The Weasel And The Hawk

[Lief]

Festival of the Dawn
Tháinbroek
Midvinter

The Anniversary of Dawnbringer's Death always roused the good people of Tháinbroek, for while on that day they had lost a King - and many of their people - they had gained their Sun God, and vanquished the enemy which had tormented them for generations.

Throughout the City celebrations were to be had, marking the annual Festival of the Dawn, and though in true Midvinter fashion the air was frigid and the ground covered in a blanket of snow, all throughout the streets lights glistened brighter than any star.

In the center of one of the plazas, around which buildings made of stone - not wood - were situated, a great bonfire had been lit. It was midday and yet the fire seemed fierce all the same, even without the inky backdrop of night to cast again. Music rang through the air, and everywhere voices raised with the clamor; bards sang the tale of the Great King Thrand Dawnbringer, of how he and his sons from beyond the stars had taken down the scourge, and once the last man fell on the field the Gods gained a brother-in-arms.

Amidst all of this, a certain Prince weaseled his way into the crowd. Drinks were running aplenty, yet he had no desire to taste the mead and ale of his people. No... He needed to be clear of mind for what he had planned this day. A small satchel at his side held several vials, some held powders, others thick oily liquids, and alongside them all a small fire starter kit and some kindling.

Anticipation rose within him. It had been quite some time since he felt true excitement, typically Theryn Hearthfire, better known as the Stormborn, was a quiet and reserved boy, but whenever he stepped out into the streets, with tricks up his sleeve, he felt reborn, a courage like no other rose within him, and his typically pale cheeks turned somewhat rosy.

There was no mistaking the sickly boy, however, even with the cowl over his face; he was smaller than the Valkyri, for one, closer to his mother in stature than his father, and his clothes were finer than most even when he stole away the clothing of their Hall's servants. On the first few occasions the good people of Tháinbroek had dropped to their knees before their Prince, but the look of disappointment which he had shown each time had held them from doing so after those first attempts.

Nearing the bonfire, the young Hearthfire took in a small breath. There was already so much for the people to see that gaining their attention would be difficult to say the least, but he had a plan.

Now all that was left to do was to execute it.

 

[Arekk]

A celebration to remember Tháinbroek's fallen heroes and their King was in place in Midvinter called Festival of the Dawn, tons of people gathered throughout the city in joy and spreading a cheerful mood for anyone walking down the streets. For a foreign person like Ar'ekk, the sounds and sights of this party were a little bit annoying as he enjoyed the silence more than loud screams and fireworks going off when trying to sleep.

Instead of staying at home he decided to get out of his bed and get out to see the entire commotion take place, knowing that if there was a celebration going on they'd have a bunch of drinks to try and cope with the obnoxious screams and musical instruments blasting everywhere he went to. As he grabbed a glass from a wooden table set up nearby for people to take drinks, he poured the alcohol and drank a very exquisite beverage. Grimacing at the taste, the young Jedi surveyed his sorroundings when he spotted a young person trying to gather the crowd's attention. At first glance he seemed like a bufoon or a street performer only judging by his attire yet the way he carried himself told a different story, perhaps a person that had 'royalty' written all over them by the way they spoke and gestured.

The Jedi walked towards the crowd to hear what he had to say.

Hopefully, it was good enough to keep him interested...

[member="Theryn Hearthfire"]

 

[Lief]

He had practiced it so many times now, in the courtyard at the back of the Great Hall, when all eyes were averted and the only onlooker was an occasional visit from [member='Thrand Hearthfire']. He had rehearsed it in his mind over and over again, how it would be when he took to the streets. Of course, he had come down to perform on numerous occasions now, but it was mostly skill-based acts, juggling and the like. This was different.

Letting out the breath he had been holding, the Jester Prince jumped up onto one of the tables which had been dragged out into the street, and turned with his back to the bonfire, eyes fixed upon the crowd. There were so many more than usual, and his confidence began to waver. A very subtle tremor coming over him.

And then he noticed it, one man staring at him, he seemed genuinely intrigued, where the rest of the townsfolk were still busying themselves with the other festivities.

One man he could perform for, and if others happened to look then so be it.

"Ladies, and gentlemen!" he began, his voice carrying surprisingly far despite the general din of the plaza, "From the far of lands beyond the stars, I bring you the wonder of Aurum!"

Raising one hand to the skies, he began to feel the talons of Tsun digging into his sleeve as the dragon-like Tejdoru climbed up his arm and toward his fingertips. It wasn't the largest of creatures, he could hold it with both hands, but compared to how tiny he had been upon coming to Midvinter it was truly a wonder to behold. For him at least.

There was nothing like it here on Midvinter. Its scaly back and outstretched wings cast a strange sight against the firelight, glistening.

