The sounds of hammers, nails and the occasional cracks of the whip, have became so common in the city of Kahrum that it's residents don't notice the sounds of constant construction. To outsiders, the noise, bustling city along with the harsh winds makes it look like a foreboding place despite it's clear wealth and prosperity. Even for people who have visited the city before, it seems to have almost completely reinvented itself from the crumbling towers, dying farm land and all around look of desolation, as having involved into a metropolis to be envied by it's neighbors. However it had happened, it had changed things for the better for it's people. The proof of that was the cheering and roars of the crowd, egging on the fighters down below in the pit. The structure was brand new. Nothing like Thiatan had before, but commoners and nobles alike had eaten it up when it was introduced to them. @Tjf The spectacle was something that was telling of a fate that could have been. Having avoided becoming a slave, a fate of battling to death in the arena for amusement was something that Kjito had managed to avoid, thanks to her adoptive father standing along with her. Ostrukh was never the type of person to emote heavily whatever he was really feeling. She knew he was battle hardened and familiar with combat, but she also knew him well enough to get an idea of what he was really thinking. While he had been involved in his fair share of violence, he didn't share the crowds excitement of pitting people against each other to the death. Their front row seats were apparently meant to be as a kind of reward for their efforts, but it was wasted. He wasn't even paying proper attention to who was winning, his eyes were transfixed onto the higher levels of the arena where Kijito could see the group observing. They seemed suitably relaxed and enjoying the show, but didn't share the crowds overly loud frenzied, and while she couldn't get a proper look at their faces from the distance, some of them appeared to be in the process of squabbling, while others looked content to ignore everything as they drank their wine. There was no mistaking it. The way they carried themselves radiated power....well...most. The younger one clinging closely to her sister didn't look like much in comparison, but she was still was well dressed and jeweled as any of the other ones. Ostrkuh had never took her to the palace to deal with any of them personally, but from what he had mentioned, they had individually ranged from being petty and emotionally cruel to monsters the likes of which would make the vampires shudder. He had never once referred to any of them as being "not so bad." @unisol_gr44 "I had wondered what Carian entertainment was like...this is actually pretty nice." The princess had made something of a compliment as she sat and observed in her seat, the back of her palm resting under her chin as she gave a calm smile. Of course, this was a misunderstanding on her part. Arenas were meant for sports. Dueling did happen from time to time, but these battles to death were almost unheard of. It could almost be seen as them having tainted the purpose, but the whole compliment of these noble brats didn't seem in any way bothered by the amount of blood that had spilled onto the sands. While Raziyma clearly couldn't care less about what was going on around her, she had been sociable for his stay here, the princess having been asking him countless questions of life outside of the country, seemingly enamored with other cultures, as opposed to her brother who had refused to even shake his hand. "Is it always like this back home?" "Explain to me why you should care. It's not like there's anything out there, we don't have, but better. This isn't even how these arenas are supposed to work." Prince Roi. While the oldest and allegedly smartest, he never made any attempts to even mask his contempt for outsiders. The most obvious choice for a successor as the oldest son, and the general understanding was that much of Thiatan's military success was owed to his tactics. He had been content to read books rather than actually watch the events, but the impression seemed to be that he wasn't even willing to give it a chance. It had been emphasized before even arriving that under no circumstances or whatever he says, was Aresenios supposed to insult him. While Caria was worried about offending him, it didn't do anything to avoid his siblings from arguing with them. Raziyma had lifted her head up from her chair, to take a look at him and stare accusingly. "Do you always need to act like an ass? Why can't you just appreciate other people's traditions?" "This isn't even their traditions. Whose idea was this?" "Mine." Off in the corners, underneath the balcony