[ORP - Oba] Dance Around a Bonfire

[Mewsings of An Angel]

Setting: Festivities of some sort are occurring around a large bonfire. Music fills the air with the sweet melodies of harps, drums and other instruments. The smell of cooking meats and the heady aromas of drinking wines are on the wispy breeze that floats between the patrons. Laughter and conversation is abound, and around the bonfire dancers flit along to the beat of the drums, impassioned and frenzied by the sounds. All are welcome here!

Time: Nighttime, just after sunset.

Who: Anyone may join.

 

[Mewsings of An Angel]

If Laini were to say she wasn't nervous about being here, it would be a very bold lie... For she found herself sitting on a flat rock at the edge of the hubbub. She had been among the Obans for little over a week now, and it had been a trying one. She was very much a fish out of water as she stared at the dark-skinned patrons of the party. It had been open to the public and all seemed welcome, regardless of race or anything. Yet, Laini still received the occasional stare as her antennae flicked nervously. People milled about, some with food in hand, others with hands held with another. In both, there seemed a carefree happiness that was infectious.

She blinked her pale eyes at the going-ons and her eyes were drawn to the fire, where the dancers had just began their routine. Their feet struck the ground with each drumbeat, kicking up dust in their frenzy. She sat their in rapt attention, her heart beating fast in her chest as if she was out their among them in their fevered design.  

[Elyessi]

Mewsings of An Angel

Nuri stood near the outskirts of the festivities, his posture tense and his eyes darting around the area. This was one of the first festivals he found a chance to go to, having been prodded by his fellow prentise friends to check things out. His father and elder brother had no clue he had snuck out, of which he was thankful. A quick review of the patrons of the event confirmed that many non-Obans had shown up, and their presence alone would make this festival one he should not be attending.

Letting out a sigh, Nuri couldn't help but agree. The figures that were dancing in the firelight seemed strange and foreign, the discomfort he felt to the new ways going deep in his bones. This was a major mistake, and he wondered how long he would need to stay to establish his presence before he could leave. It was one thing to escort half-Oban and non-Obans to their dwellings, it was an entirely different story to socialize. This entire thing was an absolute mess, and the discomfort he felt was one he struggled to hide.

He really needed to just leave.

Everyone seemed focused on the dancers. Maybe now would be a good time to slip away into the night and take the long way home. It was pretty far in the outskirts of the city, and it was early enough where maybe he could catch a heard of some sort to help make this journey somewhat worthwhile.

As he turned away from the noise, he suddenly caught sight of the Alkidike girl. He knew immediately what she was thanks to his schooling, but her dark skin and bright eyes truly caught him off guard. He was frozen in fascination, and it took him a long second to remind himself of who he was, where he was, and what he was doing.

Clearing his throat, he hoped she notice him as he stared.  

[Mewsings of An Angel]

Elyessi

Laini felt her heart pause mid-beat as a sound caught her attention that was not of musical origin. She turned her pale eyes upon that source of the sound with direct curiosity and found it to be an Oban male with dark eyes. It was always the eyes that made her stare for more than she meant to - the Obans seemed to almost all have the dark, ochre eyes that seemed as deep as a pit. But the look on the male's face as he peered at her was a strange one. He seemed to show some curiosity in her, and the attention made her cheeks darken with embarrassment. She was not used to catching anyone notice, and preferred as such.

Meeting his gaze, she smile as friendly as she could, and bowed her head lightly in greeting. "Good evening..." Her voice drifted off, as she raised her hands to a white braid. "Have you come to enjoy the feasting and merrymaking as I have?" She said, the light smile never leaving her lips.

It took a great deal of control to keep from withdrawing into her shy, little shell and it showed as her eyes drifted every so often to the fiery dancers back to the male who had grabbed her attention. She hoped that she had done nothing wrong to upset him.  

[Elyessi]

Mewsings of An Angel

As soon as her bright eyes landed on his own, Nuri knew he was caught. He silently cursed again, feeling a great discomfort as she seemed to blush under his stare. At least, he assumed she was blushing, for the darkness and her skin didn't give him too much of a hint. Taking a deep breath when she spoke, he straightened again, realizing he needed to be polite if anything.

