It was a spotless day, spotless because the sky was clear and blue! Not a single cloud in it, not even one. No rain would fall over the land today, unless the weather decided otherwise, but so far, it was a very lovely day. Even for the young panda girl, which was traveling alone. She had a friend with whom she had escaped her former home but they were separated during a storm. Sadly, she hadn't heard from her since then and always kept a look out to find her eventually.
In her red and blue flowers pattern kimono, the young girl looked pretty attractive, her figure was lovely, even if she was covered with fur. Jewelry covered her ears and wrist as she was carrying a small backpack, which contain her usual assets of accessories for her performance. There was a tambourine, some small bells, two fans of different color and a small flute.
Merin was walking along the port side, looking for a place to stay. During her small time traveling so far, she had manage to get a few coins by performing in the streets. She loved dancing and despite how she had been raised in a pleasure house, she could never come to dislike it. Moving her body to the rythme of the music was fun, she felt so free during those times.
Yawning a bit, she eventually found a inn that didn't look too bad. Perhaps she could get a few more coins there if the owner would allow her to perform! And she was sure, this would please the customers. She was confident in her own dancing abilities, after all, she had been trained by some of the best! She wouldn't admit to it tough.
Entering the place, she went to the counter and talked to the owner for a while, after a few words and some convincing, he'd allow her to perform and get some money for it. She was all smile, they already had a musician performing, all was left was for her to adjust her dance, which she discussed with him later on.
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Night time
The inn was getting crowded, like every night. Merin wasn't nervous at all, she had perform before a lot of different crowd, but today would be different, this would be of her own will. She was getting ready as the stage was set, the musician was waiting for her to be ready. Adjusting her kimono and her various accessories, she made herself even more attractive then usual, after all, she was about to perform.
She smiled at herself in the mirror and nodded. She was ready. Climbing down the stairs, she could see the small crowd in the place. She didn't knew if she could get everyone attention, but she would do her best, as usual. Waving at the musician, he nodded to her and started tapping on one of the drum. Merin made her way to the stage as people started looking at her.
Extending her two fans on each side once on stage, she smiled at the crowd.
-To you all, ladies and gentleman, I, Merin Rin, shall perform for you tonight! A dance of wonders and dream! Please enjoy to your heart content!-
She said, bowing slightly to them. They fell silent as the music was getting faster. She then started dancing. The music was beautiful and following her every steps, her moves were hypnotics and quick, sometimes slow, she would play with the fans with ease and use every fiber of her body to entrance her own style. It was quite exotic and pleasing to see. Her kimono adding some mysteries while revealing others as she turned and danced. Moving her hips and hands along.
Even her expression was going along the dance. Her black eyes looking at the crowd while she dance with a wild and yet refine style. The crowd was quickly taken in by her and was cheering on as she performed.
The oaken doors open once more to admit more guests, brought by the cheerful callouts to the artistic performance within. Chilled nighttime air drifted in for a moment as the two newcomers enter. A creak, a slight thump, and the door is closed again.
The first to enter, a rather skinny man wearing a tattered green coat with several pieces of armor and a sheathed longsword by his left hip, drifts over to the crowd after surveying his surroundings. Rather handsome, even with a few scars across his features and such greasy dark hair, the man's attention is immediately caught by Merin. His livly brown eyes survey her briskly, watching her every movement in the pause before he moves. Undoubtly, he was interested, like the rest of the crowd, and moved off to one side of the group watching he performance. Ire Richly leans against a wall and enjoys the show, while waiting for it to end with an active interest.
The second of the two, a tall woman with flowing golden hair down the length of her back, drifts off to an empty table nearby the door, upon noticing her companion's enthrallment. Wearing a similar green jacket, though in much better condition, overtop a tight layer of slate-grey clothing and leather armor, coupled with various blades, it was easy to mark her as very conspicuous and mildly intimidating from a distance. She calmly sits down with a view of the show, but it was truly her companion she was watching. Sai'Soleil Fallavine knew when he was about to make a move.
The music was rich, powerful, and so was her dance. She added some acrobaties to the whole, her athletics were impressive, but she manage to keep them beautiful and artistic in every way. Sometimes reaching for the crowd and going back on the stage, the crowd kept cheering her on.
She could hear some whistle, while others couldn't take their eyes off her. The young girl was apparently having as much fun as the crowd, but her concentration was great. The performance would last for a good ten minutes before in one swift move, she turned around on herself, sending petals of flowers around from her fans and ending the dance, one knee to the ground, one fan in the air, the other covering half her face while the drum made one last sound.
Once the crowd had realized the dance was over, they cheered and applause for a while. She bow to them until they stopped and eventually, the calm came back but they were watching in case she would dance again. Merin thanked the crowd before heading off the stage to take a small break. The musician gave her a bottle of water, and she refreshed herself a bit, thanking him for his hard work as she sat on the scene to talk with him.
After the sounds of joyous music and dance, Irish drifts through the crowd, the olive hue among a sea of drabbery. Soleil, in the far background, keeps a watch on him, debating whether to intervene or not. Certainly he had a right to his own personal pursuits, but she so wished he would see it for what it was; Unhealthy and, in her point of view, disgusting. Knowing his intent made it hard to sit idly by, but for now, she was waiting to see how it played out.
Irish continues on his course as Merin lingers with the musician. He keeps track of her position by keeping his head high in the surge of movement back to normalcy. As he nears, closer to Merin, he adorns himself with a broad smile across his face and casually steps forward to her and the musician. He slicks his hair back at the last moment before coming into full view, before confidently making that entrance of his. "Couldn't help but notice your performance there, you're very talented." He nods, a gesture of respect. His voice gave off an air of friendliness and a slight cheery vibe, his accent seemed refined and steady, but also native to Connlaoth. Noble, perhaps. "Do you mind if I buy you an extra drink? I'd love to hear the story that must come with such a beautiful artist, if you might spare the time."
Merin was talking with the musician. A man in it's mid thirty with long brown hair. As the other man made his approach, she turned her head toward him, on reflex, she swiftly answer back to him with a soft smile.
She couldn't help but be intrigued by his demeanor and accent. She raised an eyebrow as he seemed to be interested in her story. But she was no fool, she had seen more then one trying to appeal to her. Perhaps they weren't all bad people, but she wouldn't just let herself be wrap in one's game.
-Why, thank you!-
She said, smiling. Tough she wasn't one to refuse such generous offer. She offer him to sit next to her while she crossed her legs and removed a trend of hair from before her eyes.
-Tough I'm effraid my story is nothing quite extraordinary as you may think...-
She said in all honesty. Her kimono was slightly falling off her shoulder, she hadn't notice with all the dancing and it's not something she was very much worried over.
-Are you a traveler?-
She asked, looking at the man with a bit more attention.
Irish sits down next to Merin just as she offered, with his feet against the supports of his chair in a slightly unprofessional fashion. His smile never fades, "and you're modest too." He pauses to shake his head, as if trying to mock disbelief, "I'm a traveler, yes. Been all across Le'raan for wherever work might pop up, or where it would take me." Irish shrugs, then glances over to the innkeeper a moment after finishing his previous sentence, "So what's your favorite drink?"
