Of the Past (Caesarion, Firenze)

[Firenze]

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The man she had extended her hand toward took it, but the look in his eye seemed as though he were completely uninterested in her flirtations. This threw her off a moment, not having had to deal with a situation as this before, she maintained composure but questions circled through her mind as to what might be the cause. Was it because of the conversation that she’d walked in on? He gave his name and asked if she knew Talya, the other woman answering before Fire had the chance. Her smile still on her face she tried to ignore the odd shift in the man, the stiffness and formality giving off a vibe that she couldn’t quite place her finger on.

Talya’s ‘hello’ brought her attention back, her eyes turned up in a smile. It appeared as though she were going to include Fire in on the conversation, mentioning of home and sharing views. Not many people in Zeltiva were from there? This brought about the question, did the man standing next to her develop horns and change with the darkness? Was he the same as Talya? She tried to keep her face void of the questions that continued to pile on one another inside her mind and continue on with the conversation at hand. “Where are you guys from? If you don’t mind my asking,” looking to the Caesarion and back.

She noticed in Talya’s response that she’d not mentioned how they had met and that her appearance was slightly different than the last time that they’d met. Noticed as well that she didn’t mention what Firenze was either. It appeared as though she wanted to keep those things between the two of them and Fire was okay with that. Issues hadn’t happened from her revealing what she was, but a gut feeling kept her weary about too many people knowing. It felt whenever she thought of telling someone unfamiliar that a danger loomed. The secret between the two caused some trust and respect to pass over to the woman sitting in the grass.

An awkwardness between the three of them had started to settle, it was abruptly broken by Talya commenting that they should go out and do something together - the three of them. This seemed appealing, it had been awhile since she’d had a bit of fun. All work and no play made this girl one dull cat. Some of the options that were suggested didn’t seem appealing, until she got to the part of drinking. That was something that Fire was into, drinking and then trying to dance. Wondering if she could manage to get the overly formal Caesarion to relax then he would be more interested in continuing some late night activities. If he wasn’t then she could always pick up a local at the bar or even Talya. Mentally shrugging, the prospects endless in the city of ships.

Her excitement came through, her composure breaking for a moment, “Ooh! Let’s go have a drink and dance!” Her hands clapped together, a large grin broke out across her face and she glanced from one to the other, her dress flounced with a slight bounce of the knee. Catching herself, her odd outburst subded, she stood straighter, smoothed her skirt and toned down her smile, “I mean… it would be fun to have a drink and get to know one another better.” Reaching a hand out for Talya she offered to help her up so that they could decide on the best course of action and head to wherever the three of them decided to go.

Looking to Caesarion, not wanting to make him feel as though she’d been focusing solely on Talya, she tried to include him into the party. “Come have fun, what better way to spend a summer day than with two beautiful women at your side, a good beverage and some lively music to make you want to dance?” Her nose crinkled and her eyes turned up at the corners, giving him her best and most sincere smile. He looked like he needed a stiff drink and some fun to loosen up; a strong beverage and a good time was always a cure.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

[Talya]

