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    The Honorable Gidian Diva of Sass

    Sahrot Vahlok Spaan. Bahnahgaar. Minion #88!
    Staff member
    Book One of The Corrupted Guardian: Death in the Family (18+)

    After the events of the Great War, The Empire and the Dominion are both reeling, recovering from the massive damage sustained by both sides. The Mede dynasty is eliminated by an unknown faction, the Dark Brotherhood being the prime suspects, and a new dynasty has risen to power. And this dynasty's name is Acerbus.

    Emperor Frigus Furor Acerbus seemed to be the perfect candidate for emperor in the wake of the Mede dynasty's destruction, and few people thought twice about giving him power before the Dominion smelled blood in the water. But was he really best for the Empire? Most think so. But there are some who think differently, who have seen parts of his true colors. But what's more worrisome is the mysterious force that seems to surround the Emperor and his closest retinue, and his unknown motives. And true to more cynical points of view, when it rains, it pours. The gods themselves seem to be holding their breath, preparing for something, and left many to fend for themselves.

    Cast:

    Gidian, as Gidian and Skadi
    Delusional, as Alleras "The Sphinx" (Opted Out)
    Skyrimosity, as Belzebub (BOOTED)
    CapObvious, as Maere Soul-Singer
    Daryl Dixon, as Nathan
    Blackdoom59, as Garret Rendon (MIA)
    Rextoret, as Marcel Traven (BOOTED)
    fellowknight, as Baroth Hermingfel
    Melee, as Solenne (MIA)
    Falcon-Eye, as Kiyoshi Ryudo (MIA)
    Keidivh, as Rolard

    "I am blind and broken. I can no longer resist. I can no longer carry on the fight. I have failed."
     
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    The Honorable Gidian Diva of Sass

    Sahrot Vahlok Spaan. Bahnahgaar. Minion #88!
    Staff member
    Gidian was standing before a news bulletin in the Imperial City, enjoying some relative peace away from the palace. Gidian was a bit above average height, dark brown hair that took on a gold tinge in the fading sunlight, and dark brown eyes, which became almost black due to the shadows cast by the curves of his face. Although one would be hard pressed to see any of these features behind the deep cowl and partial face mask. It was suicide to journey the streets this close to dark without being prepared for the worst. He made sure his triscabbard and weapons were visible to ward off any would be muggers.

    His back was to the setting sun, he didn't put much value in such things these days. He remembered a time when he was younger, much younger, that he might've stopped to enjoy the sunset, and bask in its fading glow. But the time was past, and nowadays he had more important things to concern himself with. Like the happenings of the empire, and his present predicament.

    Just let her stay in the workshop, huh? What's the worst that could happen? Gidian thought to himself. Hopefully she'd survived his absence. He'd been gone for quite a few weeks now, and she'd probably wrought all kinds of destruction. He rolled his left shoulder, ghost pains from one of his newest scars agitating him. Life had become much more hectic in the palace since he'd allowed Skadi to take refuge in his workshop. He'd received more death threats and visitors than he'd ever had before. Everyone seemed determined to disturb his peace. His only consolation was that it gave him an excuse to scare some of the pompous fools. He'd enjoyed himself giving them a thorough wake up call and a few broken noses. People knew better than to hang around him unwelcome, after all. But what he hadn't counted on were all the attempts on the princess's life. Four assassins had tried to claim her life and the bounty already, and that was just this month. One of them had caught him in the shoulder with an arrow, and cauterizing it had been painful. Sure, the wound had healed, but it didn't make Gidian feel any better. Another mark to add to the history of his mistakes, so cruelly written over his body. Gidian hated scars, and didn't understand why the nords he had been raised around had enjoyed comparing them so much.

    As for the bounty, he was looking at two bounty posters on the news bulletin. One for the older princess, and one for Skadi, the younger one. There wasn't a picture for Skadi, likely because she was never seen outside of the palace, but Gidian found it strange non the less. Both of the amounts were exorbantly high, and the price was only getting larger as more people pitched in to reward anyone who would have a go at putting them down. The country's problems, and there were many, had been blamed on the two unfortunate young women. It had started with a supposed curse on the royal family had been discovered via prophecy from the divines. Sure, there was someone who could break the curse somewhere, but that wasn't the only thing people had to be hateful about. The divines, along with the any other aedra, and even the daedra, seem to have abandoned the common man. Times were tougher than they'd been in awhile, and they found an outlet in the "Vile whoring daughters of the honorable Emperor Frigus." Apparently, their ungratefulness and general unholiness had in some way brung about this mess. Hence the long list of grievances on the poster. Gidian usually read them to see if there were any useful new swears or insults he could borrow before he ripped them down. The assassins and the harassment was getting annoying. Finished reading the posters and learning no new swear words this day, he ripped the bounty posters off the bulletin and disposed of them. Not that it would help much. there were countless posters like this everywhere, and practically anyone who didn't live under a rock could tell you about it. Idiots were capable of amazing feats of arithmetic and memory when large sums of money were up for grabs.

    Walking back to the palace, eyes constantly moving and watching for possible threats, he made his way back to the Imperial Palace. The Emperor rarely let him leave the damned place, except work under his orders. He could, occasionally, get away with an excursion or two. And so, he had been compelled to put as much distance between himself and the hated prison as possible. Even though he had walked for what seemed like most of the day, he had not lost sight of it. Neither had he seen the edge of the city's limits since he'd returned earlier in the day. The Imperial City had grown into a huge, confusing mass since the Great War. The Emperor had put a lot of time and effort and resources into renovation, rebuilding, and expanding the city. Whether this was a smart decision or not seemed obvious to Gidian. Of course it was a stupid idea. It spread resources thin, and put a lot of mouths to feed in one place. It also considerably weakened the surrounding countryside in both productivity and defense. This city is choking itself. He thought somberly.

    A prime example of a foolish waste of resources was the new Arena. The original had been renovated and expanded, as if it hadn't been large enough to begin with, and now seemed to take on a whole personality of its own. It towered over the building around it, and it could fit at least a small town inside of it with ample room to spare. A lot of homes and business had been uprooted by it's construction, and how Frigus funded it was beyond Gidian. It was nothing more than a mechanism to distract the foolish from their real problems. Like poverty and starvation.

    As for the participants in the games that were hosted in the massive coliseum, they were volunteers seeking fame and wealth, political adversaries to the king, criminals, people who had gotten on the wrong person's bad side, traitors. It was the ultimate prison system, designed to get rid of any enemy to the king while simultaneously serving a purpose. One such purpose was draining the people's already meager funds. If the Emperor had struggled to fund building the monstrosity, Gidian could not fathom how those idiots managed to pay for entry.
    Gidian sighed to himself. The sun had set, and dark had set in quite quickly anywhere where there wasn't light. Much of the city never slept, so much noise could be heard coming from inns and taverns, and always the Arena. The Arena never seemed to cease activity.

    No matter how much noise and activity there seemed to be though, you were never safe from the rabble that now plagued every inch of the city's streets. They were very bold. At least, unless they meet someone capable of defending themselves. Gidian sighed again as the city's other commonplace activity was taking place. Screams of victims of various crimes. Indeed the city might look healthy to an outside observer, anyone who as much as peeked below the surface could see that it was anything but healthy. The buildings may be nice in many areas, but one shouldn't let that fool them. Poverty was almost everywhere.

    Gidian made a show of putting his right hand on the hilt of his sword as he realized he was being tailed, and whoever it had been seemed to disappear back to whatever shadowy plopshole they had crawled out of it. Speaking of plopsholes, the city was abundant with such smells. It was almost enough to make him want to go back to the palace. Almost.

    Satisfied that the would be assailant had been sufficiently cowed, Gidian continued on his way. He tried to delay the journey as much as he could, taking as many back roads and long ways around as he could. He supposed he should be a bit more earnest in returning, as someone might slip in and kill Skadi or her older sister, Bergdis, while he was away. But they had managed to survive for years before he'd come along, they would be able to survive for at least a few more hours. He sighed again. He supposed he should care more, but quite frankly he disliked or hated just about everyone in this city. They all seemed to make it their life's goal to grind his gears and try to sway him with useless promises. Yes, everyone wanted the Emperor's favorite pet to owe them a favor. Skadi had been particularly keen at getting under his skin. She remembered everything in exact detail, and didn't miss much. Though for such a swift learner, she didn't seem to understand the subtleties of human social interaction. Particularly when Gidian wanted to be left alone. She treated Gidian as if he was one of the worst things since the Sweetroll shortage, which was saying a lot. But despite all her glares and general dislike of all things Gidian, she kept coming back, kept asking questions, kept wanting to know more about what Gidian was doing.



