The forest home of the Achlaroilu was a relatively spartan, simple affair. Large bolts of fabric draped in between trees formed soft colored walls. Glowing globes of various colors hung from branches, casting their hues on the fabric themselves, creating shimmering, dancing blocks of color and shadow.
Blankets and pillows were strewn about the area around the home, and a slender boat bobbed in the gentle current of the nearby river. Musicians played reed flutes and delicately carved harps of bone and driftwood. Laughter flowed like the mead that servants carried, and conversations were abundant as the grassy slopes in this part of the Evergreen.
Elevie had returned home and she wore a homespun dress of vibrant blue and red. She had been unhurt in the ambush, protected well by Grittain and Theorn and both of her protectors stood close to her now. The trio held cups of clay pottery, each occasionally drinking. Elevie's expression was serious and somber as ever, but she did appear to take a measure of satisfaction and delight in greeting each of the invited guests to welcome them.
E'uinn was resplendent in a simple green tunic and leggings, and was bare of feet, something that seemed unnatural and alien for him. He strummed a lute casually as he mingled with the musicians, and wore a smile on his handsome face better than any crown.
~
Kormus was doing well. His color was beginning to return and he Aoife seemed pleased with his progress. He had not regained consciousness, but all signs pointed to that happening sooner rather than later. The healers, Aoife chiefly among them, felt comfortable that he would survive.
Qurraine and Aoife consented to join the gathering, and dressed in matching colors of gray and sable, and escorted Caoimhe to the party.
~
A few of the warders wore mourning white, for those that had been lost. There would be a ceremony later to honor the fallen and remember their sacrifice. Elevie was expected to sing for them.
All in all a hundred or so were there, and a silent shadow watched from the treeline alone and unseen.
Dinner with the Achlaroilu - Jy 30th ET
Moderators: Vanadius, Morg, Mods
When Caoimhe had left the injured she literally ran back to her family's abode. Once there she stripped out of her old clothes and set to work on preparing herself for the evening's dinner. This process included a bath and then perfect concentration on her long locks of blond hair. When Qurraine and Aoife were ready to go Caoimhe whined and insisted she needed a few burns more. She wanted to look lovely, and she couldn't do that with her overbearing mother lording over her and telling her that she looked well enough. She gave care and attention to the application of liner for her eyes, but aside from that she wore no makeup. Her glow was a natural one. A light floral perfume dotted her wrists and jawline giving her a sweet scent.
Eventually, though, in the interest of keeping her parents happy, Caoimhe decided she was as ready as she could be. Her hair was bound up in an intricate myriad of rolls and knots that cradled against the back of her head and allowed the length of her hair to drape down over her shoulders in gentle waves. The dress she wore was free of adornment but made of a soft supple fabric of dark brown trimmed with creme. The dress moved easily. It clung to her body in a tasteful fashion. Though, to be fair, there was little the curvaceous young woman could wear that wouldn't show off her figure. To pair with the clean lines of her dress she wore several pieces of hemp jewelry, including a choker necklace that held snug to her narrow throat which was adorned with several shiny river stones turned into beads by careful hand work.
She'd taken up behind her parents. Caoimhe was more comfortable allowing them the entrance than walking between them. Once inside her eyes absorbed the beauty of the natural room. The grass was soft beneath her toes which were bare, a comfort she enjoyed, though one wouldn't be able to tell what with the gracious length of the dress she wore. She caught sight of E'uinn playing his lute, but looked away before he could see her admiring him and his skill with the instrument. Instead, she found herself following her parents as they approached Elevie to offer their greetings.
