Amos clapped, watching the five on their podiums. He was happy for them, really, but he couldn't help feeling a wrenching feeling. Will he be able to go up there with them? Where they stood, tall and proud? Amos laughed weakly, and began to pray silently in his own tongue.
Janti clapped for the contestants, truly happy for them. "And the games begin." Janti heard Jazmyn whisper from behind him. During the intermission, Janti went to try to talk to Ella. "Not so fast!"Jazmyn grabbed his arm, and tossed him to the ground. "What now?"He asked Jazmyn. "I know what your doing, and I will not let you be exiled from the Azumas." Janti looked at her, feeling guilty for not showing her the letter. "By the ancestors."She gasped reading him. "We have to win."
"Hmph..." Vencha scoffs as she leaves the podium with her master. "Did you honestly expect them to applaud you, Vencha?" Enlow mutters, not making eye contact. "You're a criminal to these people. The only reason you haven't been jailed yet is because of 'unforeseen circumstances '." "How flattering..." "You should be thankful to have me as an ally." Enlow grabs the Eye of Yl'nellfez from his pocket. It pulses, looking around at the crowd in a panicked fashion. "Without my influence, you would of been dead quite some time ago." "You always remind me, but how could I forget?" "Just a reminder dear." Enlow puts the eye away, then puts his hand on Vencha's shoulder. Tendrils emerge from Enlow's hand, and with a stroke, he draws blood. "As much as we are allies, it would be tragic if anyone found out about your past...'
Zurel stepped back up to the podium, ready to address the remaining crowd. "Welcome back after the intermission! Who's ready to see the rest of the contestants?" The crowd cheered, still hoping the next 5 will be less likely to spell doom for them.
@LordTachanka123 Zurel shushed the crowd, and then made his next announcement. "Our next contestant! A small fox with a big heart, the King of the Azuma Alliance, Janti!" A majority of the crowd cheered, pretty much everyone not associated with the thugs that Janti and Amos had fought in the bar. They had heard of the tale of the brave fox who defeated the thugs. Janti went up to the podium, Jazmyn following behind him. He bowed, then raised the Giving Sword and the crowd erupted in cheers once again.
@Aggroman15 Once the crowd calmed, and Janti had taken his place with the other contestants Zurel started announcing again. "Our next contestant is the King of Rysin, a master tactician, Tress!" The crowd cheered, probably louder than for any other contestant. No one knew much about Tress, but he reminded them of their last king, however dead he may be. Tress walked up to the podium, Joseph behind him, they took a bow, and continued on to the next contestants.
@Fallen_Lord_Vulganos The crowd settled once again, and Zurel announced the next contestant. "Our next contestant is the powerful ruler of Solstria, Lyse Shadowsworn! and her advisor, Namuras!" The crowd went silent, they didn't realize that a demon could even qualify as a ruler. The crowd started whispering anxiously. Lyse walked up to the podium with her Zombie Advisor in tow. She was smirking, knowing that she wouldn't get a warm welcome, but she didn't care. She took her place with the other contestants, the crowd still anxious.
@DrakeGladis Zurel continued announcing, even though the crowd was still uncomfortable with the last contestant. "Next we have a Lord of Einrich, Lord Regi-" Zurel stopped as one of the guards came up behind him and whispered something to him. He then held a discussion privately between the guards and other royalty on the podium with him. Zurel started again, just now finally regaining his composure. "It is a shame to tell you that Lord Reginald of Einrich has passed on to another life. In his place, the pirate captain of the ship The Court of Seas, Derain!" Some of the crowd cheers, some are stunned. "His advisor is another pirate, Neviad!" The two pirates walked up to the podium and gave head nods and tipped their hats.
@The-DM Zurel seemed content with his decisions so far, and was ready to announce the last contestant. "Our final contestant, the General of Zhong Xian, and a warrior of ancestors, Amos Tai!" The crowd cheered the same way they did for Janti. "His advisor, here in spirit, is his father Aois Tai!" The crowd gave hearty, yet confused cheers. Amos strode up to the podium, giving a bow. The crowd cheered for him once again, and he went to join the other contestants.
