She sighed softly, adjusting her stance to make sure her sword pointed at him even as he circled around to the left by her perspective. He was smarter than she was hoping and he wasn't going to be the initiator of their next clash. He was also entirely correct about her wound. She was hoping to get him to concede if possible but she'd likely be forced to take more destructive action against him at this rate. He was also not terribly interested in giving out any information either, as she had expected he wouldn't. She wasn't getting out of this so easily and she was afraid of that. Neither of them are walking away today without some serious injuries regardless of who won now.
She focused her eyes on him as he examined his own injured hand to gauge how useful it would be to him if he needed it. Neutralizing both hands in a fight with someone of his caliber would be far more difficult than fully taking him down with near lethal intent but she'd need to get in touch with a doctor almost immediately for them both afterward. She was thinking a bit too far ahead though as she still had this man standing in front of her and blocking her path and possibly her life. "While I hate to admit it, you are correct..." She began as she started to walk towards him at a normal pace, lowering her blades to both sides. She would close the gap first as he made it about 90 degrees around her when he started moving, essentially being to her left of her original facing position. His back was facing the buildings he had jumped down from before and the street was not terribly wide. He had about five more feet between himself and a brick wall.
"I'll have to initiate from this point on until I can land an equally of not more critical injury to yourself as well and regardless of the winner, we will both require medical attention after this is over." She spoke as she stopped at the five foot mark from her start. They had ten feet between them now. "I will promise you now that I will be calling a doctor over should you be defeated as I will tell you now I don't intend to end your life here, though I don't really expect the same treatment from you so naturally my desperation becomes more apparent..." She was openly admitting to his clear advantage here now, but to what end who knows. "So I'm going to so something I haven't done in a long time...and that is give you every thing I've got. My name is Luka Scarlet by the way." The last part was meant as correction to the 'little bird' nickname she'd been given today but she certainly didn't seem to like it much. Regardless, she'd make her move now.
Her shadow was extended only slightly to her right from the sun being fairly high still. Any shifts in this would be essentially impossible to notice in the heat of battle. That's what she was going to need here. At ten feet apart he couldn't strike her just yet even with a six foot blade but she had the same issue and he was fighting defensively here. He'd not likely move until she entered his range as he was in no hurry at all. She gripped her blades as she noted their positions. His blade was in his left hand and her right side. Any attack must come from her right side unless he moves his arm or body first to change the attack angle. She'd rush in then now, her right blade still aimed down, ready to block his sword as needed while her left arm bent at the elbow and shoulder, her blade tip aimed at his chest as she aimed to stab him through the chest, possibly puncturing a lung or other major organ to level the playing field of injury severity.
Summary Luka closed the gap by 5 feet, talked a bit more, then rushed at Johnny from 10 feet away. Her left arm is attempting to run him through with her blade with a strength of [105], aiming to puncture a lung or other major organ.
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 4:08 pm
For a moment, he just kind of stared at her. The way she spoke was. . kinda weird. It was like she was openly telling him her train of thought, like he wasn't her enemy or something. When she said something about a doctor, head cocked slightly to the side before shaking. A soft laugh escaping after. She really was as pure as they came."You're kinda cute, in a very lame sort of way." Luka didn't seem to be a bad person. In fact, from her speech earlier she wanted to do so much to save people. It was admirable, but her ideology was too flawed. There was just too much evil in the world to stop. And even if she snuffed it out, more would come to be realized. Such was life."I didn't come here to kill anyone. I didn't plan too." To her own hero-esque approached, he'd respond. Seeing her come closer, body motioning back to keep their distance. A free hand felt the hard wall behind him. Thick. Strong. Had she boxed him in? Who was to say?
And then, there she was. She was coming for him! Barreling in without abandon. In this case, he'd have to use his surroundings to the best of his ability. Now used to her speed and able to keep cognitive track of her motions, Johnny moved slightly to the side as her blade slid past him. Letting it collide with the wall, getting stuck! As to not mess himself up, he moved forward while drawing in that same instance and reveled in a strike to tear into her left side. Their proximity so close, there was nearly no avoiding the blow. If struck, it'd be a much heavier cut than last go around. Nearly debilitating.
Ryunosuke Ryusei
If Luka has a way to avoid a assault this close, then I'd suggest using it. Damage is the same as before. Before arguing me dodging, remember she's running with a fresh wound and has no pain buffering techniques. Also, Johnny is able to track her movement in feet, so he has a solid idea of her speed now. I just wanna make this all clear before another debate post is made. To sum it up, she ran, got her sword stuck in the wall behind them as he moved forward and slashed with another drawing technique from her left side. Any issues, please message me first.
Echizen Kaneue (越前兼植) ● Affirmed as an annoyance to Johnny, Echizen Kaneue is what he considers a Glutton. Being his first blade, it's automatically his favorite and used only for combat against an opponent Johnny deems as worthy. Heavier and longer than any normal Katana - Echizen Kaneue is considered a Nodachi [Lit. Staff Sword] and is wielded by Johnny masterfully only because of his large stature. In utilization with his Battōjutsu it becomes a lethal threat, able to stretch a length of [6] feet when fully drawn from its sheath, allowing its wielder to strike from some ridiculous ranges. In terms of personality, it was unruly upon Johnny first using it and seemed to yearn for combat. +80 Endurance +20 Strength
Techniques
Technique Name: Battōjutsu (Lit. The craft of Drawing ones Sword) Description: A katana being drawn from its sheath moves with a much greater speed and force than when it is being wielded normally. Additionally, greater drawing speed gives a swordsman more of an advantage in combat than an opponent whose speed is inferior. This is due in part to the fact that a katana's sharp blade curves upward against the inside of the sheath, allowing the swordsman to use more strength in drawing it without having to worry about applying extra control to his movements - the sword's path is guided by the sheath while the blade meets no resistance, moving two to three times faster than normal. Having learned this from his Sensei years ago, Johny's entire sword style deals with sheathing and unsheathing his blade. When in combat, he thrives off this style, receiving [+5 STR] while within its reign. Passive.
Technique Name: Kyori (Lit. Distance) Description: Dealing with his style of draw / resheath, in accordance with a powerful unsheathing comes knowing the outright distance of your opponent, which comes with training. Simply put, at all times, Johnny is able to keep track of an opponents location within his mind after some time of fighting them. Of course, an area filled with obstacles and various blockades would make this harder than an open field. After [3] Posts from the beginning of a fight, Johnny gains understanding of their distance constantly in feet. This is circumvented only by someone leaving his line of sight or using a high sped movement technique. Passive.
Technique Name: Kumo no Naka no Otoko (Lit. Man among Clouds) Description: Despite his size, Johnny has a certain grace about his movements. When being trained in the art of the sword, he drastically improved body control, now able to feel weightless and control himself in every position. [Johnny is able to strike, move, maneuver, and perform other acrobatic feats of agility with little to no effort. This allows him to do something like leaping off a leaf mid air or strike from a position a normal man would find impossible -- most applications of this nature are easily done. His body is extremely flexible, being gifted the title as perfect even in motion and while in motion, he receives [+5 Speed]. Passive.]
