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Fest of Story-tellers and Fest of Dancing From Morning to Afternoon Your footsteps are immediately muffled as you step onto the soft carpet of cool grass. Before you rests the Theatrical Stage, sparkling in the light, resplendant with the glories of past plays and recitals, awaiting future performances. Everywhere around you grow sculptured hedges and benches of the purest white marble have been placed in rows nearer to the stage. Overhead, lightweight fabric strands, one seeming torn, of the most brilliant golds, reds and greens, decorate the mallorn branches, nearly glowing in the light. Through the boughs of the surrounding mellryn sunlight filters in to warm the air and cheerfully light the stage. Several baskets sit around the perimeter of the Theatre, one tipped on its side. Contents: Aldarwen is at the Stage, cleaning up and tidying around, getting everything ready for the Fest. Walking into the theatre area with a slow and composed gait, Elayne seems far off in her own little world. She takes a seat beneath one of the many mallorn near the edges, mumbling softly to herself. Aldarwen takes a brief look at the Stage, finding that everything is finally in its place. Soon after that, she gets down of the platform to greet the elves as they arrive. Seeing Elayne, the Bard nods her head from afar, not to disturb the Attendant. Elayne gives Aldarwen a pleasant wave, inclinging her head with a smile. But she goes back to her musings, likely working on her story. Tirastaldo bows to Elayne and to the stranger, "Mae Govanan, M'lady, my name is Tirastaldo," He takes her hand and kisses it gently. Aldarwen nods to the approaching elves, smiling broadly, she speaks with her voice full of merriment, "Mae Govannen, Tirastaldo. Welcome to the Bardic Fest! Please find the place that suits you better". She shows with her open hands all the benches in the place. Tirastaldo takes a place on one of the benches Calelia and Earsul appear arm in arm, looking around to see who is here. Aldarwen nods to Earsul and Calelia, her smile broadening, she calls, "Mae govannen, mellyn! Welcome to the Bardic Fest! Please find a place for you in the benches". Stepping in just in time to hear Aldarwen's announcement, Ithilhin strides purposefully in. He slips onto a bench, smiling at his newly arrived friends and gesturing for them to sit next to him. Elayne is seated beneath one of the tall tress on the fringe of the theatre. She doesn't really seem to be paying much attention to those around her, head bowed and buried deep in her own thoughts. A gentle smile plays upon her features, and she mutters softly to herself. Calelia catches Ithilhin's gesture and nods to Earsul. They move to sit with him. Aldarwen sees some newly arrived elves and calls to them once again, "Mae Govannen, mellyn! Be welcome to the Bardic Fest and please find a place in one of the benches." Isandil comes walking from the East, he smiles towards Aldarwen and goes to where she is before sitting. "Mae Govannen," he says, "When is the Fest going to start?" Aldarwen bows her head to Isandil, and looks around as he asks the question, after a brief moment she says, "I think we have enough people here to start now, mellon." She smiles and goes towards the stage. Isandil nods and goes to sit to one of the benches. Shaking her head slightly, waist length curls tumbling about her shoulders, Elayne looks up as she notices Aldarwen moving towards the stage. A half smile plays at her lips and she begins to pay attention to the goings on around her. Tulgalad goes to sit on the bench Aldarwen moves quickly towards the stage, letting her dress shine in the morning light with many different shades of green as she climbs up. Standing at the edge of the stage, she looks around at the elves reunited, smiles to herself and says in a loud voice, "Mellyn, may I please have your atention..." Earsul looks up from his quiet conversation with his friends as the Bard speaks. Terridan enters the theatre quickly, his face holds a look of excitement and curiousity. Tirastaldo focuses on the stage Ithilhin glances over to Aldarwen, listening attentively. Charmat hurries in from the rose garden, looking harried and late. Turning her countenance up towards the stage, Elayne is smiling widely from her seat near the fringe of the theatre, chin resting in her hand. She seems almost fidgity, excited. Tulgalad shifts a little in his seat to get more comfy and turns all his attention to the stage. Terridan steps towards Earsul, smiling widely as he nears the stage, "Mae govannen, mellon." Aldarwen grins, "In the name of the Glirdain o Lothlorien, I welcome all of you to the Bardic Fest. We will have many Fests and many performers in the days that will follow, I hope that all of you have a nice time, either as performers or audience". Calelia waves silently, moving over to give Terridan room to sit. Terridan smiles widely, nodding a greeting to Calelia, "Mae govannen, mellon," he looks towards the stage, "have I missed anything?" Calelia shakes her head and indicates that Aldarwen is about to speak. "Sit, mellon," she whispers. Terridan sits down next to Calelia, looking up towards Aldarwen expectantly. Aldarwen keeps grinning, "Now, we want to welcome you to our Fest, with a brief song performed by some of our Trainees and Learners". She nods to a group of elves dressed in blue that were sitting in one of the benches near the stage and they start for it. The group is composed of ten elves, they move in a two lines towards the front of the stage, five of them holding small harps, the other five carrying flutes, they arrange in the Stage and get ready to perform. Terridan gets ready to listen to the performers, sitting up in his seat slowly. The harpists start playing all at once, in a merry melody that grows from the instruments and fills all the place. The flutists accompany the melody, drawing the flight and song of small birds with their sweet sounds. The merry melody dances in the air, up and down, playing with the birds for a while, and then from the ones that play the harp starts a sweet song:
Terridan listens to the song softly, closing his eyes in silent reverie. The music goes on growing quicker and merrier, to turn into almost a dancing tune. The players smile wide as they continue with the following verse.
