In the ancient Earth
Realm, Ariston was one of the elite warriors, if not the best of the
best. He slayed many demons, and through that he commanded much
respect. Ariston also had the longest beard among the men which only
seemed to grow with each victory.
One fateful day, on the
occasion of the Earthen Festival, Ariston's status would be
challenged. In the court of the lioness of the soil, fighters took
turns fighting in the tournament. Many of Ariston's fans had grown
beards of their own for a full year before the festival. As hundreds
of warriors become tens, the audience became divided in applause. One
side cheering for Ariston, the other cheering for newcomer Salu
Tatorian. Cheers became louder for both sides as tens fell to single
digits. On the festival's final day it was announced that Salu and
Ariston would fight for the championship. Trumpets played as the
warriors were ushered in. They stood at attention as the Lioness
entered the stadium, the sole referee of the contest. “Begin!”
declares the Elemental.
For the next hour the two
fighters challenged each other, matching blow for blow. Cheering
became gasping, which then became louder gasping, which then became
louder cheering. Time on the field was moving excruciatingly slow for
both fighters. Both warriors were out of breath. Salu rushed toward
Ariston, who threw his shielded arm out to strike Salu with his
sword. Seizing the opportunity, Salu's sword sliced away, chopping
off his beard.
The lioness rose to an
upright sitting position. “THE BATTLE IS OVER!” yelled the
Elemental. The crowd was mixed in cheer and shock. Salu Tatorian was
brought forward as the new champion while Ariston was escorted out of
the stadium in shame. He would live out the rest of his years
beardless and in hiding. The shield of his former glory is rumored to
sit at the end of a cave on the Island of Brush.
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