Open If I Should Stop Being Me - Birthday Reckoning

[Alori Sai]

Time Stamp: Day 1 of Spring 513 AV
Where: The Inclement Weather (Night)
Who: Aela

It was Spring time in Wind Reach and the cold bite of winter had finally passed. The thick snow started to melt away and give room for the fresh blossoms to rise in the warmth of the new season. While there was still a chill in the early air, most Inartan had already stripped down and out of their winter attire in favor of the warmth to come. It was a time of small celebration as the people had survived yet another winter, and hunters were gearing up to hunt again, now that they could journey back into the wild. There were people gathered about scooping up the remaining snow from outside the gate and down the path to make way for travel once again.

The first day of spring was an enjoyable time for all in the city, but even more so for one teen Inartan. Today was Aela's birthday, the young huntress had finally reached 18, and after the last two seasons she was very surprised and overjoyed that she had. But now wasn't the time for quiet contemplation, it was time to celebrate, a girl only turned 18 once after all. But there was still a small problem, after the events of summer and the slaying of the WInd Eagle, Aela had been banished never to return. It wasn't until she was visited by the God and Goddes Kelwyn that she was changed. Her once straight, fiery red hair was now blonde and curly. Her emerald green eyes were now a smoldering chestnut brown. Her features changed, and she no longer appeared as the little huntress that she was.

The Gods had saved her on that day, but she could never return to the life that she once had. She couldn't tell her friends, or anyone who she really was or risk being caught and executed. Perhaps she could tell one, if she knew anyone that she could trust enough with her life, but even that was a risk. Still just as her life had vanished, so to did her friends. When she returned to the city, she looked for her friends, but she found none of them. They had left the city she feared, or were otherwise very busy with their own lives.

There was also the possibility that they hated her now, as many in the city did. They wouldn't know who she was, but if the subject came up, the girl might not be able to handle it. The teen had made peace with her past as much as she could, and for now that would have to do. But the problem still remained, Aela was left to celebrate her birthday alone. It was sad, but the girl refused to let it get her down. She needed happiness, she needed to smile and she needed to enjoy herself. With that idea in mind, Aela dressed herself in a grey top and white pants, finishing off her attire with a pair of cream colored tall boots.

She also decided to wear her reading glasses for this venture. Although the little rogue Avora realized that her appearance was different now, she was still a bit paranoid that someone might recognize her and so the glasses helped her confidence in that. Once she was dressed, the girl headed out and made her way to the Inclement Weather. The place was busy as it had been the last time she had visited and the teen was quickly greeted with all the familiar sounds and aromas from within. The moment that she opened the doors, she was hit with a blast of music from a pulsing beat played by the band in the club.

Aela felt a shiver course through her limbs as she felt herself being swept up in the excitement. She moved into the club and headed onto the dance floor. It was packed as always, and the blinding darkness at the center of the floor made it harder to see if she knew anyone. But for now that was ok. Aela threw her arms up and started to dance hard. She wasn't concerned if she bumped into anyone or who was dancing against or behind her, she just moved. The little Avora rolled her hips, bent her knees and twisted about. Her arms moved above her head and down to her sides, her back arched, hips swerving with the music as she danced. She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing the music and darkness to consume her.

This was her night..

[Aradia]

The little Singer was on the dance floor at the Inclement Weather, letting loose and enjoying herself. She had just came to Wind Reach not long ago, and the only person she really knew was Red. So she decided to attempt to mingle a little with the Inarta of Wind Reach. When she first arrived at the Inclement Weather she was a little surprised and shocked about the whole set up, and knew that every time she did come into the club the feeling of shock would be the same as the first time. Aradia did not bother with buying a drink, she went straight to the dance floor. She was a Singer after all, and she knew a little about Rhythm, but singing and dancing were two different things. She did not think much about her dance moves, instead she let the music that was being played guide her body, in a rather fluid yet sporadic dance style. She moved around on the dance floor, like the eagles in the sky. Soaring around in all their elegance, but then it would shift to a dance of a monkey. It was true that her dancing skills were minimal at best, but the little Singer was enjoying herself, not even mindng the bumping of sweaty bodies upon her person. Aradia made her way around the dance floor, twirling, waving her arms, swinging her hips, and laughing the whole time she did so. At one point she just closed her eyes, and let her feet carry her on the dance floor, not bothering to use her eyesight as she twirled around, and around. The Singer’s dance moves came to an abrupt halt when she slammed a little roughly into another smaller body. This left Aradia butt first on the dance floor, feeling a little dazed, confused, and largely embarrassed. The redhead sat there on the floor, with a blank expression, blinking her eye lids repeatedly. Half wondering what happened, half embarrassed to even lift her body off of the floor. She rubbed her head, which had unfortunately hit the back of another hard body on the way down, as she looked up to an unfamiliar person before her… I am sorry if I hit you. Aradia said in her mind. She had not realized at that moment that she had spoken to herself, and not the woman before her.

