Author Note: This will update very irregularly, but I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to let me know what you think! I always appreciate constructive feedback as well.
Aarghaumont stared curiously at the strange troll standing beside Queen Usurna. He had been introduced as a visiting ambassador from another tribe, a rarity. Visitors were seldom seen in the Krubera Mines. Both because of the crushing depths and darkness and the reclusive nature of the Krubera Trolls themselves. His tall lithe form and rough red stone was a stark contrast to the smooth hides and sturdy powerful build of the Krubera.
As he inched closer to get a better look the Queen noticed his staring and made a little shooing motion.
"Go back to the others Aarghaumont," She said.
Aarghaumont lowered his head meekly and did as he was told.
Today was one of their festivals. Currently Aarghaumont, Monty as his friends called him, and the other whelps were participating in some simple contests of strength, speed, and cunning. In a few minutes they would start a round of Pyrobligst. There were only five whelps old enough to participate, so the match was three against two in the other side's favor. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, he was determined to make a good showing. Aarghaumont whispered his plan to his partner as they bumped horns. The other troll, Xantner, grinned and nodded. This would be fun.
The two turned and faced their opponents. They slammed their fists into the ground and roared in a friendly version of the traditional war dance. The match began.
Using his substantial strength Aarghaumont loosed a stone slab from the arena and flung it toward their charging opponents. The three trolls' eyes widened and they scrambled out of the way of the large projectile. While they were distracted Xantner got the ball and slammed it into the crystalline spout in the center of the arena that served as their goal. Xantner and Aarghaumont bumped fists and roared. His eyes drifted up to the crowd and he saw a huge troll with a braided black mane waving back at him. His heart soared. His Mother had made it back from her mission in time for the game! His smile widened. Aarghaumont didn't allow himself to be distracted for long though and he turned his attention back to their opponents. The other whelps were scowling. It would be harder after this.
Sure enough as soon as the ball appeared two of the whelps from the other team, Tumnen and Nix, began a joint attack on Aarghaumont. As he snarled and swiped at one, the other went for his legs. Aarghaumont was forced to take several steps back to regain his balance. There was a flash of red light. The other team had scored. He reached up and caught Nix who was now on his back by the scruff and threw her with a roar, charging forward to join Xantner.
"We have to stick together," He growled softly to Xantner. "I'm going to get the ball and pretend to pass it off to you. Keep them distracted."
His teammate nodded.
The plan worked well. With Xantner's smaller size and faster speed, their opponents bought the ruse and were after him in a flash. Aarghaumont made a big show of sticking close to him and slamming into the pursuers. With all the spinning and jostling they didn't notice he had the ball until he turned away and made a beeline for the goal. They quickly pulled away from Xantner and attempted to cut him off but it was too late. Aarghaumont roared as he slammed the ball home.
It was now two to one in their favor, but it was too early in the game to make any predictions.
The ball shot up in the air directly in the middle of the whelps. Aarghaumont ignored the ball and rushed the other two whelps that were going for it. Tumnen pealed out of the way with a yelp, but Nix met him head on. Aarghaumont's vision jarred from the force of the collision. Nix was worse off; as Aarghaumont watched her she went cross eyed for a moment, wobbling unsteadily before collapsing. Aarghaumont felt a twinge of concern and leaned forward to sniff her. There was a flash of green light signaling another point for Xantner and him.
Aarghaumont was waved off by one of the adult Kruberas as she picked up the whelp and carried her to the sidelines to recover. The match continued.
Aarghaumont's head ached as he slammed into Tumnen. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Xantner fighting off the other whelp Yuor. Xantner curled around the ball and started rolling quickly around the arena. Aarghaumont felt a surge of pride for his friend. That move took time to master on a flat surface.
That moment of distraction cost him. Aarghaumont was slammed into the ground hard, his vision flashed black. He came back to with Xantner and one of the referees standing over him.
"Wha… What happened?"
"Tumnen body slammed you while you were distracted," Xantner told him. "Can you get up?"
Aarghaumont wasn't sure. He grit his teeth and struggled upright with a growl. The world swam for a second and Xantner steadied him.
