05-29-2023, 03:59 AM
Walking in between the Azzafrano and Gardavasquean athletes, the Eirian delegation was certainly dressed to impress. All of the various athletes were decked out in matching Halarei the traditional robes slowly drifting in the breeze as they walked. The deep blue fabric was adorned with green, turquoise, and purple embellishments, leaving no doubt as to the nation that they represented. In addition, the winter athletes wore purple šale scarves and blue čepu caps, while the athletes in summer sports had lightweight matja cloaks flowing behind them. These carefully crafted outfits exhibited almost every element that was commonly associated with Eirian traditional fashion, giving the whole team a surge of national pride.
Speed skater Jeong Hyun-Ki and swimmer Evelyn Winters led the group, both taking turns carrying the large Eirian banner. Immediately behind them were returning athletes from the 2021 Olympiad, looking to add more medals to their collections. Filling out the back rows were the starry-eyed novices who had just walked out into the view of the biggest crowd that they've seen in their lives. Regardless of their experience, the team looked composed and prepared to face the toughest competition that they've faced in their lives.
Suddenly, one of the men's handball athletes started clapping along to the background song that was being broadcasted throughout the stadium. His teammates started clapping along with him, and the Eirian delegation made the collective realization that the tempo and rhythm of the background music was the same as one of the most popular Eirian darbačanēcasei, or "work songs."
After that realization was made, nothing could stop the athletes from bursting into song. Granted, this song had no lyrics, like most traditional Eirian work songs. But for its listeners, the surprisingly elaborate melodies and harmonies were pleasing to the ear, and for its singers, it brought back memories of colorful festivals and loud parades.
There, in the heart of a foreign nation, watched by thousands, the Stars of the Republic showed the world what it meant to be Eirian. The lighthearted singing and sense of camaraderie superceded whatever divided the athletes, leaving them united with one common purpose: to compete for their homeland. And they weren't about to give up any victory without a fight.
Speed skater Jeong Hyun-Ki and swimmer Evelyn Winters led the group, both taking turns carrying the large Eirian banner. Immediately behind them were returning athletes from the 2021 Olympiad, looking to add more medals to their collections. Filling out the back rows were the starry-eyed novices who had just walked out into the view of the biggest crowd that they've seen in their lives. Regardless of their experience, the team looked composed and prepared to face the toughest competition that they've faced in their lives.
Suddenly, one of the men's handball athletes started clapping along to the background song that was being broadcasted throughout the stadium. His teammates started clapping along with him, and the Eirian delegation made the collective realization that the tempo and rhythm of the background music was the same as one of the most popular Eirian darbačanēcasei, or "work songs."
After that realization was made, nothing could stop the athletes from bursting into song. Granted, this song had no lyrics, like most traditional Eirian work songs. But for its listeners, the surprisingly elaborate melodies and harmonies were pleasing to the ear, and for its singers, it brought back memories of colorful festivals and loud parades.
There, in the heart of a foreign nation, watched by thousands, the Stars of the Republic showed the world what it meant to be Eirian. The lighthearted singing and sense of camaraderie superceded whatever divided the athletes, leaving them united with one common purpose: to compete for their homeland. And they weren't about to give up any victory without a fight.
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