*Closed* Royal and Not *Lady AlainXShadow Assassin*

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I nodded, shifting slightly. I remembered how a few other of the women around here walked and managed to slouch my shoulders a little. It felt weird. "Like this?" I asked, smiling. I felt silly. "You know, I could take you anywhere you wanted." I said, watching him work a moment before focusing on him. "With no trouble at all." I said, still keeping my voice quiet.
 
My glance turned into a full-on stare as I watched her re-situate her shoulders. My smile grew into a grin. "Yeah, something like that. And shuffle your step a little more, too. You could almost pass for a soldier the way you prance about." I had no idea why I was being this forward with her. Ellie had confirmed my suspicions that she was far above me in station and here I was ordering her about. I guess I felt comfortable around her, which was a first. I went back to work. And then she said it.

"You know, I could take you anywhere you wanted."

It caught me so off guard that my pliers jerked a little too hard, bending the ring I was attaching. "Curses!" I hissed with a sharp intake of breath. I cast a nervous eye toward Boss, but he seemed completely unaware of my swear as he conversed with the manservant. I quickly tried to straighten out the kink.

"Why would you say that?" I asked her quietly.
 
I took note on everything he said. I jumped slightly as he made a mistake. I hoped it wasn't my fault. "Because I can." I said. "You're someone who I could trust and I think it'd be nice to show you around." I wondered if I was being too...open. Nah, I decided. It felt right. "A soldier?" I giggled, realizing what he said. "I fight like a soldier, I prance like a pr-." I stopped, realizing what I almost said in such an open place. I sighed softly. "Anyway." I hated not being able to speak freely, but I also knew the dangers if I did. "I'm sure you probably know more. You're very keen to noticing these things." I smiled.
 
I chuckled. She trusted me? Simply because I made her a sword? "You really are sheltered, aren't you?" I muttered in amazement. It was eerie how open I was becoming with this noblewoman. Then an idea struck me. She wasn't trying to trap me, was she? Give the townspeople a reason to put me to the sword... they wouldn't go to such lengths to get rid of a mixed blood... would they? My heartbeat started racing as something akin to panic began to build up in my chest. My hands shook. I had to set my tools down. "Please... I'm only a simple servant," I begged. "I've never hurt a soul. Whatever your game is, I can't afford to lose my place here. It's all I've got. All I can ever hope to have."
 
I blinked. Then I remembered what his boss said. I put a gentle hand on his back. "I'll never hurt you." I said quietly, sighing softly. "Never. I promise." I turned, walking over to the general. "C'mon. I need to prepare." I said, smiling at the Boss. "Thanks for your kindness."
The general nodded. "Yes, thank you."
I glanced back at Jabez. Smiling faintly, I waved before turning and walking out, using the tips he had given me to mask my true identity even more. Once we were out of sight, I shuddered. The general put a hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright Ellie?"
I nodded. "I'm fine...we need to practice. There's only a few hours before the competition and I haven't used a sword in two years." I said, keeping my head down and my arms by my sides. The general knew something was bothering me, but didn't push it. He followed me to an empty clearing where the grass was scuffed from many fights. I drew my sword, turning to him. "Ready?"
He paused, blinking. "Wait...me?"
"Yes. Draw your sword. I won't hit you, I promise." I said. Hesitantly, he drew his sword.
"Attack me." I said calmly. Again, he hesitated, but then dashed forwards, the two swords colliding loudly as the practicing began. I was careful not to actually hurt him, just as he was with me.
 
Her gentle touch burned on my back. She sounded so sincere... I slowly picked my tools up once again. "I believe you," I stated simply. She turned away to leave. I felt embarrassed. Here this woman had reached out to me, and the first thing I had done was recoil. Had I closed the door? I hoped not. She smiled at me again before she left and I made sure to grin at her in return. I really did want to see her again. And if... if she really could take me anywhere... I closed my eyes and inhaled. Ye gads, how good that sounded.

"Visitors are gone, Jabez, get yer mind back on yer work!" Boss shouted at me. I was only too willing to oblige. This necklace, it would be the finest piece of jewelry I ever crafted. I had an angel to inspire me.
 
