NationStates Jolt Archive

She nodded sharply to the accolyte. "Have someone fetch the Haraki PM, immediately. Tell him Jaime needs help." She turned her attentions back to Jaime, clearly used to having her commands obeyed without question.

"Rikanth ... he has dreams. Bad dreams. They're making him sick." She looked up at him, at a complete loss. "I don't know what to do."

Rikanth looks concerned. He proceeds to sigh, feeling useless.

Within moments, Chris was sprinting up the stairs. He burst through the door, not bothering with the fact that it was closed at the time. Nathicana saw that he hadn't even turned the door handle. "What's going on?" he asked, breathlessly.

Rikanth looks over at the splinters of the door thoughtfully.

Rikanth looks over at the splinters of the door thoughtfully.

Chris saw him looking. "What?" he asked.

Arching a brow at the ruined doorway, she recounted for Chris, and Rikanth (for the first time) the full story of what had been going on, looking to them both expectantly, hoping for answers.

She reached out to give Rikanth's hand a squeeze, her eyes conveying thanks again for his supportive presence.

"er..nothing, i think you should pay more attention to Jaime than to me though."

Chris looked extremely concerned over Jaime. "What? I don't understand how this could happen ... although once I heard of someone ... The man was a precognitive, he could see years into the future. It only manifested three times. The man could control his dreams, and even bring things back from them ... But the catch was, if he got hurt ... The hurt stayed."

He turned to the other two. "Is this kind of what you're talking about?"

"Precog ..." she nodded thoughtfully. "I'd never believed in that sort of thing before now." She let out a sigh.

"So many new things ... so many things I don't understand." she muttered under her breath.

"So bottom line this for me, Chris ... how do we help him?" she paused, "And why is his sword so important?"

OOC:recently wwatched minority report? :) just kidding.

IC:Rikanth's eyeborws look like they are going to shoot through the roof. "A precognitive? Nathicana, do you know what these dreams of his consisted of? this could be bad...."

"I don't know. The best advice I can give is to keep his katanas in his hands. I have no idea why, but these katanas ... They keep the guy alive. They seem to house his soul, or something of the sort."

He looked at the looks they were giving him, "What? I said I don't know why, they just seem to have either done it in the past, or there have been lucky coincidences."

"I know ... I know ... but precog or not, that doesn't mean what he saw will come to pass. There's been plenty of things go on of late. Things that have had him in a stir. Dreams are the outlet of our deepest thoughts, fears, weaknesses ..." her face hardened for a moment. "They could be the culmination of all this, and have nothing to do about the future."

She nodded to Chris, already having some insight to Jaime's warrior soul.

Jaime's eyes opened, and he murmured, "Chr-Chris? When'd ... you get here?"

Chris looked down at him, and said "As fast as I could. I'm afraid I shattered your door in the process, but you'd probably be wanting another one anyway..."

OOC: hope you don't mind marcus butting in. haraki, would you want us to work on jaime? cuz marcus is a bit of a psychic. we can build it up in TM.

marcus heard most of their conversation just outside the open door. he walked a few steps and leaned back into the doorframe, closing his eyes. no one else noticed he was there until he spoke.

"he only sees a possible future. it is the one he fears the most, that is why he is most susceptible to it... it doesn't have to come true." he motions to nathicana. "please, you have to communicate this with him, or else he might start believing his visions."

OOC: *grumble/mutter/curse* Sorry - had to reboot.

IC:

Nathicana looks over to the door with a wry grin. "True enough ... I was about to try and break it down myself, when he finally let me in."

OOC: *ahem* I believe, that part about 'permission to kill myself' would have been neatly edited from her account to the others. *blush* Reading back, definitely not.

Chris nods. "That was the other thing I was thinking. Let him keep his katanas, and let Nathicana talk to him. Preferably alone." He places a hand on Nathicana's shoulder. "Please, stay with him. For my sake if not his."

At that, he turns towards Marcus. "Thank you."

OOC: Don't mind if Marcus works on him...

Arching a brow at Marcus. "Me?" she asked, somewhat suprised. "But Chris here knows him ... " she trailed off lamely.

"Can you really do something to help him?"

Her face reddened, clearly unaccustomed to such close attention.

"Of course I'll stay. It's the least I could do." She looked back at Jaime with concern, placing a hand over his.

OOC: okay haraki, we got some major TMing to do lol.

marcus smiled wanly and shrugged his broad shoulders.

"i can't say m'lady. what i have... i don't have complete control of it. perhaps you can say i sense truth, or reality, if they are so different."

he walked to the door.

"just keep him from dreaming."

Chris smiles and nods, "Thank you." He turns, and prepares to leave, dragging Rikanth with him. He whispers to Marcus, "Er, I believe they may want their privacy..." and leaves the ending hanging.

OOC: What door?

"Keep him from ... " her brow furrowed.

"Thank you, Marcus ... I am indebted." she stated formally, inclining her head, all the same, looking somewhat alarmed as they all left.

Chris walks out of the room, grabbing a curtain, and hanging it over the door to close off the room partially. He dragged Rikanth with him.

Alone, she gave Jaimes hand a gentle squeeze. "Did you hear any of that, boy? Do you understand at all?"

Studying him as he lay there, her brow furrowed again with concern. "I hope so, because I'm still not sure what to think."

OOC:Rikanth just suspected he might kill himself, not just because of that scene earlier that Rikanth IC knows nothing about.

Rikanth shrugs "well, Chris said alone so, lets all leave now." Rikanth walks out of the room through the....splinters....

EDIT:OOC:i'm waaay too slow

...

Jaime's eyes opened the tiniest bit. "Na ... thicana?" he murmured, "What's ... going on? I heard ... lots, I ... understood ... nothing..." His eyes stayed the tiniest bit open, showing that he was at least semi-conscious.

OOC: Chris destroyed the door.

...

Rikanth, out in the hall, sighs. He makes his way to his own room, and falls down on his bed, almost immediatley falling asleep.

OOC: good night, i'm off to bed. you won't hear much from me tomorrow morning, i have to go to a graduation ceremony (not for me) tomorrow. i'll be back somewhen in the afternoon, i'm thinking that i'm gonna be home around noon

"Stay with me, boy," she said a bit more sharply than she'd intended. "Marcus says you need to not dream. Since I don't gather you have much control over that, I need you to stay awake for a bit. Think you can do that for me?"

OOC: Ciao! Will see you when - not sure, but may be out for a couple days tomorrow myself.

Jaime nods the slightest bit, "I ... will ... do my best ..." he murmurs.

"You'll do just fine." she smiled encouragingly at him. "Here, do you think you could sit up a bit if I propped these pillows up behind you? That might help, so long as you're up to it."

Where has that brash, disrespectful imp I met last night gone? she pondered worriedly. So weak ... She would give anything to see that roguish smile to let her know he was all right.

"So talk to me, boy. Lets get your mind on something pleasant."

He nods the tiniest bit. "I think ... I could ... handle the pillows ... Something cheerful?"

His face perks up a tiny bit. "I ... remember the ... first time I met Ch - Chris." At this point he stops for a series of coughs, bringing up a bit of blood. "At ... the time ... I only knew him ... as another field agent ... Then he walked up ... to me on day ... and it turns ... out ... he (cough) was following my exploits ... and he said ... 'Hello, I'm ... running for ... Prime Minister ... will you guard me ... while I do so?'"