    Maybe there's some truth amongst all the bile people spew on those posters. Those two think they're entitled to everything, he thought spitefully.


    The older one understood social interaction disturbingly well, which Gidian didn't know what to make of. She wasn't anywhere near as naïve as her sister, but that keen understanding unsettled Gidian more. Her contempt was different from her sister's. She always had paranoia in her eyes, and was always tense, as if carrying around a great weight. And a great weight she was burdened with. She was the supposed cursebreaker after all. It had been her desperation to protect her sister that had finally enlisted Gidian's help. She had pestered him for days, threatening murder and torture, and even sexual favors. Gidian almost laughed. The more he wanted to be left alone, the more people wanted his attention. It was the same everywhere. The more antisocial he became, the more persistent people became in annoying him.

    With that, he'd allowed Skadi to take refuge in his workshop, which most people knew better than to approach, and grudgingly allowed her to eat some of the food off his plate. That had been the hardest part. Gidian was a ravenous eater due to years of never knowing when the next meal was coming. Apparently people weren't above poisoning young women whom they'd never met in their entire lives.

    Gidian stopped suddenly and listened. Something had changed in the natural noises of the city. He couldn't put his finger on what it was. The arena still roared, the taverns and inns were still open, the sound of the victimized still rang out. He glanced around his immediate area, taking in everything he could. The buildings were growing more substantial as he got closer to the palace, and the sounds of the nightscape were also lessening. But something for a brief moment had changed. A noise, a slight shuffle of something, as if someone were trying to move without being heard. He looked at the moon to check the time. There was still quite a lot of time until sunrise. He decided to get back to the palace ad make his way to the workshop, and hopefully, peace. He dismissed the slight disturbance, and continued walking. He was confident that he could handle any would be attackers if they decided to jump him.
    He wasn't sure whether it was lucky or unlucky that they hadn't. it wasn't long after that he was approaching the gate that separated the richer side of town from the poverty. He pulled his cowl and mask down to reveal himself, as the watchmen strained his eyes to identify him. The gate was opened and Gidian made his way into the palace and to his workshop as fast as possible, avoiding as many of the denizens as he could. He could not avoid them all though, and cursed as he saw Bergdis in one of the hallways, waiting for him. He tried to get out of sight and go the other way, but she spotted him and there was no use. He approached her, and waited for what she was inevitably going to accuse.


    I don't take my promise seriously enough, do I realize what could've happened to Skadi while I was off meandering among the filth...
    Which was all usually a tactic to buy time for her sister in his workshop. But surprisingly she just stared him down for a few moments, a defeated look in her eyes, sizing him up, as if she was weighing his value. Gidian hated being judged by these people. He pushed past her and went to his workshop, and cursed as he heard someone at work at the forge. She had been buying time for her sister after all.

    Gidian angrily shoved the doors of his workshop, which was filled with everything from music boxes and jewelry to swords and battleaxes, open. His eyes narrowed on Skadi, who was acting as if she hadn't noticed him storm in. But he knew better, that girl seemed to notice everything except for social cues and hints to stay away from his forge. He approached, doing his best to control his temper. He caught her wrist as she brung a hammer back for a strike, and she panicked and went to swing a red hot sword at him. He shoved her away before she got the chance, ignoring the flash of horror he had seen in her eyes. She hated being touched more than he did.

    "Just what did you think you were doing?"

    She didn't recover as quickly as she normally did, nor did she recover at all. Her dark blue eyes, which had an unsettling effect on Gidian, seemed to be pleading for something. Her long black hair, as always, was in a dirty mess. She'd attempted to tie it in a ponytail, but some of it had still been singed by the forge. The sight of her being terrified made it hard for Gidian to stay angry, but he did with some effort.

    "I..."
    She struggled trying to say whatever was on her mind, some sort of desperate look in her eyes. He got tired of waiting and held a hand out to gesture to put the sword down. She panicked again and backed off several paces like a cornered rat, brandishing the freshly constructed weapon. He glared, annoyed.
    "What do you think you're playing at? Put the sword down and get out!" He practically yelled at her, taking an aggressive step forward, conscious that she was armed and poised for disarming her.



    She dropped the weapon and heat resistant glove and made her way out of the workshop as fast as she could. Strange... he thought, putting on a heat resistant glove and picking up the sword, careful to avoid hurting himself with the still red hot end of it. She's usually jumpy, but she looked terrified... not just jumpy.. Trying to put it out of his mind, he focused on the sword, and had to catch his breath. He carefully set it aside, and drew his own sword. The sword she had made was solid work, though not a masterwork like his own. Still, it seemed impossible that she could have possibly made so much progress in such a relatively short time. He removed his own weapons and armour and got into something more comfortable, including his Jacket which he decided to wear more out of habit than comfort. Tonight, it seemed, would be a night of little sleep for him. Despite what he let on, he did care about these people, and he despised the fact that Skadi had so much fear and dislike for him. So, like most nights, he buried himself in his projects until he was tired enough to rest. He finished and improved the sword Skadi had started, and it was now of high enough quality to rival his own. Since most blacksmiths usually left their trademark on their work, he almost habitually put his on the sword, before thinking better of it. Skadi had done most of the work, so by all rights she deserved the credit. While the sword was cooling, he set out thinking what kind of a trademark fit the strange girl. Eventually, he dozed, but was awoken by a scream. The scream triggered a nightmare of a knife thrown from a tree to snuff out the life of one in great suffering, and he immediately woke up, reaching for weapons that weren't there.
    The scream hadn't just been from his dream. He was sure of it. He rose to his feet, stretching, and casually grabbed the now finished blade from where he'd left it. He was used to screams, so he wasn't quite sure why this one had gotten such a response from him. Living here for a few years had desensitized him. He walked, casually at first, towards the door. But he could not stop himself. He allowed everything he'd been forced to put up with since being forced to live in this place flood his mind. His anger gave way to worry, and as he worried, one scenario after another flashed by in his mind's eye. Each worse than the one before. Soon he was running, and he burst out into the hallway and heard sounds of struggling. He pinpointed where it was coming from, one of the rooms near his workshop, and in a fury kicked the door down and stormed into the room, thinking the whole time, Not while I can do something about it!

    He was so used to crime being a faraway thing that he couldn't do much about, and never had anything beyond the usual assassination attempt ever found its way inside these gates. Upon entering the room, he saw someone trying to keep someone else from making noise, while trying to keep them subdued and get their clothes off at the same time. In a fury brought on by a deep setted hatred for base men, he grabbed the man violently by the arm and attempted to pull him to his feet and throw him against the wall, but after getting the man to his feet Gidian realized he had a knife, and the man attempted to use the momentum of being pulled to his feet to get at least one stab in this knight. The man let out a loud battlecry, which Gidian found strange, but didn't have time to dwell on. He used the sword to parry the knife attack, then automatically, before he even put real though into it, ran the man through. As the man died, taking his last breath, Gidian was finally close enough to get a good look at him in the dark room. He cursed. It was one of the Emperor's retinue. He withdrew the sword, and let the body fall to the floor. He then focused his attention on the young women who was now trying to disappear into a corner of the room, holding herself and rocking back and forth, sobbing, her clothes ripped in several places. She was looking at Gidian, terrified of him now as well. He let the bloody sword drop. There was blood on his hands, the floor, the bed, and even some on Skadi. He could hear a swarm of guards approaching the room, and he already predicted what was going to happen. It seemed the Emperor had grown tired of his favorite pet.

    The girl was still crying, and he recognized the black hair, and the shape of her body. It was Skadi, and his heart sank. Gidian slowly leaned against a wall and slid down it to a sitting position. This was going to be a long night indeed. This was supposed to be one of the empty guest rooms of the palace. Skadi had probably came here to seek refuge after Gidian had ran her off.

