Dais, XII: Shadows

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Tue, 2009-06-30 19:23

Daith

Aether: 642

Dais

Shadows

Daithin sat in a far shadowed, somewhat quiet corner of the Gladiators wreck. He knew what was coming next, even if he wanted to avoid. Soon they would be calling volunteers for the first matches. He knew that Aelyss and he would be some of the first to have their blood drawn. Daithin sighed. Daithin never quite managed to grasp how Aelyss always seemed to get what he wanted, when he wanted it but, near seven years of wondering by his side had made Daithin stop asking the question. Something’s where better left unknown. It was better for Daithins fragile sanity. He looked over at the milling crowds of warriors picking out Aelyss’s head as he waded between the other Gladiators. It was only a matter of time now before the Arena Master emerged and started taking names.

“Daithin are you alright?” came Nayla’s gentle voice. Daithins heart jumped, he hadn’t even noticed her approach him, though he still looked calm.

“I’m fine, one can hope at least right?” He didn’t shift his gaze as he spoke. He was to intent on watching for his impending doom, in the form of the Arena Master.

“I saw you favoring you side Daithin, are you sure?”

Daithin grimaced. “It’s just a slight pain, nothing to worry about.”

Nayla sighed. “You know Daithin, you don’t have to do this.”

“Sometimes there are only so many choices one can make.” Daithin gave a tight smile as he looked at Nayla. Her face was hard and unconvinced.

“That’s no answer Daithin. Aelyss would understand.”

“Not as well as you might think.”

“Hasn’t he proven that he had more than that bull headed exterior by now to you?”

Daithin smiled and partially rolled his eyes. “I appreciate the try Nayla but at this point there aren’t many things that are going to convince Aelyss out of dragging me along for the blood fest.” As Daithin spoke he noticed a shift in the timber of the groups of Gladiators. He could not discern the words but it didn’t matter Daithin knew what it was about.

“Wouldn’t he understand if he knew you were still in pain?”

“I’m sure he would if the circumstances where different Nayla. Sadly they aren’t.”

“Why wouldn’t he now?”

“Nayla you asked me a night ago how I was able to let in you even though you are a Templar.” Daithin paused, hearing shouts from the groups of gladiators. “It really wasn’t a choice, from the moment Aelyss saw you’re posting to the moment you agreed to the contract, I knew regardless of what happened I would need to follow through with this.”

“Why?”

“Aelyss’s greatest; most definable ambition since I met him has been to participate in this.” Daithin said gesturing around him at the room. “When he found your posting Nayla, regardless of the fact it was just and escort, with the end payment in being able to participate in the Arena. That was all Aelyss could talk about from the moment he ripped the posting off the boards, to the time we first met you. I knew regardless of the risks we might have had to deal with, that this was the end destination. This is what Aelyss wanted. I won’t be the one to stand in the way of that.”

“Aelyss is strong he would be able to handle it with or without you.”

“Trust me I understand that.” Daithin smiled, “I’m under no illusion of otherwise. For as much as we bicker for as much as we argue with one another Nayla, we have been friend’s form almost the very day we met. I rely on him, and he relies on me, just like the others of your Order likely are relying on you to return with whatever the trinket is they hid with the priestess’s so long ago.”

Daithin sigh. “Some of the things Aelyss and I have faced or seen would have killed more experienced mercenaries. It was by understanding our limits, even if Aelyss doesn’t admit to his, and working seamlessly with one another. That we have survived.”

“And you being a Planer doesn’t hurt either I imagine.”

Daithin grimaced. “I don’t play that card often, you can understand why.”

“What about what you want Daithin? I’ve heard plenty of what Aelyss wants but what about you?”

Daithin looked away from her. The pause drew out for a long while. “I don’t want to be alone Nay.”

“Has it occurred to you maybe you wouldn’t be even if you did what you wanted?” Nayla said crouching beside Daithin. She smiled at him softly.

Daithin said nothing, he face remained placid and unmoved, his golden eyes remained distent and fathomless. Nayla, knew he was unconvinced. She sighed, as suddenly she saw a sneer cross Daithins face, and his hands went instantly to his side.

“Daith! Are you…” She leaned forward touching his side. He gave out a plaintive whimper.

