[Beautyfest] Party on the Pier

by **Favchean Hronis** on December 7th, 2013, 11:42 pm

When her hands came to rest on his shoulders, Favchean gave her a smile, and hoped that his nervousness didn't show too badly on his face. He thanked Wsyar once more for the dark nature of his skin so that the heat that he could feel in his face didn't show. However he couldn't hid the tentative way he shifted into movements, his blue eyes skirting to the couples around them trying to emulate them. He was no better then she when it came to confident steps and he cursed himself when he had to catch himself a third time to keep from treading on delicate feet. Too bad he hadn't allowed C'hea to teach him a few basic steps. It didn't help that the dark brother was laughing in his mind, as if he could have done so much better.

When he heard Rosela's name ring out, Favchean instantly stopped and froze almost like a cat on the prowl before he relaxed. Relax he did once he realized that she had won a prize, though her quick jump and kiss surprised him again. He had just enough time to tighten his arms to press her close before she was finished and moving through the crowd. While she was choosing her gift his thought went back to the dancing. It might not be a bad thing to get lessons, it would even help with the Kata and his unarmed training. It was something to think of, even if he kept flashing to pictures of himself with one of those tight leotard things that he often saw dancers leaving the amphitheater in.

Before that thought lead any where else even more frivolous Rosela was back and had requested him to hold her box. "A pretty for the pretty." He said coquettishly and accepted the box. His large hands engulfed the box, and he couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't asked if he could clasp it for her. It would have been much easier had he done so, but perhaps she just didn't think his large hands would be anything but clumsy. She wouldn't be the first to assume that about him, or Akalak's in general. People just saw the large size, rarely much else unless they wanted to it seemed.

When she was finished he grinned once more and leaned over to hand her the box back. He whispered toward her ear conspiratorially, "You must try not to outshine the other women here, my Dear." Only because he figured that she would enjoy hearing the like.

by **Kavala** on December 8th, 2013, 5:38 am

Kavala laughed at Riaris, laying her hand on his thigh and leaning against him, letting him be her protector at least for that night. “You forget I grew up as a younger sister, raiding those proverbial closets and taking all Akela’s clothing. It is no less than I deserve. Nanail and Johan are lovely, Riaris.” She said, suddenly nostalgic and missing her older sister terribly. She’d never mentioned Akela to Riaris, nor the pain of loosing her older sister to Ranuri and its mysterious ways. Just one day her sister had left, setting out for parts unknown, and Kavala hadn’t heard from her since. Watching the festivities around them, Kavala wondered if Akela were happy and someplace well loved, enjoying perhaps a party just like she was that very night.

“No. I’m fine. One will come along eventually. But if you do see one, do me a favor and stop him or her. I am thirsty.” She said, knowing Rairs had a longer reach than she did and far more mobility at this point.

When she glanced at looking at the winners, she nodded. “Dust works for me. She’s a Kelvic who works a great deal in the mews with our birds and Chalce, our falconer. And Jorin is someone I healed once… a lightening strike. I do not know him well. Dust is about the most gentle curious soul I’ve ever met. She deserves the honor.” Kavala said, squeezing Riaris’ hand and then glancing away from the winners. Her eyes swept the crowd as her face grew contented.

Her hand slipped up Riaris’ thigh and took his hand. She squeezed it gently, and shifted so her head leaned against his shoulder. Kavala was far more tired than she wanted to admit. But a smile played across her face as she watched the crowd pass and the dancers circle. There was a peace in the world tonight that she appreciated and wished would spread.

“Do you see this, Rairis? All this peace? This is why you go to work with your fellow Kuvay’Nas folks. This is why we work so hard to keep this place free. " Kavala whispered. There were no children on the docks now, this being primarily an adult festival, but any other time the dock would be swarming with them. Instead couples young and old danced across the aged wood as paper lanterns swayed in the breeze from the falls. Its roar from here was a bit dulled but still colored everything in Riverfall. Kavala moved her face, so she could tilt her head and study Riaris’ expression. “I hope you remember this… and are enjoying it. This is why we work so hard. You. Me. Everyone here works hard. So we can have time like this… “ Kavala said, smiling. She was glad to see Sybel and Vanator together. Kavala was intrigued to see Rosela with her new friend whom Kavala had only met today. Caelum had even put in an appearance though the Konti had no idea what Caelum was dancing with.

“This makes me so happy. This is what I want to bring a child into the world to…” The Konti said, thoughtful.

by **Riaris Dovukalis** on December 8th, 2013, 7:49 am

"Akela? I haven't heard about her from you." Riaris wasn't sure what to say about this. Kavala had been so open with him about her life, even the harder things to speak on. To find out that she had a sister she hadn't spoke of must have been a reason. "You'll have to tell me about your childhood at some point, and I'll bore you with mine." It was his way of offering to listen without making any assumptions that something could be wrong. Being a child of Akajia he knew all about secrets and that those that were supposed to be kept, usually were.

