Winterfall

Once we made it through the outer ring, or the first ring some may call it, we entered the second ring of the noble district. This ring primarily consists of nobles mixed with upper middle class.

The artichture in this ring consisted of single story and double story homes. The single story homes that we passed, had exteriors that were straightforward and functional. There were few minor decorative elements scattered throughout the buildings. For example, some homes had naturistic carvings in some of the stone and wood or pops of color that were made from plants. Each home consisted of windows that had wooden shutters to help keep the elements at bay.

The roof was typically steeply pitched and covered with thatch to shed rain and snow. And made from wooden shingles of various types of wood.

The double story homes that we passed offer a vertical design that maximized the living space. As some families could be quite large. These homes are characterized by their two levels with a clear separation between private and communal areas.

The roofline of these homes appeared to be more complex than the single story homes. There were gables or dormers that added to the visual aspect of the structure. These double story homes often had amazing front entryways, usually consisting of stone pillars, a large porch that wrapped around the front of the house, and a place of sitting outside.

All of the homes were built from the same material, unless the family was wealthy enough to have exported goods brought in for their builds.

I watched as I saw Marcel look around at the houses. His nose wrinkled and jaw clenched as we walked the stone path.

“What is it this time Marcel?” I felt my eyes narrow as I stared at him intently. I personally felt like he was judging my kingdom based on his own demeanor.

“I just figured it would be…more well built?” He shrugged and continued to walk along the path.

“What do you mean by that?” If my eyes could narrow more they would.

“Nothing really. I just have seen some more impressive builds than this.”

“Please, like what?”

“Homes made of red brick and obsidian for one.”

“How would you have seen something like that? Those aren’t known materials on The Isle.” I scratched my head. I knew he was from the Nine Hells and I figured that is where he saw these structures. I just wanted him to say it.

“Along my travels, I came across the Nine Hells. And you would be amazed at the castles, homes, and other structures there. It truly puts these simple dwellings to shame.” Marcel spoke with pride.

“You know you are shaming the kingdom you are set to rule in a couple of months right?” I stopped as I let him take a few steps forward. Taking a deep breath I resumed walking before he even noticed I had stopped.

He had fallen silent as I rejoined him and his pace. After a few moments, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Yeah, alright.” I said as I tried to ignore him for a while.

After five minutes of blissful silence he broke it, “Are you going to give me a history lesson in this ring?”

I let out a long breath, “Sure. Just like the last, this ring consists of a few notable families. I won’t list them all of course but I will list three of them.

“The Zephyr clan. This is a unique family that crosslines with several different species. Their reach goes as far as Dragonborn and even Half-Orc. The family consists of a unique lifestyle as they don’t exactly do the whole marriage plot but the men and women in the family do have arrangements of sorts just not binding ones so to speak. They are a nice bunch, don't get me wrong, just not everyone's cup of tea. The founder of this family is an old Elf who is around six hundred years of age making them one of the older families. His name is Legolas Zephyr.

“Next on the list is the Fletchers. The Fletchers founded a few of the general stores around the noble district. Their general store is called Fletch and Finds. The store consists of common to uncommon items. They often trade goods as well as buy goods from people. Their family is generally well known and has a good standing within the community. Commonly they consist of elves but also humans. There one of the newer families that had moved in the last couple hundred years.

“Lastly is the Garrisons. The Garrisons are known for their alchemy skills, often crafting supplies for my family. They tend to work out of their home as they craft potions as they get supplies. Their family consists of elves and humans.”

Marcel nodded as he took in the information. “Interesting. I find it interesting that you haven’t listed any races outside of the material realm yet.”

“Like what?” I glanced over at him. I figured he was going to say fiends or devils but I was curious to see what other races he would include.

“Well, there are creatures of Fey, the Hells, and planes of water, earth, fire, and air.”

“We do have all races, well most. We have Fey and elementals from water, earth, fire, and air. Beyond that most races are welcome as long as they are not trouble.”

“So no fiends then?” Marcel glanced over at me and I quickly avoided his gaze.

“We don't tolerate them here.” I told him.

“Huh.” He looked away from me. I couldn’t determine if he was pissed or annoyed as his demeanor was unchanged.

Our walk went silent one more time. This silence I welcomed as talking with Marcel was proving to be a chore. As I felt like I was walking on eggshells around him. However, the bliss of silence didn’t last too long as I soon heard Marcel clear his throat before he spoke once more.

“Where are we going in this ring?” Marcel questioned as I walked ahead of him. Listening to the sounds of his footsteps as they fell behind me.

Take him to the arena.

Not a bad idea.

Feeling alright?

