The Healing Weaver (Open)

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

(((OOC: Thank you, but I think I will decline that offer. I feel uncomfortable with manipulating others creations. For nobody really knows how a character should act better then the creator. But thank you very much for the offer.)))

James smiled and laughed warmly, occasionally glancing to his side to watch the girl. He missed the innocence and care free days of youth. Back when everything in the world was good and the worst evils one had to face were the bogeymen in ones dreams. He almost tripped up when she asked him if he were also trying to win Naria's hand. He flushed a deep pink on his pale skin and cleared his throat, grateful it was dark. "Erm, no, not exactly my dear. I am simply a traveler coming through and I stopped to ask your sister about these strange festivities you and your people are holding." he explained, as he tapped the escaped man on his shoulder to be sure he was still asleep. He continued walking, but he had to bite his tongue when the child told him of how wondrous she thought the celebration was. It was if she had no idea of the practice they held so high in regard was practically slave trading. He almost gasped when he heard that she too, was one day going to be an active participant, and she could not wait for they day she would be "won". He swallowed his words before they could escape, and instead decided to agree with the child. "I am sure the men from all the nations round will come on that day." he said to her, forcing another smile. He continued trekking onward to the lake. He supposed a child would see it differently then him. In fact, everybody saw things differently. SO in the end, was he the one who was actually corrupt in trying to halt this tradition? He felt a sickness in his stomach as he continued to ponder the thought until they reached his camp.

As he crested the hill to the lake, he saw two figures standing by his camp and dwindling fire. The first form he immediately recognized as NAria, while the other he did not seem to know at all. He watched the entire display, shaking his head and with a sigh he walked to his camp. He threw the logs near the fire, while throwing the captive to the side. He looked up at Naria and smirked. "Another one of your suitors I wager?" he said sarcastically, gesturing in the direction he man left. He crouched next to the fire, throwing a few pieces of firewood on and drawing his sword as to stir the flames. He stood back up, looking sadly into Naria's gray eyes once more. "I'm guessing you didn't come tot take me up on my offer, did you?" he asked, looking to make sure the girl was still behind him. He nodded his head toward her. "I found her out in the forest, looking for a gift for you. Fortunately enough I found her shortly after this brute did. She is unharmed, I assure you, and I will keep this man in my hands until sunrise and then turn him in to the rightful authorities." he assured her, keeping secret the large bounty he would get for turning in the mass murderer. He crouched back onto his haunches, cracking his neck and stretching his hands over the fire. He turned his eyes up toward the moon, the silver of the night matching the silver in his blade.

[rpgoddess]

Naria stood gaping at James as he strolled forward, Pippa in tow, and made his snide remark. She was bombarded with relief and anger all at once. Being the person she was though, she swallowed down her heated emotion and turned her gaze onto her sister. She looked the girl over, ensuring she was indeed unharmed and then looked back to James as he explained the man lying in the dirt and where he had found Pippa.

"Excuse me." She said meekly and marched to Pippa, who has long ago forgotten all about the firefly in her hand and stood blinking at her sister. "Have I not warned you about staying out after dark Pippa?"

"I was safe Nari, everyone in the village knows us, you don't have to be so-" Pippa began but was cut off by Naria grabbing her arm and giving her a shake.

"Enough, Pippa you could have been hurt, or worse. That man did not know you," she said pointing at the sleeping bulk. "Nor do the men who are camped outside of the village. You were as far from safe as you can imagine." She stressed then yanked on her sister's arm, needing to get her point across, she forced Pippa to lay her open palm on the ground. "Feel. Feel it Pippa, I know that you can." She urged. "That creeping chill that winds itself up your arm, that is danger. It is all around us now." Naria sighed when Pippa yanked her arm free and shouted at her.

"Stop! Just stop Naria, I don't want to be like you! I want to be normal!" She cried and spun away, giving Naria her back.

"Pip." Naria groaned. "Wait at the willow tree, we are going home in a few minutes, I must thank James." With a hrmph Pippa tossed her hair and stomped off to the willow. Naria took a deep breath and let her shoulders sag. She didn't know what to do about Pippa, or anything else for that matter. She straightened her spine and lifted her chin then approached James.

