A caged wagon containing a new group of slaves came rolling into the compound as Desimo alighted. His face black as hell.
Curses House Taliso!!! They are sponsoring for the opening event and they are out to kill us!! Put the slaves in the cages except that fair one. Onimais take him for lunch and brief for tomorrow fight.
A fair looking slave walked together with Ezer as they joined the group awaiting for their lunch.
Ezer sat beside Treiden but far away from Breunnor obviously still affected by yesterday's event.
Congrats friend. I heard you did well and won yourself some warmth of a woman this night.
Jobasha shows up for the meal and eats quietly, still badly bruised from the fight (although that is difficult to tell under his fur for those not used to treating injured animals).
Breunnor quickly shortens the chain of his wrecking ball and swings at his opponent
quit yer boncing, ya look like a bloody fairy, oh yeah ya are a fairy
Onimais made a mental note of today's outcome.
Treiden shows great potential. Lets see how he fares tomorrow. Owyn is fights well too.
Breunnor tied with Areilla. They have learn to demoralize and joke on the battlefield without me teaching them. That's very good.
Chasik knows some arcane arts and fights smart.
I am worried about Xem. I still hope to see potential tomorrow.
Garris what a beast!! Beats me with his obsession with plants though.
Jobasha...a little frail to be honest. Lets see...We may have a chance this year to redeem our honor with this new blood.
Onimais smiles absently to himself before resuming his stern visage towards the eating slaves.
After finding herself equally matched with the dwarf, Ariella gives him a somewhat less hateful stare than she did before. At least he's not a pussy.
Treiden watches as Garris incites a mediocre toast. It was evident that he was the only newcomer who was prideful of their new occupation; that or he was the only one foolish enough to be excited by it. He lifts his crudely shaped pewter mug of water in a "cheers" motion but from the expression on his face it was clear to most it was just an empty gesture.
Congrats friend. I heard you did well and won yourself some warmth of a woman this night.
"I did only what I was told; same as the others." He then turns his head to regard Ezer more clearly. "Where did they take you yesterday?" he inquires curiously.
Now while you are eating think of a nickname to be known and let me know after your meal. After which, the guards will accompany you to the armory to choose your weapons and armor to load up in the carriage for tomorrow.
I accompanied our Master to the Arena to settle the details and arrangement for tomorrow fight....however the opponents that were arranged for us is particularly deadly I heard...I can't heard the full conversation but he sure had a heated argument about another massacre happening and cursing House Taliso...
Jobasha confirms his stage name as The Jaguar and requisitions no weapons or armor except maybe some caltrops or alchemical/healing items if available (I assume they aren't )
Xem gave the Doctore his nickname, and had the other slaves fetch him a gravekeepers hood and robes. Under this he wears his traditional black Gi. Other then that he takes nothing. However he does approach Garris.
"Your style is known to me. Wait for the souls to be unleashed before you charge so that your foes will be unable to escape."
Ariella will be known as Miss Andry. She will pick up the sparkly pink armor that she had them make for her after her old team lost their first match and she was the only one to come out standing. She straps on her blade-crotch chastity girdle and has her hair braided into tight rows down her scalp so no one can yank on it during the fight. Then she puts on some bright red lipstick and lots of black eyeliner, and has her flesh oiled to a fine sheen.
I am the Dragon, Let that sink in Garris gestures around to all. Remember this day as it is the first day you hear the name of the greatest Gladiator these games will ever see..HAHHAHA
He will then dead to the armory and gather up the pieces of his gladiator armor. He will then ask for some parchment and pen so that he can prepare a list of things for Desimo to pick up at market.
Owyn raises an eyebrow and leans back on his chair. "We are but jesters with swords, so I will not do myself the lie of calling myself by a name with any meaning other than to entertain. Call me... Thundershout."
"And I should not fear about our plight in this match. Either we shall succeed with glory or die with honor. Either way, the gods will toast us."
I accompanied our Master to the Arena to settle the details and arrangement for tomorrow fight....however the opponents that were arranged for us is particularly deadly I heard...I can't heard the full conversation but he sure had a heated argument about another massacre happening and cursing House Taliso...
"House Taliso? What are they known for? Men? Beasts? Abominations?" he continues, pressing the knowledgeable slave for more information.
The novitus matches are usually openers before the main fights. Usually the arena would have sponsors who will pay for gladiators to entertain the audience before the main games. House Taliso owns the Ludus Golden Lions whom massacred the last batch of Nightingale Blades. Apparently, there is some high level politics being played here as they sponsored with big amount for the hiring of our opponents. Uaually they will hire foreign fighters.....
Good, let them waste their money. I'm sure they think laying out all that gold ensures them another massacre. What they don't realize is "The Dragon" is now a member of Nightingale Blades. I will honor this ludus with the heads of many of their combatants.
Garris boastfully speaks again trying to encourage excitement and confidences among the other men.