Talya gave Caesarion a sidelong glance. He seemed to return it. "Ravok," she said uncomfortably, "it's a very long way from here," she explained as she turned back to Firenze, who seemed to be mulling happily over her words. When she responded to her, Talya couldn't help but wince. She had hoped that the Kelvic wouldn't say that. But such was the way of things it seemed- all the things that you didn't want to happen, usually had a way of doing so. With a sigh, she took Firenze's hand and forced a smile upon her lips. She glanced back at Caesarion as her fingers slid through the Kelvic's. They were warm, a tad larger than her own. She gave him a sheepish grin, as she noticed that she seemed uncomfortable, and made no attempt to move. It didn't seem as though he would be accompanying them, and as such, she offered a little wave before moving away with Firenze. They made it just a few steps before the Ethaefal squeezes Fire's hand. "You know, I'm still pretty new here, and don't know much of anywhere to go. Would you mind leading the way?" she asked, before falling silent to await an answer, and hopefully a soft tug in one direction or another. It wouldn't be long before Firenze made up her mind, and began leading the pair through the city. They made their way across the lawns, and out of sight of both Caesarion, (whom got entirely left behind), and the University; its looming shadow. They moved through patches of grass, and dirt roads. Past people going about their business, carrying out their daily, mundane activities- a woman carrying a basket filled with vegetables and herbs, a woman balancing a small baby on her hip, a man carrying a barrel of fish through the streets, a few children chasing one another, winding around the buildings as well as their mother's skirts. They moved left and right, straight ahead, a little south and west, she thought, with a brief backtrack to the east. Weaving in and out of city streets and small portions of the docks until they arrived in front of a building which appeared as though it had met with the worst of the elements, and then somehow, magically survived. It was a well worn thing, with a hole-punched sign of metal that read, "The Kelp Bar." Talya wasn't much impressed by the sight, and couldn't say she had visited the establishment before, but she thought that perhaps, (although she highly doubted it), looks could be deceiving and she could find herself to be surprised. As such, she decided to give the Bar a chance, and with a shrug, let Firenze lead her inside. Once the door had shut behind them, Talya took her first look around. There was a bar on one side of the room, with the majority of the tables and seats being on the other side. (Although same came around toward the door, and "hugged" the bar area). It was manned by a grumpy looking woman with brown hair, that Tal grimaced at the sight of before turning away to look again at the innards of the building. Tables and chairs that looked rickety and perhaps a little water worn. Maybe a little moldy depending on where you looked. No two tables and sets of chairs were the same, (if they even got that far as far as matching was concerned). Some were made of light wood, others dark, others something in between. Some were simply carved, others had a few details here and there. And she supposed, just like the people who filled the place, they smelled of salt and the sea, as just about everyone in the place was a sailor or seaman of some sort; judging from their outfits and the way they held themselves in their chairs. "Where do you think we should sit?" Talya asked as she squeezed Firenze's hand, and gulped what she thought was inaudibly. "Or do you want to get a drink before getting a table?" she fell silent a moment. "I don't think I want anything myself," she added before moving wherever the Kelvic led her, although the majority of her person was ready to simply up and leave, as this place looked far from inviting. Far from an establishment which would have any food or drink she would actually want to have and find enjoyable. Even so, she thought she would be nice, and sit through one drink with her friend before going home, all the while keeping an eye on the other patrons with her magic, whenever she could, as they all appeared to be men, and Firenze WAS rather provacatively dressed. So, as they approached the bar as Firenze appeared to be in the mood for a beverage, Talya would take a look around. Her eyes would graze over the nearest patrons, before settling on a rather dangerous looking gentleman. He was tall, but not to tall, the Ethaefal could tell. He was probably about her height. But he had a small head, with a thick neck, and massive, muscular arms. His legs were the size of moderate tree trunks, and his chest was potbellied, and yet, seemed somehow well built. His eyes were a deep hazel; his nose a large hook. His attire simple- a tunic and trousers tucked into some damp looking leather boots. Black, non suede. By the time Talya had surveyed the man fully, the pair had reached the bar, and they were each leaning against it. There chests pressing against the wooden protrusion, the woman behind the counter glaring at them as the man Tal had noticed took a sip of his drink before grunting and turning away. By then, the woman would approach and ask Firenze what she wanted to drink as Talya squeezed her hand again, and breathed deeply. When asked, she would say she didn't want a drink as she kept her eyes trained on the man, not bothering to give the worker the time of day as she concentrated deeply on the outline of the man's muscles; the one in his left bicep specifically. Eventually, her eyes would develop a far off look as she entered a trance like state, in which the auras were given rise. She would study the one surrounding this stranger, and find that it was a deep red, flecked with oceanic blue tones. It smelled of the sea, and of salt, as much as it did liquor. It didn't have a true taste; but she found that something bitter settled upon her tongue, as though in response to it being something she didn't want to look at, something unpleasant. It sounded like the crashing of the waves, but further than this, Tal could glean no more. Tal discerned from this that the man was a sailor. That he was a passionate man, and also heated about something. He seemed tense anyway. But over what, she wasn't sure. Maybe his ship had had a bad haul that day. Or maybe the weather was supposed to be bad and he couldn't go out tomorrow- maybe it was something else- maybe he shared bad blood with another sailor. Or maybe he was simply the angry brooding type, Talya couldn't be sure. But the anger worried her; she supposed she would have to keep an eye on him as she let the aura fall, and her heart began to beat a little faster, as her temples ached dully before the pain died away. She didn't suppose the man would try something in a bar filled with people, and that comforted her somewhat, but all the same, you could never really know what people would do. What they were capable of, until it happened. As the thought crossed her, she felt a tug on her hand and snapped out of it. She'd look down, mutter something indiscernable as she realized Firenze had a drink in her hands. It smelled awful. Talya finally let their hands drop. "Lets go get a place to sit," she said, before leading the Kelvic through the room, toward a small table in the far left hand corner of the room. (Well, pretty close to the corner). It was a decent distance from the door; Tal seated herself facing the door, so that she could look out over the patrons, and precariously, scooted herself into the table; making the chair wobble and squeak. Screech a little as she moved it toward the small rectangular table of dark wood, and the occasional splinter. Tal sighed. She moved a loose strand of hair into a tuck behind her ear. "So, what should we talk about?" she asked, as her eyes found Firenze as much as the other patrons. "Or would you prefer to chug that before we start dancing and give this lot a show?" her eyes sparkled. She actually smirked. OOCPosted at length with permission from Firenze.

