Surging with all they've got, Ruby's team digs deep, pulls hard, and as the ribbon crosses the line Rodrik and Kurst stumble into the sand, admitting defeat.
The collective crowd cheers, excited by the spectacle. Well wishers and family rush the arena floor, all wanting to congratulate the winners, especially little Ruby.
Rodrik and Kurst come over as well, bowing to her and offering her congratulations. They hold out hands to shake those of each other member of Ruby's team.
Amidst the chaos, Delia losses sight of the man who remained from the earlier conversation. It appears he took his leave as everyone swelled up around him. Worrying of Jace amidst the crowd, she makes her way back to him, then to her friends.
Ruby seems truly thrilled at all the attention, momentarily overcoming her shyness to hold out her Hopeknife for others to see. The blade is engraved with her name, the pommel dotted with little rubies of it's own.
Adir claps Songan on the back. The blow is a touch heavy, but enthusiastically well-intentioned. "You lead us well, friend. Thank you."
Leira approaches the group ecstatic "Wow! That was one of the best Tug-o-War I have ever seen! During my hopeknife ceremony Erik promised a roasted pork if the militia was winning. I did not had any one with Adir strength or you, Songan, you have real reflexes. Wow!" the girl does not really approach Ruby for greeting, she seems to have enough with Adir and Songan.
After the emotions go down and the turn for the archery contest seems to start, Leira approaches and offer Ruby her help, if welcomed.
After losing the man to the crowd, Delia returns to find Jace and prepare for the archery contest following Ruby's victory with the tug-of-war. "Well done, everyone!" She smiles at Leira, trying not to let her paranoia about the two men override the joyous occasion. 'Likely just caravan guards or some such...'
Despite her status with the militia, Delia still wants to allow Ruby one last opportunity to relish life as a child, before she must feel the inevitable sting of loss. "Ruby, I will also assist you with this contest if you will have me."
Gundar goes down to congratulate the victors and returns, with a few mugs of ale, to find his nephew still sulking. 'Oh, let it go, boy. She'll know the sting of loss soon enough, let her enjoy the fun tonight. Besides, all your sulkin'll accomplish is keepin you from havin fun!'
Morgrim takes a long swallow of the newly received ale and his expression softens. "I suppose still havin a little optimism could be a blessin the first time she sees war close up," he concedes. "And, it would be a shame if I missed out on some fun." he adds finishing off his mug and grabbing the unclaimed one between them (which his uncle had, no doubt, intended to drink later.
"Who do I talk to about tossin the hammer?" he asks as he heads down toward the field (and the food and drink vendors).
"Thanks, Leira! A hard-fought battle, but won for my sis. It did put a bit of a strain on these muscles." He flexes his significant muscles unashamedly, clearly for the young woman's benefit. "I'm so sore that I'll probably sit out the archery contest. A massage would help so much," he suggests obviously, though he thinks he is being subtle.
Just as Adir is gaining steam, a giant sloth comes running up and launches itself at his chest. Adir catches Tuzak, but the momentum knocks him on his back. Slightly dazed, he addresses the large beast, "Really? Now?! But..." Adir looks to Leira. "See what I have to deal with..." His plea cuts off as a very long tongue snakes out of Tuzak's snout and swipes the young man's face.
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Songan cheers with the rest when they end up winning the contest, though afterward he is leaned over, hands on his knees, drawing in deep breaths of air. "I cannot recall a time when I so exerted myself. Whew. Is the archery contest going to start already? Or can we catch a breather if we should be chosen to participate? I'd rather sit this contest out with Adir, but if Ruby needs a bow on her side, I'd be happy to lend mine."
Used to the giant boy performances she answers "You sure would love that. Let's see if you are still that proud after those guards finish up Ruby's test."
Leira laughs then when Adir falls prone under the weight of his animal companion.
She readies her crossbow carefully for the next test.
From his back, as he wrestles Tuzak off of his chest, Adir asks hopefully, "After they finish? So, you're saying there's a chance, right?"
Ruby is happy to have Leira shoot for her, wanting to let her feline champion wait and rest a few minutes. Already feeling more grown up, she seems to want to ask Songan something, her hand seems to start to rise a couple times, but she bites her lip and doesn't. You were great Songan, thank you for leading the call. Adir and Tuzak never listen when yell at them, casting a smile at her half-brother.
