acatalepsy_logs | WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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welcome to el minha.

It will happen at random- you could be asleep, or wandering the Temple, or a variety of other options. It will feel a little strange, like a sudden warmth spreading across your skin, and then your bracelet will light up and a semi-familiar voice will be heard.

I hope you are able to help the people of El Minha! And oh- in case I didn't mention it already, water is very, very valuable here.

And then you will blink, and it will be bright. Bright, and warm, as you are standing just inside the grand walls that protect the impressive city before you. At your hip there will be a small bag with a few bits of coin - nothing too crazy, and definitely not enough to last you the entire stay (which...you're not exactly sure how long it will be), but enough to get started. Your presence brings a couple of glances, a stare or two, but overall the city seems to continue on with its day.

Welcome to the Red Desert, the city of El Minha.

THE PALACE

After a few hours of being within El Minha, the King has heard that a large amount of travelers are now wandering within the city limits. An audience is called in front of the Royal Palace, and King Kathashun steps out onto the dias. He is dressed rather plainly, for a monarch -- a purple robe, with some gold bangles and bracelets, but no ornate crown or anything like that. However, when he appears, the natives around you grow quiet, at the presence of their King.

“I understand that there are a lot of new people, within our fair city. Welcome to El Minha, the Jewel of the Red Desert. Enjoy our culture, our people, our wares; we welcome you, and hope you enjoy your stay.”

There is a pause, though, as King Kathashun seems to weigh out what he wants to say.

“I normally do not spend my time greeting tourists to our city, as our Crown Guard typically handles educating our visitors on our ways,” he continues, folding his hands behind his back. “But the heart of our city has been heavy, in recent months, and I feel it is my duty as King to be clear, to be honest, and to speak the truth. Recently, we have been attempting to hunt down individuals who wish our city harm, who have harmed my family, and my people. The Syndicate has been active, as of late, and I warn all of you who are not familiar with El Minha to avoid certain areas of the city should you wish to keep your pocketbooks.”

There’s a slight quirk of his lips, as he says that, before he tilts his head in a polite gesture of greeting toward the crowd.

“Please, enjoy El Minha. And should any of you garner any information concerning the Syndicate, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

For the duration of your time in El Minha, King Kathashun will be within his palace . . . or so the Crown Guard says, should you ask them for an audience. That being said, you might be lucky wandering the streets. The King of El Minha tends to mingle more with the common folk than the Crown Guard would lead you to believe . . .

THE GRAND MARKET

Welcome to the heart and soul of El Minha - a massive outdoor market in the center of the city. Covered by fabric stretched between the buildings, this market feels almost like a city, or living soul, in and of itself. It is constantly moving, constantly evolving. Anything you could imagine is for sale here - spices, jewelry, weapons - whatever you’re looking for, anything at all. While you won’t necessarily find specific items from your home, you can find any matter of similarly made or crafted ones. Think cheap knock-offs, or unnecessarily well-made versions, because they can vary widely. There can also be items of some level of magic, though nothing particularly strong or overly impressive. (feel free to ask the mods on the previous ooc post about if an item is too over-powered to be found in the market - and also know that there’s always the chance you could find it in the underground. It just depends on how determined you are to track it down.) Stalls can range from cobbled together boxes and goods to grand, incredible stands - it all depends on what you’re looking for, and how long you’re willing to look. There is no map here, so tread lightly!

The merchants that work in the market are experienced, practiced sales people. They know how to sell to anyone, but especially tourists. Barter to your hearts content, but it will take a little more than a ‘please’ to get those prices down. They have expert eyes and will not take pick-pockets or thieves well. However, as experienced and watchful as the merchants may be, that won’t stop young kids on the streets targeting the tourists as well - so keep an eye out on your pockets!

As long as you have coin, water, or something to trade you are welcome as long as you’d like to stay here in the El Minha Marketplace. However, if you loiter for too long, you might get a swift kick in the ass to either get moving or buy something - they’re not giving away anything for free, and that includes the shade.

