[Round 3] Paidi tou Selini vs. Samayou Tamashii

GTB VI. Imported from live Gaia guild archive.

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Table of contents

The Female of the Species
Samuel Tyson
Paidi tou Selini
Samuel Tyson
Paidi tou Selini
Samuel Tyson
Paidi tou Selini
Samuel Tyson
Paidi tou Selini
Samuel Tyson
Paidi tou Selini
Samuel Tyson
Paidi tou Selini
Samuel Tyson

1The Female of the Species

Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:59 pm · id 350681309 · page 1

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Description

The fighters are taken by plane to a place called Estella, a tourist spot where people are taken on explorations of the ancient city whose ruins are scattered across the forest that rests around them. The old civilization of Estella is known for being a city that was once ran by the magic of a water spirit. However, it was theorized that through some unknown event, the magic disappeared, making all of the city’s technology obsolete, and thus ending the legacy of a place ahead of its time. The old city may have lost its superiority, but Estella is still a beauty that others enjoy; from the lush greens of the forest trees to the sparkling crisp of the running waters around Estella, it is a living testament of nature’s splendor. The other thing that Estella is known for is the secret ruins found to the east by archeologists years ago in the forest of Everlive (live as in “alive”).

The next round’s fight takes place in a side venue located next to a series of running waterfalls, the sound of rushing streams creating a relaxing ambience to an already serene scene. The running waters move down among over-cropping rocks that outline the exterior of this flat rocky floor, creating a layer of water that is constantly moving across the ground. Not enough water to hinder movement, but every movement is likely to create a splash here and there. Unless the fighter wants their shoes filled with cold water, they are better off removing their footwear if it isn’t insulated. The rocks differ in sizes from small to large, with the northern edge of this area pointing toward the mass of waterfalls that populate this part of the forest.

Spectators are able to watch from a balcony, which is essentially a cliff with guard rails around it. A referee sits aside on jutted rock in the normal black stripped uniform, keeping watch over the proceedings, ready to leap in at any needed moment. And two cameramen are positioned around the area: one on higher ground, and another also on a rock platform closer to the fighting arena to watch from a closer view. Despite this, neither of these officials will be in the way for the duration of the match.

Field Measurements

The fighting area is the flat ground, which has a span of thirty feet in diameter. This is big enough to allow for more agile people the space to move around, and yet still gives a smaller space to let melee fighters have an easier time to corner their opponents.

Ten Count Boundary

Because of the nature of this arena, it is easy for someone to make use of the rock boundary that runs around the arena. Because of that, anytime someone gets on top of it to use it as an additional moving ground, it begins the ten count. In addition, running water is moving over them, so it makes any kind of travel along them harder, if not giving a good chance of slipping and hitting your head due to the water and uneven rock. Sustaining flight at least five feet above ground also starts the ten count.

Bonus

There seems to be a hint of magic flowing through these waters, and seems to be flowing passively into your body every post. For those who can make use of it, after you have made at least four posts in the fight, you are free to make use of this magical enhancement to increase an ability by one charge, or the equivalent of this, anytime after. In general terms, it gives your ability a significant boost in potency. Or, for physical fighters, you feel a slight pick up in physical performance, so it allows you one physical maneuver that is increased in power/ speed. This bonus only applies after you have done the normal preparation procedures your ability requires. It does not reduce concentration or effort.

You can only use this bonus one time in the entire fight.

2Samuel Tyson

Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:19 pm · id 350715105 · page 1

**Samayou Tamashii AKA...

Christopher Hume Location: En route Status: Prisoner...**

{ [Don't turn away....](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G_ltXKeJZ8) ...I pray you've heard the words I've spoken. }

**The SUV smelled of leather and cigars....it was so pungent it stuck into his nostrils like tar. He did not enjoy this particular scent mix and shook his head from time to time, trying to clear his sinuses. A shift as they went over rocky roads caused his weight to move slightly, his head bobbing about as his long hair whipped wildly in the motion. His hands were shackled in front of him, feet restrained as well...chained like a dog....

