Fort Weyr - Floating Dance Platform
An enormous raft-like structure of wood and plasticraft has been set up at the edge of the weyr lake. It floats just offshore, supporting a raised stage with a dome-shaped back. A wide, flat area, presumably for dancing, sits before the stage. Food tables, sporting banners in Fort's colors, have been set up along the edges, and a large number of curved benches ensure ample seating. Thick ropes secure the structure to stakes driven into the shore, while a number of floating wooden bridges provide easy access.
It's a crisp, twilit evening at Fort Weyr, with a gentle breeze blowing off the lake and the first stars twinkling in the darkening sky, reflected faintly in the placid water below. The tables around the floating platform have been set with beverages, both warm and chilled, along with finger foods and all manner of sliced fruits. The stage has been made ready for the harpers, with a cleared area for the dance instructor this night. The hum of conversation has started up, and word has spread that there shall bedancing again tonight. A few dragons are already lounging along the shore of the lake, watching the festivities or perhaps just snoozing as their riders move along the floating bridges to the dance floor. One of these is Avideth, whose rider is visible at the edge of the platform, helping to set up a few glows for the night. He's in his usual clashing crimson and indigo leathers, with three brightly dyed locks of hair to match, braided and tucked behind his ear. B'ky's pale grey eyes wander over the crowd, before he sighs quietly and places the las glow, then turns toward the dance floor.
Alisar arrives with a contingent of ten others. The Harpers are here! Two full quartets with percussion, and of course Alisar himself with his guitar. The Craftsecond stops to survey the facilities for this evening and is pleased. The floating platform is a particular novelty and he smiles to himself. The small group, for it is far from say, a full orchestra, begins to set up with the speed of something done often. A familiar task, which just happens to be in a new location. Very little in the way of information needs be exchanged, every member of the company knows his or her place within the ensemble and in short order they begin to tune up, softly.
Kessa has already claimed a spot amongst the tables, having arrived before the harpers while things were still being set up. She's rather plain looking tonight compared to the other dance lesson night where she was all done up and ready to go! And yet, she never got a dance out of it. So this night it doesn't look as if she is as enthusiastic as the prior occassion, wearing her hair straight and down to her shoulders, while her attire is a white blouse over a simple cut blue skirt that flows when animated. Her shoes are simple slippers and she's done away with the painted lips. Her eyes are down on the table in front of her, a writing untensil scrawling away at some report going out tonight.
Ma'kai can't help but be impressed. He'd been unable to attend the last night of dance lessons, though Faranth knows he needs them. He arrives just after the Harpers and surveys the scene for a moment, waving to B'ky when he spots him and giving him a thumbs up for all the work put into this. When he spots Kessa working alone, he heads over towards her. Standing slightly behind and beside her, he peeks over her shoulder. "Still working? Even though you're here to dance?" He asks before leaning down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Ysa, the last time she was out on the platform, had gotten a very nice glass of wine and probably a dance or two with someone random she managed to drag out before sneaking out of there and back to her island Weyr. This time is no different, still in her Istan colored clothes, still with a grin on her face, and still with a wine of glass in her hand. Alright, maybe she didn't come in with the wine last time, but this time she does, sipping at it even as she walks up. She gives a the Weyrleaders a bow almost immediately, spotting them. "Evening. Ista's duties to Fort and her queens." she says brightly to the pair. "These certainly have been really popular, haven't they?"
The young Weyrwoman lifts her attention from that of the work before her, her gaze settling on Ma'kai in a placid manner, "I'm not really sure that I am here to dance." She puts down the writing untensil as she leans back, pushing a bit of hair behind her ear after the quick kiss, giving him a half hearted smile to him nevertheless. "I'm more of a supportive piece in the big picture," she looks back down at the paperwork, sighing slightly as she decides to do a few more things with it before tucking it in a bag down by her chair. "Have a seat," she offers in a light voice, her eyes regarding the harpers that come onto stage, followed by the rest of the crowd. Her eyes settle on Ysa as the other Weyrwoman returns for a visit, "We're very fortunate to have the Harpers teach tonight." There's a pause as she remembers, "Fort's duties to Ista." She gives a casual wave of her hand, "Join us if you'd like."
