The Elmwood
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Day 18 - 24 4:00 p.m. - Master Creed's - Maxx
It went on that way for the better part of a week. In the morning they practiced in public and were less than fearsome. In the evening they practiced in private and they were fearless. Later in the week, several of the wounds were real, when Kes slipped past Jallyn's guard or Anes did something unexpected to Maxx. Tempers frayed on occasion but they all realized that it was just a game. For others it would be a deadly game but between themselves it was just a game.
It wasn't noticable at first but eventually it was impossible to miss. They were becoming a team. They could switch partners or switch opponents at a moment's notice. They began parrying for each other and after the third day there were no unintedned collision. As the last practice ended, Maxx was grinning as he pulled off his helm.
"Somebody is in for a world of pain tomorrow."
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Day 18 - 24 4:05 P.M. - Master Creed's Estate - Anes and crew
As they progressed as a team, they developed a rather special technique. Maxx, Jallyn and Anes would form a triangle with Kes in the center, hidden from view, usually behind Anes' cloak. When the time was deemed right, Anes would whip her cloak out of the way and Kes would rush forward with amazing speed and agility, attacking their opponent with rather hazardous results. This would not work all the time of course, but in certain situations, it would be a very nasty surprise. They learned to read each others moves and body language, as well to suplement the strengths and weaknesses of the rest of the team.
"I believe you are right Sir Maxx, and I do believe not we are not the ones to be hurting."
Anes had gotten her armor repaired several days earlier by the armorer that Jallyn had suggested. Her armor was almost as good as new, not quite, but the only way it could get any better would be to have a Elvin armor smith make the repairs. They were as prepared as they were ever going to be.
Kes laughed."Only someone? Should that be people are in for a world of pain tomarrow" she shrugged. "guess i have higher expectations than you maxx. But that drink sounds extremely good right about now."
"It was a collective somebody," Maxx replied. "Or perhaps there will only be one person in pain. The others will have all succumbed to unfortunate accidents. We're clear on the fact that no lethal poisons can be used? I realize it takes away a potent weapon but if people started dropping from scratches then we'd be giving ourselves away. If you just can't do this without some 'trick', I'd suggest a mild paralytic, one that will slow them down but not so noticably that they'd cry foul. If we could find something with an onset time that wass more than a minute but less than five we'd be able to seed the field, as it were."
" Its a nice idea but they have clerics from the temple of Au and mages that have posion detection spells up. There is no way to smuggle that stuff onto the feild. They started the practice the year you and the vulture went at it Maxx. So if we are going to win we must do so fairly." The red haired elf replied. Jallyn couldnt help but recall the time Maxx had done battle in the tourney that was helf in Kerswick only a few short years prior.
"The Vulture...." Maxx shook his head. "I'd almost forgotten about that bastard." He laughed. "Well, he won't be on the field tomorrow, that's for certain. We should do well." His smile was warm but his eyes were cold.
"There will be blood on the field tomorrow and it won't be ours."
"If some of it is our blood. someone will defiantly regret it." The dwarf known as Kes said with a shrug shrugged, "Now how about that ale?"
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Day 25 9:00 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Maxx "It's time," Maxx said. He grinned. The elven armour he wore gleamed in the morning sun. "This is what we trained for. this is what we sweated for. This is what we endured Kes's thunderously nasty farts for. I say we go make somebody bleed." His words were soft and low but there was no mistaking the iron in them. He was eager for battle.
Anes smiled and laughed at Maxx. Both were full of life and joy, but tinged with the same iron as the words just spoken. She had spent the better part of the previous day putting an edge on her sword and daggers and making sure her armour had a high gloss to it. Like Maxx, she was eager for the coming battle and it was starting to show.
Kes was going to say something about Maxx's comment. And just as she opened her mouth she did one better. She let a fart out that not only had a large bark. It had an even bigger bite. One that might even have rivaled Maxx's patron god's own poison.
"Is knockout by poisonous fart legal? If not then I'll just stay with my knives and footwork."
Maxx gagged. "Chardos weeps! What did you eat, Kes? I don't think it was dead yet. If you have any more, save them for the other guys, or we'll never make it to the field."
Kes fell down laughing."I believe it was your cooking."
She could hear a barker and wondered who was about to get screwed literally or metaphorically.
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Day 25 9:02 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune strolled through the city streets without thinking of where she was really heading. Her mind on other things as she drifted from one end to the other. Dark blue eyes gazing around her in awe at large this place is. She smiled briefly as she spied something that caught her attention. A couple that seemed to be having fun. Sitarra smiled and skated around them not wanting to get involved with what they where doing. Her breathing increased and her hand went to her sword in warning unconsciously, as she passed them and started to go down the street.
"This way to the best seats!" called a barker. "Close enough to see the blood, not close enough to get splashed! You there! Hello, Love! Fancy a decent seat for the tourney?"
The barker took no notice of the whore and her customer. His eyes were fixed on the woman who was so obviously new to the city. If he played his cards right, he might have some company for tonight.
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Day 25 9:02 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune stopped short as the man spoke to her. Her dark blue eyes flashed with intrigue, "What is this place and why would I want to see blood from someone that has done no harm to me or mine?" her breathing was calm as was her demeaner. Unconsciously her hand tightened on her sword, not liking how the male looked her over.
"This is the Kerswick tourney grounds and the tourney is about to take place. The grand team melee is today. We've got twenty one of the finest fighting teams alive registered and they'll be going at it in just a few minutes for your viewing pleasure," the barker replied. "All yours to see for the price of a few coppers. The better your seat the more it'll cost." He looked her up and down, leering. "Of course, I'm willing to consider any alterate coin you're willing to offer."
Sitarra Taraune allowed several minutes to go by before answering the rude male. The look on his face clearly made her chuckle as she raised her head up defiantly. "No thanks, I prefer my males tied and in chains." she walked off leaving him standing there in awe. She would not be his play toy or any others for a long time.
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Day 25, 9:13 A.M. -- The Tourney Grounds -- Anes
Anes had said her prayers to her goddess late last night after the rest of Raynard's had gone to sleep. Now she closed her eyes and said a silent prayer to Nex for the team to overcome all adversaries. It took her no more than two minutes to say the prayer and get ready for battle. She pulled her hair back into a single braid, pullled on the coif to her armor and loosened up her muscles. Anes checked her sword and daggers, making sure they were loose in there scabbards and sheaths. Her cloak was fastened around her neck, the spider clasp in its usual place at her throat.
She smiled as they moved towards the combat ring. "Let's get this over with," Anes said. "I have an itch that needs to be scratched and only some violence will take care of it."
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DAY 25/The tourney/9:14am/ Kes
Kes nodded.
"I believe we all share that itch."
She had been doing the same as anes checking all her weapon concealed and otherwise to make sure they slid easily.
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Day 25 9:11 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Barker
"I'd have sent you to the Yellow Poppy then, but it burned down last week," yelled the barker. "Your next best bet would be the slave market. That would be closed at the moment. The slavemaster is fighting in the tournament."
Sitarra Taraune stopped short at his words, "The slave master is fighting in the turney. How does one enter such thing?" she smiled sweetly, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement and utter contempt at the same time.
"You go back in time and tell them you want to fight a week ago," replied the barker. "You could always look around for a team where somebody got hurt or caught a bad case of the cowardlies. You don't have much time though and it'll cost you to get in." He gave her a grin that was missing several teeth. "See? I knew you wanted in."
Sitarra Taraune smiled darkly, "Any time I can inflict harm on a slave master, I am so there. The disgusting dog is going to get taught a lesson." she lifted her long sword with remarkable ease and lithely began to move through the crowd. Her eyes showing determination as she moved finding where she needed to be. Walking over to one of the teams, "Does anyone need help? I promise I won't stop until there is blood." She smiled sweetly, her chest heaving as she spotted the slaver. That one she was going to kill, and she had no doubt on that.
"You'll have your work cut out for you if you want to take him on," said the Barker. "Ares Caer Logan is the biggest man I've ever seem. Skin dark as weathered oak and muscles like iron bands. He fights with a spear. He's hard to miss. There is only one other his size on the field and that is the Prince Companion. Everyone is hoping to see the two of them come together. Problem is, the prince is a daft bugger if you ask me, going onto the field with two elves and a dwarf, all female." He cleared his throat. "You do realize that the fighting is done with dull blades? Nobody is supposed to die. We have a few maimings every year and every now and then a death or two but the idea is to win without live steel."
Sitarra Taraune snapped at him, "Dull blades, you think i need a blade to maim someone? Are you daft or just plain stupid. Women are by far superior when it comes to battle, we can use our charms to sway our victim's heads and make them think that we are easily defeated. When they least expect it, " She makes a motion that clearly states off with his head. "I don't need steel to defeat anyone. That I assure you. I am Princess Sitarra Tarune, an amazon by birth and I will not go down so easily." Her eyes hardened, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." she moved to enter the tourney now, her mind set on quickly ending the slavers pitiful life.
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Day 25 9:15 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds - Ares
She was greeted with a great booming laugh. "Feel free to try me, woman," called out the slaver. He was naked to the waist and every inch of him seemed to be made of solid muscle. "Only a fool claims victory before the fight. I'll test your mettle any way you chose. I was taken as a slave and won my freedom in the wrestling circle. I have never known defeat. Spear, blade or bare hands. Just don't come looking for my death unless you are prepared to give up your own life if you fail."
The crowd between them parted. The slaver strode forward, not charging, just approaching for a better look. "You are far from home, Princess. Tell me, are your people still allies of the Picts? I am of that tribe."
