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Post by Wednesday on Nov 1, 2013 17:39:31 GMT -5
((My NaNoWriMo story))
Synopsis:
After twelve years of ruling Lord Zanth has been judged by the Council of Fire to step down. The Council has announced the opening of the Gods Arena, which will determine the next ruler of Auburden. Zanth however has decided he will not let the ruling stand but the only way to make sure he remains Lord is to make everyone believe the gods have chosen him to remain as ruler. To do this he will rig the Gods Arena to kill everyone everyone who competes.
Evi, a young woman from Balefall, finds herself selected to represent her city. As the arena unfolds she and the others discover the plot to keep anyone from winning and they must ban together to make it out alive.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 1, 2013 17:39:55 GMT -5
Prologue: The Dream Darkness, all around me. It is cold and makes me feel hollow like there is no escape. I begin to crumple under the pressure but suddenly a warmth starts to fill me. It begins at the ground giving off a faint light. It moves into my toes through my feet up my legs, continuing until it feels my entire body. The heat builds and I close my eyes because the heat is such a relief to the cold and hollowness. But the heat continues turning to fire and I open up my eyes staring at my skin which is glowing so brightly I look away into the distance. What I see I do not expect, I am still standing in the middle of an arena. There is blood and death. The bodies of many people I have never met and animals I have never seen are strewn in every direction, the carnage stirring my stomach uncomfortably. Lights come from the stands at five points each one a different color red, green, black, white, and yellow as bright beacons surrounding me. Two other lights ignite next to me, two other people standing with me in the arena. I can't see their faces but I know they are standing with me not against me and I know that I need them to face whatever it is that is coming.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 1, 2013 17:40:34 GMT -5
Chapter One:
I wake to the sounds of birds outside my window, the light shining in on my cluttered desk and the paper I should have finished the night before. Ink has smeared across the page where I had fallen asleep. Garth is definitely going to kill me for not finishing my paper but maybe I can distract him with the dream I just had. I did not understand it but maybe he could give me some advice. I definitely was not just a dream, something bad was going to happen and I was some how going to be a part of that.
I quickly change and gather my paper and books so I can head to the library where I am sure to find Garth tending to his duties. Though he always seems to spend his time there even when his tasks are done. I am sure that he would love that I take up the same interest with the books but every time I find myself studying my eyes wonder to the window where I can see the Academy students practicing with their swords and crossbows. Riding horses and doing obstacle courses. I wish I could be with them instead of inside all the time but I am not a child anymore. I can't sneak out and practice what I have seen from the windows like I did when I was small. I have chosen to stay with the College and train with them like I should have been doing since I was first dropped off with Garth.
Just thinking about the Academy makes me want to skip out on the library and go hide out in the barn to watch practice on the grounds. I still have a practice sword stashed away in my room... No, I need to talk with Garth, get some advice on my dream it seems important. So I finish grabbing my things and head towards the library.
As I open the door to the library I can hear voices. One voice is trying to hush the others, this conversation is obviously something that the speakers don't want to be overheard. Unfortunately for me the conversation ends after another hush before I can hear anything. I step inside to look for Garth closing the door behind me. I can see the group out of the corner of my eye glaring at me probably thinking I have overheard something. Once I see Garth is not among them I quickly head between the book selves to find him.
When I find him he is sitting cross legged on the floor between two towering book selves surrounded by piles of books. His thick glasses balanced on the tip of his nose staring down at a long scroll weaving it's way down the aisle.
"Ah Evi," He says looking up at me over his glasses. "I was wondering when you would be joining me. You should have been here an hour ago helping me discover the tales of the Gods. They hold important values for us all, even something that could help you yourself. Where you able to finish that paper I gave you?" He can tell by the look on my face that I didn't.
"I'm sorry Garth I fell asleep," I say pulling out the paper and handing it to him. "But I did have a very interesting dream I might think you would be interested in." I say with a smile. To my surprise he rises and steps over the shortest stack of books to place his hands on my shoulders.
"You will never be able to become a full member of the College if you can't even finish a simple paper," He says. "Besides I am sure your dream can wait till after you have finished your paper." He hands me my ink stained paper and points to the table by the window. "I will check in with you in an hour." He turns around and returns to his books where he takes his spot on the floor and continues to read the lengthy scroll from before.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 1, 2013 23:28:02 GMT -5
Grudgingly i walk over to the table by the window, set down my paper and pull out my books. 'The Five Gods' and 'Magic of Our Past' run along the spines of the thick heavy leather books. From what Garth tells me these should be interesting reads and most of the people in Balefall would love the chance to read them, but they mostly just put me to sleep. I don't want to read words on a page, I want to go out and adventure. I ask myself why I chose to stay with the College if this is my state of mind and I remind myself that the College has been my home, my sanctuary all of my life. Garth raised me as his own and for him I will do whatever I need to, even grudgingly, to become a member of the College.
As I sit down and pull out my ink and quill a flash of light catches my eye. I look out from the window and see the days first practice about to start on the Academy grounds. Young men and women dressed in padded leather armor wielding wooden swords begin to fall into formation talking and laughing as they go. I don't know why Garth insists on sitting me at this table every time he wants me to study, the view makes it almost impossible for me to concentrate. I close my eyes and turn my head towards the table opening them again. I must focus or I will never have this paper done. I open up 'Magic of Our Past' from where I left off and begin to read.
Within a few hours I have made it through a few chapters and sigh with frustration. I don't know how anyone could be interested in reading this dull history. So far I have learned that magic is a part of the land and sometimes a part of the people but only when the gods believe their people are in great need. Such as times when war has broken out between other countries that usually leave us alone or when there is turmoil in the country.
History tells of people being able to control water and plants. Starting fires without the use of any tools, stopping the flow of blood to keep from bleeding out. These things seem impossible to me, things that were coincidence or that never really happened, and even if they did they happened far before my time. One thing does spark my attention during the reading, I find an account about a person who could turn their body into fire. This is so similar to what I felt in my dream I can't ignore it.
