Mysterious Music (Aisa and Bragi

[whitefeathur]

Aisling trotted through the lower courtyard as the afternoon sun sat low on the horizon. A chill bit at the air as autumn weather slowly started becoming more evident. Aisling pulled her scarf up a little more and hummed to herself. The day was much too beautiful not to! She stood on a rock that overlooked the kingdom, such a beautiful view.. she picked a spot in the warm grass and plopped down. Taking a bread loaf and a wedge of cheese out, this snack would do until she got home to cook a real meal!

[Zaabu]

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[atrb=background,http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4456/middley.png] Shouldering his lute, Bragi turned, bracing the door open with his forepaw and another already out on the stoop. “Aye, I’ll see you all tonight then!” He called, “Don’t break open that cask until I arrive!” A chorus of farewells followed the young tom out the entrance of the Main Street Tavern, where only moments ago he’d finished entertaining the early evening patrons. Bragi wasn’t scheduled to return that night to sing, but he intended on going back all the same; it wasn’t every night that a cask of aged honeyed mead was opened. Rather fond of the drink as he was, Bragi couldn’t pass up the chance. A more responsible cat might turn away from such a night, saving coin for more fruitful opportunities. But then, Bragi was usually quite careful with his schillings. Surely one night of drink and dance couldn’t hurt his purse. These thoughts meandered through his head as he reached the road. He made a move to turn left and head for home to drop off his instruments and songbooks, but paused as the sun disappeared behind the Frozen Palace. Bragi turned his head towards the mansion, transformed a magnificent orange in the early Autumn sun. A light chill nipped the air, rustling the fur around his ears. “’Tis only dusk…” he murmured thoughtfully, “Mayhaps a small detour in the near of the palace before home.” Bragi once more looked South, his humble cottage not far from thought. But he’d made up his mind. Swinging his lute around front, he held the instrument carefully, and began to pluck a few strings as he walked in the direction of the King’s stately home. A few minutes later, he reached the steps leading up to the Palace, and took a seat, not daring to trespass on the Royal Grounds. Bragi rested his arm upon one knee, making himself comfortable before strumming a few chords, testing out a new melody. He began to hum quietly, lyrics and stories dancing though his mind like smoke on the wind. The Sun set steadily behind him as his composition slowly came to life. When it was time, Bragi lent his light baritones to the new song. “Wind on the water, Sun through the trees. By way of the forest, Scattered with leaves. We sing for the evening, We sing for the dawn. We sing for the blue skies, Grass we walk upon. Waves on the Ocean, Light warms the sand. A bountiful harvest, Blesses our land. Praise the Earth-mother, Praise the Sky-brother. Praise Father-Sun, And little Sister-Moon. When night is upon us, And the long day is through, We visit our dreamlands, ‘Til morning dawns anew.”

"]

[whitefeathur]

As aisling munched on her snack the wind blew a strange noise her way. It took her a moment to realize she was hearing a song.. As she cocked her head to better hear the noise dancing in the wind she stood up. Pulling her shawl closer to her, she quickly grabbed her satchel and started towards the noise at a brisk pace. As she neared the song's words came clearer. As she came into view of the gates she stepped out of them in the direction of the lower towns. As the last words of the song rung through the breeze, as she looked over to see a handsome, dapper tom sitting contently on his own. His lute in his large, but somehow delicate paws as he strummed a melody as beautiful as his voice. In a state of wonder and curiosity aisling plopped down beside him. Her wide eye stare trained directly on his bright eyes, she made no introductions or small talk. Afraid to break his concentration and the magical mood of the late autumn evening. She wanted nothing more than to hear his music. She was taken back with his graceful actions, he was very proficient with his craft. She wrapped her violet scarf closer around her neck as the breeze picked up, the chill with it.
She wanted to speak to him, to say something, but she was so unsure of what to do. She had not seen this one around town before.

[Zaabu]

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[atrb=background,http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4456/middley.png] The wind picked up slightly as the melody neared its end. The last few chords echoed quietly through the entryway to the Frozen Palace and Bragi smiled contentedly, opening his eyes. He'd shut them halfway through the song, an old habit picked up from his dear friend Sasha. On warm summer nights, she would sit outside with him on the stoop, the soft whistle of her panpipes filling the night with song. The two of them would rock back and forth, Bragi’s voice joining Sasha’s pipes, their eyes closed lightly as they swayed to and fro. As such, he hadn’t noticed the she-cat come through the Palace gates. She’d taken a seat while he played and was now gazing at him with startling intensity. Fortunately, Bragi didn’t betray his surprise at the company. He carefully placed his lute at his side, leaning it lightly against the Palace steps before turning back to the she-cat. A smirk graced his features and he dipped his head politely. “Apologies Milady, I did not hear your approach.” The she-cat continued looking at him, saying nothing and uncertainty beginning to cloud her gaze. In an attempt to make her more comfortable, Bragi leaned back, body language relaxed and affable. “I take it you enjoyed the song?” He inquired amicably, a friendly attempt to make conversation.

