Feather Against Feather
"Why me...?"
The Feather against Feather Duel was a duel of honor that occurred on the courtyard grounds of Castle Manhesto, in the year 1875. The duel was between Valkyrie aspirant Caitlyn Therrien of Cleolinia, against Prince Jacob Mitfield of Mithambe.
Due to an misunderstanding between Prince Jacob and Princess Irelia, Caitlyn challenged the young prince to an armed fight in an attempt to uphold Irelia's honor, to which Jacob had no choice but to accept. The issue was later resolved, but not before an impromptu demonstration of both Cleolinia and Mithambe's fighting prowess, exhibited through two of its young proteges.
Although the duel is listed as an honor duel, it was more viewed by witnesses (and eventually its participants) as a humorous affair, considering the reasoning for the challenge, and the outcome of the duel itself. Out of all the duels fought during the Grisett Function of 1875, the Feather against Feather duel was considered the most light-hearted and brought proper reconciliation to all parties, in contrast to the bloodier political duels that occurred throughout the function.
Background
Princess Irelia and Prince Jacob were arranged to be partners for the Grisett Function of 1875, through the well-meaning machinations of June Wisteria, the Crown Prince's fiancee. However, the one issue that June forgot to account for was both youths' social awkwardness - Jacob's for being more acquainted with Croxwie, and Irelia's for it being her first major social interaction outside of Castle Harton.
When both royal scions met for the first time on the grounds of Castle Manhesto, the awkwardness in the air was palpable, with Jacob floundering to begin proper meaningful conversation, and Irelia unsure of how to answer and break the ice. At the end of the day, both royals went their separate ways, with Jacob resolving to properly try the next day.
In the Cleolinian guest room, Irelia was slumped against the wall, silent tears falling from her eyes - cursing her anxiety and shyness, and her inability to form proper words even when being entreated by the Third Prince. She dismissed her servants to cry out her frustrations, but kept Caitlyn by her side, crying into her friend's shoulder and begging for her advice as to how be as outgoing as she was. Eventually, Irelia retired and went to sleep, mentally preparing herself to be less reserved upon meeting Jacob in the tomorrow's afternoon.
Events
The Challenge is Issued
"Lecherous man! How dare your tainted eyes gaze upon my friend in such disgusting ways?! As a Valkyrie of Cleolinia, I issue a challenge to you, and you will answer!"
As a result of the misunderstanding between Jacob and Irelia's first meeting, and upon Irelia venting her personal frustrations to Caitlyn in private, Caitlyn assumed that the awkwardness was because Jacob was making inappropriate advances on Irelia. Incensed and infuriated, Caitlyn began to sharpen her sword, in preparation for the next day - forgetting Maria's warning with respect to the Third Prince of Mithambe.
In the early morning, as everyone was eating breakfast in preparation for the coming day ahead, Jacob made himself available in the common eatery as he was expecting to meet Clarisse for further lessons on etiquette and decorum. The menials and clerical workers nodded before the Third Prince - his presence accepted among their own kind, and even greeted him with proper smiles and honorifics as he received his hot bowl for the morning. Before he could even sit down
The entirety of the eatery was silent, in the face of such boldness and raw energy exuded from the young aspirant. To the menial and clerical workers of the castle, to dare face a known true royal who is already awakening their Authority is akin to a death sentence - but for someone to deny a challenge would be seen as an insult to personal and national pride. All eyes looked expectantly at Jacob, awaiting his response.
Response
"Lady Caitlyn of Cleolinia. Your challenge has been heard, and I hereby rise in response to it. This one - Prince Jacob Silas Mitfield of Mithambe - answers your challenge!"
Flabbergasted as to why someone would seek to challenge him, but feeling the pregnant silence growing around him, Jacob knew that he had to answer. To turn down a Valkyrie - even an aspirant - in front of everyone else would bring shame upon his family and his kingdom; thus, he knew the only correct answer was to push forth and respond in kind, answering the challenge and taking up his blade. Unsheathing his practice saber and allowing its metallic ring to echo throughout the eatery, Jacob responded in kind, uttering his full title in response.
Upon hearing his full title, Caitlyn blinked - realizing her mistake. Not only was the one she was about to duel was a Royal, but it was the very same royal that Maria had warned her about. However, to backpedal now would open the way to potentially toxic rumors and set a poor precedent ahead of the Grisett proper, and thus she nodded once, turning her back as she declared to meet in the courtyard, at the strike of noon.
The Duel Proper
The Fury of Two Feathers
As their duel began, Caitlyn flew forward, propelled by raw ether gathered at her feet, and pounced towards Jacob, expecting to catch the prince off guard before he could riposte. In her mind, keeping him from focusing long enough to summon Authority and a potential Emanation would be her key to victory.
Her confidence eroded to silent horror as she was stopped in her advance, her blade locked against Jacob's as he stopped and parried her attack. Lifting the sheath of his sword to strike her in the temple, she ducked back and kicked off of him, gaining critical distance as the sheath swept through empty air. Seeing his eyes beginning to cackle with violet bolts of electricity, Caitlyn knew that she may not get a second chance if he gains his bearings, and proceeded to full on with a full-fledged assault.
As for Jacob, he perceived Caitlyn's movements through the ethereal, and found her unbelievably slow. He filed this away, being sure to ask Clarisse about this later, before taking up his sword, and parrying another strike, utilizing Caitlyn's own momentum against her and throwing her clear. Seeing the deadly determination in her eyes, Jacob exhaled once, and resolved to remain on the defensive, until Caitlyn was properly worn down for him to safely restrain her with a binding invocation or charm.
