slytherynn | [Closed] Gladiator AU

[ Fleeing to Reim was perhaps not the smartest move Yona could have made after escaping near death and the slaughter of her family, her friends - everything she had known in her young life. But she'd been terrified, and desperate, and when one of the few remaining loyal retainers had managed to get her smuggled onboard a boat, it was the only place she could think of to name as destination - somewhere hopefully far enough from Soo-Won's reach that perhaps she might be safe? She and Sheherezade were known companions from childhood, after all, even if it's been years since she'd seen the other girl.

When she'd arrived on the distant land's shores, she'd been bundled up and taken directly to the palace, a gaunt and pale figure still in shock and afraid of every shadow. Even now in the bright sunlight and roar of the crowds at the Coliseum, she still looked too-pale and thin, surrounded by the hearty folks of Reim. And she did not look to be enjoying the entertainments much, although Sheherezade had insisted. They were here with a purpose today, after all, even if Yona had no idea what it was. The violence on the sands below was a little too real, after what she had just escaped from.

So it's with a sense of relief she sinks back on her seat as the day's games end and Sheherezade sends her own attendant to fetch someone for them, offering Yona drink and snacks as they wait. ]

[The chains announce their arrival before Muu does, the guards all but dragging in the gladiator in. Largely unnecessary, Cassim would have followed them easy enough, but he's known for being a troublemaker so whatever.

He has no idea why he's been brought before Scheherazade, though. He fought and won all of his bouts today so it can't be a case of dishonor. He still has another three years before he can buy his freedom so it's not that, either. He glances around the box as Muu announces their arrival, eyes falling on the redhead.

Pretty, but clearly unwell. Maybe a friend of the Magi, though Cassim has to wonder why she was brought out today if she's half as sick as she looks.]

[ Yona looks as confused as Cassim does at this sudden unexpected arrival, although her gaze drops to the chains that bind him with a hint of alarm and dismay. Although her expression doesn't give her away, her hands clench tightly in the hem of her robes and it's clear she doesn't like the sight of him bound, anymore than she'd enjoyed the spectacle of fighting down in the arena sands below.

Scherezade pays her no mind, however, reaching out to beckon to the Gladiator instead. ]

Cassim. Come, sit. You must be hungry after your fights. You fought well today. You've improved much since you arrived here.

[Cassim nods and goes where he's ordered, still unsure but not about to argue with Scherezade.]

It's been seven years since I arrived and two since I started fighting, Your Grace. I hope I've improved.

Seven years?

[ There's surprise in Yona's voice as she sits up, her expression alarmed. He doesn't look all that old now and she's trying to guess at how young he must have been when he arrived here. She knows slavery is a thriving economy within Reim - one she despises - but the thought of young children ending up like that...

Looking a little embarrassed by her outburst a moment later, she drops her gaze sheepishly. ]

...Forgive me. I did not mean to interrupt. That just... You must have been awfully young.

[Cassim glances over to the girl, smiling a tiny bit. She's sweet.]

I was eleven. That's about average for gladiators.

[ She can't help but look shocked at that, her gaze narrowing and turning on Scheherezade in dismay. ]

Gladiators start as young as eleven?! But they're just children!

[ The blond magi shakes her head gently, even though she understands why Yona is so outraged. ] They start training that young, Yona. Children are not sent to fight in the arenas. Not until they are much older. But they start training in fighting when many soldiers and warriors would behind, to have the best understanding and experience in battle as they can get before they are expected to fight.

You can't handle half the monsters they throw at us without training. Almost wish I'd been able to start my training sooner, actually.

[ Yona makes a strangled noise under her breath and quickly looks away, her eyes sparking in anger at the very thought of that.

Scherezade just sighs deeply and changes the subject because they were not here to argue about the arenas. Again. ]

Well. That won't be an issue for you now, Cassim. At least not unless you wish it to be again. I have an assignment for you. An exchange of sorts. Accept, and you can settle your debt in a way other than the Arena fights.

[Cassim looks up, interested but not quite eager. He'd love to be out of the arena, obviously, but he knows the arena. It may be the better option.]

What is it?

[ Scheherezade motions at the redhead beside her. ]

My friend here is in need of protection. She's recently survived a great tragedy and those responsible may still be seeking her to finish the job. [ Yona can't help the way she pales abruptly - even more than she already is - and glances away, hands gripping her arms tightly. ] I intend to grant her shelter here, but we'll both feel safer if she has someone with her who can keep her safe, just in case someone seeks to do her harm while she is here under my protection.

[Cassim notices the way the girl tenses up and goes even paler. Poor thing.]

Why me?

[ Scheherezade just smiles at him mildly, amusement in her gaze. ]

Because you and I both know it would be a waste to keep you here and risk you spilling your blood on these sands. You're a better fighter than that, and what's more, you're smart. I want someone clever looking out for my friend, someone who can anticipate a threat before it happens. You have great instincts, Cassim, and you grew up on the streets. I will do whatever it takes to keep Yona safe, and I need someone watching her back who is capable of doing the same.

Yona?

[He's heard that name recently. When it hits him, his eyes go wide]

I see. Alright, I'll take it.

[ Scheherezade just smiles at the recognition that flits across his face. ]

See? I knew you were smart.

[ Yona doesn't look as convinced - even if it's for a different reason. ]

Sher, you can't just... he doesn't even know what he's agreeing to. What danger this could put him in. You can't do this.

Seeing how there's a pair of twins in the pits from Kouka who hate the royal family and would jump at the chance to finish the job? I think I have an idea.

[ Yona freezes, her eyes going wide in alarm at this - both at the fact that there are gladiators from her country here and that they hate her family and that he's already guessed who she is without her even needing to be introduced. Maybe he was as smart as Scheherezade said. ]

....oh.

[ Her voice is very small, and uncertain, as she stares at him. ]

Yeah. They're scheduled to fight some nasty bastard from the Dark Continent soon, so they probably won't get a chance to even hear rumors, but. Yeah.

I don't.... [ She pauses, looking concerned before glancing over at Scheherezade. ] Will they be okay?

[ She's heard some of the tales of people and creatures that have come out of the Dark Continent. ]

[It's Cassim who answers.]

Not likely. They were sold as prisoners, so they're not meant to last long.

[ Yona pales abruptly at this, glancing down into the sands, her face pale. Closing her eyes for a moment, she takes a deep breath, as if debating something, before reaching inside her cloak and pulling out an ornate hairpin.

She holds it out to Scheherezade with a firm expression. ]

Then I want to purchase them back.

[ Scheherezade stares down at that hairpin for a long moment, her eyes widening slightly as she hesitates. ] Yona, I can't take that. It's all you have left of...

They'd end up back in the pits as soon as you did.

[He doesn't understand the hairpin, but...]

The crime for attacking a guest of the royal family is death by combat, after all.

I want them sent back to Kouka. They don't have to see me. They don't even have to know I was here and responsible. So they'd never be guilty of that.

[She lifts her chin stubbornly. ]

Where they'll be executed within the week, because you don't get sold out this way at their age if you're not already on the executioner's list. They're dead men walking, Your Highness.

[ She stills at that, caught off-guard, but she glances over at Cassim, studying his face intently. ]

Do you know what they did?

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