was the other one. Safiya. That was her name. She could be a little hard for some to look at with a good chunk of her face replaced by golden magical metal, but it wasn't the only way she stood out from the other elder siblings. Much more openly cold and cruel, but he could always get the sense that she wasn't trying to make an effort to hide her thoughts like the other ones. Aresenios could vaguely remember something about her technically being only half Thiatian and wasn't properly acknowledged for a claim to the throne despite actually being older than Raziyma. She hadn't spoke much to Aresenios directly and she had only actually cracked a smile after coming to the arena. From what Aresenios saw, her siblings refused to stand next to her by a mutual choice on both their ends. Roi was clearly not impressed by her. "If slaves are strong enough to beat each other to death, they'd be better suited to hard labor...this is just unnecessary." Roi's complaints seemed closer to mild distaste and disinterest rather than being actually upset by the bloodshed. "It's necessary to make this not completely boring. Who cares about duels where nobody is going to get hurt?" Safiya kept her gaze fixed on the battle down below and Raziyma nodded in assent. "I don't enjoy pointless deaths, but this is certainly not boring." "Well, Pharaoh Tota thinks it's absurd. And I do too." Roi had placed his book down, now more focused on bickering with his sister. "Dadd-Pharaoh Tota is busy crushing vampire scum. Don't say he wouldn't like it when he's not here to see it." Raziyma seems defensive about the situation. @merkros "Fine, but Sakhme- "Sakhmet agrees. This is fun." Raziyma had shut him down already turning to take a look at her sister with a clearly insincere smile. Aresenios experience was with dealing with the oldest three, and in no small part due to the fact that whenever the youngest one clinging to her sister was about to speak, they were quick to shut her down and state her opinions for her...though it seemed even if they didn't, she'd just agree Raziyma anyway. Sakhmet was left right beside Raziyma who had naturally expected her to take her side, ignoring the idea of it being awkward to have her say anything directly against her oldest brother.
@moonblack Being Raziyma’s “friend” had benefits. While only a minor noble, the elf would be able to get comfortable seats for such events, but there was something about doing it in such luxury. She hadn’t really been asked to speak and non of the other princes and princesses had made any attempts to acknowledge the court maiden, that Raziyma seemed to just keep around for no particular reason other than Kella was a workable mage even if not to the level of the royal family themselves. She wasn’t surprised to see Sakhmet. Arguably the only other person she was sort of close to in the royal family, and Raziyma went out of her way to ensure they rarely talked to each other. Outside of her presence, they never had the chance to say more than about three sentences to each other, which was likely intentional. The elf knew of the older princesses love to manipulate others into doing work for her and she had chosen the company of the lesser noble due to them sharing that trait, but she worked hard to direct it away from undercutting her own power and siccing it on enemies instead. They were both perfectly aware of the other panning to use the other and their friendship was closer to being founded on the idea of undermining mutual enemies rather than each other. While winning over Sakhmet would be easy from what she’d seen, Raziyma had clearly expected the elf to try and cut off any attempt to do it. While the youngest didn’t have common sense, her older sister did...though the elf was aware this was more out of Raziyma not wanting to lose her own pawn than natural sisterly instinct to be protective of her, despite Sakhmet believing it is, no matter how much evidence to the contrary had racked itself up. Still, she wasn’t really accepted by much of the upper court and she was left in an odd spot of being among the few minor nobles to be in the same gathering as the royal family and observe, though it wasn’t clear if she should say anything or allow this to play out.
Kjito can't supress a sneer as she sees the royal family. Under her breath, she mutters "pompous, inbred buffoons." They have power, yes, but... They're pathetic, as well. She yawns, uninterested in the bloodsport below. "How much longer do we have to stay for this, father? If I wanted to see some death, I'd just kill someone myself." She sighs. "How is this entertainment? Fighting, riding, drinking, fucking, that's fun. This is... What was the word that prissy noblewoman used? Gauche. This is so gauche."
