A Face In The Crowd (Vallora)

[Aarias]

Aarias gives all his credit to knowing how not to step on his partner's feet from his days in combat. Even though he has never had a formal dance lesson in his life, he was always one to recognize and tap into the natural beat of the world around him. For there is music in the air all the time and the beats and rhythm are only amplified when musicians find the keys and unlock the doors for their own and other people's entertainment. Never being a musician himself, at least he can tap his leg to a steady beat but that's about it. His calling is agility and footwork collaborating in a vast majority of ways so that he doesn't get his head lobed off.

For that fact, Aarias always admires the artists of Endrykas. In a moments notice, they can create such beautiful knot work and the next second be splashing together the best array of colors they can find. His father had a skill for a good fist fight but was never properly trained yet those same hands could sew the finest leatherwork. Just like his fathers father, Rodion would always smell of the sweet and tough fabric of a clean killed animal. Perhaps that's why he got along so well with Alloria, Aarias' mother. She would kill the game and come home, they would clean it together and Rodion could use the skins for his trade.

He bows his head this way and that once she moves away, using the techniques of his form training to allow his body to melt itself into the music. His arms and legs come out as if he were to punch and kick but instead he has calm and open hands as well as just picking up his knees and spinning his weight around. The more spins he attempts, the more he finds himself colliding into other people, using that as an excuse to dance with men and women alike. The man, after all, is just having a ball! He doesn't have one care in the world.

"But you are already without your brother, lady Vallora. Wouldn't be prefer it if you had taken the delight in some company during the festivities? My uncle, Terrasar, insisted that I stay out late and just let the wind carry me wherever I desire. As long as I don't end up passed out in the Sea of Grass, I am sure to make it home safely. Tell me, is your brother as bold as you? Accepting dances from warriors?"

As he smiles and dances around her, he is on his guard, being sure not to collide into her as often as he may wish it. "You are a very elegant dancer if I say so myself." He claps her onwards as she starts to let the passion of the music move her every limb. "Where did you learn to dance? I never had any formal training but I do what I can from the required forms used by my master to teach me how to control my body for combat. It's simple really... just having to translate what I know to a simple grace." Seeing her bump into the man, Aarias can't help but throw his head to the sky and let out an entertained laugh.

And so they go their separate ways, Aarias taking the chances while he can to dance with many women and men. Some are quick in passing, such as holding hands and doing one complete turn and others are a complete segment. Footwork and coordination come through for Aarias and he finds himself joking at most of the ladies, causing them to smile and blush. Blinking, he hardly recognizes his own voice, let alone the words coming from them.

Either way, he is most delighted when he meets Vallora's gaze once more. Deep within him, there is a burrowing sensation as he touches her skin once more. The smile sets himself aflame, finally cracking her, or at least he thinks he has. There is not a care in his world right now if she is indeed just using him for information for he is insistent in knowing a true smile light up her eyes when he sees one. So they dance and circle around one another, the music finally dying down.

Standing straight, Aarias releases one of her hands and presents to her another low bow. "You're amazing, it was an honor to dance with you, Vallora." Grinning in his eyes, Aarias brings her hand to his lips and sets a soft kiss on her knuckles. A slight worry comes to his eyes as he slowly adds in a lighthearted manner, "And now is your decision if you want to flee from my presence or stay a while and chat. Now that we have met, I am sure I will be seeing you often," he shakes his head a little, "not that I'll go out of my way but I am sure to notice you in a crowed now that we have been acquainted. You know how the world works in strange ways." He keeps her hand in his, letting her be the judge of if she should pull back or let his warmth revel in hers.

[Vallora Salvari]

Aarias was surprisingly quite light on his feet. She wasn't sure if a warrior like him would have time to learn to dance, while she had her mother to thank to. Guess you could not succeed in being a fighter if you could not coordinate your limbs well enough.

Just before they broke apart to mingle with the crowd, Vallora simply shrugged at the man's questions. He was quite chatty - and she sort of appreciated that. That would mean she did not have to force herself to make any conversation, she could simply respond to his questions.

As soon as the music faded away, Vallora found herself being dragged back by the hair to reality. The crowd had started dispersing, leaving with laughs and conversations. Some even smiled and praised her dancing. The rush of the dance slowly left her and she found herself thinking a bit more clearly once more. The Drykas girl was suddenly very aware of the warrior's closeness and pursed her lips together.

