Ryzom

(Author's note : I don't often write long stories since I have the bad habit of never finishing them...)


Leader : Detheon (Fyros) High officer : Eulix (Fyros) High officer : Zhao (Zoraï) Officer : Mella (Fyros) Officer : Mac’Nary (Tryker) Officer : Roni (Matis) Member : Apolla (Fyros) Member : Fuan (Zoraï) Member : Tinaera (Matis) Member : Icalan (Fyros)
2 guilds.The first one led by Detheon. The second by Varo. Two rivals, two enemies. They hate each other. Both guilds fight and kill each other. And no one knows why.



Deep down in the roots of Atys, the expedition halted. An ageing fyros with grey hair tied in a tail and ornamented with a crown stepped forward, looked around, sniffing the air then beckoned to a zoraï standing behind him.

-We must be close now. I can smell the horrible stench of yelk nearby. Tell everyone to get ready.
-Very well Eulix.

The company walked silently, keeping to the shadows and looking out at all times for any predator that may cross their path. Eulix spotted two kinchers lurking nearby, seeking prey. The fyros tightened the hold on his pike. With a bit of luck he wouldn’t have to use it. Suddenly he snapped his fingers. Everyone dropped down on the ground automatically. They were there. The expedition crept towards the kitin lair, unnoticed. A couple of kidinaks guarded the entrance.

-By the zerx’s tail ! I hope this’ll work...We’ll be in serious trouble if it doesn’t. Growled a tryker.
The fyros woman lying next to him elbowed him in the ribs, and put a finger to her mouth.

-Fuan ! Whispered Eulix, adressing the zoraï. You deal with the yelks. Mac’Nary, you’ll have to lure the guards away.
-Hey ! Why me ?
-You’re the smallest.

Mac’Nary muttered a curse, inaudible for anyone but himself to hear while Fuan quietly pulled a pair of magic amplifiers out of his yubo skin bag and drew away from his friends, towards a peaceful pack of yelks digging the dirt in search of food, close to the lair, but far enough to feel safe from kitin attack. The zoraï stood up, and scanned the area, examining the distance between the yelks and himself. The range was too low for Fuan’s liking. The spells would have to be powerful.
A shrill whistle echoed in the distance. A few yelks looked up in alarm, confused of the strange noise. Fuan whistled back. He was ready. Mac’Nary made his move. Grabbing a pistol from his pocket he sprinted towards the kidinaks, took careful aim as he ran past and pulled the trigger twice. Two bullets ricocheted off the shell of the two guards. Stamping angrily, the kidinaks did not follow him. Pinchers snapped menacingly, daring the cheeky tryker to shoot again. Which he did. A rain of ammo hit the kitins, bouncing off their shells, pinchers and stubby legs. Though it barely scratched them, it irritated them profoundly. Their small bodies rocked from side to side, stamping with frustration. “Come on !” Muttered Mac’Nary angrily. “C’mon and chase me !” The tryker fired another bullet. No reaction. Again ! An angry click from a pincher followed. They knew they mustn’t leave the lair. But were they going to let this pestering homin taunt them ? Why was he doing this ? There must be a reason...
The first kidinak took a step forward, about to attack. The other hesitated a second, then, to Mac’Nary’s dismay and to everyone’s horror, roared a warning to the inhabitants of the lair.
“Smart boy.” Muttered Fuan as he observed kinchers and kirostas pouring out of their nests faster than the wag of a yubo’s tail.
Mac’Nary’s reaction was quick, desperate and based on the sole instinct of his tryker mind : he ran faster than his legs could bare, shouting to himself repeatedly what sounded very much like : “Oh crap ! oh crap ! oh crap !”

-By the ashes of Dyros ! This is not how I intended the kidinaks to react ! Exclaimed Eulix. Mella ! Roni ! Help Fuan subdue the kitins ! Kill the yelks ! Hopefully Mac’Nary will have the sense to run to them.

Two kinchers caught up with the panting tryker, and were about to perform a deadly strike when giant roots shot from the ground and curled around the legs of the predators, incapacitating them. Mac’Nary didn’t have time to check who just saved his life. He sprinted to the pack of yelks. As he approached, Fuan summoned all his energy, took a deep breath, and invoked his spell. A huge shockwave bomb lit the darkened sky of the primes roots high above, before diving onto the yelks. Mac’Nary felt the blast as the spell hit it’s targets and went flying 10 metres before rolling on the soft ground, his natural resistance to shockwave saving him from certain death. A hord of kitins succumbed to the lethal clouds emanating from the dead yelks. But Fuan was considerably weakened by his spellcast. He felt his energy drained and his muscles aching. He dropped to his hands and knees, panting, and angry that a single spell would put him out of action so easily. Suddenly he sensed a wisp of wind envelopping him, bringing fresh air to his lungs and life to his limbs and stared at Mella, who had just cast a healing spell on him. She grinned. He smiled. After pulling him back up, the brave fyros girl cast elemental spells on the remaining yelks, while Fuan ran to tend to the fallen tryker.

