Shall we dance and make merry?

[Symbri]

716th arc 13th of Vhalar.

It was a nice evening, in fact it might even be a great evening, it was hard tell the difference for Symbri, but the evening definitely had potential to become great if it was not already. Symbri had gone to the Crest break tavern for the evening, not for the drink, but for the merry making and a chance at making some coin. It had been a short while since Symbri had come to the city and and this particular tavern seemed like the best place to perform and make some coin. Not so much out of a lack of faith in abilities, but more so out of the fact that it would be good practice and a bunch of drunks might do better to line Symbri's pockets before the more "refined" folk would. Either way it wasn't something Symbri was too terribly worried about.

The getup for this evening was a yellow skirt and blue bodice over a black corset and striking yellow undergarments. The outfit was a bit chilly but it was warm enough in the tavern that it wasn't terribly bothersome, the only real issue for Symbri was getting the courage to get up and dance in front of these people. It was something of a dream to get the chance to dance here in the city, something Symbri had been wanting to do for a long while, and here was the chance to do so. The thought of actually doing it made Symbri flush with both embarrassment and excitement. Strapping on the pair of anklets with bells Symbri now barefoot stepped into the center of the tavern in front of the fireplace and gave a slight bow to the people whose attention was now focused on the small dancer.

"I'd like to say Hi and hello to the fine people of Ne'hear, I'm happy to finally live in this fine city you people and now, myself can call home, so, enjoy your drinks and let me entertain you all for the evening"

Swallowing hard Symbri's eyes fluttered closed as a Rhythm was located and a dance began. Drawing a foot up Symbri stomped the ground releasing a jingle and a resounding thud, then the next foot followed and Symbri's arms raised to the sky. Turning to the fire and releasing another stomp an arched back and a flare of hips greeted the crowd for a brief moment before another twirl had symbri facing the crowd again, this time they were greeted with a smile, rotating hips and a quick gyration of the waist followed as a braid of dark brown hair whipped about.

Jingle, thud
Jingle, thud
Jingle jingle jingle Thud.

thus did the small rhythm of the first dance go on punctuated by stomps and twirls, one trick that Symbri was focusing one was the skirt flares, not ever revealing the underwear hidden beneath but teasing those who watched closely with revealed thighs, keeping them seeking more without giving away anything, such as to tease the crowd and keep them watching.

And then with a final stomp and a twirl the dance finished, and a small bow followed it as a small applause went up.

"alright folks, more to come but I need a drink, I'll even let someone by me a drink if they feel brave."

The statement was punctuated with a stuck out tongue as Symbri took as seat at the bar, waiting a moment to see of a free drink was coming or one must be tendered.

[Rafael Warrick]

13th Vhalar, 716

Earlier that day, Rafael had been sent out from the Willow Woods Outpost to gather some supplies in the city and return with them as soon as possible. It was a welcome change of pace from Ziri's unrelenting training regimes and regular patrols. It hadn't been entirely on purpose, but neither had it been an accident that he'd lingered too long in the city. The gates had closed for the coming night, and Rafael had wandered through Ne'haer in search of a good place to stay.

Less than half of the taverns he passed met his requirements, but he'd found one eventually and rented room and board there. Now quietly enjoying his dinner in the corner, Rafael looked up from his plate of mashed potatoes and pork when the chattering of the other guests muted. At first he couldn't spot the culprit through the thick of the crowd. It didn't matter, the entertainer introduced herself and it became clear why most of the small talk had ceased. Curious as to who the young and slightly nervous voice belonged to, Rafael emptied his plate and swiped any lingering remains of his hearty meal away with his handkerchief. Then he stood up from his table in the corner and joined the crowd that had formed a half-circle around tonight's entertainment.

The first thing he noticed was the jingling of bells. It added a rhythmic quality to the girl's dance that soon had him mesmerized. Even more enchanting were her twirls and spins, which made her dissolve into a blur of yellow. While she wasn't the best dancer he'd ever seen, the girl clearly had talent for dancing, and showmanship too. The more boorish among the crowd cheered and grinned excitedly whenever the girl teased them.

It wasn't until the girl finished her performance that Rafael managed to tear his eyes from her...only to fire a curious glance at her as she strolled over to the bar, inviting her crowd to buy her a drink. As Rafael expected, no one showed interest in paying for her. She was good, but not quite good enough to have the men line up behind her.

At times like these he was glad to not be considered a man just yet.