So this man had travel a lot. That was interesting. She smiled some more, nodding.
-That's impressive...I've just arrived here this morning myself...-
She said. When he asked about her favorite drink, she had to think for a moment. She had a few she loved, despite her look, the girl could handle a few drinks without much problem, her origin making it this way. She was tougher then the common folk after all.
-Well...if it's about my favorite, I'd say it's the Coco pie, it's a sweet drink, you make it out of a coconut and poor the alcohol straight in it...then add some pineaple juice and shake it...then you cut off the top and you drink!-
She said, enthusiastically.
-I use to make that drink a lot back then, it was very popular!-
Added with a smirk.
Irish gestures the innkeeper over and asks for such a drink in just the fashion she explained, then turns back to her as soon as they leave. "Back then?" He asks with an inquisitive look across his face, "So you worked at a place like this before I take it? You sure seem to know your stuff; dancing so well, knowing how to make a drink like that... Color me intrigued." He turns and pays for the drink as it comes, then offers it to Merin with such friendly smile.
Soleil sighs, pushes off from her table, and moves to her feet. Might as well figure out a way to warn the poor girl in case she didn't know what he was looking for, though it was obvious from her perspective. Soleil begins her steady pace around the inn and to the pair on the other side, boot clicking across the wooden planks below, cyan eyes brimming with thought on how to subtly give her her a heads up. Maybe join in on the conversation to make sure it didn't turn directly into flirting? Soleil didn't feel too great making that choice, but it would be worse if Merin walked right into it without knowing.
The girl nodded slowly.
-You can say that...well, more like I was raise in such a place...-
She said. Her eyes darkened somewhat for an instant but quickly turned back to their lively form. She smiled. Taking the drink offered, she thanked him and took a sip. The drink was cold and sweet, she gave a blissful smile as the taste hit her tongue. It was truly her favorite. The musician had left to play on the stage. A quick tempo was running.
-I use to work as a bartender in...well...a pleasure house...-
She revealed, taking another sip.
-So, entertaining the guest and making drinks are kinda my trade of work! How about you, you said you were taking on jobs. What kind?-
She didn't mentioned the other things she had to do. There was no need for him to know every details after all.
"Ah..." Irish nods, instantly turning to a more serious outlook as his gaze shifts down to his hands, "Well, you're working for yourself now. No weirdos around but me." He grins at the final remark, trying to make her at least do the same. He pauses, then looks back up, his demeanor returning to its complete usual. "Mostly looking tough. It's technically mercenary work, but it fits more into guarding caravans on the road. Not to say we can't defend anything, me and my partner-" He looks over as Soleil nears, "-here she comes now actually."
Soleil steps up to his side as Irish turns back to Merin. Her eyes and face, averse to her combative attire, were fairly pretty, and gave off the complete opposite of what she wore - softness. She clasps a hand over Irish shoulder and speaks whilst looking at Merin, honeyed voice from likely the same as her companion's, though lighter, and clearly, this time, of a noble upbringing: "Hello there~" she gives a light wave alongside her picturesque smile, "I figured I would introduce myself too; Sia'Soleil-" she nods to Merin, then glances over to Irish with a joking grin, "I keep Richie here in line, and look the part." Truly the two, grinning side by side, were the very poster of their career choice. A dashing rogue and a golden Valkyrie, armed to the teeth with cheerful outlooks and friendly attitudes.
Merin laughed at the remark. She had seen her share of strange people and Irish was the least of them. Listening, she once again nodded her pretty head, her earings tingling as she moved.
-I see...then maybe I could hire you? You see I...-
Before she could go on, a new figure showed up, Merin hadn't noticed her until she was close. For what she could tell, she looked pretty but rough, only in clothes tough. Looking at her, the panda girl could tell she would probably make a good dancer.
-Hi, nice to meet you, oh right, my name is Merin.-
She nodded to her. The girl couldn't help but notice how the two of them were well fitting together, perhaps the woman was more then just a partner. She took another sip of her beverage and tilted her head on the side.
-Are you two a couple?-
She asked with a grin. Not that she minded. She was pretty social herself and also very curious. Also, the noble accent they both had were intriguing her and she couldn't help but make up stories in her head. perhaps they were actually prince and princess running away from their families, because they didn't want them to be together. She giggle a bit but quickly return to her cheerful self, waiting for an answer.
Soleil silently shakes her head as Irish speaks up, still grinning, but now also rubbing his chin, "Old friends and partners, not together in that sense. We've worked together for years though so I guess we're a bit like a family at this point." He pauses, "So, Miss Merin-" his smile broadens, "-was there something we could help you with? We aren't on a job right now so we're up for one if you need us."
Soleil takes the moment to sit down beside Irish, and listen in on his wheeling and dealing. Maybe the talk of a job would distract him, she hoped. Finding him stripping with the young dancer wasn't something she would enjoy in any conceivable way. Soleil's quarrel, however, was entirely with Irish's choices of the sort.
Merin blushed a bit. She hadn't mean to intrude, but a family seemed really nice. She smiled at them.
-I see, I'm sorry for assuming things, I tend to get curious and all.-
She said. She passed a hand in her hair, playing with a trend for a moment as she was thinking on how to make her request. She didn't had any lead and not that much money. She had also no idea on how much these kind of request would cost. She looked troubled for a moment and hid it in a sip of her drink, which was already almost empty.
Finally turning her deep black eyes toward them, she started.
-Well...before I left my...''home'', I was with a friend of mine, Lema is her name, she is a catfolk...we grew at the same...place.-
She paused, as if remembering the old days, she smiled.
-You see, she is my partner, we were together since we were kids, she is the one who usually play the music when I dance...-
Her expression darkened a little.
-We got separated during a storm...we were suppose to meet back in Kunata if something ever happened...but, the road is long and well, I'm just a dancer...-
She explained, looking back up at them.
"You want help in finding your friend..." Soleil, looking right back, chimes in. "...I can tell I missed something important, it sounds like a rough story from your tone..." She glances between Irish and Merin. Soleil was intelligent enough to figure out from context clues, mainly her tone around 'home' and the wording of her explanation, combined with the darkening of her mood momentarily, that Merin was trying to get away from something. Whether it was to shake off the past, or actively evading someone, she couldn't know just yet. The only clarity she found was that Merin seemed like a very sweet girl, who needed help finding what might possibly be her only friend. Soleil didn't need any more convincing that helping was the right thing to do.
She sighs, then shrugs, "I'll hear about it later, I'm sure.... Kunata is a big area to cover, the largest island in Thanatos would be a hard place to meet with your friend if you didn't specify a location, it's your choice if you want us to go that far. We can certainly keep you safe on the road, and fed. We have enough supplies for a surplus." She pauses, "Normally we're paid in standard currency, but I've got a better idea..." Soleil looks to the stage Merin was performing on, and nods to it before looking back to Merin, arms crossed. "Do you really enjoy performing like that? "
Finding her friend was indeed her request. They had grown together and were never far from each other, sharing everything they add to make up for what they lacked. Lema was a very warm person, always cheerful, but so straightforward. She would sometimes get in troubles for that. Merin remembered a time where Lema had hit one of the customer for some reason. Why, Merin had never been told, but Lema was really angry that day.
