Dirt and Grit
Chapter 16
Days later….
"Our decision is final, Ozpin; there is nothing else to debate or discuss." The voice belonged to a short but broad-shouldered man who appeared as a picture on a holographic screen. Ozpin said nothing in response but looked over the man's slightly sneering lip that if he were anyone else, he would not have noticed it.
If he were anyone else.
"Windham is for once, unfortunately, right Ozpin. We need to cut the budget somewhere, and right now Beacon is drawing in a huge percentage towards…well, we don't know what as all attempts to look at its finances end in a wild goose chase." A woman with brown hair in a ponytail, freckly cheeks and a pair of dog ears atop her head added as she looked at her lap, flicking through a folder. "The increase in dust thefts and other armed robbery is driving up not only dust prices but also in other sectors such as transportation which has increased by six-point-two per cent in the last three months." She looked up from her papers with a frown before she slammed it shut.
"I am aware, Councillor Grassroot, but I can assure you that there are more viable ways to keep all interested parties happy." Ozpin held his cane in front of him with both hands; his posture relaxed as well as he could, but internally he was a whirl of gears trying to figure a way out, "This budget cut to Beacon would only spell disaster in the long run, leading to even worse consequences than stolen dust."
"I wish that were true, Ozpin, but without knowing what this…void in Beacon's spending is, it would not be in our best interest to help fund it where the Lien could go to other areas, such as increasing our funding for education, agriculture and-."
"And where exactly would the rest of that Lien come from? I assume out of your own pocket?" Windham cut in, his mouth set into a frown, "I don't think your constituents would be very happy to pay for such a change. Our magnanimous nobility is already being affected by recent tax increases."
"Well, I assume if the nobles decided to help for a change, then maybe-"
"How dare you! I represent the ancient lifeblood that keeps our fair kingdom running; you should learn that Mayor, if you-"
"Working? Ha! That would be a change for once, wouldn't it? You self serving-." Ozpin sighed as the usual bickering began between these two. One represented the interests of the poor working man, while the other was a mouthpiece of those who lived in the clouds.
It frustrated him that even with the enemies lurking in the shadows, the kingdom's people could still not band together. Although who is to say those enemies are not amongst me right now? He thought darkly.
His eyes lightly drifted over to the two faces in the call; one belonged to another woman whose curly grey hair was tied back into a bun while her half-lidded copper eyes stared in the distance, utterly uninterested in the bickering. Meanwhile…
"Enough!" A deep and harsh voice sliced through the argument, silencing them both immediately as the other council members turned to pay attention. The man was tall and looked as though he would burst out of his suit from how muscular he was; his salt and pepper beard and hair added to his distinguished looks while his silver eyes dressed them down, unnerving each of them besides Ozpin who returned his gaze unperturbed.
"General Gunmetal, is there something you would like to add?" Ozpin asked politely, deferring to him.
Nodding curtly, the general brought his shoulders back to make himself seem larger, "Of course there is Headmaster; I wouldn't have said anything if there wasn't." Ozpin ignored his dig, "Now is the time to stop bickering and find a solution, as it is obvious from the last meetings that Ozpin has a genuine reason for Beacons spending." Now Ozpin felt surprised but did not allow it to show on his face.
"Besides, it wouldn't make for our future Hunters to be poorly trained and our doctors woefully uninformed. I also agree that the rising dust prices are having a disastrous effect on our economy and trade, so I propose this," He continued staring each of them down, "I will station five per cent of our infantry to do routine patrols around the streets of Vale mainly around the areas with high robbery statistics." He pressed something below him, and a screen highlighted different areas around Vale making Mayor Grassroot gasp in shock.
"This is insane! The only areas that have been affected are the lower classes." Cried Grassroot as she looked over the map, "If they start seeing soldiers marching in, they'll think they are being targeted or under some kind of martial law!"
"Or they will see that the Council is finally taking action to keep them safe." Gunmetal replied, his cold eyes remaining unchanged, "There may be some turmoil at the beginning, but until we catch Torchwood and sentence him, then this is the only way."
"Excellent, General! I wholeheartedly agree it's about time order was brought back to our great kingdom." Windham slithered back into the conversation, secretly gloating over his perceived win. Gunmetal turned his gaze to Windham, who subtly flinched.
"I'm glad you agree, Councillor because the nobles will be paying for our operations," Windham looked as though someone punched him in the gut, "What? You didn't think I would be paying out of my own pocket, did you?"
