We shall see...

4th Madidae, the 31th day of the month of Semens (Sem), the 3672nd year of Salvation's Landing

When the first ax spiraled through the air, anybody who knew anything about combat knew that the match was all but over. The Crown Prince knew this as well and stood. While the match was being finished off, the dashing younger brother of the King made his way down to the Caller.

If there was anything to take from this was that it would not be overly pleasant for Reglin. Having known the Crown Prince however remotely his entire life, Tabitha knew that the man was adventurous and always looking to entertain himself. When it came to matters of the state, he was seen as more of a layabout, not willing to engage in many responsibilities. The most you could hope for was that some dignitaries shared mutual interests and that Tilan would do some good just by amusing himself.

She wasn’t sure what he would be discussing with the Caller at the moment, but she was fairly certain that it might have something to do with perceived ease in which Reglin handled the Drill Day’s opponents. Judging from the Caller’s face he looked contemplative, giving tacit nods at the Prince’s words. Tabitha had seen this numerous times before. King Oren tended to give his baby brother a great amount of leeway, appearing to live vicariously through his brother’s carefree lifestyle.

Reglin was now helping up Girsk, the Nordling inspecting his arm where her lover’s first strike hand landed and grimaced with a smile. It was there way to laugh at injuries to give them no ground in the mind. Some people were stoic in the face of harm, trying show no ill-effect. The Northerners would show the effects but then laugh at themselves for giving so much. Take it in. Gauge it. Then react. The Royal Advisor had seen many a Nordling in their time try to laugh off grievous wounds to no avail. They lacked the ability to truly know themselves and sought out no aid that could have saved their life. Bravado to a fault with them. Tabitha hoped that Reglin would take from those wiser in the north. Know yourself. Know your limits and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. No matter how hearty his new body was, it still held limits.

Those thoughts came quickly and were gone just as quick as Tabitha refocused here attention on Prince Tilan. Objectively, the King’s brother was a handsome man with dark hair that he wore longer than was usually proper for court and light brown eyes. His physique was solid enough, but more suited to a man climbing the riggings of a ship, quick and nimble. The Prince still had not found a proper woman to marry, not for a lack of attention from those of the opposite sex. His personality was like water and commitment was a very slippery oil. He was a charming man, nonetheless. Part of his charm, his lack of willingness to conform. He was easy to smile, jovial and joking most of the time. That frivolity did lead to some very unfortunate circumstances in the past, however. She just prayed to long gone gods that this wasn’t one of those times.

The Magicker Caller was known to Tabitha. She had spoken to Wain on numerous occasions throughout their time in the capital, though the Caller was prone to leaving with the occasional traveling show. He had a bit of a vagabond’s heart, not easily tamed. He was a good man though for all intents and purpose.

Wain stepped out onto the parade ground and threw his arms wide in a grand gesture, “King! Queen! Lords and Ladies! The capital city of Polivandria has its champion! The hometown boy returns and proclaims himself a man!”

Tabitha couldn’t help but smirk and snort a small laugh at the showmanship, but it was effective. The crowd grew in intensity, yelling, screaming, and applauding. It was infectious and the Magistricia found herself clapping lightly, an uncharacteristic show of emotion on her part to most. The poor girl Asha next to her was quite enthusiastic in her own cheering and clapping. She would have to talk with the smitten girl. A course in courtly behavior. Still, it seemed a shame to try and deny such fervor.

The Caller continued, “A commanding performance by the impressive lad, to be sure! Yet, you all know that the Crown Prince if always looking out for your entertainment! A consummate representative for the people’s enjoyment!” Another snort came from Tabitha, knowing that the people’s fun was all well and good, but only if his own was paramount. “The Prince feels as though the brevity of the matches may leave all present… wanting…”

The dramatic pause was there to let the crowd respond with cheers of what may come next to entertain them. It created a small pit of tension in Tabitha’s gut at the same time, however.

“And so, I will offer my talents to let the Prince address you all himself…” The Caller said lastly. Tabitha was able to watch the streams of mana flow from the magicker and move to the Prince. She could see what it was that he was doing. She had done the same trick at times for the King.

