Disclaimer:
This fanfic is based off the Neverwinter Nights community module by the name of "A Dance with Rogues" created by Valine. I fell in love with this story and felt compelled to write something that compliments it. This story contains explicit content and graphic violence. All characters except Shiloh, Bastian, Rhys, Ni'as, Nicca, Narev and Essex are property of Valine.
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Gladiators
Shiloh had only ever been to the western part of the city once before. That was when she was working on lesson five. She had to procure a ring from a residence here. She rubbed her bottom as she thought of the spanking Vico had given her after he rescued her from that Dhorn soldier who had tried to make her take all of her clothes off in front of him. She knew what the Dhorn had had in mind. He wanted to fuck her. Though she couldn't quite remember his name, she recalled what he looked like and kept an eye out as she strolled along on her way to the Arena. She wasn't in the mood for any confrontation with a Dhorn or any one as a matter of fact. She just wanted to get this job over with and find out who was collaborating with the Dhorn. She was sure they would be made to pay for their involvement in the whole mess. Had they had anything to do with Caron's death? Whether or not, she swore to make them pay. It wasn't fair that someone as young and sweet and good had to die so cruelly.
Glancing at the tall tower clock that could be seen through most of the northern and western parts of the city, she knew the Arena would be open for a few more hours. She had never been allowed to come here before. It was far too dangerous and too violent for a girl of her upbringing. Shiloh scoffed, knowing she had done worse things than what went on here in the gladiatorial ring.
She opened the iron gate and let herself in. The noise level was almost deafening. From the sound of it many people had come to see the fights. She knew she wasn't here for that specifically, but she knew it would be a good idea to at least watch a fight or two just in case she saw someone she recognized. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to ask around a bit.
Approaching the ticket counter, she stopped to have a look around. There were doors leading up to the Arena itself and one marked for admittance by the gladiators only. That one might prove useful if indeed she needed to sneak back here. She knew she'd have to keep an eye out for the guards if she did return. She didn't relish the thought of getting caught by either of them.
The only other door she noticed was iron bound and marked with a sign that heralded it as the office. That might also merit returning to. Where there was an office, there had to be money. She chuckled to herself at the thought of fattening her own purse again.
Then she turned to the ticket vendor and smiled at the attractive girl. "I'd like a ticket, please." Shiloh spoke up as she dug into her money pouch.
"That'll be 5 gold coins then," she replied as she handed Shiloh a ticket and accepted the money in return, placing it in a small chest. "Have an enjoyable evening. I hear there is quite a line-up tonight."
"Do you get to watch the fights?" Shiloh inquired as she clutched her ticket in her hand.
"Only when I'm not on duty. Sometimes I get to go up and see the last fight. It's normally the main event."
"I see. I've never been to a place like this before. My parents were very strict. So, are the gladiators all human?" Shiloh asked, figuring the clerk would be a fount of information.
"No, not all. There is an Ogre, a Hill giant, some strange thing called an eyeball. And there's this strange witch woman. She usually foretells the weather and things like that. And there is a monk, too. He never speaks to anyone, but he always gets what he wants."
"But there are human male gladiators, right?" Shiloh cocked an eyebrow.
"Oh yes."
Shiloh leaned closer to the ticket clerk. "Would it be possible to meet the gladiators? Visit them, perhaps?"
"Oh no, I'm sorry, Miss. Entrance to the gladiators' quarters is limited to authorized personnel only."
A frown crossed Shiloh's face.
Now what
, she thought to herself. I suppose I'll have to sneak my way in. "Hmmm..."
She studied Shiloh briefly, then lowered her voice, leaning even closer. "You've got a favor for big, strong men?"
"Yes, very much."
The girl cracked a wide smile. "I've got to admit, I enjoy looking at them too. I know the gladiators are often visited by women who pleasure them. I never see them coming in, however, just leaving. But I know a woman named Sharita is involved. She used to run a bordello in the city, the Dhorn have closed her down though. But I've heard she often visits the Lion's Head Inn these days. Maybe she'd get you in. I'd say that's your best bet, but don't tell anyone I told you. It could mean my job."
"Never fear. I didn't hear a word. Thank you." Shiloh winked and walked over to the guard working one of the doors that went up to the Arena floor. She handed him her ticket and waited while he invalidated it and let her through the gate.
Apprehension filled Shiloh. She wasn't sure what she'd see up here. Her heart pounded in her chest. Would she see the same man she'd seen in the sewers? Would she be recognized by one of the commoners who had come to witness the bloody spectacle?
Shiloh took the steps two at a time, her long legs eating up the distance quite quickly. As she entered the main area, she was assailed by the roar of the crowd and clang on weapons hitting flesh. She stopped momentarily, sucked in by the raw violence. It disturbed and fascinated her... she longed to join in on it. Instantly she imagined being in the shoes of one of them and fighting to the death. Claiming victory and reveling in the shouts of praise from the crowd.
But a voice brought her out of her momentary reverie. "Greetings, fairest lady. Your first time at the arena?"
Startled, she turned to him wide eyed. "Uh... yes, it is." His manner of welcome caught her off guard. Did he know who she was? Had he recognized her? "But I'm no fair lady. Just a simple kitchen girl."
"You look like the Princess," he commented. "It's nearly uncanny. I bet you've heard that before, huh?"
