon's closest followers after all and appearances had to be maintained.

Mud and rain! It made for interesting times and Emilia was giving the field a bit of a survey as she sat up in the VIP box. A thing that did seem to keep the Cassomir in a dress as seemed befitting, though there was a cloak worn today with the cooler weather. "The mud should make things of interesting, trully of showing who is of good upon of their feet or of not." A slight nod given towards Tiadora,"I would be of thinking they are of aware that it is of common enough outide of your of lands to not get to of upset for the tournament. Even if perhaps not caring for of it." The blast of the handcannor having Emilia give a sideways look at Symon but that's about it.

The mud everywhere has given Thad an excuse to not worry so much about how he looks in the field, let alone that he was about as hated as a Couveri by some of the people here. He laughs at Aidric's remark, "Could be worse, it could be freezing and snowing." Thad grins and upon hearing the handcannon, joins the fray, going after Alexandra, an opponent from previous fights.

His expression may not show it, exactly, but there's nothing about fighting in the mud that bothers Jonathan t'Maren. This is how real combat so often goes, is it not? Wars are rarely fought with much regard to the weather… At any rate, he enters the ring as quiet as ever, silently letting his eyes sweep over the fray. Those eyes lock with none other than the heir apparent to Rivana, Martyn Tracano - a man who, surely, will enjoy the support of the crowd. And a fitting adversary, that one.

Down in the regular noble section with a cloak worn to help keep the rain off her, Amara barely sits still in her seat as the free for all gets set to being. Trying to pick out the few Couveri knights upon the fields as well as a particulat favorite, least for her.

Alexandra, for her part, is one of the first in the fray, grinning wickedly as her hand finds the hilt of her sword. The mud doesn't seem to faze her in the slightest. She sees Thaddeus come after her, and quick as lightning her blade is in her hand as she nods in his direction. "Shall we?" They've fought enough times before. She's ready for a challenge.

In the stands amongst the commoners, Gastogne sits back then, watching through the mud and morass then of the free for all and the melee. Watching in enjoyment then as he has a thick cloak on about him to protect him from the weather, sitting and enjoying the fray from his position as a spectator.

With the field a muddy mess, this should make for interesting times. And…no chance for shining with armor here. So now Leander has to try to shine with his actions. Setting his feet, he shifts to pick a target…one rather attractive one…as the handcannon fires..

There's a grin as Samuel arrives at the field, despite the weather. "A lovely day for a fine event," he remarks to the others participating. Looking a bit relaxed, he pauses for a few moments before that cannon goes off. Moving a bit cautiously, he is unable to hold back a grin as he looks around, before moving in towards Raimond, readying his weapon right away.

In the stands, Malcolm has found himself some people to make a few bets with, watching the games a bit thoughtfully. Gesturing in Raimond's direction, after a moment of consideration.

The rain doesn't bother Evelyn, so much. She is careful to note how it could effect the fight, but that only makes such things more 'real', for her. More like mock combat, afterall - a Knight can rarely choose the weather when a fight may begin. Her eyes shift over the crowd, weighing the potential combatants to start this melee off, and she fixates on a young man whom she's not had the chance to fight. That being Devlin Cassomir; the name one of renown in the Tourney, if only on that of his elder brother and now-King Jaren. She moves into the field, waiting for the free-for-all to begin, feeling out her footing and making sure her steps will be solid. Then, as the signal comes, she moves towards Devlin and, keeping her senses about her as best she can, she makes to attack the Rivanian Knight.

Under an oilskin cloak Lucas l'Saigner sits at the edge of the nobles section. The son of the Duke of Lonnaire, smiles at the conditions, regretting he had other engagements the night of the fisticuffs, the thick mud reminded him of his time in training. It would have been good fun, alas. Still he was here to cheer Evelyn on, and so sits on the edge of his seat eager for the games to begin.

Tiadora cups her hands around her mouth to shout, "You've fought in worse, Aidric!" At least with him and Devlin on the field, she has two favorites to cheer for equally. She shrugs to Emilia, "Oh they know it happens, they just won't -like- it." She shrugs in her fur cloak, her dress made of sensible dark wool; one of her more 'traditional' gowns worn for the sake of appearances. The cold doesn't seem to bother her but this is 'normal' weather for the girl.

