Meeting with the Stranger for a Dance (Syndela)

[Rafaelle]

It was getting noticeably darker, and the ominous clouds that blotted out the moonlight made it hard to distinguish anything in the dark. He admired her dance, albeit her moves could use more refining. The dancer seemed to put effort into it, either because she really needed the coin or this was the passion she lived for. To entertain others, to express herself through movement.

The message here was still vague, however. He hired her for the visual pleasure only and that she granted him with fiery zeal.But tt was business. A professional deal struck between two people.

The obstructing darkness veiled her near flawless figure though and though Rafaelle enjoyed the view, he decided that it was time he gave her and his thinning money pouch a break.

"Alright, Syndela. That's enough. You can stop now." He rewarded her with another silver coin that rolled somewhere he could no longer see. Although he had yet to ascertain whether the Symenestra could otherwise she would have to wait until early morning to make sure every coin was found.

"Would you like to take a seat?" With those words he vacated the soft cushion for her, and gestured at it with his hand. The most comfortable spot one could find among the cold street where there was only stone.

"After you have quenched your thirst, that is." He smiled to her through the cover of the night and flicked his eyes to the barely discernible tap. He would have offered her a sip from his own waterskin. But she was a Symenestra. She could unwittingly poison his water supply with but a drop of her saliva. He did not know how potent the poison truly was or if they could control it. In fact, he was still not completely certain dealing with this particular woman was safe but he hid his suspicion behind a weak smile. She appeared friendlier to him than before and it was never a bad sign.

[Syndela]

Warm showers of exhilarated breath poured from the dancers mouth at the conclusive ending of her routine. Part of her was glad for stopping her short, the pay was as desired and though it wanned her to seek more, the energy spent on the aerobatics left her weakened. She was sure if she had remained in one place that a puddle of excreted sweat would have pooled around her toes. Rivlets of warm perispiration ran freely from her pours, drenching her delicate body and casting the pale ghostly texture of her skin into a field of diamonds.

Taking one step at a time, the silk ribbon fluttered in the ghastly air of the night, forcing the Symenestra to deal with the fragile prop. Tight weaves wove the ribbon around the pole that suspended it, weaving and winding until it curled in a neat bundle. " Thankyou..Rafaelle..." She panted between gasps, seeking to fill her mouth with the rush of cool water. Bare feet now calloused and dirty paced the female over toward the crooked tap that shone it's copper figure like the holy grail through the darkness.

Fastly, the fingers undid the tap at a quickened pace, a flush of translucent liquid falling out of the mouth of the human constructed contraption. Syndela was already bent over, swallowing deep gulps of refreshing water. Oh, how it cooled the searing infernal heat of her body, causing a shiver to rush down her curved and sore spine. The movements were unperfected, and so injury was unavoidable. Only rest and gentle exercise in the next few days would fix it. But the pay of silver and copper coin had made the pain that was yet to come very much worth it's price.

A flick of fingers turned the tap back, the copper shuddering as the water closed from its mouth and seised whatever gears or machinery might have turned beneath the ground. Or magic. Magic seemed the more deplorable option.
Steady but slightly glassy eyes stared up toward the cushion, hot sweaty skin creating a steam in the darkest hour. Strange, how even the vapor oozing off her skin continued to add to the phantom that she depicted. Her legs ached and quivered, yearning to find the soft delicate comfort of her seat, but not now. She needed to collect her pay.

Syndela removed herself from the tap and carried herself about the courtyard. Strangely, a small empty pouch was presented from the depths of her suit, no doubt being hidden throughout the entire performance in some hidden seam. If Rafaelle could not see, which she knew he couldn't, then he would have noticed a grin of content plasted over her lips. Dainty black nails doubling as claws plucked the silver and copper offerings, divesting them into the payment pocket as quickly and fluently as she could. Risking having the male go back on his word after such an effort was unthinkable.

Within only a few moments, all traces of coin and payment had been scavenged from the courtyard, the once empty pouch jingling with the faint sound of fresh income. Pushing the bulging pouch into her suit, Syndela moved gracefully, finding Rafaelle through the thickest of shadows with ease.
" You have been the most generous of guests, Rafaelle. I do hope that the show came to the standard you hoped it would excel to. Of course, there is always more, but for the present moment, I hope it has lifted you. "
The accentless common had improved since the last time they conversed with eachother. Spending time listening to conversations during the day had it's benefits.

