An Open Performance (Closed)

[Iliana]

32th of Fall, 511 AV One hand held a brush, the other waved over a small basin of water. Iliana took a deep breath and concentrated, gathering her Res at the palm of her hand. She let it almost drip down into the basin, then she concentrated and willed the water to freeze, forming a smooth surface in which she could see her reflection, well kind of at least. She then went about brushing her hair, being certain to remove any tangles or unwanted curls until finally she was satisfied. "There now, almost ready." Iliana said to herself. She often would converse aloud to keep herself focused, "Now for a bit of color." Closing her eyes, Iliana concentrated once more, this time not on gathering Res but on her own hair. She frowned in concentration as she tried to picture exactly what she wanted, and slowly changes began to occur. At first it started slowly at the top of her head, the roots of her blond hair changing to a light blue to match her outfit. Then the color began to spread, falling down the length of her hair in random streaks until finally, a few chimes later, Illyana's hair was a light, sky blue. For a moment she considered changing her eye color as well, but she noted the slight tug of the magic on her Djed and thought better of it. Besides her blue eyes matched well with her outfit anyway. With a small smile Iliana turned to walk out of the small inn room, but then turned back once more to look in the makeshift mirror. She sighed as she once again wished she had some makeup to go with the hair and clothes. "Perhaps, if the pay is good today, I might forgo desert and pay for a bit of eyeliner instead," She mused. Iliana looked down at her outfit, a tight blue sleeveless top with an moderate cut just below the chest that showed off her slim waist and abdomen. The top also showed a modest amount of chest, just enough to keep the audience tuned in to her dance. The leggings were of a slightly darker blue and hugged tight to her thighs and calves before loosening a bit at the ankles, and her shoes matched the top and legging in color and their thick soles kept the hard stones from wearing out her feet. Pulling at the cut of the top, Iliana frowned, "Then again, maybe a new set of clothes would be a better idea." With a small smile playing her lips, Illyana turned and exited the room, grabbing up a dirty looking top hat, that she had found in the allies not too long ago, as she walked out.

[Iliana]

It had rained the night before, and as she walked Iliana could feel the wetness of the ground around her. She smiled, "What perfect weather for a performance." Iliana almost skipped the whole way to the Temple of Ionu, her light blue hair bouncing around her head and her clothing leaving little for the imagination. Over head the sun shown brightly in the morning sky, and not a trace of the clouds that had brought the rains could be seen. Breathing in deeply, Iliana savored the air and the taste of moisture that still lingered. I have a good feeling about today,she thought. Something good is going to happen. The young girl could not suppress her smile as she came up to the temple. The cool air tickled her skin and set her hair dancing before she could do the same. With a laugh that was filled with the pure light heartedness of youth, Illyana half danced, half walked to a nearby fountain, setting her beat up hat on the edge of the water. Once there, she set to work preparing her stage. Because of the rain many puddles had collected in the streets, and everything was coated with a small amount of moisture still. Looking around, Iliana found 5 bigger puddles close to the fountain that would work wonderfully for her act. She checked the depth of the puddles with a foot. Two of the puddles were a bit shallow, but she thought she could make them work still. The fountain is close by so I am sure I can make it work just fine, she thought. Around her a few people began to stop and look at the brightly colored youth as she was setting up. Iliana smiled brightly and waved at a few of them, but of course they simply turned and went about their business. She shrugged thinking, They will be back soon enough, but this much attention so early might mean a good pay off. Almost tingling at the prospect Iliana quickly finished up her work. She took a few handfuls of water from the fountain and spread it around the area that she would be performing in, using some of the water to deepen the more shallow puddles. Finally, the major preparations complete, Iliana stood up on the rim of the fountain, her arms extended in a very dramatic fashion, and smiled brightly as passer byes began to notice her and draw closer to see what she was up to. Then, when enough were gathered, Iliana tilted and fell back into the water of the fountain, not stopping to consider what the audience wound think, and after she was thoroughly soaked she stepped out of the fountain and took her place on her stage. With a toss of her head, drops of water flew from her blue hair and fell about her, creating ripples in the puddles. A slight breeze caused goosebumps to rise on her arms, but the bright smile never faded. Iliana stretched out her arms once more, concentrating now on gathering her Res. Taking a deep breath, she began making a slow circle around her stage, stepping in each and every puddle. As she did she poured a bit of her own Res into the water until she had completed her circuit and stood once more before the crowd. Then she bowed, her wet hair falling over her face, and with one sudden motion Iliana threw back her head, casting out drops of water once more, and then she was dancing. Her hair cast about her as she spun, her arms stretched over her head. Her smile broadened as she twisted and bent her slim frame into one form and then another. The dance itself was very nice, and the girl seemed to enjoy it, but it was not a work one could consider overly amazing. True, she did have some talent, but in the great city of Alvadas there were better dancers than Iliana. Her performance, however, was not hinged on her dancing skills alone. As she danced, Iliana concentrated on the Res in the puddles, gathering it and swirling the water within. Once she felt comfortable with her control, she began her real performance. She spun with her arms outstretched, and her foot landed in one of the larger puddles causing it to splash. Summoning her will she released her Res, making the splash go higher than it normally would and causing the water to arch over her head where her hands, as the swept through the stream, cast the water out in light droplets around her. Iliana then began to alternate between simple dancing to moments where water was arching through the air around her. Her blue hair shimmered in the light reflected off the water, and her wet clothing clung to her form as she spun about, tipping and bending as her dance continued.