"Evening." he responded just as softly, nodding once but not bowing to her form. His nerves were humming with curiosity and his mind was screaming at him to quickly end the conversation. Before, with Khalel, he could push past her Matori heritage because she was part Oban. With the Wind Tribeling, he was able to push through the uncertainty because of the situation. Yet, right now, he was faced with a cordial conversation, and one he was ill prepared for. The girl was not a slave, or a servant, for she seemed like a simple traveler.

"Actually...I was just readying to leave." His eyes glanced back at the many faces and flashes of skin, "I don't normally venture to such an event..."

Awkward. He always sounded awkward when speaking with those below him. Blame it on the fact his brother was the one primed for social interactions, or maybe a hesitance to outright scoff at the girl before him. Either way, his voice sounded weak and strained, as if he was coming up with a failing attempt to leave her presence. In hindsight, that was what he was doing.

Straightening up his back and relaxing his shoulders, Nuri swallowed a moment before continuing in an effort to not seem like such a coward, "Are you part of the caravan of travelers that have come to Oban. I haven't seen you around with the other workers..."  

[Mewsings of An Angel]

Elyessi

Laini watched him with curious and amused expression, blinking her large eyes in a slow deliberate manner. He seemed flustered at the situation, as if unequipped to handle being in a conversation with her. A breeze fluttered her bangs and she smiled as she pushed them from her face, her antennae bouncing as she did so. She had met few males, or others outside of Alkidikes, and found it gave her a flustered feeling in her chest, like a Kinfa taken wing. After a moment of reckless staring, she looked away back toward the fire, where a lilting melody had the dancers flitting around like firebugs.

She watched them for a moment in awkward silence, before turning her pale gaze back to Nuri. she listened raptly to his words, nodding softly before she swept her feet out in front of her, and stood on the ground. Sound stuck in between her toes, and she smiled at the sensation.

At his questions, she bowed her head minutely once more, 'I am not a part of the caravan, at least not now that I've reached my destination. I've come from the far off Isle Amara, which is connected with our sacred lands... the Alkidike at least. Oba was my location of travel... I came here in hopes of training to become a Dancer... I like the music here... and find beauty in the movements..." She grabbed at a braid in an almost embarrassed way. "Do you aspire to be anything?"  

[BastetAmun]

Hestia stood on the outskirts of the festivities, her eyes watching the flickering flames of the bonfire and the shadows of the dancers crossing over her and the others. She adored the music, especially since she didn't get to hear the music as much as she wished.

Letting her eyes scan the crowd, Hestia was a little surprised at the amount of non Obans who were here. She had thought it would take a bit longer before they began to visit more, after the war. She could tell that many of the Pure Obans were keeping to themselves, though some of the younger ones were dancing with others of different races. She did not mind the other races and she wouldn't mind interacting with them either. She sighed softly as she swayed from side to side to the music before she joined the dancers moving around the fire, her skirt swaying as she moved.  

[nothin but a hound dog]

In her life Eleina had never been aloud to go to many festivals, at least no ones where she was able to wear what she wanted and act how she wanted. There was always a chance that if she pulled too much attention to herself that her mixed heritage would be reveled and things would go sour fast.

However this time was different, so Eleina dressed to impress and headed to the bonfire. It didn't take her long before she was dancing with everyone, trying her best to stand out. She was sick of fading into the background, she wanted eyes on her. She danced with the different races, noticing that there were a few of mixed blood as well, before finding herself near another Oban. "Hello! she called out towards Hestia. Dancing was fun and all, but she was kind in the mood to talk. She was curious to how purebloods felt about this kind of event.

BastetAmun

 

[Tasinei]

Elyessi

Mewsings of An Angel

If Karothdra were to dress all in black not a single soul would be able to see her as her skin perfectly meld with the shadows. Though now as she moved through the streets the light from the occasional hanging oil lamp would illuminate her features and the gold jewelry. However for the most part, Karothdra stayed within those shadows, avoiding the few people who were out at such a time. The bonfire was her destination for the evening and she`d had to slip out of her home like a burglar. Soon she would fix that an she wouldn`t have to sneak out if she wanted to leave the house.

