Head Butts
Tenebrae - Friday, January 31, 2014, 5:27 PM
-=--=--=--=--=--=<* A07: Local Alexandria Market District *>-=--=--=--=--=--=-
Just west of the Northern Highbridge and east of the arena, commerce blooms. Noisy and bustling, most anything may be purchased here for a price. Vendors from all cultures sell their wares from exotically colored carts, and the smells of different nations and far-off city-states mix with local ones from Alexandria and its riverbanks.
For all its commerce, visitors are advised to keep hold of their purses. Even the merchants possess a certain, cunning look. Most are positioned at carts or stalls as opposed to a formal storefront, with trade here being mobile, and visiting from all parts of the world.
Though the quality of goods suffers here compared to Upper Alexandria, the options are more diverse. Too, the oversight of the Watch is slightly less, and during times events are held at the Arena, chaos abounds. After dark, the square becomes a hangout for bards and other entrepreneurs whose business is best conducted by night; the shadows at the edges of the square often contain furtive figures engaging in their own brand of business.
Mikilos wanders the market, a tiny ball of magelight hovering near his shoulder. The spell is more to identify the elf as a magic user than any real need for illumination, but there are those occasional spots where market stalls block just enough of the manalamps to make it handy.
In the case of another, no real light is needed since she can see just fine in the dark. With a rather large hammer resting on the woman's shoulder, she walks through the marketplace with a bit of a smile on her face. Not a smug grin, mind you, but a nice smile. Plus it's the fact that it's her first time in the marketplace.....
Boshter is, of course, bounding down the street. Cheerfully. He seems to be in a good mood! "HELLO, WIZARD!" He calls to Mikilos. "IT IS VERY GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN! Are you sure I can not convince you to participate in the challenge of a lifetime!?"
Jibbom has connected.
Mikilos waves to Fa'lere as he nears, smileing, but is, as usual, distracted when Boshter arrives. The hob has that effect on people. "I've already participated in the challenge of a lifetime. Several, actually. But to which one in particular do you refer?"
Fa'lere walks her way forward and listens to the arvek nar. "What challenge is that?" She says listening quietly to the both of them.
"Why, the First Annual Boshter Challenge Of Headbutting! Can you break things with your head? If so, can you break something that I can not break? The first person to do that becomes the winner!" Boshter beams at Fa'lere.
Mikilos chuckles softly, and ponders a few moments. "I don't believe so. I'm not so good at breaking things with my head. Breaking things with my mind, however..." The wizard grins and gestures, calling a second bit of magelight into existance.
Kravar has arrived.
Speaking of breaking minds, Jibbom is here! It's never hard to see the halfling's approach, given his tendency to swagger in with his golden wings dramatically outstretched. Also, his tendency to announce himself in the following fashion. "Citizens, behold! It is I, your hero, Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night!"
"BEHOLD! IT IS OUR HERO! STEEL VON IRONBLOOD, BANE OF THE NIGHT," says Boshter, in agreement. "HELLO, JIBBOM. IT is very good to see you! I Have an IMPORTANT QUESTION for you." He is now turning towards the halfling.
Mikilos sighs, but smiles. "Hello Von Steel. What has you out and about this eve? Another wedding proposal?"
Fa'lere turns her head and looks towards the halfling wholheartedly at the halfling. "Hehehehe. Hero huh?" She then brings down the hammer, literally, and sets it's head upon the ground. "You're a little short to be heroic.....Jibbom, is it?" She says looking to Boshter.
Kravar meanders through the marketplace, bruises darkening his face and one of his lips bloody. Despite the minor injuries, the Aesir looks like he couldn't be happier. Jibbom's voice draws his glance, and then Kravar heads in that direction.
Azog is riding along on a shaggy horse, cloak wrapped tightly around him against the cold, blowing wind. He looks worn, but determined. A tall crowd draws his attention, and he offers a nod of greeting as he rides over to see what's going on.
"Possibly!" Jibbom declares to Mikilos. "It may become necessary, in order to solidify the alliance between our fair city and the good people of Dragonier! But first... I must speak with my good friend and associate!" He must mean Boshter, since he grins at him next. "Ask your questions, stalwart friend! Steel Von Ironblood fears no queries!"
