Conall - The Serpent's blessing (CoI) (9/4-5)

[18:49] {NARRATION} The temples construction was complete, though as it was, it was only one of a crowd. To be a proper temple, something worth caring about, it needed more. Thus, the rituals.

The standard fare were already happening. Sacrifices in Quetzalcoatls name, sacred oils and incense burned. All normal, all standrd, though the purpose of this wasn't standard fare. They wanted the Serpent Dragon to notice them, to give a proper blessing.

The ancient book had been in regards to the original Serpentine Drakanites, of their origins. How they were blessed as a result of exceptional battles, how they'd impressed Quetzalcoatl.

It seemed such a battle would be needed again - though there was a rather glaring problem.

The only ones worth a fight were the ones wishing to bless the temple.
[18:53] Kazko outstretched his arms, taking a peek around the temple's sanctum. It had a good look to it, all right--and the scent was overwhelming, to say the least. But the Nagual didn't hate it. Some worshippers of the mighty Serpent might be giving him some pretty strange looks, with their superstitions regarding the myths of feuds between his patron deity and theirs. He was not here to worry about that, though.

This was all to get Ohtli a boost. In confidence, and as per blessing.

"Lookin' good, lookin' good..." What else could he really say? He didn't know what was missing--but Ohtli would.
(Kazko)
[18:54] Conall breathes in the smell of the incense burning in the temple, half-lidded eyes becoming widened and dialated in interest. His jagged teeth formed a smile, curved ever upwards as his Daemon swam around his feet. He looked around the area with a bob of his head.

"It has come out well." The Dryad compliments, tips of wooden fingers dragging across the walls, somewhat careful to not get the blood rising from underneath his nails on them. He hums, mostly to himself before looking towards Ohtli.

"The temple is built. The sacrifices are made. But what is the next step?" Conall himself had not yet read of the book.
(Conall Revels)
[18:56] Sigrun came along with the group into the temple. Once arriving, she took glances around, noting and nodding at the various designs and such dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. The Ookami sniffs a bit, noticing the burning of incense, but otherwise making no comment -- the woman was pretty clueless in regards to the deity, as well as what was exactly required to gain a blessing from it.

With a goofy smile, she says, "Really cool place."
(Sigrun)
[18:57] Windsor slogged on in as if drawn inwards from decades of sleep. He trudges on forward, following the rest of the party, exchanging no glances, naming no names. For a while, he's transfixed on the Drakanite - if only because he wasn't exepcting her to have been put through nearly as punishing a wringer as she was. The astrologian, quiet and placid and filling up the rear of the party, looked blearily around the temple.

It was an ornate thing, put together with what was undoubtedly no small portion of elbow grease. At the very least, she had taken all of that into heavy consideration. Elbows were, indeed, greased to make this a reality. Knowing little and less about Gehennan culture and its deities besides, however, he had nothing verbally helpful to add.

Instead, the sleep-deprived magus folded his arms across his chest and stared towards the center for a time. "...Could do with a bit more lighting," Windsor finally admitted, his voice just a bit more hoarse, just a bit deeper than it used to be. Whatever was necessary now was known only to the raven-haired Drakan.

Hopefully he wouldn't have to bend over backwards to furnish it.
(Windsor)
[18:57] Emiko looked around the temple, she'd never even seen one from the outside - yet alone been inside of one. Her first thought was about getting more lighting or something, but she'd keep that to herself. She gave a few sniffs, whatever that was she kinda like it. She wondered where the action Kazko spoke of was.

"It smells nice in here... And looks amazing!" She'd chime in.
(Emiko Lai)
[19:01] After trials and tribulations, she's heartened to see one of her greater goals finally come to fruition. A temple in the Serpent's name, in her honor. Already she could feel the whispers that festered in the back of her head grow quieter, the intermittent pangs of pain less frequent.

It meets her own satisfaction, but it's still not enough. The construction was not built with only mere mortal leanings in mind. It was still lacking something.

She had worked hard to acquire wisdom of ancient rites, strove to follow them to the letter. Ohtli strides closer to the center of the temple.

"Quetzalcoatl visits and blesses those who fight. That fight well and fight bravely. I can't think of any other better way to bring her eyes down to us.

"The sacrifices and oils get her attention. Now we do our part."
(Ohtli)
[19:05] Conall Revels asks, "Khiii. Is there a creature to fight that will be shown, or will we be fighting of each other?"
[19:05] Ohtli says, "Each other. "
[19:06] Sigrun asks, "...fighting each other?"
[19:06] Windsor says, "Been a while since I've done any of that..."
[19:07] Ohtli says, "Unless there's any known enemies of the Serpent nearby that could take all of us? I can't think of anything else."
[19:07] Kazko says, "..."
[19:07] Kazko says, "D-don't look at me..."
[19:07] Kazko seemed to think 'enemies of the Serpent' might mean a Nagual...
(Kazko)
[19:07] Conall Revels says, "-he shrugs- We could be of drawing lots. Everyone fight who they draw."
[19:07] Ohtli says, "...I guess that leaves a panther hunt out of the question."
[19:09] Kazko says, "W-well, if you guys think you can beat me..."
[19:09] Ohtli rubs her chin in thought. There were options for the final missing piece, the most important one, the blessing itself. She searches her recollection for a suitable foe that might be lurking nearby.

If nothing comes to her? There is no recourse. They had to fight one another. She was far too close to back down now.
(Ohtli)
[19:10] Ohtli says, "Give me a second...I'm thinking."
[19:10] Kazko exclaims, "Maybe Quetzocoatl would want to see how strong you guys are at throwin' magic at that panther she hates!"
[19:10] Windsor says, "Well, take your time. This place wasn't built in a day."
[19:10] Ohtli says, "If it's all of us against you it's not a fair contest. It's not...really courageous."
[19:13] {NARRATION} Ohtli would recall from the text that displays of individual strength were the most likely to draw the Serpent Dragons attention - regardless of race. Fitting in with the Gehennan tradition, especially that of the Atl...

A miniature tournament.

Perhaps even a display of blood.
[19:15] Sigrun clears her throat and glances around at everyone.

