[Stormhold Beach] The Midwinter Fire Festival (Open)

[Stitch]

Stitch felt a twinge of nervousness as the others focused on him for brief periods at a time, their auras dancing toward him, only to pull back, then to dance forth again. He wasn't so sure what to make of it. They, their auras, them, he wasn't sure how to refer to it; all were different colors, with differently dancing shapes, although most of them looked human. They were all blurry, as if he needed spectacles to see the newly introduced friends clearly, but he knew that no sort of seeing device would help him with this problem. It was obvious, however, when one focused a serious amount of attention on him. To his understanding, whenever aura stretched out to touch at Stitch, it was like they were focusing on him, just for a brief moment. Perhaps thinking of him, or looking at him, he wasn't sure which yet. The tendrils always shifted to other shapes, and other people, so it would make sense that they were just glancing at him... But Avi and Nya, those were the ones who were making him nervous, just a bit. Their tendrils, their attention, thoughts, whatever it may be, had reached out to touch him, and had been holding on for quite a bit now. He didn't feel any kind of physical touch, but it was new to him, odd, and it made him blush, made him want to back away. People came and went, he felt his handshake returned, by who, he wasn't certain.

Faintly, he heard Avi asking questions, and it was then he realized that he was holding his breath, his senses overwhelmed. Everything was just so bright.

Forcing a breath out, returning the smile that he had lost back to his face, he cocked his head toward the aura he now remembered as Avi's. Taking a deep breath, just to be able to speak all the words that he needed to fully answer her questions, he plunged onwards, the smile to his face. "They do not hurt, no. If bright lights hit them, it sometimes stings, and smoke can cause them to water badly, so the elements are why this one wears the bandage. Yes, they are scratched, very badly so, and that is another reason this one keeps the bandage on. This one doesn't want to frighten any one, especially any of the new children that come the orphanage that this one tries to look after. This one was not always blind, no, and this one can see you because..." He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face, as he tried to figure out how to word it. Finally, Stitch smiled widely, the beautiful grin blossoming across his handsome features. "Well, you could say a beloved friend simply loved this one so much that he gave this one even better eyes than the ones that this one had been blessed with before."

Setting down the fish, he flashed his smile back toward the group, passing it in turn to each of the lights, bowing his head slightly. He directed his first comment toward Avi, and the rest toward them all. "This one was pleased to be able to help you, milady Avi, which is a lovely name, and is pleasured to meet the rest of you, milords, miladies." He straightened his head, clapping his hands together brightly, his voice still as perky as ever. "Is there anything else this one can do to help?" Saying this almost reminded him of something, and once again cocking his head, in a different direction this time, as he tried to remember what was now pushing at the back of his mind. He now knew he was forgetting something, and it was bothering him.

Frowning a bit, he tried to disregard the nagging sensation, and instead focused on Abashai, smiling again. "This one would love for you to come by the Home sometime, milord. The children would love a new playmate to pick apart, and this one is sure you would have fun with them too. One of them is around here, in fact, This one will try and introduce you to her when she gets done with whatever she is doing. She is a bit independent, you see." Scanning the crowd for her, Stitch now noticed something that was a bit out of place.

Was that another one of the children? Stitch's face changed instantly, from a smile, to the look of a stern father. "Perhaps another one is here, as well... And here I thought he had some schooling to attend to..." Indeed it was another child, Damien, the jokester. The aura was all too familiar to Stitch, he could easily spot any of the children in even the thick of a crowd. That one did have some schooling he had supposed to have been attending to.

Stitch tried to contain a smile, almost not able to help him self. Leave it to that one to always get himself out of work, and into trouble.

[Nya Winters]

Nya was filled with the excitement of the party. It was hard to do more than focus on one thing at a time. It was a new experience, seeing so many people together that she liked and wanted to talk to all at once. There was a quivering inside her, an energy that welled up that wanted to be released. She wanted to dart around, doing first this, then that... And it only took her a moment to realize why. Most of her life she'd grown up with only her mother and father for company. Then, with Abashai, there had never really been more than the two of them for the last season or two except the occasional visitor. She wasn't used to crowds, though she had Leo Varniak to thank for her first careful introduction to them. Her navigation of them had gotten considerably better since then.