[Firenze]

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It appeared that Caesarion wasn’t interested but Talya was all for having a drink and a bit of fun. Talya left her hand in Fire’s after she helped her off of the grass. It was sort of intimate that they continued to hold hands but Firenze didn’t mind. Talya wasn’t sure where there would be a place that they could go but Fire did. She visited there almost as much as she went to her place of employment or her home as of late.

Leading the way through the city, the University and her lost date, which was quickly replaced with better company, receded in the background behind the two girls. It took them a bit longer because they were going to The Kelp Bar and it was a little ways away from the school.

As they approached, the familiar dingy outside came into view, water lapped nearby. The inside was quickly becoming as familiar to her as the inside of her and Pulren’s cottage. Her and Pulren’s. It had a sweet ring to it and she let that sit in her mind for a moment while she dragged Talya over to the bar and in front of the woman that usually worked with ‘Blue Eyes’. She had never actually asked his name, but had instead given him a nickname. He was older and had laugh creases on the side of his eyes, something that she liked about him, it told her that he liked to smile and laugh.

Unfortunately he wasn’t working tonight it appeared so she ordered a couple of kelp beers from the woman tending the bar. Placing the coin on the wooden top as she slid over the beverages. A sniff and she could tell it was particularly ripe that evening. The rowdy sailor crowd hooted and hollered and egged her energy on even more. She liked this place because it had just a little touch of Sunberth without all the killing. It felt like she could be more of the rambunctious side of herself. Sure, the guys that usually came in were of the sea faring kind and had a slightly grim look to them, but after having been in the bar so much lately she realized that most of them were harmless.

It did bum her out a little that Blue Eyes wasn’t tending, she usually felt a little better if he was there, he made sure that the extra rowdy guys kept their hands to themselves. Looking over, handing a beer to Talya, she could tell that the woman was slightly stressed out as she kept her eyes scanning the bar.

If she didn’t want to try the beer than it was okay with Fire, she’d drink it. As the made their way toward the table in the corner, both beers in her hand, she realized the boys were watching them. She knew what was coming. They knew Talya was new and they wanted to watch her try the kelp beer. When Fire had first arrived she found that it was a game for the locals. Watch the new ones, get a good chuckle at the reaction as they drank their own mug with ease.

Once they reached the table, Fire set the mugs down, letting Talya decide if one would be for her or both were for Fire. As they sat down the other woman asked if they should talk or dance. mulling it over for a bit Fire thought it might be best to get a little fire in their bellies before they started to kick up their heels and have a little fun.

“Why don’t I have a bit of this first and then we will dance? It’s been awhile, almost a month I think? Never thought we would be having a drink together after that night,” she chuckled and raised her beer, taking a big swig of it, letting the salty burn run down her throat and settle hot in her stomach, the burn running through her veins fast and bringing a flush high in her cheeks. Sitting it down, “Woooo!” An invisible fire felt like it was escaping between her lips as she released the air from her lungs after the drink.

A big grin went over to Talya, “Ready to dance?” Her eyebrows rose with excitement as she stood, dragging the woman over near a bard calling out his verses in a song, a fiddler played near him in an upbeat tempo. Fire had only danced once before but she was in the mood. Her feet stayed in one spot and she sway back and forth, not in time with music, but kept herself from risking an injury while in her heels. Grabbing Talya’s hands she tried to get her to sway with her and let herself enjoy the music.

A cat call came from somewhere in the back of the room, but Fire ignored it. She was used to the whistles and comments, as long as they didn’t do anything then she was fine with them enjoying themselves as much as she was enjoying herself. She called out over the fiddle to Talya, “Isn’t this great? Too bad Caesarion didn’t want to join! He’s missing out!” A huge grin was plastered across her face, swinging herself from side to side, along with Talya's arms as she held onto her hands.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

[Talya]

