[OP-F24] Valentines Tournament Arc Round 2 - Observer Thread

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari stared out over the water’s waves, listening to the story. At first, she could only wonder what the point was – of the story, of life, of everything. She had made so many mistakes, caused so much harm and loss. First Evelyn, then the group. Now, NIGHT – whom she had hoped…it didn’t matter anymore what she had hoped. She had done something that was unforgiveable, no matter what she may doing going forward. NIGHT would never forgive her for…

‘Never good to judge a person, without knowing their story.’ NIGHT knew part of her story, but not all of it. Koga another slip. None of them knew everything, and…Could it really make a difference? Should it make a difference? It wouldn’t excuse what she had done but…

‘We are not perfect people, and we all have made mistakes that hurt not just ourselves, but the people around us.’ The words caused more pain than they should have. She had caused so much hurt, so much pain. She had never meant to, but it had happened. Just by being. She had caused pain for Evelyn, for Marcius, Jeorn, Naesha, and all the others…and yet, each and every time she needed help, they were there.

‘Is this what it means, to stand together? Is this what Koga was trying to tell me?’ Something about the words he had spoken that day in Nemo’s garden, mixed with the story that this man had just regaled her with. She wasn’t sure quite what, but something seemed to hide within the shadows of the words.

The waves continued to lap at the beach as Nari thought upon the words, the silence stretching on. She could tell that time had passed – and yet, this man, and Xena remained by her side, watching, waiting. She thought back to the others. NIGHT and Koga, watching from a distance as Bismuth and herself had collected the materials, and then the fights with the boars. Always there, even if at a distance – ready to rush in, to help. She thought back to that day, where Evelyn had rushed in – not to chastise or torment, but to protect. Throwing herself in front of the attack meant for Nari, taking the strike…and that smile, the sad smile that spoke so much.

“I…have made many mistakes in my life. I cannot ask for atonement for them all…many of those I owe are…gone, forever. Those whom are still here…I don’t know if I can face them, yet. I’m not strong enough…but if what you say is true – if forgiveness can be asked, in time…if the wounds that I have caused can close over, and allow us to once again walk the Path together…” She thought back to the words in the garden that day, to the direction she had been given. To find the path that he could not take. Was this what he had meant? Was this the challenge he knew she would face? Was she capable of overcoming this – this divide, that he had likely faltered at? “I do not know if I can ever amend what I have damaged, but…I will try. I will try because…I owe it to them. All of them. I have made mistake after mistake, and not learnt…I have awaited my judgement, and yet pleaded no case. I have been a fool, waiting for her act to end.”

For the first time she glanced towards the player beside her, taking in his appearance, her connection with reality – as much as this could be called reality – slowly coming back into place. He was older than her, she could tell that much. His appearance did not match his words, however, and she had to admit that his voice spoke of a wisdom face beyond what the face would suggest. ‘Perhaps another lesson to be found, there…’

She spotted the bottle of sake sitting in the sand between them, apparently left so that either could reach it easily. She slowly reached out a hand, taking the bottle in her right, then clasping her left over it. Shifting slightly so that she knelt beside the man, facing him, she bowed her head, holding the bottle out before her – as if offering it in trade, or in a means of peace. She closed her eyes, bringing to memory the words that she had been taught so long ago – slowly, at first, but gaining traction as she went.

“I…offer this…this gift, taken from one, and given to another. I offer this gift…in thanks, for the wisdom that you have shared. You have given me not just another chance at life, but a chance at redemption – a chance to make right those wrongs that I have caused…and for this, I cannot offer my gratitude in words. But…I will promise this – I will fight, to fix what I have done, to save that which I have harmed, to…to ensure that we all, escape this hell. I will stand beside those who fight to free us. Together.”

@Oji@Xena

Spoiler

Word Count: 831

 

[Oji 0]

Oji watched the demeaner of the young lady change quite drastically. It was a slow burn as the emotions emerged and withdrew with her words like the crashing waves before them, but he knew that the words were sinking in. He let her think in silence for a moment, looking back and enjoying the view of the setting sun. After time passed, she spoke. And she spoke from her heart, and her words held meaning, not the same monotone that she had spoken earlier. These were words that breathed life into a broken spirit. He held a small smile, and nodded.