THE SPARKLING SAPPHIRE

As the announcement from King Kathashun comes to an end, all members of the Circle will be communicated - in one way or another - the direction to the Sparkling Sapphire. Free housing, you’ve been told. All you have to do is go, give them your name, and let them know you are part of the group that King Kathashun has directed here.

Here, as it turns out, isn’t too shabby of a place. A large building with plenty of rooms, it is clean and fairly busy, with a bustling tavern area and rooms upstairs. You can pick up your key from the older woman behind the front desk, and are directed to the staircase in the middle of the establishment. The rooms are clean, but plain, with one or two beds depending on your preference.

Downstairs in the tavern you can find food served for both breakfast and dinner, which is included in the room. Otherwise, there is a small fee for food or drink, and the servers are talented and experienced and very, very friendly. It is in the tavern that you can find the hookah, and some strange liquor as well, but it’s up to you if you choose to drink it. The food is incredible, beyond incredible, and they can make almost anything that you’ll like, though it may come out a bit creative.

The main room is comfortable - with a roaring fire but without the suffocating heat. There is a bard in the corner, who will sing or tell stories or simply play, depending on the feeling of the room.

Have a drink! Or a meal! While most of the people here are indeed Circle members, there may be a couple of natives mixed in as well. Take a load off, relax, and enjoy the hospitality that only a King’s Coin can bring.

THE FIGHT RING

The ring itself is somewhat on the outskirts of town - a colosseum-esque collection of buildings that watch over a pit-like arena. The buildings protect the Fighting Ring from any outside eyes, or any unwanted attention, as this area is solely under the command of The Syndicate. Anyone is allowed inside, as long as you don’t cause any problems and don’t start any trouble. There are a number of what you can assume are Syndicate-employed figures that are constantly canvasing the area as well, so don’t expect to be able to sneak in unless invited or allowed.

The Fight Ring is open for volunteers at any time, and once you’ve been checked for any fun business and told the rules (no magic, only weapons allowed are the ones provided, the fight will end once one side relents or is taken out of commission). If this still feels like your cup of tea, you are invited to take a spot in line. Perhaps, if you’ve shown yourself promising enough, The Champion may appear to protect their crown. Otherwise, you will find plenty of adversaries around.

If you are looking for a less aggressive route, there are plenty of seats open to watch, as well as many other members of the city taking a break to watch the fights, and they certainly wouldn’t mind sharing some of their favorite stories of matches or victories. The Champion is the resounding favorite, but the stories shared will vary to the point that almost no useful information can be gleaned.

Join in the festivities that surround the ring! Pick up some food, bet on some fighters, enjoy the competition, and maybe you’ll be lucky and catch a sight of The Champion, or any of the other legendary figures of the El Minha Fight Ring.

THE GOLDEN PHOENIX

The Golden Phoenix is the central location of the Syndicate . . . and locals will make absolutely no effort to hide that fact from the Circle members. However, people don't seem to be afraid to go, though you definitely need to have coin to get through the door.

There are multiple tables where various dice and card games are being played, as well as old slot machines. There are multiple employees in dark uniforms wandering around, offering drinks to all those who are spending coin on the machines, free of charge. If you loiter too long without spending money, you will be asked why you're there -- not in a threatening way, of course. But the relationship between the Syndicate and the King isn't all that great, as of late . . . can't be too careful with spies.

In the back of the Golden Phoenix, there's a tiny racing ring in the back where small lizards are being raced in a little track set on a table. You can place bets on any of the lizards and, who knows? You may win a prize, including a little lizard! How cute! (Be careful, though: they nip.)

But out back, there's another lizard racing ring, though these ones are . . . well, they're certainly not tiny. In fact, people seem to be riding on them akin to horse racing . . . and jockeys are a dime a dozen, in El Minha. Fancy yourself the next Triple Crown winner? Step right up, step right up, and take a spin on the track outside!

Additionally, please feel free to write up and work with your own prompts! These are presented as jumping off points for your characters, not limitations. The idea of this world- as with all the others- is to explore. There will be some NPCs interacting with characters as well, so keep an eye out for those as well! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask them back on the mod questions thread back in the OOC post from before!

