[Festival of Illusions] Just as lost as you are! (Nira'lia)

[Bob Barton]

85th day of Spring 512 AV, Day of Dance

Yesterday he was told to expect seeing people singing and playing all over the place. Today, they told him to look out for people dancing anywhere they could find a spot on the streets. If anyone bothered to ask Bob, he would say that those same people were mad because both days felt exactly the same. If no one specifically hinted to him what might be the main event, he would not even bother to pay attention to those and might actually find himself enjoying the whole show.

Saying that, what was he doing now? Enjoying the show of course but he felt that he was only paying attention to half of it because instead of trying to distinguish between the mess of sounds, Bob found himself watching the movements of the dancers even more closely unless he wanted to risk missing something important. What would be important to the midget who knew nothing more about dancing compared to any other random passerby in the street? That would be the sight he was graced with seeing at that moment in time. Not the way the dancer flipped in the air even if that was impressive in a way but the...panty shot!

He should consider himself lucky if there is no Listener in the area because from what he heard, those people just knew things. What if they were mind readers, reading his mind now? He would be paraded like some sort of deviant! That would be embarrassing and Bob would rather spare himself from any explanations. As soon as that dance was over and another trio took over with a very slow dance, Bob found himself getting bored and moving through the crowds again. Trying to find something else to excite him in the Festival.

Never expect something normal in Alvadas because what Bob found was dancing candy. It was really a sight to see. Bob must have been there for chimes just watching the way the black stick was leading the fire around the pit. He never felt that the black stick was a supporting role in the performance. There was just something to the way the fire just followed it around and Bob was just trying to figure out how because then he might be able to make dancing candy of his own.

Alright that might actually be a trick of an illusion or his combined imagination and hunger after watching so many performances today but whatever he saw, he soon found himself getting out a gold coins to get himself three sticks just like how the vendor might have planned by making a public display of his preparation. One for now, one for later and maybe one for Jinsen. Taking a bite he felt like he was flying even if all he was doing was taking another step down the street looking for the next...thing...

[Nira'lia]

This was Nira'lia's first day in the city, and she couldn't help but marvel at the sights. She knew that the city was governed with illusions and streets that were forever changing. She also knew that she was arriving during the time of the festival. However, none of her previous knowledge could have prepared her for something like this. It seemed like every bit of color that existed was at that one place. It looked so lively, so beautiful, and so magnificent. Nira'lia went from one festival booth to another. The items being sold seemed to be laced with the supernatural theme of the city itself. She looked curiously at a certain food item which was shaped as a strawberry, and that's when she realized she wanted something sweet. However, when she looked at the sign, she saw that it cost seven gold mizas. Awkwardly, she stepped away. She didn't have many coins in her purse, and she wouldn't be spending that much on food. It was also for the better, for if she had decided to purchase it, she would find that it actually tasted more like meat rather than the sweet strawberry taste that she was looking forward to. Then, she spotted it... a child eating what seemed to be a strange type of food. Colored strings of fire danced around a black stick, and she couldn't help but think that she wanted it – she wanted to know how fire tasted like. Nira'lia started to approach the child. She tapped his shoulder and said, "Excuse me... ah." Only when she peered at him more closely did she realize that he was not actually a child, but a man of short stature. Smiling sheepishly, she recomposed herself. "Where did you get that, sir?" she asked, hoping he would point her towards the direction of the booth.

[Bob Barton]

No need to look for the next thing because the next thing found him and caught him by surprise too. Bob was already halfway through with the so called fire candy which was not hot or spicy at all when he got ta-a-"AAAAAAAAA!"-apped on the shoulder. With that yell which can only be done in a manly way because he was Bob, no one would mistake him as a child but no one would mistake him a courageous person too. At that brief moment before turning to the monstrous candy waster, Bob could be said to have become a child because he was looking longingly at the candy that was wasted on the ground.

Or that one could be the one given to Jinsen not that anyone else needed to know. Instead Bob turned around prepared to do some telling off and demand for some compensation. He already knew the words he wanted to say and they were just about to leave his mouth until he saw the konti woman behind himself. Like all kontis she was beautiful in her own way. Bob changed his mind that instead of compensation he would ask her for something sweet that only she can provide him with.

