#CATTE THIS ALMOST GOT ME BUT I AM NOT GOING TO LOSE THIS

[hqrbinger]

It’s the little things that breaks Thoma’s heart the most.

It’s in the way he instinctively looks to his side, excited words on the tip of his tongue, only to find the space empty and feel his heart drop at the realization that oh, right, you’re not there anymore.

How many times has he seen something on the windows and thought, ‘Curse would like this,’ before the reality washes over him like a chilly wave?

Too often has he lost sleep from how cold his bedroom is, devoid of the warmth you naturally brought with you. His bed is too big now, too large for just one person, and he is painfully aware of it when he rolls over in the middle of the night and you’re not there.

So he does the only thing he can: he buries his heartache behind mountains of work, running himself ragged and tired for the Kamisato clan. But when work lulls, his thoughts always —always— wader back to you.

Were you happy now? He wonders, gnawing on his lip and willing the tears to not fall. His hand trembles, and Thoma’s stomach twists like he had been punched. Did you find someone else to hold you? Did they treat you well? Do they know how breathtaking you look when you laugh, and how you could make anyone’s heart skip a beat just with a smile?

This is why he chooses to run from the pain— to bury himself in any other lesser evil to the heartbreak you’ve left him with.

How long had he fooled himself into thinking he made you happy, he thinks, trying not to choke on a sob. He presses the palms of his hands against his eyes hard, but damn it, he can feel the tears running down his face anyway. How long did you put up with his cloying affection while you had slowly fallen out of love? Maybe you had pitied him, and that was the only reason you had tolerated him for so long.

Had he really screwed up so bad? Had he really been so suffocating that it had driven you away? He can’t bear the thought, but there’s no other reason he can think of for you leaving so abruptly, so coldly, without a goodbye or even a single word.

Thoma knows he doesn’t deserve you, alright? Knows that all he is is some person who will be nothing more than a nameless chapter in your life. Thoma knows, and he accepts it, but it hurts. It hurts so much to know that he had meant so little to you when, once, you had been his everything.

But Thoma had already hurt you too much. He had made you waste too much of your time and yourself pandering to someone like him when there were other people who can give you the love that he could not. So he moves over quietly and resigns himself to silent sobs in the dead of night when no one can hear him. You had already entertained him for long enough, and you were happy now. Without him. So even though he can’t breathe and he feels so damn numb, Thoma will let you go, because he loves you too much to make you stay.

He misses your smile. It’s one of the things that haunts him, one of the memories that he doesn’t know if he considers them dreams or nightmares, now. He misses how you laugh, how you hold— held him. He misses the quiet moments you two spent, and how you’d interweave your fingers and tell him you loved him. Thoma misses having you melt his heart with every action he took. He misses you, Curse.

i.... i hope.... that.... this guy.... can find... his happiness.... i think.... he may have found... the... the wrong.,.... blog,,,,,,.,;;;;; wrong....... wrong.. curse.... perhaps........ ;;;;;;

[casualcatte]

RP Journal: 08/26/2020

Arathander Valoran came to visit me today, bringing a satchel of his peach tea blend that he’d promised to deliver. He arrived in the midst of a cooking storm that Edgard Beaumont had apparently been up to all morning. Stacks of pancakes and endless rashers of bacon lay strewn across my kitchen counters. 

Rath, as Arathander bade me call him, seems a kind and generous man. He came all the way from Ishgard to simply deliver a satchel of his home-grown peach-infused tea for me, since he knew I was unwell. As it turns out, tea-making is something of a passion for him, though he denies it as just being “something to do.”  He also plays the violin, which I hope he deigns to play for us sometime. 

(Courtesy cut for length!)

I think Ardi was grateful for the distraction that Rath represented. He spoke to me almost none at all while the Au Ra visited. Part of me wonders if I upset him last night with how we left things. Part of me wonders if I shouldn’t try to talk to him about it.  Gods, that thought frightens me.  I don’t want to lose him because… because I’m afraid to hurt him. How did this become so complicated all of a sudden?

As we all spoke together, Rath shared some words of wisdom about love. Of course, he’d been talking about how he could woo a woman with his violin playing, but it somehow segued into whether taking that leap of faith was worth it. Some of the things he said… gave me a lot to think about. That the simplest solution was best and that there was no use overthinking it.  And about being honest with myself. I’ve always prided myself on my honesty, even when it hurt. 

Rath went on to say that it wasn’t for me to decide if the leap is worth taking or not. Don’t I owe it to Ardi to let him decide for himself if… if the risk is worth the reward? It made sense, but did I dare to put aside all the walls I built and let Ardi choose? 

So, after Rath left, I told him. I told him the truth as I know it. That my life was dangerous, the Hunt was dangerous, and that I could very well die in the process. I didn’t want to leave him to pick up pieces again or to leave his life in shambles. I was trying to protect him, more than anyone.

He said he had feelings for me and that, even if I couldn’t return them, that he cherishes me and the time we’ve spent together. He said that when he used to think of Valentina, it used to send him into a rage or depression, but I helped him to find his way back to remembering her with love and fondness.  It made him realize that the pain was worth having those memories of her. He went on to say that, even if our feelings didn’t exist, even if we were simply friends, that losing me in any regard would still wound him deeply. So did that truly matter, at the end of things?  I’d never really thought of it like that, I always thought that he’d move on and find some other blue catte to annoy him.

He called me an idiot for that. And, admittedly, I am. He said why would he ever want to move on when something so good was right in front of him?  It took us both a while to realize it, not just him. He asked if I remembered how he once said we wouldn’t know a good thing if it landed in our laps. I did remember, so I moved over to him and sat in his lap, then I asked him what he planned to do.

He kissed me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt my heart filled with such joy. He knew the risks and was willing to run them for my sake. Our sake, since he was a hunter now, too.  He would run the same risks, but we’d face them… together. I kissed him back and revelled in the stars in his eyes that danced there only for me.

When it broke, he told me, “I knew when I tried to pick you up at the Quicksand this was inevitable… I was going for the long game.” Naturally, I called him an idiot.  But he was my idiot.

And he admitted that he loved being my idiot. Everything felt right. We marveled at this new twist in our ever-evolving friendship… now turned relationship? It flies in the face of everything I’d built for myself, but Ardi decided this for himself. He’s willing to risk the pain, the loss, if it means he can have the opportunity to love me. And be loved in return.

I kept denying it, even to myself, to everyone I knew. I couldn’t let myself believe it. I couldn’t let myself /want/ it. But now that I have it… I never want to let it go.

Edgard said he wanted to make dinner tonight, so he was going out to pick up a few things especially for the occasion. He looked so giddy and so bright, you’d think it was Starlight morning and he was naught but a boy getting his first pony. It warmed my heart to see him so happy, even more so because I was the cause.  I agreed to dinner and decided I would go to Ishgard and pick up a crate of Ishgardian Red.  If we were celebrating, we might as well do it in good fashion. Our missions decided, we parted ways, but not without a parting kiss. I have to admit, a girl could get used to that.

When I returned from Ishgard with a case of wine in tow, Edgard was already deeply involved in his cooking.  I left him to it, pouring us each a glass of wine before taking a seat at the dining table. Not before I stopped to give him a kiss on the cheek, though. It’s been so long since Tristane, I’d forgotten how nice it feels to be genuinely affectionate with someone. 

