Fantasy Dawn of Weisben

[SilverFlight]

The wolverine broke away on the other side of Tauls, looking confused for a moment, then he looked to his arm and fear crept under his feral mask. Likara smiled triumphantly, watching as the beast staggered backwards and turned to run. He didn't get far. The poison crept into his system quickly and the guards only had to jog a few paces before they caught up to him and bound his paws.
"Cheaters will be dealt with severely." Nodded the moderator, an approving glance at Tauls.
"Good work. The academy won't forget this."
Likara made her way over to her friend, "Nice catch." She said with a smile that was slightly strained from the poison still in her blood "I wouldn't even have known what hit me if it weren't for you." The gratitude in her voice was evident. "Thank you."
The wolverine struggled feebly against his captors. As he was dragged past, a small slip of paper dislodged itself from his pocket and fluttered to the floor before her. Curious she bent to pick it up.
The slip was worn but the hand though messy was legible. Her eyes shot back and forth over the page before they widened.
"Wait!" She called to the guards. "Wait! I need to question him!" But the crowd was already swallowing them up. She tried to run forward but staggered as her body, still weak, rebelled against her will. She sank to one knee clutching at the grass in frustration.

((You can proceed with the main story anytime, I'm just making things up as I go, no real plan ^^))

Mmetafour

 

[Mmetafour]

Tauls moved over to Likara after modestly handing over the hidden blade to the moderator, he supposed now, it would be considered evidence. He helped her up, steadying her so she could stand and let the effects of the poison wear off a bit without straining herself. "Its okay, he'll probably be kept in holding for a while here on campus until they're ready to move him somewhere else, if you really need to talk to him I'm sure we could set something up...." He said softly, looking around. The animals who had been watching were now chattering among each other, watching the wolverine get carried off by the guards in the direction of the academy. Some of them were staring at Tauls and Likara in awe, and some, perhaps those who had just lost a hefty bit of coin, were looking in disbelief.

The two were joined by Kantier as Tauls slowly led Likara out of the ring. A few questions would be asked among the guards and the head guard on duty, but the matches would continue, which would be hard with them standing in the middle of one of the rings. "I can't leave you alone for ten minutes without you getting into a fight with someone bigger than you?" Kanteir asked in mock disappointment.

Tauls shook his head and brought Likara to a bench, stretching a bit as he helped her sit down, he wasn't angry at his friend for making a joke, but his face was a bit serious. "He cheated....why? The tournament isn't that big a deal....The reward for winning is a bit of coin and bragging rights...certainly not something to poison someone over..."

"Come on Tag, you are letting that big brain of yours run amok, think about it.....If I were a backstabbing thief, I would have tons of my...." The rottweiler thinks for a moment "...acquaintances, bet on my matches and then cheat and make sure I won them without a doubt. They profit, I profit, end of story" he shrugs and smiles slyly, feeling confident, but Tauls doesn't seem convinced.

"Calukree bark...." He said softly, almost to himself "Calukree bark is extremely rare in Callcaus....It would have to be imported and then ground and made into a paste...thats expensive...I mean...I understand...Calukree bark in small doses can cause weakening, there aren't many poisons out there that can be concealed so easily, and aren't going to kill their victim outright, but.....still...." He glanced over at Likara "The reward doesn't seem to justify the cost....what was in that note?"

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Likara allowed Tauls to take her to a bench and sat gratefully. She was silent through most of the exchange, staring grimly at the place where the guards and their captive had disappeared. When Tauls began speaking of the poison she turned to him. "There's a market for the stuff in Idyam...where I come from." She was reluctant to say it, she knew the reputation of her home, how many less-than-savory characters resided there, and didn't want the knights to think less of her for it.
"Specifically, its gifted to members of a very powerful gang. More as like it is as Kantier guessed, a newly-initiated grunt stepping over his limits."
She sighed heavily, folding the note and unfolding it before handing it to Tauls.
It didn't make much sense, something about wisps and old oaks and coming home with the ghosts.
"Its in code." She explained, "Instructions for a smuggler I think, the important thing is it gives a location." She looked at them both seriously, "but, perhaps I owe you a bit more information than that..."
She cleared her throat and searched for the words to begin: "I come from a long line of skilled prospectors, miners and gem-cutters. Badgers have always been in good stead in Idyam for our affinity with earth and stone. My family's skills were coveted by many, but we've always been simple folk, never wanting more than we need. One day, my parents caught the eye of a lord interested in expanding his business into precious metals. They didn't know then that he was also the leader of one of the largest gangs in the territory...He tricked them, I was only a kit when it happened, into indentured service. Legal, in Idyam, though often its just a fancy word for slave."
She felt miserable admitting it, but somehow it also felt like a relief speaking so freely. She hadn't told a single soul, hadn't spoken a word about anything for so long. She felt the knots in her heart slowly begin to untangle.
"He's got them trapped, both by the law and by his lackeys. They are treated...very poorly. I left as soon as I was able to travel on my own, and I've been learning all I can about this lord, and the gang he runs. Trying to find a way to take him down and free my parents. Its how I came to know some of their code words, and...its how I came here. That wolverine is a member of this very gang. He may know more than this paper tells us. That's why I need to question him."
She waited then, for judgement, or pity or any of the other reactions she had imagined getting when she exposed her truth. She imagined somehow that her past made her lesser, that the abnormality of it would make her an outcast. She had tried to convince herself that she didn't care what others thought, but looking up at Tauls and Kantier, she realized it was a falsehood.

