She bows deeply, looking at you with a shy smile
15:26:02
"A pleasure to meet you miss Nagusa"
15:26:44
Nagusa stands up and returns the bow, smiling reassuredly
15:26:53
It is good to meet you, my dear.
15:27:03
May I know your name, sweet one?
15:27:57
She blushes, her skin runing to the same red color has her hair and dress, and her ears twitch.
15:29:05
"Of course, I'm Maëlya"
15:29:24
She moves toward a free spot on a coach and sits, looking alternatively to both of you.
15:31:11
"W-why did you wanted me to come here Aëlya?"
15:31:45
Nagusa moves over to sit next to Maelya instead of taking her seat back
15:32:08
Relax dear. You're not in any trouble. I simply wanted to meet and know more about another of my kind
15:32:43
she places one hand over Maelya's and squeezes reassuringly
15:33:08
She shivers a bit, getting a bit more red, if it was only possible
15:36:55
"I-I assume that you're a real kistune then mis... I mean Nagusa?"
15:37:54
Yes, dear. Here...
15:38:16
she leans forward a little, takes Maelya's hand and places on top of her ears, letting her feel them
15:39:04
see, just like yours. We are distant sisters of sorts
15:40:11
Her own ears twitch again, as she tries to discretly look behind you "So, you're like all those I crossed path with? Even with a... a..."
15:43:06
tell me your story, dear. perhaps we will find more of our histories together
15:44:00
She wiggles on her buttocks, looking uncomfortable. She grabs a cup on the table and seems to hide in it for a moment*
15:45:57
"What should I tell you though, my story is not very interesting I'm afraid..."
15:46:45
Nagusa smiles and waits patiently for Maelya to get comfortable
15:46:54
There is no story that is uninteresting, only uninterested ears
15:47:10
And I assure you these ears of mine are very interested indeed
she giggles softly
15:47:50
She smiles behind her cup of tea, and once more you notice her tryong to look at your back
15:48:53
"Then maybe I should start with the begining."
15:49:12
as you wish, dear.
15:49:35
"I 'm not really sure though about it. Aëlya and and my father told me I was born in in an arboreal village in a forest far away from here, on another continent. My adoptive father, a human, found me in this burnt-out village when I was just a newborn, and took me under his wing.
15:52:02
After what, I grew up in a small house with him. Logh was very kind to me"
15:52:57
She lightly sniffles
15:53:22
Nagusa reaches out and lightly pats her head
15:53:40
and your time with Logh... was it happy?
15:53:53
"Oh yes! Even if I never knew my biological parents, Logh was my real familly. We loved each other very much. Even if bringed some trouble in his life."
15:55:27
She smiles thinking about this memories
15:55:41
"He was already quite an old farmer when he found me, but I guess I was the child he ever wanted to have."
15:56:45
That is a beautiful story. I suppose you stayed with him until his moment of passing?
15:57:27
A light veil of sadness passes over her eyes. but she take a sip of tea and continues
15:58:23
"Yes, After what happended before he found me, he was afraid I could be in danger if I went out. So we both remained at the little farm. He tryed to teach me everything he knew, how to read, write and count, how to make vegetables grow,... "
16:00:54
"But as I was different, I was confined. Humans tend to fear what they don't know, he always told me."
16:02:09
"But just before he died, he regreted that and made me promess to discover the rest of the world, staying careful."
16:03:17
Hmm... that may be true where he lived. I have heard of places where discrimination and persecution persists...
16:03:27
"Yes..."
Her voice gets lower
16:04:04
"And I learned the hard way to recognize and avoid this places"
16:04:29
Well, you can leave your worries behind, unless you yearn for adventure once more. For as long as I know, this land has been very accommodating to humans and demi-humans alike
16:05:16
I am sure you have experienced the same since living with lady Aelya
16:05:39
"Definitely, yes. I was amazed when I first get in this city. Logh told me about it, and I think that he may have lived here when he was young. As for when I met Aëlya, it was another shock for me."
She giggles looking at her
16:07:41
Oh, and why was it a shock?
