For the People. I play away my heart. (Viper, open)

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV Gin woke up hot and flustered, jolting up, as the she had that night seeped back into her mind. She blushed wildly. This man, he had to be real, she felt so strong a connection to him. But why was that? The scenes replayed in her mind, making her blush even more, her heart pounding. She gripped at her heart and took deep breaths as the man's name passed her lips. "Ricky...." It seemed so vivid, like the dream had not in fact been a dream, but maybe something of a memory. She touched her lips, feeling as if someone had actually kissed her. What was wrong with her? She felt torn, and sad, like she was lonelier then she normally was. Like she longed for his touch again, a touch that she had not actually felt. She shook her head and looked around her tent. She was now back in her tent, not that cabin in the Sea of Grass that her mind had made up. She checked her back, she felt a bit sore, but there was no bleeding. She checked her head, a little hot, but she assumed that she would be fine after a little while. She stretched out and yawned, smacking her lips together, licking them and trying to remember what it was she had to do today. When she remembered she jumped out of her blankets and rushed to the opening of her tent, she looked for the sun which was up, but as far as she could tell, it was not to far up. She sighed and went back into the tent and changed out of her sleepwear. She slipped on her normal blue dress and red cloak, pulling her hood over her head. Her boots, well worn, slipped on her feet with ease. She grabbed her harp, which was in it's leather cover and patted it. "Morning father." She smiled, her voice ringing in the tent. She nodded and left out of the tent. She had made this trek so many times that she had it memorized. For now, she was a working woman. She paced herself, walking along the already busy walkways, dodging people here and there, seeing people training and laughing. Little kids playing and teasing other little kids. This was the norm for her. And she loved it, just like the rest of this place. She noticed people whispering and pointing at her excitedly, but she ignored them and kept going. She knew when she arrived at her destination when she saw the green pavillions marking her work place. A Hunter's Rest stood in front of her and she smiled. This was it. Another day at work, another day to earn money with her songs. Another day to let the world her her pour her heart out for it. She smiled and walked into the pavillion and through the crowd, her hood now down. She found a spot to play that was close to the hustle and bustle of the buisnesses, but just far enough away that her performance would not inadvertantly completely distract customers. She looked around and wondered what song she should do, but it did not take her long to figure it out. She played the song she played when she first came here, her mother's song, and the one she knew the best. She was still unsure of herself on any of the other songs. She took her harp out of it's case and quickly made sure it was in tune and that there was little to no damage to the wood. When she confirmed it was fine she smiled and sat down. Placing the wonderful instrument on her lap. She placed her fingers in a ready position just above the string as she started to count in her head. She started playing the melody on her harp, the familiar tin of the notes echoing in the area, resonating under her fingers. The lovely rythum she played her notes in the same as always as she swayed back and forth and tapped her foot lightly on the ground and soon she started in. "The ghouls are lurking, as the birds are chirping all in the forest, she sleeps." She started singing in the same melodic line that was spilling out of her harp. Her voice and harp together melodically. Her fingers seemed to want to add notes though, and she just let them. She was so into her song already, that even when she did mess up it did not seem to matter. She loved this song which her mother gave to her, and it was evident as she played. "The cries of the widow and the flowers in the meadow, With furry comp'ny she keeps." The melodic line stayed the same pretty much, but her voice started to crack every once in a while, she layed the song out for the listeners, just as if she they were her best friends and she were telling them her biggest secret. The harp cried out with her voice, both seeming to echo through the busy pavillion. "The horse has a start and the man with a heart, will reach out to her as, she weep." The change in this verse was very noticable, the rythem sounded just a bit different, but what was really noticable was the change in the melodic line, when her voice groped for the high notes she missed. But she kept going, as if it never happened. She would not give away the fact that she had messed up, she fought the urge to do so, she kept going. Her fingers still flying across her strings. "The land as it mends, and the hand that depends on the man that makes not, a peep." The original melodic line crossed her lips. But this time it was a hushed whisper, she had made a habbit of doing this ever since she did it her first day on the job. And in this open area, being quiet hardly mattered, it seemed to carry anyways. She was smiling at herself, the familiar silence falling around her as she knew people were watching her. Her heart started racing. "The hope in her eyes, that will be your demi-i-ise," She completely changed the melodic line, cutting it off with her voice, but letting it go on with her harp. As she did this, suddenly memories of the dream from the night before flashed in her mind and she blushed a bit and coughed quietly, but she continud on. "No one can pretend when the day comes to an end, that she is the wolf and the sheep." When she was finished, she let her fingers hover around the strings, letting the silence settle in around her. She opened her eyes and smiled, closing her eyes again as she plucked the last few chords of the song. She sat there in wait, when a burst of applause and cheers errupted. She blushed even more and smiled at the onlookers, waving in thanks. She did not deserve such applause. She was not that good. But she would thank them anyways. It was all she could do. But then she paused, hearing a familiar voice come to her ear.

