Lynchpin---Castle and Surrounding Grounds.

[lynchpin_castle]

The servants are unseen and unknown. Residents are welcome to take over the Servant’s rooms or not, but it is not recommended. Likewise, it is unclear where the Master resides. Usually s/he will call a meeting of their champions and meet them within the reception all or Banquet room.

Meals are typically taken together as a group, and if requested--training times for the champions as a group may be arranged. Both of the mundane variety, and also recreations of challenge-zones, such as the Labyrinth and the Mirror Gallery. The castle and its immediate surroundings have been set to mimic Earth with its single moon and 24 hour cycle of time, along with a standard Julian calendar for convenience.

Comments

Entry and Reception Hall--the first meeting

[lynchpin_castle]

A hum and vibration of energy surrounds and leaves those chosen who have accepted, bringing them to the entry of the Reception Hall. Tapestries hang along the walls of scenes that sometimes seem to move or change, some familiar and some not. A robed figure whose height is indeterminate due to their presence greets the arrivals.

Their robe shimmers with color and light and energy, constantly changing subtly. "Welcome, and thank you for answering my call." The voice is neither male nor female, and has an odd echoing quality as if it is many voices speaking as one. The cowl of the robe is deeply shadowed, as are the sleeves, as the being gestures. "I am the Master. This shall be your home and training grounds for now. Your needs will be met and taken care of while you are here."

Folding their sleeves together, the being inclines in a small bow. "I am grateful you have answered my call across time and space and dimensions. Please introduce yourselves. Meals should be taken together, and other occasions may be arranged with via a steward who shall be made known to you."

[neveraknight]

They had come at an interesting time for her. Ahsoka had just left the Order and was starting to head of Coruscant all together when the invitation came. It seemed strange to her, but also... well, interesting. Like she couldn't help it. What else had she to lose, really?

And if it got her away, all the better.

Dressed in maroon and leathers she had been surprised by her two lightsabers resting on her hips, her hands resting on the belt above them. Comfortable. This was where they were meant to be. Her orangish skin was clean and clear, and the binder marks on her wrists had already started to fade. The strange white and blue of her head should look very Alien, but maybe not too bad to the other? She had a thin build, but a stance of a warrior.

When They spoke in greeting to her and one other she bowed low in respect to the Master. "You asked at a good time. I am honored to be here." She said to They and glanced to the boy who could be no older than she was. "I am Ahsoka Tano." Not Padawan Tano. not Jedi Ahsoka, or General Ahsoka. She was no longer any of those things.

[light_of_willpower]

Definitely an interesting time--and Trunks honestly wasn't sure whether he'd made the right choice or not. But--he'd already changed the past once, altered things in ways he was only now learning. Maybe this could help, and it was certainly important enough.

A glance at his companion out of the side of blue-eyes, sword slung over his back and hands hung at his sides. Standing tall as much as he could, for all that he was slim, Trunks had been a warrior his whole life and it showed in his build. Dark blue jacket with the Capsule Corp logo on his left arm, and his usual black loose pants and tank top, and his boots.

His companion was an alien, and no race he'd heard of--but that didn't bother him. Trunks had grown up well aware of the existence of other worlds and planets and species. He himself was a hybrid. It was hard to gauge her age, given he did not recognize her species--but he was willing to be she was a young adult. She held herself well, and her titles and the way she spoke indicated maturity.

Hands at his side, he bowed low after she did to the being, respectful and eyes down. "I am honored and hope to be useful." Straightening back up to the being, before turning--and while the bow to her was not as low, it was still polite and formal. "My name is Trunks Briefs." Coming up with a hint of smile, he continued. "It is nice to meet you Ms. Tano."

Basement Level--training areas

[lynchpin_castle]

The floor plan was actually very useful, as it labeled rooms easily. The servants quarters and areas were simple enough, and showed evidence of a normal life--simply no...servants. Or at least nothing but vague hints of those presences they'd both sensed before.

The Basement also, however, held not only showers and a locker room, but a long corridor meant for dueling (apparently), a dojo, a swimming pool, and a simple gym. Some of it was likely primitive compared to Ahsoka's time, but modern for Trunk's own time.