He looked back at the three men who awaited his return and then back at Sitarra. He examined her closely, his practiced eye seeing past the soft curves and supple flesh to the muscle beneath. "I'll tell you what. If you are so eager to fight in this tournament, I will give you a choice. The three men I fight with are slaves and if they fight well they win their freedom. I will let you fight in place of one of them if you buy him and set him free. After that you can settle whatever business it is that has you thirsting for my blood."
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Day 25 9:20 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune smiled darkly at the slaver. "It is because of men like you that many suffer. For that alone you deserve your fate. I shall enjoy watching you cry when I am done." she lifted her head up proudly. As he spoke of Picts, she spat in his face knowing it would make him angry purposely. "I have no allies and you matter not male!" she spoke eveningly. Making him irate was perfectly done with coyishness. Her eyes appraised his, she liked what she saw but would never admit that to anyone. "Buy one, why would I waste my coins when I can simply take care of you and set them all free? Are you daft, I think you are." Another retort meant to anger and tease.
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Day 25 9:25 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds - Ares
The slaver laughed, refusing to be baited. "Then stand and watch." He wiped the spit off his face and with dancing eyes licked it from his hand. "You know nothing of me or the way I conduct my business. Perhaps you did not wander away from your homeland Princess. Perhaps you were cast out because you cannot get past your own notions to see the world as it really is. Not everything is as it seems."
He extended a hand and a women, almost as tall and equally dark, handed him a helmet. It was forged in the shape of a ram's head. She stole a quick kiss before he put the helmet on and then looked at Sitarra with ill concealed dislike. When the helmet was secure, she handed the slaver a long pole with a heavy iron knob in place of the spear blade. She held a second spear, one with a long black steel tip that gleamed like a razor. She leaned on it with the easy comfort of one who knew well the ways of her chosen weapon. She said something softly, in the language of the Picts.
The big man nodded and waved his team of slave-warriors closer. They knew what was riding on this fight. They would do their best, for Ares and for freedom. "To victory! To freedom! TO BATTLE!" roared the slaver and even some of the crowd echoed him
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Day 25 9:24 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune breathing increased as her adreline began pumping, she loved the taste of a good fight and this one would be no exception. The man clearly knew how to put on a show and she would watch the things he did. Anything for an advantage on her side, as she looked at his dark skinned companion envy showed in her crystal blue eyes. "Freedom comes with death, nothing else matters." she spoke coldly and turned away from them to stand and watch the first battle. She had never seen a tourney before and did not know how they worked yet. But she would watch and learn very quickly.
Picts...she couldn't remember her clan ever being allies of anyone. Picts where nothing more than tools to get what her clan wanted. What was this man speaking of? Sitarra tried to think on it, but her mind kept going over his large muscles and wide chest. He was larger than any warrior she had seen. The way his muscles rippled showed great strength and curious. She licked her lips dryly as she observed him again. Perhaps she had overspoke, but her pride would not let her back down now.
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Day 25 9:30a.m. - The Tourney Grounds
The sound of a trumpet sent a surge through the crowd. It was the sign for the tourney teams to enter the field. They marched in, arranged in groups of four and found postions to their liking around the field. Most stuck to the edges. The slave master and his three gladiators boldly strode out into the centre.
The slave master stood in the centre with his three men around him, each facing a different direction. It was an open challenge, clear even before the massive Pict brandished his spear and bellowed loud enough to be heard over the sound of the crowd.
The crowd cheered. They had come wanting to see a spectacle. Standing in the centre of the field, Ares was promising them one.
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Day 25 9:24 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune licked her lips dryly enjoying the beginning of the show. Her heart quickened as she crossed her legs and gripped her sword knowing soon she would enter at the first opportune minute. Her eyes fastened on the slave master and how he played on the crowd.
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Day 25 9:30 a.m. - In the tourney ring - Maxx
"It seems your friend the slaver is making a target of himself," Maxx commented as he strode onto the field. "I say we let the others spend themselves on him and then mop up the survivors. Jallyn, Anes, you know your tasks. Kes, the first one belongs to you. Remember, don't kill him. I don't care if he dies later today from internal bleeding but he has to leave the field alive."
He waved to the crowd, acknowledging the reactions the elven made plate mail was getting. There were likely none who had ever seen it's equal, save for him. He knew of only one other suit of this quality and it was hundreds of miles away.
Chardros help me if I ever end up facing her, even in this armour. I'd have to hope that there was a river nearby, deep enough to drown her but not enough to drown me....
He adjusted the position of his shield slightly and chose their first opponents. "We go left when the horn sounds. Everyone look to the right."
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Day 25 9:30 a.m. - The tourney ground- Maxx
"It seems your friend the slaver is making a target of himself," Maxx commented as he strode onto the field. "I say we let the others spend themselves on him and then mop up the survivors. Jallyn, Anes, you know your tasks. Kes, the first one belongs to you. Remember, don't kill him. I don't care if he dies later today from internal bleeding but he has to leave the field alive."
He waved to the crowd, acknowledging the reactions the elven made plate mail was getting. There were likely none who had ever seen it's equal, save for him. He knew of only one other suit of this quality and it was hundreds of miles away.
Chardros help me if I ever end up facing her, even in this armour. I'd have to hope that there was a river nearby, deep enough to drown her but not enough to drown me....
He adjusted the position of his shield slightly and chose their first opponents. "We go left when the horn sounds. Everyone look to the right."
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 9:33 am - Davison
"I'm sorry Miss but only the tourney teams are allowed on the field," said a youngish man in white robes. He carried no weapons, only a pack bulging with what looked like strips of cloth. "It is clear that you are swift and very sure footed but for the safety of all concerned, I'm going to have toask you to stay in the stands." He gave her a shy smile.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Field 9:34 am
The horn sounded again. With it came a roar from the crowd because it was the signal for the tourney to begin.
Ares roared defiance and almost took the head off a fool who charged ahead of his team to engage the slavemaster's men. He lay unmoving as his team mates swept past.
Maxx's team wheeled like a well oiled machine and took the team that was their chosen prey from behind. There was the distinctive sound of bone breaking and flesh tearing as the Prince Companion and his Ladies left one cripple and three 'dead' men lying on the turf.
The three 'dead' men swore and headed for the exit and the healers, carry their screaming comrade. Perhaps Ares had made the first 'kill'. It was still the claim of Maxx, Jallyn, Anes and Kes that they had eliminated the first team.
It had been done with such speed and precision only those closest had seen, and no one could tell the cries of astonishment and admiration that came from that end of the arena from any other part of the roar from the howling crowd.
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Day 25 9:35 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune starred as the tourney began and she gave an uncharastic smile to the young man. Waving one hand to the side, she strolled to the stand but never took her eyes off anything that was happening. Every detail memorized as she moved with grace and agility. Clenching her hand together, she had every intention of getting the prize she wanted. Her pierced nipples rose and fell through the material as she watched with fascination and admiration for the teams. Dark blue eyes never left the slaver, for some reason she found herself liking what she saw
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 9:35 am - Davison
"The man you are watching is Ares Caer Logan, the slavemaster," the young priest said. "They call him human perfection. He fights every year. It's a contest to see who takes him out of the fighting. Last year his spear got broken and he ended up picking people up and throwing them into the stands to elinimate them. Two teams banded together to do the same to him. He laughed when they finally managed it. He treated every one of them to a night at the Yellow Poppy."
He shook his head. "He's one of the things people come here to see, mores the pity. He gives them a taste for violence and then he feeds it. My job is to make sure nobody dies or gets too badly hurt."
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Day 25 9:35 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune watched with avid fascination. Her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. Breathing hard, she looked at the priest, "Does he always win?" her voice was soft, firm and to the point. "I have every intention of meeting him head on." pride sounded in her voice as she watched everything he did looking for weakness, anything to win over him. "Tell me priest, what happens if he does hurt anyone? What are the penalities?"
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 9:36 am - Davison
"He sometimes wins, although by no means always. As much as I prefer it were otherwise, there is no penalty for crippling anyone. Everyone fighting knows the risks they take and even death, if it is obviously an accident, is excusable by the mayor. Deliberate killing is, fortunately something that has never been seen."
He winced as he saw a female dwarf drive her forehead into somebody's groin. "I see you know weapons. Have you ever taken the time to learn to undo the damage that you do with them?"
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DAY 25 Kerswicks Tourney gounds-9:40am Time- Jallyn
The Fact that Ares had joined the tourney had surprised her slightly, she hadnt heard from him that he had been planing to.
The Slavemaster was one of the few people that she didnt enjoy crossing swords with. Despite his massive size he was quick. Quicker than even her Dark knight from Gryphons keep.
She agreed when Maxx suggested that they let the other teams have at the Slaver and his lot.
Jallyn kept herself balanced with the grace of a dancer and the light footedness of a hart she danced arond the edge of the ring picking off straglers. Her Blade swinging and darting in and out when the oportunituy for a hit was open.
She wasnt strong enough to try and decapatiate anyone with the traaining swords like either the slaver or Maxx might be qable to do, but she did do her best to content herself knowing that she had broken a few shins and elbows here and there.
The best and most recent accomplishment had been the blow to the back of the neck to one of the Clergy teams. She forced herself to grit her teeth to hide the smile as the Accolyte of Brand lay mewling on the ground for help. Depending on how much he thrashed about and the skill of the healers on the field he may not ever walk again.
However Jallyn's bit of happiness dried up as she saw the last three remaining members from the team of Brand turn towards her.
