Isobella sat on a wooden bench, positioned strategically next to one of the decorative burning braziers. The bleachers surrounded a large stone tile arena. All things considered, she was having a great time. Drasna had shown her all around the monastery, her favorite training spot, a lovely fresh water waterfall, even her room. She was introduced to a young half-elf named Anti, a very close friend of Drasna and a noble like her. Isobella found Anti very pleasant, and enjoyed a game of chess with her.

  There was also of course the curry buns. She tried a bit of Drasna’s and swore she could feel her jaw melting off. Drasna apologized profusely and offered her a supposed sweet curry bun. Before Isobella could try it, a bell rang cuing the start of the events. She looked next to her, Drasna was shaking with pure excitement and focus, she’d practically forgotten Isobella was there. Isobella sighed and took a bite of her curry bun. The soft bready exterior was sweet as the name implied, but inside was a warm curry with strong hints of apples and molasses all wrapped in a layer of cabbage. The curry had a fruity tang to it along with wild honey that all blended together and infused the rice inside.

  “This is fantastic, I think I understand why this has earned the status of being your favorite. I’m still not convinced that the spicy version isn’t a prank from hell, however.”

  Drasna finally looked at Isobella, “Hey that just means there’s more for me…so are you having a good time?”

  Isobella gave the question serious thought, “I’m having much better a time than I thought I would, I’m just happy I got to spend it with you, and that you are happy…”

  Drasna gave Isobella a hug so tight they both heard something crack and quickly let go in embarrassment. A few of the other monks laughed at their antics while others gave supportive thumbs up. Isobella had started to grow comfortable with her surroundings and rested her head on Drasna’s shoulder. The tournament to her understanding was about friendly competition. The members of each discipline were matched up to show off everything they had learned over the last 3 months. The displays of acrobatics, speed and strength were breathtaking.

  Drasna’s ability to breathe fire was a spectacle, but the other monks had glowing fists, shadows coming to life, and kicks that crackled like winter frost. This ki that Drasna spoke of so often was truly something to behold and fear. She of course joined Drasna in cheering for the Dragon house, but was also a fan of the Shadow house, the techniques were captivating. Drasna’s friend Anti was one of the acolytes currently in the arena with a much larger man. Anti was quick and nimble, able to slip through grapples and wait for her opponent to tire out.

  “I suppose it’s called martial arts for a reason.” Isobella said aloud.

  Drasna nodded, but kept her eyes on the sparring in the arena, “We try not to get all fancy when it comes to an actual life or death fight, but sparring lets us get creative.”

  Isobella sat up straight, “I can hardly wait to see what you’re capable of!”

  Drasna, “I’ll try not to disappoint."

  The bleachers rang out in applause as the match had been determined, Anti despite the size difference emerged victorious. Drasna pumped her fist in the air, excited that her friend had won and looked good doing it. The fat monk Isobella recognized as Master Tao spoke up.

  “Thank you Anti of Sun House and Fenris of Mercy House. You have both improved by leaps and bounds, we are all very proud and you both should be too”

  Anti and Fenris bowed to each other and moved back to their spots on the bleachers. Soon after the next pairing was announced, the main event in Isobella’s eyes.

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  “Will Drasna of Dragon house, and Korin of Long Death house, please step forward.”

  Drasna turned to Isobella with a grin, “That’s me! Can I get a good luck kiss?”

  Isobella rolled her eyes, but gave Drasna a kiss in front of the crowd, then instantly turned as red as an apple. Many of the surrounding monks chuckled at the interaction as Drasna skipped down onto the field, where a tan muscular redheaded elf awaited her, Korin. Isobella narrowed her eyes, this was the one who had hurt her Drasna several weeks ago, she felt her blood boil on sight. She allowed herself to smile at the thought of watching her beloved knock the redhead down.

  The match was signaled to, and both Korin and Drasna circled the ring, sizing each other up.

  “I’m gonna finally beat you today, Korin, I’ve got a beauty to impress” Drasna declared with confidence.

  Korin scoffed, “What are you gonna beat me with the power of love or something?”

  Drasna threw the first punch, zipping in close and landing a clean hit to Korin's chest, then another. Korin retaliated by smacking Drasna's ears with her open palms. Drasna staggered back disoriented and seeing stars, while Korin struck her with a lightning quick combo. Just as Drasna had recovered, she took a powerful blow to the solar plexus and had the wind knocked out of her. The members of Dragon house cheered for their own, while Long Death did the same. Korin moved in for another assault, but Drasna pivoted off her hands and tripped Korin to the ground. She took her shot and landed a kick to the redhead's stomach.

  Isobella watched the fight with concern, Drasna was taking more hits than she would’ve liked. She would’ve preferred to see her beloved dominate in the fight, but Korin was bad news and it made her grimace. Drasna and Korin both got back onto their feet, this time Korin took the initiative and threw a flurry of blows. Drasna had seemingly caught her second wind, ducking and weaving out of the way. Just as Korin tired and ceased her advance, Drasna let out a roar of flames that made Isobella cheer!

  Isobella’s eyes narrowed once again, there was something off about Korin, all the other fights had contained usage of the energy Drasna called ki, a physical magic that came from effort. It allowed Drasna to breathe fire or Anti to punch with bursts of light, but Korrin used no such techniques. All of Korin’s attacks were clean and precise, but nothing special outside of raw power.

  “Korin can’t use this Ki the others have, or at least hasn’t chosen to use any…” Isobella thought to herself.

  Down on the field, Drasna attempted a high kick, but missed and had her ankle grabbed. Korin whipped Drasna over her head slamming her onto the stone arena, Drasna couldn’t help but cry out in pain after that one. Drasna struggled to stand but managed, only for an uppercut to knock her down once again.

  Isobella could tell the match would be called any moment, she had learned how it worked from the previous. The one called master Tao would call a match once one student was unable to finish, or gave up. Isobella knew neither Drasna or Korin would likely yield, and the beating Drasna had been taking was heartbreaking. Isobella glared daggers into Korin, not that the red head was looking. Isobella whispered under her breath, and her eyes glowed purple for a brief moment. Down on the stone platform, Korin held Drasna up by the pony tail when suddenly, Korin felt sleepy. It was like she had run 20 miles without stopping and just rested her head on a pillow. Korin’s grip on Drasna loosened and she wobbled. Drasna took the opportunity to focus and unleash a seemingly new technique, delivering a flaming version of the monk's flurry of blows. The final strike not only knocked out Korin, but a few of her teeth as well.

  Isobella cheered and clapped with everyone else, apparently defeating Korin was something to be admired. Even master Tao and Drasna were surprised and ecstatic about the victory. Drasna ran over to Isobella and snatched her up, spinning her around and around in celebration. Isobella felt proud of herself, she’d never seen Drasna so happy, she had done a good thing, the right thing.

  “You were amazing! I didn’t know you could catch your fists ablaze?”

  Drasna put Isobella down and looked at her hands, “I’ve been trying to do it for months, but could never figure it out, even with instructions and mentors. Maybe your kiss was good luck after all…think you can top me off?”

  Isobella leaned forward and happily gave another kiss.