Post by Queen~Tigeress on Apr 18, 2009 14:09:23 GMT -5
Chapter 1: The Simple Life
6 years later
Tigeress was gardening with a great deal of concentration or at least it appeared so. In all actuality her mind was in a different place and although she was enthralled by the bright red roses, deep blue violets, and the spectacular scene of other colorful flowers that lay before her, she dreamed of battle, victory, and true companionship. The swirling contrasting colors of the flowers brought an image of two opponents facing of in a complex battle that captured Tigeress’ imagination. She thought of herself as the dark reds and purples and her opponents as the blues and greens. The colors fought to catch an observer’s eye just as the warriors battled to catch the eyes of the gods themselves. She imagined a day in which she would be a dark red rose, a powerful mistress of the sword who invoked images a grace and beauty, but at the moment she was merely a competitor at the Hidden Arrows Dueling Arena. She was just another daisy among daisies in the city of Droga, capital to the empire of Jsua (Ja-sue-a), but she knew soon that all would change. “One day,” Tigeress thought, “I will be recognized by the leader of Jsua, Jeng Droga, himself.” Tigeress continued to daydream until...
“Tigeress… Tigeress? TIGERESS!” Ewok yelled in an attempt to get her attention.
Ewok was a very hairy man or rather a very hairy dwarf. He had long black hair with a long black scraggily beard to match. On his back was a large steel axe, which made him look intimidating. In his 40 years of age he had used that axe many times, but even still he had a twinkle in his eye which could convince anyone that he was 20 years younger with a jolly personality. Tigeress knew very little of his past, but for small facts she was able to glean from him. She knew that he was a veteran of the Jedian Civil War, and that after doing his part in helping the nation of Jedia of Freedom, more commonly known as Free Jedia, break away from the tyrannical rule of Nader, he retired to become a professional arena combatant, which had been his life long dream. That was all Tigeress knew of his past and that was all she cared to know.
Her lack of interest was caused by her disdain for Jedians. She found Jedians a foolish people primarily for their petty political squabbles. While the rest of the world lived normal lives, the Jedians always seemed to be at war. If they weren’t battling the Sithicuns, they were battling each other. It seemed the Tigeress that Jedian loyalties were in a constant state of flux. In the last two decades Jedia had fought in two civil wars and replaced multiple leaders. Even after Jedia broke into the three different nations of Jedia of Freedom (Free Jedia), Jedia, and the Peaceful Wizard Coalition, they still were at war. They warred so constantly that the new freedoms gained in the 2nd civil war were rendered completely useless since no one had time to enjoy their new freedoms. It was quite ironic. Especially when one considered that a nation of “peaceful” wizards and a nation of “freed and enlightened” Jedians formed an alliance so that they could DESTROY the original Jedia. As a general rule she avoided Jedians ALL Jedians, but Ewok was different. The fact that he understood that the pain and suffering needed to end was something she admired in him. His warrior spirit combined with his gentle heart was why Tigeress grew to consider him her best friend.
“Yes, Ewok?”
“I came to check on you and let you know that your next battle is in 40 minutes.”
“Oh, I must have lost track of the time, who is it this time Slayer, Madwolf, or is it a more challenging opponent like Iakki”
“Nay you shall be put into raging combat with Primus. It will be a GLORIOUS battle!”
“WHAT?! He’s going to murder me!” said Tigeress with an expression of cold dread.
“But to fall on the blade of the master of the arena is an honorable death. He and I both agreed that is time for you to make a name for yourself. This is just a stepping stone to your future. Besides we have trained and you are ready. I know it” Ewok turned around to signal the end of the conversation and they both walked to the nearby arena. “Small Comforts” Tigeress thought to herself. She tried to ignore her fears.
After about ten minutes of walking, Tigeress and Ewok arrived at the arena’s grand entrance. The arena held thousands of blood thirsty citizens (She could hear their cheering even from the outside) but despite its sinister purpose the arena’s large curved walls were covered with murals of heroes past and its columns had the arena’s greatest battles etched on them. She stopped to look as one of her battles was being carved into the central pillar. It was her battle with Iakki. Tigeress remembered her exhilaration when battling Iakki, but she quickly came to the conclusion that she could not think of these things. She had to remain focused on what might become the deadliest battle of her life. But still in many ways Tigeress considered the arena a museum of history and art as much as it was an arena for battle. And even with feelings of uneasiness for her upcoming battle the great columns of polished red granite still made her feel a sense of wonder and excitement. Although Tigeress had fought in the arena hundreds of times, she always felt a sense of awe when she entered through the front entrance. She would have liked to look at her surroundings in more depth, but once again she reminded herself that she didn’t have the time. It was a mere twenty minutes before her call to battle and she had to suit up.