"I guess it sounds like we all need to fight each other until something happens."
(Sigrun)
[19:15] Sigrun asks, "...can you tell if a place is blessed or not, or something like that?"
[19:15] Conall Revels says, "Would be of feeling when is blessed."
[19:18] Ohtli pinches the bridge of her nose, exhaling. She straightens up and regards all those gathered levelly, shoving down her weary expression. Her being tired and battered is not what she wants to remember of this day.

"We'll know when it happens. It's not subtle. Just like when we get our wings. We'll do a tournament. The Serpent smiles down on those who are brave alone. I don't know if she'd notice us fighting together.

"Are you all willing? Ready?"
(Ohtli)
[19:19] Conall waves his hand.

"IS not much for of fighting by self. But is hoping that Serpent is fine with Conall using beasts, yes?" Swarm swirled around his feet as he strides forward. "Are we of needing to be of sheding blood or just of fighting one another. Can be doing either. But is willing."
(Conall Revels)
[19:19] Kazko pounds his fists together. There's something of a wry smirk on his face at the thought of a tournament. But...would it be bloody? Could he even stand to spill the blood of anyone here? Well...maybe Conall, because he's already bleeding...
(Kazko)
[19:19] Kazko says, "Gimme somewhere to swing and it'll be done! But, I won't make it easy, even if the big Serpent would want me to lose."
[19:19] Ohtli says, "...Blood might be better. But if you don't want to shed blood I won't make you. "
[19:20] Windsor rolled his shoulders lightly. No matter what'd be happening here, it'd be through their sweat and tears. Blood was almost certainly compulsory, but the man still felt as if he'd only recently woken up from a long slumber. His nose crinkled a bit with a mild bout of hesitation, before he shook his head.

"Of course. Waited this long to give you a hand, I'd probably do whatever else I'd need to make sure this happens. Plus, I've..." He gestures to himself. "I've got a lot of blood in me. I could stand to lose some."
(Windsor)
[19:22] Well... That was an unexpected turn of events. Emiko just gave a slight nod in response. She didn't really mind some sort of tournament - it'd just mean she had a chance to show all the work she'd been putting into training so far, to help Ohtli. She'd nod.

"Yeah, I'm willing too."
(Emiko Lai)
[19:24] There some reluctance to Sigrun as she thinks about how exactly gain the deity's favor. She looks around to Emiko, then back to Ohtli.

"If that's what we gotta do, then, sure. I just hope it doesn't have to get too crazy, though."
(Sigrun)
[19:25] Conall puts a hand against the floor. Several growths of wood come to his hand and he holds them out, six in total. "Can be of drawing twigs to be of picking who fights who. Unless is having other method."
(Conall Revels)
[19:25] Ohtli says, "We can drow lots like you said, Con."
[19:25] Ohtli says, "That'll work."
[19:29] Ohtli gestures the others to gather around, drawing a twig from the dryad's hand. She motions for the others to do the same.

"Let's start then. Everyone take one and we'll begin."
(Ohtli)
[19:30] Kazko takes one of the twigs...
(Kazko)
[19:30] Windsor gingerly takes a twig from Conall's hand and stares at it, not understanding the significance of the twig itself at all. He's just winging it.
(Windsor)
[19:30] Kazko says, "I don't really get it, but..."
[19:30] Conall Revels says, "-waits until everyone is done to take the final twig-"
[19:30] Emiko takes one aswell.
(Emiko Lai)
[19:30] Sigrun plucks a twig from the bundle. She stares at it cluelessly.
(Sigrun)
[19:31] Conall Revels says, "-he bobs his head- Twigs are saying Sigrun and Emiko, then Ohtli and Windsor. Kazko fights winner of first, I fight winner of second. then finallists fight."
[19:31] Kazko exclaims, "Aw, I gotta wait to fight?!"
[19:31] Emiko Lai says, "<<Why me.>>"
[19:31] Kazko exclaims, "Wait, how do the twigs say that?!"
[19:31] Windsor says, "...Sure."
[19:31] Ohtli says, "He's a dryad."
[19:31] Kazko says, "I don't get it..."
[19:31] Conall Revels says, "Is also having to wait to fight. Khii."
[19:31] Ohtli says, "They probably talk to him."
[19:31] Kazko says, "...ohhhh."
[19:31] Sigrun says, "I wish I could talk to sticks..."
[19:32] Kazko completely believes that.
(Kazko)
[19:32] Ohtli asks, "Sigrun. Emiko...Are you ready? Do you need any paint?"
[19:32] Windsor says, "Doesn't sound crazier than anything else I know about magic. Which... admittedly, isn't a lot."
[19:32] Emiko Lai asks, "Paint?"
[19:32] Sigrun says, "Paint-"
[19:32] Conall half-lidded glare at those who seem to believe he talks to sticks. "Only leaf creatures."
(Conall Revels)
[19:32] Windsor says, "Oh, right. Facepaint..."
[19:32] Ohtli nods. She produces a small metal canister from her belongings. "Paint."
(Ohtli)
[19:33] Emiko Lai asks, "We're meant to use facepaint?"
[19:33] Ohtli says, "You don't have to. "
[19:33] Kazko says, "Hehehe. Let me draw on Sigrun's face..."
[19:33] Sigrun says, "Eh, no paint for me."
[19:33] Sigrun says, "--"
[19:33] Kazko exclaims, "W-what!"
[19:33] Ohtli says, "They're the fighters."
[19:33] Emiko Lai says, "I'll take some."
[19:33] Sigrun says, "I mean, okay, I wouldn't MIND any paint."
[19:34] Kazko exclaims, "!!!"
[19:34] Ohtli says, "Come here. I'll put it on."
[19:34] Sigrun comes here.
(Sigrun)
[19:34] Kazko says, "O-oh, fine, Ohtli can do it..."
[19:34] Emiko Lai whispers something.
[19:34] Kazko whispers something.
[19:35] Windsor says, "<*keeps it simple, and dabs totally non-lead-based yellow paint stripes under his eyes."
[19:35] Kazko looks at Emiko, wide eyed, with some recoil.
(Kazko)
[19:35] Windsor keeps it simple, and dabs totally non-lead-based yellow paint stripes under his eyes.
(Windsor)
[19:35] Emiko Lai whispers something.
[19:36] Ohtli squints at Emiko and shakes her head. She's evidently not doing face painting requests as far as designs go. The Drakan dips her fingers into the viscous greasepaint, drawing zig-zag lines in deep blue on either of her cheeks. The same is done for Sigrun. Each one is prayed over as she draws the decorations.

