The Match (1)

I strode over to the dinner table, dodging waiters and waitresses as I neared the table he sat at. I twisted my head, peeping at who he was chatting with. Two people shielded by enormous hoods sat opposite Ralph, but I wasn't able to make out their conversation over the tangled noise. Ralph nodded to them and slid an envelope to them, which one of them tucked in their bulky cloak. The two people stood up; ready to leave. I strolled up to the table and stopped before Ralph.

"Indigo! Hey, what brings you here? Missed me too much?" He smirked, the corner of his eyes crinkling and two dimples forming on either cheek. I glanced at the two people preparing to withdraw.

"Why would I? I came for my money," I replied with a scoff, not once taking my eyes off the two people.

"Indigo don't you know it's rude to stare? And money for what?" He poked my arm and laughed.

"Not when they are suspicious," I said, narrowing my eyes. Ralph yanked my arm pulling me to him, I turned my gaze to him annoyed and shook off his hand and looked back to the people but they had disappeared in thin air. I peeked around the crowd, searching for their figures, but the cigar smoke rendered my efforts useless.

"Pay you back for what, Indigo?" He asked again, drawing my attention away from the two hooded people.

"You ruined my clothes in that sap so pay me back twenty-five silver coins," I put my hand out.

"Magic word,"

"I'm not being polite to someone who not only stalked me but pushed me into sap and preceded to threaten me," a sweet smile blossomed on my face, "Now pay me back."

"Fine, fine," He raised his hands in defeat and pulled a pouch of money out. Taking it, I counted to be sure there was enough.

"I forgot to ask, what time is the match?"

"At dusk," He replied with a slight smile. I nodded and left with a wave.

The next two days I continued with quests and earned more merit points. In a flash, it was the day of our match. I stopped by the weapon store stocking up on more daggers and sickles and bought new clothes. Just before sunset, I entered The Silver Spoon. I instantly spotted Ralph at the front sitting chugging alcohol, a thin stream trickling from the corner of his lips.

"Ralph, I'm ready," I leaned against the table staring at his flushed face. He shot his eyes in my direction and slammed the bottle on the table with a huff.

"You plan on fighting in that?"

"This is always how I fight,"

"Aren't you scared of your dress ripping and isn't your sight hindered?" He asked with a smile, squashing cheek against his hand.

"My dress is light, and it's easy to move in, my dress ripping is the least of my concerns and I'm used to fighting with one eye,"

"Fair enough, Let's go," He stood up and threw a gold coin to the bartender.

"Where are we going to fight?"

"Shh... Just follow me," He pressed a finger on his lips and led me to another side of the valley. "Here should be far enough," He smiled with his hands on his hips.

"Fine," I replied, stretching. The moon tipped over the horizon, illuminating the barren wasteland with a silver gleam. The sound of bugs chatter bellowed in the chilly night air. The chilly wind lashed against my skin, blowing my dress up and my hair behind me, freezing me to the bone.

"It won't be convenient fighting at night with only one eye," He said while staring at me.

"I enjoy fighting at night so it's fine," I replied in a flat voice. "Let's get this fight over with, shall we," I smiled, cracking my knuckles.

"Same to you," He pulled his gigantic sword from his back holding it in front him, his body blocked from my vision.

I drew my two brand new daggers, which gleamed even in the dead of night. We circled each other, our eyes glued to one another. I darted my eyes down his body inspecting the way he held his sword, which leg had the most weight on it and he did the same to me.

I scanned his sword and realized it would be hard getting close to him when he had that range. However, my daggers were light while his gigantic broadsword would slow his motions somewhat.

"It seems you didn't pick the best weapon for today," Ralph scoffed, staring at my pair of daggers and his sword.

"I'm fine with that, at least I don't have a deadweight sword," I smiled with derision.

"You would be surprised," He dropped these words and closed the distance between us. He slammed the blunt side of his sword into my side. I blocked it with my leg, distracting myself from the throbbing dull pain rippling through my limb. I hurled a sickle at his leg. He dodged, and we both jumped back from one another as if we premeditated it.

"Ah, that was mean Indigo, how cold you are. Aiming for my leg like that what if you hurt me?" He lamented with a grin splattered on his face.

"Drop the small talk," I mocked. We both gave each other a knowing smile and rushed at one another with no restraint, kicking up dust beneath us, clouding the already foggy night.