Wren+and+Erevin+travel+to+Lyrabar+with+friends

Only a few days into their trip to Lyrabar, the party of six traveled the woods still getting to know one another. Kale watched their back as they moved. The most attuned to the woods, Erevin and Loch were the first to hear the calls of the birds… but they came from behind them, so Kale was the first to see the flock. There were hundreds of them… black birds, crows, and the like. They flew in in large groups, circling like a dance performance in the sky. The highest branches of the tree lines around them were lined with silhouettes, and the circles of flyers called out in the sky as they flew overhead. Kale shuddered. He had never seen anything like this in all his life. “Oh… that has to be a really bad omen,” he said aloud as he stood in awe looking up in the sky. Wren and Loch looked up and then looked at each other and grinned wide. “Don’t be silly,” Wren said with a smile toward Kale, “this… is a wonderful sign to a witch. Our journey to Lyrabar has been noticed by the unknown… we are watched and protected.” Kale scowled. Somehow knowing that didn’t make him feel any better. He glanced at the sun setting in the distance. He guessed they would be out of the woods in a few hours if they kept going. Kale looked to Erevin, “I vote we keep moving and make it to the edge of the woods before setting up camp.” Wren spoke up quickly, “No… tonight… we should build a fire… and dance.” Loch grinned and looked at Shri, "Ever dance around a fire by the light of the moon?"

Shri nodded back to Loch challengingly "Of course... Elistrae is the dancing goddess is she not..dancing in the moonlight is her greatest joy." The slender dusky skin elf smiled, looking for a just a moment at Erevin, then back at the pale witch, almost her mirror image. "Of course...the proper worshippers of Elistrae shed their clothing during such dances, so they can feel the moonlight's kiss on all of their skin."

The drow smirked at Loch. "That shouldn't be a problem, should it? I'd heard that surface elves can be more conservative...about things like that."

"A problem for a witch?" Loch laughed softly, "No, of course not... I was going to wear clothing to make the others more comfortable, but ... I certainly wouldn't want to disrespect your goddess, especially with one of her priestesses right here in front of me." Loch flashed her a grin, "...and I wouldn't want to deny you the reflections of her rays from off of my skin."

Or refute her challenge, Wren thought to herself and giggled. Thank goodness they seemed to be getting along...

Wren put an arm around Dominic and the other around Erevin to bring them close to her in hopes of pulling them to her side. She knew as a guard in training, Kale wouldn't think to go against Erevin, even if he didn't play in much of his mother's political world, he was still Lady Lionspaw's son. She grinned at the two of them. "So... we dance?"

Erevin, exchanged knowing looks with Dom, and both nodded to each other. He then turned his gaze to Wren, he regarded her with a genuine smile before reaching in under his armored vest and pulling out a beautiful silver chain with the symbol of Elistae hanging upon it. “It would be a shame to waste the last night in these lands hurrying to get out.” He took a look around, “I know this area well, and we shouldn’t be disturbed tonight. So if you ladies would like to make camp. Kale, Dominic and I will round up some good firewood. Tonight we dance.” Letting his gaze fall to Shri before turning and heading off into the woods.

Once away Erevin will look at Kale “you understand, this is a challenge from your friends. Like when we were children, playing games. Shooting arrows at each other’s feet, the first one to flinch loses. The same rules apply here, if you flinch now they will never let you live it down. If you have reason other than modesty for not dancing such as an injury or religious belief I suggest you make it known, and I don’t want to hear you say you can’t dance. I’ve known your sister Yienshul too long to believe it is not in your blood, she is one of the finest Blade Dancers of her class.”

He then turned to Dom, “gather what you need for the colored flames, we’ll get the wood.”