[Viper]

As he was walking by the Hunter's Rest tavern, a familiar voice had captured his attention instantly. He stopped in his tracks and looked into the establishment as he slowly walked through the entrance. A warm smile slowly shown through on his expression when he confirmed who it was he heard. So, she had managed to find work utilizing the talent she had briefly demonstrated during that day they spent together a couple weeks ago. He had been wondering how she was fairing and had actually been meaning to call on her soon to see for himself. What a fortuitious circumstance this was indeed.

Quietly making his way through the crowd, he found an open space against against the wall not far from her that he leaned against. Had it really been two weeks since he had last heard her sweet voice. That voice which seemed so comforting and luring. His smile never faded through her entire performance, and he once again found himself getting lost in those beautiful blue eyes. As the song came to a close and her finger pulled the final stringshe clapped alongside all the other patrons who shared his opinion of her abilities.

As the sound of clapping and cheering began to ebb however, he pushed off from against the wall and closed the not so great distance that remained between them. "Well if it isn't the beauty with the voice of an angel." Pulling up a chair he sat down next to her and flashed another one of his warm smiles. "How are ya Gin? It's good to see you again." For some reason, he found his heart began to beat just a bit faster. It wasn't a great deal...but it was enough for him to notice. His outer expression however, betrayed no sign of nervousness. Only that he was very happy to see her once again.

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued Her smile grew so big it was amazing, she had been wanting to talk to Viper for some time since the accident, she just had not known where to look, and he just happened to find her. A small blush appeared on her face from his compliment though. She looked away for a moment to get herself together. When she felt that her heart was going close to a normal pace again she looked at him again and smiled. "You exadgerate way to much my friend, but it is nice to see you again. And I am quite fine, thank you for asking." Her fingers playing simple cords absent mindedly. She looked at him, and looked at his hand and was relieved to see that it looked as if it were at least partially healed. Though she did not know the extent of which it had been healed, there were signs that he could use it normally now. She smiled and looked at back up. Her clear blue eyes looking straight at him, "It seems you are also doing well, how have you been since the accident?" She could feel the people around them staring at her, but she ignored it as best she could, her fingers playing chords in different orders and speeds, like a nervous tick. It was obvious it bothered her that people were just staring at her to be staring at her and not to be listening to music. She felt a little uncomfortable, but it could also be seen that she was trying to deal with it. Like she felt she could just push the problem to the back of her mind.

[Viper]

Viper did really notice her finger nipping at the cords of her instrument in a nervous fashion. He had been focusing on her face. However, when she seemed grew uncomfortable from the staring of the less than polite patrons, he noticed that in her eyes. "I uh..." He paused for a moment as he glanced around to see what it was that had caught her attention. It didn't take long for him to realize what was causing her annoyance. His eyebrows raised as he stared back with a "really guys" sort of look, till they all turned away. With a slight frown, he turned back toward Gin and shook his head, somewhat taken aback by their rudeness.

His smile began to return as he continued, "I'm doing well." He raised his arm up a little, though he didn't reveal the injuries themselves. "The old arm is just about good as new. Thanks again for your help back there." It was then a waitress walked on by and asked if he wanted anything. Viper ordered an ale and whatever Gin would have wanted. As she disappeared to fetch the drink, he ran a hand through his hair, trying to collect his thoughts. He had been wanting to invite her to ride again, but wondered if now would really be an appropriate time.

He took a breath as he tried to find the words which for some reason he couldn't explain were disappearing into thin air. "So...uh...how have you liked workin' here? It seems like you have a pretty good bunch here that appreciate your abilities." Ugg! Really Vipe! What in the world is wrong with you? You're just asking if she'd still like to take those lessons in riding that were already promised before. To late to try and ask now. Now you get to just sit here and wait till she answers your terribly mundane question. Gah! Never was good at small talk. Always just end up sounding stupid. Now how true this was may or may not have been something he simply conjoured up due to his own self doubt.

Although he did his best to hide his own growing nervousness, he began to absent mindedly crack his knuckles and fingers. And annoying habit he always had when nervous or about to start something challenging.

