You've got no choice (CottonCandyHaze x RocLobster)

[CottonCandyHaze]

This is an roleplay between the following users:

- CottonCandyHaze
- RocLobster

If you are not either of these people, please do not post here.
However, you are free to stay and watch.

Thank you and have a nice day.​

 

[CottonCandyHaze]

"And could you believe that she didn't know he was there? The entire time? He was right under her nose! I don't think that I could have hidden like that for so long, let alone keep the entire thing a secret."

"Perhaps the sex was that good?"

The woman across from him blushed, fanning herself. "Goodness Adiyna."

"What? It very well could have been, I certainly don't know about Nelli's own performance in bed, however I hear that Jacob is absolutely-" Hands almost as small and slight as his own silenced the male's words.

"I do think that's enough rum ice cream for you." The female had the brightest blush, looking around the small area for prying ears.

Adiyna sighed, pushing her hands to the side. "Honestly Merrill, as if anyone cares. Besides, who hasn't heard about Jacob? I bet there are even children-" And silenced again. He loved Merrill, but she was about to lose a finger. Honestly, weren't they adults? She acted as if he was describing the act in full detail, right down to the size of Jacob's penis (though he very well could, but it wasn't much to talk about). She was making a bigger fool out of herself than he was, had anyone been listening at all. Adiyna merely sighed through his nose and waited for the woman to collect herself and remove her hands, taking a very pointed scoop of his ice cream. "Merrill dear."

"Yes Adiyna?"

"Please refrain from smudging my lipstick in the future." She noticeably colored more as she nodded, which nearly brought a frown to his lips. He really wished she were more afraid of him. "Now, what was this you said about those beads you were mentioning earlier?" The black haired woman beamed as she started to babble about the necklace of moonstone she'd saw in a shop the other week. If there was one way to distract his feather brained - and he meant that in the nicest sense, really - friend, it was to mention shopping. He couldn't quite understand it, to be honest. Not that he particularly disliked it, just that he didn't get why she was so enamored with it. It was a nice distraction, sure, and he definitely did enjoy the finer things in life, but it was absolutely nothing to get into a tizzy over.

Eventually the pair finished their desserts and journeyed to the shop in question, which luckily held Merrill's coveted beads, or she'd be inconsolable for days and, unfortunately, Adiyna was the only one who could tolerate her when she got like that. At least he got a new hat out of the deal, one that definitely complimented his outfit a lot better than the ones back at home. The woman in charge had only given him a small strange look, which he counted as yet another victory. The city was quite big, but pretty much everyone knew it's nobility, Adiyna being no exception to that rule. He could have done more to build a reputation, be known for something more than his salacious behavior - that no one had real proof of -, cold personality, and critical eye for fashion. However, that would mean he was behaving for those he'd deemed lesser than himself, which wouldn't do at all. Sure, he could do without the stares and hushed whispers that they think he doesn't hear, but that kind of meant he was doing his job correctly. As long as he could make men trip over themselves and know that the girl he just told off would go home crying later, then he was happy.

It was a few hours later when the pair began wrapping up their day, Adiyna growing bored and Merrill just getting tired. "I've told you about wearing heels when you want to go out."

"But they're so pretty, and not all of us look as lovely wearing flats as you do Adiyna."

"True," He blocked the swat of her fan, "but you don't look nearly as bad as you think, and all wearing them does is make your feet hurt and cause you to whine."

“I do not whine.”

“And Emma looks good in yellow.”

This drew a small giggle from Merrill, who swatted him again. “You really must stop saying things like that, it’s why everyone thinks you’re so mean. She just needs a better shade is all.”

“Nothing bright will ever tone down that figure, but you keep telling yourself that.” Another swat, but he allowed it this time, because something had distracted the androgynous figure. Upon the wall was a flyer, the picture of two bloodied figures upon the parchment. “Merrill, look at this. There’s a fight today.” He’d been waiting for this moment. The city didn’t have enough excitement for him, lately, meaning there was a severe lack in bloodshed. This was just what needed to make things more… more bearable. When he’d moved into the city about five years prior, he’d had both the luck and misfortune of meeting Merrill who, while being a sweet as she could be, could not stand the sight of blood and hated fighting of any kind, and thought Adiyna should be the same way. She made a point to distract him as much as she could to keep him away from the arena, so he’d never once even stepped foot inside. He could only do so much for the woman, to be honest, and needed a break from her fluffy parties and shopping trips. “Do you think we’d make it in time?”

Merrill looked slightly pale. “Oh dear, really Adiyna? I thought I’d broken you of this train of thought-“

“Oh come on Merrill, just one match? They barely even let them fight to the death.” He actually didn’t know if this was true or not. If the lad in question was dense enough to sign his wellbeing away like that, it was highly likely that they didn’t survive most matches unless they were physically capable of keeping away from the more serious injuries, but he could be wrong. “I just want to do this one tiny little thing, and you won’t ever hear a peep about it again.” Meaning she’d block him out and bulldoze over whatever he says about it so he’ll shut up.