Kurst, a bit winded from the Tug O War, asks for a few moments longer from his competitor, to allow him to catch his breath. If you would be so kind, I need a short breather and a quick mug to clear the sand from my throat. He half bows to her, and to Ruby, who nods excitedly, being asked something instead of told something now. Looking askance to Leira and Delia as he moves to depart, Shall I bring something for you, miladys?
Ruby looks back at Songan, turning red from embarrassment. No it was wrong, thinking like a child means I'm still a child." Momma says I have to be grown up now. I, well, I wanted to, catching her hand again and putting it back down. Is your fur soft like a kitty? Then she clasps her hand over her mouth in shock that it slipped out.
Conversations from the crowd...
A pair of women, obviously shopkeeper wives of some variety, are standing off to the side, watching the teams set up for the next event, carrying on just a bit too shrewishly, being overheard in snippets.
The first woman, perhaps a baker's wife, says Well I hear that Rodrik is slated to replace his father soon as patrol leader, but from what I've been told, he’s more concerned with scribbling his poems and plays than with tending to militia matters. He’s diligent and all, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not quite sure that either of those Grath boys is really ready to lead the town’s defenses.
The second woman, dressed like a matron or house wife, replies, Certainly not as true and dependable as their father. He knows what it takes to keep this town safe. He would never have the kind of thoughts Rodrik wrote in that play of his, I mean can you really...
Oh no I agree, I do, and have you heard...
Adir finally manages to regain his feet and teases Ruby, "It's not that I don't listen. I just can't hear your voice because it's so shrill." He squeezes her shoulder affectionately and gently.
He raises his eyebrows at her question and tenses up, ready to step in if the question is not received well, though Songan seems easygoing.
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Songan can't help but laugh at the question, a smile spreading over face. "Your mother does have a point, Ruby. At some point, everyone has to grow up...and childhood cannot last forever. But...even adults like to have a little fun sometimes." he answers. Still smiling, he holds his arm up, inclining his head to her. "Go ahead, if you wish."
Morgrim downs another ale while waiting in line for a skewer of smoked meats... or two... better two, save me waiting in line later... He deposits the empty mug on the meat vendor's table and happily walks off with two meat skewers in his right hand and his remaining mug of ale in his left.
Stomping into the grounds of the commons while the archers ready themselves, he grins and calls out, "Dwarves are born with hammers in hand! The servant of Torag would throw, who will have me?!?"
Ruby looks at her brother, but then slowly reaches up and runs her hand lightly over Songan's pelt, following the lay of the fur. Adi, he's softer than Tuzak, softer than Jace too. Oh, it's like... She stops, catching herself, then seems to tense up, standing a bit taller. Thank you Songan. You have very nice fur. I am happy you are on my team, and part of our town.
As she turns to speak to Adir, Ruby is interrupted by another villager, asking her about how she wants to set up for the Archery contest. Her shyness tries to exert itself, but having her "team" by her side gives her the strength to stand firm. She steps away and talks to the man and the Grath brothers.
Ruby stops a moment, hearing Morgrim's voice, Yes, yes, please, you can throw hammers for me. Yay... She then is drawn back into the conversation with the "opposition" and archery crew.
"With an orc blooded? Better don't even dream about it." the girl points the half-orc with her crossbow, then turns away with a laugh and approaches the archery field orcs, such a hatred kind, I will revenge you father, I will some day.
The girl seems enraged as she makes a sign to Ruby for setting the first target.
Kurst stands ready as Leira makes her first pair of shots, himself using a longbow. He nods impressed as Leira strikes the target twice, both times at the highest point in the arc. Very nice, 23 points in but two shots. I see Erik's protégé has been practicing. Good, very good. The patrol lieutenant steps up to the line, signaling for the tosses.
His first scores a bull's eye at apex, 15 points. The patrolman smiles as the crowd applauds, sensing a good show ahead.
His second scores a bull's eye just past apex, 10 points. The crowd gives a few ohh's and aww's, even a heckle or two.
Still standing the line, he starts to turn to Leira when Rodrik throws the last target. Kurst snaps the shot off, not yet ready, firing on instinct alone. His third and last shot scores a bull's eye, but too soon before the apex, 10 points.
Well, it seems my brother and I are out of rhythm, again. For twins that happens all too often I think, tossing his brother a smile, though Rodrik, distracted, misses it. The older twin is staring off into the crowd, as if looking for someone.
