Boromir makes his way to the dwarven ambassador, his head bows respectfully, "Ah....my lord Gamalin. Glad I am to see you here today. It has been long since I have had a chance to speak to you. "

Gamalin notes the Steward's son coming forward and also rises in his seat, "Lord Boromir," he says with a respectful bow, "a fine day indeed and one worthy in which to find the heir ready to arms in this noble gathering. I wish thee well milord." He nods once more and returns to his seat.

Boromir allows an increasinly rare smile to cross his lips, "A fine day indeed. One well suited for a display of the martial skills of our own men and those of our allies. "

Ithilir steps into the center of the lists, and begins to speak in a loud voice. "The first two contestants, to vie for the Ruby Dagger.......are Edoraw of Rohan, and Bregon of Rohan. Gentlemen, please take the field."

Ithilir raises his hand to the Stands, and says, "And judging this contest, is our Esteemed Captain of Gondor, Boromir!"

Ithilir walks from the field, bowing to Boromir as he does so.

Gamalin turns his gaze from the Prince as the crowd suddenly quietens and looks toward the herald as he calls forth.

From Stands, As names familiar to her ears are called, Aelspeth breaks off her quiet conversation with her husband and rests her hand upon his arm before turning her eyes out and across the field of combat.

Boromir, hearing his name bows once more to the Ambassador and makes his way to the lists. He looks both men over and says, "Gentlemen, you both know the rules that were posted earlier. I trust you to abide by them. You will begin on my command. Are there any questions?"

Analdin stands silently at the edge of the field, eyes resting calmly on Ithilir, though his gaze flickers to Lord Boromir as his name is called as judge. His posture seems to relax slightly, ever so slightly, and some of the stiffness flows out of his figure, a slight smile plays in his eyes.

Edoraw looks around from where he was talking to someone in the crowd. He grabs up his helm and tucks it under his arm as he makes his way out to the lists. On his way to the center of the lists he picks up a practice sword, testing it with some quick swings and slices though the air, to continue on to where he was asked to assemble.

With a light clink of his silveron armor, Bregon stands straight from where he leaned against the blunt-ended spear that he had chosen already to match in balance as well as may be the weapon he usually caries. He swings his shield in place and claps helm to head, striding forward, golden locks trailing a bit down his back, boots crunching softly as he moves. He reaches roughly the designated spot and faces Boromir with a slight bow, "I shall abide by those rules laid down, I have no questions lord."

Bregon unbuckles his helm from his belt and plops it down on his head, fiddling with the chin strap until it is secure.

Bregon dips his shoulder and pulls his large shield from his back, strapping it quickly to his left arm.

Boromir steps back several paces, "Very well then.....you may begin."

Gamalin sits back in his chair and strokes his beard watching with composed interest.

Bregon nods and turns to face his opponant, stepping back cautiously into a bent knee stance, longspear angled about forty five degrees above the level, ready to strike, shield is before him to ward his body against blade, and keen blue eyes watch the Maegisterwigend Edoraw, awaiting...

Edoraw slips the helmet on to his head quickly before he is able to return a reply to the tall man. He slowly looks over to the other Rohirrim that is here to vie with him for the prize and extends a friendly hand holding his practice sword in the dirt yet and says, "Good luck to you, Rohir. My Bema guide your spear."

Bregon nods to the officer and dips the wooden point in salute, "Aye sir, and may your blade swing true." he then takes a couple cursory steps to his left, spear angling to track and be ready for quick defense or even a strike if Edoraw does not attack..

Bregon raises the point of his spear, light flashing dangerously from the tempered steel.

Edoraw smiles slightly beneath his helm and takes a quick back step, swinging his sword up out of the dirt and bring it up in front of his enemy. He moves his body around to show his sword to his opponent's face, he says, "I hope I still remember how to swing this blade after so long." With the words from his mouth he fients an attack to the other Rohir's knees and brings his sword with a quick slice through the air to come over the shield.

Edoraw attacks Bregon with his Longsword, but Bregon parries the attack with his Spear!