--- Technique Name: Battōjutsu ● Sōryūsen (Lit. Twin Dragon Flash) Description: The first of many unsheathing techniques taught to Johnny during his training. After assuming [Battōjutsu], Johnny unsheathes the blade in a lightning fast arc, removing it with speed and precision, to strike at an intended target. The advantage of this technique in particular, is it can be used in any position and, as long as Johnny has sight [or] understands the distance between himself and his intended target, can strike indefinitely without the use of thought. An easy opener or a signature finish. [+5 Power] to this attack. Usable [5] times before a [1] Post Cooldown. Power ● 110
The remark about her being cute in a 'lame' was was slightly annoying but of little importance to her. His words about not wanting to kill anyone only lessened her own desire to end his life as he was by no means a murderer as far as she could tell. She'd much rather end this fight with a surrender on his part if at all possible but it seemed that was unlikely at all. She would have to take him down with everything she had and she couldn't keep holding back as she always did under normal circumstances. He was backing up as she had stepped closer, trapping himself between herself and the building behind himself just before she had charged him with her blades ready to strike and defend as needed. In this attack, her blades functioned as a sword and shield tactically speaking for this attack. The problem was that her sword had missed and her shield was about to be on the wrong side if she didn't act.
He evaded to her left, and her blade missed, embedding about five or six inches into the wall behind him as Luka's attack failed. There was a lot of movement on his part though. He moved to attack her but he had shifted his blade over to the other side so he could get in a more proper swing over from his right side. The attack would come at Luka's own left side no matter what but this choice to opt for a stronger swing only gave her more forewarning and a proper chance to react, even if she was about to lose access to one of her weapons for an indefinite amount of time. With her 'shield' on her right, she's react to him moving his entire blade over to his side before he could arc the swing out at her left. This was all she needed but she would still be stressing herself and the pain in her side wasn't helping. She'd be able to do this with ease were she uninjured but that was not the case unfortunately. She could see his blade coming over and her right arm was shifting to her left when he wound up his attack as it, but this was about to be a fairly awkward block against his attack.
Her right blade was still pointed down as she moved it over quickly to intercept his blade, moving it under her other arm before he managed to cleave into her left side. The force of the clash was enough to make her boots skid slightly on the ground as she made sure to block with the flat of her double edged sword so as to avoid the force of the clash driving her own sword into her side regardless. Her right arm struggled with his as they seemed relatively matched in strength but the moment of the block was all she needed. He was up close and fully in range now even if her side was bleeding through her formerly white uniform, causing her increasing amounts if pain. But in that moment of their blades clashing, Johnny would be struck. She had finally unleashed her Devil Fruit power as from her own shadow underneath herself, a large, long black spike had shot up and out, manifested as a solid attack at Johnny.
The base and the majority of the spike was about 2-3 inches in diameter, the tip being as pointed as a needle, and it was a good three feet long in total. This attack would come from below now and strike into Johnny's left shin, the leg closest to Luka. Any chance of evading this was nearly impossible as he'd have no possible way to even see it coming due to the fact that nobody would even be looking at the ground during a fight like this. Coupled with the sheer unexpectedness of such a strike, Johnny was essentially guaranteed to take a large black spike to the shin. He should even suffer impeded movement due to this as well.
Words in post: [680] Current total: [12,290]
Dcme
The Battōjutsu was discussed in Discord so the attack is [105] power not [110], thus the block is valid with equal Strength.
Abilities Shadow Strike: Luka has learned the basics of controlling her own shadow even when it is not manifested as Doppleman. During battle, she may have her shadow extend out in razor sharp spikes or blades (may be made into blunt attacks to avoid lethality as needed) from the surface it is being cast upon (granted that Luka can alter where her shadow is cast regardless and even make it move independently from her body so long as it remains within the range of her control). When used this way, the spikes can shoot out from the current surface to strike at anyone or anything Luka desires with a force equal to her Strength, or the Strength of the shadow used if it is not her own. The length of these spikes and blades may be as long as 1 ft for every 10 Strength Luka has, or the used shadow has. Luka may use [Shadow Strike] up to five times before incurring a cool down of 1 post. [1/5 uses]
Summary Luka has embedded her left blade into the wall by about 6 inches and was forced to directly clash against the attack arcing around from the side with her right handed blade, Aizu Kunisada. Being equal in strength for this one attack, this locked the blades for a moment as Luka uses [Shadow Strike] to create a quick and sudden spike from her own shadow underneath herself to stab at Johnny's left shin for [52] points of damage. With no foreknowledge or reason to expect this attack, combined with the raw speed it has, dodging should be nigh impossible in this particular situation.
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 8:10 pm
He had expected as much from someone of her caliber! With this kind of unprecedented skill, the girl was proving to be his greatest opponent yet! A smile rose over his features even further when feeling their steel clash - a passion like nothing he felt from normal combat. She was much more exciting to duel against than any other. While their steel struck, neither of them could motion. Neither could move! A lock for that instant, but Johnny saw an opening, one she wouldn't see coming. Just as the black spike came up to piece one leg, the other rose! Instantly to come flat into her body; a turning kick directly to her gullet, below her sword, to spiral her into the air. No blocking. No dodging. No seeing it coming. While she was fast, her body control didn't match his. Even at this proximity, he could bend in ways she couldn't masterfully and both her hands had been tied. The full force of a kick like this would send her up about twenty feet, with the walls around them being no more than five to interconnecting buildings. His blade returned to its sheath as she went up and prepared for his following assault.
Ryunosuke Ryusei
A kick from under her. Johnny is extremely flexible and can do something like this easily. It hits for 52 damage and would send her flying into the air, probably gasping for air.
Echizen Kaneue (越前兼植) ● Affirmed as an annoyance to Johnny, Echizen Kaneue is what he considers a Glutton. Being his first blade, it's automatically his favorite and used only for combat against an opponent Johnny deems as worthy. Heavier and longer than any normal Katana - Echizen Kaneue is considered a Nodachi [Lit. Staff Sword] and is wielded by Johnny masterfully only because of his large stature. In utilization with his Battōjutsu it becomes a lethal threat, able to stretch a length of [6] feet when fully drawn from its sheath, allowing its wielder to strike from some ridiculous ranges. In terms of personality, it was unruly upon Johnny first using it and seemed to yearn for combat. +80 Endurance +20 Strength
Techniques
Technique Name: Battōjutsu (Lit. The craft of Drawing ones Sword) Description: A katana being drawn from its sheath moves with a much greater speed and force than when it is being wielded normally. Additionally, greater drawing speed gives a swordsman more of an advantage in combat than an opponent whose speed is inferior. This is due in part to the fact that a katana's sharp blade curves upward against the inside of the sheath, allowing the swordsman to use more strength in drawing it without having to worry about applying extra control to his movements - the sword's path is guided by the sheath while the blade meets no resistance, moving two to three times faster than normal. Having learned this from his Sensei years ago, Johny's entire sword style deals with sheathing and unsheathing his blade. When in combat, he thrives off this style, receiving [+5 STR] while within its reign. Passive.
