Challenge for the Old Market District.

[Aya Hayashibara]

Baron Tormay Eludes,

It is through the process of elimination that I come to press challenge to you. Though my reasons will not ultimately matter, as I know you are willing to accept any and all challenges to come your way, I wish to express why I come for your title.

In recent weeks, perhaps due to media outlets, I have found myself desiring to hold a title once again. I was content to remain a Warlady for some time after my failed challenge for New Haven occurred. However, when I became aware of written words in regards to my level of skill and the inevitability of my regaining a title, I found myself growing eager to experience the euphoric sensation that only comes about when something truly worthy is at risk.

The regular duels, though all challenging and matches in which I do not restrain myself, are not sufficient in these regards, and so I must bring myself to issue a challenge for a Barony. It is only through the pressures of these challenges that I can truly feel that the match I am engaged in matters.

As to why I am choosing you, specifically. Several reasons.

1. As I stated previously. It is through the process of elimination. I have no desire to challenge another female in the duels, unless that female is as established, dignified, and worthy as your mother was when I issued challenge to her. This eliminates Graziano, Rielea, and Ashleana. I do not wish to challenge the Lord of Death once again, as he was my last defeat, and should not face challenge by me unless he were to gain another title. Karos is under challenge presently, and I would not wish to stand in the same ring as him as his stench is something I find overwhelming. This leaves the Bard, Soerl Lute, and yourself. As Lute has only recently become a new Baron, it is my feeling that he should be permitted a period of time in which to enjoy his newfound title, and the District of Dockside is quite undesirable. So, this leaves you.

2. I feel comfortable with the knowledge that you encourage and desire challenges. Ones with which you will be able to keep your skill sharp. Respectably, you do not fear any challenges and welcome them. So, I do not worry about insult simply because I issue this challenge.

3. I swore to challenge for New Haven after you defeated me for that title. Unfortunately, you were overcome by the Lord of Death before we could have our rematch. Ironically, when I did issue a rechallenge for that title, I was also defeated. So, I would be able to consider this the rematch we were unable to have.

4. I have history with your family. Two of my three Baronial Titles have had encounters with your family. You defeated me for New Haven, and I was able to defeat your mother for Dragon's Gate. I would consider this an extension of our rivalry. As the sports casters would call it, it would be one of the story lines of this great sport.

Upon verification and acceptance of this challenge, I look forward to discussing with you the terms in which we shall meet to exchange blows.

Until then,

H.A.

[G]

Challenge is valid and may proceed.

[Tormay Eludes]

There are many things I want to say about this challenge, but I do not know how to word it. I guess I have to keep it simple this time.

I welcome your challenge Aya, I look foward to meeting you in the ring again.

-Tormay

[Aya Hayashibara]

For those who may wish to witness,

This challenge is taking place on Saturday, May the 1st, approximately 10:30 pm Rhydin Standard.

We will likely be in need of an official to watch over this battle.

H.A.

[Jake]

Betting lines, courtesy of Swordplay, have been offered for this event.

[DUEL Wyh]

This challenge did indeed take place this night. The challenger dueled under the red and white of her new dueling school, Shinmei-Ryu, with neither a Second or a Lord of Honor. The Baron dueled under his standard of gold, light blue, and white. His Lady of Honor was the lovely Taneth, and he also dueled with no Second.

While it seemed for a moment the Overlord, the irrepressible Imp, would intercede, in the end the challenge went forward in a best-of-three.

The first match was a lopsided affair in favor of the Baron, who won it 5-0 after 10 rounds. The second match saw the Warlady striking first, and while Tormay made quite the effort, he could not catch up, the match going to Aya 5.5-4 after 12 rounds. The third match started as the second, with Aya taking a quick 3-0 lead. But the Baron fought back, tying it at last after 10 rounds at 4-4. A defensive flourish the following round allowed Tormay to retain the Barony of Old Market.

At the conclusion of the match, Tormay re-affirmed his loyalty to Imp.

Well won Tormay, and well-tried Aya!

Aya/Tormay Match 1

FCP/FSS
FLP/LC
SH/SH
FCP/DIS
SH/FCP
DIS/SL
TH/FSS
CP/HC
SH/FDIS
FCP/SL

Tormay .def. Aya 5-0 in 10

Aya/Tormay Match 2

DIS/TH
FDU/FLP
LC/LC
FLP/SH
SH/LC
LC/FSS
TH/LC
FDIS/HC
HC/LC
LP/SH
HC/FLP
LC/FDIS

Aya .def. Tormay 5.5-4 in 12

Aya/Tormay Match 3

TH/FDU
HC/HC
FSS/SL
TH/HC
SH/FCP
LC/TH
HC/FLP
LC/SH
FCP/FSS
HC/TH
TH/FSS

Tormay .def. Aya 5-4 in 11

[Topaz]

Wow, what a match! I bet you both had everyone on the edges of their seats the entire time. I am so very sorry I missed the display of truly excelent swordmanship from both of you. If there ever was a set of matches worth studying in detail, this is it. I am impressed by the excellent use of some of the more difficult to pull of well moves. It is rare that one can see the disengage used so effectively.

Aya kept the shut out to 10 rounds - great job! - and then came back to win the next duel. Tormay kept at it through the first and didn't fall into a hole in the duel following. Great job. And you kept it awefully close in the third duel when you both should have been terribly exhausted. Amazing!

Hats off to both of you!