It wasn`t until Karo had made it much closer to the fire itself did she begin to hear the music and voices. She`d heard this was the place to be that night and it certainly sounded like it. Before getting closer to the bonfire, Karo removed the cloak and left it in a safe place. She`d leave before the sun rose and she`d pick it up on her way back. She didn`t think anyone would be up early enough to find it anyway. And if they did, well… They`d have a beautiful cloak they could sell for quite a bit.

When she did step into the light with the other revelers her eyes cast a look around to see if she`d caught someone she might know. Perhaps Khalel would come out and join her, they hadn`t seen each other in a while it would be nice to see the Hybrid. Her eyes caught a few vaguely familiar faces, other nobles who had come out to get away from the everyday chains of social class. Karo walked further in and moved to join an Oban and a Hybrid, she`d over heard something about being a dancer and she was curious. She`d heard some Earthlings had come here seeking such a job.

“Excuse me for intruding,” she glanced to the Oban. “Have you had any luck finding work?”
 

[Aukai Oceansoul]

Kiyelt Kiyelt had been in Oba so long by now that he was somewhat surprised that his skin hadn't darkened to a dark leather. He had just come from the Xaraan farm that he had been interested in, sailscales and janarim following behind. Skiyaii practically glowed and it was the reflection of the fire off of his janarim's armor that let Kiyelt know that something interesting was happening. Huh dancing...when was the last time he had danced? Had he ever? He couldn't remember but it did look rather fun.

He trailed over to the edge, made sure that Iniu and Norcrest were perched safely on the janarim, then he leaped into the melee, Ice amoung fire, what an amusing thought.

As a beast charmer he had had a lithe body and after so much time chasing Oban critters he had lost any softness that he had had upon coming here. He swirled and swayed, lept impressively but his movements although beautiful were reminiscent of his past; a little to quick, a little lethal, beast charming had left its mark upon his body and his bones.  

[Elyessi]

Mewsings of An Angel

Tasinei

Nuri scratched his face as Laini blinked at him with her bright eyes. It was unnerving, her solid eyes against her dark skin. However, his nature forced him to keep himself rigid and polite, and he made sure to keep his features smooth as he listened to her explanation of why she was in Oba. Oh how his father would be livid to hear how so many foreigners were traveling to their lands and trying to intermingle.

Nuri, on the other hand, could understand the appeal. It was similar to him wanting to spend time with other warriors - there was a draw to lands that you envied, and others you wanted to be. He couldn't blame other Earthlings for coming here, even if the intermingling caused him to feel uncomfortable.

"I wish to be a fighter..." He said slowly, quickly catching on to her nervous movements as her hand went to her braid, "It is the greatest honor I can achieve to fight for Oba, and it's something I'm working toward right..."

He paused, suddenly, and turned to the newest arrival. Almost immediately, his shoulder softened at the sight of the dark Oban noble. He lowered his head in a bow as she spoke, more than willing to let her join the conversation without any sort of fuss.

"It is no intrusion, my lady." He echoed softly, letting her step in and speak her question to Laini. As she did, he eyed her form in the firelight, wondering if he had met her prior during one of the many noble gatherings. She did look remarkable, with her dark skin and bright crystals, and it wouldn't do for him to mistakenly insult her due to his forgetfullness. Quickly, Nuri realized they had never spoken before, and he felt some relief.  

[BastetAmun]

nothin but a hound dog

A voice speaking to her made Hestia turn and look at the other girl. Her eyes swept over her appearance quickly and she smiled at her. "Hello." She continued to dance even as she spoke, glad that she was able to have this time out and away from her family for a moment. As much as she loved her younger siblings, being the one who was responsible for them most of the time could very very tiring and annoying as well.

"I'm Hestia" She didn't know if she should have just gave her name right away, she was curious about the girl more then anything and she was always up to at least attempting to make friends. There was just the chance they couldn't exactly put up with her personality when it came to light.  

[nothin but a hound dog]

"I'm Elenia. Are you from around here? I don't think I've seen you before." she said never missing a step. This girl was good, and she hoped to be able to match her in skill. She wondered which city the girl was from, or if Elenia had somehow just missed her. It wasn't like she lived in a small place, or like she was able to get out as much as she would have liked.

As they dance she looked around, searching for any other halfbreeds like her. Although she did see other earthlings, and halfbreeds at that, none that were like her. It made her sad for a second, but she got over it. She knew there were others like her, they just had to come out of hiding.

BastetAmun