-Mac’Nary ! Shouted the zoraï, as his heal spell tended to the wounds.

But Mac’Nary didn’t move. Fuan shook him gently. The tryker remained limp and motionless.

-Come on Mac’Nary ! Wake up !

The zoraï slapped him on the cheeks. Mac’Nary groaned but kept his eyes shut firmly.

-This is payback for hitting you with the spell isn’t it ? Grunted Fuan as he lifted the tryker on his stout shoulders.

The ground shook before him suddenly, as a kincher, who had somehow managed to escape the poisonous yelk clouds, stood menacingly in front of the defenceless zoraï, dominating him. It roared angrily. Fuan dropped Mac’Nary carefully to the ground, fixing the beast through his mask, grabbed a mace, belted to his mage robes, and swung it in both hands, warming up. The kincher clicked it’s mandibles viciously, and raised two front legs, each one as tall as the zoraï, about to strike. Fuan dodged to his left and pounced on the kitin hitting it from side to side, on it’s legs, on it’s mandibles, on it’s head. The kincher scrieched and stamped, blinded by the battering of the zoraï, until a blow on the head made it curl up on it’s side, dead. Fuan ran back to Mac’Nary, lifted him up on his back once more, and, using his mace for additional support, made his way back to his friends who had meanwhile slaughtered the two guards.

-What happened to Mac’Nary ? Asked Eulix.
-He got hit by my bomb spell. Answered Fuan. But he’ll live. What should I do with him ?
-I’ll take care of him ! Said Mella. You go and get the larvae !
-There are still kitins in there. Kinreys and kidinaks never leave the queen. Pointed out Roni.
-They will be asleep as we speak.
-How can you be sure, Eulix ?
-Mac’Nary shot the guards a dozen times and not a single kitin came out to see what was happening. No kibans were seen collecting ressources on our way here either. That is proof enough that the inhabitants of this lair were sleeping. But that doesn’t mean our task will be any easier considering it only took a single roar to awaken a whole flock of kinchers. Silence is essential. Fuan, you will get the larvae. Me and Roni will pick the eggs from empty nests.

While Mella dragged the unconscious Mac’Nary to hide in a forest of jublas, the elderly fyros led Roni and Fuan into the obscurity of the kitin lair. The smell of rotting corpses filled their nostrils. The ground was covered in a sea of bones and droppings. Ignoring the stench, the 3 homins crept forward, near the nests. Kipees were sleeping here and there, snoring loudly from time to time, causing Roni to jump nervously.

-I don’t see the queen. Whispered Fuan.
-That’s odd. No kinreys either. Maybe they are...
-Shhhh ! Over here !

The homins made their way slowly to the nests Roni was pointing at, stepping over the kipees with infinite precaution. Three kitin eggs lay inside, the size of Fuan’s fists put together. Eulix picked them up gently and put them in his bag, then moved on to the other nests.

-Eulix...Whispered Roni. All the other nests look empty.
-What ? Impossible ! Kitins breed like domesticated yubos. There should be loads of eggs.
-Let’s look for the queen. Suggested Fuan.
-Get a move on ! We’re running out of time. I just saw that kipee stirring in it’s sleep.
-Okey, never mind the queen ! It would be suicide to hunt her down with just the three of us anyway. The eggs will do !

The hunt went on for ten frustrating minutes. Not a single egg could be seen in the area. Eulix was tempted to look in one of the many tunnels that led deeper in the entrails of the lair, but Roni and Fuan refused. The mere thought of further exploration made them shudder. Eulix glanced at the sleeping kipees, grunting and twitching. They were about to awake. It was time to go. He nodded to Fuan. They started to make their way to the entrance of the lair when suddenly, something caught Eulix’s attention. Something totally out of place, hanging on a jutting blackened bone by the old fyros’s foot. Eulix snatched it and examined it closely. It was a piece of cloth and, judging by the refined colors, of high quality matisian craft. Suddenly it dawned on him. Of course ! It was the only plausible explanation. Eulix’s expression changed from puzzlement to understanding, and finally anger.
When Mella met up with her friends, she did not even have the time to ask why they came back empty-handed, before Eulix thrust the piece of cloth in front of her face and said :

-Someone’s been here !
-What ?
-Someone came before us and stole all the eggs and larvae !
-That’s impossible ! How could they have gotten them without killing the kitins inside ? And the guards ?
-We couldn’t. Answered a voice behind their backs. We let you do it for us.

