A Gathering [Open/Xoyans]

Finsternacht. In Xoya, the lunar eclipse was an event that most if not all Xoyans gathered in the public square to witness; there the view of the diminishing moon was clearest, if not occasioanlly obscured by falling snow. It was to them not any normal eclipse - it was one that occurred in the dead of winter, or at the very least a few days before the temperatures plunged to their very lowest, where it would be far too cold for even the boldest of Xoyans to step out of their snow-crusted homes. It was essentially the last time Xoyans could see each other before a whole week would separate them - or two, if they were unlucky.

Taking one of the paths around the backs of buildings to avoid being spotted, Az emerged into said square, which was still relatively empty; the sun had only just set and the moon was nowhere to be seen. The streets left and right were filled with vendors seizing the opportunity to draw in a crowd and subsequently their money; dozens upon dozens of stalls had been set up, selling a veritable assortment of moon-themed trinkets that ranged from small keychains to paintings. Some stalls sold drapes, even, or adornments to clip to one's scales.

Some Xoyans, recognising him, moved aside with a low bow of their heads as he approached, and he strode past them without comment, his eyes seeking the stalls and scrutinising their contents. The streets buzzed with noise that steadily rose in volume as more and more Xoyans entered the throng, some bringing along with them wailing hatchlings. Privately he wondered whether any of the Xoyan Generals would bother attending; the current General of Defence would most likely be up and about, while the one in Offense would most likely be cooped up in whichever home he owned, poring over the old strategies left behind by his predecessor.

Which left Oculus.

Az shrugged and went on, his steps mostly aimless, but he stayed close the the center of the city that was nearest to the Xoyan castle.

Cold. It was something that Oculus did not enjoy much, being forcefully cooped up while awaiting the freezing temperatures to rise. He felt, in part to his position, that he should attend the lunar eclipse, as it was the last time being outdoors would be semi pleasant. However, the crowds of the common plaza were not really a place he enjoyed, with too much hustle and bustle for his likings. Instead, he perched himself amongst a tower, the shadow cast easily helping conceal his dark gray body. Occasionally, his amber eyes would pursue the citizens that talked, bargained, and laughed, before returning his gaze to the moon. Letting out a sigh, he watched the mist form from his maw as the cold air met warm breath, he himself idling thinking what he would do, and what he should do for the hopefully short freeze. It was with his idle gazing that he noticed crowds parting slightly. Taking notice, he half turned his head towards the movement, eyes narrowing a bit as he watched the Kommadant walk between the stalls. Slowly unraveling his body, Oculus leaned against the building, keeping talons and tail off the roof to avoid noise as he maneuvered along in the shadow, no longer interested in the moon or the crowd as he stalked his prey.

Waiting for a quiet moment, he would silently open his wings, leap off the building and glide over towards Azreyus, and then snap his wings closed to land right next to the Kommadant, one paw landing on the back of the Kommadant as he leaned forward and nonchalantly moved his head near the others, "Dead." And as if nothing had happened, Oculus moved his paw free from the dragon regardless of their reaction, casually humming to himself as he walked with the Kommadant, or stood a few paces in front as if all that had happened had not occured. "You know, I really despise this time of year."