Qubel/Duel and Festival
The Duel Initiation and at the Dueling Ring in Qubel
The argument between Marquis Rathan Himoura and Duke Mathias Ridder led to a duel. They requested the use of the Sallowsian-styled dueling ring in Qubel as the location for their combat. The Dark Count Bowie Ironsides gladly accepted and even announced a celebration at his estate afterwards.
Roleplay from Mathias Ridder
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Duke Mathais had been sitting at his desk for the past couple of hours dealing with the situation at hand between him and the Marquis Rathan. It had been decided betweent eh two to let by gones be by gones but only after a duel betweeen the two.
He then wrote two letters and called upon his servant Duad to carry them out.
"Duad take this letter to Count Bowie requesting the use of his dueling circle, and this one to the lady Sorsha. The one to the lady is most important. find her and make sure it is delivered."
Sir Mathias Ridder
Duke of Port Nebel
Letter from Bowie Ironsides
(Personal message to Mathias Ridder)
Duke Mathias,
Nothing would give me more pleasure. I will have it cleaned and prepared. Please notify me when you are ready to duel, I wish to get a good seat.
With anticipation,
The Dark Count,
Bowie Ironsides
Count of Qubel
Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides
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The Dark Count dispatched a messenger to his agents in Qubel which read thus:
Prepare the duelling ring. Its space is required.
The news of this match made him very pleased. He was excited for the coming conflict.
The Dark Count,
Bowie Ironsides
Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell
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Sorsha had remained in Nebel for the night deciding it would be best, since she would only be making way for Qubel in the end. She had been so distraught, for some odd reason she had thought the duel was to take place at the lighthouse, how incredibly foolish of her.
She had no idea what to do from this point forward. She was so emotionally tired. She had so many letters to write and she didn’t know where to start.
Picking up the quill she personally began to write each out. Only managing to litter her room with parchment as she did.
Sorsha McDowell (Dame of Port Nebel)
Count of Qubel
Roleplay from Bowie Ironsides
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The duelling ring was prepared days ago for the conflict that would unfold today.
The ring had a sandy floor with a wooden picket fence circling it. On the outside was spectator stands and a small shed where the weapons and armour were. On an elevated scaffold was a box with two cushioned chairs, the chairs of honour reserved for the Dark Count and his guest Dame Sorsha. From this vantage, the whole spectacle could be enjoyed, at least by one of them.
It was not much yet, but as provision for an arena for combat, it was all that was required.
All that was left was for the combatants to enter and perform.
The Dark Count,
Bowie Ironsides
Count of Qubel
Being as Dame Sorsha was doubly pinned by this duel, having feelings for Duke Mathias and becoming a recently close acquaintance of Marquis Rathan, she found it difficult to accept their combat. She decided to attend the duel as the guest of the Dark Count.
Roleplay from Mathias Ridder
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Mathias had just arrived in Qubel when he decided he wanted to visit the ring he would be fighting in come the morning. Once he arrived he found that the ground entrance was open and preceded to enter the stadium. Walking around inside he noticed that the place was mostly empty except for the few peasants who were preparing it for the duel in the morning. Mathias then jumped the barrier and began to walk the ring.
Sir Mathias Ridder
Duke of Port Nebel
'Roleplay from Lycan Moreira
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He arrived in Qubel for the duel in the afternoon. He had never witnessed one before so he was at least curious. He directed himself to the dueling ring trying to satisfy some of his curiosity. Upon entering he looked around admiring the place, at the center of the ring he saw a man. He frowned seeing this man there alone. Maybe he’s just as curious as I am. He approached him and decided to introduce himself.
“Good evening. I’m Lycan Moreira. I’m here for the duel, obviously. You?” he asked, curious to whom this Knight was.
Lycan Moreira (Knight of Raviel)
Roleplay from Rathan Himoura
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Rathan arrived at the ring with his retinue, and observed the ring, scoffing to himself.
