Alisa was nonplussed for a moment; with the ardent, unanticipated support from both Kiera and the redhead warrioress from the Den. And then Domitius' so earnest expression of his feelings on the matter.

"I..." she bit her lip, paused.  Then spoke with sorrow tinging both her expression and tone:

"I well grasp what it is to be devoted heart and soul to an ideal and a cause."   Her free hand went briefly to Acavna's sigil.  "And, I know how much love you feel for this tradition, this way of life.  And how much your honor means to you."   She shook her head, looked down, back up.

"But, Domitius, what are mere words?  I know that words can sting, or cut; there are members of my own family who've said terrible things to me, for no reason other than my choice in deity is a bit unconventional.   And, haven't you said things which you did not truly mean, or later regretted? I know I have. Have not you and I stung each other on occasion, without meaning to?   Passions and tempers were running high at Lord Henry's gathering.  How could it be otherwise, with so very much at stake?"   When she continued, she was even more intent:

"Your courage is not in question!   How can I make that clear to you?  You are the most courageous man I've ever met, which is saying something.  Sometimes, I wish you were less so. Especially now..."  She bit her lip again, reluctant to add something else.

She gestured in Cass' direction. "Aye, you may well win.  The Lord Mayor is a musician, did you know?  A fine one, by word, whose playing brings joy to people.  And what if you take his hand off? Or 'just' cost him some fingers?  Would that please you?   Is it something you'd be proud to tell your children, one day? Because..." She shook her head, her eyes teared, her hand shook.    She drew a steadying breath.

"Because, I'm pregnant," she said said, just above a whisper.  "I'm pregnant.  Please...forget this, and come home with me.  Please."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Mon 31 Aug 2020.

OOC.  That WILL always be the case.

OOC: Not what you think I meant. The phrase 'Sword skills and Nothing Else' is wrong. But Adoven Does agree to 'Only Skills and Abilities THEY have.'

OOC:  Outside of the salon, in a combat duel, you can do as you wish.  If your character dies, that is something you will have agreed to in OOC beforehand.

Inside the salon it is swords off of the wall, shirts off, no jewellery or magic.  And it is a display / contest of swordsmanship. It is not a 'who is best overall combatant' - it a who is the best swordsman (or woman)

Make the most of this and use it in the way as it is intended.  This is the nearest I have ever come to putting any sort of Arena into any of my games.  PVP (of any sort) is a style of play I dislike.  I won't go anywhere an arena game, I don't play PVP computer games - of any sort.

I also don't mind if this thread gets closed down.

OOC:   On the other hand - if this settles down into a thread that is used for bits of voluntary, communal RP, I will be prepared to relax the rules somewhat.

Berta listened to Alisa's reply to her betrothed, impressed by the woman's wit and passion.  If words were weapons, the warrior-woman figured the priestess had scored more than a few hits.  Though she couldn't say as she enjoyed it, for Alisa's distress becomes more and more evident as she continues to plead.

Figuring she'll weigh in herself in support ...


... Berta's mouth snaps shut, almost audibly as she turns to look at Alisa with sympathy and concern, the stubbornness of Domitius no matter now as she wonders what to say, what she can say, to that revelation.

"You want I should try to get the Mayor out of there," she asks Alisa calmly as she finds her voice again, quite prepared to jump into the arena and pull Cass out, by his ear if necessary.  "He's a decent man.  I tell him that ... that you're ... well, I reckon he'll come quietly."

"This should be adjourned until a later date." Mia says firmly.  "A duel should be fought when both duellists are  fully prepared for it.  Not when either of them are in a state of mental turmoil.  I am sure that Robert will make the facilities available again in a few days time."  She says looking across at the duelling master.

Domitius stopped his mind awhirl with emotions, it was easy to see he was surprised then confused then elated and followed by... bewilderment.  "Pregnant" he paused looked from Alisa to Cass and back "Pregnant" he said once again "Iomedae"  he muttered to himself.

