Springtime Party

10/11/2010

StarFyre:

The sun was slowing sinking below the horizon, and brilliant, colored globes of light were popping into existance to illuminate the gathering. The moon hung low and large on the eastern horizon, shining with a blue-white radiance that only highlighted the strange, vari-colored light coming from the magelights that drifted over the party or hovered above the food tables. The tribal music coming from the handful of humans and Alevas who were musicians only seemed to grow louder as the day began to fade, but not obnoxiously so. Conversations could still be had, but everything had a thrumming undercurrent of tribal drums and delicate wind instruments.

Into this twilight of light and shadow and sound swaggered two forms, the larger of the two grumbling under his breath as he hauled a keg across the expanse of ground and dropped it down next to the drinks table. "That's th' last time I do that, yo." Reno grouched to Rieno as he dusted off his palms, "Y'can haul yer own damn kegs from now on." Rieno waved a paw negligently and poured himself a mug of the brew, "Y'expect me t'be able to lift somethin' that size? Ain't that what yer 'round for, yo?"

Over near the musicians, humans and Alevas paired off and danced however they saw fit, trading partners and moves as easily as they breathed. Aleva coiled around one another or around humans, some few stood apart and showed off everything they had, others watched and talked, or jumped in to show off their own skills. It was a wild free-for-all that looked as safe and controlled as a river at flood, but somehow humans remained un-stepped-upon and Aleva didn't wack anyone with wings or tail except on purpose.

jess:

::I think the desert can be a great place to live, as long as you are aware of the challenges it presents. As long as you keep in mind that it can be dangerous, and how, you can live quite well in the desert. The same, of course, goes for any other hazardous climate.:: He grinned at the second kit's comment on sand and dust getting in the fur. ::Definitely. That is one thing I don't miss much. The place I have been living is more savannah than desert. So, still fairly warm and dry, but more grass and trees.::

StarFyre:

(( jess )) Alari bounced about on Rana's head for a moment, having finished her snacks and licked her paws clean, ::Do you live with anyone, or by yourself?:: she asked in curiousity. The other female kit snorted and continued nibbling on her dacha, ::You're such a busy-body, Alari.::

Phoenix:

Not everyone who attends a party is there because they want to be. Sometimes you're just the designated driver -- or pilot. Captain Cid Sierra Highwind and his ship, the Solar Highwind, were the reason some number of guests had been able to attend this party from elsewhere in the stars, and though he was not any kind of party-goer on his own, he was stuck at this one for a while. Of course, he would never have left the safe party-less chambers of his craft if not for the lure of fresh air and food that didn't come out of a can...something he was sure he'd regret in time, but for now, there was a buffet to investigate.

After a great deal of debate with himself, the Sema Riihan was in his humanlike Lunari form -- more likely to be stepped on by Aleva that way, it was true, but far less conspicuous than a 10-foot-tall biped with a most unusual set of markings. He didn't move like someone who didn't want to be noticed, though, practically swaggering along with his hands in his pockets and what appeared to be a cigarette dangling from one corner of his mouth. His grey bond, Khaeuss, did a much better impression of a shadow as the smaller Nara Riihan followed him along.

Unfortunately, it was starting to look like venturing out of the ship was going to prove fruitless. Down at the tables where drinks were laid out, he surveyed the various juices, waters, wines, and offworld imports with mounting displeasure. "What the hell is with this?" he complained aloud, at no one in particular. "Doesn't anybody know how to brew a goddamn cup of TEA anymore?"

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial )) The half-daemon, half-Alevaharin albino canted her head at Innial, at his gaudy (well, lovely, from her point of view) adornments, at the celebrating of those around her. She could imagine his tale about eking out a survivalist living in such a harsh landscape, despite the merriment of the present, and it made her twitch her tail in mild consternation. :: You don't have any trade with other clans, other planets, even? :: she wondered. The Nexus was rich in just about every material, if one knew where to look, and who to speak to. Her bonds -- her ex-bonds -- had seemed to know as much.

StarFyre:

(( Phoenix )) Rieno nudged his bro and grinned up at him, then swaggered over to Cid, mug of beer still in his hand. "Heyo! What's this 'bout tea, I hear? This be a party, man! Not some cutesy lil teahouse, yo." He draped his arm over Cid's shoulder and smirked. Clearly, Rieno had started in on the drinks before he got to the actual party, but it wasn't really showing... yet.

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember )) Galamane felt her heart palpitating, and stuttered out a response that didn't quite fall into a coherent sentence. "Oh, oh damnit," she furrowed her brows and shook her muzzle, trying to untangle her tongue. "I wouldn't dare dream of leaving my friends, I mean, not forever, I'm just... you see, if I came, they'd probably all wind up wanting to edge in and see what it is that I was doing; you know adoptive family..." She trailed off with a laugh that she wasn't convinced didn't sound more than awkward and nervous!

(( To anyone who happens to be enjoying the dance floor! )) Far be it for Renille to pass up a chance to partake in the dances of different people! Small as she was, standing a little over five-feet, the shaggy-haired blonde didn't seem phased enough by the wine she'd supped not to observe how others were dancing, and trying her best to match the fancy foot-work. For a time she danced with the fair-haired elf, but seeing Aleva's weaving about their human bonds and others, she simply had to give it a try. The curvy little human set her arms up in the air, so that her rough-woven blue cotton wrap streamed merrily in the moon and lamp-light, laughing madly as she tried to keep up with the other dancers.

