Dark Heart Bleeding

With everything happening these recent days, Ione should’ve known better than sneaking up on someone like she did, no matter who it was. And even if there were people who weren’t fighting and were specifically here just to get the citizens of Arx out, to assume they weren’t always on edge or scared was foolish and stupid. So when Mareona immediately went for hip, Ione readied an explanation, but the fear vanished before she got the chance.

“Sorry for scaring you,” she said softly, as she took in the face of the woman sitting next to her, a small frown settling on her lips. When they had first met not two months ago, she could’ve sworn that the other woman was something of a dream; beautiful and elegant, holding herself with confidence and surrounded with an ethereal glow, and somehow she had still said yes to dancing with Ione, even though no one in their right mind would have denied her the chance. Seeing her now, though, with tired eyes and a deep set crease between her eyes, Ione wanted nothing then to take that pain and worry from her friend, to be able to see the sparkle in her eyes and her brilliant smile again.

“I’m…” She started, the word ‘okay’ dying on her tongue before it even had a chance to reach her lips, she knew no matter how hard she tried there would be no way to make it sound real. She had yet been able to get an uninterrupted nights rest, and fighting people was very different to fighting beasts and monsters, it had gotten harder before it got easier to try and convince herself that she wasn’t just as bad as them. There were dark bruises littered over her skin, and pains that seemed to reach to her bones, every movement burned and only seemed to get worse every morning rather than better, and she thought if she were to lift her arms over her head, there was a chance that the cut that rested on her side could open again. There were plenty of clerics around them, and if she were to ask or tell them that she was hurt, they wouldn’t hesitate to help her, but the citizens of Arx needed all the attention first, she could let her body heal once she knew everyone else was fine. “I’m tired, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I’m tougher than I look.”

Mareona’s hand was gentle and soft on her arm and Ione almost wasn’t expecting it, despite tracking the movement. “And you?” Ione eventually asked, looking away from her arm to look back to face her again.

Mareona watched Ione’s face as a myriad of different emotions flickered across it.  Now that she was really looking she could see how exhausted her friend was, there were shadows under her eyes and a shallow graze across one cheekbone. But it was the steady determination in her eyes that made Mare’s heart twist. There was a lot of strength in this woman and Mare found herself in awe of it. They were in the middle of more devastation than Mareona had ever experienced, she’d seen plenty of horrors, enough to last even her lifetime, but never on such a scale. And yet, here was Ione, working herself to to bone to help. A spark of home in the darkness. 

“I know you are.”  She replied, her voice warm and sincere. “But that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.”  Letting out a breath she grinned tiredly. 

“I’m fine. Tired. Sorry there isn’t more I can do to help.”  She frowned, more to her self than Ione. “I’ve never seen a battle like that before. It was...”She shook her head, unable to find the words. “I suppose all we can do now is help as many people as we can.” It didn’t feel like enough. She was about to continue when she felt Ione shift stiffly under her hand. Narrowing her eyes Mare studied her more closely, her gaze resting on Ione’s side. She could see now how her companion was holding herself carefully. 

“You are hurt.”  She said gently, pulling her hand away and leaning down to pull a few things out of her bag. “I’m no healer,” She continued looking back to Ione. “but I know a thing or two about patching people up.” Finding what she was looking for she gestured toward her friend with a hand full of clean bandages. “I could take a look. If you want.” 

By the light of the moon, I’m coming home. 

1. Dead Hearts -- Stars

2. Forest Fires -- Axel Flovent

3. We Have It All -- Pim Stones

4. Through The Valley -- Shawn James

5. One Way (Or Another) -- Until The Ribbon Breaks

6. Rebel Heart -- First Aid Kit

7. ilomilo -- Billie Eilish

8. Vessel -- Dry the River

9. She Burns -- Foy Vance

The stress from the past few days were finally starting to catch up to Ione as she left Arx for what would most likely be the last time for the night. The weight of a wounded man she found hidden under some rubble slowed her down more, on top of her own exhaustion beginning to set in. She hadn’t given herself time to really sit and rest since she woke up to the chaos and destruction of the city of what she assumed to be the first day of the attacks. She had gone into the city expecting to only help the people of Arx out of the war zone, but she found herself getting into more fights with soldiers than she’d ever imagine herself getting into. And every time she left the city, it was only when she had a survivor by her side, and more times than not, covered n wounds herself from protecting someone else. Everything felt sore, and the dead weight on her side wasn’t helping with anything other than slowing her down, but every time she got to the village outside of Arx, she pushed away any healer then came her way.

