Amateur Contest

Posted on Tue Mar 28th, 2023 @ 4:48am by Tessa di'Orion

Mission: Trade And Tribulations
Location: Bazaar and Arena
Timeline: TBD

Louis wandered about the bazaar by himself. Not a small feat, considering how he had to convince his older brother that he could be trusted to be alone on an alien planet without getting into trouble. He was about to go find Rene and Amelie and have lunch when a stall caught his eye. He walked over and started looking at the various collection of swords and daggers on display. Years of fencing lessons at his late father's fencing academy back on Earth had given him a keen interest in archaic melee weapons.

The merchant saw the new potential customer and slowly made his way over to the youngster, eyeing him up and down. The large humanoid had four arms and pebbly skin that looked like it may be made of rock rather than flesh and blood, his voice was no different, “Good morning citizen, is there something here you find interesting? I sell only the finest of weapons here at Grirlan’s Emporium.” The name was a rumble, rather than actually sounding like a name.

Louis gave a forlorn sigh as he eyed a sword similar to the family rapier now mounted on the wall in the Rouen family quarters. "I do like this sword, but it is way more expensive than I have the means to pay for."

“Ah, that is truly a pity, however if you’re short on cash, there are always ways to earn it.” The gravely voice continued, “You look to be in decent shape, you could always enter the arena’s amateur combat that comes before tonight’s main event. In fact, as part of the contract, you’d even get a prime seat once your fight is done! And let me tell you, this main event will be one to talk to the Grands about! A death match, eight of the best gladiators in and around the Hegemony, should be glorious!” He gave a rock filled laugh, “And a victory in the amateurs would be just about enough for that blade you were looking at. Of course, it’s purely a to-the-yield combat with padded weapons and padded armor, we wouldn’t like anyone new to the arena got get too badly injured now, would we?”

Behind Louis, the bell on the door tinkled, indicating someone entering. It was a young blonde woman dressed in a tunic and long skirt of blue and white, eyes cast towards the ground as was appropriate for her station, but she saw that the shopowner was occupied, so she stayed back and quiet.

Louis had listened with interest regarding the amateur tournament. He had been entering fencing competitions for several years now throughout the European Continent back on Earth and had become quite good. "I thank you for the recommendation and the vote of confidence." He knew that actually following through with entering the competition without Rene’s knowledge or, much less, permission would put him into a great deal of trouble. It was something to ponder. He turned to leave and that was when he saw HER. The young woman looking down was more beautiful than words could describe. "Erm, Pardon me." He gestured to the counter. Please, go first."

“Thank you, Milord.” She said softly, stepping up to the counter and raising her gaze to show bright blue eyes underneath the blonde locks that she swept aside, “Milord Grirlan,” She made a hash of the storekeepers name, but he/she/it? Didn’t complain, “My Lord Br’raa’ran was inquiring if his Champion’s armor was ready for use, given the requirements of the match this evening.”

“Of course, of course, I’ve got it in the back and will have it sent for her within the hour, unless you’ve got a cart out there?” Another rumbling laugh because he knew she didn’t have one.

“Thank you, Milord.” The young woman gave a slight bow, then casting her eye towards the ground once more backed up two steps before turning and heading towards the door once more, glancing up a ways towards Louis, still three inches shorter than her, “And thank you for your indulgence, Milord.”

Louis stood there in awe of the young woman. He had caught only part of the exchange between the young woman and the shopkeeper, being distracted by her beauty. He turned to the shopkeeper. "You know that lovely woman? Please, tell me her name and where I can go to find her."

“Her name?” The shopkeep made a universal throwing-away gesture, “Not worth the effort, pebble, she’s an Indentured Servant for the merchant Br’raa’ran, off limits to your like. She got into debts that she could not pay and now she’s working it off in some way or another, no good for the Arena that one, so it’s going to take her a while.”

Louis turned without a word and bolted from the store. He glanced up and down the street and spotted the young woman about 25 meters down the avenue. Louis took off at a sprint and caught up to Tessa at the corner. "Milady, a moment of your time if I may. I am Louis Rouen from the planet Earth."

