Rohan looks back at Markellus. "No matter who wins, everyone has fought well and deserves respect. I don't know about the next match though."
Copperscale chimes in like he usually does."Well whoever you face next doesn't have a chance if they face you, isn't that right? Except maybe me, so I did you a favor by not entering. That would have been bad for our friendship." Rohan smiles back and humors him."That is much appreciated, I don't think my pride could have taken the loss."
Having no other purpose at the moment, Zelaria asks for and takes Kayla's hand so that she can guide the much younger girl through the crowd safely. She patiently asks where she last remembered seeing her friends, or an elder brother or sister, and learns that Kayla's parents are running a stand near that sells honeyed pastries, Kayla's favorite. The awkward pair speak about sweets for a time, and the travel is pleasant enough. Kayla's parents are elated to have their daughter returned to them hale, having placed her in the charge of her adolescent sister. Zelaria apologizes for having concerned them, but hopes that she effectively communicates that Kayla's security was provided for and ensured, but leaves with the foreboding feeling of strife she wished to avoid by fleeing with the girl in the first place.
Zelaria purchases a honey bun and considers her options for a moment. If she were not to return, it is unlikely that she will be able to meet Vulf again for the dedication, and make appropriate tithe to Desna for guiding her new companions safely to the city.
Before the honey has a chance to cool, Zelaria sets the bun back into its paper, and carefully makes her way back through the crowd, determined to share.
Vulf silently enters the dueling arena, he had slipped away from the group earlier, after he had sensed he had let everyone down by his behavior earlier and was ashamed for it. He had listened to their conversation with apprehension but no one had seemed to mind his misplacement which in someways was relieving but also disappointing. Perhaps I can win my honor back in here...Though maybe it will just prove I am the barbarian everyone seems to think I am.
He had watched the duel between another very short man, A dwarf?, I think that's what copperscale said and a pretty man that had lost, only because he had allowed the dwarf to pick up his weapon again. Could I do the same thing? All my teachings proved that violence and swiftness let one survive till another day.
Vulf silently stroked the two ribbons Aria had tied to him, girls, was something he should not be thinking of in the arena but was something he could not avoid. He aimlessly swirled the blades of his now re-magicked swords making them hum as he loosened his muscles once more awaiting his opponent. I do wonder who this next one will be, it has been pretty exotic and if this sherif is as good as all these opponents warrant I might not have a chance versus him unless I conserve some of the spirits strength. Vulf looks down at the ribbon tied to his hand, the color for intuition Zelaria had said. Maybe I need to start fighting with my head...and not with my peoples rage. Maybe then i can prove myself to everyone, the newcomers, the townsfolk, Markellus, Rohan, even Aria.
THe Cryer once again gathers the crowd, his voice ringing around the square. "The second round of the tournament begins now. The first group is these two strapping gentlemen. First is the whirling dervish, the Shoanti barbarian who gave the elven man a taste of his steel, Champion of his tribe, The Wind Dancer, Vulf Longfang!" The crowd cheers in a wave, much larger than before. It seems Vulf has earned some fans. The Cryer has just as obviously been working on his introductions for the later matches. "And in the other corner, fighting for a strange land across the sea, who took down our terror of a half-orc Gorvi, Rohan Drake, The Dragon Man!" There is another roar. Seems Vulf is not the only one with fans.
Markellus, who was about to go introduce himself to Florin, pauses and looks t the crier as he makes his announcement. Those two eh? This should be interesting. He stays where he is, waving Zelaria over as she approaches. "Just in time. It looks like the other two, ah, Rohan and Vulf, I thnk? Are going to be fighting each other."
Rohan steps up into the dueling ring. He offers a handshake in respectto Vulf. "Time to find out who deserves to win more today." He looks towards the crowd where their companions are. He smiles and gives them a nod. The summoner draws his spear and prepares to fight.
Initiative
Zelaria's heart near falls when she hears the cryer announce that her companions have been set to fight each other. She enters the crowd, she believes, at the same point she left it, and is relieved to see Markellus waving to her. With a smile fixed on her face, she joins him, splits the bun in two and offers him the larger portion.
"Kayla's parents were relieved," she informs him, and then looks out to the center of the arena and her companions. "Do you believe they will be able to be friends after this?" she asks, concerned for them both.