"I will keep playing," He told the referee.
She nodded and walked out of the arena.
The ball shot into the air and as they started toward it Aarghaumont stumbled and nearly collapsed. Xantner started to turn toward him, but Aarghaumont shook his head. The movement made his vision swim a little.
"Go," He growled.
Xantner nodded and pursed Tumnen who now had the ball. Aarghaumont took several deep breaths and tried to stop the tremors in his body. He needed to recover before he could play at full strength again. Unfortunately that would require time they didn't have and he wasn't about to let them lose. He needed to shift his tactics. He raised his eyes up to the weapons hung at various points around the arena. There was a flash of red out of the corner of his eyes. Aarghaumont whirled around just in time to see as well as hear Tumnen and Yuor roar in triumph. Xantner was close to them ears lowered and breathing hard.
Aarghaumont growled. He would have to act fast. He caught Xantner's eyes and held his gaze for a moment, hoping to convey that he was working on a plan. Xantner nodded slowly, brows furrowed, and turned back toward their opponents as they received the ball.
Aarghaumont turned his back on the action and made his way toward the edge of the arena. Once there, he began to quickly scale the wall. His head pulsed with every movement but he pushed through the pain and made swift progress. Upon reaching the top of the wall he paused for a moment and glanced down at the match. Tumnen and Yuor were pummeling Xantner. No doubt they would have another goal in a second. Aarghaumont turned his attention back to the task at hand, another goal would not matter if he succeeded.
There was a flash of red.
Down below him Aarghaumont saw Xantner looking around. He waved a little to get his attention. Fortunately for them, Temnen and Yuor were celebrating and not paying attention to what his teammate was doing. Aarghaumont held Xantner's gaze for a second then looked pointedly at the mace that hung from a chain before him then at the air above the goal. Xantner's brows furrowed for a moment then his eyes widened and his face split into a toothy grin. He nodded and quickly turned away from Aarghaumont.
The ball shot into the air and Xantner shoved Temnen out of the way to get it. Yuor started to move to get in between him and the goal, but it didn't matter. Xantner threw the ball as hard as he could sending it soaring toward the ceiling above the goal.
Aarghaumont didn't hesitate, he launched himself through the air grabbing the chain and swinging forward. At the high point of the arc he let go and sent himself flying toward the ball. He intercepted it above the goal. As he continued his downward trajectory, he managed to throw it back toward the goal. The ground was rushing up at him and Aarghaumont curled into a ball to lessen the impact. The force of the fall caused him to bounce several times before he came to a stop. As soon as his vision cleared he spun around. Had they succeeded?
The goal exploded with red and green fireworks signaling the end of the match. They've won! Aarghaumont and Xantner pounded the ground with their fists and roared in elation.
Queen Usurna formally announced the winners and came forward to present each of the whelps with a small glowing rock as their reward. Aarghaumont smiled happily at her. Their guest was still beside her. He was watching Aarghaumont. His yellow eyes, the only part of him that glowed, were unblinking… snakelike. Aarghaumont wasn't quite sure how to respond so he gave the troll a nervous smile. The troll did not acknowledge it; instead he turned to whisper something in Queen Usurna's ear. Aarghaumont shifted uncomfortably.
Fortunately at that moment his mom arrived. Forgetting his injury he ran to her practically bouncing in his excitement. She laughed merrily, leaf green eyes sparkling, before she caught him and gently pressed down on his back with one hand to hold him still. Her horns gently bumped up against his and for a second the crystalline patterns on her body thrummed with energy. Aarghaumont stilled and closed his eyes as he felt his own energy hum in return.
"I'm proud of you," She whispered as she drew away.
Warmth pooled in his chest as he smiled widely. He held up his arms and she hefted him up and set him on her back. Aarghaumont twined his fingers into her thick mane and snuggled close, a purr of contentment working its way up from his chest.
As they headed back to their dwelling Aarghaumont glanced back and caught a brief glimpse of their Queen and the stranger talking. Just as he turned away he saw them shake hands.