Alisar takes a moment to smile with some deference to the Leaders present, Ysa Kessa and Ma'kai. He moves briskly over to the latter to offer a nod and a bit of thanks for hosting his Harpers this evening. Then, still wearing his guitar and supporting it's neck as it hangs from the strap, he has a brief conversation with B'ky, confirming bits of planned business no doubt. His eyebrows raise and he smiles as he hears the invitation to teach, 'Really? All right, just tell me when you're ready for me…", he says brightly. "It's not my specialty but I think I can manage well enough." M'akai is singled out, briefly with his eyes as he's heard rumors that that particular participant is eager to learn. He looks ready to address the growing crowd, asking B'ky "Should I just get started then? What first, something like a waltz maybe… that can be a tricky one, but this is the second lesson, do you think they're ready for that?" He grins wryly, in a jovial mood.
Well, the first time dancing together wasn't a total disaster, and by the time it ended, they were getting the hang of this dancing thing. So there they were, Moydeo, and Risner, approaching the dance platform, Moydeo stepped onto it, with Risner following. She headed over to the tables, and got some juice, as she looks around for the moment.
Stepping onto the dance floor, B'ky pauses a moment to watch the harpers set up. The bluerider returns the weyrleader's thumb's up with a smile and a nod in greeting, and then turns to the stage, his smile growing at the sight of the harpers. He inclines his head politely toward Alisar, the two talk a moment. Nodding about getting started and smiling warmly, "Whenever you're ready to begin." And then he chuckles softly, "I haven't danced a waltz in.." a brief pause, "..turns at least." And then the wingleader nods, "I think they might be," and he turns to scan the crowd, still smiling, and nodding a respectful greeting to the weyrwomen if they happen to be looking his way. Turning back to the harper, B'ky says, "I see more than a few from the lest lesson; I imagine they should be ready for a waltz." He hopes, at any rate.
Kessa finds herself returning the greetings with a polite smile and a small wave given to those who spotted her, like B'ky and Alisar. When she notices Ysa retreating she watches the Istan Weyrwoman carefully, shrugging to herself as she pulls back her hair behind her shoulders and ties it up down low behind her.
A'mar is late, and also, dragging his heels. He's dressed a little neater than usual, nothing fancy, but much tidier than his usual gear. He's even attempted to get his hair to lie flat, though there are still more than a few stray hairs sticking out at all angles. And, shock of all, he's washed his usually muddy hands, though the dark stain of clay remains. Occasionally he glances back to the lake shore, to Caldoth, who is keeping a very watchful eye on the floating platform. The potter is close enough now that he hears B'ky mention the waltz, and he gulps, and moves a little closer. "Ah… I've, er… Never…" a pause, as he takes a moment to compose his thoughts, or at least attempts to. "I don't have to waltz, do I?" he asks, words tumbling out in a nervous rush.
Alisar addresses the crowd. "Those of you who would like to try a waltz, take the floor please.", he says, managing in his relaxed tone to convey a sense of fun, without obligation. "Ladies and gentleman, we dance… to impress others most often. It's important when dancing with a partner to realize, it really doesn't matter what the dance is… as long as you keep the rhythm, and be respectful of the person you're with. Stepping on toes is definitely to be avoided! Now, some of you have a natural sense of rhythm, and so can pick it up with the music we're about to start. Some of you, only think you have a natural sense of rhythm, and so I remind you… a waltz is One..two three.. One two three.. and the step you take on 'Two' is the most important, it should be in an "L shape' Drawing your foot in, and extending it back out smoothly, rather than stepping, so that your head does not bob, and your partner is not jarred… smooth… if the second step is not gliding… it'll feel awkward for your partner… ready?" "One two three… one two three!" The harpers begin a slow waltz.
Moydeo is relaxing with a glass of juice, as she waits, wondering what kind of dance they would be taught tonight, it was about as crowded as the last time, maybe a few more, word must of gotten out, about the lessons. Moydeo looks up as Alisar starts talking about the new dance. Oh boy, Waltz, well, atleast there was no throwing involved in this dance. She and Risner move onto the floor, and take up the position that they see the others are in. They've been practicing, hopefully it would pay off, especially with no stepping on toes. They carefully listen, and move as instructed. It takes a ccouple of time before they get the timing down.