Riaris had been ready to set off on a journey, on an adventure to find someone with a drink for Kavala. He could try his best to sit back and not try so hard to care for her, but it wasn't in him to be that way. Recoomas would have been the better type for such a job, but he didn't appreciate and care for Kavala as much as Riaris did. "Alright, I'll keep a look out."

He looked to the winners again, both well deserved as Kavala also stated. He imagined that he would meet Dusk soon enough since he was going to be spending more time at the Sanctuary. If he didn't see this Jorin around, maybe he would make the effort later to speak with him. For now he was enjoying himself with Kavala, and with the least amount of movement the better. Riaris had felt fine when he left his home, but after sitting for a while his head was starting to feel lighter, and the soreness in his body returned.

But he didn't want her to see this, he didn't want her to worry. He had told her of his pains, and he didn't see the need to whine about it. If Kavala could stay and enjoy herself with her pains, he could handle his, and he would keep telling himself that. Looking to her, he held her hand and cupped it into his larger mit as she squeezed.

He looked around and back to her as she spoke. She was right, and it took someone like Kavala, like his sister's to see the world and the beauty in it, when his mind and thoughts were so clouded they blinded him to it all. "We have it good here in the city, and our families are happy. Sometimes I seem to forget this. But you are right, we work hard to keep this city safe and it's people happy." Smiling, he reached out his free hand and gently stroked her cheek. "We will."

by **Magpie** on December 9th, 2013, 1:43 am

"Alright ladies, just a few spots left on the roster for the court; who's it going to be?" Antogio spread his hands wide with an encouraging smile. "The next lucky lady is...

Kirsi Winterflame!

Come on up and pick your prize!"

Behind him, the Akalak guards were rearranging the table to fill the spaces left from the already-taken prizes. Once the dark haired Vantha was found in the crowd, she was excitedly ushered by the crowd up to the ship to make her choice.

OOC :

by **Kirsi Winterflame** on December 10th, 2013, 4:35 am

Kirsi was listening and applauding and generally enjoying the good spirits of the crowd on the pier. Though she didn't know many people beyond her own small circle, the atmosphere was reminiscent of celebrations in Avanthal. Celebrations everywhere, probably, she corrected herself. So busy was she admiring the participants that the sound of her name being called didn't immediately register.

Clapping more as an automatic response by now, Kirsi's cheeks flushed a dull pink when she realized she had been clapping for herself. With a sheepish grin at her own expense, she hurried to the table and perused the prizes remaining.

Though instinct told her to pick whatever was nearest and fade back into the comfort of the crowd, Kirsi forced herself to look over all the options. Earlier, a woman had selected what appeared to be a beautifully carved quarterstaff, and the Vantha's eyes scanned the table in vague hopes of seeing a similar item. Though she owned a staff already, the prize staff had been especially beautiful and was at least a weapon she was passingly familiar with, if a little unwieldy at times.

A thorough inspection of the table showed no other staves, though, and Kirsi shrugged philosophically. The other items were equally beautiful and if nothing quite suited her fancy, she could always choose mizas - though that seemed a cold reward for such a warm gathering. Fingering the bolt of silk absently while staring at the curious little bird-toy, indecisiveness played across face. The fidgeting of the crowd behind her added a small dose of guilt to her nerves.

Impulsively, she chose neither, hands reaching inexplicably for the pearl handled daggers, holstered and safe from accidental finger-slicing. Turning, she raised the weapons in the air with a slight flourish and a curtsy, before her returning blush had her scrambling back to the relative safety of her companions.

Now whatever am I going to do with these?

by **Magpie** on December 10th, 2013, 1:49 pm

"Good choice, good choice..." Antogio joined in the applause as Kirsi left the stage, trailing off with everyone else as she made it back to the pier. "Alright ladies, just six positions left! Will you fill one of those slots?" He winked audaciously at the gaggle of women at the front of the pier, who laughed hysterically. "Next up, please welcome up...

Teresa Deepseeker!

Come on up and claim your prize!" Lowering the glyph paper, he, like everyone, looked out through the crowd for the young Svefra.

OOC :

by **Vanator** on December 10th, 2013, 2:56 pm

The festivities and the celebration of both Dust and Sybel's recognition diluted Vanator's pensive mood, and he scooped up a cup from a passing server, brimming with a foamy amber beverage. With an arm snaked around the Benshiran trader's slim waist, Van sipped at the slopping ale, raising the glass when he met Kavala's gaze across the crowd.

