A New Beginning (Brenton)

[Brenton]

Sure thing. I'm game for Aelodil to join

[Aelodil]

Seeming to shift out of the shadows, a tall man in attire that unmistakably marked him as a noble began clapping as he moved into the light. His wild blonde hair was in conflict with his regal black outfit marking him of his noble house. Wearing a smile that might be called on the brink of insincere he flourished his hands with a hint of a bow towards Clarissa and Galeron. He recalled his other cousin if not much. He knew he was the youngest in their family, with Ragdar being the second youngest. He used to be the second youngest until his butler revealed to him he actually was a lot older than he thought he was. Which also explained his excessive knowledge in swordsmanship and magic. With Oroku's eldunari in an invisible pocket floating nearby him he felt relatively complete. Now with Clarissa here he was complete.

With his Rider's blade seeming to suck in the light glinting from the sun with its grayness also at odds with his blonde hair he seemed to be a reaper. Striding closer to Clarissa his smile changed. It became completely sincere and full of warmth that normally wouldn't be in his composition. Not daring to show much more in front of Galeron - his time in court made him extremely wary of just about anything and everything, even his family - he said in a tone he reserved for her, mostly clear of his silvery tongue tone with a hint of gentleness not usually there. He began, "It's been awhile, Clarissa. Almost a month now, no? I do miss you, cousin." his eyes glinting with some mischief that would've had his deceased uncle Galbatorix bending him over his knee.

Turning to Galeron he began, "And you too, cousin. It's been more than a while, hasn't it? I take it you've been well? I'd hate to see our family die off, especially not the youngest of us." his voice slightly less gentle though still gentle enough for a family member whom he treasured. Still, there was a rough edge to his voice that made even the bravest of men and women be wary of him. Recalling the reason Galeron was here he offered, "If you really do want a challenge while training in swordsmanship.. I will be your mentor in that area. I couldn't care to tutor you in magic - it's one of my less favorite subjects with swordsmanship being my favorite and probably the one I excel in the most. What do you say?" speaking to both Galeron and Clarissa, considering she was the one he had come to for help in tutoring.

Oroku opened himself to the rest, making himself known to Galeron, and explained who and what he was. Then he turned to Clarissa and began, "He won't say it now, not in front of anyone else but Aelodil has truly missed you, Clarissa. He hopes you still remember he loves you. Anyway, it's nice to see you, Lady." then extending his greeting to Vervada.

(Sorry, kinda rushed)

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Brenton]

Clarissa blushed as she saw Aelodil approach, but quickly hid the reaction from prying eyes. This man was supposed to simply be her cousin in everyone's eyes so she had to sell it. As Aelodil spoke she grimaced at his timing.

Galeron, if you couldn't tell from the pompous attitude and silver tongue, this is Aelodil. Clarissa flashed a mischievous look towards Aelodil for a second before continuing. He is good with the sword and has almost as much skill with training as I do. But he is right, my expertise lies in magic and dragon care. He would be able to give you more of a challenge when you reach our level.

Clarissa went into her mind and replied to Oroku. He is wise to not let everyone know. I still don't fully trust our cousin Galeron. Anyhow I know he does. Please tell him he is extremely handsome today and I am glad he showed up unexpectedly.

Vervada was sitting in the shade of a nearby building when she heard Oroku greet her. So that was why Clarissa had seemed so distracted for a split second. It wasn't anything threatening, just the person she loved showing up unannounced. Greetings Oroku. Our younglings are still as heavily infatuated as last time they saw each other.

[Galeron Aeda]

Galeron's face lit up when Clarissa mentioned it was Aelodil that stood before him. He bowed before Aelodil and greeted him. He sensed another mind close to him, but he couldn't physically sense it. Then the being spoke to him, and he got the same feeling he did when he spoke with Vervada or Kyr. It was a dragon but in a stone, like those he had seen Glabatorix use. "Greetings Oroku, you might be interested in meeting my companion, Kyr." Kyr extended his mind and said greetings as well. It seemed strange to Kyr that all dragons could end up in eldunari's, he found Aelodils and Oroku's relationship even stranger, but he did not voice his to anyone except Galeron. He linked his mind with his Rider and both shared the same thoughts, they found it sad how a dragon would have to end up an eldunari. Sure his mind remained, but what of his physical self, how could a Rider be called a Rider without a dragon, and a dragon be called a dragon without his or her body?

