Welcome to Gaia! ::

Dancing. It was the only life that Nadia had come to live by. Countless nights had seen sprain joints, chipped hooves and even an occasional mar to her perfect skin due to numerous attempts to learn the most exotic and graceful moves of her craft. Hours had been sacrificed to hone her talents to perfection and once Phaeton blessed her to pursue her desire, she found power rewarded from all those years spent training. It had took longer then she had originally thought, but soon word of her abilities would finally reach those who would request an audience to see her perform.

She knew little of the one who requested her services, and even less about the city to which she was traveling to. Having grown up within the walls of Undalor, she never knew what to expect when she was asked to venture to Dialia. Gentle prodding to her fellow Phillians left her with a large and rather questionable idea of what to expect.

"Goody two-shoes" was one remark by a poor beggar who had long lost his way.

"Noble, yet pompous." A fellow dancer had remarked with a huff before crossing her arms against her chest. "Nothing like us, the opposite in fact."

"Think of the most arrogant person you could meet, and multiply it. They are known for following a 'just' path and some will snub their noses at you just because you are from Undalor. Trust me, Nadia, you are wasting your time and setting yourself up for misery.." The most recent advice had came from her closest concept to family, a Centaur by the name of Alexandria. She was a fellow orphan who had worked the streets and later learned a craft to earn an 'honest' living. They had been childhood friends and always took care of one another, and now that Nadia was heading outside the walls, Alexandria spoke freely of her annoyance in Nadia's choices.

An argument had pursued, and many words had been exchanged that would later be regretted. However, no time was given to apologies as Nadia had long stormed out and was gone before Alexandria had awoken the next morning. Now she ventured upon the unfamiliar road, a makeshift map clutched in her left hand and a look of stout determination reflecting upon her features. If the Solonas could be pompous, then so could she. If they tried to be arrogant, she would match them. If the advice from the others of Undalor should become true, then she would be prepared for anything that the residents could throw upon her.

Her steps increased as she found a bit of confidence and now eagerness to arrive to Dialia. She would dance her way through their hearts and make them love and desire her. Much like her God, she would leave them always wanting more and always keeping herself just out of their reach. That thought caused a faint smirk to come to her painted lips which quickly ceased as she found herself now gasping out in awe and disbelief.

It was beautiful, breathtakingly so. Golden flowers seemed to grow everywhere without a second thought and white circular buildings now dominated the view as she tried to peer to the top of the butte. There was multiple bridges and she swore they seemed to glow within the day's light....or maybe that was the rock itself? Curiously she began to tread up the walkway and if she had a fear of heights, she now resisted every temptation to allow this to be seen.

Nadia moved quickly, perhaps spurred by the unspoken fear to find herself even sooner approaching a gate that blocked the city. How curious and yet unexpected. Quickly her hands moved across her form, straightening any hair out of place and dusting off any evidence of her travels. In her mind, if she was to enter a new city, then she would look her best. With chin held high, she approached the city's gates. She didn't know what to expect from here, but then again, they didn't know what to expect from her either.

Nadia knew not what to expect when she started to approach the gates, but quickly she found herself halting as she widen her eyes. Dancers, clowns and even acrobats were pooling into the city's gates, chattering with excitement about some oncoming festivities. Keeping an ear open, she quickly learned the name of the Festival of Lights and what all it represented to the people of Dialia. Pursing her lips into a thin line, she debated with herself. There was entertainers from all over the continent and the competition they became was almost overwhelming. Like so many others, she had come here to get her first step towards fame and glory, but now? The odds were not in her favor.

"What am I to do..." She whispered to herself, already hearing the taunting words of Alexandria ringing through her ears. Perhaps this journey was a waste a time and a failure on Nadia's part.

Why didn't the letter she received earlier not inform her of Festival of Lights? Why didn't it provide her with more details so she would be better prepared? Worse...she knew nothing about the city, let alone where to go and who to speak with! Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down and to get her thoughts in order once more. "Very well...Phaeton is watching you, Nadia...you can not let him down. Not after he put faith in you.." Talking to herself once more, she shifted her blue gaze upon the gates before her once more.

There were a few gate guards about and though some seemed pleasant about the prospect of dancing and celebrations, one seemed...a little off. He seemed perhaps annoyed, or bored. Either way, perhaps his Gods wished to mock him or fate was cruel because soon Alicante would find himself approached by the Phillian dancer.

"Could you please assist me? I seem to have gotten a bit turned around and right now...well, I really could use the help of someone from Dialia.." Her voice was soft with a slight seductive roll to it and she even gave him a smile long perfected as a child on the streets. Everyone like beautiful women, and in Undalor, sometimes that could get you money for your next meal. "It would mean a lot to me.."

