The Land Of Rayneth

A fence has been raised around the area between the Hunter's Hall and the river, and this zone has been decorated with tables, chairs, booths and lots and lots of barrels. The light rain, blessing of the Water Titan upon Her faithful, is most definitely not dissuading the populace from gathering here - if anything, the workers and Inquisitors that hurry about finishing up the preparations seem to embrace the poor weather. The only one who seems annoyed by this is the Brother that sits in a booth, by the entrance to the festival grounds, who has to bend over the already somewhat wet piece of parchment where he is supposed to write down the names and offerings to the patron Titan of this festivity, in order to protect it from the rain.

There is already a small line forming in front of him, but no one is allowed in yet - and no one wants to annoy the two guards that guard the entrance, for they are two of the biggest brutes that the barracks had to offer. But soon enough, the Inquisitor says something to them, and they step aside - and the faithful start giving their offerings and name, and one by one are allowed passage.

Between the entrance and the tables there is a small stage set up; on top of it, a woman that some may recognize as Heyden, the acrobat that performed in the last Festival, gets ready to do her thing. There are few musicians around, as none want to risk ruin their precious instruments by playing them in the rain, though by the stage, someone has set down a big drum.

Mauricio stood by the brother much like he did during the previous festival, scrutinizing all who passed and looking over their various gifts. Also like the previous festival there was a small smile on his face, unlike the last however this one seemed less forced, almost as if he was genuinly happy about something.

Naeris Kol was at the scene already as well, watching as the people filed in. Naeris smiled, seeing the excitement on the faces of the people. Her own offering, a beautiful carving of rain falling onto waves, was already set aside to where the offerings were to go. She had set aside her Empire-themed attire and opted for lovely blues and grays, with flowy silver designs reminiscent of trickling streams. She was quite excited for this festival, and it could be seen on her shining face.

Elgorn Anderburg - One of the said brutes was a large elk dressed in the typical garb of a guard and bearing their arms. He seemed in a pleasant mood, his eyes slightly closed and almost serene as he watched the throngs of people pass by. It was a fact that his kind had a strong sense of group, the joy most people were feeling was making him joyful too, then there was also the fact that today there were two stubby horns sticking out from his mop of shaggy hair, it would not be long for his crown to be whole once again.

Yin The Prig - Meanwhile good old Amanda Retha was standing by, looking unimportant and unseemly as ever. She was almost invisible in this crowd, of all the servants she was the plainest one, the one who got no attention and seemed not to mind this fact in the least. Only when a noble found his mug empty did she move, taking a jug, refilling the mug, and then returning to her place given no more from anyone than a tool might have.

Johann Malagrav - Standing in line to give his offering is a certain red-haired knight. He is dressed cleanly in white and blue from head to toe, all of it quickly absorbing the water falling from the sky. Draconus fidgets a little with the gift held in his gloved hands, but he smiles at Mauricio and the priest overseeing the arrival of the festival-goers when it comes to be his turn to offer his gift. "How wonderful it is that Her Lady of the Water is smiling down upon us today," the paladin remarks pleasantly. He sets down a glass orb filled with rain water, radiating a faintly divine aura, and gives his name if required.

Fyren Rodlan, the pale faced squire boy of General Mazanai, stood beside the crowds as they began filing into the festival grounds. He would wait for most attendees to get in before even thinking of moving as he wasn't truely off duty. He held in one arm a medium sized object or objects wrapped in linen. Samuel Alard was in the middle of a throng of common folks, and the farmer boy blended in very well. If one were to spot him, he may look a fair bit thinner than everone else, not to mention his clothes were in tatters and he didn't look very clean. He had an offering, though he didn't look too confident as he approached the brother. "Samuel Alard," he blurted out nervously, "I-I hope t-this will please t-the Water Titan." THWUMP. 5 pounds of water worn rock landed on the table. "I-it's all I could think of sir," he said with his most pathetic face. If allowed, he'd start to enter the event grounds.

The poor grumpy Inquisitor dips his quill pen in a bottle of ink and writes down the Paladin's name and what he offered - "orb, precious" - and allows him free entrance. To Samuel, however... he frowns deeply and seems about to speak, but decides not to, and looks up at the Grand Inquisitor next to him, silently asking for his opinion on this. Sure, it's just a kid - but rocks?!

Rufio Delgado was looking confident as usual. The rooster-man was dressed in his finest blue and whtie tunic with some white pants, though beneath he was ready for some swimming in the rain. His hair clung lightly to his face with the damp but he didn't seem too bothered. In his hands he had a very carefully cradled glass vase with beautiful blues and whites swirling through it as if it had been blown with dyes. Inside of the vase were some blue and white flowers with a little water. He set it down on the table and gave his name "Rufio Delgado" he purred to the man with the parchment. He gave Mauricio a smile and a bow of his head and then waited to move on.

Mauricio's piercing and stern gaze had found the young Samuel even before the other inquisitor pointed him out. He picked up some of the rocks and looked them over, after a brief moment he gave a nod to his fellow and put them back down. "May the water titan bless you." He said to the boy, although he said this to most people who gave an offering, the same words were given to the tax collector.

Naeris Kol noticed Samuel's offering and made her way over to the scribing Inquisitor, not too close but near enough to speak, letting the Grand Inquisitor make his statement before she would give any kind of aid or advice. His words made her smile, and she decided to remain silent on the matter, since it had been resolved. "Welcome everyone," she said kindly, gesturing to the area they were entering. "Come, let's celebrate! We have much to be thankful for."

If the Inquisitor is puzzled, he sure as hell doesn't dare say it in Mauricio's face. He does feel a bit silly writing "Samuel Alard - Rocks", though. Next is line is Rufio, and he too has his name and offering noted down, and is allowed in. Behind Rufio in line is a dirty-looking middle-aged man who is barely five fit tall - he is Bags the half-dwarf, though hard to recognize despite his distinctive height, as he left his trademark wide-brimmed wizard hat and pouch-covered robes back home, and instead wears a more normal (and peasant-ish) outfit. He leaves a bottle of cheap wine - "Cost me me savings, it did.", he says with a proud, half-toothless smile, and gives the name 'Burke Flint'.

Yin The Prig - Still standing at the noble table something caught Amanda's eye, namely the dirty middle-aged man standing at the offerings stand. For the briefest of moments a smile appeared on her lips, it came and went so fast even someone looking at her could've missed it.

Luca Morrows watched from his barrel- yes, one of those barrels was filled with gnomeling, and he waited with a stupid sort of smile. Hee hee. Come time for entertainment, he'd be down for this party. In the meantime? He'd decided it was time for a cat-nap. Mustn't waste needed energy. Socializing was for ninnysquats.

The Phoenix appeared by the table, looking mildly perturbed by the state of the fellow before her, or perhaps from the wrinkling of her large nose it was just the smell. She was not as easy to spot in the crowd now she had exchanged her usual bright garments for a simple seablue dress, and a headress accentuated with only a row of pearls about the band. What did stand out however was how this tiny elegant lady was holding a long, deadly looking fishing spear, and how despite the wet weather she had not a drop of rain tarnishing her clothes. Once the stinky fellow had moved on she presented it as her offering. "I've crafted it with the enchantment to cook the fish it catches." The Overseer explained as she walked behind the table to find a safe place for it there. It did not DO to have weapons on the table, offering or no.

It is probably expected, but the brother does not say a word to Phaeo. He doesn't even need to ask her name! 'Mistress Phoenix, enchanted spear', he writes down in silence.

Johann Malagrav - Draconus has long mingled his way into the festival area. He seems keenly interested on what others have to offer to the Water Titan, so he lurks near the kegs and watches with a curious, wondering eye.

Mauricio pointed Phoenix to a place where she could leave the spear. "May the water titan bless you." He repeated before he turned his eyes forward again. Some priests found this a rather boring task, it took a long time and there were many offerings. Still all of them knew better than to shirk their duties under his watchful eyes.

