Alone she stands, in the center; waiting. Awaiting challenge, Zeria is here to prove something to herself. Because when people look at her, all they see is that scarred; lonely girl. They feel sorry for her, pity her, and have no clue as to why Zeria is the way she is. But Zeria's tired of people seeing her as weak. Just because she cannot remember her past, and just because her mind is not as clear of everyone else's they all judge her however they wish. Zeria's tired of all that.

So she's here, scimatar in hand. No one really wants to fight her. They're all too afraid of hurting the poor girl. And so she waits, mercury eyes scanning the crowd. Her attentions are only distracted for a split second, at the feel of something against her palm. Zeria's familiar stands beside her, shoving his muzzle against Zeria's unarmed hand in attempt to comfort her. But Zeria doens't want; doesn't need any comfort right now. After a moment, the large wolf gives up, and he sits at Zeria's side; curling his tail around his hindpaws.

She stares forward still, at the gate so many feet in front of her. By now, it should've opened, and someone should have stepped from it. But there was nothing. Even as the crowd shifted uncomfortably, none wanted to leave because they all had that morbid sense of human curiousity. It doesn't take long for Zeria to hear the mutterings of the crowd above. Fragments of 'she must be crazy', 'girls lost her mind', and the like. Zeria might not be as clear-minded as everyone else seems to think they are, but she's not crazy. Just because she hears that sinister voice in her head, one that haunts her in nightmares and laughs at her every misfortune ... doesn't make her insane.

Standing here in the arena reminds her of an event long since passed. It was in another land, that she cannot remember the name of. Zeria had entered a contest, had gotten high in the ranks, until one battle nearly killed her. She'd been doing fairly well against her opponent, until someone in the crowd decided they didn't want Zeria to win. So they'd shot a poisoned arrow through her back. She shouldn't have lived throgh that. But she did. And the result was one that left her with a useful immunity to poison. Funny how fate works like that.

Her thoughts quickly shift back to the present. The creaking of metal gate alerts her to the presence of someone. Her fingers grasp Althaol tighter, and Zeria barely noticed how her breath had quickened in anticipation for whatever may lie ahead. It's about damned time- Her attentions aren't even diverted when Xandarick had stood and given out a low growl. The wolf wasn't going to fight in this arena. Even if it had been within the rules, Zeria would't have let him. This was Zeria's fight. She had to prove herself.

The gate of the arena opens slowly, accompanied with a noisy crackle. The mist at the gate starts to fade and from afar, a figure starts to form. Sound of footsteps get louder every second as the mysterious man gets nearer at the center - where the girl silently waits for her enemy.

Hmm... A girl, eh? Wait... I think I've seen her before.
He thought to himself.

He is Clemente, a moon elf bard. He decided to enter the arena to test his melee skills. Few weeks ago, he started training using a dagger. But because he is a bard and an elf, both of which are known in the field of art, he wanted to formulate a fighting style in which it is performed artistically. Days after, he has developed his combat style - the blade dancing.

Yes I know her... She is the one that I heard the people are talking about. She is the crazy one. But is she really crazy? I think not.

He ponders as he walks slowly towards her, deciding whether to fight her or not. His long, silver hair moves with the mild wind. His blue eyes observed her from head to foot. His enemy, being a woman who must be treated with proper respect, makes him hesitate. He never wanted to fight with a woman.

"Hey there.", he called. "Are you sure you wanna fight?"

((I hope my post is ok.))

((Don't worry. Its fine. ^^))


Zeria watched carefully as the other approached. She scrutinized him carefully, even if he was only walking out here. She ignored the mutterings of the crowd ahead. Her gaze only distracted for a moment when Xandarick gave a soft, questioning whine to her. Slowly putting a hand to the wolf's back, Zeria shifted her gaze back to the man approaching.