Dinner was amazing. Edgard made the tastiest pork roast, with seasoned popotos and asparagus. Paired with the Ishgardian Red, it was absolutely delightful. As we ate, we talked like we always do. It wasn’t focused on this new shift in our relationship, but about anything and everything. There were small tidbits of it, but it could’ve easily been any other night I spent in Edgard’s presence. Just with the added benefit of not having to hide anything from him.

At one point, he said something about not knowing how to date, so I asked him why we even had to. We could just continue as we have been with the added benefit of our affection being real instead of feigned. He seemed to like the idea. “Just two hunting partners who can’t keep their hands off each other,” he said. I could only laugh, given that the raciest thing we’ve done is kiss. He’s so shy and uncertain, like this is entirely new territory for him. You wouldn’t think the man had been married before.

Not that I’m rushing to /do/ anything. I’m really just enjoying /not/ having to keep myself behind walls, to just accept that when I walk into the lion’s den, he’ll be there beside me, because he chose to be and wants to be. I feel almost foolish for nearly letting this slip through my fingers out of my own desire to protect him. Never once giving consideration to how /he/ might feel about any of it.

Twelve bless putting Arathander in my path. It was as if the Xaela was gods-sent to put us on this path, elsewise we might have parted ways, much as Lorrendor and I had. Edgard has become such an integral part of my life, I wouldn’t want to do without him.  I’m glad now that I don’t have to.

Edgard has started this habit of picking me up in his arms and carrying me places in my apartment.  I can’t really say that I mind.  I feel safe and comforted with him. He held me like that, cradled against him on my sofa until he confessed exhaustion. He apparently hadn’t slept much at all last night, nor I think the night before since he was caring for me through my illness.I got up from his lap, took his hand, and guided him to my bedroom.

No, journal, not for anything nefarious. He deserved a comfortable place to sleep after all he’d done for me, it was the least I could do.  And, for the first time in a long time, it would be nice not to sleep alone.

[deepstheeskimo]

‘The Power of Four’

Right, everyone is picking Lions squads with less than a year to go until the next South Africa tour is meant to happen. Only so much brainpower I want to put into considering the pros and cons of scrummaging abilities though so I’ve gone for the Deeps Cult Lions XV made up of past tourists from of the last 20 or so years.

1. Allan Dell. What better way to start than with a South African born Scottish prop that only got called up as part of the ‘geography six’? In the squad: Andrew Sheridan (built like one of those GM bulls) and Tom Smith (badly underrated player, 

2. Keith Wood. The ragin’ potato. Came to Quins and inspired a character in the first ‘book’ I wrote aged 8. Weird obsession with belly buttons, understandable obsession with trying drop goals from 40 metres. In the squad: Shane Byrne (1- mullet 2- not actually very good) and Andy Titterrell (Pro Rugby Manager 2 legend and extremely small man)

3. Kyle Sinckler. Why? He’s my guy, that’s why. He’s the opposite of that ruddy faced, sweaty tweed rugger culture. He makes me smile.  In the squad: Jason Leonard (The Fun Bus. Non-playing tour captain. Once ruffled my hair - give him all the ale he can drink.) and Adam Jones (The Hair Bear. My sister used to see him all the time in Neath Tesco - give him all the pic n mix he can eat).

4. Martin Johnson. Looks like a character from a Guy Ritchie film, universally loathed by opponents and taped up his fingers(??). Summed up by the saying ‘Last time I saw a mouth like that it had a hook in it’. In the squad: Paul O’Connell (has some weird mythical power about him. Came to Quins with Munster and made south west London echo with ‘fields of Athenry’) and Simon Shaw (his emotional final interview post 2009 third test, aged 37, was pretty special) 

5. Doddie Weir. Could not be anyone else. Farmer strength. Permanently looked 20. Built for Lions tours. Still fighting the good fight. Go on big man. In the squad: Nathan Hines (perma-suspended and a ‘tartan wallaby’) and Maro Itoje (Sometimes it’s not all about drinking and bungee jumping. Itoje’s one of the few that would be able to have an actual conversation) 

6. Peter O’Mahony. One of those players that always grows into a series and ends up being important. Entirely unremarkable player but must be nasty to play against. Can’t actually imagine he’s that nice to be around at all. Big ‘school bully’ vibes. In the squad: Richard Hill (the only one of England’s 2003 RWC forwards that didn’t vote Brexit) and Alan Quinlan (Hit form at the right time, finally being picked in 2009 after a good but near-miss career. Expresses immense pride in selection. Then gouges someone. 12 week ban. If that’s not a cult player then I’m not sure what is).

7. Sean O’Brien. Another one with farmer strength. Thick in the arm, thick in the head but unlike a lot of the others won’t ever let you down. Plus on a tour you need characters and I bet, deep deep deep down he’s actually got a personality. Well, maybe. In the squad: Martyn Williams (a face that belongs in a back office of a mid sized electronics company. Somehow helped to invent modern rucking) and Sam Warburton (picked only so I can annoy people by saying his name as War-burrton’ not ‘Wabatan’ as they seem to say. Also looks like an Easter Island statue)

8. Scott Quinnell. Just rugby league all over. Overweight, comedy accent, illegal use of a plaster cast on his arm, despicable post-career lad culture DVDs and even had a stint on Soccer AM. If you kick him, all the Quinnells walk with a limp. In the squad: Ryan Jones (about the only player to come out of 2005 with credit) and Andy Powell (body of a god, brain of, erm... Great on tour as he’s a six foot five version of that kid in school you could make do anything by saying ‘oh go on!’)

9. Chris Cusiter. Born in Aberdeen which obvs piques my interest. Somehow got called up aged 22 while playing for the ill-fated Border Reivers. Played in Scotland, England, France and Australia and now lives in California running a whiskey retailing business. International. In the squad: Matt Dawson (over the head dummy try) and Austin Healey (absolutely horrible grinding shithouse). The two of these would be encouraged to collaborate on deliberately provocative articles similar to what they wrote in 2001.

10. Jonny Wilkinson. The best player of all time. Note to self, don’t hang around him too much because you’ll look pathetic and probably annoy him. In the squad: Mike Catt (Utility back. My fave) and Finn Russell (Joué Joué 🍷)

11. Ugo Monye. A huge part of my weekends for about 10 years was getting excited every time he touched the ball. Top scorer on his one Lions tour, shock. In the squad: George North (need a scapegoat for when we lose 49-0 to Japan in a warm up game) and Jack Nowell (wouldn’t play a single game, only being taken to let the squad mock him and call him a yokel - bet he’s got a dead short fuse).

12. Rob Henderson. Looked like, acted like, presumably ate like and definitely played like that guy from your local club who played England U16s and let it get to his head. And gut. Crash ball. In the squad: Scott Gibbs (hefty) and Gavin Henson (Insane talent, probably got good stories and even if he’s a prick he’s nicer to look at than some of the other options).

13. Ollie Smith. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Life gave Sir Clive Woodward the entire player pool of Britain and Ireland and somehow he picked Ollie Smith. In my team because he just looks like a nice guy. Defo pro-HS2 and his dad would pick up the bar tab. In the squad: Brian O’Driscoll (meh, guess he gets a place) and Will Greenwood (but only with bleach blonde hair. He genuinely almost died on the pitch playing for the Lions, looks like Shaggy and is a rarity in being a Lions player selected while playing Championship rugby).

14. Dan Luger. Always looked like he’d just come off a 10 hour shift at B&M. Even made skintight shirts look baggy. Played for Perpignan and Toulon before it was cool. Tryscoring machine. Injury prone as fuck.  In the squad: John Bentley (so long as he isn’t a massive sexist like on the 1997 documentary) and Christian Wade (I will never forgive rugby union for wasting his talent).

