Log:The Night Before Krul's Challenge

2021/01/21 	 Timewarp Victory Artemis Magda

1

Artemis smiles as Krul steps away to deal with conqueror stuff, having audibly agreed to speak of things overnight, whatever that may mean. She turns to the heroes and smiles. "A most fortuitous turn of events! I had no doubt Urth's Guardians would find a way to avoid conquest, but even I did not foresee this turn of events!"

Victory smiles. "I didn't expect it either. I'm happy it turned out that way, though. I never would have dreamed that Krul would give up all conquest of planets due to having his life saved."

"And why not? His legacy would have been ended," Artemis chuckles. "And it was to save his reputation in front of so many," she motions to the crowds. "What happens in the arena spreads far across galaxies in time." She looks to him and smiles as she plants her hands on her hips. "Ye surprised me with thy call to challenge for the sake of battle."

Victory chuckles. "Did I? Why?"

Artemis grins. "Thou art a known peacekeeper. Thou do not risk battle when it is not needed." She leans her head to scrutinize him with a smile. "Mayhaps the dark mage did ensorcel thy mind to make such a request?" she teases.

Victory laughs. "No. Umm...the main reason? I was called out specifically. I want to be able to guage my skill against their best. And I want to show them that we're not pushovers."

Magda circulates in the Hall of Mortalis, making polite conversation with various aliens. She circles back in time to catch the conversation. "Warlords and warriors very often put a high premium on personal honor," she observes. "I think that turning it into a competition has made the exercise somewhat more agreeable. To most, anyway," she adds, looking toward the Marine lieutenant colonel.

Artemis smiles and rubs her chin. "Ah, a test of skill and to defend thy honor. Urth already has gained a higher standing in the eyes of the galaxy this day." She glances to Magda. "Especially when thou hath the Worldkiller in thy company." She looks back to Victory. "But a loss now would undo some of that." Her eyes cast to Darkside. "That one is up to treachery, no doubt. Be prepared for it, Friend Wade."

Victory nods to Artemis, "Even a loss can show strength, as long as it isn't a complete drubbing."

Magda's lips twist, part amusement, part resignation. "You give one lifeless planet a new ring system, it follows you all over ..."

Artemis tilts her head. "Drubbing? Whatever that word means, I am sure thou shall be an exemplar for Urth's honorable ideals," she smiles. She glances about and the spectators who came for blood. "Thou such feats will be lost on most of this crowd. They crave blood for sport, to sate dark desires," she says as her smile fades and she recalls past battles she was forced into. She's broken from her memories at Magda's comment. "Aye, such things be heard."

Victory chuckles. "A 'drubbing' is a one-sided fcontest. We have a lot of slang for that kind of thing. A 'squash match'. A 'shellacking'. A 'walkover'."

Magda grimaces, then shrugs. "It stopped the war. Examples of overwhelming capacity ... sometimes do. It helped that I wasn't on the other side, but ... they wiuld have made their own planet lifeless soon enough." She smiles at Victory's colloquialisms.

Artemis gives a confused smile. "Urthers have such...imagination in naming," she says in amusement. She looks to Magda. "So thou destroyed a planet, so that thou may prove thy power?"

Victory looks to Magda, "I don't think I've heard this story at all, actually."

Magda shrugs. "Two months of stopping atrocities and madness on both sides wasn't working. They were experimenting with nuclears, so ...". She shrugs. "It was a binary planet system. I told them what would happen if they didn?t make peace with each other, and that I was going to demonstrate that I could. I stripped off the top kilometer of mass from their sister planet, and turned it into a ring system." She glances sideways at Victory. "It isn?t something I advertise on Earth."

Artemis frowns. "I imagine thou should not speak of it anywhere," she says in a quiet voice. Even below her usual stage whispers.

Victory raises a brow. "The planet was uninhabited, I hope?"

Magda smiles a little. "Perhaps. I didn't kill anyone by doing it. But it can serve as a deterrent as much as the display Victory will be putting on." She nods to the latter. "Lifeless, down to the cellular level. No atmosphere to speak of -- like Luna, only larger and further away."

Victory nods. "Ddi the loss of the other planet mess with tides and the like on their homeworld?"

Artemis still does not approve, but at least no life was spent. "A deterrent such as that may make thy world be known as a danger to all life," she says even more quietly than before. "Enough to unite many against thee should such things be uncovered."