"May the Serpent see the valor and courage you're about to display today on these grounds."
(Ohtli)
[19:36] Ohtli says, "Now square off. And we'll step back."
[19:38] {NARRATION} A space was made in the center of the temple for the ritualistic combat. Braziers lined the edges of the battlefield, providing loosely defined boundaries, dictating the battlefields size rather well.

There were simple rules in most such tournaments. Any blood spilled was fair - no anger would be held for being unable to protect yourself in a tournament of blood. No cheating, for such would certainly enrage the spirits, and no crossing the boundaries.

Simple enough to translate into practical terms.
[19:39] Kazko exclaims, "Go Siggy! Go Emiko!"
[19:44] Emiko took a deep breath, crossing along to the centre area within this region of the temple. She'd withdraw her staff - tapping it to the ground by her side. Once again, embers crackled out from all around, eventually gaining in volume and engulfing the Kitsune in a thin veil of flames. She tap the ground with her staff once more and a second Emiko stepped out from behind the original - positioning itself.

"Well. I'm ready."
(Emiko Lai)
[19:46] Sigrun settles herself in the 'arena,' facing her opponent which so happened to be Emiko. Due to their previous spars, it was safe to say the Ookami was feeling a tad cocky. Reaching to brandish her axe, Sigrun held the weapon with both of her hands -- she was ready to actually use the sharp end, but had no intention of maiming the Kitsune.

""Ready as well."
(Sigrun)
[20:05] The battle was fierce -- it appeared Emiko and Sigrun were fighting pretty much toe to toe, but in the end? The Ookami overpowered the Kitsune utilizing time magic to accelerate herself out of the way of attacks. One she had the flank, she utilized her axe to skillfully cut along Emiko's back. It wasn't life threatening in the slightest, but damn it would hurt.

"...good fight, Emiko, you're getting a lot better."
(Sigrun)
[20:11] Emiko thought she was finally getting somewhere with all that training - if it wasn't for Yue, she probably wouldn't of managed to be within a fraction of a second too late to beat Sigrun. It was as if she'd taken advantage of that second, before Emiko knew it she'd been slashed straight across the back. Of course it bled. If only she'd been calm enough to remember certain things she hadn't done. The Kitsune fell forwards, a hissing intake of breath was heard.

"Almost..." She'd say in response, trying to stagger back onto her feet with her staff as an aid. Just not there yet...
(Emiko Lai)
[20:12] Sigrun says, "..."
[20:13] Sigrun walks over to the Kitsune girl, attempting to drap an arm around her form to help her back to the sidelines.

"Who's next?"
(Sigrun)
[20:13] Ohtli says, "Windsor and me."
[20:14] Kazko says, "G'job, you two."
[20:14] Kazko says, "I loved that."
[20:14] Conall Revels says, "It looked close."
[20:14] Sigrun asks, "Yeah- are you okay, Emiko?"
[20:15] Emiko Lai says, "I'll live-- I think."
[20:15] Sigrun frowns some.
(Sigrun)
[20:15] Sigrun says, "...sorry."
[20:16] Ohtli begins her own approach to the fighting arena encircled by firelight, dipping her fingers into the canister of paint and applying her own jagged designs on her cheeks. Windsor's already decked in yellow, but she offers it all the same.

She gives her comrade a thin smile; it's been a long time since they'd faced off. Much of her has changed by the same sword with its goofy smiley-face etching in the hilt is still her old standby. There's a lot to say, a lot to catch up on, but now is not the time or place.

"...I'm glad you could be here, Windy. May our fight honor the Serpent."

The warrior, tried and true to her title, draws her weapon and prepares.
(Ohtli)
[20:16] Windsor was quick to get himself busied. There was going to be a lot of fighting - certainly a lot more than the one that just now transpired. Wasting no time, the astrologian removed the globe from his back and expanded it. Light shimmered from within the interleaving rings of the astrolabe. It creaks and shudders for a moment before sparking to life as if nothing had changed; though Windsor clearly hasn't maintained the weapon in more than a fortnight.

Hopefully its wielder won't have accumulated rust, as well.

Lilting off the ground, the man grown stares forward at the Drakanite, who has clearly seen trial and tribulation both. "I'd ask you to brief me on every little thing that happened to you, but..." Windsor flashed a wry frown, tilting his glasses up and shaking his head. "I had my chance before I got here. That can wait for later."

His look betrayed no signs of pity, but he was absolutely feeling it. Who hurt her? What hurt her? It was something to jaw over later. For now, it'd probably be better to focus on what they did best.

"...Sure." He smirked back at her in kind, before throwing himself into stance.
(Windsor)
[20:22] Kazko asks, "Is...is it my turn!?"
[20:22] Sigrun says, "...I think it's me 'n you next."
[20:23] Kazko says, "Oooohhh."
[20:23] It had been some years yet since Windsor squared off with anyone. Despite his hopes, the rust was plain in his technique. He stumbled, flummoxed, and barely fidgeted his way into a slight edge in the very first round. However, it appeared he hadn't forgotten everything - and his every bout with Ohtli years ago wasn't forgotten.

Even if her sword bit way harder than it used to, he could tell that there was only so much she could endure as a result of her myriad injuries. It took every ounce of battle fervor and respect to hold him back from helping her up - he did, of course, never hold back against her. The astrologian stares forward at her for a time, transfixed by the wounds, before looking away towards Kazko and the others and offering a plain nod.

