rudderbutt

Roc was narrowly holding his own, but he realized the battle couldn’t be decided on the ground. He pulled away from Ingram and flapped his wings, taking to the sky with his nemesis chasing after him. They flew laps around the arena, colliding and exchanging blows in midair. The audience raised their eyes and fingers to the sky, watching the airborne battle in shock and awe. Both feathers and blood were shed with each collision, with talons ripping through flesh and punches landing with devastating force. Over and over, it seemed like they would crash into the stands, but by some miracle, they stayed in the air. Higher, they rose, taking their battle above the arena. The tournament no longer mattered, only the battle, and there were no edges in the sky.

Sophia mulled over Shannon’s words, then turned as Noah came down the stairs. “Hello, Noah,” she said with a bashful smile.“Sophia, so nice of you to visit. What’s going on?”“Can we talk? It’s important.”“Of course. Please, take a seat.”Shannon bowed. “Please excuse me, I’ll start the tea.”

“A tall order, one that I will consider. Run back to the church and tell them I don’t want to fight. Why be enemies when we can be friends? Also, tell them I’m looking to buy enchanted artifacts and valuable materials, especially meruleum gems, if they have any they’d be willing to sell.”“That’s it? You’re letting me go?”“Assuming you don’t try to kill me again. Otherwise….”