Fyren Rodlan stepped in line for the offering table now and, unlike others, the squire wore blue and dark green. He figured that green represented the rivers and ponds better than blue. He approached the Inquisitor with a smile and nod. "From General Arak Mazanai, an offering:" the squire said as he pulled from the linen a beautiful sapphire. "And I humbly present my offering," he presented a bit of lapis lazuli, perfectly rounded and suitable for jewelry. "Fyren Rodlan. Having a bit of trouble keeping the parchment writable?" he added with a jesting tone, then nodded to the Grand Inquisitor. Samuel Alard breathed a sigh of relief as the quickly made his way toward the river where the swimming would commence. Now that he was out of the crowd, it could be easily seen that the boy was very thin and perhaps hadn't eaten as much as a teenager or anyone should.

Jaspur was perhaps one of the latter people in the line, but he did indeed have an offering of his own. A very fine one at that. The flamboyant wizard had a small statuette made of marble that was somehow blue in color. The statue was of a bear catching salmon as they leapt up-stream whilst with him was an odd goat-man, Gilles. "I will sign your names." he said to the dog and the satyr behind him. He'd given the younger lad an offering of a turquoise necklace to hand in, whilst his blue, feathery dog walked at his side carrying a small basket full of sweetrolls. The wizard gave a serious nod towards Mauricio "Jaspur. Gilles and Symeon." he motioned to each of the other two in turn and set the small ornament on the table. The dog wagged its tail and bounded up to Mauricio to offer the basket "erh bught akes" he tried to say with the basket handle in his mouth.

Mauricio - The presence of the satyr caught Mauricio's attention immediately, the look he gave this goaty individual was not quite as bad as the cold nearly hateful look he gave to drow but it was easily halfway there. Still despite that the grand inquisitor accepted the basket and set it among the other types of food that had been given as an offering. "May the water titan bless you all." He said with a nod,.

Sullivan Key appeared content enough in the weather - lacking excessive finery, he was dressed in quick-to-dry linens of watery tone, material loose and flowing. All in all, his attire was really quite appropriately practical and not unlike what the rooster had been wearing. The subtle glimmer of silver threads and the glimmer of translucent glass dangling from ties at elbows and ankles, only the slightest of an indication of his wealth - otherwise he came unadorned, his own hair limp against his damp skin. He almost looked empty handed until he revealed a tiny, clear crystal vial - perhaps unexpected as most might expect the host of the bath house to bring soap or perfume. The delicate decanter was set down with the utmost care on the table and Sullivan offered the ermine a warm smile. "Water from a unicorn spring," he informed gently and in low tones. "A single drop will purify any container of water. I hope it finds wise use."

Gilles tagged along witih Jaspur at a close pace, gawking at the assortment of persons in the town. It was a hell of a scene. Clutching his offering, the satyr would give it up at the old wizard's suggestion and staring nervelessly at Mauricio as he did. ~ Monte Delgado showed up later than his brother, pleased to find the offerings not all finished and tried to catch sight of the colorful fool in the crowd. Watching him flop and struggle in the water wasn't the sort of thing you missed and he hid an amused smile stroking his moustache with his free hand. When his turn came, he rolled off his name and the offering-a neat ornament of suspended turquoise fish- with stoney civility.";

Quincy Bird was along soon, but by appearances, it wasn't by choice. Two temple servants 'helped' her along. Inspection of the priestess revealed that she'd been forcibly scrubbed, possibly much without her consent, hair bothered with but still a disaster, and forced into a dress that seemed perhaps one size too small. Quincy looked distressed, but no more than before, once the servants released her at the fence, shoving her staff at her. One of them sent the Grand Inquisitor a nod, before they both pattered off, out of the rain. Looking sheepish and guilty, the woman kept her head down, but flicked her gaze to and fro, wary as ever- or even more so than usual. By all appearances.. the poor dame didn't want to be here.

The Phoenix offered Mauricio a nod of thanks and placed the offering where instructed. Before she left the Overseer shamelessly snuck a peak at the list over the brothers shoulder at the list so far, starting to ask. "Who left the rocks-- Oh. Carry on." She have the Brother a pat on the shoulder and steam came off his clothes, drying the poor man who had had to use himself as an umbrella. With that heading off to join the party, offering the blond who had just arrived at the offerings table a little smile.

Naeris Kol spotted Quincy, who she'd heard much about, and she smiled. "Ah, welcome! It's a bit wet, but I'm sure that this will be a wonderful festival!" She smiled at the nervous hermit, then looked around. So many people, so much happiness. It was wonderful!

Johann Malagrav - On the other side of the river a large black horse suddenly appears. Its hooves were muffled in the muddied road, but just the same it has arrived, and sitting upon it is a rather familiar sight. Johann, covered from head to toe in the water-resisting cloak and had of a traveling man, 'announces' his arrival by making his horse clop across the bridge. He looks to be his stoic self for a whole two seconds before he spots the festival not even one-hundred feet away, and the diplomat's eyes widen as he mouths something to himself.

Fyren Rodlan stood quietly toward the edge of the crowd forming within the festival grounds, nodding at those who passed and watching for anything that looked out of the ordinary. Of course he couldn't help but notice the rooster who entered after him and he took the opportunity to approach and greet. "Good day to you, and titans bless you."

People are allowed in without further troubles, all the names noted as is proper. A servant sees that Quincy has arrived, and goes to approach Heyden the performer on the stage - after a short conversation, she gets down from it and the structure is left empty. The same servant goes to gently tug on the sleeve of the freshly-arrived hermit.

Rufio Delgado smiled warmly at Sullivan "Are you ready to see me swim, Sullivan?" he asked as he made his way over "I may not be the fastest but i will surely be the most handsome in the competition." he chuckled and gave the man a curious look, a little concerned. That was when, however, he spotted his brother across the way "Monte!" he called and motioned the man over once he was done with his offering, opening his arms towards his brother for a brotherly hug. "You made it, you old cock."

Hilarius: Eventually, inevitably, there occurred the looming shape of the Grandmaster Alchemist, so straight and so still, as always, with one hand behind his back and the other curled stiffly around a little velvet pouch. There was no telling what was in it, but the strange eye in the center of its gold sigil leered out from between his fingers, eerie enough to perhaps deter any wandering gazes from lingering for too long. Despite the damp of the rain, perhaps even partially on account of it, Hilarius' matted mane was no less unruly than usual, and today it appeared that he had not altered his attire in the Titan's honor as he had done before; in kind, he smelled as harshly of chemicals as he usually did, a suggestion that his worship of this particular deity and Her domain did not go quite far enough to modify his ambiguous concept of hygiene. The rain dripped lazily down the lenses as he stepped stiffly up to the table and placed the bag upon it. It made a muffled, surprisingly heavy sound, and remained upright of its own accord when the broad palm withdrew and fastened itself around the wrist of its twin. "Hilarius Morgus Hieronymus Antonius," the alchemist dully informed the lesser inquisitor. It was a name that had invaded the streets of Rayneth, now, and it belonged to a man that was just as unmistakable--but it could always bear repeating, for being such a long one.

Mauricio - Neither Sullivan's vial nor Monte's expensive offering got anything but. "May the water titan bless you." Out of the inquisitor, before their offerings were put with others and the next could come. It was only when the two priestesses with Quincy arrived that the ermine's expression changed. He'd been told about this sermon and given his own fair warnings. His eyes were quite locked onto the 'recent priestess' while the lesser inquisitor took over the task of thanking for the offerings. Not even Hilarius was given much attention by Mauricio for now.

Quincy Bird stared at the high priestess as if she was witnessing a paranormal event- that is to say, staring at Naeris as if she'd seen a ghost. She didn't reply, merely looking the woman up and down as if expecting her to disappear.. before mumbling something between a blessing and a prayer, averting her gaze quickly. Apparently, nobody had informed Quincy of who the high priestess was. However, now a festival servant was 'helping' her towards the platform (thankfully much nicer than the temple servants had been). All the same, the woman looked as uncomfortable as a butterfly caught in a spider's web. She didn't speak, but looked expectantly out at the growing gathering, eyes wide and shoulders shaking as she clung to her staff. This woman looked no more ready to give a sermon than she was ready to do a cartwheel (and trust me, cartwheels aren't going to be a thing).

