Garden party scene (wip) + introducing lottery mechanics!

Usadius’ garden parties always looked the same – ridiculously lavish food, beautiful concubines, and an unending supply of magic-laced drinks. From what [MC] had seen, bloodsport was not typically on the menu.

And yet tonight, the guests had been promised something different. Word of it had slithered through the party, whispering into every noble ear. Now, the center of the garden had been cleared of dancers and bards, replaced by a huge stone ring.

At its far edge sat Usadius, lounging in a chair far too decadent for the outdoors, one leg thrown over the other. His expression was unreadable, though [MC] had little doubt he was already smirking on the inside.

Suddenly, the duke looked straight at [her/him].

(Duke Usadius)
Your match…

He began as a servant stepped forward, carrying a small silk pouch. He stopped in front of [MC].

(Duke Usadius)
…will be determined by the color of the crystal you draw from the pouch.

The guests stilled, their goblets lowering. All eyes turned to [MC].

Wait. What?

Surely [he/she] wasn’t the one expected to fight…?

(Duke Usadius)
And your possible opponents –

Usadius gestured with one hand. First to the left, where Saani sat on the edge of the stone fountain, one bare foot dipped into the water. As usual, he wore nothing useful, just layers of his ostentatious, risque robes, open wherever he thought looked the most desirable. 

His wings twitched when he met [MC]’s gaze. 

Usadius flicked his wrist, and an orb of blue light sparked to life above Saani’s head, then vanished into the air.

(Usadius)
Blue. Magic.

Then, the Duke’s hand shifted right, guiding [MC]’s attention to Alosh. He stood already bare-chested, hands wrapped in cloth, muscles taut beneath his skin. He did not look [MC]’s way, even as a red orb flared above his shoulder, then blinked out.

(Usadius)
Red. Might.

[MC] felt the warmth of a hundred stares press against [his/her] skin. The scent of wine and perfume. 

The duke pointed forward. [MC] turned around, just in time to see Grimir stepping up to them. A golden spark, shaped like a firefly, circled around the dwarf before dissolving into smoke.

(Usadius)
…or yellow. Simple, brute force. 

(Usadius)
But before you choose your fate, let me tell you the reward.

Sounds of anticipation ran through the crowd. Excited whispers. Saani, Alosh and Grimir all moved to stand in front of the ring.

Everything was happening so fast. One second [he/she] was drinking and exchanging dry pleasantries with the guests, and the other –

(Usadius)
Whoever wins gets to pick between a sack of gold coins…and the right to fuck their opponent, right where they defeat them. 

The crowd erupted in applause, whistling, yelling, and clinking their glasses. All eyes were on the four of them now, assessing, plotting outcomes. Conjuring scenarios of victory and defeat. 

[MC]’s heart thundered in [his/her] chest, hit with the sudden, numbing realization of what was about to take place. And somehow, looking at the decadent sea of faces, also with the terrible feeling that the majority wished for [his/her] loss. 

The servant pushed the pouch closer to [him/her]. Usadius nodded towards it.

(Usadius)
Draw. 

Blue. Red. Yellow.

Who would be the easiest to face? Who would be the worst to lose to…?

No matter what [he/she] drew, [he/she] had to win. Somehow.

[MC] reached out, fingers gingerly touching the edge of the pouch. Inside, smooth shapes shifted, all exactly the same. The crowd leaned in. 

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