Khevar was startled when the beautiful woman smiled a friendly smile at him without flinching. She was either very blind or very well controlled. Either way she was unique and his interest was peaked. Feeling slightly guilty at eavesdropping, he stayed close enough to overhear their conversation, hoping to find out who she was.

"I'm eager to meet this bard you speak of. I understand that there is little else among your people that could match this honor." Cady said to Rhenn, her eyes looking toward the bard once again. Her body swayed slightly with the rhythm of the crowd as she eagerly awaited her introduction.

Rhenn guided Cady through the crowd, intent on Mari and Duras ahead of him, he chuckled to see Duras' arm about her waist, as she recoiled from the cat... Cat.... was , was that a cheetah in the middle of kum-al-kidret. Once he had closed the distance, he cleared his throat, to catch their attention.

"Cady Wyman-Cathridge, please allow me to introduce, Duras Swiftwater, and Mari Wavecrest. Fine examples of Bak-Tiaran culture and breeding, even if they do spend too much time on the water." His hazel eyes smiled at the joke as he completed the introduction. "Mari and Duras allow me to present the Emissary from Cascadia, Cady Wyman-Cathridge."

Cady's eyes danced with approval at his introduction, enjoying overly much the emphasis he put upon her title.

Duras turned from whatever words with Mari they were sharing as Rhenn and Cady approached; Rhenn's clearing his throat was pretty much a formality. Chuckling softly at Rhenn's introduction, Duras allowed Mari to respond first (removing his arm from her only reluctantly).

The beautiful bard captured Cady's full attention as she inclined her head respectfully. "Mari, it is truly a pleasure to meet you. Your reputation has reached as far as my glorious motherland, Cascadia. I will be the envy of all my peers upon my return." Her tone was flattering and rang of truth.

“Emissary Wyman-Cathridge it is an honor to meet you.” Mari stepped slightly away from Duras and curtsied trying her hardest to give Cady her full attention, and not keep one eye on the cheetah. “Our friend Rhenn, on the other hand, seems to have been out in the grasses too long and has forgotten his manners on how to introduce himself to a Lady.” If Mari had been more relaxed the joke probably would have come off better, but as it was she was so worried about the cat it sounded more like a scolding.

Cady laughed at that, looking over her shoulder out of habit to include her now absent guard. She was still laughing as she replied, "I was wondering what that was all about. And his enthusiastic greeting caused such a rucus that I've been left without an escort." She looked up at Rhenn, her eyes still twinkling with amusement. "He's so ashamed that he's agreed to be my escort."

"Ashamed, or opportunistic? I'll let you decide."

Once Mari had greeted Cady, Duras extended an arm in greeting. "Allow me to extend the greetings of Clan Swiftwater if you have not already received them. There has been much talk amongst our people about your presence here at our..." his eyes cast about, "small gathering. I hope that you find this big lug's company welcome - I know he actually bathed for once, so at least your nose isn't offended." He flashed Rhenn a obsequious, playful smile at his own joke.

Rhenn laughed, hard, from deep in his gut. He clapped his big hand on Duras' shoulder and replied "It was the first of the month, Duras.

Duras winced slightly under the big man's big hand. By Ch'dar, he's a strong one - I'm glad he's always found me amusing, I would certainly hate to be on his bad side. Not being able to resist continuing the banter, Duras quipped with a grin, "I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that I am happy to know that you plan to take more."

Cady took Duras' arm in greeting as they bantered, smiling broadly at his good humor. "Clan Swiftwater..." She took a moment to taste the word and think, "...I don't think I've had that pleasure yet." She turned her attention to Rhenn again as she considered her next comment. "As far as Rhenn goes he's becoming less offensive as time goes by."

Rhenn continued to chuckle, deep rumbling sound that bubbled from his chest. "You know how we Bak'Tiar are, we either smell like fish, or like cattle, either way its not appealing." He looked away from Duras and back to the ladies. "My manners, and the degree of my offensiveness, swing like a pendulum, Im afraid."

Mari felt the heat rise in her cheeks again, Why does this man fluster me so much!?

"Then allow me to invite you to visit us aboard the Quicksilver - it's where our elders hold court, and I am sure I would never hear the end of it if I don't extend an invitation. Our barge isn't the biggest or the newest, but we have the most fun of all the river clans." Duras didn't keep contact with her like he did with Mari; she was a foreignwoman and Mari had referred to her as a Lady. He was no student of foreigners and their ways and did not want to make offense, no matter how striking she was.

The thought of another boat made Cady's stomach do a flip flop, but outwardly she showed no signs of distress. "Thank you for the invitation Duras! I would enjoy the opportunity to meet your clan. I actually have some business to attend to, a concert to enjoy and a Sun Yani to figure out first...but maybe tonight or tomorrow?"

