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Bright Journey	It's a thrilling extravaganza in the Arena tonight! The sun is just starting to set, the vendors are everywhere with street food of every description, and martial artists and warriors of every description are gathering for the week-long Tournament of the Almighty Champion. Carefully not named after any one god, the Tournament is one of those things that climbed in popularity largely on the backs of the contestants and promoters, not support from on high so much...but everyone loves great displays of martial prowess around here! Tonight, the preliminaries are almost out of the way, with just the last of the qualifying rounds to go before the winners go home drunk on wine, and the losers go home drunk on grog. Bright Journey isn't one of the competitors, but isn't questioned as she hobnobs with some of the warriors, managers, betting officials...basically anyone who's anyone at this tournament is here at the 'exclusive' section of the stands, for whatever definition includes anyone who can slip in. She's radiant in a long, flaring bottle green dress that sets off her long, pastel pink hair, and relaxes in between meeting...well, -dozens- of people in the last hour or so. There's a flute of a nice white wine in her hand and a smile touching her lips as the next warriors step into the ring.
Imperfect Brazen Mantra	Imperfect Brazen Mantra is not one to 'slip' in anywhere, she's really more for elbowing or barreling into places. And today is no different- she had caught a couple of the preliminaries, but was most excited for these latter matches. Watching free men and women fight for glory? It is exactly what she admires about the arena. Despite her boorish demeanour and titanic mien, the giantess spends her coin freely- something which helps with greasing the wheels of society, and as such she is situated well in the stands. Perhaps not as influential as many of the others there, and certainly less social, but hard to miss anyway- if only for her physical size.
Tiziri	Waiting in the stands, a young woman with a nice quality Realm influenced dress on, with moon and floral designs along it. She has already managed to get a nice bit of meat on a stick of whatever sort she has. She's close to the front though, which probably helps. And contrary to Mantra - she's tiny. Maybe not by human standards, dthough small still on the short side of a girl. At the moment she seems pretty intent on the show in the arena, studying it very, very closely. Set beside her is a big jar of wine complete with red ribbon but it's mostly left alone. Eventually she looks up and sees someone - Bright Journey - who looks familiar, and raises her hand in greetings.
Bright Journey	Bright Journey is hardly tiny, precisely, a bit taller than average for a young woman, but not to any great degree. Certainly, she's nowhere nearly as big as Mantra. Of especial interest, particularly to Tiziri, are her eyes, multicolored and slowly swirling. She looks up at her name being called and offers Tiziri a shining smile. Bright deftly slips around a few others trying to get to their seats and has a seat next to Tiziri without bothering to ask. "Oh! Hello there, my dear, I hadn't noticed you come in with all this racket going about. Uhm...Argent...hum. Argent Vagabond? Ardent Vagabond? She sighs and clucks her tongue, expression wry. "I am so sorry. I just got done meeting more than my share of people, and I'm sure I don't quite remember your name." She grins. "Yet! I swear I'll remember if you're kind enough to tell me again." She eyes the huge redhead curiously, her voice quiet but not whispering. "Hm. I know I'd remember if I saw -her- fight. I wonder if she won a spot in the bracket today...or is just looking at the competition for tomorrow."
Imperfect Brazen Mantra	Brazen, for her part, is wearing her usual outfit- a vaguely martial affair of chest wrap, sash, trousers and sandals. And she seems to have procured herself an entire stonewear gourd of wine, the large vessel used more typically for serving wine than drinking from, and yet that is precisely what she does- lifting it by its narrows waist and taking a swig. She wipes what spills down her chin with the back of her hand, and her eyes remain fixed on the arena for the time being- watching the last of the preliminaries closely. Those who have their fingers on the pulse of the city will know she made a brief visit to the arena some weeks prior, having a brief but intense bout of combat with The Mountain himself, in which she demonstrated superhuman strength and agility- even beyond her massive size.
Tiziri	"Ardent." Tiziri confirms. "So close. But really, Tiziri is fine too. I am a lot of things after all, but Tiziri is my name, and Ardent Vagabond my title in the martial world." She grins widely, seeming entirely ok with it all. "I can't say I've ever noticed you here before either. Not that I come often, but a big event means there's some good food." She grins widely. "But yeah, haven't seen her either. She's big. you tend to notice big sorts. They stand out." Here she is being Miss Obvious. Of course her tone indicates she knows darn well she's Miss Obvious too. "Your dress is a wonderful shade of green by the way." She notes after that.