Merrill gave the flyer a long, hard look, her lips pursed into something most, hetero-normative men would find attractive, but to Adiyna it just sort of made her look unpleasant. “Fine,” she said after a few minutes, handing the thing back with a sigh. “We’ll go and see this barbaric fight of yours, but, and I mean it Adiyna, after one fight we are leaving. No ifs, ands, or buts.”

“You have my word.” And he whisked her away to a nearby aircab. If she relented this much, then he could hopefully see more visits in his future. If not, he’d simply sneak off during their next group outing and endure her yelling when he returned.

The Arena was a grand building, nearly as tall and far wider than any of the other places in the city. It was a lot cleaner than he’d expected it to be, but that was the blessing of living in a city far away from the desert. Merrill had her mouth in a tight line the entire drive over, and it hadn’t gone away even when they stepped outside the cab, but she allowed herself to be dragged inside. Because of their higher social standing – meaning higher incomes, because really, there was no secret as to why nobility got the better seats at events – they were allowed a far more luxurious view, mostly away from all the screaming and yelling spectators from down below, something they were both thankful for, for neither of them particularly enjoyed noisy, crowded areas. Thankfully – for Adiyna, anyway – they arrived just in time for the next match.

 

[RocLobster]

"Minute-men! To the front. NOW!" The order bursting loudly from the portly arena guards lips, commanding the unfortunate souls not so affectionately named 'Minute-men'. These souls, plucked from the overflowing prison cells filled with petty criminals and outcasts, were thrust into a cruel game for the upper and middle classes amusement. And the pig faced man armed in a chain shirt and a whip was about to announce the 'rules'.

"Listen up you worms, I'll only say this once! You are all prisoners, no better than slaves at this point! Cheap, dirty, unskilled one's at that! QUIET!" With a flick of his flabby arm the whip cracked to life and swooped across the room, striking a young man across the face who was sobbing loudly, protesting his innocence. "Make another sound, boy, and I'll just gut you myself! Right... Y'er all here for one thing! To shed blood! Be it yours, or y'er opponents! There's only a few ways this can go for you..."

The cell next to the Minute-men's holding area was reserved for seasoned veterans. The men occupying this dark dank space were considerably more well prepared, but no less respected than the criminals who were taunted with a chance of penance, of freedom. The veterans knew it was all lies. In the history of the arena, no Minute-man had ever been granted freedom. Not even promotion from their lowly ranks. That was another part of the sick game the aristocracy played with these unfortunate souls. If they could not achieve freedom, they promised advancement to a higher caste of warrior. A lone figure stood at the thick iron grid that cleaved the enormous room into two, a bright metallic shard held in his right hand while the left drew a heavy whetstone across the weapons edge. Creating the spine tingling music that no one could mistake as the encroaching march of death.

"... If you can -survive- ten minutes of combat, you will be spared and promoted to a regular! If you can kill an enemy combatant and survive, you will be promoted to a regular with benefits! If you can kill an arena monster, you will be promoted to a veteran! If you can kill an ELITE, God's salute you if you ever even CUT one, you will be granted freedom!" Once the master of the new combatants finished reading off the arena rules, he caught a glimpse of the man stood at the side of the cage. Narrowing his eyes to focus on his face, obscured by the darkness of shadow. His figure was distinct however, adorned in the armour and garments of an elite fighter. He was in the midst of raising his arm to send out the serpentine strip of horsehair and leather before the realisation struck his bald little head, eyes going wide and looking away from the prestigious figure to glare at the fresh meat instead.

"Get your weapons together! You'll be entering the arena in five minutes!" barked the grotesque, rotund guard before stepping off of his plinth. Making his way out of the chamber while trying to avoid the icy glare of the man sharpening his sword. Once he passed, the warrior that seemed to instill such fear, even in the guards, stepped away from the cage of greenhorns. Making his way over to one of the narrow rectangular holes in the wall offering the combatants a view of the arena. Bright blue eyes peered out the arrow loops to observe the battlefield, a shaft of light illuminating the handsome face and reflecting off his light blonde hair, giving him an almost angelic appearance. His observations were cut short however, as soon he'd hear the horns of battle crying out inside the man made cavern, signalling for the next warrior to make his way to the gates.

"My Lords and Ladies!" bellowed the regal figure that was the announcer. Another stout looking fellow, though considerably more well kept and dressed. He wore a bright red robe which just left his feet exposed, fat appendages wrapped in straw sandles. His whole visage designed to be a comic throwback to the days of old, before the world was much smaller and darker. He took a moment for the crowds cheers to die down before resuming, enjoying a sip of water from a large black horn in preparation for his introductory speech.

"Today, is a gracious day! We are blessed with a rare spectacle! One which shall be sung of long after the nights fires die and poisons pass! The Great and Prestigious Moreau House would like to entertain you all, with an exemplary spectacle of raw action, a blood filled drama!"

The crowd let out a riotous cheer to the announcers speech, wolf whistles and lewd chants being called out by the less refined folk on the bleachers. The chubby faced announcer raised his hands with a light chuckle, calling for the crowd to calm so he may resume his speech.

