Pole Dancing
Posted on 18 Sep 2021 @ 2:51am by Mage Kalian Winter & Warrior Martin Josceran & Warrior Rhiannon Cadash & Rogue Elinowy Ursulas
4,550 words; about a 23 minute read
Mission:
Summerday La Fête
Location: Jader Chantry Courtyard
Timeline: Cloudreach 25th – first day of festival
The streets of Jader were alive with festival revelers, adorned in bright shades of yellow, orange, and red, with occasional splashes of cooler colors, especially green. Kalian liked to imagine the first day of the Summerday festival turning the city into a living flower garden. He let the tide of people carry him past vendor stands and the wafting scent of baked sweets, roasting meat and other enticing aromas, to their mutual destination, the chantry courtyard where the Summerday pole had been erected that morning in preparation.
Kalian had gotten a later start than he'd expected, Tessa had given him a long list of chores, but now that he had finished, he was free of responsibility until the next day at least. All of the rooms at the Raven's Roost were taken, and Kalian had even cleared out his own room so Tessa could place paying lodgers there. He'd be sleeping on the floor of his father's room that night, unless his evening took an unexpectedly interesting turn. This was Summerday festival, after all.
He made his way to the chantry buildings and came to a stop along the low fence to scan for familiar faces. A circular space had cleared around the pole, and a rainbow of long ribbons fluttered in the wind from the top. As Kalian watched, the dancers – human men and women wearing yellow garlands – gathered around the pole whilst two chantry sister directed them to catch the ribbons and arrange themselves.
"Up !" Arran tugged insistently at Martin's arm.
"Arran - " Raoul sighed. He didn't like indulging them too much but wasn't very good at saying no, Martin had come to realize.
"It's fine," he said. "I don't mind."
"Yes !" Arran nearly bounced with excitement while his sister rolled her eyes.
Martin lifted Arran up and over his head so the little boy could sit on his shoulders. Arran didn't like crowds. Neither did Fey, but she was too old at six years old to ask to be carried - though no doubt Raoul would pick her up if the crowd got too dense. Arran settled, hands on Martin's hair, squealing in excitement at being higher than everyone else.
"Now let's go or we'll miss the start of the ceremony," Raoul said, taking Fey's hand in his own, large and callused fingers.
The weather was perfect this year, not like two summers ago when it had been grey and windy. There was a cheerful atmosphere in the streets as people milled about, looked at the colourful booths and stopped to exchange greetings with friends and neighbours. Most were headed towards the Chantry to witness the pole ceremony. As they walked along Martin waved at the two guards standing by the Chantry, who waved back to him. This kind of crowds were perfect for pickpockets and no doubts there would be one or three at work today. Martin found his eyes drifting through the crowd, looking for the tell-tale signs - someone bumping into people, hands hovering too close to the merchant's booths.
He didn't see pickpockets but he did catch a familiar face not far from the dancers' pole.
"There's Kalian ! Come on Raoul, I'll introduce you."
Raoul turned around to look at Kalian. "Your new friend from the tavern ? The one who helped with the mine business ?"
"More than helped," Martin admitted, rubbing at his arm where the fading scar still ached sometimes. "He's a good man. I think you'll like him."
Raoul grunted noncommittally but made a friendly enough face as they got nearer to Kalian.
Kalian saw Martin approach with little Arran on his shoulders, accompanied by a human man holding Fey's hand. He shaded his eyes and looked up at the elven boy. "Arran! Maker's breath, how did you grow so tall so fast?" Then he pretended that he'd only just noticed Martin. "Oh, I see! Martin gave you a boost. Good to see you, my friend."
"I'm the most tallest," Arran declared proudly. "I'm taller than you and taller than Fey and - "
" - and I think you just became smaller," Martin declared, lifting the little boy so he could let him slide down to the ground, much to his dismay. "Say, do I smell biscuits ?"
The strategic redirection worked and Arran started looking around for the theoretical biscuits. There was no shortage of booths selling them. Martin kept an eye on him but redirected most of his attention to Kalian.
"Good to see you too. Kalian, this is Raoul, Arran and Fey's father."
The first thing Kalian noticed about Raoul was that he was not elven, like his children. He managed not to hesitate for more than a couple of seconds before saying, "It is a great pleasure to meet you, Raoul. I understand you're a carpenter. A pleasure to see you again, serah Fey," said Kalian with a bow for Fey. "Iris is around here somewhere with her father."
