Alvah becomes a warrior and her first bout.

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Walking down the crowd street the two warrior seem to blend well with the wildly diverse crowds. Alvah sees that others also walk with blade drawn. A trio of dragons fly overhead following the road, turning at a corner., The noon day chill is filled with the heavy scents of cooked food. Along the way Vek stops and buys two pastries the size of medium sized burritos. “These are filled with meat, chili peppers, carrot, onion,and potato, wrapped in Unsat leaves, steamed, then cooled. Dipped in batter here on the cart and fried in chili oil. Spicy and hot for a cool afternoon” Eating them as they walk Vek whistles a little tune for a few blocks till he stopps, looks down and dark and dingy alley. Walking down the alley, making a little left turn there is a small culdesac with warriors standing around with half dressed women as well as oughly dressed people of different races and shapes. Vek leads Alvah into the crowd which looks on them with interest. As they enter the crowded hall it is stone carved into the ground around a large sandy ground. The benches of cut stone have warriors and spectators around them, Open area around the pit and its few rows of seating has tables and a bar, as well as a few large barrels people are drawing from. The place is lit by torches and heavy candles. Xala sees many people in harness, some looking like spectators, others look like they intend to fight. Above are balconies filled with observers enjoying the fights. Vek hands signs to her to be silent. At one spot in the stone ring is a cut out area richly fitted with pillows and clearly the owner and his friends and whores. On the sand are two humans, in harness fighting knife and short sword. Their rank says they are Blade Warriors. They fight furiously. Hits bring a cheer and Alvah sees two men and one woman in gladiator harness calling hits. Vek whispers, “3 Called. That means they don't intend a lot of injuries. A Training circle. ” Once the fight is done he looks around and steps down to the stand, pulling Xala. Once on the sand they attract attention from surprised viewers. Looking to the owner, Vek salutes with the iron bar. “I am Vek of Ludus Vek. Bond Gladiator. My student is Xala of Ludus Vek. I'll fight 3 Called to any equal in the hall. My student is a Front warrior and certified today. She has a bout at 3am elsewhere but I put her first fight in your ring, Master, if you have a Front who will take 3 Called with her. I will cover 5000 silver talens of bets.”

Amber Bronkhorst

Alvah happily walks along with Vek enjoying the food he gets them. She is so happy there is plenty of spicy food to go around. Her love for it must be a part of her genes. When Vek turns into the alley she raises an eyebrow but thinks nothing of it really Vek knows what he is doing and she doesn't see a reason to question. When entering and he signs her to stay silent she just gives a short nod, barely visible. With focus she wathces the fight, how the fighters fight. how the crowd reacts how the points are counted and hte gladiators who keep the score. Not fully expecting to be pulled along to the sand she almost stumbles but with her balance and reflexes Alvah corrects herself and follows Vek. Still staying quiet just to be sure. Hearing him talk to the owner of the place about planning the fight Alvah tries to keep an as neutral face as possible though she did not expect to have to fight right now. She patiently waits for the reaction and tries to focus on keeping her nerves and breathing calm. A thougth creeps her mind.. why would she be nervous. She danced for theatres full. Stipclubs full. she danced barely with a thread on her. This was just fighting something she naturally does... exhaling a deep breath she stops her thoughts. In the end it is all just a dance. Sometimes you lead sometimes you follow. A game of reaction and action.

Michael James Watson

The owner smiles widely. "Ludus Vek? Never heard of it? Does it specialize in training gutter running girls? She could make money easier in other ways, Vek." The crowd roars with laughter. Vek nods, "I tried that but i didn't get many surviving customers. Some people just take it the wrong way when they take a knife while getting fucked. I've never heard of this place and it has no sign outside. Is there a reason you are afraid to show your name? Did you get caught cutting the kava? " People howl back. The owner laughs, "Ok, ok! Tunga..." A man about 5'8, heavyset but muscular hops to the field. His skin is bright purple and a bit hairy in red. He wears a green Bond Warrior harness. He looks to a man in the front of the crowd who hands him two shorter iron bars. The owner says, "Green first, to show that you are worthy of teaching and not bedding camels. Then your raw piece can prove if she is worth the leather. " He looks to Alvah. "Xala, your first fight is as Front. I mock, but I am not foolish. What weapon combo will you take, if your greeny survives?"

