From 2008

[mastergraywolf]

Something I found from long ago. Caged like a Lion, a Tiger, a Bear...??? Two weeks from now, the so-called "Emancipation Sand Dance" would determine the paladin's fate whether she'd find freedom or find her place in her God's cradle like many others before her. Outfitted in her white prisoner suit again, Arianne sat on her bed and read through one of the Tomes provided by the Merchant. Her fingers traced line after line with devotion. She would go through it before and after her training, even during one of her meals, for about eight or nine hours each day. Arvendre's noble ancestry and origin was typical (from her world) - one of many lustrous knights that hailed from Ertain, the country known for its holy knights and kings. Her father Destin, a religious aristocrat and the owner of an orphanage, was a zealous follower of Rydor, the God of Truth and Justice. Before Destin, there were people who fought for good conduct in the world. Even Ari's grandfather and great-grandfather, two successful knights (one war hero and one local bureaucrat who worked in city security), looked up to Rydor. Her father, grandfather, great-grandfather and those who associated with them, the girl took all their feats into heart and the stalwart spirit that she inherited from them began to manifest soon enough. However, because of her gifted lineage, many believe that Arianne was immediately high-handed; but maybe, being a chosen warrior of God was definitely a blessing. An 18-year-old woman would exemplify that in Nobility, there were exceptions. Of course even the sexists found it so typical that they allow a soft-hearted girl to be chosen as a figure of good and humbleness, "This girl?" They'd think, but some of them dare didn't say that out in the open. It has been proven even the women could be on the same station as the men. Ariane actually was a humble person, with time and training became someone with perhaps the knowledge and foresight of a woman beyond her years. A sense of justice is strong and burns within her heart; turning away the natural feelings of fear, her courage transcends the Golden Way in Coria for a young woman. This is one of the reasons why she was selected to be what she is. The color of her hair and the brave feeling of her eyes could just be a coincidence? Six months ago, the paladin lost consciousness during battle. When she opened her eyes, the first thing she realized was that she was imprisoned, and her weapons and armor were taken and destroyed. The only thing that wasn't taken was her life and apparently her tangible bond to Rydor. Neither her gifted lion heart nor her soul could be excavated by whomever evil entity took her. Before long, she'd get an answer, an unexpected answer. According to the giant dwarf ThunnGar, Ari was abducted by the Black Hooded Guards and jailed within an xenophobic country. Now she was placed into this ritual called the "Dark Arena" to fight for her freedom. The dwarf was a veteran within the Arena, and provided her and others with plenty of information about what was in store for them. It had been months now. The paladin had long understood their hate for humans and knew that taking aggressive action would make matters worse. The Lionness cooperated; in fact, this "Tourney" would benefit her - she'd hone her skills and maybe win the hearts of the citizens by demonstrating her technique. But...while training with one of the Guards, something raised her curiosity. The giant dwarf ThunnGarr told his teammates (Ari included) stories about this Sanctuary and how he was in the Arena for ten years. He was never pardoned? She wondered. Then, that same wonder shifted over to the rumors she had been hearing about...