Duras nods, "I am sure that whenever you are able to attend, it will be an occasion to enjoy."

"I hope that I don't disappoint." Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, "...but I'm not that good on boats, so you might have to help me leave gracefully if I start to lose my stomach."

"Speaking of the lovely Mari's impending performance," Rhenn began, with a smile growing on his face, "I hope you will save at least one dance for me, Cady. Id love to spin you through a reel."

"I think that I would enjoy that almost as much as you will." There was a flirtatious promise in her voice before her eyes narrowed dangerously. "...but if my Sun Yani guard is there you will need to treat him with respect."

Rhenn grinned, and nodded his assent. "Should I ask him for a dance, as well then? Im not sure I can convince him to let me lead." The steely look in Cady's eyes gave him the impression that his thought was not a good one.

Khevar moved forward slightly, then stepped back again. Go on, talk to them. When will you get another chance. He summoned up his courage. A chance to talk to both the bard and an Emissary at the same time only came once in a lifetime. Besides, even if he made a fool of himself, it wasn't like he would be likely to ever see each of them again. Finally, stumbling slightly, he forced himself forward, smiling as widely as the scars on his face would allow.

Cady's body was more tense than her carousing tone implied. She could feel the presence of the scarred man and was fairly certain that he'd been listening in on their conversation. She suspected that no one at the festival was interested in her business, but it was never prudent to assume. Once again she found herself wishing that Rael hadn't left the scene, it suited her better when she didn't need to think about this minor stuff.

"Excuse me, um, I'm, um," His eyes flicked back and forth between the two women while he struggled to control a tongue suddenly too big for his mouth. Then he spoke in a rush, "I just wanted to meet both of you..." Khevar's voice died abruptly. Pure adrenaline flooded his body as a great cat suddenly bared its fangs not ten feet away. He staggered back, fumbling uselessly for his unstrung bow, panicking at the memories that flooded him.

Cady's eyes immediately followed the gaze of the startled man. She reflexively took a step backwards behind the imposing form of Rhenn and mentally took note of the cold steel that caressed her flesh where she wore each of her dagger sheaths.

As he tripped over his bow and sat down heavily, the cat, which he now realized was a cheetah not a lion, yawned again and turned around to be more comfortable. Khevar's face burned as he realized this was the cheetah they had mentioned earlier. He had been so awestruck by the ladies he had not paid any attention. The cat quickly forgotten in her concern for the fallen man, Mari rushed to help him back up. “Are you ok?” she asked with great concern showing in her face and voice. He untangled himself and stumbled to his feet, unable to look at the group. His scars stood out in white relief to his blushing skin as he considered drowning himself in the nearest tavern, or the lake.

"What is that thing doing here?" Cady's tone was curious and distracted. She recovered quickly and returned to Rhenn's side.

Between patients and cleaning up behind his companions, Jardanth had been quietly listening to the conversation as it approached his stall. He scratched the ears of the golden hued cheetah until she purred contentedly. "Inaya please keep your place, these people mean you no harm." He spoke softly to the cheetah and then walked to the small group.

In appearance, he had no truly outstanding characteristics for a young Horselord, however he was visibly cleaner than many. Following tradition he spoke to the group. "Jardanth, Healer of the Skydancer and his sister Windclaw, bid you greetings. I bid special welcome to Rhenn Prairerunner, whose reputation proceeds him, lovely Mari the Wavecrest gift to the world, and Duras Swiftwater whose name is still spoken in secret smiles by certain of my clanwomen."

Dusting himself off, Khevar nodded at the bard. Still flushed, he did his best to shake off the embarrassment. "I should survive, thank you. As far as I know, it is impossible to die of embarrassment, although I'm closer than I ever imagined I'd be." He chuckled. "I'm sorry for intruding, I really did want to meet you. I'm Khevar Arrowflight, the greatest archer on the plains." He held out his hand somewhat shyly, not sure of the proper etiquette in this situation.

Greatest on the plains, eh? Duras glanced over at Rhenn, wondering about this Khevar's claim; if Duras caught Rhenn's eye, he intended to quirk a brow inquiringly at the big man.

Rhenn returned the look, with a grin and a shrug, as if to say, 'He very well may be.'

Mari took his hand and made full eye contact, “It’s wonderful to meet you, Khevar. And I’m glad that you introduced yourself. As Bard to the Bak’Tiar, I want to make myself accessible to every person of the clans.” Then with a wink, “Tonight, if I mess up, I’m sure we will find out for sure if someone can die from embarrassment.”