"They honestly expect an important person such as myself to get in that little dirt pit and hack away at the Duke? Pah. Such things are so far beneath me that it fails to be funny."
Sir Rathan Himoura
Royal Fiduciary of D'Hara, Marquis of Nebel
Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell
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“Since you put it that way, yes I could see the attraction…maybe it is simply due to the fact that it always seems to be Mathias doing the dueling lately,” she chuckled a bit, somewhat nervously.
Finishing the last of her tea she rose. “I accept your invitation,” she told him with a smile. “Hopefully more will join us to this feast,” she said wistfully.
It wasn’t long the call for them to leave was made, and the Count presented her his arm and she took it gracefully, making their way to the arena. This was her first attendance therefore she simply followed his lead.
It was a silent ride due to her worry, but Bowie kept smiling whenever she glanced his way, most likely trying to reassure her.
When they arrived, he again proffered his arm and she lightly rested her hand. He was dressed in his best, and that morning she had chosen a dark green colored gown with a silver shawl. She usually preferred her long brown hair swept off her neck, but today it was pinned in long curls trailing past her shoulders reaching her lower back. If it wasn’t for the fact that this was a duel, she could have pretended she was attending a ball instead.
They were led down the halls of the arena until they came out a side door that led to an elevated scaffold where two seats were reserved for the Count and herself.
Sorsha’s heart was pounding so hard now that she was there. The Count motioned for her to sit and she slowly lowered into the cushioned chair and he joined her.
Looking around now, she looked to the center of the arena where Mathias was talking to none other than Lycan. This made her blink with a small bit of surprise. She was glad Mathias was distracted and had not seen her yet. If he did, she would try to avoid his gaze for fear that he would see right through her.
Then a smile formed on her lips at seeing Lycan again. She would speak with him later when she had the chance.
Further down, she spotted Marquis Rathan who examined the arena in quiet disdain. Her eyes rested on him for a bit and as if sensing her gaze, he looked straight at her. They shared a long look her heart racing even faster. She forced an impassive look on her face, in case anyone was watching her hoping they wouldn’t make anything of the expression on her face.
Count Bowie began to talk excitedly of what was to come and she listened quietly. Eventually she managed to tear her gaze away back to the center ring.
Sorsha McDowell (Dame of Port Nebel)
Roleplay from Mathias Ridder
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"Sir Lycan you say?" said Mathias then turning to see who was talking to him. "Well it is obvious you do not know who I am seeing as I am to be participating in the duel. So I shall introduce myself, I am Duke Mathias of Port Nebel, and what brings you here Sir Lycan?"
Sir Mathias Ridder
Duke of Port Nebel
Roleplay from Lycan Moreira
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“Oh…” he said surprised he was one of the contestants. “Well I have never witnessed a duel before so in all honesty I’m just here to satisfy my curiosity.” He paused a bit and then added “I do not envy you right now.” He admitted. “May I ask you what was the motive to such challenge?” he glanced at him trying to read his demeanor. He seemed comfortable enough with it.
Lycan Moreira (Knight of Raviel)
Roleplay from Mathias Ridder
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"Well my friend I was insulted by Marquis Rathan. If you noticed actually about two days ago he switched duchies and in the process broke one of our laws. Though he did quickly switch back after a small...how would you describe it, conversation, I guess. Well even after this whole situation had calmed down I still felt insulted and decided the only way I could satiated would be with a duel seeing as how the Marquis refused to apologize for his insult to me. But you see here is the strange thing he will not fight me either in the dueling ring he instead has his Champion fight for him. Either way though if I win or lose against his champion my honor will still be intact and I shall have what I desired, but enough about me and my problems. Was there anything wished to know?"
Sir Mathias Ridder
Duke of Port Nebel
Roleplay from Lycan Moreira
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So this man had been insulted and seemed to have good reason to challenge the other man. He just couldn’t understand why the other contestant wouldn’t take his own place and fight his own battles. Sending someone in his stead. But he wouldn’t pass judgment. He didn’t know either of them well enough to even consider who was right. “No. Thank you for your words.” He said simply.