Magda shakes her head, lifting her palm to create a visualization: two planets rotating a common center. One shrinks a little but gains the rings. "Not at all. The mass is still on the other side of the equasion, just distributed a little differently. Took me a day, though I think I know the math to ..." She trails off, then nods at Artemis. "Possible, I suppose. Though would-be invaders should be made aware of what will happen to their fleets."

Victory takes a deep breath. "I suspect...that kind of ability is best left unused, most of the time."

Magda laughs. "Understatement of the year, Victory. Though a variation would be of use in assisting in earthquake rescues, building collapses, and mine cave-ins."

"At least there is some other good to come of it," Artemis says quietly. She finally looks about. "Now, where be the libations?"

Victory chuckles as Artemis mentions drinks. "I think...I'm going to keep to non-alcoholic drinks. Just in case."

Artemis chuckles. "Aye, thou need to be clearheaded for the battle to come. The drinks here can overcome even a Godflora. Mayhaps after thy battle, win or lose, we shall celebrate," shee smiles.

Victory nods. "That's only part of my concern. You were concerned about their mage as well. So, I want to remain alert."

Artemis nods and folds her arms over her chestplate. "Aye. If she would dare to speak out against Krul at his height of power, they may try again. Tip the scales to thwart thee, use undo force in what is now meant to be a match of skill, or mayhaps orchestrate the downfall of Urth's Guardians through plotting and guile. Much can happen in a day." It's also a call back to Magda saying it took just a day to change a planet.

Victory nods. "If she feels that Krul showed weakness by caving, she might try to target him, actually."

Artemis raises a brow at that. "Hmm. Attempt to finish the job of the assassin and usurp him, mayhaps?"

Victory nods. "I was under the impression that not everyone likes serving him. It's a possibility."

Artemis nods slowly at that. "Be that so? He hath changed much since last I was with him. I am to spend the night in his company, so it may be difficult for any ill to befall him. Though anything may happen when a dark mage be involved."

Victory nods slowly as she mentions spending the night with Krul. "Sounds like he wanted to reignite your relationship. At least for one night."

Artemis chuckles at that. "Mayhaps he does," she says in amusement. "Our days together were brief, and long over. Were he the warlord he is today, 'twould be a different story of those days. But at the time, he spoke of unification and prosperity. A noble goal...but his means did change. And he was too focused on it."

Victory nods, "So, no interest on your part then? I think? Based on what you just said?"

"Now?" Artemis smiles. "Nay. Especeially not so if he truly has been cruel and a conqueror." She chuckles. "An Ashildr is said to have to hearts for loves, but both mine are claimed."

Victory smiles and nods. "I'm...glad to hear it." He realizes...perhaps just at this very moment, that he IS happy for her. And for Wayne. No more jealousy...at least for the time being.

Artemis smiles back. She had to be careful on how she chose her words to navigate that. "This eve will be spent learning of what Krul has been up to over these past years...and what he intends next. Mayhaps this humbling event may guide him more toward mercy and benevolence."

"Towards good governance. Perhaps," suggests Magda, "you might remind him of what he told you he sought those years ago -- and that, if he still feels that way, then displaying good governance might gain him as much as the stones would through conquest."

Victory nods. "If he has agreed to no further conquest, he's going to need something to occupy his time. Governing well would be a good start."

Artemis nods. "Should he wish to expand, it will have to be from those worlds willing to join."

Magda nods. "Though I am ... not entirely certain he understood that as the agreement. Had I been more forward, I would have asked him to ... clarify what he understood 'give all this up' to mean."

Artemis nods slowly. "What were the exact terms ye all made him abide by?"

Victory says, "I believe Porter mentioned specifically not conquering any further worlds. And Radical mentioned us getting to hold onto that 'Universal Gem'."

Victory says, "The boon he gave...was to abide by the results of the contest as if he had lost."

Timewarp (how long has she been here?) says, "Planets. He said nott to conquer planets, not worlds."

Victory raises a brow. "That's a synonym, isn't it?"

Timewarp shakes her head. "Not if he takes it literally. Planets excludes moons, asteroid, space stations, all sort of thing."

Magda's lips twitch. "I might ... suggest private clarification of that being understood. Though I don't think that, specifically --" She pauses to look over at Timewarp, and nods. "There were a lot of people talking," she muses. "It may be a synonym, Victory, but like in any language, there are particulars of meaning for each word."

Timewarp frowns. "It might be a bit late for clarification. I mean, the deal's already done. Asking for clarification might just point out the loophole to him."

