Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sun Apr 9, 2017 1:15 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

He squinted his eyes as they drew closer to the city's gates. It looked like a verdant oasis in the shining sand, but more importantly he spotted two figures standing beside the entry. They were armed, and he soon recognized the women as Rosenites when they were only a few meters away.

[OOC: Continuing here ]

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Apr 9, 2017 12:28 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She knew that changing one's appearance can come in handy for many reasons and did not mind that he did. she also knew how people felt about the fay so she did not ask as to why he did what he did. She had done it before so she had no room to judge. she looked at his new appearance and let a slight chuckle escape before continuing on.

It was a bit funny how he chose to look like a half elf going into town with a more or less human but it made some since. they did just come from a city of elfs. the walk to the city was not far and she knew it was an interesting place as long as  certain person she had met was not there like last time. "Well may i present Arri. which means where about half way across the desert." 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sun Apr 9, 2017 11:14 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Cymbel nodded as he saw something on the horizon. The first two things Vinsue mentioned were no issue for him, though the reminder on price negotiation was welcomed. Even if he didn't make any purchases there, just browsing was good enough. When the dragon said the city was in view, he stopped. "A moment please, I'd like to make myself less conspicuous before entering." He changed his appearance to that of a black-haired half elf with hazel eyes and made himself appear shorter. The illusion now complete, Cymbel resembled a half elf in his late teens, and altered his voice pitch to match. "There, that should do it." Hopefully he wouldn't be asked about why he was doing this. He felt more comfortable in someone else's visage when entering new situations.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Apr 9, 2017 9:50 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She smiled at his comment. her life was not one to be envy for it was full of sorrow, pain, and anger. Yet being of the fire element she has a hard time coping. 

"for a first time tourist I must say Arri is a wonderful place. Though a warning I would give is that the place has a high female population and a low male count. The city is ran by women and stuff like that. men are to be parents That stay home and watch the kids and stuff like that. Also Know how to haggle or you will be paying top coin for the things they sell." Seeing the city coming into view she stopped and transformed back to her human form. She than raised her hood and took her canteen. "Were not far from the city." 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Fri Apr 7, 2017 5:41 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"That is certainly wonderful. I wouldn't mind having that kind of ability myself–it would make my life easier without a doubt. Seeing you handle the heat so well is making me a bit envious," he said so jokingly. Having a strong constitution was something everyone wanted, at least in his mind. Why wouldn't anyone want to be more resistant against the elements? The mention of fountains was music to his ears. Cymbel couldn't imagine the amount of heat absorbed that would be radiating from the streets due to the metal.

The rose garden was one of his main reasons for visiting Arri. He had heard rumors of its famed maze surrounding a lake, and he was eager to take the challenge. There must be some kind of twist to it. It couldn't be just a simple hedge maze; that would be too plain. The garden mazes of the fey were one of the oldest challenges in the book for testing the mettle and patience of humans, and it was common to have a variation of 'surprises' hidden in the dead ends. He expected the Arriese rose maze to be less life-endangering, however. "From the times you have visited Arri, what are your opinions of the place? Anything advice worth sharing with a first-time visitor setting foot in the area?"

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Apr 6, 2017 6:14 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She slowed a bit once she saw him rush to get back in the shadow. "Actually i'll be fine. See the sun gives me energy and strength and me being partly of the fire element the sun and heat are no harm to me."  she said to answer his concerns. truth was she loved the sun and the heat. she also felt bad that mast two leggeds seam to die when it got to higher temperatures and yet that is when she felt most alive. 

"Yes, I have been to arri" she said to his question. "Twice i have been there both by accident. and yes they have some nice streets of gold as of the gardens i never had a chance to see thim. Though I found the fountain to be my favorite" she said again slowing her pace a bit more. it was funny how the sand shifts so under her feet. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu Apr 6, 2017 2:40 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Of course… I knew that."  Taking the water skin, he quickened his pace to keep up with the dragon's shadow. Dragons were sentient beings, so he had nothing to fear. He was feeling better already by being out of the direct sunlight, but felt guilty about the thought of using his new acquaintance as moving shade. Cymbel felt so small compared to Vinsue that he wondered if this was how ants felt. Looking up he asked, "The sun is strong here, will you be alright? Might you run the risk of overheating like this?" He wasn't sure if reptiles could sweat. Did they have sweat glands? His knowledge on flora and fauna was severely limited to that of his birthplace and the occasional rarity procured by the members of the court. The fairy lords and ladies cared little about anything that did not involve their interests or assert their superiority. If his mother had not passed away when he was young, perhaps he would have been better informed about the world in general. Childhood would have been a much happier memory than a bitter aftertaste. 

