A Face In The Crowd (Vallora)

[Aarias]

A Face In The Crowd
Spring 6, 513 AV
Nighttime

The crackling of the many bonfires ignite Aarias' love for the Feast of Life even more. After the long and diseased infested winter days, it is nice to finally have a good meal and see people in high spirits. For today is the time for feasting and who wouldn't be happy when they had lots of hunted game in their belly? Not to mention the drinking. Tonight people's spirits go through the roof, being as free as you wish to be. Aarias, of course, partaking in the festivities with his brother and uncle at the start of the night but soon wondering off aimlessly to chit-chat with other members of the clan.

Being a part of the whole Feast of Life from the start, making sure to have been seen completing the tasks of each day as they came, Aarias is welcomed with open arms to every group he stumbles upon. Having had a large fill of alcohol already in his system, his feet throbbing from the constant dancing. For a man who has bad luck with the ladies, he sure can prove himself by dancing with one of them. It's surprising that a bulky Warrior such as himself would be a talented partner but he manages not to step on their toes.

Right now, under intoxication from a whole night of drinking and partying, Aarias gets up from one group around their own bonfire, nearly toppling over the hollowed out log of a tree they use as a seat. The group has an uproar of laughter and Aarias joins in, keeling over as his face turns a jolly red. "That's one for the books!" Comes his speech as he waves a hand in the air before chuckling his way down the gathering of bodies. He is at a state right now where he can comfortably talk to someone without slurring his words but he still feels delightfully happy.

His sharp glacier blue eyes pierce the world around him, the aroma of fresh cooking meat filling his nostrils. Soon he feels as though the smell itself is leading him onwards, no longer using sense to guide him. A warrior of his state is hardly in this condition often but he has the morning to regret his decisions or not to. Aarias loves the freedom drinking gives him but having a close eye on him by his training instructor, he wouldn't dare drink unless Nighstone gave him one himself. Even then, he wouldn't dare let the frothy liquid go to his head. But tonight, he forgets his master and all his obligations, just enjoying life for what it is.

Tonight is the night to unite the clans of Endrykas, having them all run under the same fuel. Not to mention even the same state of mind! Running into a few fellow students from the Diamond clan, Aarias is beckoned over to join them in devouring the meat offered. The smokey smell draws him closer, sitting down next to other warriors and hunters. A hunter starts to continue his story, the mere boy in comparison to Aarias quickly leaning over to whisper what has happened so far.

Intrigued by the story of the hunters' personal experience out in the Sea of Grass, Aarias cannot help but lift his hand to his stubbled chin and rest his elbow on his knee. For the most part, with his head starting to spin, Aarias listens intently to the highly fabled story. There is no way that he killed all those glassbeaks. All by himself? The man has to be telling a fib. Aarias usually doesn't like calling people out but he frowns, knowing that the hunter is trying to seek attention by beefing up his story. Well, he can't blame the younger man for adding a few smaller details that make him seem almighty. As he looks around, his eyes catch onto a woman's figure, a brow raising as he tries not to act like he is staring but there is something about her that catches his eye.

[Vallora Salvari]

Bright lights had embraced her in a cocoon as she headed closer to the heart of the festivity. A hearty tune traveled through the twists and turns between tents, announcing to everyone about the celebration. Everyone was even more brilliantly colored than usual - wearing the bright colors of their respective clans - and their hair wounded into intricate braids. People were huddled in groups where they shared some tales and burst out laughing. The air was practically buzzing with energy. It was a night of celebration and everyone was having the time of their life. After days of fasting, the grand feast was really something. You could turn everywhere and see everyone with food or drink in hand.

“You look beautiful, little sister,” her twin brother complimented as he took her arm. “And you look just like Mother.” There was a sad note in Xaven’s voice, telling her that he was still bothered by the absence of their parents as much as she was. It was oddly calming to know that someone understood what she was feeling.

Self-consciously, Vallora glanced down at herself. This was one of the rarer times that she wore a dress. It was a replica of her mother’s. Kaliro, her father, had given the dress to his wife as a gift when they were young. Vallora remembered that she had the loved the dress so much as a chiled. She would never forget what it looked like for she spent countless of times, simply marveling at the beauty of it.

