Closed Ripped Seams and Chance Encounters [Inia]

[Silarial]

Silarial’s mouth formed an ‘O’ as Inia explained her long-running relationship with leathers and fabrics. That would explain why her friend had a lot of leather pieces on her person. Somehow, Silarial understood how easily some fabrics can be captivating. She herself liked caressing her fur cloak against her cheeks, though she never really thought about how one makes them. People like Inia are really amazing for making these wonderful pieces of clothing. And she loves stars too. It’s interesting how her friend suddenly thought of asking her that, but it must be because of the quickly darkening sky above them. She let herself be dragged from the path by the girl, wondering where she intended to take her. Personally, Silarial liked sunrises the most, but sunsets have this otherworldly beauty to it, too. The way the sun stains the sky with a myriad of such striking colors as if to announce to everyone that it’s leaving, and that all shall prepare for the arrival of the beautiful showcase of stars and Morwen’s lights. Silarial flinched infinitesimally at the mention of her childhood. Her eyes turned a lonely swirl of deep brown as certain unwanted memories surfaced once more. Her lips quivered slightly as she struggled to find the words to describe her early years. “W-well, I didn’t really have many friends when I was younger, and I was a really quite little girl, almost reclusive. My real mother died so I was left in care of her… only friend. As I grew up, I realized how lonely it was to dance to an imaginary crowd, so I gradually started talking to people and in the process, made a lot of friends.“ She purposely left out many details about her past, especially concerning her difficult past, unable to belong completely because of who her mother was and who her father was not. Silarial felt deeply sorry that she could not share with her friend something so simple as childhood memories, but she doesn’t want Inia to treat her nicely for being a sad, sad child. Everyone else who knew about her past did. She silently held Inia by the wrist and led her back to the path they were taking before the sudden detour. Silarial forced a smile and let go of her companion’s hand. She attempted to speak in a cheery voice, though it came strained and unnatural. “My childhood’s really dull, sorry.” Silarial chewed on her lips for a few heartbeats, sighing inwardly for she felt like such a deceitful person. She continued, now with a gloomier voice. “That was dull retelling on my part too. Well. Anyway. Tell me more about yourself. You mentioned something about suitors earlier. Care to share some stories with me? I always like a story, especially those of pursuits of romance.” Silarial managed a more genuine smile this time, striving to bury the unpleasant memories and feelings that her childhood gave her. She wanted to focus on the now, and at this moment the now is belongs to her friend.

[Inia Skyglow]

Inia listened as Silarial talked. It wasn't hard to listen, even for an uncontrollable mind such as Inia's. Especially when her friend's own past seemed rather like Inia's own. It made her feel more comfortable; more willing to share details. She hadn't had a perfect life, she'd had her awkward moments and her sad ones. If Silarial knew what that was like, then Inia could share her sadness and happiness alike. She smiled hopefully. Then Silarial stammered a bit and pushed the conversation back on Inia. “Silarial, honestly,” Inia sighed. “I've been your friend for but a few moments and I can already hear your voice changing when you're trying to avoid a subject.” The pair halted, both girls' footfalls fading into the ambience. Ignoring the girl's shocked expression, Inia simply hugged her around the middle, far less quickly than before. “I understand if it's a subject you'd rather avoid, of course. I won't ask you to talk about it if you don't wish to. That wouldn't be friendly. But it just won't do for you to be sad because I was insensitive and asked a dumb question. I'm sorry,” she said, looking up at the girl she was still hugging rather tightly.

[Silarial]

Silarial’s eyes went wide, mouth dropped open, when her friend confronted her about avoiding the subject of her childhood. She felt absolutely terrible for closing herself off from her friend, especially since she just said she’d try and answer anything Inia would ask. Now she didn’t feel like she deserved the friendship Inia had so willingly shared with her. She chewed on her lips, her eyes cast down on the ground, a forlorn expression on her face. When they both halted, Inia hugged her, instantly stopping her train of depressing thoughts. She shook her head vehemently even as Inia held her. “No no, please… you shouldn’t apologize! I should… I…” Silarial’s inner feelings were in a turmoil, conflicted between hugging Inia back and pushing her away to hide her own miserable state. She chewed hard into the tips of her fingers and closed her eyes, breathing deeply again and again until she managed to considerably calm down. With a weak and unsteady voice, Silarial continued. “I’m not full Vantha, and I’m not even born in Avanthal. A-and my real parents didn’t want me… I remember being so lonely. No one wanted a warmblood living among them… Nobody wanted to be my friend.” Silarial slightly stepped back to look at Inia, eyes a bit damp. She held Inia’s hands and gave her a weak, albeit forced smile. “But I’m okay now. I have someone to give me hugs when I’m feeling down, right?” She hugged her friend tightly, and this time spoke in a whisper. “I’m sorry Inia… I can’t come to terms with my past yet... It would be very appreciated if we could forget about this, at least for now. I hope you don’t mind… We’re still friends though, right?”

