TOPIC | [GALA CLOSED] Sornieth Winter Games '23
[center][b]Day 1 - Curling[/b][/center]
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/67987541][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/679876/67987541_350.png[/img][/url]
[i]Sunset Willowisp; Skip for Team Willowisp. Shadow Flight and Clan Nightsky native.[/i]
Sunset eyed her teammates, all of whom were shifting nervously; a flick of a wing here, a twitch of a mane there. “Lyra, Cassiopeia, Viatrix, we’ve trained for this. We can do it.” She reassured them.
This year’s Games were Clan Nightsky’s first foray into the Sornieth Winter Games, and this group of female Veilspuns, Team Willowisp, were certainly on the [b]hunt[/b] for gold in one of the Clan’s specialty sports: Curling.
“Sunset, I am not nervous.” Lyra retorted, looking very nervous. Cassiopeia, their third, snorted.
Viatrix was quiet. She was the lead of their somewhat hastily assembled team, and coincidentally, she was also the youngest of them all (the family tree of the Willowisp Swarm was quite complicated).
Suddenly, they quieted down as an aide gestured for them to step out into the open. Sunset took her place at the front of the line once more, and when they stepped out in the light, she quietly hissed. Even after a few days in the bright white landscape of the Southern Icefields, she still was not used to this amount of light, accustomed to the dark burrows of the underground lair of Clan Nightsky she was.
“...And now here, representing the Shadow Flight, is Team Willowisp! We have our lead, Viatrix Willowisp…”
This was it. This was the real thing.
She, Lyra, and Viatrix remained underneath the banner of the Shadow Flight as Cassiopeia participated in a draw to the button with a member of the other team.
She did not succeed in acquiring the hammer, but that did not matter in the long run.
Sunset felt the familiar chill of the ice of a curling rink underneath her claws as she took her place at the other end of the sheet, aiming for a simple draw to the button first. Viatrix lined up for the first throw, and Lyra and Cassiopeia stood at the ready with their brooms.
Sunset watched Viatrix slide out onto the ice, releasing the rock in her talons.
The game began.
Day 1 - Curling
Sunset Willowisp; Skip for Team Willowisp. Shadow Flight and Clan Nightsky native.
Sunset eyed her teammates, all of whom were shifting nervously; a flick of a wing here, a twitch of a mane there. “Lyra, Cassiopeia, Viatrix, we’ve trained for this. We can do it.” She reassured them.
This year’s Games were Clan Nightsky’s first foray into the Sornieth Winter Games, and this group of female Veilspuns, Team Willowisp, were certainly on the hunt for gold in one of the Clan’s specialty sports: Curling.
“Sunset, I am not nervous.” Lyra retorted, looking very nervous. Cassiopeia, their third, snorted.
Viatrix was quiet. She was the lead of their somewhat hastily assembled team, and coincidentally, she was also the youngest of them all (the family tree of the Willowisp Swarm was quite complicated).
Suddenly, they quieted down as an aide gestured for them to step out into the open. Sunset took her place at the front of the line once more, and when they stepped out in the light, she quietly hissed. Even after a few days in the bright white landscape of the Southern Icefields, she still was not used to this amount of light, accustomed to the dark burrows of the underground lair of Clan Nightsky she was.
“...And now here, representing the Shadow Flight, is Team Willowisp! We have our lead, Viatrix Willowisp…”
This was it. This was the real thing.
She, Lyra, and Viatrix remained underneath the banner of the Shadow Flight as Cassiopeia participated in a draw to the button with a member of the other team.
She did not succeed in acquiring the hammer, but that did not matter in the long run.
Sunset felt the familiar chill of the ice of a curling rink underneath her claws as she took her place at the other end of the sheet, aiming for a simple draw to the button first. Viatrix lined up for the first throw, and Lyra and Cassiopeia stood at the ready with their brooms.
Sunset watched Viatrix slide out onto the ice, releasing the rock in her talons.
The game began.
[center][b]Day 2 - Sunday - Ice hockey[/b][/center]
[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/79201656][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=79201656&skin=0&apparel=46540,12899,9618,13856,20574,20575,20576,20571,20573&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url]
[i][color=grey]That’s an… Odd looking hockey stick…[/color][/i][/center]
Patagonia is known to never back down from a challenge, and after her [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/79201655]sister[/url] teased her that she “couldn’t win a game to save her life”, the mirror is set on proving her wrong. This isn’t the first she’s taken on similar dares. Patagonia chooses wisely chooses the sport that plays to her strengths the most; ice hockey. She has commanded many successful [b]hunts[/b] and raids back in the Scarred Wastelands. Surely this hockey thing is not too different, right?
Patagonia’s ability for teamwork and impressive stamina will surely be a good asset for her team. However, she quickly realizes how easy it is to forget the rules. Not before too long she gets her first strike by the referee. Will Patagonia be able to keep herself alert and be of help to the Ice team, or will she be racking up the strikes from the referee like snowfall?
Patagonia ponders… She can always try to blame it on the ghosts that have been rumored to be haunting the place. Where was the rule book again?
