[center][h2]Fire and Water, a Perfect Combination[/h2][/center]

Watching the strange woman storm off, Lia barely managed to suppress her smile. It seems the gods were on her side after all, with the woman's departure in Lia's favor. There was a small part of her that did feel guilty in earnest, but she was mostly relieved. After all, there was much to be discussed between her and Kyros, and the sooner they spoke the better. 

Putting the entirety of the event behind her, instead she looked up at the taller man, catching him looking down at her. Her heart nearly skipped a beat, and it took a lot more effort than usual to keep her composure. Ah yes, those eyes on her and her alone, just the way she liked it! His compliment was unfounded, especially considering the distaste the two women held for one another, but she wouldn't dwell, instead flashing a brilliant smile at him.

[color=94fcfc]"And no mention of your heroics?"[/color] Lia asked, genuinely surprised.[color=94fcfc]" Fire magics of that kind aren't usually so vivacious! Strength of that kind is coveted by many."[/color] Especially her, all things considered.

He would begin escorting her away from the shore, away from the sea and towards the flowers and ribbons and music. It was time for them to be a part of the festivities and not have it run into them, his stomps in sync with the pitter patter of her delicate feet.

He raised a hand, surprisingly humble for even him. [Color=gold]"Please, handling a bunch of drunks isn't worth mentioning."[/color] He appreciated the way she looked at him, it made his stomach turn in knots and him to scramble for words.  

She complimented his strength. [Color=gold]"I can thank my lineage for the magics. The strength, well."[/color] He wondered if he should explain himself. He decided for it but make it a grand epic so as not to have her heart bleed to his sad tale. [Color=gold]"In another life, I was a gladiator."[/gold]  he threw his head up and used his free arm to emphasize his tale. [Color=gold]"Battles to the death were my breakfast, wrestling great beasts my dinner. You had to get strong, and fast. I fought for survival, a life I wish not for anyone. But it has its uses."[/gold] He grinned.

[Color=gold]"I cant create, but I can protect."[/color] Indeed that's all the fire could do, destroy, but maybe channeled properly…  [color=gold]"But- ehhh, sometime I lose my cool."[/color] He made a fist, looking pained and shaking it. [Color=gold]"To call my sea maiden such a vile profanity… I just had to defend your honor."[/color]

Aha, a magical lineage! Not entirely uncommon but still appreciated more or less. At the mention of his previous life, Lia couldn't help her smile, charmed by his tale. Born for the warrior's life, was he? What an entertaining way of living Kyros had, molded by his experiences and his own hands. It was actually admirable, speaking of his sincerity and unshakable determination. Though he revealed little, it spoke volumes alone: and she liked it a lot.

Nodding in what was obviously approval, Lia's free hand reached up and rested on her cheek, a grand smile that didn't want to go away remaining. [color=94fcfc]"And defend it you did! It was like watching the sun rise, the colors of red and orange hue illuminating the night sky and setting it ablaze!"[/color] She remembered having a similar feeling the first time she had watched it happen above the surface, her vision undiluted by the sea.

[color=94fcfc]"The element of fire represents passion, you know,"[/color] She was sure he had heard it many times, but spoke of it nonetheless. [color=94cfc]"And who can contain their passion? The zest of life is meant to be expressed and celebrated!"[/color] She was insistent as she spoke, reaching a somewhat reasonable level of excitement as they walked arm in arm, making sure to stay close. 

[Color=gold]"I do know."[/color] he said laughing heartedly. [Color=gold]"I like to think I personify it."[/gold] She catered to his ego so much that it was apparent that he knew so little about her. But that was an ego, a partial narcissist.

His opposite hand enclosed around her own. [Color=gold]"No truer words has ever been spoken."[/gold]. The two had come to a square, the road crisscrossing, the market stalls open, the drink and merriment flowing, and music from three or four places hung in the air and echoed towards him.

He spun out of her arm to arm embrace and stood before her. His hands clasping around her own. [Color=gold]"My dearest Lia, I propose we show this city what life really means. Let's have the greatest day of our lives!"[/color] He stepped in holding her hands to his chest.  The only way she'd be closer is if they hugged as he looked down at her, his eyes smoldering with affection and desire.  

[Color=gold]"My destined."[/color] He whispered before giggling. He brought his face close but a few inches from kissing her, but it was only to sigh sweetly, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

He pulled away, his hand taking her with him into the crowd. [Color=gold]"I want to know everything about you Lia. Where are you from?  The life you led. Your dreams. Tell me if I'm asking too much."[/color]

Sweet merciful Triton below, it was like he was plucking all the words she would ever want to hear and laying them out for her to see (well hear). The tone, the location, from how he moved and suggested they enjoy the day--it was perfect. This was exactly what she had hoped for when she had heard of the festival, and they were only on day one! Not that she would complain. No, on the contrary, this was an opportunity. While Kyros finding her had come smoothly, now she had to really bring it in. 

