Lightstar Family/Adaria/Tourney Host 01/GOSH
Glorious Open Stag Hunt
"Hear ye, hear ye, today's scheduled event is the Glorious Open Stag Hunt! Preparations have already been made in the eastern forests of Ornaz, a short hour's ride away. Hunters are encouraged to begin heading there now, and guides can be found along the road to lead the way. Those who would rather remain close to the festivities can still participate in a smaller hunt, but it will be conducted on an open field. Obstacles have been arranged to provide as realistic a sense as possible.
"Also starting today, there's a critter observatory set up for children, young adults, and exotic animal enthusiasts alike! Just to name a few, we've got spotted cats, striped dogs, blue chickens, an ostrich, a fake elephant, and imported squirrels! Caution is advised with regards to children petting any of our animals; they might bite!"
The herald smiled as he moved on. At least the stag hunt seemed normal enough.
Sadly, the 'obstacles' to provide a 'more realistic' hunting experience closer to Idapur were little more than crates covered with leaves and shrubberies, large boulders, and a score or so servants dressed in brown garments and holding branches to act as trees. And the prey... well, that was something else entirely. A few actual deer were available, though much more prevalent were the hares with twigs tied onto their heads to look like miniature stags. There was even a hastily dug pond with a handful of pitiful ducks waddling around.
Of course, the prepared woods over in Ornaz were completely different and much more suitable to a fine hunt. There was even a real stag to be found! Well, there were supposedly two around there, anyway, but people who arrived to participate had yet to spot either one of them amongst the sylvan scenery. However, one hopeful detail was a set of visible tracks, and the hounds soon picked up the scent.
(Roleplay from Carlos Francisco Torres de los Reyes)
"Huntin'...?!"
The news caught Carlos Francisco off guard and distracted him long enough that the trainer caught him good in the stomach. As Carlos doubled over in main, he coughed "That's enough!" Training would have to be over for the day. Safe to say Carlos learned nothing about swordfighting and a lot about staying focused on the task at hand...
After a quick shower and trim, Carlos was dressed in his hunting garb, a light tunic and stylish britches, although it was clear they had seen some use.
"Woooo Hoo!" exclaimed Carlos looking at himself in the mirror with a large toothy grin on his face. "Today gon' be a good day! I'm gon' catch me a 12 pointer no less!"
(Roleplay from Min Hyral)
With the main event only hours away, Min was enjoying the festivities from a small dining area set up for the nobles just beyond the line of stalls. Her table was a spread of delicious treats, including all manner of mints and candies, as well as an apple carved to resemble a peacock (a souvenir from the cooking contest, no doubt). She was enjoying the steamy scent of blueberry and cinnamon when she felt a slight nudging at the toe of her boot. She glanced down, and nearly choked on her tea, sending her into a fit of coughing and sputtering most unbefitting of a fine lady.
Somewhat recovered, the dignified Countess lowered her cup to its saucer and rested it on her lap. Then, after a few moments, calmly returned her attention to the strangeness that had appeared at her feet. There was a rabbit, peppered fur, white whiskers, imploring black eyes, and, most notably...tiny oak sprigs affixed to its head. What in the name of...
"A Creative Hunting Contest?" her squire offered.
Min frowned, and narrowed her eyes sternly at the pitiable creature.
Plaintively, it raised its little pink nose to the air, and, with quivering whiskers, offered a single, contrite paw.
So...so cute!
With feigned disinterest, Min plucked a "tail feather" from her apple and placed it on the ground, crossing her arms as she sat back in her chair, watching as the rabbit made quick work of the peace offering.
"See about this." she said to her squire, and returned to her tea.
"Yes, my lady." he bowed.
But, which part of this happening was he supposed to see about, he wondered.
