Honor
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Lucretia looks up from her book, and runs her fingers back through her hair, offering a faint smile to Gerard. "Your highness."

Erasmus stands at the opposite end of things, dressed simply and wearing a rapier. He's starting to look very amused, and is watching Ris with this interested expression. "Highness," he greets.
Cosimo purses his lips.

Ris laughs into the air, "He… come now?"

Caine appears suddenly, grasping Ris's hand.

Ris holds his hand to the air again.

Cosimo walks unhurriedly toward Ris and now Caine and Gerard.

Raphaela slithers in the ball room soundlessly, and while everybody is too busy takes a seat beside Lucretia.

Caine appears grasping hands with Ris, a card in his other hand. "What a lovely way to spend a few hours. Of course I will come."

Erasmus unfolds his arms from his chest and gives Prince Caine a little bow, looking back to Ris questioningly.

Emma pokes her head into the ballroom, with something less than subtlety. Her brows lift just slightly, and she steps all the way in, with unabashed curiosity.

Elijah curiosity is piqued. He slinks around the side of the wall towards Lucretia and finds a seat somewhere near her after flashing her a smile.

Lucretia closes her book, sliding it back into her reticule as people increasingly turn up. Elijah receives a small smile, then Raphaela. "Lady Raphaela," she murmurs. "Hello."

"Anymore, Said Lord?" Erasmus calls to Ris, voice echoing in the cleared space. He seems in no great hurry, though glances to Emma as she walks in.

Gerard sheds his coat and swordbelt, handing them to Caine.

Cosimo looks at Ris and then to Gerard and Caine. And then back to Ris. He raises his left brow at Ris.

Raphaela nods to both Lucretia and Elijah who she doesn't know. She remains silent, folding her legs idly as she leans back in her seat, pale eyes focusing on the event before them.

Cosimo's hands are clasped behind his back.

Caine takes the coat and slides it over his shoulder before putting setting the blade to lean against his leg. His hand moves to stow away one care and replace it with another. "We have another brother wishing to see the sport. I will see to his arrival."

Lucretia performs brief introductions, glancing up at the arrivals.

Ris glances at Cosimo.

Erasmus looks nonplussed at the guests, and stays where he is, watching for the third.

Caine stands in the ballroom of the golden goose with Gerard's coat thrown of his shoulder and Gerard's sword leaning against his hip.

Cosimo looks over to Caine and says, "If your highnesses wish to observe, I present no objection."

Gerard rumbles, "So. Are we here to look pretty, or are we going to get to it?"

Gerard says, "Because if it's pretty, I've already won."

Cosimo looks over to Gerard, purses his lips, and then looks to Ris, "Or do you posit more, Cousin?"
Erasmus laughs aloud, drawing his rapier and testing the balance absently.

Lucretia laughs at that, blowing a kiss to Gerard. "Your highness, if you wish to argue /that/ point, I shall be happy to challenge you. You may win the talent competition, but I think I shall carry away the swimsuit section."

Caine extends a hand to the air. "Yes, brother, would you care to join us to watch the evening's events unfold?"

Emma glances to Erasmus briefly, before she makes her way toward a seat that's none too far from Raphaela et al. Gerard's words give her cause to smirk, but she refrains from any comment.

Raphaela chuckles at Lucretia's words, refocusing her eyes on the main event.

Ris glances to Cosimo, "Prince Julian wished also to join us."

Raphaela also waves to Emma and gestures her over.

Privately, to Erasmus, Emma's regard of the Commander is brief, but steady, encouragement flickering through bright irises.

Gerard says, "Swimsuit, you say. I might have to challenge you to that just for the joy of losing."

Elijah sits back down after greeting Raphaela.

Erasmus smiles easily to Emma, his earlier somber mood having apparently evaporated.

Caine says, "Why thank you. I am rather proud of him."

Nearby, Raphaela offers "Introductions needed?"

Gerard says, "And I enjoy an easy victor."

Julian appears suddenly, grasping Caine's hand.

Lucretia laughs. "I have been described as many things, but easy?" She clicks her tongue, looking mischievous. "You are welcome to try and discover."

Privately, to Erasmus, Emma also might just seem a little smug at the mention of a prettiness contest. She continues to refrain from comment.

