As she finishes up Minodora shrugs. "Dunno, food and people watching I guess. It's maybe a little early for food though. We could find Cyrdak and see if there's any entertainment lined up for today. I wouldn't want to miss that."
"Holy-" Ameiko's exclamation is cut short by retching sounds as Andi's body reacts violently to the hagfish slime, a rancid mucus with notes of spoiled milk, rotten egg and putrid fish. Her face turns green and she doubles over, releasing the content of her stomach on the ground, panting and wheezing.
"-Starsong. Girl, that's some serious bravery, but... wow. You must be the youngest girl I've seen trying the Hagfish challenge."
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"Pant.... wheeze... That... was... seriously... disgusting..."
"Vorin, before I die... I want you to know... that this has been the BEST SWALLOWTAIL EVER and that was close to the BEST PRANK EVER!"
Andi picks herself up, unaware of the puke in her hair, though she wouldn't have really cared had she known.
"What a great day! Vorin, your turn. What are we doing next?
Vorin instinctively takes a step back as Andi starts to puke, but he doesn't go far. "Are you okay?"
He giggles, though, as Andi says all that, and he steps forward, flicking his fingers at her.
Then, he considers the question. "I think there's a fighting contest going on, want to see that?" He asks this of all of the kids around him, not just Andi.
Avienus smiles at her. "That sounds like a good idea. I don't mind watching the people perform. They can be pretty funny. Do you mind if we stop by the garrison first? I'd like to see when the contest for my age is. Then we can find Mr. Cyrdak?"
"Yes!" Empheria says to Vorin's suggestion. "I wonder if there are prizes for guessing who wins..."
Talsin's eye's go wide as Andi vomits. "That's seriously gross"
He backs away a bit, resolutely looking anywhere but the puddle of sick. "That sounds good Vorin. Anything to get away from that" he says, pointing a finger in the general direction of the sick.
"Alright, let's go."
Minodora waves her sister goodbye and leaves for the garrison with Avienus.
Trace laughs at Andi's comment.
"Of course there's a prize for guessing who wins. That's called gambling. Adults do it all the time to make competitions more interesting."
Trace's face goes serious for a bit as he reflects on what almost happened.
"You know, everyone in the village is going to try that stew when it's done if they can. It would've been funny to watch the adults, but my Mum's due soon. What if that stuff had hurt her?"
Not wanting to bring the mood down he smiled mischievously.
"If you can think of someone specific who deserves it, though, that spell might be able to get rid of smell but keep the taste. If we can get some more before the stew gets handed out, I'm sure one jug is enough to make at least 3 or 4 people feel very sick.
The four of you can think of at least one person each, am I right?"
Trace was the eldest there currently, and normally too busy with family things to notice the looks he got or the names he was called.
He did, however, have a knack for noticing when others were upset or being picked on. He used to call it his big brother sense, and supposed it did develop from the watchful eye he always kept on Venice.
He wouldn't mind taking the fall if it meant some of the younger kids got some payback.
Vorin looks up to Ameiko and waves, "Bye!" he turns to start walking towards the garrison with the others. He giggles to Andi, and says, "No way. Even Shalelu couldn't beat Licorice!"
He looks thoughtful to Trace's comment, and says, "As fast as that happened, I bet we would've only gotten a couple anyway. Could have made sure your mom didn't eat it." Of course, he wouldn't have thought of it if Trace didn't mention that.
He was at the suggestion, though, he thinks a moment, and says, "I can. Milosh." A human boy about Trace's age who is often picking on Vorin for his weird looks.
"Hey now, it was your idea Andi! We're just combining it with an altered version of mine. Though I still want to try it, cause I want to see Old Quinn's face when I can down it.
Plus I want to enter the raffle to win cookies for Venice.
And I'm eager to see if this other spell I know can be used to smash pumpkins."
Trace looks a bit too enthusiastic, but he just really likes using his magic to out smart people.
There are spells that say 'force' and all that, but I don't know if this counts as attacking, cause Unseen Servant can't attack, and I'd like to know how you'd rule it's abilities before I try only for it to do nothing.
I don't want to know if it's enough to smash the pumpkin, just if it would even contribute at all.
Rant over lol
Ameiko waves you goodbye as she prestidigitates away the filth puddle.
Sheriff Hemlock is stringing a bow as you two come in, his bald head shining in the autumn sun. "Hey you folks! Come to give it a spin with the bow? Or do you fancy a spar? Oh, wait, Corvina, you registered for the tournament, didn't you? It'll start after lunch, you're matched against Vodger Magravi."
"Gambling? Cool! Why are you guys talking about Milosh now of all times? C'mon, let's not miss Avienus at the tournament!" Empheria runs off at once towards the arena.
Vorin brightens more as Emmy says that, and he says, "Avienus is in the tournament? Oh, duh, 'course he is. Yeah, let's go!" Glancing back to make sure Andi is coming, he starts to run after.
