Chapter nine! Finally, I've finally written this chapter! Okay, so last chapter (since it was so long ago) Farina was trapped outside with Nils in a terrible snow storm—which made Fiora very happy. And of course, meanwhile, Fiora is making a fool of herself in front of Kent. What can I say? The girl is smitten with the knight. Anyway…that brings us back to this chapter! The army is hiding out in a cave and that means less space between Farina, Fiora, and Kent…which cannot be good. Read and enjoy!

Previous Chapter:

"I do have one question though… Why is it that Murphy didn't come sooner? I had to whistle twice—that's never happened before," Farina asked. Kent looked at a loss for words. What am I supposed to say? One sister tried saving your life while the other had not one care? He thought. The two knights noticed that all attention was on their conversation.

All the happiness that filled the cave earlier seemed to dissipate, changing to awkwardness. Everyone had heard Farina's question.

And all heads turned to Fiora. Farina rolled her eyes.

Of course.

A Tournament For…?

"Okay everyone, quiet! Can I have everyone's attention please? Sain…don't make me come over there," Raine said, her hands resting on her slender hips in a I'll-hurt-you-very-badly manner. Sain quieted immediately and shrank away from the girl he was presently antagonizing.

Like I said, for a little girl, she has some major authority.

"Thank you. Now, as you all know, there's a huge storm raging outside. With this present condition, all hopes of moving on are impossible. The good news is that our foe won't be able to either and will hopefully encounter some problems on their way back. Everyone, meanwhile, should rest and mend what supplies we have. Tents, clothing, anything—we need to ensure that we don't have any problems to hold us back. Other then that, relax and sleep. Rest up, you've all earned it."

Sain resumed talking (and flirting) to the girl next to him. Without turning around Raine yelled, "If I hear ONE complaint about you, Sir Sain, I'll have you turned into the first man sized icicle—understand?"

Sain got up, mumbling about having to talk to someone, and left his victim. Elimine have mercy on me if I should upset Lady Raine! Though, in all her feistiness, it's kind of attractive… Oh, there's Kent! Sain thought as he ambled over. Ooh and he is accompanied by a lady, a very beautiful lady! Whenever a lady is as beautiful as Raine, I must come over for my name is Sain! Sain stopped dead in his tracks and smiled to himself.

Do you think that'd line would work on her?! He thought excitedly.

Sheesh, you'd think he'd remember the warning that Raine just said only a few seconds ago. But no, he goes from one woman to the next. One more thing, if he thinks that line will work, he's got a whole other thing coming.

And that thing will definitely be sharp and pointy.

"My dear companion, why are you in such a remote corner such as this? Ah, do my eyes deceive me? Is a beauty, as alluring as the midnight skies, bequeathing me a glimpse of true splendor? It cannot be that you, my friend, have chanced upon her first! O Fate, how cruel to fly your wondrous angel to my partner in lieu of myself!" Sain cried.

Farina and Kent both were getting equally annoyed, though Farina definitely wanted to punch Sain far more than Kent did. Being partnered with Sain gave Kent a certain amount of Sain-armor. He could just about deflect any of the stupid, half-brained comments his partner said.

However, Farina's hatred of all men who think women are for the taking is second to none—except being poor. And since nothing is as horrible and dreadful as being poor, in her eyes, her hatred of men like, ahem, a certain green armored male, was really, really high.

Can't Sain annoy some other unfortunate girl? If he doesn't watch it, my lance is going to end up in a very uncomfortable position…, Farina thought. And if Sain is smart, he'll take her visible scowl as a warning to something dangerous (and spiky) coming his way…

Of all the women he must flatter, it must be the one I am conversing with! Can not he see that his presence is not welcome? And he is even pestering Farina to a point where she has become angrily silent… At least now we have something to talk about, Kent thought. Oh yes, there's the silver lining, Kent.

Sain is very lucky that he's not a mind reader—though…it probably would still not make an impact on his brain. If Raine can't scare him…women of Elibe: you are doomed.

"I do not think we've been acquainted yet," Farina replied coolly. Sain held a hand over his heart as if wounded (which may as well be his fate soon…).

"Alas, she speaks with a voice of an angel! I beg your forgiveness, I am—"

"Not wanted," Farina finished curtly. Kent tried to resist smirking—though he didn't try too hard.

"But my lady—"

"I am not your lady, nor anyone else's. I am my own person and please, I beg of you, Sir Sain, to leave," she said frostily.

Kent was really enjoying himself by now. It wasn't every day that a woman opposed his partner's comments so readily. It was refreshing and highly amusing to see his friend in such confusion.

But definitely mostly amusing.

"Sain, I think you should leave. Her spear is dangerously close—"

Farina jumped up, the tip of her weapon pointing at Sain's neck. A wicked smile formed on her lips.

"If you can best me in a sparring match, then I'll let you go on breathing. But if I win," That smile was fully fledged now. "You owe me one hundred gold." This is Farina, so you knew gold would somehow be involved, no?

Sain felt a bead of sweat trickle down the side of his face. Um…I'd take her upon this wager, but I've no gold to give! Let's see, there has to be some left! There was dinner with that kind inn's maid, the dress I bought for the attractive villager, the room that I paid for in the inn to share with that girl who never showed up…and that gold necklace that the most beautiful woman in all of Elibe had wanted! Hm, I do wonder where she has gone off to… She kind of left me at that village with no clue as to where she went… Dear Elimine, I think I used up all my gold! Sain thought frantically.

"Well, Sir Sain? To speak with this lady, you must first beat me in a match," Farina said confidently.

