TEU: The Forgotten Prompt 03
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By Eternityspool
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A voice sliced through the crowd, roughened by age and neglect. J'Inez's ears flattened against her skull, a growl rising in her throat at the misnomer, head rearing to find the offender. Girl? Did I endure countless battles, carve my name through the stars, and command the respect of hardened pirates to be dismissed as a mere 'girl'?
The crowd parted-- not out of deference, but with the cautious instinct of animals scenting a storm. He was tall, his features weathered like stone, but muscle lined his scarred shoulders. One of his long toes was missing a claw, and his once proud ears were not little more than tattered flags, but he was formidable. It probably wasn't the best idea, but... when had logic ever stopped her from answering the call of trouble? Girl?
J'Inez's lips stretched into a snarl, eyes flashing a steely blue. Coil and his shrieking companion faded into the background, insignificant distractions against the tempest that brewed in the cavern. Troall loomed behind her, a silent sentinel, but J'Inez pushed her presence aside. Let her stay neutral, or choose a side – either way, J'Inez wouldn't back down. Girl?
"Something to say?" the offender pressed, his words dripping with condescension. A spark ignited in J'Inez's core, hotter than any star she'd ever navigated.
The stone was steady beneath her claws, aged with battles past that she was eager to add her own number to. The haedians around her weathered enemy were drawing closer again, fueled by his boldness. They had numbers-- she was alone. It was a plead for death, engaging all of them at once - most towered over her, their bulk threatening, the few smaller ones lost in the seething mass. Brain. She had a brain, and she needed to use it.
"This 'girl' will make you a deal." she rumbled, flashing teeth. "A duel, you and I, to the surrender. Your hoarde stays back." She didn't need the reputation of killing haedians when she was trying to reach their queen. "If you prevail, I will take you above and teach you how to hunt in the way of the topsiders. But if I win..." her voice hardened to steel, "you will let me pass and owe me a debt for the inconvenience."
The challenge hung heavy in the air, a gamble, a chance to cut through the chaos with a single, decisive blow. It was audacious, reckless even, but J'Inez wouldn't back down. This was her only path forward, and she'd carve it, claw and fang, if she had to.
The haedians fell silent, their growls replaced by a collective indrawn breath. Tension crackled in the air, thicker than the stench of damp fur and the metallic tang of past battles that clung to the ancient stone. Seconds that felt like hours passed until finally, he nodded. He couldn't ignore the value of the offer at stake-- but nor would he give her the chance to best him. Without any more warning than his agreement, he lunged.
A guttural roar rang through the cavern. He was a flash of claws and teeth, a savage beauty honed by countless skirmishes in this unforgiving below. J'Inez met him head-on, fur bristling, her counterattack ready, They collided in a flurry of snapping jaws and flashing canines. The air filled with the high-pitched yelps of the smaller haedians, their excitement turning to nervous whines as the brawl escalated.
J'Inez lurched to the side to avoid a swipe aimed at her shoulder, three razor sharp claws grazing her shoulder instead, drawing perfect crimson lines. The tang of blood filled her nares, coppery and warm, and she howled - fury fueling her, years of experience on Roenden's rough seas guiding her.
She met him attack for attack, but he was no easy prey. He roared in pain as her teeth sunk into the aged skin of his neck-- with a powerful twist, he threw himself backwards, flinging J'Inez off balance and tearing her hold free. She landed hard on the stone, the impact jarring her bones. Before she could recover, he was on her again, fangs bared in a vicious snarl.
J'Inez twisted, narrowly avoiding a blow meant for her jugular. His teeth still caught, tearing skin and drawing blood to her icy coat. Her furious attempt to escape the attack threw him, and he slammed against the stone with a sickening thud. Dazed, he stumbled backwards, colliding with the wall behind him.
J'Inez seized her chance.
With a burst of adrenaline, she launched herself at him, a blur of teeth and claws. This time, her aim was true. Her jaws clamped around his neck-- not with the intent to kill, but to subdue. She held on, the taste of blood and fur filling her mouth, her muscles burning with exertion.
The old haedian thrashed wildly, his claws scoring bloody tracks across her back. The air in the chamber grew thick with the scent of their struggle. But slowly, his movements grew weaker, his growls fading into choked gasps as he fought for the damn air that plagued this place. J'Inez's grip tightened, her breath coming in harsh pants as she matched his struggle, shoulders locked.
Finally, with a choked whimper, his struggles ceased. He went limp in her hold, his yield obvious not only to her, but to the crowd. They gasped, whispers flowing among them. Exhausted but triumphant, J'Inez released her hold. The haedian leader slumped to the ground, his breathing labored, eyes filled with a mix of disbelief and defeat.
Silence descended upon the chamber, broken only by the ragged breaths of the two combatants and the low hum of the haedians huddled in the shadows. J'Inez stood tall, her body battered and bloodied, but her spirit unbroken-- she'd come out of this battle on top, a stark testament to her strength. The air hung heavy with respect, not just for her brawn, but for the spirit that would not yield.
J'Inez turned towards the haedians, her gaze unwavering. They cowered before her, bravado replaced by a new understanding. In her eyes, they saw not just a victor, but a force of nature, a predator who defied expectations and earned her way with undeniable will.
"You..." his voice, broken and choked with blood, came to her. Troall took the finish from him.
"You may pass."
Option 2:
The clan surrounds you and the remaining Forgotten members. They have become more outraged after your blatant lack of remorse, and they'll have payment one way or another.
Draw or write your Reosean fighting back or escaping from the clan.
Submitted By Eternityspool
Submitted: 8 months ago ・
Last Updated: 8 months ago
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[TEU: The Forgotten Prompt 03 by Eternityspool
(Literature)](https://wor-keeper.com/gallery/view/101)