Caine greets Julian with a ready grin. "It is just these moments that make wonderful family memories."

Emma settles into a chair, her expression largely amused.

Raphaela's fingers press down the chuckle on her lips again. She seems amused too.

Nearby, Lucretia murmurs, "I believe we've met, although only in passing." She's still clearly highly amused.

Nearby, Emma glances at those in the chairs. "I am not certain I know everyone, unfortunately."

Gerard grins. "So, gang's all here then? We can get started?"

Julian smiles to Caine, "Indeed. Almost a perfect family moment."

Erasmus inspects his rapier with the casual air of someone giving it the usual cleaning and care.

Cosimo turns from Ris to regard Caine, Julian, and Gerard. He says, "Your highnesses." He smiles. He nods a last to Julian. He then looks to Ris and asks, as a straight man should, "And who is your champion, Lord Chiarrisimo?"

Nearby, Raphaela stops chuckling and gestures "Lady Emma Feldane, Lady Lucretia Mandrake, Lord…Elijah of Weir was it?" she looks to Elijah to make sure.

Gerard grunts, as he stretches, "That'd be me."

Ris now turns to Cosimo, "May I present the champion of my blood, my uncle Gerard?"

Lucretia's eyebrows lift sharply, and she is suddenly not paying so much attention to introductions.

Nearby, Elijah gives a brief smile, "My Lady, I would not take titles that do not represent me. I am a Captain of Mandrake, no more, no less. Elijah, at your service."

Cosimo raises his left eyebrow, starkly at Ris. He eyes Gerard. Then eyes Ris again. Then Gerard. Then Ris again, to whom he asks, "Dare I question who your father is, my lord?"

Raphaela smiles at Elijah, nods, then looks towards Ris and Gerard, her face usually non readable.
Julian inclines his head to Cosimo in greeting as he was greeted but given Ris' answer and then Gerard's, he merely smiles a little.

Erasmus finishes his inspection of the blade and pivots to face Gerard, assembling a serious expression. He seems unconcerned about the lineage of Ris.

Nearby, Emma inclines her head, acknowledging Lucretia's words. "Indeed. I am glad to officially make your acquaintance, Lady Lucretia." She then offers a smile in Elijah's direction. "A pleasure, Captain."

Nearby, Elijah tips an imaginairy hat, "The pleasure is mine."

Caine's grin is as sharp as the dagger at his belt. "His father is his royal highness Prince Caine of Amber, of course."

Raphaela tilts her head, her jaw managing not to clink on the floor.

Lucretia murmurs something to those with whom she's seated, then settles back in her seat, posture perfect and a faint smile twitching, ill-suppressed, at the corners of her mouth.

Nearby, Lucretia murmurs, "That dragging sound is, I think, the playing field being rearranged in the minds of half the people present."

Julian and Caine form a cluster together.

Nearby, Elijah says, "I would not know of such things, of course, My Lady. I am only here to watch."

Ris slants a gaze at Caine, half a smile appearing, then returns to regard Cosimo. "It would seem that question has been answered for me, your Grace. My family was most alarmed at the recent behaviour of the commander and his guards, and had interest in witnessing these procedings."

Nearby, Raphaela doesn't answer. But her face regains the idle calm dreamyness it usually has.

Erasmus lifts a hand to Gerard, telling him, "I have something to say before we begin, Highness," in case Gerard were of the opinion that a quick attack helped odds.

Emma looks on silently, though her lips do purse briefly.

Gerard, for his part, is unarmed and does not seem set up to attack. He tucks thumbs into his belt and waits.

Cosimo's left eyebrow settles as he regards Ris, his lips thinning in to a smile. He says, "I see." He then turns to regard Caine and asks, "Would I be presuming to inquire as to whether you are making a formal acknowledgment of Lord Chiarissimo de'Mandrake as your son?"

Erasmus studies Gerard, and re-sheathes his rapier, before unbuckling the swordbelt and stepping to set it on a nearby chair. He returns to his spot, shaking his wrists out.

Caine addresses Cosimo even as the card he used to contact Julian is placed away within his garments. "You may of course inquire. Though it strikes me that such discussions are best pursued after the duel is resolved. It should serve enough that I attest formally that /Ris/ is my son a statement to which his mother will readily bear witness."