"Shit..." She swore softly in elven as she tried to manevuer away from them. However to keep her eyes on them she had to leave her back open behind herself and she was very aware of the sounds of combat going on behind.
It would be so easy for someone to just come up from behind. But Jallyn wasnt going to give up she changed direction slightly trying to back herself up against the edge of the ring so there was wood at her back rather than blades.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Field -Ares 9:41 am
His team was working like a well oiled machine, cutting down anyone who came near. Ares grinned. They had all won their freedom in the first minutes of the fight. It just remained to see if any would win a further reward.
The slavemaster paused to take stock of the field. The first wave had been beaten back, so it was up to him to start hunting, rather than waiting for the prey to come to him.
He saw the large knight and his trio of ladies and thought him a fool until he watched the women cut through a team of seasoned warriors like they were butter. He had heard the rumours and laughed to think that the knight and his damsels of distress had played them all for fools. Until he had seen them fight, he too had been willing to dismiss them.
That was until he realized it was Jallyn on the field. True to her nature, she had moved away from her group to engage a team from the temple of Brand and now she was outnumbered with six men between her and the safety of her comrades. She was about to get herself 'killed' unless....
Ares changed his grip on the spear. "I'm going to need a sword,"he told his gladiators. "A big one."
Then he drew back his arm and threw.
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Day 25 9:42 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune bite her lip as she watched the slaver help someone from a different team. The look of determination on his face was amazing. The way his muscles bunched together as he threw the weapon, Sitarra couldn't help but stand up and look a the edge of the arena deciding on weather to join or not unannouced. Every part of her fiber wanted to help him. Without a second thought, she jumped over the ledge and made her way to the slavemaster ready to fight. Dark blue eyes raised in defiance as he took notice of her at last.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Field 9:43 am
A roar went through the crowd for two reasons. First, the spear Ares had thrown took one of Jallyn's opponents in the small of the back. He fell, crying out in pain.
The second was the appearance on the field of a woman who had leapt from the viewing stand and was running towards the slavemaster.
A horn sounded twice, calling for the warriors in the tourney to stop fighting. A few took the opportunity to get an extra blow in on their unexpecting opponents.
"What the bloody hell are you doing, woman?" asked Ares, wrenching a sword out of the hands of a man who had come just a little too close.
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Day 25 9:42 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune spoke coldly, "Does it matter, I am here now! " Dark blue eyes looked at one of the priests, calculating how quickly to remove them. She kept her sword ready to strike, "I am Sitarra Taraune and I have come to fight!" she yelled at the crowd. "Who wants to try me?" It matter not who did, she was not going to give up.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 9:42 am - Davison
It was the young priest in the white robes that approached her, his hands empty. "Sitarra Taraune, I ask you in the name of Adera to leave the field. You carry lethal steel onto a field where all other weapons are blunted. If it is your desire to do battle, you will not find battle here. This is a game, Sitatta Taraune, a violent senseless game, but a game nonetheless. If you persist, you will only dishonour yourself, taking advantage where there should be none."
Ares laughed. "I doubt your pretty words will sway her. she has hot blood and she comes seeking a fight. It's a pity she didn't come earlier. Knowing she was fighting would have doubled the gate. I mean seriously, just look at those breasts."
Davison looked pained. "You're not helping, Ares."
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 9:43 am - Kes
The horn bllew twice and she was one of the people who got another hit or two in. She moved over quickly to the disturbance.
"Why the hell are we stopped. You women are you the one who caused the stopping of this tourny?"
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Day 25 The Tourny Grounds 9:40 - 9:45 A.M. - - Anes - -
As the team wheeled for their initial kill, Anes moved with the rest of them. They moved together as if they had been fighting as a team for years, not in their first tourny together. Anes took her first man down rather swiftly with a few well placed blows to the knees and the back. Although she heard no bones break, he would have some major bruises, and maybe a little internal bleeding. The first team was dispatched with ease and they moved onto the next team.
This one went down just as easily as the last one, maybe more so. The next team was down to three when they reached it, one man already haven been taken out by another team. As before, their opponents chose to attack Kes first, believing her to be their weakest link. And as before, it would proof to be a fatal mistake. By this time the other teams around them had seen what they could do and two of the teams from the Temple of Brand choose to attack simulataniously.
Jallyn took one of them down easily enough, but got herself backed against the wall of the arena. Anes took on two, taking down one with a slash to the ribs and the base of the sword pommel to the chin. The next one was not to be taken down so easily. He got in a few good licks of his own before she was able to get inside his offense. Once she was through, he went down with three quick blows from the pommel of her sword. The first one took him the sword arm, just above the elbow. His nerves went numb, and his sword fell from his grip. The second blow took him in the solar plexus, knocking the wind from him as he double upped with an audible gasp. The third blow was a non-to gentle rap on the base of the skull. The warrior went down like a steer axed in a slaughter house.
As she turned back to the rest of the team, she last out with her left foot, catching a warrior in the left kidney as he tried to sneek up on Maxx's back. It was taking alot of her control not to smile as she heard each member of the opposing teams scream in pain as they went down. Another warrior came at Anes with his sword point dancing. She dropped to her knees and slid under his arm. As she came to her feet, she wrapped her right arm around his and pulled it backward. Although she didn't feel any bones break, she did get the satisfing feeling of the of the joint seperating and soft tissues ripping. It was even more satisfing to hear his screams as she released him.
Just as she moved to work her way towards Jallyn, the horn sounded to stop the action. Even though the break was welcome the simple reason that it gave her team time to catch their breath and regain some of their strength, it also threw them off of their stride. As she leaned on her sword, resting, she looked around to see who was still on the field and to see who or what was responsible for the unscheduled stoppage of battle.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 9:45 am - Maxx
Maxx chuckled. "It looks like Kes is spoiling to continue. I don't know who that woman is but she's certainly thrown this tourney into chaos. Maybe I should go see if I can help settle things down."
He moved forward, knowing that the teams would be allowed time to reassemble before the tourney resumed. Most would take the time to get water.
As he neared the knot of people, he pulled off his helmet. There were only two people here who were of any concern; the strange woman and the slavemaster.
The woman was attractive in the way a predator was attractive. He beauty was secondary. She, like Kes, was spoiling for a fight.
Ares, Maxx was annoyed to discover was actually taller than he was and more heavily muscled. If he had his way, the slaver would not leave the field alive, or if he did, he would not be whole.
"Is there anything I can do to help resolve this?" Maxx asked, smiling.
"You can go back to and fetch my spear," Ares suggested his voice echoing inside the ram skull helmet. "As a reward for saving one of your ladies."
Maxx laughed. "Perhaps I will," he said. "What of you, Amazon? What can I do for you?"
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DAY 25 Kerswicks Tourney gounds-9:46am Time- Jallyn
The horn had blown and Jallyn took that opprotunity to escape the mess she was in.
She leapt onto the side ofd the ring and jumped into the air doig a flying sumersault and landed ont he far side of the team brandites.
She gave Ares a sword salute and ran up beside Anes. "Not a bad fight. Who the hell is that woman? Doesnt she know the rules? You need to enroll before the tourney starts. It was good timing as far as her jumping in to disrupt things but the sooner they drag her back out of the arena the sooner we can go back to doing some harm."
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Day 25 9:43 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune chuckled softly, "Who said I need my sword? Silly priest, I assure you that, i don't need anything but my bare hands." She shot Ares an unamused look at his words.
At Kes words, Sitarra smiled briefly her eyes flashing with sport in them. "I have just arrived here, i saw him in trouble and he reminded me that our village where somehow aligned. I was just helping out." She shot Ares a challenging look, her chin raised up in defiance. Only Ares knew what she was really saying,
She turned to look at Maxx as he spoke to her, her eyes flashing with annoyance, then a smile of amusement as she caught the look that he gave Ares. A slight rumble in her throat as she smiled brilliantly for a moment or two, "What can you do for me?" Light hearty laughter escaped her full lips, "Well that remains to be seen, how about for starters getting me in this tourney." as she looked back at Ares briefly " I am sure since i am already here, i won't disappoint anyone." Her eyebrows emphasized her impatience to get to a fight. Licking her lips every so slightly, she moved beside Ares and smiled up at him, the challenge in her eyes spoke volumes. Then she turned and looked at Maxx, "Well can you still help me, or was that just chiverly talking?" again, her dark blue eyes flashed with eagerness, but to what extent was another matter.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 9:47 am - Maxx
Maxx smiled. It was the sort of smile that made women's knees grow weak. "I'm sure something could be arranged. There has to be a team willing to take on a new member, assuming no one objects. I certainly won't. Perhaps we could find some poor soul who is the last of his team. Master Davison, you have a better idea as to who has suffered the greatest losses today. Perhaps you could take this young woman to where she can be of greatest use while I discuss it with the marshal."
Davison looked unimpressed. "There are rules that even the prince companion must follow. She cannot be on the field armed with live steel. Speak to the marshal first and I will try to find her blunted weapons. If the marshals agree, then we shall place her."
Ares chuckled. The sound echoed inside his helmet. "I could free one of mine warriors now and let her take his place. That way no team will have the advantage of a fifth member." The ram's skull turned to look at Sitarra. Whatever expression was on his face, it was hidden beneath the grinning iron skull.
"Except yours, which would get a fresh warrior," Davison pointed out.
The slavemaster shrugged. "Then I will free all three and fight only with her. You'd better have the skill you claim, woman, because if I trade them for you, every team on this field will be coming this way."