Prince Martyn Tracano is considerably more still than many of the combatants waiting in the melee circle, not that he didn't do plenty of loosening and warming up earlier, but for now he's had his head bowed in prayer murmuring quietly to himself and the One God. Prayers for strength and skill and safety, and of course, for victory. He even continues just a half-moment past the gunshot, before concluding and looking up, bringing his tourney blade up to a salute, and then a defensive posture before striding purposefully across the field towards Lord Jonathan t'Maren, whom he seems to have judged the biggest threat for the moment.

Lord Devlin Cassomir gives his blade a few practice swings, waiting for the signal to start. Once given, he brings the sword up, and begins to move carefully, mindful of his footing on the muddy ground, trying to remain balanced at all times, like a certain fellow who's presently King of Rivana taught him. As he moves, he espies Clarke t'Cauthone and seizes upon the target of opportunity, striking towards him.

Lord Raimond Giraldi bounces from foot to foot, rolling his neck and shoulders to keep warm as beads of water drop off of his chain mail. When the gunshot goes off, he's quick to move, sizing up the field, and seeing Samuel l'Corren draw near, moving to attack, "Well met, Sir! Sadly I'm going to have to help you get up close and personal with this mud…" For all the bravado, though, Raimond's carriage is wary, mindful not to overcommit on his attacks.

<COMBAT> Devlin attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Right Hand.

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Alexandra with Tourney Sword - Critical wound to Left Hand.

<COMBAT> Samuel attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Right Leg.

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Samuel with Tourney Sword - Serious wound to Right Hand.

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Right Arm stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Martyn with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Right Hand.

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Devlin with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Right Leg.

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword but Jonathan DODGES!

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Alexandra attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Left Hand.

<COMBAT> Alexandra has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Alexandra attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword - Serious wound to Right Leg.

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword but Raimond DODGES!

<COMBAT> Samuel attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword but Raimond DODGES!

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Samuel with Tourney Sword - Critical wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Martyn with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Devlin with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Devlin attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword but Leander DODGES!

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword but Evelyn DODGES!

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Alexandra with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Neck stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Samuel has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Left Arm stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Martyn with Tourney Sword - Serious wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Devlin attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword but Leander DODGES!

<COMBAT> Alexandra attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Alexandra with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Samuel attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword and MISSES!

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Samuel with Tourney Sword - Critical wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Devlin with Tourney Sword but Devlin DODGES!

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Alexandra has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Samuel has been KO'd!

His swings at the agile Rivanan knight have met mostly with nothing, and as he goes to try and hit at Leander, Clarke t'Cauthone in turn takes several jabs from the Cassomir knight getting ins everal good blows at him. Grunting, he holds his side and then switches over, moving to face at Devlin and Clarke grins over, "My turn. Have at thee!" He goes to try and charge in, going for some quick slashes then as he goes in at the one whom attacked him previously.

Aidric smirks at Thad and Tiadora's remarks. "Not like I want to fight in worse," he mutters before the hand cannon shot echoes through the grounds and he launches an assault on Raimon Giraldi who happens to be close by. He scores a single hit before the flow of the melee takes him face to face with Devlin. Poor Tia…

The time taken to get a feel for just how wet the earth was beneath her feet may have proved invalauble - only time will tell. Evelyn, however, is able to both move and block Leander's swings towards her, while also managing to score a few quick hits on Devlin before she can feel the rythm of the melee changing, she shifts her targets, noting that already there have been a few brutal hits taken. She sees Martyn coming towards her, and moves to meet him, while also trying to slip out of Leander's immediate range to force him to focus on closer targets if she can.

Ow. Ow. OW. Alexandra gets off to a roaring start in this one, with Thaddeus smacking her hand with such force that she lurches backward, grimacing and falling to her knees. She does bounce back for a while, fighting on sheer adrenaline, and landing a couple of good hits on the southerner for her trouble… but it's a lost cause. She gets hit right in the neck, and she knows she can't take much more. She's still smiling, but only just barely, before she walks off the field.

Devlin was Emilia's favorite, not that she was ever one to overate cheering. And she knew several of the others on the field well enough, such as Thaddeus and with that opening hit,"I think Sir of Thaddeus is starting out quite of strong. " Her dark eyes moving around the muddy chaos that is on going, the mud seeming to prove to much for some, or is that the knights of Rivana have stepped up their game? Though as her eyes track towards her brother there is a mild twitch of her lips to see a few turning upon him. It happened in the free-for-all, didn't mean she couldn't fret a little. Little sisters perogative.