[Miro]

Miro on this day decided to take a break from all of his training. Today he would enjoy the sites. Alvadas had plenty of things to see, even if true entertainment was rare, the fresh air was refreshing. Miro passed some of the usual locations which proved as boring as usual. In a city where illusion and odd things were so common, every performance seemed to be so plain. A fire juggler, an acrobat, might as well put Kinneas out here screaming lectures to random people. None of it seemed to stand out.

Finally he came across the temple of Ionu. Morwen wouldn't mind if he asked for Ionu's blessing for his fight. He walked over, choosing to walk through a puddle on his way. His weight shifted forward as he came crashing down. The puddle was not shallow at all. It went half way to his knee, and the fall caused him to twist his ankle slightly. It hurt, but was quickly forgotten with what he saw next. A young lady was standing on the edge of a fountain. Did she have something to say? She didn't even seem to try to draw in attention. Before he could even begin to wonder what she intended she allowed herself to fall back in the water.

Miro's mouth hung open for a second as he worked his way up to his feet and joined the few people who gathered around a distance back. The woman came forth and began a performance that made Miro feel odd yet intrigued. His heart began to race as her odd dance continued. Ever movement carried a graceful tone. Every elegant twist and turn drew Miro in more. Eventually he found himself slowly wandering towards the woman. He walked up to the hat set aside and dug his hand into his pocket digging out any money he had with him. He pulled his hand out and dropped a gold miza in the hat and took a step or two away from the woman and realigned his view of her. She sure knew how to draw in attention.

[Iliana]

Iliana's heart soared as she spun from one pose to another, her arms outstretched and sending droplets of water cascading around her. A laugh bubbled from her lips as she splashed in another puddle, sending an stream of water arching over her head once more. As she danced, Iliana sent out a praise of worship to Makutsi, thanking the god for the water she provided for Iliana's performance. In her heart, and with all of her being, Iliana dedicated this performance, just as she did for every performance, to the goddess of rain, water and oases. As she continued dancing Iliana could feel the strain the continued use of her Res was putting on her body. Her breathing grew heavier and her movements slowed slightly as the combined use of Res, her morphing and the taxing nature of the dance itself began to take its toll. It was time, she decided, to make her finish. Her smile showing the joy of her art, Iliana spun into the center of her ring of puddles, her arms stretched over her head. She gathered all of the Res she still had scattered in the puddles and pulled it into her open palms that were raised over head, adding a bit more from her own body to form a half liquid, half solid ball in her hands. She could feel the pull on her strength, but it was not so much that it would hamper her last act. Concentrating, she split the ball of Res, half she changed into a gas and had it circle over head, and the other she changed into a liquid that pored over her head and into her hair. She spun the Res in the air in an upward motion, creating an area of low pressure above her head. The Res in her hair she used to attracted the droplets of water that remained, and she transformed some of the other Res into water itself, leaving just enough Res at the center so that she could control the direction the water would travel. Finally, her preparations completed, Iliana lowered her arms to her sides and bowed for the crowd, letting her hair fall over her face. Whipping her head back, Iliana sent droplets of water out and up from her dripping hair. Iliana directed the Res infused droplets up into the low-pressure area above her head where it mixed with the air fused Res. The little drops of water she spit further into even smaller drops and used the cold air formed by the low pressure to freeze them into tiny water crystals. Iliana then packed the crystals of water together to form snowflakes which she scattered with a blast of her Res infused air so that they fell about her in a very dramatic fashion. Her breaths coming in gasps, Iliana smiled brightly at the crowd and stretched her arms out at her sides, signaling the end of her performance. Her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths and her drenched clothing clung to her skin, but Iliana could not have been happier. Once more she gave praise to Makutsi and gave a final bow.