For two minutes, the witnesses and spectators to this duel were treated to an impressive display of martial might, grim determination against a seemingly implacable foe, and a mighty demonstration of restraint, as Caitlyn and Jacob's blades repeatedly clashed against each other, and they engaged each other in hand-to-hand combat.
Interruption
"... brother, you idiot!"
At the two minute mark, Caitlyn kicked back from Jacob, leaning against her blade to catch her breath. Growing steadily frustrated, she glared hellfire at her opponent, tempted to verbalize if he even takes her seriously - given that he has attempted no offensive move other than momentum-assisted throws and half-hearted ripostes.
Just as Caitlyn began charging up a beginner invocation while Jacob began to circulate mana about him and manifest his Authority, Crown Prince Hector barged in-between them, having been warned by Talon Mabel regarding the duel that was occuring outside. Holding his outstretched hands between them, he more or less requested that they both put the duel aside, given the sheer amount of attention that was already directed their way - nobles from not just Mithambe and Cleolinia, but from the other kingdoms and cities, were entranced by the duel of two young firebrands.
Jacob could only gaze slack-jawed at his own eldest brother, while Caitlyn's frustration reached supercriticality. Her focus broken but her anger at a boiling point, she stepped forward, and struck Hector with a gauntlet, nearly fracturing his nose and flooring the Crown Prince. Just as the sound of metal smacking flesh echoed throughout the courtyard and the dozens of courtiers gasped, any further action was stilled by the arrival of King Marcus and Queen Isana, alongside their retinues.
Disengagement
"Hector, my beautiful son. What were you thinking, getting in the way between two duelists without a weapon?"
Before the nearby Talons could pounce and subdue Caitlyn, Marcus held out his hand, staying their approach. He waved them away, even as Isana - with Irelia and Maria trailing her - approached Caitlyn, who was now red with anger and embarassment. Irelia's face was decorated with horror as she realized her friend attempted to skewer Jacob, and almost paid dearly for it.
Seeing that neither of the youths were hurt, Marcus pleaded for both to dismiss the duel of honor, to which both Jacob and Caitlyn agreed - Jacob for the fact that he still did not understand why Caitlyn took offense to him, and Caitlyn for that she realized she was in significant trouble, especially if she disregarded the direct instruction of a Royal for whom she was a guest in their home.
Asking for an explanation as to what occurred, Marcus used his sleeves to hide a smile as Caitlyn boldly proclaimed Jacob to be a pervert, only for Irelia to nearly shriek that Caitlyn misunderstood the entire situation - their mutual awkwardness made their first interaction as expected, instead of Jacob being inappropriate as Caitlyn assumed. Realizing the magnitude of her mistake, and how much it almost cost her, Caitlyn merely crumpled to the ground - until Marcus offered his hand to her, and bade her to stand. It was not everyday that a commoner would go against a Royal and properly demonstrate fighting technique (even if the reasoning for conflict was flawed), and praised her for her commitment to Irelia and for the honing of her technique.
Clapping his hands, he had his retainers see to the fallen Hector, admonishing his son for attempting to break up a duel without proper training or equipment. He also had Isana's assurances that Caitlyn's actions would be overlooked, especially as she did (albeit deservingly) strike a Crown Prince in the face.
Aftermath & Conclusion
"Ah, our children are finally getting along. Sorry that one of my charges almost broke your son's nose."
Hector was taken in by Crown Physician Owen Dai, who confirmed that Caitlyn did not break his nose, much to Amelia's relief.
Jacob was praised for his demonstration of restraint, and for excellent demonstration of martial techniques during his spar. Clarisse would later note the static that was being generated by Jacob during the duel, and would begin formal instruction of combining his ethereal prowess with combat techniques - basic maneuvers that were otherwise taught to tactical magi.
Caitlyn was formally reprimanded by Maria for disregarding her instructions with respect to Prince Jacob, but was otherwise not disciplined, given that no injuries (other than that of Hector, which was forgiven by King Marcus) were incurred on either persons, and she had demonstrated proficiencies in expressionless Valkyrie techniques in her spar with the prince.
Princess and Prince
"I'm sorry that Caitlyn attacked you. She is... quite defensive of me."
"It is admirable, and she is fast. But I did not want to hurt her, which is why I held back."
Following the duel, Irelia sought out Jacob herself, and personally apologized on Caitlyn's behalf, and on her own: her own awkwardness led to this result, and she feared that it would paint her in a bad light in front of the Third Prince, especially as he took the effort to welcome her and help her feel at home within Castle Manhesto.
Jacob assured Irelia that none of the resulting unpleasantness was of her own doing, and also assured her that he did not hold any of the recent occurrences against her or Caitlyn. Offering his hand, he did want to show her around the castle more, and to meet the rest of his friend circle as they were arriving. With Irelia taking his hand, the debacle was put behind them, though Irelia wanted Caitlyn to personally apologize to Jacob as well.
Birds of a Feather
After her scolding by Maria, Caitlyn was approached by Jacob, who offered his own apology in embarassing her in the middle of the courtyard and not taking their duel seriously, despite his ability to do so. Almost taken back by the prince's apology out of all things, Caitlyn smiled before apologizing for the duel in the first place, as well as her misplaced assumption between Irelia and Jacob's first encounter.
With the duel put behind them, Caitlyn asked Jacob to show her how he was able to easily throw her off and outmaneuver her - something she has been practicing since her first day as a Valkyrie aspirant, but unable to properly master. Nodding, he agreed to demonstrate a portion of what he knew and understood, utilizing his growing mastery of the ethereal to create simulations for Caitlyn's own training. Some of the techniques that Jacob showed her throughout the rest of her time at the Grisett would prove themselves fruitful years down the road, as she graduated as a Valkyrie in her own right.
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