The fact her charms didn't seem to hold any effect upon him, and more so how he questioned her upon them, she was thankful when he turned his curiosity elsewhere. Apparently the need to serve as a Guard was a strict one as he no longer pursued the previous train of thought. Not that she wanted to answer him on those. "I was summoned here by..." She paused only long enough to lightly nibble upon her bottom lip, a habit that she had long developed when she was trying to remember something. "....Lord...Darius?" A well manicured brow was lifted as she hoped the name would ring a bell for Alicante, and surely it must!

The young Lord was hardly worth his title, a whelp compared to many. He had inherited his father's estates when the elder centaur recently passed and by the flamboyant displays of late night partying and womanizing, it was clear his bout of mourning was all to short.

In fact, he was trying so hard to make a name amongst his fellow peers that he had even invited Alicante to his parties, sending many invitations once the rumor of the God touched ability began to flow. With the Festival of Lights it would surprise none that he was once more trying to throw another lavished party to flaunt his new found wealth.

"I'm Nadia..." A stolen glance was given to the male, something quite enticing about the uniqueness of his features. He was nothing like what she had seen amongst her own caste with such lovely pale skin and even more so the intricate markings that patterned down his chest. "I just need some directions I think." Surely the city couldn't be -that- confusing!

"Are you trying to flatter me, Alicante?" She inquired as she shifted her gaze to him, a playful smile now given as she enjoyed the small bit of flirtation. True she had an abundance of other plans, ones that would be far more important then teasing a poor Gate Guard..but it didn't mean she couldn't enjoy herself somewhat. Besides, he was attractive and rather exotic looking compared to her own people.

Yet when he furrowed his brows and spoke of dancers long passed, a sense of worry began to tug at her mind and heart. For someone so careful to keep her emotions hidden behind a facade, a glimpse of honest concern and fear flashed upon her features before she would turn her gaze around him and sought to grasp at a small satchel that hung lazily around her waist. It was nothing fancy of course, made of scrap material she had scavenged over the years, but it served well as a makeshift bag. Digging through it, she pulled out a piece of a paper that was now tattered and torn.

Her fear was evident as she frantically tried to smooth out the paper and after a moment her gaze moved across the paper. No, she wasn't wrong....it was there. She was to perform for him. Sighing softly in relief, she held the paper for Alicante to take. "Is this the Lords seal?" There was a need to hear him confirm that she was right, that she hadn't traveled so far for nothing. For the moment, the smaller centaur was counting completely upon the male before her.

"T-three minutes?!" Any look of composure was completely forgotten and without a moment's hesitation she was grasping the Guards hand and trying to tug him behind her. "I have no idea where it is!! Please, show me and we have to hurry!!" From the distance she knew the city was very large and with no directions in her letter and no knowledge of how to get around it..she needed him! Nadia didn't even know if she was running the right way or not but she would be keeping a hold of Alicante's hand, her fingers entwining with his own to ensure she didn't loose him while hoping he would guide her to the Lord's estates so she could make the Audition! She needed this opportunity and she would be damned if she missed it!

Nadia laughed and held onto him as they ran through the streets. He had corrected her when they had gone the wrong way, but he was helping her nonetheless! They swerved between other centaurs; those often startled as the duo came running past them in hurry. He was even kind and slowed down some when she had started to struggle to keep up. She was fast, but he was far faster. It was no wonder they had him as a guard, surely nobody could outrun Alicante. When they arrived, she was out of breath but still laughing as she had enjoyed the run and the excitement it had entailed. With her hand still clasping his, she looked around in awe at the Lord’s Estates and for a moment she had forgotten she was here to perform and not gawk in amazement. Yet a knock on a door caught her attention and Nadia remained silent as Alicante spoke with the butler. A look of surprise came across her features as news of her being too late was heard and her eyes dropped for a moment as she felt the sensation of disappointment tug at her heart. Could her change be gone so quickly? Was her career done before she had even started it? Pursing her lips, she looked up to the butler before deciding she couldn’t give up, and would get into that show…or at least try. “I need this, and I’m sorry I’m late. This guard was kind enough to help escort me here. Please…let me slip in. I am worth the attention from your Master and I will please him.”

The female held her breath as she hoped he would allow her to enter without notice, to give her that chance that she so desperately needed. However, before any real exchange could be given a voice would arise from behind the Butler. It wasn’t common that a Noble would venture down into the servants area, but it wasn’t unheard of. Especially when one of his maids came running to tell him that the Godtouched centaur was here on his property.

