Lesson's learnt the hard way. *locked to centauri_fire and Antonio_refa *

[beyon_turhan]

Mun’s note: Takes place an hour or so after A day in Court.

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“…You’ve got something about you
You’ve got something I need
Daughter of Aphrodite
Hear my words and take heed
I was born on Olympus
To my father a son
I was raised by the demons
Trained to reign as the one…”

God of Thunder - Kiss
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His senses are all in tune even with the

Comments

[centauri_fire]

Alexia didn't prepare unlike the others he always sparred blindfolded. "Evened out the odds" they said. He laughed as he finished cleaning his kutari. He had a feeling this boy would challange him eventually but he hardly thought he would do it so soon.

Alexia sighed but his mind soon turned to later in the evening. A huge smirk spread on his face as his more devious side took over.

He strapped the sword to his waist and pulled on his coat. Assuring everything was perfect he headed out toward the room that had been set aside for dueling. He knew Samantha and she always found a way to watch. Alexia smiled again realizing that both Mariel and Samantha would be watching but he almost wished he was facing one of the better swordsman, so he could show off a bit in front of the ladies.

He walked in and greeted Lord Jaddo. He and Lord Jaddo always sparred together because thier skills were matched and they both liked the challange but tonight Alexia would not have such pleasures as he had another duel to attend to first.

[beyon_turhan]

The final preparations were set in order as he stares into the mirror, taking a deep breathe as he does so. His mentor's words ring clear in his mind, the warning now returning with a vengence. The offer for a duel had been made sometime ago between Alexia and himself to his immense joy and surprise the older swordsman had agreed. But now the moment is upon him the young prince finds himself feeling a little nervous.

He knew he was a good fighter, and fairly renowned already at his age, but then so was this man. For Alexia had many years ahead of him in training and skills. His teacher had warned him a few times that this wasn't a wise idea, that he was getting far too ahead of himself. But he was certain he'd be worthy of such an oppertunity. Yet now as Beyon straps his Yanmaodao sabre to his hip and buttons his jacket he grows a little uncertain

[centauri_fire]

Alexia was waiting already blind folded. He had gotten bored waiting for Beyon and so he and Lord Jaddo were practicing, nothing special just training moves. He heard Beyon walk in and held a hand up to his opponet signaling for an end to practice.

I am honored to face you in a duel of skills, Lord Beyon Turhan.

It was the traditional greeting that he spooke as he turned to face Beyon and bowed. He sheathed he sword and stepped forward offering his opponent his hands, the tradtional Centauri sign that this duel was not serious simply a test of skills.

[beyon_turhan]

Beyon watches the two men for a moment before properly entering. Their movements were impressive and the nervous excitement rises in his chest once more. Part of him can't believe he is actually been given this oppertunity the other part of him almost wishes he hasn't. But too late now for second thoughts and so he enters quietly unaware that they aren't truly alone.

At his words he offers a sheepish smile as he bows deeply in response.

The honor is mine Lord Alexia Refa.

He says politely before clenching his opponents hand in greeting.

[centauri_fire]

Alexia smiles at the young man.

Whenever you have prepared yourself Lord Turhan.

Alexia bows and waits for Beyon to call him to the duel. Alexia's mind wanders to a question "has anyone told him I am a telepath?"

OOC: The girls should be arriving to watch about now.

[beyon_turhan]

Beyon nods slightly as he gets into position and places the blindfold over his eyes. Drawing his blade and taking a deep breath, he offers the signal that he is ready to begin.

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Elsewhere but carefully hidden comes the silent observer Mariel who is led along by Samantha.

OOC- oh geez is it common knowledge in court that Alexia is a telepath? *curious*

[centauri_fire]

OOC: It is not as widely known yet but Beyon probably does know. Alexia doesn't always know who knows though

Alexia has not drawn his blade but waits. He heard the signal and focused on the man before him ready to draw and block. He liked the fast draw aspect and the grace it took to acomplish this feat.

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Samantha, Delilah and Mariel had entered a small room. There were many women, most of them young already in the room. The far wall was a lattice of wood with small holes through which one could see the duelist beyond. There is a feeling this room was purposely created just for this purpose yet not spoken of to keep up the mystic. Both for the men who could imagine perhaps thier favored Lady was watching and for the women who could pretend to be spying unseen on the handsome men. Truly though it was hidden and the men could probably not see the women on the otherside.

Samantha whispers to Mariel.

They always make Lord Refa duel blindfolded because of his talents. I think it is quite alluring.

[beyon_turhan]

Beyon clears his thoughts as taught to him by his mentor and teacher. He knows the man before him has the upper hand of telepathy and is trained to ensure his moves aren't subconciously anticipated. Besides he too was a fan of quick thinking and this oppertunity is sure to test him to the fullest in this matter.

With eyes covered his other senses take over and soon he too is ready for battle. Timing is everything and it shows as he knows the man before him is ready for anything. He nears but doesn't strike he too is on guard and waits as they circle each other biding their time.

