(Pre-Show) The Barracks

[Strazio Rockwell]

Strazio's rest only lasted a few minutes before he became aware of another contestant enter the room. His pale eyes took studied the potential opponent, the man had dark curly hair and wore a dark fur cloak. He almost looks like a hexeater Strazio thought, remembering the anti-magick revenats from his homeland. The air was filled with a pregnant pause as the two competitors sized each other up. Strazio shifted around in his seat and set his duffel-bag on the ground next to his chair.

With a slight hand wave Strazio spoke "you're welcome to sit if you wish."

"Ah, thank you" the man seemed to be relieved that the silence was broken. He took a seat near Strazio and relaxed slightly. Another few moments of silence passed before Strazio extended his scarred hand towards his potential friend.

"My name is Strazio Rockwell, Defender of Darkshire I'm glad to meet you. I'm assuming you're a contestant?"

"Yeah" the man paused before shaking Strazio's hand "I'm Jon Snow, good to meet you as well."

The two shook hands and shared a moment of respect. Strazio reclined backwards, putting his arms behind his head.

"So, why did you join this bloodbath?" Strazio asked, slightly raising his eyebrow.

Jon took a few moments to think before responding "I have my reasons."

"Very well, I suppose it is a bit pretentious of me to ask something like that" Strazio smiled warmly, trying to lighten the mood "I joined because I made a promise, I'm sure you've heard of the Pale Moors?"

"In passing, yes" Jon responded, he was slightly intrigued by Strazio's promise, but kept his somber demeanor.

"Well, it's a hellish place, dreary and dangerous. Monster and devils of all sorts make their home in the moors and the citizens are hunted by these infernal creatures. And yet, with all the sadness and desolation they fight against the oppressive forces of darkness." Strazio chuckled softly before continuing his soliloquy "needless to say they inspired me. I made a promise to banish Dracula, and I don't go back on my promises Jon. So in short I'm hoping the abyss gives me the power to knock down Dracula's castle."

Jon shifted around in his chair, seeming to contemplate Strazio's story. He tapped his fingers on the wooden arms of his chair before speaking "that's quite a promise." He keeps himself well guarded, although I do supposed we are meant to eventually kill eachother Strazio thought. Jon continued speaking "I'm here to clear my name with the empire."

"Oh?" Strazio leaned in closer and rubbed his scarred hands together.

"Yes, when I first arrived here I met a young boy named Crona. We were attacked in Coruscant by an armored warrior, wielding weapons I've naught seen before. Empire forces broke the fight up before it got out of hand, but I was arrested and forced to pay back my debt to the empire."

Strazio thought to himself the more I hear about the Empire the less I seem to like them. "I've met Crona."

Jon seemed surprised at Strazio's claim "do you know where he is?"

"Can't say I do, last time I saw him he was" Strazio paused as he took a moment to reign in his anger towards the golden king "he was in the Endless Dunes, pledging his service to the prick of a sand-king Gilgamesh." A small spark danced across his fingers before fizzling out. He was still pissed at Gilgamesh, but did his best to not let his temper show.

"I don't know why anyone would want to serve that arrogant bastard."