[ORP]A Party in the Clearing

[Aingeal]

Aingeal made her way to where the old camp had sat. The sound of the stream told her she was close, and she faltered slightly as she got closer. Aingeal hadn't returned to this spot since that day weeks ago; the day she was pulled from her bed and tossed in her own jail. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she dropped the few baskets she was carrying and surveyed the grounds. Would be a perfect place for Cork to celebrate the finishing of the town hall, and to just mingle and get to know one another.

Aingeal wasn't the best at these types of things, the last time she hosted a ball in the castle, there were servants to do this kind of work. She was determined to make this work, and hope that it didn't look too bad. Pulling out ribbons and the like, Aingeal went to work decorating the clearing. Aingeal was lost in thought as she went about decorating. Her first thoughts went to the dress Scarlet was making for her. Aingeal trusted her Shaia* with all she had, but it had been a very long time since she was in a dress. Those thoughts lead to thoughts of dancing, and hoped she would not injure a certain elf, nor embarrass herself too much.

Scarlet had said that she would take care of the music, and some of the food, so Aingeal put a few final touches on the clearing, liking the simpleness of it, and knew if Scarlet wanted to add to it they could.



Looking over the clearing a final time, Aingeal made her way to the tavern to have a drink, and wait for Scarlet.


*Shaia=sister

[Scarlet]

Scarlet smiled as she moved through the town. Her dress swished and a soft tinkling sound could be heard as she did so. For working at the walls and in her office she didn't add some of her adornments but today she was all Roma. The soft crimson velvet felt wonderful against the fall chill. There was even a bounce in her step as she moved through town. A party. Just what Cork needed.

The food was all being prepared as well as the band was getting ready. The Traveller's in town had been gracious to allow her admittance into their camp and then to talk to their leader. It would be a right Roma party though most would call it Gypsy. Either suited her today as long as everyone had fun. In her arms she held a dressing bag with Aingeal's dress in it. The green of it was going to look wonderful on her shaia. She couldn't wait for Aingeal to get the outfit on. "Aingeal?" She called out as she entered the tavern. "Time to get beautified."

shaia = sister

[Aingeal]

Aingeal had been in the tavern enjoying a drink when Scarlet wandered in. "Aingeal?" She called out as she entered the tavern. "Time to get beautified." Aingeal laughed slightly. She teased Scarlet, I thought you said I was already beautiful? Smiling so that Scarlet knew she was joking, Aingeal went to peek in the bag.

You want me to wear that? she asked, looking at the dress. Grumbling slightly she took the bag into the back to try the dress on. Aingeal wasn't used to dresses, she hadn't really worn one since the last ball in Fenia. She hadn't danced since then either. Slipping out of her normal every day clothes, she slipped the skirts over her head. Tugging the skirts down, she looked in the glass hanging on the wall.

The skirts fell gracefully around her hips, the bodice snug and flattering. Pulling the pins from her hair, she let it cascade around her face and shoulders. Tilting her head at her reflection, she caught something in her eyes; a brief feeling then it was gone. As she gazed at her reflection, she wondered fleetingly if she looked like her mother. Toeing off her boots as they didn't match with the dress she walked back out to where Scarlet was.

What do you think?

[Anessen]

Anessen had received a message that there was to be a party celebrating the town hall upgrade and the town's win in a recent game. He was more used to celebrations for victory in battle, but any excuse for a party sounded good to him. Anessen looked through his wardrobe and frowned. He forgot to ask if this was a formal occasion. I wonder if I can find anything better to wear than what I have on he mumbled to himself. He shrugged, it was far too late to have something made, what he had on would have to do.

Anessen had only recently moved to Cork and he wasn't quite sure where this clearing was. The message mentioned a stream near the clearing, so he set off towards the only stream that he knew of. Over the river and through the woods... He thought to himself as he walked through the woods. He soon found the stream and a short time later he saw lights up ahead.

Anessen walked into the clearing and looked around. It appeared that he was the first to arrive. At least I'm not late he thought as he looked around. He walked over to a chair and picked it up, carrying it over to a darker part of the clearing. He set the chair down, took another look around then sat down. I wonder where the drinks are at? he said aloud and waited for more guests to arrive.

[Cathrina]

Cathrina looked about the camp, wearing the dress Scarlet got her, she smiled, seeing Aingeal and Scarlet "You look lovely, ladies." Smiling, she waved at Anessen who apparently looked lost.

[Scarlet]

As Aingeal came out and showed off her dress, Scarlet had to agree with Cathrina. "Yes ... shaia ... beautiful." She grinned before looking at Cathrina and her dress. "Both of you look fantastic ... like right Romani." She hugs them both before she goes to get new shoes for Aingeal out of her pack. Seeing everyone was dressed and ready she urged them. "Let's get to the opening ... I want to see what has been cooked and what fun is to be had."

The area was beautiful as they showed up. The band was playing wonderful music as they arrived. Everything was colorful and sensual. Every color was bright and the food smelled wonderful with exotic spices. "Now this ... is a party." Scarlet laughed as they entered.

shaia = sister

[Anessen]

Anessen was startled from his thoughts when music started playing. He looked around for the musicians when he noticed three women walking into the clearing. It took him a moment to realize who they were. He smiled when he saw Aingeal. I guess a dress can make a difference. He caught Cathrina waving at him out of the corner of his eye and nodded slightly.

He stood up and walked over to the women and bowed. Good evening ladies. He then straightened up and looked at Aingeal. You look quite lovely this evening.

[Aingeal]

Aingeal took the shoes that Scarlet offered, knowing she couldn't run around barefoot, at least not until the got to the clearing. Scarlet said something about heading that way, and Aingeal remembered something. One moment! Aingeal ran back to the other room, and slipped her dagger out of her boot. Pulling off a lace from one boot, she lifted her skirts and tied the dagger to the outside of her thigh, lashing it in place. Dropping her skirts again, Aingeal went out to join the ladies.


The trio made their way to the clearing, and as they got closer, Aingeal began to get butterflies in her stomach. It had been a long time since she had put on a dress, and even longer in trying to impress someone. Aingeal heard the music before they reached the clearing, and the aromas coming from there were making her hungry. Right before she got to the clearing she faltered slightly, pulling back from the group.

I dont know... she said softly. Aingeal was a bit self conscious, but Scarlet saw her falter and grabed her hand. "Shaia..." was all Scarlet had to say, and Aingeal just nodded. Scarlet knew why Aingeal was hesitant, and understood. Going into the clearing, Aingeal smiled seeing Anessen already there.

Aingeal blushed at his compliment but found her voice. As do you, she said, then realizing she called him lovely, but figured he would understand. Looking around she wondered out loud, I wonder where everyone is at...

[Scarlet]

A smile crept across her face as Anessen complimented Aingeal. With a gentle nudge she pressed Cathrina further into the party where all the scarves and lights hung. It was a camp without the vardos. But beautiful to her none-the-less. As the music continued she couldn't help but lightly move to the beat as she walked. "Rani ... we should dance." Scarlet looked over at her friend with her eyes twinkling with excitement. It wasn't often she got to dance but this was a celebration and dance she would.


Rani = Lady

[Anessen]

Anessen smiled when Aingeal spoke. He looked around the clearing. It is early yet, give it time and more will show up. You did a wonderful job setting all this up. How did you manage all of it?

It was then that Scarlet mentioned dancing. Anessen fidgeted a bit and looked around again nervously. Is that the drinks table over there? Without waiting for an answer, Anessen bolted in search of some alcohol.