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 Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:26 pm
Despite the n** in the air, business was as lively as ever in the port town that Siel had decided to camp out in. He’d been on his own for a little while now and while he missed traveling with his family there was something about striking out for his own that emboldened him. The hybrid had made good friends with some of the local performers which did well for his reputation and now most days Siel could be seen playing his steel drum near the wharf.
Most days he played with a few matorians; one who danced and one who carried a lute. Today, however, he’d struck out a little earlier and was casually padding out a tune to carry in the day.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:27 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
Quiana had only been in Matori for a day and she was already feeling restless. The Elidae had hitched a ride with merchants after meeting up with someone awfully similar to her, the hybrid making Quiana uneasy and curious at the same time. While the others gathered supplies the Elidae was off exploring the strange coastline. While others had offered a cloak to hide her unique traits the Elidae scoffed at such a thing. Why did she need to hide? If she was obviously a foreigner then what would a cloak do other than also draw attention? Rather than looking shady she would just stand out for what she was - a proud strong Aishan warrior from across the ocean. Her bow was tucked against her back, the brightly colored feathers only found in the region of Kahi where she hailed from, and her colorful skirts only did more to show how vibrant her whole ensemble was. Jangling beads in her dreads and along her wrists did nothing to quiet her approach and she could only offer sly smiles to anyone who stumbled at the sight of the strange woman with brilliant green eyes.
Now that she had decided to venture away from the town, Quiana found herself admiring the beach. It was a bit rockier here, the sands not as brightly colored and the waves were murkier than the crystal clear waters of her home in Khai, but it was not a horrible sight. I suppose it's pleasant enough to others, especially earthlings. She mused before sudden noise caught her attention. The Elidae quirked her head with interest before starting to take off, her bangles chiming slightly as she went to investigate the source of the noise. Was that the sound of drums?
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:28 pm
A few passing dockworkers paused in their morning commute to throw a hand up for Siel and he smiled in kind. He’d propped himself up against a low stone wall so that the sun hitting the rocks at his back would keep him warm. Without his usual group around him, Siel was able to really take in the quay and the oddities it brought in. To that end it wasn’t hard to spot a strange figure making their way closer.
He’d never seen an Elidae before, but Siel knew the descriptions well enough. Paler than any other Aishans, they were more akin to the Kahikina they shared a home with than their actual cousins. At first he wasn’t quite sure what direction she was going, but when it seemed as if she were coming his way he changed his tune to something a little brighter and playful. Since his steel drum wasn’t nearly as deep as a traditional drum he liked to think the notes could carry further, and if anything Siel kept his heterochromatic gaze on the figure.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:29 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
Ah, there it was. Quiana's antenna seemingly perked up when she located the source of the noise, a strange man with interesting eyes. Her lips curved up into a slight smile as she walked forward without hesitation so that she could watch the performance. Was it normal for earthlings to provide entertainment like this? The thought both amused and intrigued her since she too was fond of music, something that was not as appreciated by most sisters as participation in the hunt was more important. Or perhaps it was because she used music as a distraction so that she could skirt around chores? Quiana's smirk only grew at the thought as she realized that she could have some fun for once now that she wasn't at the island. Gesturing for a few other earthlings to join her, the Elidae winked towards the drummer before swaying about and beginning to dance along with the music. It was almost like a challenge to see who would join in the dance and to see if the music could match her own movements as she started to express her own special skills of entertainment.
Something she was once chastised for could really be a good stress relief from all of this traveling business, right?
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:30 pm
Siel wasn’t sure what to expect, honestly. His interactions with Aishans generally ranged from dismissive to outright curt, but when he caught her wink his smile grew. The hybrid sat up a little straighter and shifted from playing lackadaisically to outright jaunty. As much as he was enjoying the impromptu dance there weren’t many other takers at first. It was still too early in the morning, too much to do…but then there were the young ones. A few teenagers, all elbows and awkward feet, pushed each other closer.
