SS1 QF

Ellodin vs. Rackham:


Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "Are you both ready to kick things off?"

Ellodin says in a quiet but clear voice, "I am."

Xandir tilts his head and listens intently.

Rackham nods his head emphatically.

Xandir nods his head emphatically.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "What classes will you be dueling as?"

Rackham Moliuvia smiles and says in a low, raspy voice, "I'll duel as a blademaster."

Ellodin says in a quiet but clear voice, "I am a pegasus knight."

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand laughingly says in a deep, calm voice, "Ok then."

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "Any preference to arena?"

Ellodin says in a quiet but clear voice, "We will fight here."

Xandir nods his head emphatically.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says to Ellodin in a deep, calm voice, "Do you want to call the coin toss, or would you rather your opponent?"

Ellodin says to Xandir in a quiet but clear voice, "Let him call."

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says to Rackham in a deep, calm voice, "Call it."

Rackham Moliuvia smiles and says in a low, raspy voice, "Tails, then."

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says to Ellodin in a deep, calm voice, "Will you start, or will you defer?"

Ellodin wears a finely tooled archery bracer.

Ellodin wears a silver helm of dragon spines.

Ellodin says to Xandir in a quiet but clear voice, "I will take the initiative."

Xandir nods his head emphatically.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "Duellists, take your places and say the words."

Rackham walks to one end of the stage, turning to bow towards Ellodin.

Ellodin lightly kicks an alabaster pegasus in the sides with his heels, fluttering to a position some distance from Rackham. He nods to Rackham in acknowledgement. "For the thrill of battle," he states clearly.

Rackham Moliuvia smiles impishly and says in a low, raspy voice, "And the rush of challenge."

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "This is a tournament style duel. May the best duelist win. Begin when ready."

Ellodin raises an onyx tortoiseshell shield adorned with leaves as he slowly advances towards Rackham. Several steps in, he spurs his pegasus skywards, surveying his opponent with narrowed eyes, away from his opponent's immediate reach.

Rackham rushes headlong towards Ellodin, ready to unleash a mighty blow, only to find himself unable. He crosses his arms and frowns upwards.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "Duelist Rackham reaches for the sky, but falls utterly short of the Exemplar's Defense. The point goes to Ellodin."

Rackham searches around the arena, finally coming upon a palm sized chunk of rubble. In frustration, he whips it towards his foes mount.

Ellodin braces his spear as if it were a lance, and his pegasus enters a screaming dive towards Rackham! But the chunk of rubble clips a wing, sending the pegasus off-balance, and Ellodin takes a tumble on the ground before rolling to his feet, slightly shaken.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "Caught between a rock and a hard place, the Exemplar's power attack is thwarted by Duelist Rackham's attack. The point goes to Rackham."

Unconcerned with his sudden conversion to infantry, Ellodin rushes closer to Rackham in an obvious attempt to bash his face in with an onyx tortoiseshell shield adorned with leaves. However, the point of a sharp, brazen spear with billowing neck ribbons follows swiftly, its trajectory masked by the shield.

Rackham grins and grips the hilt of his sword. As Ellodin gets closer, he dips to the side, avoiding his charge and drawing Unseen Lights across his opponents legs. Sheathing his sword, he strikes out and brings Ellodin to the ground.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "Maintaining his composure under the ferocious onslaught, Duelist Rackham has successfully thwarted Exemplar Ellodin's power attack. The point goes to Rackham."

Hoping to press his advantage, Rackham rushes on his opponent. With Ellodin down, he draws his sword, bringing it down in an attempt to impale.

The stunned Ellodin makes a poor attempt at deflecting the oncoming sword, but the flap of wings heralds the timely arrival of his pegasus! The loyal steed bumps Rackham to the side and off-balance, giving Ellodin much needed time to recover his footing and mount up.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "His loyal steed coming to his rescue, the Exemplar's attack thwarts the Duelist's power attack. The point goes to Ellodin."

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "The next point earned will determine our victor. Will it be the Exemplar, or the Duelist, to bring the victory in?"

Ellodin's eyes remain unfocussed from his previous tumbles. Gritting his teeth, Ellodin spurs his pegasus towards the ceiling once more, letting his hair fall free as he removes a silver helm of dragon spines and drops it to the floor.