We continued this practice for only an hour or two before we both sheathed our swords. He was exhausted and I needed a breather. "Thank you." I said to him. He nodded, gently putting a hand on my shoulder. "We need to get back to the room, for you need to freshen up and change into something more appropriate for this."
I nodded, following him back to the room. He laid on his bed to nap while I quickly took a bath to clean myself before changing into a simple dress, slipping my belt and sword tied around my waist. I stepped out into the room, drying my hair before brushing it. I gently woke the general. "Should we make our way to the competition?" I asked him softly. He sat up and stretched, yawning softly. Checking outside, he saw there was very little time before sunset, in which the competition would start in an arena full of lamps. "Yes, we should." He said, standing. He took his own sword.
"Are you signed up?" I asked curiously.
He smiled. "No, because you are." He pat my back, urging me to the door. "And you, mistress, are the best sword wielder I've ever fought." He said, following me as I walked out of the room and down the hall, exiting the building. He then led the way. We passed a few shops, one house, and the bookshop. I paused momentarily, glancing at the blacksmith before the General gently pulled on my arm, encouraging me further. I looked up and followed, one hand resting gently on the sword Jabez had made me. The general had his sword as well as my royal one, hidden under his coat, simply so it would not be stolen by looters. When we reached the gates, he bowed slightly. "Good luck, Mistress Ellie." He said to me in front of the guards before making his way to the other entrance.
I took a deep breath, smiling at the guards as I stepped past them. Loud sounds of cracking metal and men laughing filtered the hallways. I knew this would go from a simple sword fighting event to a death match if I wasn't careful. I ignored several men as whistled, unbeknownst to them that they would be fighting me soon. I slipped into an empty room and sat down. I began calming myself, preparing for the competition.
 
My work finished quickly today, so much did I enjoy the delicate work of jewelry making. The golden chain glimmered cheerfully, the small golden locket with the scrawled initials of Boss's wife dangling from the center link. I handed the finished product to Boss. "Fine work, boy, fine work," he murmured in awe as he handled the piece of beauty. Finally, he looked up at me and jerked his head toward the door. "Get ye out, boy," he growled. "I'll lock up tonight. Ye go and cheer on yer inspiration."

Gladness, thankfulness, and pride welled in my heart. To have the evening off was a luxury I rarely ever received. "Thank you!" I was out of there and rushing toward the arena as fast as I could. I sorely wanted to see what kind of sword woman Ellie was. If she was as any good as her peasant manners were bad, this competition would be the talk of the decade. I made it in good time and sank into a back seat.
 
The general was sitting in a front row, nervously tapping his foot as the first two competitors fought. These men were much more experienced than he though, the match ending in a few minutes as a taller, broad shouldered man pointed his sword at the smaller man's neck, the smaller man's sword on the ground beside him. The bell rang, signaling the next competitors. There were three rounds before my turn. I stood, wrapping a small cloth around my nose and mouth, my hair staying in it's neat pony-tail. I didn't want to choke on any dust kicked up from the arena. As I stepped out, most of the crowd tensed, sitting up, whispers about a woman being in the competition.
The man who I was up against lowered his sword, looking very confused. He was short, but well built.
I stepped forwards, drawing my sword and taking an defensive stance. He still didn't raise his sword. "Listen miss, I think-"
I charged forwards, raising my sword. Any skilled fighter would recognize the mistake in my movements, and the general's eyes widened as he sat up with half of the crowd, taking in a deep breath. The man, surprised, drew his sword to pierce my unguarded side, but I stepped to the left at the last moment, my sword coming to a halt inches from his neck. The bell rang and I stepped away. The crowd was silent, surprised by the sudden turn of events. The bell sounded again and I walked off into one of the hallways, waiting for my next round. My defeated competitor glared, but I ignored him.
 
My eyes were ever on the lookout for the small figure of Ellie to appear in the arena. When I finally did spot her walking out from the waiting area, I clenched my fingers into fists until my knuckles turned white. I wasn't completely worried for her, after all she had expressed a surety of herself in the shop, but as a friend I couldn't help but be concerned. The competition didn't take her seriously. In fact, no one took her seriously and she used that to her advantage and took the bloke off guard with a clean sweep to the neck. I sucked in my breath as a silent cheer echoed in my breast. If I was a betting man, I would lay a pretty sum of money on her.