Talya didn't touch the second drink. She was no mood to get drunk any more than she was in the mood to try something that smelled so darned fishy. She didn't turn her nose up or anything, but her stance and general reluctance made it pretty clear that Firenze was to be on her own in the beverage department. "Fair enough," she began, "it sounds like a plan," she added, as she forced a small smile, and watched the Kelvic kick the drinks back with a small nod. She seemed rather enthused, all things considered. Her eyes glimmered nervously, her smile faltering as Firenze slammed the empty glass down on the table. "As ready as one can be," she managed as the Kelvic took hold of her wrist, and dragged her toward the bard, and what little empty space could be found in the bar. She supposed it could be considered a dance floor, although the wooden boards creaked with her steps as much as the Kelvic's heels clicked incessantly against them, drumming out a tune, which marred the far more deftly plucked one of the musician in the corner, who was busy playing something that was both light and happy. When they reached the dance floor, Talya nodded as Firenze's hand slipped into her own. Their fingers intertwining, locking, as they combined the other. Connecting themselves in a rough circle. Talya's fingers roamed; their edges rising and falling, the nails tickling the back of Firenze's hands as she stepped slowly around, causing their bodies to spin until she was facing outward; her gaze roaming over the crowd as she did her best to sway in tune with the music; a mirror of her companion. Although she sucked at it. The music not filtering through her- her ears, the way it should. Although this in part, may have something to do with the fact that she was rather distracted more than anything else. More than even, the way her heart beat erratically, or the music seemed to pass over her, as opposed to crash into her; overwhelming her senses. She breathed deeply though as she swayed, forcing her weight from one foot to the other over and over again, while trying to move her hips with it. But all she did was make an awkward, jerking motion that made her appear as though she were some sort of broken children's toy. Talya tried not to blush as she did her best to ignore her blunder, just as much as she did her best to ignore the whistles and horrid cat calls. She let her eyes grow distant; look past her companion as they danced awkwardly, (or at least she did). They searched the far bar, the far corners, the nearest tables, settling on no one in particular for the longest time. Simply, just taking them in- a sweep of dark hair; a bristly brown beard, deeply grey eyes- making note, so that she would know where everybody was situated in relation to her and the tigress. When the initial surveillance was complete, Talya began to put more effort into her dance, so as to seem less distant, and hopefully, tip Firenze off far less to her concerns. She began to rock more fervently, while swinging her arms a little harder, back and forth. Making them ripple between their bodies as though they were rocking waves. Although they jerked rather wildly at times, and scarcely seemed to move at others when she became more engrossed in her true task. Especially now that her eyes had finally settled upon another man. He was similar to the first. Large and bulky, but with a shaved head, and a short blonde goatee. A red bandana around his head; a ripped shirt and torn, muddy trousers. Brown leather boots, and bright green eyes. He was watching them closely, arms folded over his chest; bulking up his muscles even further. The stranger made the Ethaefal shudder as she stepped a bit to the right, and nearly trampled her companion's foot, before moving it back into its previous place again, and simply rocking. She breathed deeply as she gulped down a breath and then concentrated deeply on this man. The nature of his eyes, staring back into her own dark pools. Within a few beats of the music; a few more breaths, his aura had become visible. It was a deep sea blue, flecked with a seaweed green, and bits of black. It was enough to tell her that this man too, was a sailor, even before she began to discern the sound of waves crashing into the shore. A bubbling froth; the caw of gulls. Even before she caught a hint of clashing metal- as though swords were clanging together, and then the chink of iron. Chains being dragged across the floor. The smell of the sea- its spray and its salt; the air blowing against her cheek. A deeply metallic scent; like of blood, and then something cold, and uncooked. Some sort of meat? Talya wasn't sure, but she knew that this man was for certain, bound to something? The sea? Or was he a slave? But how could he be here, and seemingly on his own if that were the case? No, it couldn't be. So he was bound to the sea, by its scent and by its smell, as much as his vocation she felt. And judging from the color of his aura he was mysterious, and mending- as green was the color of healing, she knew. But the scent of blood- of metal, that was worrisome. Perhaps he knew how to wield the blade because he needed to protect himself, or perhaps it was something further, and this worried her. He could be dangerous, and he was eying them like prey. She shuddered again, hopefully, it would blend in with her weird manner of dancing. If not, well, too bad. Talya kept at it a moment before letting the aura fall. Deciding she would keep an eye on him too. Just in case. Or maybe, this was just getting out of hand, and she was being paranoid? Talya shook her head out wildly, trying to make it move with the music, just as she tried to make her body sway with it. Her jet black hair whipped wildly around her; slapping her shoulders as much as her arms. It swished along her spine until she made it stop when her head got dizzy; the room spinning as a tired spell overcame her, and she wobbled a bit more than usual. Threatening to pull Firenze down on top of her, or at least unsteady her, (it would seem), as she pulled harder on her hands than she had before, as they moved them back and forth together. She forced herself to breath deeply. Close her eyes to clear her head as she flashed a smile, and then opened them. Her heart beating faster as sweat beaded her brow, making it glow as a few trickled down her forehead and onto her cheeks. "Having fun?" she asked, as she centered herself with the sight of the Kelvic's golden eyes, before she slipped into her magic use again, unable to stop herself as a mixture of the music and the hypnotic sway of her companion's body lulled her into a trance. The aura was a bright yellow in color. It moved around her in sloshing, airy waves. As though it wanted to be free, but was weighed down in drunkenness. It was streaked with orange and bright reds; near crimson. It was bursting with life, she felt, and smelled faintly of alcohol, and sounded softly of the drums. A brisk tune, that made one want to march as much as it made them want to dance. She supposed it meant that the woman was a little tipsy, but high off it. Happy, joyous, vibrant and full of life. Looking to have fun. It was all of those things that Firenze was that made her so great to be around, and so easy an aura to study. It made Talya smile as they spun around again, slowly at first and then a little faster. She closed her eyes as she moved; letting herself feel it fully; the music flow through her as she giggled, and held onto the Kelvic's hands a little more tightly. Squeezing them as someone cheered, and another person laughed rather loudly. The aura falling away as her concentration was broken and a wave of exhaustion passed over her, making her eyes rather heavy. Her body swaying into a near dip, where she pulled Firenze along with her. Her back arching as her feet moved across the ground; sliding as she laughed and laughed, and moved her arms to the music. "This song is nice," Tal said drunkenly as she moved their arms again. Strangely overjoyed in a way that wasn't the norm for her. In a that made her lose her breath, as much as hold it. OOCI need to stop trying to write posts so late. Sorry this seems so awkward and drunken, but, maybe it fits? (There's to wishful thinking). Also, as I made a few assumptions, feel free to let me know if I got anything wrong, and need to tweak.