He slipped onto a seat beside her and offered a warm smile. Her hair was lighter than his own, but quite dark still. Sitting next to her, he guessed her to be slightly older than himself, but couldn't say for sure.

"How about this," he said in a mischievous voice, "you tell me your name, and then I'll buy you a drink?"

[Symbri]

waiting a moment on the offer of a free drink Symbri was met with the offer in the form of a younger looking boy. His offer earned a light spell of laughter as Symbri smiled warmly at him debating whether to take him up on his offer.

"Isn't it the role of the gentleman to introduce himself first? Though I'll let it slide this time, the name is Symbri"

Looking the boy over Symbri tried to drink in the appearance of the young teen, dark hair and stormy gray eyes, and a cute splattering of freckles adorned his face, if anything the boy looked like someone that Symbri could'v had as a younger sibling, though Symbri tried to push away such thoughts, family wasn't something that was needed by the dancer. A quick shake of the head to clear away unwanted thoughts like chaff before Symbri again met the boys eyes.

"But anyway did you enjoy my little show? It's my first performance here in Ne'haer... So i'd love to hear what you thought. Oh and are you from around here? What'r your favorite things about Ne'haer. I'd love to know more about the city if you can tell me I just came from a farm so I'd love to learn as much as I can oh and.... I'm getting carried away.... sorry"

Hanging their head in mock shame the dancer paused for a moment of amused silence before looking back to the boy and sticking out a tongue snarkily.

"Or.. I'm a little sorry, but I'm sure I can make it up to you, specially with you so kindly getting me a drink like the sweet little gentleman you are, ooh and what do you do? you look like a little soldier to me? do they start soldiers young in the city? or... I didn't mean to call you little.... sorry again"

Apologies

I'm not super great with social threads, actions definitely my forte so if you need anything changed do ask

[Rafael Warrick]

13th Vhalar, 716

Rafael sniggered. She’d let it slide?. Oh, if only she knew she was talking to a noble... Though perhaps it wouldn’t have made any difference. She seemed feisty in that way, and he liked her all the better for it.

“Well I am terribly sorry for my rudeness Symbri,” he said in a mock voice. “but you can call me ‘your highness’ if you like.”

He pondered on her questions for a moment. In truth, he hadn’t seen much of her performance and wasn’t quite sure what to think of it. He didn’t know a thing about dancing, so his opinion on the matter was fairly useless. “You know how to get attention,” he concluded. Before he could get another word in, she’d already asked the next question.

His eyes narrowed for a moment, as if considering whether to answer truthfully or not. “Yes, I am from around here,” he ended up saying. It was an easy lie. It was for his own safety after all. Though it seemed unlikely, he couldn’t be certain that Cassander didn’t have any agents stationed in Ne’haer with orders to seize him. As much as he wanted to be honest, it simply wasn’t worth the risk. “No need to apologize,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with asking questions.”

“Actually, you do owe me an apology for that last one. I’m not little. In fact, I bet you I’m taller than you.” He’d already started to move out of his seat to compare when the barman arrived to take their order. Rafael shot a questioning look at Symrbi. “So, what do you prefer? Juice? Wine? Water? Tea?”

For himself, he ordered juice. He preferred to keep a sharp mind. Secretly he hoped Symbri would opt for the wine, as she was a little too sharp for his liking. How had she figured out that he was a fighter? He didn’t carry his sword with him. Perhaps he looked a little more battered than he’d thought.

“You’re right,” he answered. “I am with the Willow Woods Outpost. Keeping monsters away from your closet since…. well since immortals knows when.” He took a sipped his juice before putting the glass down. His expression darkened. “Well yes, fourteen or fifteen is a normal age for a squire. With all the war going on, and the recent shadow attack, it’s a miracle they haven’t lowered it yet. I am not sure how many guards and knights this city has left.”

“But enough of that. Care for a stroll? I can show you some of the city if you like.” His eyes flicked down to her bare feet, “you’ll want to put something on your feet though.”

[Symbri]

Amused at the boy's ego Symbri snickered. Still nameless the boy offered a title in place of a name and matched Symbri's own sarcastic tone earning himself a grin from Symbri.

"Alright my little prince, you're the first royal person I've ever met... ever. So you better impress me ok? And... Hrmmm I guess since you're buying I'll take wine... thanks!"

Sipping the Wine Symbri stood with the youth to compare heights and was unsurprised to find the boy's chin level with Symbri's own eyes, being short was not something that Symbri found surprising at this point but it was still slightly irking.