Technique Name: Kyori (Lit. Distance) Description: Dealing with his style of draw / resheath, in accordance with a powerful unsheathing comes knowing the outright distance of your opponent, which comes with training. Simply put, at all times, Johnny is able to keep track of an opponents location within his mind after some time of fighting them. Of course, an area filled with obstacles and various blockades would make this harder than an open field. After [3] Posts from the beginning of a fight, Johnny gains understanding of their distance constantly in feet. This is circumvented only by someone leaving his line of sight or using a high sped movement technique. Passive.
Technique Name: Kumo no Naka no Otoko (Lit. Man among Clouds) Description: Despite his size, Johnny has a certain grace about his movements. When being trained in the art of the sword, he drastically improved body control, now able to feel weightless and control himself in every position. [Johnny is able to strike, move, maneuver, and perform other acrobatic feats of agility with little to no effort. This allows him to do something like leaping off a leaf mid air or strike from a position a normal man would find impossible -- most applications of this nature are easily done. His body is extremely flexible, being gifted the title as perfect even in motion and while in motion, he receives [+5 Speed]. Passive.] ---
The battle only grew more intense and brutal as they fought, each being made of mere flesh and bone, but each striking with enough force to severely injure the other with ease. Every strike mattered in order to gain the edge and thus far they kept striking even, neither made an attack without taking one as well so the advantage was to neither at that rate. Their Meito rang as they clashed for a moment, crying out for the battle to continue during the clash, though the two weapon would part ways quickly afterwards. Luka's surprise spike was indeed successful but at the same time she would feel a rough strike from the taller man's boot to her gut. She coughed up, grunting as he forced her body upwards from their current position despite the rather large hole now in his left leg. She was also forced to let go of her other blade in the wall by the sudden jerking force from his kick. Normally such an attack wouldn't hurt this much save for the fact that it was agitating her earlier wound quite a bit. fortunately for her though, the spike was still in his leg as she reached out with her now empty left arm slightly to command her shadow once more while it was still within range. A second shadow spike would be formed right into Johnny's other shin now as he put his foot back down to return his blade to its sheath.
She wasn't going to let him get away and with this, he was going to have a lot more difficulty moving about at all. She had to do something while she was sent upwards and that was about all she could manage at first as she rose up about twenty feet up. From there she was now higher than the roof of the building which was about fifteen feet from the ground. She was also fairly close to the building to start with as she kept her eyes on her opponent and as she came down she made sure to catch the ledge of the flat top roof with her right foot, moving herself over to stand upon the ledge now as she would look at him, coughing up some blood as her injury was agitated more by all the motion and action. She panted as she could feel the hot liquid staining her clothes and traveling down to her pants on the side now. This was bad. She needed medical attention for this now or she'd die of blood loss if she kept pushing on like this. Johnny also needed a doctor though his bleeding was not as long passed as her own. She needed to end this and get them both help soon or they'd both die here and she didn't want either of them to do that.
"If you surrender now...I can call in a medic from the nearby base to properly treat our wounds after they are bandaged up..." She huffed, trying to make him understand that they were both fairly bad off now. The issue was that Luka herself had a very low sense of self worth when she worked. She had never really placed much value in her own life so long as her task was completed and she never had been given much reason to either. She had no friends, her family was gone, her only cause was to serve the Navy and fight for peace. Sure she had recently declared a desire to be Fleet Admiral but old habits and mentality were hard to break. If he refused her offer to turn himself in and get them both help sooner, she'd likely push herself too far and risk bleeding out completely at this rate. "Neither of us want to actually kill the other and you're quite skilled at battle...if possible I'd try to convince you to turn a new leaf but if you refuse...I'll be forced to pursue you until one of us passes out..." She wasn't bluffing and if he could keep fending off her attacks without moving his legs too much, she'd likely bleed out sooner than he would if only due to the fact that she had already been bleeding for a longer period of time than he had been, even if her second shadow spike was successful.
Abilities Shadow Strike: Luka has learned the basics of controlling her own shadow even when it is not manifested as Doppleman. During battle, she may have her shadow extend out in razor sharp spikes or blades (may be made into blunt attacks to avoid lethality as needed) from the surface it is being cast upon (granted that Luka can alter where her shadow is cast regardless and even make it move independently from her body so long as it remains within the range of her control). When used this way, the spikes can shoot out from the current surface to strike at anyone or anything Luka desires with a force equal to her Strength, or the Strength of the shadow used if it is not her own. The length of these spikes and blades may be as long as 1 ft for every 10 Strength Luka has, or the used shadow has. Luka may use [Shadow Strike] up to five times before incurring a cool down of 1 post. [2/5 uses]
Summary Luka will attempt to perform a second [Shadow Strike] as she is knocked up to try and injure Johnny's other leg like the first while he is still impaled by the first as well. She'll get herself to land on the roof above with some stumbling and more severe bleeding as she offers for Johnny to surrender peacefully so that they can both receive medical attention.
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2017 5:55 am
The finale was upon them. As the blade clinked into place, eyes watched for a moment Luka's rise into the sky. There was no time to waste. He was going to finish this fight right here. The motion of her hand going for another strike would be nulled - he moved as she flew up. Her eyes no longer on him. On the ground. It was the perfect time to attack. "Battōjutsu. . ." He was filled to the brim with pain, but he had one good able leg. Using minimal force from his left but optimal from his right, he went flying up, the five foot wall next to the building a good pivot point as he continued upward. As her body caught hold to the side of the building, he was already there. Her speed didn't matter. Her shadow to far to save her now. Her climb had been stuck in his mind; he knew her speed in feet so his timing was impeccable. ". .Sōryūsen!" The arcing slash came fast, strong. To dive upward through her left and up her back. A wound like that would be enough to put her down for good and Johnny? He release a coin at his highest point, pushing off it with a finger to jettison him away with a few flips, landing across from the building with a hop on his good leg. "Luka Scarlet." He'd begin, sheathing his blade slowly with a warm smile. "You're a skilled swordsmen. A worthy opponent. Concede. Your end is coming sooner than mine and you'll only die if we continue." They could keep going, but as much steam as he lost, she was standing at deaths door. He didn't want to kill her.
"Live to fight another day. Hone your blade. You'll make a fine marine if you keep this up and I'd like to fight you again, when we've both grown even stronger!" She was the first since his sensei to ever push him to his limits of swordsmenship. From this point, it was up to her how this would continue.
Ryunosuke Ryusei
If Luka has a way to avoid a assault this close, then I'd suggest using it. Damage is the same as before. Before arguing me dodging, remember she's running with a fresh wound and has no pain buffering techniques. Also, Johnny is able to track her movement in feet, so he has a solid idea of her speed now. I just wanna make this all clear before another debate post is made. To sum it up, she ran, got her sword stuck in the wall behind them as he moved forward and slashed with another drawing technique from her left side. Any issues, please message me first.
