Nymphs Dance

A roleplay transcript by Coraline and Etain:

Etain Moonflower made her rounds, watering seedlings and existing flowers. The flowers grew nicely, and the hollow smelled delightful. She noticed Coraline and another dancing amongst them and set the watering can down to walk over to them. She gave them both a smile as she spoke, "Coraline, I hope you and your friend are enjoying yourselves. You both dance so eloquently."

Lyrena Auberan continued to dance with her friend after they took a little break earlier, continuing to practice moves either fit for a ballroom, or more traditional nymph dances that Coraline was showing the Blood elf. Occasionally the pair slowed down, merely holding one another in a warm embrace, their feet stepping rhythmically from side to side, back and forth in the serenity of the Hollow. "Your lessons have challenged me. And you thought I had nothing more to learn.", Lyrena teased at Coraline, slowing down as she saw a familiar nymph approaching them. Right away, the Blood elf turned to face Etain, her head dipping respectfully, while her posture straightened somewhat. "You must be Queen Etain.", Lyrena cordially greeted. "You stand out with your grace. I am Lyrena. Here at the invitation of your kind sister Coraline. You have my thanks for letting me into your serene home, Queen Etain.", Lyrena assured, briefly peering to Coraline with a smile.

Coraline dancing her favorite dance with Lyrena, because she loves the twirl, she hears Etain's greeting and smiled brightly. "Oh, Etain, dearest sister. Let me introduce you to my friend Lyrena. She was worried that she may not dance very well at the ball. But, as you can see, she does so beautifully." She slowed their dance to something more easily suited to speaking with Etain.

She folded her hands in front of her, allowing them to rest at her thighs. Her eyes crinkled at the corners as the little smile spread across her lips. "You are very kind," she said, her manner friendly and relaxed. "Any friend of my sister's is a friend of mine. I hope you find the peace and love you seek here." Her gaze shifted to her fair-headed friend. "She does quite well. You two are a vision." Her eyes flitted past them then to land on the peacock just outside. It kept peering in as if it wanted to join them, but knew better. The nymphs never allowed him in. Etain refused to even speak of it. (Etain Moonflower)

Lyrena Auberan slowed herself as well, eventually to a gentle halt so she could address the nymph queen with a focus that befitted a woman of Etain's rank. "Coraline flatters me. My skills were rusty, but thanks to her… I will at least not make a fool of myself at the ball.", the Blood elf jestingly remarked. "I understand that you are still considering your attendance, and that of your sisters, Queen Etain?", Lyrena curiously inquired, golden eyes peering between the two nymphs. "Myself I am a newcomer here. With no ties or connections. One of the reasons I intend to partake.", the Blood elf explained. "There is another reason. But I know not if I should speak of it here. Perhaps you are already familiar, though. There is talk of… Trouble at the ball. At the hands of a dangerous cult.", she said, her expression becoming a tad more serious as the subject befitted.

Coraline saw the smile on her sister's lips and the bright glow in her eyes and it made her heart leap to witness it. It had been too long for her to have not seen joy and happiness in her eyes and she longed for it. They stopped their dancing to turn and face Etain, and as they did, she noticed her looking past them, into the courtyard beyond. Glancing over her shoulder she spied the peacock and realized what Etain was glancing at. She giggled aloud and pressed her palms down to flatten her skirt on, the dress she had made with some of the peacock feathers. Looking up at Etain, she gushed, "You look lovely today, sister! That is a wonderful shade of pink that complements you well!"

She cleared her throat, holding her smile in place as she looked back to two dancing beauties. "Please, do not let me interrupt. I merely meant to introduce myself. You two caught my eye and took my breath away with your dance, and I wanted to thank you for bringing a smile to my face." Etain Moonflower nodded at that, "Yes, we both will be attending. The others will stay behind. They may take turns going to the next lavish event," she offered, and heard some nymphs squealing in delight nearby. Her gaze flickered at Lyrena briefly, and she decided to step forward so that she stood closer. "You may speak freely here. My nymphs would never betray confidence." She gave a sweeping glance around her, "and we've no other visitors within earshot at the moment." Her gaze traveled over Lyrena, taking her in completely. "There is always threat," she added, her eyes snapping back up to hold the blood elf's. "Do you have the skills to guard against this cult you mention?"

Etain Moonflower reached out to take the nymphs's hand and squeezed it fondly. "Thank you, my sweet Coraline." She turned back to the elf, still holding her sister's hand. "You would do anyone proud who you decide to grace with a dance, Lyrena."

