On the Heels of Dancers (Open, Stargrace)

[Keeva Kaldres]

Timestamp: Early Melora, Winter of Era XV

Whilst Keeva’s primary purpose for visiting Zinn’Sunn might not have been to observe local culture, there was a certain something she was interested in seeing, nonetheless. Most of what she had heard of traditional kemite customs had been from idle hearsay, or seen, perhaps, in books, and whilst such information was debatably precise, there were some things she would rather witness for her own.

Recently, she had taken to studying dance, and whilst her grace and fluidity were currently lacking with regards to such things, that did not mean she couldn’t try to learn more, on her own.

Keeva hoped to be able to observe something of traditional local dance, for where what she had heard concerning kemites and their city seemed to vary, from one person to the next, there were certain similarities, as well. The woman had heard remarkable things concerning what was practiced here in Zinn’Sunn, and hoped that she could watch some local dances, and learn a thing or two, besides.

The only problem being, that Zinn’Sunn was so huge.

Keeva barely knew where to start, what district to be in, which way her toes should point, and so forth. Such was the reason why she was here, wandering the streets, a blatant tourist for all concerned to see. She didn’t like it particularly much, but then such was the way of things. Keeva would simply have to play her part as an ignorant little sightseer, for now, until someone pointed her otherwise.

Which was precisely what she was trying to do now; scoping out someone who could help her, and appeared reasonably cultured as well, to boot.

[Lyssoryl]

As Keeva wandered the streets of Zinn'Sunn, she noticed a young halfling woman coming her way. The girl skipped along light-heartedly, leading a pure white deer behind her. She sang in a pleasing soprano as she went, and her song was an odd one, about a man who went up to the mountains and learned to herd clouds. As she drew near she was singing a verse about how his vest, which was Knitted from cloud wool, kept him awake at night with thunder and lightning.

The girl turned to look at Keeva. "Are you by any chance lost? You have that look about you. I cannot claim a natives knowledge of the streets of Zinn'Sunn, but perhaps I could give you a few vital clues."

[Stargrace]

Zenith walked through the streets of Zinn'Sunn. Her pace was slow without seeming to have any urgency or destination in mind. The Kermite female found herself in a somewhat desolate state of mind --it was assuredly the result of boredom and having too much time on her hands.

Zenith decided she needed to find a distraction or at the least, find someone to help pass the endless amount of time Zenith had at her disposal. It was in that moment the Kermite's eyes fell upon the female wandering Zinn'Sunn's streets. The female's appearance and the way she gazed at her surroundings told Zenith that she was a tourist. The Kermite wondered if the Female was lost and since Zenith did have time to spare, she decided it was only right that she did the decent thing and offer the stranger help with directions or with any other requirements the Female had.

Zenith gazed at the stranger a few moments longer as the feeling of desolation was quickly replaced by curiosity and interest. With a slight bounce to her steps Zenith made her way over to the foreigner and when Zenith was in a close range, a gracious smile entered onto her lips. Upon seeing the Female's beauty at a closer distance, Zenith quickly ran her hand over her straight black hair before straightening her grey dress that consequently was the same shade as her eyes. Zenith removed any creases she found upon her quick inspection. When Zenith was satisfied she was at least presentable to the stranger, the Kermite stepped right in front of her.

With an arched brow, Zenith spoke in an upbeat, almost playful tone revealing her personality. "Serale, are you lost? In need of assistance? If so I may be of help....I'm sure I can spare the time...No really, it is no trouble at all..." Zenith grinned as amusement danced in her eyes. Zenith's father had wanted and expected all of his daughters to be well-mannered, soft spoken and of proper etiquette the young Kermite females were expected to uphold according to their customs, culture and family. It was of no surprise to all who knew and had met Zenith, that this Kermite Female broke the rules most, if not all, of the time.

Upon noticing another female had arrived at the stranger's side and had asked the same question. Zenith laughed and waited for the stranger's response to both of their questions before quickly adding. "I was thinking about getting some dance practice in but I am up for anything, if you are?" Zenith grinned as her gaze moved from one female to the next.