Eulix spun around. There, arms crossed, smiling, stood 3 homins. A matis, and at his side, a fyros and a zoraï. The matis wore loose-fitting dark green robes, matching the color of the piece of cloth Eulix held in his hand, and a living matis sword belted at his waist. His blond hair was cut in traps and decorated with a shiny green ornament set above his forehead. His appearance would have seduced many women had he not a long thin scar across his pale neck. The fyros looked a lot less appealing : a dark tattoo covered most of his face. His crooked nose, scarred lips, and scarred cheeks suggested he recently got involved in a vicious bar brawl. His black hair was tied in a simple top tail with a small ring-shaped garment. The fyros was looking at Eulix with cold cruel eyes. As for the zoraï, he was probably the tallest homin alive, which gave him a very intimidating appearance. His mask bore the brow of wrath tattoo, and the orifices representing the mouth and the eyes were dark narrow slits. The zoraï’s long purple hair was crowned with horns. He wore black fyros mage robes and a pair of shining matis amplificators.
The matis spoke :

-That was a rather clever plan of yours Eulix, to ambush the kitins in that manner. Congratulate Mac’Nary for his performance for me when he awakes, it gave us all a good laugh.
-Varo !
Eulix spat the word as if it were poison.

-Give me back the eggs you stole from us.
-You are wrong my friend. We did not steal them from you, we got them before you. However, your efforts have not been in vain, we left two or three eggs for you to find. I would hate going back with empty hands knowing dear old Detheon’s temper.

Roni stepped forward.

-Give us the eggs, Varo ! Before things get unpleasant.

The matis laughed. The fyros gave a humourless smile.

-Empty threats, little boy ! If things were to get “unpleasant” as you say, they would for you.
-Care to find out ? Asked Roni coldly, taking another step.

Varo walked up to the young homin, and looked him in the eye. Both matis glared at each other, seeking to provoke a challenge.

-You should be grateful, little boy. We actually had to give you all a helping hand before we sneaked into the lair unnoticed. Said Varo in an icy tone. Without Ke-Piang’s afflictions to stun the guards and root the kinchers most of you’d be dead by now. I’d hate to have to harm you. If I wanted to I’d squish you like a bug. You’ve been beaten ! Get over it ! Now go !
-Don’t-call-me “little boy” ! Answered Roni.
-Or what ...little boy ? Sneered Varo.

Unable to contain his anger any longer, Roni punched the matis under the chin. Varo took a couple of steps back, feeling his jawbone. In a flash the fyros pounced on the young matis and lifted him off the ground.

-Get away from him Boekeps ! Shouted Eulix as he thrust his pike under the homin’s throat.
-Shut your mouth, you crippled fool ! He just hit my leader.

Varo snapped his fingers. No one saw it coming. No one ever paid any attention to him. Only Fuan had time to see the zoraï silently cast a spell with unthinkable speed before he, and the others, blacked out, blasted by a powerful sleep spell.

-Good job. Said Varo, as he kicked an unconscious Roni in the ribs.
-We should kill them ! Said Boekeps.
-No ! Not today...Some other time, Boekeps.
-Why wait ? You know very well they’ll come back at us !
-Let them come ! With you two by my side they can do nothing. They are pathetically weak ! Only Detheon can be qualified a threat to me.
-Don’t underestimate them, Varo ! I know what they are capable of ! Let’s kill them now while we have the opportunity !
-No, no, no ! You don’t understand Boekeps. They humiliated me. They humiliated us ! I want them to feel how pathetic they are compared to me. I want to make Detheon suffer slowly. See him lose his members one by one in combat. Then I will kill him. They will pay for everything they did to me !

The matis looked down on the huddled group of unconscious homins with pure hate. He leaned down to pick up the three eggs from Eulix’s bag then, with no further glance, walked back to the upper world, to the green forests of Verdant Heights.

I love how you branch off when different Homins are speaking. It's a very unique way to indicate who's speaking, but does not distract!
I wish I would've thought of that! ANd you need to take the talentless part of your sig!

beaut666 wrote:I love how you branch off when different Homins are speaking. It's a very unique way to indicate who's speaking, but does not distract!
I wish I would've thought of that! ANd you need to take the talentless part of your sig!

\o/ I second that! \o/

Horray! Excellent!

a very interesing and exciting tale, i do hope to hear more

(btw..Kirosta are immune to root )

xtarsia wrote:a very interesing and exciting tale, i do hope to hear more

(btw..Kirosta are immune to root )

oops edited

Sitting at his desk, a fyros with long black hair, tied in twin tails, and fierce brown eyes scratched at a roll of parchment with his ocyx claw. The look on his face betrayed his concern for the tardiness of the expedition he sent a few hours ago. Deep in thought, he bent over his writings, checking for any spelling mistakes before rolling the parchment, and sealing it with a drop of sap, shaped with the guild’s symbol, a black uprooted tree.

-Apolla !

A young blond fyros woman stepped into the room.

-Yes, Detheon ?
-Take this to Abytheus Apocaps. I never want to see his guards shooting fireworks outside my appartment again.
-But they were celebrating sergeant Tila Lyseus’s birthday, sir !
-I wouldn’t care if they were celebrating my own ! Growled Detheon as he thrust the parchment into her hands.

Apolla took her leave without a further glance at her leader. It was best to leave him alone when he was in such a mood. On her way to the academy she met Tinaera in Highmarket, a young and cheerful matis with deep green eyes, who’s looks attracted the gaze of many homins. Roni bore secret feelings for her and although he never admitted it, she was perfectly aware of them. Tinaera was out shopping for tonight’s meal. She smiled as Apolla came up to her with the parchment in her hand.

