[IC] The Guild

[aviendha]

Grey sat up, after exiting the ring, and looked up at Artura. Slightly more refreshed, though still quite tired, she yawned. Pulling the hood off of her head, Grey frowned, staring at the Guild leader. She spoke, her voice barely carrying loudly enough to be heard across the field.

"I could contribute nothing more, without endangering myself. He abandoned the fight. That is a great insult, to my honor."

Maintaining eye contact for a moment, Grey decided not to speak any more. Casting her gaze downwards, she began to walk. She raised a hand to her neck, massaging the knots out of it. Annoyed and frankly angered, Grey was legitimately confused, and the frustration was evident through her calm. Well aware of her limits, and of the dangers of overextending herself, she accepted the win by default, but did not revel in it. Almost gliding along the ground, her legs completely covered by her robe, she retreated from the field.

Once inside, Grey walked to her own quarters, where her cot was waiting. Too mad to sleep, she sat on her cot, crossing her legs, and staring at the blank wall. Her door was little more than a curtain, and it waved slightly in the air currents drifting through the room. She grabbed her Oud, and held it in her lap, deciding to practice for a little while. As far as she knew, everyone had gone to watch the fight; this would be a perfect time to rehearse a few songs. She closed her eyes, and quietly played, almost meditative in her practice.

[SaintRice]

@Bell@Damiann47@Torack

---

Gareth nodded happily as Artura affirmed that the next bout would be his, brushing past Silvia with a grin, "Don't worry Guild Master, I'm not usually one to disappoint. Let's have fun, Silvia." He undid the pin to the harness on his back that held his 3 blades, allowing them to fall to the ground outside of the ring. Gareth waved towards Kaito as he passed, helping him pick up one of the blades stuck into the grass. Facing Kaito, he pushed the sword forward as if it were an olive branch, "You're ability is as skillful as shadow girl's are peculiar. Perhaps we'll have an opportunity to exchange pointers later." He offered in a more sympathetic tone.

With that being said, Gareth leaped into the ring and punched his fist to his palm, strands of green light shuddering out from the impact, his wolfish grin returning to his face in full force. "Let's do this."

[Damiann47]

@SaintRice

---

Silvia wasted no time in getting into position, standing right across from Gareth. She raised an eyebrow, "Huh, so you decided to take me on with your own two fists?" The Pugilist shook her head and sighed, although she didn't seem to be upset in the slightest. "You may have magical punches, but don't forget that you're going against me. Alright, Gareth. Let's have some fun." At that she smoothly transferred into a combat stance, and turned to face with her left side with both fist clenched. She wanted to see what the berserker would do first, so instead of taking the first strike she waited instead.

[SaintRice]

@Damiann47

---

Gareth slowly lowered into a stance as if he were about to start running, a flicker of green circling about his legs for a moment before he shot forward like a bullet, the shock-wave causing the ground to tremble. The speed made his figure grow instantaneously in Silvia's eyes as Gareth's eyes maintained contact with her own. His nonchalant expression hung from his face as he finally landed on his left leg only a few feet away from Silvia. In a continuous motion, Gareth swept his right leg behind his left, avoiding the roundhouse and opting for a back roundhouse instead as he bent at the waist and his torso went parallel to the ground. The sweeping kick maintained a trajectory toward's Silvia's waist, but changed directions nearly instantaneously and barreled towards her lower jawline in a surprising show of skill for Gareth's brutish nature. Silvia could hear a threatening whistling noise coming from his leg as the force of Gareth's entire body and momentum was spearheaded by his foot. As one would expect from a berserker, he went all in from the get-go.

[crazycatlady]

A lump could be seen underneath the covers, moving up and down in a peaceful motion, -something- clearly breathing. Daphelora Saorise's auburn colored eyes flicked open as she heard her bedroom door slowly open. She quickly jumped up, grabbing a small throwing knife off her bedside table, and tossed it toward the door, it impaling directly into the door frame. Once her eye's adjusted, and focused on who or what was opening the door, a sigh of relief came from her. "Shandria..." she whispered, "Must you sneak in like that? I could've killed you!"

The girl was a sight for sore eyes...her fiery red hair partially matted in a clump on the back of her head, and her eyes puffy as if she hadn't slept in days. After taking a few moments to gather herself she brought her arms high into the sky, stretching them with a loud yawn following after. "I assume mother is looking for me, yes?"