[Arandolya]

Arandolya really had no idea why she was here. She had never been a huge drinker, barely one at that, and didn't particularly enjoy the crowded and heating claustrophobic sensation of the Inclement Weather. Yet, there was the somber little hunter, already a tad tispy, having downed a pleasantly made Eagle Cocktail. She sipped at a Weather Surprise, some odd concoction of fruity tastes and a copious amount of whatever alcohol the bartender decided to use, as its taste was blatantly acute.

She swayed on the dance floor almost mechanically, hips moving slowly, body following the ripple as it coursed up her spine. She refrained from the head-banging, feet-stomping, and hollering that occurred around her as she was yet to finish her drink. Wouldn't want it to go to waste!

Arandolya was quite at peace in her own little world, dancing - if that's what the weak movement could be called - and shimmying in response to the bodies around her. And drinking. Arandolya had no idea the appeal of drinking lately, but this Spring seemed to call for a few more visits to the dance club than usual. She tipped back the remaining and moved to set the glass on the bar before returning to the dance floor. Wondering to herself how long she planned to stay, the Inarta raised her arms above her head as she gently moved her body to the beat.

Though Arandolya was sadly out of her element when it came to dancing, it was simple enough to close her startling golden gaze and let the beat of the music thrum in her ears. It expanded outwards, encompassed everything and Arandolya almost felt like her very heart accompanied the music. Her hips slid slowly as her torso twisted another way, hands curling above her as her body shifted with the fall of another rhythm. The heat of the people around her kept Arandolya close to sweating even though all she wore was her Vinati and Bryda, summer sandals protecting her feet from anything spilled on the ground. Her stomach showed as she moved her body, and Arandolya didn't worry as she felt a pair of hands settle on her sides, a body pressing close behind her. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or even the fact she almost never did this, but Arandolya adjusted to the movement of whomever took her in their hold, letting their touch guide her with them.

For a bit, Arandolya allowed it to continue, the sweaty palms on her side ignored for the fact they offered small advice as they applied pressure in the direction they wished her to move. She didn't care whom they belonged to, woman, man, Endal, Dek, she just knew they were an addition to the music, and to the lulling peace her mind had settled into with the drinks to sing through her veins. It was only when something abruptly crashed into her - and in turn made her slam into the person behind her, did Arandolya snap out of the temporary reverie.

Golden eyes shooting open, Arandolya automatically made to grab the woman that fell, though it lamely missed and only achieved to grasp thin air as she fell to the floor. The hunter was caught by the hands of the person behind her - a man she found out, who seemed as shocked as she at the turn of events. "You okay?" he asked briefly, blinking a few times to concentrate on Arandolya's expression that had turned up to peer at him. She nodded and looked down towards the woman at her feet, whom was in turn looking towards another.

Arandolya supposed the other - a blond! How exotic! - was the reason of the trip, and extended a hand politely to the fallen maiden. "Need a hand?" she asked, eyes squinting slightly as her mind struggled to stay concentrate on the woman and not wander off with the meandering thoughts that seemed so appealing to follow in her slightly drunken state.

[Alori Sai]

Aela squeaked as she was sent tumbling forward from the force of another body. It was interesting how while the dancing was going on, bodies pressing and rubbing against the other that people were more than happy to stay as close as possible. However, when someone fell, people couldn't wait to get out of the way, as if they expected some sort of domino's effect to take place. Once she hit the floor, the first thing that crossed her mind was to shield her fingers. Falling was bad enough but broken fingers were even worse.

Still sitting on the floor, she glanced over towards the other girl who had also fallen. With the dimmed lighting around the center floor and the sound of the roaring music, it was hard to even make out the girl's face, much less what she was saying. Aela's concentration was suddenly broken when a knee slammed into the back of her head twice, causing the tiny girl to fall forward and cover her head.

"Hey!!...Watch it!"

Peeking out through one half squinted hazel eye, she noticed a pair of legs to her side and a small hand extended towards her. Reaching out, she took the hand and slowly pulled herself off the floor. It was hard to make out clear features in the woman who stood before her, but she looked young, around her age or maybe a bit older. The little Avora nodded her thanks, still suffering from the knees to her head that had left her with a dull headache.

