The streets of Lomedor were overly decorated on this day. It was apparently some sort of holiday among the humans, though Xoco could not make out exactly what they were celebrating. All he knew was that vines and leafy plants seemed placed in every nook and cranny in the entire city. Every window had a planter hung inside of it, every doorway was adorned with a fern on either side, many buildings were covered in long, twisting green vines. The whole city looked as though Liara herself had come down and decorated it herself.

Aside from the interesting natural decorations, there was merry-making all around. People danced and drank, and the smells of many exotic meats cooking rose up into the air. Supposedly there was some sort of grand celebration within the city Square, where there would be plenty of drink and an enormous feast. Xoco figured that he would join in the celebration, even though he knew nothing about what they were celebrating. But as long as there was plenty of drink and good food, he didn’t care.

Indeed, as he entered the Square, many servants and slaves were bustling about to prepare for the feast. It was an insane amount of activity, one that Xoco had not seen since the humans had celebrated the Solstice several months ago. He crossed his arms, chuckling slightly at how the humans scurried about, attending to menial tasks. Shaking his head, Xoco made his way through the bustle over to a table, where many giant casks of ale were being set out. Silently, Xoco picked up a large, glass flagon and filled it with a sweet oak mead. Taking a sip, Xoco leaned back and scanned the gathering crowd, seeing who might be in attendance.

Sartana gawked at the food before him, and a young servant boy beside him put a plate in his hands. The demon hunter turned to the boy with an expression of joy. Of course, he was in such a state of shock that his face looked more like one of horror, his jaw dropped, eyes wide, and face contorted into a visage of ultimate suffering. The servant jumped back with a squeak, and ran away from the man, arms over his head. Sartana turned back to the food, his face now normal and content. “Free? All of this- free?” He asked himself, followed by a sigh of happiness and disbelief. Who would have thought with such unluckiness that had befell him in his last demon hunt, that he would stumble upon such a fortunate event as this feast? Truly, if there was one thing the demon hunter enjoyed, it was eating. Even his hunts came second most of the time. Sartana sat at the long wooden table laden with sweets and steaming foods set up outside. It was going to be a good day.

His mouth was full before his plate was, and his hands worked deftly to grab nearly one of everything on the table. Crispy buns, taters 'n gravy, roasted chickens and meats, honey and maple syrup dipped carrots... Pastries and bowls of pudding. These were but a handful of the delicacies present, and Sartana's eyes took them all in, as his mouth slowly went through one bite at a time. He still carried his weapons at his side, and a black cape hung over his back and shoulders, a matching black, wide-brimmed hat on his head. He was quite the stranger, but didn't mind the stares.

Something stopped him. He looked down at his hand, almost curiously, and moved it in seven intricate position. A purple mist wrapped around his fingers and dissipated a moment later. He looked up, and to his right at a white-haired man. He looked to be about Sartana's age, with very blue eyes and a gaunt visage. The demon hunter watched him for a moment, and then went back to eating, sticking a piece of bread in his mouth. They don't have wizards checking for evil beings? What kind of foolishness is this? He wondered, watching the man from the corner of his eye. He decided not to worry about it. The demon hunter would enjoy his meal.

Geaman stood in the shadows watching the celebrations, his master was sitting at one of the tables, his plate piled high with food of every kind. Geaman could see his master swaying very slightly in his seat hinting that he had already drunk a large quantity of alcohol but Geaman knew better his master was sober and ready for an attack. Recently his master had grown more paranoid maybe it had something to do with his research? Idly he stroked the dagger hidden under his cloak. He knew he did not need it but his master had insisted he keep it with him. He chuckled it sounded something like the sound of gravel being crushed. He wouldn't need it today for even the most dangerous Brigand would be celebrating. Still he adjusted his belt making the dagger more accessible and moved further into the shadows.