He smiles a tiny bit while he says this.

"I can see why he chose you. Many's the time I've wished for someone I could trust at my back." she smiled back, gently helping him up and getting him settled in comfortably.

"Explains a lot about your relationship. You know, I was shocked at your lack of decorum when I first met you. First reaction was 'PM should have that man beaten for disrespect.'" she chuckled, cleaning the blood from his lips as if it was nothing to be concerned over, though inside, she cringed at his coughing.

He started to laugh, then suddenly the laughing triggered a coughing fit. At the end he blinked, and his eyes began to tear. "First ... man I ever ... met that saw ... past my laid back ... attitude ... Also one of the only ... people I ever ... met who would ... trust me at ... their back before ... they got to know ... me better."

"Hey now, none of that ... " she said firmly.

"As lethal as you appear, boy ... you're straightforward. I think that's what first caught my eye. Not something I'm used to dealing with. So much duplicity in the Dominion. Not safe to simply take someone at their word. I don't see that in you." She dispaired of trying to be neat about it, and simply tore off both sleeves to use as rags.

"Can I get you something? Some water, or juice? If you're up to eating something, I'm sure we could get it brought in ..."

"I ... don't think I ... could handle any ... food ..." he murmured, starting to drift into sleep again.

"Jaimes," she said sharply. "Stay with me. I need your help on this Dragonisia issue."

She regretted bringing up this unpleasantness, but thought that might catch his attention.

He blinked, and came round aagin. "Yes? What ... do you need my ... help for? Ironic ... usually people ... want help against ... me, not ... from me..."

"Against you? Bah ... you're a teddy bear." she said jokingly. "Look at you, boy. So help me, if news ever gets out that the Dread Lady has been playing nursemaid, I'll throttle you myself." she grinned impishly, hoping for another smile.

"You have to recover in the next few days. Tuesday, at the latest. Chris promised I could have his two best men to guard me if I have to go ... and you're one of them." She watched for his reaction.

"Besides ... I won't let you cheat me out of facing you on the field. You'll owe me if you don't fight me here, boy." she grinned again.

He smiled a little bit, "Don't worry ... I would be there ... to protect you even ... o\no matter what condition I ... was in. Besides ... I still have ... the swordfight to compete in..."

He lays down the katana in his left hand, and takes the katana in his right in both hands. He takes, it, laying it facing vertically, so that the flat of the blade is resting on his forehead. He takes a deep breath, and then looks up the blade. For a moment, he thought he could see the face of someone he hadn't seen in a long time.

"But ... you're dead..." he murmured.

She looked at him sharply, flinching back from the upraised blade instinctively.

"No ... I'm ..." she started, then realized he wasn't speaking to her.

"What is it?"

He shook his head, "It ... It's nothing."

But still, he couldn't shake the image of Roger's face in the reflection in his katana blade...

Nothing my arse ... she thought grimly.

"How you feeling now? Bit better? More clear?" she studied him closely.

"You were making Jane laugh the other night ... faces, voices or something, wasn't it?" she tried to distract him with something else.

"Oh, that..." he murmured, "Yes, it's a talent I used to be ... able to do flawlessly ... change my face by ... muscle control ... but now all it does ... is hurt ... and the voices ... hurt my throat ..."

He nods a bit, "And yes, I am ... a bit better ... thank you ..."

Zaek got word of what happened and rushed upstairs, pushed the curtain aside and entered the room.

Jaime looked over at Zaek, "Zaek ... hey ..."

Nathicana looked up, much relieved, and nodded to Zaek.

Zaek sat on the bed

"Hey, how are you feeling."

Jaime hurriedly took the katana in his left hand and laid it down on the bed beside him, "I ... think I'll ... be okay ..."

Zaek saw Jaime was covering up for his pain, but continued to put up a happy face
"Good, i didn't know Wolvesblood was that strong." smiles

"Marcus had an interesting theory ... " Nathicana offered, still eyeing Jaime critically.

"Precog." she said simply, hoping Zaek would have some understanding.

"And Zaek ... how can you men drink that stuff?" she chuckled, hoping to keep things light.

Jaime laughed slightly at the joke about Wolvesblood, then started coughing blood again. He heard a voice inside his head,

So you've taken a bullet to the ribs again, eh?

Roger! Jaime thought, But ... But you're dead!

Yes, but that's not to ignore the fact that I saved your life once in this very situation, although it cost me my own.

Jaime knew that the voice of Roger was merely his memories of the man ... but still, he felt so real.

He turned to Zaek, wondering what he would thnk of the Precog theory.

"I...I am no mysticist, but i can send one of the council of sorcery, if you'd wish"

"No (cough) There should be ... no need for that ..." Jaime says, in a weak voice, to Zaek. "I ... I should be fine ... in an hour or so."

She dabbed at the blood again, with one of her torn sleeves.

"He needs a doctor." she said firmly. "I still don't know what to think about this whole precognition theory - its entirely out of my realm of experience. But I do know that this," she held up the sleeve, "means internal injuries. And I can't treat that."

She looked to Zaek. "You think one of those sorcerors could help?" she asked skeptically, ignoring Jaime's protests.

"I will get a Councilmember..."

He stood up and whispered into Nathanica's ear

"I think you are the key... Make him forget the past and focus on the future. Trust in the force of love..."

He walked out of the room and had sent for Zartarck, archmage and head of the Gothicum Council of sorcery

Jaime smiled up at Nathicana as Zaek left, trusting that whatever had gone between them was for them.

As soon as aek had left, suddenly Jaime encountered a sharp stabbing pain in his left side, where the dream knife had penetrated. He winced, and said, "Ow..."

Nathicana froze at Zaek's whispered remark, face paling visibly. She turned slightly to watch him walk away ... then shook her head slightly, and turned back to Jaime at his exclamation of pain.

"YOU, my boy, are going to sit here, and be a good patient when this Councilmember comes, is that understood?" she arched a brow, attempting a half-hidden smile. "I don't want any arguments. After all ... if I'm to be nursing you," she gently caressed his cheek, "you'll have to do as I say til you're better."

He smiled, "No problem ... as long as YOU're the one ... telling me what to do ... and not some other people ... I could name ... Like the director ... of the HIA ... while I was ... a trainee..." He shudders. "Ugh..."

She managed a laugh. "What, you think I'm an easy mistress?" She put on her most devilish grin, chin tilted down, looking up at him through her dark lashes. "I'll put you through your paces, given half a chance ... never fear." she finished, wriggling her eyebrows impishly.

He snickered, "Yes, I'll ... just bet you ... would, too..."

"And I'd bet you'd enjoy every minute of it, too." she leaned close and whispered at his ear, then kissed him gently on the cheek.

He smiled, blinked away a tear, and kissed her cheek.

Emotions in turmoil, she gingerly snuggled up closer to him on the bed, taking care not to hurt him. She put an arm around him protectively and pulled his head gently down to rest against her shoulder.

"No need to be tough all the time. I'm learning that myself."

A cloaked man entered the room, his black and blue robe laced with silver and a long white beard reaching to his chest

"Greetings, i was said to come here as soon as possible."

Nathicana looked over the man with a skeptical eye.

