It's a Party, People! (Open!!!!)

[Alstroemeria]

As the ling elongated, Alstroemeria questioned herself if too go now, or wait til the line died done. She was crying in desperation to push herself in there but her body couldn't bare to touch another really. Sucking in her gut she rose from her position, taking her gift quickly, placing her at the end of the line. After a few minutes she was in the front of the line and there was Sira and Addy waiting for her to hand them the gift. She stared down at the present, watching the blue pattern and the light blue laced ribbon. She smiled, proud of her work and amused by the fact that she could assemble such a piece. Meria took the gift and placed it delicately in the arms of Addy. She stood infront of them, her hands clasped together hoping that they were pleased. She hated to dissapoint those who expect better from someone such as herself. Meria looked up down then up again she saw the bouquet of flowers arranger, and below was a glass bowl that she had made herself to hold the beautiful flowers. She never knew she had such a talent, like any other inarta she strived to do her best. This was her best. The Gift : She was given a small hug from the two of them, and surprisingly all her fears had just dropped instantly. She had one less care in the world until she walked to the end of the line watching at everyone else. She was a freak, there wasn't really any beauty in her. But there was a spirit, only Luke was the one who realized this. A truley genuine man. She missed him dearly, but she had to keep him in her heart hoping that he wouldn't move on from what was. Meria finally reached the food table as she began to pack the small treats and eats that were there. Then she went to her seat with the food placing them carefully on the table. Sitting down, her eyes were fixated on the man, how ignorant he appeared to be. But it was rather amusing how he embarassed himself, he reminded her of herself. Except just in a different perspective.

[Eoin]

Aidara had disappeared in such a hurry that she had missed the Avora’s unfortunate fall, whisking Sira away as they went off into the crowd, likely to initiate the next step in their plans for the party. Either way, there wasn’t too much to worry about for the man felt entirely fine, aside from the gentle throbbing of blood flowing past the cut on his palm. Instead, he was more worried about the Yasi he had knocked over, and of Sairque who he had bumped into. The last slice of cake was unsalvageable, not that he expected the Endal to even consider eating it now, for his wrist had landed in it and it on to the floor. He then took a moment to check over his palm, revealing a thin but prominent line of red, the edges littered with small pebbles and dirt. There was nothing to be done besides cleaning the wound and picking up the mess, though the Yasi had already recovered and begun doing without being told. It was almost disheartening to see the young boy working so diligently and obediently, his eyes nervous and fearful as though it was his fault. Quickly, he scurried away, carrying the fragments in his worn fingers. A hand then came into view, the skin covered in the battle scars of the everyday. Surprised, Eoin looked upward to see the Endal herself offering a hand to him, and though his own met hers in reaction, the Avora was still quite in shock. “I’m fine, thank you.” He replied after a time, his tone respectful and sincere, but otherwise emotionless. She helped dust him off though it was quite unnecessary to do so, her gestures confounding him to no end. All the while his eyes were fixed on her expression, peering past red lashes in attempt to decipher her state of mind. Was Sairque angry with him, or with the Yasi? He neared understanding, but it easily slipped through his fingers once her lips casually brushed against his cheek. Immediately he grew tense, if only from the shock, finding it strange how expressive both Sairque and Aidara were. His mind wandered naturally to that summer’s night, remembering every detail more vividly than most others could, both benefiting and suffering for it. Eoin could not believe his audacity, his nerve, and in the days that followed had come to regret the act, no matter how wonderful the night had been. Once again his attention was diverted, this time by Rista who had come to check on him as well, her words comforting and concern unwarranted. Before he could reply, Sairque had asked the Yasi to perform a task, leaving the Avora alone once more. If anything, the situation was favourable, for he could avoid excusing himself from the two Endals and possibly offending either of them. Knowing that the gift giving was about to commence, Eoin hurried off to at least rinse his wound, leaving it exposed once the dirt had been cleared out and the blood began to clot in order to let it breathe. Once the cut had passed his tests of scrutiny, the Avora returned to the Courtyard to retrieve the small, yellow bag he had prepared beforehand. By that time, the line had grown considerably longer, though Eoin was not in much of a rush to present his gift. He, like most other of his or lower caste, were unfamiliar with the attention of so many others, and like them, found it rather disturbing to have so many eyes on him as he approached the celebrating couple. When greeted with their warm expressions, he too cracked a small, reserved smile as he handed them the golden pouch. “I wish for health and happiness for the three of you.” When the bag was opened, Eoin continued. “I hope you find a use for this.” To him, a gift would be given pointlessly if it served no practical function and instead, merely sat there for decoration. Though he had a love and sincere appreciation for art and other design elements, never had he exchanged pinion for it, preferring to save in times of indecision. Reaching inside, their fingers would brush against the gentlest of furs, and when pulled, would reveal a blanket large enough for a toddler. When unrolled, the women would find two glass bottles decorated with elegant etchings housing essential oils, one of thyme and the other of lavender. The first would help in strengthening the immune system to fight diseases and also as an antiseptic and the second disinfects, treats inflammation and doubles as a fragrance when bathing. Though Aidara was the head of the infirmary and could easily attain either of these ointments, Eoin found it much easier to present them to her in such a fashion as a message of health and longevity. In a way, he thought it would be a good omen to receive such gifts, even though he was not particularly superstitious. The last gift was the container itself, a pouch decorated with elegant lines and small, glass beads in complimentary colours sewn on to the front. It was not too big to store pinions, and the string closures were perfect for fastening. Once the two women looked over their gifts, Eoin gave the slightest nod as a farewell before disappearing into the crowd. He re-emerged after a time beside the food table, not so much to dine, but to fix up the plates and dishes. Since he was not able to return to the kitchens, the Avora could only do so much to appease his need for work. Without hindering anyone, he moved along the table, shifting plates, bowls and utensils when he saw fit. Some participants had left the table in quite a mess, with bits of food here and there and spoons from one dish swimming in another. Patiently, the Avora sorted each mess one by one, focusing his attention entirely on his task as the rest of the party faded from his knowledge. Gifts :