The girl then took the sake bottle, and held it out, reciting a promise that she would make things right, and he gave a laugh. "No need to be so formal, but I will hold you to that promise." He told her, and gently took the bottle from her hands. "Now, in celebration of new life within you, lets have some more to drink." He gave a laugh at this, sounding like a drunken fool with all this sake. He pulled out a second bottle, and two small red saucers like his own, and gave one to the young lady, and held one out to the lady that stood behind them. "Come, have a drink. I promise it's not a poison or a static effect." He jested, a smile on his face still. He opened the cork to the bottle as the scent of the sake wafted into his nose.

"My father used to tell me an old family mantra." He chuckled, and held up the bottle. "The first bottle tastes better with sashimi, the second tastes better with friends." he poured the drinks into the saucers as he spoke it, feeling like his father explaining this to his siblings. He smiled and put the bottle into the sands, raising his saucer. "Here's to a new day to come. As the sun sets, so does it rise, giving us new chances and a new day to live as we want." and with that, he took a long drink.

@Nari-Lanreth @Xena

[Xena 0]

Xena had simply been listening sitting across the beach on that stone like side walk, a blue book in her hand as she hummed, a lyrical book, this terrain gave a extreme amount of inspiration. As she hummed her tune she had drifted off as she wrote, she didn't exactly have a right to eavesdrop on the two until she heard a voice directed towards her. Snapping out of it she looked up towards the man, they were offering her a drink, and asking her to come over too the two. Who was she too refuse such a kind gesture, especially when she shouldn't even be there. The book snapped shut making a somewhat loud snapping sound as it vanished into particles returning to her inventory, getting up and walking over her boots leaving prints in the sand she took the saucer she was offered, she had drank Sake a few times in her real life, mostly during events, she was never quite able to understand the proper way to hold it in one hand, she always held it with two, though in this world is seemed somewhat magnified to your hand, if only a tiny bit, allowing her to hold it in one. He had chanted a toast, and she raised the saucer about 5 inches up with a smile, one of just, peace. She took a small sip, it was strange how it tasted, it must of been some other type of sake then the kind she had, it wasn't a bad taste per say just, different. After taking the sip she watched the other two, and then took another. Seems she was more of a sipper then drinking it all at once.

[Koga 0]

There was nothing left to say as the two walked down to the docks, NIGHT's hand in Koga's as he guided her. The crowds were not dense so far from the main event, it was easy to weave between the pockets of scattered attendees.

Snippets of conversation mingled with the sounds of leaves rustling in the wind, and soon enough, the sound of water gently splashing against the docks. The pair got into the boat, and left Baldur's island. Tomorrow they'd return, different than when they'd arrived today.

The short trip back was quiet. The moon reflected off the water, casting them all in a silver glow, bright enough to see by. Koga looked out over the water, lost in thought. Worry. Anger. A feeling that ate a whole in his stomach that he just couldn't place a finger on. Maybe it was betrayal. Maybe it was just a cold fury. Whatever it was, Koga didn't like it.

They stepped off the boat, and made their way to the Floor's teleporter. The light swallowed them whole, and Koga once more took the lead. He knew the way to NIGHT's home. "Get some rest," he reminded her once they'd arrived. "I'll see you tomorrow." Their usual inconsequential good byes. But this time Koga's eyes lingered on the woman's form a moment longer than usual before he finally turned away and went home himself.

[Jomei 0]

"I have to fight Alkor next."

The crevices that formed upon his forehead were deep with concern given the very few words Lessa shared about her upcoming, round 2 fight.

A constant theme of the day, brought up by multiple persons in the span of a few hours, was that this tournament was based upon comraderie and the formation of bonds. Lessa and Alkor already had history, whether that relationship between them had remained was still unknown, despite his lengthy conversation with the latter of the two. So hearing that the two were matched up to face eachother in a friendly duel, he would have expected happiness, excitement even.

He had seen Lessa go through plenty of emotions that day she came to his house, originally to play shrink to his issues. Anger, despair, lonliness, depression, joy..albeit forced. At this moment, however, Jomei couldn’t tell what she was feeling.

“Oh” he simply responded, the tone of his voice matching hers. “You don’t seem entirely happy about that.” 

Peeking upwards towards the dojo for a moment, he looked back into her deep blue eyes, pushing aside those feelings that bubbled within and looking at her with the genuine care of a friend. “I don’t know how much time you have before the round starts.. but you can tell me how you’re feeling. Unless you don’t want to, I understand.”
 

 

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar's fight was over. He left the mat, turning away from the remaining fights. He was the third of the participants to win and, honestly, he never thought he’d make it that far. He took a seat in the stands, distant from other observants. The number of people watching had been reduced slightly. It wasn’t any of his business, but he was still curious as to why so many had disappeared. He looked back to the matches. 