Markellus smiles and thanks Zelaria for the bun, nodding and taking a bite as she mentions Kayla. He blinks in surprise at the question. "Can they be friends after? Hmm, that's hard to call. It really depends on what each of them are like."
He rubs his chin thoughtfully as he continues. "Some folks, they get into a fight, they become the best of friends because of it. Others, they have a fight, and it means that they'll be the most bitter enemies for the next forty years. 'Bitter seed yields bitter crops,' as the parables say. Neither one seems the grudge-bearing type to me but then," he takes another bite of the bun, "I've only talked to them a few times. Also depends on how the fight goes, I suppose. If one of them fights dirty, well, that's not likely to end well. We'll just have to see."
Sensing that this answer might distress Zelaria, he quickly adds, "'Course, thing'll probably be fine. They both fought honorably enough earlier, I doubt they'll try and pull anything rough right now."
Champion of his people? But that was Zultoathonain...I think this man merely is playing to the crowd.
Vulf just shakes the man's hand nodding to his words then crouches down remembering that Rohan relied on reach he merely had to get in close enough.
Initiative
Vulf steps forward quickly and whirls an attack at Rohan's legs hoping to send him off balance.
The little drake eavesdrops on the nearby conversation between Markellus and Zelaria. When the subject of the current match between Rohan and Vulf comes up, he decides to weigh in. "I dunno much about Vulf, other than he likes Aria and he's kinda quiet. But my buddy likes to compete to better himself. But he's never held a grudge, not even against the elders.." He stops when he realizes he's said a little too much.
"They are both lost," Zelaria almost sings, and breaks off a morsel of the bun with her fingertips. "Rohan grieves the loss of his family, but keeps Copper beside him. Vulf..." she trails and frowns. "Vulf pushes others away."
Zelaria's power rises in her stomach, and her ears begin to ring with the first stirrings of the song that plays inside her, her mother's lullaby. She knows because she has oft before that if she were to look in a mirror, her pupils would be dilated, and her pulse races. The morsel of bun between her finger becomes as ether, and more swells around Vulf and Rohan, and even Markellus, obscuring them.
No! Zelvaria's mind seethes, and, pinching the bit of the bun between her fingers, slams her controls into place. She breathes heavily for a few moments, then exhales slowly.
Zelaria acknowledges Copper with a nod. "Aye, Copper, but Rohan has one advantage Vulf does not," she says, her voice rough with maintaining her calm.
Elders?
Zelaria offers Copper the piece of bun she pulled off. Suddenly she is not very hungry.
"Other than being my best friend, what advantage does he have?" The little golden wyrmling asks.
Rohan dodges the attack with ease as he steps back. He thrusts forward hoping to knock Vulf off balance.
However, his swing is just as wild as Vulf's was.
Vulf howls his warcry as he steps up and unleashes a full attack on Rohan, his tattoos glowing but nto with the white hot glare of his earlier match.
Rohan dodges the flurry of blows and steps back again.
He attempts an overhead strike.
Alas, Vulf is able to dodge the easily countered attempt.
"Other than being my best friend, what advantage does he have?" The little golden wyrmling asks.
"Magics, reach, and patience," Zelaria answers. She spares a smile for Markellus and Copper, and then returns to watching the match.
Vulf sidesteps the overhand blow and then steps up again to get in range with his opponent beginning to herd the man towards a corner.
The first attack whirls past Rohan but the second blade is soon to follow striking the man solidly.
"Very true. You sure are smart as well as super pretty." Copper responds while trying to pay attention to the match.
Everybody gets one. You're about to find that out.
Meanwhile, Rohan counter attacks while stepping back.
Vulf flashes a feral grin at the man as he dips into his next set of moves as he steps back up to him their movements like some intricate dance.His first strike coming up from the ground to slice across Rohan's thigh his second attack is too clumsy however to catch the summoner for a second follow up blow.
Alright, get your head into the game, Rohan!
Rohan continues to back step and attempts to land a single blow on the barbarian.
He finally connects, however it may be too little too late.
Vulf grunts from the spears impact but grins even more widely as he steps up once again in front of the man seeing the fence slowly closing behind him.
He lashes out with a twirl of the sword blades above his head bringing the first blade up around his head hoping to strike Rohan out of luck with this flurry than with skill but misses with both blades whirling widely about failing to hit him.