Lord Darius was everything expected of a noble, his attire made from the finest and not only was it well fitted but it seemed to enhance his attractive features as well. Long silver strands were lightly pulled back into a low hanging ponytail which oddly looked befitting to the chiseled jaw and cheekbones of the male. Grinning, he would lightly tap the butler upon the shoulder before motioning for him to step aside. “I will handle…whatever is going on here. I’m sure you have something far more demanding of your attention.” He spoke with a sense of pride and undeniably with an air of elegance and arrogance. He was prideful and after inheriting a fortune from his deceased father, he loved the idea of creating a name for himself amongst those around him. Thus when the Godtouched soldier came to his front door, he rushed down to great him immediately. Perhaps he had changed his mind and was now attending his event tonight?

“Alicante! What a pleasant surprise to see you here! You know you broke my heart when you declined my invitation to my party tonight.” A smirk came upon his lips, a hand resting across his heart as if some pain ebbed through it once more at the memory of his declining. “And who have you brought with you? A date? Wonderful! Though I know many women will be heartbroken themselves when they learn someone has caught your eyes..” Like most aristocrats, he tried to cause drama and stir up rumors. Anything to increase the reputation of his name or the events he housed.

"Oh...what a disappointment that you won't be joining us after all, Alicante. It's a pity really...however.." Lord Darius smirked as he turned his gaze towards the dance, letting his gaze move across her form and though where most women would shift uncomfortably at such a gesture, Nadia merely stood there while clenching her jaw lightly. "You did bring me a very attractive dancer. For that, I am grateful...tell me dear, what is your name?" A sigh of relief was visible as Nadia quickly grasped he wasn't sending her away. Instead he was flattering her and that alone was a good sign. Perhaps she would dance after all.

"Nadia. I received your letter a few weeks ago." As if she needed proof, she was already digging to gather the tattered note once more before she felt the hand of another upon her face. So brazen was he the Lord had her chin grasped, eying her features over with a curious gaze before shifting his cold stare towards Alicante. "My, yes..she will be lovely. Though I'm afraid my position for dancers is filled for the party tonight. However...I do have a special after party planned where only my elite guest will be participating. You will dance there then." Perhaps unlike Alicante, Nadia had no idea what this special after party entailed, but she was willing to grasp at anything to try and get her future. "Yes, of course. Anything!"

Alicante would find himself soon being hugged by the female, her arms sliding around his waist as she embraced him tightly before moving to brush her gold painted lips along his cheek. "Thank you for bringing me here. It means a lot to me.."

"Splendid!" Lord Darius remarked as he gave Alicante a wink. "Thank you for such a lovely....dancer." If there was ever a moment exchanged, surely it was here. They both knew of the Lord's reputation and now he was going to prove that he really was the dirty b*****d that most spoke behind his back. His intentions were lewd and never that to benefit Nadia. "So, since Alicante is not to be your escort tonight, allow me. I would hate for you to attend a party without a man's arm to hang upon. I would be delighted to have such a charming woman there with me and I assure you, you will have the best wines and food you've ever tasted."

"I...um...I dunno.." A little flustered, she glanced over to Alicante before offering him a reassuring smile. "I probably should go I guess...I need to meet others that may hire me.." True she felt a little uncomfortable around the Lord, but there was no reason to fear him? After all, Alicante wouldn't have let her go with him if he felt there was something dangerous about him!

Nadia wasn't sure what to do as she looked at Alicante with a dumbfound expression. What was he doing? Surely he wasn't jeopardizing her chances? No, something told her not to assume as such and after a moment, she nodded her head in agreement. "Yes, after Alicante was so kind to bring me here, I would prefer to join him for tonight's party if that is alright. It would please me greatly." Lord Darius was clearly not amused by Alicante's actions and it was obvious as he wrinkled his nose in annoyance.

"I see...well then, who am I to stop such a evening for you two. However, I know the Lord General would agree...it's just...I don't have the room for another earlier dancer. I guess I will have to cancel the invitation for you Nadia. Don't get me wrong, you're still welcomed to come to the events, I merely just won't be needing your services. Unless you change your mind about the after party, of course.." Confused, Nadia turned her gaze towards Alicante, searching his features for some sort of answer. What was going on here? It didn't take a fool to realize there was some tenseness in the air between the two and though she didn't have all the facts, she was quite curious to learn the details.

Lord Darius never took his gaze off Alicante, and undoubtedly there was some unknown challenge in the scenario. On one hand, he knew how important it was for Nadia to have this dance..and because Alicante was now her personal escort, or so it seemed, he found himself wanting to torture the God Touched Centaur. In his mind, Alicante was beneath him, trash and not worthy to be seen amongst his kind. It was the gift of the Gods that made others accept him. "Well, either way. Nadia, have you found lodging? Why not stay here? I have several open rooms and you're welcome to stay as long as you need. Of course, I will have the servants help you get ready and then you can meet Alicante tonight. How does that sound?" Stunned, Nadia looked from Alicante to Lord Darius. What should she do? Accept? It would save her much needed gold..