It's the final day of the Renaissance Fair - and things are going stronger then ever. Plays and shows are held throughout the day, the merchants in the Marketplace are offering sales on their items - there will even be some championship Jousting events later in the day.
And right now? A melee is being held in at the jousting grounds, a small group of armored and armed men battling it out. Already, some men have withdrawn, and only a few remain. One of those seems to be struggling just a bit, but so far is managing to put on a good show. He is dressed in chainmail, like the others, with a plain helm hiding his features, like the others. Each 'knight' is distinguished by tabards, however - this knight is dressed in a red one with a fearsome, rearing black dragon. He wields a longsword, and a shield with the same device and coloration. That knight? Is Skylar.
And at the moment? He's really feeling the last two days of unarmored sparring that he's done with Quinn. But he is doing his best, battering an opponent away with his shield and lashing out at another with his sword in an attempt to give himself a moment's respite.
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Abbey has wandered her way back to the fair, it being the last day may have something to deal with it. At the moment she is wandering towards the jousting grounds and finds a seat up front where she can watch the 'show'. Her pale blue gaze drifts over the area and then back towards the fighters and she curiously watches them block blows while others move to hit the ones they are fighting an so forth along the way. As for her clothing she has not given the dress back to Skylar yet, so after getting it cleaned from when she wore it a few days ago she is wearing it once more. The ruffled sleeves of the shirt are pulled up slightly as she finds the outfit a bit hot when wandering through the fair, this leaves the tattoos across her forearm seeable though. She leans back slightly, one leg crossing over the other neatly while her arms fold upon her lap and she hums faintly while watching. Her gaze resting one the one knight with the black dragon, and so far she has no idea that its actually Skylar.
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While this event is a show of skill, and the blades are blunted, the action is still very real, and nothing is staged. Not everyone might know that, but anyone with half a brain and some passing knowledge of fighting can likely realize it. And, despite seemingly obviously winded, the Black Dragon Knight seems to know his way around the arena, and around a sword and shield as well. One of the opponents he was fighting finally yields, and leaves the arena, leaving two pairs of fighters now. The Black Dragon, and his opponent, who has a Gree Tree on his shield. And, a bit of a distance away, a yellow clad knight with a Black Eagle on his shield fights a knight in white, with a Red Horse.
The event continues for a few minutes longer. The Black Dragon obviously has more skill then the Green Tree Knight, but his soreness and pains make things a bit more even. Eventually, however, a last ditch effort on the part of the Black Dragon disarms his opponent, the Green Tree's sword spinning from his hand and landing near the stands. The crowd makes noise, some cheers, some boos, as the Green Tree Knight leaves the field.
And meanwhile, the Black Eagle Knight and the Red Horse Knight continue to do battle, giving the Black Dragon knight a moment to rest, and watch the men, one of whom he will be facing. The battle is furious, causing cheers from the crowd as excellent skill is shown. The sound of steel on shield is heard again and again. But eventually, a victor must be chosen, and after an excellent show of arms, the Red Horse Knight is forced to yield.
And this leaves two knights on the field. The Black Dragon Knight, who rises from one knee back to his feet, struggling to hold his sword and shield, gritting his teeth under his helm. And the Black Eagle Knight - who, despite taking a sound beating from his previous opponents, still seems in better condition. And as these two foes face eachother across the field, the crowd goes silent in anticipation.
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Abbey has been through a few fights over the years, alright perhaps more then a few fights not that any might think that by looking at her. Being a wolf does have its perks at times. Her gaze drifts from one knight to another as the battling drifts back and forth and she hums softly to herself at the show. She knows very well the the blows are for real even if the weapons themselves have been dulled for useage. While she's never used a sword before she does prefer a knife over other weapons. A glance is sent towards the spinning sword that hits into the ground some distance away, a faint hum escaping her before she looks back to the battle. With just two knights left she'll be hoping for the knight with the black dragon to win. Still she doesn't know who it is, blame it all on the fact that he has on a black dragon tabard!
