Kiera respectfully asks Dame Catharsis, "By your leave, Dame we shall begin"
Kiera closes the south doorway.
Robert nods solemnly.
Martel glances concernedly at Robert.
Robert is a man of white complexion with a head of dark-brown
hair, short and mussed, and a trim moustache. He is carrying
his scroll and his scroll. He is wearing a brown scabbard, a
grey pouch, a gray gauze shirt, a gold ring, a silver leaf, a
cavalier hat, a wooden ring, a feather pin, black tweed pants,
black suede shoes and a bandage.
Martel mutters, "I should have accepted the position as second."
Dame Catharsis nods to Kiera, "Certainly. I shall remain a spectator, if allowed."
Morte inhales deeply.
Morte turns smoothly.
Kiera nods thankfully to Dame Catharsis, "We would be honored, Dame"
Punzel asks Morte quietly, "Shall I hold your cloak?"
Morte removes a shadowcloak.
Morte offers a shadowcloak to Punzel.
Punzel accepts a shadowcloak from Morte.
Morte is a tall, sleek man of pale complexion with a full
head of silky silver hair, long and braided, and a thin goatee.
He is wearing a steel ring, a black leather pouch, black boots,
black leather gloves, a black long-sleeved shirt and black pants.
Morte nods to Punzel.
Morte removes a black leather pouch.
Morte offers a black leather pouch to Punzel.
Punzel accepts a black leather pouch from Morte.
Martel asks Kiera, "Will a second be appointed for Robert?"
Kiera announces, "Sers and Seras, Dame may I have your
attention please? The Duel is about to commence."
Kiera nods to Martel.
Morte turns to Kiera.
Dame Catharsis blinks.
Dame Catharsis asks Martel, "For Robert?"
Kiera says firmly, "I am sera Kiera, the appointed Marshall for
this Duel. My role here is not to decide the outcome of this Duel,
but to ensure it proceeds according to the rules set out by the
Court of Honor, by the grace of Her Majesty, long may She reign"
Martel nods to Dame Catharsis.
Robert explains, "Since ser Morbidro is not here...I shall stand in his stead"
Dame Catharsis raises her light eyebrow.
Morte glances at Martel, "No, Robert is a second himself, and not
entitled to a second, as this is not his duel. Morbido is the primary."
Kiera says seriously, "Dueling is a serious affair, therefore there are
some rules of conduct that need to be followed. They are as follows:"
Martel says quietly, "Tis my understanding that if a second steps in,
they may a second of their own. To continue to insure all goes well."
Kiera says firmly, "There will be no talking, fidgiting,
applauding, booing or hissing by the spectators before, during
or after the Duel. The only people who may speak are the
combatants, the Seconds and myself . If there are those here
who believe they cannot adhere to these rules, then I politely
suggest you leave now. Any who violates these rules will be
asked to leave and the Watch called if they do not leave."
Kiera announces solemnly, "Ser Morte has challenged ser Mobidro
in a matter of Honor to a Duel to the death"
Kiera says neutrally, "However, since ser Morbidro has not
arrived, his Second, ser Robert shall serve in his stead"
Robert nods solemnly.
Angron twitches imperceptibly.
Darvius glances at Robert's bandage concernedly.
Kiera asks Robert, "Are you prepared to fulfill ser Morbidro's
role in this Duel?"
Dame Catharsis mutters, "Need a full copy of that dueling code"
Kiera gazes calmly at Robert.
Robert says sincerely, "I am"
Kiera nods to Dame Catharsis.
Dame Catharsis nods to Kiera, "If this is proper, then so be it."
Morte bows to Robert.
Morte says, "I have no quarrel with you, Ser.. but honor will be met."
Kiera says steadily, "As this is a Duel to the death, after each wound the
combatants will cease dueling. The Seconds will ask the combatants if
they wish to continue. If both combatants agree, they will begin the Duel
again starting with the formal challenge. This will continue until one dies."
Kiera pauses.
Kiera says seriously, "Either combatant may stop the Duel at anytime
by surrender or by refusing to resume the Duel during the break after
each wound. Either combatant also may insist the Duel continue no
matter the injuries they or their opponent may have sustained."
Kiera asks formally, "Seconds, has there been an attempt at
resolving this peacefully?"