The new arrival has sat rather quietly through most of the conversation, but he peaks up a little at Onimais' cal for names and Owyn's mention of jesters. "Indeed, players we be," he says, nodding and smiling. "Fools for a fool's world, acting for the crowds. I guess I'll play the Fool, then!" He takes a bite of his food. "The Brazen Fool," he adds. "I only hope I can play the part. My actual name is Aramus, by the by." He nods to the other gladiators.
Aramus heads to the armory after the meal and looks around. He tries the heft of some different weapons, but eventually settles on a pair of gladii. "These are light enough I can hit quickly," he says, "and two blades are better than one, no?" He also eyes some cestuses and requests those as well. For armor, he takes the basic fair, but denies the helmet. "The crowds must see their new hero!" he says with a small laugh.
|
After finishing his meal, again in solitude, he takes a gander at the armory for a suitable weapon. He sees a real staff, not the imitation he used earlier and goes with that. He also sees a cestus glove, not formally trained in one but looks like something easy for him to pick up on, an armored glove really. He looks over the armor and picks some partial armor that won't constrict his movements, especially since he'll be casting spells in the arena.
Me, I am formally trained in the staff and my enemy will experience it firsthand. They will experience the pain of having their skulls bashed in. Hmm, I like the sound of that, you can call me, "Bash". as Chasik lets out a small hiss with laughter trailing behind.
Alright slaves. Today 3 jugs of ale on the house!! Drink up and rest well tonight for our fight tomorrow.
Onimais slams down 3 jugs of ale on the table smiling briefly.
Just at that moment a certain lady in her early thirties walked in accompanied by 2 guards. She is average looking by beauty standards. She has a busty build and seems well maintained for her age. Her hair is tied in a neat manner. She is wearing a flowery perfume that one can smell despite the sweaty stench of the slaves bodies. She smiles at the slaves huddled at the table before retreating into a lavishly furnished room.
Ahhh....Treiden you are lucky tonight. Florine is a fine gal. Thank gods at least is not Ariella..
Onimais looked briefly at Ariella in her outrageous outfit before gulping down his mug of ale.
Garris drinks down his mug...
So Aramus was it? You will play the fool but not be a fool I hope. I pledge to you brothers and sisters now. No matter your past. Today we find ourselves brothers in arms for this Ludus. One day we will all be free again. That may be freedom found in death, but I will do my best to make sure each of you lives and doesn't meet his end. This is my pledge to this house and to all of you. I do not expect the same. Drink and be merry for tomorrow we feast on the blood of those put before us. Fight with bravery and die with honor.
Garris drinks another mug of ale. He stares for a moment at Treiden wishing he was in his place...
The novitus matches are usually openers before the main fights. Usually the arena would have sponsors who will pay for gladiators to entertain the audience before the main games. House Taliso owns the Ludus Golden Lions whom massacred the last batch of Nightingale Blades. Apparently, there is some high level politics being played here as they sponsored with big amount for the hiring of our opponents. Uaually they will hire foreign fighters.....
"So we should expect men at tomorrow's event," Treiden assumes aloud.
********
"I thank you for your kindness," he tells Onimais and Desimo humbly, watching Florine make her way to the seemingly out of place private room. "At the monastery, I trained extensively with flexible weaponry to offset the limitations of the human body. With the Sunsetsukon or the Kyoketsu Shoge I would be able to display to the audience a training performance that may please their eyes during our introduction. If you're lodus is equipped with such weapons I would make great use of them."
Ariella stares at the prostitute being brought in with obvious disgust. She looks at Treiden waiting to see if he will use the woman.
Treiden takes his seat between Ezer and Garris and contemplates the "gift" he had received. The woman is likely a slave just as I am. If the men in this room are now my brothers, she would be my sister. Though, judging by the crowd, they may not see her in the same respect...
He continues drinking water while the others grow rowdy from ale. Though the crowds would ultimately choose his fate tomorrow, he reserved the choice to see it through without risking self-afflicted ailment due to excess.
"If you can guarantee my protection I will return the same," Treiden vows to Garris. "But only under the promise that you can control the feral monstrosity you manipulate yourself into."
Control it... I'm always in control as long as other magic is not involved. I have to admit my inner will is week and can be manipulated by magic. If such a case would arise I trust in you, my brothers to put me down.
Garris stands
I forgot there are a few more things I want to take into the arena. A good spear may be of use. And maybe a net. Never used one before but how hard can it be.
Garrs returns to the armory to pick up a long spear, and a combat net. After he will return and sit back with Treiden.
So you going to let your lady lay in there and be cold or you going to go claim your prize?
He nudges Teiden in a joking manner.
Control it... I'm always in control as long as other magic is not involved. I have to admit my inner will is week and can be manipulated by magic. If such a case would arise I trust in you, my brothers to put me down.
Treiden gives 'The Dragon' an understanding nod.
So you going to let your lady lay in there and be cold or you going to go claim your prize?
"A man can wait. I would not squander my time on trivial pleasures when it could be better served learning of the men who might protect me from death."
He turns his attention to 'The Fool' Aramus, "How long have you been a slave, Aramus?"