Soon she reached the preparation room. Tigeress began to put on her armor. Her battle arrangement was composed of very light armor, a long red ribbon she tied into her pony tail, and her twin katanas with handles wrapped in red dyed leather. Tigeress’s armor was made of a light chain mail cuirass, with a red leather skirt, red leather greaves underneath, and light iron boots. Although it seemed foolish to go into battle with no helmet, no gauntlets, and with very light armor, Tigeress’s fighting style of dependent on this lack of armor. She used her agility to out maneuver opponents and used to her to strength to match them blow for blow when on the defensive, but she was not about to use armor as her defense. Not only would heavy armor slow her down, but in her opinion it was limiting. Two opponents hacking at each other until one’s armor proved inferior seemed pointless to her and embarrassing. Once she was ready she stood up and walked to the entrance of the battle arena, the cheers of the crowd ringing louder in her ears with every step.
The crowd made thunderous noise as they placed bets, bought food, and socialized, but as the drum sounded the arena became deathly silent. The announcer began to speak…
“Primus, Master of this Arena and master swordsman, is about to face off with one of his rising stars in the arena, TIIIGGGEERRREEESSSSSS!!!!!” The crowd went wild. He continued. “Tigeress just last month defeated the battle master Iakki in a duel so fierce and exciting that it was carved into the walls of this very arena, but can she hope to defeat Primus or are all her hopes and dreams going to end here? Let’s find out. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!”
As gates opened and Tigeress and Primus stepped into the arena, the crowd roared with excitement as they prepared themselves for the battle. A group of men to the left of her started a cheer for Primus. “Well that’s to be expected,” Tigeress thought, “Oh well its time to get this over with. I just hope I can step out of this arena with a shred of dignity left.”
Primus was a burly man. He stood to a height of 6’4” and had large layered muscles all over his body. His experience showed in his eyes and on the scars on his left cheek. To Tigeress his ever feature looked menacing. And his toned muscles revealed that even though he hadn’t battled in many years. Primus was still in top physical condition.
Primus and Tigeress started circling one another waiting for the other to strike. Surprisingly Primus struck first. His sword became a blur as it passed Tigeress’ face by mere inches. Primus was pleased with himself for he thought he had her off guard, but he was wrong. Tigeress used his slight hesitation to go on the offensive. She used her wrists and arm flexibility to keep her duel swords in constant graceful circular motion, but despite her constant assault she could not manage to pierce Primus’ defenses. She spun around in an attempt to slash Primus in the nose but the only thing her swords met was metal. Primus like Tigeress was also making no progress. Try as he might he could not return to the offensive. He tried to overpower her but she deflected his energy. He tried to attack before she could, but Tigeress would not let up on her offensive. So he ducked and kicked her feet out from under her. “Oaf” Tigeress let out as she fell to the ground. She quickly rolled onto her feet as Primus distanced himself from her.
“You are good Tigeress, but you have much to learn. Now I believe it is my move.” Primus charged with amazing speed and slashed out with his sword. Tigeress ducked and stabbed out in counter attack, but Primus was already ahead of her. He used his shield to block her attack and once again slashed out at her head. “It’s a pity Tigeress. I know how you think and I know your moves as I do of all the competitors of my arena. You showed promise but your time in this arena is coming to an end.” Primus taunted as he attempted to cleave Tigeress in two, “Perhaps Stylez can be my next great champion.”
Tigeress was beginning to panic as she realized that Primus had no intention for her to leave this battle alive. In desperation she looked to Ewok for reassurance, but she only saw a look of fury on his face and an expression of terror in his eyes. “Primus is right. He knows my movements and style. How am I supposed to defeat him? He only set this battle up to increase his fame with my death.” Tigeress was about to break down when a brilliant idea came to her. After parrying Primus’ last attack she jumped on him in a most ungraceful manner. With his shield useless and his sword arm (right arm) over extended, Tigeress was able to easily imbed her left sword into his right side. In painful response to her attack Primus stabbed Tigeress in the stomach and threw her off himself, but as she fell away from him Tigeress kicked his right side causing her sword to cut through his heart. As Primus drew his last breath the crowd went wild and the announcer began to speak…
“Ladies and Gentleman we have a winner, TIGERESS (echoes). In the battle between the old and new, male and female, and more, Tigeress proved herself the victor. We have a new master of the arena…” Those were the last words Tigeress heard before losing consciousness. Unbeknownst to her, she was being watched.