He looked so natural there crouched by the fire, the firelight licking his angular elven features. She had never met an elf before. "Thank you James Tekkarro, for finding Pippa. As I said, she wanders." She said quietly, not wanted to disturb him. Biting her lip she closed her eyes, trying to find the courage to touch on the other subject but unsure about how to approach it. Need won out over propriety and she simply said what needed to be said. "About your offer, I-I don't know what I would be excepting, you were very observant to guess who I was, but I must say I am confused. I do not want to take part in the Maiden Festival, while there are other girls who do, who could take my place, you see I've given it much thought. However, I do not want to leave one predicament only to go marching into another. So I must know, what exactly is it that you are offering? And...can I depend upon you to protect Pippa at all costs?"

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James continued to stare at the moon, ignoring the siblings as they argued over the smaller sister's, whose name he overheard was Pippa, safety. He was going to continue stirring the fire when he felt a strange wave of energy through his feet. Somebody else was accessing the energy of the world right now. He turned to the sisters and saw Pippa and Naria touching the ground and he widened his eyes with curiosity. Not many humans could master magic, let alone nature magic. But then again, naria had spoken of how the Weavers held strange powers. Perhaps accessing the Spiritual Realm was part of it? He continued to appear ignorant to them until Pippa stormed off to a nearby willow tree, leaving Naria and him alone.

He stood politely as Naria approached him. He bowed humbly, taking her hand ever so carefully in his hand, not meaning to offend her. "No thanks is necessary, it is what I do in a way." he admitted, before standing once more, looking back into her eyes to study her. She had asked about his offer, and he sighed, looking around carefully, his ears perking to be sure of no wanderers who might overhear his plot. He drew up his sword once more and walked to a nearby tree, propping the sword onto his shoulder. With three clean cuts, he crafted two small, round stools from the tree, leaving the rest to fall for future use as firewood. He kicked one piece of the tree over to her, before pulling the other one up to the fire. He gestured with his sword to her chair before sheathing it. "Please milady, have a seat." He took his seat and began gazing into the fire again, clasping his hands together inf front of him.

"It would go as planned. I have already thought it out to the best of my knowledge. If what you say is correct, it would begin like this. You will continue going on like you are willing to be won, and do not, and I repeat, do not act odd or suspicious in any way. I will then enter the contest as any other man would, and I will, I repeat, will win you no matter the cost in gold or blood. ON the day we are to bed wed, if it is to be public, we will put on the fake show for them, and if it is to be private, the next step is executed even sooner. I then take you just far enough out of town for them to stop paying attention, and once we are out of sight of them, I ill give you my horse, enough gold for you to live for several months, and any other supplies you shall need. I will be sure your sister is there when I send you off. You shall be free, and you will be in control of your destiny from there on out. If I do not win, however, there is a back up plan. You will still pretend to be willing and happy, but I will "kidnap" you and take you away. That way, you still have your honor, you are respected, and nobody suspects you had anything to do with it. Then same as the earlier plan, you and Pippa can finally live free, without some honor less scum holding you down. As for the fact that Pippa will not be harmed, and that I will go through with it, I give y ou my word and my honor. If that is not enough, I will give you this."

He finished explaining his plan, as he stood and reached for his neck. Tucked underneath his armor, he pulled a small silver locket with a single red jewel int he middle of it. There was a delicate language written all around it. He handed it to Naria, looking down to wards the ground. "It was my mother's. She died giving birth to me. It is all I have Left of her. I would not go back on my word and disgrace her, and myself." he assured her once more, hoping it would be satisfactory for Naria.

[rpgoddess]

The cool silver pulsed in Naria's palm as she stood mulling over James' words for long moments after he fell silent. Early in his explanation her heart sank, he had said he would win her, her fears about his intentions rose again as she listened. Yet as he laid the memento in her hand all of her doubts fled and she was left simply looking at the young elf with curiosity. He had given her a gift, something tangible to cling to when she needed hope. No selfish man would do that. Yet she wondered how someone so young could act so honorably. What had shaped James Tekkarro? She closed her fingers over the locket and nodded. "It is lovely, Thank you James Tekkarro." She said lightly. This stranger was fast becoming a friend.