Zeria doesn't really care what sort of person her opponent may be. As long as she just has an opponent, thats enough for Zeria. And though she herself doesn't look like much of a warrior-type, Zeria's got speed and agility on her side. Even though she doesn't know it, her angel half graced her with such. After a moment, she'd reached a hand back to remove her cloak; and tossed it carelessly to the side.

Turning back, her eyes narrowed somewhat at the question asked. 'You sure you wanna fight?' However, Zeria didn't give an answer. She believed it should be appearant enough. Not that anything was ever certain in Zeria's life, but she wasn't going to up and leave. Not when she'd gotten this far. Death, pain, they were things that mattered little to her. After all, her life was filled with such, and so they were just things Zeria learned to deal with. Instead, she turned slightly, shifting her feet in a way so that her body was presented as only a small target. It was obviously a sign that she was ready for battle to ensue.

The wolf at her side raised a paw, and rested it against Zeria's hip. Zeria muttered for him to leave her side. Xandarick didn't need to get involved. Zeria didn't want her familiar to be involved in this. With a somewhat hurt look, the wolf pad off, to the sidelines. With a sigh the canine had lay, and rested his head on forepaws; watching the center of the field.

(( Whew... Thanks! Happy valentines day anyway... ))

"Well then, let us begin."

Hmm... She really doesn't seem like a warrior.

Seeing his opponent already in her combat position, Clemente shifted in his own battle stance. Loud and noisy cheers are heard from the impatient audience, which made him a bit nervous, not to mention that her enemy is a woman.

He also took notice of the wolf, it may suddenly attack him in the middle of the fight. But knowing that familiars are illegal to join their masters' battle in the arena, he ignored the thought. But it is still better to be prepared.

The moon elf unsheathed his fine and well-sharpened dagger. The blade shines so bright as it is hit by the sun. Standing straight, he pointed it directly towards the girl's direction. The cold wind blows slightly as he whispers a chant he learned during his bard trainings - the battlesong.

A light blue light comes out from him, the song gets louder. After a moment, the chant is finished. Absorbing the energy of the wind element, he felt lighter and more agile this time, making him believe that he will easily be able to evade the woman's attacks.

"Ready?"

At seeing the other draw his weapon, Zeria raised her own in front of her. She simply watched him as he chants whatever sort of magic he favors. Zeria doesn't use magic herself, though that was mainly because she wasn't much good at it.

She gave a bare nod, one that might not even be noticed. Zeria was never one to speak during battle, or any other time, for that matter. She paid no attention to the crowd shouting above. She didnt' really care about them, since they weren't down here fighting. Zeria gave on last glance to her familiar, who was still laying at the sidelines watching her intently. The wolf would not attack, not unless Zeria's life was at stake. And this place, this arena. It wasn't meant for death. At least ... thats what everyone says. Fight, but not murder. There was a difference.

Zeria now focused her gaze on the man. She studied him, and waited for him to make the first move. Zeria was one who could evade for as long as she needed to. Not that she wouldn't use her own blade eventually. It was just that Zeria liked to see anything her opponent might have up their sleeve, so to speak.

'Stupid girl ... What do you think you're doing? You can't fight. You're too pathetic ... too weak. You won't even get in a single strike. ... I bet you won't even fight. In two minutes you'll be running away. Like last time.

Zeria visibly shook her head at some voice only she could hear. Voices always played through her head at the most inappropriate times. That was one of the things that caused people to think her not-quite-sane. "Just ... shut up." She silently told the voice, and pushed it to the back of her mind. She'd deal with it later.

Shifting her position just slightly, Zeria brought her sword to chest level. Her gaze never straying from the task at hand. The blade of Althaol gave a blinding glint, like freshly polished silver, when the sunlight sparked off it. But the scimitar was much more than a weapon. It was an extention of Zeria's self, it was a part of her that she'd never been without. Zeria couldn't even imagine what life without her blade (or her familiar for that matter), woudl be like. Whatever past Zeria might have, they're the only things she's kept from it.