…………………………………………………………….
Lord Protector Rorako and Chancellor Jimbo sat in silence starring at a map of battle lines. The grimness of six years of bloody war had begun o show on their grave faces. Lord Rorako spoke first, “Six long years of war and we have still not destroyed Nader’s faction. Look at these lines we have contained their borders into the west, yet they still manage to send troops through the Eastern Mountains. With Nader’s demise three years ago, I had thought that this madness would have come to an end, but these warlords manage to thwart our efforts and with every passing day more lives are lost in this FRUITLESS PURSUIT!” Rorako slammed both fists on the table spilling the Chancellor’s wine.
“Calm yourself Rorako. In time we shall reunite the factions and bring Jedia back to its full glory, but until then we must remain vigilant. You must remember that my people of the Peaceful Wizard’s Coalition (PWC) have faired far worse then your citizens from Jedia of Freedom (JOF). The enemy plunders the Coalition’s border cities and kill innocent civilians, yet we bear our pain and our loses so that Peaceful Wizard, Free Jedian, and Old Jedian alike may one day stand together as brethren once again despite Nader’s curse.”
“But Free Jedia is Jedia. We don’t need to reunite with those foolish dogs who led our once great nation into the ground. We need to protect ourselves by isolating our people from their corruption.”
“To liberate Old Jedia is to…”
“I have had enough of this!” yelled Rorako as he left the room.
“Servant, please bring me more wine. Its numbing effects should help make the pain of this war go away.” Jimbo went silent as he reflected on his conversation with Rorako.
“damn it” thought Jimbo “why does he have to be so stubborn? Why does he have to make everyday seem so long?! If Rorako no longer supports this alliance, then peace will never be achieved. I hope this war comes to a quick conclusion, but I still can not shake the feeling that something darker then anything ever encountered before has a hand in this.” By the time Jimbo had finished his thoughts the servant had returned with the wine. “Oh well, I will just have to hope that things turn out for the best,” he thought and began to sip his wine. He meditated on finding this dark force for the rest of the day.
6 years later
Tigeress was gardening with a great deal of concentration or at least it appeared so. In all actuality her mind was in a different place and although she was enthralled by the bright red roses, deep blue violets, and the spectacular scene of other colorful flowers that lay before her, she dreamed of battle, victory, and true companionship. The swirling contrasting colors of the flowers brought an image of two opponents facing of in a complex battle that captured Tigeress’ imagination. She thought of herself as the dark reds and purples and her opponents as the blues and greens. The colors fought to catch an observer’s eye just as the warriors battled to catch the eyes of the gods themselves. She imagined a day in which she would be a dark red rose, a powerful mistress of the sword who invoked images a grace and beauty, but at the moment she was merely a competitor at the Hidden Arrows Dueling Arena. She was just another daisy among daisies in the city of Droga, capital to the empire of Jsua (Ja-sue-a), but she knew soon that all would change. “One day,” Tigeress thought, “I will be recognized by the leader of Jsua, Jeng Droga, himself.” Tigeress continued to daydream until...
“Tigeress… Tigeress? TIGERESS!” Ewok yelled in an attempt to get her attention.
Ewok was a very hairy man or rather a very hairy dwarf. He had long black hair with a long black scraggily beard to match. On his back was a large steel axe, which made him look intimidating. In his 40 years of age he had used that axe many times, but even still he had a twinkle in his eye which could convince anyone that he was 20 years younger with a jolly personality. Tigeress knew very little of his past, but for small facts she was able to glean from him. She knew that he was a veteran of the Jedian Civil War, and that after doing his part in helping the nation of Jedia of Freedom, more commonly known as Free Jedia, break away from the tyrannical rule of Nader, he retired to become a professional arena combatant, which had been his life long dream. That was all Tigeress knew of his past and that was all she cared to know.