Arda Day had come once more and everyone within Arda was celebrating the day of its creation. It was a wonderful day and even some of the most chaotic beings within Arda had taken up in the joy of the moments with the fast amount of parties spreading through all of the different towns within Arda. Even the mighty Chaos Phoenix, Alba Meria, had come to Lómëdor for the festival that was being put on there. Sure he had still taking his usual equipment with him, but he did not expect a fight, except maybe one of the way home when a group of drunks would most likely try to kill Alba like the past years.

The city square had been set up in an amazing way with different foods and drinks set out, the best thing being that for this one day everything seemed to be given out for free. Alba was holding his large scythe within his right hand as usual, but this time the helm of his Bloodshed Armour was in his travel pack that was hanging down by his side. The Phoenix did not want to have a battle today of all days, but for some reason he felt his plan to not fight would soon be thrown out of the window in the guards of Lómëdor were to spot Alba. Well unless the guards were to allow any into the events for that day, after all it was Arda Day, a time for peace among the people of this world.

Alba smirked a little as he looked around at the others within the Square; so many had gathered all of difference races, classes and even alignments. It seemed like this day would indeed be interesting and Alba could not wait to feel the taste of ale slipping down his throat once more. And today of all days the ale would taste oh so much better since it would be for free, of course Alba would have just taken the drink anyway if he were to get charged for the drink. As the eyes of the Phoenix scanned along the people sitting at tables he had seen someone that he knew rather well, a member of his guild to be exact.

With Xoco, the Wraith, ahead of him Albas’ smirk grew larger and the Phoenix set off towards him. Soon he was standing next to Xoco but still did not say a word. The Phoenix just nodded then took a seat next to the Wraith and filled up a glass with some strong Ale before saying, “Well then Xoco. Good to see you here. We may not liked each totally but for this day I am willing to let that slide ok? Lets just have some fun for today.” Albas smile then grew into a small smile and he raised his glass to Xoco before drawing it towards his lips and letting the ale within it to slide down his throat. Yes already this was turning out to be a good day!

Xoco felt an uncomfortable feeling come over himself as he noticed the Chaos Phoenix picking his was through the crowd, obviously heading his way. Xoco stared straight ahead, trying to act as though he had not yet noticed that Alba was there. Despite this, Xoco kept the Phoenix in his peripheral vision, ensuring that Alba did not have any lethal intentions. After drawing himself a drink, Alba came and sat down next to Xoco. It seemed that the uncomfortable silence would drag on forever, but finally Alba broke it on an unexpectedly peaceful note. Xoco smiled at Alba’s words, relieved that there would not be an ugly confrontation on this day.

“Well,” said Xoco, “You are certainly the last person that I expected to hear that from, Alba. But, nevertheless, I accept,” said Xoco, clanging the edge of his glass against Alba’s and then taking a long draft. When he finished, Xoco felt slightly more relaxed, probably the merriest he had in many moons. The humans were dancing, the drink was flowing, the food was hot, and he had made a temporary peace with a possible enemy. All seemed to be going very well.

Standing, Xoco picked his way through the bustling celebration to the banquet table, where many plates of apparently free food were laid out. It was apparent that many people had already beaten him to the table, but there was still plenty left, constantly replenished by the stream of city servants that brought fresh plates of steaming food out. Xoco helped himself to some of the food, not that he needed any. Xoco never got hungry, and never got full, but simply ate for the pleasure of eating. Food still tasted good, and no celebration was truly complete without it.

Xoco returned to where Alba was sitting with a plate of roasted duck and turkey, along with some steamed vegetables, berries, and a mound of chopped potatoes. It was as if twenty harvests had been collected simply for the purpose of throwing one party. Enjoying his newfound bountiful plate of food, Xoco smiled and watched the party unfold around him

Roleun had been wandering the streets of Lómëdor for a while now; he had been looking for a place to sit, relax and eat, maybe play his violin a bit. When he stumbled upon the festivities for Arda Day, he laughed out loud with joy. Wow! This place is really busy, and already the food is set out and people are eating and dancing. I wonder when the festival started...? He thought to himself before shrugging and sitting down at one of the many tables. He set his violin case on the ground, grabbed a glass, filled it with some alcoholic drink and wrinkled his nose at it. He hated the taste and smell of alcohol, but he still tried some every now and again, even if just to remind himself not to drink again for a while. He sipped and shook his head. Still as disgusting as before.