B'ky turns to the other bluerider at A'mar's words, and then glances back to Alisar as the harper begins the dance instructions. There's a faintly sympathetic look toward A'mar, B'ky himself moving off the dance floor as he tells the other rider, "I imagine you could sit this one out? Although," and B'ky's gaze drifts out over the dance floor, "It is a lovely dance to learn." Not to mention fun. Pale grey eyes flicker over the faces of those who've gathered tonight, as if searching for someone, although the wingleader apparently fails to find whoever it is, as he merely sighs quietly and then moves toward a table to find a drink. Telling A'mar, "I learned during weyrlinghood. I'm hoping the new weyrlingmaster will continue the tradition." As for dance lessons… he once again scans the crowd.
Ma'kai sits when Kessa offers the seat and smiles lightly, shaking his head. When the lessons start up for real, he can't help but be a bit excited for it. "Kessa, come dance with me?" He asks her, looking a bit like a kid who's going to try something new that their excited about. He's back on his feet and holding a hand out to her. "I'll probably step on your feet at least once, but I can't let you just sit here." He says looking rather like he might drag her out there if she resists. But it's always better to give someone the option.
Kessa at least had put away the paperwork she was doing, sighing a little at the music behind her and the immediate response that brings from Ma'kai. "Where were you the other day?" She accuses, "now that I'm not all dressed up, he asks me to dance…" she murmurs that part to herself though loud enough so he could hear. Really, as Kessa starts to look away and try to figure out some way to resist the offer, the motion of the Weyrleader standing has her glancing back at him. There's a little bit of a lip pout there for his offer but eventually with a dramatic sigh she slips her hand in his and stands from her chair, using the other hand to straighten out her skirt. "Step on my feet Weyrleader and I'll trade you in-" she threatens with a grin.
Alisar looks over the dancers, "Very good… very good. I can feel the romance in the air already!" He chuckles a little at Kessa's threat, "Well, for most of you anyway!" "Now it's customary when you're first learning to move your feet either in a triangle as you step.. or a box… so you don't go bumping into others. All right now, just a little bit more waltz and then we'll… we'll.. switch to something more wild… waltzing is an important skill, but lets face it, once you've got it down, you've got it forever." He prepares the harpers to switch to something faster in just a moment. "Besides, not all dancing is so… regimented."
A'mar looks incredibly relieved when B'ky says he can sit this one out, following the wingleader off of the dance floor almost immediately. He shakes his head at the mention of learning to dance during weyrlinghood. "I never learned. Had enough trouble not tripping over my or Caldoth's feet as it was." Dancing lessons might actually have /helped/, come to think of it. Though the blue /does/ have unusually large front paws, which probably didn't help keep A'mar from tripping over them now and then.
Ma'kai at least has the decency to look apologetic. "I was busy. I'm sorry. But really, you always look beautiful." He says, taking her hand and leading her out onto the dance floor. "I'll be extra carefull not to step on you then my lady." He says, smiling just a little at her threat. He places one hand on her back and holds the other out to lead the way, trying to get into the beat and the right steps. Though, honestly, he's quite awkward to watch.
Kessa nudges Ma'kai playfully, "Busy with that scuffle those two riders had? Yeah, well, Choth dragged me away for it too, to help attend the one rider afterward. A ball of tears and self pity." She shakes her head, following onto the dance floor, lifting her brow at his promise. The moment that Ma'kai starts guiding them through the dance, she eases her hand up on his shoulder, trying to move with his awkwardness. "Don't over think it Maki," she whispers to him, squeezing his hand, "Just feel the flow of music and move your steps along with it. I'll follow." She'll try hard not to take over the lead since he is supposed to learn!
Romance? Well, don't know about that. But Moydeo, and Risner should learn it anyway, It does make Moydeo laugh though, as they keep dancing. She looks over as she hears the Weyrwoman, and the Weyrleader talk, and she grins a moment, before she's concentrating on dancing again, and getting the moves right. Oh dear, were they expecting a faster dance next? That could be disasterous for these two. Alisar really had alot of faith in his students, didn't hee?
The music begins to shift, gradually, so as not to be a surprise to anyone. The instruments fade out, and the drums take over. A throbbing beat, and an infectious counterpoint begin to energize the crowd. The rhythm builds, layer upon layer, heat upon heat. Soon, a five-part syncopation charges the deepening evening with an electric mood! "No rules this time… feel it, and go with it, Alisar manages over the roiling beat.