I want to take this information to Garth but he made it clear to me that if I don't finish my paper he is not interested and probably will not even listen if I tried. He can be very resilient and tends to get me to do my work just by outlasting me. So I continue to read and write down the information I find. When I reach 'The Five Gods' I find a chapter about colors that the community have chosen to represent the gods. Red for Drakeon, black for Lucilia, green for Grathis, white for Faedra, and blue for Tireon. I can't believe what I am reading it is too much of a coincidence. My body on fire, a giant arena, the five beacons in the colors of the gods. I leap to my feet and run to Garth.
"The Gods Arena," I say, "It's returning... and I will be a part of it." I am shaking with this realization but Garth looks up from his scroll and laughs.
"Silly girl," he says, "why would the Gods Arena return?" He returns to his scroll still chuckling.
"Because I had a dream about it," I say explaining my dream to him in a rushed voice.
His laughing ceases and he looks up at me shock filling his eyes. He stands and takes my hand pulling me through the library until we find one of the upper College members. "Regus," he says quickly, "the news you received this morning. What was it about?" he asks.
Regus looks around seeming to check if anyone is listening. "Well, I'm not supposed to tell anyone until later today but we have received news from the Council of Five," he says in a hushed voice. Regus has always been one to spill the news if you asked him. "The Council has decided that it is time for Lord Zanth to step down from the throne and for another to take his place. In other words they told us to announce the Gods Arena." Fear grips me and I begin to shake. If it were not for the fact that Garth had a hold of me I believe I would have fallen.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 3, 2013 17:50:53 GMT -5
This is impossible, how could I have had a dream about the Gods Arena returning and it actually coming true? I look up at Garth for some support but worry has filled his features making him look far older than his seventy years. "Come Evi we must discuss your dream, let us find some place more quiet." He says wandering out of the library and down the hall.
I quickly follow after him the images from my dream replaying over and over again. There is no way that I could be a part of the arena I conclude remembering past arena's and their rules. I am only twenty years of age and they rules state that you must be older than twenty-five. You just haven't learned enough before that age, besides the arena is for volunteers people that want to rule and I do not.
I expect him to turn into any of the empty rooms of the college but instead he is headed for the front door. "Where are we going?" I ask trying to keep pace with him.
"Some where no one will be listening," he says then continues forward quickening his pace.
The grounds of the College are busy with many people at work reading through large books, taking care of the lush gardens, and lecturing the younger students. We continue on however leaving the gates of the College behind us and rushing through the city streets. Many people try to wave or speak to Garth as we pass but Garth ignores them as if they aren't even there.
When he finally comes to a stop I am a little out of breath, and my worries have increased. I have never seen Garth in such a state. We have stopped near the river a little ways out of town where the water rushes to quickly for any fishing or swimming. The noise level would surely down out our voices so that no one could hear us even if there were people nearby.
"Now tell me girl," Garth demands turning on me. "Tell me what you saw."
As I recap my dream to him he listen and nods analyzing every word he hears until I have finished and then he is silent for a time. I just watch him waiting for some kind of response but when it does not come I speak again. "I don't think there is any reason to worry about me... the rules say that only someone older than I can be a representative and besides I don't want to be in the arena."
He looks up at me, "I suppose you could be right. However... rules do change and your dream should not be taken lightly. Something is not quite right and it could be very dangerous if you are not ready."
"Why did we need to come all the way out here to speak about this? Would not one of the rooms of the College been enough?" I ask.
"Because dreaming of things like this can cause trouble, especially in the manner your dream depicts. Someone could use it against you. Magic has not been a part of our land for a long time and if it were to return as your dream seems to show then something is very wrong. We don't want to start chaos amongst the people." He explains setting a hand on my shoulder.
"Magic?" I am surprised by his words, "There isn't any magic, why would you think there is?" Nothing I can tell from my dream seems to point to magic but maybe I have missed something.
"The way you described the heat around you," He answers. "It reminds me of something I read. But you are right... maybe I am just miss reading what you have told me."
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 4, 2013 13:21:48 GMT -5
After a bit more talking I am feeling that my dream may have just been a coincidence after all and we decide to make our way back to the College. Garth speaks with a few of the people that tried to talk with him when we where on the way to the river apologizing for his rude behavior. He almost seems to have returned to his normal self. Maybe everything will truly be okay.
When we pass through the college gates the grounds are empty and a note has been tacked to the front door. Everyone is to meet in the great hall for an announcement. We make our way there even though we know what the announcement is about. We are the last to arrive but we haven't missed much. We sit down in the back of the crowded hall as Patriarch Jace is being called to the stage.
Patriarch Jace takes the stage tall and elderly with a long white beard and a bald head. He commands the attention of the room with out having to speak a word or raise a hand. Every time that I have met him in person his has always be very kind and wise giving wisdom that you never knew you needed as well as keeping the atmosphere more friendly and up lifted. He truly does feel like the father of our large family living here in the college.
"Thank you all for gathering so quickly, and as was previously stated lunch will begin once we adjourn," He says with a smile his voice carrying across the room. "The Council of Five have come to us with news. Because of the ending of the war with our neighboring country Lendinoff they have decided that a new ruler shall be crown and for the Gods Arena to commence."
At first there is shock among the audience leaving the hall with a deafening silence, then there is so much excited chatter that they change is extreme. The announcement of a arena is always a big deal considering you never know when it may come. Some times it waits entire life times and sometimes though less often it arrives after a few years. It takes a few moments for Patriarch Jace to quiet the crowd and he always for a few seconds of silence before continuing.