[whitefeathur]

Aislings ears twitched slightly and she blinked, "I've never heard such beautiful music, and the song, did you write that song?" She blushed, "Oh pardon my manners, I am being so rude.." She quickly laid out her paw towards him, "My name is aisling, I was resting just in the gates when your song lured me here." A playful smile light up her face, " Must be how you pull in all the she cats, daring good looks and skills to match." She sent a wink his way as her tail swished through the cool grass. She reached into her satchel and pulled out her cheese and her bread. She halved each and handed the untouched halves to her strange new companion. "How long have you been in town? I usually get to see and meet newcomers in Tybalts tavern, but I have never seen you here before. Unless your simply just very good at keeping hidden. With a talent such as yours though, I wouldn't imagine that to be the case." She smiled again, a breeze picked up, ruffling her fur, causing her to shiver a bit as she pulled her scarf tighter around her.

[Zaabu]

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[atrb=background,http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4456/middley.png] Bragi grinned as the she-cat stumbled through her introduction. When she had gathered herself, and held out her paw in greeting, he reached forward and gripped it lightly in his own. Bragi met her soft gaze as he raised it towards himself, placing a soft kiss over her claws. “Greetings, Miss Aisling. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am called Bragi.” He returned her friendly smile, eyes bright with interest. “You need not worry over such trivial things,” He remarked, releasing her paw and moving his own back to his side. “I am not one to complain when it comes to manners. Simply meeting another is a delight in itself." He inclined his head, moving on. "And to answer your question, aye, I wrote the song. Many thanks for the compliment. ‘Tis a new melody that came to me as the Sun set.” Aisling went on to comment on his looks and skill, and Bragi smirked. “You flatter me, Milady,” He replied “Though I will not lie; I often find myself surrounded by many a beautiful cat drawn in by my music. I would not boast of my craft but a multitude seem to enjoy what I bring to the Taverns here in Gweillan.” Bragi murmured a small thank you as Aisling reached into her bag, retrieving a small bundle of food. She passed him a portion and he took a bite, proceeding to consume most of his half while she talked. When she fell silent, Bragi swallowed quickly, clearing his throat. “I’ve not been here long,” He meowed, brushing a few crumbs from his lap. He then leaned his chin on his right paw, blinking thoughtfully. “I began entertaining in the market about 4 Moons ago, and I was invited to play in the taverns soon after. I rented a room at Seascape for a while. Only recently did I acquire the coin to purchase a home here in the Kingdom, a cottage in the Southern Quarter.” He waved a paw, “It is a modest little house, but I do not require much space.” Bragi turned his head to look at her, still looking pensive. “I cannot fathom why we have not met before. It is possible that we have crossed paths previously, and did not notice one another.” He smiled at her then, straightening up. “It matters not now, I think.” He said, “Here we are in each other’s company, breaking bread and conversing as if we are old friends.” Bragi went quiet for a moment, regarding Aisling carefully before continuing. “Might I inquire as to where your origins lie? Judging by your dress, I can only assume you live by much more fruitful standards then myself.” He grinned playfully “Do not mistake my feelings as envious. I am simply curious.” He sat back, awaiting her reply.

[whitefeathur]

Aisling braced herself, he was handsome, suave and completely aloof. She had not met a cat who would simply brush off her attentions. Well he was just challenging was all. She smirked at his interest in her attire. "Much of what I wear I make myself, but yet you would be correct sir. I work for the princes, I attend to them directly. I've been working there most of my time now, and my father was a trusted guardsman to the king and queen in better times." She looked around curiously realizing the sun was setting quicker than she anticipated. She reached beside her and pulled out her small lamp and lit the candle inside. A blue hued light was cast from it as she stood up. She looked down at Bragi, "It seems time is flying by in your company bragi, but that snack has only made me hungrier for a real hot meal. I am going to be on my way to tybalts tavern to catch one, he has fine stew and just may be serving some tonight, judging by the smell that wafts this way on the breeze. Care to join me?" She held out her paw, usually she wasn't so unsure of her wiles in the company of toms, but this one seemed impervious to her charms. She was unsure if he'd accept her invitation or not. Despite herself though, she was drawn in by his aloof behavior and his mysterious appeal.

