505-08-10 University Debate

From Crossroads Wiki

Valentine Penurious organized and held a debate at the university where people could participate as teams or individuals. The team topic of debate was whether clergy should all be Purists, and the individual was whether vampires should be allowed as citizens.

University Auditorium - Plaza del Arte - Keeper East - Village

Dyonith comes walking in escorting Ravelle at a easy going pace. As he steps in though he stops and offers Eleanor a polite bow and smiles to her glancing around and smiling to himself, "Either way my friend, this will be fun." To Ravelle.

Valentine comes in sooo hoping she isn't late! She seems to be in a hurry, a few notes tucked under her, and a bagpipe musician and a kettle drummer follows her. "Just set up over there.." she instructs.

Eleanor looks up from what she is doing and sees Dyonith's bow. There's a courteous bow of her head given to him.

Ravelle inclines her head in agreement with Dyonith and then executes a respectful curtsy for Eleanor, her smile warm. "Good evening, Highness." She rises and resumes her conversation with Dyonith.

Tiege slips into the room and lingers in the doorway to take stock of those present. He folds in a deep bow to the room at large, one to hopefully take into account all those of station above his (read: everyone). Though his eyes trail to his family, his paces bring him toward Princess Eleanor.

Josh comes in with hands in his pockets. He looks like he's going to be a part of the audience and moves to find a seat. Curious look given as he pushes his glasses back. He's also got his notepad with him. More than likely he's going to be taking notes so he can judge fairly.

Ravelle sees her cousins, Joshua and Tiege, and offers them a smile and a nod. Her sister, Helena, also wins a radiant curve of her lips and subtle wave.

Eleanor's smile warms a touch in seeing Ravelle. Her head inclines in the other lady's direction. El keeps her gaze on Tiege when he begins to come her way and she finally speaks, "Good evening, Master Soranus. So glad to see you."

Valentine gets to the front. "If I could have the contestants here before the judges please!" she calls out. "It won't take long, promise." she's a bit ansy.

Dyonith glances around and smiles a bit to himself leaning over towards Ravelle, "Well it seems your family is here, we better not lose now eh?" Smiling to her as he then escorts her up front to Valentine.

Vivane had came into the auditorium and taken a seat. She seems to relax as she sits in a chair and waits for the debate to start. Her eyes scan her surroundings out of habit looking for danger/ defensive positions/exits and the like.

Josh smiles when he sees his family members, close friends that are like family get included in that to. He also gives a bow to the room in general before he fully sits down.

Carrying an umbrella that has seems mostly dry and a leather folder underneath his left arm, Pyrphoros enters the auditorium and gazes at the stage. For a moment there he seems lost in thought and shakes his head. Probably fond memories of being on stage there last night, or nightmares.

Valentine finds that Tiege, Dyonith and Ravelle are already here. "I just want you three to know I so admire you for this." she informs them with a sincere smile, enthusiastic, upon her face. "Anyone else? Looking for the next two contestants? At least a representative?"

Ravelle smiles at Valentine, her hand resting on Dyonith's sleeve. "I think it is brilliant of you to initiate such an intriguing event."

Eleanor takes in a breath and remains where she is unless called for she'll stay seated. She's up near the front so she glances at those that are with Valentine. There are Imperial Knights here to.

Tiege clasps his hands behind his back and stands with precise posture, but his tone for her is warm. "Miss Valentine, I admire you for organizing it," he avows quietly. "And such valued topics."

Alessia steps into the Auditorium, looking up on the stage, as she spies the two that she had walked in on at the Coffee Shop, at the tail end of their practice, she had assumed. Her grey eyes watching, before she moves over to take a seat somewhere where she won't be too noticable, as she looks at the Knights that are there, as well as everyone else.

Entering the auditorium, Coleridge is a new face among the familiar. The tall dark-dressed man casually navigates his way through the crowd, scoping out the room and its occupants behind from behind his blue-tinted spectacles. Although he shows no sign of a limp, a walking stick taps the ground beside him with each step, his hands lightly gripping the ornamental handle. He pauses within general line of sight of the Princess, offering her a deep flourishing bow. Rising, he moves on to find an empty seat, dipping his chin briefly to those few that are familiar to him.

Bathsheba steps into the auditorium, her chocolate eyes travelling over each person there slsowly, as if memorizing them. Her gaze seems to linger longer on the Purists in the crowd.

Dyonith offers a smile to Valentine, "Most wonderful indeed, wouldn't miss this for the world, even just to watch. Yet I seem to have found myself a most brilliant partner for the team event." Glancing to Ravelle then to the other contestants and smiles.

Eleanor is seated a certain way so that she can see who enters and leaves the place. She smiles in seeing Coleridge and his manners. Before her eyes scan the crowd once again.

The hour's near struck for the contest to begin, and it's at the last second that another pair of competitors slips through the door. Or jogs through the door. Or, at the very least, walks swiftly through the door. Leon Maritus, in his finest green coat, pauses /at/ said door to adjust his hair (ah, youth's vanity) and only when it's just right does he make his way to join the contestants at the front.

The contestants that are here are in front of the auditorium, judges and audiences are taking seats. Valentine gets out a coin. "Alright, the team is the first match. I'm going to flip this coin, m'lord and lady and it will reveal which side of the debate your team will take. Ready?"

Melissande does not consider herself early, nor late for that matter as she enters the auditorium with a non-hurried pace to her steps. The amount of people gathered is impressive, in a sense, as her lips press together for a moment before stepping forward towards where the debaters are supposed to be.

Ravelle smiles over at Dyonith and then turns obliquely to see who else is entering. Her smile warms considerably when she sees Leon. "Good evening, cousin."

Josh grins when he takes notice of Leon and his entry. He is sitting near the back but he can't help but give his friend's a thumbs up. Yes tonight should be interesting.

Ravelle nods to Valentine. "Ready, Miss."

Dyonith offers a smile, "indeed."

When Valentine starts, Tiege steps away. He gives a deep bow to Leon and a look of encouragement as he moves to take a seat at the very front.

"Ah, you can't have a debate with a judge, oui?" Juste asks as he grandly enters the auditorium, two guards in Leuvian gear following after him. "Ah, bonjour, bonjour mon aimes and mon cheries." he greets, waving and smiling like a loon. And as he notices the Princess, does he bow? Nope. The Roi's son comes over, and gives the Princess a peck on the hand in greeting, and winks at her. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Juste Chevalier du Soliel. I believe that I have volunteered to be a judge this evening, non."

Valentine smiles as she sees Leon and Melissande. "You're just in time, both of you. M'lord." proper since she saw Tiege bowing to him. "Flipping the coin now to see which stance you'll have. It will reveal Lady Ravelle's and Lord Dyonith's side, you'll take the latter. Here goes..."

Vivane finally decides that it's good where she's sitting so turns her attention to the front for the contest. She glances down at her nails and studies them briefly before lifting her head once more.

Valentine flips a debate coin. It comes up pro.

Ravelle glances over at Dyonith with a quiet smile. "Pro it is." Dark eyes then travel to her cousin, Leon, and his partner, assessing. She tips her head. "May Providence guid you both in your argument tonight."

Eleanor smiles when Juste comes over and kisses her hand. "Good evening Ambassdor Chevalier du Soliel. Yes, you did agree to volunteer." She than with her free hand points in the direction of Valentine. "Miss Valentine will inform you of what it is you'll be doing."

"...I have to argue against /Ravelle/?"

Leon's features falter, pale a little as Valentine tells the sides, and when it falls pro for the other team, he pales. A little.