For a moment, the world froze as Aarias's figure melted into someone else. Emerald green eyes. Crooked smile. Short-cropped dark hair. A ghost. A past. A darkness of bliss that lurked in the edge of her mind, always waiting, watching. She blinked, and it was gone, morphing back to the blue-eyed member of the Diamond Clan.

The small crack on the dam which held back her painful memories jolted her reserved tendencies back in its place - where it should have stayed. He was still too close in her mind. Far too close. Of course, she would be reminded of him during times like this. He's the one man she had gotten close with besides those of her family.

Pressing her lips slightly, Vallora pulled away. His warmth left her immediately, letting the cold, bitter wind have a go on her skin. As much as she wanted to retreat to the comfort of her pavilion, she knew she could not miss this chance - for whatever purpose that is. "Alright, I suppose there is no harm in that. Maybe you can show me around." She wasn't sure how Aarias might discern her reactions - she did took a step back, yet, she accepted his offer too. Truthfully, Vallora did not know what she was really doing, either.

Certainly she was not as uncomfortable by the man in front of her as she did to most others - only a bit - but that might not mean a thing. Vallora was not sure if she was comfortable or not by Aarias's straightforwardness. No one had ever been intend on getting to know - well, almost no one. She wasn't sure of anything.

Xaven came into her mind next. He would not expect her to actually find a companion during the celebration and might decided to sought her soon. He knew she disliked this kind of lavishness. Vallora decided not to worry about him. Xaven was a decent Webber, it wouldn't be so hard for him to find her if he needed to.

All things considered, she did not think that this was a bad idea. Vallora fidgeted with the small vial necklace that rested on the white fabric of her dress. She should stop over thinking this too much. Besides, nothing could go wrong."So, what do you have in mind?"

[Aarias]

((Sorry this one is a bit short))

Slowly the rapid beating of the drums starts to fade and an observant man like Aarias notices Vallora's sudden transition towards reality. A man, lifted in spirits as high as he is, finds her dancing quite entertaining. The cheering and clapping only confirm his own thoughts of how great a dancer she truly is. Although he may be questioning internally why she is so intent on keeping her feelings, and her happiness by that, locked away. His own face, a jolly red color, keeps smiling towards her until he sees her wide eyed gaze as he unknowingly morphs into someone else in her vision.

"Are you alright, m'lady?" The warrior questions lightly, his own mind not wanting to turn over any stones that she wishes to keep unturned. His next private thoughts are of if he upset a girl like her. Her feet shift away from him, her arms defensive and her eyes distant. To cheer her up, he continues to smile. "You're worth all their praise, you know. Never before have I danced with a woman as pretty as you are who knows where to step and when. Most of the ladies don't know quite how to move their hips as you do. Instead of watery movements as you do," he starts to mimic her with his hands, "You are more like that. What a great evening thus far. I owe it a lot to you for the conversations and people are not as interesting as you are."

"Is that necklace an heirloom? It's very pretty I must say," Pausing slightly before speaking with his mouth half open, his memory searches the dark caverns. "May I?" He holds out his hand, wishing to touch the necklace. All he wishes to do is just run his thumb over and feel the stone, "You don't have to take it off, miss. I just wish to see what type of stone it is for a warrior must search with his other senses other 'den just sight."

Have I asked her that before? His moment of concentrated thinking comes to a close, "Well, m'lady, I would love to show you around." His eyes wonder over her clothing once more as he offers his bare arm. His markings curve in a thick tribal pattern, his damp skin glistening in the flickering fire. At least he doesn't smell! "I'm happy you're deciding to stay by my side. A dance is wonderful but the true enjoyment of the evening is in speaking and connecting with the partner."

[Vallora Salvari]

To be honest, Vallora was not sure how to respond the praises Aarias uttered. She was not used to getting complimented by people other than her family.Thankfully, she didn't need to as Aarias fired another question for her to react to.

"You don't have to take it off, miss. I just wish to see what type of stone it is for a warrior must search with his other senses other 'den just sight."

