(1407) The Duel

Jul 26th, 2014 03:09 AM

Asp followed the group to the Sanctuary, her hands held loosely by her side as her Sights took in the Dueling Circle squared by the First Talon. Her face was impassive as she watched, observing, ready in case her services were required or something went awry. She would counter any spellcasting that interfered with this. None could interfere with a Duel Arcane.

She peered over at her cabalmates, giving them little nods so they knew she was there if they needed her. This had all kinds of potential to get interesting, fast.

**Weavebreaker** · Jul 26th, 2014 08:52 PM

Weavebreaker followed behind wondering whether this event would prove fatal. She had seen a duel come close from the pride of the challenger, yet self preservation and common sense finally prevailed. Her eyes drift slowly from one side of the assemble to the other, as she found a spot for solitude, space, and vantage.

Jul 27th, 2014 10:17 AM

Standing at opposite ends, the Mastigos and Acanthus stare at one another across the expanse of the dueling field. Neither says a word. Neither feels the need for bluster or taunts. Both of them have experienced the ecstasy of mastering an Arcanum. Neither of them are Disciples trying to make a name for themselves.

The silent communication was for them and them alone. The Magi that surround them, might wonder for years from this moment just what either duelist is thinking. A long standing argument? Recriminations on what should or should not have been done? Disappointment wrapped in disgust that it has come to this? It does not seem as though either Aquinas or Avalon would ever reveal it.

Both Mage looks for an opening. Both test each other and weigh their stances. One silent dare follows another.

Intensity limned their gaze as the rest of the world fell away into nothing.

Aquinas | Spells Active | Silver Ladder Status: 1 | Consilium Status 1

Resigned that this is the mode that Avalon has chosen, Aquinas reaches up and touches the mid point of his forehead. A spark of fire erupts and bursts into liquid flame snaking and spiraling around his arm. The magma slowly takes shape, solidifying into a chain that does not seem to burn the wielder. White hot, as though direct from the Forge itself, metal falls into his palm and Aquinas grasps the pommel. The dripping fire, like an icicle forming, resolves into an iron sword created from thought, memory, and the prisons of the Mind.

With his left hand space ripples, collapsing and expanding around him. Close by magi could swear that the field seems both closer and further away. In addition, the shield seems both bigger and smaller than it should be.. A final ripple and the shield solidifies into clear glass that paradoxically distorts and perfects space.

**Key** · Jul 27th, 2014 10:18 AM

Avalon squares herself against the Mastigos and in canny reply to Aquinas’ chosen shield, she reaches into thin air and grasps. Space bends maddeningly through her enclosed palm like a fun-house mirror, warping and magnifying. Silver threads burst from her fist, weaving, bending, and twisting into a sword that threatens to cut the space between them and act like a key to dangerous, impossible places.

Her left hand remains upright, palm open and sand from the ground rises to Avalon’s command. Thousands of grains fall upward until they momentarily finds a home in her palm. Quicker than a Mage can blink they are on the move once more, falling back towards the ground in a never ending loop. The shifting sands of Time itself served as Avalon’s shield.

Jul 27th, 2014 10:35 AM

Orobas slips away while attention was paid elsewhere.

It has been many days. Anubite25

**Star** · Jul 28th, 2014 05:38 PM

He missed Zoey's gesture. He was already enraptured by the spectacle unfolding which no eyes clouded by Sleep boogies could see.

He loved Duels. Because Learn. So. Much. His eyes flickered over to pick out Asp and Avis, before returning to the Duel.

They'd both named themselves first degree Masters. Which meant Aquinas was all about defense, and Avalon was all about offense -- unless, of course, they were lying. Which they probably were.

Still.

So. Interesting.

Jul 29th, 2014 02:07 AM

Knowing these Awakened were Masters of their Art, the swords and shields manifesting before her eyes made Asp think that her duel with Avis was the equivalent of a pair of children shooting Souper Soakers at each other on a hot day compared to a tank battle. Her eyes caught Star's glance, then she assessed the weapons and shields chosen by Avalon and Aquinas.

Whatever the outcome? This was going to be a master class in magical combat. Her lips pressed together into a flat line of concentration as she let her Sights flow out into the world to take in the spectacle before her.

**Crowley** · Jul 29th, 2014 04:02 AM

Crowley disengages from the conversation he was in and almost scurries to where the duel is unfolding. His manner betrays a certain... poor form - an eagerness to participate that reduces his stature to that of a child, alternatively squirming forward or scrambling for a high perch, from which to view proceedings.

**Avis** · Jul 29th, 2014 06:46 AM

Avis lurked near the back of the crowd, peering around bodies at the Duel about to take place. It was strange, seeing a hint of commonality between a sword and a shield she'd once made and those she saw in the duel, but it was just a hint, a symptom of the common ground that came with using the same arcana. Besides, what was important, what was fascinating wasn't the common ground. It was the gulf of distance that formed between those commonalities, the glimpse of souls entirely different from her own and the perspectives they held over the arcana of Mind and Space.

**Ixidor** · Jul 29th, 2014 08:42 AM

The Deacon of the Vox Draconis disengages from his conversation partners, and moves to join those gathered around Aquinas and Avalon. While he could slip in by someone he's familiar with, he purposefully doesn't.

Instead, he makes sure there's an Obrimos, or someone he knows to be accomplished in the Prime Arcanum, spaced in increments around the duelists. Covering all sides, and making sure no one feels compelled to interfere, or otherwise start trouble. Thus, he doesn't hover too close to Asp, or Leo, or Faith, when she also comes over. Ariadne is given some consideration for the same station. Not because anything Ixidor has shared with her, but because what he assumes Rosh might have.

The Rocker finds a gap, fills it, and tries very hard not to give his entire attention to the weapons and shields of pure Supernal Will.

But how can you not look?

How can you not analyze?

For the normally so secretive Awakened, this one act is like baring your soul for all around to examine. It's utterly fascinating. Surely, every minutia of how the tools are formed, and what they're formed of speaks volumes about the people who stand against each other.

Under his breath, he murmurs.

"Everyone hold on to your asses."

(1407) The Duel

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