[Inia Skyglow]

Inia released Silarial, letting the girl talk. She frowned at her friend's words, though. She didn't feel like Silarial needed to apologise for being sensitive to Inia's insensitive question. She sighed as Silarial flustered, then had to force her mouth to remain closed when Silarial actually divulged the details of her life. That must have been horrendous. Oh, Silarial, you poor girl.... Grr, I just wanna grab you and wrap you in things and take care of you... And mend your clothes and fix your hair and make your food and.... Ok, Inia, you're getting ahead of yourself. Inia's eyes seemed a light amber, nearly white, as Silarial asked if they were still to be friends. The best of friends, if I have anything to say about, whether she fancies it or not. “Of course we're still friends!” Inia said loudly, exhaling the entirety of her air supply as she did, her eyes returning to a more bluish hue. “And yes, you do have someone to hug you when you're feeling down. And no, you don't have to apologise for having a rough past or for being a bit closed about it. I'm honestly wondering if I'm a bit too open about my rubbish life. How about you tell me about dancing, instead? What's it like?” Inia resumed her stroll, half-dragging her new companion with her. “What does it feel like, performing on stage with people around, loved and adored by a whole crowd? What kind of dancing do you do? Oh, and does it pay well? Are you one of those people that's well known for dancing around Avanthal? Oooh, maybe some day you'll perform for Morwen herself!” Inia smiled at her friend, linking her arm with Silarial's as they walked, her expression brightening with each ecstatic word of inquiry!

[Silarial]

She blinked at Inia’s sudden outburst, expecting a reaction opposite to the one she just received. They were still to be friends! Silarial was truly grateful that her companion still wanted her friendship. Her lips eased into a relieved smile, and she even managed to let out a soft chuckle when Inia questioned her own excessive candor. She knew Inia was not just trying to be nice to her; Silarial could feel her friend meant what she said, and she was very thankful for it. They haven’t been friends for long but Inia already seemed to care for her like a time-tested, all-weathered friend. “Thank you...” Silarial whispered inaudibly as she let her herself be dragged by the girl. She wondered if it was alright to reveal her vulnerable side to her new friend, if it wouldn’t make her opinion of Silarial change. She was afraid that if she showed her other self and Inia accepted her, she would degenerate into a needy and, worse, emotionally dependent friend. While she was silently mulling over this, Inia proceeded to ask her questions about Silarial’s area of expertise. She looked at her friend with eyes the color of the midnight sky, willing herself to cheer up for her companion. “I’m not that skillful of a dancer, really, though I love`seeing people enjoy my art. Seeing people smile and knowing I was the person who caused them to do so gives me a great sense of satisfaction. As for the kind of dancing I do... it’s usually improvisations and movements derived from what I feel from the music. When I’m in a rut though I just ask the musician to play something I’ve danced before so I don’t have to dance impromptu. And no, I’m not a renowned performer,” At least not yet. “Though yes, I hope that one day I could be good enough to perform for Morwen. It would be the greatest honor I could ever receive.” They passed a weapon shop Silarial recognized, and she knew they were already near the tavern. The sun had just set, too. The pair would only pass a number of shops before they would arrive at the Red Diamond.

[Inia Skyglow]

“I'm really looking forward to seeing you dance. I've never seen someone dance before. I mean, I have, but not recently and not anyone I know. So I'm excited. I bet you're good enough to dance for Morwen.” Inia smiled at her friend. “You look really happy. Why're you happy, Silarial? I mean, it's good that you're happy. I'm just curious.” Inia looked around, spinning a full circle. “Oh, and where are we going? I mean, how far is it from where we're standing? Not to be impatient, mind you, I just want to get my bearings. As far as I'm concerned, we could just keep walking and talking, but you had a destination in mind and I do want to see you dance. I believe I've established that already.” Inia walked quickly, pacing around Silarial as they walked, her excitement building. “Sorry, I get like this when I'm excited. I'm not sure why I'm so excited. But I am.”

[Silarial]

Silarial inclined her head to the side, her eyes fixed to the ground while she quickly thought of an answer, pushing all depressing thoughts away for the mean time. "Do I look that happy? Hehe. I'm happy because you seem so excited right now. And you flatter me with kind words too. If you keep telling me I'm good, I might actually take your word as true." She raised her eyes to that of her companion and gave her a genuine and friendly smile. Take that dismal thoughts! Inia’s excitement was infectious. Silarial found herself grinning like the hyperactive girl her friend was, thoroughly amused by her energy level. As Inia was asking her where they were going, Silarial walked over to the front of the famous tavern, stretching her arms wide, as if to present a valued piece of Skyglow art. “Welcome to the Red Diamond Madame Inia, where the food is good and the entertainment amazing!" She opened the door and ushered her friend in, the warmth of the room inviting. The two were greeted by the barmaids scuttling around to get everyone's orders sorted out. Silarial’s attention was drawn by the bartender calling out to her from behind the counter. "Hey! Running a bit late, aren't we?" He chuckled, his hands busy wiping the glasses cleaned by the dishwashers. "Oops. Don't tell Huzak. Please?" She joined her hands together in front of her, making a cute pouty face in an attempt to persuade the man with her nonexistent sex appeal. The bartender laughed in amusement at her effort. He made a show of zipping his lips tight and winked. Silarial eased into a relieved smile, and led her friend by the wrist towards the direction of the tavern’s back wall. There was a space cleared of tables and chairs that serves as a makeshift stage, and Silarial made Inia sit down in one of the unoccupied tables in front of the clearing. "I'm gonna change into my dance shoes. Just tell the barmaid what you like while you're waiting. Tell her I’d have the same thing too.” She raised a finger at the girl, biting her lips thin with apology. “I'll be back in a chime. Or two." She ran behind the bar and to the door leading to the kitchen. She asked her barmaid friend for the shoes she had entrusted to her the night before. Silarial stayed near the door as she watched the woman disappear further into the kitchen to retrieve her dance footwear.