His steps slowed briefly as he thought of her. Oh how he missed his mother. There was not a day that went by when he would wish that he could see her again. She was the only one who had shown true, unconditional love towards him without needing a reason. Those bygone days had always seemed brighter when he recounted the times she spent with him. Memories of walking with her in the gardens and the storybooks she read to him, taking mid-afternoon strolls pointing to the creatures that flitted through the forest and telling him their names… All culminating to her not waking up one morning and being laid into a velvet-lined coffin at her funeral. The pain of revisiting those memories surfaced again, and he pushed it back down. In spite of the time that had passed since that moment, the feeling had not lessened in the slightest. Some say time heals all wounds, but not so for the fair folk. 

But he was here now, out in the world. Free to choose, free to be whomever he wanted to be. Right now he was travelling with a newfound friend to a city he had only heard of in books. He shouldn't allow the past to color the present. Catching up with Vinsue's shadow, he tried to start a conversation. "So, have you been to Arri before? I heard they're famous for their rose gardens and that they have streets paved with gold." 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Apr 6, 2017 11:29 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She watched as his face went from a so what expression to a terrified look than lost all emotion. She knew that he must be scared stiff because if not the other reaction she got was of pure curiosity and wonder obviously not what Cielben was thinking. She was fully grown but she was still young for her kind. She almost laughed at the fear he was doing well to hold back. "Why so nervous? I do not attack without cause. And you're a friend" she said thinking it may calm him a bit.

She lowered her head so that it would be easier for him to see her face and so that it was also in the shadow of her back. It was funny how two leggeds acted when they saw her and his was no exception. He smelled of a new type of sweet like the one that is released with fear, though to his credit his face did not show it. "grab my water skin and come." she said lifting her head up and looking around. She then started walking slowly so that the fay could keep up.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu Apr 6, 2017 10:06 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"So you're not human? That's not such a big deal, after all most people–aaaagh!" Cymbel's reply was cut short as he watched her grow in size until she was at least twice his height. It took him less than a second to recognize that he was looking at a fully-grown, adult dragon. Staring up at the reptilian being towering over him, his expression locked up into a stiff poker face as it took all of his composure to keep his hands from shaking.

Whatever you do, do not let your emotions show on your face. Absolutely do not show fear, or they will smell it. Can dragons actually smell fear? Wait, that doesn't matter right now–just keep calm and act like nothing happened. Yes, that is a good idea. Breathe in through your mouth, breathe out from your nose. Do. Not. Panic.

"….Oh. That explains…quite a lot actually. I was not expecting that to happen." Her shadow was now completely covering him, stretching at least a few meters behind him. The light shining off her white scales was practically blinding him, and he squinted his eyes trying not to look rude or disrespectful.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Apr 6, 2017 9:04 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

many people think that they have sean stranger but most are quite surprised to see her true form. despite what he said about not minding she still felt he would be quite surprised.

He made the promise so she felt safe. "Well i'm not human." she said as she dropped the canteen, took a few steps away from him and transformed. It took half a minute to fully transform back to her full true form. She stood at 12 foot tall with her wings folded. "This is what I truly am. and it had been over a hundred years since I had been to that festival." Her shadow darkened the lower scales to look grayish thow it was apparent her Scales where a pure white. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu Apr 6, 2017 8:46 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Well I've seen my share of strange things, so I wouldn't mind." When Vinsue asked him to keep a secret he placed his hand over his heart. "I promise. These lips are sealed." He even made a motion across his mouth to emphasize the point. He wasn't the type to spill another's secrets to others. Gossip was one of his least favorite things, having lived in an environment where people wielded rumors like daggers. Betraying a person's trust was unfair, and unkind. He wondered what was this secret which she was being so furtive about. Was it something very personal, or embarrassing? Try as he might, Cymbel couldn't guess.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Apr 6, 2017 7:03 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

So he did like them. she thought as he spoke and covered his face more to hide from the sun. she thought about his question and how much she could answer without lying. "Well, it's a long story that only those who saw it would believe." course then again she was talking to a fey in a world known for magic. "Promise not to freak if I tell you, and that you will not tell a living soul" She knew that fay were to keep their promises and if he promised than she would be safe to tell her secret. 

She knew they were in a desert where no one would see her if she turned and that the man needed her help so he would be less likely to attack and if he wanted to she could simply fly off or over power him, Right? She thought as she waited his reply.  

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Wed Apr 5, 2017 10:51 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Small and adorable, also very lively. They looked healthy to me, though I don't know much about dragons." He pulled his hood around his face as they left the comforting coolness of the forest. He remembered the experience of coming here, and he still didn't look forward towards going through it again. At least if he fainted he wouldn't be alone and without help. The desire to soak his hood in water was tempting, but he needed to conserve it as much as possible. When he had enough money, he would ride an airship the next time he wanted to come to Endapano. As they walked further he was glad he had decided to use such a simple glamour spell. Using a disguise that required more effort would only drain his energy faster, and he wanted to arrive at a safe place before sundown. From what he saw, Vinsue liked reptiles–especially dragons in particular. She was an interesting one, but then again he was the one who had owned a biting plant.