[Aidara]

After the first few gifts, Addy had expected only one or two of their close friends to make their way forwards, presenting them with their well wishes. The line that stretched through the courtyard simply astounded the woman. "I feel bad, Sira. All these people don't have to give us things! I...I hadn't intended them all to spend their money and time on us!" With her voice barely a whisper as Sarye walked away and before the next guest stepped forward, Addy fixed her Kelvic love with wide, startled green eyes. Sira would be able to see the uncomfortable guilt written all over Addy's face, made even more noticeable as the healer scooted closer to Sira's side, clearly looking for comfort. She really hadn't expected everyone to give her something. Perhaps it had been the pompous way that she had announced presents that made the party-goers feel obligated...."I feel horrible!" was the last low moan to Sira that she allowed as Krysanthe stepped forward. The womans demenor did nothing to make Addy feel better, as the woman looked utterly dejected as she handed the box to the women. Allowing Sira to do the honors of removing the bow and opening the box, Addy grinned to see the adorable bunny within. But when she looked back, Krys was still staring at the ground, clearly put off by what she thought of as an inadequate gift. Shaking her head and untangling herself from Sira's side, Addy stepped forward and placed a hand on Krys's shoulder, silently asking for her attention. When their gazes met, Addy smiled softly and gathered her into a hug. The words she whispered were for Krys and Krys alone. "Your gift is wonderful. I do not know you, but I know of you, and you are highly spoken about. So why the sad face? This is supposed to be a happy day, where everyone can rejoice in new life and new friends." Pulling back and holding her at arms length, Addy gestured with a nod to the gathered Inartans. "Don't fret. We expected no gifts as wonderfully thoughtful as the ones we have received. Maybe a few things to help get our lives started with a new child. Your rabbit..." Reaching behind her, Addy took the toy in hand and hugged it to her cheek, smiling and feeling the softness, "....will make a little boy or girl very happy. I know I didn't grow up with such things as toys to call my own. This.." and the rabbit was rubbed to Krys's face with a little giggle from Addy "... is a symbol that someone other than Sira and I cared enough about this child to provide it with simple things that will light it's little life with joy. So smile, dear. Please?" A finger lifted Krys's chin, Addy's brow raised until the smile did appear, and the healer returned the smile in kind before letting her disappear back into the crowd. The smile still lingered even after Krys left, because in an attempt to make the other woman feel better, Addy had given voice to her own worries. These people were here because they wanted to be, because they wanted to help and give the gift. Who was she to feel bad because of their generosities? Inartan's stuck together. Inartans helped each other out. They wouldn't have survived if it had been any other way. Her chest swelling with pride and love for her people, Addy smiled as Rista approached. The honest exclamation of her sister's laziness to bring the present herself made Addy erupt in sudden laughter. She pulled Rista into a hug before she had even finished speaking, tears of mirth gathering at the corners of her eyes. "You don't know how right you are, Rista." Leaving her arm slung over the Yasi's shoulder, Addy turned them both to watch Sira open the box. Whether Sira was shocked or not by what the gift contained, it was quickly passed to Addy for a look. "Are...you serious?!" was all she managed to choke out, staring wide eyed at the document in her hands, glancing disbelievingly between it and Sira. "I think... we need to go find her after this...This is something we need to discuss in detail... I can't believe she did this! How did she do this without us knowing?!" Rista provided her offer of help then, and with Addy's arm still around her shoulder, all she had to do was stoop and wrap her other around the Yasi for a tight hug. "That is very generous of you. I know how important a Yasi's free time is, as I remember those days very well.... Thank you Rista. And in return for your generosity, if you need anything from Sira or I, anything at all, you come tell us." The guard that she had seen in Rista's eyes made Addy's heart reach out to the girl, wanting to help her, seeing