When they actually arrive, just the tiniest bit out of breath, he gives a cheerful wave to Avienus and Mindora, "Hi!" Then he looks up to the Sheriff, asking, "Can we sign up too, or is it just for older kids? I know how to shoot a bow! But, I'm better with my rapier."
Vorin's friends would know that the old worn down rapier he'd saved up to buy recently is his most prized possession. Though, he isn't carrying it currently, for similar reasons to Avienus' lack of blades.
"I bet the adults won't allow us to gamble, but they might let us make guesses anyway. I think we oughta support Avenius if they do though." Talsin runs off with the others towards the arena.
He begins to pant again when they reach the arena, "Too....much...running" before joining Vorin in waving. He waits for Sheriff Hemlock to answer Vorin, before piping up. "Could I have a go at the archery Mr Hemlock? At least....when Avenius isn't fighting. I wanna watch him too."
Trace gives his trademark mischievous grin as he jumps forward to Andi and yells "Surprise Attack! Colour Spray!" and turns her hair a violet colour.
He turns to the rest of the kids, giving them the same look.
"Who's next?" he says, grinning and wiggling his fingers for added effect.
Hemlock hands the strung shortbow to Vorin and picks another for Talsin. "Sure you can try! But remember, this is a weapon, not a toy. It's not meant to be safe. So I'm placing a lot of trust in you. Aim at that target, you have ten arrows."
Andi and Trace pretend to be scuffling, the girl's hair turning a darker shade of periwinkle.
Trace stops to watch the boys shot Tyne targets.
"Can I have a go next!? What can we win!?"
Trace enjoys games and competitions, especially if it means he gets to tell Venice about it later and reinforce just how awesome her big brother is.
"Ooh, ooh! Can I shoot too? I call the turn after Trace!" Empheria says, fascinated with Vorin's shooting.
"Uhm-" Hemlock scratches his head "I'm not sure we have bows in your size, young lady. Let me see..."
Rustling through a crate, the Sheriff finally finds a crossbow smaller han his forearm, handing it to Empheria, and another shortbow to Trace. "Got this from a halfling troublemaker who was passing by a couple of years ago, shot me in the calf. It's tiny, but it packs a punch."
"As for prizes, we have a handcrafted hat for third place, a link of smoked sausages for second, and a nice darkwood bow for first."
Vorin looks back and laughs at the silliness, but quickly turns his attention back. He gives a very serious nod, "I promise, just at the target."
Taking his first arrow as he steps up to the mark, he lines up his shot, draws it back, and shoots. He repeats this process for all ten of his arrows, a look of concentration on his face.
Trace watches the other two boys to get an idea of what to do.
Right thus is all just for fun. As long as I hit at least once I'll be happy.
Trace lines up his shots, trying to mimic the way Vorin is standing.
Empheria waits for her turn and then enthusiastically lets off ten shots at the target.
"Hey, this is pretty easy!" she says after a string of successes and a few bulls-eyes. "You guys should've used the crossbow, too."
As shot after shot misses, Vorin gets more and more frustrated. As the misses go on, his frustration has him closer to tears than he ever usually gets, but he keeps going, totally determined.
At last, when the final arrow actually hits the target, barely, he jumps and gives a cheer, "I got it!" Grinning, his frustration forgotten, he hands the bow back, and moves back to watch the others.
Completely cheerful now, he tears on his friends even as they do better than him. It doesn't matter, at this point. He got to shoot a bow, and hit the target (eventually)!
"Well done Emmy! We hit the target the same amount of times, though you were more accurate. Not sure any of us are getting any prizes. I want to go buy raffle tickets before they sell out!"
Trace was happy with his success. He'd never used a bow and arrow before, so it was better that the first prize went to someone who would use it.
Talsin nods at the sheriff as he cautions him and Vorin about the weapons "Sure thing Mr. Hemlock
He waits until the others have had their shots, eyes widening as he comprehends how hard it must be for all his friends to have missed as badly as they did. As he steps up to the firing line to take his turn, his vision clouds slightly, as he gets a short glimpse of a possible future, before he shakes his head, dispelling the vision as he lines up his first shot.
"Whew, thats hard to do. I hope my score's good though." he says, oblivious to how he actually performed
Hemlock claps heartily at your display. "You're all a bit rough around the edges, but with some training we may be able to get decent marksmen out of you. Ah, if you want to use slings go ahead, those are proud giantslayers' weapons! Just be careful when you release..."
Vorin cheers for each of his friends, and at the end he smiles up to Hemlock, and says, "I want to learn how to get better." But then, he looks back to Trace, and brightens, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that!" Not that he likely has any money for raffle tickets.
But then, he glances back, likely towards Andi, but as his eyes pass Avienus, he seems to remember, "But I want to see Avienus fight."
"Sweet! That's more like it!"
Trace grabs a sling and some ammo and begins firing at the targets once more.
Trace throws his arms up in defeat and frustration.
"This sucks! Not my day, I guess. Hope I have better luck at the raffle! Anyone else wanna try with the sling?"