15. Neil Jenkins. Ol’ dependable. Looks like a man off the street. Can imagine he’s almost always terrified around these peacocking ‘alpha males’. In the squad: Tim Stimpson (remember him?) and Iain Calamity Balshaw (Brendan Laney never played Lions so he’s there to mess everything up instead)

[aishathecatte]

The Better Side of Me

Aisha padded slowly across the dusty stones as she stared off into the distance. “They have her… they have her… they have her….” She muttered slowly.

“Of course they have her you idiot! She turned herself in!” The grinning Aisha hissed lowly while sitting on the fence next to the road.  Though as Aisha passed she did not make eye contact with herself. The timid one only mumbled, “M-maybe she did not… maybe they hurt her… m-maybe they are still hurting her… maybe….”

The woman’s claws moved quickly to a buckle on her jacket and began to tap quickly as she continued forward. The further she walked the more the claws seemed to slow and they began tracing the small designs that were etched into the metal. As she continued forward she approached herself again.

“It’s all your fault you know. You failed her as always. You couldn’t make a world for your mates, for your daughter, for anyone. You couldn’t bring them happiness. Look at where it has gotten you Aisha. LOOK!” The woman barked loudly as the book catte slowly passed. If someone happened to see this they would have been sure that the woman on the fence would leap out and attack the other but no one could see this. No one could see this…..

“No… I… I… did not want things to be like this… d-did not want to hurt anyone… I.. I.. just wanted to be happy for once… h-have a family… be able to have a home… n-no worries of others attacking my mates.. no worries… of others looking down upon them… f-for their pasts… for who they are… f-for them loving me… I… I.. did not want this….” She stuttered out as she continued the slow deliberate steps forward.

“Oh come off the sob story fuckwit!” The grinning one hissed from a couple fence posts ahead. “You wanted this! You wanted all of that but were too weak to create it! You were too weak to protect them, so you let me do it. Now there is no you. It’s US and you have gotten US into this!”

“Yes… could not protect them… I am weak… useless… as always…” The woman walked pasted herself again as her head lowered and she stared at the stones ahead. “B-but I did not… y-you.. you.. wanted to follow her… y-you wanted to not be bored.. t-to create a world as well… t-to see it all come true…. I-it is your fault!”

“Please! As if ANYONE is going to believe that. You have heard the speeches. Everyone is responsible for their own actions. Hells, even if you are possessed you are responsible for those actions as well!” was hissed from ahead of her. The grinning one’s voice took on a mocking tone that was a sharp as her fangs, “I am seeing things! The voices told me to do it! I told myself to do it! I made myself do it! N-No! She is not me! But she made me do it!”

A shrill laughed filled the air as the woman on the fence grabbed at her own sides and rocked back and forth. “You were weak and look where it got you! The Network is against you now. One of your mates still being hunted by those thieves and then your other mate… Aisha, you poor girl. You let her get captured. They may have her tied to a table right now. You know the Network does love their experiments, their weapons, their containment, confinement, their… information.” The grinning one was certain each syllable of the last word struck hard and slow.

“N-no… Enambris would not allow that.. s-she is not cruel…”

“But how can you know that catte? Some of them have seemed slightly hmmmm… unhinged.. have they not? Some of them seem crazed. The dragon attempted to kill you and she hates Sain. Maybe they just went ahead and fed Sain to her.” Aisha’s head quickly spun to face the timid woman as the book catte stumbled visibly and Aisha’s grin, that sharp fanged, wide, cold grin just seemed to grow.

“T-they w-would not do that…” the idiot stumbled over her words before she started walking again. Each time her foot touched the cobblestones though she seemed to grow slightly more unsteady.

“But how can you know?!? How can you be certain!?! You CAN’T! They cut off your pearl. You step foot on the headquarter’s lawn and you will be gunned down. You have successfully alienated yourself from them, proven you can not be trusted, proven your low intelligence, and proven your lack of strength. YOU did all of that and I am just appalled that you would do that. Ashamed even….” Aisha hissed lowly as the woman walked past and then from ahead of her the catte heard more. “Maybe they will leave you enough to bury.”

The stuttering one, the idiot, almost seemed to be physically struck as those words were spoken. She tripped and began to fall but as she lost her balance a hand with sharp claws was suddenly clutching her shoulder. The hand pulled her up, steadied her, kept her from losing her balance and then arms slowly wrapped around her from behind. A hand with sharp claws moved up to let those sharp tips run against her jaw line before gripping her chin. “You poor poor thing. You pitiful excuse of a catte. Don’t worry your mangy little head. I will take care of everything. I will make sure she is fine and that no harm comes to her.” This voice was whispered almost lovingly into her ear but the edge of the hiss was still in the words.

“No…” the stupid one whispered “Y-you should not be in control… s-should not be real…”

“But I am girl. I am real and I am Aisha. All you must do is let me handle this. Let me handle the Network, the family, everything. You can sit back and take a much-needed rest.” As Aisha hissed the smooth words into the woman’s ear, she gave her a tender squeeze. “Let me handle it all and I promise you that things will be fine. I will get her back and everything you wanted will come true.”

“Y-you promise… you will get her back… m-make sure she is safe… m-make sure everything will be fine…” The stupid one’s voice barely audible.

“Oh yes. Everything will be perfectly well girl. You just go have a seat.” With that the loving embrace moved her over towards the fence. “Just sit right here and rest. I will go deliver our message. All you have to do is trust me. Trust in us.” Aisha said as she helped the weak woman take a seat against the fence. As she stepped back she even took a moment to gently wipe away the tears that were starting to slowly move down the pitiful woman’s face.

“Now now, no need to cry. I will be back shortly.” Aisha smirked and slowly backed away. “I’ll always be here for you, always just a couple steps ahead, always there to catch you before you fall.” The harsh voice lowered, “Always ahead of you.” With those final words Aisha turned and hopped away. She lightly danced over the stones of the road and added a small spin as she paused to look backwards at the weak excuse of a catte.

Aisha couldn’t help but giggle at the pathetic state of the woman before she quickly spun again and continued back the way the other had come. She lightly reached into her satchel and pulled out a rock before tossing it into the air and catching it. As she continued walking she began to hum lightly adding in little tricks such as bouncing the rock off her elbow before catching it and letting it land lightly on the back of her hand before throwing it up again.

The insignificant catte, the scared one, the timid girl could do nothing more but sit and watch as Aisha walked away. Sit and let the tears roll down her face as she waited for her better side to come back with good news.

[torentialtribute]

Rugby news: Leaving out players from the World Cup squad was the hardest job! 

Eddie Jones faces some of the most difficult decisions from his coaching career on Monday when he appoints his World Cup team. He will never forget the phone calls he makes and the players he leaves out.

Sixteen years ago I made the most difficult telephone call I ever made. Leaving the Leicester support Graham Rowntree from the party to go to Australia was terrible. Regret it? No. Forget it? Never.

Eddie has the same policy as me. You never call a player to tell him that he is on the team, you only call to tell them they are out. And it's a terrible thing to do.

Cutting Graham Rowntree from England 2003 Rugby World Cup team was a difficult call [194590010]

I still get mad about leaving Rowntree out, but it came down to numbers. In those days we could only choose 30 players, unlike the 31 that Eddie will select, and it meant taking four props and having extra back row coverage or leaving someone like Martin Corry or Joe Worsley behind.

