Only a little late~

[Arwen]

Kalmyr vaguely managed to catch Shieg's words as she spoke, then trod off out of the dining hall, and he swiftly followed, after, of course, downing his drink and setting the tankard on the table.

"What happens to a dream deferred?... Does it fester like a sore- and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Sag like a heavy load?"

His fingertips brushed her arm and he took her elbow lightly into his hand.

"Shieg, stop, Shieg, please stop. Listen to me please? Perhaps it is daring to speak for our Lord, but I do not believe that he doesn't wish you near him. Moreso, perhaps, that it is as he said and a sadness has taken him. He does not seem to be as he usually is, not tonight. May I show you something? I believe I know why Aricin was late tonight."

[Elladan]

He lifted her hand to his lips, pressed it gently, then bent down to free his feet from booted captivation.

"There," he mumbled, placing them at her feet one at a time, "nature finds us both, it seems, and happily so," he lifted his frame, boyishly grinning at his bare toes emerging underneath the fine black slacks. Now his exotic appearence was finished, and his wild eyes could do naught but brighten in hidden comic apprehension,

"How kind you are to humor your distraught vagabond."

With that he took her hand once again and lead her mirthfully to the floor, adopting the natural promonading posture, placing a rough hand upon her hip whilst gripping her hand lightly with the other, and, seeing the dancers ready themselves, the musicians began to play.

Meanwhile Erados, noting the two vaguely as he craftily weaved across the floor, passed Dima with a slight tap, adopting a weary, pleading expression, brows raised and furrowed, then continued on, comming off the floor to seat himself awkwardly in his father's usual chair. He never understood why or how Dima danced for such long, consecutive periods.

[femalefred]

At the gentle press of his lips to her hand, a slight surprise shot through the bard, but then a rather more senisble part of her brain stated "protocol and nobility, bards don't get their hands kissed when they play or tell stories to the children because they aren't going to dance."

But as Finoan assented, removing his boots, with delight, Kerituin shucked off the hated slippers - pretty though they were - fitting her shoes in the slightly over-large leather boots with some pleasure. And these were good boots too, well made with supple leather that would allow her to move with ease, much more ease than those forsaken slippers. Quite the pair they were now, he barefoot beneath his finely tailored trousers and sailor's shirt, she wearing fine black leather boots beneath her elegant amethyst gown.

Being led to the dancefloor didn't seem to get any less extraordinary as it happened for the second time, and as the dark haired elf placed his hands one upon her waist and the other still remaining in hers, she neatly rested her free hand upon her shoulders, smiling softly as the musicians struck up again. She'd played this tune once with her father's lord's orchestra, and it brought back good memories, though, of course, she didn't know quite how to dance to it.

[Elladan]

Fionan chuckled softly at the expression of surprise. These things he did out of old habit, being the gentleman that he was, keeping the classic tradition and chival custom his father had stressed when he was a boy.

He didn't seemed to mind his bare feet, dancing just as gracefully without them. It seemed that over the years he should have lost his talent and fluidity, but somehow his muscles retained and recalled every move with accuracy, as retired soldier who, though disabled, never forgot his fighting abilities.

The song was familiar to him as well, and he hummed it softly under his breath, not loud enough to hear unless one was close enough.

"It's not so bad, really. Dancing, that is, is it? To me its art, sort of. It gives music a physical element, a way to express its emotion. But you cannot focus on where your foot will follow next. Just flow with it, then you're bound to master it, or at least make fewer
mistakes," Perhaps now his accuracy and humming made more sense.

As for Erados, he was becoming bored, and the rum was taking the best of him. His mind swirled with the thought of bombarding his own father instead, but he knew better. He had enough common sense... for now.

[femalefred]

Rather to her pleasure, Kerituin could just about hear the elf humming along with the music quietly to himself - though it wasn't all that surprising, it was probably a tune often played here, and he had said he'd been here numerous times before. And that which he said was true, now that she was relaxing into the music she was following the steps rather better - even if her lack of large physical co-ordination (after years of playing the lyre, very small movements came to her with ease, it was just the larger movements of whole limbs or her torso that were the problem) was still inhibiting her somewhat.