But he gives a nod -- as firm a nod as it may be -- and replies to his cousin: "...and you -- you both. Too."

Valentine was about to get on with it, when the Princess approaches. She bows quickly, all stops for the Princess. "Oh, after they find what side they are on, your highness, I'll take the stage, make an introduction, and inform the judges of their rules...which isn't complicated." she assures.

"Ah, sitting me with a lovely young cher, Princess? You are not trying to distract me from my judhing duties, are you?" Juste asks the Princess with a wink before he goes to present himself to Valentine. "Bonjour." he greets, kissing her on the cheeks, after all, she deserves a proper Pais greeting as he looks around for his seat, a sketchbook under one arm.

Dyonith holds up a finger and smiles to Leon, "Be weary of her partner in this to. Yet there can be points made both ways now." A glance to Ravelle and nods with a whisper back to her at something said to him and smiles a bit more glancing back to leon and Niamh.

And tight on Leon's heels comes Niamh with that distinctive long-legged gait on just this side of a prowl, the snapping banners of her sleeves acting as the pennants raised to whatever cause the adventurer takes up for the night. Clear grey eyes sweep across the room as she enters, fair features aligned as though she has not a care in the world. As all things are announced, the shadow to the Maritus lord still stays behind him and gives a nod to the participants, then the Ambassador. Familiarity settles across her face for a moment or two at best, then she puts her hand upon Leon's arm lightly. "Which should make it quite fun."

Seeing that the debate is about to start, Pyrphoros takes a seat near the exit. Sets his belongs down, and looks at the contestants with an amused look on his face.

Eleanor rises from her seat to follow Juste to make sure he sees Valentine. Amused perhaps at the way the Pais greets the younger lady. Looking over at Valentine. "Very well. I will leave you be than." She begins to retreat back to her seat. Saying a bit quieter to Valentine before she goes, "I'll be right there if you need me." Her smile still there as she looks back at Juste before taking that seat again.

Ysora isn't terribly good at slipping in quietly, not with the thump thunk of her cane. She grins at Joshua when she sees him and ends up making her way over to sit next to Helena, hopefully rather near the other one. "Well now. I'm glad I didn't make up banners. What's this now - looks like Ravelle and Leon are on different sides?"

Alessia makes herself comfotable in the seat she had chosen as she sits there, her eyes on the contestants as she remains silent, watching in front of her, and content to be a wall flower, unless someone were to approach her.

Josh will have made an effort to sit near Helena and Ysora so he can converse with them. Telling Ysora, "It seems that way. I think tonight shall be a very interesting night. I plan on taking notes of it myself."

Melissande can pretend all she wants that she holds no acquaintanceship with Juste - which is exactly what she's going to do as she glances towards the judges with a nod of her head in greeting. Taking a seat carefully, she does seem to be interested once the coin toss is made. Not that she knows those taking part, glancing between the two teams with mild interest.

Valentine says, "Now, would all the judges send word they are here? Sit wherever you like, the hat will come to you. Just raise your hand so I know you're here." Then to Tiege and Melissande. "Now, would you two like to go ahead and flip this coin while the judges are getting settled?"

Helena glances at her cousins, keeping her voice low so as not to distract others. "This shall be quite something to see the two of them debate each other," she says, sparing a quick glance towards the stage.

Raising his hand, Juste is hard to miss, just look for the pimp hat with the extravagant feather - I mean the fashionable hat, yes.

Valentine smiles at Juste, a bit bashful that he kissed her, but looks grateful.

Tiege rises from his seat to consider Valentine and gives a slight nod toward her. "If the timing is appropriate, certainly." He slides a glance to Melissande when she is named as his opposition, consideringly.

"...right," Leon turns a wan smile on Niamh as she reaches his side. And murmured words pass between the pair, then -- a last-minute preparation, perhaps as the judges settle in.

Dyonith moves to take the prescribed places for the opening arguments and team places. A smile to Valentine. No it isn't time to start yet, so instead he and Ravelle continues to discuss tactics and debates quietly and a determined smile on both their faces.

Melissande gives her head the barest of nod, agreeing to the question posed by Valentine as she too rises with ease. "I would concur as well," she says towards the young woman, with only the slightest of glances to regard Tiege with another nod, this one smaller in recognition.

\Valentine smiles at both Melissande and Tiege. "Alright..this coin will tell us your stand on the issue." that directed to Melissande. "Hmmm..I'm going to have to ask for more judges from the audience." then more clear and loud. "Please...anyone in the audience. Please be a judge! Its totally anonymous." she promises.

Valentine flips a debate coin. It comes up con.

Ysora drags Helena's hand up with hers. Never sit on ys' right side - it's a dangerous activity. She looks back at Joshua. "C'mon. You two. You always wanted to be a judge, right?"

Josh laughs when he hears that. Giving a shrug. "It only seems right since we have family sitting on opposite sides as it is."

Vivane glances up, "I'll be happy to be a judge if one is needed."

Valentine nods."Its needed." to Vivane.

Eleanor glances up from writing things down and she looks to see if she has Valentine's attention. It seems she'll be a judge to if needed.

Helena glances over as Joshua speaks up and she smiles a bit. "Best to leave it to one Purists, lest they believe we're taking over the event," she says with enough of a smile to suggest that she is teasing.

Pyrphoros only smiles mysteriously at the call for judges while his eyes drift between the contestants and key members of the audience.

Vivane nods as she can be a judge. She's not sure what the criteria on judging might be however, she'll do her best. "Do I sit here or move somewhere else? I'm new at judging."

Niamh steps onto the Stage.

Leon steps onto the Stage.

Dyonith steps onto the Stage.

Niamh, following along as Leon departs from the vicinity of the entrance, chuckles softly under her breath. "Let's go find somewhere to sit before all the good spots are gone. Who knows who else may show up, and while I do not countenance any danger of arguing while hanging upside down from a rope in the rafters, I suspect that you might prefer to have an actual seat to listen from."

Valentine informs "Judges..sit where you like. A knight has volunteered to bring the ballot hat to you." she informs them all. "I have these names as judges so far, forgive me if I don't include the title. Juste, Princess Eleanor, Josh, Vivane, Ysore. Professor?" that aimed at Pyrhoros."Will you do us the honor. If so, we have enough."

Ravelle steps onto the Stage.

Seated at the back of the room, Coleridge quietly observes the procedings. He dips his chin towards Pyrphoros.

Valentine looks again. "And Coleridge. Sorry.." she missed that one. "That is plenty, feel free to volunteer."

"Actually," Juste says, "Seeing as my aide is a participant, I should recluse myself by the proper rules of the debate. Please, feel free to take my place, Professor."

Tiege remains near Valentine, awaiting the toss of the coin with a strict set to his posture.

Valentine looks at Juste. "Can you still judge the team? She's not on one." she reminds.

Ravelle sits near Dyonith, conversing quietly with him about tactics.

Juggling the debate rules in his mind, Juste considers and shakes his head. "Non." he finally says to Valentine. "And since I cannot judge, it frees me up for something else." he points out, gesturing to his sketchbook, and back to where the guards hold his easel and paints. "Such an event as this deserves to be properly recorder, oui?" says the Grande Artiste.

With a rueful glance and a nod over his shoulder to Niamh, Leon leads to where the participants sit: front and center. "I might /rather/ debate hanging upside down," he mutters, cutting a look aside to the other team as he drapes himself over his chair.

Eleanor looks over at Juste when he declines the thought of judging. She gives a nod in his direction. "Please, by all means." She must be refering to him being able to capture the moment.