The discussion of what the Force was lasted as they walked. Especially since Trunks then explained in turn what ki was. They were only just starting to get into the similarities and differences, when they found their chosen areas.

[neveraknight]

The floor plans seemed simple enough. She'd seen bigger plans than this, but this seemed easy enough to remember and understand. Talking about the Jedi and the Force was easy enough, so long as she didn't focus on Anakin or Obi-wan or the council, or Barriss...

Right. She was more interested in what he said about Ki. "Yes, but that sounds very... I mean, I suppose there are differences, but..." She squinted at him as she tried to get her brain around it. "No, no... it does sound a lot like the Force I suppose." She agreed and paused as they came to the training areas, looking around in amazement, going ahead of him a bit to peek into one area. "Wow, this is almost better than the temple in some ways..."

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks was biting his lip at one point, trying to think of how to explain. "You said the Force is in all living things right?" Much more animated and content with this discussion. "Every living thing has ki. But it's not just 'life-force', it's more about your mind, body, and spirit being the sum-total."

Then his own eyes-widened, as he looked around too. There was a pool? Cool! Even if Gohan had taught him (the hard way) how to swim. "I'm not sure whether to be pleased by all the options, or worried about it." Called from somewhere over by the gym. Seems they'd kept it simple--a lot of free-weights mostly, and mats, and a few training dummies.

Morning Swim

[neveraknight]

She didn't sleep well but that was to be expected. She didn't go back to meditation either though, and she wasn't attuned to the force enough to pick up on things. She would have to be careful of that. She wouldn't want to hone in on anything personal of the others.

Waking up at her standard time she got dressed in the swimsuit she had found. This closet had a little of everything, which is something she was not used to either. After all, Jedi didn't have person possessions, and clothing was given as needed. She had a few things she could change into, but this closet of clothing made her feel like Senator Amadala almost. With all kinds of clothing to choose from.

For now, a swim suit that was comfortable. Though she realized she had some bruising at her hip and ribs, which was just a darker shade of off orange and a purple where white marks might been seen. It didn't matter though. She had bruises before. Training was important.

She took a towel with her and redressed in the dark gray sweat pants to head down. Part of her hoped Trunks managed to get some rest and just slept in. Another part of her hoped he might come down to swim too. Company was good, after all.

She stopped by the locker room, put her sweatpants and towel to the side and showered off to be sure she was clean for the pool, then headed over there. Alone and empty, but that was okay. She took no time to run and dive in. If Trunks did show up, he'd find her doing laps, almost like a fish underwater, not coming up but for a breath or two ever once in a while.

[light_of_willpower]

After the exciting day, and less than exciting but still stressful night, Trunks hadn't slept well still. About as much as he ever did, when he'd had a night with nightmares--so he was used to it. He'd tried meditating, but his brain refused to focus on 'nothing' or even just anyone thing. At least at first, and then when it did focus on one thing--his eyes had snapped open in surprise, and he was restless for another reason.

Mostly because what did he do now?--he'd never had time or energy to worry about anything like this before.

At some point he'd dozed, at least enough that when he woke up he was up. Sitting up, and blinking sleepily, and debating if he wanted to follow through with swimming. Which...wouldn't help part of why he'd been restless. Shaking his head emphatically and no--nope, he wouldn't let it bother him. Couldn't; he'd never had to before and he was good at focusing on things. So focus on the training aspects, and he could get through this.

Out of bed, and while the closet's selection had been a surprise, he was welcoming it now. Mostly because he..didn't really do swimming. If he'd been dunked in water, it was usually fully clothed and as part of his training or fights. Intellectually, he knew about swim-wear, and for all his life had been hell it had had its moments of comparative normalcy. There were some options he just...rejected outright--and then yelled at himself in his head for actually caring for once.

Finally settling on a long pair made of some kind of fabric that stretched and was clingy, but slightly thicker than the other materials. Close enough to the body suit he'd seen his father wear in pictures, which suited him alright. Those pulled on and slid into, a towel, and then a loose blue shirt over it--he was amused to realize it had the Capsule Corp logo on it.

