Ascending Legends

[Dragongal]

Once they finished their food, Arryn took his hand in hers and guided him toward the Common Hall, which was now open. A large feast was laid out inside for people to take from and then sit at one of the tables inside or outside. Arryn led him to the corner where the coats and cloaks were tossed or folded on chairs. She took his bag from him and set it next to hers, taking off her jacket too. "You'll want to leave your jacket on, this is mostly an outdoor thing and they leave the doors open."

 

[BookWyrm]

Oh no, not tonight. He wasn't about to be poked fun off because of being a Southerner. "I think I can manage for one evening." Dayn removed his jacket and laid it next to Arryn's. "Grip at me later if you want, but I refuse to let a little cold weather dampen my spirits tonight." There was no avoiding the fact that it was cold, or that he was still hurting from earlier, but he was nothing if not stubborn. "I'm going to assume there will be dancing and drinking involved tonight?"

 

[Dragongal]

"Much." Someone unofficial started some music out back, and Arryn led Dayn out back, though they were too late to join the very informal dance. Matthias and Kalie were already dancing in the slushy snow, Theodas standing off to the side, one of the only ones with a jacket. He smiled at Dayn and Arryn, laughing when he saw that Dayn had no coat. "Ah, Dayn, I was hoping to not be the only one with a jacket. These Northerners are insane. Some of them even swim in the river this time of year. It's ridiculous."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn laughed, rather amused by the turn of events. "Well I wasn't in the mood to be shown up tonight, otherwise I'd be right here with you." Dayn shook his head as he watched the dancers for a few seconds. "My brothers and I once took a swim in the river back home one winter after a three day snow in. But, there might have been drunkenness involved."

 

[Dragongal]

Theodas quietly cursed in elvish under his breath and rolled his eyes. "You humans. Though, I admit to perhaps a few... leaf runs. Ever tried jumping from the top of a tree onto a mound of snow, hoping the shield under you wound slide and not stick? Quite fun until one almost inevitable hits a tree while sliding." "Well, you do recalled what happened when we took you one one of the mountain trips for sledding, don't you?" "Ah, yes. Another instance where I hit a tree. That was lovely to patch up." "Well, you sure kept trying even after you got hurt," Arryn laughed. The song ended and the next one started, and she took Dayn's hands and pulled him into the circle for a fast - paced reel.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn couldn't help but laugh at Theodas' misfortune. "I would have thought elves had a better sense of direction." Leaf runs, and he thought skinny dipping in the winter river was stupid? Well, it kind of was, but hey the girls didn't seem to mind. He had opened his mouth to make a comment when Arryn pulled him towards the circle. Never mind then. He looked to Arryn and smiled before quickly finding himself among the other dancers as the band started into a fast reel. Now I actually appreciate not wearing the jacket.

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn smiled as the danced ,thoroughly enjoying herself. When that song ended,they carried right on into the next. After that she pulled him to the side for a dirty break, saying, "I don't want you hurting your back. ..."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn kissed Arryn's cheek. "I appreciate it. After that dance I think I could use a decent break." Dayn wrapped his arm around her as they stood together, enjoying the closeness. "I don't think I'll be getting involved with the games any, but I might be fine for a couple more dances." Dayn had something specific in mind, something special that he hoped she would like.

 

[Dragongal]

The impromptu performance was over and the official musicians came out, and started warming up inside. Arryn led Dayn inside for the next dances.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn couldn't help but feel slightly put on the spot. Here in the middle of the North and nothing but his reputation as Arryn's fiance on the line. "I'll make sure to give it my best. I'm still trying to get used to these Northern songs."

 

[Dragongal]

"Just imagine your noble songs, but faster and fun." Arryn laughed. "It doesn't matter how we dance until the group dances chine up, and I'll guide you through those."