"You seem to be quite fond of reptiles. Any particular reason why?" He hoped he wasn't being rude; he was simply curious.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Apr 5, 2017 12:34 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"good let's go." she said then started walking. the gates were rather easy to get out compared to the trouble of getting in. Getting to the edge of the woods she stopped. "So what did you think of the scalies." She said filling the heat and then starting into the sunny desert. waiting tell dark would be an better option but she prefered the heat and her companion needed help across. 

The golden sand and sun was quite welcoming to her and she dropped her hood. She immediately started to soak in some of the heat. it was hard to keep her trew form from rising to the surface to bask in the sun but she managed. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Wed Apr 5, 2017 12:21 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Cymbel kept Vinsue's warning in mind, and started thinking of what disguise to use when they entered Arri. The fey were not known for having the best reputation, for obvious reasons. Calling them sadists and hedonists wasn't much of an insult to be fair, quite the understatement. "I'm ready to leave when you are." He discreetly used a glamour spell to make his ears appear slightly more pinnate under his hood. If he didn't want to use a complete illusion, he could pass himself off as a half-elf. With his canteen full and supplies packed, he hoped the trip would be a quick one. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Apr 5, 2017 11:17 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

she just smiled at his reasons for not touching the dragons. it was quit funny. She had bit only when she was real small and losing teeth but it never drawn the blood. She was slapped for it and never did it synce. But she was bitten by one older than her when she was little. he did not like that she ate his bird but he got over it once he knew a bit about her. She shook the thought as she stepped out.

She turned and looked at him as he asked if he was an inconvenience.  "Your no inconvenience. the older dragon will pass on the message to my friend and I am going that way. Besides you'll give me someone to talk to." she readjusted her hood and walked to one of the places that had water and filled her water skin. She had saw who she wanted and was glad the owner was not around. "And caravans are the worst choice for often they will try to sell you if you're not careful and you would be a slave if you're lucky or in one of the arenas if you're not." She spoke from experience of not her but a few people she had freed. 

"So ready to go or still need to do some stuff?" she asked as she put the lid on her container.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Wed Apr 5, 2017 9:24 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Oh… I see. Though it would be rude to tease them so when they expect food. I doubt the keeper of the stables would like people bothering the creatures if they aren't thinking of owning them. I've been bitten a few times before." He had learned the hard way not to tease pets, especially near their mouths. A few times when he had left Aubrey unfed for more than a day it would become a bit too snap-happy at anything that came too close to its mouth. There was also that time when he was feeding a baby rock tortoise and it clamped down on his finger and refused to let go. He remembered having to put his hand with the reptile in an icebox until it fell asleep and loosened its grip. Rock tortoises were ornery creatures, and Cymbel always thought their faces were in a perpetual scowl.  

When Vinsue left the stables he followed after. "Are you sure about acting as my guide through the Harena desert? If it inconveniences you, I can wait for a caravan planning to cross." He still felt bad about what happened the night before at the festival, and wasn't sure how she'd react if he tried to change his appearance again.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Apr 5, 2017 6:33 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

It was obvious he did not speak the tongue nor was he ok with being near the dragons. It was a bit disappointing she would need to keep her ability a secret from him. "svanoa tepohaic wer naktar coanwor krarir wux?" she asked the dragon. "Jaci tepohaic naktada ve natorki vur fed shar si nurti itrewic ekess ocuir wer svanti, vur nurti itrewic ekess klae sia abilities." was his response. which saddened her for she had been free for years yet he will be stuck here tell his elf master dies, and elves live a long time unlike humans. "si geou duulo wux ir di theses keari." She said and looked at Cymbel. "You look uneasy near the hatchlings. I promise they will not bite hard enough to draw the blood." she said then looked around. "The shopkeeper has left and will not be back for a day or two so i guess we need to leave." She than petted a blue dragon on the head and left the stables. the truth was she wanted to see if her old friend had been freed or if he was still her and see how the fey would act near them. it would be a whole lot easier to cross the desert in her true form but her new friend looks like he would faint if she did.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Tue Apr 4, 2017 9:28 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Oh, of course." He thought she wanted to purchase a mount or a familiar–no, a pet. Familiars were creatures bound to one by magic, obligated to serve the master. Pets on the other hand were the opposite. Cats were a special exception however; even if they were familiars they didn't always follow directions for the wildest reasons ranging from wanting a snack to simply deciding they didn't want to. He himself wasn't interested in buying a pet, mostly because he didn't think he was a suitable person to own one. The most experience he had was keeping a carnivorous plant in his bedroom named Aubrey who ate any insects and spiders that wandered in. You never knew if a rival family member was using them to spy on you or poison you in your sleep. Unfortunately Aubrey was teleported to an unknown location during a duel between houses and that was the last time he saw it. 