If and only if he can get past stuck saying "looooooo..." Thankfully she got over to what she wanted first before Bob could get over his shock. "This?" Bob asked producing another stick that he was keeping for later and pointed over down the street where it was "there." But why should she waste her time going there when Bob can take her to the other attractions the Festival had to offer and maybe turn this one meeting into a long term...friendship? That would only happen if he acted fast!

"Would the sweet young lady want one with me?" Bob offered with the other stick that appeared in his other hand. After the unfortunate waste that was melting on the ground "that is the least that I can do." Wait Bob do? No it should be she do! What a time for Bob get his words in a mess but at least he can hope that with all that other mess of music in the background accompanying the dances, she might mistake what he said in a good way.

[Nira'lia]

With a blank expression, Nira'lia stared down at the Sweet Fire candy on the ground. An evident frown laced over her face, and she was just about to apologize to the man for startling him when he spoke up before she did. 'Is he mocking me?' wondered the Konti in her mind. He was speaking as if he had done something wrong, but she was actually the cause of the wasted candy. She opened her mouth to voice her concern, to finally apologize, but in the end, Nira'lia decided against it. She decided to just go along with it. "Thank you so much!" she said brightly as she faked a smile. She took the stick from him and was astonished. It was much more marvellous up-close. Since the man actually handed it to her, she decided that she wasn't being mocked after all. The Konti bit into the fire, and was surprised at its texture. It was soft and cottony, and very sweet. A wave of euphoria washed over her – Alvadas was amazing! Nira'lia looked back at the man before her. A silly, happy smile was still plastered on her face, yet it was much more honest now. Nira'lia was not accustomed to looking down (literally) at men, and in a way, it amused her. "My name's Nira'lia," she said, even though he didn't ask. "I... I'm sorry for seeming completely lost, but I just arrived in the city. Have you been in this place a long time? Does one ever get used to getting around?" With a laugh, Nira'lia realized that so far, she had still not been able to find any of the places she wanted to see. It was mind-boggling, and she predicted that she would probably go crazy if she didn't grow accustomed to the city's tricks. "I was actually trying to this particular garden... I think it's called the Garden of No Return, which is kind of scary, but I hear that it's got all kinds of plants," she explained. Nira'lia was attempting to learn more about herbalism, and the garden seemed like a good place to start – if she didn't get lost. "Would you know where to find the garden?" That was the second time she had asked him for directions.

[Bob Barton]

Thank the illusions of Alvadas for helping him this once with this smiling beauty. Wait, this was actually too good to be true! Was this a real konti standing right in front of him or just another illusion? Bob could not be sure but then again illusions should not be able to eat candy. There were just too many things that Bob did not understand about the make of Alvadas. Disappearing buildings, talking statues, glass staircases... Knowing his luck this was probably another one of those cruel tricks that the city was using against him. Alvadas should have been Kelwyn's. Bob knew that the duo were nice, nicer than Ionu that he never even met before.

But then Bob would not even have a shot with the divine and unrealistic as an illusion might be, he would not mind being led on by one even for a little while but this must be one of those very realistic illusions. She really took her time with enjoying the candy and even simulated a loss for words. Bob took a nibble to see what she would comment about the candy but instead she introduced herself as Nira'lia. A very well mannered illusion too he would thought thinking that is exactly what he would think if he was really dense.

She was real and she did not notice his blunder! It really starts now with a reply that "its a pleasure Nira'lia, I'm Bob." She would not know how much of a pleasure for Bob to also find out that she is new. Easier for him to take advantage of. Of course, Bob was quite new as well but he will not tell her that only allowing himself to admit that "I'm still not used to it yet and my friends tell me that I never will" giving a smile of his own. Not to reassure her but because he was becoming really quite excited.

"A...garden of no return you say?" Why would she want to go somewhere which sounded so ominous? "If you are so interested in plants why don't you find out a little about the vanishing apple tree?" It was the talk of the town early in the season when it appeared and disappeared just as mysteriously. Bob would be more sure to give directions to that but it would mean nothing. Not wanting to seem useless however he said that "all you need to go is that way and keep looking right until you see...plants." You can never go wrong when you are right and Nira'lia would probably ask some other people on the way that can better point her to the right direction.