But that is not a matter to be discussed at this moment. Right now, is the time to fight. And for Zeria to prove herself.

From what he observed, the girl is probably in a defensive position, never planning to take the initiative to attack. By then, he took the lead. Clemente gripped the hilt of his silver dagger tightly just to make sure it will not slip off his hand. After a few seconds, he nodded to himself, looked straight to the girl, narrowed his blue sparkling eyes...

...and charged.

The noisy cheers of the crowd get louder, enveloping the whole arena with the feeling of suspense and excitement. But the plain, blank expressions of the two fighters can give the conclusion that they pay no attention to those. And frankly, those loud shouts of cheers don't give any encouragement to the both of them.

Honestly, Clemente is not the warrior-type of person. In fact, this is his first time to seriously engage himself into a battle. At his time, he can hear nothing but the fast beating of his nervous heart. Hopefully, he will be able to win.

Goddess of Blades, I pray. Please guide my actions so that I may not kill her...

As he got near his enemy, Clemente made a quick straight-forward punch using his left hand, his free hand, targeting her belly. He, at this moment, don't want to use his silver dagger, for he is afraid of hurting his opponent badly. The moon elf planned just to hit her and stun her. That way, he can win without bloodshed.

But just in case, he ready his right hand, holding the dagger, if he needed to use it in emergeny.

The other took the lead just as Zeria expected. But she didn't let the fact that she was correct in the assumption, distract her. She shifted her feet just slightly, steadying herself. Heels dug into the dirt, allowing her to keep from being pushed over easily. Zeria was deaf to the crowd now; deaf to that voice in her head that kept trying to instill doubt in her. Zeria herself didn't pray to anyone. gods and goddesses were simply something she had no faith in.

She took note of the other's left hand heading towards her in a straight punch. With a swift realignment of her wrist, she used the hilt of her scimitar to block the fist aimed for her. Zeria stiffened her arm to brace herself against the impact. At the same time, she kept the man's right hand, the one armed with dagger, in her sight. She wasn't going to risk having it used against her while she blocked his hit.

The wolf on the sidelines glanced warily between the two. His ears quivered somewhat at the occurances. However, the canine did not move from his position. Instead, he just watched. But Zeria paid no attention to her familiar at the moment, since there was no need for her two. Zeria's only thought at the moment, was simply.

"Better be careful, not to underestimate...."

Just as he expected, she will be blocking his left straight punch, for it is a bit easy even for him to block it. But the attack's goal is not to beat her, rather it is to test her reflexes and skills.Though she look weak in her apperance, still it is not good to underestimate her. Who knows? She might be stronger than him.

His fist hit the hilt of the girl's scimitar. Because he is not suit in using his left hand, the attack is not that strong, the impact created only a light sound. He took a quick glance to the wolf sitting far from them both. Any moment from now, it may charge and join the fight.

"Good.", he muttered more to himself than to the woman, but he knows it is loud enough for her to hear.

After she have managed to block the punch, Clemente quickly shifted his position, crouching lower, extending his right foot backward in preparation for his next move. Then, he rapidly kicked forward, creating a semi-circular curve of dust in the ground, targeting her left foot. He plans to get the balance of the girl off.

The tension he feels get stronger, he focuses nothing but to the fight only.

Zeria was somewhat surprised that the hit wasn't as strong as she was expecting. Instead, she got the feeling that she was being tested as well. And Zeria wasn't quite used to that. However, she didn't let that fact distract her.

Once the man pulled his fist away, Zeria moved her wrist again. Now, her sword was in it's original position, horizontal and across her chest. She noticed how the other glanced at the wolf from time to time. Without shifting her gaze, Zeria spoke three words only.

"He won't attack."

Zeria heard the man say something, though she didn't quite understand what he meant by it. She supposed he was just talking to himself, and the matter was quickly forgotten at the man's next move. Zeria jumped back, just missing the man's attempt to trip her by few inches. With how fast she'd managed to dodge that, was certainly cause for one to get the feeling that Zeria isn't quite human. Even if Zeria doesn't notice that herself.

