Darter
Ret. War Commander
Ret. Head Boundary Guardian
Posts: 1,337
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Post by Darter on Oct 12, 2006 5:45:06 GMT -5
It was a nice evening, in terms of weather. The cloudless night sky was illuminated by twinkling stars, and the full harvest moon cast a pleasing if not faint ray of light sparkling down on the treetops surrounding the fort. Happy crickets filled the air with their sound, and the gusts of wind blew fallen leaves up into the air before they fell, swirling, back down again. It was a peaceful atmosphere.
Rays of light from the long windows fell on the trodden earth outside the main fort, coming from the large room inside, giving a striped appearance to the ground. Outside of this illuminated area, the fort grounds and outer walls lay in darkness. Darter knew that on the other side of the building the heavy oak doors would be thrown open, welcoming everyone in, but from his position, sitting on the walltop, the light didn't travel completely around.
The reason for why he was alone and apart from the festivities going on inside, namely, the dance, was depressingly simple; he had no partner, and would feel awkward entering by himself. Most beasts would consider this reason to be silly, that he should enter anyways and make the best of the situation, but to the otter he felt hopelessly seperated from the main group of married beasts and so had chosen to instead waste his time watching over the fort.
The otter heaved a sigh. This was indeed getting boring, and his backside was getting sorer by the minute from sitting on the rought stone crenellations. Not the best seat, admittedly. His paws were beginning to numb with not having moved for so long, and he could feel his eyelids drooping with every passing second in boredom. He had chosen to wear his dress clothes, in the event that he might change his mind and enter the dance anyways. Now it looked like he might change his mind very soon.
He wore a deep red cape over a white silk tunic, complete with collar, and loose black pants buckled up with a black belt engraved with silver designs. To tell the truth, the commander felt awkward wearing anything other than merely a tunic and pants, so he was toying with the idea of forgetting about the cape. After a few moments of thinking, however, he concluded that it'd keep him warm and would add a bit of colour to his choice of clothing, so he made the decision to keep it on. For the time being, anyways. As usual, his sheathed broadsword hung by his left side, a reminder of his profession and his duties to the fort. The otter felt more secure wearing the blade, and figured that if for some reason they were attacked, he'd be ready.
With finality, Darter stepped down the stairs leading to the walltop. As his steps carried him across the grass and to the massive doors thrown open, the first sounds of the merry music reached his ears and warmed his heart. All ideas of doubt vanished from his mind. This was what he wanted to do tonight, not spend his time on something that deviously ressembled guard duty. His last few paces, then he was inside.
The sight of so many beasts dressed in vivid fall colours and twirling to the lively music caused a small smile to creep onto his previously expressionless features. The musicians were talented, and the otter soon found himself clapping out he beat of the merry tune, off to the side of the great hall and alone, since everyone else he knew was already dancing. He spotted Marie in her blue dress, and his grin grew a bit wider as he made a mental note to bug her about it later. Another recognizable figure stood out in the corner of his eye, and Darter turned his head slightly to his right to see his good friend Laylark, also standing alone. The commander frowned slightly; he hadn't thought that the fox had no partner. Too bad. But on the plus side, now he had discovered someone to talk to.
The wooden beams of the floor creaked inaudibly as the otter's paces brought him to his friend. He waved as a means of saying hello before reaching the fox and taking a spot beside him. When the otter had found a comfortable position, being sure to avoid Laylark's wide brimmed hat, which he found quite amusin, he gestured with a paw to the dancers and struck up a conversation.
"So, ye don't 'ave a partner, do yer?"
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Post by Rowan Sorriven & Jamie Sareem on Oct 12, 2006 6:20:33 GMT -5
"No problem. I do understand what you're saying Mary. I'm not dancing though because I don't know how, and Raishel over there is too caught up talking to Song to teach me. So, you say Elena caught a so called cold to escape the dance? Well, that's smart but I don't think it was the right thing to do. Just saying." He sighs, and looks at the band playing their melodic tune. "You're not the only one without a partner. I myself don't have one, I don't think Darter does..."
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Post by Raiden and Zahi on Oct 12, 2006 7:24:43 GMT -5
**Raiden watches them go, a slight grin on his scared face.**
Damn, what a lucky lad to have Marie, is Willem, he just doesn't know it yet...