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Isuan )) Innial shook his head slightly, ::Oh, we trade on occasion, but most of us have lived like this all our lives.:: He gazed down at the gathering, pondering how to say what was on his mind, ::We're... proud, I suppose you could say. We turn to others only after we have reached the limit of our own capabilities. So, we trade for things that we can't make or find on our own, like those wines and beers that are down there, and otherwise make do with our own capabilities.:: He lifted a paw and gestured towards some of the humans of the Pride, ::For example, most of the clothes that the humans wear are made out of our fur. Our bedding is similar. On the other hand, we can't make metal, so we trade woven tapestries and other geegaws for things of metal.::

Phoenix:

Cid glared at the drinks table as if his pique might cause tea to suddenly appear -- or maybe intimidate some of those attendants into producing some -- until the unexpected and uninvited arm over his shoulder caused him to bristle and snap his head about, scowling. The scowl, however, flashed quickly to unpleasant surprise, before doubling back in irritation.

"@#$*&! You birdwinged furry bastards are everywhere now!" he exclaimed, so forcefully his 'cigarette' dropped out of his mouth and to the grass. This brought about another curse as he shook off Rieno's arm and bent to retrieve it. As he stood again, he thrust the candy stick in the terigon's face. "Dammit, look what you did! Do you have any idea how hard these are to find?" Clearly, by Cid standards, two seconds on the grass had ruined it.

Dray:

(( StarFyre for Innial )) The halfbreed nodded slowly along with her conversation partner's explanation, shrugging her feathery wing-shoulders finally, and admitting, :: I hadn't noticed the humans, but that is quite ingenious. Most of the bipeds that I've met are so fashion conscious... :: She noted Innial's trinkets, and decided to avert the trend in her conversation, adding instead, :: they tend to actively seek out other sources to add to their collections. Since I was born, I have just loved being in other places. Seeing different things, immersing myself, making friends... It feels strange, coming here, knowing that most of my mother's people are not the same. ::

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Gala )) Ember chuckled softly and swished his tail, politely ignoring her tongue-tied state, "Oh, I know how adoptive family gets! But there's plenty of space down at the delta. We don't use it, and no other Prides come this far south." Truthfully, he was having quite a bit of fun with Gala -- only his practice as an envoy (and the fact that he was currently controlling the conversation) was keeping him from being about as tongue-tied as she was, to be honest. That, and the fact that he'd watched her for several moments before speaking first - she was still getting used to the idea of more of her kind around, and he was hardly being fair to her, not letting her get her mental paws back under her. "So, enough about me," Ember said with a grin, "What would you like to talk about?"

jess:

(( StarFyre )) Rana laughed. "I don't mind the questions; it's fun to have new friends to talk to. For the moment, I do live alone. I've been thinking of going somewhere to sponsor or bond, but haven't thought about it enough to consider where I'd want to go. There are villages and towns on the world I've been living on, and very interesting lifestyles there. I enjoy visiting with them."

StarFyre:

(( Phoenix )) Rieno grinned brightly, sniffed the candy stick once, then promptly chomped it up and let it hang partially out of his mouth, like Cid had had it not long ago. "'Ey, these ain't that bad," Rieno commented as he toyed with the stick. "Watcha call these thingies?" Reno, who had come up to the two while Cid was busy bitching his brother out, leaned over the two smaller anthros and flicked an ear as he sniffed at the candy stick as well, then snorted and shook his head. "You an' sweets, Rieno." Rieno grinned up at Reno, "Yer jes jealous I got it first, yo!"

(( Dray for Isuan )) Innial grinned brightly and cheerfully, having noted Isuan's glance ::Oh, I'm just a silly shaman who collects shinies like a magpie - you should see my den sometime! I make a gloriously unique figure here, don't I?:: He was completely aware of the sort of figure he struck. In fact, he counted on it at times, to help him deal with stubborn people. Sometimes the more outlandish a person looked, the more others would believe him or her. ::I've been all over the universe, and so have several others of my Pride. In fact, not ever Aleva you see here actually lives with us. There are plenty like you who come for festivals or fairs, catch up with friends or make new ones, then wander off again.::

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember )) Galamane set her cup back on the table, finished with the contents even if the cup was no longer empty. She was partially using it as an excuse to wrap her poor, tiny mind around what he'd suggested in so off-hand a manner: her friends (family, really, given how they stuck together like a pack or a pride despite their differences!) probably would pick up and move to the Clan without much more than a rousing speech. It was just their way of things. It was what had found them at Nidus Insula to begin with, after all! But Galamane, for perhaps the first time in her adult life, was feeling conflicted about the idea of taking the lead. She wasn't even entirely sure why, though perhaps the other Marnu's pale face was clouding up her thoughts. Finally, instead of giving him an outright answer, she asked, "Do you like to run?" It was rather out of place, but she felt that she could probably run around the entire planet and back, tonight!

StarFyre:

(( jess )) The female kit in Rana's mane wrinkled her muzzle and pawed at Rana's mane with a free paw, ::Take me with you? I'd love to explore other places!:: She paused a moment in thought, then added, ::What makes the other villages and towns so interesting? Are they crazy? Do they dress up like monsters and run around at night going 'raaaaaawwrrrr'? Tell me!:: Alari chuckled and shook her head, ::Now who's the busy-body?:: But her mind-voice was just as interested in the answers as the other kit was.