Terminus' volunteers quickly took over the fish thanking Avi profusely. Nya had a bad moment there for a second wondering if the kelvic would give up her prize. Food aggression wasn't uncommon among her kind, and she herself got a little protective especially when she was hungry. At Avi's question, Nya turned her head, and smiled at her friend. "You smell fine to me... like fish. I like fish. I don't know if they can smell you so well, but if they like fish, they'll like the way you smell just fine. Otherwise, you might want too." Nya glanced down and noted for the first time that somewhere along the way she'd left her sandals. She blinked accusingly at her bare toes, wondering where she'd kicked them off... vaguely remembering that they had pinched slightly being new and not broken in. Gods... she'd never get this right.

Nya glanced around. Terminus and Leo were talking along with the pale rather abrasive Konti. Avi was bombarding Stitch with questions he was patiently answering. Nya caught most of his answers which truthfully just made her more curious to see Stitch's eyes. And so when Abashai turned to talk with Terminus, Nya glanced around to see who else might need greeted.

There were knights arriving now. She could tell who they were for they didn't have armor on but they moved strong and proud like warriors. Most of them had women in tow, and the sheer amount of children seemed to be growing by the moment. It suddenly made sense to Nya why Syliras existed. It was like one giant den and provided safety in numbers. Humans all were skilled so differently, but when you put them together they created amazing things.

A predatory gaze swept the area, making sure all was well once more, seeking something to release her energy on. Talking was all well and good, but the kelvic was designed for only so much of it before she needed some activity. With everything done, nothing needing to be carried, set up, unloaded, or fetched... it was harder to enjoy the party.

And then she spotted the dancers who now filled the area right below the dais the knights had erected when Matilda had talked to them about a citywide party and they'd agreed to help. Musicians who had been only casually playing before were now playing in earnest, and the music was luring dancers to come together in the cleared space before it. Nya loved dancing ever since she'd been introduced to it last season, and glanced longingly once at Abashai, though she was fairly certain he wouldn't want to join the dancers with her. In the past, Nya had often cursed the fact that she wasn't Benshira because the intimacies she'd tried to bridge between herself and her bondmate had not been (for the most part) reciprocated but carefully ignored or diverted. Abashai accepted certain things - like allowing her to rub her jawline against his to show her joy and affection, or sleep against his back on top of their bed wrapped in his oilskin coat. But when she'd always tried to deepen the relationship, he'd resisted. The forest cat still pushed her luck occasionally when she was feeling playful, but there was no real intent but play behind it. Nya concluded it was her race and had long since accepted - with gratitude - that their bond was a partnership and a deep seeded friendship but would be nothing more. So she was fairly certain that dancing wasn't on that list of 'will dos'... for she'd never seen him dance.

Undeterred, and with her bondmate properly introduced to others and striking up conversations on his own, Nya glanced around looking for an acceptable partner. Terminus would likely dance with her when he was done with his business, but she suspected that wouldn't be for quite a while. It was only men dancing with women save for a scattering of children, so she decided it'd have to be a male otherwise she'd ask Avi to dance with her when the girl was done with her converstation with Stitch (with all his strange 'this ones' .. she'd ask Abashai about it later). Something about that meeting had Nya vaguely wondering if Avi would walk away from the party unbonded herself. Nya had hoped to make a match between the Eagle-owl and Terminus - but there was a certain something she felt when she watched Stitch talk to the woman - a curious attraction - that left her wondering if it wouldn't be too late.

