[aresite]

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! I haven't had much of a muse for Pokemon lately (possibly because I haven't played a single Pokemon game since Arceus as I didn't get far into Scarlet/Violet but that's a different story ) but I do miss everyone here and I still have a muse for the fantasy aspect. I have been trying to come back but I need to work on getting back into characters. Might try a drabble or something!

[b-raypokemontime]

Aria inclines her head graciously when they bowed.

"Well met Good Cousin Heldrouth, and to you again Iohmar." She sighed then though as she moved to stand closer to them.

"Ah, well at least I'm getting to meet you in person. Which is what I had wished. You impressed me with your good form in your fight today. Staying honorable in the face of such a navely opponent as you had.... If I may?" She'd reach her coal grey feathered hands out hoping he'd hold out his paw for her. She'd clasp it in her hands warmly and crouch down to pop a little kiss in his head. Putting a little of her powers in it. Just a little. Nothing that would be considered cheating for him in his next fight. But still.

"Good luck and fortunes in your future endeavors, and do give my compliments to your Brother, and your Lady Diancie of Stow-On-Side." Her mouth curved up in her little one sided smile.

She stood up then and moved to the table and Jack. She locked eyes with him and could read his feelings. She lightly lay a hand on his arm for a moment.

"You only have to ask my old friend. My offer of yesterday still stands. If you need any assistance I will see what I can do." And he knew her word was of high worth. Or at least knew of old that they were.

"Sadly no, but I am indeed providing the prizes, and I assure you that for each round, and at the end, they'll be well worth the effort." Heldrouth should know. His winnings just from his round were nothing to sneeze at.

Aria reached for the rug that was holding what she'd generously paid for. It slowly unrolled itself infront of her to reveal her old war axes reforged. She was pleased with how they looked and held one up, inspecting blade edge and then pinging the metal with her finger. It hummed in her hand as her power touched it and her visible eye sparkled. She put it back down and held up the short sword she'd commissioned for her young knight Marcos. Tested the balance, pinged the metal again nodded her head. Then finally she reached for her sword and backed up as she held it. The Meloetta insignia of the hilt, the dragon's breath opal at the pommel glowing faintly in recognition of it's Mistress. The metal Sang as she pinged it and she crouched and then whirled about in a swift maneuver to the side. Away from her Guests and Knights. Jack had seen her do this once before. But he hadn't seen her do what she did next. Visibly, for just a moment, show her power in calling up energy made replicas of the sword to join it in circling her in a Swords Dance. Then it was tossed into the air and caught easily to be returned to its scabbard.

"Excellent work as I expected! I am well pleased!"

[aresite]

Heldrouth puffed out his chest and looked rather proud as Aria complimented him, "Yer words honour me, Ma'am." He accepted her gesture and held out his paw as well, but he was clearly not expecting the kiss on the forehead as he immediately flustered to the point he swore his rust-coloured fur somehow turned even more red. He opened his mouth to respond to her but what came out was an almost intangible, "Well- ah, ya know... er...." It took him a second to recompose himself and then he took a step back and bowed again, "It would be my honour to pass on yer message to the Lady of Stow."

Jack stood behind Heldrouth and fought to hold back a chuckle but could not stop the grin from crossing his face at the other's embarrassment. Luckily Aria's gaze snapped his attention away before he lost that battle... and suddenly he too found himself with a lack of words. His internal struggles faded and a numb 'quietness' cross his mind for a brief moment before Heldrouth and Aria began to exchange words again. He was just about to let his mind wander when the sudden flash of metal attracted his attention back. His fingers subconsciously twitched towards the dagger at his belt when Aria tested the weapons as if running off muscle memory but he held himself back.

Neither the Purrserker nor the Rover were expecting the Swords Dance though, and Jack felt an uncomfortable emotion cross him as he stepped back at the sight of the swinging metal. He fought the feeling back and hid it strongly behind an impressed though, and clapped, "Well now, looks like you have a few new tricks up your sleeve?"

Heldrouth however, burst out with a loud belly laugh, "The rumors around ye do not disappoint, Ma'am! That's for sure!"

He looked like he was about to say something else but before he could the sound of a large bell rang out across the field and immediately there arose a clatter from outside the tent as people began exiting their tents.

The Purrsurker looked back over his shoulder and then back at Aria and bowed again, "Well now, I must be takin' my leave as well to prepare fer my turn. It was an honour meeting you, Princess."

He stroked his beard for a moment and looked like he was about to say something else but before he could the bell rang out again and his fur bristled impatiently. He nodded his head at Jack and then turned to leave, "I be lookin' forward to see what the grand price is then, ma'am."

"Sounds like they are calling people to the arena." Jack shrugged as he turned to look at Aria and gave her a playful shrug, "I can't say that I'm not intrigued by this so-called prize now though. But I shall take my leave as well then as I value my life too much to get any closer to the arena."

