Duel The Draconian Within

Discussion in 'Player Stories' started by MonMarty, Jan 10, 2019.

  1. MonMarty

    MonMarty Thotdodger Staff Member Server Owner

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    The cold morning of the 10th of January saw a selective crowd at the Agathe Tournament Grounds, somewhat out in the forest of Regalia. Normally, knightly duels were to be held in private or in the more usually used tournament grounds directly in the city, but this particular location was chosen because of its widen open dirt field that was incidentally also not very well maintained. Only a limited crowd had chosen to show up, neatly packed into the viewer stands where a contrast of sorts came to be when House Delmotte occupied one end, while House Letoirneau occupied another. In the middle were but few servants and commoners who happened to not have any business this particular morning, for it was still quite frigid even if most of the snow had melted away. There were surprisingly no Kades present despite the participation of the Imperial Prince. No great public spectacle had been drawn to this duel, rather, it had simply been announced on short notice, and the only reason any of the other nobles showed up was likely because of the kindling feud between them.

    The arena itself was oval in shape, but had no major structures attached to it. The duelists were already in the ring, to the left Cyprian de Letoirneau, clad in full plate armor with his winged helmet, and to the right, Louis Delmotte clad in full plate armor with his Blacksteel long sword, standing side by side yet without enough space between them to make it clear they were only superficially on the same side, opposed to Cedromar Kade who stood a few dozen feet away from them, in merely a set of Imperial robes in blue, and without a sword. This fact would not be so surprising to the duelist, who had already alluded by his commentary that they wouldn’t be fighting a normal Knight with a normal sword, as the term Dragon scale had been dropped in casual conversation in the bar. Cyprien the Bloodcast and Louis the Viridian were to face the Imperial Dragon in what was probably going to be the first “friendly” showcase of the Imperial Dragon as a prop for entertainment. The battle was obviously not to the death as it had simply been agreed upon by the two knights and one ex-knight. Regardless of that fact, while the cold of the morning still clung to the steam rising from their breaths through their visors, within moments, there was no more Imperial Prince, but an Imperial Dragon instead. Regardless of the commitment to a friendly duel, this beast still had claws that could cut through plate mail and enough strength in a single leg to crush a grown man. As such, before long, the knights took their defensive stances, unsure how the Dragon would act in the ring, as they had truly never fought such a creature before.

    As one might have expected, the Dragon made the first move, merely to cause a showcase of strength, and to set the stage for the audience. It stood up on its hind legs, spread its wings wide and let out a Draconian roar that echoed in Mount Helena and Agatha in the background, while causing such a gust with its wings that even the tightest attached hair dressage of Ithanian ladies could be unsettled and unseated from their pinned positions. Before the Dragon’s stance was even complete, the Knights charged forward with the intention to striking the Dragon’s legs. Given that they knew it was Dragon scale, their swords would have little effect, but this was still the corporal form of the Imperial Prince. Knowing that they would be heretics for even drawing a Prince’s blood, their strikes were perhaps not with full force. This calculated decision would prove to provide for a rather lackluster first attack. They both struck the Dragon’s legs while it still stood on its behind legs, only to find their sword bounced off as if it was a twig hitting a tree. Their lack of conviction in their strikes and caution dampened their first blows, and it didn’t take short for the Dragon to respond. It buckled from it’s position, forelegs landing on the ground and sending such a shake that it knocked Cyprien off his feet while forcing Louis to a kneeling position. Both raised back to their feet, preparing to counter whatever the Dragon would do next.

    It charged forward, away from the knights, before turning and raising its tail high in the air, smashing it down on the ground a couple of times to create a drumming rhythm. It seemed poised to charge like a dog ready to chase after a stick being thrown into a field, and it gave the two Knights some time to consider their approach. Louis appealed to Cyprien’s sensibilities and the two came up with a plan that would involve Cyprien baiting the Dragon into a position for Louis to find the blind spot and weak spot on the Dragon scale that was otherwise hard to find because of the wingspan. The two proceeded to execute their plan, but very quickly on, a contrast in trust was exposed. While Louis put a great deal of trust in Cyprien to to execute the agreed upon plan, Cyprien showed to change his mind in the last moment, perhaps believing that Louis would sell him out and leave him alone for the Dragon to knock out of the duel. The Dragon obviously used this situation and switched its focus from Cyprien to Louis, sweeping its clawed leg over the ground and causing an avalanche of dusty sand to wash over Louis with such force that got it everywhere and in everything, and he spent the next minute coughing dry dust from his throat.

