[CLOSED] An Unexpected Encounter

[Elpharae]

Setting: Tolbana's square, pushing in and out of the ebbing crowd.
Availability: Open for 3 Slots, though if 1 is filled, that's okay.
Notes: Just a little excursion to world-build and get a feel out of my character.

Elpharae watched interestedly as players and NPCs alike walked past, mulling over his observations. His hair, carefully braided, spilled across his shoulder, where he played with the ends. He blinked, briefly observing the buildings. There was an interesting, rustic-designed cafe over there, but the player wasn't interested in that right now. He focused on his own perch on the edge of a fountain, idly people-watching as his other hand smoothed over the marble, drawing circles absently.

The faint noise of conversations; the sunlight glinting off the stones; the scent of fresh flowers and savory foods-was it really that difficult to believe that this world was reality? If he closed his eyes, he would be home again, writing absently in his notebook to brainstorm ideas for characters, inspired by the passerby. There was always that one girl who went to the park and played with a stray white cat, and this other man who stopped by to chat with the ice-cream vendor, clothes formal and suited for office work.

He placed a hand in the water, feeling the liquid swish over his fingers, unaware of his surroundings.

[Kaito]

"I'm no hero. I can't save my own life, let alone another. I was never a "Sapphire Samurai." Just a ronin fighting for ideals I can only hope to aspire to." ☒ Elpharae ✐ 653 ✉ Time for something new. Kaito Lv2

There seemed to be a change in the air around Aincrad, as if the miasma of despair was beginning to dissipate, at least a little bit. He'd been seeing more and more players begin to slowly filter out of the Town of Beginnings and actually try to do something with themselves. Most of the player base that was aiming to get each other out of this digital prison were already tackling the Floor Dungeon, if not going out daily to grind monsters and quests. But even then, younger players were being chaperoned by more experienced players to help level them up as well, older players who had never played a video game outside of simply match-three puzzle games turning themselves into craftsmen for players with materials to be made into equipment with nowhere to go. So when the NPCs playing as morning criers for the events of the day announced a trade fair happening in Tolbana must have finally spurred a good chunk of the player base to get off their butts and do something that seemed impossible for the past few days: have some fun.     So when Kaito walked down the cobblestone streets of Tolbana, he couldn't help but smile as the regular crowds of NPCs were the shining green diamonds of friendly player characters amongst the throngs of people there. Today, at least for a little while, one could unequip his weapon and simply walk around for the moment without fear. Well, at the very least, one could walk around that way anyways in the safety of a town in any case. Still, today the dark haired male had realized he had been wearing the same beginner's armor for so long that he needed a change. Maybe not a new piece of equipment, Kaito didn't feel that flush enough to splurge on better armor just yet. But hearing all sorts of costume pieces on sale did catch his eye, though being locked to still somewhat medieval designs did make it difficult to shop. Hell, he had a bad enough time trying to find something to look good in real life with modern clothes, how was he going to do that here?     Still, he finally settled on an outfit with an NPC vendor, going for a cream colored long-sleeved tunic, a navy blue tie-up coat vest and matching trousers and a warm brown short sleeved jacket and boots of the same color. It felt surprisingly good to find a set of clothes he felt happy with, and to afford it too. Lord knows when you're a collage student, fashion tends to go to the wayside. Though he didn't know if he could pull the same look off in real life. But he did know he had one thing left to do that day before checking out some in-town games and quests and that was at the Tolbana Square fountain. Maybe it was an urban legend but he heard during the Beta that if you were to toss a Col into the waters there and wished for good luck, your item drops were increased by a percentile. By what degree, no one could ever say. But as he felt the smooth gold piece out around his fingers, he couldn't help playing around with such an idea. Heck, if much of the past week were any indication, he needed all the luck he could get.     Standing in front of the fountain now, he rubbed the coin between his thumb and forefinger, closing his black eyes for a moment. "A wish for good luck." He mumbled to himself, tapping his shoe momentarily before adding, "... and to maybe find someone to add to my Friend's List..." Opening his eyes as he flicked it into the fountain... well, more like ricocheting off the marble statuary and hearing a "Platonk!" on the other side, unaware yet that he just splashed the young "girl" on the other side. [[GMs: At the end of this thread (if that happens) you can deduct any Col you think is appropriate for a piece of costume equipment.]]

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

[Elpharae]

Elpharae paused to shake the water off his hands delicately, watching as the drops slid off and dropped back in, blinking impassively as a drop fell onto the stones and disappeared in a flutter of pixels. Of course, as real as it looked and seemed, SAO was still a game. He couldn't forget that. Biting his lip indecisively, he wrung his hands around before deciding not to worry, straightening his posture and smoothing out the dark-maroon skirt of his dress. His uncovered feet tapped against the stones, and he turned to face the water, only to be splashed by the fountain.

He blinked the water out of his eyes, rubbing them, and frowned when he surveyed his clothing. Granted, it was just wet, but honestly, in a game like SAO, Elpharae really doubted they had something like a drying machine, or even an iron. The front of his skirt had a couple of large wet spots in the front, but was okay otherwise, the liquid not seeping onto his skin, but his top was mostly soaked through, his sleeves clinging and wrinkled. He stared at the spot that the water had come from, noticing a small coin.

So another player had come, believing in that tale about the item drops? He had heard something about it, of course, since he stayed around here often, idly walking or listening, but not much had been said. Pushing his braid back and behind his back, Elpharae paused before wringing out his sleeves, watching as the pixelated water fell. Of course it wouldn't affect the stones, but could get a player wet. Of course. Elpharae sighed wryly, smoothing out his clothes to the best of his ability before a thought struck him.

Was the player who threw the coin still here? Curious, he shook himself in a feline-like manner before following the curved base of the fountain, eyes scanning his surroundings before zoning in on a man he wasn't sure he saw before. Long-ish hair, though he wasn't in a place to talk about that, and he seemed to be older than the players Elpharae saw around here. He was facing the side of the fountain, and he was probably the cause of the splash. Sighing softly, the younger player approached him. Not an NPC, either, the green diamond floating around his head confirmed.

"Excuse me, sir," Elpharae asked, arching a brow. Sir seemed acceptable. Probably. How did one go around this without sounding arrogant of conceited? "I hate to interrupt like this, but did you throw a coin in? I'm afraid you caused quite a splash, but I'm not trying to start any trouble," He added hastily, unsure of what to say. What did you say in situations like this? "I'm just asking you to be more careful in the future, if you would. I'm sorry for taking any liberties with speaking, if I did offend you somehow."

Inwardly, he sighed. He hadn't gotten any better at interacting, it seemed. At least, with introductions.