"Councilman." she nodded in greeting. "I thank you for coming so quickly."

She then explained the situation in as much detail as she dared, hoping he might be able to help.

Jaime looked at the man. "You ... must be ... Zartarck, right?" he asked.

"Yes I am Zartack."

The mage patiently listened to Nathanica's story

"Hmmmm. a precognition you think..."

The mage placed his hand on Jaime's forehead. It glowed purple for a few seconds

"I can't feel a curse upon him, so I would think you are right. My studies of the phenomen have not yet delivered a complete cure, but i do believe i have a mantra that stops it from escalating, and that should ease the pain."

Nathicana watched the man carefully, her suspicious nature once more taking the forefront.

As he explained, she looked up at him hopefully.

"Anything you could do to help would be very, very much appreciated."

She eyed Jaime askance, ever more impressed by his knowledge of who, what, where ...

Jaime winced as the pain in his side acted up. "Yes, thanks ... for whatever you can do ..."

Although he wasn't sure who exactly this man was, whatever he could do to ease the pain was welcome.

"Will this take care of what's wrong internally?" she asked, concerned.

"Looks into my eyes, and repeat after me

EKO, EKO, AZARAK
EKO, EKO, ZAMILAK
EKO, EKO, CERNNUNOS
EKO, EKO, ARADIA"

Jaime looked into his eys, and said:

"Eko, Eko, Azarak,
Eko, Eko, Zamilak,
Eko, (cough) Eko, Cernunnos,
Eko, Eko, Aradia."

"EKO, EKO, AZARAK
EKO, EKO, ZAMILAK
EKO, EKO, CERNNUNOS
EKO, EKO, ARADIA"

"repeat this untill you feel the pain fade into nothingness"

He stood up and turned to Nathanica

"It will not stop them from re-occuring, but puts him in a state of stasis internally. Make sure he repeats it if he gets the pains again."

Jaime kept muttering the words, as the other two talked.

She nodded in understanding, and thanked the man.

"And his sleep? The dreams?"

She looked over at Jaime, checking for some sign of improvement, but not wishing to disturb or interrupt him.

Jaime sat on his bed, chanting the words, over and over again. The, suddenly, he realised he was not hlding his katanas. He reached for them.

She arched a brow ... continuing to monitor his condition quietly.

He picked up his katanas, holding them down at his sides. He kept chanting, until suddenly he broke off chanting and broke into a coughing spasm.

"I have ne control over a mans dreams, only those on his mind can."

"Put them down. Now." she said firmly. "Leave them nearby if you must, but put them down."

She slipped into her imperious mode, generally reserved for dealing with her ministers on issues they didn't care for. Her eyes made it clear she would brook no argument on the matter.

He nodded, and put down the katanas. His coughing seemed to get worse.

"I thank you for your help, truly." she inclined her head again. "And please, thank Zaek as well."

"Dammit, boy ... " she muttered under her breath. Taking up the katanas, she placed them in his hands again, watching closely for his reaction.

"It is nothing, my dear. I'll head for the library some study more on the subject, but i don't think I'll find anything more...but then again, who knows what a fresh view cn do."

His coughing got better, although it didn't stop completely. He stopped coughing up as much blood. His eyes began to tear, and he finally managed to stop the coughing. He kept blinking, and then murmued something about how his throat uhrt, and collapsed backwards onto the pillows, still awake, just exhausted.

"Don't stop the mantra, keep doing it, it'll take time, but the pain will fade.
Now if you excuse me, I'll be in the library."
The old man scuffled out of the room.

The Royal trio were on their way back from their shopping trip, laughing and admiring the different purchases that they has made...

Rothana glanced around to see who was still wandering about....

Jaime, exhausted, lying on the pillows, kept murmuring the mantra, over and over again, so quietly that he could barely hear it himself.

"Now you listen, and you listen good, Jaime." she said firmly.

"You are going to focus every bit of what strength you have left on that mantra. You are going to use that training you have recieved and control these rogue thoughts of yours. And you are going to learn what you can from Marcus, and eventually control these dreams that are hurting you so. Understood?"

She paused, tears threatening in her eyes.

"I'll be damned if I'm going to find someone like you just to loose you so soon after." she said thickly.

"Now focus. And repeat those words, damn you."

OOC: and can I just say, 'damn lag'?

He nodded, and continued the mantra. As he did so, he reached out, and wiped the tears off her cheeks, sending her a look that said It's going to be all right, don't worry.

She gently snuggled back against him, putting her arm back around him protectively, as if to stave off whatever was harming him herself, a fierce look in her eyes.

"I won't let anything happen to you." she whispered softly.

He put his arm around her, feeling that she was tense, and handed her his left-hand katana to hold, just to help her be calm. Meanwhile, he kept repeating the mantra.

She smiled, guided his hand back to the hilt, and placed her hand over his, squeezing tightly.

Jaime leaned over, and kissed Nathicana on the cheek. "You may want to let go of my katana," he muttered.

But it was too late. Suddenly he was back in the dream. And beside him was standing Nathicana. But whether she was a new factor in the dream or whether she was somehow involved in it was unknown to him.

OOC: Now this should be interesting ... am I there and aware?

OOC: WEll, it's up to you whether or not you were sucked into the dream, but if you were, then yes, you're there as much as Jaime is. That's why I left it hanging...

Edited to remove spoiler

OOC: How about Marcus training Natharnica, and she helps Jaime fight in his dream?

That would be kinda cool, but the next step right now is up to Nathicana...

OOC: though not at all familiar with any of the psychic realms of study, Nathicana is an old hand at controlling her own dreams. No latent abilities or anything of that nature ... just simple training of her mind to avoid rather ... disturbing dreams and the sort. One can't be a sometimes ruthless dictator without some regrets/horrors/private fears after all. ;) Any training by Marcus would be most appreciated. This is entirely outside her realm.

And yes - this could indeed be most interesting.

IC:

Nathicana looked around, hand flying to retrieve her gun which seemed to materialize in her hand, eyes alarmed, but focused.

OOC: If this is a dream, and she's used to 'managing' her dreams ... that wouldn't be over the top, would it? If so ... can edit/scrap

OOC: No, they can just materialize like that...

IC:

Jaime looked over and instantly knew that this was the Nathicana from the Real World. He ran over, and said "Welcome to my nightmare."

Around them they could see the cataclysmic world of Jaime's dreams. "And here come the enemy that kill us all," says Jaime, grabbing a random rifle.

She assessed the situation grimly.

"Focus. This is a dream. This is your dream. YOU can control it. Understood?"

She didn't hesitate in aiming squarely into the oncoming forces, firing shot after shot with deadly accuracy.

Jaime watched as two of the people beside them were cut down. He crouched down beside her, telling her one last "Whatever you do, don't get shot. You wake up with the pain." and crouched won inside the trench, trying madly to control his dream.

"Focus, dammit ... this isn't real! None of it is. It can't hurt you if you don't let it!"

Cursing, she continued firing, standing her ground firmly, refusing to give in to the fear. You cannot hurt me. You don't exist. Just another dream. Must show him that.

OOC: of course, she's operating on her own experiences here ... no idea how this sort of thing would play. If shots will actually hurt, despite her belief, so be it - no offense, honestly. :)

Jaime was crouched, his hands to his head, concentrating as hard as he could, This is a dream, this is a dream, he repeated over and over again, This is a dream, this is a dream,.