16:10:32
She thinks a bit, sipping absent-mindly the empty cup
16:11:27
"Well, I met various kind of creaures when I first came here, and it was wonderful to se so much diversity. I even met another kitsune that spent his time tackling people coming in the inn where I slept."
16:13:11
"That was a first shock to me as he had something I don't have, and I thought we were not the same finaly."
She wiggles again saying so
16:14:27
Are you uncomfortable, dear?
Nagusa expresses some concern as Maelya has been squirming on her seat for some time
16:15:02
She looks again at your back and seems to hesitate to says something
16:16:37
She looks at Aëlya, then back at you
16:17:27
"But when I met Aëlya, I didn't only met another half-breed, but also a impressive woman and a friend that accepted me without question as a part her family. And she made me understand things about myself, like the fact that having...""
16:18:01
"...no tail is not bad, and doesn't make me a freak..."
16:18:38
ahh...
comprehension dawns on Nagusa's face
16:19:00
well, you are right, most kitsunes have tails. But there are exceptions...
16:19:18
she stands up and stands with her back to Maelya, turning her head to continue speaking with her
16:19:42
like myself. Go on and feel it if you do not believe me, dear.
16:19:58
She blushes hard, turning so red her skin couldn't be distinguished with her flaming hair
16:23:11
"I... touch... no no no no no no.... I can't, it not..."
16:23:44
She burries her face in her hands
16:23:57
"I- I believe you"
16:24:17
Truly? Then I shall not force you
16:24:46
Nagusa takes her seat beside Maelya once more and holds her hand again, squeezing it gently and reassuringly
16:25:25
I suspect the reason for your missing tail is largely different from mine. But we can explore the reasons together in the future. Just remember that all of us have our reasons, and you are no freak for being different than others
16:26:43
"I-I know now. Thank you for being comprehensive though. I try to think it's more of strentgh than a weakness. Difference can make people strong right?"
16:29:20
Well, that depends on a lot of things. But i daresay strength or weakness is not really that important unless you are going to battle. Uniqueness is great by itself
16:31:20
"You're probably right. Though I start to think..."
16:32:06
After all, the world would be pretty boring if all of us were exactly the same. Could you imagine ten thousand maelya's running around?
She lifts a hand to hide a giggle, her eyes twinkling merrily
16:32:14
She laughs and turns her head to Aëlya that just nods with an encouraging smile
16:33:35
"It would be horrible yes!"
16:33:53
"And it's the same thing if all kitsune were the same."
16:34:39
Yes, that's exactly right.
16:34:53
"So maybe I should not consider myself as one"
16:34:58
It's good to see a smile on your face for a change
16:35:20
"Thank you Nagusa. Maybe I'm more of a half pheonix then."
16:36:53
Oh, a phoenix? That is interesting
16:37:18
She blushes again, filling the empty cups
16:37:40
"That's what Aëlya says. Apparently a phoenix have been seen around my village the year before my birth, and it would explain lots of things."
16:39:19
Hmm, that is interesting. A fox and phoenix heritage is not something we come across often
16:39:45
If i may be bold...
16:40:04
I can feel traces of magical energy flowing through you. Would it be alright for me to ask what kind of powers manifest between a fusion of fox and phoenix spirits?
16:41:15
"Like how I learned music by myself and can influence people with it?"
16:41:37
"Or the possibility to burst into flames to reappear elsewere when I panic?"
16:42:11
She giggles "That caused a lot of trouble to Logh when I was young. Each time I was afraid I burned something in the house."
16:43:10
Well, bursting into flame might be useful as an escape. Perhaps it might come in handy to save your life in the future. Rise of a phoenix, indeed
16:43:31
She is crossed through by a huge shiver as she looks at her knees.
16:44:34
Are you alright, dear?
16:45:03
We can drop this topic, if you like
16:45:12
"N-no, it's good, just... I-I even came back once"
16:45:38
"People in one of the first small town I visited discovered what I was and... killed me I think. But I'm not sure. I came back to conciousness in a ditch outside the town"
16:47:15
nagusa takes this in and is silent for a moment, before breaking the silence herself
16:47:46
This is most interesting, but let us explore it a other time. There is another matter that interests me far more...