Galeron took a close look at Aelodil and noticed he wore a nobles vestiments, as well as a grey sword on his belt. Then he focused on the physical appearance of Aelodil. He was a handsome, as with most of his family. The young Rider responded to him "Yes, it has been well for my family and I. Not as bad as I imagined at least. As to the training, I would enjoy for both you and Clarissa to teach me in your preferred arts. Maybe Kyr would like thr same from Oroku and Vervada. I believe that a balance between sword and magic is the best a person can have, both skills compliment each other...So Aelodil and Oroku, why travel all the way here to Teirm? I imagine there must be another reasons besides a simple family reunion?" Galeron did see several glances from both of his relatives, but he did not yet know what they fully meant. He assumed they were just friendly looks. But he kept a warm blue eye on Aelodil, just simply observing him. Kyr sat next to Galeron, his tail lashing in excitement.

[Aelodil]

Grinning like a fox, Aelodil gently rapped Galeron atop his head. "You're of nobility, Galeron. We do not bow to anyone, not even one another unless it is to be mocking or if it's part of a ploy to manipulate the person you are bowing to. Besides, we're family, no? There's no reason for such formality in private." quickly to ratify his mistake he warded them. Now they were secluded from the rest of the world. Nothing that happened in here could be heard or seen from the outside world without his wishing to. Or if someone were to break his ward, something which he sincerely doubted.

Listening to the polite youngster Oroku gave a mental raise of his eyebrows and responded to Galeron, the full gale of his thoughts bearing down on the young man as he said, "So you're of the same blood of Aelodil? Shame to see you seem unused to physical labor. It would've suited you. Especially as a noble. It sure helped Aelodil after the tragedies of his family." both inquiring slightly less politely than he should have and jabbing at Aelodil who grimaced in return. He hated to be reminded of what happened to his family.

Not waiting to hear from Galeron Oroku reached out to Aelodil to relay Clarissa's message to him. Taking it with a satisfied sigh, he stilled the rush of blood in his head. Striding up to Galeron he began, "I have one condition if I am to tutor you in swordsmanship: You will swear to keep secret whatever Clarissa and I discuss unless we give you permission. Furthermore, anything that goes on between us three is kept between us and the dragons of course. Mind, if you do not agree to this then I will have to erase your memory of this meeting and will likely leave you without a tutor." and before the inevitable anger from Clarissa for making the decision on his own he quickly covered the distance between him and her and gave her a quick peck on her soft lips and whispered low enough for only her to hear, "And you look even more beautiful with every day it seems. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. He already would've figured it out, and besides, he's family. If we can't trust him I'll make it so we can trust him. Please continue with it. It wouldn't do if he saw us in conflict about the decision I threw onto him."

"Now, in case you haven't figured it out the main reason I came was for my dear cousin Clarissa. The fact that you were here was actually a coincidence, a pleasant one, mind. I look forward to your reasonable choices and our continued relation as student and mentor. What a hundred blademasters couldn't teach you in a year I could teach you in a few months, with the same being true in magic for Clarissa." he told his younger cousin with the same gentleness he reserved for a family member in private. Wrapping an arm around Clarissa's waist he continued to study Galeron with that same ice cold glint in his eyes.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Brenton]

Clarissa made it known that she knew where Galeron was going with his questions and would silence him if it didn't stop. She honestly didn't care much that Aelodil made this decision but it was shocking when he kissed her quickly and then wrapped his arm around her.

Deciding secrecy was long since unnecessary, the woman leaned her head against Aelodil and closed her eyes for a few moments. So long had she been dealing with the politics in Teirm that she forgot what it was like to feel safe again.

As you have seen, Galeron, Aelodil and I are a bit more than your average cousins. He comes here occasionally to visit me and Vervada and I have taken several trips to his province for the same reasons. Now, Aelodil is right though. He can teach you more in a month than you can learn in a year elsewhere. And I can impart on you so much knowledge of magic that it will scare you at times. We are probably two of the greatest in our fields. So do you agree to keep what happens quiet?