He looked up, in time to see his worst nightmare: A bullet hizzing towards Nathicana. He shoyted at the top of his lungs, "This is a dream!"

And woke up in his bed. He quickly turned to Nathicna, wondering if she was out or not...

OOC: Again, it's up to you.

I...will...not...give...in!

Her lip curled back in a snarl as she fired round after round into the oncoming forces.

Hearing Jaime shout, she half turned to him and smiled ...

Jaime watched her intently. He thought he watched her stir, but she could have been moving in her sleep. As an afterthought, he began muttering the mantra.

Wake. she commanded herself. Time to go.

Blinking in confusion, she shook her head, looking over at Jaime and assuring herself he was ok.

"Damn, boy," she rasped. "No wonder ..." she trailed off, leaning over to kiss him soundly.

He leaned into her, kissing her. When they seperated, a short while later, he leaned back on the pillows. "When I saw that for ... the first time ... You can probably imagine how ... scared I was."

She leaned back with him, nodding silently.

"But you did it." she said softly. "You stopped it. Or at least, broke it with no harm to yourself this time."

"Yes, but ... I couldn't have done that ... without you ... there with me ... and I probably would ... have come out dead ... that time. I ... was too weak ... to fight." he told her, leaning towards her. "Thanks," He kissed her gently on the cheek.

Blushing, she tried to brush it aside. "Was just a dream. You just had to realize it."

She breathed a shuddering sigh of relief, finally allowing herself to relax a bit, hoping all would be well, at least for the time being.

------------------------------

Outside, two rather shaken looking men make their way to the Spire. Upon arrival, one of them approaches a guard.

"We need to be admitted to see the Lady Nathicana. We have been given instructions by her, to await her in her room." he stated, eyes darting about nervously.

"I'm Janus Mateo, former Minister of Public Relations for the Dominion."

Chris, leaning against a pillar nearby, walks over to the two men. "Lady Nathicana is ... busy." he told them. "What's your business?"

He then hopes they don't recognize him as someone important, and mistake him for a guard.

Janus makes a cursory bow, clipped as are many of his actions.

"I'm certain she is, good sir. However, we were directed to await her in her room - which she assured us would be secure, and until we arrive, empty." He looked over Chris carefully.

"As I said, I am Janus Mateo, former Minister of the Dominion. This is Marik, one of her operatives. We recently arrived from the Dominion," here he paled slightly, and licked his lips nervously, "by rather ... unconventional means."

"Now, if you would be so kind?" he gestured for Chris to lead the way.

"Sure." He motioned, in gestures that only they understand, for Klihk and Thamas to follow them. When Janus notices the 6'6" man and the 7' man, he looks nervous. "Security." Chris says. He leads them to Nathicana's room and ushers them in.

Eyeing the men nervously, Janus nods, and follows, flanked by the silent Marik.

Once they reach the room, he breathes a small sigh of relief, and sits down in one of the chairs. Marik stands silently off to one side, appearing casual, but keeping a very close eye on Janus.

"If you would, please alert the Lady of our arrival, so that she may meet with us .... a-aaa-at her convenience." he stuttered.

Chris nods, "In good time, all in good time. What is your businees with the lady?"

---

Jaime turned to Nathicana, "No, really ... If you hadn't been there ... I would only have been ... trying to save myself, but ... When I was trying to save ... you as well ... I concentrated much harder."

Janus bristled at Chris's casual demeanor. "Now see here, sir ... have you any idea what has been going on of late? Nation occupied, our leader tucked away seeking assylum in some foreign country, dragons ... dragons I say, roaming the countryside, occupying our nation, wild rumors of assassination attempts," his expression clearly showed what he thought of that, " ... it's as if everything has gone mad!"

"If you must know, I'm here to help save her high and mightiness!" he burst out, indignantly .... his outburst immediately followed by a look of dread.

"I-I- mean to say ... what I meant was ..." he trailed off lamely. "Would you please, just send her word of our arrival?" he said much more humbly.

-------------------------

She snuggled closer, not wanting him to see her face. "Well then. At least one good deed ..." she murmured against his chest.

Chris smiled, "Yes, I've heard of the turmoil in your country, and rest assured our country is doing everything we can to restore Lady Nathicana to power. And don't worry. If the Dragonisian troops so much as touch a hair on your people's heads, you can take them to international court."

---

Jaime smiled, and looked down at Nathicana. He leaned down, and kissed her head. Then he went back to repeating the mantra, over and over.

Janus nodded curtly. "Then if you don't mind ... " he gestured to the door, head tilted expectantly. "Do send the Lady word. I'm certain she'll be thrilled at our arrival."

-------

She listened to his voice repeating the words, over and over ... somehow soothing in their rythm and tone. What are you doing? she asked herself again.

Chris gets up. "Well, gentlemen, if you don't mind."

He turns to Klihk and Thamas. "Please, entertain our guests while I inform the lady."

He gets up and walks out the door.

Janus looked alarmed at the phrase 'entertain our guests', shrinking back into his chair slightly.

Marik never moved, just casually stood and observed, though a slight smirk seemed to twist his lips as he saw Janus twitch.

The two bodyguards, both incredibly intimidating men, sat in their chairs, wearing their sunglasses and with that You don't WANT to try and run, look on their face.

Chris walked to Jaime's room, writing on a piece of paper, what had happened He reached Jaime's room and slipped it under the curtain. Then he began to walk back to Nathicana's rooms.

OOC: now the question becomes, how long would you like to play? *grin* I realize it might be late for you so ... (ok, late for me too, but suffering from insomnia, so I'll be up regardless.) Further political discussion I would like to move to that other thread, if you don't mind. Keep things flowing, etc.

OOC: Well, it's now 4:50AM ET, and I'm not tired in the least. I'll probably stay up all night and crash later on. So, shall we continue?

OOC: Oh, do lets. *grin* Rather enjoying myself, and hope you are as well.


IC:

Nathicana hears the slight rustle of the paper being slid in, and stirs, looking over to see what's going on.

Seeing the paper lying there, she gently sits up, taking care not to disturb Jaime too much, and walks over to pick it up.

Scanning quickly over the note, she smiles broadly.

"Finally." she murmurs, looking very pleased with herself.

"Jaime dear ... no, don't stop ... just nod, if I could borrow a shirt?" She gestures to the missing sleeves. "I ah ... I can't be seen like this. And ... do you mind a little company? I still want to keep an eye on you. And this way, it would save you the trouble of having to hear it all second hand later."

He nods, still repeating the mantra. She can see the nod means both Of course you may borrow a shirt, and the look at his suitcase shows her where, And I would not mind a bit of company... As long as it's not 8 million reporters...

OOC: Moving this to the other thread - posting previous pertinent bits from our convo to the board, so long as you've no objections?

OOC: Moving this to the other thread - posting previous pertinent bits from our convo to the board, so long as you've no objections?

None whatsoever.

OOC: Last bit here, then over to there.

She grinned at him impishly, then turned her attentions to his suitcase, selecting a suitable shirt and taking it out.

"This is going to swamp me." she chuckled.

Turning modestly away, she shrugs off her torn shirt and pulls on his, rolling up the cuffs, and tucking the tails into her pants. She fusses with her hair, finally taking a pen from the table to secure her unruly locks back in a twist.