-Hello, Apolla ! Are the others back yet ?

Apolla shook her head.

-No. Detheon is getting into one of his tempers again.
-I’m sure they’ll be back soon. It’s not the first time they raid a kitin lair you know.
-They have been gone for 4 hours Tina !
-Stop worrying ! What’s that in your hand ?
-That ? Oh, that’s Detheon’s complaint for the “disturbance” in the streets last night. Said Apolla with a sigh. What have you got in your basket ?
-Fruit, leaves, dandelion wine, bread, mushrooms, buds, yubo steak and honey. I got aromatic plants for Eulix. He gets very touchy about the sauces.
-What’s with the dandelion wine ? Asked Apolla, puzzled. Are you having a party ?
-Hmm..sort of. Said Tinaera with a grin. I’ll see you back at the guild hall. Good day Apolla !
-See you Tina !

The girls departed. Meanwhile back at the guild hall, someone knocked on the door.

-Enter ! Shouted Detheon.

A tall zoraï mage stepped in the room.

-Ah, Zhao ! What can I do for you ?
-They’re back, Detheon !
-FINALLY ! Growled the fyros.

Mac’Nary was the first to enter the room, followed by Eulix, Fuan, Mella and Roni. All looked exhausted and beaten. Eulix was leaning on his pike for support, Roni was holding his side with one hand, gritting his teeth in pain.

-What in the Dragon’s wrath happened ? Asked Detheon, stunned at the sight of his guild members.
-We were tricked ! By Varo ! Answered Eulix.

The sound of the name awoke a cold dark flame in Detheon’s eyes. His brows narrowed into a frown, his fists clenched.

-What did he do ? He asked in a venomous tone.

Eulix told him. How Varo had tricked them by waiting till they got rid of the kitins before sneaking into the lair and stealing the eggs. How he taunted them. How Roni lost his temper and struck him. How Boekeps then lifted him from the ground. And how the master mage Ke-Piang hit them all with a sleeping spell. Detheon listened intently, his features transformed into a mask of fury. Shaking with rage, he suddenly bellowed a long list of curses. Zhao attempted to appease him. He was the wisest member of the guild, a powerful, yet peaceful mage. He devoted most of his time sitting serenely in the middle of the nature, listening to the birds, and watching herds of tranquil herbivores eat and build their nests to sleep. In listening to nature, the nature listened to him. Accustomed to his presence, new borns would toddle up to him, close enough to allow the zoraï to stroke them. When he whispered to them, they’d prick their ears intently. When he decided to move, they’d follow him. There were multiple rumours about him. An old forager claimed he saw him walking to the top of clopper hill without a single of it’s inhabitants ever touching him. A group of hunters told a story of him being saved by a shalah from a kincher attack. Zhao denied all that firmly when asked.

-This cowardly trick cannot go unpunished ! Growled Detheon.
-We do not want to descend to his level. Said Zhao calmly. Going after him will not bring the eggs back. We are not criminals.
-I am not going to stand here and do nothing about it !
-Nor will you yield to an act you’ll only regret later.
-By the ashes of Dyros, Zhao ! Spare me the wise talk ! The Aketimenos guild has been our enemy for weeks and their members have never ceased to attack us !
-It has gone both ways...Pointed out Zhao.
-But they killed more of us than us of them...
-And that is a good reason to send more of us to their deaths is it ?
-Friends ! Friends ! Interrupted Icalan, as he came in the room. Stop the fighting ! Take a look at this !

Icalan rolled open a piece of parchment. It read :


ARENA GLADIATOR TOURNAMENT
Fallenor, 20, Dua

Prize : 10 million dappers
Get a chance to fight amongst the strongest homins on Atys.
Undefeated gladiator for 3 years : Boekeps Krinn

-This is your best way to get back at them ! Said Icalan. It’s most likely Boekeps will want to defend his title, and I have no doubt others will be competing.

Detheon thought for a while.

-Hmm...There’s no guarantee I’ll be fighting any of them. He remarked. Besides it’s not enough. I have a much better idea. I want those eggs back ! This tournament could provide a distraction. While the gladiators are competing one of us can run to the stables of Yrkanis and look for Varo’s packers. I’d bet my axe we’ll find them there. We’ll discuss this matter at dinner tonight. When is the tournament due ?
-Tomorrow, sir ! Answered Icalan.
-Good. I suggest you take your leave, homins. Whoever participates will need to prepare himself. I’ll nail this announcement at the guildhall entrance for all to see.

One by one members left the room. Mella went looking for her sister Apolla. Eulix headed for his apartment to get some rest. Fuan went hunting with Mac’Nary, and Roni decided to have a walk around the city. He stopped at the fountain in front of the bar to wash his face. Suddenly he felt cold water down his neck. Roni whipped round at the sound of laughter behind him.