@asddas193 In the stands of the crowds, the sport rages on without anybody taking notice of the succubus with her hood up for the time being, everyone too distracted on what's going on around them. It left Thea in a spot of not drawing too much attention to herself, mostly left trying to mentally crunch the numbers of her last trade. The man couldn't cut the exact price he wanted so he exchanged it was an admission token he had for this event. It seemed like a waste to not use it. But nobody was really expecting this from the new building being built. Much of the people in the lower stands seemed to be into it, but many of the upper class folk had an obvious look of distaste for this whole event. But all of the observers were focused elsewhere....except... She could see it Even in the mass of the crowds, there were still some strange people even for this audience standing around. Heavy plate armor in the desert would be bad enough, let alone wearing helmets. But they weren't looking at the event at all. They were staring at the crowds, apparently scanning for something. Clearly not guards of the arena who kept to light armor and spears. These people stood in a cluster, kitted out in equipment that was obviously western in design. Most of them wore black, aside from a few in light grey. The black armored squad remained where it was in the stands, unflinching as the grey armored ones began to break away heading off in opposite directions...only for one of them to tilt it's helmet into Thea's general direction. It wasn't obvious if the armored knight had taken notice of the succubus or not, but it began to slowly advance it's way over. They were taking their time. Not running and they weren't readying weapons, but keeping in a direct beeline towards her place in the stands, ignoring whoever the knight had accidentally bumped into and continuing their march over.
Thea sighed, was this everything her last deal gave her? The sport was... brutal, in a word. She'd prefer less blood, or more magic. Yeah, if they were at least using spells, rather than their raw strength, then the succubi would have been interested, sadly. Here she was, and there they were beating each other to a pulp. Sighing once more, she instead scans the crowd, maybe there was a mage she could talk to. But instead of a mage, she saw some knights heading her way. Or were they? She ponders why they'd be after her, trying to recall if she'd seen their armor from somewhere before. But that didn't stop her from making her way to the exit, while making sure yer cloak, and hood kept her hidden. She didn't want to make this whole place turn into one massive orgy, with her right at the center of it.
"Watch your mouth!" It was one of the few times her adoptive father had actually gotten outwardly angry, but his face showing something of agreement as well. Only for a few moments, but then left staring back more at the people. A bulk of people in clearly western armor standing in a group, was the next thing on his attention. Staring at them for a few minutes, he obviously had thoughts on it, but then glanced towards Kjiito. "...it's unusual. This isn't the kind of entertainment any of them usually enjoy...they prefer petty games of backstabbing. Princess Safiya enjoys violence, but only when she's the one doing it. This isn't the kind of event any of them would enjoy...and I can't say I understand this form of foreign entertainment either. I plan on watching until the end, none the less. I would like Prince Roi to think I enjoyed this "gift" of his. I don't play their court game nonsense, but I understand how it works enough to keep myself alive. Many battles are fought and won before a weapon is ever actually drawn. Staying in the good books of those who can play those kind of games better, would not be a bad thing." Trying to impart this logic on his adoptive daughter, he took a glance in her direction again. "I'm sure that nobody would notice if you cut out early. You're young. They don't expect you to sit still. If you want to head back to camp, you can probably get away with it...though from how it looks, the actual event they had planned is going to start soon.....it's not going to fall into your definition of "fun", if they are doing what I think they're doing."
Kjito is silent for a moment. "Sorry, father. I'll stay for now, and head back if the main event isn't worthy of attention." She perks up at seeing the figures in western armour, studying them. "I haven't seen that style of armour before. Do you know where those warriors are from?"
Kellia remained quiet – there was nothing to gain from getting involved in an argument between members of the royal family. Since no one had asked about her opinion she chose to say nothing, instead focusing on what was going on at the arena. As the elf watched something caught her attention. After debating with herself for a few moments she decided it might be worth bringing up... indirectly, of course. “Well, so far the common people seem to be loving the entertainment very much...” she noted, seemingly talking to herself but loud enough for the other nobles there to hear her “most of them, anyway. Those people in the black western-style plate armor don't seem to care in the slightest... aren't they hot wearing full heavy armor like this? They even have helmets covering their faces...” She wondered aloud, focused on the group in black.