Following Vinsue, he saw her pass by several dragon whelps of various breeds and types. Cymbel watched them while keeping his fingers away from potentially hungry mouths. He had never seen a dragon up close. There were the fey drakes that lived in the forests, but they were closer related to pixies and sprites than actual dragons. When he saw Vinsue near a fully-grown one, he looked up overwhelmed by it's size. Dragons were an incredibly rare sight, particularly adult ones. They were so rare that even the temperamental ladies of the court couldn't get their hands on a hatchling as their latest trophy pet to show off. They were also dangerous, with their strength and ability to spew magic from their breath. The fey weren't known for their physical prowess and preferred using deception and trickery to solve situations. Thus naturally being in the same space with an apex predator would make anyone self-conscious. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Apr 4, 2017 7:03 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She pushed off the tree as she saw him wave and gave a nod to show she saw. than walked to meet him. He had gathered a good bit of stuff before finding her which showed he was going to take her up on her offer. "Hey. I need to go to the stables real quick before i, or we leave. Do you want to come with me?" She asked. She hopped to test him near some of the young dragons to see how he would react and if he did she would see if it would be safe for him to know her secret.

Hopping he would come she started walking towards the stables. once inside she quickly found the young dragons and gave it a bite of her meat. upon entering one could see various types of animals at various ages. She than found one of her old friend, a dragon in his early 100s. She talked to him in draconic  for a bit before watching to see how the fray did near them.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Tue Apr 4, 2017 4:51 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Having finished shopping, Cymbel felt more prepared with most of the necessities covered. He then looked around town for his new acquaintance. A half hour later, he spotted her at the same tree where he had collapsed from heatstroke. As he came closer, he waved hoping to get her attention. He had his hood pulled up like usual, deciding he didn't need a parasol this time. As long as there was shade he could hide from the sun and a little rain didn't bother him. He was already thinking about his next place to visit, Horae Island. But before he could set foot in there, he would have to cross the Harena desert first… He considered making a stop in Arri as it was on the way. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Apr 4, 2017 11:10 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She returned the bow and walked off. she left the city and went to a nearby cave and slept. 

She rose a good hour after the sun and got ready for the day. once she looked presentable she changed into a simple brown robe and sent the other outfit back to her main cave. She than went back to the city and looked at the various things tell she saw a stand selling meat and bought a jerky stick. She ate it as she kept walking around. Before long she bought a water skin and whent to the tree she rested on the first day and leaned against it. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Tue Apr 4, 2017 10:26 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Thank you, I may need one after what I went through to get here. May you have a good night and sleep well." Cymbel politely bowed before retreating to the comfort of his room at the inn. Once he was back inside, he stowed away the snacks he saved from the festivities into his bag for later. After he and Vinsue had parted ways, he snagged another candied apple before the leftovers were taken away. Back home his brothers would have mocked him for being childish, but he didn't need to worry about that anymore. Looking out the window, he gazed up at the moons. It was a wonderful evening, and normally he would take a midnight stroll. However participating in the festival had made him more tired than expected, so he slept.

The next morning before daybreak, Cymbel rose and packed his things. He planned to pick up supplies at the market before the temperature became too unbearable. He hoped that Vinsue was still in town; he wanted to take up on her offer to guide him through the hellish sandscape they called a desert. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Apr 4, 2017 9:31 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Well new to me. see it has been a long time since i have attended the festival" to say the actual time would give away the fact she was not human which she had found to be quite dangerous. She shook the thought and looked around it was a song of meaning. The song behind the city and the struggles. It she was glad to know had not changed more than what instruments were played.

"Who knows we may meet again next time." She said at his response to her question. She kinda hoped it would be less than a year before they meet again for he seemed fun and those eyes of his seam to say he has an interesting story or to to tell. She realized she was staring at his eyes and looked away. it was a bad habit of hers to look into the eyes of strangers but she usually looked away before they had time to notice. 

The song ended. which meant it was well midnight and time for her to leave the city. Most would bring the parties into their homes with their friends. She would retreat quietly into the forest and find a place to sleep before returning tomorrow. "Well I must be going. and if you want a guide through the desert i'll be around."

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Tue Apr 4, 2017 9:01 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"So those bursts of lights are a new thing?" He asked. There was so much about the world that he found himself unaware of. Things changed so quickly outside of Feeorin. One decade a ruler would be deposed and the next three decades later that ruler would be passing their title to another. He would need to pick up the pace to keep up with the changes of the world. Funnel cakes were also a new thing to him. He had never seen one before, and imagined a conical-shaped pastry. There must be a reason behind the strange shape, even if it was a simple one. In reply to Vinsue he nodded. "Yes, it was. And maybe much more than that. It is a good thing however, and I would very much like to return to Endapano when it is held again." A festival like this was something he wouldn't mind attending year after year.