B'ky hmms, regarding the dancers for a moment, and smiling slightly, "It's a shame the tradition wasn't continued," and then tilting his head to regard A'mar, asking thoughtfully, "You've never danced at all?" There's a quiet chuckle, B'ky commenting, "I suppose dancing is not for everyone… though it can be rather fun." Amusement sneaks across his face a moment as he watches a few of the dancers on the dance floor, and then chuckles when Alisar mentions a faster dance. "That should be interesting," he says softly, although he manages not to look /too/ amused when the music changes. To A'mar, the man nods toward the crowd, suggesting, "You should dance, at least once once." And then he nods toward the dance floor, "I've been teaching a few friends how to dance every other sevenday. You're welcome to join us, if you wish."
Ma'kai nods lightly at what he'd been busy with, but then shakes his head lightly. "Can't do that Kess. I'll definately step on your feet if I do. And I really don't want you trading me in." He says, smiling at her. When the music starts to change, he can feel a bit of anxiety growing in his stomach and looks more than a bit worried. "I'm not sure what to do." He whispers to his partner, trusting her with his bit of insecurity.
A rather elderly harper, a certain Farial, is just now approaching the floating dance platform. The man isn't late, per se, although he has been hesitant to return to this particular weyr, after the… unique dance partner he'd ended up with the last time. There's wordless glare as the man catches sight of a certain Fortian wingleader, but the harper is on his way toward the stage, keeping to the edge of the dance floor and just watching for now.
"Oh really?" She says with a delighted pitch in her voice, patting him on the shoulder as she looks down at their foot work, or his foot work. Noticing his lack of confidence there, she pulls his chin toward him, "It's easy…" she promises, "when you're not steering us-" she gives an example and actually moves them both in one direction with pressure on their hands and his shoulder, "-you should be looking in my eyes. I feed off the cues you give me. When you want to spin me in a turn, drop your hand from my back and lift the other. When you want to turn us both, put a little more pressure on my back to keep me close and at the same time use your hand in my hand to press or pull in the direction you want us to go."
A'mar looks a bit more nervous as the music changes. It's /faster/ now, that's even worse! "I, uh." He breaks off, and glances to shore, and the watching Caldoth. Seems he's not getting out of things quite so easily, as his shoulders slump, and he turns away from the blue. "…I don't have a /partner/, though." he admits, with a frown.
It's a crisp, twilit evening at Fort Weyr, with a gentle breeze blowing off the lake and the first stars twinkling in the darkening sky, reflected faintly in the placid water below. The tables around the floating platform have been set with beverages, both warm and chilled, along with finger foods and all manner of sliced fruits. The stage has been made ready for the harpers, with a cleared area for the dance instructor this night. Word has certainly spread about dance lessons again tonight. A few dragons are lounging along the shore of the lake, watching the festivities or perhaps just snoozing as their riders mingle on and around dance floor. Among those dancing are Kessa and Ma'kai, Moydeo and Risner, while B'ky and A'mar are talking somewhere off to the side by a table. Alisar has just moved the lesson from a waltz into something faster and even more lively. As the dance lessons are handed over to him, Farial steps to the center of the stage, hand held out to another harper as the two of them wait for the music to change completely. Farial has to grin, saying loudly, clear voice carrying, "For those who wish to follow along, the steps are simple," and he demonstrates, his partner following in time, "Sway to the side, one, two, one, two, and step left and then forward, and swing," and he moves in a half-cirle, the woman with him swinging around, fast on her feet, with almost a hop, "And the repeat," and they repeat the steps.hop, "And the repeat," and they repeat the steps. It might look simpler than a waltz, but it's also faster.
Sabrina arrives late with D'mos. She knows they're late and feels a little bad about it, but she'd wanted to dress up a little for this, and then couldn't decide on anything. Just like a girl. When they reach the platform on the water, she can't help but feel a little excited. She loves dancing, and the beat seems pretty fast right now. She bounces a little on her feet and slips her hand in D'mos', looking around at all the people there, and spotting B'ky not dancing she frowns. She picks up a smile for him though as she waves to the wingleader. "That looks like fun." She says to D'mos, though she knows he's probably not really feeling up to actually dancing. At least not that fast.
There isn't any grandeur or noise to announce Elyciana's arrival to the floating platform - it's almost as though she just slowly appeared at the fringes of the crowd after having crept up carefully from the lakeshore. In some attempt to maintain her anonymity and to avoid being roped into dancing again, she sticks to the perimeter. Duck behind this person and shift to edge behind another. All her stealth is for naught, though, as the neel of her boot comes down directly on a spectator's toes. A loud oath. A jostling motion in the crowd and Elyciana is effectively in the spotlight again due to her loud retort, "Shard it all! Not my fault. Your giant foot was in my way!" Just her luck, of course, as that's brought further attention to herself. And she'd not even managed to grab a sorbet to make an excuse for no dancing. Letting out a gusty sigh, she sidles a hesitant step closer to the dance floor, somehow ending rather close to A'mar at the very edge. Now she's just stuck there boxed in by the crowd and sticking out like a sore thumb.
