[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Felix.png[/img] [h2]&[/h2] [img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/garax.png[/img][/center] [center]Blood Pits[/center] [center][h2] One Hour Earlier[/h2] [/center] Cynbel was pulled away from the fun due to Sulleykaar, much to the both’s dismay. [color=gold]“It’s a shame that Shulleykaar hash bad timing. I wash really enjoying hish - company.”[/color] Felix hiccuped. [color=Green]”Enjoying his company?”[/color] Garax scoffed. [color=Green]”He failed to accept my challenge.[/color] Felix shook his head, wiping his mouth of the drink he took a swig from. [color=gold]”He had something important to take care of plus it must be important if- oof!”[/color] Garax had lost his concentration with the human general and slapped Felix’s chest and pointed to the woman down from them. [url=http://deakath.deviantart.com/art/Photoshoot-2015-Barbarian-2-568495782] She [/url] was beautiful. Her braids swayed back and forth thanks to some of her reactions while watching the pit. Her smile was a stunner and her body was killer. The black mask-like streak that ran across her eyes added this fierceness that many warriors would love. Felix and Garax just stared at her for a long moment before Felix took the initiative and stood up with the intention of meeting her. Garax grabbed him by the shoulder and forcefully sat him down. [color=Green]”She’s mine…[/color] Felix looked at him with this incredulous look. [color=gold]”Your’sh? Shaysh who!?”[/color] [color=Green]”Says me…[/color] He barked back. Soon enough the both of them began this race to see who would talk to her first. Pushing and shoving people out of the way as well as pulling each other back in the hopes that one of them would be there first. Just before they got to her, Felix jumped up to the bleacher above and lept of of the stone column next to it, a shield from his writ guard jolted out of its storage compartment and opened it a large tower shield that, with a loud “dong”, hit the Orc in the side of the head, putting him over the ledge. With an audible “thunk” the shield disappeared and Felix approached her with a warm smile only to turn into sheer shock and horror as he felt the large greenish hand grasp his spaulder and yanked him over the edge. With natural instinct, Felix grabbed onto Garax’ neck and placed his legs on the short ledge. Neala didn’t notice the scuffle. Fighting in the training grounds was pretty commonplace. Occasionally, she would cheer on the opponents in the pits, like today. In fact, she was feeling quite like a good tussle herself. There were rumors going around that Cynbel and the new dragon commander were picking soldiers for a troupe to ambush the Seelie tonight, and Neala wanted to be ready if her name was on that list. The fae barbarian ran a stone along the blade of her axe, sharpening it to a lethal edge as she sat in the bleachers beside the fighting rink, occasionally hooting and hollering about the contenders. [color=gold]”If I go down there you're coming wi-AHHH - OOF!”[/color] The Orc Warlord wasn’t going to give him the time or day to finish that stupid cliche. He simply released his grip on the ledge and leaned back, using the young human commander as a shock absorber. Of course, this didn’t go without Garax getting some kind of punishment from his stupidity. When they hit, the eagle sculpted spauled smacked against the Orc’s shoulder, dislocating it and a strong headache from the back of his head smacking into the heavy dragon scale chestplate that was Felix’s armor. They rolled away from each other as they took a moment for their pain to subside. Garax was the first to stand and he took in his surroundings with a large vicious grin. He was in the pit. He raised his hands and laughed as he encouraged the crowd to cheer him on. The orc looked towards Felix as he stood and shook his head before reaching for Craimor and Hagin, his favorite battle axes. Felix had finally made it to his feet and looked around. A classic “oh shit” face appeared on Felix as he looked at Garax who was now drawing out his axes. [color=Green]”[i]Now[/i] we will see who she is meant for. An Orc warlord or a Human Commander...[/color] he chuckled as he cracked his neck side to side. Felix looked dubious before sighing with a small smirk, gripping the handle of a rather interesting [url=http://i.imgur.com/Cs7G72P.jpg] blade[/url]. Within its sheath it seeped out an eerie black ectoplasm trail and when he drew it, a plume of the phantom mist escaped its sheath before slowly trailing off into the surrounding air. The tip of blade still releasing the abyssal colored smoke. The sandy blonde faerie raised her head when roaring cheers burst from the crowd. There were two new fights in the pit. Neala set down the sharpening stone and walked to the edge of the pits for a closer look, axe in hand. [center][h2]Present[/h2] [/center] [i]Clang! Clang! Thwack! Clang! Thwack![/i] [color=Green]”RAAAAAAAAGH!”