Khevar wondered if there was something in the air tonight. For the second time a beautiful woman was looking at him and not flinching. He could still feel his scars, so they hadn't suddenly vanished, but no one seemed to care. He still felt clumsy and unsure, but his natural confidence was coming back. "I'm sure someone as lovely and kind as you won't mess up." He smiled, ignoring the pain of pulled scars. "But if the unthinkable should happen, I'll save you a seat at the bar. We can drown ourselves together."

It was hard for Cady not to laugh at the small man's sense of humor and spirit.

"I see there is some concern about my sister Windclaw, while she is not quite tame, she is well fed at the moment and being well behaved. If you have the courage and the curiosity, please come and join us for a drink. If any of you or your friends are injured, it would be my pleasure to help you."

Duras' attention, which had been upon the scarred man who had stumbled and fallen, now turned to Jardanth. At the special greeting for him, Duras bowed, flamboyantly, playfully, and responded, "Fast water and faster companions, Jardanth of the Skydancers. It does my heart good to know that my time amongst so kindly a folk is remembered with fondness. Rhenn, Mari and M'Lady Emissary, allow me to introduce the best healer of all the Bak'Tiar. And don't believe a word about Windclaw - sated or not, if she takes a mind to it, she'll bite you on the ass."

Cady's devil be damned spirit couldn't help but take them up on their challenge. "May I pet Windclaw before I enjoy that drink?" Even as she spoke her eyes swept over the beautiful beast and wondered how hard it would be to acquire one as a pet.

“Thank you. Perhaps we can have a drink even if I don’t end up embarrassing myself.”

Behind her Mari heard the introductions of Jardanth going on, and turned to meet the newcomer. The cheetah standing there even calmly still made her heart speed up, but she was willing to trust it if the healer and Duras said she should.

“Pleasure to meet you, Jardanth. Thank you for the kind welcome.”

Khevar kept his distance from the cat. It wasn't a lion, but it still brought back bad memories. Still, a beautiful, famous woman had just offered to have a drink with him. That hadn't happened for a long time. He knew it wasn't going any further, but he was just happy to be noticed again. "Hello Jardanth, thanks for the offer, assuming I was invited as well. I can't say I'm happy to see your cat, but I'm willing to join you for a drink."

Rhenn had waited for Khevar to gain his feet, make his introductions to the others, and for an opportunity to make his. "I'm Rhenn Priairierunner, Khevar." Rhenn made sore to look the man in the eyes, just as he would look at any other man. He knew well the unspoken words that could pass in a look. "What happened to your face?" Rhenn didnt see the sense in dancing around the 700lb bull in the wagon.

Khevar flinched slightly, startled by Rhenn's bluntness. He had his usual retort on the tip of his tongue, but bit it back. He didn't want to lose the connection he seemed to be making here. Besides, this guy was a monster. Shrugging, Khevar rubbed his face, "Nothing major, I won a fight a few years back."

Before Khevar could respond, there was an ear-splitting KA-POW! which was followed by several long moments of rolling thunder, as loud as the sound of a million hooves pounding upon the plains. Before it died, a streak of light flashed across the clear summer sky from horizon to horizon, trailing fragmentary glitter as if of a million stars. It left behind an eerie silence on the shores of Lake Torogan, the revelry of the kum al-kidret abruptly stilled in its wake. The elders came forth from their council and gazed at the skies thoughtfully and spoke among themselves in low tones, but it was Malaina, the Oracle of clan Goldenhorn, who spoke, her voice carrying to the farthest shores of the lake.

"One of the great ones has passed," she said, her old voice strong and powerful in the ensuing silence. "The sun has set on one age of heroes. A new age of heroes is born."

In a soft sweet melody that carried over the crowd Mari sang:

The passing of the great ones bring us sorrow
They leave us all behind
Love and sadness fill our hearts
When they come to mind

The crowd grew still at this, attentive, and Mari could feel how they began to flow with that moment of grief even as she sang the next verses.

We will remember their legacy
Their memory will gather no moss
Tomorrow may bring us joy
But today we morn our loss

So raise your voice in sorrow
Sing loudly of your love
Find your heart within them
Let it ring above

Many of the Bak'Tiar around them joined Mari in the chorus, their voices lifted in elegaic sadness.

Goodbye our greatest hero
Goodbye our dearest friend
Goodbye to all the times we shared
Know we miss you in the end

After Mari was done singing she lowered her head and let the two tears that had formed in her eyes fall to the ground. There was a moment or two of silence as those assembled tried to integrate the portent, and its meaning. But in another moment life reasserted itself, as it always did, and the Horselords, Sealords, and Riverrunners around Mari applauded enthusiastically, gathering around her as if to welcome her home all over again.