[Galeron Aeda]

Galeron was relieved and loosened up when Aelodil said that he didn't have to be so formal. But the boy got the feeling that his cousin was being too nice for one of the first times they'd met. After all, he bowed because his cousin was the Lord of Gilead, and he was almost a complete stranger to Galeron. He fixed his hair and listened intently to everything Aelodil had to say, but when he reached over and kissed Clarissa he tensed up once more. He averted his gaze and he looked to the sky with a face of pure discomfort, not replying in any way. He listened to everything Clarissa had to say, but he did not respond. Kyr was much the same, yet his face remained expressionless. He turned to Clarissa and touched minds with her saying "Give us a second to think." Galeron and his companion turned around sulking their way to a bench near the main hall. The boy unsheathed his sword, and placed the tip on the ground, holding the grip with both hands. He observed the blades workings, without saying a thing. Kyr put his head on his lap and said nothing either. They stayed like that for a couple of seconds until the young Rider said "That was... sudden... Did Galbatorix..."

"Know about their affair? I'm almost certain he wouldn't allow it."

"Will we?"

"I would find it strange for one of my blood to love another of my blood. But I've heard it may be more common among you two leg races." 

"It's not something that is unheard of, but strange none the less. I will not blindly accept it, it discomforts me I will admit... But if it must be done to advance my training, then so be it." 

Neither of them spoke for several more minutes until Galeron said "I don't like the situation any more than you do but, we can have them as our teachers until we find more suitable ones."
Kyr accepted and moved his head off his lap. The pair walked towards the group and said "Verywell, we accept your offer. We will keep your relationship a secret, but a question if you will. Is this a well kept secret? You two seem to be awfully open about it."

[Aelodil]

Smiling wryly, Aelodil thought out loud, "Seems the boy thinks us mad. I can tell his discomfort was almost completely due to our relation and only slightly because I told him not to be so formal, all things in consideration. Not to say I won't be having my fun with that." clearly amused at Galeron's reaction. It wasn't that he hadn't expected it but he felt slightly surprised nonetheless. It wasn't uncommon for those of royalty to intermarry, sometimes some sickos going so far to marry as siblings, to keep their noble blood pure. He thought someone of royalty would understand it at least from that perspective if not from any other perspective. Giving a slight sigh he ran a hand through his hair as Galeron walked off to consider their proposal.

Partly due to a part of him shouting to rebel against what others expected and partly to feel the comfort of Clarissa close to him he wrapped his arm around her and lowered his neck enough to give her a kiss on the forehead. A thought flashed his mind and he voiced it without hesitation, "What are your expectations of Galeron? Personally I don't think he'll last long if he keeps that attitude. The only person with the right for such arrogance is one who can get away with it regardless who stands in their path. And those in that position are more often wiser than to run around challenging anyone who could put up a challenge. He'll either get that attitude knocked out of him in a week or he'll burn himself out." voice matter-of-fact.

Though Galeron was family, Aelodil had long since forgotten mercy when it came to educating a soldier. In his mind Galeron was now a soldier. One that required training. Therefore he was justified in being harsh on the boy. Combing a hand through Clarissa's hair, he ignored all else for a moment and thought before talking. "I hear Ragdar's come to visit Teirm." he kept his voice soft and low enough that even for their heightened senses it would be a strain to hear the words. He knew she had no love for their adopted cousin. He suspected the only thing that kept her from killing the man was his skill in battle and his use as a general. Though Ragdar was technically of royalty, he never seemed to enjoy adopting the title "Lord" instead preferring to have his soldiers and subjects refer to him as "High General". It fit, in Aelodil's eyes.

As Galeron returned, Aelodil's thoughts jumped back to the issue at hand. Nodding as though he had expected an assent from the start, he wasted no time in explaining what he expected of his younger cousin. "From now on, when you wake up you wait outside my manor until I come out. Then we run until I say otherwise. From morning til I say so. After that you listen to whatever I say. If I hear so much as a complaint as to what you'll be doing I swear I will bend you over my knee and get a paddle for your rear. Do I make myself clear?" his voice stern with a hint of gentleness to show he meant no harm, but rather would not take any slacking in training. As if adding an afterthought he quickly added, "And when we reach the stage where I have you dueling others, if I hear you ask for a true 'challenge' then I will give you a lesson you'll never forget. Keep that in mind. Also, we're not quite open about it. I've already warded us. To anyone else the three of us are simply having a political talk. No one can hear what's going on and they only see what I want them to."