Bregon is ready for the attack, his eyes having never left the sword. As the blade swings around, the rider abruptly changes his leftward shuffle to a step right, spear dropping and flicking to the left to divert the longsword wide of its mark, the wood meeting with a clap. Losing no time with the motion, Bregon pivots on his right foot and crouches to turn in a complete circle around to face his opponant once more, the wide turn taking him almost around to Edoraw's left side. Even as his left foot is around, he lunges forward, the spear darting up and in to try to come up under the other Rohir's guard and catch him in the ribs, the thrust is quick and precise, leaving the option of quick withdrawl, and neither does he fully commit his body to the lunge.

Bregon attacks Edoraw with his Spear and moderately wounds him!

Edoraw sees he put too much effort in the first blow and curses himself under his breath for the mistake as the well placed blow lands in the armour of his chest leaving a quick throbing pain in there, as he moves his sword down upon the shaft of the spear to move it away from his body and ride it up in to the owner of the spear's chest, as he shuffles his feet closer pushing the spear futher down to the ground tring to pin it.

Edoraw attacks Bregon with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

Boromir watches the bout carefully, not expecting one of the men to use dishonorable conduct but vigilent noe the less.

Bregon gives way to the press, shuffling to his left and letting his spear point get driven backwards. He uses this, simply pulling the spear shaft horizontal and letting it pivot, Edoraw providing the power as Bregon moves to the side, not willing to grapple with the swordsman. The butt end of the spear is born around and at the moment when the two are nearly beside each other, Bregon pulls it hard to finish the pivot, slapping the lower end of the shaft around at Edoraw's lower back as the rider falls away from the officer.

Bregon attacks Edoraw with his Spear and mildly wounds him!

Edoraw stumbles forward as he is hit in the back and his sword comes off quickly of the other's spear as he turns, trying to get some good hold of his sword handle as he backs up away from his opponent. He looks over to stands, looking for someone, not sure of who or what he's really looking for, maybe some hope from his bad luck.

Bregon seems to have his full attention on this bout, his eyes straying never from his 'foe' before him. He regains his balance and pulls his weapon quickly back under control as he takes a few steps back as well, out of range of retaliation from the longsword. He stays at this range, a span or a bit more from Edoraw and starts to follow his attack, spear darting in at the Maegisterwigend's chest....but as the other man looks away, he changes his attack, not willing to risk actually injuring his commanding officer. With a hard jerk he drops the point of the spear down to knee level and swipes to the side, seeking to simply take Edoraw from his feet..

Bregon attacks Edoraw with his Spear and moderately wounds him!
Edoraw notices the movement too late and is mere seconds away from stopping the spear, but the spear connects solidly with his knees which buckles and he falls down. His sword slips away and his falls backwards on his arse. He curses for a moment and moves to feels his knees which sting too badly. He speaks up, "That one hurt a bit... I think I better sit the rest of these out, don't want to hurt my knees by trying to fight on them..."

Boromir steps in quickly to seperate the fighters, he announces loudly, "Edoraw has submitted! The bout goes to Bregon!"
Standing silently, remaining at the edge of the field and awaiting his turn, Analdin watches the match calmy. his eyes rarely stray from the combatants, though every now and again his gaze flickers around the field. However, at the announcement that the bout has been won, he straightens and looks intently to the field.

Bregon steps back and rests the butt of his weapon in the turf, glancing at Boromir and then bowing to Edoraw quickly. He jounces his shield on his arm to readjust it and shifts his weight, awaiting instructions of some kind, mostly just looking awkward standing in the middle of the grounds with attention on him.

Ithilir walks into the center of the field, and says, "The winner of the first heat, shall now meet Analdin, Lieutenant of Minas Tirith, in the second heat. Gentlemen, please take the field."
Analdin, picking up the blunted sword leaning next to him, strides out to the field. His eyes straight ahead, his long strides bring him quickly to the center. With a half-smile to Ithilir, and a nod, he waits quuietly for instructions.

Bregon watches the Gondorian approach, eyes flickering up the man, sizing him up perhaps. He stays where he is, already upon the field and takes a moment to rest on his longspear, brief as the first combat was. Eyes then glance from neath the rim of his helm towards Ithilir and he too awaits...