Unfortunately, during harder times after their parents’ deaths, Xaven was forced to sell some of their parents’ old things and the dress just had to go. Vallora was not happy with the arrangement, but she knew they needed the money. Still, she could not simply forget the dress. After her pavilion’s income had turned more stable, she spent some mizas in order to recreate the clothing. It might not be as memorable as the real one, but it worked just fine. Vallora could still imagine this dress as the same one her mother had wore when her father had proposed to her.

A simple white dress, really, and it fell to her just above her knees. Its bodice was decorated by elegant blue embroideries, shaping patterns that were both elegant and strong. Near the hemline, blue glass beads were woven into the smooth fabric, twinkling under the light. The dress had left her shoulders bare, though, leaving her a little self-conscious. The dress also had a low back, giving everyone a full view of her Windmarks - which led her into styling her hair into a waterfall braid, letting her dark hair brush against her back.

As much as she was awkward in the dress, she felt like she had to wear it in honor of her mother. Hal’eka had always loved this part of the Feast of Life. She wouldn’t care of what the people of Drykas thought and would just lead her children to dance - she had always been a good dancer.

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Xavie,” Vallora whispered slowly to her brother. Her grip on her brother’s arm tightened as he led her through the crowds. He had insisted that they go out and meet everyone tonight. According to him, Vallora had already been cooped up and pathetically alone - which was a mild way of saying it.

Xaven smiled assuringly. “It will be fine, Valle. Don’t worry. They’re not going to rip you to shreds or anything. Besides, I think they’re starting to accept us.” As they walked, a handful of people actually greeted her brother, most of them bearing the color blue or green.

“Or just you,” Vallora mumbled softly under her breath. Her voice was masked by the brass noises of the party. For the past few days after they had settled, Xaven quickly jumped into the thick of the society. He had tried to talk to anyone who would talk to him and quickly, won hem over - Xaven had always been a charmer. He had even landed both of them a job each.

Xaven did not hear it - thankfully - and took it as her assent. He nudged her gently. ”I want you to just . . . socialize, alright? Just for tonight. Having a friend or two here won’t hurt.” Clearly, he was not going to let her say no. “You don’t want to die alone, do you?” He had barely finished his sentence when he disappeared into the crowd.

“Xaven!” Vallora protested out loud, but it was no use. For a couple of step, she followed him, before losing herself in the crowd completely. Sometimes she wished she would get a sprinkle of the confidence he possessed.

Awkwardly, she stood in the middle of the conversing crowd. Pressing her lips together, she looked around for something interesting to watch - anything at all - so she wouldn’t look too foolish. Most people ignored her and she was suddenly overcome by a wave of loneliness. No one would really care whether she lived or died - except for her brother. Sure, they would be stricken by a death of a Drykas but that was it. Roughly, she pushed the thought away. Vallora had learned that her line of depressing thought would be enough to ruin the mood of even the most cheerful.

Quickly she strode towards the other end of the crowd, hoping to at least find somewhere to do . . . something. Vallora didn’t care what she could do really. As she passed groups of people, she could hear a man boasting about his hunt or something. She chose to ignore it all. Even the pair of striking blue eyes that caught hers. Vallora did not even pause to see who it was.

I wish mother and father were here . . .

[Aarias]

The warmth of the bonfire against Aarias' bare torso wanes as he leans his shoulders back, drawing his gaze behind the man sitting to his right. The timely white beacon with the reflected glow of the fire against the sapphire beads stands out in his eyes. For all he cares, the whole world could have stopped but he would not have seen it with his keen eyes. All the tormenting reds, curious emeralds, soothing violet sashes and demanding saffron fade into the background. Out of all the Drykas men, women and children here, she just happens to glance at him. Sapped by curiosity, Aarias feels an odd sense that he should speak to the girl who so quickly passed over him as if he were "just another Drykas". The rational part of his brain tries and tell him that he -is- just another Drykas male but the lifted spirits from the drink wrap a reassuring arm around Aarias and coax him to go after the beacon of white.