Nights have begun to get harder and harder for her recently, she wouldn’t consider herself a fighter, at least not one  like the soldiers out there, nor was she a healer, and when she had time to sit and think about everything happening around her, it gave her time to second guess everything she did, every misstep she took, but more than that, when she closed her eyes at night, all she could see behind her eyes were the dead and dying that she couldn’t save. Ione had killed plenty of beasts and animals in her years of training back home in Anari, but she had never killed another person before, never seen so many dead up close and in numbers like this until recently. She didn’t think she could sleep the first night she was in the city, but when sleep did somehow find her, it was restless and she woke up feeling more tired than she did when she went to sleep.

As soon as Ione could see the lights from the village, she couldn’t hold back the sigh of relief. It was only getting darker, and she knew that it wouldn’t be too long before she couldn’t see a few feet in front of her, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she would be able to carry the man she carried, but still pressed on. When she got close enough to the village, she was greeted with a healer who took the man from her side, and she could tell by his breathing evening out that they were already using a healing spell on him. Another healer walked up to them, a man who she was familiar with, and he placed his hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged his hand off before the healing spell could take effect on her and she walked away from him with a soft thank you and empty smile, before he could try and convince her otherwise.

She was ready to try and find a resting spot for the night, even if the thought of what sleep tended to bring these days wanted her to try and stay away forever. She almost didn’t see her sitting there, off to the side away from everyone else. Ione couldn’t see her face, but she could imagine that Mareona held the same tiredness that everyone else seemed to carry with them recently. A few moments passed, with her just standing there, debating if she wanted to bother her before she finally walked over and sat next to her.

“You now, when I said I would see you again, I didn’t then it would be like this,” she said gently, placing her hands in her lap and looking over to the woman at her side.

Mareona jumped at the voice beside her, one had going to the bone dagger at her waist before her senses caught up to her body and she realized who had spoken.

“Ione.”  She breathed, relief coursing through her like strong wine, sapping all the tension from her bones. “What are you doing here?” It was both tremendously comforting and unspeakably odd to be sitting here looking into the other woman’s face. Scant weeks ago they had shared a dance in a glittering ballroom. Then Ione had looked like a fairy queen, all silver and blue and shining. They’d swept across the dance floor leaving magic shimmers in their wake and when the music hand ended Ione had kissed her hand and Mare thought her heart might burst from heat and happiness. 

That night was a million miles away now, so distant it might have been a dream, and now Mareona barely recognized her friend. Gone was the shimmer of silver stardust, Ione looked exhausted, dirt streaked and battered. She was still beautiful though. Mare shook the thought away, it was the lack sleep she told herself, the loneliness of the last week. She realized she was still staring and tried for a tired smile.

“I can’t say I’m sorry to see a friendly face.”  She said then sobered. “But I’m sorry you’ve found yourself here.  Are you alright?”  A thought occurred and she stiffened, it should have been her first, her only thought.

“You aren’t hurt are you?”  She asked, reaching out as if to be certain. “You haven’t been injured?” 

Avi opened his mouth to tell Mare all about Efrain, but stopped the moment she did. He paused, listened closely to the area surrounding them, but all he heard was water. “Hm,” he shook his head. “No, but I’m usually the last to notice everything. Bad ears.”

With less grace than he would have hoped for, Avi pushed himself onto his knees and tried to ignore the feeling in his gut as the boat rocked. He clung to the edge for dear life as he peaked over the right side of the boat, checking behind them first. “It’s pretty dead around here,” he said. He saw nothing but darkness, but that didn’t mean he was willing to ignore Mare’s concern. If he knew anything about himself, and anything about her, he knew she was much more perceptive than he was.

As he was turning back to Mare, something in the water before him caught his eye. It looked like - oh. A human hand clutched the side of the boat, half of them still underneath it where they’d come from. The other hand plunged a dagger into Avi’s gut, just below his breastplate. His gaze held onto the dagger in his gut for just a moment before flickering toward the figure emerging. A soaked black mask clung to their features, but only their mouth and their dark, beady eyes were truly visible.

They pulled their dagger backward and lifted themself onto the boat in one swift movement, hardly shaking the boat at all. And when Avi looked back to Mareona in astonishment, he noticed a similarly dressed, shorter figure had already climbed their way onto the boat. “Yeah, okay, should’ve seen this coming,” Avi sighed, reaching for his wand.

Mareona could only watch in horror as the masked figure’s blade slid free of her friend, his blood dark in the low light. The attacker was between them and her hands were already swinging her glaive off her shoulder when a soft sound alerted her to movement behind her.  She whirled to face the approaching threat, they were shorter, dressed in black with their face obscured a dagger in one hand. 