Fey looked torn between her desire to look for Iris, and her fear of the crowd. She clutched nervously at Raoul's hand while she looked around to see if she could spot her friend.
"That I am," Raoul acknowledged, rubbing Fey's shoulder to reassure her that he was there. "If you need any carpentry done, I'll be happy to help. I understand that you saved me the hassle of having to look for a new lodger." He gave Martin a disillusioned look. "This one's barely housetrained as it is but I got used to him."
"Thanks," Martin said drolly. "I think."
Kalian saw Elinowy then. The striking redheaded and – he reminded himself - chaste sister stood out in any crowd, and seemed to be the center of attention of a group of children.
Sister Elinowy smiled to herself as the circle of dancers moved into their positions. The spectacle and revelry of Summerday was always cheering to her. While she was not one to engage in the pole dance, being that she held no ambitions of interpersonal intimacy, but she loved the look in the eyes of young couple as they circled and circumnavigated themselves around the pole, positioning themselves to end up bound to the pole with the one that held their affections. It was a beautiful symbol of the Maker's love for Andraste and for all his children.
She stood off to the side of the pole circle, tending to many of the smaller children that mimicked their elder siblings in the dance. She had two boys hanging to the skirts of her robe, making her the great pole of the Maker's love. She turned with them slowly as they played. As her skirts began to bind up she bent low to the boys, giving them a twinkling smile and held a closed fist above them. They both watched and knew she had somethign special for them. "Gimme! Gimme! I mean please Sister." Elinowy smiled widely, "Very good, the Maker wants all his children to be good little gentlemen."
"Even the girls?" one of the boy asked.
She giggled. "Yes even the girls. Go and be kind to your mothers and sisters." She opened her hand producing tiny satchels of tied paper. She put two in each boys hand. "These are the tears of Andraste, use them to show love to those around you." The boys grabbed the tiny clusters. It took all of three steps for one to throw a satchel at the other. The tiny paperwraps impacted the young boy with a loud "Crack!" as the little packages exploded harmlessly on the child. Older children and some adults let out the customary cheer as Andraste's fiery love made its appearance.
Other children ran up to the tall sister, their hands out hoping to receive a similar boon from her. She produced a large handful of the tears she had been up half the night making, and handed them to the children. A staccato of pops ran up and down the street. This was good the sister thought.
Rhiannon woke early, she had stayed behind while her mother had gone to get the wine. She had been staying in their warehouse, keeping an eye on the goods that were being stored till they were paid by the buyers. Today though was a special day. Summerday. It had been quite a few years since she had been to a Summerday festival. Especially the first day. She didn't want to miss anything.
She rushed getting ready, having taken a bath the night before, brushing her hair out then putting up in a braided ponytail. Throwing her clothes on and stomping her feet in her boots, she quickly buckles on her rapier, dabbing a little perfume on and out the door she ran.
Making her way along the streets she watched as the revelry was evident. The people laughing, singing and dancing in the streets. The children playing games, which brought a smile to her face. As she passed a few, who looked more destitute, she would toss a few silver their way.
Rhi made her way towards the chantry, only stopping to get a breakfast pie at one of the outside vendors. Once done she continued on her way. She only stopped when she came upon Kalian. Oh the young man who she found very attractive. He made her have butterflies in her insides. He was the reason for the perfume. She stood just far enough away to watch him. He was with Martin who had a young boy on his shoulders. There was another man with a young girl next to him. Rhi eventually made her way to the group. "Findal findar (blessing, good fortune) to you all, this morning" Rhi gave a nod to Martin, the kids and the man, her eyes lingering on Kalian, who she gave a warm smile to.
Kalian grinned at the sight of Rhiannon approaching, and made a low sweeping bow, so that it was not quite awkward when he took her hand briefly and kissed it. "A good day to you, Rhiannon, you're looking lovely," he said with a flirtatious wink. She smelled good to.
Rhiannon smiled warmly as Kalian bowed, reached for her hand and kissed it. "Why thank you Kalian. You are looking as handsome as ever." As she held onto Kalian's hand after his kiss.
"Rhiannon, may I introduce Raoul and his children, Arran and Fey. Raoul, this is Rhiannon Cadash, second in command of the Night's Kiss."