[Rafaelle]

There was little left to say. He watched her pick the coins up. Her hands were fast but there was certain grace about the way she collected her bounty. Not like those homeless men who so disdainfully crawl after their coins on all fours.

"It was certainly worth it. Never have I seen a Symenestra dance even though rumour has it that it is quite common among your kind. I take it you have many customers begging for a private performance from you!"

He gripped his money pouch through his vest that lacked many coins it held before their meeting. He will miss them, surely. For a rogue to part with his earned coin on something insubstantial such as a mere show of talent. But the first-time experience was worth it. And besides, he managed to touch her intimately without any grave repercussions. Perhaps she even enjoyed it.

The rogue treaded to the tap himself to quench his own thirst. The treacherous streets could lead him on another merry chase and he preferred to save his own water supplies to the last.

"Have you ever thought of performing for a larger audience if you have not done so already? I know the prejudice against your race is a large factor when it comes to... commercial success. But with a little bit of make-up you could easily disguise yourself as a human. The vacuous crowd will not be capable of telling the difference, I am sure."

The rogue smiled at her, and wiped his mouth of fresh cold water after having had his fill.

[Syndela]

White and black fronds flipped over one shoulder as Syndela sought to claim her ribbon. Already having been tied up, she merely positioned it next to the mossy drain with a light throw, careful not to damage the pole or handle with malicious intent.
" Common? No, it's is a rare form of dance. Only a small chosen few are selected through bloodlines or blessings to carry on the ways of the tradition. My mother was one of the cities remaining entertainers, and so she taught the art to me. "

Politely excusing herself, her attention shifted to the creamy golden cushion still warm from Rafaelle's body. He had sat on it for most of the dance and so squashed it almost completely flat. Albeit, that was not of concern. The pillow would need to be fluffed vigorously before it's next use however. Tucking the padded feature under one arm, Syndela turned back to face her customer.

Rafaelle asked her a question that was neither rare nor common. Former clients had also proposed the sufficent gesture to accumilate more income, alas it was not as easy as first thought. Then he mentioned of disguises and instantly, her attention and biased ways turned back on itself. Never before someone hinted at such deception. It was a key that few seemed to grasp and do so with a steady hand, but a guise under her performing persona might just work.

" You are full of surprises, human. Just when I perceive to have you figured out you say something that makes sense...yet seem so unpredictable..." The Symenestra floated toward him alike an ivory and ebony ball bobbing in the darkness whilist clutching her precious cushion. Warm breath fell upon his nose, nearing their faces together so closely that the smell of womanly pheromones and sweat could be palpable in nature. Capable of being touched or felt.

" Discuss with me then, Rafaelle..." Syndela neared closer, her red sinister orbs for eyes darting back and forth between both of the male's irises, like hanging rubies under a shaded veil. Dark lips spread and within a breath her chin rubbed against his stubbled cleft, tantalising his senses with the feminine charm.

" Are you just a fool, or are you truly mad? " Flash of fang whisked behind those exact lips and so they silenced any answer with a much wished kiss. Pungent and soft muscle pressed against his mouth, whisking him away into another world of timelessness and weightlessness. The entire movement felt so soft and warm, her nose gently bumping into his as she fed her lips to his, contrasting against the sharp fangs that gently grazed against the sensitive muscles.

A kiss from such a lethal creature never tasted so good.

[Rafaelle]

Her words flattered him as they reached his ears like a melodious praise. Rafaelle was not exactly the most prideful male. But he was still a male. Such pleasantries did well to charm him in a certain way, and make him forget of some details that perhaps set him and the Symenestra apart. Her race was unknown to him but the fact that she acted not so differently in comparison to a human female confounded him. Despite his tolerance towards outsiders, he was convinced they were of... completely different mindsets. Akin to animals, or simply different. Something that humans could not comprehend. Yet from their meetings he could only gather she was but a travelling loner and behaved like one.

And then, unexpected to him despite the flirtatious hints she whispered earlier, she came close. Close enough so that their body heat collided and her warm breath blew against his lips gently, like a warm breeze in contrast to the cold air that environed them.

