looking for color in the gray [tagged/Vanisha-Kev]

[tovaana]

Parlhion;

He really didn’t care. It had nothing to do with him- who the new Lord Holder would be. His arms were folded over his chest, warning anyone away from starting small talk with him, he didn’t like crowds… but it was better than being surrounded by dragons. There were only people and firelizards, his own clung to him under his winter cloak. If only when glances were sent his way, he wouldn’t wonder if they somehow knew of his crime. Of course not specifically, but perhaps he looked guilty of something. He swallowed, at least most of the attention was up front, the tension high as the Lord Holder was preparing to be announced. His eyes wandered from the one speaking, to the one on the arm of Asirikai – it was Vanisha. She looked like she belonged there with the potential Lord Holder, and the way he kept her by his side made it clear that the man wanted her to stay there. It would be better, safer at least, if she became a Lord Holder’s wife than a dragon rider. Of course, he’d never insult her ability to choose what she wanted with life, but he couldn’t help the hope that she’d change her mind. There was another pang, one that he paid little heed to – a feeling the color of green seemed to nudge him, but he shook it away, because he didn’t deserve anything that his feelings were trying to hint at.

The man was so lost in thoughts looking at Vanisha by herself (wondering if he should keep her company), that he had missed the actual announcing of who won… not that it was needed, as it was obvious in the way Asirikai was looking and the crowds nearest him were cheering. Surprisingly, he lost sight of Vanisha and decided it was better to leave and meet her in the cavern where they had planned. He left in the middle of Asirikai’s speech, his thoughts turning to not getting lost as he moved down tunnels to where he could reach the cavern where the stalls would be lined up. He paused and glanced back at the docks in the cavern – he wanted to be somewhere where he’d see Vanisha when she arrived… he supposed it wouldn’t be difficult with her red hair. He moved down to the docks and leaned backwards against the railing, his eyes watching the faces (mostly hair) of those passing. He almost mistook a girl with red hair as Vanisha, but the similarities between her and Vanisha stopped at the hair and freckles – still, he watched her in a distracted manner as she headed to the beach, and wondered if he would be able to spot her when she came. He folded his arms, his dark brooding gaze going back to looking for Vanisha.

[kevna]

Vanisha - Candidate

She was in shock. Asirikai had kissed her. Her whole body felt like ice, and she was sure her cheeks had paled. Freckles would be popping out on her cheeks in a garish way, she was sure. Vanisha rubbed her arms, trying to rub blood back into them as her legs continued to carry her towards her meeting place with Parlhion. Vanisha caught herself reaching towards her lips a few times, only to replace her hands on her arms. How had this happened? The question kept circling in her head. Asirikai wanted to… marry her? He had kissed her. She was heading towards another man to spend time with him, without a chaperone, while practically engaged to another.

What would her father say to Asirikai? What would she say to him? What would her mother think? She could hardly say no to Asirikai’s proposal, it was beyond good fortune for her family, especially after she had ‘besmirched’ herself in the eyes of the majority of Lord Holders. Weyr life was far more promiscuous than Holder life, and if she didn’t impress? But only one impression chance… That’s all Asirikai would give her, and if it wasn’t enough? There was a pit in her stomach. She didn’t have ill feelings toward Asirikai… She didn’t think so, at least. But did she want to marry him? She stepped out of the crowd, trying to stop the thrumming in her heart, and the sour taste in her mouth. She stepped into the crevice, swallowing back tears.

Vanisha had been so close to freedom, and now she was watching it all slip away. She took some deep breaths, her body trembling, and one tear fell. The marriage offer… The kiss. It had been her first, and she didn’t know how to feel about that either. It was just too much. She touched her lips, closing her eyes. She shouldn’t have let him kiss her. She should have pulled away; it had been inappropriate, the kiss. She hadn’t wanted to anger him, or disappoint him… And here he was, about to strip her of the one thing she had finally had the courage to ask for herself. She took a steadying breath, brushed the tear from her chin, and turned out of the crevice.

Her body still thrummed with energy, a sort of fear, but she pushed the thoughts and uncertainties aside as best she could. She rejoined the crowd, and spotted Parlhion almost immediately. She had been closer to him then she had assumed. She blinked in surprise, wondering if he had caught sight of her before… She rubbed her palms on her dress once, smoothing it out, and finished the last fifty feet to her taller companion.

“Hello Parlhion, I apologize if I am a bit late…” She gave him one of her perfect smiles as best she could, but it felt off. She tucked a stray hair of her loose red hair behind her ear. “I was delayed. Thank you for waiting for me.” She swallowed and looked toward the crowd.

“Shall we?” She felt unsteady, and without thinking about it reached for Parlhion’s arm, assuming his willingness to escort her; not even catching the indecorum of it. Her hand shook, just a little. She doubted he would note it. “Have you been enjoying yourself?” Best to steer the attention off herself as best as possible.

[tovaana]

Parlhion;

There was a flash of red and the man shifted a little, but stayed leaning against the railing, just in case it wasn’t her. He narrowed his eyes and he thought saw her for a moment – confirming that it was Vanisha for a split moment, but then she was gone, and his eyes narrowed in confusion for a moment. Or… perhaps it hadn’t been her. He scanned the crowd and came back to the spot where he’d lost sight of her – and then she materialized again, this time she was headed toward him. It was odd, but he didn’t think much of it since there were numerous possible explanations.

He pushed off with his back in a swift movement as she neared. “No need to apologize, you were simply fulfilling your other commitments.” He murmured, trying to offer an encouraging smile as he noticed her pale complexion. “I’d rather have some company, waiting wasn’t a chore.” Sometimes, in moments like these, he felt old – like his soul had been charged fifty turns for his crime. He only hoped she didn’t find him boring company, because he definitely didn’t feel like he was the entertaining type, not anymore.

His dark eyes flashed up to look at her face once more as she took his arm, feeling a bit of pleasure in the gesture that seemed more confident than shaken. It bolstered him a bit, though he looked away from her at her last question. He remembered how well she had answered his own questions in a way that would please him, and yet not directly answer the question.

“I was there at the announcement of the Lord Holder, to support you… I must say who becomes Lord Holder doesn’t interest me as maybe it should, but I should offer you congratulations – for the Lord that you were supporting winning the title.”

He had started moving away from the docks up toward the crowds that moved from stall to stall. Now that the announcement was over, the stalls were busier than before. Parlhion thought about her pale complexion – like she’d seen a ghost. Or maybe it was just a trick of the lighting, or the cold breeze… “Have you been enjoying your evening?” His question was a little heavier than hers, his dark eyes searching as he glanced over at her. He tried not to divide his attention, but he didn’t want to pass the art stall that he had scouted out before he had gone to the announcement of the new Lord Holder.