Springtime In The City 51.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

After briefly looking over at sir Percavelle Lé Dic and seeing that the large heavily armoured knight isn't in combat with anyone at the moment. 

Zam the ex mercenary looks back to where Shur Kee the monk is fighting a pair of elves. One of whom is a noble elf according to Helbe the elven thief. And the other is a guard who works for that particular noble's house. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins winces as Shur Kee gets in a low kick, that hits one of the elves in the knee, sending him stumbling backwards. 

The short statured monk who is holding his staff in both hands, length wise across his body. Unexpectedly tosses the staff at the other elf, who instinctively catches it. Big mistake. 

For the physical adept who is originally from beyond The Southlands, follows with a quick punch, which hits the elf holding his staff, in the face. 

Causing him to drop the staff, which Shur Kee catches, and the elf, who is the guard of the noble born elf, to stagger backwards, clutching at his face with a hand. 

The acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li, spins around swinging his staff, which collects the elven guard in the side of the head, instantly knocking out the elf, who drops to the ground. 

Shur Kee takes a couple of quick steps back, and goes into a different fighting stance, with part of his staff tucked under his right armpit. 

While the elven noble, who is flexing the leg that Shur Kee kicked. The elf bends it at the knee a few times to get feeling back into it. 

As he carefully studies the short statured monk standing about twenty feet away him, here towards the southern side of the tourney field, on the western end of it. 

Zam quickly looks away to where Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy is standing on this side of the roped off tourney field. 

And sees that the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque is closely watching the confrontation between the physical adept and the elven noble. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins then looks quickly over to the middle of the tourney field, and sees that sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as the rest of the group tend to call him. 

Is also watching the fight between the elven noble and the short statured monk who is from the far east coast of the continent, where his homeland the kingdom of Wah Lee is located. 

Infact the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic isn't the only participant left in Le Grande Meleé watching the fight between Shur Kee and the elven noble. 

Quite a few on the western half of the tourney field, and a smaller number on the east half. Have stopped fighting and are watching the physical adept and the elf. 

Zam sees both Shur Kee and the elven noble, start to slowly circle one another. With the short statured monk circling to the left, and the elf circling to his left as well. 

Both are moving slowly as they watch one another. And the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins who has been worried throughout the day that Shur Kee wears no armour at all. 

Sees that the elven noble barely has any armour too. Wearing just light leather armour out on the tourney field this day. 

And though the elf has a sword on his left hip, he hasn't drawn it. Infact, he undoes his sword belt, and his weapon drops to the ground. 

After a moment, Shur Kee the monk drops his staff, and kicks it to the right. As he does, the elven noble comes to a stop, so does the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li. 

Then after a slight nod from the elf, the physical adept nods in return. Then the two of them are moving, taking quick steps towards one another..

Zam the ex mercenary watches as a flurry of kicks and punches are thrown by Shur Kee and his elven opponent. Along with a fair few knees and elbows. 

Much to the approval of the large crowd gathered today to watch day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil, just outside the north wall of the city. 

The youngest member of the group can barely keep up with what's happening as both the short statured monk and the elven noble attempt to hit one another. 

Eventually one does, it's the elf who hits Shur Kee with an open palm strike to the chest, just below and down from where the left arm and shoulder meet. Sending the short statured monk, with a grimace of pain upon his face, spinning in that direction. 

The physical adept continues spinning, and when he's almost completely around, he throws a back elbow, which the elven noble barely avoids as it would of hit him in the ribs, as the monk from Wah Lee is much shorter than him. 

Shur Kee doesn't stop his momentum throwing that back elbow, he continues spinning, throwing a back fist with his other hand. 

This time connecting, hitting the elf, in the top of the chest, which sends him stumbling backwards, almost tripping over his unconscious guard on the ground. 

Shur Kee rotates his left shoulder to get some feeling back into it. While his elven opponent rubs the top of his own chest, which hurts like hell after getting punched with a back fist. 

"Hell, he's not even gone into a trance yet" Zam the ex mercenary murmurs to himself referring to Shur Kee the monk. 

As he knows the physical adept who is the living incarnation of The Jade Warrior Bru Li, can go into a state that elevates him to beyond what any normal human being can do during combat. 

The teenager who is the youngest member of the group, looks quickly across the tourney field. And sees that nearly all of the remaining combatants, have stopped what they're doing. 

And are now watching the fight between the short statured monk who hails from beyond The Southlands, and the elven noble, who is from one of the three elven principalities to be found here in The Southlands. 

"Shit" murmurs Zam the ex mercenary, who out of the corner of his left eye, spots Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, nodding his hooded head. No doubt in agreement with what he just murmured. 

As Shur Kee and the elven noble who he's up against here in Le Grande Meleé, go at one another again. 

This time even moving quicker than previously, with punches, kicks, knees, elbows. And Zam is pretty sure he sees the elven noble, even attempt a headbutt as the two combatants try to get a clean hit that will take one of them down. 

Blocks with arms, hands and raised legs. Are put up by both the short statured monk and his elven opponent. 

The ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins slightly nods to himself, when Shur Kee briefly traps the right arm of the elven noble under his left arm. 

And the physical adept throws a right elbow, well a right forearm to be exact. Up at his much taller opponent, which connects to just under the chin of the elven noble. 

Who staggers backwards, dazed from that hit. And he doesn't even see the low spinning back kick from the acolyte in the order of Bru Li, which connects with his legs, and sends him tumbling sideways to the ground. 

And though he has the wherewithal to try and spring back up to his feet. He can't avoid the quick right open palm strike that gets him flush in the side of the face, on the left jaw to be exact, that hits so hard, it knocks him out cold in an instant. 

There's a brief moment of silence, then a loud roar goes up from the large crowd that's gathered just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil, to watch Le Grande Meleé today. 

Zam just faintly smiles, and shakes his head, as he watches as Shur Kee wanders over to his staff, and picks it up as the crowd in the stands continue to cheer and yell for him. 

The teenager who is the youngest member of the group looks over to where Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as those who know him well, tend to call him. 

And he sees the spy originally from the elven principality of Alinlae slightly grinning as he too watches the short statured monk. 

Who after picking up his staff, just stands there with the staff upright in his left hand, and one end on the ground. 

As he looks across the tourney field at the other competitors, those who are still participating in the tourney. Who are down to around fifty or so combatants. 

Most of whom are still watching the physical adept who is the living conduit of The Jade Warrior Bru Li. 

After a few moments, things begin to pick up again. With competitors in Le Grande Meleé once again attacking one another. 

Zam the ex mercenary looks over to the middle of the tourney field, where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is. And as Dalinvardèl Tanith walks over and joins the youngest member of the group. 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. Prepares to take on the remaining largest group still taking part in Le Grande Meleé, here on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. Armsmen from a Girdanian nobleman's army. 

And though they numbered ten just a little while ago. They're now down to eight in their numbers. After losing a pair of fellow armsmen when they fought both a knight and one of last mercenaries left in Le Grande Meleé at the same time. 

Zam nods his head in agreement with Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who quietly tells him "Percy's got his work cut out for him here". 

The spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, quietly continues with "Taking on this bunch there". 

As they watch the eight armsmen from the kingdom of Girdane, attempt to circle the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group isn't having any of that. 

And as the Girdanian armsmen try to surround him before moving in and attacking him. The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

Picks up a fairly large axe from the ground, which belonged to one of combatants in Le Grande Meleé that he took out earlier. 

With an underhanded toss, the former earl of Lé Dic flings the heavy weapon at one of the armsmen in the army of a Girdanian nobleman. 

It misses him, barely. As he dives to one side. Knocking over his fellow armsmen to his left, sending them both to the ground. 

That's all Percy needs. As he's moving, with weapons, his own. In both gauntleted hands as he rushes the Girdanian armsmen who are closest to him. 

"Fuck" says Zam the ex mercenary when the former paladin connects with his spike hammer, which hits one of the armsmen in the face. Sending him screaming to the ground, with a large bloody gash up the side of his face. 

The large heavily armoured deathlord is whacked on the back with a sword, which though sends him stumbling a few steps forward. 

Doesn't stop him from blocking a swing from another sword with his hand axe, before he hits that particular armsman with his spike hammer. 