As fun as the tournament had been so far, he couldn’t help but feel anxious about the coming fights. Not because he thought he’d lose, but because there was a chance he could win. Morningstar’s pendant was wrapped around his fingers. He fiddled with it gently, eyes pinned on the final fight of the round. He thought he had at most two more duels before the end of the event. Assuming he could last long enough, he’d have the chance to claim the prizes that Baldur had prepared. With that begged the question: who the hell was he going to ask on the date?

He could count the number of people he knew at the tournament on one hand and most of them were just names and faces. He didn’t want to ask out just anyone—who knows what they’d be like. Morningstar scanned through the crowd, trying to pick out those he knew. His first thought was NIGHT but frankly, he didn't feel much of a connection during their brief conversation. And besides, she wasn’t there.

“Maybe I can just pass,” he mumbled to himself, resting his bokken flat on top of his legs.

It'd been nearly a year since Morningstar's life took a turn for the worst and the thought of dating someone new made his heart hurt. It'd just be one date, though. He couldn't guarantee a win either. Maybe he'd accidentally mess up in the last round and lose. Maybe he'd throw the—no, he wouldn't throw the match. His ego wouldn't be able to take it if he did.

With his left hand, Morningstar fixed his dirty blonde hair. By this point in the tournament, there was no chance that he looked his best. Two successive fights had left him feeling weary. Idly, he watched Takumi duel his opponent, patiently awaiting the next round.

Spoiler

Morningstar's outfit

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 14 | HP: 280/280 | EN: 46/46 | DMG: 11 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 24

Gear:

• Beginner's Straight Sword | Uncommon
  +1 DMG
• Beginner's Light Armor | Uncommon
  +9 MIT
• Lexa's Light | Perfect
  +3 ACC

Skills:

• Two-Handed Straight Sword | Rank 5 | Precision | Stamina | Ferocity
  +9 DMG
  +1 ACC
  -2 ENG per attack
• Light Armor | Rank 3
  +15 MIT
  -1 Stealth

Combat Shift:

• TECH Specialist
  +4 to multipliers
  +3 to ENG cost

 

[Hirru 0]

"Humility, huh."

Hirru responded as he made sure that the hook had not been bent out of shape.  The hunter didn't think he really understood it, but Freyd seemed to word it well enough.  To be reminded that there was no end all be all strategy, and that loss is it's own learning experience.  Exhaling a bit from his nose, Hirru would have to agree, as trying to force a scenario without planning made him the way he was now.  Trying to explain it all would only make things more difficult too.  He would just have to take it in stride, as he tries to figure out the next step up.

"All in all.  I feel it's not just about being a healer.  I keep coming back to the past.  Though, it's something that has always interested me and motivated me."

Giving the line a quick tug to make sure that everything was secure, he would cast the line back into the water.  The rippling would flow outward from the drop point, as did his actions.  He had been focusing too much on the ripples, and the actions that they would represent. 

"I get caught up in everyone's stories.  Learning about their pasts, and recounting the ones that can no longer tell their own.  Searching for truths in dungeons, and finding the life in this world."

Even with the unthinking methods that the hunter had done, he always looked at the repercussions, and took them personally.  Freyd and Baldur have both been telling him now, to stop thinking about the things that come after.  What happens, happens.

Even more so, when the ones that we care for, are also scarred by their actions.  Their past has already been etched into their bodies and their hearts.  Though, Freyd's scars seemed to be more than just what he showed.  Even still to now, Freyd rarely ever talked about himself, but he was glad that he would reveal just the one.  He had revealed his pain to the Whisper plenty of times, and this was due payment.  Even more so, that Hirru's catch would give him something to think about.  More food for thought, it seemed.  Hirru would look back at the arm.  The void that called out to him, and the damage that was done to his friend, made the hunter feel some empathy.  His hand would want to reach out, and with a green light outlining the palm, he would provide a small amount of healing.  This was only if Freyd wanted.

"It's there if you need healing?"

Hirru joked, but the hand was there, waiting to touch the afflicted.  It was his own way of showing that he would use his skills to help those that need it.  It's the reason why he chose to do it in the first place.  He wanted to keep the front safe.  He would smile whether or not Freyd would accept or not.  It probably wouldn't do much, as the thing seemed to be constantly eating away at him.  Which made the hunter think about something.  Something that he had even kept from Baldur, but he was sure he knew from the samurai's knowledge of Hirru's secret.  This was something that Hirru had always kept on him, no matter what.

"Some scars can be healed in an instant, some scares take a little time to heal.."

