The stage officials rush between the fighters, staffs raised. The refined gladiatrix’s bleeding arm and Valeria’s throbbing finger make the danger plain, but neither woman has yielded.
the stage official
Enough. Myrina holds the superior ground, and her opponent cannot safely continue. We record the bout interrupted, not surrendered.
Marcus Flavius
Keep the sword. Do not let them turn an intervention into a disarmament. We are leaving now.
Marcus guides Valeria through the gate with her sword still in hand. Behind them, the refined gladiatrix remains on the stage while attendants bind her arm and the crowd demands a ruling.
In the backstage chamber, the contract advocate waits beside a wax tablet and sealed purse. He glances at Valeria’s hand, then unfolds the exhibition terms without offering relief.
the contract advocate
The purse is secured, but the sponsor invokes the private demonstration clause immediately. He expects Myrina before she leaves the theater.
Marcus Flavius
She has just fought under your contract. Her injuries are witnessed. Produce the clause, and let us see whether it grants access or merely invites coercion.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the private demonstration from binding Valeria
“My contract plainly stipulates that I will fight no more than one bout a day. If she wants another bout tomorrow, she can have it, but I would advise her to wait until her wounded arm has healed. i can then meet her honorably in combat without an unfair advantage.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled -3)
Valeria Asiaticus
My contract plainly permits no more than one bout a day. If she wants another tomorrow, let her wait until her wounded arm heals, and I will meet her honorably.
Valeria keeps her sword in hand while the advocate checks the wax tablet. The movement makes her injured finger throb sharply, and the bandage begins to loosen.
the contract advocate
The clause is clear. No second bout today, and tomorrow’s contest may proceed if both fighters are fit. The private demonstration cannot override it.
Marcus Flavius
Then record her offer exactly. She refuses an advantage bought by an injury, but she does not refuse the fight.
the contract advocate
So recorded. The sponsor must wait, and the purse remains secured. He will be displeased, but he has no lawful claim to force another bout.
The advocate presses the amended note into fresh wax. Valeria’s finger swells beneath the loosened dressing, making tomorrow’s recovery a price for today’s honorable victory.
Marcus Flavius
You have won the point and kept your independence. Now let the hand heal, so tomorrow’s promise belongs to a fighter, not a crippled spectacle.
Quest Complete
Keep the private demonstration from binding Valeria