"I suppose that it's not too bad. It's just odd to be dancing when I feel I ought to be playing. I have never been to an occaision such as this when I wasn't playing the music for it, perhaps that's why I feel so awkward, and that's why I'm so awkard at dancing," she admitted, smiling gently to herself. She knew full well that was why she felt so awkward, and also that she knew, even among the other musicians she wouldn't feel right here. Everything was clean and spotless, everyone was dressed in lavish clothing, even the servants and musicians. It was just bizarre to her, even if she was following the music and the dance steps rather better now.

[Elladan]

"Forgive me, I was philosophizing for a moment. I slip into thought so easily in these times." he sighed, trailing slightly as his mind cleared itself again

Tireless nights and weary traveling lead to his odd state of mind, a sailors mind regardless, but nonetheless drawn from reality. He, even at such an age, was still trying to find some purpose, some filling occupation, for his destined future had been severed twice, first his prospect of becoming a captain, then his belonging to Avalbane. Now what did he have to live up to? A jester? That’s no occupation for such a fine man as himself. Beggars went to such extremes, but maybe thats just what he was; a beggar. Then again, those times molded his modesty. There was always an optimistic benefit.

"You dance as fine as anyone could 've asked of a beginner, m'lady," he mumbled, breaking his humming for a while. He himself hadn't been thinking of these things. No, he focused as best he could on the present happenings, wild eyes letting a hidden glint spark now and then, noting the faces of his past, none of whom recognized his own. He glanced over, catching a glimpse of someone more significant; Dima. Now there was a sight to see. The neat circlet shone brightly on his brow, letters etched to mark his rank.

"Captain of the guard, eh?" he thought, having heard only rumors previously, "Honorable. Aricin was always a good connoisseur of men,"

The dance ended, and with it Fionan bowed low, gracefully swirling his hand, and led them off the dance floor towards Erados, who currently raised a fresh mug to his lips. The boy had no limits, did he?

"Erados," he hailed, drawing the cup away from the other, gripping his forearm and firmly forcing it down so that the glass hit the table with a blatant thud. Fionan laughed as Erados' eyes widened slightly, ruffling his hair affectionately to relieve the tentative air. The lavish elf glared, though not harshly, only enough to let his uncle know his thought on the action. He smoothed it out as Fionan resumed his own drought, savoring its rich flavor and wet texture against his defined palate; Aricin's preference, and a good one.

[Tiire]

Sheig jumped like a startled jackrabbit when Kalmyr called her name and grabbed her arm. My... he made it sound like she where fleeing for the hills with all haste! Truley dear, tis not the case...

"Kalmyr! friend... please calm down... Ive stopped already, really!"

She stared at him, slightly bit fearfully. He had really caused her a fright. Rarely did she ever not notice somone coming up behind her... must really have let her gaurd down this time....

"I.. don't know what you mean by that... and really, I dont want to intrude upon business thats not my own, I fear that Ive probably done enough of that to take an extra fourty or fifty years off Aricins life already.
Really... If I actually know what matter of virus has been so carfully festering among the false smiles of half the elves Ive come to know... Id probably just unleash something horrid, and I really dont want to do any more horrid things while Im here..."

She had started off slow and middled up fast, ending her words in a shameful murmur.

[femalefred]

"Philosophizing? Well, slipping into thought must be a habit of this place," she replied, smiling softly to take the bite out of her words, eyes faintly tracing towards several other members of the court that looked rather pensive - the business with Sheig, no doubt, on their minds.

Travelling was something the bard was used to, staying only a few nights in one place before moving on to the next, her spirit restless and unable to stay put, but mostly because she wanted to know more, see more and do more. Settling was not what she could do, if she settled her thoughts would get rusty and her songs and stories would become stale, and then she would have to move, because no one would want to listen anymore. She wasn't afraid of being unable to find someone or something to be with and love, because being a bard was her calling, and her beloved lyre was as much a partner as she could ever want.