Day 2 - Sunday - Ice hockey
Patagonia is known to never back down from a challenge, and after her sister teased her that she “couldn’t win a game to save her life”, the mirror is set on proving her wrong. This isn’t the first she’s taken on similar dares. Patagonia chooses wisely chooses the sport that plays to her strengths the most; ice hockey. She has commanded many successful hunts and raids back in the Scarred Wastelands. Surely this hockey thing is not too different, right?Patagonia’s ability for teamwork and impressive stamina will surely be a good asset for her team. However, she quickly realizes how easy it is to forget the rules. Not before too long she gets her first strike by the referee. Will Patagonia be able to keep herself alert and be of help to the Ice team, or will she be racking up the strikes from the referee like snowfall?
Patagonia ponders… She can always try to blame it on the ghosts that have been rumored to be haunting the place. Where was the rule book again?
[center][img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/0lhe2nb7mzliaah/icetop.png[/img]
[color=#135cad][b]Sunday - Day 1 - Ice Hockey[/b]
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/81783443][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/817835/81783443_350.png[/img][/url]
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82629844][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/826299/82629844.png[/img][/url][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82552852][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/825529/82552852.png[/img][/url][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82552853][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/825529/82552853.png[/img][/url][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82629843][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/826299/82629843.png[/img][/url]
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/83300164][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/833002/83300164_350.png[/img][/url]
[img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/88ouyqmqwiwndc5/icemid.png[/img]
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/81783443]Samhain[/url] smiles as her daughters shift on the ice, quietly whispering about what they should do for the next run. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82552852]Berith[/url] seems to be trying to convince [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82552853]Suriel[/url] to give the centre more room this go around, but their mother knows better than to try and listen in. She wouldn't hear a thing from Suriel if she didn't want to be heard. She knows they'd been told by [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/83300164]Melek[/url] that this particular play would be determined by the two wingers, and they were more than eager to put their skills to the test to try and get their mother to the opposing goaltender. She can't help but give a wave to her youngest sibling, who simply shakes her head as she returns to their own goal. She may like how this has been set up for their little family, but she still questions whether being made the centre over Melek was the best idea.
"That's what happens when you have to [b]hunt[/b] down a new team on such short notice."
Samhain turns to look at her middle siblings, specifically her younger brother. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82629844]Ramiel[/url] was definitely younger than her, but his attitude is a closer match to some of their own mentors. That is to say, ancient and all-knowing. If she hadn't seen his research on ice hockey pay off in the last goal he'd blocked, she'd have tried to replace him with one of her more chaotic nephews. His sister, [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/82629843]Charmeine,[/url] seems a little confused by his statement. She wasn't as involved in the lair's politics, so she's missed out on what had happened to [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/62799774]last year's team lead.[/url] Samhain couldn't blame the others for keeping it from the innocent spiral.
"None of that matters right now. We're not in the same size class as those giants, and we have to play differently because of it. So what if we were pulled in so late? We can at least try to win our own way!"
For a moment, Samhain thinks she's convinced her little family of their imminent victory. Charmeine is humming happily, twisting about as she waits in position to guard the sides with her more skeptical brother. Her daughters are low to the ice, ready to dart forward to clear a way for her to score yet another point for their team. Their "little auntie" has the goal covered, using her long noodle-y body to cover most places like a little pale vine. She's proud the odd spiral has stopped two so far that way, even if one of them managed to clip a wing. She swears she can taste victory on the horizon when Melek speaks up, casting a stern look at her two nieces as they begin to bicker on the ice.
"Berith, we can't afford to send you off to the penalty box again. It isn't a race with your sister, alright? No more checking the other team!"
Melek's words remind Samhain once more that maybe, just maybe, she should've brought yet another goody two shoes family member instead. Her little girl is just too much like her mother, or perhaps her grandfather.
She'd just have to hope they don't wind up losing her for another two minutes.
[img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/88ouyqmqwiwndc5/icemid.png[/img]
@JinxMoonstone Please drop me in on the daily pinglist! Also, as a note, I used to be in Plague until recently. The ClockworkEclipse lair now plays for the Arcane Flight!
[img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/bnz1mrh065tlyje/icebottom.png[/img]
Sunday - Day 1 - Ice Hockey
Samhain smiles as her daughters shift on the ice, quietly whispering about what they should do for the next run. Berith seems to be trying to convince Suriel to give the centre more room this go around, but their mother knows better than to try and listen in. She wouldn't hear a thing from Suriel if she didn't want to be heard. She knows they'd been told by Melek that this particular play would be determined by the two wingers, and they were more than eager to put their skills to the test to try and get their mother to the opposing goaltender. She can't help but give a wave to her youngest sibling, who simply shakes her head as she returns to their own goal. She may like how this has been set up for their little family, but she still questions whether being made the centre over Melek was the best idea.
"That's what happens when you have to hunt down a new team on such short notice."
Samhain turns to look at her middle siblings, specifically her younger brother. Ramiel was definitely younger than her, but his attitude is a closer match to some of their own mentors. That is to say, ancient and all-knowing. If she hadn't seen his research on ice hockey pay off in the last goal he'd blocked, she'd have tried to replace him with one of her more chaotic nephews. His sister, Charmeine, seems a little confused by his statement. She wasn't as involved in the lair's politics, so she's missed out on what had happened to last year's team lead. Samhain couldn't blame the others for keeping it from the innocent spiral.