Her next move was no less astonishing. Perhaps he would have done something if he was not as shocked by her behaviour. His heart raced from the outcome of such actions as the luscious skin of her lips met his. His insticts told him to push the woman away. She was a Symenestra, and they were notoriously poisonous. Nothing would have stopped her from coating her lips with venom. But the rogue did no such thing. He stayed just for the sheer delight he derived from the intimacy they shared, his hands rising unknowingly to glide along her arms and take them. He pulled her closer to make her bosom lightly bump into his chest and insisted on prolonging the kiss, his moist lips still adhering to hers. There was a flicker of fiery passion in his eyes, and he could only wonder for how long would the Symenestra let him hold her near him so before the first rays of a rising sun greeted them and chased away the shadows of the night which shrouded the pair.

[Syndela]

Sweet nectar it tasted, the lips of the human so inviting and strangely arousing her senses to awaken. Coaxing the Symenestra to flare her nose and inhale the male's scent. Human flesh smelt very much like swine, holding a fatty clutter under a pigment of hair and sweat. They were much warmer unlike her own species, animating heat from every pour of their skin.
His touches gentle and humble, not clumsy nor rough. Delicate fingers wove around her skin, something an artist would possess and they played her to dwelve deeper, diver longer into the moment.

Invigorated plump muscles pressed against his chest, bosom still heaving from the repucussions of the dance. Limbs intertwined, the longer arms of the female weaving around his back and ultimately pressing her lips deeper into his. Syndela tilted her head lightly, causing the pinnacles of her fangs to brush against his lips in soft jabs. Not enough to cause blood to rise, nor penetrate the fragile skin, but to just hint they were sharp enough to do just that.

Claws of ebony raked down Rafaelle's slightly bend back, rippling the cloth that surrounded his torso and adding to the sharp vibe of the poisonous woman's kiss. Syndela knew humans liked this gesture, as did all the races in some way or another though the lips were placed on the nose or cheek instead. It was intimate and close, a bond shared between partners, family members and loved ones...and strangers were no exception.
Slowly, she pulled her lips, suckling on his upper mouth as she vacated with a generous grace. Fingers slid from his back, draping across his ribs and eventually laying her palms flat on both sides of his chest so that the sharp claws would not entangle in his hair what other other accessories he possessed. " Will you be wanting another session at a later stage, Rafaelle? " Syndela asked in a softer voice, the bitter cold of the night now creeping along her toes and bare feet.

Though used of having no coverage over her hands and feet, it didn't stop the uncomfortable shift in temperature, unwilling forcing Syndela to shiver meekly in her customer's arms. " Next time, perhaps bring an instrument to add to the spectacle. Naturally, the aerobatics are conjoined with chanting, clapping and music. Maybe that entice you? " Lowered eyelids swept over the red orbs in cascade of dark, offering Rafaelle a sultry feminine stare to help seek his answer.

[Rafaelle]

The exotic and unfathomable was her scent and taste but undeniably female which bid him to stay until the end and let the time freeze just like the chilling air that was snuffed out as they came so close to each-other.

He could feel her black claws through the thin fabric of his vest that could not possibly protect him, so notoriously sharp and strong that they could probably sever his back muscles completely but he was too engulfed int the moment to even tense under the impending pressure. In the deep recesses of his mind the rogue could only wonder if any moment spent so close could be his last. It was a conflicting feeling. To die so foolishly would be shameful but if he got away with such a daring act he would be proud of himself.

The garments covering her were even less thick and his fingers could feel her smooth skin, the pale layer that hid the elastic muscles of the Symenestra. The man could imagine her simply melting in his arms. But they were still strangers and there was a hint of unyielding pride and defiant independence that he could gather from her affectionate yet somehow distant touches. It was still strangely intimate. The impulsive leap was made and it was to be remembered as a moment of great confusion or affection for a long time.

And then his supple lips were touched by the sharp edges of her dangerous canines. Whether she was only warning him or teasing him it was enough to make the man worry for his own safety nonetheless. His arms still enfolded her but the grasp was not as passionate anymore, as if cooled by the cold surrounding them.

Despite that her voice remained so alluringly sultry and seductive that he was almost impelled to say with complete certainty that he would gladly meet her again for another dance. But before the rogue opened his mouth, his thoughts trailed to the emptying coin pouch. It was not as jingly anymore. But another idea sparked itself in his mind, something he could use a substitute for money.