For that small moment, there is a connection between the two. Or at least that's how the drunk Aarias feels about it. She seemed well put together, having a brain within her skull but stonefaced and in a way cold. Perhaps it is just a passing glance but the gnawing at his intellect tell him that this girl could be different. He stands up, asserting his position as a tall Drykas yet, invisible to her. As a result, he doesn't understand her disinterest. Never thinking himself unattractive, he touches his tanned chest, starting a quick stride into the masses. Perhaps my raw muscles have intimidated her? But so many other Drykas are shirtless here. That can't be it.

Knowing he has never been so right about a single passing glance, Aarias burns in his mind the curves of her body, her estimated height and the paleness of her skin. From this far away, all he could make out is shadowed eyes and dark hair contrasting with her skin. Dammit! Where did she run off to? Worried fingers come to Aarias' short hair and try and calm him down with a few strokes backwards. The Warrior's eyes widen and his lips part with a solemn look to his eyes. That's it then. I'll never find her again. He then curses aloud, his arms coming down to his cross over his chest. While moving, he stretches his neck, trying to find the cause of his inner turmoil.

You need a wife, Aarias. Don't you want children? Grandchildren? A loving mother and spouse one of these days? You have to get your act together. Comes the voice of his uncle in his head, rolling his eyes at the thought. "He's right..." Aarias breathes in defeat but his spirit doesn't crack yet. If it takes him all night, he will search for that one white dressed girl thinking drunkly that 'she is the one'.

[Vallora Salvari]

Finding a spot with less people proved to be a tricky business for her that night. There were simply too many bodies scattered everywhere. Drunken conversations and loud guffaws told her that she was probably the one person in this whole city who did not feel all that merry. She was just not used to it. Vallora had never went this deep into the heart of the celebration before - she was far too used to watching the party from the sidelines.

Now that she was in the middle of it all, she wanted to curl inside her tent and just drift of to sleep. What was the point of all this, really? Not a single person here really cared about her pavilion. They probably decided to accept the Salvari Pavilion because of the lost the Drykas suffered from the mysterious pox, Vallora thought bitterly. Anything to boost up their numbers - just like the new marriage decree.

Vallora sighed and gave up her effort. Perhaps the world wanted her to be stuck here. Her steps slowed as she assessed her surroundings. Maybe something to occupy herself would not be a bad idea. She was quite bored. Finally, her attention settled on the few Reimancers holding up a littleshow of their element-controlling abilities. Seemed interesting enough and who knows, maybe she could pick out one or two tricks to improve her own magic.

Most of the audience of the little performance were young kids, watching up the mages with awe and wonder - their parents hanging back some distance away, chatting up with each other. The sight brought a small smile to Vallora's face. She remembered how she was amazed the first time she saw a Reimancer. There was a beauty to that magic. Something about the bending of natural forces.

The performers on the stage were those from the Sapphire Clan - anyone would've been able to tell with the blue adornments they wore. A man and a woman, both barely older than she was, but clearly much more competent at the art of magic.The woman twirled a small whirlwind of fire surrounding her, giving her whole body a red glow and an illusion that she was cocooned in flames. Water danced in swirls because of the control of the man, occasionally spraying water to those closest to the stage. Kids giggled at the little surprise.

Vallora would've been content watching the little show for a while. But then, something felt odd. The back of her neck tickled ever so slightly and without thinking, Vallora turned her head to look back.

[Aarias]

The fragrances that lead Aarias to the group of hunters now repels him from those various in-groups. Forgetting to put a smile on his lips, the Warrior's mobile expressions change rapidly with every thought entering his mind. An unwavering train of conscious leads him in a daze through Endrykas. Sadness sends spikes through him, not knowing if he will ever find her. Hope tingles at his fingertips at the chance he might see her once again tonight. Distractions by the soothing rhythmic beats of drums and other various instruments sidetracks the foolish man. Quickly hopping into various conversations and dancing with joy at the thought of such a feast.

Once the merriment slows down, the night drawing on, Aarias finds himself back on track and even more intoxicated. Not by drink but by the fluffed up images of this 'white beauty' his mind has crafted for him. Dark hair, shimmering skin and calming gray eyes are all that Aarias could make out. The contrast between her hair and her skin was too significant for him not to notice. I must find her. If not today then I'll never be able to know who she is.

Questions surface of what her personality is like as the Warrior nearly stumbles once again. In a more sober state of mind, Aarias might be pondering the valid actions of what he is doing. Wondering around like a fool in search for someone he just caught a glimpse of.