Her eyes kept scanning the crowd, seeing easily in the late afternoon quickly darkening sky. When she spotted the lone boy lurking at the edge of the group, a sweet from the buffet table in his hand. Nya smiled and quietly slipped off from the group of speakers to approach the boy. "Hello..." She said quietly to the boy, sliding up to him as only a forest cat in a crowd could, and kneeled down slightly before him so she was more on his level. "I'm Nya." Nya was fairly certain the boy had come with Stitch and the other girl for he smelled very similar to them as if he lived in the same place among the same people, but somehow he had an aura of doing something... bad. "All the dancers have partnered up and there's no one left for me. I was hoping you'd volunteer to dance with me. It looks like they are having fun making all those patterns and whirling around. Would you? I would consider it an honor." That's what one was supposed to say right? She hoped the boy would not refuse, but the possibility was distinctly there. Nya reached out her hand, bowing as she'd seen the gentleman bow to the women they invited to the space in front of the musicians.

[Terminus Norin]

Terminus had not been taken aback by Avi's response to his offer of having others clean her catch, he knew that she was an animal that could take human form and therefore would sometimes react like one. His tone of voice was soft and soothing as he spoke gently to Avi, not as one would a child, more like one would someone they cared about.
He would have touched her but he wasn't sure how she would react

Its ok Avi, I promise that as the one who caught this you will be the first to get any treats. You just tell me which parts are your favorite and I will make sure you get them, In fact Ill go get them myself. I dont even care if you want them raw, ask Nya, you cant shock me...not easily anyway. as she calmed and cheered up he smiled a soft and gentle smile,Avi was a breath of fresh air in his life, if most Kelvics were like Nya and her he could grow fond of the race and maybe seek a bondmate among them. Who knew, maybe Avi would find him someone she could relate to that way, however he suspected it might be Stitch instead of him. Only Nya would recognize the shadow of saddness that crossed his eyes briefly at that thought. He went and fetched the parts she asked him for as soon as she told him what they were. When he got back he heard her talking of smelling like fish.

Fish smells don't bother me personally Avi. You can stay around me without changing clothes. he was quite scincere in this as she didnt smell that strongly to human senses.

He heard Abashai speak of loving children and wanting to help Stitch at th orphanage and thought to volunteer his copious free time there till he could get employed. He also vowed to get time to get to know the Benshiran better and said to him and Nya and Avi

I have a seat reserved for you near the front of the stage during my perfomance...how about we get together afterward and talk?

Once Leo had found him and he was certain that the man spoke truth about them being destined to meet he spoke quietly as it was his nature to be a quiet man.

I think you and I should speak in a more private quarter. I sense you have much to tell me. There is a spot not far from here that isnt as crowded and I have a little time before my performance.

He nodded to Sondra as she made a good attempt at beign friendly
Im Terminus and we havent yet got a secret handshake, but it might be a good idea. he also didn'f offer his hand, but that was more from being socially awkward than not wanting to shake her hand

[Leo Varniak]

Leo's hand would not have moved even if the other two had made an offer in that direction. He had never really gotten into the whole touching business, and had no idea why people insisted on initiating a relationship by touching each other's bodies. Ah yes, the deal about offering your hand to show the other you were unarmed. As if one couldn't take notice of that with one's own eyes. People were so irrational.

"Thank you," he said to Sondra with a straight face. He had totally failed to notice the jest in the Konti's words. "I put in a decent effort to make it realistic. Did you see how the smoke is being sucked into the doorway? I really wanted to capture the spirit of the backdraft building up. My other teapot shows the blaze that occurs but a few seconds later."

His first impression of Terminus was favorable. Straight to the point, asked no unnecessary questions, was thoughtful and spoke quietly. Sometimes Ivak's marked tended to be just the opposite, which Leo thought was quite sloppy. "Good," he agreed. "I cannot promise you will like the entirety of it, but I will try to give you an unbiased account." There was no pressure on Leo's part, no expectations. He intended to speak his piece and listen to Terminus' reaction. A firedancer was not a Zaital, and hence not under any obligation to help him. Leo was not going to force anyone into helping him.

He turned towards Sondra and had to make a choice. A part of him wanted to keep his business secret, but another part felt like including her... for several reasons. Yet another part believed that a Konti would always get to know what she wanted eventually. Sure, she was not marked with Ivak, but Leo was no zealot, or at least not Ivak's zealot. His relationship to the god was much more complex than that.