A pack of kitlings, both Aleva and Ale'in, darted through the legs of the partygoers, laughing and hollering in their enthusiasm. Two Aleva kitlings wound about the legs of a human, sending her tumbling against one of the tables and knocking a few platters of food onto the ground. The rest of the pack promptly swarmed the fallen dishes and dispersed just as quickly, leaving only scraps behind. The two ringleaders made off with the platters themselves, laughing around mouthfuls of dented metal as they scattered after their followers.

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial )) Isuan perked her ears, intrigued. What Innial had said thus far had painted her a picture of a Clan that was somewhat reserved, if not xenophobic -- which didn't sync up with tonight's festival, of course, but then she'd felt that tonight was not the norm! :: Really? Fascinating -- who else is from off world? :: She didn't recognize any faces... but then, that made sense, as she hadn't met many other Alevaharins!

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Gala )) Ember set his cup back on the table next to Gala's and flicked an ear thoughtfully. He wondered what was going through her head that she'd latch onto something like that to ask about, but he wasn't going to complain. Running was one of his escapes from responsibility, and on a night like this... well. "Run? Of course I do! Would you like me to show you some of the desert tonight? There's some really beautiful areas that take some skill to get to, but if you think you're up to it..." Ember smirked and tossed his head, a sly bit of challenge in his gaze.

(( Dray, for Isuan )) Innial examined the crowd for a moment, then said, ::Do you see that deep black over there, with the striped red-white? They live off on a space station. And that cute little cream over by the flowers lives on another world.:: He scanned the crowd again, then pointed out a few others, ::Those four over there are all the offspring of Iyurri and Laynaer, come back from their travels for a bit of meet and greet with the Pride.::

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember )) Galamane nodded, dumb for the moment at the suggestion even if her tail and fin flickered excitedly with the crackle of anticipation that ran down her spine. The challenge was something that she was more familiar with; even if it hadn't come from another Marnu, Galamane was used to asserting herself amongst a rowdy and competitive crew. "Do I look like I'm made out of glass?" scoffed she. "Show me the path and we'll see how much skill you're looking at!"

Phoenix:

(( StarFyre )) Eyes practically bulging from his head, Cid looked from his suddenly-empty fingers to Rieno's cocky mug with such indignation one could almost hear his blood pressure skyrocket. Even if Cid had declared the cigarette now inedible, Rieno's actions were deplorable! Then, when the larger dragon twin of the terigon walked up, Cid's entire expression scrunched up with displeasure. "@#*&$, she makes you in matched pairs now? #@*^!"

Where an ordinary person would be inclined to excuse themselves from a rapidly-growing-irritating situation, Cid did not react as ordinary people. He plucked a battered carton from the band of his goggles, smacked out a new stick, and snapped his teeth down on the candy so fiercely he might have been imagining sinking his teeth into one of the redheaded clones instead. "And I thought the set I had to cart around was ridiculous!" he scoffed, crossing his arms with the carton still in one hand.

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial )) Following the shaman's gestures, Isuan caught and memorized the other visitors. :: Did you mean Star City? :: she wondered, :: I stayed there for a while. Was born planet-side, actually. :: She spoke affably, though the memories still stung. :: Do any who were born away from the Pride return to stay? :: It was a curiosity -- Isuan was uncertain about whether she would stay with the Clan for a time or not, though she felt like she wasn't really ready to settle. She wondered if any other offworld kits had grown up and felt some urge to settle.

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) Miyaki looked around at the festivities, amused by the variety of...well, amusements at this affair. Relieved that she'd managed to leave all her charges at home and so had no one to worry about she moved toward the dance floor to watch the dancing. She enjoyed dancing but the dance floor looked much too small and crowded to accomodate a creature her size.

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Gala )) Ember grinned brightly at the sudden shift in Gala, as she found herself back on firm ground again. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he stood, "Oh, I'll show you a path, little glass-girl!" He taunted with a jaunty wave of his tail as he took off through the crowd. He wove through the gathering with skill, heading off into the wilds with only a few glances over his shoulder to make sure Gala was keeping up. Teasing aside, he didn't want to lose her!

(( Phoenix )) Reno laughed at Cid's expression, "'ey now, I wasn't made by some silly red cat." His great paw settled on Rieno's head and ruffled the terigon's head-fur, much to the other's disgust. Spotting the carton that Cid was holding, Reno reached out in an attempt to pluck it free of the pilot's hand, "Yo, gimme one'a those, eh?"

(( Phoenix )) Rieno twirled the candy stick around in his mouth, batted his brother's hand free of his head, and casually brushed at his jacket, plucking a few strands of metallic silver hair from the black sleeves. Tserit had clearly been laying on his jacket again and... yep. Rieno plucked blue-grey fur from another area of his jacket and tossed the fur into the air. Stupid Acantha. "Nah," he finally responded, after he allowed for Cid's outburst over Reno attempting to steal his candy, "I'm th' only one Aki made 'round bout these parts, yo. Place can only take so much awesome, y'know?"