[aresite]

Oh yeah! I should also send out a reminder that I technically have two main verses on this blog now- The original Fantasy-AU verse and the 'Isekai Verse' that was created by @regalia-solvieg while this blog was on haitus while I was in my apprenticeship. I am happy to interact in either verse, and I am also still okay with doing rps outside these two verses and in a more 'modern' setting for anyone who doesn't want to play with in a Pokemon Fantasy-AU Universe.

[aresite]

Forgive me for being slow my arms are still mostly useless.

[b-raypokemontime]

The field was green and dotted with tents in all colors and shapes, all around the entrance to the Arena grounds. Bearing the insignias of those who were going to, or had already participated in the Tournament Trials.

Amongst these but set a little apart from the others was one fine tent. White and Aqua and under the banner of the Royal House Ray of OKI Kingdom. Oval in shape and decorated with golden, but modest trim. On either side of the entrance was a pair of older teens. Brown hair that was almost black, dark eyes and tanned skin. In chainmail and bearing their Princess's personal heraldic symbols. They stood under the cloth awning put up for further shade from the sun as well as a table with glasses and a pitcher of water.

These two had been told that their lady was waiting for a delivery so when they would catch sight of Heldrouth and company heading towards the tent one would announce them to those waiting inside and the other would raise a hand in a friendly greeting and tell them they were welcome to go right in.

Inside there was a good table and wooden chairs, a place to rest, a bowl of fruit and yet another pitcher and cups set upon the table. A gold gilded trunk that was open but the open side facing away from them. The Princess Aria, with her long perfect aqua hair plaited in a tight braid was finishing putting on her bracers on that side of the trunk. Gorbash, her faithful Charizard Knight was on the left of her, Amalthea looking fierce and elegant in her own armor at the table pouring herself a drink, and Evvaine standing on the right of her Princess. Holding out Aria's furred cape, gold sunflower locket, and plain circlet for when she fought for her to take them when she was ready. The sight of the Princess in chainmail and armor was something only Jack had ever seen some 10 years ago when they had sparred a few times. Back before Ulric had conquered the North.

"Well well-" Aria began with a twinkle in her visible eye. Turning to give them her full attention.

"Welcome to my tent, you've come just in time good Sir's!" She chimed. The words sounding almost cheerful compared to her usual sober tone. She looked at Heldrouth first, then Jack, and finally to the boys behind them.

"Before we get to business, are any of you hungry or thirsty? I myself was about to have a quick meal before returning to the Arena for the next round of fighting." she offered. Always the gracious host and offering to share her abundance.

[aresite]

Heldrouth pulled his old wagon out in front of the tent without a word. He rested the reigns on the seat beside him and dismounted with a gruff grunt.

Jack jumped down behind him. Despite the heat, the Rover had the hood of his deep, forest green travelling cloak pulled up far over his head to hide his features. He paused to look around cautiously but not a single person minded them. The sight of a Purrserker pulling up in a rickety old wagon before a tournament was nothing new and drew absolutely no attention - but one could not be too careful here. And despite knowing that the two guards in front of Lady Aria's Tent were safe - he still subconsciously pulled the cowl up higher over his face.

Heldrouth had started rounding the wagon to pull out their cargo, but Jack easily reached it first with his longer limbs and easily hoisted out a large bundle that was heavily wrapped in a leather rug. Instead of thanking him, the Purrserker grunted in displeasure and turned to walk straight into the tent. Jack grinned despite himself and followed after the Pokemon without a word.

Both of them paused for a moment as they entered the tent to adjust to the light and then for another moment to take in their surroundings. It brought a lot of memories back to Jack that he would rather not remember - memories he had tried to bury under years of alcohol abuse with no luck.

Heldrouth recovered quicker and stepped forward towards Aria. He bowed so deeply that his rust-coloured beard swept along the ground, "Aye, we be appreciatin' the offer, Ma'am, but we dare not intrude." He straightened up, but kept his eyes turned down, "I be here on behalf o' me brother t' drop off a package an' then we be out of yer way."

It took a second for Jack to remember to bow his head as well, but he didn't bow it nearly as far as Heldrouth - and unlike the Purrserker, he did not avoid eye contact with Aria. Instead, he walked up to put the bundle on the table behind the trunk. His heart was pounding in his chest and he felt a strange mixture of emotions between fight or flight. He pride wanted to blurt out his thoughts and continue their interrupted conversation from yesterday but his body wanted to flee. Even worse was the feeling welling up inside his mind to ask to accompany Aria to the Tournament - to see the bastard that was currently occupying his lands that he knew had to be there with his own eyes. And yet, he knew he was far too much of a coward to follow through with that. He knew he could never see that man and live to tell the tale.

Heldrouth's voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he sheepishly took a step back.