We went with two specialized loose heads, Jason Leonard and Trevor Woodman, and two tight heads in Phil Vickery and Julian White. Rowntree was a player I didn't want to leave out, but I had to – and it hurt him and myself.

Graham had played all major games. He played in the Grand Slam game against Ireland in Dublin and the 15-13 win over New Zealand in Wellington during the summer tour.

That was the night we were six forward, with Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back in the bin, but Rowntree played all 80 minutes and kept New Zealand at bay. Then he was not picked for a World Cup.

Leaving him out of a job that I wouldn't wish for anyone else, but you win the World Cup and you get away with it a bit. It was the hardest decision I made when I coached England. I'm still thinking about it.

When I see him on TV, when he's been with England, the Lions, and Harlequins, and he's now in Georgia, he still brings it all back. I hope he is now on the other side of things he understands.

lost if Rowntree had not been omitted, a back-rower such as Martin Corry lost

It was the right decision – I might have called Corry or Worsley and told them they were not going to Australia and that would have been difficult, but perhaps not as difficult as Rowntree was.

There is no blueprint for this. I have seen Graham since then and he has had a successful coaching career and he is a gentleman. But I know what to think.

You only got one real chance at a World Cup and I denied his. I know I would feel the same.

You can get all the coaching in the world, but the best skill is selecting your team. I lost more games in the selection than everything that happened in the run-up to a match.

At the 2003 World Cup, the team almost chose themselves, we were the number 1 in the world and the team that had to beat someone to win the World Cup. half a chance, but a bad choice can win or lose a test match.

Even when I was a player, I can remember my team thinking: & # 39; Wow, that's a great side & # 39 ;. Other times you would look at it and think: & # 39; You're kidding & # 39 ;. I always spoke to Martin Johnson, I wanted the captain to be completely at ease that the team he led was correct.

With the decision of Rowntree, and Martin being a clubmate of his, he said: & # 39; It's your decision, you're the coach, I understand & # 39 ;. But that phone call doesn't get any easier.

If I am honest, would I change the decision? No, but it still hurts me.

Martin Johnson (left) had to be fully on board with the decision to leave Rowntree away

NO EARLY BIRD SHOULD BE

Eddie probably wants to use these warm-up games as a run-out for his gun teams. But he doesn't have to submit his team for a few weeks.

Would I do it? No. I'd rather let everyone think. I would have left it until the last minute. It gives you more time to think about it and make sure you have made the right decisions.

The most important thing is that if you get injured in the warm up games, do you announce your squadron before you know who will be available? There are some close phone calls and these are the games if you can watch well.

CIPRIANI CALL IS GREAT

In terms of balance, you have to deal with three boys who can play at number 10. Eddie certainly goes with Owen Farrell and George Ford and sees Henry Slade his back-up fly-half.

That's not a million miles away from 2003 when we had Jonny Wilkinson, Paul Grayson, and Mike Catt. Catt could probably play 10 better than Slade.

I understand that Cipriani is excluded, but it is a big call not to have a third specialist in your team with the short turn between games.

Leaving Danny Cipriani means that England is not will have a third specialized fly-half in the team

FARRELL IS KEY TO VICTORY

England's starting team now chooses me. I expect they have a great World Cup, this XV would give every team on the planet a chance for their money. I really think England can win this thing if Owen Farrell stays fit.

There is so much on his shoulders and I really hope he can handle everything that I fully expect from him. But if he is fit and fires, they have a real chance.

Daly; Cokanasiga, Slade, Tuilagi, May; Farrell, Youngs; M Vunipola, George, Sinckler, Cross, Itoje, Underhill, Curry, B Vunipola with only Anthony Watson, at best, able to break into this team – that's a good enough team to win the World Cup.

Eddie will have a twinkle in his eyes because he knows he has a team that can go all the way and once you have a stable team, you can really concentrate on tactics and game plans.

England could end up playing Australia or Wales in the quarterfinals. Both teams have no fear of England, so Eddie & # 39; s team has to do it the hard way, which I think fits the English mentality.

Owen Farrell plays 10 for England and as captain he will be a crucial player for his country

WHY I WANT TO GO WITH THREE 9s

Willi Heinz came out of nowhere and has his selection I'm surprised, but will Eddie bring three scrum halves to Japan?

Eddie only had two scrum halves this week, Heinz and Ben Youngs, but in a World Cup you really have to go with three specialized 9 & # 39; s.

Your scrum halves, whores and fly halves are your specialist positions.

England has trained with George Ford as a stand-in scrum-half, but I just believe that every pool match will be difficult and I don't think the players want someone to fill out of position.

England has trained with fly-half George Ford as a stand-in scrum-half

I did not see myself talking to the 2003 team explaining that we would only take two scrum halves and hope that someone in a World Cup match could walk.

This is a very high level competition and you can't mess around with such an important decision.

I would always have three scrum halves, three whores and three 10 & # 39; s in a Selection

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[katybunnyrabbit]

Saturday March 31st 2018

Dear Diary,

I did make it to the egg and spoon race but I decided to watch and cheer on rather than actually take part. It was great fun though!

[23:32]Valroit Faucheux: "Welcome one and all to the Hatching-Tide Egg-and-Spoon Race! Pray assemble at Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre if you would like to spectate or take part!"  

[23:43]Athil Thorne: "If I win..." [23:43]Althea Greene: "Oh, this should be good." [23:43]Valroit Faucheux: "Oh, more entrants for the Egg-and-Spoon Race!? May I have your names... or Racing Alaises!?" [23:44]Valroit Faucheux: "Erhem. ALIASes." [23:44]Athil Thorne leaned in and whispered something. [23:45]Althea Greene leaned back and eyed Athil hard. "And if we end up racing together and we both lose?" [23:45]Athil Thorne: "I dunno." [23:45]Athil Thorne: "What do you want?" [23:45]Nolanel Feran drifts a hand to his bangs, pauses, dumbfounded a moment, and finds himself with a similar, "Ah. It-- I." Eloquent. The alias thing peeves him, and he finds his voice now: "Ser Nolanel." He adds his surname as an afterthought. Not all there. [23:46]Valroit Faucheux: "Fury bring you glory this eve, ser!!" [23:46]Valroit Faucheux: "Gingersnap, I've got you signed up as well!" [23:47]Rothe Aubrey agrees wholeheartedly with Valroit Faucheux. [23:47]Nolanel Feran: "Mm, aye, many thanks, sir." [23:47]Nolanel Feran bows courteously to Valroit Faucheux.