**Projecting his voice, like he was on a battle field, Raiden called out to the couple as the headed the way he had come, from the dance floor.**
I'll see you both around then, maybelater, or in the morning.
**Dropping his voice, Raiden examined his shakeing, platemail armoured paws (He almost never removes his gauntlets, (except for some times, cleaning them, and preening himself.), He had never been so long in formal attire before, except once, especially outside of battle without armour.**
Why am I so nervous? I've been danceing before. What if I make a fool of myself? They'll laugh at me. What can I do? Should I? Will I? Must I?
**With all the thoughts running through his head, Raiden suddenly reilised he had forgotten something.**
Oh... The drinks...
**Rather hurriedly, Raiden dashed over to the table with the drinks on, and picked up two beakers of cool Dandilion and Burdock cordial. Quick in pace, he hurried back to the waiting Zahi.**
Sorry I was late, ran into Marie, and Willem... Got you your cordial...
Had a nervous breakdown...
**Zahi didn't even seem to mind the lateness of her husband. She just wanted to dance.**
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Tritan
Lieutenant
Warrior
labbah labbah
Posts: 928
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Post by Tritan on Oct 12, 2006 17:57:09 GMT -5
*Tritan had never been a dancer. Nor an elegant beast. But the Dance Hall was proving to be such a success that he simply must participate. He entered the Hall, an almost undetectable strut to his walk and a casual smile pasted on his features. He wore a black velvet jerkin trimmed with silver, buttoned along the side with brass discs and a bloodred belt around his waist. His pants were of a deep sea blue and a golden chain had been looped to one of his pockets. His fur was far from its normal battered, messy and ragged self. It was neatly combed straight and it was obvious he had washed it, for it gave off a certain lustre and the colour was a dark, unified sepia.
A beast who had known Tritan well would have been surprised at the sleek ottermaid whose waist his arm circled. But a beast who had known Tritan exceptionally well would have known that this was Ashea Siliverford. She was Tritan's best female friend and had come to visit him from her holt. Her clothing was composed of a simple lavender dress with patterns of powder-blue butterflies scattered around it. Her fur was a touch lighter than her friend's, but nonetheless shiny and well-groomed. Stone bracelets were on her left wrist, and she had worn mother-of-pearl earrings that day. All in all, they both cut handsome figures.
They walked in, the maid with a slightly baffled but polite expression on her face, which was normal because she did not know these people. Tritan, on the other hand, was waving at his acquaintances and friends, and murmuring their names to his friend. He walked direction Raiden, who was obviously enjoying his dancing, to have a little chat.*
So 'ow's it goin', Raiden, enjoyin' yer dance?
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Post by Songwind and Brawn Oakbrush. on Oct 12, 2006 18:24:18 GMT -5
**Song Nods to Raishel and turns and spins on her heel to walk over to Brawn. She remembers her younger seasons. There had been no end of dance partners for the pretty young squirrelmaid so her Grandmother had taught her to dance. She was shaken from her memories, by a gentle touch of Brawn's rough paw. She was wheeled around by him and pulled into a waltzing position. She smiled at him as he whirled her across the floor.**
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Laylark
Ret. Commander
Head Rogue
That's what I call talent.
Posts: 1,244
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Post by Laylark on Oct 12, 2006 19:30:53 GMT -5
**As Marie teased him, Laylark offered a large crooked grin as a greeting, quite surprised by the blue dress the mouse wore. As she walked away and started dancing, he became well too aware of his predicament. With another worried glance at the door he sighed and backed further away from the dancers, placing himself to the side.
The fox was beginning to think that maybe it hadn't been worth coming. There were many beasts in the hall he knew by name but not enough to talk to and Marie was dancing. The heavy coat on his shoulders suddenly seemed awful cumbersome and he was sure his boots were giving him blisters.
Another glance at the door told him Darter had arrived and he smiled as the otter approached him. He was sure he noticed a smirk at his hat, but he ignored it. He found the thing quite strange too.**
Nice, eh?
**Laylark grinned as he fingered the brim of his hat, a note of sarcasm in his voice.**
Partner? Not for the time being....
**He trailed off as his gaze ventured once more to the door. Maybe she wasn't coming... The fox started shuffling his footpaws impatiently. The three other minstrels had long since joined in and the music was awful enticing.**
I really want to dance... Do you really want to dance?... Do you want to dance?