"well it's not like height is everything. but that is suuuper cool I'm fairly new to the city but being a hero in training is pretty cool, I bet you've fought all sorts of scary monsters even though you're so young, I'm impressed. I bet you'll grow up to be an amazing Knight, I'll look forward to hearing about your exploits when you slay some horrid beast, but I like right now too, my big little princeling."

Sticking a tongue out at the Squire Symbri's eyes twinkled slightly with merriment, it was just so hard to not tease people especially people like the little princeling. at his suggestion that they take a stroll Syndri gulped down the remainder of the wine revelling in the warm feeling that now perforated her stomach.

"I wouldn't worry about that, my feet are pretty tough, but oooh I'm excited this'll be my first real tour of the big city!"

Wiggling a pair of slightly dirty and calloused feet Syndri showed that she was no stranger to mucking about barefooted. Hopping Up Syndri grinned and stumbled slightly to her left before righting herself the rush of alcohol settling in her brain slightly throwing the world off kilter, though Syndri's strong sense of balance kept her standing.

"So where to my liege? what's your favorite place in the city? It'll be dark in an hour or so so I hope it's close. Unless... my little prince did you want to go on a moonlit stroll with me? ooh. that's romantic~~ is that it? Or I bet you've got something else fun planned."

Looking up at the taller youth Syndri grinned teasingly before pausing and making a slightly sobering face.

"Oh I do hope I'm not making you mad, I'm just excited to have some happy those monsters have really dampened everyone's spirits and I hate to see so much sadness, but yes, a stroll I'm happy to accompany you for the evening!"

Letting the boy take the lead he would hear the sound of bells jingling with each of Syndri's steps as they walked to wherever they were going.

"Onward ho my prince, let us find adventures and treasure and slay a great beast, that is what you do right?"

[Rafael Warrick]

13th Vhalar, 716

In hindsight, the wine was a bad idea. The effect was almost immediate. More smiles, more twinkly eyes, more sticking out of the tongue… Feisty wasn’t even cutting it anymore. The hazel-eyed girl was downright mad. Fun-loving, talkative, and cheery, but clearly more than a little bonkers in the upstairs department. At least she had taken him up on the height contest. As he’d predicted, he won by a good margin. Yet it only seemed to embolden her dorkiness…

She didn't bother mincing her words. If she had spoken to him like that in Warrick, she would've been punished for sure. Occasionally, Rafael had to remind himself that no one in Ne'haer knew he was a noble. Aside from Malcolm and Nabarra at least. Symbri’s rather straightforward manners of speech took quite some getting used to. Particularly the silly nicknames she’d invented for him.

His brows knitted together in a frown. He didn’t exactly like being called a princeling. It sounded too childish for his taste. “If I tell you my name, will you stop calling me little?” Great, she had managed to make him plead with her. “And just for the record, I’m not a hero.” He turned in his seat to face the tanned girl head-on. “There are no heroes in wars.”

He let a brief silence settle between them to emphasize his point. Unwilling to dampen the mood too much however, he composed himself and offered a half-hearted smile. “I’d like to show you the wall. If it’s not too dark, you can see the forest in the distance. It’s a bit scary looking, but that's what makes it pretty. Besides, you'll be able to see more of the rest of the city from up there...”

Not in a thousand arcs had he expected for the day to wind up like it had. Symbri flipped his words on him with surprising ease, making it seem as though he had romantic intentions. What was she thinking? They had just met! And yet… perhaps it was just in her character, but she spoke to him like an intimate friend. Perhaps that was the right way to think about it. Perhaps they could be friends.

Following Symbri’s example, Rafael gulped down his juice in one go before he slid of his seat and started to walk towards the exit, with slightly-insane-jingle-bells-girl in tow. As soon as they’d made it outside, Rafael spun around on his heels to face Symbri.

“You’re the dorkiest person I’ve ever met. Ever,” he emphasized. “If you don’t mind, let’s skip slaying any beast. You’re quite a handful all by yourself.” He was about to turn around again and lead the way when he stopped and turned to face her once more.

“I’m Laurent by the way,” he made a light bow and offered to shake hands. “Pleasure to meet you.”

[Symbri]

When the boy who was beginning to look a bit flustered asked Symbri if she would stop teasing him in return for his real name a quick refusal came in the form of a head shake, teasing him was already too much fun it would be boring to stop now, that said if being called little hurt his feelings Symbri might at least relent on that particular front teasing and antagonizing were not quite the same thing and Symbri wasn't looking for a fight.