As she settled back onto the log she sighed. "I spoke with the Elder who was charged with myself and Pippa when our mother and her father passed." She said. "He hinted at things that could upset this plan of yours." She added. Then with a deep breath she began. "You see, my father was not from the village, or any of the neighboring cities. Rumor was that he was from far to the west, but I cannot say, for I never knew him. I know that my mother loved him deeply however. I remember sometimes when I would come upon her she would look so sad, broken." Naria spoke in a far off voice as the vision of her mother materialized in her mind. For a moment she fell silent and then shook her head. "The Elder I spoke to tonight said something that put me on guard. He said that my father had meant to take my mother away, and that they put a stop to it. I know that shortly after my father left the village my mother was married to Ramand, Pippa's father. I am beginning to fear that she was forced into that union." Her eyes darted to Pippa to ensure she was still out of earshot, such a comment would have hurt her sister. "So if you are certain about this plan...be prepared for resistance. They won't let you take me from here, and from what I understand, the Maiden is always won by a man that can be controlled."

Naria gave another look to her sister. "For reasons I cannot share, your plan of simply leaving us in the wild once we are away from the village is not acceptable. We must have protection, at all times. Were someone to discover us, someone familiar with the history of our village..." Naria trailed off. "It cannot be risked." She held out her hand and opened it to reveal the locket again. "Please, if it is too much to ask..."

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James suppressed a laugh, but couldn't help but grin as he saw that Naria might accept his help after all. He brought up that certain parts of his plan may not go as planned, but he shook his head immediately. "I am a man of my word, and I am fleet of foot and of mind. If conflict should arise I would act quickly and cunningly. I promise you that no matter what, be it my last action, I will help you. It is...what I do." he said again, smiling at her kindly. He listened to her tell of her mother, and of true love lost at the hands of this brutish custom. He teared up slightly, thinking of his own parents, and how it seemed his father blamed him for his mothers death. He nodded in understanding, staring at the moon. "I sympathize with your plight. I barely knew my father. He was a...busy man." he said, catching himself before revealing too much of his regal history. He did not know if it would help or hurt her to know he was a runaway prince, but he thought it best to keep it to himself.


"He did not have time for me, he was always with my brother, shaping him to take over the...family business. But I know he was an honorable and respected man, and he was one of the greatest elves to ever have lived. He used to contribute this to my mother..." he drifted off, his eyes glazing over as he drug forth from his memory the only glimpse of his mother He ever had, when they had sent her away at her funeral rite, her spirit smiling down upon him. He sighed, closing his eyes, coming back to reality. "Perhaps that is why I am so against this ritual. Perhaps its because I believe your true love is somebody who helps shape who you are. To be forced to marry someone without honor damages you beyond repair. But that is how I see it. It is a grave sin, what they did to your mother. I am sure of it that I will not let it happen to you."

He laughed and smiled once more, raising a hand at her comment to silence her. "As I've said before, resistance or not, I give you my word, on my honor, I will help you. I am not one to be controlled, but if need be, I will play my part in their little act." he mused, glancing back towards the fire. As she asked him for the favor and outstretched he hand, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. TO have a woman and small child with him would slow him down, and he would have to quit his work as a hired sword for a while. but a promise was a promise, he would not go back now. He took her hand in both of his, closing her fingers over the locket, looking deeply into her eyes. "I will escort you and your sister wherever you wish to go, or I shall take you with me to the next town I visit. Whichever you prefer. But please keep the locket, as a promise that I will keep you safe. You can give it back whenever we go our separate ways."

[rpgoddess]

With a nod Naria gently slipped her hands free of his and send a blushing glance in Pippa direction. "The competition will begin tomorrow, you must make your mark on the roster before I am presented. We will need to take care not to be seen together from here on out. Atleast not for a while." Naria explained. "I've been away too long now, we must get back. Thank you James Tekkarra, thank you." She said in a rush then pulled the hood of her cloak over her head and moved swiftly to collect Pippa, who instantly began complaining about having to wait so long and demanding Naria tell her why James was holding her hands. Naria stayed silent as she marched Pippa away. She knew her departure had been abrupt and bordered on rude, but the sincerity in the elf's voice, the warmth in his reassuring touch had set her senses on alert, and she wanted to be free of the intensity of their conversation to consider the plans she had just agreed to.

"Well are you going to tell me?" Pippa persisted as the approached their longhouse. However Naria's attention was no longer on her sister or the plans recently laid. No, her eyes were locked on the man standing before her longhouse. It was Hansid. Yet the expression on his face made him look almost like a stranger. As she neared she felt her body tense as if preparing for an impact. "Look its Pappa Han!" Pippa exclaimed and tugged away to run to the older man and wrap her arms about him in an embrace.

