Unbeknownst to Arthur and Cisse, their earlier spar had generated quite the audience. Thus the entire training area was currently filled with quite a number of people.
Regardless, upon hearing the booming voice, everyone immediately stopped in their tracks as their attentions shifted to two horseback riders.
Bringing their horses to a halt, both figures immediately leaped down.
Taking a quick look at the newcomers, Arthur's eyes first fell on the figure that had spoken.
It was a young man whose aura danced between firmness and fluidity. He had rich dark skin that seemed to glow under the radiance of the sun. Short thick curly black hair graced the top of his head while straight dark brows hooded a pair of vibrant brown eyes. All the while, a straight jawline gracefully leads to a pair of full lips.
Garbed in full leather armor that adorned a well-polished physique, along with a beautiful spear strapped to his back. It was clear that this young man, though attractive, wasn't one to be easily messed with.
Following his survey of this young man, Arthur shifted his attention to the figure beside the young man and couldn't help but pause.
[*lolz, with how long her description is might as well give the picture: https://imgur.com/gallery/VSVfLyq *]
Though garbed in a large hood that joined into a mesh of cloth and leather armor at the shoulder, the large hood did little to hide the picturesque face underneath.
Long curly locks of black hair cascaded down a flawless face. A warm umber skin gently embraced rays of sunlight, reflecting back a vibrant sense of harmony. Light brown irises shone forth from their almond-shaped houses like a beacon as they easily pulled in any gaze. Dark brows flowed down a straight nose that led down to a pair of soft full lips.
And as if to further accentuate her beauty, she wore blue warpaint that decorated her forehead with a moderately sized circle. In contrast, smaller circular dots marked the bridge of her nose in a vertical sequence. And just below her right eye, even smaller dots spread forth below, reaching down to her high cheekbones—all the while, a finger-sized blue line moved from just below her lower lip to her chin.
Nevertheless, similar to her companion, she was armed. Strapped to her back was an elegant bow along with its quiver while she sported a pair of twin daggers on her sides.
While everyone surveyed the duo, they, in turn, surveyed everyone. However, it would be more accurate to say that they were surveying Arthur, the only new face.
The young man, upon seeing Arthur, showed a brief moment of surprise before his eyes immediately shifted to one of curiosity. However, maintaining a sense of decorum, he shifted his gaze away as he surveyed the crowd in search of someone.
Likewise, the young woman also showed a similar reaction, although her's was briefer than the young man beside her as her gaze shifted to Cisse, who stood beside Arthur, coated in sparse layers of sand.
Though not noticeable by most, the moment her eyes rested on Cisse, or more specifically Cisse's bare upper body, her light brown eyes quivered a bit before quickly moving away. Arthur, along with a few experience others, noticed this, and all couldn't help but slightly smirk.
'If I am not wrong, she should be the one Cy was talking about.' Thought Arthur as he took a side glance at Cisse, whose eyes, though looking at the duo, were more fixated on the young woman. 'Yep, that her for sure.'
Realizing this, the smirk on Arthur's face deepened as he slightly nudged Cisse with an elbow as if to convey. 'You've got great taste, Lil bro.'
Nonetheless…
"Urgent news?" Came Kwame's voice.
"Yes," replied the young man. "Sourmaoro challenged Chief to an Ntoqua."
Immediately as the young man's voice fell, the entire atmosphere suddenly tensed.
It should be known that within the Realm of Pandora, there are certain things that people can have the Realm oversee. Oaths are such an example. By invoking the name of Pandora, inhabitants can call on the Realm's consciousness to officiate an oath as a way to ensure the fulfillment of an Oath. A word of caution, though, when using the Realm as such: Be Very Thorough. Nevertheless, having the Realm as an officiator of things is usually something done between states to ensure that both parties keep up with their end of a deal. After all the consequences of going against the Realm…well, it's safe to say that the outcome doesn't leave much to be desired. Regardless, oaths aren't the only thing the Realm can officiate. An Ntoqua is one such thing.
Hearing the unfamiliar word, Arthur whispered to Cisse. "What is an Ntoqua?"
"A duel to the death, overseen by the Realm. The duel doesn't end until only one victor remains alive." Responded Cisse through gritted teeth.
Seeing Cisse's reaction, Arthur couldn't help but be confused. From what he had gathered, the current Chief of the Asante Tribe was strong enough to keep this entire region in order. With such strength, why would a deathmatch against an opponent known for running away at every opportune moment elicit such a reaction?
Quickly glancing around, Arthur observed grim looks on everyone's faces. 'Am I just missing something?'