Order of Aria

Chapter Fifteen: Pre-Fight Jitters

    "Who would have thought there were little to no food stalls for this," Ronwynn grumbles to Aslocke.

    "I don't know either. I would've thought they would have more food stalls than craft stalls. It could have to do with the fights. Maybe they want people to buy snacks and food there?"

    "I hate when people don't want me to spend my money the way that I want to." Aslocke rubs her back.

    "I know but at least we found that pretzel thing. What even was it?"

    "I'm not exactly sure. I think it was just salty bread."

    "At least it was something?"

    "Yeah," she sighs, "it still would have been nice to get something other than just bread into my system."

    "Don't worry, I'm sure we can find something other than bread or ale. I think Evernas has a stall nearby with some dried meat for sale. Maybe he even has some free samples?"

    "Really? Well then onwards!" Ronwynn starts to drag Aslocke away towards Evernas' stall.

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    "Are you sure I can't just skip out on the fight? I mean Esmeray said I could."

    "I may not know Miss Ravenshire well, but I can assure you she was joking about that." Ronwynn groans and slumps down slightly. Aslocke smiles reassuringly and pats her back. "Don't worry, I'm pretty sure we can hang out and look at all the other little trinkets before my fight."

    "I don't know about that. There's a whole other side that we haven't explored yet. I don't think that we'll be able to get there and back within a decent time limit."

    "Well yeah but, maybe this festival is going to take a couple of days? I'm pretty sure the both of us could heal from any injuries within a day. Then, we can go out to explore the rest of the town."

    "If they planned this to go on for multiple days then why are all of the best fighters on the first day?" Aslocke paused at that, having not realized the entire list of participants. He puts a finger to his chin in thought.

    "I honestly don't know. Maybe they figured they would show off their best the first day and then let them recuperate so they can enjoy the festival? It could also be that there are special visitors today so they want to show off the best they can while they're here and then the other days can be 'disappointment days'." He says adding air quotes. Ronwynn shrugs and continues towards the tiltyard.

    "Are we sure that it's near noon? I mean c'mon! We haven't been out here for long."

    "Majority of our time was taken up looking for some food and seeing what trinkets they have to offer us. Plus, I'm pretty sure people wouldn't be looking at you weird if it weren't for the time."

    "They could also be looking at me weird because I have a big ass braid on my fucking head. You gotta admit it may look good but it also looks weird."

    Aslocke shrugs and continues along the path towards the tiltyard dragging Ronwynn along with him. "Well if it makes you feel better I think it looks nice."

    "Thanks, I guess. Nothing looks out of place right? I don't want Esmeray to get worked up all because I don't look professional or ready to fight."

    "Well if what we've heard about that Mixed Mead is correct, I don't think we'll have to worry about her discussing your appearance."

    "Yeah, you're right. Let's just hope that she isn't too drunk to be a disturbance to the crowd."

    "I don't think that will be possible. Some of the family members of those who lost might be drunk and more of a disturbance than her. Trust me I've seen it before."

    "Yeah but, you haven't seen her betting on things, and depending on who was in that bar with her, she will have some money on the line."

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    The two arrive at the tiltyard and look for the preparation tent. The crowd can be heard cheering for the two knights currently battling. They can hear the clashing of swords and Ronwynn moves to try and see who is currently fighting. Aslocke notices and pulls her closer to him.

    "I think it would be better if we just got to the tent rather than try to see who is the current fight. So c'mon, let's get you prepared." Ronwynn accepts it and goes along with him. They pass through different crowd members and arrive at the tent. There, they see Esmeray talking to someone.

    "I get that your kid loves water or whatever but Ronwynn has excelled in her studies. She can take out Elfed with her eyes closed."

    "Really?" The other person leans against a post and crosses their arms. "I'm pretty sure that Elfed could just drown little Ronnie with a flick of his wrist." Esmeray laughs loudly and puts an arm out to stabilize herself.

    "That's funny. Last time I checked she still couldn't create a spark for an explosion. You think she can just create water out of thin air?"

    "That was when she was what, in her sixties? She is in her hundreds now and can produce sparks and water out of thin air. Can Elfed do anything other than splash in a puddle and pretend he's a duck?"

    "Yes, as a matter of fact, he can. If you're so confident in Ronwynn why don't we bet on it?" It's then that Ronwynn and Aslocke intervene.

    "Alright, you two let's not bring betting into this. Esmeray, I'm assuming that you have had a little too much to drink and are not in the right mind to make decisions. If you could kindly go sit in your spot and ignore your friend's suggestion." Ronwynn goes to direct Esmeray away from her friend.

    "Hold on Ronnie who said I would agree to the bet? Just because I'm offered a bet doesn't mean I'll accept it. Besides, why would I put Jin here out of a few gold pieces? We both know you will win. The bet would be pointless."

    "I wouldn't be speaking so highly of Ronnie over here. Elfed has been working with Beiren and I'm pretty sure we all know how that fight went." Ronwynn shuffles in her spot and Aslocke looks uneasy. "Poor Xyrdove, I don't think he can do much for the next month."

    "Alright, Jin that's enough. Ronwynn here has to get ready to fight and I won't let you use your cheap, useless tactics to scare her. C'mon Kiirala, wish your girl good luck and we'll see you after the battle."

    "Right, right yeah. Uh, good luck Ronnie. I hope everything goes well. May Medeis shine down upon you and help pave the path to your victory." Aslocke nods at her and goes to find a seat. Ronwynn returns his nod and starts to walk into the tent with Esmeray.

    "I'll be seeing you during your fight. I would wish you luck since you'll need it, but I don't think Elfed would be too happy with me." Jin walks away to one of the other tents. Ronwynn watches her walk away. She starts to bite her lip nervously and crosses her arms.

    "Hey kid don't mind her, she's just saying stuff." Esmeray puts her arm around Ronwynn and starts leading her over to the supplies area. "You have a fight to win. I'll help you as much as I can until they send you in. Just remember deep breaths and focus on me okay?"

    "Right, yeah. I'll try."

    "Good now what weapon would you like if you get too tired for magic? Figured we should get that sorted out before trying to make sure your magic is ready."