[Center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/2j2Bfs0J/Leon-Zengali.png[/img][h1][color=fff200]A Night of Splendor[/color][/h1][hr][hr][b][colour=fff200]Event:[/colour][/b] White Thresher: Central Alliance [b]|[/b] [b][colour=fff200]Location:[/colour][/b] Zengali[hr][hr][h3]
The Parade[/h3][/center]

After curing the soldiers with Lyre, they look toward him like a miracle worker. It wasn’t exactly incorrect, his did use a divine artifact to heal the sick with ease. Now surrounded by men and women singing his name when they had previously cosigned themselves to death, he started to feel truly blessed. But it was important in success to receive it with humility and grace…

Who was he kidding?
[Center][h3][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZzmY0Jxyw0&ab_channel=AleixGonz%C3%A1lezCampa%C3%B1a]♫[/url][/h3][/center]


Leon had twenty minutes to learn a thirty-minute dance routine in the parade. That was forty seconds per minute of dance. While there were repetitions in the choreography that eased the task, it would be a death sentence to any amateur performer. But [i]he[/i] was no amateur and made a frequent habit of improvising his moves during shows. This was no different really.

It was fortunate that he knew a few things about dancing in Mezegol. He had been here only a few times before but enough to pick up trends in their style. Plentiful energy and natural percussion through actions like stomping made most Constantian dances seem languid by comparison. Was it enough to learn the dance properly? Hell no! But he could fill in the blanks such that he didn't flop like a fish out of water.

Besides, there was a great benefit to the lesson being so brief, he had an excuse. Leon didn't care for blending in with the crowd, doing the same moves as everyone else, he needed to stand out. If losing to the White Thresher was the norm then why would he ever wish to present himself as that? He would bring change and that needed to be reflected in all things, even in dance. The young ones who wished for variation and difference could look upon him with admiration. As for the old ones who stuck to tradition, well... he just wasn't given enough time to learn the dance. It couldn't be helped.

Even the vuvuzelas, a dreaded instrument for the tone deaf and those who wish to [i]be[/i] deaf, was no hindrance to the Sun King's spirit. If anything, this was the perfect time for them. Although the underlying drums were well played, the music was secondary. The blaring hell-horns were used for one reason and one reason alone, building the energy. Leon had no complaints. The night was electric with the spirit of Zengali.

And so, Leon danced the traditional dance down the parade street and made it his own. But he was not done.

[color=fff200]"Fantasia Serenade"[/color] The pausing of light emanated from Leon and began to spread across the parade. Red with a fractionate delay then orange with a slightly longer one. After a few seconds yellow with a fractionate delay then green a little longer. Then repeated for blue and purple before cycling back to red and orange. The effect given was that of mono-coloured clones trailing slightly behind the marchers. Not trailing too far behind that it would disturb the people behind and disrupt the march. Not too many colours at once such that the marchers could still perceive themselves. 

Then came the trails of light. Streaks of all colours flashed across the sky and weaved through the crowds.

[color=fff200][i]Luminescence truly is a wonderful school.[/i][/color]

Leon's moment arrived toward the latter end of the march; the drums finished with a decisive thwack! Those new to these parades may have thought it concluded; that assumption didn't last long as the percussion began again with a quiet rumbling to herald in a grand display. Leon hadn't even told Raimy the [i]full[/i] extent of the plan. In some respects, it would be a surprise to all. He placed the Sun King mask onto his face within the obscurity of the warriors. His smile beamed with anticipation.

From the crowd's perspective, there was a flash of pale light across the sky as a gigantic White Thresher was depicted floating overhead. The drums picked up more as the crowd admired the display, some were excited by the spectacle and some stood fearful the beast's image. The colourful flares that danced among the crowd swirled around a central point before coalescing into a single figure flying up above the march. The Sun King bathed in radiant, golden light rose to meet the White Thresher while the flares, which now resembled a group of Zengali warriors with spears raised, followed right behind his charge. A formidable ray of sunlight emitted from the Sun King's prop spear to pierce the mighty beast and, in its defeat, it exploded into a prismatic bloom that bathed the audience in the glow. Leon stayed a while longer in the air and admired the crowd admiring him, there was no greater happiness than this. 

It wasn't just for show though. To present himself slaying the White Thresher in the parade was nothing short of a declaration. The beast that caused these people so much tragedy would fall tomorrow and the Sun King would be the one to bring about that change. If they looked for a hero to save them from their troubles, then let them bear witness.