The Three cars finally came to a sudden halt and the tinted windows did not allow him a clear view of the outside...but he saw crowds. His heart began to race as the idea of him being displayed like a public image would only further the desperation of his situation. As always though his train of thought was disrupted as strong hands grabbed him and helped him from the vehicle. The blinding light immediately flooded across his figure, forcing him to turn his head away and grunt at the discomfort.

Unlike before their location had been broad caste and now people stood, with guards between him and them...well armed of course and setting up a perimeter. However unlike the first round these people did not throw things at him, no yells of hate or malice came flying at him like bullets. Instead an eerie silence was upon this place, a serenity with an overlaying blanket of sorrow. He was escorted down from the balcony and into the shallow waters below where green trees provided shade and cooling water rushed past his boots. The gentle wind carelessly drifted past his massive frame as he sucked in a deep breathe to enjoy the fresh air.

The voice called out gently too him and he listened...but did not open his eyes nor turn in the direction. He remained stoic and calm.**

In the center of the water was the man in the suit with his hair slicked back and eyes as deep a blue as the ocean. He held no confident smirk but instead a look of content mixed with pity. "Hello again Mr. Hume. Congratulations on your last match, you did very well. You are getting ever closer to your goal...."

The man would motion up to the balcony. The crowd had been separated to one side and all around the area men had been posted with rifles and assault weapons. The only ones present in the designated ring area were of course the four men surrounding him. However a single guard stood out from the rest because though armed with a handgun, he was wearing a suit. Unlike the black fatigues the rest had on this man was clean shaven, well dressed and the small bulk of a side arm puffed out on his left hip. However it was the tall and athletic girl next too him that he focused on. Dirty jeans and a gray tank top, her blond hair tied back and a blind fold over her face. With a nod from the blue eyed man the guard removed it gently and for a brief moment they locked eyes. His daughter's teary puffed cheeks were a bright red but other then that he could see no physical markings of abuse. She was tired, but her face was full and she looked well fed. However those gentle blue eyes that had been filled with fear immediately flashed with determination upon the sight of her father. 'DAD!!!!" In a swift motion she slammed her left heel down on the man's foot, causing him to lurch forward in pain. She quickly responded by jolting her head back into his chin and with a loose grip she tried to bolt. However the man was sturdy and in a few swift paces he had caught up and restrained her, picking her up in one swoop. "Let me go, let me go, DAD! Arrgggh, fuck you! Let me go! Dad, Dad!!!!"

Chris began to move in the direction but the four men immediately restrained him and struggled as he tried to rough his way through them. He knew his only chance to calm the situation was to plea and so he turned, eyes half filled with tears. "No, please god no, don't hurt her! I've done everything you asked just don't let him hurt her!!!" The man with blue eyes nodded and sharply turned his head, calmly calling out as he motioned with his hand gently. "Emanuel...that's enough."

The man nodded and lowered Karen, sighing as he held her a little more firmly and rubbed his chin with a grimace. Christopher would let out a deep breathe as he looked up to Karen. "It's Ok sweety, everything is going to be alright." He turned to the man in the blue suit, his eyes filled with desperation. "Please......"

"She has been a rather large handful for a 16 year old girl Mr. Hume. I've talked to her but she is hell bent on causing trouble...a trait she picked up from you no doubt." He said this with no underlying tones of malice but rather one of admiration. He seemed so neutral in the situation and though was holding her hostage as leverage, the man in the suit acted as if he was not personally involved in any of it. As if he was simply just a man doing his job and such professionalism scared the hell out of Christopher...especially if that man was holding your child. "I sympathize with your situation but I can not allow any further mishaps or misbehavior Mr. Hume, do you understand?" This one sentence of words was said coldly and purely in a calm manner. "I allow her to come, I allow for you to see her, these little visits are not mandatory, I allow them because I hope the motivation will help you. I want to see you win, I do not want to see a little girl die but this situation is a Contract from my Client. I will not tolerate trouble." His glance shifted to the girl who had become calm now, nodding for a moment as she glanced to her father who nodded in response."Good..."