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued Gin's playing stopped when she looked up and noticed people were not staring at her. Silently she praised Mizahar for it and looked back at Viper as she gave him a smile. Listening to him talk. His voice seeming to shake her whole being. When he said he was buying her a she almost forgot to respond, she asked for a small ale, claiming she did not wish to start singing songs in to much of a drunken stuppor. Why was he affecting her this way? Was this because of that dream she had had just that night? The thought of the dream made her blush. Her mind wandered for a moment, but she quickly reigned it in. Keep focused on Viper, Gin! She smiled at him and even gave a small chuckle at his hesitation, and slightly interesting question. "I have liked it so far, I have been working here since the beginning of the season. The people are nice, though I believe sometimes they are a little to kind for me. Either that, or just really drunk. That song is really the only song I could ever consider myself masterful at, if even that." She sighed. That is when she noticed the knuckle cracking. For a moment she looked a little concerned. She leaned in and placed one of her delicate hands on both of his, "Are you okay?" she asked looking up from her leaning position at him. Her big blues eyes, looking into his emerald green ones. She was truely concerned, really she was, but this close to him, she could not help but notice things. Like individual strands of his amazingly blonde hair, and little flecks in his eyes. Or his other strong facial features, like his fully exposed forehead, and the thin line of his lips. At the thought of his lips, she started to blush and looked back into his eyes, but it only made it worse and she blushed even more.

[Viper]

He response was more lengthy than he expected. For which he was most grateful for. It would hopefully give him a chance to better recover, and get a grip on himself. A small chuckle escaped his lips upon what she thought of her listeners reactions. When she leaned over and inquired if he was alright, a small confused frown appreared on his face. "Hmm?" He said confusedly. Then his eyes widened some as he came to the realization that she had noticed his cracking his knuckles. Any bit of recovery he may have had, flew straight out the window! "Oh, ya...I'm fine. Just a bad habit...I suppose." Because of his own epic fail in this scenario thus far, he completely failed at first to also notice her initial blush. When her gaze returned to his however, the rosiness of her countenace did not escape his notice. Although completely oblivious as to why she was blushing, he found the expression to be cute and couldn't help but return the look slightly.

Mercifully, it was at this moment that the waitress returned with their drinks. After paying and thanking the waitress, he held his glass up slightly toward Gin. He gave a small, but quick shake of his head in an attempt to clear his thoughts, and then looked back into her eyes. "To you Gin. May good fortune and peace forever smile upon you." He gently tapped the side of her mug with his and took a long swig of his drink. Seemingly hoping against hope that maybe a little liquid courage might be what he needed. Good gods...liquid courage? What was the big deal? Time to settle down.

As he finished his drawl, he paused to recollect himself together.....again. With another breath, he smiled and said, "So...Gin. I was curious...Uh, last time we spoke you had mentioned you had a desire to learn to ride. I'm not sure how busy you are today...but if you'd like, we could go train for a bit just outside of the city." Well, there it was. Now to simply wait for her response. His mind was racing as he kept looking for the reason behind why he was suddenly feeling so awkward. The more he thought on it, the more he began to suspect what it may be. But wait...it couldn't be that...could it? Should he really be thinking about someone in that regard? His thoughts were beginning to become a jumbled mess. And he suddenly wanted to just be outside riding again. It always helped him clear his thoughts. But he had to wait first. Wait for this lovely person's answer to his invitation...

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued She smiled, happy with the responce she got. If it was anything more, he would tell her in time, even if that was not till the next time she met him. It did not matter, he said he was fine, so she would believe him for now. She grabbed her small ale and laughed at his little cheer, responding with, "And you as well Viper." their mugs tapped and he started chugging his drink. Her eyes widened, but then she smiled sweetly and took a small gulp of her own drink. Setting it down on the table next to them. When he asked about the horse riding lessons her smile grew, he remembered such a small detail in that eventful day, it made her feel special. Made her feel, like she was, thought about. Which may seem silly to some, but it was a serious thing for Gin. She had been alone for some time. It was no wonder she was having dreams like the one she had last night. She flushed again, what a wild dream, had that wild person she was in that dream really been her? It was so hard to imagine. She stopped herself yet again and breathed. She gave him a smile. "I would like that. If you would not mind waiting till my shift is over? After that I have all the time in the world. Then you can have me to yourself all day." Even after she said it she kind of wished she had not. The way the last sentence came out, just seemed weird to her. But it was said and done.

[Viper]

A sigh of relief left Viper as he released the breath he then realized he had been holding. He couldn't help but pause for a moment though at how she finished her sentence. A mischevious smile slowly appeared as he raised an eyebrow. "Don't tease!" He suddenly and unexpectedly chuckled. The comment took even him by surprise. After stifling the snicker, he happily said, "Alright, then I'll wait for you here!" They continued to talk a bit and finish their drinks before she had to return to her shift.