And as the thresher erupted, so too did the drums. The parade would march on and Leon flew back down to join them.

[hr][hr][center][h3]
The Market[/h3][/center]
[center][h3][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bfVQ1S5Vx0]♫[/url][/h3][/center]

The warriors of the parade celebrated a performance well done in the market. The paint and oil made it an unwise decision to dress back up. They remained with chests bare in spite of the daylight which had retreated well below the horizon. The colder night air had little room to chill them however, the heat of the dance soundly remained in their bodies far past its conclusion. Even Raimy, who had been as mild-mannered and soft-spoken as it comes, had been swept up in the electric night.

But then he looked away somewhere. Then again in the same spot. And again a bit later.

The noble's shifting gaze caught Leon's attention. It looked familiar to him but it only lasted a moment, so he didn't mention it. When it happened again, he had a better look at what was happening. Leon knew it well, the longing stare of a man in love, or perhaps just a crush. A subtle smile took his face. When Raimy's looked a third time, Leon suddenly shifted and their heads were practically next to each other. The performer followed his friend's line of sight... and saw Alberta.

Aha! Like a puzzle piece shifting into place, Leon finally felt like he understood the man. Sure, Raimy had gone to the encampment to help suffering people and stop the risk of his people suffering at the hands of the plague. But a far greater purpose had driven him to those tents, love. He almost certainly was head over heels in love with this woman and used his healing abilities to try and impress her. It was the objective truth.

It reminded him of a popular Torragonese novel titled 'A Soldier's Peace'. In the book, a young woman joins the war effort as a medic in the hopes that she would keep the boy she liked, who was conscripted, alive. The story had some heart-breaking highs and lows that made for a beautiful romance. It then proceeded into 150 pages of smut, which didn't bother Leon in the slightest.

[color=fff200][i]One can't escape the eyes of Ipte behind a medic's tent, Raimy[/i][/color] Leon thought, a direct quote from the book. [color=fff200][i]Nice try.[/i][/color]

[color=fff200]"Aaaah, a Revidian flower has caught your eye. They do bloom nicely this time of year."[/color] He looked to Raimy with a knowing smile, a hint of mischief in his eyes. [color=fff200]"It would be a shame to let her sail out to the White Threser without a dance, no? She does seem rather busy, but I'll see what I can do about that if you like?"[/color]

Surrounded by the music of the festival and the common bond between him and the other warriors, even Raimy found himself swept away with the mood. He thought his glances were hidden in the chaos. But no, the one who he had invited into the parade caught him staring.

The other warriors couldn't understand Leon. Though they understood Revidian, and all started to laugh. They said a few word, throwing little jabs at Raimy before leaving Raimy with Leon. 

He pinched the bridge of his nose, [color=0076a3]"I have no idea just what you are talking about."[/color] Underneath his hand was a small grin.

Leon looked about and saw that their conversation was now private. [color=fff200]"I think you have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about."[/color] The performer winked. [color=fff200]"So, do you want me to put in a good word or no?"[/color]

[color=0076a3]"No,"[/color] his voice stressed, [color=0076a3]"I rather not put any stress on her right now."[/color] Raimy seemed to be contemplating his reasoning at the moment.

How cute it was that Raimy cared for the woman's health, even if it was an obvious excuse to save his own nerves. [color=fff200]"I've played at a lot of small villages Raimy and for every young couple sharing a dance there is a small collection of older ladies snickering a plan well executed. Some call them meddlesome women, but I consider them among Ipte's strongest soldiers."[/color] He grinned back at the noble. [color=fff200]"What I'm saying Raimy is that a romantic night can appreciate a helping hand and [i]she[/i] could use a break."[/color] He pointed at Alberta and got the noble to look away to her. 

When Raimy looked back, the performer was already gone and well on his way over. [color=fff200]"Trust me,"[/color] Leon called back [color=fff200]"I know what I'm doing."[/color]

Raimy found himself reminded of his old caretaker from how Leon spoke so positively of those pesky women. He found them unnecessary, surely Ipte would find him when the time came. [color=0076a3]"And I'm saying Ipte has little presence with both of us while that thresher lives,"[/color] he looked up to see him already going over. He lifted a hand to reach out but was caught off by the newly placed rose. And like that Leon was out of reach.

He could have stopped him, he really could've.

