A Dance with Dragons

[strongworld]

Who: You!
Where: Li Yu Tiao
When: May 24th - 31st
What: The Festival of Dragons!
Status: Open!

That special time of year has arrived when the Typhoon Grips allow safe passage to the Sky Islands. Here on Li Yu Tiao, the Festival of Dragons is about to begin. During this time, the villagers celebrate the koi that pass through their island to spawn and the great dragon that guards their land with its powerful magic.

From the opening, the streets will be filled with music, dancing, and indulgence. Grab some incredible local food and sample the fine alcohol brewed on the island. The hot springs are open to adults in the evenings and offer both separate and communal baths.

From May 25th until the 27th, the Dragon's Judgement Tournament will take place. The tournament is single-elimination, in which combatants can win either by amassing points by connecting with their hits, or by submission. Only nonfatal weapons are allowed and killing is strictly forbidden. The winner of the tournament will gain the title of the "Dragon's Hand" for the next year, and will be gifted with a crimson robe and a golden dragon statue.

On the 30th, a large stage is erected in front of the Dragon Gate. At sundown, the woman decided to be the most beautiful on the island will perform a dance on the stage. She will be dressed in a robe of glittering gold and a headpiece resembling a koi's whiskers. The dance is said to entice the koi into the next stage of their lives. During the dance, a single koi will leap through the gate and be transformed into a great dragon with impressive rainbow-colored scales. It is said this dragon's magic keeps the island tethered to the Dragon Gate and is the source of its wonderful weather. As the dance completes, the dancer's dress transforms into a pair of brilliant wings, and she takes into the air to live as the dragon's bride and protector. The two will then depart together for the mountain's summit. While the dancer is almost exclusively a local villager, it is not unheard of for an outsider to be selected for the role.

Comments

[judgementscythe]

It's definitely a nice change of pace from the last couple months. We'll have to do lunch tomorrow after the fights. Hopefully celebrating more wins for the Straw Hats.

[She wondered who she would be fighting and was pretty excited to find out]

[seakingbait]

Mn. Lunch sounds really nice. I know I'll be cheering for you tomorrow too.

[judgementscythe]

Good, hopefully I get to face someone from another crew. I want to see what the rest of these people can do.

[seakingbait]

Mn. Lori-chin is going to win the whole tournament. [She gives a little smile.]

[judgementscythe]

With you cheering me on how could I not.

[she sinks under the water for a few seconds and pops back up.]

Still for now, we should figure out some food to get tomorrow. Did you see anything there that looks good out there?

[seakingbait]

[She can't help but smile at her remark. It's nice to be noticed.]

There was a ramen stand near the port that smelled really yummy, and I have to see how the takoyaki stands up to Hacchin's back home.

[judgementscythe]

[she smiles back with a large beaming smile]

Good, how about we make a day of it then? Good food, a fight, and maybe you can introduce me to some more people around here.

[seakingbait]

I'm not sure I'm the best for introducing new people, but I'll do my best, okay?

[judgementscythe]

Well clearly better than I am at it. You remember when I first showed up?

[she gives a playful wink at Kiemi]

I'm not exactly a people person.

[seakingbait]

Well you're certainly a Keimi person. [She giggles.]

[judgementscythe]

[she chuckles in return] I'm glad I met you.

[seakingbait]

[Her cheeks darken a bit.]

Lori-chin is so nice.

[judgementscythe]

It's been a long time since anyone said that to me.

[seakingbait]

I'll make sure I say it more often then.

[She reaches out through the water and feels for her friend's hand.]

[judgementscythe]

[she takes hold of Kiemi's hand and smiles.]

Thanks K.

[she's new to the cute name thing give her a break]

[seakingbait]

[A nickname. She's never had one of those before, even though she likes to give them to everyone.]

Fighting really takes a lot out of you, huh? I never thought I'd be this tired after one round.

[She rests her head on Lorelai's shoulder, letting the warm water sooth her sore body.]

[judgementscythe]

Yep, and there is really nothing like it. The fact that you can relax afterwards is a good bonus.

[she moves around behind Kiemi and starts massaging her back.

[seakingbait]

Mm...

[She closes her eyes and sinks back into Lorelai's body.]

I never thought losing would feel this good.

[judgementscythe]

It's fun isn't it? Sometimes it's nice to just test yourself even if you know you can't win.

[Lorelai keeps kneading away at the small of Kiemi's back as she sinks against her.]

[seakingbait]

We should do it again soon. [She scoots herself back until she's settled in Lorelai's lap.]

As long as you do this again after, too.

[judgementscythe]

I'm ready for more serious sparring any time you are. If you want to add that to our routine I'd be delighted.

[Lorelai just gives Kiemi a big hug]

[seakingbait]

More serious.

[She speaks calmly, placing her hands over Lorelai's.]

Lori-chin has already taught me so much. I'm going to be so strong.

[judgementscythe]

You already are K.

[she rests her chin on Kiemi's shoulder]

I'm just helping you apply it better.

[seakingbait]

[She nuzzles her cheek.]

You're the best teacher I could ask for.

[judgementscythe]

Partner. We're training partners.