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Galeron Aeda]

When Galeron heard him he nodded and said "Yes, Aelodil." When he gave his instructions. He could feel a sigh coming up but he did not show it. It was as if the last month was repeting itself all over again, ane he couldn't even begin to explain how boring it was. Doing the same thing every day was tedious. Why couldn't his teachers be less strict? Being bossed around made everything just less desirable. Why rush things, if they had eternity ahead of them? Galeron shared his thoughts with Kyr and the dragon seemed pleased that he had little to no training since he was still very young.

The boy then thought of his schedule, waiting for his mentor sounded tedious, as did running, and so did having to follow each of Aelodil's instructions. When he heard of the illusion Aelodil had cast, he was intrigued. If he was so open with him about their relationship, then why not with the rest of the world as well? Sure Galeron was family, but he was almost a complete stranger to his cousin. If he had been so kind as to let him in on the secret, then would he also be kind enough to be less strict on him in his training? So many questions gripped at Galerons mind, all being related to his new cousin.

[Brenton]

Clarissa carefully watched Galeron, never raising her head from Aelodil's shoulder. She was comfortable in the way things were at the moment. As she saw the youth start to have an inner debate with himself, the woman stepped forward. Her voice cracked through the air like a whip.

Just because we are being open with you about some things, don't let that convince you to try and talk us into being more lenient. We are both strong in our fields because we push ourselves constantly. I spent countless decades simply reading old dusty tomes in order to understand the ancient forms of magic. It took me another half a century just to become skilled in both magic and toxin crafting. You will find no sympathy from either of us. Now if you are still able to move after training with Aelodil then you will work with me. We will start you on the library of ancient tomes. All of them are to be read and you will keep meticulous notes on each one.

[Galeron Aeda]

Galeron actually sighed this time. "How many tomes are we talking about? And how long will this training take? Will the time depend upon me?" The boy could already feel his muscles aching after a long run in the morning. Running was something that Galeron truly detested. A person can't know their limits while running until they collapse on their face, and it's just a challenge of how long you can last before becoming frustrated and stopping. Galeron wished his life could be easier and less back breaking. He would probably be stubborn against his mentors, but it would not be on purpose. He felt like he should have the chance to do as he wanted without people having to restrict him.

(I'm sorry this is short I just don't know what else to write about.)

[Aelodil]

So I think either another month skip or just conclude it as is, yeah?


When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Galeron Aeda]

I'm fine with ending it. I'll continue it if you guys want.

[Brenton]

Depends on what you think Vlaer. I am good with either one.

[Aelodil]

I think it'd be worth skipping a month.


When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Brenton]

Well it's your post so skip a month.

[Aelodil]

((Aight, also Brenton, I'm just gonna assume Clarissa and Aelodil spent their days in the same house, well manor really, hope you're fine with that. It'd make sense after all))

Opening eyes that barely shined with the light that filled the room, Aelodil sat up. Turning slowly he smiled at Clarissa. She seemed to still be sleeping and he didn't plan on waking her up yet. Running a gentle hand through her hair he whispered in a low voice in case she woke up, "Morning sunshine. Hope you slept well." a sly smile on his face. For once, this smile reached his eyes rather than the smiles he gave to most other people that never reached his eyes.

"It seems you had quite a blast the past month, My Lord." Aelodil nearly jumped at the voice of Albert, his butler. Looking at the man he held a sour look on his face. Between grateful and ready to rip his throat. The man had been faithful even if he kept some secrets from him.

As it were his reply was much the usual. "Albert I don't need to remind you of your loyalty to my House. It has not and will continue to not go forgotten. Now get me my armor. I've got some duels to do today, probably." his voice was gruff as usual, though not rude.

Bowing, Albert quickly replied, "And Aeternum, My Lord? I've noticed lately you've taken to using a normal sword instead. Would you like to continue so?"

Aelodil's head came up sharply. He had Aeternum sheathed next to the chair he sat in, a resemblance of what little throne his noble House would use. He hadn't ever thought of needing it but perhaps he'd need it today, just to send a message. Nodded slowly Aelodil's voice came out very soft, "Yes. Bring me Aeternum."

Getting out of bed, Aelodil tugged on some clothes after a quick shower and shave. Sighing as Albert returned with his equipment he began to don it as Oroku talked, There there, don't be so sulky. Just have him duel one of the officers in your army who can use magic. I'd say Gilbert. Considering he already has his suspicions about you and is so close to you, it's not a bad idea. Especially when you consider how well he is with a sword."