In the right shoulder, going through his chainmail armour with ease, dropping that fellow to his knees. Which sees him ending up with one of Percy's steel armored knees, hitting him directly in the face, ripping it open. 

The large heavily armoured knight who both Zam and Dalin is sure is quite exhausted after fighting throughout the morning, and now it's just after midday. 

Watch as the noble born knight who is originally from the south of the kingdom of Druvic, spin around and throw his hand axe at another of the Girdanian armsmen. 

The butt end of the axe slams into the top of that armsman's helm as he was trying to duck the thrown axe. 

It sends the helm flying, and whips his head back, causing him to fall backwards, and land on his rump. He's sitting there on the churned up ground, looking dazed as he tries to figure out what's happening around him. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic who until now in the fight against the Girdanian armsmen has been silent as he's been breathing heavily, now says to those armsmen still standing "Come forward you foul villains and face the wrath of the great sir Perca er I mean sir Percy" followed by a "Wot" after he takes a deep breath. 

The remaining armsmen who belong to a Girdanian nobleman's army, well those still standing, and are able to continue. 

All look at one another, then after a moments pause, one of them nods, and says to the others "Get him!". 

The five armsmen who are able to fight on, who include the pair that Percy initially knocked over with a thrown axe. Rush the former paladin who is a member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

Zam can't hear it over the noise of the crowd, and the sounds of combat on the tourney field. Dalin can, and he slightly grins as he hears the dismissive snort coming from behind the faceplate of sir Percavelle Lé Dic's full helm. 

The nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic who has a lot of weapons on him, draws another from his belt. This one a short, double headed hammer. 

And with that in his left gauntleted hand, and his favoured spike hammer in his right. The former earl of Lé Dic attacks the Girdanian armsmen who rush him. 

"That's not going to end well for them" dryly and quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy referring to the remaining armsmen trying to rush the large heavily armoured knight. 

And though Percy's speed and movement aren't as quick and crisp as they were earlier in Le Grande Meleé. 

Zam is in agreement with the spy Tanith as they watch the former earl of Lé Dic continue to fight the armsmen from the kingdom of Girdane. 

After a little while, and the Druvician nobleman has dropped the third of the five remaining armsmen, leaving just two more still on their feet. 

Though those two are breathing heavily as they keep their distance from the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

The ex mercenary says to the elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae "Think Percy's got this lot". 

Not hearing anything from the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, Zam looks at Dalin as sir Percavelle takes down another of the Girdanian armsmen, leaving just one still standing, backing away from the large heavily armoured knight. 

Thinking the elven spy is looking towards where Shur Kee the monk is standing, the youngest member of the group frowns as he sees the spy Tanith looking completely in the other direction. 

The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins, looks to the east end of the tourney field, and as Percy throws his two headed hammer at the retreating armsmen, hitting him in the chest, knocking him to the ground. 

Zam asks the elf who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae "What is it?". 

"Trouble" is the quiet reply from Dalinvardèl Tanith, which causes the teenager who is the youngest member of the group to frown once again. Then Zam's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, when he spots what the elven spy is referring to. 

It's the remaining knights in the order of Saint Mar'che, who are now making their way across the eastern end of the tourney field. 

Heading towards the middle of the field just north of the city of Vexil. The middle, where sir Percavelle Lé Dic stands just after kicking in the head, the last Girdanian armsman he's knocked down. 

Zam the ex mercenary winces as he watches the group of knights from Percy's order walking across the tourney field.

Then with a nod of his head, the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins quietly says to the elven spy standing beside him "Trouble alright" . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 50.

The City Of Vexil. 

Walking over to where Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy is standing, Zam the ex mercenary continues to keep an eye on sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

The youngest member of the group who has just been handed a small sack of food from Lisell Maera the scout. 

Winces as he watches the former earl of Lé Dic dispatch a wounded knight who staggered into the path of the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins is pretty certain the former paladin just knocked out that knight with a blow to the helm. 

If not, then that particular knight is either dead, or on the way to dying unless someone gets to him quickly, and helps him from the tourney field. 

"Thinning out quite a bit now" says Zam the ex mercenary to Dalinvardèl Tanith, along with Shur Kee the monk, who is standing just on the other side of the rope from them. 

"Definitely" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, while Shur Kee the monk nods his head, and says "Indeed it is friend Zam". 

The ex mercenary nods his head as he looks at the short statured monk, who doesn't have a scratch on him, nor does he look tired at all. 

No one is nearby on the tourney field, as the combatants have learnt to keep their distance from the physical adept, unless they take him on in numbers. 

The acolyte in the order of Bru Li who is eating a flatbread that's full of vegetables and meat, looks over to where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is. 

Then he quietly says "Friend Percy is still at it" both the spy Tanith and the ex mercenary nod in agreement with him. 

For without a doubt, the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che has eliminated more of the combatants than anyone else. Apart from those who have been teamed up since Le Grande Meleé got underway earlier this morning. 

"Hardly any lone fighters left" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well. 

"You and Percy are amongst the last dozen or so single fighters left" adds the spy who hails from the elven principality of Alinlae, where he previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of that particular nation. 

Zam nods as he looks out across the tourney field, for there's well under a hundred competitors left in Le Grande Meleé, which had well over five hundred participants when it got underway earlier. 

Now that it's approaching midday, groups ranging from pairs to eight, and even ten combatants working together, are the vast majority of those who are left on the tourney field. 

"Lis said to keep eye out for those pair of elves" quietly says the ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins. 

"As well as that group of men at arms" adds Zam referring to the largest group of ten combatants working together. 

"Not to mention those knights from Percy's order" continues the youngest member of the group, who follows that with "That's who lord Farque thinks are the biggest threat". 

Nodding his hooded head, the spy Tanith quietly says "That's what Lis told me as well". Dalin who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque tells Shur Kee the monk "Though those men at arms will most likely turn on each other, the less fighters that are left". 

Zam nods in agreement with that, for he's seen it happen quite a few times already during Le Grande Meleé. 

Where combatants who have teamed up. Those originally started off like that, or found themselves working with others throughout the morning. 

Have all turned on one another eventually. Usually to their own detriment. As they end up getting taken out shortly after turning on those who they were teamed up with. 

If fact the three of them watch it happen right now. As not too far away on this side of the tourney field. 

A knight in the order of Margesa, along with a knights apprentice in the same order. Who found each other during the tourney, and decided to join up. 

Suddenly turn on one another, after the two of them just spent a bit of time and effort to take down a Knight of The Dark. 

In fact it's the younger knights apprentice who turns on the older and more experienced member of the order. Hoping to eliminate the more heavily armoured, senior member of the order of Margesa. 

Hitting the knight across the back of the legs with his sword as he's was trying to get his breath back after the ordeal against the Dark Knight. 

The more senior member of the order drops to his knees with a grunt of pain, but he's not a knight for nothing. 

And as the knights apprentice steps forward to whack him across the back of the helm with his sword. 

The knight in the order of Margesa swings backwards with his own sword, catching the knights apprentice in the legs, the shins to be exact. 

And because the younger member of the order doesn't wear as much heavy armour. He's got no plate covering his legs, just leather and chainmail armour. 

He drops to the ground screaming in pain, with one leg shattered, and the other suffering a deep cut from the sword slash. 

His screams of pain come to an end when the knight gets up, turns around and kicks him in the side of the head as the helm of the knights apprentice had come off during their confrontation with the Dark Knight. 

The knight in the order of Margesa, lifts the faceplate of his full helm up to berate the more junior member of his order. 

But before he can say anything, he topples forward, after a blow to the back of his full helm. He falls unconscious across the body of the knights apprentice in his own order he just took down. 

"Out of the way old chap" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic who with his small hammer in his right gauntleted hand, continues with "I'm off to get a bite to eat, wot". 

As he gestures with his hammer to where Shur Kee the monk is standing at the edge of the tourney field, speaking to Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Zam the ex mercenary who are just on the other side of the rope. 

"Probably best if you stepped away Shur Kee" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy to the short statured monk after they see the former earl of Lé Dic take out the knight in the order of Margesa with a blow to the back of the helm, then make his way towards them. 

"The crowd might think you and Percy are in cohoots with one another" adds the commander in the Armies of Farque. 

The acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li, who is an honorary member of Lord Farque's personal council, nods his head. 

Then he moves away as the large heavily armoured knight continues to make his way across the tourney field to them. 

Dalin nods to Zam, then he too moves away to keep pace with the physical adept, while the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins, waits for the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic to join him at the edge of the tourney field. 

When Percy joins the youngest member of the group, and the ex mercenary hands the large heavily armoured knight some food. 

Zam gets a close look at the former paladin. Specifically his full suit of armour. And he sees a number of dents, and scuff marks on what's usually a pristine suit of heavy plate armour. 

Evidence that the former earl of Lé Dic has taken his fair share of hits during Le Grande Meleé, even though he's dispatched everyone who has attacked him. And a fair few who haven't attacked him. 

For the nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic has taken out a number of the combatants, who had no idea that he was close enough to do so. 

For sir Percavelle Lé Dic is not one to pass up an opportunity, and will do just about anything to get rid of someone on the tourney field. 

"How are you holding up Percy?" asks Zam the ex mercenary after he hands the water sack to the large heavily armoured knight. 

"Just grand lad" is the reply from the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

"Grand" adds the noble born knight, who is the last remaining landed knight in Le Grande Meleé. Though there wasn't many of them taking part in the tourney, here on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil to begin with. 

The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins who sees that the former earl of Lé is way more tired than what Shur Kee the monk is. 

Quietly tells the nobleman who hails from southern Druvic "Lord Farque says to be careful of those two elves over there". 

Percy just grunts at hearing that, and does so again when Zam says to him "And that large group of men at arms belonging some noble up in Girdane". 

Though the large heavily armoured knight says "Hmmm" in response to the ex mercenary telling him "And those five from your order who are working together". 

The two of them look towards the eastern end of the tourney field, which is pretty much empty now. Due to the fact that knights, and knights apprentices from the order of Saint Mar'che. 

Have had control of that end of the tourney since field a little after Le Grande Meleé got underway earlier in the morning. 

Now that it's nearing midday, there's just a scattering of combatants towards that end of the tourney field. 

With just five knights from Percy's order left, when there was over a dozen of them, and a similar number of knights apprentices when day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil begin earlier. 

"They've been taking down anyone who gets in their way" says Zam the ex mercenary to the noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who is a former earl of the duchy that bares his family's name, grunts as he looks at those who are members of the knightly order that he too belongs to. 

The large heavily armoured knight, who is going by sir Percy of Druvic, a landed knight from that kingdom whilst taking part in the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

Finishes off the water sack, and hands it back to the teenager who is the youngest member of the group. 

And as munches on the last stuffed flatbread that Zam gives him. The ex mercenary keeps the last two for himself. 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che says "I do say so, tis getting a bit wearying seeing all those chaps, wot". 

The nobleman who hails from southern Druvic, continues on with "Thoust would eliminate them if they bothered to come this way". 

The youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins, nods his head in agreement with the large heavily armoured knight. As the members of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che have kept themselves to the east end of the tourney field throughout most of Le Grande Meleé. 

And have rarely ventured to the middle of the tourney field, and not even bothered to make their way to the west end. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, who has been fairly smart in letting other participants in Le Grande Meleé come to him. So he doesn't get exhausted chasing after other combatants. 

Is just looking to where he can place himself, when he spots the pair of elves that his so called squire Zam, told him about. 

The former paladin who has seen them a few times throughout the morning, is just wondering if he should go over and confront them. 

When a familiar voice says to him and the youngest member of the group "Best you keep clear of those elves". 

Percy looks sideways at where the voice of Helbe the elven thief is coming from, who continues telling them "You're no match for them at this time". 

The large heavily armoured knight from southern Druvic sourly smiles at that last comment from the hidden elven magic user. 

Who then says "That goes for your fellow knights in the order of Saint Mar'che" the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, follows that with "Two or three would be fine, but five at once, after spending all morning fighting". 

The highly talented elven practitioner of magic, who is blurred and standing beside Zam, then adds "You'd stand no chance". 

The Druvician knight sourly smiles once again, but he does grunt in the positive in response to the elven master assassin telling him "If you're going to attack one of the larger groups, go for that lot from Girdane". 

The former paladin along with the ex mercenary look to where the men at arms who are part of a Girdanian nobleman's army, are fighting a trio of some of the last mercenaries left in Le Grande Meleé. 

"You'll take them out" says the blurred and shielded elven magic user, who isn't just invisible to Zam and Percy, and everybody else watching what's going on during the tourney. 

But the mages and others from the Mage Council of Vexil, who are running Le Grande Meleé. Who are actively stopping anyone who might be spellcasting on the tourney field, or at any of the competitors. 

Have no idea the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel is doing his own thing, and freely casting whatever he wants to cast. 

Continues with "Eventually" after a long pause as he's been reading the minds of many of those who are left in Le Grande Meleé. 

After looking towards the east, at those who are in the same knightly order as he is, then at the pair of elves who are towards the south edge of the tourney field, whose attention has been taken by someone else. 

The former paladin says "Right then, I'm off" followed by "Time to vanguish more of these villains, wot". 

The large heavily armoured knight starts heading back across the tourney field, back towards the middle of it. 

As he does, Zam glances to where he thinks Helbe the elven thief is, who quietly says to him "Looks like those two elves have found someone else to attack". 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins, looks around and spots who the elven masterthief is referring to. 

It's Shur Kee the monk, who has spotted the pair of elves who are heading his way. A bit further to the left, in the western half of the tourney field. 

"He's the only one who can beat them" quietly explains the elven princeling from Laerel, who after a pause adds "For one of them is a noble, and the other is from his house, and has taught him". 

Zam slightly winces, as he knows that Helbe the elven thief is referring to the open handed combat that is taught to the elven nobility. Which usually isn't shared outside their own families. 

"Percy wouldn't of stood a chance against them" says the young elven noble who is from the island principality of Laerel. Who after a slight pause, continues on with "Shur Kee on the other hand". 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins after taking a quick look over to where sir Percavelle Lé Dic has just stopped. 

Looks to where Shur Kee the monk is standing, and is watching the pair of elves walking towards him. 

Zam who can no longer hear prince Helbenthril Raendril, and figures the elven masterthief has moved off. 

Continues, like a lot of the massive crowd, to watch the impeding confrontation between the short statured monk and the pair of elves who are walking towards him on this fine and sunny, but cool spring day here just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil . . . . . .

 

Springtime In The City 49.

Vexil. 

"Of course he wants a drink now" mutters Zam the ex mercenary who continues muttering with "Why wouldn't he?". 

As sir Percavelle Lé Dic has just looked around for him, then mimed taking a drink when he spotted the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins. 

Zam shakes his head, as just a little while ago Lisell Maera the scout came down from the seats, and handed him a fresh water sack. Telling him that sir Percavelle or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group. Will most likely need a drink soon. 

The ex mercenary sighs, then he looks away to his left, and spots Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy looking his way, who calls out in elvish "Be careful". 

Zam replies with a nod, then after taking a deep breath, the youngest member of the group ducks down breath the rope, and starts making his way across the tourney field. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins isn't a religious person at all. But that doesn't stop him from silently making a prayer to the gods to keep him safe as he ventures out into Le Grande Meleé. 

The ex mercenary hurries forward out of the way of a trio of mercenaries attacking a lone knight. Who is getting the better of the three mercenaries. 

Zam winces as someone behind him falls over screaming in pain. The youngest member of the group doesn't draw his sword, as he doesn't want to make himself a bigger target than he already is. 

So he hurries across the tourney field crouched over, trying to avoid the combatants. Those at least who are still standing and fighting. 

The ex mercenary hops over a knight, whose squire is trying to drag him away. Zam looks up, and finds Percy once again standing in spot of calm amongst the chaos. 

The teenager hops over a couple of other people, sellswords or mercenaries. He's not sure. What he is sure, is that they're either unconscious, or they're dead. As they confronted sir Percavelle Lé Dic a little while ago. 

So did a knight, this one in the order of Valnar Mar, who took on the former earl of Lé Dic, and came out on the losing side. 

