Kalliope & Cassius
Night before Sola 23rdâŚ
Kalliope stood amidst the castle training grounds, her sanctuary under the dusky sky. The evening breeze caressed her auburn red locks, tousling them gently as she focused on honing her skills. The last rays of sunlight cast a warm glow over the open field, painting the world in hues of gold and amber.
Sheâd spent the day with the dashing captain, Sjan-dehk, and sheâd be lying if she said she didnât enjoy herself. Perhaps she enjoyed herself too much as her heart ached when they parted ways. This fact alone frightened her to the point she desperately needed a distraction. So here she was, working herself harder than she had in a long time.
Clad in her form fitting dark training attire, she moved with grace and precision, her body flowing effortlessly from one stance to another. Her swords gleamed in the fading light, reflecting her unwavering determination. Each strike, parry, and riposte was executed with calculated finesse, a testament to her years of training and the fire that burned within her.
As she practiced, her vivid green eyes glittered with intensity, scanning the surroundings with sharp focus. The scars etched upon her face, a constant reminder of her past, stood in stark contrast to her delicate features. They told a story of resilience and defiance, marking her as someone who had endured and risen above the trials of life.
The training grounds echoed with the rhythmic clash of steel meeting steel, accompanied by the occasional sharp exhale of effort. Kalliope's movements were fluid yet powerful, showcasing her prowess in combat. The dance of her blades seemed to meld seamlessly with the symphony of the evening, a melody only she could hear.
The dagger danced back and forth between his hands. He gauged the weight of it, and its balance. Not perfect, but seldom was that the case. It would do for the task at handâŚand that is all that mattered in the end. He could see nothing. The blindfold made sure of it. Even with the cloth wrapped around his face, he kept his eyes closed. No cheating, because where was the fun in that.
Cassius flipped his grip on the dagger, letting its tip rest between his thumb and index finger. The anticipation in the room was palpable; or so he liked to believe. They were all watching him, waiting for his next move. He was right where he belonged in the center of attention. He lifted his arm into position, and aimed with only his memory and his instincts. With the flick of his wrist the dagger flew from his hand. He heard the thud of its impact. He could tell that it stuck since there was no clanging of steel against the wooden floor.
A gasp erupted from the crowd around him as the dagger hit its mark. There were only a couple dozen people in this tavern, but to him it always felt like hundreds. He removed his blindfold. At first, he was disappointed to find that he hadnât hit the bullseye, but that disappointment quickly faded as he realized that his dagger was an inch or two closer than his opponentsâŚWinning solved everything. Cassius looked up at the man who had challenged him. The look of furious contempt was clear upon his face. He smiled that patented smile at him.
âSorry, friendâŚTonight just wasnât your night. A deal is a deal. Pay up.â Cassiusâs words only angered his opponent more, but he knew better than to cause a scene. The man disdainfully pulled the coin pouch from his belt and tossed it at Cassius before turning to leave in a huff. He used his winnings to buy another drink, gulped it down, and then he himself stepped out into the evening.
He was buzzing, but the thrill of competitionâŚeven small ones such as this, always got his heart pumping. He needed something better than a good drink tonight. So he started the walk to his other favorite locale; the training grounds. For a quarter of an hour he walked and enjoyed the fresh air, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Eventually, he reached his destination. He expected the place to be empty at this time of evening, but was surprised to hear the sound of steel. In the distance he could see a woman training. He wasnât close enough to get a good look, but he could see her auburn hair and the way she moved with elegant finesse. As he continued his approach, he watched as her blades moved skillfully and her footwork highlighted a clear competence. This woman was a true warrior. Interesting.
Kalliope immersed herself in the rhythm of her training, the clashing of steel and the swift footwork becoming a symphony of skill and discipline. Lost in her own world, she was oblivious to the approaching figure until she heard the distinct sound of footsteps drawing nearer.
Curiosity piqued, Kalliope slowed her movements and glanced in the direction of the approaching stranger. Her emerald eyes locked onto Cassius, taking in his presence with a mix of intrigue and amusement.
A mischievous smile played at the corners of her lips as Kalliope decided to seize the moment. She adjusted her grip on her blades, their polished surfaces reflecting the setting sun's golden rays, and resumed her training with renewed vigor. Every movement became an embodiment of grace and precision as she showcased her prowess.