Grunting in confirmation Aelodil finished strapping Aeternum's sheath to his waist. Before leaving he bent over the bed and gave a quick peck to Clarissa's forehead. "Time to go see how much our baby cousin's training helped him." he whispered. Striding out quickly he headed to one of the garrisons. Sending out his thoughts to Gilbert asking him to meet him at the garrison's training grounds. He'd show the soldiers an example of a blademaster today. Not to intimidate them, rather than to show them they have to push themselves hard.

With a quick confirmation from Gilbert, Aelodil smiled. If Galeron managed to hold his own today then he'd be ready to mark him a blademaster. Arriving soon enough he reclined against a wooden column looking out to a clear area full of dirt and free of obstacles. He had told Galeron to be sharp about arriving. Aelodil was early but then he should be. Gilbert arrived not too late afterwards with a bow for him. "So who is it you want me to spar against, Lord Aelodil?" Gilbert rarely wasted time or words.

Smiling slyly Aelodil replied, "My baby cousin today, High Marshall. I'm hoping to mark him a blademaster today. He started off with a weak body though he learned the forms quickly. By now he should be able to match most blademasters." waiting to see his officer's reply. It was like watching a stone for emotion. There was none. Gilbert simply nodded and waited, eyeing Aeternum. Today would be a fun day.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem

[Brenton]

Clarissa had been awake, simply lying with her eyes closed avoiding the need to get up. As Aelodil had gone about getting ready, Clarissa waited and planned how the day would go again. It was, after all, two months after Galeron had started training under her. He should be able to be considered a Rider in full by now. So she hoped he passed the tests.

He is a strong lad, but go and watch the tests set before him. Vervada was already trying to coach her Rider even from such a distance. As Aelodil left, Clarissa stood and donned her own armor. It was lighter and thinner as she slipped into a plate mail breastplate, donned a pair of greaves and bracers, and pulled on her royal leather and wool riding cloak. Lastly she set the twin swords on her hips in specially made sheaths. They might be needed. The final piece was her golden whip which she clipped to her belt before walking out.

Clarissa strode toward the door of the manor and descended the steps, already gathering her hair back with a thin leather thong into a braided tail down her back. As the merchants and people watched, the lady of Teirm slipped on her half helm that she would then add to with a cloth mask over her lower face.

When the ensemble was completed she stopped at the weapon smith and picked up her final weapon. Something she had been working on for awhile. It was nothing like the metals of the Rider swords, since she had added diamond to the molten metal when she melted down a former Rider blade. But at the same time it was better.

The smith had crafted a blade that was long and narrow at the tip, wide in the center, and about as wide as her palm at the hilt, much like the shape of a leaf. It was a myriad of blues and greens in color and she had named the blade Jierda for it's ability to break wards and split bodies just like her.

Clipping Jierda to her left hip, parallel to the twin katana on that side, she stepped into the garrison's training grounds and cast a withering look at her men. They were so weak compared to Aelodil and her. Yet they fought with bravery and heart. Moving with graceful strides, Clarissa walked over to Aelodil and let a smile appear only in her eyes. She couldn't let anyone aside from him see it.

[Galeron Aeda]

Galeron was sleep deprived, he had spent all night reading one of Clarissa's tomes. Kyr awoke him by saying 'Wake up. You don't want to be late'. Training with both mentors drained a lot out of the Rider. He sat up, and looked out his window. Today was an important day, he would be showing Aelodil his mastery of sword fighting. The boy moved the sheets aside, and got up. The cold air touching the bare skin of his torso. With Aelodil's training he had gained a lot of muscle, and he could be mistaken with a warrior by now. He had been instructed to bring his own set of armor, and so he did. The armor was a gift from his father to him for becoming a Rider. At first the armor was big on him, but by now he had grown enough muscle for it to fit tightly against his skin. He donned his steel mail, and attached his breast plate and shoulder pieces.

The chest piece was ornately designed, it had an eagles head that stuck out from the middle of his chest, and around it were ornate silver engravings. The eyes of the eagle were made of diamonds that looked as clear as the water from the coasts of Teirm. Alongside the head, detailed wings sprung out from each side, and they stopped just before they reached his arms. His helmet and the rest of his armor was just as ornate as the chest piece, but the eagles head was what truly stood out.