The man turned to the now watching crowd that had remained silent over the situation. "It seems the word has gotten out that you are not in-fact a Convicted Murderer. People have began to swarm in droves to watch and many are now apparently cheering for you, demanding your release. However the Federal Law has no grounds here and in this free Corporate Zone they can not act." He turned to Christopher, smiling slightly as he looked him right in the eye. "You are a good man, and it is unfortunate that this is your fate. You have my word that your daughter will not come to any harm under my hand, her fate is entirely up to you now...."

Christopher would glance over as one of the guards approached, carrying his black sword and shield. The man handed the items to the man in the suit then walked back to the side lines. The man in the suit however did not hand them over, he held them as he stood and waited for the adversary to arrive. "Your last match was impressive.." He said as he admired the weaponry. "...you are very knowledgeable in the technique of these weapons. I hope your next adversary fares better then the last."

It may have been the frustration, it might have been the lack of sleep but mostly it was curiosity. Christopher glanced up with a empty and void expression. "Why are you doing this...you could set us both free right now. Why keep going on as someone's servant?" The man smiled a little, rubbing his fingers over the rough exterior of the shield. "I am a Contractor Mr. Hume. My entire existence is to serve, as yours is to kill. I did not ask to be this, it is what I was born to be. I've accepted that and I know somewhere with in the Universe a higher being is judging me. To deny my existence as what I am is to live a a great lie. It is better to live as ourselves then to live as something we are not." Christopher smiled for a moment. "Ghandi...." The man in the suit grinned backed, nodding. "Yes that is right. I truly do admire you as a man Mr. Hume. I hope you and whom ever Judges me at the end of my days is kind to me, I try to only do my best to ensure peace...."

Silence fell now....as they waited......

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- {Psionic Abilities} Power Points: [ 10 ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3Paidi tou Selini

Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:28 pm · id 350745149 · page 1

Njora Brynjolf was angry. Imagine for a moment that you just overcame one of your greatest challenges. A round 1 against a Night Stalker out of his element; valiant, but ultimately so soundly defeated that there was no glory for the young Shield Maiden to claim. Then a round 2 against a potent Shaman whose age and disposition could easily sully her song, win or lose (and it was very nearly the latter). Then came round 3. A gorgeous locale whose peace and beauty rivaled even that of her homeland. A tad warmer than she preferred, perhaps, but the clear, flowing blue below reflecting the proud azure above met with sturdy columns of rock between... it was a truly magnificent sight. Combine that with her opponent. Finally a true test of skill. A man with a reputation; the opportunity for a battle worthy of the Great Hearth, upon which she could at long last begin building her Legend. This was supposed to be a glorious day. Imagine, then, her feelings upon discovering that her perfect moment of glory was to be muddied by foul play.

Oh, there was still a story to be sung here, but it was one of drama and high stakes. Like everything else in the human lands, this was not the great contest for glory and fame she had been led to believe. She could hear the bards even now... 'Our hero watched the scene unfold with the keen glint of Wolf in her steady gaze. Like a statue carved from the very rock upon which she stood, cross-armed and unamused, she watched. The mighty Shield Maiden knew well the corrupt ways of humankin and would not take this display at face value. When the touching scene was concluded, however, she did indeed have a message of her own. Heavy footfalls splashed deep into the arena floor as the chained man's opponent made herself known. She walked unconcerned straight through the middle of the surrounding guards, her mere presence intimidating to any with even the smallest sense of self-preservation. Steel grey eyes shimmered menacingly at the tiny man who appeared to be the leader as she passed by mere inches from him; not a threat, but perhaps a promise. Rough raven curls flowed delicately in the cool breeze as she came to a stop on the opposite end of the battleground, her majestic 7-foot frame etched perfectly by the backdrop of waterfalls. Ignoring the people she had so clearly been trying to provoke, she instead turned to address the man who would dare put the glory of her song on the line for the sake of his ridiculous personal issues.'

"Christopher Hume."

Every tale was better with a bit of dramatic pause.

"I know your song well. The bards of this land sing it fondly. The tale of a true Warrior whose presence on the battlefield is as feared as it is frequent. You were a man worthy of my legend. A contest that was sure to be sung at the Great Hearth for ages to come."