Then as if a light had come on he smiled "How did.... well I know how but.... when... oh probably... Aaah ummm.  Brother Thaddeus yes he will do." he took Alisa into an embrace and Kissed her.  "My love today is our wedding day nad a groom shouldn't duel on his wedding day.  An old Aldori tradition, the big family wedding will come later but I will not allow a child of mine to enter this world a bastard."


He looked around the room "Lords Kendrick and Mordane would you stand as my Groomsmen.  Kiera, Berta if my lady allows will you stand as her maidens?" he winked at Kiera as he spoke.  "Brother Thaddeus if you would perform the ceremony."

Thaddeus moved to join the group "Are you sure about this Domitius it seems a bit rushed."

Domitius looked into Alisa's eyes "As certain as I am the gods themselves look down upon us my friend.  Unless Alisa you object?"

Mia steps back and lets Dom have the stage, as he tries to organize his wedding on the spot.

Cass began to re-button his shirt. “There are many here who do not understand this duel, but I have no reason not to postpone it. It is apparent that the two of us split the coin of honor down the middle of its two sides, but I did speak thoughtlessly and my insult to your family was inadvertent. I apologize now. And it would be an honor stand as your groomsman as well as to offer you lodging at the Mithral until you are ready for your honeymoon. Congratulations to you both and blessings for the child.”

"By the Mother," Berta mutters under her breath, glancing towards Kiera. "Looks like you were right !"

The warrior-woman quickly nods her acquiescence to the duty assigned to her, ready to support Alyisa in more ways than one, now worried moreso that the bride-to-be might faint away, for all she doesn't seem the swooning kind.

"Honoured," Berta echoes the Mayor's response to Domitius, though she looks to the lady in question for acceptance both of the sudden proposal and of her services, grinning in turn at Cass as the Mayor offers his apology and congratulations, figuring he'll be the one to suffer if there's any dancing in the hours to come, as he'll be stuck with her as his partner !
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Tue 01 Sept 2020.

She had opened her mouth, been on the very verge of taking Berta up on her compassionate suggestion, when Domitius had embraced and kissed her, then spoken, leaving her momentarily stunned by what he was suggesting.   Her heart was thumping like a hare's back feet, acutely aware of all the eyes upon them.

"I -  I mean, we do have time.  It's early stage, you know?  And we had so many plans, with our families, for the ceremony.   I -- suppose we could still follow through on some of them."  She shook her head, gave a breath of a laugh. "If it matters?  I would have eloped with you, at any time, if you'd said the word. And those in my family who do love me would not have begrudged it.  And those who do not, I don't so much care about.  But, what about your family, what about -- "  She stopped, realizing she hadn't answered the question.

"No," she said to him, as sincerely as she'd ever said anything in her life.  "No, I don't object! I've been ready for months.  Probably since that first few days we spent together, in fact."   Her dark, tear-glistened eyes briefly swept those present - some like Kiera, that she knew well, others more by brief association, or mostly reputation.    They were, collectively, among the bravest and the best these so-named stolen lands had to offer.  She smiled, then looked into Domitius' face again, expression becoming more solemn.

"And I could ask for no more fine and better company in which to say my vows, to the one I love most of all." 

"That's good," she grins broadly at the two women. "Otherwise I think we'd have had to fight our way out !"

"If Alisa will vouch for you ... congratulations then - be happy together," Berta offers her smile and her hand to Domitius, though after his bride's acceptance speech she doubts the man will even notice, and if that is so she will smile all the more widely.

Kendrick was taken off guard when Domitius announced his wedding. He had been expecting a duel. He shut his open mouth as he turned and watched the women gather around Alisa. "Well Dom, congratulations. I'm very happy for you both."

It seemed that the matter of honor between his business partner and the mayor had been settled. Still he wondered who would have won between the two of them. Kendrick stepped back as others stepped forward to congratulate the couple.

With a brief glance towards the Bishop of Abadar, almost as if he is seeking approval, Thaddeus rakes a short-sword from the wall and steps up onto the main duelling table.