[hr]
Alberta had been going around with a small cart collecting provisions for the encampment. It was clear she was struggling to adjust to using a single arm given her recent disability. She was stopped by Amani Juma's food stand and had already collected up on the basics, meat, vegetables, and fufu. But she purchased several doughnuts as treats for soldiers who were on death's door earlier today, a rapid recovery was worthy of reward. Struggling with the final bag, she turned to place it in the cart only to find the 'Sun King' Leon Solaire leaning against it.

[color=fff200]"Someone has a secret admirer."[/color] He said with a smile and a playful tone that told her the secret wouldn't last long. He got up and helped her with the bag. [color=fff200]"I'll give you three guesses. And no, it isn't me."[/color]

Alberta held the bag in place for a few moments, registering what was just said to her. Instead she shifted gears, handing him the bag to put in the cart, [color=aba000]"It's good to see you Leon, thank you once again for what you did for my men."[/color] she put her arm over her heart and gave genuine thanks. 

Leon bowed his head politely and tucked the bag in nicely on top. It was only then that Alberta got to the nonsense that he started with, [color=aba000]"What?"[/color]

[color=fff200]"I said you have a secret admirer. Aren't you interested to find out who?"[/color]

Alberta pulled out coin purse, [color=aba000]"Not really but continue,"[/color] and preceded to count out her dues to Amani.

A secret admirer was an inherently intriguing matter. How could she have little interest in something like that? Perhaps he hadn't done a good enough job enticing her. [color=fff200]"What if I said he was a prince?"[/color]

She mouthed 'thank you' to Amani before setting aside her purse to look a the gossiping performer, [color=aba000]"Then I would ask what a prince sees in a one armed Revidian soldier,"[/color] as she gestured with her only arm.

[color=fff200]"Who am I to say the beauty he sees? I saw a man in admiration, he's a good man and I don't question his authenticity."[/color] Leon leaned back against the cart and sighed nonchalantly. [color=fff200]"We have an abundance of one-legged women in Ersand'Enise and they seem to find their fair share of admirers just fine. I don't see why you should be any different."[/color]

Alberta raised a skeptical brow at first but then relented. The one-legged girl in her town did end up marrying a noble somehow so maybe their was some hope. [color=aba000]"I'll give you that Leon, some men do have odd tastes,"[/color] she more or less referenced people's infatuation with him in general, [color=aba000]"But which one of my men could have grown so fond to be an admirer?"[/color]

[color=fff200]"Well he isn't one of you men,"[/color] Leon explained [color=fff200][i]yet[/i][/color] he thought with a streak of deviousness that he didn't dare speak. [color=fff200]"Raimy Dume, son of the Marquis if I'm not mistaken."[/color]

She blinked. Alberta was genuinely surprised, [color=aba000]"Raimy?"[/color] Her tone was slightly higher pitch than normal. She put her hand up to her chin and frowned, [color=aba000]"Are you sure? Is this just a game for a new song you are making?"[/color] she asked with hesitation. This was new to her, never even considering this before.

The pitch change didn't escape Leon's notice, he struck gold. [color=fff200]"Oh, I will be making a song about it."[/color] Despite the honesty of the statement, he still shoot the military woman a cheeky grin. [color=fff200]"But honest feelings make the best songs. It's no game, I assure you."[/color] Leon's unabashed nature was very peculiar to the Revidian woman. No 2nd meaning or plan that she could see. Just saying things so flatly, it was surprisingly refreshing. The idea played in her head and it was... pleasant. 

Leon clapped his hands together joyfully. [color=fff200]"So what do you say? A dance or two with a prince?"[/color]

[color=aba000]"I might be amendable for [b]one[/b] dance,"[/color] she allowed. Alberta still seemed reserved about the whole situation then looked to her cart, [color=aba000]"I'll search for him after I deliver the food to my men."[/color]

[color=fff200]"Hmmm, let's try for two. And I'll deliver the food myself on the second one."[/color] It was clear now that he was just seeing what he could get away with. [color=fff200]"It's going to be a big day tomorrow, we will need you in top shape. So instead of exhausting yourself with this, see where the night takes you and leave nothing unsaid."[/color] The performer got a little carried away with the last part. It was delivered with joyful encouragement, but one might have got the impression that the words held a deeper meaning to him, a barely noticeable tinge of his own regrets. 

He caught himself and corrected back to nonchalance. [color=fff200]"Let's be honest, you could use the break anyway."[/color]

Alberta looked at the 'Sun King' unamused at his final bit of antics. But she found Raimy amongst the crowd, her eyes softened as Alberta saw him holding a rose for her. Maybe she was being too harsh on the young man? She looked at the excuse she tried to pull and sighed, [color=aba000]"Take the food their right away and I'll see to a second dance,"[/color] looking back at Leon for a moment then back at Raimy. Her voice stayed steady but it was easy to tell that she [i]wanted[/i] to dance now.