Maxx nodded. "If that is what you wish, I will ask the marshal. Master Davison? Would you outfit this woman with some weapons suitable for the tourney?"
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Day 25 The Tourny Grounds 9:48 A.M. - - Anes - -
Anes took a few minutes to check out the damage that had been inflicted on her. Finding nothing serious, just some minor cuts and bruises, a few dents in her armor, she started to stretch her muscles. Relieving some of the stress and strain of combat, Anes looked at Jallyn and smiled. "I agree, we need to get back to the damage at hand. I am far from dishing out punishment today. My itch still needs to be scratched."
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Day 25 9:43 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune raised her head up, "My actions speak for themselves, i need not speak of which can be clearly seen." Her eyes flashed with intrigue and disregard. She was a princess and well used to getting what she wanted. She saw the look Maxx gave her, and her eyes flashed with irritation that went unnoticed as she smiled brilliantly. She knew how to get what she wanted and rarely did she ever not get it.
At Ares words her smile increased, she motioned with her hand and spoke loudly and clearly, "Let them come, I want to taste blood this day." Irritation showned in her voice as she regarded all of them, or I should say disregarded them.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 9:50 am - Kes
"Well she is a stuck up bitch. But you gotta love her still."
Kes was laughing. It would probably look like she was drunk or something. But she found this tourny set up by the good giving the dark gods more pleasure than the good. At least in her eyes. Her goddess was served by the killing/maiming of the weak. As well as the other gods in different ways.
"Just her some damn weapons so we can get back to fighting already"
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:00 am
The crowd had grown restless and started throwing things at the various teams. It took most of the marshals attention to keep the crowd subdued.
After a short delay, a trumpet sounded, indicating that the teams were to make ready. The crowd roared, once again happy for the chance to see blood.
Sitarra had been given three weapons of her choice and had been stripped of any live steel. Davison ahd listened to her threats passively and had given her his word that her weapons would be returned undamaged at the end of the tourney.
Ares looked down at his new partner. "You better be worth it," he said. "Back to back. If you can't handle what is coming at you, sing out and we'll split up and go hunting seperately."
The horn sounded again and the carnage began anew.
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Day 25 10:01 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune heart pounded as she gripped her weapons. The spear she held in her arms would work marvelously to keep them at bay. As they got closer she would spare the first idiot close to her and pull out her bola and wrap up thier arms or legs. Could get lucky and wrap it around thier stupid throat effectively cutting off thier air supply. Sitarra grinned at that thought. If the last weapon was needed, she would use her sword to beat them senseless.
Her breathing was calm as she slipped against Ares back. His strong muscles where hard and hot to the touch. "Let them come, if they dare." Defeat was not part of her vocabulary, not now or ever. Dark blue eyes flashed as she saw her first victim appear. Her grip tightened on the spear as she smiled softly before striking the opponent underneath his chin, the thud was unmistakable as he hit the ground. Sitarra waited for the next one to try his or her luck with pride showing in her eyes.
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Day 25 The Tourny Grounds 10:00 A.M. - - Anes - -
Anes was not impressed with the newcomers boasting and was about to say something to that effect, but then thought better of it. "She is an enigma, an unknown. I don't like unknowns. It would have been better had she not interfered. The others with Ares were already known entities, now we have an unknown on our hands. One that is fresh on the field of battle. I suggest we leave that team for last. That way at least we will have some idea of her fighting style and she will be at least a little fatigued before we get there to teach her a well desereved lesson."
The horn sounded for the teams to make ready and they returned to their back-to-back stance. Only this time, they placed Kes in the center of the three of them. Hiding her behind Anes' cloak. The team stood ready for combat once again as the horn blew for the tourny to resume. The dark champions waited for their prey to come to them.
-
Sitarra waited for her opponets to come to her. Her long hair flowed behind her, as dark blue eyes blazed with challlenge in them. Taking a glance at Ares she watched him with satisfaction and hadn't realised what she had been doing until to late. She had marked him as a possible mate, that was something she had never done before. She scowled and turned away from him. Not wanting to admit she admired him, but knew not what to do with him even if she did manage to get him.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:01 am - Ares
Ares was clearly enjoying the fight, bellowing like a raging bull and laughing like a madman. His spear was like a bolt of lighting, seeming to be everywhere at once. He laughed as he saw another team of warrios approaching.
"Like lambs to the slaughter! You make excellent bait, woman! W'ere getting as many playmates as that bloody prince and he's got three women with him!"
Max was also enjoying himself. The team was working like a well oiled machine. Already there had left several maimed combatants lying in their wake. he couldn't be sure but he suspected that at least one would be a corpse by nightfall, thanks to one of Kes's daggers and groin shot that might have not only castrated the man but caused internal bleeding as well.
"Stay together," he called out. "We don't want to get seperated. I think there are only three teams left that haven't lost a man yet."
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Day 25 10:02 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune heart pounded as she gripped her spear and used as well as Ares did. At his boasting, she shrugged and struck another male that had gotten to close. "I am more than just a woman. I am an amazon, and proud of that fact male. Do not forget that I am your better.
" She speared the male a second time for good measure. "Let them come to us, it is easier that way." she knew Ares was having fun and in his glory. She would make a good counterpart, if she stuck around to endure his needs. Sitarra turned and danced with the spear in her hand was a part of her. She knew how to use the weapon a good deal more than people thought. That was her weakest weapon.
Her hand never left her short sword that would use in close combat. Dark blue eyes flashed with mischief as she spied one of the females from another team. Intelligence told her not to leave Ares side. Her body glistened with fine beads of sweat, the heat of the day didn't effect her though. She was loving this litle bit of fun.
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Day 25 10:05 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune glanced back at the man that had taken her as a team mate. Her heart beat strongly as her eyes flashed with appreciation. "I tire of waiting, when will they come for us!" her voice was softly whispered in his ear. It was the slap of her hair on his face that caught his attention. The fleeting touch of her soft skin apon his and then she pulled away holding onto her spear waiting for some one stupid enough to get close.
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Day 25 The Tourny Grounds 10:05 A.M. - - Jallyn- -
The red haired elf looked around the field and shook her head. "Take on the temple team. Or the black team. They fight really well. Love the outfits though all black and the snarling wolf face plates are a nice touch. Avoid the slavemaster. He saved my skin so we save him for last." She called out in Elven.
Jallyn and the others kept a tight formation waiting for the groups to approach each team circling the other. She spoke quickly in elven the words rolling from her tongue. "If we go for the slave master we need to be careful. His men I do not worry about well I should say woman Since he lost his men rescuing me.Damn Id offer him a night at the poppy but since it burned down..." She paused and shook her head. "Anyway getting off subject Ares is not someone to triffle with he knows how to make a girl sweat. He is that good and wins the tourney every year he joins it. Ive seen him take on a three man team single handedly. Its going to be his team against ours in the end that much I can tell you. But we may win anyhow due to the slight violation of the tourney rules. Hes got a relatively fresh combantant that joined his group. The meadator had to be drunk that or Lord Oswald hoping to hold out on the cash prize by announcing the misstep to Ares. Either way be sharp. Once the Temple team goes down things are gonna get messy."
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Day 25 10:05 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune was still light, although prespiration beaded down her body. Her face shown with rapture as she held onto her spear. Her petite upturned nose flared with joy as she stood beside Ares. She could feel the man's body heat and she was excited by the meer thought of things to come. She gripped her spear tighter and stayed as close to Ares she could get. "It looks like they are leaving us for last. I say let's go hunting." she gave a wink at him but kept her gaze on the combatants as well.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:06 am - Ares
The slavemaster snorted, the iron helmet making the noise sound uncannily bovine. "Go hunting if you will but do not expect me to save you if you falter. I have fought this way each time I enter this tourney and it is a rare day that it fails me. Go. Seek your glory and your flesh."
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Day 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:08 A.M. - - Anes - -
"I say we take the team in black first then, leave the temple team and the slave master till last," Anes responded in her native tongue. The words spilling lilt soft over the other members of the team.
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Day 25 10:15 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune nodded her head, "No, I am not that foolish. If this is how you work, I will stay and do as you do." She leaned against him and felt his muscles and then moved away. How foolish of her to think about him when her mind should be on battle. She growled under her throat, "Come on, don't stop now cowards." She challenged them.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:17 am - Ares
Ares said nothing. He was watching something that was happening on the far end of the field. Four men, each of whom had lost the rest of their teams, were now suddenly moving as a group. He has seen no hesitation, no bargaining before the four men merged into a single band.
"Heads up, woman! There's treachery afoot. Those four came into this planning on uniting." He growled, once again sounding less than human. "Move closer to the prince and his harem. They'll go for the larger threat."
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Day 25 10:17 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune breathing was controlled as she moved as Ares said to, no hesitation on her face. Her dark blue eyes flashed for a moment in agitation as she gripped her spear tightly in her hand awaiting movement for anyone dumb enough to come closer to either of them.
She smiled dangerously, "Aye and who do you think is the bigger target. the prince and his harem or us...hmmm?" she grinned slightly then her smile faded as she caught something shiny on the field in one of the men's hands. He held a sharpened sword and Sitara's eyes flashed harshly, "Be aware one holds a sharpened sword, this tourney is no more but a blood bath, as they verge on us." She fealt the men eyeing her and Ares before glancing at the prince and his group. A shiver ran up her spine as she growled under her breath.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:18 am - Ares
"One?" Ares laughed harshly. "All four do. Aye, they've planned this but it's not victory they're after, it's blood. A warning to you, prince! There is live steel on the field and treachery afoot!"
