[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

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The Diamond of Kalea is located on Kalea's extreme west coast and called as such because its completely made of a crystalline substance called Skyglass. Home of the Alvina of the Stars, cultural mecca of knowledge seekers, and rife with Ethaefal, this remote city shimmers with its own unique light.

[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Haeli on January 7th, 2011, 8:01 pm

Haeli was grateful Brig remembered his manners since she seemed to have none at all. The girl scrambled for the clasp at the back of her neck, clawing at the jewelry until the two halves of the whole fell away into her hands. To someone like Brig who knew her, the panic was evident in her face. The whites of her eyes showed and her pupils were the deep gold of fear. She moved forward and reached out to catch the Achorite's hand even as the woman stepped forward and stroked her cheek. A sense of calm infused the girl, interrupting her train of thought and draining away the fear that infused her. As the hand withdrew, Haeli unhurriedly caught it and placed the necklace within Hayani's fingers. "It means more to that man than it does to me. I've had it a long time, but I do not need it. Not now. I did when I had no one and nothing but now that is not true. I have someone and everything. He may have it." She said softly, her golden gaze casting sideways to Brig. It was something Haeli would have done anyhow if the man hadn't been so forceful. She had no real concept of ownership or possessions. Things rotted, stained, or wore out in the swamp anything. You had things, sure, but they were always temporary. She viewed the jewelry as the same thing.

The witch noticed the white haired man and stepped back slightly, not out of fear, but out of respect for what she saw clearly was a claim over the Achorite. Kelvic? Haeli suspected it was so, recognizing similar qualities in the man that Brig shared as well. The entourage of dignitaries had all but dispersed leaving the three relatively alone among the festival goers once again.

She dropped her gaze abruptly, glanced at Eshara, and offered her a shy smile. "I don't know how to dance. Brig was going to show me what he knew, but I would very much like to watch you two dance to see how its done if that is all right? You are so beautiful. I do not think anyone would be more lovely to watch dance." Haeli told Eshara, absently curious as to why she'd been so afraid before and so delighted and calmed now. It was as if the man hadn't even been real, but some daydream her mind had conjured up to amuse her in the spaces between music and Brig's excitement.

"I want to taste the food too. Brig said it was delicious. Will you let us treat you to some in exchange for escorting us around?"
Haeli asked, glancing at Brig to see if this was indeed appropriate. She knew sharing food among humans was a big deal and that at the festivals all food cost coin. She wanted to make sure she was offering something appropriate.

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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Tao on January 10th, 2011, 10:32 am



He returned Atanu's bow, making sure that his was significantly deeper. He wasn't entirely certain if the man was one of the priesthood, but simply the age gap between them commanded a certain respect. The elder man was certainly knowledgeable about many things, and his philosophical answers spoke of wisdom much beyond his own understanding.

Despite recognising that fact, Tao still bit his lip and shifted a step as the questions turned back to him. He had only just met the elder man, and it seemed a little strange that he was quizzing him on his desires so shortly after they had exchanged greetings.

Perhaps they feel that I have ill intentions. He wondered, beginning to fidget with the hem of his inappropriate clothing choice. There was no choice, then; he would just have to convince Atanu that he was as harmless as they came. He couldn't blame Lhavit for wanting to protect their Star Lady.

“You're lucky to have such a wonderful person in your lives.” He replied, keeping his tone as neutral as possible. “I can barely imagine having someone that committed to you.”

That was another lie by omission. His father had always been that person for him right up until a bare year ago. No god, of course, but still a guiding hand and a promise of stability that had kept him feeling secure. The real world had been a nasty shock when he had to face it alone.

No doubt the Lhavitians would feel the same without Zintila.

“I...” He finally broke the long pause as the thoughts clicked together in his head. “I lost someone very important to me. I grew up... quietly, and I wasn't ready when they passed on. Lady Zintila reminds me of them, a little.”

He sighed and looked down at his feet. “I don't have any desire to disturb your Star Lady. It's just... nice to see the way she interacts with the people. I never expected to find that, but... it's nice. I'm jealous of your connection, I suppose.”

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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Brig on January 11th, 2011, 6:28 pm

Every bit of the kelvic’s territorial and protective instinct had been provoked by what he viewed as an attack on his bondmate. The man was gone, chased off by the Anchorite. But his absence didn’t begin to diminish Brig’s determination to keep himself between Haeli and every imaginable threat. He might have snarled a warning, or leapt at anyone who tried to get past him while his senses were still heightened. But whatever it was about the Anchorite, something told him she was different, and that she meant only good. In all the ways he could plainly see, and others he couldn’t begin to comprehend.