”If I may …” he says perhaps seeking permission, perhaps finding a polite way of asking for a moment of quiet.

”If you would stand here ..” he indicates that Domitius and Alisa should srand in front of him on the duelling table, ”Lord Kendrick, Lord Mordane ….” he indicates the area behind Dom.  ”And Mistress Kiera, Mistress Berta …  if you would stand behind Alisa.”

Once everyone is in position, he hands the short sword to Alisa,  then continues.  ”While the place and the circumstances are unusual, the Inheritor has given me the right to make marriages.  These are marriages that are constrained by the vows that Iomedae’s followers have made to dedicate their sword to a cause or a lord, and can be broken once that vow or service has been honoured.  In this case, both celebrants have a similar arrangement with Lord Henry and the Brevic Knights to protect these new lands.  There is precedent and that will be sufficient.” Thaddeus declares loudly.

Speaking loudly, Thaddeus instructs the couple before him, ”You will take your swords, touch the blades, then repeat after me…

I, Alisa D'Medvyed, take this man, Domitius Solanus, to be my husband.  I will honour him, guard him and protect him.  I will offer succour and care when he needs it.  We will be as one.”

Then he turns to Dom 

I, Domitius Solanus, take this woman, Alisa D'Medvyed, to be my wife.  I will honour her, guard her and protect her.  I will offer succour and care when he needs it.  We will be as one.”

Looking at the couple he waits for them to speak their wedding vows.

"Well, guys are still guys- you can pile titles, gold, whatever on them, and they'll still do stuff like this.  I mean, you just want to whack them over the head for doing stuff like this, sometimes... I think I'll leave that to Ali, though- Dom has an awfully thick head..." she replies, just shaking her head and grinning.

At Ali's announcement, though, she'd pull her friend in close and hug her, still grinning.

"Hey, that means I get to be the cool aunt, doesn't it?  Buying them their first wooden sword or play staff, maybe a rocking warhorse, too?  You'll think of me every time you get bashed in the shins, or something... but still, congratulations to the both of you.  I'll try to find something you could have if you stop by- some juice, or cider, or something.  All the brewers and farms around here, someone's got to be making cider or grape juice, or something..."

But when Brother Riverson decided to just go with it, she'd take her place behind Ali and give her a grin, urging her forward.

"Just... go with it.  Besides, nobody's saying you couldn't kick out all the stops and plan the massive wedding of your dreams after this- just... think of this as getting it down on paper in case, well...  something happens.  Besides, I still have to get you guys a gift or three, anyways..."

"Yes, my sister in all but blood," she replied to Kiera, returning the embrace, "you will be the coolest aunt ever!"

Once Brother Thaddeus asked her onto the dueling table, she drew a breath, then stepped up without more ado, moving to the place he'd indicated. Then awaited as others moved to their requested spots.     

Alisa reflected that Domitius' grandfather had asked they be married in the church of Abadar.   And the bishop himself was on hand here.   Yet...Iomedae was, as she told Dom, the deity she felt to be closest in creed to Acavna.   And was Domitius' patron as well, of course.   She hoped that Dom's grandfather wouldn't be upset...but, in the end, they were not doing this for him.    And it felt so right.  She would make it up to Solanus by being the best daughter in law, wife, and mother she was able to be...

Alisa took the blade into her hand, nodded once, after Brother Thaddeus had explained the origin of the vows and declared the precedent.

Once it came time, she firstly glanced down over herself, her travel attire, with a murmured "Damn it," and a shake her of head.   Then up at Domitius, with an expression both wry and warm.

"You have no idea the time I was planning to put into my appearance...and the gown I had in mind!" She shook her head again.  "I feel something like a shopkeep who failed to sweep the floor for the grandopening!   But...this is much more what you see of me, in the day to day of our lives. So be it, then."