Echizen Kaneue (越前兼植) ● Affirmed as an annoyance to Johnny, Echizen Kaneue is what he considers a Glutton. Being his first blade, it's automatically his favorite and used only for combat against an opponent Johnny deems as worthy. Heavier and longer than any normal Katana - Echizen Kaneue is considered a Nodachi [Lit. Staff Sword] and is wielded by Johnny masterfully only because of his large stature. In utilization with his Battōjutsu it becomes a lethal threat, able to stretch a length of [6] feet when fully drawn from its sheath, allowing its wielder to strike from some ridiculous ranges. In terms of personality, it was unruly upon Johnny first using it and seemed to yearn for combat. +80 Endurance +20 Strength
Techniques
Technique Name: Battōjutsu (Lit. The craft of Drawing ones Sword) Description: A katana being drawn from its sheath moves with a much greater speed and force than when it is being wielded normally. Additionally, greater drawing speed gives a swordsman more of an advantage in combat than an opponent whose speed is inferior. This is due in part to the fact that a katana's sharp blade curves upward against the inside of the sheath, allowing the swordsman to use more strength in drawing it without having to worry about applying extra control to his movements - the sword's path is guided by the sheath while the blade meets no resistance, moving two to three times faster than normal. Having learned this from his Sensei years ago, Johny's entire sword style deals with sheathing and unsheathing his blade. When in combat, he thrives off this style, receiving [+5 STR] while within its reign. Passive.
Technique Name: Kyori (Lit. Distance) Description: Dealing with his style of draw / resheath, in accordance with a powerful unsheathing comes knowing the outright distance of your opponent, which comes with training. Simply put, at all times, Johnny is able to keep track of an opponents location within his mind after some time of fighting them. Of course, an area filled with obstacles and various blockades would make this harder than an open field. After [3] Posts from the beginning of a fight, Johnny gains understanding of their distance constantly in feet. This is circumvented only by someone leaving his line of sight or using a high sped movement technique. Passive.
Technique Name: Kumo no Naka no Otoko (Lit. Man among Clouds) Description: Despite his size, Johnny has a certain grace about his movements. When being trained in the art of the sword, he drastically improved body control, now able to feel weightless and control himself in every position. [Johnny is able to strike, move, maneuver, and perform other acrobatic feats of agility with little to no effort. This allows him to do something like leaping off a leaf mid air or strike from a position a normal man would find impossible -- most applications of this nature are easily done. His body is extremely flexible, being gifted the title as perfect even in motion and while in motion, he receives [+5 Speed]. Passive.]
Technique Name: Tsuyoi [Lit. Strong] Description: Johnny strength can be considered his strongest attribute. More than his skill with the blade itself - he uses it as a means to overall overpower his opponents and keep them on the defensive. In most cases, a clash is a fools bet for someone not prepared to face him. [As long as Johnny's strength is higher than an attack's/defense's defining power stat, he can blow straight through it. Passive.]
--- Technique Name: Battōjutsu ● Sōryūsen (Lit. Twin Dragon Flash) Description: The first of many unsheathing techniques taught to Johnny during his training. After assuming [Battōjutsu], Johnny unsheathes the blade in a lightning fast arc, removing it with speed and precision, to strike at an intended target. The advantage of this technique in particular, is it can be used in any position and, as long as Johnny has sight [or] understands the distance between himself and his intended target, can strike indefinitely without the use of thought. An easy opener or a signature finish. [+5 Power] to this attack. Usable [5] times before a [1] Post Cooldown. Power ● 110
Technique Name: Jakkupotto! (Lit. Jackpot!) Description: On his person Johnny keeps a large amount of coin. Not for purchasing anything in particular, but for combat. Mid use of his signature [Battōjutsu] style, he'll flick these coins in different ways, using them as momentary distractions or, as a viable open to strike. They hold no actual damage to them unless specified in a technique. This can be used [5] times before a [1] post cooldown. Passive. Requirements: 100,000 Experience
The attempted strike at his other leg would fail as her opponent had jumped up after her after he had launched her upwards. She was given a bit of forewarning even if she wasn't in the most ideal shape and the pain was still inhibiting her ability to function. It was infuriating that she was forced to act at less than 100% for the entire fight after just one stupid mistake. Not being so accustomed to pain as she had rarely if ever fought others with a skill level rivaling her own. She'd spent so much time against weaker enemies for so long that her ability to fight others on her own level had apparently suffered as a result. She was suffering to much blood as it was and even as her shadow started to return to her, it wouldn't be in time to deal with Johnny so she'd be forced to make do with what she had and all that she had was her Meito, Aizu Kunisada. Her other sword was still stuck in the wall of the building they were nearly atop as Johnny had jumped up after her, from behind as she looked at him. She had little time to work with as she was about to make her side injury hurt like a b***h.
Luka would swing her blade around as hard as she could, forcibly rotating herself in the air to face Johnny and his incoming blade. She would have switched hands to the side that wasn't bleeding if she had the time to even do so but she had no such luxury unfortunately. Their blades would clash again and without being grounded, Luka was able to force her sword against his as she tried to move his blade away from herself to avoid injury. It worked to some degree as his blade never hit her body, but the force of his blade against her own would force her to the roof regardless as she feel and grunted in pain and more blood. Her shadow would only finally catch up to her now as he would set himself on the opposite end of this roof, hopping on his good leg while the other was bleeding quite generously. But he was right as he spoke, her bleeding had been going on for much longer and had been agitated by the battle. She looked at him as she swapped her sword to her left hand now, blade down in the roof under herself as she tried to lift herself back up shakily despite her injuries. He was telling her to concede as she glared at him, coughing up more of her own scarlet blood.
He told her to give up and live to fight another day. To admit defeat. She refused to so that. So long as she drew breath she wouldn't give up thanks to her stubborn nature but if she kept going that wasn't going to be much longer. She huffed out, still bleeding as she was slowly rising to her feet. "So long as I can move...I cannot let you get away..." She wasn't really moving a lot however either way. "Doing so would make me a failure...And I'm not one to let so much effort go to waste..." The poor girl was not only a workaholic, but she was very single minded in her determination. It wasn't bad that she had so much will power really, though how it was channeled was currently very self detrimental. The problem was that she defined herself as a Marine before anything and everything. Most of her own personality was basically ignored when she did official work and that was reflected when she entered her emotionless state from earlier when dealing with the small band of thugs. This was likely a side effect of how her duty a a Marine was all she had as a person. She had no living relatives anymore. She had no romantic interests or even friends to call her own. She didn't even have a proper hobby! She spent her extra time practicing her swordplay and has had to be ordered to take her vacation time before by her superior officers. "If I'm any good at estimating....I should still have a few minutes before I pass out from the bleeding...I'll just have to make do with that..." She was feeling a bit light headed from blood loss at this rate and it was only adding to her already self destructive thought process due to not valuing her own life for the sake of her job.
