It'll Leave You Breathless, Or With A Nasty Scar (Quinn)

I made casual small talk with Jackson as much of the pomp and circumstance occurred on stage.  Thrilling him with tales of past draws, and how each was done.....it is usually a grand affair.  I was just in the middle of discussing the time in Florida how they had Alligators bring you the draw ticket by reaching into their mouths to show bravery.  it was said whoever reached furthest down the gullet got the best draw.....damn these small arms you see, that number should have been mine, but alas one can't be too perfect can they?

It was in the middle of this that a sword appeared, and what i considered a rather poultry display occurred.  (See what I did there?  You didn't....well let me tell you, you missed out on an excellent joke, actually I might tell Jackson this very joke).  Telling Jackson a cracker jack joke, my eyes followed the birds moving through the air.  Making a slap on my leg, I erected a small barrier, that had a chute running from the top to my lap.  One doesn't always think of this, but some of the combatants and guests alike where going to get more than a number in their lap if they weren't careful, I'd seen it all before.  I'd obviously give the red head a wink, for political reasons of course.  Got to give the Americans a good show.

It would only be a matter of moments and my letter fell on top of the barrier, rolled about and then fell through to land neatly into my outstretched hand.  Opening the letter it would explode in confetti, revealing another bird.  A lavender raven, the ominous number 7 highlighted in scarlet across its breast.  I couldn't help it, I rolled my eyes and flicked the bird off.  I meant for it to be a subtle gesture to those that watched me, though my wit may have been to great for it to be picked up by those watching.  The symbiology wasn't missed you see, and the reoccurrence of a purple raven, well it was to much to be coincidence.  

7 year streak, 7 being the most magical number, and 7 traditionally being the number drawn by the first one out of the tournament.  Well, could have been worse....the bird could have just exploded and killed me....see, told you.

Across the large screen the birds would return melding into the canvas.  As they did so names would be unraveled from the avian forms.  The duos slowly filling in for the first round of the tournament.  To my chagrin Mpho and Logan had been placed on the same team.  That hardly seemed fair.....meanwhile I was teamed up with some guy named Kelly.......I ask you.  Not a very good wizard name, and hardly even a guys name......looking at the scrawny combatant though perhaps it actually fit.  I rolled my eyes again, a habit that would likely soon leave me blind.  Pointing the other man out to Jackson I'd make an explosion noise before dropping my head.  

The rest of the evening passed without much else occurring.  The master of ceremonies described the first even, that of a simple duo duel off.  Round robin for better seeding in the second challenge to be named later.  The partners would then be separated in accordance with how they faired.  They'd be together for 3 duels, anyone loosing all 3 being kicked out of the tournament early not to see the next stage.  Standard fair really.

I watched and continued to chatter with Jackson regarding past tournaments, and found myself going through rules and such.  It dawned on me later that this might be in poor taste given the man was a judge....but hey, I wanted to make sure he gave me the points I deserved.  It was a full hour before all participants had their names on the board, read aloud, and had to stand and shake hands with their partner.  I did so with a certain lackluster, the poor bloke looked like he was going to pass out from excitement in meeting me, or perhaps he'd had to much free champagne, hard to say really.  

After that the charity section came as it always did.  More food and drinks where brought out, I summoned further Budweiser so I could stomach the event, and proceeded to put forth my best dance moves while I waited.  They weren't good mind you, I just said they were my best.  No these things weren't my favorite, but you do the best with what you have.

The charity event involved wealthy witches and wizards alike paying vast sums of money to have exhibition with duelists.  it was all such a trifle as obviously non of them would really fair well.  We watered down our reflexes though, it didn't due to make them feel bad for the money spent.  Luckily I only had to endure 3 such showings.  The last time using the same spell that old Henry had used to win his 6th championship, causing a roar of appreciation and a condemnation of how he'd done it better.  Mpho got it worse than me, I think I saw him go up  6 or 7 times.  So watered down with drink, I swore he took the last blast in earnest instead of for a show, not that he'd admit it when asked later.  

All in all it was a fine party until around 3am.  I'd been with Jackson, I'd seen the clock......then......well I can't really recall what happened.  This is awkward.....well I suppose I could tell you the story of the Oyster and the ostrich debacle in the 2025 grand prix............no?  Well alright then......