He held the rod between his thighs and let his other hand remove his red headband.  Slowly, the loose band would fall from his head to his neck, and there sat something odd.

"..and some scars can't be healed at all."

Upon his forehead, running along his hairline, was an old scar.  It looked surgical as the line was clean around the hairline, which seemed to lead to his ear, if his hair was moved right.

Hirru would talk a little more on it, when something seemed to be happening in the matches.  Did something happen?  He began tying the headband back in place.  No one else needed to see that, except maybe Baldur or Shield.  The commotion was coming from two individuals that seemed to race by them, without even looking their way.  NIGHT had ran along towards the adjacent housing for guests.  Koga had followed after. 

"What is going on now?"

There was much more commotion behind them as there was slight shouting, before everything seemed to calm over.  He was tempted to go over and check it out, but as Koga finally reappeared with a downcast NIGHT in tow, he decided against it.  He wasn't part of the issue, and he didn't need to be.  Though, the fishing was all but interrupted at this point.

"Hmm.. seems like it was resolved, but it may be getting close to dinner."

Hirru stood up before pulling the line back in.  There wasn't much to do now, except head back to everyone else, and join the madness.  Although he wasn't much for the crowd, he could endure it for the food.

"Baldur said that we're having a little feast afterwards.  Did you want to join us, @Freyd?"

[Freyd 0]

Freyd listened.  It was what was expected, and what @Hirrurequired.  It also happened to be what he wanted to do.  The smallest of smiles crept up at the edges of his lips, until a natural pause presented him with the needed opportunity.

"My dear Hirru.  If you're such a connoisseur of stories, why are you sitting here fishing with me while people are living those stories two dozen paces away?"  A light chuckle allowed itself passage, even as something nipped at his line.  Perhaps it was truth?

When his companion extended his hand and offered healing, Freyd hesitated.  It wasn't that he wanted the pain.  There wasn't really any.  Cardinal took care of that as it did so much else.  He just wasn't one to easily trust.  Hirru would see the flicker in his eyes as debate raged in silence within the Whisper.  

"Yes. Please, and thank you." Raising his hand to make contact with the glowing appendage, Freyd felt to art flow through his body and mend the price he willingly paid.  Words continue to work their way between them, mostly in one direction.  Banter wasn't really his thing, so he tugged up his pride and flicked his wrists to recast his line, reeling it in slowly but surely.  An astute observer might have noticed that Freyd wasn't really fishing at all.  He was making patterns in the water, drawing unseen lines out of frivolous or deliberate purpose.  Who could ever be sure with the man?

"That's... quite the mark," he offered, when Hirru removed his headband, part of his wondering if he was supposed to present an old war wound or pass off an old scar from a mole removal as an appendectomy scar, or possibly a football injury.  Like he even knew the rules of the game, let alone have obtained a scar from physical contact.  Team sports were especially not his thing.  "What caused it?  Or do I already know?"  A subtle nod to his lost title and rank, and the curse that seemed to befall those who held it.  

The men shared sideways glances as NIGHT and Koga ran past, and then a clatter of property damage someone would need to explain.  Could his little bit of mischief before coming down here have so dramatically affected NIGHT?  He'd been fishing for a reaction, but this was disproportionate to anything he had expected.  Shrugging his shoulders with genuine surprise, he watched the same two figures make their rapid retreat from the grounds, and thought it prudent to send a short note expressing concerns.

To: @Koga From: Freyd Saw you and @NIGHT.  What's going on?  Everything okay?

"Dinner, you say?"  Freyd's stomach actually gurgled at the prospect.  He never left enough time for such things.  "Yes.  Why not?  Dinner would be wonderful, I think.  So long as I'm not intruding."

 

[Astralin 0]

As Astralin landed the strike, it all came back to her at once. She was dueling, not fighting for her life. There were many players around her, so they would have likely intervened if something had gone wrong... She took some deep breaths as she slowly backed up and returned to a normal position. She then heard her opponent speak.

 "You know you bested both Calrex and I, students of this very same school. If you don't win, I'll be a little upset." 

Astralin's eyes widened. "Ah! R-really?"She reacted. This place...the two who she'd faced were students of Baldur? Well, then...there wasn't any real need to worry then was there? Astralin now felt kind of embarrassed that the cursor color and eye contact set her off. Sweat was slightly visible as she spoke. "W-well, I'll try my best, then! Just two fights to go! I'll be honest, I'm both in and out of my element here." She began.