Brushing herself off, she walks to the curtained doorway, calling for the attention of one of the servants.

"Please direct the guests in my room to this one, as soon as possible." she smiles.

Ducking back into the room, she tidies up a bit, fussing with the placement of the chairs, and everything else to her satisfaction. Finally pleased with the arrangement, and throwing Jaime a ravishing smile, she settles down in a chair in front of the window, arranging herself just so, sitting with a supremely arrogant manner facing the doorway.

"I ah ... may not seem myself." she looked almost ashamed. "Just don't pay it any mind." She eyed him firmly. "And don't stop saying that until you're feeling well enough to, no matter what gets said here, alright?"

Jaime nods, and tells her, with a glance, If anything happens, I'm right here, and I'm armed with two katanas.

Then he merely settles down and waits, for their guests to arrive. As he does this, he fades into the background. A casual glance around the room would have missed him.

(cutting back from other thread)

Nathicana looked visibly relieved when Janus & Marik left, slumping back in her chair and letting out a deep breath.

"This should be interesting." she grinned slyly. Looking over to Jaime, she asked "Are you feeling any better?"

OOC: cool you actually used our idea. i was afraid if we let nathicana go into jaime's dreams, we might have to create a new thread so we don't end up hijacking this one. we can have marcus say be a channel for them to enter the dreamscapes with more control and awareness... no spoilers, we can go from there.
anyway, won't we be starting the competitions?

OOC:I'm waiting for the telegrams so I can post a list of competitors. The competition goes through challenging an opponent, so i can keep track of who fought how many times and such.

OOC: Zayan just returned to Waldonzia using a Teleportation spell.
I thought i'd notify you of this, so nobody can sneak into the spire and kill him... :lol:

King Jazlak I of Jignika would like to come here if it's not to late, and can somebody tell in short what happened yet... please

OOC: Jignika It'd be easier if you RP'd that you were already there, but just didn't act a lot. In short, we had an attempted assassination a couple of engagements. A leader under political asylum and an auction. Most of that is over, we DO have a melee competition you can join by TM'ing me stating which character(s) would like to join.

OOC: okay, all the ladies of the silvercities are now engaged (richenda is too right?) queen siren to marcus (mine), rothana to zaek(the host),(richenda and rothana are twins). we had an attempted assasination (from slutbum), and at the moment jaime (of haraki) has a mysterious precognitive illness, jaime has a thinjg with the dread lady nathicana who claims a political asylum because of troubles in her dominion.
we've also had an auction, i don't remembe who won the other two but the lady alhana catherine won the tiara which she is giving to siren as a engagement gift. we are now at the second day of the festivities, the day of the tournament. we dunno, how many days this will last so you get a bedchamber. there is a notorious drink in gothicum's land called wolvesblood, be careful when drinking it lol
let me know when you've read this so i may delete it.

Rothana came up on Richenda while putting away her purchases.. " hey there sis, i've come to try and convince you to compete.."

Richenda groaned, " Why? You know i dont like to do public demonstrations"

"I know, I know but you are really good with your daggers, you and i both know it.. why not?"

"I dont want to end up facing Zaek" she laughed "I know what you would do to me if i hurt him.."

Rothana waved that off, "You wouldnt hurt him if you made it that far.. trust me," she then smiled "I know you brought the Twins,"

Richenda grinned and slipped her hands under her pillow to pull out her daggers, they were Castillan steel with an 18 inch blade honed to a microscopic edge, the hilts were wrapped in leather, the handguards flaring slightly to catch a slow blade and hold it... Rothana had them made special for Richenda as a Birthday Present several years ago...

" I'll think about it.."
"Dont think too long or i will enter you myself" Rothana teased...

OOC: cool you actually used our idea. i was afraid if we let nathicana go into jaime's dreams, we might have to create a new thread so we don't end up hijacking this one. we can have marcus say be a channel for them to enter the dreamscapes with more control and awareness... no spoilers, we can go from there.
anyway, won't we be starting the competitions?

OOC: Excellent - thought that was a rather cool bit y'all thought up there. *grin* Go Marcus! Only reason I figure she's got strength dream wise is as in all things ... she's darndably stubborn and very much a control freak. *chuckles* Caught me offguard with that one, you did. Enjoyed it.

And to Zaek - still very much interested in competing if there's room.
(responding to the following - done)

Addendum 2 - Aaaaand pausing to think about it, given our differences in time zones etc, and the holiday weekend over here ... curses. If I'm not available, I give you folks permission to rp my character's actions in the competition as you see fit. Doesn't matter if I win or loose - just have fun with it.

Couple things to note: She'd use her gender to her advantage, and allow the men at least, to consider her the 'weaker sex' ... to a point. She fights longsword (a plain, unadorned blade), with small round shield if available (center punch with spiked boss would do nicely). Zaek did point out a little weakness in the Hound character - leaving his left open, I think it was? *grin* And of course, she'd make taunting comments to her opponent during the match, all delivered with a grin of one sort or another (And no, nothing personally insulting or rude - not honorable. Just fight 'chatter'). She tends to watch her opponent with a rather intense, unblinking stare - again, a device that could throw off/intimidate those not 'up' for it (though given the competition, I wouldn't bet on it having much effect). Would hate to hold up the festivities, after all. *shrugs & smiles* So there you have it.

Go ahead, I need you to PM me so I can keep track of who's competing. I'll initiate it officially later.

OOC: Nathicana, where's the thread you talked with Janus in? (I got home from the ceremony early)

IC:Rikanth stirs, and rises out of his bed. He sleepily makes his way back down to the party.

OOC: that would be here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31500 and the results here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31813

Sign up closes in 1 hour, then I'll start the competition

OOC: you got my sign up, right?

yup

Signed up:
Richenda for SilverCities
Jaime and
Alek from Haraki
Rikanth Schmlecklock from Darynnia
Dread Lady Nathanica of the Dominion
The Hound from Pantera (he hasnt been online today, but i know he wants to fight)

challenge who you wish to fight in 10 mins

OOC: *cheers*

OOC: Sorry, my mom found me at 6:15AM, forced me to go to bed :roll: , but now I'm back.

IC:

Jaime turned to Nathicana. "Yes, I'm feeling ... somewhat better, thank ... you." He reaches for his right hand katana, running his left hand up and down its blade. He murmurs to Nathicana, "I think it was ... you being there with me ... that helped me ... most of anything." He turns to her, smiling softly. "Thank you."

She smiled and said nothing, just pleased that he was doing better.

OOC: No sign up, Gothicum? And Haraki - no worries. *grin* Hope you got some sleep.

OOC: Yeah, Alek and Jaime are both signed up, hoping they'll get to fight each other *Devilish grin*.

IC:

Jaime lay back onto his bed, putting his katanas crossed over his chest. He took a deep breath and let it out, doing calming axcercises and repeating the mantra.

---

Alek walked over to Daeva (Wherever she is) and asked her, "So, what's going on? Do you know? There's some kind of commotion upstairs."

OOC: Zaek battles the winner of the competition at the end, or not if the number of people happens to be odd

OOC: um ... referred to myself, but hey. *shrugs & smiles*

Richenda changes out of her casual clothes to her golden sparring leathers, she stays in her room stretching, limbering up for the upcoming compitition... her daggers in her hands she whirls and spins, the metal just flashes of light.....

