RP:Caber Toss Capers
Part of the Festival of Aramoth.
Part of the Silver Oaths Unrelenting Arc
Open Snowfield
Satoshi throws a log at Kasyr! Rawr!
Satoshi ...probably should have considered the consequences of this decision.
Kasyr is trying to picture the size of a log that Satoshi could throw. It's a cute mental image.
Satoshi said, "It might have been a broom handle. Shut up!"
Kasyr just sorta moves a bit to the side, and watches it sail by. "..Got tired of cleaning?"
Eliason steps into the field, eyes casting about for any signs of what today's event might be.
Satoshi gets Buster to throw a log instead. Take -that-!
Kasyr 's reaction to a Buster Throw (that sounds like some sort of special attack), is to hit the deck. "Right, fine. No domestic jokes."
Misaki is being accompanied by Eli, so she shows up at his side. Yup. Misaki's bloodstained hair looked kind of cool with her green eyes and bodice.
Eliason tries mightily not to look to proud of himself for attending the event with Misaki, but probably is walking with a certain unnatural swagger at the idea.
Satoshi sits atop the wide shoulders of her gorillian ice golem, delivering a light tap to the construct's low-slung head before it can reach for any logs to chuck Kasyr's way. Buster relents, ever obedient, and Satoshi sits a little straighter as she surveys the area. Plenty of Frost Giants have shown up, as expected with their fondness for this game, although they've sectioned themselves off to a part of the field with logs more suited to their size. Another section has been set aside with logs that are humanoid-friendly in size--she can't expect an elf to toss a log that's four times his height, can she? The magus raises a hand to gather the attention of by-standers and participants alike before she announces, "Welcome one and all to a traditional Frostmaw game, the caber toss! As you can see, we've arranged logs befitting the size of any interested in contending, and the rules are very simple. Tharn will demonstrate," the mentioned Frost Giant steps forward with a nod, "You take your log, lift it skyward," Tharn does this, taking hold of a caber, cupped in his palms so that it stands straight in the air, "run forward, and toss!" At these words, the Frost Giant hustles forward and heaves the caber with all his considerable might. It lands a fair distance away, angled to the right. Satoshi nods firmly, and then adds as a final note, "Of course, it isn't purely about distance. You want to throw your caber so that it lands as straight as possible, ends aligned with you. A game of skill as much as strength~. Have at it!" Which is to say, throw those cabers!
Misaki listens to Satoshi explain how the game was played. "...interesting," she said, "I'm not too strong... I probably wouldn't be able to throw one." She chuckled a little. "What about you, Mister Eli? Do you htink you could throw one?"
Mark wanders silently into the open snowfield. There isn't much contrast to his attire from the day before except that his clothes were less tattered. A large gathering of different peoples of all sorts had gathered here. It couldn't possibly have something to do with that party that was going on yesterday right? Wait, come to think about it, isn't THAT the building just a bit north west from here that the party was held in yesterday? Looks like Mark got turned around, but at least he knows these lands a bit better, but it was about time to ask for directions. He didn't know what was going here at all, he just saw a bunch of logs standing upright, maybe this was some sort of wood-carving event? He quickly made his way through the crowd to see what was happening and to see if there was someone who didn't seem too busy to give him directions.
Eliason looks upon the demonstration with great interest. He had never seen such a game before and wonders what could be so hard about what he has just seen. A smile graces his lips as he hurries forward to take the challenge. The big man approaches the pile of logs that appear to be his size and takes hold of one. A grunt escapes his lips as he tries to heft it... Apparently they are heavier than they look. With some effort, he is able to stand the wooden pole on end and balance it. Leaning forward, he attempts to cup the bottom of it as the giant had done and lift it. He just manages to lift it from the ground, before the log begins to teeter violently and fall to the side. A very ungodly curse escapes the acolyte's mouth as he realizes too late that the caber is going to fall right into the middle of the assembled spectators.
Hildegarde had sparred with the paladin Aela earlier on, just outside the academy that had so recently opened, which was rather convenient for this knight! She slipped inside and changed out of her armour and into the battle dress the Queen had told her was a necessary part of her wardrobe and it was a dress the woman was comfortable with, for she could fight in it; move relatively freely in it and it was modest. Sabjorn followed into the open snowfield closely behind the Silver, complaining about how they had missed the feast and the ball, very clearly doubting there would be a feast here at the caber toss. Hilde frowned some, "I will give you coin for food after, let us just deliver the 'trophy' to our Queen. We are late enough as it is, my friend!" she said, shuffling into the area as quickly as she could. Once she spotted Satoshi perched atop that familiar golem, she made her way over to her: "Hail, my Queen," she called out, "might I steal a moment of your time?"
Lanlan was blending in with the spectators which is probably why you didn't notice him arrive. But he was here and he listened to the rules of the event. He might not have the skills or strength...but playing by the rules is what makes you lose!
Kasyr get's back up, adjusts his trenchcoat (he's not looking formal anymore), and proceeds to meander over towards one of the log piles, if only so that he can hop on top of it- and beginning nudging one of the topmost logs off with his foot. Really, once it starts rolling down the pile, he simply hops onto it- and just does his best to keep his balance as it comes crashing down into the ground. Suffice to say, he's putzing around in the hopes that he can get properly inspired to hurl this thing.
Misaki spread her wings the moment she noticed the caber falling, taking to the air immediatly. The pale avian out with her skinny arms and caught the caber not too far above the spectator's heads. Misaki grimaced a little at the weight of the caber, but beat her wings furiously so she could push it away from the spectators - quite a feat, for someone her size. (5' for those who don't know.)