[Lyssoryl]

Lyssoryl laughed to see that someone else was making the lost looking woman the same offer of help that she was, at the same time.

"We are a friendly bunch here in Zinn'Sunn! If you so much as look puzzled we collect up against you like tumbleweeds on a fence, offering aid. My name is Lyssoryl, by the way."

[Keeva Kaldres]

Even though she was quite blatantly a tourist, Keeva had not expected to be approached. Certainly not be two people, at any rate…Was it really so obvious she was lost?

Not that she was not grateful, mind. In fact, she truly was. It was simply a little overwhelming to be advanced upon, doubly, in such a way.

The first was a cute little halfling, with an incredibly impressive voice for one her size. Keeva actually found herself enjoying the other girl’s song, bizarre as it happened to be. Even if she only received the tail end of the notes, the story of a man wearing a vest woven from clouds which thundered deep into the night was a strange one, to say the very least. It was also rather impractical, and for a moment Keeva thought, quite decisively, that the man should think about finding a new tailor.

“I have the look of being lost…? I suppose that is because I am. Horribly, thoroughly lost.” She smiled, rather sheepishly, in response to Lyssoryl’s words. And then there was the kemite, who spoke words which struck Keeva to the core.

“Dance? Actually, that was what I was looking for…dancers!” She proclaimed, almost gleefully, in her soft, feminine voice. “Obviously I am a tourist- you both manage to pick me out well enough- and I was hoping to observe some local dance while I was here.”

She hoped that the woman would allow her to go…Seeing the kemite dancers would be one thing, but the opportunity to dance amongst them? Well, that was another matter entirely. As Lyssoryl introduced herself, Keeva was still beaming, and made to do the same to her, in turn.

“Keeva.” She offered, and then, equally politely, “Happy to meet with you both. Lyssoryl, and…?”

The girl trailed off, realising that she had not caught the kemite’s name.

[Stargrace]

Zenith opened her eyes in disbelief. She was not one to easily believe in coincidence or even that of fate, but it seemed something more was at play right here on the Zinn'Sunn street. Suddenly, Zenith realised the tourist - Keeva - was awaiting her name. With a blink of the eye the Kermite gave her name with a mocking curtsey. "My name's Zenith. Well then, looks like it was meant to be." Zenith grinned with amusement. "I am sure I can show you something unique to the Kermite culture and I am sure you might be able to show me something from...." Zenith gave a shrug of her shoulders as she finished off her sentence. "...wherever you come from..."

Zenith clapped her hands together in pleasure at the thought of dancing with company, she was getting tired of dancing alone it just wasn't as entertaining. Zenith then turned towards the halfling. "Do you want to come and dance? Or if not, perhaps you will offer your voice as the music to our dance?" Zenith arched a brow in question as she looked down at Lyssoryl.

[Lyssoryl]

Lyssoryl had always been the sort of person who enjoyed improptu outings with new people. "I should very much love to come along if you two have no objection. I should be very happy to provide you two with what music I can muster. Where does one go to dance in this city? I've been to the Rolling Thunder, but I suspect that is not the sort of place you are thinking of."

As she spoke she scratched her deer behind the ear in an absentminded way. The deer seemed to enjoy it.

[Keeva Kaldres]

Keeva smiled, but did not really speak in response to Zenith’s words. Whilst it was truly a pleasure to meet with these two, and a joy to be able to learn local dance, the girl doubt with the particular embarrassment of not knowing from whence she had came. Somewhere in the province of Prime, she suspected, and possibly from Candaceburg at that, but then she knew little of the culture there, if culture even there was.

Zenith, however, had apparently already moved on, excitable as she seemed to be. The presence of the deer also confused the girl, for a time, wondering as she was as to whether the creature would be coming along.

“I would very much love to see this place, too.” She spoke, instead, the sentiment of cheer fully evident within her tone of speech. “Will your friend by joining in as well?”