Words in post: [763] Current total: [13,780]
Dcme
Fight is sort of a 'draw' so like...good fight man? +50k each?
oh also please tell her she's being like...crazy or something? sending up a doctor would be chill too d('.'d)
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 3:59 am
He didn't say anything in response. Eyes merely watching the woman in her lone attempts to keep this fight going. She was going to die if this kept up and if that was what happened, it'd be all for naught. Johnny placed his blade back to his side and his signature black hat on his head. This world was a crazy one indeed, with all sorts of people. He didn't believe some like her even existed, but the marines were just as odd as some pirates he'd seen so far. Sighing, he hummed a light tune to himself while turning, beginning to walk away. "You can't keep fighting in that condition. You're already on the verge of falling over." Sliding down the side roof, he'd come to the plaza floor, slowly walking back to his signature black jacket. Face covered by the brim of his charming lid. "Learn to lose, Scarlet. This world is filled with people like you; people like me. People even stronger. You'll never topple every single one with a mind set like that." Grasping the edge of it, he ripped a good chunk of material off and tightly wrapped it around his leg, to slow the bleeding until Tahira could give him proper treatment.
He tossed it over him after wiping some dust off, turning back to her while shaking his head. She held no value for her own life and that was completely idiotic.
"You're a marine first. Your pride will get you killed and then what use will you be to the people? You said you wanted to change things. You said, you wanted to keep the peace. How can you do that if your dead!? Were those dreams you spoke of earlier nothing but the words of a little girl in a candy shop! Today, defeat is on your shoulders! Today, you faced perfection and lived! That in itself is a feat few can say they've earned." Facing in her direction now, he rummaged around in his pocket and just like earlier with Galand, Johnny flicked a coin high up to her location with a broad smile. "Have worth in who you are. Little Bird. From here, you can soar even higher, but if you keep yourself caged up for so long, that cage will be as far as you'll ever fly." Off he sauntered, walking into the distant crowd with both hands in his pockets. The gang had to be done by now. But! Not before his name would be exchanged. "Johnny! Johnny B. Blaze! Remember me! We'll meet again, Little Bird!"Gone.
Ryunosuke Ryusei
In her current state continuing would've been her loss. Either way, nice go around. We'll meet again somewhere on this open sea.
It was an interesting turn of affairs when one's pass into a kingdom was denied, especially one that allowed merchants to travel hither and thither without regard of the normal procedures which took place for the normal traveling folk, having to be questioned and looked at with hard eyes instead of the dismissive glance, the glance that knew to discern whom of which were the ones that allowed a kingdom to flourish. He had never heard of a kingdom in which was able to become entirely self sufficient, some close, but not entirely to the point where if they saw it fit, they need only to shut their doors and not interact with the outside world. The affair left the merchant disgruntled. He had hear whispers of the corruption which managed to leak into the crevasses of Lyneel but he did not fathom that such would reduce previous passports to be rendered null and void. His beady eyes shifted warily at the men whom guarded the gates, their meaty hands held captive by suffocating gauntlets rummaging around as they pleased. He even saw a fellow pocket something, a shiny bauble certainly of worth, before ushering the next group of travelers to be inspected. The trinkets within his wooden box tinkled nervously as if sharing his apprehension. He sought to reach behind himself and massage the dimpled exterior of the box which held his livelihood. In his experiences, the black and white haired fellow had the opportunity to meet all sorts of customers. Some were of humble source, while others had higher, more loftily perched origins. They came in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but there was one common factor, a standard, which he held to all who visited his wares: payment. All had to pay in some form or another be it currency or other form of equal exchange. He was lenient for some especially those of the lower caste system which had relatively no safe means to currency, but even then he welcomed their offerings of vegetables, fruits, and pieces of meat they had managed to procure. These men, these guards, however, would be able to walk all over his creed and for that he silently cursed. He did not have a mind to expend energy where it might have otherwise prove useful in selling wares to track down an insignificant oaf which probably had no true understanding of the merchandise he carried. Rune lifted a digit hesitantly before biting down upon the mangled skin. What sort of trick would he have to employ in order to bypass the guards which stood in his way, whom were now growing ever more greedy as their pockets swelled from each group that passed by for inspection. The merchant continued to gnaw at his thumbnail until a hushed whisper reached his ear.
"Follow us. There is a path open to us unseen to the eye," the voice said.
The source of the voice came from a man whom was equally burdened with wares and cloaks of his own. Hair the color of dirt, his brown eyes subtly shifted from the entrance to a path which lead away from the entrance of the city. Silver eyes evaluated the situation at hand and noticed a staff which the man carried. On it were etched in the stories certain tribes whom he was intimately familiar with. Among certain tribes of skypieans, such an object was a symbol for one's standing in society. Particularly in this case, it had meant that this man, though evident already through his garb, was a merchant like himself. A person that went from place to place exchanging his wares. Such poles were noted to have great power with them as they were said to protect those who owned them. Rune gestured to the intricately carved staff with a gaze riddled with questions. The brunette noted his skepticism as well as his evaluating eye of his weapon. "It came from my homeland. There are a bunch of us, traders, who've found a secret way into the city without being detected by the guards. It leads directly into the market place," replied the stranger. Rune weighed in on the options. He felt as if the chance was too good to be true. What did they stand to gain from have including him on this secret? If there certainly was a hidden path into the city, then surely it would serve his purposes, but the matter still remained with the man and his intel. "I assume there's a fee involved for passage," Rune said in a hushed voice. The man smiled and the two of them came to an accordance.
It was a cramped passage to be sure. The winding tunnel that the man had lead him and many others of similar like dragged on what seemed like an eternity beneath the city. With only small candles to light their way, their journey was marked with grunts, cries, and foul utterances which Rune could no do justice in replicating. Eventually they had managed to breach what appeared to be an opening. Initial gratitude turned into disgust as the smoke riddled cave they emerged from transformed into a rat infested sewer. He had hoped that the pretty penny he had paid for would have procured more...sanitary means of transportation. Nevertheless, he shuffled onward like those before him, keenly aware of the minute movements that happened all around them from the vermin scurrying about to the flow of feces and urine that ran beside them. In a vain effort to combat the stench, Rune pulled the hijab he wore closer to cover his orifices. The trader whom greeted him before also had pulled out a cloth to cover his face. As their eyes met, the situation entreated them to exchange words if not for the short time being in order to pass the time and ignore the bodily ordeals they faced in the sewers. "I don't think I've ever seen a lad as young as you traveling about. Usually a youngin' like you would be hunting for animals or farming for the sake of his family. Maybe swooning over a lass with buxom breasts. Hahaha!" the man speculated. Rune's eyes softened a little as he voiced a muffled reply from his head covering, "My mother sired many children while she was young. A great deal grew to maturity so having one leave the nest didn't really affect her, " a pause followed as one merchant several paces back coughed loudly "I never really fit in my village. I couldn't stand the thought of staying in one place for my entire life..." he murmured. "Feels like there's this invisible stream tuggin' at you, huh?" Rune nodded in affirmative. It certainly did feel like that at times, the feeling to never stay in one place for fear that he might one day find himself stuck in the mud. "What about you? What lead you to trade?" the young man questioned. "I was guided by a power greater myself, thrust into the world," the fellow merchant replied with a heavy sigh. A grin forced it's way to Rune's visage as he prodded further, "Was that before or after you stuck your shaft into a woman you weren't supposed to meddle with?" Silence ensued before roaring laughter filled the sewers. "You sure got cheek boy. I'll give you that," the man guffawed. The others that accompanied them broke into smiles, ones that knew too well the life of a lonely trader traveling from town to town. "It's was after, boy, after," the guide replied with a grin.