Perched upon two fingers, Tsun glanced over the crowd and then let loose a small screech. In that moment, the creature took flight, circling just above the boy who brought both hands together and began to rub them. A slight glower could be seen, to any who took notice, and then in unison both boy and beast let loose a spray of flames - the creature from its maw, and the boy seemingly from his hands.

Both lasted for just a few seconds, enough to snatch the attention of many of the festival goers. That was all that he needed, though. Tsun fell back to his shoulder, happily nipping at his cheek, while Theryn jumped into the next stage of his act. Though truth be told, Dragons Breath was typically something that ought to have been reserved as a climax, not an opener.

[member='Ar'ekk']

 

[Arekk]

He observed the display of talent that the Jester Prince spread to impress the people that had gathered around to appreciate a decent show. Most of them thought that people like Theryn were nothing but mere con artists although this time it was something different due to the sole reason that a person of royalty was performing tonight. Things were promising and could skyrocket if he played his cards right.

Caressing his jawline and slowly pacing around with his gaze fixated on the young performer, Ar'ekk judged the display and every single trick with his eyes. A picture is worth a thousand words but in this case a magic trick or two could make the difference and hoped he'd be succesful during tonight's "show".

Midvinter was something else when it came to artistic performances like this, being specially judgy of someone who held the title of a Prince and was acting like a clown to impress everyone with his apparent talent in the arts of magic. Regardless of how they reacted, the young Jedi liked these type of things.

Broadening a thin smile as the small creature flew through the air and spewed its firey breath, he applauded. Dragon-esque creates had become a topic of interest for Ar'ekk and Tsun was an interesting creature.

Content with the show, the young Jedi continued to watch for the remainder of the night with extreme attention.

[member="Theryn Hearthfire"]

 

[Lief]

From there his confidence grew.

The objects he juggled turned into burning sticks which would scorch his hands if he messed up even the slightest, he let loose special dust which would explode mid-air into a flurry of multicoloured lights, scaled one of the old workshop buildings for a higher vantage and deftly tread across a rather thin rope, and throughout it all his voice continued to carry down to them.

Mesmerizing, basking in the countless eyes which trailed upon him. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before.

Soon enough darkness had descended, the crowd began to disperse, until just a handful of individuals remained. He was exhausted, a thin sheen lay over his skin, and he could feel his fragile body groan under the strain of it all. Yet a small crowd remained, which allowed for a more intimate show.

Turning instead to magic, the young Hearthfire reached out behind the ear of one of the young women and drew seemingly from thin air a most beautiful stone. It held a rosy tint, somewhat translucent, and was flat on both sides. Her eyes lit up, completely distracted from the fact that he had slipped the thin metal cuff which had wrapped against her ear into his palm at the same time.

With his stolen trinket slipped against a band of leather on his wrist, he lowered himself into a deep bow and handed the gem-like pebble off to the woman, who grinned from ear to ear.

And just like that, the show was over. Theryn turned to pack up the few things he had brought with him, humming a tune he had heard earlier that day...

[member='Arekk']

 

[Arekk]

The entire performance was nothing short of fascinating. A couple of basic tricks here and there and a grandfinale to capture a young lady's heart with a beautifully shaped stone which was promptly gifted way too. Theryn knew the intricates of being a jester and entertain a rather grumpy-impatient crowd, few of those who walked away just not too interested in what he was doing. A

r'ekk always appreciated a good show of magic, Nar Shaddaa was filled with these type of people and always wanted to hustle you out of your money. Fat pockets, easy credits.

Sitting by one of the oak logs resting nearby, the young Jedi continued to watch Theryn from a considerable distance. He felt the urge of asking some questions about his magic tricks, how he did this and that but he knew deep inside that a magician would never reveal his secrets. So he stood there, moonlight shining against his mask and the cold breeze began to blast against his face.

[member="Theryn Hearthfire"]

 

[Lief]

With what few belongings he had brought into the streets with him packed away, Theryn began to get the feeling he was being watched.

Glancing around, he scanned the quickly dispersing crowd until his gaze fell upon the Outlander. He who did not bear the regalia of his people, who wore metal upon his face rather than bearing it at his waist.

Tilting his head ever so slightly to the left in curiosity, the young Hearthfire began to venture in his direction. While he had been back on Midvinter for many years now, Theryn knew of the greater Galaxy beyond their atmosphere - far more than his Brother did - and was always interested in hearing more stories of the things he was missing down here on this significantly slower paced world.

"Hail, Outlander," the young Prince began, with a voice and accompanying bow which continued his previously shown theatrics, "What brings one such as yourself to so cold a world, on a day like this?"

[member="Arekk"]