Well, sorry for the wait. I'll try to get this back onto it's normal rate and schedule.
***********************
I jerked awake in bed in a cold sweat, a feeling of panic fading as I looked down to see my mother curled up in the bed next to me. I wiped a bead of sweat from my brow and laid back down to stare into the darkness, my breath calming. Stirred by my movement, my mother reached out to pull me back into a hug, curling up around me. A sense of warmth suffused me, and my body relaxed. As I laid there I could feel 'Faith' being comforted as the stress drained from my body.
I was now left with questions. I wasn't sure how it happened, but going by Faith's comments, it seemed like she and I were effectively bound as one person...though why I had none of her memories if that was the case, was confusing. At the very least it explained some of the odd feelings I had been experiencing...Then again, who knows what effect Faith's memories were having on me. Who knows what affect that thing in the abyss was having on us.
The vision of those eyes was chilling, like staring into eternity and having it stare back at you. Still, there was something familiar about the watcher...something cold, and angry. I had a feeling that whatever it was, it was somehow responsible for that glitch in the screen that let me input myself as a god in this world. I spent the next few minutes contemplating the meaning of it all, before my mind began to wander. I soon submerged into sleep again, cozy and warm, the sense of foreboding fading.
When I pulled myself back to a wakeful state once more, it was to the feeling of being groped by Aisha. “Gah!” I yelled, as she went from grabbing my breasts, to tickling me. “Gahhhhh!” I yelled before I broke out into laughter. The tickling went on for a full minute, before I fell to the floor with a Thump, gasping for air and curled up into a petite ball. “Time to get up! We have breakfast before we go to the Grand Amphitheater for the tournament.” Aisha said, as I kicked at her feet from my spot on the floor. “So rise and shine sleepy girl.” she said, causing me to give her a viscous pout. Aisha stuck her tongue out at me, and ducked back out of the room.
Groaning I got up out of bed, and began dressing in the cavalier outfit that Arthur had designed. It took me a minute to gather fabrics, but I was able to recreate the outfit using cream silks and blue satin cloth that was folded in one of the closets, probably sheets and a set of expensive drapes. The cloth didn't feel right for pants, so after a few moments of consideration, I settled on a simple silk skirt. The blue satin more or less made up the bodice. I finished up the day wear with a set of silk wrapped sandals that wrapped up to my calves. The entire thing felt light and 'airy', while the skirt swooshed around as I moved.
When I arrived downstairs everyone was already eating breakfast, which today was actually cooked instead of fruit and cold cuts. Mother beamed at me when I walked in, “Good Morning Faith, you look lovely!” she said. A few of the other women began pawing at my clothes before I sat down, trying to get a better look.
“Oh, it's just something I threw together.” I said as I got a portion of eggs and toast. The windows had been cleaned, revealing the garden outside. The garden was more or less gone to seed, but it had at least been trimmed back. Everyone was getting so much accomplished, so quickly, that I was frankly impressed. I imagined it was going to take months to just get the castle clean.
“Perhaps you can help me pick something out as well.” Mother said with a wink, giving me the impression that I was going to be playing seamstress.
The rest of the breakfast went quickly, and I found myself adjusting a gown similar to what I was wearing...for some reason she liked the idea of dressing to match. I thought it was a bit strange, but then again I've never been one for women's fashion, or fashion in general. Afterward I was made to produce jewelry for us to wear, almost a dozen pieces each: Rings, bracelets, hairpins, hatpins, armlets, necklaces, earrings, brooches, anklets, and clasps. After that Mother required me to do more alterations to the clothes, before adding a cloak. Whenever I asked why were were bothering with all of this just to watch a fight, she looked at me like I was hopeless.
“Baby, you've been placed as a noble effectively in the dead of night.” Mother said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “It's important that we make a strong first impression. You bought the title, and lands associated with it. If you show up in public dressed poorly, it will lend credence to those who might suggest the wealth you produced came from other factions. Arguments could be made to the imperial court that you were a puppet placed to circumvent a ruling meant to limit the personal domestic influence of one of his generals. It could be seen as collusion against the empire, and I'm sure if it came to it, suggestions of treason. Though you don't hold any affiliation with any of the elven nations...your mother did. Please trust me baby, and follow my lead.” she said, brushing my chin with her finger.
“...Wait...Damn it.” I said placing a hand on the bridge of my nose. “What's to prevent them from saying that anyway?” I asked looking up at my her.
“Just be sociable today, while your mother does some polite investigation. Don't make any more hasty agreements, but feel free to be inquisitive. You're young, and that will look very natural. We're more or less making an appearance to establish a social presence. I'll let you know what I find out, but flaunting your wealth here or there will help establish some initial credibility.” Mother said before giving me a hug. “Now come on, we don't want to show up too late.” she said, moving toward the door.
A carriage carried the two of us through crowded streets. Watching the progression against pedestrian traffic, I began to appreciate the existence of crossing zones and street lights back home. Foot traffic was more or less pushed out of the way by horses and a driver with little apparent value in pedestrian safety. The shocks on the carriage left a lot to be desired, and I found the entire experience uncomfortable. When we arrived outside of the Grand Amphitheater, a couple of armored men opened the door and provided a pathway for the two of us to enter.