She hung her head and sighed. "All-Father grant me mercy, I pray you are not the man of these legends."

At long last her frustration simmered to the surface. Steel eyes turned ice cold as she raised an accusing finger at the chained man, voice deathly even as her cruel words rang not as an insult, but as simple fact, "You are weak."

4Samuel Tyson

Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:17 am · id 350762179 · page 1

**Samayou Tamashii AKA...

Christopher Hume Location: En route Status: Prisoner...**

{ [Don't turn away....](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G_ltXKeJZ8) ...I pray you've heard the words I've spoken. }

**Silence......

Guard nor prisoner even flinched at the war maiden who towered over them like a mountain. She was bold and strong, a firm lass of great prowess. However as she approached Christopher armed guard stepped forth, guns trained on her. 15 muzzles were pointed at her in the blink of an eye but none dared to pull the trigger...not with out the man in the suits say so.

Christopher stood up straight, his eyes glaring with that hazel blank stare. He showed no emotion now, no sign of anger or rage. He simply stepped forth, chains and all, brushing past the guards who would have restrained him had the man in the suit not shaken his head.

The 6'6 Olympian approached the large women and stared right up at her, having for once in his life look UP at his adversary. She was well built, strong, and sturdy. She was his people.....**

"Spirits of the wild..." He gently began to whisper. "I ask you bestow upon on us your mercy this day. Bear give her your strength, Wolf give her your courage, Snow Leopard give her your passion, and Raven give her your wisdom. Praise be to the Great Hall and all honor and glory be to Njora Brynjolf....." **He finished and nodded in a sign of respect befor taking a few steps back.

The crowd stood in silence, not understanding the pray of the Norn but she would know. All Northern hero's worship the great hall and the spirits of the wild. Thousands of cultures existed but all were the same brother and sisters in arms. Christopher once again displayed....he was not as he seemed. He had lived during the times of Roman and Greek Emperors, had been there during the great revolts in Japan, and now had displayed his knowledge of Northern traditions long since past. How? How could one mere mortal know so much, be so fluent in all things. "Njora Brynjolf, kuvara unte'gial Bas'ruav...." The Ancient's Tongue, a language older then mankind itself. Like Latin it had died thousands of years ago in all realms and yet here he spoke it as fluent as he spoke English. But what had he said, all the minds around him were curious but he was confident only Njora would know. It was a blessing from the Ancient Ones, a prayer said only by those who had touched the top of the Great Summits and Ascended into the Ancient Halls.

Again....silence....

After a moment of pause the man in the suit approached, un-cuffing Christopher with gentle hands, allowing him to rub his wrists then stretch his arms. The man said nothing for no words need be spoken, this was now a bout between two people of the same cultural. He knew Christopher's history well, the Great North is where he had originated, despite all his knowledge and cultural Christopher Hume.....Samayou Tamashii.....was a man of the North. As vicious, ruthless, and passionate as they come.

He handed him his shield which Christopher accepted with a nod, hefting it as if it was made of card board and letting it rest in his left hand. His arm fit through the strap cleanly as he rubbed the edge. The Psi Blade and Hopolite sword both rested on the inner side of the shield, attached by sheaths and concealed from prying eyes. After a moment the guards began to back down and relax, allowing the match to officially begin. Christopher took this time to speak a few words. "I am sorry you had to be involved in this....but you must understand. I have no wish to fight or hurt you, but I will do whatever it takes to save my daughter. I know it is against your honor, I know it is not the way of our people...but I beg you...stand down now...I promise no one will look down upon you for it..." Fair and honest plea, the same he had asked from the Angel who had defiantly declined. He knew she would say no, it was not in her nature to decline a challenge but sometimes one had to know when to fight and when to step aside. A Wisdom few Northern folk ever truly exacted in their lives....but by the Spirits maybe today would be different.**

5Paidi tou Selini

Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:53 pm · id 350787955 · page 1

For the first time since entering these lands, the mighty giantess faltered. Eyes wide and anger abated, it was more than clear she was having trouble processing what she had just witnessed. Deception, perhaps, but with just a few words she was beginning to see him in a new light. The warrior of these legends... it explained a great deal. No longer did the shriveled form of a defeated man stand before her, but the sturdy frame of a self-contained force of nature. No longer was she looking down at a half-kin, but staring straight into the eyes of a full-blooded clansman.