"...Good fight, Ohtli. Time hasn't slowed you down a bit." He did believe that. The characteristic mispronounciation of her name fell out to the wayside as he offered a hand regardless, hitting the ground again to take his place at the pillar.
(Windsor)
[20:23] Kazko says, "I better not lose, then."
[20:24] Sigrun says, "..."
[20:24] Sigrun says, "I better not lose, either."
[20:26] Half-lidded eyes gazed into the arena. Conall says nothing, hand briskly atop of Swarm as it moved around his feet. He gave a small 'Khiii', at the latest battle's outcome, as if a little disappointed but he would soon begin to arise. He looked to Kazko and Sigrun.

"Are of next when they leave the field, yes."
(Conall Revels)
[20:29] It's been a long time since the pair had done battle, but it feels like yesterday. Except instead of the sunny plains north of the Crafthold with a certain illusionist looking on it's in the dim halls of a temple, a new set of faces watching from the sidelines.

She considers the hand briefly and shakes her head. It takes more effort than it used to, yet she rises on her own power all the same. Still a point of pride with her. Ohtli does not seem to hold him any grudge for the offer as she trudges back for the sidelines.

"You're still sharp. It's an honorable thing for today."
(Ohtli)
[20:29] Kazko doesn't even make a slow walk onto the battlefield. By the time Sigrun herself blinked, he was there, bouncing from toe to toe, with a blade in each hand. His knuckles were white, and his eyes were keen. He didn't know how this would end, but he wasn't going to make it easy for the Ookami in the least. They were both powerful warriors with deadly fighting styles...and their last match had ended in a draw. The Nagual wasn't about to let an audience see him go down to his own girlfriend, either.

"C'mon, c'mon, Sigrun...let's show everyone how great we are together."

...was a fight really supposed to do that?
(Kazko)
[20:29] After the fight's conclusion, Sigrun brings her hands together and claps a couple of times, shouting, "Good fight, you two!" After that, she looks away from the pair and gives Emiko one last analytical glance, as if to make sure she didn't hurt the Kitsune too much.

Eventually, Sigrun walks out into the arena again, standing on one side while Kazko stood on another. She withdrew her axe again, gripping the weapon tightly with her hands as she stared at Kazko. Normally, she would have tried to look a bit intimidating, but because of the many times she's sparred the man, she couldn't help but to grin.

That, and she also playfully stuck her tongue out at the man.

"Right. I'm ready."
(Sigrun)
[20:30] Ohtli says, "May your fight honor the Serpent. Begin when you're prepared."
[20:31] Kazko says, "I'm readier than ever."
[20:32] Kazko says, "You're not holding back, right, Sigrun..."
[20:32] Kazko says, "That was pretty fast."
[20:33]
{LOAD GAME}

[20:36] Emiko Lai says, "<<Go, Kaz!>>"
[20:36] Kazko says, "..."
[20:40] Kazko says, "9wait"
[20:40] * You have been awarded 1.5 Roleplay Points! *
[20:40] * Your RP modifier has expired.
[20:50] {NARRATION} A strange air would come over the temple as they fought. Despite their restrained manner of it, magi couldn't clash without bleeding in some way. Scratches, bloodied noses and the like.

The paltry amounts gathered towards the center of their makeshift arena, energy gathering. It wasn't quite done yet - but neither was the fighting.

Ohtli would recognize the blood as forming into some kind of sigil from the book, though what precisely for?

That was unknown.
[20:52] The sigil does not escape her notice. She has worked hard for this, after all, with her sweat, tears, and blood- of course blood. Ohtli searches her mind for a meaning of the emblem, but it escapes her. Still, it is as good a sign as any.

"...Next. Conall and Windsor. Take your places."
(Ohtli)
[20:54] Leaning against the pillar, Conall's half-lidded gaze would watch the fights. He was a bit passive throughout the process, until he noticed the pooling of blood towards the center of the arena. The tips of his mouth curved further upwards, into a cruel smile as Conall came to stand, heading towards the center of the arena.

His eyes looked towards Winsor. They would slowly widen, pupils dilating in a venomous cruel smirk.

"I am thinking that it is our turn, yes?"

His hand gently reached over toward Ohtli, a gentle stroke attempted to be placed underneath her chin. "Was thinking it would be us but this works too." He walks south. The vines underneath his skin start to break to the surface, twirling and writhing.

"Let's give the Serpent a true fight to watch."
(Conall Revels)
[20:55] Sigrun and Kazko definitely clashed to their fullest, but Kazko even moreso. The fight was fierce -- they were pretty much an even match, but one side began to give way. Despite Sigrun swinging her axe and using her magic to the best of her abilities, it just wasn't quite enough to overpower the Nagual.

The Ookami is sent flying off of her feet, left with some cuts here and there from whatever combination of abilities Kazko used.

She looked up at the man with a rather dazed expression, saying nothing.
(Sigrun)
[20:55] So far, so bloody. Maybe not nearly as bloody to the esoteric likings of the Gehennan pantheon, but that was something they could work on. Windsor's clothes fair leaked out blood from several directions - Ohtli's lashings certainly did quite a bit to see to that much. He drew out his lightly rusted astrolabe once more and stood over the ground, hovering by virtue of its influence.

"Right. Let's get at it, then." He shot a nod over to the Dryad - he only knew two of the assorted lot, but he figured anyone Ohtli trusted enough to bring on this escapade was probably good for it. "Well, sorry to disappoint. I'll try to be half as worthy as she is." The heavenly instrmuent whirs and hums, flashing out a few stars and equations before flaring out as bright as it was against the Drakanite prior.
(Windsor)
[20:57] Ohtli gently rebukes the light touch to her chin with a wingtip, shaking her head. Now was not the time or place for these things.

"Take your places," she reminds them both. All had to be done well. Had to be done correctly. It was no doubt close at hand...all she'd strove for.
(Ohtli)
[21:04] Conall fought differently then the manner the others had.

It could be stated that the others looked more friendly. It was true no hard feelings were to be carried by the outcome of the tournament and perhaps that was the reason for the added cruelty. As blood dripped from Conall's eyes it seemed almost as if he were trying to spill much for his opponent. Hateful flowers released spores in the air, Mandrakes through rocks, and Conall took to blinding often.

