Entertainer? (Other POV)

The breeze is chilling despite me wearing warm clothes. I walk over to the coliseum, the large domed structure shimmers with beauty as the evening sun shines down upon it.

“Apprentice Atoll!” A large burly human man exclaims from in front of the coliseum entrance.

“Yes?” I inquire unsure of who this man is. A master, but most of them ignored the coliseum.

“You’re one of the ones in charge of the coliseum here, right?” The master interrogates me.

“I am.” I respond. I continue with a flourishing bow “How may I be of service?” I look up at the man and ask “Who am I speaking to?”

“Master Escono Nir.” Escono answers a bit surprised. Perhaps he forgot he did not introduce himself? I stand up straight once more.

“So master Escono, how may I be of service?” I inquire once more.

“Just the annual checking to see there’s no applicant duelists.” The master answers bluntly. It is that time of year again, how annoying. I close my eyes and rest the bridge of my nose in between a few fingers.

“Well it is the same as last year master.” I reply flipping back some bangs. “No applicants are fighting in the battles.” I explain.

“I’ll have to check a few more things, but good to know.” Escono responds sounding rather confused. Not sure why, perhaps he is almost struck dumb by my charm. That has to be it.

-- -- --

“So which applicants are we getting to fight this time?” Ayelen asks the group of coordinators in the small office.

“Seriously?” I respond. “Do we really need to do this?” I ask. The orc woman gives me a glare that feels as though she has torn out my spine.

“Yes seriously.” The coordinator says with a huff. “You know as well as any of us. The applicant duels are always the best lig makers.” She explains with a raised hand in the sign for lig making. Greedy woman, does not appreciate the arts one bit.

“Well we should get the top of the soon to graduate class.” Reto says.

“Which division though?” Ton retorts to the male ogre.

“Magic. They tend to be real flashy with them spells!” Reto replies without missing a beat.

“Okay!” Ayelen exclaims pointing at Reto. “Now we’ve got something!” She says writing on the small chalkboard on a wall. “Who is that, by the way.” She adds looking back at the rest of us.

“An orc named Gero Quanah, I think.” I answer. Not sure why I did, I really dislike these fights. Taints the artistry of combat.

“Thank you Hawthorn! I love how much of a team player you are.” Ayelen cheers writing the name on the board. The female orc turns back to face the rest of us once more. “So who should be his opponent?” She inquires to the room.

“How about that second year that has affinity with all the elements?” Ton says. He gives a smile as if he just said the most fantastic thing. Plebeian…

“Ohhhhh!” Reto happily exclaims pointing at the stout human. “That is something for the ages!” He continues excitedly.

“Yes!” Ayelen exclaims in response. “Something Lydia, right?” She asks for confirmation.

“Yamakuma.” I reply disheartened by this whole situation.

“Yamakuma Lydia and Gero Quanah.” The orc says while she finishes writing it on the board. “Now.” She continues turning around to face us once more. “How do we get them here for it?” The journeyman inquires.

-- -- --

Why am I doing this? I lean against the column waiting for little Yamakuma. The autumn breeze sends a chill through my body. I hate this time of year.

“Apprentice Hawthorn?” Lydia’s adorable voice asks me. The girl has grown a lot since I first met her but she is still quite short and just so, adorable!

“Ah little Yamakuma.” I reply keeping my cool. I doubt she even noticed I am not at all calm. If she did, she does not react.

“So what are you doing out here?” The applicant inquires stepping beside me. A sigh escapes my lips. I should just be honest with her. The rest of the coliseum coordinators want to have you fight in a nonlethal duel.

“I was wondering if you wanted to get some food from the coliseum with me.” I lie, pathetic of me. I am an adult, no need for me to hide the truth. But she is just a child still…

“Sure!” The girl cheerily replies. “Let’s get to getting!” She cheers raising a fist into the air and walking a few steps in front of me.

-- -- --

I set down my plate of silver drake steak seasoned with magma elemental ash and my mug of pit hound spiced ale. I let out a sigh of frustration as I sit into the chair across from little Yamakuma.

“What’s bothering you?” Yamakuma inquires between bites of drake. The tone of her voice sounds like a concerned parent rather than a curious child. “You’ve been pretty reserved the whole time.” She explains, still sounding like a parent. I sigh once more before sipping my ale. She is one observant child. No wonder I find her so fascinating.

“So we have these annual applicant duels.” I begin. I sigh once again before adding “Nonlethal of course!” The human girl merely nods in response. “And this year they want you to participate as a duelist.” I explain before taking a long sip of ale. “I am against it but it’s three to one so I don’t get much say.” I continue putting the mug to my mouth once more. Huh, it is already empty.

“They just want me because of my affinities.” Lydia mutters. It almost sounds like she is mad about that. Even gifted people have frustrations it seems. “I’ve been here for barely over a year. I haven’t even gotten to choose a specialization in my division yet.” She continues with even more frustration bubbling up. “I’m not some circus freak for people’s enjoyment.” The girl fumes before stabbing her fork into the steak nearly bending the utensil. “I’ll do it.” She finishes her gaze meeting mine. The fire in her eyes… It is terrifying.