Chapter 8: Learning the Battlefield

After splitting up, most of the guys - Kest, Cedras, Adam, Cringer, Zidane, Kuja, and Zantar - found themselves just standing there, wondering what to do. Kest abruptly grinned.

“I just realized, Adam, that we have something in common.”

“Oh?” The tanned elf pointed at Cringer.

“A tiger companion.” Kest surprised all but Cedras by casting a spell to create a magical doorway that was all black inside. “Shamzar!” he called. A feline noise answered. “Wanna come have some fun here?” In answer a huge white tiger, bigger than Cringer, leapt out to pounce Kest flat. “OOF! I guess that’s a yes.” Cedras chuckled as Shamzar looked superior.

“Meet Shamzar, the legendary tiger.” The tiger looked up, then scanned them all with intelligent eyes. He prowled up to each to get a sniff, then cat calmly as Kest pried himself up. Cringer, as was predictable, backed away from the larger feline.

“I’ve never heard of a legendary tiger before,” commented Kuja, admiring the beast.

“It basically means really big and really smart,” explained the Kheledi, before suddenly looking over at a noise like metal striking metal from inside the arena. “Ooh!” He darted off through the lower entrances, his tiger in tow. Cedras sighed.

“He does that a lot.”

“Probably heard some of the combatants warming up.” Zantar started to follow. “You can too, if you’d like, to get a feel for the arena grounds.”

“And keep Kest out of trouble,” added the paladin knight as they followed.

Inside they saw a few competitors sparring, including Ora who was riding around on a huge white charger that, when the pair turned about, was revealed as a unicorn with a golden horn, hooves, mane, and tail. Kest blatantly gawked as they twisted and pivoted, spearing rings for target practice with her lance. None of the others could blame him, however, as they also starred at the magnificent creature when they reached his side.

“He’s beautiful,” Adam complimented.

“He’s celestial,” added Cedras.

“He’s Radiance,” came a voice from behind, and they turned to see Zentor approaching. He’d removed his armor, now just wearing a tunic and pants in a rich blue shade, with his boots a dark midnight color, all trimmed in delicate gold threat embroidery, simple yet elegant. Rycharde, Edgar, and an elf guard introduced as Southern First Shield Derenithin (like Edgar, he insisted that his calling him by name was fine) were with him. Close up it was clear his back wasn’t well, as his posture was stiff and straight. Also clear was his relaxed manner, evident in his kind eyes and easy going smile.

“That was a good joust earlier,” complimented Zidane. “That flip-kick was great.” Zentor chuckled.

“You could say I cat-kicked him.”

“Just you said,” Rycharde commented wryly. “I’ll come up with something new.” They were silent for a moment, watching Ora practice. Then Zentor asked,

“Are you all competing?”

“All but Kest, Kuja, and I,” replied Cedras.

“Then this will be a good tournament to watch.” They fell silent, non knowing quite how to respond to the clear sorrow in his tone. Then Ora galloped over.

“Anyone care to spar with me?” she asked cheerfully. Cedras grinned.

“It would be my pleasure, even though I am not competing.” Ora grinned back as the knight whistled loudly. A shape whisped into existence, much like a conjuration, and formed into a horse; a pristine white charger with silver mane and tail.

“Ready for a spar, Ominous?’ Cedras asked the stallion, who neighed in response. Within moments the two were riding at each other valiantly, like a sight out of mythology, and making quite a ruckus.

#Clang!#

#Bang!#

#Ping!#

“Ooohhhh….”

#Shlink!#

“You’re a bit too young to sign up, sonny.”

“Giggle giggle!” #toddle toddle toddle#

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Author's Post Note: Ok, if you couldn't guess, the # means a noise or action. I normally would use an astericks, but for some reason that doesn't show up. Oh well...