Then down to the locker-rooms, later than Ahsoka clearly as he set his stuff aside. The worst of his scratches had faded to barely seen, and his bruising was the same. A quick rinse himself, and then he breathed. Drawing inner courage and calm as much as he could, then walked out.

To find her moving through the water as gracefully as any fish or dolphin. Did she do anything ungracefully? Trunks was sure he was bright red and tried to ignore it. Waiting until she was at the other end of her lap, before he stepped over and just dropped in. Dunking himself, then coming back up and one arm resting against the edge as he tried to remember how to properly tread water rather than flail.

Dojo--Mid-Morning. Trunks vs Ty Lee (Open)

[light_of_willpower]

Mid-morning, and Ty Lee was overjoyed to find something the other would willingly do with her. She wasn't stupid, she knew she could come on strong—but usually the shy guys didn't mind her being a bit more forward. Oh well—this would still be fun.

There was clearly more to being a Champion than just physical skills, but that didn't mean Ty Lee wouldn't keep her skills in shape. It was honestly a nice break, too. Not that she didn't love being with the other Kiyoshi warriors, but it was nice to be more indidvidualized again. Especially as she stretched out and studied her companion doing the same. Certainly she appreciated watching him—seriously buff. Athletic, as she watched him stretch too; seems he wasn't just one of those guys who built themselves up and neglected other aspects for big muscles.

Trunks was, perhaps, at his most comfortable interacting this way. Mostly because it didn't matter that Ty Lee was a girl around his age, who was flirty. In sparring and training, she was just another opponent and he knew how to deal with that. Stretching himself out, focused, and serious as he walked to meet her near the center of the Dojo. Stopping a few feet away, and bowing. “Do not hold back on me, Ty Lee.”

Again the acrobat did that closed-fist-open-palm bow, smiling. “I would ask you the same, Trunks. I won't.” Back up, brown-eyes meeting blue-eyes, and she was grinning but focused as well.

Before cartwheeling forward, trying to distract him as she finished the move and slid low, attempting to sweep his feet out from under him. Trunks just crouched further down himself, blocking the attempt before striking with a higher kick. Ty Lee let it pass over her, rolling to her feet and striking out with her fists in a brief combo. Unsurprised when he blocked it easily, as the acrobat transitioned into a feint. Attempting to move to his unprotected side where she could strike out and maybe chi-block him.

Even if he wasn't a bender, usually Chi-blocking managed to render limbs numb. She managed a quick strike at his shoulder, her grin widening, then Trunks' other arm was reaching out as he pivoted and kept his grip. Moving to shift, throwing her over him and away.

No problem, as Ty Lee was comfortable in the air, as she rolled and tumbled with the move, before heading to rebound off the wall for some more height.

Trunks could tell she'd done...something—but he wasn't sure exactly what yet as he watched her. She was fast, but he had seen faster. The height didn't bother him, back flipping to take himself out of the way, and then reading surprise in her brown-eyes as he charged right back in. High-punch, low-punch, striking out with a knee, then blocking her own strike in turn with his forearm. Pivoting backwards to avoid her high-kick, as he ducked down and swept her feet out.

Expecting her to recover, and he was ready; as soon as she started twisting, he was already following up the sweep with a low-kick from his off-leg, one-hand balancing him as he twisted. That had the acrobat flying, and she rolled to recover her feet, resuming a fighting stance and studying him as he readied himself too.

“Huh, I guess my Chi-blocking doesn't work here.” Said so blithely, even if inwardly Ty Lee found it frustrating. “You're good.”

“Chi-bloc...is THAT what you did.” Trunks commented, analyzing inwardly for a moment and now he could tell what she'd done. Something to disrupt the flow of his Ki. No big deal though, since it was a sparring match. “And same to you, Ty Lee.” A hint of smirk on his face.

Ty Lee grinned, ready for the challenge. “More than just a pretty face here.” Rushing in, and they were trading blows. Close in punches, kicks, blocks and deflections, fast and calculated and this time Trunks was blocking her from getting close to strike him again. “I could say the same for you, Cutie.” Teasing him, and Trunks' was startled for all of a second.