"None of that matters right now. We're not in the same size class as those giants, and we have to play differently because of it. So what if we were pulled in so late? We can at least try to win our own way!"
For a moment, Samhain thinks she's convinced her little family of their imminent victory. Charmeine is humming happily, twisting about as she waits in position to guard the sides with her more skeptical brother. Her daughters are low to the ice, ready to dart forward to clear a way for her to score yet another point for their team. Their "little auntie" has the goal covered, using her long noodle-y body to cover most places like a little pale vine. She's proud the odd spiral has stopped two so far that way, even if one of them managed to clip a wing. She swears she can taste victory on the horizon when Melek speaks up, casting a stern look at her two nieces as they begin to bicker on the ice.
"Berith, we can't afford to send you off to the penalty box again. It isn't a race with your sister, alright? No more checking the other team!"
Melek's words remind Samhain once more that maybe, just maybe, she should've brought yet another goody two shoes family member instead. Her little girl is just too much like her mother, or perhaps her grandfather.
She'd just have to hope they don't wind up losing her for another two minutes.
@JinxMoonstone Please drop me in on the daily pinglist! Also, as a note, I used to be in Plague until recently. The ClockworkEclipse lair now plays for the Arcane Flight!
[b][u]Day One[/u]: Ice Hockey[/b]
[i]The excitement of the Sornieth Games was in full swing, and first day fever was clearly gripping everyone on the grounds, whether they were in the [b]hunt[/b] for a medal or had come to cheer a Clanmate on to victory. Nowhere was this more apparent than on the [b]Ice Hockey[/b] rink, where teams rotated in and out all day, practicing before their meets and then fiercely competing for that coveted prize. Some teams, however, seemed to be far more prepared than others….
[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/43447148][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/434472/43447148_350.png[/img][/url]
[b]Lughnasadh
“Loo”[/b]
[b]Center Forward[/b]
[i]Mage / Athlete / Gamer[/i]
(Arcane Born)[/center]
[columns][center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/7407601][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/74077/7407601.png[/img][/url]
[b](Right Forward)[/b]
[i]Mage
(Mental Magics,
Earth Magic)[/i]
(Arcane Born)[/center][nextcol][center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/3812329][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/38124/3812329.png[/img][/url]
[b]Soulfire[/b]
[b](Left Forward)[/b]
[i]Mage
(Soul Magic,
Spirit Magic;
Artist)[/i]
(Plague Born,
Arcane Adopted)[/center][nextcol][center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/39682625][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/396827/39682625.png[/img][/url]
[b]Polgara[/b]
[b](Goalie)[/b]
[i]Mage[/i]
(Ice Born,
Arcane Adopted)[/center][nextcol][center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/6764089][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/67641/6764089.png[/img][/url]
[b]DonQuixote
“Qui”[/b]
[b]Right Defense[/b]
[i]Fighter[/i]
(Plague Born,
Arcane Adopted)[/center][nextcol][center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/34000220][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/340003/34000220.png[/img][/url]
[b]BrianJacques
“Brian”[/b]
[b]Left Defense[/b]
[i]Scholar / Writer[/i]
(Light Born,
Arcane Adopted)[/center][/columns]
Not for the first time, [b]Lughnasadh[/b] found herself wishing that her Clan had a better way to pick teams for Ice Hockey than by using a literal random spell each year. She had decided a long time ago that the magic of that spell – or perhaps the dragons that cast it – had a twisted sense of humor. Why else would the teams chosen consistently turn out to be so….odd?
Of course, not all of the team was difficult. You couldn’t find a better Goalie than [b]Polgara[/b], after all. As an extremely strong-willed Imperial, the Clan’s most unusual Mage (and THAT was saying something in a Clan dedicated to Magic, Mayhem and Madness) usually accomplished what she set out to do…and what Pol wanted to do right now was prevent anyone from getting a puck in the goal. She was so good at it, in fact, that she had had to take a magically binding oath in front of the Game Officials that she was not using any sort of magic or magical influence to change the outcome of the game. Fortunately, the oath had been accepted, and the Clan’s best Goalie yet had not been banned.
The rest of the team on the other hand…
Luu winced as Qui skated past, waving his favorite sword wildly over his head. At least she had managed to convince [b]DonQuioxte[/b] that he could not bring his “trusted steed” onto the rink. But she was having a bit of trouble getting it through his head that defending a goal did NOT mean literally whacking everything that got near with a sharp blade. Fortunately, Qui’s fellow Defender had a much steadier outlook. Even better, Brian was able to exert some influence on the volatile Wildclaw – a fact that the usually gentle Snapper was exhibiting this very moment, Loo saw in relief, watching as [b]BrianJacques[/b] glided over to Qui and spoke softly in his ear. A moment later, the Wildclaw sheathed his blade, unfastened the warrior’s belt, and handed both over to the Snapper with a deep bow before moving off to confer with [b]Polgara[/b] at the Goal.