[color=fff200]"I wanted to play the first song..."[/color] Leon said longingly. He thought about what he could say, but Alberta's requests were reasonable and he had nothing more to angle. She [i]wanted[/i] to dance, it was obvious in her body language. She should choose the tune she wishes for it. [color=fff200]"But I will do as your heart desires... It isn't every day you get a world-class performer as an errand boy."[/color]

[color=aba000]"Then find someone that you can play with,"[/color] she said with now her own playfulness, walking away to Raimy. [color=aba000]"Remember, the food needs to be hot Leon."[/color] 

Leon clutched his chest in feigned heartbreak as she denied his offer. [color=fff200]"You break my heart, signora."[/color] But a smile at the end told her there was no hard feelings.

Raimy saw Alberta approaching him and he stepped towards her. An awkward smile came to his face as he offered her the rose. Alberta held the rose as they talked, smiles on both their faces, melting away the hardened soldier and burdened noble. Just 2 people with a mild interest in each other having been stoked by the hand of Ipte tonight.

Alberta placed the rose in her hair and took Raimy by the hand. The dance was slow at the start, neither have danced with a partner missing an arm. It was clumsy but soon they got the rhythm, bounding with each other in almost a frolic. It was an unabashed time for the both of them as a mix of laughs and giggles could be heard from them having a night somehow to themselves during the festival. Just two people letting Ipte move them before before Eshiran called them tomorrow.

Leon didn't leave right away. For a time he leaned against the cart and simply watched the two's budding feelings bloom into a sweet spring flower. Simple and sweet like a daisy, just as it should be. One could point out that Leon had set up the single heir of Zengali with a Revidian woman. One could see it as a calculated action to slowly bring the city into the nation's influence. But he would have done the same if Alberta was Perrench, right? Only Leon would truly know the answer to such a question. Maybe it lay somewhere in between that and authenticity. Either way, if there was to be another 150 pages to this story, it wasn't going to happen with him around. He had food to deliver and it had better be hot.

[hr]
[color=fff200]"Your captain, she's a cruel mistress I'll tell you that."[/color] The performer joked to a receptive soldier while handing out food. [color=fff200]"She's got me running around doing chores and I don't want to know what happen if I can't get them done."[/color] The soldiers nodded in feigned commiseration, it was all in good fun.

[hr]

[hider=20 Magus]
The sunny performer himself approached Fanaka's stand from the wider market and went around the two girls to inspect the goods.

He was taken by a box with a moustache on it, picked it up, and looked over it to see the depiction of hero vs villain. Perfect. He didn't know what it was exactly, he didn't know what it did, but he was going to have it.

He raised the box to Fanaka. [color=fff200]"How much?"[/color]

He was focused on the woman in front of him but he still tended to the oiled man quickly, [color=Black]"20 magus."[/color]

[color=fff200]"Done!"[/color] Leon tossed the merchant the money. He gave a polite nod to Penny and Taleja before he was off. [color=fff200]"Ladies."[/color] Then he was already on his way, he seemed in a hurry.

As he left, the performer smirked. It seems the merchant saved the best deals for him. 20 magus! What a steal!

Fanaka waved him off happily, [color=Black][i]sucker.[/i][/color]

[hr]
Later…


That conman, that snake oil salesman, what sort of scam was this!? Facial hair gel? For 20 Magus!? If he ever saw that merchant again he was going to give them a piece of his mind. Leon had no facial hair, did not seek to have facial hair, and had a preference of having his hair flow in the wind. This was worthless to him.
[/hider]

[hider=Mbita & Chika][center][h3][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlzaKrG4ljw]♫[/url][/h3][/center]

Nestled into a corner of their own creation lay the best couple of the year for the 4th year in a row. Bolts of every color and pattern you could imagine were pulled into the town center for this and many visitors and people of Zengali were here to update their wardrobe.

Mbita was in the back preparing the bolts and cutting and making new with some delicate binding. He was tall and had an amazing beard with short curly hair. Paired with a sleepy-eyed face, he was quite chill-looking.

Chika had long dreads decorated with colorful threads running throughout. She was dressed in vibrant colors with large patterns. By Revidian standards, she was rather immoral, showing shoulders and even a bit of thigh and rib. Very scandalous indeed. 