Eventually, though, in the interest of keeping her parents happy, Caoimhe decided she was as ready as she could be. Her hair was bound up in an intricate myriad of rolls and knots that cradled against the back of her head and allowed the length of her hair to drape down over her shoulders in gentle waves. The dress she wore was free of adornment but made of a soft supple fabric of dark brown trimmed with creme. The dress moved easily. It clung to her body in a tasteful fashion. Though, to be fair, there was little the curvaceous young woman could wear that wouldn't show off her figure. To pair with the clean lines of her dress she wore several pieces of hemp jewelry, including a choker necklace that held snug to her narrow throat which was adorned with several shiny river stones turned into beads by careful hand work.
She'd taken up behind her parents. Caoimhe was more comfortable allowing them the entrance than walking between them. Once inside her eyes absorbed the beauty of the natural room. The grass was soft beneath her toes which were bare, a comfort she enjoyed, though one wouldn't be able to tell what with the gracious length of the dress she wore. She caught sight of E'uinn playing his lute, but looked away before he could see her admiring him and his skill with the instrument. Instead, she found herself following her parents as they approached Elevie to offer their greetings.
[size=75]The only trouble with resisting temptation is that you may not get another chance
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Elevie, ever sad and mournful, still managed a smile to greet them.
"Welcome to all of you. Be at peace here. Tonight is for rest and mirth. Please be at ease and enjoy yourself."
She lightly touched each of their hands or hair as they passed, as she bid them to enter.
Theorn and Grittain nodded to Qurraine, and respect and mutual admiration was communicated among them silent and unspoken. The Warder Captain gave his wife a brief kiss on the cheek, and a mock look of warning to his daughter before heading off with the other two warriors to discuss what ever it was they wanted to talk about alone.
Aoife reached for her daughter's hand and squeezed it warmly.
"It is a beautiful eveningtide. Go forth and enjoy it as you will. I don't expect that you wish to sit around and gossip and visit with a bunch of old women, so I release you to your own conscience. Just remember that as a healer, I can mend many wounds, but not the rifts caused by inappropriate behavior and unseemly conduct. Your father is a warrior, but he cannot fight stares of disapproval and reproach."
Her mother laughed softly at her own seriousness.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is behave yourself."
Aoife gave her daughter's hand another reassuring and loving squeeze before she released it and let Caoimhe wander as she willed.
"Welcome to all of you. Be at peace here. Tonight is for rest and mirth. Please be at ease and enjoy yourself."
She lightly touched each of their hands or hair as they passed, as she bid them to enter.
Theorn and Grittain nodded to Qurraine, and respect and mutual admiration was communicated among them silent and unspoken. The Warder Captain gave his wife a brief kiss on the cheek, and a mock look of warning to his daughter before heading off with the other two warriors to discuss what ever it was they wanted to talk about alone.
Aoife reached for her daughter's hand and squeezed it warmly.
"It is a beautiful eveningtide. Go forth and enjoy it as you will. I don't expect that you wish to sit around and gossip and visit with a bunch of old women, so I release you to your own conscience. Just remember that as a healer, I can mend many wounds, but not the rifts caused by inappropriate behavior and unseemly conduct. Your father is a warrior, but he cannot fight stares of disapproval and reproach."
Her mother laughed softly at her own seriousness.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is behave yourself."
Aoife gave her daughter's hand another reassuring and loving squeeze before she released it and let Caoimhe wander as she willed.
Caoimhe nodded to Aoife's request. "Yes, mother," she said respectfully. "I will honor you both," she finished and waited for the older woman to leave her company before glancing around at those present. There was an urge to visit with E'uinn, but she wasn't entirely sure how to approach him without coming off as too forward, and so her eyes went to Elevie instead.
She looked so sad, the poor dear soul. After what had happened this day it was no wonder. It hadn't been easy for Caoimhe to leave behind the horrors of what she'd seen and that was only the aftermath of the fighting that had happened in the forest. Backtracking slightly she approached the beautiful young woman.
"Achalaroilu Elevie - will you and your friends dance?" She asked with a smile aimed at both the leader and to those who stood by her. There were many traditional dances of T'aquar that weren't meant for a man and woman, but just for groups of persons to dance together. To Caoimhe these were fun and brought back some of their old world - something they'd lost much of during all the turmoil. "Perhaps now, while your brother plays? It would be fun..." This last bit was said with a tone of daring, perhaps teasing to inspire the sullen young elfess into action.