As Ellodin takes to the skies, Rackham shifts his stance, bracing against the coming onslaught. Unable to find anymore rubble, he takes a moment to ponder his chances.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "As our two duelists both try to defend, the round is a draw. No points awarded."

Rackham takes a deep breath and closes his eyes in focus. Crouching down, he focuses on his Shin, before launching himself up towards his mounted foe. Striking out, he attempts to dismount Ellodin and send him to the ground.

Ellodin's eyes narrow as he braces himself for defence. A dull ring issues forth from an onyx tortoiseshell shield adorned with leaves as it meets Rackham's blade, and the haft of Ellodin's spear follows in counter-attack, up-ending him. The tsol'aa swiftly chases the human to the ground, holding his spearpoint at the throat of his fallen adversary.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says in a deep, calm voice, "The Duelist reaches for the sky and falls short. The Exemplar's defense has won him the round, and the duel. Well done, duelists."



Kei vs. Tegan:


Ellodin bashes the butt of his spear on the stone stage twice before stepping forward.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Today, we will bear witness to two duels consecutively for the quarterfinals of the Sanguine Series!"

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Our first competitors will be the Cyrenian Kei and the Targossian Tegan! Please step up to the stage, and tell me what style you will employ in combat on this day."

Kei hefts a lightweight, elegant bastard sword onto a shoulder, striding towards one edge of the arena. "I will be fighting as a Runewarden with a two-handed sword."

Tegan steps away from Torinn and her family, mace in one hand, shield in the other and her angel at her side.

Disciple Tegan Animata says in a soft voice, "Priest, for myself."

Ellodin looks between Kei and Tegan. He nods and turns to Kei.

You say to Kei in a quiet but clear voice, "Heads or tails?"

Page Kei Greywards, Soloist says to Ellodin in a low, silvery voice, "Heads."

Ellodin flips a golden sovereign up in the air and watch, mesmerised, as it spins rapidly through its arc. It hits the ground and you see that the heads side is facing up.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Kei wins the toss!"

You say to Kei in a quiet but clear voice, "Do you elect to initiate the engagement or do you defer the honour?"

Page Kei Greywards, Soloist says to Ellodin in a low, silvery voice, "I will initiate."

Ellodin nod once, looking back to Tegan as he steps back.

Ellodin says in a quiet but clear voice, "Then please, take your places and say the words, beginning with Kei."

Kei shifts her sword from her shoulder, holding it before her in preparation at the edge of the arena. "For the thrill of battle."

Tegan steps out from the crowd and to the opposite side of the stage facing Kei, awaiting Kei's beginning phrase.

Disciple Tegan Animata says in a soft voice, "And the rush of challenge!"

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "May the best duellist win!"

Kei plants her feet in a solid stance, dropping just slightly before springing to motion. In a single bound, she launches herself across the arena, letting out a sharp whistle mid-leap and sending her falcon streaking to harass Tegan as the runes on her blade flare to life, bringing its crushing heft down upon her.

Tegan whispers something low, communicating with her angel, which speeds towards the falcon to interrupt its attack. At seeing the attack coming, she swings her shield up to slam it off to the slide, using her mace in an attempt to attack with mace and shield both, preventing Kei's attack from getting through.

Ellodin says in a quiet but clear voice, "The precision of Tegan's swift attack disrupts the power of Kei's leaping strike!"

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Tegan takes the first advantage, but can she make use of it?"

Tegan side steps from the initial blows, her angel flying up high to turn its wings towards Kei and her falcon both, spikes of crystal flying from her wings. At the same time, Tegan attempts to lay down a rite of piety to lock Kei into place.

Stumbling back from the first blow, Kei raises her blade up in front of her, sweeping a quick warding strike before her as she backs off. The rite's effects cause her to stumble, forcing her to turn a shoulder and endure the rain of crystal as it scatters her blood across the arena floor.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "And she does! Tegan presses her advantage successfully and breaks right through Kei's attempt at defence! Will Tegan be able to secure the final point for victory?"

Kei drops her blade towards the ground suddenly and, with a vengeful cry, rips herself free from the rite's binding. A quick lunge carries her forward, bringing her sword up to cut across Tegan's body with a quick, precise slash, nearly nicking the stone floor as she lashes out.

