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Ignis	It's not long after MIsa's other visitors have left can Ignis be found lurking around the area still not to far from the river that makes its way uncaringly not far from where the sword mistress makes her dojo. He sits atop a log, looking over an ornate decorative daiklaive of orichalcum. It gleams softly, the blade seeming to both absorb as well as reflect the sunlight that dances across it. A soft metallic ringing sound occuring as IGnis takes his hand upon the blade and then holds it aloft to examine it with care usually afforded to people under medical care and not 'things'. But then again such artifacts are more then 'things' to the Exalted. "Hmm..quite the dilemma.." he finally muses aloud, speaking to the weapon it would seem though it gives no answer. Seemingly as disinterested and as uncaring as the river.
Misa	"I confess, I am a meditative person, but I have not yet reached the point of speaking to my weapons," comes a soft voice from behind, easily recognized as the proprietor of the place. She stands, no weapon at hand, just slightly behind and to the side, shoulder against one of the still-standing trees. She tilts her head, brow raised. "Not to be too presumptuous but this... does not seem much like you, for what little we have interacted before."
Ignis	"There are times when I think I can..hear something. I'm never quite certain but..." Ignis voice trails off and he then chuckles, "Perhaps my lack of meditation is the issue. This is a very precious object. It's connecte to my past and I've been told it's uniquely powerful even amongst other...like artifacts and yet I have awakened nothing. It's a keepsake. A memory of an older time and a goal for the present but..I seem to be standing in place." He holds it aloft and then points it out over the river as if aiming at something far off in the distance, "A weapon I carry but can't even use because of the attention it might attract. Ironic. So no..not normally 'like me' I suppose..so far as the face I usually show others."
Misa	A pause and a slight smile from Misa, and she looks into the water a moment. "You know, normally someone like me would collect weapons like that. One of the forms I practice... the more of them, the better, really. And yet, all I have to use it with is..." She reaches forth with her right hand- her off hand, if one recalls battles. Fingers curling as if around something, a moment later there's a spark of gold, before a sheathed, curved blade of pink-and-violet sunfire is held there, as if ready to draw in her original style. She lets go a moment later- and the weapon and scabbard dissipate into a dull glow of like-coloured sunflame swirling about her forearm as it falls to her side. "Yet I suspect it is not so different from anything. To master something, one must use it. Be it a language, a style... or a particular weapon. I have a mentor of sorts, in my life. One thing I have been attempting to take to heart moreso of late is her insistence that to really test one's self, and to truly grow stronger... one must take risks. Accept that failure may happen, and may have consequences, and do that which you want to do, or scares you, or both all the same. Perhaps it is time to find a war in the hundred kingdoms to get involved with, or something to that effect."
Ignis	Ignis says nothing at first, instead lifting both eyebrows and taking in the display of the revelation of the brilliant weapon. He studies it as he listens and when she dismisses it he nods his head in thought and considers. "You have a point. I've restrained myself considerably out of respect for The Three and to maintain a facade of business here in Great Forks. It served as a means of some access to the local lore and ancient delvings in the area. You could say Great Forks is a safe place for us though I know that is being niaeve. Just because The Three permit us and others as well doesn't mean that there aren't forces here which would have us die on their blades or be subservient to them. I had a mission of my own and I sat idle to build on it but I haven't actually progressed. But now, what you say is considerably true...and there's a part of me that wonders if we do a disservice to ourselves with this subterfuge. Then I remember there are people I recall meeting but not who or what or why..." He stands finally, "Are you going to compete in this tournament?"
Misa	Misa lifts her hand again- glancing down at the light swirling about her arm. The swirls develop a sharp edge here and there, the spirit-weapon still there in potentia. She shrugs a little. "There are dangers out there, certainly... but is that not why we train, on some level? To be ready for them? A writer cannot adjust forever- eventually one must publish." She waves the philosophical tangent off for the moment, head shaking. "I have been considering it. Even if I remain... less than overt, I cannot help but want to see what else the region has to offer. And I have so many learned techniques to attempt- I've even taken up an unarmed form, of late, though the techniques still account for swordplay in a wide variety."
Ignis	"Hmm.." Ignis considers her words thoughtfully. All of them. He rubs his jaw, lightly scratching at the scruff of hair there and along his chin as he ponders the possibilities that lie ahead. His gaze tracks across the river once more, away from Great Forks and then back down again towards his blade. The sun-touched weapon sitting silently and offering no advice. "...Do you want to 'win'?" he asks, a slight tight lipped smile forming though he's looking away from MIsa still. It still rings in his question though. That philosphical edge leaving finally and a simple question being raised. "Or just 'fight'?"