"Out of curiosity, Ma'am, are these weapons the prices for the tournament? I be hearin' that ye will be presentin' the price this year?" Heldrouth asked.

[aresite]

Joseph boops a Ba'uls nose.

chomp!

Ba'ul reached up to grab Joseph's hand when he booped him... apparently he was expecting food or something?

[aresite]

*Jumps up onto Diego and Dante's back.* "I missed you both a lot how have you two been?"

"Ahh! We're under attack! Run!" Dante gasped. He attempted to run, with his two legs, but that just caused them to spung around as Diego hadn't budged. "Of course a coward like you would run! I saw we fight!" Diego argued, "En-guard!" Dante headbutted Diego, "It's not being a coward, it's strategic!"

The two of them did not even hear poor Sal as they started bickering among each other... almost as if they had forgotten someone had jumped on them

[aresite]

Ares sat on a rooftop that overlooked the Festival Grounds. The rough tile underneath him had been heated up by the sun until it was so hot that it nearly burnt any exposed skin that touched it and the mid-afternoon wind was warm against his face. Despite this - the heat barely bothered him though as he looked out across the other rooftops and down to the Tournament Grounds that lay so close, and yet still so far away. The rooftop he sat on rested at the top of a hill that overlooked all the Festivities below. It was close enough that he could make out each action the Combatants made below and even some details, but not close enough to see features on anyone's faces.

His Brother, Ollie, sat beside him - but as far as either boy was concerned they might as well have been there alone. Both boys were so engrossed in watching the Combatants below that they barely noticed the other's presence.

However, that quickly changed as the next round began. Ares caught Ollie tense up out of the corner of his eye and he glanced over to see the other boy staring intently ahead. His knees were folded and his arms were tightly wrapped around his legs as his eyes continued to be locked on the Arena.

Ares glanced back ahead and quickly realized why Ollie had tensed up. Despite the distance the two boys could still hear the sound of the Hosts making announcements with the aid of a Loudred and he heard them announce the next combatants loud and clear. However, even if the Host hadn't announce it, Ares still would have seen him as the combatant that was entering the arena was unmistakable...

The crowd erupted in cheer as a boy rode in atop a pure white Rapidash. His dark blue hair was a stark contrast to the deep magenta and gold cape that was draped across his shoulders and hung down over the rear of his steed. Even from where he sat, Ares could still make out the details of Zamazenta's crest embedded on the back of that cape. The boy was none other than the Crown Prince of Galar - Prince Youta Solvieg.

The Prince dismounted his Rapidash and passed the reigns to an attendant before waving at the adoring crowd who cheered even louder in response. Their reaction was not surprising to Ares - after all, despite being only 12 years old, the Prince was a favourite among the people. And for good reason - the Prince was known to be both kind and generous while also being exceptionally good at multiple kinds of combat. He had won the Junior Division in almost every Tournament for the last four Victory Festivals. To many, Prince Youta was 'flawless' - the 'hope of the future of Galar' or whatever... either way, Ares didn't really buy into the rumors - No one was that perfect after all.

Ares didn't even notice who the Prince was up against, and frankly he didn't care. Both the Prince and his Opponent chose to fight with swords and the battle began. As soon as it did Ares found himself distracted. For some reason there was a nagging thought at the back of his head whenever he looked at the Prince. He felt like he was forgetting something very important - but no matter how hard he tried to figure out what that was he couldn't. It caused an almost nagging frustration to build up within him that made it hard to concentrate.

He pulled his eyes away in an attempt to distract himself and instead scanned the crowd once more. His eyes wandered for a little bit before they settled on the Royal's box. The King was standing up and was nearly leaning over the railing as he cheered the Prince on. His wild gestures caught his attention for a few seconds but that wore off quickly and he went to go back to scanning the audience but then quickly froze on a different figure sitting in the box.

Ares' eyes rested on a young girl who had to be around his age. Despite having her head down - he immediately recognized her and he felt his heart beat faster in his chest. He couldn't tell what it was, but something about the way she looked there felt... sad? He couldn't quite place why he thought that though. Either way, Ares suddenly realized what that nagging feeling was and he suddenly forgot all else.

Without thinking he jumped to his feet and then turned to look at Ollie, "Let's get a closer look!" Ollie startled as of Ares' words had knocked him out of a trance and looked up at Ares with a bewildered look, "Closer? What are ya talkin' about?" Ares pointed at the arena, "I mean, let's go down there! I want a better look!" Ollie paled slightly and gave Ares a suspicious look, "Are you nuts? Ya know we're not allowed down there!"