"Today! The Moreau House would like to present to you... THEIR CHAMPION!" With a dramatic, swooping gesture the chubby faced crowd pleasure drew the thousands of eyes to face the arena's western gate. His next words barely audible over the ecstatic cheers of the people.

"ANGELUS HYACINTHO!"

As the portcullis grill slowly rose from the ground, a figure could be seen slowly making it's way out of the darkness. Sparkling boots reflected the dying sunlight in all directions, fooling the casual observer to believe the silver greaves were actually golden. Royal blue cloth would drape loosely over the mans legs, overlapped by a coat of the same material. A Spanish style breastplate, gilded in silver and polished to the same mirror finish as the matching boots and gauntlets, sparkled brightly as he made his way out into the open. The name the army of spectators chanted seemingly an apt fit, with the chromed metal garments giving the tall figure an almost otherworldly glow.

"Blue Angel! Blue Angel! Blue Angel!"

A half century of strides was all it took for the towering man to make his way to the centre of the arena. His soft blonde locks waving lightly at the behest of the subtle winds. His face obscured by a mask that finishes the set of his armour. On it's surface was a moulded representation of it's owners true face, which was soon revealed as he lifted the mask up to address the crowd more personally. Smooth angular features of a light complexion only sought to further root the mythos behind his name, that he was a true angel caste down from the heavens. It was a rumour that made him scoff when in private, but for the sake of his master and his own honour, he allowed the name to be chanted freely. Knowing full well that in his current position of servitude, there was little he could do to change it anyway. Nothing would change...

 

[CottonCandyHaze]

[x]​

It took no less than three minutes from when they were seated for Merrill to begin babbling about how they should leave. To be honest, he was surprised she lasted even that long.

"Look, it's taking them so long to get the next combatant out. We could go see a play, where it takes actors much less time to switch places."

"Then why is the crowd in a frenzy." He absolutely adored it when she colored like that.

"W-Well, obviously the people of this city have no taste."

"So do I have no taste because of- Hm," silenced by her shoving his hat down on his head, blocking his vision of the arena. She was catching on fast, both a good thing and a bad thing. Adiyna scowled as he pushed it back up, fixing Merrill with a look. The female ignored it, taking to staring at the crowds.

"Is watching all those men die really so interesting?"

For a moment he remained silent. The question was rhetorical, but he knew she would still like an answer anyway. In truth, it actually wasn't all that interesting. He'd seen people die, men women and children alike, but there wasn't much of a thrill in seeing the life fade from their bodies, no, it was everything before that, the struggle they summoned from their bones to keep their fragile hearts beating. That was what made it interesting, but he could never tell Merrill that, she wouldn't understand and he'd only receive flack for it. So, Adiyna shrugged, not taking his eyes from the ring. "Maybe, maybe not, it's all a difference of opinion. You may end up liking it."

At this Merrill gave a sniff. "I highly doubt that. Once, when I was twelve, I saw my brother fight another boy over a few marbles. According to him I cried and cried until they both stopped." Oh yes, that story. The man who was her brother looked so amused when he explained it, finding humor at how delicate his sister was. It just made Adiyna wonder exactly who he'd unwittingly gotten stuck with.

Suddenly, the people of the arena grew louder in their cries as a large man stepped into the center of the ground below. Adiyna couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his appearance. It wasn't like there was anything wrong with wearing a robe designed after days of old, he just wasn't expecting them to go for...authenticity. But, goodness, look at him, he's so fat. "He's so fat." Swat from Merrill, though she nodded her head slowly in agreement. For all her protests, she looked equally enamored in what this man had to say.

"Today, is a gracious day!"

He gave a snort, gracious day? He was really hamming it up, wasn't he? Blahblahblah spectacle, blahblahblah something about fires and poisons, blahblahblah Moreau House- Wait, he knew that name. "Who are the Moreau's again?"

"The one with the husband you'd called a small stallion." Then. "For reasons that I am going to ignore and say you are merely impressed with his height."

"Ah." He remembered now, nice man, lovely wife, lovelier family, and by that he meant they knew how to keep up appearances. If they owned a champion that meant he simply must be something to look at, because if there was one thing Adiyna shared with the well known family it was their mutual distaste of unattractive things.

And what a sight this man was.

Skin just the right amount of bronzed, seemingly bathed by the gentlest of suns rays stretched across arms and legs that spoke of raw power. Speaking of legs, they held up a man of height, one that was difficult to discern from his current distance, but he could feel that it was enough to make him feel towered over. Golden locks framed a face that was unfortunately hidden behind a sheet of metal, but that was alright, Adiyna's imagination would run wild either way. Blue Angel was in his opinion, a disgustingly cliched title, but he could kind of see why they named him that, what with the name and the complexion and all. He swore if this man died today he'd have someone's head, preferably that fat man's for not rigging the fight, if he hadn't, that is.

"Careful Adiyna, you're drooling."

The beautiful figure snapped out of his daze, leveling Merrill with a look, the woman merely giggling. "I do not drool, Merrill."

"Of course not, you only leave your mouth open so you can catch flies."