And yet... nothing had changed. She could easily perceive him as more dangerous now, but he was still chained and bound to the service of weak, pathetic men. The contrast was distinct. As old and wizened as he seemed was about how young and naive she was; barely an adult by her race's standards and still brimming with pride and ambition. She would not stand for this.

"Bölvat er okkr, bróðir." her glare was gone, but the cold steel in her tone remained, "You have no right to ask this of me, Christopher Hume. You wish to save your daughter? There she stands. You wish to regain your honor? I can see your enemies as plainly as you. You have allowed yourself and your blood to be captured and exploited by half-kin trash. You. Are. Weak."

A loud splash rang out as she unlatched her first shield, a 3-foot bronze hoplon. Her left hand reached out and rested atop it as the heavy implement rolled to a stop at her side. With the crowd already in suspense at the sheer density of tension between the two clansmen, her declaration rang out as clearly as the roar of water behind her, "I am Njora Brynjolf, daughter of Olgeir the Trollslayer and Frostfang Shield Maiden to Wolf himself! If fate decrees your song is to end here as a result of my actions, you have my word I will ensure your daughter is returned safely to your Hall. That much I owe you and no more."

She held a casual stance, strong and centered. Half of her was ready to spring on him right there, but the other half so very much wanted to see him turn upon his captors here and now. She knew he wouldn't, but it would make for such a glorious tale, and as such it was only right for her to grant him the opportunity. Any other requests for her and he would have to claim them by Right of Arms, as was their way.

6Samuel Tyson

Fri Mar 01, 2013 10:33 am · id 350797499 · page 1

**Samayou Tamashii AKA...

Christopher Hume Location: En route Status: Prisoner...**

{ [Don't turn away....](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G_ltXKeJZ8) ...I pray you've heard the words I've spoken. }

He could only bow his head in a sigh, a small token of regret as he pondered his options. A moment later he would lift his head, staring at her with soft gentle eyes that held sympathy for her ignorance. "I have seen your future Njora. I can feel Wolf watching over you even now. You will live today, you will grow old and your hair will turn as gray as mine. You will live a glorious life of adventure and you will find love. You will birth many strong children and they will tell of your tales to their children. And as you sit by the fire with your kin and live out your days in peace, you will think back on this day...and remember. These words..."

He turned his gaze now, drifting over the crowds and empty faces of his captures. He knew of only one face as he stared directly at his daughter, tiny tears forming in his hazel eyes as he grinned a little, a cheeky little grin as if he knew some secret. "When you have children and love them with no end as I do....you will then understand this moment...." **He took only another few seconds to gaze at his daughter before he turned back to Njora. In this tiny second of change, when he shifted his gaze the passion and emotion from his eyes vanished like a flash of lighting. It was filled with a cold emptiness now, like the barren wastes of the frozen mountains. His body stood calm and relaxed as he began a slow steady march towards her, unsheathing his sword. The Hopolite blade came out with a swift ringing of steel, razor sharp edges glistening in the bright sun of the day. Swift was his hand as the sword flipped and turned, twisted and slithered like a black snake of death, wielding it with lighting efficiency.

He had no more words for words were only useful in old men's tales....

Slowly he began to approach her, stance at the ready. The shield in his left hand, sword in his right. His eyes trained on her body and waiting for any action that would seem hostile, his goal was to get with in reach of the sword before striking....**

{{I got drill this weekend so i may be two days before I can post.}}

7Paidi tou Selini

Sat Mar 02, 2013 1:03 am · id 350824741 · page 1

The young shield maiden quirked an eyebrow at his prediction. She couldn't completely discount it... as a very long-lived race, no Norn reached a ripe old age without earning some significant merits. If this man was as attuned to the spirits and ancestors as he claimed she would only be disgracing herself by ignoring his wisdom, regardless of the circumstances. Some of which she was quite displeased with. Most especially that look of pity in his eyes. If she hadn't know any better she might have taken that as an insult. Perhaps he had simply spent too much time among the half-kin. The next thing she expected to hear was that he no longer had a Hall and that his daughter was half-kin as well (three-quarter-kin?). As of now, however, those thoughts were irrelevant. Despite her harsh accusations he was still treating her with respect, and that was humiliating enough alone.