They weren't the only ones who had noticed. The crowd had seen and they were howling at the prospect of seeing some real carnage.
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Day 25 10:19 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune growled under her breath, "Then let us make sure they feel every hit we make on them. They are not playing and neither do I intend to now." She grinned. She bent down showing off her finer qualities and flipped her hair out of the way displaying to Ares her daggers. There where two of them hidden in her long hair. Master crafted to match the color of her hair. She flipped her hair back, "If you need one don't hesitate to take one. Watch my back and I will watch yours." She growled as one of the men came closer to them. Four against two...Sitara gripped her spear tightly, "Let the dance begin." She laughed as she watched them get closer.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:20 am - Ares
"I have my own weapons, woman," snorted Ares. "I need no butter knives to fight my battles. What say you, prince? Truce until we deal with the oathbreakers?"
Maxx looked at the three women who were with him. "I accept your truce. Know that if yours and mine come to battle, it will not be me that strikes the first blow."
He turned to face the new threat, wondering what the men were up to.
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Day 25 10:21 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune growled under her breath, "I do not use butter knives. It was an offer of protection if it came down to it. Suit yourself." She whirled around and looked at the Prince, her blue eyes flashing with anger at the insult Ares had placed on her. Her chest heaved until she calmed down. The men drew closer to them. Sitara kept her mouth shut and watched Ares with coldness on her face.
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Day 25 10:22 A.M. - - The Tourney Grounds - - Anes
"Live steele? It would seem that someone has decided not to play by the rules. Is anyone familiar with these men? Any ideas as to what they are up to, besides looking to put one or more of us to the graveyard?" Anes asked, finally allowing herself a smile.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:22 am - Maxx
Maxx gave the amazon a half bow, knowing it would annoy her. He trusted Ares as far as he could throw him and he trusted this woman even less. He could tell she would stab him in the back the moment he turned it to her.
"I don't recognize them, Anes," he said. "Look at the way they're moving though. If they weren't out here looking for blood, I'd say the thieves guild had sent a team in. They'll be fast but likely won't hit too hard."
The words were barely out of his mouth when one of the four struck out at a warrior who had been injured already, one who was not fast enough to get out off the tourney field in time to save himself further pain.
The man flew ten feet and struck the ground with a soggy crunch. He didn't move.
"Guard yourselves!" cried Maxx in elven. "Curse me if I'm wrong but I think they are were-rats."
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Day 25 10:23 A.M. - - The Tourny Grounds - - Anes
"Were-rats," Anes growled back in Elvin, "What in the name of all the gods and goddesses are they doing in this tourny? Is it just for the blood lust or something more sinister?" She kept a loose grip on her sword and put just a half-inch more distantance between her and the others. "Don't get to close to each other. We don't want to hinder each other when the battle is joined, not to mention giving those bastards multiple targets to attack at once."
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:23 am - Maxx
"Likely this is a response to the atempt to roust them out of the sewers. There were deaths on both sides. This might be their way of returning the favour. Once they're done with the us, they'll probably turn on the crowd," Maxx suggested.
"Ho, Slaver! Watch yourself. I think these men may be were-rats."
Ares laughed, his voice echoing hollowly inside his helm. "Thank's for the warning, prince. If they can unite against us, we can unite against them, eh?" He reached out to stroke the tip of his spear with his left hand. Fire erupted in it's wake. "Never knew a rat that could abide fire. It didn't matter whether it had two legs or four."
Maxx started. Well, isn't that interesting. The big bastard isn't just a damned fine warrior, he's a wizard as well.....
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Day 25 10:24 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune hissed again, her eyes flashing with distrust of all those around her. Were-rats she had never dealt with before and would have to pay much more attention to these creatures. Again she glared at Ares but gave him respect as she saw what else he could do. She would have to pay much more closely to this male, for even she had underestimated him. "How do you fight them Ares?" She whispered under her breath.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:24 am - Ares
"With fire, magic or silver," Ares replied. "Those bastards knew that there would be no magic weapons on this field and precious little silver. They planned this."
He gestured to the were-rats, waving them forward. "Come ahead, you lowlife bastards!" he roared. "Come and face me! I am Ares Caer Logan and I have never laid eyes on a man that I feared. I'll be damned if any man among you thinks that they can take that from me!"
He stepped forward, spinning the spear in a fire circle over his head. "WHICH OF YOU DIES FIRST?" he bellowed
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Day 25 10:25 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune nodded her head in acceptance. "Of which I have none. But I will not let them take me without one hell of a fight." Blue eyes flashed with battle showing on her face. "I have no magic but that is going to stop me from killing one of two."
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Day 25 10:24 A.M. - - The Tourney Grounds - - Anes
"So tell me, how are we to handle such a foe?"
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Day 25 10:26 a.m. - The Tourney Grounds- Sitarra
Sitarra Taraune baby blue eyes flashed at her team mate, her mind racing as she kept her back to his. Her breathing was calm but in her eyes, she was anything but. A fire shone in them that even he would be amazed at the danger in them. She had never faught these creatures before, but she definately would show them that she held no fear towards them. There deaths would be on thier hands, not hers.
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Day 26 10:24 A.M. - - The Tourney Grounds - -Hodrick
Hodrick had managed to hold his own in the field his team had been elimated and he had joine dforces witht he temple team of Au who had been kind enough to let him join.
"Wh-what did he say? Were Rats?" The young man stammered.
"Aye thats what he said. I recon we give these boys something to worry about." The stout man replied his chain mail jingling as he began to chant holding onto his holy symbol. "No one distubs this tournament and cheats like that. If they want a fight they will get one.
Hodrick watched and nodded as the mans sword suddenly became awash in flame.
Before Hodrick knew it his team mates wer charging the enemy. Hodrick stood as he listened to their battlecries and watched them rush at the team of were rats.
The gods hate a coward he thought. He may notbe able to kil lany but he would defind this city he loved at almost anycost.
He too shouted a battle cry and ran forward. He only hoped this wasnt going to get him eliminated or killed...
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:26 am - Maxx
"Let others do the fighting," Maxx suggested. "They can't be hurt with the weapons we have but there is magic on the field. They will want to go for those wielding it and they will leave us be until the end, for the most part. However, if we all go for the same one, I'm certain we could wrestle it to the ground and break it's neck."
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:27 am - Jallyn
"Its your call Maximillain." Jallyn said carefully as she watched the priests charge. Her blood sang with the urge to be out on the battlefield and to kill "I cannot use magic that wouldnt be detected however. Some would come to question it after the fight so I cannot risk such a thing. But your idea does have its merrits. Disarm and kill. Thats would be my approach. I wonder if Elnerad is out there."
One of the men belowed a battle cry "Whore! Come best me in battle if you are man enough."
Well that answered that question. Jallyns jaw line tightened as she looked at the man clas in black scale. "He needs to die. But not right now. I want him to suffer as hes made me suffer." She said pulling her swords once more she began advancing.
However out of the corner of his eye Maxx saw several of the bodys of the unconcious men that had fallen to the side lines during battle suddently srping to their feet as they ran to the center of the ring to take on the priests.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:28 am - Maxx
"Sneaky bastards," Maxx muttered. "They can't touch me in this armour but they can still bruise me or twist my head off my shoulders. Start fighting towards the wall and try to stay behind me. I'll throw each of you into the stands where you can either prepare and return or just flee. If anything gets close, we'll deal with it then. Same tactics as before. They may not get cut when you drive s blade into their groin but I'll be damned if any one of them is capable of withstanding getting their balls mashed."
In the centre of the arena, Ares stood like a statue, waiting for the first of the were rats to approach. When none dared his flaming spear, he took the fight to them. With a roar, he charged.
One of the rats squealed as the flaming spearhead burst through the back of his chest. He twitched twice and then went limp.
Those wererats nearest to their dead comrade hesitated, then as one turned and leapt at the slavemaster.
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Day 25 - - The Tourney Grounds 10:30 A.M. - - Anes
Anes kept one eye on the field and one on the wall she backed towards. She say saw the second group of Were-rats bound to their feet and race into battle. She also saw the man who had come to Sir Maxx's room follow a temple team into the melee. "Stupid fool. He's going to get himself killed," she murmered under her breath. As she came within hailing distance of the stands she raised her voice. "Mouse, Mouse, get my weapons ready. I'm going to need live steel for this." There was a small pile of bodies at the base of the wall that she and the other two used to aid them in vaulting to the top and into the relative safety of the stands. In moments Mouse was there with her sword and daggers. She dropped the blunted weapons that had been given to her at the start of the tourney and placed her own weapons back where they belonged. Pulling the coif of her chain mail up, she handed her cloack to Mouse. "I'll see the two of you on the battle ground," she growled as she bounded back to the arena floor. Moving swiftly and carefully across the arena, Anes reached the man who had talked with Maxx just days before. "If you wish to live through this, I suggest you put your back to mine and wait for them to come to us. Unless you have a death wish that is." She didn't wait for his reponse but backed against him and made ready.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:28 am
He did not come to Tourney fight but to be an audience member; he even made per cosions to make sure that his weapon was consealed. However, he had heard stories of lycan and not the normal were-wolf myth. The stories he heard were of rats, actual were-rats.
Things tend to happen every where he went, bad things. He almost always got sucked in so when things did seem to be happening, he was ready to defend. Himself or another was usually how it went and when it was another it was a bigger pain then he had intended. Reska pushed up his glasses and attended on staying calmly where he was unless something happened 'in his reach.'