Tegan is still riding on the rush of battle, so opts to keep going for strong attacks, her mouth moving in silent prayer in an attempt to lay a rite of cleansing beneath the space right in front of her, which would help to strip her defenses and give her a bigger advantage. Before the lite can be laid, with a barely in time warning, she is able to jump out of the way from Kei's attack without getting through with her own.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Tegan tries to press the advantage further...but Kei turns the tide with a quick counter-attack! The fight continues."

Tegan chooses, this time, to give her own body a break, going on the defensive. With no water to draw from to make her own ice shield, she simply places herself in a defensive position, shield protecting her, and angel at her side to try and interrupt anything Kei or her falcon may try.

As her swing carries her through, Kei lets her blade sweep up and over her own head and back to the ground. As she spies Tegan's hesitation, she whistles her falcon back while tracing a quick outline on the ground. Mere seconds later, she springs to action herself, barrelling into Tegan's ready shield and throwing her straight into the rising flare of lava from her rune.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Oh! And Kei's combination attack powerfully overcomes Tegan's holy defence!"

Ellodin looks between the two duellists.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "The next to find success will be the victor! Who will it be?"

Kei moves to press her advantage even as her thurisaz rune fades, planting her feet as her barging motion ends. Her blade, however, continues on as she hefts it high above her head and brings it swiftly down towards Tegan's, trailing the last motes of rapidly cooling lava.

Tegan is singed, the smell of burning hair surrounding her, the backs of her legs burned. With a cry of both pain and infused strength, she charges with her mace while uttering a rite of utter desolation to be placed on Kei, with her angel still looking out for the not recently seen falcon. Her own mace ends up stopping Kei's blow, but prevents her entire attack from going through, only landing the rite instead of hammering blow that would have been damaging together.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "And though it isn't so apparent from the end, Kei completes the comeback! She returns from the brink of defeat and finds victory! An incredible duel between two great competitors."

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Well fought, you two. Please bow to each other to conclude the duel."

Tegan turns to bow towards Kei, her gaze momentarily distracted by the stumble of Sigue, the traveller.

Kei pulls back, planting the tip of her blade in the ground and wincing from her cuts and bruises before dropping to a bow towards Tegan.

Page Kei Greywards, Soloist smiles and says to Tegan in a low, silvery voice, "Well fought, fellow Duelist."



Alasiel vs. Elisella:


Ellodin twirls his spear, watching the ribbons on the haft.

Ellodin ceases his play, ramming the butt of the spear into the stage.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "And for our second duel for the day and the third of this month, we have Exemplars Elisella and Alasiel! Please, enter the proving ground!"

Alasiel rotates her shoulders casually, letting out a quiet breath as she steps forward from the crowd.

Elisella nods solemnly, striding forth from her place next to Stheno towards the center of the arena, her heels clicking imperiously as she lowers her blade, offering a formal bow towards Alasiel.

Ellodin contemplates Elisella and Alasiel in turn.

Alasiel takes her place across the arena from Elisella and bows respectfully towards her.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Wonderful! Then without further ado, let us begin our declarations. What style will each of you represent today?"

Elisella, Purifier says softly to Ellodin with a lilting Haraekanewa accent, "Infernal."

Alasiel says to Ellodin, "Depthswalker."

Ellodin nods contemplatively.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Now, would you two prefer to fight in this arena or another?"

Alasiel says, "I'd prefer the geyser field, if Exemplar Elisella also finds that acceptable."

Elisella, Purifier says softly with a lilting Haraekanewa accent, "Of course."

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Wonderful! Let us rise, and let us move."

Ellodin shuffles across the field, examining his changed footing. He looks at Elisella and Alasiel.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Now, as Alasiel has chosen the arena, the call of the coin will go to Elisella. Heads or tails?"

Elisella, Purifier says softly with a lilting Haraekanewa accent, "Tails."

Ellodin flips a golden sovereign up in the air and watch, mesmerised, as it spins rapidly through its arc. It hits the ground and you see that the heads side is facing up.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "It seems Alasiel wins the choice."

You say to Alasiel in a loud, clear voice, "Will you take the initiative on the first move or defer to Elisella?"

Alasiel says to Ellodin, "I will begin."