Amber Bronkhorst

When the verbal stabs are made Alvah just follows who is talking with her eyes. Not saying a word still but also not showing a thing on her face. Just her resting bitch face staring from the owner to Vek and back to the owner. When the purple man stands on the field she tilts her head and then looks at Vek. For the first time sicne they entered a small smile on her lips. She holds out her hand if she has to hold Vek his bag for him. She then answers the owner calmly. "I'll have my gauntlets and mace. " She nods with a short gesture to her mace she still carries. Then to Vek with a new glisten in her eyes. "Have a good fight."

Michael James Watson

The owner nods to Xala, and she notes a slight differant demeanor when he is jesting and when he is doing business. A small woman steps in, "Papers. 5000 Talens." Vek removes his wallet and hands over his papers. She gets Xala's too. Vek hands a few gemstones over. She nods and returns to a seat and a small desk near the owner, up and behind. She has a good view. As the sands clear, Vek walks and taps a place in the owner's area and motion Alvah to sit there. There is a little humor and respect as Vek makes the owner allow his student a honored spot but the owner does not mind. Tunga and Vek circle, watching each other. Alvah notices Vek dragging his left foot, and he is fighting right handed instead of left handed as usual. Tunga strakes at the dragging leg, striking the knee, eliciting a grunt and a called hit. He spins on the right, and the two trade blows in a dance that looks familiar to her. Niether are wearing helms and Vek moves in close and lays a glved hand on the hairy head, Tunga parries upwards letting Vek's iron bar slide up, off and down to smack an elbow hard, disarming Tunga. The Call is made, 1 to 1. Tunga agressivly attack, in mid form, going for body hits all of which vek blocks. He breaks pattern for a hard hit. Vek bends unnaturally at the waist and flat snaps under Tunga's arm for a call. 2 to 1.

Amber Bronkhorst

Alvah hands her wallet as well to the woman. Seeing where Vek taps she gives again a silent short nod of her head and moves there and takes place. Sitting straight and still face on neutral. Alvah is silent during the fight, she just studies Vek and Tunga how they move, fight and feint. She counts steps, she taps her fingers as if in a rythm. It is her way of forming things to a dance.

Michael James Watson

Vek steps back, letting Tunga retrieve his second weapon from the ground. The crowd claps appreciatively. They trade blows and Tunga laughs a little to Vek at the feigned dragged leg. As soon as he does Vek smiles and stops the drag. They trade blows, neither trying to hard, watching technique in blocking. Alvah notes that though the iron single sticks strike the hand they are not counted as Vek was clearly using the hands defensively. Tunga presses and drops to his knees, firing a waist shot on one side as Vek blocks the off hand strike with the bar and spins away from the other. Xala thinks the two strike combo may be a favorite of Tunga. A sportsman's move, not one a war fighter would use. She thinks that one may have actually gotten past Vek at another time. Vek leaps back, Tunga advances hard. Vek lands and thrusts, catching Tunga off guard as if a thrust was unheard of with long stick. It hits hard to his chest and a Call is made. 2 to 2. Vek spins and wastes no time. He fakes a leg strike and tags Tunga hard to the shoulder for a third Call. The crowd cheers wildly. Tunga scowls but steps up. The two touch forearms in a form of salute, and they walk to the side together. The owner pats him on the hip as he passes. “Nice fight, Vek. I see you know the Arena, but know red war too. Sit and have some unwatered Kava with me while we see how your student does.” Vek nods. Motions for Alvah to take the sands.

Amber Bronkhorst

Having been sitting perfectly still watching. With her focus on technique but also its just a damn exciting fight to watch. When Vek strikes Tunga with the last strike she smiles wide a toothy smile. As Vek walks up to their side she stands up the smile still painted on her face. Then as Vek motions to the sands her smile fades she gives again a short nod. Her bag (probably with Cicero in it) she makes sure is next to Vek. Then with her new weaponry and armor she steps on the sands. Curious to who she might have to fight. Not that she knows anyone here really. While she steps on the sands she keeps her posture small, frail as that more of a ballet dancer then a fighter. Only when her opponent steps on the sand she will look up.