This time it was she who was swatted - and with her own fan too, hmph - but this only drew forth another giggle from her lips. "I don't know why I take you anywhere, you're so annoying."

"You could always trade me for Cassandra."

"And listen to her moon over the shop boy? Please." As if he'd stoop that low. She attempted to speak again - probably some other smart retort - but he shushed her with the fan over her mouth. "The fight is going to begin soon, and the fat man probably has more tales to weave before we actually see anything interesting." Though the fighter down there? Plenty interesting. Adiyna would pay just to see him crush things between his thighs all day. In fact, why wasn't that a thing? It should definitely be a thing. "I'm going to make it a thing."

"Make what a thing?"

"Shh." Oh wait, there's his face. It was just as glorious as the rest of him and, damn it, Adiyna needed that face as a constant in his life. Should the man's opponent put one scratch on that magnificent thing he would personally rip their head off, barehanded. He wasn't much for cliches, but it truly looked as if it were carved by the god's themselves, or maybe just one slightly lesser god - he was vain and believed there was no other being on the planet that looked better than himself, man or woman - with quite the bit of spare time on their hands. Curse the Moreu's for getting to him first. Maybe he could steal him? "Is it possible to steal people?"

"That's illegal."

Damn it.

 

[RocLobster]

The womanly looking nobleman was about to discover that ripping the head off of his beloved's opponent was going to be easier said than done. After the lone figure of the arena lowered his mask once more, he drew his beautiful shining sword and started to test the winds. Wielding the armament like an extension of his body as he waved the mirror edged weapon around his body at lightning speeds. The very dust at his feet seemed to scurry and run away as the blade drew nearer to the ground with each swipe.

"... and his opponent!" Continued the portly announcer. Desperately trying to regain the attention of the crowd from the star that danced a lethal dance in the centre of the sandy stage. "His OPPONENT!" He tried again more insistently, managing to turn some heads this time but still the majority of the populaces' eyes remained on the 'Blue Angel'. He let out an annoyed sigh at the meagre thoughts the crowd paid to him. Deciding it best to continue, otherwise he wouldn't be able to start the entertainment at all.

"Angelus Hyacintho's opponent today, will be neither man, nor beast! But a monster of the most heinous and grotesque kinds! A creature who's foul breath reeks of the hundreds of men it has devoured! A body so hard that swords and bullets glance off it's physique like raindrops to a stone! My audience! I present to you... A CYCLOPS!"

The eastern portcullis slowly started to raise. The deep, ear shattering sounds of a bestial growl barely contained behind the thick iron grill. Before the gate could even rise to the top the rampaging beast came charging through into the arena, rupturing the bottom of the gates grill and hitting it with such force that the chains snapped and allowed the weighted gate to fall to the ground, preventing any more contenders from being admitted to the fight.

"Well... I'm doing this alone it seems." The warrior said to himself, ending his dexterous display as he sensed the beasts impending arrival. He adopted a guarded stance, the lions face at the end of his decorated gauntlet facing towards the Cyclops and soundlessly growling.

The monstrous creature charged without abandon. It's thorned arm raised with it's elbow ready to strike down on the comparatively tiny figure sitting in the sands. As the blood stained bone came hurtling down, the champion quickly moved with such speed he seemed to be nothing but a sapphire blur. He charged at the savage creature before sliding underneath it's stubby legs and taunting it with a graze of his blade running across it's undercarriage. It did little to do the thick skinned animal any harm, but the crowd loved the display. People jumping from their seats and cheering wildly at the display.

Getting to his feet on the other side he adopted his defensive stance once more, waiting for the creature to turn around again and greet him with a heavy, resounding roar. The sound loud enough to reverberate within the bodies of the crowds-folk nearest to the fight. It was hard to imagine what it must have done to the lone warrior who incited such a sound. Though he seemed unaffected, calmly waiting for the creature to make it's next charge. He didn't need to wait long, as the Cyclops turned in the midst of its harrowing blood call to rush towards the human man again. This time it's left appendage outstretched and ready to deploy a large sweeping swing of it's arm across the sands. It seemed for a moment that it connected, as the figure that once was, wasn't. The crowd fell silent for a moment, before a small boy amongst the thousands suddenly shouted "Look!", pointing out to the Cyclops' upper half.

There, with his feet moored on the monsters shoulders, stood the powerful azure figure with his arms raised upwards. The gleaming metal bastard sword drew the attention of the arena's congregation. Not a sound being uttered as everyone became enraptured by the beautiful colours that reflected from it's surface. Then as quickly as they had noticed the attractive light, it disappeared. The hulking figures shoulders plunging the weapon down and into the top of the Cyclops' head. It didn't even cry. Not a moan or ear splitting death call. The beast just stood their, motionless for some time before finally succumbing to gravity and falling to the ground.

