From: ldyxeldrmr@aol.com (LdyxEldrmr)
Date: 21 Apr 1999 21:14:49 EDT
She sat back in her chair, just outside her cottage, enjoying the warm Spring sun; letting all the information sink in, glancing now and then through the notes she had taken during that first lesson. There was alot to learn, but she was determined. It was just going to take awhile to become familiar with all the different combinations of moves and
strategies. If only she'd paid more attention when she first started...she wouldn't be in this mess now, but no...she had to be the flirt and party girl!
It -had- gone well, she thought. He was very nice and very patient. She was sure her questions made her sound like a 4 year old, but he was kind and helped her through, holding her hand and taking her step by step, finding different ways of explaining things when the first one didn't sink through her thick skull.
She had studied the notes all day and, when she went to bed that eve, her dreams were of dueling. She'd only had one lesson, but she -was- feeling a "little" more confident about her upcoming duel against Topaz.
The next day came and went and then it was the day of her duel. She became more and more anxious as the time drew closer. Unable to just sit at home and watch the clock, she gathered her dueling gear and wrapped her cloak around her shoulders, heading to the Atrebla rings early.
Pacing about, sitting and reading over notes, then standing and pacing again, trying to memorize the different strategies before her duel, she hardly noticed the time passing. She'd been watching Topaz duel this week also, and was hoping she'd picked up on a few things. A sound at the door made her look up.
Lexa! She grinned and greeted her, determined not to show her anxiety. Not long after, Topaz rushed in and then, sauntering in like he owned the place, G'nort. Eldy grinned as he strutted in, shaking her head and climbing into the ring. At least G showed to lend her support and encouragement. She knew she was just a rookie -- so, technically, just fodder --- but it would have been nice to have had her team-mates show up at least once. She gave
a slight shrug and readied her stance.
...tbc
Self-Challenge (Eldy - last attempt)
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From: ldyxeldrmr@aol.com (LdyxEldrmr)
Date: 21 Apr 1999 21:49:52 EDT
She could feel the grip on her blade was too tight and she tried to relax her hold as the duel began. Sparks flew as they both cut high and Eldy smiled softly, thinking it was a good way to start.
She stayed focused, tried to keep her mind on the instruction she'd received and, lo and behold, it was working! She even managed to score the first point, sidestepping Lady DeBurgo's circular parry. Her spirits buoyed by this, she concentrated harder.
She lunged again, seeing an opening as Topaz raised the blade to cut high once more, her thrust finding it's mark. However, the next point scored was her worthy opponent's as she fell back, aiming for her shins, only to find herself becoming intimate with the tip of Topaz's blade.
The duel went on, Topaz seeming to be reading her mind: She sidestepped Eldy's thrusts, ducked her high cuts, parried her low cuts.
Each point or advantage the Lady gained, Eldy told herself not to worry, that there was still plenty of time....to focus, stay in control...yet, there was a part of her that was sinking. She was losing and she knew it.
The end came after 14 rounds, when she tried to step out of Topaz's way, only to get nailed in the shoulder. The disappointment at losing 5-2.5 hurt more than the slight wound in her flesh.
She smiled softly at both Lexa and Topaz, congratulating the latter on her excellent duel and the former on her fun calls.
Quietly, she gathered up her gear and slipped out, heading towards the arena, lost in thought.
...tbc
Date: 21 Apr 1999 21:49:52 EDT
She could feel the grip on her blade was too tight and she tried to relax her hold as the duel began. Sparks flew as they both cut high and Eldy smiled softly, thinking it was a good way to start.
She stayed focused, tried to keep her mind on the instruction she'd received and, lo and behold, it was working! She even managed to score the first point, sidestepping Lady DeBurgo's circular parry. Her spirits buoyed by this, she concentrated harder.
She lunged again, seeing an opening as Topaz raised the blade to cut high once more, her thrust finding it's mark. However, the next point scored was her worthy opponent's as she fell back, aiming for her shins, only to find herself becoming intimate with the tip of Topaz's blade.