Ithilir steps between the two, and says, "Are you both aware of the rules?" He turns to Bregon, and says, "Are you sufficiently rested from your first bout?"
Analdin nods slowly, his bright eyes sizing Bregon over as he stands without a sound. After a few moments, he turns and, awaiting Bregon's answer, fingers the hilt of his dulled sword.

Bregon stands straight once more and nods shortly, the flowing white plume whisping at the back of his helmet slightly as he does, clear voice answering simply, "I am, sir, on both counts."

Ithilir nods, and says, "Then gentleman......you may begin." He steps back and watches the contestants carefully.
Boromir steps back into the sides of the lists, still watching carefully but not judging this bout.

Ithilir says, "Remember, this is to submission, or inability to continue, with blunted weapons. No attacks below the waist, and may the best man triumph."

Bregon waits for the judge to stand clear and then bows slightly to Analdin, catching Ithilir's added words as he does and making note. He takes a step back and jabs lightly at Analdin's sword arm, testing the defenses before committing to attack, having little specific knowlege of the way these people handle arms and even less of the soldier he now faces...thus it is a testing thrust, at the limits of his eight foot weapon, a probing attack.

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!
Analdin returns his opponent's bow with one of his own, a rather simple and soldierly bow. Holding his sword at the ready, he watches Bregon for a few moments, watching the man, his arms, and his weapon with sharp eyes. As he is prodded with the spear, he takes a quick step out of the way after the first, more probing attack, and brings his shield up to be prepared as well. Bringing his own weapon about and bracing his feet lightly in the dirt of the field, he swings lightly at Bregon's mid-section. Though his grip is relatively loose, his weight is in the attack.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Bregon dodges your attack.

Bregon shuffles quickly to his right, receiving a return attack that was not wholly unexpected. His large shield drags behind his motion to guard him and he swipes his spearpoint as well from left to right with a jab at the trailing end of the motion as the longsword flickers past, the rider's intent to catch the torso of his opponant and then shove him backwards, again bringing the reach of his weapon into play, his right foot bracing as he does to give the necesary bit of power..

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!
Analdin, as Bregon dodges his attack, draws back a bit, taking a half-step backwards. Yet, when Bregon sweeps at him with his spear, a weapon somewhat longer than the longsword used by the Guardsman, he brings his shield up and stops the longer weapon in whatever purpose its user was planning for it. With a short and quick jab, he brings the blunted point of his sword quickly towards his opponent's shoulder.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Bregon dodges your attack.

Bregon drops reflexively into a crouch, the sword passing just over his shoulder. As he crouches, the rider hammers the curved upper edge of his spear at the bottem of the longsword, intending to fling it high as quickly his weapon responds, striking out and up quickly with the rounded tip, aimed to pass the shield and catch the guardsman under his arm or in the ribs. Bregon's left foot slips back, and his right shoulder swivils forward with his return thrust, prestenting a narrow image to Analdin and providing a straight line of attack for himself..

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!

Malia smiles to Baragol as she sees him entering the Lists.

Baragol steps over to where Malia stands, a small bit of attention given to the two combatants.
Though the spear catches his sword, causing it to fly a bit higher than Analdin obviously intended, he does not lose control of it, and manages to keep his balance. Shield up and in place, he moves it quickly to catch the spear thrust, deflecting it off the face of the shield. Eyes darkening somewhat, he brings his sword again towards the narow image of his opponant's shoulder, aiming just below it, and for Bregon's arm.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Bregon parries your attack with his Spear!

Malia says, "At least here, Baragol, our own kinsmen are competing."

Baragol nods to Malia. "True. I've not seen many of our own countrymen involved in the contests. Although, we have such few numbers here. That is not surprising."