I thought about it momentarily, how was I feeling might you ask? Nervous as hell. A bit awkward. Hesitant. Uncomfortable. But I knew this needed to be done. Even if it made me uncomfortable.

It’ll be alright love, tonight we will have a date of our own. You are handling things better than I thought you would.

Thanks Théo, are you alright?

For the most part. I’ve been keeping myself distracted enough to try not to think about it too much. Though when you leaned on him I despised that so much.

I’m sorry, it just happened my dear.

I know. Let’s not think about that anymore. You need to focus and so do I. I’ll be keeping tabs on you.

I wouldn’t want it any other way my dear.

I returned my focus back to Marcel, who was staring at me. Apparently I stopped again. “Sorry.”

“You can tell him that I won’t hurt you, again.”

“You know, side comments like that don’t help.” I couldn’t help but give him a glare. I mean, if he was truly trying to be genuine then there was no need for comments like that.

“Fair enough my darling. So where are you taking me?”

“The Solstice Colosseum. This place has a rich history in the kingdom as it is one of the older buildings created. The castle of course is the oldest building in the kingdom. The colosseum came a year later. It helped draw attention to the kingdom as many came to stake their claims on the fortune that was offered.”

“Interesting.”

As we approached I opened the colosseum doors and was surprised to see Théo training a few of the guards.

“Princess Maria. Marcel.” Théo nodded at us both and threw a punch at one of the underlings. A loud bang and crack was heard as Théo’s punch cracked a few of the male elf’s ribs.

“I didn’t know you were here.” I spoke as I walked to the other side of the arena where a few chairs were sat out. I pulled a chair to the perfect viewing spot for me and one for Marcel. “Let’s watch some fighting shall we?”

“You know, better yet, I would love to fight you myself Théo.” Marcel spoke as he refused his seat.

“Now that is an entertaining thought.” Théo smiled.

Théo…I don’t know if that is a good idea.

I was truly worried that Marcel may try something. That he may purposely kill him here and now.

I can handle myself, Maria.

Théoden sounded a bit snappy but determined. He wanted to fight Marcel even if this was just a practice run. Hell, I hoped it would just be a practice run.

I don’t know Théo.

I could only hope that my worry and concern would stop this. However, I failed.

Please I got this.

His voice boomed with confidence through the bond. His stance shifted as he stood firm.

I released a long breath, “If you two are really doing this, I want it to be fair.”

Both men looked at me and said, “What are you thinking?”

I smiled slightly at Théo, remembering all of his rules, “Minimum magic, nothing above the shoulders, and once you had enough tap out.”

I oddly found joy in giving Théo rules he had to play by. And more importantly, they were his own damn rules he had given me and Quinn when we fought.

Théo sighed, giving into my demands, “Fair enough. I accept them.”

We both looked at Marcel who appeared to shift in his stance. His hand slightly twitched at his side. He clearly wanted to refuse my requests. However, I knew if he wanted to fight Théoden now, he would agree. I hope.

A low deep groan slipped his lips before Marcel responded with, “Fine…I assume non lethal attacks?”

“Precisely. This is just a spar so to speak. I prefer no one to get seriously hurt.”

Today at least. If anyone has the right to kill the devil it’s me. Got it?

I spoke to Théoden through our dragon-rider bond as a reassurance that Marcel wasn’t going to die today. I needed my turn with him.

Yes, Maria. I won’t kill him. Yet.

I nodded as his voice was firm but true. The only thing that concerned me with this now was, we just had to believe that Marcel wouldn’t do anything foolish.

Once we settled with that, I decided it would be best to move my chair back against the wall. The guards also took a stand against the wall to clear space in the colosseum. “Remember a fair fight. Non lethal. And please, remember to tap out when you have had enough.” I reminded them one more time.

“I’ll count down from ten as you will start ten paces apart.” They both nodded as they walked up a foot from each other. Turned their backs and began to pace the ten feet. “One.” One step taken. “Two. Three. Four. Five.” Five steps taken. My heart pounded faster with each step. I wanted to believe that Théo would hold back his aggression. I wanted to believe that Marcel would hold back him. How could I be so certain? Both hated each other. Théo wanted Marcel dead. Marcel, who knows what he wanted with Théo.

“Six. Seven. Eight.” Each step was agonizing. I could only imagine how this fighting was going to go.

I took a peek in Théo’s mind. I wanted to feel his emotions. He was eager. Excited. Thrilled even. Not nervous at all. He was pumped and ready. His emotions made me a bit uneasy but I trusted him.

I got this. I promise.

I nodded and continued to count, “nine, ten.”

The two men turned and faced each other. My heart pounded to the point I thought it was going to jump out of my chest.

“You may begin.” I spoke uneasy. Hell, this could either end good or bad.