"Steel Von Ironblood, actually. Steel, I require your assistance," he says, cheerfully, "I am holding a challenge!" Boshter spreads his arms wide apart. "A great challenge of great deeds about hitting things VERY HARD with your HEAD. You will compete in it, yes?!" He sounds excited. "NO ONE has a harder head than Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night!"
Mikilos grins to the Orc-lass. "Don't judge NightsBane by his height. Or his apperance. Or his words. Or the numerous rumors, most of them true. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the massive piles of it, he truely is quite heroic. Mind boggeling, I know."
Fa'lere says, "No, I believe anyone can be heroic if challenged, good elf." She then looks towards Azog and waves. 'Greetings Azog! have you not been helped with your wounds?" She says quietly, then spotting Kravar, tilting her head. 'Speaking of wounds, are you all right?""
"Heroism isn't measured by height." Jibbom declares with a cheerful grin at Fa'lere. "It is measured by amazing HEROIC DEEDS!" He stretches his wings further, inconveniencing several nearby pedestrians. He then returns his grin to Boshter. "Steel Von Ironblood has never declined a heroic challenge, and today is not the day that will change. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED."
Azog nods gravely as he overhears Boshter's propsition to Jibbom. "If anyone's head has the power to drive through steel and adamantine walls, it is him." To Jibbom, he says, "May you show your full strength in this competition." He shakes his head to Fa'lere. "I have not. But I am here, in case danger strikes I will fight back as well as I may."
"You will be competing too, right Azog?!" Boshter asks, brighly, of the Oruch. Then he nods towards Jibbom. "Excellent news! My competition would not have been complete without Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night!"
<OOC> Boshter says, "Naturally, Jibbom wil demand he go first, knock himself out on headbutt #1, and wake up convinced he was the victor."
Kravar returns Fa'lere's glance. "Hm? Oh, this? Nothing...a little fun at a tavern. Fun until they kicked us out, that is. You should have seen the other three." He grins briefly and then looks over at Jibbom, speculatively. "I hope your competition has chairs."
Mikilos frowns mildly, nodding to Azog. "The Guild asked me to keep here to the market. They aren't really expecting trouble, but on the off chance any happens, well, they've already arcane backup elsewhere in the city."
"No competition is complete without Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night." Jibbom declares, once again posing excessively. "Perhaps I shall bring with me the rider of the silver dragon, once our marriage has been secured. In light of the recent unrest, it is the only way to bring our two nations together!"
Azog shakes his head to Boshter. "I told you my terms already and you declined them." Something about wearing his helmet? "It is one thing to stand in the face of evil and hold your ground, fighting to the last. It is another thing," he says with a derisive snarl, "to deliberately injure yourself for the entertainment of honorless cowards." He nods to Mikilos, "Good that you are here. Trouble comes all the time, but it is worse when no one expects it." He looks at Jibbom. "You are not a goblin now? That may help."
"You do realize that Dragonier isn't really existant anymore, yes?" says Boshter to Jibbom, clearing his throat. Then he adds, "Yes! No competition is complete without Steel Von Ironblood!" Then he nods to Azog, and adds, "I have changed my mind! YOu may wear any helmet you want !"
Fa'lere places her hand upon Kravar's shoulder. "Nonsense." She says as her hands begins to glow, healing Kravar's bruises. "All of us should be at full strength." She then looks to Azog. "especially you. If there was a way I could get you back to full strength, Azog, I would do it."
Mikilos shrugs mildly. "Azog at a fraction of his strength is still mightier than many at full strength. I do not always understand his ways, but I won't argue their results."
"Just because it's a collapsed ruin doesn't mean that good diplomatic relations aren't important." Jibbom replies to Boshter, his grin unwavering. "I look forward to this challenge! It shall be the greatest of contests!"
Fa'lere says, "I have seen his determination, even at a fraction of his strength, so I wish to see him AT full strength, since I have just gotten here myself." She then thumps her hammer on the ground. "I am Fa'lere of the Burning Blade clan, Warrior of Angoron!""
Kravar nods in approval. "Agnoron?" He repeats. "Well met! I'm Kravar, also a follower of Agnoron." He pauses and then glances at Boshter before adding slowly, "A helmet? Isn't that a little unsporting?"