Bregon sees his attack go ary, fowling with the guard's sword and gathers his left foot back under him immediately, shoving off with both legs and springing hard to his left from the crouch, even as the blade again assails his person. His spear trails after as he collects the long weapon back to his control and catches the falling sword ere it can hit his trailing right foot. The rider then plants his left, jerking to a stop, shield held to cover his left side as with a hard jerk and an outward push, he knocks the longsword from teh shaft of his spear, bracing the butt end back across his armored side and using that point as a pivot to smack his weapon back to the inside, aiming to catch Analdin in the ribs, under the broken guard of the outflung sword. His eyes are intent, jaw firm and his face without expression as he goes about this business of playing at war.

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and you block his attack with your shield!
Analdin, eyes ever vigilantly on his oppnonent, watches his own attack go wide. Yet as soon as the man attacks, knocking his sword off a bit in the process, he brings his own shield up and into position with a quick movement of his arm, deflecting the spear-blow before it has the chance to reach his armor. Pivoting on the ball of his left foot, bringing in a hard swing led by his dominant right hand, Analdin aims heavily for the left side of his opponent. This hard swing causes a few stray strands of light hair to creep from underneath his helm and fall into his eyes, though he ignores them for the time being, being totalyl focused on the fight.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Bregon dodges your attack.

Bregon 's hand feels the jolt as his longspear is abruptly halted in its path to Analdin's ribs by the deftly manuvered shield. He jerks his arm back, pulling the spear away lest it become intangled and takes a step back in hopes of avoiding swift retaliation. The attack that does come however sends a quick thought through the rider's mind and he thinks he sees an opening. Bregon lunges forward, the size of his weapon not ideal for this strategy, but if he succeeds, he will gain an upper hand. His large, elongated cavalry shield leads his exploding charge as the sword cleaves a path behind him at the completed turn, trying to bring his spear into the attack, awkwardly at best as he lets his hand slip forward to grasp it a foot or so below the point, the butt end dragging out behind as he jabs the make-shift dagger upward at Analdin's torso, the main intent of his attack to hammer the guardsman to the ground with his large shield, hopeing the other is at least a little off balance by the standing turn.

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

The sun sinks slowly behind the majestic Ered Nimrais, casting the plains of fair Lebennin into darkness.
Analdin takes a quick step back as the counter-attack against his hard thrust comes a bit sooner than expected. However, even with his long stride, Bregon's spear-point comes up against him, he unsteadily tries to dodge it, or at least avoid it mostly. Having already been in mid-stride when the attack came, though, he was already off balance, and is only thrown that way a little more by the spear point hitting hard on his mail. With a sharp intake of breath, Analdin, holding his arms a bit closer to his sides than normal, perhaps for reason other than tactics, and bracing his feet hard in the dirt, thrusts hard with the blunted point of his sword towards Bregon's spear-arm.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bregon moderately wounds him!

Bregon is halted as his power comes to naught, opponant still firm before him and he feels the sword point slam into his arm, flinging his spear back with his limb. The rider staggers back in suprise several steps, opening the distance, his longspear looping around to his outside and then whirling overhead to crack down at the tower guard's sword shoulder, using now attacks from longer range, where lighter equipment and longer weapons should win advantage...

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!
Analdin, with his shield at the ready, watches closely for the Rohir's attack as soon as he comes back to his center of balance. Staggering only a moment more, he shakes his head once, quickly, flinging his hair out of his eyes, and looking hard at his opponent. As Bregon falls back to a range more suited to the long spear than Analdin's sword and swings at his shoulder, the guard has a bit more time to react to the weapon as it now has to reach longer to hit him. In this extra second, he ducks to the left bringing his shoulder out of the spear's ranger just a moment before it whooshes past him. As the close swing brushes by, Analdin takes the oppertunity of his opponent's over-swing to reah in and make a hard thrust at Bregon's side.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bregon moderately wounds him!

Bregon is outmaneuvered by his own attack as his heavy swing fails to do its work. In a flash, something rams into his side, slipping past his shield and scraping against the scales of his armor as the point connects and then is turned aside. The rider grunts with the impact and then frowns, shuffling to his right, the toe of his boot catching in the turf and causing him to stumble. He jerks his arms out in attempt not to fall, the shaft of his weapon flipping wildly upward and back across his body, his intent to escape attack and his eyes not even watching the path of his flailing spear as he regains his footing.