how hard her life would be made as a mongrel child stuck amongst the bullies her own age. Even when Addy was Rista's age, it was all the same. Every year had it's target, one or two children that were just different enough to give the rest of the Yasi's a target, something to pick on. It wasn't fair, it wasn't right, but it was the way it was. The only thing the healer could do was try and give Rista some place of protection that she could turn too. Renol was next, and Addy greeted him with a grin. "You're always late, it seems. You'd think that Fereo would have you on your feet faster these days, but I guess he's just as lazy as you." Addy was sure that Renol's bird could hear her, and she made her voice light and happy just so there was no confusion that she was, indeed, joking. Waving away Renol's claim that they had thrown the most memorable party in Wind Reach history, Addy couldn't help but laugh. "You are such a flatterer. Either we have been spending too much time together or you are practicing on me for the next time you visit Keah and have her 'look at your leg'." Using her fingers as quotes to denote her sarcasm, Addy shot a wink at the man. Her healing apprentice had mentioned that the Endal was coming around more often, and had even started to ask Addy for advice on how to more... appropriated welcome Renol and perhaps share the mutual feelings of attraction. Addy kept this bit of information to herself, however, not wanting to spoil the fun of the game for either Renol or Keah. The eagle toy brought a cry of laughter from Addy's lips, and she hugged the toy against her along with the rabbit that she had received earlier. "They are going to have a lot to live up too! Maybe I should wait to see if they want to be Endal before shoving their very first bird into their arms." She laughed and gave Renol a quick hug, turning to watch Sira open the gift that she held. Addy had seen Alstroemeria fidgeting in line for a while, clearly uncomfortable though the woman didn't know from what. When it was finally her turn, Addy gave the woman the best comforting smile she could, before turning to exclaim at the beautiful flowers they were presented with. "Sira! Look how absolutely gorgeous!" Taking them gently to hand, Addy turned to hold them up to the taller woman, shoving them in her face so Sira had no other option but to smell them. Laughing and poking the kelvic in her side, Addy turned back to Alstro. "Thank you! Thank you thank you! You did these yourself? Oh my goodness, they are so pretty! I have never had a hand at these kinds of things. I know exactly where these are going when I get home." Another smile, a kiss to her cheek and a hug was given, and Alstroemeria was quick to take her leave. Addy didn't take it personally, nor did she think Sira did. Some people were just not social creatures, and it was completely understandable. When Eoin stepped forward, Addy felt her stomach twinge. He had distanced himself from her ever since their night, and the healer was simply astounded that he had showed up to their party, let alone going out of his way to bring them gifts as well. Not that she didn't appreciate it, Addy just felt a certain sense of loss and longing, for the friend or lover that Eoin could have been, had she not messed things up so badly. Still having a mind to try and patch things up, her lips pursed as she decided now was obviously not the time. Especially not when she spotted the cut on his hand. Having extended the gifts to the two women, when Sira and Addy took one each, that was when the healer saw it. "Whoa, how did you get hurt here? I was sure I had removed all the pointy, dangerous objects before introducing alcohol to the area." Without thinking, Addy stepped foward and took Eoins hand, turning the palm up and examining the cut. "We're going to get this cleaned, once I can get away...er..um...Is that okay?" The question was odd, and felt awkward and unnecessary on her tongue. But if she had learned anything about Eoin, it was the fact that the Avora was overly sensitive about his position versus hers. Had she simply stated that she would clean the cut, Eoin wouldn't have protested and would had reacted to her statement as an order, whether he wanted the cut cleaned by her or not, he would have allowed it. The question she stuck on the end attempted to avoid the aforementioned outcome. With a smile, Addy dropped his hand and turned to pick up the gift she had set aside in her focus on the wound. The delicate bottles inside brought a cry of delight and