"Hello there dear Pip. Why just look at what a beauty you are becoming." Hansid greeted as he set Pippa away from him and gave the adolesent a smile. "Why don't you run inside, I need to speak with your sister for a moment."

Naria watched as Pippa looked from Hansid to her and back again and then shrugged and slipped inside the longhouse. "Elder Hansid." Naria greeted once her sister was safely inside.

"Naria, we must speak." Hansid said in a deep voice. Naria gave a nod.

"Of course, is it about tomorrow?" She asked, hoping her voice sounded normal and her face did not project her guilt.

"In a sense. Where were you returning from?"

"Pippa wandered off and was late coming home, I went to collect her." Naria answered.

"Is that all?"

"Why do you ask?"

Hansid cleared his throat and took a step toward her, his voice became low and almost intimidating as he spoke. "The elf, he is your lover is he not?"

"Of course not!" Naria exclaimed with a gasp. Hansid simply shook his head and clasped his hands behind his back.

"History does repeat itself does it not. You are too much like your mother. Does this elf intend to compete? Or is he foolish enough to try to sneak you away? Are you foolish enough? I have warned you about the world outside of our territory." Naria forced herself to lift her chin and meet the elder's gaze, how had he known. She was not adept at lying, but she knew that she must.

"He does intend to compete, you will see his name on the roster tomorrow. James Tekkarro. We have only met, I swear to you that, but there is a connection there, and we both hope he will be the victor."

"Elves do not normally attend the festival, does he intend to remain here should he win?" Hansid asked.

"He-he has no family and no home, it is his wish to remain with us even if he does not come out of the competition victorious." Naria lied, it was easier than she had thought. " He knows I have no desire to leave." She added, hoping it wasn't too much when Hansid continued to watch her.

"We will see about this elf of yours, but if we learn his intentions are not as you have said, he will be removed from the competition and this village." He said and turned to leave, but then he stopped and looked at her over his shoulder, meeting Naria's eye directly. "By whatever means necessary. Weavers cannot leave our protection, the world cannot know they still exist. Ever."

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

That very night, James had found the roster and signed up for the competition. Though his hand hesitated as the last drop of ink dried, he knew it was already predetermined. He was to compete, and he would win. Simple as that. He lifted the man he had dragged along with him,s till unconscious, and turned him in for the large bounty on his head as well that night. Though James now felt the much too heavy coins in his leather pouch, he had a strange feeling he might need more just in case money was to be an issue in the festivities. As GIlashi began to whisper in his head a plan, James sighed and walked to the nearest tavern where he knew the drunks were notorious for being horrible gamblers...

James stumbled out of the bar at the crack of dawn. He was not inebriated no, but the extent of his weariness showed in dark circles under his eyes. He lifted up his leather pouch, now empty of all coins. Things had not worked out as planned...they worked out much better actually. He instead held a small wooden chest underneath his arm now, crammed full of the money of many a drunken bar goer. He now was confident in his money situation, and hopefully he now would not need to play the mercenary game for quite some time. He looked at the sun rising in the sky and panicked, not knowing when the competition would first start. His sword securely at his side, the money tucked underneath one arm, he raced off toward the center of town where the festivities would take place. After pushing through several people in the crowd, he managed to get a clear view of where a large display seemed to be set up. He decided to lean against a nearby wall, waiting for what he hoped would be instructions, and if not he would have to purchase information form another nearby contestant.

[rpgoddess]

At dawn, as the ebony sky was streaked with gray-pink light, Naria rose. At her bedside she saw her maiden veil, the silver thread that outlined tiny yellow, blue, and pink blossoms glistened, and the sight set a lump in her throat. Pippa lay fast asleep across the room, obviously having spent the night sewing the veil for her sister. Quietly she rose, the women were already below awaiting her arrival. She decided to let Pippa rest until the competition began.

It was a slow process, but eventually the women who had come to prepare her for the day had her wash, dressed in her white tunic with silver threads in the hems and white leggings. Naria slipped her feet into the soft white fur lined slippers are one woman brushed the last tangle from her hair and set about twisting it into one long shimmering braid that hung heavily over her left shoulder and then pinned the delicate veil over her hair, positioning it so that it hung low over her eyes.