Blushing, and Ty Lee tried to take advantage of her opening with a sharp kick upwards then down again. The up hit him, but the down didn't as he moved enough and caught her leg. Ankle held securely, as he'd pivoted in and stopped his punch a bare breath before her throat.

[neveraknight]

Himawari and Ahsoka had been training a bit in the dueling hall. She had taken up some training swords with her and had tried to help teach her a bit of what she knew. The girl had a katana and seemed to know how to use it, but not well.

Well enough, but not good enough to be a tough fight.

She was clearly better at other things, and the more they talked the more she felt like there was something strange with the girl, beside space and time travel. Still... it couldn't hurt to train her a bit in fighting. She went easy, and this was training. Teaching her how to move and hit, how to deflect. Someone had already taught her a lot, so it was a good work out for both of them.

Putting the swords up though, Ahsoka nodded back to the dojo. "I have a feeling we might be missing a show. Want to go peek in on the others?"

"Do you think they would mind?" Himawari said, smiling, head tilted but happy. She looked like she worked up a good sweat and was pulling her single pony tail up in a loop, to be off her neck but still hide it.

"I doubt they will mind too much. And if they do, they can tell us to scram." Ahsoka said and nodded towards the other room. She would have pulled on the girls hand to get her moving, but she had learned that the other didn't seem to like to be touched. She could respect that at least.

The two of them came to the Dojo, peeking in through the door before slipping in and sneaking over to the side. They had been watching most of it, whispering faintly to each other.

"It's very exciting." Himawari whispered. "They're both so very fast."

He's holding back though... Ahsoka thought, watching the two. She understood why, but this wasn't a fraction of what he could do. She ran a hand over her chin, considering it. "Ty Lee is very good though. She'll at least give him a good spar."

Did he get thrown off by the girl teasing him?

First Floor--Editing still

[lynchpin_castle]

The First Floor contains the Library and Den, Tapestry Gallery, Music Room, Breakfast Room and Banquet Hall, Reception Hall, Salon, and Winter Garden.

The Den is a cozy-space with a large fireplace, and many plush chairs and loveseats. The room is not fully soundproofed, but the walls are thick enough to muffle most sounds to a dull murmur where they might be loud otherwise.
The Library has wall-to-ceiling bookshelves on 3 sides, along with a large fireplace, and a spiral staircase at one end to lead to the second floor-level, where there is an indoor balcony. (The Library and Balcony borders suite 6 and guest room 3, on the second floor.)

The Tapestry Gallery is a long corridor with hanging tapestries reflecting scenes from all of space and time and existence. They seem to move out of the corner of one's eye, as if they were constantly changing and morphing. Staring too long may give one a headache.

The Music Room, Salon, and Breakfast Room are all adjoining and connected spaces designed for informal gatherings, but more formal than the Den. There are always snacks and light beverages available in the Breakfast Room, while the Salon offers a place to chat and relax. The music room itself has instruments available for those who wish to play, but also has light instrumental music of a pleasant ambiance playing at all times in the background.

The Banquet Hall is where formal meals are held, when all Champions eat together or if there is another occasion. It is a large room with seating-space for up to 20-30, in neutral colors and over-head lighting. When not used in full, the long table is often placed against the back wall and acts as a buffet area where food may be laid out.

The Winter Garden is a small room enclosed with glass doors and windows from floor to ceiling. Inside may be seen flowers and greenery of all nature and shape, some familiar and some not, to various champions. Often a light sprinkling of snow-flurries may be seen as well, catching the light.

The Reception Hall is a large spacious hall that may be used for a variety of purposes, most often to greet newcomers to the castle and guests.

Update to the Den

[lynchpin_castle]

Update--The Den:After the first training-session in the Labyrinth, a giant screen television will appear in the Den. Connected to it is a video-game system designed for multiple players if desired. Included are a variety of racing games, some puzzle and exploration games that may be competitive or co-op as well as single-player, a rhythm game or two along with a few fighting games. In addition, against the wall will also be a large arcade-style machine set up for dancing-games in the vein of "DDR" and "Parapara".