It was at least a half-hour before Jardanth interceded, renewing his invitation to his friends and their guests, ushering Mari into his tent and gesturing for the others to follow.

Jardanth had stood quietly and watched as the lights in the sky and the song of the lovely and talented bard washed over him. He had been so lost in thought that only WindClaw's nibbling at his finger tips brought him back. With a slight blush, he realized that the others were focusing their attention on him again, the recent events flooding back to him. He thought, Oh wonderful Jardanth, you extended an invitation to The Bard and a foreign diplomat, and then promptly forgot all. I'm sure mother would have approved. Let us take care of our guests.

"As for that drink I offered, clanpeople and guests, please come into my tent and be seated. WindClaw will be around to each of you that gets seated properly so you can pay her proper respect." He grinned at his guests and then whispered into the cheetah's ear, which prompted her to enter the tent.

The cat is going to “be around to me? With a deep breath to calm her once again racing heart, Mari walked into the tent.

Cady's demeanor was utterly sober, unsure as to what had happened. What she did know was that the sound of the Bard's song had brought feelings of grief and loss to her that were foreign and quite unpleasant. Although the experience itself was unique and in a way she was excited to be with these people as they shared this mystic loss.

Rhenn had jumped out of his skin, when the explosion hit, and stood transfixed, as the fire rolled across the sky. He listened with reverence to Maris song, nodding as she finished. "Well, that was something you don't see every day."

Duras nodded in agreement with Rhenn, silently wondering to himself what this new age of heroes business meant to a non-hero such as himself.

Rhenn's words brought a wry smirk to Cady's face, but she had to admit that he summed things up rather nicely. "I would have to agree. Do you have any idea what it means?" For the moment the Cheetah and Jardanth's invitation lay forgotten, and she was swallowing down the pesky remnants of sorrow that the Bard's song had brought to her.

"Someone has been called home, and Ch'Dar thought him important enough, to mark his passing to all his peoples." Rhenn looked around at the small circle of people he was with when this happened, as if committing the moment to memory, before he continued. "Whoever the Great One was, I am positive they would want us to press on with our festivities, and enjoy the company of new friends."

Cady smiled up at him, a dim light of revelry reigniting within the depths of her eyes. She linked her arm through Rhenn's and patted it with her free hand as she tugged him towards the Cheetah. "Then let us press on with our festivities." She swept her gaze over the others to include them in her suggestion. Her tone was light and playful despite her efforts to remain remorseful.

Rhenn followed the tugs willingly, glancing back at Jardanth as they neared the sleek cat. "They can smell fear, you know, Cady, so think a happy thought, if you are set to pet it." Rhenn made no move toward the cat, instead, he looked around for that offered drink.

Cady was eager to meet the cheetah and the idea of a drink was almost as appealing. "Thank you, I'd enjoy that." She smiled at him with courtesy. "...but I won't be able to visit for too long."

Duras glanced around the surroundings before following everyone to Jardanth's tent. Where is she... the passing of a Great One bodes ill, I fear. Oh, Rayna... where are you? Sighing softly, he followed the group into the tent and found himself a place to sit.

As the group entered the tent, the cheetah sat upright in the center and looked at each one as they entered. WindClaw nodded as each one sat on the mats that had been neatly arranged around the center of the rather large tent. Once they had all entered and become seated she causally strolled over to Mari, looked expectantly into the young bard's eyes, and then placed her head in Mari's lap, purring.

The placidness and seeming intelligence of the cheetah actually soothed Mari a bit. When she was seated and the cat came to greet her Mari was able to place her hand on the side of WindClaw’s face. She marveled at the softness of the cheetah’s cheek, and was disappointed when the cat lifted its head an moved on.

Windclaw looked around, placid, at ease, then padded over to Duras. Still purring, she looked deeply into his eyes, then placed one enormous paw on his leg. It's claws were out, but they merely rested on the material of his trouser leg. It came to the young Riverrunner then that she couldn't retract them like other cats did. They rested there, contentedly, much like a friend's might have, and then she moved on.

Duras gazed back into Windclaw's eyes. She's almost Bak'tiar at times, he thought to himself, not wanting to voice it for fear of offending the cheetah. Gently, he reached up and stroked her fur, firmly, appreciatively. The sharpness of her claws was not lost upon him.

Khevar followed the others into the tent slowly. He was glad to join them, but didn't like the idea of the cat coming near him. Lion or cheetah, both were predators and either might decide to make a snack out of him. He knew from painful experience how dangerous that was. He pulled his bow off and set it beside him then sank to the mat without taking his eyes from the cat.