[Zaabu]

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[atrb=background,http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4456/middley.png] Bragi nodded when she confirmed his guess. She was well off, as he’d thought. He listened patiently, ears perking with interest when Aisling mentioned the princes. So she worked in the Palace; not surprising considering the direction she’d come from and the almost regal air about her. He watched her carefully, noticing the slight smirk on her face as she spoke. He knew not her intentions for sure, but he could tell she was interested in him. And indeed, Bragi found himself wanting to know more about the lovely she-cat whose company he’d shared for a better part of the evening. When Aisling reached for her lamp, Bragi looked around, noticing too that the light had faded quickly from the sky. He leaned back, tail swishing torpidly back and forth, and watched her lazily as she lit her lantern and stood up, casting a soft blue glow on the steps around them. When Aisling held out her paw towards him, Bragi looked up at her through his lashes, a smirk playing across his face. “Aye, the time has indeed flown by,” He observed, whiskers twitching. “And small portion, while very much appreciated, has failed to sate hunger.” He tipped his head back and gazed musingly up at the sky through one of the holes in the roof as the red, yellow and orange hues from the Sun bled out into darkness. “As luck would have it, ‘twas my intention to return to Avery’s tavern this evening for a mug of honeyed mead and a hot meal.” He turned his head to look at Aisling once more, regarding her appreciatively before grasping her outstretched paw and pulling himself up, lute already swung carefully over his shoulder. “I thank you for the invitation,” Bragi said graciously, before leaning down to press another kiss to Aisling’s claws. “And I humbly accept.”

ooc/ changed it to Avery's

[whitefeathur]

Aisa felt herself blush a little, she was used to the rowdy, roughneck toms and their silly brash comments. Not this gents suave compliments. She took up stride beside him walking in the direction of the lower towns. Her lamp held out in front of her casting it's faint glow ahead. Moths and fireflies darted within it's beam, attracted to the glow. Aisling glanced at Bragi. She wanted to continue the conversation, but knew not where to start. "You music, does it just come and go, or do the events of your life inspire it?" As she spoke to him, she was so drawn into admiring his features that she failed to pay attention to what she was doing. Without thought she tripped up, as always, on her own hind paws. Stumbling forward face first... nearly falling flat. Great, just what she needed, to embarrass herself in front of such a fine tom.. Aisling hit the ground pretty hard, mostly landing on her left front paw. She yowled a bit and sat up, "DAMN IT ALL," she spat out. He ears lay flat against her head as she scrambled to gather her things. Her tail swished side to side more than a little agitated, and she could feel the heat in her cheeks. Boy, she sure was graceful when it counted.

[Zaabu]

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[atrb=background,http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4456/middley.png] Aisling’s lamp let out a soft glow, dimly illuminating their path as she and Bragi made their way down the road from the Palace. Their conversation had lulled for the moment, and a comfortable silence stretched between the two of them. Bragi was watching the insects circle Aisling’s lamp, his gait relaxed and mellow as they walked. He was in no great hurry to get to the Main Street Tavern. In fact, he wished the journey was longer, he was enjoying the presence of his newfound companion. Aisling was a lovely young she-cat, generous and quite easy to talk to; things Bragi looked for when seeking companionship, platonic or romantic. He turned to look at her, a smile passing over his face. He was quite glad he’d decided to visit the Palace. Aisling broke the silence then, asking Bragi about his work. "Your music, does it just come and go, or do the events of your life inspire it?" Bragi considered the question, aware of the attention she was giving him. He opened his mouth to answer when Aisling’s face disappeared from view. A loud thud and cursing followed said disappearance and Bragi blinked dumbly for just a moment before looking down to where she’d fallen. Ever the gentleman, Bragi was on his knees in an instant, her paw in his while he looked her over. “Are you alright?” He asked, gazing at her worriedly. “I’m terribly sorry, I should have been watching the road. Here, let me help with that.” She was scrambling to gather the items that had fallen from her satchel, so Bragi grabbed what was near and passed them to her. When her bag had been properly packed again, Bragi returned his gaze to her. He could see that she was embarrassed, and he shook his head, speaking as he did so. “Do not feel ashamed, ‘twas only a small tumble; a simple mistake that any cat could have made, including me.” Bragi thought about that. “In fact, now that I think about it, I am rather clumsy when it seems to count the most.” He stood up and held out a paw to help her up. “Think nothing of it, please. I will carry you if I must.” He added, mirth dancing in his eyes.

[whitefeathur]

Aisling stood up and dusted off her pelt here and there as Bragi tried to soothe her ego. "Well sir Bragi, I wish I could say otherwise, but this happens all the time. I'm afraid I'm awfully clumsy.." As she rearranged her satchel and plucked some grass of her pelt she heard Bragi claim he'd carry her. She glanced up and saw the sly look on his handsome face. She caught on and with obvious over theatrics joined the game Bragi had sparked. With an exaggerated limp she went to stand and play stumbled right into Bragi , grabbing at his soft chest fur and acting as though she's collapse without having him to lean on. "Oh Bragi, I think I can't go on." She giggled at yet another bemused look that passed over the large tom's face. With more over theatrics and several more giggles Aisling went on, "You must carry me to the nearest inn sir, the only cure for my stumble-itis is a nice tall drink and dancing!!" At the last part she bust out in more uncontrolled giggles.

