Dancing with Fire

[styxxsardonyx]

"You're welcome." he said in response to her thanks. Blushing again, he didn't get it. maybe nice things do that to people. He would have to find out.

As she explained once more how everyone was welcome to Le Cirque a grin slowly split his face. Perhaps this place really would be what he was looking for, having no home or family to go to now.

"That's what I need. A place to rest my wings, as it were." he elaborated glancing at his arms, his face expressing his slight disdain for the missing feathers. He was going to have to go for a flight again later.

[mimfy]

That smile that broke across Rhys' face almost had Jena blushing again; god, she felt like a little girl with how many times she's blushed in one night. Messing with her hair to try and distract herself, earning just a pink blush this time, she smiled.

"As much as I really enjoy seeing your human self, I am not adhered to the idea of your true self." she glanced at him sideways, peeking at him through her bangs and eyelashes. "Once in my tent, you can perch on anything you like."

[styxxsardonyx]

"So I'm to be your guest for now?" he asked, his brow furrowing a bit in confusion. It made sense, of course, but he wanted to be sure. usually he was distrustful of anyone's invitations. Many years a go one or two had gotten him into trouble. But she was unlikely to wish him harm. After all they had just met, and as another creature of magic, she had to understand the want for a safe lace.

"Because that's very kind of you." He held out a hand, indicating that, if she wished, she could start leading the way. "I'm not used to...this yet." He gestured to himself. "I'd like my wings back." he muttered.

[mimfy]

Jena gave a nod. "Only within my tent. As soon as we get you settled in, you can have your own tent to call home." she smiled and once she was motioned to lead the way, she quietly turned to do just that. It was beginning to grow silent within the campsite and she welcomed the quiet as she took Rhys to her tent.

"I am sure," she said, glancing back at him, curiosity bright in her eyes. If he was as handsome as this while human, how would he be as a beautiful phoenix?

[styxxsardonyx]

"Yes, it's very annoying..." he muttered and glanced around. While he followed her, Rhys took the opportunity to inspect the grounds better now that they were no longer as crowded. He could see more of the workers walking around and cleaning up, some were still entertaining the humans who lingered behind, or were ushering them home. Briefly, despite Jena's assurances, he wondered how they really would take having another one added to their midst. He glanced back to his guide. She was already very welcoming. If the others were like her, he knew he would be fine.

He also observed the way her long hair moved to compliment her swaying hips as she walked, and recalled her dancing. A absent smile formed as he dwelled on that image for a moment. It brought up that earlier observation of how her coloring reminded him of a phoenix's plumage as well.

"Have you ever flown?" he asked curiously. It was an odd question, he was pretty sure, but if she like fire, maybe she liked flight as well.

[mimfy]

Jena continued on her journey to her tent, though almost near hyper aware that Rhys was following behind her. She didn't exactly understand why, he was just like everyone else... wasn't he? But why did he seem to make her blush so...

His sudden question caught her off guard and she stopped in her tracks and looked over her shoulder at him. A smile spread across her countenance and she glanced to the ground. "You've heard tales of Arabia, am I correct?" she inquired. "I may never experience the freedom you have, but I have flown."

A dreamy expression filled her eyes and she sighed, closing them in nostalgia. "To soar through a warm, desert night is something I greatly miss. But, I am happy here with my new found family."

[styxxsardonyx]

He stepped up to stand at her side rather than behind her as she recounted the past. He was wondering why he had asked such a question and he supposed it was because he had hoped she really did understand, as she had claimed. Judging by how she spoke of missing flight and the expression on her face, he had no doubts she did. Lightly he rested his fingers on her shoulder.

"So we have something in common." he offered with a easy smile. "We may have to get you flying again." He watched her with those golden eyes, looking for...agreement? Perhaps. He wasn't sure. Then he glanced ahead, bringing his attention back to their destination. "You'll have to tell me about your family too, if I am going to try and join it."

[mimfy]

Jena had gone off into memories when she felt a pressure on her shoulder. Jumping, she looked over to Rhys, then relaxed. "I agree," she said, smiling as she found herself staring at he ground again, but for an entirely different reason than before.