The air outside of the longhouse was cool, but Naria found herself flushed and uncomfortable as a group of three elders lead her to the fighting ring. Hansid was to her left, his hand firmly placed on her elbow as he escorted her forward through the parting crowd and into the center of the ring.

Dovin, the oldest of the elders stepped forward, standing directly in front of her while the remaining two stayed at her sides. Dovin faced the crowd and lifted his hands high, bringing a hush over the area.

"Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, and Friends!" He shouted in an amazingly robust voice for such a small and frail looking white haired man. "Today marks the first day of the competition. Gentlemen, sharpen your blades! Your prize awaits!" As he said this he stepped aside and Naria was pushed forward, the crowd roared as she was spun by Dovin full circle and then stopped to face them. "Daughter of the Weavers, no other woman like her exists in our village, none with her singular fair beauty. A student of healing, and a compliant, docile creature." Dovin shouted eliciting another roar from the on-lookers. "And she is yours for the taking! If---You prove yourself worthy of her hand!" With that the elders escorted Naria to the platform and ushered her into a seat overlooking the fighting ring.

Hansid stood at the edge of the platform and raised his arms. "Let the games begin!"

Naria released a shuttering breath, her horror over, her cheeks felt burnt and her lungs pained from holding her breath. She heard in the distance someone shout. "Round one, fighters forward." Two names were called, neither James, and the bloodsport began.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James felt a silence come over the crowd as a man stood atop a platform, prepared to inform them all of their "prize". James felt sickness rise in his stomach as he showed what was definitely Naria by her form, though her face was covered. The brutish remarks he heard from many men beside him also disgusted him. When he saw that indeed the competition was a bloodsport, another possibility he considered, his plans had to change considerably. He saw many people look around at him as if he were a total outcast. Apparently not many elves had taken place in this ritual before. no wonder, he thought to himself, it's barbaric and plain disgusting. He was relieved to know he wasn't in the first round, but he still felt anxious about fighting. Gilashi laughed in his head, his plan already quite clear. "You know kid," he hissed silently in Jamesy's mind, "this whole thing would be much easier if you let me handle it." James simply shook his head. He was not about to go that overboard on the first day and risk the bloodshed of that many innocents. He instead continued to glance hopefully toward Naria, admiring her courage to act as if all as well. "I keep my promises." he muttered to himself.

[rpgoddess]

Naria forced herself to watch the first fight, the men were older than her, both seemed rather out of shape and a bit unsteady on their feet. Luckily before they fought Hansid stood to relay the rules of the tournament. It was not a fight to death, the first to draw blood would be the victor, for the qualifying rounds, the actual competition would be much more intense. So it was not long before fat man one cut fat man two and the first fight was over. The injured man would be allowed to fight again tomorrow and the day after, but if he failed both times he would not move forward. Naria took a deep breath, and glanced about her, wanted more than she was willing to admit, to see James in the crowd looking fresh and ready for the day's fight. There was of course no way for her to know where he was, so when she did not see him she didn't allow herself to worry to much. Her attention returned to watch a second, third, and fourth match, before she found herself , disgusted, and bored. It was not until the sun had begun its descent that Hansid leaned toward her and whispered in her ear.

"Your elf takes the to the ring, will you not watch him?"

Naria's eyes snapped forward as she heard the next names called. "James Tekkarro versus Eral Mordrid. Take to the center." She also heard some jeers from the back of the crowd. "Hope your as quick as you look Pointy Ears." One man called teasingly. Naria silently cursed the lewd man as she strained to catch sight of James, needing to see him send her a reassuring look more than she wanted to admit.

((Okay, the fight is all yours, Eral is an NPC with a name that just popped out of thin air, have fun with it.))