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The crowd seems to hold it's collective breath as the two knights make their way towards eachother - slowly, at first, then both seem to start running at the same moment. There's a solid, loud, shuttering crash as the two collide, swords and shields striking out everywhich way. Both men have been fighting for awhile, against many opponents (and at least one started out already injured), but they seem to find a second wind, knowing that this is their last fight.
And the crowd? Seems to appreciate this, going nuts. They hollar encouragements and insults in equal measure. Some, like Abbey, appear to have favorites - others just scream at both fighters equally - not really caring who wins, just enjoying the show.
The fight continues for a few good moments. Both knights have gotten in equal blows, their shields shattered or knocked aside. And it all comes down to one last moment - the Black Dragon Knight, seeming to have found an opening, tries to take advantage of it. However, he is either too slow, or it was a feint - it is truly hard to tell. Either way, the blow os parried by the Black Eagle Knight who takes advantage of his opponent's moment of off-balance, and sweeps the sword at his knees.
With a crash, the Black Dragon Knight falls to the ground. Sword still in hand, somehow, me moves to raise it - but stops as the Black Eagle Knight's sword touches it's point to his throat below the helmet. The fallen knight releases the sword, letting it drop to the ground - a sign that the battle is now over.
With a cheer, the Black Eagle Knight salutes the crowd, then, in a noble sign of chivalry, assists the Black Dragon Knight to his feet. The two shake hands, making the crowd cheer louder, and both knights remove their helmets, waving to the crowd. And the Black Dragon Knight, now unmasked as Skylar Murphy, is the final opponent to leave the field, leaving the victor to his glory and acclamation.
As it happens, Sky, obviously limping and in pain, though he hides it well, shuffles near where Abbey is, as there is an exit from the stands right near her. He doesn't, however, appear to have seen her yet.
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Abbey shifts slightly in her seat, her gaze following after the battling nights as the move around the arena and she ows softly to herself knowing the blows most likely hurt. She blinks as the black dragon knight falls and the other's sword is at the fallen knights throat and she tsks softly knowing that will be the end of it. No she hasn't been to many fairs but anyone that has a direct hit one someone's throat tends to win even if the fight isn't 'real'. She is a bit surprized to see that Skylar is actually the black dragon knight and stands as she watches him move towards the exit. As much as he tries to hide his in pain its hard to pull one over on her. Perhaps its that wolf side of her picking up on a weakness, or the fact that she has been there and knows the feeling after a fight. She shifts away from the stands over towards where exit that he is coming to. "Skylar." Is called out to try and get his attention before his able to slip away.
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It takes a moment for Sky to realize he's being called. Between the pain, the cheering crowd in the stands, and his own thoughts it's really luck that she's close enough that he eventually turns, searching the nearby faces. "Abbey," he replies, with a forced smile, once he recognizes her.
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Abbey offers a soft smile once he remembers her name. "You were great out there." She offers at first before going on. "Can I help you get some place?" There's a slight pause and she clears her throat. "Just seems like you might could use a hand.." Not like she wants point out that she can tell that his in pain.
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"Thanks," Skylar replies to Abbey, likely both to the compliment, and the offer. "I'm fine…" he begins to say, before chuckling and wincing at the same time, which makes him add, "But I wouldn't mind the company. Just need to sit down for a bit, I think." And then maybe take a bath in a tub full of ice.
Abbey tilts her head, pale gaze watching him curiously after the 'I'm fine' comment. "Right.." She offers with a mostly plaful tone as she follows along after him saying he wouldn't mind the company. "I had no idea you knew how to use a sword.. Not that I do or anything. Well I know how touse a knife but I don't think that counts.." A faint hum escapes her. "I'm sorry about the other night.. I was stuck at work an was having a hard time to get away."
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"Yup, learned it as a kid, as a matter of fact. Been in the SCA since I was a tike. Learned to use a sword well before I even learned to forge a sword. But, now I do both." Sky grins, knowing full well that he's a man that should have lived in another time and age, and finding that a strength, not a weakness. His smile turns apologetic, however, as Abbey mentions the other night. "Oh, no need to apologize - it's I who should be sorry. I left you just as you had arrived - and I was unable to find you when I arrived back at the tent. But, perhaps I can get that dance from you today? There is dancing and the like happening all day." Mind you, he may not be as useful with the current shape he's in, but he did promise her a dance.
