Fantasy Gladiator League

The bright sunlight streams through the upper windows, bathing the inside of the TarRaCe with light and warmth. The place is also quiet, being in the lull between breakfast and lunch. A few patrons are scattered about the place, enjoying a hot drink or late breakfast, tended to by the establishment's well dressed staff.

The proprietor busies herself with cleaning, giving the wooden floor a good mopping to bring back the wood polish's shine. She hums to herself cheerfully as she goes along, occasionally stopping to chat with a customer.

Thonk! "Your other left, Unmesi."

"*Yawn*, M'sorr', I can' turn in th' fifth dimension."

"Not yet."

Rebounding off the front door is a very, very sleepy looking egalrin woman, bags under her eyes as she walks like she's barely catching herself falling forward. Atop her rust red and white head is a white plumed thrush, Slix's crest feather in their tiny beak, pulling it left and right, as if it was piloting the witch. "Right," they tinnily chirp.

Clunk! A chair gets knocked over. "Ow. Fifi, just *yawn* jus' throw me in the bench seats.

The tiny familiar pulls to the left. And Slix collapses into a bench chair. A hand raises from under the table. "One coffee pleeeease...."

The pool-shark eyes the progress of Slixvah across the TarRaCe's main room. The little woman walks towards the kitchen with the mop, only pausing a moment to snag the bucket.

A short time later, a mug of fresh and hot coffee is slid in front of the sleepy Egalrin. Irshya settles onto the bench a moment later, leaning her head upon her hand.

"Mornin' Slivvie", she says cheerfully.

An animated feather snakes up from under the table to wrap around the mug, pulling it down underneath. A loud slurp rings forth. "Mornin'... Rishrish," Slixvah tiredly chirps, attempting to sit up right, but giving up halfway to fall back down into the bench.

Fiadh flutters up to perch on the edge of the table. "Apologies," they tinnily tweet. "There was new magic to impart upon Unmesi today, and it seems she does not have a handle on it just yet."

"Wha' kinda mojo makes ya... jus' like... eepy sleepy? Yeeesh..."

Thje GOblin grins at the little bird, and she offers a little shrug. "That's alright, I understand how it goes." She giggles lightly at Slix's sleepy comment. "Hmm, well, I do know that there is a spell which causes people and critters to fall asleep, so it's not a surprise that your mojo might make you sleepy.".

The Current pulls up a bare foot, sitting half-cross-legged on the edge of the bench. "Ya can take the day if you need to, or maybe just the morning if you're feeling more energetic later. It's all good, don't stress about anything, take your time. Want some breakfast? Something hot or something cold?"

"Naw naw naw," Slix's hand waves about in the air, it gesticulating for her as she remains half face planted on the bench. A loud slurp comes from below, and an empty mug is posited on the table. "Thi's was like... deep dreams, trippin' on somthin', crazy wacky madness dreams tha' ya only get when yas in da best sleeps ever. I went from wide awake to tha' in a heartbeat...."

"Again, cannot handle it."

"Bite my tail feathers."

"Pass."

Slixvah giggles weakly. "Prolly jus' the mornin', see hows I feel laters." A moment ta think. "Ey yeah gimmie a uh.... double hash blast wit' three eggies, so' special sausage an' li'... a small bowl of fruits."

"Adventurous."

"Hush. You made me hungry."

"Touché."

A gentle hand pats at Slixvah's shoulder, the Goblin half-hugging at the Egalrin. She nods knowingly, "It's like that sometimes, yeah." A little tsk is sent Fiadh's way, "She's able to stand a lot more than most people, one should give her credit for that much at least, little bird."

In a blink, the pool-shark withdraws, making the journey to the kitchen once more.

A small gaggle of older folks arrives in the meantime. They're boisterous, excited, and head upstairs, where a small section of the dining area is reserved. They settle at their table, served hot drinks by one of the staffers, and what appears to be some sort of hushed conference begins. Numbers are said in hushed tones, and the gathering argues back and forth.

Colosseum betting has become entertainment almost as big as the fights themselves.

Minutes go by before Irshya returns, bearing a tray. Arrayed on it in a pleasing circle are a bowl of fresh fruit, a plate of special sausage that the TarRaCe is growing known for, and the double-hash-blast. There's an extra eggy though. And another a mug of coffee.

"Here y'go!", Irsh says cheerfully, with her trademark grin (complete with missing tooth).

"The fact that I am still here, being her conduit, is more than enough proof of her resolve," Fiadh snips back before preening under their wing. "I have no time for weak wills."

"Mamaw ain't raise a bi-" New patrons drown out the sleepy witch. Slix carefully picks herself up, head plopping onto the table to peer at the gaggle conversing.

Food gets her to perk slightly, her pulling herself up some with her wings. "Oh thank you, hon," she croons with a sleepy smile, letting animated feathers take and arrange plates before her. She glances off towards the table. "Is tha' new? I ain' been part of the mornin' shift fo' a hot minute. Usually I'm outta here 'fore th' mornin' rush."