Zam winces as he sees the smashed in faceplate on the full helm of the knight in the order of Volnar Mar who tried to fight the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

"Percy here" says Zam the ex mercenary when he reaches the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

"Ah good chap" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic who lifts up his faceplate as he takes the water sack from the youngest member of the group. 

"Twas feeling a little parched there, wot" adds the former paladin before he takes a long drink from the water sack. 

Zam reaches down and picks up hammer from the ground, with a handle that's broken off about halfway along the haft. 

The ex mercenary throws it at a knights apprentice, who seeing that sir Percavelle Lé Dic is busy drinking from a water sack. Thought it would be the ideal time to attack the noble born knight who hails from southern Druvic. 

Zam grimaces as the knights apprentice drops to the ground shouting in pain after the thrown hammer smashes into his legs. 

As the former earl of Lé Dic takes a few deep breaths, the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins tells him "Fair few of your order taking part Percy". 

The ex mercenary continues on from that with "Down at the east end of the field" followed by "There's a bunch of them working together that way". 

The large heavily armoured knight who is a member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che grunts, then looks to the east end of the tourney field. 

Zam sees the former paladin scowl before Percy slams shut the face plate of his full helm, and he hears the Druvician nobleman loudly mutter "They shall fear the great sir Percavelle if they attempt to face me, wot".

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins refrains from rolling his eyes before he takes back the now half empty water sack. 

Then Zam, along with sir Percavelle Lé drop down when they hear a familiar voice tell the two of them "Duck". 

The youngest member of the group winces when he catches a glimpse of an axe spinning through the air, that barely passed over him and the former earl of Lé Dic. 

"Thanks" says the ex mercenary to the invisible Helbe the elven thief, who is keeping a close eye on Percy and Zam. As well as Shur Kee the monk and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy. "Yes, wot" adds the large heavily armoured knight who is the former earl of Lé Dic. 

They hear no response from me young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel. But nevertheless, they. Well Zam at least, is happy the highly talented elven magic user is looking out for them. 

"Luck Percy" says the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins, the response is a grunt from sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who then tells him "Of with you now squire". 

Zam nods, then as he moves away, he gulps when he catches sight of who threw the axe at him and the former paladin. 

He's a mercenary or a sellsword, a large man, around Lord Farque's height, though even bigger than the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque. 

He wears a dented breastplate over his ample stomach, and he has an axe in one hand and a hammer in the other, with a two handed sword across his back as he stomps his way towards the former earl of Lé Dic. 

As he heads back across the tourney field, the youngest member of the group briefly glances back. 

And he sees Percy take one of his own weapons from his belt. The spike hammer Zam has seen him previously wield in battle. 

It's the first time so far the large heavily armoured Druvician knight has taken one of his own weapons to hand during Le Grande Meleé. 

The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins yelps "Fuck" as he nearly trips over someone crawling away on the ground. 

With his heart racing, and his breathing heavy for a bit. Zam concentrates on where he's going as he hurries back across the tourney field to the south side, and the safety beyond the rope. 

The youngest member of the group basically dives back beneath the rope as he saw that he started gathering a bit of attention from some of the combatants as they now know he's Percy's squire. 

Zam turns around and looks back across the tourney field now that he's safe behind the rope, and he grunts when he spots sir Percavelle Lé Dic again. 

"Well that didn't go as he thought it would" the ex mercenary dryly murmurs to himself as he watches the former paladin yank out the spike end of his hammer from the breastplate of the big mercenary who just confronted him. 

Zam winces as the large man falls backwards to the ground, and he spots the four or five holes in the big mercenary's breastplate. 

The youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins shakes his head and he guesses the large mercenary didn't realize how quick Percy can be when he wields his own weapons. 

Zam watches as the nobleman from the south of the kingdom of Druvic picks up the two handed sword of the unmoving mercenary, who is either dead, or is dying. 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che spins around with the two handed sword. 

And he flings it away with force, and it smashes into a knight in the order of Margesa, knocking over the knight with a clatter. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic doesn't even go after that knight, for the simple reason a pair of Vexillian city guards who have entered Le Grande Meleé and are working together. 

Attack the downed knight with their weapons. With one hitting his full helm with a heavy mallet. And the other slashing and whacking him with his sword. 

Zam looks away from Percy, who hasn't moved around all that much. As he conserves energy by staying near the middle of the tourney field. 

The youngest member of the group instead looks for Shur Kee the monk, and glances away to his left. 

And he spots where Dalinvardèl Tanith who is about thirty yards away, is looking towards. And he soon spots the short statured monk who is originally from beyond The Southlands, the far east coast of the continent, and the kingdom of Wah Lee to be exact. 

"Damn" murmurs the ex mercenary with a shake of the head as he sees Shur Kee drop a guard, a private company guard by the looks of things. 

With an open palm strike to the side of the head, just behind the left ear. Which knocks out the guard from one of the large trading companies in the city. 

The physical adept just stood there with his left hand holding his staff, which he was holding upright with an end on the ground. 

The short man in his early fourties, wearing no armour, continues to stand like that as Zam sees a dwarven mercenary wearily approach the acolyte in the order of Bru Li. 

It's one of the few dwarves competing in Le Grande Meleé, and Zam quickly looks back into the stands to the south of the tourney field. 

And he spots the rest of the group, and nods to himself as he sees Dorc da Orc, who is looking more furious than he normally is. 

The large ork left arm is the grip of Lord Farque who is beside the warleader of the ork race, who is a general in the deathlord of Farque's Armies. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins briefly smiles as over the noise of the crowd, and the fighting taking place on the tourney field. He hears Dorc da Orc shout out "Fuck 'em up little monkey!". 

Zam looks quickly back to where Shur Kee the monk is, and though the dwarf, who is wearing bits and pieces of plate armour over leather armour and chainmail, is fairly quick on his feet. 

He's no match for the speed of the short statured monk who is the living incarnation of The Jade Warrior Bru Li. 

The dwarven mercenary staggers back after getting kicked in the face by Shur Kee the monk, who follows that kick with a thrust of one end of his staff. 

The dwarf unfortunately wears an open face helm, and the wooden end of the staff shatters his already broken nose from the kick delivered by the physical adept. 

The dwarven mercenary growls in his native language, and goes to throw his hammer at the short statured monk. 

Who has already spun away, and the thrown hammer misses him by a fair margin. The spinning monk is swinging his staff. 

Which for the dwarf, unfortunately hits him in the side of the head, along the jawline to be exact. Whipping his head sideways, and sending his helm flying off his head. And though the dwarven mercenary doesn't fall completely to the ground. 

He does drop to a knee. And he ends up getting kicked in the side of the head, the same side he was just hit by Shur Kee's staff. 

This time the dwarven mercenary drops to the ground sideways, completely knocked out by the kick from the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li. 

In now a fairly calm area on the tourney field, Shur Kee the monk stands there with his staff upright in his left hand, looking to where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is near the middle of the tourney field. 

While over the cheering and shouting of the large crowd gathered to watch day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. Not to mention all the sounds of the action taking place out on the tourney field. 

Zam the ex mercenary can hear the laughter from Dorc da Orc up in the stands, who clearly enjoyed Shur Kee dealing to that dwarven mercenary. 

The youngest member of the group after glancing up into the mid morning sky, and sees that there's even a larger airship in the skies above. 

From one of the Vexillian trading companies by the looks of things. Who have a large number of people onboard to watch Le Grande Meleé from the vantage point up in the air. 

Looks across the tourney field and guess that more than half of the combatants have been eliminated. 

Many of whom have been helped off the tourney field by their assistants or squires. As Zam sees that a number of knights, and knights apprentices, and men at arms and soldiers have started to be eliminated in the tourney. 

Though they make up the vast majority of those who are left, as a lot of the various city and private guards, and many mercenaries make up the bulk of those who have been knocked out so far. 

"People are being a bit more circumspect, and using tactics now" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who has walked over and joined the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group. 

"Those who don't even know each other are teaming up" adds the spy who is originally from the elven principality of Alinlae. 

Zam nods in agreement with the elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

"I think so" says the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins in reply to the spy Tanith dryly saying to him "If anyone wants to take out that madman Percy, they'll have to team up with some others". 

Gesturing away to where there's a pair of Dark Knights attacking anyone who gets close to them, Zam tells Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well "Or those from the same order who know how to fight as a team". 

The elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae before joining the group, grunts in agreement with the ex mercenary. 

Then Dalin says "Best I get back to keeping an eye on Shur Kee" followed in a dry tone of voice with "Not that he actually needs it". 

For as they've been speaking, the short statured monk has knocked out another of the competitors in Le Grande Meleé. 

This one a cleric from one of the churches in the city. Who was knocked out by a couple of strikes to the head from the physical adept's staff. After Shur Kee kicked the cleric's legs out from under him, which sent him toppling to the ground. 

Zam sees that the short statured monk, along with sir Percavelle Lé Dic are increasingly getting fewer and fewer of the other combatants confronting them. 

For it's obvious that they along with a number of the other competitors, can easily defeat anyone who tries to take them on at this time during Le Grande Meleé. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins wonders how long this will last before people team up in groups to challenge those competitors like Percy and Shur Kee. 

Zam suspects it will be a fair bit later, when only the most skilled of tourney combatants, and those who are just plain lucky, are still participating in Le Grande Meleé. 

Here on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil, just outside the north wall of the city on this cool, but sunny spring day . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 48.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

Watching sir Percavelle Lé Dic walk further across the tourney field, Zam the ex mercenary can't help but wince as the large heavily armoured knight is heading towards the middle of the tourney field. Though more to the south side of it. 

Zam the ex mercenary quietly says "Damn" to Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who is walking alongside him as they head along the south side of the tourney field, just outside where it's roped off. 

The spy Tanith nods his hooded head in agreement with the youngest member of the group. 

As the two of them keep pace with the former paladin, and Shur Kee the monk, who is following the noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

The former earl of Lé Dic ends up basically in the middle of the tourney field, though more to the south side. 

While the short statured monk who has also entered Le Grande Meleé, is about thirty yards from sir Percavelle, closer to the rope that marks the boundary of the tourney field. 

Zam can't but help worry a little bit for Shur Kee,  who doesn't wear any armour. And only has his staff for a weapon. 

Even though many in the group, specifically Lord Farque who thinks the physical adept who is from beyond The Southlands, is more than likely to win Le Grande Meleé for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins sees that sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called, is being eyed up by quite a few of the participants in the tourney. 

The youngest member of the group looks at Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who quietly tells him in elvish "All those who attack Percy first off are in for a world of hurt". 

The spy who hails from the elven principality of Alinlae, who is now a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque continues with "They have absolutely no idea what they're in for". 

Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, follows that with "If they're smart, they should hold off and wait until he gets tired". 

The spy Tanith pauses for a moment, then adds in a dry tone of voice with "Which should be some time later this afternoon". 

Zam faintly smiles, then after he glances up into the sky, and he now spots four airships overhead in the morning sky, whose passengers are watching what's happening down on the tourney field. 

Looks away to the east end of the tourney field where the raised platform is, when Dalin quietly tells him "Looks like it's going to kick off" followed by "Luck". 

The master of ceremonies has raised his arms above his head, and though quite a number of the participants out on the tourney field are watching him. 

Those experienced combatants in a tourney, are watching those who are closest to them. With the exception of probably sir Percavelle, who has dropped to a knee, as if he's praying. He's not. 

And Shur Kee the monk, who again has closed his eyes. As just over five hundred participants in Le Grande Meleé. And the thousands of spectators who have gathered this morning wait for day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil to get underway. 

The master of ceremonies drops both his raised arms as his magically enhanced voice calls out "Begin!". 

And absolute mayhem, and brutal violence is unleashed upon the tourney field just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil on this fine and sunny, but cool spring morning. 

As Dalinvardèl Tanith predicted, Zam sees that attacking sir Percavelle Lé Dic straight away, is a big mistake. 

A number of the combatants, all of whom are not knights. Attack the large heavily armoured knight who is on one knee. 

Most of them get in each others way, tripping one another up, or colliding into one another as they rush the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

"Hell" murmurs Zam with a wince as the first of the combatants get to Percy. A mercenary by the looks of things, who has a broadsword, which he swings down at the nobleman who is originally from the south of the kingdom of Druvic. 

The large heavily armoured knight, barely moves, and the sword misses him, and thunks into the ground. 

Percy grabs the blade with one gauntleted hand, as his uses his other gauntleted hand to punch that mercenary. In the groin. 

The mercenary drops to the ground backwards, gasping in pain, without his broadsword, which the former earl of Lé Dic now holds. 

The noble born knight gets up, spinning to one side, and still holding the mercenary's broadsword by the blade. 

He uses it like a hammer, slamming it into the shoulder of a private company guard, who is next to reach him. That man drops to the ground, screaming in pain with a shattered shoulder and collar bone. 

While Percy continues to spin with the broadsword in hand, which he grabs the end of the blade with his other hand. 

And uses it to block another sword swung at him by a city guard by the looks of things, though a guard from the city of Tuledare, in the city-state of the same name.

The former paladin then kicks out with his left steel boot, which connects with the right knee of the Tuledarian city guard. 

Who screams in pain as he drops to the ground. A scream that's cut off when Percy swings the broadsword, using the hilt to bludgeon that city guard in the side of his open face helm. 

The large heavily armoured knight who has spun back around to the way he was facing originally, then throws the broadsword he's been using.

And it slams into the back of the helm of a mercenary, who attempted to rush him, but was tripped up, but has just got back to his feet. 

As that mercenary drops to the ground unconscious, sir Percavelle Lé Dic loudly says "Alright then chaps, who is next?" followed by "Wot". 

The large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, then laughs as he's just getting started in Le Grande Meleé, and he's yet to even draw one of his own weapons. 

Outside the rope along the south side of the tourney field, Zam the ex mercenary just shakes his head, and can't help but grin as he watches sir Percavelle Lé Dic drop anyone who gets anywhere close to him. 

"Bloody madman" murmurs the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins as he watches the former paladin, who is yet to be attacked by any knight in any of the orders who are amongst the more than five hundred participants in Le Grande Meleé today. 

Zam who sees that quite a number of the combatants are already down, and that their assistants and squires, those that have them at least. 

Have ducked under the rope, and gone onto the tourney field to try and help them out. Either to get them to their feet, or to give them a weapon as they've lost theirs. 

The youngest member of the group winces as a youngster, obviously a family member of one the participants, either a guard or a mercenary. 

Gets too close to one of the ordered knights, a large man in full steel plate, in the order of Varnell. Who back hands the youngster as he hurries by. Ripping open his face, shattering his teeth and jaw, knocking him to the ground unconscious. 

A reminder to Zam that he has to keep his wits about him if he's to go out on the tourney field and go to sir Percavelle Lé Dic's assistance if needed. 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins looks away to his left as Dalin has moved that way. 

And sees that the elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae. Is keeping a close eye on Shur Kee the monk. 

Zam spots the short statured monk. It's fairly easy to do so. As he's wearing his loose white flowing clothes. 

And is just standing there with his wooden staff in both of his hands. While a trio of other combatants in Le Grande Meleé lie unconscious on the ground near to the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li. 

"Uh oh" murmurs the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group, as he sees that the short statured monk has caught the attention of a knight. 

It's a knight in the order of the Knights of the Dark, commonly referred to as the Dark Knights. Who as custom to them, is in dark coloured steel plate armour. 

Who walks towards the physical adept after taking down a mercenary who stumbled towards him without meaning to. 

Zam slightly shakes his head as he sees Shur Kee just watch the large heavily armoured knight approaching him. 

Then as the Dark Knight gets close, and pulls back his longsword to swing at the short statured monk, who is an honorary member of Lord Farque's personal council. 

Shur Kee whips his staff around from the right side, which connects with the side of the full helm of the much larger man. 

The ordered knight grunts and staggers sideways from hit to the helm, which Zam could easily hear from where he is. 

Then before the Dark Knight can steady himself, the acolyte in the order of Bru Li. Infact he's the living incarnation of The Jade Warrior Bru Li. Is upon the large heavily armoured knight. 

The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins can barely see what Shur Kee does, for the short statured monk swings his staff a few times, spinning it in his hands as he does so. 

The youngest member of the group hears the three quick strikes hit the Dark Knight, who ends up flat on the ground. After getting hit in the back of the legs, where his armour is weakest, behind the knees. And the back of the neck, which dropped him face first to the ground. 