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he hits! Ouch!
Analdin's eyes light in surprise as the spear of the tripping man comes crashing down towards him. Not prepared for so perculiar an attack, supposing it was a strategy, Analdin jumps aside to the right, though not in time to prevent the long weapon from crashing down on the shoulder of his shield arm. A quick grunt emits from his tight mouth, and he buckles under the heavyness of the falling spear. Though it causes him to look almost comical, one shoulder a bit lower than the other, he quickly straightens, though not without an almost inaudanle groan and a glare at Bregon. Hoping, perhaps, that he might have time before the smaller man regains his footing, Analdin brings his sword about in a narrow arc, aiming eventually for Bregon's left side.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bregon badly wounds him!

Bregon has indeed but just regained his balance, the solid bulk against his spear helping to right him, but before he can turn, the sword smacks the back edge of his shield, knocking it forward and the point smacks into his side at the back. His left knee buckles slightly to absorb the impact and quickly he turns on that leg, thrusting the butt end of his weapon back around as he does, hoping to catch Analdin in the gut and give him more time to reset his position.

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!

A flash of.. something.. perhaps concern shows in Analdin's deep blue eyes for a second, covering the determination. However, it only lasts a moment before he returns to his previously vigil and determined self, moving his sheild into position to block the thrust to his gut, though wincing in the process from the pain to his injured shield arm. Breathing deeply, having kept himself safe from harm, for this moment in time, he pulls hard with his sword towards the shoulder of Bregon's shield arm, not too far from the place he himself was hit. Bracing his left foot just a tad behind the right and pivoting on the balls of both, he brings down his attack.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bregon badly wounds him!

Bregon has now though recovered and faces Analdin, though to no avail as the sword swings true once more, the blunt edge crunching into his arm just above the shield rim. The man of the Riddermark only whinces slightly as his body leans to the right to lesson the shock of the blow, and sets his jaw once more, stepping back and stabbing forward quickly, trying to at least push the man away and buy some time.

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

As he is stabbed at, a quick stab, as though his opponent were tryin to buy time, Analdin brings his shield about to block it. However, injured as his shoulder is, his timing is off, and the shield doesn't quite manage to catch the blow. The spear jabs him hard in the side, bringing a gasp from his tight lips. Eyes shimmering, he holds his arm close to his side, perhaps to squeeze off the pain, and brings his sword in his other arm about in a narrow arc, aiming a heavy blow at Bregon's side.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bregon moderately wounds him!

Bregon 's attack does buy him a little time...but a very little and as he faces his opponant once more and moves his shield back into position, the sword finds its way unerringly to his ribs and smacks against the armor there. The rider gives to his right, letting the power of the swing bleed off, the tip of his spear flicking up with a quick jab towards Analdin's throat.

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!

Analdin, having not brought his sword around too far, although certainly far enough to cut out his balance for a moment, he takes a weary step back. But at Bregon's attack upward with the longer weapon, he drags the sword up, getting the blade between the spear-point and his throat just a second before it hits. Managing to knock the spear away, he pulls his sword around and down, aiming a hard yet somehwat unsteady blow at his opponent's shoulder.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Bregon dodges your attack.

Bregon doesn't let his spear get knocked away, but instead spins it downward, yanking hard to try to pull the tower guard off balance, an easy dip of his shoulder dodging the blade. He bends his knees and yanks the shaft hard to his right...

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!

Analdin dodges the flying shaft, ducking out of the way before it reaches him. His momentum carries him backwards just far enough to keep himself out of the spear's way, though not far enough to make him unable to retaliate. Letting out a heavy breath, Analdin, both hands holding tight to the hilt of his sword, swings it at the Rohir's side. Howeve,r right before it reaches, he brings it up at the side of the shoulder instead.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Bregon parries your attack with his Spear!

Bregon steps back, again using distance to better the advantage of his longer weapon. The sword he watches intently, and misses not the change in movement, slapping the shaft down atop the longsword and driving it towards the ground, stepping forward in the same motion and driving the spearpoint at the gondorian's gut.