The last query was directed towards Lyssoryl, and her alleged companion, and escorted by a small, civil smile.

[Lyssoryl]

“Will your friend by joining in as well?”

Lyssoryl seemed puzzled for a second, then said "Oh, you mean Kamvia here." She patted the deer's neck. I suppose she will be. She's my mount, you see. To ride a horse I would have to learn to do the splits, not to mention have someone toss me up on it's back when I wished to ride. Today we're walking together as we both want exercise, which is why I'm down here on the ground."

Lyssoryl forebore to mention that she let Kamvia graze around the city, an activity that was mostly harmless but sometimes a few cultivated plants took a bit of a nibbling.

"So, where are we off to?" Lyssoryl asked. She had seen a lot of Zinn'Sunn, but was sure that there was plenty of it that she was not yet familiar with.

[Stargrace]

Due to Zenith seeming to so effortlessly and rapidly move on to other aspects of conversation, to some people Zenith’s eager manner was often mistakenly assumed to possess other not so desirable qualities; qualities such as stupidity, lack of attention, but especially to the Kermite culture, discourtesy and disrespect. Despite what it seemed, Zenith paid close attention to most things. She noticed the look that was displayed upon Keeva’s face in response to her question of origin, that look spoke in volumes to Zenith. More for Keeva ‘s benefit than for her own, Zenith let the question remain unknown to Keeva’s two new acquaintance’s; it merely seemed to the Human and the Halfling as an instance of Zenith moving on to other matters of conversation without much thought.

At certain times however, Zenith did breeze past questions she did not feel she needed to answer. This was one of those times Zenith did just that; silence pursued Lyssoryl’s question of where they were going. Instead Zenith began to walk slightly in front of the two females. She beckoned them with a hand gesture to follow her lead. Zenith glanced over her shoulder every so often either to speak or to make sure they were keeping up with her; other times she did so as she gestured in a certain direction taking on the role of tour guide.

All of a sudden Zenith abruptly halted the females as she turned completely around to face them. In an upbeat tone she spoke first to Keeva. “So what type of Kermite dancing are you most interested in learning about? To put it briefly, there are two categories – court and folk dancing. Of court dancing there are two sects: Aldaint and Andulet. In aldaint there is the Ineo Zanki, the Dance of Spirit Law. Andulet is a Keme ritual dances but this one we cannot do because it is performed by thirty-six dancers aligned in six rows or six or sixty-four dancers in eight rows of eight.. “ Zenith made a gesture with her arms when she said the number before she folded her arms across her chest. She began to walk again but this time backwards, her eyes gazed at Keeva first before darting on to Lyssoryl seated upon her deer. “Unless we find a lot of volunteers I don’t think we can even attempt this dance.” Zenith ginned and then fell into silence as she took a moment to think (and take a breath as well).

When composed (and had gained her breath) Zenith continued. “Of folk dancing the well known dances are Minae val’Esakado – Dance of the butterfly; Jil’ok Minae - the cresent dance and..Oh and Umi’bagim, the Fan Dance and of course there is the Mask dances as well...those are just a few of the traditional or most common dances I know of.” With a smile of satisfaction Zenith looked at Keeva awaiting her dance choice. Before Keeva could utter a word, Zenith once again spoke up. “A lot of that, you probably do not have any idea of. Luckily for you I am a great teacher...” Zenith’s eyes lowered before looking up, a playful grin appearing. “...So my feet tell me. They are the only ones I have actually taught before seeking proper help. But on the up side we will have fun and fool around...unlike the usual teachers, I am not old with grey hair and a scowl on my face full of bitterness because I am jealous of my students young legs...” Zenith laughed. The beautiful sound became even more spectacular when the sound of silence overwhelmed the area.

The silence did not last long, but longer than the recent gaps between speech. It finally presented the chance for Keeva to throw her words into the air. And then Zenith, as if just remembering, turned to the Halfling and with an arched brow she asked her, “Do you just sing or do you play an instrument as well? Do you know any music that will be fitting for our chosen style of dance? Perhaps something..Kermite-ish?”