The Dark Knight attempts to push himself up, but he's struck in the back of the helm so hard by Shur Kee's staff. 

That Zam, along with a lot of the people to the south of the tourney field watching Le Grande Meleé, clearly hear the clang from that particular strike. Dropping the Dark Knight to the ground, completely unconscious. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins can't help but grin as Shur Kee, spins around, and thrusts his staff. 

The end of which smacks into the face of a mercenary, who trying to take on the short statured monk, rushed him thinking he was unaware of his presence. 

The mercenary drops to the ground holding his bloody face, which has a shattered nose, and smashed mouth. 

As he moves, Shur Kee plants the other end of his staff into the ground, and holding it with both hands. 

The physical adept lifts up both legs as he spins. Kicking a knights apprentice who has run at the acolyte in the order of Bru Li. 

"Damn" murmurs Zam the ex mercenary with a wince, as that knight's apprentices, who is in chainmail. 

Goes flying backwards, to slam into the back of a city guard, knocking them both into the ground after Shur Kee hit him square in the chest from that double footed kick. 

"No one's getting near him anytime soon" quietly says the teenager who is the youngest member of the group to himself. 

Who then looks over at Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, who glances his way, and mouths to him "Told you". 

Zam slightly nods to the the elven spy who is a commander in the Armies of Farque. Then the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins goes back to watching Le Grande Meleé. 

Particularly sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who he sees is in a little bit of calm within the chaos towards the middle of the tourney field. 

The youngest member of the group slightly grunts to himself, as he sees that there's probably more bodies on the ground close to Percy, than anywhere else on the tourney field. 

And from the appearances of some, Zam sees that the former earl of Lé Dic has taken out a few assistants to some of the combatants as well. Who had come out to help their particular fighter. 

Zam quickly looks across the entire tourney field, and sees that most of those who are down, and no longer taking part in Le Grande Meleé. Are combatants who are not knights, or not wearing a lot of heavy armour. 

Some are being helped off the tourney field, while others are trying to crawl to the sides, so that can get out of harms way. 

Because quite a few of the combatants, including sir Percavelle Lé Dic. Will attack anyone, even if they're on the ground, crawling, trying to get away from all the action. 

Zam sees it first hand as he's watching Percy. Who picks up a hammer that a participant has dropped. 

And throws it at one of the combatants, who he has not fought himself. Crawling away, trying to make his way to the south side of the tourney field. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins, can't help but wince in sympathy. As that man is struck in the side by the flying hammer. 

That particular man, a private guard to one of the trading companies here in the city of Vexil. Tumbles to the other side, screaming and howling in pain as clutches at his left side. Where his ribs are shattered apart from that hammer thrown by the noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

Zam looks over at sir Percavelle Lé Dic who has yet to use one of his own weapons. And stands there without any weapons in hand. Basically challenging anyone to take him on if they're game enough. 

Or dumb enough to do so, is what the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins thinks to himself as he wonders who'll be next to take on the nobleman, who is the former earl of Lé Dic from the kingdom of Druvic. 

It doesn't take the youngest member of the group long to see who is next to take on the former paladin who is a member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

"Oh here we go" Zam quietly murmurs to himself who sees who it is that's willing to take on sir Percavelle Lé Dic next, during Le Grande Meleé of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

It's a knight, and when he starts walking towards the Druvician noble born knight, and confront the heavily armoured knight. 

It's one of the first knight on knight fights to take place this morning on the tourney field, that's just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 

Where Le Grande Meleé is taking place on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil, where thousands are watching the tourney melee on this cool, but sunny morning here in this part of the city-state of Vexil . . . . . .

TYOFT - Author's Note.

Author's Note. 

Happy 17th birthday to The Ye Olde Fantasae Tymes. Well done you've made it this far. 

Author - CJM 18/05/26

Springtime In The City 47.

The City Of Vexil. 

The next morning. And once again the group have left the Merchant's Rest inn early. And by the time they make their way out of one of the gates in the north wall of the city. 

The first rays of sunshine appear to the east, on what's surprisingly a cold start to this spring day here in Vexil. 

As they walk from the city, Zam the ex mercenary can't help but let out a pent up breath, then he says "A little". In response to Beldane the cleric walking beside him, saying "Nervous?". 

"Don't worry I'll be close by" says the fighting cleric in the church of Glaine, who follows that with "Remember, keep alert" he then adds "As you'll be attacked too, even though you're not a participant". 

The youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins nods his head in understanding as the group, along with other early risers, make their way towards the tourney field just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 

Zam has learnt that squires along with any assistants to the competitors in Le Grande Meleé. 

If they're step foot on the tourney field. Which is a high probability. Either to give their participant another weapon, or help them off the ground if they're struggling to get up. Any of the other competitors are free to attack them. 

Le Grande Meleé is often the most dangerous time for a squire to a knight. Often more dangerous than actual battle. 

As squires and assistants to the participants, are all lightly armoured and lightly armed too. For they can defend themselves if they have to. 

But the best thing is to get off the tourney field as quickly as possible after coming to the aid of the knight, or others they're helping. 

"If things are dire, his highness will protect you" quietly says Beldane in the elven language, followed by "And Dalin too". 

Zam nods, for Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy is acting as Shur Kee the monk's assistant. As the short statured monk and the elven spy went ahead earlier. To register the physical adept as a late entrant to Le Grande Meleé. 

"Not that I think Dalin will need any help" quietly adds the powerful practitioner of magic who hails from the kingdom of Nastell. 

"Since I doubt Shur Kee will need any assistance" continues the cleric in the church of Glaine, who glances sideways at Zam, before adding "While you". 

Beldane briefly pauses, before continuing on with "Yeah, you're definitely going to be out there in the thick of it". 

The teenager who was scratching a meager living together as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins when the group found him. Grimaces at hearing that from the fighting cleric. 

For though he knows ultimately Helbe the elven thief will see that no actual harm will come to him. 

That doesn't mean he won't be attacked, and constantly too. For everyone in the group believes that sir Percavelle Lé Dic will come under heavy attack today during Le Grande Meleé. 

Infact the large heavily armoured knight originally from the kingdom of Druvic will likely be the most attacked participant in the melee that makes up day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

For the simple reason he won The Lists, or The Joust as it's more commonly known as. On day one of what's the annual tourney held here just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 

"Huh?" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary, who follows that with "They've cleaned things up". "Magic" dryly says Beldane the cleric as they near the tourney field. 

For by the end of yesterday, the ground of much of the tourney field was torn up, and quite muddy in places. Especially to either side of the middle of the field, where most of the passes took place during The Joust. 

But this morning, the tourney field, well the ground at least. Looks exactly the same as it did yesterday morning before things got underway. Pristine, and even without a churned up yard anywhere. 

Though the rest of the appearance of the tourney field is completely different than it was at the beginning of day one. 

For now for day two, the tilts have been taken away, and the entire field has been roped off. With waist high poles in the ground about every ten yards, on top of which the rope is connected to. 

At the east and west end of the tourney field, there's a gap about twenty yards wide, where the participants can enter, and leave if they're able to. 

And those competitors who have arrived early, are heading to either end of the tourney field, to wait for Le Grande Meleé to begin. 

After the others wish them luck, then head up into the stands on the south side of the tourney field. Zam along with sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who is on foot today, as his warhorse isn't needed. 

Head to the west end of the tourney field, where the ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins, has spotted Shur Kee the monk and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy. 

Amongst those competitors who have already gathered for what's about to take place today, here on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che gathers a lot of looks when he and Zam join the competitors already gathered at the west end of the tourney field. 

The youngest member of the group refrains from sighing as he can already see that Percy will be attacked en masse when things get underway. 

The ex mercenary suspected it would be so. And seeing all those looks directed at the large heavily armoured knight, he knows both he and sir Percavelle are going to be in for a long day. 

As Zam has been told by a number of  the group, predominantly Lord Farque, Helbe the elven thief, Mira Reinholt the mage, Beldane the cleric, and Percy himself. 

That a Le Grande Meleé could go all day, especially with so many participants that are expected to take part in today's one, here on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

He finds out how many are taking part when he and the former earl of Lé Dic join Shur Kee and Dalinvardèl Tanith, who are standing off to the side of the group who have already gathered at this end of the tourney field, who number nearly a hundred, and that's competitors only, not counting their squires and assistants. 