Gerard grins. "Always were a quick study, Erasmus." He approaches the man, hand extended. By the tilt of his head, it's clear he wants to exchange a few words.

Caine's smile sparks brightly as he adds. "I am sure she remembers the events involved quite clearly."

Raphaela grins a bit.

Erasmus looks curious, taking Gerard's extended hand.

Muttering to Erasmus, Gerard shakes the hand firmly. "… friendship, what… do,…"

Muttering to Gerard, Erasmus shakes his head. "Oaths… honor, this. We'll see."

Emma's expression remains grave, her hands folding in her lap as she looks on.

Gerard nods and claps Erasmus on the shoulder, companionably before moving back several paces.
Ris remains still, watching now.

Cosimo says in a mannered fashion, "Yes, she is one to remember such things." He pauses, "Thank you, your highness." He then turns to regard Gerard and Erasmus. And when there is a pause to their introductions, he says loud enough to cross the distance, "I am the judge of this duel." He looks between Ris, Gerard, and Erasmus, now. And he seems set to continue.

Raphaela leans forwards arms folded on her folded knees.

Ris inclines his head, slanting his gaze to Cosimo.

Erasmus takes a breath, before addressing Gerard. "I'll be brief, Highness, guests. This match was prompted by the challenger's degrading of my four hundred years of service to your father, King Oberon. As such, to me this contest carries grave significance. And as such, due to my oath of service and protection, I simply cannot raise arms or fist against one of his sons." He resettles on his feet. "To incapacitation then, Highness. I won't fight back."

Lucretia is silent, watching the groupings with intent interest.

Julian nods to Ris.

Caine says flatly. "I see. Your courage lasts only so long as you are insulting and striking my son when you are not aware he is related. When it comes to facing a warrior you lack the equipment for the task."

Emma's features draw into a deep frown, and she quite visibly bites her tongue.

Cosimo he says, "Hold, then." He turns to Ris. "This is a matter of honor. As the challenged, do you see grounds to provide satisfaction to the honor of Lord Erasmus short of the floor of the duel?"

Privately, to Erasmus, Emma is just barely restraining interjecting her opinion.

Erasmus remains focused on Prince Gerard, his brother's words falling on deaf ears.

Gerard scratches his chin, quizically, considering Erasmus before shooting Caine a warning look. He waits for Cosimo and Ris to have their talk.

Julian remains silent, merely watching the proceedings, a small sardonic smile upon his lips.

Raphaela remains in her folded up pose, watching.

Ris quirks a brow at Erasmus's speech. He turns to Cosimo at the query, "My cousin has an interesting way of twisting the words of his recollection. In response to his copious insults across multiple occasions, I questioned his service to the House of Mandrake, and indeed, stated explicitly that his service to the Crown was never in doubt."

Lucretia is at least feeling no urge to take her book back out of her reticule. She does not speak nor otherwise act to interrupt the drama unfolding, expression interested but ruminative.

Gerard waves a hand. "Look, the duel's on, we don't need to question why it's here." He chews on his lip. "Ris, fair to say you owe me one for this, right? Do me a favor in payment?"

Julian says, "In fact, brother Gerard, these *are* the proper forms despite your eagerness to commence."

Erasmus speaks up, "The terms were agreed to, I see no reason to change because of what I have said."

Elijah is quiet and curious. He is mainly studying Cosimo.

Gerard says, "It's not the beginning I'm rushing towards."

Cosimo says to Ris and says, "Your… uncle… has the meat of the matter, nonetheless. In the matter of honor, see you means or cause to achieve satisfaction short of the floor of the duel?"

Ris turns to Cosimo, and inclines his head. "Certainly. You were the advocate of this duel, your Grace, I merely complied. I will accept an apology in front of all assembled for his insults, and will trade his sucker punch to my jaw for a prepared punch to his from my champion."

Erasmus says simply, "No apology."

Gerard says, "So. We're on, then. Before we get going, Ris, I need that favor."

Cosimo turns his regard to Erasmus and says across the space between them, "So, Lord Erasmus, I take it then that your challenge stands unretracted. Is their aught that you see as a resolution of honor short of the floor of the duel?"