    It was here also that the disposition between Cyprien and Louis became obvious when Louis quickly scrambled to try and help Cyprien who was now alone against the Dragon, not having fully recovered but doing his best to turn the Dragon back to him despite Cyprien’s mid-fight betrayal. Cyprien, instead of using this reprieve to return the favor and help Louis while he was attracting the Dragon again, simply let the Dragon smack Louis with its tail, flinging him backwards with such force that his helmet flew off and he broke his off-hand forearm while bracing his fall. It became obvious here that the fight was to be like that, the Dragon was as if a predator, and Cyprien was fully using Louis like a wounded animal to draw the Dragon into the position where he could strike. It was indeed Cyprien who would be the first to deliver a strike on the Dragon’s left back leg, followed by the right leg, and actually drawing blood. The Dragon seemed less pleased, but at this point, to those outside the ring it looked as if the Dragon wasn’t taking the duel seriously. Not because the Dragon was just so full of itself, rather, it seemed to taunt the situation and only act on the decisions of the knights. The Dragon only acted to punish lack of cooperation, it only acted when either knight chose to split up their coordination, almost like it was trying to prove a point.

    A number of blows were exchanged between the Dragon’s tail and Cyprien’s shield, his sword striking back against the Dragon scale, until Louis could stand once more. It was in this moment, that the Dragon seemingly (only detectable to the watching crowd) feigned weakness and exhaustion. Like a wounded dog, it crawled away from Cyprien, and in the direction of Louis, where it seemingly also obviously exposed its neck to showcase a coup-de-grace moment. There was only a short distance between Louis and the Dragon and a greater distance between the Dragon and Cyprien. It was thus that Cyprien charged forward, intent to halt Louis from delivering the final strike and declaring the duel as won. As he reached Louis, he roughly knocked him aside, causing him to fall over again, and raised his sword as if ready to declare victory by holding the sword by the Dragon’s neck. The Dragon however instantly thrust its wing forward, smothering Cyprien in the feathers and pushing him back while he struggled against the people-sized feathers that surrounded him like a thick jungle bush.

    It was then after a couple more blows between Cyprien and the Dragon (while Louis could barely stand up again from the beatings) that the Dragon played the last showcase. It jumped up from the ground, taking flight in a low-to-the-ground hover while its wings rapidly flapped to create lift. The wind caused the banners of the tournament ground to rapidly thrust in all directions. The Dragon then re positioned to above Louis, and descended near him on the ground, landing in such a way that the claws on his front leg would pin over Louis who was still on the ground, and keep him pinned to the ground. Because he was pinned at an odd angle, Louis yelled out in pain from his broken forearm, though Cyprien did not move. The Dragon also held its other razor sharp clawed leg out in the direction of Cyprien to where it was obvious if he would approach, he could strike. It was there that the final act of showcase was that Cyprien refused to risk himself to save Louis, and there also that the duel ended.

    The Dragon had balled its foot so as to not crush Louis, but he was obviously still in pain. The Imperial Prince now normal once more, but still with residual Dragon scale on his skin and waning strength of the Dragon, picked up Louis’s Viridian cape, pulling it in such a manner that he was able to use it as a stretcher-sled to pull Louis the 50 odd yards across the tournament grounds to where Baron von Duerr had prepared triage, profusely apologizing for going too far and wounding Louis beyond what he had meant to, while Cyprien removed his helmet and stayed in composure on the field. It was both the Delmottes and Letoirneau supporters and peasants who decried victory for their side. While they waited for Ana de Letoirneau and Emeline Delmotte to make an official statement, the de Letoirneau supporters proclaimed Cyprien the true victor, since he had stood against the Dragon and come out unscathed and even drawn blood. The Delmotte supporters proclaimed Louis was the true victor, for his honor was intact and he had made sacrifices for Cyprien that he would not. The crowd became rowdy.

    But some who were perhaps more studious would observe that this duel wasn’t really about fighting a Dragon. The Prince had crafted his combat moves in such a way that the knights weren’t really duelling the Dragon, but their own moral codes, conflicts and disdain for each other.
     