The duel went on, Topaz seeming to be reading her mind: She sidestepped Eldy's thrusts, ducked her high cuts, parried her low cuts.
Each point or advantage the Lady gained, Eldy told herself not to worry, that there was still plenty of time....to focus, stay in control...yet, there was a part of her that was sinking. She was losing and she knew it.
The end came after 14 rounds, when she tried to step out of Topaz's way, only to get nailed in the shoulder. The disappointment at losing 5-2.5 hurt more than the slight wound in her flesh.
She smiled softly at both Lexa and Topaz, congratulating the latter on her excellent duel and the former on her fun calls.
Quietly, she gathered up her gear and slipped out, heading towards the arena, lost in thought.
...tbc
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From: ldyxeldrmr@aol.com (LdyxEldrmr)
Date: 22 Apr 1999 14:14:34 EDT
Her mood was one of quiet despair as she entered the arena, nodding to those she knew, quickly sitting down at her table.
She sighed quietly, going over the duel with Topaz in her mind, seeing where she'd made her mistakes, beating herself up for them.
What had hurt even worse than losing the duel so badly, was having to tell Gnort that she'd failed him....again. He'd told her it was ok, that he knew she'd tried. She'd shaken her head, told him that it wasn't...and that she was sorry she'd let him down.
She looked up, startled from her reverie as Aerenth came over, grinning, asking her for a duel. She shrugged and nodded, thinking that was the best way...duel until she couldn't lift her blade, until she dropped from exhaustion.
Aer tried to flirt and joke with her, frowning when he saw that she was dueling, nothing more. Sighing softly to himself, he made quick work of the duel, the fun gone out of it for him with Eldy's mood.
She nodded at the score, thanked him and Skall, and sat down at her table. Without warning, the tears started flowing and, drawing Flirt and leaving her precious blade on the table, she fled the arena....
...tbc
Date: 22 Apr 1999 14:14:34 EDT
Her mood was one of quiet despair as she entered the arena, nodding to those she knew, quickly sitting down at her table.
She sighed quietly, going over the duel with Topaz in her mind, seeing where she'd made her mistakes, beating herself up for them.
What had hurt even worse than losing the duel so badly, was having to tell Gnort that she'd failed him....again. He'd told her it was ok, that he knew she'd tried. She'd shaken her head, told him that it wasn't...and that she was sorry she'd let him down.
She looked up, startled from her reverie as Aerenth came over, grinning, asking her for a duel. She shrugged and nodded, thinking that was the best way...duel until she couldn't lift her blade, until she dropped from exhaustion.
Aer tried to flirt and joke with her, frowning when he saw that she was dueling, nothing more. Sighing softly to himself, he made quick work of the duel, the fun gone out of it for him with Eldy's mood.
She nodded at the score, thanked him and Skall, and sat down at her table. Without warning, the tears started flowing and, drawing Flirt and leaving her precious blade on the table, she fled the arena....
...tbc
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From: ldyxeldrmr@aol.com (LdyxEldrmr)
Date: 22 Apr 1999 19:26:18 EDT
She'd run from the arena, the tears blinding her, not heading in any particular direction.
She stopped a ways from the arena, catching her breath, waiting for the tears to subisde so she could continue. Her back against the wall of a merchant's, she leant forward, hands on her knees as she struggled to bring her emotions under control.
A sound just infront of her caused her to jerk her head up sharply, one hand reaching towards the empty scabbard.
"Looking for this?", came a familiar voice. Angrily wiping away the remaining tears, Eldy looked up to see Elijah walking slowly towards her, Flirt held out in his hand.
...tbc
Date: 22 Apr 1999 19:26:18 EDT
She'd run from the arena, the tears blinding her, not heading in any particular direction.
She stopped a ways from the arena, catching her breath, waiting for the tears to subisde so she could continue. Her back against the wall of a merchant's, she leant forward, hands on her knees as she struggled to bring her emotions under control.
A sound just infront of her caused her to jerk her head up sharply, one hand reaching towards the empty scabbard.