Tirastaldo stands, trying not to get in anyone's view and heads for the archway, waving as he exits. Zax arrives at the theatre, and seems impressed by the crowd importance. He looks around, with a excited smile on his face. Ithilhin grins at Zax, motioning for the Squire to sit with Earsul, Calelia, Terridan, and himself. Charmat shifts from lengthy leg to lengthy leg, cocking her head to the side as she listens to the singers. Gallia slips in to stand toward the back of the crowd, a quiet smile on her face as she prepares to listen to the performances on stage. Absent mindedly, Elayne brushes a curl back from her pale cheek, soft smile fixed on her lips as she listens. Zax smiles as he sees his friend sitting togheter. He walks towards the small group and, as he takes a seat, he says "Mae govannen, mellyn..." The harpers go on playing, while the flutists take down their instruments and start singing.
Earsul leans back in his seat, smiling faintly as he listens to the merry tune. Terridan smiles as Zax approaches, nodding a greeting to the squire. Ithilhin becomes enraptured, listening in detail to the both the lyrics and underlying rhythms of the song. The assembly of elves go on playing their merry melody for some more moments and then they come to an end. They bow their heads to all the gathered and then towards Aldarwen, that has been watching them form a corner in the stage. Zax listens to the soft music, paying a special attention to the flutes sounds, impressed by their majesty... Aldarwen nods back to the elves in blue, and motions them to return to their benches. Strolling merrily to the front of the stage she says, "Thank you for you performance, mellyn." She then motions to all the audience and says, "Now, participating for the Fest of Story-Tellers, we will listen to Attendant Elayne, from the Cuigrithweg". She bows her head to Elayne and returns to the corner of the stage, where she had been standing. Terridan smiles widely as the elves finish, then looks over to Elayne as Aldarwen speaks, listening intentively. Charmat perks, straightening to give the stage and her Healer her undivided attention. As Aldarwen's words fill the theatre, Gilsadron comes along the path slowly; eyes aglimmer as he glances about the gathering of elves. A smile spreads across his face, slowly, as he rests his hands on his hips. Rising from her seat near the fringe of the Theatre, Elayne glides softly towards the stage, a slightly nervous smile fixed on her lips. Turning to face the audience, she chooses simply to perch on the edge, sitting, legs crossed neatly one over the other. Althea steps into the crowd making her way toward Aldarwen Ithilhin smiles, glancing at Elayne. Stretching a moment and listening to Aldarwen speak, he then stares attentively at Elayne. Smiling reassuringly, he listens for the story to begin. Earsul looks up more attentively now, and sits up a touch, not wanting to miss any of her tale. Althea leans into whisper to Alderwen, "do you have enough judges for this contest?" Miriamele slips into the theatre, spotting Terridan she slips through the other elves and sits beside him quietly. The nervousness melts from the maiden's features as her voice fills the theatre, soft and yet somehow clear. It carries through the air with an almost musical quality, difficult to tell whether she is singing, or whether or not she is even using words. Her voice paints the picture of nighttime in a wooded vale. Through the night walks a maiden of delicate beauty. Her hair is long and golden, a dress of midnight blue clinging to her as if made of liquid. In her eyes catches the light of the stars, and dainty slippers make no sound as she treds. Terridan smiles widely as Miriamele approaches, wrapping an arm around her as she sits down, giving her a gentle kiss as he does, "Hello, my love." Aldarwen leans towards Althea and says in a whisper, not taking her eyes from Elayne, "Would you like to act as a judge? It would be great to have you as one". Miriamele grins and then looks at the elf who is singing and then smiles at Terridan, returning the gentle kiss.. a nervous anxiousness in her own face.. Althea nods, saying quietly "of course". Terridan whispers softly to Miriamele, "It is Elayne, she is preparing to tell her story." Althea turns to face the stage listening closely to Elayne Miriamele smiles again and nods, finally getting a good look The slightest of wavers in Elayne's voice, indicating something is amiss with this beautiful maiden who wanders alone through the night air. Her steps quicken, almost paniclike, looking about her with a frantic air. She is lost, and beginning to despair. Wandering, deeper and deeper into the wood, the maiden finds herself finally at a small pool, a reflection pool of the stars, water shimmering in the pale moonlight that bathes the ground below with it's soft glow. She falls to her knees by the pool, head buried in her hands as she begins to cry. Miriamele almost has tears in her eyes at the song, she bites her lips and is still listening Slowly standing, listening intently to the song, Ithilhin's feet slowly take him to the archway, where he stands just beyond it a moment before