(( Dray, for Isuan )) Innial nodded at Isuan's question, ::Star City sounds right. I only talked with them briefly at the beginning of the festival. As for people not born of the Pride coming back...:: He turned back to the gathering, frowning in concentration as he sorted through the mass of people. ::Ah, there they are! The dapple and the rusty dancing together. They're from offworld and decided to come live here.::

(( Xalia )) The dance floor was lively, filled with laughter and good natured fun. Miyaki, on the edge of it all, found a large, red-gold Aleva throwing himself down at her paws, panting furiously from his exertions. ::Huh! Not as young as I used to be anymore!:: He commented cheerfully, looking up at Miyaki with one bright green eye as he dragon-grinned. ::So! Who might you be, milady?::

(( Dray )) Renille found herself in the middle of a clutch of Alevas, as they twined about her and another human from the Pride. The man winked at her and posed for a moment, then let himself fall backwards into the paws of a nearby Aleva. The Aleva then tossed him into the air and another caught him, all in time to the beat of the music.

jess:

(( StarFyre )) Pausing to think a moment, Rana wasn't completely sure why he found the places on Malnev so interesting. "Hmm, well, there are no humans there. All the people are furry; feline and canine based, mostly. There is a race of bear-like people, though most of the other races think they died out. The native dragon species had vanished a few generations ago, but recently returned. The two cultures I've visited with are quite different from each other.

The continental villages are very tribal; small clans, little to no technology, except for their spaceport, hunter/gather style communities. Each clan is run a little differently, and composed of a combination of the feline and canine races. That is one of the few things they have in common with the other culture. The islanders have a similar racial composition, but fall under a single ruler; a queen. Always a queen; very different from most of the cultures I've heard of. They have more technology overall, but no space-faring ability at all. They hadn't considered it at all, until very recently.

Some of the people have gotten rides from exploring dragons to new places, and now they are developing a taste for it, though not many of their people are technologically inclined enough to create the necessary equipment. Yet. They continue to get an influx of new dragons, and even a few humans, elves and the like, so soon they should have appropriate personnel. The most interesting part about the two cultures is that the continental clans know about the islands, not many specifics, but they know about the government, the races, some of the technology. The islanders don't even know the continental clans exist, or didn't, until recently. The few times they have tried to explore, they are stopped by the massive cliffs that surround the continent. A few of the recent explorers and bonders have been exchanging info about their cultures when they meet offworld.

I have visited both places, and while I spend more time on the continent, both are interesting." Finally, Rana managed to get a rein on his thoughts; these kits were surely too young to want that much info about a foreign world! He did backtrack to the kit's comment, though. "I would be delighted to have your company when I return home, if you truly want to come. And if it is alright with your parents, of course. I would be pleased to explore more of the world with a friend. Though," he added with a grin, "I would prefer to know the name of my companion."

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) Miyaki grinned down at the Aleva, her voice light for her size but rumbly like a cat's. "You know, I've always heard you're only as young as you feel." She tilted her head to one side but her grin never left. "Miyaki, and you are?"

StarFyre:

(( Xalia )) ::HAH! If I'm only as young as I feel, then I should have a gray muzzle by now!:: He responded with a wink, ::I'm Feran, scoutmaster, trainer, and all around old fart. I, of course, just had to prove to the young scamps that I'm just as capable as they are.::

Phoenix:

(( StarFyre )) Cid saw the incoming hand and bared his teeth in a silent snarl around his new cig, smacking Reno's reach away while simultaneously shoving the carton deep into the pocket of his baggy pants. "Who the hell do you think you are?" he demanded, then turned his quickly-fixing scowl on Rieno. "Well that's a relief, though small one! For a species made rarely by a *&$#ing chaos god I've run into too damn many of you! Whatever she has it out for me, I want nothing of it! And some help you are! Why haven't you run these louts off yet?"

This last was directed at the dog-sized dragon at Cid's feet. Khaeuus regarded his bond sedately, then gave a slow and nonplussed look up at the matching anthros that seemed to say, 'yeah, this is totally normal for me, insane as this is I'm still not worried at all'.

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) "Then why are you panting at my feet instead of showing the 'young scamps' that you only get better with age?" Miyaki grinned, her tone playful, and her expression amused.

StarFyre:

(( jess )) ::Ooooooh!:: The two kits breathed the word together in wonder at what Rana was describing, occasionally interrupting his words with excited squeeks at something or another. ::They'll let me go!:: the second kit squeeked excitedly, ::We don't keep anyone here who doesn't want to stay, and I want to go!:: At Rana's question about her name, she sent a sort of embarassed 'eek' sound, then responded with, ::I'm Mohona.::

(( Xalia )) ::Cause! I've been dancing since midafternoon without a real break,:: Feran let his tongue loll out of his mouth, ::Any chance a lady could see to finding a drop of something for a poor soul to wet his throat with?::

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) Miyaki cackled and batted lightly at Feran with one of her paws. "Does it look like I'd be able to carry it back to you if I did find it? Or were you hoping I'd carry you in your weakened condition?" She narrowed one eye and lowered her head to peer at him inquisitively but her eyes still sparkled merrily and she could help but continue to grin.

StarFyre:

(( Phoenix )) Reno chuckled deep in his throat, then reached out and snapped the stick in Rieno's mouth in half and promptly stuck the piece in his own mouth. Frankly, he looked ridiculous, as the stick was barely large enough now to be seen in the large anthro's mouth. "I'm Reno, s'who I am, yo. Body guard, merc, odd-job man, whateva y'need a body t'do."

