The Games of Saberhaven
Akira Axehammer vs. Moonsong
The first fighter to enter the arena is the dwarven fighter Akira. The massive dwarf bows down on his knees and whispers a prayer to the dwarven gods, before drawing his massive battle axe. He gets down in the traditional dwarven brawling stance and prepares for battle.
His opponent runs out long bow drawn. Moonsong's long silver hair whips about in the wind. The elves applaud madly when their hero emerges, and the dwarves boo and spit. The light dances off his beautifully crafted elven chain and the girdle at his belt glows magically.
The match begins, Akira bellows a war cry at the top of his lungs as he barrels towards Moonsong and the dwarves erupt into loud boisterous cheers. The cheering is cut short however when Moonsong levels his bow and 2 arrows fly from it. One flies wide of its target but the second pins Akira neatly on the shoulder. Akira cries for vengeance as he continues on his collision course with the elf.
Akira bellows an incoherent word in dwarven as he continues his rush. The dwarves in the stands begin going ballistic at hearing this and a rumble erupts in the stands as a huge spectator socks an elf near him. The fight inside the Arena continues as well and Moonsong releases two more arrows at Akira.
Both shots are beautifully tailored and pin Akira in the abdomen. He blinks the pain back and continues his charge at the expert archer. Moonsong causally drops his bow and draws forth two beautifully crafted longswords in preparation for the dwarf's thunderous arrival.
The dwarf continues his deadly charge right at Moonsong, his wicked axe gleaming in the moonlight. He takes a low swipe at the elf's kneecaps but grimaces in astonishment as the blades pass through air next to the elf!
Moonsong attempts to sidestep and slices down into the dwarfs back. His shots are well placed and only one is deflected. The swords dive in, and his followup shots are both well hit, causing a tremendous amount of damage to the dwarfs lower back. The energy from the competitors spills into the stands, and and guards are called to quell the riot.
Moonsong presses his attack, his swords flash back and forward as he swings in a deadly arc at Akira's head. Akira manages to parry and counter attacks, pressing the elf back with his huge battleaxe. The axe smashes into the elf's collarbone, and all the dwarves roar with approval. He takes aim and whips the axe back, slicing the elf across the waist, almost spilling his innards onto the Arena floor.
The elf feels the battle rage inside him and once again twirls his blades at Akira. The dwarf manages to parry one sword but the other sticks him in the shoulder, nearly numbing it. The dwarf makes a desperation swing, which catches the elf across the chest. The blood flows freely from the competitors wounds and it is a wonder neither opponent has not fallen. They circle again and close in for another round of furious melee.
Common sense prevail over Moonsong and he drops back a step, going into a more defensive stance. Akira lunges in with his axe high but this blade meets Moonsong and the blow is deflected. Moonsong lunges in with his defender and slices deep into Akira's leg, severing it at the hip!. He stumbles to the ground and blood flows freely from the wound. The dwarves cry in dismay as there champion lies on the ground in a bloodly mess. Akira still clings to consciousness however. But escape seems not to be an option.
Moonsong ducks out of axe range and the crowd grows silent. He clears his throat and begins to speak.
"There is no need for this to continue," he says to the dwarf. "Lay down your weapon in surrender and let us walk out of here together."
Everyone is shocked as an elf gives a dwarf his life. The crowd all waits anxiously to find out the dwarves reply.
Akira bows his head in solemn thanks to the merciful elf and drops his axe to the ground. He then asks for the elf's hand to aid him in leaving. Moonsong picks up Akira and lifts him to his feet. Akira leaning heavily on Moonsong slowly walks to the exit of the Arena, and calls for medical attention.
You hear, one, two, three dwarves clapping. The number is multiplying by the second, soon the whole Arena is on its feet, regaling the two competitors. Dwarves and elves are almost in tears over the compassion of one combatant to another. The judges award the fight to Moonsong, but no one really cares who won. In this beautiful display of compassion, everyone won.
[ Atlas ][
Mythology ][
Bestiary ][
Faiths ][
Kalendarium ][
Credits ]
[ History ][
Lexicon ][
Artifacts ][
The Games ][
PBeM ][
Other Worlds ]