departing. Terridan holds Miriamele tightly to him, his own eyes beginning to glisten softly in the light. Miriamele seeks out Terridan's hand, resting her head and listening intently to the beautifully touching music. Althea leans forward to better hear Elaynes story/song. A look of sadness passes over her face as the maiden weeps But soft, a new presence enters the glade around the pool. A watcher, gazing in silence upon the maiden who cries by the pool. Stepping into the light, he is revealed, an elf clad all in gray, blending into the night. He is captivated by her beauty, a look of breathless delight upon his features as he approaches, soundless. Kneeling by her side, he places a gentle hand upon her arm, his words seeking the answer to her troubles. Terridan grips Miriamele's hand, looking down at her for a moment, smiling warmly to her, his eyes now glistening obviously in the light; he then looks back towards the stage slowly, listening intently to Elayne's story. The maiden's wide eyes gaze upon the elf before her with an awesome wonderment. She is confused, frightened by his word, in a strange tongue so foreign to her. So she speaks not, though she too is captivated by this presense before her, a mixture of bewilderment and fear on her pale features. Sensing that the maiden does not understand, the elf rises, extending his hand in a graceful gesture for her to take it, and aids her to rise. She does so, and follows him meekly through the wood, disappearing deeper and deeper into it's depths. Miriamele leans over and kisses Terridan on the cheek before standing and slipping away, she waves and blows a kiss toward Althea and Aldarwen and then departs quietly. Terridan watches Miriamele depart, then turns back to the stage slowly. Charmat watches on with a wistful dreamlike quality to her expression. The two travel to the elven city, high amongst the trees. Strangely, as they traverse amidst the other elves, there is an odd sort of reverence for the one who leads the maiden, though they gaze on her with suspicious eyes. Coming to a tall tree in the center of the city, the elf leads her high amonst the branches, she following in still bewildered silence. They come into the presence of a stately looking woman, a stern and regal beauty hangs about her like a cloak. Althea cocks her head listening closely as the story continues Erinstar steps off from the courtyard, slipping along quietly on the lawn towards the front, weaving his way towards Althea. Terridan listens intently to the story, he sits forward in his chair even more as Elayne continues. The elf and the regal woman exchange words, and it is quickly obvious that the woman is angry. Approaching the maiden, the queen's eyes reflect a molten anger at her presence. The maiden becomes increasingly frightened, backing up until she is unable to move further, progress inhibited by the trunk of the great tree in whose branches she stands. Only the careful pleading of the elf, now revealed as a Prince, the queen's son, keeps the queen from harming her. With a look of distaste she orders the Prince to make her a servant. She cannot leave, having been shown the way to the city. The Prince agrees, with an air of sadness. But he is gentle to the maiden, leading her away, he speaks in a gentle voice that comforts her, despite her not understanding. Charmat is deeply enraptured by the story, chin cast foward as her head tilts in a fashion that she can hear above the murmuring masses. Althea leans forward again cought up in the story Erana takes several cardamom cookies off the top plate of the goodie tray. Gilsadron leans back against one of the trees, entranced possibly more by the elf who's voice carries the story than the story itself. Zax listens quietly, without saying a sole word... As a single tear rolls down his cheek, he quickly wipes it with the back of his hand... Tulgalad on the edge of his seat chin resting in his hands, gives the stage all of his attention Gallia's lavendar eyes are afixed on the storyteller, as she lingers toward the back of the crowd, entranced by the story. Erana quietly munches on some cardamoms, trying not to disturb the storyteller. Terridan wipes his own eyes quickly, then looks back to the stage, giving Elayne his full attention. Elayne's words spin the passing of months, and even years, as the maiden lives in the village. She is a servant of the people, and they do not speak to her, though only the Queen is truly unkind. Eventually, she learns to understand the language, though she speaks to no one, still afraid. Her only joy is found when she is allowed to walk alone in the wooded paths of the city. Here she sings, in the songs of the elves, and only here can she express her lonliness, and the sadness of her heart. And it is hear where the Prince again finds her one day, and is again captived, this time by the beauty of her voice. Earsul leans once more back in his seat, and his eyes half close as he listens, enthralled. Althea's face shows sympathy for the lonely maiden Erinstar crouches down beside Althea's seat, glancing around as the crowd of elves with their eyes plastered upon Elayne as he murmursto her, "You'd think it was a