Rhi gave Martin a smile and a nod, then turned her attention to Raoul and his kids. "It is a pleasure to meet you Raoul." She looked to both children and grinned. "Master Arran and Mistress Fey. I see that you both are ready for the day. What do you two plan on doing first?"
"Find biscuits," Arran said, pointing excitedly at a booth not far that boasted a superb pile of spicy shortbreads, right out of the oven judging by the smell that wafted enticingly towards them.
Fey said nothing, half-hiding behind Raoul's leg. She wasn't very good with new people and she was having to deal with a fair number of them today. But she did look at Rhiannon with intense curiosity ; most definitely, the dwarf's appearance was unusual, even in a port city such as Jader.
"What about you ?" Martin asked. Privately he wondered how long Rhiannon was planning on staying. It was unusual for sailors and their ships to stick around for very long. Not that he objected to her presence, after the help she'd leant them, but he couldn't help but feel there was more to her than met the eye.
Rhiannon gave Martin a smile and glanced at Kalian before looking back to Martin. "I would like to find some food and then go and try the games. Afterwards maybe go get my fortune read." She looked to the two kids, then to Raoul, the kids father. She pulled out a small pouch from somewhere and handed it to Raoul. "Now before you say anything, this is something that my house does when we are present on the first day of the Summerday festival. It is our tradition." (the small pouch holds 1 gold piece and three silver)
Raoul stared at the pouch, completely taken aback, then back at Rhiannon and frowned.
"It's very generous of you, Serah," he said stiffly, "but we do not need nor want charity. I suggest you make a donation to the Chantry instead."
Rhiannon shook her head a little. It took her a few seconds to understand what he meant. "It is not charity. It is a gift. It is for your to do with as you please. If you think it should go to charity, then do so. Just understand that I gave it to you because I like your family. That is it."
With Rhiannon's hand still in his, warmth crept up Kalian's neck to his cheeks. The day was already taking a promising turn. He waved at Elinowy, wondering if she would join them, and noticed that the Summerday dancers were looking much more organized. The ribbons had been untangled and each dancer held one ribbon each.
A staccato of little pops and bangs suddenly erupted around their group as small children darted through the crowd making their way towards the pole to watch the dance. Shortly thereafter the tall scarlet visage of Sister Elinowy made her way to Kalian and Martin. A gentle smile was on her face as several small children tugged at her robes to try to gain more surprises. She relented and handed out a few satchels that promptly exploded at Kalian's feet. She approached noticing Kalian's hand in Rhi's. Her smiled sagged a little but she quickly recovered. The strange pangs of jealousy were turned to a quiet prayer of blessing she said on the couple's behalf. The Maker was the only one for her heart. Her eyes still met with Kalian's and she paused. "Blessing of the Maker and his beloved upon this Summersday." she said warmly as she approached.
Rhi noticed the blush rise in his cheeks. This brought a wicked smile across her face. It switched to a warm and caring one. Holding Kalian's hand felt good. She gave him a wink.
She turned when she heard the approach of Elinowy. "Blessing of the Maker to you as well Sister Elinowy." Rhi responded, giving Elinowy a small bow. "How have you been?"
The tiny explosions made Martin jump, hand darting to the sword that was very much not hanging at his waist, much to his chagrin. By then he'd realized the noise was harmless and he forced himself to relax. There came Sister Elinowy. He shouldn't be surprised she was accompanied by a flurry of children ; she seemed to connect easily with them.
"Sister Elinowy," Martin said impulsively. "Will you share a dance with me ?" he gestured at the many people already dancing around the pole, some with ribbons, some not.
The request seemed to catch the sister off guard. She looked at Martin, a slight flush appearing on her cheeks even with the abundance of refracted red from her cowl. "I... thank you for your kind offer. The pole dance is a ritual for those eligible of serving their lives together. The ribbons reflect how our lives are intertwined with our community and specifically with our betrothed. All human love radiates from the central pole, which represents the foundation of the Maker's affection for humanity as seen in his beloved."
Her sudden sermonizing began to attract the attention of revelers nearby. Some stood fixated on the words of the sister as she ex posited the love of the maker. She suddenly became aware that a small gathering was indeed listening in. Her voice projected more and she emphasized gestures with her hands as she spoke.
"The longer they dance the closer to the Maker and to one another they all come. Until at the end we are bound to one another and the maker, together. Just as we on this journey of life find our selves as we explore the deeper mysteries of the Maker's love. May we all reflect upon these truths as the young people dance."