**An all too familiar childish grin had spread across his muzzle.**
OOC: Hurry up you fool. >:0 *coughriskcough*
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Finnerator Rudderbow
Ret. War Commander
Ret. Head Ranger
Also known as Fishtail Dirkslash
Posts: 298
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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Oct 12, 2006 19:44:38 GMT -5
*It had taken Finnerator quite a while to get to the dance, to say the least. For the first thing, the ottermaid wasn't even sure she wanted to go. She knew how to dance, but the otter wasn't sure that she wanted to. After mulling it over in her head while sitting in the barracks, Finnerator finally decided that, if anything, she'd at least get the enjoyment of some good music. With a sigh, Finnerator pulled out a bag from under the bunk. She used it to travel with and usually kept all of her clothes in it. Now I have to figure out what to wear. The ottermaid was in no way prepared for any kind of ball like this. She dug through to the bottom of the bag and pulled out a simple white dress, a bit discoulered from time. The sea otter recalled that she had only worn the thing once or twice, since she disliked wearing dresses so much. Her ironic sense of humor put a grin on her face as she remembered thinking that she would never have to wear it again* Oh well. I suppose if I'm going to get to the ball...
*When the otter was ready, she headed off towards the ball. She didn't look anything spectacular, but even if the dress was a bit below par, Finnerator's copper-colored fur was well groomed and her eyes were still laughing at the fact that she was actually wearing the dress. The music that drifted on the night air encouraged her and soon she found herself standing in the doorway to the great hall. With a deep breath, she entered the room, looking around at the people gathered*
*She noticed quite a few couples dancing already and looked over to the hired minstrels who were playing a merry tune on their respective instruments. Finnerator decided that they weren't anything spectacular, but they were good enough that she wouldn't have to go fetch her accordion and kick them out. After another look around the room she spotted Laylark and Darter and headed over, glad to have somebeast to talk to*
*She gave a short salute as she approached* It looks like the ball is going well. *She said to make conversation*
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Post by Quickbow on Oct 12, 2006 20:47:51 GMT -5
**Quickbow approached the dance floor, earnestly waiting for his partner, Cathy, to arrive. He was not expecting her to come on any time frame, or nicely dressed, but that didn't matter to him, him genuinely loving her, not for her look, [even though she was a pretty lass] but for her fun personality, her attribute of being down to earth, and her not being a freak about "getting ready" for a big event, which could take a while for some beasts.
As he mingled around the room, sipping a glass of elderberry wine, his thoughts strayed to wondering where she was. Ha, she's probably in the woods, or fighting with someone. Cathy was not the most predictable beast, enjoying her routine of being "fashionably late". Quickbow found this quite amusing, her attitude alone with her and with other beasts were polar opposites. With friends or family, she was a quiet, thoughtful beast. With others, she was loud, brash, and the life of the party. Many a beast were pleasantly [or unpleasantly] surprised at Cathy's quaint personality away from GoM, and wouldn't recognize her if not for them knowing how she looked.**
**Cathy strutted comically in, twirling the red ribbons tied to her hair. As she spotted Quickbow near the refreshments, she strode up behind him and gave him an impatient tap on the shoulder, bringing him back to reality.**
I suppose you are done making me wait?
**Quickbow answered jokingly, knowing she understood the humor behind this line. He grabbed her paw slowly, and began to sway from side to side, not wanting to be embarrassed at his mediocre skills at ball-room dancing.**
Please excuse my novice moves, you know I haven't learned how to do this right.
**Cathy laughed slightly, not caring whether her husband was the best dancer in the world, or a clueless frog, gyrating madly about.**
Oh, that's alright, let us just have a good time. Skill doesn't matter, just flow to the rhythm.