"When that day comes let them sing proudly of this glorious battle." Her stern gaze remained, but there was a subtle smile on her lips. Selfish? Perhaps, but battle ran though her blood as deeply as his. She couldn't deny her nature any more than he could abandon his offspring. If there was glory here to claim, by the Great Spirits she was going to claim it.

Her movements were fluid and assured. Another heavy splash rang out as her second implement, a lighter but larger 5' x 2.5' tower shield, landed where once was behind her, but with a simple right-foot step backward became beside her in easy range to be caught by her free hand before it fell. In the same motion her other hand rose to perform the hostile action her opponent was anticipating. Wielding the 30lb hoplon like some bizarre war-disc, she aimed to wide-chop the implement straight into his center of mass. The edge of the shield was not sharpened, but much like with a dull axe he would be a fool to assume it could not still cleave through flesh from the amount of force she put into the swing. If his time in human lands had made him forget the raw strength of his bloodkin he was in for a rude awakening.

8Samuel Tyson

Sun Mar 03, 2013 5:16 pm · id 350885935 · page 1

**Samayou Tamashii AKA...

Christopher Hume Location: En route Status: Prisoner...**

{ [Don't turn away....](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G_ltXKeJZ8) ...I pray you've heard the words I've spoken. }

**In the last few moments of his approach he made sure to widen his stride. Giving him explosive motion as he lunged forward at his foe. She dropped one shield behind her and reached back to obtain it, whilst swinging the other directly for his ribs. He would fluently duck under the shield, allowing it to swing over head.

Simultaneously he stepped forward with his right leg, moving low and fast as his Hopolite sword burst forward in a lighting fast stab to the mid torso. The Orachal Metal would pierce links of armor or leather and aim to gut her directly in the left side of her body. Flowing low and fast like a slithering snake and again displaying his physical prowess. Her shield style was great for defense but a close range Hopolite tactician could easily slip in and get a few hits. His attack was swift and accurate, aiming to pierce her left side just below all her major organs. He could have gone for a kill shot but what glory would that bring her, what good would another death on his hands do?

It was also a wound that would cut her large intestine and abdominal wall, meaning every time she tried to swing a shield or move her body even a little piercing pain would occur. She would be forced to contend against him injured...the same tactics he used on Arc. Regardless if he pierced her side or not he would not stop his momentum. He would shove off his left foot, water splashing about them as he went wide of her and began to circle. He was tying to stay just in reach where his sword could out maneuver her shields. It would also allow him to dodge if she swung with that second shield in retaliation to his attack. Hazel eyes staring blankly at her, as if he did not even possess a soul. Watching each muscle twitch and body movement for signs of her form. Like a viper stalking it's prey...just waiting to bite again.**

9Paidi tou Selini

Tue Mar 05, 2013 11:20 am · id 350946691 · page 1

She could see it in his stride. That subtle raise in pace, rough tensing of muscles, nodding of deadly intent; all preceding a deliberate counter-attack. Of course, knowing it was coming and stopping it were two entirely different matters. In fact, know it was coming was the only thing that stopped her from losing the match right there. The ancient warrior may have been weak in spirit, but clearly that did not extend to body. To completely dodge around her strike enough that he could still counter-attack even with corrected trajectory... he was far faster than she first calculated. There was no time to plan any fancy defense; she just had to let momentum do what it did best. She did, however, have time for a simple mental command to activate the enchantment on her shield.