[/color] The orc had gone on the offensive after getting pummeled by that damn jack-in-the-box called a shield. Whenever he went for the knockout blow, Felix would simply raise his arm and then. “Clang” Nothing but shield shortly followed back a strike from the broad side of the blade or a fist to the face. It was a shame that the Faerie general wasn’t here, he probably would enjoy watching the human show off some of his skills. Unfortunately however, the tide of the battle had started shifting into the Orcs favor. Powerful blow after blow started to weigh down the human commander. One could only handle so many hits from an orc before feeling fatigued and the Orc’s laughter wasn’t helping. [color=Green]”WHAT DID I TELL YOU! HAHAHAHA! SHE”S MINE!”[/color] Neala found herself enraptured by the battle of foreigners. While the fortitude of the human was impressive, far superior to any human she’d encountered thus far, she found herself rooting for the orc. She gave the hand signal that she wished to challenge the victor of this fight and the crowd began to cheer even louder. Close to two hours of straight fighting and finally Felix went down but not before that [i]”Iron Will[/i] of his gave him that second and third wind. But finally, with a heavy left hook, he sent the human down to the ground. The orc turned to face his fans, his axes held high as they erupted into cheers of applause and adoration but only grew orc intense when the woman they originally fought over wanted the next fight...against him. The faerie pole-vaulted down into the ring, landing with a solid thud and bracing herself by bending her knees before standing upright. She deftly spun the double-sided axe around as if it was feather-weight. [color=sienna]“Need to rest up first, kitten?”[/color] Garax sneered. [color=green]”Hardly...I’m not known as the Beserker of Bloodrun for no reason.”[/color] [color=sienna]”Good. It’s been a long time since I put an Orc on his ass, but I’m nowhere near rusty.”[/color] The barbarian threw her well-defined bicep into the air, hoisting her axe high above her head and garnering appreciative shouts from the audience. Garax...he liked her...Strong willed, courageous, and seemed to know her way around an axe. Sure, he was a warlord and could have anyone he wanted but he did have some standards, which she met. [color=Green]”So there sweety, wanna make a bet?”[/color] He asked with a straight face at first but he couldn’t holding the smile creeping up the sides of his mouth. The warrior woman smirked in response. A gambit and a fight, just her kind of night. [color=sienna]’If I win, I get your axes. They’d make a fine edition to my collection. And then, you will treat me to as much ale as I desire this night.”[/color] Judging from her towering height and thick muscles, suffice it to say she looked like she could drink most men under a table. Neala gave him the chance to make his own claim. He looked at her with disgust only briefly at the mention of Craimor and Hagin being taken from him should he lose before he smiled at her again. [color=Green]”And if I win. I get [i]your[/i] axe but also, I get you for the night. How does that sound, toots?”[/color] He gave her a massive and fairly perverted grin. He twirled his axes in hand as he rotated his shoulders a few times. Her enchanted leather chest plate shook as she let out a low, throaty laugh. [color=Green]”What’s so funny?”[/color] He frowned. [color=sienna]”You got a deal, big man.”[/color] she said before her smile turned feral. She crouched low with a round shield in her non-dominant hand and her great-axe, Tara, in the other. She clanged the axe to the shield in a taunt, much like a human viking would. Garax watched as she crouched down. [i]Oh her thighs[/i]. He grinned at the thought of what was between them until he heard the clanging of her shield. The orc clanged his own axes together and with a single hop, he lunged forward, his left arm swinging low across his body. His other he reeled back off the side of his head and once the first would land, his second would be there waiting. Neala pivoted in time to catch the first axe blow in her shield, opening the Orc up to a cheap shot in the stomach. She jabbed the blunt end of her axe-head into the meat of his torso with enough force to skid him back a foot or two. Garax had felt the butt end of the handle strike his midsection, gaining a slight grunt from him. However that didn’t stop him from bringing down his counter axe downward aimed for her collarbone. The faerie barbarian raised her forearm up to block the handle of his axes with the added strength of her bracer. The might the Orc put behind the swing cause pain to shoot up all the way to her shoulder blade, but at least she still had her head. [color=sienna]”Won’t be much left to fuck if you chop me to pieces.”