Her auburn hair flowed behind her like a fiery halo, framing her focused expression. The fluidity of her footwork accentuated her natural agility, while her blades danced through the air with deadly elegance. Each strike and parry displayed not only her technical mastery but also the sheer power and finesse that defined her as a true warrior. With each passing moment, she pushed herself further, infusing her movements with an aura of undeniable confidence.
Kalliope spun, twirling her blades with calculated grace, the sound of steel singing a mesmerizing melody. The training grounds transformed into a stage, and she relished the role of performer.
Time seemed to slow as Kalliope executed a particularly daring maneuver, abandoning one sword only to swiftly draw one of her throwing daggers. Her eyes never left Cassius, her movements inviting him to step into the dance of blades and embrace the thrill of the moment. In the blink of an eye she released the dagger, purposely missing Cassius by a hair's breadth as the blade embedded itself in a post behind him.
Finally, she came to a poised halt, her gaze steady and unyielding. The echoes of her movements filled the air as a declaration of her skill and determination. She gave almost a mocking bow, smirk still in place before she opened her mouth to speak.
"I see that glint of curiosity in your eyes. Instead of standing there like an awestruck spectator, why not join me in a dance?"It was a pleasure for him to watch her work. Her movements were more like the lively Caesonian Waltz than they were a brutish form of combat. She danced across the arena with technique that was as beautiful as it was deadly. Cassius was impressed. She looked at him, her emerald eyes locking onto his. She was stunning.
He could feel her taking him in with her gaze, and the dangerous grin that formed on her face was one that he could appreciate. Even from where he was standing, Cassius could see the scars adorning the left side of her face. A freckled face that otherwise seemed delicate, was made all the more beautiful by those scars. They told him a story, and were not unlike his own scar that trailed down the right side of his face. The more he took her in, the more magnificent she became to him. All from one glance he found beauty, charm, and more skill than most of the kingdom combined.
Changing her stance, the woman elevated the level of intensity in her maneuvers. This time, however, her emerald eyes were locked upon his. The blue in Cassius' eyes was dark like the sea in a raging storm. Inviting, but never without a hint of danger. Her eyes, however, were as alluring as the very gemstone they the color represented. Each technique the woman demonstrated was more impressive then the last. She was performing for an audience of one, and Cas was more than captivated while having the best seat in the house. His experienced eye allowed him to watch her as though she was moving in slow motion. He was surprised to see her cast her blade aside in favor of a dagger. It took him only a moment to realize what she was planning. As she released the dagger towards him, he did not flinch...for he could tell she was skilled enough to hit her mark, and he was confident that her mark was not actually him. At least not this time. He could feel the air being bent around the dagger as it passed his face.
Almost too close for comfort...just how he liked it.
As the warrior came to a graceful stop, her auburn hair swung and flowed around her with momentum. FinallyâŚshe spoke to him with playful intent. How enticing. Her invitation to join the dance was sweeter even than the wine that had been flowing earlier that night. He was impressed by this womanâŚbut she was no Cassius Vael. He stepped forward with his devil may care demeanor on full display.
âI must admit, love. You are impressive. But, if you wish to dance with me here as the sun falls and the moon rises I must offer you that age-old warning⌠Be careful what you wish for.â His words poured like smooth liquor, and his smile grew to be as mischievous as her own.
âBut I cannot refuse such an offer, for there is nothing in this world I enjoy more than dancing with a beautiful woman.âKalliope's emerald eyes sparkled with anticipation as she took in Cassius' confident demeanor. She couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of facing off against a skilled opponent. With a playful smirk, she stepped forward, slowly closing the distance between them.
"Well, well, Cassius," she purred, her voice laced with flirtatious confidence.
"It seems we're destined to cross swords and test our mettle against each other. I must say, I'm intrigued to see what you're capable of."Her fingers idly traced the hilt of her blade, a glint of mischief in her eyes. She let her gaze travel up and down his form, openly appreciating the strength and grace that emanated from him.
"But shall we make it even more interesting?" She proposed.