"Thank you for coming to this event here, and I congratulate all of this tournament's contestants!" Zurel said, the crowd cheered. After a few minutes, the crowd started to disperse, Zurel gathered the contestants and their advisors to talk with him, Ella and the two others that were there with him. "Now that the tournament has officially started, a few things need to be done. First off, these two here" Zurel said, pointing towards the small girl and the scout. "These are my other two siblings, my younger brother Domiel, the head of the exploration force." Domiel waved and said "Hello, friends."
Zurel then point towards the little girl "and this is my younger sister, Sue. One of the best wizards we have in the kingdom" Sue nodded "Thank you brother, I look forward to seeing what you contestants can do."
Zurel continued "After this, you will have the rest of this day and tomorrow to relax and see some of the city.
"After that though, is when your struggles really begin. The morning of the day after tomorrow, you will need to show up and meet the sponsors of this tournament. After meeting them, you will show off your skills in a training ring, so that a sponsor can choose you. Myself, my siblings and 6 others will be the sponsors. That night, you will attend the contenders feast, where all questions will be answered, sponsorships will be finalized, and you will be introduced to the traditions of the kingdom with the Royale Ball, a fancy party where you will be introduced to some of the most important people in the kingdom, and they will be introduced to your cultures. Finally, that night, you will be read for your elemental sign, and your training for the actual tournament will begin.
Actual First Challenge, Due Sunday May 3rd by 12:00 PM EST. Create a card Describing what you are doing during your downtime.
Clarissa looks at the others contestants with a somewhat troubled look, but doesn't say a word if not asked. After the ceremony, she takes a bow, formally saluting Zurel and his sibling, before leaving the stage. Bellatrix walks beside her, not so happy about the presentation.
"Do not worry, dear Bellatrix. I know you don't like being put on the spotlight, but think of it this way... We are not the worst contestants in the list. I would put our position between fourth and fifth place."
Bellatrix looks around, trying to cover herself in the shade of the houses. "I am aware, Lady Clarissa... I couldn't help but notice the note of distrust of the crowd towards some of the others... But the nonchalanche of Lord Zurel is just on a whole new level. Do you have a plan in mind, my Lady?"
Clarissa mumbled for a bit, then spoke up, whispering. "Bellatrix, I need you to go around the city, spy the other contestants if needed. Our objective right now is to gain the favor of the city's inhabitants. Be it fishermen or soldiers. Am I clear?"
Bellatrix nodded. "Yes, my Queen. I'll send you reports in two days." Then she went in a lone alleyway and changed shape, becoming a beautiful paesant girl, after which she went off.
Meanwhile, Clarissa will use her downtime to make a name for herself in the capital's inns and taverns (redirecting the attention to herself, so that the townsfolk will just avoid questioning Bellatrix's magic arts).
Well, after the ceremony Harveth and Adam thanked Zurel and talked with the handful of people who didn't immediately try to avoid him as soon as he came near.
"Well, that was better then I expected." Said harveth
"That doesn't mean they like you though, that just means there are people they hate more than you." said Adam.
"Well, what do you suggest then?"
"I think you should try to help some of the townsfolk, try to get them to not be abjectly terrified of you."
"Perhaps that would be a plan. For you though, I would like you to see how the rest are doing with the harvest, and if the zombies are getting overpopulated. I will help you after I befriend some of the people."
"Alright then, just don't lose your head in front of them, they take it as very unusual behavior."
I am sorry to say that I will not be able to meet up with you until sponsors are chosen, for fear of the other contestants(Or maybe even one of your siblings) accusing me of attempting to trick you into sponsorship through other ways. I hope things are going well for you, and give Zurel my thanks for his assistance in me and your uncle's argument. By nine tails, Janti
(Side note:This card is only useful if used in conjunction with the giving/gifting sword.)