Amazed by what he saw, Clemente gasped for a second, staring straight to his enemy. The woman, known to be out of her mind, was able to dodge his attack with perfect timing. The moon elf narrowed his eyes and observed the woman carefully, very carefully. She really seems normal. Well, is she?

"Damn. How did she do that?" He whispered.

Indeed, she is a mysterious woman. And more of her secrets will soon be revealed. Anyway, this is an arena afterall. Everybody who enters the arena is expected to be skilled enough in fighting. She entered, so it goes without saying that she is a fighter, eventhough it isn't that obvious.

He felt a little relieved when she assured that the wolf won't attack. But there is nothing so special about that. It is really not allowed. But he can't stop himself from glancing at the mammal. It is natural to him to be sensitive in his surroundings.

As she jumped back, he finally realized, Now this is a fight.

Clemente then decided to use his silver dagger in his right hand. He made a fast downward slash while charging forward for greater force. He didn't want to use it but he felt he needed to. He is here to win, to be known, and just like the girl, to prove something.

(( I sent you a private message. Please read it ^^. ))

((Heh ... Sometimes I forget all about the Private Messager. But, I got around to checking it. Sent you a reply as well. ^^))


Zeria was somewhat surprised at herself, actually. Though she didn't let herself be distracted. This was, in all honesty, the first time she had actually been able to fight, without the person she was fighting against intending on killing Zeria. All other fights she'd been in, she hadn't been able to really see what her own abilities were. However, she quickly snapped back to the present, catching a bare glance at the dagger being brought towards her.

Taking a small step back, to brace herself, Zeria brought her scimitar diagonally across her. Making sure to have a firm grip on her weapon, she managed to block the silver blade. ...pretty fast...'


((Beware the short post of doooom! >< ))

Clang!

Their weapons bumped at each other, producing a loud metal sound. Clemente gnashes his teeth hardly. He is very desperate to win. And the fact that his enemy is a woman, ho won't let her beat him. It is humiliating for a man if he was beaten by the opposite sex.

"You... won't... win!", he whispered to her.

The noisy cheers of the crowd got louder and louder as time pass by. Why are they happy to watch people fighting with each other? And why do they get more satisfied when there is bloodshed? These people, as long as they are entertained, it doesn't matter to them if someone falls in the fight. They only care for themselves.

(( Wah~~ Sorry for the short post. There is nothing much to tell. We're the same. :P ))

((Meh. I'm not worried about post-length at this point. 'Cause its all good. ^^ And sorry for taking a few days to reply. Bad weather kept me offline. ><))


Zeria didn't care why this man was so intent on winning this fight. It didn't occur to her what people would think of a man who lost a fight to a woman. Not that Zeria would have cared even if she did know about that.

She didn't give a reply to the statement of how she wouldn't win. Instead, she'd just taken a small step back. Zeria knew that she couldn't just dodge, and block the other's attacks forever. That wouldn't be much of a fight. So, without giving the elf time to attack again, Zeria quickly stepped forward; her sword raised. Even if her scimitar did manage to hit the other though, it wouldn't have been a any sort of crippling injury. Zeri was careful to use force, but not too much. Zeria was never one who was out for blood.

So, you want to fight back now?, Clemente said in his mind.

The blades are still intact, pushing each other. The elf adds greater force so he could beat the woman. Cold sweat slowly flows in his cheek, then dropped when it reached his chin. His blue eyes stared at her, unblinking.

At this point, nobody can tell how the fight will end.

All Clemente knows, he HAVE to win this fight - not only for himself, but also for the pride of his race as well. Moon Elves rarely choose the are of physical combat, for they focuses more on the field of magic.

The sun is up, as if it also wants to witness the on going battle.