before Addy could even consider what she was doing, Eoin was scooped into a hug. Well, he was bigger than she, so what actually happened was Addy pounced him. The attraction was still there, for her at least, and it was blatantly obvious. "This is beautiful, Eoin!" The stopper in the lavender bottle was removed and lifted to her nose for a good whiff before it was passed to Sira. "That is a perfect mixture. Very high quality..." Seeing the awkward look on the Avora's face, Addy felt herself droop a bit, the loss of excitement deflating her like a balloon. "Thank you." Was all she managed to say before Eoin stepped away. The gifts were done, and the pile around the two woman was huge. Much more than either of them expected. With the party goers back to their mingling, laughter and footsteps filling the Couryard, Addy turned to Sira. They were more alone in that moment than they had been for the majority of the day. With the deep well of emotion that Addy usually carried with her having been tapped to a great degree, she was practically oozing with love and sentimentality. Was was normal for the healer, she found the extremes of any emotion hard to control. It was with happy tears in her eyes that she stepped around the boxes and papers littering the ground around them, falling into Sira's arms. The kiss had meant to be sweet and short, a loving peck between the couple. However, it quickly became deeply inappropriate for a gathered setting such as this. Finding herself in Sira's warm embrace, the taller woman gathering Addy up in a tight hug as she normally did, Addy couldn't help herself. Her hands flew to Sira's hair and tangled there, pulling her face towards her so that their lips crushed together, Addy's sudden need very apparent. Her feet left the ground and found their way around Sira's waist, gripping tightly as she pressed her entire body against the kelvic's. Her tongue flicked and probed at the other womans lips, teasing and darting before forcing entry. Tongues danced, chests heaved and with a gasp Addy finally pulled away. "Oh." She said, realizing after the strong emotion had run it's course, leaving her suddenly aware just how public her display of affection had been. "Um..." Not really minding PDA as much as most people, Addy's awkwardness was instead for Sira. They had never been so physical in public, and while the other woman was just as frisky and open with her body as Addy was, she wasn't going to assume that what she did was okay. So green eyes turned to Sira's golden gaze, searching for her answer. She was sure that there was going to be no problem, but she just had to make sure first before she dismissed it all together. The women were still learning about each other, and as anyone who was in a relationship knew, it was always a process of trial and error. "I'm going to go find Eoin. I need to fix his hand." Yes, need. She was marked by the goddess of healing, after all, and would suffer mentally if she did not go and atleast do what she could for the Avora. Sira also knew the strange attraction Addy felt for the man, they had discussed it multiple times. Sira had no problem with this crush, as she was well aware of just how utterly and completely hers Addy was. It was a breath of freash air, the way the women held no jealously between them. "Why don't you get the party started. I'll be back in time to join in, I promise." A smile and a kiss, and Addy disappeared into the crowd. It didn't take long before Eoin was spotted. Addy watched him from a distance, straightening and fixing the plates on the food table. She couldn't suppress the sigh, and shook her head; he needed to learn to live a bit, to enjoy the world around him instead of hiding in his work. The Avora didn't notice her when she stepped up beside him. Silently handing him an empty plate to add to his pile, the healer picked up her own pile of dirty dishes, smiling when Eoin realized she was there. "I'll help you with these. What do you say about fixing your hand? I can at least put a bandage on it for you?" OOCAlrighty! You guys are awesome!!! If I only responded to half of your gift, it was because I was leaving space for Sira to respond when she get's the chance. I don't want to steal all the limelight! Feel free to post with whomever until Sira gets the post up explaining the game! No need to play if you don't want too! Sairque, I'm not trying to lessen the thunder of your gift. I want it to be a bigger deal, since they are basically moving out of their childhood home, between the three women. <3