A servant was handing out food to people. A young boy, by the look of it, with a sullen look on his face. Roleun's heart ached for the boy, but there was nothing he could do about it right now. So as he took a plate, he gave the boy a few coins with a wink. The boy smiled widely at him and pocketed the coins with a silent 'Thank You.' Roleun sat at a table and started eating with a smile. The food was good, the ale still disgusting to him but enjoyable to others, and the weather was perfect. Perhaps the Gods and Goddesses were smiling upon them, since it was the anniversary of Arda's birth. Roleun shrugged and continued eating, wondering if anyone he knew was at the celebration.

As he finished his first plate, however, music caught his ear. The music was jovial, with many wind instruments, but Roleun couldn't hear a single violin. He frowned slightly and listened closely. The music was looping, starting over and over at a single point, and there was no violin. He vould hear the chords and melody, though, so he decided to join in to the music. He took the violin from it's case and stood close to the orchestra, which turned out to be a bunch of people with clarinets and flutes. He waited until the music looped once more before he joined in, hitting all the chords perfectly. At first, he earned a strange look from the conductor, but the elderly man smiled at him and continued conducting. Yes, this is going to be a good day, Roleun thought before letting himself get caught up by the music. Even if I just get some practice in by the end of it.

Alba nodded at the words of Xoco and even let a small laugh slip past his dark lips. The only other time Alba ever acted like this was when he was with Aaris, but today was the one-day the Phoenix could change and show another side to him. After all Arda Day was a day for all to come together, it would not be very sporting to not include the beings of chaos now would it? Yes the Phoenix knew that he could act more relaxed on this day and not need to worry one bit about any battles happening. It was actually rather nice to be able to just sit and relax for once, although at the same time the Phoenix would have to watch for pick pockets, this would be the best time for their work after all.

Soon Xoco got up and went to get some food, luckily for Alba the food he wanted was right next to the table he was sat. It was a table full of large steaks that the Phoenix could not wait to rip his teeth into. To feel the juices within the meat and wit luck Alba might even be able to get one that still had some blood within it. Now that would be one good bit of meat. The Phoenix looked over to the table but instead of moving he just used his power of Telekinesis to raise a plate along with a large steak and drag it over to himself along with more bread to dip into the juices on the plate afterwards.

Soon Xoco had returned and once he had the Phoenix said, “Now Xoco. Even though this truce shall only last for today I feel we should take this time to know each other better. As I feel if we know each other better then after this truce there might be some kind of foundation for a solid friendship!” Once saying this Alba smirked a little as ripped off a section of his steak placing into his mouth and tearing into the meat with his fang like teeth, thanks to his Vampire Tooth Earrings. Of course the Phoenix had his mouth closed as he are, he might have been chaotic but he was not a vulgar eater. Now Alba just waited on the reply of Xoco.

Xoco’s brow heightened slightly as he listened to Alba’s words. Get to know one another? It was very unexpected, but at least it was conversation. That, the food, and the drink were pretty much the only things to do here, since Xoco would not dance to save his soul. He had to speak above the constant hum of the crowd, a dull din that seemed to fill the ears in place of actual noise. It was loud, constant, and yet seemingly imperceptible.

“Well, you’re certainly in a good mood today. But, it is a celebratory day, so, why not? There’s not much to know about me, really. I was wrought out of the soul of a mortal being who had achieved a state of pure evil, and as such am cursed to a half-life here. I’ve been on your plane some 500-odd years, though I have stopped counting for the time being. I served under the demon Baul’Dae until his defeat, and was present at the Battle of Normansons. I began to serve our Goddess Ita some 250 years ago, after I became strong enough to break away from service to greater demons. I am a wanderer, always seeking power and a purpose here,” said Xoco.