Punzel nods to Kiera, "There has, sera."
Robert states frankly, "There has"
Kiera nods curtly.
Kiera asks formally, "Seconds, have the terms been agreed upon by both Combatants?"
Punzel nods to Kiera, "They have, sera."
Kiera nods curtly.
Robert nods to Kiera, "They have"
Kiera asks formally, "Seconds, have you examined the swords?"
[Swords are given and examined by pretty much everyone.]
Kiera asks formally, "Ser Morte, ser Robert, are you prepared to duel
honorably, according to the rules laid out by the Court of Honor?"
Robert murmurs, "Wonder if seconds are allowed champions?"
Morte nods to Kiera, "I am."
Kiera nods to Morte.
Martel smiles amusedly at Robert.
Morte glances at Robert, "no. Only the primary."
Robert smiles inwardly.
Robert says to Kiera, "I am"
Morte turns to Robert.
Robert gazes levelly at Morte.
Morte says, "As I said, I wish not to harm you, but you defend
a man who slandered and insulted me repetedly."
Robert nods.
Morte says calmly, "I ask you to stand aside, and not be harmed."
Kiera pauses.
Morte listens to Robert.
Kiera listens politely.
Robert says quietly, "I knew this may happen when I asked to be second...."
Morte nods, "As did we all."
Dame Catharsis listens to Robert.
Robert says firmly, "And I accept the consequences of that...."
Morte repeats, "My Quarrel is not with you, Duelist."
Robert says, "It is now"
Darvius nods to Robert.
Morte nods slowly.
Morte says softly, "So be it. Your death brings me no joy."
Kiera asks formally, "If there are any here who object to this
Duel speak now, or else hold your peace"
Retribution grumbles, "I do"
Dame Catharsis sadly shakes her head.
[Lots of people glance at Retribution.]
Retribution says, "I may be the only one to have the guts to say it, but I do."
Calla casually informs, "I was a friend to ser Morbidro. I think perhaps
... the duelist here...."
Retribution says, "That is all"
Retribution sits down against the north wall.
Calla gestures to Robert, " .. who has been previously wounded,
should not duel in the sers stead."
Robert glances at Calla.
Morte glances at Calla, "He knew the possiblities when he agreed, Calla."
Punzel explains formally to Calla, "I did request of ser Robert after his
wounding if another should serve as second, and he did insist."
Morte says, "I have given him every opertunity to stand aside,
and forfit this duel."
Robert nods to Morte.
Dame Catharsis asks, "Did ser Robert know that he would be
wounded at the time of this duel, when it was arranged?"
Martel says quietly, "If my brother needs it, I too will offer
to stand in his stead."
Kiera glances at Dame Catharsis, "Dame, do you know the
protocal for this situation? Seeing as you may know more of the
Dueling Code than we? And of course we defer to your word."
[Lots of random confusion for a few minutes, with no real dialogue.]
Morte says, "Robert. Speak up, and either accept this duel, in
its final form, or leave the field, in Forfeiture."
Calla suggests, "I only suggest that perhaps this duel be ...
detained for another date. At least until the second has had
time to heal. That would make it .. fair."
Dame Catharsis tells Kiera, "I fear the only copy of the
dueling code in the castle until a few days ago was in the
hands of the duelists, sera"
Calla adds, "And more honorable, I think."
Dame Catharsis tells Kiera, "I have not yet been able to attain a copy."
Morte glances at Calla, "I am sorry, Calla, but this man knew
the conciquences. He knew the timing..."
Punzel insists quietly, "If ser Robert has agreed to be the second, knowing
of his own wounded state, then I do not see how this would be unfair or
dishonorable. I spoke to him on this and urged him, but he stood firm."
Dame Catharsis asks Morte, "Did he know that he would be
injured at the time of this duel?"
Robert nods to Calla, "Indeed...."
Punzel nods firmly to Dame Catharsis, "He did when I spoke to him.
As I have now said twice."
Kiera exclaims loudly, "Enough!"
Morte glances at Dame Catharsis, "No, and when he was, I gave
him a chance to retire as second."
Calla gestures vaguely, "Then pardon my interruption."
Dame Catharsis nods firmly.
Dame Catharsis says, "If this is what honor demands, then so be it."