Vallora looked down to inspect her the thin leather cord which came down from her neck. She barely realized that she was touching it. Two items hung from the single line - a small vial and a small jewel stone - and both the size of her pinky. They were a mismatched pair, but Vallora did not mind. She needed those two things close to her. Both were her lifeline in its own way.

And thankfully, it was the stone which had caught Aarias's attention. She doubt she could explain why she carried around a small container filled with murky liquid.

"No, not exactly. It was a gift." Vallora felt herself smiling as she ran her thumb across the smooth surface. Memories flooded her - both good and bad. It was not the time to be reminiscing, she knew. She let go of the necklace and glanced up to look at the man. "Alright, I guess."

When Aarias offered his arm, Vallora pretended like she did not notice. She brushed her fingers across his arm lightly - the touch brief and fleeting - hoping he could understand that she was uncomfortable with close proximity. She had always been. The girl turned her head away, trying to see what was worth checking out.

In the distance, Vallora spotted a group of men, obviously drunk. They were laughing and shoving each other playfully. Most of them wore white trinkets similar to what Aarias was wearing - the warriors. It was not a particularly odd side for the night. Just when she was about to turn her attention away, a big man with dark braids called out to the man standing beside her. Her blood froze. She knew she was overreacting, but she could not help it. Things tend to go south when there were a bunch of drunken men.

Almost subconsciously, Vallora shrunk back and stopped herself when she realized what she was doing. She was not going to hide or run. She was simply being paranoid, that's all.

[Aarias]

"Well, perhaps in time, I can hear more about who gave you such a charm as well as your reaction." Flashing her another quick smile, hiding the fact that she rejected his arm. In the dancing lights of the late evening, he simply walks by her side. Close enough to guard her from any trouble but not too close to be considered more than just a friend. He has, after all, just met her and doesn't want to force himself upon her. Seeming alright with her fingers grazing his bicep, he nods and signals that he understands what she is silently getting across to him. After all, he did seem to come across too headstrong and forceful. Aarias can't help but think that it was -that- reason exactly to why she agreed. If he were his normal sober self, this "date" of theirs would have never been. That fluttering feeling in his chest resides but falters when he sees more of his fellow warriors.

There goes my evening. Aarias presumes is what will happen, knowing the other drunken warriors will try and steal her away. He had no idea that it would turn out the way it did. For he would, when intoxicated, try and prove himself to any girl brought over. It's a code. A way of life. She has only moments to choose which man she wants to sit next to or talk to the most and men, the ones who know that, try and prove themselves. Glancing over to Vallora, he expects to see the white of her dress and the curve of her jaw right next to him. Instead, he sees dark green grass and whisps of colors in the background. "Vallora?" Turning his head towards her, the warrior's heart does go out to her. He has seen the look on her face plenty of times to know what is running through her mind.

"Aarias!" Comes a voice from behind them, another one shouting, "Stop chitter chatting and bring 'er over. Come say hi!" In that loud circle there is a fire, crackling as loud and as forceful as their words. Aarias, however, turns his back to them. Normally he would gladly be pulling any girl who agreed to dance with him, let alone talk afterwards. She is special in his eyes, even though he can try and tell through his drunkenness that she is humoring him. Normally it would bother him, a girl giving herself a few laughs by pulling him along for the ride, but in this case, he thinks it's worth it. She is pretty and -seems- interested. That's good enough for him!

"Are you--" He starts to ask, his hands moving to touch her shoulders. It's a comforting gesture as much as he is concerned. She, however, may feel differently. Finally thinking about that, his fingers curl into a fist before he can even pierce her bubble of space. A hand clasps around his shoulder, the tall man with black hair smiles at Vallora.

"Who is this pretty little flower? Nice going Aarias! You really know how to pick them from the ... the..." he tries to think of a word, stumbling over himself to stand by Aarias' side. "The cream of the crop here!" shoving a finger in Vallora's direction. Aarias pushes the man's hand down, laughing nervously.

"Yeah, sure she is." He replies, really not wanting his friend to intervene like this. "Vallora, would you mind joining us?" Aarias starts to ask when the black haired man starts to shake his head.