Leon approached the couple's stand, looked at their wares, the smiles they kept, and most importantly the clothes they wore. Tailors who call themselves fashionable were only as good as the clothes they wore and the performer was impressed. The man wore a beard but curbed the oafish impressions of the choice with exquisite styling. The woman wore a truly daring and avant-garde design; he had only seen that style in such high quality before within in the Swirl. He was impressed with them indeed.

[color=fff200]"I see a clothing stand that is oh so deprived of stock."[/color] He said with a grin. [color=fff200]"I can only assume you make your clothing on the spot. If so..."[/color] Excitement rang in his voice and he stepped back in an exaggerated bow. [color=fff200]"My name is Leon Solaire, and I wish to be at your mercy."[/color]

Mbita merely smiled and wave, already grabbing some fabric he thought would look well on Leon. His eyes were sleepy but there was a subtle gaze to them that made people feel listened to. 

Chika sprung forward with a big smile, [color=red]"You're the Warrior that made the light performance,"[/color] she clasped her hands together, [color=red]"Very impressive Mr. Leon!"[/color] She waved her hand to the design room, [color=red]"Come, we need something as flashy as your performance,"[/color] she took him by the arm and guided him to it. 

With no real time to talk she sits across from him and flaps some clothing samples in front of him, [color=red]"Sooo, do you like that sturdy, reliable cotton or this beautiful silk?"[/color]

Leon bowed his head in appreciation of her acknowledgements. [color=fff200]"Your city deserves nothing less."[/color] 

Lounging gracefully in his seat he looked over the two fabric samples. It was an obvious choice, but he feigned himself weighing the options so as not to insult her suggestions. [color=fff200]"Cotton can be nice, but silk captures me best I think."[/color] He handed the samples back.

She shakes her head like she knew all along, [color=red]"A man of fine taste I see!"[/color] Mbita was preparing swarths of colors, [color=blue]"I believe Nyota Silk would fit him nicely,"[/color] he said with a rather even but excited tone. [color=blue]"The silk has a way of reflecting the colors of the moon, changing with each night."[/color] 

Chika shakes her head, [color=red]"On a night under Ipte's moon you can even see it change. And don't get me started on a 5 moon night,"[/color] she swooned.

Mbita placed the colors with a notable array of yellow along with some other colors. [color=red]"So which primary color?"[/color] Chika asked with a grin, obviously staring at his current outfit.

[color=fff200]"I had heard about such a silk,"[/color] he said while admiring its shimmer, [color=fff200]"but I've never seen it in person before. You are a connoisseur of fabrics, to be sure."[/color] It was a white lie, Leon had used it a couple of times before, but that was no fun to mention that. [color=fff200]"Despite my title, I appreciate the beauty of the moons too. To see it shift with every movement would be quite the sight."[/color]

Presented with a choice of colour, Leon feigned indecision again. [color=fff200]"Some would say I have enough yellow as it is... But I have a feeling your work will come to be a favourite of mine, so I would like it in my colour."[/color]

The correct yellows were chosen and the others were tossed away for another customer. [color=blue]"The sun's lustre tends to be too much for many but still it is where we reside. The moons are gentle to the heart,"[/color] Mbita said to himself upon hearing Leon. Chika took a moment to listen to her quiet husband before continuing

[color=red]"Now,"[/color] she smiled cheekily, [color=red]"You're on a date,"[/color] she stopped to make sure Leon was onboard with this, [color=red]"with whomever you want most. They want you and more than that, they care for you. What kind of date do you take them on? A Gondola ride through the beautiful flooded streets in Revidia or a seaside dinner under the lights of the full moons? Of course you can sing to your precious partner."[/color] She made no guess on where this performer lays his flute.

Leon smiled at Mbita's comment but didn't look toward him because it wasn't said to him. He had to agree with the man's words. Aside from one, the moon's subtle beauty seemed to be a trait with most women who caught his heart in the last few years. He looked toward Chika, the bond between the two didn't escape his notice. Perhaps she was the sun to his moon.

[color=fff200]"Of course, a gondola ri..."[/color] he stopped himself at the mention of precious partner and considered [i]his[/i] partner for a moment. [color=fff200]"A seaside dinner actually, a serenade and a dance atop the sands of the beach."[/color]

Chika pursed her lips and moved away, [color=red]"So considerate! They must be lucky to have you attention,"[/color] she nodded to herself as she wrote down some things and started to make a pattern. Mbita looked over her shoulder and nodded in agreeance. He went to start cutting some fabric. 