This one hates, Jardanth. He has been marked by lion-kind. Windclaw sent the thought as she turned to look at the small Horselord, still calm, still quite placid. Purring once again, she padded over to Khevar, ducked her cheek to rub it against his shoulder, then stropped against his arm for all the world like a domestic cat -- except she weighed about 55 kilos. Now he is marked by cheetah, she concluded, finding Cady next.

As the cat came near, Khevar couldn't stop his hand from reaching for his belt knife, but he managed to keep the knife in its sheath. He closed his eyes while the cat rubbed against him, then sighed as it moved away.

Cady sat gracefully on the mat, observing Mari and making sure that her movements and posture was appropriate to the situation.

Once every one was comfortable and the drinks were served, Cady sipped at hers greedily. Between the hot sun and her earlier encounter she found it most welcome.

Windclaw stropped against her shoulder too. Still purring, the great cat placed her muzzle in Cady's hair once, sniffed delicately, then presented her head for a quick scratch behind the ears. The emissary quickly obliged the beautiful cat, enjoying the silky feel of her fur. It was the exotic nature of the animal that appealed to her.

Rhenn grabbed a drink, and glanced around the tent, at the furnishings, and implements of the healers trade. He remained on his feet, though, sipping idly from the cup as he stayed near to the tents flap.

Duras glanced up at Rhenn, where he stood near the entrance. "Sit down, you behemoth, else you block the fresh air." There was a playful tone to his voice, as he raised his glass in salute to the big man.

Rhenn chuckled and took a pull from the cup. "Fresh air would be nice, the smell of fish hangs in here."

Emerald green eyes turned to gaze lazily at Rhenn, "Perhaps he's scared of sweet Windclaw? You think?" Cady joined Duras in a playful exchange.

"It's entirely likely, Lady Emissary. Maybe he's afraid that WindClaw will consider him a big, beefy meal?"

"I’ll protect you Rhenn. Shall I sing her to sleep with a lullaby?”

"If a lullabye will stop her from eating me, it may be for the best. I would hate to see her get a bad case of gas." Rhenn's laughter and smiles were genuine, but still, he didn't stray far from the tent flap, nor take a seat on a mat.

Duras let out a snort of amusement at Rhenn's words, but his mind was partly elsewhere... He glanced towards the tent's flap with a distracted glaze in his eyes.

The wine tasted good as Cady rolled it around her tongue. She felt more trapped than the wild cat, as she sat in the tent, removed from the festivities that she so craved. On the other hand she was in the exact company that she'd planned to seek, that of the lovely bard.

"Mari? Pardon me for bringing this up on the heals of your grief. ...but, I'm afraid that I may not get an opportunity again to have your audience." Cady paused appropriately and bowed her head just enough to indicate her feigned embarrassment. "It was indicated to me that you might know where I could find some chocolate." She said the word in such a way that it seemed provocative. "It seems that I underestimated how difficult it would be to find it in Bak'Tiar, and I have run out."

Khevar turned a laugh into a snort with effort. He couldn't imagine anything being further from his mind while trapped in a tent with a cheetah than chocolate. Women were incomprehensible, foreign women apparently more so. Of course if she got that worked up thinking about chocolate, he couldn't imagine what she would look like eating it. The thought made Khevar want to go find some.

"I’m afraid that I grew rather fond of chocolate myself while at the Bard College, even with the knowledge that I would be coming home to a country with none.” Out of her pouch Mari took a few trinkets, a brush, and hair comb. “Ha, I knew I had a bit left in here.”

Two of Cady's well manicured fingers left the silky fur of the cheetah to touch her delicate lips with expectation. She inhaled quickly and almost lost her breath as she hung onto every single sylable that Mari spoke.

Finally she pulled out a medium sized paper wrapped chunk of a dark hard substance. “It’s from Xocolatl, in Fernwall, rumored to be the best chocolate shop in any land.” She handed the paper wrapped confection over to Cady saying, “Please keep that, I have more on the ship.”

Cady reached out and accepted the bar, her tongue already tasting her lips with anticipation. When she spoke her voice had a breathless quality. "Mari. ...thank you." She smiled at the bard warmly and if she wasn't mistaken that look in her eye might have been more than gratitude. "I'm in your debt. Let me know if there's anything that I can do to repay you for this kindness." She placed the bar on her lap as if it were a precious jewel and placed one of her hands over it protectively.

With a slight nod of acknowledgement Mari accepted all the implications of Cady’s words. “It’s my pleasure, I know how one can begin to long for that confection.”