As the music changed once again, Cymbel watched as the dancers waltzed for the last time for the entire night. This song was different from the festive jig they had started with. It seemed like a folk song, something that spoke of the elven culture. As he listened to the words, he could feel the heart and soul of the musicians and singers as they displayed their love for their kingdom. The elves had suffered much at the hands of the humans when they had came. Yet in spite of their hardships they held on, proudly and bravely. Though no longer as powerful as they once were, their strong spirit remained. To him, this was an admirable thing.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Apr 4, 2017 6:39 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"They did not have those when i was little." she said after the sky went dark course it had been over 100 years since she had attended the festival. It was nice to see all the changes and yet some things never changed. "They always have interesting food. I have always loved the funnel cakes." She took the last sip of the wine she was carrying and placed the empty cup on the table. "So is festival what you expected." she said meaning the party. 

The party was fun and if anything it was the day she became free. The music started back up into a slow song which use to mean that everyone would find a partner and dance. She hand never danced but loved to watch the people spin and move with one another. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Mon Apr 3, 2017 8:47 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Cymbel acted surprised when Vinsue called him. "Oh! Fancy seeing you here. I couldn't turn down trying a few of these candied nuts. They're a bit salty but mostly sweet. It's an interesting combination." He ate another one from the handful he had taken and savored the taste. Vinsue looked happy to see him, which made his conscience ease a bit. He was going to apologize for not finding her sooner when sounds of popping led to bright explosions of color trailing through the sky. He looked on, mesmerized in wonder. They burst forth in many different patterns and shapes, each one different from the last. There was something about how they bloomed in the night sky that created happiness in the hearts of people, like now. What impressed him most was how fleeting they were. One moment they were there, and the next they fizzled out into white smoke. Did the people in the cities have these vanishing lights every year? He continued to watch, eyes transfixed on the lights until they were over. "Amazing…" The word escaped from his lips as the last spark of the night faded to black.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Apr 3, 2017 4:59 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"I hope so" she said then turned and watched the dancing. She quickly started clapping to the music deciding that it was not going to last forever and she did not want to miss it. After a few songs she turned and walked into the crowd. After a bit she found a familiar figure. The smile on her face turned ginun as she approached. "I was starting to think you decided not to show up." she said coming from behind him.

She was truly happy to see a somewhat familiar face in the crowd of joyus strangers. popping in the sky quickly gained her attention. Fireworks where one of the more recent things they addid she thought not remembering ever seeing the sky light up like it did. she was transfixed on the sky and the falling lights that disappeared as they fell. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Mon Apr 3, 2017 4:39 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Ah, well that is a pity. Maybe you'll see him sometime later. I doubt anyone would pass up a festival like this." He lifted his glass and tipped it to Vinsue, giving a polite nod as he mingled back into the crowd. Now Cymbel felt guilty. He never expected for somebody to be waiting for him. Not wanting to keep her waiting out of courtesy, he slipped back into his room at the inn and grabbed his cloak. The low humidity had assisted the drying process so it was only slightly damp, and he put it on over his current clothing. He removed the glamour spell, reverting his features to his original appearance before rejoining the festivities. Before finding Vinsue, he left his now empty glass on a table as to remove any suspicion of his previous disguise.

Taking a small pouch of honey glazed nuts, he casually wandered around until he naturally came within her line of sight. This would make it feel like a stroke of luck, but most of all it would seem less forced or awkward. When she took notice of him, he planned to respond with surprise.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Apr 3, 2017 1:10 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"It is a man i had met earlier. perhaps you seen him he is about six foot tall with snow white hair. He goes by Cielben or something like that." she was a bit sad that he was not there. She looked around then back at the stranger. She had wanted to ask her friend to dance but that did not seem to be an option if she could not find him. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Mon Apr 3, 2017 12:49 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Oh, I see. If you don't mind me asking, who would that someone be?" The situation was quickly becoming rather awkward for Cymbel. He tried hard not to let his act slip as he was supposed to be a complete stranger whom she had never met before. None of this would have happened if he had used the glamour spell before she first saw him, as he wouldn't need to pretend to be somebody else twice over. The characters in those sappy novellas made it look so easy; he couldn't imagine how they could pull this off without breaking into laughter at how ridiculous the whole thing was. Maybe he was overthinking things. Perhaps Vinsue was waiting for somebody else she knew. There was always the possibility of her having acquaintances in Endapano since she had visited this place before. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Apr 3, 2017 9:13 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

After a while she looked at the various food and drinks. She tried some type of roasted meat and a glass of wine. She was not much of a wine drinker but it tasted good. she than went back and started watching the dancing. She thought that the girls would for sure get the man she met at the market to dance but he was not chosen. she looked around to see if he was there to no luck.

Soon after some of the people switched off she got lost in thought. She almost jumped at the voice. She was lost in memories and stopped paying attention to the festival tell the man's voice brought her out of her thoughts. "Yea it is. I was just waiting for someone who does not seem to be hear." She said to the man  

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sun Apr 2, 2017 9:19 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

With his new disguise Cymbel slipped into the crowds with ease and mingled with the visitors and locals. He sampled the foods which had been prepared for the event, particularly the desserts. There were candied fruit, honey glazed nuts, and his favorite–an entire apple coated in a thin, glossy coating of melted sugar. It was smooth and shiny like a glass bauble, and the slight crunch followed by the fruit's refreshing sweetness was a delicate contrast between the two textures. Taking a glass of chilled spirits with crushed mint and herbs, he watched the dancers form a ring. Spinning and twirling in the circle, it reminded him of the feverish dancing among the toadstools beneath the moonlight. The greatest difference was that the dancers here were happy, with joy on their faces. A chill ran down his spine as he noted how similar they appeared on the surface.