Michael James Watson

From behind the Owners area steps a Dwarf in a red Front harness. He uses a two headed flanged mace. Taking the center he salutes, "I'm Katak", then spins into a twirling attack aimed for the unarmomred head.

Amber Bronkhorst

Not taking her eyes of the dwarf she inclines her head slightly in response to his introduction. Seeing he starts to attack right of the start with a twirling attack. Xala lets him come close enough for the dwarf his momentum to have been established. But not to close that he could hit her with a trust or reaching swing of his weapon. With a slight bend backwards she slides her left foot behind her. moving her weight she then twirls in a single sharp turn away from the path the dwarf was taking. She decides not to strike right away but keep her hands and mace defensive before her. In case it is a ploy of the dwarf such a forward and wild attack. When Xala is out of the path of the dwarf she repositions herself again standing same pose as she started with. Letting the dwarf lead the dance for now.

Michael James Watson

The ground is small, just over 10 meters, and there isn't a lot of running room. He moves back to take a center position and deny her the middle ground, keeping her to the edges. He makes a strong down strike to her left and when she move right there too, trying to fence her in, showing his range with the two headed mace. He watchers he moves carefully and swings a full force strike horizontal strike into her middle.

Amber Bronkhorst

Xala lets herself be driven around the sands for a bit to get a feel of his attacks and to see where the dwarf leaves openings if he leaves any. So far Xala has been defensive in her moves and her tactics, but as the dwarf swings fullforce with his two headed mace she waits a split second into the attack and then suddenly turns to face the strike and sets her feet sturdy in the sands. making use of her speed and abusing the momentum of such a heavy weapon of the dwarf. She holds her short shafted mace ready to catch the blow and direct it downwards. If she creates an opening with that she will hit the dwarf with her gauntlet on t he shoulder.

Michael James Watson

As she hits his should and dances away she finds the mace head spun up quickly into her face. 2 hits called 1 to 1. Katak rushes around the sands to evade her range. He is swift on his feet and keeping the head of one end raised high, to guard and fall to attack,

Amber Bronkhorst

Xala licks her lips after she is hit in the face by the mace head seeing Katak rush away to evade. She nods, seeing where she misjudged. that bloody thing has two ends. Since Katak seems to be surprising swift she decides on a different tactic. Not on full speed but fast enough she approaches Katak. Her mace in front of her in case he wants to strike and her other gauntlet covered hand she holds ready to hit him again. Though she lets her elbow stick out the slightest instead of keeping it close to her body. Could very well be seen as a beginners mistake. Or a loss of concentration to not have perfect form. Xala hopes Katak will notice and act on the slightest opening on her left side so she can swing in with her now held defensive mace on the right.

Michael James Watson

The noise around the arean is deafening but through it she see the owner point to the elbow an d say something to Vek who makes some kind of grasping gesture while talking. The rasak battle sign she saws was to grasp weapon. She sees him making the gesture casually while talking. Katak, moves for a full swing at ankle level that she leaps easily. Too easily as she sees the return strike and falls to the ground for it to pass over her. Rolling away and getting to her feet Katak is frowning as if that move usually works. He moves in and does a series of left side right side atacks mod body that Alvah is able to dance away from. He escape comes with a painful smack to her ankle, hearing a bone break, but not one that removes her ability to move. Called 1 to 2 for Katak

Amber Bronkhorst

Flinching at her ankle's break she tests it a bit putting her weight on it. Pain has to a certain level never bothered her much only driven her further in what she did. Be it dancing in blooded pointe shoes or beating the shit out of people. She looks at Katak a toothy grin appears on her face and Xala knows full when how she looks when she has genuine murderous intent. So to fake it now would not be difficult. Vek might see the difference as he knows her well enough and has seen that furious rage filled look. As if in a rage though she runs up to Katak. Leaving her left side open for attack it seems she is going in for a full right sided attack. With her mace. She does have her left gauntlet up a bit to defend but not to convincingly as if someone in a rage would look like. When Katak uses her full fronted attack to swing to her exposed left side, Xala will at the last moment before strike grab the two headed mace by the shaft and drop herself fully to the ground to bring Katak out of balance. She will then roll through to land on her feet again and smack her mace against his anatomy wherever she can reach. Hoping the short distance and being out of balance will make it to hard for Katak to swing the long weapon.