Samuel never really got into the fight. He got in a hit early, but two hits, one of them giving him a bit of a headache, sends him stumbling backwards. And then there's a third hit that knocks him down to the ground. "Well… done…" he mutters to Raimond, before he moves to crawl off the field, while gasping for air.

Thaddeus engages and lands a good hit early that sets hte tone for the fight, but Alexandra fights back as good as she can and nearly fells the Rivanan knight. Forutnately for Thad, a lucky strike is able to land and take out the t'Artan knight. Thad then turns his attention to her betrothed, hoping he can weather another fight.

The loose footing isn't doing Leander any favors. His swings are somewhat measured against the Couvieri knight, but Evelyn seems to be able to turn enough so that Leander's swings are glancing at best…and flat out miss at worst. The first swing left him open enough to be struck by yet another Couvieri…and it seems to have garnered Leander's attention. Enough so that he shifts targets, focusing his attack now on the one that struck him.

Martyn is in. Devlin is in. Aidric is in. Thaddeus is in. And a few others. But, indeed, Tiadora's expression is conflicted when Aidric turns towards the Cassomir knight. "Get him," she calls out in general; it's a safe cheer. "For Rivana! For Normont!" Okay, THAT one is for Aidric; he is the local boy.

The Rivanan prince is as difficult a foe as Jonathan might have supposed, but the heir to Bloodfield is able to press somewhat of an advantage, his weapon finding the man's sword-arm one, two, three times. Taking a step back or a moment, he looks out over the battlefield - and sees his betrothed crumble to the ground beneath Thaddeus' blade. His eyes narrow as he strides against the battlefield, ready to face another Rivanan knight directly.

Sitting up in the stands, Gastogne lets out a whoot as the melee goes on, cheering as appropriate as he tries to maintain his focus on figuring out which of the knights iswhich in the midst of the mud.

Raimond Giraldi doesn't end up unscathed, but he certainly comes out fighting, landing a hard strike on Samuel's sword hand, and following it up with a tremendous bell-ringer that crashes across Samuel's helm, and while the man is still staggering, following it up with an equally titanic strike across the man's chest. Still, Raimond can feel the bruises in his leg and chest already, even as he turns his attention to Aidric, "Doing the Couvieri's work for them, Lord Carling?" It's said in a mildly breathless, jesting tone though, with no real rancor behind it…that he saves for putting behind the attacks he aims at the "local boy."

Devlin Cassomir manages a couple of middling strikes on Clarke t'Cauthone, but he pays for it by being unable to defend against Evelyn l'Faust. Despite that, the momentum of the fight carries him past her, and indeed past his good friend Prince Martyn as he closes on Evelyn, and instead carries him towards Lord Jonathan t'Maren, whom he attempts to lash out on as he attacks Thaddeus Greycen.

Martyn does indeed come out the worse of his exchange with Jonathan, but he does not leave him unscathed. The swirl of rain and mud and (practice) blades continues, and he moves past Jonathan, spying Evelyn l'Faust and focusing his attacks upon her now. Aside from the grunt of exertion, he is silent in combat, it seems.

The Tracano princess is sitting on the edge of her (rather dry) seat. "I never seen one of these in the rain before. I wonder how they are going to be able to stay up?" Then…with a grin that Emilia is more than familiar with, Clara turns to both her and Tia with a simple and oh-so-teenager statement. "It will be fun to watch someone slip in the mud. Really get dirty." Then…adds with a quick apologetic tone. "And not get hurt, of course…"

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword but Clarke DODGES!

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Devlin with Tourney Sword but Devlin DODGES!

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Aidric with Tourney Sword - Serious wound to Left Leg.

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Martyn with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Devlin with Tourney Sword but Devlin DODGES!

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Left Hand.

<COMBAT> Devlin attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Aidric has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - Critical wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Aidric with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Right Hand.

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword but Evelyn DODGES!

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword and MISSES!

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Devlin with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword but Raimond DODGES!

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Martyn with Tourney Sword - Critical wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Devlin attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Right Leg.

<COMBAT> Devlin has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Martyn has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Aidric with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword but Raimond DODGES!

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Thaddeus has been KO'd!

With his sweep in at Devlin, Clarke t'Cauthone notices another of the knights going after Devlin as well. Not hte most sporting.. He gives Devlin a quick salute and a look of apology behind his helm, before twirling to face Leander again, "So then, shall we?" He goes to twirl his sword up, going to face the Rivanan knight once more, going in to sweep on the attack then to fully face his opponent anew. Blade in front, still cautious, and more mindful of the evasiveness of the Rivanan knight, he goes into melee once more!