hypnotizing act. I fear I have missed something great indeed. Sorry for being late dearest... Where's the food?" Althea blinks slightly and grins at Erin, giving him a quick hug before pointing out the cake table "bring some back for me would you love? Erana fumbles around for a lemon square, not daring to take her eyes off of Elayne. Erana quickly gobbles down a lemon square. Crossing to the maiden, the Prince falls to one knee before her, professing his love with an eloquen simplicity that brings tears to her eyes. She too, sinks to her knees, touching his cheek with a sort of quiet awe as the gathered tears spill from the deep blue pools of her irises. Althea smiles softly as the two decalre their love for one another, throwing a glance at erin as she makes him way toward the food Charmat shivers, goosebumps dappling her gentle skin. The story has swept her off into the world Elayne has painted, her mind drifting amongst the very trees of the treed city. Earsul smiles as the maiden's fortunes take an upward turn, and puts his arm about his fiance's shoulders, drawing her close. Calelia leans up against Earsul, engrossed in tale Elayne tells. She reaches for his hand. Erinstar chuckles softly and nods before slipping through the masses once again, having to duck occasionally so as not to block the view with his considerable height. Upon reaching the table, he nudges Erana's hand towards the snack she seeks and finds a few for himself She repeats his words, softly, her words causing a look of delight to infuse upon the face of the Prince, hearing her speak for the first time. Taking her hand, the Prince leads her back to the village, raising the eyes of the villagers. But they smile secretly to themselves, for inside they truly love the quiet maiden. He brings her before the Queen, whose eyes remain full of an unsettling hatred. But suprisingly, she agrees to let the pair wed, as long as they do so in a grand ceremony in the treetops, in sight of the whole village. Erana smiles a little at Erinstar and munches on her lemon square. Althea glances at Erin hoping that he remembers to bring her back some Time passes more swifly now, the maidens lonliness fading from her eyes to be replaced by a quiet joy. The village flutters with preparations for the wedding, a grand affair, and at last the day arrives. The maiden is dressed in a gown of purest white, her hair shining like spun gold in the morning sunshine. Birds herald her as she stands by her Prince before the throne. A brief look of longing passes though Althea's eyes, but is gone as quickly as it came But something is again amiss. The Queen's eyes blaze as brightly as the first day the maiden came before her, and again she advances. The maiden shies away, in desperate fear, and her steps take her precariously close to the edge of the landing. In a single moment, the Queen shoves the maiden backwards, sending her falling to the forest floor below. The Prince cries out in anguish.... Charmat gasps, eyes casting wide in shock. Terridan listens to Elayne tell her story, he sits fully forward in his seat, and his mouth falls open as he hears of the queens actions. Erana's mouth opens wide and some lemon square drops out onto the floor. She does not notice it. Calelia grips Earsul tightly in apprehension. Zax is sitting on the edge of his seat, bitting his nails... Althea gasps softly at the queens actions. She shakes her head in shock before refocusing on the song Earsul lets out a short gasp, and pulls Calelia close. Erinstar looks up suddenly, a cookie half-raised to his lips as he blinks a few times at this new twist in the tale. Apparently, he has just determined that this tale is not one of his own dear wood. Tears pour unabashedly down Elayne's own cheeks as she finishes the story, speaking of how the Prince rushed to his maiden's side. Alas, it was too late, his bride lay broken and dying upon the forest floor. With all of her reamaining strength, she lifted a hand to stroke the Prince's cheek, her gentle whisper choeing the words, "I love you...." before falling silent evermore. Terridan looks down towards his lap, his eyes pouring out tears slowly. Calelia briefly hides her eyes in Earsul's arms, clinging to her love. Aldarwen lets tears fall from her green eyes as Elayne finishes the story. Gallia appears a bit stricken by the end of the story, but nods slightly in approval of the skill of the storyteller. With the softest of sighs, Elayne bows her head before the audience, removing herself from the stage and spotlight. She looks across the crowd, seeking someone.... Crystal droplets like jewels shimmer as they streak down Charmat's cheeks, puddling on the fabric of her dress. Lifting her hands, she cheers and applauds Elayne's ability. A strange mixture of emotion. Earsul's eyes are not alone as they begin to glisten, and he does his best to comfort Calelia, although he himself appears less than composed. He manages to applaud Elayne as she leaves the stage, for her skill is obvious, and to be lauded. Althea is distracted by a grumbling in her belly and cranes her neck to see what is taking Erinstar so long Terridan joins Charmat in applauding for Elayne, though