Michael James Watson

The fall and roll brings Katak down allowing Alvah to make contact. She hears the Call 2 to 2. Katak says, "Pause for beer?"

Amber Bronkhorst

Xala back on her feet lets go of the two headed mace of Katak. Also allowing him to get back on his feet as well she raises an eyeybrow. "Tired already?" She knows better then to let down her guard so she keeps distance and her mace ready. "We are almost done. Lets finish this and clear the sands for the next ones." She inclines her head to Katak to let him take the first step.

Michael James Watson

He scowls, "Didn't say i was tired...Said I was thirsty." He stands, walks to the circle's edge and takes a tankard and takes a heroic drink, emptying it. He takes two smaller tankards and comes walking out with them, leaving his two mace on the side. He hands a tankard, offering it to Alvah . He whispers, "Front, its your first fight. Obviously your training is warfield not game sand. Ive fought war with my clan and grew from Grade Warrior to Front Warrior on the sands. The rules are different. On the Warfield a pause might mean a foe can move troops at a distance to change the course of battle. On the sands, especially in a place like Gressil's, a pause means more betting. Whoever breaks the tie, the house will make more for us having had a moment to share a drink. Now, if you insist, smack me for the Call, since a pause does not mean the fight is finished, but you will be remembered for it. Now, are you thirsty?"

Amber Bronkhorst

Xala tilts her head as Katak moves away she does not use the oppertunity that would just be foul play and she does not want to be remembered like that the first time fighting. Then hearing Katak his words she nods slowly she lowers her mace. Showing she is not planning to attack him and accepts the tankard with a nod of her head. In soft whisper she returns. "Thank you, Katak, and the name is Xala. And yes in my experience a pause means your dead.. or worse. Fine i could use a drink." She does drink but keeps an eye on Katak. Xala is still weary of anyone this close to her who she doesn't know and has a strong motive to attack her. Even if his weapon is on the side of the circle.

Michael James Watson

"my clan has Troll Slayers. Dwarves that beserk in battle and become fierce but foolish warriors, hoping to die gloriously in battle. The paint themselves in vibrant colors, color their hair and cut it wildly, so they will look glorious on their pyres. Many admire them. But we couldn't have a truce on a warfield if even one of the psychos was in the army. You cna't talk to them. On the sands, be the one that can be talked to. Now, im going to return the tankards. Let us say when i pick up the two head the game is on? Agreed?"

Amber Bronkhorst

Xala hands him the tankard back and nods "Agreed" She takes demonstratively a step back as well giving Katak enough space to grab his weapon and get ready. It seems like the decent thing to do. Taking her weapon in hand again she looks over at Vek for just a second before Katak has his weapon. When he does Xala is fully focused on Katak and the fight again. Even if Xala loses she has shown probably a decent side of her in her first fight.

Michael James Watson

she sees Vek make the grasp sign and the sign from Rasak for Control the Fight. Katak gets his weapon, spins it in salute, and starts moving carefully.

Amber Bronkhorst

Xala moves her eyes back to Katak as he has his weapon. She responds in a slight salute with her mace. She moves careful but steady to Katak. She holds her mace and gauntlet covered left hand up in defense. Knowing now a bit better how Katak moves and attacks she trusts on her instincts a bit more. Her warfare might help in this. Xala just wants to trade attacks a bit as if warming up. Attack but allow blocking and blocking his strikes. Letting their attack fall into a rythm. Xala presses a bit harder leading the dance this time instead of reacting to Katak.

Michael James Watson

In trading attacks she thinks he might be close in strength. When she watches his motion for technique she sees his stance and swing is fairly wide. That his movement gives her a narrow gap each rotation.

Amber Bronkhorst

Xala will continue for a moment more. Then as the rythm goes on a steady pace of trading attacks, Xala swings her mace as she would and had done in the trading attacks before. And as Katak goes in to defend she grabs the long shaft of the weapon. Timing it in one of thos narrow gaps. This time not rolling through she pushes hom backwards as she moves forward. Giving him no room to swing his double headed mace. She then drops her mace and in her last push forward plants her gauntlet covered right hand in a uppercut under his chin.