"Bloody Black Abyss where did you come from?" Aidric says as he pulls himself from the mud when a blow by Raimond Giraldi puts him there. He doesn't wait for an answers and he launches a pair of wild slashes at the man, but his sword flies wide as he slips and slides in the mud. As he gets his feet he sees someone coming at him, he doesn't wait to figure out who it is, (hard to tell with this much mud!) and defends himself, blade raised into a defensive stance.

Emilia gives a slight glance towards Clara,"They do of practice about in the mud…even if not so of many at once." It was one thing to see a sparing match and one slip. Than this mosh pit of mud. "I do of think they will be spending much of time in the baths before getting of drinks." Or the taverns will just end up having quite a mess to clean up! But with Devlin having several after him, Emilia does give more attention to the fight about him. A slight breath slipping when he does slip and come to yield.

Tiadora grins back at Clara. "Mud wrestling is a normal passtime. Loser tends to buy the first round kind of masculine bonding ritual. Another hold-on to our heritage…" But then, oh dear. ALL her favorites go down at once. Her smile slips and she shrinks into her chair with a guilty sort of look. "It's happening again…"

Ouch. Even Jonathan is left reeling under the force of the blow he takes from Thaddeus, but he - just barely - stays on his feet, watching the Cassomir knight who struck at him as well fall to a t'Cauthone. Appropriate, perhaps, that the man would do well in the mud. He manages to lash out at the southerner in turn, landing a blow that leaves /him/ reeling, if only for a few moments. And then the melee swirls about him and he finds himself facing another pair of Rivanan knights, though his stance, by now, is entirely defensive. Wounded, and fighting two at a time, his focus is entirely on survival…

The l'Faust Knight doesn't take Martyn lightly, she eyes him cautiously, expecting a well trained blade, and she isn't disappointed. She's able to score an initial hit against him, while taking a light blow to her off-hand. She steps back, feints, and sees the opening she was hoping for, scoring a hard blow into the man's chest that sends him into the ground, but she doesn't have time to ask if Martyn's okay, or tell him it's been an honor, as Raimond is already moving towards her. She nods to him, "Have at thee, then," she calls, unafraid. Of course, then Thaddeus is heading towards her as well. Her stance takes something of a more cautious approach as she takes stock in her mind of how best to hold off these two, while scoring against at least one.

It seems that the younger Giraldi found his footing. Or at least his balance. He offers Clarke a strike to match the one given to him…and finds that, in the midst of the melee, he has been forgotten. A mistake that Leander exploits with a bit of a sloppy defense. Oh, if his brothers caught him doing that, he would hear it for days on end. But…for now, he is fine. As his target turns to retaliate, Leander purposely turns to concentrate on Sir Jonathan….sensing that he is definitely worse for wear.

Raimond lands a hard strike on Aidric, followed by a considerably lighter one, but adds with a touch of laughter in his voice, "Well fought, Sir…" And then he moves onward, letting the momentum of the mock-battle carry him towards Evelyn l'Faust, who's looking comparatively fresh, though it's kind of hard to tell with mud being splattered everywhere and whatnot. "Sir Evelyn! First one in the mud buys the drinks." He notes, his voice still a touch breathless from the exertion, but also still carrying at least the impression of bemused bravado.

Sadly, both Devlin Cassomir and Prince Martyn fall in the flurry, not quite being able to fully defend against their foes attacks, even if they manage to strike their own targets at least a bit more. Thankfully, neither of them look TOO badly off after they yield, as they manage to make it off the field under their own power, looking to be sharing a skin of wine on the sidelines once they're clear.

Thaddeus' fight with Jonathan nearly removes him from the fight, but he gives as good as he gets. Fortunately, he is able to keep his feet and avoiding the muddy hell at his feet. Thad then turns his attention to a remaining Couvieri, hoping to remove the foreigners from contention.

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword - Serious wound to Left Leg.

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Aidric with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Right Arm stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Jonathan has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Raimond has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Right Hand.

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Left Arm.

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Right Hand.

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Leander with Tourney Sword but Leander DODGES!

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Right Arm stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Left Hand.

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Left Arm stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

Tiadora bites her lip hard. She wants to cheer for Aidric. He's still in. But if she cheers, he'll get out. She sinks further in her chair and looks a bit miserable. She takes refuge in a cup of mulled cider and pouts.