Wren's eyes widened a little in surprise as she recognized the Elistrae symbol hanging on Erevin's chain. She brought her gaze back up to his eyes and smiled knowingly. Well, well, the handsome ranger not only had looks, he had charm and secrets... she regarded him as even more handsome.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren flashed Erevin one of her most charming smiles. "Sounds like more than a fair trade. We would love to make camp." She nodded the question to the girls who nodded back to her in agreement. She turned to give Dominic a quick inviting wink before returning her gaze to Erevin. "...and until then, We'll look forward to your return." She blew Kale a kiss and walked with the girls to pick out the perfect spot.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wait..." Kale blinked at Erevin, "You're saying we're going to dance WITH them? Naked?" He took a moment to consider it. It was true, he could dance... he had been looking forward to dancing with Wren, but... around a fire in the middle of the night... naked? "I guess I thought we were going to watch..." he chuckled. He nodded to Erevin. "But you're right, of course, My Lord. It was meant to be a challenge. Well... then dance with them we will. Though I have to tell you... I've never done anything like this before."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Loch chose a remote circle for their camp that would lend them the best concealment by distance for their fire. It had a nice smooth ground level that would be great for dancing. Wren set up a simple rabbit soup that could simmer to the side as long as they needed it to. She threw in an assortment of herbs to bring back energy and restore sore muscles that would have them waking up to be ready for travel. She made a simple tea to get them all started, pouring in a bit of powder that would help loosen any inhibitions. She giggled, keeping that secret to herself, as she watched Loch and Shri work together to set up the rest of the camp.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren pulled out a long, red, silky scarf and sent Cirdan up into a nearby tree. She had him help her loop it around a strong branch and she secured it like a simple swing. She turned to the girls, "For the dance... feel free to use it anytime, however you like." She winked.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren stripped off her clothes. She rubbed a thin, light oil over her body and then hooked a long thin chain around her hips. It was adorned with little metal chimes, sticks, and bones that would make noise when she danced, as well as a couple of long dangling black feathers that hung on either hip. She dipped Inali's paw in a simple mud and then used it to mark the top of her own foot. She kissed Inali on the forehead and adorned her with a chime necklace of her own. She slipped on her sleeved, hooded traveling cloak until they were ready to dance. Loch removed her clothes and Wren lovingly caressed her bare skin with the thin oil. She turned to Shri and offered her the vial, "Would you like some? It smooths and protects your skin for the dance, and the heat of your body will bring out a warm spice scent."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She gave each of the girls a cup of her tea, and then handed one to each of the guys as they returned...

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Shri nodded graciously, taking both the vial, and the tea into her dusky hands. "Of course, I thank you,,,,Miss Wren. Such a delightful concoction. I do believe you'll give young Dominic a run for his money should you decide to sell such things in the city." She spread the oil over her dark skin, making it glisten in the moonlight. Her drow elven body...was flawless, and she wore on a sheer white sash around her waist which did little to conceal the rest of her.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dominic kept his eyes steadfastly on the mixtures he was working on, a colorful blend of ingredients that he sprinkled liberally into the wood that they had collected. Lighting it aflame it burned with a dark purple flame which slowly lightened to blue. He set aside other mixtures for other colors, a faint blush on his cheeks as he avoided looking at Loch and Wren as well.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Awww...I think we have a shy one here, sister." Loch said, pulling Wren over to stand with her next to the alchemist. She looped her arm around Wren's waist, pulling the slender elf against her. Her pale skin was warm against Wren's. "What are we to do! You should at least...watch the show? You might learn something right?"

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I...ah...should finish with this first..mi'lady Loch, I wouldn't want the wood to explode..." Dominic grabbed the teacup, sipping it to calm his nerves. His eyebrow rose as he tasted the blend.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"He's a bit...straight laced...sorry girls..." Shri said, pulling the two of them back as Dominic finished his work. As soon as the girls turned away, Dominic hurriedly poured the rest of the tea unto the earth. Nothing but trouble could come from that! Besides, he didn't like the way Kale had looked at him before and he dreaded what the elven warrior would do to him if he woke up naked in the morning next to Wren...

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren blushed at Shri's compliment and bowed slightly, "Thank you, Miss Shri. The scented oil is my own recipe, but the tea is one I learned from my mother." <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She stood back and admired Shri and nodded, "Your skin tone is enticing. I think the oil looks best on you.." She winked at her.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren giggled at Loch as she pulled her in close near Dominic. She glanced down and watched him work. She was instantly entranced. She had never seen the colorful flames before. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"That's incredible! How do you do that?" Wren started to kneel down next to the alchemist to watch him work... but Loch pulled her back up, "Oh no you don't..."