Erasmus shakes his head in the negative to Duke Mandrake. "I accepted the terms of the duel as agreed, and it will proceed." He watches Gerard curiously.

Ris looks to Gerard, "Of course, uncle."

Muttering to Ris, Gerard nods and steps closer to Ris, to murmur something quietly. "Once… done,… heal… loser…. take… wounds onto… That way… be… here."

Cosimo declares, "So be it." He looks between Gerard and Erasmus and says, "The duel is to incapacity or acquiescence. Death inflicts loss and dishonor upon the person wielding the blow." A pause. "Do these terms remain acceptable. Your highness? My lord?"

Gerard says, simply, "Yup."

Erasmus sounds a little impatient. "Aye, they're still fine."

Cosimo says, "Then, to the ready…"

Muttering to Gerard, Caine clears his throat and then comments to his brother. "… words… your… brother. He… my son… returned he… a… His… of… to… because his victim… more…"
Erasmus readies by, apparently, standing still with his arms by his sides. He regards Gerard somberly.

Gerard flashes a grin at Caine. "If you think welcoming my fist with his chin is the act of a coward, then maybe you've forgotten what sort of guest my fist can be."

Cosimo remarks to Gerard, "To the ready, your highness."

Privately, to Erasmus, Emma gives a look in the Commander's direction that is replete with sympathy.

Caine says, "I'm well aware of it. But he handles his pain and his wounds /HIMSELF/. It may remind him that striking diplomats and others because he /assumes/ them to be weaker than he is unacceptable in a guardsman."

Gerard shakes his head. "I know what you want from this Caine, and it'll happen, believe me. I understand it, I'm behind it. But I'm the one in the ring here, and Ris is the challenged. This one you got've got to leave to us."

Erasmus looks disinclined to banter, especially since he's not being talked to.

Privately, to Emma, Erasmus looks… resigned. He knows this is going to hurt quite a bit.

Nearby, Lucretia mutters, "The discussion of terms is taking longer than the duel shall."

Nearby, Raphaela shrugs and says in her usual melodic voice "Politics takes fun out of violence." hard to say what she meant by that.

Muttering to Gerard, Ris pauses to regard Gerard, surprise flickering across his features. He pauses as Caine speaks, then glances back to Gerard, "… agrees,… your… and… I… great… I… display… his…"

Nearby, Emma murmurs, "I think that is the point."

Gerardnods to Ris. "Good enough for me." He steps back into the space that might serve as a ring. "Here we go, then."

Erasmus nods, standing ready to help a one-sided fight.

Nearby, Raphaela doesn't seem to disagree.

Cosimo says, "Very well… commence."

Caine seems thoughtful, his attention only half upon the fight as the other half is cast into the nether realm behind his gaze.

Gerard laughs out loud at something said between the two fighters. He nods and steps forward, his mass torqued to align behind his fist. He lets loose a brutal right cross aimed to catch Erasmus on the chin and snap his head hard to one side.

Emma winces, though she doesn't look away.

Julian watches impassively.

Lucretia does not react, watching with a thoughtful expression.

Erasmus, not being inclined to do anything to counter the power, absorb it or duck, fights down the impulse to do all three and takes the massive blow where it's intended. The force of it snaps his head back, spinning him off his feet to land like a deadweight on the floor, several feet away.

Raphaela is still having her usual look on the face.
Raphaela mutters simply "Ouch."

Cosimo barks, "Hold!" Though his face is stoic. He then begins to take steps toward Erasmus. Not running, but quick.

Gerard tucks his thumbs into his belt and doesn't seem inclined to land any further blows.

Lucretia rises to her feet unhurriedly, seeming to be waiting for something.

Cosimo kneels down next to Erasmus and does a perfunctory examination, it seems. Without looking up, he says, "Lord Chiarissimo is the victor." A pause. "Lucretia," he calls.

Caine says something softly and then raises his voice to the rest of the room. "Hold."

Gerard holds up a hand to Lucretia. "Hold on there, sassy britches. I think Ris has got this one in his magnanimous hands."

"Hold," Ris says to Cosimo, echoing Caine. "My uncle's terms for this duel have not been fulfilled." He walks unhurredly toward the fallen Erasmus.