Jaspur eyed Mauricio a little curiously as he gave Gilles such a look as he did but then simply moved on respectfully "Stay close." he said to the satyr "I assume this is your first taste of such festivities, don't make a fool of yourself. You'll have more freedom at the next event." he waited for Symeon to hand the inquisitor the drool covered basket and join them before he moved to stand a short distance away, hat keeping out a little of the rain but not a whole lot of it. He scanned the crowds and eventually spotted the overseer, pointing towards her "That is the overseer of magic, whom you require an appointment with. Perhaps i can explain the situation to her today if she has time." he said to the satyr and should Phaeo look his way he'd give a polite and serious nod her way.

Johann Malagrav dismounts from Grim's saddle and leads the horse over to an unassuming tree, which he pins the reigns too with one of his daggers. It doesn't seem to bug the horse too badly--there's lots of yummy grass about. The diplomat pats himself down a couple of times and then slinks off down the river a ways. Just where is he going...--oh, given his position on the other side of the water source, maybe he's trying to avoid walking right through the festival-goers and the stage!

Fyren Rodlan: Samuel Alard remained near the river, staring into it's depths of the river he'd be plunging into later. He didn't dare look at the table of offerings again, with all the food especially. His stomach hurt from lack of attention and the last thing he needed was his primal instincts to get himself beheaded or something. He didn't seem to see or hear anything around him as he stared out at the river. The only thing he did other than stare, was sit down and hug his knees.

Sullivan Key returned his own blessings, gave his name, and departed with a small bow into the crowds. When Rufio made his way over, he all but glued himself to the rooster, not unlike a sudden magnetic pull. Sullivan didn't look particularly well, but he seemed in good spirits even if the lines under his eyes and the way he carried himself spoke of poor health. Rufio would be privy to this already, however, and the pale little androgyne (perhaps even more painfully gender neutral in his current attire with no real clues for those who did not know him), simply wrapped around his arm for support. "No doubt in my mind," he replied brightly, glancing up to give the more serious rooster brother a welcoming smile - which wavered when he saw who else was arriving over his shoulder. A tall and distracting figure that Sullivan never liked to spot. The beautician sank closer to the rooster. "May I suggest finding a good place to set up camp to watch your performance...? I don't really feel up to much mingling, love..."

Understandably, the Inquisitor is in quite a hurry to get the Grandmaster Alchemist in the festival already - he mumbles the same words Mauricio has been saying to all, and Hilarius's name is scribbled in a shakey tone. Behind him comes a fairly young, very fit lass, dirty and in worn men's clothes, with a not very friendly face that one could blame on the Alchemist's... intense smell. She carries the carcass of a boar over her shoulder as if it's weightless, and once it's her turn, she just sets it on the table. "Pokey.", she tells the priest, a hint of pride to her voice. Some might remember this ridiculous name from the notice board about the swimming contest.

Those present, in general, are already getting kind of loud; at first, the chubby woman on the stage draws no attention at all. That is, until someone - someone who sounds like he's missing a couple teeth - yells out a very classy comment on the issue. "Hey, who's the quivery piece o' lard on the sta- OW!" Somebody was smart enough to shut him up with a kick to the shin before the wrath of Titans or their most pious worshipers fell upon him.

Gilles took this advice with gratitude, "I've never seen so many people in one place. It's exciting!" His thick fluff of hair absorbed much of the rain, though it slowly began to sag further over his eyes and ears, he was still able to see the alarming Alchemist's arrival and tried not to be caught staring, "Who's that?" ~Monte regarded Fyren with a nod, flatly returning the gesture. It was fortunate Rufio called out to him, and he made away from the young human quickly with a brief, "Excuse me." He was returned a stiffer hug, "Going to get your feathers wet today? Good day," he greeted Sullivan dryly and turned to watch the ceremony.

The Phoenix caught the look and returned Jaspur's nod, though she seemed to be looking for some one else in the crowd. At the shout from the peasant, her attention found the stage, and she headed that way, not even noticing as she passed rudely between the greeting Roosters and Sullivan with out so much as a how de doo.

Hilarius did not provide any description of what exactly it was that he had brought, and went unasked by the nervous inquisitor; therefore, as soon as he had witnessed the scrawling of his name upon the parchment, he proceeded silently--but not in the direction one might have expected. No, indeed; no sooner than he had arrived, the alchemist turned abruptly about, and he made his rigid, lengthy strides right back in the direction he had come from, passing unpleasantly close along the line of waiting people. He vanished into the woods and rain like a specter, and it quickly became evident that he was not coming back. It was an odd and curious thing, but it was also likely not one that any of the festival-goers could find much quarrel with. Finally, an event that Sullivan that could enjoy in peace.

Quincy Bird looked like she might faint. Some might have had confidence enough in her ability to give a sermon proper, but that confidence was so misguided, let me tell you. Or rather, folks were about to find that out for themselves. "P-please.. p-please, hear me.." Her voice was too quiet, but apparently, some half-dwarf ass was kind enough to direct attention to her. She did all she could to keep from sobbing, but even as she continued, the crying began. "We are gathered to give th-the lady of water.. g-give her our thanks.." Her voice rasped and cracked pathetically. She paused, jaw trembling and tears welling; she thanked the water titan herself for providing the rain that would mask it (not wanting to realize that her hiccuping sobs were obvious). "Shhh.. she is know b-by a title of fffickleness, b-b-but so much more lays within her.." Quincy held her breath, attempting to regain composure before continuing.

Mauricio - As Mauricio moved through the crowd towards the stage he took special care to take the route that ran past the person who had almost said too much, a man who was given a very intense look when the ermine did pass him. The inquisitor did not stop though, not until he was in front of the stage. There he turned around to face the crowd himself, he hoped that putting himself between the crowd and Quincy would keep both calm.

Of course, it takes only the Grand Inquisitor taking that spot and facing the public, and the whole place goes eerily silent. Suddenly everyone's interested in Quincy's speech.

Ferral Shanks approuched the gathering of people arriving if a bit late. She wasn't here to Honer the titan so much as pay her repsects to a god for the land she was in. She had a gift or Tribute as required and seeing as she wasnt from this land she wasnt sure what was really appropriate. She took her gift to the to where the others were and sighned her name in a rather neat elegiblle script after handing it over. She had heard the man an had seen the lady on the stage. And if not stopped she would move out of the way. Standing not far off. Not knowing who she was Ferral felt the need to try and help her though she knew not how. She watched in silence.

Fyren Rodlan nodded at the Rufio's Brother and quickly noticed there were two of them as they excused themselves to chat. Quite a lot of fowl play here, he thought and chuckled to himself. Of course the squire heard the cry of a rowdy festival goer and turned to see that an address was being made. Samuel Alard turned as well, the spell of the river having been broken as the young boy strained to hear Quincy.

The Phoenix it seemed had had the same idea as the grand inquisitor, stopping to stand beside him. She turned momentarily to offer Quincy a nod, silently egging her on, before facing the crowd. Arms crossed before her as she added her stern glare to Mauricio's. Something about her expression suggested that anyone who so much as pulled a face was getting their hair lit on fire.

Jaspur leaned towards Gilles and whispered lightly "No idea, hush." he shushed him to listen to the opening speech and then hushed his dog, who had been whining slightly and getting over excited about the crowds.

Sullivan Key: "Hello, Monte," he replied with a mildly sarcastic and perhaps just as disinterested air - the ill little fellow allowed himself to be distracted long enough to watch the alchemist depart with a suspicious squint over the top of his glasses. With a notable relaxation he finally turned back and released his breath - only to shrug back in surprise as Phaeo strode through with clear determination. Any calling out after her died in his throat as his attention went from following her to the stage. Goodness, was that the same woman he'd met before...? Sullivan maintained proper silence to listen.

Johann Malagrav appears at the offering table looking a little winded. In the presence of the inquisitor taking offerings he doffs his hat, and his other hand produces from the depths of his cloak a small but stuffed sea-blue bag of silver coins. The diplomat says not a word now that Quincy speaks, and his metallic eyes drift towards the stage as he listens along. Johann's face is passive, save for a thick swallowing motion, but ever so slowly he leans down and takes the quill for himself to sign his mark a little shakily: Johann A. Malagrav. ---- Draconus, meanwhile, has made his way into the crowd, noticeable by his hair as always, and he's listening quite intently to the hermit-priestess' sermon.