The 'Angel' rode the falling shoulders before jumping off at the last moment, landing gracefully on his feet while withdrawing his sword from the Cyclop's skull with a sickening crack of bone and squelch of brain. The once attractive sword-and-a-half stained with it's victims black blood. The victor inhaled a deep, almost resentful sigh before stepping over to the fallen giant with an air of melancholy about his approach. A silver clad hand outreached to meet the behemoths still twitching head, holding it still before suddenly plunging his weapon into the eye socket, dragging it around the fleshy white orb before moving both of his hands to grasp the boulder sized occulus and pry it free of it's socket.

The masses looked on in shock, the announcer especially so as the supposedly honourable victor strode towards the piggish man's booth. Then when he was but a few yards away, the warrior lifted the eye high above his head and launched it up into the sky, arcing over with a trail of blood before landing in the booth at the fat straw strapped feet. Whispers and murmurs began to spread amonst the populace from such a peculiar spectacle. The announcer himself looking as though all the blood had left his body to seek a new host, the complexion he wore putting ghosts to shame. All eyes were on the gloomy looking figure making it's way across the arena grounds. With the suns rays having left the enclosed area, his startling silver armour had lost it's ethereal glow. No longer a divine entity, but a man leaving an execution.

 

[CottonCandyHaze]

[x]​

As much as he liked to stare at Angelus - and imagine him crushing things with his thighs, because that was such a pleasant thought - he'd also like to hear what else the fat man had to say, because while he also liked to add a lot of nonsense, the - Did they still call them editors nowadays? - whatever he was, announcer, had more information to give, and Adiyna would really like to know exactly whom - or what, because they also liked throwing creatures into the mix - the man was fighting. Of course he could just very well see it instead, element of surprise and all that, but that wouldn't be very traditional. Besides, all that yelling was beginning to be annoying anyway. Did they think that the louder they spoke, the more likely of a chance they had for the man to address them personally? His hearing was better than most, but the sound was grating.

I present to you... A CYCLOPS!"

Well that shouldn't be too- Wait, what? "Did he just say-"

"A cyclops?! Come on man, that would kill him! Foul!"

He blinked. "Merrill.. You do know he probably didn't choose this, yes?"

"That doesn't bloody matter! This is rigged, rigged I say!"

Adiyna gave his friend another slow blink, wondering if he should say more or remain silent. This was an entirely new side of Merrill and, while he wanted to discover where it came from and why he hadn't seen it before today, he also didn't want the change to go away, because if she was this excited then it could mean that they would be able to stay longer and possibly see this man fight more than a mere cyclops, that is, if he lived. Fighting the beast wasn't exactly an easy task, and, while he knew a man could fight the creature and live, he hadn't heard stories - or even seen - a human one fight one alone and come out alive or moderately healthy. However, knowing the Moreau's and their immense pride, they possibly have an ace up their sleeve. What, he wasn't entirely certain of, but it had to be there, somewhere.

It was an ugly beast, which came to no surprise to anyone in the audience, though there were certainly a number of gasps coming from a large amount of the audience, though he was certain part of that had to due with the creature's impatience with how slowly the gate was rising and it deciding to just charge through into the arena. Perhaps he couldn't rip the thing's head off for killing him, but, damn it, he could poison the thing, somehow, he'd find a way.

Adiyna noticed how the warrior below had immediately snapped to attention, rather then try to play off the beast's entrance as something small. Champion's, in his experience, normally liked to try and show off, attempt to make a mockery of the beast before officially addressing the battle. Those very same champions also paid for their insolence, and if they were lucky their lives ended quickly. Sure, some lived, but he found them boorish all the same. This man was different, and when he moved to form his stance, Adiyna noticed a change in his demeanor. This creature got more attention than the audience as a whole, as if everything else he had been doing up until now was simply routine for him, a chore to be done, mechanical even. Facing the beast his movements were smooth, actually alive. What a strange man.

The battle began with the charge of the monster, rushing towards the lone figure. For the unprepared this would have been the end, and perhaps even the most seasoned of warriors would have had difficulty getting away with grace, though it appeared as if this one had no trouble, because he seemed to almost disappear. In reality, though, he moved with an almost shocking - to Adiyna anyway, humans were so surprising when they pulled stunts like this - amount of speed, going forward instead of to the side as most would. His attack wasn't so much of an attack as it was something to irritate the monster and delight spectators, but Adiyna found himself impressed all the same, for the action was performed with a seamless finesse most lacked.

The rest of the battle was something worth remembering. There was a brief moment of panic where the crowd lost track of the man named Angelus - and Merrill saw fit to try and squeeze the life out of his hand in response -, but he reappeared on the creature where he plunged his blade down into it's head. The cyclops' death was nearly anticlimactic in the way it fell without a sound, save the heavy thud of it's body against the sand, Angelus jumping from his position before it could even touch the ground. The kicker, for Adiyna, had been when the man cut out the dead monster's eye and threw it at the announcer's feet. Damned if he knew why, but the entire thing made him somehow more attractive in the nobleman's eyes.

I have to have him.

The Moreau's took their champion's exit as a sign to make their own, rising nearly simultaneously from their seats and leaving their balcony-like area. "Come along Merrill, we have business to attend to." And he left before he could properly hear her response, and not really caring what she had to say. She'd come when she felt the need, and he didn't really need her for what was about to take place. Doubtless the pair planned on addressing Angelus about the way he took his leave, so they should be somewhere down below, and hopefully he shouldn't find too much trouble finding it.