(( It's alright. ^^ ))

Zeria felt herself being pushed back, and so she dug her heels into the dirt to keep from falling backwards. At the sidelines, the wolf slowly stood, ears flattened against his skull. Zeria noticed, and just shook her head. The wolf whined softly, and lay back down again.

'I told you. You're too weak. You'll never be able to fight. Pathetic.'
"Shut ... up...."

Her eyes, they flashed somewhat oddly; like an animal's would in the dark. Zeria muttered something incoherent. Clenching her teeth, she pushed forward. Sunlight reflected from her blade, giving off a silver light that was almost blinding.

"Argh! Damn...", Clemente exclaimed. The blinding light emanating from the other's blade hit the bard's blue eyes and he was weakened a bit by it. A little backward, he stepped, shifting in a defensive position. This time, it is free for the girl to take the lead and attack.

I must not lose... Damn!

Indeed, the woman is somewhat a hard challenge for him, but he have to pass that challenge no matter what. He realized that her angelic face before changed into an expression of a wild beast. Clemente was frightened.

What will happen next? Well, nobody really knows.

It was only by luck that her blade had blinded Clemente. That was not Zeria's intention but it still seemed to help her out significantly in this fight. As soon as the other took a step back, Zeria shifted to an attack stance and raised her sword. It was only a second later that she brought Althaol back downward in a diagonal slice.

Zeria hadn't been trying to look at all imposing, but niether was she previously trying to appear harmless. Zeria was just ... rather stoic in her expressions. She couldn't help it that, by some odd stir of emotion, that her eyes had reflected in such a way. And even if she could've had control over such a thing, she probably wouldn't have bothered.

Zeria's growing rather confident in herself thus far, which was rare because Zeria never had any confidence in herself at anything she ever did. However, there's no telling which why this battle will turn.

Everything is really unexpected. The blade had made a slight damage to his shoulder, but not that bare. Little amount of red, elven blood squirted out. Good thing he was able to move fast, if not, then he would have suffered worse injury. He thanked the Goddess of Blades for that.

"Oh no... Not now..."

Now it seems that the battle is going to the girl's way. The crowd now started to cheer for her. Its obvious, everyone is now on the side of Zeria. But does it care to him? Actually, no. He is deaf right at this very moment, deaf of the crowd's loud cheers.

For his next move, he stepped backward, charged, using his balance, he then jumped with all of his strength, sending a flying kick towards the woman.

Her sword as drawn back at the first sign of blood, to avoid doing any mortal damage. Zeria was not out to kill; she wasn't out for blood.

Zeria was, needless to say, somewhat shocked that the crowd was cheering for her. Wasn't it just minutes ago, that they were making fun of her and calling her insane? Zeria didn't quite understand it. However she didn't let herself be distracted in thinking upon the matter. From here forth, she ignored the crowd.

Her blade was brought up, to use the flat part of the blade to block the kick. Zeria managed to avoid actually getting kicked herself, though the impact was enough to knock her off her feet. The momentum of the kick delivered cause her to skid along the ground, most of her weight shifted to her shoulder.

Zeria shook her head, as if to clear it. Dust was everywhere, and she could barely se in it. As a precaution, her scimatar was brought up as fast as possible, in front of her face to avoid any attack by the other's blade.

Clemente felt relieved by the event. Good thing, his plan is working. Now that she lies down on the cloud of dust, he fastly ran towards her and pointed his dagger at her neck.

"Surrender now. We do not want bloodshed, do we?", he convinces her. He tried to appear as if he was more powerful than the girl so that she may surrender. This was the safest idea he could think now. And he hopes it will be successful.

Why did I enter this arena, anyway? I don't want to fight anymore. And it is best to end this fight this way.

Will this be the end of the battle?

((sorry for not posting for a long time. I have been busy these days because of the rehearsals for our upcoming theatre play.))

(('S no problem.))