The other competitors couldn't get off the field soon enough for me. I wanted to watch Ellie's sword work again. There was something... odd about it.
 
Three more rounds before I was back on the arena field. My competitor was one who had already won two other rounds. He seemed a little cocky.
"Aye little girl...what might such a pretty thing like you be doing in a man's competition?" He laughed as he spoke.
I ignored his comments, drawing my sword and standing in a defensive position, my eyes challenging him.
He chuckled. "Straight to the point, aye?" He drew his own sword and charged. I dropped the edge of the blade to the ground, ducking at the last moment and rolling, the tip of the blade catching the edge of the back of his shoe, tripping him. I stood, pointing my sword at the back of his neck. "Winning." I answered him coolly. The bell sounded and I stepped back, extending my hand to help him up as a few in the crowd applauded. He smacked my hand away, picking himself up and sheathing his sword.
"Lucky." He spat.
I smiled faintly. "Believe what you want." Turning, I noticed the general. I shook my head, seeing he looked quite concerned, or at least, it looked that way. The setting sun behind him made it hard to see. I returned to the waiting tunnel. There weren't many competitors left.
 
Unorthodox, that's how I describe her movements with her sword. The blade dances easily in her hand, essentially becoming an extension of herself. She doesn't follow any particular footwork, but lets the blade dictate her motion. It is the sparring ability of royalty. Thankfully, a few people clap for her this time and I heartily join in with a few claps myself. Ellie is certainly a lot more than what meets the eye. If at all possible, I would speak to her again after the competition.
 
After almost six more rounds, they have four last competitors. All four are sent to the arena at once. I glanced around, shifting from foot to foot. They split us into twos, and we're told that after there are two winners, those two fight, and the winner is determined. I took a deep breath. Easy, right?
The man I'm paired against is a young guy with black hair and startling blue eyes. He smirks. Taking a defensive position, he waits for my first move. I glance at the other two, who are already in battle. I could easily see that they weren't playing for the sport. Both wanted to see bloodshed. I rolled my eyes and turned towards my competitor. I charged, my sword almost dragging the ground. He swings down just as I bring my sword up, the two blades clashing, his jerking slightly in his hand. I stepped to the right, sliding my blade against his until mine was on top and shoving his blade down, the tip burying in the dirt. Using the heel of my foot, I kicked the back of his calf, causing him to fall just beside his blade. The bell rung twice. I glanced at the other two. One of them was on the ground, a cut on his cheek, and the other was smiling viciously at me. I stepped away from my defeated competitor, raising my blade and motioning for the man to come forwards. He charged, his blade slamming down on my own. I stepped back. He seemed a little different from the others...or maybe that was just the malicious glint in his eyes. I stepped to the side and brought my blade towards his midsection. His own blade caught my finger. I inhaled sharply, dropping the blade, but I wasn't out yet. I stepped backwards, taking the sword of my defeated opponent and pulling it up as he swung down. He glared, but I smirked at him. "Watch every move." I warned him, my toe under his. I pulled my foot up, causing me to roll forwards and him to fall backwards. Before he was on his feet, I had switched blades and had my own sword again, pointing it down at him. The bell rung and I looked at my finger. It looked like he'd gotten it pretty good. I looked up to the general, who looked worried. I turned to face him and the guy with the cut on his face dropped his blade, the metal inches from my face. So that's why...all three of the guys were back on their feet, their blades pointed at me. I whistled to the guards, but they stood back, as if this was nothing. I looked at the general, my sword in a defensive stance. He nodded and I dropped to one knee. Everyone was confused, but the general stood, walking up the stairs.
Two of the men charged and my entire expression changed from calm to serious. I waited until their blades were about to hit me when I rolled forwards. I turned, my sword catching one of their feet, cutting easily through the fabric. I winced. I really didn't want to do this. He fell to his knees, crying out. I jumped to my feet, swinging my sword towards the other. He blocked it, but I kicked his knee, dragging the blade across his palm. He dropped his sword. I felt another blade drag across my back and I gasped. The third man laughed. The guards ran out onto the field, but they couldn't save him. I turned, my sword going into his shoulder.
 