Lucretia moves to join Cosimo, expression impassive and unsurprised. She then stops again as Caine speaks, her eyebrows going up and mouth twisting humorously at Gerard. She places a hand on her waist, but doesn't step forward or back.

Raphaela grins, stretching as she leans back, remaining silent.

Emma gathers herself to her feet, though she doesn't move from her spot right in front of her chair.

Gerard wanders back to collect his coat and belt from Caine.

Cosimo takes a moment to look over his shoulder and says, "With respect, the duel is over. Lord Chiarissimo is won. The terms of honor are met." A pause. "Also, with respect. This is my house, and if you do not mind, I will set about taking care of our cousin." He says to Lucretia, "Here, please."

Gerard coughs. "Please, your Grace. If you let Ris do what he's trying to do, your House only gains. Roll with us on this one."

Caine's distraction ends. "Ris will be the attending physician. The others will not be needed."

Ris regards Cosimo calmly as he arrives near Erasmus. He drops into a kneel beside the commander, resting his hand upon the fallen form if not prevented. "I have already shown the Lord Erasmus mercy, with my choice of champion. But for the sake of my uncle, I will go a step further."

Cosimo places his attention upon Ris as he, too, remains kneeling next to Erasmus.

Lucretia moves forward unhurriedly, but makes no move to act. "I am sure that Lord Ris will not object to my being present as an observer. However, I cede action to him as the princes wish."

Emma seems to fret where she stands for a moment, then makes her way over toward Erasmus as well. She says nothing, but simply approaches as if she has every right to be there. She does not seem inclined to interrupt, either.

Muttering to Gerard, Caine hands the items back over to his brother. "… trust you… aware… happens… the… to… his…"

Erasmus lays as fallen, his face looking a bit odd after the blow. Fortunately, it's not his good side.

Gerard mutters to Caine, "We'll talk about… later. And… talk…"

Ris regards Erasmus now, murmuring to Cosimo, "I am a healer, your Grace, not a soldier. And so I will heal." And then he quiets. THe dark, deep bruise already spreading across Erasmus's jaw then begins to fade. Several moments later, it reappears in a sudden rush in an identical place upon Ris. He jerks back, then it is Ris sprawled unconscious across the floor.

RPG: Ris declares that he has the Absorb Injury (LIF-AI) gift:

This character can voluntarily take another person's mundane injury (a wound, broken bone, etc.) upon himself, or enable another volunteer to do so; everyone must be close enough to touch. The injury is essentially transferred from the injured person to the volunteer. The transfer is not instantaneous, but it only takes a few seconds, no longer than a minute at most, with more extensive injuries taking longer to transfer. Once started, the transfer cannot be stopped through interruption. This in no way mitigates the amount of agony involved, or the potential lethality of the injury.
The transfer must be consequential, from a story perspective. Likely, this means one PC taking an injury consequence on behalf of the victim. However, an NPC can also absorb an injury on behalf of a PC or NPC victim, as long as this results in a consequence to a PC; in other words, this needs to be a meaningful sacrifice. This ability can also be used for background color with "generic" NPCs, but when absorbing the injury is of dramatic significance, a consequence is the appropriate way to think of the nature of the sacrifice made.

Lucretia turns her gaze to Caine tranquilly. "By your leave, your highness, I will now assist in tending for your son."

Erasmus stirs, eyes moving wildly under his eyelids before they open.

Gerard looks to Ris and nods. "Now that was bravely done." He glances at Cosimo. "I'll leave you to arrange for your kinsman's tending, your Grace."

Caine steps past Gerard to cross the room to where Ris now lays. "Actually, brother, I believe I will attend to my son personally. A bit of drink will do him well."

Gerard nods. "Sure, sure."

Emma's expression turns a bit sad, as she watches Ris take on Erasmus's injuries. Still, she takes a step forward, peeking at Erasmus as best she can without crouching.

Cosimo ignores Gerard as his attention is focused upon Ris. He says, "Guards, come here. I will need your arms." He checks Ris' vitals, opens his eyes and looks in to them, et cetera.