[23:47]Althea Greene: "Oh. If we race against each other and you lose, I want the same thing, just for my apartment. If we lose together, then you owe me a bottle of expensive whiskey." [23:47]Valroit Faucheux: "Any more sign-ups for the Egg-and-Spoon race!? Don't be shy! Risk of injury is very low!" [23:47]Rubh Mewrilah: "This where we run with eggs?" [23:48]Valroit Faucheux: "It is indeed! I'll sign you up. Just give me your name or Racing Alias!" [23:48]Athil Thorne laughed. "You're on, Brat." [23:48]Nolanel Feran sidesteps around the too-tall hyur and his wretched plant thing. [23:50]Althea Greene offers Athil a hand. "Shake on it, then." [23:50]Amelia Ballard: "I'm not sure why we can't just use our names. I don't even have a normal nickname!" [23:50]Amelia Ballard: "Let alone a 'racing name'." [23:50]Valroit Faucheux: "You may use your name, of course! But the alias option is open for those who like to maintain an air of mystery!" [23:51]Rubh Mewrilah: "Racing Alias... oh. I need a minute now." She ponders, looking heavensward. "White lightning? No, maybe not. Lightning and eggs don't mix. Ruby Eggstravaganza." [23:51]Athil Thorne her proffered hand and shook. [23:51]Amelia Ballard: "Blondie, then. I don't know." [23:51]Rubh Mewrilah:  /em nods firmly in decision. "That's it. Is there a fee?" does not exist. [23:51]Valroit Faucheux jots down Rubh's alias on his list. "Ruby Eggstravaganza... and Blondie! All signed up." [23:52]Valroit Faucheux: "No fee, but there are prizes! A cake for the winner or winners, and our sponsor, House Pepin, will make a donation to a charity of your choice!" [23:53]Valroit Faucheux: "Which reminds me, I ought to do the opening remarks!" [23:53]Althea Greene grinned and shook Athil's hand before she took her hand back and crossed her arms over her chest. "I look forward to watching you lose." [23:53]Rubh Mewrilah: "Can I be the choice of charity...of myself? No, no. Probably not. Uh, refugees then." [23:53]Amelia Ballard: "You know... When I said you should get out more I didn't mean like -this-. What even is an egg race? Do we get to eat them when we're done?" [23:53]Valroit Faucheux: "Er-hem! On behalf of our sponsors in House Pepin, welcome! I am your guide and arbiter this evening: Figgy! If you wish to participate in the egg-and-spoon race, pray give me your name before the bell sounds!" [23:53]Athil Thorne: "Oh, I won't be losing, darling." [23:54]Valroit Faucheux: "After the bell, we shall begin the race! Depending on the number of sign-ups, participants shall either be racing singly or in relay teams of three. From the sign-ups so far it looks like we shall be racing singly!"

[23:55]Althea Greene: "You so will." [23:55]Athil Thorne: "Looks like you'll find out why they call me Red Thunder." [23:55]Valroit Faucheux: "Pray allow me to give an overview of the rules and prizes! Please gather close so that you can hear!" [23:55]Nolanel Feran looks pointedly at his hands. Why are these people near him. With their. pets. [23:56]Valroit Faucheux gestures to a chalk line that is totally drawn on the ground at the foot of the stage. [23:56]Valroit Faucheux: "Participants shall begin at this line and race to the waterfall opposite, touch the water with at least one foot, then turn and race back to this line!" [23:56]Rothe Aubrey purses his lips. "I have the feeling more eggs will be feeding the ground than us." [23:56]Rubh Mewrilah: "Because you're loud and grumble about nothing, and have red hair?" [23:56]Althea Greene: "I like you, lady." [23:56]Valroit Faucheux: "All the while, each must carry one of these painted eggs in one of these spoons in one hand while the other hand is folded behind their back. Should a racer drop their egg, they must return to the start line and begin again!" [23:57]Katy Bunnyrabbit wiggles her tail [23:57]Amelia Ballard: "Wh-- Well that's a waste!" [23:57]Rubh Mewrilah: "I brought my own spoon. I didn't see anything in the rules against bringing your own spoon." She proclaims with an official air. Despire having no real firm ground to stand on there. [23:57]Athil Thorne: "Something like that, darling." [23:58]Valroit Faucheux keeps going for now rather than quibble over spoons. [23:58]Valroit Faucheux: "As we do not have enough participants to form relay teams, the race shall be a single lap, from here to the water and back!" [23:58]Nolanel Feran puuushes the mandragora away with his foot after it strays too close. [23:58]Valroit Faucheux: "The winner of the race is the one first to make it back to the starting line without dropping their egg!" [23:58]Rubh Mewrilah smiles deviously when he brooks no arguement, tiny fangs showing at each corner. [23:59]Valroit Faucheux: "All participants, we hope, shall be rewarded with a laugh and some fun! But in addition, House Pepin will make a donation to a charity chosen by the winner or winners. And, too, the winners shall personally take home a Hatching-Tide Cake!" [23:59]Rothe Aubrey: "It'll be fun--c'mon! Bet I can get farther than you." A smirk. He will regret this. [23:59]Rothe Aubrey pokes Amelia Ballard.

[23:59]Amelia Ballard: "Oh~ Are you willing to make a bet on that?" [0:01]Rothe Aubrey: "What're you wagerin'? [0:01]Rubh Mewrilah shifts her weight from side to side on the heels of her worn leather boots. She's ready to go~ [0:01]Valroit Faucheux: "Of course, there shall be absolutely no cheating allowed! No adhesives -- no swapping out of spoons or eggs -- no two-handed steadying -- no sabotage! Remember that the Archons are watching!" [0:01]Valroit Faucheux: "For fairness, Madam Ruby, I'm afraid I shall have to ask you to use one of our spoons!" [0:02]Rubh Mewrilah didn't hear that. He already approved her spoon. She's already got it ready in hand. It looks like it came from a mad scientis lab... all sorts of gears and dials on the side wait for her command. "Uhm, yes. I got this one from your bin." [0:03]Valroit Faucheux: "I'm not sure I'm convinced. No House Pepin seal on there?" [0:03]Amelia Ballard: "Well you already know what I want. But you do -you- want if you just so happen to beat me. Unlikely, but who knows." [0:03]Rubh Mewrilah: "Yeah it's here under this equalizer." She points to where the side was completely enveloped in mechanical junk. "Under there." [0:04]Valroit Faucheux: "Hmmmmmm. I think that's one of the defective ones. You'd better use this one instead." [0:04]Rothe Aubrey: His answer was immediate: "My spoons back. I need those, you know?" [0:05]Amelia Ballard: "I was going to give those back to you anyway! Pick something else!" [0:05]Rubh Mewrilah: "Defective?!" She huffs, tail fluffing up to the insult on her designs. "I'll have you know I almost never-" She looks up sadly at the shiny new spoon he presents. Heartbroken. Tail drooping. [0:05]Rothe Aubrey gazes upon Amelia Ballard in deep reflection. [0:06]Valroit Faucheux gives Rubh a bit of an apologetic smile as he hands over a regulation spoon. It was a good try! [0:06]Valroit Faucheux: "If you have any questions at all about the Egg-and-Spoon Race, just ask Figgy! We shall be starting soon, so please be sure you are signed up if you wish to participate!" [0:06]Rothe Aubrey: "Admit the Bismarck is the best establishment you've encountered." [0:06]Rubh Mewrilah holds it away from her pinched between two fingers like rotting garbage. She hrumphs and pouts, lip jutting out and eyes large. Just in case he was moved by those tactics. [0:06]Rothe Aubrey beams with delight at Amelia Ballard.

[0:07]Valroit Faucheux is as firm and uncompromising as stone, as any spriggan should be! [0:07]Katy Bunnyrabbit wiggles her tail and watches everyone [0:08]Amelia Ballard: "Not even going to make me do any work are you? Fine that's easy to since it's basically true." [0:08]Valroit Faucheux: "No questions!? Then let's assemble our racers on the starting line! Red Thunder! The Brat! Ser Nolanel! Gingersnap! Ruby Eggstravaganza! Annnnd... Blondie!" [0:08]Valroit Faucheux beckons to no one in particular. [0:08]Rubh Mewrilah forgot she wears goggles and he can't see her big sad catte eyes. It would have worked otherwise! She pitches her creation over her shoulder. No use for it now. [0:09]Rothe Aubrey buries his face in disbelief. [0:09]Nolanel Feran peeks at the man beside him, wondering if he was the ginger -- or was it that other one.