His eyes catch another unique white dress, the lady's legs completely covered by the smooth fabric. That's her, that's gotta be her! Comes the cheerful chirping in his head, wasting no time to make his way over to her. She has a mass of black hair swirling around her face, waving in the firelight. Not even remembering if Vallora has long hair or short, braided or freeflowing, Aarias keeps his course. Hardly pondering significant questions, he leans up against a tent pole and chews on thoughts of what to say and how to introduce himself. Being outwardly calm, Aarias blinks and then finds himself face to face with the square faced girl.

Feeling his palms become sweaty with anticipation, Aarias displays confidence but soon is scrambling for words in his head. She sounded sweet enough but those muddy brown eyes are his signal that it's not the girl from before. His heart sinks but he still has to produce some sort of reason for disturbing the group, letting his jaw hang for a moment in thought.

"Do you know where..." he starts, those icy eyes looking frantically around and latching onto the purple shirt some Drykas has on. "Where I might find..." Pausing a moment to fix his speech, he introduces himself with a polite bow and fixes the chain linked necklace. "Do you happen to know where I might find the Violetfire pavilion?" A cheap smile comes across his face, the bulky lady giving him directions but the blinking Warrior is hardly listening to a word she is saying. "Thanks! Enjoy the feast!" With a wave, he starts his prowling once again through the masses.

"Violetfire? Ugh, kill me." Comes his inconsistent muttering. The sounds of giggling children reach his ears which normally wards Aarias off. He personally feels that a bulky mess like him would only hurt a child or upset them. Understanding the young is a talent in itself, one that Aarias does not possess. "Oh what the hell..." He chuckles, moving to where he sees activities commencing. Crisp lightening of the dancing flames around the woman causes Aarias to attempt a double-take to the stage before wondering around more. She has such silken movements. He chuckles, thinking he would like to dance with her if ever given the chance. Upon studying the two, he critiques them to last years show.

Disciplined eyes quickly glance over the children as they scream and cheer, laugh and cry. The usually stone faced Warrior can't help but let forth a smile as well as stop to converse with a husband and wife about the show. Doing his best not to wave his arms around, Aarias asks questions of the two. The herby smell bounces across the field to his nose, another beast being strung over a fire to cook until tender.

When Vallora turns her head, she may be able to see Aarias happily conversing with the two. Having a good time, he chuckles and even gives the man a good shake on the shoulder. To anyone looking, they might -seem- like great friends or those who know one another from before but in reality, they have just met. His bare torso shows off his Windmarks, thick lines curving and slightly spiraling across his chest, back, and right arm. The auburn blonde hair is knotted around his head, usually falling to his shoulders, in intricate patterns. For the wholeness of the festivities, he is clean shaven out of respect for his fellow clansmen. Those who are close enough see the firelight as well as his own spark in his defined face, strong jaw, and eyes.

A careless glance through the crowed causes Aarias to spot Vallora once again. Can it really be? No... no... He doubts himself, blinking and even squinting just a little to align what he thinks he saw hours ago and what he is gazing upon now. A jumpstart to his heart makes tingles shower through his body. Excusing himself politely from the group, he smiles wide and shows off some teeth before slowly fading to a less drastic grin once in talking range. Coming up before Vallora, he bows low to the ground before introducing himself and offering his hand for hers. "I am Aarias Stormshadow." If she gives him his hand, he would kiss it and let go properly, "Are you enjoying the feast?"

[Vallora Salvari]

When she turned her head, Vallora had found nothing worthy of her attention, really. Yet, there was something bugging her. She couldn’t tell what. Something told her that she should be looking for something, that something important was nearby. But what? In the end, her curiosity won out and she let her gaze swept over everything. From the dancing couples switching partners as the music played on, until the pair of old men and women who were standing sat side by side, talking quietly to each other.

Her eyes somehow stopped at the group who had just begun conversing quite vibrantly. She could not help it. They were talking quite excitedly about something Vallora could not tell and they seemed friendly enough to look like they’ve known each other for years. There was this man who took her attention. He seemed younger than the other man and woman. He was bare-chested like most of the Drykas men, half of his torso covered in the black markings of Windmarks.

