The below is a record written by witnesses following the Yellow Bird of the Cerulean Coast, as she began her journey joining The Oracle's Chosen.
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Arriving in Mytros, Xan finds a place to stay with her fellow pirates and sailors, the Satyr’s Tail. She spends the week before the games scouting through the town, aiming to identify athletes she may join in the games.
She hears about:
Leyland - Mytrosian gladiator - one of the greatest athletes of this generation
Spira - Underdog - injury 5 years ago but is back now, people love her
Galen Adamos - Mytrosian - said to be a cousin of Acastus Arkalander
Egan - Mytrosian - older competitor, might be his last games - extremely well decorated
Cy of Aresia warrior monk - Rumours of the best athlete of prev games. He is good at everything.
Some rumours that some minotaurs will be there and possibly centaurs
In the crowds, Xan is approached by Hippofilious, who gives her some advice to remove her cape to get a bit more streamline and to not overheat. She talks to him about being on a ship and being out in the heat all day. He seems interested. They agree to meet up after the games at the Siren’s Roost. Xan laughs - that is not her type of place but she will go. She thinks he can help her.
When the race begins Xan dashes through the crowd to grab a torch and then shoots up the mountain.
She remembers her mother, where she ran as a child across uneven ground covered in stones and sand to jump into her arms.
She feels the wind on her face and is reminded of the open seas - where the wind was both a friend and an enemy, but a constant companion.
She races ahead, joining Cy in a head-to-head race to the finish line. She finds some inspiration and is almost lifted by the wind past the finishing point. She throws her torch into the fire, claiming first place.
She greets Hippofilious at the finish line and rests nearby. He congratulates her on her win. She replies ‘I need to win’ and he laughs, noting she should meet his companion Theo. When his companions arrive they greet her, Hippofilious uses a magical spell to write Xanthia: Champion of the Mountain in the stars.
Suddenly a large group of terrifying beings appear, which terrifies the crowd. Xan looks around at the small group of Hippifilious’ friends and considers her options for the games.