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 Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 5:35 pm
Nuri stood outside the large building, the sun shining down into his dark eyes as he debating, yet again, on journeying inside. His father and brother had both entered the establishment on numerous occasions, and at his age and standing it would not be out of character for him to go in as well. Yet, with his training and focus, he found it hard to use his spare time to seek such entertainment.
And yet.
It had been weeks since he last saw the girl in the rain, the courageous Wind earthling that seemed quite keen on proving him wrong with his assumptions. It was well out of his character to notice such an individual, to think about a non-oban in such a way. It wasn't like he thought of her often, but every so often, when he walked close enough to hear the music or smell the scents, he thought of Aseara, and her offer for him to visit, and the sweet candy she gave him.
So, in a push of curiosity that was quite out of character, he went quickly to fetch a bag of candies. Of course, they were original for his sister, because the sweetness was well suitable for her tastes. It just happened he might have held one back, a pale blue flower still stuck in the wrapper, that was in his bags now along with his coin.
Today, he would journey inside. Today, he would see to it that she was still well and not traveling alone, and give back a sweet. Gazing up at the Red Amaryllis, he set his features in a controlled way, held his shoulders back, and walked slowly through the front door into the unknown.
He truly had no clue what he was getting himself into.
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Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:52 am
Elyessi Sorry this took so long! I got caught up in some things.
“Well hello sir, how are you this evening?” From behind her back, Afsana made a movement for Jova, a leaf and ice hybrid to step up. “This is Jova, she is one of our most talented dancers here.”
“Nuri?” Aseara blinked a few times at the Oban standing there in the customer lobby of the building. Her eyes moved to Jova and she straightened up immediately. She’d just finished with a client and had been heading to the lounge when she’d passed through. What bothered her was that Jova was standing there smiling at her like an idiot. Surely he wasn’t here to see… Jova? Aseara moved towards the group with a smile on her face and could already see the grimace on Afsana’s face. She’d been having some close run ins with clients recently, she was sure Afsana was suspicious of it all. Aseara had done nothing though.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, I know Nuri. I got lost once and he walked me home. I told him he could come visit me whenever he wished” She was not about to admit that he’d saved her from some robbers. “It’s good to see you.” Aseara shoot Jova a smug look, competition between the two had gotten quite hectic. Nuri was her friend, well customer and she wasn’t about to let her have him. Not happening. “Are you here for a dance?”
“Don’t you have a client to attend to?” Jova pipped up, Aseara turned to her with a smile.
“Not at all, I am all free.” She turned back to Nuri and gave him a shy smile. “How about a dance?”
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 10:56 am
To say he was out of his element would be an understatement. As soon as he walked into the establishment, the sights and the scents had overwhelmed the poor Oban. It must have been plain on his face, for Afsana caught him like a hawk on prey, and darted to his side in an instant. He had no clue what to say to the woman, nor to the strange earthling she brought before him. Mouth dry, Nuri found himself speechless as his eyes darted quickly between the two, surely appearing quite invalid and idiotic.
Thankfully, and possibly a bit ironic, Aseara moved in to save him from the woman. He found himself sending her a genuine smile from behind the two dancers as she caught their attention, wetting his lips and nodding in agreement to her words. As she took control of the conversation, he allowed himself to take a breath and relax, feeling quite comfortable now that there was a familiar face in the unfamiliar environment.
"I...yes. It is all true. Aseara promised me a dance the next time I came to visit, and I recall she told me that she was hand picked from her homeland for her talent alone." His eyes moved between her and the leaf and ice hybrid, "Considering she is free now..." His tone held a bit of finality as he glanced back at Afsana, waiting for her to argue with him, the customer. Waiting a beat, he moved toward Aseara, and offered her his arm.
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2015 1:55 pm
Praise Nuri, Afsana nodded seeing no problem with this and Jova scowled while Aseara smiled brightly at her. If he wanted Aseara then Afsana could not deny him, he was the customer and he chose. “Yes, yes of course. She will take great care of you.” And with that she stepped aside grabbing onto Jova so she moved aside too. Oh the Hybrid was not happy about this and Aseara was sure she would hear about it later but right now she had no care in the world. She took the offered arm with a smile and led Nuri out from the entrance into the hall.
“I didn’t think you’d come. How have you been?” Aseara had been certain Nuri had been shy about coming to the establishment, but she was happy that he was here as well. She didn’t have many friends and certainly an Oban friend could not hurt her reputation. Aseara was though; a little shy to dance for him, what if he didn’t like her dance? He’d praised her skills and now she had to live up to those expectations had she not? She was good, she knew she was good but her nerves could get in the way of a good performance.