His monologue was broken in parts, when he took bites of food and stopped to eat. The dishes were exquisite, some of the finest cooking that Xoco had ever tasted. The meat was juicy and tender, with plenty of flavor and a brilliant coating of crisped honey. The vegetables were fork-tender and steamed to perfection, especially the potatoes, and the berries were as if they had been picked at the peak of ripe perfection. Xoco wondered how the city could possibly afford to provide such food for it’s citizens, but at that point, he did not really care. Xoco chewed slowly, savoring the best meal in a long time.

“What about you?” he said, turning his head towards Alba.

Merenwen had come to Lomedor a few days before when she heard about the festivities that were going to take place. She loved her solitude but the idea of being able to be out in the open with so many people and not have to worry about a fight breaking out was appealing to her. She put on her dark blue bodice, light blue chemise, and green breeches and headed out to join the festivities. As she walked along the streets toward the square she could hear the beautiful music and the sounds of people having a good time. This caused her to hurry her step because she didn't want to miss out on the fun.

When she arrived at the square she saw how many people had already arrived and noticed the massive amounts of food that were set out. She decided she would grab a bite to eat first and so she went up to a table that was covered with fresh berries and a delicious looking salad. She made herself a plate and walked over to a nearby table to sit down. As she ate she looked around the square at all the people who had come out. She saw people of every shape, size, and race gathered together for this special event.

When she had finished eating Merenwen's eyes traveled to the dance floor where a number of people were gathered. She thought about joining in the dancing but she didn't know any of the people who were currently dancing so instead she sat back and watched. The tune the band was playing was one she knew well so she hummed along and relaxed in the splendor that was the Arda Day festivities.

The Phoenix looked towards Xoco as he spoke of his past, is seemed he was going along with the thing Alba had said. After all it was better to know more about those that served under you, that way it would be easy to tell who would be the ones to look out for the most and also which ones to keep a very close eye on. Although the story told by the Wraith was not exactly long it still told Alba a great deal about him. But now of course it was the turn of Chaos Phoenix to speak of his past to the Wraith, now that was going to be a rather long speech but hey Xoco had asked for it so Alba was not to blame in the end.

Alba took in a deep breath then started off his story, “Well you see Xoco. I have a twin sister. Her name is Rinoa, and our mother died giving birth to us both. My mother was a demon blessed with the powers of a Phoenix while my father was an angel. Once my mother died my father raised Rinoa and myself by himself. That was until he re-married, with that human Juliet! And thus Zenith was brought into this world. Once Zenith was born everything failed for me, my father did not know I was even alive. But I showed him; I killed my entire family leaving only myself, Rinoa and Zenith alive. Everyone else was killed by my own hands you see. From that day on I began to travel Arda in my quest for power and chaos. Soon of course finding the temple.” The Phoenix then paused for a moment to take some meat, followed by a swig of ale.

After letting a small laugh escape his lips Alba continued his story, “After being in training with Ita for a few years I finally took up my role as the force of Chaos you see before you know. I made sure the blood of my mother than runs through me was known within Arda, I made sure the power of a Chaos Phoenix would not soon be forgotten!” His laugh continued and even caused a few people passing by to glance towards Alba but the Phoenix could not give a damn would the fools within this city thought of him. After all once Arda Day was over Alba would most likely return to this town and slay all those that looked at him the wrong way on this day.

Sure Alba had told the short version of his story but that did not matter. He took another large bite out of his meat again followed by some ale before he waited on the reply that would likely come from the Wraith. This meeting was actually proving to be rather interesting indeed.

