Eyes Meet (2/3)
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Francesca
Date Posted: 30th May 2019
Characters: Arrilon, Chalzie
Description: Arrilon and Chalzie speak for the first time.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 10, day 28 of Turn 9
Arrilon just stared for a moment at the young woman offering him a drink, a part of him wondering if she was talking to someone else. But no, she was looking right at him. So their eyes must have met at least once earlier. He hadn't been imagining it. While glancing at her from the stage, he had idly wondered who she was, what kind of personality she had, and what she did. And now she was right in front of him.
Realizing a few seconds had passed, he took the offered drink and returned the smile. "Thanks. This was just what I was looking for."
The harper's delayed response had taken just long enough for Chalzie to wonder if maybe he hadn't heard her, but right when she was about to repeat herself he replied. As he took a sip, she said, "There's no alcohol in there, although you can add some if you want. I'm taking a break from alcohol for next candlemark or so." She had had two glasses earlier and didn't want to wake up regretting attending this party.
"Maybe I'll get some beer later, but for now, this is perfect." He quickly finished half the glass, then slowed down, planning to savor the rest. "So, do you always serve drinks to harpers?"
"Only ones that I'm interested in getting to know," she said directly, meeting his gaze. "I'm also wondering if good singing and playing also means good dancing."
Was she flirting with him? Besides some brazen comments every once and awhile, from both men and women, he was was never really the object of interest to anyone. Of course, he also never really sought out that kind of attention. But, she was pretty, and he was feeling energized from playing. Besides, he was a decent dancer.
Arrilon downed the rest of his drink and gave a bow, his wide smile softening the formality of the gesture. "How about we find out?"
Chalzie quickly finished her drink as well and took his hand, leading him to the dance floor. A fast song was playing and the pair soon lost themselves in the music and in each other. They didn't say a word, but stayed together for several fast songs and then a slow one, during which they held each other close, catching their breath.
"Want to head down the beach for a bit?" Chalzie asked, looking up at him. His lips were close, but he was too tall to easily reach. Besides, there could be others from the Hall there, and she didn't want anyone gossiping. It was better to go somewhere more private.
"Ok," Arrilon replied immediately, before his brain had a chance to catch up to his mouth. As they headed down the beach, he began wondering just what he was agreeing to, and what he was expecting. Normally, he would have broken things off, headed back to the cluster of harpers and maybe had a glass or two of beer before returning to his room. But something about this night made him feel alive and almost giddy. It was an intoxicating feeling, and she was somehow a part of that.
"Wait." He stopped. She stopped as well and turned towards him, brows furrowing in confusion. "I don't even know your name. I'm Arrilon."
"Chalzie," she said, breaking into a smile. She reached out to shake his hand. "Very nice to meet you. Now come on." She pulled his arm and led him along the beach, farther away from the Dolphin Hall. "There should be a quiet spot just down here."
Arrilon let himself be led and decided to stop overthinking and worrying for once and just enjoy the moment. When Chalzie stopped in a secluded place and pulled him in for a kiss, he lowered his mouth to hers and brought their bodies even closer together. When she began to tug at his shirt, he let her pull it over his head. And then he helped her out of her dress and they put it on the sand as a kind of blanket. He lost himself in her hair, in the curve of her neck, and her unexpectedly strong legs. And when it was over, above all he felt a sense of calm; as though all was right with the world.
Last updated on the June 15th 2019