[Drusilla]

"Well Taln, shall we join the line and take up our gifts?" Drusilla turn to the large man standing behind her. She giggled and reached down to pick up two gifts, they were wrapped in silk instead of paper. "Here you take this one, it's a baby quilt. I made it by hand, it's quality should get you a thank you at least. Drusilla handed the gold wrapped parcel to Taln, "Now, shall we go, my brother?" Drusilla spoke the last bit in Symenos

[Rista]

It was hard moving through the crowd. Everyone seemed to want to press closer to the two women and the long line of people that waited to hand over their gifts only grew. Rista had to use both elbows and acrobatic maneuvers to avoid being trampled, and cursed more than once over how stupid it was to try and go against the flow. With her short stature it was nigh impossible to see further ahead than a meter at a time, and she soon found herself at a loss on which direction she was heading in. The clamor of porcelain and the murmur of voices beat against her eardrums, and after having received an elbow in her face for the third time the dark-haired mongrel felt a faint pressure build behind the eyes, the foreboding of a headache from all the noise. At least they were outside, or the air would surely have been both stale and smelly. While it was warm enough, a faint breeze still made it bearable to mingle with so many people at the same time. Aidara's reactions had been slightly overwhelming, and as she struggle to make her way somewhere else Rista tried to shake the feeling of surprise and shock that had gripped her along with the hugs. She wasn't used to that kind of physical contact. There was no one around to share such intimate actions with, and the dark-haired little yasi wasn't one to cling to people she didn't know. While it hadn't been uncomfortable to be embraced like that, the memory of things like the fragrance of the womans hair, the surprising strength of her arms and how her voice sounded up close teased within the mind. It wasn't a bad feeling, but did that mean that it was a good one? Rista couldn't decide. Breathing a sigh of relief over a glimmer of light as she reached the outskirts of the crowd, the copper-skinned little yasi all but dived out into the open space; only to freeze mid step when she found herself faced with two sharp-eyed Eagles. Unfamiliar with most of the magnificent birds as she were, Rista couldn't tell who they were or what Rider they were paired to, but in all honesty she didn't really care. They were imposing in themselves without the presence of any Endal, and with the meeting with Seleer and the invasion of her mind in fresh memory, Rista was slightly hesitant towards lingering where she were. Even so... They truly were beautiful. The short-built girl couldn't help but smile as her dark eyes moved over the Wind Eagles, delight at the refinement of their built evident on her face. Those arched beaks, the sharp talons and the fierce, intelligent stare of the yellow eyes... She realized that she had taken a few steps forward and stopped herself abruptly, quietly hoping that none of the two would take any interest in her presence. It would be more than enough to be able to stand so close to them, she felt no need to have her mind rattled by imposing thoughts or delving questions. She had been told once that she wasn't strong or useful enough, she didn't need to hear it again. Trying to act like it was nothing to stand next to the giant birds, the young woman looked around her with a slight frown perched on her forehead. She hadn't forgotten about Eoin and his injured hand, but it seemed that she had managed to loose both him and Sairque among the mingling Inarta. There were so many different shades of red and orange milling about that it was impossible to single out one particular shade that could belong to either of them; with a sigh Rista blew a strand of her slightly disheveled black hair out of her eyes, not for the first time feeling the pang of jealously as she stared out over the fiery sea. What wouldn't she do to have hair like theirs... Or at least their eyes. Blue ones would be nice, or perhaps yellow like Sai had. The moss-green shade of Eoin's gaze lingered for a while before her inner vision, and the girl smiled faintly to herself. Green was nice too of course. Just.. perhaps a bit too calm for her. She wasn't patient enough for green.