“Who the hell are these people?!”  She hissed then swung toward the pirate closing in on her. The truth was, she knew who they were, or at least she knew why they were here.  She’d been sloppy, left their trail out in the open, flashed coin around, and now they were paying the price. Avi was paying the price. If she lost him today...With a growl she shook the thought away, at the same time she dragged one hand across the blade of her weapon before allowing it to continue on its downward arch.  The blood magic pulled at her veins, power and pain spiking through her hand. She watched as the figure approaching her flinched and she knew the magic had taken hold. They were bound now, they would pay for any of her blood they spilled. 

Her blow landed, but not with the power she’d hoped. The rogue staggered but didn’t falter.  They were much faster than she expected and the blade of the knife bit into her arm, dragging deep.  Mare took grim satisfaction in the grunt of pain that worked its way out of her opponent’s throat, their eyes widening in surprise as her curse leached their life away.  Good. She thought savagely. Let it burn. 

She spared a glance back over her shoulder, meeting Avi’s eyes. They’d fought together before and been victorious, this would be no different. She would will it so. 

Time: Sunset

Location: A few miles outside Arx

Status: Closed for @ioneseseri

The sun was just beginning to tip below the horizon when Mareona let her weary feet cease their movement and for a moment tipped her head back to feel the cool breeze on her hot face. She’d been in Khaggon when word of the attack had arrived, and then she’d wasted precious time trying to decide what to do. She had no place in Rolland’s army, but neither could she simply stand by and do nothing while an entire city full of innocent people suffered for crimes that weren’t theirs. By the time she made it to the port city it was enshrouded in chaos, and for a time she’d simply focused on helping the next person she came across, one after another in an endless parade of broken and bloody faces. The children were the worst. Her first night there she’d tried to help a young family. Only the father and oldest daughter had made it out alive and Mare was sure that once she allowed herself more than a few hours of rest at a time their faces were not something she’d be able to forget. 

Getting into the city had been relatively simple, one woman alone, particularly one with her training had little trouble slipping past the guards but getting back out again had proved considerably more difficult. It was only in the last few days that she’d been able to make any real progress, gathering small clusters of  townspeople and escorting them out of the city, sneaking and fighting by turns. The camp that was spread out before her wasn’t much, one of many ragged enclaves collecting those too lost or wounded to travel far, but she’d spent the last three days doing everything she could to ensure those fleeing the burning city made it to relative safety beyond the front lines of fighting that still raged. She wasn’t the only one engaged in such work, all around her other souls labored tirelessly to provide shelter and care.  And that wasn’t even considering Rolland’s forces that had flooded Arx in the last week. She tried not to wonder where Avi was in the midst of it all, or any of her new acquaintances, (her friends?) for that matter. She had long since learned that dwelling on such things was less than useful. And being useful was all that mattered for the time being. 

With a sigh she lowered herself onto a waiting stone and ran a hand through her filthy hair. She should head back out, getting people out of the city was easier under cover of night and she could make several more trips before dawn if nothing disastrous happened. Just a few minutes. She told herself, letting her head drop into her hands, fingers rubbing gently at her aching eyes, she’d rest for a few minutes and then head back into the fray.

Smiling, Ione took the woman’s hand in hers and walked back onto the dance floor and through the crowd until she found a gap where they could comfortably dance. As she turned to face her dancing partner she stumbled only a short moment, finding that the woman looked more beautiful now, as they stood closer, the slower song within the room pulling them closer and Ione couldn’t believe that this goddess like stranger had agreed to dance with her.

The warmth of the woman’s hand coming to rest on her shoulder brought her out of her reverie, and she could feel her face heat with the flush that rose from her chest. She mimicked her, placing her hand on the woman’s waist, as their fingers laced together, and they slowly began to sway with the music.

“I am,” Ione said, as they slowly found a rhythm together, and she smiled up at her. “I’m not used to winters, but this is…” she trailed off as she looked around at the lights dancing off the decorations and the dresses and suits of the other strangers in the room, before looking back to her dancing partner. “It’s amazing.”

“I wouldn’t say no to an adventure with you,” Ione could feel as her flush grow, and she laughed gently and ducked her head slightly. “I’m Ione.” she looked back up at Mareona. “Thank you for dancing with me.”

Mare followed her partner’s gaze to the glittering wonderland around them. 

“It is beautiful.”  She said, then bit back the words so are you with some difficulty. It would have been unspeakably forward, but it was also true and Mare hand never been very good at not speaking the truth regardless of how it was taken.  Instead she chose another truth, 

“I love winter.  When I was a girl I lived for the deep snow.  There was a little grove of trees very close to my home and in the winter it was much easier to slip away and walk there, few others liked to brave the cold.  I used to climb into this tree with lovely low hanging branches and just listen to the snow fall. It felt like I was the only person in the world. It was so peaceful.”  She realized she’d drifted, which was unforgivable in such company. So she tried to shift the conversation to Ione.