At the elf's speech, however, her mind broke from its vague sense of confusion and another smile rose to her lips. Everyone here might be lost in some thought or other, but they certainly did compliment you enough! The dance itself had ended now though, and she smiled, giving her best curtsey in return to his bow.

"Thank you for your kind words, but I am sure that this is the best I shall ever I get, I am afraid," she replied now, almost scurrying away from the dance floor alongside Fionan, watching with some surprise as he prevented the younger of the pair she'd met at the Green Turtle Inn from taking any more rum. Elves weren't affected by alcohol, were they? Well, she was half elf, and she didn't get as intoxicated as any of the humans she knew did, that was for certain. None the less, perhaps it was a bad habit his? No matter.

"Erados, how has the evening been treating you since you abandoned me on the dance floor?" Once again, a smile accompanied the words. She meant no offence by them, they were just a gentle prodding, that was all.

Glancing across at the array of drinks, she sighed softly to herself. No whiskey. Just rum and fruit juices and wines and probably every drink any elf could ever want, but she was half human and she'd been brought up on fine whiskey's by her father. Oh well. Rum would have to do, wouldn't it? Though not as much as these fay folk drank, seeing as she'd rather not embarrass herself quite yet, and so it was she only took a small glass herself.

[Arwen]

"Tis alright, I don't believe it would be intrusion to allow your eyes see one of the most beautiful parts of the citadel," Kalmyr whispered softly, taking a moment to not only hold her elbow in one hand, but take the elegant, matching hand in his other. "I should have liked to show you this regardless, not to pry into Aricin's affairs, really. Will you come? I do not believe you will regret the sight."

Dima had parted from Akila's company with a quick nod, brows furrowed as he moved to follow Erados, then paused as the two previously dancing companions took their own approach. He shook his head, then caught the quick glance of Fionan in his direction, turned back to Akila, and motioned her over.

The two approached the former trio, Dima still with the odd expression on his face as he glanced inquiringly at Erados, but waited politely before attempting to shoo the other two off. Chances were, anyway, that at that time, it would be necessary to let his own partner have her way as well, and perhaps see if she would take to a dance with another.

[Elladan]

Erados, in fact, was slightly intoxicated, though his consumption would have left several average men on the floor, but the rum had not effected his mind, or not enough to overtly impair anything. He seemed, instead, to be at a ripe clarity of mind, as though the drought simply took the edge off his recent perplexity, and to a favorable advantage.

He was pleased to see that his friend had acknowledged his imploring gesture, and noted the expression of confustion dancing across his handsome visage. But, seeing the new company arrive promply at the same time, he sighed, and could do nothing save return Dima's glance with a look that clearly stated their conversation would be delayed.

At this same he caught Kerituin's innocent interogation, and blushed lightly in embarassment.

"Aban- I..." but he was dumbfounded, unable to reply, for he had so hastily, so foolishly left to seek an answer in vain, still yet to receive any information on the matter, and so now only thought to apologize.

"Forgive me, m'lady, my feet act faster than my head sometimes, but I could, perhaps, make it up to you. That is, if you still consider me worthy after dancing with the master of them-" he was referring to Fionan, who shook his head slightly, face full of obvious objection, though he said nothing.

[Tiire]

Sheigs face softened into one of her happy, soft smiles, and nodded after only a moments heasitation. She didnt mind having her hands held by this comely elven friend of hers. He was kind... he only meant her good. She hoped no one had, or ever would, have the inclination to hurt this dear friend of hers. Kalmyr...

"Yes, alright. Youve gotten me all exited now! Is it really, truley beautiful? Promise it wont make me cry...?"

She asked, gazing upon him imploringly. It was odd... unless sad or ashamed, Sheig always seemed to look into peoples eyes when she spoke with them. Not in a discomforting way, no, but almost as if she where asking permission to talk.