The two Rivanan knights are quite a bit for Jonathan to handle, to say the least, and he nearly crumples into the mud under the force of a withering hail of blows. At one point, he's down on one knee, but he finds the strength of resolve to pick himself back up, his armor shielding him from the worst of each strike. His stance is defensive, and his own blows do little damage, but he soldiers on, and that is somewhat of a victory in itself.

Evelyn is onset against one of Rivana's best, and another whose proven himself a contender in prior Tourney's. She manages a hard, solid hit against Raimond at first, while trying to weave between the two men. She takes her share of knocks, but gives back as good as she gets, without losing her footing at all. Her eyes shift as the tumolt of 'battle' rages around her. she sees an opening, and moves towards it, moving now to set herself against Aidric.

He's till on his feet. That, to Clarke t'Cauthone, is a surprise. Not having any luck with the particularly agile Leander, eh grunts over and turns to face Aidric then, giving a quick salute to the man wiht his sword, "Honor and Glory." Then going in for a quick few jabs, mindful that his luck will not last and he will likely have someone coming in over for him this round as he goes in for the attack. Trying to take some of the presure off another Couvieri knight from the last round.

Amara seems to have a difficult time following the action amongst the chaos, the companion next to her often having to help point out what is going on. But that doesn't seem to dim her energy any more than the rain and gloom had.

Oof. Raimond's hot streak seems to get halted pretty quickly now, as Evelyn slams her blade into his left thigh. Raimond staggers a bit, but narrowly retains his footing, briefly going down to one knee and a hand before coming back up, managing to land but one glancing strike on Evelyn before they're parted by the whirl of battle. "Guess they're on me!" He calls out, straightening and trying to center himself, taking up a clearly defensive posture and waiting for the next attack(s) to come in. Seeing his brother move towards one of the Couvieri, Raimond moves to join him in the attack, at least attempting to provide a distraction for his brother if nothing else.

Aidric weathers his fight with the Couveri well, even if he does not strike a solid blow. Then out of the melee come two more knights, he pivots, and brings his sword to bare on the two of them, waiting for them to come to him.

By now, Alexandra is a spectator - and she regards the remainder of the melee with interest, especially the tall, bloodied pile of mud that she's fairly sure is her betrothed. Her eyes are fixed on him, but her reactions are limited - a little almost-gasp when he falls, a little almost-sigh when he gets back up, but very little of substance.

Raelyn, having very little clue as to what, exactly, might be plauging poor Tiadora murmurs, "Rivana still has more than a fair chance. Several of our best are still there. And I have seen Sir Thaddeus hold off an entire battalion by himself." Of course, she's likely fibbing. Just a bit. "No doubt Devlin will want some company, when all is said and done, however. You're welcome to join us in going down to see him."

Thad moves to assit Raimond, but sadly it is not enough to fell her. Fortunately, Thad is able to keep fighting and avoided attention for a little while. He scans the field for an opponent and settles on another round with his previous opponent. Jonathan.

A hand gently slips and gives Tiadora's arm a light squeeze, Emilia knew how her friend thought herself bad luck for those she cheered for. "It has been of stiff competition with of the mud, making it quite of a contest." Giving a small nod along with her sister's words. Half waiting for Clara to chime in about going to visit Devlin too.

The gamble of disregarding Clarke for Jonathan pays off for Leander…at least briefly. A solid blow to Jonathan from the Giraldi is the blow that finally brings him to a knee. But…it doesn't take him out. Not yet. And…in Leander's focus, he leaves an opening for Clarke to strike him. And….that seems to have annoyed Leander. Enough so that he breaks off his attack on Jonathan to bring the fight back to the t'Cauthone.

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Left Hand.

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Aidric with Tourney Sword - Serious wound to Right Leg.

<COMBAT> Aidric attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword and MISSES!

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Aidric with Tourney Sword - Critical wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Aidric has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Jonathan with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Right Arm stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Jonathan attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Jonathan has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Clarke has been KO'd!

Hit hard over by the Giraldi brothers both focusing on him, even going full evasive Clarke t'Cauthone is hit like a pincushion. As one brother darts in, the other strikes, and as he tries to prtoect himself the first one lashes him attack. He stumbles, going back up to his feet then to give his full attack back to Leander grinnin, "Well fought." Forcing energy to remain on his feet, going in for another attack at the Rivanan knight, giving Leander his full attention.