She looked up every now and then to envision Leon with her outfit. Her face would jump from excited to grossed out as she drew, it was almost worrying. 

Leon seemed to miss the part where Chika guessed he had a partner. Instead, he looked worried at her lip turning in mild disgust as she looked between him and her notes. But before he could ask if she was alright, another question came his way.

[color=red]"Okay! What is your favourite part of yourself?"[/color] She rested her face on her hands, swaying her feet as she waited for an answer.

[color=fff200]"It's hard to pick."[/color] Leon took a hand mirror out of a pocket and admired himself before looking back at the couple. [color=fff200]"Tell me, what is [i]your[/i] favourite part about me? Asking both of you."[/color]

Chika looked up at Mbita, comparing Leon to him. [color=red]"It would be your chest, It's flat and broad and exudes confidence in yourself,"[/color] Some of the words were definitely meant for Mbita but they could apply to Leon as well. 

Mbita nodded and gave her a kiss for the considerate response. [color=blue]"It be your eyes,"[/color] he answered quickly, [color=blue]"They carry more expression than some poets."[/color]

[color=red]"Ooh, you’re right, I didn't even see them yet,"[/color] she took a deeper appreciation of them, [color=red]"Very Nice,"[/color] she wrote some quick things down and started to write letters on portions. Mbita again looked over, this time squinting. Some of them you could tell he didn't agree with but he still did as his wife wanted. She was the designer after all

[color=red]"Now that you know what we like about you,"[/color] she laughed as it wasn't every day that someone with that much confidence came by, [color=red]"What do [b]you[/b] look for in that partner you were so considerate of earlier,"[/color] she gave a wink to Leon. She was dying to know the girl that held his eye right now.

Leon was taken aback at her following question and blushed a little, he had made no mention of a partner. But then it clicked that his sudden change in an earlier answer may have tipped her off. [color=fff200]"Ah, it seems you've seen right through me."[/color] His fluster gave way to the confident norm. [color=fff200]"It's no matter."[/color] He thought about the question, this time his consideration was genuine. 

[color=fff200]"I don't make demands of whoever stops my way. But a true partner shares my spirit and would look to me in equal standing."[/color]

Chika was amused that she caught it and his admittance gave her immense satisfaction. But she didn't rub it in too much. She would have kept going, asking every question under the stars but Mbita set some color fabric options in front of her and she moved on. 

Mbita seemed pleased with Leon's answer particularly, giving more direct acknowledgement than he had given since Leon stepped in. [color=red]"But enough of that, I can feel Mbita staring at me to move on,"[/color] she smiled brightly and hit him with, [color=red]"Available or Closed?"[/color] No context around her question, just available or closed.

[color=fff200]"Available."[/color] The woman gave no context so he wouldn't either. Chika had been a good judge of character so far, so he was happy to let her take the meaning from it as she saw it.

Mbita and Chika Turned to one another and merely nodded in joint approval,  

Mbita walked to Leon's side, holding a few stings with various notches in it. [color=blue]"Would you let me measure you?"[/color] he asked in a calm voice. He proceeded to work and Chika drew for a little longer, this time she got up and made her final selection of patterns. 

Mbita was still working, the low light and his meticulous nature slowing him down, and Chika moved on to the next question.

[color=red]"Alright, we are almost there. The next question is pretty easy,"[/color] she prefaced. With a smile and pencil in hand, [color=red]"Even or odd?"[/color] she asked.

Leon rose and almost immediately put his hand up and outstretched for measurement. He knew the process and he knew it well.

With Chika next question, he raised a finger to request Mbita pause his measurements for a moment. The performer reached into his pocket and flipped a coin.

[color=fff200]"Odd!"[/color] he announced with comparable confidence to his other answers.

Chika rolled her eyes at the result, she had betted on even. Mbita let out a small chuckle and those sleepy eyes seemed to troll his wife. She stuck a tongue out at him and they continued to work. 

Mbita placed the strings on the table in a practiced way, each one carried a measurement of Leon and they couldn't be mixed up. Chika finished the base design, it looked gorgeous in her eyes. Mbita brought out some berries for them to enjoy and an idea popped into Chika's head.

For a moment, Leon second-guessed if he should have left it to chance. It seemed arbitrary, but given Chika's reaction, he thought about switching to odd. But the assessment carried on and he had little time to reconsider before berry snacking took the place of thoughts.