Ares shrugged and turned to start walking towards the edge of the roof, "Don't they say 'everyone' is allowed in durin' the Victory Festival?" Ollie stood up as well, "Yeah, in the city, that doesn't mean they want us within the Tournament Ground walls!" Ares shrugged and then stopped at the edge of the roof. There was a 'makeshift ladder' propped up against the side there that they had used to come up and he turned around to get ready to climb down - but something about the look on Ollie's face caused him to hesitate-

A mischievous grin crossed Ares' face, "What? Don't tell me yer afraid t'get caught? An' besides, if we are then ya just have an excuse to ask t'see the King like Chevali wants you to do and then you'll get a chance t'meet yer Father!"

Ollie flinched at that. He looked back down at the arena. Despite the fact that the round had just begun - the battle was over. The Host was already announcing Prince Youta's 'flawless' victory. Ollie's eyes locked on the Prince and he sucked in a deep breath. For a moment neither boy moved. Ares waited for Ollie to say something, but when he didn't he opened his mouth to ask his Brother what was wrong, but before he could Ollie finally exhaled deeply and then said under his breath, "I can't." "What? Sure ya can! We know all the secret paths down there! We can probably go strai-" Ares started, "I can't!" Ollie interrupted in a more stern tone. He finally turned to look at Ares, "Not right now - Not until I'm 'better'!"

Ares was about to ask what Ollie meant by that, but he didn't have to. He followed Ollie's glance back down at the Arena as the Prince was being escorted up to the Winner's Block to receive his award for winning the Junior Tournament.

"Well, then next year then." Ares shrugged dismissively - which immediately brought Ollie's attention back to him, "Jack promised t'train us, right? The King ain't goin' nowhere. And then maybe after we train with Jack fer the year we can compete next year!"

That seemed to lift Ollie's spirits slightly and an almost determined look crossed his face. "Yeah... Yeah!" He turned to look back at Ares, "Let's do it! Let's train and get strong, and then I'll wipe that smug look right off that Prince's face and show 'em all that I'm worthy-" He cut himself off there, "That I'm a Prince too!"

Ares nodded in agreement and then stepped backwards to climb down the ladder. Ollie paused for a moment before he walked over to the edge of the roof, "Where ya goin'?" "I told ya, I'm goin' t'get a closer look - with or without ya." he replied. Ollie frowned, "Hey, wait a min-" "I don't care about gettin' caught!" Ares cut him off. He hopped off the ladder when there was only three rungs left and landed on the ground in a slight crouch. He paused to look back up at Ollie, "Besides... there's someone there that I need to thank." "Thank?" Ollie quizzed, "Make up some excuse fer me on why I'm not bringing back any money tonight!" Ares playfully taunted instead of replying, "I owe ya one!"

And with that, he broke off into a run towards the Tournament Grounds. His plan was to sneak in through the Monster Den beneath the Arena and up into the Tournament Grounds. If he timed it right he would be arriving just as the Final Round of the regular Tournament began and everyone would be so distracted that he could slip right up through a secret tunnel that exited right out behind the Royal's box. He heard Ollie shout out after him, but he did not stop. He was suddenly determined to reach his destination before the next round of the Tournament started. He could almost feel Ollie's gaze as he disappeared into the crowd.

Sorry, Ollie. He thought, But I'm not gunna miss this chance!

[aresite]

Hi guys! I had my (hopefully) last surgery for awhile and I have been recovering nicely. I am currently pretty bruised up, but I actually have some time off work for once. I have gotten enough rest that I actually have energy and I can't do any of the physical chores around the house that usually keep me busy so I finally have time to write. Its been so long and I feel incredibly rusty, so I am going to write a little short story / drabble of sorts to try and iron out some of the kinks.

[aresite]

I am still alive! Sorry for dropping off the face of the planet again... I've just been working anywhere between 45-55 hours a week and have been so tired and have no energy left to try and be creative or social at the end of the day.

But its a long weekend in my country and I've had two days of rest, and most people are available to write today so I am excited to get back to it!

Probably going to start with a warm up drabble and then if anyone wants to RP please let me know!

[aresite]

Joseph grabs Ba'ul like a big cat and peppers his face with kisses.

His fur is all mushed!

"Now how should I punish you for messing up my beautiful mane after I spent hours preening it this morning?" Ba'ul gave Joseph an obviously fake, teasing huff, and puffed out his cheeks.

It was a lie - he spent probably 5 minutes on it... and by 'preening' it was more like licking crumbs off his face after breakfast.

[aresite]

I am such an ADHD riddled, distracted idiot. I need to get my thread tracker back up and working because I forget / lose everything until people remind me about it...

Never feel like you are harassing me or bothering me by coming to me with plot ideas, reply reminders, starter requests, or just a general kick to remind me about a plan or if my reply did not match what we planned. While life is slowing down and I have more free time now, I still have a lot going on and my two brain cells struggle to keep up!