"If by some twist of fate you manage to best me, I shall grace you with my name and buy you a drink of your choice. But if, as I suspect, victory falls into my hands, you will have the privilege of taking me to a delightful dinner."She took a step closer, her presence radiating confidence and allure. Her eyes locked onto his, challenging him to accept her wager.
"Consider it an opportunity, my dear Cassius, to savor the taste of victory or to revel in the pleasure of my company. Are you brave enough to accept this thrilling wager?"Her voice dripped with tantalizing invitation, her gaze holding an air of playful challenge. Kalliope eagerly awaited his response, eager to embark on this fiery battle and see where the flames of their shared connection would lead them.
"Oh, so you've heard of me." Cassius jested playfully.
"It seems my reputation precedes me everywhere I go." With a wink he stepped forward, entering the space of the arena properly. He began to circle her with swagger. He watched her take him in, and he gladly returned the favor. Exploring her with his gaze, he sized her up...appreciating the curves and deadly elegance of her body. Truly, she was stunning.
He listened to her offer with a seductive grinâŚevery word she spoke dripped with honey as though they were made for his ears. She, in both offer and in presence, was dangerously enticing to him. He locked his Aegean blue eyes onto hers as he circled, appreciating the true beauty behind all of her confidence and bravado. His allure and hers were almost one in the same. He had only known her for a brief moment, but he could already tell how much fun the two of them could have together. He let the thought linger a moment before responding to her offer.
âOh we are destined to dance, arenât we?â He took a bold step forward as he continued to circle.
âYour proposal sounds like a dream come true, love. Win or loseâŚI win.â He spoke with playful arrogance, and sensual charm danced across his smile.
âAnd I promiseâŚso will you.â He took another bold step forward, closing the gap between them. Cassius stopped his orbit around his beautiful challenger. He motioned to his belt and the axe that hung from it.
âIâve always preferred an axe to a sword. They are virtually superior in every way. Practical, and useful in manyâŚmany more scenarios than a long blade.â He looked to her weapons.
âButâŚthose blades you wield are almost as beautiful as you are, love. You want to make things interesting, yeah? Then hand me one of your swords and watch as I best you with your own weapon.âKalliope's eyes shimmered with delight as Cassius playfully bantered with her. She matched his playful tone, her confidence unshaken by his boldness. As he circled her with a swagger, she held his gaze, appreciating the undeniable allure he exuded.
"Oh, Cassius, your reputation seems to have taken on a life of its own," she replied, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips.
"But I must confess, I haven't had the pleasure of hearing about your exploits until this very moment." Her tone remained laced with playful charm as she continued,
"So, let's put your reputation to the test and see if it lives up to the tales. Show me what makes Cassius Vael a name worthy of remembrance."It was his suggestion of using her own blade against her that really made her grin. He apparently favored an axe, but he was so confident he'd best her with her own blade that it only served to amuse her more.
"Very well, my confident challenger," she responded, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I accept your proposition. But remember, should you falter, it will only serve as a testament to the superiority of my blades."She reached over to her side, unfastening one of the intricately crafted swords from her hip. With a fluid motion, she tossed it to him. Before he could fully react, Kalliope's fluid movements shifted into high gear. Without warning or hesitation, she lunged forward, her blade soaring towards him with a swift and precise strike.
Cassius loved a challenge. He adored the opportunity to impress, but even more than that...he loved to hear a woman as beautiful as her say his name.
He was glad that she accepted his addendum to the challenge. The thought of using her own weapon against her made the idea of this little exchange all the sweeter. What a way to make an impression.
He watched as she reached for the weapon at her hip. His eyes never left hers. Under different circumstances he could get lost in those emeralds...but he held his focus and tried to will away the effects of the alcohol he had drank earlier. He had done far more serious things under the influence of much more alcohol in the past...but still, he hoped his buzz wouldn't slow him down.
As soon as she tossed the blade to him, she made her move. He was barely able to get his hand wrapped around the grip of the weapon in time to block her attack. Despite his face betraying him by revealing the initial shock of her trick, he quickly recovered his sarcastic grin. She wasn't afraid of playing a little dirty. He liked that...a lot. The sound of steel meeting steel rang out in the training grounds as Cassius just managed to pull off the block. Without hesitation, he spun around her and gave her a little kick to push her a few inches away.
