When Tess apologizes Sera grins and makes like she is going to hug her, but then pulls back, knowing the warrior is still probably smarting from the beating she took. ”Thank you for that. I tend to be a bit over zealous, even for our kind. Perhaps we will temper each other and find a middle where we are both comfortable.” then, switching to sylvan,
"Heh, I'm keen to show the King what I got, even if I ain't exactly practiced at all this runnin' an jumpin'. Worst case maybe I'll at least get ta shake 'is hand!"
Tomm will look expectantly towards th gauntlet grounds, an eager smile on his face.
Rizzo, smiles at the exuberant elves and nods at the Lieutenant. "Good fight. I'd like to attempt the obstacle course. I've learned something too." He slaps Tomm on the back. "You sir, hit like a giant. I think we did well." he looks with concern at Berion's healing of Tessara. "Are you going to be all right?" he asks.
"Much better thanks to Berion."
"Good. I couldn't help but notice you pretty much willed yourself to stay up til the end after that first hit. Impressive." Rizzo practices some leg squats and leaps up on a bench, checking to see how much the practice armor interferes with his movement. He asks the Marshal of the List. "If you don't mind, I'd like to wear this during the gauntlet run.
"Well sir, your are free to do so. I suppose it wouldn't hurt if you should happen to fall! Would the three of you please head over to the starting line, we'll begin shortly."
After a short period of rest, the three runners head over to the line. The attendants take thier time inspecting all the obstacles to ensure the course's readiness. Then the herald makes some breif remarks.
"These three are striving for the right to be named Champions of the Fesitval!" *Loud cheering* "If they can successfully navigate this course they and their friends will be granted an audience with His Majesty that may in fact change their destiny! Marshall, is the course ready? Runner, are you ready? Then you may beging!"
The Marshall, a slim graying man, holds aloft a red flag. He lowers the flag, and the runners set off!
They approach the first obstacle, a low wall about 8' high.
Rizzo leaps up the wall, but has some difficulty pulling himself over it.
Tessara and Rizzo climb right over the wall, though Rizzo does so with impressive speed and heads out in front! Tomm struggles a bit, but makes it over on the first attempt.
Before the gauntlet begins, Tomm returns Rizzo's slap with a clasp on his shoulder.
"Ha, we did indeed do well! I can only go all out cause yer fancy footwork kept her guessin', I bet yer even better with a proper sword!"
At some point during the fight, Caelin nodded off and didn't even realise there was a second event coming up right after.
He's starting to snore. Loudly. And there are some nearby festival-goers giving him quite the stink-eye because of it.
Now the racers come to an 8=foot wide ditch. Each makes the leap at a full run!
Rizzo and Tess leap over the ditch without breaking stride, but although Tomm clears the jump, he face-plants on the far side. He's up in a flash, but is now 2 paces behind Rizzo.
The group then approaches the balance beam, and each tries to races across.
Tes and Rizzo get right across, and are now almost neck-and neck! Tomm is forced to slow down, as he nearly falls off the 6-inch-wide beam, He makes it, but thoughts of winning are starting to flee.
The team reaches the next obstacle, the pipes laid on the ground. Each one drops and tries to squeeze through quickly.
Tessara wiggles her slight elven frame through incredibly fast, and she emerges in the lead!
Rizzo and Tomm both get through, and while Tomm still trails, he has closed a little ground on Rizzo!
The adventurers next jump into the mud pit and try to slog through.
Tess gets mired in the mud, and must really struggle to move on. Rizzo wades in carefully and makes measured prgoess. But Tomm churns through the mud as though he's right at home! Tess an Rizzo pull out neck and neck, with Tomm right on their heels!
Now they come to the high wall, and each grabs a rope and begins the ascent.
[ooc=Climb DC 5[/dice]
Tess is now in front, with Rizzo and Tomm running side by side after they finish rappelling down the far side of the wall!
Each runner charges full speed into the stack of heavy hay bales.
Tess hits the wall of hay, and drops right to the ground, her strength failing her!
Rizzo and Tomm push on through, with hay flying everywhere as they burst out the far side! Rizzo was able to apply slightly more leverage, and as he emerges just a second before Tomm he is able to cross the finish line first, with Tomm breathing dwon his neck.
