[center][color=8F9779][h3]General Sanders – With Frenzy Plant[/h3][/color]
[@raijinslayer][@liferusher][@oblivion666][@hatakekuro][@Caits][/center]

Among other things, it had been an exciting day of matches.  Though his heart was old, Sanders could still feel the hype of combat.  The soldier might leave the battlefield, but the battlefield never left the soldier.  Even as time wore on, Sanders’ memories of the horror that war, especially with magic, could bring never faded away, but it gladdened him to see sportsmanship and talent in a controlled setting.  What worried him, however, were the instances where those qualities were sorely lacking.  Sanders recalled some of the brutality passed out by select members of the guilds over the three days of Games, the vast majority of them squarely on the shoulders of Phoenix Wing, though in response other guilds were no longer pulling their punches either.  More dire than the fact that Phoenix Wing’s wizards seemed content to carelessly unleash their power, however, was the fact that they flaunted it so.  Admittedly, the one called Angelo appeared to sincerely regret the deadly wounds inflicted on Jackie, and Nolan had made up with Indigo despite attempting to break her spirit with a ruthless psychological attack, but Damian and more tellingly, Jamie Beltras appeared convinced that they did nothing wrong.  As the soldiers of Frenzy Plant piled out of the Doma Flau, with Sanders smack dab in the middle, he hoped that his faith that Phoenix Wing wouldn’t step any farther out of line was not misplaced.

Thirty minutes later, the Frenzy Camp had come alive.  People bustled between the tents, though rather than mending things as an army usually did when standing still, they brought enjoyment and entertainment.  People need only reach out to find whatever food or drink they wanted, and Edith Riggs kept up a stirring sequence of melodies.  Virgil and Jillian danced, and a bashful Ni consented to waltz with Kilo, despite their ridiculously disparate heights.  Even Cecilia, solemn and boring, laughed and cut a clumsy but merry jig with an enthusiastic Kumbha.  Nandy Rewman, the young Book Mage, approached a reserved Arivaderci and timidly asked the naga if she might like to dance as well, and got a rare smile for his efforts.  Nevertheless, he was immensely put off…until an equally-shy Ange requested the dance instead.  Even the higher-ranked soldiers joined in; Jane knew jolly jigs and ditties from her pirating days, Xyster showed in full the disturbing flexibility of her joints, and Owen brought along some catchy Southern tunes.  Spirits were high, drowning out the residual negative energy left behind by Ike and Argus.  After all Frenzy Plant had triumphed for two days in a row and was on track to be a top scorer; this party was dedicated to the competitors, especially the wounded Demetri, who chuckled from a relaxed position on the sidelines.

All the while, however, Sanders could not partake of the merriment. He listened to the stories of Owen, Hyun, Indigo, Ike, Joakim, and even Argus.  In a lull in the party, he climbed slowly on top of an overturned crate.  Everyone grew quiet instantly.  [color=8F9779]“Good evening, soldiers.  At ease, please.  I do not want to keep you from your celebrations for long.  Now is a time of rare respite and happiness for our guild.  However, I do have a few notices to be aware of.  Firstly, we welcome two new members today.  This afternoon, Riona Ymir-“[/color] he held out an upturned hand to lift the young woman onto the crate so all could see her.  On the back of her neck, her new guild insignia glowed softly, red and green. [color=8F9779]“Passed the entrance exam.  Hers is a style of fire, creative and colorful.  I trust you will all welcome her, so that when we fight, it is as one.  We also welcome Rune.”[/color]  

After Riona stepped down, a [url=http://img12.deviantart.net/1e49/i/2011/046/7/5/oc___langan_by_mwatsuki-d391xk9.jpg]man[/url] was ushered onto the makeshift stage by Hyun, who continued to support him by the shoulder.  Rune appeared dazed, staring into the distant with a strange look on his face.  [color=8F9779]”Yesterday, Rune attacked one of our newer members, Magni.  Thanks to the efforts of Hyun and Mercury, we were able to capture him.  Today, our two lovely lady Majors convinced him to give up his ways and join the side of righteousness.  Let us applaud Rune for his heroic choice!”[/color]  

He waited for the clapping to die before continuing.  [color=8F9779]”Next, we have more serious matters.  Today Ike returned to us from his painted world, but he has come back changed.  Give him your sympathy, and if he does not want sympathy, give to him your respect.  Our final matter concerns Argus.  As many of you know, Argus has been running amuck since his match yesterday with Private Beardo.  Today we have learned that he is a man possessed.  One of the demon books of Zeref has gotten into him, cursing with dark powers he no longer wants.  We are going to attempt to help him.  To prevent him from boiling over, we are freeing him to go throughout the camp, but I ask each of you to be on guard and help ensure that he stays here.”[/color]  He stretched out a hand, pointed toward Argus, who stood, free as a bird, at the back of the crowd.  [color=8F9779]”We did not know what we were getting into when we accepted this man into our guild, but now that we have him, he is our responsibility.  We will eliminate this demon.  That is certain.”[/color]  A pause settled over the clearing.  Then Sanders’ wrinkled face broke into a dignified smile.  [color=8F9779]”Dismissed.  Party on.”[/color]

Sanders left, and the festivities resumed.  A huge game of cards broke out, and another round of dancing began quickly.  Kumbha hopped circles around a confused and slightly worried Ange, while Kilo, finding that Ni had slunk off in a fit of pretend harshness, danced with Jane.  Cecilia and Nandy took a turn, and some of the bystanders received requests as well.

Chester stood abreast with Ike.  [color=E1A95F]”Hullo.  You feeling the celebrations?”[/color]

Meanwhile, a certain someone had happened to wander too close to the dance area.  Jillian Suede spotted a mop of blue hair and bounced over, her wide hips swaying and her belly sloshing like a bag of water balloons beneath her spotless white dress.  [color=40826D]”Looks like someone ain’t havin’ a good time.  C’mon and dance with me, hon.  Song’s jus’ startin’.”[/color]  She smiled pleasantly and offered the boy a hand.