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James continued watching fight after fight, more then often either out of shape men more interested then a pretty young servant then anything. Others were simply stupid slow brutes. James couldn't help but laugh at times. Once a man looked over at him with a glare. A strange mixture of the violence around him and the man's attitude caused James's eyes to flicker red as he leered right back at him. "What are you lookin at maggot?" he growled. The man allowed his jaw to drop as he turned away, slightly shocked at the young elf's behavior. Before he knew it, he had heard his name called. He smirked and stretched, yawning, admittedly tired. He knew though that whatever opponent they threw at him, an elf in his tired state was nimbler then the swiftest man. James entered the ring, accompanied by some taunts and jeers from the spectators

James looked back up at the pedestal to gaze at Naria. HE tried to send her a reassuring feeling, but didn't thinks he would be able to see the comfort in his eyes form this distance. After staring for a while he realized why somebody would want to win her. Certainly she was a very intelligent woman, and not at all unattractive...James palmed himself int he forehead, grumbling to himself. Maybe lack of sleep was getting to him after all. The second man entered the ring, accompanied by many loud cheers and helpful suggestions form the crowd about what part of the "scrawny elf" he should go for first. James folded his arms inf front of his chest as he saw a large man of almost six feet tall stand before him. HE wore several furs and leathers, notched and marked with the scars of battle. His hair was shaggy and muddy, covered in filth along with his face. The man certainly looked like a warrior, and the Axe he held in his hand certainly supported that.


The man laughed a deep hearty laugh and tried to look down upon James. "This is what I have to go against? This is almost insulting." he mocked, as the crowd joined him in a laugh. The man even began to comment on Jame's appearance. " This scrawny runt doesn't even look like he's ever been in a fight! Seems to me the most difficult thing he's had to done is groom his hair!" James simply unsheathed his sword, closing his eyes as he took a few steps back. The second the man signaled for the fight to begin, James moved with such speed it seemed he had merely teleported to behind the man. He was already sheathing his sword when the man realized he was already behind him. "The match is over, I draw first blood." he stated motionlessly. Eral looked Infuriated as he spun round, large cleaving Axe in hand. "Liar, now stop fleeing and fight!" he roared, as he swung his Axe down fiercely. But everyone in the crowd gaped just as Eral did when James merely brushed the blow away with he back of his hand while point to a small bleeding cut, not even the size of an inchworm, on the man's face. "There, on that deformity you call a face. I do not enjoy causing harm, even if it is to such a damaged thing such as that. But I did indeed draw first blood which means I am the victor." He explained, before simply turning away and stepping out of the ring. He looked back up at Naria, hoping for her to see him. "Maybe now she'll have a little faith in My abilities."

[rpgoddess]

"He is light on his feet, isn't he?" Hansid commented. "Perhaps I will have a talk with this elf of yours." He added, standing he touched her chin with a finger and lifted her face. "Do not leave, your suitors expect you to watch the show they put on for you." He ordered lightly and then set off, disappearing into the crowd as the next match began.

Naria breatheda sigh of relief once Hansid was gone. She had begun to see him in a different light recently. Before all of this she had believed that she lived in a peaceful and loving village, with a tribe of friends, and elders who believed in the same things she did. Yet she was beginning to see everything differently now. The villagers were not close because they had a great affection for one another, but because the meant to hide truths, even from each other. The warriors were meant not just to protect them but to suppress them. It was all overwhelming. Had James not come into her life, she may have gone on for years oblivious to the true going ons of this place and the people. She thanked the goddess silently that she and Pippa would soon be free of it. Her eyes found James again in the crowd, he had won, and skillfully so. She wondered how long he would strive to protect them, and why he felt inclined to do so at all.

Eventually she was forced to return her attention to the field, she was shocked when her eyes met those of the brute she had encountered the night before, he was clean now, sober, and well-kept, but the smile on his shapely lips was chilling. It was not that he was ugly, no he was indeed very handsome, but there was something about his person that set her on edge.

The fight began. It was over as quickly. The brute, who she learn was named Gavain, was not challenged in the least by the small framed man he faced, the entire match consisted of the small man dodging swings and Gavain chuckling as if playing a game. Then, without warning the smaller man tripped and landed face down in the dirt, his arms outstretched and legs twisted awkwardly. It was then that Gavain made his move, like lightening he was atop the man, a foot placed on his wrist to hold it immobile and with one great swing of his axe. Naria snapped her eyes shut and expelled a wave of nauseated breath.

"For you, love." She heard a rasping voice below her. Opening her eyes she found Gavain at the foot of the platform, she watched horror as he tossed a severed finger to her feet with a wink.

"Well done." Dovin nodded approvingly.

With another lewd grin in her direction Gavain turned on his heel and strolled away.