Michael James Watson

She feels the gauntlet strike and the mace hit her leg. "Call Xala!" On the other side, "Call Katak!" The fight stops as Vek and Gressili look to the third judge, the man nods to the owner and says, "Call Xala, but close." Gresseli says, "Close enough for a tie?" The judge shakes his head. Gresseli nods, points to the girl with the wallets. "3 Call for Xala!" Bets start paying off around the ring as the dwarf pats her hard on the back. "Now we can get a proper drink!" Gresseli says, "Well, victory for Ludus Vek! " Vek shakes hands with the man, "Indeed. A good omen. Your fighters did well. We'll be back. He gathers wallets, and a pouch of gems and comes to lead Alvah out. He stops the shake Katak's hand in passing, and leads Alvah out with an clear sign to clear the field. On the street he says, "That went well. A fair place for the type. There are a lot of places that feature unscheduled fights. The character of the places vary wildly but i noted the Referee was treated well. Referees have a divice that automatically registers wins and loses. So your fight tomight will already reflect this win. Places like that rarely have a Gladiator as more then a bouncer. I also noted a few thief signs. So the place is under Thieves Guild Protection. We'll go back there. Have a few of our students take the sands there. Maybe in the evening even. So what did you think?"

Amber Bronkhorst

Xala smiles at the dwarf and pats him on the shoulder. "Thank you for the fight. " She watches Vek gather the wallets and the gems. Having him lead Xala outside she smiles. "It was great. Also harder then i expected. Usually i am just for dirty fighting and clawing eyes out and biting extremities off. This was more difficult in the way that pure aggression doesn't work. I love it... Probably broke something in my ankle... But still love it. Having to keep thinking in battle is nice. I should do that more often." She smiles up at Vek. "So what is next? Auction or more fights?"

Michael James Watson

"Auction. We should get there in time." From the the alley comes, "Sir! Sir!!" Vek looks back. A thin man in his late teens comes out, bows. He looks to have some wolf in his bloodline. "Excuse me, but i was wondering about the Ludus Vek. Is it application by trial? By coin? By Name? I am interested but can't pay much. BUt perhaps you need someone to clean. Much stalls, paint, anything..." Vek looks, "You're a waiter..." He nods, "Yes sir. And certified Warrior.. I've had 7 fights. Won 2. I would like to get better. " "2 and 5? I should think you want to improve..Whats your name?" "I'm Bastail. What do I need to do, sir?"

Amber Bronkhorst

Alvah nods "Yeah i am curious how the auction works here. And who would be interested in those things. And what the objects are. Hearing the call from the alley she looks back at well. She tilts her head as she looks the thin man over. Her eyes then travel up to Vek with a smile she lets him do the talking of course it is his ludus. Though during the talk she keeps her eyes on the man as if measuring him up.

Michael James Watson

Vek looks to Alvah and chuckles, "Bastail, do you have any family? " He nods, "My mother. 3 Sisters, al younger.... Why?" Vek asks, "Put your harness on, grab you gear. We will wait. When you get back, you'll carry our bags. We have business to attend to. Tonight you will lodge with me. Tomarrow you go get your mother and sisters. Tell them you have secured them lodgings for all of you. You will bring them to my lodgings and by then i will have found a suitable traingin hotel. I will need staff. Your training, and bouts, will be managed by me and my agents. Otherwise, your mother, and sisters, will clean and maintain the Ludus. Fair?" He nods, "YES! Very much... How did you know my mother and sisters cleaned?" Vek says, "Go get your gear.

Amber Bronkhorst

Alvah smiles hearing Vek his reaction. When the man runs off she looks at Vek. "Is it that common that certain families or people end up as cleaners? Your Ludus is already growing. A good thing. Is there something you need of me other then my sunny and bubbly presence?" She grins. "But i am serious if you need me to do something or more importantly not do something let me know." She looks if the man already has returned she then asks quick. "How do you want us to act in the Ludus and around?"