Intrigued, Loo followed Brian to the side of the rink, where the Snapper gently placed the belt and sheath on a bench next to several of their waiting clanmates. “What on Sornieth did you say to him?” Loo asked, as one of their fellow Elemental Gems Clan Members settled himself firmly beside the sword, clearly intending to guard it until the game was over, “I thought we would [i]never[/i] get that sword away from him.”
Brian laughed softly. “I simply reminded him that there was a time and place for tournaments and [b]hunts[/b]…and a time and place for courtly games,” he answered, “and one does not bring a bladed weapon to a test of wits and athletic skill. To skewer one’s opponent in a test of wits would be very bad form, after all.”
The team’s Captain blinked. “Right,” she murmured in consternation. She wasn’t sure that she had ever before heard Ice Hockey referred to as a “test of wits and skill,” let alone as a “courtly game.” But, Loo reflected, watching as the two Forwards moved into position without too much difficulty--if you didn’t count [b]Soulfire[/b] seeming far more interested in the patterns on the ice than where she was going, causing a slight confusion about who should line up where--who was she to complain, when Qui had relinquished his sword so easily…and without having knocked down a tent full of familiars first, as he did last time he was on the team? If a new way to describe Ice Hockey was the price Loo paid for NOT needing to placate an angry Tundra and several game officials, then so be it.
“Right,” she repeated more firmly. “And we need to get this particular courtly game started.” She gestured to the ice, and the waiting team. “If you wouldn’t mind?”
“But of course, Captain,” Brian smiled, bowed, and turned, skating smoothly back onto the ice. He moved over to Qui and Polgara, talking to them both. Loo nodded, satisfied that her second in command this year would have the Defensive Line straightened out soon enough. That only left the Offense…
Sighing in exasperation, Lughnasadh glided over to [b]Soulfire[/b]. “So, my Lady,” she asked lightly, “what is so fascinating about the ice today?”
Soulfire started, and looked up with a sheepish smile. “Oh my, is it time for the game already?” The elderly Pearlcatcher blushed from her nose to her tail, the darked green making a sharp contrast with her lighter colored scales. “I’m sorry Lughnasadh," she said. "I just noticed how lovely the sunlight looked glancing off the ice and wanted to memorize the pattern so that I could paint it later.” The Clan's Artist winced. “I didn’t realize that the game was about to begin.”
Loo relented despite herself, charmed as always by Soulfire’s absentminded nature when away from her natural element. “Not quite yet,” she said gently. “The other team hasn’t come out on the ice yet, so you can probably take a few more minutes to prepare. But only a few, Soulfire. We do need to start the game sometime today.”
“Of course!” Soulfire straightened, settling her wings firmly on her back and stowing her pearl in her robes. “I’m ready, Captain,” she said firmly. “Just tell me when!”
Relieved, Loo glanced over to her right, and noticed that the team’s last member was also in place, as always. The quiet, unobtrusive [b]Pearlcatcher[/b] had been a bit of a surprise for the whole team. Generally thought of as gentle and even delicate in nature, she had shown a very different personality on the ice. The Clan’s gentlest Mage became a powerhouse of fierce energy once you blew that whistle for the start of a game. Even now, Lughnasadh could see the wild gleam beginning to shine in her usually soft eyes. Nodding to herself, Loo checked off her final mental box. Polgara was in place. Qui had been convinced to abandon his sword and was now waiting to “challenge” any “foul vagrant” who dared intrude into their “fair territory”. Brian, as always, was prepared to defend their rear. Soulfire was once again back in the here and now…and their final member had transitioned from gentle dragon to fierce competitor.
Yes, Loo thought, crouching down facing the now arriving opposing team, they were ready. And they were going to win. Clan Elemental Gems was back, and the Madness and Mayhem was about to begin!
@JinxMoonstone
:D Good to see the Games return for another year! Please add me to every single ping list (as always). I am very much looking forward to this year’s competition!
Day One: Ice Hockey
The excitement of the Sornieth Games was in full swing, and first day fever was clearly gripping everyone on the grounds, whether they were in the hunt for a medal or had come to cheer a Clanmate on to victory. Nowhere was this more apparent than on the Ice Hockey rink, where teams rotated in and out all day, practicing before their meets and then fiercely competing for that coveted prize. Some teams, however, seemed to be far more prepared than others….
Not for the first time, Lughnasadh found herself wishing that her Clan had a better way to pick teams for Ice Hockey than by using a literal random spell each year. She had decided a long time ago that the magic of that spell – or perhaps the dragons that cast it – had a twisted sense of humor. Why else would the teams chosen consistently turn out to be so….odd?
Of course, not all of the team was difficult. You couldn’t find a better Goalie than Polgara, after all. As an extremely strong-willed Imperial, the Clan’s most unusual Mage (and THAT was saying something in a Clan dedicated to Magic, Mayhem and Madness) usually accomplished what she set out to do…and what Pol wanted to do right now was prevent anyone from getting a puck in the goal. She was so good at it, in fact, that she had had to take a magically binding oath in front of the Game Officials that she was not using any sort of magic or magical influence to change the outcome of the game. Fortunately, the oath had been accepted, and the Clan’s best Goalie yet had not been banned.