"This-you-I-Hmph!" Windham crossed his arms and sneered at the other councillors, "Surely a better solution would be to tax the gate? If we increase the goods coming in through the villages by three per cent, it would be enough to cover the costs of-."
"Ha! Try it, you windbag, and you'll have an uprising of villages on your hands who will storm Vale before you can finish crapping out your next sentence." Councillor Sunflower, who had been quiet for most of the meeting, finally spoke up as she mocked Windham, "We barely placated them last year when it went up by nought-point-five per cent. What do you think three per cent do?"
"Then they will have to make do, won't they? I doubt anyone would care what a pea-" He closed his mouth immediately when he saw Sunflower's expression.
"Go on, say it. Say what you were going to say: call them peasants again or, better yet, call me one."
Ozpin tapped his cane on the ground, drawing attention and silencing the rest, "Order! My fellow councillors, order!" Taking a breath, he examined their faces and decided the best way to reach a solution for now.
"It seems we are at an impasse, so what I propose is this; General, too many soldiers will frighten civilians but also not taking action will leave them resentful, so I suggest only two per cent of your troops patrol the city; thereby demonstrating that the situation is under control," Gunmetal grunted as he listened and Ozpin took it as a good sign that he didn't fight him on that. Turning his attention towards Windham, he fought back the resentment building in his stomach at what he would say next.
"Windham, the Vale nobility must contribute towards the safety of Vale and its interests so it will pay for the standing cost of the troops stationed within Vale; however," Ozpin could see Windham about to argue with him but stopped him so he could continue speaking, "If they do this, they will find that next year will see a large…tax break for their businesses." Windham rubbed his chin briefly before an oily smile planted on his face.
"Hmm…Very well, Ozpin, that could work; I'll have to reconvene with my constituents to deliberate this plan." Ozpin fought to roll his eyes.
You've already agreed to this, you greedy and foolish man.
"What about the people I represent? I have citizens clamouring at my door demanding what happened about my campaign promise of lowering taxes for lower-income families. Suppose they find out the nobles are getting a tax break next year? There'll be riots in the street!" Grassroot pounded her fist on her desk to signify her frustration.
Ozpin rubbed his brow, "Unfortunately, Mayor, we will have to table that discussion for another time as we have nearly run the clock on this session." She glared at him as she glanced off to the side. Windham clapped his manicured hands together with a condescending smile.
"How sad, Mayor Grassroot; perhaps you'll get something done next time?" Grassroot did not take the bait and merely continued glaring at Ozpin.
"Be very careful, Ozpin, of whose toes you are stepping on." With that, she ended her call, her screen becoming black.
"Yes, I'm afraid I must go as well; I have other meetings I must attend, farewell Councillors." Checking his luxury watch, Windham also ended the call, leaving Gunmetal, Sunflower and Ozpin the last three in the call. The General looked at Ozpin with a raised eyebrow.
"Are you sure that was wise, bending to Windham's greed?" With his deep baritone voice, he asked, "That man is nothing but a mouthpiece for the noble houses to speak through; they will take advantage of your perceived generosity."
Ozpin's face betrayed nothing, "I am aware, General, and it is for those exact reasons that I must appease them every now and then. Those houses still hold considerable influence and sway over the many businesses and institutions that run Vale; I cannot afford to keep stepping on their toes every time."
"...As you wish, Headmaster, I will trust that you have Vale's interests at heart, so I will assist in dealing with them," Ozpin said nothing as he knew Gunmetal wasn't finished, "But I will be taking that as a favour you owe me, and I will come to collect it. Be very aware of that; good day." With that, he logged off and left Ozpin and Sunflower alone.
"Well…that was another productive session, wasn't it, Ozpin?" Sunflower sarcastically said as Ozpin still stood stock straight, his shoulders back but allowed a slight frown to adorn his face. "I think if the people of Vale knew how little got done, we would all end up on the chopping block."
Ozpin laughed humourlessly, "I don't think I could blame them if they did." Sunflower also chuckled before relaxing now that the rest of them were gone.
"You seemed to have upset Grassroot; I would be aware of that the next time you propose Beacons budget."
"Yes, unfortunately, I am aware of what happened and will move to correct it in the future."
"She may be young, Ozpin, but she didn't become the youngest and first Faunus Mayor in Vale by being a moron; underestimating her will not end well for you."
"Believe me, Rochel; I never underestimate my…anyone."
"You were going to say your enemies weren't you? Can't say I blame you; it seems all I do in these sessions is make sure the villages outside aren't being fucked over by the rest of you morons. No offence."