[color=red]"Ooh!"[/color] She tapped Mbita, [color=red]"This will be fun, Leon, what is your favorite fruit, spare me no detail!"[/color]

It didn't take long for Leon to think of his favourite: apples. But her question inspired him to think of why. [color=fff200]"I grew up a traveller and I still am to this day. But when I was young, we would always stop by a particular orchard. The apples there were my grandmother's favourite and I guess they became my favourite too."[/color]

It wasn't something Leon would tell most. His tone was reminiscent and longing, far from the confident front he had moments before. But the couple made him feel comfortable to divulge such things.

[color=red]"Ahh,"[/color] Chika swooned, [color=red]"That's why we love berries! My mother was a forager to help make dyes for Mbita's family."[/color] She winked at her husband and Mbita blushed at a shared memory they had. 

A bit more drawing and some silent flirting, they looked back at Leon, [color=red]"We're SO close to finishing, for real this time. This question is really important. Mountains or Valleys?"[/color] It seemed both Mbita and Chika were paying close attention this time.

Leon was starting to suspect that these seemingly innocuous questions had secret meanings, although the exact details they were looking for in his reply escaped him. Why not just continue on the surface level? It was fun regardless.

[color=fff200]"The highest of mountains,"[/color] he expressed with a story tellers flair. He imagined himself atop one.

Chika slammed her head against the table jokingly while Mbita laughed louder than you could imagine him doing. [color=red]"Always the mountains,"[/color] Chika said with her head down. [color=blue]"Always the mountains,"[/color] Mbita said wiping a tear from his eye.

From here they actually started to get to work. Surprisingly, Mbita had magic and was quite adept with it when it came to cloth manipulation. Chika had only enough to make a small light so that she could see. 

Yellow Silk was pulled out along with this bold red silk. It was woven so beautifully into the other, it was unlike other outfits. The outfit was broken into 3 parts, the chest piece was composed of a large central pattern that was easy to distinguish at a distance. It lay thin over the chest and loosely conformed around Leon to extenuate the broadness of his shoulders and chest. 

The outfit was open on top and could be thrown back on with but a single motion. It has an airiness that makes it easy for someone to approach. 

The bottom hung relatively low and continued the pattern but was rather simple in comparison to pull more attention to Leon's face. It shared the same readiness for movement and when under quick pace would lag back and sway with movement like a dance. 

The final pieces were special. It was a black sash with these topaz circles in the center to help break up Leon's form and break up the monotony of the outfit. They had a certain allure to them and that brought people to Leon. 

Mbita was happy with it. It showed a uniqueness that others didn't and sold him as the center of attention. But Chika was not, something was missing in her mind. Soon she added smaller creases and extra details until it was perfect in her mind. 

Mbita turned to Leon, asking his own question even if he may know it already, [color=blue]"Do you prefer Lor or the moons and how many of the moons?"[/color]

Leon was impressed, impressed indeed. He shifted and moved around in the new attire, lavishing in the movability and grace of the work. But he raised an eyebrow at yet another question. What else could they add to this? He was excited to find out.

[color=fff200]"I would be foolish not to say Lor, I suppose."[/color] He looked down to further admire his new appearance.

Mbita nodded, [color=blue]"If that is your answer then there is no more we can do."[/color] His answer wasn't sad but more matter-of-fact.

Chika was quick to add, [color=red]"Yes, yes, his face is already good enough,"[/color] she slipped him a single voucher to get something at the little jewellers ship. Mbita just looked down at her and Chika just gave a guilty smile.

It was an answer Leon more than appreciated: affirmation of his own appearance. He still accepted the jewelers voucher too, might be able to find some nice gifts there.

[color=fff200]"I thank you. The service was lovely and you have earned every Magus you charge."[/color] He took a long bow to thank them. [color=fff200]"However, if you have some time to spare, I have some questions of my own."[/color] He took a seat once more, looked toward the couple, and made his own assessments. [color=fff200]"Tell me Chika, were you the one to make the first move?"[/color] The fascination and interest radiated from his voice.

Chika was basking in another job well done and Mbita was cleaning up whatever scraps were left. But upon Leon asking his question, Chika and Mbita blushed. They looked at each other, wondering what to say.

[color=blue]"We knew each other for a long time before settling,"[/color] Mbita admitted.

[color=red]"And we dated around a lot before that, even sometimes with each other. I made countless moves but he was so,"[/color] Chika thought for some words, [color=red]"Thickheaded?"[/color]

Mbita laughed, [color=blue]"I was, I didn't see her as 'that' person,"[/color] Mbita seemed somewhat sad, [color=blue]"But after one morning, when I was at my lowest, when my confidence had wavered, she was there and I realized I loved her."[/color]

[color=red]"We got together shortly after, we realized that we made each other so happy,"[/color] she leaned into him and he held her.

