[Center][h1][color=ed145b]Aurora[/color] & [color=6ecff6]Gabriel[/color][/h1]
[h2]& The Dungeon Master[/h2][/center]

The first hour quickly passed by as the two were in the Hall of Illusions. Time turns to the second hour as the pair reach the Snail Racing area. The grandstands next to this racecourse are filled with cheering fairgoers ringing bells, swinging rattles, and waving flags. On the starting line, eight giant snails are having their shells scrubbed by pixies.

Above the circular course, a wooden gantry hangs from the branches of a central tree, where two goblins officiate the proceedings.

As you enter the area, Aurora and Gabriel would notice signs posted in the stands and along the racetrack warning that neither jockeys nor spectators may influence the outcome of a race by using magic or by harming other jockeys or snails. The both of them also notice that the snails have saddles on their shells...but no riders...

[Color=ed145b]"Where are the riders at?"[/color] Aurora asked as she stepped closer to the course [color=6ecff6]"Could it be possible their riders are pixies?"[/color] the half-elf mused leaning upon the railing before them, he chuckled at the thought of tiny invisible jockeys riding snails twice their size.

"[color=ed1c24]Oh, is this your first time to the Snail Races?[/color]"

A muscular and handsome human male (appearance wise: Think Gaston), spoke to Aurora and Gabriel. He informs the both of them, "[color=ed1c24]Anyone can volunteer to take part as a snail jockey. I won the last race, and I'm about to volunteer to race again. Of course, watching from the stands is also a viable option...[/color]" Gabriel glanced askance from the racetrack to the muscular gentleman as he addressed the both of them [color=6ecff6]"Is that so?"[/color] the duelist quirked an eyebrow at the man, quickly looking him over then he offered the stranger a hand in greeting [color=6ecff6]"Gabriel, of Waterdeep and you are?"[/color] something in the bards tone gave the impression he was putting on an air of good sportsmanship, however his eyes made it clear he took the man's words as a challenge.

[color=ed145b]"It's been a long time since I've seen them. What do you think Gabriel should we give racing snails a go?"[/color] A small smile crossed her face thinking about seeing Gabe trying to race a snail. Looking from the man to his elvish companion the mischievous look upon Gabriel's face clear as day [color=6ecff6]"I think I wadger I might,"[/color] Gabriel looked back to the man dropping his hand to his waist [color=6ecff6]"So you said you won the last race then?"[/color] the bard asked the man.

The man introduced himself after Gabriel began introductions, "[color=ed1c24]My name is Vernon Delajoyeux. Hail and well met,[/color]" He ignores Gabriel's hand, in favor of Aurora's hand. He would kiss her hand if she lets him. Gabriel would also see the look in his eyes mirror his. He is clearly challenging Gabriel and trying to impress Aurora. 

He answers Gabriel's question, "[color=ed1c24]That I did. The racing is worth the ticket punch![/color]"

He then nods and comments, "[color=ed1c24]I've yet to meet anyone who could beat me this night, but you both are welcome to try. See you on the race track![/color]" He then walks off to sign up to race. A pixie punches his ticket as he stands next to a snail draped in red flags. 

As the man reached for Aurora's hand she snorted out a small laugh as he gave his name. When he tries to kiss her hand she pulled her hand back to keep him from doing so. He reminded Aurora of the sons of other noble families who tried to impress her or her family with the courtesies, or vain attempts of honor and valor. While Gabe was had already been planning on racing, Aurora had initially thought about sitting it out. Vernon's comment about not having been beat yet, in combination with how clearly he had been trying to be impressive changed Aurora's mind. She was now going to race as well. 

[color=ed145b]"He seems rather full of himself eh?"[/color] She nudged Gabe with an elbow. If he weren't in a good spirited mood the duelist would have taken offense to Vernon's blatantly obvious attempt to impress a lady in his company, the oaf obviously lacked in telling when a woman had no interest in him. 

Gabriel glared at the man as he left, his gaze scanning the available mounts before being jostled by Rory's nudge [color=6ecff6]"Quite full of himself."[/color] he agreed looking back to his elvish companion with a slight smirk, thinking of how she rebuffed the man's swooning gesture.

[color=6ecff6]"He might have thought we were an item, if he was so bold to try to kiss your hand in my presence."[/color] Gabriel shook his head slightly with a chuckle, usually such things of that nature were likely prone to happen amongst the snooty upper-class or so he was told, something of a challenge in cases of courtship all of which sounded idiotic to him.