Her lack of interest was caused by her disdain for Jedians. She found Jedians a foolish people primarily for their petty political squabbles. While the rest of the world lived normal lives, the Jedians always seemed to be at war. If they weren’t battling the Sithicuns, they were battling each other. It seemed the Tigeress that Jedian loyalties were in a constant state of flux. In the last two decades Jedia had fought in two civil wars and replaced multiple leaders. Even after Jedia broke into the three different nations of Jedia of Freedom (Free Jedia), Jedia, and the Peaceful Wizard Coalition, they still were at war. They warred so constantly that the new freedoms gained in the 2nd civil war were rendered completely useless since no one had time to enjoy their new freedoms. It was quite ironic. Especially when one considered that a nation of “peaceful” wizards and a nation of “freed and enlightened” Jedians formed an alliance so that they could DESTROY the original Jedia. As a general rule she avoided Jedians ALL Jedians, but Ewok was different. The fact that he understood that the pain and suffering needed to end was something she admired in him. His warrior spirit combined with his gentle heart was why Tigeress grew to consider him her best friend.
“Yes, Ewok?”
“I came to check on you and let you know that your next battle is in 40 minutes.”
“Oh, I must have lost track of the time, who is it this time Slayer, Madwolf, or is it a more challenging opponent like Iakki”
“Nay you shall be put into raging combat with Primus. It will be a GLORIOUS battle!”
“WHAT?! He’s going to murder me!” said Tigeress with an expression of cold dread.
“But to fall on the blade of the master of the arena is an honorable death. He and I both agreed that is time for you to make a name for yourself. This is just a stepping stone to your future. Besides we have trained and you are ready. I know it” Ewok turned around to signal the end of the conversation and they both walked to the nearby arena. “Small Comforts” Tigeress thought to herself. She tried to ignore her fears.
After about ten minutes of walking, Tigeress and Ewok arrived at the arena’s grand entrance. The arena held thousands of blood thirsty citizens (She could hear their cheering even from the outside) but despite its sinister purpose the arena’s large curved walls were covered with murals of heroes past and its columns had the arena’s greatest battles etched on them. She stopped to look as one of her battles was being carved into the central pillar. It was her battle with Iakki. Tigeress remembered her exhilaration when battling Iakki, but she quickly came to the conclusion that she could not think of these things. She had to remain focused on what might become the deadliest battle of her life. But still in many ways Tigeress considered the arena a museum of history and art as much as it was an arena for battle. And even with feelings of uneasiness for her upcoming battle the great columns of polished red granite still made her feel a sense of wonder and excitement. Although Tigeress had fought in the arena hundreds of times, she always felt a sense of awe when she entered through the front entrance. She would have liked to look at her surroundings in more depth, but once again she reminded herself that she didn’t have the time. It was a mere twenty minutes before her call to battle and she had to suit up.
Soon she reached the preparation room. Tigeress began to put on her armor. Her battle arrangement was composed of very light armor, a long red ribbon she tied into her pony tail, and her twin katanas with handles wrapped in red dyed leather. Tigeress’s armor was made of a light chain mail cuirass, with a red leather skirt, red leather greaves underneath, and light iron boots. Although it seemed foolish to go into battle with no helmet, no gauntlets, and with very light armor, Tigeress’s fighting style of dependent on this lack of armor. She used her agility to out maneuver opponents and used to her to strength to match them blow for blow when on the defensive, but she was not about to use armor as her defense. Not only would heavy armor slow her down, but in her opinion it was limiting. Two opponents hacking at each other until one’s armor proved inferior seemed pointless to her and embarrassing. Once she was ready she stood up and walked to the entrance of the battle arena, the cheers of the crowd ringing louder in her ears with every step.
The crowd made thunderous noise as they placed bets, bought food, and socialized, but as the drum sounded the arena became deathly silent. The announcer began to speak…
“Primus, Master of this Arena and master swordsman, is about to face off with one of his rising stars in the arena, TIIIGGGEERRREEESSSSSS!!!!!” The crowd went wild. He continued. “Tigeress just last month defeated the battle master Iakki in a duel so fierce and exciting that it was carved into the walls of this very arena, but can she hope to defeat Primus or are all her hopes and dreams going to end here? Let’s find out. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!”
As gates opened and Tigeress and Primus stepped into the arena, the crowd roared with excitement as they prepared themselves for the battle. A group of men to the left of her started a cheer for Primus. “Well that’s to be expected,” Tigeress thought, “Oh well its time to get this over with. I just hope I can step out of this arena with a shred of dignity left.”
Primus was a burly man. He stood to a height of 6’4” and had large layered muscles all over his body. His experience showed in his eyes and on the scars on his left cheek. To Tigeress his ever feature looked menacing. And his toned muscles revealed that even though he hadn’t battled in many years. Primus was still in top physical condition.
