Rosie sat next to the fire strumming lightly on her guitar as Alfred slept at her feet. Vivi joined her with a pan flute she had been given making a unique and lively tune as Hasin sat on her shoulder. A crowd gathered around them and some of the children started to dance at the rhythm grew in tempo. The children soon drew in the adults and laughing could be heard everywhere.
When the song ended everyone clapped enthusiastically. Rosie and Vivi took a bow then turned the rest of the music over to a group of men standing nearby. They had been on patrol all day and had encountered many horrible creatures. There were many that were wounded and others that had fallen in battle. It had been such a sad day that the girls had started to play to alleviate the mood a little.
"You both are very talented." Almair complimented.
"Thank you." Rosie said and had to elbow a distracted Vivi.
"Oh, yeah thanks. Do you know where Ilosovic is?" Vivi asked.
"I saw him over there." He said pointing the lone figure sitting next to a small fire. In the time that Ilosovic had joined the resistance he had saved many people and fought valiantly in the midst of battle. Little by little the people were warming up to him, but they were still wary of him and avoided him the best that they could. Ilosovic, in order to avoid unwanted confrontation, usually stayed away as well.
Vivi ran over and plopped down next to him causing him to jump slightly in surprise, then after a brief conversation which consisted mostly of Ilosovic shaking his head ended in Vivi grabbing his arm and yanking him over to the dancing circle.
At first Ilosovic was a little clumsy as he danced, whether this was due to his height or a lack of dancing experience was anyone's guess, but he soon got it. It was in that moment that a great mile stone had been reached. The people no longer saw him as The Knave of Heart, but instead they saw Ilosovic Stayne the changed man.
"Your friend has quite a way with people." Almair commented as they watched them dance.
"Yeah, she has a gift to bring everyone closer no matter who they are or whether or not they want to be close or not." Rosie said with a wistful smile not noticing how Almair was looking at her.
"Would you care to dance?" Almair asked.
"I can't dance, I'd just step all over your feet." Rosie said with an embarrassed blush.
"I won't mind." Said Almair softly as he offered her his hand. Rosie looked into his eyes and could not ignore the butterflies that erupted in her stomach as she took his hand. They twirled softly to the music and neither girl could think of anywhere else they'd rather be.
