Winterfall

The arena fell silent as the air crackled around us. Not from lightning but from anticipation those that were present had their eyes fixed on Marcel and Théoden as both men ready themselves for a fight. Their feet, shoulder length apart and their body weight evenly distributed.

Both had drawn their weapons in a swift motion as the words “You may begin,” left my lips.

Between the two, Théoden was the first to draw his sword. He moved in a quick pace pulling it from its spot on his belt that it was almost impossible to see him remove it. His Draconic Blade, a weapon that shimmered as the light hit the stunning platinum metal. His weapon’s hilt was well crafted and made from black leather laced with delicate gold designs. Upon the hilt of the blade was a unique looking dial, almost similar to that of a small sundial. A dial that he could utilize his attuned essence to activate and choose a different draconic bonus damage.

With him embracing himself as Dragon King, there was a new addition to the dial and that was The Platinum Dragon. Which is where his long sword was set now. As I found out recently, his prime mentor was the very same dragon that his sword was representing.

I couldn’t help but question if it was the right move for Théoden to utilize these abilities now. That perhaps we should save them for the battle to come. However, he was a grown man, well a dragon, and it was his decision to choose what he did with his new power.

Marcel wasn’t too far behind Théoden in pulling out his blade. However, unlike Théoden's pure blade Marcel’s was sinister as echoes of screams from the pits of Hell could be heard if you got close to the blade. This was a Demonic Dark Blade and until Marcel came about, I had only heard of them in fairy tales. Once you look upon his blade the appearance of faint souls, withering faint white and silver colors swirled and glistened throughout the black metal blade. Running along the swirling souls, veins of crimson shifted and gleamed. Further on the sword, shifts of green and yellows pulsed against the other colors on the blade. Showcasing the poison that seeped through his weapon.

As my eye remained transfixed on the two men, I soon began to overhear some of the guards whisper amongst themselves. I turned my ears to them for a split second but remained my eyes fixed on the fight that was just getting underway.

“Five on Théo.” A blue scaled dragonborn spoke. This guard’s name was Thalor Stormbane.

“Considering their history, ten on Marcel. But don’t tell the captain that. He will punish me for sure.” the Elven man who had his ribs cracked by Théoden spoke. His name was Faelan Thronheart.

Betting. Amusing. Théo spoke as he overheard them through the bond. I’ll have to deal with that later.

I rolled my eyes, just focus.

Right. Théo pulled his focus back to the fight. Marcel still had yet to make a move as it had just started. Instead of watching the fight with my own eyes so to speak, I pulled into his vision to watch the fight through his eyes.

~Théo’s point of view~

It was interesting that Marcel hadn’t made a move yet. I had no idea what his game was. He had the perfect opportunity to strike first but he didn’t take it. Perhaps, he was wanting me to make the move first. Tempting as that was, I thought it would be best the other way around.

If only I could dive into his mind just like I know Maria was watching this fight through my mind. My first instinct is always to examine my opponent. Try to find his weak spots.

His body was pretty much exposed. Well, his upper torso was. As he refused to wear a shirt on a regular basis. His pants would provide minimal coverage on his lower body. That was pretty much it on defense. Unless he had a magical attribute. I assume he did. Otherwise, it would be pointless for him to show up in battle without any sort of protection.

Magical defense of sorts. Rather it be a magical item or spell. I reported my findings to Maria. In hopes she was taking note.

I surged forward as I felt adrenaline coursing through my veins. I tightened the grip around my sword's hilt, as I aimed for his upper chest. And to my disappointment, my blade only cut through the thick air as it met his own sword.

As I attacked, Marcel had reacted with impressive agility. In a fluid and practiced motion, he parried my attack with his blade. Sending a loud clang as the two metals clash into each other. I felt the force of the parry deflect up and in my arm. The force didn’t bother me nor did it slow me down despite the sting of disappointment that burned through me. However, this now only provided the will power I needed for my next attack.

“About time,” Marcel breathed heavily. His voice was tinged with a mix of impatience and satisfaction. I heard him move as he tried to take a swipe at my back.

However, with my observant skill I was able to react fast enough and surround myself in a silvery mist as I used my Draconic leap ability to move fifteen feet away from him. Causing him to miss.

“I figured a man like you would want to swing first.”

As our conversation quickly faded I lunged at him once more with quick speed. In a brief motion, I changed my sword's direction from his chest to his left side. With my quick decision, I was able to make the first contact causing liquid crimson to spew from the gaping gash that I left. I couldn’t help but feel a burst of pride, however, I knew more than well enough not to get too cocky in a fight.

I watched his wound as a burst of draconic magic seeped through his evil skin. Mind you, this was pure lawful good magic seeping into an evil creature. As the draconic magic surged into him, I noticed Marcel’s body began to decay along where I cut him. I watched a few more seconds as his flesh tore and began to seep green ooze as the flesh of his muscles became exposed. Soon after this occurred, I noticed the decay effect started to tear away at the muscles. And after about five-ten seconds the effect stopped.

Once I was done watching the effect of the blade I turned my focus back to Marcel. His body was tense as he gritted his teeth, as he tried to hide the pain.