Rufio Delgado clearly hadn't been in the temple often, as he didn't recognise the speaking woman at all, only the Inquisitor. He patted his brother on the back and then leaned away "Of course. After this pick a spot, you need to stay out of the wet. As for me, today i shall be a waterbird" he said and went quiet to watch the speech with little interest and an amused grin at the thoughts in his own mind, of the swimming.

Like all the others, Johann is allowed in; the Inquisitor, by now, is rather sick of having to so awkwardly cover the parchment from the rain and repeat the same words over and over. Alas, it's his job. "May the Water Titan bless you.", he says.

Ferral Shanks moved through the crowed slowly but surely she got closer to the stage in order to hear the woman as she spoke she had no idea who she was only she seemed inportant and decided it was best to hear this. She saw the two near the front and decided not to approuch near them stopping just close enough to hear. The rain didn;t bother her as it would some her wings shedding most of the water around her.

It seemed that the presence of the Grand Inquisitor nearby was enough to give the woman on-stage some room to breathe- but when he was joined by the Overseer of Magic, Quincy looked as though she might choke on that breath. Instead, she focused, now able to calm her sobs: "L-like the water of the river, the bottom is unseen. But i-if you were to emerge yourself, y-you can feel the smooth stones, the t-tickle of fffish.. and know of what th-the river provides. We d-depend upon the river f-for the water, b-but she provides us f-food and f-foundation, beneath.." She took a gulp of air, feeling empowered. "Often, t-things lay hidden.. th-things the water hides. Secrets, b-beneath the surface. Th-the great lady of w-water, she teaches us a-an important lesson, with this.. f-ffor we m-may rely on her, she c-could hold much m-more than we ex-expect. L-look u-upon now your f-friends, a-and y-your people, y-your family.. l-look upon them now, a-and th-thank the lady of water for what lays hidden, f-for it is that which m-makes better of th-them."

Johann Malagrav edges his way into the crowd and replaces his hat back onto his head. The diplomat continues to listen to the sermon, but he feels a chill run up his spine and every once in a while shivers--the heavier rain is not helping matters at all. ---- Draconus considers the rain a fitting touch, though he starts to look a little miserable as his hair plasters to his face. The paladin glances towards the sky and tightens his jaw a little. Quincy's words ring true, but this won't make him like the weather any better.

Mauricio - The rain growing heavy was not missed by Mauricio, least of all the possible meaning behind it. He shot a look sideways towards Phaeo, is was good to have the overseer so closeby at this very moment.

Gilles watched the strange ceremony in silence. He wondered if they all consisted of stern people glaring at the crowd while a sobbing woman gave a speech? Well, he'd have to find out later and hope Jaspur wasn't insulted for the question. He agreed with the dog's whining, quite frankly, shifting from hoof to hoof quietly.~ Monte shot a retreating glare at Phaeo's back, lost as she rushed onto the stage. He listened to the speech only now, attention drawn to the wreck on stage without comment. "Well, do try to win, Rufio. It would at least make you look a little less ridiculous when you're soaked," he teased smoothly when the speech was finished.

Quincy Bird looked up as the rain began to pound heavier, eyes wide, mouth agape. She soon took in a deep breath, however, smiling warily up to the clouds. "..may the Titan of Water, goddess of the rain- m-may she bless you all with strong friendships this season." It was, however, barely a whisper, and certainly not audible over the rainfall.

Fyren Rodlan listened intently and took the heavier downpour as a good sign. Nevertheless, it was getting harder to see and his dark straight hair did nothing but help funnel the rain into his eyes. He wiped some of the water away and secretly thought that the Water Titan was overdoing it a little.

If until now the silence of the crowd was due to fear of the two rather dangerous figures of power staring them down, the rain has changed it. The change is quick enough to be noticeable, and 'ooohs' and 'aahs' are heard, and more than a few prayers are whispered. Even the rude one who insulted the Oracle before probably just felt a shiver down his spine.

Jaspur simply nodded to show his agreement at the end of the speech and then turned his eyes upon Gilles, hair gradually getting wetter and wetter despite the hat, which was also collecting water and becoming a little bit of a dripping catastrophy around the edges. Jaspur, being a tad feline-esque, looked less than happy with the whole thing and sniffed idly as he considered his words "We aren't staying long." he said stiffly "But you may drink while you're here, as long as you are fresh for early tomorrow morning."

Sullivan Key amused himself only briefly with mental images of Rufio as a duck rather than a rooster - unlike said rooster, however, he was quite interested in what had to be said. Focusing once again on the stage as he listened to the sermon, Sullivan took her words to heart and glanced up at Rufio with a teasing grin - hidden depths of friends and family, indeed. Then the rain began to pour - his usual attention to staying pristine seemed lost as he smiled at the timing, staying in it long enough to where his hair lost nearly all of its wave and his clothing began to go from damp to soaked. Sullivan was running a fever enough that the rain was welcome. Finally surrendering to common sense, he made to take cover from the deluge. "A bit late for that, I think," he noted lightly to Monte through a curtain of hair. "All right, water bird!" he encouraged to Rufio, trying to cover up a rough little cough. "You enjoy this weather for the both of us! I bet you have a fine chance of winning!"

Gilles nodded firmly and took the crying woman's words to heart as best he could. The responding weather was thrilling and he didn't mind the rain nearly so much. There was too much going on to be put off by it, "Thankyou!" The crowds seemed prepared to move on now, and he tried to get a good look at the Overseer once again, "Do you think we'll have a chance to meet her, tonight? She won't be too busy?" And damn if she wasn't the least intimidating standing alongside Mauricio up there.

Right as Quincy began to step down from the stage, there came an echoing voice from above. "HEAR YE, HEAR YE.. ALZAR THE STUDIOUS HAS GRANTED ME THE PRIVILEDGE OF INFORMING YOU.." The bat-messenger, Noxi, landed in Quincy's bushy hair (much to the hermit's shock), taking advantage of the 'high ground' and attention of being on the stage. "'s very exhausting, flyin' and yellin'. Ugh. To make it simple, THE REGENT DECREES A MINE BE STARTED IN THE ROCKS OF THE STARFALL MOUNTAIN NEARBY. IF YOU MINE FOR THE EMPIRE, YOU WILL RECIEVE A VOUCHER THAT DECLARES YOUR IMMUNITY FROM TAXATION." She panted, took a deep breath, and, "YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE YOUR MARK AS A MINER COME MONDAY IN THE CITY HALL." The bat was gone very soon after that, taking off from the afro and zipping off into the rain.

The Phoenix had stepped toward the stairs of the stage once it became clean the sermon was over to offer Quincy a hand so she didn't slip. Unlike everyone else she still appeared perfectly dry, though with the intensifying rainfall a slight haze around her revealed there was magic in the works. "You did very well." She began to congradulate, when the bat dive bombed in to the scene, and rid anything else she was going to say from her mind.

Rufio Delgado chuckled roughly at Sullivan and Monte, waiting for the speech to end before he huffed "You laugh now, but when i win you'll all be worshipping me. just try and keep yourself dry and warm, Sullivan." he said and then observed the stage as the announcement was made. He gave a rather devilish, crude smirk and stepped forwards to exchange that look with his brother, chuckling deeply.

Sullivan Key settled himself out of the rain, but in prime view of the river, sitting with his back against a support beam and one leg stretched out, the other pulled up to his chest for a makeshift pillow. His entire demeanor seemed tired, almost lazy, and simply lacking the energy for enthusiasm, although he would offer a smile to anyone near. Sullivan amused himself by being a mere observer on the sidelines, happier to rest and watch rather than exert himself by standing for too long.

Gilles. Monte expected Sullivan would need some company at some point while Rufio was soaking in the limelight, offering an inclincing nod to the man as he rooted himself on the sidelines. As the bat made its announcement, he returned his brother's mischievious smirk with a thoughtful smile under the dripping moustache. No taxation? Lets see how that turned out.

Johann Malagrav - Draconus nearly jumps out of his skin at Noxi's arrival and yelled decree. An ill-mannered huff leaves his lips, and he turns and begins to work his way towards the back of the crowd. Are they serving drinks yet? The paladin feels like he needs one right now.

Fyren Rodlan: It seemed like the masses were moving to get out of the downpour after the speech and the announcement, but Fyren moved closer to the stage as the crowd dispersed. He wiped his brow again and moved his hair to one side as he took up position to watch the proceedings. In the rain. He was thankful he wore dark colours to the occasion since his blue and green clothes were now clinging to his body. He didn't look happy to be rained on, but he wasn't about to look ungrateful either.