Azog nods grimly to Fa'lere. "I thank you for your concern. I should have sought out a priest sooner. Other things seemed urgent a the time. As long as I can ride, things are not too tiring." He snorts at Mikilos, but he preens a bit, too. Boshter gets a speculative look, then he nods slowly. "Against my better judgement, I will honor my word and compete." To Kravar, he says, "It is foolish. But the idea of the competition is not a sport in any event, so saying it is unsporting is meaningless."
"That is great news!" Boshter beams at Azog, then he nods to Jibbom. "Of course. That is excellent news!"
"Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla, Builder Arcane." The elf offers in his own introduction. "A pleasure to make your aquaintence."
"Also known as the magical associate!" Jibbom adds needlessly to Mikilos' introduction, beaming, before he looks back to Boshter. "Now, I must prepare. You seem like a man of the world, orange associate. What do you know of Dragonierian proposal and marriage customs?"
Zaxx has arrived.
"I think they involve dragons!" Boshter says this to Jibbom, happily. "I am sure of this!" Then he nods to Azog again and folds his hands together behind his back.
Fa'lere says, "it is good to meet you Mynoseisrunny Ineedastissue soishallblowmy nose." it's clear she didn't follow the entire name. "Uh....how about I call you 'Mik'? That okay?""
Mikilos chuckles. "'Mikilos' is the common cutoff, but some don't follow that much." He nods unsubtly to Jibbom and Boshter.
Kravar chuckles good-naturedly. "Mik. I like it. Shorter too," he adds. "Perfect for calling out in the midst of battle." He raises his voice slightly to demonstrates, "Mik! Left Flank!" Not really shouting the way someone would in a fight, but louder and more urgent than his normal tone of voice. "Mik! Watch out for that golem!"
"Makes sense to me!" Jibbom declares to Boshter, grinning and apparently feeling his question has been fully answered. "Do not fear. Steel Von Ironblood shall conduct himself as appropriately as always!" OH no.
Zaxx nears from the Northeast. On foot, this time. He carries a large bundle on his shoulder that seems to be reeds. The pace of his footfall is stable, but the distance of the steps is erratic not to wade in late night relief in various states of freezing. He also has a kind of wooden token hooked into one of his belts. When the fullblooded mul'niessa hears familiar voices, he looks up and almost immediately narrows his eyes in guarded manner. "Maugrim's madness," Zaxx says under his breath. Closer to his usual loud voice, "Good evening!"
"I HAVE IT!" Boshter snaps his fingers. He turns towards Jibbom again and announces, "You must climb to the Dome of the Temple of Daeus once more, Jibbom, and from there declare her your love in front of the Dragon Gods! Yes! This is an excellent idea!"
Mikilos looks mildly at Boshter. "I don't think the decloration is the issue. The lady is aware of Von Steel's proposal, but merely lacks intrest."
"BRILLIANCE." Jibbom declares in response to Boshter. "It shall be so!" He gives a smug grin in response to Mikilos. "She is simply unaware of my heroic powers and reputation. This shall be corrected!"
Fa'lere says, "You act like this is an every day occurance." She says before looking to Kravar. "By the way, no more brawls. it's one thing to test your strength in a competition, such as arm wrestling or a drinking contest. Then you reward the victor and buy him a drink, or food. A brawl suggests a sore loser." She then shrugs."
"Clerly, she is not aware /enough/," says Boshter to Mikilos, solemnly. Then he nods to Fa'lere. "Your suggestions have merit! Jibbom should arm wrestle the dragon!"
Azog peers at Jibbom, them at Boshter. Then he nods. "It is decided. Jibbom will fight the dragon for the honor of Sandy." Wait, has he got it wrong. "Or are you fighting Sandy for the Dragon? And where does the Lady come into it?"
Mikilos ponders. "Sandy fight the dragon, Von Steel fights the winner?" He'll be amused however the mix goes.
"Close enough!" Jibbom declares to Azog with a big broad smile. His eyes go wide at the suggestions given. "Arm wrestling? Drinking contests? These are FANTASTIC ideas. I shall best the dragon in both contests!" Oh no.