The Prince then stepped out onto the grounds, “Good day, people of Polivandria!” His voice was jovial, and his face beamed in a smile as the crowd responded with expected zeal. Once it subsided, he continued, “As the Caller said, a most impressive showing by Master Reglin Farmstedt! I look forward to seeing well he acquits himself in the week to come! But for this day I have a notion…” His voice dropped in a tone that conveyed serious contemplation. “I mean no disrespect to the two other representatives of the King’s Guard, but I feel that perhaps it would be a bit more interesting if they were to combine arms! The Nordling and the Marches man versus our own Reglin, what say you all!”

The crowd responded how it was expected, with a raucous cacophony. It lasted close to half a minute. Tilan looked about the stands with a wide smile, playing up to the crowd. He was charismatic, Tabitha had to admit. Reglin looked about the same stands with an expression that was unreadable, many things could be taken from it. Girsk, who stood next to her lover, grimaced at the idea and when the crowd died down the Nordling spoke with a resounding voice, his annunciation remarkably more proper than was the norm from what she knew of him. “Your Highness, I apologize… I fear that I am in need of a healer’s minding. Forgive me. Of course, if this was the battlefield I would be out there in a moment. But my duty is to protect your Highness and your family.”

A melodramatic frown came to the Prince’s face as he nodded solemnly, “Understood, my good man, understood…” He rubbed his jawline in thought, “Well, I put myself out there that you good people were entitled to some more entertainment. I cannot ask any of the residing city guard to stand in this man’s stead. Good though they may be, our Palace Guard are as fine as they come, as you all have seen!” Prince Tilan played at more contemplation. “Alas, it falls to me to take this good guard’s place.” His face wore a serious look at his words.

Reglin’s face looked troubled now. No more ambiguity about it. He watched the Prince with a hawk’s gaze, taking measure of the situation. Prince Tilan spoke up once more, “Now, I liked to think myself a somewhat accomplished swordsman, but Master Farmstedt here is a trained soldier and obviously well on his way to weaponmastery. Spearman!” His Magick-aided voiced boomed and Wat, the guardsman with the spear raised his head and snapped to attention at the hail. “Spearman, you and I will have the unenviable task of trying to unman Master Reglin here for the thrill of this fine audience!” Wat saluted at that. “Now, I do not have my gear here so I get you to give me some minutes to get prepared. Let us have some dancing or the like in the meantime!”

With that, the Prince spoke quietly to some men in his present cadre while the Caller did just what the Prince asked, announcing that the dance troupe come forward as the drums started up. Tabitha looked back to Reglin and saw him clasp hands with Girsk, trading short words and nods.

Her young Guardsman did not know necessarily what he was getting into. The Prince played down his prowess to the crowd, but Tabitha knew the older man was quite the swordsman. She should enlighten him.

Leaning over and whispering into Asha’s ear, the Magistricia let her new aid what she intended. Asha responded with a nod and stated that she would of course accompany the Royal Advisor. If she would have done anything other than that, Tabitha would have been surprised. The two women stood and started to make their way down the grandstands.

It was during their descent that Princess Yelena made note of Tabitha and Asha making their way toward Reglin. The tiny Princess leaned over to Oliyah, her handmaiden and spoke briefly before both stood and came after the Magistricia and Asha.

Reglin had gone off to stand by himself, looking down at the ground and making small movements, like he was recreating a fight in his mind. Yelena caught up to Tabitha and spoke lowly, “So, is there a particular reason you are going to meet up with him?” She asked simply.

The Magistricia made a subdued gesture of noncommittal, “Not particularly. I was just intending on giving Reglin a bit of advice in regard to your uncle. He’s a cunning one, regardless of what people might say about his work ethic.”

Yelena only frowned at that as the quartet of women approached the imposing guardsman. When the ladies were with twenty yards or so Reglin turned to note their approached with a widening of his eyes before making the appropriate bow to one of Princess Yelena’s station.

Keeping his face well-controlled, Reglin spoke low so those of normal hearing may not hear, “This a pleasant surprise. Though, I am not sure the timing is great. I am not sure as to what to expect from the Crown Prince. I may need all the time I have to comb through the memories I have…” He stopped then, not wanting to divulge more.