"None taken; your bluntness is a breath of fresh air compared to the others."
"How charming, Ozpin; I'll keep that in mind." She rolled her tongue in her mouth before reaching down and putting on a pair of round glasses, "I'm surprised Gunmetal didn't offer to cover the costs of his troops, given how he runs the largest weapon production company on Remnant as he so likes to remind me at the soirees."
"I'm sure he's telling you because he wishes you to be his next wife."
"Ha! More like so he can have a second seat like that blowhard Ironwood. I'm happy being a lonely old shrew, thank you very much." She barked out a laugh, and Ozpin let himself smile as well.
"Lonely? We both know that's not true, Rochel. Speaking of which, how is your niece…Seele, was it?" Rochel scoffed, but Ozpin didn't miss the warmth that spread in her eyes at the mention of her niece.
"Oh, don't get me started; she hasn't stopped badgering me to let her go to combat school to become a huntress ever since she was kidnapped." Rochel leaned back in her chair with a scowl on her face, "I keep telling her over my dead body, but that still hasn't put her off, if anything that Gypsy who saved her has set her on a different path than I and her parents wanted for her."
"Is it not the right of the child to choose their own path?"
"Ha! When they aren't living under my roof eating my food, then she can do whatever she wants; until then, she can stuff it. I almost lost her already."
"Then perhaps it would be best for her to learn how to defend herself for that reason?" Suggested Ozpin making Rochel fall silent for a moment.
"…Maybe, but I refuse to make a promise I might not follow through with. Speaking of the Gypsy, how is he? Has he settled in well? I heard he gave Branwen a nosebleed which has already pushed him further up in my books."
Ozpin hid the frown on his face well as he recalled the troubles that Grit had gone through on his first day and his general attitude toward Glynda, Port and other professors.
"…I think he is still getting used to his new life here at Beacon." He said no more, making Rochel raise an eyebrow but not comment.
"Well, hopefully, next year at the Vytal Festival, you'll be able to set up a meeting between me and him; Brothers knows I need to thank him for saving my Seeley."
"I'm sure she would also be eager to see him."
She rolled her eyes, "By the gods, don't get me started on her obsession with him; she's constantly asking me if we can write a letter or send him flowers; it's so sickly sweet it makes me want to vomit."
They laughed and fell into a comfortable silence until Rochel decided it was time to leave, "This was nice catching up, Ozpin, but I'm afraid I have to go. Before I do, however, I'm planning on asking for more funding towards Hunter patrols around the outside perimeter of Vale, as the villages there have been up my ass about it. Can I count on you?"
"As long as I can count on you for what I have planned."
"Quid pro quo Ozpin." With that, she signed off and disappeared. Finally, alone in his office, Ozpin deflated and moved to sit in his chair, finally able to get around to those reports that Glynda had sent him. Everything else in that meeting he could handle fine; after all, he has had a long lifetime of dealing with the machinations of humans and faunas, and this was nothing.
However, what bothered him was that Grassroot had managed to uncover the secret funding towards his project beneath the school. Something that had to be protected at all costs and not fall into the enemy's hands. It wasn't the fact that she found out about it, as he and the other members of his inner circle had plans for when that happened, but it was the speed at which she did it.
Emma Grassroot; at the age of twenty-nine, rose up the political ranks to become the Mayor of Vale and automatically earn herself a council seat. She was also the first Faunus to be in that seat of office since the Vale council was founded after the great war. Ozpin swiped on the holographic screen in front of him to bring up her profile; she was the protégé of the previous late Mayor Rice and managed to take advantage of his death to turn him into a martyr for her own campaign to crack down on crime and bring equality to the lower class citizens of Vale.
However, there were so many suspicious factors regarding Rice's assassination, including that she was supposed to be there that day but cancelled at the last minute due to a 'family emergency'. Maybe Ozpin was being paranoid, but usually, what one would call paranoia, he would call his instincts.
Rubbing his brow, he was interrupted from his trail of thought by his screen displaying an incoming call from Glynda. Putting his thoughts to the back of his mind for later, he swiped on the answering icon and waited until Glynda's face was clearly in view.
"How was your meeting?"
"Same as usual, I'm afraid."
"Ah…I'm sorry to hear that, I'm afraid I have to remind you that your lecture for the fourth year's is in the next hour, and after that, you have a scheduled call with Qrow."
"Very well. Is there anything else?" Glynda checked through her scroll.
"Hmm…no, nothing that I can see. After that, you are free for the next two hours." Ozpin hummed and reached to his left to pick up an empty coffee cup.