The girl looked up from where she was walking, the barest hint of a smile on her face, but no more. It almost looked like a scowl, “I have no problem with you walking with me, Louis Rouen of Earth, but I am expected at The House and I cannot be delayed.” She made a mild gesture to next to her, but resumed her walk, albeit at a slower pace, “I am Tessa’e’Sera di’Orion, pr-, of the world of Tial.” It was clear she was used to saying something else, but had changed her mind at the last moment, “I am also an Indentured Servant of Br’raa’ran, until my debts are paid off.” Her voice lowered, “Not that it’s fair or anything.”

Louis fell into step with Tessa. He had felt a surge of excitement when it looked like she almost smiled. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "It isn't fair. I would like to help if I can." He hoisted a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the weapons shop. "The Rock Guy said there's a tournament of sorts that has a top prize. I would be honored to enter it and use the money to pay off your debt."

The look she gave him wasn’t hard to decipher, the warmth that had been there had gone away as if in a sharp wind. “I don’t want that. I have already been sold like a piece of meat in the marketplace once, I’m not going to have that happen again. Besides, Br’raa’ran won't agree to a price that robs him of his fun.”

Louis looked hurt for a moment at the suggestion he wanted to buy her like some piece of chattel. He shook his head vigorously. "No. My planet abolished the institution of slavery nearly half a millennium ago. My only wish is to see you free. No strings attached."

Tessa stopped to look at him, glancing up and down, but despite the look of frozen wind from her stopping, still shook her head slowly, “I still can’t let you, Louis Rouen, for any number of reasons. You are obviously newer to Trarim than I am, so you don’t know the dangers of the arena, even what they call the Amateur competition. You’re legally able to enter it, assuming your looks don’t fool me, but even if you win, the prize money wouldn’t even come close to what debts are owed.” She reached out and placed one soft hand gently on his forearm, the wrist had a complicated tattoo on it, “Don’t risk yourself for something that won’t matter in the long run, it’s not worth it.”

Louis used the hand of his free arm and covered her hand lightly. "You let me worry about that Milady." He gave Tessa a reassuring smile. "I have spent the last decade studying swordsmanship at the best fencing school in all of Europe under one of Earth's finest grandmaster, my father." He touched his forehead, sternum and shoulders. "God rest his soul. I simply need to win the tournament and then one more match I can wager on to come up with the money to free you. I can do this."

Realizing that absolutely nothing she could say would dissuade him, Tessa sighed. Twice that original bounty would make a dent in her debts, true, but less of one than HE thought. She, too, had combat training, of a different style than he for sure, her favored weapon was a staff, but he didn’t need to know that. But, if he were to insist on fighting for her, perhaps she could temper his fervor. She reached up with her free hand to cup his cheek, “Promise me one thing, that if you find yourself in over your head, withdraw. Don’t worry about me, I will be fine.” Her eyes tried to get that same message across, because she truly didn’t want him to get hurt just to try to help her.

Louis felt a tingling sensation radiate down his body from where Tessa touched his cheek to the soles of his feet. He felt as if he could not refuse her any request...except for that one. The thought of her being a virtual slave made him ill. He had no intention of giving up if there was even the slightest chance he could win her freedom for her. He gave her a smile and nodded. "If I am in any danger, I will yield. It's okay though. Like the shopkeeper said. It's an amateur tournament. What the game officials don't know is...I am no amateur."

"And don't tell them, else they'll put you up against someone with a potentially higher skill. Let them underestimate you." Sound tactical advice given, Tessa released his cheek and withdrew her other hand, clasping them in front of her. If anyone had seen them for those several.. tens of seconds? She glanced around worriedly for a moment, but saw only seemingly disinterested passersby. Good. "I must go, good luck, Louis Rouen of Earth, be safe." She almost added one more thing, but knew that if HE knew, he'd never back down. 'I'll be watching.' She thought to herself, 'And worrying.' She gave him one more small smile before she turned to walk away.

Louis sighed as Tessa walked away. He was elated to see her smile at him. He vowed then and there that next time they met, she would be a free woman. He just needed to obtain the means to secure said freedom. He turned and headed for the Arena to sign up for the amateur contest.

END SCENE