    It wasn't long before the guards found their way in, weapons drawn. They likely woke up the whole household on the way here. A guard got him to his feet, and disturbingly, they approached Skadi and sent her into a panic. She began to kick and scream and fight as they pulled her to her feet, and now Gidian was confused, and the confusion gave way to a great rage as they were hauled to their feet.

    He'd expected this to happen eventually, the day the Emperor would get tired of him and throw him into the arena, but not so soon. And he certainly hadn't expected him to use his daughter to do it, though he probably should have. The Emperor's judgment would be swift, murder of a loyal and law abiding member of his retinue or something of the sort, and then Gidian would became one of the Arena's new attractions. Another discarded and disgraced warrior. His arms bound in front of him, they hauled him off.

    To Gidian's surprise, on the way to the dungeons, the guards suddenly opened some sort of hidden entrance into a solitary room. In this room was Bergdis, and the guards forced him to his knees. Skadi was taken to another room, though he didn't know why. The guards just hated her that much?

    Gidian glared at Bergdis, recovering quickly from his surprise, "How many sexual favors did you have to give the guards to pull this off?" He opened cruelly. The guards were following orders, and they'd forced him to kneel before her. Her. A deceiver and a traitor and a hypocrite... but then she gestured for the guards to leave, and they left. Gidian immediately rose to his feet, a bit taken aback, but still wanting to strangle her. He ignored the sorrow in her eyes. He thought for a moment, but decided to wait. She would speak in her own time.

    "I am out of time. They have decided of a child was going to be born, I would be with child by now..." Gidian rolled his eyes at this, "I have told them that I am pregnant, and some of the servants and healers helped me add some credibility to the lie... they were going to kill me soon anyways, and after that..." she managed to maintain a very controlled voice, as if she was in control of the situation, and maybe she was.

    Gidian wanted to believe her, and it did make sense, but it was not in him to be anything but skeptical. And he kind of wanted to kill her.
    "I owe you nothing. And I desp..."

    She cut Gidian's rant off abruptly, "We don't have enough time to argue, and you don't have a choice. You are going to the arena, as I'm sure you've already guessed. You have ended up just like all the rest..." she means framed, "and... and you're taking Skadi with you."
    Gidian was about to retort something along the lines of "Can't kill me yourself?" But the last part stopped him. Any words died in his throat. What kind of a fool wanted someone they cared about taken into the arena?

    "You're going to keep your promise, and you're going to protect her. If you don't, I have arranged it so that the precious estate you called home will burn along with your two brothers and sister inside of it." And with that, there was no more fight. He knew she would do it. After all she'd endured, she was finally at the end of her rope, and she would do anything to ensure her sister's protection. He could see it written on her face.
    "And how am I supposed to do that? The arena will claim us eventually."

    "You're going to figure out a way to escape and get Skadi to safety, or your family and home will burn." the guards re entered. "And with that, we are out of time. Goodluck, and do not fail my sister."

    Gidian glared murderously back. As soon as the door was closed, he lamented missing the opportunity to kill her, but then considered the bigger picture. Even if he had, his family would have burned and he would have gotten nowhere. If he played along, then perhaps he could make this work to his advantage... or at least make the best of a bad situation. There would be no use crying over it.

    His hands still bound, Gidian was hauled outside and thrown unceremoniously into the back of an armored wagon type container, followed shortly by a gagged Skadi, who was struggling frantically to get loose. They'd managed to get her covered, though she wasn't any less terrified. And with that, the moon still in the sky, Gidian is carted off to the Arena in the back of a wagon with a hysterical young woman who gave him quite a few bruises on the trip there.
     

    Skyrimosity

    Well-Known Member
    The sound of the wagon wheel running over small rocks was filling the carriage again. The carriage was used for transporting prisoners, and these prison carriages were especially used in transporting prisoners to the new Arena. This carriage was heading there now. It had been for three days now. Three days since he'd been put in the carriage. The driver wasn't in a spectacular hurry, for sure.

    The carriage only had 1 occupant. An orcish prisoner by the name of Belzebub. For three days he had been alone on the carriage with not a soul to talk to. It didn't help that he hadn't gotten much sleep. Its hard to sleep in a carriage; the driver just leaves you out in the cold to suffer while he gets in a warm bedroll or perhaps even rents a room at an inn. Belzebub thought about what had gotten him in this predicament.

    It didn't seem like it'd be a big deal. Four days ago, he'd been walking along some of the less-used roads of Skyrim between Whiterun and Markarth when he saw an old fort. He could see a bandit lookout so he knew who occupied it. He drew his battleaxe, made of steel and sharpened to make it quite a superior weapon. Without hesitation, he charged in through the front entrance.

    The bandits charged at him, but he was prepared. He swung at the legs of the closest one, knocking him to the ground with a thud. A bandit hit him in the back, but the blow was not strong enough to penetrate or even dent the high-quality Steel armor he was wearing. He swung his battleaxe around rapidly, delivering a devastating blow to his midsection. Blood gashed from the wound and he fell down, obviously dying. He turn his attention to the man he had knocked down. Without hesitation, he drew his battleaxe over his head and brought it down upon the man with enormous force. He would bother no one ever again.

    An arrow hit Belzebub's helmet from a nearby wall. Getting his attention was not good for the archer. He quickly ran up the platform leading to the top of the wall and, in close combat, made short work of the meager archer. He then went inside the main building. It was rather small. Belzebub made short work of the bandits in the room and prepared to go into the main room. There the bandit chief would likely be. He opened the door only to be charged and tackled onto the ground by the chief, knocking his battleaxe out of reach.

    Belzebub recovered quickly and threw the man off of him. The tackle great angered him and without thinking he grabbed the man's throat. He was incapable of fighting back and was quickly dead. There was another man in that room though. He was wearing Imperial Armor. Belzebub charged him immediately and was easily able to kill the man. He was nothing. It didn't seem like he had even tried to resist his death. Satisfied, Belzebub returned to Whiterun and stayed the night at the Bannered Mare.

    The soldiers showed up in the morning. They grabbed Belzebub and, he noticed, his armor and weapon. They dragged him to the carriage and chained his hands and feet together. He had assumed that his weapon and armor had gone in a chest near the carriage driver. That had been three days ago, and it would be four days soon if he didn't get out of this carriage by then.

    "What would my father think?" The question seemed to echo off the walls. Belzebub's father wouldn't think anything of his arrest, as he's been dead for nearly thirteen years. But Belzebub had never really known his father. His father had been one of the settlement's hunters so he was gone nearly all the time. When he was killed by bandits, not much had actually changed. There was more noise now than there had been. Screams of pain. They sounded like victims' screams, not warriors' screams. It sounded like it was coming from every direction.

    "Is this the famed Imperial City?" Belzebub decided to try to zone out. But the more he tried, the more he thought about his crime. If only he had realized it was an Imperial Official. Maybe they wouldn't have minded the bandits, but murdering an official? The Empire didn't like people to murder their own. And whatever mission that official had been on must have been somewhat important.

    The carriage slowed down. It was soon completely stopped. Moments later, a couple of soldiers had opened the doors. "Rise and Shine, Orc. Welcome to the Arena."

    They drug him from the carriage, and he saw the gigantic building in front of him.
     

    The Honorable Gidian Diva of Sass

    Sahrot Vahlok Spaan. Bahnahgaar. Minion #88!
    Staff member
    The wagon wasn't built for comfort. It was effectively a big wooden box with reinforced steel added in for extra durability, and not enough room to stand up straight or move around much. There was absolutely nothing to cushion them. No opening to let light in. Only two sliding panels the guards could use to peer in if they needed to, one on the door, and one at the front of the wagon. On top of that, Skadi had been hysterical, trying to scream, getting tossed about, taking a swing at Gidian any time she was within range. Eventually, she seemed to realize that flailing around was making the trip more painful than it needed to be, and sank down in the corner opposite Gidian. She rested her head on her knees, put her arms around her head, then rocked back and forth, sobbing. Gidian could not help but pity the girl. He wondered just how much of the night's events had been planned by her older sister. Would she have really exposed Skadi to that kind of trauma? And if she was willing to, why would she gamble on someone realizing what was happening, and intervening?

