““Are you kidding me? Another batch of filthy undead? Can’t you find us a dignified match that would not require a full body cleansing upon conclusion?” Scolded Nienna. “I don’t want to go near them let alone block them.”

“Shut your trap Nienna!” Snapped Revwe. “This is a golden opportunity to make up for the last fiasco. Today I do not care about the score. We are going to provide the fans with a dazzling passing sensation. I want to see the precision of master archers at work today.”

Kondor took his normal seat near the wall by the trash can. The Archers had been decisively handled by a crew of undead 6 days earlier. These elves had not realized it yet but what they faced today was a vastly different squad to the one that had pummeled them relentlessly. These were not Shambling Undead. There would be no mummies on the field today. In their place would be immovable constructs known as golems and lightening quick werewolves with armor rending claws. With any luck, this match would be as painful as the last.

Shortly after the opening whistle, Kondor was to be disappointed. The clumsy ghoul failed to pick up the ball and the Archers put themselves in scoring position. Tiffadoon picked up the ball in traffic and passed it to Nonetta. She would quickly toss it to Revwe who would score the initial point. It only went downhill from there. Eventually the elves would score two more times, demonstrate some aerial maneuvers with the ball, and even hurt one of the werewolves. Kondor could only sulk on the bench this was not the match he had anticipated and he feared the night had only begun.

Several hours later Kondor found himself in the side room of the gaily lit wine tavern known as the Shining Bauble staring up at sparkling chandelier. An elderly gnome cheerfully dipped a rusty needle into a pot of pink ink before jabbing it repeatedly into Kondor’s left shoulder. He was working on one of two tattoos the group would receive today. This badge was called “Piggy in the Middle,” and was earned by throwing a pass every time you had a chance to do so. Eight passes were completed over the course of the match and even Kondor had to begrudgingly admit that it was a nice display of passing. The other badge sported a flaming football and was called “We can all QB.” It represented the fact that 6 different elves completed a pass this game. Again, it was no small feat. Add to this the fact that the Archers of Avelon won the game and Kondor was really in no mood for celebration.

The elves on the other hand were on top of the world. “Raise a glass to Revwe! The lass who laid out a plan to pick apart those filthy creatures.” Someone shouted with predictable cheers. Another high voice popped up. “And another glass to Idhrenfineth. The Beauty who leveled the Beast.” More shouts rang out.

“By Nuffle!” thought Kondor. “This will go on all night.” So, as he stared at the candles flickering in the chandelier he tried to ignore merriment and the trembling gnome hand that mercilessly jammed a small hunk of metal into him repeatedly. All the while he plotted. We will see how merry they are after the next match.


”