Be that as it may, Miss Leira I believe you have one shot remaining. Make it count.
Suddenly Leira realises she is competing against Kurst himself. She doubts a second impressed at his skill, but the girl's pride makes her reload and ask for the last target "You will be ashamed of being defeated by a girl trainee" the girl mocks.
She perfectly reacts synchronised with Ruby's throw This shot is mine, it is apex, now!, the girl places the eye in the target with a good shot, but all of a sudden a Sun ray reflects into the target dazzling her in the shot.
Ah! still dazzled the world around her suddenly seems too bright. She places a hand on her front trying to cover some Sun to see the impact.
Adir looks down at himself. Orc-blooded? I'm big, but not green. He chuckles a bit at the joke in his head.
Adir gestures for Songan to join them as he follows Ruby to the archery contest, lecturing in the way that big brothers do and annoys little sisters. "See, the tug o'war is about persevering even when the odds are against you. And the archery contest is about decision-making. Who you choose to represent you matters, it's a sign of wisdom." Adir marvels at Leira's first two shots. Laughing, he says, "Looks like you chose well." He calls out, "Smoke 'im, Leira. Give him what for!"
Morgrim lets out a deep long belly laugh as Kurst sinks 3 bulls-eyes in rapid succession. When Erik's daughter hit's the target right at it's apex again he rushes closer to see just how squarely she hit it...
Erik you wily badger, did you really train that little girl well enough to beat the lieutenant?
The crowd cries out as Leira's bolt strikes the target, just a hair off the bull's eye. The judge is first to the target, and he takes a careful look before turning to the crowd. Ruby's total score is 34 points, the attackers received 35 points. The attackers win by one point.
Ruby seems crestfallen as the militiamen cheer with the crowd, proclaiming Kurst the victor. The patrol lieutenant comes over, dropping down to one knee. I am sorry Ruby, but in the end, life is sometimes a hard thing. Despite our best efforts, no matter how hard we try, we lose. For that, we must all fight, strive at every turn, try to do our best, for Trunau, for ourselves, for ultimately for each other. Standing up, he looks around at the others. You chose a good team, I am sure you will win the war, even if you lost a battle. He smiles and steps back, Good luck to you all. The militiaman moves off to find his brother, as the crowd once more crowds in to offer cheer and condolences to Ruby.
"He's right, lass," Morgrim says as seriously as anyone can say anything with a beard full of ale suds and meat scraps, "this world's a harsh place and bein an adult means learnin that... the thing that makes it bearable's the fun we have b'tween tragedies- so go grab yourself an ale, now that you're an adult, and let's see if I can't get us in the lead again!"
Awww, that's too bad. But well-played, Leira, well-played!" He nudges Ruby to thank Leira while continuing to clap.
Conversations from the crowd...
A merchant and caravan master are talking with one another while the hammer toss is being set up. The master mentions to the man, Shame about the graffiti all over town. The militia’s surly got better things to do than clean up youngsters’ messes, but even stranger I think is how long it lasts. I hear that try as one might, soap and water doesn’t do a thing to those marks! In Korvosa the Queen would've had heads and hands for that I assure you.
The merchant, wearing a symbol of Abadar around his neck, replies. Yes, well, if you ask me most people who worship the Lady in Silver do tend to be a bit over-zealous. It is bound to get to them after a while. I thought though they would have thrown themselves into the Worldwound rather than bother us here. Did you hear that the...
Elsewhere, the militiamen seem flush with excitement over Kurst Grath's victory in the archery contest. While the group enjoys a few minutes of boosting and bragging, taunting Ruby's team in spirited, good natured fun. Ruby takes Leira's hand and holds it while the taunting goes on, thankful to have her champion by her side through it. Everyone knows that the taunts and jeers the orcs hurl are far more serious, far more hurtful, but for little Ruby it is yet another reminder that her life has changed.
Omast spends his time away from the more jovial members of the team. He seems to hang close to Rodrik, seemingly trying to pull the warrior out of the disquiet others have observed this evening.
As the time for the match draws near, the contestants are called to the tossing line. Rodrik, still somewhat distracted, calls out not one, but all five targets for his champion. Then, as soon as the pulleys start moving the targets, he disappears into the crowd.
hits for 3 points
hits for 3 points
misses
misses, just barely
misses
misses for a total of only 6 points.