Once the coin's toss and his fate is revealed, Tiege snaps his fingers as if in disappointment. He turns and departs the stage to be out of the way for the first debate.

There is a conversation going on quietly with the Purist group that is near the back. Perhaps they are having their own version of a debate.

Melissande calmly listens to the results of the toss before quickly sidestepping out of the way and into the nearest seat before the teams begin. Is she pleased? Who knows. She doesn't reveal anything to her thoughts.

Valentine looks around. "Alright, I'm about to take the stage. Before I do, is there anything else? Judges, don't worry, I'll present your part in the introduction. Can we dim the lights? Just the lanterns on the stage please..and musicians, start your tune."

Melissande joins you.

The lights are dimmed closest to the stage and the musicians begin their tuning. There's a sense of waiting and anticipation now.

Valentine steps onto the Stage.

It begins with a drum roll and bagpipes playing an ominous beat not unlike the type of music one hears just prior to a knight's jousting tournament as Valentine takes the stages, all lights on her, holding her larger than normal skirt up. When she turns, she first curtseys low in the direction of the Princess, the highest ranking person she knows in the room.

Eleanor just smiles at Valentine. She also inclines her head towards the young girl. Getting herself comfortable. She has a feeling this is going to be a kind of night that is of a learning experience.

Alessia shifts a little in her seat i the backrow, as she hears the drumroll, realizing that its about to start. Her grey eyes focused on the stage, as she slowly leans back, a considering hand resting just below her lower lip.

Learning experience. Yes. An /excellent/ name for it. Hands resting white-knuckled on his knees, Leon's eyes are set on Valentine as the lights dim, as the music begins, but his words -- murmured aside -- are for his partner in the debate.

Valentine, after the Princess shows that she is ready, turns towards the audience and judges.

"I would like to start this event by quoting the Blessed Keeper, His Majesty Sebastian Michael Caprios. He said

"The lance may pierce the heart and the sword may slash it open, but it's the tongue that wounds it the most deeply."

For these contestants, the mind is their shields, their research is their armor, their resolve is their horse, and it's their tongues that are their lances. Like the Knights, I feel these people are showing courage this evening and I admire them for being here."

Josh looks from Ysora and than to Helena and than his attention is diverted to the stage. Hunkering down as he takes pen to parchment. He wants to really know what he's judging on after all!

Dyonith turns stands, and waits, a easy going smile on his face. Planning to enjoy it win or lose.

Setting out his easel and paints, Juste chews on his lower lip as he stirs, eyes locking in on the participants and the stage, his eyes watching the young woman as she speaks, and each of the participants with a careful and critical eye, before he starts off in broad and easy strokes.

Ravelle exhales softly, looking both excited and touch nervous as she scans the full room. She closes her eyes and submits a soft prayer to the Goddess.

Catherine slips quietly in, staying towards the back. She's careful not to bump anyone or give away her late arrival.

Vivane nods as she listens, knowing how words can be used as weapons.

Valentine continues. "Now Judges, just a few things to consider.." and she explains the rules (just look at the object dropped)

RULES FOR JUDGES

Rules for the judges; some rules cannot be broken no matter what and some can be bent.

No contestant is allowed to interrupt another while they are speaking, and no contestant may speak out of turn. This cannot be broken under any circumstances and if it happens the person or team is automatically disqualified.

These rules however can be bent and it's up to the judge if they should influence his or her decision.

1. The time limit; its considered bad form to go over the time limit. The hour glass is calibrated to three minutes and the speaker should be finished before time runs out. However, it's up to the judge to decide if what the speaker says is pertinent or if the speaker is merely ranting.

2.Offensive language; its considered bad form to use offensives language however its up to the judge if he or she feels it helps the speaker emphasize his or her point.

3. Insults; especially if it's of a personal nature against an opponent. However, like the others, the judge decides if this will sway his or her decision. It does not disqualify a contestant.

After the debate a knight will pass around the Hat and judges will write and 'toss' the name(s) of the candidate(s) they are voting for. It is completely anonymous; COMMENTS ARE WELCOME , just write them next to the name(s).

Thank you for being a judge.

Valentine , after all of that looks to find the contestants. "Lady Ravelle, Lord Dyonith...whenever you're ready, send forth your first speaker. The stage belongs to him or her.." she invites, not rushing anyone.

Ravelle slowly rises from her seat, her dark eyes traveling over the faces of so many assembled. A quiet smile visits her lips and she draws a soft breath before beginning in clear, vibrant tones.

"Highness, Graces, Lords and Ladies, Citizens and Ambassadors." She inclines her head respectfully. "What is a clergy to you? Are they simply someone who is more dedicated and fastidious about faith-based lifestyle? No, they are leaders. They are teachers. And they are trainers."

She executes a slow turn, letting her gaze move over the entire audience, touching upon faces. "To understand what it means for a Purist to be a clergy, you must understand what it means to be a Purist. Purism is not innocence. Just as the knights are trained from a young age with one purpose in mind, so we are trained from a young age to combat darkness, to identify threats, and to shore up weaknesses. We eschew personal indulgences so as not to become distracted from ensuring that Providence's light does not falter when the shadows lay siege. And make no mistake, my dear dear people, we /are/ at constant war with darkness. Around us, demons and other nefarious entities prowl, searching for weaknesses to exploit so as to infiltrate. Not many see this war because it has been going on for five hundred years, so something done last generation may not come to fruition until this generation. Purists spend their lives dedicated to living, serving, and communing with the Goddess and in preventing attacks from these creatures. "

"I ask you this: if you were a warrior being trained in the matters of mind, body, and soul to defend your life, your family, and your country in a war, would you accept someone who has divided his or her attention amongst other, less tactical interests and happens to know some sword work as your mentor? Or would you want someone who has devoted his entire life to strategies and combat to instruct you? Someone with mastery in self-discipline, self-defense, and in defeating foes?" She folds her hands before her, finishing, " Your clergy should possess similar expertise, lest you allow faulty training to taint and perhaps weaken an army, or in our case, a generation. In wars, armies fall and a country is lost. In faith, if a generation falls, the cost is enslavement beyond the mortal realm of Empire."

Eleanor is still here and still listening. Looking up at the stage when Ravelle begins the team debate.

Helena sits up a little and turns her full attention on her sister. A smile begins to grow on her lips as a look of immense pride lights her eyes.

Joshua is taking down notes as he listens to his cousin speak. This is going to be very difficult for this young lord. He has to listen to his friend speak on the next team as it is. Biting his lower lip as he writes a word down and than looks up at the stage.

Looking up from his painting for a moment, Juste studies Ravelle for a moment before he ducks back down behind his painting to continue his work.

Pyrphoros continues to wear that enigmatic smile as he scans the audience again before returning his gaze on the speaker.

Vivane listens to the debate with more than a hint of objectivity. She keeps her eyes on Ravelle as she speaks and then polietely applauds. It does take courage in her mind to speak before a crowd.

Seated comfortably, Coleridge listens to the Lady Ethos speech. It is impossible to tell whether he approves or disagrees with her argument, but it is evident that she has his undivided attention while she addresses the assembled.

Alessia listens to the debate, and blinks a little at the eloquently worded opening. Her grey eyes considering the words, as she rubs her chin a little, an almost unconcious habit as she sits there in her seat.

Valentine gives what she feels is enough time for the judges to absorb that then looks for Niahm and Leon. "Will the other team send forth their first speaker whenever they are ready?" again, not rushing anyone.

