A Contender Arrives...[Open to 1!!!]
The Citadel loomed before him.
It's long, cascading shadow passed across the land of Radasanth proper. It was an ugly, terrifying structure that was a monument of war. However, Humphrey knew it was necessary for all living entities on Althanas craved power above all things, even hunters like him. The wilderness was cold and cruel, and would snatch little hunters out of the mortal coil quickly if they ventured too far away from the safety of home.
Humphrey listened to the air. There was the sound of violence and conflict in it, and the screaming sounds of the defeated. Humphrey shook his head at the oppressive atmosphere. The blood and violence was worshiped by the Radasanthians, and perhaps, that's why their culture overshadowed his own native Akashima. Perhaps that is why they have survived so long. They have been corrupted by their desires to start war and bloodshed. Perhaps... Humphrey thought carefully about the situation at hand. He looked up at the ugly, stain like building. It was a crude mesh of the various cultures of Althanas attempting to pay tribute to the gods of war. Humphrey looked up at the building for a long moment.
The crowds of spectators and combatants were moving to and from the massive structure.
The young hunter readjusted his viewpoint and looked at the face of one of the caretakers of the building's festivities.
Humphrey noticed the battle scars on the man's face, he was an elder gentleman of the Dwarven variety. They were a stout and war like species. He wore a robe of a ranking officer of The Citadel's ranks. His posture and demeanor suggested that he was actually quite a patient fellow. Humphrey nodded his head with his respect to the older bearded Dwarf. Humphrey saw a twinkle in the blue eyes of the fellow. He supposed, he would get right to the point. "Ah, Master Dwarf. I'm a Hunter from Akashima. I'm looking to participate in a hunt here on the sacred grounds." Humphrey said casually. "I've never done this before so I am not certain of the procedure."
The Dwarf rubbed his chin thoughtfully and nodded back with equal respect towards the young hunter. "Ah. Follow me laddie. I will get ya fixed up proper with a registration card'n all that. Once yer're done with all that I can fix ya up with a chamber to contest in." The Dwarf had a surprisingly cheerful demeanor.
Humphrey found the fellow agreeable. "Very well Master Dwarf. I shall follow your lead then."
***
The young hunter chose an environment that was suitable to do battle in. The entire chamber was a forest...but not just any sort of forest. There were trees that were of the cherry blossom variety in full bloom. Pollen was thick in the air, and there were many field workers as well gathering supplies for the neighboring townships. Humphrey stood in a relaxed position and had his weapon hand on the hilt of his sword. Humphrey was armed to the teeth, but was very careful about the weaponry he would bring to combat. He was a hunter who had a lot of honour after all. Humphrey carefully looked in the general direction of the citadel doors that were still open in front of him as if begging him to run away. He resisted the urge, the young hunter needed to test himself. Humphrey kept his sword hand at the ready and wondered deeply at what challenge would calm. He used his Shinto Onmyoudo arts to relax his mind and ready himself for a great hunt. The hunter was prepared...it was now or never.