She looked so sad, the poor dear soul. After what had happened this day it was no wonder. It hadn't been easy for Caoimhe to leave behind the horrors of what she'd seen and that was only the aftermath of the fighting that had happened in the forest. Backtracking slightly she approached the beautiful young woman.
"Achalaroilu Elevie - will you and your friends dance?" She asked with a smile aimed at both the leader and to those who stood by her. There were many traditional dances of T'aquar that weren't meant for a man and woman, but just for groups of persons to dance together. To Caoimhe these were fun and brought back some of their old world - something they'd lost much of during all the turmoil. "Perhaps now, while your brother plays? It would be fun..." This last bit was said with a tone of daring, perhaps teasing to inspire the sullen young elfess into action.
[size=75]The only trouble with resisting temptation is that you may not get another chance
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Elevie's hollow eyes met Caoimhe's as she approached. The Achalaroilu's gaze was full of a deep and abiding pain that seemed fathomless and unending, and yet somehow, despite all this, she managed a thin smile.
"No I don't think so cousin, but that should not stop you from enjoying the celebration."
There was a mournful dullness to Elevie's voice, but her next words proved that she was not chained to her sadness completely.
"It would do my heart much good, and bring me much enjoyment if you could get your father to dance though. He has shouldered a great deal of responsibility these past few weeks. I imagine that many of his people would quite enjoy a chance to laugh at him."
An Adhiel of like age with Elevie smiled at Caoimhe. She was a dark haired young woman, slim of waist and delicate as well.
"I would like to dance with you if you would have me." She said in a hopeful tone.
"No I don't think so cousin, but that should not stop you from enjoying the celebration."
There was a mournful dullness to Elevie's voice, but her next words proved that she was not chained to her sadness completely.
"It would do my heart much good, and bring me much enjoyment if you could get your father to dance though. He has shouldered a great deal of responsibility these past few weeks. I imagine that many of his people would quite enjoy a chance to laugh at him."
An Adhiel of like age with Elevie smiled at Caoimhe. She was a dark haired young woman, slim of waist and delicate as well.
"I would like to dance with you if you would have me." She said in a hopeful tone.
It was a great honor to be called cousin by one such as Elevie. That, in itself, was a great win for the evening and made her feel not only at ease with their lady of leadership but also closer to her for their brief conversation. "I shall see if I cannot get my father out to dance. If it would please you then I will do my best. You know as well as I what a stubborn man he can be, though." Their earlier interaction had softened her slightly to her father's generally cold warrior's mentality. "If it pleases you, when he does dance, then laugh so that we may all laugh." It was no secret that Elevie was viewed as sullen, the secret was what had happened to her to make her that way.
The brunette that asked to join Caoimhe on the dance floor was met with a warm smile. "Oh yes, of course. Let us go. Achalaroilu, it has been my pleasure to hold your company," she gave her a small curtsy and then slid her arm next to the girl's thus taking her hand in her own in a friendly way to lead her out into the floor. "What dances do you know? Do you know the Rose Dance?" It was a standard summer dance.
The brunette that asked to join Caoimhe on the dance floor was met with a warm smile. "Oh yes, of course. Let us go. Achalaroilu, it has been my pleasure to hold your company," she gave her a small curtsy and then slid her arm next to the girl's thus taking her hand in her own in a friendly way to lead her out into the floor. "What dances do you know? Do you know the Rose Dance?" It was a standard summer dance.
[size=75]The only trouble with resisting temptation is that you may not get another chance
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Elevie smiled thinly in response to Caoimhe's words and good humor.
"Aye, he's is stubborn, and that alone has kept more of our people alive than can easily be guessed." Her eyes followed the pair of young girls as they headed away and towards where several others were already dancing.