[Kaito]

"I'm no hero. I can't save my own life, let alone another. I was never a "Sapphire Samurai." Just a ronin fighting for ideals I can only hope to aspire to." ☒ Elpharae ✐ 531 ✉ The most rational girl to approach Kaito is NOT one at all. Kaito Lv2

Luckily for Elpharae, the player who he rightly suspected was the culprit to the brunette's moistened kimono top was still on the other side of the fountain, looking at the array of menu items with a perplexed look on his face. Kaito had decided to check, at least mechanically if this rumor had any merit to by checking if a buff of sorts had been added to his status. The older man in question wasn't exactly out of place for his age, he sat firmly in that 18-to-35 range that marketers wanted for high-profile games like this. But then again, many of the players that were now starting to be called "Front Liners" were the twenty-somethings that were pushing against the Floor Dungeon and constantly out grinding and questing. So to have someone like him relaxing like this must have seem a bit out of place. His hair was long and a little unruly (and yes, long in a more traditional masculine male way) and while his face seemed a bit dark and unshaven, he might at one point have been considered attractive in that lanky boyish sort of way.     Still wondering if this was all just a hoax, the gray haired man didn't notice his arrival before that soft voice chimed in, black eyes blinking his way... or at least at this moment in Kaito's mind, "her" way before realizing the situation. He didn't know how a little coin like that could have caused quite a splash but she did in fact look like she had a glass of water thrown into her dress, glancing from the fountain to her and back again. In all honesty, he was more surprised that someone as cute as her had just walked up to him... to scold him, yes, but he was beginning to nowadays expect that from every girl he met in the past few weeks. So to have her so politely ask him to be more careful was such a breath of fresh air to being mocked or have a blade shoved to his neck! "Ah! S-Sumimasen. <I wasn't aware you were nearby or else I wouldn't have been so aggressive with my coin tossing. T-That must have been quite a splash!>" Kaito apologized in the brunette's native tongue, bowing with an embarrassed look on his face, "<A-And you didn't offend me at all, this has been rather pleasant, actually...>"     He sat back up to get a better look at the young girl's elegant dress, somewhere between East and West, Japanese and... French, maybe? He wasn't exactly up on his knowledge of women's clothing but the look fit well on the slender young woman. It made her look and feel like a beautiful mix of both worlds. He could tell she was probably out of his age range, what with being a good half-foot shorter than him and rather delicate looking but... well... he did wish to add someone to his Friend's List. "Ano... <Is there any way I can make up for this, perhaps? It is sort of a festival day, after all.>" He asked, smiling a little as even his sad, dark eyes gained a little sparkle to them.

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

[Elpharae]

“Ah! S-Sumimasen. I wasn't aware you were nearby or else I wouldn't have been so aggressive with my coin tossing. T-That must have been quite a splash! A-And you didn't offend me at all, this has been rather pleasant, actually...”

Elpharae tilted his head curiously, unintentionally biting his lip. Being chastised was pleasant to this player? Well, if that wasn’t interesting. Tapping a finger to his lips, he smiled genially. “Oh, it’s fine,” He replied shyly, looking up-why was he so short?-and smiling a little. “It’s not like I wanted to scold you anyways, though I doubt SAO has any drying machines. But I’m glad it’s been pleasant for at least one of us.”

"Ano...Is there any way I can make up for this, perhaps? It is sort of a festival day, after all.” The stranger told him, and Elpharae paused, thinking. On one hand, it probably wasn’t good to follow tall, much older, more powerful player anywhere, especially when he looked so feminine-but then again...he sighed internally. He always did end up making such indulgent choices. Finally breaking out of his reverie, Elpharae looked up, leaning on the tips of his barefoot toes to try to see the player’s eyes better when talking to him.

“If you’re asking for my company, I can hardly refuse,” He laughed lightly, toying with the band in his hair that kept his braid together, finally undoing the clasp. His hair tumbled down, and his fingers deftly worked over it to make a smooth-looking ponytail, which would help keep his hair off his back and let his back dry a little in the warm sun. He smiled teasingly at the other player as he finished up, wincing as he accidentally wedged his finger into the tie. “Even if it’s from an absolute stranger who splashed me with a rather aggressive coin toss. I’m afraid I’m not the best company, though, since I haven't talked to many here in SAO.”

Rolling up the sleeves of his top, he paused before making sure his forearms weren’t wet, before giving a pleased huff. It seemed okay. Then, he hesitated for a minute before swinging his leg around lightly, making a smooth spin towards the awaiting stands. Grabbing the other’s player’s arm, he gently dragged them into the crowd, excited. It had been a while since he talked to other players, and to be honest, he was dying to see the festival with someone else, even some unknown player who had splashed him with fountain water. That...sounded nicer in his head, and less...foolish, he supposed?

They stopped in front of a set of shops, and the boy’s eyes were wide and interested as he took in the sights, and he paused in front of a less crowded area, letting go of the other as he flitted here and there.

[Kaito]

"I'm no hero. I can't save my own life, let alone another. I was never a "Sapphire Samurai." Just a ronin fighting for ideals I can only hope to aspire to." ☒ Elpharae ✐ 607 ✉ Kaito's First Not-Date. ^_^ Kaito Lv2

The young man must have been not making too much sense at the time for her as she mentioned the lack of modern appliances for her dress or the fact he seemed delighted at being scolded by someone a little less than a decade younger than him but if only she knew... Though he did find it funny she was worried about her clothes so much. Now, he knew from its design and its... fabric, he guessed, that in the real world making sure something that delicate was taken care of and kept from water damage with proper dry cleaning was probably very important. But... well, this was a game and so it was likely that his clothes would dry off in only a few minutes out of the water. And, yes, Kaito could have mentioned that straight away with "Don't worry about it, it will go away before you know it." But it was the right reaction that one would have in the real world. Because, well, he guessed that she was a bit of a new player of video games and such conventions must have been new to her. "<Well, I have noticed a lot of drying racks outside apartment windows and in front of homesteads but I think that's only meant for the NPCs.>" He mentioned, gesturing to some of the three story buildings nestled together like an old world Italian town.     The dark haired man half-wondered if he had maybe been a bit too up-front at first as she seemed to pause at that request, before seeing her stand up on her tippy-toes (and realized she was walking around on barefeet!) to seemingly look him over more. Yes, he looked long past high-school age now, what with that light dusting of stubble across his chin and looking around the age one might see a young, starting-out dad look to him. But there was a bit of a youthful bashfulness that came from him that made him seem more like her age, especially when she came closer to him like that. Seeing this young brunette with practically a dance in every move she made and the cute loosening of her hair made him feel like he was in the presence of some rare pixie that if he didn't catch now, he'd never see her again... well, that is until she caught him first around the arm, a pleasantly surprised look on his glowing face as he stumbled at first with her before catching himself, "<Oh! U-Um, well, ah... I-I do hope to get past the absolute stranger part, at the very least!>" He said with a growing smile, his chest puffing up a little less out of bravado than just the fact that he had someone cute at his side, "And trust me, you are good company."     He walked along with her, arm in arm as he realized how this looked to anyone walking by. Did... Did he just unexpectedly drag himself into a date? The idea made his heart race a little bit while the other player gazed around at the stands of merchandise and festival delights as Kaito tried to think of things to talk about, not wanting to look like a fool in front of her. He missed out on getting through the awkward "never done this before" stage of dating back in middle and high school, so he better get things fixed now! "<S-So, you said you haven't talked to many players yet? Why's that?>" He asked, hoping he wasn't being too forward before he added, "<I mean, so you didn't jump into Sword Art Online with friends, I suppose?>"

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

[Elpharae]

“S-So, you said you haven't talked to many players yet? Why's that? I mean, so you didn't jump into Sword Art Online with friends, I suppose?”