Antogio lifted his voice to announce the next honored lady, Kirsi by name, unfamiliar to the Drykas. He shifted his gaze to the ship, seeing a petite woman making her way to the deck. The Denusk paused for a moment. Kirsi had a haunting familiarity about her. Not that Vanator had ever met her, or even seen her before. But she was a beautiful representation of her race. The hue of her skin, shifting highlights in her raven hair, the saturated clarity of her eyes. Kirsi was smaller in stature, but her striking Vanthan features reminded Vanator of Khiari. For a tick, Van's broad grin melted to a soft, melancholy smile, a brief memorial to a wife lost. Van pulled Sybel closer against him. New beginnings, new life. It was what Kavala, Sybel, the gods had given him. Then the ruckus of the festival washed the moment away, and Van turned his attention back to the party at hand.

"Lets get you a drink, Bel. We must celebrate you lovely courtiers!" Van held his hand out towards Dust, inviting her to join them at the bar. Vanator didn't think the Kelvic was much of a drinker, but they certainly would have something tasty for the raven girl to drink as well. The name of the next woman drifted over the waiting crowd.

by **Kavala** on December 10th, 2013, 5:50 pm

Kavala glanced at Riaris and nodded to his words. “Akela is my full blooded older sister. A Konti. She was here with us for a while then took off to parts unknown. She loved swords and fighting far more than a decent Konti should. She was the fiercest warrior I knew. Even your people, Riaris, could have taken a few lessons from her attitude and fierceness. I miss her terribly sometimes. I am sure though she died in the Djed Storm. I haven’t heard from her in years, but that doesn’t mean I miss her even less. Vanator doesn’t talk about her either because he knows it upsets me. I shouldn’t have brought it up even now.” She said, sitting back in her seat and growing quiet.

“I would like to hear about your childhood sometime. Mine isn’t anything notable, though it was very happy until my mother died from a fall off a horse. There was a bit of scandal when we found out one of my younger brother was actually my uncle and Vanator had been busy at a very early age … like around thirteen, fifteen… I’m not sure. Maybe even younger. But otherwise, it was ideal.” She said with a slight tight laugh. Her eyes darted to her brother with affection in her gaze. It was easier to talk about Vanator than what Kavala affectionately called the Denusk Curse.

Kavala nodded her thanks when he said he’d watch for a waiter for her. But she wasn’t thirsty now. Now all she wanted to do was to go home. Automatically Kavala looked up and glanced around, making sure Caelum wasn’t in the area. It was his confession of his Ranuri mark that brought Akela to such a forefront in her mind. But the Konti was used to protecting those that were compulsed to serve other’s needs. She did so by not being needy around them. He wasn’t close, but he could be any moment so she stifled down the urge and concentrated on how pleasant the atmosphere was. She was enjoying it here. She was having a good time. It was fun seeing all the women get prizes for being beautiful. Kavala knew she wasn’t among those. Gaunt, overly fat, with dark circles under her eyes that she had managed to hide with cosmetics at the makeup booth, Kavala felt about as attractive as a draft horse with a sway back and a wormy belly.

Riaris stiffened where she leaned against him and she glanced over. A frown crossed her features momentarily because he was looking grey under his normal violet complexion. His jaw was tight and she noted a sheen of sweat starting at his brow. He… was in pain. She could tell suddenly because the big Akalak was fluid, almost always in constant motion. But now, no, he was still and holding as still as possible. Anger flared through her that he would sit there and suffer in silence. She was a healer and the compulsion to treat the pain roared up in her. But he wouldn’t ask. He wouldn’t show weakness. He never did.

Kavala tried to rise in one fluid motion and it ended up being a graceless clawing of herself to her feet using the arm rest of the bench. She wobbled there for a moment, shook her head, and then offered him a tight smile. If he wasn’t going to be honest with her, she didn’t want to be here, not after not seeing him for a long time and then having him come and suffer needlessly.

She could publicly take him to task for not feeling well and being there anyhow, or she could simply say something, anything, to get away and leave. Kavala wouldn’t embarrass him publicly by starting something at the festival, especially not a fight. But she didn’t want to sit beside someone who was in pain and not willing to seek help for it or do something about it.

“I just remembered I have someplace to be. It was really nice seeing you. Enjoy the festival. If they get to my name on the list, have my sister-in-law-to-be grab the seeds for me. I’d really like them if they are left over when everyone else has picked and no one else wants them. I’d plant them at The Sanctuary for everyone to enjoy in the coming years. We’ve garden space enough for them.” Kavala had no idea if Riaris even knew who Sybel was. But at that point in time she didn’t care. Her mood swing was evident, and it would take a genius to know she was leaving because of it. The Konti awkwardly turned around and started off through the crowd, her stride furious despite the bulk of her body.