She didn’t hesitate to move past him either in order to touch Haeli’s cheek. She became the exception then, especially when his connection with Haeli told him she was no longer afraid, and welcomed the touch. He didn’t miss the lurking presence of another like himself, either. It only took a huff, a sniff of the air, an opening of his senses. Another male. Territorial, protective, watchful. Another kelvic, surely, and one older and more experienced than him. Whichever the case, the Anchorite was his, as Haeli was Brig’s.

If that one was more experienced, he might learn a thing or two…later. Nonetheless, while not fearful he did respect the other’s claim and wasn’t at all interested in provoking a confrontation so long as his own bondmate wasn’t being threatened. And he let him know it by not returning the same intensity in his gaze, and even taking a step aside to let the Anchorite slip easier by him. What surprised him most though was when Haeli pulled off the necklace and pushed it into the woman’s hands.

He looked curiously to her, his eyes searching. He was curious too about the man's claim on a symbol that had come with Haeli from a time when she was only a baby. But her words struck him and while he was still primed from all the excitement, he smiled. He understood. His bondmate, the one who surely Caiyha had led him to, was a wonder. And Brig was a very lucky kelvic.

The diminishing of her own fear released some of Brig’s own and he’d relaxed visibly by the time they were left alone with Eshara. Haeli would know it though even without postures, expressions or words to tell her so. He took her hand in his, and took another look at their surroundings with renewed curiosity. He did manage to look a little sheepish though at the mention of dancing. He was a pretty good mimic and a natural born acrobat. But it had been his boldness doing his talking for him earlier when he’d mentioned it, as if he’d danced a step in his life. He grinned a little nonetheless. He was game for trying, no doubt about it.

To the rest, he agreed, and liked the idea of seeing more of the festival, and tasting more of its offerings. He’d not gotten a sufficient sampling in his coon form, when he’d been relying on what was inadvertently dropped. Surely things were better straight off the carts or from hands, rather than snatched up off trod upon cobble stones.
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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Eshara Aravell on January 15th, 2011, 9:45 am

(OOC: Sorry this took so bloody long. School just reopened.)

Eshara put a comforting hand around Haeli’s shoulder, and with the other hand, she closed Haeli’s palm around the Twilight necklace. “It is yours by right, Haeli, and if you came by it honestly, as I’m sure you did, you should keep it.” She removed her hand from Haeli and spread the bottom of her robes wide, curtseying to the Anchorite just as she turned to leave from their group. “Thank you, my lady, for helping us resolve the small problem of Weisur. It was very kind of you.” Then, she, Haeli and Brig turned to go their seperate ways as the Anchorite led her Kelvic off in another direction. The music around them was resuming, and the air resounded with happy shouts and much merriment. Snow started to fall gently from the sky as scattered pockets of clouds flittered through the sky, occasionally covering the moon and throwing deep shadows over the city.

As they slipped slightly on the icy road, Eshara waved to people she recognized, and exchanged happy greetings with them as they moved slowly and carefully around the plaza. The Shinya were still throwing tokens, and children stuffed more buns into their hands. Eshara smiled at them and waved them on before she picked one to nibble at while she watched the proceedings. After hearing Haeli’s question, she shrugged rather mournfully as she gazed at the Taiyang and the Chandra dancing for Zintila’s pleasure. “I’m afraid I don’t really dance, Haeli, as my talents lie in other areas. I’m sorry I can’t help you realize your dream of being able to dance at least once.”

“As for repaying me for showing you around, I think that you really should turn up at my shop tomorrow. You really need to get some fitting robes for Lhavit.” She surveyed Haeli with narrowed eyes, observing the exact colours of her skin, hair and eyes. “I think that you’d look quite stunning in green and pale yellow, for you hair. Pale colours tinged with white. Those are colours that would suit your appearance. Come to my shop tomorrow and we can get down to making you look presentable. If you intend to stay in Lhavit for any length of time, you need robes for both casual and formal wear.”

Smiling at Haeli, she nodded her head and patted her reassuringly on the shoulder. “I know that after so many years living in uninhabited areas, it is hard indeed, making such adjustments. But if you are indeed about to reenter cities and towns, you need to learn how to adapt to your environment.”
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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Kelpie on January 20th, 2011, 8:46 pm

Tao

Atanu was quiet for a while, his gaze lingering on the stars over head, with a small smile playing on his lips. When he spoke, he didn’t face the young man, “Indeed. I feel everyone deserves something to guide them, whether it be a goddess, the stars or a mother or father. Guidance in ones life does wonders for the one who seeks it.”

At the mention of a great loss, Atanu turned his gaze to glance at Tao. It was a look that might have been given to a son long since lost and reunited. A parental figure that Tao so desperately needed and wanted, after the loss of his father. Atanu was perceptive. “May they be in the safe hands of Lord Lhex, who will guide them into a new life and body to be reborn anew.” He said softly, “Such things happens often, young master Tao. It is both the influence of the Lady Tanroa and Lord Lhex who govern our lives so diligently. Lady Zintila may fill the void that you harbor if you let her, but it will not be forced upon you.”