The man had unexpectedly come up to her all of the sudden and smiled. Vallora was too surprised to even try to disappear into the crowd. She did not expect anything like it. Slowly, she assessed the man with oddly bright blue eyes. There was something in his eyes that stood out, but then again it might be the slight glittery sheen of a drunken man's eyes.

He had bowed in front of her – which she found quite unnecessary – and introduced himself as Aarias Stormshadow. Again, he did something she did not quite prepare for - which was offering up his hand to her.

It was rude of her but she pretended not to see the way the man held out his hand for hers. She had not intended to be in anyway impolite. She simply could not figure any good reason for a man to suddenly come up to her and introduce himself.

For a moment her eyes darted back to the performers, who were putting up some water serpents, making it fly above the outstretched hands' of children. She really needed to ask to be taught how to do that, Vallora thought, momentarily distracted. Then she looked back at the man in front of her.

Upon closer inspection, Vallora realized that the man was wearing quite a bit of white and silver coloring. For a moment she thought that the man might have been from the Opal Clan, but she quickly discarded that thought. He was too buff to be one of the healers – which would mean he was of the Warrior Clan. The Diamond Clan. Vallora blinked in a sudden realization.

For days she had been trying to figure out ways in order to glean some information from those of the Diamond Clan, but most of them were too guarded against her. She had needed to find someone of their clan – someone who might have been a friend to her father a long time ago. If she could somehow ask the man about it . . . Try to be warm, Vallora, the better part of her whispered.

Still, despite that, her cold, frosty demeanor had already taken over. “Can I help you with something?” Vallora asked the man coolly, polite but not really friendly either. She did not offer him her name, at least not yet. She cocked her head to her side the slightest bit. Her eyes shone with a faint interest for the man. There was something peculiar about the man in front of her, but she could not tell what exactly. Even though she was not terribly pleased, she had to say, she admired the man's straight-forwardness.

[Aarias]

Seeing the shock he has caused Vallora, Aarias can't help but widen that smile. At first, to him, all seemed to be going well. Giving her a moment to gather her thoughts, Aarias considers her being shy. Yes, that's it! She is just shy and-- she rejected my hand? Blinking, Aarias quickly recoils his fingers into the safety of his palm. The arm goes right back to his side. Unlike the swift movements of his limbs, Aarias' eyes stay stationary on her face, letting the sponge of his mind take in her image until he is satisfied. His face quickly flashes in disappointment for not being able to feel the true nature of her skin on his. Perhaps she is untrusting? There has to be something that'll crack her open like an egg and make her trust me. Comes his internal rampage to himself, disliking the fact that such a beauty could reject a simple handshake. Instead of showing the emotions in his head, he pastes the smile to his lips, even showing off some of his teeth.

Blinking at her frosty demeanor, Aarias swallows before speaking, not wishing to have his voice sound awkward. His uncle did tell him, after all, that you must make the best first impression you can on someone. You never know if that'll be the last time you see them. At least he has the reassurance that Vallora is, in the least, studying him with a hint of amazement. Or is it interest? This Warrior will take anything over her fleeing into the masses. For Aarias, whatever is going on around them melts right into the background. For all he knows, the town is burning but his legs feel as though they are buried in the ground and thus unmoving. He always locks up once he manages to obtain a girls attention. Luckily for him, the booze flowing freely through his bloodstream helps and he easily sidesteps a man cutting through the space in between them.

Quickly thinking of something smooth to say, his mouth opens but better judgement closes it quickly. There would be nothing worse than to turn her away with some cheesy comment. Instead, he tries another approach that's perhaps not too cheesy. His eyes find the strength to flicker down to her dress before looking back up to her. Yes. This is the girl. I can't believe I found her. Comes the bouncing voice inside of him. Uncle Taz would be so proud of him, after all, he has to find a wife before the 91st day of Summer. Vallora seems to be striking the right chord with him. Knowing that she can't be as cold as she seems, he promises himself right then and there that he will pursue her until he gets something out of her. Not in a demanding way but aren't friends just made from random interactions?