Halfway through his drink, a some of the dancers broke off from the ring into the crowd, encouraging bystanders to join in the merriment. Cymbel himself was not interested in dancing, but one of them approached him and soon the crowd was chanting for him to join the circle. He and a couple others were strung along as they danced in time to the music holding hands. The pattern changed to dancing in pairs, and one of the girls linked arms with him as the tempo of the music began to slow. They waltzed for a few minutes before changing partners, and for a moment he had lost himself in it. He had never expected those lessons with his dancing instructor to be of use until now. Remembering he was still under the effects of the glamour spell, he graciously bowed out when he found the chance. Fortunately the darkness of the night would obscure any minor inconsistencies in his illusion before he strengthened its duration. With the effects of his disguise renewed, he saw the woman who had saved him from heatstroke that afternoon. Walking over, he emerged from the crowd beside her.

"Enjoying the view? This festival really is something else isn't it?" He didn't expect her to recognize him, after all his voice and his appearance were different from what she had seen earlier. He had also changed his clothes out of the traveling robes which were currently hanging to dry.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Apr 2, 2017 11:49 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Vinsue climbed a tree outside after she realized that she was alone again. She sat on one of the branches that was in the sun and fell asleep. She dreamed of when she was 16 years old. she was super excited about the party though her master seemed to be hiding something. she thought it was a present or good surprise but that was not the case. They started through the desert and he stopped the cart near the center. there he told her to sit and stay tell he was gone. he told her the truth behind his raising of her and that she was useless for not being able to fly or spit flames then he walked off. the dream ended as she heard drums and other music.

She climbed out of the tree to see that it was dark and started walking the mostly empty streets towards the sounds. she watched as the crowds started to get thicker. it took some effort to get to the front and see the dancing. people who were not dancing were clapping to the beat. She quickly found a seat near the edge and watched. she had came to party but she had that dream and it took the will to party out of her. she put on a smile to keep from ruining anyone else's party and watched. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sun Apr 2, 2017 10:19 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Ah, the Festival of Friends. It sounded like a wonderful festival, as did the idea behind it. Back home the festivals were never like this, less like events of goodwill and more like competitions between the houses. Here festivals were meant to be enjoyed instead of fussed and prepared over. Seeing all the different kinds of people all partaking in the event was something quite special to Cymbel. He had rarely encountered other races, mostly humans who had made the mistake in entering their domain. Unfortunately the people who came never left… at least not in the same way they had came. He pushed aside that unpleasant thought as he watched Vinsue leave. So this festival too had a special meaning to her. Perhaps after tonight it would hold a different meaning for him as well.

He bid the vendor goodbye and returned to the inn he had rented a room in, and washed up. Changing his clothes, he combed out the tangles in his long silver hair and rinsed his traveling clothes in a tub of soapy water. Wringing them dry, he shook out the creases and hung them up on a drying pole included with the facilities. If tomorrow was as hot and arid as today, they should be dry in no time. Fastening his hair into a ponytail, he stood before the dresser mirror and splashed cold water over his face. As he dried himself with a towel, he changed his features to resemble a human male with short black hair and gray eyes. Satisfied with his new appearance, he left the inn once he heard music and singing from his window. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined what he would be doing now, and he wanted to savor every moment of it. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Apr 2, 2017 7:01 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"It's the one festival that everyone in the kingdom comes to." Vinsue answered completely forgetting the name. "It's the festival of friends." the man answered. "Its purpose is to show that all the races in the kingdome get along and that they can have some fun." She smiled, glad Cielben was interested in the thought of what was to happen tonight. Her master took her to this festival every year when she was small as a hatchday present. She had turned 200 today though she really did not fill that old. 

She was a bit anxious for the party but she needed more energy if she was going to dance all night. "Course It has a different meaning to me. today was the day i came into the world years ago." she said in english than nodded to the vendor before starting to walk off again. It was quit clear Cielben knew the local language better than she did.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sat Apr 1, 2017 10:17 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Cymbel's attention was drawn away from the food stall to the conversation. He recognized the vendor and the woman speaking in elvish, as he in his childhood was tutored in the languages of the major cities in Canelux. The vendor was speaking with a slight accent, possibly a regional variant. So there was a festival taking place here tonight. That would be something he'd like to see. Coming over to where Vinsue and the man she was speaking with were, he greeted the vendor in elvish before asking. "Greetings good sir. If you would be so kind as to tell me, what festival will occurring tonight? I wouldn't want to miss any of the festivities."

