By: John "Potato" Peloquin
I Started my journey into the realms at the Queen of Hearts XXIX. As a newbie there I ended up winning myself the QOH Newbie blade, which has served me well through my travels in the realms. And as the leaves in the land start to color, I hear about a gathering called Feast of Leviathan that will be taking place in months time. It piqued my interest, so I chat with locals to get more information about it. I hear stories about the never ending food and drinks, the merriment, contests, games, and the beautiful items I can get at the shops. One villager really insists I go for the specialty drinks alone. So there was only one question left for me to ask, what direction do I head? They tell me if I start heading south by foot now I'll make it there in time. All I can think is, I gotta get a horse. So I make my way and got a little lost and pass through the tournament of the Blue Rose. Okay, truth be told I am completely lost in these lands with no sense of direction. But it was okay by the grace of the potato, my friends from Creathorne were at the tournament as well. They offered I tag along with them, so I did. The closer we got there, the more I realized I needed to get better gear. I start to prepare and gather the supplies and potatoes. Just in time for the gathering I was able to make myself a chainmail coif. I finally walked into the doors of the hall, I made it. I paid my fee, and made my way to the Creathorne seating. The gathering has just started and there already is so much cheer and merriment. I wonder why and ask a stranger. They tell me a king is retiring! I couldn't believe it, a King retiring the throne. So I excuse myself and walk off to see if I can spot the King while I get some food. Didn't take long for me to see the King or the massive food spread. While I'm in line to fill my plate, i'm getting compliments on my coif. Made me feel so proud of my work, little did I know I would be getting compliments throughout the feast. I say thank you and chat while I fill my plate. Only thing missing from my plate was a potato, what a shame. I go over to the bar next to get a toasted marshmallow drink. Saw the casino and poker going on first, and wanted to dive right in. But as I took my first sip the drink had me stop in my place, it was so delicious. It was like I was drinking a liquid marshmallow that was just roasted on the fire. I continue on and see the contests table next after another passing of the food spread. I inquire about the sculpture contest as I grab a piece of clay to look at. I'm told the theme is to make something about King Cecils triumphs. I'm interested in playing with the clay, but I know nothing of the King. So I ask about him and what he has done. I swear he could've gone forever about his triumphs, but I got some ideas from the stories told. From what i'm being told this King has done many great things. Someone I could share potatoes with, as long as he kept his hands on his own. I go off to sit down to model the clay. But from behind me i'm alerted by my friends there's trouble outside. So I put the clay in my pocket and readied my trusted sword. I'm told we need to go down and find some magic wheat seeds to bake a cake for the King. They were hard to find, and the ogres were formidable foes. Especially this horse, who ended up breaking the sword I was borrowing so I could duel wield. Luckily my newbie blade didn't take the hit and there was someone who was able to repair my friend's sword. We continued onward until they were all gone, so we thought. Gathered up the missing seeds and headed back. On the way back, we got charged at by another horse. Luckily no one was hurt and it continued on while we fled into the safety of hall. Greeted with cheers, I made my way to my seat. On the way I stopped at this one shop that really got my eye. So many beautiful trinkets they had, and a friendly face. I couldn't help myself and bought a positive potato. Wish I bought a second, so it could have a friend. I continued on after some chatter and got some more food, I sat right down after and went to work on my clay project. I decided I would make an art piece depicting his first win and gathering at the QOH. Thought it would be nice, since I too won at my first QOH. I got to creating and while I was at it people kept coming by with trays of food. Of course I would take whatever was offered, it would be rude to decline food as a guest to these lands. And why would I, it's delicious. After some time I was finished with my clay. I created a crowned heart being torn with the newbie blade to show how he began. And on the back the face of the King he chose so he can retire. I thought it would fit the theme nicely and displayed them with the rest. I saw the others and thought to myself all I wanted to do was play with clay, it's okay if mine isn't the nicest. I left the table and got more food to feast on while I hear about court proceedings. The court was short but even then there was so much going on. What really caught my attention was the revival of the Order of the Spoon and their pretty spoons they received. They sounded interesting and was inviting to learn more about them after court. But I decided I was to shy to ask and not yet ready to join an order to say I was interested in one. Still had to learn more about the orders and what they do for the Realms. Nonetheless I'm still grateful for the delicious food being put out by them. And just overall impressed they are able to keep up with the food! Got some buffalo chicken dip and ate that right up. Started to get thirsty again so I headed to the bar and got a strawberry fizz. Again it was delicious and left me impressed. I savored it as I sat at the luck of the lion table. I gave the dealer a card I was given for some tokens. Really interesting game, kept me entertained with some friends. Luck was on my side today, I let it run on even four times in a row and won. I knew I had to cash out then before I bust. Won fifty gold and was pretty happy about it. Went out to get some fresh air, turn the corner and couldn't believe what I saw. Some mice starting a fire to bake a cake in front of these people. I turned wide eyed and just watched waiting to see what was gonna happen. Luckily no mouse caught fire, at least while I was still watching. Because shortly after I turned away in disbelief that the king was gonna be fed cake baked by mice. If that's what the king's bakers are, I don't want to know what cooks his food for him. I went back in to get more food, trying not to think about what could be cooking my food. It's okay, the food is so delicious it distracted that thought. I looked over at the casino tables and couldn't help myself. I walk and sit back at the luck of the lion table. I go up and I go down, I at least almost broke even by the end. But during this a fellow had some coins I didn't have in my collection. So I chat him up and offer to trade out his gold with some of mine. Even was nice a bought a coin for more then it's worth for one gold. I was told from the dealer the coin I bought was only worth a third of one gold. That's okay though, it's one I didn't have and it's mine now. Dinner is called and we all get seated and ready for food. While dinner was served they held a roast of the King Cecil, it was shocking to hear he asked for it. The roast was pretty funny and the King looked like he enjoyed it himself. The dinner was delicious, and to my fortune there was mashed potatoes topped on my meat. The dessert was a nice sweet tasting pie. They held the last of the court proceedings during this time, which held a goodbye from the King. The last was an award ceremony for the View of Valhaven, maybe I should try to converse more there. Then at the last moment the sculpture contest winner was announced. To my surprise I had won, a little box of gold. I'll treasure the box more than the gold. I looked back at my sculpture on the table, and thought about taking it with me. But then I thought to myself, I'll leave it behind in hopes the retired King will want to take it, to look back on his raising journey to King. I take my gear and memories with me out the door, and now off to an Arken Expedition. I hear people need my help.