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Loch was happy to have Shri come pull them back in. Wren looked back over her shoulder as they walked away, "but that's fascinating..." <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes, yes... he has amazing colorful powder. He knows how to get your attention, I'll give him that," Loch grumbled as she helped drag Wren back to the fire, "there'll be no alchemy lesson tonight... Dance!" Loch gave Wren a quick playful slap on her butt cheek. Wren grinned at her.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren closed her eyes and imagined hearing the low tone of the drums back home. She raised her arms into the air and started to dance. Her movements were flowing and graceful. Amidst her conscious foot placements, the muscles in her rear rocked her hips back and forth swiftly and rhythmically as she danced around the circle of fire. The adornments of her waist chain swung with her hips plunking out a rhythm. Loch joined her in perfect sync and the two of them chanted out in elven tongue a story of a young human witch who sacrificed herself to become a bird, to protect her young and lead away the threat of danger. She was killed, but her young survived. The story goes on about how her spirit travels in flocks of sky dancers to watch over them still. The waist chain spun about Wren, almost seeming to hover around her waist as she spun and danced through the climax of the story. They end the chant with a thanks to her for her sacrifice and safe guarding. In perfect sync they break apart and go in opposing directions around the fire dancing without chants.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren made her way around the fire and grinned wickedly, pulling Kale in to dance with her.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Loch felt the effects of the tea and danced alone, twirling near the fire. She broke out small rings that she wore over the ends of her fingers. She reached in to the fire and captured one of the amazing colorful flames within the rings. She danced and wove her fingers about her, like a colorful flaming ribbon extension of her hands. She danced in a circle around each in turn as she made her way around the fire, Shri and then Erevin, then Wren, then Kale, until she made her way nearer to Dominic on the sidelines. She grinned at him and motioned for him to come closer.

<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Erevin listens to the chant of the witches and watches the movements of the women, and as their chant ends. Through the deep purple and blue flames he sees the form of Shri moving and swaying to a rhythm all her own. It is that rhythm that pulls him to the fire. The light of the fire reflects off his body’s broad shoulders and well-muscled core. He crouches near the fire, and holds his arm wide and begins a song of his own. The elvish lyrics are soft and deep, as they seem to vibrate from his chest. It is almost chant like, it is a lament to Elistrae, it is old and beautiful. (imagine the song the dwarves did in the Hobbit while in Bilbos house around the fire place.) Both his own and the energy of the song build to almost a palpable point, and then it simply ends and he stands before the fire, the summer wind pushing his hair about his face and shoulders, cooling the sweat on his body. As if on cue the fire erupts in a color flash of greens and yellows and settles back in an unnaturally deep red. Erevin vaults over the fire, and lands before beginning his own almost violent dance around the fire pit.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After their turn was done, both Loch and Wren stood by on opposite sides of the fire, pausing their dance and swaying to Erevin's song. Both were intrigued, and listened with great interest. Wren's face lit up with renewed curiosity as the fire changed colors. The two turned toward Erevin and Shri when his song was done and bowed in appreciation.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kale had been standing by watching their chant. Wren was stunning. Her long, raven black hair was loose and flowed about her as she danced. Her tanned body was well toned, and he watched her sensual curves reflect the fire as she danced around it. He turned and watched as Shri and Erevin took the center with their dance. He wondered for a moment how close the two of them really were. The moon rose into the sky to shine through the trees.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kale smiled as he watched Wren move closer to him, her gold eyes twinkling with mischief to match her wicked smile... she was coming to pull him to dance. He took in a deep breath, not really sure where the courage was coming from but grateful for it. He grinned at her and shed his clothes, stepping into the light of the deep red flames. Wren bowed graciously before him, and then offered him her hand. He kept her to one side of the fire, letting the others have plenty of room to dance. He moved his feet in a slow, battle dance as he danced around her, she stayed in one spot, dancing in the center of his dance, she raised her arms above her head and shook her hips in a fast, tribal, Hawaiian style dance. He danced about her stalking her as though she was the elusive prey that he couldn't ever catch. He took her hand and twirled her into his strong arms. He looked into her eyes and raised an eyebrow at her with a little smirk. She winked at him, still smiling. He twirled her to extend her out to the end of his hand, her arms outstretched, like an extension of his movement. He twirled her around and about him, swapping hands with each of hers as he wove her about like a giant ribbon.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren danced with Kale for a long time, and then as he extended her out, she let go and winked at him. She circled oppositely around the fire, stopping to match Erevin's fast, violent dance when she grew near him. After a few moments, she moved closer to Shri and danced with her. She circled around to find Loch in a seductive fire dance, weaving herself in circles near the fire. Wren grinned. She pulled Loch to her and danced with her. She put her fingers into the base of Loch's hair and pulled the pale witch's head back and ran her tongue along the side of Loch's neck. She pulled Loch's face close to hers and placed a deep kiss on her lips. She winked up at Dominic and the two witches danced around him for a moment. Wren left Loch to her dance after a few moments and completed her circle back to Kale. Loch let the alchemist be, and moved in to dance with Inali who finally wandered in close to the fire.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A warm spice scent mixed in the air around them as they danced into the night. Loch eventually took a bowl of rabbit soup and sat in the satin swing watching the others while she ate. She stretched out in the swing and fell asleep in it like a hammock. Inali leapt up and curled up on top of Loch, keeping an ever watchful eye over Wren.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dominic watched amused and yet...strangely bewitched by the trio of Wren, Loch, and Shri as they danced. Sensual..and provacative both the pale and the dark elf tried to outdo one another in sheer wantoness, both trying to entice the alchemist into the circle to dance with them. Even Wren...the raven feathers swirling around her...her skin shining in the moonlight took his breath away. He tried to hold himself as neutral as possible, dancing with each in turn, trying not to respond to the caresses, fleeting and otherwise, bestowed upon him as they moved together. He only hoped that whatever had been put in the tea would make them forget half of what they did.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Still, Wren's pale friend, Loch...intrigued him the most. He'd never seen an elf so...striking. Her skin seemed to glow in the moonlight. Almost like snow. And yet...she seemed to have eyes only for her friend. He wondered just how...close the two of them were. What strange...rituals they performed together under the stars. A blush rose in his cheeks, he hadn't even had much of the tea and he was still thinking totally inappropriate thoughts. Back to mixtures! He thought to himself, as he saw Loch settle gracefully down to sleep.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kale meanwhile, took this opportunity to take ahold of Wren's hand, and pull her into his arms. They had been dancing so long now...a thin sheen of sweat mixed with the oil on their bodies. He looked into her golden eyes challengingly...summoning his courage. He'd felt strange tonight...almost carefree. He'd almost forgotten...at least for a moment, why his sister and he had come to Myth Coramanth for in the first place. Even though they had no parent...or no family, they had been welcomed. If only they knew the truth.