"The Council has also stated that they will be changing some of the rules for picking volunteers for this Gods Arena." He says. The room is now hanging on his every word and I look over a Garth. Worry has returned to his face. I can tell he is trying to hide it but I know him too well. My stomach is in knots as He continues, "The first change will be to the number of volunteers. Volunteers will be limited to fifteen, that is three per city. One from the Academy, one from the College, and one drawn from the volunteering people of the city."
The decrease in volunteers begins to start a commotion but Patriarch Jace quickly raises his hands to quiet the crowd. "The second and final change will allow volunteers between the ages of twenty and sixty. Our selection will begin after the Academy has selected their volunteer then the drawing for the people of the city last. Thank you for your attention, carry on." The noise that follows is deafening and I am frozen in my place. They changed the age range so now I could very possibly be a part of the arena.
Garth puts an arm around my shoulder and leads me out of the hall, "Don't worry Evi, the arena is still a volunteer event. There is no way for you to be a part of it with out putting your name in yourself." Some how I'm not convinced, some how I will be a part of the arena wheither I volunteer or not.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 4, 2013 15:13:57 GMT -5
Chapter two: By the end of the next day all of the selections have been given a date, time, and volunteer boxes have been set up for those who want to add their names. All high members of the College and Academy have locked themselves away to plan what the tests will be for their representative groups. The rest of us will not know until the day arrives so that volunteers don't know what to prep for much like the arena will be. Regus has been left out of the meetings since everyone knows he is a blabbermouth. He has been sulking around the library muttering to himself about wishing he was included. I however have been studying for real for the first time in a long time. Garth and I agreed that I should prep myself in anyway that I can in case some how I am entered into the arena. He also keeps reminding me not to put my name in myself, I guess he believes that I will just accept my supposed fate and end up making my dream reality by volunteering myself. I assure him though that I don't want to be a part of the arena at all. As the days continue to count down to the Academy trial my dream begins to reoccur every night. Every time the fire inside me growing hotter and hotter until I awake sweating and shaking. I get up dress and walk around the college trying to cool myself off but I don't seem to ever feel cold anymore even as the summer days begin to turn to fall. I keep this to myself because I don't want Garth worrying anymore then he already is. Every morning he is at my door with breakfast and another stack of scrolls or books for me to look over. He has asked me to study in my room to keep from being distracted by others preparing for the days to come. It has helped a lot, I have read and learned more in the past few days then I feel I have my entire life. On the morning of the Academy trial I am already dressed and prepared to go down to watch by the time Garth arrives with breakfast. I'm sitting at the window watching the sun rise over the pastures and homes of the city. I was unable to get much sleep and Garth notices. "Is the dream getting worse?" He asks setting the tray of food on my desk. "Just hotter," I say simply. "Like I'm on fire." "We can skip the first trial today if you like," He suggests. "You could use the rest." He doesn't add that I could use the rest in case I have to part take in our trial tomorrow. "No," I answer. "I want to watch." Unfortunately there is only so much that Garth can teach me and by watching the Academy trial I can see what else I may need to learn. I eat a few bites of food and drink the glass of water before we get up and make our way down to the Academy grounds. They have cleared the entire area and set up stands for everyone to watch, what appears to be an obstacle course, an archery range and a sectioned off area where I am sure the volunteers will be fighting each other. As the stands fill so does the volunteer booth across from us. Men and woman ranging from twenty to sixty stand waiting dressed in everything from shinning metal armor to simple leather armor, swords strapped to their belts. The commander steps out of the gates onto the field and stands before the gathered crowd. "Welcome all to the Academy's trial where we will select our representative for the Gods Arena!" She says exciting the crowd. "We have set forth three tasks for our volunteers. First, an obstacle course to test their speed and awareness. Second, the ones that make it through the obstacle course shall move on to the archery range. There the four best crossbow shots move on to task three, the sword fight. Shall we begin?" The crowd around us cheers uncontrollably. "Then let the games begin!"
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 4, 2013 17:06:22 GMT -5
The first volunteer steps out of the booth, one of the oldest of the bunch. The volunteer booth is covered to keep the rest from seeing the course. He steps up to the course and draws his sword. As he steps across the start line large heavy balls on chains are released and begin swinging around him. He has to move quickly in order to keep from being hit. Again and again the balls swing and he dodges. He takes his time determining when there is an opening in the swings and slowly moves forward. He manages to make it through without being hit by any of the swinging balls making it to the second stage of the obstacle course. The crowd cheers rooting him onwards to the finish. The next phase of pressure plates that may open the floor into a pool of water however defeats the old man quickly when he can not move fast enough. He triggers a bad plate and falls into the water before he can react. From what I can see you would either have to be lucky and miss all of the bad plates or able to move with lightning fast reflexes in order to jump away neither of which the older man seemed to have. The next few volunteers fail within the first two stages of the course as well eliminating two younger woman, a middle aged man, and another older man. The next person up, a young man just a bit older than myself steps out with an arrogant smile. He is handsome and strong with bright shinning armor and a beautiful sword. His short blonde hair seems to fall perfectly into place and his smile seems to be having an effect on the ladies in the crowd. He manages to avoid all the swinging balls as well as all of the bad pressure plates. Luck is obviously on his side. The third phase of the course is a series of walls hiding men and machines ready to take the volunteer by surprise in order to test their reflexes. The young man moves forward strong and confident blocking every attack that comes out at him and steps on the finish platform trusting his sword arm into the air. "Flinn," The Commander announces, "The first to complete the obstacle task." The crowd cheers and Flinn takes a seat at waiting bench. I do not cheer for him as he demands the crowds attention. For the next hour the crowd cheers for the volunteers that make it through the course and claps for the ones that try but fail at some stage to make it to the finish. As the last person is announced that crowd is aware of every false pressure plate and attack in the second and third stage. We are almost curtain when something occurs whether the volunteer will fail or make it to the end. So far ten of various ages have made it to the finish and wait to start the archery round. The last volunteer steps out of the booth. He is lightly armored in leather, with a simple sword at his side. He is in the older range with a greying beard and longer also greying hair pulled back out of his face. His eyes scan the crowd seemingly looking for something until they fall upon me. He gazes for a moment and then begins the obstacle course. I have no reason to believe this man knows me and his gaze on mine takes me off guard. I miss his completion of the first stage of the course in my confusion and when I begin to watch I see him making his way through the second stage where he steps on a false plate and nearly falls to the water bellow. He makes it away just in time and completes the rest of the phase easily leaving only one more to go.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 6, 2013 13:38:02 GMT -5