Looking to his right Lycan noticed a couple heading for the scaffold. A man was leading their way with a beautiful woman by his side and looking a second time he realized it was Sorsha. He smiled surprised she was there. She looked astonishing and he couldn’t help but comment out loud. “Wow! What a sight for sore eyes!” he exclaimed while nudging Duke Mathias to look in the same direction.
Lycan Moreira (Knight of Raviel)
Roleplay from Mathias Ridder
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"Yes, I saw her come in minutes ago. Though from what I gathered in the letter she sent to me was that she did not desire to actually see me. My heart is broken right now Sir Lycan, though I am amazed that you knew of me and Sorsha. Or did you even now about that? I am sorry again I speak too much of myself." Mathias then stroking his bread came up with an idea. "I got it, how about you lead up there and us carried away with our conversation meet up with both Count Bowie and Lady Sorsha?"
Sir Mathias Ridder
Duke of Port Nebel
Roleplay from Lycan Moreira
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Upon hearing his words and the heartbreak they carried with them Lycan was very surprised. “Wait. What?! You two…” he let his words trail off has he looked from one to the other. “Wow.” Now that’s awkward. “Uh…Sir, I didn’t know you two were…” he paused. Were they? “Uh..had an history…”
Whatever was going on between them he did seem heartbroken. “Duke Mathias I see you have something to work out between you. But if the lady wished not to speak to you I’m not one to meddle with it. My advice to you. Show her how you feel, keep nothing within yourself. Speak your mind and your true feelings towards her. Women want to know what we’re thinking about and how we feel. We just don’t do it often enough…” He paused a bit evaluating his demeanor. He looked more nervous about talking to her than he did about dueling.
“Duke Mathias, Sorsha and I met not long ago and we became instant friends. From what I gather she’s a great lady and like any other woman she just wants to be appreciated. If you do not wish to lose her, show her your appreciation.”
Giving him some time to digest what he just told him Lycan added “C’mon Duke Mathias, I’ll buy you some ale. You look like you need some.” He chuckled and led the way to the vendor in a shed just on the outside of the arena.
Lycan Moreira (Knight of Raviel)
Roleplay from Mathias Ridder
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His head hung low Mathias decided some ale would be good for him and followed Sir Lycan to the shed.
Sir Mathias Ridder
Duke of Port Nebel
Roleplay from Selena D'Aermon
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Selena and her men were at the tavern tonight. But she sat alone, apart from the jovial exercises of her companions.
In a lonely booth in the back corner of the common room she sat, elbows on the table with her head bent and propped up by her hands. The various texts which Lord Ironside had given her regarding their Sallowsian culture lay before her on the table, soaked in ale and tears. This was not a night of joy and recreation for Selena.
Her demons plagued her at every turn. She read of D'hara and the Sallowsian life and she only missed home. She struggled even to remember the words that her eyes collected on the page. Could she ever become a Sallowsian? What would the count say if she told him that she could not follow him in his path? He had been nothing but kind and welcoming to her. How could she insult him like that?
A few tables away two men were speaking of the coming duel. Selena lifted her red eyes to watch the men, listening in on their conversation.
A new wave of grief mixed with burning hatred washed over her. A duel. And people were excited. She was furious. Not at the prospect of a duel, duelling was acceptable as far as she was concerned. It was the memories.
She had killed a man once. A man she had known. Not a faceless mongrel from an invading country but someone she had known, cared for, loved. The fury in her rose up once again. That no-good, lying, cheating piece of filth. She reached down to find the ring on her left hand before remembering she had already torn it off and thrown it to the sea.
She looked up again at the men and realized they, along with many other patrons were staring at her. She regained some semblance of her calm and realized that she had completely torn the parchments in front of her, drained the pitcher that had sat atop the table and frighteningly had even buried her concealed dirk so hard into the table top that the point had seen the underside.