Reska had gone to painstaking lengths to watch the tourney so he could see how others fought. He would enjoy a good battle and he was witnessing it. A battle that was not planned and he knew that it was horribly bad. "Something had to of happened." Reska pushed up his glasses, stood and made his way towards the battle. He was careful so not to to much attention. "I want to see this. I have too. I have a horrible feeling within my gut."
(I can only post once a week)
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:30 am - Ares
He was bleeding from a dozen scratches and bites but he was still standing. With a heave, the slavemaster threw off the pile of wererats that would have crushed him with sheer numbers. The flame on his spear had extinguished, unable to burn while buried in the body of one of his foes. The head was still red hot, however and it sizzled as he pulled it free.
"Only a fool stays on the field with a broken weapon, unless they can steal one from the dead," the slavemaster growled. "And the dead have no weapons that will serve. Fly, amazon. If you chose, rearm yourself and return. Otherwise, all you will find here is violation and death. Not necessarily in that order."
In the crowd there was pandemonium. The spectators had lost all interest in watching the fight and were trampling each other in their bid to escape it. Only a few stayed, unable to tear their eyes from the carnage. One of those who did was the colour of dark wood and looked just as durable.
"Knight! I see the weapons you fight with. These blades belong to Ares. He would not be displeased to see you fight with them, so long as you fight at his side." She tossed a pair of scabbards to Maxx and leapt over the railing herself. With a cry savage enough to curdle Maxx's blood, she charge the nearest wererat.
The swords were heavy and long, blades Maxx was used to handling. The fact that there were two could mean only that the slavemaster fought with one in each hand. That rankled. Not only was the slavemaster taller than Maxx but it seemed he was also stronger.
Better a strong ally than a strong enemy. I can always kill him later.
Of course now that he was armed, he had no choice but to engage the enemy. There were too many witnesses for him to remain outside the fight.
"Jallyn! Can you use one of these? Between us we should make short work of Elnerad. I still owe him for the death of the mute."
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:30 am - Reska
He stopped for only a moment as the crowd began to rush away from the arena. His eyes closed lightly and his delicated hand gripped tightly to the hilt of a sword. The weapon had been hidden within some cloth and caried as being appart of his things. However, he had placed it on his lap after he sat down.
He knew that something bad was going to happen and with people rshing out, it had comfermed it. Such is always the case, everywhere I go.
Slowly, the bright eyed boy made his way down, one hand was over the cloth covering the sheath and the other under the cloth, ready to draw the blade.
He was almost there when someone placed a hand on his should. "You don't want to go down there"
Reska gasped sharply and shifted his eyes to gaze at the man. It became hard to breath as his hand gripped even tighter. "I'll be fine," Reska said to the man in a smooth, tone.
"Suit yourself kid, I'm out of here." The man took off and Reska faced the arena once more. He chose to count heads, from what he could see and if needed, move closer. Privided, no one else tried to stop him.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:30 am- Jallyn
Jallyn nodded her green eyes scanning the field. She took one sword from Maxx and selected a victim.
Elnerad would not escape her this time. Vengance would be hers. Gone were her whores and brothel, and though blood and death would not bring them back, she knew that she would sleep more easy, knowing the man no longer lived.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:31 am- Aeric Fenway
Aeric had heard the screams of the spectators, not in awe but in terror. It had prompted him to investigate. Meddlesome, that's what he was these days, never able to leave things alone, but such was the perogative of age. He fought his way past the rushing crowd and into the arena.
Wererats...he had hardly expected that. It was doubtful those fighting had the means to deal with them, but he wasn't too keen on revealing himself either. Still, he had to do something to help. Fortunately he was skilled at being subtle. The warriors seemed to be bravely engaging regardless, giving them an edge might suffice.
Aeric concentrated hard on the rats, on their lifeforce, the weaknesses in it, the ways to disrupt it. Quietly, he whispered the knowledge to the blades of the warriors, so that they might strike true and devestatingly so. Then, just one last thing to help for now, and then he would watch. Whispering again, this time to the blood of the rat's he coaxed it to want to be free from the body, to want to escape it's corrupted prison. That should give the warriors an advantage.
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:31 am- Jallyn
Jallyns blood pounded in her veins as she let out a gutral cry and feinted with her blade briging it back around to slash at her first advisary. They would be less dangers since they were in human form and was thankful that the Lord of Kerswick had opted for a day time tounament rather than a torch light one.
Their power grew when the moon was visible. But today they might stand a chance.
She watched as she felt the blade slice though the leather of the dark bearded man. The cut she had landed started at the left shoulder and ended just beneath the mans right armpit. The blood surprised her as she felt it hit her face warm and slick. She had cut it.
With a feral grim she cried out in Elven. "KILL THEM ALL MAXX! THE BLADES WE HAVE WILL KILL THEM."
She fought parrying blows and did her best to cut down the Master Thief's men at arms. "I will kill you Elnerad. This time I will end it."
"Chardros take you! You elven slut. You should have died with the rest of your whores. Run with your tail between your legs and you will live, But assure you if you stay, I will make you beg for death." A voice carried out across the battle field.
Jallyn looked for the direction she heard it come from and began cutting her way though. "Back me up Maxx."
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Day 25 10:32 a.m. Tourney Grounds - - Anes - -
Anes had taken two of the were-rats down, not will fatal blows but hard enough that they wouldn't be getting up any time soon. Maxx was right, they couldn't stand getting their balls mashed. A third rat came within range and she slashed at it, her blade hitting it across the throat. Unexpectedly blood spurted from the wound and flowed freely down the mans front. He gurgled as his hands went to the wound, trying in vain to keep from bleeding to death. Anes hid her surprise at being able to do such and shouted to the man she was aiding. "Something has happened. They are vulnerable to our weapons now. Keep with me and we shall do as much damage as we can to these vermin." This was more like it. The itch she had had at the beginning of the tourney had been growing. The violence her team had been inflicting on the others just wasn't enough to satisfy her. But this, being able to kill a bunch of were-rats was something else. This was what her heart desired, to send these abominations to Chadros.
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Day 25 10:32 a.m. Tourney Grounds- Reska
Reska swallowed as he watched the violence and moved even closer to the arena. "Will they see me as foe or friend. Which is the friend and which is the foe."
His bright eyes shifted from one to the other and began to drifted slowly to one man. A man that seemed to be concentrating on something. He watched the lips to see what he could read from him but the man was not in a position to where he could read them. His concentration broke from the man to a woman that called,"KILL THEM ALL MAXX! THE BLADES WE HAVE WILL KILL THEM."
His eyes fixed on the woman and her fearlessness and then sought the one she spoke to. He was not sure whom that was but had a feeling that he was strong like her. "Maybe she is friend and they are foe. The ones she fought. She is not what I seek in a master but she is strong. Maybe... Maybe I can slip in and help her but when would be the right time."
He wanted to say, "I will back you," but the thought to do so was lost. He did not think he could speak loud enough for her to hear and did not want to make a mistake on whom he chose to defend. "I will stay here. If I am attacked then I shall make that one my enemy but I will make it clear that I am no rat."
Reska was soft spoken and all that he said to himself was not much more then a whisper. He was generally quiet and obedient. He had no0 one to follow at that moment so he chose deffence as his position. Had he even wanted to state his place and service, he would not be heard. "Are they... were rats? I had never seen one... I never believed.... How sheltered am I."
(I could write more but I was not sure what was to much)
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DAY 25 The Tourney Grounds 10:32 am - Maxx
The wererat he faced expected the weapon to bounce but he realized his error when Maxx laid him open from crotch to shoulder with a single upward stroke. He fell without even making a sound. Maxx laughed. This was going to be fun.
The slavemaster was laughing despite a score of wounds. The pile of bodies that surrounded him was growing. Maxx took the time to dispatch two rats that were trying to circle behind Ares while their fellows kept him occupied. It was, in his mind, payment in full measure for the use of the slavemaster's weapons.
"That's the spirit!" cried the pictish giant. "Lay them flat! Let the Gods sort through the dead! Morrigan! Morrigan!"
Maxx chuckled inside his helmet. Few would know that the slavemaster's battlecry was the name of an ancient battle godess. There was a small amount of Brand in her but she owed more to Nex than to him.
"The leader of this rabble is calling for Jallyn's blood," he called out to the slavemaster. "I say we disappoint him."
Ares laughed and kicked a wererat in the face. "Lead the way and you willnot see me falling behind. Do you hear, Amazon? We take the battle to their chief!"
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Day 25 10:33 a.m. The Tourney Grounds - - Anes - -
She finished off the two she had taken down just minutes before, taking each through the heart. Two more approached her, advancing with caution. They were still some distance away and so Anes risked a glance behind her. Hodrick had four rats coming at him and coming fast. She put her right shoulder into him, forcing him to turn with her. As they came about, the rats paused, but just for an instant. The four came on, moving with the singular purpose of dispatching her. She made ready and took their blades on her own. The force of the blows took her to one knee, her arm all but numb. It was all she could do to retain hold of her sword. The opponent on her right had stepped in a little to close. She twisted slightly, bringing him within arms reach. With a quick upward stroke she gutted him. He dropped his sword and staggered backward, trying to hold his insides in place. Where just moments ago there was an empty hand, now there was a dagger dripping with blood. Anes could feel the other three trying to overwhelm her with sheer physical force. She turned back to them and brought her arm to her chest. Placing her right hand under the tip of her blade, she gave a heave upward, startling the rats and forcing them back a pace or two. Within moments she was back on her feet, a smile on her lips. She heard the others call to one another and decided that the best course of action was to keep as many off them as possible. "We stand here. If the others need assistance we aid them, otherwise we take down as many as we can and cover their backs."