Jaime got up from the bed, walking into the middle of the room, where he closed his eyes. Nathicana could see he was chanting something different from the mantra,

"Hayai Karahai Lorethilei,
Hayai Karahai Lerenilas
Arak Kanaio Lerithai
Relero Karaki Yamathai
Herekei Karakai Lorethei
Vel nos Heanor Lerethen Kai,"

His eyes opened, and Nathicana could hear him chanting more of the same, and feel inside his head, that he was chanting this new prayer inside. He turned to her, and she could see the spark of life back in his eye. "Thank you," he told her.

She arched an eyebrow, looking over him skeptically.

"You think you're going somewhere, do you?" She asked cooly. Walking towards the curtained doorway, she stopped and turned arounds, arms folded across her chest, chin tilted up haughtily.

He smiled, "I never said I was going anywhere. I merely got up."

He smiled over at her, still singing that same strange song under his breath.

She watched him closely for any signs of weakness or wrongness, not moving from where she was.

"What's that you're saying?" she asked after a bit.

He stopped singing to tell her, "It's an ancient prayer the people used to sing before Haraki was even founded. The people there would sing it to bring peace to themselves and those around them. It's written in Old Haraki, which all records of have been lost, and so no-one knows what the words mean, but it has a soothing effect. No-one knows why. It also serves to heal wounds of the heart and soul. Again, it is unknown why."

"We in the Dominion have no such ... traditions." she pondered.

"Too many wars have been fought, too many old things lost. The people rely on cunning, power, and subterfuge. Not mysticism." She seemed a touch arrogant, as was her nature, yet somewhat regretful at that.

"I'm glad it brings you peace." she nodded, seeming to have made her decision on what to think about it.

He nodded. "You're tense. Relax. Sing if you want to. Just calm down. You won't get anywhere if you go through life like this."

Zaek rang a bell, getting the attention of the guests

"Please, if you will follow me"

They entered a torch-lit cavern that leaded downwards to a big cave carved out to represent a colloseum.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please be seated, those wishing to compete follow me."

Zaek led the competitors to a platform with stools

"Here you can challenge other competitors and wait for your turn to fight. Just tell the Announcer your names. Matches start by a first come, first served basis. Once you fought for a round you cannot fight that round again to ensure that everyone fights an equal amount of matches. Remember you can only bring your primary weapon(s) in the arena. There is a table with weapons on this platform should you need them. Any resort to backup weaponry results in disqualification. The last one remaining fights me. Are these rules clear?"

OOC: Competitors (matches fought)

Signed up:
Richenda for SilverCities (0)
Jaime and (1)
Alek from Haraki (D)
Rikanth Schmlecklock from Darynnia (0)
Dread Lady Nathanica of the Dominion (0)
The Hound from Pantera (he hasnt been online today, but i know he wants to fight) (0)

Chris, hearing this, beckons to Alek to walk over to the competitors group. He wanders up to Jaime's room and bangs on the wall outside to attract the two's attention. "Competition's starting," he says.

Inside, Jaime hears and looks inquisitively at Nathicana.

Richenda tense and nervous nodded briefly...
She placed her hands over the hilts of the daggers in her belt and whispered a brief prayer to the Goddess... she then looked into the crowd, scanning for her family.. and there they were giving her the thumbs up sign she felt much better after seeing them, she collected her thoughts and let her mind go still...

She grinned suddenly. "I need my sword."

"I'm still not convinced you're up to this, boy ... If I even suspect that you're pushing too hard, I'll take you down myself, and haul you straight back here to your room. Better yet, to mine - it still has a door and lock." she looked at him slyly.

"Lets head down."

"all right," he says, and laughs, "Well, I don't know how much a door and a lock would stop me. I mean, the guy I'm protecting shattered one on his own, makes jme think what I could do..." he mused.

Once they reached the competition, he asked aek "Is it pure weapons or are we allowed to use our hands and feet as well?"

Zaek took place at the royal tribune over the colosseum, for the first time someone sitting in the seat besides him. The seat for the soon-to-be First Lady of Gothicum

"Who would stop you from throwing your weapons away in the arena?"

Rothana was excited to see her sister, finally allowing her talents to shine.. she smiled at Zaek, "I dont know whether to be terrified for her or excited for her," she reached out to hold his hand....

Siren watched her sister take her place beside Zaek and thought, the couple looked like a matched pair.. perfectly suited for eachother...
she then turned her eyes to Richenda who looked briefly terrified, she gave her a gesture of encouragement...

"True ... " she nodded ... "However that last door didn't have me in front of it." She arched a brow, daring him to mock her, though barely suppressing a smile.

Nathicana smiled broadly, very pleased to Rothana and Zaek together in the place of honor.

Jaime laughed and looked over. Alek was being nervous as a cat, jumping around with his short sword. Jaime shook his head, thinking "Calm down or you will do horrible at this."

Jaime stood there, waiting for the competitions to begin, not doing anything fancy with his katanas. He stood there, holding them, to calm him. He knew this was something big, and that if he won this competition he would be impressed ... at himself. He waited, wondering what Zaek would say.

Zaek stood up and adressed te fighters
"I declare this competition for started.
Honourable competitors, you may now announce you first challenges"

Jaime stood up. "I challenge Alek Haraki!"

Alek looked over at him, horrified that he may have to face Jaime.

as the time neared Richenda's eyes went cold, her mind blank of anything but studying the movements of the challengers.......

Nathicana resumed her normally cool, detatched manner, studying her potential opponents with a trained eye.

Her brow shot up as Jaime issued his challenge, looking to Alek to judge his reaction.

Better to observe first ... find their weaknesses ... exploit them.

Alek looked over, then finally stood up and said "Very well, let's fight."

Jaime turned to Zaek for instructions.

The Announcer:"Alek of Haraki, Jaime of Haraki, please step into the ring and declare your pimary weapons! Salute eachother and then salute the Chancellor, keep it a clean fight and respect your opponent. You may commence when ready."

Jaime stepped into the arena, and declared, "Two katanas."

Alek stepped into the arena, and announced, "A short sword and s amall shield."

They saulted each other, then turned and saluted Zaek. Then they assumed fighting stances. "Whenever you're ready, Jaime." Alek said.

Jaime started giving Alek advice. "Loosen up, boy. You'll never stand a chance if you fight like that."

Alek growled at this and charged.

Jaime neatly sidestepped.

Nathicana watched the men enter the ring and begin, noting techniques, styles ... watching for weaknesses.

She took time to watch the reactions of the other participants as well, judging their readiness and focus.

Pausing at the lady Richenda, she nodded thoughtfully. She is going to be trouble.

Alek's fighting style seemed evidently to attack as furiously as he could. Jaime just dodged most of his attacks, and parried the rest, looking amused. "Loosen up, boy!" he shouted over the clang of steel. "You have to learn to loosen up!"

Alek growled, and came in hard. He swung with his sword, Jaime dodged, and swung in with his katana. It struck Alek in the side, injuring him. His shiled hadn't got there in time. Alek grunted, then turned, facing Jaime again. Jaime looked amused. "You're good, Alek." he said. "But your style needs work."