[color=ed145b]"Maybe, however these snails may have more wits than he does if he thinks such actions are impressive."[/color] Rory laughed at her comment. Vernon really did seem quite the fool to think he'd get a positive reaction from her. [color=ed145b]"I think we should both try to knock him down a peg, especially as he thinks he may think he'll be undefeated this evening."[/color] She started towards the pixie that punched the tickets for those entering the race. Gabriel simply nodded, smiling amusedly as he followed behind her all the while finding it funny how Rory was so determined to make Vernon seem foolish after his bold move to impress her, the duelist made a mental note to bring it up at dinner.

After getting her ticket punched by the pixie, Rory walked over to the snail draped with the purple flags. She looked around to see who else besides Vernon, Gabe, and her were participating in the races. Gabriel handed his ticket to the pixie, a determined look on the half-elves face not breaking his stride after as he strode over to the snail draped in blue flags.

The pixie punches Aurora's and Gabriel's tickets after they told them that they were going to race. After getting assigned to their respective snails, the pixies inform them, "[color=fff79a]Alright, just hop into the saddle! Now, these babies respond well to encouragement, so keep that in mind, ya?[/color]" 

After getting the both of you situated, the snails begin lining up. Some are without riders. Vernon is on a snail with red flags, while Gabriel's has blue flags, and Aurora's has purple flags. 

The goblins above call out to the crowds, "[color=82ca9d]Alright, folks! It looks like the next set of racers are ready! Will they beat the champion of the last race? Let's find out! 3...2...1...![/color]" A bang resounds, and the snails take off. 

Gabriel and Aurora would find that these giant snails are faster than expected! 

"[color=82ca9d]And they're off! Shellymoo and Quickleaf take the lead, while High Road and Flowerflash are not far behind! Taking up the rear are Nimblefoot, Breakneck, Whizzy, and Queen's Majesty! But the race has only just begun folks![/color]"

The race seems to be starting out well for Gabriel and Aurora, there is still time for them to catch up. 

...

Then, somebody threw two heads of lettuce in front of their snails. They could hear someone in the distance call out, "[I]My Lettuce![/I]" in dismay. 

Their snails immediately stopped and proceeded to begin eating their lettuce.

Vernon calls out as he leaves the two, "[color=ed1c24]See you at the finish li-WO-WOAH![/color]" 

Both Aurora and Gabriel can see that his saddle snapped and he fell off of his snail. His snail is continuing the race without him! Vernon is now splayed out in the mud. 

Shellymoo's saddle can also be seen snapping off. Both Flowerflash and Whizzy seem to be bolstered by the crowd and seem to move faster. Queen's Majesty on the other hand seems to get a stitch and slows down.

Aurora burst out in laughter as Vernon falls from his snail and lands in the mud. The only thing that would make it better for her now was to beat him in the race. However it did seem that her snail was more interested in eating the lettuce now rather than racing. Gabriel also couldn't suppress himself from laughing at the handsome yet clumsy Vernon, now looking to have fully embraced the look of a fool, however it seemed his headway was ground to a halt as his snail stopped to chow down upon some lettuce.

After both Gabriel's and Aurora's snails finish eating the heads of lettuce, they continue on. Aurora can feel that her snail seems to register the cheering from the crowds, and seems to move faster! Gabriel, as much as he tries to encourage his snail to move faster, his snail seems to keep a consistent pace. 

As the race continues on, the both of them would notice that two more saddles fall off two of the competing snails, and another snail is distracted by a head of lettuce. Shellymoo, the snail adorned with pink flags, seems to have the lead as of right now. 

That is, until the snail got a stitch. The snail maintains the lead in the race. At this point in time, Gabriel's snail now gets a boost in speed from the cheering crowd. Gabriel and Aurora are neck and neck with each other while Vernon's snail is ahead of them, but missing the racer himself. Queen's Majesty is last as it eats another head of lettuce that was tossed in front of it. 

Gabriel's and Aurora's speed quickly picks up, as though the snails were simply getting into stride earlier, making their way while three more snails stopped for heads of lettuce, and Shellymoo's saddle falls off. The pink flag adorned snail is in the lead, and it looks like it is going to do the final sprint. Gabriel held tight on his snails reigns, a gut feeling telling him now was the moment that would make or break who finished first, looking over his shoulder to Vernon, with a laugh he turned looking straight ahead to peer at Aurora [color=6ecff6]"You can do it Aurora, let's show Vernon what your made of!"[/color] he shouted, filling his words with power. 

At this point, Aurora's snail faces a stitch, but it was able to keep going thanks to Aurora's encouragement and Gabriel's Inspiring words! At this opportune moment, Shellymoo stops to eat a head of lettuce that was tossed in their path. 