Satoshi greets Hildegarde upon the knight's arrival, although whatever it was the kit said is lost beneath the roar of the spectators--first of alarm, then a cheer when Misaki catches the errant caber. Satoshi turns her attention toward the spectacle long enough to smile in lopsided fashion and nod. Clever little avian, that one is. Nodding again, Satoshi looks back at Hildegarde, Buster offering the knight and her companion a sluggish salute. "But of course, Mithril. As if I could say no to you~."
Mark :: As luck would have it, Mark made it to the front of the crowd just in time as a sizable log was falling down towards him. It was probably his fault for not realizing why the crowd was scattering around him though, he thought maybe he'd just stepped in something that smelled funny. He held up his hands to try and stop it, as it was too late to get out of the way, but he didn't even get a chance to try as an Avian, a particularly familiar looking one, had already caught the log and safely pushed it elsewhere. He looks in the direction of where the log had fallen from, but still doesn't really understand what's going on with these logs. He also didn't happen to know he was standing a good distance in front of the crowd that was now behind him.
Eliason breathes a sigh of relief as Misaki is able to save the crowd from being pummeled by the log. Sheepishly he grins and offers a thankful salute to the avian. Now completely mortified, the acolyte feels the need to redeem himself from the embarrassment of the moment. Making his way back over to the pile of logs, he once again selects one and pushes it up onto its end. He bends his knees and cups his hands underneath the beam, this time able to stand with the thing in his hands. Taking a few steps, he bunches the muscles in his arms and heaves the log forward, attempting to toss it forward so that the tip will catch the ground and flip the log over its end. And for a moment, it appears that he might actually be successful, the tip catches and it rolls begins to roll as if to flip. There is not quite enough momentum, however, and the log stops just at the zenith of its travel and falls backward instead, threatening to pummel the unsuspecting acolyte.
Satoshi waits until Kasyr rolls his log nearby, so that she can idly remark, "Know what's more masculine than growing a long beard? Throwin' a caber~." Svilfon, after all, has one up on the kensai in that competition of dignity reparation.
Hildegarde 's ears rang at those shrieks and cries of alarm that soon turned to ones of joy and praise, as Misaki so cleverly captured the errant caber! The knight smiled, "A brave deed!" she proclaimed with praise, before turning her attention back to Satoshi. "I thank you, m'lady. Our quest was a success and we wish to present you with this," she said solemnly, as Sabjorn passed her the bloodied burlap sack. Pale hands sank deep into the sack to pull forth the severed head of the self-proclaimed 'Jarl' Anbjorn with his antlered crown; the head extended towards Satoshi. "My men felt it appropriate for a trophy, to celebrate the victory of our Queen and the City of War."
Misaki notices the caber about to crush her human friend. She snarls, pulling out her crossbow from seemingly nowhere... and she shot a single bolt at the caber, yelling. The black metal bolt shattered in midair, striking the caber with -just enough- force to knock it off of its path, so it would land not even a foot away from the acolyte. With her friend safe, she lowers herself down to the ground, tying her crossbow back onto her hip. She then turns to the crowd, which was cheering wildly, when her eyes caught the sight of Mark. His rudeness from last night popped back up in her mind and her entire expression darkened.
Kasyr 's got that whole unnatural grace thing going on, and a tail for some additional balance, to boot- so he's just making a game out of seeing how long he can keep the log rolling. That said, it's not like he's speeding along, persay- so he's more than able to reply back, "Know who doesn't need to overcompensate? This guy~" Does a brief hop, before he adopts a casual pose, his thumbs pointing in towards his chest. And well, than the caber keeps on rolling, and he's required to keep on hustling with it, "I'll toss it when there's someone worth throwing it at."
Satoshi accepts the severed head without the slightest sign of repulsion or dislike. In fact, the Lady of Frostmaw is grinning, an expression made predatory with her fangs and gleaming eyes. Clearly, Satoshi is pleased by the gift and, after a moment whispering a few arcane words, conjures up a tall pole of ice to impale the head upon. Anbjorn's head wobbles and lolls to one side, his antlered crown askew and caked in dried blood. "I thank you, Hildegarde, for your fine work. You and your men have more than proven your skills in this," Satoshi's tone is solemn, but her expression is pleased. After a moment, she adds with a smirk, in a lower voice, "None can say Frostmaw doesn't put its enemies in places of honor, hm?"
Mark watches as the strange man picks up another log from a pile nearby, assuming that he was going to stand it up on its end like the others on the field. Strangely, though, the man decided to pick it up and perhaps lost his balance, causing the large cylinder of wood to fall forwards, just a bit, but it seemed to not have too much momentum and ended up falling back on the man. At the sight of this, Mark rushes to his aid. He runs up, pushing the stranger away, and hold his hands up, surprisingly catching the log in his hands. It takes a bit of effort, but Mark finishes the job he assumed the man was doing and sets up the piece of wood, analyzing it, up and down after he'd done so. It actually wasn't as heavy as he'd expected. It was about twice the size of his Gu Zheng, speaking of which he probably should get back to his instrument soon, but didn't weigh near as much, but his instrument was crafted of petrified wood, practically stone. Yes, it was hollowed out, but it definitely had taken more effort to lug that thing around than to set up this piece of wood.
Satoshi's Frost Giant bodyguard, Tharn, tosses another caber beside the others of his height class, before he dusts off his hands, satisfied. He takes a moment then to look at the rest of the participants, which is when he spots Mark, standing in front of the rest of the spectators and looking slightly out of place. "Oi! You there!" The giant points a large finger at Mark then jerks his head in a 'come here' fashion. "They're not gonna throw themselves if you just stand an' stare at them! Get your hands dirty!"