Tabitha nodded slightly, “Precisely the reason I have come, my dear… The others are here more than likely to only keep me company…” She paused before continuing, “The Prince is a canny opponent. King and the Prince were spared no expense by their father in regard to their training. Though the King is thought very highly for his prowess, I would venture to say that the younger brother could very well be the more dangerous of the two. His reputation for laziness made it hard for any to believe that it could be the case but understand that Prince Tilan is incredibly diligent in matters that he enjoys. Unfortunately for you, dear Reglin, he enjoys combat a good deal. Do not be taken unawares…”

For the next few minutes Tabitha tried to give Reglin as much of a scouting report as she could with such time constraints. It was not until they were finishing up that Tabitha made note of Oliyah’s face and how she stood looking at Reglin with awe, “Oliyah… Is everything alright?”

All eyes present went to Princess Yelena’s handmaid then, showing curiosity. Reglin’s own face showed concern. With all the attention on her, Oliyah shook her head and blushed mightily, “I-I’m… I’m sorry… It’s just… Well, I can barely see him right now.” The handmaid’s gift must be the cause of this as she looked to Reglin directly, “It’s as though you are completely enveloped with a soft blue aura. I’ve not seen it’s like…”

Opening up herself to see the flows of mana then, Tabitha saw what Oliyah might be speaking of, though she could never be sure just how the young woman saw these things. But yes, there were streams from throughout the parade grounds flowing to him. Not terribly thick bundles, but it was made up for with the sheer quantity. He was endearing himself to the people! He was able to harness such affection on a grand scale? Remarkable. But now was not the time for distractions. She gave a dismissive wave then, “I see what you mean, my dear, but now is not the time. We can study these things later. Reglin needs to concentrate on the moment ahead of him…”

Reglin looked thoughtful at what he had just heard before Tabitha spoke, but when her words came, he looked appreciative, “Thank you, my dearest Magistricia. I do indeed need to be in the moment at this time.” He bowed his head to her and regarded each woman present with a charming smile and bow of his head, “We shall see how it all goes… Wish me luck ladies. My Princess…” He added on for Yelena.

All the ladies did so in their own fashion, saying some manner of inspirational words in hopes of giving Reglin the best mindset possible as the Crown Prince had returned to the parade ground. The quartet made their way back to the grandstand in a hurried manner then.

Regaining their seats, Tabitha looked down to see Prince Tilan huddled together with the guardsman Wat, more than likely coming up with a strategy to confront her lover. The Prince was wearing very light leather armor, a bit thinner than the thicker set that Reglin wore. For his part, Reglin was moving his arms in giant circles, loosening up his shoulders, eyeing the duo in front of him intently.

The Caller took to the parade ground once again and the murmuring of the audience lowered significantly. “Ladies and gentleman! We have just a bit more entertainment for you this day! The champion of the Capitol has secured his place in this coming week. However! The Prince, however impressed he was with the young Reglin’s performance, thought that you good people were perhaps robbed of some excitement. And so, he has volunteered himself to match blades with the champion. And So! With no further ado, let! The! Match! Begin!”

The crowd then roared once more as the combatants took their stances. If Reglin had appeared cautious in his first match with Wat, now he appeared absolutely still in a defensive pose, swordbreaker forward and high, arming sword also forward but low.

Wat waded forward toward the larger man much like he had the first time. But this time there was another man to regard. The Prince moved like the stories of a great cat flanking its prey, his footfall was light and precise. Tilan carried a lighter sword much more effective at thrusting and he eyed Reglin like he was very eager to find a spot to skewer him with it.

When the Crown Prince had circumnavigated Reglin’s left side far enough to gain a successful flanking, the younger guardsman sprang forth. He feinted with his swordbreaker before pivoting on his right foot to slash out at the spear with his sword. At the same time the swordbreaker was pulled back in a sweeping motion, anticipating an eager Tilan to pounce. He was not wrong either. In the blink of an eye both of Reglin’s weapons made contact with two different opponents, allowing his to reset himself away the flank. The two would have to set up their strategy once more.

Neither Wat nor Tilan looked particularly dismayed at the outcome. They showed no outward emotion at all from what Tabitha could see. They opted to try the same tactic once more, Wat pressing forward with the spear leveled while Tilan stalked to the left flank.

This time though Reglin did not attack with a defensive maneuver in mind. In fact, he did not attack at all. He waited in an open stance that looked like it left him **** but allowed him to keep track of Tilan longer on his flanking move.