From this point forward, the Circle has become involved with the political stasis and climate of El Minha. What your character finds out, decides, and does from here on out will affect the future of this city- one way or another! But what you do is completely up to you. What you discover, explore, and uncover in this city will be yours to discover, explore, and uncover. Who knows what you might find? :)

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[No time to answer back to that because there's a moment where Keith thinks I've got this, and then the very next moment when he feels that leg catch his, his own legs out from under him. A flash of a second where it feels like time slows and gravity hasn't caught up with him before he's falling, landing flat on his back.

Timber indeed.

He manages to bring his blade up to shield his body -- full on reflex from a battle for his life rather than a friendly spar -- before he groans with a laugh.]

Ow... [Okay. This one definitely to Shiro.]

[Shiro immediately leans over Keith, seeking to make sure he fell alright. There's something apologetic in his eyes. If he landed wrong, he'll feel bad about it. He should have tried to control his fall.] Keith, are you okay?

[He gets his feet under him and holds out his free hand to help him up.]

[Keith answers the concern with a grin, even as he catches his breath back to himself, looking up at Shiro as he pushes himself more into a sitting position.]

I'm great.

[He takes the offered hand though, pulling himself to his feet with a grunt.] One of these days I'll beat you, you know. But I've still got a ways to go.

I know you will. You've rapidly closed the gap between our skills. You nearly had me on that last attack and a few other times. [He pulls Keith up as he rises to his own feet. One step back to keep them solid and he smiles.]

That was a great match. [His joy reaches his eyes making them spark as he sheathes his sword and looks up through his white bangs.]

It's been a while since I've really enjoyed a spar. [The smile spreads out into a eager grin. He'd love to keep grinding his edge against Keith's and see what they end up with.] We should do this more often. If you'd like.

[Keith perks up at the compliment, visibly, even if he's unaware that he's doing it. Shiro's opinion matters a lot. So he's happy to hear something like that. And more than that, he's happy to see that sort of expression on Shiro's face.

His own grin brightens in response.] Think so? I'll have to work even harder then.

[He's determined! ...and he has a competitive streak several light years wide.] We should do this more often. Anytime, Shiro. It was the most fun I've had in a while.

[He pauses, releasing Keith's hand but staying in his space. Fighting sword to sword had woken him up. Keith is really good even if he moved around too much. But the burn to see all of his skills prompts him to ask.]

...How about another round? This time, hand to hand.

[They'd have to put their swords aside but that's fine by him. He's better in hand to hand for very good reasons.]

Not tired yet?

[Keith shoots back, but thee grin on his face is widening.] Let's do it. ...even if you've got even more of an edge hand to hand.

[He's used to his sword. Sure he's also gotten better at hand to hand -- because even a Blade needs to learn to fight without their sword -- but that's solidly Shiro's territory. Which honestly just makes Keith more eager for the match.]

I only have more of an edge because you keep forgetting once you're airborne you can't control your direction.

[He has made him pay for those leaps before. He'll do it again until Keith refines that part of his fighting style or does away with it entirely. He walks to the edge of the ring and sets his sheathed sword and sword belt down. He rolls his shoulders back and stretches one arm then the other, pulling until he can feel the strain in his back. He'd already warmed up.

He makes the familiar beckoning motion as he drops into a defensive stance.]

Introduce me to what new tricks you have up your sleeve.

...I'm not airborne that long, and I've already picked a direction--

[...he's way too easy to bait and he knows it. So he clams up and well, tries not to admit to himself that Shiro has a point and he sure has shown him quite plainly that leaping about opens up a major weakness.

Fine. FINE. Shiro has a point. Like usual. THOUGH.] ...you know that's not actually true anymore. Can't do it in this ring, but...

[Aerial combat? Keith will now need to learn that. Now he's excited. But for now, he sets his blade aside (reluctantly leaving it) and drops into a stance himself, taking a moment to look at Shiro before he's moving for him. He keeps his feet on the ground this time (for now), feints right before coming about with his left arm, a quick jab of a punch, not really expecting to connect, but more wanting to prompt Shiro into motion.]

