Jack followed her, feeling slightly guilty, but nonetheless glad to be free of the dancers. They arrived at the docks, and Jack crossed his arms in mock disappointment. "That was very unprofessional, Ms. Rohesia," he said sternly. "There is no dancing for pirates - we are the finest of high society."
Jared wandered over to the crowd and saw the two leave. He followed them to the docks. "Jack? Avice? We're you two dancing in that crowd?" His words were slightly slurred but nothing too incomprehensible. "That is so cute. The two of you, dancing together..." He grinned and snickered.
Avice laughed. "Sure, the finest," She said, and turned towards Jared. "It wasn't really dancing. More like stiff movements and embarrassment." It was obvious she was just teasing.
"You're drunk, Jared," Jack responded flatly, and then he shrugged. "I don't know, guys. I was surprised at how good I was. I think I'm better at this than you are, Avice. Maybe the pirate life isn't for me after all. I'm probably destined to be a world-famous dancer. I just didn't realize the magic I contained in my feet."
"Hey, you're the one that said you hated me for making you dance, but whatever floats your boat." Avice chuckled, then jokingly spoke. "Just don't cut any rugs with those sharp dancing shoes."
"I cannot be held responsible for what happens when I dance," Jack said smoothly. He squinted to the horizon, noting the sinking sun. "It's almost dusk. Things really heat up around here."
"Fireworks," Jack said, "and more fire, and dancing. It's also the time of the festival with the most injuries."
"Yes. We can probably see the festivities from the ship, but I'm sure that Natalia is anxious to move on. Speaking of which, we should probably be heading back. I'm sorry to bring the end of our trip, but we need to find everyone. We're missing Cobiah, and Sierra, Jade and Ellia. Is that right?"
Avice looked around. "I believe so, but I haven't seen any of them. Should we start looking or just wait here?"
"We're supposed to meet here. I guess there's no sense in going off and looking." He sat on the edge of the dock, his feet swinging over the side. He glanced down at the water, briefly remembering the events of the night before. "I wonder how Urela responds to the sirens? Are there a lot of attacks?" Suddenly, Ellia joined the group. She had face paint on her, with white dots, and blue swirls and red flowers. She seemed to stumble into the group, and her expression was one of dismay. "Are we leaving now...? Hic!" she slurred, and Jack had to hold back a laugh. Young Ellia was not one for drink, but he imagined that if you were very into the festivities, then you would have to be drunk. (@AzureBlitz, you still here?)
Avice chuckled. "I'd wouldn't be surprised if there were sirens near here. Especially a lot of attacks." She glared out towards the horizon, eyes glazing as she zoned out.
"Easy now," Jack murmured, noticing the look, and cursing himself for being so obtuse. "Everyone should be here soon, and we'll be heading back to the ship." Jade joined them at that moment as well, and her hair was tied in multiple braids, and flowers adorned her attire. She was breathless, and her eyes twinkled. "Did you guys see that monkey?!" she asked, pointing at a street performer, with a small, dark chimp in a funny hat dancing around. (We need @Proxy and @AzureBlitz to bring their characters, and then we'll do a time skip to Norlure. Things are going to get exciting there.)
(Sorry about that! I kept holding it off.) Cobiah walked towards the docks, and spotted the crew. "Hello. That was quite the festivities. Norlure's up next, I presume?"
(No worries!) "Yeah," Jack said, "but that'll take a few weeks. Natalia brought some supplies when she returned to the ship, but this'll be our last land visit for a while."
Avice kicked a pebble into the water, and sighed. "Might as well enjoy land while you can. Although, there isn't anything like smooth sailing."
Jack nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Plus, it make take us a while to find this Rhys guy. Natalia talked to that old man a little bit privately, apparently, and sounds like he's quite the rogue."
"I hope so," Jack said, twisting his bangs worriedly. As the sun slipped over the horizon, cheers erupt from the crowd as one, two, three fireworks filled the air, burst with shimmers and glows. Soon, the sky was lit up, and on the ground, fire jugglers, dancers, and breathers were entertaining the townsfolk. "Where is Sierra?" Jack muttered.