“Did you grow up somewhere warm?”   It was easy to imagine this woman somewhere sun-drenched and golden, with flowers in her hair. “That must have been lovely indeed.”

“Oh,” She said at Ione’s next statement.  She shook her head with a little laugh and a sinking sensation, it was easy to forget  surrounded by magic and music that life wasn’t a ball and her talents were required for darker things than fairy tales. “I my adventures usually turn out to be rather grim, I’m not sure you’d enjoy them.” The music swept them on, winding its way towards a conclusion. Mareona found herself sorry to feel the dance coming to an end. 

“Thank you for asking me Ione, it is truly my pleasure.” She said, giving the other woman’s hand a little squeeze. “ I’m very glad to have met you.”  

Avi chuckled at the thought of Mareona knocking over an entire bowl of mead for his sake. He knew she would; that’s why it was so amusing. He took an easy sip of wine, tossing the idea around a bit more - really considering it for a moment. Ultimately, it was better that he continue to entertain the nobles than cause a scene, but it was nice to know the option was there. He took another, larger sip from his glass. His appreciation for people as a whole was endless, but his patience was not. The wine, he was hoping, would help.

“Mm, I got rudely interrupted last time I tried telling that story,” Avi recalled. Though the fight had been unforeseen and startling, Avi thought it’d done a lot to strengthen his bond with Mareona. Luckily, he didn’t have to wonder about whether or not she felt the same. She was very open with her gratitude, a trait he’d appreciated since he met her. “I meddled, that’s all. I had this…strong feeling, like something the Wildmother gave to me directly. That’s rare for me. So then I went behind his back, found out a bunch of his secrets, and went to talk to him. I wouldn’t recommend that approach, but it seemed to work that once.”

“Are you here with anyone, Mareona?”

A server with a silver tray of glasses moved past them and Mare reached out and snagged a new glass of wine. Someone had enchanted the glass to maintain a thin sheen of frost across the surface, delicate patterns etched in lines that caught the candlelight in little sparks of fire. 

“Well,” She said with a smile, taking another sip of the sweet cold wine. “Questionable methods aside I’m glad it worked out.”  She glanced over at Avi before gently bumping him with her shoulder. “You seem happy. That’s good.” She was just taking another sip of her drink when Avi asked his own question.

 “Me?  Goodness no.” The thought surprised her so much she laughed out loud, it was an honest laugh, bright, if slightly uneasy. “No. I’m just here to...I don’t know. I let Zym talk me into a dress. It seemed a shame to waste it. Its nice to look at beautiful things sometimes.” Turning she gave her friend an appraising look. It was so easy to be friendly with Avi, sometimes she forgot they hadn’t actually known each other that long. There was a lot about this life she didn’t know. 

“What about you?  Any particular dance partners you’re hoping to meet?”

Thea gave Mareona a winning smile as she took her in. Elf, much taller than her, long dark hair and a beautiful dress. “I’d say your friend has great taste, but I’d also say that a dress is only as great as the person wearing it. In my humble opinion, you outshine it.”

The way she said it was casual and friendly. Just as easily said as telling someone to have a nice day or to inform them of the latest morning mass at the temple. Thea wasn’t really one for putting on a show with her comments or her flirtations unless she was deep in it for someone. This was just a bit of fun.

“Thank you.” She took in the shiny bodice with the open shoulder sleeves and long, draping skirt. She had considered going for a shorter blue dress for the event, but decided later to go all out. The circlet was actually Ewin’s idea. “And your name is real pretty. It suits you.”

When they walked out on the dance floor, and Thea took Mareona’s hands in her own, she winked at her. “I’ll help you to the best of my ability.”

While Mareona might’ve said she was bad at this, Thea felt just awful when they started off and she ended up stepping heel-first on her dance partner’s dress. “Oh, sorry, my bad!” Other than that, things went better. Mareona was also a huge liar with her natural grace. “Well, now someone owes me an apology for lying about their skills,” she teased her in Elvish, “or were you just being humble?”

She giggled.

Mare flushed and laughed. 

“I assure you,” she said, switching over to Elvish smoothly. “Its a fluke, its only a matter of time before I step on your foot.”  She meant the words but the further they got into the dance the more comfortable she felt.  Some deep corner of her memory stirred, had she learned this dance, or something like it as a girl?  Her parents had been insistent that she learn the airs and graces of a noble lady, even though never once in all her long years living in the Grove had she ever been invited to anything resembling this ball. She had a vague memory of her old tutor Brannatel teaching her to count her steps...Mare shook her head, that was a path she didn’t dare wander. Instead she turned her attention back to her charming companion. 