-Uhh...well, yeah...it's a long story, but...Lema is very important to me...I don't even know if she is still alive...but...-
She paused, shaking her head, as if chasing a dark tought and looked back at them.
-I know she is! She has to! I can feel it!-
Such feeling were rarely reliable, but she wanted to believe that her friend was still alive and well, and that they would meet again. Of course, Kunata was a big place, it would be difficult to find themselves, they hadn't set a real meeting point, but perhaps with some research, she could find her.
-Yes..I'd very much want to go there, if there is a chance I can find her...then I will! Even if I have to turn every stone in the isles!-
She said confidently. And here came the money part. She looked surprised at the question, but answered.
-Well yes, I really love it, actually, me and Lema, we wanted to have our own troop one day! -
She said. At that moment, the innkeeper came by her.
-Hey miss, you said you would do 2 performances, do you intend to keep talking? Get on stage, I'm not paying you to chat...-
-Oh right! I'm sorry, I'll go right away!-
She bow to the innkeeper, which went away after that. Merin looked at the two.
-Can we talk after? I have to go...please watch and enjoy!-
On that, she was gone again, climbing the stairs to get ready for her second show. When she came back down, she was wearing a more light dress, similar to those girls from the desert, with jingles at her waist making light noises as she moved. She smiled back over the two mercenaries and went back on stage, the music started again and she started performing once more. This time, her dance was much more sexy. It was candy to the eye, that was for sure, her hips moved in tempo with the drum as her hands were also moving slowly along her body. If someone knew, this was called a belly dancer. Everyone in the bar was now looking over to the stage and enjoying her dance.
Soleil smiles at her confidence and hope towards her friend's enduring safety. She felt like reinforcing it, but that would come later, if she needed it. Additionally, both tense subtly as the innkeeper leaves her with such a rude remark, though not as if about to pounce in overreaction. Irish orders a drink of his own from the innkeeper before their departure, and sits back in a relaxed posture as the performance begins. Soleil watches Merin with a passive interest, while Irish is again enthralled, though he covers it up fairly well with a nonchalant gaze instead. When his drink comes, he sips away at the bubble-topped alcohol contently as he waits.
Soleil, after a few moments, starts talking to him in a casual voice and tone. From the distance, details are difficult to make out. Soleil and Irish strike up a conversation, which consisted of her whole plan. After a few nods, it was safe to assume that Irish was onboard. Both return to watching as they wait, Irish's interest in her only growing with each suggestive movement. Alongside him, Soleil was already determined to make sure Merin left their company in a better position than she introduced herself - with a reunion, and a few coins as well.
As the crowd was cheering louder, the girl was only keeping the beat up, her feet moving along the stage with grace, using her accessories to add to the show. Scarf and fan were her favorite and she was well making use of them. it showed that she was use to the scene and the gaze of the crowd, even if some of them were clearly lecherous, didn't seem to bother her at all.
When she was on stage, when the music played in her ears, she could only do one thing, and it was dancing, she felt free, out of this world. She was on a cloud, far away from any worries. It show that she loved what she was doing, she was confident and was having fun. Her hair dancing along her face with her earings and other jewelry jingling together. The scene was her and the music even more fascinating.
As she ended her performance once more, the crowd was asking for more, but she waved at them cheerfully, sending small kisses to the assembly to content them as she exited the stage again. She was quickly surrounded by men, which began to offer her some drinks, some were less subtle. But the musician that had been playing with her push them back for her.
She was more popular then she tought. She walked back to the two. Irish and Soleil. She had a bottle of water in her hand and was all smiley. Her clothes were much more suggestives then the first ones, but to her, it was simply for the show. They were showing her curvy figure well.
-Did you like it? How was I?-
She asked them as she sat next to them.
"Like I was lucky to be first." Irish chuckles, "You really are beautiful." Soleil smiles and bows her head, feeling that Irish was correct in both. "Hopefully we can be of some help. Soleil here has an offer for you, and we've both agreed on it. So, stage is yours Soleil..." He leans back into his relaxed posture again, and sips away at his drink as Soleil continues with Merin.
Soleil leans forward, to better be heard among the group. Even though most of the stir had died down, it was still a mildly rowdy backdrop. "So we've already figured out the supplies and the protection: You'll have three meals a day, will have us if anyone ever thinks to attack, the usual. You're entitled to have Richie call you 'boss' as much as you want-" she grins, Irish mocks a looks of protest "-and we'll be taking you as far as you want to go." She pauses, "As payment, when we stop at places like this, you perform like you have been. With the money you make, you can pay for the bit of supplies being consumed. Of what remains after that, you'll keep sixty-percent for yourself, while the other forty you'll use to pay us. In addition, anything the two of us make while on your payroll, doing odd jobs around wherever we've stopped for the night, we'll split - you'll get half." Again, Soleil pauses. She was quite happy to make such an offer, Irish was happy with the terms, probably helped along by who they were going to work for, and it was very generous to Merin. Soleil wanted dearly to help beyond simply taking what little money she likely had in comparison to the caravans they normally worked with, and merely walking her somewhere.
She smiled genuily at the compliment. She blushed a little and nodded as she was told they had an offer for her. She was surprised they had come to it so fast, but then again, this wasn't her line of work, so maybe this was just natural among them.
She quietly listened to Soleil as she made her proposal. Her eyes widened as she listen and nodded in reflexes. She kind smirk when she heard about been called ''Boss'' and giggle a little. That would be funny to hear, she had never been called boss, except from when Lema was teasing her.
But as she went on, Merin was thinking, that it was too much. She could understand the part about doing her performance to pay, even keeping a percentage seemed fair enough, but for other odd jobs, she wasn't all ok with it.
Once Soleil stopped talking, Merin looked at her for a moment, thinking.
-This is, a lot, even I understand that your going out of your usual way and I can't seems to know what to say!-
She said. Her chances of finding her friend seemed much closer then it was the day before, thanks to these two. She smiled at them, almost tears in her eyes.
-But I won't accept any money I didn't help with!-
She said on a more serious tone. She wasn't the kind to simply take advantage of others. She how hard it was to make a living, so she wanted it to be really fair.
-I'll gladly take you upon that offer, but if you do other odd jobs and I can help with, then tell me, if not, I won't take any money from it.-
If they were fine with these conditions, then it looked like a good deal to her.
Irish grins and raises his hand as he looks to Soleil, "Told you." With a smirk, he takes another sip. He was certain Merin would note the charity. Soleil darts her eyes to him, then back to Merin. "Then I guess we've all agreed?"