[sv-pkmn-npc]

Heldrouth laughed at that, "Th' Princess? Good luck wi' that lad! A've been comin' t'th' Festival fer over a decade now 'n I have never once seen th' Princess!" He paused to guide the Mudbray down an adjacent street so that the Castle was now directly ahead of them, "From wit A've heard, she sees herself as 'too good' t'mingle wi' the' 'common folk' at th' Festival."

"She be not very popular wi' th' people ye see." Heldrouth finished as the old wagon stopped on an old lift that led from the 'lower quarters' to the 'upper quarters'. The lift had been there for who knows how long and was regularly maintained by Perrserkers Experts from Stow-On-Side. The 'Lift', if it could be called that, was a large platform that was big enough to fit multiple wagons and was attached to a 'gear' that was pulled up and around from the Lower Quarter to Upper Quarter and worked as a fantastic defense. It was mostly heavily guarded at both the bottom and top layers - but this was the one time of the year that it was open to anyone to ride.

Heldrouth flicked his wrists to urge the Mudbray forward and off the lift the moment it came to a stop and urged her forward. He guided her towards the Festival Grounds - but instead of following the rest of the wagons and carriages heading that way he then made a gesture and guided the Mudbray away from the train of people and off towards a large field full of tents of all shapes and sizes. He directed her over towards some of the larger ones and seemed to be looking for a certain 'Family Crest' or branding as he quickly glanced about.

[aresite]

Ares folded his arms on the edge of the wagon and frowned. He thought about the girl that had saved them in the woods and wanted to argue against Heldrouth's statement but something held him back. He was quickly distracted by the Lift though and his arguments faded away as he stood up and held onto the canvas frame to get a better look at the lower city disappearing beneath them.

"So cool!" Olli cheered from beside him - and Ares had to agree. No matter how many times he saw this it always astonished him... the technology from the past must have been vast to create something like this...

After reaching the top and leaving the lift, the two boys fell into an excited conversation about the Tournament. They got so engrossed into their conversation that Ares almost didn't notice the small detour until he sensed - more than saw - Jack tense up.

"Where are we going?" Jack murmured darkly as his eyes also scanned the tents.

[sv-pkmn-npc]

@aresite:

"Right on time as always, Heldrouth." He taunted, "Slight change of plans, I'm afraid."

Heldrouth sat in the driver seat with the reins gripped tightly in his paws. The wagon was rather plain and more than a little 'shabby' It wasn't the largest wagon on the street, but despite its condition it was still mechanically-sound and well made. There was a large canvas cover tied over the bed of the wagon that was heavily patched in some areas and threadbare in others. It was being pulled by a large Mudbray who snorted and stomped her feet impatiently as Heldrouth drew her to a stop.

Despite his fur having a more 'reddish' tint than his brother - he had the same thick accent. The two Perrserkers shared no other traits - Heldrouth was shorter than his brother, but was more 'stout'. His beard was more kempt and he had a single braid styled into his beard from the fur under his lip down to his knees. He wore a full-body protective leather outfit and had a large, double-sided broad-axe strapped to his back. As a Perrserker, he didn't really need it to fight - but he had spent enough time in Motostoke to know that the Humans here would only look down on his Pokemon-esque traits and while he was here he always made a point to diminish it - even to the point that he was wearing thick leather gloves over his paws.

"Aye?" Heldrouth chuckled. He pushed up his helm as he looked down at the two kids that stood excitedly around Jack, "So thar is. Will ye not be needin' a ride t'th' Festival Grounds then?"

[aresite]

Ares startled and had to take a large step back as the wagon came to a stop. He looked up at the driver in pure curiosity as Jack put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Oh yes." Jack laughed, "And we better get moving or we'll miss the opening 'acts'." "Wait," Ares excitedly quizzed, "Are we gettin' a ride there?!"

Jack laughed and then pulled himself up into the bench beside Heldrouth before gesturing behind him, "Kids ride in the back."

Ares and Olli exchanged eager looks before they both turned and ran around the wagon. Ares didn't hesitate to push the canvas flaps aside and pull himself up into the wagon without a second thought. It took his eyes a second to adjust to the light inside the wagon, but when they did he saw himself standing among a few barrels and a couple of crates. There was a rolled up carpet at the front of the wagon that was strapped down and tucked away carefully and the air smelt heavily of must and dirt.

The wagon started moving before he fully got his bearings though and he nearly fell backwards with a start. He was forced to drop to his knees to avoid falling over and scrambled to the front of the wagon where he pulled the canvas flaps aside to look out at the driver seat.

"So what'cha mean by change of plans?" He questioned as he rested his elbows on the lip of the wagon bed. Jack looked over his shoulder and sneered, "None of your business!" "That's no fair!" Olli retorted as he scrambled up beside Ares, "What was the plan? Can we come?" "Maybe the plan was to sell some nosy kids to this Perrserker here for being mouthy, and I'm starting to think about following through with it." Jack shot back, "Yeah right!" Olli chuffed, "C'mon! You can tell us!"