There were a number of interested glances as we walked into an expensively adorned lounge. The circular area was tiled in whites and blues, with a fountain at the center showing a golden gladiator brandishing a sword. Water poured forth in arches from what looked like sword hilts. There were narrow hallways with closed and guarded doors the likely lead to the rest of the Amphitheater, though this section was obviously for use by the wealthy.
Dozens of people lounged around dressed in colorful attire, and at a glance I could see my mother didn't have us 'over dressed'. Men and women flaunted an assortment of jewelry and personal decorations that were likely worth a fortune. Suddenly all of the armed guards was starting to make sense.
“If it isn't the Countess of Montevue!” a bright eyed middle aged woman with brown and blue silks approached with a flamboyant wave of her hand. “I was told you would be attending. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Caroline Dumare, the Duchess of Elencia!” the woman said giving me a warm smile, before turning her gaze on Jasmine. “And you must be her mother. My, what an interesting situation. You must be very proud of your daughter.” she said to my mother.
Mother gave a slight curtsey, dipping her head. “None could be more proud. Greetings Duchess. I am Jasmine Lusatra, Faith's mother, and It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” she said before straightening herself. I could see the Duchess eying he jewelry we were wearing. A few of the larger gems diamonds were probably expensive, but I more or less created them from a single giant diamond. I had taken a lot of coal, and fused it into one piece, then converted it to diamond. The diamonds were all made from the single piece, at mother's instruction.
The bulk of the diamond was still at the castle, as it had been about one tenth of a cubic foot, or roughly 50,000 carats. I made them all as perfectly clear, though I had wanted to do like a yellow or orange color to match the gold, apparently mother preferred white. Except for a single two inch square diamond jewel on my necklace that was a deep blue to match my clothes. I've never been a fan of jewelry frankly, though I never minded a pair of cuff-links. All of the dangling golden crap hanging off of me was irritating.
“My...what beautiful jewelry you two have.” the Duchess said trailing off as she looked at my chest.
“Why thank you. They're just a few pieces we keep laying around. They are nice though. Would you care to take a closer look?” my mother asked with a smile. She gently reached out to motion to the necklace.
“Well, if it isn't a bother.” the Duchess said, leaning forward slightly, and turning the large jewel on the necklace over in the light. “My, this really is quite beautiful Countess. I don't think I've ever seen its like.” she said looking up at me while she released the necklace to fall back to my chest. I considered her words for a few moments, imagining that someone could have used magic to create similar gems, but the knowledge I absorbed the day before told me that natural gems were capable of holding enchantments, where as residual magics left over from artificial 'alterations' to existing gems or alchemical creations, did not. For some reason there didn't seem to be any residual magics in my stones...maybe if I used one of the 'magic items per day' options...
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
I could see a glimmer of magic around the Duchess's finger as she brushed the stone, her gaze growing more concerned.
Path of Earth Learned: 10%
Spell Learned: Detect Minerals A boon to miners, jewelers, tradesmen, and alchemists, this spell assesses the quantity and purity of a mineral source. Used as an area effect it can detect minerals in an area of up to thirty feet. When used on a touched object, it can assess the purity and quality of the mineral. Cost: 20 mana
The Duchess smiled brightly before excusing herself. I glanced at my mother who just smiled like the Cheshire cat. The next hour we spent talking to assorted nobility and wealthy merchants. After the Duchess left us they seemed to swarm. It wasn't until we had fully circulated the room that a large man that looked to be in his late forties appeared. He stood at the top of a set of stairs leading to the seating area for the amphitheater.
“Greetings one and all! I appreciate attendance today, for what is sure to be a stunning display of vigor and martial skill” the man said, placing his hands on a thick black leather belt which bound the velvet red of his robes. “For those who I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, “he said looking toward me and mother, causing a chuckle from the room, “I am Governor Armand Larousse, a humble servant of Kisk, and the Empire.” he said with a smile. “And also a patron of the arts. Now, I apologize for the lateness of my arrival, but rest assured, today will be an event to remember!” he said lifting his hands to beckon everyone to follow.
Mother glanced at me, before the two of us followed the crowd up to a large pavilion overlooking the field. The area seemed different that the standard Colosseum style seating I was expecting, and was more or less like a VIP lounge at a football arena. There were numerous servants carrying trays of food or other refreshments.
I leaned over the side of a set of stone bannisters, glancing down at what appeared to be a trench full of armed men in gladiator gear. Most of them looked learn, muscular, and rough. Those settled near the front were calm, and collected, giving off a sense of being battle hardened. A glance at their stats revealed a number of 'low human' warriors, with levels in the subclass 'gladiator'. But toward the back of the grouping the mood changed. Quite a few were less lean, and more starved, with a scattering of injuries. They sported slave collars, and at a guess they had been procured from the slave market to 'fill out' the fights. One of them immediately caught my eye.