-Tina !
-I’m sorry ! I couldn’t help it ! She exclaimed between muffled laughs. When did you get back ?
-A couple of minutes ago. Where have you been ?
-Shopping ! She answered with a grin.
-What did you get ?
-Haha ! Not telling you ! You’ll have to wait for dinner to find out.

Roni cupped his hands under the fountain and splashed Tinaera. She gasped as the cold water drenched her skirt.

-Roni ! You’re so mean ! I’m soaking now !
-Let’s take a walk, you’ll dry out soon in this blazing sun. Said Roni with a grin.

The two of them hung out together at the market, looking at the different weapons, comparing them to their own, examining the different armors, arguing about fashion. Tinaera laughed at the male light armor matis pants, Roni sniggered at the fyros female ones. The merchant, annoyed, asked them to leave. They moved on, hand in hand, smiling, whispering jokes in each other’s ear, laughing together, as happy as a romantic couple. Roni stopped in front of the jewel merchant and bought Tinaera a pair of earrings. They were of modest value, but beautifully crafted, shaped in little droplets with an amber sphere in the center. Tinaera tried them on, then gave a small kiss on the flushed matis’s cheek.

-Oooh ! Look at this necklace ! She exclaimed.

Tinaera bent over it, admiring the shining pearls. The jeweller beckoned Roni to come closer then slipped something into his hand while she wasn’t looking. It was a ring.

-It’s not the best craft in the world. He whispered. But believe me son, that ring served it’s purpose a dozen times. It won’t let you down. Keep it with you at all times, so you don’t miss the right moment.

Roni gazed at the jewel, then at the merchant.

-How can you be sure...
-I can see it in both your eyes.

The jeweller winked. Roni gave a small smile.

-How much ?
-I ain’t selling it, lad ! I’m giving it to you !
-What ? No ! Please, I couldn’t ! How much is this worth ?

The jeweller grabbed Roni’s hand, and gently closed his fingers over the ring.

-Keep it son ! It’s a gift from me.
-Well it’s very kind of you but...
-Listen ! Let me tell you a story. I had a girlfriend too, when I was your age. I loved her with all my heart. She was...magnificent ! Shining with beauty ! She had the world at her feet ! And she chose me, a picture of insignificance that I was, over a matis lord, or a great fyros warrior. I was the luckiest homin ever. One day we were walking in this very market, and stopped in front of this same store. She looked at the jewels. I looked at her. Her eyes told me she’d love to have even the smallest of earrings. I wanted to buy something for her. I wanted to make her happy. But at the time, I was nothing but a poor forager. I couldn’t afford anything. So I just stood there, helpless, watching her hope for me to offer to buy a jewel. And then, the merchant gave me this small engagement ring. The same ring you’re holding now. He told me : “Give her anything from my store, and she’ll be happy for the day...give her this ring, and she’ll be happy for life. All you have to do is wait for the appropriate moment.”

Roni listened, staring at the little ring.

-And euhm...did you find it ? The appropriate moment ? He asked.
-Did I propose ?

The jeweller shook his head sadly.

-No...I never found the guts...She left me...

The merchant wiped a tear from his eye and smiled at Reno.

-The moment I saw you two walking around the market, I was reminded of me...and her...Your girl looks like her. She was a fyros but she had the same smile, the same sparkle of life in her eyes. I kept thinking to myself : “If only that were us...If only I could start again...Have a second chance...” I know it’s hopeless...She has a rich husband and a family now. But...I still think of her...I think of what our life together could’ve been like...Kids, family, a pet yubo...And these thoughts have been haunting me ever since we broke up. I dream about them at night. It makes me sad, boy. Very sad. There is nothing worse than losing your loved one. Every day I wish I could make up for my mistake..So I can be free, ya know, live in peace...And then I saw you and her. And you come up to my little store to buy jewels...Just like us a long time ago... You are my second chance, boy. And I want you to marry this girl. I want you to succeed where I have failed. So keep this ring ! You will make an old homin happier than he’s ever been in a very long time.

Roni stared at the little jewel, laid in his white palm. How strange that such a small thing would change one’s life. He glanced at Tinaera, busy examining some anklets, picturing himself kneeling at her feet with the ring in the palm of his hand. He tried to imagine Tina’s reaction. He shook his head.

-I can’t...
-What do you mean you can’t ?
-I’m scared. I never told her what I feel for her because...I’m scared of not being able to take care of her...Scared of losing her...
-I was scared too...and see what happened to me...

Roni looked at the jeweller, gazing into his sad eyes.

-It is time you stop being scared boy...you’ll regret it all your life...Trust me, it is best to live, knowing that you’ve tried, than to live knowing that you lost her forever..because you never dared to make this one little step towards her, out of fear.

Roni stared at the ring, lost in thought. He was right. The jeweller was right. Again, the young matis looked at Tina. The jeweller rolled his eyes.

-Just take this freakin’ ring and be off ! It’s been rotting in my store for years !

The merchant grinned at Roni and pushed him away. Tinaera, suddenly bored of the jewels, looked back and said :

-Are you coming Roni ?