The crowd is wild! Shouts and cheer erupt all around. You make out chants of "Rizzo!" and "Tomm!" (they're obviously impressed by his big comeback that nearly saw him win).
Tess grunts, standing up and pulling hay out of her hair. Knew the strength competitions would be the end of me.
If you thought Seraphyna was loud cheering for the prince, the noise from her when people she knew were running the gauntlet was positively deafening. Powdered sugar from her cake sprays those around her as she leaps in the air dancing and cheering. When she notices Caelin tring to doze off, she keeps shaking him and pointing to the racers and describing every detail of what is for him, an agonizingly boring time.
After they finish, she dashes over giving each of them a big hug, completely oblivious of the mud covering them and how dirty it makes her!
Tess sits quietly chatting with Berion, thanking him for getting rid of the hay, then sees Sera begin sprinting down the steps. She turns to Berion with a grave look. "Save yourself." Before she is hit with a big ball of excited elf.
Rizzo waves at the crowd. That was closer than he expected, and he enjoyed the challenge. He grabs Tessara's hand with his right hand and Tomm's hand with his left and raises them above their heads as they bask in the crowd's applause. At least until Seraphyna bowls them over.
Happy and elated, Tomm will give a great bear-hug to each of his new friends, excited at the challenge and glad he didn't embarrass himself too much. He'll happily congratulate Rizzo,
"We'll done! What a race, ye certainly earned the championship from us friend! Well done indeed!"
And Tess,
"Edahan's beard tha' was close! Yer quick as lightning!"
Sera puts on a pout when Berion is done. "Well why didn't she say anything. I said I could heal." Then, scooting over to Tess with a twinkle in her eye, the little elf inquires, "Are you mad because you hurt? I could help you know, much like Berion. You just have to say please!"
Tess smiles. "Not every fight can be won with brute strength." She rubs the back of her head. "Although a lot can."
"Before I was seeing colors, but now it is only a minor bump. Yes, the shaking rattled my already injured head." Tess lowers her head in acceptance of Sera's offer.
As Tomm bear hugs Rizzo, its obvious for a second he doesn't realize what's going on, but then he just laughs and accepts the hug. "Thanks.' he replies. "I just happened to hit the happy median between Strength" he motions at Tomm. "and Quickness" he motions at Tessara.
"Then you should have said something silly!" she says as she says a few sylvan words. Her hands glow as she reaches up to touch Tess in the forehead, washing away some more of her pain.
The announcer speaks:
"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens, you champions!"
Captain Wenger, Lieutenant Steiger, and several other official-types come over and offer their congratulations. The Captain speaks with you:
"Well done, very well done indeed. You have earned a place of honor at tonight's celebratory feast. You'll be seated at the table directly in front of the king's! The Lieutenant and I will join you to fill out the seats. After the dinner and the Telling of the founders, the king will grant you the promised audience. Now, please take a moment to refresh yourselves and make ready for tonight. Hot baths have been drawn in these tents over here and fresh clothes have been set aside if you like. Please rejoin me here when you're ready and we'll head to the Grand Hall."
Despite Sera droning on and on and on and on and on and on and on about the races, and despite the unwholesome boredom being compounded upon itself now, Caelin surprisingly enough manages to keep his cool to some extent. Drawing on techniques his mentor had taught him during his wizarding classes about how to handle stress in the environment while calling on magical spells (classes mostly involving the old coot jabbing him with his staff as Caelin recited spell pronunciations), he manages to completely tune himself out from his surroundings. Instead, he begins to focus on counting things.
There are nine-hundred and thirty-seven clover flowers in the grass in front of the stands.
There are twenty-seven freckles on the face of that woman with the red dress on over there.
There are one-hundred and eighteen elements in the Table of Arcane Elements. Hydroga, Hellion, Lithuum, Berylla, Boronic, Carbint, Nitros...
Thankfully the pain is all over soon enough, just before he has to start remembering which comes first - Caesis or Berrum. Caelin offers a weak smile and a wave to the victors, but mostly he's just glad that the hyperactive elfess has found something else to do.
"How nice," Caelin offers weakly, "to see the king!... I guess? I mean, I presume that it's offered only to these brave, brave souls who did all that, uhh, amazing stuff out there..." He gestures vaguely to the obstacle course.