[0:10]Valroit Faucheux walks down the line to hand out regulation spoons and eggs -- though the eggs have all been differently and colorfully decorated for the holiday. [0:10]Valroit Faucheux: "The weights and aerodynamic properties of all eggs have been tested against each other, so no one will have an advantage! But if you would like your lucky color, I can trade out for another one!" [0:11]Amelia Ballard takes her spoon and egg. She's disappointed it's not pink. [0:11]Rubh Mewrilah attempts to find a red egg, or pink if red didn't exist in the pile. [0:11]Althea Greene takes her spoon and egg without complaint and a very determined look on her face. [0:11]Athil Thorne took his spoon and egg. "Green. That's my color." [0:12]Valroit Faucheux: "If you have any final questions, ask them now!" [0:12]Rothe Aubrey already seems to be teetering his egg. [0:12]Amelia Ballard tries to shoo her pig away so he doesn't trip her. [0:12]Valroit Faucheux: "Racers, on your marks!!!" [0:13]Nolanel Feran keeps his gaze to the egg, not to look Faucheux in the eye. He purses his lips as he balances t, right hand locked behnd him as in salute.

[0:13]Althea Greene balances her egg on her spoon and peers over at Athil. "Gonna beat you so hard," she mouths. [0:13]Valroit Faucheux: "Set!!" [0:13]Athil Thorne held his spoon and egg, eyes ahead. [0:14]Valroit Faucheux: "Go!!" [0:14]Rubh Mewrilah places the egg into the spoon's cupped surface, extending it out with one hand. Without her gadget on hand she was now focused entirely on balance. [0:14]You let out a cheer. [0:14]Athil Thorne sprinted off, quite happy and confident with his balance. Had he been practicing?! Was this a setup?! [0:15]Amelia Ballard walks off. Wow this is easy. [0:15]Nolanel Feran starts hesitantly, hand innately shaking from the start. [0:15]Rothe Aubrey takes a few shakey steps forward. This was hard.

[0:16]Valroit Faucheux trots along to keep pace with racers. "Red Thunder immediately takes the lead with his focused technique!! But Blondie is threatening!! Looks like a disaster was nearly averted in the rear!" [0:16]Rubh Mewrilah shuffles along the leaf strewn path, making a squinty expression at her egg as Red Thunder takes a big lead. "This is why I needed /my/ spoon..." she laments. [0:17]Athil Thorne continued to sprint along, balancing quite happily. He'd already made it to the water fall and back! [0:17]Nolanel Feran takes a single step-- and that was enough. The egg wobbles dangerously, but by grace, doesn't fall. [0:18]Amelia Ballard makes it to the waterfall at least

[0:18]Rubh Mewrilah glances over to see if Valroit would notice if she tries to trip Athil.

[0:18]You cheer Athil Thorne on! [0:18]Althea Greene is kind of hoping Ruby -will- trip Athil, but she has her own reasons for this. [0:19]Valroit Faucheux: "Red Thunder maintains a wide lead, though Blondie is not far behind!!! Will the others be able to catch up or is this race decided already!? Disaster could strike at any moment; keep your eyes on those eggs!" [0:19]Rothe Aubrey looks at Nolanel Feran in surprise. [0:19]Rubh Mewrilah cough-mutters a command to her airship, directing it into his path. "Assignment for box 3b, move right." [0:20]Athil Thorne started to slow down. How cocky! Or perhaps he just didn't want to drop the damn thing. (1999) [0:20]Amelia Ballard is just going on a cake walk. How is this hard? (2,166) [0:20]Katy Bunnyrabbit squeaks as someone drops an egg [0:20]Rubh Mewrilah is overly distracted trying to thwart Red Thunder, her egg wobbles and almost falls. "No, no. no..." [0:20]Nolanel Feran repeats his last foreboding step-- and doesn't have the same luck. His egg tumblrs from the spoon and breaks on the ground. "Oh, gods..." [0:21]Valroit Faucheux: "Oh no, our first spill!! Ser Nolanel's back to the start! But he's not the only one experiencing turbulence as Red Thunder falls behind Blondie with the other three not far behind! This race could go any way!!" [0:21]Valroit Faucheux has to run himself to resupply Nolanel! Yikes! [0:21]Nolanel Feran goes baaack to the start, pinching his ear. [0:23]Althea Greene is doing the best that she can with her egg. She's still determined to overtake Athil. (2049) [0:23]Athil Thorne saw Amelia gaining on him and he started to pick up the pace when his foot hit a stone, sending his egg flying, nearly missing Valroit. [0:23]Rothe Aubrey lets his fingers brush by the waterfall as he passes it. Halfway!

[0:23]Valroit Faucheux: "Wha-hey!" [0:23]Valroit Faucheux panics! [0:23]Amelia Ballard feels the egg shake on the spoon, but she's still SUPER safe. (2,293) [0:23]Nolanel Feran begins more steady this time, but promptly stops as an egg goes flying past poor Val. [0:24]Rubh Mewrilah bursts out laughing in victory as Red Thunder drops his egg, almost suffering a loss of her own precious cargo by letting her ego run wild. "No baby stay with me, yes goood." (1592) [0:25]Valroit Faucheux: "And Red Thunder wipes out in the final stretch!!! What a tale of hubris and tragedy! And while Blondie's still in the lead, the Brat and Gingersnap are just a hair behind! Ruby Eggstravaganza's not out of this yet, either! Who could take home the cake!?" [0:26]Katy Bunnyrabbit: Wow! Everyone is dropping their eggs!

[0:26]Althea Greene gasps as her egg drops. "Nooooooo!" She cries over her poor egg and goes back to the beginning. She still made it further than Athil, though! [0:26]Athil Thorne grabbed another egg from Valroit and began marching back. A slower pace this time, but he crowed in victory as both Thea and Rubh went down. "NOT SO EASY, IS IT, BRAT?!" [0:26]Amelia Ballard is just trying to inch her way into first place. She can already taste the cake. (2,667) [0:26]Althea Greene: "You're just mad because you're gonna have to wear a maid costume!"

[0:28]Valroit Faucheux: "OH NO! It's an omelette out there!! The Brat and Ruby Eggstravaganza have wiped out as well! But Blondie is still going strong, with Gingersnap breathing down her neck! It could be a close finish! Don't slip on those dropped eggs at the last second!!" [0:28]Rubh Mewrilah snickers softly at the sound of more eggs falling behind her. She makes the fatal mistake of glancing over her shoulder and plop went the egg right on her boot tip. "I called you baby. How dare you betray me like this. You deserved your fate." [0:29]Athil Thorne continued along, not focusing on anything but him and the egg. Be one with the egg. Beat the Brat. Beat the ... other brat. He could do this! And anyone nearby could probably see and/or hear him muttering all of that to himself. [0:30]Rubh Mewrilah does exactly what she's told not to do. She misses a slippery wet patch of sodden eggy ground when her heel comes down and it takes her down in a flash of limbs flying in the air. [0:30]Nolanel Feran still hasn't made it to the waterfall, but he turns around anyway (just to look!) to check the commotion. [0:30]Amelia Ballard is so close, but doesn't see Aubrey's GOD's DAMNED mandragora trying to get to him, and trips right over it. [0:30]Rothe Aubrey can't help but gawk at Amelia. She was so close... (2858) [0:30]Rothe Aubrey motions angrily at the kidragora. [0:30]Althea Greene sticks her tongue out at Athil's back and chants 'no maid costume' under her breath. (341) [0:30]Nolanel Feran KNEW that thing was evil. [0:31]Amelia Ballard: "I'M EATING IT AUBREY! IT'S A SALAD NOW!" [0:31]Valroit Faucheux: "Oh, it's carnage!!! Just steps from the finish line Blondie's egg takes a fatal tumble!! And -- we hope Ruby Eggstravaganza doesn't need a chirurgeon over there! Meanwhile, the dark horse Gingersnap -- or, err, ginger horse -- is nearly there! COULD THIS BE THE WIN!?"