“You speak Elvish beautifully.”  She said with a smile, “I’m always so impressed with people who can speak multiple languages. I’ve tried to learn something beyond Common and Elvish and I can never get much beyond the verb conjugation. Did you learn for fun or maybe family?” 

The music sparkled in a little flourish and Mareona raised an eyebrow then gently spun her partner a graceful arc. When they were facing each other again she grinned.

“I have to admit.” She said brightly, “I’d forgotten how much fun dancing can be.” 

Date: January 14 Location: Runswick, the Kristall Carnival Time: Evening Status: @mareonadarkheart

The Chilly Chalice Challenge. The one game of the carnival that really caught Jax’s attention. No surprise there. Anything involving alcohol always catches her attention. And, of course, she wanted to participate. She wondered briefly, as she approached the competition area, whether she would be underestimated due to the wood elf form she had taken on. She didn’t really know much about elves and what their constitutions were like. But she was fairly confident in her own. Fairly.

The drinks being in slushed ice form instead of just normal liquid was an interesting added challenge. Though Jax had lived in Hegaehend for several years now, but she had never once experienced the sensation known as ‘brain freeze’. After all, she had grown up in the desert. But she wasn’t worried. She could deal with a little headache. She’d had much worse. What also intrigued her was the fact that the drink list was from the Dead Nightingale. But, since this was a competition, Jax figured steering away from the more… interesting drink choices would be smart. She didn’t want to be the one to lose because she chose the wrong drink. So she chose something simple, uncomplicated. She grabbed the drink and downed it with ease, despite the half frozen state of it. She slammed the glass down with an unbothered look as the crowd around her made noises of appreciation at her strong start.

As a challenger began to approach, she glanced over to see who it was. The woman also appeared to be elven, and as she walked forward, Jax slowly realized she recognized this woman. She barely suppressed a look of surprise. The last time Jax had seen her was before Dasratsel. Right before, as a matter of fact. From what she could remember, her name was Mareona. But Jax didn’t say anything, just waited to see how she would do in this challenge.

This was probably a terrible idea but Mare had decided not to care. She’d been wandering the fairgrounds for a while, feeling restless and out of place.  When she finally came across the drinking competition she decided there were worst ways to spend an afternoon. After inquiring about the rules the girl behind the counter handed her a drink and gestured to one of the remaining empty seat. 

“Good luck!”  The bartended said brightly and Mare grinned back and then headed toward her opponent. Sliding into the opposite seat she took a moment to look the other woman over.  She was elven, tall, and beautiful. She was also watching Mare carefully. Raising her glass in a salute to the woman she downed the drink and clinked the glass back on the table. The liquid was cold but instead of feeling overwhelmed by it Mare found it refreshing. It was a decent start. 

“Hey.”  She said, smiling at the woman across the table. “You ready for some fun?” With that she pestered for a second round. “I’m Mare, what’s your name?”

“Just a server, miss.” Ysenia shook her head. She eyed the elven woman as she plucked one of the morsels as if she was putting on a performance. She wondered if she was really savoring the taste. High elves meant high status. If she didn’t know any better, she’d almost say the woman was in her element.

“Need all the gold I can get tonight.” She shook her head and chuckled to herself. “And, between you and me – this isn’t my scene. Besides, maybe someone drinks a tad too much and bet their life’s savings at The Lady’s Chase later tonight.”

“If we’re being honest,”  Mare said, “Its not my scene either.” She was about to add more when the second half of the woman’s words caught up with her thoughts. 

“Oh.”  Mare said, then, “OH.”  Her eyebrows raised in surprise and intrigue. “You mean games of chance.” She looked at her companion with renewed interest.  She’d read adventure stories about roguish heroines in glittering gowns, they would glide through high stakes games in effortless glamor and depart with purses heavy with the spoils of their winnings. She’d loved those stories as a girl, stuck in a series of cramped, dark rooms, a million miles away from that kind of romantic life. Grinning she asked, “Do you have a favorite game?  The Lady’s Chase must be an exciting place.” 

“Mareona!” Avi exclaimed, happy to see both her and the wine she offered. He could have hugged her on sight, but he was far too aware of the many pairs of eyes on him that night. Surely the nobles would have something to say if they saw him getting too comfortable with a woman they didn’t recognize, and he wasn’t quite ready to have a reputation among them. So, instead, he took the glass and offered her a grateful smile.