Slight bit of a silly notion, really... there was bare a time when the girl didnt stop talking, nonsense or no...

[Arwen]

((moving Kalmyr and Shieg to the orchards as soon as I manage to get a post up

amaranthrp.proboards24.com/index.cgi?board=orchards&action=display&thread=1114684105))

[femalefred]

It wasn't difficult to catch Erados's glance over to Dima, and the bard wasn't going to delay their pressing matter for any longer than might be necessary, sipping lightly at her rum as she listened - with a slowly broadening smile - to the heir's swift apologies. The rum was a very fine brew, rich to the taste and obviously one of the famed elven drinks that she'd heard so much of, and it was certainly strong - her human side already beginning to weaken slightly under the pressure of the alcohol as she lisented to Erados' offer.

"Oh, do not worry so, my friend! I was merely jesting. I will take your offer of that dance, I think perhaps that we both need the practice - though I might need to return your uncle's boots first, should he desire to go for a walk. And I shan't prevent you having your conversation," she added, stepping back a little and gesturing towards Dima.

The rum had probably affected her now more than it had Erados, part of her brain swimming around happily whilst the rest of it was trying, desperately, to keep that part in check. Perhaps she'd stop after this one glass then.

[Elladan]

It was amazing how tediously they rested on the fate of Aricin. It was no longer doubtless that Erados would take his father's place as Lord of Avalbane, or at least not in Erados' mind, though it would likely remain so, as Dima had no mind to take the position. His secret past had been revealed to those he most desired to conceal it from, and they were older now, so life seemed, more or less, swirling in a pit of sorrow, love and leadership.

On the contrary, Erados' life was becoming increasingly interesting, whether he enjoyed it or not. His youthful vigor and sense of adventure still remained, though his adventurous side had gone stagnant from lack of use. Fionan was right in the middle of the two, simply trying to find purpose, whether in sorrow or happiness, which made him seem just...content. But, as originally stated, all currently hung in the wake of Aricin.


Erados' lips curved slightly in reply to Kerituin, overly thankful for her, yet at the same time so anxious on the subject it had become embarrassing. He hid this well, though, covering his thoughts with that subtle smile that was neither happy nor sad, holding his gaze steadily.

"Thank you, Kerituin," he more sighed than said, sincerely spoken to express his gratitude more effectively.

Fionan shrugged nonchalantly, not half so enveloped in curiosity, figuring he might address Aricin later to express a few concerns, but certainly not for the sake of curiosity. Moreso out of a recent brotherly love he'd acquired, even during the brief time he had been here.

[femalefred]

With a smile, she nodded, glad to acknowledge his thanks and stepping back away from the circle a touch. This was a strange world to her, given her roots of musicianship, but she was beginning to find herself more comfortable here - especially now that she was allowed to wear boots, even if they were dress boots and made for a man - the rum loosening further her senses, though the elven, nearly impervious to alcohol part of her brain was still winning the battle for sobriety, though it was fighting a loosing war.

Drifting vaguely away now from the small group - Erados and Dima would probably not want their conversation disturbed, and Fionan looked as though his philosophizing might need a little more time before he was ready for conversation - her gaze found itself wandering away to the musicians, resting as they then were, and pondering if she could truly play with them. Oh, it'd bring in enough money to continue her travels, certainly, but she'd find it awkward. She had none of these fineries to wear as she played, none of this elegance or grace that they did as they moved gently with the music, and none of the pieces they'd played so far required a lyre.

But then.. perhaps someone here might be able to teach her to play her mail. That had always been a dream of hers, ever since she'd recieved the musical piece of clothing, to actually be able to move in such a way that it played music, as the elves that had so carefully crafted it must have been able to. Now, that would be wonderful. She could probably make money just as a travelling freak if she managed that.

