Jousting Tournament

Lothric could hear the cheering before he could see the stands and ring. The events of the festival were far on their way, especially now that everyone was full of food and wanted to relax with entertainment. Lothric had just eaten, sitting down with a familiar leloko and her brother to converse before he set off to compete in the jousting tournament. This was his first year doing so, which made him quite nervous. He wondered if his endless practicing would pay off this year.

The red kanti wound his way around to the back of the stands where most of the competitors gathered, waiting for their turn. Sellen followed him in, glancing around before nudging his friend toward a less crowded corner of the building. Lothric immediately veered, following Sellen's lead to the corner. It was there that Lothric would gear himself up with the help of his friend, snapping in the armor that would protect him from any harm from the lance. They weren't sturdy enough to cause significant harm anyway, but one could never be too careful.

Once Lothric was geared up, he was ready and waiting for his name to be called. "I'll go up to the stands now," Sellen said, turning to leave. "Good luck, my friend." Lothric nodded to him, giving him a firm smile.

"Thank you."

Sellen found his seat and watched the tournament continue with many kanti combating for the title of Jousting Champion. Lothric could only hear the crowd and the smack of the lances, causing him to become more and more nervous. He knew he was up soon, and before he knew it, his name was called. He took a deep breath, stepping out to the gate until he was announced and allowed to run out into the ring.

Lothric felt so small, looking around at the crowd. He tried to spot Sellen, but everyone was moving around too much and he had to concentrate on his task. Lothric lined up, listening intently for the announcer. His eyes locked on his opponent, another young kanti who looked just as nervous. 'Good luck,' he thought, hoping the both of them did well enough to catch the eye of the judges.

Once the signal was given, both kanti bolted off. Lothric felt time go so slow, yet so fast at the same time. His opponent was there before he knew it, lance grazing the red kanti's shoulder. That was all he could catch before turning around at the end of his lane. The crowd was deafening, cheering at the both of them. He wasn't quite sure who came out on top, but he was sure to find out soon after the tournament closed.

Catching his breath, Lothric tried to keep his muscles still, not wanting anyone to see how badly he was trembling. The adrenaline was still pumping through his veins and he knew it would be like that for a while. Along with his opponent, Lothric bowed to both sides of the stands before walking off into the back end. The other kanti complimented him before disappearing into the crowd. Lothric nodded, though felt lost in the quiet room.

"Hey, you did well!" Sellen appeared, walking up to the young kanti who sighed in relief.

"Thank you, Sellen. I hope I did.. that was fun, but..." he trailed off, unsure of how he felt. Lothric was starting to feel the fatigue.

"Tired? That's natural. Come on, let's get your gear off and head to a place to relax before the winner announcement." Lothric nodded and let his friend help get his armor off and to the side. He needed a drink at least, to which Sellen could sense. Luckily, the food booths weren't too far off from the ring so they both headed that way when Lothric was able.

"Probably should get something to eat too. My treat," Sellen mentioned, nudging his friend who slowly walked beside him.

"Yeah," the red kanti perked up a little. "Thanks, Sellen."