Now Nira'lia would leave and that would make Bob sad. He cannot allow that to happen! "This is a festival" after all. "Do you want to miss it for a garden you can visit anytime?" The festival would definitely be fun especially since "I can take you around." It was not like Bob had anything better to do than to enjoy alone. That sounded pathetic, time for Bob to make himself more desirable. "I was supposed to meet my friend but as usual she is late. This would be a fun way to teach her a lesson?" he asked.

[Nira'lia]

A vanishing apple tree? Interesting! Nira'lia wanted to go to the garden to study botany, but a vanishing apple tree sounded equally as appealing. With a curious expression, she nodded at the man's directions. But, wait – amidst all the noise, she couldn't tell if he was giving her directions to the garden or to the tree. In the end, she decided that no matter where he was sending her, she'd want to go there anyway. She just had to look out for plants. She didn't even know that it didn't matter if he was sending her to the garden or to the tree – he was directing her towards nowhere. The Konti looked back at Bob. She shook her head furiously with embarrassment, knowing that she couldn't take his time with something as trivial as this. Nira'lia was completely oblivious to the meaning behind his offer. "No, please! You already gave me the candy... I couldn't ask for more." Smiling, Nira'lia thanked him one last time. With a slight wave of the hand, she hurriedly walked away, towards the direction he had pointed. She weaved her way through the crowd of people, making sure not to come into contact with any of them. Her Konti gift was difficult to manage in crowds, but she tried. 'Let's see... just keep looking right...' thought Nira'lia as she continued to walk. She kept her eyes on the side of the street, watching for anything unusual. As she walked, she realized that it was as if her surroundings were unchanging – as if she was being sent to the same place again and again. Refusing to give up, she determinedly continued to walk. As she walked, the Konti continued to nibble from the candy in her hand. Only a few things seemed to change as the minutes passed by, such as the volume of people, or the establishments. But in the end, they all looked the same, and she couldn't find any plants. Unbeknownst to her, she was somehow leading herself back to the center of the festival, to the temple of Ionu.

[Bob Barton]

Perhaps the illusion of the Festival has been working on Bob too well just like the other people who lived in Alvadas. Although so much has already happened in only two seasons, and that was as far as he knew himself, everyone acts as if they have forgotten everything and are enjoying themselves. Living in a lovely illusion of security and lack of loss. Is this the only way for people in Alvadas to keep sane in a crazy city in an even crazier world?

Nira'lia would fit right in then because the way Bob looked at it, she was just like everyone else. Getting rid of the unfortunate dwarf as soon as she had gotten what she wanted and putting as much distance in between them. That little kid to the side would agree to that too. Eventhough he had the privilege to be right in front of the very energetic dance with his mother, he still turned his head to stare at the direction of Bob and Nira'lia but they both were not his interests. It was the candy. By giving one to Nira'lia even after it was her fault for stickying up the ground he announced that he was the biggest sucker in the Festival.

Bob had bigger concerns than cheap candy or children. His paranoia may have surfaced but as soon as he spotted those bulging, hungry eyes badly concealed by the other spectators he had his attention on the konti once again. Why bother with a small boy who had nothing to offer as Bob can see with the scruffy hair, not so neat shirt and the buckteeth? Even his mother showed nothing though her back was turned. Nothing amazingly visible of interest whatsoever then compared to the young konti or it might be different.

What sort of a person would Bob be if he ignored a gift from Kelwyn like that but as soon as he was done confirming that the boy (and his mother) was nothing special, Nira'lia was already gone. While she might have already politely parted ways, it completely missed Bob and he went after her direction hoping that she will really believe him. Bob Barton was not the sort of person to give up a chance like this. After a bit of running, breath becoming a little more heavy with some smoke coming from it...smoke? Was it the reimancy? No, it was only the candy. A pretty close one.

Not real smoke which would force Bob to hunt for mints, Bob slowed down keeping a safe distance behind Nira'lia. Even if there was no smoky breath he still cannot have himself smelling of sweat. With the amount of people in the streets, running even short and slow was very troublesome. Bob had to weave and duck, under and around right until he saw the blonde hair and blue blouse. Oh that white skirt really matched her outfit. He was not able to notice that earlier. Bob wanted Nira'lia even more.

Even if she caught sight of him, Bob had the perfect excuse. Anyone would agree with him that Alvadas was not the safest city and it loved to have some fun with her people. Now even more than ever.

