A Hero's Decision

Aveline was seated in an arena, her mother and Rey on opposite sides of her. Nilly seemed to be scanning the crowd until she tapped Aveline and pointed. In the far distance, beside King Theo, was Thorin. The two were a mighty presence, leaving many in awe... until Thorin saw Aveline.

"Sweetie... pretend you don't know him."

Nilly was hiding her face as Thorin began to wave over his head, his antics directly aimed at them.

"I'll punish him later."

Nilly spat a little venom as she spoke, her eyes locking on Thorin. He seemed to stumble, then recede. Theo began to laugh as his friend fell into his seat beside him.

"Mama, Papa is just excited. He's been busy all day."

Aveline felt Nilly pat her head, that familiar warmth making her lean into it. Rey watched with slight jealousy, her emotions not unknown to Aveline. Her hand lightly began to stroke the Dragonkin's hair. Rey acted like a cat, nudging her head into Aveline's hand.

"This is... nice. Different from the powerful heat and flames of the volcano, yet still warm."

Aveline smiled slightly before the sound of a fanfare interrupted the bonding moment. Everyone had their eyes at the ready, except Aveline. Her eyes fell onto the lady that just came from the entrance to the stands. Her outfit clashed with the deep brown stones, quickly catching more eyes. Aveline stood up, waving towards the girl.

"Over here Kyra!"

Nilly turned and waved, though much less energetically.

"Like father, like daughter. Damn..."

Kyra rushed over, bowing deeply and apologizing.

"Forgive me, Lady Nilly. The maids of the castle wished to speak to me on how I maintained daily support of Lady Aveline. Apparently, the princess is due to return in the coming weeks. Many know not of what to do to help her be comfortable."

Nilly giggled as she waved it off.

"You work hard, they can see that by how much Aveline and I trust in you. Should have known they would hound you as soon as you awoke. Did you sleep well?"

Nilly motioned to the seat beside her, allowing Kyra to sit before they continued to speak. Aveline began to tune them out as she saw the competition unfold below her.

A yearly event held within the kingdom. Men and women between the ages fourteen and eighteen were given a chance to prove themselves in friendly contest. The favorite, and most likely to win, was Orion. He was quick and skillful as he fought opponents on the field, though some chose to leave without injury.

Aveline grimaced at the sight of him. He flaunted his strength, yet everyone had their eyes on him. The few that lost interest were the Synclairs, the king and Rey. Rey was still enjoying Aveline's affection.

"It's so one-sided! Orion Ripple, our beloved Hero, has one once more! Lucas Sen has fallen! Orion has finally won the whole thing! The grand prize is his!"

Orion gave off an incredibly polite smile as he began to scan the crowd. He raised his hand, his sword pointed directly towards the sky. The announcer immediately began to speak again.

"The Hero has chosen to use his Winner's Right! A free challenge of any current audience member! I'll go over the rules! Orion can choose ANY and I mean ANY single person in the audience! The only viewers safe from his mighty skills are those too young, too old, sick or just not capable of combat!"

Many people from the crowd seemed to wonder who Orion would choose.

"I know many are wondering, especially with the current lineup in the stands! Could it be... our very own king, the War Lion?! Or even the Duke Synclair, the Earthshaker!? I even saw the alluring beauty herself, the Berserk Frostbearer!"

Aveline could feel Nilly stiffen next to her.

"Th-those stupid nicknames!"

Her face was red as she tried to hide from the crowd. Aveline tried to hide her laughter, only to feel a sudden pressure from the entire audience. She looked around, her eyes finally realizing that their was a sword pointed directly at her. Orion's eyes were on her, of all people.

"Ah! Has he chosen the Berserk Frostbearer?"

Orion had a small smile on his face.

"No. The young girl beside her. Her daughter."

The entire crowd set their eyes on Aveline. She looked around a little before Orion flicked his sword.

"Doesn't the person I choose want a chance at the grand prize? You may be a little too young, yet I have seen your magic. I know you are much stronger than any average child, being the daughter of the Earthshaker and Berserk Frostbearer. Or are you too scared?"

Aveline glared down at Orion, though she didn't bite the line he sent.

"Sweetie, it's okay if you don't want to fight. He is just targeting you because of the engagement being broken."

Orion began to let out his true colors as he sneered.

"Maybe Victri shouldn't visit you anymore. I'll see to it-"

Orion was cut off as Aveline sent herself flying. Her sandals were left behind due to the force of the wind she launched herself with. Nilly flinched back while Rey stared in wonder.

"Heh. Took the bait."

Aveline landed gracefully, barely holding back her mounting rage.

--

"Aveline, remember. He has fire, earth and light magic. He has no right to take away your friend. Kick. His. Ass."

--

Aveline smirked, then ran her hand through her hair. Cocking her hip, Aveline decided to truly play the villain.

"Alright, you brought me down here. Do you really think your meager skills can compare to mine?"