Raimond's tactic appears to pay off, for the moment, as both he and his brother lands several strikes on Clarke t'Cauthone, maneuvering around the Couvieri as they attack and defend, before Raimond breaks to move back towards Evelyn l'Faust, "What can I say?" He notes, notably more breathless now, "I'm a glutton for punishment."

Clara….had done enough of her little manipulation to not mention Devlin. Or, perhaps she is rather too engrossed with the combat to have noticed the comment. It isn't often that Rivana has an advantage…and as of present, they outnumber the Couvieri 3 to 2.

In the stands, watching then Gastogne lets out whoops and hollers, doing math to try and see who is still afoot and who has fallen then - it seems that the Rivanans have, to him, the edge both in those remaining and in those who have been hurt so far..

It's another bout with Thaddeus Sokar, and this time, the Lord Marshal has the upper hand. Jonathan and his opponent are both rather the worse for wear, but it's the t'Maren who falls first, raising a hand in a gesture of surrender. "Well struck, sir," he says, the first words to pass his lips since the event started. As crisply as he can manage, given the conditions and his injuries, Jonathan turns to depart the field.

Evelyn approaches Aidric, and uses another feint against Sir Aidric, the movement allows her the freedom to dodge his predicted attack, and she cleaves a hard, solid hit into the knight's chest, putting him to the ground. But as with Martyn, she doesn't have much time to check on the man, and she's suddenly very aware that she is the only representation of her countrymen remaining. Raimond is approaching quickly, and she knows he must be hurting more than her, and she tips her head to Raimond, "Perhaps I can indulge then," she calls back, the words showing a measure of levity but her gaze solemn, serious, despite the smile that compliments the words. The words, of course, are sincere. But she knows the Giraldi Knight is a serious contender.

Thaddeus engages combat with the t'Maren knight and with a fwe passes, the fight between them is over. Thad gives Jonathan a nod, "Well fought." But the Lord Marshal is off to find new prey, and decides to revisit the fight with Evelyn, hoping it can take her out of the contest.

<COMBAT> Raimond attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Right Hand.

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Raimond with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Raimond has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Thaddeus attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Thaddeus with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - Serious wound to Left Hand.

<COMBAT> Thaddeus has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - Serious wound to Right Hand.

It is apparent that the two Giraldi brothers know how to fight and compliment each other…as the pair of them focus on the t'Cauthone and bring him to his knees, only for Clarke to stand back up. A shake of the head is given…along with a smile, as Leander watches the Couvieri get back up. "You fight with courage, Sir…" It is the only thing he gives as commentary…as he breaks off his attack on Clarke once more, turning his attention to another target. And…it seems that this one is a friendly one.

With the field getting smaller as more knights end up knocked out, Emilia does lean foreward a little to watch. It was a bit harder to tell who wa who with all the mud caking them now. And just like that the odds changed back around. The two knights who had started out strong were out. "Has been much of teaming of tonight."

Turning to face Leander once more, Clarke t'Cauthone salutes him back with the hilt of his blade, "And you fight better than I, Sir. An honor to meet you on this field, and hopefully.." Going to a more cautious stance, mindful that he's running like a horse out of hay and on his last fumes, and that the next hit will likely take him out of the fight for good. "Honor and luck then!" To whomever strikes.

Thad begins attacking Evelyn, and finds some success until he is struck from behind by a blade which knocks him to the ground. As he had seen Raimond removed earlier, he is surprised to find Leander standing there behind him, as he rises and makes his way to safety he roars out. "You are a piece of shit, Giraldi. You just handed the damn fight to them." With that, Thad glares and crosses his arms, awaiting the results.

Tiadora shakes her head slowly to Raelyn. "N-no, I think I'll check on Aidric and make sure he's okay. D-Devlin has all of you to care for him." The look of abject misery flashes across her face before she forces a believable smile back up.

Amara is on the edge of her seat to see /her/ knight yet in the fight. Even if the ods do not appear to be quite in his favor at this point. Her hands wring about in her lap as the remaining knights slip and slide about in the mud.

Well…that could have gone better. For good or ill, Leander decided that he needed to thin out the crowd, and swung at Thaddeus. Once. Perhaps the idea was that he and his brother would face off against the Couvieri. But…with Rai dropping nearly the same time, Leander's plan fizzles. But…yet he doesn't regard Thaddeus' rather angry yell. No…he has other things to worry about. Two other things.