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Abbey offers him a smile and nods. "I bet that was a interesting childhood." Much different the one she had at least. "So you make them as well.. You've have to show me that sometime." Well she does work on cars, and has put a few back together so enjoys the thought of creating something from nothing. A slight shake of her head is offered. "No reason for you to be sorry. Looked like you was busy." She glances to him, her pale gaze slipping over him slightly before she looks back to his face. "I would love a dance with you.. But I think you should rest. Even if your 'fine' I know it hurts like hell." This said as she grins slightly. Wonder how she would know a thing like that.
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Well, Sky's been shown lately that women as a whole seem to see through alot of his shields - even the ones he only just learned about. So he doesn't seem particularly surprised when she calls him on his aches. "Well, that's true. But I did promise," he adds. See? It's logical. "Besides, a little rest, maybe a bit to drink, I'll be as right as rain." Clearly the name Murphy isn't the only Irish trait Sky has. "I don't think I said, by the way, but you look good in that dress. A regular Celtic princess," he says with a light grin.
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Abbey chuckles softly. "A promise that I could call upon later." She points out softly while tilting her head. "Drinking takes care of a lot of things I will admit. Suppose it depends on if your drinking whiskey or something else." A soft oh escapes her and she blushes as she hears him, her gaze drifting off a moment. "Thank you Skylar, nice of you to say." She lets her gaze lower to the dress, one hand smoothing it out a moment. "I'll be truthfully I'm not use to stuff like this, though I've enjoyed wearing it. Whoever you friend was she had very good taste. I promise to get it cleaned and return it to you this week."
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"You've a good point," Sky says, in regarding to the dancing. Clearly, he wants to fulfill a promise he's made - but equally as clearly, he's rather beat up right now. "Well, if that's the case, I think I may go home for a good bath, try and work out the kinks." After buying a few dozen bags of ice on the way. At the mention of the dress, Sky smiles, though there may be a touch of sadness there, and he waves his hand. "Please, keep it, it's a gift. It suits you - and you'll need something to wear for your next Ren Fair."
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Abbey smiles and nods. "Of course.. An ice helps." She says with an amused tone, no she can't read mind she's just been through it a few to many times. At the comment to keep the dress she pauses, a soft oh escapes her while she glances to it then back to him. A slight shake of her head is offered. "Are you sure?" She catches the slight touch of sadness though and ponders what happened to the friend in question.
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"Yes, yes it does," Skylar says. He does give her a briefly inquisitive look, but then smiles widely. After all, he's a little suspicious, just having found out about the supernatural - but now that he knows about his gift/curse, and he didn't just get a headache, he's fairly certain she didn't just sneak a peak inside his head. "Of course I'm sure. Wouldn't have offered if I wasn't," he says, simply.
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Abbey ponders the look she gets, a faint smirk is seen. "I work in a garage with a bunch of guys.. Just because I'm in a dress at the moment doesn't mean I haven't been in a few knock down drag out fights." She offers to her defense. See, she didn't peak at anything! Hearing him she nods, a warm smile offered. "Thank you Skylar.. That is very nice of you. It'll be well taken care of that's a promise."
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"Well, that'd explain it," Sky says with a grin. "Remind me to be real nice to you from now on, though," he adds. Not that he would ever be anything but. "And you are welcome, Abbey. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go try and make it home before I stiffen up - but I'll be by soon, since now I owe you a dance -and- dinner."
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Abbey chuckles softly and hums. "Don't worry I don't think you could actually get me mad.. But you know of the Irish and there tempers I'm sure." She murmurs out softly. A slight nod is offered. "Of course.. An if you might need anything give the garage a call." There is a pause. "I know we've just met and all but I don't mind giving you a helpful hand." She smiles and nods. "I'll be waiting for you.. Until there I hope you feel better.."
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"Yes, that I do," Skylar replies. "And thanks, Abbey, I appreciate it. I'll see you around." And, with that? Skylar heads off - or more accurately limps off - to a nice ice bath, and some rest.
