[PRP]The Mirror of Dawn (( Mirari x Krios ))

[dawns_aura]

Though the sun had not yet risen, the lightening gray light of the predawn was enough for the young centauress to make her way from the makeshift tent she was currently residing in, to the clearing which held the most pure and pristine lake she had seen. Well, she called it a lake, but it was more a glorified pond nestled at the base of a steep cliff, in a forest glen where the canopy opened just so to allow the light to be reflected on its surface. It exuded a sense of peace and magic. Which was why she would pick a place close to it whenever she happened to pass nearby. And why she would wake up before the sun to come here and practice her routines. Where she could offer her reverence to the sun and the hope and potential of each new day.

The air was still and silent. Not even the birds in their nests were ready yet to face the new day. This was her favorite time. The perfect time and place. She took a deep breath and shut her eyes, allowing the peace and magic of the area to suffuse her body. Then her back left hoof began tapping. It was time to begin her routine and welcome the new day.  

[Tsunake]

Surprisingly, Mirari was not the only creature to be up and about before the sun could rise. Though a hunter by trade, there was no question that Krios found himself preferring the beauty of the natural world. This location in particular was breathtaking, and the centaur never hunted in this area: it seemed unnecessarily cruel to prey upon an animal's need to slake its thirst. A soft sound suddenly caught his attention. It wasn't quite sharp enough to be a woodpecker, and Krios unconsciously moved with all the patience and skill he'd learned throughout his many years of hunting to silently approach.

He didn't recognize the centauress, but that was hardly a surprise. She clearly wasn't lost and had chosen this place for a reason. Her tapping hoof was the sound he had heard, and, unaware that his silent observations could be interpreted as dastardly behavior, Krios decided to linger and watch. What, exactly, was she doing? He certainly didn't want to interrupt her, for her expression and manner reminded him of something almost... ritualistic.

When she was finished, he would introduce himself. For now, he would wait and see just what she was about to do.

dawns_aura

 

[dawns_aura]

Her left hind hoof tapping out the time, as the gray gave way to the pastel colors of the sunrise, she began her most current dance. She had heard tell of celebrations occuring soon, and she wanted to be at her very best. She didn't have the advantage of a guild or troupe backing her, as she travelled from settlement to settlement, be it village or campsite or simple gathering spot. All she had was herself.

So she had to be good. Be better. Be the very best. So she practiced, and practiced some more. Until she knew the routines by heart. More until the rhythms and routines were a part of her like her heartbeat and like the very air she breathed.

She danced to a beat only she could hear, as the light went from gray to the pastel of sunrise, lightening just so. The dance ended all too soon, but it may have seemed like longer. A small frown twisted her lips and furrowed her brows. It seemed... off, somehow. She knew the steps and the motions, it wasn't the timing but it just wasn't right. She took a deep breath and was pepared to start again, to try and figure out just what it was that was bothering her about her performance when she felt that she wasn't alone.

Pausing, she looked around trying to find the source. 'Who's there?'

Tsunake

 

[Tsunake]

After just a moment, the stranger began to move. Krios could move silently and stealthily through the forests, but the centauress' movements were graceful in a way he knew he could never emulate. He was fascinated, unsure of what, exactly, she was dancing for, but sensing it was something quite personal. As the dance came to an end, she seemed to pause with a frown--and somehow sensed that she was not alone. He gave a start when she called out, shame and guilt flickering through him unpleasantly. He had been spying, no matter his intentions, and that made him feel... unclean. Still, he was no coward, and he stepped silently from around the trees from which he'd been observing.

"Forgive me," He said gruffly. "I didn't wish to startle you or interrupt. Your dance..." He hesitated, searching for the words. "I should not have stayed to watch." Krios finally said. It seemed too personal a thing to have witnessed without her consent. "I am sorry." It had been captivating sight, but that was certainly no excuse for his actions.

dawns_aura