The machines and people of the third round stand no chance against this man he blocks and even knocks out all attacks that come at him. As he steps onto the finish platform he turns toward the crowd looking at me once more until the people around me jump to their feet and break the gaze. "Darius the final volunteer to make it through the obstacle course," The Commander says above the noise of the crowd. "Lets keep up the pace. On to the archery range." The remaining volunteers line up one after the other to take their turn with the crossbow Flinn and Darius last to go. As each bolt is released the first four volunteers line up as the closest shots so far. When someone fires closer they take their place amongst the four and the farthest from the bulls eye leaves the group. Flinn is the next to fire, he just takes a moment to aim and when he fires the bolt it hits the bulls eye which none of the others have been able to do. Darius steps up next taking his time to aim, he just manages to hit the target as the forth farthest from the bulls eye. He takes his place amongst the finalists for the sword fight. "Now that we have our four finalists it is time for the sword fight!" The Commander announces stepping into the fighting area. "All four remaining volunteers will enter and fight until there is only one left standing!" He turns to the volunteers. "Any blow to the chest, back, or head will be marked as an automatic defeat and you will need to leave the fight. The last one remaining shall be the Academy's representative for the Gods Arena. Everyone understand?" The four nod their heads and then take a corner. He turns to the crowd and lifts his own sword. "Begin!" The fight starts with the clashing of swords Flinn against one and Darius against another. Darius easily takes down his opponent with a blow to the chest knocking the man off his feet. Flinn takes a moment longer to win his fight and barely has time to block Darius' attack as it comes at his head. Darius is much stronger however making Flinn drop to one knee in order to keep Darius' blade back. Darius releases and swings downward again but Flinn rolls to the side jumping to his feet going for a quick stab to Darius' side. Darius side steps causing Flinn's attack to miss. They are now face to face, swords at the ready waiting to see who will attack next. Darius is the first to move swinging with great force, Flinn dodges swiftly thrusting his sword forward. Darius blocks pushing Flinn back. I am not sure who will win the fight, Darius is stronger and more calculating while Flinn is quicker and more agile. Personally I hope that Darius is the victor, Flinn is far too cocky for his own good. The back keeps going back and forth each side getting closer and closer to a winning blow. Until their swords class and they are face to face pushing against each others sword. In this moment Darius says something to Flinn, it takes Flinn by surprise but his push remains steady. Darius however weakens and Flinn makes his move hitting Darius along the side with his sword. I am positive that Darius let him win, and I have no idea why. The Commander steps forward taking Flinn's arm and raising it in the air. "Welcome our representative for the Gods Arena, Flinn!" The crowd cheers and gets to its feet. I stand to clap and notice that Darius is looking at me again as well as Flinn. He has the same grin as when he first started the obstacle course. He looks determined and arrogant like he can achieve anything.
~ Garth and I make our way back to the College, the two of us have been invited to the dinner the Academy is holding for their new representative. I am guessing that Flinn invited us himself, hopefully I can get some information on what the staring was all about. I told Garth about how Darius and then Flinn were looking at me during the tasks. He finds it suspicious as well and was the one who suggested that we accept the invitation to the dinner. "Are you sure that you have never met Darius?" Garth asks as we enter the College. "You did use to spend a lot of time at the Academy when you were younger." "I'm sure of it, besides no one ever saw me when I would go to the Academy." I say headed for my room. "I'm sure that more people saw you than you can think," Garth says with a raised brow. As we get to my room I sneak inside and tell Garth I will meet him at the gate when it is time to head to the Academy. I don't have many nice things to wear since I am usually never invited to social events. Plus I prefer things less lady like with pants and a shirt. It is just more comfortable and you don't get caught on things like you would if you were to wear skirts. However, Garth did get me a gown for when I become an official member of the College. I never did get a chance to try it on and I had forgotten about it until now. I pull it out of my dresser and lay it across my bed. It is primarily red with hints of orange, yellow and white. It reminds me of fire and then my dreams. Garth says the color represents Drakeon, the god of spirit and the founder of Balefall. It is a beautiful dress to be sure with a square cut neck line and long sleeve cut up to the middle of the upper arm. As I put it on I look into the mirror, it fits perfectly and makes me look like some noble woman. I want to pull it off and put my pants and shirt back on. To make myself more comfortable I slip on my pants underneath the skirt of the dress and I can hardly tell. It's much better. I braid my long straight light brown hair loosely and lay across my shoulder so that the braids hangs down in the front over my chest. The sun gets lower outside my window letting me know that it is time to leave, the feast is to start at sunset. Sighing I open the door to my room and head for the front gate. Many people stop and stare at me as I pass and I can feel my cheeks flush with color. I walk more quickly avoiding the eyes of those around me until I meet Garth's gaze at the gate.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 6, 2013 16:45:06 GMT -5