Kiera says firmly, "If ser Morte deems it within his Honor to
Duel a wounded man that is his choice as Champion"
Kiera declares, "Then sers, begin when you are ready."
Punzel rolls her eyes.
Morte glances at Kiera.
Morte frowns slightly.
Kiera bows to the practice room.
Punzel disgustedly shakes her head.
Morte turns to Robert.
Robert nods to Kiera.
Punzel glances at Kiera.
Robert turns to Morte.
Morte mutters, "So much.. for impartiality of Marshalls..."
Punzel nods agreeingly to Morte.
Morte bows to Robert respectfully.
Robert bows to Morte formally.
Morte says, "I say again, I wish not to wound you, stand aside, in forfeiture."
Kiera watches the center of the room calmly.
Robert shakes his head, "I will not"
Morte says, "Do not die, for another mans dishonor."
Robert considers.
Morte sighs resignedly, " So be it."
Robert says, "Wait"
Morte pauses.
Robert thinks carefully.
[Lots of people glance at Robert.]
Robert says begrudgingly to Morte, "You do have a point...."
Morte nods to Robert, "Thank you."
Dame Catharsis says, "The dueling code does say that person's
not physically fit make not enter into a duel, although I know
not if we are entering into a duel here or merely engaging in one."
Robert glances at Dame Catharsis.
Punzel nods to Dame Catharsis, "That is for ser Robert to determine,
I believe. He has been insisting that he was prepared. If he now changes
his mind, then that is his choice."
Dame Catharsis mutters, "No duels with seconds?"
Dame Catharsis peers at her hands.
Morte glances at Dame Catharsis, "DAME, he IS the second."
Punzel mutters quietly, "Does rank give one the right to interrupt constantly?"
Morte glances at Punzel approvingly.
Morte says, "Robert. Stand aside, or raise your blade, but do it, and be DONE."
Kiera says firmly, "Ser Robert make the decision"
Retribution nods to Morte sadly.
Robert removes a long sword.
Morte nods.
Dame Catharsis nods to the center of the room.
Punzel nods.
Angron watches Robert.
Morte says, "Ser Morbidro stands in forfeiture."
Robert says quietly, "In that case...I shall stand aside"
Angron nods imperceptibly.
Darvius watches Robert.
Martel blinks surprisedly.
Morte bows respectfully to Robert, "Thank you."
Kieron pales.
Kiera nods firmly, "Ser Morbidro has forfeited the Duel."
Retribution nods approvingly.
Morte removes a longsword.
Martel glances at Robert confusedly.
Robert mutters inaudibly, "Even if I think I could have done this"
Kiera glances curiously at Robert.
Morte nods to Robert, "I expect an appologie from him post haste."
Punzel suggests to Robert, "Next time, perhaps when I ask you a
week before, you might let another second take your place."
Punzel says, "Rather than leave your primary in forfeiture."
Retribution mutters, "Better a foreit then a dead man"
Morte bows to Kiera, "Thank you, for marshalling this duel."
Kiera mutters, "Next time he shall comfirm with the Primary he
can make the Duel"
Ravelyn gazes sedately at Retribution.
Martel asks Robert, "If you will say, do you stand asside from
wounds or for another reason."
Robert asks to Punzel, "I sent my primary a scroll...can I help it
if he does not respond?"
Morte glances at Retribution, "Not allways. I would rather die
with honor, than live in shame."
Kiera bows to Morte.
Angron gazes agreeingly at you.
Punzel tells Robert, "You should not be second if you are not
willing to stand in his stead. That is what seconding means."
Punzel says, "You render it meaningless."
Punzel gestures angrily.
Kiera glances at Robert, "You should have confirmed it with him, not assumed"
Dame Catharsis frowns slightly.
Retribution shrugs to Morte, "That is where we differ"
Morte glances at Martel, "It does not matter. He seconded, was
given chance to back out repetedly. He lead us here, to the
dueling hall, and then backed out, forfitting."
Robert says to Kiera, "Had I found him..I would"
Angron glances at Retribution.
Robert shrugs.
Retribution shrugs, "Preservation of life it more important then honor."
Punzel suggests to Robert, "The next time you are in fact not willing
to stand in the primary's stead, allow him to find one who is."