Now, Gabriel, Aurora, and Shellymoo are tied. But, Quickleaf has the lead, and the red flag adorned snail that used to have Vernon as the rider, are second. 

Aurora and Gabriel quickly noticed that Shellymoo doesn't move any further, due to another head of lettuce being thrown into its path.

Whatever encouragement Aurora gave High Road and the cheers from the crowd have significantly bolstered the snail! It sped up, almost threatening to have Aurora fall out of her own saddle. But High Road quickly passes Breakneck (red) and Quickleaf (green), and crosses the finish line! The crowd practically leaps out of their seats to cheer at the sudden victory! 

Gabriel crosses the finish line at the same time as Quickleaf, the cheer of the crowd was as much a moment of triumph for Aurora as it was for Gabriel who practically jumped out of Nimblefoot's saddle as soon as the snail crossed the finish line to run over to his companion. In the midst of all the excitement Gabriel threw his arms around Aurora as soon as she dismounted [color=6ecff6]"By Correlon you did it Rory!"[/color] he laughed. 

Vernon's snail earned third with the rider still far behind...

As Aurora crossed the finish line just ahead of the other snails, she created a shower of sparks in the air in celebration. She was caught off guard as Gabe hurried over and threw his arms around her. Instinct caused her to pull away at first, but she realized it was done more out of excitement. 

[color=ed145b]"Thank you Gabe."[/color] She said as she pulled away and took the offered item from the person. After she had looked at it for a few moments and didn't recognize it, the kind individual explained that improve her chances on one thing. She simply needed to drink it and preform the task within an hour of taking it.[color=ed145b] "Oh.... that's pretty cool. Thank you."[/color] She nodded to the person in gratitude.

[color=ed145b]"What'd you get Gabe?[/color] glancing from the small kaleidoscopic instrument to his companion the bard looked slightly amused as he tucked the wand away into his pocket [color=6ecff6]"A wand, won't last beyond a single use."[/color] shrugging Gabriel looked around to spot the gentleman they'd set out to beat [color=6ecff6]"Oh yes and um, sorry for tackling you."[/color] he smiled coyly at Aurora although it was clear he meant the apology in earnest.

She gave a slight smile in responseto his apology. [color=ed145b]"It was a moment of excitement, though try not to make a habit of it."[/color] After putting the potion away she looked over towards the food tents were on the other side of the carnival.  [color=ed145b]"Is it just me or can you also smell the food all the way over here?"[/color] following her gaze, Gabriel whiffed the air briskly with an arch in his brow [color=6ecff6]"I do believe so, I am absolutely starved."[/color] he nodded curtly before turning on his heels to his companion, one hand upon the hilt of his rapier and the crook of his other arm offered to Aurora [color=6ecff6]"Shall we make a show of our exit?"[/color] he nodded to over to Vernon with a mischievous grin, it would be humorous to walk her out amongst the fanfare while the man simply watched grumpily after all.

[color=ed145b]"Let's."[/color] Aurora took Gabes arm and as the proceeded to exit, she waved a hand through the air making another display of sparks over their head. She turned her head to make eye contact with Vernon, and gave him a smug victorious smirk.

Vernon, who had finally reached the finish line, was caked in mud, and looked tired. He makes eye contact with Aurora and looks both angry and embarrassed. He could only watch silently as the crowd around the duo of racing victors give them fanfare as they leave. 

As the both of them leave and head off to find food, they can hear a pair chatter excitedly with each other,

"[color=fdc68a]Ohh! I can't wait until the fourth hour! The Big Top Extravaganza's gonna be great![/color]"
"[color=8882be]What do you think they'll show?[/color]"
"[color=fdc68a]I don't know, but I'm looking forward to it![/color]"

The pair leave after unknowingly imparting that information to Gabriel and Aurora. 


[HIDER=Round 1] (Blue) Nimblefoot: 60 ft
(Purple) High Road: 70 ft
(Red) Breakneck: 60 ft

(Pink) Shellymoo: 90 ft
(Green) Quickleaf: 90 ft
(Yellow) Flowerflash: 70 ft 
(Orange) Whizzy: 60 ft
(Black) Queen's Majesty: 60 ft[/HIDER]

[HIDER=Round 2](Blue) Nimblefoot: 60 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!)
(Purple) High Road: 70 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!)
(Red) Breakneck: 60 ft + (Vernon falls off! Snail continues on its own!) 70 ft

(Pink) Shellymoo: 90 ft + 80 ft
(Green) Quickleaf: 90 ft + 60 ft
(Yellow) Flowerflash: 70 ft + 90 ft
(Orange) Whizzy: 60 ft + 80 ft
(Black) Queen's Majesty: 60 ft + 40 ft[/HIDER]