"You look beautiful," He says extending his arm to me. He is dressed in a long dark red robe with accents of gold and white. "Don't remind me," I say grumpily. "I can't wait to get this over with so I can take this thing off." I swirl the skirts around uncomfortably. "Maybe you should keep yourself from dancing," He says with a little chuckle. "People will see your pants. You do know you are not supposed to wear those under that?" "Yes," I answer embarrassed. "It was just too uncomfortable." "I'm sure no one will notice," He smiles and leads me to the Academy gates. There are few others entering the grounds. Usually only Academy members are allowed at the feast after the Academy trial same as the feast for the College when the representative is selected. But there is always a giant feast where everyone is invited after all representatives for the city have been selected, that is usually held in the center of the city under the stars the night before the representatives leave for the capitol. So us being invited to this event is pretty big. We enter the Academy great hall and I am struck by the amazing decorations. From the glimpses I have seen of it before it is normally very simple with wooden bench tables lining the room and simple wooden chandeliers for light. Tonight the tables have been pushed to the edges with just enough room to sit on both sides and covered with a white table cloth. Center pieces of fruit and flowers of reds and orange run along each table. Horns of animals have been used to dress up the chandeliers and ribbons of white, red and orange hang from then extending to the walls. Four great fires bring more light to the room from each corner and the center of the room has been swept and left clear for dancing. There is a band of musicians at the far end of the room playing wonderful music. Everyone is dressed fantastically for the occasion in every different color I can think of, with flowers pinned to the chests of the men and flowers in the hair of the women. I am caught off guard when someone taps me on the shoulder and I nearly jump out of my skin. I turn to find Flinn dressed in all white with an exotic red flower pinned to his jacket, his blonde hair neatly in place no hair out of line and his bright amber eyes staring into mine. He takes my breath away for a moment until I realize he is laughing at me and then I scowl at him. "It's not polite to laugh," I say anger rising. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He says kindly bowing. "You look beautiful tonight." "Thank you," I say realizing I am suddenly very hot and take a deep breath. "The decorations are wonderful. Oh, and thank you for inviting us it was very... kind of you." I still don't know what his deal is or why he had picked me out of the crowd at the trial but now is the time to put on a show to find out. Flinn smiles this time different than all the other times I have seen, it is kind instead of arrogant. "Here," He says showing me another red flower like his, "I picked this just for you. May I?" I nod and he intertwines the flower into my hair next to my ear then brushes my cheek with his fingers. "Perfect." I blush and Garth clears his throat. I had forgotten I was holding onto his arm. "Shall we find seats Evi," Garth says starting to pull me away. I know he has always thought of me as a daughter and I can understand his resistance to Flinn's flirting but I have things I need to accomplish and flirting may just be the way to get it. "How about we find a seat next to Flinn?" I suggest with a smile. "Not to worry," Flinn says, "I have already saved you two a seat."
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 7, 2013 13:50:59 GMT -5
He leads us to a table at the end of the hall where a more extravagant center piece is placed. His seat is at the end of the table dressed up to show he is the guest of honor. He shows us that our seats are along the wall to the left, mine is next to Flinn's and Garth's is next to mine. Flinn helps me into my seat and takes his seat. "I am so glad that the two of you could make it," Flinn says. "It's not usually customary for College members to be invited to this dinner but you just caught my eye and I couldn't resist." He takes my hand and gives it a little kiss. "I really hope you enjoy the party, there will be great food and lots of dancing. I hope that I can get a dance with you before the night is up?" He poses this as a question I think to be polite, but I have the feeling that refusing would not be in my best interest. "Of course," I say. "But I am not much of a dancer, you might not enjoy it much. Especially if I end up stepping on your toes." I laugh lightly, I have never really danced before. The closest I have probably been to it is practicing the moves the Academy does with the sword. "I'm sure you will do just fine," He says with a smile. "Do you dance sir?" He directs to Garth. "No," Garth answers. "I never much liked dancing, though it is enjoyable to watch." "Well the dancing will begin after the food has been served. They are making my favorite, Nefindel sharpfin. We had to get a runner out to buy some at the market in Kaliston to have enough for the dinner. Thankfully had enough and the runner got back just in time to make it the best way. They cook it in an oil and covered in batter to make it crunchy on the outside. I'm sure you will greatly enjoy it." Flinn says rubbing his stomach. "Makes me hungry just thinking about it." "We will have to give it a try," I say giving Garth a sickened look. I have never really like the food that comes out of the sea fairing Nefindel city, it's always far too salty for me. I prefer the fish from our river. Our conversation continues for a time while more people enter the hall and everyone begins to take their seats. The Commander is the last to enter dressed in deep red. He stands at the door until everyone has taken a seat. I hadn't notice Darius until he takes a seat across from Garth with a nod to Flinn. The seat across from me remains empty and I realize it is meant for the Commander who is now clearing his throat to get the attention of the hall. "Welcome all to the Academy Feast in honor of our representative for the Gods Arena! FLINN!" He announces. Flinn stands and bows to the cheering crowd. "Let the feast begin." He spreads his arms wide and a great number of people enter the hall with covered places that they place in front of each person including the Commanders empty seat. Our glasses are filled with a dark red wine that I recognize which also comes from the city of Nefindel. The covers are lifted away revealing the crispy batter cooked fish which still has it's head and fin attached. The sight of the large bulging eyes cause my stomach to churn. At least there are green vegetables and potatoes served with it so at least I won't go hungry. Garth doesn't appear to like the look of it either. "I truly hope you enjoy it," Flinn says peeling a crunchy strip of fish off the bone with his fingers and taking a bite. At this point I guess I have no choice, maybe if I wasn't sitting next to the guest of honor I could just push the plate aside or something. Using the provided fork I pull a piece of the fish free and take a bite. I was right it is not to my tastes but I continue to eat it trying to mix it with the other things on the plate to drown out the flavor. "Isn't it wonderful," Flinn smiles and I just nod. "It's a shame because I am really not that hungry," I say after choking down another bite. "I'm sorry to hear that," Flinn says taking another crunchy bite. Garth somehow manages to finish the rest of his plate while Flinn doesn't even leave a crumb behind. "How about that dance?" He asks standing. I look around seeing that most are still eating and the dance floor is empty. "But there is no one else dancing." I am feeling extremely hot at the idea. "Someone has to have the guts to start things off," He answers almost daring me. I take a deep breath and take his outstretched hand. We make our way to the dance floor and the crowd quiets. I can only imagine how red I must be as Flinn and I face each other taking a little bow. As Flinn takes my hand and puts his arm around my waist a new song begins to play. He moves and all I can do is follow trying to mirror his moves. After a bit of stumbling I seem to have the steps down and we are dancing around the room to the music. Others begin to join in the dancing and I can feel the red in my cheeks slowly fading as a smile extends.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 7, 2013 15:13:14 GMT -5
