>>6183767You were Tristain d’Rusalka. You did not back down from any challenge! Especially one where strength was a matter of concern. You and Uriyan grab a table, pushing the glasses that were atop it aside to give yourself some room. Sitting across from each other, the two of you clasp your right hands together, and the entire tavern gathers around you to watch the spectacle unfold. Uriyan’s grip is firm, and you can quickly tell you’re in for a fight. The tavern keeper from before appears, now serving as the competition’s impromptu judge.
“On my command, you may begin.” He says, looking sweatier and more nervous than either you or Uriyan. “Begin!”
In an instant, you and Uriyan apply extreme pressure, each of you trying to force the other’s arm to the table. Try as you might, you are unable to budge the warlord’s arm an inch, nor is he able to do the same to you. You watch as the Almyran’s face grows bright red, the veins in his forehead bulging out exponentially. You imagined you looked the same way. If you activated your Crest, you could win this trial in an instant. But you would not resort to such trickery. Doing so would prove nothing after all. The gold may have been nice, but you still had your pride.
The crowd’s cheers grow louder and louder as you and Uriyan’s arms remain locked now for three minutes and counting. If these men thought you’d go down easily, you’d shown them otherwise. You hear a creaking sound, and suddenly the table that your elbows had been resting on gives way, breaking in half with a shower of splinters and an agonized cry from the tavern keeper. That does not stop you and Uriyan though. You both get up from your seats, arms remaining locked in perpetual struggle.
“Take him down, Lord Uriyan!’ An observer cheers.
“Kick his ass, boss!” May cries out. From the corner of her eye, you can see her standing on Adeline’s shoulders to get a good view.
For a second, it looks as though you may hold the advantage, even without the table. You begin to push Uriyan’s arm to the side inch by inch. You grin wide, ever assured of your victory. However, to your growing horror, you are unable to seal the deal. Not only does Uriyan not relent, but he begins to gain on you. Suddenly, you are the one whose arm is now closest to the ground. And try as you might, you’re unable to turn things around. Damnit. It would have been much easier if you’d just been allowed to kill each other with your axes.
Uriyan slams your arm to the ground, and you topple with it to the floor. One of your worst fears has come true. You’ve lost a contest of strength. And there was even a crowd around to witness it!
>-500 gold (500g remaining)“I AM THE STRONGEST!” Uriyan declares with a roar, and the crowd follows suit.
