Cousin Shopping (Ariadne)

[Maria Pentaghast]

Training was always part of a warrior’s life. Without it one could never progress in battle, now the grand tourney was just around the corner and it was a chance to prove to Nevarra and to the rest of the world their determination, honour and pride. New legends would be forged, and the clash of battle was guaranteed to excite the spectators. For Maria the Dragon Huntress battle was what fuelled her very soul, her blood began to boil in excitement at the thought of watching blade meeting blade. With the thoughts of the tourney flowing deep into her mind, Maria slowly ventured out into the courtyard and decided to train once again.

Luckily the sun was shinning its blessings over Nevarra. And the air was filled with a crisp smell, as she ventured through the courtyard she noticed several groups of soldiers and knights clashing against each other in order to train their minds and bodies. Each time a blow was landed, Maria simply enjoyed the noises of metals fighting against each other. The more she walked, the more respect she was given as some soldiers bowed their heads and stepped to one side, allowing her to move freely.

While wearing the full set of Dragon Huntress hauberk Maria moved towards the south of the courtyard. There she stood still and slowly used her hand to pull her steel sword out of the scabbard, the blade shone in the sun and was then pulled towards her face until it just about stood in front of her face. Breathing in and then out, she snarled and swung the sword around as if she tried to slice the very air open with her blade.

Various directions were met by the edges of the blade. Her hair swirled around as she imagined being surrounded by attacking enemy forces, Maria used various techniques from plunging the sword behind her, to slices in a diagonal direction and even downwards. With each strike, her face was just as angry as a dragon. As she continued to train, Maria began to wonder what kind of fighters, would appear at each event of the tourney.

Still it was a chance for her to train rigorously. Soon she thrusted the sword into the ground as deep as it could go and quickly pulled out two daggers. And once again sliced the air in an attempt to defeat the invisible enemy, upon hearing that Jenna had entered the tourney Maria was also tempted to enter. However her duty to her older cousin was greater then battle, and being on standby Maria continued training.

But as she continued onwards, a group of soldiers gathered around as they watched Maria. Somewhere totally amazed as Maria constantly pushed herself to train even further; others wondered if she would ever take a break from training and do something else for a change. Soon she found herself using her arms and legs to punch the air. No matter what happened, she was determined to train hard.

[ari]

The weather was lovely, and Ariadne had had enough of being in the castle. Her mother was making her crazy and if she didn’t get away from the woman she was likely to scream. Unfortunately doing that would cause her dear Champion to come running to her, and she didn’t feel like having Torin kill her mother no matter how delicious the idea sounded. If only it could be that easy, but the way she figured it her mother wouldn’t live forever. Ariadne decided to make her way out to the courtyard, she knew that with the Grand Tourney coming most everyone would be practicing and honing their special skills. She had actually released Torin for the day, just so that he could practice if he wanted to. The man was lovely and Ariadne wondered if she would see him out here.

Ariadne was dressed as properly for outside as she could. Her dress was a rich crimson though it lacked the jewels most of her other gowns had. The bodice however was decorated with a lovely embroidered pattern with a great dragon. Most of the head fit on the bodice. The body and tail curled around the skirts, the bright gold thread looking lovely against the deep red of the gown. Her slippers were gold as well, but her skirt gently brushed against the cobble stones so none would see her lovely slippers. As Ariadne walked many stopped to bow their heads until she waved it off. They were busy and at this moment she didn’t need their bows. She wanted to see them fight not act like a courtly idiot.

At the south end of the courtyard Ariadne spotted a familiar face. She did nothing to draw attention to herself so she could watch her cousin with her silvery blue eyes. Maria was amazing, in her dragon armor. She fought well, and looked like she was staging a dance with her weapons and then her body. It was a dance that Ariadne would never be able to accomplish but it was something that took her breath away anyway. Once Maria began to slow down, Ariadne began to clap softly, alerting her cousin to her presence. ”Cousin that was divine, tell me that you will be entering the tourney. You are too wonderful to not enter!” Her voice was rich and womanly, with a tone that expressed great fondness. She had always liked Maria.

[Maria Pentaghast]

While slowly breathing in and out, Maria stood triumphant in her training. It was always a good feeling to see her best friends and be able to use them in battle; she loved the feeling of the hilts in her hands. And how they shown brightly while their sharp ends of the blade slice the air, as Maria's very own breath slowly began to return her mind was focused on the tournament. Her eyes stared deep into the soul of her sword; she pondered on what kind of battles would be their and what kind of techniques. But Maria was quite excited and placed a smirk on her face, it wasn’t long before a clapping sound was heard.

Looking over her shoulder Maria saw that her younger cousin Ariadne had watched the training. Despite having a tough exterior Maria loved and respected her family, and being the Dragon Huntress of Nevarra while also being in service of her older cousin was a great honour. Maria had always gotten on well with Ariadne, in fact with the entire family. However her younger cousin was almost like a second sister to Maria, turning around to greet her cousin she bowed and revealed her respect to Ariadne while replying in a focused tone once again. "You have my deepest thanks cousin. Sadly however I will not enter the tournament this year, with Captain Jenna entering it would only be fitting if I stood beside your brother to protect him should he decide to watch the tournament"

Her voice was filled with disappointment. But Maria knew that her loyalties to Stephan came first, she completely understood and was more then happy to guard her cousin. Picking up her weapons she placed them back on her weapons belt and gently brushed aside a little of her hair which stood near the ear, her smirk once again appeared and she spoke to her cousin" I have no doubt Jenna wants to show off her abilities once again. Tell me cousin what do you think about this years tournament?”