Quincy Bird, once she was freed from the bat, was quite glad to be assisted by Phaeo. "Did you notice, the rain?" she breathed, huddling close to the woman. It seemed to be more out of protection than a chill, even if the chubby hermit was shaking like a leaf. "The goddess agreed.. she agreed," she whispered. "Maybe I am.. m-maybe I am ready, afterall, t-to be an.. an.. an o-ora.." The hermit glanced nervously about. "..the oracle."

After the shock has passed, the silence dies. There's a good bit of conversation mulling now as festival-goers turn to their booze- if what the tiny screaming bat said was true (and by now, many of them recognized said messenger), there could be relief from the hideous taxes that had left so many of them copperless. But the shouts of another servant soon fill the air - sure, the person now on the stage is but a man, and not an oracle or a bat, but he still possesses a strong voice. "The swimming contest will start in five minutes. Participants, join me here when I call your names." He pauses and clears his throat. "Cedric Allen. Frederic Gant. Pokey. Reginald. Rufio Delgado. Samuel Alard. Victoria Cooper."

Fyren Rodlan: Samuel had all but broke into tears of joy at hearing the news about the mining opportunity. He wouldn't have to go hungry anymore! He overheard the second announcement, heralding the contestants to come forward for the briefing. He shot up and jogged over to the stage where he was the first to appear before the man. Fyren, meanwhile, took the announcement as a sign he should move, since he was standing in the way of those who needed to report. He bowed out of the way and said good luck to those who passed him.

Jaspur's eyes widened with deep fascination as the bat came down to speak and he watched curiously "Fascinating specimen" he said to Gilles before realizing he had been asked a question "Oh, Its no problem if she is too busy tonight, we'll go in the morning or whenever she is available. But at least you have seen her, boy." he explained and turned his head away to sneeze twice in a row and sniffle, sighing lightly at the rain. He wasn't too fond, really.

The Phoenix nodded and lifted an arm above the other woman's head as if to shield her from the downpour, and it did, the haze extended in an arch and rain evaporating before it could land and soak the little priestess any more. "It was very impressive for your first sermon. I would of been surprised if there wasn't some celestial sign of approval." The Overseer replied with an amused little smile as she lead Quincy toward the nobles shelter.

Rufio Delgado cracked his knuckles "Here goes nothing!" he said proudly and pulled off his tunic as he made his way over towards the stage, ready to strip down for the swimming of course. Obviously the rooster was fine with the terrible weather and getting his hair dirty, despite being a clean bird. He lined up and waited, looking back towards his brother and Sullivan with a cocky grin.

Ferral Shanks making her way to a tree she took shelter IN it. She could see the river from here new vantage point, and waited to watch the contest not quit free from the rain but drier atleast. She didn't interact wiht anyone really few intrested her one in particular did though she fit Description she had but would wait for some time.

Sullivan Key quietly waited in anticipation of the event, grinning back towards Rufio (particularly his finely sculpted abdomen in the rain - oh my) and making a fist-in-palm gesture to suggest he show the rest of those lined up what for - although that did not prevent him from leaning in towards Monte with a quirked brow. "How well does he swim, anyways...?" he asked. The little beautician made note of a familiar figure moving in their direction and rose an arm with a friendly wave to Phaeo and Quincy - particularly to the latter, whom he offered a warm smile. "I dare say that would be a mark of approval," he commented once they entered hearing range.

Johann Malagrav's face falls a little. A swimming contest? Oh man, if only he hadn't been busy with... The diplomat's eyes widen again, and he quickly starts scanning the crowds, his night vision cutting easily through the growing evening's darkness. Failing to immediately spot what he's looking for, the diplomat starts off towards the noble's cover. He passes by a certain paladin and bops him upside the head in greeting, only to disappear into the crowds quite suddenly. Draconus almost spilt his wine and whirls about, glaring at no one in particular. Damnable shenanigans!

Quincy Bird nervously regarded the crowd they passed through, most of whom were thoroughly soaked (and those who hadn't been were obviously wizards or something because damn it was raining hard). She kept very close to Phaeo, a baby Bird under momma Pheonix's wing. Once in the nobles' shelter, she had a chance to sit.. and oh, how good that felt. Sullivan, however, was the next individual she'd been able to look at in the eye... and not actually look away from immediately. "..d-did the sleeper's root help, any?" she whispered, as if it was some big secret.

Gilles. Monte took a place beside Sullivan, pleased for the shelter if only to keep his dark locks from slipping over his face. He pushed bangs backs, "I'm not entirely sure my brother can swim. We went to a lake some years ago, and he almost drowned. In half a foot of water." He offered polite, quiet greetings to the beauticians friends as they approached. ~ The satyr wasn't put off, watching the woman for a while before the next announcement. "You should have entered the competition," he told Symeon, "Dogs are good swimmers, right?" He eagerly led to a closer look at the contestants, and hopefully take the sneezing wizard closer to some much-needed shelter.

The amazon-like Pokey, too, is quick to join the other contestants on the stage. Soon follow Frederic, an older but clearly rough and tough man who looks like the kind of person who regularly swims in icy water; Reginald, a scrawny young man that doesn't seem too happy to be in the contest; and Victoria, a young peasant girl who, despite her small frame, has a decisive look on her face. "The rules are simple!", says the servant, once all are up there with him. "The first man - or woman - to touch the rope which was stretched over the river five perches upstream of the bridge, which will be the starting point will be the victor. We shall see which one Her Fickleness favors the most. When ready, take your places on the bridge. Try not to be swept away. Any questions?"

The Phoenix returned Sullivan's wave and took a seat by him, though she did pause to do a small double take at what she thought was a familair hatted figure. Shrugging it off she wrapped her thin shawl about her, though she surely wasn't cold. Positioned between Sullivan and Quincy they would no doubt be able to feel the heat coming off her, like their own personal camp fire. "Did I hear that right? That strutting hen is going to get his hair mussed in the river? This will be worth watching." It was only then she noticed the man with a darker version of their friends rooster feathers and a very fine moustache. "Oh, hello, you must be the brother who does all the work."

Fyren Rodlan stood close by while the contestants were briefed and noticed that the lot of people, or at least the nobles, had now taken up shelter. The squire decided he should at least make polite conversation under the noble's shelter while watching for fishy behavior. He made his way over to stand near Quincy, though far enough away from anyone else to save from dripping on anyone else. Samuel listened carefully at the instructions laid before them. He raised his hand to speak. "Um... so you mean to say that we start at the bridge, then swim upstream to a rope? Or do we go to the rope and first one back to the bridge is the winner?"

"Bridge, rope, out.", explains the man without missing a beat.

Fyren Rodlan: Samuel nodded and waited for any other questions to be asked.

Johann Malagrav - "Good evening everyone~," a smooth, deep voice purrs behind those gathered under the cover. The diplomat has suddenly appeared as if by unwanted summons, soundlessly and with a thinly-veiled and unneeded dramatic 'flair'. He smiles widely and politely reaches up to doff his hat once more, revealing the pride and joy that is his hair matted all about his head and pointy ears. "Titans' blessings. Wonderful sermon," Johann adds. "Shame I missed sign ups though. Could do with a good soak to freeze my arse off after all my traveling."

Jaspur ducked into the shelter after Gilles, sniffing and rubbing his sopping wet face dry, sighing deeply. "Don't encourage him." he droned at the Satyr "Overseer. I'd like you to meet-" "You're right Gilles! I should have entered! I love to swim! yes i do." the blue dog barked and wagged his tail, prancing on the spot before he darted off to join the line of men, barking out "I'm joining! I'm swimming!" Jaspur hissed under his breath and whistled "Symeon! Come back here right now." he grumbled. He simply hoped he'd be told no, he knew his dog would simply return looking dejected rather than leap in the river at least.