The rest of the team on the other hand…
Luu winced as Qui skated past, waving his favorite sword wildly over his head. At least she had managed to convince DonQuioxte that he could not bring his “trusted steed” onto the rink. But she was having a bit of trouble getting it through his head that defending a goal did NOT mean literally whacking everything that got near with a sharp blade. Fortunately, Qui’s fellow Defender had a much steadier outlook. Even better, Brian was able to exert some influence on the volatile Wildclaw – a fact that the usually gentle Snapper was exhibiting this very moment, Loo saw in relief, watching as BrianJacques glided over to Qui and spoke softly in his ear. A moment later, the Wildclaw sheathed his blade, unfastened the warrior’s belt, and handed both over to the Snapper with a deep bow before moving off to confer with Polgara at the Goal.
Intrigued, Loo followed Brian to the side of the rink, where the Snapper gently placed the belt and sheath on a bench next to several of their waiting clanmates. “What on Sornieth did you say to him?” Loo asked, as one of their fellow Elemental Gems Clan Members settled himself firmly beside the sword, clearly intending to guard it until the game was over, “I thought we would never get that sword away from him.”
Brian laughed softly. “I simply reminded him that there was a time and place for tournaments and hunts…and a time and place for courtly games,” he answered, “and one does not bring a bladed weapon to a test of wits and athletic skill. To skewer one’s opponent in a test of wits would be very bad form, after all.”
The team’s Captain blinked. “Right,” she murmured in consternation. She wasn’t sure that she had ever before heard Ice Hockey referred to as a “test of wits and skill,” let alone as a “courtly game.” But, Loo reflected, watching as the two Forwards moved into position without too much difficulty--if you didn’t count Soulfire seeming far more interested in the patterns on the ice than where she was going, causing a slight confusion about who should line up where--who was she to complain, when Qui had relinquished his sword so easily…and without having knocked down a tent full of familiars first, as he did last time he was on the team? If a new way to describe Ice Hockey was the price Loo paid for NOT needing to placate an angry Tundra and several game officials, then so be it.
“Right,” she repeated more firmly. “And we need to get this particular courtly game started.” She gestured to the ice, and the waiting team. “If you wouldn’t mind?”
“But of course, Captain,” Brian smiled, bowed, and turned, skating smoothly back onto the ice. He moved over to Qui and Polgara, talking to them both. Loo nodded, satisfied that her second in command this year would have the Defensive Line straightened out soon enough. That only left the Offense…
Sighing in exasperation, Lughnasadh glided over to Soulfire. “So, my Lady,” she asked lightly, “what is so fascinating about the ice today?”
Soulfire started, and looked up with a sheepish smile. “Oh my, is it time for the game already?” The elderly Pearlcatcher blushed from her nose to her tail, the darked green making a sharp contrast with her lighter colored scales. “I’m sorry Lughnasadh," she said. "I just noticed how lovely the sunlight looked glancing off the ice and wanted to memorize the pattern so that I could paint it later.” The Clan's Artist winced. “I didn’t realize that the game was about to begin.”
Loo relented despite herself, charmed as always by Soulfire’s absentminded nature when away from her natural element. “Not quite yet,” she said gently. “The other team hasn’t come out on the ice yet, so you can probably take a few more minutes to prepare. But only a few, Soulfire. We do need to start the game sometime today.”
“Of course!” Soulfire straightened, settling her wings firmly on her back and stowing her pearl in her robes. “I’m ready, Captain,” she said firmly. “Just tell me when!”
Relieved, Loo glanced over to her right, and noticed that the team’s last member was also in place, as always. The quiet, unobtrusive Pearlcatcher had been a bit of a surprise for the whole team. Generally thought of as gentle and even delicate in nature, she had shown a very different personality on the ice. The Clan’s gentlest Mage became a powerhouse of fierce energy once you blew that whistle for the start of a game. Even now, Lughnasadh could see the wild gleam beginning to shine in her usually soft eyes. Nodding to herself, Loo checked off her final mental box. Polgara was in place. Qui had been convinced to abandon his sword and was now waiting to “challenge” any “foul vagrant” who dared intrude into their “fair territory”. Brian, as always, was prepared to defend their rear. Soulfire was once again back in the here and now…and their final member had transitioned from gentle dragon to fierce competitor.
Yes, Loo thought, crouching down facing the now arriving opposing team, they were ready. And they were going to win. Clan Elemental Gems was back, and the Madness and Mayhem was about to begin!
@JinxMoonstone
:D Good to see the Games return for another year! Please add me to every single ping list (as always). I am very much looking forward to this year’s competition!
The excitement of the Sornieth Games was in full swing, and first day fever was clearly gripping everyone on the grounds, whether they were in the hunt for a medal or had come to cheer a Clanmate on to victory. Nowhere was this more apparent than on the Ice Hockey rink, where teams rotated in and out all day, practicing before their meets and then fiercely competing for that coveted prize. Some teams, however, seemed to be far more prepared than others….