Shing~

Onlookers gasped as they saw a spray of water and a bronze shield soaring away from it like it had been launched from a mortar. Within the delicate mist the two fighters squared, but not face-to-face. No, the clever shield maiden had let the momentum of her strike follow through and spun a hard right at the last second, electing to abandon her shield and fall (mostly) to her knees for lack of fancy footwork. She could feel the unfriendly gash score through her hardened leather corset, but her third shield (still mounted to her back) was able to deflect the blade in time to avoid the stabbing of anything too terribly important.

And just like that the first volley was over. Two narrow misses to bring an already excited crowd to the edge of their (metaphorical) seats. But things would not slow down from there. Njora planted her left hand into the water as a brace while she adjusted her footing and gripped her shield's handle firmly with her right, then immediately sprang back up and forward. A few long strides brought her on a path of interception to the snake-warrior's circle and splashing to an impromptu stop seemingly at random. Now closer to the rocky edge than ever, she could feel the cool spray against her face, a refreshing contrast to the heat spreading through from the adrenaline of their first exchange.

Except... her stopping point wasn't random at all, but unless he was paying as much attention to her calculations as she, the sudden loud splash behind him would be a terribly poor warning as far as reaction times went. As soon as her shield hit the ground the boomerang enchantment caught it, sending it bounding hard off the rocks and magically soaring straight to its owner. It just so happened that Mr. Hume's back was positioned perfectly between the two. From there she took a hard step forward, her right arm-borne tower shield (already gripped upside-down) soon finding its heavy way towards the man's chest in a full-length thrust as if it were some impromptu, extremely blunt spear ((held slightly diagonally, but mostly horizontal, with the attack coming from what would normally be the "bottom" of the shield)). The attack was meant to be a combo; hoplon striking first and tower shortly thereafter to account for tricky dodges. The enchanted device didn't have nearly as much power on its return trips, but it was still enough to hurt quite nicely (as her previous encounter with it showed during the last round when she was knocked clean off her feet). Meanwhile her left hand stayed loosely up by her chest in a fencer's stance, ready to either parry a bold thrust from that mean-looking sword or catch her returning shield in the event he evaded it.

10Samuel Tyson

Tue Mar 05, 2013 11:50 am · id 350947415 · page 1

**Samayou Tamashii AKA...

Christopher Hume Location: En route Status: Prisoner...**

{ [Don't turn away....](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G_ltXKeJZ8) ...I pray you've heard the words I've spoken. }

**Of course they were no ordinary shields, the moment the enchantments filled the object it glowed....at least to Christopher. His Psi Sense would philter his vision and the once normal round shield now gave off a bright blue hue too him, but of course to all others that perceived it it was simply a bouncing shield. However he did not know the specific enchantment or how powerful. No he was fully aware something was unique the moment it bounced high into the air..just not exactly what.

Meanwhile his stab managed to cut somewhat into her leather armor but her turn and shield prevented any further damage. Good this told him she was not just some bumbling fool but a well calculated shield warrior who could utilize her weight and space well. He continued to circle and she would move to intercept, all the while his eyes trained on her body. He possessed the power of a leviathan but moved as delicate and efficient as a viper.

BANG! It rang out from behind him as the shield finally fell and bounced off rock, but why throw your shield into the air.....TRAP! Everything in his mind screamed it, that is why she had moved in front of him and not from a side, she wanted to trap him. It was the same concept he used with his Psionic Force Wall! It was by design in his style that he always lunged from a side, never head on and so he did what he would natural do, duck and move to his left, trying to find an opening around the tower shield.

The Edge of her bronze shield clipped his right shoulder as it zipped past him from behind like a bullet. An Enchantment of returning, clever indeed and even more so that she now tried to swing at him with the tower shield. She had been going for a two hit combo, by luck he had evaded the first...now for the second.... aggression.

She had lunged forth and brought the tower shield to bear and as it came at him he raised his own in a hasty defense. Shield edge met with his own but her advantage was in her momentum. His body held firm and solid but he was forced back, his feet working hard to keep him steady as he bounced back a few paces and relaxed, hefty his shield with an emotionless stare at the shield maiden.

No wonder she had made it this far......

