Round One: Protégé vs. Alezand Jozlyn

[Vidar]

Match begins with Protégé's first turn.

[Protégé]

Walking onto the tournament grounds, Protégé felt that rush he always felt between a major fight. He could feel it in his arms and their sudden strength and reflexes; he could feel it in the lightness of his step and quickness of his foot; he could even hear it through his ears, how much better he heard sound. It was always this way, and this tournament would be no different than a regular fight, except for it was more than one fight.

He had heard that his match was against a man named Alezand. Protégé had never met the guy, but he had at least found out Alezand was a warrior. That was good for Protégé, for it meant he did not have to prepare for anything flashy or special. He had gotten his regular spear, a buckler which covered the area from his left wrist to past his left elbow, and he had on his leather jerkin, which worked as some padding and also could block a weak or badly aimed shot. Out here in his regular armor, Protégé felt confident.

Walking out to the center of the ring, Protégé raised his spear up to his forehead as a salute, then quickly backstepped 3 paces. Kneeling down on the third step, he put himself in a position he had used in a sparring match against his friend, Gilsworthy. Raising his shield up so it would cover his head, Protégé slid his spear between his legs, making sure the buckler was pushing against the top while his right hand held it further down. This way, his spear was pointing straight out in front of him, with his left leg keeping it from going left while his right leg would keep it from going right. The buckler would keep it from being forced up while his right hand would keep it from being pushed down. However, if he needed to, Protégé could move the spear himself by slackening the pressure. In this position, Protégé's buckler was protecting his upper chest and head. Also, a person couldn't rush or come at Protégé straight on unless they wanted to spear themselves. And if the person tried to jump, all he had to do was raise the buckler and spearpoint and impale them while they were in the air. If the opponent tried to go to Protégé's left, Protégé could swing his buckler out and nail them in the legs. Opponent goes righ, Protégé nails them in the legs with his spear. It was a truly defensive position, with a defence against every attack.

[Alezand Jozlyn, Allaine Knight]

Alezand Jozlyn stepped up and returned the salute. At least his opponent was courteous. Alezand took pride in formalities in proper duels. The roar of the arena filled him and fueled him. It touched the very eccence of his being. He was wearing his black leather jerkin, which reduced piercing and slash damage and allowed him to use his speed and agility.
Fresh snow was all around, with little drifts and bumps here and there. He wore a white cloak and sash, covering the leather beneath. Steath and cleverness may come in handy here, if his opponent proved to be skilled. the cloak rose up in a sweeping hood, covering much of his face. Cold and snow were very much his allies, as he grew up in the mountains and valleys of the North. And though the sun was shining and there were no trees or other terrain, he could still manipulate his surroundings.
Jozlyn drew his primary and secondary swords. Both were of the elegant and rather tough Elvish silver, magically protected blades given as a gift. Maril found out their strength with his mace a few days earlier. The blades shined galiantly in the light. He had left his bow and quiver out of the fight this time. But other tools and things were still left to be revealed. He took his guard, turning his left side to his opponent, the longer blade in his right hand held over head and the other across his waist. The upper was his high and rear guard, while the other defended his front and lower arcs. Both were in position to take his sides defence evenly. His knees bent, cloak around him, he was never more ready. The wind swirled around him in mock of of the anticipation that hung in the air of the entire theater.

[Protégé]

So it would be the waiting game. Until one made a move, the defensive positions would stand. Protégé could handle that. He knew that defense was a good way to go. A spear was not made to be quick and agile like a sword or dagger, or heavy and powerful like a mace. A spear was made for range and quick thrusts, and to create walls in the military that decimated opponent forces as they came at the enemy. Inwardly sighing, Protégé stood his ground in his defensive postion, not shifting his body. The position was no strain to hold, and because of the way everything was placed he was bearing very little weight. Keeping still, he waited for Alezand to make a move.

[Alezand Jozlyn, Allaine Knight]

Sighing inwardly, Alezand quickly realized the reluctance of his opponent's will to attack. And attacking directly would be foolish at this point. All the speed that he muster would not shift the situation in his favor, at least for the moment. Slowly and inperceptivly, Alezand slid his left hand down to the edge of his heavy, white fur cloak. Glancing at his opponent to see if he had any inkling of what Alezand planned to do. Thoughly confindent in his decision, Alezand executed. He spun swiftly on his heel, grasping the edge of the cloak as his sweeped around and around, thus creating a mini blizzard of the fresh powder snow on the ground. The wind carried the blinding cloud to Protege and enveloped him in swirling snow. the snow was harmless, what it hid wasn't. Seeking his chance, Alezand dashed silently to his opponent's left. He kept a half guard with the short sword just in case as he charged from the side. He swung his long sword in a ranged slash to the left and down...

[Protégé]

As hard as Alezand could try, Protégé knew it would be impossible for him to try and attack, so he was ready. When Alezand threw up a cloud of snow, Protégé began to stand up, putting himself in a position where he could move. Listening carefully, Protégé heard the snow crunching, and knew which direciton Alezand was coming from. Jumping to his right, Protégé swapped spear hands, and swung the spear with his left hand to the left. The jump would put him out of range of Alezand's blades, but the spear was still long enough to cover the distance between them.

[Alezand Jozlyn, Allaine Knight]

Alezand heard the whoosh of the spear. Judging the direction and height, Alezand ducked the counter easily. he's clever, he thought to himself. He stayed low with the duck, staying within range and slashed again at Protege's legs with the long sword while parrying the spear with the short sword overhead. He sheathed the short sword. He could just see the shadow of Protege in the still swirling snow. His cloak still kicking up a blinding white wash of bitterness, he rolled left and came up on his knees. Immediately, he shot a consealed dagger at his opponent, and sprung back out of range of the spear. He had several small hidden dangers on his belt and bound to his wrists. He would have to use them to weaken his opponent into submission. Man, he really wish he had grabbed his bow and quiver. He drew his short sword again, waiting to see what was next...

[Crimson]

Since Alezand did not make, or argue against, all of the changes that were requested by myself in 2 days within the sending of the most recent PM of request, I declare Protege the victor of the match!