Mmetafour

 

[Mmetafour]

Tauls and Kantier listened to her story seriously, while Tauls still held the coded page in his hands, watching Likara's face while she explained her families tale and what she'd gone through. When she finally finished, they both stood beside her without saying a word. Tauls seemed to be concentrating on the events that had just transpired AND now Likara's past, while Kantier just closed his eyes and shook his head. The rotwiller was the first to speak up. "It is truly a shame, the things that happen in this world to good people. A hard working family and a good honest community, you did nothing to deserve that."

Tauls moved his hand to Likara's shoulder comfortingly and looked at her "I'm sorry..." He said sincerely, "I know we only just met each other, but I don't think it would be too much trouble for us to help you get an audience with this man...especially if it helps you in any way with your parents..."

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Likara smiled gratefully at Tauls, but her smile turned rueful as she recalled that morning.
"If my interrogation skills earlier are anything to go by I doubt I will be able to get a useful thing out of him...I'm not like them, I can't inflict pain knowing the poor soul is at my mercy, and I've nothing to bribe the truth from him either, that is not even counting the fact that he'd likely be punished by the gang if ever they found out he spoke..."
It was certainly a problem. She took a breath and tried her legs again, feeling stiff, but stable. She managed it seemed to strike a deal with her protesting limbs. She moved with a cautious slowness but did not seem in danger of falling a second time.
"At any rate, he's certainly not going anywhere for the moment. I'm afraid I'm in no condition to continue the tournament, even if they did let me, but that doesn't mean I can't watch you two."
Her tone was a bit brighter and the playful shine returned to her eyes. "Now that I've seen a little of your skill Tauls, I'm anxious to see more."

Mmetafour

 

[Mmetafour]

"Ohh...um...yes....well" Tauls stammered a bit and chuckled, his cheeks warming a bit behind his fur. "Thank you" He replied and waved his hand slowly, removing the one that he'd been holding on her shoulder. He then turned to Kantier "Thanks for the save back there....I guess you won your match huh?" Kantier beamed "only took a couple moments, some ruffian from the city, small cat, big sword. The first few matches are always full of them, It will start to get interesting after a while tho" He pointed to one of the rings where a couple of dogs were facing off against each other, their blades catching.

"yes I'm sure there will be plenty of talent" Tauls smiled and nodded. "Speaking of which" Kantier added "Wasn't that your name they called? to face off against the wolverine who just got dragged away?"

Tauls looked over at the board and raised his eyebrows as he realized it WAS indeed his next opponent, although he'd now been moved up the board after his opponents untimely elimination. "I guess the two of you had a fight that you won....in a manner of speaking" Kantier smirked "JUST like you to win a fight without even drawing your blade Tag!" He patted Tauls on the back hard enough to jolt him forward slightly as Tauls himself laughed and smiled brightly. "What can I say....?"

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Likara chuckled, feeling better now that it seemed nothing had changed between them after all.
"Aye, I can't wait to see how you'll pull it off in the next match! Come on, let's go find it."
The arena's were becoming slightly more grand, this one wasn't elevated, but larger, the posts hung with coloured flags. Likara went to find a vendor and bought a small bag of honeyed nuts for herself and the others. She took in the sights a bit, studying the intricate architecture of the academy walls and wondering how old the buildings were.
She returned to Tauls and Kantier shortly afterwards. "The secret to good candied nuts," She tossed one up and into her mouth casually. "Is just a hint of rock salt. My pa taught me how to make them, but these are almost as good."
She offered the bag to the two knights while her eyes drifted to the arena moderator, waiting for him to call out the next opponent.
"Good luck Tauls. And...mind yourself."