"Just over five hundred taking part today" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy in his native language to the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins. 

"Hell, that's a lot" quietly says Zam in the same language, after he looks at Shur Kee the monk, who is just standing there with his eyes closed, facing towards the rising sun to the east. 

The elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, nods his head in agreement with the ex mercenary. 

Then Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, shrugs his shoulders, then says "What can they do?" followed by "It's not magic from what I understand". 

In reply to Zam asking him "What happens if Shur Kee goes into one of his trances, and starts doing what he does?". 

The ex mercenary grunts, then looks at sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who has the faceplate of his full helm up at the moment. 

And there's a slightly sour look upon the face of the noble born knight as he looks sideways at the short statured monk, who hails from beyond The Southlands. The far east coast of the continent, and the kingdom of Wah Lee to be exact. 

Zam refrains from grinning, as he knows the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che is always cautious around Shur Kee. 

So much so, that the nobleman from the south of the kingdom of Druvic keeps well away from the physical adept during battle. 

Even Percy's bitter rival Dorc da Orc keeps clear of the short statured monk during combat. And for that matter so does everyone else in the group with the exception of Lord Farque. 

After a nudge from the spy Tanith who quietly tells him in elvish "I guess they're betting on Shur Kee". 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins looks away to the south stand, and spots members of the group already placing bets with a number of the betmen who have started business for the day. 

The ex mercenary then looks up into the morning sky, when Dalin quietly says to him "More spectators this morning" followed by "Some what a better view". 

As coming over the north wall of the city are a couple of the small, single masted airships that can be hired in the city for sightseeing flights. 

The small vessels are packed with spectators who want the best view of what's to take place on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

As the small airships circle above the tourney field, though not flying directly above it, as both The City Council and The Mage Council forbid it. 

Zam sees that more and more competitors have gathered here at the west end of the tourney field, as well as down at the east end. 

The youngest member of the group slightly nods to himself as he sees that the vast majority of the participants are not knights. But fighters of every other description you can think of. 

From guards, both city and private guards. To armsmen, in the Vexillian army, as well as armies from across The Southlands. As well as all types of mercenaries one can think of. 

All with different types of weapons, as well as different types of armour. Though a lot of them have at least one piece of heavier armour, usually a breastplate. 

Zam sees that the knights are outnumbered by the others. Because there's hardly any landed knights participating in Le Grande Meleé. 

For across many nations, nobles believe that a melee in a tourney. Is for those of lower ranks in society. For the commoners, and not anyone of noble birth. 

The ex mercenary is pretty sure that Percy is one of only a handful of landed knights competing today. 

All the other knights taking part on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil all belong to various knightly orders. 

The youngest member of the group has also spotted a number of clerics taking part in Le Grande Meleé. 

Clerics who won't be able to use their magic during the melee. For just like yesterday during The Joust, spellcasting is banned on the tourney field. 

With the exception of healing magic cast by those, under the jurisdiction of the Mage Council, who are helping to run the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

As more and more people full up the stands to the north and south of the tourney field, Zam along with Dalin look to the east end of the tourney field. 

And see that the master of ceremonies and his assistants have made their way up onto the platform that's down at that end. 

The ex mercenary also spots a fair few members of order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, amongst the competitors waiting to make their way onto the tourney field. 

Far more than took part during The Joust yesterday, on day one of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

"Hell, there's a lot of people alright" says Zam to Dalinvardèl Tanith, who nods his hooded head in agreement with him. 

As now there's at least over two hundred competitors in Le Grande Meleé, along with their squires and assistants at this end of the tourney field. 

Where a number of the tourney attendants, as well as city guards, and couple of mages, stand across the gap in the rope that goes around the tourney field. 

Two of the attendants hold a couple of rolled up scrolls, and a little bit later, about a sand glass after dawn. 

The master of ceremonies at the end of the tourney field, with a magically enhanced voice, says "Let in the entrants!". 

"When your name is called, you can enter!" calls out one of the tourney attendants with the scrolls, who unrolls one, and starts reading names from it. 

His fellow attendant with a pair of scrolls does likewise. And the two alternate calling out names of those participating in Le Grande Meleé. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or sir Percy of Druvic as he's going by, name is called out fairly early, within the first twenty participants. 

And the large heavily armoured knight makes his way through the section where there's no rope, which marks off the tourney field. 

As for Shur Kee the monk, he's one of the last names called out, he finally opens his eyes when he hears "Shur Kee of Wah Lee enter!" being called out by one of the attendants. 

Zam the ex mercenary and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy share a look as they watch the short statured monk who wears no armour, just his losse fitting clothing. Carrying just his staff, walk onto the tourney field. 

Where the combatants, who have entered from both ends of the tourney field, are spreading out as they wait for Le Grande Meleé to get underway. 

As the last few names are called out, Dalinvardèl Tanith says to the youngest member of the group standing next to him "Get ready for anything". 

The spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, continues with "This melee could be over by midmorning". 

Dalin briefly pauses before continuing with "Or it could last late into the afternoon" the spy Tanith shrugs as he adds "Who knows?". 

Zam the ex mercenary just nods to that, as they, along with the other squires and assistants, who are spreading out around the tourney field. 

Along with the competitors in Le Grande Meleé, look towards the platform at the east end of the field. 

And wait for the master of ceremonies to get day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil underway with the commencement of Le Grande Meleé as just over five hundred participants get ready for combat. 

On what's a cool, not to mention a sunny spring morning, here just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 46.

Vexil. 

It's evening. And they're back at The Merchant's Rest inn celebrating sir Percavelle Lé Dic's victory in The Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

They got the large heavily armoured knight away from the tourney field fairly quickly before he got mobbed by the crowd who wanted to celebrate his victory with him. 

For though sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as the rest of the group tend to call him. Was booed by a large portion of the crowd earlier in the rounds for some of his questionable tactics when it came to jousting. 

Turns out in the final pairing of The Lists, or Joust as it's more commonly known as. He was the favourite up against sir Dormic, a paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. The same knightly order that Percy himself belongs to. 

For the simple reason that during the final grouping, sir Dormic the paladin killed one of his opponents, sir Junicar of Marson Grove, a landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic. 

Who throughout the day grew in popularity amongst the massive crowd who had gathered to watch The Joust outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 

So much so, the young landed knight was the favourite amongst the crowd when it came to the last group of the day. 

It helped that sir Junicar was a ranked outsider when it came to the odds given by the various betmen at the very start of the day. 

And even by the final group of The Lists, he was still getting the longest odds of the last competitors of the day. 

So Percy, by default was the crowd favourite in the final pairing of the final group of The Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

The massive crowd was also ecstatic in the way in which the former earl of Lé Dic won the final joust of the day. 

Defeating the paladin sir Dormic in a rather violent fashion. More so than normally seen during a joust. 

The only reason the paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che wasn't horribly disfigured. Was because of the clerics and spellcasting healers who attended to him after his defeat at the hands of sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

If not, he would of had a permanent, not to mention deep scar up his entire face, and across the top of his head from the blow delivered by the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

In the common room of the small inn they've been staying in whilst here in the city of Vexil. They've put together a few of the tables so that can sit together as a group. 

With the exception of Lord Farque who is sitting at his usual table in a corner of the common room. 

Where Helbe the elven thief sat with him earlier discussing something. Which the rest of them couldn't hear thanks to a spell cast by the highly talented elven practitioner of magic. 

Now the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel is seated with the others at the cluster of tables in the middle of the common room. 

The only other one not sitting around the tables, is Dorc da Orc. Who is sitting on the floor, as no chair or bench is big enough, or solid enough, to hold his weight. 

The large ork who hails from the southern polar region of the world, who is drinking from a barrel of ale. And eating from a large wooden trencher on the floor next to him. 

Is sitting closer to Lord Farque's table than he is to where the rest of the group are in the middle of the common room of the inn. 

After yawning, Zam the ex mercenary says "What a day" with a shake of his head, he adds "I'm knackered after all of that". 

"Well, you've got tomorrow to look forward to" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who is sitting to the right of the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group. 