“A dark past for a dark man,” commented Xoco. “ I suppose I always figured you would have some sort of angst. Most mortals do in our time. These are dark times, after all, and we are no exception. I cannot say that I am unhappy about my own past, nor would I say you are unhappy about yours. For now, however, we should veer of from that which is dark and try to stick with that which is happy. I hear that you are to be a married man soon, Alba, and even though my past relations with your bride are of concern, I wish you many happy years together.” Xoco took another drink from his ale, knocking back the rest and levitating the glass over to the tap to get another pint. Gods knew, he like his ale, especially if said ale was completely free. Drinking was one of his favorite mortal past-times, possibly the one he loved the most. It was almost the only thing that could ever make him feel merry, feel that that there was some glimour of hope or happiness in this cursed existence that he lead.

Half-mindedly, Xoco’s foot began to tap to the music in the background. All of the mortals were dancing like fools in the town square, while others simply sat on the sidelines and observed as he and Alba did. “I am surprised that the city would spend so much money on such menial pleasures as a party like this one. It seems a rather high expense for one holiday,” commented Xoco. “Not that I care. The drink is free, and that’s what matters, eh?” Xoco smiled, taking yet another drink, and simply awaiting Alba’s response. He hoped that one of his two attempts at making lighter-hearted conversation would succeed, at least for a little while. Having depressing conversations on a celebrational day was simply not fitting at all.

Alba sat back using his Telekinesis once more, only this to get a large glass of ale, as he listened to Xoco. The Wraith had wished both Alba and Aaris a happy marriage? Now that was one thing the Phoenix did not expect to hear at all, even more so from the Wraith. But at least it was a change of pace for the conversation right? Alba then nodded towards Xoco once his little speech had finished before taking another large swing of ale. It was after that the Phoenix said in reply, “Thank you Xoco. To tell the truth I never thought I would ever find love never mind be getting married. But there is something different about Aaris, something that draws me to her like nothing else. I can also show another side of me while around her and I really like you know?” With this said the lips of Alba once again curved into a smile but this time it was not one to sign chaos, but one to mark as a sign of joy.

It was then that Xoco seemed to also get another ale before speaking of the Arda Day event that was unfolding before them. At first there was a moment of silence as Alba took another drink from his glass but soon enough the Phoenix replied to the Wraith. “Well Xoco, think of it this way. Today is the only day of the year where any race, class or even alignment can all come together without fear of battles. Is not something worth celebrating fully? Something worth making memorable to say the least? I think it is, however you might have some other idea on the matter.” With his words passed by his lips Alba looked towards Xoco awaiting on the reply from this dark wraith. Yet it still felt rather strange sitting here having a civil conversation with someone whom Alba had once killed in a way. Strange yes, but far from stressful, in truth the Phoenix was starting to actually like the conversation.

“Honestly, Alba, I cannot say that I do know. I do not have the mortal inclination towards the opposite sex, nor do I think I will ever understand it. Such is one of the pitfalls of an undead existence such as my own. Still, it is good that you have found a mate with Aaris. With any luck, it might calm you both down a little,” said Xoco. The last part was meant as a joke, and to show this he laughed slightly and took a drink of his ale. This time he had drawn himself a honeyed lager that was strong and hoppy, yet had a distinctly delicious undertone to it.

Xoco listened after he finished speaking, listening to Alba trying to explain why the humans were so jovial on this day. It seemed as though there was a temporary truce, where everyone could simply enjoy or at least tolerate the other’s company. It seemed quite odd that humans, who were without fail always fighting, simple decided to stop for 24 hours and break bread together. Sometimes, the odd inclinations of mortals puzzled Xoco, and he was convinced he would never understand the way the mortal’s minds worked.

“It seems that mortals simple look for excuses to throw parties. Well-wishing is not my style, but I’m willing to indulge this temporary peace as long as they kep bring out fresh kegs of ale,” said Xoco, trying to keep his general misunderstanding of this whole affair on a jovial note. Taking a long swig of the delicious honeyed lager, Xoco awaited Alba’s response.