[/color] she suggested slyly, distracting him enough to wind back and slam her head into his. The headbutt made an audible crack and would leave both parties a little dazed, but Neala managed to raised up her shield and get back in a defensive position. There really wasn’t much at stake in this fight - even if she lost, she’d be winning, but pride kept her in it. That statement definitely earned his distraction and the repercussions for said distraction as her head met his at full speed. He stepped back with a growl before he came at her with a barrage of double axes. One after the other they rained cold steel down upon her and her shield and it wasn’t long before he went for a bold move, and one that most likely would cost him the match. He moved in closer than before and with the inner curved and blunt side of the blade he yanked her forward, dropped his blades when and if she lost balance, and came in low, grabbing her by her torso and lifted her up before quickly descending to the ground. The scoop tackle wasn’t guaranteed to work in his favor but he wasn’t truly going for a finishing move but rather to cop a feel. [color=sienna]”Oof!”[/color] Neala grunted as the Orc knocked the air out of her. The grapple had knocked Tara out of reach, but Neala still had some other weapons on hand, if she could just get a hold of one. Somehow his barrage of axe swings had not managed to draw blood, so she was still in this. His testosterone-fueled desires were a weakness that Neala took full advantage of. The thick woman was surprisingly nimble as she wrestled and arm free from his tackle. When Garax felt her arm free, his eyes went wide. Swiftly, she retrieved the dagger stashed in the skull-shaped armor piece between her shoulderblades and brought her arm forward the graze the line of his jaw. It wasn’t meant to be fatal, just a slice deep enough to draw blood and look like a bad shaving mishap. [color=sienna]”Looks like I win, toots.”[/color] she said, mocking the tone he’d used with her.He laid there, blade at his neck and “tsked”. Neala brought the dagger to her lips and licked the blood off the smooth edge of the blade. Garax then placed his hands on her hips and slowly caressed her body. [color=Green]” Guess so...But I still got something out of this, heheheh”[/color] He said with confidence. Neala sat up and headbutted him again before bring a knee up into his groin. His natural male reaction was to grab ahold of his jewels and hold them, fetal position. [color=sienna]”Ah-Ah--- We made a deal. You owe me a few drinks… then maybe I’ll consider fucking you. That is, if you’re still able.”[/color] [color=Green]”FINE FINE! ALL THE ALE...I’M STILL ABLE DAMMIT! AND YOU BEST TAKE CARE OF THOSE THINGS!”[/color] He barked, kinda turned on by the whole battle. The dirty blonde faerie winked before standing up to dust herself off. She picked up her two new weapons and admired them. [i]How lovely…[/i] [center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/cynbel.png[/img][/center] Cynbel returned to the training grounds amidst a cacophony of cheering shouts. The Pits were seeing some of the heaviest flow of currency they had in awhile. Ale and gold was flowing as the bets came in. In the center of the ring, Neala and the Orc Warlord battled it out and cheers and boos came and went as blows were shared among the combatants. The commander caught sight of a rather defeated-looking human and went to stand beside him. [color=lightgray]”I see the Orc has taken my advice and found someone willing to entertain both desires…”[/color] Cynbel held his hands carefully in front of himself, surprisingly calm given the situation he just walked away from back at Court. It was quite possible that this human might have been in on the lies and deception. Some threats and warnings needed to be made, but he didn’t have to start with such harsh conversation. Felix looked over to see the faerie general had returned from the meeting. He quickly raised his arm and lowered it again, holding on tightly to it, probably fractured or dislocated something. [color=gold] “Ah, sorry I was in the pit. I would shake your hand for your return, but I think I broke it over the Orc’s skull.”[/color] He chuckled at his own joke and a painful look came and quickly left. He looked back down into the pit and sighed and pointed to the woman. [color=Gold]”We were fighting over her. Well, more so me in my drunken stupor. Now that I have sobered up a bit, she really isn’t too much of my type. Captain Kyla is more along my type. Black hair, thin face, athletic yet curvy body, as well as courageous, honest and loyal. She is also a very good teacher, I might add.[/color] He glanced at him with a smile. [color=gold]”That’s the kind of woman I like and could settle down with.”[/color] Cynbel’s face seemed to darken. [color=lightgray]“Do yourself a favor, don’t settle down.”[/color] his words spoke of the pain that only a terrible loss could bring. Felix gave him a questioning look. He looked to the ring were one of his most decorated soldiers and newest allies duked it out in a brutal game of foreplay. Cynbel sighed, but remained calm, unlike his wayward daughter in situations like this. [color=lightgray]“Tell me…”[/color] Cynbel switched the subject. [color=lightgray]“Did you know of the dragon’s plans?”[/color] Felix subconsciously nodded. [color=Gold]”Yes, that’s why we’re here. We’re supposed to aid you in this war against the Seelie. Why? Has that changed?”