Aseara led Nuri down a few corridors until they reached the main one and then she turned into one of the empty rooms. It was lavish, the floor carpeted with candles lit all around the room. The room itself was divided in half, with a stage at the far back and the rest of the room had large pillows made for lounging about. There was a low set table for drinks and a large silk see through sheet to separate the room from the stage. “Did you want something to drink? I can have someone bring you whatever you want?”
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 5:08 pm
Nuri felt immediately much more comfortable when Aseara took his arm, and he shifted to allow her to lead the way into the hall as they moved further into the building. As always, he made sure to note the direction they went, observant of each door and path just in case something would call him away without his guide. The noises were quite fascinating, because he was sure they would have been quite different. Just the thought alone caused a soft flush to cross his tan cheeks. Instead of what he expected, he heard soft tones of musician instruments, and sometimes the lilt of a maiden's voice.
"I have been doing quite well." He answered softly, still quite taken with the atmosphere as he turned and took in his hostess on his arm. He took in Aseara's garments, his dark gaze keeping a tasteful look at her new necklace and headdress, as well as her veil that covered her blonde hair. He was quite surprised at how well the Oban colors suited her delicate skin, and how pale her skin still was in the heat.
"I was meaning to visit you sooner and see how you have been." He admitted slowly as they entered the room, allowing her to go in first. He examined the room for a long moment, swallowing and feeling once more out of his element as he recalled what his brother told him of the establishment. Turning toward Aseara once again, he took a deep breath at her offer.
All at once, he remembered what he brought her, "I brought you some candy...it's from the same vendor that you went to that day we met...." He held out the small bag of sugar candies, delicately colored, before a thought struck him and he looked pained, "...I don't mean anything by this-this is just a gift because we are friends and it seemed appropriate to bring to visit and I by no means am asking for any sort of favors from you in return or...anything of the sort..." As he trailed off his hand dropped a bit and his cheeks warmed a darker shade. Curse his brother for putting thoughts in his head.
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 9:27 am
“That’s good.” Aseara said giving him a smile. She didn’t know too much about Nuri, they hadn’t had much time to talk last time but perhaps this time she could find out more. Find out who he was, if he was here it meant he was a noble but she knew little else. “Don’t worry, I know you must be busy with your training.” At least he had visited and that’s what really counted. She didn’t know how comfortable he was coming here, he’d seemed a little flustered before she’d saved from Jova and Afsana at the entrance. Alone now, she hoped he’d sit back and relax.
“Candy?” Her mouth fell open in surprise as she quickly turned to him, excitement written all over her face. Aseara’s hands clasp both the bag and his hands as she almost jumped about from happiness. “Thank you Nuri these are amazing.” Aseara didn’t really know how to respond to his other words. She knew he didn’t mean anything by the candies or wanted to ask for any favors, though she would have gladly accepted any favor he asked of her since saving her life was a debt she did not know how to repay. “Don’t worry about it Nuri, I know we are friends.”
Taking the bag from him she opened it up to grab one of the little candies inside to pop into her mouth. “Mmm.” She gave him a smile and offered the bag to him to share the gift he’d given her. “Want one?” He hadn’t said if he’d wanted anything to drink, or if he’d wanted a dance so Aseara went and pulled the cord by the door once. It didn’t take long for a knock to come at their door and then a servant stepped inside. “I would like some water please,” Aseara turned to Nuri to see if he wanted anything to drink.
Once the servant was away, Aseara moved around the coffee table and settled herself down on one of the large cushions. If Nuri wanted a dance he was going to have to ask her, the Wind girl wanted to see his expression when he did. “You know, I know very little about you.” Aseara propped her head on her hand as she looked at him with a curious expression.
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Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2015 5:28 pm
Tasinei I am 100% winging the drink haha.
Nuri took one for himself when she offered, and watched curiously as she moved to a chord that dangled off to the side of the room by the door. As the knock came, he quickly realized what it was for and quickly spoke up when she ordered the drinks.
"If you have a Jatine Mead, I'll take some...otherwise a water is fine."
As Aseara moved to sit at the coffee table, Nuri moved to join her, settling down and letting his features calm. The sugar candy had left a sweet taste on his tongue, and now as Aseara began the conversation with her statement and curious expression, he returned it with a raised brow.
"Well...where do I begin..." He started slowly, trying to remember what they spoke of during their short walk in the rain, "I was born in a noble family...the middle child. I have an older brother set to take over after my father retires, and my younger sister will be married off in an arranged marriage once she is of age. I have decided to join the army so that I can bring my family honor."
As he spoke of his family, he smiled softly, always the thought of his family warming him close to his heart. He glanced back to his attentive audience, "Family is quite important here in Oba, as I'm sure you must be aware...it must be the same where you are from, yes?"