"With your permission, Terminus, I would like to share this story with Sondra, as well. I am deeply indebted to her kind and no harm can come from it." Leo knew there was no better keeper of secrets than a Konti, a race that ate secrets for breakfast. And while he made no mention of recruiting Sondra, the hope was indeed welling up inside his mind. He sorely needed a Konti who was not already well-known in Syliras. Sure, it could and would be dangerous, but she could use the distraction from the bottle.

OOCNew thread?

[Abashai]

Abashai watched the interaction between Avi and Switch with some amusement. He was well aware of the curiosity of a kelvic, and the frankness of their questions. When he first met Nya, he had mistakenly assumed that her behavior stemmed from her age, as if she were a child. He grew to realize it was the curious, honest nature of their kind. Nya had learned some social restraint, but he secretly hoped she would never learn to totally deny that refreshing curiosity. Avi was giving Stitch a true kelvic grilling, and the blind man took her blunt questions gracefully and in stride. He seemed to have a knack for putting everyone at ease about his blindness. Abashai felt comfortable reaching out and placing a friendly hand on Stitch's shoulder. He wanted to insist that the blind man call him 'Abashai', 'milord' seemed so formal, but he did not want to offend Stitch. At the man's invitation to visit the Home, Abashai smiled. "That sounds great, I'll stop in soon. And when you get a chance, I'd like to meet the little one who came with you!"

His next encounter was with Nya's new friend, Terminus. The benshiran was glad to finally meet Terminus. He still knew very little about the man, other than he made quite an impression on his bondmate. Nya had touted Terminus as having a knack with fire, and a sympathetic ear. Abashai thanked the firedancer for saving them seats for the performance, and assured him that he would look for him afterwards. Abashai released Terminus' hand, which seemed curiously warm for the season. He chalked it up to working near the cooking fires and watched him return to speak with the rather sullen young man at the buffet.

When Abashai turned back, Nya was gone. He surveyed the crowd, finally spotting his bondmate speaking with a child near the dancing floor. He smiled to himself, as he watched the boy's eyes brighten as the lovely woman spoke with him.

Out of the corner of his eye, Abashai saw someone waving to him from across the way. It was Adin, the benshiran musician, accompanied by Eli and Josiah. Abashai waved back and gave a knowing nod. The musicians then headed off with their instruments behind the platform. Turning to Avi and Stitch, he excused himself and, with another quick glance toward Nya, made his way back to the cart. Once at the wagon, he checked on Sus, then pulled a large bundle from under the cart seat. Tucking it under his arm, the benshiran cautiously moved towards the platform, carefully watching that Nya did not see him.

[Terminus Norin]

Terminus smiled as Abashai said he would look for him after the performance and was looking forward to getting to know him a bit better. However his smile was a more knowing one than observed at first as his mark burned when Abashai watched Nya and he felt love coming off him in odd waves that came and went. He was certain that Nya had less to fear than she had expressed as he was pretty sure of the cause of those waves even though his mark would not reveal it to him. He would have to find some *Man time* with Abashai and see if he could get him to open up, maybe a hunt or some other type of activity the men do by themselves. If Terminus hunch was correct..then Abashai needed to know Nya's doubts and fears so he could assuage them.


Once Leo had said that he would try to give him an unbaised account and that he might not like all of what he had to say, it was almost a confirmation of Terminus worst suspicions...however he would hear Leo out before making any solid conclusions. He nodded as he spoke of letting Sondra in on his story. Terminus had concluded she was a Konti by looking at her pale skin,blode hair and scales He also figured there was no better keeper of secrets than a Konti.

I see no harm at all in that. Please follow me. He motioned to Leo and Sondra and lead them through the crowd to a place further donw the beach.

The place Terminus had chosen was a small grove of trees not so distant from the party that he would miss his cue to get ready, but far enough that prying ears would not hear what they should not hear. He stopped within the grove and said.