"I wanted to compliment you on your dress, miss." Jerking his thumb back over his shoulder, his other hand runs through his hair. "I saw you, before, near one of the hunter fires and it caught my eye," Feeling no instigation to lie, he continues, praying to the gods that it doesn't sound strange, "So I thought I would..." Those blue hues glance over to the dancing persons by another fire, "Like to dance. Yes, right. If you would like to dance. A beautiful Drykas like yourself, Pirskil giving you radiance, should be enjoying herself on such a festive evening." Again, his hand comes out but this time, his palm is facing the sky, "What do you say?" Comes his curious voice, his eyes showing a shimmer of hope for her saying yes. The whole "cold and distant" act seeming to have no effect on him. Perhaps it's the drink.

[Vallora Salvari]

Aarias surprisingly gathered himself back together well enough, without missing a beat. She could tell he was taken aback by her refusal of really acknowledging him. But again, she could not deny that his stubbornness was somewhat a rarity.

"You're not going to even wait for my name?" she asked with a faint amusement. The man was quite intoxicated indeed. "Vallora." That was all he was going to get for now. No sense in scaring him away with her pavilion's past status now. He was a chance she could not miss.

If she could just somehow get the information she needed . . .

With a grudging nod, Vallora placed her fingers on the man's calloused hand. It would be quite unkind to deny the man's efforts twice. Typically, her act would've driven most men away, letting her be blissfully alone - well, except one. Aarias seemed to have the same stubborn insistence and it was enough to impress her the littlest bit.

Vallora wondered if this was a good idea. Putting herself out there yet once more. She shook her thoughts away. No, she was not putting herself out there, she simply needed an access to the Diamond Clan and this man could offer her one.

For days she had wounded through the tents of Endrykas, hoping to glean on some information - any information - about the exile of her own pavilion, but she acquired nothing. No one really wanted to talk to her or really knew about it. Most of them simply thought that her pavilion was cursed and somehow brought a disgrace to the Drykas. Nothing she didn't know about.

Vallora needed more. And an old woman had talked about her father, Kaliro, being close friends with a couple of warriors and hunters - and one of them was named Haylan Darkprowler. Later on, she found out that the Darkprowler Pavilion was of the Diamond Clan.

For now, Vallora let that urgent need go. She needed to stop thinking too much. Slowly, she turned her attention back at her surroundings.

The sounds of the soft music rumbled her eardrums. Snatches of conversations floated in the air but Vallora paid no attention to them. She swallowed slowly and a bit nervously. In her mind flashed a name and a wave of guilt, but she pushed it all down. It was her past and she needed to forget it. And anyway, she simply needed something from the warrior of the Diamond Clan. Nothing more.

She slipped a strand of loose hair behind her ear as she looked right into the blue eyes of the man who towered over her. "One dance and that's all."

[Aarias]

"My logic is that I'll learn your name one way or another. If I could find you in a crowed once again, I am sure that you will grace me with your name soon enough," Swaying a little from side to side, he lifts his head to the sky and letting out a boom of laughter. "See? You have graced me with your name already. See how easy that was for me?" The cool look washes over his face, showing a few of his teeth. "Vallora, what a beautiful name." Doing his best not to start flirting with her and making a deeper fool of himself, he just takes a step back internally and admires her openly. The smile molds to his face, right now in pure bliss that she didn't deny him once again.

Feeling her hand slip into his, his hand literally flinches due to the shock. Leading her to the swirling bodies dancing around one fire pit, he is quick to assure her of his skills. "Don't let my structure intimidate you, Miss Vallora. I may be bulky and lofty but I am sure that I am as light on my feet as you are. It's the perks of being a Warrior from a very young age. You see, along with strength comes swiftness. You must know your opponent and match their movements when you fight, always being a step ahead of them." Glancing over, he sees Vallora staring off into the distance, most likely not listening to a word she says. "Miss Vallora?" He asks, seeing her slip back to reality from her thought process.

Keeping her hand in his, he wraps his arm around her waist as they start to dance. Leading with the proper foot, they start to swing around in an easy motion. As he promised, Aarias keeps his feet in rhythm with the beat of the music. Skipping and stepping, he never catches onto her feet no matter the state of intoxication. Perhaps there is a bit more swaying involved because of his state but at least he knows how to move. "One dance? Well, it's your only night to dance with me. Might as well take it while you can." Winking playfully, he lets forth another throaty chuckle. "Are you sure that only a single dance is enough? Perhaps you would like to join me for a drink afterwards?"