    Gidian attempted to ponder the scheme to pass the time, but his mind kept going back to the room where the man had been attempting to rape Skadi, and each time it rekindled his anger. It took him some time before he could properly control his thoughts, and calm himself down. He needed to be level headed if he was going to get them through this predicament alive. Dwelling on the past wouldn't help him now, so he decided to start planning for the future. Although there wasn't much he could plan for. He had once been a high ranking thief in the thieves' guild, or at least the Skyrim Chapter, but he could not count on them. The underground here in the Imperial City wasn't too fond of him, especially after the last time they'd tried to steal from him. He couldn't run, it was too far to get out of the city limits, and the guards would run him down. He couldn't fight, he'd be turned into a human pincushion.

    All he could do was play along, and wait. A plan of escape eluding him, he turned his thoughts to how he was going to keep them alive. Skadi, though used to the hardships the palace threw at her, was largely helpless on her own. She wouldn't last a week alone. He wasn't sure he himself could last a week in the arena. They would clearly need help. A small group, enough to stay alive, but also a small enough group to escape in a moment's notice. He couldn't drag every gladiator in the damned arena out with him, that would be suicide. And he would have to make sure to keep their plan of escape, if he formulated one, was kept confidential. Word was likely to spread to teh guards if too many people knew about it. Another issue was time. If he did not escape the arena, he would certainly be killed. Skadi too. There were two possible outcomes if they overstayed their welcome. They would either be shipped to a remote location where they would be pitted against the elements and other survivors as the upper class society watched them slowly dwindle away and die, or they would be pitted against the Arena Champion. He wasn't sure which he preferred.

    He also wasn't sure what arrangements the older sister had made to have his home and family destroyed, but he had no doubt the plan would be enacted even if she was dead. Then again though, she had gambled her sister's fragile sanity by allowing that man to have a go at her. Who's to say she wouldn't gamble it now with a bluff? But it was a clever bluff. It was one Gidian wasn't willing to call. The consequences would be too great.

    The wagon was suddenly jostled and tipped forward, probably some sort of debree in the road, and Skadi was thrown forward towards Gidian's left shoulder. She slammed into it, and Gidian had to stifle a howl of pain. Skadi then began to hit and kick him as she made her way back to her side of the wagon. It took a lot of self control from Gidian not to hit her back. She was still wearing the tattered and torn clothes, but had a robe type thing to cover herself up with. At least it would keep her modest.

    It wasn't long before they stopped, and the torturous journey was over. The door opened, and light streamed in, blinding Gidian for a few moments. Skadi immediately shuffled away as fast she could, trying to shield her eyes. He could hear the roar of a crowd.

    "Welcome to the arena!" a deep and sarcastic voice called. As Gidian's eyes adjusted, he saw one of the guards standing at the exit, beckoning for them to get out of the wagon. "Come on, I've got better things to do than stand here all day! And you don't want to keep your adoring fans waiting, do you?" Sarcasm and confidence dripped from his voice, and it was as if he was trying not to laugh. He was enjoying himself too much. Gidian made his way to the exit, stooping low so as to not bump his head, and stepped out into the sunlight.

    There was a huge crowd of people gathered, prospective betters he assumed, who would be observing them to see if they were worth placing bets on. Gidian hated being judged by the people here. He had, at first, assumed they were being dumped directly into the arena. Hence the sound of a roaring crowd. But these people were just here to watch them as they entered the evaluation area, and they didn't leave a lot of space on the path to walk. He couldn't make out most of what they were saying, but it was obviously about bets they were going to make, if they thought we would be worth their time, and basically all things arena politics. Gidian immediately glared at the lot of them, showing him that he would gladly break their bones if they got within reach of him. He stretched his cramped and sore muscles, recovering from the confines of the wagon.

    "Get out of the wagon already!" The guard demanded, his patience wearing thin as Skadi continued to cower at the back of the wagon. "Typical..." The guard mumbled, dragging her out, and shoving her forward to stand next to Gidian. "Follow me when the crowd's done lookin'." The guard ordered.

    Skadi's eyes were filled with more terror, her eyes as wide as saucers as she screamed another muffled scream into her gag. Gidian doubted she had ever seen this many people gathered in one place before. Gidian mumbled under his breath, just loud enough for Skadi to hear, "Whatever you do, don't let anyone know your real name." He wasn't sure if she would actually follow his advice or not, but he had faith that her memory wouldn't fail her now. He hoped at least.

    "Alright, that's enough. Let's go." The guard led the way into the crowd, pushing people aside as they tried their best to reach over the barrier and grab and grope at the new arrivals, doing their best to invade Gidian's personal space. He used his elbows to break noses, and caught hands between his bound arms and twisted them until the owners cried out in pain and flinched away. They got the message. Skadi, shockingly, stayed close to him. She stayed right behind him, pushing him along, trying to evade the hands. Gidian was enough of a deterrent to keep most of them at bay, however.

    The guard stopped before a massive door, practically a gate, and it opened with a groan. "Welcome to your new homes!" he said, spreading his arms as if welcoming them to a grand palace. Of course, it wasn't very grand. They had at first entered into a long corridor, which led them to some stairs, and soon Gidian lost track of which direction they were going. There would be no need to blindfold most any prisoner they led through here, Gidian realized. The place was huge and mazelike, with no real distinction between one room and another. It had been built for practicality, and no comfort or decorations had been considered. Brick and sturdy wood was everywhere, and torches served as lighting with a few lights hanging from the high cielings here and there. They'd utilized arches and support beams and columns to support a massive amount of weight. Skadi trailed him the whole time, eyes taking in every detail of the place. He might have lost his sense of direction, but he suspected she would remember every detail of their walk. She would be able to find her way back, and she would be able to navigate this place. And Gidian then realized that he needed her if their escape was going to require getting around this place.

    Eventually the guard took off their bindings and pulled out Skadi's gag. Gidian thought she was going to scream, and it would be completely understandable if she had, but she managed to regain some of her composure. Good. She's got some steel in her after all, Gidian appraised. She was going to need all the steel she could muster. Gidian looked about the room, seeing if there wasn't much of note. It was certainly large. There was quite a sizable circle of sand in the center, as well as a large sturdy wooden table big enough to seat ten people on one side. It was a judging table. There were also racks of practice weapons and shields in to one side. Plenty of room for a crowd of people to stand, too. Gidian put two and two together, and realized this was going to be their audition. He looked to the guard, and asked, "What now?"

    "That's easy," The guard began, "we wait. Got a lot of fresh meat coming in, and we're going to see if you're worth betting on. The judges and the veteran gladiators will be here once a few more of you arrive." The guard plopped himself down in a chair nearby, a few more were scattered around, though they were probably reserved for the guards. "I would try to get comfortable if I were you, they may be awhile."

    Skadi had finished her examination of the room, and stayed close to Gidian. She had apparently come somewhat out of her shock, and she finally seemed to realize all of this was really happening. And all she had now was Gidian. And so, they waited. Gidian with his arms crossed and wearing a very serious expression, and Skadi hugging herself, trying to stay as close to Gidian without touching him as possible. She looked shaken and rough for sure, but she tried her best to look confident.
     

    Skyrimosity

    Well-Known Member
    The arena? The building was huge and there was a clamor from inside. Evil never rests. Belzebub was forced to his feet. "Get up, lazy Orc! You have to get to the practice room."

    Belzebub was barely able to stand, and hardly capable of hearing the man. He was simply too tired. But he did hear practice room in the man's talk. "Huh?" His words came out as a simple grunt, hardly able of being understood. The imperial kicked him, hard. Belzebub shot up and, with his hands still chained together, attempted to strangle the man. He could not get his hands on the man, however. "Haha, silly Orc. Got your attention?" The Imperial then punched Belzebub directly in the gut. "You look outta breath. Bet you're awake now. Time to escort you to the first stage in the rest of your short life."

    "I'll... kill you..." Belzebub managed to say. But the words did not sound like a threat; they sounded like a promise. The Imperial laughed and started walking to the entrance. Belzebub didn't move. "Follow or I'll kill you myself and save everyone else the trouble." Belzebub had no choice but to follow him into the arena.