Lyrena Auberan couldn't help but peer past her shoulder after Coraline did so, noticing the colorful peacock patrolling just outside the Hollow. Lyrena briefly smirked in casual amusement, but eventually looked back at the two nymphs. As Coraline complimented her queen, Lyrena cordially smiled, looking over Etain's elegant outfit with agreement on her expression. "Very well.", the Blood elf later said more somberly once the nymph queen promised them privacy. "Since you will attend, it is only right that you know.", Lyrena said, peering at them both. "It was Iskrin of the AmranKai that told me of this danger.", Lyrena began. "The day before. He looked a capable man. Yet he spoke to me and High Wizard Rhodan with desperation. He is sure a cult of fanatics who worship a sun god mean to cause a disturbance at the ball. Or something worse.", Lyrena remembered. "He asked Rhodan and I to grant our aid. Because he is running out of options.", the Blood elf explained. "I can fight. Rhodan is in possession of my axe at the moment.

He will try to renew its enchantments before the night of the ball. But an axe is no weapon to bring to such a place, unless it is hidden somewhere. Nor is my armor. If I am to show up in a dress… The most I will be armed with is a dagger in my boot." (Lyrena Auberan)

Coraline held onto her sister's hand and gave it a little squeeze while she looked at Lyrena. "Rena" she said, dropping formalities and taking a familiar tone, "My sister, Etain, is among the kindest, gentlest and most loyal creatures I have ever known. Her well being is more important to me than even my own breath." She paused for a moment, taking a serious sober look that few had ever seen on her face and did not appear natural there. "I implore you, if I have any claims upon your kinder offices, to take any and all precautions you may, to guard against any harm to her welfare." Slowly, the smile returned to her face, it not being well accustomed to a serious demeanor. And, she gave her sister's hand a little squeeze again.

Her heart sank, but her smile did not waver then. "I see," she said. "I have heard that evening dress is not required. Perhaps you could go in your armor if you feel more comfortable in it." Etain Moonflower blinked, looking way and landing a thoughtful gaze on a nearby bloom of yellow and white, her smile only slightly slipping as she listened to Coraline's plea. She placed her other hand on the nymph's before releasing her and addressing both of them. "You have mentioned this Rhodan and his enchantments. I think I heard once upon a blue moon he is a High Wizard? I've not met him yet in all my time here. Perhaps I should." She sniffed, straightening her back and looked to Coraline. "Sister, is this something you can set up?"

Lyrena Auberan looked towards Coraline as the gentle nymph began to plead to her, taking note of the way the girl spoke more seriously and urgently than the Blood elf had witnessed before. "I will do what I can to keep you both safe.", Lyrena sternly assured, her fingers reaching out to clasp Coraline's free hand soothingly. "You have been kind and welcoming. I have been in this city for less than a week, but you have made me feel at home already.", she said, looking back at the nymph queen as she inquired on Rhodan. "Rhodan told me he is the court wizard. He will be at the ball as well. A well-spoken merman, dark of hair. He told me he cares little for politics and scandals, but has promised Iskrin his aid, same as I. I have no doubt he would meet you should you want it, Queen Etain.", Lyrena assured with a nod. "He dwells in the waters mostly. On the surface, he told me he is often at the… Mages' Guild. I am unsure where their offices are."

Coraline listened to her sister's suggestion concerning Rhodan and her eyes grew wider as she heard Lyrena's answer. "Oh, yes! I know Rhodan Fishbottoms! I know him well!" She turned quickly from addressing her sister to a quick glance at Lyrena with a slight giggle. "Perhaps, too well." Turning back to Etain, she continued, "He is temperamental, and bit grouchy at times. But, he is a true friend. I think he will come to the hollow to speak with you." She glanced down at a flower on the ground before looking up again. "After all, it wouldn't be proper for you to go to the bathhouse in search of him."

Etain Moonflower nodded to Lyrena as she spoke. "I know of it. Thank you, Lyrena, for your transparency and bravery." The glimmer in her eyes had returned. "You do now? How is it I have never met him then," she teased Coraline, deciding it was best to change the subject while in Lyrena's company. "I would love it if you could make that happen, sister. I look forward to meeting him." She sighed, but her eyes crinkled at the corners again. "Yes, I do not think I will be visiting the bathhouse any time.. soon." She cleared her throat softly at that.

Lyrena Auberan looked back at Coraline as she mentioned her own acquaintance with Rhodan, at which point the Blood elf tilted her head and for but a split second snickered. "…Yes, an apprentice should know her teacher well.", the blonde duly added, before looking back at Etain. "No need to thank me, Queen Etain. I have yet to show my bravery.", Lyrena cordially retorted with a gentle smirk. "The bathhouse…", she later reminisced as the pair of nymphs mentioned it. "A place that brings people together. Even strangers.", Lyrena described in a slightly coy tone. "…As Rhodan himself has said. But I do think a meeting like this ought to happen here at your home.", she said, before she walked over to the place she had deposited her clothes and armor - then started dressing herself in the company of the nymphs. "I fear it is time for me to go. But thank you again for allowing me here, Queen Etain. Thank you, Coraline, for inviting me. And other things.", she coyly added at the end of her sentence. "Perhaps we will all meet again before the ball. Certainly let me know if you need to speak with me again, Queen Etain.", Lyrena said, bowing her head as she prepared to depart

Coraline took her sister's teasing unabashedly. She knew with almost a certainty that her sister was aware of her carrying ons, even if they went unspoken. Seeing Lyrena's preparation for departure, she spoke tenderly, "Farewell for now, Lyrena. Do keep watch for my sister. I have no worries for myself, only her. And, do take care of yourself, dear."