Or she could be totally enraptured instead.

Speaking of bringing it in, the sudden movement had thrown Lia for a slight loop, his words nearly missed as her focus was on her hands near his chest. Now that she was properly looking at somewhere that wasn't his ripped arms or gorgeous face, she had to take a second to properly admire his physique. Or she would have had her face not felt like her cheeks were burning. Her eyes flickered up to his, realizing how close he was. This was how she was going to die, her heart was going to pop out of her chest!

Fortunately he pulled back and she remembered to breathe. Oh goodness...At his questioning she straightened up, eager to reply before she stopped herself. Now didn't seem like the best time to reveal her royalty. Despite getting swept up in the whirlwind romance, she suddenly remembered that she was incognito. Lying would reflect poorly on her character, wouldn't it? Well, she would just have to omit certain parts.

[color=94fcfc]""Well, if it isn't obvious, I come from the sea,"[/color] She absentmindedly flicked one of her fins as she brushed her hair off her shoulder. [color=94fcfc]"My home is in the Anenome Sea, the Kingdom of Thalassa. I've come to the surface a few times, though the sensation of legs and walking on a flat surface has yet to be second-nature,"[/color] She remembered the last time she was here, albeit she had met with the King at the time. [color=94fcfc]"So far I have had one goal in mind for my life, though I can say coming here should nudge me in the right direction."[/color] She cheerfully concluded. 

[color=gold]"The fins did give it away… but I didn't want to assume. I first thought you fell overboard and swam back yo shore."[/color] The drenched dress made sense now. He listened intently, mo doubt an odd sight for those sharing the street. They gave the genasai and mermaid a bit of a berth.

[Color=gold]"Anemone Sea. That's a ways."[/color] It was out to sea off the Wavecrest Isles. He stopped when she mentioned her kingdom.  He looked at her mouth and eyes agape. [Color=gold]"I've heard of that kingdom. That would mean… you're a mermaid?"[/color] and that explains the legs. He assumed some magic was at work on her so he didn't question it.

He suddenly started sputtering then chucking. Then laughing. [Color=gold]"Fate is truly a surprising thing!"[/color] He recovered.  [Color=gold]"I am Ifriti, the genasai of fire. We hail from the Elemental Plane of Fire and roam the deserts and blasted scorched lands of the world. To think we come from so far from eachother, to meet here. I've heard opposites attract but, I don't know, its funny to me."[/color] Mermaid meets a fire elemental, that was a new one. He chuckled a bit more, before squeezing her hand. [Color=gold]"Funny and wonderful."[/color]

He listened to her intentions. He nods. [Color=gold]"Ahh, the fair princess journeys to find her prince."[/color] He couldn't know who she was. [Color=gold]"I hope hes everything you could have wished for." [/color] He says with a slight blush. That was his pattern, high, obnoxious before toning it back to something tender.

He stops when he notices something. [Color=gold]"How often do you come to the surface? Theres so many things I want to share."[/color] He guides her towards one of the carts. Theres a pungent smell coming from the wooden box of a stall, and something vanilla and creamy.

The woman is rosey cheeked and red haired. [Color=red]"Dont you both look precious, what can i get ya."[/color]

Kyros raises two fingers. [Color=gold]"Two floats please."[/color] He pays the lady and they get two large tankard of something frothy and bubbly. He gives her one and holds his with both hands. [Color=gold]"Its Root Beer mixed with a sweet iced heavy cream, it makes it all fizzy. Try it."[/color] sweet and bubbly with robust after taste. [Color=gold]"Hope you like it."[/color]

Opposite indeed, especially considering their respective elements. Before she could dwell on his comment, however, the word 'princess' threw her off for a second, eliciting a slight laugh as she averted her gaze. Astute or lucky? She prayed it was the latter and was massively relieved as he moved on, the woman nodding enthusiastically. Finding her prince indeed! Though there was a tiny prick of responsibility nagging at her in the back of her mind. Maybe keeping things secret wouldn't work out, what if he didn't approve? 

[color=94fcfc]"The last time I came to the surface was with my brother,"[/color] She frowned for a second, recalling that it was shortly after he had ascended the throne. [color=94fcfc]"There wasn't much time to sightsee, unfortunately. Coming from the depths means we didn't have much time before our tails would return, so we did our...business, and then returned shortly afterwards."[/color] That wasn't a lie, negotiations counted as business, right? It did in her book, and she remembered Aedre emphasizing the importance of relations with those above the surface. Business was definitely one way to describe it.