Omast hangs his head at his performance, but then turns on Ruby, grabbing her up and spinning her in the air. And that's when the giant eats you, rarr, arr, crunch, gobble gobble gulp. The kindly old soldier then lowers her to the ground, tossling her hair a bit, then turns to Morgrim, nodding and saying, I hope you fare better sir dwarf, good luck.
Leira retires from the field still a bit deceived she failed the last target Seriously, what's going on, the Sun is almost set, why light is so much hurting she averts her eyes and barely reaches to see Ruby next to her "I am sorry sweetie, I failed you."
After a while the light starts becoming better, but still Leira feels something weird is going on with her eyes.
She crosses close to Morgrim "Ei Morgrim, leave that ale and help the little girl. She will have enough tomorrow to learn tomorrow. I promise you twice that ale if you beat those giants." she winks one eye, then comes closer to Delia.
Morgrim brushes the food and suds out of his beard as his takes the stage. He drains the tankard in his hand as he walks to the hammer and tosses it empty into the crowd to some cheers.
perhaps I should have finished that last one after throwing... Torag make my aim good, or at least show which target is the real one...
His third throw misses the target completely... The crowd begins laughing and taunting... Morgrim tries to shake to ale out of his brain and shouts back, "I meant to do that, we can't embarrass these brave militiamen too much!" Then looks down the range at the hay forehead... alright, Torag, this ones all on you cause there's no way I'm gettin this one...
Morgrim cheers so loudly at this hit that he's oblivious to any other cheers or taunts. He turns toward the crowd for a second and half jokingly moves his hand in the shape of a hammer as priests of Torag often do to bless dwarves after rituals. Praise be to Torag! I did not see that one coming.
He's so busy celebrating that he fails to pay much attention to his next throw...
But focuses and hits the chin squarely on his last toss.
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Songan's smile disappears as soon as Ruby's voice changes, and he adopts a serious, stoic expression. "My thanks for the compliment, Ruby. It is my honor to be here to assist Trunau in whatever way I can." he says curtly.
Following the contest of archery, Songan is quick to step up to Leira and Ruby. "You put up a valiant effort, Leira. You did well; you have nothing to feel shame about. Everyone does well with success; how well you deal with failure is what truly shows your character."
He turns to watch the final contest, knowing that with the standings at 1-1, this final event is going to determine the day's champion.
Delia puts her arm around Leira's shoulders as the younger girl comes over. "Excellent shooting, Leira. Likely could not have done better myself." She winks and turns to watch the dwarf Morgrim.
She gives an appreciative nod at the first two tosses, then throws out a few jeers along with the crowd when he misses his third; however... she lets out a wild cheer when his fourth throw strikes true! "That was a worthy feat. Perhaps that one would make a good addition to our militia, it he ever grows the courage to take the Vow and stand with us."
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Songan is also going to make a point of approaching both Rodrik and Kurst, congratulating them again on a very well-fought battle during the tug-of-war.
"For what it is worth to you both, I know that it has not been an easy thing to allow an outsider like myself a place within Trunau, no matter how small a place it may be. You have my admiration and respect for looking past the differences between us and letting me participate in today's Vow ceremony. I do not have a hopeknife, it is true, but...please know that if Trunau should ever be in need of my help, I will do all in my power to give it."
Leira takes Songan's and Delia's cheers up, she smiles a bit resigned "Well, what kind of guard would Tunau have if a 17 years old girl was able to win the lieutenant in an archery contest?" she approaches to Delia's ear and whispers.
"But I am sure you would have won, you have the most precise eye in this town."
She turns then to the action and claps trying to help Morgrim focus on the game.
After his lopsided victory, Morgrim struts proudly up to Leira, Delia, and Songan. "Greetings, cat-man, I am Morgrim greatest hammer-thrower in all of Trunau... for the night, hahaha!" he calls out more loudly than is necessary. "I hope my distraction earlier spared you from any solid throws, every once in a while one of those kids'll get in a lucky shot that stings!"
Then, unexpectedly, he grabs Leira under her arms and lifts her as high off the ground as he's able (which isn't all that high at his height) and spins around, "and you, young lady, shot very well. Truly, when that last arrow struck I thought you had him! Keep up your practice and by next year you'll be winning for sure." Setting her down he adds, "Now, I believe somebody promised me two tankards of ale if I won..."