[Sira]

Sira took a look at the fountain and thanked Sarye accordingly. To Addy's comment she mentally chuckled and said, That's because you don't have to live with the kicking. It's been real for me for a long time. Gift after gift after gift came, and Sira's reaction was always enthusiatic. Whether it was a simple bunny, a perfect pet for their new child, or an elaborate boquet of flowers, Sira loved them all. Everyone got an enthusiastic thankyou, and everyone was appreciated. And always she asked that people take some food home with them. She wasn't about to accept gifts from people without giving something in return, and there was no way she and Addy could eat all the food themselves. ..well.. they could.. easily, but people didn't need to know that. One gift did bring Sira pause, and it wasn't even presented by the one who was gifting it. Sira did find Rista's attitude quite amusing, but she was still busy looking over the detailed plans that had been carefully drawn out. Their new home. It was amazing! But Sira quickly got control of herself. She was trying very hard not to favor one gift over another, not wanting anyone to feel bad about what they could give. Sira understood it was hard for some people, but they still gave and that showed how much they cared. "Yes, we'll definetly have to talk to her about this later." After all the presents had been delivered it seemed that Aidara still had one present left to give. The sudden and passionate kiss was unexpected, but not unwanted. Sira was no less passionate in her return of the 'gift', her own hands entangling in Addy's hair and sneaking beneath her shirt to rub the smooth skin of her back. If Addy hadn't stopped when she did, Sira would have just kept going until both of them were naked and doing it right there in public, and the innocent party would have taken a whole new twist. But luckily Addy did stop, and Sira had enough self control to let her. "You did that on purpose, didn't you," Sira responded playfully. She had no problem with PDA. None. At. All. In fact, it was a secret fantasy of hers, but she wasn't going to reveal that right there in front of everyone.. even though that might lead to her fantasy coming true. But that's not the point! When Addy started to leave Sira pouted, but she knew she couldn't deny Aidara's need to heal. At least her need for Sira had won out first, and the knowledge brought a smile to her lips. While Addy went to tend to Eoin's wound, Sira decided it was time to start the next phase of the party. Standing, she moved to a place where she wasn't burried in gifts, and then cleared her voice before speaking up. "Ahem! Thankyou everyone! Thank you all for your precious gifts! Addy and I appreciate them greatly, and I'm sure the baby will love all of them when it is born. But enough of that, I think it's time to start what I'm sure you've all been waiting for. The games!" Sira looked about, hoping to see smiling and eager faces from everyone. Hopefully she would not be disappointed, but either way she would continue. "We're going to have a sort of triathlon, consisting of three contests. The winner of each contest will get a prize, and the overall winner will get the grand prize: A romantic flight over Thunder Bay followed by dinner and a night at the Dreaming Lady with a date of your choice, all paid for by Addy and myself. And you can choose us as your date if you want!" Sira watched everybody's faces, hoping for a positive reaction, before moving on to explain the first contest. "So the contests are based off of three of the most popular sports in Wind Reach. The first one.. an eating contest! Whoever can scarf down the most plates of food wins a prize! Ten days worth of endal food rations!" That would likely spark interest among the lower caste, she was sure, but for the Endal the prize was not all that grand. Sira had something in mind for that as well, however. "And if an Endal wins, I'll do you next five night watch shifts!" Now she expected everbody to be interested for sure. This was going to be a gread contest! Sira had the deks prepare the tables for the contest, which were loaded with slices of whale meat all equally cut. Chairs were lined up around the table, and anyone who was interested could participate in the contest including the deks who set the table up. Sira was expecting it to be an interesting match. They would have ten chimes, and whoever could eat the most whale slices in that many chimes would be the victor. It wasn't exactly a contest of skill, but it was at least a fun idea and even the losers would get a fully belly enough to last them a few days. OOCOkay, so this isn't really a contest of skill, per se.. so declaring a winner might be difficult. We're just hoping people will be fair and somebody will come out on top. If it doesn't look like anyone is going to concede victory we'll figure it out from there. And as for the food rations, they are coming half from Sira's own rations. Being a wind eagle she can always go out and catch herself some extra food if she gets hungry. There are two more contests, each with prizes of their own, but I'll reveal those later. Have fun!