His next question distracted her, though she didn't get a chance to respond before the strangest smell hit her. What was that? She blinked in confusion as he ordered...what was that? Floats? Her lips formed a small 'o' as she watched the woman, momentarily befuddled as Kryos handed her a mug of something bubbly. Ah, a drink! Was this beer? Kyros' explanation answered the question, the combination coming off as a shock. Beer and cream? As she drank however, the combination of the sweetness and fizziness proved to be a positive one, her eyes widening for a little as she lowered the mug, her tongue resting on her lips for a second.

[color=94fcfc]"It has a sublime flavor to it,"[/color] She replied in earnest, taking a second to drink more. Pausing for a moment, she realized she hadn't accurately answered his question. [color=94fcfc]"Ah, well, you see, it isn't often, but that was due to my own limits,"[/color] And the fact that royalty couldn't be gallivanting here and there, but that wasn't important. Making sure not to spill the drink, she tapped the sapphire gem hanging from her neck, the sheen glimmering dimly before extinguishing. [color=94fcfc]"With this, I have no need to worry."[/color]

He enjoyed his own, ecstatic that he made the right choice and she liked her drink. He helped her nearby, a standing table available for them to put their drink down and enjoy it before moving on. The music of a nearby square starting annew to fill the air withe soft chime of winds and strings.

[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK4zcXbeTIA]Festival Music[/url]

[color=gold]“That sounds frustrating.”[/color] He said hearing about her problems with visiting between the water and the surface. She had less trouble than an air breather would have but he could relate. He still tried to linger on her every word, his head resting in one hand, leaning forward as close as he can across the table. She showed her necklace that accentuated her chest and neck and he grinned. He hoped there was magic that could allow a surfacer to go to the see the depths below. [color=gold]”Ooo very fetching. But, don’t feel like you need to force yourself on my account. I wouldn’t mind going for a little swim with you.”[/color] There was also the public baths… but that might be something for tomorrow. He also had to lie too, a little. He could swim, just not for very long. She didn’t need to know that, he could handle it.

He grabbed his flagon and took a long drink, a milk moustache forming on his upper lip. [color=gold]”So you and your brother huh.  Hmm… I’m making a guess here.  You’re a family of merchants.”[/color] He suggested pointing his finger for a second before explaining himself.  [color=gold]”Makes total sense to me.  So passionate, eloquent, and whats the- sophisticated. You must have traveled the world more than I have.”[/color] He held her in such high esteem, his face saying it all.  

Lia raised her eyebrows as she giggled to herself, pleased to hear Kyros was more than happy to swim with her. It was no small feat making it to Thalassa, but she was sure there was a way if she actually thought about it. Not that she would know, Aedre always made it a point to go where needed despite the council's insistence that they accept foreign visitors. Still, she had something to worry about when he took a guess at her family's profession. Oh dear, he was more intuitive than she expected. Lia occupied herself with the drink for a moment as she tried to think of what she could say.

[color=94fcfc]"Ah...well traveled, though I've only ever been to capitals,"[/color] She admitted. [color=94fcfc]"Although I wouldn't call us merchants. Though my brother has always emphasized trade, so perhaps that could technically fit."[/color]

Clearing her throat for a moment, she decided to divert the focus off of her. [color=94fcfc]"And yourself?"[/color]

He crossed his arms as he leaned on the table. This was refreshing. His heart was doing cartwheels and leaps when he was enchanted by the sea goddess, but he really felt he was getting to know the girl behind the eyes. And, when she confirmed traveling to the capitals, he made a very surprised [color=gold]”Really?”[/color] His interest very much piqued. [color=gold]”I never thought I could meet someone who was willing to travel.  It’s why I’m still, well, was, a bit of a lone wolf.  But-”[/color] He sighed, his hand sliding across the table hoping to touch hers, his motions and voice, he was smitten.

[color=gold]“Me?”[/color] He raised a hand and tapped his chin. It was always so easily to tell someone who he was, what he does, but he felt so… brutish before a charming passionate merchant like herself. He held names like, brute, sell sword. He finally admitted.  [color=gold]”Im-”[/color] He picked up his head. [color=gold]”A hero for hire! There’s always a war to fight, a monster to hunt, a village to protect. I go far and wide to offer my services, my strength, for a noble cause.”[/color]  He leaned on the table trying to look cool.  Considering his minimalist attire, it probably didn’t pay much. [color=gold]”And I’ve gotten quite good at it.”[/color]  His life was all about fighting, from his childhood til now.  

He tried to make it sound less than what it was. [color=gold]”So I’ve been practically everywhere. Deserts of Aurhiem, the White Peaks, the Skullstone Isles, the Jade Realms, Gem, Hyala, The Haltan Groves, but never under the sea before. I’d walk those roads all over again to show you some of the wonders I’ve seen.”[/color]

The diversion worked at least, much to Lia's relief. She listened as she continued to drink, greatly enjoying both conversation and drink. The bubbliness in her stomach occupied the steady beating of her heart, positively enamored with his speech. A noble cause indeed, she found herself smiling at that. Just the two of them, traveling the world to see its wonders and exploring where no other has gone. It sounded very much like a dream come true, hand in hand with her one and only. 

