Another night in the faux Inn... The man, covered in his brown shroud, sat across from you and the rest of the people from the day before, and he began once again.

 

"Back again today, I see..."

 

The man looked around at those seated, a faint cackle escaped from his throat. With no less than the arrival of the first round of drinks, it started again.

 

"Our story starts with some young lads and maiden's, dancers and fighters, grace, and brutality."

 

With that, your mind melted away, the images of multiple people began to float in your mind as the world around you, this inn, seemed to almost vanish...

 

"Our first scene: In the school grounds, midday, the students have been let out for lunch break..."

 

Day one: DNA of the Heart

 

 

Midday, Year 278, ENDLESS

 

The sun hung above the school of barbarians and entertainers quite lightly this day. One could only dream of such a nice day to be outside, the sun was just right, it smelled of Spring, fresh grass and newly-bloomed flowers peppered the air in their unique smell, the near-by lake shimmered  in the sunlight. A day like this was not one to be spent in a classroom, so when that bell rung, not a soul, not even the faculty could resist such a glorious day. 

 

At the center of the school's inner grounds, a fountain sat, water gently bubbling out of the faucets at the top. A blade and a ribbon, sculpted in stone, sat atop this fountain. And soon, student's decorated the benches near by. Chatting, eating, the like. Some of hem hoped to go for a quick swim in the lake before class started again, others were just genuinely glad they were able to smell the fresh air of the out doors as they sat on the cobble stone floor in the quad....

 

The lake, many called in Fluorspar Lake, was in the wide open, save a few oak trees in the landscape, providing shade and a spot for a swing, and the small cliff overlooking it which many a person dived into. The shimmering, clear water showed the fluorspar gemstones that could be found in its sand....

 

(Alright! So, for your starting post, you have either the choice of the School Quad, or the Lake to start at. For sake of ease, when entering an area you do not know much about the appearance of, put some sort of mark to indicate this. Something like a "..." or a dash will do.)

Rune watched in awe as the three of them fought. Gracefully, roughly, bluntly. A crowd of the people that sat around the area started to form around, giving enough space for the rights to fight without having anyone not in the fight take any wrong hits. It was outstanding. Rune had always appreciated the talents of fighters. They had to be mentally and physically strong in order to fight and protect themselves and others. That wasn't something that was easily done. Just as dancers had their own difficulties to overcome, fighters had theirs, and Rune respected them equally, despite his brother's protest. "I kind of want to cheer on, but I don't know who to cheer on for!" Rune said as he watched the fight. Instead he decided to cheer for all three. "Come on guys, you can do it! Whoo-hoo!" Rune cheered.

 

Runa barely managed to hear her mention his name. He felt embarrassed to see her laugh. But maybe it was a good thing? "A-Alyssa! That's a beautiful name! Did you know that it means of Noble Kind? Fits you rather well, if you ask me." Runa said. "(Ok, I think I'll stop before I make a fool out of myself and Rune has to come by and lecture me about it.)" Runa thought, gulping a bit as he found his courage, instead letting Alexander take care of the conversation as he seemed more confident. As he did, his own body felt the pressure, and steam started to rise up from his skin in thought.

Syfe leapt back as fast as possible when his attack failed, dodging both Hektor and Derik's slashes. He recovered in a second, and clicked his dualblade into twin swords. He watched for but a second as the other two squabbled for a second before they separated. Syfe saw and immediately took advantage of an opening Derik had left himself with. He was currently bladeless, but if he didn't act now, it would not stay that way for long. Syfe ran quickly, then slid towards Derik. He swung widely with one of his swords as he did so, though that attack was meant more as spacing than anything else. While he swung, his feet neared the fallen scimitar and he kicked it away, with enough force to send it spinning a decent distance away from both of them. Syfe leaped to his feet, using the upwards momentum to slice powerfully with both of his swords in a skyward motion.~~~~Rija continued to not hesitate. She was raised to help others, no matter the cost to herself. She was not going to stop now. Rija knelt down next to Oume. "I know you feel hurt, betrayed by the world, and full of rage, but I think you know what you need to do to. Right now though, I think you need to take a deep breath, then think about what you want to do. What you are saying is fueled purely by rage, surely you know that launching yourself towards killing them is nothing but harmful to you and the world. If your only purpose is vengeance, then you are no better than them right? A fighter fights to protect, not to kill." Rija spoke to him, her voice soft, attempting to get through to him.~~~~Alyssa looked to Runa. Had he just... tried to flirt? Seemed like it. He was really bad at it. Like really bad. She could not help but giggle softly at him. Being hit on was definitely one thing she understood, and of course, she had shyly rejected everyone. She had not however, laughed at any of them. Until Runa of course. The Dancer heard Alexander talking, and turned to him now. She nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear before she answered. "My name is, uh, it's Alyssa." She said, about as quiet as a mouse.

