For a few moments the two gladiators circled around each other, taking each other in - waiting for the other to make the first move. As it became clear the other wasn't going to attack, Aelius lunged forward, his sword aimed at the other's unprotected side. His opponents reactions were fast however, and he blocked the sword with one of his daggers before attacking with the other. Although Aelius managed to move away, the dagger grazed his arm, leaving a small cut. He didn’t have much time to recover before the other gladiator came towards him in a flurry of blades. With all his might Aelius tried to dodge and block, but a few of the attacks managed to slip through his defenses, before he managed to break away from the attacks.<br/><br/>Within only a few minutes, he was already bleeding out of various cuts along his body, and his opponent still unharmed. It was clear his lack of experience and training were making it difficult for him, but he was not ready to give up just yet. Although he lacked skill, Aelius was strong - stronger than his opponent and nearly fast enough to keep up with him. If he could use that to his advantage he might just be able to come out on top in this battle.<br/><br/>Ignoring the pain from his wounds Aelius got back into his stance. The other man was already on the move, coming in for another attack. Blocking the daggers with his sword, Aelius used the opportunity to punch the man in the head with his other hand. Although it didn’t do much damage, he at least knew he could hit him. With regained confidence, he started attacking. His opponent managed to block him with ease, and a few minutes passed with them going back and forth, doing no real damage to either one before Aelius finally got the opportunity he had been looking for. After an attack from the daggers, he managed to knock them to the side with his own weapon, leaving the man wide open. Without hesitating Aelius jumped forwards, throwing his strength and weight into the man and pushing him to the ground. As they both fell to the ground, Aelius managed to stay on top of the man, pinning him to the sand and lifting up his sword for a killing blow.<br/><br/>“That’s enough!” Doctore’s words cut through the tense air and immediately Aelius knew it was over - he had won. With a sense of relief washing over him, he dropped himself in the sand next to his opponent, barely able to stay conscious. The adrenaline that had kept him going for most of the fight was fading, and the effects of his wounds and exhaustion started to show. But he didn’t care as he laid there on the ground, bleeding and breathing heavily; he had done it. He had won.