Sain was about to say something when Kent intervened.

"Sain, don't take the bet. You and I both know that you've neither the funds nor will to take her on. And besides, Farina, you're at a bit of a disadvantage. All Caelin knights are trained on foot first, then horseback," Kent mentioned.

Out of nowhere, a second lance appeared and aimed itself at Kent's neck. One girl had two knights at her mercy in seconds and said girl wasn't too happy.

"Did you just say, what I think you just said?" Farina asked, her tone even.

"Uh… I think so?" Kent said, too shocked to even think straight. Where did that lance come from?! It just came from nowhere…, Kent thought. And what did I say?

What did you say? Honestly, Kent, I think you've been hanging around with Sain a bit too long…

"You think so? So what you're trying to say is that I'm no match for the womanizing fool that's on the wrong side of both my spear and temper?" Farina snapped. Kent could feel himself sweating too.

There were only two women in the world that could instill fear in Kent—one gave birth to him and the other was standing in front in him. Or rather, fuming, in front of him.

"Not at all! That's not what I—"

"Oh, be quiet! You really think that I'm incapable of holding my own on land, Sir Kent?" Her gaze locked on Kent's shriveling one; she used her left handed spear to knock Sain away from her. Sain landed with an OOMF! on top of none other than Lady Raine herself.

She was not too thrilled either.

What Raine did to Sain for punishment is highly graphic and shan't be mentioned. But I say this, Sain got hurt very, very, VERY badly. And Raine didn't even use weapons… Ouch.

All of Farina's attention was on Kent now…for better or for worse—better yet: for worse or worse-r.

"Then I challenge you, Sir Kent of Caelin's knights! Show me the might of which you speak of and of which you think I do not possess!" Farina dared.

Now, Kent is a gentleman at heart. Although he has nothing against fighting women, he is particularly interested in this one and it wouldn't do well to battle her. Besides, he already knew who'd win anyway…

Doesn't everyone?

"Are you going to accept my challenge or stand there brooding in your own cowardice?" Farina replied.

Now, as well as being a gentleman, he was a sore loser. Yes, he didn't like to lose. Which is why Sain was a perfect partner, he didn't mind losing (losing gold, losing wagers, losing women…). But being challenged by a woman and then being called a coward right after did wonders on his reserved nature.

Let's just say his nature wasn't so reserved anymore.

"I am no coward," Kent replied evenly. Farina brought her lance away from him, satisfied with her newest adversary. This is going to be interesting, she thought.

"Then. Show. Me." For each word, Farina poked Kent with the blunt side of her spear.

Kent smiled, already thinking of ways to win—not that he needed to try very hard.

He, after all, wasn't about to let her victor over him after this scene. For every gentleman, there is a bit of pride and honor that goes with him.

And he will do anything to protect that pride and honor.

"I accept your wager, Farina of the Stormwings."

Farina smiled. This might actually be fun! Hopefully, Kent is as good as they say. I wouldn't want to waste time with some guy who has less skill than I, Farina thought. Hee, now I'll get to see if this Kent guy is made of tougher stuff than I think!

Now Sain, who had just been severely beaten, was a bit peeved. I mean, he tried to get Farina's attention and all she cared about was Mr. I'd-Rather-Have-My-Duty-Than-A-Lady. Though now, Kent's 'title' would be changed…and Sain wasn't too happy about that. It was one thing to be an okay knight and a ladies man at heart—it suited him. After all, Kent was a good knight and a horrible ladies man. But now Kent had a girl hooked and Sain didn't…?

That was unfathomable and wrong. And Sain wouldn't stand for it. His womanizing name would stand up to its reputation even if it killed him!

"Wait a second! She wanted to duel me first, Kent! Get in line!" Sain shouted, limping over to the two knights. He was a mess, his hair was disheveled and parts of his armor were…dented. Ouch (again).

"Excuse me, Sain? But I believe you should ask me who I'm going to duel since I'm the one who made the challenge. You did, however, just give me an idea… Why don't we make this wager into a little game? It'll be fun. It'll be a tournament of sorts," Farina proposed. By now, there was quite a big group of soldiers around her and Kent, including Fiora.

"It sounds like a good enough idea, besides, it's best to be training during this rest. We can't get rusty or lazy, time like this is crucial," Kent added.

Sain had now reached the two and was leaning on a lance for support. He was also eying Priscilla to come over and heal him while trying to avoid meeting her brother's eye contact—and the sword that he had just unsheathed.

"How about this, I'll duel whoever wins your match," Sain said.

"No," Fiora said, stepping inside the circle that had now formed. All eyes were on Fiora and Farina, flicking back and forth from each girl.

"I will battle the one who wins, Sain, you may duel me after I win," Fiora replied boldly. "And I will win; you know that, Sister, I've always been able to beat you…"

Farina clenched her fists and felt her lance slip from her sweaty palm. It was true, Farina hadn't been able to best her sister all these years…and it irked Farina. She was the one with the sterling name, she was the one with all the money, she was the one employers all over sought after. She was, not Fiora, but she. And yet Fiora had been able to beat her every time. Not this time, no, not this time—Farina would win this time—she'd make sure of it.

Midst all of this, Kent couldn't help but wonder, So Fiora thinks that I'm going to lose to Farina?

Hee, so who do you think is going to win? Kent thinks it's going to be him (we'll see), Farina thinks it's going to be her (go girl power), and Fiora knows it's going to be Farina (seems like she knows more than I do). But the only reason Fiora wants Farina to win is because there is a long time rivalry between the Ilian sisters… So, who do you WANT to win? Hee. Reviews are always welcome!