Zipping through them was an instinctual, racial protectiveness. Even the elves in Kearie Clan were upset by this open challenge. The chief could not let his people look weak and sent one of his warriors out. "You obviously have no clue what it means to be a true elven warrior, human. My youngest son's probably as close to your age as possible. He will show you true grace and prowess before you die." he said. A young-looking elf was brought before me. I said "I am 17 years old." "Almar is 20. He will do fine." the chief said confidently. I stood across from them in the center of the village. I drew my bow. He drew a spear. I had leather armor on and he had iron. When the chief said the word, he charged at me. I shot and arrow at him. He batted it out of the way and continued advancing on me. I shot one more before he got into range to attack me. It was a solid hit to the chest, but the armor kept him up. I dodged his spear while I drew my sword and shield. I was able to use the shield to block attacks and counterattack. He was young and just as inexperienced as Ayred and Sontar were.
As a level 40 character, I easily outmatched him. I tired him out and made sure that everyone knew that I was the better fighter. I shield bashed him, hacked and slashed, dodged, and counterattacked him to oblivion. Everyone gasped as I tripped him after he tried to lock blades with me. It was done out of desperation. Almar needed a break. I swept a leg and tripped him. He fell to the ground and dropped his spear. It was all over. I pointed my sword at his throat. He flinched and looked away. I looked at the Cithrel Clan chief. He looked at me. As an elf with class and distinction, he could school his face. However, he was a father. It was not fool proof when it came to his own youngest son. There was fear, hatred and sadness in his eyes. "Almar! Noo!!" a female said. She tried to rush to us, but the chief held her back. "This is a noble duel. There is no interfering. No matter how much I wish that I could." he said firmly. She fought his grip to get free and then fell to her knees. I looked at him. "If you accept me as a member of your clan, I will spare your son. This is a matter of clan pride."
Being that I needed clan membership, this was make it or break it. There was no way any females of their clan were going to come my way at this point. Everyone looked at the chief. He looked at me in the eyes. "Rise David, brave warrior of the Cithrel Clan of Kyrnan Forest." I smiled and stood up. I sheathed my blade and put my shield away. Kearie Clan elves cheered for me mockingly. Almar was still on the ground. I picked him off the ground and held him close. "Let's all cheer for Almar. He's the true braver warrior out of the pair. I made the challenge, but Almar was the one that answered the call." That made the Cithrel Clan elves begin to cheer even louder for their own champion, Almar. He was bloody and beaten but, as an aspiring warrior, there was nothing better than the adulation of the clan. He smiled as I helped him to limp around the clan. The elves place their hands on him and gave him their words of affirmation. He told me to take him to his mother. I obliged. She ran to meet us halfway and cried. The Cithrel healers rushed over. "We're going to heal you." one said.