Mmetafour

 

[Mmetafour]

Tauls and Kantier followed Likara through the crowds, walking with her to the stalls where they sold snacks and listened intently as she explained the intricacies of candied nuts to them. "I usually don't go for this kind of thing...." Kantier said, taking a couple of the honey slathered nuts and eating them, five or six at a time while Tauls watched, smiling and slowly eating one at a time. "..but when you talk about it so fervently!" The large dog smiled "I guess I cannot help myself" He winked.

As moderator called out the next few matches, it became readily apparent, that most of the inexperienced fighters were being flushed out. Battle after battle played out in the rings scattered throughout and they only became longer and filled with more struggle as time went on. Soon Tauls was finally called upon again for his first REAL match against another student from the school. He gave a weak smile to his two friends before climbing into the ring. "Tauls?" The short bluebird said as he stood opposite his opponent, getting ready for the fight. "no way! when the board had your name on it I figured there just must be someone else with that name...." The bird followed his comment with a short phrase in Caulquin, expressing his serendipitous disbelief before returning to Caulian "Tauls Cobb in a ring about to FIGHT, since when were you interested in something like th-" The bird stopped speaking, glancing over at Likara and Kantier, whos maw happened to be spread into a huge toothy grin. "Kantier signed you up didn't he..."

Tauls simply nodded, before shrugging "what are you gonna do...right?"

The Bluebird, shook his head and drew his sword, getting into a well practiced fighting stance. "what are you gonna do...." He repeated the words back, smiling and waiting for the mark. At the same time Tauls unsheathed his own sword, sighing out and entering his own stance, his ears perking up as his attention was drawn to the bird opposing him, his nose twitched slightly and his paw squeezed around the hilt of the blade, almost as if testing its weight. "Good luck" said the bird. "And the same to you..." Tauls replied before the moderator called their match.

In a blinding instant the bird flew forward winged arm stretching out with the sword stabbing forward towards a non lethal part of Tauls' body, perhaps hoping to end the match instantly. The birds form, while not masterful or perfect, was certainly skillful, it was obvious he knew how to handle a sword, and from the dog's swift movements, it was obvious Tauls had been modest just as Kantier attested.

Tauls moved his sword arm quickly, deflecting the oncoming blow and redirecting it away from him, sidestepping the bird, but the maneuver didn't deter him drastically. He quickly regained his footing, following up his attack with yet another swift swipe in Tauls' direction, slashing at him as Tauls once again moved out of the way. For every slice Tauls' feet danced through the dirt, leaving the bird's metal cutting only air. At first glance it would appear Tauls was streaming all his attention into dodging attacks in an effort not to get hit, he hadn't even performed a single counter attack, but upon closer inspection it became clear he wasn't over exerting himself. While he was indeed keeping his distance and parrying when necessary, his attention seemed to be elsewhere entirely.

Kantier smirked over at Likara, watching her face as she examined the match for herself. "This is what I meant....you will see why I had to sign him up. I know he seems like a bit of an unorthodox knight. Always nice and peaceful....but, when it comes to battle he's just as smart in there as he is out here. There are not many people who can best me in a sword fight...." Kantier eyed Tauls as he floated around the ring. "But when he gets into it....there's nothing I can do to stop him, he can read me like a book...."

After another bout of unsuccessful waves the bird took a step back, looking at Tauls a little out of breath. "Are you....going to fight sometime? Or just wait...for me to give up? because...that isn't going to work Tauls" He smiled and looked at the dog expectantly.

"Huh?" Tauls perked up, actually looking at the bird like he just realized he'd been in the ring with the dog this whole time. "oh....sorry....I was just..." Tauls blinked a bit, looking a little embarrassed. The bird shook his head again and rushed forward, his wing outstretched, but it wouldn't do this time. Tauls had seen enough. The bluebird had the long reach boasted by most birds, the swift forward movements and wide arcs were a wonderful advantage, almost both an offensive one and a defensive one all in the same feathered package. However, despite the training and practice, the bird's legs were weak, and he could not escape a close combat situation without flapping his wings. The quick thrust at Tauls took all the leg strength the bird could muster at the moment, but he'd already used the attack once and Tauls, who had been watching intently, saw it coming. He moved just a hair to the right and stepped into the bird, who, caught by surprise, was unable to react as Tauls grasped his tunic in one hand, trapping him there, while with the other, bringing the tip of he sword to the bird's neck. There was nowhere for him to go, and nothing for him to do, checkmate...Just like that, Tauls had won his match

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

"My friend, you must come to the Idyam mining markets. You have not lived until you have tasted the foods we can make there." Likara slapped Kanteir on the back, making sure to wait until he had swallowed the food first.
As Likara looked for the fighters they became much easier to pick out. Only the skilled seemed to be left and each had a different way of moving when compared to the untrained.
"Now comes the good fun." She said happily as she followed Tauls after his name was called. At first she didn't know what to make of the bluebird, he was obviously an acquaintance, and seemed to be familiar with Tauls' pacifistic streak.
When he asked about Kanteir's involvement Likara have a hearty chuckle. "It seems you have as much an infamous reputation as Tauls does a peaceable one!"
When the match begun Likara quieted, she leaned her arms against the fence and studied the pair carefully. It was Tauls that most drew her attention however; his form was fluid, his movements effortless. If Likara fought like the earth, stubborn and unwavering, packing blows with force and solid commitment, then Tauls fought like water, bending and moving, never in the same shape for more than an instant. It was almost mesmerizing.
Kantier's voice jolted her out of her thoughts. She listened to him pensively.
"Why did he become a knight?" The question slipped out before she could catch it, so she pressed on boldly. "He doesn't strike me as the type to want a profession in battle, so I am just curious as to what course of events brought him here."
By then the bluebird was beginning to show fatigue and Likara knew the outcome of the match. She couldn't help but smile when Tauls gave a look like he hadn't been focusing on the fight at all. He ended it swiftly and with an adept skill that had Likara applauding with the rest.
When Tauls returned to them he would see her nod in quiet admiration.
"What were you thinking of?" She asked as came back, "since it obviously wasn't the match, the clouds perhaps? Or more candied nuts?" The jab was soft and more a musing then an active attempt to tease.

Mmetafour

 

[Mmetafour]

"Its true.." Kantier replied "Tauls does not care much for battles and glory, unlike most knights he is not interested in the glory of combat, testing his might against another and the feeling of steel meeting steel. He does not see fighting as a method of growth or power as the equivalent of strength. His idea of knighthood comes from defending others..." The dog, nodded, speaking to Likara while looking at Tauls in the ring as he was declared the winner and shook paw to feather, thanking his opponent for the fight.

"As long as I have known him, he has only cared about helping other people. I suppose, because his father and grandfather were knights as well, and their legacy was passed down to him, he felt the need to continue in their footsteps. He would rather be a shield than a sword" He finally looked over at her "Honestly I think he would be better off as a counselor, perhaps an emissary?" Kantier shrugged. "Some days, I believe the only thing keeping him here is his family's service"

Tauls finally returned to them, smiling and blushing a bit, "So....I guess you got to see me fight" He shrugged a bit, looking back and forth between Likara's nod and Kantier's huge grin "heh! I knew you would win" The rot gave him a heavy pat on the shoulder "I cannot wait to meet you in that ring for the final battle" He smiled and shook his head.

Tauls looked over at Likara when she asked her curious question. "Oh.....I just, sometimes, I can't help it....watching someone in a fight is almost like reading a new book, or listening to a piece of music you haven't heard. I become a little entranced with the skills of others and sometimes I just....sort of...." he searches for the term.

"Goes of into his own world" Kantier finishes for him.

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Likara chuckled again, a warm, welcoming sound. "Careful doing that. One day the habit could do you a disservice."
Now the crowds were beginning to disperse and Likara looked about once more. She rubbed a bicep carefully, flexing her arm and testing its mobility as the poison continued to dissipate.
"The good think about Caluktree, is that the effect doesn't last all that long if the dose is low. Good thing its only given out as a diluted poison to those thugs."
She took the paper out from her pouch, where it had been kept safely, and read it over again. "This actually turned into a very lucky encounter. After the tournament I know where I'll need to head. Seems I found a lead in this town after all."
Replacing the paper carefully she looked up once more. "Right! The next few matched should be the last. I could have counted wrong but I think the quarter-finals are upon us. Who will I get to watch next?"

Mmetafour