Bright Journey	"Ardent." Bright nods firmly. "Ardent Vagabond, and Tiziri. Again, I apologize for the confusion, but it's been a bit of a whirlwind day." She takes a sip of wine, grinning, then looks at the glass. "Huh! This isn't bad. Anyway, I do come here on occasion. It seems my life isn't quite the relaxed idyll it was a couple years ago..." She chuckles, a secret smile on her face. An in joke for sure. "...but things -are- starting to pick up a bit now. Can't get into every detail," she adds breezily, "but I'm kind of worried bad things will be happening soon. Though tonight is just for fun, mind you." She grins cheekily. "And meeting new, fun, exciting, and dare I say it influential people. Never hurts to have all of the above." She looks at Mantra again, thoughtful, before Tiziri distracts her. "Oh! Well, why thank you! I tried to find the perfect match for my hair..." She laughs. "Well. Easier than trying to color match my eyes these days. I adore the designs on your dress. Do they mean anything?"
Fudou the Mountain	"Everyone can relax! It's alright to begin the festivities for I am here, at long last." Fudou's deep rumbly voice ripples through the air and vibrates through the bodies of htose nearest to him as he emerges into view and brings his gigantic frame near the entrance reserved for those more affluent and with coin to spend. He's dressed..actually not as barbarically as usual, adornd in a long sweeping over coat of black and gold and silks that do little to hide the proportions and immensity of his outrageous roided-yeddim of a physique. But he's got on more then torn pants, trunks and belt-ropes at least. He must have found some money to spend. He also seems slightly drunk or at least a touch tipsy if his gregarious and over the top gestures and movements are any indication. A entourage of barely clad, multi-hued, lady folk accompany him as well..clinging to his sides and bubbling and giggling at his behavior. There's no telling where, how or why he was able to pick them up and drag them along with him. This is Great Forks after all. "Oh hoh!" Mantra is seen. How can she not be. Fudou's little group of fangirls freeze up at sight of Brazen but Fudou seems wholly enamoured and interested as he begins to press his immense body in direction of the boorish warrior woman. "It -is- you! Back here again, are you?"
Tiziri	"Mostly that I just love the Moon and Flowers. Nighttime Blossoms are my favorite of all." She says with an all too wide grin. She reaches over to grab her jar of wine and takes a big swig from it. "Meeting new and exciting sorts is part of the fun of any journey. Whether it be the campfire chat or drinking in an inn, or? Well, at the arena. right?" She says with a giggle. "So yeah, exciting is great. And I understand not as relaxed too. Though I'd say my own is... while not relaxed, also more interesting all the same. Things used to be so drab for me, now they're amazing." Then Tiziri notices the arrival of Fudou and starts to look a little more curious for a moment or two, regarding, before she starts to say. "Well, he's probably not wrong. If he's here things are about to get a lot more interesting, if nothing else. Especially if he decides to step into the ring..."
Imperfect Brazen Mantra	Mantra finally looks up from the arena proper when Fudou makes his way in. She stands in her seat, and for a moment it looks like she's going to leap across the stands to punch him by manner of greeting. But instead she just shouts- and her voice is large to match her body, thundering over the din of the crowd. "Mountain!" she calls out. "I felt it was best I spent some time away after our little clash, but I couldn't resist when I caught word of this tournament." she bellows over the crowd. "You still owe me the remainder of our fight!" she hastens to remind him.
Bright Journey	"Well," Bright responds to Tiziri. "I think that outfit looks fantastic on you. And I'm glad things are looking up for you! Don't get me wrong, I know as well as anyone that 'interesting' can get dangerous. But..." She turns to look at Fudou, and a cheshire grin steals onto her face as she slowly rises to her feet. "Well! Will you look at that. I guess we know someone in common. Fudou and I go way back. And he apparently knows the woman we were talking about, too. C'mon, let's go do something 'interesting'." With that, Bright makes to tug at Tiziri's arm, trying to bring her to the conversation between Fudou and Brazen. She'll go whether or not Tiziri comes with her, however. "Well, my dear, you look like you're in your element!" She takes a moment to offer both Brazen and the ladies hanging off of Fudou a winning smile. "Fudou, you're looking more powerful every day. I have no idea how you do it, but I'm pretty sure asceticism isn't the answer! Please do introduce us...especially if you're planning to a round or two yourself tonight!"
