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bravenewworld2016-01-16 09:04 pm
dueltyping) wrote in bravenewworld2016-01-16 09:04 pm
Good Things Come in Fours
The day begins with a commotion around the gates of Union. The Guards, who otherwise have been left with little else to do but to clear the paths leading in and outside of the city’s walls of snow and ice, gather en masse as a small party of strangely dressed individuals congregate there. Standing at the head of the crowd is a young woman, her two-toned hair and odd clothing a stark contrast from the norm around Union, holds herself confidently, a jovial smile on her face.
“Like I said,” She began, her voice surprisingly peppy, bouncing slightly on her heels, “We want to speak with your leader. It’s very important, and we've come such a long way.”
It’s an unusual scene to say the least, and as people pass by, they may catch the young woman’s eye, getting a pleasant smile and a chipper wave before she redirects her attention to whoever she happens to be talking to. Passers-by are urged to keep moving, nothing to see here, and after a very long, very circuitous series of conversations, the newcomers are given a personal escort.
The rest of the day passes without incident, until the evening, when all Warp Bands come to life. Standing in the frame is a young woman, no older than 18 or 19, her black-and-white hair tied up to one side with looks to be a crystal of pure ice. She smiles, practically beaming, leaning in toward her audience.
“Hello, people of Union! My new friend tells me that all of you should be able to hear and see me. What a convenient thing, haha. In any case, my name is Sveta, and I come representing a group of individuals calling themselves the Elite Four. I must say, actually seeing this city, I’m impressed! The stories don’t do this place justice. I hope to be able to meet more of the Gods’ chosen for myself while I’m visiting!”
Humming a bit to herself, she sits down, crossing her legs. “We believe that fate has brought us together. We heard that there were other civilizations out there, but never did we imagine that there would be people with the same aspirations as us! But I should explain. You see, the Elite Four, seek to understand our past, and be able to atone for the wrongdoings that our ancestors have committed. So you can imagine how excited we were when we heard about Union. I had to rush over.
“I promise that we won’t take up too much of your time or space, but I want to get to know you, the people of Union, better! I believe that we can all come together and create a better world. Your council has been kind enough to give us temporary lodging here within the city. I hope that we will be able to get along! Okay, how do I turn this of--”
And with that, the impromptu feed ends, the cheery young woman’s face fading away before another quick message takes over the airwaves. But worry not, citizens of Union. Over the next few days, the young woman from a strange new land will be wandering the streets of your city, observing, talking to others, and generally doing her best to not make a nuisance of herself. It’s hard to say how successful she’ll be at that last part.
[[This post is open for interaction.]]
“Like I said,” She began, her voice surprisingly peppy, bouncing slightly on her heels, “We want to speak with your leader. It’s very important, and we've come such a long way.”
It’s an unusual scene to say the least, and as people pass by, they may catch the young woman’s eye, getting a pleasant smile and a chipper wave before she redirects her attention to whoever she happens to be talking to. Passers-by are urged to keep moving, nothing to see here, and after a very long, very circuitous series of conversations, the newcomers are given a personal escort.
The rest of the day passes without incident, until the evening, when all Warp Bands come to life. Standing in the frame is a young woman, no older than 18 or 19, her black-and-white hair tied up to one side with looks to be a crystal of pure ice. She smiles, practically beaming, leaning in toward her audience.
“Hello, people of Union! My new friend tells me that all of you should be able to hear and see me. What a convenient thing, haha. In any case, my name is Sveta, and I come representing a group of individuals calling themselves the Elite Four. I must say, actually seeing this city, I’m impressed! The stories don’t do this place justice. I hope to be able to meet more of the Gods’ chosen for myself while I’m visiting!”
Humming a bit to herself, she sits down, crossing her legs. “We believe that fate has brought us together. We heard that there were other civilizations out there, but never did we imagine that there would be people with the same aspirations as us! But I should explain. You see, the Elite Four, seek to understand our past, and be able to atone for the wrongdoings that our ancestors have committed. So you can imagine how excited we were when we heard about Union. I had to rush over.
“I promise that we won’t take up too much of your time or space, but I want to get to know you, the people of Union, better! I believe that we can all come together and create a better world. Your council has been kind enough to give us temporary lodging here within the city. I hope that we will be able to get along! Okay, how do I turn this of--”
And with that, the impromptu feed ends, the cheery young woman’s face fading away before another quick message takes over the airwaves. But worry not, citizens of Union. Over the next few days, the young woman from a strange new land will be wandering the streets of your city, observing, talking to others, and generally doing her best to not make a nuisance of herself. It’s hard to say how successful she’ll be at that last part.
[[This post is open for interaction.]]
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[she can't help but wonder though:] A champion, you said?
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It's fine, don't worry about it, you didn't know. Besides, that title is important where I'm from, not necessarily here. Consider me a friend from a far-away place, looking for others like herself.
Yes. The Champion is chosen through battle, and they elect their Elite Four. The Champion acts as leader of Ever Grande, until they are defeated--if, that is. Anyone who wants a chance at it has to go through the Elite Four first.
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[she brightens a little in understanding as Sveta explains] It would seem some things are the same, even if the process is quite different! We of Citadel are also led by a champion. [there is a note of national pride in her voice] Every ten years, there is a grand tournament that unites the clans, and all Valkyrie are welcome to take the trials and earn the right to rise to the position of Matriarch.
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Oh, is that how they do it in Citadel? I didn't realize we were so similar! Every ten years, you say? When is the next tournament? Are they public? Can outsiders watch?
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It is! The last tournament was a little under four years ago, I'm afraid, so there are still six years until the next Tournament. Matriarch Freya achieved her third victory that year, it was really quite a marvel to behold. [even now she feels awe for having witnessed it]
In days past, the Grand Tournament was restricted to the clans alone. But with so many allies now.. I cannot speak for the Matriarch, but I do believe that outsiders would be welcome to attend the festivities.
Though none would be eligible to participate, of course. [Only Valkyrie were worthy of that honour]
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Does Ever Grande have any such festivities?
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[a bright smile] Are such exhibitions also public?
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[ Sveta shakes her head. ]
Only the Elite Four, our Champion and the challenger are present.
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Do you have other duties within the city as well?
[she looks a little crestfallen at that answer]
Oh. That is a shame.
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I fear that my eagerness meant I got ahead of myself. I do apologise, I hope that I did not offend. It is simply a fascinating custom, especially in its similarity to ours.
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