Misa	A hint of a smirk from Misa at that, and she glances Ignis' way a moment, before looking out over the water again, quietly. "There are a number of ways I could answer that- and I suppose some might ask for clarification between a general question and one pertaining to this tournament in particular. I see no particular distinction there. The closest I could answer of your two options is 'fight'. But were I to phrase it myself, I would say that I wish to... well, perfect is how some might put it, but I might say explore. The longer I work on my swordplay, the more apparent it becomes that the honing and refinement that come so naturally, that have so engrossed me since childhood, is less like reaching the very top of the highest peak, and more like ever exploring an ocean with no floor and no shores- simply the point where you drop into it, and where you happen to follow the ripples to. It is an intoxicating prospect- and one I consider myself quite fortunate to be able to pursue to such incredible depths, with these gifts."
Ignis	"I find no fault in that." says Ignis, his tone finally more cheerful once again. "There's wisdom in your words Misa. Perhaps seeking to teach was your true calling after all. You've certainly things of value to share, so much so that someone seeking to duel gods might come find you." He still finds that...odd. "For futher context we're..maybe not so different from each other but to bring things to the here and now and specifics..if you participate in the tournament..it's likely you'll encounter other martial artists and those with, shall we say, supernatural gifts. And there will be many, many, watching. Great Forks has a reputation after all. The possiblity of us 'showing' has been on my mind and if that is a risk I want to take. If I can resist the urge to 'win' and hold myself back against a Dragonblood who is freely spouting flames and fire everywhere because you can be certain they will be there."
Misa	Another pause from Misa, and another smile, this one with a breath of what almost sounds like a faint laugh, even. "Perhaps meditation -would- be good for you. You may find it... helps... with avoiding overly-elaborate... 'displays'. Though as I said to one such visitor, perhaps risking the wyld hunt is not so bad. Certainly a worthwhile challenge to contend with, and potentially further stretching thin the resources of those that most dominate the world. I cannot help but think of these things as interesting. But, truthfully, I suspect the first few simple rounds of ambitious mortals I may simply go quite literally hand to hand with, put to the test this new style."
Ignis	The amused critique is taken in stride. Ignis turns slightly, looking chagrinned but bemused all at the same time. "I'm quite capable of concealing my abilities thank you very much. I don't go turning into a beacon for Sol himself each time I need to defend myself or go lighting up a shadowland like some of our peers but the fact remains that if you move through this tournament you will encounter those who are free to act in their own interests while we hamstring ourselves in the name of not wanting spying eyes to get a little personal after the matches.." He chuckles a little bit and then shrugs as he folds his arms and leans back against a tree. "Have you faced a wyld hunt before? Sure I doubt they'd be so bold to simply march into Great Forks but is that a match you're willing to engage in? Perhaps we underestimate them..."
Misa	A raise of the brows from Misa, and she tilts her head a little. "I rather meant you might literally have more to give without showing off, if you find the right way to self-center. But... well." She ponders a moment, looking into the water again. "The thing that concerns me the most from a Wyld Hunt is... perhaps a little more personal than that. But yes- they are dangerous. But like I said- taking risks. Certainly there is the chance you will wake up one morning with the building aflame and the windows blocked with magically-worked stone... but perhaps that is just a sign that one ought to improve their skills at cutting through a roof."
Ignis	"Refreshing." Ignis laughs a little, "There are so many here who would plan all of their moves with this fear of confrontation in mind that it's easy to forget that ultimately we simply have no choice but to be who and what we are. I think you've answered my dilemma from before and I will also enter the tournament." He looks over his blade in thought, "Though I'm afraid I'll have to use something a little more mundane then this, at least in the beginning. There's no sense in attracting -too- much unwanted attention. AFter all, there's being willing to fight and then there's openly -inviting- trouble upon yourself and others around you." He shrugs a little, "And in the end..it's inevitable.."
Misa	"I am given to understand they will have a variety of training-equivalent weapons, though you are welcome to borrow one of mine to adjust to the different heft and wind resistance of that sort of thing," Misa suggests, head tilting a little. "I should find it interesting if you and I come to clash in it- perhaps some odd twist of fate to land us in the first round, hm?" she suggests with a chuckle, head shaking. "But you are right- sooner or later something will come to blows. Avoiding the like can only go so far."