Alright, just have to dodge 2 more of those and I'm fine. It's just that easy.
Rohan lands a strike right in Vulf's midsection almost knocking him back as he attempts to evade another flurry from the half-elf.
Vulf dances a step forward but restrains himself from going all out and tries to think.
The next blow will decide this match, I best use a more precise strike.
Vulf whirls the swords in a dazzling spin then launches a single thrust scoring just along Rohan's ribs.
Rohan sighs in disappointment as he is tagged by one of Vulf's blades. "Congratulations, you won. You deserve to face the champion." He says reaching for another handshake. Afterwards he steps out of the ring dejected and he starts walking slowly back to the Rusty Dragon for a drink.
Zelaria watches Rohan stalk away from the arena and is concerned.
"Should we go to him?" she is not sure if she is asking Copper, or Markellus, but she is uncertain which action she should take at this moment.
Florins act of chivalry had attracted a small gathering and a debate over his conduct currently raged. Some said that he was a fool and that he should have beaten the locksmith when he had the chance. Whilst others stated that his actions were noble and that few others would have done the same. There was also a few angry mothers who were shouting at him due to giving their child large quantities of money. Florin relished these kinds of situations. Diplomatically he listened to all suggestions regarding his bout describing the pros and cons to both outcomes then he went on to explain his train of thoughts during the bout and ”After all it was only a game, and he was only acting in the spirit of such.” Winning a more followers as he spoke stated his case. As for the angry mothers florin turned on the charm kissing hands, bowing deeply and apologising profusely finally they had to admit there was no harm done and it had kept the little ones out of their hair and trouble for most of the day. The debate of the dropped mace still continued and with the semi – finals starting Florin asked if they might continue after the bout. ”To show proper respect for the proceedings.”
No sign of my prey thus far, I may have to find a new potential bedfellow tonight.
Florin watched the match without clapping loudly as each blow was struck.
"It wouldn't hurt for someone to talk to him. Though someone should stay here and congratulate Vulf on a good win." Copper replies with less than his usual enthusiasm.
Vulf grins in triumph and shakes Rohan's outstretched hand but then watches Rohan walk away but Vulf comes to a conclusion and quickly runs after him and catches him by the shoulder much to the dismay of the announcer congratulating him.
Look im not very good at this but...You are the best warrior I have faced in my life, and I would be honored to have you fight alongside me one day. The spirits led me to you as a companion and I know...I appear barbaric to you but Im trying to learn maybe..we can spar again and you can teach me your skill with the long spear? Vulf finishes in a rush his cheeks flushed with effort at so many words but he felt he should make peace with this man. Like he had said the spirits had led him to Rohan, it was ill luck to make foe from a friend enough people were enemies already.
As he walks by Florin catches Rohan by the shoulder. ”well fought sir.” extending his hand in greeting.
"No, you deserved to win. Today you were better. I harbor no ill will towards you. I appreciate your sentiment, but I need a drink. Go get ready for the main event." Is the response when Vulf catches up to him. Rohan gives him a slight smile as he continues his trek to the Rusty Dragon.
Rohan will shake Florin's hand as it is offered. "Thank you. But you should go congratulate the winner." As he nods to Vulf.
Zelaria shakes her head and looks to Copper. "You should go to your friend," she suggests, "I do not think he would abide me near him in this state" Nor would I, myself, she finishes mentally, but smiles at Copper. "I hope we can meet again at the dedication," she says brightly.
She wondered for a moment if she should send any manner of message with Copper, but decided against the action.
"Okay. We'll meet you back at the dedication. I'm sure he'll feel a lot better after a snack and a drink. I usually do!" Copper responds as he bounces after his friend.
Vulf nods and turns to walk back to the ring trying to spot Zelaria he fails and instead stands near the ring slowly stroking the flower she had given him listening to the other duelists but not watching he was instead focused on more inward thoughts.
Had he done the right thing? Could he have said something else?
He shook his head and looks around once again trying to spot his other companions wondering if they had seen the fight or not.
“I congratulate all equally. save the winner of the tournament it’s self. Tell me you appear in dour spirits it can’t all be due to the match? Come pray stand with me a while that we might watch who triumphs over the great sheriff.”