Ysora listens intently, frowning a bit here and there, then turns in her seat at the end to wave at Joshua. "Pssst. Can I borrow a quill?" Pause. "Oh. And some paper." P ause. "Oh, and something to write on?" But then she's trying to focus again

Ravelle withdraws back to Dyonith's side, allowing her opponent to take the stage. She does lean in to converse quietly with her debate partner.

Josh looks over at Ysora. He begins to do what she asks. Giving her a quill and parchment. Yes this lord comes prepared for scholory events it seems! His lips go upwards at Ysora's inquiry. Trying to be quiet in what he's doing as to not disrupt the debate at hand.

"Your - Your Highness," Leon takes Ravelle's place, and addresses a bow to the Princess, and his start is not strong: there's a stutter in his words, and it's telling on the heels of his cousin's remarks so smoothly and so excellently delivered. And his brow is furrowed, faintly, as he begins. "Lords. Ladies. Honored judges."

There's a pause, blue eyes flickering over the crowd, and his lips press. He proceeds.

"My opponent - my dear cousin - spoke - talked about battles. Well. We from Guardians know a little bit about fighting, about wars, about conflict, and I - I'm - I want to tell you, that when it comes to leading fights, the last thing this Empire wants is just one general who's an expert in just one weapon. It wants a leader, sure - we have the Emperor, haven't we? - but it wants many - I mean, it wants people with different expertises working together. It wants archers and artillery, it wants sailors and marines, it wants the infantry, it wants everyone trained in what he knows, but trained in different things, working together to defeat the enemy."

Though he stuttered to start, the young Maritus lord gains both momentum and confidence: at least, a smile twitches at the corner of his lips. "That's why the Empire wants clergy from different sects, you see? Yes, we're in a battle against Darkness. But none of us are perfect in everything - none of us are /perfect/. And we can work hard to learn our part, but our parts should come from different - from other - from perspectives that aren't just from Ethos. They should come from those good folk who believe in and love Providence, and want to do right, and who are experts in doing it like they do on Guardians. Or on Green Fields. Or on Gateway. /That's/ how you build an army to fight any foe."

Eleanor tries to give an encouraging smile to Leon as he starts. She's quiet as she goes to listening. Hands folded in her lap.

Juste continues to work on his painting, pretty much oblivious to the rest of the world as he does so.

Helena glances towards Ysora, watching her cousin's reaction to her brother's speech. And while Helena looked mighty proud at her sister's argument, she looks no less proud of Leon's efforts.

Vivane listens to Leon with as much attention as she gave Ravelle. She gives him the applause as he finishes as well, no more or no less than she gave the first contestant.

Joshua eyes go wide when he hears Leon now. Yeah this is going to be difficult for the lord and he kind of squirms in his seat now.

Ysora does not start a dogpound woof woof woof for her brother. She does puff up with a little pride, though. Helena might even see Ys jot down a smiley face next to her brother's name on the paper, though she does write a few other things.

His piece spoken, his argument made, Leon backpeddles to his seat -- and those nearest the stage might notice a bit of a shake to his hands as he plants them firmly, once more, on his knees. Drawing a deep breath, he bows his head a long moment before looking up to watch the next argument.

Bella slips into the auditorium, finding a seat quietly and discreetly. She leans forward a bit, listening intently.

Ravelle studies her cousin for a moment, her features carefully neutral. She leans in to murmur quietly to Dyonith.

Pyrphoros frowns slightly as some members of the crowd makes some noise, but then his focus returns to the contestants again.

Valentine is forced to keep her expression neutral. She gives again, what she feels, is enough time for the judges. Amazing how she can do that! "M'lord? Your refute?" that directed to Dyonith.

Dyonith steps forward a thoughtful look on his face. A nod given around as he considers. Yet it doesn't take him long to speak, "Diversity among the sects also brings with it a diversity of beliefs and ideals for the different people that join. As my partner stated, the priest are dedicated to a purpose, the ideal of fighting darkness. Should the priest compromise their standards their ideals for diversity? They are the teachers and the trainers, the purist raised with that ideal, trained to endure the darkness and seeking it out to destroy it. They are the ones who should do the training, teaching the archers, the swordsman, the calvery."

Taking a moment he glances around eyes considering for a moment, "My opponents are correct, nobody is perfect, nobody is without fault or mistakes. Yet would we not want those who hold themselves to a higher standard, who have and continue to strive all their live to be warriors of light, to hold onto values and morality, who hold Providence as first and foremost? The moment we allow compromise the moment we allow darkness in. The standards for priest needs to stay high, not allowing our enemies any chance to infultraite us." Offering a nod as he goes to retake his spot.

Once again, Vivane gives her full attention to the speaker on the stage and once again, as the person, in this case Dyonith, finishes she applauds polietly.

Ravelle joins Vivane's applause for her partner, her lips curving as she studies him.

Eleanor gives a nod to indicate she's heard Dyonith and is taking his words into consideration.

Josh is still taking down notes. Though he lifts up his eyes to give attention when he speaks. A thoughtful look crosses his features when the man finishes his speech.

Addison sneaks into the auditorium, attempting to disturb the debate as little as possible. She pauses just inside the door to skim the crowd, and once she finds the person she's looking for she makes her way allll the way down to the front row and claims a seat beside Tiege. She flashes a grin his way and then leans in to whisper something quickly.

Towards the back of the room, Coleridge listens to the orators, his judgment this far impossible to discern.

Glancing towards the stage, Juste is deep in his painting. Already, he has the edges of the stage done as he works his way towards the participants on the stage as he does so.

Tiege glances over as Addison arrives, answering her smile with a solemn one of his own. His attention returns quickly to the debaters, although he leans near to hear her quiet words and answer in kind.

Something whispered to Addison causes her brows to jump, lips quirking into an amused sort of smile. Her gaze stays forward on those debating, but she leans in to mutter to Tiege again quietly.

Tilting his head for a few moments, Pyrphoros maintains the same smile as his eyes wonder between the contestants.

Ysora and her notes are still making friends as she listens. It's not the tidiest handwriting ever, rushed and this way and that in the dark. But she is giving the debaters her attention.

Ravelle glances out over the crowd, trying to assess their responses to the debate thus far.

The musicians play while the team readies their response. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XETk-zYa11U&feature=related

Dorian is watching with rapt attention to the debate, even though his left eye doesn't quite have a clear view of the proceedings thanks to some residual swelling.

Tiege speaks quietly with Addison, but his eyes remain upon the debaters. When Ravelle looks across the crowd, he gives her an encouraging smile, if still well within the norm of his solemn expression.

The musicians start a faster tempo, and start to dance while they play, sort of a jig.

Eleanor looks over at the crowd and than back at the contestants. Smiling a bit wider as the music goes up in tempo.

Josh is just scribbling something down. Either he's taking notes or comparing notes with Ysora in the doodling.

Juste continues to paint, glancing towards the stage now and again. Like a diver taking a last breath, Juste tries to take in the features of the debaters before divergining into the painting completely.

Ysora only doodled the one smiley face, really! Well. Until the jig kept going. Then there's a bit more doodling. But also some more note taking.

Valentine sees something is amiss, and turns to the judges. "Judges...seems Miss Niahm had an emergency. We have two choices...you can allow the lord here to speak in her stead, or declare now Lady Ravelle and Lord Dyonith the winners. Say 'Aye' if you'll allow Lord Leon to continue, 'Nay' if this match is over."

Ysora lifts her good hand, the quill splattering a few drops of ink on someone in front of her. Oops. "Aye."

Princess Eleanor says Aye when she hears Valentine's request.

Valentine waits on the response of the judges..its in their hands now.

Joshua says aye also.

