[ME] They call the thing a rodeo

so we take our time and skip around some

“Thanks.” Thorn hums to her with a bright and lopsided smile, before his attention is flickering over toward the seats in question, watching them fill up as she begins to announce who would be going with who. He takes it as his cue, even as he waits for a brief moment to not ignore Colt while she speaks, and before he has a chance to take the steps toward the seats where he fully plans on taking a great seat to see the show, some fuckery is afoot.

He doesn’t see Melita as she approaches, invisible as she is, but gods does he feel the way his pants suddenly fall as if tugged. “What the fuck?” And for a split second he panics, not because he’s been pantsed but because he’s half expecting some rogue gourd to be nearby with its vines tugging at him.

He comes up empty with a hiss and another curse, pulling his pants back up and inspecting his buckle just in case that was the issue, even if he was certain that his attire had been perfect before he’d left (and luckily with the advantage of him being a courtesan, it’s unlikely for him to get embarrassed, because you bet your ass that he’d gone all out for his outer attire, that his underwear definitely matches the vibe.

And who knows, maybe someone liked what they saw? Just means more work for him. So, with that momentary outfit failure, the courtesan is still looking for rogue gourds as he makes his way toward the stands to take a seat.

---

Melita pantsed Thorn :C

Hawthorn

half my love is on the run

Got a head full of spiders & a heart that isn't here

Vesper doesn’t bother hiding the way his eyes flick from face to face as the crowd tightens around their little group, though the tilt of his head—lazy, chin slightly tucked—makes it look casual. Almost bored. But beneath the chambray and charm, he’s sifting through thoughts with the ease of someone used to holding other people’s secrets in his hands like river stones. Smooth, cool, weighty.

From Colt, there’s a flicker of that same flare he caught at the Hanged Man—warmth tempered with grit, that metallic snap of challenge wrapped in fondness. Not quite desire. Not quite indifference either. A quick wink from her sharpens it, and he rolls one of his silver rings along his knuckle in reply, catching her thought like a whisper caught in the wind: Let’s see if you’re worth the wink. His grin curls.

Sunjata ’s nod and casual claim of participation draws a brief raise of Vesper’s brows. He tracks the man’s tattoos with a flick of his eyes, cataloguing strength, poise, the edge of experience in the way the Archon moves. He's also the man who Colt fucked to try and exorcise him from her mind, so that was something.

Jack ’s remarks, as ever, are dipped in salt and grit, both of which have him grinning. When Calypso appears, he lets her grab his arm without resistance, just shifts his weight to lean into the moment as if he hadn’t been standing with perfect posture two seconds ago. Her encouragement earns her a sidelong glance, wry and warm. "Only hell I’ll give is if she gets glitter in my mane." Nova ’s comment, of course, is met with exaggerated offence.

"Don’t go easy on you?" he echoes, looping an arm across her shoulders, gently tugging her in as they turn toward the arena’s edge. "Darlin’, I was gonna let you win. Now I might just make you work for it." But even as he walks them forward, one hand casually slipping into the back pocket of his jeans, there’s something steadier in his presence. Nova may be all tassels and twirls, but he’s the calm in the orbit. The one who makes sure the spotlight hits just right when she steps into it. "You ready to make ‘em scream?" he murmurs as they reach the gate, and his voice is soft enough that it’s meant for her alone. There’s no sarcasm in it this time. Just that quiet, loyal burn of a brother who’ll carry her as high as she dares to go.

VESPER

Styling stolen from Sky (obviously)

COLT

A bold laugh breaks out behind Hawthorn as Colt openly gapes at his exposed underwear, quickly growing weak and leaning against the rails as the humor only rolls in on one wave after another. It's so unexpected, so at odds with how perfectly kept Thorn always is, and yet equally perfectly paired with who he is that she can't take it. She hadn't seen the actual process, just the aftermath as his curse broke the air, so unfortunately she can't help him find the culprit.

"Someone tryin' to get a free show from you?" she asks when she has enough composure to speak again, though the threat of a giggle still hums just behind the stretch of a smile. She reaches out for his back as he gathers himself, patting it in a 'there there' manner. "Must be chargin' too much." She grins, steering him with her now that she's got the time to truly spectate, and no way in hell would she miss seeing everyone face off against her special bulls.