"Hrmm I don't think I quite believe you, I mean, war bad, yep that's true nobody should have to kill other people for the sake of land or gold, but that doesn't mean that war is all bad right? If you fight in a war to protect what you care about, and to end the war, then at least you are a hero in my book. So... well I guess it don't matter, but Hrmm the wall are we allowed to climb it? or well I'll let you lead the way I've never thought about getting on the wall."

Following after the youth until he turned around and introduced himself as Lawrence and offered hand to be shook. Taking his hand and shaking it enthusiastically with both of her hands in an exaggeratedly large movement Symbri grinned at the boy.

"Welp it's very nice to meet you Lawrent, that's quite the regal sounding name for a prince. and it's a pleasure to meet you too, even if you don't want to frolic into the forest and slay beasts with this... dork, bwahahaa, but anyways I'll let it slide this time, I'm sure we'll find time for a grand adventure eventually. though I appreciate the compliment about being quite the handful, you were talking about my awesome chest right?"

Puffing out her near nonexistent assets at the boy Symbri snickered hoping to get a rise out of him, Syndri was many things but self conscious was not exactly one of them. Cartwheeling away from the boy and towards the wall that they would be heading to Symbri danced out of the boys reach before cajoling him.

"Well what'r you waiting on slowpoke, we've a wall to climb and a forest to see before nightfall. C'mon!"

Hopping back and forth on jangling feet the dancer waited impateintly on the boy to take the lead, they had places to see and things to climb and the dancer was certainly not the patient sort.

[Rafael Warrick]

13th Vhalar, 716

Now she was starting to get on his nerves. The over-enthousiastic handshake was tolerable, her ignorance regarding the cruelty of war... less so. But worst of all, she pronounced his name wrong. The horror! To some extent he was glad that she had done so, as it served to remind him that he'd given her a false name in the first place. He'd have to be wary of any slip of the tongue. "It is Laurent," he corrected, "not Lawrent. U, not double-u" Only part of his agitation was feigned.

He was just starting to enjoy the last rays of brass-colored sunlight, darting across the rooftops of the city, when things turned uncomfortable. It was as though a thick layer of clouds had suddenly swept over the city, drowning out the light. Likewise, Rafael's mirth faded, his brows cut down sharply into a v, and he cringed visibly, though a part of him had to hold in a bubble of laughter. "Your...chest..." he exhaled a sigh, "right." He had to credit her for managing to throw him completely off guard, again. After having spent a few trills composing himself, he shot a glance at her supposed assets. "Obviously I was not referring to those, but to your attitude, Ms. Little handful."

But before he could get another comeback in, the light-footed dancer had already whirled away. So she wanted a race then? His lips parted into a smile, he would give her one. She would pay for having flustered him twice already. Pretending not to care, he strolled over to her at his usual pace. But just before he reached her, a lot of things happened at once. First, he jumped into a sprint. Second, he threw a playful elbow in her side as he darted past her, and lastly, he called his intentions at her, over his shoulder. "Race you to the wall!"

He had never considered himself a good runner. Not that he was slow, but neither was he fast. Yet, he was quite certain that he could beat her. First and foremost, he had a head start. Second, he knew the way. Third, he thought he might be able to keep running for longer before exhaustion would set in. Nevertheless, it was going to be a tight race.

Without ever looking back, he ran. A sharp turn at the end of an small incline nearly had him slipping out of control, but he managed to retain his footing. Soon enough he came upon the main street. The sound of his boots hammering on cobblestone ricocheted between the houses. Somewhere further along the street a window opened and a very angry looking elderly lady balled a fist at the ruffians who'd caused such a loud disturbance.

"BE QUIET!" She shouted, ironically. "GUARDS! GUARDS! DISTURBANCE OF THE PEACE! MALEDICTION!" Rafael would have laughed it off if the woman's curses weren't soon followed by the barking of dogs and the clamor of light armor. As far as he knew there was no law against running, and so the wise thing to do would be to stop and explain himself.

But then he'd lose to cray-cray...

That wasn't going to happen.

[Symbri]

Pretending to be cowed at the boy's distress about his name Syndri shook her head apologetically while trying to hide a grin, though what the boy decided to do next was unexpected if entertaining. Though she'd have to get him back for his snide remark, even after she'd given him such a stunning pose to gawk at, truly the little prince was no gentleman at all the dancer thought smugly to herself. though her thoughts were interrupted when the boy broke into a sprint and through an elbow at her challenging her to a race, not one to back down to a playful challenge Symbri laughed loudly as she chased after the boy, he was pretty fast and had the lead on her, but Symbry wasn't about to let him get away without working for it.