Artemis nods along with the others. "I know too well how one must be careful with thy words in such bargains. I myself used a...what do you Urthers call it? A loop hole, when I was bound to serve the Would-be Tyrant, Porter."

Victory nods, "If nothing else, it would make his conquering...well, slower.

Magda mmmms and, keeping her voice down, adds, "I wasn't speaking of the world/planet linguistic, but rather the difference between 'don't invade us' and 'stop invading anyone'." She shrugs, and glances past Artemis at the crowd of aliens.

Victory nods again. "My hope is that he takes that seriously. But I suppose we'll find out in due time. Artemis should hopefully get a feel for htat after meeting with him."

Timewarp keeps quiet, hoping no one will ask her awkward questions about the future.

Artemis rubs her chin in thought. "Alas, the deal was for thy people to decide. I fight for the Urth, but could not decide thy fate for thee. Mayhaps allowances will be made, as thy people are not as traveled to understand the various realms and ways in which other species make their homes."

Magda murmurs, "That is certainly true." She /has/ been out in the galaxy, and recognizes (mostly just on sight, meaning she's seen its kind before) at most a quarter of those present.

Victory takes a deep breath again and looks around once more at those gathered. "I appreciate that, Artemis. Thank you. I guess we'll find out the ramifications tomorrow. And I'm curious what will be done with the gem we still have."

Artemis nods and smiles gently. "My hope be that thy people find a worthy guardian to ensure it not be used nor stolen."

"That ... I think it might be best we don't know," replies Magda. "As with the extent of my own capabilities, perhaps the more mysterious, the better."

Timewarp says, "I guess the ideal guardian is someone who can keep it away from potential users but who couldn't uses it themselves. Kind of tricky, given that all-powerful immortals are the type who can use it."

Magda looks over at Timewarp. "What, exactly, are the rules for using it? Being insatiably curious as I am."

Timewarp says, "An absolute prerequisite it being unaging, because using it ages you down myriad, perhaps infinite timelines at once, from what I've read. But there are other requirements as well - it's physically rough in other ways. I'd wager it take some willpower, to boott."

Artemis smiles. "Thus far, the gem is beyond Krul's reach and influence. I propose the current keeper may be worthy to continue their watch over the gem." She frowns a little and eyes Magda. "Careful, WorldKiller. I distrust thy curiosity be aimed for good."

Victory nods. "It does seem safe enough for now. But I'm pretty sure the current owner isn't immortal. So likely can't actually use it?"

Timewarp says, "Well, it will be instantly fatal if they do, at least. Every possible future they eliminate will be - charged to their account, let's say."

Magda mmms. "The ideal guardian would be someone who /can/ use it, but doesn't want to -- who provably doesn't -- save in extremis." She glances slyly sideways at Artemis. "Information is information, Godflora -- the strength of the mind instead of the muscle. And," she agrees, "as capable of being turned for ill as for good. Omnipotent does not automatically mean omnibenevolent ... but neither does it mean omnimalevelent, either. And I think my actions and their consequences through very, /very/ carefully."

Timewarp says, "No. Better to have a guardian who can't use it, but is willing to give it to someone trustworthy who can, in extremis."

"There are strong arguments in favor of either," Magda agrees with Timewarp.

"Information is a weapon in the wrong hands, and thy hands are wrong for a guardian of the gem," Artemis states firmly. "I already see thee setting thyself up for the role. Thou art not worthy of such a duty."

Victory nods slowly. "I'm inclined to agree. If you're willing to break a planet open to make a statement, then if you had that kind of power at hand, you'd be more likely to use it."

Timewarp says, "The *most* important thing is probably not to let all the gems get together. I'm pretty sure that shouldn't happen unless it's necessary to reboot the whole universe. In fact, that's probably why they exist and were scattered in the first place. I'm guessing."

Artemis nods. "So the tales go, though only their creator would truly know. Krul would assuredly have used them to rebuild the universe to his design."

Victory nods. "And from what I understand, destroying the gem is...inadvisable?"

Magda looks startled. "Me, guardian of such a thing? Oh, hell and damnation, no. I may be ethical, but I'm no saint. You want someone -- hell, probably at least several thousand years old, who comes back from being killed. I may heal faster than the average bear, but I've never yet been killed, and have no intention of doing so. Besides," she grins, "I want to be able to do such things on my own, thank you very much. Knowledge and capability are /my/ personal ambitions." She shakes her head. "No, you'd want someone who's been there, at the height of power and influence, and walked away. Some ancient abdicated king or another."