Michael James Watson

"Well, our Ludus will be dance fighters, primed with lazer swords and we will follow the Sith code"

Amber Bronkhorst

Alvah turns fully to Vek.... She watches his face if he is serious or not. Though the sound of dance fighters does appeal. "Sith code..... Lazer swords... You want to go star wars, it has its charms i admit..."   Michael James Watson

Vek laughs.."While i was in there I caught the waiter's thoughts. He is terribly afraid he can't keep his sisters from earning money the soft way, which on Angr Ri isn't always soft. A raw warrior, 4 cleaning women. Seems convenient. So I planted the suggestion he follow us out.. Sith really....."

Amber Bronkhorst

Raising her eyebrow she looks Vek over. "Caught his thoughts... You read thoughts.... Wait you can plant idea seeds? " A moment in silence she keeps her eyes on Veks and then shakes her head. "You are doing a decent thing. He can train and his mother and sisters will be safe enough with you. So were you serious about the dancing? Cause don't joke about that to me..."

Michael James Watson

"The Ludus Vek will reflect the skills of its inctructors. Teach what you like"

Amber Bronkhorst

"Are you sure you want to have me instruct? Give me such responsibility." She looks up with a sceptic look. "Do i even want such responsibility, i am not exactly a good example or influence. And like you said before... Even you get worried about my rage... " Folding her arms in front of her. She stares down the alley. "I think gathering more of these kind of students would be a good idea. Those that work not only for themselves and feel understood in their struggle like Bastail there, will be highly motivated." After a silent moment she asks. "How many students do you want at you Ludus at maximum? And what i meant with how to act at the Ludus is.." She turns to Vek and gestures between them. "Us... Are you okey with students knowing. Hell are you okey with anyone knowing around here? Could it negatively impact your reputation or status? As Gladiator with a school and in Chaos politics in general.."

Michael James Watson

"Alvah, you have many skills and talents worthy of an instructor. And there are many things a raw boy like him can teach you. I don't know how it is for a native of Urath, but in Chaos it is said that a teacher and a student are paired and in the end, they will not be able to be certain which is which. You see teaching as a responsibility. I see it is a gift. You will spar with the students and strike them a hundred times. You will learn nothing from the times you struck them. But one day they will strike you. On that days you will have learned from them." He comes close, gripping her chin, "You need that lesson, that one lesson, more then the hundred you will teach them. " He kisses her and steps away, looking down the alley. "I admit the School was a spur of the moment decision. A bluff really. But we leave pieces of ourselves behind in every shadow we spend time in. I think this is a good piece to leave behind. We are in Chaos time as long as we don't leave the realm. We find a place, build it, train a few warriors. Gain a few instructors. Build a reputation. When we leave, there will be people beholden to us as will be their students. When we come back it will be well established. " "In the mean time, we need someplace to live that isn't Hendrake property. That place is full of spies. And we want someplace to work out of. A Ludus will do well."

Amber Bronkhorst

A big smile appears on Alvah her face especially after the kiss. She beams up. "Well how it was for me.... I never instructed when on earth i was instructed alot. Dance, fighting, basic magic, discipline and gollowing orders. Honestly thinking about it. The only ones with the same kind of mentality were not original from earth. My aunt Sand had that mentality when she instructed me in dance. And dad.. well Fisk to but at a point i saw him less... But again .. not from earth. " She then nods "I think i would feel proud when a student surpasses the teacher...." Following his gaze to the alleyway she nods "Spur of the moment or not i think it is a good one. And i like the idea. It is a romantic thought somewhere to leave pieces of yourself behind. To know you influenced things... Well finding a place you need to do. I cannot help there or mean anything gor you there. But you are right a place to live where we can freely speak and do is a good plan. "

"If i understnad you right with the time flow as long as we don't leave here we stay in Chaos time, which then means barely any time passes for us in other shadows, as you explained right?" As if she finally realizes what that means she grabs his hands and pulls him in closer. "So we can just stay here. For... however long we want. Untill we get bored. Until we decide it is time to go... " She stands on her toes to plant a kiss. "Just realized what it meant what you said. I actually don't have to rush or hurry.... well except for things going on here of course."