Fudou the Mountain	"And you shall have it!" declares Fudou, deep voice booming in response to Brazen own and mingling together with hers to create quite the symphonic concert of rumbling speaking earthquakes for those nearby and bearing witness to it. His arms spread wide as if he might lunge forward to try and grab her up in some embrace..but seems to think better of making the attempt so he merely looms there, pantomining the act of a bear hug by bringing his arms together a few times before throwing them upwards in a final sweeping gesture, "Sadly to do so here would be unfair to you as I would not be able to truly grant you what you desire. But I have found a location and it is in my interests to truly 'test' you and see what you have to offer!" It is then that Bright makes her presence known and Fudou double takes at her, caught by surprise as well as by her compliment. "I--uh.." he stammmers before glancing past Bright to see Tiziri not far away and he actually looks..embaressed? It doesn't last though and he clears his throat and seems to snap back to his previous self "Greetings, luv! This is.." He gestures to Brazen, "..Imperfect Brazen Mantra... In fact. You might have 'heard' a little something about her..something, something, green fire..something.." he says with a mildly coy smile now arriving to his face.
Tiziri	Tiziri grins widely as the dress is complimented. "Thank you! And I entirely agree about yours too." She responds. "And yes, they do look up. Things are... well, it's hard not to be better than living in a backwater town on a caravan route that manages to teach you about amazing things in creation but is beyond boring otherwise." She winks. "So yeah, traveling was the best move ever. i've seen so many wonderful places, and met people too." Yet then, Mantra calls out Fudou and suddenly Tiziri gets more interested, looking over towards them both. "Well, tonight just got very interesting." She says, entirely soberly, even as she reaches for her jar of wine and takes another large swig from it. Given she looks a bit surprised agt Fudou speaking to her she quickly hides it and looks down, placing her open palm in her fist to bow towards Mantra. "An honor." She says
Imperfect Brazen Mantra	Mantra barks a laugh, her ape-like pointed canines on display, and responds to the air hug with a bit of physical contact. That is, she lands a punch on Fudou right about where his ribs meet his abdomen. It is by no means a gentle blow, but Fudou is well aware it's far shy enough of her actual strength to be called 'playful'. "Then we should head there... ah, but I don't want to miss the fights." she gestures back down towards the arena below. She turns to look at the other pair of women now that introductions are in order, and responds to the formal greeting with a brief upnod of her head. She tch's, "You've been spilling my business far and wide." she accuses Fudou- recalling encountering another who knew of her a little while after their fight. "I take it, then, that they're in our world and not..." she gestures vaguely about. "Theirs?"
Bright Journey	Bright Journey offers Brazen a polite incline of the head and another smile, but whatever she was going to say to the tall woman dies on her lips as Fudou starts mumbling about things. Including something about green fire. Her multicolored eyes narrow a bit in suspicion...not at Brazen, but at Fudou. She responds in a low, but foreboding voice, with Fudou's name in a disconcerting singsong. "Fuuuudoooou...I don't know how subtle you were trying to be, but you trying to deceive me is about as likely as my winning an arm-wrestling contest with you. Now, I'm not quite sure what you were trying to tell me--yet--but with how much it just revealed to her..." She sighs deeply. "Well, put it this way. It's rude to reveal a lady's secrets, you know? In the future, try not to." As she finishes speaking, she looks at Tiziri with a firm, penetrating gaze. Not angry, not judgmental...but concerned. And perceptive. "Tiziri. I'm sorry for having to ask this, but--heh--I didn't expect things to get interesting -this- quickly. Not your fault, but I have to know. How much of this conversation did you understand?"