Not for the first time, Lughnasadh found herself wishing that her Clan had a better way to pick teams for Ice Hockey than by using a literal random spell each year. She had decided a long time ago that the magic of that spell – or perhaps the dragons that cast it – had a twisted sense of humor. Why else would the teams chosen consistently turn out to be so….odd?
Of course, not all of the team was difficult. You couldn’t find a better Goalie than Polgara, after all. As an extremely strong-willed Imperial, the Clan’s most unusual Mage (and THAT was saying something in a Clan dedicated to Magic, Mayhem and Madness) usually accomplished what she set out to do…and what Pol wanted to do right now was prevent anyone from getting a puck in the goal. She was so good at it, in fact, that she had had to take a magically binding oath in front of the Game Officials that she was not using any sort of magic or magical influence to change the outcome of the game. Fortunately, the oath had been accepted, and the Clan’s best Goalie yet had not been banned.
The rest of the team on the other hand…
Luu winced as Qui skated past, waving his favorite sword wildly over his head. At least she had managed to convince DonQuioxte that he could not bring his “trusted steed” onto the rink. But she was having a bit of trouble getting it through his head that defending a goal did NOT mean literally whacking everything that got near with a sharp blade. Fortunately, Qui’s fellow Defender had a much steadier outlook. Even better, Brian was able to exert some influence on the volatile Wildclaw – a fact that the usually gentle Snapper was exhibiting this very moment, Loo saw in relief, watching as BrianJacques glided over to Qui and spoke softly in his ear. A moment later, the Wildclaw sheathed his blade, unfastened the warrior’s belt, and handed both over to the Snapper with a deep bow before moving off to confer with Polgara at the Goal.
Intrigued, Loo followed Brian to the side of the rink, where the Snapper gently placed the belt and sheath on a bench next to several of their waiting clanmates. “What on Sornieth did you say to him?” Loo asked, as one of their fellow Elemental Gems Clan Members settled himself firmly beside the sword, clearly intending to guard it until the game was over, “I thought we would never get that sword away from him.”
Brian laughed softly. “I simply reminded him that there was a time and place for tournaments and hunts…and a time and place for courtly games,” he answered, “and one does not bring a bladed weapon to a test of wits and athletic skill. To skewer one’s opponent in a test of wits would be very bad form, after all.”
The team’s Captain blinked. “Right,” she murmured in consternation. She wasn’t sure that she had ever before heard Ice Hockey referred to as a “test of wits and skill,” let alone as a “courtly game.” But, Loo reflected, watching as the two Forwards moved into position without too much difficulty--if you didn’t count Soulfire seeming far more interested in the patterns on the ice than where she was going, causing a slight confusion about who should line up where--who was she to complain, when Qui had relinquished his sword so easily…and without having knocked down a tent full of familiars first, as he did last time he was on the team? If a new way to describe Ice Hockey was the price Loo paid for NOT needing to placate an angry Tundra and several game officials, then so be it.
“Right,” she repeated more firmly. “And we need to get this particular courtly game started.” She gestured to the ice, and the waiting team. “If you wouldn’t mind?”
“But of course, Captain,” Brian smiled, bowed, and turned, skating smoothly back onto the ice. He moved over to Qui and Polgara, talking to them both. Loo nodded, satisfied that her second in command this year would have the Defensive Line straightened out soon enough. That only left the Offense…
Sighing in exasperation, Lughnasadh glided over to Soulfire. “So, my Lady,” she asked lightly, “what is so fascinating about the ice today?”
Soulfire started, and looked up with a sheepish smile. “Oh my, is it time for the game already?” The elderly Pearlcatcher blushed from her nose to her tail, the darked green making a sharp contrast with her lighter colored scales. “I’m sorry Lughnasadh," she said. "I just noticed how lovely the sunlight looked glancing off the ice and wanted to memorize the pattern so that I could paint it later.” The Clan's Artist winced. “I didn’t realize that the game was about to begin.”
Loo relented despite herself, charmed as always by Soulfire’s absentminded nature when away from her natural element. “Not quite yet,” she said gently. “The other team hasn’t come out on the ice yet, so you can probably take a few more minutes to prepare. But only a few, Soulfire. We do need to start the game sometime today.”
“Of course!” Soulfire straightened, settling her wings firmly on her back and stowing her pearl in her robes. “I’m ready, Captain,” she said firmly. “Just tell me when!”
Relieved, Loo glanced over to her right, and noticed that the team’s last member was also in place, as always. The quiet, unobtrusive Pearlcatcher had been a bit of a surprise for the whole team. Generally thought of as gentle and even delicate in nature, she had shown a very different personality on the ice. The Clan’s gentlest Mage became a powerhouse of fierce energy once you blew that whistle for the start of a game. Even now, Lughnasadh could see the wild gleam beginning to shine in her usually soft eyes. Nodding to herself, Loo checked off her final mental box. Polgara was in place. Qui had been convinced to abandon his sword and was now waiting to “challenge” any “foul vagrant” who dared intrude into their “fair territory”. Brian, as always, was prepared to defend their rear. Soulfire was once again back in the here and now…and their final member had transitioned from gentle dragon to fierce competitor.
Yes, Loo thought, crouching down facing the now arriving opposing team, they were ready. And they were going to win. Clan Elemental Gems was back, and the Madness and Mayhem was about to begin!