“The Goddess is never disturbed by the pleas of her people. She is our Matriarch, a mother to us all. Mothers do not ignore the cries of their children, just as Zintila does not ignore us. She sees all through the eyes of her stars, and she may very well have her eyes on you. You are young, with a full life ahead of you, one that I know she does not wish will go to waste when there is so much in your future to attain.”

He paused, “The Lady’s devout followers, ones who are marked and touched by her personally live with her and the Anchorite in the Temple. There may be a chance, if you are interested, in joining this order, to heal the wounds you may have in your heart, and find solace in the arms of the Goddess. It is your decision to make.”
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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Tao on January 21st, 2011, 9:26 am



Atanu reacted to the news of his father's death in a way that he had grown accustomed to over the past year. He could practically taste the old man's pity in his words. However, at the same time, there was something... different from the usual well wishings in the tone of his voice and the look of his eyes.

It was then, as he continued to speak, that Tao realised that Atanu was not singling him out because he was suspicious, but because he was standing alone on the night of a celebration. What was even more surprising was how quickly he had perceived the reasons why. It felt like he could see straight through any clumsy attempts at protection and directly into his heart.

Tao took a deep breath and let it go shakily, the calming technique, as usual, doing little to calm his nerves.

The suggestion that Atanu had put before him was unusual, to say the least, and despite all the appeal of serving the stars that he had come to love more and more, his doubts were already setting in. There was only a 'chance', after all. The Lady Zintila could very well not care or need about one foreign boy among the rest of her people. Would he even be suitable for such a life?

“...Why would she have her eyes on me?” He asked in reply, hoping for answers that would make the sudden offer put before him more clear. “I could understand pitying me or offering me advice, but you're... suggesting that she would take a personal interest in someone like myself.”

His eyes darted back over to the Star Lady, glittering among all her people. It seemed bizarre to even consider that she would be focused on him in any way. Even a goddess could not do everything.

He forced himself to look back at Atanu, hoping that he didn't look as strained as he felt, and waited for an answer.

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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Kelpie on January 31st, 2011, 8:42 pm

Tao:

Atanu gave him a small smile, “I believe the question you should be asking is why wouldn’t she have your eyes on you? I see that you have clouded your mind with self-destructive thoughts. You believe you’re not worthy of her attention? She lends them out to people nearly every day, to her priests and priestesses, to the public on days such as this, why should you, one who deserves it greatly, be singled out?”

“What I am saying, young Tao, is that becoming a priest or priestesses is not such a farfetched idea that it would not be possible for the most common of citizen. They showed their devotion to the lady, they have sworn to protect her as she nurses her power and becomes one of the great pantheon. It is just a matter of if you have that devotion to make it into their ranks. If you are willing to put effort into attaining a great honor, than it is yours to keep til the end of your days.”

He said nothing more, allowing Tao to make the final decision. Atanu never forced anything on anyone, on the contrary, he usually advised them the pros and cons of such decisions. Now it was Tao’s turn. Would he remain alone and solitary in his current life on Lhavit? Or would he go to great heights to achieve honor and glory and be called a priest of Zintila?
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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Haeli on January 31st, 2011, 9:10 pm

NoteSorry for the delay! I've been incredibly busy with a very sick elderly mother.

Haeli looked startled that Eshara stepped in and wanted her to keep the necklace. Didn't the woman understand that she spoke the truth? She didn't need a babble to be happy? She could make her own happiness. That man, though, the one with the scowl and the hard eyes needed some joy in his life. It was obvious he had none or very little. If he coveted Haeli's necklace, she had no problems giving it to him. Haeli had always been taught the easiest way to hold on to wealth was to give it away. Immediately and instantly. She'd never had much of anything in her life and now she had pretty much all she ever wanted.

Haeli shook her head, gave Eshara a smile that said she understood where her heart was, but stepped around her and gave the necklace to the shining woman anyhow. "Please give it to him. He needs it more than I." With that done, she smiled at Brig and glanced around.

Eshara had spoken again, refusing to dance with Brig, and indeed went on to comment about Haeli's appearance. The woman was nice about it, and Haeli understood. She simply thought Brig would like to dance with someone finer.

But Eshara had more words to say. Haeli's clothing wasn't presentable? The swamp witch wondered if the woman knew how much courage it took for her to go into town and buy the dress she wore to the festival tonight? It was the first clothing purchase she'd made in Lhavit and she'd taken extra time to put up her hair since it was always free flowing and tangled. Eshara had taken it down, saying the upstyle and braids weren't appropriate for the festival. Haeli had no way of knowing. She didn't know what was wrong with her dress either. It was a lovely thing of pale greens and swirls of color that had made her smile when she picked it out.