She extended her shortsword. If Domitius did too, and the blades touched as prescribed, she spoke with high emotion, and with no hesitation-

"I, Alisa D'Medvyed, take this man, Domitius Solanus, to be my husband.  I will honour him, guard him and protect him.  I will offer succour and care when he needs it.  We will be as one.” And, perhaps presumptuously, certainly spontaneously, and definitely passionately added "I so swear beneath Sun and beneath Moon, by Sword and by Spear."

Domitius was beaming as he looked at his bride he touched Blazefury to the borrowed shortsword "I, Domitius Solanus, take this woman, Alisa D'Medvyed, to be my wife.  I will honour her, guard her and protect her.  I will offer succour and care when she needs it.  We will be as one.” then he added "By Sun and Moon, by Sword and by Spear.  My wife. you will never look more beautiful to me than you do right now." he reached out and brushed an errant lock of hair from her brow before leaning in and kissing her.

"You are as one." brother Thaddeus intones loudly, "And you have made that oath on the blades of your swords..." he continues as he completes the cermony.  "Hence forth you shall be known as one.  Alisa Medvyed-Solanus, Domitius Medvyed-Solanus - I pronounce you husband and wife."

Ceremony completed, he steps forwards to shake hands with both the bride and groom.

Under his breath he comments, "We need to pay Lord Adoven for that short sword.  Alisa should keep it as a token of her marriage ..."

"You give the child their first blade proper and they'll probably worship you," Berta tells Kiera, not bothering to whisper since it's obvious that the happy couple have eyes for none but each other.  And while happy to supply the cider her fellow maiden suggests, she doubts the strong brew that the Dragon serves is quite what the mother-to-be would accept.

"Dame Roth," she mutters as Thaddeus directs the crowd, as she dutifully lines up behind Alisa, not liking the proffered designation and thinking besides that her title might add to the occasion.

The wording of the vows - in particular the pledge of each to protect the other - brings a smile afresh to her lips, as the warrior-woman bears witness, joining with the rest to applaud and offer well-wishes anew at the conclusion.

"I'll take care of that," she assures the priest as he frets over the borrowed blade.

OOC Information

Cider in the UK, and some other countries is an alcoholic drink, made from apples -  and has often been both cheap and strong.  For years, it was the first-choice drink for underage drinkers getting their hands on alcohol they shouldn't have.  It certainly was for me and my generation.

Cider in the US is a non-alcholic beverage made from apples.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:57, Sat 05 Sept 2020.

"You are as one." brother Thaddeus intones loudly, "And you have made that oath on the blah de blah de blah," was about what Alisa heard, her senses consumed wholly by that kiss; far more relevant to her than any words or swords.

Once her senses had cleared, one point did manage to stick in her mind however-

"Oh,Brother Thaddeus, on the name...you do understand that D' in D'Medvyed is declaration my family is only distantly related to Medvyed proper?  I just want to make that clear; because in wedding me, Domitius is not acquiring as much he would by taking a noble Medvyed bride."     And not to mention, relations with her father remained, and were likely to stay, a little strained. Though surely his wife would be joyed to know she was now wed, and therefore not coming back home.

"That's so generous of you to offer," she said to Dame Roth, concerning the sword.   "I do have my own means, though! And I likely won't be spending them at the Den, or the Nereid, as things now stand," putting her hand on her belly as she said.

"It is conventional in marriage.  It signifies that you are no longer beholden to the head of House Medvyed, nor to the head of House Solanus. Instead, you have formed your own house.  However, the name signifies an allegiance to, and respect for, both of the senior houses."  Thaddeus explains, in response to Alisa's statement.

"Buy your own blade ?  On your wedding day ?  There'd be a scandal !" Berta grins broadly as Alisa comes up for air. "Besides, I wasn't asking ..."

"It's my wedding gift."

Alisa inclined her head in respect to what the brother told her, a little surprised, but well liking the sound of that.

She then regarded Berta. "I see. Thank you so much."   Then smiled at her in turn. "Perhaps one day I'll be giving you one." 

Alisa recollected something Sejana had remarked upon, after reporting in from a business council meeting; something with which she could but agree.

They would make quite a pair, for certain.  If he's smart, he won't let this one get away...