After nabbing a lasso from a ranch hand with a devious glint in her eyes, she also rounds up some beer. As Vesper, Nova, Sunjata, and Charlie all depart to play their roles, she settles with Hawthorn next to Jack and Calypso, offering both a nod and a smile as she sits in a flourish of yellow tassels. She props her boots up on the empty bleacher in front of them and leans in on her elbows against her knees, beer hanging from one hand lazily. "Not sure anyone will stay seated, so should we take bets on who puts on the best show?" She glances sidelong at Jack and Caly as she takes a swig, one expectant 'brow raised. Vesper and Sunjata seemed the most likely to her, although having Nova on his back just might soften Vesper enough, but she might more than make up for it based on what Colt knew of her.

The chutes rattle soon enough though and Vesper is out like a dart. Her gaze tracks him across the arena with no limit of admiration as he moves like a hurried dusk across the ground, just as sweepingly effortless as she remembers. When they soar, her eyes widen alongside her mouth, grip tightening on her bottle as she can see the seat slipping beneath Nova. She needn't worry, of course, because he's dutifully got his sister, ensuring they descend without the cruel reminder of gravity of the dusting of dirt that so many of the other cowboys here have earned. She lets out a loud cheer for them, nudging Thorn at her side with the excitement. "They did good!" and though it's no surprise they did, she can't otherwise contain the happy burst rising up through her chest at finally seeing the moment she'd been waiting for. It'd only been 3 seconds, but this memory, this feeling, it'd be as sure to linger as the crooked smile of the man strolling across the arena with a rainbow tucked under his arm.

Her attention drifts to the next chute though as Sunjata is up, and for this she sets her beer down and rises to her feet. She's eager to see his show too, but she's anticipating his walk back the most. She's been owing him a loop around his boot since last season, and she means to collect today, hoping maybe Charlie manages to wear him out a tad, or at least distract him enough to help out her aim. So she readies her lasso in hand and positions herself near the edge of the bleachers, hidden behind a corner he'll have to turn when he comes back.

---

Colt will attempt lasso Sunjata's foot next time he posts here in an attempt to make him fall on his face. We gonna roll.

Wild horse out the gate
Yeah your heart about to break
She the type of woman that gon' make you lose control
She something wild, you might need a lasso

ISKRA

"I bet they are," he says with a grin, sitting down as the events start up and passing her a soda and a bite of deep-friend butter. It's a bit disappointing, just a really fancy biscuit to be honest. Now the pickle-flavored hot dogs on the other hand, those are an interesting thing that he's not sure he'll ever get again, but he's also not entirely mad about having. Each bite is a bit of a pull towards both liking and hating it in equal measure. Maybe he's just hungry.

The early bronc rides, roping, and barrel chasing are all a thrill that rouses some cheers from him as he applauds the people with the heart to try, even if they don't quite make the buzzer. He glances over as Mel excuses herself, watching her glimmer out of sight with a wry twist to his lips. He really needs to get something to combat that...

Uncertain which way she goes, it isn't long before some commotion further down draws his attention to Hawthorn with his pants around his ankles. Iskra's 'brows lift a bit in surprise, because of all the mischief she's gotten up to, none has been quite so intimate. Maybe he ought to be dropping his pants for her if that's what she's looking for? He rubs his stubble thoughtfully, recalling the words she passed him on the boat when they were both still breathless with the spark of a kiss long in the making.

Yippee-ki-yay

RONIN

the white knight

"That's very rude of you," Ronin informs Remi, grinning at him and, of course, not meaning a word of it. (Not yet, because in this particular mini-event it isn't Leafchange, so he's still in full control of his single braincell). Squeezing his husband's hand and nodding his agreement, he happily allows himself to be led towards the arena where they'll be paired with their dragon riders and cowboys and whatever else they call themselves. And it's not long before Ronin is called to do his worst to... Zavien.

Their round is a very short one, as it happens, and he's rubbing the back of his neck apologetically as he approaches the dragoon afterwards. "Given that they paired you with a literal dragon, I'd say you did remarkably well," he tells him with a chuckle. "It's not as if they give you instructions or a saddle to sit on one. Either way, can I get you a drink and vow never to bring it up again?"

i'll get over it
i just gotta be dramatic first

MELITA

She could hear only a mild commotion erupting from her actions; and perhaps that was all she needed. Just a little abrupt nuance. Just a little mild bullying. Just a little touch of bedlam amidst a torrent of actions circling around them – and suddenly out of sight, out of mind.

Her gaze flicked back to Hawthorn and anyone around, amused with herself, before she returned back near Iskra. It took a bit while longer than she’d planned, coming from the opposing side from where she’d left, and with another round of snacks in her hands (something about pretzels – she’d gotten a couple flavors dipped in either mustard or cinnamon sugar).

Appearing as if she’d never left, she grinned and held some out to him. “That pun was awful.”

