Second Feather ✪ [Video]

[sleepingvalkyrie]

Greetings, Union!


[ It's Gwendolyn! With a burbling Firesong the Fletchling on her left shoulder, and a shivering pile of Cherrim leaves poking over the right. She's smiling, trying her best to look as much the diplomat as possible, but it's clear that she's excited in spite of herself.

Dressed as formally as ever for the Valkyrie, there is one key difference in her appearance today - three feathers are attached to the left side of her hairband, a bright contrast to her silver hair: two yellow feathers flanking a longer blue one. ]


Some of you may have noticed some excitement amongst the Valkyrie and others from Citadel in the past few days. Well, that is because this coming week marks the start of the Citadel Games! These are an annual tradition throughout the months of Spring, where athletes show off their athletic prowess in a number of activities, and the preliminaries will be held at the Great Tree all next week!

You have everything from relay racing to Caldera rules rugby to wrestling to gymnastics, as well as an exhibition match of the Dragonite Races! Both humans and pokémon have their own events, in addition to traditional doubles and partnership matches, along with sports from both Caldera and Union being on display. And this year will also feature the debut of Griftorb as an official pokémon-only sport!

[her hands clap together before her, eyes shining with excitement] Rumour also has it that the annual endurance race, which is always held prior to the start of Summer, will be ending in Caldera proper this year. And the victor will be crowned on the Day of Fire! So that should prove exciting, if true.

Anyway, number of us are planning to travel there tomorrow to attend for the week. Should anyone else wish to go, you and your bond mates are welcome to travel with us!

Comments

[crossbowizard]

Ah, that sounds marvelous. Simply marvelous! I'll have you know when I was younger I used to be on the university's rowing team. Got a trophy and everything!

[sleepingvalkyrie]

That is very impressive, ser! I'm afraid we do not have any rivers suited for such an activity, alas.

Do they have any other sports where you are from?

[crossbowizard]

Oh I dare say it'd be unfair of me to continue dominating the field at this age. I shall cede the world of athleticism to a younger generation in this case.

We were all so relentlessly physical in my day. These days if you suggested so much as an egg race to most of my colleagues, I fear most of them would use the spoon to eat the egg. Football is still quite popular, though.

[sleepingvalkyrie]

Oh, I see. Well, your past experience would no doubt do you credit if you were to attend, ser.

Football is one of the many activities played. Though I believe that they're using the Calderan rules set this year.

[warriormouse]

Griftorb?

[He has a few who might be interested.]

[sleepingvalkyrie]

Oh yes. All of the Voltorb love it, and the other pokémon seem to take it as a challenge.

[warriormouse]

What...is it?

[9tailedtemptress]

Huh? Is that so? So... what exactly do you do in these events? I'm not very familiar with the sports you mentioned but just looking at your excitement is getting me excited! [Ahri giggled.]

[sleepingvalkyrie]

It's a grand competition, with everyone putting their best efforts on display. You can observe and cheer on those who you believe deserve your support, or participate yourself, if you wish.

[She blushes a bit, she hadn't realised her excitement was so obvious] My s-- My clan elder is competing in the Dragonite Race exhibition.

[9tailedtemptress]

Oh? It actually sounds super fun with how you explained it. Will you be participating in any of the events you mentioned?

[Her blushing made Ahri smile and raise a brow, but she'd refrain from teasing her this time.]

Really? Now I wouldn't want to miss that! Especially if your sister is as impressive and beautiful as you.

[Maybe a little.]

[duette]

Wow, all that in a week? I think I got tired just listening to it!

[ Kanade, this is why you're a baker and not an athlete. ]

[sleepingvalkyrie]

That's right! After this week, things will be spread out more evenly, but this is a celebration of sportsmanship, and each one deserves some time.

[duette]

Oh, I see. That's really interesting. I had no idea Citadel had so many events like that.

[guitar_case_vagabond]

Calderan rules rugby, huh? Damn, I'm gonna have to make sure I get out there just to see our guys teach the rest of you how it's done.

[Gotta talk up her hometown, man.]

[sleepingvalkyrie]

[teasingly] They are the only rules your lot seem to be able to follow, so it seemed fitting to oblige just this once.

[guitar_case_vagabond]

Hey, if you don't wanna take a hit then stay off the field.

'Course if you want some real fun I could always set up a street rules game like I used to play back home.

[The only rule is THERE ARE NO RULES.]

[vulcanblazer]

[Well, you completely got his attention at the idea of a big sportsmanship competition...]

Wow, that sounds like a blast! I gotta get in on that! I was good at rugby back home, and if there's martial arts competitions too there have gotta be some strong opponents!

[sleepingvalkyrie]

There certainly will be. The sign ups are available on the first two days for the week's events, I believe, and there will be booths for sign ups if you wish to take part in the ongoing tournament over Spring.

[vulcanblazer]

Can hardly wait. I'll take a look at the information for the ongoing tournaments too, see if I can be around for that. Even if I don't win, it'll be a good experience.

...But... what's Griftorb? I've never heard of that before.

[pathofheaven]

Ah, rugby...

[ There's a slightly nostalgic sigh on Tendou's part. He used to be dragged into playing it back in Caldera. ]

I suppose I should get ready to sign up.

[ Who needs a team, though? ]

[sleepingvalkyrie]

[ Ugh! It's that guy! She doesn't make a face, though, she can be diplomatic. Though her expression shifts a moment, a touch surprised. ]

Really..? You do not seem the type. To play, that is.

[pathofheaven]

Really? I enjoy festivals. [ For many reasons! ] And I happen to be quite competitive.

[ Just a bit. ]

[wishingalone]

Ah, the games are here! Splendid! I can't wait.

[Yes, Mami's quite happy about this -- especially all of the target shooting contests. She usually does very well in those.]

Do you plan to enter this year?

[sleepingvalkyrie]

Not this year. [there's the flap of wings audible] I don't want to overextend myself so soon after receiving a greater Windblessing. But my sister is participating in the Dragonite Racing exhibition!

[wishingalone]

[Oh, wings. Splendid! Mami smiles, just a little proud.]

Ah, yes! I'm very proud of you for that. But, best to get a feel for them first, I think.

Is she? I'll be sure to cheer her on!