#earthrunes

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Pennons went well, mostly... it was FUN. August got to fight side by side of some of his favorite people in the grandmelee which was a big glorious mess. Yes, Earth Runes also acquitted itself well and honorably but fun and friendship really stood out

Zara was stunned to learn that the Countess , a Sluagh herself, had a SPELLING Bee contest, whisperers had the right to have someone speak up FOR Them. The prize was a collection of tragic romances

Emma got to have fun at a 'best death scene' contest local theatre students were putting on. The role she was born to play as a Opossum Pooka

Jennette, Beaumayn jouster did well as always, and even dismounted a rival... gaining that horse for ransom or use.

Lord Hume broke the Tetris high score for the County

Poppy DID get in trouble for replacing wine from the wine tasting contest with prune juice. Later she would lament "I guess they didn't want to be warriors?"

The childlings over all had a blast actually, as they had their own paint balloon fight.. while some were Tickled PINK, a few didn't let the BLUES get to them, and over all everyone could agree their tutors deserved praise because many a child was well RED.

Leonora took 1st place at Archery, her best skill

Coradel took third in archery, and won a horse race! Her jousting placed third as well

All in all, a very good showing.

"Third!" Coradel fumes. "That's absurd!"

Of course, she's fuming out loud after they get back to EarthRunes, not in front of the Count, the Countess, or any nobility of other households.

"Which Third are you upset about, if I might ask?" Delores says as she orders the staff to help take their things and gear on their return

"Both! Oh, I don't begrudge Leo her win in archery, but I certainly am more skilled than third! And jousting?! Seriously?! Ha!"

The fact that both contests are scored by measurable points, not judge's preference, doesn't seem to matter.

The steward says "You think an Ill wind timed to ruin your shot?" Even as staff takes care of Samson to the stables and his gear

"I think it's a definite possibility," Coradel replies to her (obviously) perceptive steward.

She kisses Samson on the nose and pats his neck before the staff take over his care.

Dame Jennete frowns "I am not so sure 'I' deserved first place this year. The points were so close in my last two bouts"

Samson seems in fine mood particularly after the attention

"Of course you did," Coradel says matter of factly. "You were brilliant."

"The dip everyone praised me for, completely accidental, my gauntlet pinched and I shifted" She frowns "And it worked in my favor that round"

Leonora tuts "We were all great, and we had fun. August joined us for the grand melee and by the way is a savvy back protector"

Leo's words about August make Coradel smile proudly. "He'll be modest about his contribution, no doubt. But how clever he is in combat!"

"Couldn't help but notice that," Dame Claire nods . Her own shield work helped more than once. Alas, she placed third in personal melee so perhaps understands the Countess' frustration

Ailil ARE sore losers

Whereas Fiona are completely reasonable about competition at all times.

A fond sigh and a smile as she looks at the people around her. "I think it is time for drinks. Many drinks."

"Definitely" Delores says "I even bought some lace coasters... Zara's work, did you know? I didn't realize she was so good at that. "

"It wasn't her coaster that impressed me" Claire admits "That lacey top for ... private moments though? I think you Fiona may have finally gotten in her head"

Leonora dimples at that "Oh please, Zara's more Fiona than she ever wants to admit"

"Drinks do sound nice" Jennette opines. She stayed sober for the jousts

"Oh, now, don't say that where she can hear. She wouldn't take it well. And trust me, I'd have claimed her for the house long ago if I thought she'd receive it as a compliment."

"To the tavern!" Coradel declares, leading the charge to the bar room on the lower level.

That's where Jack waits, and he is not alone. It is bustling tonight and the Countess gets a CHEER from those inside... a few fellows kindly get up from one of the good tables and leave it to the returning heroines.

Jack says "And NOW you know why I had to come back early, the celebration started before PEnnons was over " The satyr bartender says "The Usual, or something special?"

Coradel claimes a barstool as a throne and declares, "I'm at your mercy, Jack! Use your imagination, and do your worst!" she finishes with a laugh.

"Prune Juice it is" Clearly he heard of THAT story

"Oh, and somebody go find where August got himself to! I don't want him hiding in his study when there's an after party to enjoy."

A slight roll of eyes at prune juice.

"On it, your excellency" A volunteer rushes off to get August if he can

"it WAS kind of funny" Leonora admits, "Once I realized others got got and not just me."

"Speak for yourself," Dame Claire huffs "I had some really nice red lined up"

Jack begins mixxing up a special... a bit of prune juice IS in it, but not much. Other things pour in to fast to see

The Fiona fears nothing!

The drink is a medly of juices, cherry and strawberry... IF the Cherry had lured you into a dark alley with a sultry whisper then sucker punched you in the gut, while Strawberry, ran a wonderful finger up your spine, only to bring down something heavy on your cranium. ThaT is to say, it is wonderful at the first drop, and plays wickedly rough with you after it kicks in.

Coradel toasts the room...sips...and her eyes go wide with appreciation. "Oh, Jack, you clever, clever man!" She toasts him alone, and takes another sip, a bigger one this time.

"Okay, now I'm curious" Leonora says. "I'll have what she's having. You up for it Claire?"

"I'm good" She says