"It's today" Amaken thought to himself when riding to the kin house to take part in the tournament. At first, he was pretty excited as Kildwin's announcement reminded him of childhood spars with his friends using wooden swords in Dale. He was no stranger to combat, having come a long way but he was anxious to perhaps prove to himself, and to Anastasiar as well, that he could protect himself and others in need. Tapping his pouch to make sure the ring was in there, he smiled for a moment. He announced his intentions to Ana but did not present her with a ring. "Perhaps, with a good enough performance, this moment will be even greater" he laughed for a moment.
As he got closer to the Company's home, he thought about what happened. A letter from a man named Hoidd, presumably from her company, saddened him. He remembered Deorla's announcement and the meeting with her superior. He sighed for a moment. Was he too rash in offering to come in Deorla's place? She was like an older sister to him in the kin, and to Anastasiar as well. "I hope you're safe, Deorla" he prayed silently as he looked into the sky.
He did not realize that he was just outside the Company's house entrance. Quickly collecting himself, he rode in. Whatever the case, the tournament will commence and, at least because of her leave, all of us could fight without fear of leaving. He spotted Furley and Altheric near the entrance, looking in the distance, waiting for others. As he got from his horse and walked to them, he saluted both of them and took out his pipe, hoping to relax and ease his mind with the whiff of pipe-weed. A strange fellow caught Amaken's mind. A Man called Gutur offered to run a refreshment stall for the people taking part in the tournament. "Perhaps I'll take the offer later" he thought.
Kildwin, Anastasiar, Daphnee, Morrigana and Kingofardania soon came as well. After a moment, Kildwin stepped forward. "Alright, you lot. Step forward. Whoever wants to sign for the tournament, one at a time" he said in a commanding tone. Amaken was sure he heard some excitement when he spoke. He stepped first. "I'll register first, then" he said to Kildwin, nodding politely as he got closer. Kildwin's eyes measured him up and down. "What experience in combat do you have?" he asked. Amaken thought for a moment, then, with a smile, answered. "I am no stranger to combat, although I will admit I am more of a blacksmith than a warrior." He looked at the place the combat would take place. "Tournament will verify my skill first-hand" he added. Kildwin nodded and told him to step to the side. As he went to the side and saw Ana right behind him in the line, he was uneasy. "What if we are to fight each other!?" he thought to himself. "I can't give her the ring after I beat her in combat!"
After Anastasiar, Kingofardania, Altheric and Daphnee (with a surprised look on her face) registered for the tournament, Kildwin gave them a moment to change and equip their weapons. Morrigana declined to fight, preferring to watch from the side and play her harp instead. Amaken went to the side and checked his swords and stretched briefly in his armour. Ana came to him and side by side, they went to the area of combat. Furley and Kildwin took central stage, with others surrounding them in a circle. "Alright, here are the rules" Furley said with a raised voice. "We will fight in two groups of 3, everyone against everyone in their group. First two places from each group will go into the semi-finals. Kildwin will be officiating the bouts. They will cease when he decides so" he looked at Kildwin. After a brief moment of looking through everyone and drawing numbers, he came forward.
"Alright, here are the groups" he said. “Group number 1; Amaken, Kildwin, Altheric ! Group number 2; Daphnee, Anastasiar and Kingofardania". Amaken smirked at the draw. "Figures" he mumbled to himself. "Oh well, at least I'll have a spar against both Commanders"
"First match of the tournament" Furley shouted. "Amaken vs Kildwin". "Right off the bat, huh?" Amaken thought to himself with a smirk on his face. He got to the centre of the arena, Kildwin moving to face opposite him. They bowed to each other and drew their weapons, waiting for the signal to start. Amaken looked at Kildwin, thinking about what do to, how to take him by surprise. Kildwin looked at him with a stoic face, taking his stance with his axe and shield. "Begin" a voice shouted.