"I like the way you play." He licked his lips in anticipation of her next move.
"But you're going to have to do a little better than that."Kalliope's lips curled into a knowing smile as Cassius blocked her initial strike and managed to create a small distance between them with a well-placed kick. She welcomed his challenge, his tenacity only adding fuel to the fire that burned within her. She was happy to allow him to make distance between them as it would allow her to pull out a few more tricks.
As the intensity of their spar heightened, Cassius and Kalliope found themselves locked in a thrilling display of skill and agility. In a moment that showcased her audacious flair, Kalliope decided to introduce a daring move into their intricate dance.
With a sly smile playing on her lips, Kalliope sprinted toward Cassius, her feet carrying her with a swiftness born of confidence. But just as he might have anticipated her direct approach, Kalliope's movements took an unexpected twist. She dropped to her knees, gracefully sliding beneath a potential parry, her body gliding effortlessly along the training ground floor.
In one fluid motion, Kalliope spun on her knees, her lithe form rotating with remarkable grace. She swiftly kicked out at the back of his knee, hoping to use the surprise to cause him to stumble and lose his footing.
"Watch your step, Cassius," she teased, her voice carrying a mixture of satisfaction and playful taunting.
"It seems I have a few surprises up my sleeve." Her confidence radiated through her every word and movement, an undeniable presence that demanded respect.
Cassius was enjoying every second of their back and forth. Each maneuver picked up the intensity between them, but both were up for the challenge and skilled enough to rise to the occasion. It was beautiful to him. It was sensual.
Thus far, the two had been evenly matched. Their song of steel clashing rang out in the evening like a symphony of elegance and prowess. The perfect dance partners performing a masterpiece for an audience of none. The moment belonged only to them.
As his dance partner sprinted his way, Cassius prepared an impressive parry, but at the last second...the beauty turned the tables. She dropped low, sliding across the ground and spinning her body behind him. He felt the kick to the back of his knee and stumbled forward, forced to make a split second tuck and roll in order to avoid falling. He pulled it off with grace despite his buzz. Again...just barely.
As he rolled with his own momentum, he allowed his body to turn back towards her...and Cassius looked up at her with playful excitement. The look in his eyes demonstrated that he was equal parts impressed and aroused by her trick.
"Well, well...by my count, love...that brings us to even." He brushed a bit of dirt from his clothing and then stood slowly. Removing his jacket, he tossed it to the side and stretched his shoulders before returning to an attack position.
"But not for long I'm afraid." Cas charged the emerald eyed warrior, throwing a flurry of complex attacks her way. He was confident that she would block them...in fact, he was depending on it. As the speed of his gale of attacks grew, he waited for the perfect moment to occupy just enough of the woman's mind and reflexes before making his next move. With a sudden, stylish spin...Cassius flung around her and swept her leg, hoping to bring her to the ground.
Kalliope's eyes sparkled with both anticipation and a touch of mischief as Cassius charged at her, his flurry of attacks coming at her in a relentless storm. She gracefully maneuvered, her blades moving with precision to deflect each strike, showcasing her remarkable agility and finesse.
However, her eyes widened slightly in surprise as Cassius executed his leg sweep with unexpected precision, catching her off guard. Despite her formidable skills, she found herself momentarily unbalanced, the ground rushing up to meet her. However, Kalliope's quick thinking and agility saved her from a complete fall.
As she felt herself being swept off her feet, she used the momentum of Cassius' attack to her advantage. With a nimble twist of her body, she managed to hook her leg around his sweeping leg while also grabbing his arm, causing them to both lose their balance. In a synchronized display of skill and instinct, they tumbled to the ground together, their bodies entangled in a whirlwind of motion.
The impact sent a jolt of adrenaline coursing through Kalliope's veins, but she maintained her composure, quickly transitioning the fall into a controlled roll. As they landed, she managed to use her lower body strength to shift their positions, turning the tables on Cassius. With a deft maneuver, she found herself on top, pinning him down with an unexpected grace.
A sly smile curled on Kalliope's lips as she looked down at Cassius, a small dagger held to his throat, her emerald eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and intrigue.
"Well, it seems you caught me off guard, Cassius," she admitted, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness.