(Nicely done. Nicely done.)Derik watched as Syfe rushed in, Derik threw his weight backwards into a flip, making sure to avoid where his sliding kick went. He rose with a slash after kicking his schimitar away. With Derik out of reach of the slash, it was time to fight unarmed. "I won't be needing this, if that is how we're fighting..." he thought, dropping his coat off. A loud thud sounded off, his body almost seems to grow an inch after the pressure was aleviated. He rolled his shoulders out, giving himself a good stretch as he took a back stance, his body prepped for the next assault.

Syfe leapt back as fast as possible when his attack failed, dodging both Hektor and Derik's slashes. He recovered in a second, and clicked his dualblade into twin swords. He watched for but a second as the other two squabbled for a second before they separated. Syfe saw and immediately took advantage of an opening Derik had left himself with. He was currently bladeless, but if he didn't act now, it would not stay that way for long. Syfe ran quickly, then slid towards Derik. He swung widely with one of his swords as he did so, though that attack was meant more as spacing than anything else. While he swung, his feet neared the fallen scimitar and he kicked it away, with enough force to send it spinning a decent distance away from both of them. Syfe leaped to his feet, using the upwards momentum to slice powerfully with both of his swords in a skyward motion.

~~~~

Rija continued to not hesitate. She was raised to help others, no matter the cost to herself. She was not going to stop now. Rija knelt down next to Oume. "I know you feel hurt, betrayed by the world, and full of rage, but I think you know what you need to do to. Right now though, I think you need to take a deep breath, then think about what you want to do. What you are saying is fueled purely by rage, surely you know that launching yourself towards killing them is nothing but harmful to you and the world. If your only purpose is vengeance, then you are no better than them right? A fighter fights to protect, not to kill." Rija spoke to him, her voice soft, attempting to get through to him.

~~~~

Alyssa looked to Runa. Had he just... tried to flirt? Seemed like it. He was really bad at it. Like really bad. She could not help but giggle softly at him. Being hit on was definitely one thing she understood, and of course, she had shyly rejected everyone. She had not however, laughed at any of them. Until Runa of course. The Dancer heard Alexander talking, and turned to him now. She nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear before she answered. "My name is, uh, it's Alyssa." She said, about as quiet as a mouse.

Oume took a deep breath, wiped his tears, and looked towards Rija. Then looked down, thinking to himself 'I know she's right, and maybe...' He stood back up and looked back towards Rija telling her. "I know I will be hard to keep under control, but..." He reach out his hand towards her to help her up, asking  "Do you want to be my partner? I don't think there is anyone else who is able to help me, my scars run to deep for me to carry." After asking the question he thought to himself, 'Crap... She probably already has a partner...' He looked at her again and told himself, 'Well, I already asked so it's to late now.'

(Shit just got serious)

 

 

"Can you blame me?" Hektor asked as Derik commented about his earlier attack, "I saw the opportunity and I went for it." he commented, it seemed as Syfe was going directly at Derik the whole time, seeing Syfe's attack and how Derik handled it, and upon seeing Derik's coat hitting the floor "A reinforced coat I see." he commented as he quickly ran at Derik, feigning a slash as he quickly spun around Derik and slashed four times in quick succession with his cane, close enough range that Deirk would have a hard time grabbing the tip, and as he couldn't exactly block the edged sides, and the last slash was an upward one, and Hektor quickly followed it with a back flip to gain distance. "I do hate to fight someone unarmed, but I don't think it'l make much of a difference will it?" He commented.

 

///

 

Alexander couldn't help but laugh a bit as Alyssa did so well, at Runa's attempted flirting. Alexander let out a soft smile as Alyssa told him her name, "Nice to meet you Alyssa." He said with a friendly tone, "Well, Alyssa, Runa, why don't we go back to the lake, the crowd should be gone by now." He said, "Do say Alyssa, is having crowds following you everywhere a common to you?" he couldn't help but ask.

Edited May 11, 201510 yr by Scrapmaster

(Shit just got serious)

  "Can you blame me?" Hektor asked as Derik commented about his earlier attack, "I saw the opportunity and I went for it." he commented, it seemed as Syfe was going directly at Derik the whole time, seeing Syfe's attack and how Derik handled it, and upon seeing Derik's coat hitting the floor "A reinforced coat I see." he commented as he quickly ran at Derik, feigning a slash as he quickly spun around Derik and slashed four times in quick succession with his cane, close enough range that Deirk would have a hard time grabbing the tip, and as he couldn't exactly block the edged sides, and the last slash was an upward one, and Hektor quickly followed it with a back flip to gain distance. "I do hate to fight someone unarmed, but I don't think it'l make much of a difference will it?" He commented.

Derik slid back with the instant of Hektor's spin, then came the slashes. The first three he was able to evade no problem, but the upward slash forced him to slide his back foot around, with this, he kept stance. "It will only mean I'm staying on defense for a while." Derik said in reply.