Embaressed and still crying she fled from the bar after tossing a small purse of solid gold coins at the barkeep, her soldiers following her out loyally and protectively. Her demons followed close behind.
Selena D'Aermon (Dame of Qubel)
Roleplay from Kratos Wolff
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When the food cart that Kratos was riding arrived at Nebel he got off and payed the trader some gold. "Thank you for the ride my friend, I appreciate it."
After saying this he headed towards the center of town to see if he could find a faster way to get to Port Nebel. While in his way, Kratos noticed a peculiar post in the bulletin board, outside of a bar. It said something about a duel, and a following feast, back at Quebel. He decided to head back, since he couldnt miss it.
"Well buddy, we will see what you are later." Kratos said to the pup as he headed back. After a small bit of walking he noticed the same trader, who was heading back.
"Hey there friend, are you heading back now?" He noticed that the cart was empty, it must be a good break for the two horses.
"Yes m'lord, we are heading back to Quebel, and we will be making these trips 'till the sun comes down."
Kratos thought about it for a second and asked "Can one of your horses carry the empty cart all by itself?"
"Ofcourse sir, it can." The trader replied quickly.
Kratos got out a small pouch with some gold in it and handed it to the trader. "I need to take your horse if you don't mind, I am in a bit of a hurry... the gold should be enough for the trouble, I will leave the horse at my estate, it is not far from Count Ironside's, you could find it if you ask around."
Saying this Kratos started releasing the horse from the cart, and the trader adjusted the other one. Then he got on the horser, holding the dog on one arm. "Thanks again my friend, and good luck." Kratos said as he made his way towards Quebel.
Kratos Wolff (Knight of Qubel)
Roleplay from Sorsha McDowell
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Sorsha had tried her best to keep her gaze focused on everything around her but Mathias or Rathan. Bowie was ever the entertainer and continuously spoke with her, managing to make her smile and giggle which was incredible considering the state she had arrived in.
How grateful she was for Bowie, as much as he said it of her, it was he who was the real gem. She quietly wished she could eventually confide in him, to know what he would do were he in her place. She smiled imagining how simple he would make matters, of course with a flair of exuberance thrown in for effect. This made her laugh out of cue and he turned in her direction. Noticing her quiet laughter, he paused, eyes glinting and mirrored her expression.
Drinks were brought out to them and she thanked the servant. She was pleased to notice hers was filled with wine.
Mathias was leaving with Lycan and she could see them now in deep conversation. Wondering what they could be discussing with such seriousness. Realizing she was looking at him, she gave a start and quickly drank some wine.
She tried to find any other familiar faces within the crowd to distract her but she hadn’t found any yet. There were quite a few spectators now beginning to fill the arena and she actually began to feel something akin to eagerness. Possibly to get this matter over and dealt with.
Sorsha McDowell (Dame of Port Nebel)
Roleplay from Rathan Himoura
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Rathan gazed at Sorsha for some time, and caught himself, realizing he had been staring. He disappeared to his tent for a time and reappeared, his robes replaced with the dark leather of his days as an infiltrator. He stepped into the ring and took the glove off his hand, stepping past Sir Lycan and slapped Mathias good and hard across the face.
"I will fight this duel. You are hereby challenged Duke Ridder."
Sir Rathan Himoura
Royal Fiduciary of D'Hara, Marquis of Nebel
Roleplay from Mathias Ridder
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- SLAP
"Ow!" Mathias then grabbing his sword turned to meet his assailant only to hear the words I challenge you.
"So Marquis Rathan you have decided to fight me anyways. Well then I will be happy to oblige. What say you? We meet back here in say a few hours and settle this?"
Sir Mathias Ridder
Duke of Port Nebel
Roleplay from Rathan Himoura
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Rathan smirked
"Need some time to write up your last will and testament. Go then, I will be waiting."
He turned his gaze to Sorsha once more, and felt his heart begin to race.
Sir Rathan Himoura
Royal Fiduciary of D'Hara, Marquis of Nebel
Continued: The Performance on the Dueling Ring