Ack, speeding up. Moydeo, and Risner are quick to try and keep up, even if they loose a bit of coordination for a moment, this isn't easy, dang, they would sleep well tonight. Left, forward, swing, left forward swing, they finally get into the rhythm again, but it's a question how long they can keept this up, it's a show of practicing that they haven't messed up yet.
D'mos has been cleared for most duties, but he's still working on how limber he can be. The sling is off, the ribs are healed, and his leg is doing well most days. Now and then it does feel stiff and sore, however. He's dressed moderately nicely for this little venture; however, he doesn't look entirely comfortable hand in hand with Sabrina while everyone's dancing. "Aerrrm…" He glances around anxiously. "Well, y' could always ask someone t'dance with y'? I don't mind, what with the bum leg 'n' all."
A'mar is, at Caldoth's prompting no doubt, looking for a dance partner, albeit reluctantly. He's doing it in a fairly odd manner though, with his eyes glued to the foor, checking out various people's feet. Fancy shoes here, strappy sandals there… Oh, are those boots? He stops at Elyciana's feet, and then glances up, looking rather awkward. "Um. D'you. Uh. Want?" He frowns at his own awkward question, and tries again, keeping it very simple this time, "Dance?" There's a pause, and he admits, "Fair warning, might step on your toes a bit." Please say no, please say no? But, he's asked now. And the reason he was looking at footwear becomes a little clearer.
Ma'kai nods lightly as Kessa explains how to go about properly dancing. "Oh I see. I never knew any of that." He says, smiling. Learning is awesome. He tries out a few of the things she'd told him, spinning her once and actually trying to real steps to this dance. Though there's still that bit of tension in his movements. He doesn't really want to step on her, threat or no threat from her earlier. He's not exactly light, so it would probably her her foot a lot to be stepped on by him and he doesn't want ot hurt her.
B'ky hmms quietly, glancing over the crowd of non-dancers, "I imagine more than a few are waiting for someone to ask them," and smiling slightly. He notices Sabrina's wave and raises a hand briefly, inclining his head in greeting to both her and D'mos before saying thoughtfully to A'mar, "I was hoping would see someone here tonight, but if you don't find a partner, I could also dance." He has to offer, beingpolite and all. His grey eyes, though, are already searching the crowd again. Alas, whoever he's been hoping to see simply.. isn't here. Just like the last dance lesson. Seeing Ely, though, B'ky has to smile slightly, and conveniently finds a plate for himself, sneaking away from the other rider and attempting not to chuckle.
Kiri is also here. Late? Sure. It's not exactly a PARTY, and she already knows how to dance. It may or may not be the same dancing as what they're used to at traditional Fort, but she can do it. Dressed in something that might be considered slightly more provocative than normal, perhaps, it's a bit low-cut in the front and has a slit at each side so that she can move freely. Someone can thank Safernith for it, though. No, really: she's proclaiming proudly with every bit of her royal sand-and-gems personality that she was indeed the inspiration behind the beauty that is her rider tonight. And my, but doesn't she compliment the green ever so well?
Elyciana tries to make herself look as inconspicuous as possible as she stares fixedly ahead at the dance floor. Unfortunately, she can't seem to keep herself quiet, judging by the slight chortles escaping her at the few stumbles and trips she's witnessing. In some attempt to hide this, she clasps a hand over her mouth, which only makes it look as though she's going to be sick. That's not the best way to look, either, when her head snaps aorund at A'mar's question. Her mismatched eyes blink once, as tohugh trying to make sure that it was directed at HER, but then her hand drops away from her mouth. "Me? Are you sure?" She takes a minute step backwards, as tohugh to examine the rider better. Of course her luck again to be asked the minute she steps foot near the dance floor. But she's not one to hesitate or turn down a challenge, especially in front of witnesses. She straightens up a little, squaring her shoulders as though she were going to face a punishment, "Yes. Sure .. why not?"