    He was led past an open gate and down some stairs into a corridor. They had avoided the average arena crowd. They then took a number of turns that made Belzebub tired from all the walking and dizzy from trying to keep track of where he was. All he could pay attention to were the torches, which did not seem to be placed in any sort of order.

    The imperial man threw him into some room. He landed belly-first on the ground. He looked around, and he saw practice weapons. And shields. Now he knew what the man had meant by practice room. Belzebub saw feet beside him. He glanced up at the man who was standing and there and the girl. The girl was wearing robes over some other clothes. She looked shocked and terrified to see him suddenly there. They didn't seem too concerning.

    Belzebub simply laid his head on the ground.
     

    Daryl Dixon

    Absentee
    Nathan sat alone in their shack on the waterfront, they were dirt poor but they got by. Nathan had been saving up to buy his adoptive sister Violetta a necklace, she was a high elf. Their mother had a close friend who died, and afterward adopted her child as there was nobody else. Violetta inherited a bountiful amount of jewelry, which Nathans mother Moira saved for her despite them being in poverty. When Violetta reached 16 Moira gave all the jewelery to the young elf and she just went and sold them all except one, giving the funds back to her adoptive mother.

    Nathan's sister was older than him, being at 26, but Nathan didn't meet her until he was 12. That's when she was adopted. The pair didn't really know how to treat each other, but found having a sibling was everything they ever wanted. For him having an older sister always meant having someone to play with, to talk to and to turn to. To her, being a little older, meant always having someone to cheer her up and someone to trust.

    He sat on the splintered wooden chair alone in their small shack, it was just one open room, no privacy. They didn't mind, but it was not ideal living conditions. Nathan was running low on the septims to buy the particular necklace he knew Violetta would like, he needed just a hundred and forty three more. He counted down to the exact septim, and he knew she would be home within the hour. It was her birthday today, and that is why he needed the necklace asap.

    It was a jeweled golden necklace, which was priced at 487 septims. He opened the door, which took a slight barge into, it really needed to be fixed, and left the waterfront district. He walked past the ships that commonly made their way into this corpse of a city, and made his way to the market district.

    The city had been renovated, and it only spread resources thin. The biggest renovation had to be the arena, which was surely just to keep the people distracted and poor. Why would the emperor make his city bigger when he couldn't even keep all the people in the city fed and housed in the first place? Just as Nathan walked into the shop 'Slash and smash' and went to pull his dagger out to sell the man being served had a familiar aura to him, the way his hair sat on his shoulders, and the way his armour was perfectly shiny clean and had no scratched and dints like his mettle had never been tested...

    It was him.

    He was there the day his father died, he caused the whole mess. The emperor just listened to him and shrugged it off, ordering a man to his death without real reason or care. Like it wouldn't matter. The man went to walk past Nathan, and Nathan just stood there looking at him. As the man left, the Orc who ran the shop brought him to reality. "You here to buy or sell?" The Orc grunted. "Sell, how much do you think this dagger is worth?" Nathan said as he pulled out the glass dagger he used for skinning prey. "Hmph. Bout 100 septims." The Orc said, in its deep and beastish voice. "Ah, how about 143?" He asked. The Orc changed the price to 132 septims after some haggling. Nathan accepted.

    He was closer but he still needed a few more septims left, so close yet so far. But Nathan didn't go looking around for more shops he went for him. Seeing the man Nathan learned to be named Aerin just brought up old hurt. Why should that man live when his father lay dead and disfigured? Nathan, with the help of his sister, finally lay down the hate. But it just boiled back up to the surface, and he could almost feel his body temperature rising. Nathan looked around, and due to the long streets in the imperial city saw him just before he turned a corner. Nathan jogged to catch up and as he was about to turn the corner slowed his pace down to a fast walk. As he catching up he left about 12 meters.

    He followed the man for about half an hour, he should be heading home now, his sister would be home with another forty minutes. She was out looking for a job and was going to be back just after she had lunch with one of her friends Nathan hadn't met. Aerin had made his way to the stables, and began saddling up what appeared to be his horse. Nathan felt the necklace around his neck, a stone with strange patterns carved into it. Aerin had given it to Nathan as a present to say sorry for killing his father. Pathetic.

    "Sorry boy, but your father has committed a serious crime and must be put to death for the good of the city. I'm sorry it came to this, please take this. I'm sorry."

    When Nathan took it, he was in tears, he was only 16 years old. It was only 4 years later but Nathan had matured greatly over that time. He was no longer just the poor hunter, he was a man. Nathan watched from afar as the man was getting ready, then began bolting down to the stables and clearing the fence as the man began to ride away. He was riding away fast, he was in a hurry. Nathan grabbed a chestnut horse and mounted it, riding away. He heard shouting behind him, but he ignored it. He chased after his fathers indirect killer, being a fair distance behind. He pushed the horse harder, forcing it to run faster, until he had caught up with the man. Aerin slowed his horse down to a jog and Nathan rode beside him, "You following me boy?" Aerin's voice said over the trampling of the horses. "I have something of yours, I'd like to return it." Nathan said, Aerin hadn't heard him, so Nathan had to shout it a second time.

    "What? I don't need it." Aerin said, figuring out who this kid was through facial recognition and the necklace around his neck. Something was off, it took him too long to figure out the horse was stolen. He just looked forward riding off a little faster .

    "Screw it.." Nathan thought, "Just go home to your sister." But his emotions boiled up and took over, he stood on the stolen horse holding its mane for support and just as Aerin turned and looked in surprise Nathan jumped and tackled Aerin off the horse and the both crashed into the ground. Aerin took most of the impact, and Nathan rolled off of his body. They both lay there for a few seconds before Nathan rose in a hurry and drew his sword and held it to Aerin's throat. "Boy... Don't do this. I was doing my job, I didn't think he'd be executed!" Nathan just held his ground, his face showing all the anger he's harbored all these years. "You left whats left of my family in shambles, we were dirt poor and had one less man to help support us. My uncle isn't able to hunt, he's got a leg injury that keeps him from going out much. Who's going to support him, huh!?"

    It did occur to Nathan these weren't Aerin's problems, and that Aerin couldn't have known, but Nathan was making them Aerin's problems. "Oh now I have to do it, 16 years old, supporting his sister and uncle. Oh whats that? My uncle lives outside the city, so that's more traveling you have to do, more hunting and time that it'll take. We've been suffering in poverty, but you seem to be doing just fine. What is this?" Nathan ranted, he sliced open Aerin's top which could be seen through a very small gap in the armour. "Take the armour off." Aerin hesitated and disagreed, but eventually did it. Aerin was wearing a red velvet top, and decorative pants. Now that he was on his feet, Aerin had a chance to escape and Nathan had to be more careful. "Where were you headed?" Nathan asked. "I- I.." Aerin stuttered, "Where!?" Nathan shouted. "A wedding, a friends wedding." Aerin answered. "Strange, no gifts." Nathan noticed. He lowered his sword down a little, still pointing over toward Aerin but lowered from his chest. Nathan looked Aerin up and down before bringing the sword back up to puncture Aerin's right leg. Aerin shouted in pain and clutched his leg, blood seeping through and all over the clothes.

    "Truth, now." Nathan ordered. "I was meeting with a very important man, now please name your price and just let me go." Aerin pleaded. "My price? Your life." Aerin's face went still and emotionless, while Nathans went cold. Nathan filled with anger and ripped the stone strung around his neck off and threw it at Aerin. "And you can have your stone back cause it sucks!" It bounced off Aerin's chest and Aerin failed at catching it, he had only realized it was being thrown as it was halfway toward him. Nathan actually thought the stone was unique and even beautiful, but wanted nothing to do with it due to who gave it to him.

    Through his anger Nathan knew Aerin didn't deserve to die, he probably did, but not like this. But it was too easy to justify his death after all Nathan had to endure because of this man. Aerin could see Nathans calming expression, like he was rethinking what he was doing. "Easy.." Aerin said gently, "I'll say this was bandits..." He said as he stepped his way toward Nathan. "I understand what you're going through, although I've never been in your shoes. I'm sorry for the stress I caused... Just please.. Sheath your sword..." Nathan regretted this. His anger turned to sadness, and he looked up to Aerin who was a mere two metes away, and Nathan and him locked eyes. "I'm sorry.." Aerin whispered.