16:48:23
I am far more intrigued by your mention of music, for song and dance is the very bedrock of culture as we know it
16:48:38
If you have a talent for music, it won't be long before you will have crowds flocking to watch your performances
16:49:10
She turns red once again
16:52:52
"I love music more than anything else, and people say I'm really amazing, but I don't like crowds"
16:53:48
"And when I play, I can change the moods and the feelings people have. So I try not to play too much in public."
16:55:10
hm, i understand that. I prefer my performances to be held in more... intimate settings, too
16:56:24
How do you feel when you perform?
16:57:01
"Free..."
She smiles thinking about it
16:57:41
That is good to hear.
16:58:34
May I have the honour of watching a performance, my dear?
16:58:43
"I.. uh... now? O-okay..."
16:59:33
If that's alright with you, of course..
16:59:53
"S-sure!"
She stands up and rushes out of the room
17:00:26
Few seconds later, Maëlya enter the living room, a golden lyre in her hand
17:12:48
Welcome back, dear
17:13:18
Nagusa smiles and speaks as though she didn't just have a serious conversation
17:13:33
"Sorry it took so long, but..."
She looks at Aëlya "...the girls wanted to know what was going on..."
17:14:53
"I had to call for Aëlynn for them to stop harrassing me, she wasn't in the mood I think..."
17:15:30
Oh, I will be happy to meet them later. I'm sure they are a lovely bunch
17:16:01
She sit back down on the couch, softly caressing the strings of the lyre
17:17:22
"Oh they are, but they also are too curious sometimes."
17:17:42
Nagusa smiles and waits for the little half-fox to get ready
17:19:40
*She starts to strum some notes as she looks at you in the eyes, adding more and more small pieces to the melody. Little by little this melody evolves, taking on rhythms and accents that speak to you more and more."
17:22:06
*You start to feel younger, more joyful, putting aside everything that can weigh on your soul."
17:23:46
Nagusa sighs softly, the music having an effect on her body, but not as potent as expected
17:24:35
She continues like that for a few minutes during which you only feel well being, before stoping*
17:25:52
Nagusa claps softly and appreciatively
17:26:26
A beautiful melody, my dear. Is there some significance to it?
17:27:04
She blushes slightly
17:27:08
"I... I don't know. It comes like this, and don't have the same signification for every one. This is just a melody to make people forget all the bad things and help relaxing."
17:28:41
"But I noticed that it seem to be a differnt melody for everyone"
17:29:12
She looks at Aëlya who nods
17:29:36
I think we could bring your songs and dances to the next level, my dear, if you could give them meaning.
17:30:06
Song and dance are how people express themselves, after all. In times of joy, and in times of crisis. Even in the midst of war, a good performance can soothe people's souls and reignite their spirits
17:30:53
"Sure, but the purpose of that melody is not to have powerful effect on people. It's just something that helps relaxing, that everyone hear differently depending on what they love"
17:32:12
"If I want to, I can really put some power in some melodies, but it can be dangerous in some situations. Even if I can inspire people, i can also make them dance uncontrollably, or wish to die so much they commit sucide..."
17:34:07
That is very noble. You could do a lot of good simply by helping people relax listening to your songs.
17:34:17
much like what i do...
she smiles gently
17:34:35
She smiles, lookinf truly happy from your statement.
17:36:23
"If there is something I master, that's music. I don't dance badly but music... it's like I can bend the world around me when I play."
17:37:34
that is great to hear. I am happy you have found something you like and are good at. The two do not always go together
17:38:14
I feel bad for requesting a performance from you. Would you accept repayment in a performance of my own?
17:39:06
"Oh don't feel bad, I love to play, and you can request as much as you want."
17:39:52
She blushes a bit
17:40:00
"But I'd love to hear you too. I love listening of music. Maki is good in some ways by the way. He was playing sooner, I love it."
17:41:14
She really seem exited since the music is the subject, her ears twitching like crazy all the time*
17:41:58
Ahh, while I can play some simple tunes, I fear my skill in music would be nowhere near yours
17:42:04
Instead, since today is a special day, I thought I would show you a small traditional dance routine
17:43:11
She claps her hands, a large bright smile on her face
17:43:56
"Oh yes! I'd love to see you!"