[/color] The human commander’s attention was now temporarily away from the fight but to Cynbel instead. A confused look on his face. The human was easy to read. Honestly, Cynbel couldn’t have walked in at a better moment… Garax being distracted and all. If Felix was lying, Cynbel would know in the same way that all Unseelie faeries would know, by tasting his emotions. Felix wasn’t nervous though, just honestly confused. [color=lightgray]”It has not changed, but new things have been brought to light. That [i]’meeting’[/i] he called me to was nothing but an assassination with an audience.”[/color] [color=gold]”WHAT!”[/color] He yelled, however, Garax could not hear him over the shouting and yelling from the crowd. [i]Now[/i] Felix was nervous. He was in a weakened state and if Cynbel wished for it he could easily strike him down and the young commander would not be able to stop him. [color=Gold]”Impossible. There’s no way in hell that he would do such a thing to his new allies! Commander Cynbel there is more to this you’re not telling me.”[/color] His voice was raised until he got to his question-statement. Then it was like a father to a son who he caught lying to him. Cynbel raised a pale white eyebrow. [color=lightgray]”Is there? Perhaps you know more than you are letting on. Let me be clear here, human. I will not tolerate anymore lies. If we are to be allies, we are to be equals. I cannot lie, therefore neither should you.”[/color] [color=Gold]”AND NEITHER CAN I![/color] Interrupted. [color=Gold]”By the Order, the Kingdom of Kalmar [i]and[/i] my knighthood I am bound by oath to always be honest and forthright. I myself have done nothing to you or your Queendom that would be considered a lie so if you feel that I have lied to you-”[/color] Felix brought a painful arm above and then behind his hand and slapped the seal of his armor, letting it drop to the ground with a loud thunk. [color=Gold]” Then strike me down where I stand.”[/color] Now he stood erect with his chest out, a fierce yet confident gaze staring back at Cynbel. Silence on his side as he awaited an answer or a blade. Cynbel stared at him and then nodded [color=lightgray]“Very well. It is good to know that there is at least one honest soul in this bunch.”[/color] The fight had ended with Neala being the victor via first blood. The commander smiled pridefully at his soldier. Cynbel brought his attention back to Felix before explaining Sulleykaar’s actions, and his reason behind them. Full disclosure, as promised from here on out. He sat there, bewildered. [color=Gold]”Of all groups he wants to bring down it’s the Children of Tiamat. For longest time I've known Suls he always said he was a part of them...This is alot to take in-”[/color] [color=lightgray]“You are telling this to the man who just watched two of his closest friends die…. Or, so I thought. Kiara will never forgive him, Hyumae was like a mother to her.” Cynbel said sadly. It was uncommon to see the commander show even the slightest amount of emotion, but it had been a long day. [color=Gold]” But according to your story they were assa- your right. Even if they were she grew up knowing her…[/color] He stopped his original thought out of respect. He looked at him with a smirk. [color=gold]”Look what you could use right now is a big ol’ pint of something to knock you on your ass and a few bets on the next couple of fights. What do you say, hm? Ow, dammit!”[/color] He said as he patted him on the back only to hurt his hand even more on the stone like skin of the Fey general. [color=lightgray]”That sounds like a fine idea. First, I’m going to fetch you a healer. They are few and far between in our court, but we have a couple and this is the best place to find one.”[/color] Cynbel stood up and took the path to one of the nearby buildings. Most of them held sleeping quarters and armories, but a few functioned as infirmaries. On the way, Cynbel ran into Neala and her prize… or perhaps it was vice versa? Hard to be sure. [color=lightgray]“May I have a word?”[/color] Cynbel asked the Orc. [color=Green]”Tsk...I’m busy…[/color] He stated, not recognizing the voice at first. Neala elbowed him hard in the ribs. [color=Green]”Oof! What!? What is i- Commander Cynbel?”[/color] He looked at him confused for a second before grinning and walking over to the Commander. [color=Green]”Do you accept my challenge from earlier or are you backing out?”[/color] A cocky attitude and expression accompanying the question. [color=lightgray]“I’m afraid I have some business to discuss. I wouldn’t want you to keep Neala waiting too long, it’d be a shame if she lost interest.”[/color] A knowing smiled played at the Commander’s lips. He looked back to her for a moment before looking at the commander with a frown. [color=Green]” You have the absolute worst timing I have ever had the misfortune to deal with. Let’s talk quickly, I can already feel myself starting to hurt.”[/color] Neala stepped away respectfully while Cynbel hashed out the same story he had told to Felix just moments before, requesting that he and the Orc also promise honesty with one another. [color=Green]”That dragon paid me to fight the Seelie, not the Wyrms of the Underworld. Shit…”[/color] He scratched the back of his head before slamming a fist into the wall. [color=Green]” I better get paid double for this or I swear if I’m not dead by the end of this shit I’ll use his head as a fucking bowl for my stew.”