Evelyn is hit on all sides, despite her attempts to evade the blows from the two converging Rivanians, and realizing this she takes a gambit, hitting Raimond in the same place in the chest her prior attack had scored him, hoping to tenderize him further and take him out of the fray. The plan, to her momentary delight works. But there's still Thaddeus, of course, to deal with. That is, until Leander comes along. She shifts her gaze between the two, and moves in on Clarke. It's the least she can do for Leander. Perhaps chivalry isn't dead, or something.

Raelyn inclines her head towards Tiadora, then. "Of course. I'm certain he'll perform better in the upcoming events. As will Aidric, no doubt."

Raimond finally succumbs to fatigue and the strikes of the formidable Lady Evelyn, dropping down to one knee in the mud after a blow to his chest, and lifting a hand to signal his yielding, before he moves off towards the edge of the field, peeling off his helm to let the rain wash some of the sweat off his brow as he watches his brother compete in these last throes of the combat. "Come on, Leander! Bring us home a win!" He calls out, cupping his hands around his mouth.

Having moved away to get out of his armor after his early elimination from this event, Samuel returns to watch the people still left in it. His expression a bit thoughtful, as he notices Raimond headingoff the field as well.

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Neck stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - ARMOR on Left Arm stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Right Hand.

<COMBAT> Clarke attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Clarke with Tourney Sword and MISSES!

<COMBAT> Clarke has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Leander has been KO'd!

He had expected his 'kinsman' to come and have his back then - apparently he didn't intend that quite so literally then as he went to face with Leander. And so Clarke t'Cauthone has Evelyn deftly taking him from behind. Staggering and falling, this time he does not get up again before wheezing and slowly standing, moving from the battelfield sore, "Good luck to you both." Evelyn is given a look of.. Amusement - he was getting too focused on a single adversary, and neglecting the sitaution around him. His own fault..

Amara holds her breath as she sees Leander slip with that hit to the stomach. A breath that is let out as he regains his footing and becomes one of the last ones standing. The companion next to her rolling her eyes and not looking all to pleased that Amara is rooting on the Rivanian over the Couviere.

As Clarke moves in, to take out Leander, Evelyn focuses her own attack on Clarke, the hit isn't as hard as she'd like, but it's enough to topple the other Knight, and leave Evelyn standing. She takes a step or two back, waiting for Leander to get up. She nods to him, a measure of approval and silent agreement that whatever happens now, they've both done extremely well in this free-for-all competition. She pauses a moment, considering her strategy and deciding to not change what's worked for her, thus, so far. Instead she steps 'round to the side of her would-be target a few paces, then moves in for a Cautious test of blades, rather than an all-out frenzied attack.

After a flurry of blows from the t'Cauthone, Leander finally does stagger, a hand reaching down to brace himself in the muddy earth. By the time he pulls himself up, his aggressor has fallen to Evelyn's blade. There is a nod of respect to Clarke, before Leander hoists up his sword, and faces Evelyn fully. "It has been quite a journey, fair Sir. Let's give them a rousing finale. One be with you." And…with that, he sets himself for one more go…

Throughly covered with mud, Aidric, sits at the edge of the field with an oil skin cloak thrown over his shoulders. He makes no move to leave just yet, waiting to see who will win the day.

Thad grumbles as Leander holds his own. He is displeased with him, but will be slightly relieved to be proven wrong. Better a Giraldi winning it than a Couveri. It's a good thing his wife isn't here to see this.

Lucas is on his feet as Evelyn closes in on victory. "C'mon," he mutters, fist clenched as he watches Evelyn and Leander square off.

<COMBAT> Leander attacks Evelyn with Tourney Sword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Evelyn attacks Leander with Tourney Sword - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Evelyn has been KO'd!

<COMBAT> Leander has been KO'd!

Adrienne is watching from the stands, having been there all the while, but Huntress-like unobtrusive. Few might have noticed that she watched quite intently when a certain Carling got dumped in the mud. A brief glance is given Aidric from afar, where he sits and watches now, then Adrienne's green eyes shift to Emilia and Tiadora that sit somewhere in her vicinity. "Leander better win this," she comments.

Tiadora mutters, "She's hitting him pretty hard… He looks fairly rattled." She frowns at Adrienne and then… well… there's a hard won victory for Evelyn. Tia sinks down in her chair again and sighs. "I just have to stop cheering, I suppose… I'll just ruin it for everybody."

It has been a long fight. Perhaps too long. Both combatants swing….both combatants strike. Leander has a rather solid blow…but Evelyn herself has a hit as well. And…both falter. But…Leander stays down, the strike to the chest just enough to cause him to lose his breath. A hand is held….while nearly breathless, the words are uttered…solely for Evelyn. "The field….is yours. I yield."