After the First Maze Practice

[neveraknight]

They had spent a good amount of time in that maze, and honestly, it was a great work out for more than endurance. Tamaki and Himawari were highly valuable in a few situations where she, Trunks, Ty Lee and Logan were more brute force than needed. It was interesting and eye opening. It also gave her strategist mind an idea of what they had on hand with the six of them.

For Ahsoka, she kept trying to work out, practice, meditate, or distract her mind from... things. She had found she was more and more distracted than anything. Not to mention she still had his damn jacket.

Not that she was thinking on THAT.

Or him.

Or anything.

Which she had in her hands about a hour ago! There in her hands she held that stupid damn jacket (not stupid at all, and it fit her so well, and comfortable, and it smelled good and--sithspit!). She had been headed to his room to drop it off when Himawari came running around a corner towards the stairs.

"Oh! Ahsoka! You have to come with me!" Himawari said with a smile, not reaching out to grab her arm or anything, but beconing her to follow at a trot.

Thinking it was something to worry about she did follow, running down steps after her. "What's going on?"

"You'll see!"

You'll see turned into the three girls taking time in the Den with the DDR. Just the girls for a bit. Himawari had to teach Ty Lee and Ahsoka how it worked, and then was out classes by them both in no time. Still, this was Hiamwari's attempt to get them spending girl time together.

Which lead to the three of them in the Den for a few hours. Loud fast music and each either taking a turn or battling it out.

For a young girl who never grew up with games like this, or 'fun' in general, Ahsoka took to it pretty well. Ty Lee might have been better, but she got pretty well into the groove of it. So if anyone else DID show up at the girls bonding moment, they might see Ahsoka dressed as she normally did, tapping and turning to a fast dance, and actually laughing.

The jacket hanging over the back of a chair near by, forgotten for the moment.

Second Floor

[lynchpin_castle]

Second Floor
The second floor of the castle consists of 3 Suite-style bedrooms, and 4 guest-rooms otherwise. Suite 6 may only be reached via an outside balcony or through the Library's second-floor balcony. Guest room 7 is the largest guest room, and opens to a the second floor living hall with an over-view of the Winter Garden below. The Oak sitting room is bracketed on either side by Suite 1 and Suite 2. Both the sitting room and living hall are informal spaces designed for casual gatherings.

Suite-style rooms contain their own small bathroom. There are also guest bathrooms on the North-East side of the 2nd floor, with the largest being directly West near the area open to the Dining Hall below.

All rooms contain appropriate furnishings that may be rearranged within reason. Further on the North-West, there are several small storage and multi-purpose rooms.

Suites 1, 2, and 6 are on this floor along with guest rooms 3-5, and 7.

Conversations

[lynchpin_castle]

2nd Floor--Oak Sitting Room

It was the Steward who found politely asked that, at their convenience, they meet in the Oak sitting room. An informal meeting, as the Steward had information to pass along to them.

Once they both arrived, the robed figure bowed their head in greeting, before speaking. "I have come to inform you, that some more information about the challenges to come is available. Some history is necessary to understand it as well, and I shall endeavor to answer any questions I am allowed to and capable of doing so."

[neveraknight]

Ahsoka was pleased to hear they were getting more information. When she reached the room she settled down in a chair, on her foot, and rested her hands in her lap, leaning forward a bit to pay attention. Questions? She glanced over at the boy, then back to the Steward. They had so many, didn't they?

"Well, what are the challenges? What do we have to do? And... will there be more of us here? There are a lot of rooms in this place and just the two of us so far." She could ask more but waited for now, curious.

Nightmares

[neveraknight]

The entire day had been pretty good, if not tiresome. She had taken such a long shower, and though there was some mild guilt there, she felt like it was a nice little reward. Meditating in the water felt great. Connecting. Getting out and drying off, she changed into clean clothing. Her standard uniform needed mending and washing, and she had to wonder where she could do that. She'd have to ask (as she wouldn't think to ask a servant to do it). A tank top in dark gray and some soft fluffy work out pants that felt a bit too large had suddenly become her favorite evening attire, and it had been for a few days now. She was relaxing more into the idea that she didn't always have to be battle ready.