Now to the buisiness at hand

OOCYes definitely a new thread

[Avi]

Avi listened intently to Stitch's answers, her eyes having turned a delighted shade of purple with curiosity, all the while inching closer and closer to him, eyes narrowing slightly, as if trying to look hard enough to see through the layers of cloth that covered his eyes. He had a good head over her, and Avi did more or less understand the concept of a personal bubble, but still. Her own eyes widened at his words - someone gave him better eyes? But what did they look like? Were they Vantha eyes like hers? Vantha eyes were the best!

...No, of course she wasn't prejudiced...

That, however, was a story she thought she would rather like to hear... and take it back home with her. "My full name is Aviquilat," she explained. "It means 'wild feathered one'. But everyone calls me Avi. You don't have to call me milady," the Kelvic assured him. "Why do you call yourself 'this one' instead of 'me' or 'I' or 'Stitch'?" Why, yes, she was far too curious and possibly impolitely so, but if she didn't ask questions, how would she learn things?

She may have been iffy about letting others take control over that fish, but seemed to have herself well in hand, especially when Terminus assured her that he would save parts for her. While she was possessive over her food, she had been taught early and taught often to share. A bird as big as she was, well, had needed that lesson. But Avi had taken to it, as much as her Kelvic side wrestled with it constantly. But prey was plentiful, and Avi wasn't the worst hunter out there -- hard to be when you were death from above -- and if she wanted more she could always get more. She sniffed at the black cotton vest with its white and blue and violet stitching, satisfying herself with Nya and Terminus' assurances that she was fine.

She backed off of Stitch at Terminus' remarks, though, and tilted her head at him. "I like the cheeks, brain, and guts," Avi told him solemnly. "I like the eyes, but so does Nya, so we'll share those later." She was surprised and pleased at Terminus' offer. That was nice of him! They'd just met, but he promised to keep the important parts for her? Avi approved. She didn't understand just why he was offering to get these for her, but she liked it very much. She was starving, after all - it had been a good flight and a good haul, and, well, Avi was always hungry. But then there was a mound of deliciously raw and bloody comestibles in front of her, and Avi's eyes went from purple to blue to gold to ruby as a gigantic grin lit up her face. "Thankyabigbig!" she practically cheered at Terminus, taking it eagerly, popping one of the cheek pieces in her mouth and chowing down. She had the good bits! She had the REALLY good bits!

In the haze of activity, she noticed that Nya had wandered off. She would find her friend later - she wanted to find out what she had been up to while Avi had gone back to Avanthal for a brief visit home, and if Nya had found anything that they should be looking into. Avi loved finding things, after all. The Kelvic noted that Term was soon off with another man and the woman with the white hair, and Avi peered at the older women around the tables and the pigs. "Do you want to eat?" she asked Stitch, clutching her pile of spoils. "I think they're dancing soon," she added off-hand, as if to provide a commentary, although seeing as Stitch could kind of see, she supposed she really didn't HAVE to...

[Terminus Norin]

Terminus heard Avi give her full name and found himself committing it to memory, it also gave him more of a clue as to what her animal form was. However an Eagle-Owl would not yet have crossed his mind as he was only thinking some kind of Avian at this point and had never seen one ...yet.

He was more than happy to go get the parts of the fish that Avi told him she liked, and to make sure they were raw and as fresh as possible. As he handed her the plate with the mound of parts her reaction lit a part of his heart long unlit. He noted the unusual changes to her eyes and her referances to Aventhal, he knew it was a city in Taldera but not much else so he didn know about the Vantha or her eye color changes would appear more normal to him. What the referance did do for him was cause him to suspect she was qutie a bit larger than normal in her Avian form as Nya was. Avi's smile lit her features and made it worth having to explain why he wanted a large plate of fish guts. He laughed brightly and warmly and said

You are most welcome Avi, would you mind waiting for me after my performance? As a freind of Nya's I am interested in getting to know you better. He fully intended to converse with Abashai as well leading him to believe he had a full night ahead of him.

Terminus eventually headed off with Sondra and Leo to speak of matters that he knew were vital and returned with a more focused look on his face, He then heard the call for him to perform. That meant he had time for a quick prayer before dancing.