[0:32]Rothe Aubrey: "IT'LL BE THE APPETIZER TO YOUR SHOAT!" [0:32]Rubh Mewrilah pushes herself up with a smoldering expression, rubbing her backside with one hand. Her tail slashed the air behind her. "This is not the eggcellent victory I imagined it would be, no not at all." [0:32]Amelia Ballard: "YOU LEAVE HIM OUT OF THIS!" [0:33]Rothe Aubrey is uncontainably jubilant! [0:33]Athil Thorne spared a glance backwards to see who was where, but it also had the effect of slowing him down. "Careful you don't drop that," he said with a drawl. (1390). [0:33]Amelia Ballard is full of eggy fury glaring at Rothe as she walks past. (881) [0:33]Rubh Mewrilah grabs a new egg, fixing it with a long look before setting it down on the spoon. "Don't you do me wrong too, okay?" She takes a few steps forwards, cautiously. [0:34]Nolanel Feran dips his toe into the waterfall, grabs his egg, and walks it back to the start. [0:34]Althea Greene laughed at Athil as she advances and is -almost- caught up to him now. "Watch where you're going, Thunder boy," she said. (1275) [0:35]Rothe Aubrey walks across the finish line and immediately thrusts his spoon up--throwing the egg into the air. [0:35]Amelia Ballard: "Hope that thing hits you in the face!" [0:36]Valroit Faucheux lets out a cheer. [0:36]Valroit Faucheux: "And Gingersnap makes it across the finish!!! Zero faults, zero scrambles, the victor of the day -- oh, well, none until just now." [0:36]Valroit Faucheux: "But the rest of the racers haven't given up -- indeed, there seems to be a fierce competition for places going on! 'Tis not over yet, folks!!"

[0:37]Rothe Aubrey: "I'm sure you'd--" As he spun around to retaliate the egg fell directly on his head. [0:37]Valroit Faucheux watches Rothe, wincing with an "Ooooh." [0:38]Nolanel Feran slaps his free hand over his mouth-- "Oh, sir, I--forfeit, then, 'suppose." He stares at the egg, safe in his hand, and tries to pass it to Val. [0:38]Valroit Faucheux: "Yoop!" [0:38]Amelia Ballard laughs off balancing her egg. [0:38]Athil Thorne had made it to the waterfall and back, but... Thea had gained on him! "What the hell, woman?!" (1814) [0:38]Althea Greene surpasses Athil! She grins and keeps chanting her little chant. (2053) [0:38]Valroit Faucheux bounces the egg right out of the spoon when he finds it suddenly handed to him by Nolanel, but after a few tense moments of butterfingers he manages to secure it and tuck it safely in the basket. [0:39]Rothe Aubrey cheers for the other competitors, egg whites still sticking to his hair. [0:40]Nolanel Feran grins with no small amount of relief-- one egg casualty, at least not two. He thanks Valroit and gives a shallow bow, standing a bit aside to not crowd him.

[0:41]Valroit Faucheux: "Whoops -- What's happening!? Oh, it looks like The Brat has overtaken Red Thunder and surged into the lead! Blondie and Ruby Eggstravaganza are catching up! It could go any way!" [0:41]Rubh Mewrilah looses her competitiveness when the victor is announced, and now she's focused on the other pair trying to make it back. Head tilts to the side as she tries to aim correctly and flick her egg at Red Thunder, clearly sided on Team Althea. [0:42]Athil Thorne was so focused on trying to keep up that he did not see the egg flying straight for him, knocking his egg clean off his spoon. "????ING SHIT ????!" he started swearing. [0:43]You burst out laughing at Athil Thorne. [0:43]Althea Greene manages to duck the flicked egg without losing her own! Chanting continues! (2861) [0:43]Amelia Ballard doesn't let the distraction of the other competetors get to her, and just walks around the disappointment. (2,067)

[0:45]Rubh Mewrilah cackles a laugh, leaning and holding her side in stiches from the look on his face when her eggcellent aiming prowess was unleashed. "What now Big Red Thunder? Go win it, girl!" [0:45]Althea Greene beams with delight at Rubh Mewrilah. [0:45]Aileen Stormsong earns the achievement “Eggsit Stage Left”! [0:45]Valroit Faucheux: "OH NO! Red Thunder, who opened so strong this eve, is laid low by an act of sabotage!!?! Since we're racing for pride at this point, I'm not sure calling foul and stopping the race would do him any good!!" [0:45]Althea Greene: "Nomaidcostumenomaidcostumenomaidcostume!"

[0:46]Valroit Faucheux: "It's the Brat versus the Blondie! Who will take second!?" [0:46]Rubh Mewrilah: "Don't call a FOWL on me, friend." She says, and you can just hear that bad pun in her voice. [0:46]Valroit Faucheux groans at Rubh Mewrilah. [0:46]Rubh Mewrilah grins madly at Valroit Faucheux. [0:47]You cheer Athil Thorne on! [0:47]Athil Thorne took another egg. He was going to finish, damn it! (734) [0:47]Rubh Mewrilah enjoys the groan. Terrible puns were half the reason she even came. [0:47]You cheer Athil Thorne on. [0:47]Yvaine Athidrial frowned a little missing out on this and sighed while resting a hand on her bump. She silently cheered on Thea. [0:47]Amelia Ballard just stares at Athil like 'what the ???? you're still going to race?'. (2,359) [0:47]Althea Greene makes it to the finish line and then carefully removes her egg from her spoon, cheering. "YES! No maid costume!" (3685) [0:47]Athil Thorne: "Damn straight, woman." [0:48]Amelia Ballard tries to contain her laughter. [0:48]Athil Thorne dropped his egg again. "... Well ???? my life." [0:48]Rubh Mewrilah agrees wholeheartedly with Althea Greene. [0:48]Katy Bunnyrabbit: Think Athil needs some glue [0:48]Valroit Faucheux: "And 'tis the Brat who glides across the finish line second!! Blondie has her eyes set on making a respectable finish as well! And Red... Thunder... well, mayhap the less said about his situation the better." [0:48]Althea Greene: "Hey, Thunder boy! Remind me what's so thunderous about you?" [0:48]Athil Thorne gave a low bow. [0:50]Athil Thorne shook his head, laughing. "Damn." He glanced to Valroit. "I think I give up." [0:50]Amelia Ballard is so close to third place. Aubrey better keep his pet close this time. (2,882) [0:50]Valroit Faucheux: "Red Thunder is officially out of the running, while Blondie eases in to earn her third place! Keep those toes out of the aisle!" [0:50]Rubh Mewrilah laughs as the other egg was immediately dropped, accidentally snorting once or twice in her mirth. "Hem. Well this was fun. I saved the day, mhm." [0:51]Althea Greene: "I won a bet against Athil!" [0:51]Rothe Aubrey cheers Amelia Ballard on! [0:51]Athil Thorne: "You were aided by sabotage." [0:51]Yvaine Athidrial tilted her head before manging a, "Oh?" [0:51]Nolanel Feran claps for Amelia Ballard. [0:51]Althea Greene: "It's not my fault that you couldn't duck a flying egg, Thunder Boy." [0:51]Valroit Faucheux: "And Blondie glides in to a respectable third place!!!" [0:52]Amelia Ballard: "Respectable he says. It should have been first!" [0:52]Althea Greene fluttered her lashes at him. "Guess you'll be wearing that maid costume now, won't you?" She grins at Yvaine. "I won a bet against him!" [0:52]Rothe Aubrey jogs up to Amelia, snatching her egg out of her spoon. Holding it up, he laughs, "Nice going, Blondie!" [0:52]Yvaine Athidrial coughed, "Terms?" [0:52]Valroit Faucheux: "And that looks like that's our race! Would everyone now come up to the stage -- though be careful where you step!!" [0:52]Althea Greene: "Oh, you know. He has to wear a maid outfit while he cleans my apartment. Oop! We're being called. Be right back!" [0:52]Amelia Ballard: "You won fair and square, -Gingersnap-. Can't belive you went with that name." [0:53]Valroit Faucheux beckons to no one in particular. [0:53]Athil Thorne: "... What she said."

