Post by Lucas on Apr 18, 2014 17:43:06 GMT
Fierce competition this year was held at the Swordsmanship competition, in which many participated. There were several moments of both honor and disgrace at the tournament - with rivalries between houses flaring as sons met on the field to share in competition.
Lady Mythara Haesion, one of the Elven Delegates who was mysteriously signed up for the event, though she did not pen her own name, was able to advance to the second round after a masterful duel. However, it was there she would meet the Scourge, Sir Vladimir Black - she opened the battle with him using her grace and ability to avoid his powerful blows and strike her own, wielding a sword seeming too large for her size - but the scourge was unamused, promptly bearing his weapon to a fully lethal potential and cutting deep through the womans body, leaving blood spray onto the field and sending her flying across it. Amazingly, she was still conscious and struggled to gain her feet as he advanced on her with death in his eyes - the match was called to a prompt end, but Sir Vladimir did not seem interested in stalling his personal victory against her. As Elven Sharpshots took aim from the Nobles boxes, Asturian Nobles pulled heavy firearms out to prepare to cut down the man, and even some say, arcanists amidst the crowds were speaking powers upon their lips, Sir Daedalus Marqueis and Arquendi Aracia Treyson charged the field alongside Sir Phillip Gaelan. The Gaelan nobleman efforted to distract the Scourge as the Arquendi saw to her fallen charge, a beautiful Ebony and Ivory Bow of immense size in her hand. Sir Daedalus stood before the Scourge, The Black Shield of his Mercenary days before himself, weapon undrawn, eyes locked, looking fearlessly into the Scourges own - and still Sir Vladimir's progress did not slow. But then, a call came from the Nobles box: Lord Zlakto telling the Scourge it was "enough". With displeasure, the Scourge dropped down his blade and stalked off the field, the mountain of a man getting a wide berth from all as he left the arena. The Lady was taken out to the Infirmary where the Aegis Knight Captain saw to her wounds personally.
And that was not Sir Daedalus' only moment of note in the events. In the finals, he faced off against the fierce Zulan Warrior, Kendra - a Man-at-Arms for house Dunvegan and a capable warrior with great skill. Her sword danced against his shield and the two of them sparred back and forth for a full flurry that left the crowd in awe and amazement, the womans large sword and dervish styles turning her into a whirlwind of steel as the Aegis Knights defenses were battered and broken. They went back and forth with blows, the Aegis Knight taking an early lead that was quickly overtaken by the Zulan warrior. Exchanging blows, her thundering strikes against his heavy shield are claimed to have formed no shortage of dents in the Black Surface and on the shine of his plate. She took a final lead and many were expecting her victory when suddenly a powerful deflection from the Aegis left her grasping for her blade - and open to his strikes. A pair of solid hits slammed into her midsection, sending her staggering back though she was not felled, and the match was called to an end. The Judges deliberated a moment before the announcement was made - Sir Daedalus Marqueis: Head of the Aegis Order - had won the duel in five strikes to four!
The two shared their moment of glory, for neither was without victory in this, and they shook hands in a warriors grasp before lifting their arms in honor of the crowd, which was a roar of sound. The Zulan woman received her spoils for second place: a Silvered Sword of perfect balance in her size and style, while the Aegis Knight received his - a Sword of his size and style with a blade as black as night itself. Many look forward to next year where these two will surely meet again, and wonder what sort of events will transpire at that point. But none are less than amazed at both the Womans ability and the solid defenses of the Aegis Knight.