The boy had glimmering golden hair, and a set of elf ears. His physique was fragile and if I had to describe him it would be 'delicate'. If I hadn't checked his status I wouldn't have even believed he was male.
Name: Ethan
Race: Sylvan Elf
Age: 16
Sex: Male
Class: Thief 3, Warrior 1
Subclass: None
Profession: Whore 1
Strength: 12
Dexterity: 62
Endurance: 25
Intelligence: 35
Power: 50
Luck: 15
Health: 250 HP Health Regen: 2.5 HP/day
Mana: 350 MP Mana Regen: 5 MP/Day
Skills:
Agriculture: 45/400
Athletics: 63/400
Climbing: 50/400
Lore: 11/400
Occult: 5/400
Pain Tolerance: 65/400
Perception: 90/400
Persuasion: 25/400
Stealth: 48/400
Survival: 12/400
Swimming: 5/400
Combat Skills:
Short Sword: 15/400
Buckler: 20/400
Traits: Sylvan Beauty, Allure of the Fae
I found myself staring at him for a while. The boy looked like a nervous wreck, and as I watched him curiously I saw him grasping at something close to his chest.
“Gods...please...I don't want to die.” the boy whispered, his hoarse voice reaching me easily. “If any of you exist...save me.” he said, before someone slammed him in the shoulder, causing him to drop what he was holding. I couldn't out what the object was, as a couple of men in the trench began stomping on it spitefully. When the dust cleared, Ethan picked up what looked like a broken wooden figure. “I'm sorry mommy.” the boy said sorrowfully.
As I watched, the fighters nearest the gate moved to enter the arena. “...Governor Larousse! I thought this was a tournament. Why are there slaves in participation?” I asked, looking over at the satin robed man who was currently drinking wine and entertaining a scantily dressed woman on his lap.
“Hrm? Oh! Well, most of the participants are freemen, but given the price a few slaves have been allowed to enter in order to purchase their freedom. If they come in the top five, it would pay well enough.” Governor Larousse said with a wave of his hand. “Normally such things don't involve slaves, true, but as a generous man, I prefer to provide an opportunity for the determined to shed their bonds.” he said smiling.
“...But, some of them are less than...capable.” I said frowning, “I see numerous injured...and one of them is just a child.” I said, motioning to the sylvan boy.
“Hrm? Well, a few have deemed it worth risking their lives in pursuit of their freedom. As for the boy, he's an elf. They're older than they look.” the Governor said with a shrug.
I looked down at him again, trying to come to a decision. “He is an attractive young man. Was perhaps the countess interested?” the Governor asked curiously, looking over the woman in his lap. “Not that I could easily sell him. After all he was determined to enter this tournament himself, to win his freedom...” he said with a smile.
Looking down at the boy grasping his sword nervously, I bit at my lower lip. I couldn't conceive what would make this boy want to commit suicide in the arena, but I did know he was desperate to survive. “I'm sure I could provide an easier way for him to earn his freedom, than...this.” I said looking back at the governor.
As I was talking, an armored man came up and whispered something to the Governor. “Ahh, I see.” he said before looking back at me. “It seems the boy slighted the slave master. Quite severely it would appear. I'm told he had to enter the tournament and risk death, or be executed.” the Governor said before taking a sip of wine.
I glanced up at the governor, “How much for him?” I asked. Off to the side to my mother was talking with a group of nobles around a wine cask.
“Hrm...well, that is a tricky question. On the one hand the poor boy is as good as dead. On the other hand, if I just up and sold him I would alienate Sannis...Still, I'm sure if the price was suitable, I could be forgiven indulging the realms newest Countess.” Governor Larousse said thoughtfully. “Well, how about a hundred gold cintas?” he asked with a smile. I looked over at my mother and considered. If I tried I could probably haggle him down, but if I did it would mar the sense of opulence and wealth she was trying to have us project. So I was stuck either looking like a fool who wasted her money, or as if I was concerned about my assets. Then there was the question of whether he even expected me to have any assets. Looking around I could see almost half the attending nobility watching our exchange. My mother glanced at me, caught the mood of the room, and frowned.
'Fuck it' I thought, before walking over to the governor, and dropping a platinum bak on the table. “I'm afraid I don't have any gold cintas on me. I don't suppose you could break this, could you?” I asked with a smile. My mother's eyes went wide for a moment, but she quickly recovered, and continued chatting. Most of the room, including the servants were watching us, and I could feel a thick tension in the air.
“...Of course, though I'm afraid I only have the tournament prize money on me at the moment. That's only seven hundred gold cintas.” the governor said looking at the platinum plate.
“Well, that's a two hundred cintas difference. I see six other slaves down there. Would you care to relinquish their contracts to me?” I asked curiously. “If they approve of course. I mean I know they were looking forward to battling for their freedom. I just thought perhaps a term of service in exchange might serve in its stead.” I said glancing down at the arena.
“...I see. Well, I'll have one of my men inquire.” the governor said, motioning to one of the guards. “In the meantime, we can view a show of skill. I think you'll find our first fight interesting. We have a martial artist from the Islands of Ioshan.” he said with a smile.