Exton

The clearing opens before Keon and he pulls back on the reins. The stallion rears, hooves slashing the air. With a thud and a snort, the steed lands. Harnesses jangle as the stallion shakes its head and Hell Hounds seem to melt from the shadows. Cloaked figures emerge as well. Two drift forward, accompanied by the two young shifters from the Tavern.

Suppressing a smile as Guunnar rises to his feet, Keon dismounts. Trooper comes forward and greets him as the horse moves to the treeline. Following the Hell Hound, Keon intercepts the Dark Lords. They talk a few moments before Keon turns to the others.

"Erik, Star, I would like to introduce Lord Rah'sha Twillon. I believe you met Lord Drmak Torrent last evening."

The Dark Lords bow, pushing back their hoods as they return upright. Twillon is tall and lean, the epitome of a noble Sidhe. The pierced tips of his ears peak peek through a fall of near platinum blonde. Torrent is a direct contrast. Small and compact, the brownie's features are almost nonexistent. His eyes are large and dark, lips thin and nostrils mere slits, an almost skeletal apprearance. He grins at Star and winks.

Erik bows. "It is a pleasure, my Lords."

The brownie bows "Tis our pleasure, Viking. Tis not often one gets to watch legendary warriors dance. I have heard much of the Viking's talents. Guunnar has told Blackthorn ye are an honorable man."

Frowning, the brownie looks up at the Sidhe. "What ails ye, man?"

Twillon says nothing, taking a knee before Star. He reaches out to touch Star's face, pulling back at the last moment. he looks up at Keon, then back at Star. His voice is soft, awe in each word.

"Her eyes. Torrent, her eyes." His gaze takes in the Erik, Guunnar, and Raina, the creatures which bore them to the clearing. "Destiny and prophecies... Blackthorn, you didn't tell us."

Keon shakes his head. "Destinies come regardless of our choices. Prophecies come true every day. What happens this day is in the hands of the Gods. This is a day of Justice. Let it begin."

Twillon motions and a large chest is brought to the center. The lid is reverently lifted as two redheaded Sidhe are led forward. Two silver chains are draped around their throats. They begin to protest until Keon bows his head, accepting a chain of his own.

"These chains inhibit a Sidhe's natural power. The only talent will be their ability with a blade. Broadswords are the chosen weapon. Because Sidhe heal wounds that would kill others, and because the chosen champion of Lady Star is mortal, albeit long lived, he is to be armed with Elen'ghral, The Sword of Mortal Life.

Lord Blackthorn, do you exchange your personal blade for the Elven Silver?"

Keon nods, handing his sword belt and cloak to Torrent.

"Erik, Viking Champion, how choose you? One on one, or your second to battle by your side?"

"Side by side, by your favor, my Lords."

Twillon nods. "Well chosen."

He motions and two silver bladed broadswords are stuck in the ground before the captives. The Dark Lords bow to the combatants.

"Ladies, allow us to accompany you. Shield-brother, we needs must remove ourselves from the circle." Twillon motions to the edge of the field and they move past the motionless cloaked figures. No sooner are they through, the ring of figures clasp hands. A low murmur of voices begin chanting and the ring closes.

Twillon calls to Keon and Erik. "Any request Seekers of Justice?"

Erik watches as the two redheads pulls their blades from the soil. His words carry across the field. "If I am defeated, they are to be released from my justice."

"Heard and accepted, Viking Champion"

Torrent hides a smirk and looks up at Raina. His words are soft, not to be heard in the fight zone. "From his justice, aye, but not from ours. Star will be avenged."

The redheads back away, watching Keon and Erik warily. Watching the Sidhe Erik murmurs, "Keon... one cannot take back the words he has spoken. They have been said and cannot be unsaid. Nonetheless, should this be our last day, let us face it as friends, brother warriors - and let us not let bitter words come between us." He salutes the Sidhe Lord. "I am ready."

"As am I, Erik. I would be proud to have you as a sword brother, even more honored to call you friend."

One of the redheads launches himself at Keon. Keon grins and meets the attack, screaming,

 "Avant!"