@Auraicide Arsenios came to wonder which of his many Gods he had slighted to bring him to this point. Mingling with the Imperial progeny wasn't what he had expected, when he came to Thiata. It took all his restraint to not slight one of them and cause a diplomatic 'incident'. Inevitably, they bickered among each other about the games. He turned to Princess Raziyma, 'I'm afraid these are not our traditions, far from it. Only free-born Hellenic men are allowed to participate in our games, and the selection of competitions is wholly different. Running, javelin throwing, discus throwing, wrestling, boxing, horse racing; those are our disciplines. And no, it's not something that happens all the time. It happens only every four years along with a temporary truce between all Hellenic states. It is the greatest honour to be allowed to represent your home at the games. It did so myself twice in the past.' He looked to Prince Roi, 'Indeed, we don't indulge in blood sport, it is a festival to honour Zeus not Hades.' He then turned to Princess Safiya, 'Though, it does have it's appeal in a very macabre way. Maybe I should suggest it to my brother as a festival to honour Hades. Your crowds certainly took to it quite readily.'
@moonblack @unisol_gr44 "Only four years? That's an awfully long time, isn't?" Raziyma looked dejected at hearing the reality of it, her brother having a smug sense of satisfaction on his face at hearing her ideas of the outside world be stomped on. Safiya was still busy watching the sport, but actually made an attempt to properly look at Aresnios. "Perhaps this isn't the intended purpose, but the arena was easily the best part of your city when I saw it. Better than theater anyway." "I don't hear you calling this fun for you to see either." Roi had understood the implications behind Kellia's words as he gazed out to the crowd, looking sort of amused by their reaction and a little disappointed. "I'm sure they'd clamor for any entertainment. One thing is for sure. The scribes hate it. Anyone not stupid enough to buy this, either doesn't care or doesn't want it around. Our guests are getting bored as well." Looking over the balcony he stared down at the group of heavy metal knights who had parted just slightly, for a body to be made out in the middle of them. Perhaps what made her stranger too look at other than her eerie paleness was her face that seemed almost impossibly young for someone outfitted in western clothes lavish to the point of looking almost equivalent to the prince's in it's own way. The squadron of dark armored knights hadn't broken away from her as she just watched things quitely with a faint smile. She was obviously important. "Isn't it rude to leave her in the stands below?" Raziyma raised an eyebrow towards her brother as she began to lift herself up from her seat, her brother remaining seated. "I felt it best to keep them away from our other guest." Roi took a look at Aresenios, looking a little wary just for a brief moment, then sort of smiling. "Looks like the novelty is starting to wear off for people with good sense." Ignoring his taunts, Raziyma walked forward to place her hands on the railing and look outwards, still looking confident while Safiya had the same kind of smugness starting to appear. There was no mistaking it. They had something planned. Raziyma stared out in the crowds, scanning them for something, but looking almost elated. "So...if I understand correctly, nobody thinks these battles are good enough. That having slaves fight it out, is a waste of time? You're all craving to see something more?"
@Tjf "Good. This might be a lesson for you." Ostrkuh didn't elaborate on what he meant, seeing his adoptive daughter more focused on the people in armor who had began to fan out just enough to expose the person in the center of them. He looked cautious at the sight and Kijito knew why. That armor was by necessity to keep the sun away from them. Probably magically reinforced too. That much was apparent. The one in the center didn't seem bothered by the heat however. She had dealt with vampires before, but these ones were unique and Ostrkuh's gaze at them said it wasn't for the better. "When was the last time The Sanguine Confederation even had diplomats here?...those aren't those pushovers from village raids either. I don't know much about their religion...they're either ex-holy knights who were corrupted or fundamentalist holy knights to their god...I don't know what one that is. They're still much more dangerous than anything you've seen from them before." Kijito remembered her raids and thought about it a little. While the powers of a standard vampire were...exaggerated, much of that was because they couldn't reproduce and turned people to try and form and the rank and file of their country, leaving tons of weak and ill practiced vampires, more often than not just as vulnerable to a spear through the chest as anyone else. But the few that did live long enough to get a hang of their powers...they were serious. It helped the actual number of vampires in their nation wasn't that high. They made tons of fledglings and thralls, but the population of arguably dangerous ones was pretty minimal. However, an entire order of elite class vampires...it wouldn't be good to get on their bad side and her adoptive father recognized it. "Whatever they're here for, isn't really our business. I suspect they were invited for the same thing we were....it looks like it will be starting soon."