Shela's face fell upon hearing Oume's story.  The same as hers.  Homes destroyed, lives lost.  She felt his pain, and, truthfully, sided with his plight, even if revenge wasn't the ethical manner of proceeding.  "But what if"--she voiced, throat dry--"killing was a manner of protecting?  These people, they have to be stopped.  They're burning homes down, taking lives, and surely destroying innocents in all manners.  Letting them live is like failing to protect, and letting these people down."  The blue-haired swordswoman shook her head.  "I understand what you're saying, Rija, but these people have hurt so many, and done so much."

 

Her fingers slid toward the hilt of her sword, fiddling with it momentarily before proceeding. "I lost my parents in such an attack.  A ruthless one, with no meaning.  For years I've just asked why, why could anyone be so heartless as to do this?  I have yet to come up with an answer, but they keep doing it, and it must stop."  Finally she held out a hand to shake both Oume and Rija's hands in turn.  "My name is Shela Mydon.  It's a pleasure to meet you, Rija.  I can't say that I'm the type to hold many friends, but I get an inkling we'll see much of each other every now and again.  And as for you"--she turned to Oume, eyebrow cocked--"I can't say you're very friendly, but then again I'm not either.  I understand where you're coming from, though, and, if at all possible, I want to help."

"Tell me how that staying on defense thing works out for you." Syfe commented, sliding back into the duel, spinning in a large arc with his dualblade. He used the spinning momentum to swing diagonally downwards towards Derik. His weapon hit the ground and he used it as a bit of leverage to spring upwards, flipping over Derik. He landed on the other side and without waiting a moment swept out with his legs hoping to knock Derik down. He pulled his dualblade back close to his body before switching them into twin swords and lashing out with both.

~~~~

Alyssa nodded shyly towards Runa as he continued babbling. That was kind of cute... At least he wasn't full of himself like most guys. Self-obsessed, looking for a nice dancer to have as an accessory. She looked towards Alexander. "Um, I guess we can go back to the lake, if you want to..." Alyssa replied, her tone still sheepish and her words very passive.

~~~~

Rija stood up with Oume, suddenly very self-conscious. She wasn't in her dancer outfit, her hair was a complete mess, and she... she had been caught unprepared. Truthfully, a partner wasn't something she was really looking forward to. And... "Ummmmm... I'm sorry, but I can't. My, uh, my father wants to look over the fighters himself before I choose one. He mentioned something about looking at a kid named Derik. Excellent potential or something." She said. It wasn't completely a lie. Rija changed the subject by looking to Shela. "Good to meet you Shela. My point is the killing for the sake of vengeance opposed to the sake of protection. Sorry if that got mixed up."

"Tell me how that staying on defense thing works out for you." Syfe commented, sliding back into the duel, spinning in a large arc with his dualblade. He used the spinning momentum to swing diagonally downwards towards Derik. His weapon hit the ground and he used it as a bit of leverage to spring upwards, flipping over Derik. He landed on the other side and without waiting a moment swept out with his legs hoping to knock Derik down. He pulled his dualblade back close to his body before switching them into twin swords and lashing out with both.~~~~Alyssa nodded shyly towards Runa as he continued babbling. That was kind of cute... At least he wasn't full of himself like most guys. Self-obsessed, looking for a nice dancer to have as an accessory. She looked towards Alexander. "Um, I guess we can go back to the lake, if you want to..." Alyssa replied, her tone still sheepish and her words very passive.~~~~Rija stood up with Oume, suddenly very self-conscious. She wasn't in her dancer outfit, her hair was a complete mess, and she... she had been caught unprepared. Truthfully, a partner wasn't something she was really looking forward to. And... "Ummmmm... I'm sorry, but I can't. My, uh, my father wants to look over the fighters himself before I choose one. He mentioned something about looking at a kid named Derik. Excellent potential or something." She said. It wasn't completely a lie. Rija changed the subject by looking to Shela. "Good to meet you Shela. My point is the killing for the sake of vengeance opposed to the sake of protection. Sorry if that got mixed up."

Derik side-stepped out of the way, watching Syfe move behind him, Derik leaped up to avoid the next slash, throwing his weight backwards, his position switched and he moved back mid-air, however Syfe had done a kick instead, then after that, a slash, to which Derik took The opportunity. He threw his kick to the left-hand blade on its flattened side. He used this to pin the left-hand blade to the ground. Next, a kick, a forceful one to knock Syfe away, but it wouldn't hurt much, but that was what he needed. With the left-handed blade pinned under him, he pulled it off of Syfe's person with that kick. He then slid off of the blade and kicked it upward onto it's tip, which let Derik grab it by the handle and throw it right back at Syfe. With that much room between himself and his enemies, he did a set of backfill over to the scimitar and grabbed it, keeping it in his left hand, angles away from him so that he could defend an incoming attack if it came from the front...