That is to say, it took him more trouble than it should have, having gotten lost about a good three times before he charmed some random guard into leading him to the cells below the building.

"You know, I'm not supposed to let anyone down here unless they have official business."

Adiyna fluttered his eyelashes. "Oh I understand completely and I thank you again for being nice enough to lead me here, I really couldn't have made it on my own." Ugh, men really did puff up whenever they felt any semblance of 'pride', it's so odd seeing it actually happen.

"Well, as a guardsman I know my way around this place rather well. I can hardly imagine it running without me, to be honest, I don't know how they begin to manage on my days off." Oh look, another one that was so convinced they were an integral part of their workplace. Do tell him more about how you single-handedly do everyone's job and how mostly everyone but you shirk their responsibilities, it's quite riveting and it totally isn't something he's heard a thousand times.

Thank god they arrived before he could spew more nonsense. "Thank you so much for helping me," he gave the man a quick peck on the cheek before approaching the Moreau's who, as expected, were lecturing their champion on his actions.

"-and if you think that little stunt you pulled will go unpunished then think again, I've half a mind to send you back to the cells and see to it that you rot for the rest of your days." As expected, Lilith Moreau was the one in charge.

"Um, excuse me," he didn't even flinch when all eyes suddenly turned to him, instead, holding himself higher. "I would like to make you two an offer, if you don't mind."

Lilith's eyes remained cold as she addressed her 'peer'. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait. Don't you have someone to entertain?" Ouch, his cold, black heart, not another whore joke, please.

"I'm certain that now would be a good time to discuss it, actually. I'd like to talk to you about your champion, if you don't mind."

"What could you possibly-"

"I'd like to buy his deed from you."

This caused the woman to blink, surprise overtaking her features for a few moments before settling back into their demeanor from before. "And what makes you think we're interested in selling him?" To the likes of you remained unspoken, but that was okay, she didn't have to like him to make a transaction.

"Because as of now, you three will remain the subject for any and all idle gossip for quite some time. After all, your precious champion threw his weapon at the announcer, an innocent man who was only doing his job."

She snorted. "Please, as if he was ever-"

"Not to mention," he raised a hand to inspect his nails, "the fact that he's a mere citizen, one that was nearly killed by a criminal, unprovoked, mind you." Adiyna's gaze traveled back up to meet Lilith's eyes, expression one of complete innocence, some may even say concern, though the real truth lay between the two's history. Lilith was a lot of things, and stupid was not one of them. "I don't know about you, but I, personally, wouldn't feel very safe with a man like that in the ring, and more than likely neither would anyone else. Sure," he bulldozed through any protests she may have voiced, "one could argue that it adds to the thrill, but to see someone come that close to losing their life sort of makes the idea lose it's appeal. I imagine that Angelus here would be lucky to even see the light of day within, oh, the next few months or so." It took all of his will not to smile. Even if he wasn't particularly fond of the woman, it wouldn't do to have her completely sour with him. It was enough, after all, that she was taking away something of hers.

There was silence as Lilith absorbed the information. Finally she sighed. "We will negotiate a price tomorrow evening, and not a moment before."

He gave a small smile. "Of course, shall I bring anything?"

She thought it over for a moment. "Actually, that jam from tea the other month was divine, do you think it would trouble you any to bring more?"

"Of course not. Good bye, Lilith." He nodded to both her and Angelus before turning away and leaving the way he came. If this wasn't the cherry on top of a perfect day, he didn't know what was.

 

[RocLobster]

The conversation being held between the master and their property was a spirited one indeed. Even far down the hallway as Adiyna and his companion were escorted to back of the Moreau booth they could hear the protestant shouts of a male figure, mixed with the angry retorts of a female. It would seem that despite the Champion being nothing more than someone's property, he had not lost his vigour or sense of self worth.

"What do you mean I have nothing to protest against?! You pitted me against a -pregnant- Cyclops! The thing had to be only a few weeks from entering labour! I only agree to fight for you for honour, and this is your idea of honour?!" The fiery blond male spat at the feet of his matron, inciting her to return the disrespect with a harsh slap across his face, staining his light complexion a shade of red in the shape of the woman's hand.

As 'Angelus' raised his gaze back up after recoiling from the disciplinary blow, his sharp blue eyes were drawn towards the approaching figures from down the hall. His body instinctively standing to attention at the sight of his so called betters. He thought otherwise privately, but had been in his current situation long enough to know that his life is a lot more comfortable if he let's such pompous and self righteous creatures believe their fairy tails, rather than to correct them and drag them kicking and screaming into the real world.

The husband was the one to notice his sponsors sudden change of posture. Dropping his rebellious discharge in an effort to uphold the house's appearances. The lank, dark haired male gave his with an annoyed little nudge with his elbow in hopes of getting her to settle down, though she continued to shriek and flame at the silver soldier regardless.