[Shandria]

Shandria waved a hand dismissively. "If that knife had hit me it would have just bounced off my scales. I'm tougher than I look, remember~" She padded her hand against her scales and then crossed her arms, watching the girl carefully. "Yes, the tournament for the day has started and the second match is probably going on right now. I assume she wanted you around to be a part of it or at least watch. Plus she probably just wants you to not be in bed all day anyways." She clicked her claws on her scales with a nod to what she had said.

The pervert in her wondered if Daphelora would change right in front of her! A sort of "We've all got a perv in us" moment. Not that she intends to do anything with such thoughts. One of the wonders of Shandria's mind that she often wondered if was common for Dragonkin, was the thoughts and curiosities she had about humans. Random thoughts that made no sense regularly ran through her head and this was simply one of them. It wasn't even that she wanted to see the other woman's body really, more that she had a legitimate curiosity if Daphelora was comfortable enough to get dressed in front of her, if humans were perhaps tired enough for their judgement to be impaired after waking to do such a thing... if they cared about such thing sin the first place. So many questions... and she found herself actually just standing there staring at a wall while thinking, having to shake her head clear. Human science, probably for another time.

[crazycatlady]

@Shandria

Daphelora rolled her eyes with a loud groan before letting herself flop back onto the bed. "That woman is the bane of my existence." Her bare breast revealed themselves from underneath the covers, heavy looking as they lay atop her chest, and jiggling slightly as she breathed. She always slept naked, even as a child. The nude was what she was most comfortable in. She paid no mind as her chest was laid out for the Dragonkin to freely see.

With another loud huff, she rolled herself out of bed, her full bare body now completely visible for the other to see. Daphelora was definitely not on the petite side, her curves were thick and juicy. She had always been slightly chubby but she never let it hurt her confidence, in fact, she took pride in it.

A playful smirk appeared on her lips as she strolled across the room and began getting ready. First, she slid into her leather armor, the cold material sending a shiver up her spine. A disgusted expression appeared on her face as she peered into her vanity mirror, noticing the rat nest atop her head and dark circles under her eyes. "Who's fighting in the tournament?" She asked, slicking her wild locks into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, best she could.

[Shandria]

Shandria definitely hadn't expected that. Changing in front of her was one thing, flat out walking about naked... she considered if this was a trait of humans, watching the girl carefully, and yet she simply stood there not turning away. A Dragonkin was not so easily embarrassed by such things, but she had heard humans were very self conscious about others seeing their bodies. Like the differences between what they wore under their clothes, and what they wore swimming being so massive when they were often the same thing. A human would lose it if they were seen in their 'underwear', but not a 'bathing suit'.

She scratched her head, legitimately trying to understand the human nature as she scratched the back of her head while staring off into the floor as people often did while lost in thought. So lost in thought, it took her a moment to hear the question.

"Kaito and Grey have already fought and disappointed the audience. Whether it was due to her combat style or otherwise Grey appeared to be napping during the fight while a shadow fought for her. Kaito became angry and stormed off from the arena. Next as I left, I heard Gareth and Silvia were going to be next, and they seemed much more excited to face off each other, they actually requested to be next so it should be a good fight. I'm not sure who else has signed up." She shrugged and looked back at the human girl, trying not to laugh at the clumped up hair. She succeeded at least. "Though there may be more to the day than a simple guild tournament." She could feel her scales shifting, sort of like a radar for trouble. The day felt off, not like a simple sunny day of fun in the back yard.

[Damiann47]

@SaintRice

---

Silvia let out a deep breath, there was a very good reason why she wanted to wait for Gareth to make the first move. She didn't want to get killed by that bullet-like speed of his. Hand to hand combat was her specialty, so despite his insane speed she was able to read him well enough to avoid that first roundhouse... that was until he did a sudden feint and turned it around. Silvia was somewhat frantic as she scrambled to dodge the back roundhouse, which she did somewhat successfully by jumping back to get out of range. She did get hit by the berserker, however the blow was softened by a combination of blocking, and the fact she was already jumping out of his way. As for the second sudden feint of his was much less successful since Silva was anticipating another such attack and so she instead opted to jump hard to side to not get kicked in the face.

In retaliation, she wanted to keep mostly to kicks in order to stay out of insane close range as much as possible. Silvia gave her own roundhouse right after she dodged his last attack, using the momentum she generated for extra force. Provided her attack connects she would then follow up with a upwards kick, aiming right for the center of his chest, again with the intention of keeping up her momentum.

[crazycatlady]

@Shandria

Daphelora continued to tame her fiery mane, letting loose strands of hair fall and shape around her face. She nodded as the other talked,"Might as well get in on the action." She turned around to face the Dragonkin, sliding her daggers into their holsters on each hip, their black aura radiating from the blades.