"Th-Thanks..." she said with a slight wince, then turned to look at the other girl who had fallen along with her. "Are you okay?" she asked loudly while leaning down to reach for the girl's hand to help her up. Aela hadn't had a drink since she entered the club, in fact she hadn't had a drink in seasons, but one thing was for sure, she could really use one now.

[Aradia]

Aradia once again caused a scene with her clumsy self. The little Singer let out a heavy sigh, it wasn’t enough that her hair and eyes made her stand out slightly in a crowd of red heads, no of course not, she had to go and trip making other people fall also. Aradia shook her head from side to side, rubbing it slightly. She looked up into a blonde woman’s eyes, Iosha? Aradia asked herself, as she took the hand that was extended, blinking her eyes a few times focusing more on the woman. No, it wasn’t Iosha it was someone else. Her hair was darker than the white of the pale ladies. She looked over at the red headed woman that was standing beside the blonde, she nodded her head to her in greeting, and she was not sure what language these women spoke, whether it was Common or Nari. So she winced slightly and decided to try common first, ”I am so sorry for causing us all to trip. It seems I have two left feet, and I am completely sober which makes it even more embarrassing. Thank you for helping me.” Aradia said with a little chuckle and a warm smile, her pale cheeks flaring up with the socialization she was attempting, ”Are the both of you okay?” She asked looking from one woman to the next. Aradia was not the 'social buttefly' type of person, she was more of a bumbling bee, fumbling over the right words to say to people. She was a performer, did great on the stage, confident in her singing voice. Though when it came to talking to people, she was not that talented, especially with males. Aradia looked around, and noticed no bumping bodies on the women. It seemed people had decided to get away from them. Maybe it was for the best, the bumping of bodies would only make another fall inevitable at this point. Aradia brushed a stray strand of hair behind her right ear, she really needed a drink, even though she could not handle her alcohol, at this point her nerves were screaming for some relief. I need a drink, join me? Aradia asked the two women in Nari. She wasn’t fluent with the language, but was happy to have at least a basic understanding of the fiery language of the Inarta. The woman hoped the other two would accompany her, drinking alone in a place like this seemed a little dangerous to the innocent half-blood. Then again she had not been in Wind Reach that long, mere bells to be exact, so she did not know much about the place, or the people. So it would be a plus to meet a few friendly faces, to start off her stay at Wind Reach. Though if they were to reject, Aradia could not blame them. She had just made a fool out of herself, proving how clumsy she really was.

[Arandolya]

A slightly startled pair of hazel eyes greeted Arandolya as she offered her hand, though the woman accepted it and she was brought to her feet. "Th-Thanks..." she said in soft tones, though she spoke fluent Nari. Surprised, Arandolya managed to hide it as she nodded.
"No worries," she replied, quirking a grin at the curly-haired girl. The blond turned her attention to the other fallen lady, as Arandolya peered over her shoulder with a smile. The red-head that was settled promptly on the ground was unfamiliar, an odd sensation in the mountain where everyone usually at least saw everyone else once and while. Perhaps Arandolya just didn't recognize her?

When they were all back to their feet, Arandolya had half the mind to simply melt off, though she'd noticed her dancing partner had disappeared. Not that I'm too surprised, she scoffed quietly to herself. The fellow Inarta though was speaking and it drew Arandolya's winding thoughts back to her, golden eyes swinging back to the female.
"... seems I have two left feet, and I am completely sober which makes it even more embarrassing. Thank you for helping me."

What? was Arandolya's initial thought, as the Inarta spurted an unknown language. It took Arandolya a long moment for her muddled brain to piece together the Common, using the smattering she was able to recall. "Are the both of you okay?" she continued.
"Ah, yup, I fine, you have thanks of erm, mine," Arandolya said absently in horridly broken Common, the strange language spewing from her tongue as her brow furrowed in concentration of what she was saying. At least I think I said thanks ... I hope I didn't say something embarrassing ... I should get another drink ...

The fact that she chose to speak Common completely appalled Arandolya, having never met an Inarta not born and raised within the mountain. Her amber eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the female, wide and acutely curious. Did that mean she was from some far off land? The Inartas that Arandolya had been raised around were devoutly loyal to Wind Reach and Skyinarta, what parent would take their children away from the mountain? Did she even known Nari?

Once more Arandolya had began to drink off when the strange Inarta - what Inarta spoke Common instead of Nari? - brought her back, asking, "I need a drink, join me?" in a language Arandolya easily recognized. She did know Nari! Though it sounded less fluid than her Common, Arandolya barely noticed as it was Nari and she knew Nari! Her face brightened at the familiar words and the notion of getting another drink, nodding with a grin.
"Sounds good to me," she said, taking both of their hands - the blond definitely had to come! - and striding towards the bar.

