Getting Away from the Crowds

Writers: Ames, AL
Date Posted: 14th March 2011

Characters: Kaya, Wirnan
Description: Wirnan meets Kaya for the first time and the two enjoy a nice chat and a dance.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 13, day 30 of Turn 5

Wirnan

The swirls of dresses and rustling of tunics wove a tune of their own.
Kaya's dark eyes drifted about, landing upon one couple, then another.
Colours abounded, all the colours of a rainbow and some in between spun
and danced so that it made one dizzy. Hands clasped together and laughter
streamed from rosy coloured lips. Kaya had been whirled about by several
young men, but she had planted herself in a corner with a drink and
refused two more on the grounds that she needed a rest and a drink. They would
come back later, they said.

Of course, her father was more than happy about all the attention. If it
hadn't been for her mother dragging him onto the floor, Kaya was certain
he would have come over there and asked her why she had turned away two
prospectives.

"I just wanted to finish my drink in peace." She would have told him.
Fortunately, her mother had caught his attention before he could pay too
much attention to his daughter. Her mother would hold him off for a few
moments, allowing her a short but nice respite. Of course, there was
another option. That of slipping away.

Kaya entertained that idea. It had promise. The ball was enormous.
People had poured in from many holds, much like her parents and she had, and
would her parents really notice her departure? She could leave and return
later. Say she had been caught up in dancing and conversation. After all, some
of the dancing was happening out in the hallways and even out into the night
sky which had turned from drizzling, rainy morning to bright and cheerful
afternoon and finally into a fantastic evening. Stars twinkled, moons
shone and called to anyone who would partake of their lovely caress. It was a
call Kaya was more than willing to chance. So, drink finished, parents
distracted, the young woman, dark hair and eyes arrayed in dress of
delicate, shimmering blue, carefully picked her way out of the hall,
through the hallways, and into the night of Amber Hills.

Wirnan had taken a break from the festivities. There had been so many
people about, all so happy and joyful, it almost felt oppressive. He'd danced
with girls from many locales, smiling all the while. Some of them were young
enough to almost be his own daughter! Yet, it seemed being named Steward
to such a large hold had it's appeal for so many of the parents who had all
but foisted their daughters onto him.

Now, leaning against the railing, breathing in the fresh air, Wirnan was
actually enjoying being alone for the moment. No more false smiles, no
more attempts at making the young lasses happy when only moments after taking
up their hand, he'd known there could _never_ be anything between them.
**Perhaps you're wishing for too much Wirnan. You could have chosen any
one of them and their parents would have been full of happiness,** He told
himself, but in his own heart, he knew _he_ wouldn't have been.

Turning to look back at the Hold that was near to bursting with
excitement, Wirnan leaned against the railing and almost jumped when he caught sight
of a lass just making her way in his direction. "I didn't know anyone else
was out here in this place." He said as she approached for fear he would
frighten her if she hadn't seen him. It was rather dark in this area,
which was _why_ no one seemed to frequent it, and why Wirnan had chosen it for a
moment's peace of mind.

Kaya's head jerked around and she nearly jumped herself. The man had been
so still and she so distracted with her own thoughts that his shadowy
figure hadn't been noticed. He had made his presence known just as she was
turning her head to look behind her, to see if her parents, particularly her
father, had noticed her departure and followed her out or if she had managed to
escape for something of a respite. Her hand shot to her breast, dark
against the blue, as if trying to hold her heart within. Once she had
calmed, it fell to her side and she straightened. "Pardon me sir, I
didn't realise anyone else was out here either." Of all the luck. So much for a
respite. Kaya set a small smile upon her face. "I was just trying to get
some fresh air."

"I understand that. It can get rather...oppressive inside with everyone
moving about. This is one of my favorite spots to come when I'm looking
for a bit of peace and quiet." Wirnan said. He wondered if perhaps he should
go back into the party. For all he knew she was another one of those who
could barely hold a conversation with him. "I hope you are enjoying the
celebrations."

"Oh yes. They're lovely." Kaya's eyes darted up and down, taking in the
man. He wasn't particularly tall or grand, and his knots where hidden in
the shadows. No matter. "Though sometimes being part of a big crowd can
get tiresome after a while." She shrugged, those medium brown shoulders
gliding the fabric up with them in the gesture. Yes tedious. Especially
with her father throwing her at every eligible man in sight. "And I
needed a break from all that twirling."

He laughed. "Now _that_ I do understand well. I haven't had to dance that
much in Turns, I swear. I may not be the best dancer around, but I can
hold my own. But, honestly, after making the rounds on the floor so many times,
I probably could have done it in my sleep. I am Wirnan. I wouldn't mind a
spot of company, just so long as I don't have to be swarmed by eager young
ladies who seem to _never_ tire of the endless dances."