Hildegarde offered a solemn nod to the Queen, sad yet stormy eyes looking Anbjorn's wobbling head for a moment. "We live to serve, m'lady," she intoned, with a respectful bow at the waist, which wasn't quite the right action to do in a dress. The woman was too used to her armour! "Indeed, m'lady," she agreed, with a small smile, obviously content that the Queen was pleased with it. "Are you going to participate in the toss?" she asked her with curiosity, barely able to keep up with the antics of the would be tossers.
Mark turns towards the giant that seemed to call him out begins a rather awkward approach. He pulls off his black hood and scratches his head a bit, yet still confused about what's going on. Throw? What? What's going on? What does this have to do with the wooden poles? Well perhaps he'd get more information from the giant, but fortune didn't seem to be favoring the man currently so he probably wouldn't...
Eliason 's attention had turned immediately toward Misaki upon loosing the caber from his grasp, so he had no idea that the heavy beam was headed straight for his cranium. It also took him by surprise when the woman that he was so determined to impress snarled and shot a crossbow in his direction. Confusion passes across his features and more than a little fear as he resigned himself to a quick death. He squeezes his eyes shut, waiting for the crossbow bolt to strike, but instead hears a loud thud and then another as the caber falls next to him. It takes a few moments of solemn reflection before the acolyte realizes what had just happened. But once the realization dawns on him, he once again offers a thankful wave to Misaki. Determine now that he is going to get this, he once again hefts the log into place and hurls it with all of his might. This time, the caber does as it's supposed to and actually flips end over end, though it lands at a severe angle from the direction that it had been thrown.
Satoshi wrinkles her nose at Hildegarde's question. "With Kasyr around? Sven no. He'd end up throwing it back at me."
Misaki sighs, glancing over at Mark. He seemed really confused about what to do with the poles. So, she decided to get a little revenge for the discourtesy he showed. She looked around and found a caber only as tall as she was - probably meant for a dwarf or a hobbit - and she threw the damn thing like a spear at Mark. "Think fast!" she yelled as she did so.
Tharn can read plainly on Mark's face that the stranger is at something of a loss. "Here. Watch." Like all young Frost Giants, Tharn is always willing to show off, and so he takes hold of another caber, cupped securely in his hands as he thunders forward. After a few paces the giant's arms shove upward to heave the log in the air, sending it sailing forward to crash to the ground yards away. This throw is a bit better than the one he'd used to demonstrate at the event's opening, at least, which causes the giant to thrust out his chest proudly.
Satoshi's guard is probably just showing off now, with Mark likely distracted by Misaki's throw.
Kasyr heard his name, and gives Satoshi a little salute, and an awkward hopping bow as he keeps the Caber in motion. ...Something which has him looking away from where he's rolling long enough for him to roll right into a giant. ...There's not exactly brakes or sharp turns on these things. The giant, for his part, just sort of staggers to the side for a moment, before he gives a quizzical look to the sprawled out Kasyr, and the log that's resting off to the side. It's with a shrug that the Caber (meant more for a human) is hefted up by the giant in one hand, alongside a chiding, "Har. Like this, boy." And then it's sent hurtling forward- a bit more crookedly than it ought to, if only because it may as well be a branch to the Giant. Kasyr, for his part, just sort of stays laying down, a whimsical, "Not bad." The revenant takes note of the fact that he's still getting stared at, "...Oh, this is one of those challenge things, where I'm expected to participate, isn't it?"
Hildegarde laughed at Satoshi's comment, nodding her head along as if in agreement. "I shall participate, see if I can't show people the might of Frostmaw's knights!" she said, almost jokingly. The knight wandered over to the array of logs, attempting to not get squished in anyone's attempt to toss a caber. Given that she had draconic strength, the knight thought it would be fair to go for a bigger log. Selecting one at the height of nineteen feet, the knight glanced to Sabjorn and hoisted up the caber. "This ought to be fun," she thought, as she cupped her hands at her belly, with the log resting in her cupped hands. She waited for a clear run before belting forward and tossing the caber forward, hoping it would land straight and true!
Mark "Here. Watch." the giant told him, "Think fast!" the voice of the Avian that'd come to his aid yesterday sounded out from behind him and of course he turned about just in time to be smacked in the right cheek by the small log. It didn't hurt too bad, but he'd just missed what the giant was about to show him. All he caught was the giant bending down to do something in front of the log. Being one not to ask for directions a second time... not that he asked the first, he approached one of the smaller logs, about the same size as the one the other human was attempting to carry. He seemed to just gaze at it a while, sizing it up before reaching down... taking aim... and tossing a snowball at the top of the log, hitting it squarely at the last possibly portion that could have been struck. In a rather childish sort of fashion, Mark then towards the direction of the giant that had been instructing him, completely ignoring the teetering log behind him, and asks, "Was that corre-" he was unable to complete his sentence as the log that had been teetering behind him toppled over in his direction, causing Mark to land face-first into the snow with a log on top of his head... Still better than that drop from a few miles up he had yesterday though, right? Well at least he wasn't knocked out as a bit of muffling could be heard from him as he lift himself out of the snow with his hands, causing the log to fall off to his side, "Correct?" he finished his sentence finally.
Nowfaleena had arrived, just to observe, back in her normal attire, though with a fur cloak draped about her shoulders. Her children stood on either side of her, in their usual attire, as well as a cloak for each. She'd promised them the experience of the festival, so they might as well see the caber toss too.
Satoshi, while watching the variety of antics and athletics, remarks to her golem, "Some of them might not be Frostmawians, but they've got the spirit for it." As in, 'It isn't a Frostmaw event if there isn't some bloodshed.'
