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

[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.

[seakingbait]

[Partners. Equals. Lorelai not only acknowledges her strength, but she respects it. She never expected anything like that to ever happen.

She turns around to face her friend.]

Really?

[judgementscythe]

Of course. There is a reason we're training together. You might not have the martial skill the others on the crew but you more than make up for that with heart.

[Seriously Lorelai was super impressed by the fight against those pirates.]

You're strong and you are improving every day. Next time, never swing straight down with an attack. That never works. All I have to do is take one step to the side and you get left wide open to a counter attack.

[seakingbait]

I guess I never thought of that. [She mumbles to herself, looking down at the water.]

Mn, but next time I'll do better, promise.

[judgementscythe]

I'm sure of it. You adjusted well in the end. You would have won if I hadn't rolled out of the way in time. Just remember the things you can do with that fin that can give you an advantage.

[she gives Kiemi a comforting squeeze]

[seakingbait]

[She smiles.]

It's not very useful on land, is it? [She flicks it in the water, squirming down and nestling herself in the nape of Lorelai's neck.]

[judgementscythe]

I would know.

[that week sucked]

Thank the true runes I had bird you there for support.

[seriously that week sucked]

I'm amazed I didn't end up with a broken nose with the amount of times I fell on my face.

[seakingbait]

Right... b-bird. [Oh god that week was embarrassing. She was so crass, like she had no filter whatsoever.]

You were really cute, though. I thought you made a great mermaid.

[judgementscythe]

I was angry and falling all over the place. How is that a good mermaid?

[seakingbait]

You were starting to get the hang of it. A couple more days of practice and you would be as good as me.

[judgementscythe]

[she blushes a little at that]

That's a damn lie and you know it.

[seakingbait]

Maybe you just need more training.

[judgementscythe]

I'd go for a swim with you any day. Plus I need to learn to fight in water if we're ever going to go after Davy Jones.

[she smirks a little at that.]

[seakingbait]

Is fighting all you think about? [She giggles.]

I just want to show you what my world looks like.

[judgementscythe]

[offended sigh]There are other things I think about. Sindar Ruins, my crew, [quick squeeze] you.

[seakingbait]

[She lets out an embarrassed huff, nuzzling in return.]

Do you really think about me that much?