[ OT ] Sunday Free Write : Leave A Story , Leave A Comment - Sea to Shining Sea Edition !

Thousands in the arena were silent as the two brothers faced each other. This was a battle years in the making. When it was announced that the Queen of Illa was pregnant with two boys, whispers of a nearly forgotten curse spread across the country. 
 
 Nearly three centuries ago the witch, Magda had put a curse on the royal family. That the seventh Queen of Illa would begat two sons. One would lead the kingdom to riches and comfort. The other would lead them to ashes and ruins. 
 
 The day Jeriah and his brother Mikael were born the King himself waited, dagger ready, to kill one of his own children if they showed signs of Magda's influence. What the King did not expect, was identical twins. When neither child bore evil's mark the birth was celebrated. Although a dark cloud still hung over the castle. Still, only one could rule and it would be decided through battle. As it had always been. 
 
 Both boys grew into strong and kind men, skilled with the blade. Always head and shoulders above any other citizen. By their maturity the twins had seized victory for the kingdom in dozens of battles. Even knowing they would fight to the death on their 28th birthday never stopped the two from standing back to back and laying waste to their enemies. 
 
 Finally, the day had arrived. The arena was filled beyond capacity. Standing on the hard packed earth Jeriah and Mikael circled each other. Their eyes locked on one another over the extended lengths of their swords, waiting for any opening. 
 
 Each time they circled brought them closer and closer together. Until with a practiced turn of his wrists Mikael opened with a sideways slash towards Jeriah's chest. Their assembled countrymen jumped in surprise as the two swords clashed, most having barely seen the first blade move. 
 
 With that first strike and parry the deadly dance began. Mikael, always the most aggressive bared his teeth and brought his blade down in a crushing overhead blow. Jeriah, always the planner, knew not to take it head on. Instead choosing to deflect to the side and send a jab towards his brother's chest. Mikael threw himself backwards but not fast enough. It was a shallow cut but first blood had been drawn. The twins had both agreed before the battle to forego armor. One good strike is all it would take. 
 
 In the stands the crowd was silent. Captivated by the duel taking place before them. The curse having been forgotten by most, except the Queen. As her sons back pedaled and circled each other once more she watched the storm that had begun brewing in the sky and wondered. Would this duel be the end of Illa? Or maybe it was only the beginning. 
 
 *** 
 
 Good morning everyone! Hope this was n't terrible. Really wanted to experiment with a fight scene. Anyway, I'm over at /r/Lexwriteswords if you want to check out some more stuff. Any feedback is appreciated. Enjoy the day.
