(16 AE) The Royal Gathering

[Benji]

And since when, exactly, did the challenger get to dictate the terms of a Duel?

"I reject your so called challenge." Bronson smirks at the puffed up penguin and his wounded pride. "And I'm sure the entire Freehold is as pleased as I am to know that when you encounter something you think is a threat to their safety then your first instinct is to seize the moral high ground and let it live. Is that a general policy stance you have or does it only apply to the Lost who don't crawl for your approval?"

"Because," Bronson continues unflinchingly in the face of Rick's Mantle, "whether you like it or not, I am the current Spring Monarch. You may find the idea of a Spring Monarch who stammers and blushes and can't hold up their end of a conversation when they are faced with a beautiful woman to be more palatable to your schemes. I'm quite sure you would be able to huff and puff and cow them to your will. I wonder though, if he had to negotiate with one of the Gentry to protect the Freehold, would he be able to do his job? Would you step in to magnanimously do so on his behalf, or offer him up as a sacrificial goat to distract them?"

"So now you're faced with a choice, O King." And Bronson's voice just drips with scorn as he gives the assumed title. "You can either accept my Oath to the Freehold and have another season with a Spring monarch on hand, at the cost of your friends and associates knowing that you flinched when you came up against me. Or you can ask me to leave this charming gathering and then explain to your subjects why your pride was worth more to you than their safety."

[Benji]

"That's what I thought," Bronson says disdainfully towards Rick's constipated silence.

And his scorn washes away, leaving his face sporting an easy smile, as if nothing untoward had gone between him and this lame duck of a monarch. "Green, thank you for entertaining conversation. Don't worry Nathan, everything is forgiven. I hope you both have a nice evening." Bronson sketches a mocking bow to the two silent monarchs, before withdrawing.

It's been 48 hours since I posted and the scene is getting long in the tooth. Bronson withdraws to another conversation.

[Malcolm Green]

The mountain's head pivots slowly on its great neck. He says nothing about the altercation.

"I said I was going for a beer," he rumbles.

Green moves to the Food and Booze Table.

[Nathan Griffin]

Things had gotten uncomfortable for a moment. The Hunterheart didn't care for discomfort.

"I... should go grab something as well," he said, joining the great migration by going after Green. Before leaving, he shoots a look to Rick and L'aire and nods in the monarchs' general direction.

Nathan goes with Green to the table.