"One other thing-" Irish puts down his drink, then looks to Merin with seriousness in his eyes. "If we do get into trouble, understand that we're with you because our job is to make sure that you're safe and sound by the end of your trip. You may be the boss, but we still have to protect you as best we can, right? Stay near one of us whenever we're on the road, don't stray too far, all that good stuff." He claps his hands and rubs them together, his seriousness fading back. "Minimize risk, et-cetera, etc-cetera..." A pause, "...So, I guess I'm supposed to call you boss now?" He asks, with an arch of his right brow.
She kindly smiled and nodded at the ''we all agreed on''. She had find herself a good deal and was really happy with it. Wether she would find her friend or not depended only on how strongly she would search for her, but somehow, she had the feeling they would meet again. Where exactly, she had no idea, but the first goal was set.
Listening to Irish's advice to stay safe, she nodded a little more seriously. She could handle a small fight, but she was far from being an experienced fighter and she knew if things got complicated, she would only get in the way.
-Got it, I'll be careful.-
She said. When he came to the ''boss'' thing she smirked. Wondering if indeed she should have him call her boss, but she shook her pretty head.
-No need, you can call me Merin, I don't like when things are too formal...-
She said. She tilted her head on the side, apparently relieved and happy from this. She couldn't contain how happy she was and when she was, she had the habit to physically show it, so she got up and hugged Soleil in her arms, then Irish and stood back ,bowing to them.
-Thank you!! Thank you very much! You have no idea how happy I am right now!-
Both of Merin's newfound companions hug gently back once they realize what she's doing, both clearly happy themselves to have attained such a response. Friendly smiles adorning the whole group; Two heavily armed mercanaries and an exotic dancer. Irish drinks his last, a good chug of the remaining bits of his drink, then nudges the mug further away, down the table. "Alright Merin, what's our heading right now? Staying for the night?" Soleil looks out of the nearest window as he voiced his question, at the black expanse outside. "We could start out in the morning on whichever path you've planned. Before we do that though, you and I should probably sit down and talk that over too. Best to know where we're going and how."
Night had long fallen and Merin, despite her cheerful looking, was growing a bit tired. The performance had taken quite a lot out of her, but mostly because she hadn't rest so much from her last trip. She had barely arrived in the morning.
-Oh right...hmm...-
In all honesty, Merin wasn't so sure herself as to which path to take to get to Kunata. She looked troubled a bit. It wasn't her first time traveling but she hadn't gone all that far either and usually, it was lema who chose the road to take.
-I'm effraid...I don't really know how to get there...Usually, Lema would get a map or something...I don't even know if we can reach Kunata by foot or by boat...-
She admited, blushing a bit before her lack of knowledge. It was all good to talk about traveling, but she had no idea how to get there and she felt ashamed. She had gotten all excited alright, but this felt a bit of a let down on these two.
"It's an island, as is this, so some of both. We're currently in Yoreiq at the moment, Kunata is part of Thanatos." Soleil glances up and down Merin, noticing her fatigue finally. "...We should sleep now and discuss the details in the morning. You look like you could use a good night's rest."
Irish slips off of his chair, "We usually get two rooms so it won't be weird, but Soleil and I can share for a bit... As in the floor and I can snuggle once more...." He meanders away after his mock 'woe is me' comment to fetch the innkeeper yet another time, this instance for renting the two rooms.
Soleil finally finds herself alone with Merin. Her thoughts immediately drift back to her previous objective, but by now it seemed redundant, and at a point where it might only make trouble instead of preventing a heartache. Faced with the unknown of whether or not Irish might continue flirting, she truly didn't know what to do. Soleil awkwardly sits in thought, leaving a few moment's silence to waft into the air.
Merin nodded slowly, a good night sleep would do wonder, but as Irish was mentioning he would sleep on the floor, she looked worried.
-Wouldn't that be bad? -
Of course she couldn't ask them to sleep together, since they apparently were not a couple, but maybe she could convince Soleil to sleep with her. She was used to sleep with Lema after all, she was like a sister to her, so, there had never been any troubles.
Turning to Soleil, she asked.
-I know this might be strange to ask but...wouldn't that settle things if you and me simply shared the same bed? So Richie can sleep in one as well? I wouldn't want to cause any discomfort either tough...-
She said in all honesty.
Soleil grins upon hearing her refer to him as 'Richie', "His name is Ire Richly, but he hates his name, so he usually goes by Irish. Richie is just what I call him."
"I doubt you'd cause him any discomfort honestly." A shadow seems to cross her face for a moment, a web of bottled emotions towards her next thoughts. Soleil takes a breath, "Irish usually doesn't have to pay for his room, if you know what I mean. The few times we have had to bunk in the same one, he usually doesn't stay long for largely the same motive. That jibe about sleeping on the floor is only really true because he sneaks back in before morning, and I've already moved to the bed in the hours he leaves it barren. It's like a routine. I'm sure he knows that I know, it's hard to miss." She shakes her head, "He's lost a lot more than I have, I can't bring myself to fault him for any of it with those things in mind."
Merin nodded.
-I see..well, I've only heard you call him like that so I didn't knew!-
She said. As she heard her talking, she wasn't sure she understood, but it seemed like Irish wouldn't really need a room of his own. She tilt her head on the side and shrugged.
-Then I suppose it's fine...-
She let out another yawn, quickly putting her hand in front of her mouth, blushing a bit.
-ahh sorry...I guess I'm really more tired then I tought...-
She smiled a bit weakly at Soleil. It wasn't her place to put any judgment on them or what they did. She was already glad they would help her find her friend. She was just ready to head to bed for now.
Irish returns at just the right moment, "Second and third rooms on the right-" he points to a branched hallway in one corner of the inn, "Take your pick ladies. I'll probably have one more drink before turning in." He sits down again as Soleil stands. She begins making her way through the inn and towards their accommodations, intent on having a look and possibly settling down. Irish still remains at the bar, tapping his fingers in waiting for service to pass by. Merin could obviously stay to conversate with Irish further, or follow Soleil's pace to their rooms.
Merin was very tired from her day. The dancing was all fun and good and the latest deal she had made to find her friend had made her overjoyed. But the whole day was catching up to her, so she would rather go to sleep. There would be more occasions to talk, but before heading out with Soleil, she went to Irish and smiled at him.
-Thanks a lot, again! I'll be off to sleep then, good night!-
On that, she bowed slightly, her jewels tingling along as she ran a little to catch up to Soleil in order to see the rooms.
-I think I'll sleep like a log tonight! -
She said as she joined Soleil in front of the first room. It wasn't a palace, but it looked clean and warm. She smiled, entering the room.
Irish waves her goodbye. He then cups his chin in his palm in apparent boredom, and watches Merin and Soleil leave.
Soleil smiles as Merin enters the first room. There wasn't really much more to say or do but plop down and lose themselves in dreams. "Well, I'll be just on the other side of this wall here-" she raps her knuckle against the wall to her left, "- not too far away in any event. Goodnight Miss Merin~" Soleil pulls the door gently so as to nearly close it, leaving a slight gap for the inn's ambient light to shine through. A few steps outside, Soleil moving to the second room, tell that she too was intent on rest.