[HIDER=Round 3](Blue) Nimblefoot: 60 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 60 ft
(Purple) High Road: 70 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 90 ft
(Red) Breakneck: 60 ft + (Vernon falls off! Snail continues on its own!) 70 ft + 90 ft

(Pink) Shellymoo: 90 ft + 80 ft + 120 ft
(Green) Quickleaf: 90 ft + 60 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 70 ft
(Yellow) Flowerflash: 70 ft + 90 ft + 60 ft
(Orange) Whizzy: 60 ft + 80 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 60 ft
(Black) Queen's Majesty: 60 ft + 40 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!)[/HIDER]

[HIDER=Round 4](Blue) Nimblefoot: 60 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 60 ft + 90 ft
(Purple) High Road: 70 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 90 ft + 60 ft 
(Red) Breakneck: 60 ft + (Vernon falls off! Snail continues on its own!) 70 ft + 90 ft + 80 ft

(Pink) Shellymoo: 90 ft + 80 ft + 120 ft + 40 ft
(Green) Quickleaf: 90 ft + 60 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 70 ft + 60 ft 
(Yellow) Flowerflash: 70 ft + 90 ft + 60 ft + 90 ft
(Orange) Whizzy: 60 ft + 80 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 60 ft + 20 ft
(Black) Queen's Majesty: 60 ft + 40 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 0 ft (My Cabbages!)

Note: Winner reaches 480 ft first.[/HIDER]

[HIDER=Round 5](Blue) Nimblefoot: 60 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 60 ft + 90 ft + 100 ft
(Purple) High Road: 70 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 90 ft + 60 ft + 100 ft
(Red) Breakneck: 60 ft + (Vernon falls off! Snail continues on its own!) 70 ft + 90 ft + 80 ft + 60 ft

(Pink) Shellymoo: 90 ft + 80 ft + 120 ft + 40 ft + (Saddle Breaks off!) 70 ft 
(Green) Quickleaf: 90 ft + 60 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 70 ft + 60 ft + 100 ft
(Yellow) Flowerflash: 70 ft + 90 ft + 60 ft + 90 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!)
(Orange) Whizzy: 60 ft + 80 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 60 ft + 20 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!)
(Black) Queen's Majesty: 60 ft + 40 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 0 ft (My Cabbages!)

Note: Winner reaches 480 ft first.[/HIDER]

[HIDER=Round 6](Blue) Nimblefoot: 60 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 60 ft + 90 ft + 100 ft + 90 ft
(Purple) High Road: 70 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 90 ft + 60 ft + 100 ft + 80 ft
(Red) Breakneck: 60 ft + (Vernon falls off! Snail continues on its own!) 70 ft + 90 ft + 80 ft + 60 ft + 80 ft

(Pink) Shellymoo: 90 ft + 80 ft + 120 ft + 40 ft + (Saddle Breaks off!) 70 ft + 0 ft (Cabbages!)
(Green) Quickleaf: 90 ft + 60 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 70 ft + 60 ft + 100 ft + 70 ft
(Yellow) Flowerflash: 70 ft + 90 ft + 60 ft + 90 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 80 ft
(Orange) Whizzy: 60 ft + 80 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 60 ft + 20 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 60 ft
(Black) Queen's Majesty: 60 ft + 40 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 70 ft (Saddle falls off!)

Note: Winner reaches 480 ft first.[/HIDER]

[HIDER=Round 7](Blue) Nimblefoot: 60 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 60 ft + 90 ft + 100 ft + 90 ft + 100 ft
(Purple) High Road: 70 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 90 ft + 60 ft + 100 ft + 80 ft + 120 ft
(Red) Breakneck: 60 ft + (Vernon falls off! Snail continues on its own!) 70 ft + 90 ft + 80 ft + 60 ft + 80 ft + 20 ft 

(Pink) Shellymoo: 90 ft + 80 ft + 120 ft + 40 ft + (Saddle Breaks off!) 70 ft + 0 ft (Cabbages!) + 0 ft (Cabbages!)
(Green) Quickleaf: 90 ft + 60 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 70 ft + 60 ft + 100 ft + 70 ft + 60 ft
(Yellow) Flowerflash: 70 ft + 90 ft + 60 ft + 90 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 80 ft + 80 ft
(Orange) Whizzy: 60 ft + 80 ft + (Saddle breaks off!) 60 ft + 20 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 60 ft + 60 ft
(Black) Queen's Majesty: 60 ft + 40 ft + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 0 ft (My Cabbages!) + 70 ft (Saddle falls off!) + 60 ft

Note: Winner reaches 480 ft first.[/HIDER]