[Alori Sai]

Aela was curious as to why the woman was speaking in common, although her hair did possess a flare more than the average red, she still looked to be Inartan. A tick later the little Avora was reminded of her own appearance and the divine makeover she had been given. Inartan blood still coursed through her veins but her blonde hair and hazel eyes probably gave the impression that she was a foreigner. It couldn't be helped and was another thing she would have to get used to being a blonde in a sea of redheads.

Luckily Aela had recently met a few foreigners in the last summer and even though she wasn't fluent in the language the basic was still somewhat flesh in her mind. "I'm okay." she chimed in using common while still nursing her throbbing head. She felt bad a litte, thinking that she had inadvertently started a conversation in common when there wasn't a need to do so. At first, she had actually spoken Nari to both women, but it seemed that one of them hadn't noticed, just as she had missed the woman's words after they had first toppled over. It was also possible that the teen was simply over thinking it all, but sometimes she just didn't know.

"Got petching kneed in the head, but I'm okay."

She noticed at this point that the three had been given a bit of leg room, which she thought was great for the crowd to decide to do after she was kneed, not once but twice. Some birthday it was turning out be, but at least she wasn't alone. As much as she adored Skye, the Gyrfalcon wasn't much for chatting and dancing. Aela smiled and nodded slowly when the woman asked them to drinks in Nari. It seemed that her earlier thoughts had been right and she was over thinking the whole thing, which made her feel silly, but better.

"Yea! I'm so in!" she replied in Nari.

Aela followed along as she was led back through the crowd and towards the bar. On her way over she was already thinking inwardly about what drink she wanted. Though it had been a long time since she was last there, Aela remembered the drink that she had tried. It wasn't a very strong drink but she just had to remind herself not to drink so fast and she would be ok. The teen started to dance again as she walked, the sound of the music still called to her and urged her body into motion. Still holding the hand of the woman who took hers, Aela paused for a second, lifting their combined arms upward as she swayed her hips around while bending her knees to a thumping tone of the drums.

She laughed at herself, thinking that her party-mates probably found her silly and her dance awkward, but she just wanted to have fun. Once they reached the bar, Aela got the attention of the first barkeep she could wave over and ordered a drink. "Give me a Fuzzy Squirrel and.." she paused as she glanced to the ladies to see what they wanted.

[Aradia]

Aradia was happy the two women agreed to join her for a drink. Drinking alone was quite depressing, plus she had just arrived here, and would like to meet a few people of Wind Reach. Even if one of them was a foreigner, she seemed to be well versed in Nari and the ways of the Inarta. Aradia knew she shouldn’t have used common language, the two slightly puzzled faces of the females made her switch to Nari as quickly as possible. Common tongue was simpler to use, it seemed everywhere she had been spoke it, so she just assumed they would know it, especially the blonde. Aradia shrugged her shoulders, shrugging off the contemplation of languages. Now was not the time, now was the time for fun, and Aradia was ready to immerse herself in some female fun. Being from Endryakas, leading a nomadic life-style in a tent, did not leave room for many social interactions. Her family came and go, like the wind. In one place, then on to another on the great plains. Aradia enjoyed her life there, but she always felt like she was missing something, something that a tent and nomadic people just could not provide. Thus her journey began a couple of years ago, and now she was in Wind Reach, the home of her Dek mother, and where her Endal half-brother Red currently resided. She walked onward with the two, wondering what kind of drinks this bar offered. I am glad you two are okay. I am Aradia by the way. The mixed blood looked over at the blonde and the red head, a warm smile on her face. She did not receive an answer right away, as the blonde decided at that moment to do a little dance move. Aradia released the other red heads hand, giving the other room to dance her little dance. It was not that bad of a display, but she still chuckled slightly at the woman’s exuberant behavior. It was obvious she was ready to partake in some fun tonight, which in Aradia’s mind, was a good thing. The trio made their way to the bar, the blonde woman ordered her drink first, a fuzzy-squirrel. Aradia found the name silly, and decided next time she would order that drink to see what it was like. She could only hope that it did not taste like a squirrel. Aradia spoke up next,[/color] I just wanna beer, thanks. Aradia said in her musical voice. The mixed blood went to take a seat at one of the stools at the bar, only to slip and almost fall on her arse, Petching shyke! The Singer exclaimed in Vani, shaking her head slightly she looked over at the two women,[/color] I am sober and still I cannot function. The crimson haired woman gave a laugh at herself, and her own clumsiness as she sat down on the stool waiting for their drinks to be delivered. Aradia wanted to ask more of the two women, but she had not a clue on how to go about such a thing. The Singer was awful in social situations, slightly awkward to say the least when it came to speaking to people. [/color]

