'sweet desert rose, oh night, oh night'
The night was warm, with the setting sun painting the city of U'ldah in red and pink hues. The sounds of stringed music, drums and the chimes of gold coins filled the air. The perfect setting for his dancer...Sephiroth stood in the back of the crowd, glowing eyes never leaving the sun kissed cat that leaped and danced like silk on the wind. The circular blades in his hands glinting in the torches fire that lit the area. Sparks igniting when they scraped the ground on a particular turn. It was a dance of beauty and war, the blonde sweating from the heat of the desert. Eyes distant as he performed, nothing distracting him.
Scaled tail swished in time with every leap, and twirl the blonde did. Hand resting on the swords strapped to his hip, a distraction to keep himself from striding forward to grab the trim waist. No, he couldn't let his desert dream know he was there...else he'd run again. Instead, the Xaela hid himself in the crowd...watching, gaze never leaving from his Cloud's movements.
He still remembered where he'd seen the Miqote' that never left his thoughts. Who'd lingered on the edges of his memory, and made him go mad with desire. The square of La Nosca had been filled with spectators, clamoring to see the traveling troupe from another land. All desperate for something new in their mundane lives. The Samurai had been in search of information, gathering intel on magic for his kin sister. Which he'd seen her in thr crowd, her white scales shimmering and green eyes bright as she jumped up trying to see above the tall people.
Sephiroth had rolled his eyes, hoisting her up -ignoring the yelp and indignant 'hey!'. "Oi! I'm not a child Seph put me down! I can see on my own!"
"Right, which is why you were hopping like a chocobo to see above these rean men?" He easily made it to the front, letting Aerith perch in the crook of his arm. "What is this performance anyway?"
The brunette smiled, "It's a troupe that is here to show off their war dance! AND if I were to join they can teach me, I think the spells and tricks will be handy in our guild."
Huh...well he supposed-
"Also the head dancers uniform is gorgeous! I need to try and get it!"
Ah, never mind that was the real reason.
The crowd went silent. The leader of the group standing in the center of the circle, taking a bow. "Witness the art of war, and the beauty that the sword and blade can create! See and gaze upon the acolyte who mastered the dance! Our beloved, and sunny Cloud!" With that the drummers began playing, and there was blur of gold and blue that leapt from behind the caravan. Arching over the roof to land gracefully onto the makeshift stage, the circular blades in hand. Sephiroth had lost his breath at the sight of the dancer...
A miqote'...male. Body lithe and strong, dressed in the most scantily clad pants he'd ever seen. Silk and leather cross crossed across his chest, bangles of gold on his wrist. Blue gems hung from his gold ears that flicked to the beat, along with necklaces of gold coins that draped across his neck and slim hips. He looked like a dancer who was blessed by the Twins. With eyes the color of the morning sky turned to the crowd, shining with merriment and determination. He bowed, before twirling into his performance and Sephiroth had been lost...
Cloud...that had been the dancers name. Moved in a dance that was beautiful and sensual, while showing off the power he held. Lights of aether burst from him, making it seem like a parlor trick but Sephiroth knew better. He could taste the strength...and perhaps it was the fact he never let his gaze stray, but as Cloud looked into the crowd of faces..he'd spotted him. A moment...it froze and the blonde cat had raked his eyes over his form, a slight smile before a cheeky wink was tossed his way. At the end of the performance the blonde cat had left, and his kin had gone to ask for tutelage from the head of the troupe.
The samurai had gone in search of the blonde vixen...he'd found him, changed and wearing the simple clothes. A familiar pendant hung around his hip, white in color. A White mage? He'd smiled, and approached...their first meeting. "Your dance was...lovely."
Cloud had paused in fixing his shirt, looking over. A blush painted his cheeks, "Ah...thanks. Honestly, I'm not as talented as Andrea but they insisted I come and debut." His eyes landed on the swords, "Impressive steel. By the aura ...You've defeated quite a few monsters, yeah?"
That was how they'd connected. Cloud was actually well versed in the blade. Interested in the swords make and history, and what battles Sephiroth had fought. While he'd learned that the Dancer was a White Mage, who learned the war dance to heighten his skills. Apparently the blonde was a very 'no nonsense' White Mage. Who'd refused to join foolish raiders more then once. Why waste the mana? Then his sister had gotten into the mix, having Cloud teach her a few beginner moves before gifting her the coveted outfit.
In that short time...he and Cloud had connected. Which was hard for him to do, and on the night before he'd been called for a quest...they had shared the once lonely bed in his room at the INN. If the connection at first sight hadn't solidified his obsession with the Miqote then their night of passion had.
Responsive. Wild. Gentle. Warm. It was like holding fire against him, with heated words and loud cries. He'd hoped that there would be more night like this...
However, by morning...Cloud had vanished. Running...though he was not sure why...
Sephiroth was not a Xeala to give up so easily, and thankfully his sister was a huge help in finding him. Which was why it had taken months, but they had tracked down Andreas troupe. There he had found Cloud in Uldah'....If there was one thing Sephiroth was good at..it was finding, and capturing his prey.
No..he would not let Cloud slip through his grasp again.
Now to just make his beloved dancer realize that...