[Zaabu]

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[atrb=background,http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4456/middley.png] Bragi gripped Aisling's forepaw and pulled, helping her find her feet again. "There is nothing wrong with that," Bragi replied when she spoke of her clumsiness. "It only means that your priorities lie elsewhere. Perhaps your mind is on other things more often than not, and that is why you misplace your steps. I have the same problem from time to time." Bragi watched Aisling dust herself off, a grin still on his face. She caught on a moment later, and began stumbling about, ending up hanging off his shoulders, crying out dramatically. Bragi caught her easily. "Milady, you must find the strength to carry on!" He meowed in a bold voice, propping her up with one arm and placing a paw on his forehead dramatically. "I could not bear to leave you!" You must carry me to the nearest inn sir, the only cure for my stumble-itis is a nice tall drink and dancing! Bragi scooped her up without hesitation, cradling her in his arms. "Then we must make haste!" He announced, "For the mead is flowing at the Main Street Tavern, but for who knows how long?" He set off down the road, tail swishing back and forth as he carried Aisling towards their destination. "Are you comfortable, milady?" He asked her, turning his gaze from their path to look down at her. "I do hope you stay conscious for at least one dance."

"]

[whitefeathur]

Aislings heart fluttered in her chest faster than she thought possible as the handsome tom actually scooped her up. She smiled, still somewhat amazed at the turn of events and how things were going. "Oh yes brave sir, the comfort of your arms is unmatched...." She was half playing and half truthful... This one... he was making her feel so strange, she wasn't use to this at all. As soon as he mentioned dancing though she popped right out of her silly act, " You would dance with me Bragi? In front of others...." yet again she was a little speechless, she stumbled over her words a little before finding some to fit..."I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable bragi," she spoke rather bluntly, her chest once again feeling as though it were ablaze, " but no tom has ever made me feel this.... out of sorts". She looked into his blue green eyes with her own bright greens ones. Taking in their stunning beauty as she laid her heart open for the tom to know. One of her bad habits she mulled, wearing her heart on her sleeve.

[Zaabu]

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[atrb=background,http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4456/middley.png] Bragi let out a chuckle, shaking slightly with mirth. "Dear lady," He meowed dramatically, "It seems as though my arms were meant to hold you!" He laughed again, winking down at Aisling playfully. He was enjoying their little game; it had been a while since his last outing with another cat, let alone with someone so interesting and lovely. Indeed, this was the first time Bragi had gone anywhere with anyone since moving to Gweillan. He was rather enjoying the company. As they neared Avery's tavern, Bragi felt Aisling stiffen in his arms. He looked down at her quizzically, the laughter fading from his eyes as she spoke, clearly serious and not jokingly at all. "You would dance with me Bragi? In front of others...."

[/b]

She seemed a little nervous, tripping over her own tongue as she tried to turn her thoughts into words.

"I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable Bragi, but no tom has ever made me feel this.... out of sorts".[/b]

Bragi's paws slowed to a leisurely pace a few minutes from the tavern, eyes gleaming thoughtfully. He looked down at her, considering her words carefully. "Let me begin" He meowed eventually, "By saying that if you are at all surprised that I would want to dance with you, I fear you have had poor acquaintance in the past. That any cat could resist your charms and beauty baffles me."

Bragi met her bright gaze, smiling gently as he continued. “I would hope that no cat has ever made you feel inadequate Aisling. You are quite the she-cat, and it has been a pleasure to share this evening with you thus far.” He tilted his head, his expression growing fond, "And for the record, it was not my intention to make you feel 'out of sorts', nor does the fact you feel that way make me uncomfortable. In fact," He added, eyes dancing, "I'm rather flattered."

They had reached the Main Street Tavern by the time Bragi was done talking. He set her down, holding her paw gently while she found her footing. "Now Miss Aisling," he stated, straightening with her paw still in his as he spoke. "I would be most honoured if you would accompany me inside, that we might share a drink and a meal. I would very much like to get to know you. And,” He placed his other paw on top of hers, eyes glinting, “If it please you, perhaps we could take to the dance floor afterward.”


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ooc/ I forgot Aisling was wearing a scarf, sorry about that. I didn't add the lantern either

[whitefeathur]

ooc/OH MY WORD THAT IS THE CUTEST FUCKING PICTURE EVER I'M JUST SAYING THAT OMG I FREAKING LOVE YOU RIGHT NOW/