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Excellent!"

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Then please, make your final preparations and say the words, beginning with Alasiel. Remember that, like the last, this duel is fought to three victories."

Alasiel glances at Talamond with a quick smile before turning her full attention to Elisella. "For the thrill of battle."

Elisella nods silently, hoisting her blade upon her shoulder with one hand as she gazes impassively towards Alasiel, responding "And the rush of challenge."

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Let the best duellist win!"

Alasiel mutters something inaudible under her breath. Her scythe gives off one, brilliant flash before returning to its original shadowy form. A moment later, her entire form seems to blur and become indistinct. With inhuman speed, she darts across the arena, running towards Elisella. Pulling her arm back, she slashes her scythe directly toward Elisella in one powerful swing.

Elisella's lips curl into a wry smirk as she allows the scythe to slice deeply into her flesh. As blood trickles from the wound, she lets out a laugh suffused with unholy might, life essence coalescing through her form to quickly reknit and clot the laceration seamlessly, as if it had not happened at all.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Alasiel begins with a swift attack...but Elisella defends successfully, showing no wounds!"

Her face hardening after the brief moment of amusement, Elisella takes a step backward before she twists her body around, her blade dipping as she grasps it with her other hand. Using her momentum to carry herself forward, Elisella aims the obsidian edge of her bastard sword towards Alasiel's knees.

Alasiel watches her opponent with narrowed eyes, taking in her movement. As Elisella approaches, Alasiel lunges toward her again with a swift blow of her scythe. Instead of making contact with her target, however, her scythe meets Elisella's bastard sword, the blow merely deflecting off each other.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Elisella began her counter-attack, but Alasiel showed great heart in pressing her attack after the first failure!"

Alasiel slices a hand through the air to point at Elisella imperiously, and time suddenly seems to slow down around her. Alasiel quickly shifts her grip on her dagger, and in one fluid motion, slices it toward Elisella's neck.

Elisella's lips purse in frustration as she regains her balance. Feeling time begin to slow around her, she instinctively turns her left shoulder towards Alasiel. With a low cry of exertion, she thrusts her body forward, brunting the blow of the dagger into the thick pauldron of her chitinous armour as she rams her shoulder into Alasiel's chest.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "But the two are of like mind again! They both take minor injuries, but nothing that'll slow them down going forward."

Elisella takes one hand away from her sword as she lifts it in an imperious gesture, her lips moving in silent prayer towards the Malevolent One. By her command, the ground cracks and fractures beneath Alasiel's feet as rotting limbs and hands covered in diseased maggots erupt, grasping towards Alasiel's feet and legs while the pestilent insects lurch towards Alasiel in infected hunger.

Alasiel produces a bloodstained bone phylactery wreathed in shadows from her pocket. She raises a dagger and slashes it down swiftly towards the phylactery, but the phylactery goes flying from her hand as the hands pull at her feet, throwing her off-balance and making her stumble.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Elisella's attack comes a little too swiftly for Alasiel's great preparations, and the Infernal takes the advantage once more!"

Alasiel beats her wings powerfully and rises into the firmament, coming to a hover. She watches Elisella for a moment, and then shifting the grip on her dagger, abruptly folds her wings and allows herself to fall towards her opponent, thrusting the dagger downwards toward Elisella's head.

Seeing Alasiel caught off-balance, Elisella attempts to drive her blade straight into her opponent's gut. As Alasiel rises into the air, she lunges forward, her blade sparking visibly as it drives against the empty stone. With a low exhalation of frustration, Elisella glances upward, quickly lifting her blade to deflect the dagger as it plunges into her less armoured right shoulder, blood trickling from the wound as she lets out a gasp of pain.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "But Elisella is unable to press her advantage successfully! Alasiel lands her first strike of the match!"

Elisella glares at Alasiel with barely restrained fury as she clutches at her bleeding shoulder, hands quickly moving back to her blade as her knuckles tighten and pop audibly despite the din of the geysers, lifting it into a firm ready stance as she takes a step backwards in preparation of the next attack.

Alasiel kicks off the ground again and comes to a low hover. She raises her arms skyward with a slight smirk, and about her swirls a spinning vortex of shadows that begins to drag Elisella towards her. As Elisella's defensive stance is disrupted, Alasiel slices her scythe toward the human, cutting into her flesh.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "Alasiel turns the tide! Alasiel turns the tide! Her strike pierces Elisella's guard, and the two stand on the brink!"