Sabrina gives D'mos' hand a little squeeze. "I won't /make/ you go out there with me or anything. Though I may just ask someone else to dance, at least the fast ones like this." She says, grinning just slightly. "Let's get a drink?" She offers, pointing over to the tables with refreshment. She starts to move that way anyway, it's a good place to go, and B'ky's there. Maybe she can ask him to dance with her, since he seems to not be seeing something he was hoping to see.
Kessa smiles at Ma'kai once he seems to be growing a bit more accomplished in the way that he moves on the dance floor, still awkward but at least not completely unknowing of what to do. She can move with him in a more fluid motion, care to keep her own steps well away from his feet despite everything. "The things a person can learn-" she says with a wink to Maki, keeping with him for a few more spins and turns, until she disengages from him. There she puts a hand on his cheek, to pause him in the middle of dancing, "I'm not feeling myself right now…" she admits to him quietly, "Choth has been a bit snappy toward me and I'm afraid I'm just not in the mood for this…" She squeezes his shoulder lightly, "But don't give up. Go find yourself another partner and work on not overthinking it." She bounces up on her tippy toes to put a kiss on his cheek before she starts to back away from him, pivoting once she's gained a distance. She retreats back to the table she was at and snatches up her work. There's a quiet look flashed back at Ma'kai, the expression sad. In the next moment she's darting between people and down the ramp, skirting away from the crowd. Usually when she's like this… could it be?
D'mos smiles at Sabrina, lightly setting a hand on her arm as they walk towards the drinks. "Quite a'right," he tells her benignly in his gravelly voice (which his player can mimic oddly well RL now courtesy of illness, natch!). "I may get up 'n' dance a slow one. I think I can do that without too much trouble."
A'mar watches Elyciana warily, as if dreading that she might say yes. Then he'd have to /dance/. But, isn't that why he came /out/ here? His expression turns momentarily hopeful at her initial question. "I… Well… No, I'm not sure." he answers honestly. Still speaks before he thinks, apparently, though, judging by his awkward pauses, he does at least /try/ to think first. "Caldoth wants me to learn how to dance." he admits, with a grimace. At Elyciana's agreement to dance, his face falls, but he does make his best effort to compose it into a not entirely dissappointed expression. "Oh, good, dancing. I want to do some of that." he says, though it feels rather forced. He offers a hand to Elyciana, to lead her out onto the dance floor. It'd be an almost gentlemanly gesture, if he wasn't constantly glancing back to Caldoth on the shore for reassurance.
Ma'kai is nodding a bit as Kessa explains why she's leaving. "Alright. Try to get some rest then. I know it can be stressful when your other half isn't happy." At first he's greatfull that it's not because he's such a terrible dancer, but as she backs off after that kiss to his cheek he frowns slightly. Keeping his worried expresison mostly to himself as she makes for the shore line. He can't remember a time where Choth has ever been short tempered with /Kessa/ except for that one time.. That sad look she flashes at him drops a rock in his stomach, but he can't just go abandoning this event after not showing up the last time. So he contents himself with talking to Garanth in his mind, preping him for what he thinks is comming, all the while putting a smile back on his face while he gets out of the way of the other dancers.
Farial continues the lesson, saying in that clear, carrying voice of his, "Now let's spice it up, just slightly," and he turns while keping one foot back, to semi-twirl, both himself and his partner circling once beneath each others' hands, "Remember to dip down, as you turn," he repeats the movement, and then continues the dance steps, "From the beginning now!"
Sabrina smiles at D'mos when he says he'll try to dance a slow one with her. "Ok. Thanks." She says, looking rather happy. When they reach the drinks, Sabrina lets go of D'mos's hand so she can get something warm. She might warm up more once she's dancing, but for now, the cool air makes the hairdresser want to drink something warm. "Hey B'ky." She greets him. "Why aren't you dancing?" She asks, getting right to the matter.
Elyciana lets out her breath in a slow sigh and, although she does give a semi hopeful glance towards the exit of the platform, she manages to pull the corners of her mouth up into some semblance of a smile. Surprisingly, it only looks a little forced, but still ends up looking half-grimace as she says in a somewhat resigned tone, "Yes. Dancing. That's what we're all here to do, yes?" Even though the look on her face says the opposite, she still straightens her posture even more and squares her sohulders a little. Have to make this look good for the crowd and all. Reaching out, she rests her hand on top of A'mar's offered one and takes a few hesitant steps towards the dance floor. "Hopefully we don't trip over eachother and dive headlong into the lake. We'd do that, knowing my luck." And she sounds completely serious about this fact without a single bit of doubt in her voice. In fact, she casts the waters of the lake another wary glance before keeping them straight ahead of her.