tears still fall from his eyes. Erana closes her mouth and starts to applause. She spots the lemon square, picks it up, and eats it before anyone says anything. Althea turns her eyes back to the stage and beings to clap obviously moved by the song. Nodding once, softly, Gilsadron turns away as the Lady leaves the stage; slipping almost unseen into the woods. Zax applauses loudly the storyteller, obviously trying to hide the flow of emotions inside him... A soft blush graces Elayne's cheeks as she acknowledges the applause, though tear tracks still streak her features as well. She watches as Gilsadron departs, looking confused, then retakes her seat beneath the treee. In direct opposite to the loud clapping for the last performer, Rumil quietly walks on to the small lawn, his usual guard attire replaced by something more formal. Aldarwen goes to the front of the Stage once again, her eyes still blurred by the tears, she says with her sweet voice, "Thank you, Elayne, wonderful story!" She glances at the audience around and adds, "We will now watch The Fest of Dance" Aldarwen continues, "Charmat, Herbmaster of the Cuigrithweg and Rumil, Knight-Commander of the Order of Lorien, please come to the Stage" At the announcement, Rumil's eyes enlargen and he silently gulps, evidently a little late as usual. He begins searching the crowd, unconsciousily clutching a pendant that hangs from his neck on a silver chain. Charmat blinks, stiffening. Pushing herself high on her toes, her head angles around looking for the other half of the duo. A vast smile alights on her tender lips as she spots Rumil. Another second and her eyes widen when she notes his atire. Without a word she slowly makes her way through the crowd, the crystals that dangle at her ankle chiming softly. Aldarwen goes to a corner of the stage and watches the pair as they get together. All eyes of those close-by now turn upon Rumil, who silently wishes he had his cloak on to pull up the hood about his slightly pink face. Even the guard's hand searches momentarily for the hood as he strides forth, toward the stage. He keeps his gaze at his feet, issuing silent prayers before he glances up and looks at his dancing partner. Althea turns slightly to watch as Rumil and Charmat maeks their way to the stage Erana smiles as the dancers take the stage. She says something to herself. Charmat stops before the stage, spinning about fluidly, her hand extended toward Rumil as she waits for him to arrive at her side. Rumil takes the hand offered, dipping his head slowly as he does so and then whispers something to the Herbmaster, a smile starting to break free, "... ... ... this ......?" Althea leans back in her seat, a smile appearing on her face as she watches the two prepare. Charmat formally inclines her head toward the Commander, though she whispers in silken tones, "Yours...." she lies, though with an air of innocence. Leading, the maiden steps up onto the stage, gently dragging Rumil along with. Ainael grins in eager anticipation of the dance. Calelia having thoroughly dried her eyes on Earsul's shoulder, sits up straighter in excitement, eagerly awaiting the dance. Terridan leans up against the side of the stage, watching Rumil and Charmat ascend the stage. He closes his eyes, and begins his own preparations. A couple of steps behind Rumil comes a quite familiar bard, whose flute he unwraps from its leather encasing with ease and after a slight bow to the crowd, begins playing. Even before Charmat and Rumil begin to dance, the flute fills the air with a serene sound, its melody at first slow but intoxicating and indulging of the mind's mood. The velvet clad maiden on the stage lets go of the Commander's hand, skating wistfully across the stage toward a candle, placed in the commotion by someone. As you look, you will notice there are 5 candles, all placed at a specific point, possibly creating a star. Charmat lights each one in turn, then turns back to Rumil, hand extended in a graceful arch. Below the softly blowing flute music you may be able to hear her whisper,"Ready, Mellon?" Althea's ears perk up at the tune and she focuses on the music for a few moments before directing her attetion back to the dancers. Rumil's brightly lit eyes, much the same hue and intensity as the candles, meet Charmat's, and the wordless exchange is followed by the guard's directing of the maiden into the center of the candles, both their steps slow but nearly mirrored in movement. Elayne watches in an oddly reserved silence. She wraps her arms about her knees, a smile of something akin to delight as she gazes upon the Herbmaster and her partner. Silken tendrils of lengthy whispering white hair brush wistfully across burgandy velvet as the dance begins, Charmat places a slender hand in Rumil's free one, and they begin to step. His long leg reaches toward hers, only for hers to dash back and away, as if eluding his. In this they repeat with the other, stepping back toward a candle. After the music rises above din of the crowd and then lures your gaze into the star of candles, it lowers in volume and shrinks into the back of your minds, always there yet mpy enough to notice its periodical changes