Her arms still raised, Alasiel closes her eyes briefly. After a barely perceptible pause, darkness descends upon the entire arena, obscuring her from view.

Elisella's lips curl into a warm and disarming smile as she casts her sword to the side, making no attempt to staunch the bleeding wound as she begins to turn pale and shiver. Her eyes close as she strides towards Alasiel's last known position, her steps quickly becoming more hesitant and deliberate as she bleeds out. As darkness envelops the entire arena, Elisella draws in a deep breath before crying out with the last of her strength in a single word: "Vengeance." Suddenly, Elisella's form crumples as her ribcage erupts in a grotesque explosion of viscera and gore, the razor sharp shards of her bones seeking Alasiel unerringly, piercing the darkness and the Depthswalker's form. As Elisella crumples to the floor, a pallid mist emerges from her heart, lifting her broken form back onto her feet as her wounds reknit, leaving her hale and alive as a smirk of victory crosses her face.

Ellodin raises a hand to ward off any stray shards.

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "But Alasiel's decision to summon darkness seems to matter naught in the face of a Necromancer who is able to summon the night! Elisella employs the eerie power of self-destruction, an oath of vengeance, and the soul's cage to find victory!"

Ellodin says in a loud, clear voice, "When both are able, please bow to each other to conclude. And I believe our last quarterfinal is scheduled for next month?"

Elisella smiles wanly as she offers a formal bow towards Alasiel, her own blood and viscera sliding off of her armour as she does so.

Alasiel staggers to her feet, grimacing as she pulls the bloody shard of bone out of her abdomen. She bows toward Elisella rather stiffly, pressing a hand over the wound to attempt to stanch the bleeding.

Elisella, Purifier says to Alasiel with a lilting Haraekanewa accent, "Well fought."

Alasiel says to Elisella, "And you as well."



Stheno vs. Xandir:


Alasiel carefully unwinds a commemorative ribbon celebrating Righteousness from her hair and ties it around Xandir's upper left arm.

Alasiel says to Xandir, "Fight well."

Xandir ensures a commemorative ribbon celebrating Righteousness is tied tightly before turning to Alasiel.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand smiles and says to Alasiel in a deep, calm voice, "Thanks, love."

The corner of Stheno's mouth quirks into something like a smile, watching Alasiel's gesture to Xandir.

Xandir steps up onto the field, striding between geysers as he takes his place across from Stheno. He draws a vorpal sword from a scabbard of the elements and rings a vorpal sword against his shield in salute to Stheno.

Already in her place, Stheno fires off a less formal salute to Xandir, her eyes sparkling coldly. She rolls her shoulders into a more relaxed posture.

With a gesture, Jurixe allows the winds to carry her aloft into the skies.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Welcome, one and all, to the last duel for the quarter-finals of the Sanguine Series."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Before we begin, a few words."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Any angels and Baalzadeens are to be dismissed if they do not belong to the immediate duelists."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "And any, duelist or otherwise, found to be using mind reading abilities or tools will be ejected from the Hall and branded an enemy of the Circle."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "I trust I have made myself clear."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "This month, we have Duelist Stheno facing off against Exemplar Xandir for the last spot in the semi-finals of the Sanguine Series."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "This time, instead of a regular duel, it will be to the death."

Stheno smiles with relish.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "The first to accomplish three wins will take the duel. Ties, in this case, grant no points."

Jurixe S. Nithilar asks in a clear, carrying voice, "Duelists, step up. What will you both be fighting as?"

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says to Jurixe in a deep, calm voice, "Paladin."

Idolatrix Stheno Aristata says sibilantly to Jurixe in a golden voice, "Serpent."

Jurixe nods her head slightly.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Very well. Since Duelist Stheno chose the geyser field, Exemplar Xandir will choose the coin toss."

Jurixe S. Nithilar asks Xandir in a clear, carrying voice, "Heads or tails?"

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says to Jurixe in a deep, calm voice, "Heads."

Using her wrist cleverly, Jurixe flips a golden sovereign up into the air. You watch, mesmerised, as it spins rapidly through its arc. It hits the ground and you see that the tails side is facing up.

