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[h1][b]GM Post[/b][/h1]
[h2]Gems: Morning 2 (Breakfast); Noon (Free Time)[/h2][/center]

For many of the girls in Shadow Worth, the second night proved to be just as difficult as their first. The cries of more than a few girls could be heard throughout the entire night, the sound bouncing off the stone walls a common one to the veteran guards. Those that had been subjected to the various forms of ‘corrective punishments’ focused their energy on recovering from their wounds, whether they be physical or otherwise, and those that had been witness to those punishments cried for a home that would spare them of such horrors. By now the bulk knew better, broken souls resigned to fates out of their control. It was not a difficult transition for those that had accepted it the moment they had been loaded into the caravans.

The morning began much like their first with the doors being thrown open crudely, guards barking at them to get up and get moving. They were ushered from their rooms and back into the dining hall where the tables were once again set up for their dining pleasure, though many would notice a slight difference this time around. Many of the Gem dishes had been omitted from this morning’s offerings, leaving a mix of primarily Drakkan foods on the table for the girls to tough through. Oddly enough, despite the still heavy atmosphere, conversations resumed as they had from the day before.

Wary eyes were kept on the guards surrounding the room, though for whatever reason it didn’t seem like there were as many of them present as there had been previously. Perhaps the drakkan running the place had figured enough of a point had been made to keep the girls in line, though there was always the possibility that it was designed as such to challenge any Gem who still thought herself an exception to the rules. The girls were left to eat and socialize for a small while before the man from before returned bringing with him a thick wave of tension with him, the royal from before nowhere to be seen for the moment.

Quite a few arose out of fear, expecting to be ordered to bow once again, several others shrinking down into their chairs hoping they wouldn’t be noticed and spared from further torment. Each were dismissed with a wave of his hand, girls cautiously returning to their seats to await the warden’s words. 

[color=gray]”Your instructors tell me that your progress is coming along nicely. We might make decent brides out of you lot yet. Because of this, your benevolent prince has personally granted you a day off from your studies. You will be escorted from the hall momentarily to a natural hot spring located deep within the mountain this keep is settled on. It is expected that you will retain all that you have learned, and will not make us regret allowing you this kindness.”[/color] Almost immediately the room  began to fill with excited murmuring. Was it possible they were actually being granted such a luxury in the freezing keep, or were they just being set up for more humiliation?

Sek Leon left the girls in the care of the guards who would escort them to their destination once they had completed their meals. Out in the hall, the man’s royal shadow raised an eyebrow at his choice of words.
[color=0072bc]”I’ve personally granted them this privilege, have I?”[/color] He questioned mockingly, quite familiar with the process by this point in time. Every year the girls were granted the privilege of visiting the hot springs so that they could replenish themselves. The discipline was necessary in order to assure their compliance, but if they were pushed too far, they would end up dying long before they could be delivered to their new lords; this was a lesson learned the hard way over the first couple of Reapings. 

[color=gray]”What a compassionate ruler you are.”[/color] The two men shared a short laugh before continuing on their way, discussing the days to come in great detail. There wasn’t much time left before the finished products had to be delivered to their new homes.

[hider=Summary]The gems spend another night in their respective quarters, more than likely a more difficult night than the first. They are brought to the hall for breakfast in the morning, now with significantly fewer gem foods and more drakkan foods. Some still talk, some don't - your choice. Sek Leon announces that "due to their success so far in their lessons" they will be given a day off and taken to a natural hot spring nearby to decompress. The post ends with the girls still in the hall - they will be escorted to the spring when they are finished their meal.[/hider]
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[center][h2]Drakken: Morning 2 (Preparations); Noon (Tourney Time)[/h2][/center]

It was difficult to say where the night ended and the morning began as the Drakkan youth found many ways to keep the party going. Even as the sun began rising, the flow of alcohol had yet to cease. Good spirits were still high and the excitement for the events of the day ahead could be felt in the air. The rowdy youths were already wrestling with one another, the occasional clash of steel rising above the boisterous laughter already filling the streets. 

All across the city, drakken were making their final preparations before they were to make an appearance at the Pit. For many it was a chance to stretch out the muscles and get a little exercise in, but for others this was a major opportunity. This tournament might have been small but it was still held in front of members of the royal family and countless of other powerful lords whom it would be quite beneficial to impress. For those already in such positions of power it was a good opportunity to gauge the aspiring youth, one could never have too many allies in their pocket.

For the many receiving brides later in the week, invitations had been sent out summoning them to the tournament to spend the day hanging around the royal family, though invitation might not have been quite the right word. It had been made clear that their presence was expected regardless of whether or not they wanted to partake in the events. However, the royals had never been known to let their guests down when it came to the Reaping festivities. 

Evienna stalked about the battlegrounds looking particularly irked. All morning was spent trying to get her entertainers in line, several having gotten expectedly but inconveniently ill. As much as she would have enjoyed disciplining them herself, she had to leave the fun for someone else so that she could keep the whole event on schedule. She had made sure the rest would be compliant in their duties before setting off to see to the accommodations, finding everything to be to her liking.

Taking a deep breath, Evienne looked out across the grounds that would soon be soaked with the blood of warriors from all across Drakka. A shiver ran down her spine with anticipation, more than just a little excited for the battles. She had half a mind to join in herself, but knew that she had more important things to attend to. Blood could be spilt any day she wished it to after all. Looking around, Evienne growled to herself, wondering where her uncle had run off to so close to the start of the tournament.

~~~

After all the preparations had been made, Evienne sent word to the guards to begin allowing participants and spectators alike to finally enter. The pounding of drums would welcome the fighters from the moment they arrived, pumping up the crowd for the bloodshed to come. As for the more important guests, their greetings were a little more… attentive. The royal family had collected taken to keeping one or two of the Gemmenite girls each Reaping for their own personal collection. Those that weren’t used to produce children were trained for purposes such as this where they would be at the disposal of the royal family’s distinguished guests.

These girls in particular had been adorned with shining jewelry and sheer cloth of varying colors, instructed use whatever charms they possessed in order to keep their charges occupied. Evienne was confident in their ability to do their jobs, though she would not be surprised if more than a few returned slightly worse for wear than how they had been sent out. After all, it took a particular kind of drakkan to earn the respect of the royal family and few of them were of the cuddly variety. She almost felt bad for the poor broads, knowing full well what sort of atmosphere they were walking into… But such a feeling lasted for only a few moments before the commotion of arrivals caught her attention.

[color=f49ac2]”Perhaps I’ll actually find a plaything worth my time.”[/color] She mused, keeping a watchful eye out on the area should her presence be required or requested. It was her intentions to keep the crowds busy enough until the fighting could begin, holding out for the important arrivals before descending into the pit herself.

Standing center stage, the female drakkan held her head high with eyes alight with excitement.

[color=f49ac2]”Welcome to the Pits my darlings! This week marks yet another successful Reaping of the Gemmenite lands by the grace of my grandfather. We wish to share this merry time with all of our subjects, not just those who have earned a bride this cycle, so it is in your honor that I proudly present this year’s Reaping tournament. It trust all participants are ready? Then let us begin!”[/color]

[hider=Summary]Final tournament preparations are made in the morning (amongst the continuing city-wide party from last night), and the tournament begins in the early afternoon, and Evienne (Prince Gaelnesh's daughter) gives a short opening speech. She also has some entertainment in store for any bride-winners who choose not to compete, in the form of pretty girls in sheer clothing. Have at it.[/hider]