2 June 2021 - Horses and Targets
If you can dodge a bladder you can dodge a ball
Bladder Ball; the event hosted at the Satyr’s Tail, is one where Xan decides to take a back seat. Having spent a few nights with the (sometimes questionable) patrons in the Satyr’s Tail, she cannot show her face to be recognised and named for recent debauchery with others in the bar of dubious backgrounds. She is now a proud ambassador to the Siren’s Roost and wants to keep building her reputation as she gains notoriety. As she sits at the side of the court with Theo, feigning a review of the sailing tactics for the following week, she hides her face, keeping her head down to the paper.
A cheer rings out as the ‘Pamplaxyian Bulls’ enter the court, their hands raised and looking proud. Theo and Xan quickly abandon their sailing revision and raise a glass to cheer for their team mates. The Mytros Magic join the Bulls on the court - a hardy challenger headed up by Priam.
The Bulls start with a strong hit, and knock out two of the opposing team but two of the Bulls are also hit. Xan does not understand the rules of the game but it reminds her of a game she’d play on the isle of exiles with her puppy Pan, who delighted in having sand throw up into the air and he would try to bite it, then would scratch and scrape at the sandy floor, throwing the ground up onto Xan’s legs in a faux battle.
Helikaon is eliminated first, and walks defeated off the court. The rest of the team put up a good fight. Xan’s mind wanders again, recalling throwing Am’s bedroll around the ship in a mocking game of ‘BUB* in the Middle’. Xan almost forgets that she is meant to be watching the game and is lost in her memories - she runs through the time she spent with this party and their adventures and wonders what else may be in store for them.
(*Barely Used Body)
She is broken from her thoughts by Braz doing the world's best knee slide across the arena, slashing mud up into the faces of the slightly more obnoxious members of the crowd.
As the weekend comes to the day of rest, tales of Xanthia spread throughout the town, of her success in the games and her defeat over other favourites. The runner up of the mountain, Cy, seemed put out by Xan and Leland’s success. The Oracles Chosen are regarded well in the city and the party reach a higher level of fame, allowing them to eat and drink for free in Estoria and Mytros.
Méli kai tachýtita (Honey and Speed)
To prepare for the horseriding Xan draws a crowd to sign autographs, while Hipofilious attempts to join the stables in horse form. He is spotted however, manages to speak to the horses and advise Helikaon on which of the horses to ride - a chestnut stallion. They promise the horse many female horses to breed many other champions.
Xan chooses a strong almost mustard-horse with what Xan swears are golden markings in its coat - named in Xan’s heart as Honeypot. Having not been on a horse since she was a tiny child, Xan is a little unsure. She feels she can hold her own, recalling the strong grip needed to stay on board during stormy seas.
At the first jump Xan and Honeypot land awkwardly following an attempt of Xan to control the horse with techniques only meant for boats, and in a panic Xan ties herself to the horse using one of her ropes, however focussing on the knots leaves her in a less prominent spot in the race. She comes in a disappointing last place.
Braz leaps into advance and takes the first place, dedicating his medal to Mytros and the Siren’s Roost. Eagan comes in second, and congratulates Braz. Xan, having lost a race, blames the horse, as she would never have lost this if it was under her own feet.
When it comes to boxing, Xan is not feeling like she can take on the competitors, which include some others she has taken down the previous day. She is not used to face to face unarmed combat, but with some ‘gold’ courage she takes her place in the competition. Alke is wiped out by Daphne of Eresia (Cy’s protege), but at the top Duris, Bulldog, Cy, Damos and Xan keep on fighting. Medals go to Cy, Duris and Bullbug, the top spot going to Bullbug, who headbuts his way to the top.
Later at the Siren’s Roost Bullbug is the hero of the hour, despite many losing money from misplaced bets. Bullbug spends his time following his win to the Oracles Chosen.
The archery competition follows Bullbug’s celebration. Xan falters on her shots, distracted and excited to have Calliope on the field. Calliope and Corinna take second and first place, dedicating to Kyrah and Pythor respectively.
The following evening they flood to the Theatre of the Gods, for the Dramatis Personae performance