Once they were all seated and eating, Keela began to explain the situation to Ivy. In this society, rather than lets every dispute come to bloodshed, they'd established a ritual fighting ring to handle disputes; both competitors enter, without weapons, and the first to leave the circle by any means loses. Gausslyn has never been defeated, and uses her skill to great effect. It's also considered as good as forfeiting to refuse a fair challenge, as Gausslyn gave, which is why Mistress had to accept, or not only lose, but also be humiliated in the process. Even if she were to lose tomorrow, it would be better for her than simply surrendering.