"Thank you, Glynda, I'll make sure to be ready by then." Standing up, he retrieved his cane, leaning on the table.
Glynda frowned, "Sir, if you want, I can take over your lecture so you can get some rest and-," Ozpin chuckled.
"Thank you, Glynda, but I'll manage. You get back to your own schedule, and I'll let you know if I need any help." Glynda's frown deepened, but she said nothing and hung up.
Sighing again, Ozpin walked over to the elevator and pressed the button, waiting for it to arrive. He schooled his features and didn't allow his genuine emotions to seep through, not even to himself; the time for that weakness for a man like him had long since passed.
Stepping into the elevator, he pressed for the ground floor and watched as the doors closed.
Yes…the time has indeed long since passed.
Sitting in the library, Ove skimmed through the textbooks that they were supposed to read for the upcoming classes in the week. He looked through each of their titles; 'Dynamics of Dust: An examination for aspiring Hunters.' 'Remnant Herbology: Poisons and Potions for advanced learners' The professors that had assigned these books wanted them to read from pages fifty-seven to sixty-five and seventy-two to eighty, respectively and then write a thousand-word summarisation on what they learned. Then it was a practical lesson to finish it all off.
Ove felt his head hurt as he compartmentalised all of it in his head; he didn't know how to start this essay, let alone write a thousand words on it. His metal whirred quietly as he rubbed the back of his head, not saying a word as he thought of how to start. Hearing a grunt next to him, he looked over to see his partner staring at the book as though he were trying to burn a hole through it. Sudri had been doing that for the past thirty minutes since they had arrived, and Ove was wondering what he was doing.
Finally, Sudri dropped the book on the table, creating a bang as it impacted the table, making the other library-goers look up from their own work in annoyance while Sudri ignored them. Sudri laughed as he looked over at Ove, who stuck his hand out in a silent apology to the rest of them.
"I understand none of this!" His thick accent made it hard for Ove to understand his words at first, but he was soon getting the hang of it.
"Like what?" Ove asked quietly, respecting the silence of the library.
"I mean…that I cannot understand the words on the tome. It does not make any sense to me." Ove looked back and forth around him before leaning in.
"Can you…not read then?"
"Of course, I can read Timur! I am not an einfaldur; I just cannot read this tongue." He explained, making Ove make an 'o' shape with his mouth in realisation.
"Well, if you can't read, then how are you going to pass your tests?"
"With my axe, of course? I doubt a Hunstman must know how to read to chop off a Grimm's head?"
"Well…maybe, but you won't be able to pass if you don't," Ove explained gently, trying not to upset Sudri, who frowned.
"Hmm…Bah!" Sudri threw his hands up and laughed, "It does not matter; I will overcome this trial as is expected of my people. This will not stop me." More people around the library glared at him but said nothing as they were either too nervous or frightened to tell him to be silent.
Ove watched as Sudri leaned back in his chair while throwing his axe up and down, catching it in his hand perfectly. Ove's mouth moved slightly as he tried to think of something.
If you want, I can help you?
If you have some time, maybe we can go over it? I don't mind teaching you.
That's…that's what friends do, right?
Instead, his mouth closed, and he remained silent as he faced back towards his own textbook, admonishing himself for his hesitation.
Stupid!
The bell rang, alerting the students it was time for lunch, making Sudri slam his chair forward and stand up as he looked towards Ove, who was still nose deep in his book. He leaned over to tap him on the shoulder, making Ove turn to look up at him.
"Are you not coming, Timur? It is time to feast! And a warrior never fights on an empty stomach."
"…You go on ahead," Ove turned back to the book pretending to read, "I'll catch up soon." He turned to the next page glancing over the words. Sudri stared at him for a moment before shrugging and playfully slugging him on the shoulder before turning around to go. Watching him and the other students leave – Who cleared a wide berth of Sudri – Ove waited until the library was completely clear before putting the textbook down, leaning forward on his elbows and sighing.
Nice one, you blew it again. Why am I so frightened to talk to them? Why can't I follow through? Am I just a coward, or is it something else?
He felt a painful sting from his arm starting from the shoulder and looked over to his metal replacement, which made a soft whirring sound as it moved. He swore sometimes he could still feel it, his original arm before it was replaced by this…this thing. He wished he had his blade with him, Soyokaze. It felt strange to have it in a locker far away from him, but he had to follow the conventions of this place.
Maybe I should be like Sudri and take it wherever I go. Then perhaps I wouldn't feel so…so defenceless.