in rhythm. The bard, whose flute provides such wondrous background music, also steps back as the two figures begin to dance .... Althea takes a deep breath and sighs softly as she watches the two of them move together in the dance Terridan watches the pair dance, smiling widely as he does. The candles softly illuminating the stage act as guides and however near the closely dancing pair - Rumil holds Charmat's hands near his chest and the guard's long legs seem to step within a hair of the herbmasters' - their steps never dare touch the candles. Ainael smiles and nods with pleasure at the beautiful dance. The slight graceful maiden moves in gentle elegance with the tall breathtakingly handsome elf. Their moves each a mirror of the other, magical moments caught in a drifting of time. With each point of candlelight, the steps grow faster, and soon they are whiping about the star, their steps deftly careful. Althea smiles as she watches the footwork Just as the flute had slid into the recesses of your mind, it jumps back into the forefront - much as the bard who so masterfully orchestrates the music does as well. While he holds the flute with two hands, the bard's right foot begins pounding upon the stage in rhythmic fashion and his head begins to bob at the same pace. Just as the music begins to pick up in pace, the couple's tight, nearly interwoven steps break up. Rumil extends his arms, allowing Charmat's graceful steps to come nearest the candles, while the guard remains in the center - his steps just quick enough to stay with the lighter feet of his partner. Gallia silently makes her way around the edge of the crowd, slipping out of the theatre area and heading for the courtyard. With a glance over her shoulder at the dancing elves, she disappears. The tassles of the maiden's shawl swing wildly as she breaks into this part of the dance, her feet barely touching the ground before swifting around to circle the other leg again. In and out she goes, always returning to the elf in the center, curling inward on his arm. Strangely this part of the dance seems wild, but in a carefully calculated manner. The joyous sounds floating upon the air now bring the flutist to a new high, his feet picking up and down in such timely fashion that he mimics the guard within the center of the star. But not for long, as soon enough he is skipping around the outside of the star, his head and flute held high and his agile, tireless fingers working the magic. Ainael smiles with joy. This hand-clapping, foot-stomping pace of joyous music continues for several moments until suddenly the bard stops skipping, sinks to his knees and lifts his head and flute high and puffs out the last, long note that ends only when Rumil and Charmat are back in the middle of the star, their hands held close at chest-high and their faces beat red from exhaustion Terridan smiles widely, then begins to applaude the two dancers. Charmat's musical laughter rings true about the theater, her head falling back with glee. The dance is over, now she can breathe again. Erana looks at the top plate, trying to decide what sweet to eat. She starts to clap for the dancers. Ainael stands and applaudes. Erana scratches her chin and decides to go with the shortbread. Breathing heavy, Rumil drops to a knee and bows in front of his partner, holding her hand high as he quickly looks at the candles, wondering if any were knocked down. Aldarwen claps from the stage corner toward the dancers, "Beautiful, mellyn, indeed beautiful!". Althea cheers as the dances comes to a end and applaudes vigorusly Erana grabs a handful of lemon squares and shortbread. She weaves her way through the elves to an empty spot on one of the benches and sits down. No candles were knocked down, but one flame put out by the rushing air caused by her dress. Charmat looks down upon the kneeling elf and tussles his hair. "Thank you Commander. Thank you very much." Her eyes sparkle with a neverending blissful light. Terridan closes his eyes, then begins to take several deep breaths... The bard, still upon his knees, also bows before the crowd, before rising and walking off the stage, joyfully waving at those about. Ainael says, "Excellent performance!" Erana frowns as she has forgotten a napkin. She gets up and grabs one, quickly returning to her seat before it is taken. The Commander stands, elegant and stately, and still holding Charmat's hand, they walk off the stage and into the watching masses. Althea leans over and whispers "I'm afraid I must leave mellon" to Aldarwen. Aldarwen nods towards Althea, "Alright, mellon, thanks for being here." Althea stands abd heads out of the theatre Terridan looks toward Aldarwen, giving a slight nod to her. He takes off his cloak, laying it near the edge of the stage. Aldarwen goes to the front of the stage once again and says, "Now, also from the order, Knight Terridan". Ainael claps for Terridan. Earsul looks up from his seat with a smile, but does not applaud as his friend takes the stage, not wishing to make him more nervous than he already is. Aldarwen returns to her corner of the stage and takes out her white and green harp. She looks towards Terridan, waiting for his