Yeah. Sorry for the late update. I had school and the stomach flu. Well, enjoy.
Ni'aa's POV
Ni'aa and Thom sat in the Mithran Cloisters; dueling. Ni'aa feinted in and out, her staff a blur in the air, her face a fierce mask. Thom was blocking best he could, dodging all the blows he could. More often than not though, Ni'aa would land hits. Thom finally gave, throwing his hands up in disgust, "Ni'aa." Ni'aa's lips turned up slightly, he was almost whining. "Thom, you are a complete fool with a staff. And sword. And spear. And bow. And-" Thom cut her off, "I know!"
"The master's headache and the beast. What would the lord of Trebond say if he knew his son was consorting with common criminals?"
The voice came from behind them. Aruin of Eledar stood there along with his three friends.
"Aruin." Ni'aa spat out, "To what do we owe this displeasure?"
Aruin shrugged, "I thought you might like to duel your better." Ni'aa smirked, "You? I could beat you unarmed and blindfold." Thom swallowed; Ni'aa was acting recklessly in boasting like that. Aruin was one the best staff fighters in the Cloisters and he had no qualms about cheating.
"Really? Let's go now."
Ni'aa looked at him, "I said I could, not that I would."
Ni'aa grabbed Thom's arm pulling him toward the halls, "See. She's a coward, just like the rest of her wretched people. Afraid to fight."
Ni'aa whipped around, "You don't know anything about me or my people." Her voice was the most terrifying sound Thom had ever heard, "You don't know anything." She looked out of control and dangerous enough to kill Aruin, "And if you want to live to see tomorrow, you will take that back." She took one menacing step forward. To Aruin's credit he didn't step back.
"Let's due now, monster, then people will see you for what you are."
Ni'aa looked away, "Fine."
Ni'aa took her sash and tied it around her eyes. Then she stepped into the ring. Aruin watched his eyes surprised. He had not actually expected Ni'aa to fight blindfolded. Ni'aa looked comfortable, "Ready?" Her easy voice gave her the air of uncaring, almost boredom. Aruin faced her; he held a practice sword. He swung at her; she reached up and caught the sword in her bare hand. There were gasps around the circle. Ni'aa jerked the sword out of his hand and tossed it out of the ring.
As Ni'aa turned back to Aruin, her lips curled into a smile. Her hand whipped out, punching his jaw. He staggered back, his jaw crooked, broken. Ni'aa turned to him, her face very cold, "That is for disrespecting my people. I will not take any revenge for myself; that would sink me to your level."
As Thom and Ni'aa walked away Thom turned to her, "How did you manage to rip the sword out of his hand?"
Ni'aa winced, "A lot of practice in the art of not showing how much pain you're really in." To explain she held up her hand, there was a deep gash running across her palm, "A lot of practice."
My POV
Yes, I am very happy you all like to come back and read my story. I have a slight problem though. Only a 36th of my readers reviewed this story. Seriously? A 36th? Someone better review. Oh, and just to tease all you, things are really going to pick up pace. REALLY PICK UP PACE. So review, or someone's gonna die.
{Read in sweet, happy, highly sarcastic tone}Thank you, all my wonderful readers who thought this was review worthy.
If you did review, you really are wonderful.
Oh and just so everyone knows AemiChan and In-the-fire are brilliant!