[ari]

"You have my deepest thanks cousin. Sadly however I will not enter the tournament this year, with Captain Jenna entering it would only be fitting if I stood beside your brother to protect him should he decide to watch the tournament" Ariadne flicked her hand gently at her cousin, she never was a fan of Maria bowing to her. She demanded it of some, but for Maria she made exceptions just like she always called Stephan brother dear instead of his proper title. Surely she could get into some trouble for it, but none had come her way so for the time being Ariadne wasn’t going to worry about it. The mentioning of Jenna’s name took all of Ariadne’s restraint to keep from making a face like a child would. She wasn’t a fan of the woman and she would like nothing more than for her to disappear.

”I believe you will be a better guard for my brother than Jenna anyway Maria.” Her silver blue eye closed in a wink, but she didn’t elaborate further. Ariadne was too smart for that, keeping her silence was what caused her little indiscretions to be overlooked. "I have no doubt Jenna wants to show off her abilities once again. Tell me cousin what do you think about this years tournament?” Ariadne thought a moment, carefully choosing her words as a smile graced her perfectly sculpted lips.

”The Tourney will be something wonderful, I hope to enjoy watching my champion win.” The girl was smart enough to keep her true feelings out of her voice. It wasn’t proper for a girl of her station to lust after a man such as Torin of Highever, but it was already done and Ariadne had no desire to change her thoughts on him. ”What of you cousin? Do you have someone that you are hoping wins?”

[Maria Pentaghast]

It was always nice to spend time with Ariadne. After all if anyone knew Maria better then anyone it was her, apart from Jenna of course. Then again it would have been nice to spend time with her old friend and her cousin Stephan, still she always enjoyed the company. However she took note that Ariadne didn’t like the bow and decided not to do that in future, despite this it did not harm to show her respect. When being around her cousin, Maria felt calm and relaxed and could even speak her mind without holding back. She deeply appreciated this and was always glad to listen to Ariadne's thought should she desire someone to talk to.

Her cousin's words were more then welcome as she gave Maria a good compliment. Jenna was always a gal who was hot headed, and she too was just the same as her childhood friend. In response she fixed her gaze upon Ariadne while voicing her reply with a relaxing but focused tone. "I couldn’t agree any more cousin" Maria said with a wink back.

Deep down Maria always respected Jenna and the two were friendly rivals. But she would feel sorry for anyway who would get in their way, she watched as Ariadne put on a smirk as Maria commented on her friend. Maria could tell from her cousin's words that her faith in Torin of Highever was quite strong. The dragon huntress couldn’t help but smile and responded to Ariadne's question with a rather excited voice. "You ask a good question cousin, this years participates seemed highly skill. But to answer to your question I'd just cheer on the battle itself. I must say though cousin, you have made a wise choice for your chosen champion. This Torin of Highever seems skilled".

[ari]

Ariadne turned her head slightly, allowing her hair to fall over one shoulder. It was always easier to keep her hair from being in her way if it was placed this way. She smiled softly, enjoying the warm sun as it brushed against the skin that was bared to it. "I couldn’t agree any more cousin" Ariadne laughed softly as her eyes roamed over the yards, watching a few others as they trained. It was a pity that her cousin wouldn’t be joining the tournament but she knew that Stephan would want Jenna to fight and if she was in the tourney then someone would need to remain by his side as protection.

"You ask a good question cousin, this years participates seemed highly skill. But to answer to your question I'd just cheer on the battle itself. I must say though cousin, you have made a wise choice for your chosen champion. This Torin of Highever seems skilled". A wicked smile danced upon Ariadne’s lips. She agreed with her cousin. Those that she had seen were very talented and the nobles of other lads would bring their finest as well. The people who would compete were about to make this one of the greatest tourneys in Nevarran history.

”Yes, Torin is quite skilled. He has actually been hired by me to be my personal bodyguard. Once this is all over he will be at my side like Jenna is at Brother dear’s.” Ariadne was glad that she had chosen Torin instead of a few others that had applied for the position. Those men had been ones she had no desire to deal with. Lately things had been stressful and Ariadne had wanted a little extra looking after. Sure the palace guards would have been sufficient but the Grand Duchess wanted something a little more comforting.

[Maria Pentaghast]

Maria smiled happily as she watched Ariadne smile and laugh. She had always valued Ariadne's friendship, respect and love. And would do her upmost best to protect her, however she was growing up pretty fast and her chosen champion would become her body guard no matter what outcome took place at the tournament. It will be interesting to see just how skilled Torin would be, otherwise Maria would train him personally to make sure he becomes Ariadne's shield and support. Jenna however was no push over so should the two battle each other then it would be a battle between a brother's champion and a sister's champion.

And Ariadne's smirk regarding Torin was all that Maria needed to know. She had made her choice and now her hopes were with her chosen champion, like Jenna and the others. Although it was a great burden to bare however the reward was great, Maria simply smirks and felt quietly proud of Ariadne. Then again she was also proud of Jenna for being in the tournament, still Jenna was quite skilled so seeing her and Torin fighting in the very same tournament would be quite exciting to Maria.

Her cousin's words were filled with pride and the utmost confidence in Torin. Maria however was quite hoping that he will live up to Ariadn'e beliefs, still she replied to Ariadne with a voice that was filled with excitement. "I am proud of your cousin, your choice is an excellent one. Please tell me cousin what weapon does he favour?"