[Miro]

Miro standing closer now continued to watch the performance. With each puddle being splashed a bit of water found its way to Miro's face and hair. He grinned leaning on the edge of the fountain casually. As the performance went on he had to wonder how it was so impressive. The droplets that hit his face seemed to be teeming full of djed. His fangs were in full sight of anyone who's gaze might drift from the woman, but such a thing seemed unlikely. Her unusual hair, the way she moved, the display in its entirety seemed a bit unreal. Could she have the ability to command illusions? Whatever she was doing, it was beautiful. She was beautiful. It drew his attention and refused to loosen its grip.

Finally it seemed a finale was coming up. Miro's suspicions were confirmed. His grin fell to an awe ridden smirk. A reimancy technique started. She raised her res and began to move it, as if she were creating a special attack. She continued it, swirling and moving it around. Miro nearly had to hold his jaw in place to keep it from dropping. The woman had birthed a brilliant snowfall. It danced in the air around him. He marveled at the sight, his eyes twinkled with excitement and nostalgia. It was as if Miro was a young child again, staring up at Morwen as she poured her gentle love from the sky.

Miro dug into his pockets once more, hoping to dig out even a single copper miza. He turned them out, but he had no more money for her. She was an amazing entertainer, the best Miro had seen around the city. The streets were littered with performers. Daily one would see many trying to catch attention and money, but rarely if ever did Miro tip them. He pooled his djed into his arms, enhancing them with the Flux. He forced his hands together and let his applause barrel forth raining praise on her. He cheered and encouraged any people who had watched to tip her before finally turning his attention to her directly. "You were amazing! That was reimancy was it not?" Miro turned his palm parallel to the ground and let a stream of water pour downward for a moment. "I can use it too..though I have never managed to make snow like that. I have never seen you around, and somebody like you would surely stand out. I say this often enough, and yet it always seems to hold truth. Lhex has willed us together. Our threads of fate twisted together on this day. I think you have earned quite a bit with this display, would you like to take a walk with me? We can talk, tell me about you and your history, whatever you want." Miro smiled and offered his hand to the woman. "I am Miro, it is a pleasure, really."

[Iliana]

Iliana felt as if her heart were about to beat out of her chest, and she loved the feeling. Her breathing was heavy, her clothing wet and her limbs were tired, but she was happy to be in the presence of Makutsi, if only in the form of water and dance. The crowd was silent... Iliana could feel their eyes on her. For a moment she feared they had disliked her performance, and her smile faltered. Then, ringing loud and strong over the silence came a booming round of applause. Turning, Iliana could see that it was coming from a young man leaning on the edge of the fountain. It was as if a dam had been broken, and a wave of applause fell over Iliana. She felt overwhelmed for a moment as she looked at the faces turned toward her. This was perhaps the biggest crowd she had ever had... Looking back at the man near the fountain, she smiled in thanks. For some reason she felt that she should. As the crowd began to disperse, Iliana sighed and wiped a hand across her brow. With a light heart she walked to the man who had given her such a round of applause. Before she could speak the man had already taken the lead: "You were amazing! That was reimancy was it not?" Miro turned his palm parallel to the ground and let a stream of water pour downward for a moment. "I can use it too..though I have never managed to make snow like that. I have never seen you around, and somebody like you would surely stand out. I say this often enough, and yet it always seems to hold truth. Lhex has willed us together. Our threads of fate twisted together on this day. I think you have earned quite a bit with this display, would you like to take a walk with me? We can talk, tell me about you and your history, whatever you want." Miro smiled and offered his hand to the woman. "I am Miro, it is a pleasure, really." Her smile broadening Iliana nodded, "So you saw through my act did you? She laughed and stepped over to the top hat set on top of the fountain. Examining the contents she saw it contained mostly coppers, a few silver mizas and on top was a single gold miza. Iliana picked up the gold miza and examined it for a moment. Then her eyes looked at the hand extended to her. Her lips parted in a full grin, showing her white teeth as she nodded, placing the mizas in a satcle at her waist and taking Miro's had, "My name is Iliana, and I would love to go for a walk."

[Miro]

The instant Iliana gave her his hand Miro smiled. He gently shook it as he stared into her gentle blue eyes. "Iliana huh? It is very nice to meet you." He began to walk along side her, casually looking her over here and there. Her look was very unique. Blue hair, blue eyes and a blue outfit to finish it all off. Miro couldn't help but feel a new fondness for the color. It made her stick out. It reminded him of his eyes. One could always tell what he was feeling, if they knew him well enough. Just seeing the color made him surge with a bit of energy. Finally, Miro began to talk aloud. "I just moved to the city last season. I have been travelling with my friend for years. We finally got here, to his home and we are having a grand time. We fixed the house all up, bought new furniture, it is the best! We even have extra rooms. And friends staying there! If we pass it, I will show you. Someday it will be the most beautiful location in the city. As for now...well it has a bit of work that needs to be done." Miro looked over towards her only to catch her looking back. His heart caught fire for a moment and he turned away in nervous excitement. His cheeks burned with rosy embarrassment, though he was not quite sure why. Maybe her use of magic had some greater effect on him than he had realized.

