George
*The Warlord Dilrabo, a Monkey Kemonomimi would be at the tournament grounds' infirmary where healers would be focused on treating the mens' injuries both magical and mundane. She paced along the beds of her wizard & soldiers, thinking of what to say. What could she even say? They lost, and embarrassed her along with another squad previously today.*

"Men... You have brought me much to think over today. You fought well. Unfortunately, well was not enough today. But there will be other chances in the coming days."

*She spoke, with a bit of uncertainty to her voice. Her thoughts racing as she turned to begin her next bit of pacing.*

"Fortunately, since they dedicated the victory to me, I have gained some renown back. But what happened out there? It was like you all just... Froze at one point."

*For better or worse for Dilrabo, her men did not answer her question.*
Karen
*Still clad in his storm-blue armor, his Nagamaki sheathed at his hip, the blond ronin headed over to Dilrabo's station. Yes, the victory was dedicated to her, but having your own soldiers lose to outsiders wasn't exactly the best impression.*

*Once he arrived, he would look over the injured, then to Dilrabo herself.*

"Warlord Dilrabo."

*The blond bowed, then turned and bowed to to the injured soldiers.*

"Your men fought valiantly today. You should be proud."
George
*She turned towards the sound of an armored clad warrior who entered the infirmary, raising an eyebrow before recognition hit her. Her eyes widened ever so slightly, and she nodded at him.*

"You're that one fighting with that mercenary squad, right?"

*She took a moment regarding what he said, while trying to recall the name the announcer spoke for him, when their squad was called into the ring.*

"Subarashi I believe? And yes they did fight well, and that is all I can ever ask of my men ultimately to fight well. I imagine they were unprepared for a real fight, compared to what the others would throw at them here."

*She regarded the man for a moment.*

"You sound like one of those raised within the Empire, I assume you were born in the... More *Civilized* Lands?"
Karen
"I am indeed. Are they not experienced with real combat? It wouldn't have mattered; I believe my teammates to be far stronger than I am, or any other soldier for that matter. It is not shameful to lose to someone stronger; rather, it is courageous to willingly fight against them. I'm sure you would understand."

*Subarashi looked to the soldiers with brilliant blue eyes, shining with the power of the heavens, though his physical shape left a bit to be desired. There did seem to be something... Off, about him though. As if the light and darkness within him were pushed to opposite ends instead of being canceled out.*

"To call them civilized would be accurate on the only the surface. When people aren't fighting with blades, they do so with words and social standing. No matter how calm the lake seems, there's always hunters underneath, and fishermen waiting to seize an opportunity."
George
*Dilrabo would listen as he questioned about her troops experience, with a small shrug. And she nodded in agreement that his teammates were quite strong, compared to the usual soldiers least. All in all she saw a lot that she agreed within him.*

"Up here, more often than not a 'battle' is really just amassing some troops and marching on your rival, who usually just scurries away as you approach. The few fights we have directly are akin to skirmishes you'd see along our borders with the Imperial Army. Two groups harassing each other, then breaking off before the committed battle can happen."

*She noted his brilliant blue eyes, and that something was off. She could vaguely recognize he had inner demons, and nodded her head.*

"Well, perhaps they aren't much better than us."

*She agreed with a nod, as she rubbed her chin in thought.*

"To a lot of us, having stone walls to protect a city is... Quite a different way to live. Most of us are horsemen, and used to travelling. Even now we still think of our past ways and wander as the wanderlust hits."

*She mused over his words on how not all battles are fought with blades. It was something she understood well it would seem, as she nodded slowly.*

"Not too dissimilar to us then. Many of my fellows would leap at the chance to kill one another, if not for the tournament rules and the watchful eyes of everyone else."