The Gladiator League

                                                                          Chapter 2

7 years later

Tallia woke from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open to the soft morning sunlight streaming through her bedroom window.

A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she recalled the dream she had just awakened from-a vivid tapestry of moments with Weston and the promise they made together.

A gentle smile crept across her face as she pondered the happiness she felt, her heart filled with warmth from the cherished memories that lingered in her mind.

"Why did I dream of those memories from back then?" she mused softly, stretching as she sat up in bed.

After going through her usual morning routine, Tallia left her room and headed downstairs.

With a slender build and average height, she was an attractive young woman whose long, straight brown hair cascaded down to her upper back. Middle-parted bangs and two locks framed her face, enhancing her youthful charm. Her large brown eyes sparkled with warmth, complemented by thin eyebrows and rosy cheeks that highlighted her light complexion.

She wore a sleeveless yellow camisole with thin straps that fit comfortably against her frame, featuring a single large gold floral design at the centre, its petals spreading outward in delicate detail.

Paired with the camisole, a white wrap-around skirt hugged her waist. Its loose, asymmetrical hemline swaying lightly with each step, further enriched by a subtle light grey leaf pattern woven throughout, adding a graceful touch to the ensemble. A delicate bronze necklace adorned her neck, and a matching bronze bracelet wrapped around her right arm, adding a touch of elegance to her outfit.

As she descended the stairs, the comforting sounds of her mother bustling in the kitchen and her father flipping through the newspaper in the living room greeted her, filling the home with warmth and familiarity.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" her mother, Marguerite Arbre, called cheerfully, glancing up from the stove. "How did you sleep last night?"

"It was great," Tallia replied, a smile brightening her face. "I'm ready for the day ahead."

As she moved to pack her bag, Marguerite noticed her daughter's preparations, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Going somewhere special?"

"Yes, the Headmaster wants to meet the graduates before we depart next week," Tallia explained.

"That's wonderful! Make sure to listen to what he has to say, dear," her mother encouraged, pride evident in her voice.

At that moment, Tallia's father, Jacques Arbre, stood up from the couch, his expression beaming with pride. He walked over and opened his arms wide for a hug. "How about a hug from your dad before you leave?"

Tallia eagerly embraced her father, feeling the warmth and love radiating between them.

"My daughter," Jacques said, his voice thick with emotion, "your mom and I couldn't be prouder of you. Graduating from the Ludus Gladiatorius as the number one student and becoming a gladiator is an astonishing feat."

Tallia pulled back slightly, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Dad, you've been hugging me and saying those exact same words every morning since I graduated."

Marguerite laughed, joining in on the light-hearted moment. "Well, he can't help it. We're bursting with pride for your future as a gladiator."

After releasing her father from the hug, Tallia felt a surge of gratitude for her loving parents. She turned toward the door, her hand resting on the handle, and glanced back at them with a bright smile.

"Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!" she called cheerfully.

"Take care, dear!" her mother replied from the kitchen.

"Have a great day, Tallia!" her father added with a grin, giving her a small wave.

With a warm heart, Tallia opened the door and stepped outside. She paused, breathing in the crisp morning air, embracing the new day with unshaken enthusiasm

***

Streets of Edinlodge

Tallia jogged along the sunlit path toward the Ludus Gladiatorius, the hem of her skirt swaying with every step. A light breeze kissed her skin, and the familiar tap of her sandals against the ground kept pace with her steady rhythm.

The town buzzed with the sounds of morning-shopkeepers opening their stalls and children laughing as they played in the streets. Cobblestone roads were lined with quaint houses adorned with colourful flowers in window boxes. Tall, narrow buildings stood shoulder to shoulder, featuring wrought-iron balconies and sloping roofs, all adding to the town's charm.

"For one-third of my life, I've devoted myself to mastering the art of the gladiator. My training took place in an esteemed institution known as the Ludus Gladiatorius, where aspiring gladiators undergo rigorous preparation to enter the Gladiator League and earn the title of a gladiator."

The opulent opera house loomed in the distance, standing tall against the morning sky, but her focus remained on the memories that shaped her path.

"Becoming a gladiator isn't for everyone. It's a calling meant only for those gifted with a special energy known as Celestia. These individuals are called Gifters. To be identified as a Gifter, one must undergo a phenomenon known as Awakening-a mystical event that occurs during childhood. In this transformative moment, a radiant golden aura envelops the body, serving as a manifestation of their Celestia."

Tallia adjusted the strap of her bag as she picked up her pace, her gaze steady on the Ludus Gladiatorius ahead.

"At the age of 12, I, too, experienced this wondrous Awakening, and it marked the beginning of my journey towards becoming a gladiator."

Flashback

Tallia's hands trembled as she watered the plants in the tranquil backyard of her house. Suddenly, a radiant, otherworldly light emerged from within her, enveloping her entire body in a mesmerizing glow.

Startled and amazed, she hastily put the watering can down and dashed toward the living room.

"Mom, Dad!!! My body is glowing!!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and disbelief.

Her parents stood there, wide-eyed and in awe, as they witnessed the extraordinary Awakening within their daughter.

"You are one of them, a Gifter," her mother said, her voice filled with wonder.

Flashback Ends

"From that fateful moment, my life's course was forever altered. As a Gifter, the established law dictates that I must leave my homeland and enter the Gladiator League upon reaching adulthood. Any other pursuit is strictly forbidden."

Tallia turned at the crossroads, navigating through the lively streets filled with people and the sounds of horse-drawn carriages clattering over the cobblestones.

"The Gladiator League consists of a series of arenas scattered across the world, where gladiators compete in intense battles, striving for fame, success, and wealth. Each victory brings them one step closer to the ultimate challenge."

She entered a nearby park, a serene space filled with vibrant flowers, shaded trees, and elderly people enjoying their morning exercises. Tallia smiled warmly at them, appreciating their dedication to staying active.

"Ultimately, the journey leads to the pinnacle of gladiator glory-the Final Arena, situated in the wealthiest, most influential, and powerful country in the world: Babylonium. It is said that whoever emerges victorious in this grand Arena will claim a reward beyond imagination-and etch their name into eternity."

As she jogged deeper into the park, the joyful laughter of children caught her attention. She strolled past a playground filled with colourful swings and slides, pausing to watch the kids play. Their carefree laughter filled the air, and Tallia couldn't help but smile, feeling a wave of happiness wash over her.

"Yet, despite the alluring incentives and promises that lie ahead, I find myself torn. The commitment to become a gladiator clash with a promise I made seven years ago, a promise that still echoes strongly in my heart."

Tallia arrived outside the Ludus Gladiatorius of Edinlodge, a grand estate with red-brick walls, towering white columns, and manicured hedges lining the path to the entrance. The building's stately design exuded prestige, blending old-world elegance with an air of authority.

Stepping through the entrance, her footsteps echoed through the vast, marble-floored halls as she made her way toward the headmaster's office.

Each step carried the weight of expectation, yet she had no idea that by nightfall, everything she believed would be shattered-and the path ahead would test her in ways she never imagined.