Closing his eyes, he tried to ignore the pit forming in his stomach as he thought of a long distant promise.
"Promise me; you'll be a kind boy," Her hand cupped his bloody face as he heaved tears that had long since dried up, "Be kind and gentle to those who deserve it, and you'll find friends that will never abandon you. Please promise me-!,"
Coughing drew him away from his memory as he opened his eyes to see who was making the noise. A girl with long black hair and amber eyes stared him down with a half-lidded gaze, her books tucked under her arm with her other hand on her waist.
Unable to figure out what to say to a complete stranger, he only nodded in response to her staring. Her eyes narrowed as they flicked towards his textbook and then back to him as his expression remained blank.
"Aren't you going for lunch? The bell rang ten minutes ago." She asked on the other side of the table.
Ten minutes? Was I in my head that long?
"Sorry," Ove muttered and then began putting his textbooks back into his Beacon-provided satchel, not making eye contact with her. Along with the learning texts was a book he had picked out for personal reading, 'Frankenstein'.
"Hey, hold on a minute," Ove stopped halfway packing as he looked up at her with a curious look; she pointed to his book, "You're reading Frankenstein? What do you think?"
Ove looked at her strangely, "…why do you want to know?" He asked, trying to suss out her motives. She pointed at the book in her own hands, another copy of 'Frankenstein' that widened Ove's eyes in realisation.
"Nothing much, really; just thought it would be interesting to get another person's opinion on it." Her half-lidded eyes didn't change from their usual expression, but Ove could see a little glint in there, "It's also because you don't strike me as the type of person to read books like this."
"…Oh," Ove raised his mechanical arm behind his head to scratch it while he looked away, not noticing her eyes focusing on it, her expression only betraying the mildest surprise, "Well, I'm only really reading it because…." His mouth clammed shut.
"…Because?"
He felt his ears heat up a bit as he debated whether to answer this girl or run away, but something in him urged him to stay behind and try to look her in the eye.
He failed at the latter.
"I saw my team leader reading a book, and I wanted…I wanted something to talk about with him." He wanted to run away, to run away in shame at his pathetic desire; he sounded like a complete child, like a dumb, stupid, pathetic-
A giggle interrupted his inner monologue as he turned to look at her laughing slightly; he felt like his head would explode from embarrassment as he thought she was laughing at his stupidity.
"That's…that's actually quite cute." Her usual apathetic expression had morphed into a half smile as she looked at him, making him recoil slightly in confusion. She pointed to the rest of the library around them, "But you can't just make conversation on one book; what if he's read more than that? What if he doesn't want to talk about Frankenstein? You need a range of topics to talk about."
He looked at her as though she had grown a second head which she took as encouragement to keep talking.
"You have a whole range of genres to go through; fantasy, horror, fiction, non-fiction, thrillers, mystery and r-r-romance," She said that last one with a quiet voice as red dusted her cheeks, but Ove didn't notice as his mind was a whirl from that list.
Are books really that vast? Maybe I should rethink this?
"A-anyway, maybe it would be better to ask what genre of books he likes instead of just picking one off the shelf." Looking around, she reached over to where a stack of plain paper was meant for the printer before reaching into her blazer to pull out a pen and began scribbling down words. Ove watched her for a moment before she folded it up and handed it to him. Taking it off her, he unfolded it and read through it; it was a list of books.
"Try reading through some of those, and you might have plenty to talk about," As he looked at each one, she began walking away to the exit; Ove craned his head up to watch her go as he also stood up, sticking his arm out towards out, finding a burst of courage filling his bones.
"W-wait!" She stopped to turn halfway back at him as he bowed at the wait, both arms at his side, "Thank you." His head was also bowed, so he didn't see her expression as he stayed like that for a moment before coming back up to see her with an amused smile.
"You're very welcome. Honestly, you're far more polite than I would've imagined."
"I was taught good manners are a virtue in being a respectable man."
She hummed in agreement before looking up for a moment in silent debate before drawing her amber eyes back to him, "If…if you have any questions and I'm not busy, and I'm in the library, I would…be happy to talk to you about any of the books on that list."
Ove smiled nervously as his heart began beating faster, "I think…I would like that, thank you." With that, there was silence before she waved and walked out of the library, leaving Ove alone with his thoughts and beating heart.
I…I think I just made a friend…I think I made a friend!