"I can second that." Kaya dared to move a little closer and took a
position against the railing, flanking him. She rest her arm over and gazed out
into the darkness. "Or of eager young man tooting their own horns and trying
to make themselves more important than they are. I really don't need to hear
how his hold is the fastest growing hold in the area and will some day
rival Amber Hills."

He chuckled again. "It seems we had similar experiences then. Except mine
was full of young ladies and their fathers trying to Impress me into
believing they would make good wives for someone in my position. As if one
dance could possibly tell me enough about anyone to know that. I _can_
tell you I learned that half of them don't have the wits about them to run a
home, and the other half were young enough to be my offspring!" He said
the last a bit incredulously. He tilted his head and looked at her a bit more
closely now that he could see her better. "You must not be from the main
hold, for I'm sure if you had been, I couldn't possibly have missed
meeting you before now."

"Ai yai, it's the same with me, only it's the guys themselves, not just
their fathers." Kaya sighed than nodded. Even if he hadn't noted that he
hadn't seen her, her accent would have surely given her away. Her voice
rolled and dipped, expressive in resonance and the words had something of
a slant to them - but in an almost musical way. "No, we're from Turquoise
Valley, West of here. My father only comes here once a year with tithe.
I've only been here once before myself. It's been a long time since that
trip."

"Ah, yes. I know of that area, though I haven't been out there yet myself.
I've only recently moved to Amber Hills myself," Wirnan told her. He
looked at her in the shadows and tried to figure out her age, but alas he
couldn't tell. He knew she wasn't as young as some of the youngest ladies that had
been foisted on him this night, but she was likely far too young for him.
"I hope you're enjoying your stay."

"I am, to some extent. I think if I had more freedom it would be more
enjoyable." Kaya's lips stretch into a smirk. "But I guess you can't
have everything. Still, it's interesting seeing a large hall, one with more
variety in agriculture and trade, a plethora of crafters, all these
people. It can be fun to people watch too. I know everyone at home, but here, I
know so few people, it's interesting to see all the new faces and the
quirks that people have." When he moved, his knots came into sight and Kaya knew
what he meant about his position. Well, at least he didn't hang it over
her head. He seemed nice.

"Well, now you know one more person here at Amber Hills." Wirnan said with
a smile. "Have you seen much of the hall since you arrived? I know my way
around pretty well and I could give you a tour if you'd like. Well, I
mean, unless you want to go back into the party," Wirnan gestured towards the
lights and sounds that indicated the celebration was still going in full
force.

"No, actually, a break from the party would be nice." If she didn't have
young men pushed at her all the time, Kaya would be much more inclined to
enjoy herself. Being paraded like a runner for sell didn't appeal to her,
however. "I would _love_ a tour. Let's go. Right _now_!" Before her
father pulled away from her mother and came looking for her!

He chuckled and stepped out of the shadows. "Well, it looks like we both
wish for a break from the festivities. I know just the place. May I?" He
asked offering her his arm, he motioned with his other hand in the
direction _away_ from the party.

Away, what a lovely idea. Kaya was more than happy to go along with that
idea. Her hand slipped through his arm and with nary a look back at the
glittering colours and happy glow of light, she allowed the man to guide
her further into the darkness. She knew her father would call her foolish,
but he was the _Steward_! Surely she could trust him. Or perhaps there was
something thrilling about going with a man she hardly knew, a man that
hadn't been thrust at her by her father. "And where is that?"

"You'll see," he replied with a smile lighting up his eyes. Wirnan led her
along quiet corridors, making light conversation as they traveled. Soon
they were far from the festivities and hardly even a sound from the party could
be heard. There was almost no one around but them.

Finally, after climbing a set of stairs, Wirnan opened a door. "I would
turn the electricity on, but it would spoil the view." Walking with her on his
arm he led her out on the balcony. They were higher than they had been
before, standing on one of the highest levels of the towers. Up above the
sky glinted with the stars. You could see for quite a distance from this
spot. It was one of his favorite places to simply gaze upon the grounds of
Amber Hills or take in the wonders the sky provided. In the distance the
Red Star was also evident in the night sky. "I find being up here, peaceful
and awe-inspiring," he said in a quiet voice letting go of her arm to allow
her to explore more freely.

Kaya craned her neck back when they first began to walk, watching the
lights drift further away and are consumed by the darkness. Again the thought
that she was going off with a strange man tweaked at her. It was certainly not
something she normally did. But then, he was the steward, and while most
people were at the party, there were enough others lazily ambling back to
their quarters that someone would hear if she had to scream.

Yet, Kaya didn't think it would come to that. Why she placed such trust
in the man, she couldn't say. Perhaps it was the drinks she'd had before all
the spinning. Perhaps it was the spinning, or a combination of both.
Regardless, there she was, in a strange (mostly) hold with a strange man.
Truly, it was a thrilling thought, running off in the darkness with him,
away from the rest of the party. Her parents would be scandalised, but
they'd never find out.