This is a gift, it comes with a price
Who is the lamb and who is the knife?
Midas is king and he holds me so tight
And turns me to gold in the sunlight

// to the green lessons //

She patted Zavien sympathetically on the shoulder, casually tapping her staff in places she figured some bumps and bruises were already forming. “But you tried. And that’s what matters.” How many others could say the same? “Very admirable,” and she winked, handing over the implement for him to use at his leisure. “I’m not sure many could say they’ve ridden on a dragon.”

Unless it was during some battle or something – but she didn’t let her mind wander too much farther than that. Turning her thoughts to other notions and useful moments while they were already here, she tilted her head. “Do you want anything to eat?”

Lena

// of soft, simple quiet beneath the sun //

Astaroth

i think i'm the devil in disguise, here's my state of mind

“Oh, certainly.” Astaroth hums with a quiet laugh, a flash of his sharp dazzling smile toward Charlie as she makes her way toward where the events would begin, seeking out his second least favorite person around — though the butcher can’t feasibly find himself too annoyed at the Flood’s presence. He hadn’t spent too long looking in their direction, thankfully.

His drink is delicious, though, and a perfect distraction from when Danta wrestles with his tight back pocket to get his hand free. As if completely unaware of it, he settles beside his lover, leaning back with his arm pressed against the Maverick for maximum contact, shifting only when the popcorn arrives.

He doesn’t particularly seem interested in Vesper and Nova’s go around, but he is interested when Charlie and Sunjata appear. “Tell me, darling, does he always show off?” Casting a glance toward Danta with a raise of his brow, he looks back to the whirlwind that is Charlie astride the pegasus’ back.

give me destruction, tell me i'm scrumptious
i'm a fucking delight

He said "I bet you don't remember me"

Remi saunters back toward the stands, brushing sand from his hands, curls wind-tossed and grin far too pleased with itself for someone who'd nearly just sent his friend halfway to Mort’s doorstep. Spotting Ronin from across the way, he takes his time closing the distance. The moment he’s within reach, he slides in behind his husband, smooth as anything, and slips a hand into Ronin’s back pocket with the sort of ease that says this is mine and I dare you to say otherwise.

"Maea lasted one whole second," he murmurs, lips brushing just behind Ronin’s ear before drifting in to press a kiss to his temple. "I do think I was fairly gentle, though." Then again, what counted as 'gentle' for a demigod was up for debate, especially when the Bastion wasn't used to being ridden by anyone other than his husband.

He lets his fingers trail idly along the seam of Ronin’s jeans before glancing toward the dragoon nearby, his sea-glass eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So," he drawls softly, "how’d you manage with your rider?"

and I said "only ever other memory"

Maea

If I could sing one last song

Catching sight of Charlie as the priestess blew a kiss her way, Maea waved back with a smile, surprised yet delighted by the gesture. Perhaps they weren't on as bad terms as she had thought - somewhere she'd assumed that her conflict with Asta and Danta would have spilled over to her as well. If that wasn't the case... a visit to the Temple might not be a bad idea.

Pausing to exchange a few words with Alys, the salt-haired ancient nodded with a sheepish grin. "Hey! Yeah, I signed up for the  bull ride... Wish me luck." Feigning a terrified grimace, she hastily squeezed the seer's arm and hastened along as the first round of pairs were announced.

------ 

By the time she returned back across the fence,  she had thoroughly expended all excess energy. Buying a beer for herself, she joined Ronin and Remi among the spectators, still patting dust from the back of her shirt. "Who's winning?" she asked, even as she raised the bottle in salute to the Taliesins and took a swig.

I'd make it a good one

You can’t stop the change,

any more than you can stop the suns from setting.

The pat on his shoulder brought out another soft chuckle, feeling more than a little coddled. At least Lena didn't look embarrassed that her boyfriend had failed so spectacularly, the gentle taps of her staff healing the reddened scrape on his forehead and soothing the bruises along with the bit on his pride. He felt like it was enough for the moment, lowering the staff to sit between them as he placed a grateful kiss on her cheek, a grin on his lips as he thought of the very exclusive club he'd just joined. "No, I guess not."

Before he could answer her question on food, Ronin was approaching. Zavien grinned at the reiteration of his supposedly 'good enough performance considering he never stood a chance.' "I'm just glad you went easy on me." And again, didn't decide to drop him from a dizzying height. 

Chuckling along with the demigod, he shook his head. "I won't turn down a drink - even if it's completely unnecessary - but there's no need to avoid the topic. I have no issues laughing at myself, and it was all in good fun." For the people, for the entertainment, for the lulz. 

Still, he raised his hands in a motion of mock surrender, the smile on his face brighter than before. "Although, if it's all the same to you, I'd prefer not to go another round."