Alek attackd again. Jaime redirected Alek's sword swing with a kick, and then swung in with his katanas. Alek blocked one with the shield, which was sheared in half by the katana strike. The other katana made a shallow cut across Alek's chest.

"Give up yet, boy?"

Richenda' eyes passed over the Dread Lady briefly, warming for a moment in acknowlegement, then turning ice cold as she continues to watch the match... seeing her own daggers flashing in her mind in attack and counterattack.......

Alek kept coming, his rage building up and building up. He roared and came dashing in towards Jaime. He swung his sword ...

... And it hit empty air. Jaime was beside Alek with his katana to Alek's throat. Alek looked depressed, and dropped his sword. "I surrender," he said. Jaime looked not triumphant, just as though he acknowledged that Alek didn't want to continue. Alek knew he was outclassed. Alek turned, and shook Jaime's hand. "Good job."

"Same to you, Alek."

Nodding at the expected outcome, Nathicana applauded loudly.

"Well fought, Alek." she called out.

"And you also, Jaime." she inclined her head sharply in acknowledgement.

Jaime nods back at Nathicana. Alek raises his head, smiling. "I was outclassed," he tells Jaime. "I hope you win."

Jaime nodded, "Thanks, Alek."

Now (I believe) they leave the field.

OOC: Gothicum - do you plan on moderating the player to player matches? Any dice rolling? Or is it pure rp?

OOC: Pure RP, left to the players, I'll only intervene if one side is about to kill the other.

"Afraid someone might hurt your boy, Jaime?" she murmured as he approached, eyes still on the opposition ... weighing ... measuring ...

Richenda taking a deep breath then slowly releasing it, said in a loud voice "I Challenge you Dread Lady Nathicana"

Jaime walks up and sits down on another seat and begins cleaning the blood from his katanas. He, however, watches as Richenda challenges Nathicana, and whistles. "This ... will be an interesting match." he says.

OOC: er .. jumped gun .. appologies ... reposting

Inside, Jaime was cheering, "Go Nathicana!" as she prepared for combat.

The Announcer:"Nathanica of the Dominion, Richenda of Silvercities, please step into the ring and declare your pimary weapons! Salute eachother and then salute the Chancellor, keep it a clean fight and respect your opponent. You may commence when ready."

Nathicana bowed deeply to Richenda, acknowledging the challenge.

"Aye ... it will at that." Non-lethal ... least damage ... guage your blows.

Entering the ring, she raised her sword in salute to the imperial box.

"To our gracious host, High Chancellor Zaek Invictus! And to his lovely lady, Rothana of SilverCities! May their lives be long and full of happiness. Peace!"

She made a flourishing bow to them, then turned to face Richenda, touching her sword to her forehead in salute, then bowing, keeping her eyes firmly on her opponent.

Checking the grip on her center bossed shield, she nodded that she was ready. "Long sword and round shield." she stated for the records.

Richenda entered the ring, " Twin Daggers" She then bowed to her sister and Zaek and then again to Nathi, her mind recalling all her training and practice, she then drew, Crossing them briefly in front of her, her weight held lightly on the balls of her feet.. waiting for an opening to move, she crouched slightly....

Rothana was anxious she put her hand to Zaek's arm and held it tightly...

Nathicana balanced herself, bouncing slightly once or twice, then began circling Richenda, eyes firmly locked on hers, unblinking.

Making a quick move, she swung her sword around to strike loudly on her shield, hoping to unnerve her opponent with the small show of bravado.

Richenda moved in counterpoint, Keeping her eyes open and focused on Nathi, looking for the slightest movement that would betray her intentions....her daggers crossed lightly in front of her...

Without warning, she lunged forward, thrusting her shield straight at Richenda in a fierce punch, hoping to land a blow across her side as she swung her sword with suprising speed.

Richenda took the blow but parried the sword thrust, knocked off balance briefly she took the oppurtunity tomove in closer and counter with a leg sweep hoping to knock her off her feet.....

Using her opponent's block to give her counterstrike momentum, she punched upward then pulled back down sharply, bringing her sword in from the left in a deadly arc as she attempted to block the sweep by dropping her shield and turning her body slightly.

Charon enters and thoughtfully observes the match.

Richenda, the moment Nathi tried to block her sweep she shifted her weight to her sweeping foot and rammed it into her shield, she then moved upwards sharply barging into the shield....

Backpeddling quickly. attempting to regain her footing, she fought to bring her shield back into place to push Richenda away while bringing the flat of her blade around in a nasty wrap, hoping to deliver a stinging smack to the back of Richenda's thigh.

"You're good, my dear ... " she breathed heavily, a wry grin touching her lips. "But will you *ugh* ... be good enough?"

OOC: m,an, i have to fight the hound? bah! i'm gonna be bad at roleplaying the swordfighting..i don't really know much about swordfightig IRL...

OOC: m,an, i have to fight the hound? bah! i'm gonna be bad at roleplaying the swordfighting..i don't really know much about swordfightig IRL...

No, you don't HAVE to fight the drunk. You can challenge whoever you want, I believe...

Richenda catches the flat of the blade causing her to stagger... she whirls and back up a few feet to catch her balance again...her daggers again crossed lightly in front of her...

"We shall see." She whispered...


OOC" Nathi check your TM please! :D

OC: but noones left to challenge, the people coming out fof these matches will have either two bands or one band on their arms, and i only have one, and i can only fight those with the same amount of bands as me.

OOC: Actually he does, to end the first round. Same advise i gave to silver, visualise the moves and check if they arent matrix-like

OOC: granted I don't know much about all there is to know ... but sword and shield (non-bladed) is something I do rl. *wriggles eyebrows impishly* However this, is an entirely differnent sort of match - wouldn't be a bit suprised to find myself flat on my back, a dagger in my side. ;)

OOC: hmmmmm.......interesting problem, Rikanth
sorry, im reeeeealy slow....

OOC: Silver - checked, replied. *impish grin*

IC:

Nathicana also withdrew to a defensive position, breathing hard, and eyeing Richenda sharply. Balancing on the balls of her feet, she shifted her weight almost imperceptibly between her shield and sword foot, weighing her next move.

Giving Richenda a steely grin over her shield, Nathicana taunted her.

"Come now - not tired already, are you?" She motioned her forward with the tip of her sword. "Bring it."

Jaime, sitting in the stands, is watching intently. He whispers, "Go Nathicana..." and she knows, as he says it, that he is rooting for her with all his heart.

OOC: I'm off to the Anime shows again, they're showing Animatrix episodes. See you all in a few hours...

She made a short feint forward, hoping to throw Richenda off her guard, then quickly pulled back to her defensive position, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet, hoping not to telegraph any moves to her skilled opponent.

Richenda considered her next move carefully..... her weight once again evenly distributed on the balls of her feet, her eyes like chips of ice... then quickly she flicked one of her twin daggers at Nathi's sword shoulder, then dropped into a crouch with the other held in front of her in readiness...

OOC: Laters, boyo - enjoy!

Caught off her guard by the sudden move, she attempts to block the dagger with her sword ... and only succeeds in taking a cut along the outside of her shoulder.

Eyes blazing, she takes a few quick cross-steps away from her opponent, keeping Richenda to her left, shield ready, and quickly drops her gaze momentarily to give the wound a cursory examination.

