As the fatigued team continued to shuffle along the weed-strewn pathways of southern Lustria thoughts began to encroach on their minds about just how difficult their task, whatever it was, was going to be. So far they had found an easy camaraderie that made these dark and forbidding thoughts stay at a distance. They had been victorious and it was with optimism that they came upon another group of Elves that were making their way east.

These Elves looked different though. Not for them was the easy arrogance of their brethren as they appeared disciplined and alert upon the Sun God's approach. Xholmundi approached what appeared to be their leader, a grizzled Elf with an ornate helmet upon his head. After terms for a game were decided the Sun Gods took their places in order to defend what they knew would be a breakneck attack. And so it went...

The dizzying kaleidoscope of movement had the team on the back foot from the start with mistakes being the order of the day for the as yet inexperienced side. Furthermore, Tlaxconqua appeared disoriented managing to tangle himself up with one of the lesser Elves and come tumbling to the ground. The young Kroxigor seemed all at sea and struggled to get up to speed so soon after his previous efforts. With a roar however, he got to his feet and smashed a poor Elf to the ground. The act smacked of poorly constrained anger and Xholmundi gritted his teeth as he saw the difficult situation the team was put in.

Perhaps he should have paid more attention to himself!

From out of nowhere an Elf pushed him off the pitch and on to some sharp rocks that dazed and confused him. He could only watch as the game continued, the harried Sun Gods trying to plug gaps that were appearing with ever increasing frequency. As the Elves managed to score the Sun Gods came together to discuss the goings on.

"Tlaxcoqua." said Xholtoc, "What on earth is happening, Brother?"
As usual, the Kroxigor only grunted and shook his head, his barely suppressed rage evident to all. "We can still gan respect here" said Xholmundi who had returned to the pitch, "We must keep organised and the Gods will shine on us". The Old Ones can be capricious when teaching a lesson though. The second period saw all organisation go by the wayside, the Elves irrepressible and unstoppable as they ran rings around the poor Slann. The match degenerated in to farce. Techniques were found wanting and the team spent more time on their rear ends than managing to take the fight to the opposition.

2-0...

3-0...

Errors of judgement and lapses of skill saw a fourth score run in. By now it was total disarray and the poor Slann just wanted it to be over. They knew that there would be trials and tribulations, yet the young ones were struggling to see the lessons that were being taught to them. Lessons such as strength in numbers, consistency, support for your friends, the kind of lessons that would be invaluable in times to come. The game ended and Tenqheq and Xholmundi made their way up to the Elven leader.

"You have great potential" he gravely intoned. The Slann dipped their heads in respect. "A mganificent game" stated Tenqheq baldly, "you were too good for us". "On this occasion we were, but you must not be disheartened as sometimes we have days such as these. My party used to be many, but now we are fragmented and bowed seeking only to return home." The two teams shared what they had in the way of provisions and both went on their way.

"Xholmundi." A voice said from out of nowhere.
"Lord Mazdamundi?"
"Yes. It is I. I hope you have all learned a valuable lesson."
"Indeed, Lord. We have learned that we must support our friends. If we may do so there is nothing we cannot achieve."
"Correct. Now..." said the voice, "consider this a gift from the old ones"...

As the voice faded, a golden nimbus of light began to play around Tlaxconqua's features. The others gaped, spellbound as the massive lizard turned to them. A slow smile dawning on his face...

"Tlaxconqua know how to block".

Xhotl Sun Gods 0-4 Pro-Totypes