"I know who -you- are!" Jabbing a finger in Vallora's direction. "Aarias, no buddy, no." Trying to pull Aarias back, the warrior stands tall. He questions his friends actions, a hand at his side balling up into a fist. The words are on the tip of his tongue, about to yell at the man for completely ruining his chances. Instead, the man just strikes at Vallora with his words. "You're kind are forbidden here. How dare you ever show your face on these precious lands and taint it with your... your... taint." Aarias is about to lose it. Gripping the man by the shoulders, he pushes his once friend backwards. A fight is brewing in the air, eyes all moving to look at the two as Aarias gives him a piece of his mind, telling him all about the evening and that he shouldn't just judge someone for the actions of their family. She is different. She is magnificent.

[Vallora Salvari]

Sure enough, the men had asked Aarias to join them, noticing her for the first time. Considering their distance and the fact that they probably could not see straight, Vallora guessed that they didn't recognize her. Yet. That was about to change fast though.

One particularly audacious man sauntered to Aarias and the two began conversing. The man obviously was referring to her with all the pointing and staring. Aarias seemed visibly uncomfortable by the sudden arrival of his friend, which Vallora found odd.

At first she thought that maybe, the man would not really notice her and pass along. Which the universe quick proved wrong, unfortunately. If he wasn't talking about her family, Vallora would've laughed at his obvious eloquence. "You're kind are forbidden here. How dare you ever show your face on these precious lands and taint it with your... your... taint."

It took only seconds for the harshness of the people to come rushing back at her. The harsh words that were thrown at her and her family. Murderer. Whore. Cursed. So often that she couldn't help but wonder if it was true. It was frustrating. So frustrating that all these hates were shoved at her but she had no idea of the truth. Vallora refused to believe it. But then, why was everyone so sure of these accusations?

Vallora knew what the man meant of course - the taint he was talking about. These people think her father murdered his own family out of a burst of anger. They all said that his family didn't approve of him marrying an Inarta. That his brother also fancied her mother and they fought to the death. Stories. There were so many stories, but really it all came down to one simple conclusion. That Kaliro Salvari was a killer of his own blood.

She didn't know what made tonight different, but instead of shame, fierce anger flooded her senses. Instead of fleeing, she stepped between the two man who seemed ready to trade blows, her face facing the rude warrior with dark-hair. The man stood tall and big - the figure of a true warrior - but Vallora refused to be intimidated. She knew she wasn't thinking clearly, but right now, to hell with that. "You have no right to say that," Vallora snapped sharply at him. "All you hear are foolish gossips and rumors about lies you don't even understand. If you don't know the truth, I prefer you to keep your mouth shut." Her hands were shaking and she was surprised that her voice didn't tremble.

Truth. That was why she was here. The sole reason she returned to Endrykas. It was not because she had thought this tent city as a safe haven to return. She was only here to find out the truth. She was mistaken to think of this place as her home.

Vallora turned to Aarias and gave him a ghost of a smile. "Good night, Aarias. It seems like your friends are eager to have your presence and I'll be more willing to let you. I have to go look for my brother and I'm sure you much prefer their company rather than mine. Thank you for the dance." Honestly, Aarias had already been surprisingly friendly and she appreciated it immensely. It might had something to do with his intoxicated state, but nonetheless, he was decent. His friends knew who she was and that meant he did too. And when he came to his senses, he would probably react the same way. She couldn't blame him, really.

Without hesitating, Vallora turned away. The crowd was thick and it was not hard for a slender girl like her to slip between the ever-shifting bodies. If she was real lucky, Aarias would have forgotten their entire exchange by next morning and she need not deal with him. A wisp of her was crestfallen at the idea, but it was for the better. Besides, the memories of him were all too fresh in her mind.

If Aarias had tried to look for her, he would not find the girl. The girl from an exiled pavilion knew how to disappear and that's what she did.

[Elysium]

Aarias

XP:
Observation +2
Dancing +2
Socialization +3

Lore:
Vallora of the Exiled Pavilion
Endrykas: The Feast of Life
How to Dance with Multiple Groups
Vallora's Gem; a Gift

★

Vallora

XP:
Observation +3
Dance +2
Socialization +2
Rhetoric +1

Lore:
Aarias of the Diamond Clan
Endrykas: The Feast of Life
How to Make a Friend
How to Let Go of the Past

Notes: This was a great interaction. I admired the perseverance of Aarias in his pursuit for Vallora. I can't wait to see their relationship progress. If you have any questions about your grade, please shoot me a PM.

and so, the journey continues...