[Elladan]

Though anxious, Erados surprisingly turned his concern to Kerituin, whose eyes had considerably dialated, even moreso than his own, which he noticed just before she moved away. Fionan made an effort to catch his gaze as to reassure him she would be fine, finally succeeded in doing so, and resumed musing, though his eyes carefully guarded her. He knew well she could probably defend herself perfectly, even with slight intoxication.
It was the rum he was worried about, knowing its strength, and he wanted to assure her safety, especially since she would soon be trying for a position in the orchestra.

Erados, reassured, focused on Dima, and greeted him with a nod, " Could I beg a word with you, alone? It would relieve me greatly," his eyes now seemed pleading, for he realized his foolishness was hindering their happiness. But he was too concerned to let it eat at him until the festivities were over, yet he dared not interrogate his father, who obviously needed privacy.

[femalefred]

Her first glass was finished now, and the bard was still quick witted enough to manage not to take a second. That certainly would not do, though she was beginning to attract some rather odd looks from the musicians within the orchestra, standing so close to them as she was, apparently alone at the moment, wearing the boots of Aricin's brother in law and holding an empty cut-crystal glass.

Catching the look from, of all people, the leader of the group, Kerituin decided that, perhaps, it might be best to move on, perhaps try to investigate the activities of some other members of the court - not that she really knew any other than Akila, who was probably dancing again by now (the musicians had struck up almost immediately as she'd left their line of vision), Kalmyr, Sheig and Aricin - though the last she'd only met in passing and all three had left by now anyhow. Hmm.. where to go then? She still was unable to continue bothering Erados or Dima, they were still conversing, or they were starting their conversation or something, and Fionan still looked to be rather lost in thought.

Ah well, she could carry on wafting around until she wafted back to the drinks table and return her glass, and perhaps by then her head would have cleared a suitable amount for another draught to be taken.

[Arwen]

Dima had shooed Akila away when Erados voiced that he wanted to speak privately, but the girl had not found another partner yet, so she approached Kerituin, who seemed to be alone now, and a little out of place. She herself felt a bit so, and always would, she felt, no matter how long she was in Avalbane and with such a high ranking official as Dima. She cared naught for rank, though everyone else seemed to.

"Kerituin!" The offset, lavender eyes sparked as she moved alongside the other, smiling slightly.

Dima cocked his head, glancing at Erados.

"What is it, my friend, that troubles you this night? Other than Aricin's odd demeanor, that is, for it was indeed strange. Or is that all that touches your mind with discomfort? Shall we make our way to the courtyards and away from this noise to make our speech?"

[femalefred]

"Ah, Akila, wasn't it?" The girl smiled, glad to see a familiar face again, even though she'd only met the Anorian in passing. At least now she didn't look quite so odd, and wasn't gaining quite such strange looks from the orchestra - though one or two of them still glanced her way for a second.

With another smile, she moved her gaze away from them completely, turning to face the slightly off-set eyed Anor again, a touch surprised that she wasn't dancing again, seeing as she'd appeared so very good at it - well, so very much better than Kerituin was, anyhow.

"What is it that's kept you from dancing again? Other than Dima and Erados having their ever so serious looking talk," she added, smirking lightly as she glanced back over to the men.

[Arwen]

"Yes, that's right." The teenage features moved into a thin-lipped, however elegant smile.

"And, well... I'm just not quite comfortable here as of yet. Avalbane is most certainly not my home. The ways of the Elves and the Anorians are somewhat the same, but I am simply not used to the place, I suppose. There is so much attention here, mainly due to Dima." She snorted softly, shaking her head as she turned to take her own glance back at the two men. "I don't see why rank matters, personally."

She glanced around, back to the duo again, where her eyes rested on Dima for a moment, and then back to Kerituin.

"So, Bluey, what brings you to Avalbane? I'm sure you've repeated the story multiple times by now--has everyone in the citadel managed to ask you yet?--but I am curious."

((I worked on this for fourty five minutes. *oogles* aaaaaagh... I'm so friggen brain dead))