"Looking for this?", came a familiar voice. Angrily wiping away the remaining tears, Eldy looked up to see Elijah walking slowly towards her, Flirt held out in his hand.
...tbc
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From: ldyxeldrmr@aol.com (LdyxEldrmr)
Date: 23 Apr 1999 10:06:45 EDT
A myriad of emotions coursed through her, struggling for dominance - shame that anyone should catch her crying; desire to reach out and take her blade back; shock that it was Elijah (the crusty ol' goob) who had picked up her beloved blade and followed her....
Desire won and she reached slowly for the blade, whispering, "Thank ye, E."
Elijah frowned slightly and looked at her, "Is something wrong? Can I help in anyway?" His concern touched her, but she shook her head. "Thank ye, but nae...tis somethin' I mus' work out fer meself."
He nodded slowly, "Alright, but you know where you can come if you do...." Eldy gave him a tremulous smile and nodded her thanks. "Aye, thank ye, E..." then turned and headed down the street.....unconsciously aimed for her sanctuary....The Golden Ivy....
...tbc
(Note: Sorry to show people yer a sweetie, E ;-)
Date: 23 Apr 1999 10:06:45 EDT
A myriad of emotions coursed through her, struggling for dominance - shame that anyone should catch her crying; desire to reach out and take her blade back; shock that it was Elijah (the crusty ol' goob) who had picked up her beloved blade and followed her....
Desire won and she reached slowly for the blade, whispering, "Thank ye, E."
Elijah frowned slightly and looked at her, "Is something wrong? Can I help in anyway?" His concern touched her, but she shook her head. "Thank ye, but nae...tis somethin' I mus' work out fer meself."
He nodded slowly, "Alright, but you know where you can come if you do...." Eldy gave him a tremulous smile and nodded her thanks. "Aye, thank ye, E..." then turned and headed down the street.....unconsciously aimed for her sanctuary....The Golden Ivy....
...tbc
(Note: Sorry to show people yer a sweetie, E ;-)
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From: ldyxeldrmr@aol.com (LdyxEldrmr)
Date: 23 Apr 1999 10:46:55 EDT
Peeking into the tavern, she found it empty and shook her head, thinking she really had to tell G he should lock the doors.
Her mood had deteriorated even more, she didn't care...or so she told herself. Yet, a part of her reasoned, if she didn't care, why was she looking to run away to the sweet oblivion of drunkeness?
She didn't want to think about that right now and angrily pushed it to the side, green eyes spying Lord MacKenzie's stock of scotch.
Nodding, she hauled the 5 bottles onto the bartop, then rummaged around the various drawers and shelves, muttering, " 'e's got tae 'ave one aroun' 'ere somewheres...."
Triumphantly she found what she was looking for...straws! Walking back around to the front of the bar, she climbed onto a bar stool and opened the first bottle, popping a straw into it. A wry grin curved her lips as she thought of what Ian would say if he could see her....probably yelling something about blasphemy.
The first sip burned as it ascended the reed and flowed down her throat, but she continued...determined to drink away the pain....
...tbc
Date: 23 Apr 1999 10:46:55 EDT
Peeking into the tavern, she found it empty and shook her head, thinking she really had to tell G he should lock the doors.
Her mood had deteriorated even more, she didn't care...or so she told herself. Yet, a part of her reasoned, if she didn't care, why was she looking to run away to the sweet oblivion of drunkeness?
She didn't want to think about that right now and angrily pushed it to the side, green eyes spying Lord MacKenzie's stock of scotch.
Nodding, she hauled the 5 bottles onto the bartop, then rummaged around the various drawers and shelves, muttering, " 'e's got tae 'ave one aroun' 'ere somewheres...."
Triumphantly she found what she was looking for...straws! Walking back around to the front of the bar, she climbed onto a bar stool and opened the first bottle, popping a straw into it. A wry grin curved her lips as she thought of what Ian would say if he could see her....probably yelling something about blasphemy.
The first sip burned as it ascended the reed and flowed down her throat, but she continued...determined to drink away the pain....