OOCOk guys you might prove to be a hard act to follow (speed posters) as Keeva knows RL has kicked back in so at times I may be slow at replying but I will try not to let it get that way. Just please don’t leave me lying in the dust too far behind you lol. Lyssoryl you are welcome to just supply the music or join in with the dancing when you want. I was thinking if you did not have experience with gongs and other apt instruments and you were interested I could create another npc (perhaps a strapping male? mwah) to assist you? Let me know.

[Lyssoryl]

Lyssoryl listened to the descriptions of the dances with great interest. It sounded like quite a complicated affair. She expected to be excused from dances that created large formations of people since she was of a height that would mar the symmetry.

"I play the violin as well as sing, but unfortunately I do not have it with me at the time and the place I am staying is far across town. Perhaps we can pick up another musician somewhere, they abound in Zinn'Sunn like fleas on a dog, if you'll pardon the expression. I have come to Zinn'Sunn to study music so I do have a selection of local songs at my disposal, although I cannot claim a master's knowledge, and if asked to sing in the Kemite tongue my pronunciation will likely be comical."

OOC: Sorry about the speed posting, I'll try to be good. Unfortunately I have two training threads going at the moment so I can't learn anything for a while. I'm just here to socialize in an open thread, don't mind me or let me get you two off track.

[Stargrace]

With a nod of her head, Zenith smiled at Lyssoryl. "Oh damn, the violin for most of the dance styles would've been fantastic. Never mind, we will get by...it is not an offical training after all. If it was I would most likely have to pay you for your music and in turn Keeva would have to pay me for the beneficial dancing advice I will give her." Slight crinkles showed in the corner of Zenith's eyes as her smile widened further. "There is probably a variety of instruments around for you to use if you wish and I promise I won't laugh...too much at your Kermite attempt of language and song." Zenith gave the halfling a teasing smile, one that conveyed her words were harmless and in reality she would do nothing of the sort.

"If we find no one else there is probably someone at the place we are going to that will join in, have no fear." In a blink of an eye Zenith's mood changed as a serious expression emerged. Zenith leaned closer to Lyssoryl and in a hushed tone said. "You know what they say about music don't you?" Zenith waited until she was certain she had the Halfling's full attention. "Music is the soul of language...Music, because of its specific and far reaching metaphorical powers, can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable."

Zenith then turned to Keeva and said with an arched brow. "And dance of course I believe is the hidden language of the soul..." Zenith stretched out her arms above her head and in a graceful manner she twirled around ending the movement by stepping up on to her toes. She slowly lowered her arms in a circular motion until each arm was crossed over the other and her hands cupped her chin. Zenith grinned and then gave an exaggerated curtsey to the two females before returning to her previous stance and continued again to lead her companions through the streets of Zinn'Sunn.

Zenith then asked each female a question before pressing her lips together, as she eagerly awaited each female's response with focussed attention. "Lyssoryl, what do you love about music, how does it make you feel? Why did you want to learn music?" Zenith turned to Keeva. "And what do you like about dancing? Why do you want to dance? What interests you so?"

Zenith looked about realising that they were getting close to the location. She rubbed her hands together with a smile. It has been quite some time since she had companions to share her time with, to have a bit of fun; but most of all, to see and share in her passion, what constantly appeared in her dreams and whispered in her every movement.

OOCLyssoryl, this is not an offical training thread even if some dance or music is taught. This is less offical, the npc('s) here are not proper teachers so therefore we can't include it as a training thread. So you can decide to join in the dancing or merely watch or have a play with the instruments by yourself or with another npc. If dancing does not overally interest you this option may appeal?

[Lyssoryl]

OOC: I'm actually having my violin training thread going on right now, so while Lyssoryl should theoretically be able to play the violin by this date I have to make excuses for her not to, until I'm done with the thread.