[He waits, controlling his breathing and stares straight ahead. Keith starts to close the distance. The world becomes crystal clear. He jerks his right arm up and turns into the left jab in a block. He moves to thrust the arm aside.

If he's successful and Keith stays close. He'll reach for Keith's right shoulder to yank him down to introduce him to his rising knee.]

[Keith, however, has met that knee more than once, and has not exactly enjoyed the interaction. So he's ready for that, and is quick to drop his shoulder and slip back, far enough that he can bring a kick around.

This is what Shiro gets for kangaroo comparisons. It's only fair.

Keith is well aware he's going to be exhausted after all this, but that doesn't shake the grin of his features. It'll be a good exhaustion, honestly, the sort that means he'll drop off to sleep within seconds once the day has wound down.]

[He'd been ready for his attack to go either way. Keith slips back and he takes a step back. Naturally, his friend is going for his greatest weapon. Sword to sword he'd been rusty and at disadvantage.

Here. He reaches out to catch that leg aimed at his stomach. He knows far better than to let that land. Even part of it will sting. If he fails well, he'll adjust. But if he doesn't he has the leverage to tug.

How's that floor, Keith?]

[Shit. There's gravity again. Keith hits the ground, but hits it well, already in a roll, to wrench his captured leg free and bring the other up in a vicious swipe to encourage Shiro to release him, twisting his entire body for leverage. If Shiro gets him pinned he's done, and he knows it. The other man has him in strength and Keith will be hard pressed to slip a hold if he's grappled too.

At least he's aware of where he stands in this particular skirmish. But it's good. This is th his strongest skill set, and he wants to improve, and who better to learn from than Shiro?]

[He grins. The swiping leg hurts and in retort he yanks on the trapped leg to pull it higher.]

I keep telling you to be careful. [But with how much strength Keith has to play with, and that's more than he's used to, he releases him anyway. He moves back and shakes his head to clear it. Huh. Keith isn't as small as he used to be either. He'll have to adjust to the changes fast or he'll have a harder time than usual.

Shiro charges right back into the fight and pulls his Galra arm back, fist at the ready. He's confident Keith is fast enough to dodge a full speed and power hit. He's setting him up.]

Yeah... I do remember hearing that...

[A lot. A smirk though and Keith rolls quickly to his feet once he's released, dropping back only to see Shiro charging at him with that fist readied and yeah. That's an intimidating sight, or would be, if it weren't Shiro, and if Keith weren't way too into the adrenaline rush of this fight. And he certainly does plan on avoiding that punch. So dodging is definitely the plan.

But he doesn't particularly want to get caught up in Shiro's grip again. Instead of dropping back he darts straight towards him, like he's going to meet that hit for what it is, but at the last minute he ducks, going into a baseball style slide, aiming to slip right through Shiro's legs and pop up behind him, and aim a kick at the back of his knee to knock him off his balance.]

[His arm sweeps through empty air just like he'd thought he would as he uses his own momentum to spin around. He hadn't expected that textbook perfect baseball slide Keith just did but.

He'd expected him to try and get behind him. He grins, it's all wild and almost feral with how delighted he looks. It's always great when your partner does all the work for you. The real power hit he'd planned is launched, and it's a kick that's hard and fast.

Keith is fast as hell and his own kick will probably land but not before he gets him because he's not that much slower than his friend.]

[There is a moment where Keith catches sight of that grin before he notices any of the other motion or movements, and he realizes that he's screwed. Without a doubt.

So he's braced for the blow when it comes, but that doesn't stop the solid kick from knocking him back, not quite doubled over, but close, still on his feet but winded, and still looking entirely pleased. Shiro is and always has been unfairly quick for someone of his size and strength; it's an impressive and dangerous combination.

Keith lifts his head with a breathless attempt at a laugh.] Saw that coming, huh?

Your best bet is getting behind me and slowing me down. So, yes. I did. [He takes a moment to breathe. They could keep going or take a break. While Keith is on his feet they did just get through a sword match and that's about the fourth solid hit Keith has taken.

He wipes sweat off his face and shifts from foot to foot.]