@JinxMoonstone
:D Good to see the Games return for another year! Please add me to every single ping list (as always). I am very much looking forward to this year’s competition!
[center][b]Cross Country Skiing[/b][/center]
[center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/83381549][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/833816/83381549_350.png[/img][/url][/center]
Herringbone is getting ready for her race, 5K on her new skis. She hasn't been skiing for very long, but has found that she enjoys the rhythmic strides. She [b]hunts[/b] around her room for her gear, finding her lucky hat and some goggles to shade the sun. She takes a few centering breaths, and heads out to the racing facility. This will be the first time she proves herself against other clans, she plans to do her lair proud!
Cross Country Skiing
Herringbone is getting ready for her race, 5K on her new skis. She hasn't been skiing for very long, but has found that she enjoys the rhythmic strides. She hunts around her room for her gear, finding her lucky hat and some goggles to shade the sun. She takes a few centering breaths, and heads out to the racing facility. This will be the first time she proves herself against other clans, she plans to do her lair proud!
[center][b]Day 1 Sunday - Cross-Country Skiing[/b]
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/67409604][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/674097/67409604_350.png[/img][/url][/center]
Atiqtalaaq took a deep breath, enjoying the frosty air. It had been ages since his last [b]hunt[/b], and even though there was no prey to be sought on this day, he was glad to exchange his fishing spear and boots for a sleek set of skis. The course looked fresh, the snow was soft and new, and the trees shone in their snowy jackets under the winter sun. Glorious!
Atiqtalaaq took a deep breath, enjoying the frosty air. It had been ages since his last hunt, and even though there was no prey to be sought on this day, he was glad to exchange his fishing spear and boots for a sleek set of skis. The course looked fresh, the snow was soft and new, and the trees shone in their snowy jackets under the winter sun. Glorious!
[center][b]Sunday: Alpine Skiing - Slalom[/b]
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/19771070][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/197711/19771070_350.png[/img][/url][/center]
Serenity had been on a [b]hunt[/b] for something fun to do for a while now, and one day she happened to chance upon the Sornieth Winter Games. It looked like a very exciting event! Many dragons clad in winter attire were performing warm-ups, searching for some gear, or cheering for their clan members.
Almost shyly, she approached the booth and asked about what she could participate in. The dragon behind the counter gave her a list of events, which she perused for a while. Serenity glanced at some of the games in her line of sight, seeing some dragons fly past in high speed. These were games she had certainly heard of, but she had absolutely no practice in them, and nor was she familiar with their rules. There was certainly no way she could win against the more seasoned veterans here.
But it seemed the Sornieth Winter Games were open for dragons of any experience to participate, and it was her new year's resolution to try something new for once, so Serenity decided to put her name down for [Alpine Skiing - Slalom]. After receiving instructions about where to find some rental gear, she headed to the slopes, trying her hardest to memorize the rules of the slalom game.
"Okay, so I have to go past the coloured gates in order, and get to the finish line in the shortest possible time... it sounds simple enough," she adjusted her gear carefully, making sure everything was fastened well, and nervously waited for her turn.
She didn't have to wait long. Soon, she pushed off the slope, the wind roaring in her ears, and she was whizzing down quickly! Serenity was almost blown away by the thrill, until she remembered what she was supposed to do. The Skydancer turned, just barely, at a red pole, struggling to right herself to make another curve, and sputtered as a blue pole hit her in the face. It was a bit of a rocky start, but as she zipped past the finish line, she hoped that her first attempt was good enough. That was fun!
Serenity had been on a hunt for something fun to do for a while now, and one day she happened to chance upon the Sornieth Winter Games. It looked like a very exciting event! Many dragons clad in winter attire were performing warm-ups, searching for some gear, or cheering for their clan members.
Almost shyly, she approached the booth and asked about what she could participate in. The dragon behind the counter gave her a list of events, which she perused for a while. Serenity glanced at some of the games in her line of sight, seeing some dragons fly past in high speed. These were games she had certainly heard of, but she had absolutely no practice in them, and nor was she familiar with their rules. There was certainly no way she could win against the more seasoned veterans here.
But it seemed the Sornieth Winter Games were open for dragons of any experience to participate, and it was her new year's resolution to try something new for once, so Serenity decided to put her name down for [Alpine Skiing - Slalom]. After receiving instructions about where to find some rental gear, she headed to the slopes, trying her hardest to memorize the rules of the slalom game.
"Okay, so I have to go past the coloured gates in order, and get to the finish line in the shortest possible time... it sounds simple enough," she adjusted her gear carefully, making sure everything was fastened well, and nervously waited for her turn.
She didn't have to wait long. Soon, she pushed off the slope, the wind roaring in her ears, and she was whizzing down quickly! Serenity was almost blown away by the thrill, until she remembered what she was supposed to do. The Skydancer turned, just barely, at a red pole, struggling to right herself to make another curve, and sputtered as a blue pole hit her in the face. It was a bit of a rocky start, but as she zipped past the finish line, she hoped that her first attempt was good enough. That was fun!