Eliason has the hang of this thing now... Or so he thinks as he prepares another caber for a straighter toss. He watches Hildegarde perform her throw, considereably impressed with the knight's strength. Once she is clear, the acolyte makes his next run. His muscles are apparently getting more worn than he anticipates, however, and after his third step, the strength in his fingers gives out and the caber slips from his grasp. He has but a second to think about how much this is going to hurt before the log lands squarely on the top of his foot. This not only hurts, but serves the dual purposes of stopping his momentum mid-stride. As the caber falls to the side, Eli's upper body continues forward while his legs stay put sending him sprawling face first into the ground.
Misaki started giggling. Mark definitely seemed very accident-prone to the avian. She looked over to her friend Eli, who seemed to be having fun with the cabers as well. She grabbed her crossbow for a moment when the metal weapon seemed to melt around her fingers to the ground, becoming a large mass of shadows.
Tharn blinks down at Mark before bursting into laughter. "Try to get the log to land out in the snow, instead of you. Then you'll ge--" He stops talking to wince, having spotted Eliason's third mishap with a caber. That poor guy can't catch a break--unless you count a potentially broken foot?
Nowfaleena wasn't about to try tossing a caber. Caracals aren't the strongest of felines, after all. But her cubs are having a good time watching, laughing up a storm at teh struggles of certain participants. And gaping in awe at the success of others.
Hildegarde , once she had thrown her caber, turned to face the others gathered in the snowfield, right on time to witness Eliason attempt to throw another caber. As she saw the caber begin to totter out of his grasp, she bolted as quickly as she could to his side and, much like a fairy-tale knight, attempted to sweep him off his feet and away from the falling log before it crushed his toes or the man himself. Providing she managed to sweep him away - up in her arms, like any good story - she would look to him and ask, "M'lord, are you well?"
Satoshi squints. She can't be sure, but it looks like a number of the frost giants are trying to encourage Kasyr to join them. Obviously they know the revenant's considerable strength, and they want to see it on display.
Eliason clenches his eyes shut, anticipating a face full of snow, or ground, or something painful. Once again, though, he is saved by someone catching him. Opening his eyes, he finds himself cradled in Hildegarde's arms. With his foot throbbing painfully, he peers into her face, trying to figure out what had just happened. Realization dawns on him slowly and he attempts to push himself from her grasp. "I'm fine, thank you. It really was nothing."
Kasyr is just continuing to be lazy, the swordsman having put his time to use in creating a snow Kensai on the ground. At least until the giant who had effectively challenged him lumbers back over to the spot he's laying- and plunks a caber down beside Kasyr. ...One that's more appropriate for their size. Kasyr gives it one good look, before he presses up onto his elbows, and starts to get up. Challenged Accepted.
Hildegarde deposited the acolyte back on the ground with a sheepish smile, "Then I am glad," she said, meandering off and away from him. Many she had encountered were often embarrassed by being helped or rescued by a woman! The knight sighed and rubbed at her scarred cheek with pale fingertips, wondering what else she could do at this moment in time.
Nowfaleena tried to reach out and grabher son's arm as he took off toward the silver, "Strend." She hissed, "Get back here!" But the boy was on a mission, and he stood staring up at the knight, a grin on his face. He didn't care that she was a woman, she was strong! "You're really good at log throwing!" He grinned broadly up at her. Maybe, he hoped, he could be so strong some day! And as heroic too!
One of the Frost Giants, a veteran by the name of Sovornak, hefts up a log similar to the one placed beside Kasyr. The kensai is eyed, as if being sized up by the giant, before Sovornak snorts, spits onto the snow, and begins his toss. The caber flies not only beyond the throws of the other giants, but far straighter as well, a clear mark that this old warrior has been engaging in the caber toss for many years. Another snort, this one of self-approval, follows the caber's landing, and then he shoots Kasyr a sidelong look. "Beat that, pretty boy."
Hildegarde 's reverie was ceased by the young lad before her, grinning up at her. "Thank you, young master," she replied, with a genuine smile. "The giants are far better at it than I. They practice since they are... well... er, young. Little wouldn't work, as they're never really little!" she said with a laugh.
Eliason shakes his head, thoroughly humiliated by the day's events. Grumbling under his breath, he limps over toward Misaki. He is unable to meet her gaze as he draws close to her and so misses her dark, glowering expression toward Mark. "Thank you, Lady Misaki, for your help," he offers as he sits on the ground and pulls off his shoe to examine his injury.
Misaki looks down to the mass of shadows that had appeared by her foot. The shadows started to take form and rise up. The shadows parted, revealing a rather attractive... human? He looked human enough, but what kind of human could become shadows? The man had a sharp nose and thin, pale lips. He wore a white shirt under a black tail coat, with black breeches and shiny shoes. The man was blindfolded with a white cloth, which was half-hidden under a mess of long black hair, most of which had been pulled back into a long ponytail. The man raise a hand and placed it over his heart, and bowed. "Mistress," he said, "are you not going to join in the festivities?" Misaki eyes the man with a kind of dull look. "No, Satoru," she replied, "I'm not strong enough. What about you?"
Nowfaleena moved toward her son and teh dragon, trailed by her daughter. She grabbed the mostly elven looking youth by his wrist. He protested, "Mama, leggo!" His mother shook her head, "Oh no. Not if you're going to keep running off getting in the way!" She looked at the silver and sighed. "Children...always getting into mischief." That was pretty much her way of saying she was sorry if the boy had bothered the knight.
Misaki smiled to her human friend, turning her face away from her familiar. "No problem," she said, "though you should be more careful." She chuckled. "Do you want me to look at that? I can probably fix the bones for you."