Hansid cheered with the rest of the crowd when Gavain won the match. He was loathe to admit it but he had a preverse interest in bloodsports. The life of an elder, even one as young as he, was very much a bore. Luckily he had enough sway to make things happen. He brushed some dust off off the front of his black robe and turned to locate the elf again. Annoying creature, he would upset the plans, just as Falan had. With a muttered curse he pinned his brown eyes onto the pale creature and made his way to the elf's side.

"Impressive tactics young man." He greeted with a wide smile. "I am village elder Hansid, and Naria's Guardian. I had hoped we might get a moment to speak, I think we have a common interest you and I."

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James decided he would remain to watch the last of the fights for the day. Even though he was dying for rest, he needed to be there for Naria. How would she feel if she looked out for comfort and he was gone when he had sworn so to protect her? He gaped in shock when he saw the man form last night, the one who had in a way attacked Naria, step up to fight. He did indeed have a very strong stature, and he had a charming face that many a woman would practically fall head over heels for. But with a tilt of his head, he noticed something about the man. His smile wasn't right, nor his eyes. It was as if something was...missing. Gilashi merely laughed hopefully. "Dear god he looks like fun. I hope we fight him, we gotta fight him, please let me fight him?" James merely shrugged off the childish remarks and continued to watch the man's fight. He was brutal, and he toyed with his opponent like a cat plays with a trapped rat. He was sadistic, and when he cut off the hand of the man as an "offering" to Naria, James couldn't help but growl slightly. He decided to continue playing the part of just another bloodthirsty suitor though, and applauded just as loudly for the man as the rest of the crowd.

James was more then ready to take a long deserved rest, when chill ran down his spine. Accompanied with the chill were the sickly sweet words of a stranger. He could not tell who he was, but he immediately sensed he was one of the few in charge of this sport. HE turned to face him, as the man introduced himself. James just weakly grinned, his eyes looking into Hansid's. He nearly gagged, his soul was filled with filth and muck, sin to rival that of some of the cruelest enemies he had faced. Gilashi even cringed in his head slightly. "Yuck, what's this pathetic old geezer want?" he snickered. James simply bowed, but he did not avert his eyes form the man/ You never take your eyes off of a potential enemy. "Ah, pleasure to meet you sir. I am James Tekkarro, as you already know of course. And yes, what is it you believe we have in common?" he inquired, grinding his teeth slightly.

[rpgoddess]

Hansid's smile grew, sly little beast, he thought. "Naria of course." He said. "Are we not all here for her?" He asked as he gestured to the crowd around them. "But you my friend, you have a more intimate interest, who could blame you, she is different from other women is she not?" He added.

It was easy, this act of the charming and accepting comrade. Hansid played the part well, and smiled at his cleverness. If the elf could not be won, he would be removed from the situation, it was just a matter of making the creature see things clearly. Naria could not leave, it was a risk none of the elders would take, no more bloodshed would greet this village because of a weaver. Useful they may be, if they could not be contained they were eliminated. That was the way of it. No longer were they viewed as human, no humans didn't bring death and poverty like the weavers did. They did not inspire murder and greed. Weavers were like animals, if trained properly they were acceptable, but if allowed to do as they pleased they were vessels of destruction. Hansid would not allow this young elf to upset the course of things.

"I believe her interest in you is great as well. I see her eyes scan the crowds for you, hear her breath catch when you enter the ring. It warms me to see her so enraptured, but it pains me to think that if you were to win her you would take her away from us, she is like my own daughter, my heart." Hansid said then. "I would want her to remain close, so that I could enjoy watching her live a life of happiness." He added.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James put on his best false face, listening intently to the man and nodding in mock understanding. "Of course, Naria is the maiden is she not? As you can probably guess I do have strong feelings for her, therefore I will win her hand in this competition or die trying sir." he lied, but not a single hint gave away he was deceiving the man. James could just smell the stink of sin on the man. He was the very hing his father fought against. But James controlled himself and decided to try and get on the man's good side, allow him to think James was one to be controlled. "I do hope so much she is as infatuated by me as I am enchanted by her. She is simply all a man could ask for if I may say so sir. I would never dream of tearing her away from his place, from the village that ha become a family to her! Of course not, I of course would be the one to live here instead. You see, I have lost all of my family in a chain of accidents, and I am a traveler so I do not have a single companion. Therefore, it would be an honor if I were to win, if you would be kind enough to allow me to live here?" He attempted to persuade the man into thinking he had every intention of trying to take shelter in their barbaric community.