Coleridge offers an "Aye" to the continuance of the debate.

"If not Leon, would someone else be willing to debate in Niamh's stead?" Juste asks not looking up from his easel, work continuing as if she had never left.

Valentine looks somewhat hopeless in Juste's direction, but if one more judge offers an 'aye', it will be the majority and that's all she's looking for.

Eleanor looks over at Juste, "Ambassdor lets let the young lord speak for his team." Offering the painter a smile when she says that as she looks over at Leon to see if he's ready to say his last piece.

The Princess has spoken. All hail the princess. That's the last aye. Royalty wins!

Not looking up from the easel, Juste nearly debates the point with Eleanor, but decides against it, shrugging his shoulders. "If that is how you wish it to go, of course."

Lydia steps into the back of the auditorium, pausing to curtsey just in case one of title were to be looking her way. Her gaze does pass over those gathered before she moves for an empty seat near the front, a smile of quiet confidence set on her features.

Valentine has her majority and smiles, grateful to the princess. "Now, Lord Leon..are you ready? The final statement is yours."

Vivane considers, "Aye." She wants to hear more debating.

Dyonith just frowns as Niamh seems to fall ill and can't debate, having been looking forward to her argument. A shake of his head and a smile towards Leon, encouraging him.

Short words are shared between Leon and Niamh -- short words, a glance to the Valentine, and she's incorporated into the exchange.

And then -- what's this? Leon's on his feet again, a look of protest silenced by both his partner and by his own glance to the audience. "Forgive me," he says, to the audience - yes, and to the judges, and to the Princess, "But my - my companion-" A gesture, an apologetic look, indicates urgent business that seems to have seized her.

And where he had prepared for his piece, this one comes a little more rocky at the start: it's not an argument he's memorized, nor his own to make. But he makes it, all the same:

"I can't say - I can't, without compromising my own - what I believe - say that we should ever compromise with Darkness, or put anything - or anyone - but Providence first and foremost. My - my opponent has me there. But would having priests, priestesses from other sects - from other factions - from other groups of people who believe just as strongly in Providence as the Purists do - as I do - would that be compromising? How? It wouldn't be. It's not. It's - it's strengthening. It's strengthening, because there's more than one way to - to show - to demonstrate love for the Goddess, the Creator. If anything, it'd be limiting - blinding, right? - to force everyone to follow a single path to her. I haven't anything more to say," he wraps up with a sidelong glance to his opponents, and then a twitch of a smile toward the audience, "But that Providence loves all her children. And it wouldn't be wise to restrict those who want to bring others to her to only /one/ sect, when so many can - could - can do the job. "

Valentine just has to offer a bow, then she turns to the judges. The knight close to her has a hat. "Alright, Honorable Judges. Just call the Sir over to your seat when you're ready to cast your vote into the Hat. Its completely confidential..but on comments, let's remember 'Be Honest..but Kind'." she reminds with a practiced smile.

Valentine drops Hat.

Tiege looks upward a moment and murmurs to Addison, then sets to applausing for the end of the debate. He gives an encouraging look toward Leon.

Helena offers applause when the debate has finished, smiling at both sides in the argument. She does takea quick glance at Ysora's notes.

Joshua tosses a parchment into the hat.

Josh scibbles something down and than puts his vote into the box when it comes his way.

Catherine quietly slips off for the door again, stifling a small yawn. Though it seems more tiredness than the debate.

Ysora tosses a parchment into the hat.

Vivane considers and applauds the lord before she marks the ballot and puts it in the hat.

Vivane tosses a parchment into the hat.

It takes Eleanor a few more minutes to come up with a decision. When the box comes her way she puts her vote in.

Dyonith offers a smile and a polite nod to Leon, "Very well played Lord." He offers to him and glances to Ravelle and whispers to her with a wink. A glance around as he simply waits for the results.

Princess Eleanor tosses a parchment into the hat.

Melissande listens to the end of the debating with a faint, very faint smile to her lips as she adds her applause.

Producing a small square of parchment from an inside pocket of his coat, Coledridge jots down a name with a small portable quill. When the knight passes the row where he's seated, he drops his vote into the hat.

Ysora can't really applaud so much with the one hand busy with writing and tossing. There's still really the one doodle of a smiley face, though now it /does/ have bear ears on it. Well. And a second doodle of a rhubarb patch surrounded by ivy. And a question mark nest to Dyon's name.

Coleridge tosses a parchment into the hat.

The second half of the debate? It was unexpected, and it shows in the relief on Leon's features as he abandons his place at the forefront and takes his seat once more at the side of the stage. It shows in the white of his knuckles, and in the long breath he draws and releases -- and in the look he casts to the audience, casts toward the back, casts toward where his kinfolk sit. And the twitch of a weak smile he sends that way.

When the hat comes his way, Juste moves one hand from his painting, frowning a little. This is why he tried to step away from judging. With a little mutter in his native tongue, he places a vote.

Juste tosses a parchment into the hat.

Josh sees that look and he smiles at Leon. Trying to give him encouragement. His eyes now falling on Tiege and Melissandre. Knowing that the indiviuals are next.

Pyrphoros remains still and unchanged as he looks at the judges casting their votes.

The Knight with the hat takes it to Valentine, who thanks him. "Now..let us see.." she tells everyone. "I'll draw them one at a time, and read any remarks that are included." she promises.

Valentine replies."The first one is for the Con team!"

Valentine says, "The second is for the Pro team."

Valentine says, "Con again"

Valentine takes this one, and it has something else on it. "Leon (Con) for the win. I wish that both sides had taken a few seconds to define what a priest is for the purposes of this argument, but since both chose to use the metaphor of priest as spiritual warrior, I feel that Leon's arguments were more effective."

Valentine takes another. "Pro."

Eleanor looks over at Valentine while she tallies the votes. Her eyes tracking the team that still is on the stage.

Valentine reaches in for another. "PRO!" she reads. Looking inside "Appears we have a tie! So, come up here and each team will accept a trophy on the team's behalf."

Josh chuckles when he hears its a tie. He can live with that.

Two servants come out, each with a Silver Trophy cup. They hold it, waiting for at least one team member to come up and claim it.

"Mon dieu." Juste mutters under his breath as he goes back to painting, again a comment in his native tongue.

Helena smiles broadly at the announcement of the votes and applauds for both sides. She leans over and speaks briefly to her cousins. "Your brother will be a stunning orator in no time," she tells Ysora.

Eleanor applauds when she hears its a tie. A smile to her features as she looks to see the team members claiming their prize.

Motion in the crowd catches Coleridge's attention as he caps the peculiar quill with a small piece of glass before it vanishes into his pocket. He offers a slight dip of his chin, as though to recognize someone, but the low light makes it difficult to tell to whom he directs the acknowledgement. He turns back to the stage, adding his applause to the others.

Vivane applauds the contestants who have ended in a tie.

Ysora hmmms at Helena. "Well. Maybe. Except it will drive the maids mad cleaning up the sweat stains on his shirts," she murmurs.

Dyonith steps forward to claim the trophy on his teams behalf, Ravelle moving over to sit down with her friends and family for now. A smile to Leon, "You argued well your lordship. Though I must admit..." Leaning in to whisper to him and stands back up with a chuckle as he moves to sit down next to Ravelle to watch the next debate.

Tiege applauds for the winners and then smooths his hands over his own garb, preparing. He glances at Addison a moment with a quirk of his lips as he waits for his summons to stand and deliver. So to speak.