 

[BookWyrm]

Thankfully Dayn wasn't nearly as much of a klutz as he'd worried about. Over the course of three songs, or maybe it was more (he couldn't really tell when they began or ended), Dayn felt like he'd finally put his years of going to balls to good use. Now, in between sets, he and Arryn had taken time to relax and rest some. His back did bother him slightly, but after a pint of something other than dwarven brew he had felt a little better. He'd been keeping his drinking to a minimum now, mostly to keep Arryn from chastising him, and he felt like it was more appropriate now that he moved on from spending a lot of time drunk. "Once you get away from the dwarven brews you can actually taste something." He laughed before taking another sip. "Not bad for a northern ale."

 

[Dragongal]

"Mm, the spiced wine is fantastic."Arryn sipped at her drink, enjoying the mingling flavors of the spices and the good company. "Do you know, I think you did so well we may have beat Matthias and Kalie."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn almost choked on his ale. "I didn't realize there was competition. But I'm definitely not complaining if that's true."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn laughed at his response. "There's no official competition until later. Bit it's one of those things people watch for even when it's not really a competition."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn smiled, quite content with himself for once. "Its seems I'm better at more things than just swordplay." He turned up his mug and finished off his ale. "I might just have to treat myself to another ale." He stopped himself and turned to look back at Arryn. "Then again, I don't think the idea of dancing on a full stomach of ale is very appeasing."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn laughed and finished off her mulled wine. "Probably not. Half the people are going off to the games. Well have plenty more space for dancing now." She didn't want to run the risk of his drinking counteracting her magic that was working on his wounds. She took his hands and pulled him back out to dance as the music started again.

 

[BookWyrm]

"Excellent." It had taken some time to adjust to the slightly more cramped dancing style of the North, or well just dancing outside of Noble Balls period. Dayn had learned how to enjoy himself in these sometimes hectic, yet so fast and fun dances, but now that there was some space to move he felt that maybe he could show off a bit of honed Southern skill. When the musicians started into a slower reel Dayn couldn't help but smile as he bowed to Arryn before taking her hand and leading off into the dance.

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn smiled, quietly saying, "I should have worn a dress, we'd look that much more elegant as a pair. It's a good thing neither of us care about attracting attention." As the dance slowed a bit, Arryn kissed Dayn, then continued with the dance.

 

[BookWyrm]

"You don't have to wear a dress to look elegant dear. You come by it in an effortless, natural way." The dance picked up slightly, and Dayn led with relaxed skill for the few bars before the pace slowed again as the musicians transitioned into a slow, romantic song. Dayn smiled as he pulled her close, leaning down to nuzzle against her neck as they moved with measured grace to the beat and harmony of the music. "I like this. It gives us an excuse to be close in public."

 

[Dragongal]

"Mhm. But then again, we never really go that far from each other, even in public. Who needs excuses when you just don't care about getting in trouble?"

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn couldn't help but smile. There was that fire inside her, that passion for life and love that he desperately loved about her. Did they ever really care to begin with? Dayn liked to think not. The dance ended to a small chorus of applause that Dayn imagined was for the two of them, though more than likely it had been for the outstanding musicians. Still, it didn't hurt to dream a little. "Might I offer mine lady some refreshments, or doth she simply desireth good company?" Dayn hadn't ever spoken much in the noble flair, but he was in a poetic mood, so why not.

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn laughed. "Sure. Refreshments sounds nice,if, of ccourse, my knight stayed with me." There was the noise of cracking outside and loud cheering, as the first of the Yule fire was lit. It'd be beat if they avoided getting too close to those. Fire wasn't fun for Arryn to be close to

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn postured up, his chest out and head held high as he extend his arm to her. "I am at thine service, mine lady love." Dayn led her off towards a table before getting water for both of them. This time he checked the water himself before handing her the cup. "Sorry love," he sat down next to her with a sigh, "I don't want a retelling of past events."

 

[Dragongal]

Arryn nodded. "I didn't even think of that." There was hooting and hollering from out back as the wrestling matches started. Arryn was distracted by that, not noticing that Lenza had arrived until she tapped her shoulder. "I assume I'll be acting medic for the games without your help? It's a nice Yule to spend with your man."