Kravar barks a laugh. "You left out head-butting. Challenge the dragon to a head-butting contest. Might as well make it a complete victory."
"HOw could I not think of that?! I will invite the dragon to the Headbut challenge!" Boshter says to Kravar, loudly.
Fa'lere just....blinks a couple of times. "uh....I have a question. How can you be engaged to someone who isn't interested in you?"
Mikilos ehs. "NightsBane doesn't allow minor things like reality to impeed his efforts."
"YES." Jibbom heartily approves of Boshter and Kravar's latest idea. "It will be the most outstanding display of heroism!" He turns his grin to Fa'lere. "Through HEROIC AMAZINGNESS, that's how!" He replies nonsensically.
Azog shakes his head to Fa'lere. He says aside to her, "It is a thing of /Coyote/." His tone is at once derisive and fatalistic. "There is no use resorting to reason. It is about the feel and flow of the situation. You find your ground and strike, then let events flow. He will emerge from the encounter with Coyote's blessing and none can fully explain. Not even him, sometimes." He nods at what Mikilos says.
Zaxx glances at a new face who is an oruch ginger, an unusual sight. His attention is on the crazed part-time cherub to himself and his radiant bother..personality, they call it. He is potentially dangerous, after all. The others are equally headstrong. In one case, at least. He could just go and stay safe. Then, "Magic is to bend and reshape reality or is it not?"
Mikilos nods to Zaxx. "Some magics are more.... chaotic... than others."
Kravar mutters something about golems under his breath.
Fa'lere turns her head towards Zaxx and snorts. "Yeah....Chaotic and causes insanity." She then raises her eyebrows to Azog. "really? Well, that explains a lot." She then chuckles. "I have no problems with the Coyote, but I prefer reality." She then looks to Kravar. "What is your name again?"
Kravar's face reddens. "Kravar!" Then he seems to relax. "My name is Kravar."
"AMAZING HEROICNESS!" Boshter concurs with Jibbom, then swats him on the back. He has to bend to do it. "Yes, friend! Come! Let us stike amazing poses of greatness togehter!" And so he poses. "I am Boshter! Champion Dragon Tackler!"
"The Coyote is as much a part of reality as anything else. His laughter pervades all creation." Jibbom declares with a wide grin in the direction for Fa'lere and Azog. Then he's right back to encouraging Boshter, grinning after the back-swat. "Yes! A true fellow hero!" He strikes his own pose, pointing to the sky as his wings stretch out wide.
Mikilos glances to Fa'lere, and nods to Boshter. "Not that there's much compitition. I'm not aware of any dragons who care to be tackled."
Azog nods gravely to Fa'lere. "Garganos Behemoth is straightforward in his own way. Coyote is the antithesis of straightforward. But he is not evil, and good may be done in ways unforseen, so we must accept these ways. They are no less real for being incomprehensible," he says, nodding to Jibbom. To Mikilos, he says, "That is part of the challenge. Tackling a dragon that does not want to be tackled. Tackling someone who wants to be tackled is no challenge."
Fa'lere chuckles. "I think I prefer straightforward." She then yawns a bit. "Can someone point me to the temple district?"
"Jibbom! I have an idea!" And with that, he goes to pick the halfling up and throw him like a lawn dart. Really. He's clearly expecting him to fly away. "Fly, Jibbom! Fly!" See?
Mikilos nods, and points. "East, across the river to the gardens, then south through the festival grounds to the Temples. Or you can head south through the warehouses to the Lower Gardens, then east across the river to the Temples." He then looks to Bosther and Jibbom, and winces slightly.
Zaxx's brow goes up at Master Mithralla's line. He nods slowly and flashes an impish smile for a moment. To Fa'lere the unknown, he replies, "Eluna shines in the dark to soothe the benighted." He slowly turns to Jibbom, "Ah, the great Jibbom! Did you sign up for the headbutting competition yet? One as mighty as yourself can surely impress the ladies with such daring and headstrength! Did you know there will be a song about it and that, should you prevail, there might well be a grand chance to partake in subsequent competitions. The prize to be won might look good in a dragon's hoard, too!" His smile widens. "The temple district is to the South and East from here. Mostly South. The Daeusites' scaffold can be seen from afar. Master Mik just provided a fine explication."