Etain Moonflower adjusted the sheer cloth of her mantle over the soft flowers clinging to her shapely form. Both brows lifted in response to the blood elf's words. "An apprentice and her teacher?" She looked to Coraline then, a sly little smile teasing one corner of her lips. None would know with certainty whether Etain knew of the comings and goings of Coraline other than Etain. "A story for another time then, yes, sister," she said with humor and watched Lyrena collect her things. "It was a pleasure meeting you today, Lyrena. I do hope we cross paths again in the near future, and that it is under favorable circumstances." She gave the lovely blood elf a nod of farewell.

Coraline watched Lyrena's back as she walked from the hollow. After she faded in the distance, she turned back to her sister. "Etain, I know you have so many concerns. I know your burden is heavy. If there is anyway I can help you, I will. I hope you know that." She gazed around the hollow, at all its magnificent glory, for a moment. "You will have to tell me what I can do though. I have no insight like your's and I can't think of how I can lessen your burden." She smiled lovingly at her sister, her head titled and more than a hint of concern in her bright eyes.

"I know you want to help, dearest sister, and I think that you can." She looped her arm under Coraline's and began to walk with her around the garden. It was nearing night, and the moon would be out soon. Her moonflower would be in bloom. They stopped by the big statue, and Etain enveloped them in a blue-green veil. They had slipped into a very private facet of the Hollow. "We will have to talk with the sisters tonight, but I wanted to speak with you first." She swallowed and released the nymph's arm. "Our Ansa`fel facet is in grave danger. If this particular sun does rise and its deadly heat exudes, any flower essences could wither. Any breezes could be stifled, and our healing waters could start to dry up." She tried to relay the information as gently as she could to her sweet-natured sister. "The Great Crystal of the city cannot protect us as we are untouched by its power. This is why I want you to go to Rhodan tonight and ask him to meet with me. Would you do this?" (Etain Moonflower)

Coraline walked with her sister's arm in her's, and while she did, she recalled fondly watching from her perch on the watery rock ledge. She remembered watching Etain as she danced through the hollow, bathed in moonlight. How she laughed and danced! She would fling water from the falls onto her, laughing herself. These memories flooded her mind and a sting came to her eyes, tearing from happiness. But, she became silent and somber as her sister brought the veil over them, and a solemnity enveloped them both. She listened silently to her sister's prediction. And, reaching out to clutch both of hands in her own she replied. "I will certainly do this. I will use every wile I posses to bring him here to speak with you." Her eyes smiled tenderly at her sister and her lips form a small pout. "My only hope is he can help you."

Etain Moonflower breathed in deeply, gently squeezing her sister's hands. "Thank you, Coraline," she whispered and reached up to kiss her on the cheek. "Do you have any questions for me before we meet with the others?"

Coraline smiled again, her serious look vanished from her face. "No questions I can think to ask. But, I have two requests." She swayed her arms playfully, swinging Etain's arms with them as she held her hands. "First, don't thank me. I know you are being polite, but there is no need. You have only to ask of me, and I will obey." she giggled as she said this. "The second is that you allow yourself to have some fun. None of the nymphs will think less of you for this."

Etain Moonflower laughed awkwardly at first in her attempt to let loose as Coraline requested. It was in her very nature, every nymph's nature, to laugh and sing and dance and enjoy the pleasures that were offered to them. She laughed effortlessly then, "Yes, I know you will but I want you to know I still appreciate you. No one should ever take anything for granted. Time is too short," she took pause a moment and pushed the thought away. "Yes, my dearest, I will have fun at the Ball. I look forward to attending it with you." Her eyes glistened as she spoke. "This will all be over soon," her eyes then twitched, but it would hardly be noticable. "Are you ready to meet with our sisters now?"

Coraline took a deep breath and smiled brightly, "Yes, let's meet with our sisters. But, if I may be so bold…" She pursed her lips to think of the right words. "Do not tell them everything. Some…" she nodded her head at the nearby nymphs, "Will find your concerns to much to bear. We would not want to deprive this sacred hollow of their laughter."

Etain Moonflower nodded in agreement. She knew her sister was right. Her eyes lovingly held Coraline's as she allowed the veil to slip and called to the nymphai of Moonflower Hollow to join them at once. Hundreds of beautiful nymphs appeared in the area, and many faces shone a look of concern, some excitement, some sadness from those who had been out of the Hollow and heard the whispers, and some eager to get information of the outside world. They would unite this night and would discuss possible solutions to protect each other as best they could.