The Honor Duel

As they lefty the city when they where out of view shewould sigh softly and sag her shoulders before shaking her head and muttering. "Vitthin Rivvin....." under her breath before looking too Kira and giving her that small smile, seemed there was just something about Kira that brought a smile to Sil's face.

"Did I act out of turn?"

Sisterly and cheerful, Kira lightly shakes her head, "No, Hound Sister. Those adventurers were against us before you said a thing. Let's just avoid conversation with them. Those phindar just want to twist words and our way of life - nothing less than joining their side of the war for free will satisfy them."

Sil would nod softly before reaching out and placing a hand upon Kira's shoulder and softly squeesing. "Thankyou Ma'em, know you where they with me helped, you always seem to have a habbit of being there for me when I need you." Sil would say with that smile smile before removing her hand. "So where are we off to now Ma'em, back to shadowdale, of one of the road side inns?"

Kira listens on with occaisional attentive nod then replies, "After all that Zhent talk? Let's try the Royal Oak Inn. I think we've had enough of both sides for a while." Smirks and leads the way.

Sil nods softly but stops as they leave the main gates. "That sounds good, but first, I must see to this Duel, I am bound by honor and will not dishonor myself, The Hounds or my challenger by not showing up." She would say before waiting there for him arrive, Adamantie Battle Axe and Towershield in hand, a grim look in her eyes, yet a smile on her lips, it had been along time since she Fought a duel.

*the Uthgardt barbarian arrives to the spot a short while later. He carries a towershield and a battleaxe can be clearly seen behind his belt. He looks over his oponent briefly - in a rather appraising manner.*

It seems I've just lost fifty gold.

*he then turns his gaze to Kira*

Is she taking the challenge for you, or is she your second?

*Taeron would position himself roughly fifteen feet from Silesia, his axe still at his belt - but his shield ready and his feet in a defensive stance. Other than that, he seems relaxed - not overly aggresive.*

As for your request, Black Hound, this duel is about honor, not blood. I will not take your head, nor will I take a trophy even if I manage to win. A duel to the defeat, not death - as you requested.

Silesia would hold up her axe to him in a Rashiman salute as he closed the gag. " I fight my own battles, my Commands is here to watch only. I thank you for the terms and offer you the same in turn." (have to run to work be back in three hours of so.)

*Taeron looks around*

I stand alone and I fight alone. My actions are not those of the Defenders or any other faction. This is a duel between you and me. If there are hurt feelings afterwards, you can seek me out. I will gladly fight again.

But as in every duel, I have to ask you... Are you sure you know what you fight for? Is your honor placed on the right bet?

Anadra stands silently nearby watching closely for any signs of treachery by the mercenaries.

Adamus ignores the duel for the most part, glancing to it in occasional distaste as he watches the roads.

"Orphanages burn, children go missing, Orc and Drow sympathisers are rife. Here we are, fighting amongst ourselves over stupid conflicts."

*overhears the remarks* you are worried about orc and drow sympathizers and then complaining because someone wants to fight them?

"In a foolish battle of 'honour'? Yes. Butting heads over this accomplishes nothing. If you wish to actually be useful, be vigilant to threats to the city. If not, stop posturing and fall in line."

I am vigilant to treats to the city.

all threats.

which includes those who aid the city's enemies.

fall in line with who? those who think that the city's defenders should ignore obvious enemies? and allow them to walk the city's streets?

if you don't think these mercenaries are a threat then you need to open you eyes and take a look around.

"I believe this very conflict was started because a sympathiser was banished, was it not? And my eyes are very much open - for now, for Drow and Orcs, the more immediate threats to the refugees. I hold no love for mercenaries, but they claim neutrality and so would not compromise their relationship with Myth Drannor over it. They would force resignation of the offending, before this would happen."

you are wrong.

they openly support the zhents.

go to the mountains and watch them defending zhent outposts.

go to the roads outside shadowdale and watch zhent patrols that include necromancers, drow orcs and these "neutral" mercenaries.

"I do not advocate their choices in contracts, but I also do not think you know what neutrality is. They are neutral in the conflict between Myth Drannor and Shadowdale. They have made no claims as to anything else.

I would also not go anywhere near Shadowdale at this moment in time as my duty is here, protecting the refugees."