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Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 6:32 am
It wasn`t long before there was another soft knock before the door opened. The servant held a tray with both drinks, the Jatine Mead for Nuri which she placed by his side on the coffee table and water with a sour fruit slice by Asearas side. The Wind girl went for it and took a few sips before settling it on her leg and enjoying the cool sensation. The servant left just as quietly as she had entered, Aseara almost didn`t notice them anymore. She was getting used to having others take care of her… It was still just a bit odd.
It was odd, listening to him as he spoke about his family and apparently an arranged marriage? Would it be rude to ask about it? Maybe, she wasn’t too sure. It seemed to be some sort of common occurrence within the noble families of Oba. “Will you ever marry or will the army keep you away?” Aseara didn’t know why she had asked him, she imagined his brother was married and his younger sister was getting married. “If you don’t mind me asking.” Perhaps after that she’d be able to ask about his sister’s marriage or how those worked in general.
When he ask her about family back home her felt her heart clench tightly in her chest. Aseara froze and her expression faltered, she turned to look away from Nuri and ran a hand through her hair. How did she answer this question? Yes family was important where she came from, but she’d been left orphaned by the war with Oba. How did you explain such a thing to an Oban? She didn’t want to make Nuri feel bad for something he had not done. It wasn’t like she wasn’t thought much about her parents since she’d left home to come here.
Gathering her thoughts, Aseara pushed her family out of her mind. “Yes family is important; we’re a tribe so it is very tight knit.” Feeling uncomfortable Aseara took a sip of her water and placed it back on the coffee table? “Did you want a dance?” She offered him a smile and hoped he didn’t dig too deeply about the whole family thing. She didn’t exactly want to explain her parents had gone missing during the war with his people.
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2015 11:23 am
Watching as the servant returned with the drinks, Nuri nodded once as she set them down, his hand moving to clasp the slightly warm cup a moment while he spoke. When she spoke up in return, he looked at her a long moment before lifting his drink for a sip, the honeyed drink drenching his throat and leaving a light burn. He would never get used to the drinks that his father enjoyed, but ordered them anyway as they seemed to help him relax after his training. Taking a breath, he enjoyed the smell before placing the cup back on the coffee table.
"No. I was never meant for marriage. When I informed my father of my intention to join the army, he was quite happy. I would only be pressured into a marriage if I achieved a high standing within the army. Right now I am nothing, so I am no perspective husband."
Simple. Straightforward. Honest.
He watched her patiently as he waited for her to answer his question in turn. Noticing her expression, he chose not to comment, and he let the silence fill the room. It was clear with her answer that she avoided the question, he would be a fool not to notice. But once again, he chose not to comment. Instead, he focused on her question. A dance.
What did she mean a dance. Was she going to dance with him, or for him? Would she move to the stage while he sat and watched her, or would she dance like his fellow warriors often jested, moving together as one. Swallowing, he found himself quite uncertain how to answer, and he quickly fumbled to take another drink. This one was a much deeper pull, and seemed to burn a little more.
"I...have never been offered a dance before." He admitted with the cup still at his lips, before setting it down and lifting his jaw, "The only dance I have ever seen is the dance of the warrior...and I must admit I am curious..." His voice was soft, and as he trailed off, his eyes darted to the stage, before he sent a questioning gaze toward Aseara.
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2015 10:10 am
“Well I know firsthand you`ll make an excellent addition to the Oban army.”
Another Oban tradition, marriage seemed so odd here. Back home Aseara would have been allowed to marry whoever she fancied; it made her wonder if she would ever get married while here. She certainly couldn’t do so while working for Afsana however and there would come a time that she could no longer dance. The thought briefly worried her, would she return him or stay and help around. Granted, Aseara didn’t plan on saying a nobody in this place for long. She had ideals and goals and she was sure her time spent here wouldn’t be badly spent. If she did want to get married, she would simply leave Afsana.
“Really?” Aseara was all too pleased and happy to hear his answer. “The dance of the warrior? Never heard of it, you’ll have to show me some day.” Then her eyes light up and the Wind girl bounced up and made her way towards the door. “I will make sure this is the best dance you ever receive. I’ll be right back.”
Excited, Aseara left the room and made her way over to one of the servants. She requested some musicians and then went back to the room.
“Can’t dance without some music.” Moving towards the stage, Aseara stepped up on the stage and turned arund just in time to see the door opening and a girl stepping in and bowing. “This is Myranya, she’ll be our musician for the evening.” The woman smiled and settled herself on the corner of the stage. “You’re more than welcomed to come and sit in the front row Nuri.”
“Sir, do you have any special requests? Perhaps some songs you know that you would like to see interpreted in dance?” Asked Myranya.