[Firenze]

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Talya danced just as bad as Fire and it made her laugh to be one of the few who were actually up trying to dance and look quite terrible at doing it. It didn’t matter though they were having fun, or at least Fire was. Talya seemed kind of distant and stared off into the crowd for awhile eyeing one of the guys.

When Talya brought her attention back she started swinging her hair and getting into it a bit more, it was slightly erratic and she wobbled a bit when she stopped. Holding on, Fire tried to lean back a bit and teetered on keeping them up straight. Her knees bent and hands locked with Talya’s they managed not to topple.

The wisps of hair that generally surrounded her face began to stick as they wobbled and weaved back and forth to the fiddle. She laughed off the almost accident and let the tune flow over her. The other woman giggled and Fire smiled, glad that she was finally starting to enjoy herself.

However she started to enjoy herself so much that went she dipped, Fire went along with her. The two were quite the sight as Talya was spread across the floor, arms waving in the air to the music and Firenze was half on top of her, laughing her head off, skirt tangled half up her legs, heels popped into the air as she balanced above the girl on her hands and knees.

She laughed even harder when Talya said that the song was nice, it was so random that Fire wondered if she’d had anything to drink when she wasn’t looking. Scooting her feet under her she tried to steady the wobbly heels, her body in a crouch. She stood slowly, concentrating on keeping herself upright. Once she was fairly certain that she wasn’t going to topple down again she braced herself and gave Talya a hand up.

“Yeah, that was definitely a good song,” she laughed again, her eyes crinkling at the corner. “Let’s take a break, I need to let my feet rest a bit.” Grabbing Tal’s hand she lead her back toward their table and the last mug of beer that needed finishing of.

She sat and gave a sigh, taking a sip of the beer to cool off. “We’re gonna have to do this again.” A grin showed pearly whites, her mood significantly improved from the date blowing her off and the dismissal of Caesarion. It was going to be a good evening.

Others | Firenze | Thoughts

[Okara]

Grades and Awards   Firenze Experience Socialization 3 Carousing 2 Dancing 2 Lores The Impatience of Waiting for a Late Client Location: The Kelp Bar Dancing: More Difficult in Heels Talya: Fun Companion for a Night on the Town Notes Please add a TBD line for your Spring 516 living expenses since I see that the Winter pay is holding up your ledger. This was a fun read. I really enjoyed the scene of Firenze in the bar with Talya, it was very on point in portraying young women out dancing and drinking. Your writing really captured the silliness and fun of the situation. Please edit your post in your grade request to reflect that it has been graded. PM me with any questions.