Swarm releases water after water after water. The battle ends only with a final attack, choking sleeping spores filling the air and driving Windsor to the ground. He looks down, half-lidded eyes returning.

"Khiii. Is not bad. But was expecting more blood when was seeing of Ohtli defeated." Conall gnashed his teeth, looking to the remaining fighter.

"is next round, yes?"
(Conall Revels)
[21:04] Kazko and Sigrun were too close to call. It was something beautiful, dangerous, and cunning...two predators, steeled for battle, going at each other like the wild beasts they were. However, only with enough restraint not to make each other bleed or bruise too much.

The Nagual thought he'd had enough. He was just about to raise the flag for surrender against the rough strikes of Sigrun, but she did so first. He'd put her out, but he'd given it his all...

"I'll...I'll take it...!" Kazko shook his head, making sure Sigrun was back on her feet before the next fight began.
(Kazko)
[21:04] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:07] Windsor remained pretty congenial despite himself - he was willing to pay whatever cost he had to if it meant helping a dear friend see a dream through. Even if his blood fair sung with battle frenzy, even if the singing was cacophonous and stilted. The little fish that flitted around at Conall's side proved to be a more pronounced thorn in his side than Windsor might have expected, but he was durable if nothing else.

Thus, for all the abuse that he was taking, all the bloodshed, Windsor was quick to launch himself back onto his feet. Run ragged by suffocating spores and terribly sharp thorns, the magician shook his head and put his astrolabe onto his back once more. "...Nah. I used to be a better fighter, but I've... taken a bit of a break."

He wipes up his mouth, which only manages to smear a bit more blood and mud onto his face. Big disgrace, that. His can was, plainly, kicked all over the place.

The astrologian returned to his side at thepillar, keeping his back to it and nodding at the Drakanite.
(Windsor)
[21:08] Kazko says, "Guess it's me..."
[21:08] Windsor whispers something.
[21:08] Windsor whispers something.
[21:09] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:09] {NARRATION} Blood flowed.

And in proper Gehennan fashion, there was a clear response.

Every drop poured towards that growing sigil, outlining viciously. Powerful magic emanated now, roiling in waves again and again. Something was coming, though it wasn't quite there.

Perhaps it would when they finished.
[21:09] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:09] Windsor whispers something.
[21:09] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:10] Windsor whispers something.
[21:15] Kazko made his way onto the field, all too prepared for the last round of the tournament...of blood? Can it be even called that? There was some spilled between Windsor and Conall, but was it down to him to do so, as well? He wasn't sure if he even wanted to risk it against the Dryad's mighty fish...but if Sigrun was going to allow him the chance to have the final audience below Quetzocoatl's watch, then he was in no position to deny it.

"C...Conall! You're ready, right?!"
(Kazko)
[21:17] There was a sadism growing, a malice in the Dryad's movements. The being rebuked from touch formerly only seemed to make those streams of red pick up their pace along his bronze skin. Fingertips bled, taking further hold of the staff in his hand before he looked to Kazko. The tips of his mouth curved upwards into a cruel, vile smile.

"I am ready. Shall we honor the Serpent?"

His eyes widened and dilated.

"I've been wanting to fight the strongest here for a while, when I was waiting."
(Conall Revels)
[21:18] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:19] Ohtli purses her lips, looking between the two as they do their banter before the fight. Her eyes rove to the floor, to the continually pooling blood. There's an involuntary twitch, a quick mutter of something, then stillness.
(Ohtli)
[21:20] Windsor whispers something.
[21:22] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:23] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:24] Windsor whispers something.
[21:26] Ohtli frowns at Windsor and his words. Heavily.
(Ohtli)
[21:27] Windsor keeps his arms folded across his chest, returning the look with a shake of the head.
(Windsor)
[21:27] Emiko blinked a few times... This was an interesting conversation.
(Emiko Lai)
[21:27] Windsor whispers something.
[21:27] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:27] Windsor whispers something.
[21:27] Sigrun had her attention on the fight the entire time.
(Sigrun)
[21:28] "Purr for me, Kazko."

Mandrakes erupt from the ground, orbs of earth being thrown towards the Nagual. Illusionary assaults took hold on the Nagual's mind. One moment Conall was there, the next he would be gone. But the worst part was when it wasn't an illusion, and time itself seemed to carry the Dryad away across the room.

Time rots, withering faint whisps of skin. In the same break, spores filled the air, making it nearly impossible for the Nagual to breathe. But when Kazko did approach he was met with another kind of assault. Blooded fingers reached out, finding the tips of his ears, or gripping his tail to throw him back.

Blackness overtakes Kazko's vision, during which time the final blow is struck. A flower reaches it's serrated vines upwards, lightly cutting into Kazko's skin to spill more of it, then the Dryad leans closer, muffed words whispered to the Nagual's ear. A corruptive smile wears on Conall's face as his vine-like tongue drags along Kazko's cheek to his earlobe. Then he steps away, the flowers released.

"Is of done, yes?"
(Conall Revels)
[21:29] Conall Revels whispers: Purr.
[21:29] Kazko says, "..."
[21:29] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:29] Sigrun says, "..."
[21:30] Windsor whispers something.
[21:30] Emiko Lai says, "..."
[21:31] Emiko Lai whispers something.
[21:31] Ohtli whispers something.
[21:32] Sigrun says, "...no."
[21:32] Ohtli's jaw clenches as she watches the display, her sunken eyes narrowed.
(Ohtli)
[21:38] Kazko was pretty much abused. He didn't know what was going on half the time, but he was being brutalized this whole time. It wasn't even Conall--it was moreso nature itself, and the perversions of it through illusions...

But, Kazko, even if he was stupid, figured out why this was happening. Well, at least, he took a very fair guess. Quetzalcoatl did have those feuds with Ixchel, after all. Seeing a Nagual get pushed around by a superior force was probably really amusing to the mighty serpent, if its blessing was on the way to this temple. If it meant putting on a show like this, he didn't really--

--e...EW.

"E-EW!" He bleh--d aloud, even if he was getting cut up, the grossest part was being licked. Apparently, he didn't even find it frightening...just too weird. There wasn't any purring going on, just uncomfortable squirming.