A tie? Torn between surprise and an amused twitch of her lips, Melissande's brows could rise. Instead, with a tilt of her head to one side ever so slightly, she remains silent while remaining calmly in her own seat.

Dorian claps heartily, and once the applause starts to die down, he's one of the first ones to slink out of the room.

A tie? Head bowed in his hands the duration of the vote-couting, Leon looks up sharply as the score's made out a tie. His eyes narrow. But he doesn't protest the counting -- the judges have made their determination, after all. Doesn't protest, and his ears take a reddish tint as one of the votes suggests his argument more effective -- despite its lack of definition.

He rises, then, to claim his trophy -- and to offer a nod of respect to his opponents in turn. "And you -- you both -- quite well," he replies, though his brows arch at Dyonith's murmured comment, and he tilts his head to it before he follows down into the crowd, to take his place now as a spectator.

Ysora waves Leon over with a "Yoohoo! C'mere, bear. I'm proud of you!" Just don't come too close. She looks prepared to offer up a sisterly noogie or two.

Josh looked like he was going to wave over Leon but Ysora beats him to it. So instead there's a pleased smile given.

Valentine waits until the applause is over..for there is another contest. She waits patient, and the musicians play, while congrats are given and shared.

Ravelle walks over to her cousin and offers her hand in congratulations. "Well stated, my lord Maritus. I do hope that we shall have the opportunity to cross words again."

Pyrphoros applauds in a golf clap for the contestants, but remains silent still.

Leon leaves the Stage.

Dyonith leaves the Stage.

Valentine looks around and just to show that she's keeping things on track, she asks "Now, will the individual contestants please come up here?" she requests.

Tiege casts a faint smile to Addison and gets to his feet, walking toward the stage.

Tiege steps onto the Stage.

Ravelle smiles at Leon and then turns back to Dyonith as they move to take their seats elsewhere. "Well-stated, my lord. I am pleased that we participated."

Addison gives Tiege an encouraging smile as he rises and moves for the stage, then settles back into her chair comfortably to watch.

Dyonith smiles to Ravelle and nods slowly, "Glad I asked you to be my debate partner. We should do this again sometime, and next time we get the lord on our side for a full three man team." Grinning to Ravelle at that, "With him, you, and me, we would almost never lose." Glancing to the stage as he takes a down next to her.

Melissande similarly moves to rise, smoothly making her way towards the stage with one hand ensuring that she doesn't miss a step due to her skirts.

Joshua gives an encouraging look for Tiege now. Its been quite the night for the Purists' it seems.

Melissande steps onto the Stage.

Ysora just gives Leon a quick hug instead of a noogie, and then another hug for Ravelle as she arrives. Praise is given to each, but then she points up to the stage. "Cousin Tiege's turn. This should be ... interesting."

Tiege glances over the crowd, his gaze lingering on his family members longest. Josh gets a nod in turn as he settles, an excitement to Tiege as he prepares.

"Once again, I must say, I admire those who came before...but these two..." speaking of Tiege and Melissande "Come up here knowing full well they'll not have a team member to support them. They are alone, against each other. They will each get two chances to argue their cause. The pro will lead off, followed by a refute from the con. Then the pro will get one more chance and that will be followed by the con, who speaks last." she turns to Tiege. "Whenver you are ready!" and takes a few steps back giving him the stage.

Ravelle's smile turns radiant for Dyonith and she turns her attention to Tiege and the other debators.

Ravelle hugs Ysora as well and then resumes her prim seating.

Dyonith glances back to Ravelle for a moment going throughtful then back to the stage.

Lydia's attention turns up to the stage now, her posture relaxed as one long leg remains crossed over the other. Her hands rest casually in her lap, and a slight smile lingers on her lips.

"What makes a citizen of Gateway Empire? What is the common thread that binds us all together?"

Thus begins Tiege Soranus, his trained orator's voice carefully modulated to spread about the room. His hands occasionaly shift in the air in subtle or concise gestures emphasizing a point, and his dark eyes glitter with deviousness during his smooth delivery.

"Our birth, our love of freedom? Striving for a common goal, feeling the unity of this empire? Let us examine vampires, who have had all of these things. They were born to parents, had loves and dreams, passions and pains. They have understood all that it is to be human, for at some point they have been thus. We have seen an example within our mids, of a vampire who lived among us, loved, aided the knighthood in service to the Emperor, performed a job at a local eatery, and made many friends."

Tiege spreads his hands before clasping them at his waist, his expression beset with earnestness. "This begs the question, should beings born as us and capable of such devotion be denied the fraternity and embrace of citizenship because of their need to sink teeth into human flesh and consume human blood? Should we exclude them from our ranks merely because they have had to occasionally put down one of their overly resistant meals? What farmer has not slain a milk cow, when needed?" The question is pitched as reasonable and rhetorical. His tempo accelerates, but the enunciation and forcefulness keeps his words from bleeding to babble.

"Vampires posses a multitude of strengths making them exceed what they were before being given the Dark Gift. Their unseeable and unstoppable speed, their inexorable strength, their ability to infiltrate any corner of the castle or private estate with ease, their powerful magics, and even the capacity to influence someone's very thoughts... such powers as they have shown in recent times, these are things we should be grateful for, not afraid of! Think about it, with them as citizens we now have a use for the occasional unwanted baby and the elder whose life seems to lack purpose! With all the good they bring, I contend that we should grant these ancient and powerful beings citizenship."

As Tiege concludes his opening argument, he tips his head forward with a sly smile and steps back.

Ravelle studies Tiege with a neutral expression, though the glint in her eyes suggests some measure of intensity to her scrutiny.

Helena goes quiet and listens to her couin speak. This time there is no smile as she held for Ravelle and Leon, there is simply an expression similar to her sister's, one of intense scrutiny.

Joshua is listening from where he is sitting with the family. Looking up over towards the stage as his best friend speaks. Small frown seen and thus he begins his note taking once again.

As Tiege stands to take his place, Leon sits back with all the comfort of an audience member -- and one, it seems, quite content to be in that position -- as he listens to the oratory of one much more suited to it. His brows furrow as the argument unfolds, and he leans aside to whisper to a cousin.

Dyonith leans back and just watches his expression calm and neutral.

Eleanor straigtens in her seat. Giving her whole attention when Tiege has the floor now. Her expression is neutral. Looking at Tiege's opponet for a time or two.

Ysora lifts an eyebrow slightly and starts to write down notes several times only to pause again. Hrm.

The Alchemist in the back row listens to the argument, his hands resting casually on the ornamental handle of his cane. Coleridge displays no expression that might suggest displeasure, disagreement, or even disgust at the young man's argument. However, one might imagine the slightest twitch at the corner of his mouth, though that may be explained by the shift of the shadows of the auditorium.

Melissande rises, folding both hands against the material of her gown at the waist and a brief glance at Tiege before addressing the assembled in an accented voice, My opponent states that it is because vampires have been born to two parents that they entitled to such rights and privileges. I disagree with such views. It assumes that they are still human. Taking the base definition of what it means to be human, they are not. My opponent has said that they have a need for human flesh. Human blood. The changes that they undergo on becoming a vampire.

Pausing there for a moment to let her words sink in, Melissande continues, I present a different view being not as a citizen of the Empire but rather from a different country. Because of that, I hope to impart some insight in what others may say about vampires and other creatures and why I present such a view. In my homeland, we acknowledge that such may exist. How can we not when there is proof to such claims?

