Archive of Our Own ^beta

        Cyno watched as Nilou’s performance ended, applauding from the side as usual before turning to the guest he brought with him.

  “How did you like the experience, Collei?”

  “She was amazing! I almost forgot we were in a crowd.” The young girl responded.

  “Wait a moment here, and we can talk to her, if you’re up for it. If not, I can walk you back home.”

  “No, it’s fine. I want to meet her, especially after hearing so much about her from you and Master Tighnari.”

  Cyno nodded, motioning for Collei to step back as the crowd dispersed. Pulling a bouquet out of his robe, he waited for Nilou to make her way from backstage over to him.

  “Hey Cyno! And you must be Collei!” Nilou said as she approached them with a beaming smile.

  “O-oh, you’ve heard of me?”

  Nilou giggled, “Of course, Cyno talks about you all the time. He says you’re like his adorable little sister.”

  Cyno cleared his throat and handed over the flowers, “Your performance was great as always, Nilou.”

  “Oh, thank you.” Nilou took the flowers and gave the man a hug. “I hope you enjoyed it as well, Collei.”

  “I did! I wish I could dance like that…”

  Nilou turned to Cyno who nodded before turning back to Collei, “Would you like to learn how?”

  “M-me? Well, it’d be nice, but I’m still clumsy even as a forest ranger and after being cured, I’m still…I have two left feet and–”

  Nilou leaned in and whispered to Collei. “Cyno had two left feet the first time we danced together, we almost fell over.”

  “I heard that.” Cyno said, squinting at the two.

  Nilou and Collei laughed.

  “Okay! I’ll give it my best shot!”


  Cyno held onto the flowers again as he watched them take positions on the stage in the now empty bazaar. Collei attempted to match Nilou’s movements and follow her instructions, stumbling alot at first, but slowly gaining her footing. Eventually they flowed into a gentle dance and Collei turned to Cyno with a wide smile. He clapped before the two came back over.

  “Did you see? I didn’t fall! I kept my footing and–I wasn’t as good as her but, I can’t wait to tell Master Tighnari! If I can get good at dancing, imagine how good I can become as a ranger!”

  “I’m sure he’ll be very impressed and proud to hear.” Cyno replied, a small smile creeping up on his lips. “Thank you, Nilou.”

  “Of course. If you ever want to dance again, Collei, I’m always more than happy to dance with you.”

  Collei excitedly clasped her hands together.

  “I need to take her back home now, I’ll see you later.” Cyno said, giving Nilou a kiss and handing the flowers back.

  “I can walk myself.” Collei added, averting her eyes awkwardly from the kiss.

  “Even if I know you’re capable now, Tighnari wouldn’t let me hear the end of it. So no complaining.” Cyno replied.

  Nilou waved as the two left the bazaar, holding the flowers close to her chest with a smile.

 

  “You should show us your dance moves with Nilou sometime, Cyno.”

  “Hm. Do good enough on your lessons and maybe I’ll consider it.” Cyno teased.

  Unaware of the fire, he just set off in the teenager, Cyno laughed as they approached Gandharva Ville.