"Well, well Evi," Flinn says pulling me in closer until noses are almost touching. "You lied to me. You said you weren't much of a dancer." "I'm really not," I say. "To be honest I've never really tried dancing. It's not like it's something they teach at the College. But I accept your compliment." Dancing is a lot more fun then I had thought it would be. "You must do it all the time here at the Academy." I smile and giggle. "Well no, but we do have the occasional gathering to celebrate special events. Does the College not do that," He asks then twirls me once before pulling me back in. "We do have gatherings but they don't really have dancing, just food and talking." I say a bit dizzy. "I've never been one for much talking," He whispers staring deeply into my eyes. I feel my cheeks flush yet again. "I-I noticed," I stammer. "You were wonderful in the trail, the city will be proud to have such a talented representative." Even if I don't agree I think to myself. He may be charming but Darius let him win and it is now time to find out why. "You think so," He says raising a brow. "You didn't seem so convinced after I had won." "Oh well," I take a moment to search for an explanation. "I was surprised that's all. I thought for sure that Darius had you." At least my answer is true so there is no reason to hide my face. I never have been a very good lair. At least not with Garth, he always knew. "Well you were wrong," He says puffing out his chest a little. "I was just waiting for the right opportunity." "Like Darius lowering his guard to tell you something?" I inquire lift my brow. "I was hoping that no one had saw that," He answers in a whisper. "Though it appears you are the only one that has. You must be curious." His smile unnerves me. "Yes," I whisper and it suddenly feels like I don't actually want to know. "How about we take a walk outside," He says pulling away but not letting go of my hand. "It's a little warm in here." I am beginning to worry that I am in over my head. What does he have to say that he can't say here. Flinn leads us out into the hallway, down one corridoor and then another until we reach a door that he opens. It leads to a balcony over looking the river and the city beyond it. "Perfect," he says closing the door behind us leaving us completely alone. He releases my hand walking over the the railing where he leans against it and stares up at the stars. "Why have we come out here," I ask nervously. There is a breeze that I believe should be cold against my skin but it isn't. In fact I am quiet warm. "Because what I have to say can't be over heard," He explains. "It would be too dangerous for everyone to hear. If they would even believe me, if you even will." He turns around to face me and crosses his arms. I can't imagine why he would be uncomfortable but he seems to be, maybe even more than I am. "I will do my best to understand," I say trying to comfort him. He clears his throat. "I knew that I would be the Academy's representative. I have been having this reoccurring dream about being there. Darius is my teacher, I told him about it and he decided that based on what I saw that I had to make it into the arena. So, he helped me win and showed me you." He says softly. I had to move closer just to hear it all. "Why me?" I ask with millions of other questions running through my mind. So I am not the only one having dreams about the arena. Something much bigger is going on than I had anticipated. "Because I saw you as well," He says setting his hands on my shoulder. "Without you something terrible is going to happen. I don't know what, but I have to make sure that you make it to the arena as well. If you don't... it could be the end of all of us."
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 7, 2013 16:23:37 GMT -5
"I don't understand..." I say stepping away. "Why is it so important that I go? Not even my dreams can tell me that..."
"So you've been having dreams as well, of the arena, the gods." He ask following after me. "Yes," I say. "Then it is destined." He smiles. "No it's not because I don't have to go," I say angry now. "You have to volunteer to be a representative and I will not. I don't even want to be a ruler or be in charge of anything why would I possibly want to volunteer." "Because you are the only one that can save us, the gods picked you. They picked us." He pleads. "You don't know that, the gods could be wrong." I am burning up and I suddenly feel to weak to stand. Flinn catches me as I stumble holding me in his arms only for a moment before he sets me on the ground. "Your skin is on fire... are you feeling alright? Evi... Evi!" His voice fades as I fall into darkness.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 8, 2013 18:03:43 GMT -5
Chapter Three: I am in the arena again. This time it is empty except for me and the five lights that represent the gods. I look around at them feeling the fire once more inside me. I am angry I don't want this, these dreams, the heat. I just want to continue with my boring peaceful life. As I think this the lights move closer until they surround me. "What do you want from me?!" I yell at them. "There is nothing I can give!" They merely float around me as if I have said nothing. Then the red light, Drakeon, comes closer and it takes the form of a man made of light. He sets a hand on my shoulder and a image flashes before my eyes. There are fifteen people including myself. I can not make out the faces of the others even though I know one of them is Flinn. "Yes, you want me to be a representative," I say. "But why?" The black light, Lucilia, comes forward becoming a woman of light and sets a hand on my shoulder as well. This time I see the fifteen representatives join hands. Okay, they want us to band together. The green light, Grathis, follows turning into a man and sets his hand on my other shoulder. Something begins to force sections of the representatives apart and when they are separated they fall to the ground. Failing to band together means death. I shake at the idea. Each hand that touches me increases the heat. Faedra, the white light is next. When she becomes human and touches my should everyone falls except for myself and the two hands I am holding our hands glowing bright. These must be the same two from the original dream. They must be important as well to whatever is going on. She confirms this by showing me what a break of either hand would cause. Each time we all fall and I feel a great pain in my heart and see a falling darkness. If we fall something terrible will happen. "But why?" I ask again and Tireon, the white light steps forwards placing a hand on my shoulder. The fire inside me is so intense I can hardly stand it. He shows me the throne cast in shadow and I do not understand. Before I can ask however the fire intensifies and I am forced awake.