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember )) Galamane laughed and took off in hot pursuit! She was used more to bulldozing her way through her friends, and so found weaving through the guests and hosts of the party something more of a challenge, but that was not something that she was going to show the other Marnu! Tossing her pale mane, she finally made her way through to Ember, and paced beside him as they moved away under the moon-light. "Oh, don't act like I can't keep up, we've barely begun!"

StarFyre:

(( Phoenix )) Rieno glared darkly at his brother for stealing 'his' sweet, then turned his attention back to Cid. "Eh? Y'really met as many as that?" Rieno asked Cid, then gave a slow, amused smirk, "Well! That bein' th' case, I proclaim m'self s'prised y'ain't woken up next'ta yer own clone, if she's taken that sorta fancy t'ye!" His eyes were drawn to the little dragon at Cid's side and he knelt down to get a better look at the smaller creature, "An who's this cute lil guy, yo?" Rieno couldn't resist it. Like his 'big bro', he had a soft spot for cute things with fur-manes, and as much as he always gave Reno hell for ruffling his hair, he couldn't resist doing the same to others! Not waiting to ask permission or anything, Rieno reached out and ruffled Khaeuus' hair-fur.

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial )) The half-breed cast Innial a sideways glance, refraining from going further into detail. It seemed fairly obvious to her what her train of thought must be, and she knew that she didn't need to really elaborate... not at the moment, anyways. Watching the dancing of the other Aleva's, she did feel a twinge of envy: she was quite a bit larger than her full-blooded cousins, and she wondered if she would be able to fit in amongst the dancers, including the tiny humans. :: You know, I know most of those dance steps, there, :: she gestured to several visitors who were moving to the drum-beats. :: How about you? I think learning some cultural classics, :: she quirked a wry smile, knowing full well how full of herself she sounded, :: would definitely sway me! ::

StarFyre:

(( Xalia )) Feran mock-winced at Miyaki's playful bat, then sprawled even more across the ground, as if he was attempting to take up the entire ground. ::Well, if a poor dying Aleva could ask...:: He said, attempting to make his mind-voice sound pitiful and cute, and only managing to sound silly. Of course, he knew this, and was perfectly willing to play it up for a bit of a good time.

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for the Dance! )) Renille slowed her own dancing just a little, watching the exuberant show between the man and the much larger Aleva. "Oh, wow," she gasped aloud, enthralled. She might even have felt a pang of envy, if it weren't for the fact that her golden bond was lurking on the fringes of her mind; Ommittath lacked any proper appendages to grasp and hold Renille and, being the kind of dragon she was, seemed aloof to getting in her bond's space to begin with. That particular dance move was, quite frankly, a complete novelty! "Oh, can I try?" she cried over the music, never really pausing in her swaying to the rhythm.

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) "Dying! Well, if you put it that way...how would you rather travel, by claw or by mouth?" Miyaki asked, a gleam in her eyes as she lifted a paw, casually unsheathed a deadly-sharp claw, and picked idly at her equally sharp teeth. Returning her paw to the ground she flashed him an almost convincing, innocent, inquiring look.

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Gala )) "Well, count me pleasantly surprised!" Ember shot back with a grin, as he took off full speed down the trail and deeper into desert country. The normally desolate land was filled with plants and pale colored flowers, the vast majority of flowers having closed up as soon as the sun went down, leaving it open for the night flowers to bloom and spread their perfume. He scrambled up hills that were practically cliffs, and slid down the other side, winding his way deeper into canyon country, where nooks and cranies existed that only a dedicated explorer could hunt out.

(( Dray, for Isuan )) Innial smiled at her, then stood up and shook himself, sending his trinkets chiming wildly, ::I'd be pleased to show you some of our dances.:: He smiled again and bowed slightly, ever the gallant, ::Would you care to join the crowd down there, or remain up here, milady?::

(( Dray, for the Dance! )) The man grinned as soon as his feet were back on the ground, "Why, of course! Heyla, Kirta!" He beckoned to one of the two Aleva that were twining around Renille. The sleek ember colored Aleva slipped up and took her position behind Renille, cupping her paws to catch the young woman. The man grinned, "Just fall backwards and trust in Kirta!"

(( Xalia )) Feran chuckled at her innocent expression, then flashed her a wide-eyed look of pleading, ::Oh, come now, milady Miyaki! A less trusting Aleva than me would believe you wanted to make shish-ke-bobs of this poor dying fool! Surely you don't have it out for me already, do you?::

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember)) Galamane was no softie, but she was unfamiliar with the territory, and running it at night, even by the light of the moon, left her a little more anxious than she normally would be. Besides, she was out here with only the other Marnu for company, and that added an entirely different level of anxiety to her already nervous self. Despite that (or probably because of it,) she put on a brave face and took to the cliffs and canyons with enthusiasm. She did her best to keep apace with the male, laughing and managing a taunt or two, here and there. "You're not bad!" she turned the tables, mock-praising him. "These look like the kind of places I'd find!"

jess:

(( StarFyre )) Rana restrained a chuckle at Mohona's embarrassed squeak; he could forgive a lapsed introduction from one who was in her first trip outside. So many new experiences were bound to lead to some forgotten niceties. He did giggle a bit, a moment later, when he realized he had no idea what his future companion looked like. "I think Mohona is a lovely name. I'm not too familiar with your customs, is there a minimum age for running off to explore the universe? I wouldn't want to be accused of kit-napping someone too young to leave!"

