Thomas
Lord Regent Derringer Hecate
Rikolto, Akno

Derringer knew he was losing, but he didn't realize he had already lost.  His downward strike fell through, and he caught the kick to the base of his neck and shoulder.  He cried out briefly, but returned with another set of slashes.  He had to end this now, with one final strike, because in terms of stamina, the young always win.  Summoning the fire in his belly, Derringer shouted with all his strength, as he slashed one final time, aiming for a beheading strike that would claim the victory for him.  Time seemed to slow as Derringer swung, growing closer and closer to Aurelian's neck.

The next thing he saw was the sky.

Aurelian had dodged his attack, making an agreement with gravity as he bent backward, and disarmed Derringer with a kick.  The point of his play sword unwaveringly pointing down at Derringer's throat.  Derringer held up two fingers to Aurelian.

"I yield." Was all he said.
Dennis
**Aurelian Kallandrim
Vineyard District, Rikolto, Akno**

From the moment he went unarmed, Aurelian knew that victory was more than certain. It was a premonition. Derringer moved rather slowly in Aurelian's eyes as the exchange went on, and his awareness only heightened as the bout drew to a close. Within just a moment, which seemed to last an eternity, Aurelian had Derringer disarmed and at swordpoint, after having delivered a perfect counter even living legends could hardly dream of. Upon hearing the words "I yield", Aurelian calmly switched up his grip on the practice sword, offering it back to Derringer, along with a helping hand to get Derringer back to his feet.

To conclude the bout on his end, Aurelian calmly delivered, "Well fought, General. You're quite the swordsman. Here I thought most Southerners were weaklings, but I am happy to see you proved me wrong. You are one of the best foes I've faced in a good bit. Now, where is Vik?"
Thomas
Lord Regent Derringer Hecate
Rikolto, Akno

Derringer put his elbows underneath him, blinking slowly as the world danced out of focus.  When he managed to shake the fog from his head, Derringer took Aurelian's hand and climbed to his feet.

"Your fighting style is Unorthodox, it's like fighting a beast on all fours, with a tail."  Derringer chuckled as he took a rag one of his aides approached with.

"Very well, Paladin, you certainly aren't some untrained boy seeking glory, and I have yet to get a glimpse of Vik in battle."  Derringer sucked in, concerned the Paladin might be upset by his news.

"Vik left Akno over a year ago, he hasn't returned yet.  He isn't in the province, but the Regit Swamplands to the south are where he makes his home.  I can't give you an exact location, but he is sure to return there before the war breaks out and we march North."
Dennis
**Aurelian Kallandrim
Vineyard District, Rikolto, Akno**

Aurelian allowed Derringer plenty of time to recover from the immense blow delivered to him. In fact, Aurelian was amazed that Derringer was durable enough to not be out cold for a while from it. The General truly was a special kind of tough. Aurelian let out a faint scoff of humor as Derringer described his fighting style as unorthodox, which was rather accurate. Aurelian then listened as Derringer spoke, giving approval to disclose Vik's whereabouts and then delivering some news to go along with it. Aurelian raised a brow as he heard that Vik hadn't yet been seen in battle, which was something he found surprising. He'd heard of what Vik did to the last Paladins that trespassed his swamp, but was still unafraid. Aurelian knew that he was a cut above the fools that traipsed into the swamps as if it would be easy to find and fight Vik. Upon hearing of the Regit Swamplands, Aurelian nodded in confirmation of understanding. He then toweled off some of his sweat, of which there wasn't a whole lot, and began putting his armor back upon his body.

Aurelian then responded, "Many thanks for the information, Derringer. I will be off to the Swamplands posthaste. If my hunt is to go well, I must endeavor to catch him off-guard, if such a thing is even possible."
Thomas
Lord Regent Derringer Hecate
Rikolto, Akno

"I cannot wish you luck, or hope for your return, but I am intrigued to see the outcome of your hunt.  If you succeed, I'll host you for a night before your return to the North."  Derringer bowed to Aurelian, snapping his hands to his waist.

"I expect you'll leave soon, but if you wait until tomorrow I will also cover any in charges for the night.  It isn't as much as a contract, but Vik's glory will hopefully make up for it."