He clasped his bracers and greaves, and then strapped his greatsword, Avifidril, along his back. He grabbed his helmet and headed to a room in his estate where most of the renowned Aeda hunting birds were kept. He placed his arm out and Dawn clambered out of her cage. She sat there intently, waiting expectantly on Galeron. The boy picked up prey from a bucket, and fed her until she was at least just a little hungry. He planned on hunting with her later on in the day, and a raptor that was already full did not hunt as well.

He then opened the window and set her loose. She tended to look down on Teirm and observe his practicing from up high. Galeron walked down the stairs of his estate and realized that if he took the horse he would be late. He called to Kyr and said 'We must get there quickly, would you be so kind as to lend me a hand?'

'I don't have hands.'

'Lend me wing?'

Galeron could see his dragon circling close overhead, and a puff of smoke rose from his nostrils as he heard his Riders response. Kyr landed gracefully, and once his Rider was saddled in, he took off with just several long strides. His wings battered the air more fervently than usual. 'You sure have grown Galeron, your new weight and the armor on you make you almost too heavy for me to carry.'  Kyr and Galeron rarely got to spend time together, since Galron was reading and training all day. Usually by the end he was tired, and sometimes he would even skip his last meal of the day.

'You have grown a lot since you first hatched as well. Don't worry, I bet soon enough you'll be able to carry ten times my weight if you keep growing at this rate.'

His companion hummed with pleasure. The ride was short, and they landed gently in front of Aelodil and Clarissa's estate. Galeron extended his mind and noticed that both of them were not present. Galeron cursed, and Kyr instantly took to the air. With just four strokes of Kyr's massive wings they reached the training grounds. The dragon dove down, and landed heavily on all four legs. Galeron sat from high up on Kyr's saddle observing the scene. He could see Clarissa and Aelodil had just arrived. He sighed in relief.

He could see the rabble in the yard slowed down a bit as all three family members arrived at once. They were all a sight to behold when they donned their armor and weapons. Kyr's scales reflected off the dusty colors of the ground, the white walls of the houses in Teirm, and the clear blue sky up above. Galerons white hair trailed in the sky, it looked liek it was as bright as the sun. The pair looked almost heavenly and strangely alien to the world around them. 

[Aelodil]

Shifting his gaze from Clarissa as he noticed the smile in her eyes to Galeron who just arrived he smiled grimly. Patting Gilbert on his arm to get his attention he nodded to Galeron, and gestured for Galeron to wait in the arena. "That's him, High Marshall Gilbert." he explained to his officer. As expected, Gilbert didn't even bother with words. Rather he stood to meet Galeron across him in the arena.

"Is this why you had me run all the way over here, Lord Aelodil? To spar with a child? A green child, to boot. I doubt he's ever been in a serious battle. I do hope you realize how bad of an idea this is." the stark complaint from Gilbert came towards Aelodil, not bothering to lower his voice so Galeron wouldn't hear.

Glaring at his officer, Aelodil snapped, "I will tell you why I called you here. I told you I am hoping to mark him a blademaster by the end of the day. If he's ready, then all will be well. If not then you will crush him and that is that. By the end of the day you have nothing to waste, considering all you do in your spare time is spend money on women and drink." his voice not exactly bothering to be gentle. His soldiers were not people who would respect a soft leader.

Resting a hand on Aeternum's hilt, Aelodil spoke in a soft and cold voice that carried enough or all the onlookers to hear, "This is not the extent of the test. Whoever wins will be sparring with me afterwards to make sure I made the right choice. For everyone else, watch closely. This is what you call a real duel between blademasters. Learn from your superiors and adapt."

Leaning back into the pillar again he added an afterthought, "Magic is allowed. Now dull your swords and begin. Also, any props around you that you think can be used should be used. There is no foul play. Now fight to your heart's content."

Not a moment after he finished talking than Gilbert smiled a cruel smile, dulled his sword and went straight for Galeron. With the way the arena was, sunlight would not be able to blind either of them. The best chance either of the two had was to use the sand instead. In one swift moment, Gilbert unsheathed his sword and feinted towards Galeron's neck then followed up quickly with a vicious slash towards the knees with all his muscle strength behind him. For good notice, Gilbert launched a gale of wind at the arena floor, twisting up the sand into Galeron's eyes and warding himself from any magic attacks that might be made against him. With one more addition, he pressured Galeron's mind with his own to keep the boy occupied.

When you die, your world ends. The world may go on, but in your eyes, the world ends with you.

-Carpe Diem