He headed over to one of the firepits that had a low flame over it that would not burn his undergarments, but would lick about his knees. He felt closer to Ivak when he was within the flames and so prefered flaming fires to smoldering coals. He had discussed with the musicians his preferance in music before hannd so when he finishe his prayer the music began.

He stripped off his light breeches and tunic,then stepped into the flames. The music was slow and rhythmic at first and he felt the heat of the fire pulse through him like a living thing,buiding his steps and thoughts. He began with swaying movements, focusing his sight on the seats where Abashai,Nya and Avi sat,his feet making slow rhythmic movements. Then the beat of the music picked up slowly to a rousingly lively beat and as the tempo of the music increased, the pulse of the flames in his heart sped up and so did his movements, going from shuffling rhythmic,swaying moves to kicks and swirls within the flames,then to leaping and springing about.
As he danced, it seemed he became one with the movements of the flames, each spark seemed to time with his leaps and each crackle became part of the music that guided him. He moved with the flames, dancing and twirling within them as if they called to him. Those who knew whos he was would see that this was more than a dance for him,it was a supreme act of worship, a uninting between him and the fire god. His movements became more frenzied,with great leaps and controlled movments that caused him to seem to become a flaming blur. Through it all though he was carefull not to let the flame touch his undergarments.

But as all good things must, his time in the flames came to an end,his movments slowing and eventually stopping as the heat caught up with him. He lept from the flames with a great leap and bowed, showing not even a red spot on his skin, but there was a little soot at his ankles. He took a great drought of water and left the pit to redress.


Once he was dressed he found Nya and Abashai and Avi. He wanted to hug the two Kelvics, but he wasnt sure how Abashai would react to his hugging Nya and did not know Avi well enough to be sure she was a hugging kind of Kelvic. He did however warmly smile at them both, lingering for a moment to watch Avi's facinating eyes. Then he spoke.

So what did you all think? Please be honest

[Abashai]

Abashai made his way behind the platform, carefully skirting Terminus, Leo and Sondra as they headed away from the festival. He did not want Terminus to see him and unknowingly tip off Nya that he was up to something.

The platform constructed for the musicians was small, and was bordered at the back by tall beach grasses, providing a staging area for the artists to prepare for their performance. Abashai met the benshiran musicians behind the hedge of dry grass, and laid the bundled blanket on the sand. He opened it up to reveal a guitar-like instrument and some clothes.

He carefully pulled out the stringed oud and handed it to Adin, who began to tune the instrument for him. Abashai shed his heavy coat and shirt and, picking up an ankle-length, tan -colored benshiran tunic, pulled it on over his head. Next he tied a cord belt around the tunic. Then he pulled off his boots and his trousers. Finally he donned a long, llight benshiran coat of a deep blue. He pulled the sheathed dagger from his boot and shoved it through the cord belt. Not so much because he needed it, but it had become a bit of a good luck piece (though Abashai would swear he does not believe in luck). It was a gift from Nya and he always had it with him.

"Did you tell Nya?" Adin asked quietly. "No, I wanted to surprise her." Abashai responded. He dug his bare toes nervously in the cold sand, taking his oud back from Adin once it was tuned. Eli, who was warming his wooden flute between his hands, could see the anxiety in the amateur's face. "Don't worry Abashai, you have practiced hard, now is the time to just enjoy the music, just like a masha back home." Abashai smiled in response, waiting for the musicians on stage to bring their last song to an end.

The sound of light applause spurred the benshirans to collect their instruments and move to the platform. They greeted the previous group with smiles and compliments, then stepped onto the stage. As the four men found their places on the stools provided, Abashai tried to find Nya among the crowd, but could not pick her out. A whispered cue from Adin refocused Abahsai's attention, and, placing his fingers at their starting point for the song, he waited for what seemed an eternity as his heart pounded in his chest. It had been a few years since he performed for more than a few people, and never for a crowd like this.