[color=94fcfc]"Anywhere sounds good, so long as it's in good company,"[/color] She teased, throwing him a wink before she took another wonderfully fuzzy gulp. Her eyes wandered for a slight moment, watching him for a second before concentrating on her drink. Once finished, she placed her chin in her hand. [color=94fcfc]"Adventuring is something I've always wanted to do, and with the right person it would be magical."[/color] She hinted.

His eyes were lidded to her talk of travel, of adventure and excitement. He finished off his fizzy drink and moved it aside.  His eyes were flirty, were meant only for her as his voice got low, whispering. [color=gold]”Oh really. The unexplored parts of the world. It might be dangerous. Treacherous. Exciting. You might see something no one else has seen.  People might even write a story about Lia, the Mermaid that Walked around the World.”[/color] He subtly moved closer to her, inching around the table to get close again, the table too wide  for him any longer. He stood before her. [color=gold]”The Mermaid that Tamed the Roaring Fire.”[/color]  

There was a cheer down the road from them, the music lifting up again as a new melody played and the crowd sang and clapped. There was an ethereal singing of a some talented bard whose [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL5AeGswVvc]voice[/url] cut through the crowd.

Kyros felt blood rush to his cheeks. [color=gold]“Lia. Dance with me.”[/color] He asked.

The idea of getting etched in history wasn't a foreign one, albeit she thought it would only be a passing mention on being her brother's sister. Lia tapped the handle of her mug, taking a second to think about it. Was this going in a direction that it shouldn't have? They weren't making promises. Just a little flirting here and there. Of course, she was fully convinced and hanging onto every world and throwing caution to the wind and she was pretty sure this was the man she would be marrying. Maybe. She could already hear Aedre reprimanding her. But that was a concern for the princess of Thalassa, not the Lia enjoying herself in the company of the gensai Kyros. 

His invitation was met with curious eyes, briefly looking to the source before returning to him. Was he embarrassed? It was an adorable image, though Lia hesitated for just a second. She'd likely make a fool of herself all things considered, but how could she refuse?

Finishing her drink first, she savored the flavor before giving Kyros her full attention. [color=94fcfc]"By your command,"[/color] She joked as she would stand, letting the sound of music flow through the chatter of the crowd.

He took her hand. He was mindful of her legs and knew he wouldn’t be tossing her about in one of the maypole folk dancing, but the bards voice was slow enough that he could sway with her, hold her. Start their day off with a magical moment. It started to get crowded as they got closer, groups already forming to watch the merry makers. They were dancing, jumping twirling, dressing and hair swaying.  They took the square. He grimaced, was there room for him and Lia?

There would be. He looked above, a tavern had a second floor, a rooftop space that overlooked the square and had their own patrons, but up there, they had a view, up there they might be able to make some space for them, up there they could hear some music.

[color=gold]”This way.”[/color] He said to her, his hand squeezing as he muscled his way through, going through the crowd, a door, a busy tavern and finally up stairs. The outside sitting space was as Kyros imagined, some more tables set up, but the majority of them were unoccupied. He maneuvered around the tables as he got to an unused spot.

He stood before her, offing a hand for her to hold, and his other to take her waist. He knew ballroom… seemed very uncharacteristic but he knew the steps humans would dance in royal balls. It was a bit slower then the music, but once she was nestled in his arm, his chest open for her to lean upon. He would sway with her, let the music melt over them.

Following along as giddy as a clam with a pearl, Lia felt like she was practically floating. They were walking hand in hand. [i]Hand in hand[/i]. Her heart was probably going to burst out of her chest at this point, doing her best to remain somewhat composed. Drinks? Check! Music? Check! Dancing? On the way! She honestly couldn’t have planned things any better herself, the universe practically handing them opportunity after opportunity. She would have to offer prayers to the gods sooner than later, she mused.

Once they were hand in hand, she gave Kyros a breathless smile, letting him take the lead. She wasn’t entirely sure swaying was the way land-dwellers danced, but she wasn’t going to complain. The music seemed like it was off in the distance, the two focused on one another. Granted, she was trying more or less not to trip on anything, but otherwise the setting was just [i]perfect[/i].

[color=94fcfc]"Oh, such a charmer,"[/color] She giggled, smiling brightly.

He threw his hand up, and around her. He spun her through with momentum, shaky legs or not, making her twirl with almost angelic grace.  A taste of the numerous formal events he had been apart of, and thus picking up the steps. She’d be caught and set upright through the movements. She wouldn't sit out on the fun.  

[color=gold]”What can I say, you bring out the best in me.”[/color]