Artemis regards Magda with suspicion. "Thou wish to manipulate time and remake the universe on thy own? Thy ambition matches Krul's."

Timewarp says, "There's no consensus of opinion. But there is a school of thought that this universe, or this version of it, was started using the gems, and destroying the gem would ipso facto destroy the timestream of the universe. In any case, it seems almost impossible tto do, because the gem will rewrite time to defend itself."

Victory nods to Timewarp. "So...yeah, sounds like a bad idea to try. Though you might be able to do it...giving it a 'no-win' situation. But then it would only need to roll back to prior to that moment."

Magda looks sideways at Artemis. "I wish to know /how/. My goal is the knowledge. And," she adds, addressing Victory, "I didn't break the planet open, I peeled it like an orange. Ask me some other time whether or not I /could/ turn a planet into rubble."

Having been basically off on her own... alone in a crowd, communing with Arthur, maybe The Lady. Hell, maybe Madb. Hard to say, but Pendragon was sitting by herself, silently staring at her drawn sword for quite some time. It is only in recent moments where she blinks for the first time in a while, and shakes her head as she reaches up to rub her eyes. God, they were dried out.

"Planet broken? Peeled? What did I miss?" she asks softly.

Artemis comments, "More reason for it to never be used. Such would be disastrous." She shakes her head. "Ye should be preparing thy strategy for the battle on the morrow, and be watchful for treachery." She looks to Victory and smiles. "Mayhaps I could show thee around to ye can see the lay of the arena before I am called into Krul's company."

Magda turns towards Pendragon, then nods courteously. "Ma'am. A story fifty years old, which Artemis reminded me of."

Artemis motions to Magda at Pendragon's question. "Thy answers lie with the WorldKiller."

Beneath the nominal crown, Pendragon's eyes narrow ever so slightly as she turns those eyes to Magda. Then her brows lift in silent questioning.

Victory chuckles. "Did you think that clarifying what you did to damage a planet would change my opinion? Or was it just to point out that I misunderstood?"

Magda laughs sheepishly, looking down at the floor and blushing. "I ... do not know, to be honest. Leopards may not be able to change their spots, but I am not a leopard." She lifts her gaze to meet Victory's. "Have you never done something terrible to demonstrate your capabilities so that you did not have to do something far worse? Or --" She gestures towards the arena in which he plans to fight tomorrow. "Try to learn something, do something, in part simply to know if you /can/?"

Since Magda is not directing this question towards Pendragon, the Queen/King? Whatever.. doesn't respond to it. After all, this is evidently something said to Victory. She is quite curious about the answer though. So she gets up from her isolated spot, the chink chink of lightweight chainmail armor sounding as she does so. That is followed by the distinct sound of her sword sliding into its scabbard as she turns to approach the conversation going on.

Victory nods. "Nothing like the former. I tend to not put myself into situations like that." He thinks about it some more, "But I have done something to learn if I can achieve it. Driving to be better. Striving to be a hero like my father was. But...that's moot. I asked why you pointed out I was incorrect in my understanding of what you did to that planet yo mentioned. Not why you did it...but instead, why you corrected me."

Magda considers this -- not for a moment, but for several, which (if you know her) says something about the thought she's giving the question. "Understanding of scale, I think," she replies. "And judgement. And, I suppose, still concerned over the linguistics question we were speaking of earlier." She gestures with her hands, as if rolling up a skein of yarn or an extension cord. "All gathered into one."

Artemis listens and raises a brow, not following.

"It sounds as if you are dancing around the issue and specifically avoiding having to directly answer his question." says Pendragon towards Magda. "But understand that I came into this late, so have little to no context. If I am mistaken, then by all means I apologize profusely." She is standing a lot closer now... regal in her stillness.

Victory listens to Magda's answer, and then nods. So, it was closer to the first of his two original options that he gave: That it might change his opinion. "I see. Thank you."

Magda chuckles at Pendragon's statement. "Well, I also like to make certain that those I am speaking to have a complete understanding of the information I have relayed to them. It makes me, I hear, annoying to high-schoolers, who appear to be somewhat less than exceptional in their linguistic precision. So," she adds, with a sideways glance at Victory, "a variation on the latter -- to make certain you /did/ understand, not to point out that your words indicated a lack." She shrugs. "Rumors and tales abound of the actions of any Power, and can change in the telling."