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Mariel watches eagerly enjoying the rising tension and the forbidding sense of spying that it encourages. At Samantha's words she smiles nodding in agreement enjoying the telepath's fluid movements as he prepares to battle the stranger before him.

But wouldn't he still be able to sense their attack by their surface thoughts?

She whispers curiously.

[centauri_fire]

Alexia doesn't even move. He lets Beyon circle him, waiting like a gun fighter to draw and strike with speed and precision.

=====

Samantha whispers.

Ususally his oponents learn to hide thier surface thoughts before challanging him.

Then Mariel hears an added mental comment.

Alexia has learned to pick up on the thoughts of others. He sees thier images of the duel and uses it to see where his opponent stands. It gives him an edge even when dueling with other telepaths

[beyon_turhan]

Beyon pauses sensing no movement, and soo realizes Alexia is waiting for him to make the first act. He doesn't want to but at the sametime knows it must be done.

He anticipates the block and is careful to cover his flank as he strikes lest the exposing himself inadvertantly. The metal clangs against metal and he feels his adrenaline rush through his veins. An oppertunity of a lifetime and he was so lucky as to experience it first hand.

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Mariel hears the mental thoughts and gives her cohort a sharp look of surprise as she whispers softly in response.

But isn't that cheating?

[centauri_fire]

Alexia listens carefully not yet relying on his sixth sense. As soon as Beyon moves to strike Alexia unsheaths his Kitari, turns and blocks flawlessly. He too is now circling waiting for the moment. He listens to the sound of the blade in the air and the fabric of Beyon's shirt. His senses tell him to strike and the blow is unorthodox. With a quick motion toward Beyon's off hand to faint a strike he takes the opening to slam the flat side of his blade against the knuckles oh Beyon's sword hand.

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Samantha smirks and continues speaking mentally as she has no wish to give away her lovers secret.

I consider it to be no more cheating then they do to him. They do force him to always wear a blindfold even when his opponent is not.

[beyon_turhan]

Beyon moves and Alexia blocks with ease he draws back and the men circle each other. But the mature fighter moves quickly an act of unexpectance as he smacks Beyon's sword hand. The man steps back quickly his expression wincing of the pain. But he doesn't drop the blade or falter marking he is familar with this strike. However it does cause him to move swiftly as he too attempts to feint an attack in one direction before striking at another still careful to keep his track covered.

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Mariel listens as Samantha speaks in her mind as she focuses her thoughts to reply in her friends head as well.

Hmph! In that case good for him. If they're not going to play fair then neither should he!

Her eyes drift back to the battle as she smiles watching as Alexia's strikes Beyon's hand. Giggling softly she casts Samantha a glance as she mentally adds focusing all her thoughts on her friend.

I don't think this one stands a chance!

[centauri_fire]

Alexia turns as Beyon begins his feign attack. Gracegully Alexia takes a step back and still using the flat side of his blade he smacks him in the side of the head, ensuring teh center of the blade hits his ear.

Alexia was in truth toying with his opponent and attempting to teach him a valuable lesson through humiliation. It was obvious this young man did not know the danger of fighting someone beyond your skill without help. It was better he learn here then in court where he could end up dead.

Alexia steps back waiting to see what his response is.

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Samantha smirks.

Well he is a very young man.. only about half Alexia's age if I remeber correctly. And being part of teh royal house I doubt he has any worldy experiences to truly perfect his skills.

[beyon_turhan]

Beyon eyes widen as he gets litterly smacked in the ear. His temper flares as his pride is obviously wounded. Stepping back he senses the lack of movement and frowns. He knows his best friend as well as his mentor is watching, nevermind any other ladies whom remain hidden from view and it only adds to his frustration.

Well it wasn't like you weren't warned against this course of action he chides himself though outloud he quietly states.

Are you here to humilate me or train me, my Lord?

He wanted to learn the older man's skills. That much was certain. He didn't have any realistic hopes of ever winning this battle, but it was a chance of a lifetime. His mentor had told him just to ask and he would be certain Alexia would be accept the offer to train him. But the prince was too arrogant to 'stoop himself to such a level' and so he chose instead to spar. A foolish course of action that only now he has come to understand.

[centauri_fire]

Alexia smiles at his question.

I believe you need quite a bit of both.

Alexia was cued in on his frustration and anger. Alexia reaches out and slams his sword down as hard as he can against Beyon's blade in an attempt to bring him out of his anger.

[beyon_turhan]

Beyon frowns but remains silent. This was a response he half expected to hear and yet hearing it didn't help calm his wounded pride any further. Nodding slightly he is about to make a smart quip when he feels the brush of air alerting him to movement he goes defensive as the blade slams hard against his forcing him to step back from the force.

Long gone is the anger now replace with instinctive surprise and concern. Lesson's about to begin again my pupil he inwardly imagines his mentor saying as he remains tense but not with anger but as an apt pupil would about to be punished for poor behavior.