Jazmyn sheathed her blade, then stared at Janti, worried. Jazmyn NEVER beat Janti in a sword fight. "You missed a perfect opportunity for a parry"She told him casually. "And you missed a perfect opportunity to go for the heart."He said halfheartedly(Full pun intended). Janti walked off, as if in a daze. It was then that Jazmyn noticed the ink on his fingers. "You wrote to her, didn't you?" "None of your business."He responded, with a lot more heart. "As long as your not with her personally."Jazmyn attempted to tell him, and then noticed he had teleported away. "Bastard foxes." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another arrow pierced right through the training dummy's heart. Which was not a theoretic statement, as the nobility of the Alliance actually stuffed hearts into their dummies. "Um, I heard that I know something that you wanted?"A bigger man spoke, coming behind the archer. "Ah, yes, you must be the vendor."The archer told the man. "Actually, I prefer the term me-" "Whatever term you want, buddy.Now, tell me what I need to know." "Oh, uh, okay.I just like, saw a little fox dude walkin' with the princess.Can I have my reward now?" "Yes, yes you can." And with one movement, an arrow pierced the man's heart, which soon would be used to stuff a dummy. "Thank you for your services."
After greeting a great many of citizens, Amos left the grounds and traveled to a lonely spot in the forest. After making sure it was safe, Amos delved into Ancestral Commune. He was going to be doing this more often, with urging from his father. Aois wanted Amos to spiritually train with his Ancestors, and adapt with their styles of training.
(Entry for first challenge.)
His family comprised of his mother, a wind artist, and his sister, who is following their mother's path. Amos was more like his father, even though he hated to admit it.
Janti was happy when he received a note from Ella, reading: I understand.
While it was short, it was something. What really put Janti off though was the handwriting.It was quite possibly the second most beautiful thing Janti had ever seen. As Janti went off into the forest to hunt for someone to talk to, hopefully a rabbit, he heard a wispy voice. Following it, he saw Amos doing some sort of meditation.Not caring to stay, he left. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Janti did find a rabbit to speak too, and for the rest of the day he had no more stomach problems.
LordTachanka123, his mother is a Wind Artist, a certain archetype in the ranks of the Zhong Xian army typically used to deflect arrows, make arrows fly faster, and knock enemy fliers out of the sky.
"Tehanu."
The druid turned from where the window she was looking out of. "Deciding how to spend the next day or two?"
Zairi smiled. "Actually, I've already decided."
"Oh?"
"Relax, Tehanu," Zairi said. "It isn't a social event. The Nine know there's going to be enough of those."
"Then what do you have in mind? And don't tell me it's studying magic again. You need to focus on the task at hand." "Well..." Zairi said. She laughed at Tehanu's glare. "No. I was actually thinking of exploring the city. Undercover, of course. There's a market today, and I wanted to see what it has to offer."
"I'm coming with you, then," Tehanu said. She picked up her staff and walked over to Zairi. "I don't trust some of our fellow contestants." "Don't you have other business?" Zairi asked.
"Oh, that?" Tehanu replied, eyes twinkling behind her mask. "Let's just say that a friend of mine is taking care of it."
"Can somebody get me some tea!"Tenguin called out for one of the servants. A figure came in, carrying the tea, and then left. Tenguin took one taste of it, and then yelled out"Some sugar as well!" This time a smaller figure came in, gave him some sugar, and then left. Tenguin, not having his mind on the tea, poured the whole thing in. "Dang it!"He cursed, and then took a sip. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Janti made his way out carefully, full grin on his face, and then dispelled his disguise. He tossed the salt out the window, ran through the halls, and heard a yell. "JANTI!!!!!"
@LordTachanka123 I hate having to nitpick every time, but all the other guys are limiting themselves to one roleplay, just to introduce the card for the contest. I don't think that NOW we are supposed to be doing anything else aside from posting our card.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, some people made a point of avoiding Enlow. Up until now, he had been somewhat liked by townsfolk for his deeds, which frequently included healing rituals and divinations upfront. Now that they knew he was associated with Vencha, let alone that she was his advisor, they obviously would never see him the same again.