Her expression changed as she continued, shifting from an awkward one to a normal face with a light smile. "Sure, I may have 'Martial Arts' as my 'Weapon Skill' of choice...but I'm so used to portraying my own actions in combat very differently, speaking out as I attack and acting like I'm casting magic...I mean, I really want to cast magic, but it seems the game won't let me..."  She crossed her arms, almost trailing off as she faced the reality of her situation.

"But I won't let that stop me, I'll get as close as I can!" She finished, her expression shifting from disappointed to optimistic and determined. "Anyway... Good fight, you almost had me there for a second...we should probably leave the sparring grounds now, ehehe..."

@Morgenstern

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Astralin stood a decent chance, she knew she did...but she barely knew enough people to make the right choice if she was to win. To properly prepare herself for this, she'd have to try meeting new people. Thankfully, she was more willing to meet other people than a few others she knew. She thought that chatting up some of the guys would be the smart thing to do, as she'd need to choose between them if she won.

She noticed someone watching the last fight, and decided to try speaking to him. First she got close, but not too close. About two meters from him, to be exact. She then looked to the last fight, which was looking unbelievably close. Was it some kind of sudden death or something?

And what are the odds that it would be one of the male players, paired up against a student of the Dojo, practically serving in the role of Eliminator. "Those two are really going at it." Astralin remarked. She then turned to look at the player. "What do you think of all this so far?"

Well, that was one way to start a conversation.

@Morningstar

[Koga 0]

Koga didn't notice the blinking indicator that he had a message till he shut the door of his small home behind him with a sigh. The white light was most obvious in the pitch black of his living room, undulating as if it were some tiny heart beat.

Koga swiped down, opening the interface and tapped to view the message. Surprisingly, it was Freyd. Asking about if he and NIGHT were okay. The man practically slammed his head back into the door as he leaned against it and groaned.

God, how was he gonna explain any of this to anyone. Hell, should he even? It wasn't exactly his place to do so.

Quote

 

To: @Freyd
Sender: Koga

Long story. Were alive. No need to worry. I'll catch you tomorrow

-Koga

 

With any luck, that would be enough to sate the other man's curiosity, although Koga did appreciate the concern. It just wasn't his problem to complain about.

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar tried to remember what Takumi's opponent's name was. Bismuth, he thought, but he wasn't sure. Either way, he was putting up quite the fight against the paddle boy. Takumi was in the lead, but it was close. Morningstar, who'd been fighting moments before, didn't have the opportunity to catch the other matches before they'd ended. He had no idea how they'd ended but he recalled Astreya mentioning how serious each person had been fighting. That would explain the slight tension in the atmosphere around the dojo.

His thoughts came to a halt as a voice perked up beside him. He recognized her from the mat beside his. She was a competitor as well.

"Of the fight, you mean? I think it's close, but Takumi's better than I originally expected. I think he'll win," he replied. "Astralin, right? I'm Morningstar. How'd your fight go?"

Despite them fighting so close to each other, he hadn't seen who the winner was. Star nonchalantly checked the girl out. He found it funny that the first thing he noticed about a person was always their height. She would have been shorter than him by quite a bit had he been standing. She had a warm, kind look to her. The girl was the one approaching him and yet he felt like it was him who was being welcomed. Morningstar gestured for her to sit if she wanted.

@Astralin

[Calrex 0]

@Baldur

"Alright, well better due my due diligence first."

After dropping off the tea tray he was carrying prior, Calrex scanned the guests, making out his mentor from the crowd, weaving his way through, "Hey Baldur, it looks like there's some more room opening up on the sparring floor. If it's alright with you, it appears someone has decided to challenge me to an unofficial duel. We'll still follow the same guidelines, no real weapons or Sword Arts or all that."

After receiving approval, the bluenette made his way through towards the outer area of the sparring section of the dojo. He had a sneaking suspicion that the young woman who had challenged him was in the crowd, keeping an eye out for his actions post-issuing of the duel. As his eyes looked across he was able to pick out the person's form.

@Yona

He would give a brief wave to the brunette, directing her towards the vacant section of the large mat before turning and making his way over to a good spot for holding the unofficial duel

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari glanced to the sunrise as the older man continued his words of wisdom – words that seemed to resonate within Nari’s very soul. She recognised the truth and meaning behind them, even if they were new to her. She heard the mention of drinking to new possibilities, and reached out to accept the small drinking saucer.

Bringing it to her lips, she took a small sip of the drink, letting it rush down her throat before answering. Her voice was reserved, barely audible against the crashing waves, the life of it gone – if only for the moment.