Roni pocketed the ring and took her arm. As they walked away, he looked back over his shoulder to mouth a “Thank you !” to the jeweller who winked and gave a thumbs-up. Roni smiled to himself. He felt sorry for the merchant. All the same, he wasn’t ready to propose. Not yet anyway. The two matis have known each other for a while, but until know their relationship had never gone beyond the status of “close friends”. It was too early to think of marriage. Or was it ?

Dusk crept on the imperial deserts. Sitting on a hill, the couple gazed at the sunset. Tinaera’s head rested on Roni’s shoulder.

-Beautiful ! Whispered Roni.
-Who ? Me or the sunset ?
-Euhm...Both. Mumbled Roni, blushing slightly. [size=-2](*Author’s note : For a matis, even “slightly” makes the blushing horribly conspicuous, though )[/size]

Tinaera laughed. She pulled a bottle out of her basket and popped the cork.

-Is that dandelion wine ?

She didn’t answer, but poured the drink into two glasses and gave one to Roni.

-Well...To your safe return ! She said, raising her glass.

Roni sipped his wine. Strange. It made him feel more comfortable. He could look into Tina’s eyes without blushing, could flirt with her without mumbling. He even dared to put an arm around her waste as she cuddled up to him. He was conscious of a hand stroking his back, and it awoke new confidence in the young homin. He felt the little ring buried in his pocket. The “appropriate moment” ? No. Not yet. An enjoyable moment...but not The moment. He smiled. They looked each other in the eyes. Were they sharing the same thoughts ? She seemed to be waiting for him to do something. And Roni knew exaclty what he was doing. Slowly he bent over Tinaera, gently, and kissed her.

(OOC - you dont happen o have a new girlfriend in RL do you? and very nice story )

/tar Meloner
/bow-thankful-speechless-....

Thanks

As the first lights of the awakening sun crept in the sky, the city of Yrkanis filled with activity. Weapon merchants were boasting their goods, children were running around the streets laughing and playing with wooden swords, cheering the warriors busy polishing their weapons or training in preparation for the tournament. A company of ten mounted homins made their way through the crowd towards a matis sitting behind a small desk, a quill in one hand and a long piece of parchment in the other. He looked up.

-What can I do for you ?
-We wish to participate in the tournament.
-Name and weapon ?
-Detheon Boeran. 2handed axe.
-Very well. Anyone else ?
-Roni Videra, 2 handed sword.
-Thank you, sir. Next ?
-Mac’Nary Cadgan ! Staff...And wipe that smile off ya face, Roni ! Growled the tryker.
-Next ?
-Fuan Ye-Quan. 2 handed mace.
-Thank you sir. Will that be all ?
-I think so. Answered Detheon.
-Very well. You may proceed to the arena. All non-participants are to wait for the authorisation to enter the premises. Entrance fee is 1000 dappers. Good luck, homins, and enjoy the tournament.

The company departed. Detheon stopped his mount as they passed in front of the stables. There he saw a packer. It had a tattoo on it’s right flank. The symbol of a crossed kizoar in a black circle. The fyros examined the packer carefully, frowning at the symbol. He was tempted to have a look. No ! He couldn’t. There were too many people. He had to wait.

The crowds started to walk to the arena, cheering and shouting, calling warriors names. Roni glanced back. They were cheering Boekeps. The defending champion. Roni half hoped he would face him. He was still angry at his humiliation in the primes roots. The fyros had lifted him from the ground as if he were a kid. A pebble. A speck of dust. He was conscious that Boekeps was a great fighter, one of the best of the fyrosian empire. Nevertheless, Roni’s will and anger would overcome his strengh and subdue him. He was sure of it. He smiled as he imagined himself a foot on the defeated fyros’s chest, in a triumphant pose, waving a hand in the air for the spectators applause. The thought was so pleasurable, so satisfyingly sweet, Roni pushed it further, and saw himself being congratulated by the king Yrkanis himself. He had won the tournament. He saw Detheon look up at him. For the first time, Roni imagined himself stronger than his leader. No. He shook his head, waking himself up, and glanced at Detheon nervously. He felt almost ashamed as he gazed at his leader’s fierce eyes. There was no beating him. He’d break him in two.
A patrol of guards split the crowds, followed by a mounted matis in luxurious medium armor. Servants walked at his side, the first two holding the mount’s saddle to steer it. The guards were shouting : “Make way for the king !” and prodding with their pikes at whoever ventured too near. People bowed respectfully as the ruler of Verdant Heights made his way towards the arena, dominant and proud. Those who were mounted descended from their mektoubs before kneeling. His presence dimmed the shouts and cheers of the crowd to respectful silence. As the cortege passed in front of them, Roni was the first to kneel, his hand on his heart in the traditional matisian way. The others were content with a simple bow or curtsie. Eulix unmounted, but did not copy his friends. He remained with his head held high, slightly stooped on his pike. As for Detheon, he went as far as ignoring the royal presence altogether. Both were proud and fierce patriots of the empire and would recognise no one but their emperor as superior to them. Fortunately, their disrespect went unnoticed, with the possible exception of one or two homins close by who muttered their indignation to their friends.