Elpharae paused, humming lightly as his hands slid over the smooth surface of a particularly pretty vase, admiring the delicate porcelain and pretty glass-blown smoothness. He withdrew carefully, tapping his feet against the smooth stones of the cobblestone street. The question wasn’t odd-he should have expected it, really, more than anything. The brunette inclined his head, listening intently to a quiet sound of music that didn’t seem too far away, more like down the street.

“I came here alone,” He agreed, his tone casual as the sundresses on a trio of NPC girls who brushed by, giggling and whispering in hushed tones before breaking out in hysterical shrieks. “After the announcement of the true purpose of SAO, people turned colder. A game of survival, not pleasure. But I’m sure...for some, it might be even better than reality. They want strong players, ones who can survive and aid them and yet make them look better. I’m not interested in fighting. So I’m easily overlooked then, aren’t I?”

“And maybe I’m selfish, putting my desires over others’ real lives,” The fair-skinned boy turned, eyes gleaming in interest as a NPC cart and a matronly, plump woman passed out small bags of cream-filled pastries, laughing genially to another NPC who seemed to say a joke. He finished up rather quietly, already halfway away to the cart. “But if that’s true, then I’m content with being selfish for now. It’s life or death, and I’m not ashamed to say I’m no martyr. Oh, excusez-moi, I never really answered your question, did I?”

Laughing lightly, he plucked two bags of pastries and passed one to the stranger-he still didn’t know his name, come to think of it-and pulled them into a crowd, where they ended up in a crowd surrounding some NPC and player musicians alike, playing a lively tune that sounded like it was latin, or had latin roots. Detangling himself from the other, Elpharae’s long fingers undid his ponytail and rearranged his hair into a rather prim looking bun, biting into a cream puff with his teeth and smiling happily when the sweet touched his taste buds. “This may look rather odd, and if I embarrass someone else other than myself somehow, I’m sorry in advance.”

With that note, he approached the inner ring of the circle, quietly excusing himself as he nudged a couple of disgruntled players on the way there. A couple of brave players were dancing freely. It wasn’t pretty or skilled, but it was fun and lighthearted, and almost exactly his type of thing. Turning his back to the front of the crowd, Elpharae stood a little awkwardly at the front, listening to the rhythmic beat before tilting his head a little, making a sweeping half-circle with his leg, which gave him the momentum he needed propel him into a wide spin, fanning out his skirts. Getting the hang of the melody, the teen broke out into a unprofessional but smooth dance, eyes glittering and cheeks flushed.

He had been relatively talented at dance in his school, and he was rather happy to see that at least that hadn’t changed, though his agility score probably had something to do with it. His long sleeves broke away and were now dry, once again rubbing gently against his wrists.

[Rue]

"Never Falter Never Look Back!" ☒ @tagged ✐ 000 ✉ She A Manic.. Manic On The Floor And She Dancing Like She Danced Before! Rue Lv3

Rue enter the rather lively town of Tolbana, their were more players then Rue remember their being around the. Also the players were not dressed in armour, but fashionable attire. Rue looked around to see if she could tell what was going on. The groupings of players were not battle parties, but groups of friends or couples. Rue walked up to a group of men who were wearing slacks and dress shirts with vest on top. As she got closer the men noticed the younger girl and approached her. " Hey the girly whys is a cute thing like you all alone, on a day like this". The men surround her, Rue looks at the one man in front of her. He was in his teens had blond hair and spoke with a american accent. " Do you know what's going on in the town". Rue asked since they were wearing different clothes they might know what was happening in the town. The group laughed, " You don't know there's a music festival going on in town. One of the boys touches her arm. " Why don't you come with us"? Rue's curiosity sated, she elbows the boy behind her that touched her arm in the stomach, the boys breath escapes him. Rue lifts her right leg and kicks the other boy behind her in the knee, causing it to be forced backward, and with her left hand punches the boy in front of her in the throat. The men fall down in pain as Rue brushes herself off. " think next time you try and touch a women without her consent next time, also do you know where i can find more suitable clothing. The men laying on the ground point to a near by store. Rue steps over them and makes her way to the shop. As Rue entered the shop bells rung from the door hitting bells on the doorframe. A muffled voice could be heard from the back. " Coming coming". Rue looked around the packed clothing store as she waited the, women's section left much to be desired. The owner of the voice appeared from the backroom door. It was an older women, roughly in her sixties her aged face smiles as she set her eyes on the small girl. " Hello dear aren't you just a lovely little lady, do you see anything you like sweetie"? The seamstress had a soft kind voice that made Rue think of her grandmother. Rue walked along the dress racks nothing really stood out. Looking to the women in a more relaxed expression but worried tone as her hands shifted through the dresses. " Nothing i see here really peeks my interest, are there any other dresses around". The seamstress moves closer to Rue she looks at the girl up and down and walks around her. " I have something that will be perfect for you i'll be right back". Rue sits on a near by chair hand folded together and legs crossed. The women comes out of the back with a beautiful dress, a deep royal blue dress with black accents. It would go down to Rue's legs and it had little frills, but it was not over done. The women also brought out a pair of deep blue heels. Rue stood up eyes widen at the beauty of the dress. " You are right this is perfect, how much"? The seamstress smiled a the young girls delight, " For you since your the perfect girl for the dress two hundred col shoes included". Rue paid for the dress and used a changing room to change into her new dress. Rue's Dress Rue left the clothing shop as she exited she waved to the seamstress, the older women smiled and waved back. Rue walked down the streets of the town, players and npc's stopped to admire the girl and her clothing as she walked by, however they did not talk to her for in her left hand she held her sheathed sword. Making her way to where the festival was being held she could see rows of stands of food and games, and the streets were packed with players. She wasn't really hungry, or interested in playing rigged game. Rue could hear music playing through the streets, following the sounds of music she made her way to a circle of people watching the few brave players that danced, to the rhythm of the npc's that sounded like Ars nova. As Rue made her way to the circle, other players took notice of her. They looked at the small girl, who looked like royalty as she moved past the crowd and into the front. One of the players dancing in the middle of the circle saw Rue and danced towards her, holding his hand he asked her to dance. Rue was slightly embarrassed by being put on the spot, the sense of the players waiting for her response made her nervous. Putting her sword in her inventory, she lightly touched his hand. Rue danced with the other players, but soon her graceful and dance lessons made her take center stage as her dancing out shined all of the other players.