"Oh, the Rose dance! It's been a long time! Show me please!"
As the girls joined in, the musicians began to play "The Morning Dew". It was a lively song, full of harmonies and melodies that were fast enough to dance the Rose dance to.
"The morning dew makes its path across a verdant field...
"In its wake, the dawn flies forth, to which the dark must yield..."
The song continued as they danced. Siofra, as Caoimhe would soon learn the other girl's name, was a quick study, and took great delight in learning the steps and movements. She knew part of it, but needed reminding of how the dance progressed again. Before long, a dozen men and women had joined in the common and familiar movements.
"Summer rains, bring refreshing change, to this we all agree...
"But morning dew is refreshing too, and is much the same you see..."
The song went on, and so did the dance. There was a great deal of laughter and mirth as they carried on...
"Aye, he's is stubborn, and that alone has kept more of our people alive than can easily be guessed." Her eyes followed the pair of young girls as they headed away and towards where several others were already dancing.
"Oh, the Rose dance! It's been a long time! Show me please!"
As the girls joined in, the musicians began to play "The Morning Dew". It was a lively song, full of harmonies and melodies that were fast enough to dance the Rose dance to.
"The morning dew makes its path across a verdant field...
"In its wake, the dawn flies forth, to which the dark must yield..."
The song continued as they danced. Siofra, as Caoimhe would soon learn the other girl's name, was a quick study, and took great delight in learning the steps and movements. She knew part of it, but needed reminding of how the dance progressed again. Before long, a dozen men and women had joined in the common and familiar movements.
"Summer rains, bring refreshing change, to this we all agree...
"But morning dew is refreshing too, and is much the same you see..."
The song went on, and so did the dance. There was a great deal of laughter and mirth as they carried on...
Caoimhe lifted her skirt between her thumb and middle finger just short of her knees so that when she stood her bare feet were exposed as well as her narrow toned calves. First, she put in her right foot, turning it about, and then shifted her weight so that her left foot could rise behind her to kick her dress away from her before her left foot swung ahead and she began the rhythmic steps of the dance that involved anywhere from two to twenty persons (or more, of there were multiple roses). From above, as more dancers joined, the rose grew until it was a large, multi-petaled bloom that spread across the mossy green dance floor, each petal the color of another dress as it spread around the spinning form of one of the adhiel girls.
"Come, Siofra," Caoimhe dropped her skirt and it tickled her ankles, a bright smile lighting her face. The elfess linked her hands with her partner, and the two danced in the very center of the rose, with everyone else dancing around them as the song came to it's end, with their feet picking up speed until finally they couldn't keep track of the beat or the rhythm and were just jumping and stamping and laughing, Caoimhe's mirth rising above that of her new friend until she lost control and the spinning became too much and she collapsed with a heaving chest in a tumble of colors from their mixed dresses, bringing Siofra down with her to the forgiving and soft ground, and perhaps a few other dancers in the process.
Her laughter burst out even louder then, but she pressed a grass-stained hand to her mouth to try to stop it. Her hair had been made a mess of from the frantic and fast dancing, but she didn't mind, and a pair of sly green eyes glanced over to E'uinn to see if he'd been watching her, and if he might still be watching her now. Oh! It was too much fun, and her mother would be horribly angry about it as she stayed in a tangle with Siofra, laughing and saying what a wonderful dancer the dark haired girl was. "We must think of another, right now! What other dance shall we do?" She asked exuberantly, hoping the music might pick up immediately so they could pick something appropriate.
"Come, Siofra," Caoimhe dropped her skirt and it tickled her ankles, a bright smile lighting her face. The elfess linked her hands with her partner, and the two danced in the very center of the rose, with everyone else dancing around them as the song came to it's end, with their feet picking up speed until finally they couldn't keep track of the beat or the rhythm and were just jumping and stamping and laughing, Caoimhe's mirth rising above that of her new friend until she lost control and the spinning became too much and she collapsed with a heaving chest in a tumble of colors from their mixed dresses, bringing Siofra down with her to the forgiving and soft ground, and perhaps a few other dancers in the process.