When Trunks came with some food for her, she was surprised but pleased to eat a little bit. Talking with him felt nice as well, answering his questions about her race, and pleased to see him answer some of his own. The poor guy had a lot on his shoulders, more then she could say she had. At least now. it was a wonder he was so polite and well held together.

That night she had tried to sleep. She had gone into a meditative state in the corner of her room for a bit and it helped, but she was all bruised up and uncomfortable. Laying down didn't feel great, so even after she decided she needed rest and was done meditating, she stayed seated in the corner, on the ground of her sparse room. Third floor, 8th room, or something like that. It was small and didn't have a bathroom, but she liked the layout. Other than it felt too big. It felt like there was space in h ere for two people to have room to rest. She wasn't used to that.

It was... late. She wasn't sure how late, but her brain said it was late so it must be. Still dark out, it felt like she had barely been asleep when the back of her neck itched. She raised a hand to slip under a lekku, scratching at it and blinking sleepy eyes open. A soft groan was uttered as her other hand rubbed over her side, at her ribs. Today had been a good work out, but it clearly left her a bit restless.

Or was it something else. She thought she heard something and stopped, held her breath a moment. Her neck twitched again with an itch. The Force warning her maybe? She tried to hear again, what it was she thought she heard...

[light_of_willpower]

Unlike her, Trunks had gotten just enough of a shower to get himself 'clean' (again), and then thrown on comfy pants and the towel around his neck, before hunting up food. Definitely his father's heritage there as Saiyans ran on their stomach. It was natural to think about bringing some for Ahsoka too, given the day they'd both had.

Seeing her casual and out of maroon though...the grey wasn't bad, but the maroon complimented her skin tone so much better. Still, she looked better--more relaxed, which made him smile. He was so relieved she didn't find his questions rude--and now he knew the proper term. Lekku, and Montrals. Interesting, and that they were sensitive didn't surprise him, given Namekians had antenna too. It made sense really.

Trading questions about their races and some of their stories occupied a good amount of time while they ate and it was comfortable. Long enough to finish unwinding, and then he headed back downstairs. Second floor anyways, and now he was exhausted.

Towel thrown on the dresser, and he sort of fell in to bed. Enough to pull a blanket up, and get one arm under a pillow. Hopefully tonight he'd be able to sleep, since restlessness was usually his companion.

Unfortunately while his body was exhausted, his mind wasn't--and had had several things brought up. Even if it had been healthy, cathartic, to share and talk about them with someone. Not to mention tearing through some other machines that were out to kill him--even if not the two he wanted. Still, he had more than enough fuel in his brain for nightmares and uneasy sleep.

It started with tossing and turning, blanket kicked off. Moving and sprawled on his back now, Trunks didn't realize he'd made the noise. A half-aware shout, in his dream it was a scream of pain and rage. Not long after when the pillow hit the wall with a loud thwap against the stone.

Third Floor

[lynchpin_castle]

The Third floor contains Guest rooms 8-17, the North and South Tower rooms, the Spa room, an Observation Room, two guest bathrooms, and a living hall. Guest rooms 16 and 17 are bracketed by both Tower Rooms (which contain a bathroom and small private living area).

Guest-rooms 8-11 are set up in one area, and able to be sectioned off from the others for privacy. The Living Hall is once more for informal gathering and relaxing. There is a small bathroom with basic amenities and shower at the end opposite of room 11, and a large closet and utility room closer to room 8.

The spa-room is designed after a traditional steam-area where relaxation is the key. It adjoins the 3rd floor bathing room as well as a corridor lined with comfortable couches and storage areas designed to be peaceful.

The Observation Room contains a glass ceiling and comfortable, but sparse, furniture. It is designed as a room for thinking and meditation, as well as looking out at the sky above the castle in inclement weather.

Meditation practice and dinner announcements

[light_of_willpower]

Interlude
Swimming had been a bad idea--and yet Trunks was considering it again. Once he'd managed to get his mind at least somewhat focused again, and body warmed up, he'd left. Toweling off just enough to get back to his room, and then he was taking a cold shower. Very cold, as he leaned on his forearm against the wall.