RPG: Cosimo declares that he has the Master Physician (LIF-MP) gift:

The character is an expert physician and chirurgeon. He is an excellent diagnostician, and capable of ensuring that a patient survives any mundane poison or disease. If a patient arrives alive, and is treated (usefully) by the character, they can survive any injury. If the character supervises their convalescence, they can shrug off mundane injuries (wounds, broken bones, etc.) in a matter of days, and heal from critical wounds in a week or two. This grants survivability comparable to Corwin's in the novels, but doesn't grant Corwin's long-term regenerative abilities.

Saul nods to his brother as he enters and stands to the side of the door as if he were willing to wait.

Erasmus moves to push himself up, looking briefly considers until he sees Ris's sprawled form. He sits up, a hand going to his intact jaw, before he seeks out Gerard through the people clustered around.

Elijah heads to Cosimo to assist.

Gerard buckles his belt and adjusts the set of his cutlass. "Drinks sound like a great idea." He notices Erasmus approaching and waits.

Raphaela rises and starts to move towards the door.

Erasmus nods respectfully to the Prince, and that seems to be that.

Caine bides a time to allow Cosimo to examine the fallen Ris. In the interim he says aloud. "You should head back to the Palace, Commander. I am sure the Hounds and the staff will be eager to thank you personally for having brought them all to my most /detailed/ attention. It is possible that even the Prince Regent will wish to express gratitude."

Cosimo looks up and over his shoulder toward Caine, "Your highness, your son's jaw is broken. And he is likely concussed. He will not be drinking anything tonight until we tend to him."

Gerard returns the nod, then clasps Caine, and then Julian on the arm, each in turn. "I'll be in the Palace if you need me. Good to see you, Julian."

Privately, to Erasmus, Emma waits. Poor Erasmus.

Erasmus nods, looking to Emma with a smile before moving to stand. "I welcome your efforts to improve the execution of my oath, Prince Caine. Thank you."

Saul's attention shifts to Raphaela, who may nor may not notice. He inches a little down the wall (away from the door) and keeps track of her movements as if he has never seen a woman in pants before this-well, at least not those pants.

Lucretia moves to kneel opposite Cosimo, looking down at Ris with a judicious gaze.

Caine nods to Cosimo. "When it is necessary I will carry him, the guards will not be needed."

Julian nods to Gerard. "You still owe me a conversation with your son, Gerard, in case you have forgotten."

Raphaela blinks at Saul, she stares back at him as if he wears a dress.

Gerard says, "Oh, actually I did speak with him about that. It wasn't him."
Gerard says, "He said that he's tried it before, but it knocked him clean out. He doesn't have the strength for it."

Elijah glances from Raphaela to Saul and rolls his eyes.

Julian nods to Gerard. "I see. Thank you. It would have been more useful sooner but it's something. Thank you."

Privately, Erasmus says, "Sorry you had to witness that, it wasn't the fascinating swordplay I was expecting to experience."
Erasmus mutters to Emma, "… it… was expecting… experience."

Raphaela offers her hand to Saul fluidly, "Raphaela de Sorgo."

Saul grins slightly, and tries to duck his attention away from her. His face is red and looks very much like someone who either didn't want or didn't think he would get caught looking at Raphaela's pants.

Gerard nods. "Why did you think it was him, anyhow? And hey, I'd like to know who can bridge the damn thing, myself. Seems a useful trick."

Cosimo looks up to Elijah as he approaches, "Captain, are you the only Guard present? We'll need another."

Emma says, simply, "Commander, if you are on your way to the palace, would you be so kind as to escort me out?"

Julian says, "I'm merely going to known suspects, lacking other information, Gerard. The more I learn the more curious it is. We'll talk another time about it."

Saul mutters something to Raphaela.

Lucretia gently places a hand on Ris' forehead, looking to Cosimo. "Father, might I propose something?"

Gerard nods. "I look forward to it."

Elijah snaps in Saul's direction. "Saul, front and center."

Erasmus smiles to Emma, nodding. "Let me grab my rapier." He steps over to the chair, belting the weapon back on as he returns to the Lady. He offers his elbow, smiling politely.

Elijah and Cosimo form a cluster together.

Cosimo looks over to Lucretia, "Yes?"

Emma tucks her arm into Erasmus's, pausing to drop a graceful little curtsy to the royalty gathered, then allows herself to be escorted out.