The first words spoken by Xoco made Alba fix his gaze onto the Wraith, it had not even crossed the mind of Alba how different things must be for a spirit of this realm. The Phoenix smirked a little before finally saying his reply, “Well Xoco, if you where able to be brought back as a mortal you would maybe know the feeling of love. It is indeed a strange feeling but in truth I would not give it up for the entire world.” A smirk then formed along the lips of Alba as a strange thought came to his mind. Xoco had been around for so many and yet his power was still lower than that of the Chaos Phoenix, it was indeed a very strange thing.

This day was getting better and better by the second, so much in fact that Alba did not feel like dampening the mood between himself and Xoco by talking about power levels. No for now Alba Meria just wanted to enjoy his ale and relax. But as said things were starting to get better as more and more things where being brought out for everyone to eat and drink. Some of the new stuff looked really good, it was no longer just meat, people from the different lands in Arda had brought along the things to make their home dishes so now there was also a group of pasta and even rice dishes set out for people to feast upon.

Alba however ignored the food for now and went back once more to taking a long drink from his large glass of ale as Xoco spoke. It was only after a few moments that the Phoenix said, “You are right about that Xoco. The humans can be foolish, very foolish indeed but as long as they supply me with free food and ale what is there to complain about? I find this is always a good day just to relax, or to get so drunk you can hardly even remember anything of the day!” With the last words of what Alba had said the Phoenix began to laugh a little. He then waited on the reply from Xoco once more as he took another drink of ale.

Xoco watched an unfamiliar expression come over Alba’s face; one of slight understanding as he came to understand what things were like for a spirit to live in the realm of mortals. It was a very unnatural existence that Xoco lead, one that was to be feared more than death. It was a very funny thing about men, and indeed a very funny thing about existence. Almost a cruel irony existed between the living and the dead, and Xoco used this to respond.

“Brought back to mortality? No… that is not what I long for. It seems a cruel state of affairs exists between the living and the dead. Mortals live their entire lives trying to postpone death, putting off the day of judgment where they will have to pay the price of their sins. But those who successfully cheat death as I have only end up longing for it eventually. For some it takes hundreds of years, but to live in my state of partial immortality is not as grand as most men seem to think that it is. Mortals tend to think that I am so clever and lucky to have cheated death, and yet this half-life is almost worse.”

Xoco mused and then listened to Alba talk about the party. He smiled, almost laughing, staring into the crowd with a slight glimor in his eyes. Alba had punched that one right on the mark. “Aye,” said Xoco, “I’ll attend any mortal party as long as the flow of ale remains steady and strong. Good food and good ale mean nothing but good times, and what more can we long for in this world?” Xoco took several long gulps on his ale and then refilled it through telekinesis while awaiting a response from Alba.

Alba once again listened to the words of Xoco as he spoke of his life as a spirit, in a strange way Alba knew exactly how the Wraith felt and in time he would explain the reason why he felt this. Slowly the Phoenix raised his head to look up at the sky above with a sly smirk as the clouds passed over head. It was then that the Phoenix began to speak once more, he words soft and slow as he said, “Well Xoco in a way I know exactly how you feel being stuck in one plain. Remember I am a Chaos Phoenix, when I am killed I come back from the dead and most of the time my appearance changes, but if you think about it, it could be many many hundreds of years before I am given true death. But for now I do not want to think of that, I have my life to live out with my wife to be!” The Phoenix then placed his lips into a smile once more still looking at the clouds overhead of him.

Alba then lowered his looking back towards Xoco as he spoke of the party and the ale once more, it caused the lips of Alba to curl into a smirk once more and he raised his class up towards his dark lips taking yet another long drink of ale. He soon finished the glass and had it filled up again, as the glass was filling up Alba then took a red apple from a near by stall and took a large bite into it. The amazing juices from the apple slid down Alba throat and the Phoenix closer his eyes trying to take in the flavour fully. Once he had finished his bite Alba then said, “You need to try one of these, they are amazing Xoco!” Once saying this Alba picked up a second apple throwing it in the direction of Xoco.