[Arandolya]

Walking along, Arandolya watched the two mysteries that strode at her side. The blonde, well-versed in Nari, and seemed surprisingly comfortable in the press of Inclement Weather. Then the little red-head that spoke Common better than Nari, and was much more awkward than any Inarta Arandolya had ever known. Not to mention clumsy, but Arandolya could only hope this woman didn't live of hunter's wages. The thought brought a delighted little giggle to her lips, how wonderfully fascinating! She felt a burning desire to get to known these woman and all their little secrets - or was that just the alcohol? No matter! A bit of drunk detective work is the most fun! Arandolya practically skipped as she walked along, thrilled at the prospect of new companionship with such interesting companions!

"I am glad you two are okay. I am Aradia by the way," the redhead identified herself as, though before Arandolya could respond the blond decided to have an sudden dance-session as their linked hands raised to sway for a moment. Arandolya laughed and copied her little shimmy until they'd moved on, forever pushing towards the bar. Aradia, Arandolya thought to herself, rolling along with the name for a few moments before nodding her head.
"Beautiful name, I'm Arandolya," she added with a smile at Aradia. The woman drew her much longer name out a tad to ensure the redhead caught the correct pronunciation. Being a Common-born speaker (so Arandolya assumed) she thought to help with the trying Nari name. "Pleasure to meet you."

As they neared the bar and placed their orders, Arandolya asking for a surprise (what could be more fun?!), Aradia neared falling once more, slipping on the bar-stool. Honey eyes blinking at the woman in surprise, Arandolya quirked a small grin at her words. "Maybe you will be the most graceful of us all when you're drunk," she commented as their drinks were served. Tapping her glass against the others', Arandolya took a sip, "I guess we'll just have to see!"

[Alori Sai]

Aela was enjoying herself, and she was having a blast. It was her night and she was going to get wild one way or another, and she had picked the right women to do it with. They were strangers to her and knew nothing about her past, and as long as no one mentioned the wanted posters in the city, there was no reason for anyone to talk about it, or pass judgement. There was a narrow minded dogmatic view of justice in the city that was stupid beyond belief. Many people knew of the Wind Eagles eating people whenever they saw fit, and no one said a thing. However if one little Avora defended herself against the Godly eagles, it's off with her head.

Though luckily that sort of conversation wasn't about to happen, and as far as she was concerned she knew nothing about any of it. Aela just wanted to have fun and enjoy her birthday, and so she would. The tiny Avora hadn't meant to interrupt their introductions but her body simply wouldn't stop moving. However, once the other two said their names, she looked on, holding back a curiously fit of a giggle. All three women's name started with an A.

It was too adorable to let go, and since she was already in a silly mood, she decided to speak up. "Aradia, Arandolya,...I'm Alori." she added their names to make sure that they caught on to the little fact that she had noticed. She chuckled, shrugging her shoulders with a cute bounce. The fact that all their names started with the same letter might not have seemed as funny to others, but Aela was feeling good and just happy that she had lived to see eighteen. She couldn't stop, not a drop of alcohol in her system and she was already bouncing off the walls.

Her new name still felt alien whenever she spoke it, but the more she did so, the more she was starting to get used to saying it. They moved on and reached the bar soon after. Aela ordered first and then took a moment to look over the display while the others placed their orders. There had been another drink that she wanted to try at one point, but it had been so long since she had been to the dance club that she forgot which one it was. Aela continued to look over the many glass of all sizes, shapes, and colors, as her slender hips swayed side to side with the beat.

She had been occupied with the drinks on display and had missed the near fall behind her. Turning around quickly, her eyes widen and glancing between the two women. The looks on their face were humorous and so she smiled herself, figuring that she had missed the joke. Before she could say a word, the drinks arrived and she quickly took her glass and raised it in a toast with the others. The teen Avora took a drink, this time making sure not to down the whole thing on the first go. It was tasty, and before she knew it, she was already raising the glass and drinking the rest of it down.

"Shyke!" she commented as she leaned forward to cough while fanning herself. Aela was too excited, and she knew it, but for this one day it wouldn't matter, she would just enjoy it all. Leaning against the bar, she reached and combed her fingers through her hair. "Wow..that was good. I want another, and bring them one too." she added looking to the bartender. A smile rose upon her lips then, as she turned back to face her party friends. "I hope you girls are ready to party, it's my birthday and I'm getting wild!"