The Blood Brides' Gladiatrix School

Now that they were away from the manor, Caerys moved at a quick pace to attempt to bring Singed some mild discomfort. She took a scenic route through the slums, showing the stark contrast of how beyond a noble’s walls there was already filth and squalor. The narrow alleys she took were particularly unpleasant, the open canals overflowing with black sludge and the street having an abundance of canine excrement. She knew it wouldn’t bother him, but at least it allowed her to voice her dissatisfaction, regardless if she were to receive a shock.

They emerged onto the main street after passing through by a most foul, abandoned and boarded up shack- likely someone or something dead inside. Beggars and slaves scattered before the Blood Bride- though also a slave she was a valuable one. She kept the short glaive shouldered on her left, gasped at the base with her left hand.

“Why I prove myself with a blade? This is Noxus, master Singed. A slave has no hope of swift freedom save the arena- and the greater the spectacle I present, the sooner I may free myself and be done with these people. A much better option than to be a house pet... or chained to the bedpost in a whore house.” She explained herself now, with a drop of honesty. It was a rare slave who loved the lash and revelled in the ways of Noxus, and those are the ones who truly become corrupted by the country’s ways.

The bank’s sign indicated it was only a block away, a straight walk down the dark street they were on. No trouble, so far...

Caerys stood at attention outside, holding out her spear with one hand at parade rest. She kept her eyes open on the streets and awaited Singed. She knew the man to be vile, an ally of Noxus and likely no better. But, she clung to the hope that she could at least gain a powerful sponsor.

Once Singed concluded his business, Caerys looked at him intently, taking a gambit.

“You truly wish to hear my full tale? Very well... I was a gypsy, a dancer to my troupe. We were more than performers- we dervishes were the warriors and protectors of the troupe. I came to Noxus to learn the deadly arts, but was deceived by Monteclaire. I was made to fight the house champion, and nearly died... only to be saved for a life of slavery, of the arena, of rendering service to men of greed and power like you... master Singed. Now, if there is nothing else, let us be on our way.”

Caerys's frowned at Singed's statement. She was filled with pure revulsion, at how this 'Champion' was, in the end, just like any other man with too much money. She wanted to end it there and now, get herself killed and take Singed with her... but she remembered, she couldn't just end her life.

She turned her face away, leading Singed back to the manor in silence, back through the filth riddled alleyway. She loathed his guts now, that much was for sure.

"We return, mistress." She announced, with little to no fanfare.

"Welcome back, master Singed. Was the short walk alright?" Sylvia said, positively beaming. She was about to get a massive pay off, all thanks to one of her slaves. She was already planning parties and events, to show off the massive figures she earned to all her rivals. They would be jealous, and she would be rich and famous.

Sylvia's eyes went wide. The cup of wine she held simply slipped from her hand and crashed against the floor. The other slaves too, were simply astonished, held in awe and silence. Even Caerys herself was momentarily in disbelief.

"I... I... I... Ahm..." Such an amount even silenced the noble woman. For a mere slave, to be paid for with 360,000 valors... this was beyond her wildest expectations. She simply looked around at her household, then smiled. She began to laugh heartily.

"Write a letter to be transmitted by Ogham by his sorcerous messaging. Inform all the other bidders that... the champion Singed, the Chemist of Zaun, has declared a buy-out at 360,000 valors." She started off with Leandros, who began penning it down.

Sylvia came over to Singed and Caerys, hands clapping. She leaned on one leg, and looked Singed in the eyes, then giving him a hug and a kiss of the cheek.

"Fortune... fortune smiles upon us this day, in a way I never thought possible. I am quite certain no one will attempt to outbid you, master Singed, but as a formality I must inform the other bidders and see if they are willing to outdo your buyout. Do not worry- with Ogham, the responses will be quick... by tomorrow you will have Caerys."

She turned and looked at Caerys, who had by some sheer stroke of luck, brought the fortune to her house. "My dear, I have invested wisely in you, and you did not disappoint at all. Good job."

Caerys said nothing, simply walking past her mistress and renter to return her weapon to the rack, awaiting Singed's further wishes.

Sylvia laughed out loud again. She would be the envy of her peers by the end of the week. "Well master Singed, I shall inform you of their withdrawals tomorrow. Might I interest you in a celebration feast at the end of the week?"

((Others may now engage in business with the School. ))

The Noxian estate was a large, sprawling three-storey structure, surrounded by high walls, in a well-maintained neighborhood. In the district below were already slums- the rich quite literally looking down on the poor. The bald male guard at the door opened the viewport of the main gate, before allowing Marcellus entry.

“Yes? Who are you? and what business have you here?”

“Please wait a moment.” The guard said, closing the viewport.

A few minutes later, he returned and spoke to Marcellus.

“The mistress will see you now.” The large wooden, iron-braced gates remained closed, but the slave opened the side door to allow Marcellus entry, quickly closing behind him, as he seemed to be alone.

The gardens of the manor were being prepared for a party it seemed; male slaves, all shaven of head, and wearing rags and collars were bringing out garden furniture. A delivery cart of wine was being inspected over at the service entrance, while livestock followed after. Baskets of fruits and sweets were being carried in.

The slave led Marcellus inside, into the lavish main hall which was also being prepared for a celebration. He led the crime lord to the den, where Sylvia, dressed in a fine day dress was comfortably lounging on a cushioned bench with silk covered pillows. At the door was a Noxian guard with glaive, and another right beside the lady. Despite her greying hair and advancing age, she has clearly kept herself in physical shape, and is obviously very meticulous of her looks.

“Hello, master Arenar. I am told you wish to do business with the gladiator school. Please, sit.” She gestured to a fine den chair, matching the matron’s sofa.

“Before we begin, would you like some Rapture Rum? I had a case shipped in today straight from Miss Fortune’s stock. Or perhaps local wine? Might I know where you are from, and what business you engage in?” She offered Marcellus three bottles of assorted alcohol, of high quality brands, as well as an empty wine glass.