“Coaches Ansgar and Kondor sat in the stands. Both were booing the high elves. Ansgar booed because he coached the Wood Elf team playing against the Archers of Avelon. Kondor booed because the high elves he “coached” had a shot at actually winning. Both coaches were in the stands because elves of any flavor need very little coaching.

Kondor loved the first half. The Archer thrower felt pressured by a short kick and fumbled an easy pass. The wood elf Aphrodite scooped it and scored easily. Sure the Archer team captain scored to end the half but since the wood elves were receiving in the second half, things looked good for the woodies.

In the second half everything fell apart. Innana scored early to put the wood elves on top. Kondor immediately shouted over the cheers. “No you fool! Too Soon. Too SOON!”

Kondor had seen it before and it played out just as it always had in his nightmares. A pass from Nienna to Kydeth allowed a quick equalizer. This one would come down to the final whistle. With the final kick, the Archers moved into position to pressure the ball and simply harassed woodies that worked their way down field. Under pressure and with nowhere left to go, Lilithu tried a final pass to Demeter only to have Kydeth come up with an interception. She would hand the ball to Revwe who scored at the whistle to win the game.

Kondor and Ansgar threw down their beverages in disgust. Filthy lucker elves! You can’t count on anything with them around. After a bit more grumbling the two coaches shook hands and parted ways.

When Kondor reached his office he was greeted with more news. Corbis had a gurney prepared and his ink pots and needles were laid out on the adjoining table. The tattoo pattern he had prepared was a Fumbbl Badge labeled Closed Shop. Kondor sighed and took off his shirt. This would be his fourteenth tattoo since signing up to coach the Archers of Avelon.

“Hard to believe we have not seen a rookie in the line-up for twenty five games.” Corbis said. “Still. Look at it this way. Every time you get a tattoo, sales at our inking franchises spike. Perhaps you should consider helping the team succeed.”

Kondor climbed on the table. “I’ve thought about it. To be honest, the success of the Archers has improved attendance at games where I coach other teams. Plus, the tattoo franchises are doing well. How is business for you at the Tarnished Crown?”

Corbis talked as he began jabbing Kondor with a particularly rusty needle. “Booming would be the right word. Any idea what team will be up next?”

“No. Not yet. I have sent out a few offers and there are some interesting possibilities but nothing solid. I will let you know as early as I can so that you can plan appropriately at the tavern.”

Corbis nodded and picked up his yellow ink. As he poked away, Kondor began to consider the next match.
”