It seems that he was in luck. He couldn't have timed his arrival any better. Elven culture was something that he held a long-standing interest in, as he wanted to see how they compared to the dances and parties back home. And since this would be happening at night, he did not have to worry about the sun or the oppressive heat. This would give him just enough time to wash up and make himself presentable for such an event. Perhaps braving the sweltering sands was not such a bad idea after all. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sat Apr 1, 2017 6:13 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Though now that you have been threw hell you have no need to study up on the place. Just pack what you needed and ran out of." she said as an afterthought. She stopped and looked at the meat glad she had eaten her fill before coming into the city for it smelled good but she was two full to think of eating or she may have bought it. "Looks like someone is ready for the festival tonight." the man behind the table said. "I love to watch the dancing and listen to the songs and music fill the air." Vinsue smiled the party was one of the things that she had hopped to see upon coming and was a bit excited for it. she simply nodded at his statement. it had been in the local tongue which she understood but had a hard time speaking in. "only thing most people do not like is that the shops close early tonight. corse that makes business better for people need certain stuff before hand." she nodded "Yea i guess that is why so many people are out in this heat." he laughed at her attempted response in elvish. She knew it was most likely cause she said it wrong but he understood.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 7:04 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Cymbel gave a sigh in reply. To be fair, it wasn't like had a lot of time to read up on places outside of his home. Planning one's departure in secret with his family watching over his shoulder was not an easy task. He had left without the intention of going back, and was forced to leave most of his things behind lest he lose his chance for good. "I'll keep that in mind before I leave then." Having used up what little provisions he had brought in his haste, he would need to buy some supplies before setting out again. The thought of crossing that hellish landscape of sand and sun again made his stomach churn, but he couldn't afford to ride an airship. He considered purchasing a mount from the local stables, but decide against it. If he wanted a beast of burden it would have to have wings, at least. And the last time he rode an animal, it was a horse not a gryphon. 

Seeing it had been his second day in Endapano, there was no harm in indulging himself in some of the local cuisine. Stopping by a stall selling seasoned meat with fresh greens wrapped in flatbread, he looked over the selection of ingredients while considering his budget.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 11:43 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She looked at the busy streets and tree homes as he gestured towards them. "Looks like you forgot to read up on the travel to and from this place. Funny enough that's what first brought me here. the books fell to talk of the journey to this place though which seems to be your case." She was a bit curious how this place had changed in the last 20 years since she had saw it and thought it would at least let Cielben out or the sun. "Come, the stores are always cooler on the inside." or at least they were when she last saw this place. 

She turned and started towards one of the dining shops. "I have found it a good idea on my travels to get an idea of what to expect on the way to and from the places i want to go to. course that was after i almost froze to death on one of my travels." she still had chills from that hike though she did find what she was looking for.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 11:25 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Cymbel was mentally questioning why he had decided to come out in this sweltering weather himself. He motioned to the elven buildings around them. "I heard of the unique architecture of Endapano from books and written recollections of travels. I found the idea of buildings constructed within century-old trees fascinating, and so I came to see them myself." A decision he was now sorely regretting, as the information he recalled from the travel guides failed to mention you had to cross a desert of all things to reach the kingdom first. 

Why did it have to be desert? Why couldn't it have been a lake, or a bog instead? He was used to rain and cloudy skies so he had wished to experience sunny weather, but soon realized it was possible to have too much of a good thing. He knew he should have bought a parasol before he left.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 7:18 AM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She smiled as he again said thanks. She knew she would not have been the only one to have helped. this place was crawling with elves and she knew that they would not let someone die in there streats. "Mr Cielben Lambrey. nice name." She said it aloud to make sure she pronounced it correctly. "So what brings you out in this heat if you do not mind me asking." she watched the way he stood and talked. He gave of the impression of a warrior though it just may be his pride.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 7:26 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

He paused when the woman spoke. Giving away his name was dangerous, so he considered an alternative. "Ms. Vinsue, you have my eternal thanks. If it were not for your act of kindness, I surely would not continue to draw breath." Cymbel placed his right hand over his heart and gave a slight bow. "You may call me Cielben Lambrey." The name he gave was not his real name, but there was no way for her to know that. His tone of voice and body language did not give himself away. Also, he had never distinctly said that was his name, he merely suggested she could refer to him as such. Personally he did not want to deceive her, but giving someone your own name was a very serious matter. 

As a fey he could not simply give away this knowledge flippantly, unlike how most humans and other races did. Besides… a complete stranger calling him by his name felt too personal. Just as humans did not call their elders by their first names, fey did not tell you their real names in their first meeting. It was proper courtesy. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 6:12 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

She watched as he drank the water. it was funny how it spilled from the sides as he drank it. course she smiled seeing him come back to a continuous state. She stood as he did making sure he did not fall over or get up too fast. seeing he would be ok she stepped back to give him some space. she bowed her head as he said thanks. she did not need it but was glad to have helped for people that she helped are less likely to attack and she liked friends better than enemies.