Bregon attacks you with his Spear!...
...and he misses!

As his sword is redirected towards the ground, Analdin brings his sheild into line, though it hangs rater low. Deflecting the blow of the spear with the shield, though, managing to get it in place in time, the guard brings his sword back up with and addition of momentum thanks to the blow of the Rohir. Bringing it back around, he pulls a light blow towards his opponent's spear, though he is in close enough to hit the arm should his blow go smoothly.

You attack Bregon with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bregon badly wounds him!

Bregon stumbles back with a grunt as the blade smacks into his forarm and a sickening crunch is heard. The rider whinces as his spear falls from his hand onto the field and he backs off, speaking just loud enough to be clearly heard between gritted teeth, "I am bested, I yield to this soldier."

Ithilir steps onto the field, and walks over to the two men, saying, "A truly well fought match, my friends, I am honored to have been a part of it. Thank you both."

Analdin takes a step back, pulling his sword, which was readied for another swing, back with him. Lowering his shield, and sliding the weapon into his sheath with the whisper of metal, he reaches a hand out to Bregon. "Well fought my friend." He says, a concerned smile touching his face.

Ithilir turns to the Crowd, and says, "Your winner, is Analdin, of Gondor!"

Bregon nods slightly, "Well fought.." and then turns, striding back past the stands and off the field, working the fingers of his right hand.

Ithilir passes out into the fairground.

Bregon has left.

(Some time later....)

Ithilir walks out onto the field, and says, "Now, I have the pleasure to accept the challenge of the Ruby Dagger Champion, Analdin of Gondor. Analdin, will you join me in the Lists?"

Analdin steps out from the edge of the field, nodding slowly as he does so, "I would be honored, Lord Ithilir." His voice holds a bit of sarcasm, though little enough to keep it almost unnoticable. Striding to the middle of the field, he stops and stands patiently quiet.

Ithilir smiles, and Analdin, and says, "Good Luck, Lieutenant." He draws Durlach from its sheathe, and steps into the middle of the field, waiting for Analdin to make the first attack.

Analdin gives a small smile, eyes twinkling in the sunlight, "Good luck to you as well, Ithilir." he says queitly. Lifting the practice sword he had been holding at his side, he bows swiftly and silently. Then, bracing his feet in the dirt of the lists, he brings the blunted weapon about lightly towards Ithilir's sword arm. The attack is swift, but not too strong, more of a probing attack than anything else.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir parries your attack with his Longsword!

Ithilir parries the attack smoothly, and circling to the right, feints at Analdin's face, and brings his sword around to attack his lower sword arm, hoping to dislodge the weapon.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and you parry his attack with your Longsword!

With a twist of his wrist, keeping perfect control of the sword after the first controlled attack, Analdin brings his sword up before him, parrying the blow to his arm with it. Keeping his movement fluid, he brings the sword around and towards Ithilir's side, the swing quick and hard.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir parries your attack with his Longsword!

Realizing almost too late, that he is shieldless, Ithilir twists away, and brings his sword around to try to deflect the blow. He manages, barely, and with a light laugh, says, "I underestimated you, Analdin, I may regret that." He pushes Analdin back with a thrust of his sword arm, and feints at his chest, holding his attack.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

Yet even as Ithilir feint, the tip of his practice sword thuds into Analdin's chest, knocking him backward as he had no defense up. Coughing once and regianing his composure suprisingly quickly, the lieutenant brings his sword around at Ithilir's other side, bringing his shield up at the same time in a defense. Smiling as he attacks, he says, "It has been a while since we last really spoke, Ithilir. We have both changed, I am sure.. and you are just as tough as I figured you would be."

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Your attack against Ithilir moderately wounds him!

Ithilir grins at Analdin's compliment, and then staggers in surprise as Analdin's attack to his side catches him completely unaware. He backs up slowly, holding his ribs, and turns slightly grey. Speaking slowly, he says, "And so are you Analdin, that was a well placed blow. I commend you." He gains some strength, and holding his sword more firmly, makes another feint at Analdin's face, trying to gain some time to recover.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he misses!