Ares was about to join in on the conversation as well - but then something caught his attention. He caught sight of the Castle out of the corner of his eye and turned his head towards it. Motostoke Castle rested in the center of the city and was so large that it could be used as a beacon anywhere within a hundred miles of the city. He suddenly felt his heart pounding in his chest and sat back on his knees. The Festival Grounds were right outside the Castle - supposedly they were built right on top of some ancient coliseum of sorts where People and Pokemon fought against each other or something.

"Hey-" Ares questioned, "Do ya think the Princess will be there?" Olli startled at that, but then seemed to recover quickly and puffed out his chest, "Of course she will be! Mom said that the King will be there, so she has to be too, right!" He paused for a moment and looked up at Jack and Heldrouth, "Right?"

"Hey, wait a minute!" Olli suddenly gasped and turned around to face Ares, "Why do you care if the Princess'll be there or not?" Ares immediately got defensive, "I don't!" He sat back and crossed his arms, "I mean, I just wanted to try and thank her for saving us the other day!"

[aresite]

QFG: Reunions at the Victory Tournament

The sounds of instruments, laughter, and voices filled the air. The streets of Motostoke were overflowing with sights, sounds, smells, and people. Almost every door was thrown open and banners stretched from lamppost to lamppost. It almost felt like it was raining confetti in many areas of the city. It was one of the final days of the Victory Festival and people had come flooding into the City from all over to join in on the festivities. It was one of the few rare times a year where the City's Gates were held wide open for anyone to enter and there were few who dared risk that opportunity.

The little Kumpania that Ares called 'home' was one of those who never risked missing this 'money making' opportunity. They came every year to perform on the streets for coins, trade wares, and mingle with other travelling Kumpanias to trade members and information. That mingling mattered even more to them this year than any year previously now that their numbers had been shattered. The remaining members knew that they did not have enough members to survive out in the wilderness. They were in a percarious situation and their options were limited - try and 'hire' members from other, more overly populated, Kumpanias... or merge with a larger one. With their previous leader dead - the obvious move would've been to merge and offer their services to a different group... but none of them seemed eager to do that. Many of the remaining members of their group were young and eager - they were enjoying their newfound freedom from their Elders who had split after the old Chief died. They all found this as an opportunity to form a new group and create their own rules. After all, it was written into their laws that the word of the Chief was 'Law'... and right now they didn't have one. The position of 'Chief' always went to the strongest member - someone who had the money, power, and ruthlessness to not only keep the most unruly of them in line, but to also make the tough choices when needed. At the moment only two of their group met that bill - Jack, and Durril. However, Jack showed no interest in becoming Chief and when approached about it had said that he 'does not deserve it' and Durril was still rather young and impulsive.

During the last week that they had been there, both Jack and Durril had taken on different, important tasks. While Jack went out to gather information - Durril stayed behind in the field that they had set up camp with some other Kumpanias to mingle and to give the other Rovers directions. But they were running out of time with the end of the Festival fast approaching. For the next two days it would be 'all hands on deck' to gather as much money as possible - through whatever means possible - to support them for as long as possible.

At the moment, Durril stood up on a large wooden crate. He was wearing a bright, multi-coloured 'Jester' Costume. The costume was completed with a large, three-eared jester's cowl that covered his head and went down to a frilly jester's collar that was trimmed at every point with a brightly polished brass bells. He wore a matching shawl around his waist that covered his split-colour, bright purple and orange tights that were tucked down into his green pointed shoes. Despite his bright and cheery costume though, he had a serious expression on his painted face as he hurriedly directed people about.

Ares stood in the back of the crowd as he watched Durril bark orders about. From previous experiences he knew how easy it was for adults to miss kids in these busy mornings. So he knew if he stayed quiet and stayed out of the way that he would be completely missed. He was supposed to be 'in costume' as well but had managed to get this far without putting it on. He didn't need anyone telling him his role as it was usually the same every year - anyone too young to participate in activities such as trading, performing on the street for coin, or entertaining others from the many local bars and taverns would be assigned the less scrupulous task of 'pick pocketing'... at least that's how it always went under the old Chief. So far though - no orders like that had gone out. In fact, at this point, Ares was wondering if that order would be given out at all. As he thought about it further though, he realized that none of the 'beggar' costumes had been pulled out at all yet.

[aresite]

"Ares!" A familiar voice snapped Ares out of his thoughts with a startle and he quickly spun around to see Olli running up towards him. He hadn't seen him since this morning and was startled to see that Olli was actually in a costume - but it wasn't a ragged one. The other boy was dressed up in his fanciest clothes. His white blouse had been ironed and was tucked into what looked like new trousers. His red hair was even brushed and styled... the look certainly caught Ares off guard.

