Long days and short tempers

[_drama_king_]

The days are long and hot and I did so enjoy the freedom which the Spring Break afforded to me. Now, upon our return to education, I find my surroundings constricting and thus I am easily irritated - especially since I was this morning approached by a tutor who declared that I was prohibited from wearing my sword in the school grounds as it was an

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[mightbeweird]

"Yes, well there's nothing to be done about it now, Mercutio." I sigh. I'd managed to secure a position at the tables and I perched on the edge keeping my eye out for troublemakers and watching Mercutio pace.

"I understand why you wanted to be armed," and it was a lovely blade, I had admired much about it "but it is the prince's decree that keeps the peace. Just as it requires us to be without weapons on these grounds."

[_drama_king_]

I laugh. "Aye, for that Tybalt was minded to 'keep the peace' when he came across you unarmed? Nay, I do not trust the cats, for all that the Prince has decreed peace, and should I come across Tybalt this day I am minded to cut him with more than sharp words."

[mightbeweird]

I touch my bandaged arm. It is mostly healed but the hurt is still sharp in my mind. I'm in agreement with him, Tybalt will not stand for peace.
"Even armed only with your excellent wit. I should not want to stand against you," hopeing to calm him. He is full of restless energy today.

"Be content." I am just enjoying being in the sun while we wait for Romeo to join us. "Tybalt is of an evil mind, do not let his vile intentions poison our day."

[_drama_king_]

"My friend, I do not think that we will have such a choice," I say, looking over Bevolio's shoulder at where Tybalt has just rounded the corner, surrounded by his usual band of followers. I reach down and loosen my sword in it's scabbard, glancing towards the school buildings to make sure that none are watching.

"At last I find you, for I would have a word with one of you," Tybalt says with a sneer.

"You wish a word?" I ask, stepping forward. "Yet the other night, words did not seem to be what you sought when you came across my friend."

[mightbeweird]

I turn around and find Tybalt. and his Cats.
Tybalt is smiling. A grim expression and one that does not bode well.
"That Montague cur? I did think to teach her a lesson in manners. Pity she did not have you to hide behind that night. Where is your bonnie fellow, Romeo? Is he still hiding behind your skirts?"

"How is your sword hand Tybalt? as bruised as your ego?" I call out. I pray my toungue is a sharp enough weapon this day, if I cannot disarm him there will be more blood.

[_drama_king_]

I note with pleasure that Tybalt's only reply to Benvolio's well placed comment is with a dark look. It seems the cat has lost its tongue. Well, let us see if we can help him find it.

"Well, should Romeo hide behind my skirts that would make me a lady. Do you suggest such a thing?" I challenge, walking to stand toe to toe with him.

"Aye, and if I do?" Tybalt sneered.

"Then I would suggest we dance? Shall we dance?" I say, starting to draw on him.

[_drama_king_]

I step in front of Romeo, pushing him back out of the way and raising my blade. "See, the man doth no quarrel with you, so you should not quarrel with him. Should you wish a quarrel, you will find it elsewhere today."

"What do you want?" Tybalt sneered, his attention focused once more on me.

"Why, do they not call you the King of Cats? That being so I want no more than one of your nine lives," I say inclining my head.

"Then I am for you," Tybalt said, drawing his own sword.

[_drama_king_]

I feel the touch of my friend on my arm, trying to draw me back, but Tybalt has gone too far in this matter today. The attack on my Benvolio, the insult to Romeo - the man did come here today looking for a fight and therefore a fight is what he shall get. Nothing shall stop me and I smile as I feel our blades clash, the metal catching the sunlight as we fight. My mind thrusts aside the knowledge that the Prince has forbidden this very action, that the consequences for me are likely to be harsh. My body feels strong and agile and the only thing that matters right now it to best the cur that dared to come here today.

Tybalt is going down.

[_drama_king_]

My attention is distracted from the fight momentarily by Romeo's words and I turn my head to look at him. At that moment, a sharp pain blossoms in my side and my legs collapse from under me. I drop my sword as I fall to the floor, my hands clutching at my stomach.