Amaken, as if on instinct and without thought, charged at the commander. He took a swing at him with his left sword, hoping to take him by surprise and catch the dwarf off balance. "Oi! How did you get that quick !?” Kildwn asked, barely managing to get his shield to block the blow, staggering backwards. Seizing the initiative, he attacked his chest with his right sword, the speed of his attack being the key to surprise the Commander. It succeeded, with Kildwin grunting and giving ground as Amaken's sword struck his chest. As Amaken expected, Kildwin, a veteran hardened by battle, did not fall. He would have to do much more to win against him. He charged again hoping to lower his shield to knock him to the ground. He struck his left arm with his right sword, hoping to fake his with the other one. Kildwin rushed as well, with a grin on his face. Raising his shield, he blocked the strike of Amaken's sword. Unfortunately, his second sword managed to hit his arm. "Bastard!" Kildwin cursed, lowering his shield from the pain. Amaken kicked Kildwin to his exposed chest, knocking him to the ground. "Enough. The duel is over" Furley said from the sideline. Amaken and Kildwin bowed to each other, and both tired from battle went to the side to rest.
"Ufff" Amaken sighed, sitting on the ground. He did not believe it. He had managed to defeat the great Kildwin!? Surely a fluke, he thought to himself. But for now, he smiled briefly before watching the other matches. "Second match! Anastasiar vs Kingofardania" Furley announced. Amaken looked at Ana in her armour, standing opposite Ardania, both bowing to each other. They drew their weapons, awaiting Kildwin's signal. "Begin!" he shouted.
"Second match ! Anastasiar vs Kingofardania" Furley announced. Amaken looked at Ana, in her armour, standing opposite King, both bowing to each other. They drew their weapons, awaiting Kildwin's signal. "Begin!" he shouted.
Both Anastasiar and Ardania charged at each other, their weapons clashing in the middle of the arena. After a moment of struggle for better position, they both took a step back, thinking about their next move. Anastasiar lunged forward at the Hobbit, her weapon striking him and pushing him back. Ardania staggered backwards for a moment as Ana readied her sword for another swing. Regaining his composure, Ardania aimed a strike with one of his daggers. Ana blocked it just in time with her shield, the matchup getting more and more intense as time went on. They were evenly matched, every person cheering for both of them. Ardania got more anxious as the duel went on, angry at not being able to strike Anastasiar. Dodging her strike, he drew his bow. "Darn you! I will not be beaten by a woman!" he screamed, aiming a shot from his bow. "Enough!" Kildwin roared, deflecting the shot with his shield. "It's a draw" he declared. As Ana and Ardania went to the side, Ardania, now calm, went to her. "Well fought, for a female" he said with a tongue sticking out of his mouth. "I am sorry if I offended you, m'lady" he said in an apologetic tone.
"Well done, Ana. You did great." Amaken said, going behind her and kissing her on the cheek. Ana leaned backwards towards him, tired from her duel "Thank you, my love." she said with a smile. Before he could say anything more, Furley announced another pair.
"Amaken, Altheric! You're up!" Furley commanded, with a raised voice. Leaving Ana with Daph and Ardania, Amaken went to the centre of the arena, Altheric already waiting for him. He looked menacingly into Al’s mask, his usual stoic personality only adding to his intimidating look. "I wish you good luck, Amaken" he said with his halberd in hand. "Likewise, let's have a good duel" Amaken replied, drawing his swords. "Begin !" Kildwin shouted.