He scowls, his eyes still on the roads as he speaks.

*shrugs* I have heard that there are birds in the deserts to the south that intentionally bury their heads in the sand so that they can't see their enemies and will feel safe. I did not know they looked so much like humans.

The heavily armored one eyed mercenary commander of the Hounds approaches the duel, he walks over to a near by tree and leans against it as he lights his cigar with a small breath of fire. He glances over to Kira and gives her a slight wave.

"Anyone place any bets?"

"I do this for the same reason as you I belive, My beliefs, duty and for my Company. Should you defeat me I will harbor no ill will, only admiration for a skilled warrior. On guard!" Sil would say before stepping into a full defence stance, turning her body sideways to make herself a thinner target, her right foot slide to the side to cat as a brace should she charged, knees bending somewhat to to help with any impact shock that was to come, her towershield lifted to face him but at a slight angle so a blow would be more inclined to slide down the shield, and lastly he axe would come to rest point to the ground behind her, ready to be used in an attack, counter, of disarm attempt. She waits, silently.

*Jarrin walks up with his usual, horrid excuse for a salute*

Heya, Bossman...how come these two is squarin off 'gainst each other? That big fellow didn't grab her butt or nothin, did he?

*Taeron eyes the defensive stance and nods approvingly*

Everything looks exactly as it should. Shield angled, body turned, axe held low, eyes on target... It looks perfect.
But is it really?

*the barbarian shifts feet - his weight lifted - gaining speed at the cost of stability*

Let's put that to a test, shall we?

*The barbarian does exactly what Silesia braced for. With a smirk he dashes forward - more leaping than running. It's an all-out attack, savage and primal, yet there is no battle cry. A disciplined rage. His battle axe moves swiftly over a large arc, gaining momentum - and it clashes against her shield - with the full force and weight of the barbarian. The duel is on!*

As Alfie, arrives to the scene after hearing the gossips from Tahandor and locals, he has a grin on his face.

-Oiii, interesfiin stuff, and blimeyyyy! that lass looks...solid...damn i probably missed the bettings.

*takes out a snack nods to everyone gathered briefly, and nibbles as he watches excitedly*

*winces at teh impact*

Ya know, Bossman...they coulda had a bloody drinkin contest and had lots more fun settlin...uh...whatever it is they're settlin.

And a lot fewer bruises *shudders*

Red eyes watch the duel from a distance. The woman keeps her hand on her quiver, leaving the shaodws to be her strongest ally. She can only shake her head as the duel begins. Though the Black Hound cloak sweeps down to the soft ground she can only mutter to herself.

"Poor girl. This is not going to end well for her..."

As he came at her a small smile reached her lips, as he swung his axe in a arc to give it power Sil would drop onto one knee and bow her head, leaning into her tower shield as she disappeared behind it. As the blow came crashing down a loud clang filled the air, and sil would be pushed back a inch or two. Sil however would attempt to use the force, spinning around in a arc of her own, her towershield being swung up and over her head being coming to rest over her back, her adamantiane axe swinging under and up as she attempted to strike him in the side.

*The barbarian just kept going - and if Sil stayed in the same spot, she would be trampled by the towering Uthgard. Her slash caught the moving barbarian just enough for a glancing hit, leaving a scratch on his field plate. Taeron turns around and nods*

Well done.

*He then looks around at the thickening crowd. Noticing a few more Black Hound capes, he just smirks. Those skilled in combat might notice that he changes the way he moves, trying to face as many of the Black Hounds as possible at all times. He seems ready for an ambush*

After we're done, I'd like to know who trained you.

*With that, the barbarian moves in to attack, this time with his axe held back and shield up front. For someone over seven feet, he moves rather fast - but far from graceful. His steps were drilled over and over untill he made them without thinking. As he approaches her, his axe remains hidden behind his shield and body. The others might notice that he changed the grip on it, holding it right under the blade*

*Jarrin grins as he watches the fight*

Ya know, Bossman...he ain't half bad for a savage barbarian type. Almost as if he was really trained. Course...he'd do better ifn he'd keep his mind on his opponent and not on us. But...paranoia is kinda odd like that I spose.

*hooks his thumbs back into his belt and watches casually*