Fudou the Mountain	"What! I said nothing!" protests Fudou to Bright. "..Simply that you might have heard something! It was a rather public display. We were in the arena and she got a little excited and there was some..effects. Surely you heard the rumors as connected as you are...? Yes?" In short - I did not actually say -anything- about who you were or who yo were not just that..maybe you heard a little somethin', somethin'. It's a quick save attempt but Fudou simply just grins at Bright. Cheerfully. Clearly trying to pacify any rising ire. He asides to Brazen and says, "It's hard to not gossip about you, luv. You're an exciting bit of news! Word travels. As to if you wish to brawl or not. Well..this festival will eventually end. I am not planning on going anywhere. So..enjoy it!" He glances to Tiziri as well and just shrugs abit haphazardly.
Tiziri	Tiziri is grinning kind of impishly as she watches everything being said. The mischevious demeanor all too easy to say even as she reaches to take her jar and another long swig from it, especially for such a tiny girl. She keeps that weird smile on her face, even as she says. "All of it." Yes, she's easy to read, and doesn't even seem to be hiding she can. All the same she looks over towards Fudou as she says, "I can only admit I heard you had a fun fight and look forward to hearing the results." Hey! It's not even a lie! It's the honest truth! "But I do agree with Bright Journey, it's not a good thing to reveal a lady's secrets. Mostly."
Imperfect Brazen Mantra	Brazen gives Fudou another 'playful' jab in the ribs. The sort of jab that would crack a few of them in a less sturdy individual. "You might be a decent scrap, but you're not the niblest speaker." she accuses him then, and looks back towards the other two. "Well he has the right of it." she doesn't bother trying to deny it. She doesn't go on to explain what it means for their benefit, though. She takes a seat on the stone step- the stands too small for her to be comfortable, and turns her attention back to the arena. Clearly not /that/ bothered by her cat being out of the bag. "So long as he's only telling people in the know, I don't care. Start blabbing to people who might take offense, though, and we'll be having that rematch sooner than you planned."
Bright Journey	Bright is looking closely at Tiziri when she replies, and Bright returns a faint bit heartfelt smile. "All right. Sorry for putting you on the spot like that. Like I said, nothing you did." She turns and gives Fudou a fondly exasperated look. "Mind you, that was subtle enough that I'm not sure of the details. But still, I think our being in Great Forks has kind of put us in some bad habits, things we wouldn't say if we were in, say, the Realm. Just be careful, all right? As your friend here said, there are -definitely- people who'd take offense to anything...out of the ordinary. Bright sighs again, but sets down her wine flute for a moment, claps her hands, and smiles at everyone. "Well! Hopefully that hasn't put a complete damper on the occasion! No on eenjoys having to be the one to have to tell someone their panties are showing, but it's better than the alternative, I think we can agree." She pauses and looks at Fudou and Brazen speculatively. "So! You two have had a knock down, drag out fight, have you? Fudou and I -have- sparred...but I don't think it would be the same, for a couple important reasons. Not least of which is we were in a confined space. Also, it was a long, long time ago, and I suspect we both have a few new arrows in the quiver since then. But I'd love to see how you two fare."
Fudou the Mountain	As the ladies all seem relaxed, Fudou likewise relaxes. The little faux paux he committed seems to no longer be an issue though he's forced to pause at the irony that..he even cares. Once upon a time he might not have. This causes a mildly introspective frown to work its way across his features, ending with him pursing his lips an glancing off to the side. But his attention returns to the others and he grunts out, "This is true. I mean..you can trust me. I'm no neophyte. I wouldn't imply anything around anyone that I felt would create danger but... More caution should be practiced as some here have gotten on me about before.." he gives Tiziri a glance at that but his grin returns. "And yes! What we did was quite educational! But yes..rather different then a dedicated duel. More of a free for all, if I recall correctly..and yes more open space or at the least no worries about anything being broken in the process.." He gestures at Brazen, "She's looking for something that would likely bring the represantives of The Three here, if we were to truly start having 'fun' in the Arena.."
Tiziri	Tiziri sips her wine yet again, that jar has to be close to empty by now, and given how small she is, she must be close to really drunk by now too! Probably. She ends up giggling a bit at Bright. Then even more at the panties showing comment. "I haven't. I'm glad. He's way bigger than I am." She says all to seriously. "Can't imagine it would go well." She shrugs. "That saiiiiid." Tiziri lingers with an impish glint in her eyes and tone to mirror it. "I don't know, I might be a lot of trouble. Just look at me." She covers her mouth and giggles. Then she starts looking more serious. "Bringing the Three here? Let alone the sort of attention anything capable of bringing them here would bring? Definitely a bad idea."