Zavien

If you live your life slowly, you live only half life;

Nova preens at Charlie's compliment, still a little oblivious to the strange interaction between her and her dad as she and Vespy get ready for their turn in the ring. "Let me win? Where would be the fun in that? I want you to WOW them!" They need to know that she's not the only one with incredible talents and showmanship. 

Her giggle is innocent and completely disarming as she slips easily under his arm, adjusting her hat in preparation for the ride. "If they're not screaming by the end, maybe I'll give them something else to scream about." Shooting him a glittery wink, they head to the stage like Bonnie and Clyde, ready to rob the people of their hearts. 

---

Flicking a lone piece of dirt from her shoulder, she skips with Vesper back into the crowd. "That was so fun! We went so high! And everyone cheered so loud! We definitely have to come back and do it again some time." She giggles as she hangs on his arm, leading the way back to the groups where Jack and Calypso are, already beaming like they've won the whole show. "Weren't we amazing?!" (Hint: anything other than enthusiastic agreement will be met with retribution.)

Nova

if you live your life fast, you live five lives or ten lives or fifteen lives!

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

Unaware of any shenanigans his niece is pulling from the audience, Sunjata’s focused on making sure Charlie steps out of the ring before he follows suit, figuring she’d either stick around to flirt with anyone that’s playful enough to return the favor. He’s blissfully unaware of anything else that might be brewing - the mischief of Colt with her lasso and the promise from months ago when she’d claimed she could rope him.

So instead, the Flood’s gaze flits to the audience, to familiar faces and trying to pinpoint just where he’d go next. Perhaps to Melita, where he can ask her what she thought of the rodeo so far — the honeybee currently sitting curiously next to an acquaintance that he’s also met and is keen on getting a better idea of what they might be (if anything).

---

Sunjata steps out of the ring, DO UR WORST Colt

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me

COLT

Her lariat hangs in her hand, fingers holding the honda and the loop she's already spooled out, her back pressed against the wall. She waits. The moment Sunjata's shoulder breaks the corner, she swings the loop around her head. Just once—it's all she needs for her wrist to get motion into the loop and for her precision to narrow in on that rise and fall of his foot. She unleashes it and jerks back on the spoke, cinching the loop down on his toe right as he'd go to step into his stride. Quick as lightning, she ropes the Flood.

Proud as a pup with two tails, she grins in triumph. "Gotcha, just as promised," she croons, a wink signing off on the debt just before a ranch hand runs up and leans into her ear. She nods, then steps up on a rail to shout out to the crowd. "The judges have made their ruling! Congratulations to Nova, for being the Midnight-Wranglin’, Blizzard-Dustin', Bronc-Bustin’ Rodeo Legend!" She spots the girl in the audience and beams a smile at her, waving at her to approach as she hops down off the fence. "Nice riding pardner," she drawls, flicking Nova's hat in an appreciative acknowledgment of her skills and the bravery it takes to put them to the test. "I do think you've earned this." She passes along a box, the lucky belt buckle stowed away inside, and a pouch full of prize money.

She casts a look for Vesper as well, a smirk tucked away just for him when she spots him. "Impressive work stud," she remarks with an abundance of amusement, though there's an underlying honesty of appreciation there too. She knows it's no simple thing to do what he did, and it means a lot to her that he even showed up, much less put on a nice little show. "Can't be forgetting all your hard work too sugar," she says with a laugh as she pulls a bag of carrots out from behind her back and gives it to him. She leans in with the offer, sneaks a kiss to his cheek, and lets soft words slip by as she departs. "I'm mighty glad you came." He sure makes it hard not to miss him.

She wheels around, a flourish of tassels and rhinestone, and clambers back on the fencing. She hooks a leg over the bottom rail, securing her to her perch. "Thanks for coming everyone! Now kindly, go the hell home!" She picks up her hat from her head and waves it, while her crew begins to direct people to the exits before night fully settles on them all, the day's festivities worn through.

---

You have 72 hours before I archive this ME, thanks for playing everyone!

Sunjata rolled a 1 so is lassoed by Colt

Nova has won the rodeo and receives MP from all the other riders (Charlie and Maea) and this item from Colt
Type: Light | Style: Other | Level: Basic
Lucky Buckle | A well-crafted belt buckle that, when worn, grants +3 luck. Must be included in all PQ/PQ+/KQ/DROP posts to be counted.

Vesper receives a bag of carrots for being the winner's bull+

Wild horse out the gate
Yeah your heart about to break
She the type of woman that gon' make you lose control
She something wild, you might need a lasso