Based off the above painting "Combate de Mujeres" by Jusepe de Ribera, also known as "Women Gladiators".
Long ago, there was a very
handsome man named Fabio who won the affections of two beautiful women, Isabella de Carazzi and
Diambra de Pettinella. Fabio Zeresola was Naples most eligible bachelor. Today,
he was hosting a party in the local apple orchard. Fluffy white wisps laced the
cerulean sky. The sounds of the putipu, tambourines, mandolins, and singers
drifted on the breeze. Servants carried platters ladled with fresh fruits and
wine. Fabio ran a hand through his dark hair as he walked towards the entrance
to greet the newcomers. To his surprise, it was Isabella and Diambra. He didn’t
think they knew each other. Unbeknownst to him, they had met, for the first
time, on the way to the party.
Isabella
looked stunning in her dark blue dress. A small silver locket hung on her neck,
and her golden hair was braided in such a fashion it mimicked a crown. Diambra
wore a dress the color of sunlight, and her chestnut hair was plaited down her
back. Fabio gave a prize-winning smile and showed the two ladies to a sitting
area. He excused himself and continued to greet his guests. The two women
whispered throughout the evening and Fabio’s chocolate eyes darted back and
forth between Isabella and Diambra. He hoped they wouldn’t find out he had been
seeing both of them. So, he had spent the evening skillfully avoiding them by
talking with everyone but his two lovers. Towards the end of the evening, the
two women stood up and marched to the center of the orchard. They announced to
the entire crowd that Fabio had been seeing both of them. So, they would duel
here, tomorrow at midday for the love of Fabio. Whoever yielded first would
win. Fabio stared at the bright red apples and hoped his face wasn’t as red as
they were. The two women promptly marched out and left the crowd buzzing like
bees.
The
midday sun blazed with a righteous fury. Men and women from all over the city
had gathered to see the affair. Isabella marched into the orchard wearing a
simple blue and cream dress. She gripped a sword and shield. Diambra strode in
wearing a simple blue and yellow dress. She bore a shield and sword as well.
The two combatants took their places in the center of the crowd. Silence
thickened the air. Everyone seemed to forget how to breathe. Isabella attacked.
Diambra blocked. Isabella slashed again and Diambra rolled out of the way just
in time. Diambra parried upwards and Isabella took a step back. Isabella
shifted into a stance and Diambra rushed towards her. Metal on metal
reverberated through the crowd like rumors. Diambra rolled as Isabella stabbed.
Her sword pierced Diambra’s dress. The sound of the fabric ripping hung in the
air like slander. Diambra spun and slammed Isabella with her shield. The salty,
metallic taste of blood entered her mouth like an uninvited guest. Isabella
spat, dying the earth a ruby red. She slashed again and again and Diambra
parried. Diambra spun and Isabella blocked, but Diambra was faster. Isabella
cried out and dropped her shield. She clutched the scarlet rivulet swirling
down her wrist. Diambra’s hazel eyes locked onto Isabella’s stormy ones.
Neither wanted to lose. Isabella stole a glance to Fabio who was watching them
like a chess game. She put her injured wrist behind her back and shifted into a
stance. Her sword gleamed in the bright sunlight. Diambra threw her shield down
and raised her sword. Now they were equal. The metal sang under the sun. Sweat
rolled down Diambra’s back like water. Isabella spun but Diambra was faster.
She slashed upwards causing Isabella to lose her balance. Isabella hit the
ground like a dead bird. Isabella’s heart thudded in her ears. Fear wrapped and
squeezed her ribs as Diambra stared at her. Isabella felt the sharp, cool blade
against her neck. Her mouth went as dry as the ground beneath her.
She yielded.
A
resounding cheer rang like bells. Fabio stood and held his hand out to Diambra.
Diambra took her place next to him. Isabella slowly stood and wished Diambra
and Fabio good luck. They looked at each other and smiled. The crowd was alight
with excitement and the story of the two women was told far and wide for years
to come.