What the hell did he do now? He wasn't an idiot, even if he'd grown up in a very difficult time. He knew what crushes were--and he wasn't blind. 18, for all that she scared him witless, he could recognize as beautiful. Was it just that for the first time he was 'safe' enough to actually deal with these?

Stupid hormones. Especially since he didn't know how to deal with any of this. It wasn't like when puberty hit, and he'd been able to channel most of his energy away into training, or occasionally been shy but read and looked at pictures or magazines (that his mom would kill him about if she knew).

He was also worried about if this would affect his being able to WORK with Ahsoka. She was a capable warrior-peacekeeper. Smart, experienced, funny, and he trusted her. Just because she was cute, and lithe, and moved like a stalking cat...

His mouth twisted in a scowl, fist hitting the wall of the shower lightly. Deep breaths, calling on what discipline he had to focus. Food. Get breakfast. Then go explore around the castle grounds. Then lunch. After that, he would meet her for meditation practice.

Deep breaths, and this didn't change anything as Trunks thought over things logically. She wasn't any less who she was, just because he might start liking her more than just as an ally and friend. Nor would he let that get in the way--they couldn't afford it.

Taking some strength from that, he finished up and started to go about his day.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Trunks was much calmer when they met up at the Observation room on the 3rd floor. Equilibrium regained, and for him--he had 'rested' which meant recovering well. The black shirt was looser and more covering than his usual tops but comfortable, as were the comfy black pants that weren't quite sweatpants. Some kind of light canvas, and they went together well.

Once they entered the room, blue eyes widened a bit. The windows were set up high in the ceiling, going up to a glass dome over it all. The walls were some kind of warm but dark wood, with art in the style of various flora along the walls at tasteful intervals. The lights were soft, and there were low cushions on the floor of various shapes and types. One wall held a plain white-frame bearing a picture of the teleportation-pad.

Rest after Challenge One

[neveraknight]

After the challenge was over it felt good to have won, but she also felt like she messed some things up she could have done better. The constant ache in her shoulder reminded her of that off and on a lot. She'd had it bandaged up and wrapped, covered and assisted in faster healing, but it was still a pain that was there. She would rather it be there than instantly healed though. One pushes through the pain to get stronger after all.

She had got patched up, cleaned up and some small snack of food before hiding in her room for a little bit. It was when she remembered the spa, later that day, that she got moving again. Changed out of clothing an into a spa robe she had in her closet. It was so fluffy and soft, a nice soft cream white with large sleeves. Like a short jedi robe in a soft material. Straw slippers on, she gathered up a small bag and started to walk towards the spas. She would change there completely, but she felt sore and tired and wanted to relax a bit. Maybe after she could find that book, or eat.

Or go find Trunks.

She couldn't keep her mind off him since they got back. Restless and uneasy, and constantly thinking back to things with him.

Speaking of, Trunks could find her on her way to the spa, if he wants to stop her.

Reception Hall---New Arrivals

[lynchpin_castle]

The first challenge had happened 2 days before, well-ahead of schedule. It had gone about as the Master of Making had expected even if they could not have predicted it. As mentioned before, the two champions currently selected were hoped to be the first of many, and were free to stop being champions if they chose to at any point, of their own will.

Once again the Master of Unmaking waited in the Reception Hall just past the entry way. A humanoid figure of indeterminate age and height, covered in an all concealing robe. The robe shimmered and shone with all lights and colors shifting and changing but in a harmonious blend. The cowl of the robe is deeply shadowed, as are the sleeves, and when the being speaks, the voice is neither male nor female, and has an odd echoing quality as if it is many voices speaking as one.

"Welcome again, champions. Congratulations upon your victory in the first challenge. We understand this was a new experience, and are honored and proud of you." A pause, and the vocal cues reflected contentment and good will, a willingness to continue to help those who had come to aid their cause.

“We are also pleased to welcome further champions.” A pause, cowl bowed slightly in acknowledgment of the seriousness. “Not every challenge shall be based primarily on physical might or prowess. Even if our opponent lacks what we do, their champions do not.” Meaning creativity, and imagination. “We have asked a variety of beings, to that end, though we again thank you both, our first champions.” A full low bow, regal and formal and important.