**Cathy expertly slid from side to side, running her paws through Quickbow's fur. She was quite a good dancer, and boldly showed it on the floor. She enjoyed being better than Quickbow at many aspects, and never let him forget it.**
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Post by Rowan Sorriven & Jamie Sareem on Oct 12, 2006 20:59:01 GMT -5
Rowan stands up, and bows politely to Mary, smiling absentmindedly. "Well, have a good night Mary if you can at that." He walks over to a refreshment stand, and grabs a small cup of October ale. Looking around, he spots Quickbow and his wife, Cathy, and everyone else he had already seen. Taking a sip of it, his mind wanders over what he had experienced since he joined Guardians of Mossflower. Well, I met many nice beasts, all polite in a way and yet great fighters, I met Jamie and Raishel, I have gained experience in a few past skirmishes... A paw taps him on the shoulder, and he spins around, eyes wide. His wife, Jamie Sareem stands there, smiling at him. Wearing her only dress, a dark blue one with silver trimming, she has her hair combed and slicked, a med kit hung loosley over one shoulder and a pendant around her neck. He sets the cup down, embarrassed. Jamie smiles at him, and nods at a passing bank vole.
"I didn't know if you were going to show up, Jamie, so I found Raishel and we came. Didn't want to have to talk to myself." He chuckles dryly.
"Of course. You know I like dancing, and public congregations like this in a way." He nods, and takes her paw in his. She sets her med kit on a table near by before he leads her. Walking out onto the dance floor, they stop. "Alright, let's go." They start a complicated dance pattern, swirling around the floor in a blur.
OOC Whatever that is. ;D
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Post by Mary Narai on Oct 12, 2006 21:07:28 GMT -5
* Mary was about to reply when Rowan left. SHe was getting deppressed a bit. Nobody to talk to, nobody to dance with. It would be a long boring night. A very long boring night. SHe sighed, and thought about getting up to bother Elena, but thought better of it. She saw her condition, It's just that neither of them wanted to go and Elena was lucky enough to catch a real cold on accident. Mary looked over to the drinks area, pondering whether to go get something to drink. SHe wasnt' thristy, not really, and there was plenty of time to do that later.*
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Post by Taundor Whitefang on Oct 12, 2006 21:42:38 GMT -5
*Taundor nervously walked into the room. Dancing wasn’t one of his favorite things, but this was a special moment. He was wearing a black vest over a crisp white collared shirt and loose pants, and had taken the time to comb his hair, even braiding an eagle feather to his headfur. He looked at all the other dancers, and felt even more self conscious. Right then, Taundor noticed Mary all by herself, and walked over to her. He tapped her lightly on her shoulder and asked* May I have this dance?
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Post by Mary Narai on Oct 12, 2006 22:06:41 GMT -5
* Mary looked up in suprise.* What? * Regaining herself, she gets up and says.* Yes, of course you may.* She sudddenly looks nervous.* But I'm not very good.
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Post by Raiden and Zahi on Oct 13, 2006 4:13:08 GMT -5
**Raiden's glance shot up from his wife, to Tritan. A look of mild surprise on his face, as he brought his nerves under control.**
Yeah... Errrr... Yeah, I am actually... Say, have you met my wife; Zahi?
**With the paw holding his drink, Raiden gestured to his beautiful wife, but the other was toying with his sash, closeing round the hilt of one of Zahi's Scramasax daggers that she had loaned him for the dance, the twin of which was under her own sash.**
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Post by Rowan Sorriven & Jamie Sareem on Oct 13, 2006 6:12:16 GMT -5
Rowan and Jamie suddenly collide with another pair of dancers, falling down to the floor in a mangled heap. Rowan shakes his head in disbelief for like the tenth time that night and extracts his body from the three other bodies. He sighs, and helps his wife back to her feet, before they help the two other beasts, a mouse and a bank vole up. Smiling, Jamie looks up at the candles lighting the hall and notices it flickering. It also grabs Rowan's attention. "What is it Rowan?" He looks down and at her, his eyes betraying nothing. "I don't have a bloody clue Jamie. It may just be something with th... Don't worry. Let's go and get a drink and relax. This night if for fun." He takes her paw, and they leave the floor to get refreshments.
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Post by Quickbow on Oct 13, 2006 6:22:55 GMT -5
**As Quickbow stumbled his way through the dance, he longed for the music to stop, so he could eat, unstead of looking a fool on the floor. As he tripped through the dance, he saw Raiden fingering one of his daggers, and thought he saw something amiss.**
Raiden, are you alright?
**Cathy continues on her own, excited to show off her dancing skills. As she twirls around the room, she goes closer and closer to the refreshments stand.**
I guess that's a sign, time to eat.
**Cathy strided gracefully to a table, and grabbed a plate of food as she passed by. The hare took a seat, and began to chow down, choosing a small bowl of woodland salad first.**
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