"Of course, I believe we could meet again under the same circumstances... or a different setting." He let go of her finally, feeling that it was just superfluous to hold her for any longer, albeit that he felt a subtle sting of longing. There was something comforting about embracing another, he could not deny that.

"And I have never been particularly schooled in the use of musical instruments, I am afraid." The thought clouded his sight for a moment as he imagined his life differently in a blink of an eye. What if he chose to be a travelling minstrel instead? A musician? No, that was hardly possible given the conditions he was raised in. He blamed many of his undoings upon the heads of others that he was somehow acquainted with during his short journey through life.

Once his eyes found the vague red glow of hers, Rafaelle wondered what she had to say about it. "Clapping does not sound as complicated though." He managed to stretch his lips slightly for a hardly perceptible smile.

[Syndela]

Warm was his touch, now passed. Parting from arms to now be grasped by the cold. Symenestra were easily affected by chill, and this fog was no different. Without the precious adornment of her robes, the temperature bit at her skin sharply like miniscule knives, carving at the hair folicles and slicing to the core.

As Rafaelle explained his situation, Syndela left him talking to himself and keeping him within earshot whilist to gather and warm herself. Grasping hold of her ribbon prop, Syndela then scaled the terrace whose chimney held her belongings. Canopy of roof tops were left glassy in the fog, indistinquishable through white webs of low mask.

Oh, how the embrace of silk on her skin warmed her so. The robes were quickly fitted to her shivering frame, halting any unpleasantries. " If you wish to see me again, I come here many times to drink. Twilight hours is preferred. Come when you are ready, or by chance or fate I may see to you in the public domain. " Her voice flew down from above as did her figure, coming to land on the ground with slightly shaky legs. Biting cold and waning exercise had taken it's burden, she couldn't stand as properly as she had wished.

The impact made the woman lightly bend, struggling to keep her sore muscles from teetering over or simply melting beneath. Fatigue grasped her like an iron fist, calling to her to rest despite the company. Beckoning to sleep. Willingly allowing her feet to take control of her body, Syndela in her half asleep state wandered absently to the cushion, prizing it from the ground from wence it was dropped. Vibrant cream and gold still managed to glint to her in the dark, reassuring that abundant rest would not be too far ahead.

" May Alvadas be more kind to you, human. " Syndela called over her shoulder, not leaving time for a responce. Her last remaining energy whisked her across the courtyard, climbing the terrace wall in a flash of movement and returning the time and hour to it's natural pace. Slow did the clock tick when the dancer performed and moved, but now, the rushing fog and cold seemed to hurry, picking up pace with unfriendly motivation. Symbolic in it's meaning for Rafaelle needed to leave. Jestering him forth to go claim his own spot of personal bedding until the corridor would seise to exist.

Dreams fitted behind lids as soon as her head braced the pillow in the comfort of the chimney, the bedroll below and bed sheet above shielding Syndela from the bitter weather. Images flashed again and again, repeating themselves of the same face and the same voice of the trickster. Silvery hazed glances, whisking her to sleep....how odd it was, to dream of a human like this.

- The End -

[Bedlam]

Thread Complet—HOLD UP!

Important Notes:

Rafaelle, I've given you nearly a month to change the content of your posts to fit Mizahar's hypnotism rules. You've had plenty of time to change it since I PMed you if you felt inclined to, and you've found time to post elsewhere rather than fix the few paragraphs that didn't fit. Worse than just putting off your own grading, you've delayed Syn's rather than just fix the problem. You will get no experience and no lore this thread, and no further chances to fix it.

Syndela, I'm sorry you had to wait so long for this grade.

Syndela

Experience:
+2 Acrobatics
+4 Seduction
+3 Dance

Lores:
Lores: A More Gentle Sort Of Love
A Decent Human

Notes: Flawless and perfect are probably a bit extreme descriptions for a dancer/acrobat that isn’t competent in dance or acrobatics, and these same issues plagued most of your performance. It just seemed too easy for her. Didn’t feel right, so I didn’t give you quite so many points as I would have if it’d been a little more realistic. Something to keep in mind for the future.

Still a decent thread, and I hope to see more of you in Alvadas in the future.

You have earned 6 silver and 3 copper mizas, and Rafaelle has lost the same.