FFXIVWrite2021 Day 16 Prompt Crane
Yahsra rushed through the street excited. With this much foot traffic surely she would get more than the pittance she had been recently. With this many people the Cleryan might be able to afford renting a room for once. Not that she minded being outdoors, but it would be nice to sleep in a bed for once. The reason for the amount of foot traffic became apparent as she reached the plaza she normally danced in. It was packed with people watching some sort of performance.
In an instant her happiness was dashed. How could she perform to get some food if there were this many people blocking the way. And given her small stature it was all but impossible to see what sort of performance had claimed her usual spot. Whatever it was, it was popular, all of the people of Radz-at-Han seemed to be drawn to it.
Yahsra began to walk away despondent when she heard a voice call, “Were are you going little Cleryan? I think it would be interesting to see your dance alongside that of the Thavnair dancers.”
Turning she saw one of the elders that had been watching her daily and giving her what little she could. “Thavnair dancers?”
The old woman nodded, “Aye little one the dancers of Thavnair are some of the most graceful and deadly. In city their Chakrams are for the show flashing and twirling but, outside where danger lurks those blades strike with the same precision as their steps.”
The Cleryan’s ears twitched in surprise, the art of dance as a martial skill? Her heart skipped a beat; this is what she had been looking for ever since leaving the storm. “There are so many people, how do I get to the plaza to even meet these dancers, much less dance with them?”
The Elder gave a smile then called in a loud voice, “I say why don't we see our little Cleryan friend dance along side Troupe Falsiam.”
One of the onlookers turned toward her saying, “Our what?....Do you mean the rat girl! Don't insult the dancers so!”
“I don't know, her dance is pretty interesting and she is very graceful, if a bit different I say lets see.”
Suddenly many of the crowd turned toward Yahsra and she did her best to stand with confidence. This was the largest amount of eyes ever set upon her and she found herself nervous. But she refused to be like the rest of her cowardly kin and run and hide.
The crowd parted and a middle aged woman walked up dressed in finery not unlike Yahsra’s ritual dance costume. The dark eyed woman looked her up and down, clearly sizing her up and then she asked softly, “What say you, little one do you wish to dance with Troup Falsiam?”
Yahsra looked up at her, catching her eyes replying, “Aye miss, I would like to dance with you. Though I only know the dance of my homeland.”
The woman gave a smile, “That's fine we of Falsiam can adapt to what is needed how about you begin and we follow afterward.”
“Why do you humor the Qiqrin madam Nashmeria ? It's not like it would compare to the beauty of you and yours.”
Turning the dancer gave him a fiery glare, “I do not see this Qiqrin you speak of. What I do see is a woman who desires to dance who is of a peoples I am unfamiliar with and I am curious to see how these Cleryans dance. Do not presume to tell a dancer how to perform her art sir.”
The man shirked away from her intense gaze and the crowd allowed for Yahsra to make her way to the plaza where the others of the troupe stood. Once they arrived in the center Nashmeria motioned for her to take center stage as she and a young Miqo’te kit stood alongside.
Taking a breath Yahsra calmed her beating heart and closed her eyes focusing on her breathing and what she had been taught. Then she began stepping the dance she had been dancing since childhood. She had been raised to be a priestess to keep the storm going and she knew the steps in her sleep. As she continued on she opened her eyes hearing the musicians attempting to play music to match her steps. It was not quite the actual song but it was close enough to be appropriate. Then Nashmina and the Miqo’te began dancing around her, their steps different but beautifully fluid and accenting her own. In their hands were the chakarams the elder spoke of the light of the sun glinting off their edges. For any to not know those were tools of war then they were fools.
Once the performance ended the crowd erupted into applause and coins were given in the baskets at the base of the stage. They all took their bows and left the stage. Nashmeria looked down at Yahsra stating, “That was very unique thank you for the opportunity. You dance beautifully miss,”
“Thank you for allowing me to dance with your people,” the Cleryan responded, “If I may be so bold, could I...join your troup and learn your dances?”
Raising an eyebrow Nashmeria simply asked, “Why?”
That single word softly spoken was also filled with overt command. It was obvious that she wanted Yahsra to fully and completely explain her motives.
Looking up at the Hyur she stated, “My people have chosen to live in fear. To hide away content to believe that the storm that surrounds our home will protect them. That violence is never an answer no matter what happens. I know this will not work that eventually the storm will fade and they will be vulnerable because they do not know how to defend themselves. I have heard yours is as mucha martial art as it is to entertain. This is obvious by your weapons; they are too honed to be something merely for show. I want to learn for my people, for all who need protection.”
Nashmeria stared at her for a long time before murmuring softly, “Welcome to Troup Falsaim….”
“Yahsra,” the Cleryan responded.
“Welcome Yahsra, I will teach you all you desire to know for we are kindred spirits. May it aid you in your goal.”