Zelaria sees Vulf scan the crowd - looking for me? - and blushes. She had bought the bun with the intent of sharing it between them before his match, and there was so little of it left now. It had not been the most well thought out of gestures, she recognized now, but thought he might enjoy something sweet to eat before his duel. Her stomach growls and she tears off and consumes a morsel.
If his match with Rohan was difficult, the finals will require even more attention, she reasons. And there was always the dedication ceremony, and... the evening.
“I congratulate all equally. save the winner of the tournament it’s self. Tell me you appear in dour spirits it can’t all be due to the match? Come pray stand with me a while that we might watch who triumphs over the great sheriff.”
"It is quite alright, I need a quick drink. A hard fought battle makes me thirsty. You should go watch the match and not worry so much about me. I will be back before the dedication. " Rohan responds with a nod.
"As you wish, Then good day sir. I hope our paths cross again."
"As do I." With that, Rohan keeps on his journey to grab a drink from his favorite tavern.
Markellus has been silently watching the match, wincing at the awkward earlier stages, but eventually nodding in appreciation as it went on. He halfway listens to Zelaria and Copperscale's talk as he does so.
As the duel comes to a close and Rohan departs, Markellus nods respectfully and murmurs "Well done." He then turns to Florin and says, "Well done on your match earlier, Florin, is it? That was an honorable thing to do." He glances over toward Zelaria to make sure that she's doing alright.
Well, looks like they won't be trying to kill each other at least.
Zelaria watches the exchange between Rohan and the shinning knight with no small amount of interest. Children often played at being chivalrous knights, slaying dragons and rescuing princesses from foul demons, but very few could best reality and obtain such high status, particularly in Sandpoint. Perhaps there were some in Maginmar, and most certainly in the larger Korvosa, but for the most the residents Zelaria knew of were simple folk. Knights would not fear goblins.
"Is there a parable about prejudice, Markellus?" Zelaria asks, and eats another bite of the bun. "I feel somewhat foolish for casting blame for what you paid Kayla to do, but I feared for her safety, and those of others in this crowd."
Zelaria smiles, and offers the hand that she was not using to tear bits of honey bun to the knight. "Pardon my quick judgment, Sir Florin. I have a certain distaste for little girls set to wander. I am Zelaria."
Markellus scratches his chin as he thinks. "Hrrm. 'Harvest not now, but when the autumn comes. Plan as you wish, but wind and weather will change in a moment' might be appropriate. Means that you can plan and judge things as you like, but you never know how things will turn out until they do." He shrugs as he looks down on Zelaria. "That's the best one that comes to mind, at any rate. I am glad that Kayla got home alright and, t' be fair, her family could probably use the extra money, I'm guessing."
He turns to Florin. "She has a point, though. A bit more thoughtfulness in hiring them might have been good. But what's done is done and, as far as I can tell, everything has worked out just fine."
Florin turns as Mark speaks to him “Why thank you good sir my gesture of fairness appears to be causing quite some controversy. I’m terribly sorry I did not catch your name?”
As Zelaria speaks Florin bows and gently moves to kiss her hand. (If she will let him.) “truly I am blessed this day for I never expected to be greeted by a handmaiden of Shelyn. alas you have me at a disadvantage my good lady for you know of me whereas I know naught even your name.”
”My sincerest apologies I meant no harm by the gesture. Perish the thought that harm come to anyone of the little scamps. However I believe that the innocence of Children is a thing to cherish and encourage, for a short time today they were all pages to the Great Florin Du Poisse, Shining man and Flower Knight. Unfortunately in truth I am neither but it did add a certain degree of levity to my bout and the children earned a good time at the fair. For 11 people at least this momentous occasion shall be remembered fondly for years to come.”
”So I shall concede that my actions were...lacking a little forethought. However I would wager you that two thirds of the people at this event know the children and would see to their well being.”
”As for the coin reaching their families I hope all is spent on enjoying this day, sweets and toys etc. Their parents did nothing to earn this money why should they be allowed to spend it. I offer no charity only fair wages for fair work.”
Zelaria's eyes widen at Florin's verbosity, and for a few moments, she is uncertain of how to respond. She spares a glance for Markellus, and then smiles at the shinning knight.
"I am called Zelaria," she answers. "And perhaps you are correct about the majority of us looking towards the well being of the children. As you say, you could not have known that I was so sensitive about the issue."