Xoco smiled as Alba tossed him an apple out of a barrel. It was healthy-looking, ripe and red, a fine pick of fruit. Such good fruit as this was a rarity in the spring, for the orchards were dormant this time of year and the harvest had been several months ago. Xoco wondered exactly where the city had kept such a fine stock of food for so many months. Not that he cared. Xoco wiped the apple off on his shirt to shine it before taking a large bite, allowing the plentiful juices to trickle down his throat. It seemed to be the perfect apple; sweet and yet tangy, with a crunchy exterior and ripe, firm meat on the inside. This only prompted more suspicions about how much this must be costing the city. Smiling, Xoco took another bite.

“Excellent!” shouted Xoco jovially, “A fine pick of fruit if there ever was one!” Xoco took yet another bite, washing that one down with a swig of his ale. Turning, Xoco levitated another plate of food from the table, simply taking huge proportions because he could. There was certainly no reason to restrain; the city obviously had enough to go around. This plate had some roasted beef, along with a cut of lamb, some duck, and more of the lovely steamed potatoes. “A feast for the ages, eh, Alba?” he called, smiling and eating. All the while, the music played on, and the plants and greens continually filled the cityscape. Xoco leaned back, simply enjoying the party, even if he still did not understand fully what it was about.

Roleun noticed that there were hardly any brass instruments at all in the band, save a lonely trombone in the corner and a french horn in the center of the band. The bass section was solely up to a bass clarinet and a contrabass clarinet. The players all looked fairly puzzled, as if snatched up off the street not too long ago, which made Roleun chuckle as he played. One of the saxophone players, inhaling, started laughing too, earning Roleun an angry look from the conductor, which only made him laugh even more.

The band continued to loop their song, and Roleun grew tired of playing it repeatedly, as he could tell a few of the other players had. He smiled at the conductor and started to walk away from the band when he saw a brown-eyed Elven woman with long, blonde hair humming to the music. He looked at her for a minute before packing away his violin. Should I ask her to dance? She looks a bit bored, but she might not trust me, since we haven't met before. I wouldn't blame her. Ah, well. Might as well ask. He thought to himself. He hid the violin under the table with his pack and walked toward the elven woman.

She was truly very beautiful, even more so up close. Roleun could hear her humming as he walked closer, and eventually, he stood close enough to reach out and touch her. He was about to ask if she wanted to dance when the music changed. Woah. The music... It... It changed. That's bizarre. He thought before laughing at himself. He looked again at the elven woman. "Hello. You look bored. Do you want to dance?"

Merenwen was still humming to the music when suddenly the song changed. She did not know this second song but like the sound of it. She was still thinking about dancing when she noticed that a man was standing just to her side. She heard him say, "Hello. You look bored. Do you want to dance?" Normally she would have gotten defensive when spoken to by someone she didn't know but today’s festivities were meant to be a time when all people could come together and not there was to be no fighting between sides.

She glanced to where some people were dancing and thought it really did look like fun. She had never done much dancing so she was afraid she may end up looking a little foolish but she decided not to let that stop her. She stood up and looked at the man who had asked her to dance. She realized that she had noticed him playing with the band before and thought that with his platinum blonde hair and amazing blue eyes he was rather nice to look at. She had not noticed his eyes when he had been playing with the band but now that she did she found them arresting. His body was slim and it seemed obvious that he must have spent some time keeping in shape.

She hadn't taken long to look before she said, "I would love to. I will warn you that I have never done much dancing before so I may not be very good but it looks like fun and I would love to try." She paused before saying, "I am Merenwen Coamenel. And who might you be?"

Roleun smiled at Merenwen. "Nice to meet you, Merenwen. My name is Roleun Serenae. Don't you worry about your inexperience, I don't dance much either," He said with a smile. "It does look like a good time, though." He looked at the dancing figures twirling on the dance floor. The music was upbeat and pulsing, a fun dance that had the dancers showing off their best form and grace. I'll have to watch out that I don't hit one of them with my wings... He thought, grimacing slightly.