"Uhm, excuse me," came the quiet intrusion of a gentle, feminine voice. As the gathering of Moreau nobles and guards turned to eye regally dressed figure the slave dared to take a moment to examine her himself. She was cute, blonde as he was with thick dark lips coated in crimson that seemed to have a perpetually wicked smile about them. He didn't know whether to be unnerved or attracted to the unknown noble, though once he heard her request, he couldn't help but feel the first emotion once he'd heard the request. His eyes going wide though he tried to hide the sudden facial spasm.

He kept quiet as they conversed, not daring to utter a word while in the presence of multiple armed guards. He'd suffered a burning cheek and was happy to leave it at that, even if he could take care of the guards surrounding him simple enough. The rest of them filling the halls and chambers of the arena would eventually overwhelm him without a doubt. All that effort, to suppress one and ensnare one man, for the sake of entertainment? These foreigners had strange ideas when it came to wise investments, so he thought.

Angelus remained quiet up until the point that Adiyna left, returning his gaze to his owner with a look as though he'd just been sucking on something sour. Her words, probably.
"You plan to pass me over to this one? As what? A whore to warm her bed during the cold nights?"

"Him, Alexander... Him." said Belmorn, a wry grin curling up from his whiskered lips to revel in his mockery. Lillith's husband had always viewed the slave soldier with open distaste. It was a well known fact amongst the Moreau household that Lillith had been taking liberties with her champion. Whether Alexander partook in such actions willingly or not didn't matter to the scorned husband. His wife was being violated by this filth regularly and the thought of being rid of him, in such a humiliating fashion was just too beautiful a thought to keep contained to himself. Sharing his bliss through the mocking smile he shared with Angelus.

Alexander's eyes went wide, darting back to Lillith's in a pleading manner only to be shut out. It seemed she had made her decision already, averting her eyes from her pet and looking to her husband. Defeated by their own extravagance and foolish attempt to flaunt their undefeated warrior. She knew that this day would be lamented forever, and that once word had spread that Adiyna had procured the prized possession of the Moreau family that their names would bear a great shame. Having sold out to heartless whore for the sake of avoiding any criminal prosecutions relating to todays activities, having been unable to properly control and discipline their retainer.

"Mistress, I beg of you! Do not sell me to such a creature!" He begged as the guards started ushering him away, but the woman paid him no heed. Perhaps ignoring him made the blow feel less painful, to herself at least. But Alexander was feeling no such comfort. His mistress didn't turn to gift him so much as a goodbye, though Belmorn was more than happy to send a small wave his way, striking a grin which made Alexander's blood boil before the expression was lost to the obscurity of distance. Although he couldn't make the image out, he didn't need to directly view it. The dark haired man's derisive smile having been burned into Alex's retinas.

He looked on in defeat as the guards carried him away and out of the arena walls. If he was to be traded, he knew he wouldn't be heading back to his 'comfortable' cell back in the Moreau manor. He would be taken immediately to the slavers pavilion, to have his paperwork processed while his former owners dinned with the new, exchanging handshakes and signatures before the actual meat's leash would move from one hand to the other. That was the part he looked forward to the least of all this... As was tradition in this strange city, slaves would always be handed to their new owners with a collar and leash, supposedly signifying the respect of one man passing ownership onto another. But to Alex, it was just a vulgar and demeaning display, who's sole purpose was to affirm the slaves despair.

 

[CottonCandyHaze]

Adiyna located Merrill soon after his conversation with the Moreau's, the female having been on a search for him. She demanded to know exactly where he had gone and why it was so urgent that he had to leave her behind. "It's not my fault you move so slowly," which earned him a whap from her fan - which he nearly broke. "If you must know, I had to make a business transaction."

"What kind of transaction? I thought you said that you wouldn't be in debt to the Moreau's even if your life depended on it."

"That's because I wouldn't be in debt. You see, it's all a fair trade." And so he went into full detail - excluding thoughts and feelings on the man in question - placing a hand in the air every time he felt Merrill would interrupt with her own input. By the time he had finished, they were sitting in the cab. "Now you may speak." He smiled as she colored.

"So, you're going to...buy, this man?"

"Yes, Merrill." He was such a patient friend.

"But... Why, Adiyna, that's so horrible!!"

He sighed. Of course she'd have this reaction. "Not anymore horrible than what they were probably doing to him. Look at it this way, he won't have to be tried for throwing his blade at the announcer, and he won't have to fight or kill anymore." Unless Adiyna deems it necessary, but even he didn't engage in much senseless violence anymore. "Either way my decision is pretty much final, Merrill, so stop giving me that look."

The woman pouted, gazing out the cab window for a few moments. "You won't...hit him or anything, will you? Or make him walk around naked?"

Make him walk- Hm, he hadn't actualy thought of that one before, it didn't sound too bad. All that skin and muscle on display, he wouldn't even have to- "No, I won't make him do anything like that," damn her and that face she inherited. "To be completely honest, I'm not sure what I'll do, yet." Beyond have fantastic sex, that is. He was going to get his hands on a fighter, what was a noble like him going to do with a man like that?