"That will cost you, girl." she growls

Charon murmurs to himself, commenting that this duel has reached its climax- one injured, the other still unharmed, yet he had a feeling this would heat up before long. Then of course, Charon knew little about swordfighting.

Rikanth thinks about flicking Charon's chest again, but thinks better of it.

Richenda nodded her head and beckoned with her free hand, "I may be a Princess but i'm sure as Hell not delecate.." she keeps her weight evenly distributed waiting to see what will happen next, feeling ready for anything....

Nathicana took a moment to calm herself. First blood, is it? We'll see, my lady ...

She launched herself at Richenda suddenly, alternating between shield thrusts and a flurry of blows, hoping to get past the woman's defenses at last. Throwing herself into the attack completely, she felt the bloodlust take over, the pain in her shoulder only adding to the ferocity of her blows.

"Aaaarrrrrah! This ends NOW!"

She tried to fight her way past the skilled parries of her opponent, eyes burning with a frightening intensity.

as the Blows grow more intense Richenda knows she only has one chance if she is to counter this attack, she drops down, and then momentaily loses her balance, the only thing she could see was this woman looming over her with bloodlust in her eyes...

Zaek jumps up from his chair

"NATHANICA!!! Halt now!!!!"

He extends his arm, his hand in a fist except his thumb, which is pointing sideways. The crowd cheers as his thumb goes upwards.

Rikanth sighs, waiting for his opponent to show up.

Nathicana pulls back the downward swing of her sword as Richenda goes down, letting it pierce the dirt well away from the side of the woman at the moment Zaek calls out.

Chest heaving, she takes a moment to calm herself and gather in her emotions.

Extending her hand to Richenda, she offers to help her to her feet.

"Very ...." she pants, "very well ... well fought, my .... lady."

Charon looks at Rikanth; "Tell me: when you fight, which of your swords will you use? ive been wondering."

Zaek releases a sig of relief as the blade misses Richenda
He looks at Rothana and sat back down.

Rikanth replies "my Katana and Wakizashi<" as he points at swords hanging on his belt. "The Legacy of Kings claymore is very valuable, and I do not wish to scratch it."

Charon nods "Ah, wise."

Richenda gave a small smile, " I wondered if i was going to make it there for a moment, very well fought Dread Lady," Richenda took her hand and gave her a firm handshake as she breathed deep....

Rothana let out a held breath that she didnt even realize she was holding until that moment, her heart pounding.. amazed that her sister had such skill..
Siren looked up when she heard Nathicana called as the victor, she couldnt bear to watch the end of the match she was afraid that Richenda would end up serioously hurt...

Leaning in on an impulse to give Richenda a warm hug, she whispered, "You want to know the truth? That last attack was all I had left - was all or nothing. If you hadn't had the misfortune to loose your balance ... " she winced. "That cut you gave me stings like a s...er, well ... I couldn't have kept up the attacks. Need to go get it wrapped & tended to."

She grinned at Richenda as she pulled back. "Next time, I won't underestimate you." She bowed deeply, arm catching as she tried to salute with her sword.

"Shall we let the next couple take the field?" She gestured for Richenda to lead the way off the field.

Richenda smiled and headed off the field with a slight limp making sure to gather her Daggers on the way....
"My last move was sheer desperation, but im glad it doesnt look as bad as it could have been, youre very quick..." Richenda them smiled and waved at her sisters to let them know she was ok, " This is going to hurt like the dickens for a while...,"she rubbed at the spot where she caught the flat of Nathi's blade....

Nathicana looked sheepish. "Er ... yeah ... about that ... "

"Shouldn't last too long, I hope. You were going to throw me entirely off with your legwork. Had to do something, and well ... flat was all I would use for something like that." Looking up to the stands briefly, she continued "Besides, if I'd done any serious damage to you ... I don't think I'd have walked out of here." she chuckled "I'm sorry if that last bit ... I tend to be a bit 'intense' when it comes down to the wire."

An impish grin suddenly appeared on her face. "You know, a good ice pack would help ... I'm sure you can think of someone willing to ah, help you with that." She examined her shoulder as they walked, wincing as she pulled the shirtsleeve back.

Richenda grinned.. "Yeah I know someone who would be happy to help me with that, are you going to be ok? It doesnt look to deep, i hope it isnt at any rate i'd feel just awful.." She sheathed her blades...

Rothana just breathed, her relief almost overwhelming, "Thank you," she whispered to Zaek, " I was really worried there for a while, I never saw her move like that before... and i've watched her practice.. well sometimes anyway..she really is good... and Lady Nathicana was amazing as well... now I REALLY want to learn to wield a sword...."she smiled..

"Nah ... don't worry yourself. Go get doctored up, and I will too." she grinned.

OOC: No sign of Pantera, gonna step in

Zaek saw the odd number of challengers, and motioned his captain of the guard

"Ladies and Gentleman, since we have a competitor who obviously had to much wolvesblood last night, Nahdoa will fill in for him"

The Announcer:"Rikanth of Darynia, Nahdoa of Gothicum, please step into the ring and declare your pimary weapons! Salute eachother and then salute the Chancellor, keep it a clean fight and respect your opponent. You may commence when ready."

Rikanth takes the Legacy of Kings off of his back (in it's sheath) and leaves it with zaek for safekeeping during the match.

Rikanth walks into the stadium and declares "A katana and a wakizashi". He unsheaths the two swords, holding the Katana in his right hand and the shorter wakizashi in his left. He salutes his oppponent and Zaek, then waits for his opponent to prepare.

Charon nods once again;"Here comes your moment, Rikanth"

The man slowly stepped into the arena

"Nahdoa of Gothicum, halberd" he shouted as he gripped the 7 foot pole of the weapon

He made a slight bow to Rikanth, faced Zaek and shouted

"Those who are about to fight, salute you"

He faced Rikanth again and spread his legs a bit, taking a defensive stance.

Nathicana requested a medic, or someone with the skills to patch up her wound, and turned to watch the next match anxiously from the sidelines.

Rikanth takes a defensive stance also, waiting for an attack.

Nahdoa ran towards Rikanth planting the pole of his halberd into the ground to gain leverage and aimed a kick at Rikanths face

Rikanth dodges to the side quickly, but not quite quickly enough. Nahdoa's foot barely hits Rikanth, setting him a little off balance. HE quickly aims a strike at Nahdoa's head with the hilt of his Katana, still slightly off balance.

EDIT: didn't let Rikanth recover his balance.

Charon leans forward "This will be interesting..."

OOC: g2g guys, be back later.

Nahdoa ducks as he lands, Rikanths blow hitting air. crouched he blindly swings a backhand slash at the knees of his opponent.

Rikanth uses the momentum from his previous attack to fall over Nahdoa to the other side of him. Rikanth quickly stands up and faces his opponent.

Nahdoa takes a few steps back and puts his halberd over his shoulder

Rikanth charges at Nahdoa and aims a blow at his knees with his wakizashi. Just as he does that, he thrusts the flat side of his katana at Nahdoa's head.

Nathicana hardly dares blink, watching the the fluid moves of the combatants appreciatively.

Nahdoa quickly takes a step forward, disrupting the timing of his opponent and plants the staff of his halberd across the chest of Rikanth

Rikanth drops to the ground, making a sweeping kick in an effort to trip Nahdoa.