order to start playing. Terridan puts on a pair of silver wrist bands, as well as silver ankle bands; you notice that he is barefoot for the moment. As he reaches the center of the stage, he looks towards Aldarwen slowly, then nods slightly, "I am ready..." Aldarwen starts moving her fingers through the strings of her harp, very slowly, the melody starts to fill the air with spectation, going sadly on. Erana chews her lemon squares. At first, Terridan does not move, his eyes closed as he appears to absorb the music itself. Then he begins to move his arms up slowly, reaching towards the sky, as if trying to grasp the stars themselves. Aldarwen keeps moving her long fingers through the strings, her eyes fixed in Terridan as he starts moving. The melody becomes a bit quicker, still waiting for something. Ainael fixes his attention on Terridan. Tirastaldo watches the dance, intrigued. Terridan begins to move slowly in a circle spinning as he does, his arms drop slowly back towards his side, and he begins to move faster. He keeps perfect pace with the music, though his eyes are still closed. His steps begin to become steadily larger. The melody comes from the harp even quicker, letting instants of joy mix with the sad expectation of the melody before. Erana smiles as she watches the dancer. Earsul sits back in his chair, his face wreathed in a smile, enjoying his friend's performance. Aldarwen's fingers start running around the strings, faster and faster, the melody grows in rythm and loudness, to become a very fast and filling one. Terridan begins to spin rapidly now, moving about the stage quickly. Suddenly, without warning, he flips forward, all the while not losing his step. He begins to move almost in a random manner, though it is clear that is not the case. Ainael taps his feet with the rhythm of the music, enjoying the performance. Quicker and quicker, the melody goes up and down and rushes around as fast as the Bard can let her fingers play the strings, it's overwhelming and full of energy. Ainael slowly sifts back through the crowd. His wrist and ankle bands catch the light, making it appear that streams of color follow his every movement. He begins to dance quickly now, almost seeming to lose his balance and topple as he spins one one foot, then a hand, then back to both feet. The streams of light begin to form a nexus of color around him... He now begins to spin and flip in the center of the stage, seemingly pushing himself to his utmost limits. Aldarwen keeps playing as fast as she's able, watching Terridan dance, following each one of his movements. Erana munches on one of her shortbread cookies. Tirastaldo boggles his mind watching Aldarwen's finger dart across the harp, and quietly munches on a carrot. Suddenly, the fast music stops completely, leaving the whole place in the mid of a huge silence. Terridan moves almost faster than the eye can follow, his movements creating a wireframe of light and color around him. The music seems to be almost timing itself to him one moment, then it suddenly appears to reverse, and he is the one that is timing himself to it. He then begins to move across the stage, expanding the lights and colors across the whole stage. Suddenly, as the music stops, Terridan is crouched in the center of the stage, looking down at the floor. Tirastaldo raises an eyebrow. Erana stops in mid-munch, wondering what happened to the music. Erana stands up applausing. She nervously walks towards the corner of the stage. Tirastaldo looks in awe at stage and join Erana in applause. Earsul grins widely, and stands to applaud his friend, moving swiftly across to congratulate him as he steps down. Aldarwen puts down her harp and smiles wide towards Terridan, "Well done, mellon!" Terridan is sweating profusely, still crouced at the center stage. He looks up slowly, water pouring down his face. He smiles slightly at the applause, then begins to stand slowly, moving towards the stairs. Turning to Aldarwen, he bows deeply, "Thank you, mellon, though your playing truly was magnificient." Tirastaldo says, "yes, extremely well done." And gives a glass of water to Terridan Erana looks around the crowd for someone. Upon seeing her, she waves her hand. The elf walks over and joins Erana. She is carrying a flute. Terridan moves down the steps slowly, heading towards his cloak. Taking the glass of water from Tirastaldo, he nods to him, "Thank you, mellon." Earsul smiles as his friend exits from the stage. "Well, mellon, another new talent is revealed," he grins. Aldarwen goes to the center of the stage and talks to the audience again, "Now, Erana o Daernoss Arduril, please come to the stage". Terridan picks up his cloak slowly, then grins widely as Earsul speaks, "Thank you mellon," he begins to move towards his seat again, drinking the water slowly. Erana puts a hand to her chest to stop it from beating so hard. She walks up to the stage with the Bard right behind her. Erana nervously smiles to Aldarwen as she passes by. Tulgalad goes and finds himself a seat Tirastaldo gives a little applause of welcome. Aldarwen nods back to Erana and goes to stand to the corner of the stage. Erana sits down with her legs crossed