“Abyss…” He groaned, he leaned his head back against the wall his entire body was tense. Nayla could practically feel his pain. Gingerly she pulled his shirt up; the scare was a bright pink against his olive skin. Slowly she drew on the ether and ran her hand against the wound. A soft golden glow emitted from her hands. Daithin cried out softly as she did but his breathing began to slow. She continued force the pain and the wound into submission. Slowly the scar turned from pink, to white. She sighed, pulling back her hand.

“Daithin, honestly…”

“I know.” He murmured.

“Then why? You’re in no condition.”

“The choice has been made Nayla.” Daithin smiled His eyes we begging her to understand.

Daithin heard the bellow of his name from across the room. His smile slowly faded. From the crowds Aelyss burst out, carrying two metal pendants hung from crass looking rope. Daithin knew what it meant; the grin that stretched from ear to ear on Aelyss’s face was proof enough for him.

“I gottem Daith!” Aelyss boomed excitedly as he came up on Nayla, and Daithin.

One eyebrow raised as he looked at the two of them, Daithins shirt was still raise up, Nayla still crouched perhaps a little too close to Daithins sitting form. “Whats…?”

“Aelyss, Daithin is-“

“She was just helping me with something.” Daithins eyes shifted to Nayla, pleading with her to let it go. “What did you get Ael’?” Daithin said as he pulled his shirt back into place.

Aelyss shuck off whatever questions might have been forming in his head. “Where the first up Daith! We’re going to be the first to go out there and show all those people what we can do!”

Daithin’s smile did not reach his eyes. “That’s great Ael’.”

“Come-on getup an get ready, we are going to be called shortly, I’m going to the gate and wait.”

Aelyss turned tossing one of the pendants to Daithin, it fell into his lap. Aelyss trudged off wrapping the pendant’s rope around his arm gauntlet and tied it there. Daithin sighed staring at the pendent in his lap, like it was some poisonous viper waiting to strike.

“Daithin honestly, you aren’t ready for this.”

He said nothing in return. Picking up the amulet he pulled it over his head letting it rest next to his Talon pendent. Gingerly Daithin rose.

Nayla sighed. “Don’t you have some kind of armor?” Daithin was wearing the same thing he always did the heavy black boots, soft tanned leather pants and clean white button shirt, with a dark grey vest he kept open.

“My abilities are my armor.” Daithin gave Nayla his best smile to try an easy her mind. It wasn’t working.

“Be careful Daithin.”

“I will be.” He said heading off toward the crowds of gladiators.

“Don’t over rely on it!” Nayla sighed. Daithin did not look back, but she saw his nod. She also saw as he walked we was still favoring his side. The pain even after her healing was still there. Nayla was beginning to hate these stubborn mercenaries she cared for.

Daithin came alongside Aelyss who waited at the Gateway that lead into the arena. He made no motion to acknowledge Daithin, he stared off intently down the long hallway that ended in the heavy wood doors. Daithin sighed. A short bare chested man ambled into Daithins view; he wore the colors of Huala. He bore scares across his body like one might bare tattoos. He stared up at Daithin with cold calculating eyes, and then looked at his attire, then the amulet that hung from his neck. He shook his head. “You’re this one’s partner?” The Arena Master said thumbing at Aelyss.

“Yes.”

The man gave a curt laugh. “I give you a minute.”

Daithin raised an eyebrow. “What’s the first round?”

“Grathin.”

“Simple enough.” Daithin nodded.

The arena Master gave a clipped barking laugh.

Daithin sighed rubbing the bridge of his nose. He didn’t like the sound of that little man.

The sound of a blaring horn echoed in from the outside, slowly the door began to crack open, light rushing in blinding Daithin just as it had before. From his side he heard Aelyss laugh and move closer to the gate. A barking command came from somewhere off Daithins side, and the baring gate pulled away up its metal bars groaning in protest as they scraped against walls.

Aelyss pulled out in front of Daithin, heading into the hall with a hurried vigor. Daithin followed behind. Stepping out into the sun drenched white sand arena almost made Daithins eyes water, he wondered if this was a test of the Priestess’s to ensure the battle was that much harder. Following Aelyss they pressed into the center of the arena. All around them horns deafened and crowds roared. Daithin most assuredly did not like this.

