It all happens so fast. These two cousins are quite a team. I suspect they have done this drill quite a few times before. Aisliann fetches the drinks while my wrestling partner explains, in one arrow-swift statement, the "twist" of this style arm-wrestling. In the blink of an eye, a huge cup appears in my right hand. With equally lightning like speed, my left hand is caught in the smashing grip of my worthy opponent.

I have faced a lot of challenges as a warrior. This is one of the more pleasant ones.

Opening my throat, I bolt back the beer without spilling a drop. With my left hand, I maintain pressure against Hjördis' mighty push. Slowly I exert force, testing and assessing the power of her arm. By the Dagda's beard! She is even stronger than I expected! I grin into her face and continue pressing...