Merin had taken back her stuff from the other room in order to move them to the new one. Everything could fit into one small bag, if put in correctly. She waved good-night to Soleil and headed to the small dresser, taking off the jewels one by one and putting them out of sight, inside the bag. After that, she quickly started to undress the few garment she had and slip into bed, under the covers.
She was smiling as she quickly fell asleep, keeping herself warm under the cover. One last look at the starry sky before closing her eyes. She would have a chance to find her friend, her dreams almost seemed like they weren't dreams anymore, almost as if they had become true...she was closer to them now and she was happy.
Within the the hour of pleasant dreams and restful time spent, drinks were to be had down the hall. Irish was well at work nursing a few drinks, thinking to himself of the past, and of the future. They were still out there, a fact that haunted him this time of each passing day. Finding them was a difficult task, years in the making, but his leads were getting stronger, stories more clear. Soon enough, just a few more jobs' time maybe, and he'd have a clear destination. For now, it would have to wait. Irish had a new job to distract him, and a pleasant new boss.
Of that sort, he decided, he should probably stop wasting time and get some rest as well. Morning would come soon. Irish stands, pays his tab in the coins due, and wanders in the direction of their rooms. Soleil likely had already taken the bed, so he would snooze on the floor. Irish passes the first room, Merin's, without a word, his boots tapping against the wooden floorboards. A thought stays his feet, and he steps back in front of the door again with a much lighter step. Might as well make sure she was settled and fine, he thought. Not intending to wake her or take more than take a quick gander, he nudges the door slightly open. The inn's light wafts a few more inches wider, but not yet over Merin.
The young dancer was off to dreamland. She looked peaceful enough, while she was snuggling with the pillow, her head resting on the matress. From an outside point of view, it almost looked as if she had a fight with the bed.
The cover were all swirl up around her, not covering much and the young girl wasn't wearing clothes when she slept except for a very light underwear. Her breathing was slow, showing she was deeply asleep.
Irish pulls the door back again, this time fully closed. His tapped footsteps outside signal him heading off to bed himself. Waking Merin or being a total creep wasn't his goal at the moment, though he did feel a wave of lust upon seeing her like he did. Even with a few drinks under his belt, he could hold them well, and held enough self control and brains to know that it wasn't right to go any further, especially since he was technically working, unless she made the first move. So, in last place, Irish too heads off to rest.
Morning came knocking at the window with the ray of the sun shining bright in the small room. The young girl slowly opened her eyes as she felt the warm of the sun on her skin. She let go of a shiver as she regulate her body temperature and slowly stretch her still numb legs and arms. A yawn, some kick at the cover and she was trying to convince herself to get up.
Slowly remembering last night event, Merin smiled unconsciously and eventually found the will to leave the bed. It was one thing she always had a hard time with, mornings. Getting away from sleep wasn't all that easy for her. But it was already late as it is and the sun was already up. She got up, reaching for her casual clothes. The red kimono and the blue sash she passed over it at her waist.
Looking at the mirror she quickly placed her hair, got herself a peppermint to get rid of the morning breath and smiled. Putting on a few bracelets and making sure she looked alright, she exited the place and headed to the main room, where she started looking for Irish and Soleil.
Finding one or the other again didn't turn out to be too difficult. One was, after all, sitting at the table just beside the hall's exit. Irish looks up as Merin passes, the table before him void of any drink, "Guess you really did sleep like a log. Soleil's out with the horses, she's likely already made her rounds for prepping. Oh, and good morning by the way, boss..."
She looked at Irish.
-Ah ah...well yeah...I suppose I did...good morning to you to!...don't call me boss, it's Merin...-
She chuckle a bit, then hearing about Soleil been already on the preparations, she opened her eyes widely.
-Ehhh!!! Already! -
She hadn't even had breakfast yet. These two were quite efficient. She blushed a bit, hopefully, she wouldn't be too much of a burden for them. She scratched the back of her head, smiling innocently.
-Then I'd better get ready...-
She said, heading toward the innkeeper to get something to eat, along with her pay from last night performance. She talk to him for a moment and he eventually gave her some food along with a small pouch, conceiling her hard made money from yesterday. The innkeeper didn't seemed too happy that she would be gone, since he had gotten a lot more customers then usual, thanks to her. She sat back at Irish table and started to it.
-Did you sleep well?-
"Mm, fine I guess." He watches her eat away at her breakfast, at the slightly rushed pace after finding out Soleil was at work for a moment before continuing, "You know, if you're thinking you'll be a burden just because we woke up earlier, remember that... Well, you're wrong. You certainly won't be a burden, and we aren't leaving without you."
She stopped eating, swallowing up the bite she had just taken and blushed. She was so use to be told how to do thing...and if it wasn't fast enough or if she was not as good as the others, she would get punish. It seemed that bad habit of hers hadn't fade away. Always that little fear inside her.
She looked down at her food, her ears lowering.
-Sorry...-
She said. Of course they wouldn't leave her, would they, she was their employer, it would be weird to just leave their boss behind right. She shook her head, trying to regain her positive self and looked at Irish with a smile.
-Maybe I'm just a bit insecure since I've never really had anyone else beside Lema until today...-
She admitted softly. She returned to her breakfast, this time eating more casually, showing that she had more manners then an hungry bear.
-By the way...Soleil told me something weird yesterday...she said you didn't had to pay for your room...I don't understand....are you some sort of secret celebrity?-
She asked, tilting her head on the side.
He frowns, confused as well. It's several moments of gears working away in Irish's head before he understands it himself. Still, how could Merin not see what she meant? It was obvious after a moment of sinking in, he thought. Irish looks away quickly, "Uhh, well, I guess you could say it's something like that..." He didn't know whether to honestly explain or not, or even how. He did, however, make a quick plan during the pause. "...Secret agent Irish, melting the ladies' hearts with the mere sight of my absolutely gorgeous hair-" He slicks back his hair, emphasizing the phrase. Exuding a cockiness, he finishes the movement by broadly smiling. "-and award winning smile~!"
She looked at him, her eyes widened with both confusion and surprise. Eventually her expression changed and she started to laugh. An honest and quite cute laugh at that. It seemed like she was amused. It took her a minute or two to calmed down before she wipe a tear from her eye.
-Ah ah...sorry! Hi hi...your amazing you know that!-
She laughed a little more and finally manage to calm herself. She hadn't laugh like this in weeks since she had been separated from Lema. And it was probably a good thing.
-You really try to look like a lady killer heh!-
She was kind and bright, but not always the smartest. Somehow, it felt like she doubt Irish could do this kind of things. She wasn't use to been treated kindly, somehow, it had the complete opposite effect. It was refreshing as well. She was done with her lunch and smiled once more at Irish.
-tough, I'm sure you'd make a good dancers you and Irish, you both have good looks and shape!-
She added, this time getting up and stretching.