...tbc
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From: ldyxeldrmr@aol.com (LdyxEldrmr)
Date: 23 Apr 1999 18:32:22 EDT
Her hand knocked over the empty bottle as she reached for the second one...finding only air. Teetering precariously on the bar stool, she closed one eye, squinted then grabbed the bottle, opening the cork and sticking the straw into the neck and taking a sip.
She leaned back, no longer feeling the amber liquid flow down her throat.....only to find herself suddenly staring up at the ceiling. Slowly she sat up, shaking her head, "s'okay...s'alright...jush...meansh...no more...."
Using the barstool to climb to her feet, she swayed unsteadily, waiting for the room to stop spinning before attempting to move.
None too gracefully, she staggered from the bar, headed for the arena again, "Gotshta fin' G...." her head nodding as she talked away to herself...." gi' 'im me blade...'e'll unnerstan'..."
...tbc
Date: 23 Apr 1999 18:32:22 EDT
Her hand knocked over the empty bottle as she reached for the second one...finding only air. Teetering precariously on the bar stool, she closed one eye, squinted then grabbed the bottle, opening the cork and sticking the straw into the neck and taking a sip.
She leaned back, no longer feeling the amber liquid flow down her throat.....only to find herself suddenly staring up at the ceiling. Slowly she sat up, shaking her head, "s'okay...s'alright...jush...meansh...no more...."
Using the barstool to climb to her feet, she swayed unsteadily, waiting for the room to stop spinning before attempting to move.
None too gracefully, she staggered from the bar, headed for the arena again, "Gotshta fin' G...." her head nodding as she talked away to herself...." gi' 'im me blade...'e'll unnerstan'..."
...tbc
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From: ldyxeldrmr@aol.com (LdyxEldrmr)
Date: 28 Apr 1999 20:59:28 EDT
The combination of the chill of the Spring night air and the long walk to the Arena (well...it was long for her considering she was doing the ol' one step forward, three back, routine) helped to sober Eldy up slightly.
She slipped into the Red Dragon Inn, winding her way around the remaining patrons and cracked open the door to the basement. The sight that greeted her caused a grin to curve her lips, despite her melancholia.
Hubie and Al, obviously thinking it was safe, had stopped in the middle of their clean up of the Arena to duel each other...their broom handles clacking furiously against each other. She couldn't help but giggle, clapping a hand over her mouth to try to stop it, not wanting to disturb the serving lads from their fun. They heard her, however, and immediately dropped the brooms and pretended to be sweeping furiously. Smiling softly, she called down
to them, "Jes' remember Gnort 3:16, luvs..." and turned to go....a sound of cheering from the Annex stopping her.
She clung to the railing and continued her way down the stairs, carefully navigating the pile of dust and sand the boys had already swept there for later disposal. Peeking into the Annex, she realized it was a TDL duel. Not wanting to interrupt, she stayed near the back, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of her scimitar, swaying slightly as she watched.
As the patrons filed out after the duel, she nodded to those that greeted her, then unsteadily made her way towards Gnort. He sighed as he saw her slight stagger, "Go home and sleep it off, Eldy" he called wearily to her.
Stubbornly, she shook her head, "Nae...nae until I've done wha' I've come tae do. An' aye...I be drunk...but tis naught tae do wi' what I'm about tae do..." she replied, drawing her precious blade, a gift from her instructor at the Melee-Magereth in the UnderDark, and handing it, hilt first, to G.
Gnort's brow raised in question and he shook his head, but she persisted. "G...I've let ye down fer th' last time. I'll nae use this blade again til I be worthy...an' I want ye tae keep it til I am..." her voice trailed off.
Sighing softly, he took the blade from her, tying it to his belt, "And who will decide when you are worthy, Eldy?" he asked her. Her voice was quiet and she was unable to keep the tremble from it, "Ye will....an' meself..."