In what could only be happenstance both Tilan and Wat attacked simultaneously. Luckily for Reglin both had opted to thrust. He chose his course of action, splitting the two attackers with a pivot on his left foot, his left hand with the swordbreaker went forward to deflect the spear thrust while his sword arm swung an arc from front to back, knocking the rapier sword off its trajectory. In all, the move looked incredibly unorthodox, making Reglin look very off balance. But once his right foot landed on his escape route, he made a blur of a crow’s hope to place himself back-to-back with Wat and well out of range of Tilan for the briefest of moments.

Wat was not a statue and made an effort to spin himself around on his left foot, sweeping the haft of his spear in a trajectory that would keep it out of the way of the Prince if he were to attack. In a split-second decision Reglin opted to not leave his back exposed to Tilan and made another highly irregular move. Moving into the sweep coming his way, the big man jumped, clearing the wooden shaft and tucked his shoulder in a very efficient roll. The roll brought him to a knee, and he slashed out at the same time, battering the hamstring of Wat’s pivot foot before quickly hopping up and finishing the spearman off with a dagger thrust to the floating ribs.

Just like that, it was not a one-on-one match. The Prince looked mildly perturbed at the quick action as he was left out of distance to bring his weapon to bear. Tabitha had to give Reglin credit for that great bit of special recognition. She saw the Prince say something to Reglin with a shark’s smile. Though it was often disarming, when Tabitha saw it now it gave her the chills.

The only visual response from Reglin was a slow and solemn bow of his head. Quick as an adder, the Prince struck, thrusting in the southern fencing style. Though his pair of weapons did not lend themselves to that particular style of swordplay, Reglin took a stance that was of a southern style as well. To his credit, his swordbreaker flashed about with alacrity, turning aside all of the blurring attacks the Crown Prince pressed forward with.

Tilan was relentless for some time, pressing the attack in what seemed to be an eternity in Tabitha’s mind. Even after seeing so many bouts, she was having difficulties tracking the intricacies of the swordplay on display.

After a small bit of time more, Reglin was even able to switch his stance and was successful in keeping the Prince at bay with his much more cumbersome arming sword. Though these could be seen as wins, the young guardsman was never able to truly go on the attack with Prince Tilan’s attack being as sudden as a mongoose, a peculiar little creature that Tabitha had seen on her travels.

Withdrawing from the attack suddenly, the Prince stepped back several steps. Reglin did not respond, only watched. The younger Polivander brother then turned his head and waves his arms to the audience, a motion meant to inspire them to raucousness. And it did so wonderfully. More than likely even the Prince needed a moment of two to catch his breath. Tabitha could see that he was indeed drawing deep on his inhalations.

Her lover decided to take the opportunity to address the audience giving them a humble bow. It was only a few moments, but it gave the two warriors their reprieve. Before the crowd even subsided, the combatants were standing off once more. Reglin returned to the southern fencing stance, swordbreaker to the front.

Again, the two men blurred into action, somehow even faster. Well, Reglin seemed faster at least. Now that Tabitha paid closer attention, the Prince was quickly flagging in his movements. Her lover’s incredible stamina did him well on the battlefield as well it seemed.

Reglin was soon able to change the momentum of the match and started to push Tilan with his strength. Each time his arming sword swung and connected with the Prince’s rapier it looked as though it could be sent flying. Prince Tilan was soon not risking it and was opting to dodge more than parry.

After a full minute though, Reglin showed signs of weariness. The Prince was a natural predator. With as exhausted as he looked, his personality would not let him pass up the opportunity of a kill and was quickly back on the offensive.

Choosing a defensive stance that allowed him to give way responsible, Reglin looked cautious once more. Then it happened like a flash. As far as Tabitha could, her master of the Scroll allowed a thrust inside his guard and stepped in toward the Prince. The minute details were lost then because the next thing she was the Prince on his backside in the dirt and his rapier hanging from one of the swordbreaker’s slots. Reglin’s arming sword was leveled at the Prince’s chest.

Prince Tilan rose up into a reclined position, resting his upper body’s weight on his elbows. He blew out a large breath before giving a subtle bow of his head to his opponent.

The crowd had quieted down at the suddenness of the altercation’s end. When the Crown Prince conceded the match to Reglin the crowded was a mixture of calls, though more than not the crowd was cheering loudly. There was a small portion of the audience that was obviously endeared to the Crown Prince and jeered the end of the match, not happy with the result. But there it was… Reglin stood over his opponent… Victorious… His shoulders relaxed finally, allowing himself to take in the adulation.