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2015 11:00 am
He gave out a rare smile at her complement, his teeth shining against his dark skin at the remark. However, his expression soon turned to surprise as she seemed to bounce up and all but rush around the small sitting room and prepare for the dance. His eyes darted after her form as she made way to the door, before she left the room and he was left to silence.
Blinking a few times, Nuri looked around the room before letting out a soft chuckle at everything that happened.
When Aseara returned, he straightened and nodded at her remark, his eyes darting to the door once more to look at Myranya and nod to her once.
"Oh...right..." He murmured, moving to stand as he left his drink at the table and moved to where the seating was in front of the stage. As he settled, his thought over the request from the musician, "I...have no special requests. Please feel free to choose a song that you feel suits Aseara best."
As he finally settled, he looked up to his friend and waited, not quite sure what would happen but remarkable curious and somewhat excited for the dance.
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2015 11:22 am
A smile slowly formed on Myranya’s lips and she turned to offer a wink to Aseara. Oh yes, she knew exactly which song to play for this young noble. The musician nodded once to Aseara who placed herself in center stage, closed her eyes putting her feet together and hands to her side. The song was a slow one meant for those watching to see the flow of movements and how precise one had to be. The Wind girl recognized the song immediately and when it was her queue to start, she forgot all about Nuri and it was as if she was dancing for herself.
The song was meant of course for noble men to want to spend money on the girls, to attract them. Nuri didn’t seem like that type, not to Aseara anyways. So she danced for herself and it was probably one of the best dances she’d done in a while. Myranya was all too pleased with her song choice; she would have to talk to Afsana about Aseara’s amazing performance. That woman was always looking after her favorite employees and Aseara was one of them. She was certain by the end of this song Nuri would return.
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2015 11:37 am
Nuri watched Myranya as she began to play, the music filling the room and setting the mood. It was slow and he found his eyes drifting back toward the Wind Earthling as she began to move, his eyes unable to resist taking in her form. There was no way he would miss the movements of her body - the flow of her body was like water as she shifted and moved. His eyes caught the curves as they brushed across her clothing and he found himself entranced, caught up only in her form and the music, nothing crossing his mind.
For the first time in a long time, nothing else crossed his mind and he found himself thinking of nothing but what was before him.
Aseara was not kidding when she said she had skill, she truly was an artist with her body, and the words she spoke were with her form. Even the trained warrior before her lost his composure as he noticed the movements from her head all the way to her toes. She broke through his barriers and caught his entire attention - a dangerous skill that would defeat any man.
Nuri finally understood why so many came to the Red Amaryllis. If it wasn't for the company, it was the music. And if it wasn't for the music, it was for the dancing. This performance alone he would watch again and again, if only to help him escape from the worries of the outside world.
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2015 2:31 pm
Ever so in sync with the music, when it ended so did her movements. Myranya stood up and both she and Aseara bowed. As much as Aseara liked dancing, she also did like having alone time with Nuri.
“Thank you Myranya, I think we’ll be fine for now.” The girl gave Aseara a smile and left quietly.
Jumping off the stage, Aseara went to get her water and finished the drink. She wouldn’t mind another but for now she’d be fine. She moved around and took a seat next to Nuri on the couch pulling up her legs under her.
“So what do you think? Did you like it?” She was excited to learn what he thought.
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Posted: Sat May 02, 2015 4:10 pm
Nuri found his eyes had dried slightly as the dance began to end, and he blinked slowly once it finished. His eyes moved up Aseara's form to look at her face, studying her expression and realizing that she seemed to be as lost in the movements as he had been. He cleared his throat as she sent the musician away and moved to get her water, not following her in an effort to collect his thoughts.
The energy of the room seemed to have changed, a calm filling the silence between the two. Nuri didn't want to break it, his mind moving and replaying the dance again and again. Aseara had embodied the dance and created a story with her moves, one he still tried to translate but found he could not. As she took a seat next to him, he startled and turned to look at her once more. Her question further caught him off guard, and he took another second to process and determine his answer.
"You...you weren't kidding." He said at last, his lip lifting slightly before he elaborated, "I couldn't think of anything but you and your dance. I have never seen anything like it. I still don't know what to think...but..."
He trailed off, and he ran his hand through his hair as his eyes darted away, "...the dance of a warrior is about swordplay and movement. It's about reading your partner and dodging and striking. It's communicating and reading and tricking. Your dancing was a different. I liked it."
As he said that, his cheeks warmed again, because he didn't know what message she was giving, but he did know that he enjoyed it, and wanted to continue. He liked sitting here and talking with her, even if she was a Wind Earthling. There was something easy going about her, something refreshing. And the dance...it was breathtaking. Nuri understood why so many others came here, and now could see why they came again and again. He wanted to come again.
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