by Fuscontidox » Wed Nov 29, 2017 4:36 pm
(poor smol princess x'D her response to anything royalty related always makes me chuckle)
When he entered through the breach of the wide arena opening, Leal was greeted by his fellow wallsmen, he received pats on the back and ruffling of the hair from various figures as he made his way through. They offered their best of luck, and he felt more assured. Before him stood the captain of the wall at last, he sucked in a breath and offered the posture of highest respect, receiving a hand on his shoulder, he looked upon his face, and watched a small smile grace his lips with a pleased nod. Leal felt a new strength arise with that little sign of approval, and yet at the same time, he could feel another "set of eyes" on him, a new promise to keep. He couldn't let down the men of the wall, nor his family, and one of his biggest worries, the princess herself, he knew at these events a royal always arrived as a spectator, and something in him said to expect it to be her.
As he came to the wide gap between the men, he found himself at the forefront of the makeshift ring, he looked about the stands, various people were scattered about and seated wherever, nobles, many he had seen come in and out of the gates when they had special events with the royals, only by face did he know them, not a lick by name. His eyes trailed to the royal balcony, and he saw it was empty, at first he sighed, thinking maybe there was acceptions now and again involving the royalty. His attention turned abruptly at the call of someone in the noise of the crowd, and he looked about before catching sight of the wall's captain, he pushed his way through, and they met somewhere in the middle.
"I received word that you'll be first this round, in the one on one that is." Leal's heart seemed to stop for that moment, was he for real? "I'll give you some last minute advice, boy." the man said as they came to the opening of the ring, "let your feet do the moving, it isn't about skill, it is about muscle memory and reading your opponent, whether by sight or by practice, a swordsmen uses whatever tactic necessary to win a battle he cannot afford to lose."
A horn blared, and Leal's hair stood on end, a smallish man appeared to the left side on the royal balcony, and cleared his throat.
"Introducing our head spectator for these fine events," He held his breath as the next set of words came rolling off the man's tongue, "Princess Angelina herself!" the crowd went wild, and all Leal could do was watch as she appeared in all the glory of which he had hardly been able to imagine her in. The memory of that day in town flashed in his mind, and he couldn't help but wonder which one was truly the disguise.
"Go." the wall's captain whispered, and with a gentle push, Leal walked forward and into the ring, his opponent soon entered on the side across from him. They met in the center, and stood face to face, Leal was only inches shorter from the looks of it, but his own shoulders were broader for sure.
"Rules are as any normal match. Bow to your opponent and draw your weapons." the man paused, and Leal took the moment to observe, his sword was thinner to match his more lanky frame, and his stance looked a little more stiff, probably a nervous habit to matches the subtle tapping of his forward foot. "Begin!"
The two assumed the position of battle immediately, and the scene changed as Leal analysed the man's new posture, more refined, and swift, he swung towards Leal, who easily deflected and backed away, the man began the circle rapidly, and Leal followed suit and matched his step. In a quick movement, Leal took the chance and changed direction, striking from under, of which his opponent quickly laid his blade flat to deflect it, Leal pulled away, and wielded another blow, to the man's side where it was met with a clash, and soon they were into quick battering and drew back before laying out a handful more.
If this was a real battle, things wouldn't be so docile, but each man was tentative to the idea of harming someone who fought for the same thing. Leal's breathing was beginning to labor, but he hid it with slower, more deep breathing as they circled once more.
When the man struck again, Leal deflected quickly, learning his pattern and mirroring him ever so slightly, his opponents expression fell to annoyance and panic, and he changed his tactic, swinging more violently, much faster, and moving swifter. Leal relied on the aspect of defense, taking it blow after blow, and using it as a way to push back his opponent, taking notice though, his opponent side stepped and spun about, only to clash with a swing from Leal. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and Leal had to quickly smother a smirk before pulling back and spinning about himself for his next swing, but a downward swing from the man had him leaping away and maneuvering from the edge of the blade, the man turned about once more, sliding his foot, and knocking Leal off balance and had him rolling in the dust of the ring. In a flash, the man was back again ready to deal a blow, he swung his sword skyward, but Leal lifted himself to a kneel, and swung with a grunt until his blade was just inches from his opponent's throat.
Heavily breathing his mind finally caught up to his actions, and he blinked a few times before realizing the match had been called, and he lowered his sword along with his opponent. Leal would be moving on to the next round once the other one on one matches were complete.
I have made my choice. My pms will be open for a week to anyone who wants to message me on CS a little while longer, or to clear up anything if you must.
Discord: Fuscontidox #0877
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TH: Fuscontidox
Skype: SpookeyTheCat