    Nathan snapped. Mental instability showing, "LIAR!" Nathan shouted as he ran Aerin through, pushing Aerin back a few steps and as Aerin fell to the ground Nathan pulled his sword back. Aerin coughed and gagged, helpless and left to Nathans mercy. Nathan looked with no pity down at the man, and turned and walked away. He walked all the way back to the city, having to go around to avoid complications. He went in through the water district, having to row a boat over. He borrowed a fisherman's, who was kind enough to let him use it. As Nathan approached his shack he took a deep breath, and before he knocked it hit him, "pl*ps," he forgot the necklace. He went to turn to walk over to the market district but the door swung open causing him to turn back. "Nathan, where have you been?" She asks. "Oh.." She lets out in worry, "What happened to you?" she asks holding a healing hand to his forehead. The cuts closing up and the grazes fading away. "I..I-" He started, the pain coming back up to the surface. "Father..I-" "What?" She asked, "What about him?" "I killed Aerin."

    "Oh Nathan.." She said, bringing him in for a hug. "You shouldn't have done that. How did you find him?" "I was going to buy you a necklace and I saw him at the shops while I was selling my dagger.. I was going to get that one you pointed out to me before, I only need a few more septims I'll get it for you." Nathan said, pulling out of the hug. "No Nathan, you need to go. The guards will be after you, and I heard someone accuse you of stealing just 10 minutes ago. Go, find uncle and seek shelter there its not safe here anymore." She was worried about him, and the fact that it was her birthday meant nothing to her anymore. She just wanted Nathan safe. He walked past her and put all of his septims on her bedside drawer. It was originally going to be his but since they could only afford one he gave it to her. "Visit me." He said as he walked past. "I will, within a week if not a month, I promise." And with that he was gone.

    Nathan didn't even make it out of the city before he was arrested for stealing a horse. He was jailed for a day before he was approached in his cell and told he was kept jailed for the murder of Aerin. The odds were stacking up against him, he had no money, no freedom, no life anymore. He was in jail for a mere 2 days from his first jailing before being dragged from his cell out into the streets and thrown into a wagon along with a fellow prisoner. His hands were bound and after what seemed like half a day of discomfort they were ordered to get out of the wagon. It was still day, and it hadn't been more than an hour before they arrived. "Some filth from the prisons to go up against the favorites of the arena? Pfft. Move along." An unfriendly voice said to them. It appeared that a crowd had gathered, they were interested enough to crowd around and watch and seemed quite excited, not at who they were, but with what was going to happen to them once they set foot in that arena. It was pathetic.

    They were escorted by two guards through what seemed like an ugly maze before they finally reached a huge room. The architecture not being familiar to Nathan, as he was used to wooden houses. There was an Orc closest in front of him, weapon racks and shields all around, a huge table enough to fit at least 10 people was present in the room and appeared to be the judging table. There was a man standing by a woman who also seemed to be part of the Emperors games, a victim like Nathan.

    "Can you take my bindings off now please?" Nathan asked, sounding more disgruntled rather than polite. "Are you going to do anything stupid?" A guard asked as he walked toward Nathan from behind, he was now standing beside him. "Yes.." Nathan slowly said. The guard had his dagger ready to cut the bindings, and seemed to consider it first. "OK, fair enough." The man cut the bindings and Nathan rubbed his wrists a little before he was asked who he was. "Who's this filth?" Another guard asked, looking Nathan up and down. "Nathan sir, arrested for stealing a horse and later convicted of murder. Being put into the arena for punishment." The guard who cut the bindings from Nathan said, Nathan just turned his head away a brief moment before looking back to his right side where the guard stood. "When I killed that man, I just became what you are." He said coldly. The guard merely grunted. He walked over to the other two prisoners, the Orc being in no state to talk. He stood beside the female, who didn't seem comfortable with his presence. "What got you two into this mess?"
     

    The Honorable Gidian Diva of Sass

    Sahrot Vahlok Spaan. Bahnahgaar. Minion #88!
    Staff member
    Gidian was amused when an orc was thrown into the room and landed face first. After a brief look around him, the orc stayed there. There was a brief and horrified intake of breath from Skadi, who had probably never seen an orc before. She'll get used to it eventually. Today there will probably be quite a few firsts for her, Gidian thought solemnly. Gidian sized the orc up. He looked rough, but he was still healthy and strong looking. Gidian wagered he would be a force to be reckoned with when he recovered. A close eye would have to be kept on him in case he was a potential ally.

    Some time after, another prisoner was brought in, and the guard who brought him in seemed to have a strong dislike for him. It seemed he wasn't going to remove the bindings, until the newcomer asked and the guard begrudgingly agreed. The young man looked nice enough, around Gidian's age. Gidian then wondered why he had been brought in here. Thievery and murder. So the common charge. Gidian examined him again. He didn't look like the thieving or murdering type, yet he confirmed that the crimes hadn't been fabricated. He looked strong, healthy, maybe he could stand a few more meals (the city was in poverty after all), but capable. Gidian noted him as a potential ally. Until the first person he stood next to was Skadi. That's wonderful, a thief and a murderer with deceivingly kind demeanour. If he is willing to steal, he is willing to lie. These were the conclusions Gidian jumped to when he singled out Skadi. He had been willing to let the charges slide on account of the abhorrent amount of criminals that would probably end up here, but the last thing he needed was one of them pursuing Skadi. It would be difficult enough to keep her safe without someone taking advantage of her naivety.

    "What got you two into this mess?" Gidian was put more at ease that he had included both of them in the question, but a thief and a murderer was still standing on Skadi's other side. She did not look comfortable standing next to the newcomer, and nor did she make an attempt to answer the question. So Gidian answered it for her.

    "Killed one of the emperor's men who didn't respect space." Gidian said coolly, an implied threat concealed in those words.
     

    Daryl Dixon

    Absentee
    Just from looking at the woman Nathan could tell she had been mistreated, and at the man by her sides response he could tell who by. "Killed one of the emperor's men who didn't respect space." The man said coolly, it was almost a threat. Nathan folded his arms, and pondered on what to say. "Well, I never payed much attention to these pathetic games but I assume there is only one winner..." He said, leaving some time for the man to think before continuing on. Nathan went to say something, but after realizing how it could have been interpreted held it back and reworded his message. "I think the three of us, maybe the four if you include the Orc there, should... How do I say this? Team up."
    Nathan knew even if they all managed to survive to the end, they would still need to kill each other. "And I don't care if any members on the team can't hold their own," He said as he thought of the woman beside him, "I do not want the emperor to win." His message could easily be misunderstood, but he was hoping this man was a smart one. "You probably don't trust me, and that's understandable, but we all have our reasons for the things we do. I will make a promise to you now, and it is that I will never lie to you. Either of you. But may I know your names?" Nathan knew this would be suspicious, but he had to put it all out there. They were going to be put in an arena where their odds of surviving were minimal. There was no time for bullpl*ps.
     

    The Honorable Gidian Diva of Sass

    Sahrot Vahlok Spaan. Bahnahgaar. Minion #88!
    Staff member
    Gidian took a long and hard look at the young man, thinking that there was no way he was such a goody that he didn't know the basics of the arena.

    "You assumed wrong. There is no winner, only survivors. And even they die eventually. And I hate to break it to you like this, but if you're in here the emperor has already won." Gidian made a meaningful and discreet gesture to the guard sitting in a chair nearby, meant only for Nathan to see, and the meaning was to be more careful with your choice of words. "And names aren't important. Not yet." Gidian gave another scrutinizing look, examining the newcomer's eyes. He hadn't seemed to have lied about anything. But that didn't mean he wasn't.
     

    Daryl Dixon

    Absentee
    Nathan took the warning, and nodded. "He has only won if you think he has won, I don't know about you but I don't intend to just live with what some old guy in a fancy chair set out for me. Just because we're in here does not mean he has won, there is still a chance to change it." As Nathan talked he felt like some kind of hippie, or someone who was overly fake, but he wasn't either of those things.