Runa quickly perked up. "Well we only have how much time before lunch is over? We might as well use it to relax and get to know each other or something...before we have to leave again." Runa said, avoiding eye contact with Alyssa in hopes of not getting as flustered as he usually would. "We could always head back to the school grounds too. I mean, wouldn't want to be that far when we're called back, I know that happened to me already. Though partially because I ended up taking a nap and didn't wake up until thirty minutes later, I think." Runa said, choosing his words carefully as he tried to sound normal to make up for his embarrassment earlier. "Not much to do either though. Everyone here usually gets along, so there's no fights or anything to really watch over for." Runa added. "(After all, only fools pick up a fight without much provocation.)"

 

Rune along with the crowed watched in awe at the fight. Usually fights were a one on one, but seeing a three way fight was even more interesting and rare. As long as no one got seriously injured, they wouldn't get in trouble. This was what the school was all about after all. Rune had to admit, the fighters were pretty graceful in their fighting. Not as graceful as the dancers, but graceful enough for any ordinary person to watch in awe. The crowd itself was careful to back away here and there, making sure that they weren't the ones getting hit were any attack miss its original target. "(Runa would love to see this, or at least join in! But serves him right to miss it. Karma is surely making him suffer for being so mean to me.)" Rune thought as he watched in excitement. He took a deep breath before cheering on. "Come on guys! You can do it!" He cheered, cheering to all three instead of one in specific. "(If I get any of them as my partner I'm going to be so psyched!)"

"I'd say about an hour" Alexander commented on Runa's comment about lunch time, "I doubt the school grounds would be a good idea, no doubt some of Alyssa's fans will be there, and that means trouble" he pointed out, "For now, lets get to the lake and we'll see from there" He said as they walked, "So Alyssa where are you from?" he asked, trying to get to know her at least.

 

Hektor watched as Deirk countered Syfe's attack, quickly dashing at Derik as an opening was left, ending up behind him in less than a second, Hektor released a flurry of quick slashes, both thrusts and diagonal slices, all fast enough to put pressure, and ending the flurry with what seemed to be a downward diagonal slash, but feigning it halfway through, quickly stabbing the ground as Hektor used it as leverage to boost himself forward, maneuvering himself around Derik as he ended up behing him, the cane following his arm as he went, releasing it from the ground as he slashed upward at Derik.

Shela thought it was curious that Rija's father would personally assign a fighter to her, but on the one hand she could understand it.  He probably was a very protective father who feared that his precious daughter would fall prey to an ungrateful fighter of hidden motives.  Not every warrior was honorable.  At Rija's response Shela nodded.  "Death for protection . . . of course."  While, in truth, the difference between killing out of protection and revenge were nearly one and the same for Shela.  While she predominately wished to kill for the sake of saving others, her own heart filled with angst couldn't help but long to give those soldiers a taste of what they deserved.

 

Since everyone else rose around her, Shela felt foolish still sitting where she lingered.  "Well, it would seem that this rendevous has come to an end.  It was a pleasure, Oume, Rija.  I look forward to the day when we meet again."  As Shela began to turn around she saw a warrior and dancer strode back into the clearing, a dancer with lovely blue apparel and pale skin and a warrior looking oddly familiar.  Perhaps she had seen him back at the school.  For a moment she stood rooted on the spot, wondering if she would be indeed harming the perfect flirting moment for Runa or if he would be happy to meet each other face-to-face at last.

Edited May 18, 201510 yr by Mystics Apprentice

"Tell me how that staying on defense thing works out for you." Syfe commented, sliding back into the duel, spinning in a large arc with his dualblade. He used the spinning momentum to swing diagonally downwards towards Derik. His weapon hit the ground and he used it as a bit of leverage to spring upwards, flipping over Derik. He landed on the other side and without waiting a moment swept out with his legs hoping to knock Derik down. He pulled his dualblade back close to his body before switching them into twin swords and lashing out with both.

~~~~

Alyssa nodded shyly towards Runa as he continued babbling. That was kind of cute... At least he wasn't full of himself like most guys. Self-obsessed, looking for a nice dancer to have as an accessory. She looked towards Alexander. "Um, I guess we can go back to the lake, if you want to..." Alyssa replied, her tone still sheepish and her words very passive.

~~~~

Rija stood up with Oume, suddenly very self-conscious. She wasn't in her dancer outfit, her hair was a complete mess, and she... she had been caught unprepared. Truthfully, a partner wasn't something she was really looking forward to. And... "Ummmmm... I'm sorry, but I can't. My, uh, my father wants to look over the fighters himself before I choose one. He mentioned something about looking at a kid named Derik. Excellent potential or something." She said. It wasn't completely a lie. Rija changed the subject by looking to Shela. "Good to meet you Shela. My point is

the killing for the sake of vengeance opposed to the sake of protection. Sorry if that got mixed up."

