Midnight Revelries.

[Alyrra]

The incessant rain which had been pouring from heavy clouds over Myrken had come to dampen spirits just as much as the earth and vegetation which suffered under its onslaught. Some of those who worked the fields were beginning to complain and drink more heavily than before, without work to keep their hands busy while they were kept from their chores by the rain. Yet within the shadowed recesses of the forest, a large bonfire roared to life, a constant hiss the reminder of its fight against what rain managed to spill upon its lively dance of shifting flames. So far from the tavern where she was often seen, a delicate girl who appeared no more than a human's fifteen years of age sat upon a blanket spread over a fallen, damp log, her comfort unspoiled by the falling tears of the heavens. In fact, for all the noise of rain falling about them, the campfire seemed to be recieving no more than a small drizzle of moisture, whatever miracle or spell had been cast to keep a shield of sorts over the small gathering that had been planned.

A carved stick in one hand, the girl was quite busy humming to herself a lively tune, more than likely usually accompanied by the bawdy words of a sailor's drinking song. Simple pastry-like pieces upon the stick to be roasted by the fire, she appeared more than content, if not even perfectly cheerful for a bonfire in the rain. Mere moisture could not dampen this one's spirits, for she had seen so much worse in time spent in this lifestyle of theirs.

[Mikhail]

"... an' she said!" A rather loud and deep voice followed with Maeve's humming by the fire, she sat and rosted her little pastries, the strum of a lyre behind her as the smallish dwarf plucked at the strings, making a rather nice melody to the hamoney of voice. "... drink nay today! Drink nay the marrow! Show me yerself, show truth tomorrow!"

The sound of music seemed to barely hit the thick air of the forest, in the rockpit near a cabin well within; fire roared, men sat and listened to the antics of the dwarf as he almost waddled around, strumming on his instrument like a madman, in and out of the crowd of men circled, some who talked amongst themselves, others who seemed content on being quiet and looking into the lick of blazing flame that reflected the chaos that was Myrken as of late. No one knew the ending, there was no spoiler to be given, only a few men and the one woman, who seemed to have on her left a seated, comfortable elf, and on her right, a standing -- very tall -- human, who was as silent as the former, gazing into the flames like they were the awnser to a problem.

[Alyrra]

Of course, the song which the dwarf was merrily singing and playing the accompanying tune to left the girl's humming to be drowned out, and she did not mind in the slightest. If anything, her smile only grew with the dwarf's voice and his marching through the others gathered about them. Rising absently to her feet, Maeve makes her way over to another standing by the fire. Though she did not know the lad's name, that did not stop her from passing him the stick on which she had spitted so many small pastries to roast over the flames. A cheerful smile cast to the boy as he accepts her 'donation' of sorts -- or was she just passing off the task of cooking those pastries? -- she then spins with a tumble of blue-black curls let loose from their usual tight braid, those rich ebon depths all but dancing with the reflection of fire's golden light upon their curves. The smile upon petaled lips was one of carefree childishness, even as she beams in the direction of stoic human and comfortable elf near where she had left only moments before.

"W'oo's ta be dancin' wit' me t'en?" she demands in a teasing tone, the soft lyrical tones of a youthful voice chiming with laughter. After all, a party was not a party without dancing.

A gloved hand, so much smaller than that of the rest gathered extends toward the males around her, leaving the invitation in the open and without preferance shown on her own behalf. It was only a dance to be given, as it were, and there were still some of those who seemed to need a bit of cheering. Since when the girl had made it her quest to see her companions 'cheerful' could be questioned, but it did indeed seem to be part of her goal tonight. Things had been chaotic and filled with the blood of innocent and guilty alike of late. Certainly a bit of revelry would leave those about in brighter spirits if only for the few moments they partook of them. What the next day would bring, none could tell, but tonight was something she planned to enjoy, so much like the dwarf was already doing.

Perhaps it was noted by the more somber man standing so tall by the fire searching it for answers that this girl was not the one he had known for so long. No longer was she the stoic, gentle creature who simply did what chores and tasks were assigned to her without a word of protest. Never had the youth been anything of a solemn influence, but there had been a lack of joy or revelry to her actions and expressions. Tonight, she was a creature of merriment and careless cheer, her every manner and gesture exuding happiness that seemed to stem far deeper than a simple night taken for them to spend time together as a group.

The damp fabric of an oversized tunic and men's breeches tied about a slender waist with a large belt did not leave the girl in the finery of a lady of the courts, or even most peasant women. She was not dressed to dance and act feminine as she had taken to doing so often of late. The diminutive tomboy and warrior was clothed in such a manner that any curve to a willowy frame could so easily be missed still, though her every gesture held a sweetness and girlish nature that had never been present before in her travels and tasks. The change was so subtle in some ways, and yet so blatant in others. Whether her new-found outlook and behavior was a good thing, however, remained still to be seen.