Clarke stumbles off the field, raising his sword over to Evelyn in salute of her victory then as he watches the Giraldi knight and goes to grab some water to dump it over his head, his body feling like a patchwork of bruises then as he turned to the field, weakly raising his blade up in a salute, having to prop himself up to do so.

Depending on one's view, it's a remarkable finish, or an anti-climatic one. Both Knights move in, both knights connect a hit, though Leander's is the more solid, Evelyn's seems better placed, if just a bit lighter. Or perhaps Leander is just more fatigued? Both knights fall into the muddy earth due to skill, and exhaustion and soreness. Evelyn pushes herself up quickly, though, breathing hard and expecting Leander to get up as well. It takes her a few moments, after, to realize … she's won the free-for-all. Won it. And that, bring a rather large smile of self-satisfaction, proof that her hard work, her grit and determination haven't been for naught. She swallows, and tells Leander, "A valiant fight," she says, honoring him. "You and I both fought better than we ever have." She nods to Leander, "Come to the tavern, after you've rested. Drinks for you, and your brother, on me."

Amara's spirits finally appear dampened when Leander does go down and yields. "He was doing so well. Do you think is is alright?" The question causing a bit more eye rolling from her companion.

"I am of sure they have all been hitting each of other pretty of hard," Emilia points out. least when contact has been made. "You do not of ruin it for every of one, they fought of well. I am not of sure I have of seen Sir of Leander make it so of far in of this event. It was of a strong of showing by them all."

Amara would have nothing to fear…for Leander does get up. Just…after Evelyn. With a lopsided grin, smugged by mud, he offers a nod to Evelyn. "You are on. After we rinse ourselves off, I would imagine." Then, with that smile still in place, he offers a bow, and walks off the field slowly, leaving Evelyn to enjoy the moment of her victory. One knows she deserves it.

Raelyn sighs, just a little, then looks over towards Tiadora, "That is an exceptionally silly thing to say. There is no force, Tiadora, that causes blight upon those you would see do well. Trust me. I cheered oft for Jaren, and he took his fair share of spills, too. I cheered for Devin long before you, and he still lost." Her smile is mild, almost reassuring, kindly. "Do not be so hard on yourself." She agrees, then, with Emilia, "No, his brother made it quite far, as I understand it in one or two of these, but Leander's not fared this well. It speaks highly of him."

Clarke has managed to prop up over himself on one of the rest areas, and gives a weazy salute to Leander and Evelyn then, otherwise barely able to keep himself afoot at this point over as he went to just watch the rest of the combatants and others, too sore to move.

Adrienne nods to Tia, her mood slightly dampened, but hiding that most competently behind a mask of Cassomir stoicness. "Well… It's the Free for All, there will be other contests," she opines, "and I think Sir Leander did exceptionally well." Despite her words her gaze does linger on another Rivanan, down there. Not Devlin. "And hitting each other hard, is what it is all about, isn't it, Emilia?" This addressed to her touched cousin.

There's a touch of disappointment as Leander ultimately doesn't quite claim the victory, but it's gone from Raimond's face when his younger brother moves off the field, getting a clap on the shoulder and a grin, "Nicely fought. But I still scored more points." He chides, in that typical big-brotherly way. "Still, your best showing so far. Hopefully it bodes well for the rest of the Tourney."

Emilia gives a slight nod of her head towards Adrienne,"Of aye. And they have hard of heads to be taking of such hits without of issue." A hint of that deadpan humor showing up. "Shall we of go find of refreshment of ourselves while they are of cleaning of up?" Looking to the others in their little section of the VIP box. Unsure what hosting duties Tiadora might need to see to with the other special guests.

A shake of a head is given to Rai as Leander finally makes it off, the lower half of his armor a right mess…and the top not faring much better. "I have no idea what the points were. I was just trying to make it to the end." He chuckles softly as he pulls off his helm. "Almost got there tonight." The matted black hair is wet already…but the rain only adds to the wetness. "Come on, brother. We need to get out of this armor and into something presentable. There are drinks to be had…and Sir l'Faust has already agreed to buy a round. We shouldn't keep the good Sir waiting now…"

There is a nod from Adrienne, stoic or no, when Emilia brings up the matter of refreshment. "Yes, that sounds like an idea," she says, with a faint flicker in her green eyes.

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