"Which is going to be a hell of lot harder than today" continues the elven spy who is originally from the principality of Alinlae. 

"Not to mention a hell of a lot more dangerous" adds Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well. 

Zam grunts at the prospect of that. For tomorrow is the second day of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. And the day Le Grande Meleé takes place on the tourney field just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 

The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins looks over at sir Percavelle Lé Dic, and sees that though the former paladin is celebrating his win today. 

He isn't drinking much, only having had a couple of mugs of ale. As he knows that tomorrow promises to be a long, as well as dangerous day. 

"Talk is that there's going to be more than four hundred participants tomorrow, closer to five hundred if the rumours I heard are true" says the elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

"More than twice the amount who started today in The Joust" continues the spy Tanith who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland, the elven principality of Alinlae. 

"Hell" mutters Zam the ex mercenary, who then adds "That's a lot for sure" then with a nod over to where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is sitting, the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins quietly asks the elven spy "Think he's got a chance of winning it?". 

"Sure" is the reply from Dalin, who follows on from that with "But everyone's got a chance of winning". 

The elven spy continues on with "But I doubt it" he then adds "Too many people will be out to defeat him now". 

The scout commander slightly nods to where Helbe the elven thief is sitting between Mira Reinholt the mage and the rotund woman named Malisse, and quietly tells Zam "Not unless his highness cheats for him, then I figure Percy won't win". 

Zam slightly winces, then nods as he figured the same thing. Without the help of some hidden spell craft from the elven masterthief. Then Percy doesn't have much chance to be victorious in Le Grande Meleé tomorrow. 

The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins, along with the spy Tanith then listen to what the others are talking about as they celebrate sir Percavelle Lé Dic's victory in The Lists today. 

"Me?" says Tamric Drubine the field commander, who continues with "I doubt it" followed by "Too many people taking part for me to be successful". 

The noble born field commander, who is originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, says to Tovis the war engineer "You've got a better chance". 

The war engineer who hails from southern Druvic like sir Percavelle Lé Dic, wryly smiles, then says "Now I can agree to that". 

In response to field commander Drubine saying to him "Even better, Beldane would have a fairly decent chance". 

Tamric Drubine or Tam as he's more commonly called by those who know him personally, continues with "After today, he'd have a better chance than Percy". 

The war engineer from the kingdom of Druvic nods in agreement, as they've all pretty much come to the conclusion that sir Percavelle Lé Dic won't be victorious in Le Grande Meleé. 

As it's likely a large number of the participants will team up against him. For the simple fact that they want to eliminate the winner of The Joust. 

Not that Percy himself thinks this. As he believes, rightly or wrongly, that he will be victorious on day two of the tourney, like he was on day one. 

"What are you two discussing?" asks Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman as she looks over at Tamric Drubine the field commander and Tovis the war engineer. 

"Who'll do well in Le Grande Meleé" replies Tovis the war engineer "A chance of winning it" adds Tamric Drubine the field commander, who then says "Amongst us". 

The rotund woman who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson nods her head, then glances to her left, and says "You Mira?". 

"I doubt it" says Mira Reinholt the mage with a snort "I'm good against multiple opponents, but lack heavy armour to survive for long during a tourney melee". 

The once powerful mage who was born and raised here in the city of Vexil nods over to where Beldane the cleric is sitting, and says "Apart from Percy, Beldane's got the best chance out of any of us". 

Clearing his throat, Helbe the elven thief says "Speak for yourself" followed by "I think I'd do pretty well" after a slight pause as he grins, the elven master assassin adds "In fact I'm pretty sure I'd win". 

After rolling his eyes, the mage Reinholt dryly says "No doubt" he continues on in that same tone with "Though the mages running the tourney would get highly suspicious when an elf wearing light armour, and with only a short sword as a visible weapon wins the melee against hundreds of others". 

The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, in fact he's a member of the royal family that rules that particular nation, grins then chuckles before saying "True that". 

With a shake of his hooded head, the highly talented elven magic user says "Can't do anything nowadays without being accused of cheating". 

"That's because you do infact cheat" says Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman in an extremely dry tone of voice, which causes others sitting at the table to chuckle. 

"Alright, alright, you don't have to go on about it" says the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, who pauses as he looks at all the members of the group sitting here in the middle of the common room. 

"Well Percy of course" says Helbe the elven thief, who then quickly adds in elvish "He won't though, unless I cheat for him". 

Switching back to the common language, the elven master archer says "Definitely Beldane, then maybe Tovis and Tam". 

Many of the others nod in agreement, then Lisell Maera the scout says "Not myself?" followed by "Or Saanea?". 

The elven princeling from Laerel doesn't say anything, and just sourly smiles in response to that from the attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury. 

Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by the others in the group just stares at the elven masterthief, then she slightly snorts, and grins before saying "I know, we've got no chance". 

The junior officer in the Scouts and Rangers division follows that with "Yeah apart from Percy, I'd say Beldane too". 

They go around the tables in the middle of the common room, and one by one, they all say Beldane the cleric would have the best chance in Le Grande Meleé along with sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

Even Percy himself suggests that the fighting cleric in the church of Glaine would have a fairly good chance of success during day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

"Dorc" loudly says Dorc da Orc from where he's sitting nearby on the floor. It might of looked like the large ork wasn't paying attention to the others. 

He actually wasn't, until they started discussing who would do well during Le Grande Meleé on day two of the tourney. 

There's a lot of rolling of the eyes from those in the middle of the common room, which is closed off for the evening with the exception of the group. Who are the only people staying at the Merchant's Rest inn. 

"Well, yeah" says Mira Reinholt the mage, who continues on with "But you can't enter this melee, so no". 

"Fucken load of shit me can't enter" loudly mutters the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world. 

Who knows he'd win Le Grande Meleé. In fact all the others, with the exception of Percy. Knows the ork warleader would win it if people larger than human size were allowed to enter. 

"Would fucken win easy" continues the ork weaponsmith in a loud mutter, who then grunts as he realizes something. 

"Farque" says Dorc da Orc with a wave of one of his large, meaty, frying pan sized hands over to where the undead warlord is sitting at the corner table. 

"He win the fucken melee" continues the large ork, who then mutters in his native language "He fucken win easier than Dorc".

Silence falls at the tables clustered together in the middle of the common room of the Merchant's Rest inn. 

Then eventually it's Helbe the elven thief who breaks the silence, who after clearing his throat, and glancing over at the large heavily armoured deathlord, says "Well, yes he would". 

After a pause, the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel says "But I doubt he'd want to enter". 

Over at the corner table, the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque slightly nods his full helmed head in agreement with what the elven masterthief just said. 

For though the lord of the death realm, who has the name of Draugodrottin that the people of his lands also know him by. 

Would easily win Le Grande Meleé tomorrow, he has no intention of entering it, because he has no interest in doing so himself. 

Though that doesn't mean the large heavily armoured deathlord isn't interested in Le Grande Meleé itself. 

So it's not a surprise when the undead warlord makes a suggestion who he thinks amongst the group could win Le Grande Meleé. What is a surprise though, is who it is that he actually suggests. 

"Shur Kee" quietly says Lord Farque from the corner table here in the common room of the Merchant's Rest inn. 

While a surprised Shur Kee the monk says "Me?". And Dorc da Orc looks at the deathlord of Farque and says to him in a surprised tone of voice "With his fucken stick?" followed by "And no fucken armour?". 

Helbe the elven thief winces, then murmurs "Hell". And next to him, Mira Reinholt the mage grimaces, and Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman murmurs "Damn". 

While sir Percavelle Lé Dic with a frown upon his face just says "Hmmmm". At the suggestion from Lord Farque that the short statured monk would be successful in Le Grande Meleé. 

After the others all glance at one another, the undead warlord tells them "A more than better chance that he'd win". 

Lord Farque briefly pauses before looking at the physical adept who is an honorary member of his personal council, then says "So much so, that he'll be entering tomorrow's Le Grande Meleé". 

"I am?" says a startled sounding Shur Kee the monk "You are" replies the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque in a tone of voice that is not to be argued with. 

There's a moment of silence before Shur Kee who is an acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li, as he realizes what's in store for him tomorrow when he enters Le Grande Meleé, quietly says in a tone of disbelief "Damn" . . . . . .