Zeria held her breath at the feel of cold metal against her neck. Resisting the urge to cough from all the dust she exhaled slowly and muttered something. Give up? She couldn't. If Zeria gave up now then that would mean that he was right. It would mean that Zeria really was weak and that she'd never amount to anything.

"No ... I can't."

Notice how she didn't say won't. When Zeria said she couldn't just give up she really meant that she couldn't. She was too tired of running, tired of being told how pathetic she was; how inept she was. Zeria's whole reason for getting into this arena in the first place was to prove them all wrong.
Zeria wasn't going to let the battle end this way. She didn't care about life or death; victory or defeat. All that mattered really was that she keep fighting and never give up. Pain, Zeria could ignore it if she had to. But no matter what she wasn't just going to up and run.

Mercury eyes narrowed, and without warning she pushed the dagger away from her throat. The blade was sharper than she expected it to be, however she ignored the fact that the dagger had managed to leave a small cut. And she ignored the line of blood flowing into her shirt collar. As soon as the other's dagger was away, Zeia pushed the other back. Using her other arm to give herself enough leverage to shift her postion, Zeria knocked the man to the ground. Moving just slightly, Zeria pinned the elf to the ground by placing a knee upon his chest. Pressing the blade of her scimatar to his neck, she shook her head.

"You surrender."

((Yey! Back to long posts. ^_^))

DAMN!!!

His mind shouts, curses, and blames himself from what is currently happening. He thought everything will go according to his plan. That everything will be easy if it is correctly executed. That everything will be alright if he has a deep faith with the Goddess of Blades. But this... Right at this very moment...

Lying down; can't move; entrapped with a threat that might take his life anytime from now.

Clemente must make an action. He knows he really MUST. But the questions are what action? how to do it? What if it fails? And worse... What if he dies? Every second, various things appear on his mind - mixed, vague, confusing. It is not easy to be in his place, everybody knows that. The pressure he feels, the fear, the anger.

He deosn't know how to respond to the demand of Zeria. But on the second thought, why not? There is always a room for development. Let her win and just hope to win in the future. Just like the old saying, 'There is a rainbow always after the rain'.

No. I must win.

Suddenly, he is again enveloped with a light blue aura. Wind dances around him, creating a small whirlwind. His blue eyes glow brightly. And finally, he have found the guts to say...

"NO!"

With that, the strength of the wind pushed the girl away.

((Yayness))


Zeria held her position, not even flinching from it. She waited for an answer, not wanting to kill this man. Though it is doubtful she would even do so. Zeria didn't want to kill anyone. She never did. Though she did force a bit more pressure on her blade, trying to convince Clemente to give up.

Then, something changed. As if the air surrounding was being manipulated. Zeria stared at the other i nconfusion, what was that aura of blue around him? What did it mean? Of course, Zeria did not ask. Her hand trembled just slightly, not certain what to do. She flinched slightly at the sudden outburst. 'No' ... No? He was still going to fight? Her eyes narrowed in a rather vain attempt to avoid the dust swirling around these two fighters. Zeria didn't understand it, she didn't ...

Suddenly she was pushed back by such a strong force, she couldn't even resist. The very winds had been controlled by this man. It made her confused; uncertain, like most everything else in the young woman's life. She hit the ground, hard; her shoulder taking most of her weight, just like last time. This time was worse though. There was more power knocking Zeria down, not like last time.

At the sidelines the wolf gave a low growl, he looked as if he were going to step forward but all of a sudden he just ... stopped. Anyone with a telepathy spell would have known why the wolf stopped. Because Zeria mentally screamed at him not to join in the fight. Not that Zeria really cared about rules but she didn't want her familiar to help. Zeria was tired of relying on others for help.

Zeria slowly got to her feet, not even noticing yet that her scimitar had been lost somewhere in the dirt. Favoring her left shoulder somewhat, she shifted her position in preparing for whatever else the elf might throw at her.

"You must do better than that..."

"Arrogance..." , Clemente said. "It won't help."

