Alexin vs Aiantis Duel concluded

The much anticipated duel is finally conclued and it our duty to inform the public at large that Marquis Aiantis has emerged victorius. The reasons for the duel have been duly documented in many seperate reports. What will be of concern now is the aftermath and what it means for not only the combatants but the rest of the houses of the Landsraad.

It should be noted that the young Count fought well and despite his age mostly acquitted himself as a noble should. Being so young, we are sure that most will not hold it against him that his last words were born of fear. Given the skill and courage he showed throughout the fight, when it at times appeared he might even best his older, more skilled advesary, most observers seem to hold the young Count in some respect and mourn the loss of his life.

In an exclusive quote, his sister Zoya who will now lead their house had this to say: "We wish to be given our privacy during this distressing time, for now our dealings with the Aiantis are finished but we shall never forget them killing my brother and we hope that the Imperium sees the Aiantis for what they truly are" For his own part, the Marquis Aiantis left to have his wounds tended without offering any quote to the press.

As the conclusion of the duel has been certified by Archduke Leontis, Judge of the Rite, it is now time to determine what all this will finally mean in the end. As per the terms of the kanly duel the Aiantis now become the stewards of the rebellious fief of Eridanos. They likely will have better luck securing it then did the Alexin but nothing is yet certain.

Young Zoya Alexin has been confirmed as the head of her house, or rather what is left of it. The Emperor, in his mercy, has awarded her the fief of Gangsireed. While it is in a better state then Eridanos has been of late, it is also as yet undeveloped and a great deal less prestigious then their former home. Perhaps it is His Majesties desire to see how they go about improving their fortunes with a fresh start.

Mention should also be made of the supporters of both houses who were involved in the duel. It was widely known that House Harkonnen was a supporter of the Alexin and the Eleusis were being dispatched to help subdue their rebellious warlords. House Aiantis had many nobles allied against them based upon their prior involvement in the Council of Justice. Before the duel though, their is some reason to believe that the Marquis attempted to restore relations with House Corrino and make amends for his predecessors disastrous attack on the throne. What the ultimate outcome of that will be is as yet anyones guess. All that is known for sure is that the repurcussions of this duel will be a long time in being sorted out.