'It's a special event for all Hellenic states, there are smaller events and pratice games in each state to prepare for it during those four years,' Arsenios said to Ramziya. He paid little mind to the pale woman, not knowing who she and her entourage were. The Carian man stood from his seat with a grin, 'Let me go down in the arena and I will show you what a real Carian warrior and athlete can do.' He chuckled, 'But I'm curious to see what special event you have had planned.'
@asddas193 Thea has no trouble slipping through the crowds with everyone caught up in the uproar, slipping into the lower area and finding her way into the entry hall, near the exit of the arena. Other than a few stationary guards, there wasn't many people other than a few groups of other watchers chattering among themselves. From what she could tell, the armored knights hadn't followed her, but there was no telling what they were here for or for what purpose. She may have not seem them before, but really. When has any strange group of black armored soldiers ever been a good thing? They didn't seem focused on her yet, but clearly they had taken notice. If she slipped into the city, she'd probably be able to get more distance, but she had only arrived today and hadn't had a chance to get used to the area yet. This place had been under constant construction when she had arrived. Trying to navigate might not be easy, but they at least kept most of their buildings neat and into specifically organized districts. If she had a place in mind that she wanted to go, she probably could find it with enough time if she chose to bail out while most of the city was preoccupied.
Kellia decided it would be best to stay quiet and just observe as the royal siblings and their guests talked to each other. No one seemed to be paying attention to her for the moment – probably for the best, too. Vampires? And as honored guests, it seems? This is unexpected... The elf was quite surprised to realize that the black-armored figures were vampire knights guarding another vampire, seemingly some sort of high-ranking noble, maybe even royalty. Well, she's pretty...and rather young-looking, but with vampires you can never be sure – kinda like elves. She mused. How long has it been since vampires from The Sanguine Confederation visited Thiata like this? This is highly unusual, considering the tensions between our countries. Raziyma's words caught Kellia's attention. A quick look around and she saw the smug look that had appeared on Safiya's face. They have something planned. The elf realized as her gaze went back to the eldest princess. But what? Guess we'll see soon enough... She remained quiet, now curious... and a little wary.
"Right, so maybe they weren't after me... or maybe they were? Ahhh! I don't want to know!" Thea screamed inside her head, as she made her way to the exit. She had no idea who those armored men were, or what they wanted. But, she was sure it wouldn't be anything good. She sighed as she made it out of the arena, still getting used to the new city. The succubi had no idea what she'd find here, so for now. Thea decides to look for a magic shop, one that hopefully had something that'll help with her "problem."