[Inia Skyglow]

Inia sat down, waiting for Silarial. The girl had said she'd be right back. Inia stared at the door she'd gone through. Well, this is interesting. Never been in here before. Oh, wait, I have. Twice. I told Silarial about that earlier, didn't I? It looks different. Ceiling's lower. Or I'm taller. Or both. Why would they lower the ceiling? I'm probably just taller. I don't think I like being taller. I made Silarial late. Does that make me a bad friend? Will Silarial be angry, I wonder? Will she tell me she doesn't fancy being friends anymore? That would be most unpleasant. Suppose I should ask her? She queried herself, still staring at the wall, oblivious to the approaching barmaid. “Can I get you anything?” asked the barmaid, startling Inia. Inia turned quickly, looking straight into the barmaid's eyes, looking surprised and slightly confused. “Did you lower the ceiling in here in the past five years or so? No wait, sorry. Thinking out loud. Forget that happened. Anyway, I'd love a mug of hot chocolate and your...” she trailed off, looking away for a second. “I haven't a clue. Whatever people usually get to eat, I guess. A special? D'you have a special? Sorry, I'm distracting. Distracted. I'm distracted, right, that's how I say it. Sorry again. Anyway, my companion, in absentia, would like the same thing. Thank you.” Inia turned away, disappearing again into her own world, ignoring the perhaps-dumbfounded barmaid. She stared after Silarial, smiling broadly.

[Silarial]

“Thank you for taking care of these.” Silarial waved the dancing shoes at the nice barmaid, a wide grin on her face. She slipped into the shoes right away and carried her everyday shoes in her hands. She was about to open the door when another barmaid pushed it from outside. The barmaid gave a polite nod at Silarial before shouting, “Two orders of Night’s Special and two mugs of hot chocolate!” Silarial passed by her and through the door, vaguely hearing the girl ask whether the ceiling was ever lowered or something. Placing her shoes in the trustworthy hands of the bartender, she ran back to Inia’s table and slightly bowed her head to apologize. “Hope I didn’t take too long.” She sat down on the chair opposite of her companion, placing her elbows on the table and resting her chin on the palm of her hands. “There’s still a bit of time until the song ends, then I’ll be dancing right after. Anyway, how are you liking it here? I hope you don’t mind that most of the patrons here are men. It gets more rowdy as the night gets deeper.” Yes, there was that time when these men became so raucous they started beating up each other. Silarial caught her lips between her teeth, eyes turning a dull silver as events of the brawl came rushing back to her. EditsI made some edits to my earlier post when I realized there was no employee's room, but only doors leading to the cellar and kitchen, both of which were situated behind the bar. Sorry!

[Inia Skyglow]

“No, it's fine, don't apologise!” Inia smiled as Silarial sat down, her eyes bright. “It's fine here. I don't care that it's mostly men around. I mean, maybe some of them will even be young good looking!” Inia blushed slightly. She looked off, seemingly in a daydream. “Pretend I didn't say that. That's not really who I am, I wouldn't dare flirt around when I'm supposed to be with a friend. That's just not proper. I mean, I assume it isn't, I have no experience with friends and attractive boys being in the same place, but it would seem sensible that-” Inia stopped quickly. “Sorry, I was rambling. Seriously, feel free to stop me when I do that. I imagine it's quite annoying.” Inia let the conversation lull, watching Silarial. “Anyway, I'm excited to see you dance! That'll be fun, right? I mean, I know you like dancing. I was asking if it would be fun rhetorically,” she said, correcting herself, gesturing in wild circles, “since obviously we'll both have fun, you dancing and me watching. Watching you dance, that is. It's pretty nice in here, the atmosphere and all. It feels warm. I mean, it is warm, but the aesthetic is warm too. Like, it looks warm. Warm colours and all, I guess, and the fireplace, and the people,” she smiled, “the ones working, I mean, are all happy-looking. Or at least, they don't seem to be working grudgingly, you know. The ceiling seems lower than I remember it, but that might just be me.” She cut herself off again, shrugging sheepishly. “Sorry. Rambling again.”