As the two walked through the crowd, Enlow was grabbed by the cuff by a burly farmer, a client whose sick daughter regularly visited Enlow for treatment. Enlow smirks, not moving an inch. "Getting handsy, are we-" "Don't you ever touch my daughter again!" The farmer yells. Some people in the crowd turn to see the altercation. "I thought you performed magic, not witchcraft! This assistant of yours is nothing but trouble! A warlock!" "The end justifies the means, Ross. Your daughter is being treated, is she not? Why should you care about where I source her treatment?" "Enlow, I think you've said enough," Vencha interjects. "You don't want a bad first impression, do you?" "These people can think of me what they want. I have only the best of intentions for this plane. It's up to them to accept it." "...do what you want, heretic." The man pushes Enlow away and runs, a guard pursuing. "Looks like I should of asked Daena to come with me instead." "That miserable hag? You'd lose the tournament no doubt, trust me. You were right choosing me. I won't disappoint you..."
The Next Day, Enlow's Manor, Underground Chamber
Steam fills the air as Enlow steps out of a hot spring, drying himself off before putting his formal attire on. He walks back up to the ground floor, stepping outside to a carriage. A man is sitting inside, and is pleased to see him.
"Master Enlow." "Good morning, Reinhart," Enlow returns. "Where's Vencha?" "She'll meet us. Did they receive the invitations?" "Yes. All 37 people we can confirm know about Vencha's crime have received the tickets and have made plans to attend the show." "Splendid work, Reinhart. Now let's get going.."
Two Hours Later, South Riyin Theater
Hundreds have gathered inside the theater, a fairly modern indoor theater built just ten years ago. Spectators fill the wooden seats as an orchestra fills the pits. Enlow and Reinhart walk through the theater to the upper seats and along the path leading to one of the skyboxes. Enlow unlocks the French doors, and they step inside to a fine room lit with candles, closing and locking the door behind them. A wooden table and chair sit within, with another set of doors leading to the balcony. Enlow grabs a candlestick on the table and pulls, revealing a hidden keyhole. He unlocks it, and begins to turn the table, opening a hidden staircase...
As the two reach the bottom, they enter a strange, dark chamber. The floor is covered with bloody markings from rituals, sacrifices, and the occasional murder. Leaning against the wall is Vencha, who welcomes the two.
"Is the spell prepared?" Enlow asks her. "Of course. I take matters like this seriously." "Good. We can't have people sullying my good name before I have a chance at the throne. After all, people already suspect you are a cult leader. If they find out your connection with The String, the damage done to my reputation would be irreparable. Now... ensure all of the 'rumor mongers' are here. If any are missing, send our minions on a 'personal visit.' Otherwise... Vencha. You can take it from here..."
After Reinhart finishes his investigation, Vencha puts on a thoroughly disguising costume and goes backstage. The next performance could be anything, from a tragedy to a comedy, but today, it was an opera, and her voice wouldn't be the only thing captivating the audience. With the 37 all bearing their envelopes laced with magic, a spell secretly cast during the performance was all it took for them to be on Enlow's side.
The next morning, Janti woke up from a nightmare. It was his brother shooting him through the heart, which could mean lots of things. The kitsunes believed that dreams were signs from the ancestors, and Janti took that to heart.
Breakfast
"Hey Jazmyn, I just had a dream of-"Janti began, and then noticed that Jazmyn was looking startled, scared, and angry all at the same time. "What is it Jaz?"He asked, not knowing if he was being haunted by a ghost, or if Harveth had come to say hello. Jazmyn had always hated the undead. "We need to go."She urgently told him, grabbing him by the hands and running for the entrance. The other contestants didn't seem to give odd stares, but looked almost the same as Jazmyn had. Mainly the startled part. Jazmyn, forgetting for a moment who Janti was, attempted going out the door. Janti decided to teleport them both out. "Vashati!"Jazmyn cursed at the sudden movement. "Jazmyn!There are children around!"Janti told her, still not noticing anything. "JANTI! THE SHIP IS BURNING!"Jazmyn yelled at him, which for a moment had his face look startled. But just for a moment.