Analdin ducks easily out of the way, though the feint hardly comes near his head. Straightening, Analdin gives a quick smile and a nod, muttering softly, "Thank you," as he quickly recovers from his swing, bringing the heavy yet blunted sword in a narrow arc toward's Ithilir's shoulder.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Your attack against Ithilir moderately wounds him!

Ithilir staggers below another hard blow, this time to his shoulder. He grimaces, and holding his sword in his right hand, moves in for a heavy blow to Analdin's shoulder.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

Analdin's shoulder drops a bit, as Ithilir's sword comes crashing down on his already sore shoulder. Gasping, he shakes his head slowly, as though to clear the pain from it. After a few quick breaths, the lieutenant, eyes shining brightly, swings hard for Ithilir's other side, commenting shortly, as though laking breath, "You hit heavily, Ithilir.."

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir dodges your attack.

Ithilir smiles at Analdin, and says, "As do you Lieutenant, my heart leaps that such valiant fighting men guard our Fair Land." He steps to the side, and using his sword to guide yours, brings it back around in a slash to your chest.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

As though expecting a different approach, Analdin's shield was in the wrong place at the wrong time, his sword also not where it could have been. Another loss of breath, this time accompanied with a hard groan, escapes him. Swollowing, he looks as though he wishes to reply, but cannot find a voice. Instead, Analdin brings his sword about quickly, aiming a smooth blow at Ithilir's own chest.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir parries your attack with his Longsword!

Ithilir drops his sword to catch Analdin's, and with a lithe flick of his wrist, moves the tip around, and then extends into Analdin's stomach.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he misses!

Analdin, dodging quietly out of the way by sliding to one side, manages to avoind the thrust. Still breathing heavily, he swings his sword about to match Ithilir's, perhaps to keep it away long enough to gain him some breath.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir dodges your attack.

Ithilir steps under Analdin's swing, and with a quick move to the left, brings his sword up to hack at his Sword arm again.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he misses!

Analdin pulls again out of the way, his heavy boots crunching in the soft dirt as he moves quickly. Keeping his shield up and at the ready, the lieutenant pulls his sword about, having gotten the time he needed, with a hard blow to Ithilir's arm.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir dodges your attack.

Ithilir nearly slips, as he dodges Analdin's attack, and pulls his arm wildly out of the way. He backs up a pace, and walks slowly to Analdin's right, and then with a low lunge, jabs at his stomach again.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

Analdin, though his shield is ready for it, gets knocked back a step by Ithilir's blow as it hits hard on his shield. Groaning, yet with a determined twinkle in his eye, Analdin brings a steady swing about fot Ithilir's sword arm, though drops as he goes in, aiming eventually for the other's side.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir dodges your attack.

Ithilir drops his sword swiftly, and knocks the blow aside, and bring his sword around, to slash at Analdin's shoulder.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he misses!

Analdin, with a lithe duck to the side, Analdin dodges the blow aimed at his shoulder. Struggling, it seems, to keep his footing right, he braces against the floor of the field and swings his sword in a wider arc towards Ithilir's midsection.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Your attack against Ithilir moderately wounds him!

Ithilir staggers as another blow catches him in the ribs. He holds his side for a moment,a nd then with a determined look, advances, and swings a heavy swing at Analdin's chest, trying to bear him to the ground.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he misses!

The swing catches the edge of Analdin's shield as the guard dodges out of the way. Brushing it off, as someone ignores a bug bite, and with a look of hard-tempered determination shining brightly in his young eyes, he brings his sword about lightly towards his opponant's shoulder.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Your attack against Ithilir lightly wounds him!

Ithilir catches the blow lightly on his shoulder, as he turns, and continuing the turn, allows his momentum to carry him around in a cut to Analdin's stomach.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he misses!

Analdin has his sword up and at the ready, having brought it in from the earlier attack, and deflects the blow easily. Holding back just a second, his breath coming hard now, Analdin brings his sword up in one hand and swings towards Ithilir's side, the one with the arm which holds his sword.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir parries your attack with his Longsword!