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Day 25 10:33 a.m. The Tourney Grounds-Reska
That was it, he had watched long enough. He had to see what he could do to help but not because he wanted to help. There was a side of him that did feel the need but there was another side to him that just wanted a challenge. He sought exits if he needed one and made sure he knew how to get to one in a jam. One did not survive by rushing into a suicide. He saw how they attacked another female and even noted how the foe were gunning for the one called Jallyn. He even heard (barely) something about going after the leader.
Reska wanted to fight but he was no fool. He was not going to go directly after the leader but he was going to join the fight. He moved back from the arena as he unsheathed his sword. The manor in which it was unsheathed would angle the blade to the length of his arm. His sword was unique in the way it was crafted. The blade was mostly made for clean, sharp slashes though it could tare a hole into a person if used to stab with. It was light for sped and razor sharp. Where his father got such a sword was unknown but Aqua claimed to have had it special made for Reska's unique self taught skills.
Though not quite the master he hoped for, the man that seemed to be dictating most of them seemed to want to protect the one that the possable enemy was going after. The man was not to far away and Reska thought that the man was probably best to offer his temporary assistance. He even thought of a quick way to deffend himself in case the man chose to comfuse him for the enemy.
Reska moved back a few feet and then took a deep breath. He placed himself in the area of Maxx.
"I may look like a complete fool and probably am but I am going to help." Reska found a straight path into the arena and went for it. At the edge of the audience seats, he leaped into the air and landed lightly on his feet. His body was in a crouch on the ground. His sword was before him and his free hand felt the ground beneath him. To his luck, he was close enough for the man called Maxx to hear and ready for a fight if one went to him. "May I be of some assistance?"
He hoped he had asked loud enough to be notice. Even if the warrior never answers, Reska would fight. His target was to assist the amazon despite weather or not she needed it. Before he even had a chance to hear a response, someone or something did attack him. "Oh what a fool am I..." The larger male lunged down upon him and he rose with his blade to defend. As his weapon clashed with the other, his feet began to slide back. The man was strong but slow. Even if Reska could not hurt him, he could ware him out.
However, he needed to get out of the situation he was in and there was not much space behind him to leap back. The second blow came and he was not beneath tricks in order the free himself of the beast. Once again he was brought back a bit but that time he was also brought low enough down to grasp the dirt beneath him and use it to blind him.
Both quiet and calm Reska was once he got into the battle. As the large male ressled with the dirt in his eyes, Reska moved to where he had a bit more room. "Ah You littel runt! Where are you!?"
"Over here..." muttered Reska as he turned his sword upright. His feet were placed firmly on the ground and his body was turned slightly exposing only his right, if one could get passed his sword. One could almost see a slight smile form on his soft face. "Come on..."
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(forgive me but..... Did this thread die?)
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Day 25 10:34 a.m. The Tourney Grounds - - Anes - -
The rats took pause after she shook them off. They split, trying to come at her from three sides at once, to slip past her defenses. She was ready for them. The two on the sides came in first, blades ready to rip her flesh. The one at her front waited, watching his comrades. Anes spun out between them and engaged the third before it could react. Her blade passed between two of its ribs, shock registering on its face as she turned her attention back to the others. The rat behind her hissed and raised its blade to strike her back, only to get a heel in the balls. It cried out in pain and crumpled to the arena floor. Its comrades hissed in anger. Anes took a moment to check on Hodrick and saw that he was holding his own against his opponents. Turning her full attention back to the ones she was engaged with, Anes figured that she could take them both at once. Provided she could get them to cooperate with her plan.
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OOC: Sorry. Somehow this didn't show up on my 'Unread' list
Day 25 10:35 a.m. The Tourney Grounds - - Maxx -
Maxx didn't recognize the small man but he recognized good fighting. "As soon as you take that one out, go help the temple team," he called out. "They're being cut to ribbons." He was too far away to take a swing at the blinded rat but he couldn't help but admire the deceitful technique.
The direction served a twofold purpose. That was where the fighting was thickest and the most help was needed. It was also where any combatant would most likely die. If Reska lived, he would say that Maxx had sent him and they would both win a little gratitude. If he died, it was more blood on the field. He hoped the sneaky little weasel would live, however. He seemed likely to be useful.
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Day 25 10:35 a.m. The Tourney Grounds - Reska
The large beast came charging at him almost blindly. Reska slashed evenly from the right to the left, across the beasts stomach. He stepped into the slash and shifted so he could slash along the beasts back in an angle from his left to his right. All the while, keeping his mind wrapped around Max's request.
The beast stumbled forward as Reska turned. "You little bastard. I am going to make you suffer before you die!" The beast ignore the blood loss and was lucky the slash did not rip into abdomen deep enough or the beasts insides would be spilling out.
It rushed Reska with a moderately high tolerance for the pain it was in. Looking human and being human were two different things and that beast was obviously tough. Reska lowered his sword and only used one hand to hold it. Reska brought it up at the last second and used the masculines momentum to let the sword rip into the beasts groin.
A gut curdling cry burst out of its throat and beyond its lips. High threshold or not, the pain was enough to cause it to pass out and fall on Reska. He stumbled back and used all the strength he could muster to push it off. However, the sword was stuck in the beasts pelvis.
Reska huffed as he pushed back a lock of silvery hair. His eyes locked on his sword and he preyed that his sword was not ruined. "Give that back to me.." he mumbled coldly as he walked over to rip the blade out. the masculine reached out and grasped Reska's ankle.
Reska gasped and saw frightening wide eyed look in it's face. It was almost like the attack was it's bodies reflex. Reska ripped at his sword while trying to pull his ankle away. Fortunately, the sword was still usable and Reska was not about to give up.
As soon as it was ripped out, it wa brought down to tear through the beasts jugular. It squirmed and twitched while it died and Reska moved back quickly, with his blade in hand. "Just die already..."
Once it was all over, Reska sharply glanced over his shoulder to look for the temple team. He was not sure exactly where they were but he did spot what looked to be a slaughter. "Ah... those pour bastards off in that away."
Reska slashed from one direction to fling as much of the blood as he could onto the ground. A quick wipe and the sword into it's scabbard. He took off quickly and was light on his feet. No doubt, the young elf was fast. He rushed the group and made sure he knew friend and foe. His sword was drawn with his right and and he slashed the first that went to attacked....
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Day 25, 10:35 a.m. - - The Tourney Grounds - - Anes
Anes took three steps back, moving into more open territory. She let her sword slip to the arena floor and dropped to one knee, her hands at her sides. The rats took advantage of her position and advanced. They came from either side, trying to force her to turn one way or the other to engage. She remained low, letting her opponents bring themselves within reach. When the were well within arms reach she turned 180 degrees and rose to her feet. Her arms swung out, all four daggers biting into the soft flesh of the rats throats. One managed to get a swing in before collapsing, catching her across the ribs. She winced as the heavy blade bit into her mailed flesh. Blood pulled from the shallow cut. She knelt down and took the time to wipe the blood of her blades before replacing them. Retrieving her sword, Anes cleaned it before returning to aid Hodrick.
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(I hope this is not overdoing it but I had to add on from where I left off)
Day 25 10:35 a.m. The Tourney Grounds - Reska
Reska thrust his sword straight through one rats mouth. The blade pushed out the cheek and the rat was left twitching. As one more came running at him, he kicked out, knocking it in the chest and sending it back. He managed to rip the sword out and slash it across the creature skull; splitting the eye wide open.
A woman/rat rushed at him with vengeance in her eyes and he showed her the same cruelty as he showed the others. He charged at her and pushed off the ground. His sword ripped her torso open from left shoulder to right side. She did not have a chance to react.
For a moment, it did not look like any of them would come and his sword was slipped into his scabbard. A man/rat saw it as an opening but Reska was ready. He unsheathed that weapon instantly. As he unsheathed his blade and those on the other side could not see him beyond the large male. He was able to slash while unsheathing his blade. The beasts intrails splattered out of it's stomach and It would seem the man/rat would try and gather it's insides while Reska brought his sword back down to remove his head. His sword only went in part of the way and he had to rip int out and strike again.
So much blood caused Reska to sheath his blade and bring as scarf up to cover his mouth. At the same time, Reska was tackle by a butch woman. His body slammed hard against the ground and his shoulder was dislocated. She got up immediately and brought her foot down upon his chest. The elfish boy cried out an had to bring both his hands up to grasp the foot. He was trying to keep as much weight off his chest as possable.
Slightly out of Reska's reach was his sword. He held on with his right hand and started to reach with his left hand. There was a moment of pause when the foot got to hard to hold with one hand. One more long reach and he could have the weapon once again. He struggled and his chest was hurting badly. the woman was smiling as he pulled a dagger and applied more pressure to his chest. Just as she was about to stab him, he bashed her knee with the hard scabbard that contained the sword.
"Move, Morissa!" called another male as he marched over to them. "Let me have this one." Morissa was crying out in pain and ready to pounce but she heard her friend and hobbled away from the boy.
"Make him suffer Dimitri!" she hissed as she dropped to watch what Dimitri was going to do. Reska got up quickly, his right arms seemed dead but his left still functioned. The elf placed the scabbard, with his sword turned to where the sharp edge would be facing out, in his mouth and unsheathed the sword with his left hand. He let the scabbard drop and the man was already charging at him. Reska turned the blade to make it parallel with his forarm and blocked the angled slash. His feet slid across the ground.