"But remember, in the art of combat, adaptability is key."She leaned in closer, her lips almost brushing against his ear as she spoke.
"Besides, I'm quite hungry and refuse to lose the opportunity of a free dinner."Before he knew it, she was on top of him.
What a wonderful surprise he thought to himself, the astonishment was apparent on his face in the form of his crooked smile. He looked up at her with desire, their labored breathing acting as the decrescendo of the song that their blades had been playing so beautifully.
He felt her dagger at his throat as she spoke to him. Boldly, he pushed against it ever so slightly. She spoke of adaptability; her words laced with the same mischievousness that his usually held. The two were a match made in heaven, or perhaps one made in hell.
She had wonâŚWell, at least in her own mind.
Cassius grinned up at her, savoring the fact that she had no idea of the truth. He would let her assumptions stand for awhile longer. The fun was always in the tease. As she bent down closer to whisper in his ear, Cassius could feel the weight of her body against his. Her words dripped with honey just like before, sending chills of anticipation down his neck. Time for the reveal.
âOh, loveâŚhow I would adore the opportunity to take you out to dinner.â He reached up with a hand and gently turned her gaze to meet his.
âBut that wasnât the dealâŚ.was it?â His smile widened as he pressed the tip of his own dagger into her side just enough to make her feel it.
âBecause you didnât win after all, did you?â With a wink he playfully poked the dagger against her once more.
âIâd say this means weâre even.âKalliope couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration at Cassius' revelation. She prided herself on her ability to read people and her fighting skills, but he had managed to keep his true intentions hidden and match her skills. However, she was not one to dwell on defeat for long. Instead, she'd get revenge.
Her emerald eyes locked onto his gaze, and she leaned in closer, her voice dripping with playful defiance.
"Well played, Cassius," she conceded, her tone laced with a hint of admiration.
"I must admit, I underestimated your resourcefulness." She could feel the pressure of his dagger against her side, a reminder of his triumphant countermove. A flicker of competitiveness sparked in her eyes, and she shifted her weight, maintaining her composure even in the face of defeat.
With a sly smile playing on her lips, Kalliope had a plan. In one swift, unexpected motion, she pressed her lips against his, catching him off guard. The kiss was fiery and passionate, filled with the electric tension that had been building between them throughout their sparring match. She even nipped at his bottom lip some, savoring his taste as she discarded her dagger. Her hand teasingly trailed down his chest, traveling dangerously low. With a swift movement, she deftly grabbed hold of his wrist, twisting it and trying to force him to release his dagger.
She broke the kiss, smirking down at him.
"I don't do well losing," she said in a sultry tone.
"But I suppose we can call it a draw. You buy dinner, I'll buy drinks?"He had certainly been in worse positions than this. A beautiful woman straddling him was a nice touch, even if there was a dagger nipping at his throat. Cassius looked up at this mystery beauty with eyes full of enjoyment and arrogant glee that he had pulled off his little trick. He had not had this much fun in some time, and that's saying a lot because fun was about all Cassius had these nights.
She spoke with a natural disobedience to her that he liked...a lot. He was sure that it pained her to compliment him so. He reveled in it. But just as he began to bask in his own glory, she made a move that he wasn't expecting.
Her kiss tasted like the best nights of his life. He gave himself to it, his passion unleashed with as much spark and electricity as her own. Every drop of tension that had been building between them during their brief but intoxicating time together came to the surface, and the feeling of her hand trailing down his chest and stomach sent chills through his body. A sensual smile curved at his mouth as she nipped his lip. The thought of taking her here and now in the training grounds playing in his mind.
As she made her final move, and twisted his wrist strategically...the dagger flung from his hand and she broke the kiss with a smirk. You beautiful bitch...he thought to himself playfully. He looked up at her once more, admiring her move just as much as he had admired his own. What a woman.
Breathing a little heavily from their match and the surge of passion that had emerged from her kiss, Cassius let out a small laugh and smiled at her.
"I can live with a draw, darling. As you said...dinner is on me, drinks are on you. And perhaps afterwards, dessert can be on both of us and our clothes can be on the floor..." He winked, and gave her a promising look of pleasure.