After the shock of my sword's impact on him had faded, Marcel was quick to swing his demonic sword back at me. Thankfully, this impact missed as I was quick to dodge to the opposing side. However, I felt a power surge through Marcel as he was quick to swing at me again.

This attack hit my thigh and I instantly felt the pain of his sword. My innate reaction was to grab at my leg however, I knew that would give him an opportunity to strike once more. I fought through the pain of the dark blade work. It's sinister magic on my body. Thankfully, for me, I was not affected by the poisoning effect of his blade due to my immunity to poison.

Seizing the opportunity I took my turn in combat as I allowed my own power to surge through me, granting me two swings at Marcel. The first one impacting his right shoulder, decaying more of his flesh on impact. The other was a disappointment as he managed to dodge this attack.

Following my swift motion, he took two swings at me. The first striking my own shoulder and the other gashing my right side. Both caused horrific pain to seep through my body but I refused to focus on the pain. I had to focus on the fight.

At this point in the fight, we were even in the amount of blows that hit and missed. “Had enough yet?” I snarked as I couldn’t help but taunt him. As I could see the works of the draconic decay taking a toll on his body.

He rolled his eyes, “Please, I am just getting started.”

“I thought those attacks were weak,” I scoffed. I wanted to feel his full power. I wanted to see what he was truly capable of. I knew a bit as to what he was capable of. As I felt every one of his hits on Maria.

“You want power?” I nodded, “I’ll give you power!” Marcel ran towards me, blade drawn. I saw his expression change as I felt a ting of magic hit my body. What’s this? I questioned myself as I didn’t dodge his attack.

I would have if I could, did he stun me?

On impact his blade pierced just below my heart. I felt a loss of balance as I collapsed to my knees. I gasped for air as a wave of panic washed over me.

I’m sorry. I whispered through the bond. However, I knew I should tell her something more in case Marcel would go back on his words and finish me here and now.

I love you Mi Amor. Don’t you forget that please.

The pain was becoming unbearable at this point. As he pressed his sword deeper into my body. As this happened I could feel my body’s ability to heal take effect working as quickly as possibly to heal the wound.

My own mind raced as my own heart began to slow. I truly thought this would be the end of me.

Théoden!

I heard Maria cry through the bond. I glanced up to face her and saw tears stream down her face. As my guards held her back. At least, they were keeping her safe. Keeping her from using her own magic.

Théoden you can’t! I need you! I love you! Please!

Her words were rushed through the bond as she tried to break free of the guards.

As her reaction pained me, I glanced back up at Marcel, “Are you going to kill me now?” I managed to say as I spit up a bit of blood.

Marcel’s sword went deeper into my body, brushing up against my spine. “I could.” He held a sinister grin on his face as he looked down at me in triumph.

Just then we both heard Maria’s screams echo through the arena, “STOP!” she shouted as she was still attempting to break free of the guard’s grasps. “STOP IT PLEASE!”

God it pained me to see her this way. Tear soaked cheeks. I just hoped she wasn’t in any pain either as I tried to block that part of the bond. At least for this fight.

I glanced up at Marcel who seemed amused by all of this, “I could kill you here and now. End whatever you have with my future wife. However, it would be foolish of me.” He knelt down and whispered what he said next in my ear, “I need both of you alive for my plan to take full effect. Two powerful souls…”

He yanked his sword out of my lower chest fast and hard. Causing me to collapse to the ground and grunt in pain. With the sword removed, I used my highest spell ability to quickly heal the wound, in hopes of preventing further damage.

“If you weren’t immune to poison you would be dead by now.” Marcel pointed out, “Shall we call it here?” Marcel held out his hand to me. As I tried to focus on healing.

The first spell worked wonders. I was able to sit without the rush of pain pulsing through every ounce of my body. The second and third healing spells were just what I needed. However, I did feel drained from the fight.

I was hesitant to take it but I could sense Maria’s emotions. She was stressed, worried, and hurting. I sensed she took a bit of the pain from me despite my best attempts at blocking it.

I sighed, “Sure, but at some point we will continue this fight.”

I stood up after a few more smaller bursts of healing for reassurance and took his hand, shaking it firmly. I did this for her sake. I knew she couldn’t take it if something happened to me.

“Indeed we will, Théo.”

Marcel grinned as he turned away and walked over to Maria. I gave her a small burst of the soothing aura to help calm her down as she only stopped struggling once the fight was done.

“Are you alright?” He asked her in a kind tone of voice. One I was unaware that he had.

She simply nodded and just stared at me. What were you thinking?

I’m sorry but it’s useful information.

That sword dug right into your spine! If it wasn’t for me, for the fact that you are immune to poison!

I know…I am sorry. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.

I watched as she turned her focus to Marcel. “I am fine. Thank you for asking.” She took a deep breath and glanced over at me one more time.

Sorry for snapping at you, that was just stupid of you.

I nodded, let’s talk about this tonight. Enjoy the rest of your day with him. I love you.

I didn’t intend to sound harsh when I said him but I couldn’t help it. Jealousy isn’t my strongest suit when it comes to her and I couldn’t help but wonder if Marcel actually had feelings for her or if somewhere deep down, she had feelings for him.