Thumbs of both hands hooking into her swordbelt, Pendragon nods. "I see." she states. From her expression it does not appear as if she really approves of it all, but that's not the point. It doesn't really matter what she thinks of this all. "I find it best to avoid displays of power. It is better to let one's opponent come up with their own ideas of what you can do... they will overrate more often than not, and that can be more effective at intimidating them than if you actually -do- show off. Better to let force of personality alone convey your intent than trying to blow up a mountain."

"I find thy manner of speaking vexing," Artemis opines of Magda, the irony lost on her, since her speech vexes most humans.

Victory nods again. "Precision is important. Fair enough." The irony of Artemis's statement isn't lost on him, though. He smiles a little bit at her reaction.

Magda mmmms. "Would that that had worked," she sighs to Pendragon, then shifts her gaze to Artemis. "I am sorry you find it so," she says. "I tend to be concerned about precision in thought, and the expression of that thought."

"What thou require is more hearts to thy words." Artemis looks around. "Now where be the libations they oft provide? As service fallen so?"

"/Artemis./" Magda sounds /very/ intense as she tries to catch -- and hold -- the Godflora's attention. "May I tell you something?" A glance at Victory, and she adds, "In confidence. Victory will know this, from my file."

Artemis sighs and brings her attention back to Magda. "Aye, speak, then," she sounds like she still really wants/needs that drink.

Victory nods quietly.

Magda lifts a hand and sketches a circle with it, the noise from the party cutting down to a low murmur, the view out a haze as well. "Artemis, you want me to have more heart to my words -- by which I presume you mean more passion. I have /had/ more passion. My personal history is a terrible one, and it took me fifty or more years to get those personal demons -- the passion when faced with injustice -- under complete control. The planet was in the midst of a war of mutual extinction, for no other reason than prejudice, believing the other side were nothing but animals. Before that trip, I had killed /thousands/ on Earth for such things." The fire is in her eyes, or rather the lightning; her hair is seperating slightly, as if from static electricity. "Your passions are good and noble; congratulations. Mine are glutted full of blood, fury, and death, so I'll thank you to keep your judgement of my /heart/ away from me."

A snap of Korkoro's fingers, and the 'privacy screen' vanishes, and she turns and stalks into the crowd, little sparks still dancing along her silver hair.

Artemis listens, though Magda's words don't help elevate her in Artemis' eyes. "I am no stranger to having to take a life of those truly monstrous, but even I count not such numbers in the thousands. If I were to kill a few mortals each earth day, I would not reach that number. I see thy passions are for vile purpose. Whatever thy goal was meant to be, thy heart has twisted thy cause and ends. Any goodness ye hope to achieve is tainted," she judges Magda, unphased by the woman's fury.

Magda pauses, several steps away, as Artemis reaches the end of her words. Turning back, she says in a soft voice, "May you never be forced to walk down the roads I have; may my Creator show far, far greater wisdom and understanding when I meet her than your judgement encompasses." And with that, she is into the crowd and gone.

Victory nods. "I have read the file. It also plays into my opinion about having access to the gem." He doesn't let any emotion in regards to it hit his face.

(Well, Magda /did/ say she'd be a horrible keeper of it ...)

Artemis watches Magda carefully. "Be she truly a Guardian of Urth?" she asks in doubt quietly to Wade. "With one responsible for the death of such numbers, the more knowledge and power she gains, the broader swath of death she can cause. And to fool herself to think her gods will be lenient of such. Only if she serves a god of death and war." Considering Artemis is a young Godling, serving within Malkuth's domain of war and challenge, her words might be puzzling. "Be wary of her."

Victory watches Magda leave, and he turns back to Artemis. "She has plenty of power. Just not necessarily the best motivations. She hopes she'll be judged mercifully. It's hard to say if that will be the case."

"The honor of judging souls in the afterlife belongs not to I," Artemis states plainly. "That power may well be in the wrong hands. I would not trust her with more." She sighs and looks to Victory. "Find ye my words as vexing as I find hers?" she asks.

Victory shakes his head, "No. Definitely not." He smiles.

Artemis smiles at the news that she doesn't vex Victory as much. "Come, let us at least make sure thou art fed for the battle tomorrow," she grins, reaching to clap him heartily on the shoulder if he'll allow.

Victory does let her do so, but he winces slightly when she does. He smiles. "Sure. And you can give me some details about the arena itself in the meantime.

Artemis probably did not leave much of a mark. Probably none at all. "This will be rare for this arena. Most battles are meant to spill blood here. I am glad that is not the manner of battle thou will be fighting," she says as she starts to walk along the hall. Socialites still buzz about the room, many unhappy about the change of entertainment.