[Nira'lia]

'Still no plants....' It was evident on the Konti's expression that she was starting to lose hope to find the tree or the garden. Even the candy she was eating had run out. She was disappointed and it didn't help that the people around her continued to dance and sing. With a dejected sigh, Nira'lia decided to give up. She was tired from all the walking. Finally, she decided to look where she had led herself, and then she realized that was in front of a baroque looking temple. Blinking, she looked up at the grand establishment. At this part of the city, the festivities seemed even greater. "Ionu's Temple!" she exclaimed with excitement. What a sight! She didn't think she'd be able to see the temple so soon. If she heard correctly, it was one of the most difficult locations to find in Alvadas. What she didn't know was that for during the duration of the festival, the temple was stationary in the center of it all. "Amazing..." she whispered, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Suddenly, a new song started to play, a song that made her feel even more alive. Gleefully, she turned around to look at the source, and saw that a group of young dancers with intricate headdresses were going in circles around the street. The colors around them swayed with both glamour and mayhem. 'Wait... is that...?' Blink-blink. "Bob?" she questioned. Then she raised her voice, trying to call him amidst all the noise. "Bob!" She ran over to the man, confusion evident on her face. Did she actually return to where she came from? But the temple wasn't there before... Grinning, she stopped right in front of him, and pointed at the temple. "I couldn't find the tree, though I did find something equally as nice. Thank you! But what are you doing here?"

[Bob Barton]

And was there even any doubt that she wanted him as well? Actually everyone but that vain man should have been able to guess that it was not what she wanted but Bob's head was too busy going through how great he was with the ladies as soon as Nira'lia started calling out to him. Before he could do anything else, she even started running towards. Running. It was the effect that Bob obviously had on women. "Better play it cool" he told himself and acted as if he did not notice her, choosing to watch the group of dancers in between them instead.

The way that they were moving closely to the border of the crowd that surrounded them was giving Bob a headache. It was not because of their quick movements that he could not follow since he knew that he only needed to use the music to guess what to expect next. If it went faster, he watched the legs to keep up with the dancers and if it was slower, he could try to enjoy the intricate motions if the colours did not sicken him so. Combined with the quick pounding tempo, the colourful mess flashing in front of him reminded him a little about the times he got drunk. Remembering that also made him feel like going to a corner somewhere to let the fiery candy out.

But he knew that he could not do that. Not with the konti closing in.

Bob took a few deep breaths, having a break with the ground and its monotone colour until he saw the scaly, slender legs coming from the white skirt. She ran pretty fast with those actually because he was not quite ready yet. Forcing out a smile he replied that "maybe you can find it again next time" and as for "what am I doing here..." Bob knew that he could not tell her he was stal...following her. Forget what she will think about him, everyone else in the area would probably show him exactly why stalkers are bad especially when they are caught.

But fortunately for him, Nira'lia provided him with the perfect excuse. Everyone after staying in Alvadas long enough would know just how the temple looked like and because it was the only other thing he could see, Bob decided just like everyone else that "I'm here to give thanks to the great Ionu for this wonderful festival." That should have been enough since Bob did not really care for much with the god but he had to go on further saying that "I normally come to pray whenever I can but the festival reminds me so much about why Ionu is who he is to me." A great big headache. The same with his city.

That was enough with that though. "How about you? Are you going to be doing anything else now?"

[Nira'lia]

Nira'lia seemed to think about his question for a moment. She eyed him curiously, completely oblivious to the real reason he was here. However, the Konti was quite delighted with the fact that he stuck around and decided to converse with her on mundane matters -- perhaps she would earn a new friends today? Laughing, Nira'lia pointed towards the direction of the grand temple. Her intentions about what she wanted to do next were very clear. She couldn't find the garden, or the tree, but somehow Ionu's Temple was just as good a location... if not even better. "I think I'm going to go inside and offer Ionu a prayer!" she told him. Nira'lia placed her hand back down to her side. The Konti peered at the man with a silly smile plastered on her face. "Seems like the friend you're waiting for still isn't around... Do you want to join me?" Without even waiting for an answer, Nira'lia started to nudge him and push him towards the temple. In fear of her Konti gift acting up, she was careful not to let touch his skin, and kept her hands planted on his clothed back. She playfully urged him towards the temple and didn't give him a choice but to participate in her whims.