~ I find myself in my own bed tangle amongst my blankets and sweating. The sun is just breaking the horizon and Garth is at my desk asleep. I am surprised I didn't wake him but then I remember he is just a heavy sleeper. I can't remember right away what happened and it all rushes back. The ugly fish, the dancing, the chat with Flinn. I guess he was right about me needing to be in the Gods Arena. I just wish I knew why, the Gods hadn't been very helpful in that point. I carefully untangle myself from the blankets and sneak out of the room leaving Garth to sleep. He wouldn't let me do what I'm about to do if I did. Especially if he knew about this new dream if you can even call it that. It was more of a connection to the Gods themselves and it seems to me that it is very important that I become a representative. The volunteer box is near the great hall so I make my way to it. As I walk past the library I notice that it is closed off which is very odd. They never close it off, they always want knowledge to be readily available. Based on the amount of people in the halls I am guessing everyone is either sleeping in or preparing for the College task. When I reach the great hall I notice that the table where the volunteer box normally sits is now empty and my stomach drops. I am too late. I run back to my room and quickly wake Garth. "Garth I need your help, they've taken the volunteer box. There must be some other way for me to enter." He yawns and stretches ignoring my words to groggy to hear them. "Oh Evi," He says. "How are you feeling? You had the worst fever last night. You collapsed wh-" "Garth! Did you here what I said?" I say shaking him. "I need to get into the arena. Lives are at stake." "Don't be mad Evi," He says getting to his feet. "Nothing is going to happen that needs you to be in the arena. Besides the last volunteers were taken last night, they will not take anymore." "But-" "No but, you are not going to the arena and that is final." Garth says cutting me off. "I'm glad you seem to be feeling better." He quickly heads for the door. "The College task starts in a few hours I hope you will be there to watch." Then he is gone closing the door behind him. There is suddenly a great pain in my chest like there was in my dream when they showed me what would happen if I failed. It couldn't be too late, I have to find another way. If the College volunteer pick was closed then there is only one other option the city drawing for a representative. There is only one problem, a member of the College and Academy can not put there name in the drawing. The drawing is simply meant for those that never had the opportunity to join into the college or academy but would like a chance in the arena to become a ruler. There have been very, very few rulers and council members who have not been a part of one or the other, but it does sometimes happen. So in order for me to enter and become a volunteer is to renounce my membership to the college and become a member of the city and I will have to do it without the help of Garth and against his wishes. He may not want me to enter but it is not his choice nor is it really mine. I only problem is that the chance of my name being pulled from such a large collection of names is highly unlikely, I will definitely need the help of the gods to get pulled. I quickly grab a bag and fill it with a few changes of clothes, some books I think I might need, and a few personal items including the wooden carving of a phoenix the size of my hand that Garth gave me when I was really young. I will not be returning to this room or even the college once I go threw with this. I not sure where I will stay until the representatives leave for the arena. If I don't end up being one of them then I will most likely be homeless for a while. That is just a risk I will have to take.
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Post by Wednesday on Nov 13, 2013 11:59:46 GMT -5
Before I leave my room I check to see if there is anyone in the hall. There are a few people rounding the corner to head off to the library which now that I think about it is probably where the College's trial will be held. Most likely they will move around all of the towering bookshelves to create a maze which is what the first stage of the Gods Arena is supposed to be like. First one to make it to the end is the representative of the College of Balefall. Fortunately for me all of the College member will be going to watch the task where no outsiders are invited. This means that the city mayor will be available for me to talk to about renouncing my title. I manage to make it out of the building without running into anyone but I don't have as much luck on the grounds. "Evi," An older member calls stopping me. "Shouldn't you be heading in to watch the task?" He asks coming closer. I wasn't expecting to be stopped but thankfully I'm able to come up with something to explain quickly. "Oh Garth wanted me to go fetch something real quick before the task started, I really have to get going so that I don't miss anything." I say and run off before he can say anything else. The streets of the city are busy with preparations for the drawing and great feast for tomorrow night. Every once in a while I spot someone that I have seen Garth talking to and try to avoid any contact with them in case he comes looking for me. Once I've signed the papers there is nothing he can do to stop me but anytime before that he could possibly ruin the plan. I have brought some of my past work that were very poorly done in order to convince the mayor that I am not cut out for the College. Hopefully that will be enough otherwise I may need to make some things up in order to make this happen. I really don't know exactly what I need to do in order to do this and it is beginning to make me nervous. I reach Mayor Grey's office quickly curtain that I will not have given myself away. As I open the door and look inside I find that the office is in a great bustle. I step in and just manage to catch the attention of someone as they pass, letting them know that I am here to see the Mayor. He tells me to take a seat and that Mayor Grey will be with me in a moment. It takes an hour before Grey calls me in at which point I am nervous and looking out the window every few moments to see if anyone has come after me. It appears that no one hasn't. Grey's office is cluttered with papers and books and the man himself looks very stressed. His short dark hair is standing on end in places and his beard is untrimmed and wild. "Hello sir," I say. "I would like to sign papers to renounce my title to the College." He looks up at me his hands knotted in his hair. "Do you realize what that means?" He asks. "This isn't just some kind of rouse to put your name in the volunteer pull is it?" "Yes I do realize what that means," I say. "And as for the volunteer pull why would I not just enter my name with the College. I would have more chance of becoming a representative there then I would here." This statement is true of course but he is right. It is the only reason I am doing all of this. "Very well," He says frustrated and pulling out the paperwork. "I don't have time to convince you otherwise. There is just too many other important things I need to attend to. Sign these and be on your way." He says a bit unkindly as he hands me the papers. I hesitate for a moment and then sign the papers and hand them back over. It is now official, I am a normal member of the city. With no home, no money, and one chance to face my fate. As I leave the office I make my way over to the volunteer booth and place my name into the giant pull of city volunteers. It is now up to the Gods to make sure that my name is pulled. For now I need to find a place to stay until tomorrow when the name is drawn and I am realizing that I should have stopped by the kitchens before leaving the College as my stomach begins to growl. I decide it is best to stay out of sight for a while and find a place to stay outside of town next to the river where Garth and I had talked before. With the bustle in the city I should be left alone and as long as Garth doesn't consider looking for me here I should be all right. I really don't want to have to deal with his wrath at this moment and hopefully I won't have to face him until everything has been decided. Luckily for me I find a few berry bushes surrounding the river that subside the growling in my stomach for now. Maybe this tiny stent of sticking it out on my own will prepare me a little more for the arena. Survival is usually where the college representatives are weakest when it comes to the arena. I pull out my book on past arenas and begin to read in hopes of getting some good information on what might be ahead of me. I leave myself a mental note that I will need to drop all of the books I have taken with me off at the College seeing as how they are really their books and I am no longer a part of their community. I will just make good use of them until then.