[/color] Cynbel chuckled smoothly [color=lightgray]“Be sure to make enough to share.”[/color] if anyone wanted the dragon’s head, it was Cynbel. [color=Green]”Hey, Cynbel...Do me a favor…[/color] He said before getting ready to head back to his trophy, or bed buddy, or whatever it was. [color=Green]”Cut the dragon some slack. He may have lied but that crazy bastard always has a method to his madness. I learned that quickly about him. He’s not all that bad....As long as he pays up!”[/color] Cynbel’s eyes narrowed slightly, but his tone was still light and cordial [color=lightgray]”This request coming from the same brute who threatened to fuck the very daughter I am fighting to keep safe.”[/color] Garax eyes widened at the revelation of who that girl’s father was. A blanket of fear came and went though as he simply shrugged. [color=Green]”I’m an Orc. We orcs aren’t too bright. Smarts stop after we get off the battlefield. [/color] He smirked, letting the general know that he meant no harm. The faerie commander looked to Neala and then to the Orc. [color=lightgray]”Enjoy the rest of your evening, I’m sure Neala will make you feel [i]most[/i] welcome.”[/color] Cynbel bowed politely and received a respectful nod in return. He then made his way to the nearest infirmary and acquired a healer for Felix. It was a young boy, an apprentice, but trained enough to fix a simple broken hand. When they had returned, they had seen Felix fidgeting with his hand, yelling now and then in an apparent attempt at fixing it himself while he waited for help. [color=lightgray]“Felix, you’re going to make it worse!”[/color] The father in him couldn’t help but scold. The healer’s apprentice asked to see it. When Felix reluctantly offered his hand, the boy held it between both of his own. The was a glowing light and a warm feeling that washed over the wounded area before the sharp pain of bones resetting. [color=Gold]” GAA-”[/color] Felix went to scream in pain before blacking out for a few seconds, only to return to the pain again, this time, gritting his teeth to it. He let out a trembling chuckle that turned into a painful laugh. [color=Green]”Oh it doesn’t hurt it only- GAH - tickles- TSSS DAMMIT!”[/color] He said in what was a mix of sarcasm and pain. Despite the human’s carrying on, the boy bravely healed his wounds. Yes, brave, because he was practically shaking at having to perform in front of the General. [color=Gold]” Young boy, what is your name?”[/color] He asked after the painful part started to subside. “Kieran.” the boy responded. [color=Gold]”Kieran...Very nice name. You did a great job and I thank you for it.”[/color] He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small sack that jingled slightly. [color=Gold]” A job well done is a job well paid...Here.”[/color] He handed the young boy a few gold coins for the trouble. Cynbel smiled warmly. [color=lightgray]“Indeed, very well done, Kieran. Keep up your studies and some day you may find yourself out on the fields with my men and women. A good healer is more precious than silver or gold.”[/color] Kieran’s face lit up at the high praise. Felix gave the general a mocking frown but nodded in agreement. [color=Green]” You cannot pay your way out of battle but like the general said. A good healer is more valuable than any form of money.[/color] He roughed the kid’s hair up a bit before smiling and leaned back. God the pain was exhausting. Kieran thanked them both and bowed politely before taking leave to return to his previous duties. [color=Gold]”Cynbel…”[/color] Felix said dully as he watched the fights below. [color=Gold]”What do you truly think of our odds against the Children of Tiamat? Commander to Commander.”[/color] He looked to Cynbel with the infamous thousand-yard stare. [color=Gold]”I don’t doubt our forces’ strengths but the odds are heavily against us.”[/color] Cynbel nodded his head in agreement. [color=lightgray]”It is unclear… these plans based on visions… it is all far too risky for my taste - and he hopes to have us ally with the Seelie? That sounds like a plan destined for failure, there is a reason we are always at war. Some differences cannot be settled, even if we were once all the same people.”[/color] he said with a hefty amount of honesty. This dragon war, it was naught but a pipe dream. [color=Gold]”What truly frightens me though is the idea of failure… We go to the Seelie who we are currently at war with, ask for basically a truce to take down a dragon tyranny only for The dragons’ spies to catch on and convince the Seelie to keep the war going. Then we’re fighting on two fronts wit-“[/color] He chuckled. [color=Gold]”Sorry...I’m just over thinking things I think… Let’s just get a drink and make some bets…”[/color] He gave a mock smile before resting his head against the pillar. [color=Gold]”That damn orc has a nasty right hook by the way.[/color] He stayed silent before laughing. The faerie commander concurred and fetched them some more ale and decided who from his horde would accompany Kyla and Sulleykaar’s soldiers on the ambush tonight.