"Oh, me and myself? The best performance in Le'raan right there, could make it rain gold for miles around with the flick of a pinky~" He flicks that finger as such, and waggles it through the air for good measure. "All this fabulousness can't be contained with just looking great while kicking bandits back down the road, needs some release." He whips his eyes up and down Merin, a look of mock critique adorning him. "Maybe I could persuade myself to cut Miss Merin in on the act... he'd be a bit jealous of me, thinking that I'm replacing him, but he would listen, in time... Might be a little hard for Merin though, with such a forefront..." He plucks his nails in a posh fashion, playing all of it up to full extent.
-Aye aye! Mister fabulous!-
She said, as she didn't quite catch all the blabber, but she knew one thing, this man would make her day a lot more brighter. She smiled, tilting her head, the jewelry at her ears making some small sounds. She grabbed him by the arm, closing in to him with a grin. Her eyes locking into his.
-So, is his fabulousness ready to work? You see...I'd very much like to get some new clothes for my new dance...I'll need some help choosing! -
She said.
-Do you mind helping me out?-
Irish dons the look of a rabbit before a large carnivore. Picking out clothes for a dancer? Certainly not his forte, considering his tattered olive coat...
"....yeaaaaaaaah, suure...?" He shifts around uncomfortably. "Help with picking?" He asks, a frown across his face. He'd had to do much the same in the far past for posh nobles, but that was both years ago, and they didn't like the truth as much as they liked compliments, so he didn't have much confidence in actually helping in that.
Facing his expression, Merin smiled at him, still at his arm.
-Don't be silly! I'll do the picking, all I want is your opinion as a man!-
She said.
-I want you to tell me which clothes fit me better or you think are attractive! Kinda the eye candy for you no? It's not such a tough job!-
She said with yet another smile as she was now taking him by the arm and about to go out. There was a small market in town and since they were close to a port, she was sure they could find some nice clothing there.
-C'mon! It'll be fun!
Irish lets himself be dragged through the inn, a look of nervousness about him. He could tell her the best ways to stab a man painfully without actually hurting him badly, how to skin a dragonling for the finest leather.... But fashion?
Directly outside, Soleil, exactly where Irish had guessed, tidies up the horses saddlebags with mildly obsessive compulsion. Laden with supplies, both darkly tinted brown quarterhorses stamped their hooves in anxiousness, knowing that travel was near since she was doing such things around them. Soleil doesn't turn to look as the inn's door bursts open with her partner being dragged by the much smaller and certainly much more excited clothes-seeking Merin.
Unaware or perhaps doing on purpose, Merin drags Irish along with her. Calling out to Soleil as she made her way toward the market.
-Good morning Soleil! We'll be back soon!!-
On that, she was gone. They made their way to the market, it was sunny and bright outside, there was a lot of people around and a lot of merchants too. The panda girl stroll trough the place at a quick pace while looking for the clothes she wanted. They eventually reach a small stand with a lot of different clothes, tissues and ornements. Jewelry and others small trinkets lay on the display case.
-Ah, young lady, may I interest you in our products today?-
Merin smiled at the lady, it was a woman, old of age but that looked kind and yet, keen.
-I've been looking for new clothes, for dancing, they have to be light and convenient...-
She said as she browse trough the shop. The old, lady nodded and looked at Irish with a smirk.
-Hmm, and the husband is here as well I see, good, let's see what we have...-
The old lady started taking out various outfits from the shelves, eventually inviting them inside for her to try them on. Merin went into the small changing room and started trying the various outfit. The first one she tried was made of violet silk and gold trinkets. It was well designed and covering the arms, breast and legs, leaving the neck, part of the chest, back and belly naked, while the tissue for the leg were of a transparent purple with golden glitter. Two large round earrings were adding to the touch, bearing sun like shape in them.
She turned on herself to show Irish, with a wide smile on her face. It did looked beautiful on her, even more then her usual kimono.
-So...what do you think?-
Irish makes sure to avert his field of view as she changes. Common courtesy, among other things. When he turns back, eyes darting up and down Merin, he takes a moment before answering.
"That it looks great on you." Irish answers. There could only be one correct answer, after all. "The Violet adds a bit of an exotic hue. It's always royalty that wear it, plus the gold, right?" He didn't even realize it, but his comments happened to be fairly decent. Irish didn't know he had it in him. "The sheek shows off in all the right places to be exciting too... Violet and gold..." He gives a light 'hm' and crosses his arms, still clueless to how he was actually being mildly proficient at fashion policing.
Merin smiled as she listened. She nodded.
-Alright...then the next one...-
She changed once more, this time, coming from behind the curtain in a dark blue and silver garment. The style was similar to the first one but instead of pants, it was a dress, which opened on each side of the tights. Long opened sleeves with moon and stars on them. The earrings were replace by some long silver chain with small blue stones on them.
She turned around once more, striking a dancing pose, testing the dress to see if it would get in the way and seen how it simply add to the dance, she stoped moving for Irish to see.
-How about this one?
"Shows a little less, of course, but that might not matter. The stars give an underlying theme too, could be good for adding to a specific dance, could help with that." He answers, just as last time.
Merin nodded once more and went to change again. This time, she came back with something a little more revealing, in the red and gold. The clothes were ornate with golden trinkets and small pearls, covering her breast as a short dress was covering her hips, ending in a butterfly tail at the back. Golden earrings and necklace, and bracelets at the arms. Her tail show trough the back of the dress, in a hole made especially for beast folk people like her. Golden lace were running up her legs.
She turned again, to show the whole design to Irish and waited for his comments.
Irish is silent for a few moments, then gives an extended whistle in response. "...you moved from dancer Merin to princess Merin in under a minute..."
She laughed a little.
-I'm taking it this one is your favorite? -
She smiled, blushing a little. She wouldn't do so usually, she was used to receive compliments, but somehow, it felt different coming from Irish, she just didn't know why yet. The old lady nodded.
-Well, youre a pretty young lady! Lucky man you are!.-
She said. There was some more, but Merin didn't have enough to buy all of them, at any rate, she knew she just wouldn't stop if she was to try all the dress she tought pretty. So she stopped there.
-I'll take the purple and the red ones please...-
She said. The lady nodded and went up front to put the dress in bags once Merin had changed into her regular clothes. The old lady came back, Merin paid with the little money she had and went back to Irish with a smile, then handing him the few coins she had left.
-Thanks for your hard work!-
She said as she grabed back his arm, ready to get back to the inn, where Soleil was waiting. She wanted to show her the dress as well.
Irish stumbles along in Merin's wake, struggling to keep up with her cheerful skip back to the inn. He doesn't complain though, just does his best to follow behind and become as little a drag as he could. Merin certainly had quite the personality. Soleil, still standing by the horses, merely was waiting for them to return again. Supplies loaded, baggage a packed, she looked ready to depart.
Back at the inn, Merin went to Soleil, who seemed ready to go.
-Oh! I'm sorry, did we made you wait long!?-
She asked, worriedly as she approach with her bag. She smiled at her happily.
-I got two new dresses for my next performances! So I'll be sure to bring lots of money!-
She looked back at Irish, bowing slightly.