Jardanth smiled as he continue to serve his guests. "I hope that you all find the wine to your tastes, it has a few added herbs to nourish and refresh." He turned to address the big man, "Rhenn, there is certainly no reason to fear WindClaw. She has promised to behave herself and besides she would no more eat one of my guests than she would me. Now my enemies, they would have good reason to fear her fangs and claws. Would you have me believe you an enemy?" With that he smiled at Rhenn and motioned him to return to the group.

Rhenn forced the smile to remain on his face, as he replied in deep toned, measured words, "It's not fear of that cat that motivates me, Jardanth. I've spent too many hours on the plains, protecting the Herds of the Prairierunner to be afraid of a cheetah. I remain standing, because I'm not staying long. This is my first Kum-al-Kidret, and likely my last. I don't want to miss anything." Rhenn finished off the last of his drink, and remained near the tent flap.

Lingering, WindClaw continued to enjoy the attentions of the emissary. {"I think I would like to keep this one, she has a quite pleasant smell and would make a great accessory. Besides her claws scratch me much better that yours. Ask her if she want to stop being important for a while and come with us. I promise to hunt all of her meals for her and keep her safe. Go on, ask."} the cheetah thought to Jardanth. The healer chuckled and then spoke to Cady with a slightly embarrassed smile. "Excuse me, emissary. WindClaw has directed me to ask if you would be willing to accompany she and myself after you are finished with your official duties. My sister appreciates your scent, your hands, and she has offered to see to all of your needs if you would accept. "

Cady burst out laughing when Jardanth relayed that message, or more likely, made the message up. Her laughter subsided but a self confident grin remained. "That's the first time I've heard that ... from a Cheetah. I'm quite fond of her as well, I think she would look specacular walking through the streets of my beloved Fernwall."

Her eyes strayed to Rhenn's imposing form for a moment before she continued. "...I actually have a few plans tonight, but I would be quite delighted to see the two of you again before I leave." She ruffled Windclaws neck and scratched her with her manicured nails until her head leaned into her with approval.

Some distance across the camp, Kassus slowly wandered from stall to stall, wasting time until the evening's entertainment. While it was said that the bard, Mari Wavecrest, was a great beauty, the young mage was more interested in the stories and the history that she would tell. He had said that to the others in his clan earlier in the day and they had all just sighed and shook their heads at him.

Kassus grumbled angrily to himself, "Idiots!"

"Excuse me?"

Looking up, the man behind the stall was looking at him at bit confused and Kassus put on an apologetic expression. "Forgive me, I was thinking out loud. I'll take this sash if you don't mind." Making the trade, he wrapped the scarlet sash around his waist, the splash of color on his otherwise plain leather outfit his single acknowledgment of the festive occasion. Brushing his hands down over his clothes, Kassus gathered himself and headed toward where the bard would be performing.

I guess beautiful isn't a bad thing though...

Jardanth kept his disappointment and annoyance with the big man to himself. Noting the look that the emissary gave to Rhenn, he silently mused "Well she will most certainly have an interesting evening with him if not a quiet one. "

He spoke to WindClaw {"She says she has plans for the evening but that she may come back later. I think she wants to enjoy the rest of the festival before considering dedicating herself to your service. Besides Mari is quite attractive as well. We will go hear her sing tonight, you might change your mind afterwards.} WindClaw spent a moment or two more with Cady and then trotted back over to Mari and placed her head back in the young Bard's lap. "Well, it would seem emissary that my sister understands your desire for freedom and will not try to hold you from enjoying the rest of your evening." Jardanth said with a slight grin.

“Jardanth, this is wonderful wine. Thank you for your hospitality.” Mari’s hand rested unconsciously on the big cat’s head and started scratching it’s ears, like she would have any domesticated cat on any ship.

Cady winked at Jardanth as she spoke. "I will make sure that my freedom is well used and abundant." Then she turned her considerable affections on Windclaw, cooing to her softly in goodby, "...and you Sister Windclaw are delicious. What I wouldn't do to possess you."

Turning his attention to Khevar, Jardanth approached him and whispered, "I have a balm that may reduce the size of a few of your scars, if that would not offend you. I know of a few, he casts a glance at Rhenn, who wear their scars and wounds as testaments to their skill in battle."

Khevar jumped slightly at the whispered words. He had been torn between watching the bard and keeping an eye on the cheetah and hadn't been paying attention to the healer. After processing the question he frowned slightly. "They are more marks of clumsiness and inattentiveness than of skill. What can be done for them has been done already. I'm stuck with them now."

The words came out harsher than he had intended. Sitting here he felt like one of the group. The sudden reminder of his differences upset him more than expected. Still, this man was his host and was trying to help. "I apologize for my manner and thank you for the kind offer." The words felt stilted, even to Khevar, but were sincere. Apologies weren't his best thing. "I am what I am now, no salve can change that." Although bitter, his voice was gentler than before.