Her laughter burst out even louder then, but she pressed a grass-stained hand to her mouth to try to stop it. Her hair had been made a mess of from the frantic and fast dancing, but she didn't mind, and a pair of sly green eyes glanced over to E'uinn to see if he'd been watching her, and if he might still be watching her now. Oh! It was too much fun, and her mother would be horribly angry about it as she stayed in a tangle with Siofra, laughing and saying what a wonderful dancer the dark haired girl was. "We must think of another, right now! What other dance shall we do?" She asked exuberantly, hoping the music might pick up immediately so they could pick something appropriate.
[size=75]The only trouble with resisting temptation is that you may not get another chance
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The sounds of laughter and music bounded through the forest once more. It had been nearly a yahren since any had enjoyed themselves this much. The woodland realm had always been a place of beauty and mirth, and now those sounds lingered in the trees once more, and the people of the forests embraced it like an old lover.
E'uinn had removed himself away from the dancing to a discreet and respectable distance. He was watching carefully however, and the warm smile on his face demonstrated that was truly enjoying the festivities.
As "The Morning Dew" and the dance came to a joyful close, the Achalaroilu's gaze kept returning to the young and beautiful Caoimhe. A passerby greeted him and asked him a question, which he nodded his assent to, all without removing his attention on her.
The music began again, this time a jaunty, sporty melody called "Sunshine and Starlight", a well known song with much the same beat and rhythm as the previous song. Siofra caught her breath and suggested;
"We should do the Arras Weave! I wonder if there is enough ribbon for everyone?!"
The 'Arras Weave' was a festival dance where the participants used brightly colored ribbons as part of the movements to weave together a vibrant curtain or tapestry. As the people danced, they would interlace the ribbons together, which concluded at the finish of the dance. A large Arras weave was easily big enough to create one of the many fabric walls that were used in the dwellings here. Even a small one could be used as a blanket or coverlet.
Siofra dashed over to where several women were lounging about and drinking mead and wine from delicate crystal flutes. Several spools of ribbon were offered up, and one woman even went back to her dwelling for more. E'uinn was urged over to where they were preparing to begin, and given a spool with a bright red color, and he somewhat hesitantly took it and stood in place, ready to participate. He gave Caoimhe a playful shrug and look of mock terror as Soifra gave the young Adhiel a choice of green, gold or blue.
The musicians carried on as they prepared, exploring different refrains of the song, and improvising new ones as they waited.
E'uinn had removed himself away from the dancing to a discreet and respectable distance. He was watching carefully however, and the warm smile on his face demonstrated that was truly enjoying the festivities.
As "The Morning Dew" and the dance came to a joyful close, the Achalaroilu's gaze kept returning to the young and beautiful Caoimhe. A passerby greeted him and asked him a question, which he nodded his assent to, all without removing his attention on her.
The music began again, this time a jaunty, sporty melody called "Sunshine and Starlight", a well known song with much the same beat and rhythm as the previous song. Siofra caught her breath and suggested;
"We should do the Arras Weave! I wonder if there is enough ribbon for everyone?!"
The 'Arras Weave' was a festival dance where the participants used brightly colored ribbons as part of the movements to weave together a vibrant curtain or tapestry. As the people danced, they would interlace the ribbons together, which concluded at the finish of the dance. A large Arras weave was easily big enough to create one of the many fabric walls that were used in the dwellings here. Even a small one could be used as a blanket or coverlet.
Siofra dashed over to where several women were lounging about and drinking mead and wine from delicate crystal flutes. Several spools of ribbon were offered up, and one woman even went back to her dwelling for more. E'uinn was urged over to where they were preparing to begin, and given a spool with a bright red color, and he somewhat hesitantly took it and stood in place, ready to participate. He gave Caoimhe a playful shrug and look of mock terror as Soifra gave the young Adhiel a choice of green, gold or blue.