"No time for weak wills, yet here you are, saying she's weak willed.", the Goblin retorts to Fiadh, her ears having caught the bird's comment on her way to the kitchen.5r

She giggles lightly at Slixvah. "They like to come around every once in a while, Gildays usually, when there's big events in the Colosseum, and favourite gladiators and teams are competing. Sometimes they like to bet on which wizard will make the biggest explosions in the spell testing area."

The pool-shark ducks under Slix's wing, to lean lightly against the Egalrin's side. "You're most welcome, dear. Always happy to feed you."

Irshya sighs lightly. "That group is willing to reserve their favourite table, and usually stays for lunch, and drinks afterwards. One of them will run off to the Colosseum to check the winners after. A few more will come by, and they'll exchange cards, tickets and money. I think it's a fantasy gladiator league."

<OOC> Irshya says, "Ack. FIX: Replace above pose with below!"

"No time for weak wills, yet here you are, saying she's weak willed.", the Goblin retorts to Fiadh, her ears having caught the bird's comment on her way to the kitchen.

She giggles lightly at Slixvah. "They like to come around every once in a while, Gildays usually, when there's big events in the Colosseum, and favourite gladiators and teams are competing. Sometimes they like to bet on which wizard will make the biggest explosions in the spell testing area."

The pool-shark ducks under Slix's wing, to lean lightly against the Egalrin's side. "You're most welcome, dear. Always happy to feed you."

Irshya sighs lightly. "That group is willing to reserve their favourite table, and usually stays for lunch, and drinks afterwards. One of them will run off to the Colosseum to check the winners after. A few more will come by, and they'll exchange cards, tickets and money. I think it's a fantasy gladiator league."

Fiadh's golden eyes give a deadpan stare at Irshya's back as she walks to the kitchen. "Splitting hairs."

"You're bein' too spicy," Slix snips back just before the proprietor returns.

Several bites of food are speared onto a fork before a beak nibbles at it slowly. She chuckles. "Tha's sounds li' a good way ta pass the time," she points out as the wing opens up to let the pool-shark slide in.

She squints a bit in thought, tired brain taking time to connect dots. "... so they don' actually watch? Jus'.. get th' report?" Another pause. "... cards? Wha' cards?"

The Gobbo is silent for a little bit, her eyes closed. Warm and comfortable, there's a light snoring sound, but then a loud snort as she awakens.

"Hmms?", she mumbles. "Oh. I am sure they sometimes go to watch, they aren't here every Gilday, just... most of them. Yeah, cards. Like playing cards, but they have people's faces on them. I guess they are the gladiators. They have stuff written on the back. Haven't looked /too/ closely."

Irshya is quiet a moment, "Don't want to be too nosy."

Giggling, she stretches a little before leaning against Slix a bit more. "It appears they enjoy arguing with each other, and betting on the matches, and uhm... have tournaments. I've seen dice too. Honestly, it looks like fun, and hey, they're here spending money, and are comfortable. I can't complain. Just too shy to ask what they're doing, exactly."

Slixvah scratches the underside of her beak as another forkful is shoveled in, the wing blanket pulling around Irshya more. "You shure you ain't th' one tha' needs sleep?" she asks before squinting across the way at the table.

The witch listens, nodding along as coffee gets inhaled. There's a moment where she stills. Gathering will. Before she claps a her a few times. "Alright, sleepy birdy, get up, up up!"

She stands, trying to shake the fatigue away. "Well good thing I ain' got a shy bone in my body, -- heya!" she calls out, walking over to the table.

"Hi!" she sweetly croons, edging her way into an open side of the table. "This looks like fun, what's goin' on?"

"I can always use more sleep.", the Gobbo says, "But it's nice and cozy right here, and I can hear your heartbeat." She presses an ear to the Egalrin's side. "Can't blame me if it's comforting." There's a little whine of complaint as the warm blanket gets up, and steps away. In an effort to hide, she stretches out in Slixvah's place.

It's an older woman who replies, one who appears old enough to be everyone's grandmother. She pushes her glasses up her nose, and clears her throat. "Oh, it's just a game we've devised. It allows us to reenact gladiatorial games and battles, some of which are famous, and perhaps we got to see in our youth. Some harmless fun, which we embellish with some betting." There are nods in agreement, and self-conscious smiles all around."

An animated feather gives Irshya a pat on the head. "Can't blame ya, I am totes cozy," she preens as she walks away. "Be riiiight back."

Slix rubs an eye as she stands with one hand on her hip. "Ooooh, tha's sounds li' ri' fun!" she grins. "Ya'lls got any favorites? Any big names in th' past?"

There are polite coughs and looks exchanged, and more than one of the group develops a little flush of the cheeks.

"Well of course!", the grandmother says cheerfully, not a note of shame in her voice. "There's "Big J", a human large enough to call into question the nature of his father, he reigned for almost ten years, stepping down after being beaten by a man twenty years his junior. And who can forget Grazzle, the Razzle Dazzle, a grey Sith who'd paint his scales in confusing patterns and colours before each fight. And of course, a lot of the current fighters are favourites, simply because they're current. And worth betting on."