Ithilir parries the cut, and with more finesse this time, and less anger, feints to Analdin's head, and cuts to his shoulder.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and you parry his attack with your Longsword!

Analdin, not without a pained look crossing his face, brings his sword up around his head and blocks Ithilir's blow. Then, with the momentum picked up from that, he swings heavily down at Ithilir's shoulder, his eyes sparkling with almost wild determination, "This could... be... a long fight.. friend." he says quielty as he attacks, as though most of his strength were being used in the swing.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir parries your attack with his Longsword!

Ithilir smiles slightly, and says, "It may at that Analdin." He blocks the blow, and swings at Analdin's stomach again.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

With an "oof!" as the sword brushes his stomach, brushes it hard enough to cause him to make a pained sound, Analdin grits his teeth and nods. He holds his own sword with a hint of fatiuge entering his grip, the point not so far up as it has been. Ignoring his waning strength, Analdin cuts upward at Ithilir's sword-arm, remaining silent except for the scuffling of his feet.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir parries your attack with his Longsword!

Ithilir deflects the blow, and swings around at Analdin's shoulder.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

Analdin, as the blow comes in swiftly and heavily at his injured shoulder, doesn't quite manage to get out of the way in time to keep it from hitting him hard. Holding in any sound of fatigue and/or pain that might wish to escape his stiff control and concentration, Analdin pulls his sword about in an almost reckless attack at Ithilir's own shoulder, though there does not seem too much strength behind it.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Your attack against Ithilir badly wounds him!

Ithilir takes a hard hit to his shoulder, and nearly drops his sword. Catching it in his left hand, and transfering it to his right, he lunges swiftly at Analdin's chest, knowing that his wind will not hold out much longer.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he misses!

Analdin, with almost tripping steps, manages to steps out of the way of the lunge. His face remaining blank, normally sparlking eyes having already lost any except the most determined spark, he turns quickly from his movement and brings his sword swiftly towards Ithilir's other shoulder.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir parries your attack with his Longsword!

Ithilir parries the blow lightly, and swings overhand, at Analdin's shoulder again.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

A hard intake of breath, followed by an almost broken groan emits from Analdin's tight lips as the sword comes crashing down on his shoulder once more. Keeping his eyes held hard on Ithilir, ignoring the searing of his shield shoulder as his shield hangs almost useless by his side, Analdin pulls lunges at Ithilir's chest.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir dodges your attack.

Ithilir blocks the attack to his chest, and with his feet planted firmly, swings another blow at Analdin's chest.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and you block his attack with your shield!

Analdin manages to find some strength left within him, and, with a visable grimace, oulls his shield up in front of his chest to block Ithilir's blow. Looking his hard in the eyes, his own blue eyes darkening to the shade of a stormy ocean, Analdin feints his sword around at Ithilir's head, though yanks it downward ay the last second to go for his shoulder instead.

You attack Ithilir with your Longsword...
Ithilir dodges your attack.

Ithilir blocks the attack to his shoulder, and pulls his sword around, to cut at Analdin's Shield arm, near the shoulder.

Ithilir attacks you with his Longsword!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

Analdin cries out in pain, dropping to his knees from the blow, both sword and shield falling from his hands. "Please, Lord Ithilir," he pants out raggedly, "I submit..." trailing off, he grabs his shoulder, though prevents any other look of what pain is coursing through his sore muscles from appearing at all in his countanance.

Ithilir smiles, and dropping his practice sword, goes to Analdin, and says, "Well fought My Friend! I am honored to accept your Submission, and declare that no disgrace should accompany it, you fought well, and had this been another day, would perhaps have bested me." He takes Analdin's arm gently, and says, "May I take you to the healers? I must go as well, my bandages need to be checked I am sure."

Analdin struggles to get his feet under him, nodding slowly as he does. Finally on his feet, he says quietly, "Thank you... I was honored to be bested by one as great as yourself." he adds with a soft smile, "As for the healers, I believe there is no place I would wish to be more."

Ithilir smiles, and leads Analdin to the tents, where he has the bandages on his chest cleaned, and prepares for the final contest.