“Your timing is impeccable,” he laughed. “Everything is just fine. I can’t really tell if I’m making a good impression or not, and that’s bothersome, but I’m happy to see my parents happy. And my brother - I have no clue where he is, but I’m happy to be here with him, too. It’s a very good night; I just wish I felt less…interrogated.”

Mare grimaced in sympathy. 

“I’m not always, or ever really, good at knowing what the right thing to say is. But I am pretty good at reading people and I’d wager that you’ve made a very good impression to the people who matter. The others aren’t worth your time anyway. And if you need me to create a distraction just give the word and I’ll faint into the mead bowl or something.”  She took a sip of wine and watched the dancers for a moment then said. 

“Its lovely that your parents can be here tonight. It must be wonderful to share such a lovely thing with them.”  It was impossible to picture her own parents in a place like this, all glitter and light, not a blood sacrifice in sight.  The thought made her snort into her glass, something ugly twisting through her gut. No. None of that tonight.  She finished her glass and grinned over at her friend. “You’ll have to introduce me to them later, your brother too, you still haven’t told me how you found him.”    

Zym had been twirling about the ball since it began, grabbing reluctant as well as all too willing nobles and commoners alike for dances and drinks. The strangers had slowly become dull, however, as they were all little, easy games to be played while pleasantly tipsy. Zym played them all beautifully, and she played her own part as the sweet girl they got to dance with once and thought about later, but she wanted more tangible fun than just that. She was about to pick up a flute of champagne to drown her mild sorrows when her gaze alighted on a true friend.

“Lovely Mareona!” she squealed and rushed to her side, her hand immediately finding her friend’s and squeezing tightly. The gods should be trembling in their assumedly beautiful boots at the sight of Mareona for she rivaled even them. She stepped back to admire the elf in her total glory, wiggling in place and causing her own glittering skirt to swirl about her legs. “You truly live up to your title of lovely, Mareona.”

As she finished speaking, the band started to play another song. One of slow, whimsical, and sweeping chords and tunes that Zym interrupted with a shrill gasp.

“Oh, I know this song! Dance with me, please, I’ll lead and everything so it doesn’t matter if you know it ‘cause I know it,” she said incredibly quickly as she drew them close together again. “Please, Mareona?”

She should probably be use to being called lovely by now, Zym was as free with her sweet words as she was with her bright smiles. Mare had spent enough time with the tiefling to gather that was just how Zym reacted to the world, all sparkle and shine, it wasn’t special treatment...and yet. She could feel the tips of her ears flushing hotly up even as she laughed.

“I was hoping you’d ask.”  She said, then blanched. “I mean I love dancing with you...not that we’ve danced before but I thought it would be fun. You know. If you wanted to.” She shut her mouth with a snap, trying to swallow her words and making a face as they continued to rattle around her chest. This was ridiculous, she was ridiculous. Instead of making things worse she simply squeezed Zym’s hand and let herself be pulled onto the dance floor. 

The music was magical, alive and full of longing. Something wild tugged at the edges and Mare found herself thinking of wooded groves draped in misty moonlight, the air heavy with the scent of cedar smoke. It was easy, far too easy, to rest her free hand against Zym’s shoulder and let herself be swept into the dance. 

“You look wonderful.”  She said softly, “I was trying to say so earlier. I hope you’re having fun tonight.” 

Normally, dressing up like she was now made Ione feel uncomfortable, a setting that she had never gotten a chance to experience until recently. She had been to parties, mostly smaller ones, where people didn’t care about dressing up, only having fun with friends and enjoying the night away, and only a few larger parties recently that called for effort in an appearance but never a specific dress code. She hadn’t the opportunity to attend a ball before now, and it was a very different experience, and somehow not different at all. It had taken a little longer than she would’ve liked to admit to relax, the flowy bottom and tight top dress combination felt like an odd mix of a costume and a second skin that she put on, constricting and too loose at the same time, but after a few glasses of wine, she found herself getting more comfortable in the outfit as the night continued on, until she had completely forgotten about the earlier frustration.

The loud music was almost intoxicating, she seemed to jump from dance partner to dance partner in the matter of seconds as the music continued on, seamlessly changing songs and tempos, all bleeding together like the time passed by, and Ione hadn’t realized how long she had been dancing, and drinking, until her most recent dance partner, a taller elf in a white suit, spun her one too many times and she couldn’t see straight and for a split second thought she was about to fall to the floor if she couldn’t catch her footing.