Fa'lere just.....watches Jibbom fly through the air. "I think I'll be leaving now." She then smiles to Zaxx. "Angoron protect your freedom." She then hefts her Hammer and trompers her way to the south and east.
Azog points Fa'lere towards the Temple District, as the crow flies. "That is your straightforward route. But you would be better served if you head south towards the gardens, then head eastward along the road and cross the southern bridge," he summarizes Mikilos's directions. "There is a time and place for directness, and a time for the alternate way."
"Wheeee!" Jibbom flaps his wings, taking to the air and soaring with frightening speed after Boshter hurls him through the air. "Steel Von Ironblood, awaaaaaaaay!" And off he flies, into the sky.
Mikilos watches Jibbom wing away, and just sighs, rubbing his brow a moment before waving farewell to Fa'lere.
Fa'lere waves to Mikilos, Azog, Kravar and Zaxx. She'll see them again.
"Reos bless," returns the bald mul with a wave. He adds something in Khazdul, shrugs twice and looks at the other sil. "What was that all about? Did he not find a more illfitting being to court yet?"
Jibbom has disconnected.
Azog bods farewell to Jibbom and Fa'lere, then says, "I will continue my patrol and remain alert for danger." And then he rides off into the cold.
Azog has disconnected.
Mikilos shrugs, and waves vaugely to Zaxx. "It seems not. He has his mind set upon teh Dragon Knight. If perhaps not truly his heart. But he means no harm in it."
Zaxx nods to Kravar with an even more off, some would say twisted, smile, "So the lady leaves your breathless?" He quickly shifts his primary attention back on Mikilos, "It is a grand game to him, like a great gnomish prank or a lyr performer's magnum opus. Is there anyone he really cares about?"
Fa'lere has left.
Mikilos frowns thoughtfully. "Not a prank. He's quite sincere in his efforts. It's... like a play. He honestly believes himself the hero, and so plays the heros role as best he knows how. He rallies the people, slays the monsters, and woos the maidens. Or at least he tries very hard. Honestly does quite well at the first two. I'm sure some day he'll find a lass who swoons for him. But I don't think shall be the Dragon Knight. But for now he continues to play the role and woos her as best he may."
"That Steel Von Ironblood is a hero, I say," says Boshter, solemnly. Then he folds his hands togehter neatly behind his back. "HE also is really good at throwing lightning."
Zaxx rolls his head at this, "I gather that, but why does it always have to be the least likely one? I see the point of going at it with challenge in mind, but why impossible odds? He sets himself up for failure."
Mikilos ehs. "And yet he succedes more than is possibally rational."
Zaxx oh's, "_That_ I did not hear about. Do extrapolate." Zaxx shifts the weight of the reeds to the other shoulder.
Mikilos shrugs. "He's still alive. By his regular acts alone that's something of a minor miracle. With trying to woo lady Sandy, and a dragon's charge, and who knows what others, a bit more miracalious. He truely has rallied the common peoples for a number of causes. And is susprisingly compitent in battle, despite his best efforts, it would seem."
"He's still alive and has grown in power!" BOshter beams. "I have seen him fight a DRAGON and survie! THat is very impressive!" HE nods his head up and down, firmly.
"I referred to his woo-ing related endeavors alone. His wings speak for themselves and his actions are as public as they bring results. That he survived his courtships is the answer I was looking for," Zaxx states.
"Oh. I think that is because no one can be arsed to murder him," suggests Boshter.
Mikilos nods, and ticks off on his fingers. "Slay the monsters, rally the people, woo the lady.... two out of three isn't bad."
Zaxx chuckles and dips his head, "That may be so, Master Boshter. True enough, Master Mithralla."
Zaxx points at the reeds, "This has been most enlightning and entertaining. Have a good night. I need to process those before the cold ruins them. You take care. If you need a flute or other instrument, do not hesitate and ask me." Right after, the sil begins to stomp away.
"Okay! Goodbye!" Boshter cheerfully waves after Zaxx.
Mikilos nods. "Fare well." Glancing to Boshter, he shrugs. "I think the holiday is over now. Suppose should be safe enough to head off for the night."