Ignis	"I've been privvy to you taking on all comers but you and I have actually yet to test ourselves against each other. Bit ironic yes. It would be a strange twist that it takes an external tournament to make that happen considering how oftne I visit you out here." notes ignis with some humor to his tone. "As to the rest, you know more then I then. I don't know much about what is available but I do know that the arena is not bloodless and gladiatorial contens and slaves fighting for the amusement of others is a thing so I presumed that safety was not in the minds of the tournament organizers but if their intention is to level the playing field by use of mundane weapons.. Well...I'm surprised. For many the weapon they have trained, carries, represents them and is an extension of them. Simply grabbing any old item to improvise with won't do so I wonder how that will impact who enters and under waht limitations..."
Misa	Misa shrugs slightly, at that. "It is quite possible I was misinformed. In either event, I doubt many would take too kindly to my little trick of pulling a blazing blade out of my soul," she notes with a wry sort of humour to it. "Ultimately, I am... not overly concerned? I like to think I know my limits and willingness well enough to concede before putting myself in genuine peril."
Ignis	"You'll have to forgive me Misa. Your viewpoint on things seems more stark then mine and is no less valid." offers Ignis. "For me, I relish the idea of swordplay and battle but sadly we've both seen enough to know that this very sort of thing in this very sort of location can be a trap to suss out ones like us and so my mind wanders to all of these possiblities. I just don't want to leap in but at the same time your straight forward approach may indeed be the best." Ignis nods his head a few times and then notes, "Ultimately be it here or in a shadowland or in a tournament..we will shine and it's our right if not duty to do so. I was curious as to your perspective is all. I would say that should the bracket call for it - a sword born from your soul may end up being appropriate. It may well be that the brackets will be organized in a way to call for it. I doubt a mortal martial artist is going to expect to face a daughter of the earth."
Misa	"Well, early rounds often simply weed out the weak via such methods, if they have been pre-identified," says Misa, similarly bluntly. She pauses at his phrasing of her outlook, and then shrugs. "I suppose one might see it as stark. Some have called me fatalistic. I suppose I just... do not much mind accepting the inevitable will come, and would rather focus more on preparation for it? Perhaps I am odd, but it seems to have worked out to date."
Ignis	"Being free from the burden of death or failure to allow you to focus on the things you do have control over. It's not entirely fatalistic. Nor is preparing for what's unavoidable and simply making your way through life until the time comes. I don't think discussion of possiblities is necessarily counter to that. It's all a form of preperation. I wonder, though..have you faced a Wyld Hunt before?" He incliens his head and frowns lightly, "Your perspective might e different if you haven't before and have yet to truly deal with them harrassing you. Or perhaps it's just reinforced your outlook?"
Misa	Just the faintest hint of a wistful sort of smile, from Misa, and she offers; "I have been -in- one, before. My mother had something of a name for herself because of it." She leans further against the tree, looking into the water for a lengthy moment. "They are ruthless, efficient, and mighty. And they have been dwindling in support over time, this close to the Isle."
Ignis	"My instincts were leading me to wonder if that might be the great irony here." Ignis returns her smile, "But such a conclusion wasn't one I was willing to try and jump in without hearing more from you. But the ease at which you spoke of them suggested some familiarity with them and in a way that differs from most others who bring the subject up. So I suppose I should take your word at face value regarding them.." He leans away from the tree and nods his head, noting, "I had heard that they were not the power they once were in many ways. Times are different now. The Realm is unsteady and there are..well...it seems that there's more of us."
Misa	"I mean, do not get me wrong, I have a healthy fear as much as anyone... I just would rather that drive me to do, rather than not do," Misa says, shrugging somewhat helplessly. "But, you are correct. Things are... different. The realm is weak, and its opponents and... tributaries alike conserve their strength to see what comes next. It is difficult to say what might come after a person should it come to that. Perhaps even simply the local outcastes."
Ignis	"Perhaps we have spent to long skulking about and thinking more about our necks as opposed to what to do with our gifts. Fear and caution can be a healthy motivator but so can changing things so we don't have to be afraid. Maybe." Ignis shoulders his blade and nods to Misa, "I would ask you for a duel but once again it seems that I'm out of time and we've socialized without actually putting your skills and mine to the test. To the tournament then>"
Misa	"Well, you do have a fair point there. Perhaps in the finals, for the sheer drama, given... who the two of us are," says MIsa, laughing at that and shaking her head. "But that aside, indeed. Likely best to go ask about the actual details of the tourney and work from there."