Elinowy stopped and motioned to the crowd that they should move along with the Maker's Blessing. She then turned back to Martin, Kalian and Rhiannon. "I apologize, I did not mean to submit you all to an additional sermon to those already being offered up this day." She put her hand on Martin's arm. "Thank you again for your offer, but this is a rite that is not meant for me. The Maker has my love. Find someone to share the dance with that you can explore its deeper meanings with." Looking at the children on Martin's shoulders, "Of course it would be right to instruct your young charges on the dance of love." she gave the children a smile.
Well, that was a serious case of misunderstanding, Martin thought. He'd only meant to offer a casual dance by the pole, like many indulged in, he really hadn't meant to propose marriage. He wasn't even sure how Sister Elinowy had reached that conclusion - had he seemed like he was courting her ? He hadn't thought that he was. Although the Sister was striking, his interests lay elsewhere.
Explaining that in front of a crowd wasn't ideal though. He'd have to clear it up later with Sister Elinowy, and hope the whole thing did not leave too much awkwardness between them. In the meantime, all he could do was take the rejection gracefully. Which was made a bit harder by the number of people gawking.
"Of course, Sister. I appreciate your forbearance." He gave her an easy-going smile, and hoped to the Maker the onlookers would clear the area soon.
Kalian grinned widely at Elinowy and Martin and laughed out loud, heartily enjoying the unexpected awkward turn their conversation had taken. The dance of love - sounded like a euphemism to him. Kalian had not missed the way the people around them hung on Elinowy's words. "I suppose there are variations in the way Summerday is celebrated in other places. But let us hope that each of us who so desires will find a dance partner." He gave Rhiannon a sly wink.
Rhi chuckled at the confusion between Martin and Elinowy. It was funny to see Martin blush. Though what caught her attention was Kalians response. She looked to him and did not miss the sly wink he gave her. Still looking at him she spoke. "Not all dwarva celebrate Summerday. Those that do, tend to have their own ways of celebrating, though they are similar to how the humans do. We do not have a pole dance. The young who would like to marry must prove their love by defeating their rival and knocking them out." She paused to let that sink if for Kalian. Then grinned. "Though I think that Someone who is looking for a dance partner, might be able to find one. If they ask the right way." This last was said with as much innuendo.
"My lady Rhiannon," Kalian began, then leaned down to whisper in Rhi's ear so that only she could hear. "Inviting you to engage with me in a dance is only the beginning of what I wish to do with my tongue."
Rhi gave Kalian a mischievous grin. "Well, we shall start with the dance and see where it goes from there." Her tone was flirty as she gave him a wink.
The Dalish had their own way of celebrating Summerday. She has never been in a city when the festival was being celebrating. This would be her first time. She made her way into the city early from the woods outside. Kit looked upon the citizens of Jader with a polite amusement.
Kit was making her way to the chantry because she had heard that is where the festival would begin. It did not take her long to find it, she followed most of the festival goers. Since they were heading there themselves. It was early when she arrived. Standing off aways she watched as the Sisters helped those that were to dance, position them. She watched as a young man arrived, followed by another young man she had seen before. He was a guardsman. There was a few moments then another approached. A dwarf female. She didn't look like your typical dwarf. More athletic. She also looked like she could take care of herself.
Kit shifted a little as those coming to watch the beginning of the festival. Slipping a bit more into the shadows. Her hand gripping her 'bow' a little tighter.
Jaslyn observed the Summerday pole-dance crowd from the fringes and thought of her parents in Val Royeaux, endlessly working to facilitate their lord and lady's Summerday celebrations. She observed few elves in the courtyard. As she'd told Cainan, even in Jader, Summerday was no holiday for most of the city's elves. So she was surprised and intrigued to see an elf – Dalish no less – watching the festivities from the shadow of the chantry building. Jaslyn decided to introduce herself.
"Andaran atish’an," she said as she got closer, recalling a Dalish greeting, though she may have mispronounced it. "My name is Jaslyn."
Kithris barely heard the elf woman approach. Still she was a little surprised that the woman talked to her. Kit was even more surprised that she knew the Dalish greeting. Kit looked over, gave a slight nod and a small grin. "Aneth ara atish’an Jaslyn. I am Kithris Sabrae." Kit gave Jaslyn a small bow."
"A pleasure to meet you," said Jaslyn. She was quiet for a few moments, watching the humans around the Summerday pole catching the long, wide ribbons, and untangling them under the direction of two Chantry sisters. "What brings you to Jader?"