As promised, they had arrived at the marketplace through means of exiting from a pothole that was conveniently located within a warehouse. It was from there that the rag tag team of merchants made their way towards yet another opening that lead into a booth. The change from black and muted hues to a flourish of colors was almost startling. Shops that were open were decorated in all sorts of designs native to the region. Flowers decorated the stands of various wares. While the air still stunk of piss, s**t, and other fecal material, other smells much more pleasant assailed his senses. The white-and-black haired merchant detected mur, oils, incense, and more importantly food. The scent of food grilling by far was what preoccupied his mind as they thanked the guide and began to part ways. However, before Rune left he had a mind to exchange a few last words with the generous trade whom quite literally smuggled them into the city. "Excuse me," Rune called to the man whom was just about depart. "Yes?" replied he, abet distracted. "What clan?" the youth asked, jutting his chin toward the staff. A twinkle grew in the man's eyes. "Ah, Stone Claw. You?" the older man chuckled. "Heron Wing," he replied with a smile. "Ah, good pelts and squash from that village. How is the chieftain?" A frown graced the youth as he struggled to discern from memory what condition he last saw them in. "Well, last time I saw. Power still hasn't yet left the their fields, thankfully," Rune noted. "Give my regards if you ever do return. Tell Turtle Shell I remember her fondly," the man finished with a hearty laugh. Rune smiled knowing all too well what implications of such a jest before searching for food. He wandered for a time through the markets, buying provisions as well as food pedaled on food carts. It was not long before he found a an unoccupied spot in which to spread out his wares of exotic goods. In the shade of two larger stalls, he sat on a dusty wool mat and smoked at his leisure. A flash of red caught his eye. He absentmindedly thought of some wisdom he had gleaned from a member of the long arm clan: "Red will bring good luck." Rune pondered the bemusing bit of information. Did it really? Time would only be able to tell whether it held true. Luck be with that traveler~
INDENT"§" Sigurd’s excitement was barely contained as he waited for food, he hardly noticed the number of guards or other things. Hell, he didn’t realize that he effectively bribed his way in, since he didn’t know the docking fee wasn’t really a thing. So he came into Lyneel all swanky and s**t, just to eat food. And oh boy was it worth it in his mind. You could smell cooking meat and veggies, the heat from the kitchen, the compactness of the place. Many people affected by the recent pirate raid were stuck until things settled down and the effective lock down was lifted, namely merchants and sailors. Sigurd didn’t notice though, his inexperience with larger cities quite plain, and his hunger also clearly evident, as he was eyeing every sort of food possible. ”What chu want kid?”. The proprietor asked him, since it was his turn to order. There was only one plausible option to the young man. ”Everything. One of everything.” The man smiled and chuckled, and began to load up a number of plates. ”Go sit over there boy. Your food will be right over.”. Sigurd complied and sat down, trying really hard to keep calm, but after eating preserved meat and veggies for almost a week, you can really get excited for real food.
INDENT"§" When the plates arrived, he gently pulled off his gloves while savoring the smell of fish, beef, chicken, veggies and fruits all cooked, grilled, fried, sauteed, and boiled. From the moment he started eating, to the moment he was done, every mouthful was a joy to be had. He hardly noticed the crowd, or the timer. He didn’t realize he somehow was participating in a challenge to eat that much food, and he didn’t know he was doing it faster than any other challenger. So when he reclined, every plate in front of him cleared and himself sporting a comically distended belly, cheers broke out. The startled Sigurd looked around, and started putting the pieces together. Timer, food, chuckle. The smile that broke out on his face was damn near priceless, but as there is with all challenges, he couldn’t toss it. So Sigurd didn’t move an inch, knowing what was at stake. ”Good job boy. Meal is free, you get a room upstairs, since you are clearly a traveler, and you get a picture taken and added to our wall of successful challengers!” Sigurd only smiled, and languidly at that. The food coma was mere centimeters away from consuming him, as he had with the food, but he got picked up and propped up for the photo, and taken upstairs and laid in a bed.
INDENT"§" A few hours later, meal sufficiently digested, the young man left the store, waving farewell to the large chef, who gave him a wink and a smile after shouting he was welcome anytime. To be so greeted was nice. When someone bumped into him, he didn’t really mind, until he noticed a familiarly red stitched coin purse in a rat’s hand. Instead of shouting, he just picked up his pace to follow, cloak billowing. He had plenty of energy now to chase the vagabond down and get his money back. The boy took winding roads, and picked up speed when he looked back to see the scarlet cloak in the air, panic on his face. He must not be a very good pickpocket yet. The only advantage this kid had was his knowledge of the roads, so Sigurd couldn’t very well outsmart him yet, so it was better to instead let this kid lead him on. He could easily gain ground, but there was a question as to why he needed to steal. Sigurd could be generous indeed if his intentions were pure enough.
INDENT"§" After probably a minute or five of straight running, the child began to show signs of tiring, while Sigurd himself was rather warmed up and ready to keep going. Time to put those calories to use. He pushed up his speed, slowing catching up to the boy as the chase wore on in the back alleys and streets of Lyneel. When the boy stopped to catch his breath, Sigurd slowed and calmly walked up to the kid, hand out expectantly. ”Purse, and I won’t say anything.” The look Sigurd was giving him was calm and stern, but the boy was hesitant to proffer up his ill-gotten item. Instead of manhandling him, Sigurd crouched down, and made direct eye contact. ”Why do you need the money so badly that you can hardly speak?” Eyes darted to his left and back, worry lines forming. Sigurd turned his head, to find a gang, all bearing makeshift weapons closing in. Sigurd sighed, and stood up. He wrapped the young boy in his cloak, and whispered quietly ”I am guessing you are being forced, no other home, eh? I have an idea.” Sigurd then picked up the child, and ran. No point in fighting a gang of ruffians, instead he was going to rescue the boy.
INDENT"§"It was a pretty short run, and the gang did not pursue. Likely, they didn’t really care about this young boy or his prize, they just cared if their little rats brought back goods. Sigurd could infer most of their trouble was a decision of safety versus exposure on an island. This boy could be saved. He walked towards the restaurant from before, boy still stuck under his arm. He approached the proprietor and set the child down. ”Sir, you looking for an extra hand? This boy needs a place to stay safely.” The man looked between the two and made a face. ”Sigurd, right? I don’t need extra hands, and I am not usually in the business of charity. You won a contest is all.” Now it was Sigurd’s chance to make a face. ”I see.” Sigurd turn around and left, keeping the boy with him. He needed to become an apprentice, and the best place to do that would be the marketplace.