Adir loudly fake-whispers to Ruby, "And the lesson there is that even a drunk dwarf has his uses." He grins at Morgrim, making sure it's known that he's joking. "Well played, Morgrim. My sister's honor successfully defended."
"My pleasure!" Morgrim replies with a flourish and a bow. "And I'll have you know I wasn't half as drunk as I'd have liked to have been, hahaha!"
Leira smiles at the dwarf "Thanks Morgrim." she accepts his arm as they approach the serving counter "And it seems a half-drunken dwarven army has more chances to successfully siege Trunau than those pesky orc tribes." she gladly pays for a couple of ales and orders an extra one for herself.
Yep, I missed that. Guess that's what I get for checking right before heading out the door. Sorry.
Delia smiles at Leira's comments. "Nonsense, there are far more keener eyes than mine, but thank you." She then watches with amusement as Morgrim approaches and swings the young girl around. She almost broaches the subject of Morgrim's refusal to take The Vow, but stops herself and just takes the time to enjoy herself. There are not many times for celebration in Trunau and there times for fun! Delia joins the others in purchasing a dark ale. She suddenly stands up atop a nearby table, mug in her hand. She lets out a loud, shrill whistle to gather attention.
She then raises her mug into the air. "To Ruby and Trunau! May we bring swift death to our enemies and honor to our kin!" Jace paces nearby the table, his thick tail swishing through the air and occasionally whacking folks across their hips.
"Hear, hear! Well said! To Ruby! To Trunau! And to new friends and old!" Adir raises a mug in one hand while hugging his sister with his other arm. Almost as an afterthought, the hug is broken when Adir has to grab hold of Tuzak's rope to stop the sloth from rushing enthusiastically at his 'friend', Jace.
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Songan raises his own mug, chanting along with the others in celebration of Ruby's victory.
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And a last toast to all of you , for seeing to it my daughter had an exciting and well earned victory on this her Hopeday. I thank you all, comes a voice from behind the group. It is Halgra, coming to find her daughter, smiling and beaming, several other members of the family in tow, little ones bundled in their arms.
When Delia finishes her toast, Morgrim shouts "," raising the mug in his left hand, then emptying it. When Adir finishes his, he shouts "," raising the mug in his right hand, then emptying it.
When Halgra makes her toast he looks at his empty mugs, drops them on the ground, grabs an unoccupied mug off the nearest table while shouting "," and empties that one too, to several laughs.
Leira raises the cup just the same "Hurrah!"
Once the greeting calms down, she approaches Morgrim "I just forgot to tell you. Erik was looking for you. He wanted to tell you a Varisian caravan is looking for guardians on their travel to Vigil. He thought you might be interested."
"I just may, t'morra... tonight's for havin fun!"
"Where is old Erik?" Morgrim asks, "Ya'know... Tha thing I really can't get used to 'bout livin with you humans is how fast ya get old... Seems like hardly yesterday I got here 'n old Erik weren't hardly older'n you lot... 'n you lot mos'ly weren't hardly walkin..."
BURRRRRRRP
"Humph... Few more a these 'n I won't hardly be walkin, HAHAHA!"
Delia turns and nods her head in deference. "Chief Defender." Jace sniffs the air at all the little ones, his tail swishing back and forth. His tail knocks over a few empty mugs, a few not so empty mugs...
She smiles as she watches Morgrim drowning himself in ale as she takes another for herself and some bread. "Walking is overrated, Morgrim!" She knocks her mug into his. "Here's to crawling!" She tips the mug back and downs her own ale.
Leira laughs with Morgrim "You know, as I see it, you get younger and younger each day it passes." she looks inside the dwarf's ale tank "What is it in there that makes you get younger?"
At that point the girl takes Delia by the elbow and looks towards Songan whispering to the hunter at her ear.
"Have you seen the cat-man? He is so agile, and have you seen his fur, he is like a little cute kitty!" she makes a pause "My mother says strangers are not to be trusted..." and then she adds "Do you think she is behind the recent thieveries? He seems a nice guy."
The girl seems a bit deceived on some idea she just pointed out to Delia.
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Songan, though he participates in the celebration, imbibes noticeably less alcohol than others who are present, though he is clearly having a good time. Rather than swilling large amounts of it at a time, he seems to prefer sipping at the dark brew in his mug, though the reason why is not clear.
He stands slightly off from the others, making no moves to socialize actively, though he does raise his mug to anyone who notices him.