Using her wrist cleverly, Jurixe flips a golden sovereign up into the air. You watch, mesmerised, as it spins rapidly through its arc. It hits the ground and you see that the tails side is facing up.

Xandir shrugs helplessly.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says to Stheno in a clear, carrying voice, "Very well. Your choice: who starts first?"

Idolatrix Stheno Aristata says in a golden voice, "I'll begin."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Take your places then, duelists, and begin with the ritual phrases."

Coiling her lash loosely over her branded shoulder, Stheno bows formally at the waist to Xandir.

Idolatrix Stheno Aristata says to Xandir in a golden voice, "For the thrill of battle."

Xandir moves to the other side of the arena, raising his sword in a warrior's salute to Stheno as he says, "And the rush of challenge."

High above, the winds swirl about Jurixe as she thunders, "May the best duelist live!"

Stheno raises her other arm languorously to Xandir. Strapped over a battered steel manica, a weightless buckler of mirrored gold reflects the limited light in the cavern, turning it into dazzling spears of luminosity. As she takes a few slow, circling steps around the geyser pits, she touches the spokes of her shield and spins it on her arm, whirling it into something blinding and golden. The rest of her seems to fade into the shadows behind that bright point of focus.

Rushing Stheno, Xandir whistle an order to his falcon, commanding him to fly into her face, distracting her. As he reaches her, he rubs something on a vorpal sword before slicing clear through her guard into her ribs as he brings his own shield up, driving the edge mercilessly into Stheno's throat, robbing her of breath.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Exemplar Xandir draws first blood as his powerful attack pierces through Duelist Stheno's defensive opener!"

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "He takes the first point."

Pressing his advantage, Xandir wipes his sword as he brings it up, whipping it toward her eyes as he leans down, attempting to use his shield to trip her. Quickly whistling another command to his falcon, it takes to the skies, awaiting orders.

Stheno frowns at the oncoming falcon, apparently familiar. She holds her shield level, weathering the furious bird as it wheels and screeches, but the force of Xandir's shield collides with her throat and makes her cough harshly. She turns her head and spits the first mouthful of blood -- a feint for the dagger that comes up in her left hand, slicing at Xandir. Sensing the oncoming metal, she pulls short and rolls deftly out of the way, springing to her feet.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Both duelists go on the offensive and find themselves equally matched."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "The round is tied, with Exemplar Xandir still leading with a point."

Still moving through the announcement, Stheno circles Xandir with thirst in her eyes, her dagger held closely to her body as she stalks through the curtains of steam. Another wall of mist shoots up from the rock, and she emerges through it, striking out at Xandir's throat with the speed and sharpness of her bared fangs. Venom glistens on the tip of each.

Xandir whistles for his falcon to track Stheno relentlessly as she steps through the mist. Through the bond with his falcon, he senses the incoming Serpent as he throws his shield arm up to catch bash Stheno in the face as he takes the dagger into his shoulder.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "It seems both are of the same mind again! Unwilling to back down, Xandir lands a fierce blow straight to Stheno's face, but also takes a blow to his shoulder."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "The round is tied, not the score. Exemplar Xandir leads overall by a point."

Moving in to engage her, Xandir brings his shield crashing down into Stheno's spine as he slices into her left leg. Whistling a quick command, his falcon dives toward her face again as he pushes the fervour of his Devotion, beseeching the Bloodsworn to heal his wounds.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Finding renewed strength, Exemplar Xandir redoubles his efforts in an even more powerful strike. Will it pay off?"

Xandir's shield catches Stheno bluntly in the face, and she tests the integrity of her fangs with her tongue, ensuring they aren't cracked. Forcing her jaw back into place, a bruise already flowering along her jawline, she attempts to disengage and is struck in the back again. With a loud hiss of anguish, the slender woman drags herself away, trailing blood along the dark rock.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "And it appears it does! Duelist Stheno is caught off guard in the midst of a defensive maneuver and pays the price dearly."

Not to be quelled by mere pain, Stheno straightens and rises to her full height, the blood dripping freely from her split lip. She licks it clear, and with a flick of her wrist, sends her lash into a hypnotic, whirling loop above her head, like a golden lasso. A sound like thunder splits the air as the chain snaps forth, its momentum carrying it in a closing circle around Xandir's neck.