INDENT"§" The two walked, the boy hidden beneath the cloak Sigurd wore. The path to the marketplace was tight, but worth taking. Sigurd would spend hours looking for someone to take the boy as an apprentice, before someone agreed. The two parted ways, and Sigurd had 3/4th of his coin purse back. The let the boy keep some. It was about now he noticed a shock of white and black hair, his mind flashing back to his grandfather. Was he here? Sigurd pushed his way through the crowd, only to find a man selling wares, looking nothing like his grandfather. But he would stop to peruse his wares. ”So, what’re you selling today sir?”
[Words: 1115 ] [sTotal: 1808 ] [iTotal: 1115 ]
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Battle Stats
Str: 0 End: 20 Acc: 0 Int: 15
[Human]: +5 Int | +5 Spd [Archae]: +5 Int | +5 End
It was not long before pedestrians began to morph into customers which perused his wares with a lulled sort of interest. He did not blame them, since it was in fact a rather large market, however the merchant felt confident in his wares that he would attract enough attention that he would make up for the deficit of the price for smuggling into the city. One by one he opened the drawers of the wooden box of wonders. The trinkets within jingled with joy as they greeted the piss stained air. He set out the regular sort of baubles which would certainly catch the eye of the typical customer in the front of the ornately weaved mat he sat upon: Lacquered combs, copper hair pins, oils, wooden carvings of ferocious animals fighting men, small jars of oil, perfume, and spices. Customers flocked as he predicted and as more frequented his humble spot on the ground, the more he withdrew from the mysterious depths of his seemingly bottomless wooden box. He bargained and haggled fiercely with follow competitors when they traded among themselves. He received pelts, textiles, as well as herbs in exchange for his unusual wares. For a woman that lavished herself in the jewels of emerald, he showed her the scarab shells which he had ornately fitted into intertwining wires that made a beautiful pendant.
In return for the necklace, he received a satchel of gold coins, which was most generous of the woman. For a gentleman who wished for something that reeked of masculinity and smelled more of gunpowder, he offered a elaborately carved pistol from which the handle, made from the tooth of a giant land shark, and inlaid with mother of pearl. In exchange for the weapon, he had opted for the man's ornate pocket watch. For a child that was on a brief errand for their family, he offered a pretty pinwheel made from colorful paper that spun gayly in the breeze. From the child, the smile he received from the youth as well as a bite from the bag of sweets the child held was enough in compensation for the toy. As he sent the child on it's way, red once again filled his vision, however it was not from goods presented to him as trade or to barter but rather the billowing cloak of a stranger. Several men and women whom were browsing his wares at the time quickly backed away as the figure pushed his way toward the front. Several girls looked at the man with judging eyes, irritated that such a rude fellow had interrupted their browsing of Rune's trinkets. The merchant silently evaluated the traveler.
Rugged, stark white hair, inquisitive eyes. He had passed by that shade of red before int he market. The man was certainly interesting given his garb, though somewhat dull given the kind of question he posed. It seemed common sense that a shop would naturally display it's wares for all to see in order to attract customers, unless of course such a business was not of the savory kind which would then constitute some kind of furtiveness about their operations. Such dark matters Rune only conducted when the night was full and the moon as black as pitch in the night sky and such was only when the need of his customers were great. Many a wife and girl had come to him to rid them of the burdens which grew in their womb. Some asked for simple physics to help sleep, while others asked for kinds that would bring about sleep eternal. He didn't question what his visitors did with the horrendous concoctions he brewed, heinous that they were, only that they paid in advance for his craft and that they would never mention his name upon pain of death unless specified otherwise. However, the midday sun shone brightly in the sky, thus he referred to his usual line of inquiry, mouth cracked with a beckoning smile that entreated the man to state his worldly desires,
"It depends on what you're looking for, sir." His eyes lingered upon the man before unstrapping a crudely stitched pillow which he propped up beneath his elbow whilst in a reclining position. Nimble fingers sought to withdraw more tobacco from the box along with a pinch of something white from the lowermost drawer. The mixture was crushed before set ablaze with a lamp that he had set earlier to test various incenses he had bartered for in exchange for a rather beautiful quill pen. Pale skin caught the light of daylight from where his hijab failed to cover Rune. He took a long drag from his pipe before impertinently blowing a grey cloud of noxious proportions into the traveler's face. "What do you seek from my humble wares," he smirked, "honored customer?" Idle digits, the instruments of the devil's handiwork, did not remain so for long as the black-and-white haired youth snatched wires and a notched wheel of wood where he would then string beads onto copper wire. Keen fingers sought to intertwine the metallic strings around the spool of their own accord. He would have a dozen necklaces done within a hand of time. The merchant sported a few himself, of the ones he had liked far too much to part with, he wore one of brilliant turquoise strung with beads of painted gold. "I have jewelry, weapons, and toys, if that is something of interest to you. Or do you perhaps seek something of far greater value? Do you need a poultice to ease the pain of flesh wounds? Maybe a potion to ease the night terrors? Though I am sure a whore is better than a potion in such a case. Kyahahaha," he chuckled in good humor. "For any regular customer I would welcome the sound of gold but, given how you scared away many a pretty face with your shoving, I'm not so sure anymore. Entreat me to a story while we haggle, dear sir. "
INDENT"§" Sigurd's face turned a bit of a lighter shade than the clothing in he wore when the merchant called out his efforts at shoving his way to the front. Perhaps it would be a good enough moment to reveal the reason for his urgency? In all honesty, honesty would be the best practice at this particular moment. His presentation was fantastic as well, showing off a manual skill that few could likely match in this market place. His haste did this young man a grave disservice, and one that needed to be repaid in a vast number of ways, the least being a story or two. Sigurd began to smile though, as he closed his eyes and envisioned his home island, not so far away to be impossible to return to, but far enough where nostalgia could strike at the lightest provocation. It was an island unlike any other, covered in northern maple trees that combine the deciduous habit of changing colors with the season, yet being able to retain enough moisture come winter to survive by curling its leaves into needles. It could be one of the biggest factors in the islands name, considering it was North Maple Island. Its biggest export was syrup, a unique flavor from the trees combined the sweetness of standard maple with a light hint of juniper. It was fantastic in many of their products. The island, being on the north, was often snowbound and coated in white ice. He took a deep breath, and smiled at the man. "I have many stories from North Maple. I will indulge first in explaining why my brash behavior though." Sigurd smiled and pulled out a notebook, and presented a sketch of a older man, hair a similar pattern of black and white, eyes bright and his smile, though closer to a mischievous smirk, was clearly seen. The personality in the portrait was evident. "This man, my Grandfather, is Signus Holt. Mayor of the Winter Village on the north side of North Maple. He is known for planning parties and festivals that no one could hope to match. Your manor of walking, your hair, and even your voice reminds me of him. I was named after him in a sense. Sigurd Holt. It is my honor to meet you. I approached, thinking you were a man I loved and treasured, and instead you have treasures I can gift to the man I am so fond of. Perhaps, among my stories, you will find what you think would best suit a man who has seen the fiery colors of autumn give way to winter white and into spring and summer greens." Sigurd smile became almost melancholic for a moment before he began to dig away into his mind in order to find the stories of his family to share with this merchant, to come up with a suitable gift for his home bound grandfather. Sigurd hasn't really taken the time to think about home, but at the moment, the noise creating a barrier between himself and this merchant, it was safe to remember and long.