17:44:17
Nagusa stands up
17:44:30
well then, this is a day celebrated in some cultures, and the dance reflects the legend of the story surrounding today
17:45:08
Please watch and enjoy, and I shall tell you of the story afterward. I'm sure you will like it
17:45:34
Nagusa takes out a small folding fan from inside her robe, then moves to the centre of the room
17:45:53
"Should I play something?"
17:46:02
"Or are you fine without?"
17:46:16
I am fine without, but I won't stop you. Music company is welcome, but i fear you may not know the story behind it
17:46:44
Nagusa begins the first act, a young, energetic and joyful dance
17:47:14
She lays down her lyre next to her and sits cross-legged, looking focused and admiring.
17:47:58
she spins around, pivoting on one foot, the fan held at arms length, then dancing across the room, as if to peer curiously at something on the floor, only to giggle afterward
17:48:14
she hops back to the centre, frolicking and lifting her robe slightly, before ending the first act by holding the fan to her face, looking at her audience from the corner of her eyes, blushing somewhat
17:49:28
she hold the position for a moment, before beginning the next act
17:49:53
The second act is refined and joyful, showing bursts of emotion as she continually depicts overflowing love from her bosom with her hands
17:50:53
several times, she mimics walking daintily with small steps, holding on to an imaginary hand, before giggling and hiding her face behind her fan, only to spin away and wag a finger at the air
17:51:57
she ends the second act by reaching out dearly with outstretched fingers, a troubled look on her face, the fan falling uselessly by her feet
17:53:09
The third act begins with her on her knees, crawling slowly, hands outstretched toward the heavens
17:53:48
Every few steps, she turns away, wiping a tear from her cheek, only to try moving forward once more*
17:54:40
she eventually stands up and turns back, holding her head in her hands as she shuffles backward, dejected, clutching her hand to her chest
17:55:27
She ends the third act, still clutching her chest with one hand, the other raised to the heavens as she slowly sinks to her knees
17:56:13
The fourth act opens with her sitting on her knees, still and silent, until she suddenly puts a hand to her ears, brightening instantly
17:57:14
she stands and dances, spinning across the room, arms making the shape of the heart, the universal symbol of love
17:58:06
her steps slow as she completes one round, and stops as she reaches the middle of the room once more, a troubled look now crossing her features
17:58:51
she paces up and down an imaginary line, fretting and worried, falling to her knees once more
17:59:27
clasping her hands together on her chest, she shows gratitude by bowing and prostrating herself on the floor, before standing up and dancing once more
18:00:41
she concludes the act by embracing the air, a serene look on her face as she turns her head lightly and demurely
18:01:53
she holds the position for a few moments, before standing straight, putting her hands together and bowing to the audience, indicating that she has finished with her dance
18:02:23
she returns to her seat, breathing lightly
18:02:54
A host of emotions ran through her throughout the show. And as if she had been holding herself back from the start, she exploded into applause.
18:02:55
What did you make of it, Maelya, my dear?
18:04:09
"It was... incredible...!"
18:05:07
Could you guess the story behind it, as one performer to another?
18:06:05
"I could feel the emotions, and the melody of it. But I did'nt get the meaning though."
18:06:38
"Maybe I was a bit too focused in enjoying to really pay attention to the real message, sorry."
18:07:36
she smiles as she reaches for the tea, taking a small drink before relating the tale
18:07:46
well. It is a dance observed specially for this day in a few cultures, so I am not surprised if you have not heard of it
18:08:12
It is a legend, passed down from ages past, but still beloved by the people
18:08:38
The story has changed a few times due to multiple retellings, but here is the version as I know it
18:09:47
A group of celestial beings, all sisters, came down to visit the Earth
18:10:23
The frolicked about, had fun, visited the many sites and joys this world had to offer
18:10:53
When it was time to leave, they were spotted by a simple shepherd, or a cowherd, who was entranced by their beauty.
18:11:45
As luck would have it, the youngest sister saw him as well, and as they made eye contact, they fell for each other at first sight.