[Iliana]

Iliana smiled in return to Miro as he took her hand, holding it for a bit longer than was necessary she noticed, and began walking along side him to some unknown destination. For just a moment she questioned the safety of following a strange man she had never met to somewhere she could not guess, but as she looked up at Miro's eyes Iliana decided it was worth the risk. The man's form was thin, but underneath there were knoted muscles that suggested he had seen his fair share of danger. Either that or he keeps himself very fit, Iliana mused to herself, It takes quite a bit of work to get muscles like that. A sudden breeze blew past the two, and Iliana shivered for a moment as the cold air past over her exposed midrift. Looking at the stalls as the passed then Iliana thought, I have to get some new clothes. I cannot have myself freezing after every performance. And she was indeed still wet from her dance, and the wind plus the wet clothing made for a very chilly Iliana. As she was looking over the passing stands, Iliana could feel Miro's eyes upon her, and she could not help the sense of pride she felt from this knowledge. Inwardly Iliana was pleased that someone would take such an interest in her form, but she of course did not let this show on the outside. Just as a tease, Iliana pulled at the neckline of her top as if airing it out and was pleased to hear Miro clear his throat before turning away and beginning to speak. Smiling to herself Iliana turned to examen Miro in turn. Iliana had to tilt her head to look up at Miro's eyes, and there she noticed that they seemed to change colors as he talked. She was curious about this, wondering if it was a trick of the light or if he was actually a Vantha? As he spoke he would periodically smile, and Iliana saw what she thought might be fangs. Tilting her head she pondered the man's dark hair and unusual features. Coupling that with the fact that he knew of her Reimancy made Iliana very curious about her new companion. The man suddenly turned, catching Iliana's eye and giving her a sudden idea. She gave him a bright smile and brush a strand of blue hair behind her ear, leaning a bit closer so that their arms touched, casting a bit of hypnosis as she did. She pushed a very simple thought, Blue is a good color on her, and coupled it with a small emotional response, allowing the emotion to come to Miro naturally. Miro's cheeks reddened slightly, and he turned quickly away. Iliana could not stifle a small giggle, but pretended not to notice the man's red cheeks, "How very bold of you to offer a woman to your home upon first meeting her." With a wink she spun so that she was in front of Miro, stopping him in his walk. Folding her arms behind her back and leaning forward a bit, Iliana looked up into Miro's eyes and smiled warmly, "Though I would be happy to see your home if it is near, but I do not wish to impose upon you."

[Miro]

Miro noted how cold Iliana looked. It was always a bit amusing for Miro. He thought of offering her something, but he had nothing. It was obvious her soul hadn't been kissed by Morwen. It almost bothered him a bit, seeing her use the winter in her performance so elegantly and not have Morwen's blessing. Still, he couldn't get the thought out of his mind about her. The blue outfit, the dance, it was so beautiful. He wasn't sure exactly what part captivated him though. Another ice mage? It made his heart pound to think about. Was he being bold by offering to show her his home? He was not sure exactly how, but it made him feel proud. He must have done something daring and impressed her without even trying. At any rate the point still remained. She wanted to see his home and Miro sure wanted to show her. Within a few chimes Avain Manor came into sight. They walked up to the front entrance and Miro froze up with a big of anticipation. "Well this place is more of an inn than anything else. I have a room, but it is filled with the same stuff as the other rooms. Except for my personal things that is. There is a courtyard in the center though. I do a lot of fun training there. It is really..umm..yeah it is a lot of fun. The view of the sky is pretty too." Miro flung open the door and grabbed her hand and pulled her through the common area. After a brief hurried walk through they exited to the courtyard. The sun shone right down on them illuminating the entire area. Miro released Iliana's hand and smiled at her. "I told you it was pretty!"

[Iliana]

Iliana looked down at her hand a moment after it was released, but then she was distracted by the courtyard itself. She smiled and skipped a short distance into the center of the space, and she spun in a small circle, coming to a stop facing Miro. "It's wonderful!" Iliana laughed. Holding out her arms she did a quick pirouette on one the balls of her feet, looking out with wide eyes. Smiling she looked once more at Miro, "You own all of this?" Still smiling, Iliana ran her fingers through her hair, almost absently. From the roots her blue hair began to change blond, the color falling down to the tips of each hair in uneven streams until she was once more back to her natural hair color. Pulling at one of the now blond hairs, Iliana stepped closer to Miro and turned to look out at the sun-lit yard, casting glances sideways at Miro from time to time.