A gesture out with their sleeve, and there is a hum and vibration of sound and energy as a figure appears in the Entry hall. A taller and slimmer, but still masculine, boy appeared, with blonde hair and wearing some type of school uniform. Reaching up and brushing a hand through his hair, Tamaki gave a winning smile as bright purple eyes took in the Master and the other two champions. At least, at a glance; soon there was a graceful and flourishing bow, as he introduced himself. “Greetings and salut! I am René Tamaki Richard de Grantaine Suoh.”

Standing back up straight, his stance was casual with his hands on his hips, while still welcoming. “But please, just Tamaki-kun, or Suoh-kun would be preferred.”

Not far from him, there was another hum and vibration of sound and energy, and another figure arriving in the entry hall. This time it was a slim but curvy female around Ahsoka and Trunk's height. She had a long brown braid and wearing a pink and red costume that looked comfortable and easy to move in. Ty Lee made a fist with one hand, curling it into the flat palm of her other and bowed over it for a moment. Coming up from her greeting, she smiled, and relaxed her stance. “It's an honor to be here.” Before very casually getting comfortable, by bending over backwards, then resting on her arms and chest, legs curled such that the tips rested on her head. An acrobat, clearly. “My name's Ty Lee.”

[controllingluck]

To the other side of these two was another hum and vibration of sound and energy as another girl arrived. Impossibly long, dark hair in two twisting thick pig tails with goggles, dressed in white and yellow, shorts and a fitted top, with white boots. She has at her back, just visible, a katana sword in a white and pink sheath. She couldn't be more than twenty one at the moment. The girls hands tugged a bit at the jacket tied at her hips, looked around, then gave a polite bow to the others there. She looked surprised for a moment only, before smiling kindly.

Her voice was soft as she spoke. "Greetings everyone. My name is Kenogi Himawari, but I would be pleased if you called me Himawari or even Hima." She righted herself, and rested her hands before her, folded.

A new 'play-zone'

[lynchpin_castle]

If nothing else, considering the dangers the 'champions' faced, their host had been more than accommodating to providing comfort and what luxuries they could. Which meant as soon as it became common knowledge that Ahsoka'd received a 'speeder', Logan (for all that he didn't trust the invisible servants) made it known he'd love something similar. Please. See, he could be nice.

Which meant there was a note for them all at the buffet that held breakfast. Indicating that there was a new 'zone' of sorts, accessible from the Coach's Port. Assured that they would face the usual risks of injury as in a normal training zone, the teleporter here took the form of a set of double doors. However since this zone was not strictly a training zone, all efforts to avoid injury or harm that could be reasonably taken, had been done so.

The new zone resembled the field in some ways, in that it was a large physical space that held various terrain. The same barrier that would drop them near the doorway if they strayed too far as well. A better look revealed though, that various paths had been laid out. In set courses almost.

In conjunction with the garage with variety of vehicles and accessories to go with, it should be clear enough that Logan's desire for a motorcycle had been expanded upon. Not that he was the only one who'd been wanting something to tinker with.

It wasn't quite clear who'd found it first as there were some early risers and some who slept late. But a new zone, to 'play' in. That was exciting

[light_of_willpower]

Trunks was not a late sleeper; up early and joining Ahsoka for swimming again, if he wasn't in the dojo helping provide a sparring partner and teacher of sorts of Himawari in swordwork. Things had changed very little in the few days since Ahsoka'd recieved her speeder and the pair had talked. And agreed to try something new.

Tamaki had been pleased, and done his best to help with what 'dating' involved when asked, as it was clear his friend had no experience. It actually made Tamaki sad, finding out just what kind of life the other young man had experienced. It also made Tamaki admire him more for how sane he was, considering it all.

Morning swims were both awkward and not, which is why Trunks still split his time in the dojo. But...he did enjoy Ahsoka's company, and swimming with her. He also swore he was getting a permanent blush.

In any event, after morning exercise he was usually one of the first to breakfast, and thus first to find out about the new zone. A brief checking out of it himself, before he was grinning and back in the castle. Homing in on Ahsoka's ki-presence and sprinting for it.