Amaken charged once again, hoping to negate reach advantage of Altheric's halberd with speed. He raised his right sword, trying to strike Altheric, whose experience showed as he effortlessly slapped Amaken's hand away with his halberd. He returned to his stance, choosing not to counterattack. Amaken barely managed to hold his weapon, surprised by the speed of Altheric's strike. He thought for a moment before stepping to Altheric's right side and attacking him again, but his opponent saw right through it, pinning his sword with the bill of his halberd. He used this moment to attack Amaken's head with the shaft, grazing his head as he ducked for cover. "Now !" he thought as he swung his sword at Altheric. The blow struck at his chest, making Altheric step backwards. Amaken charged, knowing it was now or never. He swung his left sword at Altheric's arm. Still reeling from previous blow, Altheric fell on the ground as Kildwin separated Amaken from him. "It's over. Good fight, lads" said Kildwin, looking at both of them. "Well done, lad. You've impressed me." Altheric added, saluting Amaken with his halberd. Amaken responded with the salute of his own, barely managing to hold his happiness from the win.
"My word, Amaken. Someone's wanting a wage rise. I wonder what, or who, has brought this fervour on" he said with a smirk. "Since Ardania had to attend an important matter elsewhere, he had to go. And therefore forfeits. Therefore, let's begin the next stage. Daph, Ana, you're up next" he finished, visibly shocked and impressed how the tournament was going for the moment.
Anastasiar and Daphnee looked at each other for a moment before both going to the center of the arena. "Daph, get Harold out of the arena !" Kildwin shouted, pointing to the pig behind Daphnee". "Shoo ! Go over there for now !" Daphnee said to Harold, waving her hand in his direction. "Sorry" she said to Kildwin. "He won't stop following me".After that, they both bowed to each other. "Begin!"
As they heard Kildwin's voice, both Anastasiar and Daphnee went into their stance. Daphnee made the first move, charging towards Ana with her sword drawn. She managed to strike Ana's middle, making her stagger. Anastasiar, visibly shaken by Daphnee's blow, swung her sword at Daphnee, hoping to stop her advance. Her blade hits Daphnee's side, pushing her to the side. Daphnee planted her foot to regain balance, showing her great strength and sense of balance. It was a fine exchange, with both combatants showing great skill. After a moment of catching her breath, she got closer to Ana, attacking her side. Anastasiar parried Daphnee's strike and changed her stance. She swung her sword at Daphnee's middle, hoping to hit her with all her strength. Daphnee was taken completely by suprise and fell to the ground. "Enough" Kildwin said, going between them. "Anastasiar won". After helping Daphnee get up after their fight, both women bowed before going off the arena together for a chat.
Amaken went to them, wanting to check on their condition "Are you both OK ?" he asked. Both Anastasiar and Daphnee assured him they're OK. "I am glad we are friends and not enemies" Daphnee said to Ana with a smile on her face. Amaken nodded "Me too" he said, kissing Ana on the cheek. "I did not know you could fight so well. Wish me luck in my next fight, then" he said.
"Altheric, Kildwin ! You're next !" Furley commanded. Both Commanders went to the middle and bowed to each other. Everyone's attention shifted to the arena. Battle between two Commanders of the Company was bound to be interesting. "Begin" Furley shouted, starting the duel.
Both combatants sized each other up, not wanting to give another the opportunity to counter. After a moment, Altheric made the first move. Taking a high stance, he swung his halberd downward at the dwarf. Kildwin masterfully parried the blow and performed a perfect counter with his axe, disarming Altheric and sending him straight to the floor. Sound of Altheric falling to the ground was heard clearly as everyone went silent. "Kildwin wins" Furley said. Altheric got up after a moment, still shaken from Kildwin's blow. "Good show, Kildwin" he said with a smile, saluting Kildwin as the duel came to an end.
As both Commanders went to the side, Amaken looked at Kildwin. "Was he going easy on me ? Surely he could've disarmed me like that at any time ?" he wondered. He shaked his head. "Oh well, I'm glad we are fighting together on the road and not against each other" he thought to himself with a smirk.
"We'll begin semi-finals, then" Furley said. "Daphnee, Amaken. You're first to fight". Both of them went to the center and bowed before each other. Weapons in hand, they waited for Kildwin's signal. "Begin !"