Primus and Tigeress started circling one another waiting for the other to strike. Surprisingly Primus struck first. His sword became a blur as it passed Tigeress’ face by mere inches. Primus was pleased with himself for he thought he had her off guard, but he was wrong. Tigeress used his slight hesitation to go on the offensive. She used her wrists and arm flexibility to keep her duel swords in constant graceful circular motion, but despite her constant assault she could not manage to pierce Primus’ defenses. She spun around in an attempt to slash Primus in the nose but the only thing her swords met was metal. Primus like Tigeress was also making no progress. Try as he might he could not return to the offensive. He tried to overpower her but she deflected his energy. He tried to attack before she could, but Tigeress would not let up on her offensive. So he ducked and kicked her feet out from under her. “Oaf” Tigeress let out as she fell to the ground. She quickly rolled onto her feet as Primus distanced himself from her.
“You are good Tigeress, but you have much to learn. Now I believe it is my move.” Primus charged with amazing speed and slashed out with his sword. Tigeress ducked and stabbed out in counter attack, but Primus was already ahead of her. He used his shield to block her attack and once again slashed out at her head. “It’s a pity Tigeress. I know how you think and I know your moves as I do of all the competitors of my arena. You showed promise but your time in this arena is coming to an end.” Primus taunted as he attempted to cleave Tigeress in two, “Perhaps Stylez can be my next great champion.”
Tigeress was beginning to panic as she realized that Primus had no intention for her to leave this battle alive. In desperation she looked to Ewok for reassurance, but she only saw a look of fury on his face and an expression of terror in his eyes. “Primus is right. He knows my movements and style. How am I supposed to defeat him? He only set this battle up to increase his fame with my death.” Tigeress was about to break down when a brilliant idea came to her. After parrying Primus’ last attack she jumped on him in a most ungraceful manner. With his shield useless and his sword arm (right arm) over extended, Tigeress was able to easily imbed her left sword into his right side. In painful response to her attack Primus stabbed Tigeress in the stomach and threw her off himself, but as she fell away from him Tigeress kicked his right side causing her sword to cut through his heart. As Primus drew his last breath the crowd went wild and the announcer began to speak…
“Ladies and Gentleman we have a winner, TIGERESS (echoes). In the battle between the old and new, male and female, and more, Tigeress proved herself the victor. We have a new master of the arena…” Those were the last words Tigeress heard before losing consciousness. Unbeknownst to her, she was being watched.
…………………………………………………………….
Lord Protector Rorako and Chancellor Jimbo sat in silence starring at a map of battle lines. The grimness of six years of bloody war had begun o show on their grave faces. Lord Rorako spoke first, “Six long years of war and we have still not destroyed Nader’s faction. Look at these lines we have contained their borders into the west, yet they still manage to send troops through the Eastern Mountains. With Nader’s demise three years ago, I had thought that this madness would have come to an end, but these warlords manage to thwart our efforts and with every passing day more lives are lost in this FRUITLESS PURSUIT!” Rorako slammed both fists on the table spilling the Chancellor’s wine.
“Calm yourself Rorako. In time we shall reunite the factions and bring Jedia back to its full glory, but until then we must remain vigilant. You must remember that my people of the Peaceful Wizard’s Coalition (PWC) have faired far worse then your citizens from Jedia of Freedom (JOF). The enemy plunders the Coalition’s border cities and kill innocent civilians, yet we bear our pain and our loses so that Peaceful Wizard, Free Jedian, and Old Jedian alike may one day stand together as brethren once again despite Nader’s curse.”
“But Free Jedia is Jedia. We don’t need to reunite with those foolish dogs who led our once great nation into the ground. We need to protect ourselves by isolating our people from their corruption.”
“To liberate Old Jedia is to…”
“I have had enough of this!” yelled Rorako as he left the room.
“Servant, please bring me more wine. Its numbing effects should help make the pain of this war go away.” Jimbo went silent as he reflected on his conversation with Rorako.
“damn it” thought Jimbo “why does he have to be so stubborn? Why does he have to make everyday seem so long?! If Rorako no longer supports this alliance, then peace will never be achieved. I hope this war comes to a quick conclusion, but I still can not shake the feeling that something darker then anything ever encountered before has a hand in this.” By the time Jimbo had finished his thoughts the servant had returned with the wine. “Oh well, I will just have to hope that things turn out for the best,” he thought and began to sip his wine. He meditated on finding this dark force for the rest of the day.