Zelaria purses her lips for a moment, "How have you come to the festival, Sir Du Poisse? I don't believe that I have heard your name mentioned in the news that we receive from Magnimar, and with such a... colorful personality, I do not doubt that we might have if you had lived there previously." Zelaria prompts.
”I doubt that you would have heard of me I am not so well known yet. Hmm however have you heard of Little moon farm, Frogmore estate, Chidock Manor or the game forest at Winterbourne Monkton. The Du Poisse family owns them all and others besides.” Florin puffs out his chest a bit. “And I come to Sandpoint to see the festival Why else. I plan to do a great deal of travelling, but to where I do not know yet. My adventures so far have been in the written tales of bards and local story tellers, my father wished me the finest education money could buy and it is true I have read many academic texts and scholarly lore of the people, creatures and customs of this land but I find them a tad dry. However the tales of great bards and adventures hold my interest intrinsically. I plan to write my own chapter."
Another traveler in need of guidance... One or two may be coincidence, but a third? Zelaria bites her lower lip softly, and inclines her head in a nod that she has understood and is following Sir Du Poisse. Are they the only, however? How much have I learned about Markellus, and Dorrak. Very little, comparatively.
Zelaria's thoughts remain her own for a time after Sir Du Poisse concludes his speech. "So you thought to duel our sheriff to attain notoriety and advertise this project of yours?" she interprets.
It is just as well that Zelaria told Markellus that he could meet her at her mother's booth on the street. Zelaria could not lay a reading here, and she very much desired to, now. And with Rohan absent... surely it would have an effect? There were far too many variables to contemplate.
"Ah, pray pardon me for my silence, I... was considering arrangements made previously with my companions to meet later tonight, Markellus included," Zelaria gestures to the archer with a nod, and smiles up at him brightly. "Would you like to join us as well, Sir Du Poisse? My Papa's house is small, and it is the only he owns, but Mama and I are fair cooks and company," she adds after a brief pause.
Vulf finally spotting Markellus' hat makes his way over to the group. Immediately he spys Zelaria mostly because he was looking for her, and then he spots the pretty boy duelist that had lost to the dwarf.
now what?
He sighs and and then smiles thinking of a plan, he walks up behind Aria and closes his hands over her eyes, ignoring the fop.
I guess your charm worked again Zelaria, perhaps they will guide me through the next duel. He says as he takes his hands away quickly so as not to alarm her.
Hello Markellus, hes says a minute later nodding towards the man with the hat.
"No, don't!" Zelaria practically shrieks when her eyes are covered. She nearly trips and falls with the effort her body puts into escaping when Vulf suddenly releases her, looking flushed and flustered. The chimes on her ankle make a loud din as she rights herself, and she is breathing heavily when she speaks to him again. "Please, do not do that again, Vulf," she pleads, her throat tight and voice breaking with terror.
"To earn fame perhaps. But principally for the joy of sport, the thrill of competition."
"If you’re sure? I would not wish to impose on your family. That sound s delightful yes a home cooked..." Florin sees Vulf step up behind Zelaria and put his hands over her eyes.
Husband?
but as she screams florins hand instinctively goes to his sword hilt his hand outstretched. “sir you forget yourself. What is the meaning of this?"
Markellus nods to Vulf as he approaches, then frowns as he covers Zelaria's eyes. "I have to agree with Florin on this--what exactly was that about, Vulf?" He says this slowly, but not *quite* threateningly, as his eyes narrow toward the barbarian. "A bit of an odd thing to do, especially seeing how Zelaria doesn't appreciate it. Do explain, though, as a misunderstanding might be problematic."
Vulf flinches visibly with Aria's reaction and he steps back swiftly looking down in shame.
I hadn't meant to startle her like this
Hearing the actual terror in her voice Vulf flinches once again, lowering his shoulders in admonishment. But upon hearing the other man speak Vulf reacts with the only way he knows how. With anger.
Vulf looks up and into the other man's eyes and growls out slowly as his hands go white in rage as he clenches them. One hand now gripping the pommel of his own sword "Back down little man. take your hand off the sword or I will remove it." His eyes flick up to Markellus and then down to Zelaria and his angers subsides a little, at least from Markellus.
He backs away from everyone and begins to turn to walk back to the arena.