"So you can fight left handed," hissed Dimitri. "That's good, I was hoping this would not be to easy." reska said nothing and got ready to deffend. The two men seem to dance a bloody waltz and there was no telling who would bleed first. Reska knew that he would have to get the use of his right arm back and the whole while, Mirrisa was cheering Dimitri on.
The brutal fight had come near the arena wall and Reska was pinned. The man held his sword in when hand and Reska by his neck with the other. Reska's body was pressed against the wall. "You know kid, I could just make you one of us."
Reska's left hand was grasping onto the hand that held his neck and his sword was on the ground. He was desperate to get free and had made two failed attempts to gouge at the man's eyes. Finally, he brough his right foot up and slammed it against Dimitri's chest. The wind was knocked out of Dimitri while he stumbled back. Reska was coughing and gasping for air as Dimitri was after he had been dropped. He used that second to knock his arm back into place a rather painful way and pick up his blade....
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Day 25 10:35 a.m. The Tourney Grounds - Maxx
Bits of wererat were clinging to his sword. There where no more than three of the wererats still standing. Unfortunately, one of them was Elerad. Ares was limping but gamely trying to reach the wererat leader who was evading him with ease. He didn't want to fight the slaver. He wanted Jallyn.
"Come here, you elven whore! If you think you've got steel enough to take me, here I stand! I spit on you! I spit on she whom you serve! If you're lucky, I'll give you a little something to remember me by, before I send you off!" He grabbed his crotch.
Jallyn's eyes narrowed. "He's mine and mine only." With a silent prayer to Nex, the Yellow Poppy's madame moved forward. Elerad had much to pay for and she was going to make certain he lived long enough to pay back every drop of blood he owed her.
"Suit yourself," Maxx said, stepping aside. "Call me if you need me."
The survivors of the sudden wererat assault began to make their way out of the arena, now that the majority of the fighting was done. Elerad's fight with Jallyn was seen as the last dying gasp of a desperate battle. The temple guards, those few that could still walk, were busily trying to corral the two other remaining wererats.
Elerad's expression was mocking as he watched Jallyn approach. "That sword is a little big for you. Is that the two handed grip you use on a customer's cock?" He tucked his left hand behind his back, hiding a dagger from view. "Here, I'll make it easy. I'll only use one sword."
Jallyn said nothing. She was more familiar with her paired blades but she had sparred enough with Maxx that she knew the proper techniques to handle a two handed weapon, especially one designed to be used one or two handed by a human. She forced Elerad back two steps before he brought the left hand back out. Mocking her did nothing to reduce his knowledge that she was capable of killing him if he made a mistake. Offering her any advantage was suicide.
Her blade was designed for use where there was some space between opponents. His were meant for fighting up close and personal. If they stayed apart, Elerad realized, he would lose. His only hope was to get inside her killing arc.
He stepped close, only to have Jallyn drop the big sword and grab him around the waist. She gave an odd twist and suddenly Elerad was in the air. He hit the ground hard and before he could recover his breath, she was on him, driving a knee hard into his solar plexus.
Maxx reached up to undo the strap on his helmet. The fight was over. With Jallyn on top, Elerad didn't stand a chance. He lifted the helmet off and started to move forward, only to see Elerad wrap his arms around Jallyn.
They both vanished.
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Day 25 10:35 a.m. The Tourney Grounds - Reska
Dimitri noticed that Reska had regained his composure and even managed to catch his own breath. He watched the elfish boy lean against the wall and was sure that Reska was down for. He smiled and moved back. His sword was ready and his body was still.
Reska gazed over his shoulder at the man what none realized was the entire time, things were a slight blur to him. He nearly fighting blind. He pushed forward and began to move towards Dimitri. His eyes closed as if he were ready to sleep. His sword tip brushed along the dirt and he took his stance before the man. "When you're ready, " he said in a soft, somewhat feminine tone.
"Death awaits..." Dimitri charged at Reska. His sword was ready to strike from above and the fool left himself open. Reska was calm the entire time. In one fluid movement, Reska moved forward and his sword ripped into the man's torso from the lower left to the upper right. It was done with enough force, brought on by Dimitri's momentum and Reska's, that it nearly tore the man in half.
"You little bastard!" cried Morrisa as she rushed to her comrad. His body had fallen and she dropped to be at his side. She died at his side when Reska picked up the man's sword and rammed it into her neck, leaving them pinned together.
His fight was over and all that remained was the woman Jallyn and her foe. Reska could barely see what was happening but he could hear the fight. He cleaned his sword and wearily wondered over after sheathing his blade. The blade scabbard remained in his left hand and his right hand was near the hilt. He wanted to see what was happening and in order to do that, he had to get closer.
The closer he got the more he saw the silhouette of flaming hair and bodies in a dance of death. He could tell who was winning but when he got close enough, she, and her foe, were gone. He looked beyond her and seemed to stare straight through Maxx. There nothing he could say or do other then be ready in case Maxx turned out to be his enemy. Covered in blood, Reska stood as if nothing had happened at all but looks could be deceiving.
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Day 25, 10:37 a.m. - - The Tourney Grounds - - Anes
Anes moved to aid Hodrick and found that she did not have to worry about the half-elf. One of his opponents was already down, its left hand gone at the wrist and one leg almost severed at the knee. He was in a dance to the death with the other one. She stood back, watching to see if he would need any help. Hodrick's second opponent made a fatal mistake and the half-elf took full advantage of it, ripping the man open from throat to crotch. Anes placed a hand on his shoulder. "Nicely done. I believe we should join the others," she motioned with her blade to where the others were gathered.
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[Did the threads die?]
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[try this site]
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[?]
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[no ones posted in forever]
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Blame Jallyn. I have no idea where she is going with the storyline....
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(Maybe we should get ourselves involved in an even flow of rp that does not upset the order of her story but still keeps the story going like maybe getting our chars healed and maybecertain chars meeting or something like that. Give her time to work through what to do next but keeps this thread alive. What do you guys think?)
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I've got enough npcs I think I can wing it for a while....
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{Cool.... whose turn is it?}
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< I decided to go ahead and post here in hopes that this will not die >
Day 25 10:35 a.m. The Tourney Grounds - Reska
Reska swallowed hard as he glanced over at the heals doing their best to make sense of things and assess the situation while trying to tend the wounds of those that had fought valiantly against lycan of the rodent verity. After a moment, he peered through blood covered, silver locks at the one known as Maxx. He was the one that gave him the order to help others so he wondered about the man. Right after, his bright eyes darted back towards the small group of healers.
Finally the boy made a choice that led him to wonder over towards the grouping near the healers and then moved to where others could be healed first but he would not be passed by. He turned his body so that away he could slide down and sit against whatever he could. The small elf looked as if he was a formidable warrior rather then a runt by that moment; with his sword placed neatly in his scabbard and laying over his lap while his left knee was brought up while his right leg was out stretched.
The boy's lips had parted just a bit as his head canted forward and his mind wrapped around what had happened. It had not been his attention to be involved but it was not meant to be anything more then a tournament. He seemed relaxed and almost as if he had fallen asleep, his wounds were not to severe but he was exhausted as would be just about any who had fought there that day after a long day of travel.
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Day 25, 10:40 a.m. - - The Tourney Grounds - - Anes
Anes joined the group containing Sir Maxx, the slaver and the woman who had originally stopped the fighting. There was a large number of dead wererats around but Lady Jallyn was not there. "Sir Maximillian, where is Lady Jallyn?"
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Day 25, 10:41 a.m. - - The Tourney Grounds - - Maxx
Maxx looked around, with increasing panic. "How should I know?" he shouted, looking for a were rat that was still alive. Perhaps he could get an answer out of one of them. "Search for a survivor. I'll find out where Elerad took her even if I have to cut off all of his limbs one inch at a time."
Surely only the deepest of concern could wring such a horrid threat from the lips of a chosen champion of Fervardent. Surely it was only words spoken in the heat of passion. Surely he didn't mean it. Did he?
The slaver snorted. "I've never seen the likes of you prove to have the stomach for that sort of thing. If you want answers, I'll get them, without even breaking the skin. Bones are a different story but I swear to you there will be no blood."
There was blood running off the nubian giant in small rivulets. He seemed not to notice. He was clearly infected, given the mauling he had taken but he seemed oblivious to the danger.
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Day 25, 10:41 a.m. - - The Tourney Grounds - - Reska
In the sea of dreams, memories sometimes work their way into the dark corners of the mind. Reska was one of those boys that did not dream; he remembered. In fact, the young, feminine, elf was remembering something of his past at that moment as he rested his slender visage. He was remembering the day he had thought he had seen his father get arrested. It was the day he got back from running an arrand. He remembered the moment that his fatherwas with the two females telling tall tails about his adventures. He also overexaggerated his sons adventures and skill in hopes to see someone with his son but Reska just did not seem interested in the least.
It was odd that he would remember such an odd and almost humorous situation with even the chase that led Aqua to run all through town and even stumble over himself trying to get away. The last thing his father said to him was, "Get laid. I will be back I want to hear about you having a girl or two. You will grow out of this I do not care attitude and live a little you have to you are my son."
`Why on earth would I think of that at a time like this?' he thought as he started to stir from his sleep. His sword was instantly unsheathed and brought to point at a healers neck the instant the creature tried to touch him. It was only reaction do to his currently blurred vision. "You should be more careful," was all he would say to the being.