"Did'ja hear?" Olli exclaimed, "Mom wants me to go down to the Tournament Grounds to watch the next round of the Tournament!" He slowed to a stop beside Ares and despite the fact that he was lightly panting he was wearing a smug smile across his face. He puffed out his chest and put his hands on his hips, "Mom says my Dad is going to be there and if we go then I'll get the chance to see him!"

Oh. Suddenly the fact that Olli was dressed up so nicely made sense. He tilted his head in thought as he looked Olli over and a sudden thought crossed his mind - if the King was going to be there... then what about the Princess? The image of her mounted on the back of her Rapidash in her white Riding Cloak and the memory of the sun rising up behind her and illuminating her like some sort of Guardian Angel as she rode up with her Knights to save them from the Postwick Guards immediately came back to mind. An odd feeling settled in his chest at the thought - he wanted to see her again. No, 'want' was the wrong word... it felt more like he 'had' to see her again.

"I'm going with you!" Ares stated matter-of-factually. Olli seemed overjoyed by this - but Ares could see a sudden wave of relief in his eyes, "Awesome! I was hoping you'd say that!" He reached up to rub the back of his head, "Not gunna lie... I'm glad yer gunna come...." The nervousness in his tone quickly vanished behind a mask of bravado and he puffed up his chest again, "Ya know, I'd hate for you to not be there and miss out on the opportunity to ride my coattails or anything." Ares rolled his eyes and pushed Olli playfully, "Gee, thanks!" Olli grinned and rubbed his arm where Ares had pushed him and turned to run away, "Great! I'll go tell Mom that yer comin'!"

He barely got a step away before Ares gasped and quickly reached out to grab Olli's arm, "Wait!" Olli turned back to him with a confused expression and Ares was quick to release his arm. He looked away rather sheepishly, "Chevali would never let me come. Why don't we just go together?" Olli looked thoughtful for a moment, "Like, sneak out?"

Ares opened his mouth to respond, but a loud voice cut him off, "Sneak out? You do remember what happened last time you both 'sneaked out' anywhere?"

Both Ares and Olli flinched and turned around to see Jack walking towards them. Ares was also also surprised to see that Jack wasn't dressed up or anything. In fact, Jack was dressed as inconspicuously as possible. He didn't even have his familiar wide-brimmed hat on and instead was wearing a plain dark green riding cloak over a regular leather vest and pants. The older Rover had a leather bag slung over one shoulder and was frowning as he looked down at the boys.

"What? No!" Olli quickly rebuked, "Ares was the one who wanted to sneak out! Mom's going to take me to see the Tournament!" Ares shot him an annoyed glance, "Hey!"

"Alright, alright." Jack quickly stepped in to break up the approaching fight, "It doesn't matter 'who's idea it was'. No one is sneaking out anywhere." His eyes fell on Olli and he frowned, "Chevali said she's taking you where? I just heard her volunteer to 'fortune teller' duty at a tavern down the street..." He sighed and looked off into the distance, "What is she scheming at this time?" Olli suddenly guilty like he had just been caught doing something wrong and shrunk down slightly, "What? No way! she told me we'd go!" Jack sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "Well then... come down to the Festival Grounds with me? I'm going there anyway so if you two were going to sneak out anyway - I'd rather you just come with me. We can meet Chevali down there."

The two boys look at each other with matching wide, mischievous grins. Ares then turned away and started marching off down the street. He folded his hands behind his head, "Let's get goin' then!" Oli hesitated and looked past Jack and back at the remaining Rovers that were still gathered around Durril by the wagons. Durril was giving the last of the orders and he didn't see his Mother anywhere amongst the remaining Rovers. He felt slightly disappointed, but before he could really react he felt a hand drop on his head and ruffle his hair. He looked up to see Jack giving him an encouraging grin.

"C'mon Olli!" Ares called impatiently from further ahead, "Last one to the Festival Grounds is a rotting Oddish!" Olli flinched back at the challenge and quickly whirled around, "Hey! No fair! You got a head start!"

Ares only replied with a laugh before breaking out into a run. Olli growled to himself and took off running after the other boy. Jack watched them go and sighed. He pulled the cowl of his hood further over his face and started after them.

Bringing the kids with him would throw a small wrench into his plans. He shrugged his shoulders and started after them. Oh well... guess Zamazenta did not ordain for his pain to end today after all...

He lit a cigarette and puffed on it thoughtfully as he entered the dark and rather 'dingy' alley that led from their little 'gathering spot' to the main road. He had to mind his footing over the uneven ground and walked in the middle of the road to avoid the puddles of water that had gathered in the deep grooves that had been pressed into the cobblestone by the heavy carts. He had to pause at the end of the alley as he walked into the sun. The moment he exited the alley he heard the familiar sound of hooves against the cobblestone and the grinding of wheels. He took a deep drag on his cigarette before he looked up as a wagon came to a sudden stop beside him. He smirked despite his best efforts not too before looking up at the driver of the wagon.