The Phoenix turned, looking pleasantly surprised to see the newcomer. Though a genuinely happy smile quickly turned in to a smirk. "They havn't started yet, I'm sure you could join." she pointed out, standing to greet him properly just as the dog cantered past. On her way over to the darker elf she gestured with a gloved hand to Jaspur at his attempted introduction. "One moment"

Johann Malagrav is quick to raise his hands in a 'stop' gesture, eyes flitting between Phaeo and Jaspur and utter, "Now, now, Firebird, don't let my arrival interrupt you lot. I'm just glad there's a roof over my head again."

Gilles grinned at the dog as he interrupted the introduction, bleating in surprise when the pooch took off to enter the competition. Hopefully he wouldn't be punished for this encouragement, but distracted the thought giving the Overseer his full attention. A few hands attempted to squeeze the water from his thick curls and smooth it from his eyes while she took off for other busy duties. ~ Monte smiled politely at the assessment of his brother, it well hit home for the colorful cock. "Yes, you'd be correct in that," he added, and glanced back at the incoming dark elf and throwing out some somber return greetings before twisting back into his seat to return to formal silence.

The Phoenix waved hand dissmissively. "Easy enough to get back to all that." she replied as she slipped through the crowded shelter to address Johann better. "Why not race? There is still time to join." She reached up with an elegant motion to place a hand on the taller mans shoulder and gently guide him down to her level so she could whisper something in his pointed ear before releasing him. Awarding him a cocky little smile before turning away to go back to where she was sitting. "What was it you wanted Jaspur?"

Jaspur lifted his brows at the overseer as he was halted in his speech and then walked away from. Lips drew a thin line across his face and he turned his head away to watch his dog, until of course he was finally spoken to. "This is my apprentice, Gilles. He'll be needing an appointment with you soon, but i will deal with that once all the festivities are over, on Monday. He's arrived at a rather busy time."

Johann Malagrav leans down and listens along. He responds with a sharp grin and straightens back up. "Excuse me, everyone~!" Oh god, there's that improper lilt to his tone again. The diplomat gives a quick lil' bow to the group and slinks away rather quickly, towards the servant overseeing the swimming contest. "Ahem," he rumbles in a throat-clearing-attention-grabbing way. "Is there room for one late party to the competition?" One still very dressed late party, at that.

Rufio Delgado climbed out of his pants shamelessly "Well what are we waiting for?" clothes were tossed onto his brothers face as he walked past and headed off with the other contestants, should they go.

The Phoenix adjusted her headdress as she sat back down between Sullivan and Quincy. Despite her haste to speak with the emissary she was completely ignoring him now, turning her attention instead to this apprentice. Giving the fellow a pointed glanceover, before her rather stern expression landed on the young face. "I do have a book in the lobby of the tower where you can make an appointment, it is not so hard. I believe there are spaces free in the coming days."

The man eyes Johann, raising an eyebrow - but it takes but a single glance towards the people the diplomat was just talking to to help the guy make a decision. He nods, unsurprisingly. "To the bridge.", he says, and gestures for all competitors to follow him there. "Form a line, get ready. At the count of three..."

Fyren Rodlan: Samuel followed suit with Rufio, taking his tattered clothing off and tossing them aside along the shore while they made their way toward the bridge when they were dismissed.

Sullivan Key: With the right potion and the right herbs, Sullivan had been able to sleep deep enough to feign feeling all right today - albeit slightly drugged and really rather tired in every sense of the world. However, his calm smile was a genuine one as he peeked through his loose hair towards Quincy, seeming unwilling to lift a hand to stroke it back. "Yes, thank-you." Phaeo's natural aura of heat was welcome and his linen clothing quickly began to dry - Sullivan was content to simply snuggle down into the corner between her and Monte to look between the gathered racers and the crowd around him casually. With all the sudden commotion of bodies moving in from the rain, Sullivan found his attention distracted by faces both new and interesting - especially the 'dog' that had just taken off declaring that it too, wanted to enter the race - as well as known and welcome. "Hello, Overseer. Welcome Back, Mr. Malagrav," he greeted warmly, maintaining a formality in light of present company. Sullivan looked surprised as the diplomat moved off to actually join the race and turned to focus his attention in that direction - this was a rather large contest being held in a torrential downpour, would likely be a very good race, indeed. He hoped that Monte had only been joking about Rufio being a poor swimmer...

Johann Malagrav nods politely to the servant and is quick to discard everything but the undertunic and leggings that make up his underclothing, leaving it all in a pile hastily tossed in the general direction of his horse on the river's other side. He does as instructed of course, following the servant and the other competitors to the bridge. Thank the Titans for connections, hehehehe! ... Draconus, lurking about, shamelessly applies his palm to his face.

Jaspur lifted his brows at Phaeo at the overly sharp response "Yes, i realize overseer, but i simply thought it polite to introduce him." he glanced towards Gilles and then turned away to observe the racers heading up to the bridge, only on time to see Symeon prancing up the way with them "Symeon..." he sighed and frowned, not angrily but instead with deep worry, an alien expression on his face really.

Gilles nodded nervously, setting his teeth and responding in tight worry to the assertive look, "Ah, yes'm!" He clop back a few paces, and considered the quickly-undressing crowd of swimmers gathering. He wasn't sure if anyone has more chance of winning than the other - hopefully Symeon would come out champion.

The Phoenix brightened right after she had made her point, even offering Gilles a little approving nod before he could turn away. "I appreciate that, but I do not make appointments in idle conversation. Far too easy to forget." The Overseer seemed content to sit for now, making herself comfortable to watch the race unfold.

Fyren Rodlan stood on the tips of his toes to see the contestants lining up across the bridge. "Who do you think the winner will be?" he asked of the crowd of nobles in front of him.

Quincy Bird looked happy with Sullivan's response- it seemed that was something the trembling hermit cared about. She was very silent for much of the time, looking back and forth between speakers nervously, only giving respectful nods without any sign of positive expression.. by the time the swimmers lined up, however, and she dared look over.. "Winner?" she whispered- and then her expression twisted immediately from neutral to horrified. She fainted, passing out cold in her seat, tipping forward.

The contestants all undress - except for the two the females, who have to leave at least their undergarments on due to the sheer number of priests and clergymen around that they are not allowed to 'tempt'. A disadvantage for sure. Notably, the amazon lady displays a number of scars when she removes some of her clothing. That back has clearly gotten acquainted with a cat o' nine tails some time in the past. The judge clears his throat, and then throws his voice. "Three. Two. One. GO." And at the sound, everyone jumps into the river, to find themselves swimming against the stream.

The Phoenix actually jumped when the priestess collapsed. She almost looked concerned at first before she followed the dumpy womans former eyeline back to the swimmers. Understanding now, the Overseer just lifted an arm and gave the unconcious Quincy two hearty pats on the arm. Flapping a hand at anyone else who stared. Mouthing "She's fine." before turning her attention back to the race starting.

Sullivan Key sat up with a look of surprise when Quincy passed out, at first not sure what had happened. However, once it sank in, his expression turned to one of concern strangled by a deadpan 'really?' sort of look that he slowly turned to Phaeo's direction. "Is she all right?" he inquired, leaning forward with a look of mildly exasperated concern, stiffness of movement betraying the soreness of a body unwilling to do much. Sullivan, suddenly distracted, looked down at his hands as if he had just realized something. "I don't have any alcohol," he declared in confusion and mild dejection. "This needs to be fixed." Then suddenly, the racers were off! Yet another awful distraction - just what a certain main needed as he slipped through the crowds in the rain, droplets sliding off the jagged rim of a wide brimmed wizard's hat, peasants being parted by a thick black cane...

Fyren Rodlan watched as the swimmers took to the water, only after he watched Quincy faint at the word 'winner.' When he realized what he did, the squire blushed brightly. "Awefully sorry. I didn't realize what I said!"

The Phoenix craned for a good veiw of the river, despite having a prime seat being so short was still her bane. "Just get a servants attention and make them fetch you one... me too while they're at it."

Johann Malagrav dives into the water-- well, really, it's more of a 'graceful flop'--and immediately starts fighting the upstream battle. At first he does fairly well, even if he's feeling somewhat hindered by the earlier traveling. That powerful body cuts through the water, pushing itself along... and then suddenly something bites him through his leggings rather hard near an unmentionable place! The faint glow of a Ghost Snake glides effortelessly past him down stream, and the dark elf suddenly loses his focus and is being swept along with it! Son of a gu-- son of a bi-- son of a snake!

