([color=8882be]Dominus[/color], Streets of Artis Port, Praelium)

Darlien's cocky smile returned as he backhanded the lightning arc that the Dominus mage sent out with ease. So he did know how to play defensively. Perhaps this was simply the first time he was really met with a challenge. This was good for the Dominus, they would get a greater test of their skills. Maybe even learn a thing or two from the rogue mage.

[color=f7941d]"I bet you think I'm some stupid kid,"[/color] he snarked. [color=f7941d]"But I'm more than that, I've learned about the world, I've studied the world and all the..."[/color]

[color=8882be][i]He seems to like to hear himself talk.[/i][/color] The Dominus thought to themself. [color=8882be][i]I wonder if vanity is in his genes? Maybe it was taught to him by Benaduza.[/i][/color]

Dominus mused over the origin of Darlien's confidence, but their concentration was broken by a roar from Darlien, which was followed by a powerful slam to ground, causing a shockwave. The Dominus was at the epicenter of this shockwave and did not have time to dodge the telegraphed attack due to their wandering mind. The move slightly, but took the brunt of the blow. The mage went flying, slamming into the side of a nearby building.

[color=8882be]"Damnnit..."[/color] They moaned, clutching their arm. [color=8882be]"Can't let my mind wander..."[/color] The stood back up, brushing themselves up. They turned their still hood covered face to Darlein. Their focus was now narrowed, their sole thought process was to end the rogue mage's tyranny against Praelium.

[color=8882be]"I didn't call you boy just because of your inexperience,"[/color] The Dominus mage called back, voice in monotone. [color=8882be]"Your errand is also a fools."[/color]

The Dominus mage's hands sparkled with magic, one with with electricity and the other with a unique purple glow. They shot themselves forward with the purple glowing hand towards Darlien, and with the other shot out a continous stream of electricity.

[hr]

(Jameson Telluth, Fort Paline, Praelium)

The Sergeant groaned and faltered a bit, the flat blade of Holden's dagger to his gut. His parrying stance had failed, the man moved irregularly and with grace, something his parry stance could not account for. However, even with the wind knocked out of him, the Sergeant was not ready to give up. Sure, the blow to the stomach would have been a deadly blow, but now that Jameson was more prepared with his opponents tactics, he wouldn't be as easy as a foe.

"Well, round one goes to you with that," Jameson said, jumping back from Holden and reaching the other side of the circle. "I suppose round two will start immediately now."

Jameson rushed Holden, jabbing at him quickly with the left sword. 

[i][Hopefully this was is to leave Holden's other side free.[/i]

Jameson came crashing down with his right sword, blunt side aiming right for Holden's neck. Like Holden, he wasn't aiming to hurt, but he hoped the blow from the sword would feel hard enough that Holden would know the Sergeant's strength.