Mark :: At the words of the giant, Mark looks out into the field again. Two others, aside from the giant, had thrown logs that could clearly be seen in the white snow. Out in the distance were the logs the giant had tossed, or so Mark thought putting two and two together, and Mark had neglected to see earlier. Well that was enough foolishness for one day, now that he knew what he was supposed to do, he might as well try it the correct way. Lifting the tip of the log that'd recently fallen on top of him and push it forward, running his hand along the bottom of the log as he pushed it back up to its standing position. Again Mark takes a few moments to ponder the situation. Despite being hit by his own log before, he'd noticed another female successfully toss her log... even though he simply thought she was moving it at the time... So he imitated what he remembered, bending down to cup the bottom of the log in his two hands. Again, it was rather light compared to the instrument he usually carried around, but now what did he do? Just toss it? So he stood there, like a fool, with the large piece of wood in his hands as he, again, thought things through. After a few moments of thinking, he chooses a method that he was at least a bit more familiar with. He shifts the log in his hands, moving his left hand up to balance it as he brings it up over his head. With his right hand at the base, and his left balancing it towards the upper bottom portion of the log, the man looks like he's carrying an overly large javelin... and he throws it like one too. The log flies further than any of the others of about the same length that had already been thrown, but as it hits the ground, the log flips over, causing it to turn a bit. If placed on the hand of a clock, then the ends of the log would be pointing towards 1:37. Mark doesn't exactly look pleased with his work... but that was because he had no idea what to feel so he sort of turned towards the crowd again as if asking for instruction.
Hildegarde took a polite step back as Nowfaleena took hold of her son's wrist, "It is all well and good, m'lady," she offered, as if to placate her. "Mischief and the consequences of it teaches us many things," she replied, smiling warmly to the woman. "I believe there might be a caber toss for hobbits and dwarves in that direction," she gestured, hinting that it would be logs suitable for children of that age to throw, with adult supervision of course!
Satoshi, watching Eliason limp away, delivers a directive tap to her golem's head. In answer, Buster lumbers toward the acolyte, his immense glacial form towering above as Satoshi leans forward to peer down at Eliason. "Those were quite interesting throws you had there, monsieur." The grin she wears is amused, although oddly not condescending in nature. Apparently the magus approves of people trying the unfamiliar events, no matter what their success at it might be. "As such, I wanted to thank you, and give you a small reward for your efforts. Frostmaw appreciates those who have come to join in our festivities." Buster is given another tap and the golem extends his orcish hand toward Eliason, palm open and bearing a small leather pouch that jingles with coin inside.
Kasyr gives an approving whistle as he watchs Sovornak's log sail through the air. It's only after it lands the Kensai begins to go through the motions. Taking a moment to peel off his Mithril mesh gloves, and stuff them into his pockets- the Kensai turns to face his Caber, eyeing the bulky log for a few moments, before he comes down to a partial kneel, and brings his hands beneath one end. Suffice to say, however, that even though the revenant can't join his hands together beneath the thing, his prodigial strength is still more than enough to drag the thing off the ground, however awkwardly. Perspective wise, this probably looks pretty funny, given that the Revenant's about 5'5, and the things some 30 odd feet, making the revenant look even -shorter- than usual. And if the erratic twitchng of his ears is any indication, the Kensai is -very- aware of this height disparity. "...I may as well be hitting someone with a tree." Where's Kuzial when you need him.
Satoshi should make Kasyr his own golem, then he won't feel short. It works for her, sitting on top of the nine foot tall Buster!
Satoshi, as if reading Kasyr's mind, mutters a quiet few words and points toward the snow far in front of the kensai--and well past where Sovornak's throw landed. A small section of the normally flat field transforms, the snow rising up as if invisible hands are building a snowman, until at last there stands a frosty replica of the Stavret drow, complete with a mocking sneer and rude hand gesture. There's your target, revenant.
Eliason waves off Misaki's offer of help, finally dragging his eyes up to meet her's. "Thank you, milady, but it will be healed by morning. The gods would not have me missing any duties due to this..." He trails off as the golem with Satoshi perched atop approaches. Ever respectful of authority, the acolyte sinks to one knee and lowers his head in deference. "Your majesty..." he intones. Her words lift the acolytes spirit and he looks up with pride once more in his eyes as he accepts the reward. "You are too kind, your majesty... Thank you."
Satoshi gave 2000 gold to Eliason.
Nowfaleena sighed and smiled to the dragon. She understood what the other woman was saying, but she was still an overly cautious mother. At the mention of a child-sized caber toss, Strend brightened, turning to his mother, "Mama, please? Please?" He did his best attempt at the too-cute-to-deny face. Not that his mother was very vulnerable to such an expression. "I don't know..." She looked back to Eliason, knowing that injuries were possible during such an event. He had proven that. Her gaze then drifted back to her pleading son, who was frowning up at her. He huffed at her, "You never let me do anything fun!"
Misaki shakes her head at her friend. "Mister Eli, how can you have fun when you're in pain?" she asked, kneeling to examine his foot. Satoru turned his face so, if he had eyes, he would gaze at Eliason. "...it's pointless to argue," he said in his calm, low voice, "once Mistress decides on something, it's nearly impossible to convince her to do otherwise."
Hildegarde said to Nowfaleena, "I believe there are healers around here somewhere, should anything go awry. Besides, children get into all kinds of scraps and accidents when they are young, m'lady. It builds character. But alas, you are his mother, you have the final say."
Mark just kind of stands there awkwardly, alone for a few moments. He doesn't really understand the purpose of what was going on, but it was probably about time he returned to his problem of getting back to the Kelay Tavern or some other familiar place from here. His gaze falls on Nowfaleena and her children, he could simply follow her home afterwards so it was probably best to stick near her. He also notices Misaki in the crowd, however, so luckily if he's unable to do what he originally intends, he could ask the avian for directions. For the time being, he'd just follow Nowfaleena for awhile. With that, he just walks off the field, in the direction of the feline and the female he'd seen tossing one of those logs earlier.