After putting out the fire
After the fire was extinguished, Janti teleported into the broken down ship to look for survivors. What he found would have been better suited for a horror novel. Bodies, blistered and burned to the point where no one could recognize them scattered the walls. One of the crew mates had his entire leg burned off. As Janti was about to leave, he saw a movement. A leg. And then a croak. "It...was...j" Silence.
@LordTachanka123 If you're on mobile, you can't. Otherwise, you can use code to shrink the card. After inserting it, you click the </> symbol to go into coding (if you aren't already) go to the image code (which looks something like
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Comments
"And the games begin." Janti heard Jazmyn whisper from behind him.
During the intermission, Janti went to try to talk to Ella.
"Not so fast!"Jazmyn grabbed his arm, and tossed him to the ground.
"What now?"He asked Jazmyn.
"I know what your doing, and I will not let you be exiled from the Azumas."
Janti looked at her, feeling guilty for not showing her the letter.
"By the ancestors."She gasped reading him.
"We have to win."
"Did you honestly expect them to applaud you, Vencha?" Enlow mutters, not making eye contact. "You're a criminal to these people. The only reason you haven't been jailed yet is because of 'unforeseen circumstances '."
"How flattering..."
"You should be thankful to have me as an ally." Enlow grabs the Eye of Yl'nellfez from his pocket. It pulses, looking around at the crowd in a panicked fashion. "Without my influence, you would of been dead quite some time ago."
"You always remind me, but how could I forget?"
"Just a reminder dear." Enlow puts the eye away, then puts his hand on Vencha's shoulder. Tendrils emerge from Enlow's hand, and with a stroke, he draws blood. "As much as we are allies, it would be tragic if anyone found out about your past...'
@LordTachanka123 Zurel shushed the crowd, and then made his next announcement. "Our next contestant! A small fox with a big heart, the King of the Azuma Alliance, Janti!" A majority of the crowd cheered, pretty much everyone not associated with the thugs that Janti and Amos had fought in the bar. They had heard of the tale of the brave fox who defeated the thugs. Janti went up to the podium, Jazmyn following behind him. He bowed, then raised the Giving Sword and the crowd erupted in cheers once again.
@Aggroman15 Once the crowd calmed, and Janti had taken his place with the other contestants Zurel started announcing again. "Our next contestant is the King of Rysin, a master tactician, Tress!" The crowd cheered, probably louder than for any other contestant. No one knew much about Tress, but he reminded them of their last king, however dead he may be. Tress walked up to the podium, Joseph behind him, they took a bow, and continued on to the next contestants.
@Fallen_Lord_Vulganos The crowd settled once again, and Zurel announced the next contestant. "Our next contestant is the powerful ruler of Solstria, Lyse Shadowsworn! and her advisor, Namuras!" The crowd went silent, they didn't realize that a demon could even qualify as a ruler. The crowd started whispering anxiously. Lyse walked up to the podium with her Zombie Advisor in tow. She was smirking, knowing that she wouldn't get a warm welcome, but she didn't care. She took her place with the other contestants, the crowd still anxious.
@DrakeGladis Zurel continued announcing, even though the crowd was still uncomfortable with the last contestant. "Next we have a Lord of Einrich, Lord Regi-" Zurel stopped as one of the guards came up behind him and whispered something to him. He then held a discussion privately between the guards and other royalty on the podium with him. Zurel started again, just now finally regaining his composure. "It is a shame to tell you that Lord Reginald of Einrich has passed on to another life. In his place, the pirate captain of the ship The Court of Seas, Derain!" Some of the crowd cheers, some are stunned. "His advisor is another pirate, Neviad!" The two pirates walked up to the podium and gave head nods and tipped their hats.