Saul jerks up sharply, his head turning toward his brother, "Who gave you the Chain-" then sees more of what is going on in the room, including Cosimo. Still he does not move immediately toward his brother.

Raphaela offers a nod and a smile to the pair leaving.

Erasmus also inclines his torso to the royals, even Prince Caine, and escorts Emma out.


Erasmus lets out a breath and tightens his arm briefly, muttering, "I really didn't know if that was going to work…"

Emma rests her free hand on his arm, patting lightly. "I was rather concerned for a few moments there, yes," she agrees.

Erasmus nods agreement. "I think I need a drink, and ask you for opinion on where."

Emma says to him, "Quite honestly, I do not care, but I could desperately use one, myself. You could come visit the Feldane manor, to make your evening even more exciting." There's a wry note in her voice.

Erasmus chuckles. "Briefly yes. That sounds just fine to me." The man must be coming down off some adrenaline, or the wound transfer trick was still a little harsh to the system.

Emma gives him a startled look. "Your bravery knows no bounds." That said, she moves to lead the poor man that way.

Erasmus laughs and lets her lead this time.

Emma can't hide that she's somewhat relieved at the outcome of the duel, though she doesn't actually verbalize that. Instead, she seems content to walk in silence with the Commander. Finally, though, they arrive at the Feldane manor. "I obviously cannot promise any good behavior from my family."

Erasmus seems in a contemplative mood on the walk as well, but as he steps into the townhouse, he smiles at the warning. "I feel like I'm unbeatable tonight, after that duel. Even the talking pots could not darken this evening."

Emma clucks her tongue. "Famous last words." That said, she leads him to the parlor.

Erasmus pauses long enough to leave his rapier with a servant before following her in. He seems a little jittery, but smiles, looking about.

Emma releases his arm, and moves to settle into a seat. She looks to the servant, saying, "Two glasses of brandy, if you please." A glance to Erasmus. "That is — will brandy do?"

"Perfect," Erasmus answers, dropping into a nearby chair and settling back. "I really am sorry you had to see that, but glad at the same time."

Emma nods an affirmation to the servant, settling back more comfortably in her seat. "Why sorry, and why glad?" she asks, not inclined to let him off the hook without some questioning.

"Well, it might have been something more what you're used to, if we'd done it properly," Erasmus explains, looking comfortable. "I'm afraid to think what the actual punch -looked- like, given what it -felt- like. And glad that I was able to walk out of it with you."

Emma remarks, mildly, "It looked pretty brutal, to be honest. You practically flew across the room." The servant returns with two snifters of brandy, handing one first to Emma, then the other to Erasmus. "Did you want anything else?" the woman asks.

Erasmus takes the glass with a nod and samples a bit more than usual in the first drink. "This is absolutely fine. And yes, it felt brutal. That is probably not what I would have wanted you to see," he jokes with a laugh.

Emma also takes a somewhat larger gulp of the brandy than she might otherwise, before giving him a small smile. "I prefer seeing it to hearing about it. My imagination is rather vivid."

"And probably more graceful," Erasmus remarks. "Swordplay is no less brutal, but it has more /art/ to it than a good uppercut. Speaking of, were you going to learn a little fencing at the new club in the palace?"

"But the good uppercut was impressive!" Emma says, before clamping her mouth shut guiltily.

Erasmus grins wide, almost as if he's happy to be able to do so after said uppercut. "I… don't even remember his fist connecting, actually. Not even now. Strange, isn't it? And impressive, though… I think I owe Prince Gerard a drink, that was a difficult position for him."

Emma gives a sheepish smile. "I imagine you do. I would not have wanted to be in either his place, or yours. I think you were perfectly in the right to refuse to attack him, given your oath, incidentally." Another sip of brandy, and she adds, "And yes, I was thinking to do so, if I am welcome."

Erasmus bounces his eyebrows in a facial shrug as he murmurs into his glass, "Honor is harder to heal than the body. It was a worthy choice." Drinking, he grins at her. "Oh, perfectly welcome. Do you have a blade to your height?"

Emma says, with a smile, "I agree, Erasmus." She glances away, then, toward the piano. "I've a blade, yes. It is a bit old, but it is serviceable."