Nowfaleena flicked her tail, her ears dipping back in thought. She didn't like the idea of being pressured into anything. But Hildegarde did have a point. "Fine." She muttered, looking at Strend, "But be careful!" The boy gave a holler of glee, and scampered off towards the child sized cabers, his mother and sister chasing after him.
Eliason shakes his head at the swelling in his foot and the throbbing pain assaulting his senses. Misaki's voice draws his attention once more as she leans in to examine the shattered metatarsals once he is again sitting upon the ground. It is with some surprise that the acolyte finally notices Satoru, though who the man is, Eli cannot begin to say. "Ummm... Okay then. I thank you for any help you can give." His eyes remain on the man with the avian, wondering where he had come from and why he called her Mistress.
Kasyr 's vision might be partially obscured by the log in his hands, but it's not enough to stop him from catching sight of the glacial effigy that Satoshi provides him. Without a further word, and heedless of what bit of amusement his actions had asofar produced, the Kensai removes of of his hands from the Caber- reducing himself to some awkward balancing, even as he pulls the goggles from his forehead down over his eyes. Quickly enough his hand snaps back into position if only so he can begin to heave the thing upwards, on the very spot he's still standing. As far as throws go, it's not really all that impressive, as while it does send the log into an upwards arc, it seems all but poised to come landing on the very spot the Revenant occupies. Which is the point, given that even as caber begins to tilt down towards the ground, the Kensai's in the process of stepping back. In a blur of motion that's altogether unnatural, the Kensai abruptly snaps forward, his right hand slamming forward into the base of the caber once it's parralel to the ground- the motion once part throw and one part thunderous palm strike. Stavret The Homicidal Snowman's has got incoming, the form of a ludicrously large lump of lumber hurtling towards it at speeds it shouldn't be able to attain. Kasyr, on the other hand, has splinters, from the bit of the log that burst upon impact. "...I shouldn't have removed my gloves."
Hildegarde dipped her head at Nowfaleena's decision, watching the mother and her children scamper off towards the smaller cabers. She sighed and dusted down her dress, feeling somewhat embarrassed to be in it; over-dressed for such an event! But not much could be done about that now. So, the Silver stood there, hands awkwardly clasped together as she just watched the events around her.
Misaki noticed Eliason gazing at Satoru. She smiled a little. "...Mister Eli," she said, her ghand starting to glow as it hovered over his foot, "meet my crossbow's human form, Satoru." Satoru placed his hand on his heart and bowed to Eli, much like he had to Misaki. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Eli," he stated, then his face turned to Misaki. "I am going to try this... caber toss," he told her. "Then get going," she said without looking up, "put on a good show for the queen."
Nowfaleena watched as Strend picked out one of the small cabers, struggling to heft it. But when he had managed to lift it (which surprised his mother, in all honesty) he tossed it with a grunt, and it landed about a foot in front of him. The boy frowned, his sister laughed. This was harder than he thought. The logs were cumbersome, and heavy.
Eliason blinks his eyes in confusion at the introduction offered by Misaki. Perhaps he was delirious from the pain of the broken foot, but he was sure that he had just been introduced to the human form of a crossbow. Chewing on his bottom lip, the acolyte watches as the...crossbow... saunters off to participate in the caber toss. Instead of questioning the idea further, he instead focuses on the glowing hand over his foot.
Satoshi, with a bow of her head echoed by Buster, withdraws to leave Eliason in Misaki's hands. Although the kit does linger long enough to have her golem place another pouch of gold beside Misaki, with a whispered, "For brave interference and defense of the spectators. Bravo." Golem-riding magus contents herself then to moving among the participants, handing out gold and remarks where they've been earned. When Tharn is reached, he too is given gold along with a second pouch, an explanation following, "I didn't see where that fellow who threw the snowball went, make he gets that, hm?" The giant nods dutifully, and stows the money to be delivered to Mark by some means or another. Content her duties have been seen too, Satoshi joins Kasyr, in time to see her Kuzial look alike explode in a flurry of angry-looking snow. Satoshi purses her lips, thoughtful. "Pity that wasn't the real thing." A few of the giants chortle, hearing her, although most are too busy roaring wtih approving laughter at the kensai's method of throwing. It might not be standard, but they don't seen to care.
Even after they'd moved, Mark pursued after Nowfaleena and her children. Even as the snow gave way to his feet underneath him, he still managed to walk up silently behind Nowfaleena and her children to stand at her side, though whether or not he was or will be noticed was another matter. He'd try not to alarm the feline with a simple greeting, "good afternoon, Lady Nowfaleena," and a bow of his head.
Kasyr is engaged in a combination of picking out splinters, and gnawing them out, but he still takes a moment to turn back towards Sovornak, to add a careless, "...Your turn." And then any sort of classiness that might have been inherant in the act is promptly shedded as he finds himself subject to a hearty slap on the back from one of the nearby giants, something which provokes a quick arm flail before he rights himself. Satoshi's arrival isn't missed, the Kensai offering an altogether cheeky grin, "I know, right? I'd be sort of interested to see how he'd get out of that." ...Or alternatively, what would happen if he didn't.
Nowfaleena smirked at her son's failed toss. At least he hadn't hurt himself. He went to gt another log and try again, under the watchful eye of his mother of course. The caracal didn't take her eyes off the child even as Mark addressed her. Only her ears twitched in his direction, "Hello, Mark." She murmured, "Enjoying the festivities more today than yesterday?" Evidently, she'd seen him laying in that pool of his own blood the previous day. Strend tried to toss the caber again, this one managed to go about six inches furhter than the last.
Satoshi sighs wistfully, imagining that torpedo-log striking the real Kuzial. There'd be drow bits everywhere, and it'd be glorious.