[Sairque]

Sai waited around long enough for the games to be announced, ignorant of the flattering image her young friend painted of her to her sisters, and commenced weaving through the shocked crowd toward her Eagle. This was the first eating contest she had ever heard of being officially held in Wind Reach for the public. Sai and Addy were always showing one another just how much food their short and slight bodies could hold, but after days on hunts, no one could blame them for pigging out. Sira was never invited to attend these meals. She seemed to feel that just because she could swallow an elk in one bite that gave her rights to laugh at the sisters. Snooty Eagles. Passing near Sira, who had been accosted by several confused Inarta—what exactly was an eating contest to a people that frequently never got enough to satisfy their hunger—Sai ducked her head and shouted: “Sira should be a judge—she’ll be fair, it takes a big eater to know a big eater!” Of course, she didn’t really need to duck, her stature guaranteed anonymity among a mass of others. Still, those eyes were sharp, they might catch a stray, traitorous hair flying high above her coiffed locks and identify the culprit. Moving through the crowd took longer than necessary, but the nature of the gathering dictated that the Flight Leader stop and accept greetings, chit chat, and the unsettling congratulations on the new family member. Thankfully, Sai had already had her panic. Followed shortly by Sira’s panic. It had been an eventful day in which the ladies attempted to come to terms with the monumental task of raising a child to be a functioning member of their society. Sai had already taken the first step to providing the thing with a nurturing safe place, their home. The thought of the neat plans with their crisp lines and considerate amenities still brought a dreamy, happy smile the likes that actually unsettled the few of her acquaintances that witnessed it. Lingering over the indulgent natural hot spring built into the aerie, her eyes skimmed right over Rista as she neared Catabasis and reached up to casually caress one of his torso-length talons. He was just stoked to have enough room with the size of his chamber, designed to fit himself plus a mate plus their offspring, to have company over. He had already ordered a chess table be installed, several musical instruments, and a plethora of wind chimes. Spoiled. Swinging up in an impressive display of upper body strength, the lithe Endal coiled over the perch and found her feet. Behind her, the sheer cliff side of the mountain dropped away, in front of her, the party raged on, the Inarta getting into the swing of an eating contest. Leaning against the side of her Eagle, his black feathers leeching the very light out of the air, those piercing eyes finally discovered Rista. “Shouldn't you be over there, stuffing your face or at least stealing things to squirrel away for winter?" Sairque asked, a wry smile playing across the relaxed planes of her face. And though the Eagle’s eyes, as calculating as his rider’s, rested on the mongrel, no words bloomed within her mind. But he was there, weighing her.

[Eoin]

Peace came as he worked, thoughts flowing easily between one idea to the other, and even the stress of the daily grind seemed to diminish. He thought of the happy couple, of their child, of Aidara, slipping in his reach for the next, empty plate. Time and space separated the two, but living isolated upon a mountain meant that one would inevitably interact with the other. Eoin, determined as he was, did not shy from the fact and was set on resolving the lingering tension. The party was the perfect opportunity to reintroduce himself to the two Endals, to begin anew, that was what he had thought. Now that he had met them, uncertainty threatened to redirect his goal. He grabbed the plate that was passed to him, stacking it on top as – he paused, realizing that it had to have been picked up to be given. The Avora turned, startled to see the subject of his thoughts appear before him as if summoned. She offered her aid once more, making her intentions clear as she gently edged out his idea of status. Eoin heard nothing of Aidara’s mark, believing the woman was as attached to her work as he to his and that perhaps, she held concern for his well-being. With a nod, he acknowledged his acceptance, a small, appreciative smile adorning his lips. “Thank you Aidara.” It came out easily, much like many of his other responses to her. Despite his mild discomfort, the Endal’s ability to draw words from his gilded cage of a mind was admirable, surprising even. After the two had returned to their separate lives, Eoin had thought on the events of that morning, trying his best to find the humour in it. Whenever he did reflect on the fact, however, he struggled to separate his shame and irritation from the scene. The neutrality of a third person’s perspective escaped him after a long and enduring chase, and time did little to fade the memory from his everyday thoughts, tainting his words with a subtle, icy chill. “Please enjoy yourself, this is your child we are celebrating.” He caught himself, hearing his tone sharper than intended, pausing as he tried to filter the unpleasant sound from his voice. There was no need for Aidara to waste her time on such meaningless tasks for she had enough on her mind as a host of the party. There was also no need for the feeling of annoyance he felt since that day, for he had been used to acting as an object of humour, his sister’s mostly. Eoin never did hold even the slightest resentment when Noelle played her tasteless pranks on her, and comparing the two, hers were much worse. Perhaps it was the fact that these were Endals that he had embarrassed himself in front of, the heroes and heroines of his childhood, which kept the irritation alive. When Aidara took his hand, Eoin noticed the flickers of concern in her eyes as she looked over the wound, finding it pointless to hold on to the bitter emotion. Clearly, even to one that was at times as dim-witted as he, it was obvious that the woman had meant no harm. He relaxed into her presence, mimicking the comfort of their first encounter. “I hope the child will inherit your compassion.” Then, a voice rang over the heads of others, Sira's, announcing the game rules, contest and prizes. Like butter, the face of the lower castes melted to satisfied smiles, excitement lighting up their eyes. Some of the Endals seemed interested as well, exchanging looks of challenge between their companions. Knowing how set Aidara was on fixing his wound, Eoin did not wish to suggest that she leave him be to help supervise the contest, only looking expectedly for her reaction.