Daphnee leapt forward as soon as duel began, taking Amaken completely by suprise. She swung her sword at Amaken's chest, hitting it before Amaken could even assume his stance. Losing his balance, he took a step back. Daphnee, realizing that's her chance, kicked him with her leg, sending him to the floor. Overwhelming him, she stepped forward to strike her next blow but Amaken swung his sword as she got closer, giving him some space. Amaken got up and charged at Daph, hoping to regain the initiative. Daphnee managed to suprise him yet again with a quick sweep with her leg. Falling to the ground again, Kildwin stopped the fight. "Daphnee wins." he said. Amaken got up, his side still hurting from Daphnee's strike. "Well fought, Daph. Well deserved victory" he said with a smile as he nodded his head to her.
"Second semi-final !" Furley shouted. "Anastasiar and Kildwin. Get over here" Anastasiar looked at Amaken, winking before getting out to meet Kildwin in the arena. They both bowed and drew their weapons. "Begin !" Furley shouted.
Anastasiar made the first move, leaping for a low strike with her sword. Kildwin expertly parried the blow. He struck one of Ana's legs with the back of his axe, making her stumble back. Hoping to make some room between them, Anastasiar swung her sword at Kildwin. Once again, he caught it with his shield. Feeling confident, he smacked his axe on his shield "Come on" he said, taunting Anastasiar. Anastasiar charged, once again attempting to strike downwards at Kildwin. This time, Kildwin could not react in time as Ana's blade struck his shoulder. Grunting, Kildwin swung his axe at Ana, managing to knock her backwards and giving him room to steady his footing. He rushed forward and bashed Ana to the ground with his shield, ending their duel once again in victory for the Sergeant. Amaken came to Ana, helping her to stand and take her to the side.
With final pairing decided, Kildwin and Daphnee both took their positions at the arena. After many great duels at this tournament, the winner was about to be decided. Everyone's eyes became focused on the arena. Both combatants bowed before each other and drew their weapons. All they waited for was Furley's signal..... "Begin the final duel !"
Kildwin and Daphnee assumed their stance, waiting for another to make the first move. Kildwin, in a show of confidence and intimidation, bashed his axe on his shield, taunting Daphnee. After a brief moment, Daphnee side-stepped and swung her sword at Kildwin's chest. Kildwin, suprised my Daphnee's speed, did not react in time and stumbled slightly. Regaining his footing, he took a defensive stance, hoping for an effective counterattack. Daphnee lunged at Kildwin, striking him with her sword in the chest. Kildwin, feeling pressured, charged desperately into Daphnee, hoping to headbutt her into the ground. Daphnee managed to dodge it, holding her leg out in an attempt to trip Kildwin over. Kildwin saw the move, jumping over her leg and swinging his shield at her. Daphnee, known for her speed, barely dodged it, performing an amazing counter strike just above Kildwin's shield, knocking him down and winning thie breath-taking duel.
Kildwin grunted as he bowed his head before Daphnee "Good fight" he said before stepping to the side. Tournament was over. Daphnee was victorious and recieved the promised reward. "Here are your winnings" Furley said, handing Daphnee the bag with prize money. Altheric came to them a moment later, bearing a beautiful dagger he found in Eregion. Daphnee, speechless at the sight of the dagger, could only utter a simple "Thank you" as she recieved her reward.
After the ceremony was over, Furley ordered everyone to gather. "As I've said at earlier meetings, the purpose of this tournament was to observe and select members of our Company for our next task. It'll not be easy, as we will be going further east than Rivendell" he said to everyone. He nodded with a smile on his face "I was very impressed by your display of skill, bravery and wit in battle. It will no doubt help us with our venture into Rhovanion. However, there is one more thing we must discuss here"
He took out a crinkled piece of paper. "A note, describing one of our members leaving us !"
"Oi ! State your business" Kildwin said as an unknown man, bruised and exhausted, appeared before them. "Is...is.....it.... East Road..... Company..... ?"he said shortly before collapsing......