Hildegarde looked to see if Sabjorn was still around, but he had left to finally have his wounds properly tended to. The Silver frowned a little, wondering why he hadn't said anything about it, but she assumed it might have been his pride or the fact she had been busy. Again, she dusts off her dress as if to distract herself; contenting herself with watching the assembled crowd. Raphaline appears from the west.
Satoshi reluctantly pulls herself out of her daydream. It's time for her to see to the preparations of the events for later today, after all, and so with a hearty salute to spectators and participants alike, the magus takes her leave. As Buster lumbers through the crowds on the way to departing the field, Satoshi spots the two children from the night before, the young boy now trying his hand at the caber toss. She makes sure to stop long enough to whisper to one of the event overseers, passing him a satchel of gold to ensure the younglings are given prizes for participating as well. And with this, Satoshi departs, leaving the others to continue their games for as long as they wish.
Misaki removes her hand, standing up. The foot was healed, but... "Just rest for a few minutes," she said, sitting next to the human, "you'll feel stiffness for those few minutes." Her gaze turned to Satoru, who was blindly feeling up one of the logs meant for humans. He seemed to decide it was good enough, for he lifted it up with both of his hands, not bothering to grip it from the bottom. he threw it straight into the air, which one would think was a mistake for the blind one, but once the log was starting to come down, heading for the human crossbow's head. Satoru jumped up into the air, swinging his foot out with a yell of intense effort. The caber went soaring, flipping five times before it speared itself in the ground at a perfect 90-degree angel from the ground around 30 meters away. "Doesn't that count as extra point?" Misaki asked out loud. (ooc technically it does in reality but this isn't reality... all up to Satoshi. ^_^)
Mark , aside from the bow of head, wasn't necessarily paying attention to Nowfaleena either. Being in front of him, the feline's son and his antics with the smaller logs had caught his gaze for the time being. "Festivities?" Mark questions, "I'm not exactly here by choice, it's more of an accident of sorts." He trails off for a few moments before speaking up again, now turning his gaze back to the feline beside him, "How are you and... your children? Doing?"
Raphaline as a bard, and one filled with adventure, it would only be natural for her to make as many events as possible--if only to watch. She wanted to remember, and for those that inspired her greatly, she would write songs and play later on. There was also the anticipation of people she knew being here, and as she looked around, stumbling through the snow mounds, a few faces were familiar. She waves to those she knows, before heading over to Nowfaleena with her usual grin. "Looks like everyone is enjoying the event."
Eliason breathes in a sigh of relief as he feels the bones in his foot mending themselves together under Misaki's healing spell. Once she removes her hand and the glowing stops, the acolyte smiles toward her and bows his head thankfully. "You are too kind, milady. Thank you." As she settles in next to him, Eli watches Satoru's toss before turning his attention back to the avian. "I have a confession..." He thinks for a moment before continuing. "I feel as if I've made a fool of myself with today's events and I would not be offended if you did not want to be seen with me anymore..."
Nowfaleena smiled as she watched her son. He actually wasn't doing to bad for a beginner, she supposed. Especially given he was still a child. "Oh? An accident, hmm?" She was curious about that, but didn't probe. at his question, she gave a small nod, "We are doing well. The young ones enjoyed the ball last night, and they seem to be enjoying things today as well." She didn't mention that she was actually having fun as well. Her son grabbed another log, struggling to throw it. Her daughter cheered him on as this one went a full one foot and nine inches! He was slowly getting better.
Misaki raises an eyebrow. "...I don't really think that matters," she said, "being a fool or not, you managed to put smiles on a few peoples' faces, which is an achievement." She laughed, "and as for this event... if you wish to continue, I don't mind healing any injuries you - or any of the other contestants - get. So go have fun." Satoru rubbed his cheek, backing off the feild back to Misaki's side. "And how was that, Mistress?" he asked. "Superb," she replied, turning to her crossbow, "however, I believe it was a bit flashy. There's not need to kick the cabers."
Mark noticed the questioning tone in the feline's voice and to it, simply replied, "If you wish to hear about it, it's a story for another time..." He paused and looked at the two young ones Nowfaleena had with her again, "Your children would most likely enjoy it." A small, genuine and endearing smile crossed his lips as he watched the young male feline attempt the caber toss and as his gaze shifted over the young female feline cheering her brother on, "Won't you introduce me to the young ones?"
Misaki raises an eyebrow. "...I don't really think that matters," she said, "being a fool or not, you managed to put smiles on a few peoples' faces, which is an achievement." She laughed, "and as for this event... if you wish to continue, I don't mind healing any injuries you - or any of the other contestants - get. So go have fun." Satoru rubbed his cheek, backing off the feild back to Misaki's side. "And how was that, Mistress?" he asked. "Superb," she replied, turning to her crossbow, "however, I believe it was a bit flashy. There's not need to kick the cabers."
Mark noticed the questioning tone in the feline's voice and to it, simply replied, "If you wish to hear about it, it's a story for another time..." He paused and looked at the two young ones Nowfaleena had with her again, "Your children would most likely enjoy it." A small, genuine and endearing smile crossed his lips as he watched the young male feline attempt the caber toss and as his gaze shifted over the young female feline cheering her brother on, "Won't you introduce me to the young ones?"
Eliason pushes himself from the ground and tentatively puts pressure on his foot. Finding the pain completely gone he smiles down to Misaki. "You have a definite talent for healing, Lady Misaki. I feel no pain at all anymore." Stretching his arms out to his sides, the man tries to ease the soreness in his muscles. "I think, however, that my caber tossing is done for the day. Otherwise I shall not be able to lift my sword tomorrow."