The musicians carried on as they prepared, exploring different refrains of the song, and improvising new ones as they waited.
To catch E'uinn's eye as he was talking to a guest caused for Caoimhe's stomach to fill with butterflies, or maybe even something better than those simple bugs. The elfess imagined a horde of faeries flitting about in her abdomen. She swallowed to contain them and her smile wavered in way of a coquettish smirk as she bit her lip and looked downward at her hands interwoven with Siofra's. She enjoyed him watching her. Her eyes shifted up with a flirtation in their green haze and she imagined him leaving the stranger and making his way across the expanse between them.
Her partner interrupted the building daydream of him walking over to her purposefully, taking her hand and demanding a dance. It was probably best this way so that she wasn't staring awkwardly into space should he actually follow through and approach. "Yes!" She said excitedly and gave full attention to the brunette. "The Arras Weave would be perfect!" She replied with giddy enthusiasm, and for the flicker she forgot the prince on the other side of the dance floor in favor Siofra's company. There was no sense in leaving her head in the clouds when there was someone lovely and charming right here.
The girl scurried about and managed to get bunches of spools of ribbon which left Caoimhe rather stranded for the moment. She artfully avoided her mother (and her generally disapproving and stern gaze) by taking up a small conversation with whomever was closest while awaiting the return of Siofra. She considered finding who was serving those crystal flutes, as a glass of wine might be nice. They could be hard to come by for the youthful adhiel. Her protective parents didn't approve of the imbibing of alcohol at such a young age. Caoimhe, typically, didn't understand the restriction.
Siofra's return with the many colors had her pause in consideration. Being a girl, she couldn't help wanting to make sure that the color matched her in some manner, so she chose the gold, for she thought it would pair well with the browns of her dress, plus when the weave was done it would be easy to spot among the other colors. "Siofra, which will you take?" She asked. Even as she did she caught sight of E'uinn and his jesting expressions. She smiled and then laughed, taking hold of her spool and getting ready. The music was picking up and giving hints to the fun to come. Caoimhe's shoulders and hips kept in time to the beat.
Her partner interrupted the building daydream of him walking over to her purposefully, taking her hand and demanding a dance. It was probably best this way so that she wasn't staring awkwardly into space should he actually follow through and approach. "Yes!" She said excitedly and gave full attention to the brunette. "The Arras Weave would be perfect!" She replied with giddy enthusiasm, and for the flicker she forgot the prince on the other side of the dance floor in favor Siofra's company. There was no sense in leaving her head in the clouds when there was someone lovely and charming right here.
The girl scurried about and managed to get bunches of spools of ribbon which left Caoimhe rather stranded for the moment. She artfully avoided her mother (and her generally disapproving and stern gaze) by taking up a small conversation with whomever was closest while awaiting the return of Siofra. She considered finding who was serving those crystal flutes, as a glass of wine might be nice. They could be hard to come by for the youthful adhiel. Her protective parents didn't approve of the imbibing of alcohol at such a young age. Caoimhe, typically, didn't understand the restriction.
Siofra's return with the many colors had her pause in consideration. Being a girl, she couldn't help wanting to make sure that the color matched her in some manner, so she chose the gold, for she thought it would pair well with the browns of her dress, plus when the weave was done it would be easy to spot among the other colors. "Siofra, which will you take?" She asked. Even as she did she caught sight of E'uinn and his jesting expressions. She smiled and then laughed, taking hold of her spool and getting ready. The music was picking up and giving hints to the fun to come. Caoimhe's shoulders and hips kept in time to the beat.
[size=75]The only trouble with resisting temptation is that you may not get another chance
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Soifra took the blue spool with a smile and wink for Caoimhe, and got into position as the musicians began to play the opening melody to "Sunshine and Starlight."