When the time had come for her to return to her work, he said he would be back in a short while. With that, he left the Hunter's Rest and ventured into the market place of Endrykas to procure a few items he felt necessary for the afternoon of training. It didn't take him long and soon a small bag of provisions were secured to Aeyan's saddle bags. Aeyan gave Viper a curious look and neighed. "Heh. Don't worry buddy. We're not goin' on any long trips any time soon. What with the pox that has been spreading around Endrykas, our people need all the help they can get to keep bringing in supplies." A small smirk flashed across his face. "Besides, we got a promise to keep. You remember Gin right? Pfft, of course you do, you lil Casanova." Gently he stroked the side of his striders neck as Viper continued to fill him in on the details.

"Well, I ran into her today. Turns out, she's been working at the Hunter's Rest." Aeyan whinnied a bit as he gently bumped the side of Viper's face. Viper gave a quick laugh and continued, "No, no. She plays her harp and sings there. Doin' pretty good from what I can see too. Anyway, it seems as though we will be taking her out for some riding lessons after her shift. You don't mind do ya?" Again Aeyan let out a happy neigh which Viper chuckled to in response. "Ya, I didn't think so. Alright well her shift should be over pretty soon. I'll go get her. Be good will ya?" He gave one final pat on his horses back before heading back in to the Hunter's Rest.

Like the first time he entered, the air was filled with the sound of Gin's harp and song. And again, a strange calm seem to set over him as he found a place to wait for her and simply listen, a warm smile on his face as his gaze came to rest on her…

[Ginchoeri]

Day of the 43rd of Fall 512 AV continued She blushed even more when he told her not to tease, she had not meant it like that. They spoke for a little while longer and then he excused himself, saying he'd be back. So she went back to work, the thing was, Gin had to think on what she wanted to play. Again, memories from her dream last night popped up in her mind and she blushed. She should sing something that was kind of inspired by it. So she took a deep breath and thought over the words that came into her mind, nodding in assent to herself knowing that these were the right words. Her harp started out, with the sound of a sweet but, almost lonely melody. She closed her eyes breathed in and started singing. "Writhing with the unstopable wind, myriads of stars whisper their names as their longing to be heard, reaches over the millenia. Rain, tear drops of those above, lingering fears and doubts wash into each living soul, like the endless sea's of our world. Lofty sounds strech their meaning as a girl fiddles with her hair, a glowing smile, radiant with glee as her final moments arive. Unbenounced to her though the arival of someone unknown, trancendent and ethereal, flowing arms embrace her to him, and she live again, in herself a bountiful soul of wonder, with the hope and love of many." When she finished, more cheers came, a smile on her face. Clapping all around the room as wowed faces looked at her. All her emotion's had been poured into that song. And it showed on her face because she was blushing again. She turned and grabbed her ale and took another gulp. She shuddered uncontrollably. Her heart racing, and then her eyes feel onto Viper's. She looked away as fast as she could her heart slamming against her chest. What the hell was wrong with her!? Why could she not look him in the eyes without feeling heady? She seriously wanted to slap herself but she did not. She thought fast.. What was another song she could sing, oh please, something in her mind click.

[Viper]

Viper listened intently to her song. It amazed him how much feeling she always seemed to put into every one of her songs. As if they were a part of her life or about her specifically. His smile faded slightly as he then pondered the words in the song. Perhaps he would ask her about it later. For now, he joined in the clapping when she had finished her song. He gave his traditional smile for her when she glanced his way. Her suddenly looking away from him though had him pause for a moment. Well that was...different, he thought to himself. In the very back of his mind he started to wonder if there was some correlation between the song and his arrival....or sadly, if it had to do with someone else entirely.

He let out a sigh and pushed the thoughts out of his mind while he continued to listen as she played several more songs. Soon the sound from the final string being pulled faded away and was quickly drowned out by another round of applause. Viper stood up from his chair and walked back over to where she was. "Beautiful as always." He commented genuinely, though he didn't make any indication as to what he may have been refering, be it the song, the harp, or simply her. "So...." He held out his hand to help her up from her seat. "Is it alright that I steal you away from your adoring fans for the afternoon now?"

It was obvious the time he was able to spend preparing for their outting had done wonders to his ability to carry on a conversation without stuttering all over the place. The time, had given him the chance to think things through and organize his thoughts. Something he was not able to do so well on the fly when it came to someone he cared for. It wasn't much below the surface though, that Viper was still somewhat nervous. And he wasn't under any real dillusion that he wasn't sure why he was feeling this way. It was obvious. He was finding that he liked her. And possibly as more than just a simple friend. The twofold question now was, was he alone in these feelings? And should he really act on them so soon after their initial meeting?

Perhaps he would simply use this opportunity to have another good day and enjoy her company. We'll let the fates decide, he finally decided as he awaited her response...