Oume looked at Rija and nodded, "I understand... Both things you have told me." Oume didn't want to be to persistent about being her partner so he dropped the subject and bowed his head. "It was a pleasure meeting you and thank you for listening to my story... I'm taking my leave now, I need to head to the school building before launch is over." As Oume is leaving he turns to Rija one last time and says to her, "I hope your partner works out, and I hope to see you again soon." 

Shela thought it was curious that Rija's father would personally assign a fighter to her, but on the one hand she could understand it.  He probably was a very protective father who feared that his precious daughter would fall prey to an ungrateful fighter of hidden motives.  Not every warrior was honorable.  At Rija's response Shela nodded.  "Death for protection . . . of course."  While, in truth, the difference between killing out of protection and revenge were nearly one and the same for Shela.  While she predominately wished to kill for the sake of saving others, her own heart filled with angst couldn't help but long to give those soldiers a taste of what they deserved.

 

Since everyone else rose around her, Shela felt foolish still sitting where she lingered.  "Well, it would seem that this rendevous has come to an end.  It was a pleasure, Oume, Rija.  I look forward to the day when we meet again."  As Shela began to turn around she saw a warrior and dancer strode back into the clearing, a dancer with lovely blue apparel and pale skin and a warrior looking oddly familiar.  Perhaps she had seen him back at the school.  For a moment she stood rooted on the spot, wondering if she would be indeed harming the perfect flirting moment for Runa or if he would be happy to meet each other face-to-face at last.

Oume then bows his head to Shela and says "It was a pleasure meeting you as well... I hope to meet you again too." With that, Oume ran back to the school building full sprint.

Edited May 18, 201510 yr by Cam1949

"Um... I'm from a poor part of the city. There wasn't anything too exciting really." Alyssa answered Alexander as she followed them back to the lake. 

 

 

Syfe smiled as he lazily swiped his right blade to deflect his other one towards the ground. It clattered there for a second, then he picked it up. This was quite exhilarating. He had rarely had such a fight. Syfe watched Hektor make his move on Derik. Without even thinking about it, Syfe knew Derik would block it. That's how Derik was playing this game after all. Defensively. And trying to break him out of this defensive strategy was not working, even after getting him bladeless. So there needed to be a new strategy. Syfe charged into battle, jumping over Derik and blocking Hektor's last strike. In hopes of using the element of surprise, he thrust one of his swords towards the Gentleman Fighter. He switched the grip on his other sword to backhand before slicing viciously towards Derik, pushing him away, making sure to make the attacks too quick for him to grab the weapon again. Hopefully with this, everyone would be a bit farther away. That was step one.

"I'd say about an hour" Alexander commented on Runa's comment about lunch time, "I doubt the school grounds would be a good idea, no doubt some of Alyssa's fans will be there, and that means trouble" he pointed out, "For now, lets get to the lake and we'll see from there" He said as they walked, "So Alyssa where are you from?" he asked, trying to get to know her at least. Hektor watched as Deirk countered Syfe's attack, quickly dashing at Derik as an opening was left, ending up behind him in less than a second, Hektor released a flurry of quick slashes, both thrusts and diagonal slices, all fast enough to put pressure, and ending the flurry with what seemed to be a downward diagonal slash, but feigning it halfway through, quickly stabbing the ground as Hektor used it as leverage to boost himself forward, maneuvering himself around Derik as he ended up behing him, the cane following his arm as he went, releasing it from the ground as he slashed upward at Derik.

"Um... I'm from a poor part of the city. There wasn't anything too exciting really." Alyssa answered Alexander as she followed them back to the lake.   Syfe smiled as he lazily swiped his right blade to deflect his other one towards the ground. It clattered there for a second, then he picked it up. This was quite exhilarating. He had rarely had such a fight. Syfe watched Hektor make his move on Derik. Without even thinking about it, Syfe knew Derik would block it. That's how Derik was playing this game after all. Defensively. And trying to break him out of this defensive strategy was not working, even after getting him bladeless. So there needed to be a new strategy. Syfe charged into battle, jumping over Derik and blocking Hektor's last strike. In hopes of using the element of surprise, he thrust one of his swords towards the Gentleman Fighter. He switched the grip on his other sword to backhand before slicing viciously towards Derik, pushing him away, making sure to make the attacks too quick for him to grab the weapon again. Hopefully with this, everyone would be a bit farther away. That was step one.

