Bonds Forged in the Arena: Durakiss’ Obstacle Course of Unity

Upon the first day of the second tenday of the seventh month, Durakiss did host a most singular spectacle within the Arena. That which had been ordained as the settling of a private quarrel betwixt two parties was transformed into a merry contest, to the delight of both young and old alike.

Councillor Edward Wilkinson of Elysium did challenge His Majesty, King Alak of the noble House Maeviir, unto a trial, that a certain private dispute might be resolved. Yet, where men had expected a duel of steel and valour, there was instead devised a feat of sport, wherein the endurance and vigour of both King and Councillor should be put sorely to the proof.

His Majesty and Councillor Wilkinson first did contend in a sprint of fifty metres, whereafter they were required to surmount three hurdles, each standing twenty metres apart. This accomplished, they did ascend a climbing net and traverse six monkey bars by naught but the strength of their hands. Whosoever should lose his hold was cast into a pit, one metre and twenty centimetres in depth, filled with the chill waters of the sea.

Having overcome this trial, both competitors were set to pass across eight wheels laid flat upon the earth, stepping within the centre of each, thereby testing the surety and grace of their footing. Beyond this awaited a rope suspended above yet another pool of water, which each was bound to cross.

Thereafter followed another sprint of thirty metres, at the end whereof stood a wall of three metres’ height, demanding both strength and courage. Yet greater hardship remained; for, when limbs were weary and breath did fail, each man was constrained to crawl beneath a net stretched over twenty metres and set but forty centimetres above the ground.

Only then did the final trial reveal itself: a last desperate race of fifty metres unto the finish, wherein victory or defeat should at last be decided.

In the end, Councillor Edward Wilkinson brought great honour unto the Protectorate of Elysium, prevailing over His Majesty King Alak by the space of forty seconds, completing the course in two minutes and fifty-five seconds. His Majesty likewise acquitted himself with noble resolve, crossing the finish in three minutes and thirty-five seconds.

As the contest unfolded, the assembled multitude was seized with such merriment and wonder that many did themselves venture forth to challenge the obstacle course. Among those who entered were Mistress Throkka Fynn of Elysium; Her Majesty Queen Jula; Mistress Shania Keller; Baron Giofraele Feinor; and Mistress Celina Feinor.

Throughout the proceedings, Seneschal T’riss d’Mylyl did furnish lively commentary, recounting each feat and misadventure with wit and flourish, to the great delight of all assembled.

The final standings were thus proclaimed:

First Place: Mistress Throkka Fynn — Two Minutes and Forty-five Seconds
Second Place: Councillor Edward Wilkinson — Two Minutes and Fifty-five Seconds
Third Place: Her Majesty Queen Jula Marin-Maeviir — Three Minutes and Five Seconds
Fourth Place: His Majesty King Alak Averruncus-Maeviir Marin — Three Minutes and Fifteen Seconds
Fifth Place: Mistress Shania Keller — Three Minutes and Twenty-five Seconds
Sixth Place: Baron Giofraele Feinor — Four Minutes and Ten Seconds
Seventh Place: Mistress Celina Feinor — Four Minutes and Twenty-five Seconds

Unto the foremost three competitors were bestowed medals in token of their triumph: gold unto the victor, silver unto the second, and bronze unto the third.

Thus was the lesson of that day made plain unto all who witnessed the sport:

Within the Arena, as in the affairs of life, the craftiest soul is not ever the swiftest of foot, but rather he who knoweth best how to move both men—and the gods—to laughter.