"No way...eugh. That's gay, dude..." The Nagual didn't even try and hide his lack of respect for the behavior. Kazko did not seem to find anything wrong with calling things 'gay' either....
(Kazko)
[21:40] Emiko Lai says, "<<So that's what 'gay' is.>>"
[21:40] Emiko makes a mental note on the term.
(Emiko Lai)
[21:50] {NARRATION} And with the last drops of blood - and Conall proving himself the victor - the ritualistic tournament was complete.

Almost as soon as the last blow was struck, a howling gale swept through the temple, blowing out the braziers, leaving only bright sunlight from the windows to illuminate their way. The sigil in the center began to glow brighter, as its purpose was finally unveiled.

It was a summoning circle.

With the sound of wings flapping, a man touched down from seemingly nowhere, right hand knuckles against the stone floor. Massive, feathered wings protruded from his back, easily possessing a wingspan of fifteen feet, while the rest of his body was just as massive. Tall, muscled and completely nude, he had piercing green eyes that examined the occupants.

"And here I am."

An Avatar of Quetzalcoatl stood before you all.
[21:50] Emiko Lai says, ". . ."
[21:55] Well, that wasn't quite the expectation here! One might have been forgiven for thinking that the temple was just going to be washed over with the serpent god's blessing or something like that. Windsor might be forgiven for thinking that, because that's what he thought. So, seeing a man in his birthday suit, majestically magical or no, caught the astrologian pretty off guard.

For all of his divinations and predictions, he certainly didn't see this coming. Still, all of that blood had to do something, right? The astrologian managed to gather his bearings back together, having slipped his hand away from the astrolabe on his shoulders. He figured that wouldn't have to come to use here. "...Right, uh...

"...yeah. Here you are." For as bizarre and as absurd as the magical world was, there were still things that he had yet to see. Knowing full well that this was not the least bit his purview, Windsor took a backseat, subconsciously drawing on reserves of temerity. He suspected it'd be necessary for what was to happen next.

After conjuring up whatever bravery he could, he gave the Drakanite an encouraging pat on the shoulder. Ohtli could do the talking here. It's why they set up this little get together in the first place, after all.
(Windsor)
[21:55] The last drop of blood had been shed, and the Dryad smirks sadistically. The ripples of disapproval were felt but he steps away, shaking his head. "You wished to give the Serpent a true Gehennan tournament, yes? I delivered." He simply stated, ignoring the wrongness of his own sadistic tendencies.

A slight cackle is had, stepping away from the abused Nagual before turning to look south. The summoning circle was active and the pupils of the Dryad quickly dilated in interest as his eyes widened. He bobs his head in approval in appearance of the naked Avatar. Then he glances to Ohtli, expectantly.

He may have been the champion, but he did not know the customs. Instead he looked back, awestruck at the Avatar.

"Wonderful."
(Conall Revels)
[21:57] Emiko glanced around when the sound of flapping was heard and it clearly wasn't Ohtli. And then the thud of something huge crashing down. It was a massive winged-man. He wasn't wearing clothes, but Emiko wasn't one to pay attention to such things.

"Huh...--"

It took a few moments to process, but this must've been what everyone had been hoping for. It appeared this tournament was not in vain after all.

'So it worked!' The Kitsune thought to herself, beaming a great smile and shifting herself forwards slightly with her staff in aid. Emiko looks over at Ohtli and then to the being summoned.
(Emiko Lai)
[21:59] "Woah...woah!" Kazko didn't hide his surprise at all, even with his ripped clothes and slightly bleeding visage. He could deal with that later. For now, Ohtli was the one in the spotlight, so he thought. This was her turn to shine, with one of her mighty idols present. Well, as close as one could be to that...
(Kazko)
[22:02] Sigrun's eyes widened when the figure made themselves apparent. In the back of the Ookami's head, she actually doubted they would get the attention of the deity just by fighting each other -- if only it was that easy for her. Sigrun said nothing and just observed with a surprised expression.
(Sigrun)
[22:03] A fury was beginning to rise within her at the dryad's display. His cruelty, his malice, his enjoyment of the sport, she almost opens her mouth to say something harsh against him.

Until the sigil in the floor, filled with blood, begins to glow. Instead she gawps as her eyes widen at the sight of none other than an Avatar of the Serpent. The natural light paints the temple's inner sanctum in a soft glow.

It was the first physical manifestation of the Serpent's presence since her own wings had grown in, and what a bolstering sight it is. All is not for naught. Her prayers, her efforts, the ritual had called down a sign.

Ohtli exhales slowly, taking her mythril fist and pressing it tightly over her heart. Tired though she may look there is a stark sense of relief and comfort. It was not all for naught. The voices that continued to try and whisper to her, a result of the Archon's hex, were wrong.

Thank the Spirits, they were wrong.

She looks over towards Windsor, to his encouraging pat, then to Conall and his glances. Ohtli steps forward, lowering her hand while standing tall with her wings outstretched, and speaks.

"We stand here in this place to pay tribute to the Serpent," she begins, gesturing to all those gathered behind her, those who had given their own effort and shed blood in honor for the occasion.

"We have shed blood and fought one another to gain the Serpent's favor, in order to prove ourselves worthy, and now that you are here I humbly ask for blessings.

"I ask that this ground here and this temple might have Quetzalcoatl's blessing, and that I might have it too and act as an anointed servant of the Serpent."
(Ohtli)
[22:10] {NARRATION} His very presence cast a heavy gale, encircling around him, focused on his magnificence. Despite his clear warrior nature, he lacked a single scar, a single imperfection. Those that gazed upon him felt their spirits uplifted, the pain in their wounds repairing themselves.

"No."

The word was spoken solemnly, to Ohtli, as he strode forward, the temple floor threatening to crack beneath his presence.

"You have earned the right to be gazed upon by my presence, to bask in the glory of Quetzalcoatl!"

A smile found its way to his face, a look of supreme arrogance, of his assured superiority to them.

"You want a blessing? You'll need to do better than fight your friends that..."