Martel says coldly to Morte, "Did I ask you a qustion ser? I
only wished to know what my brother's reasons were."
Morte glances at Retribution, "Opinions are like.."
Morte says politely, "opinions. Every one has one."
Retribution blinks at Punzel.
Martel stands up near a long wooden bench.
Robert smirks, "That was not what I was thinking"
Angron states quietly to Retribution, "That is why, you art
without honor, respect nor any redeeming quality that differs a
human from a beast."
Martel says calmly, "It seems this duel is over. Is it not?"
Morte nods to Angron.
Robert nods to Martel, "It is"
Kiera nods to Martel.
Morte nods to Martel, "It is."
Punzel nods to Martel, "In a most dishonorable way. It is."
Martel glances at Punzel.
Retribution shrugs to Angron, "But at least I had the balls to stand
up and admit when something that was about to happen was wrong."
Martel says to Punzel, "Viola. I ask that you retract that statement."
Retribution snorts at Angron.
Angron glances.
Morte pauses.
Morte glances at Punzel.
Kiera says to Punzel, "You have gone too far sera"
Morte glances at Martel.
Punzel shakes your head, "I will not. When one offers to second
... nay ... insists upon it ... only to leave their primary in forfeiture
... that is not honor."
Martel says quietly, "I can not here my brothers so disparaged."
Dame Catharsis gazes disbelievingly at Punzel.
Punzel disgustedly shakes your head.
Morte glances at Martel, "Truth... is truth, Duelist."
Retribution asks Punzel, "What is honor then sera? Leaving your
second here to die, while you rest in your bed?"
Martel says regretfully to Punzel, "Then Viola, I must challenge you."
Robert blinks.
Darvius blinks.
Punzel nods to Martel, "If you disagree, then I too would challenge."
Dame Catharsis nods to Martel approvingly.
Kiera nods to Punzel, "As must I"
Kiera glances at Martel, "Well you spoke first"
Punzel nods, "I hold the position of second as an honorable one.
Those who do not are welcome to challenge me."
Martel says to Robert, "Brother, I will back you to the flames
of hell. Thus is our oath."
Morte comments, "There has been much fighting, and talk of
fighting this day."
Darvius nods to Martel.
Punzel raises her pointed chin.
Morte says, "Call challanges aside, and issue them tomarrow, if needs."
Robert nods to Martel slowly.
Dame Catharsis grins at Morte, "Aye, you reside with duelists
in this room, ser."
Morte says, "For now, let us rejoice that a life was not taken."
Martel asks you quietly, "So you accept my challenge?"
Punzel nods to Martel, "I do."
Morte sighs.
Retribution blinks at Morte surprisingly.
Martel sighs.
Angron nods thoughtfully at Morte.
Martel nods sadly.
Kiera moves from the south doorway to Morte.
Martel bows silently to the practice room.
Martel walks to the south doorway.
Morte nods to Kiera, "Tis honorable."
Ravelyn gazes incredulously at Morte.
Kiera nods to Morte.
Martel opens the south doorway.
Martel leaves through the south doorway.
Retribution sighs, "From friends, to lovers, to friends, to combatants."
Punzel glances at the south doorway.
Punzel tears slightly.
Punzel curtsies, "Please excuse me."
[Scroll received from Martel's second, Darvius, approximately one hour later, after
extensive conversation among Martel, Robert, and the other present Duelists:]
Viola, I proffer my apology for the duel offered, and hope you
accept that I was wrong. Robert's words were dishonorable, and
your words correct. Will you accept this and call the duel
resolved, so that Robert may decide how to behave on his own?
[Scroll received from Martel soon afterward:]
Viola, I hope you have received word from my second. If not, please hold
this till you do, as it is not right for the prinicples to discuss things directly.
I just wished to say that your words were correct. Robert was gravely
in the wrong, and he is no longer a brother to me. I defended him because
it was the right thing to do. I can not let an unsult to a Duelist stand. It
was my sincere hope that we would never be forced to cross swords.
So, let me then appologize to you directly. Tis a hard thing for a man to
have to tell the person he loves that she was wrong, and I have wronged
you by doing it. I hope you accept this more personal apology as well
as the more formal one.
With all of my love,
Martel