    He looked at the girl beside him, and then thought of something else to say. "Judging from what you said earlier I'm assuming you were protecting this girl, and if that's so you must care for her in some shape or form." He was looking past the girl at toward Gidian, trying to prove a point. "Just because you are is in here does mean she or you has to die, you can still help her and yourself. I don't know what awaits us in there but there has got to be some other way out. We can survive until the end," At this point Nathan lowered his voice drastically, "Or we can escape."
     

    Skyrimosity

    Well-Known Member
    Belzebub had fallen asleep shortly after laying his head on the floor.

    He was dreaming about his father again. The short time they'd spent together had been a happy time in his life. His father had taught him to fight and to defend himself. Of course, his father was just a hunter so not the most skilled with a battleaxe, Belzebub's weapon of choice for nearly all his life, but still, he had always cherished being with his father.

    Belzebub started hearing some sort of conversation."We can survive until the end," he heard one of the men say. He opened his eyes and saw he was on the floor. He hadn't realized where he had fallen asleep. He glanced over and saw the guy and girl from earlier. But now there was another guy nearby. He was probably the source of the voice he had heard.

    He slowly got to his feet and his head stopped spinning. That momentary rest had done him some good. He could look at each of the people clearly for the first time now.

    "Rough couple of days." He stretched his limbs and cracked his knuckles. He rolled his neck around, creating a loud cracking noise.

    "Carriages aren't comfy. Long ride from Skyrim."

    The girl kept looking at him. It had begun to unsettle him a bit. She looked frightened.

    "Think you're doing the world a favor...", he said under his breath. More in a mumble than anything he intended for anyone to hear.

    Everybody seemed to be looking at him; there was not another orc in the area. "Probably because they're too ignorant to try to help anyone but themselves" he thought to himself. He stood straight up, showing his height, and he flexed his muscles a bit. Just enough to make most of them turn their heads. He thought he could take most of them in a fight.
     

    The Honorable Gidian Diva of Sass

    Sahrot Vahlok Spaan. Bahnahgaar. Minion #88!
    Staff member
    Skadi had backed away from the newcomer when he had fixed his gaze on her, and had thus bumped into Gidian. This made Gidian go rigid, and he had to try very hard not to shove her away. He would not have bothered to even try restraining himself from giving most that touched him a good shove or a black eye. Whichever he felt like doing in the moment. Gidian heard the man's discreet murmur, and supposed if he was going to find reliable allies in this place he couldn't be picky. He didn't have to like him after all. But first, he would have to see how he fought. Gidian was about to respond, when he noticed Skadi was staring at the orc, who was now waking up and getting to his feet. He made a few comments and began flexing his muscles.

    Gidian almost smiled. The orc looked extremely confident in his abilities, and was probably thinking about fighting them right here and now. Gidian could respect bravado. He had grown up among nords. "A whole carriage, you say? I'm sure that must've been very difficult for you." Gidian said sarcastically. He was also watching the newcomer in the corner of his eye, making sure he didn't try anything while Gidian was talking to the orc. A capable looking orc like this one would be invaluable in the arena. And orcs loved to compete, and they respected strength. Gidian understood perfectly, as he had been raised on the same language for a huge part of his life. He considered himself a nord, after all.
     

    Skyrimosity

    Well-Known Member
    "A whole carriage huh? I'm sure that must've been difficult for you."

    "Oh great," Belzebub thought, "another sarcastic Imperial. Just what the world needs."

    He sized the man up. Belzebub could tell that he was probably a pretty-good fighter and he didn't feel like exerting much effort right now.

    "Sitting in the cold night after night. Not being fed any food. Not being able to sleep on the wood-and-metal floors of the carriage."

    Belzebub wanted to say more. But he knew that anything else he said would only make him want to kill the man. Sarcasm was not something Belzebub liked. Made him angry really easily. After all, he hadn't said much. Simply tried to explain why he needed to stretch and pop his knuckles and such. But of course, good thing there was some sarcastic man standing around to tell him he shouldn't have said anything.

    "I suggest you watch what you say before it gets you in more trouble."
     

    Daryl Dixon

    Absentee
    Nathan noticed the woman walk slightly away from him and bump into her friend, she was afraid of him. "Seriously.." He thought. "You don't need to be afraid of me." He said, looking toward her, "Not all people are bad." He then looked over to the Orc, and back at the woman. "But caution is good, you shouldn't trust anyone until they've earned it." After the Orc was done talking, he looked to her again. "You don't talk much do you?"

    The Orc seemed slightly hostile at sarcasm he received, which was understandable. "Orc, What is your name?" Nathan asked, "Mine is Nathan."
     

    The Honorable Gidian Diva of Sass

    Sahrot Vahlok Spaan. Bahnahgaar. Minion #88!
    Staff member
    Good, thought Gidian, this I can work with. Gidian did not mind the judging look of the orc as he was sized up. Gidian knew no amount of words would get you far with most orcs, and this one was no different. He spoke the language of violence such as that on the battlefield, and it was there where he would really have to earn the orc's confidence. The newcomer was trying to reassure Skadi, and he was right, trust is best earned. She relaxed a measure, and gave Gidian a look that said, Stop antagonizing the big green elf thing before you get us both killed.

    It was at this point that the newcomer introduced himself to the orc, asking his name, and offering his own in return. Nathan. Gidian didn't recognize the name from anywhere in particular.

    Gidian decided he would let the situation play out, and see what the orc would do. Who knows? Maybe the orc could just be talked into forming an alliance with strangers who he'd just met and knew nothing about, including what they were capable of. Gidian sincerely doubted it though. If his suspicion was correct, the orc was going to have to be impressed by the way they spoke in combat, not friendly introductions.
     

    Delusional

    Connoisseur of Hallucinations
    In truth, Alleras wasn't quite sure why he was being escorted through the dank ratways that led from various locations across the Imperial City to the infamous Arena, creating a complicated lattice of tunnels and sewerless sewers that all drained into the unholy, bloodstained pit in the ground most liked to call the Arena. In truth, Alleras wasn't quite sure what he had done the past few days--what Alleras defined as 'the past few days' made no matter, which might have proved problematic if he had free control of his current situation, something he was actually grateful of for what was probably not the first time in his life. In truth, Alleras had absolutely no idea what was, had, and was about to happen--everything and anything Alleras could recall about what landed him here in these tunnels was little more than vague blurs, if not just complete and blank nothingness. In truth, Alleras had no idea why he was in the Arena, or why he had no recollection of any series of past events. However, despite the slew of confusion and blurred memories that wracked his semi-functioning brain as he limped--wait, limped?--down the dark tunnel, Alleras knew. He knew the entire time.

    It was the drugs. It was always the drugs. There was never a situation that Alleras had been in within the last several years that had not involved drugs on some varying level or degree. The drugs were almost always the source of any tribulation Alleras encountered. The substances entering his body, ravaging his innards, releasing what could quite possibly be the most colossal amount of dopamine any body could ever release at a given time, it was all normal to Alleras. It was his life. So, as he ventured further and further into the tunnel with the ever-helpful assistance of a pair of gruff, unsociable guards--characteristics Alleras had the excitement and joy of discovering for himself--he had no mystery to solve. He had no puzzle to piece together, or any memories to recollect. This--the vanishing memories, the splitting headache, even the limp--it was normal.

    Though, this particular situation specifically intrigued Alleras. He had never once ended up in the Arena, or any other equally severe destination, due to the actions he must have committed in the previous nights while soaring above the stratosphere on wings made of pixie dust. The Arena was no joke; even Alleras knew that. What he was about to go through would actually require him to be conscious of his surroundings and require an actual level of concentration and focus from him that was completely and irrefutably impossible while under the influence. Alleras would actually have to put his surprisingly well-honed combat skills--if you would call archery a combat skill--to use if he wished to brave the Arena and survive to a day where he could sit back and ingest copious amounts of moon sugar as he usually did when not on a paid job.

    Alleras' scattered musings were shattered when suddenly the guards heaved what was supposedly a massive iron door open and tossed him to the filthy bricks beyond it. Before Alleras could turn back to perhaps say farewell to his two now former companions, the iron door was slammed shut with a tremendous noise, followed by the distinct sound of latches and locks clicking into place.