She looked at him a bit curious as to why he would keep his cape on with him be that hot. she pushed the thought away. "I'm Vinsue. what's your name."

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 4:33 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

As his consciousness was fading, Cymbel heard a voice speak to him. The words were hazy, as if he were hearing them speak underwater. Slowly drinking the water, he felt himself returning back to life as his body temperature was decreasing. His blurred vision regained its clarity, and his hearing was no longer distorted. Still exhausted, he laid there for about ten minutes until the red from his face had receded. Getting up, he leaned on the tree for support as he was back on his feet. 

His breathing was more regular now, and he wiped the spilled water from his mouth. Once fully recovered, he spoke between labored breaths. "…Thank you." He wasn't sure what more he could say. Any other expressions of gratitude were temporarily lost to him as his head stopped throbbing. Putting a hand to his forehead he checked his temperature and wiped away the sweat from his brow. He could feel the back of his neck was completely damp now, having perspired far more than he had in the past two centuries of his life. He would need to bathe and have his clothes washed to regain some semblance of decency. Even though he had nearly suffered heatstroke, he wasn't going to take off his hood until then. He was absolutely sure his hair was a soggy mess.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 2:41 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Vinsue had drifted to sleep for half a second and only realized it as she woke to a groane. She looked around to see the same busy world she had fallen asleep in with no one in site that looked like they were in a state whar a groane would have escaped their lips. she got up. and walked around the tree. it was one of the smaller trees in the town yet it was still quite large. She quickly spotted a man that also had his hood up and sat against the tree. 

His garments were soaked with sweat and his face was almost as red as fresh blood. It was obvious he was not well. She knew he was heat sick do to seeing others get it in different places. She always thought it a bit funny how two leggeds got when it was hot. than again they stood the cold a bit better than she ever could. She knelt beside him and started drawing the heat away from him. than conjured up a glass of water and handed it to him. "Drink this it will help." Her voice was softer in this form than her other. thow it still held the command of a noble.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 2:23 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

As he discreetly went around another stall, he spotted a person sitting in the sun. To be fair, he was a little envious of those who had tanned skin or had no trouble standing in noonday sunlight. To him his skin was terribly pale and exposure to harsh light made him get sunburned. Under normal circumstances he would've cast an illusion to mask his appearance, but heat exhaustion was sapping his strength. Leaning against the shaded side of the same tree Vinsue was near, he tilted his head back and closed his eyes to rest. He was never good at dealing with the heat, and he was feeling dizzy. Wearing a cloak over a set of robes one would think that he could simply remove a layer, however he would then run the risk of burning.Oh how he wished he had a glass of chilled elderberry-mint juice sweetened with a few drops of honey right now. He felt like he was being slowly steamed to death from the inside out. As he slid down against the trunk, he let out a groan as the heatstroke was beginning to take it's toll. Cymbel felt terribly ill.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 1:08 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

Getting into the city was fun. the guards thought she was up to no good but once they discovered she was weaponless they let her in. out of all the cities in Revaliir This was her favorite.  She walked by the vendors which alway had something that sparked her interests but for once she only brought enough money to by a drink at the tavern. She stopped at the table filled with beads carved from bones and scales. the merchant began to talk and Vinsue walked off. She was not trying to be rude but she knew that many merchants could sail anything to anyone and she would much rather have her drink.

she stopped near a tree and sat down on the sunny side absorbing the warmth. most would give her a questioning look and walk off do to them being to had but the warmth gave her strength and she loved it. She had her hood up as she always did to keep her identity secret. it was a habit of hers to keep the hood up for in most towns it was the only way to keep bounty hunters away. Anyone who saw her would see a white skinned girl in her early twenties, wearing a brown long sleeve button up over shirt and white under shirt. she was wearing a skirt that on one side was at her knee and the other side almost touched the ground. Coins hung from the bottom of both her shirt and skirt in rows of three. 

She knew if she wanted to have fun at the tavern she had to wait tell just about dark to go there. She closed her eyes and laid her head against the tree.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 12:37 PM, Post Subject: [O] The Midday Marketplace

"Fresh fruit! Just picked this morning–you won't find any sweeter than these!" "Pottery for sale! Fine bone china imported from Tarishitar and lacquer ware from Ataiyo!" "Trinkets! Beads and curiosities from Abed!"

Cymbel walked in the shade of the trees as he passed by vendors hawking their wares. It has approaching noon and the sun was becoming unbearably hot. For a fey accustomed to the coolness of twilight traversing the wastelands was torture. If he could, he would have traveled by night but there were more dangers in the dark than during the daylight hours. Perhaps if he had taken an airship it would not have been so difficult. Unfortunately for him, he had left home of his own accord. He would have to take what the world threw at him as he was on his own.

With the hood of his cloak pulled up, he stayed in spots of shadow while browsing the stalls from a comfortable distance. There were many things he would like to purchase for himself, but that would be unbecoming of him. Thus, he stood around and fidgeted while casting glances at the curious things which caught his eye.