[center][b]Day 1: Ice Hockey[/b]
[img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/807306/80730593_350.png[/img]
Erebus had never played hockey before the Sornieth Winter Games were announced. However, neither had any of his clanmates. After a short and empty-handed [b]hunt[/b] for anyone with even a little skill, Erebus ended up volunteering to play. He and the other unfortunate volunteers practiced for hours on end, until they had worn themselves out. There may not be much truly at stake, but they still didn't want to lose. They only remembered to rest up the day before the event because Rhea forbid them from doing anything else.
Well, the day was finally here. Erebus stood beside his teammates, each head giving its best encouraging smile to opposite sides, and together they stepped out onto the ice as if they'd done it a hundred times before.[/center]
Day 1: Ice Hockey
Erebus had never played hockey before the Sornieth Winter Games were announced. However, neither had any of his clanmates. After a short and empty-handed hunt for anyone with even a little skill, Erebus ended up volunteering to play. He and the other unfortunate volunteers practiced for hours on end, until they had worn themselves out. There may not be much truly at stake, but they still didn't want to lose. They only remembered to rest up the day before the event because Rhea forbid them from doing anything else.
Well, the day was finally here. Erebus stood beside his teammates, each head giving its best encouraging smile to opposite sides, and together they stepped out onto the ice as if they'd done it a hundred times before.
Erebus had never played hockey before the Sornieth Winter Games were announced. However, neither had any of his clanmates. After a short and empty-handed hunt for anyone with even a little skill, Erebus ended up volunteering to play. He and the other unfortunate volunteers practiced for hours on end, until they had worn themselves out. There may not be much truly at stake, but they still didn't want to lose. They only remembered to rest up the day before the event because Rhea forbid them from doing anything else.
Well, the day was finally here. Erebus stood beside his teammates, each head giving its best encouraging smile to opposite sides, and together they stepped out onto the ice as if they'd done it a hundred times before.
-Sunday, Event: Speed Skating
[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/66728302][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/667284/66728302_350.png[/img][/url]
Fish tugged the ice skates onto his paws, thinking as he did, [i]Today was my shift to [b]hunt[/b] for the clan, yet hear I am. I know Lauren specifically excused me from my duties, but I can't help but worry my substitute is cursing my name right now.[/i]
Satisfied that each of his laces were securely tied, he glided over to his lane on the track. Many other dragons who looked more equipped for the ice than he were preparing for the race. A group of Tundras were stretching their legs, dressed head to toe in Ice clan memorabilia. Directly to his left was a Gaoler with snow-white fur, studying the track with piercing gray eyes. He couldn't help but think that he was about to suffer an embarrassing loss.
As if Lauren could sense his thoughts, the Lar locked eyes with her favorite dragon. Waving her weird, fleshy paw in what he recognized as a gesture of comfort, she said, "Believe in yourself, Fish. I picked you for this because you're the fastest, most agile member of our clan."
"I still think you should have had one of the Spirals do it, but what do I know..." He muttered under his breath. Shaking his head in resignation, he steeled himself for the starting sound. [i]Here goes nothing.[/i]
-Sunday, Event: Speed Skating
Fish tugged the ice skates onto his paws, thinking as he did, Today was my shift to hunt for the clan, yet hear I am. I know Lauren specifically excused me from my duties, but I can't help but worry my substitute is cursing my name right now.
Satisfied that each of his laces were securely tied, he glided over to his lane on the track. Many other dragons who looked more equipped for the ice than he were preparing for the race. A group of Tundras were stretching their legs, dressed head to toe in Ice clan memorabilia. Directly to his left was a Gaoler with snow-white fur, studying the track with piercing gray eyes. He couldn't help but think that he was about to suffer an embarrassing loss.
As if Lauren could sense his thoughts, the Lar locked eyes with her favorite dragon. Waving her weird, fleshy paw in what he recognized as a gesture of comfort, she said, "Believe in yourself, Fish. I picked you for this because you're the fastest, most agile member of our clan."
"I still think you should have had one of the Spirals do it, but what do I know..." He muttered under his breath. Shaking his head in resignation, he steeled himself for the starting sound. Here goes nothing.
Fish tugged the ice skates onto his paws, thinking as he did, Today was my shift to hunt for the clan, yet hear I am. I know Lauren specifically excused me from my duties, but I can't help but worry my substitute is cursing my name right now.
Satisfied that each of his laces were securely tied, he glided over to his lane on the track. Many other dragons who looked more equipped for the ice than he were preparing for the race. A group of Tundras were stretching their legs, dressed head to toe in Ice clan memorabilia. Directly to his left was a Gaoler with snow-white fur, studying the track with piercing gray eyes. He couldn't help but think that he was about to suffer an embarrassing loss.
As if Lauren could sense his thoughts, the Lar locked eyes with her favorite dragon. Waving her weird, fleshy paw in what he recognized as a gesture of comfort, she said, "Believe in yourself, Fish. I picked you for this because you're the fastest, most agile member of our clan."
"I still think you should have had one of the Spirals do it, but what do I know..." He muttered under his breath. Shaking his head in resignation, he steeled himself for the starting sound. Here goes nothing.