"Wouldn't want to keep mother waiting, would we?" She blows a quick huff upward, causing one of the loose strands of hair to bounce up only to fall back in place over her face.

Finally, she makes her way toward Shandria, noticing she seemed rather off and in her own world, as if something were bothering her. Daph's hand finds itself on the other's arm, "Something wrong?"

[Shandria]

Shandria looked up at Daphelora as she felt her hand on her arm. "No, no... I was just contemplating the human mind is all. I'm only half human but I have always wondered what the differences are between how I think and how humans think, if there are any. But I guess it doesn't all matter to think about it now because each person thinks differently from one to the next. You think differently than your mother, your mother thinks very differently from others in the guild..." She cleared her throat and turned to the door. "Best not keep her waiting or she'll think badly of my ability to sniff people out, and she'll send a hunting party after me who will leave as we return only for another party to be sent after them... just like in the funny stories."

She turned on her heels and headed back out into the hall. She could hear the fight starting through the open windows, making her want to see it. "Sounds like Gareth and Silvia have begun their fight as I figured." Her ears twitched, from the sounds. "Are you ready then? Not that I assume you need me to find your way to the arena but I came and woke you up, I may as well go as far as escorting you back."

[SaintRice]

@Damiann47

---

Gareth grit his teeth as the roundhouse he blocked with his arms packed surprising power, staggering him slightly off balance, just enough that he was unable to step out of the way of the upward kick to his chest. However, hitting his chest was like hitting a immobile wall and Silvia's leg was grasped before she could withdraw it.

Forcefully, he pulled the leg towards himself and green agglomerated around his fist as it shot towards Silvia's ribs; however, he slowed his fist before making contact due to the lack of malice he had for her, slowing the fist to something more feasible for his size but still heavy in weight. Whether or not the fist connected, Gareth instantly moved to pin Silvia to the ground, attempting to throw her to the ground by raising the leg he held above his head and driving forward so that Silvia landed directly on her back.

[Damiann47]

@SaintRice

---

Silvia realized her mistake but it was too late. Of course she attempted to pull her leg free from the man's grasp, however she found that his grip was too strong for her to fight. Her only other option was to follow up with another kick to Gareth's hopefully sensitive face with her other leg. If she were able to free herself, she would likely only be particularly successful and end up tumbling onto her back anyway. Of course she had also just taken a hard punch to the ribs, which while hurt like hell, wasn't enough disable her. Not by a long shot.

If she does manage to get free, she would then roll away from Gareth before making an attempt at standing back up, where if the man is close enough she would try to a sweeping kick to knock Gareth off balance. Otherwise she would quickly run in to take a few quick, yet powerful jabs at his side.

[crazycatlady]

@Shandria

A grin creased Daphelora's lips as she listened to the Dragonkin ramble on, amused by how lost she can get in her own thoughts."It's true every person is different but if you are to continue studying the average human's behavior, I'm probably not the best to observe. I've been told I'm...odd." She shrugs, "I just think differently than most and have my own unpopular opinions."

She rolls her eyes before giving the other a judging glance, "You worry too much about what my mother thinks of you." She cups Shandria's chin with a finger, the human's natural charm shining through. "You are her perfect little Dragonkin." Although, the thought of having her own mother search and run herself ragged trying to find Shandria and she did amuse her greatly. She shook her head, as if to shake away the idea. Even she wasn't THAT cruel.

She gives a playful wink to the other followed by a quick nod. "Yes, let's see what those kids have to offer in the arena." Her arm finds itself wrapped around Shandria's waist as they both make their way back to the guild's arena, loud sounds of battle echoing through the halls. Daph felt her skin tingle, excitement rising inside her at the commotion.

[SaintRice]

@Damiann47

---

Gareth was staggered by the solid kick to his jaw, his head whiplashing to the side preventing him from completing his tackle. However, the large man recovered quickly and lunged forward with abrupt speed, driving his shin into Silvia's waist to interrupt her mid-roll. His wolfish grin spread across his face as he leapt forward following his lunge, his muscles rippling as he put himself on a trajectory to land atop her, as to avoid allowing her to get up and anticipate his moves once again.

Gareth intended to sit on her waist and punch beside her head to finish the fight should things go as planned, otherwise, he decided to use whatever means possible to keep his opponent on the ground as that was where he believed he held the greatest advantage due to his overwhelming strength.