~ Garth finds me sitting under a tree with my head in a book a few hours after midday. I try to act like I didn't see him coming. "You missed the college trial," He says sadly. I look up from the book. The hurt in his eyes cause my heart to ache. "It was very interesting. Sibastion made it to the end of the library maze first. He will be representing us in the Gods Arena." He speaks sad and slow. "I'm sorry Garth," I say closing the book and setting it aside. "You never let me explain what I saw in my dream last night. It was much different. The gods showed me things, attempted to answer my questions. I have to enter the arena or something horrible will happen." I plead with him hoping he will understand. "Alright," He says sitting down beside me against the tree. "Tell me what you saw, but first eat." He pulls out a small bag with warm bread and some fresh water. I smile at him and begin to munch and tell him about the dream between mouthfuls. When I'm done he sighs and looks out at the rushing water. There is silence for a moment then he turns to me. "I guess there is nothing I can do about it now, you have already put your name into the drawing. I'll just have to hope they don't pull your name tomorrow Evi." "It is a long shot," I say trying to comfort him but we both know my chances are much higher than they should be, the Gods will see to that. "Are you going to the feast for Sibastion?" I ask. Garth shakes his head, "We have some more training to do." He stands pulling a few books from his robes including a small worn leather journal. "We shall read through these, and I shall give you as much information as I possibly can. This," He says raising the small journal. "You will sneak into the arena with you. It is filled with little bits of information mostly about survival, but the other representatives will be very important to you. You must learn from them in order to survive as well as get them to join you." "Of course," I say. "Thank you." He hands me the journal which I now notice has a pen hidden in the binding. "I guess we should get to work." We both sit down and Garth opens a book beginning to feed me information. The first book we run through is the one explaining all of the previous arena's. Since I have read most of it already the process is quick and by the end I have a pretty good understanding of what I will be facing in the arena. The first stage will be a giant maze filled with riddles and minor traps. Cunning creatures that will try to trap you. This stage is a solo stage, the chances of running into another representative is very unlikely so I won't have much chance to make friends. I'll just need to make it out. The second stage is a test of survival. It could be in any type of ecosystem. A dessert, a forest, a frozen wasteland, anything. The best way to survive is to either know the ecosystem or to band together in order to survive as a group. This is where I will need to make as many friends as possible and keep the peace between them just to keep them all alive. I am just not sure how I will be able to do that. The third stage is a test of fear. This part will bring about all of our fears to show if we can face them in order to succeed. How they figure out your fears is beyond me but the past representatives retelling of this stage is rather horrifying. The forth stage involves magic, though in most cases the magic is faked since magic is only a part of the country when the Gods choose for it to be. The fifth and final stage is a test of spirit. This stage however is not covered in the book. Apparently it is supposed to be a secret so that there is at least one stage you can't prepare for. Each stage represents one of the Gods as a way to worship them and also to show that the Gods are involved in deciding the next ruler of Auburden. Garth asks what I would like to under go next and I decide on things involving survival. We begin to read books about edible vegetation, ways of finding shelter and water, and how to make a fire which Garth and I practice until I am able to do it on my own. I put as much information into my journal as possible without taking up too many pages. Garth and I continue to study until night fall. My new journal is at least half full now with everything we think I'll need to survive the arena. I start a small fire again for more practice while Garth heads into the city to grab some food for us. As I stare into the flames trying to remember everything that I have learned so far I barely notice a spark fly from the fire that hits my arm. I don't even feel the heat on my skin as it burns out. I'm amazed by the sight of it and run my hand along the spot after the spark disappears. There is no mark or burn it's like it never happened. Garth arrives with me still staring at my arm. "Is there something wrong?" He asks handing me a sandwich filled with some sliced beef and cheese. He sets a bottle of wine between us and takes a bite out of his own sandwich. "There was a spark on my arm but it didn't burn me. I didn't even feel the heat." I say taking a bite out of my own sandwich. "Ever since I have had the dreams from the Gods I haven't felt cold only warmth and sometime extreme heat." "Maybe the Gods have given you something to help you make it through the arena." Garth says. "But if that is true that means that there is danger to the country, that is the only reason the Gods have given people powers in the past." "What could be so bad that we would need magic?" I ask. "We just finished going through a war, this should be a time of peace." "I don't know," Garth says. We both continue to eat contemplating this discovery. Garth leaves soon after we finish our meal and the wine. He tells me he could sneak me into the college but I tell him it might be best to spend a night in the wild to see what it will be like in the arena. He agrees but I know he wishes he could help me out more. He tells me he will see me tomorrow at the drawing ceremony. He has to help with preparations. As I lay down and stare up at the stars I hope that I can hopefully get a good nights sleep without the bother of flaming dreams. It will probably be one of the last chances I will get for such things as restful sleep.
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