He wanted to jump for joy as he thought of the girl he had just talked to that, that girl who had recommended him books to read so he could talk to Marsden more, the girl who…who…that girl…
His head slumped as he realised he never got her name; he was too embroiled in the conversation that he forgot the first rule in introducing yourself to someone. You ask their name. He stood in shame for a moment before shaking it off and resolving to ask her next time they spoke, and when he finished reading one of the books she had recommended him, then he would-
*RIIING* *RIIING*
The bell rang, interrupting his thoughts again as he realised that he missed lunch and it was not time for the next period. He flicked open his scroll, looked at his schedule, and realised that the combat class was next with Professor Goodwitch.
Shutting away his other thoughts, he went out of the library and into the throng of students making their way into their classes. He, however, walked with a slight spring in his step and a unusual thrill for the rest of the day.
"Come on, partner, just one, yer killing me over here," Heath pleaded with his hands together towards Risi, who tried ignoring him with his usual grunts to deter him. Sudri scoffed in amusement at the display his warband leader was putting on; as for one so cunning, he was instead acting rather…uncunning.
Sudri nodded at himself at the apt comparison until he heard Risi sigh in aggravation before reaching into his pocket and pulling out those little…paper sticks he blew smoke out of, making Heath cackle in victory as he tucked it behind his ear and finally leaving Risi alone who as usual sulked like a child who couldn't suck from his mother's teat anymore.
Turning to him, Sudri could not resist taunting him, "What is the matter, Risi? Do you cave so easily to begging? Perhaps you will finally stop running away from my challenges if I get on my knees?" Yes, a jab at his warrior pride should do the job.
Risi growled as he narrowed his eyes, "Sure, maybe while you're down there, you can suck my dick as well, you fucking piece of playdough." Sudri was now on the defence as now his own manhood was challenged. It did not help that Heath let out a taunting 'ooh' that made Sudri's blood boil.
"Ohoho, well played, Risi, but that will be the last thing that you-,"
"Hey Ove, where ya' been?" Heath cut Sudri off as they looked behind him to see Ove standing there, a tiny grin on his face, "And what's got ya' grinnin' like a pastor out a whore house?" Heath asked as Sudri was now curious as well. He had left Timur alone in the-the library; it was called, as he went to the feast hall.
Ove said nothing for a moment before shrugging and sitting down next to Sudri, who turned to look at Risi before punching his fist into his palm, which Risi responded to by sticking his middle finger up at him.
"If you will settle down, students, we will begin sparring," The blonde witch's voice cut in, drawing everyone's attention as they looked to the giant screen in the middle, which had two portraits spinning incredibly fast. "If you will pay attention to the board, we will have the first match to begin the class with two students being picked at random."
The board spun faster and faster while Sudri hoped that his name would be chosen for this battle, his axe was getting itchy to hold as it had not hit anything in over a week, and it was showing in his antsiness. Anyone would do at this point, anyone.
The first portrait stopped spinning, and the chosen was:
Nora Valkyrie – 100%
Sudri looked up at the portrait of the ginger girl who grinned in her picture, a silent challenge demanding anyone to come to fight her.
Valkyrie? A firm name belonging to a…hmm, if I didn't any better, I would say she was…
"AWWW YEAH BABY, NORA VALKYRIE READY TO KICK SOME A-S-S!" He looked over to see the short ginger girl standing up from the seats her team was in as she hopped around them, saying something he couldn't hear. Looking at her, he felt a strange sense of yearning to cross blades with her; something in his brain begged for battle with her.
Mighty and blessed Tyr, bring me glory and allow me to battle with the wench who wears the name of Odin's mightiest maidens.
He looked up to the board to see the second portrait stop spinning and land on a familiar face, his face with all glorious war marks. He raised his axe in celebration.
Sudri Baldrson - 100%
"Margar blessanir almáttugur Týr! Hahaha, I feel a great victory in the winds!" He looked to his warband, who looked back in confusion.
"Damn, somebody is excited," Heath commented as he leaned back, pushing his hat back with a finger, "Guess ya' been itchin' for a scrap fo' a while now, huh?"
Sudri said nothing but licked his lips as he stared over the arena at his opponent, who made several rude gestures at him, demonstrating that she also felt the excitement at the coming battle.
"Will Nora Valkyrie and Sudri Baldrson make their preparations, then come down to the arena, please." The witch's voice barely registered in Sudri's brain, but he understood enough to make his way to the locker room to get ready.
Ready for a blood-whetting battle.
Translations:
Einfaldur = Simpleton
Margar blessanir almáttugur Týr = Many blessings almighty Tyr