“Your father must have been a very wise man. Something that clearly has been passed down to the Son.” She sunk into herself then, her shoulders coming up around her head, her face ducking down towards her chest. The whisper of voice continued after a pause, still reserved, but determined to carry on. “I wish I had that wisdom… there’s…”

The words stopped abruptly, a shiver running down Nari’s back. Shaking her head, she forced the memories away, realising now that she needed to focus on the future – on change. ‘As a wise man said, the sun sets, and so rises for new chances, new opportunities. Dwelling on the darkness won’t resolve the problems of life, and so. Look forward. Make changes. Be better.’

“I… realise this is very forward, but could I add you to my friends list? To keep in touch, and let you know that I haven’t forgotten, nor giving up, on my promise? ” As she was asking the question, she brought up her menu, sending the request off. She glanced at the name – Oji, what are the chances… - briefly smiling to herself before glancing back towards the setting sun. “I… thank you. For everything. You’ve given me the chance towards a Path, one of redemption. One that would allow me the chance to right the many wrongs I’ve done, here today, and in the past. I know that there will be consequences, and I’ll face those willingly. But… I want the chance to make it all right. Even if I can’t be forgiven… I just want the chance to try and repair any damage I’ve done. For what little that may be worth.”

She set the saucer down, wrapping her arms around her legs and pulling herself into a tight ball. Her eyes fixed on the grains of sand beneath her feet. She knew that she had done wrong, so wrong. She had broken not just the very foundation that was the essence of the tournament – which, she was sure there would be punishment for. She had done much worse. She’d hurt someone she cared about. She wasn’t sure if she could ever repair the rift she’d created, but she knew now that she needed to try. She needed to try and make things right, even if she would never be forgiven.

“Oji…What wisdom and advice do you have to stop the hatred I feel towards myself?” The whispered question carried a tone of pain and depression hovering over the words. “I hate what I’ve done, and not just today. I’ve… I’ve been scared, I’ve hidden away, when I should’ve fought. I’ve been untrusting. Too trusting. Too open. Not open enough. I… don’t know who I am. Who I should be. And I hate it. How do I… how do I stop?”

Spoiler

Word Count: 565

 

[Baldur 0]

"The self is not something ready-made." A voice came out from the direction of the tournament as a new presence was felt among @Oji, @Nari-Lanreth, and @Xena. "but something in continuous formation through choice of action."

Baldur stood tall, given the added benefit of being uphill, his ever present blue and white haori hung about him, sky blue save for the white flames along the hem, and the colors of sunset making up the rest of his kimono even as the sun set over the edge of his island. The tournament had finished, and while he had seen Night and Koga come this way, they appear to have disappeared. He would have to trust in Koga's heart, that he would look out for a friend. Instead, he found the woman who had scared him so in the tournament. He had almost intervened, but he had hoped that by using weapons which could deal no damage, that perhaps some catharsis could happen and prevent real weapons from being used.

"John Dewey." Baldur finally said, citing his quote.

His hands were slid up the sleeves, and known to only those close to him, one of the only times he wasn't wearing his typical katanas.

"Nari-Lanreth..." his voice was stern, but not uncompassionate. He addressed her as if she were a puzzle he was ruminating over. He had caught some of the discussion, and while it did not change his mind, it tempered him.

"You obviously have your own demons, and normally this is a place of healing and growth..." he paused, he didn't like the words he had to say. There was no time to get into nuance right now, however, so he would have to leave it up to fate and to her friends.

"However, you have violated the spirit of the tournament, and assaulted a guest in my house with extreme prejudice. The duels are inherently violent, but what you did..." he sighed, shook his head, and trailed off. She knew what she did.

"There must be consequences, and I am responsible for the protection of those under my roof. You have hurt someone very deeply, and therefore I must ask you to leave." He pursed his lips, unsure of his next words. "You are welcome back in the future, and if you want help, you will find it here... but not today, not tomorrow, not here anyways."

He looked at Oji, he had only caught the barest end of what the old man had said, and he gave him an approving nod.

"You both are free to come and go as you please, but please see that this woman is off the island... but more importantly ok."

He then turned his back on them. Pausing for a moment where they couldn't see his face as he sought more words to say. They were both hurting, but his responsibility was to the abused, not the abuser.

"You may have your reasons for what you did, but not the right..." He turned to glance over his shoulder, but paused, returning to face the party.

"Joy multiplies when it is shared among friends, but grief diminishes with every division."