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

[Kaito]

"I'm no hero. I can't save my own life, let alone another. I was never a "Sapphire Samurai." Just a ronin fighting for ideals I can only hope to aspire to." ☒ @rue, Elpharae ✐ 1244 ✉ Woo! Party like it's 1399! XD Kaito Lv2

The dark haired man seemed to have again sidestepped making bad small talk with the young brunette as she answered his question in a roundabout way while also feeding him one back too. There was a dream-like nature to way she spoke of the past few weeks in Aincrad, well aware of the "colder" nature of the game had ruined a lot of relationships. Indeed, Kaito knew that far too well. But that they might prefer it to the real world? While he had been aiming to get out of here as best as he could, what was really waiting for him back in reality? What did he have that he so desperately needed to head back for?     As the two of them looked over urns, vases, cameos and other beautiful trinkets that could have easily went into the tens of thousands of Yen to afford but here could be bought on a day's worth of grinding, he peered over a mural of knights seemingly on some holy quest, prying his eyes away from the teenage girl as he explained his side of his story, "<Some other players might be put off by me saying this but... I found some friends during the Beta that made the experience here in Aincrad that much more enjoyable. But... after Kayaba pulled the curtain on our lives, we had a bit of a... falling out.>" He said, looking rather distant for the moment, "<It's hard to survive in a game when you only have yourself to rely upon. And while I hoped that old desires of being the "MVP" of the game would be dropped to the side, I guess old habits die hard.>"     "<But I think they forget they need the same players that can't keep up with them too.>" He explained, glancing across on the side street away from them, away from the in-game NPC purchases of dress outfits and home decorations and the like as some player characters both young and old, had set up player stalls of weapons and armor and provisions on the opposite side of the street, "<I don't know if you're aware or not but item drops of the kinds of equipment they need to go against the dungeons are few and far between. They need craftsmen and provisioners, the players "who stay at home all day" to have an edge. So one can't afford to overlook you either.>"     Though that comment on putting ones desires over others hit a little close too. Again, what was he fighting for? For the player's here to get home safely and quickly? And then what? Trying to pay off a few hundred thousand Yen student loan with a useless degree and only the possibility of an entry-level retail job in his future? He didn't want- No, COULDN'T tell her that he had nothing waiting for him on the other side afterwards. It was too depressing, especially from a stranger like him. So that familiar sad smile curled on his face as the little pixie practically skipped up to that NPC baker, joining along as she admitted to being selfish. "<Well, I don't know if pure altruism really exists.>" He thought out loud, proving his point a little as the dark haired male paid the old maid for the two bags of cream puffs in hope of gaining a measure of favor with her, "<But I don't think one should risk everything for the lives of everyone, if the rest of the world can help in some small way. Many hands make the load light, you know. But for now, I'm content tackling Aincrad at my own pace. Besides, I'd miss... um... seeing sights like this.>" The older man seemed to stumble a little in his mental exercise when she licked that vanilla cream from her lips, reminding himself of their age difference again. Not to mention the brunette Japanese girl seemed more interested in a different kind of fun.     The young girl with what seemed to be an excellent accent for French had already put away her cream puffs as she saw a large crowd gather around a band of troubadours on lute, flute, bombarde, rebec and drums played a jaunty tune he could only imagine hearing from a renaissance faire outside of this game. But amongst everyone in period dress and sights and smells, it felt like he had really jumped back in time. In his eyes, she seemed not shy at all to join in the dancing as on the perimeter was more measured, old-style medieval dance where everyone was seemingly in step, bowing and curtsying in a very formal manner while on the inside when one slipped through was a semi-organized collection of couples and free-spirits like her, spinning and swaying, and doing scandalous moves like holding onto the hip and letting one's legs show (this was supposed to be medieval times after all.) He, on the other hand, was trapped between two desires as he put his bag of pastries in his inventory, feeling his palms begin to sweat as he was stuck between two desires, one to follow after her and into the throng of festivities to dance with her and the other having the fear of looking like a complete idiot in front of everyone and especially her! But seeing some other players on the inside, passing partners to-and-fro, he felt that he would be lost to her if he didn't pursue. So as Kaito steeled himself and stepped into th-     "Good sirrah, one shouldn't simply watch a dance!" A jolly sounding voice of a cheerful older woman that seemed to have been nearby this entire time, partially blocking his path, "You simply must join us!" He hadn't really been focusing on her up till that point, mostly because she was an NPC but he guessed he needed to let the computer know what was going on. "Oh, um, that's actually what I was going to do." Kaito quickly explained, glancing above the heads of those around them for the kimono clad girl. "Oh splendid! Is this your first dance?" The NPC continued as she stepped in front of him as he figured he accidentally activated a quest trigger of some sort with his answer. "Well, yes but I-" He replied before feeling a small but firm hand grasp his, the little plump lady with a cherub face beginning to pull him more towards the outer dance group, "Marvelous, marvelous! The first time is always so special. Come this way~! <3" She giggled with a sing-songy voice even while the lanky young man stammered a protest.     Well, now Kaito was in trouble as he could only see the brunette girl in glimpses now as he was introduced to another partner with no way out of this quite yet. He followed along a little ungracefully at first, as it felt more like a marching order than a dance really. Still, it was more like rote memorization than anything else and he could do that just fine. Still keeping his eye out to the center of the crowd as he switched from partner to partner, he failed to recognize at first the little girl  in a gorgeous dress and her green marker made him realize now that this was...     "R-Rue!?" He said with a startle before their hand's clasped, his NPC teacher giving him a tut-tut before quickly syncing back up with the group, "What are you doing here?" [[ -20 Col from my pocket for the cream puffs. Also, this might be a good example of the song being played at the moment, at 1.25 speed in my opinion. ^_^ ]]

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

[Elpharae]

Elpharae wove in and out of the other players dancing, skirt swishing quietly as he laughed brightly. More and more people took the stage, giggling and laughing with other players. It was a couple's song, probably, but he was happy enough dancing alone. When a white-haired girl began to move into his vision, he cocked an eyebrow in interest-she was such a good dancer, with smooth movements and grace that she seemed to embody. The player who had been dancing with her withdrew, and Elpharae couldn't spot him. At any rate, the girl, spinning around in a gorgeous dress that must have cost quite a bit of Col, was a very good dancer. Very. He tilted his head and his dark eyes shone happily as he took a quick breath and spun, with one leg making a smooth circle around him. He was much closer to her now, and probably was outclassed-but that was fine. The player didn't come here for competition.