"Thank you Captain, a hot bath would be marvelous right now." looks over the clothes. My clothes are nice but not fit for a royal audience. Besides, the main reason I asked to wear the armor was to avoid getting my one good set of clothes muddy. "I'll also accept your offer of clothing." he adds.
A hot bath, oh but does that sound marvelous. Tess gives the customary bow and twisting of the wrist to indicate gratitude for being an invited guest. "I would be honored."
The group takes time to get refreshed and rested before the feast. When the time arrives, the Captain returns to escort the group into the palace's courtyard where a lavish outdoor party has been arranged.
He helps the team find their seats, which are near the royal table. The group then gets a closer look at King Theodoric.
He's a tall man, obviously still strong, but with graying hair at the temples and a nearly full gray beard. He carries himself well, and wears a fine blue coat with golden embroidedery below his rich fur robe of office. On his head is a simple yet elegant golden crown tastefully adorned with a few choice gems. The group notices that the queen's seat remains empty.
They see Prince Johann join his father with a beautiful young woamn wearing a gown of fine green silk at his side. Between Johann and this young woman there is something of a family resemblance. As the royal family all take their seats, the rest of the crowd is invited to sit as well.
Soon the meal arrives: roasted fowls of all kinds, candied nuts, vegetables, breads both coarse and fine, choice pork and beef, potatoes flavored with tthe finest spices, and more! And the drink! Wine, rum punch, and other fine cocktails are offered to the revelers.
The captian makes light converstation during the meal.
"The lady with Prinece Johann is the Princess Renata. She's got quite the reputatiuon for beauty, but she has a singing voice just as pretty. They say she has the "gift" for magic as well, so I've heard that she's to take tutoring to become a bard. She would do the family credit, I think."
He points to a lean, graying man with a patch over one eye at the next table.
"That's Sir Gerd von Halgraff. He's a duke, and not only the finest knight in Bernhiold, but also the closest friend and advisor to the king. They've been close ever since Sir Gerd saved the king during the barbarian invasion twenty years ago. Ever since that time, we've had peace though. It's been a nice time."
"As for the Telling, we'll get perhaps the better part here. The story will be told by the royal bard at the amphitheatre, but his predecessor, the great Wynfrid will be our guest of honor here. She's perhaps the best-known storyteller in the last hundred years around here. No-one could do the Telling better, I think. Well now, it looks as though we're to begin soon."
Seraphyna is surprisingly reserved and quiet as she dines and listens to the Captain discuss the important guests. It seems none but Tomm share her exhuberance for life, and neither of the other elves seem very mischeivious. The whole thing seems too drawn out and lengthy for her, but these humans do like their festivals to take a long time. She avoids any alcohol, as it tends to go straight to her head, and her companions already think so little of her for enjoying herself at the festival, to make a fool of herself here would surely earn scolding looks and swift reprimands. Eventually she begins a quiet discussion with seemingly nobody, nodding and responding to unheard questions.
Before long, a hush falls over the crowd. King Theodoric stands and addresses the assembled guests:
"Friends, countrymen. Let us now rememebr our past. Please welcome Wynfrid, our most accomplished Teller!"
With a series of polite applause a slim woman of middle years steps onto a small stage near the royal table. She is is medium height and wears her graying hair in a neat bun. She speaks in a clear, authoritative voice, one that puts children in mind of their grandmother telling tale sof the past around the fire at home...
"In an age gone by, men were not so civilized as they are now. It was not so long ago that the nation of Bernhold wasn't even a glimmer in the eye of Theodoric the Founder. For you see, young Theodoric was a goat herder who lived with his family north of ancinet Calthenheim, captial of the plains. He cared for the herd with his two brothers, Allturic and Sebastian. The young men were hale and hearty, and full of life. Then the came the War."
"It seems that for every good man, there is a wicked one. And if true, then siants must truly have walked upon the earth in those days to balance the wickness of Amgar the Tyrant. His cruel legions subjugated the various people of the north in the most unspeakable ways. Men tried to oppose him, and paid for their bravery with their lives. Until Amger reaached Calthenheim. There he met the sternest resistance he ahd yet faced. BAnd of herders and plainsmen, farmers, and tanners, and their kin joined together and created a unitied front to oppose him."