Ellie rose the victor. It didn't surprise me, but from the murmurs of the spectators around me, I could hear that most were upset with the outcome. I had just stood to my feet to exit the stands when a hush fell over the crowd, followed by cries for bloodshed. Everyone was on their feet, some pumping their fist into the air as they yelled, others stamping their feet. I whirled to face the arena again in time to see Ellie down the first attacker. She was hit. Twice. I bit my lip as the third attacker's blade cut a clean slash across her back. Before I could think, I launched myself over the stands and fought my way through the crowds. I had to get to Ellie. I had to protect her.

When I reached the arena, it was over. Ellie's blade was deeply embedded in the last of her competitor's shoulder and the guards had arrived to keep order in the ring. Somehow even with my over 6 feet in height, I was able to pass unnoticed down to the entrance to the field. I made eye contact with her manservant as he climbed the stairs. He was here? I felt a bit better. I strained for any sight of Ellie, wondering how deeply she had been wounded.
 
The general caught up with me outside the arena. He grabbed my shoulders. "Please tell me you're not hurt too bad."
I smiled weakly. "My back's fine. The armor caught most of it." I ran my finger across the small cut. "See? It's not even bleeding anymore."
He hugged me tightly and I winced. "Still...sore." He let go, biting his lip. "Sorry!" he exclaimed. I shook my head. "It's alright." I said, tearing a small section off my shirt to wrap around my finger. "I might need to see a doctor for this." I sighed softly.
He nodded. "Oh! Guess who came to watch?"
"Who?" I looked up at him curiously, my hand resting on the handle of my sword as the three men were escorted out.
"Jabez!" He said, quieter now.
I looked up at him, my eyes widening in interest. "Really?"
He nodded.
 
I continued fighting the crowd, trying to follow where Ellie's manservant had gone. I had to be quick if I was going to catch her. No doubt she'd be needing at least an apothecary for the wounds she'd sustained. With careful steps I ducked under beams and side-stepped peasants. Finally I made it up the stairs and blessed my height. Sometimes being more than a head taller than the average person really came in handy. I caught the sight of a ponytail in Ellie's colour in the corner of my eye and turned towards it. Was it her? I picked up my speed to catch her.
 
I rubbed the cloth on my finger. "Thanks...for giving me permission. I don't think anyone recognized that I was using Craten." I said, sighing softly. I leaned against the wall. I would wait until everyone was gone before I made a move. I didn't want any followers, especially after that controversy.
He nodded. "I had no choice. The guards certainly weren't going to step in."
I sighed again. "This is hard...being undercover like this. I almost miss being home...the only difference is here I have a little more freedom, but a lot more danger."
The general smiled sympathetically. "Hey, but you're tough. You're doing great."
I nodded, looking up with a weak smile. "Thanks.."
 
The pony-tail vanished. Had she fled so quickly? I stopped in my pursuit and slowly turned in a full circle, willing myself to locate Ellie again. Little did I know I halted nearly in front of her as I expected her to still be moving through the crowd. Holding a hand over my eyes to shade them from the brilliant sunset, I squinted over the heads of the people around me.
 
I looked up and noticed Jabez. I giggled softly and the general gave me a strange look. I covered my mouth, realizing I had done that out loud. Ignoring the general's watchful eye, I walked up beside Jabez. "Looking for something?" I asked him curiously. "I can help if you want." I smiled, unknowing that he was looking for me.
The general stayed back a little, watching for anyone who might try and attack after the competition.
 
The voice came from behind my shoulder. Startled, I stepped back and almost into Ellie. "Ah! Sorry, sorry." I raised a hand to my forehead to push back my bangs. "I was... I was looking for you, actually," I admitted sheepishly. "I hope you weren't hit too badly. With you being new in town... and maybe needing an apothecary..." I gave her a broad grin. "Not that you couldn't handle yourself out there, of course. You looked like you really enjoy sword fighting. But if you need an apothecary..." my voice trailed off. Here I was stumbling like a schoolboy again. I huffed in aggravation. Talking to a woman was hard work.
 
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