Realizing that he is gaining control of the situation, the bard now becomes more
confident of himself. Though he is still confused of what had transpired earlier, still
it is something he should be thankful of.

Time is running out. Soon, their energies will be drained. And before that happens,
Clemente must do something. Blue eyes unblinkingly stared at her, while his lips
whispers yet another unknown chant. Pain in his wounded shoulder weakens him a
bit. He is not used in having wounds.

"Hey, why don't you attack first? Its always me who initiates."

Provokes? Maybe. Seriously speaking, he doesn't know what kind of attack he will
throw upon Zeria. And it is better to defend to see what style she uses in battle.
That way, he can study her moves and it will be easier for him to defend.

I'm getting tired now...


((Soooooooooorry!! How irresponsible of me. Sorry for taking so long to post. The theatre play keeps me busy. Anyway, its already done. I'll be active again. Yayness!!))

((Heh. That's ok. Yay for reactivity!))

Arrogance? That was one thing Zeria was not of. No, she was much too insecure to have any sort of arrogance. Ignoring the other's comment, Zeria did not inititate her own attack. Instead she had take a few steps back and quickly retrieved her sword. Raising it in front of her, she shifted her weapon to the right hand.

Zeria was tired, her shoulder hurt, and she was losing this battle. But she didn't care, Zeria wasn't going to surrender no matter what. For all she cared she could die today. Because, there was no one out there to miss her. Well, the wolf would. But being an animal he would move on and survive. Zeria knew that, all too well, and so death wasn't anything she was afraid of.

Her gaze fixed on the man, though she didn't look into his eyes because Zeria never could look anyone in the eyes. Still, she could tell he was getting tired as well. However, who will fall first?

"Whats the matter?", Clemente asked. "Scared?"

Hey, what am I saying?

Seriously, he is not the type who says those kind of words. He just wants to provoke her to make her initiate an attack. And as he see the girl shifting to her position, he made his battle stance as well. He won't attack first - that is what he is sure of. He won't attack first. He won't

She will.

"Come on now, Ms. Let's see how strong your sword is."

He also took notice of the action of the girl, specifically her not being able to look straight into his eyes. Well, the reason is quite obvious. Being insulted everyday and being called as crazy, the tendency is for her to lose her confidence.

What if she wins? She might gain confidence once again. Yes, that may happen. So is it a good reason to let her win? The answer depends on what Clemente will do. And that is what the audience inside the arena has to await.

((just correct me for grammatical errors. This is just a rush post honestly. >_<))

Zeria almost laughed at that ... almost. People had asked her that enough times (about various matters) that, the question of her own courage meant nothing to her. She did shake her head though, only slightly. Zeria was far too cautious to instigate attack. Because, everytime she did attack, she got hurt. Zeria had learned from past mistakes. Maybe now she was too cautious. But whatever the case, Zeria didn't care. She stood her ground; not shifting her position anymore. Zeria was, above all, patient. She could wait until nightfall for the other to attack if she had to. Few could match Zeria's patience, as a matter of fact.

And if she wins? Will she gain confidence? Maybe ... maybe not. Zeria's rather volatile in a way.

Perhaps she could not be easily provoked.

Clemente thinks for a second. Standing firm in her position, Zeria might want to say that she will wait for him to attack first. Good decision for her, he thought. Patience is a virtue; It is a fact. And it is quite advantagous for the girl to just wait. So Clemente, wihtout any further thinking, crouched lower as a preparation, then said:

"So this is what you want."

He pushed his feet and rushed towards Zeria, placing his dagger on his back to make a strong forward thrust. It is a thrust that, if she may not be able to evade, may end her life. The attack targets her left chest, where her heart is located.