The arena filled itself rapidly with excited homins. Banners bearing different guild symbols were being waved around by proud members. A few of the biggest tribes of Atys had travelled to encourage their champions, and their banners were easily recognised. Zhao spotted the crossed swords under the skull shaped helmet of the Corsairs, the dead seed of the Kuild and even the mektoub silhouette of the Dune Riders. No doubt the Green Seed was also present since their settlement was close to the arena. Eulix, Zhao, Apolla, Mella and Icalan found an empty space behind a guild of harvesters they had never heard of, busy setting their bets on who would win. Many argued Boekeps would not make it. The competition was much higher than it had been 2 years ago. One scrawny tryker ventured some mysterious warrior had subscribed, and rumour suggested he had never been beaten, in battle or in duel. Icalan side stepped a little, to listen in on their conversation, very interested.

-I’m telling ya guys ! This homin never saw defeat ! They say he moves like lightnin’ ‘n all !! Impossible to do nothin’ against his blows ! I heard he even took a whole camp o’ bandits single-handed ! Hardly scratched he was !
-Bodoc dung, O’Biroy ! Said a fyros with a laugh. Ya must’ve picked that tale off a traveller in the bar ! And ya believed every word he said ya stupid yubo !
-Nah ! Honest, Cexius ! Tis true, I swear !
-What race is he anyways ?
-I dunno I never saw him ! I think he had a fyros name though.
-Hah ! Another fyros ! Damn them ! Grumbled an old matis. Give us a crafting tournament and ya’ll see matis win any day !

Icalan looked back at his friends, frowning. Eulix shrugged and shook his head, clearly not believing a single word of what the tryker was saying.
A round of applause greeted the arrival of the duke di Varello, the organizer and financier of the event, as he stepped inside the fight area. He bowed courteously to the crowd and, in the same manner as Roni, to the king, who was sitting at the topmost platform, surrounded by his personal guard and some relatives. His son Stevano was sitting at his side, clearly impatient for the fights to start.

-Welcome, homins to this year’s gladiator tournament ! Announced the duke in a loud voice, adressing the crowds. As you all well know, this competition brings together the finest of Atys’s weapon wielders. The rules are the following : The gladiators are to use melee weapons only. No enchantments, affliction, elemental or healing spells are allowed, the casters being the gladiators or the non-participants. No auras of any kind are allowed, nor any other form of magic. Anyone caught breaking those rules will be either disqualified or removed from the premises and left under the care of the matis authorities. In order to win the fights, the gladiators have two options : the first one is to force the opponent into the trench surrounding the fighting area. The second is to incapacitate the gladiator for 10 seconds by disarming him, forcing him to kneel and accept his defeat, or by other means that do not go against the rules. The gladiators are allowed to use hand to hand combat should it be necessary. NO KILLING IS ALLOWED ! Be it voluntarily or not, any gladiator having killed his opponent will be disqualified and left in the care of the matis authorities. LET THE FIGHTS BEGIN !

The crowd cheered as the first gladiators arrived. The arena was divided in 6, allowing several fights at the same time. Two by two, the gladiators walked into the arena and faced their appropriate opponents, glaring, waiting for the signal. None at the moment, were recognised as belonging to Detheon’s guild. A horn sounded. The fights began.

Meanwhile, in the tunnel where gladiators waited their turn, Tinaera crouched beside Roni, who was deep in thought.

-Don’t worry Roni, you’ll do just fine ! Make me proud okey ?

He didn’t answer. The matis was staring blankly at his sword, oblivious to Tina’s words of encouragement. He was preparing himself mentally. He didn’t care who his first challenger would be. He would beat him flat. Roni was preparing to face Boekeps. It was the only reason he had entered the tournament. He wanted to get his revenge. He wanted it badly. Humiliate the fyros in public. He was blinded with anger, deaf, oblivious to everything that was happening around him. He pictured himself again and again defeating the mighty warrior, the defending champion. Such glory ! Such pride ! And such humiliation for the ugly son of a kitin that he was. Roni had arrived in the guild not long ago. A few weeks before “it” happened. He didn’t know the members well enough to understand exaclty what they felt, although he could imagine it well enough. But he knew what Boekeps had done to them. That was enough to hate him as much as the others did.

-Roni ? Please look at me when I’m speaking to you.
-Hmm..what ?
-I was wishing you good luck. Didn’t you hear ?

Roni felt suddenly frustrated.

-I am not a child about to go on his first hunt ! So stop treating me like one ! Give me a break all of you ! Leave me alone !

Tinaera took a step back, stunned at Roni’s reaction.

-But...I was just...
-I’ll be fine dammit ! Just leave me alone Tina ! Shouted Roni waving his hand at her in exasperation.