@unisol_gr44 @moonblack Hearing his offer to go down to the arena himself had gotten the princess's attention. "Oh? Willing to go down there yourself. It wasn't really intended, but that could work. You and two others versus a special opponent. You won't even need to go for the kill. Just stay on your feet for three rounds and your team will be acknowledged as the winner. Of course...you are welcome to off your opponent if you must, but they won't be allowed to go for fatal blows against you. The handicap is heavily stacked in your favor. Should be easy, no? But...you'll have to do something for me, should you lose. Win however...and...we'll talk about it when it happens." Razyima gave her rules as Safiya began to whisper something to the arena guards who started to get a move on. Kellia was left wondering what the situation was, Raziyma occasionally taking a look over to her, looking like she had something to say, but wasn't going to with so many other people present. Her attention was caught to the sound of metal creaking open down below. One of those heavy armored knights stepping out onto the sands, only this one's armor more white in color than the rest. She struck out, by the sounds of the cheers dying down from the audience, apparently confused about who this person was or what their role was. The armored figure reaching upwards to pull off her helmet and let it fall to the sands. "We have a new competitor on the field! A knight of the Voiceless Veil! Aversa!" The announcer's voice echoed throughout the arena due to the magically resonating orbs and after a few people registered it, they crowd erupted again going madly. Even the upper class who had looked at things with disdain were starting to break away from talking to each other to watch what as about to unfold. Raziyma looked proud at seeing the woman stand out there. "So, I'm curious. Going to participate or just see what she's in for? I kind of hope you decide to compete so we can see you and action...that and if you don't....there's a strong possibility that she's going to die. Well..again." Arensios could understand enough to know that Rziyma clearly was aware of his hatred of the undead, but it wasn't obvious if she was expecting him to set it aside for the event or she was banking on him just allowing her to get killed by this supposed champion. @Tjf He had the same look on his face of not being fully trusting towards them being here. "If they wanted to cause trouble, I'm not sure how much we could do without horses." While the mercenary company excelled in open field combat using horse archery to harass their targets in hit and run tactics and break supply ones to great effect, those advantages would be killed in a straight up confrontation with an entire squadron in close quarters. Not they couldn't fight and her adoptive father was by no means lacking skill for straight fights...but even Kjito realized that these people weren't going to be easy targets either if it came to that. The look on his face didn't fade as he saw the red haired woman stand out on on the sands, obviously not thrilled by whatever he was expecting to happen. However, his face had actually shifted into genuine confusion and some surprise at seeing one of the golden clad arena guards approach his spot. "Sir Ostrkuh? Princess Safiya requests that you participate in this event. She has offered a month's worth of beer for your entire company upon your success." The guard looked a little baffled at the sudden change in events, but obviously not eager to return with news of having to tell the princess he refused and from his face, he was on the fence of agreeing to join in with whatever this was or refusing. It was very rare that he'd ask for other people's input, but he took a look to Kijito. "What do you think? This is clearly a terrible idea. Refusing might be a worse one. I think it's time you start making some more difficult decisions more than how much you can drink before getting a hangover." He wasn't afraid to publicly voice his displeasure right in front of the guard, but his stern expression had shifted. "..I'm old. I'm not much for fighting. If we are inclined to accept, I would like to nominate Kijito to fight in my stead. She's getting bored anyway." The suggestion had left other people dumbfounded around him at the sound of offering up his own daughter as a fighter, the guard looking baffled at the suggestion, though Kijito knew he wasn't the type who took stupid risks. These people who weren't battle hardened weren't sure about this idea, but he clearly was. Yet, he still waited for her say so if she was going to do it at all.
There are two sharp cracks as Kjito twists her neck, before she stands up. "Of course. I won't let you down." She takes her recurve bow and makes sure that her sword is attached firmly to her belt, thrusts her well endowed chest forwards to crack the powerful muscles in her back, and nods to the guard. "I'll fight. Lead the way."
Arsenios laughed loudly, 'Ha! I will not have it said that I shirked from a challenge. This opponent of yours must be some monster to take on three at once.' He smiled at the Princess, 'It is a wager then, I shall come back victoriously to discuss the details.' His eyes narrowed a bit, 'Though, fighting along side one of those... things... I should be fighting her instead.' And then shrugged, 'No matter, we'll sort it out afterwards.' The tall, blonde man turned to a servant, 'You there, fetch my armour and weapons and bring them to the dungeon below.' Before he turned back to Ramziya, 'If there is nothing else to discuss, I'll head down to the dungeon to get suited up and go out on the sands.'
Kellia noticed the looks the first princess was giving her – it seemed that Raziyma had something to say to her, but not in front of so many people. Whatever it was it would have to wait for later. She caught the princess's gaze and gave her a small nod to show she had understood, then turned her attention to the arena below and the woman that now stood there, alone. Another vampire knight. I wonder what sort of creature her opponent is going to be? Her eyes moved over to Arsenios as the prince agreed to participate and ordered a servant to fetch his weapons and armor. And one of her partners is a man who likely hates her kind. That leaves one more fighter to be revealed before we find out what the trio will be facing. This might be an interesting battle...