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Smiling, he reached down to cup her chin to tilt her face up to him. "You gave a kiss already to your sister this evening, will you not also bestow one upon me, Miss..Wren?"

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Inali's ears lifted and she watched the dancers around the fire. She glanced at Dominic when she felt his eyes on Loch, but she felt no threat, so she watched the others. She turned and focused on Kale with her dark eyes, looking for the secrets that he seemed to hold. She turned a single ear toward Wren to hear her reaction, keeping a steady watch on Kale.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wren seen the challenge in Kale's eyes, and almost reacted without thinking, her pose growing a little taller and more dominant for a brief moment. She was accustomed to the dance of dominance between her and Loch. If Loch had looked at her like that, she would've simply accepted the challenge. She relaxed her posture and grinned at him. "Are you simply //daring// me to kiss you with those green eyes of yours..." She tilted her head at him with a sly smirk, her golden eyes reflecting the flames of the fire. She caressed his cheek with her hand, and looked into his green eyes. "... or are you afraid of what I might do if you were to come kiss me yourself?" She grinned wickedly. She leaned up and captured each of his lips in turn with her own soft lips, and then gently pressed both of hers on his in a slow, supple kiss. She smiled up at him.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Inali flicked her ears as Loch mumbled in her sleep. Inali glanced toward Erevin and Shri after Loch settled back down.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Loch was the first to awaken in the morning. She rubbed her head for a moment to think. O//f course... Wren gave us all welcoming tea//, she thought to herself. Raven made it on the nights that they had new dancers who might be more skittish and needed encouraging. Loch looked around, feeling a weight on top of her. She seen Wren's face asleep on her shoulder. The young elven witch must have crawled into bed with her sometime in the night, something not uncommon even at home in the coven. Loch carefully pulled Wren into her arms and then rolled herself out of the hammock, placing her feet on the ground and still holding the sleeping Wren. Thump! Inali fell out of the hammock with her and landed on the ground... she looked up at Loch and glared. Loch carefully placed Wren back into the hammock and picked up Inali.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She patted Inali on the head and whispered, "Sorry, sweetie, I didn't realize you were in there." She gently kissed the little fox on the head and placed her with Wren. Inali settled in with Wren and watched Loch. The fire was just coals, but still warm. It was early morning, the sun was just breaking. Loch got dressed and went to check the others. She walked quietly near the alchemist, pausing to watch him breathe. She liked this one. He was different. Perhaps it was just his human ways, but he was interesting. She walked farther and found Kale asleep... she practically gagged. Oh how she could kill him so easily right here, and no one would have to know... she heard Wren move in her sleep and Loch sighed. She found Erevin and Shri sleeping near one another and Loch smiled. She liked these two. Though she seen that the ranger had many forks in his path, he seemed genuine and trustworthy. The priestess kept her on her toes, and she enjoyed the challenge. They could be great friends. She rubbed the ears of the little wolf pup, Mari, who woke up and looked up at her.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Loch took to the trees to scout the area and make sure they were still secure and hidden in the woods. She sent out Eland to scout the area past the woods while she dropped down to put bread into the coals to cook. She wandered off to gather fresh berries for breakfast. Wren woke up to see Loch and Eland returning to camp. She stretched and got up to greet her.