@The-DM Zurel seemed content with his decisions so far, and was ready to announce the last contestant. "Our final contestant, the General of Zhong Xian, and a warrior of ancestors, Amos Tai!" The crowd cheered the same way they did for Janti. "His advisor, here in spirit, is his father Aois Tai!" The crowd gave hearty, yet confused cheers. Amos strode up to the podium, giving a bow. The crowd cheered for him once again, and he went to join the other contestants.
"Thank you for coming to this event here, and I congratulate all of this tournament's contestants!" Zurel said, the crowd cheered. After a few minutes, the crowd started to disperse, Zurel gathered the contestants and their advisors to talk with him, Ella and the two others that were there with him. "Now that the tournament has officially started, a few things need to be done. First off, these two here" Zurel said, pointing towards the small girl and the scout. "These are my other two siblings, my younger brother Domiel, the head of the exploration force." Domiel waved and said "Hello, friends."
Zurel then point towards the little girl "and this is my younger sister, Sue. One of the best wizards we have in the kingdom" Sue nodded "Thank you brother, I look forward to seeing what you contestants can do."
Zurel continued "After this, you will have the rest of this day and tomorrow to relax and see some of the city.
"After that though, is when your struggles really begin. The morning of the day after tomorrow, you will need to show up and meet the sponsors of this tournament. After meeting them, you will show off your skills in a training ring, so that a sponsor can choose you. Myself, my siblings and 6 others will be the sponsors. That night, you will attend the contenders feast, where all questions will be answered, sponsorships will be finalized, and you will be introduced to the traditions of the kingdom with the Royale Ball, a fancy party where you will be introduced to some of the most important people in the kingdom, and they will be introduced to your cultures. Finally, that night, you will be read for your elemental sign, and your training for the actual tournament will begin.
Actual First Challenge, Due Sunday May 3rd by 12:00 PM EST. Create a card Describing what you are doing during your downtime.
Scaccogaming
KorandAngels
Tommia
@SpellPiper2213
@Abu_Jafar
LordTachanka123
Aggroman15
Fallen_Lord_Vulganos
DrakeGladis
@The-DM
Good Luck To You All
Bellatrix walks beside her, not so happy about the presentation.
"Do not worry, dear Bellatrix. I know you don't like being put on the spotlight, but think of it this way... We are not the worst contestants in the list. I would put our position between fourth and fifth place."
Bellatrix looks around, trying to cover herself in the shade of the houses. "I am aware, Lady Clarissa... I couldn't help but notice the note of distrust of the crowd towards some of the others... But the nonchalanche of Lord Zurel is just on a whole new level. Do you have a plan in mind, my Lady?"
Clarissa mumbled for a bit, then spoke up, whispering. "Bellatrix, I need you to go around the city, spy the other contestants if needed. Our objective right now is to gain the favor of the city's inhabitants. Be it fishermen or soldiers. Am I clear?"
Bellatrix nodded. "Yes, my Queen. I'll send you reports in two days." Then she went in a lone alleyway and changed shape, becoming a beautiful paesant girl, after which she went off.
Meanwhile, Clarissa will use her downtime to make a name for herself in the capital's inns and taverns (redirecting the attention to herself, so that the townsfolk will just avoid questioning Bellatrix's magic arts).
"Well, that was better then I expected." Said harveth
"That doesn't mean they like you though, that just means there are people they hate more than you." said Adam.
"Well, what do you suggest then?"
"I think you should try to help some of the townsfolk, try to get them to not be abjectly terrified of you."
"Perhaps that would be a plan. For you though, I would like you to see how the rest are doing with the harvest, and if the zombies are getting overpopulated. I will help you after I befriend some of the people."
"Alright then, just don't lose your head in front of them, they take it as very unusual behavior."