"Stuck you are and marked be the gods." Never a fan of uncomfortable silence, Cady spoke up and shrugged her shoulders. "There are worse things than being favored by gods." Her tone was no more than conversational as she finished her drink and lifted herself off of the matt.

Khevar scowled. "Not to offend your beliefs, lady, but the gods didn't mark me. A lion did." He glanced over at the cat. "A vicious predator dedicated to murder." He struggled to hold his voice steady as memories surged in him, but some anger leaked through, not directed at Cady, but at the thoughts in his mind. He motioned to his ruined face and body. "And if this is how the gods favor me, I hope they forget me soon."

"No offense taken." Cady shrugged her shoulders in partial defeat. "I wouldn't recommend giving up on the gods that saved you so soon. I suggest only that the gods saw fit to save you from the paws of fate. ...and that is the mark you wear, one of a survivor." She didn't seem overly concerned by the matter at hand, nor passionate in her beliefs, instead it was spoken as if it were a fact that she didn't expect everyone to understand.

When Cady rose from her mat, Mari gently lifted the cat’s head from her lap and stood as well. Wow, the mood needs some lifting, this is a festival! With a large grin and a cute giggle she grabbed Cady's waist with one arm, and Cady’s hand with hers. “Since I will have no chance to dance with you tonight, I’m getting mine in now.” Humming a snappy little tune she learned in Fernwall at the coming out ball for the foster daughter of Sir Franklin d'Auberge, Mari lead Cady in a fast passed skipping dance around the center of the mats, their skirts swirling high.

The sweet tune drifted through the tent and tickled the interest of passerbys. A dance had been the furthest thing from her mind when she stood, but when the lovely Mari engaged her in one she was a welcome sport. Happy to hear the familiarity of a Cascadian tune. When it was over Cady inclined her head slightly and gave the bard a kiss on the cheek, it lingered a moment as she whispered something into her ear.

The kiss was a bit of a surprise, but not entirely unwelcome. The whispered remarks even shortened her breath a bit. Mari looked into Cady’s eyes, with a twinkle in her own, and replied, “I will most definitely take you up on that.” Turning her attention to the rest of the group, Mari winked at Duras. “It is rather warm in here, perhaps we can move out into the breeze? I should probably even check on the stage construction down by the lake.”

Through the past several minutes, much of the conversation and happenings went unnoticed by Duras; when the ladies started dancing, however, there was no way he could not help but notice! In response to Mari's wink and question, he said with a grin, "Warm, lady Bard? Why, I suppose that it is - perhaps," he said, rising, "if the lug would be so kind as to open the tent for us to make way, going out might be the best idea." The last bit was directed at Rhenn, of course, to whom Duras bowed obsequiously.

Rhenn had watched the dancing and listened to the conversation with some degree of interest, until Duras' request reached his ears. "Thank you for the hospitality, and the drink, Jardanth, but I do have something that needs to be done before tonights performance, so I will take my leave."

"Thank you indeed! Especially for the privilege of meeting your beautiful pet." Cady added her sentiments as she bid her farewell.

“Jardanth, the wine was delightful, as was your hospitality. I truly hope to see you tonight in the audience, and speak with you afterwards.”

Rhenn set his cup on the stand near the entrance, and ducked out the flap, but held it open for any who might want to follow.

With a slight nod, Mari walked through the tent flap and thanked Rhenn for holding it open.

"Mmmmhmmm." Cady purred as she followed the others towards Rhenn and freedom. She stopped when she reached the other side of the tent and struck a knowing pose with one hand on her hip. Her eyes locked with his and belied her stern tone. "Business to attend to? I suspected that you would lose your interest in being my escort in short order."

Rhenn merely held the flap open, an eyebrow arched up his forehead. "Suspicion and assumption can be dangerous wagonmates, Cady. My errand leads me in the direction of the Cloudsong encampent, and I will walk with you that far at least."

Cady acknowledged his words with a slight smile. "Actually, I have a greater matter of importance to attend to before I mollify my moody Sun Yani. Can you take me to Clan Freefoot or point me in the right direction?" As he was considering her words she placed her right hand on his chest and allowed it to trail slowly down to his waist, appreciating the impressive form that his shirt tried to hide. "I'm not quite done with you Rhenn Prairierunner." Her now serious eyes strayed to his face as she continued. "...but you can go if you promise to look me up later tonight."

