The Watcher

First Day of School

*CLANG*

A single pupil contracted, focusing upon the light streaming in from the window upon the ceiling.
Sighing Throm opened his other eye, allowing the sweet embrace of sleep to fade into the background of his mind.

*CLANG*

Tossing a silk bathrobe about his shoulders he groggily made his way to the window where he was forced to once again allow for his eyes to adjust to the increased light.
The morning sky was lit a brilliant blue signifying the start of a beautiful day, a hot one too. Leaning out of his tower window, Throm peered down into the shaded courtyard below to glance two figures battling it out.

"Hey! It took me ages to plant that! Do not bleed on my grass..."

His voice trailed off, and his brow furrowed. Uttering a small incantation his eyes jumped into focus upon the two forms below. The first one was swinging a sword as though he had never lifted one in his life. And the other....well the other was just standing there taking it. A shock of white hair darted into the sunlight for a moment, bringing Throm to the realization that Lithanus had dragged his practice dummy from the classroom and was training upon it.
Chuckling, Throm turned from the window.

~Again...hit it again...~

Lithanus threw himself at the training dummy once more, reveling in the connection felt through the pommel of his sword as it collided against the armored sidepanel of his imaginary rival. Turning he wheeled around for another blow only to stop dead in his tracks at the sight of Throm leaning against the doorway to the Manor.
Grinning Throm nodded at the sword in the younger man's grasp.

"And here I was thinking that I am the only Cetra who studies the art of combat..."

Lithanus sneered, shoving the blade of the sword deep into the grassy lawn to hold it.

"I am nothing like you. I adapt to my surroundings. This barbaric world which you have chosen to call home dictates that I learn to defend myself against the simple minded folk who would wish me undo harm."

"You mean like the one who nearly tossed you like a ragdoll from the train yesterday?"

A muscle in Lithanus' jaw began to quiver in suppressed rage. Reaching out, his hands found the hilt of the sword, his fingers closed around it.
Throm's grin increased as he turned his back on Lithanus.

"Now see who's simple minded....no matter, meet me at Temple Square in an hour and perhaps we can find you an opponent who can hit back."

ONE HOUR LATER...

"Aspiring heroes from across the Tripower states have began their careers training here for years. Many have found fortune in what awaits beyond these doors. And many have fallen chasing such a dream."

Throm's hand gripped the latch to the large door leading to the great arena. He turned to Lithanus who stood ready in a suit of makeshift armor, wielding a chipped sword.

"You and only you can enter, I can offer no refuge nor aid. Are you ready Lithanus?"

A short nod prompted Throm to throw open the door, revealing the vast expanse of the arena beyond. Taking short steps, Lithanus entered the arena sending darting glances all about himself.
Clearing his throat Throm spoke out.

"Beware...the beast approaches..."

He shut the door with a loud bang, the bolt slamming shut locking Lithanus in. A bead of sweat dripped down the young man's face as he looked around the dark arena for his adversary but found nothing. His breathing increasing from under the simple helm he wore, he began to think that perhaps this was not such a good idea after all.
He yelped as something brushed against his iron clad boot, causing a scraping sound to be heard. Looking down he recognized his enemy...the 'beast'. A small snail crawled across the arena floor. Tearing the helm from his sweat soaked head he called out.

"You have to be joking! You can't be serious!"

A rabbit bounced it's way across the arena and somehow Lithanus knew that Throm was somewhere nearby...and he was laughing.

Posted by Throm at September 22, 2006 06:15 PM | TrackBack