Josiah began the song with a brisk beat on the drum, then they were off. Abashai was quickly swept up in the music, oblivious to anything but the progression of the notes, the rythmn of the drum, the heart-lifting thrill of this form of art. The tune was a lively desert song, decidedly different than the music of local origin. As the tune swelled, each musician performed a sort of solo. Abashai's performance was not as complex as the professional musicians, but his hard work paid off as his fingers and mind almost effortlessly sung over the strings, producing a simple but pleasing little riff that stood out against the exotic background played by the other musicians. When he completed his solo, Abashai grinned sheepishly, settled back on his stool and threw his heart into the rest of the song.

The tune ended in a flourishing crescendo, which elicited some applause from the crowd. The benshirans immediately went into the next song, one which Abashai played a very simple part, though no less enjoyable to perform.

When the second song finished, Abashai and Adin exchanged nods, and the guest musician took leave of the stage. Abashai laid his oud on the blanket , safe behind the stage, and went to find Nya. He was truly caught up in the spirit of the festival and he hoped to catch up with her before the firedancing started.


OOCSorry, I wanted to slip this in before the firedance, but missed the opportunity.

[Stitch]

Distracted from watching the young boy from the Welcome Home prowl secretly about, Stitch turned his attention to Abashai, sensing the man making some kind of movement toward him. As the human put his hand on Stitch's shoulder, the blind man smiled broader than before, simply beaming at the Benshira. He already liked Abashai quite a bit, the man had shown himself to be quite friendly and patient, and his aura literally gave Stitch a warm and fuzzy feeling. That, and his kind words, along with his desire to hopefully come see the children. It was easy to see why he was well liked, or at least that was the aura Nya seemed to be giving off. He let loose a bit of a chuckle, eying the waves of emotion that Nya's aura was gently preening Abashai with. If the Benshira could have seen the huge waves of bright color that caressed him most moments, he might be surprised at the amount of attention that the girl gave to him, even when she wasn't focusing on him. Perhaps that was something unknown between them though. He shouldn't judge, or assume. "That would be great, milord. This one welcomes you to his doors anytime, and if this one ever manage to get his guest to slow down, this one would be happy to introduce you both. She happens to have a weakness for older, handsome men." He teased the Benshira a bit before turning his attention to the next aura at hand. It was always a bit dizzying meeting so many new people, there were so many conversations to uphold at one time.

He listened, making sure to focus a bit on Avi's aura, in order to help him drown out the many other noises in the area. He had learned he could focus on differing levels of intensity, some which simply helped him remember an aura, and sharpen its image out a bit, and some that allowed him to discover small details about the person, or various emotions. They each tired him out in a different way; simple focus like this merely gave him a short headache for a few moments. Full out focus would leave him gasping for breath, perhaps bring him to his knees, but he usually didn't use that anyway. Best to not spy on people and their emotions, which a part of him felt like he was doing, when he focused enough. He took another deep breath, once more so he could answer her questions, while trying to keep up with the pace she was setting for him.

"Ah, alright." He nodded at her permission to refer to her as something other than milady, and quickly rectified himself. "Alright, Lady Avi." He beamed at her, stumbling over the words a bit, but then managing to spit them out, and being quite proud of it. He quickly went back to focusing as she continued to talk, a thoughtful look on his face. As she posed her question, he paused, cocking his head to the side to consider it carefully before answering. "This one hasn't honestly thought about it too horribly much, but this one supposes... This ones friend, the same one who gave me this one his eyes, he was a very humble man. He used to refer to himself as "Sessha", which apparently translates into "this one". He spoke of it as a humble habit, a term slaves, from whatever race and region he originated from, used to refer to themselves as in front of their masters. He was a great man, very wealthy, but learning that he referred to himself in that manner... Well, it was a great thing to do, for a very great man. Very polite. This one supposes that this one does it now out of habit, just like he did. To never let this ones head swell up, to never rise above what the Gods, and other people have helped this one be." He tried to explain it as best as he could, but it was a bit hard to word. Like he had mentioned, he had never really thought about it, and never had met anyone as blunt as Avi, who would ask him of such a thing. It wasn't a problem though; her open curiosity was quite nice.

