Most of the crowd lined around the basin’s rim watched Lin leave the lakebed with twisted expressions. Behind her, the warrior from Krawl had to be dragged out by three of his clanmates, each of them trying to avoid looking at the bruising that marked the internal mess that had been made of the warrior's body.

As for the warrior himself, he didn’t respond even as his friends shook and called out to him, his body twitching mindlessly while foam oozed from his mouth along with the occasional moan… The others rushed him out quickly giving him to the clan's healers to do their best.

Soon the crowd started to speak again with real worry and frustration in their voices. One more loss would mean the Clangang would end in victory for the challengers. Now they muttered to each other, quietly at first, but quickly growing in volume.

As the crowd grew louder and louder, Lin reached the only people participating who were happy with the result. Those with clan’s Waythe and Fui greeted her with cheer, once again pleased that their leaders had allied with such a strong group. While the others from Tirr’s honor guard applauded their comrade.

Despite the cheers, Lin’s confident smile disappeared as she finished climbing the slope. She stepped forward, quickly dropping to her knees in front of Tirr as she bowed her head…

“Please forgive me, my Lord, I let my anger control me and showed you such an unsightly scene…”

Those directly around them could hardly understand what was happening It was only Tirr and Maria who frowned slightly as the water disciple gave her apology. Tirr felt somewhat awkward, the scolding he was about to give stuck on his tongue after seeing her contrite appearance….

He coughed… “It's good that you understand. I don’t mind killing those that stand in my way, or those that commit crimes. But torture, especially in that situation, was unnecessary… I don’t want to see that again…”

“Yes my lord” Lin answered honestly, “I promise you that you won’t see such a disgrace sight from me again…”

Tirr nodded before tilting his head in thought, “Dun!” Tirr called as he turned to the ex-mercenary, “Can you send a message over to the Krawl Clan and let them know that we’d be happy to help heal their fighter as compensation for ours going overboard?”

“Is that really necessary?” Dun asked confused, “It looked like it hurt sure, but she only stabbed him right…?”

“She did more than that… I don’t think he’ll ever walk again unless it's properly dealt with…”

Dun gulped as he glanced at the still kneeling water priestess. Before quickly sending one of his people off… Feeling the matter dealt with Tirr turned back to Lin, “You did well otherwise so congrats on winning in my name, just remember that I’m still their god, and no matter how stupid they are they're still my people…”

“Yes, my Lord…”

Tirr nodded, “Go” And Lin quickly stood, giving both Tirr and Maria a polite goodbye before moving back through the crowd. Tirr watched her go, obviously satisfied and feeling like the situation had been dealt with.

Next to him though, Maria's frown never faded. She could have sworn that Lin’s eyes had flashed dangerously as she said goodbye… So briefly that it left Maria doubting whether or not it had even happened…

She wanted to say something herself about the woman’s actions, but felt like it wouldn't be her place to talk to someone from another branch, especially since Tirr had already been satisfied… She’d just have to chat with Tirr later on the matter… Maybe it would be a good idea to keep and on Lin from now on….

As Maria thought about how to discuss the water disciple's oddities, Fari called for the next contestants to come down… Doron quickly appeared with the young blade master, a lad no older than 16 by the name of Sai.

As they approached it was obvious for all how nervous the young man was… He audibly gulped as he reached the basin’s edge, turning back to look at Tirr as if to ask if it was really him that was supposed to go down. Tirr rolled his eyes and Doron gave the young man a shove, almost causing him to trip as he stumbled down the long slope.

“This is closer than I would have liked….” Tirr mentioned to Doron as the old fighter sat next to him and Maria…

“Sai will do fine, that kids strong when it counts…” Doron answered him easily. Though in stark contrast to the other matches he sat up, his body leaning forward with interest as he looked down into the basin.

“Yeah… I hope so…” Tirr muttered watching as the young man stood uneasily at the starting position….