"In those days, men were friends with elves and dwarves, and the three peoples joined together in the Grand Alliance to fight the wickedness Amgar sought to spread. Queen Boudhwina led the forces that began, little by little, to drive back Amgar's army. It was slow going, becuase his forces employed drak magics to a degree never seen before or since. Eventually, they alliance forced Amgar back to his own borders in the south of Louwildar."
"By this time, Theodoric, Allturic, and Sebastian were three of Boudhwina's most trusted captains. Theodoric led a legion of horse. Alltuirc was a mighty priest of Edahan who rallied the troops with his sermons and his divine magic. And Sebastian was a noble wizard who fought to undo the dark magic wrought by his foes."
"These three were near the rear one day when word borke of a massive assualt by Amgar's forces. He was trying to break the Alliance with one grand stroke! The wicked armies nearly engulfed the allied force, but then, in the darkest hour, a mircale happended. While praying for guidance, Allturic was visited by Edahan himself. He touched Theodoric's lance and shield and blessed them with His own divine power. Edahan then directed Theordoric to lead tis horsemen in a charge against the enemy' lines."
"As they rode out, a shimmering wall of light spread before them when Theodoric held his lance out in front. As the charge hit the enemy lines, they melted away as if made of butter. The horse did not have to slow in the least, and so rank after rank of Amgar's men were utterly crushed. Then, Theodoric spied Amger himself, astride his Nightmare steed. The two thudered towards each other in a fantastic display. As their lances struck, everyone on the field hear the ringing of a bell. Afterwards, all was silent. Amgar was gone. His armies surrendered. And Theodoric slumped ot the ground in exhaustion."
"Sebastian and his fellow mages razed the city of Amgar and all of its fortresses. they turned the soil asunder. Now all that remains fo that realm is the vast Knosti desert. Theodroic survived the battle, and swore that he would never allow Amgar to rise again. He and his brothers never returned to Calthenheim. Instead, they founded a new kingdom. They chose a beautiful land, and one that could serve as a first line of defense should Amgar's mantle ever be taken up again. And so, Bernhold was born!"
As the woman finishes the story, the crowd gives her a very generous but somber applause. Before this was over, a brilliant light is seen in the now-dark sky. The light grows brighter and larger, and nearly blinds the attendees as it soars over the castle. A minute later, a soft crashing sound and low rumbling can be heard. Then someone shouts:
"Fallen star! It must have landed close by!" In the general hubbub that is now circulating, Captian Wenger motions to the group.
"Now I think we'd better see the king."
Tess looks at Sera with a surprised look as she holds herself with grace and poise in a social environment. And I was just told to keep quiet. Huh. Tess eats much the same, drinking water and eating vegetables and bread and the sweet nuts.
~~~~~
Tess listens spellbound, drinking in the historical story. Her eyes are closed at the end but her peace is shattered by the fallen star.
Sera too, is entranced by the historical tale until the chair she sits in begins to rattle, her hair billowing out in an unfelt wind. Then the star falls. As the light from the heavens grows, she feels it revitalizing her spirit and fanning the flames of magic within her. When the Captain calls for the champions to visit the King, Sera uses the movement to dart away from the group and dash at full speed toward the location of the fallen celestial body.
Tess begins running after the girl, small feet padding quickly.
Tomm is as gregarious and talkative as ever during the dinner, excited to get to know these his new companions more. Happy to have access to so much food and drink he'll stuff himself, throwing the scraps to his eager dogs under the table while the Captain helps to explain the faces of the fair to his new friends. Tomm will not so subtly try to change the subject when the Captain brings up the various Knights of Bernhold, being strangely evasive about the subject, but will listen excitedly when the Teller begins her story.
When the ground shakes Tomm will leap to his feet looking around worried about what a fallen star might mean. Gulping audibly when the Captain moves to bring them to the King Tomm will nervously reply,
" Uh, alright... I'm not leavin' me dogs though. Finn, Quinn, come on."
But when the girls begin running, a fire will return to Tomm's eyes and he'll shout with a fierce grin,
" Ha! Looks like tha King is gonna have ta wait!"
Tomm and his hounds will race after the Elves, charging through the crowd.