Breunnor eats his meal in relative peace. reflecting on the events of the past few days. the mention of ale raises his spirits. and he makes quite the merriment.
Breunnor goes to the lady Ariella
You fought well. were you not human I would swear you were dwarf. you show the strength and stubbornous of my people. he raises his glass well fought
After the meal Bruennor informs the master of his name "The Highlander" and he selects his armor and weapon. shecking the quality of the weapon.
"Indeed, my brother!" Aramus says to Garris, reaching over to clap him on the shoulder. "If we seek to live through the day, we must band as one! I have no doubt that together, we cannot fail." He smiles around, and you see complete belief in this in the man's eyes.
Aramus claps and laughs again when Onimais slams the ale on the table. "Hear, hear!" the young gladiator says, pouring himself a cup and taking a large gulp. "And here I was, thinking my poor, parched throat would never again be wetted by the sweet flame of drink."
The young Katapeshi looks to Treiden. "Alas, I have only recently found myself in this situation." He sets the ale down and leans forward, placing his hands on the table. "Let me tell you--"Aramus' voice is lowered into a dramatic hush--"a matter of days past, where could I be found? Out, living free, on the sandy roads and plains of this great land! Going where my feet took me, doing as my heart desired! Freedom, friends--that is the ultimate in this life. And, sadly enough, we only realize this after we have lost it."
Aramus heaves a great, dramatic sigh. "In any case, I was found with my lady love. Her father, as so many do, disapproved of our bond, and, cruel noble that he is, had me imprisoned and sold into slavery. I suppose it was fortune that brought me here, where I might someday win my freedom, fame, fortune, and return to my one true love!" He does cough and turn to the room into which Florine moved earlier. "Though, in the meanwhile... My brother," he says, facing Treiden, "you are a lucky man. And, if you don't accept the gift you've been offered, you're a bigger fool than I!" Aramus laughs and pours himself another cup of ale.
Alright get in there now!! The night is no longer young. As the rest of you go retire early tonight. I do not know how many of you will make it through but..may the Gods show favor on us.
Guards!!
Onimais stood up, drank another mug of ale and left the slaves as 2 guards came and accompanied Treiden into the room with Florine, locked the door and stood guard outside.
The next morning came swiftly as the slaves finished the 3 jugs of ale and rested for the night. Florine kissed Treiden goodbye as she smiled and left.
Similarly, the guards woke the slaves up with the clanging of their swords against their shield. As the guards shouted for the slaves to load up the wagon, a young slave boy passes each slave a roasted leg of lamb for them.
Eat up for this may be your last meal!! one of the guards shouted while he locks up the caged wagon. When they arrived at the town of Olumsuz, it is a bustling scene as merchants and peddlers shout out their wares and people started crowding around the wagon.
It's the Nightingale fresh meat!!
They are dead!!! You are dead little birds hahaha!! which ludus names themselves nightingale little birds!!
House Taliso will eat them!!
Some even threw rotten vegetables at the slaves. At a certain distance, the slaves came under the shade of a large structure. Looking up they see a lime grey stone man made architecture of epic proportions. The height of the building is at least 200 feet, the length and width of the building is at least 500 feet.
The slaves, shackled together to a pole, walk through the market place where dyed red yarn hangs overhead, dripping onto them as they make their way to the arena. A white bull is seen with red dye poured along his back. Desimo walk under a large umbrella, to protect him from the dripping dye.
"So this is where we are to perform," Treiden muses to himself as he slinks along in chained formation with the others.
"Aye," Aramus says back, trying to seem unfazed by the situation. "And it will be the greatest performance one can ask for--a drama of life and death!"
So how was your night yesterday?
"Aye," Aramus says back, trying to seem unfazed by the situation. "And it will be the greatest performance one can ask for--a drama of life and death!"
At the Meal:
Ariella looks at Bruennor, and simply nods once to him.
On the Street:
Ariella smiles and waves to all the ladies in the crowd, flexing her muscles for them and holding up her fingers in a V before waggling her tongue between them in a crude gesture of cunnilingus. At some point during the march, she approaches Treiden. "Did you take that woman last night?" she whispers to him.
Owyn turns his head away from Ariella and attempts to restrain his vomiting.
He just succeeds.
Breunnor grabs the leg and takes a bite when he hears the mention of little birds and this house Taliso
Breunnor looks to the crowd ryring the caller of insults
Oy ya stoopit tattie-brained arse-wipe, You aint got da god givin brains ta be hurlin words like dat.
he looks about the crowd Look at all this crap, ell I didn't know dey could put so much in one place.
He points to a particularily annoying spectator Aye, look at dat one, evrybody got a right ta be ugly, but he is abusin da privliage
progressing through the crowds Breunnor continues the rude jestures
Xem strides forth beneath the dripping dye, letting it splatter upon him like hot blood he soon will feel. He focuses his hatred to a needlepoint of white hot rage to be unleashed once they reach the arena.
A rotten vegetable struck his side and he snapped, pulling his chains taut as he snarled and moved aggressively at the crowd like a wild beast the was merely held back by the few links of iron between them.