In Aquilarco, for example, they have legends. Of creatures that could be anything unexplained. Does that include vampires? Perhaps. To that culture, these beings may be a voice. For good or ill purposes. Something that we as mortals cannot touch or perceive. It would be more apt, possibly to consider a vampire as such. Whatever they may be, that is one that cannot be altered short of a lasting death. If they are, in reality, a speaker for something greater then why grant them rights and privileges? The same which may ultimately ignored and thereby useless? That is the reason why they cannot be termed as citizens of the Empire.

Valentine , for her part, watches the judges, to see if they show signs that they are ready for the next speaker

Pyrphoros glances at Valentine, still maintaining that puzzling smile.

Ysora again starts to write things down, but rather fails to. She shifts a bit in her seat and glances at her cousins and sibling.

Coleridge offers a faint gesture with his long fingertips towards Valentine, a sign that he is ready.

Eleanor is now looking at Melissande and listening to her as she speaks. Than her eyes drift to the audience to see if anyone has a reaction thus far.

Josh is just quiet. Listening to the murmurs of those around him. Jotting something down every now and than. Giving indication he's ready to hear Tiege once again.

Valentine gives what she feels is an adequite time for the judges, and gestures the space in front, looking at Tiege, and letting him know that whenever he's ready, the floor is his.

It seems that Addison is taking the debate a bit less seriously than some, a grin stealing across her face as she listens first to Tiege and then Melissande.

Ravelle studies Melissande a moment before turning her attention back to Tiege.

With precise motions, Tiege steps forward once more, his hands folded together before his chest and a patient uplift to his smile. "All due respect to those from other lands, for diversity does allow us to sharpen our own ideals, but if our Empire followed the trends and wills of other lands, we would be nothing but a subsidiary of Tyr, and we are free people who judge according to our own perceptions," he states firmly, though with a tip of his head toward Melissandre.

"After all," he continues, another of those generous hand-gestures given, his palms left up and fingers spread, "think of how mages or others use magic to extend their lives. Can we truthfully say that vampirism is any different, just because they are cold flesh? Can we say that a creature with no heartbeat loves the Empire any less? Think of the fairness to it!" His open palms close to fists, then lower to his sides again. "All citizens can aspire to becoming vampires, to having an eternity to amass wealth, political knowledge and power, magic. Is this not something that we all should be aspiring toward, bettering ourselves in this fashion? But consider, if all of our nobles were vampiric, this issue of succession would not even need to come into play. It seems an act of fear and self-preservation, at best, to try to deny a status to vampires that would allow them all of the rights of citizens. Why should you as a parent not be thrilled that your son or daughter wishes a relationship with an undead? Why should you as a citizen be concerned about where a vampire is getting their meal, as long as you are getting yours? Why should you as a guard worry about how you would stop a vampire, when their status as citizens hardly would affect such a trivial detail?"

Tiege shakes his head, dark curls going a bit atumble as he slams a fist into his opposite palm. "Let us all be wise about our choices, and go forward with the open arms to embrace these kindred of ours. We know that they shall certainly embrace us in turn!"

And with that, he gives a bow to the room and returns to his position several steps back from center stage.

Juste glances up at Melissande for a moment, before he returns to his painting, a small smile creeping his features as he works.

Ravelle's lips quirk and she glances down at her lap a moment, lacing her fingers there.

Dyonith whispers to Ravelle, then straightens up and smirks to Tiege, yet it is the only emotion he displays at that.

Valentine like before, waits upon the judges.

Ysora gets that little proud look again as she listens to Tiege.

Helena tilts her head ever so slightly to the right, focusing solely on her cousin as he speaks. She doesn't say anything to those beside her, she simply watches her cousin. Slowly the corner of her lips twitch and some of the scrutiny leaves her eyes.

Eleanor is quiet but she has been listening. Giving a nod to Valentine.

Ravelle's gaze travels to Leon at his quiet words but she is not close enough to offer response.

Josh is distracted or something. Or maybe all he hears is the buzzing that comes out of Tiege's mouth. Netherless he looks like he's ready to hear the other speaker.

Juste continues to paint, though Tiege gets a pointed look. The accusation tossed out, the Ambassador frowns darkly and looks back down into his painting.

Valentine is forced to keep a straight face. She turns towards Melissandre. "Whenever you're ready, the final argument is yours." This is it!

Coleridge is ready, while the player answered the phone.

"Oh!" comes the now-familiar sound of Leon Maritus's voice from somewhere in the back. His ears redden, however, as he speaks louder than intended -- and the look he shoots toward Tiege is one amused now, rather than merely confused.

Joshua chuckles to himself when he hears Leon's outburst. This one is just not making any remarks.

Ysora laughs at the Oh! and reaches over to ruffle Leon's hair affectionately. She can't help it, even if her little brother so wants to be a grownup.

With a slow tip of her head to one side, Melissande's smile, once present remains faint and yet firmly in place as she listens to the rebuttal before stepping forward with her own. "Of course, it would do well for Gateway to be her own distinct Empire. Much like Pais de Leuvier is and other nations beyond the barrier have their own individuality in their countries. It does no harm to take into consideration what others have said. In such, wisdom can also be obtained. Regardless of what land they hail from."

Though, never once does she raise her voice. Though, the accented voice does shift with her words as they are spoken rationally, "Are vampires allowed to circumvent the laws? Are those who find themselves as sustenance for undead creatures, as my opponent says? Are they given the choice as to whether or not they wish to be nothing more than a meal? To willingly lay down their lives for the sake of another who may be immortal? By that one action, they have proven that one law is binding to themselves. If that one is not, then which one would be next in such a situation? Once one rule is bent, another may be soon to follow. Laws exist for the protection of /all/ citizens, not only one over the other."

Valentine allows that a few moments to sink in, while whispering to the knight and handing him the hat. "Alright judges, no rush! That is the final say of this debate. Just call Sir Salford over when you're ready to cast your vote. And comments are welcome." she reminds. "I shall read them if you add them to your vote, I promise."

Eleanor hears the conclusion. She leans in some to put her vote to parchment and than she puts her vote in the box. Smiling at the knight when he passes by.

When the contest is concluded and the voting begins, Tiege turns toward Melissande and performs a deep and formal bow. "Milady, I apologize that I may have made that a bit more difficult for you than was kind. Forgive me. Your devotion to the topic is laudable," he says with quiet respect.

Ysora tosses a parchment into the hat.

Princess Eleanor tosses a parchment into the hat.

Pyrphoros writes quickly, yet from the movement of his arm it seems more than just one word. He then calls for the hat.

Ysora jots down her vote and tosses it into the Hat Of Voting.

Coleridge tosses a parchment into the hat.

Coleridge needs little time for consideration. When the knight passes by, Cole is ready with his parchment. Once it has been passed off, he leans back in his chair, waiting to see the results.

The knight makes his rounds, stopping for those judges who wish to write a little more.

Joshua tosses a parchment into the hat.

Joshua writes down his vote and when the box comes his way he tosses his vote in.

Melissande considers the bow with a nod of her head, though the smile that was once frozen tugs upwards in a small measure towards Tiege. "Monseigneur, it was quite a formidable opposition that you posed. Regardless of the voting, it was rather enlightening to speak opposite of you."

Quietly packing up his paints and storing the easel, Juste rises to make his way to the exit before the voting is completed. A quiet but perhaps powerful protest from the Ambassador.

Valentine looks around. "Alright, I think we're missing a judge. Is there one more person who has seen this debate from first to finish who is impartial?" she asks of the audience.

Impartial? Yeah, Ravelle doesn't raise her hand, as much as she'd like to. Her stance on vamps is pretty well known.

Lydia does slip her hand in the air, her voice kept soft as she answers, "I am impartial. Would you like me to cast a vote?"