Quickly excusing herself, Ione found herself walking towards one of the walls of the large room to catch her breath, she tried to will the dizzy feeling away. She didn’t feel as drunk as she could be, although she definitely felt the effects of the earlier drinks, and she wasn’t ready to call it a night because she stupidly outpaced herself. She was ready to step back for a moment, happy to watch the beautiful strangers dance together until she felt a little more level headed, until she caught sight of a woman who seemed a little taller than her off the side, dressed in a beautiful light blue dress that seemed to catch the low light in the room. Ione almost didn’t approach the stranger, but the night was still young and the crowd was large, and she wasn’t sure if she would be able to find the woman again.

Ione smiled once she finally approached the woman, extending her open hand in invitation. “Care for a dance?”

Mareona glanced up. A vision of a woman stood before her, the flowing yards of her skirt a gauzy cloud that caught the light in soft waves. Her face was gently flushed, though through what combination of the warm room, the good drink and her own nerves Mare wasn’t completely sure.  There was some hopeful hesitation in the other woman’s face though and Mare could feel her own pulse speed up at the thought that someone so lovely might be nervous talking to her. 

“Yes.”  She said, realizing she’d dragged the moment out too long. “Yes of course. I’d love too.”  She let herself be led onto the dance floor.  The band was playing something sultry and slow. It was easy to settle one are around her partners shoulders and twine their fingers together with the other. 

“So.”  She said, letting the music move through her body, pulling them into the dance. “Are you having fun?  I’ve never been anywhere quite so beautiful, It feels like a fairyland.”  Grinning she looked back to the other woman’s face, “Maybe we’ve falling into a story and some big adventure is about begin.” She flushed, feeling silly. “Anyway, my name is Mareona, thank you for asking me to dance.”

It was pure irony that someone as dexterous as Ysenia Abaroa clung to the walls as opposed to another’s arms. If she cared for something so frivolous as a dance, maybe it would be cruel hideous fate, but Ysenia accepted the fact long ago. She wasn’t a stranger to celebration. Her clan held similar festivities every week each under a different god.

Back in Kaivras, a young woman weaved through crowds, beckoning men and women of the nation to spend a night with her under the stars. A child watched from a nearby rock, drawing the dance in the sand - only for the winds to blow it all away come morning. Ysenia remembered each lover try to woo her mother, yet none could impress her to stay for longer than lunar cycle. No one’s feet moved like hers. She was a goddess and dance her domain.

Tonight Ysenia worked. It was a choice born of necessity, a place where she could be, but not participate. Besides, she’s knee-deep in debt.

“Ma’am,” she raised her voice as she approached an elven woman, but her voice betrayed her with a crack. Balancing the platter of hors doerves with one hand, she tried again.“Ahem, excuse me, but would you care for some salted hazelnut trifles, stuffed mushrooms or…?”

Mare turned at the new voice, her uncertain smile widening at the side of the beautiful food and the striking woman offering it to her. The dark bluegreen velvet of her jacket gleamed in the silver light.

“Oh thank you.”  She said warmly, carefully picking up one of the little trifles and popping it into her mouth. “Mmmmmmm.” She closed her eyes briefly, reveling in the rich taste. “That’s one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.”  It was too, though she supposed the bar there wasn’t very high, food wasn’t usually very hight on her priority list. Looking at the other woman she grinned. 

“Did you make these? They’re amazing.”  She glanced back toward the dance floor and then back at her new companion again. “I’m sorry you have to work tonight though, it seems a shame to miss all the fun. Will you get to dance at all? Maybe we could trade places for a little, I can carry around your wonderful food and you could take a turn on the dance floor?” 

Zym could recognize the hunger in Mareona’s gaze and the blatant longing for something. She’d seen such looks in men and women alike over the years, had drawn it out of them, had danced in it, but here in the silent, decaying garden she didn’t feel like frolicking in this woman’s attraction. Something about it felt delicate, felt special and warm. Zym smiled, soft and languid as silk, even as Mareona broke their contact to reach for alcohol. “You’re very welcome,” she said, her voice barely louder than the burble of the fountain. “The Lovely Mareona deserves only the best after all,” she continued, voice teasing, and accepted the bottle from her.

She took a long swig of her own, the familiar burning of it made the cool air kissing her skin all the more loving, and stepped away from Mareona. She lazily circled the fountain, her gaze trailing over the creeping vines and hanging branches. The changing season had further bastardized the topiaries and the once immaculate bushes were now lurching, beautiful monstrosities. She laughed, bright as snowdrops, at Mareona’s question. “I do come here often and I also travel a lot. I’m a messenger, primarily,” she continued and handed back the bottle as she passed Mareona, but maintained her circuit of the fountain. It felt nice to circle the woman and the center piece; it eased Zym’s restlessness. “I run information, or deliveries, from client to client. Sometimes they’re here in Khaggon, on ships arriving or exiting Arx, in the universities of Runswick… Many are in Myrefall so you can imagine the morals behind some of the messages.”