He now released his focus, and took a breath, a bit of a throbbing pain entering his skull. He elected to simply keep quiet and watch the proceedings for a moment, watching Avi accept the food, bidding Abashai farewell as the man headed off to places unknown. Terminus too was quick to depart, both of them men apparently busy. It WAS quite the bustling festival; it appeared as if there was work that could always be done. It was certainly an amazing environment, with the throngs of people, the fire, and the music.

Oh, Stitch hadn't noticed the music before. He was swaying too it, he now realized. Soon, though, something else distracted him, and rightly so.

In a sudden burst, two huge pillars of color suddenly exploded forth from the center of the festival. Blinking, Stitch took a step back suddenly, overwhelmed. It took a bit for the color to die down in brightness, but the massive amount of aura still remained, coming from dozens, if not hundreds of different sources. It was two different crowds, completely focused on two different events. One was an amazing sight for the blind man to see with his Auristic abilities, a swirling dance of red hot light, combined with a similarly red/orange light, that of fire. He had remotely heard mention of fire dancing, perhaps in reference to this festival, but he had never laid eyes on it before. It was amazing, especially to him, who felt his mouth fall open just a bit. The other was a flurry of song, and the attention of the people around that include just as much movement as the fire dancer, equally unique (though perhaps not as colorful, nor full of such life) as the fire dancing. The musicians, whoever they might be, were quite apt at the art they were currently showing off. It brought a swelling of happy emotions to Stitch's heart, and a warm fuzzy feeling just like the one Abashai had gave him. Avi speaking to him once more was the only thing that snapped him out of the awestruck stupor he had fallen into.

"Hm, this one supposes he could use a bite... Far be it for this one to still Lady Avi's food, however. Would you like this one to find you a plate as well? Do you plan on dancing?" He felt oddly inclined to stick close to her, but did not want to give off the aura of having such an almost clingy feeling. She was just the one who had been the friendliest so far, save from Abashai, who had been quite friendly as well. She made him feel comfortable in the massive crowd, such throngs usually had a way of getting to him. He did stick out, after all. Hearing applause at the fire dancing, and for the music, he eagerly joined in.

Soon, Terminus returned, and upon hearing his question, Stitch unintentionally, but eagerly imposed on the question that had aimed at others. "That was you up there? Dancing? That was amazing! How did you do that? How long have you been doing that? This one has never seen someone move so gracefully!" Stitch was beaming again, spilling eagerness, falling out of his normally calm and polite self to reveal a bit of the little kid inside. He leaned forward as he asked questions, obviously very eager to receive the answers.
__________________________________________________________________


Damien had stalked the edge of the crowd, pausing at the buffet a bit to grab some cake, and then continuing on with his skulking. He had to keep at the edge, but amidst various people, lest Stitch see him. He knew the man had magical eyes, and they were hard to escape from. He had tried quite a few times, he knew first-hand. Stuffing the last of the cake in his mouth, he paused, listening to the music start up. He was eager to join in on the fun, but first, he had to locate Stitch, and then find the fun farthest away from the man. Not that he disliked him; he actually adored him, not that he would admit it.

He just knew he wasn't supposed to be here.

His mouth fell open, a bit of cake hopping out as the beautiful lady knelt in front of him, coming to eye level, only to ask him to dance. Well. He knew he was handsome, but he wasn't aware he was capable of catching women this much older than him. Very nice indeed. Realizing his mouth was open, he quickly closed it, assuming a charming (or so he thought) grin. Winking at her, he extended his hand to take hers, matching her bow with one of his own. "Oh, my dear lady, I would be quite honored." Another wink and he tried to help her up, and then lead her into the crowd. "Stitch, the guy I live with, my dad kind of, has taught me how to dance. Bet I will surprise you with my amazing moves."

Another wink. For a ten year-old, he was something of a mature charmer.

Noticing some more music starting up, he pointed to it, happening to show Nya the area right where Abashai was playing. "Is there okay?"