Haeli knew Eshara wasn't trying to be cruel or belittle her, but she did feel small despite things. The dress she wore now was the finest she'd ever owned and she was proud of it. She didn't have much coin, not with getting All Things Wild off the ground scrounging and skimping as best they could. Haeli glanced at Brig, wishing she could hide her feelings from him but knowing he felt her hurt. As they walked, words like 'adapting' and 'adjusting' echoed in her head. Did she stand out that much? Was she so different? Why had she come here? Haeli felt embarrassed and glanced around, feeling like maybe it was time to go home. What must Brig think? Weren't kelvics supposed to bond with humans to help them? Certainly that fellow who made them, Marcus Kelvic, wouldn't want one of his creations bonding to someone like her who had no robes and who hadn't ever been to a festival so grand to see a Goddess and her entourage.

Haeli felt her eyes grow wet and that confused her momentarily. She wasn't one to cry, rarely feeling the need or the circumstance to do so. But truthfully she was embarrassed, really embarrassed, especially for Brig and especially for Eshara who just seemed to want to help her. What must the noblewoman think of her?

"I will think about coming, Eshara. But this dress I am wearing now is new. I picked it out for the festival myself. It is the finest I own and far finer than I need. I'm not sure robes would be suitable for me. I have no family, no title, and no need to be something I am not." Haeli said softly and simply, not asking directions to the shop because she knew she had no real money for clothing after she'd already bought what she bought. "Your offer is very kind though. And I do appreciate it. Can I keep it in mind for later, perhaps when I have more coin and maybe a need for such things?" The witch said politely.

With that, she turned to Brig. "Brig, do you want to try and dance with me? I don't know how, but I'm willing to give it a try." She said thoughtfully, not wanting to leave Eshara alone, but after the amount of people who'd greeted her and said hello, she figured it would be fine.
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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Brig on February 6th, 2011, 5:22 pm

Brig watched the exchange between Haeli and the woman who called herself Eshara, close by his bondmate’s side but not uttering a word. Only watching, both them and for prospective dangers to his bondmate in the crowd, sniffing the air for signs that the other kelvic was still nearby, and listening…feeling. The ways of humans were still mysterious to him. Except for his mother’s, and now Haeli’s. Being surrounded by so many of them now, made them seem all the more confusing. He tried not to show it though, but to outwardly seem confident and bold for Haeli, right there in the middle of them all.

But when the woman put the necklace back in Haeli’s hands, Brig thought that she didn’t understand at all. But he couldn’t fault her for it. She only knew what she saw and heard, in Brig’s mind. She couldn’t feel the reasons why, through an intimate connection like he could. There were reasons Haeli wanted to pass that necklace over, he could feel even more than she said. But he didn’t say anything, the woman was only trying to be kind.

He took Haeli’s hand as they trailed off, he didn’t mind not dancing with Eshara. The truth was that he didn’t know how. Sure he’d seen the old peddler dance a drunken jig once in a while. But it wasn’t what the dancers were doing. With enough watching he could probably pick up the steps, and surely his feet would cooperate. In his coon form he could cling with his back claws topside down from a branch. Surely then his feet could contend with dancing. But he didn’t mind so much, if he was going to dance, he’d rather it be with Haeli.

But then Eshara talked about his Haeli’s clothes and hair, the way she looked and Brig stopped short and frowned. If he’d had his pelt it would have bristled at what struck to his bondmate’s feelings. A huff traveled up from his chest, not one that sounded threatening in any way, but more as if some irritant had made way up into his airway and a snort would get it out again. He moved closer to Haeli without even thinking of it, and frowned deeper still, perplexed. Brig’s were simplistic views of the world. He hardly had any mastery of spoken words, or understanding of human ways either. But…”If she looked like the others,” he reasoned, ”if her hair and her robes were like theirs, if she acted like everyone else does, then she wouldn’t be her. My Haeli.”

He gave Haeli’s hand another reassuring squeeze, and smiled at her besides. ”I’ve never danced before, I’ve only watched. But I’d like to dance with you,” he told her.


A thousand pardons...for my unseemly delay!
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[Lhavit] The Midwinter Festival

Postby Tao on February 7th, 2011, 12:43 am



Tao waited for a long moment until he was certain that Atanu had finished his explanation, then exhaled slightly once again.

There wasn't much else that he could say. Never had he expected such a life changing offer to be placed before him when he had stepped out to join the Festival that evening.

The very thought of taking that chance was making his head spin. It wasn't a choice that he could just run with in the heat of the moment.

“... I thank you for your time, Atanu.” He said, turning and bowing to the man. “I... need to think about this. There's a lot to consider.”

Not daring to wait for a response, he turned and all but bolted off into the crowd, making his way across the Plaza and back towards home. In time, he knew that he would most likely regret turning tail on the situation, but for now, like it had been since he was young, it seemed like the best decision.

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