Victory indicates the socialite types. "What are they upset about? There's still going to be a fight. Just that the stakes are...well, not the same."

Artemis frowns faintly. "That be not what they came for. They came for death," she explains.

Victory nods. "Ah, I see. But the fight was never going to be to the death. The big guy said as much." He points over toward Trollan.

"I think this fight be sold as otherwise. Thou heard the small dark mage, yes?" Artemis comments. "They will still have their fight, and food and drink. Which we shall have! At least food for thee now, and drink for after!" she turns to a more cheerful subject.

As they walk, an opulantly dressed humanoid with a gelatinous cyan coating walks up to them and stands in Artemis' way. He's holding a bubbling concoction in a fancy glass. "Althea Ignathio Constantine! Hahah, dismemberer and slayer of men! You haven't fought in this arena for many cycles!" he chortles. He asks in a grating, excited tone, "Will you be fighting again? I made quite a fortune on bets in your fights, for and against! You always killed and died beautifully."

Artemis halts her stride and stares down at the shorter alien, the cheer leaving her countenance as she regards him with slowly narrowing eyes. She's left speechless for a moment before saying, "Those be not my titles."

Victory raises a brow and looks to Artemis. He finds himself mouthing the word 'Ignathio', without actually saying it. "Umm...she's very particular about her titles."

"Hah, a particular gladiator. She earned those titles well! Is that brother of yours here as well? If you both are fighting, I'll know where to place my bets! I've begun to dabble in collecting my own gladiators as well. Do you still think Duod will refuse to let me buy you?" the alien goes on.

Artemis' hands slowly clench the more the alien talks. "I am not his property," she says through grit teeth.

The decadent alien doesn't catch on. "Oh? Then maybe your new owner will be willing to consider my offer!"

The alien looks to Victory. "Hmm, this strange alien...is he or she your owner? I'll offer you top credits!

Victory shakes his head, "She's free. She is her own master, and answers to no one."

That makes Artemis smile a little, despite her outrage.

"Free!? Bah! Dalux must be mad if he's letting his stock go. What a terrible shame I won't get a chance to see you bloody the arena again," he sighs, then sees someone in the crowd and raises a hand to get their attention. "Chazli! My sweet progonia, how have you been?" he asks as he walks away to go shmooze.

Artemis takes a slow breath, her head tilted down as her eyes fix on the ground ahead of her. There's a look of thinly veiled shame before she starts walking without a word.

Victory sees Artemis's reaction and furrows his brow. He follows her, catching up. "What are you ashamed by? I can see it on your face."

Victory sees Artemis's reaction and furrows his brow. He follows her, catching up. "What are you ashamed by? I can see it on your face."

Artemis wishes for once that Victory wasn't there. Especially not to hear that. "You heard those claims," she says pointedly as she waves a hand back over her shoulder in the alien's direction. "Slayer of men. For all my judgement against the Worldkiller, I have slain for sport," her words spill out bitterly.

Victory nods slowly. "I do not think less of you for it. I knew you were a gladiator previously, and while gladiators didn't fight to the death often on Earth, with someone like yourself...able to come back to life over and over...well, it's not surprising that they'd let you fight to the death."

"Forced," Artemis says quietly. "I was forced to. My own nature twisted against me, much like it was when I was forced to fight thee," she says as her head turns to look at him in grief.

Victory puts a hand on Artemis's shoulder. "I don't think less of you, like I said. You shouldn't think less of yourself for it, either. You are free now. You won't be forced to do that again, not if either of us have a say in the result. No matter how many of his bounty hunters show up."

Artemis halts again as he puts a hand on her shoulder and gazes in awe at his words. Finally, she smiles, a mix of sadness and gratitude. "Knowing that means much to me, Friend Wade. I will fight to remain free, and fight so that thy world may remain free as well," she promises.

Victory pats her shoulder firmly. "I knew you would." He smiles. "Because your word...is solid."

Artemis smiles at him warmly. "As is thine, Friend Wade. Come. Let us do as promised. We shall get thee food fit for hooman consumption, and I shall show thee the battlegrounds and do whatever I may to help thee prepare for thy duel. Had I the credits, they would be in bets of thy win."

Victory grins. "I think getting a good night's sleep is the primary thing I'll need. Well, and some food."

Artemis chuckles gently. She is more reserved and sedate than usual. Calmer. "Surely some arrangement can be made for quarters. If we can acquire the credits to procure them. Though mayhaps Krul has already made such arrangements."