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial)) Isuan thought about that. She wasn't much the type for dancing with males... however, Innial was being terribly gallant, and she was feeling rotten enough about her earlier break-up that she liked being in the company of someone so pleasant. :: Up here, actually, :: she replied, :: I'll never be able to pay attention if I keep getting jostled around. Besides, the view is much better. :: She made a note to herself to gather some tassles and trinkets... gaudy as they appeared, they were growing on her!

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) Miyaki snorted and gave him a considering look. "I suppose not, besides, I don't care for shish-ke-bobs...they're usually rather overcooked. What did you have in mind, Feran?"

Phoenix:

(( StarFyre )) At the thought of Aki coming up with some kind of clone of him, Cid's face went aghast with a kind of furious horror and indignation that such a thing could even be considered -- much less possible! The three he'd met hadn't been clones of anyone as far as he knew, but seeing these two together made him wonder, and not pleasantly. The sneer he turned on Rieno then was not followed by another smart remark only because Cid realized his bond was now the terigon's focus. The larger Riihan's face quickly went suspicious. To Rieno kneeling, Khaeuss reacted little outside of perhaps an ear-flick at being called 'cute'. The sudden hair-ruffling, however, was met with the same displeasure Cid had shown at being touched uninvited -- and even more so.

There wasn't any real warning, transition, or even any kind of accompanying sounds or sensations. One moment Khaeuss was a solid little creature; the next, there was a simultaneous kind of swelling and diffusion as he was replaced with a hulking, semi-ethereal beast, all spikes and mane and ragged edges, eyes blazing as he loomed bigger than all three of the bipeds, even bigger than the gathered Aleva. One great, twisted talon smacked out and came down on the refreshments table beside them, smashing it completely. Nearly everything that had been set on it shattered, whether from the blow itself or as the table collapsed into so many mangled wooden boards. Those bright eyes, fixed on Rieno, glowered in irritation.

"Well, shit," Cid remarked, almost calmly, maybe even smirking behind his hand as he toyed with his cig. "I think maybe you pissed him off."

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Kirta)) "Oh, okay!" Renille felt a pang of worry from her bond, an almost possessive stab, but she soothed the Gold (not to mention her own nerves) with a few calming breaths. "Alright, I'm ready," she addressed the Alevaharin, grinning up at the huge female. Her heart was beating a mile a minute!

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Gala )) Ember grinned and flicked his tail teasingly, as he put on another burst of speed and clambered up a little goat-track of a switchback trail. When he reached the top, he moved aside enough for Gala to clamber up as well, then perked his ears forward, eyes glittering with pleasure. "Here we are!" He proclaimed proudly. And here they were indeed. Perhaps because of the way that Ember had guided them, what had seemed like 'not a lot of height' turned out to be a cliff face that looked out over the river. Below them, far enough away that the festival was merely a swirl of lights and colors, was the Pride dens. Before them, the river stretched out for what seemed like eternity, snaking north-east towards a line of mountains so distant as to be merely a haze on the horizon that reflected light, and snaking south-west towards the far distant ocean that was northing more than a bluish glint on the horizon.

(( jess )) ::We just need to have left the dens,:: Mohona said, trying to sound all mature and adult. ::And we should get our parent's permission, I guess.:: She said after Alari sent an amused snort.

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Ember)) "Oh, wow," the Marnu breathed, partly because she was still catching her breath, partly due to the suddenly breath-taking view! "Oh, this is something," she uttered, genuinely awe-struck. "How'd you find this place?"

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Isuan )) Innial bowed in acknowledgement, ::Well then! As so, and so...:: He began to twirl and move, slowly at first, to show Isuan the steps to the dance that she might not otherwise know. Isuan could note, however, as the two of them began to dance, that Innial was holding himself ever-so-slightly 'aloof' -- not as if he didn't want to dance, but as if he didn't want to intrude too much in her personal space. Moves that would have otherwise made him touch her, became only a soft swish of air past her, as if he sensed her disinterest in him as a partner in more than conversation and a bit of relaxation.

(( Xalia )) ::Oh, I wouldn't know about that. One of my friends makes the best shish-ke-bobs ever, with chunks of crocodile and cactus...:: Feran shook his head with a grin, bringing his attention back to the moment. ::Isn't there a way this poor fool could be moved in comfort? His legs feel like they're about to fall off!::

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) "I don't know, if you're that weak I doubt you'd be nimble enough to scamper up onto my back, even if I were to be so obliging as to come down to your level. Or are you more spry than you're pretending?"

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial)) Isuan kept sharp, orange eyes glued to Innial's steps, to the way that he moved his body. Her ears were pricked forward, her feathery tail twitching a little in time with the drums as she fell into the rhythm. Dancing with the Alevaharin shaman, Isuan settled into a place that was comfortable and familiar; she knew how to dance well, and she enjoyed it for its own sake. If she was aware of his careful attention not to touch her too closely, she was just as precise -- once she had begun to master the steps, in any case! Despite herself, the half-breed was beginning to grin, and though she was careful not to step on Innial, several feet shorter than her as he was, she seemed happy to be lost in the dance for a time. :: This is something I could enjoy for a time, :: she admitted, swirling more quickly as she'd begun to memorize the steps. :: Don't tell me that this is the only time you ever get together to dance like this? ::

StarFyre:

(( Phoenix )) With a rather girlish "EEP!", Rieno fell backwards and stared up at Khaeuss from his new position on the ground. Even less helpful to the well-being of his heart, the four of them were instantly swarmed by kitling Alevas and the much smaller Ale'in that immediately went squealing in glee for the ruined table, finding it an awesome playtoy! Several of them even chittered and bounced, trying to get Khaeuss' attention so that the dragon-thing would do more cool tricks! "EY! EY! NO! GERRAWAY FROM ME!!" Rieno brushed futilely at the excited balls of fur that were climbing all over him. Finally, he just stood up, trying to put a brave face on the fact that a white Ale'in was clinging to a pant leg, and a bright red ball of fluff (thankfully very small and light!) was swinging from his ponytail.