His gaze jumped to Kazko and Sigrun.

"Will. Hold. Back."
[22:18] The refusal hits her with a flinch. It's a physical, visceral reaction.

They could not be more different, the two winged warriors. The Avatar was flawless muscle, perfection without mark or scar. She? She was marked by more battles than most. Ohtli's been ravaged by war, torn by loss of limb and parts of her psyche. All for some greater purpose.

Surely the Serpent prized cunning, in their own way, but she's always had the same foolhardy streak of temerity and gall. The wind rises and she can feel her bones ache less, her spirits rise even as she grows indignant to the Avatar's refusal. Still, she understands it. This was not adequate proof.

"Very well...Then I'll fight you."

Her jaw sets and she draws her sword anew. Ohtli brazenly challenges the Avatar in all his glory.
(Ohtli)
[22:19] Emiko Lai whispers something.
[22:23] Conall watched the magnificent being in awe, until it refused the wish. The pupils vibrate, and the sadistic smile only grows more cruel. He slightly moves his head, vines breaking from his bark skin as his vine-like tongue drags on his lips.

"Is good that Ohtli is not giving up. She should want more then just eyes watching her. Do you not think that you deserve more?" He asked, glancing over towards the Drakanite with the crinkle in the corners of his mouth. He steps forwards, swarm at his feet.

"I am Conall Revels, the winner of the tournament, Cruxati beast master. We want your blessing by rite of combat." His wide eyes look over to Ohtli. "Unless is wanting to do it alone?"

Despite his words there was another tone in his voice. "I want the eyes of a god watching us."
(Conall Revels)
[22:24] "I promise that I saw this coming," Windsor muttered to nobody in particular. The moment that Ohtli drew steel, the astromancer was duty-bound to do the same. He draws out his astrolabe once more; the rust seems to shake off more as he cuts his teeth in further fights. Though the blood on him was rapidly beginning to wane just by looking at the splendid embodiment of godly power, he knew that more was going to be shed, and quite soon.

The bespectacled magus spreads his hands apart, and his heavenly measure spins and twirls harshly in reply. "I guess you can't reach divinity or godhood or whatever without getting a little bit full of yourself along the way," Windsor mused, gritting his teeth. If nothing else, he took delight in the idea of bringing the high and mighty down a peg or two.

Even if the high and mighty, in this case, was his best friend's sworn deity of choice. To lie or hold his tongue would be intellectually dishonest of him, and Windsor didn't do intellectually dishonest. "I'm with you, Ohtli. Let's go." With that, he enshrouded himself in a dusky coat of swirling, violet time magicks.

The stone around him rose in orbit around him, prepared to clip some godly wings or bleed a lot trying.
(Windsor)
[22:26] Sigrun seemed a bit alarmed when the entity set their sights on both her and Kazko. Holding back? Of course she was holding back. Before she could verbally protest, Ohtli stepped up and challenged the creature directly.

That was surprising.
Kind of good, too.

Sigrun was definitely not going to try and intentionally injure someone like Kazko or Emiko. Sigrun then realizes that others were attempting to step up to the plate too; the Ookami couldn't let Ohtli fight alone, if she could help.

"Are we all going to try 'n fight them? I'll definitely help if we can!"
(Sigrun)
[22:26] "Wait...what?!" Kazko gets indignant too, all of a sudden. He speaks out of turn, clearly toward the condescending air of Quetzalcoatl's Avatar with a decisive growl.

"Don't you undermine my friend Ohtli's efforts...do you know how much blood, sweat, and tears were poured into this temple? All the hours--no, months of time she spent trying to make this dream of hers a reality?!" There was a much different view of this encounter than the others might have found. He felt personally offended that this winged brute was thinking any less of Ohtli's attempts at praising her god.

"If you think I'm gonna let you flap your wings and your moth like that to her, you got another thing coming. I don't care what Avatar you are!" There were two weapons in his hands, once again clipped to the chains binding his wrists. There was a slitted glare in the Avatar's direction...he was backing up Ohtli, but for his sake as much as it was hers.

"IXCHEL! Watch me show this rude serpent the reach of your STRENGTH!"
(Kazko)
[22:29] Emiko gave a slight nod in response... It seemed Kazko went with what she'd thought they should all do. Despite the wound, she pulls up her staff and stabbed it to the ground with a resounding thud! She's clearly prepared to go along with everyone and fight for this blessing it seemed.
(Emiko Lai)
[22:31] {NARRATION} The massive Drakanite began a rumbling laugh, one that shook the very temple with its intensity. Magic radiated from his form, alongside his impossible vitality.

"You want to challenge me? Well - that is..."

His smile extended to a massive grin.

"Precisely that I told you to do. Something worth a blessing - provided you're up to the task."

He focused on Kazko, serpentine eyes narrowing.

"Pray to your impudent panther that you do - or I'll take you back with me as a toy."
[22:31] Kazko also flies, defying all notions of a ground-bound panther boy. Just to spite the Avatar.
(Kazko)
[22:35] The jeers and calls to battle behind her are even more bolstering, drowning out dregs of sinister whispers. Comrades at her back and a battle before her. A challenge set in her sights.

She grins, ear to ear, the scars unable to hold back her smile.

"I hear. And I answer."

And what an answer it is. Ohtli starts the fight by taking flight in a whirl of wind and feathers, her blade ready to lash at the avatar's all-too-perfect flesh.

It was time to be tested.
(Ohtli)
[22:52] Cuetzpallee says, "4awwwwwww4444"
[23:14]
{LOAD GAME}

[23:53] Emiko Lai says, "<<I'm ready for my blessing...>>"
[23:58] {NARRATION} The battle was savage - this was one of the Avatars of the Serpent Dragon, after all. One of their chosen warriors. He glided through the air as easily as any mortal, able to shrug off even the most debilitating spells. The wounds they inflited seemed to seal themselves with ease, closing until only remnants of mana remained.

And yet - they were able to wear him down. There were clear markings of exorcist magics among his mana, power he used to protect the worth of Quetzalcoatl.

And finally, as one of them would've prepared the finishing blow...