A light touch can be felt on Slix' waist, as the Goblin peeks around from the Egalrin's side.

Slixvah grins as she exposes guilty pleasures. "Oh those are great! I've heard of Grazzle, can't not hear somethin' 'bout they razzling. Wish I was 'round ta see that! Maybe he's still 'round!"

A wing pulls Irshya in against her side while the witch points at the table. "And wa' th' dice fo'? Tha' part of the reenactin'? Awh man tho's pretty frickin' cool!"

The Goblin hugs close, hiding herself as much as possible behind the wing 'round her.

"The dice are used for determining the winner in the event of a tie, or if we cannot agree on a particular point. Let Tarien decide if we cannot!"

There's a muffled laugh which Slix may feel more than hear, and the Pool's shark's tail curls form side to side.

"Ahhh, tha' makes sense!" Slix bobs her head, rubbing her beak. Genuinely interested. The egalrin glances down briefly from the laugh against her before continuing with a cheeky smile. "Ya'll acceptin' new players?" she inquires. "I know a folk or two who probs got a ton of knowledge on gladiators."

The group murmurs amongst themselves for a few moments, before the woman speaks. "We'll have to take a vote.", she says cheerfully. "And you'll have to survive... the INITIATION!" There are several loud gasps, and one of the men faints, slumping in his chair, held in place by its sturdy arms.

There's a moment or two of silence, before the guffaws and laughter start.

"It's no big deal, just a few silly rituals and teasing. I can stop by another day to explain how it all works, and I can arrange a meetup so the rest of the group can meet you. Though, I think most of us are familiar with you, you're one of the staff, aren't you?"

Slixvah's eyes widen, and she pumps her fists. "Oh I love mysterious initiations!" Little do the laymen know that she ABSOLUTELY would go full head first into a spooky ritual.

Oh. They just kidding. The eglarin giggles, nodding along. "That sounds good! And yep! I am! And let's not forget about m'boss!"

The wing covering Irshya folds back. Wait- Slix was throwing Irshya into this the entire time!

The Goblin looks completely shocked at the sudden and inevitable betrayal. She stares wide-eyed at the group. "I-"

"Well of course she can come along! We'd be glad to have her."

"It's just that..." The lavender flush spreads quickly, from cheeks to neck and ears.

"Oh, I see, you want us to hold it here. Such a shrew negotiator."

Irshya's maw opens and closes with a clack of teeth, and she vanishes behind Slixvah.

Slixvah cackles, clutching at her gut as Irshya is completely flustered. "Bwahaha! Alrighty alrighty! I'll see ya'll 'round, I'll be sure ta square some spare silvers aware fo' some bettin'! Name's Slix, pleasure ta meetcha'll!"

With a flourish, she gives a slight bow and returns back to her table, potentially with an Irshya in tow. "And das how ya do it," she chirps, far more awake now. "Man, I needed tha'. Don' get too mad at me, Rishrish, you'll thank me later~!"

One can almost imagine the steam coming from the Goblin, her cheeks having turned a deeper purple, and she trails along behind Slixvah, to hide behind the bench's high back. "Hmmph."

"Not sure why y'felt the need to see me blush and be all flustered.", Irsh grumps, her chin resting on the bench.

"Oh, tha' too," Slix teases, grinning. "They's funny, needed a good laugh ta wake up, it seemed." She glances back over at the grumpy gobber, a feather animating and patting Irshya on the head. "Gotta put yaself out there ta learn new stuff. Get outta ya comfort zone, ya dig?"

Another forkful is loaded in. Monch. "Anywho, sounds like ya gotta start ta read the Tribune's reports on Colosseum matches and figurin' out gladiators!"

A little hand reaches up to tug at a feather. "No, sounds like you gotta read it to me.", she says with a huff. Her grin speaks to all sorts of cheekiness. "Since you are comin' along with me."

"Right? Since it was your idea!"

"I already go to tha' matches!" Slix points out before an 'ack' leaves her beak. The grabbed feather flops over briefly before wrapping around the hand and effortlessly picks up the pool shark.

Which is deposited right next to Slixvah. She playfully rolls her eyes. "Bah, fine."

"Anywho, are you still finding sand everywhere after that trip?" she asks, starting off a casual conversation.

The Goblin snorts at the feather picking her up. "Gosh. Those feathers are really stuck in you good, aren't they?" She settles amiably next to the Egalrin, and after a slight pause, throws her arms about the woman, hugging tightly.

She laughs then, at Slix' question. "Nope. I had my clothes washed, and well, I sleep in water. It all got cleaned out and flushed away. You should try a nice, looonnng soak!"

Slix hugs her back, snickering. "Well you ain' th' one tha has thousands of spots fo' it ta hide in!"

The fork gets loaded up. "Heh. Fantasy Gladiator League. Tha's hilarious."

-End Scene-