"I'm usually better at slings, but I did pretty well with the crossbow. I'd like to see the raffle or the pumpkin smashing if there's time after Avienus fights," Empheria says.
"I'll have a go with the sling too" Talsin says, wandering over to grab one before turning towards the targets.
"Hopefully this is easier." He begins to whirl the sling round, releasing a bullet in an attempt to hit the target.
"Hey, this is much easier". Talsin then continues on to fire the 9 remaining bullets downrange, encouraged by his very good first shot
"Yay, that seemed much better." Talsin turns to his friends, a small smile curling at his lips, "Well, how'd you think I did?"
Vorin looks back to Andi, and grins, "Yeah, that'll be fun!" then, after a moment thought, he says, "I want to do the balance beam, too." That's basically his game.
His eyes pop open wide as Talsin hits the target again and again, doing so well. "Wow! That's amazing!"
Vorin considers that a moment, looking back to Avienus for a moment, and then back to Andi as he says, "Okay, yeah, let's go!"
Hemlock whistles appreciatively at Talsin's performance. "Well I'll be damned, kid, if you want to come practice here in your spare time you'll be more than welcome. See you all in the afternoon!"
Daviren Hosk, cheek marred by a large, clean scar, is smoking a pipe in the middle of his small fenced area. Half a dozen goblin pumpkins have been already attacked: one is split vertically in half, one has a carving knife stuck precisely between the eyes, and the others have been crushed by a tool. The tool in question is a long-handled carpenter's sledgehammer resting next to the stablemaster. As he sees you are interested, he speaks without removing his pipe. "Ah, new challengers for my game, a little something I like to call Squash the Goblin! Just like my place. Rules are simple, you choose one of the little buggers, only one for each of you, and you squash it!"
Doubling over, he picks up the carving knife from the pumpkin.
"It's a game of creativity and imagination. You just get the hammer and blow your goblin to bits, that's all nice and good, we get covered in pumpkin and laugh, but if you surprise me, well, that's when you win a prize!"
Trace looks like he is thinking, which is never a good sign.
"So as long as we destroy the pumpkin, it counts?"
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Andi considers her pumpkin as she flexes her hand and claws. Now, what exactly does a goblin look like?
With her claws, and Licorice's assistance, Andi does her best to scrape away the outside of the pumpkin's shell to resemble that of a goblin's face. A scratch here, a scratch there. It isn't much different than sketching on a piece of parchment!
The job done, she steps back and looks at it. "What do you think, Mr. Hosk? I mean, it seems pretty good, but I think I could have done better. "
Vorin grins at the description of the event. He wrinkles his nose to the idea of simply smashing it with a hammer, and says, "Yeah, using the hammer would be boring." But, the second later he grins, again, and says, "Wait, no it isn't!"
He walks over to the hammer. He swings in a moment, then stands it up, examining the height. Turning, he walks to the far side of the pumpkin patch, swinging the hammer around and then breaking into a run, aiming for a pumpkin that nobody has touched yet.
He swings the hammer as he runs, but then aims it down early. He digs it into the ground, using it as a pole to try to vault himself, feet first, towards the pumpkin.
Empheria looks closely at the pumpkin. It would be so much more fun to just set the thing on fire, but she was supposed to restrain herself...
She spends a while trying to carve a face, and then simply mashing the pumpkin with the knife, but the pumpkin's skin was too strong, and wasn't pierced. After becoming impatient from failing to pierce it, she gives up and instead, out of frustration, lets a forceful blast come out of her fingers. She tries hard to keep her promise not to use fire, and she manages to let off a blast with no fire at all. She blasts again for good measure, until the pumpkin is smashed enough for her taste.
"How is this?" she asks when she shows the pumpkin to Daviren Hosk.
Talsin looks on as the others carry out a variety of activities with the pumpkins, cringing a bit at the mess before clapping when Empheria lets loose "Woo Emmy."
He looks through the remaining pumpkins, face contorting a bit as he gets the strange gut feeling he's seen the real deal before, but that surely couldn't be right.
"I don't feel like smashing anything Mr. Hosk. But the others seem to have done rather well."
"Yeah, but I'm looking for flair." After answering Trace Daviren looks at Andi's creation. "Not too shabby an impression, for one who's never seen the real deal. Now make the little bastard squirm!"
The ranger claps at Empheria's display of destructive prowess, and pumps his fist when Vorin vaults into his pumpkin, miraculously keeping balance even with his feet firmly planted inside it. "YES! That's what I'm talking about! That's how you get rid of these pests while having fun, isn't it? Very well done!"
Helping Vorin get out of the mushy fruit, he picks four hunting knives, each with a carefully hand-carved darkwood handle and a leather sheath. One resembles a falcon's head, one a wolf's, one a bear's and the last a mountain lion's. "Alright, these are tools. Dangerous tools, that need to be treated with respect, you get me? Otherwise you'll risk getting hurt. Choose one, it's your prize. Keep it sharp, keep it clean and keep it sheathed when you're not using it."