Xandir brings his arm up, allowing the lash to wrap around his forearm as he pulls against her, yanking the lash free from her hand. Whistling again, his falcon takes flight, circling above, hiding in the mists as it awaits orders. Kneeling, he utters a fervent prayer as you hear tormented screaming in the distance.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Clearly driven by the hit, Stheno embarks on the offensive again with her lash, but Xandir's reserves of energy seem boundless and he succeeds in disarming her with his own attack!"

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Neither land a hit, so it is a tie. Exemplar Xandir leads two to none, and still requires one more win to take the duel - so there is still a chance for Duelist Stheno."

Uttering a prayer to the Bloodsworn, Xandir hurls his shield forward, attempting to strike Stheno in the face as he closes the distance between them in a few quick steps. He raises his sword above his head, yelling a brutal battlecry as he brings it thundering down, attempting to cleave her in twain.

If the prior blows drove Stheno to anger, the prayer that issues from Xandir's lips makes her own lip curl in contempt. Her blood soaking her gown, she simply waits for Xandir as he charges across the field, her strange eyes following the fall of his blade. Flowing out of the way with a neat, ankleted step, wraps an arm almost lovingly around Xandir's shoulders and drags him against her, delivering her venom with a deep bite to the back of his neck.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Buoyed by his victories so far, Exemplar Xandir confidence is showing - perhaps a little too much as his focus on his powerful cleave is disrupted with a nimbler attack by Duelist Stheno!"

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "She scores her first point of the duel, and the score is now two to one."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "I hear we have seen such comebacks before; will this be a pivotal point?"

With Xandir ensconced in her arms, Stheno starts to entwine herself around the bulkier paladin, her arm tightening against his throat as her fangs sink deeper into flesh. She growls viscerally and thrashes her head, now a feral animal, her eyes reflecting the last of the light in the chamber. The length of her lash joins the pressure, as she seeks to wrap it twice around Xandir's jugular.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Duelist Stheno appears to have the advantage, and she increases the ferocity of her attack further still. Can Exemplar Xandir break free?"

Xandir attempts to bring his shield up to bash Stheno and break her hold, but finds his body failing to respond to his call. As horror dawns on his features, his muscles begin to lock in paralysis. His every movement a struggle, he reaches down, fumbling with a pouch on his pack, and pulls forth a magnesium chip.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "No! Duelist Stheno's grip is too strong, and she scores a point as she overcomes the Exemplar's defenses."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "The score is now tied at two-all! The next person to score a win will take the duel!"

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "This could be the final round of the duel, and it may well decide the battle."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Audience, if there was a time they needed your support, it is now."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Cheer them on!"

As he forces the magnesium chip to his lips, Xandir's muscles unlock as he falls backwrd, on top of her, attempting to crush the smaller Serpent with his weight.

Blood flows hot and compelling into Stheno's mouth from her savage hold on Xandir's throat, her fangs entrenched, her lips pressed so closely to his skin it looks more of a kiss than a bite. The barbed edges of her golden-scaled chain cut into Xandir's windpipe, slowly but surely shearing through the skin as they go down together, serpent dragging paladin, paladin crushing serpent. "Shhh," Stheno hisses, muffled by her mouthful, her chain going taut between her white-knuckled hands. Finally, with the wet, satisfying sound of gore, Xandir's head comes clean off.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "A riveting battle that speaks volumes of our duelists."

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a clear, carrying voice, "Once Exemplar Xandir returns, we will conclude the battle with a bow."

Tucking Xandir's head under her arm, Stheno rises to her feet and composes herself, smiling at the roars of support from the crowd. She waves the gory trophy at Alasiel.

Jurixe S. Nithilar says in a low, silken voice, "Well-fought to both of you, duelists. Bow to each other to end the duel."

Stheno holds Xandir's head in her arms and curtseys gracefully before him.

Idolatrix Stheno Aristata says sincerely to Xandir in a golden voice, "Well fought."

Gingerly rubbing the newfound scar on his neck, Xandir bows to Stheno.

Xandir S. Chiragh, Argent Hand says to Stheno in a deep, calm voice, "Well fought, Duelist."