[Shandria]

Well I should study all humans no? If you are odd and others are normal, maybe I am simply odd too. I wonder what the difference might be between the behavior of a Dragonkin like myself, and a human like you or your mother or anyone else. But I have to wonder if there are any differences at all, or if I am as different from the average human as you are." She said this thoughtfully and then wiggled her jaw with a frown. She huffed and started walking, feeling the arm around her waist. Considering how large her kind were, standing somewhere between eight and nine feet tall, the human didn't have much other place to put her arm unless she wanted to hold hands. Which would be odd.

The first fight was not so bad. I think it was a misunderstanding and the style of combat Grey uses looked as though she wasn't taking the fight seriously, and so Kaito got angry. He seems to be a very honor bound man, and such an insult would not be taken lightly. But again, it was likely a misunderstanding and not an actual insult. Gareth is a very strong fighter, but I can't say the same for Silvia, if not for the sole reason I cannot say I've seen her fight before." Just as she finished her statement she visibly shook, hands coming up to wrap around herself. She looked towards the door, and then up out the sky windows. "That... that was an odd feeling." She shook her head, and continued on down the hall, down the stairs, and towards the back of the hall.

[crazycatlady]

@Shandria @Bell

Daphelora tucked a lose strand of hair behind her ear as she continued to walk to the arena, arm still wrapped around the Dragonkin's waist. "I'm sure they all have their own different skill sets." She brought a hand to cup her own chin, "I wonder who I'll be up against."

Daph arched a eyebrow at the other's words, looking around them to find what Shandria was referring to. She knew Dragonkin could sense things an average human could not. With that thought, a look of concern appeared on her face. She chose not to pester her about it, however, not wanting to be so bluntly nosy. If there were something urgently important that Shandria sensed it'd be brought up, she concluded. Maybe she was simply having an off day. She shrugged, continuing her way toward the arena, the Dragonkin still at her side.

Finally, the two arrived at the arena. She looked up at the large flags forming a circle, they flapping and whipping from the chill air. Her arms crossed over her chest, as best they could anyways, eyes focusing on the two brawling it out inside the arena. She watched as Gareth kept the other, Silvia, pinned to the ground. His brute strength was clearly visible. Daph couldn't help but feel impressed and it caused her urge to fight to increase more by the second. Her eyes quickly darted up to her mother's throne, wondering if she'd noticed her entrance yet or not.

[Damiann47]

@SaintRice

---

Silvia damn well knew she was about to lose, and so quickly after all the bold talk she made. Her kick to the face had been enough to at least knock him off balance, giving her the chance she'd been waiting for. Although of course her next manuver was all to obvious as the next thing she knew a swift shin kick knocked the wind out of her, yet through a combination of sheer willpower, determination, and the potent power of adrenaline she didn't allow this to stop her. All that said, it remained to be seen if she would be fast enough to successfully roll out of the way considering Gareth's own incredible speed, or else she would definitively lose the duel.

If allowed enough clearance to escape, Silvia would imminently launch herself into an offense. Her intention would be to target the man's more fragile joints in an attempt to disable him. If that does have have a great enough affect on him, she would then make an attempt at grappling and throwing onto the ground. Certainly Gareth was heavier and stronger than her; she however knew just the right ways to take down a man his size.

[SaintRice]

@Damiann47

---

Gareth landed slightly off trajectory, but did not turn to Silvia before she had a chance to get up. He wanted to avoid infusing his mind with magic as the repercussions lead to a dazed hangover that drove a man as big as Gareth to pained bed rest. However, his normal tactics didn't match up with his current reflexes and coordination. Due to the lack of mind augmentation, he also clearly felt the throbbing in his swelling ankle from dead stopping his inital lunge. Likewise, his arm was slightly numb from blocking the kick.

With a side glance, Gareth sharply kicked behind him towards Silvia's chest in a sudden motion. He intended to end the fight quickly. The fight had already drawn out more than he was used to with any one person. However, his endurance was trained for fighting packs of people and no fatigue showed through. With his wolfish grin, he unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks in unison, going on a reckless offensive to overwhelm Silvia.

[Damiann47]

@SaintRice

---

Despite her best efforts Silvia had taken too many hits during this fight to continue being effective, she wasn't like Gareth who could withstand some damage, after all that's why her fighting style relies on evasion. Now because Gareth wasn't using his magical powers she was able to mostly avoid the kick, it being only a glancing blow, yet it was enough to throw her off balance which was enough to all but seal her fate.

Normally she would've been able to avoid such a telegraphed assault, unfortunately fighting Gareth of all people wasn't quite a normal situation. To put it in simple terms, this was the part where she lost... being knocked out by a particularly hard punch meant she wasn't able to continue fighting anymore. After that the world was all but black to Silvia.