One lad, a boy that Siel had seen around the docks nearly every day, tried his best to copy the Elidae’s movements, but with a lot more hesitancy. When he caught Siel’s eye the hybrid mouthed, Go, go, go in encouragement.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:31 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
Quiana knew that she was different from most of those that she grew up with, but honestly she didn't mind. As long as she wasn't forced to get her hands dirty (something that had actually changed after living with the Kahi for a few weeks) the Elidae didn't mind having a bit of fun. Dancing was most definitely something she enjoyed to do so she didn't even hesitate to playfully bump into some of the teens that she had gathered, the Elidae laughing at their awkwardness instead of judging as she was simply enjoying not being alone in this morning mischief. She had noticed that the hybrid had picked up with his music, the outright jaunty making her expression only brighten as she even made certain to slow down some of her movements to show a teen how the moves were done.
"They step left and then right like that." She instructed, her voice tinged with a foreign accent even though she spoke common, "And then you twist." Another laugh as she reached out for a hand and twisted the teen around before letting go of the flushing Matori as they got stolen away by another. Eventually though her movements slowed down as she boldly approached the drummer, curiosity still in her gaze. "Do you normally drum this early in the day or is this a special occasion?" She teased lightly, her hand flicking back stray dreads that had slipped from their braid that twisted all the way down her back. "And do you dare dance or is drumming it?"
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:31 pm
At first the boy’s skin flushed a bright purple, but as his friends were bumped and started to laugh he started to loosen up as well. Siel could see the cabin boy slowly start to pick up the footwork and with it came a sense of confidence. He wasn’t nearly as fluid as his Elidae partner, but if he kept it up Siel had little doubt he could get there.
Siel didn’t miss a beat as the ringleader came closer. By now it would have been obvious that he was larger than normal earthlings, though not nearly as large as a full blooded Aishan. His eyes sparked with mischief, the gold gleaming like a devil’s mark upon his face. “Today’s a special performance.” His fingers tapped against the side of the steel drum; slowing down to the point he could hold a conversation, but upbeat just enough for the still goofing teens. “If you don’t mind dancing without music I can show you, though I doubt that would make for much of a show.”
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:32 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
Happy to cause a bit of fun this early in the morning, Quiana had to admit that she appreciated the earthlings that jumped into the fun. She especially was admiring the hybrid who had contributed with his music, the very reason she had gotten dancing started in the first place. His traits definitely were noticeable and she couldn't help staring at those bi-colored eyes that gleamed in the morning light. While she was petite for an Aishan it looked like he was taller than the earthlings she had encountered so far...so another Aishan hybrid like the girl she had met? Either way that didn't matter in the moment as long as he continued to keep holding her interest like he currently was.
"That would be unfortunate." She teased with a glance towards his drum. "Maybe that just means we would have to find a place where we can get music and dance together?" The flirtation slipped from her lips easily as the Elidae studied him more, her fingers tapping playfully against her chin as if pondering their options. "Or I can always provide some form of music if you dance alone though I feel like that's far less fun overall." Even if watching would be interesting, to see how earthlings normally move there was something much more enticing about the idea of dancing together.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:33 pm
Siel pursed his lips and let out a low whistle that was quickly followed with a smirk. “As sure as the tide, I’ll need some help by the end of the evening because if I’m already drowning in your eyes then I’ll be down with the coral by moonlight.” His first encounter with an Elidae and she was a feisty one. He couldn’t say he didn’t appreciate it, though; Siel loved his fun just as much as music.
“How about this then~” Siel waved one of the cabin boy’s over and motioned for him to sit. He’d taught the boy enough in their downtime to be able to keep up a rhythm, and the teen was eager enough to keep up his lessons. Except, this time, instead of sitting with the boy Siel moved to stand. The music now was less professional, but still as jaunty when Siel started to sidestep around her. He clapped along with each beat of the drum, his smile bright and infectious, until he reached a hand out for her.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:34 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
At first Quiana was completely surprised by the flirtation, but then a delighted laugh escaped her. After seeing so many skittish earthlings it was lovely to encounter someone that was actually fun! If she had to rebel against her Aishan roots then surely she'd found someone that caught her interest now. Not like she had time for that with her family quest, but surely just some fun now would be fine. What did it hurt to dance and have some fun in the moment?