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  2. MonMarty

    MonMarty Thotdodger Staff Member Server Owner

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    Forgot to tag @Arhbi and @Nathan

    Also anyone is welcome to Rp respond to this post as spectators/bystanders.
     
  3. Arhbi

    Arhbi Peacemaker Supremium

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    Louis Delmotte, having both his physique and ego wounded, writhed in pain as he exclaimed: "You're an honorless craven Cyprien! You no good backstabbing rat!" He'd spew further curses beneath his breath, concocting vile plans to avenge himself for the actions of Cyprien.

    After being dragged off by the Imperial Prince he'd offer many words of gratitude for assisting him, or better yet sparing his life. The Viridian reminisced on the words Cedric offered him the day prior, and would now consider taking a more humble approach to conflict as a result of this experience.

    @Nathan
     
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    #3 Arhbi, Jan 10, 2019
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2019
  4. Bunemma

    Bunemma guinea pig gremlin Staff Member World2

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    "Louis, quite obviously, is the victor!" declared the uwu minuscule Countess, rising to her feet, ready to glare daggers at any and all that opposed her.
     
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    #4 Bunemma, Jan 10, 2019
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2019
  5. Mayaran

    Mayaran A whole mess

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    "The battle did turn out quite interesting, a good fight from both sides I'd say. Cyprien is the man on his feet, he surely is the victor."

    The blonde woman spoke in a low tone of voice, the faintest of smiles at her lips as the battle concluded. Solaine de Letoirneau soon made her way away from the people, and back to the city.
     
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  6. SnashuuPomaymay

    SnashuuPomaymay lol die

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    Little Hyacinthe was beyond giddy to spot her father still on his feet by the end of the fight, piping up with a cheerful,Papa won! He clearly won, he’s still standing and he’s not hurt! Good job! She chirped. Despite the girl’s gleeful attitude however- Each person who loudly disagreed with her opinion earned a death glare like no other.
    Angsty thirteen year olds, eUGH.
     
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  7. ZiggyStarDusted

    ZiggyStarDusted *lute music stops*

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    Enzo de Letoirneau would latch at one of his closest family members at first in shock. He'd never seen the dragon up close, and it was evident.

    Unlike more eager participants in his house, the man would be majorly spotted with hands at his mouth, as if gasping throughout the duel.

    "I need a drink, we-- need a drink.. The delmotte certainly needs a drink!" The man just spewing words out of audacity by the climax.
     
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  8. Miss_Silver

    Miss_Silver The Best Ithanian Princess

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    The Ithanian Countess sat with a sense of awe at first watching the Imperial Dragon in action, although this faded into a more mild curiousity as she watched the ‘fight’ unfold.

    By the end of the conflict, she rose herself up to her feet, giving Cyprien a nod and grin from her position. Yet, she did not need say anything - instead taking a moment to reorganise her hair as she set her gaze across the unruly crowd.
     
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  9. Ellimairy

    Ellimairy Sophia Du Polignac

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    As the fight started, Sophia simply started to adjust her outfit a bit, the foxfur trims on her coat and shawl, which still had the head of the fox attached, were laid out with much care. Her beehive hairpiece decorated to excess once more. This time the Ithanian's beehive hairpiece was decorated with small golden horses, strung together by silver chains. Along side of this hung small ribbons displaying the colours of house de letoirneau. Out of the top of the hairpiece rose several grey peacock feathers. However, with the first gust of air the hairpiece was ruined. The feathers broke and looked like a defeated chicken. The ribbons had flown out if were semi attached, with the display of golden horses dangeling next to her head.

    Sophia produced a loud yelp and moved off the stands, followed by two servants.

    It took almost the entire duration of the fight before she returned, the foxfur trims now on her head and removed from some areas of her clothing, she once more looked like a propper Ithanian, seeing louise laying there like a cripple with cyprien standing victorious.

    And thus began her pompous display of applauding cyprien.

    "Bravo! Bravo!"

    She glared daggers to the delmottes, continueing to support her family.​
     
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  10. TheBioverse

    TheBioverse ❖ Prince of Thieves ❖

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    -={x}=-

    An open dirt field was by no means Vhilomir's ideal languishing ground, and so the Kade observed from afar- aided by both his archer's sight and meticulously crafted Clockwork Goggles. Scribbling away at the various movements and actions of all parties informed, combat participating or otherwise, the Information Broker was satiated - entirely relieved that his adoptive Father was at least well and in enough spirits to entertain the duo. Situated beneath the shade of an overhanging tree whilst pressed into the shadow of the bark, he spoke to no one in particular.