Rhenn held stock still, ignoring the goosebumps that appeared behind her caress, despite the stifling afternoon heat. His hazel eyes followed her hand, then trailed up her arm, to her green eyed gaze. "Clan Freefoot is camped out near the Box canyon, where the herds are penned, Cady. Keeps the smells downwind of the bak kachina. I believe I already promised you a dance, tonight, do you need further reassurance that I will, 'look you up'?" He asked, with only the barest hint of a wry grin on his lips.

"I guess I do." Even as she spoke her fingers fiddled distractedly with the excess material of his shirt. "You seem rather flighty and I didn't think a little reminder would hurt. It would be a shame for you to miss my company." Cady shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, before smoothing his shirt and finally removing her hand.

“Rhenn, Cady, it was a pleasure to meet you both. I’ll be enjoying watching you dance this evening.” The emissary tore her attention away from her play thing and gave her a wink and a smile in reply.

Chuckling at the banter as he ducked through the tent flap, Duras stepped away from the tent, inhaling deeply. He turned to address Mari, "I will be looking forward to seeing your performance tonight, jewel of the oceans. I hope I will have the pleasure of your company again."

“I look forward to seeing you again Duras, and will seek your face in the audience tonight.”

Then Duras turned his attention to Cady, "Lady Emissary, I will relay your willingness to visit with Clan Swiftwater to our Elders. I am sure more important than I will arrange things to suit your schedule." To everyone else, "Smooth waters and cool breezes to you until our paths cross again." He bowed, with polite respect to everyone.

"Thank you Duras. I look forward to seeing you again." With a slight wave of her hand, Cady turned and headed towards the Box Canyon.

Nodding to Cady as she turned, Duras glanced around, and then set off to head to the lakeside clan Swiftwater is assembled. His thoughts were of the lovely Mari and Cady, musing over Rhenn's cryptic comment, the running into Jardanth and WindClaw, the greatest bowman and his disfigured face... and wanting to report all of this to the clan Elders.

And, yes, as always in the back of his mind, his concern for Rayna's whereabouts preyed upon him.

Mari waited for Khevar to exit the tent.

As the group broke up, Khevar got carefully to his feet. He gathered up his bow and nodded to Jardanth. "Thanks for the wine and the company. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favor later." He slipped out of the tent, then stopped, surprised to see Mari standing there, as if she was waiting. "Hello again, my lady." he smiled as much as his scars would allow.

“Khevar, I would very much enjoy your company as I make my way to the lake; will you join me?”

Khevar blinked and looked at her for a second. Realizing he was staring, he shook himself slightly. "Are you sure you are talking to me? I'm not sure anyone, especially anyone as beautiful as you, has enjoyed my company for quite a while."

Mari smiled, “Of course I am talking to you Khevar, I see no other expert marksman around here.” She looked into his eyes once again and said, “Beauty is not always something you can see with your eyes. I have a feeling that beneath those marks you are as beautiful as any of the Bak’Tiar.”

She started walking towards the lake waiting for Khevar to follow. “Tell me, do you have a favorite song? Perhaps a special request for tonight?”

For the second time in a day, Khevar blushed as he hurried to catch Mari. For a moment the idea that this might be some sort of cruel prank worried him, but he dismissed it. Mari didn't seem the type. Even if it was a prank, it was worth the risk. He'd survived such pranks before. "Um," as he reached her and offered her his arm, he tried to organize his thoughts. "I've spent more time listening the the wind in the grass than music." He thought for a moment, then looked over at the beautiful bard. "There is a song I remember a little from when I was a child. It would be neat to hear again." Khevar struggled to remember the title. "It was about the wind sweeping the plains, and how the Bak'Tiar were like the wind." He felt bad that he couldn't remember the actual name. It had been too long.

“Oh, the Song of the Plains, that is a wonderful one!” Mari hummed a bit of the chorus, “Is that it?”

"Yes, that's it." Khevar smiled slightly. "Now I'm really impressed. You figured that out from my brief description. You're going to do really great."

Mari laughed, “That really wasn't a great feat, it’s one of my favorites. If you like that song, I think you’ll really enjoy the first number I’m doing tonight.” As she finished speaking they came around a tent and could see the stage before them. Sighing heavily Mari looked out over the crowd that had already gathered and looked once again at Khevar. “Thank you for accompanying me, and don’t forget we are to share a drink together.” Just then Alda came rushing over, “Mari, where have you been? We barely have enough time to get you ready!” As she was pulled along by her ana Mari glanced back, waved, and gave Khevar one last smile.

Kassus found the clearing with it's stage engulfed in a flurry of last minute preparation for the upcoming performance. Stopping for a moment to get himself a mug of the spicy chelta drink that he enjoyed so much, the young mage found himself a seat close to the stage and sat quietly, his inquisitive blue eyes straining to take in everything at once until the show began.