[Taln]

A smile teased the corners of Taln's mouth when Drusilla called him brother. She was like a mothering older sister that liked to take care of him, while he wanted to shelter her in return. She may be Symenestra, but he'd seen her savage hunting skills and it was that very distinctive Inarta trait that made him respect her. Dru was a great example of being strong, but remaining feminine, which was very appealing. His thoughts were interrupted by an announcement that almost made him drool. Sure the large man had eaten two full plates a bell ago, but there was always room for more! Now -this- was a game he could thoroughly enjoy! The earlier tease of mirth became a broad, beaming smile at the thought of eating yet more food. It was one of the few things he was really good at--eating! In broken Symenos he answered Drusilla, "Now I eat food good so that is a fun game, Sister."

[Alstroemeria]

Alstroemeria didn't see the need to play games because honestly she really wasn't in the mood. She felt rather uncomfortable with people of her old kind, but knew none of them. She decided to make her way to Sira and the crowd, listening to the list of activities. She couldn't do it, she couldn't possibly because she wanted Luke to be her date if she had that chance. But he wasn't here.... Leaving her awe struck, she began to walk back to her table. She saw others stare at her, giving a small smile and wave then walked off. She remembered her small little spot she loved to sit. Finding herself by the rims of the rocks, she stared into the sky. This was her perfect date. Somewhere by herself, with no one to disturb her. It was obvious that someone would realize she was alone therefore she was expecting someone. Look at her, uncomfortable around a group of people. A total outcast but she was an Avora, a total Artisan. Known to charismatic, but couldn't do it unless it was someone she truly had know. On the other hand, she needed to look on the better side of things. Before she made a fool of herself infront of the whole of Wind Reach. ---- She remembered her times in the library which of course she still does in her spare time. When she first met Luke and he was flirting with her. Then ended up leaving the same locket she wore, matching her attire. It was as if someone had struck something right in her, like glass. The pain throbbed against her heartbeat. She wanted to see him again. She missed him dearly and wished for him to be back. Why can't I just shut up? There's nothing to say to anyone I might as well leave. Say my goodbye to the hostess's and make my way out. NO Alstroemeria, you have to try and be charismatic She thought. How silly she appeared, making facial expression and hand movements at the sky. It was as if something was mentally wrong with her, but of course it was just the simple thing called paranoia. Something that haunted her dearly and could never get enough of. Her body was just built that way, to be clustered, flustered, and all that. ---- Meria stared into the sky, staring at the eagles that flew overheard of the sky. She smiled staring at the few that surrounded her, awe struck by an Inarta. They smiled at her with small caws and coos. She waved the averted them back to the sky with a simple hand movement. They flew off into the sky and began to dance across the pinks, yellows, and oranges. A sight of delight on her face, as they danced in a group. Coos and caws came from them as they attempted to entertain her injured soul. She felt happy, something she hadn't felt in a while. Leaving herself in her ponderous mood. She fell into a trance of Eagles soaring through the sky. Unaware of those around her, physically touching her yes... Mentally not so much.