The Altmer spectators erupted in a cheer that was cut off when Meesei transposed herself.

Teroiah's exact reaction could not be gleaned from behind her. She was still skilled and nimble enough to land from her missed strike without so much as a stumble. Meesei had to settle for the sound she made when the lightning magic struck her -- a pained and surprised screech.

Her warding hand spun to stem the spell's flow. She revealed her face to be as panicked as it was furious. The conjured spear faded, replaced with a more powerful spell than Meesei could have expected. It required a gathering of power that brought Teroiah to extend her hand up and around in a whipping motion. It had to be something with lethal force behind it.

It was ready faster than Meesei could react.

"ENOUGH!" Siloune's voice rang out. An even more powerful pulse of power in the tiles below sucked away the magicka from both Meesei and Teroiah's hands in a terrifying instant.

"The Champion of Hircine has drawn first blood," Siloune announced dryly. "She prevails."

"What!?!" Teroiah spun around to Siloune and practically screamed back at her. "She has not shed my blood! All she has struck me with are ticklish burns with those sparks!"

Siloune was curt. "Those burns encrusted on your back with her ultimate spell. They [i]would[/i] have remained cauterised had you not so violently flexed your back gathering enough power to spin icicles all over the arena like a child in a tantrum."

Teroiah's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. She reached back with one arm, feeling around her back under her collar. Her hand came back in front of her face with fresh blood spread over two fingers.

Her breathing quickened. She looked up at Meesei with her brow lowering. "[i]You...[/i]" She growled. "You...cheating...[i]lizard![/i] You were not the one who performed that spell, that...that disappearing act!" She jabbed her finger forward. "You have had help from something otherworldly! Only your own capabilities belong in a duel! You have fought dishonourably-"

"You. Are. Bested, Teroiah!" Siloune's temper had finally showed its edge. "The champion cast all those spells herself! They may be unconventional, but she was not the only one to bring unique techniques into this bout! You have not only failed to attain victory, but you have also failed to lose with your wits intact!"

Teroiah was deathly silent, as were the rest of the Altmer present. Meesei could see hints of fear through her angry face.

Siloune's chin lifted. Her composure was instantly restored. "May you unlearn your weakness during your time cooperating with the Empire and the Champion in your coming mission."

Marod looked left and right, astonished. "I am learning all sorts of new things today," he mumbled.