-Thanks again!-
Then turning back to Soleil.
-I'll go get my stuff so we can go!-
From that, she went in, gathered her belongings and got back out with her backpack, ready to go as well and happy as a sunshine.
Irish and Soleil exchange glances as Merin disappears off to gather her things. Irish's being more of a grin, while Soleil's showed an unsaid question of what exactly he was helping with. Nonetheless, Irish mounts his horse without challenge, as does Soleil after a moment. Both of the two are waiting for her as she returns. Soleil is the first to speak upon seeing her exit the inn again, "Are you riding with me or Richie?" She asks, "It doesn't really matter much."
Merin looked at the horses. She had never ride one before, thanks the gods, she wouldn't be the one leading it. She looked at them both unsure.
-Hmm...well...-
She didn't knew which of these two felt safer on a horse and since she had never ride one, she was hesitating. Whichever was the smoothes rider would be best she tought. But then again, she had no idea, so she took a coin out of her pocket, the last she had and threw it into the air, catching it and before revealing it's face, look at Soleil and Irish.
-Ok so Heads is Soleil and Tails is Irish...-
She said. She revealed the coin (I did throw one for real ha ha) and it revealed tails.
-I'm up with Richie then!-
She said, walking toward the man.
Soleil nods and mounts her horse in two moves - stepping once on a hanging part of the saddle, then slipping into position - a practiced effort from the years of performing it. Irish steps next to his horse and looks to Merin next to him, "Do you need help getting up there or...?" He asks, unsure if she knew how to mount a horse without falling flat on one side of the other.
She smiled weakly and shook her head.
-I've...never ride a horse before....but it can't be all that hard now can it?-
She said, hoping to comfort herself a little. She knew they had a long journey ahead and she had told herself to do her best. Hopefully, Irish wouldn't make fun of her for that.
-I...might need a little help...-
She said, tough she had seen Soleil do, she grab the top of the saddle, hoping to make a good impression.
Irish bends down and cups his hands under her foot to boost her up. He waits next to the horse to make sure she doesn't fall off again, "Steady?" He asks as he looks up to see for himself.
Merin, with Irish help, manage to het herself up on the horse saddle and settle herself there. Up there, it felt like a whole different world. She wasn't effraid, she just hoped the horse wouldn't kick her off. Once she was sure she was ok, she nodded to Irish.
-Aye, I'm ok, thanks!-
She said, nodding slowly. She looked at Soleil with a smile and laughed a little. There she was, it was now that it begin, their adventure and her quest to find her lost friend! It almost sounded like something out of a fairy tale.
Soleil smiles back as Irish mounts onto his horse too, in largely the same movement as Soleil - with the addition of clipping his sheathed blade to the left side of the saddle. Sitting in front of Merin now, Irish pats his horse's side, then looks over his shoulder to her again. "Storm won't let you down, Miss boss." he grins, "So, off to the trail then?"
She nodded softly.
-Yup! -
Even if Irish told her so, she wasn't so sure on how she wouldn't fall by herself so she put her hands on irish's waist and hung onto his clothes, so to be sure. Hopefully, the man wouldn't mind it.
-Off we go!-
She said. She stick out her tongue at him.
-And it's Merin! -
She laughed a little as they were now leaving.
~~~Days pass as the trio make their way across the wilderness, through the trees and up the hillocks that make up the land. Soleil and Merin finally plot a course together, giving them a heading, while Irish does what he does best; Stand around and look nice. Throughout the passage, none chose to bother the band. Towns and villages passed only offered their coin, not their pitchforks or banditry. It was a hefty sum after a week's movement north. Performances alongside some extra labor and handiwork provided them full pockets and stomachs, enough that their quality of supplies benefited. It was likely one of the perks Soleil used to originally further convince her partner, if he had any lingering doubts. Essentially, they were their own caravan, on a tour that was taking them north. Due to how little they needed and how much they were earning, the profit was clear. A good deed and a payoff for everyone, even Merin, who had many chances to acquire newfound cloths and jewelry, some gifted with the condition of a performance and some gained with the money she'd earned, had plenty to line her pockets with. They weren't as rich as kings, of course, but they could certainly pay for anything they wanted along the way, in addition to anything they needed.
It was a happy trail, a time of merry travel and pleasant dreams on the rise. Horseback with Irish turned out to be definitely more exciting, as he'd occasionally ride full-speed down the path or off it entirely just to get a reaction out of Merin. Certainly, Soleil would have been calmer and more relaxed than the antics of her partner, but it was also in good fun. Whenever Merin would seem to lose her grip, he would always grab her first, leaving no incident of note. It also gave him time to summarize their backgrounds, since Merin seemed interested, and it was such a simple task.
---
~~~Beside the crackling fire lay their bedrolls, cozy from the growing warmth in spite of the setting sun giving golden hues across the sky. Through the canopy, the chirping birds settled down for slumber as crickets' chorus neared ever closer to its beginning. Irish and Soleil had tied their horses to a nearby stump in preparation, but they were still very much active. After bringing in extra firewood as a precaution, having dinner, and planning the next day's movements, Irish had wandered to sit against a tree a few feet away from the fire whilst Soleil had moved to the other side of the horses, practicing forms with her sword.
During their travel, as they were going north, Merin had found herself enjoying this little journey. Tough it would be a long one in the end, so far, it was worth it. All those past troubles seemed to be vanishing the more time she past alongside her new companions. During off time, she would practice her dance, finding new moves and new acrobatics to perform, she tried her best to imagine the music that would go with it, but it was a bit hard with no musician to perform along.
As they went, the panda girl manage to get her hands on new clothes and jewelry, finding her wardrobe to expand as she went. Blue, red, green, white, purple and even orange dresses were among the clothes she was carrying, now in a bigger bag due to their size. More then that, new jewels, bracelets and necklace to add to the whole dress up. They took another bag all to themselves. The young dancer was pretty popular it seemed. And even among the villages they stopped by, she had been asked for her hand a couple of times, which she found very flattering but refused as she had a goal in mind.
She had ask many time about her friend, Lema, if any had seen her, giving a accurate description of the feline girl, but to no avail so far. Far from being discourage, she tought that perhaps she had taken another road. The world was big after all.
As for horseriding, the girl was getting more used to it day after day, and when Irish would get into one of those mood and ride at full speed, she would hang on tight, her body firmly push against his back and her arms wrapped around him in order to avoid falling off the horse. Thankfully, if she was to fall, he would catch her back in time. She did enjoyed them, even tough the first time she had screamed and almost hit him on the head for him to stop the horse.
And then, it was time to set camp. While Irish was sitting away, Merin had decided to practice her dance, going with new moves. She was wearing one of the new dress she was given. It wasn't as sexy then the others, but it was comfortable and cute. A white shirt with orange overall, a orange dress with frills at the edge, opening on each side of her waist, showing her legs. The shirt was very short, showing off her belly and the small jewelry she was wearing there.
Her movements were swift and slow at the same time, she was imagining the song in her head while performing on her own.