Imperfect Brazen Mantra	Brazen gestures down towards the arena, "We had a scrap down there. His idea, but he bit off more than he expected." she says then. "Been meaning to finish the scrap since then, but me and confined spaces? Don't get on so well." she muses. She picks up her gourd, and then turns it up- draining what is left in there in a few swigs, and then standing again. "I still say you ought to come visit me at home, we could have that scrap with a grand audience, there'd be dancers and music, and none would mind how rowdy we got." she smirks at Fudou. "I need more wine." she declares then, lifting her now empty gourd. "I'll be seeing you around, I'm sure. Powerful things tend to dwift into one another." she says to the trio she leaves behind as she goes to clear out some poor merchant's entire festival supply.
Bright Journey	Bright chuckles and nods. "Um, yeeeeeah. Let's not do anything that will attract the Three, or anyone else for that matter. I can think of one person who insists on working directly with the government, but that's...hrm. How do I put this? I expect to be working -with- governments. Not for one." She smirks knowlingly. "Arrogant, perhaps, but Fudou I'm sure has seen some inkling of what I try to do, right? Under the sea? "That said, I do still need to branch out some. Fudou, do you recall when I asked you for some...um, how do I put it? Sensitive information? And you denied me? I'm starting to see why, but at the same time you've gotten more of a glimpse of the things I'm trying to oppose. And I got more than a glimpse myself just a few months ago, in the shadowland north of the city. That's...part of why I feel like we don't have forever to make enough...shall we say, friends."
Fudou the Mountain	"I didn't exactly deny you, I was simply advising you regarding matters of clout and the mercurial nature of the ones you wanted to speak to..." Fudou is watching Brazen depart as he speaks and then turns towards Bright and Tiziri. He seems to relax even more, now that is just them and he looks between the two of them now before noting, "I did hear of the display you all made in the Shadowlands though. I sought to lok into it. You know how much of a gossip I am." He pauses to consider this and then finally rests both hands on his waist, "So..I wasn't aware you two knew each other.. So let's untangle some of this then." He looks to TIziri and gestures to Bright, "She is interested in having some..shall we say..introductions. To one whom you know well, whose domain is as wonderous as it is deadly." He does not say the name, giving Tiziri an opportuity to turn away from the prospect or make the connection as she sees fit.
Tiziri	Tiziri is looking into her wine jar as if it has betrayed her no. the clay jug with the red ribbon in it far too light now, and even swishing it around doing nothing to solve the fact it is all but empty now! Evil wine jug. But she finally looks up and between the two. "I'll admit I'm a bit surprised. By now I'd think I'd be less of a cipher, given some mutual acquaintances." She notes, setting down the jar then taking a bite from her meat on a stick. "All the same, we mentioned secrets, and this is a place with far too many ears." She states more softly. "Regardless of truth or falsity."
Bright Journey	Bright Journey is silent for a long, meaningful moment as she looks at Fudou, then studies Tiziri carefully. "I admit, I'm usually very perceptive about these things. But I -did- sort of let you slip by me." She smiles and offers a short bow. "Well done. Now, as to the topic at hand..." She sighs. "I did let my curiosity get the better of me, didn't I?" Bright looks a bit ashamed. "And after nagging you for it, Fudou. Actually, come to think of it, I should be grateful. It kind of shows a weakness I have, doesn't it? I should know better, and it reminds me that I have to be careful--very careful--about who I reach out to. Especially who I reach out to first." Bright finishes her wine flute, frowning deeply. "I've waited years to really push forward with this, after all. To actually work on the great task before me. But when it comes to bringing together the peoples of Creation, I don't know enough about who I should talk to. I'm not weak--Fudou can testify to that--but that may not be enough. I guess my real problem is I'm flailing about in the dark a bit here." As Tiziri points out where everyone is standing, Bright nods in agreement. "You're right, of course. I can't offer my own place for secrecy, but we might prevail on Rishi. Or, Fudou, you mentioned some place outside town."