A laugh escaped her and she poked Rhys' nose. "They're a vigorous lot, but you'll like the family. We're all different, just as some people are small and others tall." she continued to smile, seeming happy. "But if you ever need someone to talk to, I will always be here for you."

[styxxsardonyx]

Rhys's eyes crossed as he tried to focus on her finger when she booped his nose, the action drawing a very confused look from him. He had no idea how to respond the poke. He felt like it should be offending his pride to be treated like humans treat their children, but at the same time, he didn't mind the fact that Jena was being playful. He found he liked it when she seemed to be enjoying herself like this.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you Jena." He smiled a little wider before tilting his head in a way that indicated they might as well keep walking. Maybe he would be able to take up that offer. He was finding Jena surprisingly easy to talk to. "You're very kind to an old bird."

[mimfy]

Jena was getting close to her tent, but hearing Rhys speak again, she glanced back over her should to gaze at the Phoenix. "I see no reason not to be kind to you, Rhys." she said sweetly and walked up to her tent and pulled the flap aside. She had reasons not to be kind to anyone, both human and non-human. If it hadn't been for some very key people in her life, Jena would probably be a very angry Jinn right now.

Thankfully, Jena had had many years to revel upon herself and the deeds of others. The life she had now was definitely one she chose and wanted.

"I want others to see kindness when I saw none." she spoke after a long while of silence, still holding up the door to the tent.

[styxxsardonyx]

He glanced at her as he stepped past into the tent. He knew there was a story there, but even the bird knew that, having just met Jena, he should wait to do any prying.

"I still appreciate it." he replied as he entered the dark tent. He really did. He had been so edgy and unsure about his possible reception to the circus, but she was making him feel right at ease.

As his eyes adjusted to the dark space while he waited for Jena to enter and get things set up, Rhys could make out shape sand a layout that felt very familiar. Everything had a very Arabic feel and it was like he was slipping into his past a bit. He started wandering the tent space, studying the familiar decorations and their designs while he waited for his host to settle.

[mimfy]

Jena finally followed her new friend into her quarters and smiled. She could see him easily and tell that there was an air of nostalgia about him. Walking over, she flopped onto the biggest pillow, resting her chin on her folded arms. "You can have a seat on any pillow you'd like." she said, lying there and smiling up at her new found friend.

The way the moonlight cast against her dark skin made her look very exotic and beautiful. Her makeup and jewels definitely added to the picturesque sight there in the tent.

[styxxsardonyx]

His attention was torn away from his admiration of the decor when Jena spoke. He glanced to her, his mouth open to reply with an apology for gawking so much, but when he saw her draped on the pillow he just...stopped.

Even the bird could appreciate a lovely sight like that. It sparked an appreciation he didn't feel all too often. He stared for a moment before he shook his head clear and offered her a gracious grin, though he couldn't hide the bit of sheepishness evident in his face.

"Thanks." he mumbled before seating himself on another large pillow nearby, opting for a cross-legged position on top of the cushion that contrasted her more relaxed one.

[mimfy]

Jena couldn't help but notice, and feel, that awed gaze. She kept hers upon him, amethyst eyes unwavering as she waited to see if he spoke or not. Unlike most men who would stare at her she didn't mind Rhys. In fact, it made her feel flattered. How many women did a Phoenix like him stare at? Probably not many.

She knew that Phoenix's were proud birds.

"I thank you for not being everyone else I run into." she spoke softly, dipping her chin so that she partially hid her face behind her arms. Hair fell into her face, but it just added to the whole sight. "It's refreshing and I really welcome the friendship. I've... wanted it."

[styxxsardonyx]

A frown crossed his features and he tilted his head to study that beautiful head of hair while he processed her words. Didn't a kind soul like Jena have many friends? And what did she mean about not being like everyone else?

"I-uh...You're welcome." he stammered out. That was the correct response, right? "I don't know what everyone else is like to make you say that, but...you're welcome." He sighed and glanced aside.

"One of the reasons I want to join this place is because I've been wanting...friends too." He rested his elbow on his knee and his chin in his hand while he watched the jinn. "So, I am happy you're accepting mine."