    "Spirit, it's good to have him back with us."
     
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  11. Nathan

    Nathan Regalian Patrician

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    After removing his helm and retiring from the field, Cyprien de Letoirneau couldn't help just the slightest smirk at Louis' angered remarks from behind him, as he laid a hand on his lower back and gave a small wince. He then winked in the direction of Jeanne and Anastasie, saying a soft but meaningful "Worth it."

    @ParisaPax @Miss_Silver
     
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  12. Friendly_Gal

    Friendly_Gal The Friendly Background Character

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    ~~~
    Gabriel
    de Letoirneau was stunned during most of the fight- merely due to the dragon's appearance. Although he knew what to expect because he was already told of so- Gabby never imagined a dragon to appear in front of his eyes. This is why during the first ark of the battle, Gabriel was only watching the dragon as he moved- raising a brow at it's... movements.

    When Gabriel finally realized who were fighting, his gaze panned over to Cyprien- watching him- his eyes widening every time he came close to danger- but his attention also slipped to Louis from time to time. Despite the fact that Gabriel literally hated Louis, he couldn't help but feel worried for Louis too.

    But what happened during the fight surprised Gabriel.
    And not in a good way.

    As Solaine slipped off, so did Gabriel- following right behind her.
    ~~~
     
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  13. Jalapeno690

    Jalapeno690 Doge of Helvetica

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  14. Yigit

    Yigit Undertaker

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    Rodrigo Peirgarten had been spectating the battle, his henchman Miguel standing guard to his side. Throughout the show, he had kept his eyes entirely on Louis, giving cheers and supporting yells for the man. However, Rodrigo's jovial grin fell when he watched Cyprien's betrayal, which left Louis mortally wounded. By the end of the battle, Rodrigo glared daggers towards the Letoirneau clique as they began cheering out loud despite the honorless act of their kinsman.

    Rodrigo suddenly rose up to his feet, boiling like a mad bull, as he pointed a finger towards Ana and Sophia from across the stage and barked loud enough to silence the rest of the crowd.

    "Your kin is a cheating, backstabbing swine! He is no victor, he is a dishonorable /cunt/!"

    And then he turned, his henchman in tow, aggressively stomping away from the spectators crowd to find Louis.

    @Miss_Silver @Ellimairy @Arhbi
     
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    #14 Yigit, Jan 10, 2019
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2019
  15. Ryria

    Ryria i amne jusst a litle creechr

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    Agatha Harhold watched the battle intently and in awe, a gasp escaping her every now and then as the dragon, and Cyprien, continuously beat down on Louis. She could hardly watch, but she felt a sense of pride when the Delmotte went out of his way to help his opponent, even with such horrible circumstances shrouding the two of them.

    Clasping her hands at her front she anxiously awaited the fight to end, her brows slowly but surely knitting into a frown.

    “That man should be ashamed of himself, he’s riddled with greed and selfishness. Louis Delmotte placed all personal feelings aside, and he was repaid in kind with a dagger between the shoulder blades. If anything, he should win just for fighting fairly. I’m sure we won’t hear the end of this, though, it’s just more air for their egos.”
     
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    #15 Ryria, Jan 10, 2019
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2019
  16. AtticCat

    AtticCat haeksen van regalia

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    Winifred von Rahm shook her head as she leaned forward, watching the Delmotte get dragged onwards. "Poor Ser Louis! You're a backstabber," the young lady called as she pointed towards Cypri. She looked infuriated from the Delmotte's injuries and scrambled quickly up to watch as far as she could- though she didn't shove her nose into the situation for once to help Baron von Duerr.
     
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  17. TalkChat

    TalkChat Thank you! And goodnight.

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    Kalmar's brown gaze flickered between the two knights as his brows knitted together. The Orc slowly stood as his gaze was transfixed on the ending of the battle, and visibly growing angered all the same. He looked toward the Letoirneau family that sat, cheering above him as he spoke out in a deep, and guttural tone to himself "There is no honor in this pit, this was no duel." before making off with heavy steps echoing behind him.
     
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