That duck and slide was pretty good. Definitely didn't see that one coming. [The wild grin hasn't left his face. It probably won't for some time. His leg still stings from the kick he took. This fight has been pretty fun as far as fights go. He usually doesn't enjoy it this much.]

If I'd been less focused you'd have nailed that hit. There's not that much of a gap between us anymore. Want to keep going?

Let's call it this time...

[Keith straightens up before stepping in closer to Shiro, holding out a hand. Truce?] I yield.

[But despite the fact that he'll have a new collection of bruises after this match, he still looks happy, eyes bright.] Wouldn't want you to wear yourself out in sparring. You're still planning on taking it to the actual ring, right?

[Keith looks pleased at the compliment though, entirely pleased.] Like I said, one of these days I'll get you. Just... not quite there yet.

[He grabs Keith's hand and steps in for a tight hug. He'd almost forgotten he intends to go into the actual ring. He'd needed all his focus to keep him at bay. Shiro laughs at himself.]

...Would you believe I actually forgot about that? [That's a compliment in and of itself. He thumps Keith on the back and steps back looking just as pleased, and a little bit impressed.]

...it's true you're not there yet but you're getting there, Keith. Soon enough it will be hard to tell which of us will win.

[A shake of his head and Keith laughs.] Somehow I'd believe it. I got a little caught up too. It felt good...

[Sparring, putting everything he had out there and not worrying about holding back at all. And it's different than the simulations in the training deck on the Blade ship or the training programs at the Castle. Good different. Definitely good.

Keith is all too happy to step into that hug as well, free arm wrapping around Shiro, eyes dropping shut for just a moment. This is definitely good too.]

Until then... I guess I've got some work to do still. I'll keep on that. So stay sharp, Shiro.

[It had been so different from feeling out how much someone can take before he let himself go. Even with Riza he'd been trying to be careful. But she'd made it a condition that he go all out.

With Keith it had been freeing. Knowing Keith could take anything he can dish out and give it back. His smile turns fond and warm, with a trace of that wild energy present in his grey eyes.] Of course. I can't let you topple me that easy. And if you don't mind...I'd like to do this again sometime soon.

Maybe make it a regular part of our routine? [He can't help how hopeful he sounds. It's been so long since he's been able to just let go. This isn't a burden on Keith but to his benefit too. Or he'd have never asked.]

Edited 2018-06-08 02:38 (UTC)

[Keith likes the fact that Shiro doesn't hold back or pull his punches with him, that the older man trusts him to hold his own against him. That means a lot, more than he's good at putting into words.

That may be why he brightens up at that question.]

I'd like that. A lot. [Regular sparring with Shiro? Works for Keith.] Gives me more of a chance to start catching up to you.

[He's coming for you, Shiro. But that's been Keith's life for a while, just plain chasing after Shiro in various ways.]

Good because I expect your best. That's the only way you're defeating me. [Sparring regularly with Keith will let him see all he's learned and how refined his technique is. They can polish it, fix mistakes in form before they're ingrained, and...it will just be good for both of them.

Shiro glances at the ring. He still has misgivings about it. What if it really is as- He shuts his eyes and looks back at Keith.]

You can also pick up a lot by watching fights. ...I'm not asking you to. But if you'd watch sometimes...

[It would be another thing that would be good for both of them. Seeing each other and knowing they are ready to fight side by side at a moment's notice.]

I plan on bringing it.

[Always. There's no way he'd come at Shiro with anything short of everything he's got. He really is looking forward to it -- and not just because it's entirely enthralling to watch Shiro in battle up close, but because he knows full well it's good for him.

His eyebrows lift at the next thing the older man says.]

Did you think I wasn't sticking around to watch? Maybe I rattled you around more than I thought just now. If you're getting in the ring, I'm going to be right here.

[To watch his back, to make sure that this place is as much on the up and up as it purports to be. And even if it is, he'll still stick close. Because yeah maybe he can learn something.

...he does add, fighting back a smirk.] Besides, you should probably have at least a little cheering section. Maybe I'll make a sign.

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WORLD JUMP # 1: EL MINHA.

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