Nothing too hard to block. He parried the slashed as easily as the rest, but on the last slash, Syfe tucked himself into this little pocket to the side. The opportunity arose once Syfe threw a stab at Hektor, Derik slashed down on the guard of Syfe's sword, pushing it fast enough to hit Hektor before he could evade, knocking him away. "Hektor's out, now is the time for offense!" Derik thought, after the strike, he trucked in and rolled away from Syfe, bringing the flat edge of his Schimitar up to his left arm, which he folded into, lining the edge up with his shoulder and elbow, he launched in at Syfe, who was performing his slash, and struck him on the ribs, pushing him away. "Point, game, match. Victory Syfe and Derik, overall winner Derik Absolon. Alough im very certian that shold not be some thing i have had to say!" A harsh, shrill voice called, sounding annoyed."Crap.... " Derik said in response to the voice who aired that ruling."You better watch your mouth, young man." the voice said, once again, as an aging old lady, who, though she liked like the sweet grandmother type, the voice betrayed that appearance, changing it to that of an angry, old, crotchy person who was not long for the world. "I told you no sparring for three weeks after you broke that one student's arm in an arm wrestling match. Did you not hear me?" She screeched, grabbing Derik by the ear, she dragged him down the hall, away from the field. As she did, Derik called out to the others: "Save the candies for me if I make it out of this alive!", however as he did, the lady smacked him upside the head. One of the students in the crowd muttered "Damn wingebag of a fighting school instructor...", the rest stayed silent and began to dispurse.

Rune had to look away and cover his mouth to contain his chuckles, giggles escaping his mouth here and there. He was surprised to hear the ruling, but he was sort of glad that someone had done it, otherwise he'd figure that the fight could've easily gone on forever, considering how strong all of them were against each other. They were all pretty stubborn about the fight too. He had never seen the instructor that up close. Maybe here and there, down the hall, or some other place, but didn't even knew her name or what she taught. Apparently because she was one of the fighting professors, which would explain it why he had yet to have her as an instructor. He proceeded to clap his hands lively. "Bravo! Bravo! I've never seen such a lively fight before! You guys sure know how to put up a show! I can barely believe that you guys could keep it up this long too! Stubborn, stubborn fighters, no?" Rune said with a gleam in his eyes as he went ahead and opened up his box of truffles. "As a thank you for such a wonderful fight, you guys can have the rest of my truffles. Save one for Derik, though!" Rune said before winking. "Maybe when he comes back you guys can get that dance I promised too!"

 

Runa listened and played with his fingers slightly. He had no idea how to help with the conversation. There wasn't much interesting to talk about...that he would know would interest the others. He cleared his throat. "On the east of the city, right? Maybe you've seen my mom's dancing studio, then?" Runa said in hopes of forming any sort of conversation, at all. "I-I mean, well, I didn't, I don't go out much, so I wouldn't know specifically but...it just sounds a bit close...haha..." Runa stammered.

The blue-haired warrior shook her head, thinking against the thought of walking up to Runa.  He was obviously busy, and while she partly wished to have at least one friend at the school she decided against it.  If she walked up now she would look like that pathetic girl that craved a man's attention, which wasn't the case in the slightest.  With her helmet propped under her arm, Shela marched through the tall grass and made her way back to the academy.

 

The distance wasn't grand, perhaps a total of a fifteen-minute walk.  The warrior thought much to herself, including her lack of communication skills along with her desire to thwart those who burned her home.  Rija really got her to rethink her revenge and whether it was truly a good idea.  While she craved it, it was more for revenge than for saving.

 

Once the young woman reached the school grounds she saw a number of warriors grouped, together, looking worn with weapons at their side.  "They must've just sparred," she thought, glancing around for any familiar face.  Her eyes then fell upon a male dancer whom she had never seen before.  It was so very rare to catch sight of one.  In fact, she had never once even heard of a  male dancer until now, yet there was no mistaking it.  Shela raised a brow, curious to inquire more yet partly hesitant to.  She didn't know if the man was genuine, or if he were simply mocking, and she didn't want to fall prey to this.  Instead she made a seat across from the fighting group, resting her helmet at her side and staring up into the cloudless sky.  She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the sun bathe her while listening in to the group's conversation.  Even if she couldn't participate in having friends, she could at least listen in on a group of them.

--Courtyard--

 

While he was indeed hit, Hektor managed to brace for it, and recovering quickly as he knocked back, however, before he could do anything, Derik was quickly dragged away by the old lady by his ear, pretty humilitaing he had to admit, although, "Nto even aknowledged was I...understandable, my performance was sub-par indeed" he said with a normal tone, accepting that fact as he walked over to Syfe, "Impressive display Syfe, very impressive, well you and Derik can have the candy, I'l pass mine" he told him as he glanced at Rune, however he did notice a peculiar person, a woman, fully clad in armor, sitting across them on a bench, he however chose to ignore it as he wiped the dust of his attire and going to pick up Derik's weighted coat, to give it to him later.

 

--Lake--

 

"Poor huh? I can relate to that, I spent most of my life in an orphanage, so I know how being poor is." Alexander said frowning but going back to his normal expression before it could really be noticed, "Hey, im not saying this just to flatter you, but I gotta give credit where credit is due, your dancing is amazing!" Alexander complimented Alyssa before turning to Runa, "A dancing studio eh?"

Oume saw a lot of people dispersing, almost as if he had missed something big. 'What happened here?" He asked himself. He looked around the courtyard and saw a group of people together eating something, and heard is stomach growl. "Man... I forgot to eat something." Saying to himself, and slumping over. He stood back up and looked at the group of people and their weapons, and noticed that there was also a dual balder such as himself, and chuckled. He walked around the fountain far enough to not raise suspicion and watched the group carefully, sizing them up and measuring their abilities.