He had seen her dance many times, to be sure. The entrancement of the beginning had faded more into idle interest with time, he would always see it tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, so there was no clamber within Irish's eyes to watch. Though, for a time he did, his interest slowly turned more to Soleil. It was more of a disapproving look, nothing like a cautious or nervous one. Obscured by the horses, it made it hard for Merin to tell exactly why he was looking to her with such disapproval, but guesses could easily be given.
Irish pushes himself to his feet, and casually move around the horses and up to Soleil on the other side. Leaving Merin only just out of his eyesight wasn't exactly a careless mistake - he knew where she was, a few meters around the horses, and there was nobody around, so they were close and without threats. It wasn't an uncommon event, during the week, that the two would avoid smothering her like that, it was more of a 'just in case' event that was fairly lenient in practice.
She was over with practice, she had improved it was to say the least, but she was eager to find a musician to accompany her, it wasn't the same without one. She sat back down next to the fire, sometime wondering why irish looks was different. But she didn't dare asked question.
They were close to a river and she felt like refreshing herself up a bit. So walking off into the bushes, she made her way to the water. It was crystal clear and and the current wasn't fast, that would make do. She took off her shoes and put her feet in the water, rolling up her skirt to avoid making it wet.
-Ahh...it feels good...-
She said as she sat on the edge of the river. She closed her eyes for a bit, smiling as she was daydreaming, until something came next to her. She first thought it was Irish or Soleil, but as she opened her eyes, she faced herself with a mountain of brown fur, small wet nose and black eyes. A bear was looking at her, and it was big, and very close. She was stuck between screaming and holding her breath, as if that would make it go away.
The bear was sniffing her, pushing her a bit with it's muzzle and she didn't dare to move, too scared to do anything. Even tough she was partially of the same family, they were pretty different. This one was certainly far from been a dancer.
The sun's rays fell lower as the cricket's chirping began. Trickling water, alongside the ambient insects' symphony, cut between the silent pair the same way the starlight did, though not the same starlight. Darting in front of the bear's nose is a small sphere, giving off a gentle light and the warmth like the campfire Merin had just meandered from. To the bear, it felt much the same, with the added affect of stroking its instincts in another way. Merin, shielding by the soft ball of starlight, suddenly appeared as neither predator nor prey, simply not a threat, and not a piece of tasty meat.
Safety in light.
She looked at the light, this small sphere that stood between her and the beast. She had no idea where it came from and she was almost mesmerize by it. It took her a moment to realize that the bear wasn't attacking her nor touching her anymore. It slowly went away and disapeared into the woods, on the other side of the river.
She hadn't notice, but she had been holding her breath the whole time and so, with the bear gone, she let out a long sigh and breathed again. Then she turned her head around to see where the light had came from. Irish, Soleil? She wasn't sure, it had been the first time her life was in danger since they had started traveling.
The light drifts off several feet in front of her, in the direction of camp, illuminating the darkness past the light-level that seemed evident. It slows, and eventually stops, then swoops back to Merin to hover over her right shoulder. Lighting the area around and providing warmth, the path was clear for her to return to the group. Seemingly, by the initial movement, that's where it was directing.
Merin decided to follow the light and eventually reached the camp, without getting lost of hurt, thanks to the small sphere lighting up the path. As she was back, her sandals in hands, she could see the fire of the camp and search for the two others, feeling a bit guilty.
-Ah...I'm sorry...-
She spoke quietly, looking down a bit. She had caused troubled after all, probably.
Only Soleil was awake to greet her, sitting next to the fire in a somewhat casual position. Irish, against the tree again, had dozed off at some point, leaving his involvement out of question. Soleil glances up as Merin approaches, smiles, and returns to prodding the embers with a spare stick. The light over Merin's shoulder floats away as the nearby firelight takes over, offering the lighting that any fire would. After a moment, the orb flutters into the embers as well, enveloped in the light.
Merin sat next to Soleil and watched the fire for a moment, her eyes lost in the ember and ashes. She was lost in thoughts for a moment, then asked.
-Tell me Soleil...do...do you think you...could show me how to ride? and maybe...how to wield a sword? -
She turned her head toward her, looking serious. She didn't want to be a burden, even tough she had been told not to worry about it. But all she did was dancing all day, and somehow, she wanted to be able to fend for herself as well.
-but...if it's too much, you don't have too!...-
She said, shaking the idea off, it might as well be a bad idea.
It's several moments before she answers, as she too is lost in the fire much the same way. "Riding a horse is only about as difficult as the horse. For Storm and Hecate here, it's just a matter of keeping steady onboard and letting them know what to do." She tosses the stick fully into the fire. "As for swordfighting.. I've never been good with that. Can't seem to find the right balance, even after years being around him-" Soleil nods to the slumbered Irish, "-so I'm probably a lost cause there..." A pause, then she continues. Again, Soleil could sense Merin's doubts of herself. It wasn't really hidden anyway. "You won't be a burden just because your skill set isn't the same. Are you a burden to the performance since you aren't the musician?" She asks. "Everyone has their part to play, nobody is truly a burden to others. "
-I see...-
She tilt her head slightly.
-But I do want to learn how to defend myself...-
She said. Then perhaps she should ask Irish about it. And if riding a horse was as difficult as the horse, then perhaps she could get her own horse in the next village, she probably had enough to buy one for herself by now. She smiled softly.
-Tell me Soleil...do you have any dreams? Or a goal?....I mean, you travel a lot...isn't there something more that you'd want?-
She asked, turning toward her.
Soleil answers with a long pause, her own thinking taking hold again. Lying was the obvious choice, by now it had turned into a habit as instinctual as breathing. "...Nothing really..." Another short pause, "...Don't really have anything on my side of things, just helping Richie along..." At least it was a safe lie to make. Soleil was quite good at it too because, after all, it was natural by now.
-Really? -
She asked, a bit surprised. She was a bit disapointed, she would have like to talk with her about dreams and how they could make them happen. But she had a feeling she didn't really wanted to talk about it. She gazed back into the fire.
-Well...thanks anyway...I'll...just go to sleep...-
She walk to her bedroll and got in, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Soleil too lays down, across the fire in her own bedroll. Maybe one day she would know how to answer correctly. Eluding her for ages, truth only distanced itself farther and farther with each passing day. Hope too disappeared with it, as such, she believed that answers would likely never come. The reality around strengthened that. Nonetheless, Soleil pushes her regrets aside for the coming morning and rest through the night before them.
Night passed and morning came, shining bright on the sleeping trio. Only when the ray of the sun came flirting around Merin's nose, did she woke up, opening her eyes slowly. She sat up, stretching and yawning to chase the remaining of sleep and looked around her.
Somehow, today, she didn't feel like dancing, she was wondering about what Soleil had told her. Had she ask something too personal? She waved at those already awake then set off to the river once more, in order to clean herself. Making sure there was no bear around and that it was safe, she started undressing and soon found herself dip in the water, washing water over her body and sighing in relief.
It felt good and refreshing as it was hot.