Rizzo enjoys a fine cut of beef and more than makes up for his vegetarian companions. He then listens with rapt attention to The Telling. He had heard of Amgar, of course. He was the boogeyman, used to frighten children into good behavior. He wonders just how much of this story was fact and how much was fiction designed to frighten adults. His reverie was broken by the falling star. He leaps to his feet as it appears that it would impact close by but then relaxes and enjoys the show as it passes over the castle. As Captain Wengar makes arrangements for them to meet the King he turns to look at his companions, And finds them gone, scurrying after the star as like a dog that spied a squirrel. A little red faced he turns to the good Captain. "It appears my companions have been overcome with curiosity as to what just transpired. Surely the King would want a first hand account as to what this portends. So may I ask that our audience be delayed. I am sure that His Highness will find it worth the wait." He waits patiently for the Captain's answer. It's not like he doesn't know where they are going.
As the group rushes off they hear a booming voice:
"Wait you fools!" You now notice a wizened old man in flowing robes standing next to the king. The rest of the crowd seems not to have heard him.
"A word at the royal table, if you please." You notice the voice seems to speak directly to your mind without passing your ears.
Sera stops in her running and immediately assumes the casual I'm not doing anything wrong pose. Only after a few moments does she realize that no one else heard that commanding voice. Sticking a finger in her ears, she tries to wiggle out some apparent dirt.
Seeing Berion standing near the royal table, glaring directly at her, she flushes slightly and begins slowly shuffling back to the group, grumbling inaudibly.
Rizzo nods to the Captain. He walks up to near the table and bows to the King.
Tess walks back with Sera, glad the girl came to her senses.
As the group assembles, the king rises to greet them.
"Well met, citizens. I am King Theodoric IV, as you are no doubt aware. I will not stand on formality during such strange events. I see that Brendle's message got to you. Please hear him out. He is a wise and powerful wizard, and a great scholar of the skies. As soon as the falling star passed us, he transported himself here to consult with me. Brendle?"
The old wizard turns to you and speaks, his tone more friendly this time.
"As some of you may know, falling 'stars' are really not stars at all, but rather large pieces of rock and metal that come from the heavens. Some of these contain extremely rare and powerful resources. In fact, such rocks are thought to be the only source of the valuable skymetal adamantum. It is prized for its extreme strength and durability. It is used to make the alloy we call 'star steel' which can be used to craft weapons and armor of great power. If you already knew of this, please forgive me. But many of our people are more superstitious than learned, and so I thought it best to explain. His Majesty has a request of you, I believe."
Theodoric speaks again:
"Your group proved to be quite capable at the festival today. Normally I woul dgrant each of you a special boon, a small favor. But it is I who must now ask a favor of you, with the promise of a far larger reward if you accept and are successful. Travel to the site of this fallen 'star' and determine its exact locaiton and contents. secure it from our enemies. And there WILL be enemies, of that I am certain. Brendle says that although the star looked very close, it was only becuase of its unusally large size. He says that he could track its course to the foothills of the Great Central Range, over 100 miles distant."
"Given the potential quantity of skymetal present in such a piece, we must take great precautions and move very quickly. There are warlords who would not hesitate to invade our borders to lay claim to it. And other nations will try to steal it out from under our noses. So will you help us? I must marshall our army to bolster the border defense. I cannot spare many soliders, but I'll have captian Wenger send a small detachment with you for backup. I will also provide wagons, teams, and drivers to haul back what you find. I promise to give you each a share of whatever you are able to recover. If there is nothing of value, then I will give you each 200 gold pieces for your trouble. Do we have an agreement?"
As the wizard explains their target and the King makes his request, Seraphyna’s eyes progressively grow larger and larger. Hold it together girl! The King is offering you a reward for something you’d have done for free! Showing a bit of sense, she takes a few breaths and asks in a calm voice, ”Who is in charge of this expedition? Are we merely being conscripted into your forces and will be led by one of your Sergeants, or given that you are asking us for aid, will we be the ones tasked to find this meteor and your troops will be assisting us? Also, will any recompense be sent to our homeland,” motioning to the three elves, ”As we are not born of your kingdom? I would hate to shed my lifesblood acquiring you this precious metal only to have it turned into a weapon wielded against my people.”
That would be a significant amount of start-up money for a new life. She looks into the keen eyes of the king. I wonder... "As you have noticed, my liege, we are comprised of elves and fast moving hunters. A team would slow us down and lessen our chances of success. I would request we go alone."