Kithris looked back towards the group she had been watching. The three human males, two young children and a female dwarf. She watched a small group of children run by, throwing poppers that made snapping sounds when they hit the ground. This brought a small frown to her face. Shems.
It was when a Chantry Sister approached the small group, accompanied by and other small group of children, did Kit answer Jaslyn. "Was on my way home. Haven't been in a few years. Came here to trade some pelts. Met an old friend, he asked for some help, so I stayed." Kit turned from watching the small group to look at Jaslyn. "So what brings you here?" Her tone was pretty neutral, though held some curiosity.
Jaslyn hesitated briefly, surprised to find the prospect of telling a Dalish elf about her background was mildly embarrassing. "I was born in Val Royeaux, where I was a servant in a human household until four years ago when I became the scapegoat in a nobleman's murder. Whilst waiting for the gallows, a Grey Warden recruited me and sent me to Jader for training and to cross into Ferelden to fight the darkspawn horde. Except the border was closed and the Hero of Ferelden ended the Blight without the Orlesian Grey Wardens." She shrugged. "I'm still here."
Kithris listened quietly as Jaslyn spoke of where she came from and that she had become a Grey Warden. When Jaslyn spoke of being accused of murder, Kit raised an eyebrow. This was something that she would expect from Shems, when dealing with city Elf's. What really grabbed her attention was the mention of being a Grey Warden. She had never seen one, let alone talked with one.
"I would expect nothing less from Shems when they are dealing with city elves." She paused and her tone is mostly neutral with a bit of anger. Her tone then switched to one of curiosity. "You are a Grey Warden? (steps forward a little and looks at Jaslyn a bit closer) You are not what I would expect a Grey Warden to look like."
Jaslyn smiled. "Now I'm curious about what were you expecting. Grey Wardens kill darkspawn, but anyone with skill and a stout heart can do that. Within our ranks, we are all equal – elf, human, dwarf. It's not a life I would have chosen if the alternative hadn't been death. And yet, I live. These days the darkspawn are mostly quiet above ground. Occasionally I take work from the hahren of the Jader city elves. Sometimes mercenary work."
The crowd moved back slightly from the Summerday Pole as the rite began. Official dancers had formed two concentric circles around the pole and began moving, one circle clockwise and the other widdershins. The bright rainbow of ribbons glittered and waved as the dancers weaved in and out around each other. The crowd clapped and cheered encouragement. A few people, inspired by the joyous spectacle, or perhaps simply early indulgers in Summerday libations, danced alone or in pairs outside the pole's circle.
As the ribbons were woven around the pole, they got shorter and shorter. The dancers themselves were brought closer together, accompanied by laughter and more cheering until all of the dancers stopped and bound close to each other by the ritual and by their reluctance to let go their ribbons.
Revered Mother Giselle appeared then, and a hush fell upon the crowd - everyone in the courtyard bowed their heads in respect. Responsible in many ways for saving Jader from disease and famine during the Blight, Giselle was wildly popular with the local people.
Sister Elinowy clapped with the music as the participants circled the pole. She gave warm smiles to everyone enjoying in the festivities. Her thoughts went to the play she would be overseing later that afternoon where a young girl coming of age would play the part of Andraste as the Maker proclaimed his selection of her as his spouse. Elinowy had played the part herself when she was younger in Chantry School. She had a special fondness for the play. The festival really was for the young as they celebrated human love as a symbol of the divine grace of the Maker. She smiled as the dance ended and the Revered Mother stood. She turned to her companions and hushed them so Giselle's speech could be heard.
Giselle spoke with a strong low voice, full of warmth and fondness for her flock. "Blessings on all of the Maker's children as we begin the week of Summerfest celebrations. Do remember that all are welcome at each day's worship, and I look forward to seeing you there, one and all. Enjoy the festival."
Elinowy clapped respectfully as the Revered Mother called the Festival open. Elinowy had met Giselle several years ago at a Chantry conclave. The older woman was a great example of the faith and Elinowy found her very inspiring.
With that, Giselle greeted the dancers, who approached her in pairs. She tied a symbolic ribbon around the clasped hands of each couple. The ritual was complete. As people milled about in their revelry, Giselle mingled with individuals in the crowd. An observant person might notice two or three templars nearby, keeping an eye on her.
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