Gilles. Monte saw the crying orrator from before collapse with a quirk of his brow, attention previously on said swimmers, but offered no opinion while the woman's friends took over. Whatever had caused the faint was lost on him, but the faint of heart could be so apt to swooning over nothing. He drew a slightly damp flask from his jacket pocket and passes it along silently, a burning liquid that could melt hair with a slightly expensive finish.

Rufio Delgado was right alongside Jo and he leapt into the water and swam up the river when of course, almost at exactly the same time, he felt teeth not only NEAR an unmentionable place but actually ON the unmentionable place. He screamed like a thousand tortured cats and flailed so hard he smacked Jo in the face and got swept backwards downstream, shoving his hands under the water and struggling with something "ITS- SWEETTITANS-" SCREAM.

It does not take long before one of the swimmers, Frederic, the rough 'n' tough badass old man who immediately took the lead, suddenly lets out a scream, swallows a lot of water, and, like Johann, is swept downstream, though he does manage to hold on to a rock, something long and bioluminescent biting deep into his side. On his way, he bumps into Cedric, who loses impetus and thus has to swim towards the shore, lest he is also dragged downstream. Victoria has no such troubles, but her body is not fit for such big efforts, and soon she gives up and heads towards solid ground as well. This leaves Pokey and Frederic, though the amazon easily has the lead - and, out of the three left in the race, is the first to reach and hold on to the rope that marks the goal.

Fyren Rodlan: Samuel had lined up second to one end of the bridge and stared down at the rushing water below. He shivered at the very thought, but he didn't have much time to think as the countdown was given and his fellow competitors took off. He leapt in after, slightly late, and soon found himself struggling against a strong current where he found himself behind Johann. After a few moments, he heard screams and was knocked about, but kept going, determined to win something at the very least. In the end, the poor farmer boy was no match for the current and washed ashore about three-quarters of the way to the finish, breathing heavily.

Jaspur was too distracted by what was going on to respond to Phaeo, she surely knew he hadn't been trying to make an appointment with her but was only mentioning it anyway. He looked a tad panicked as two men started flailing down stream and quickly looked up stream to where Symeon was. By far not the fastest, the dog was not giving up against the current and was swimming hard, refusing to swim ashore when it got difficult.

Johann Malagrav gets a facefull of Rufio's hand and arm and is knocked further down stream, where he's taken all the way back to the bridge. The dark elf manages to grab onto the wood that supports the structure under the water. He clings to it with one arm and shoves the other beneath the surface, feeling around for that blasted snake still attached to his thigh. A torrent of coughing and foreign swears choke forth from his lips, broken by a Common, "YOU OWE ME, FIREBIRD!"

Quincy Bird was beginning to come to, looking groggy and unfortunate- she blinked a bit, quite uncertain of where she was, at first. Then, the hermit jerked awake, looking startled by the amount of noise, the amount of screaming. "..ungh?" It's pretty obvious that she's panicking, hyperventilating as she struggles to stand.

Gilles almost let out a laugh as the men began letting out horrible screams. The colorful rooster was by far the most alarming, and he immedietely started looking for the dog, closer to the coast, and cheered on the as-yet unharmed creature. ~ Monte very nearly burst out into laughter as his brother was taken out in a seconds. At least he wasn't drowning-yet-though things didn't bode well for the future. He shot a glance to Sullivan and stood up to go fish his brother from the river before he was washed well away.

Fyren Rodlan: Samuel, determined to prove his worth, took a moment to catch his breath and did the unthinkable. He lept back into the river! The young boy surely wasn't intelligent, but one couldn't mark him down for effort. He struggled against the swift moving water and finally made it to the rope, clinging on for dear life.

The Phoenix had gotten to her feet at the sound of shouting, watching in frustration more then alarm as the two men known to be her friends flailed about. She was just turning to exit the shelter when that yell from the dark elf stopped her short. People would of seen a very rare expression grace the Overseer's face before it became carefully wooden and she strode swiftly towards the bridge to join Monte in trying to fish the idiots out.

Sullivan Key accepted the flask with the questioning brow of one who had not expected such a move - but before he can wave over a servant to acquire further beverages, his attention is ripped towards the sudden screaming and commotion back in the race. Rufio! There was something out there in the water with them - Sullivan rose shakily to his feet as the rooster was pulled downstream. In most cases there would be rapid panic setting in for a potential drowing situation - poison also, whatever was out there was unidentified - but luckily, or perhaps unwisely, Monte had given him something to fall back on. So his first response was to take a deep drink. Second, to let out a little shiver, but handle the burn with surprisingly grace. Three, to hand the flask back with a firm thrust. Finally he simply began to hurry down the riverbank towards the bridge where he hoped Rufio would manage to emerge if Monte didn't have to save him, throwing Phaeo a 'you coming?' look over his shoulder.

Pokey holds on to the rope, and uses it to reach the shore. Panting, and unaware of the woes of her competition, she just grins and raises her fist! Back in the river, Reginald sees himself being out-swimmed by a dog of all things - he has no hope of achieving second place anymore. And Samuel, though already disqualified, manages to prove his worth by at least braving the river and reaching the rope; fourth place, yes, but a huge victory nonetheless. Pokey catches her breath, then runs along the river downstream, to help fish out the unluckier ones. Despite the fact that some are poisoned and some are in risk of drowning, the public is merrily clapping and shouting words of encouragement instead of, you know, helping.

Jaspur was another unhelpful soul. The wizard watched on casually at first but as Symeon started overtaking and then almost getting close to first place his eyes widened and he leaned forwards "COME ON SYMEON!" he roared and then abruptly leaned back stiffly and glanced around himself and then at Gilles before staring ahead and clapping very lightly as the dog reached the rope second.

Johann Malagrav continues to cuss up a storm, all of it still in various unfamiliar tongues (fluency: swearing), and his clawed hand finally reaches around the damned Ghostly Snake. He jerks his arm out of the water and flings the glowing creature sky high, where it lands on the bridge with a hard lil' thump. Huffing and puffing, finally almost out of breath, the dark elf continues to cling to the bridge like some sort of wet cat out of hell. Back on the bank, Draconus is looking very concerned for all the misfortune, and he starts squeezing his way forward to try to help out--his target of the rescue becomes Reginald, because Rufio's getting a lot of aid already, and there's no way in hell he'll give the diplomat a chance to drown him too!

The Phoenix was already on her way, though she fell back behind the blond briefly to hitch up the hem of the long dress. Screw the clerics and their fear of ankles. "Is this tradition now do you think?" She asked as she joined Monte and Sullivan at the bridge, leaning over to spot Johann. "Our festivals ending in a collosal cockup?"

Fyren Rodlan was one of the many shouting and cheering as the race concluded, however he saw the concerned individuals and knew now was the time to fetch people out. He, and one of the two guards who guarded the entrance, made their way toward the river where they gave assistance. Fyren made his way to where Johann was, and the guard assisted Rufio. Samuel slowly made his way back to shore as the current ripped over him. He laid out on shore and sputtered once more.

Rufio Delgado swam to shore with a VERY distressed expression, looking paler by the second. Monte helped with fishing him out with that bloody snake still attached to his- well.... family sword, and by the time he was pulled ashore he was starting to go limp and look sickly "..get me- to the fucking- infirmary" he stammered and grabbed the snake. The poor beast immediately burst into flame and incinerated entirely before Rufio flopped reached out for help with getting up.

Johann Malagrav, inspite of the apparent anger in his swearing storm, still is obviously very thankful for any aid that'll get him out of the river. He tries to hoist himself onto the bridge properly, barking at Fryren to help him up onto it. He answers Phaeo's inquiry with a couple of more swears, although these are far quieter.

Gilles bleated joyfully as Symeon took second. He'd been nearly floored by the outburst of Jaspur and let it slide. Somehow, the trauma of the other eventors was able to be bipassed as he ran to greet the champion gleefully. ~ Monte patted his poor snake-bitten brother's shoulder, "Won't try to play so, ah, ballsy a role in the next event, will we?" At least he helped to hoist his nude brother up with little difficulty, and would leave the furious dark elf to Phaeo's able coverage.