"You must have seen some amazing oceans if the colors of my eyes remind you of their depths." Her own home had sparkling green waters in the early rays of morning, their color so sharp and clear that you could see the fish below. But so far this new ocean had seemed darker, the sparkling waters beautiful in their own way but harder to see through. "Is this when I should say that surely time is lost when someone gets lost in your gaze since you hold both the sun and moon?" Quiana teased back lightly as she appreciated the unique gaze the hybrid had, her fingers reaching out to take his hand. Despite the difference in music Quiana found herself matching the new rhythm, her hips swaying as she boldly tugged the hybrid towards her as if enticing him to move her way before acting as if she would dart away again. It was a playful move, the Elidae simply making a game of the dance that matched the drums until the earthling dared to take over the dance and forced her to follow his steps.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:35 pm
“You can see hundreds of oceans if you’re brave enough to dream.” His earliest memories consisted of being buried in sand while the wild waves of Matori crashed up around him only to shift into the darker waters of Yael and Belrea as he grew. Siel was a nomad, through and through, who was just as much of a lover as his Papa. Whether that was enchanting seascapes, haunting ballads, or exotic women…Well, who could pick?
Siel couldn’t help the light, excited laugh that slipped out. “Ooo, I like you.” Despite his size, Siel couldn’t match a pure blooded Aishan and by the time he’d adjusted himself to her rhythm she was darting away. Their impromptu drummer gave a little chuckle of his own and Siel found himself grinning before stepping in. Instead of reaching for her again, he gave a side step and spun around her, getting just close enough to give her arm a playful tap before darting away.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:36 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
"Good thing I'm feeling brave lately." Replied Quiana as she twisted around the hybrid, another laugh leaving her lips at the compliment. "That's good. It would be a shame if you didn't." Maybe she wouldn't have cared normally, but she was having so much fun and as entertaining as it could be to watch the fires of frustration this other type of exhilaration was nice.
She hadn't expected the playful escape, the hybrid's elusive dancing bringing out the predator in the Elidae who simply grinned at the challenge. She didn't want the dance to turn simply into a child's game of tag and so she followed the rhythm, some of her movements a little more sensual whenever she knew she had his gaze before she turned away again to twist around the side in an attempt to lightly brush against him, her hip jutting out just enough to tag him. Quiana knew she could reach out to snag him but she wanted to see what he was up to, the Elidae simply following the rhythm before gesturing to see if she could entice him forward or if he would dart away again.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:37 pm
It was a game of the highest order. Siel moved back into her sphere, pulled by the rhythm of her hips and every time she turned he stepped to match. The hybrid stepped in close, nearly chest to chest with the Elidae before shifting just enough that his thigh brushed against hers. If he noticed the way their little drummer was watching, his eyes wide and enraptured, he didn’t let on.
A crowd was starting to form in earnest around the pair. As playful as the dance was it was odd enough for the small, fishing dock to garner some odd looks.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:37 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
Quiana was loving every moment of this. There was just something so thrilling about being able to dance openly with anyone, especially an earthling hybrid, and it was only heightened more by the skill and daring personality of her partner. Every little movement was like a game between predators, seeing who would linger before pulling away last minute in a teasing manner and twisting to the music. Even as Quiana eyed the crowd all she could do was smile as she slid closer to her dance partner again. "Maybe we should have left something out to collect payment." She teased quietly. "Probably should prepare a good conclusion either way. I'll follow your lead." She was willing to give it back to him, eager to see what type of finishing display they could come up with on the spot.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 2:38 pm
“It’s a little late now,” Siel murmured. “They’ve already gotten the whole show for free.” Siel’s bare free twisted against the smooth, well worn stone pavement. His body moved of its own accord and his soul carried him through the steps without any thought. Any finishing moves he’d tried in the past wouldn’t work with her because of their size differences so Siel flipped the script. “Dip me; I’ve always wanted to try it.”
He slipped his arm across her shoulders in preparation and started to lean his body weight into hers.
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