Runa gave a quick nod. "Yes. Mom worked as a dancer, and when she had my brother and I, she decided to create a small studio to teach children, teens and adults alike how to dance. That's where my brother got his start from. He became mom's first student and her most talented, apparently. While I went on with my dad and his self defense lessons." Runa explained as he glanced back down. "They both were disappointed when they heard neither Rune or I wanted to be each others' partners. But things happen, you know."

 

...

 

The excitement never faded from Rune's eyes. Infact it seemed to enhanced it. "Well then! You guys took over the spotlight, so it's my turn!" Runa said as he handed over the box of chocolate truffles to Syfe, and skipped off as he began to drag other dancers and students who had their instruments around with them, getting them in one place. "Play a song for me, please? Mosane from Phosthumus, if possible." Rune asked kindly. The students looked at each other and shrugged, deciding why not. Soon they started to play, one of the girls singing along. Rune took only a second to take in the music before his body started to move with the rhythm. He swerved his hips and skipped as every part of his body did something to go along with the dance. It didn't take long for his feet to create sparks as he danced, small flames forming, following the movements of his feet, hands and clothing as he jumped onto the fountain's edge. The fire danced with him as a partner and as much as it touched him it didn't harm him, Rune elegantly calculating his movements, his feet at the verge of colliding with each other or against other objects yet missing by seconds on porpoise. He danced on the fountain, the fire touching the water ever so slightly each time as it caused small hisses of steam and smoke to appear here and there. He would be lying if he said that he wasn't having fun, or showing off.

 

---

 

 

https://youtu.be/zyMBiCzM-go?t=1m42s

 

 

Edited May 23, 201510 yr by Stardustblade358

As the dancing of Rune's began to reach a new height, and students were walking about, dispersing, or beginning to return from the lake, the school bell rang once again. A call to classes, for Warriors, Gym, for Dancers, History. Time to get going...

 

(Exploration Tutorial! When you're given free-will to explore, you may do as you please. Now, do you fancy going to class? Maybe. But maybe you want to keep swimming, or try and begin the ship-fest(As there must always be a ship-fest). Maybe you would rather go take a nap in the school bell for some ungodly reason. You're allowed to, but only by moving in an area correctly.

 

The courtyard/quad area of the school is surrounded on each side bye walls and entry's to the school save one area, towards the south-east, which is the main exit and entrance from this area of the school. On the north side, the Academic Halls. Who knows what's in there besides teachers who look like they're 80 years old and dust? You might find something special in there if you decide to head to the north...

 

East-side has Extracurricular and Elective houses. Woodcutting, wood crafting, forging, sewing, cooking, minor magics and other zany courses are held here, who knows what will happen when you pour the potion of Black Rain on a steak and cook it with the oak tree you felled and turned half into a bench, a branch of it into a handle and knitting needles?! Weird things happen here... Might be something to do with the "Fun Chemistry" class down the hall...

 

South is the cafeteria, gym, showers, gymnast room, and the like. Some say the bathrooms are haunted, but they don't know who to call. Maybe you should get your busting equipment on for this room... Like the other areas, there are secrets here as well.

 

And West is the Doorooms and Utilities area, segregated into male and female, there are high-level magics to protect the areas from the opposite sex entering, but that doesn't stop people who can figure a way out of it. Each side has a stairwell to the bell room, and like other areas, there are secrets. If you do get hurt, suffer a status ailment, or become exhausted, the Nurse's office is over here, and sleeping can restore health, or cause a freaky nightmare, based on your IQ and luck stats

 

You can also choose to hide somewhere and try to explore the quad some more, but if a Hall Wizard catches you, you'll be escorted to your class via a magic teleport near instantly, unless you have a Resistance stat of 13 or higher, which would give you time to evade.

 

And finally, hanging out at the lake. It seems peaceful right now, but who knows what happens when the bell rings? Secrets and new info can be learned from here during school time... If you don't get caught, that is.

 

When entering an area you are unsure of it's appearance, please put three dots (...) at the end of the statement when looking into an area you don't know much about. Besides that, you're all set to explore! Good luck!)

Oume thought it w best to head to class... He didn't want to cause trouble again for himself, so hey headed to the gym to learn. As he was walking he took out his duel blades and inspected them, making sure they were in good condition. He then thought back to what Rija told him about revenge and stopped, "Why would I be thinking about that now..? It's not like she knows what its like to loose her home." He said to himself grabbing his left arm. He shook his head and put on his usual emotionless face and continued to walk towards the gym.

After hearing the bell Shela rose and stretched.  It seemed that break was much shorter than she anticipated, and found it mildly surprising that others didn't seem all too concerned about making it back to class.  The blue-haired soldier adjusted her satchel and made her way to the gym.  She didn't really have the desire of entertaining classes (mostly because she felt that she had all of the needed skills to be a full-fledged warrior), but she didn't really fancy getting herself in trouble or kicked out, either.