As his eyes finally adjusted his attention was drawn to the speaking place high above them. On it stood a tall dusky skinned Amor man, draped in a golden colored shall with blackened leather pants. Around his neck was a necklace of sharp predatory teeth. The man looked down on the two of them from the high podium and looked as if he sneered in contempt for them. Rising his head again to the crowds his voice bombed out. “Here before you are the first of Huala’s sacrifices. Bow before the crowds Gladiators of the Blood Goddess. For they will be your judges this day!”

The crowds howled in fervor. Daithin didn’t like it. He looked back at Aelyss. His grin was from ear to ear. He had paid no head to the announcers less then complimentary angulations. Daithins gaze returned to the man above. With a last credulous glance at them, the man waved his hand at some unknown being and turned away disappearing back into the spectator’s box. There was a sense about that man that Daithin couldn’t place right away. The sound of grinding gates however stalled the thought.

He watched as four grated gateways that lined the Arena’s walls jerked open. Even above the chanting of the crowds Daithin could hear the sound of claws scrap against stone, the chirps and curdling howls of one of the more numerous Remnant species on Arin, the Grathin. If Daithins haunted look could have dropped further it would have.

Slowly the Grathin hobbled out on their tinny legs, one appeared from each of the four grate doors around them. They stepped out on the sand wearily, they didn’t like light, and Daithin couldn’t say he liked the sight of them much more than they did of the sun. These Grathin where thick barreled masses of black brown chitin like leather skin with bony apertures and numbs jetting from rows along their heads down there thick hunched like backs, long tightly packed arms ending in four fingered claws each one bigger then Daithins head. These were Southern Grathin, one of the more vicious species.

More hobbled out behind the first. Then Daithin heard a sound he welcomed the grate doors behind the creatures where lowering. In total however they had disgorged fourteen of the mangled blood thirsty beasts, each one ranging in size and maturity. Daithin sighed. Luckily the creatures where disoriented by the light, At least for the moment. Aelyss made a guttural growl, and pulled his great sword from his back. Daithin allowed his eyes to shift into his Sagesite. He began pulling ether into his body.

There was a howl from one of the Grathin. Suddenly one sprung from the packs and charged at the two men. Daithin heard Aelyss’s own roar answer the Grathin’s. Aelyss shot off toward the advancing remnant. “Abyss Ael.” Daithin groaned. Around them the other Grathin started answering the howl with their own. Daithin saw as other began more careful advances. As the armor clad Aelyss and the frenzied Grathin charged at one another it suddenly leaped, Aelyss stopped dropping to his back in the sand, his Great sword held aloft arching toward the air born creature. The Grathin was sliced along its belly; it fell uncontrolled into the white sand. The creature hobbled trying to rise again but kept losing its balance as black blood streamed down the gash.

The first blood had been drawn and it wasn’t Ithparin.

Four Grathin bounded in toward Aelyss’s laying form. As they reared forward ready to land again, the world suddenly seemed to be yanked from around them. An ethereal blue shimmer warped the air in front of the Grathin preventing there approach. They slammed into the barrier.

Daithin approached Aelyss’s side arm extended toward the Grathin his eyes blazing blue. Aelyss jumped to his feet just as Daithin came alongside. Daithin nodded at Aelyss, his eyes still focused on the Grathin. Aelyss grunted. Picking up his sword, he walked over to the stumbling injured remnant. Headless of the advancing creatures around him, Aelyss executed the Grathin, its head rolling off into the sand. He turned then pushed on to the next target, Black blood flowing of his sword as he arched it for the next.

The tattoos around Daithins arms lit as he suddenly dropped to one knee pulling his arm down with him, his open palm hand hit the sand hard. The Grathin that had been caught in the Etheric barrier slammed into the sand. The creatures wailed. Pulling his sword out with his other hand, angled it toward one of the creatures, the intricately carved blade took on a blue hue.