And with that, the gaijin samurai returned to his party.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

It took Nari a moment to place the face and voice, before recognising the host of the entire event. As the words cited hovered in the air, Nari waited, pulling her knees further into herself, knowing what must be coming next. When the words did finally arrive, she felt a combination of emotions – sadness, at having done something so wrong; anger, at herself for allowing such a horrendous act to occur; finality, at finally receiving the consequence that she knew would arrive; and hope, hope at the chance that was given to grow from this occurrence.

She provided no vocal disagreement, nor acknowledgement as the man walked away, instead sending only a small request of friendship, with a single message tagged alongside it;

“I know that no words can make up for what I have done, but…as I look for redemption for actions taken, I hope that you would be able to guide me upon this Path – so that I can attest for what I have done here, and…mend the bonds that I have broken, the promises that I have previously destroyed.”

Without a word, she’ll accept the guidance away from the island, watching with sorrow filled eyes as it dwindles in the distance, her mind turning inwards, her emotions rolling within her – a turmoil she knew she would have to prepare herself to face. ‘One day…one day I’ll return, and fix what I have broken. I promise you this.’

@Baldur

Spoiler

Word Count: 240

 

[Raidou 1]

"Well said." The nomad remarked as he'd pass through the threshold, nursing a bubbling feeling in his chest that was still finding solidarity. "It is important that we learn and grow from our mistakes." A single passing phrase to @Nari-Lanreth as he'd make motions for a seat. Donned in an attire that had not seen use since the Tanabata event. Something that he'd kept but had no reason to wear.

A bit at the ends, uncomfortable. But even still, there was the taste of pride and happiness in these faces. This was a celebration of their definition, their strength. Even through it all, however, he'd seek a seat. Pulling out a small thermos, spinning the top and using it to take this steaming green mixture from the mouth.

The guy breathes against the fumes before taking a sip. An aura of calm about him, and with it the remnants of a smile. To those that would recognize him, he'd appear the same. Same glasses, same face. A silent composure that took its own space, one of serenity as it began to peruse the exchanges between the players below. Somewhere along the way, The Red Wanderer had found the time.

Spoiler

Raidou, Firm Anima Vanguard Captain
Level: 32
Paragon Level: 90
HP: 1000/1000
EN: 118/118

Stats:
Damage: 23
Mitigation: 69
Evasion: 3
Accuracy: 4
Battle Healing: 55
Loot Dice: 9
AA
V.D.: 110

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Auric Sunlight - Finality of Faith [T4/Demonic/2HSS] +3 Damage, AA
Armor: Red Wanderer's Resolve - Sympathy [T1/Demonic/Cloth] 2 Evasion, 2 Vampiric Defensive
Misc: Tactician's Gaze - Ogma [T1/Perfect/Trinket]: +3 Accuracy

Custom Skill:


Skills:
Straight Sword R5
Cloth Armor R5
Battle Healing R5
Howl
Searching R5
Fighting Spirit

Active Mods:
Detect
Athletics
Vengeful Riposte
Tracking
Justified Riposte

Inactive Mods:

Addons:
Nimble
Ferocity
Precision
Focused Howl
Stamina
Reveal

Active Extra Skills:
Parry
Survival
Forgotten King’s Authority
Concentration

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:

Housing Buffs:
Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat
Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)
Hard Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Delicious: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Advanced Training: +10% Exp to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
Decor []: This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.

Guild Hall Buffs:
Lucrative: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters receive +1 crafting attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters receive +2 crafting attempts per day.
Col Deposit: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild:
Tanos Statue: +25 Mitigation for a thread.

 

[Lessa 1]

“I’m…” Her voice trailed as Lessa lifted both hands, then let them drop again. How did she feel? Was she unhappy? “I’m nervous,” she finally decided. “The last time he and I dueled, it had a very big impact on us. And not in a good way.” Absently, she wiped her damp palms across her kimono’s pretty fabric. “It messed us up pretty bad, and I’m not sure we ever really talked it over.”

No, that battle topped the list of times she and Alkor never came to an understanding. When he had run her through with the weapon she’d forged him, Lessa had seen him as a monster. His complete disregard for her feelings later that evening only cemented her analysis. Even years later, the Calming the Soul quest had forced her to replay each painful moments, proving just how monumental the fight was.

And now she had to do it all again.

Her gaze flicked across the room, searching faces for Alkor’s. When she came up short, her eyes found Jomei’s again. “It’ll be okay,” she assured him, though it was evident even she didn’t believe the words. “I’ll figure it out. But thank you so much for worrying. I appreciate it.” Lessa reached out to pat Jomei’s shoulder, but the action was distracted - she was already staring off toward the dojo. “I’m going to go get changed.” With a tight-lipped smile, she added, “Wish me luck!”

