Crixus was woken a little early in the morning. He was to go to town and fight and he relished the opportunity. It was all he knew, and what he lived for.
He went and washed before he was given a cloak to wear over his battle attire on the journey through the market to the small arena. He stood and waited in the courtyard for his master.

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She woke up when her master yanked her arm and dragged her with him she was to serve him as he watched the fight that day. She didn't want to go, if she stayed, she could get a lot done then read before he got back. They entered the courtyard, and she dropped her gaze as she saw the slave, the fighter, from the other night. She could not meet his gaze.

Crixus turned and saw the one who he had helped the night before. He nodded curtly at her before avoiding her gaze.
Their master ordered them to follow, he thrust Crixus' sword and shield into her hands. ''Carry these, and don't you dare drop them. Come, we are leaving.''
Crixus began to follow, mentally preparing himself for what lay ahead.

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She grasped the sword and shield, clutching them tight. She could not drop them. She could not trip! She followed, watching where she was stepping. Her mind on that, and her green eyes wide. Cannot trip...cannot trip...her mind repeated over and over. She smiled as they neared town, and looked up! She had not tripped! No sooner had she thought that, than her feet tangled, and she sprawled, the sword and shield going with her. Her master turned, and by his face she knew. He kicked her, then raised his whip again and again on her already torn back. She refused to cry out, she would not cry out.

As they neared the town the arena came into view. His fingers began to tremble with anticipation. Nothing will stand in the way of his victory.
Hearing a clatter, he turned and saw that she had dropped his sword and shield and was being punished for it.
Picking up his weapons he could only watch grimly as she received lash after lash.

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He finished with her, and she lay crumpled in the dirt. She knew he went for a drink before the fight, he always did. She pushed herself up slowly, and stood, waiting for her master to return. She felt people staring at her back, and turned to face them, not meeting their gaze. She heard snickers now, and glanced back around. More fighters were looking at her back and laughing.

He watched as she was finally left alone as the master went for his customary pre-fight drink.
Following her gaze he turned to see other fighters laughing at he plight. One of whom, he knew he was about to face in the arena.
He strutted forward and stood before all three of them, not intimidated in the slightest.
''You think it funny, a woman whipped before you? Perhaps the two of you will enjoy a similar performance as I kill the insolent little whelp you both cower behind.''
The one in the middle stood forward and sized him up. Crixus was shorter in height, but far superior in build.
''Perhaps I may buy her, and whip her as I please'' he said as all three burst out laughing.
Crixus moved and stood mere inches from him.
''Wait until we meet in the arena. Then we will revisit that remark.''
He turned and walked back, just in time as moments later the master returned and bid them both to follow him.

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She kept her face still as she listened. Why on earth was he sticking up for her? She watched the scene, her hair rising at the words the man spoke of her. And yet her hair stood up even more at the open threats that were thrown out. The master came back, Abd she followed him as fast as she could.

They followed until they finally reached the arena. Entering through the side entrance, for where they were prepared to fight.
''Win us money'' the master said with a slap on Crixus' back before beckoning Eonwe to follow him.
Crixus brought out his weapons and waited for his match to be announced.

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She followed her master up to the bleachers, Abd stood next to him. As the sun rose higher and burned hotter, he had her fan him. She kept her eyes on the ring, fearful. She would not want to see this, she knew, but she had no choice. Her master had her pour wine for him, and he drank deeply, then grinned wickedly at her. "I have a job for you tonight. Some of my friend wish to rent you for their," he looked her up and down, "for their entertainmen." she began to tremble at his words. She knew what that meant, and she knew she had never done that before. She didn't want to. But she could do nothing! A single tear ran down her cheek as the first match was called.

He waited impatiently as match after match went on. Only a handful of those who passed him to fight returned, and some of those who returned, did not look much better.
His heart began to race as his match was called, and he heard his name and marched out to the roar of the crowd. He met them with a raise of his sword and a roar of his own. He stood and waited as the other from the market entered amidst a mixed reaction from the crowd. He looked up and gestured at Eonwe before smirking at Crixus.
The match was commenced with a word and it begun.
Crixus launched himself at his opponent. Hacking, blocking, ducking and dodging, determined not to lose and finally put him in his place.
He managed to slash at his side yet Crixus received a cut on the chest and fell backwards slightly, as it looked to be over and the the other bore down on him he blocked his sword and stabbed him in the mid section. He stood up and in one, swift motion decapitated him.
He raised his sword in triumph and roared, ,to the pleasure of the crowd.

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She glared at the man who was to fight, he gestured to her and she lifted her lip in disdain for him. The fight began, and she watched, fearful for the one who had defended her. She could not tear her eyes away, and when he received a strike to the chest, she saw the worst coming. But no! He defeated the man that had spoken so rudely about her, and she stared down at him. He was a fine fighter. Her master told her to follow, then went down to collect the money and his other slave. Eonwe looked out the door, and saw it was beginning to grow dark. she trembled. She did not want this, she had never even known a man before and yet here she was to...her hands clenched into fists at her side against the thought. She needed to remain strong. "For father..." she whispered.

Crixus was returned to his master and made sure to keep a hold of his weapons this time around.
His master was clearly pleased. ''You have won me a mighty sum"!'' he said, slapping Crixus' shoulder. He then turned to the woman.
''And you shall win me some more favor'' he laughed, slapping her behind.
Crixus stood there not making eye contact with either of them. As they were bidden, they turned and walked back to the estate.

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Once back, the master's friends were already there, and They began shoving each other and laughing when they saw Eonwe. She dropped her head, choking back the threatening tears of shame, anger and fear. The got near, and master grabbed her and shoved her into the group of men. In return the men tossed him a bag of coins, and dragged her off in the direction of an empty hut. Eonwe panicked mentally.

Crixus saw the men and could tell by their actions and demeanor what was on their minds.
He turned and began to walk away but couldn't. Cursing himself he walked up to his master and spoke.
''I would ask a favor. I would enjoy that girl tonight.I find her figure pleasing''
The master looked at him and Crixus was unsure if he was about to have his plan succeed or himself beaten. Before he could decide the master let out a laugh.
''Ofcourse. Anything for my champion. We need you to keep your strength up. Come you'' he said beckoning to her ''you will please Crixus tonight.''
Moving to his friends he began to walk with them ''I shall let you have others, much better looking than that. Go back to your room Crixus and have your way with her. She will obey.'' he said over his shoulder.
Crixus nodded as the master left them. He turned and silently began to return to his quarters.

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She looked from him to the men, confused. What? He wanted her? Well that would explain why he did those things. Her head dropped and she followed him, fear still floating in her belly. Did he mean to hurt her as well? She got to his quarters, and stopped outside his door. She could not quite bring herself to step inside. What were his intentions? She peeked in.