"Well, didn't you say you needed another servant around the place ever since James went back to his mother?"

Ah, James. He was surprisingly tasty. "I did, didn't I?" The cab came to a stop. "Well, I'm to go to the Moreau's tomorrow to discuss a price. Shall I walk you home?" Because he could be a gentleman when he wanted.

"No need," she smiled at a tall, dark haired man who was currently kissing a woman with yellow hair just across the street, "my brother will take me." Poor man was probably on a date, and now his little sister was going to ruin it all. Perhaps this is another reason why he liked Merrill. However vanilla she was, the woman was still devious in her own, refreshing way. "Will you be alright on your own?"

"Of course. I don't see why I would have any trouble." Anyone who dared was a fool and deserved whatever they got. In fact, he was feeling a little peckish. Perhaps he'll send out Harriet to fetch him something once he made it home. Surprisingly he didn't have to do a thing, for when he did arrive the maid informed him that he could either sate his hunger at once or wait a couple of hours for everything to be done. There was a brief internal debate as to whether or not he wanted to give into his primal desires now or wait another night, then decided, what the heck he's earned it. It was certainly a beautiful end to his near perfect day.

[x]​

The following morning he was awoken early, shuffled into a steamy bath that relaxed his muscles almost instantly. Harriet was, once again, given details about his plans for the day as she combed his hair. Thankfully they still had a jar of the jam mentioned from yesterday, left untouched and weeks before it's expiration date. A basket was assembled before it was time for his departure, filled with the jam, two short loaves of bread, cheeses, and a small variety of fruit. Let it not be said that Adiyna didn't know how to meet expectations.

Harriet accompanied him to the Moreau's, remaining respectfully silent as her betters discussed a price for one Alexander (a much better name than the title he was previously 'gifted', with). "Ten thousand aureus."

"Dear Lilith, as much as I think you deserve a fair trade, I do not wish to go bankrupt for one man."

She sniffed. "Then you name a price, Adiyna."

He hummed in thought. "How does seven thousand aeureus sound?

She nibbled delicately at a piece of jam coated bread. "Fair enough." Her own servant next to her bent low to give his mistress a parchment of paper, which she set down on a free space on the table, a pen placed next to it. "This contract states that both parties agree on the pre-negotiated price of seven thousand aeureus," how did she- "and says that Alexander will not see another day in the arena unless it is decided by the court and his previous owner that such a thing is permissible. It also states that he is in full health, suffering no underlying defects, and I will not be held responsible for anything that he may decide to do on his own after the transaction, meaning if he lashes out at you or runs away then it is your problem. However, you have full freedom to do whatever you wish of him, as long as it does not breach anything mentioned in the contract."

Adiyna quietly signed his name on the dotted line after a few moments, sliding both pen and paper back to her, causing the woman to make a noise as if she'd been waiting on him all day. "Here you are," She acted like he wasn't going to read everything himself. Lilith was a good business woman, a smart one, and therefor she could not be trusted. "Shall I give you your payment now, or would you rather wait?" She loved her theatrics as much as he did, that much he knew.

Lilith waved her hand in a dismissing motion. "What kind of proper host would I be if I rushed you out of the house?" Which meant that they were going to spend the next couple of hours gossiping, excellent. She wasn't even bitter enough to try and take subtle jabs at Merrill, which left Adiyna in an excellent mood, because only he was allowed to do that. At the end of the visit, she followed him to the door. "We really must do this again, Adiyna. It's been such a long time since you've last visited." Ah, formalities, where would the world be without you?

"Of course, Lilith. You and your household do take care." They didn't bother with the traditional cheek kiss, because neither of them really wanted to touch the other, and it just seemed excessive at this point. About halfway through his stay Harriet was excused to go and pick up his current property and deliver him to the house, where he would be inspected and thoroughly washed under her critical eye.

Adiyna arrived home later that evening, bringing with him a cake that Merrill insisted would 'help the man feel more at ease', whatever that meant. He thought it would be too odd a gesture, as the man was a slave and Adiyna his new master, but he bought it if only to appease her. What if he was allergic to chocolate? Then he'd be down a slave - no one could convince him that humans weren't the fragile creatures he firmly believed they were - and out seven thousand aeureus. "Where is he?" Question was directed at one Harriet, who was currently taking away his hat and jacket.

"In his room, Adiyna," she once called him master, but it didn't have a nice ring to it and he had yet to find a replacement. "He has been washed and dressed as you've requested."

"Ah, good, How soon shall dinner be ready?"

"Within the next hour."

"Then that will be all, Harriet, thank you." It was time he addressed his new house guest. Box in hand, Adiyna made his way to his bedroom, knocking only once before entering. "Ah, look at you. I'm so glad your skin didn't react badly to the soaps, because it would have been such a b*tch finding something else." For Harriet, not him, that wasn't his job. "You know, I can't decide if I like you better in the armor or out of it," the object was set on a nightstand. "Let's have a look at you, stand up."

[[LOL I'm making a set and you can't stop me~
Possibly several, because I am now obsessed.]]