He moved freely-while Rue listened to the beat of the music and danced around it, creating elegance and grace, he tried to dance with it-Elpharae closed his eyes until he could hear the beat as steadily as his heartbeat, the song ringing in his ears. He spun in a slow circle again, lifting his left leg up a little, and then transitioned into putting one leg out in front of him, arms closing in and withdrawing as fast as he could. The weight of his skirts and the brush of the wind spurred him to do better, to dance faster, to dance better-he laughed with free abandon, twisting as he turned and made a slow motion with his hands, bringing them up above his head as he brought one leg up to the other side, then used that momentum to turn in a swish of skirts. His arms curled and bent over his head and under, sleeves billowing. While the other girl took the center, he hugged the edges of the inner circle, always lingering at the very border, but never retreating back into it.

His eyes glittered and his cheeks were red-but he felt exhilarated, spinning, leaping, turning, rolling, swaying to the beat, always just with the beat of the song. When the song sped up, he did so with it, skimming the ground with a series of quick spins, a touch of his foot on the earth sending him a little midair, barely a couple of inches, to skim the stones and start his next one, making a sort of half-circle around the other girl with a series of spins. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the stranger from earlier-and was that the white haired girl?-paired up, talking, but he only sent a small grin, pulling his hair from his shoulders in one smooth move that seemed incorporated into his dance. He slowed down a bit, catching his breath and watching, interested, at the pair, his fast-moving dance now slowing down into a slower but no means less free dance, and after a beat, he decided to grab a partner, slowing down and reentering the fray at the edges.

There, a little NPC boy sat at the edge, wide blue eyes interested and taking it all in. Even though he knew that the NPC was just programmed to do that, something in his heart tugged at him and he knelt down, smiling gently. "Would you like to dance with me, little sir?" Around them, the music was still playing, though many of the players had abandoned their posts to actually dance, the melody less complex now and pretty in its simplicity. The boy's friend, a real player, right next to him looked at him too, seemingly pleasantly surprised before the girl turned to another player, an older...sister? He waited for a response calmly, heartbeat slowing down as his feeling of light exertion began to disappear. The boy and girl quietly conferred behind their small hands, whispering, before reaching a conclusion, the older sister kneeling and talking to her sister while politely smiling at the player. They were wearing rather simple but elegant dresses, and Elpharae admired the clean cut for a moment before going back to waiting, eyes scanning the horizon idly.

When they finally consented and took his hand, Elpharae gently brought them into the center, where he was earlier. Taking one of their hands each in his own, he brought them forward and back, forward and back, until that simple step was mastered. Then, using his hands, he carefully spun the shorter children around, giggling a little when the boy stumbled a little, but was still smiling widely. The NPC boy and the girl looked at him, mischief gleaming in their eyes, before dragging him into the center. Surprised enough to not fight them off, he followed, but not before decreeing that they should make a circle, the two children agreeing happily enough He drew them in and out, repeating the simple movement with a couple of skips and turns. It was simple, but rather pretty, and he enjoyed this just as much as he would if he was dancing with himself. Company did make some things better, after all. Maybe it was for the best he got splashed today. Perhaps it was, and so the brunette thanked the gray-haired man from earlier in his head.

He hummed the melody as they spun, feet tapping in time and hair breaking away to flow down his back. The sweet scent of baked goods; the sound of the thumping of feet and rustic music mingling with laughter and hushed whispers; the feel of the sun and strong breeze; the lingering taste of cream and powdered sugar on his tongue-it all came together, and he threw back his head and laughed freely. "Aujourd'hui est un jour merveilleux," He told the two children in a comically loud whisper, giggling. They probably couldn’t understand him, but they laughed anyways, before the NPC boy broke away and went to ask the player girl for a dance. Elpharae paused, thinking for a moment about staying, but ultimately decided on leaving the two on their own, telling them to be careful.

Humming softly to the melody, which had slowed down (he wondered idly if that was on purpose, since by now most people were in pairs or were couples) and had gained an air of romanticism, he turned and found himself with a real partner this time, a male who obviously assumed he was a female, but he couldn’t bring himself to be annoyed, since the day was going so well. So he accepted the offer wordlessly, stepping in time to the beat and dutifully twirling and swaying. It was relaxed and rigid, an oxymoron in itself. The soft beat made him feel almost soft somehow, but he shook it off easily as he switched partners again and again, noting that the talented white-haired girl from earlier was still here, and so was the gray-haired man who had so kindly paid for his purchase. Interested, he made her way to the center, where they were, as the tune made them switch partners again and again. The bright morning had darkened a little, and he basked in the cooler, less warm air, smiling a little awkwardly at his current partner. It was a little infuriating, actually, at how he was constantly assumed to be a girl, but also a little flattering.

He twirled again, switching partners, and found himself with the white-haired girl from earlier-he looked at around, a little confused at the change in partners, since everyone else was partnered with someone of the opposite gender (or in this case, assumed opposite gender), but shrugged it off casually and cautiously let her take the lead, since the girl was taller than him, which was vaguely mortifying. However, he brushed it off, not that prideful about his height. His eyes flickered over to the stranger from earlier curiously. They seemed rather familiar earlier. Did they know each other somehow? He refocused on his current partner, demurely spinning when the time deemed it appropriate. If he was supposed to know, he would learn somehow, and besides, it wasn't polite to pry. Idly, he wondered whether people were watching in on them dance-the only same-gender couple in the center. Elpharae blinked. It wasn't good to indulge in thoughts like that, so the brunette focused on his steps.