The card:
I am sorry to say that I will not be able to meet up with you until sponsors are chosen, for fear of the other contestants(Or maybe even one of your siblings) accusing me of attempting to trick you into sponsorship through other ways.
I hope things are going well for you, and give Zurel my thanks for his assistance in me and your uncle's argument.
By nine tails, Janti
(Side note:This card is only useful if used in conjunction with the giving/gifting sword.)
Jazmyn NEVER beat Janti in a sword fight.
"You missed a perfect opportunity for a parry"She told him casually.
"And you missed a perfect opportunity to go for the heart."He said halfheartedly(Full pun intended).
Janti walked off, as if in a daze. It was then that Jazmyn noticed the ink on his fingers.
"You wrote to her, didn't you?"
"None of your business."He responded, with a lot more heart.
"As long as your not with her personally."Jazmyn attempted to tell him, and then noticed he had teleported away.
"Bastard foxes."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another arrow pierced right through the training dummy's heart.
Which was not a theoretic statement, as the nobility of the Alliance actually stuffed hearts into their dummies.
"Um, I heard that I know something that you wanted?"A bigger man spoke, coming behind the archer.
"Ah, yes, you must be the vendor."The archer told the man.
"Actually, I prefer the term me-"
"Whatever term you want, buddy.Now, tell me what I need to know."
"Oh, uh, okay.I just like, saw a little fox dude walkin' with the princess.Can I have my reward now?"
"Yes, yes you can."
And with one movement, an arrow pierced the man's heart, which soon would be used to stuff a dummy.
"Thank you for your services."
(Entry for first challenge.)
His family comprised of his mother, a wind artist, and his sister, who is following their mother's path. Amos was more like his father, even though he hated to admit it.
I understand.
While it was short, it was something.
What really put Janti off though was the handwriting.It was quite possibly the second most beautiful thing Janti had ever seen.
As Janti went off into the forest to hunt for someone to talk to, hopefully a rabbit, he heard a wispy voice.
Following it, he saw Amos doing some sort of meditation.Not caring to stay, he left.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Janti did find a rabbit to speak too, and for the rest of the day he had no more stomach problems.
Jazmyn's free time card.
Edit:This is not trying to get more points, I am just trying to make some story.This doesn't even have to be an entry.
The druid turned from where the window she was looking out of. "Deciding how to spend the next day or two?"
Zairi smiled. "Actually, I've already decided."
"Oh?"
"Relax, Tehanu," Zairi said. "It isn't a social event. The Nine know there's going to be enough of those."
"Then what do you have in mind? And don't tell me it's studying magic again. You need to focus on the task at hand."
"Well..." Zairi said. She laughed at Tehanu's glare. "No. I was actually thinking of exploring the city. Undercover, of course. There's a market today, and I wanted to see what it has to offer."
"I'm coming with you, then," Tehanu said. She picked up her staff and walked over to Zairi. "I don't trust some of our fellow contestants."
"Don't you have other business?" Zairi asked.
"Oh, that?" Tehanu replied, eyes twinkling behind her mask. "Let's just say that a friend of mine is taking care of it."
A figure came in, carrying the tea, and then left.
Tenguin took one taste of it, and then yelled out"Some sugar as well!"
This time a smaller figure came in, gave him some sugar, and then left.
Tenguin, not having his mind on the tea, poured the whole thing in.
"Dang it!"He cursed, and then took a sip.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Janti made his way out carefully, full grin on his face, and then dispelled his disguise.
He tossed the salt out the window, ran through the halls, and heard a yell.
"JANTI!!!!!"
As the two walked through the crowd, Enlow was grabbed by the cuff by a burly farmer, a client whose sick daughter regularly visited Enlow for treatment. Enlow smirks, not moving an inch. "Getting handsy, are we-"
"Don't you ever touch my daughter again!" The farmer yells. Some people in the crowd turn to see the altercation. "I thought you performed magic, not witchcraft! This assistant of yours is nothing but trouble! A warlock!"
"The end justifies the means, Ross. Your daughter is being treated, is she not? Why should you care about where I source her treatment?"