He imagined one of the dancers, a very stiff young woman with a pointy nose and a tight bun on the back of her head, being knock over by his wings as he danced clumsily, which made him laugh silently to himself. He didn't want to knock over Merenwen, though, so he decided to keep them as close to himself as he possible could. That way, he wouldn't endanger the other dancers and he probably would be able to move faster, since the wind wouldn't catch his wings, making him more aerodynamic.

He looked at Merenwen again. "Before we dance, I have to warn you, I'm not clumsy, but if I step on your feet, I just want to apologize in advance, even though I'll still apologize if it happens. Oh, and I'll try not to flap around too much." He flashed a grin at her once more, then softly grabbed her hand, leading her to the dance floor. "Just thought you should know, just in case."

Merenwen was reassured by the fact that he didn't really know what he was doing when in came to dancing either. Though they may look stupid in comparison to the other people on the dance floor at least it wouldn't be one of them looking stupid in comparison to the other. On the other hand, if one of them knew how to dance then they would have probably been less likely to look foolish because that person could lead. It didn't really matter though, they would have fun and as long as they didn't hurt anyone then all would be fine.

She chuckled a little when he warned her that he might accidentally step on her feet and said, "Don't worry about that Roleun; there is just as much chance that I will accidentally step on your foot. Let's just see how it goes and if one of us steps on the other's foot then we can worry about it then." She gave him a smile as they walked to the dance floor and thought again about how nice it was to have such a chance to meet people and not worry about a fight breaking out. When they reached the dance floor she looked again at the other dancers and wondered if she would be able to move like them in the least.

Roleun smiled at her reply. "That's good to know. At least we are both in the dark here," He said with a laugh. At least I'm not the only one who doesn't know how to dance. Hey, maybe it is as fun as everyone makes it out to be. He mused and looked at the other dancers. Most of them were doing a very traditional dance, with the male leading, one hand on the woman's side. Boring... Maybe we can spice that up a bit. The music is fast enough for us to just go with the flow and have fun. I wonder if that'll made people think I'm drunk? He thought, chuckling inwardly.

After watching the other dancers, he decided to just go crazy with the dancing. What if I do something that made Merenwen freak out? I don't want to go totally reckless. Besides, I could hurt someone. He thought to himself. He looked at Merenwen and thought, Ah, well. Might as well just go with it.

He struck a mock-heroic pose with a grin and said in a deep, heroic voice, "Let us dance, fair maiden!" This earned him quite a few looks from the people watching the dancers. With a laugh, he grabbed Merenwen's hand and twirled her around on the spot before pulling her to the side in a crazy motion that was mostly spinning, though he was aware of their surroundings and was careful not to hit any other dancers and avoid tables, chairs and the occasional servant.

When Roleun spun her, Merenwen nearly lost her balance. This definitely wasn't how everyone else was dancing but once she had caught her balance she decided that it was definitely more exciting. She hoped she wouldn't run into anyone and followed his lead as they spun around the dance floor. She tried to just let go and allow her body to flow with the music. At first she was a little stiff but she let go of that quickly and laughed as they spun around everyone else.

Before long many of the people who had been dancing had taken a step back and a younger crowd came in. She smiled thinking that Roleun's being so much fun and her moving right along with him had brought the people in their twenties out. It seemed they had been waiting for someone to get the dancing out of the stuffy movements that had been going on and now they were ready to join in the fun. As they spun she could see another pair moving in their direction and pulled off so that they wouldn't hit.

She was beginning to get dizzy but didn't want to stop dancing because she was having too much fun. The band had further picked up the beat of their song and they were spinning faster then before. She hoped they didn't speed the song up anymore because she wasn't going to be able to go much longer. The world was spinning around her but she just smiled and continued to follow Roleun's lead.