(Closed to JDD)
The familiar sights, smells and sounds of the Citadel greeted John once again as he walked through a gated arch of black stone into the courtyard. It was midday, and awnings were spread out wherever there were people. Stalls, gambling pits, and the monks’ booths were all shadowed by cloth spread on poles. People crowded around the shade like birds to a tree, squawking over wares, wine, and wagers. The metal giant spotted brother Jor, one of the Ai’Bron monks who had taken a liking to him.
John was confident that if Jor knew any better, their friendship would quickly deteriorate.
“Ah, John! Just the man I wanted to see!”
Jor approached quickly, clapping him on a shoulder, producing a mild clunk off his armor. As Jor turned quickly, John noted that he had been training a lot. Gone was the slight pudge below the jaw and around his waist, replaced with a sharply featured face and slimmer robes. He began to walk toward one of the glowing portals, calling after John, who followed.
Jor was one of the people who knew John best, though that didn’t mean much considering how many people knew him at all. Jor spoke excitedly.
“Remember the other day when you said you needed a change of scenery, all that fighting in arenas was really narrowing your style you said? Well have I got the space for you!”
Jor finished with a flourish, gesticulating toward a glowing blue portal.
“Fresh off the noggin of yours truly!”
John had to smirk a little at Jor’s excitement. Ever since he’d been promoted to his latest station, he was allowed to create arenas by himself, and had lately been showing off his creations. He looked down a little at Jor, who was smiling broadly, and the giant couldn’t help but let the corners of his mouth upturn a little.
“I’ll tell you how it is,” He said, and disappeared through the blue glow.
John popped into existence, and was temporarily blinded by the sunlight of a cloudless sky at midday. As they adjusted, the giant felt the near-oppressive heat of the sun, smelled salt air, and felt the motion of a ship. The glare came from both sun and ocean as John tried to get his sea legs, eventually finding the rhythm of the ship and adapting to it. He stood on the bridge near the bow, just beyond the wheel.
Now to wait for another flash of blue.