Beltane festivities of another color

[Darien Kachine]

((Same night as the Beltane fete at the Palace))

Tonight I’d decided to forgo the formal celebrations and instead spend my time enjoying this Beltane night in another way.

Even though the fete had been open to all, there were always people who either didn’t have the means to attend such events or knew that socially their presence wasn’t really requested. It was with these people that I decided to spend my Beltane night.

Pad and chalks tucked into various pocket of my patchwork coat, I entered Night’s Doorstep and felt my already high spirits rise further. There was music everywhere and several small bonfires burned at crossroad squares, people dancing around them as they abandoned all cares to the night.

This was where I wanted to be tonight.

Accepting a mug of ale from a boy who ran up and offered it to me with a huge, gap-toothed smile, I joined the celebrations.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

I couldn't afford a new dress for the Beltane fete, so instead I trekked down to Night's Doorstep for my first night ever of carousing. Someone handed me a flagon of wine and I tossed it down, before hitching up my skirts and starting to dance.

[Darien Kachine]

The crowd was growing as others trickled in. the event would be nowhere near as big as the fete at the Palace, but I would bet a goodly amount we would end up having more fun.

The song became one that required partners for the dance, for there was a section of passing and twirling, and the daughter of a flower merchant rushed over grabbed my hand, pulling me into joining the dancers.

Laughing happily I let her lead me and we joined the double ring of other dancers circling the fire.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

I was pulled into a dance by a slim young man, and when the man playing the violin called out "Switch!", I was roughly handed off to another fellow. I tried to regain my composure, I wasn't used to being handled thus, but instead, I was able to get a flagon of ale, and drank as I danced, before handing off the half empty cup to someone else.

[Darien Kachine]

The dance ended and I found myself holding the hand of a flaxen haired woman with brown eyes.

“Happy Beltane,” I said, smiling.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Thank you," I said, a bit breathlessly. My face felt hot and my eyes glittered. "I've never danced like that before, but oh, it is fun!" My words bubbled out, helped along by the wine.

[Darien Kachine]

“One of the perks of celebrating here instead of somewhere more formal,” I said with a laugh. There was another song starting up. “I could use something to drink, join me?”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"I'd love to," I said.

[Darien Kachine]

Still holding her hand, I led her off to the side where some crates had been stacked for seats. Releasing her hand, I caught two glasses of what looked like wine and juice mixed from a passing tray and offered her one.

“I think we may be safe here long enough to catch our breath,” I said, smiling.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

His hand held mine firm and I blushed with pleasure of it. Taking the glass he offered me, I settled myself atop a crate. "Good," I said, "shall we make a toast?"

[Darien Kachine]

“It seems rather appropriate in these surroundings,” I said, taking a seat on the crate next to hers. “what shall we toast to?”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"To an excellent evening," I said, raising my mug and waiting for him to add something if he wished."

[Darien Kachine]

“And to new experiences,” I added, touching my mug to hers and smiling before I took a sip.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

Putting the mug to my lips, I took a sip of the juice-wine. The mug felt slightly greasy, but I ignored the feeling and jut concentrated on the sweet taste. It was then I realized that we hadn't even introduced ourselves. "I'm Merav," I said.

[Darien Kachine]

“I’m Darien,” I replied with a smile after taking a long drink. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Merav.”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Likewise," I said. "Do you live around here?"

[Darien Kachine]

“Just a few blocks that way,” I said, pointing in the direction of my salon. “You?”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"East Borough," I replied. I glanced in the direction he pointed. "So are you an artist?"

[Darien Kachine]

“A bit, but mostly I’m a marquist,” I answered after another drink. “What do you do when not out celebrating?”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"I'm supposed to be studying," I said, "but at the moment I'm playing host to a Sabaean looking for mystical secrets."

[Darien Kachine]

“Truly?” I asked, her words a surprise. “That sounds like it makes for interesting days.”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"When he isn't shutting himself away with books or job-hunting, it certainly is," I replied, the drink loosening my tongue pleasantly. "I didn't grow up with any Habiru knowlege, so he has much to teach me."

[Darien Kachine]

“Is that what you’re studying?” I asked.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Yes," I said. "I'm..." I paused. "My father was Yeshuite, but I never knew him. I guess I'm trying to learn the things he would have taught me."

[Darien Kachine]

I looked away from the celebrations and at her again. “are you enjoying learning these things?”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Yes, certainly," I said, "but sometimes, it's good to cut loose, and carouse in Night's Doorstep with strangers." I gave him a smile. "So, you're a marquist? What's that like?"

[Darien Kachine]

“I enjoy it very much. I get to meet a lot of people and it’s gratifying to be part of each adept’s journey towards freedom,” I answered.

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

"Do you have any marques?" I asked.

[Darien Kachine]

“No,” I answered, shaking my head slightly. “What about you?”

[Merav Malahi de Valentin]

I shook my head. "I don't like pain much."