INDENT"§" Sigurd smiled again, and looked at the merchant, pushing the notebook towards him. "Within these pages you will find many wondrous sights and memories of mine. Things I now realize I cannot bear to be without." The young man paused, eyes distant and voice somber. "You can have these paper memories, I will return to the village that bore them. I came out into the world seeking adventure, but now I find that I seek peace. I will not find that out here. So I will return home. There are few and less ready for adventure, and I was not prepared for homesickness." Sigurd bowed deeply to the merchant, and waved farewell. "Favor and remember your home, my friend. Because there maybe people there who await your return." And so Sigurd left, got in his boat and sailed off. Where too? He had his home in mind.
[Words: 664 ] [sTotal: ] [iTotal: 664 ]
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Battle Stats
Str: 0 End: 20 Acc: 0 Int: 15
[Human]: +5 Int | +5 Spd [Archae]: +10 Int | +10 End
A smile crept to the trader's lips as greedy ears swallowed whole tales of the traveler's hometown. Such a place certainly sounded like fantasy, but given the trader's own origins, he could certainly believe that such a place could indeed exist filled with delicious syrups that had hints of juniper as a refreshing aftertaste. He could envision the way the landscape curled and folded upon itself under layers of white sleet and snow. The picturesque vision of dew from the mist laden nights turned to ice was a beautiful one indeed. His mind's eye painted the glorious colors of the rising of the sun and the setting of the same flaming orb reflected in the icicles that decorated the pine needles and their stifled, yet, sticky sweet scents. The range of green to brown to red to orange was like a kaleidoscope of colors. No doubt it was a fantastical place to behold and even better of a place to reside. The merchant keenly listened on the tales of the long nights that they faced in the northern countries where snow was abundant. Out of habit, a hand sought to reach the youth's ear and there it rested as he leaned against the crude pillow he had procured moments ago. Snow often made villages a tomb in their own right. The very nature of the white sheet that blanketed villages in one night sought to muffle out sound, though that didn't mean that sound was entirely absent. If one listened intently, one could even hear the falling of snow. If such wasn't possible then the sound of one's own beating heart would come second. The crackling of fire, the rattling of a window opening to let in the cold air, the crunch of fur moccasins pressing against the ice were things that came to mind as he flipped the pages of the notebook left behind by the man that had rudely woven his way among his customers. The pages, perfumed with the scent of journeys and dust sent a wave of unsuspecting pleasure as he turned their tanned exteriors. The soft rumbling of the earth echoed softly from the hand that covered his ear. It some ways it reminded Rune of his own home, far off hidden away by fog and forest. He remembered the soups made from dirigible chestnuts in winter to the fried cirrus burdock roots. Vivid were his visions that he could almost taste the texture of meals he shared before the fire with his people, tinged with gritty dirt and heavy smoke. While the memories grew warm in his chest, an icy chill fell upon the nape of his neck. A raven called out from overhead and the merchant set back to selling his wares.
In exchange for the compendium that the man had given him, Rune had given the white haired Sigurd wisdom and a trinket to take along with him back to the man he found in the merchant. It was a beautiful time piece. Unlike the watch he had exchanged with the gentleman from before, it was one that kept track of the movement of stars as well as the time and date, a model of mechanical ingenuity. The metal that the device was made from shone brilliantly in the light of the afternoon sun. It was a delightful item that he had received for a box full of exotic teas Rune had managed to procure from a man whose hometown was far beyond the Blues near the islands where a variant tribe of the long arms lived. Apparently beyond the Blues, a whole new world of trade awaited those who dared to venture out from their nests. The merchant wondered what treasures remained dormant beyond the horizon of his encapsulated world and of the dangers that would await him should he ever decided to stray from the Blues. Monsters of gargantuan proportions, herbs of deadly uses, and assassin that walked in toe with the night itself. What fun. A grin graced his ragged exterior. What fun it sounded to be. As for the advice he gave to them man, he at first struggled to find words that were suitable for the man and his predicament but eventually found ones that were adequate for a traveler in search of an old man, "A hopeful heart brings misery, while a jaded soul finds solace." A soft chuckle coupled with a cruel smirk was all that Rune left the man before turning to more pressing matters of coin and goods.
"How much is this bracelet?" said a woman bedecked in a dress that was far too dirty to be even considered among the middle class. He eyed the object that the woman held within her grimy fingers. A single finger lifted the bracelet, golden of color marked with bronze rungs of ivy, and set it down among the other items of his wares. "The cost would be far too much for you to cover, miss," he answered coolly. Silver eyes watched the female's every move. Brown orbs acknowledged the suspicious gaze of grey gems that grew more furrowed the longer the two maintained visual contact. "Tch, fine. I don't need it any- the ragged female huffed, clearly irritated. "That doesn't mean I won't part with it for the right thing, my dear," Rune interjected. A darkling glow further kindled by promise of an exchange blazed in his eyes. Quizzical brows lifted and ears opened as the mismatched youth dangled the brilliant accessory before eager eyes. "Aye? What sort of 'thing' is it that you want?" said she. "Well a suggestion for which would be the best place to eat, find lodging, and perhaps...other activities," he said in a lowered tone whilst cocking an eyebrow. The woman understood immediately by the change in tone. "Well, you need only ask, sir. If you want-" she said in a sultry tone. The woman bent down in what he anticipated was an attempt to show the goods which she had to offer. The right laced strap of her dress inched slowly off of her shoulder, threatening to spill bountiful fruit, but a single flick of the merchant's ornate pipe halted what would have been the calamitous spillage of such ripe harvest. Rune chuckled as he analyzed the woman's bewildered expression, muddled with confusion and resentment,"Ah. The activities that I seek are more what you would say...rugged." The words seemed to reel in the woman's mind. He could see how his words shuffled around within the gears that moved slowly beneath the cranium of the informant before him. Light breached dazy gaze. He could visibly see the illumination that came with her realization and the boorish grin that followed suite. "Aahhh. I know just the sort of place for a man who doesn't mind getting dirty, shall I wait for you?" The merchant shook his head, "No, he chuckled "I think it would be wise to conclude trade for today. Hahaha."
[Exit]
'Steel Lapin
wisyuu
Omnipresent Bard
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