and her back to the crowd. The Bard looks to Erana with her flute ready, waiting for Erana to signal her. After seeing a slight nod, she puts the flute to her lips and starts to play. The music starts to float around the theatre, giving it a sense of longing. Erana extends her hands out to her side, palm up. The fingers start to move of their own accord as the arms flow to above her head and back. First the right, and the left after. The Bard starts to lift the tune, making it faster. It reminds you of the twinkling stars at night time. Erana slowly stands up, all the while her arms and hands move in rhythmic motions. Each middle finger touches with the thumb every now and then as she twirls her hands around. Once she stands up completely, her left arm shoots out and points at the Bard. Tirastaldo watches the stage intrigued by both the music and the movement The Bard sees this and hastens the music. It reminds you of the bees and the butterflies quickly yet elogently moving their way through the air. Erana feels the music surround her and stands up on her left foot. Her right points out and makes little bell sounds at each movement. She then combines her hands above her head, arches her back and spin on her foot. Her dress moves like the branches of trees when the wind is howling. It is hard to see Erana's face as she spins so fastly. She is a blur. All of a sudden, she abruptly stops, facing the audience. Her eyes are closed. The Bard makes a transition by giving the music a feel of the waves in a gentle wind. Erana brings her leg down and starts to sway back and forth from one side of the stage to the other, her arms ceasing to stop. She seems to be float on the stage. Her fingers a blur of motion, the Bard decides to turn the music back to the daydream it began as. A daydream of the beauty of the stars. Erana senses the change in music and floats to the center of the stage. She starts to weave her hands in front of her face. They seem to explore different moves but complete each other. She slowly sets herself down on the floor. When she is finally on the floor, she extends her hands palms up. After seeing Erana's head fall down, the bard quietly ends her song. She does not do it abruptly, rather, it seems to fade off. Tirastaldo watches the performance and hears the music come to an end. Tirastaldo applaudes toward Erana. Erana slowly stands up. She motions towards the flutist and applauds. Tirastaldo applaudes toward the musician. Aldarwen smiles and claps towards Erana and the Bard, "Fantastic! Thanks a lot for sharing it with us, mellon!" Erana smiles at Aldarwen and walks off the stage. She hugs the flutist who leaves quickly. Tirastaldo applaudes one last time to Erana and the flutist. A maiden dressed in white approaches Aldarwen and whispers something to her, after a couple of nods, Aldarwen goes to the front of the stage and says, "Mellyn, if you would, I would like to tell you one mor thing before we close today's performances..." Aldarwen looks towards the maiden in white and the again to the audience, "I'm told that a note written by some unknown maiden was found stating that 30 bracelts that were to be submitted for the Fest of Crafts have been lost in the Finrim Complex, we don't know where they are. So, it would be great if any of you found them..." Aldarwen nods, smiling broad to the audience once again, "Now, mellyn, today's Fest is ended, but we'll have the Fest of Songs soon, I hope to see you all here again." Earsul smiles, and stands, drawing his cloak about him to combat the chill of the winter night. Giving a slight wave to all present, he heads quickly to the archway. Aldarwen climbs down the stage and goes to sit on one of the benches, her face showing obvious tiredness.
Aldarwen Elayne Tirastaldo Calelia seems to be a young elf,
if one can accurately judge the age of any elf. Her eyes do not, however, have the
melancholy that is characteristic of the elders of her eldest of races, and instead seem
to radiate happiness and warmth. Looking closer, the reason for at least some of her
happiness - that which is not innate - becomes clear. On her right index finger sits a
simple silver ring - not much to look at perhaps, but it is obviously more than jewelry to
its wearer, judging from the amount of attention it receives. Earsul Ithilhin Isandil Tulgalad Charmat Terridan Zax Gallia Althea Gilsadron Miriamele Erinstar Erana is a small silvan maiden of about 6 feet. She has brown flowing hair that reaches to the small of her back. Intwined into her hair are some buds of flowers and vines. Her eyes are large and a dark emerald color, but sometimes they flicker to a deep royal blue color. The orbs remind you of fire. Around her neck, she wears a simple silver necklace that has a Niphredil on it, showing she belongs to House Arduril. She is wearing a long dress that flows with every movement she makes and blends in with the forest. The sleeves reach down to her hands and a string connects them to a ring on each of her middle fingers. She is barefoot and her toenails are painted bright green color. On her right ankle is a silver ankelet that rings a little with each movement she makes. Rumil Ainael |