[Jomei 0]

It seemed the emotions that tied to this duel between the two ran deep, though Lessa's explanation as to why only skimmed the surface. A previous duel between the two seemed to set the uneasy atmosphere that lingered between the two friends.. if they could even call themselves that. Lessa's feelings for Alkor were apparent, her mourning of his death, and caring for his well being. Alkor's were much less apparent, and tough to read --as the rest of the man was. It was obvious he help Lessa in high regard, though to what extent was unknown.

All he could do was nod as he listened to her, no words could hone in on the deeper meaning of this duel and why it ailed Lessa in such a way. However, she was quick to reassure Jomei that everything was going to be alright, or was she reassuring herself? A soft smile pierced through the concerned expression he wore as she thanked him for listening, a hand reaching out towards his shoulder. But as the gesture fell short, Jomei's smile faded, and the thread that connected their conjoined gaze snapped as his emerald eyes shifted from hers, realizing that her attention was drawn towards the location of this fated duel.

He wanted to add his own reassurance that everything would be okay. That she would find the answers she was looking for.. if that's what she longed to get out of his fight. He wasn't sure with the little information she had provided. Lids closed over his eyes for a moment, as he forced a small smile to push through the smog that kept him feeling lost. "Good luck." the ginger finally added softly as his chin turned to watch her wander off towards the dojo, a sigh that dropped his shoulders finally slipping through parted lips. 

Taking one last moment to himself, standing there alone, he turned towards the dojo as well. He came here for the excitement of the duels, and it sounded as though they were going to get their fill of it with these next match ups.

@Lessa

[Astralin 0]

"Oh, so you've heard of me? That's a first." Astralin remarked, not knowing that this player was somehow able to eavesdrop on her pre-battle conversation with Morgenstern. "Morning Star....Oh wait, you mean, as in the spiky mace thing, don't you..." She remarked, a drop of sweat from embarrassment forming as she remembered what the combined word was, and that it was't himself choosing his username to be a star that was still visible at dawn...though it would have been nice.

Morningstar continued, asking how Astralin's fight went. "Ah, it went well, actually! Sure, my opponent kind of gave me a bit of a scare near the end, buuuut it may have just been my reaction to that look in his eyes..." She admitted. "Anyway, I'm still in this thing, only two fights to go...well, preferably two..." She added, confirming her victory against Morgenstern. "How'd your fight go?" She'd ask the player after sitting down.

@Morningstar

[Hirru 0]

"I wouldn't say you're intruding, as this is for everyone here at the tournament.  I believe observers are also invited, so we'll have all the more reason to hear out the stories of others.  I can talk about the scar more later."

Hirru joked, but in reality, he didn't like the crowds.  There were too many voices to listen to, and he could only keep his attention on one or two at any given time.  However, his hearing seemed to wander to every single conversation at times.  Maybe it was his way of gathering as much information as possible, but it didn't seem to work out for him.

"Personally, the many voices kind of drown out the stories that I want to hear.  Too much to focus on, you know?  I prefer the one on ones, or two 'V' ones.  Though, the dinner won't be until we are fully done with the second rounds, whenever that is..  Probably soon, with how everyone is running around."

He was beginning to cheer up a bit more as he distracted himself from the odd feelings that have been bothering him the most.  Maybe, the interactions would be better for him?  He kind of doubted it, as he nearly ruined one other party that he had joined before.  This time was different, or it would be different.  There would be no situation where the hunter could..

get..

wet..

Hirru remembered that the dojo was completely surrounded by water, on a floating island, above the oceanic floor.  By all situations that he could get into, he was surrounded by water once more.  He sighed heavily.  It was an inevitability now, it would just be a matter of time before he would find himself wet once more.  With that, he would shrug before tugging at the line to see if anything was on it yet.  It didn't seem like it though.

"So, I still haven't gotten a story from you, yet.  Bits and pieces from your speech, but we can all speak in different ways to give off one story to another.  I think I got more from our little 'mallow' conversation than other times."

Spoiler

Fishing Exp: 107

Rank 2 - Journeyman Angler: Successfully fish up a material on a CD 7+. Critical catch a treasure chest on a LD 11+

Practiced Angler: +2 EXP & +1 LD & CD to attempts

[ID: 204018] [CD: 4+1=5] [LD: 19+1=20]  | Miss 3+2= 5 Exp

New Exp Total:  EXP 112

@Freyd

Edited February 24, 2022 by Hirru