[Rue]

"Never Falter Never Look Back!" ☒ @tagged ✐ 000 ✉ Are you okay Kaito? Rue Lv3

Rue glided around the cobble stone road as she lead her dance partner. The man that danced with her was to busy keeping track of his feet to say anything. Stepping on an angle to the left then stepping forward with the right, Rue's duo twirled around with the music her blue dress lift and circled around with their movement. Rue took her left hand off of his shoulder and with the tips of her fingers, slowly raised his head. With a calm and soothing expression and tone spoke to him. " Your suppose to look your dance partner in the eye". The man blushed from their eyes meeting and nervously followed Rue's steps. " I.. am.. no". Before he could finish his words, a familiar voice called to Rue in a surprised and possibly nervous tone. Rue slowly spun her dance partner around to see Kaito. He was still pretty much the same lanky and still over reactive of everything, however he was wearing a navy blue tie-up coat vest and matching trousers and a warm brown short sleeved jacket and boots of the same color. The music called for and change of partners, Rue cut into Kaito and the instructor dance, switched Kaito with her current dance partner. " Thank you for the dance". Rue and Kaito slid away from the other two. As the music started to liven up. Rue looked to Kaito, "Why so surprised, can't I have fun to"? She spoken in a teasing but calm voice, very different then how she would act on a regular day. Putting her left had on his left shoulder and lightly intertwining her right hand into his, Rue looked up into his eyes. "Well your the man aren't you going to lead"? The poor man tried his best, by using the short lesson he just taught to use. Rue followed as they slowly stepped back and forward then right and left. As they danced Kaito eyes seem to try and avoid Rue. " So who is your sword skill coming along"? Rue paid no mind to his odd behavior for Kaito it was normal. Whatever mess of an answer Kaito gave her, she just nodded. " Are you here alone or did you come here with others"? Before Rue got her answer the music signaled another change, passing Kaito off to another partner. Dancing away from Kaito, the music started again leaving a mentally unprepared Kaito at the mercy of the music. Switching partners again Rue would find herself faced with another girl? She was smaller then Rue and wore a simpler but pleasant dress. She had brown hair and fair features. Rue curtsied lifting her dress as to not touch the ground, looking to the smaller girl. Rue spoke in a soft friendly tone " May I have this dance my lady"? Rue reached her left hand out. The small girl seemed a little confused, but took her hand. Rue softly wrapped her hand around the girl's, and with the other placed it around her waist. The girl was a much better dancer then her last few dance partner, They turn and skipped around there dance area. When Rue spun the girl she shun as well, the Girl's skirt and Rue's dress dance around each other as they spun. Meeting each other again, Rue gave a small smile as the continued dancing. " You came here by yourself to? I did not even know about the festival"". Rue's smile faded, " Do feel guilty however, wasting time on dancing when I should be out climbing the floors". Rue's expression dimmed, but then returned as to not spoil the fun. " Don't mind me just, thinking aloud".

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

[Kaito]

"I'm no hero. I can't save my own life, let alone another. I was never a "Sapphire Samurai." Just a ronin fighting for ideals I can only hope to aspire to." ☒ @tags ✐ 555 ✉ Small post, losing steam here. Daylight savings kicking my butt and can't describe dancing. Kaito Lv2

Kaito was indeed the long limbed, sad eyed man she had met before but he seemed to have decided to clean himself up a little for such a festive day. Gone were his beginner's armor for the moment as he attempted at something relaxed yet fashionable. It could maybe even come off as faltering on him if he didn't have that peeved look on his face like an older brother forced into dancing with his younger sister, and not the kind of idealized cute one either. More like the over-achieving, aggressively annoying kind of little sister that found every chance to get him in trouble behind mom's back. A weird metaphor to be sure as no sooner had they grasped hands and had his hand at her slender hip, she found a way to poke fun at his masculinity. Scoffing slightly at the young girl, he cracked back with a smirk, "I'm more surprised that the "Ice Princess" doesn't find the common people's idea of "fun" beneath her." The dark haired man said, leading as she suggested, "But I guess ancient ballroom dancing or something is also under the two dozen hobbies and jobs you have then?" The entirety of Aincrad could see the cloud-blue haired teen like some goddess for all he cared and from the glances and stares and "Oohs" and "Aahs" from PC and NPC alike, he figured they did. (Either that or there was some sort of hidden Charisma stat she lucked at aceing in a random roll.) But even though she had helped him get back on his feet and give him some excellent pointers on how to fight, Rue had a long way to go from not being seen as the reactionary, pompous little girl with her nose in the air and an overactive imagination.     As he continued along with her, mercifully being a slow song to move to, the question about his swordsmanship made him think of the one event that occurred recently. "Well, I can safely say I'm the dread of anything on four legs now at the very least. Two legs, and a big axe on the other hand? That's another story." He said cryptically, before letting that smirk grow wider still, "Also, I think I met a player who has beaten you on the "Worst Introduction Ever" list with a tongue sharper than any weapon in this game. I'll have to tell you sometime." The dark haired man's gaze did have trouble keeping with hers but not out of nervousness or awkwardness of having a young girl in his arms (at least with her anyways) but to keep an eye out for the little pixie out in the main crowd of free-form dancers, though her question on whether he had come by himself caught his ear, "Well, started out alone but- Huh?" He began to explain before the music shifted back to a faster crescendo, Rue passing him off to a rather large, jolly looking NPC woman that seemed very eager to play, his face looking a bit caught in the headlights as that nervous smile plastered across his face and quickly adding, "B-But keep your eye out for her! B-Brown hair, k-kimono dr- GAH!" Kaito was practically swept off his feet as the NPC clearly lead in this dance as he was lead away with her.

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

[Elpharae]

Elpharae smiled a little. He was right- this girl was very good at dancing. The touch of their skirts hit each other gently, rustling quietly and hitting the air with a quiet swish. The dance was remarkably more subdued, due to the romantic ambience that surrounded the area. The gentle light, less of a glaring yellow, and more like a softened butter-color, less neon but still as warm and bright, flowed over them, and he admired the frills on her skirt for a moment. Her cloud-colored hair brought out the contrast in her dark-colored dress, and he admired that for a moment before blushing a little pink. When she smiled at Elpharae, he paused, and listened to her question while they hit another turn.

“You came here by yourself, too? I did not even know about the festival. Do feel guilty however, wasting time on dancing when I should be out climbing the floors. Don’t mind me, just thinking aloud.”

Elpharae frowned a little. That was no way to talk. He opened his mouth, chiding her gently. “It’s a festival, no? Dancing shows you how to move, how to adapt, helps you with the fluidness of your movements. It also builds up your leg muscles. I have never seen a ballerina with weak legs. There’s a reason why fighting is called dance macabre. The dance of death. I can tell you’re powerful, or at least, I think so. You can’t be a good fighter in my mind without a good grip on how to move your body. Dancing can calm your mind, too. Fighting all the time can take a toll on your mental health.” He blushed pink, realizing what he had said. “I’m sorry if I offended you somehow or overstepped.”

He tried continuing on, twirling demurely when it was his turn. “I didn’t come here alone, though I never caught the man I came with’s name. He had splashed me with fountain water, and so offered to take me to the festival in return. It was strange, actually-I know I probably shouldn’t have gone with him, but he turned out to be rather harmless. Dark gray hair, long limbs…he was very nervous at times, too. But he paid for a purchase I made, so I guess I have him to thank for that.” He smiled gently, and realized it was time to switch partners again, doing a quick curtsey, since everyone seemed to think he was a girl anyways. “Thank you for listening to me. You’re a very talented dancer.”