As he raised his sword Daithin was suddenly knocked over. A Grathin’s shield like head rammed into his side, sending him sprawling. Daithin cursed, as he was tumbled over. He was no worse the wear though. The Grathin could not say the same. It head had split open along its axes, blood rushed down its now empty eyes. A blue Etheric shimmer wafted away from its corpse. Daithin stood pulling his sword up again he looked at the Grathin he had pilled. Only two were still trapped.

Daithin growled, and then sliced the air with his sword. A thin blue ethereal line rushed from where his blade arched toward the Grathin. The creatures tried to scramble but it was no use, one was lobotomized and the others arm was sheared off, its neck sliced wide as well.

Behind him he heard the shrieks of the creatures. Turning he saw Aelyss was messed with black blood. Bodies of Grathin lay around him some still living, some missing appendages. Aelyss let out a bellow as one of the creatures jumped for his sword his arm and wrapped around it. Aelyss raged swinging the creature around trying to dislodge it. He dropped is sword, a blood curdling wail followed as it crashed into back of a not quiet dead corpse, snuffing out what was left of its life.

Daithin would have grinned if he didn’t see another one of the monsters bounding forward to attack Aelyss. Daithin extended his unarmed hand toward the Grathin that lunged for Aelyss, ethereal blue tendrils sheeted off Daithins arm tattoos as he rushed to Aelyss. The ribbons of ether ripped through the air, slamming into the Grathin as it leapt for the kill. The creature was lanced. One tendril pieced its shoulder, a second its thigh, and the third the side of its chest. The creature was held aloft screeching as blood flowed from its wounds. Daithin pulled up near Aelyss as he thrashed, with a jolt of his extended arm, the creature was sent flying. It collided with the alabaster arena wall, its neck giving off a sickening crunch as it did. It bounced off the wall landing with a thud in the sand at odd broken angles. Aelyss bellowed his plate clad fist slamming into the offending Grathin’s skull. Blood cloaked his gauntlet as the skull shattered and the creature fell to the ground lifeless.

Daithin heaved in a long breath, he was growing tired and the pain on his side was beginning to return making it hard to focus on his weaves. A silver glint caught Daithins eye he turned his head for a moment. Suddenly he felt claws puncture his arm. Daithin was knocked off balance as a Grathin collided with him. Daithin twisted as he fell, the monsters head was barreling in toward him, its craggy teeth filled maw opened wide to try and take a chunk out of him. The creature howled, its arm had been cut clean through as Daithins Etheric instincts sliced the creatures arm off at the elbow. Daithin crashed into the white sand hard knocking all the air out of his lungs. He saw the Grathin attack redouble and scramble for Daithin again. This time a sword met it. The monsters live was ended in flash of steel and blood. Aelyss stood over Daithin, dripping with sweat and blood, His eyes where distant and angry.

The blare of the Arena’s horn cut through the silence. All across the stadium was little more than a murmur. Daithin realized why that was. It was because of him, his weaving ability. Slowly though cheers began to rise from the stadium around them, till again they were dwarfed by the roar of the crowds. Daithin, and Aelyss had survived, they had won their first match.

Daithin looked out around them, all across the white sand arena was the aftermath of their battle, segments of Grathin, and mangled corpses crushed skulls. They had won. He heard the creek of the gate that lead under speaker’s podium open. Aelyss did not wait for him. He glared angrily at the bodies around him and pushed ahead toward them exit of their first match.

Daithin coughed trying to catch his breath and deal with the pain in his shoulder and side, slowly he rose. Doing the best he could Daithin walked steadily to the dark hallway that would lead him out of that pit of death.

Aelyss was waiting for him as he entered. The hallway was dark, lit by braziers that gave it a ruddy hue. Daithin flashed Aelyss a wan smile as he entered. A gesture Aelyss did not return. Aelyss’s eyes were angry. “What in the Abyss was that?” He barked, turning sharply he began moving down the long curved hall. Daithin blinked.

“What are you talking about?” Daithin said fallowing after Aelyss.

“You where holding back out there?”

“Ael…” Daithins voice was low as he pulled alongside his friend.

“No I don’t want to hear it, in all the seasons we have fought side by side I never thought I would ever see you hold back on something that was important.”

“I don’t understand Aelyss, we won? Why are you angry?”

“That match should have been over in minutes. Instead because you where holding back it lasted for far longer then I should!”

“So your angry because the fight lasted longer than it MIGHT have if I was at full strength.”

“We should have been able to walk in there and decimate everything in our path. Show everyone just how powerful we are, so that none try to mess with my chance of walking away from this as heroes!”

“That’s insane Aelyss.”

“I know you don’t want to be here but can you at least think of someone else aside from yourself?”

“Think about… Abyss! Do you even realize I walked into that fight already injured! I’m not completely healed Ael! What would you have me do about that?”

“It shouldn’t mater, it’s not like you really fight you just sling ether around like all Spellweavers do!”

“And you don’t think that takes a physical toll?”

“I know it doesn’t.”

“Aelyss do you have any idea about how much I’m risking just by being out there?”

“Aye, I do, you spend enough time whining about it!”

“Do you not understand that I’m the only spellweaver in this entire competition?”

“That maters…?”

“Abyss, yes it maters! Ok, let’s leave out the fact I’m injured already for a moment. Every time I fight I draw attention to myself. Couple that with what you know I am and you don’t see it as a bad thing for me to not restrain myself?”

“Bull scat, when has you being a Planer ever helped me!”

“You… maybe just about every time you have ever rushed head long into a fight leaving me to save each other’s asses!”

“The only thing you have ever saved me from Daith, is a good night in a tavern!”

“Oh really? Isn’t that where your troubles began? Who was it that couldn’t find an ally even at the bottom of a stein… who I happened across one night covered in his own vomit in the gutter of the street-” The words rolled off Daithins tongue well before he realized just what he was saying. He never got the chance to retract them. Aelyss’s bare fist slammed into Daithins jaw, sending him reeling into the wall.

In the dark, the tattoos along Daithins neck and arms began to glow. Aelyss looked raged for a moment, he breathing was rugged, his fists clenched. Then the raged look faded, it was replaced with confusion, then it was replaced with regret. Suddenly Aelyss spun away and thundered off down the hall disappearing around the bend.

Daithin stood there for a moment back against the wall stunned. Slowly he released the stiffness of his legs and allowed himself to slide down the wall to a sitting position. He absently nursed his aching jaw. In his mind he replayed the words, the moment, and wondered where he could have gone instead of that particular memory. Slowly a burn on his arms let him know that he had called on the ether around him and it was beginning to get restless. He expelled it. Watching as the tattoos on his hands and forearm slowly faded away, Daithin closed his eyes and sighed. He felt very much alone.

The Archalon

Wed, 2009-07-01 15:46

Manicai

Aether: 3243

Aww poor lonely Daithin lol. Good fight chapter. I enjoyed it.

Sat, 2009-07-04 09:08

Esso

Pancake Master

Aether: 3103

Daith wrote:

Lineage 2 gladiator sonic blaster much? lol

This chapter was awesome, the battle was just as i expected it to be. With the slight exception that i didnt expect no more than 2 or three enemies but harder to beat. When i read "fourteen" i was like "meatgrinderwtf?!"

Awesome, keep em coming.

Sat, 2009-07-04 12:45

Rayna

Corrupted

Aether: 935

I told Daith this Time and time again, and I will give him a hard time about it until the end of time. But the more I read the more I realize that Daithin does not in fact bother to think before opening that mouth of his. I agree with Ael though, Daith should have fragged the grathin right off. Even if he was injured his weaving takes no real toll on his physical strength. Since they are in Bastos and protected by the watchful eye of Lylora. That means that Daithin is in fact free to use his power in combat in any way and to any limit he wishes.

I'm not saying it's a bad read here, It's just in my opinion a wounded daith relying on the magical equavalent of morphine should have fragged those poor bastards fast to get out of there before one manages to hurt him worse, this would also send a message to the other challengers not to mess with him or Ael and would probably make their road to the top that much easier with the intimidation factor. Thats just me though.

Made by Risea

Sat, 2009-07-04 14:48

Daith

Aether: 642

Awesome!

I love your guys input.

But I love your finite Criticism even more. Pick the story apart. Don't bother with the grammar and spelling issues, I know those are there even if I cant see them. That's what editors are for.

I want to pick your brains. Then roast them over an open fire like chestnuts. Because damnit they are owe so tasty.

The Archalon