He nodded slowly, realizing that, despite the alcohol that was coursing through her veins, this came from her heart. "What will you duel with now?" he asked, gently taking her elbow and starting to lead her from the Annex. She shrugged, suddenly very weary, her mission completed. "I dinnae know...may'aps a practice blade..." G nodded again, "You might try a rapier or staff, also. This blade you've been using is awfully heavy...and that could be
part of the problem..." She nodded numbly, the tears starting as they headed up the stairs, oblivous to the stares of Hubie and Al.
Once outside the Inn, G gave her a hug and offered to walk her home. She shook her head. "Nae, I'll be fine...." she gave him a small smile..."I'm nae 'elpless...I still 'ave me daggers..." patting her boot tops. Gnort chuckled and nodded. She gave him a quick hug and, wordless though it was, it still spoke volumes between the two friends.
As she headed away from him, she turned once and waved, then started the long trek up the mountainside to her home.
...tbc
(Author's Note: OK...now we're pretty much up to date...<grins>free for all for posting....thanks to all for their patience)
Date: 28 Apr 1999 20:59:28 EDT
The combination of the chill of the Spring night air and the long walk to the Arena (well...it was long for her considering she was doing the ol' one step forward, three back, routine) helped to sober Eldy up slightly.
She slipped into the Red Dragon Inn, winding her way around the remaining patrons and cracked open the door to the basement. The sight that greeted her caused a grin to curve her lips, despite her melancholia.
Hubie and Al, obviously thinking it was safe, had stopped in the middle of their clean up of the Arena to duel each other...their broom handles clacking furiously against each other. She couldn't help but giggle, clapping a hand over her mouth to try to stop it, not wanting to disturb the serving lads from their fun. They heard her, however, and immediately dropped the brooms and pretended to be sweeping furiously. Smiling softly, she called down
to them, "Jes' remember Gnort 3:16, luvs..." and turned to go....a sound of cheering from the Annex stopping her.
She clung to the railing and continued her way down the stairs, carefully navigating the pile of dust and sand the boys had already swept there for later disposal. Peeking into the Annex, she realized it was a TDL duel. Not wanting to interrupt, she stayed near the back, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of her scimitar, swaying slightly as she watched.
As the patrons filed out after the duel, she nodded to those that greeted her, then unsteadily made her way towards Gnort. He sighed as he saw her slight stagger, "Go home and sleep it off, Eldy" he called wearily to her.
Stubbornly, she shook her head, "Nae...nae until I've done wha' I've come tae do. An' aye...I be drunk...but tis naught tae do wi' what I'm about tae do..." she replied, drawing her precious blade, a gift from her instructor at the Melee-Magereth in the UnderDark, and handing it, hilt first, to G.
Gnort's brow raised in question and he shook his head, but she persisted. "G...I've let ye down fer th' last time. I'll nae use this blade again til I be worthy...an' I want ye tae keep it til I am..." her voice trailed off.
Sighing softly, he took the blade from her, tying it to his belt, "And who will decide when you are worthy, Eldy?" he asked her. Her voice was quiet and she was unable to keep the tremble from it, "Ye will....an' meself..."
He nodded slowly, realizing that, despite the alcohol that was coursing through her veins, this came from her heart. "What will you duel with now?" he asked, gently taking her elbow and starting to lead her from the Annex. She shrugged, suddenly very weary, her mission completed. "I dinnae know...may'aps a practice blade..." G nodded again, "You might try a rapier or staff, also. This blade you've been using is awfully heavy...and that could be
part of the problem..." She nodded numbly, the tears starting as they headed up the stairs, oblivous to the stares of Hubie and Al.
Once outside the Inn, G gave her a hug and offered to walk her home. She shook her head. "Nae, I'll be fine...." she gave him a small smile..."I'm nae 'elpless...I still 'ave me daggers..." patting her boot tops. Gnort chuckled and nodded. She gave him a quick hug and, wordless though it was, it still spoke volumes between the two friends.
As she headed away from him, she turned once and waved, then started the long trek up the mountainside to her home.
...tbc
(Author's Note: OK...now we're pretty much up to date...<grins>free for all for posting....thanks to all for their patience)