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[color=69D7CC]“I guess so. But they could make it seem like more of a competition. There’s four sections. One of them could be assigned to two nobles. I’unno. I just want to get out there.”[/color]

Nathaniel refused to let his gaze move from the arena below, and the four sections containing this first round’s first four matches. Before the action began, Eli’s words rang in his head. He wasn’t necessarily wrong. But something about Eli’s words and the tone indicated something beyond just a mere suggestion. There was an underlying compulsion and desire that Nathaniel was unable to quite parse. He hurriedly responded. [color=fc2129]”Perhaps. I would prefer to see a more… exciting matchup in this first round than what we have..”[/color]

And almost immediately as soon as those words left his mouth, the matches began. The quickest start clearly came in the matchup between a small scrawny blonde boy and a large tattooed commoner. He ignored the banter, until the mood suddenly shifted. The larger boy charged with an overheaded swing, an incredibly foolish and unguarded manuever. Julian dodged back rather deftly, and then proceeded to treat the match like a gag. Nathaniel scoffed at the sight. [color=fc2129]”An overheaded downward swing is good for nothing but chopping wood. He left himself open to a counter… and unfortunately, his opponent seems only skilled in cheap tricks and using a club. Not sure how well that will hold up in the coming duels.”[/color]

Nate’s eyes then shifted to a rather placid encounter between a boy shaking in his boots and Dot. He sighed in disappointment. Dot simply walked over to their combatant, speaking quietly for a moment. The boy made an attempt of a swing, the sort of wild swing a toddler might make feebly with a stick. Dot caught the blow and tossed away the weapon, successfully winning by disarming. [color=fc2129]”That is a shame. Was interested to see what that one was capable of. Will have to wait until the next round, I suppose.”[/color]

Nate’s eyes then turned to the last two duels. He didn’t pay much attention to Cyrus Locke, who had ended his duel with a simply parry and riposte that his untrained opponent was unequipped to defend against. The boy had fallen to the ground from the blow to the gut, and the knight overseeing was merciful enough to declare a winner. Cyrus’ eyes turned to the audience, meeting Nathaniel’s among the nobles. Cyrus flashed a cocky smirk, before turning to walk off and leave his opponent to wobble his way onto his feet. Nathaniel recognized the challenge when he saw it. He could only hope to get a chance to answer it today.

Lastly, Nate’s eyes turned to the last remaining duel. The matchup seemed rather one-sided… but who knows. Maybe the Valeforian would surprise them all.