"Wouldn't leaving it at 5 judges keep a tie from happening and give a fair judgement of who won and didn't win?" Offers Dyoniths voice thoughtfully.

At the question of impartiality, Leon gives his head a shake, a faint frown tugging his brows together. His silence is no passive disregard for the question: it's an answer.

Valentine looks up at Lydia and considers Dyonith. "M'lord is right." then to Lydia. "But thank you for offering!" then she looks as the knight still waits on one more judge.

Lydia gives a simple incline of her head, no offense garnered in the rejection.

Pyrphoros tosses a parchment into the hat.

Valentine decides some small conversation is in order. Why not? Its over. "I must admit, I think you two did splendid." but then the knight returns to the stage with the hat. "Oh, we're ready, I see..." she dips into the hat to withdraw the first vote.

Valentine reads this one aloud. "Con - Master Tiege's rhetoric was very convincing on that count."

Tiege links his hands before himself and dips his head to Melissande. "It was truly a pleasure, and I lament having not met you prior to this. I hope we can speak under less opposing circumstances." His attention goes from Melissande to the vote reading.

Valentine reads this one. "PRO."

Valentine reads the next one. "PRO."

Valentine takes this one, and by her gaze upon it, seems it has more to say than the others. "Pro pointed out a key argument, but fails to support it properly. Pro never told me that fairness is more important than the first point Con raised. Pro could have benefited from more arguments besides the one. Unfortunately that didn't happen.Con also could benefit from more arguments. Con's first and second speech were too disconnected. First speech argued one point while the second speech argued another where a connection between them could be stronger. Instead Con here wins in large because of the failure of Pro and not necessarily the merit of Con's own arguments; however, substantial on their own they may be. Also, Con's purpose is to dismantle Pro's arguments, though independent analysis provided is excellent, Con fails at this primary task.Bottom line: Pro has the burden of convincing the judge their proposition is viable. That has not been demonstrated. Con wins."

Ravelle tilts her head, listening as the votes are read.

Valentine arches a brow after reading that one. Someone evidently offered a lot of advice there. "Now, its the next one that's the deciding factor. Tie so far.." as she reaches in for the last one. Drum roll....

Valentine reads off the last, and looks to Tiege. "Well, congratulations. Its PRO." she informs him.

Pyrphoros applauds lightly in a golf clap as before, giving little indication of his thoughts on the matter.

Dyonith stands up and offers Ravelle a fond smile, "We need to meet again and talk further, about a few different things it seems." A bow offered to the princess as he takes his leave, seems teh young lord needs to be on his way.

Princess Eleanor applauds when she hears that one. Telling the contestants in general, "Well done. Please remember I'll be sending an invitation out soon also to have a meal with me as part of the prize of coming out here and doing such a brave thing as speaking in front of others."

A servant arrives with a trophy in his hand, and holds it, waiting for the winner to take it whenever he or she is ready to. The musicians play an upbeat scottish dance tune with the drums and bag pipes. What a night!

Ravelle brings her hands together in gentle applause, nodding to Dyonith as he leaves.

Valentine drops Ruby Cup Trophy.

The votes are read, and the majority -- three, at least -- come out for the proposition's proponent, and that draws a smile from Leon, and quiet applause as well.

Tiege listens to each of the votes read off, considering the rather lengthy comments proffered with a shadow at the corner of his lips. That fades when he finds that he has won. He blinks once and then turns back to Melissande. "Thank you for the debate," he murmurs, though there's a bit of an unsettled quality to his words. He wets his lips, then looks toward the trophy somewhat askance.

Melissande does pay attention to the movement that could only be Juste packing his tools with a discreet glance in the ambassador's reaction. Something to mull over, though she can't address it once the votes are read and the comments addressed. Some give her a pause. But as the final vote is read, she offers cordially, "Congratulations. A conversation without such a controversial topic in the future, perhaps."

Valentine takes Hat.

At the back of the room, Coleridge rises and slips out of the auditorium.

Helena joins in with the applause, smiling a little for her cousin as he is awarded the win. "I don't think anyone will believe it," she tells Ysora. "A Purist winning a debate in favor of vampires."

Josh is applauding. That's his friend up there that won. He can defintly show support for that.

Ysora slaps her hand against her leg with a confused expression on her face before she pushes up to her feet. "Well. He won it in a debate where he was supposed to argue in favor of vampires anyway. I think he rather won it by arguing against it, but ... "

Valentine looks to the judges who are still here. "That concludes the contest. I want to thank the judges" she makes a curtsey at those who are there. "And to the Princess, for making this possible." a deeper curtsey there. "Thank you all for coming, and to all you contestants, I believe the Princess has something to offer."

Tiege steps forward to accept the trophy, and then gives a deep bow toward the princess. The solemn cast has returned to his features as he holds the token against his chest.

"You are welcome," Melissande replies to Tiege as she moves towards the steps leading away from the stairs. She may have an ambassador to find after all, discreetly making her way towards the exit.

Princess Eleanor looks surprised when Valentine says that. "Oh I already said that. A meal with me soon, contestants." She reminds as people start to leave.

Valentine is beaming "I am so proud of both of you. Do you think this is something we should have again sometime?"

"I think it would be a wonderful idea Miss Valentine." Eleanor says towards the girl. "Thank you for willing to make sure everything went so smoothly."

Lydia does applaud the winner of the debate and then pushes to her feet. With parchment having been available for judges, she walks over and writes a note, so very careful not to get ink on her fingers as she does so. She then has someone bring it over to the winner -- subtly, of course.

Tiege answers Valentine as he straightens with a quiet, "Absolutely. I think that the art of debate and the differing views of citizens are really important. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know. I know that there was discussion around a debate whether a temple of great beauty and finery and cost is better than a very simple meeting place like a warehouse, but more of the money goin gto charity." He gives a faint smile and steps back. "You know where to find me."

Carina smiles a little as the debate ends and stands, heading for hte exit.

Ravelle rises from her seat, offering Valentine a warm smile. "A wonderful idea, Miss Valentine. Thank you for arranging this."

As Tiege steps down from the stage he pauses as a note is delivered to him. He opens it and scans it, and a bit of a blush stains his features. It's stuffed away and he glances about the room at the mass of humanity present. First to Addison, since she's in the front row.

Pyrphoros clears up his stuff and heads to the exits.

Valentine whipes the sweat off of her brow with her sleeve. "Thank you, Tiege. M'lady. I need some sleep. If you will excuse me."

Addison gets to her feet and finds her way to Tiege's side, brows raised in a curious sort of way. "Good job," She tells him quietly, grinning, "Remind me never to debate y ou."

Ysora hands out hugs to her family and makes her way over to Tiege. She waits until he is done speaking to Valentine, but when she gets a chance she grins at the man. "Clever. Very clever. And well done. I like to think you won arguing the con side, though. Must be off to home, but I thought I would stop by."

"Oh of course." Eleanor rises from her seat as her knights join her. "Thank you again, Miss Valentine."

Ravelle also approaches Tiege, offering Addison and Ysora a warm smile as she approaches the group. "Well done, cousin. Genius, in fact."

Valentine smiles for the Princess, bows, and makes her tired self out for the evening. Nope, no celebrating at the tavern tonight.

Joshua rises from his seat. Waiting till the women are done talking to Tiege he offers his own quiet congratulations. He looks back at Ravelle, "Well done on your part also."

Ravelle shares that smile with Joshua, her chestnut case bright wtih humor. "Thank you, my lord. I appreciate that you would say as much."

Valentine goes home.

Valentine has left.