Like a lion he stared at her, watching every muscle twitch with a blank stare, as if all spirit inside him had long ago died. He made no advancement for now, he was simply watching, waiting to see what she would pick up on.....**

11Paidi tou Selini

Thu Mar 07, 2013 10:42 am · id 351015185 · page 1

A subtle grin danced upon the young warrior's lips as she watched her opponent's eyes twitch in careful calculation. It was clear there was something going on beyond mere battle instinct. He was the type to think and analyze. But if he was not weak in mind either, just what course had he taken to put himself in this predicament? It was absurd. The whole human race was absurd.

The sound of metal on flesh and wood rang out with a resounding clang as another small spray lit the field. She had to reach out to retrieve the shield, set off course by its brief clip against the man's shoulder, but a miss enough that the enchantment could still pull it back on a relatively close path. It splashed to the ground at her side once more as she re-centered her stance and flipped the tower shield back to a more proper position, even taking the time he granted her to slip her arm into the strap (a signal that her improvisation with that particular implement was done... for now).

The second exchange was over, with Njora coming out about as marginally "on top" as the old warrior had during the first. All in all she had to admit things were going much better than she had expected. Playing to their attributes, if she could turn this into a battle of attrition she might be able to claim a reliable victory... but he was clever, and his weapon looked a bit unnatural, which was always a cause for concern. With a few heavy steps she aimed to re-position the field of encounter, placing his back slightly more to the rocky boundary where she could harry him into the corner and take away some of that mobility swordsmen tended to adore.

Her smile faded slightly as his blank expression persisted. What manner of Norn would not enjoy a good battle? Raising the stakes only meant greater thrill in the heart of a true warrior. Though judging by his previous words there was plenty of evidence to suggest he had gone soft.

"What is their true purpose?" she gruffed, the irritation still clearly evident in her low voice.

In the meantime she spun the bronze shield up and deftly caught its handle, securing her grip so that she could step forward to confront him before he had much chance to do any repositioning of his own. If he let her enter his guard unchallenged he would find the large round implement being thrust firmly at him in a powerful back-handed shield bash. Sure, she was curious about his situation, but that didn't mean she was going to stop the fight for it.

12Samuel Tyson

Thu Mar 07, 2013 12:37 pm · id 351018179 · page 1

**Samayou Tamashii AKA...

Christopher Hume Location: En route Status: Prisoner...**

{ [Don't turn away....](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G_ltXKeJZ8) ...I pray you've heard the words I've spoken. }

**He had no words to respond to her talk, in stead what time she spent speaking he spent analyzing. He had seen her movements, her style, her form, all of it feeding information into his conscious thought that processed it immediately. She was a game of direct and dominate force, overwhelming her enemies with powerful assaults that were well placed.

He also swiftly did something with his sword hand she could not see. The Tiny Astral blade that had been tucked on the inside of the shield was wiggled out and tucked into his belt on his right hip.

To her it would seem he was readying his defense, holding his sword at the ready as she approached....then...it began.

Just as she as she came in reach and attacked he moved, stepping slightly to his right and the outside as she swung with her shield. His body ducting low as the bronze metal flew over head! Clean steel rang out as it zipped over him but his eyes focused only on her tower shield movement. Meanwhile his sword hand lashed out in a quick slash to her leg. He was aiming directly for the thigh, slashing from his left to right so that it would cut her from the inside out. A quick and simple slice that could prove to be very efficient in cutting down her own movement speed.

He stayed prepared as his own shield was brought up and tight to the left side of his body, he was fully expecting a counter attack or follow up with her other shield or perhaps some beam of doom for all he knew. She was not like Arc, he could not dominate her directly but instead would need to dismantle her physical prowess step by step. That cold efficient stare looking right up at her like a defiant animal, except this was a monstrous man she was facing...not some wounded pup....**

13Paidi tou Selini

Fri Mar 08, 2013 12:23 pm · id 351051161 · page 1

((Still talking via PM filler post))

14Samuel Tyson

Mon Mar 11, 2013 7:32 am · id 351159649 · page 1

((Still here, just waiting. 3nodding ))