[color=fff200]"Hmm, hearts that wander coming to find each other in the end."[/color] Leon rested face on his right hand and sunk into it with a smile. [color=fff200]"It's a warming story..."[/color]

[color=fff200]"So how did you do it? Confessing to each other in the end? You surely seem to know what works."[/color] Leon, after a pause, was quick to add to that. [color=fff200]"It's not as though I need the advice or anything. But I am genuinely curious."[/color] Surprisingly, it was a lie and not a particularly well-hidden one.

[color=Red]"Well, it started with me giving him a flower, but that didn't work,"[/color] Chika shrugged and Mbita cringed.

[color=red]"Then I tried get us alone over looking the city during sunset,"[/color] Chika blushed, [color=red]"It ended well but not in the way I wanted."[/color]

Mbita put a hand over her mouth to stop Chika from saying all the ways it didn't work. He couldn't bare any more embarrassment. Chika laughed and she got a little more serious. 

[color=red]"I realized their was never a 'right' way to do it. It could have been a flower, it could be our time over the city."[/color] she moved her hair out of her face, [color=red]"In the end, it was when I was speaking to him, enjoying just being with one another. We were picking berries for a new dye we wanted to try. I simply gave him a berry to eat and then gave him a kiss and asked him if he wanted another,"[/color] She snickered. Mbita shook his head, it definitely happened that way but he knew what the young man wanted.

[color=blue]"What matters is having a moment with them and letting your heart be with them. If they want you they will hold it so gently, if they don't they will hand it back. It's scary but worth it,"[/color] he kissed Chika.

[color=red]"Every time,"[/color] she kissed him back.

Leon listened intently and watched their movements tell a story in their own right. It did remind him of a storybook romance but a name didn't come to mind. Perhaps it was a tale waiting to be told in full. 

[color=fff200][i]So berries were their secret.[/i][/color] He made a mental note.

Leon stood and clapped his hands together. [color=fff200]"A romance worthy of a song. I might even write it myself if I hadn't the backlog as it is."[/color] He paused then winked. [color=fff200]"Or maybe it will be a surpirse when I visit next."[/color] With that, the performer said his goodbyes to the couple, paid them the Magus they charge plus some extra for what they were due, and then left the store in his handsome new attire.

[color=blue]"You were a wonderful guest here, even if it was for a short time,"[/color] Mbita smiled at Leon, [color=blue]"And, we believe you will be the one to end the Thresher's life."[/color] Mbita spoke with hopeful and confident tone for Leon.

[color=red]"And come back if you need to get it repaired after the fight,"[/color] Chika called out, [color=red]"Oh and when you [i]do[/i] come back, bring your 'friend' with you. I'm sure they are lovely and would look fantastic in my outfits!'"[/color]

[color=fff200]"I just might Chika, I just might."[/color] Leon looked back over his shoulder with a smile and a wave on the way out.
[/hider]


[hr][hr][center][h3]
The House among the Trees[/h3][/center][center][h3][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntb6DX2-jU0]♫[/url][/h3][/center]

When the music of the festival became a distant thought and the quiet began to speak, Leon took the time to think, for it was rare to gain such an opportunity. He had increasingly been stretched thin as of late, to and fro and to once more. Time for quiet and time for friends was something to be fought for as opposed to something he could just have. So when the situation presented itself to take that time, he did.

Ersand'Enise, whom many other students called home, couldn't provide him a moment for his thoughts. He did not consider the city of mages as a home, it was and had always been a battleground for him. Perhaps the only stationary place where he found true peace was that apple orchard from so many years ago. He hadn’t been back there since his grandmother passed, but maybe that could be considered home. He thought of Kaureerah. Could he take her to that orchard someday? Would he ever find the time? He hoped she was safe.


He sat beneath a peach tree plucking the strings of his lute absentmindedly as the fireflies danced to the disjointed tune. Every chord and every melodic progression scrapped before they had even begun. This wasn't to say that any of it sounded bad. It was quite nice for the short moments they lasted, and yet they were discarded all the same as if the performer sought perfection in tune that no mere chord could satisfy.  But he had written plenty of music before, in fact, most of his work had been improvisation played out into completed works. What feelings had he hoped to capture in a song that made perfectly fine notes subject to flippant disregard?

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