As she passed a leaning tree, Zym plucked a long, single strand of wisteria blossoms. The flowers were nearly the same shade as her skin and nearly blended in with the rest of her wandering tattoos. As she rounded the fountain once again, she paused beside Mareona. Slowly, to allow her time to pull away if she needed, Zym tucked the woman’s hair behind her ear before likewise placing the line of flowers there. “Some are as far as Kaivras and Eowesoa.” Her mouth twisted in distaste at the mention of the two countries. Time had warped them both more than it had warped the topiaries. “I always find myself back here, though, or places like it. It’s good to have somewhere to return to I think, but also the option to leave. What keeps you here, Mareona?”

Mare watched Zym make her slow circuit around the fountain and tried to not to feel the absence of the other woman beside her like a cold shiver. The warmth of the whisky was beginning to wane, leaving her feeling rather unsteady.  Carefully she lowered herself to perch on the edge of the fountain. As Zym talked about her life as a messenger, Mare brought her hand up to the flower in in her hair, fingertips grazing over the petals carefully, as if afraid she might crush them.  

“Oh.”  She said, the words forming before she’d quite finished processing the question. “I have to be here, I can’t leave.”  She stopped, realizing that might sound rather more dire than she intended. “What I mean is, I have a job to do here, in Khaggon. I have to stay until its finished. and I’m waiting for someone, my friend, we’re supposed to meet here, so. I can’t leave.” Letting out a breath Mare leaned back, she could feel the cool spray of the fountain on the bare skin of her neck. She shivered. 

“Its ok though. Khaggon is a big place, there’s lots to see and learn, I don’t really know many people but I get by just fine on my own. I always have.”  She was saying too much but she wasn’t sure how to stop. “And anyway, now I have this secret garden to visit, so all in all things are looking up.”  Looking up she caught Zym’s eye and grinned. 

“I’m starving!  Are you?  Didn’t you say something about heavenly waffles?” 

It wasn’t often that Thea got the chance to be at her best dressed. The Kristall Ball was as glitterful as always, but this time – the first time in a few years – she was attending the party with less of a romantic thought in mind. Considering her +1 was her brother, it was about as far from her previous experience as it could get, which was exactly what she wanted to achieve.

One of the acolytes at the temple in Runswick, Lydia, had been “tasked” with taking care of Rose. Well, more like she enthusiastically volunteered for the job. She had joked about “carrying their burdens” for an evening.  Overall, she seemed like a nice one, and Rose liked her, so they let it be so. Ewin had been hesitant about it, but Thea had managed to convince him to a day off from priestly training and scribing and uncle-ing.

“You know I can’t dance, Thea,” Ewin whispered to his twin.

“Of course you can. You’re more graceful than Rose, Bud and me combined!”

“That’s not a high bar to meet at all…”

Thea grinned and slapped him on the back. “Avi is here somewhere. Go find your man and get it on. Have fun!”

Ewin turned bright red, which stood out against the dark of his skin and disappeared into his curly hairline. Still, he said nothing and walked off, muttering very mild obscenities under his breath.

Thea simply laughed and walked over to observe the crowd. It wasn’t as colorful as the Masyarakat ball, but it was just as sparkly. She had seen a few – very mild, considering the host of this thing – ice sculptures on her way here, so she was feeling the excitement. She was giddy and in the mood for a dance. Who would be her most fortunate victim?

There. A beautiful woman, by herself, clad in a long-sleeved pale blue gown that was such a lovely contrast with her dark skin. Making her way over, she put on her brightest smile and made sure her headpiece was on straight. “Hi, there! I couldn’t help but notice your dress. It’s real pretty! Are you open for a dance, by any chance? I’m Thea, by the way!”

“Oh.” She said, unsure if the flush she felt in her ears was visible or not. “Thank you.”  Her hands fluttered along the sliver bands that crisscrossed her bodice before coming to rest at her sides again.  “I can’t take credit for it. The dress I mean. My friend helped me pick it out, she’s much better at this sort of thing than I am.” She was rambling she realized and grimaced apologetically. “Sorry. I’d love to dance.” 

“Your dress is wonderful.”  She said as they waited for the current song to end. “I like your circlet.” In truth she thought it made Thea look like a queen but she thought saying so might be a bad idea. The woman was a vision in truth, her white dress floated around her like a dream. “My name is Mareona, its lovely to meet you.”

The music dipped into a lull and the crowd applauded before the next tune was struck, a lively fiddle leading the way to a spirited dance. 

“You’ll have to help me.” Admitted Mare, grinning as she motioned to the floor, “I’m not very good at this yet.”