Spinning just in time to catch his new partner, he found himself with the man he had just described. The dark hair, the outfit…yes, it was definitely him. “Oh, hello,” He said, still a little shy and recovering from his boldness with the pretty girl from earlier. “Remember me? I’m afraid I abandoned you back there, so I do apologize for that. But I never did catch your name.” He turned in time to the music, taking care to not mess up in any of his movements and silently correcting Kaito’s with his, making sure they didn’t veer into any other couples. He smiled, then, remembering. “Then again, I never did tell you mine, so I suppose I’ll do it now. Elpharae.”

The music changed yet again, turning into a more lively tune, much different from the soft, gentle strains of the earlier tones, and now seemed more medieval- from somewhere like Italy, perhaps? He couldn’t be sure. Smiling with a little mischief, he took Kaito's hand from his hip, and dragged him into the center, where the girl from earlier was still dancing, sending her a much more innocent smile. The dark-haired boy reverted to his earlier style of dance, except this time with a partner, sliding one foot forward for balance before beginning his dance.

Using his firm grip on the other, gray-haired man's wrist, he spun three times on the stones, using the landing from each turn to skim the edges of the stones, lifting himself just inches off the ground when spinning. Then, he pulled the other toward him, taking both of his hands, before pulling away on one side, both of them facing the same direction. Breaking off, he circled the other with a series of spins before encouraging the other to do the same. "Come on, stranger," He teased, giggling lightly as the music sped up even more, sliding his leg in a wide half-circle as he waited for him to move. "Aren't you going to dance? This is a dancing festival, after all. I'd be kind of disappointed if you didn't dance at all, besides from that other waltz-inspired sort of thing."

His eyes gleamed a little playfully, eyebrows arching up as he did a leaning spin, landing on one foot, the powerful momentum causing him to stumble and slide the other leg out, finishing it up smoothly. "It doesn't have to be perfect, you know." He reminded rather unnecessarily- or at least, in his head, it was unnecessary. What was the point of dancing if you couldn't have fun while doing it? Spinning in time to the music, his skirts billowed out, light skin turning pink from a mix of pleasure and exertion. This was a lovely distraction, and he wasn't going to let it go to waste.

[Rue]

"Never Falter Never Look Back!" ☒ @tagged ✐ 000 ✉ Stealing Your Girl Rue Lv3

Rue smiled at Kaito's crack back with her hobbies and her personality quirks. It seems that in the small amount of time he's been away, he figured out that he had a spine. Rue let him lead her slowly around the cobble stone road. " Yes unfortunately i'm blessed with the ability to learn skills and have interests, i think it was called free will". Rue could feel his dislike of her personality, and how everyone looks at her like a goddess. His basic dancing of moving back and forth slowly was draining on the lithe girl. She could see the other men looking at Kaito squandering a great opportunity. The slow song coupled with Kaito's dull none existent dancing skill, made the song feel like forever. He answered her question, about his sword skill. It seems he's improving, but is still rogue around the edges. Not really in the mood to scold him and make this moment feel even worse Rue nodded as the tried a new direction forward and back. Her curiosity perk up when he motioned a women more hostile then her but her tongue was her choice of weapon. Rue taught back to the labyrinth with the two other girls. Rue's eyes narrowed, " Did she have pink hair"? Rue said it in a blank and tired tone. As if the gods came down from the heavens to grant her mercy the music changed. Almost throwing him into the arms of his next parent she rocketed off to her next partner. It sounded like he was trying to say something, but the music drowned out. Rue danced with her new smaller partner for a bit. They were having fun, and Rue let her thoughts slip out, as she tired to get the subject back on point. Her partner gave her some common information about how dancing and fight had similarities. Rue smiled at her partners words," No not at all, that cheered me up thank you".  As they twirled her partner talked about who she had came with. She described a certain man, she knew by name, and with him involved their meeting did not seems so abnormal. sadly the song began to change her partner smiled and complemented Rue dancing. Rue smiled in turn and softly spoke," If you think my dancing is good you should see my dance macabre". The music began to liven up to a traditional Italian music. Meeting her next partner, Rue stood slightly back from the man and raised her hand curved above her and one curved around her lower waist. Stepping forward and changing her hands the man followed her lead as the preformed the Tarantella. Hopping and moving around each other. Rue stepped back and smiled as the boy and her met as he spun around. Tapping her left foot, she changed the dance to more of a salsa dance. Rue clapped her hands together as she leaned slightly back then moved back. Grapping her dress with one hand she shook it left and right, while rocking her hips. Stepping forward she waved her other hand down her body, then grabbed her dress with both hands and shook it while stepping forward and back. Reaching her partner, she slid her hands down his body. The man grew stiff and was glowing red as Rue wrapped her arms around him and made bold and powerful steps. Moving closer to Kaito and his "girl", she spun herself and the man moving herself in between the two. Switching the boy with her partner, they spun away. Tapped and moving forward and on angles powerfully and passionately. Rue took control and moved and spun the boy around. Spinning him so that he would have his back to her, she would slowly slide her hands down the boys shoulders and chest while shaking her hips behind him lightly touching him. Rue's hands slid lower stopping just above his lower ad. Rue leaned near his ear and spoke softly. " What's a pretty boy like you doing playing dress up"? Then spinning him back to face her she would continue to lead the dance.

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MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

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[Kaito]

"I'm no hero. I can't save my own life, let alone another. I was never a "Sapphire Samurai." Just a ronin fighting for ideals I can only hope to aspire to." ☒ @rue Elpharae ✐ 1621 ✉ This post took so much research, you have no idea. XD So many examples from music and videos, it was crazy! Kaito Lv2