(( Phoenix )) Reno couldn't help it, he burst out into deep guffaws of laughter at his brother's predicament. He'd stumbled a step or two back at Khaeuss' transformation, but he hadn't fallen over, and so the kittens weren't doing much more than trying to climb up his pants, just like they were doing with Cid. "Yer the one that's always makin' note a'th' fact yer creator was a kitty." Reno smirked, then looked between Cid and Khaeuss, "An' wha's with th' lil one gettin' all pissy? Can't take bein' called cute?"

(( Dray, for Renille )) Kirta ducked her head in acknowledgement then reached out and caught the young woman and tossed her lightly into the air. Her eyes tracked Renille's path and she reached up just as the woman was coming down and let her land with a soft 'thump' safely in her padded and furred paws.

(( Dray, for Gala )) Ember visibly preened a bit under Gala's praise, then said honestly, "I was out hunting one day and ended up chasing my quarry across what felt like the entire damn desert. When I finally caught it, I was here."

(( Xalia )) ::Oh, I could manage a few steps, I suppose,:: Feran remarked off-hand, a small grin on his face. ::Especially if that was an offer to carry me to the refreshments!::

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Kirta & Co)) Flying through the air, Renille couldn't help but whoop in surprise and delight, even to her bond's consternation. Being launched as such was something that she'd never been privy to before; certainly, riding dragonback allowed her to soar high over the delta that composed her Nidus, but being in the air on her own was a new experience that left her a little wobbly, once Kirta had finally settled her down. "Oh, that was wonderful!" she exclaimed, turning to thank the Aleva. It was also, however, a little bit much, what with the wine and nibblies. The Gold-rider found herself gazing to the edge of the dancing grounds, thinking of moving aside for the time being.

(( StarFyre, for Ember )) Galamane chuckled, feeling a little less embarrassed about his preening. "What a place for a meal," she sighed. Settling herself down on the flat rock with a soft 'whuff,' she clapped her finned tail upon the earth, thinking, but not daring to ask that Ember join her. She could probably sit up here for a while, watching the gathering and enjoying the moonlight. It was... it was romantic! Flushing deeply, she looked at the slowly traveling moon with more attention to detail than perhaps it warranted. Then again, perhaps Ember had been right about all of the fretting... there wasn't much space for it, tonight! "You don't mind sharing the view for a little while, do you?" she asked, to what she felt was a very brave tone of voice.

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Isuan )) Innial seemed just as absorbed in the dance as Isuan was, keeping his steps clear and fluid so that she could follow him. ::Oh, of course not! Practically any gathering we have, from something as large as this to something as small as evening get togethers that crop up practically any time more than five of us gather in a place with energy and leisure time to spare.::

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) Miyaki mock-sighed, "I suppose I could demean myself so far as to carry you, but you'll have to serve yourself once we're there. And you'd do well to make me a plate, it's not easy being this big and with big clumsy paws as well..." She settled herself beside him, and waved a paw in his direction to emphasize her point. She casually crossed her front paws and gave him a look that clearly meant he was to move it as she didn't much like laying down, even if she was big enough to roll over anyone who might threaten her.

StarFyre:

(( Dray, for Renille )) Kirta bobbed her head again in acknowledgement of Renille's thanks, and sent a wave of empathic 'your welcome' the woman's way. The man that had set it all up was at Renille's side in a heartbeat, his robes fluttering about him, "A rest, perhaps? There are some tables where we humans may sit in comfort, without worrying too much about big paws and bigger tails thumping us on accident."

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for Innial )) :: That's a relief to hear, :: Isuan replied, eventually working her way out of the steps and settling back on her haunches to catch her breath. It had been a while since she'd actually danced; she was feeling rusty! :: Maybe I'll have to stay for a little while to cause some of those excuses, :: she thought aloud, humor bubbling up in her mind-voice. :: Oh, Innial, thank you. :: she was quite earnest, and ducked her head for fear of coming across as a little awkward. :: I've enjoyed tonight quite a bit. You've been a wonderful host. I think that I needed this. :: Glancing towards the food tables -- or, at least, the food tables not smashed by one of the guests! -- Isuan nodded towards the others gathered around for the remnants of food. :: I wouldn't mind going for a snack. I don't want to monopolize all of your time, but if you'd like to join me, I'd be happy to keep your attention! ::

Phoenix:

(( StarFyre )) Cid quite liked seeing the terigon put in his place -- that was to say, on his ass on the ground, where idiots like him belonged. For the moment, his demeanor had switched from irritated to cockily amused, rolling his cig from one side of his grin to the other. The smarm of younglings was surprising, but only added to his amusement, especially with them attacking Rieno so! That left him considering the ones clawing at his pants with relatively good humor, and he favored Reno's question with smirk.