"I do very much enjoy dancing, both doing it and watching it, although I fear I shall never have the long willowy build of a dancer. Still, one does what one can. Where did you say we were going again?"

"As to what I like about music, well, my feelings are not entirely easy to describe. Music has always been my companion, I have always sung, ever since I was a little girl. I mean, an even littler girl. You say that music is the soul of langauge, I say that language is a corruption of music which is necessary only because people insist on conveying meaning rather than feelings."

"I am an initiate of the school of song, and where most mages see essence when they reach a state of clara, I hear it. The world is sort of like a symphony to me. It's rather hard to describe."

She watched Zenith's graceful moves with interest. "very nice!" She said. "What do you call that?"

[Keeva Kaldres]

Zenith was obviously a rather graceful soul, and Keeva, like the halfling, delighted in the young woman’s moves, before listening to her queries, all that she had to say. As skilled as the kemite was in dance, so it seemed, she was likewise very talented when it came to the art of speech. Zenith talked a great deal, moving from one thing to the next, leaving Keeva almost clueless as to where she should begin answering, in kind.

There did appear to be a break, however, after Lyssoryl had spoken and, taken her chance, the young woman in turn acted hastily, to reply.

“I’m a student of dance, myself…The gracefulness and beauty, the flow are what drew me to it, perhaps. I had hoped to claim some for myself.”

There was a smile, part sheepish, part genuine, which reflected how the young woman felt; being here, within this strange, foreign place, and hoping to learn of local, traditional things. Out of place, perhaps, and surely more than just a tad awkward. After all, she was no kemite herself- just another idle tourist, passing by.

“I would very much love to learn of your local folk dances...If that would be possible, of course.”

[Stargrace]

OOC: If you feel like picking up the gongs or any other instrument that is entirely up to you. I will do my best to accommodate you in any way I can.

Zenith listened to both of the Females responses. When it was apparent it was her turn to speak she did so without a moment’s hesitation, as was Zenith’s way. Zenith turned towards Lyssoryl who has spoken first and with an arched brow and a smirk of a smile appearing upon Zenith’s face, she responded. "You will see...the place is not entirely open for the public as of yet but I was able to pull some strings and was allowed to practice there. We are very close so I am sure you won’t mind waiting just a little while longer."

Zenith then frowned slightly as she went over Lyssoryl’s words of language being a corruption to music which was necessary for people to convey meaning rather than feeling. "I disagree somewhat with that - I believe meaning is important because although we may share the same feelings and emotions about a song we will both take a different meaning of the song away with us. Words that are sung can either have an overwhelming and beautiful effect on the song making it potentially greater in feeling because of the story of the song and what it signifies, but most of all, the inner importance the song holds for each of us. The lyrics can also destroy the song entirely. Therefore, the song's lyrics must be thoughtfully crafted and be a credit to the music itself - But that's just my thoughts."

Zenith's eyes widened when the Halfling described how she sensed clara. "Well I don't know much about that mage stuff but when I became more adept in dancing I began to notice each movement of life and I realised life itself had its own unique dance; for example, the movement of each blade of grass in the wind. It is beautiful and that of inspiration."

Zenith then turned to Keeva and smiled; it was a smile that not only recognised, but rejoiced in the similarities the two of them shared. Zenith was now certain that the divine powers were at play to bring the two dancers together. After all, it was one thing to meet someone who was interested in seeing traditional Kermite dancing; it was quite another showing Kermite dance to a person who was an actual dance student.

“Folk dancing, I’m sure I can show you something. Be warned though, if you turn out to be better than I am I will wage war on you using Kermite weaponry.” Zenith held a serious expression which for a few long moments remained before laughter erupted forth. When Zenith saw the look on both of their faces she laughed all the harder before she shook her head bringing an end to her amusement. She looked out to her left. “Oh, here we are now. Welcome to the Zinn’Sunn Performing Arts Center.” Zenith greeted someone outside the main entrance before she led the company inside.