"But first...perhaps I've earned your name after all?"Kalliope leaned back, the satisfaction of her successful maneuver evident in her smug expression. She relished in the sight of Cassius, lying beneath her, a mix of amusement and desire dancing in his eyes. She couldn't deny the allure of his boldness and his skill. It was a rare combination that piqued her interest.
"Well, Cassius, you certainly have a way with words," she remarked, her voice laced with a hint of smugness.
"Dinner and drinks it is! As for dessert, better make sure we have some whipped cream and chocolate."With a deliberate pause, she allowed the tension to build before finally revealing her name, savoring the moment. She leaned in closer, her voice a soft whisper that carried the weight of her presence.
"The name you seek, Cassius, is Kalliope Arden. Remember it well, for it may be the only thing you'll be able to think of when you're lying awake at night."She withdrew slightly, a mischievous glimmer in her emerald eyes.
"But let's not get ahead of ourselves, Cassius. Dinner and drinks will be an opportunity for us to engage in a different kind of sparring. Consider it a chance for you to prove that your charm goes beyond the battlefield." Her lips curled into a suggestive smirk.
"And who knows, if you manage to impress me, maybe dessert won't be the only sweet indulgence we share."Kalliope rose gracefully from her position, extending a hand to help Cassius up.
"So, Cassius Vael, the audacious charmer, are you ready to take on the challenge of a night you won't soon forget?"Cassius amused her, and he could tell that she was into him. Those dangerous emerald eyes held a lot of truths in their gaze. The smugness of her tone danced playfully through her lips as Cassius listened to her declaration. She was every bit as good at playing the game as he was, and he appreciated the fact that she continued to tease with her words and the pauses between them. He even let himself fall for her trick, as the anticipation grew within him as she was about to reveal her name.
He wanted to take a guess first, but knew that nothing he would come up with would be worthy of a warrior such as her. Her name probably held the kind of weight that the gods of old put forth. It would have to be something grandiose enough to capture her beauty, charm, and power all in one. Something as alluring as
Cassius Vael.
He was right.
Kalliope Arden...He wondered if she knew how perfect a name it truly was for her. He tried it out on his tongue a few times before responding to Kalliope. He enjoyed the way it felt on his lips, almost as much as he did her kiss. He allowed her to help him up and once he was on his feet he began to brush the dust from his clothing.
"Kalliope Arden. It suits you, but you know that don't you? A dangerous name for a dangerous girl. Flows off the tongue like a smooth drink. I like it." He exclaimed playfully as he retrieved his duster from the ground and readied himself.
"Dinner and drinks, whipped cream and chocolate...Cassius and Kalliope. The more I think of this outcome the more I believe that truly we both won, after all." He made his way over to her and put his arm out for her to take it as though he were a true gentleman, which they both knew he was not.
"And darling...I am always up for the challenge. So, shall we?"Kalliope watched Cassius with a mixture of amusement and admiration as he savored the sound of her name, rolling it off his tongue like a cherished melody. His appreciation for its significance didn't go unnoticed, and she couldn't help but be intrigued by his genuine enthusiasm. The sparks of their banter continued to ignite a playful energy between them, one that she found herself eagerly embracing. She tilted her head slightly, letting a hint of playful arrogance color her response.
"Of course," she replied, her voice laced with confidence.
"Names have power, don't they? They shape perceptions, ignite imaginations, and conjure images of untamed spirits." She paused for a moment, savoring the weight of her words.
"Kalliope Arden... it's a name that commands attention, isn't it? It carries the weight of legends and whispers of forgotten tales."She let out a mischievous giggle, her demeanor leaving one to wonder if she were actually human or perhaps one of the mysterious fae.
"I must agree, however, it seems we've both emerged as victors in this little encounter, and I can't say I'm disappointed."As they prepared to venture towards their evening of shared delights, Kalliope leaned in closer, her voice a tantalizing whisper.
"But remember, the night has only just begun. Expectations have been set high, and I hope you're ready to deliver on the promises of pleasure you've so boldly offered."She released a light laugh, her emerald eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"So, Cassius Vael, the audacious charmer, lead the way. Let's see if you can truly match your silver tongue with actions that leave an everlasting impression." With that, she intertwined her arm with his, ready to embark on a night filled with danger, desire, and the irresistible allure of the unknown.
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