Although "the weave" could be considered a difficult and complex dance, nearly all Adhiel had been a part of one at least one time in their life or another. So with a few fits and starts for which direction to begin in, they started the weave much to delight of both onlookers and participants.
It started with eighteen people, with nine "weavers" and nine "anchors". They began in a square box pattern, with 3 anchors in three straight rows, and with a weaver at their side.
As the music began, each anchor would hold their partner's ribbon, allowing each weaver to move to across the pattern to one of the anchors diagonally across from them, trailing the ribbon along with them. This created several lovely diamond patterns initially and as the weavers reached the next anchor, that person would wrap the ribbon, allowing the weaver to move on to the next as the ribbons were woven into a pattern. The music continued on and on, and the weaving grew smaller and smaller as the weavers danced in the ever shrinking square pattern. Eventually it grew too small for much movement and the anchors would continue the weave with only their hands, leaving the others free to simply sway and dance to the music as they pleased. When the weaves were completed, the result was a large square woven quilt, with concentric diamond patterns of various hues and colors.
The entire thing was tied together with strong and secret knots and finally held out at the corners for all to admire. Spontaneous shouts of joy and mirth erupted, and whistles of approval sounded from many onlookers. Elevie nodded and smiled, and E'uinn, who had been one of the first to break off after his part was completed, applauded and decreed that it was to be immediately hung between the trees of his home for all to enjoy.
The Weave had taken a long time to complete, roughly half a mark, so the musicians took a break and the many dancers and others broke off into small groups where they talked and laughed together. Siofra gave Caoimhe a nervous look and bolted away as E'uinn approached bearing a plate of fresh fruit and a flute of sparkling mead.
"You must be thirsty." He said simply, with a wide grin, holding out the refreshments to her.
"I haven't done that since I was a small child. That was great fun." He turned to look as others were climbing the trees to have the Arras hung. The he turned back to look into her eyes.
"It's beautiful..." He whispered.
Although "the weave" could be considered a difficult and complex dance, nearly all Adhiel had been a part of one at least one time in their life or another. So with a few fits and starts for which direction to begin in, they started the weave much to delight of both onlookers and participants.
It started with eighteen people, with nine "weavers" and nine "anchors". They began in a square box pattern, with 3 anchors in three straight rows, and with a weaver at their side.
As the music began, each anchor would hold their partner's ribbon, allowing each weaver to move to across the pattern to one of the anchors diagonally across from them, trailing the ribbon along with them. This created several lovely diamond patterns initially and as the weavers reached the next anchor, that person would wrap the ribbon, allowing the weaver to move on to the next as the ribbons were woven into a pattern. The music continued on and on, and the weaving grew smaller and smaller as the weavers danced in the ever shrinking square pattern. Eventually it grew too small for much movement and the anchors would continue the weave with only their hands, leaving the others free to simply sway and dance to the music as they pleased. When the weaves were completed, the result was a large square woven quilt, with concentric diamond patterns of various hues and colors.
The entire thing was tied together with strong and secret knots and finally held out at the corners for all to admire. Spontaneous shouts of joy and mirth erupted, and whistles of approval sounded from many onlookers. Elevie nodded and smiled, and E'uinn, who had been one of the first to break off after his part was completed, applauded and decreed that it was to be immediately hung between the trees of his home for all to enjoy.
The Weave had taken a long time to complete, roughly half a mark, so the musicians took a break and the many dancers and others broke off into small groups where they talked and laughed together. Siofra gave Caoimhe a nervous look and bolted away as E'uinn approached bearing a plate of fresh fruit and a flute of sparkling mead.
"You must be thirsty." He said simply, with a wide grin, holding out the refreshments to her.
"I haven't done that since I was a small child. That was great fun." He turned to look as others were climbing the trees to have the Arras hung. The he turned back to look into her eyes.
"It's beautiful..." He whispered.