"Enlow, I think you've said enough," Vencha interjects. "You don't want a bad first impression, do you?"
"These people can think of me what they want. I have only the best of intentions for this plane. It's up to them to accept it."
"...do what you want, heretic." The man pushes Enlow away and runs, a guard pursuing.
"Looks like I should of asked Daena to come with me instead."
"That miserable hag? You'd lose the tournament no doubt, trust me. You were right choosing me. I won't disappoint you..."
The Next Day, Enlow's Manor, Underground Chamber
Steam fills the air as Enlow steps out of a hot spring, drying himself off before putting his formal attire on. He walks back up to the ground floor, stepping outside to a carriage. A man is sitting inside, and is pleased to see him.
"Master Enlow."
"Good morning, Reinhart," Enlow returns.
"Where's Vencha?"
"She'll meet us. Did they receive the invitations?"
"Yes. All 37 people we can confirm know about Vencha's crime have received the tickets and have made plans to attend the show."
"Splendid work, Reinhart. Now let's get going.."
Two Hours Later, South Riyin Theater
Hundreds have gathered inside the theater, a fairly modern indoor theater built just ten years ago. Spectators fill the wooden seats as an orchestra fills the pits. Enlow and Reinhart walk through the theater to the upper seats and along the path leading to one of the skyboxes. Enlow unlocks the French doors, and they step inside to a fine room lit with candles, closing and locking the door behind them. A wooden table and chair sit within, with another set of doors leading to the balcony. Enlow grabs a candlestick on the table and pulls, revealing a hidden keyhole. He unlocks it, and begins to turn the table, opening a hidden staircase...
As the two reach the bottom, they enter a strange, dark chamber. The floor is covered with bloody markings from rituals, sacrifices, and the occasional murder. Leaning against the wall is Vencha, who welcomes the two.
"Is the spell prepared?" Enlow asks her.
"Of course. I take matters like this seriously."
"Good. We can't have people sullying my good name before I have a chance at the throne. After all, people already suspect you are a cult leader. If they find out your connection with The String, the damage done to my reputation would be irreparable. Now... ensure all of the 'rumor mongers' are here. If any are missing, send our minions on a 'personal visit.' Otherwise... Vencha. You can take it from here..."
After Reinhart finishes his investigation, Vencha puts on a thoroughly disguising costume and goes backstage. The next performance could be anything, from a tragedy to a comedy, but today, it was an opera, and her voice wouldn't be the only thing captivating the audience. With the 37 all bearing their envelopes laced with magic, a spell secretly cast during the performance was all it took for them to be on Enlow's side.
The kitsunes believed that dreams were signs from the ancestors, and Janti took that to heart.
Breakfast
"Hey Jazmyn, I just had a dream of-"Janti began, and then noticed that Jazmyn was looking startled, scared, and angry all at the same time."What is it Jaz?"He asked, not knowing if he was being haunted by a ghost, or if Harveth had come to say hello. Jazmyn had always hated the undead.
"We need to go."She urgently told him, grabbing him by the hands and running for the entrance.
The other contestants didn't seem to give odd stares, but looked almost the same as Jazmyn had. Mainly the startled part.
Jazmyn, forgetting for a moment who Janti was, attempted going out the door.
Janti decided to teleport them both out.
"Vashati!"Jazmyn cursed at the sudden movement.
"Jazmyn!There are children around!"Janti told her, still not noticing anything.
"JANTI! THE SHIP IS BURNING!"Jazmyn yelled at him, which for a moment had his face look startled.
But just for a moment.
After putting out the fire
After the fire was extinguished, Janti teleported into the broken down ship to look for survivors.What he found would have been better suited for a horror novel.
Bodies, blistered and burned to the point where no one could recognize them scattered the walls. One of the crew mates had his entire leg burned off.
As Janti was about to leave, he saw a movement.
A leg.
And then a croak.
"It...was...j"
Silence.