"Right on time as always, Heldrouth." He taunted, "Slight change of plans, I'm afraid."

[aresite]

QFG: Reunions at the Victory Tournament

The sounds of instruments, laughter, and voices filled the air. The streets of Motostoke were overflowing with sights, sounds, smells, and people. Almost every door was thrown open and banners stretched from lamppost to lamppost. It almost felt like it was raining confetti in many areas of the city. It was one of the final days of the Victory Festival and people had come flooding into the City from all over to join in on the festivities. It was one of the few rare times a year where the City's Gates were held wide open for anyone to enter and there were few who dared risk that opportunity.

The little Kumpania that Ares called 'home' was one of those who never risked missing this 'money making' opportunity. They came every year to perform on the streets for coins, trade wares, and mingle with other travelling Kumpanias to trade members and information. That mingling mattered even more to them this year than any year previously now that their numbers had been shattered. The remaining members knew that they did not have enough members to survive out in the wilderness. They were in a percarious situation and their options were limited - try and 'hire' members from other, more overly populated, Kumpanias... or merge with a larger one. With their previous leader dead - the obvious move would've been to merge and offer their services to a different group... but none of them seemed eager to do that. Many of the remaining members of their group were young and eager - they were enjoying their newfound freedom from their Elders who had split after the old Chief died. They all found this as an opportunity to form a new group and create their own rules. After all, it was written into their laws that the word of the Chief was 'Law'... and right now they didn't have one. The position of 'Chief' always went to the strongest member - someone who had the money, power, and ruthlessness to not only keep the most unruly of them in line, but to also make the tough choices when needed. At the moment only two of their group met that bill - Jack, and Durril. However, Jack showed no interest in becoming Chief and when approached about it had said that he 'does not deserve it' and Durril was still rather young and impulsive.

During the last week that they had been there, both Jack and Durril had taken on different, important tasks. While Jack went out to gather information - Durril stayed behind in the field that they had set up camp with some other Kumpanias to mingle and to give the other Rovers directions. But they were running out of time with the end of the Festival fast approaching. For the next two days it would be 'all hands on deck' to gather as much money as possible - through whatever means possible - to support them for as long as possible.

At the moment, Durril stood up on a large wooden crate. He was wearing a bright, multi-coloured 'Jester' Costume. The costume was completed with a large, three-eared jester's cowl that covered his head and went down to a frilly jester's collar that was trimmed at every point with a brightly polished brass bells. He wore a matching shawl around his waist that covered his split-colour, bright purple and orange tights that were tucked down into his green pointed shoes. Despite his bright and cheery costume though, he had a serious expression on his painted face as he hurriedly directed people about.

Ares stood in the back of the crowd as he watched Durril bark orders about. From previous experiences he knew how easy it was for adults to miss kids in these busy mornings. So he knew if he stayed quiet and stayed out of the way that he would be completely missed. He was supposed to be 'in costume' as well but had managed to get this far without putting it on. He didn't need anyone telling him his role as it was usually the same every year - anyone too young to participate in activities such as trading, performing on the street for coin, or entertaining others from the many local bars and taverns would be assigned the less scrupulous task of 'pick pocketing'... at least that's how it always went under the old Chief. So far though - no orders like that had gone out. In fact, at this point, Ares was wondering if that order would be given out at all. As he thought about it further though, he realized that none of the 'beggar' costumes had been pulled out at all yet.

[promptling]

QUEST FOR CAMELOT ( 1998 ), DIR. FREDERIK DU CHAU. change pronouns as needed.

do you really have to go?

the king's knights will be here soon.

tell me again why you became a knight.

i'm coming with you!

let's get down to business.

the king has decided.

i will not serve a false king.

one day that sword will be in my hand.

that's a job for the knights, not for a young girl.

but i want to be a knight.

where's the glory in that?

how am i ever going to do great things if i'm stuck here?

how about a little kiss?

impertinent pig!

i demand you leave immediately!

i would sooner die!

you're our only hope.

have i told you today how magnificently and totally worthless you are?

that was incredible.

you're not even listening to me.

well, anyone can make a mistake.

this is where the king sends his unfunny jesters, right?

have you got a cold?

do you hear something?

good show, ________.

please don't hurt us.

are you sure we're safe down here?

you're as good as any knight.

but where's the sword?

someone must have taken it.

the slightest noise and we're finished.

you were right.

can i hold it?

why don't you shut up?

it's so beautiful!

i don't belong in that world.

how could you be so cold-blooded?

you've been quite annoying.

you were brave.

what a touching reunion.

don't lose hope.

something awful has happened.

i'll tear him limb from limb.

it's a trap!

i must help the king.

i'm going to have fun getting rid of you.

i may not survive.

well, i've got to start somewhere.

hold your ground until the last possible moment.