Leading her around the mass of dancers, he can't stop smiling, feeling as though she is warming up to him already. "Are you enjoying yourself?" He asks, looking to her eyes for the answer instead of her mouth. She would be able to tell he is enjoying himself. "I'm surprised that we have never met before this. I have lived in Endrykas all my life and I bet that I could have remembered your face if I have met you before. I think this is our first though." Grinning, he hopes he is making a good first impression.

[Vallora Salvari]

She could not help it. It was far too amusing for her not to roll her eyes and hold back a smile. This man was obviously quite drunk and his interest in her was not subtle in the slightest bit. The thought came off as a bit ridiculous to her. That the only reason that this man had the guts to push on was because of intoxication. Vallora could only press her lips together and let the man ramble on.

It was odd in a way that she did not expect. Today, she had already gotten herself acquainted with two strangers. Khida and Aarias. More people than the last five months. Usually those she met was just a passerby, some random merchant who did not even offer a name. Vallora had supposed that everyone would steer clear from her - most of them did - but not all. A hopeful warmth blossomed inside the pit of her stomach. Maybe Endrykas wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe she wouldn't have to keep to herself so much anymore.

Aarias surprisingly moved quite gracefully. He could tune in well enough into the music and his steps weren't clumsy. It was the ease of their movements that finally forced out the tension out of her body and let it flow freely.

As they moved across the grass, Vallora could not help remembering the old dance lessons her mother used to give her. It made her confident in moving. She was no expert but her body could easily be one with the music. Her feet glided in light-hearted steps, simple yet elegant. It had been so long since she last danced.

All around them, young couples had decided to follow their lead, swaying gently to the music. The soft strum of lyres and the lilting notes of a lute seemed to wound itself together. A deep, calm tune.

"That depends," Vallora said softly, unsure how to respond. Something told her that she would meet this Stormshadow man again, whether she wanted to or not. "My brother would be looking for me sooner or later. I rather not worry him by disappearing." She waved it off with a shrug, hoping her excuse hadn't sound as pathetic as she thought it did.

At his sudden question, Vallora stiffened, her eyes darkening. It had caught her off-guard. How should she answer to that? Obviously he would have never seen her of course, not if he was of a family of good breeding. They mostly kept their kids well away from her when she was younger. And when Vallora had grown older, she had always preferred to keep to herself.

She decided to thread carefully. She had never been very good in the art of deception. "I've just come to stay in Endrykas. Before, my pavilion had always traveled on its own. We preferred the isolation. It's no wonder you've never seen me before." Not a lie. Every word of it was true. Her pavilion did live in isolation.

"Perhaps we could meet some other time," Vallora offered kindly, a sudden plan taking form inside her head. Her blue-gray eyes twinkled slightly, betraying her of her slight interest to the warrior before her. It was not intentional. She simply needed what he knew. At least, that's what she told herself.

The music had suddenly picked up, turning jolly and upbeat. The blood of a dancer thrummed inside of her and she couldn't deny. Smoothly, she disengaged from the blue-eyed man with a quick twirl, the hem of her dress swishing around her. Vallora did not have to think anymore. Her arms, her hips, her feet, they all moved in their own accord. In perfect harmony. Her mother's voice echoed somewhere inside her mind, telling her how to move, to let the passion and the emotion and the music pull the strings of her limbs.

Cheers went up in the air as partners disengaged and started to dance on their own. Out of the corner of her eyes, she watched Aarias being in the middle of the colorfully decorated bodies.

As Vallora glided, she bumped into a young man, slightly younger than her. A laughter escaped her lips as the boy bowed, holding his hand out to her. She took it. They danced for a while before another man quickly took his place. Flashes of faces and smiles and grins. Everyone started switching partners real quick, small talks wafted in the air as strangers were in each other's arms.

Vallora had no idea how long it took, but soon enough she found her way back into the Diamond Clan warrior's arms. Without realizing it, she smiled up to him - something she did not do often, but all the dancing had casted a gleeful spell upon her. She had forgotten the walls she put up and for once, she did not care.