"It will do quite well for practice," Erasmus assures. "I wouldn't recommend a serious duel, though clearly, I don't take my own advice." He pauses, before telling her, "I accepted a challenge Lady Taleyn delivered to my Duke, and will fight for him." He seems far less worried about this bout than the one he walked away from.

"I've no intention of duelling unless someone gives me a good reason to," Emma assures him, mildly. Then, she blinks. "You what?"

Erasmus looks a tad less pleased at the lady's reaction. "Well, remember at the ball? She shouted a challenge. The Duke didn't take it right then, I accepted it in a letter this morning. She's gone to the war, though, hasn't she?"

"Why would you do that?" Emma asks, incredulous. "Should not your Duke fight his own battles? And yes, she is."

Erasmus swirls his brandy a moment, before admitting, "He didn't hear it, or it didn't register what she'd said. I heard it though, as did everyone else. I couldn't let it go unanswered."

Emma lets out a soft sigh. After a moment, she admits, "I can understand that." She gulps her brandy, once again.

Erasmus chuckles, watching her, concerned. "I won't let it become -habit-, you know. This wild and crazy dueling. Special cases, I'm sure. And Lady Taleyn is free to name the terms, so I doubt it will be to the death."

"I have a hard time imagining it would even occur to her to do so, at least in this case," Emma muses.
Erasmus smiles. "So it might be more… interesting than traumatic, or I hope so."

Emma chuckles, softly. "I imagine it will be. But you might consider making that your last duel for a bit, for the sake of your hide."

"Oh, you are wise, and I'll heed it," Erasmus laughs. "It's not my style, really, I prefer a short sword against the enemies of Amber, not these little contests." He sips, and shrugs. "But it's tied to honor, and a game that is sometimes unavoidable there. Other ways of handling slights…" He looks to her, curious. "Any other idea than a duel?"

Emma smiles over at him. "I understand the game of honor. I just try to keep my nose clear of all that, and I suppose as a woman, I've a bit more luxury when it comes to not standing up for the men of my house. I would, but it's less expected." A shake of her head follows. "If I think of any, I will be sure to let you know."

Erasmus shakes his head. "Perhaps more -subtle- ways than a solid punch to the jaw or a sword thrust, I wager. Otherwise one would have to be foolish enough to believe that a woman has less of a sense of honor than a man. Probably a longer memory, which is a fearsome thing."

Emma replies, "That is not quite what I meant. It is just that we are expected to step in less often, on behalf of someone else's honor."

Erasmus ahhs. "Most of the challenges have been to my own, but…" He considers. "The Ducal one was different. But I'll try not to make it a new hobby."

Emma breaks into sudden, soft laughter. "Well, you needn't do so on my behalf! If it makes you happy, go right ahead."

Erasmus makes a scary face. "Not.. quite, though if they can all end with leaving with a beautiful lady on my arm, I could form a habit of it fairly fast!"

Emma scrunches her nose up, obligingly. "I wouldn't count on that happening much more often, if you've got a death wish."

"Sometimes I wonder," Erasmus chuckles, draining his glass and leaning to set it aside. "Especially if they leave me drained like this. I'm sorry to be so brief, but if I stay, I may sleep in this chair and that could only end in blood and tears…"

Emma takes a last sip of her brandy before setting it aside, and moving to rise to her feet. "You've nothing to apologize for; it has been a rather long night for you."

Erasmus levers himself out of the chair and extends a hand for her's. "A little bit. And from the sound of it, a new set of orders to issue, if Prince Caine intends to look for openings. Always with the attack…"

Emma rests her hand in his, rising fully. "I am sorry to hear that. What a dreadful nuisance." There's true sympathy in her voice, and on her features. She doesn't quite pull her hand from his, for the moment.

"It keeps the Hounds sharp, and Prince Caine will tire sooner if he fails to see us chafe," Erasmus explains, bowing properly over the dainty hand and straightening, releasing it. "It is nothing new for us. But thank you for being there, Emma."

Emma tightens her fingers on his, briefly, before withdrawing her hand. "Thank you for allowing me to, and for escorting me back. And please do feel free to visit again."

Erasmus bows, remarking, "This place doesn't scare me." He looks up with a broad grin, before turning to head out and collect his unused rapier.

"Then you've no excuse," Emma replies, returning his grin. "Good night, Erasmus."

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