18:12:23
What followed was a whirlwind romance, one that all couples today envy, of two beings very much in love with each other.
18:13:15
Unfortunately, they were so much in love that they began to neglect their duties. The boy allowed his animals to run loose, and the girl stopped weaving cloth for the other celestial beings.
18:13:59
The celestial emperor grew angry, and separated them forcefully, never allowing them to see each other again
18:14:42
The girl pined and wept, losing the love of her life, as well as her two children which she had born with the boy.
18:15:15
After many long years, the emperor finally relented, allowing the boy and the girl to meet just once a year. On this day each year
18:16:08
Unfortunately, as the girl raced to the meeting point, she realised the emperor had tricked her, as the two beings were separated by a large flowing river between them
18:16:55
she sat down to sob by the riverside, sure that she would never be able to meet her beloved and her children again
18:17:35
As she wept, a magpie came to listen to her story and took pity on her
18:18:14
He offered to build a bridge with his friends, to allow them to meet on their backs over the river, on this day each year
18:19:00
And thus is the legend of the weaver and the cowherd. Where we celebrate the reunion of the star-crossed lovers, one day a year
18:19:40
A single little tear running down her cheek, she smiles
18:20:44
"It's so beautifull, now I undertsand the dance and the feelings I had watching you"
18:21:17
You can see it at night, you know. I would be happy to point out the celestial bodies that this story is based upon in the evening
18:21:51
"Sure, I'd be delighted"
18:22:46
Of course, there are no stars if it rains. Legend has it that the magpies will not come if it rains, and so the two lovers will have to wait another year for their next opportunity to meet.
18:22:54
in some cultures, they pray fervently that the skies remain clear, to celebrate their meeting on this special day
18:23:19
"Oooohh... that's sad though if they can't meet!"
18:23:43
Yes... I am glad you liked the story, in any case
18:24:01
There are many more legends like this, each more interesting than the last
18:24:15
"Yes! I love when Aëlya tells legends and stories form her world and others... I'd love to hear more from you in the future.""
18:25:14
Then you must come and visit me often. I don't think I will be coming to the city often enough as you like
she smiles sweetly
18:26:38
"Of course, with pleasure."
18:28:03
would that be okay?
she looks over at Aelya
18:28:55
she wouldn't get lost on the way, would she?
18:29:00
That would be perfect
18:30:33
I will try to keep the more... intimate activities away from her innocent eyes
18:30:56
she giggles slightly
18:31:00
don't worry dear. It is nothing
18:32:08
she addresses Aelya again well, it does seem this one has taken a liking to me, at least for now, as i have to her. Are there any more wonderful members of the family you would like me to visit this time, or shall we leave it for the future?
18:33:27
Nagusa tilts her head, slightly puzzled at all the secrecy
18:38:05
"Sure, I go right now."
18:38:46
She turns toward you, looking sorry
18:38:59
"It was truely a pleasure to meet you Nagusa, I'm looking forward to see you again. I still have lots of things to talk with you."
18:39:48
Of course. I look forward to meeting you again too!
18:40:04
she gives Maelya a gentle wave
18:40:19
She hesitate for a moment, twisting her hands and jumps on you, hugging you, before grabbing her lyre and rushing out
18:41:24
"See you Nagusa!!"
18:41:38
goodbye dear. don't rush or you'll trip!
18:41:53
Nagusa nurses her cup of tea, figuring out that she shouldn't inquire into the business of her host unless it was volunteered
18:43:57
Is something the matter?
18:46:00
Yes, of course! what is it?
18:47:42
cursed swords...?
18:48:40
her eyes widen slightly
18:49:32
They are... not something you want to deal with if it can be helped
18:49:58
although I have been made to eat my words once
18:50:11
That lady and
that sword are special... most cursed swords are far more nefarious
18:53:25
I could bring you to meet them, but I will not be responsible for any... damage he might cause
18:53:47
Let us wait for Maelya to complete her task
she nods and agrees
18:59:58
Nagusa gets up to return a bow, observing decorum
19:02:49
The pleasure is all mine. I am Nagusa. Thank you for having me in your home
19:03:19