She followed him dutifully, and then drew in a breath as they came into
the heights. "Oh! How lovely!" Her arm slipped from his and she pressed
against the stone railing that kept her from plummeting to the ground
below. "It _is_ awe inspiring, and certainly peaceful." She agreed, her eyes
dancing over the horizon that was offered in view. She traced a path
further down, exploring the slight changes the move afforded. "I can see
why you like it up here."

"I'm glad you like it," Wirnan seemed to almost whisper. He found he
couldn't quite take his eyes away from her as she experienced his favorite
view for the fist time. He realized then just how much he _had_ wanted her
to like it. **She's too young for you, Wirnan,** he told himself to try
and dispel the notions that seemed to enter his mind.

"How often do you come up here? A view like this, you can't get until you
climb into the mountains that flank the valley. And doing that night
isn't necessarily a smart thing. There are wild felines that roam them and
occasionally we lose an animal. It's fun to go to the vineyards at night
though, lay among them and gaze at the stars through the leafy rows. As
if they were trying to frame the sky." Kaya leaned over a little further,
though her feet remained planted upon the floor of the tower. Down, then
up, then out to once more study the horizon.

When she leaned forward, he couldn't help himself, Wirnan had stepped
closer and reached out, just stopping himself before he planted his hands on her
waist to keep her from hurtling over the side. He was _very_ close to her
now, however. "As often as I like. Sometimes I find myself up here quite
often, but during other times I get so busy with tasks that it's harder to
get away." He took a step back, not wishing to make her uncomfortable by
his close proximity.

"I can almost imagine myself camping out here just to be able to stay here
longer." Kaya turned, but Wirnan had already moved away, his closeness
remained unnoted. Or she said nothing in regards to it. "But I'm afraid
that's not an option." She sighed and took one long, last look. "I should
probably get back. My parents will eventually notice my absence and then
they'll wonder where I've run off to."

He felt a hint of disappointment at knowing their brief time together would
be coming to an end. "I'll escort you back," Wirnan said, offering her his
arm once more. "Perhaps you'll allow me a spin on the dance floor once we
return."

"Probably the first and only dance I'll have enjoyed all night." Kaya
brightened and allowed her arm to slip through his once more. He wasn't
trying to thrust himself on her or impress her. He was just being him and
that was a far more pleasant thing than those pompous holders sons. "I'll
hold you to that."

"Well then," he whispered as he leaned in closer as they neared the party
again. "I will make sure its a dance you will truly enjoy and remember when
your being twirled around the floor by the others." He stood up tall again
and moved towards the doors that would lead them back inside. The opened
before he even had a chance to open them.

"I have a feeling yours will be the most pleasant dance I've had all
evening." Kaya's smile brightened. She wouldn't be bored with how much
wool his hold produced or what a fine catch he was for a husband. No, they
were just going to dance and that was truly all she wanted. She didn't mind
pleasant conversation, but she did mind big fat egos and pushiness. Wirnan
didn't fit either of those descriptions.

Leading her inside, he moved through the crowd towards the dance floor. The
harpers were playing a bit of a lively tune. "Are you ready, Kaya?" He asked
as he turned her to face him and soon pushed off on the dance floor, doing
something similar to a quick-stepping dance. Wirnan thanked the stars that
he had learned quite a few dances from the harpers and holdfolk over the
turns for he lead them with ease.

"I am indeed. Let us see if you can keep pace, hm?" A gleam flashed in the
young woman's dark gaze and she glided into position, one hand in his, the
other resting on his shoulder. When he moved out, she was with him, sliding
easily into the step, adding a little kick every third beat, a flourish to
the steps that already kept them quite literally on their toes.

By the time the song died down, Wirnan was nearly out of breath, but he was
grinning like a fool. "Now _that_ was a dance!" He declared as he gave her a
hug without thinking. Then, realizing he had most likely overstepped what
was considered appropriate he quickly dropped his arms and stepped back,
almost knocking another couple over. "I'm sorry," he told her. "I shouldn't
have done that. I wasn't thinking.." He hoped her father wasn't around to
watch or he'd likely have _a lot_ more questions to answer than he cared to.

Kaya laughed, not bothered by it at all. After all, she'd gone to a dark
place alone with him. Why couldn't she trust him to give her a hug. "Don't
be sorry it was fun. And I thank you for the dance." Then her eyes caught
sight of a familiar figure heading straight toward her. Oh this wouldn't
necessarily be good. "My father's coming over here. I'm going to head him
off. Again, thank you for the dance." She smiled brightly and squeezed his
hand before turning to duck into the milling crowd.

He was sorry to see her go, but he understood her reasons. Perhaps he would
find her again before the night was over and manage to capture one more
dance. The short time he'd spent with her had been the best time of his
evening so far. He couldn't help but smile as he glanced in the direction
she'd vanished.

Last updated on the April 27th 2011

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Getting Away from the Crowds