Tinaera, her face gone suddenly cold and glaring, left. She whispered something in Detheon’s ear, who was busy adjusting his armor. He nodded at her, muttering. Tina exited the tunnel, without a further glance at Roni, who felt suddenly uncomfortable realising the effect of what he’d just said to her. He didn’t bother getting up to say sorry. She would turn her back on him. He didn’t mean to upset her. He was so angry he lost control. Roni decided he’d apologise after the tournament and take her out for lunch.
A guard broke the atmosphere of silent mental preparation as he entered the tunnel and said :

-Gladiator Mac’Nary ?
-Aye ! Answered the tryker.
-Follow me to the fighting area please. It’s your turn.

Mac’Nary glanced at each of his friends. Detheon nodded, in his way of saying “Good luck”. Fuan gave a smile. Roni absent-mindedly looked back at the tryker. Taking a deep breath, picking up his staff, Mac’Nary followed the guard.

-Look ! There’s one of ours ! Shouted Mella excitedly, pointing at the small figure silhouetted in the distance, making his way to one of the 6 fighting areas.

Mac’Nary’s opponent was already there. The tryker looked up at a haughty matis holding a mace in both hands. He eyed the little staff and smirked. This would be too easy. Mac’Nary gave a cheeky grin and mimed a short abrupt movement forwards with his weapon, then pointed at his backside. The meaning could not have been clearer. The nearest spectators laughed loudly. The matis glared. That tryker would suffer for its insolence. The horn blew. The fight started.
The matis roared with anger and struck a heavy blow. Mac’Nary dodged it easily. It was a predictable attack. The tryker’s taunt had caused his wrath. Anger casts away all form of concentration. It stops you from thinking, and that’s what Mac’Nary wanted. The tryker narrowly evaded another agressive strike and hit his opponent savagely on the knee. The matis’s leg gave away under the blow. A wave of cheers greeted the tryker’s attack. He waved at the crowd, grinning and winking. Eulix chuckled.

-Mac’Nary is turning this duel into quite a show !

The matis staggered to his feet, his knee trembling slightly, and crumpled to the ground as the tryker whacked him around the head. The crowd roared.

-Does anyone know the name of that tryker ? Shouted Cexius.
-His name is Mac’Nary. He’s with us. Answered Icalan.
-Wow ! He is eh ? Beating his pale friend up big time he is. What’s the matis’s name ?
The exclamations of the bloodthirsty spectators drowned Cexius’s last words. Mella gasped. Mac’Nary had just caught a blow on the forehead and was staggering, getting dangerously close to the trench. Eyes filled with hatred, the matis pushed him back, trapping him in a corner of the arena. The tryker’s view was blurry. He felt blood dripping from his brow. Slowly, with a smile of triumph on his pale face, the matis walked towards him, towering him in both size and strengh. The tryker looked up, wiping some blood away from his eyes, and gripping his staff firmly.

-You poor cheeky little fool. Did you honestly think you’d beat me with that piece of wood ?

The matis smirked, and lifted his mace. All around him, people clapped and shouted, encouraging him to knock his helpless opponent into the trench. Mac’Nary could make out a blurry silhouette with his hands crossed next to his right shoulder, holding the heavy weapon, and approaching one step at a time, enjoying the moment of domination. A roar echoed. The mace spun in the air with tremendous force. Mac’Nary ducked, whipped round to gather more speed to his attack and made firm contact in the matis’s ribs. It was a bad move. The damage caused by such a blunt weapon was insignificant to his heavy black armor. The matis struck again. He missed by a couple of inches. Angrily the mace wielder pulled a combo of agressive, fast attacks, all narrowly dodged by his opponent. The crowd gasped and exclaimed at every blow. Mac’Nary backed away with every strike, getting closer and closer to the edge. He could feel it right behind his heel.

-You’re not getting me that easy, lad ! He growled in a low voice.

He side-stepped to his right. His opponent kept advancing, closing in on him like a gingo on it’s prey. With a cry of rage he charged on him, lashing out in all directions viciously. Evading all blows, the tryker dived between his legs, whipped round and struck the matis hard, repetedly, and everywhere he could reach. A swish of the mace. A dodge. Mac’Nary didn’t have time to completely evade the blow. It hit him in the hip. Apolla was biting her nails. Eulix shivered. The matis was growing very impatient. He was losing control. But it was hardly a good sign for his friend. Granted his hits would be powerful but inaccurate, there was also the possibility he could deal a mortal blow to Mac’Nary. And he knew that. It was time to finish this. The tryker parried a weak attempt at hitting his chest, kicked the mace away and whacked the matis hard in the chins, causing him to stumble backwards. In a flash the tryker was on him, whacking, kicking, never giving him a second to recover. The greatest warriors all have a strong weakness. In their pride and arrogance, they never wear a helmet, so people recognise them in battle. And that was a big mistake. Mac’Nary covered his face in savage strikes. Forcing him to back away further and further, untill his feet met emptiness. With a final blow on the matis’s bloody nose and a kick in the stomach, the tryker landed his opponent in the trench, to the tremendous applause of the crowd. He had won his first duel of the tournament.

I DEMAND MORE OF THIS TALE!!!! xD

gripping stuff...

cannot wait for the next chapter!