Men. Stupid idiotic men. Why had she even come? She felt less than beautiful and Sybel had been late anyhow. Next time she’d find a way to support her soon to be sister in law another way that didn’t involve crowds and all the tom foolery. Kavala marched off, bound and determined to walk home and be free of all the nonsense.

by **Riaris Dovukalis** on December 10th, 2013, 9:42 pm

The pain wasn't too bad when he remained still, and the more he listened to Kavala and thought of her, it was almost unnoticeable. It was a lot like a soreness that was still around days after the injury had happened. He felt fine if he didn't move, and with Kavala held close, the night was well enough. "I take it that all the Denusk are strong warriors. I think I would have liked her." Riaris looked to the fair Konti and let his hand gently brush her arm. They hadn't been through a lot of hard times together, most of it was just learning the others ways, and the stubbornness they shared. But he hoped for more times with her, good and bad and a bit of soreness wouldn't keep him away.

"I don't think my childhood was too different than most. I did grow up with a mother in the home, that is something that many don't have here, but other than that things were as normal as one could expect. I think for a time, I was considered weak because I spent so much time with both parents instead of only seeing my father." He paused in thought, releasing a grunt of a chuckle before adding on. "Who would have thought that having a mother around was a bad thing." Putting on a smile, Riaris gently rubbed her arm again. "A scandal? As expected, your childhood was a lot more colorful than my own."

Things seemed to be going well he thought, he was there, he had kept his promise. Kavala was there, she was in his arms, and they were enjoying the party or whatever this was. He hadn't put much thought into the place or purpose they were there, he just recalled Kavala invited him and so he came to see her. Suddenly she was pushing away from him, causing his pale eyes to widen and arms to lift to try and support her before she flipped over the bench. "Is something wrong Kavala, you look pale?" she answered, saying that she was leaving for some place that she needed to be.

Riaris was confused, bewildered even, having no idea what caused the change in her. She was distant with him, he could hear it in her words and see it in her gaze. Standing up, he sucked in a breath and watched as she walked off. It didn't make sense to him, and he wasn't about to stay at the festival if she wasn't going to be there. Everyone had their date, and if his was leaving there was nothing left for him. The Akalak huffed angrily and stomped after her.

It wasn't often that he showed this emotion, but with his condition as of late, he wasn't in the mood to be shorted or dismissed. Riaris burrowed through the crowd, probably bumping into a few people on his way, as he hurried to catch her. Once he did, he slipped an arm around her lower back and slowly turned her into his arms. "Kavala, you didn't have to excuse yourself, I understand. It's the child isn't it? But you have no need to be brave for me. I only came here for you and if you'd rather go home I'll go with you."

With a smile, Riairs leaned down, allowing his arm to side down below her rear as he scooped her up into his arms. He tried to be gentle and not to hold her so close that it bothered the child. "I'll carry you back and fetch a wagon for us. It will be ok, we can spend the night with just the two of us."

by **Kavala** on December 11th, 2013, 2:20 am

When he caught up with her she groaned internally. He locked his arms around her then picked her up like she was a child, and that really did bother her. “Put me down. You shouldn't even be here.” She whispered fiercely, her voice lowering to a barely audible level. “No, I don’t want you to take me home and spend time with me. I want you to go home and rest. I’m a healer and if you think I’m going to sit there on that bench when you are hurting like that and pretend you are not then you have another thing coming. You should be taking a lot better care of yourself. And the worst part of it is you won’t even ask for help or let me do anything to ease your pain. You came out here when you probably should be at home resting.” She said, angry that he still held her aloft and angry that he had been so busy lately that he’d let happen what happened and wound up in this condition.

“Put me down and let me go home. I can perfectly well walk on my own. I’m not Tasival’s age where I need to be carried.” The Konti whispered fiercely. She was truly showing her anger now, but still keeping her voice down and not trying to make a scene or to disturb the crowd around them. Kavala was not a person to take someone to task publically unless provoked. And she didn’t want either of their reputations damaged just because one yelled at the other. Kavala knew her place growing up as a Drykas and one didn’t take ones alpha males to task in public. It just wasn’t seemly and it just wasn’t proper.

If he did put her down, she’d start walking again. The Sanctuary was only two miles north of the city, and if one didn’t mind the walk up the hill to the top of the falls and through the gates, it was less than a bell for her to head home on foot. Sure, the people she was traveling with had brought a wagon, but she didn’t know where it was parked and didn’t care. Aweston had drove it in… he’d most likely either be back with it after the festival was over or he’d drive it home if it had been left in town. Beneath her dress she wore her sensible riding boots proudly. Rosela had seen to the hem herself so that the sensible footwear could be concealed.

Open [Beautyfest] Party on the Pier