[[Hmm, I was thinking of perhaps adding an idea to the group with helping to visualize more Anime effects if you will to a post, if that make sense. Like, those scenes where the funny, chibi-fied, cartoony versions of characters doing exaggerated actions or those extremely detailed romantic/glamor shots with sparkly or all pink and bubbly backgrounds. I'm going to do Comic Sans for the kind of Non-Canon, nonsensical silliness and... hmm... Impact for the bishie sparkle/idealized beauty scenes, because of how much it stands out.]]     Kaito felt like a ragdoll in this large woman's arms, flung about with the music as he could only half-scream, half-nervous laugh from the absurdity of it all, legs dangling in the air as she held him close and suffering through the peasant girl's Marshmallow Hell. Kaito had been put into some embarrassing situations before butt his had to be up there as one of the worst! "MMRPH! GAH! L-Lady, I'm not a dolly! Put me down!" He yelled whenever he could come up for air, the copious woman looking down at him with an odd look of not understanding his frustration. Perhaps she wasn't programmed with speech in mind for this occasion as she just blinked at him struggling in her gigantic bosom.     Mercifully, the music changed, signifying a change in partners. Kaito was brought back down to earth, the lady giving a big wet smooch to his cheek as he stumbled towards the next partner... only to catch the young girl he had been looking for that afternoon fall into his arms! “Oh, hello,” He said, still a little shy and recovering from his boldness with the pretty girl from earlier. “Remember me? I’m afraid I abandoned you back there, so I do apologize for that. But I never did catch your name.” He turned in time to the music, taking care to not mess up in any of his movements and silently correcting Kaito’s with his, making sure they didn’t veer into any other couples. He smiled, then, remembering. “Then again, I never did tell you mine, so I suppose I’ll do it now. Elpharae.”     "Ah! There you are!" The dark haired man said with his eyes lighting up as a shy smile blazed across his face, "I thought I lost you back there and... uh." Kaito was so caught up in the moment of having the rosy cheeked girl back he hadn't realized that he had been holding her around her waist for sometime, the soft silk of her kimono and dress matching her soft form. His face seemed to turn another deeper shade of red before the girl... no, before Elpharae took his hand and helped direct him from bumping into the dancers going around them. While he still had a little difficulty leading the young brunette, it was obvious there was much more energy in his step as he locked his dark eyes with hers, "I'm Kats- Kaito. A pleasure to meet you again Elpharae." He said, his voice low and having a shy, dreamy tone to it. He felt more like her balance bar as they held hands, twirling as her dress spun so fast it could graze across his legs. The rest of the crowd of people seemed to melt away into an orange glow as she took all his sight. All the nervousness and fear of messing up seemed to melt as a grin couldn't leave his face the entire time.     Well, at least until he spun with her and felt... very different hands touching his, coming around with a startle as him and another male player around his age, bearded and long haired who looked just as beleaguered as Kaito was at the situation. The two of them glanced around to find their last partner, only to watch as that unmistakable black and blue dress swish away, practically grinding up against her as he could barely believe his eyes. "R-Rue! What are you doing!? Hey!" He demanded, jumping up over the expanding crowd as his "partner" chimed in with an exasperated breath, "W-Wow... that girl is relentless! She could have anyone in this place if he wanted..." He shot a glare at the clearly infatuated idiot before adding, "First impressions aren't everything buddy." As the other player tried to find his way out of the circle, even Kaito felt lost amongst the crowds of couples. This was far from his scene, the music too ancient and he was clearly outclassed here... This music was too soft, too slow and he didn't know how to waltz or salsa or... wait. He did have music like this though on his in-game menu he downloaded before hand. Maybe...!     Taking one last glance at the two girls, he carefully made his way from the circle of dancers to the musicians, finding an NPC standing amongst them and looking amongst some of the other instruments and taking count of the Col that was being tipped to them by the other peasants for their time. This had to be the manager or head troubadour here, he thought. Though it also helped he had an icon hovering over his head of musical notes, perhaps to designate that he was more interactive than your average NPC here. "Um, excuse me!" Kaito said over the music as he stepped in close enough for the mustachioed manager could hear him over the cacophony, "Do you do requests?" The man in the doublet and floppy Renaissance hat was smoothing out his lip fur when Kaito arrived, delighted for a new customer, "Why of course, good sirrah! What is your pleasure?" He said with a glint in his eye as Kaito swiped the air in front of him, allowing his menu to appear as he tapped into his own personal music and slipped it into view, letting him look over his shoulder. The maestro reached out and a number of parchment papers of music script appeared in his hands as if the entire exchange that just occurred was common place, glancing over the notes and only then looking a bit startled. "Uh, hmm! This is, er, quite avant garde, don't you think? And, i-isn't this supposed to be a wedding song?" He asked questioningly, looking uncertain as he looked the young man over. "Please, it will go over well, I promise! This might be my only chance here!" He begged, glancing out into the crowd as the NPC bard master put his hands up to calm him, "Alright lad, I will see to it after this next song." Kaito bowed graciously to him and thanked the man before slipping towards the audience again.     The crowd was prepared for the tender tones of Italian baroque and the slow, sensual Spanish sound for the next round were suddenly jolted as hard, punctuated percussion and low menacing strings suddenly hit harshly to the on lookers, more than enough to perhaps cause the dancers to pause to figure out what that noise was. This was no gentle Western medieval music, this was something raw, folksy and most importantly, Slavic. The beat was punctuated with the loud clapping in time as the metallic clack of palm meeting steel brought attention to the gray haired man with his arms above his head, his curved blade still sheathed in the other. Understandably concerned citizens stepped out of Kaito's way, but there was no look of anger or menace in his stance but determination (covering up the fact his heart was beating out of his chest.) Leaping and side-spinning into the center, the crowd parted just as the shrill, deep voiced chorus sung out in Bulgarian: Oy Lazare, Lazare! Tuka ni sa kazali Oy Lazare, Lazare! Tuka ni sa kazali Tervo tuka doydome Moma momche naydome Ya momata godete Ya momcheto zhenete     Though most of the NPCs in the crowd were initially confused, some players amongst the gathers suddenly got very excited at a song they recognized. Finishing his spin, he landed in a squat with his sheathed sword slapping the cobble stones, spinning the blade around his body in dervish flourish. He didn't dare catch eyes with anyone as all his focus was put into this make-shift sword dance, his tunic sleeves flapping as he spun to the fastest song of the evening. Underneath the clearly ad-libbed performance was the things that he learned throughout his life, from playing around in his Hawaiian home on green grass, swinging plastic foam swords at imaginary monsters to elements from the Maori Haka war dances he saw at the Polynesian Cultural center. When he wasn't flipping his sword around and up into the air, catching it like a very dangerous baton, he punctuated the beat with crouched fist slaps against his chest and thigh. All of this was highly exaggerated and had no place in a fight, but amongst the crowd it felt flashy and amazing to watch. The players that knew where this song was and why he'd use a "sword dance" were the first to clap along, slowly followed by the peasants as he began to win them over, additional musicians making the beat harder, more masculine and menacing. At this moment, Kaito felt the most awesome he had been in quite a while!     Sparks flew as he slid the sheath's edge across the ground, his eyes catching the color of long red sleeves and violet skirt across the way, showing him the way to her. Sliding the blade across, he hope to god his Agility and Dexterity scores would let him do what was next. Running after it, he leap into a handstand, catching the blade and rolling to a halt one knee and an outstretched hand to little Elpharae with the last echoing beat through the town, panting as he ignored the sweat on his brow as the crowd applauded and cheered. "And that *huff* is how *puff* I dance!" He said with a grin, eyes smiling up at her as he waited patiently. The most important thing was he didn't snatch at her, didn't take her as her own. Kaito was giving her the offer to the brunette girl because it should be her choice. He could only hope he hadn't made a fool of himself for nothing.

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS