jayashri_pw

Fort and Ista collide -- sometimes litterally! -- on this field of ice as they do vicious battle in a game of broom ball! Will the home team win it, as predicted, or will the away score some lucky shots on their way to the top?

Fort Weyr - On The Ice

The lake is frozen over. Ice has formed and is solid from one side of the shore to the other. Normally covered by snow, there's a section that has been cleared of it. It's in a somewhat rectangular formation, with the banks from the shovelled snow pushed up around the cleared patch like a frame, or a bunker. Oddly enough the ice in this spot looks particularly smooth, as if someone had dumped water over it time and time again. But the are is large. It looks rather ideal for skating. From time to time, the ice will groan under larger weights.

Welcome to Fort Weyr's Winter Games: Day One!

All around you is given evidence that the Weyr is hosting games! The most distinct eye catching feature to the lake shore today are the decorative poles that host a banner, which in big words say: "Winter Games". The poles that hold up the banner however, have streamers that flap from the tops, one in orange and black and the other in brown and black, representing the two Weyrs participating officially in these games. Tied between them is a large ribbon of black and brown, thick as a man's wrist. Interestingly enough, a pathway that has been cleared of snow and ice, leading out onto the iced over lake.

The shore and the floating platform have also been decorated to cater to the guests. Several benches and chairs have been aligned around fire pits, while the kitchen staff has made it possible to keep hot klah on the ready. There's also a podium to one side of the poles. Otherwise, it looks as if the day is clear and the sun is shining.

Kessa looks to a couple of people that are helping organize the game. She's not going to be participating herself by the looks of it, but she can at least keep track of the score for those that are playing. There are a pile of brooms being held by the one wingrider, who grins at those approaching. "Two teams please. One will be playing with the brown brooms," he hoists them up, "representing Fort. The other team will be playing with the orange brooms." Yes, they've been coloured appropriately! "It doesn't matter which Weyr you actually live at, just pick a team and we'll explain the rules." He points to a woman with a bob cut, "Even numbers please." Kessa makes some encouraging motions for people to claim a stick and a 'team.'

Ayana slinks up to the front and grabs a brown broom before heading back away from the chaos. FFTW. She then retreats with a wink at Kessa as she examines the broom.

Once those that are interested in trying out their shoes on the ice and their skill with hitting the ball with a broom, the organizers stand forward. "Ok everyone, this is for your Weyrs! The objective is to score a point on the opposite team's goals. The goals are marked by two posts," he thusly points toward each end of the rink, where the posts are held and streamers of the teams colours fly. The north end flies Fort's colours, the south end Ista's colours. "How you accomplish that is up to you, but it is recommended you try passing to your teammates during the play. If the ball is hit outside of the rink, we'll have a show down in the middle of the rink, where the ball will be dropped and play resumes. Heavy contact is not permitted. Any questions?"

Ayame steps over to the Fort side and stands there rather unsurely. "Um, how do I play? I have never played before..." She has her arms crossed and a slightly "stupid feeling" look on her face. She just wants to be involved.

"Also," the organizer speaks loudly, "The first team with five goals wins." Really, it's not as easy as it sounds! It's slippery out there!

X'hil heads out onto the ice, moving much more slowly once he gets out there. As the brooms are indicated, the Istan Weyrleader nods, heading straight towards the orange brooms. He may not be all that fond of the colour, but Kinseth would never forgive him if he played against Ista. He shakes his head at the call for questions. All good here. He sweeps the broom back and forth a bit, getting a feel for it.

Ayana gives Ayame a look. "Two goals, two teams. One ball. Ball in a goal, you get a point. Five points wins. We push the balls with these!" She waves the broom and slips, and as she falls down, she slides right into a goal. "Score!"

"Always with the confetti," says Ysa with a laugh as she shakes her head slowly. At least it wasn't Ista again, right? She follows Kessa though, as running around on ice with skirts on doesn't seem the smartest idea of all, though she gives the orange brooms a long look as if considering it. "Now this is going to be real fun to watch. More than stacking dirty stones or boat races." Jealous much? Though she huddles into her jacket tighter, so perhaps not all that jealous! She's happy she's not tripping over the ice instead, as she eyes Ayana's fall.

The woman with the short hair bounces a bright red ball in her hand, and soon is sliding out onto the ice with a grace that suggests she's been practicing on the ice with her shoes on. "Alright people. Let's get this started. Select one team member. Show down!" She slides around until she gets to a central point on the rink, dyed with a big black dot. She waits patiently for the participants to get in order, grinning with anticipation.

Kessa laughs a little, "I think it's going to be a tradition." She notes of the confetti, shaking her head lightly as she watches Ayana take a spill. "The boat races were fun!" she says with a grin, "At least we didn't get dirty in that one. The firestone sacking.. I'll never live that down!"

Moydeo flails about a bit as she slides out onto the ice to play, and grabs a broom, blinking, ah man, Istan colors, oh well, just fun and games, right? She carefully slides over to where the Weyrleader is. Boat races? She probably would of preferred those to this. "Um, who's going up?" She asks her team.

With careful steps, Jayashri makes her way out onto the frozen lake. She's cautious at first, eyeing the ice for cracks or thin spots. Her lightweight form is soon gaining confidence, however, and she picks up her pace more confidently, almost slipping. Whoops! She splays her feet out, arms doing likewise as she catches her balance. That was close. Breathing a sigh of relief, the CompCrafter makes her way more carefully toward the individual handing out the brooms. "Fort," she tells him, being handed the appropriate color. Taking a deep breath, she makes her way out onto the ice, attempting to look like she's doing. It's hard for her to look serious though, what with her features breaking into a regular and large grin. "Okay, I think I've got this." She looks at the ball, adjusting her grip on the broom. "That," she nods at the ball. "Over there." Another nod at the goal. "Seems simple enough." Slippery enough is more like it. "Good luck, Moydeo!" she calls good-naturedly.

The woman on the ice looks over the players of both teams, "I need one person from each team to come join me here for the show down! Whose it going to be?"

X'hil makes his way towards the centre of the rink, readying the broom. He gives a nod to the woman on the spot, though his eyes are on the ball, now. He glances back to his team-mates, Moydeo and the rest, giving a brief nod. Seems he's appointed himself captain, of sorts. Well, he is the highest ranking Istan playing. He flashes Ysa a quick grin, thiiis should be interesting. "Ah, that'd be me, for Ista!" he answers the woman, raising his broom just briefly.

Ayame is trying to swing her broom without falling over or sliding into a teammate. Her steps wobbly and just plain gofy at times. She does laugh when Ayana slides into the net saying, "Hey! No being their best teammate." She then sticks out her toung and nearly falls herself.

Ayana makes her way not so unwobbly to her feet as she glances at Ayame. "Maybe Moy should do the battle." She suggests.

Moydeo grins. "Good luck Ashri!" She calls good naturedly back, she wound up playing onn the othber Weyrs team, she hopes it's not taken the wrong way. She's gaining confidence on the ice though. She nofs to the other players, and X'hil, as she takes position, somewhere, on the ice on their side.

The woman on the ice nods at the Weyrleader of Ista, "Right, good. Ista's selected theirs," her eyes swing expectantly towards Fort's team. Kessa hangs her head a little as she notices people on her team spilling all over the place. Thankfully, one of the boys come on over to face the Istan Weyrleader. Not long after they're staring eachother in the eye, does the woman with the ball drop it. It bounces a bit and the Fortian boy swings his broom but misses and promptly loses his balance, flailing his arms around crazy like. X'hil has possession!

X'hil has the ball! He seems a tad startled a moment, but then he's stomping the broom on it, and shouting to Moydeo, "Get down towards the goal! I'll pass to you!" After shouting this, he does start to move a bit, sweeping the broom left and right, nudging the ball the direction he wants to go. Right now, he's playing defensively, keep the ball out of 'Fort' hands, at any cost. He is a little unsteady on the ice, but he's moving slower to try and compensate.

X'hil gives the ball a good whack with the broom, trying to pass...

X'hil's pass succeeds.

Lucky for Ashri, her short stature means her center of gravity is closer to the ground. She crouches, lowering it even further, the bristles of her broom pressing against the ice as she watches the ball with her keen hazel gaze. Wait for it... Go! The ball is dropped and the CompCrafter watches with concerned amusement as the Fortian boy attempts to obtain it and fails, sliding to the ground in a tangle of limbs. sail's shout draws her attention upwards again, and she begins to move, trying to put herself between Moydeo and X'hil to take possession of the ball when he passes. Ravi swoops overhead, chittering excitement as he watches the game. Go, Ashri, go! X'hil passes suddenly, and it's too far away for Ashri to intercept. To Moydeo it goes! "Shells!"

Ysa has to grin brightly at the fact that Istans at least were standing upright. Mostly. Maybe she's just staring at X'hil instead. Either way there're plenty of snickers every time that the Fortians trip or slide or look as if they're going to fall. They were the ones that were supposed to have more of an advantage here afterall. "Gooo X'hil!" she calls out happily, waving her scarf ends like little flags. She had to do something at least. "And Istans!" Right. She wanted that trophy afterall. She bounces a little on her feet, watching giddily as the game starts.

It's a good bet that the healers'll be busy after this game, that's for sure. For Fortians, you'd think they'd be better equiped on the ice. "Ok!" Moydeo calls, and heads down the ice, flailing about herself as she tries to keep her balancce, so far she's succeding, but might not be for long. She amanages to stop flailing long enough to catch the ball that comes at her. "Whoa!" She says, and moves to try and get around the computer crafter, and get her shot off at the goal.

Moydeo winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

Moydeo's shot succeeds.

Ayana groans as Moy makes a goal. "I'm a runner, not an ice runner." She complains, grinning at Ayame.

Kessa regards Ysa standing beside here there in the snow bank, shaking her head at the fact that Ysa is giddy and has the right to be! When X'hil makes a successful pass, Kessa screams, "Stop them!" Suddenly leaping up in the snow and stomping away, trying to encourage her team to action. Although, her hands fly up in disappointment as Moydeo scores a goal for Ista. "Oh no!" She flails, looking at the teams, then back to Ysa, "it's not ever yet!" Although she marks down a goal for Ista on her scoresheet.

Ayame curses softly as she misses an attempt to block.

The woman on the ice comes to collect the ball and bring it back to the center. "One more from each team please! To the center for a show down!"

X'hil raises his broom in the air and cheers as Moydeo's shot makes it in, though he instantly regrets it as his feet start to sliiiide, and he jams the broom back down to try and regain some balance. He's not exactly familiar with the ice, but he is doing better than the members of his team that are actually from Ista, that's for sure. He groans as one Istan greenrider falls on his rear, and shakes his head. The bronzerider nods to the centre at the call, waving Moydeo over to take the spot this time.

Unfortunately, the successful shot throws Moydeo off balance, and she falls on her behind, sliding into a snow bank on the edge of the ice. It takes her a moment to get back up to her feet, and sliide to where she's supposed to be, which is evidently up front for the challenge.

Having failed to block the shot to Moydeo, Ashri feels somewhat obligated to try and keep her from gaining possession of the ball. She skates/slides to the center of the ice rink, crouching in readiness. "Nice shot, Moydeo, but this time, I'm going to make the shot." She grins, having a great time despite trying not to bust her rear on the ice. Hands adjust around the broomhandle, and she's ready.

Once Moydeo and Jayashri are in the center of the rink, the woman drops the ball inbetween them!

... It goes more towards Jayashri, if she can handle it, she'll have possession!

"I didn't even know I was that good!" Moydeo remarks to the computer crafter, and eyes the woman with the ball, and then the ball as it's dropped, and she moves to try and keep Ashri from getting possession of it! Come on girl! Get it! Fort needs to win this! Cough!

Ysa laughs at Kessa's screaming at the Fortians, but then she cups her hands and calls out to her own team. "Don't let 'em cheat!" She then turns her head to Kessa and winks at her. She does watch as the Fort girl does score for her own team, shifting a bit nervously. Thinking they might use someone on their team to sabotage? Maybe. But the moment is fleeting, as she pumps her fist up in the air and cheers loudly for her Weyr as well, going back to watching.

X'hil takes up a defensive posture as the ball rolls towards Jayashri, hunkering down and sweeping the broom this way and that. He doesn't quite feel secure enough on the ice to go chasing after the ball, but he'll do what he can here! But, he's keeping a close eye on the ball, just in case Moydeo manages to get it away.

That low center of gravity is proving handy! Jayashri shifts her balance forward to her toes, lifting her broom off the ice and sweeping up the ball as it slides towards her. She's a bit clumsy at first, but is rapidly gaining her balance, despite being from the Southern Continent. Maybe all that shifting sand is good for balance! Corralling the ball, she slides sideways across the ice, poised to take a shot as the Istans are too busy sliding hither and yon across the ice, attempting to pass X'hil's static guard. She winds up...

Jayashri winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

Jayashri's shot fails.

Ayana starts screaming. "Come on, Jaya- awwwwww!"

Ayame jumps over to try and block the shot and manages to keep it out of the goal. The ball slides away from her.

Moydeo isn't there to sabotage! Just grabbed the wrong broom, yeah, that's it. She takes off after Ashri, to try and keep the ball out of the goal, and evidently succeeds! She grins, and goes down the ice, carefully, with the ball. "Here it comes!" She calls to one of her teammates, as she hits it to try and pass.

Moydeo gives the ball a good whack with the broom, trying to pass...

Moydeo's pass fails.

X'hil groans again as that Istan greenrider tries to catch Moydeo's pass, but again falls over, this time also losing the ball. The bronzerider mutters, and then calls out, "Oy, you, guard the goal!", switching places with that greenrider, watching the ball with a frown. He's getting more confident on the ice though, at least.

Ayana slides in in front of Moydeo as she hits the ball, neatly grabbing it with her broom. "Thanks, Moydeo!" She calls back as she slides towards her team, attempting to slide the ball into the goal. "C'mon..." She whispers.

Ayame moves back towards the goal in case Ayana slips yelling encouragements to her sis.

Ayana winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

Ayana's shot fails.

Jayashri isn't about to give up, despite her failed aim. And she's starting to get the hang of the rhythm of moving across the ice. It's quite simple, really, once you get used to it. She skates across the ice, trying to position herself clear of the Istans -- or Fortian "traitors" -- so that Ayana can pass the ball back her way. As Ayana attempts to take a shot instead, Ashri moves, trying to follow it in case something goes wrong, which it does. "Ack!" Due to her intent focus on the ball, Ashri looses her footing, landing with a plop upon the ice. "Ouch..."

Kessa is all bundled up, trying to offer encouragement, "You can do it guys!" When she notices Ayana now with the ball, she whoots and hollars, groaning when the goal misses. "Nice try though Ayana!" She huffs out a cloud of mist, "This is going to be a long game!"

Ayana watches as she trips over her broom, sliding into the goal as the ball bounces back to the Istan team.

Ayame ooohs softly and shouts, "You ok?" She is giggling as she asks.

Moydeo gets the ball! Yeah she was getting the hang of it on this darn ice too, and she goes slip sliding across the ice with the ball, and lines up to shoot the ball this time. This could be bad if Ista wins, specially for her, the 'traitor!'

Moydeo winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

Moydeo's shot fails.

Ayame now tries to block the shot and actually succeeds! "Woo! Hey sis! Here it comes!" With that she tries to pass to Ayana.

Ayame gives the ball a good whack with the broom, trying to pass...

Ayame's pass succeeds.

Ysa's cheer comes out loud and strong again, this time for Ayana's failed attempt at getting a goal. That means Ista is still ahead, afterall. She waves her scarf a little more, biting her lip some as Moydeo tries to take a shot again-- and then her shoulders slump sadly. "X'hil! Take it from 'em! Make a goal! For Ista!" No pressure, right?

Ayana slides back on kneeds to meet the ball. Then as she pushes forward she stands, and twirls on one foot. "Ashri!" She yells. "Comin' for you!" She adds, laughing.

Ayana gives the ball a good whack with the broom, trying to pass...

Ayana's pass fails.

X'hil doesn't cheer at Moydeo's failed shot, but he doesn't seem especially upset, either. He slides over to try and block Ayame's pass, but too little too late. His shoulders slump just a little, and he eyes the ball. Ysa's cheering does perk him up just a tad, and he heads after the ball. Maybe, maybe this time? YES! He intercepts Ayana's pass, and knocks the ball towards the goal, before sliding to the ice. Whoops. He gets himself up again, and eyes the ball. Will it be a goal? Will it?

X'hil winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

X'hil's shot fails.

Scrambling and sliding to her feet, Ashri tries to be there for the shot, but Ayana's pass is too wide and the short Fortian can't get there fast enough as the ball slides past her on the ice. She curses quietly, a louder laugh lilting from her lips. They may be loosing, but the CompCrafter is having fun, potentially chapped cheeks, sore bum and all! She's there in time to intercept X'hil's failed shot, momentarily stunned as she has the balls, and then she's moving with all the speed and grace she can muster toward their goal, taking a second chance at her shot!

Jayashri winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

Jayashri's shot fails.

Ayame picks herself up off the ice, giggling so hard she nearly falls again.

"Aha!" Moydeo cheers as she manages to block the shot. "Thanks Ashri!" She calls, and runs with it, so to speak, toward the other goal, she's just getting into the game, yes, forget teams, this was just fun. She tries her best to stop, and try to make a goal.

Moydeo winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

"They're trying hard," Kessa smiles after a while, eyeing up the teams. She then waves towards the organizers, "We'll have to cut it short. They won't make five goals!" She snickers, "But it's getting late and we don't want them exhausting themselves." The woman with the bobbed hair nods, "Agreed." Turning toward those on the ice, watching for now.

Moydeo's shot fails.

"Ack!" Ashri cries as Moydeo intercepts her goal-oriented ball. "Give that back you thief!" she yells, but clearly with humor, 'cause she giggling. This giggling is dangerous and about to land the Apprentice on her arse. Whoops! And she's on her bum again, watching Moydeo's shot wiz by. "Get it!" she calls to whoever is closest to the goal. "Quick!" She's trying to get back on her feet, really. She's just laughed herself breathless!

"AIEEEEEE." Ayana yelps as she nearly takes out a team mate as they both go for Moydeos' shot. The NPC goes for it, and then she does, and moves the ball towards the goal, shooting it towards Ayame.

Ayana gives the ball a good whack with the broom, trying to pass...

Ayana's pass succeeds.

Ayame rushes over to try and help Ayana, to only slip and slide past the girl. Flinger her limbs wildy trying to stop. Her flinging des however catch the ball and moves it towards the goal.

Ayame winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

Ayame's shot fails.

Ysa looks on a little sadly as their tries keep failing, managing to snicker a little at X'hil's slide. Well, she does try to hide it. And she does a good effort of covering it up by hopping more eagerly and shouting out again, "Go on, X'hil! Show 'em we're winners here!" Bounce, bounce. At least it's helping with the cold too, even if the Istan Weyrwoman has to huddle tighter into her jacket.

X'hil takes possession of the ball, and sweeps it towards the goal. He nearly falls over a couple of times, but he's able to lean on the broom for support. He shoots a quick glance over to Ysa, sort of a 'wish me luck' gesture, then takes a shot at the goal!

X'hil winds up and takes a shot at the goal...

X'hil's shot succeeds.

Ayame manages to get back up and awwwws as she works her way back to her side saying, "I'll take the challenge!"

Jayashri is up and on her feet again, clutching her side, which has formed an unfortunate stitch due to her breathless laughter. "Oh, it hurts," she giggles as she hobbles back into place, balancing on her broom as she goes before managing to take a deep breath, the cold air sharp inside her lungs and making her exhale rapidly. "Hoooo." She's partially crouched over the broom, using it for balance as she awaits the next drop.

Moydeo finally looses balance, and plops down on the ice. "Oww." She says, but happily waves her broom in the air as X'hil makes the goal. "Yay!" She says, and giggles, looking at her fellow Fortians. "This is fun." She says, and gets back to her feet, using her broom as something to get her balance with.

Kessa puts her hands up to her mouth with nerves, watching as X'hil winds up and whacks the ball. When the ball bounces through the goal posts, Kessa throws her hands up in the air again and slumps over, shaking her head. With a sour look on her face, she strikes another point on the scoreboard for Ista.

The organizer of the game goes to collect the ball, popping it up in her hand as she considers the weather that's rolling in. "Good game! You've all been at this for an hour and we figure it's time that you get your butts inside and get warm. There's hot klah, cookies, and a lot more food in the living caverns." She looks over toward Kessa and Kessa nods. The organizer goes back to the middle, "It looks like we have a winner! With a score of two to nothing, Ista has claimed today's game, scoring a point for their overall tally during the Winter Games."

X'hil looks very relieved to hear the game's over, as he's now shivering. Shivering and grinning. He returns the orange broom to the organisers, and makes his way to the edge, to join Ysa. "Should've brought my brown jacket." he's muttering. It's warmer, see. But it's not exactly Istan colours, so it got left behind.

Ayame slides over to Ayana and offers a hand to help them both off the ice. "Yays! Warm time."

Moydeo grins. "Good game everybody!" She cheers, good sportsmanlike, as she gives her broom to the organizers, before heading to the edge, somehow managing to get off the ice without falling over. "So, who's for going and getting some klah?" She asks around.

Ayana grins at Ayame. "We need to get out more, I think, Aya." She says. "We both shouldn'tve fallen so much as we did." She starts laughing at that. "Good job, Ista!" She calls out, handing over her broom.

Warm cider sounds good to the chilly Southerner right now. Straightening, she moves slowly to turn in her broom, still catching her breath from her giggling fits. Instrument turned in, she means a grin at Moydeo. "Hey, good game!" she calls. Making her way off the ice, the begins to trudge toward the living caverns, eager for warm food and drink to fill her chilly form. Ravi swoops in, landing her shoulder as her thoughts turn to food. Can I eat too?