His fist impacted the ground, throwing everyone around them to the ground like ragdolls. Whatever powers he'd displayed...

They seemed to not be what he was capable of - or perhaps it was a final display of power, to maintain his superiority. Up into the air he floated, out of reach.

"You're a tough little group..." He said, grinning with it.

"Fine - I'll give you my blessing. You've pleased Quetzalcoatl with your actions today..."

He began to fade, feathers falling from his form to land, imbued with his mana.

"Be sure not to disappoint in the future."
[00:03] It was a battle hard fought and even harder won- if it could truly be said they'd won it. The Avatar proves his own worth as is fitting of his station. Strength, grace, and durability that made her envious.

Just as it looked he was being worn down, just as it seemed he was defeated, he wasn't. He rises and rebukes them all with a strike that cracked the temple's fresh tiles.

The smug Drakan avatar hovers above then and gives his edict, a positive one and a promise of a blessing rendered.

After stumbling she rises, shaking dust in a cloak from her wings. She steps forward, squinting up into the space the creature once occupied, and presses her fist back over her heart. A single beat against her chest in departing salute.

"I won't. I swear."

It's a vow she intends to uphold until her final days.
(Ohtli)
[00:03] The battle was hardfought. Sigrun had combatted an assortment of opponents -- the living, undead, vampires, so some of that experienced help the woman in combatting against an avatar of Quetzalcoatl herself- himself? She didn't know nor care at the moment, all she cared about was making it through the fight and not suffering yet another terrible injury.

It was impossible to do it alone, but through the combined might everyone in the group, they managed to succeed, causing the already battle worn woman to let out a brief shout in joy.

"We DID IT! I knew we coul- OW! Ow, ow... ow." She grasped one of the many bruises on her body caused from her earlier fight, but was still very content they won the battle and helped their friend properly bless the temple. Sigrun watched curiously as the avatar left a single feather as it disappeared.
(Sigrun)
[00:04] Despite every ounce of grace that Quetzalcoatl's avatar put forward, the fight felt no less gritty, no less harsh. The rush of battle continued to swell in Windsor's heart - at least he wasn't left wanting. Much as he figured some peg-downing would have ensued, however, the avatar seemed no less superior, no less smug.

That was a bit disappointing, but what wasn't was that Ohtli was finally receiving the boon that she was after. Scrambling up from the earthen stone that paneled out the temple's tiles, Windsor smirked, managing to launch himself back onto his feet. He still wasn't sure what absolute wringer she must have been put through up to this point, but he was happy to see a victory of this magnitude.

Getting it, he suspected, was the easy part. Windsor kept those words packed away in his mind as he staggered forward, wiping the dust from his overcoat. "...Nice."
(Windsor)
[00:05] Kazko, having taken on the very Avatar of Quetzalcoatl, who had descended from above to test them...felt a renewed confidence in his strength. It took his small group an immense amount of power to even do the slightest of scratches on the mighty Serpent, but he faced them with bravery and resolve. Whenever he was knocked about, he just got back up...

...even when the Avatar seemed to grow bored with the display, allowing Ohtli the beautiful blessing she so desired. This was the original goal the Drakanite had pursued, after all. In his eyes, she had earned it. Rallying her friends at her side, and garnering the strength in herself to get this far was all the proof Kazko needed.

That wasn't to say he was going to get off easily after battling a creature of immense strength like that.

"My...my arms hurt..." So much swinging. Had he really swung his weapons this much in a day before? Thisreally WAS one hell of a test...if Ixchel had been with him even in the slightest, Kazko hoped he made a good impression by taking on an Avatar of one of the divine dragons.

"Way to go, Ohtli...I'm really happy I could help you with this, y'know. All the time you took to get this far--I hope this isn't the end, either. I'm sure you can do even greater things, starting from here..."
(Kazko)
[00:06] It was a lavish battle.

Carpets of blood stain the floors of the temple, both from the battle before, the battle now, and always drooling from Conall's eyes and fingertips. Spores float, polluting the air and making it harder and harder to breathe as the Dryad moves around the inside of the temple. Swarm throws bubble after bubble against the serpent, and Conall assaulted the being's senses. It wasn't as effective as normal, unable to hold him in place but the Dryad is able to avoid the worst of attacks.

Exorcism fills the air, and Conall is thrown to the ground. Gnashing teeth inside his maw, Conall slowly begins to get to his feet, hearing their actions today were successful. The slightest of grins curve upwards on his face.

"We will not be disappointing the spirits. Just continue to keep your eyes on us and adore us so." The Dryad whispers, a corruptive 'khiii-hi-hi' briskly filling the air.

"Delightful, Ohtli. This has been delightful."
(Conall Revels)
[00:08] Emiko had never seen anything with such power in her life. It seemed as if everything she'd had the power to throw at the creature was either shrugged off or just ineffective as a whole. That was until he'd flung her back with some type of shockwave, skidding back into one of the statues and continuing on - but he stopped. He acknowledged them all.

". . ."

The Kitsune couldn't currently find any words to spit out, maybe her training and prayers had seen her through once again. A brief murmur of some sort of thanks. Most likely to the Sun and Jiuweihu - she was still figuring that part out it.

"Guh... I can't feel anything..."

Her flaming aura dissipates - along with the second Emiko she'd relied on during this. Over exertion kicked in full swing. She'd still smile when noticing the feathers fall and the Avatar's words to Ohtli.

"Perfect..!"
(Emiko Lai)
[00:13] The smiles have become rarer these days, with battles and war so often an occurrence. But this as an occasion for a full blow grin. Finally. Finally it was done. She gives all those in her company a warm, prideful grin as she stoops to pick up the Avatar's plume. Ohtli holds it aloft and beams at her compatriots.

It stands as a symbol of her efforts, however mundane it may or may not seem. It sits well with her as is no doubt evidenced by her expression, and the way the weariness seems to lift from her shoulders for a time.

"No. It's not the end. But I owe you all a debt. Each of you has done a lot to help me, and that can't be ignored."

She mimics the salute again, two raps of her fist against her chest, the metal making a dull thud against flesh.

"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
(Ohtli)