Zeria figured it didn't really mattered what she wanted. Whatever happened, was meant to, and Zeria only questioned that on few occasion. She'd noticed the man's shift in position, appearently she wasn't gong to have to wait long. Shifting her feet slightly to brace herself, Zeria brought her scimatar in front of her, so that the blade would block the dagger aimed for her heart. Either she would block the other's blade with her own, or she would manage to dodge. Theo ther wasn't close enoghu to her yet, to be sure.

((Friend, I plan to finish the RP in one to three posts. And btw, I sent you a pm.))

Rushing towards Zeria, Clemente whispered yet another bardic chant. But this one was different. The elf planned to finish this fight. He was really getting tired every second. And in this attack, he will be using all his strength, all his powers, hoping that in this one powerful final blow, he will be able to beat the girl.

As he uttered his chant, the wind blew into his direction, moving in a circular motion, forming a whirlwind. It was also noticable that his blue eyes shone brightly and his body was enveloped with a light blue aura, making him stronger. His silver hair dances wildly with the blowing wind. His dagger held in place, ready to be thrusted when he got near enough with Zeria.

Getting nearer, he finished his chant with a loud but short shout. As he spoke the last syllable, he suddenly emanated a blinding blue light which faded away for just a matter of seconds. But when it faded, it was surprising that on his back, there was a pair of white wings with specks of blue and silver already attached, wings that he had inherited from his avariel elven blood.

The unexpected transformation made the audience inside the arena surprised. Silence surrounded the whole arena. Tension is rising.

Zeria, standing still, obviously braced herself.

Reaching a good distance, the bard finally thrusted it forward with all his might. Wind strongly blew towards the other's direction.

((Heh. 'S fine. I'm actually surprised the board has been running this long. All my other threads seem to sorta ....die.))


Indeed, Zeria was bracing herself against attack. She was just about as surprised as the other people here, at the sudden appearance of Clemente's wings. Though the look didn't register across her face, Zeria was quite shocked at how this battle was turning. In all honesty she'd never expected any events such as these to occur. Not that it mattered.

Digging her heels into the earth in a somewhat vain attempt to stand against the wind, Zeria tightened her grip upon her weapon. Her eyes narrowed, and she ignored the annoying way her hair whipped across her face; obscuring her vision. This was either all, or nothing. And Zeria had been giving her all the entire time and wasn't going to even give up now.

Bracing herself against the impact of the wind, and ready to block the dagger aimed for her, Zeria clenched her teeth tightly together. She had nothing to do but hope she could block the other. As the wind was so strong it would knock her off her feet should she try and move.

Hitting each other hard, the two blades produced a loud clang as both weapons created a spark. Clemente, who was in an offensive position, added more strength - exceeding his limit - hoping to break Zeria's seemingly good defence. Notice how she dug her feet into the ground and how she held tight her scimitar. It was difficult to destroy, but not impposible. However, with the help of the force of the wind, his chance of winning may increase.

But having this attack as his final blow, it was in this last shot that will determine the very outcome of the battle. If he made it, he'll win. If Zeria managade to evade the attack and counter, she'll win.

Either way, whatever the outcome, may it be victory or defeat, one thing is for sure - Clemente indded had enjoyed the activity in the arena. He never felt any regrets in entering inside the building.

Now, all he has to do is to wait for Zeria for her move.

Want to know what will happen next? Find out on Zeria's next post!

(( Anime Series?! Nah. Just Kidding. ^_~V ))

[Sorry for taking so long to reply. My brain has been rather dead lately.]

Zeria winced, barely able to keep her position much longer. The pain in her shoulder, it made it harder for her to keep up her defence. Gritting her teeth, Zeria was pushing herself far past her own limits. In a somewhat rash move, Zeria pushed harder against the blades, tryign to attempt pushing the other back. It was this move that broke Zeria's own defense. Her grip slipped, and dispite the forces pushing her back, she somehow managed to fall forward. The dagger broke away from her scimatar, the smaller blade, Zeria felt it tear through clothing and skin. After that she lost her footing, falling backwards to the dirt.

[Meh ....Couldn't think of much else.]