[0:53]Rothe Aubrey: "First nickname to come to mind. Can't blame me, yeah?" [0:54]Nolanel Feran dips his head to Rothe, then tries to keep his chin high. [0:54]Valroit Faucheux: "Congratulations to the winner of our very first Hatching-Tide Egg-and-Spoon race, Gingersnap!!" [0:54]Valroit Faucheux congratulates Rothe Aubrey. [0:54]Althea Greene claps for Rothe Aubrey. [0:54]Rothe Aubrey motions joyfully to Valroit Faucheux. [0:54]Rubh Mewrilah tries to cheer Rothe Aubrey up. [0:54]Valroit Faucheux: "Trickier than it looks, isn't it!?" [0:54]Athil Thorne cheers Rothe Aubrey on! [0:54]Rubh Mewrilah cheers Rothe Aubrey on! [0:54]Rothe Aubrey: "Had a rocky start, but that never stopped anyone. 'Cept Nol, I suppose..." [0:55]You clap for Rothe Aubrey.

[0:55]Valroit Faucheux hefts a giant box -- happily lidded to protect it against the rain -- in which lies the prize cake. [0:55]Yvaine Athidrial wondered what was in the box. [0:56]Rothe Aubrey 's eyes go wide at the enormous cake. Wow. [0:56]Valroit Faucheux: "On behalf of House Pepin, I award you this Hatching-Tide Cake, made fresh with ingredients from our family greenhouses!" [0:57]Valroit Faucheux leans down to discuss, then steps back up and continues. [0:57]Valroit Faucheux: "And the prize money this eve shall go to the Ala Mhigan Widow and Orphan fund! May this be a bright new year and beginning for our neighbors to the east!" [0:57]Valroit Faucheux claps. [0:58]Amelia Ballard is extremely jealous because she loves cake. Aubrey she love cake! [0:58]Rothe Aubrey: "Amelia, here--because of the mandragora." He tries to motion for her to take the cake. [0:58]Rubh Mewrilah claps for Rothe Aubrey. [0:58]Amelia Ballard: "Aww~ Now I can eat this instead of that salad on legs!" [0:59]Valroit Faucheux: "We brought three cakes here this eve, to award to all members of a relay team if we had ended up relay racing. So I have two cakes to present to The Brat and Blondie as well!" [0:59]Althea Greene motions joyfully to Valroit Faucheux. [0:59]Valroit Faucheux pauses, though, to see if Amelia will do the right thing and give Rothe the cake or will just keep two cakes for herself. [0:59]Rubh Mewrilah is fairly impassive about the cake, but she cheers the man on as the winner of the night's event. [0:59]Rothe Aubrey: "Best to get out of the rain before you do that, yeah?" He tries to slide the mandragora away with his foot. [1:00]Althea Greene: "Thank you!" [1:00]Rubh Mewrilah cheers Althea Greene on! [1:00]Nolanel Feran: "Another forfeited in his own right, rather than mistake," he grumbles in return. [1:00]Valroit Faucheux: "Congratulations on your finishes, and thanks to all of you for coming out to celebrate Hatching-Tide!"

[1:00]Athil Thorne cheers Valroit Faucheux on! [1:00]Amelia Ballard thinks everyone should know by now she will in fact take two cakes and eat them both. [1:01]Valroit Faucheux stacks another giant cake box on top of Amelia's other one. [1:01]Althea Greene turns and offers the cake box to Ruby. "If you hadn't have thrown that egg, I'd be wearing a maid costume tomorrow. Want it?" [1:01]Rubh Mewrilah: "Thank you for running this eggsemplary local event." The puns don't stop, nope. [1:01]Valroit Faucheux: "And that concludes this night's entertainment! Have a Happy Hatching-Tide and watch your step on the way out!" [1:01]Valroit Faucheux offers congratulations. [1:02]Nolanel Feran claps for Valroit Faucheux. [1:02]Rubh Mewrilah: "Oh uhm... I can if you don't? But I only enjoy cake in a passing way, so it's no big deal and err... just glad you don't have to dress up if ya don't want to!" [1:02]You cheer Valroit Faucheux on! [1:02]Amelia Ballard: "These are bigger than I thought they'd be..."

[1:03]Althea Greene hums. "Well, I'll keep it then. Thunder Boy over here will need something to sweeten his loss." She looked over at Athil and grinned wide. [1:03]Althea Greene beams with delight at Athil Thorne. [1:03]Valroit Faucheux subtly indicates with spriggan sign language that he was cheering for Nolanel. The latter may not understand it though. [1:03]Athil Thorne: "Yeah, yeah," he said with a laugh. "You're a trouble maker, y'know that?" [1:03]Athil Thorne: "But that was fun." [1:03]Rubh Mewrilah: "Ya'll enjoy it, that much cake would make me sick trying to eat it all." [1:03]Rothe Aubrey hesitantly looks over at Amelia, who was currently blocked from view because of the hefty boxes she held. "Let me take at least one of those--can you even see?" [1:04]Amelia Ballard is quiet behind the boxes before she speaks, "...Yes, please..." [1:04]Althea Greene nodded and smiled at Ruby, then turned to Athl. "It was fun. Now we have cake to eat and you have to wear the maid costume." She chortled and walked off to go say hello to Yvaine and Ren and Algernin and so that she could tell them that Athil now had to wear a maid costume. [1:05]Valroit Faucheux wrings rainwater out of his spriggan hat. [1:05]Nolanel Feran knew enough about spriggans to toss them from the forge- not to understand. He attempts a smile before slipping away. [1:05]Althea Greene approaches with a big box of cake in her arms. "Hi guys! I beat Athil and now he has to wear a maid costume and clean my apartment!" She sounded sooooo proud of herself. [1:05]Rothe Aubrey tries to hold back a chuckle but fails. He takes the boxes, juggling them in his grip. "Good thing the Bismarck's got me doing this all the time." [1:05]Rubh Mewrilah: "Welp. Best go clean this egg off my arse." And she headed off to do just that.

[1:05]Athil Thorne: "I should contest. You had help." [1:06]Rothe Aubrey: He was thankful for the rain; the crushed egg was proving difficult to get out before. [1:06]Valroit Faucheux waves at the spectators. [1:07]Valroit Faucheux slaps his spriggan hat back on his head and rolls up his sleeves... wait, his sleeves are already rolled up. Time to clean up after the festivities!