Fudou the Mountain	The gigantic man listens to them both. Fudou flickers his gaze to Tiziri and then back to Bright as she further explains herself and thenb ack to Tiziri. Then finally he nods his head and answers.. "Ruins, dig sites, abandonded forts and the like. I was going to ....'test' Brazen at one of them. I didn't want to ask to use the dojo and you're right about it being a little confined. She wants a real fight, so I will give her one. But as to meeting there to discuss further.. Yes. I am simply making the connection. If Tiziri is willing she can help you. If she is not then so be it. It is not the end for any involved either way. But there, perhaps, speaking more freely will serve us all."
Tiziri	"If it makes things more obvious? Rishi can attest to my skill in certain arts. While Misa can in others." Tiziri says softly, looking directly at Bright Journey. "And Fudou, Rishi, and I do share something in common." There, about as open to things as can give away right now! Especially with so many others present. Despite that she's leaning forward with a wide grin on her face, "But Ruins? Digs? Forts? Yes. I'm very interested in those! They're full of interesting things and that's what makes being here in Great Forks so wonderful! It's such an easy place to branch out to see other things like that!
Bright Journey	"To be fair, we have good reasons why the dojo isn't for everyone. Where it is, that's the biggest problem. And as you know, it's not really my dojo and not my decision." She smiles. "Besides, I think you're right about Brazen Mantra wanting a more...real fight, in a sense." She pauses, listening intently to Tiziri. "That makes sense. I understood all of that, and you're naming some names I trust. Very well." As Tiziri switches subjects, Bright grins back. "Good! I admit I don't -live- for ruins delving, but I'm happy to come along. Fudou can attest I have several very valuable skills for that kind of thing, -especially- if we run into anything...unclean. Or if you want to talk someone to death." She giggles quickly. "Anyway, what I'm saying is, let's talk another time, when we're free to speak. I'm game for whatever you have in mind." She smirks. "Well, mostly. Your little harem will have to handle the rest."
Fudou the Mountain	"My little harem..?" He'd completely forgotten about them. Well truthfully - they ran for the hills when Brazen got involved and there were less overwhelming and sights to see as the matches were beginning. And then Fudou simply had forgotten about them so clearly..they were just for show. Still, he seems disappointed. "Oh." he rumbles before looking amused but then growing more focused again. "Well do not misunderstand...although Tiziri found me digging around a site for uh.." fudou pauses, abruptly as if about to give away more then he intends to soon and then simply says, "Well..let's just say I had an interest in some things nn a personal level but point being..the place I'm speaking of is where I met with Rishi, Tiziri and another. Outside of town. An old fallen fort of some sort I believe. There's not much to find there which..is good since I intend to take Brazen there for our little match and if I have any guess..it'll be likely flattened afterwards." Fudou grins a little and then adds, "As to any other sort of digging around in places best left alone? Of ourse! I am all for that..tight fit though it be."
Tiziri	Tiziri snickers a bit more at that as she covers her mouth, her nose crinkled a bit. "You walk around with a group of girls, you're opening yourself up for it. Groupies or not." She notes all too seriously, though she can't hide the mischief in her voice over the whole thing. "I must admit I feel a certain call to some ruins out there too." Tiziri says with a weird sort of introspection on her face. "Probably just me wanting to explore some ruins that are known to be... difficult? But I still feel it all the same. There's a call. I love it. they're getting more and more rare it feels so I want to be the first to see something in a long time."
Bright Journey	"Well," Bright replies, thoughtful. "The city itself is built on ruins, so there might be some interesting things just beneath us. Fudou, you were there for the...erm...portal, right?" She sighs again. "We need to talk somewhere we can talk freely. This stuff is too important to temporize everything. Personally, I suggest we table all this, get some more wine, and enjoy the rest of the fights, hm? We can get back together later and speak more freely elsewhere." Bright pauses. "Some ruin delving might be just what the chirurgeon ordered, though..." She pauses, thinking. "What we got up to up north was important, but we really didn't have tiome to just...-search-. Every moment in that place is beyond dreadful. You can't really appreciate how bad it is until you're there. But....eh. I said I'd skip this and I will. Shall we watch the festivities?"