Pumping her legs and arms Symbri sprinted after the boy, the one good thing about following him was that she could cut corners after him faster than he could my taking even tiny shortcuts to slowly gain on him, though Symbri wasn't sure of she wanted to beat him in a race or just tackle him, either option was entertaining, but as Syndri was running the sound of some woman yelling in the background followed by the barking of dogs spurred Syndri to run faster than she previously thought she could, the idea of getting in trouble with the town guard after all her hard work to get a good reputation in town was unforgivable.

"You better have a plan Prince royalty or not I don't think the dogs'l think you taste any different. Go! go! GOOOO!!."

Catching up with the running boy Syndri tailed him close letting him lead, even if she passed him at this point it'd do no good since she hadn't a clue as to where they were heading or where they should go.

"And here I was thinking we weren't gonna have any adventure tonight prince."

Sprinting next to him Syndri couldn't resist. jabbing at the boy verbally, though more importantly than that the sound of the guards in background seemed to be fading a little, a couple armed and armoured guards couldn't keep up with a couple lightly garbed youths. running for fear of being caught, the only real irritation was the light jingling of the bells on Syndri's ankles that was pronounced with each step.

[Niv]

With the exception of a small few, Niv still didn’t trust the people of Ne’haer. She watched the people go about their business from the trees and bushes but didn’t get much closer. At the same time, Niv was a social creature and wanted to meet people. It was hard for her to see smiles and laughter from a distance and not experience it for herself. She noticed herself sighing a lot and was having a harder time each day remembering when she smiled last.

After she had finished what she needed for the day, it was time to initiate operation friendship. When meeting new people, Niv knew it was essential to to look ones best. The Tunawa was lucky enough to have wooden and glass beads she collected from a necklace someone had broken near her burrow. She threaded her vines with the beads, putting the smaller glass ones around a single strand in the front and using the large wooden ones to give herself horn like pig tails. The ring the immortal Thetros had given her was was used as a belt, with it’s lavender jewel used as a complement to the forest green robe she wore as part of the healing Order.

Feeling more confident in her new look Niv set out to find the liveliest place In Ne’haer she could find. The Tunawa flew threw the city streets on the back of her white cockatoo friend, until the sound of laughter and music entered her ears. One place seemed to be a beacon of lively behaviour, with plenty of pleasant sounds and smiling people entering its doors. Niv gave her bird the signal and bravely leapt of it's back. The Tunawa free fell onto the roof of her stake out location with the grace of a rag doll. She pulled her body up and peered over the roofs edge. The light of an open window brought a smile to her face and she made another leap. This time managing to land on her feet with a silent tapping sound. Niv was greeted to the sight of a large busting ground of people all full of energy and drinking merrily with friends. Niv almost wanted to sing a happy bird song to announce her presence but held her tongue. This was an important stake out mission and needed to be handled carefully.

Niv’s target became clear as the Tunawa glanced at the stage and saw a familiar young human girl Niv know as Symbri start her performance. The dance was somewhat similar to what Niv had seen in Desnind but was also very different at. Niv was particularly entranced by what the Symbri did with her skirt and the rhythmic jingle that followed her movements. Niv did her best to emulate the movements by twirling her robe about as if it was a dress.

When Symbri was done her dance Niv dropped down to the floor and ran through the forest of chairs and giant feet to find where the dancer had gone. Niv quickly found the dancer talking to a young human boy and slowly crept under the dancers stool to hear what she was saying. The Tunawa patiently listened to them talk but didn’t engage for fear of interrupting Symbri's conversation. It was hard to hear them over the rowdy patrons but she focused enough to get the boys name and a few bits of information about each of them.

When they left, Niv followed under cover of shadow. What she didn’t anticipate was how fast they would be, they even made the matter worse by sprinting. With the little breath she had left from attempting to catch up Niv squawked loudly to summon her ride and quickly took to the skies to catch them.

From the sky Niv could see them both running as fast as they can, but didn’t know the reason. The situation got even more confusing once an angry women started yelling about something followed by barking and an odd sounding clatter. All Niv could assume was that they were playing some sort of game based of their expression.

Niv used the reins to maneuver her mount next to the pair. She chirped a song birds greeting with a wave and a smile before speaking up.
“Why yews Run? Is dis Game dat yew play to-geh-dar?” She giggled. “Can we play dis game wit yews?”