Festival at Hookworth II
The Hookworth Festival was a glorious time of festivities and fun.
Kirseth and I were a little late, as we could hear the many guests arrive. We walked towards the main square to see many familiar faces, and even more unfamiliar. There was food, drink and westman's-weed aplenty. There was even a Dwarf hawking the ale of his house. It was certainly strong, with a hearty kick to it!
Before long, there was talk of an archery contest. Kirseth, of course, was quick to join - I even joined in myself, much to her surprise. There was also a man named Bleon and another named Ebold who joined too.
There was quite the crowd of all kinds, Elves, Dwarves and even Halflings. A rare sight indeed. It made me rather nervous, since I don't know one end of the bow to another.
The contest was observed and overlooked by Beongarn, and the two judges Inayat and Anglaraen. The rules were simple, three arrows, loosed at the targets. Highest score wins.
First up was Ebold and Bleod - who both finished with thirty points.
Then it was Kirseth and I! I rather haphazardly loosed my first shot, which surprisingly hit a few centimeters from the bullseye! My second managed to hit the second ring. My third arrow, almost hit the second! I'm still unsure of how I managed it.
The judges announced both Kirseth and I (as well as the other two contestants) had all finished with 30 points each.
The judges, after hushed discussion, decided, however, that one of my arrows needed to be re-judged, as a mistake was made.
Forty points! I still cannot believe it, clearly beginners luck was in my favour as I barely knew what I was doing! I was given many congratulations, even from Kirseth who looked just as confused as I. We celebrated with more drinks and merriment!
During the festivities, I got to have a drink and a small chat with Oronir once more, before he set off to lead a tour around Hookworth. We decided to join the tour too, despite being rather familiar.
Despite the rain, it was a great walk around the village, reminiscing of fond memories of our time in the Guest House, my time in the Historical House and most importantly, our oaths.
It was getting dark, and the rain was beginning to abate; the view of the village all lit up was a very warming sight to behold. When we made it back to the main square, there was talk of a band of bards who were to play for the festival. They were The Redstable Revellers. They played many a song, as we danced, cheered and drank the night away. It has been a long time since I have had such a merry time.
As the band concluded their performance, we shuffled our weary legs towards the final event - the grand opening of The Sizzling Turtle! And what a sight to behold, fireworks everywhere, of every colour - from seemingly all over Arda. Bagpipes were played, accompanying the cacophony of bangs and crackles of the night sky's illumination.
Once the din had died down, we made our way inside. It was full of life and laughter. We enjoyed many drinks and tales. Before long, Inayat addressed the room, claiming herself and Arenborne had an announcement.
After a relatively short, but touching, speech - they announced that they are engaged to be wed! Many shouts of congratulations and toasts to the newly engaged couple erupted, myself and Kirseth among them!
Since the occasion seemed appropriate, we decided to play our song for the couple, and it was received well. There was dancing and cheers from all, as the couple shared a dance.
We shared more drinks as the night went on, until drunkenly retiring to our beds.