Fyren Rodlan braced himself on the bank of the river and grabbed onto the bridge with one hand. With the other hand, he extended it toward the dark elf and barked right back to reach for him. He was aiming to grab him around the wrist so they could lock grip, but he had no clue what the sputtering diplomat would do. "Grab my wrist!"

Johann Malagrav does as commanded, and poor Fyren has a clawed hand tightly wound around his wrist. He tries to find footing somewhere in the bridge's support, but the moment his bitten side firms up, the thigh begins to inflame painfully. Johann immediately starts swearing again, but it's not nearly as loud and angered as last time. Draconus, with the aid of another guard, has helped Reginald out of the water. The paladin looks rather baffled, and he calls out worriedly to the rest of the festival goers nearby, "Wh-what on earth were those things?" Damn foreigner.

Fyren Rodlan grabbed firmly onto Johann's wrist and made an attempt to drag him out of the water. His footing slipped briefly, due to the rain soaked soil, but because he was braced up against the bridge, he was able to steady himself and yank Johann toward shore. "Someone help me get him ashore!" Samuel opened his eyes and sat up only to be alarmed by what he could hear over the cheering. He looked downstream to see that most of the competitors were now struggling to get out. He was too tired to help, but he soon found his legs moving him back toward the bridge. "How can I help?"

The Phoenix- Climbed over the railing, to climb down and beams of the bridge. Hindered no small amount by the dress she was clearly putting herself in a great deal of danger, more then anyone knew, but she got within reach of the larger man. Close enough to grab hold of Johann's tunic. a Surprisingly strong arm tring and haul him upwards and close to his other helper. "Come on. Climb. If I can do it in a dress you can bloody well manage it."

Johann Malagrav has to get up now. His not-girlfriend is showing him up! He huffs again and finally, with all this combined help, gets back onto solid ground. The diplomat settles onto his hands and knees, but one of the former moves over to where he was bitten and gingerly prods it. The muscles give another fiery scream of protest, and the dark elf hisses through his fangs. "I-I'll pay someone t-two gold to get my shit for me and get my ass to the infirm."

Sullivan Key elbowed Monte roughly in the ribs as he pushes his way to the front. "We can laugh at him later!" he snaps, pulling off his tunic to tie around Rufio's waist to offer him some dignity in the situation. Sullivan took up his other side to help get him up, looking around for more sizable insistance if Rufio did not have the strength to get up at all. With a helpless sigh, his own little sick frame the next thing to useless in this situation, Sullivan would peer into Rufio's face to see how he was tracking, his eyes, suddenly sharp and alert. He dared to check the bite for just a moment and went rather white, from face all the way down his chest, expression alarmed and concerned. "Poison," the blond dared hissed. "This is serious poison, we need to go now - he needs to be carried, not moving!"

Pokey the Fierce, a small smile on her face and an obvious lack of concern for the safety of the others (now that they're mostly out of the river), is pleased, if somewhat reticent, to greet the odd stranger that has approached her. Hands on her hips, she is rather lacking in modesty - to hell with that, she won and she knows she won.

Jaspur sighed as he saw the commotion and shoved a few peasants off some seats "Come on, get out of my way" he snapped and placed them in a line together. The wood would begin to knit together to create a wooden tray/cart and the legs would all relocate themselves to become wheels. It was very simple, as only the shape was being changed and Jaspur started walking towards the shore with a limp, the wooden, flat cart rolled ahead of him much faster without so much as needing to be pushed. It stopped near the nearest catastrophy, Rufio "Load your bodies onto the cart and lets get on with it. This will get them to the infirmary faster" he said with a huff. -- Symeon was busy prancing around the crowds that were still cheering the winners and wagging his tail, supprising lots of the peasants by talking to them "I came second! I did! Can you believe that? I love the water titan! I love her very much! Yes!"

The Phoenix climbed back up on to the bridge once Johann had been shoved shoreward. She didn't step around the snake up there, in so far as she set it on fire and then stepped around it. Letting it burn slowly to death as she skittered down back to the bank to stoop by the elf and inspect the damage. "keep your money. You," she looked to Fyren, "Fetch some guards to help you bring both of them to the infirmary, right away. If they're not alright when I get there I'll brand the lot of you." With that she shamelessly used the injured mans shoulder to push herself back to her feet. "I'll get your horse."

Rufio Delgado was hoisted up by his brother and simply swayed and then leaned on him stiffly as Sullivan went about helping also. The man just didn't look too good at all. He clucked a couple of times and stared blearily ahead.

Fyren Rodlan: "Yes, Mistress Phaeo," Fyren replied shortly as he took his tunic off. "Your belongings will be safe, we just need to get you to the infirmary." He tore a bit of cloth off his tunic and knotted it tightly around Johann's thiegh. He then got up, and ran off to fetch guards from the near-by barracks. He returned within two minutes with eight guards in tow to move the injured.

Johann Malagrav - "S-screw brandings. I-I can do worse," the diplomat mutters as he stubbornly tries to stand up after Fyren has... what is that, a tournaquette? The diplomat frowns down at it for a whole two seconds before his eyes go cross, and letting out a few more swears at no one in particular, stubbornly tries to stand up. His leg, growing stiffer by the second, doesn't allow any weight to stay on it and eventually gives up, allowing the guards to move his ass to the infirmary for him. In the very least, his possessions are ensured. Maybe. He hopes.

Sullivan Key would help Rufio on to the offered cart with a gush of thanks to Jaspur, similarly using one of the ropes from his sleeves that he had finally worked free to tie off the blood flow - a quick action that he would take care of rather protectively while maintaining dignity for the both of them by warning glare and turning back to those gathered. Then he'd have no choice but to follow along to the infirmary. A dark shadow of a dark man would casually stroll away from the collapsing festivities - what message was the water titan sending with this, after all - among the bleak night cast with dark robes and dark hat, dark cane and shiny dark boots, a clutch of tiny glittering eyes from the darkness of his sharp collar sometimes glistening through the wavering blinds of the cascading rain.

Gilles congratulated the lot of winners with enthusiasm, well into the spirit of the festival and, amongst the villagers, able to drown out the horror behind. "Well done, Symbeon. Good dog!" ~ Monte's humor fell away at the eblowing, appaled by the brazen action enough to miss a few beats before assisting his battered sibling onto the cart. Ignoring the chaos behind him to pat his brother on the shoulder and stared pointedly at Sullivan's oblivious head as the cart carried Rufio off. "Thank you," he added courteously to Jaspur after the blonde's example.

Jaspur bowed his head to the two of them and started the cart rolling, animated wheels carrying it quickly along. The wizard looked back over at Gilles and peered at the man treating his dog so well, "hm." he paused "Gilles! We are leaving. You'll do well to keep up." he said and turned away to follow the cart towards the infirmary, where he'd drop Rufio off.

Fyren Rodlan: Three guards and Fyren picked Johann off the shore and hefted him away from the festival grounds toward the Infirmary, and once there, Fyren would help with crowd control, letting in only those who needed to be there in. After a bit, he'd swap out with one of the other guards and head to his chamber for a fresh set of clothes. Samuel, in confusion at the chaos around him, found his wet, muddy, tattered clothes and wandered away to warm up anywhere he could find.

Pokey the Fierce. In the chaos, everyone has forgotten to reward Pokey for her victory. When they are reminded of the fact, well - she and her clothes are long gone, lost among the crowd. Was she to become one of these mysterious strangers that appear, win, then vanish without a trace? Time will tell.

The Phoenix had gathered up the elfs clothes and headed off in to the trees on the far side of the river to collect his horse, as she said she would.

Johann Malagrav is hefted away to the infirm. The large black horse is still rein-pinned to the tree, but he will be compliant enough when it comes to heading back into town, out of the rain. Draconus appears to have vanished like a fart in the wind.

Conclusion: Bit by bit the soaked festival-goers began to leave, many of them assisting the priestesses and priests in taking the tributes to the lady of water back to the temple. Others worked on salvaging what was left of the alcohol. One fellow got a nasty shock when he lifted a barrel and interrupted a gnomeling's nap within- Luca raged for quite a while afterward, he'd missed all the fun! Ghostly Snakes! Of all the things! And so much material to work with- oh, rackerdrats..

..and it was some point later, everyone gone, that a strange noble in a wig and tights fetched the oracle from the mud, bless her poor heart, she'd been missed.