Her lover was becoming something more…

~This is knowledge for the Reader~

The Affection Multiplier

~Mana: 5795 (+3376) 9171~

~Mana Channels: ~Labiae Passionii (Lips of Passion) free, ~ Corpu Vigorii (Vigorous Body) 100, ~ Uirtau Proelium (Martial Prowess) 100, ~Mensu Lucidae (Bright Mind) 100, ~ Tactu Beatae (Blissful Touch) 100, ~Plurem Amatrixae Normalii (The Normalcy of Many Loves) 500, ~Corpu Libidaem (Lustful Body) 100, ~Corpu Spectabilum (Intimidating Body) 100, ~Mentulae Potencii (Potent Cock) 150, ~Limbu Infinitum (Endless Loins) 100, ~Voluptae Gustatum (Delightful Flavor, Gratify the Appetite), ~Figurae Cultura (Shaping Culture), ~Vulgum Venerae (The Love of the Masses), ~Corpu Vigorii Magii (A More Vigorous Body) 400, ~Fluxii Magickae (The Flow of Magick - Yelena Polivander) 500

~Lovers~ A: 300 E: 300 L: 300
~Tabitha~ Affectionae: 100 Erosii: 100 Libidae: 100 (Effective 91)
~Asha~ A: 100 E: 100 L: 100 (Effective 91)
~Princess Yelena~ A: 100 E: 100 L: 100 (Effective 86)

~Royal Polivander House~ A: 7 (+27) 34 L: 18 (+6) 24
~King Oren~ A: 14 (+5) 19
~Queen Delliah~ A: 11 (+6) 17
~Princess Katya~ A: -24 (+10) -14 L: 11 (+4) 15
~Princess Cirsha~ A: 32 (+6) 38 L: 7 (+2) 9
~Crown Prince Tilan~ A: -6

~Nobles~ A: 143 (+8) 151 E: 14 L: 101 (+14) 115
~Lady Wilmyna~ A: 79 (+3) 82 E: 14 L: 69 (+5) 74
~Lady Falina~ A: 32 (+2) 34 L: 13 (+6) 19
~Lady Vidala~ A: 32 (+3) L: 19 (+3) 22

~Royal and Noble maidens~ A: 287 (+29) 316 E: 32 (+8) 40 L: 213 (+19) 232
~Maiden Caterine~ A: 34 (+2) 36 E: 3 L: 16 (+4) 20
~Maiden Gwynfuir~ A: 21 (+2) 23 L: 2 (+2) 4
~Maiden Erynna~ A: 17 (+1) 18 L: 4
~Maiden Oliyah~ A: 82 (+8) 90 E: 20 (+5) 25 L: 67 (+3) 70
~Maiden Iridia~ A: 13 (+5) 18 L: 3 (+1) 4
~Maiden Freighla~ A: 84 (+7) 91 E:9 (+3) 12 L: 75 (+3) 78
~Maiden Deela~ A: 20 (+2) 22 L: 4 (+1) 5
~Maid Camilla~ A: 35 (+2) 37 L: 42 (+5) 47

~Day watch~ A: 269 (+8) 277 E: 8 (+5) 13
~Grahm~ A: 52 (+3) 55 E: 0 (+1) 1
~Lim~ A: 71 (+3) 74 E: 6 (+2) 8
~Boll~ A: 46 (+2) 48 E: 2 (+2) 4
~Halpern~ A: 29
~Nimit~ A: 22
~Gamil~ A: 10
~Magnurs~ A: 14
~Canith~ A: 12
~Yohan~ A: 9
~Sebestin~ A: 5
~Yorick~ A: 5

~Evening watch~ A: 28 (+2) 30
~Thedin~ A:10
~Vorn~ A: 12
~Wat~ A: 6 (+2)

~Night watch~ A: 12 (+2) 14
~Girsk~ A: 7 (+2) 9

~Palace Staff~ A: 77 (+3) 80 L: 14 (+1) 15
~Lina~ A: 52 (+1) 53 L: 9 (+1) 10
~Govren~ A: 16 (+2) 18
~Shonda~ A: 19 L: 5

~People of Polivandria~ A: 5223 (+3244) 8467