Nowfaleena gave an understanding nod, "Of course." He didn't have to tell her now. At the matter of introductions, she smirked, "Ah, yes. I suppose you should meet them." She replied, "Children, come here." She called out. The cubs looked up from where they were gaping at the piles of gold they had recieved, "Mama!" They called out as they rushed toward her, "Look what we've got!" Their mother nodded, "Yes, I see. Now give it to me, so you don't loose it. We'll buy you a treat later, hmm?" They giggled and handed it over to their mother, who tucked it in her pack. She then began the introductions, "Strend, Lyla, this is Mark. He's going to be staying at the house for awhile. Mark, this is my son, Strend, and my daughter, Lyla." Strend gave a nod, "The one who was bleeding." He remembered. Lyla elbowed him, "Rude!" She hissed to her brother before turning to the adult male, "It's nice to meet you."
Raphaline pulls the warm coat tighter about her form as she watches the throws, and looks over the different people. Seems, the Acolyte she had met during the solstice was getting himself into more trouble. As for Leena, it seemed she was enjoying herself, and she had a companion. She eyes Mark for a moment before turning to Leena, brow raised.
Misaki smiles a little. "...thank you, Mister Eli," she said, then stood up. "I apologize," she said, "it seems I am needed elsewhere. Perhaps you would like to join me for the event later?" She looked at Satoru, who was already slowly melding back into the shadows from whence he came, to emerge again as the black metal crossbow. Misaki ties her weapon back to her hip. "...I won't be back for a while, I think," she said, "I'll see you another time." With that, Misaki vanished in a flash of light.
Mark gave a playful smirk to the male cub at his comment. "Quite the observant little one, aren't you Strend?" He says as he extends his hand out to shake, "Perhaps looking to become a hunter or a tracker when you grow up?" Afterwards, he turns towards the female cup and offers her a gentle smile, offering his hand to her as well, but to take hold of her hand and kiss the back of it should she accept his offer. "And you must be the little princess of the family, are you not Lyla?" He asks playfully as he reaches down into the snow. It takes but a few moments for him to mold out a little rose from the snow with his hands and offer it to the little girl, "well it's a pleasure to meet you as well, your highness."
Raphaline does see the smile and greeting from the acolyte. With her coat pulled close, she makes her way over to him. Her grin and tone are teasing as she quips, "I see you've been getting into more trouble, aye, Eliason?"
Eliason turns his sapphire gaze up to the bard at her words. A grin crosses his lips and he shakes his head. "Apparently I am at my worst when others are about." Once the shoe is completely laced, he stands once more. "However, this time I am not able to blame the ale..."
Nowfaleena had to smirk at the interactions. Strend grinned at Mark's comments, "Nah, I want to be a warrior." The boy took hold of the man's hand, offering as firm a handshake as he could muster. Lyla giggled at teh kiss to the back of her hand. When he asked if she was the family's princess, she gave a small curtsey, "Of course!" She took teh snow rose into her hands, looking at it in awe before giggling again at being called your highness.
Raphaline smirks, just a little. "Aye no, but, it is alright, we all get into a little trouble now and then." She offers him a hand to help him back up. "Interested in a warm ale at the Frostmaw tavern?"
Raphaline lofts a brow at the man, but she shakes her head. "Always with the milady thing." She pfts, but grins. "Alright, follow me love."
Mark chuckled at the replies he received and replied to the each, "Warrior, hm...?" was all he said to the male as though he had ideas that he was unwilling to share with the little one. As for Lyla, he lightly placed his finger on the little girl's nose and quickly lifted it in a gesture of affection before he stood up to speak with their mother once more, "You've raised your children well, lady Nowfaleena. Although I wonder if the boy knows the duties of a warrior, he certainly has the spirit for it.... The queen must be proud." He offers a wink down to Lyla at the last comment.
Nowfaleena rolled her eyes at her son's insistance on being a warrior. She really wished he'd stop on that train of thought. Strend maintained his grin, though, nodding, "Mmhmm!" Lyla went a bit crosseyed at the poke to her nose, giggling softly. She liked this man, he was fun! Their mother smiled at Mark, "Yes, they are good children." She replied, Sighing as teh topic of her son's ambitions came up again, "He's got his mind and heart set on being a warrior...I'm not a fan, but what can I do?" A small smile returned to her features as Lyla giggled at the last comment, "I am definitely proud."
Mark , at this point takes a look around and notices how the festivities seemed to have wound down and that the field was nearly empty now. Turning back to Nowfaleena he says, "Perhaps we should return to your home? It seems as though the festivities are finished for the day." Leaning back down to Lyla, he holds his hands out, offering, "And how would the princess like to be carried back home?"
Nowfaleena looked around, also noticing that most of the people have vanished. She looked to mark, and smiled at his suggestion, "Perhaps. It would be nice to be in a warm house for awhile before the snowball fight." She let out a puff of laughter, "And it will be nice to have the cubs in the house again." She hadn't told her house guest just why the children hadn't been there the other night. That she had hidden them away to keep them safe from potential threats. The twins let out a joint whoop of joy at the idea of getting to go home for awhile, and Lyla giggled at the offer from Mark, seems he gave her a case of the giggles, odd. She gave a nod, "Alright!"
Mark walks over to Lyla and picks up the child, a simple enough matter, and cradles her in his arms, or so it seems, but she simply was too small for it to look like she was being carried princess-style. He looks to the mother then, "Alright, why don't you lead the way and I'll cook a late lunch for us all then? Fresh Salmon sound appetizing?"
Nowfaleena gave a nod, smiling at the joy in her daughter's eyes. Lyla wrpped her arms around Marks neck as she was carried. Strend grinned at the idea of fresh fish, "Sound's good to me!" He said, clasping his mother's hand. The caracal woman smiled at the small group, "Alright, then, let's go." With that, she led the way toward the bungalow where she lived.