An Atlantean Feast

“Do I look good Briar? Is there anything on my crest? Do I look like a fool? Gosh, I hope we make a good impression.”

“You look fine Faire, don’t worry. Tonight will be fun. Just keep in mind everything we’ve learnt.”

Faire and Briar stood fussing over each other outside large ruins, the jovial sounds of a party heard within. The court had taken a liking to them and their helpful attitudes, and had graciously invited them to one of their feasts. This was a new experience for the pair, who while usually being helpful and kind to those in need, had never been invited to an event on such a scale. It was hard not to let their nerves get to them.

“We’ve worked so hard to earn the favour of the court… I just don’t want anything to go wrong. We’re still getting used to their customs, I’d hate to come across as rude.” Faire fretted, wearing her anxiety on her sleeve.

“Shush, we’ve gotten the hang of it. Just stay chill and polite, easy enough.” Briar said with a more put-together attitude, though her expression betrayed her own nervousness about the situation. “Anyway, let’s head in. We’ll make a bad impression if we’re too late.”

Coming through the ruins they were met with dazzlings lights, décor, delicious scents and much laughter. Though the bio-dome was in it’s night-cycle, many of the old lights lit the area up in a beautiful warm glow. The Iguanodons of the court milled about, conversing with one another and snacking on appetisers being paraded about by some of the Oviraptor. A few Euplocephalus stood on guard, blocking any entrance into the feast. A gruff silvery Euplo adorned in a decorative helmet blocked the path of Faire and Briar, giving them a wary look up and down.

“State your business.” He grunted, eyeing them suspiciously. Before either of them could answer, one of the Iguanodons took notice and strutted over.

“Stand down Talos, these two are guests. Welcome you two, welcome.” Spoke Sela, a member of the court the pair had already become well acquainted with through previous assistance. Talos looked back at Sela briefly, before nodding and standing aside to let them both through. Faire and Briar both bowed with gratitude, passing through to join Sela within the party. “You’re right on time. We’ll be starting the feast soon, and there shall be a fantastic warrior demonstration for tonight’s entertainment. I think you will both enjoy. In the meantime feel free to mingle. And do be sure to try the appetisers, they are simply delightful.” Sela added, gesturing towards the party before leaving them to return to whatever conversation she was having prior.

Briar and Faire both found themselves standing there like a couple of lost ducklings, unsure what to do with themselves.

“Well… I suppose a little snack wouldn’t hurt. Let’s see what they have on offer.” Briar suggested, taking the initiative. They both trotted over to where one of the Oviraptors stood, handing out appetisers from atop a platter. Beautifully prepared fruit, perfectly bite sized, called to them like a siren. They exchanged a small glance and giggled, happily taking a few and chowing down. It was like nothing they’d ever tasted before, amazingly sweet and juicy. Briar quickly wiped the juice from her chin, not wanting to make a fool of herself in front of such a regal crowd. Before they could get too comfortable however, a loud trumpeting echoed across the party. It was time to take their seats.

Faire and Briar found themselves thankfully seated beside Sela, both of them relieved to be in somewhat familiar company. The Iguanodons were all sat on plush looking cushions, meanwhile the pair found themselves on tall wooden stools in order to be seated at the correct height next to these titans. The table itself was a long crescent shape, leaving plenty of space for the stage in the center. As everyone got themselves comfortable, Oviraptors began to march along and place down exquisite looking dishes. There were excited murmurs as everyone eyed what was on offer. Faire and Briar restrained themselves, waiting for a cue that they were free to start eating. Sela glanced down at them and nodded towards the food as she reached for some herself, an all-clear they were both glad to receive. They tentatively took some of the prepared vegetables, not wanting to overstep and draw the court’s ire.

Before they had a chance to each much, a commotion of excited murmurs broke out as two Euplocephalus took to the stage.

“This must be the warrior demonstration Sela mentioned.” Faire whispered to Briar.

“Interesting. I haven’t actually seen them in battle yet, but they look imposing. I’m definitely curious to see how this goes.” Briar mumbled in return, Faire nodding along. They quickly recognised one of the Euplocephalus as the one who had met them at the entrance, Talos. The other was a pale brown and white, adorned in skeletal armour. They took their positions at opposite sides of the stage, turning to face one-another sideways, tails raised and ready. Sela chuckled from beside Faire and Briar, nudging them to pay attention.

“This will be a good one. Talos and Kielo are two of our finest warriors. I always enjoy watching them duel, what a display of power.” She said with a twinkle in her eye. Talos and Kielo bowed to one another, before another loud trumpet was blown. The duel was on.

Briar and Faire were left watching in an intimidated wonder as the two on stage exchanged blows. The Euplocephalus may not be the biggest animals they’d encountered on the isles, but their raw power was seemingly unmatched. The force with which they struck one another would certainly be enough to turn a small little pterosaur into a pancake, yet neither seemed phased despite the hefty thumps. The court cheered with each thunk of a tail club, the delicious food seemingly forgotten in the midst of the excitement. Briar and Faire couldn’t help but get wrapped up in all the excitement of the duel, even if they were both usually quite conflict-averse. Neither of them were particularly familiar with how these demonstrations went, and found themselves surprisingly disappointed when the duel ended almost as abruptly as it begun.

“Aw, that was fun to watch.” Briar whined as the Euplos exited the stage with a bow.

“I know, right? It made my heart race.” Faire said gleefully. Sela glanced down at them both with a slight smug look.

“I’m glad you both enjoyed it. We take great pride in the power of our warriors. It is an honour to get to watch a demonstration such as that.” She hummed.

“Thank you for inviting us to this feast tonight, Sela. This has been such a fantastic opportunity to become a little more familiar with Atlanteans. The court truly is something.” Briar said to her with a bow which Faire quickly followed with a bow of her own. Sela smiled back, giving them a small nod.

“It has been lovely having you both. Now come on, don’t be shy. Help yourselves to some more food, this feast isn’t over yet.”