 

She made her way down the hall, toward the gym when she saw a familiar figure ahead of her.  It was Oume from the lake.  A small smile crossed her lips, daring to speed up to catch up with him.  "Hey there, long time no see, Oume.  It is none of my business, really, but you seem rather lost in thought.  Is something troubling you, perhaps something from the lake?"

Oume heard the voice and looked to see Shela and was shocked by her question, but understood why she asked him such a question. He looked down but looked at her and smiled, "No, everything is fine." But of course he was only saying that because he didn't want to get into it, then decided to ask her a question, "What did you think of what Rija about revenge?" Looking as serious as he could looking at her... "I need to know the truth, it is important because... I just need to know." He stopped grabbing her shirt in order to stop her.

South is the cafeteria, gym, showers, gymnast room, and the like. Some say the bathrooms are haunted, but they don't know who to call. Maybe you should get your busting equipment on for this room... Like the other areas, there are secrets here as well.

Rune finished his dance, receiving applause. Just at the moment, the bell rang. Time for classes and other stuff of the sort. But for Rune, it meant to meet up with other dancers for something special today. They had been planning, but today it would happen. Rune gave his bow and turned to the group of boys. "I need to get going and meet up with someone, I'll see you around, yes? If you need to look for me just call for Rune or Runa!" Rune said with a small wave, twirling as he ran off. He hurried down all the way to the south area, past the cafeteria  and down the hall, where he saw two familiar faces. Two other dancers. "I'm here!" Rune said. The two quickly got their fingers over their lips before going 'shh'. Rune walked over to them and the three walked deeper into the hall and out a door, only to then stop right in front of a specific pair of doors. The bathroom doors. These bathrooms were rumored to be haunted. People would be damned to come into these in the middle of the night. Even more to go in alone. The rumors went from that it was a kappa living in the bathroom toilets to a ghost of a student that died in them. "You know, I think I don't want to do it anymore." One of the dancers muttered. "Oh come on, you're scared of some silly ghost story?" Rune asked as he gave a twirl, turning to the two. "Stay outside then, and keep watch. If I scream or anything, you guys can come and help me!" Rune said with a small chuckle. The two dancers looked at each other worryingly, having second thoughts. But before they could stop him, Rune had entered the bathroom, looking around for any ghosts...

 

East-side has Extracurricular and Elective houses. Woodcutting, wood crafting, forging, sewing, cooking, minor magics and other zany courses are held here, who knows what will happen when you pour the potion of Black Rain on a steak and cook it with the oak tree you felled and turned half into a bench, a branch of it into a handle and knitting needles?! Weird things happen here... Might be something to do with the "Fun Chemistry" class down the hall...

The bell rang, and Runa was much more into his classes compared to his brother. He turned to the fighter and dancer, giving a small bow. "I-I better get going! I'll see you around! Ask for Runa or Rune!" Runa said as he took off, the weight of his sword not bothering him the bit. He ran all across campus to the East side. He loved the Elective classes, his favorite was forging due to the fact that he could improve his weapons. He would never miss it! However, as he was about to enter the classroom, the rumored chemistry class down the hall caught his attention. He hummed, looking at the door and then back down the hall. "Well..." He muttered to himself. "Maybe...I could just take a peek?" Runa asked himself, a smile appearing on his features as he skipped over down the hall to the Chemistry class. Chemistry was always useful, sometimes he guessed. But so many rumors about this class made him curious. Plus, no one was looking, what a better chance than now? Runa carefully opened the door to Chemistry class...

The blue-haired warrior's eyes widened as Oume gripped her shirt and prevented her from proceeding.  Urgency filled his eyes, and, while part of Shela wanted to slap him and proceed to her classroom at his very action, she partly understood his desperation for a response.  Shela let out a sigh and brushed her bangs from her eyes.  "I think Rija's heart is in the right place," she said simply.  Her expression, however, spoke of an entirely different story.

 

Truthfully there was a lot more to it than that.  She personally wanted to severely punish all of those who had burned her home village and killed her parents and friends.  Revenge was one of the sole purposes that she had trained so hard to become the very best warrior that she could.  Of course she wanted to protect others from being hurt the very same way, but what good would it be to protect and not avenge those who had already been lost?  Many would deem her wrong in her intents, yet she couldn't change how she felt upon the matter.  Finally the woman shook her head.  "But to be honest, I can't say that I agree with her.  These people killed, Oume.  They stole hundreds of lives.  You tell me how I can just let them go free.  It wouldn't be fair."  A shudder ran over her, likely visible to Oume.  She then gripped her shirt tightly and tore it away from Oume; an aggressive response yet her eyes held understanding.  "You still haven't gotten over it . . . have you?  About what happened in your past?"