"Dragon Knights for Dummies, Rule #1," he announced, with a smug, almost theatric flair. He held out a hand and as quickly as Khaeuus had transformed, there was a long yet simply elegant spear in his grasp. He herded the kitlings away from him with its pole end, not unkindly murmuring "back off, kids, ya bother me" to clear a space before he set the spear a-spinning in his hands like an old pro. When the display was done he slammed the spear to earth and underwent his own change. The paltry 5'8" middleaged Lunari practically doubled to a 10'6" draconic anthro, grinning with a cig still pinned between his fangs. "Rule #1," he repeated, as Khaeuus mellowly regarded the kits scampering through his intangible paws. "Don't pet the Knight's Dragon."

Dray:

(( StarFyre, for The Man )) "Oh, perfect," Renille burbled. She followed him to the tables, collapsing down into a seat with a thankful grace. "You all really know how to throw a party!" the blonde chortled. "Was Kirta your bond?" she asked.

StarFyre:

(( Dray for Gala )) At Gala's question, Ember settled himself down on the rock next to Gala, his side almost touching hers. "Of course I don't mind sharing. Would I have brought another up here if I minded?" He smiled at her, then flicked his tail so that it brushed acrossed hers 'on accident', "Of course, present company is hardly what I normally get to gaze upon, now is she?"

(( Xalia )) ::Oh, thank you, milady!:: Feran cried as he bounced to his feet and up onto her back, all without pausing for breath. Clearly, he was recovered at least somewhat, and all his whining about being 'an old geezer' was half-lie at best. ::Only the best for you and me both, then! Off we go!::

Xalia:

(( StarFyre )) Miyaki shook her big head as he leapt to her back and surged to her feet all in one motion then swung her head back and forth as if trying to locate the refreshments. "Comfy?" she asked, well aware that her quick movements had probably made it hard for him to hold on.

StarFyre:

(( Phoenix )) "Bah!" Rieno muttered as he twisted about trying to grab the red furball that was clinging to his ponytail. It was hardly an easy task, as whenever he moved to grab at it, the kitten swung just out of reach. "But I wanna pet the dragon, y'old coot. Specially when 'e's got a mane of hair, yo." He was completely unphased by Cid's shifting to a larger form -- really, what had shocked him the most about Khaeuss' shift was... he'd been petting the lil guy when the critter went batshit!

(( Phoenix )) Reno arched an eyebrow, reached out and calmly plucked the red kitten from Rieno's hair and brought it up to his muzzle to stare at. Really, he could practically have inhaled the little squirt, that was how small the kitten was. Reno glanced from the kitten, to Cid, then to the kitten again, then snickered. Not that he was going to say a thing about what he was planning, but that red coat sure did look a lot like how Rieno described Aki, and Cid had such a clear dislike of Aki, and this kitten was clearly such a troublemaker...

Phoenix:

"'A mane of hair, yo,'" Cid repeated blithely, grinning into his palm again, candy cigarette between two claws. It struck him as an appropriately idiotic thing to be coming out of the terigon's mouth and now that he had the vantage point of several feet over both of the clones, it was easier to be amused in place of feeling surrounded and put-upon. The ship captain slid his gaze sideways to Khaeuus, who seemed perfectly at ease now that his table-smashing was out of the way. "Whadaya think of that, eh?"

The ethereal creature turned his attention lethargically to Cid, then to Rieno. With a little snort of disdain, Khaeuus picked himself up and turned about, headed back in the direction of where their ship was 'parked' as out of the way as possible. Cid barked an amused laugh. "That's what I thought!" He laid his spear across his shoulders, considering the redheaded twins again, then dug into his pocket. With a flick of the wrist, he tossed the carton of candy at the slightly-less-irritating Reno (as far as he was aware, at least!) before turning about himself. "Sorry 'bout the table!" he called backwards, tossing a dismissive wave over his shoulder. "Harass my quartermaster if we gotta pay for it or something!"

jess:

(( StarFyre )) "Well, we should definitely do that, then. Wouldn't want to get in trouble afterall!" Rana started to shake his head, before remembering Alari was still up there. He stilled immediately, asking, "Are you okay up there?"

StarFyre:

(( jess )) ::Yep!:: Alari chirped happily, ::I'll slide down to your mane though, if you want to shake some.:: She suited words to deeds, using tiny wings to help her descend back to where Mohona was sitting.

(( Phoenix )) Reno caught the pack out of the air with a pleased grin and tucked it away into a jacket pocket. As Cid and Khaeuss walked off, he bent close to Rieno's ear, holding the kitten up as he did, and started whispering a plan into his brother's ear. "Wanna play a trick on th' old coot? Here's what we gotta do..."

(( Phoenix )) Not long after, when Cid wasn't nearby to look, Rieno slipped up to the old coot's spaceship and gently set the red fuzzball down just inside the door. "Now, 'member the plan, lil love." He whispered as he pet the fuzzball one last time and winked. He'd have to remember to look Cid up in a few montths!

jess: (( StarFyre )) Rana stretched his neck and shook his head. "Ah, thank you. Now, I feel a little better about moving around; I didn't want to risk you falling from so high, even if it did present a nice viewpoint! It seems to be getting late, though. Is there a place for guests to sleep?" He yawned; it had been a long day, and a rather interesting party!

StarFyre:

(( jess )) Mohona nodded, ::There is! There's some large dens just on the other side of that bit of garland over there that are free for the sleeping in.::