Page 74 of Ahelno
“Truly, you are a vision in this garment,” she said. “Robnar has an excellent eye for how to dress your form.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I’m lucky he finds dressing me amusing. I don’t think I could ever walk around in nothing but a skirt the way your people do.”
“We do not have such lumpy chests,” she said. “I would probably hide that, too.”
I laughed. “I’m surprised that Charonu spoke to either of us. Don’t they hate women?” I asked.
“Some of them are slowly coming around,” Kashtinela said. “I think seeing strong Ptexari women - and humans - is good for them. Honestly, I think some of them are fascinated to learn that females have minds of their own and can hold intelligent conversations. I am hopeful this will bode well for their women at home.”
“That’s wonderful. Any marital prospects in that group?” I asked.
She snorted. “Definitely not.”
I gestured at the ballroom. “I didn’t know the Ptexari danced,” I said. “Well, not like this. I’ve seen the Morufa that the villagers perform during celebrations, but this looks more like what we call ballroom dancing. With partners.” The Morufa was performed in a circle to drums. Anyone could join, and it involved a lot of athletic and rhythmic jumping. It was an enthusiastic dance, and I enjoyed the feel of getting caught up in the drums, but what I was seeing now looked almost likea flamenco. The guests were partnered or in groups of four, sweeping their arms over their heads while simultaneously stomping the floor to a rousing tune played by wind and percussion musicians on the dais.
“Well, we did have dancing at the Harvest Festival, but you and Leo fled the room after your singing performance.”
“Oh right. Well, all the Ptexari dropping to their knees freaked us out a bit.”
“Indeed,” she replied. “Well, as you can see, we do have partnered dancing. These are considered court dances. Very different from village celebrations like the Morufa. It takes a great deal of training to learn.”
The steps did not seem overly complicated to me, but then, I had been in dance classes my whole life. It was a repeating three step, three step, two step combo in what seemed to be alternating 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures. The pairs circled each other, but did not touch, and others danced in a rotating quartet. I could see the quartets were more complicated, as the dancers wove in and out of the middle and each other. It was fascinating to watch, and I found my body swaying to the rhythm, as it always did when I heard music. Gender didn’t seem to be a factor. The pairs and quartets were same-sex or mixed gender, and everyone seemed to be doing the same basic step, although I could see some were more skilled than others.
“Would you like to dance?” a deep voice asked from behind me. I turned and saw Dakleth behind me. Although I knew I could probably pick up the dance, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to dance with him.
“Oh, um, well, I don’t know how,” I stuttered, not sure how to gracefully turn him down. I thought he was going to insist,but he gazed at me for a moment and gave a slow nod.
“I understand. Come, I want you to meet someone.”
Dakleth
I watched as she crossed the room to my sister. I was more than a little shocked when my sister opened her arms to embrace her, but then I was pleased. Everything I was learning indicated that humans thrived on physical touch. I was more than happy to provide that to my mate, but she was still somewhat wary of me. I knew that my sister must truly care about Andie to allow it as well. I was initially skeptical of the males surrounding them, but after a few moments, they nodded and left the females alone. As they conversed, I could see Andie practically swaying to the music. Her body called to mine. I would see if I could engage her in a court dance.
When she declined, citing she did not know how, I could see that the thought of dancing with me made her nervous. I wished I could soothe her, but I knew she needed time. Instead, I guided her to the dance instructor of my youth. “Andie, my mate, meet Malvinok, my old dancing master.”
“Oh!” she said, seeming pleased. “It’s so nice to meet you. I mean, blessings on your house, and all who dwell within.”
“You have indeed been a blessing, honored Lumanela,” Malvinok greeted her with a small bow. “My mate Robnar speaks of you incessantly.”
“You’re Robnar’s mate?” she said, excitedly. “I love him!”
I growled, seeing a red haze descend as she spoke of loving another male. “Not like that, you big oaf!” she said, smacking me in the chest with her tiny hand. “Robnar is my friend, and you know he designs my clothes. Well, make that our clothes,” she said, eyeing my blue skirt. “Don’t think he didn’t tell meabout your matchy-matchy plan.”
“Mates often dress to match at public events,” I said. “It is a signal to others that you are taken. I have staked my claim on you, and I do not apologize for it,” I declared, puffing out my chest.
“Oh, calm down, you’re making a scene.” She rolled her eyes at me, and I might have been angry if she weren’t so adorable.
“You two bicker like my mate and me,” Malvinok chuckled.
I smiled, inwardly pleased to think of my mate and me bickering throughout the years. Getting a rise out of her was very satisfying. With a chuckle of my own, I said to Andie, “Malvinok taught court dances to both Kashtinela and me. I am sure he would be pleased to teach you as well.”
“Indeed, I would, Andie. Come! Let us take to the dance floor,” he gestured for her to follow. She nodded and gave me a sweet smile before following Malvinok towards the dancing.
Robnar joined me just as she was leaving. “Blessings upon your house, Prince Dakleth,” he said as he approached.
“And to you, Robnar,” I said, not taking my eyes off my mate. “I hope you do not mind that I stole your mate’s time and asked him to teach mine to dance.”
“Not at all. Malvinok adores teaching new students. I am sure he will have your Lumanela dancing the grinolara in no time.”