    Head throbbing, Alleras pushed himself up from the hay-strewn floor. No, he was pulled up from the ground and shoved in the direction of another corridor, and violently at that. He could tell from the gauntleted arm and the rough shove that he was being muscled through the Arena's subterranean network of tunnels by yet another friendly guard, a prospect that overjoyed Alleras.

    "Hey there, buddy! Whoa, now be gentle. I'm not gonna fight back, just let me walk, alright?" Alleras said as he walked, cringing with every other step as he gimped down this new hallway. The guard had no reply to Alleras besides silence.

    "So, buddy, what's your name? Or should I just call you buddy? I think I'll just call you buddy, because you probably won't tell me your name." The guard's reply was silence once again.

    "Did you know those other two guys back there? What were their names? I asked both of them a few times, but they didn't answer me either. Are you guys pals? Do you frequent the tavern together? They seemed pretty nice," Alleras continued, despite the guard's continued silent replies.

    "You're a quiet guy, huh? Hey, that's fine by me. I won't judge you just because you enjoy the serene sound of silence. Though, while it has its merits, I definitely see more use out of friendly conversation than strict silence, wouldn't you agree?" This time Alleras' remark was met with a blow across his face.

    "Shut your dirty mouth, you filthy street rat," the guard growled, shoving Alleras as he wiped blood from his nose.

    "Whoa, alright, I guess you really like your peace and quiet. That's cool, that's cool. I won't judge. Do y-" Alleras would have continued, but the guard cut him off short with another blow to the face. That signaled the end of the conversation for Alleras, and he walked in silence from that point on.

    The Imperial took this time of tranquility to survey his surroundings--what little surroundings he had. They had been traveling down a very confusing and twisting labyrinth of stone brick tunnels, which Alleras had failed to notice until now. There was no hope of knowing the escape route now--though Alleras didn't care too much. As long as there was access to some form of drugs down here in the recesses of the Arena, he would be alright.

    Suddenly a door appeared before Alleras and he was shoved through yet another doorway, the resounding slam of the door shutting behind him by an annoyed and angry guard echoing throughout the room--wait, room? Alleras stood and glanced around the large chamber. There was a sizable circle of sand in the center of the room, surrounded by simple furnishings such as tables and chairs, but also racks of dulled and mock weapons.

    It took the dazed Imperial even more time to realize there were others in the room as well. Surprised, Alleras grinned and went about to jumping in on what could have been their idle chatter, prepared to get some conversations going, since his former guard companions were not very sociable.

    "Well hey there, everyone! How are we all doing?"
     

    Skyrimosity

    Well-Known Member
    "Orc, What is your name?" the man who had been talking to the girl asked, "Mine is Nathan."

    The second man, the one who hadn't made Belzebub angry already, introduced himself. He seemed a nice enough fellow. Belzebub didn't like him, because he couldn't judge the man. Didn't seem like the fighting type, didn't have the right build. Didn't talk or glance around automatically like a thief. This was the kind of man who didn't seem like he'd easily commit a crime. So perhaps he let his emotions take over and that's how he got here? However, Belzebub hadn't meant to commit a crime either. Perhaps this man was in this situation for something similar?

    "The name's Belzebub. Bell-za-bub. There, pronounced it slowly. Don't like to repeat myself. Don't forget."

    The other man was still just standing there, and the girl with him was still giving questionable glances toward him.

    They stood there for a moment, not doing or saying anything. Then the door opened again. Another Imperial got thrown in. He was dazed for just a brief moment before he shouted out "Well hey there, everyone! How are we all doing?" This man would obviously be talkative, and probably some sort of jester.

    "Divines," Belzebub thought to himself, "what did I ever do to deserve this?"
     

    Daryl Dixon

    Absentee
    "The name's Belzebub. Bell-za-bub. There, pronounced it slowly. Don't like to repeat myself. Don't forget." The Orc said, Nathan was going to smile but knew this would probably be seen as weakness in the eyes of an Orc. He had no idea how Orcs worked. A few moments of silence, an imperial was thrown in. "Well hey there, everyone! How are we all doing?" He said, he had marks on his face that indicated he'd been struck. Now Nathan smiled.

    "We're doing just fine, standing around waiting for more cattle to arrive before we get sent off to be slaughtered. How about yourself?" Nathan thought he might as well make idle chatter while he can, even if it was sarcastic. He really didn't want to stand around much longer, it was nauseating.
     

    The Honorable Gidian Diva of Sass

    Sahrot Vahlok Spaan. Bahnahgaar. Minion #88!
    Staff member
    The orc had scrutinized the newcomer, Nathan, and seemed to understand that he wasn't a typical criminal. Gidian had ignored the signs, or lack of them, in Nathan. The orc introduced himself in a practical manner that implied nonsense would not be tolerated.

    Coming to the realization that Nathan may not be a cut of the same cloth as most murderers and thieves. Gidian then came to the conclusion that the man could compromise them in a different way. Dead weight, more or less. But Gidian would at least give him the chance for whatever auditions they were going to be doing for their evaluators, and no doubt prospective betters who could afford to pay for the fee would be spectating.

    And with that, there was nothing to do but wait. Skadi's fear for the orc eventually changed to curiosity, which Gidian wasn't sure was a good thing. He seriously doubted the orc would lose his temper and kill her if she asked a stupid question, the orc had proved he could be reasoned with. but still, it wouldn't do to take chances. Gidian wasn't sure he could stop the orc if he went into a frenzy. He also wasn't confident the guards would intervene.

    Eventually, after some waiting, another man was thrown in. Gidian reached for weapons that weren't there, and Skadi nearly jumped out of her skin. The newest prisoner, clearly having been knocked around a bit on the way here, announced his presence. "Well hey there, everyone! How are we all doing?" Gidian had to suppress a groan. He recrossed his arms, and braced himself for the worst. One would think getting thrown into the arena would be enough punishment. People like this were usually the type that never left him alone. Not even a broken nose or black eye would dissuade them, only lead them on.

    Nathan, of course, introduced himself first. "We're doing just fine, standing around waiting for more cattle to arrive before we get sent off to be slaughtered. How about yourself?" At least Nathan would be good for something. Distracting the annoying ones.

    And then it occurred to him that Nathan could be useful in diplomacy, though he would probably have to be shown the way of things. He hoped not. Surely he'd received experience with hardened men, liars, thieves, and murders somewhere in this city. Corruption was impossible to avoid. Then Gidian looked at Skadi. She matched his gaze, eyes deep and piercing. Almost impossible, he amended. Her older sister had done something right, though he didn't hate her any less for it. With that, he turned his attention back to the situation at hand.
     

    Delusional

    Connoisseur of Hallucinations
    Out of what appeared to be four other to-be arena fighters, only one actually responded to Alleras' bold opening statement. He appeared to be some sort of criminal, which would make sense, but Alleras was never one to pass any sort of judgement on another without first getting to know them--usually over a bowl of moon sugar.

    "We're doing just fine, standing around waiting for more cattle to arrive before we get sent off to be slaughtered. How about yourself?" He spoke with a twinge of sarcasm, which Alleras didn't mind; in fact admired, considering the majority reaction and response to his entrance was looks of disdain and annoyance.

    "Well, I'm doing fine. Except for those two hits. And my leg, which I don't know what's wrong with, though there's probably an entire story behind it--I just can't remember it." Alleras chuckled. "I'm glad you asked, though. I have this odd feeling that death awaits us, yet is only inevitable if we don't make friends." The Imperial-Redguard smirked as he fetched a chair from one of the tables that surrounded the sand pit, dragged it noisily over to where the others seemed to have gathered, and abruptly stopped and sat down.

    "So, what of you three? I'd be delighted to get the story behind those intriguing expressions." Alleras directed the question, with but a twinge of playful sarcasm, to the other three occupants of the room who had chosen to sigh in annoyance or cringe in disgust rather than respond. A Nord, an Imperial and an Orc. The Nord appeared to be trying his best to suppress a blatant grimace and the Orc appeared dumbfounded, while the Imperial, and also the only female in the room, seemed to shy away. Alleras took note of these interesting, yet somewhat predicted, behaviors. There was no doubt that Alleras was still coming off of whatever in Oblivion he had been taking before he ended up in the Arena, and the effects of the substance were still very present.
     

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