If Moydeo or Risner even notice Elycianaa, and her chortles of laughter, it's not obvious. The two are concentrating on keeping up the rhythm, with few problems as possible.They're not doing too bad, even if slightly slower then the rest of the dancers. Moydeo blinks at the dipping, and then erks, as they try the dip, and some how make it out unscathed, not that it was that low anyway. As it starts from the beginning again, they start over, this time better then the last.
Kiri gracefully swans into the setting with an eagle-eyed look around, and her fiery tresses piled high atop her head. There's something sinuously graceful about the tall Thunderbird Wingleader, a certain air to her that might just be termed predatory in some way. She's watching the dancers over the minglers, in fact. One might even say she was sizing up her first victim for the dance floor.
B'ky is still watching the crowd, and occasionally the dancers, smiling slightly as he notes one or two familiar faces. Kessa departing has B'ky raising an eyebrow just slightly as he glances at Ma'kai, and then he spots Kiri over there, and if she glances his way, he'll nod a polite greeting to her as well. Sabrina's greeting is met with a smile, B'ky tiling his head to her with a quiet, "Hello," and then on the question of dancing, the bluerider hesitates, glances across the dance floor before answering quetly, "Hm, I was hoping to see K'shan here." Not that he'd gotten around to actually inviting the greenie, alas.
A'mar seems, finally, to stop the constant glances at the blue dragon on the shore, probably at said dragon's insistence. Instead, he turns his attention to the dance floor, with the faintest hint of a grimace on his face. But, he grits his teeth, and gets on with it, leading Elyciana out onto the dance floor, heading closer to the center as the idea of maybe falling off is floated. "If we /did/ fall, Caldoth'd pull us out again, probably send us right back to try again." Okay, no, the blue would be more inclined to march them to the infirmary or something, but anyway… "…Let's not fall off." he suggests, with a shake of his head. If only it were that easy. He glances around to the dancers nearby, and then tries to mimic their movements, although he spends a good deal of time staring at his and Elyciana's feet, being very careful not to squish one under the other.
Nathalia is content to stick to the sidelines, though she has procured herself a glass of nice red wine. Tomorrow, after all, is a rest-day for her, and she'll hazard a bit of a drink. Slate-gray eyes dart here and there, watching the folks dancing around, toe tapping out the rythym of the Harper's ditty as she watches, tilting her head to one side thoughtfully. A stray breeze catches the sarong-like gauzy blue skirt she's wrapped over her running shorts, giving her a slightly more dressed-up air. It flutters insistently for just a moment before dropping back, Nathalia not really paying attention to it, with all of her concentration on the dancers.
Ma'kai nods at a few of the people gathered to watch the dance lesson. He does spot Kiri then and heads off in her direction. Not really meaning to dance with her, but to talk to her for a little. He hadn't seen her earlier because he was concentrating on not stepoing on toes, or maybe she'd just gotten there.. Either way, he's glad to see two of his wingleaders at this event. "'Evening Kiri." He says when he manages to intercpet her prowling. "How are you?" Where most people are just making small talk with that question, he's always genuinely wanting to know when he asks.
Sabrina nods lightly at B'ky's answer. "I'm sorry he's not here. Yet." She adds, it's probably not kind to keep hope alive, but then, it's also not good to let it die either. "D'mos isn't quite feeling up to the fast ones yet." She says, nodding out to the dance floor. "Mind if I ask you to dance?" She asks the older rider, her most valued client, and sort of friend. She glances back at D'mos, making sure he really doesn't mind her leaving him alone while she dances.
Elyciana takes another deep breath as each of her steps takes her further and further on the dance floor yet again. A quick glance is shot around to the other dancers, though mainly to make sure none of them are watching too closely. Satisfied, she lets out her breath and turns to face A'mar as she slows to a stop in the center of the dance floor. The corners of her mouth twitch slightly as her features actually break free from her previously forced smile into something a bit more genuine, "Well. I just thought I'd warn you. I usually have to do that with anyone who's this close in proximity with me with a body of water nearby." Her mismatched eyes flick once again to the other dancers before she reaches up to place one hand on A'mar's shoulder and slip the other firmly into his free hand. Seeing as though they can't stand motionless in the center of the dance floor much longer without generating attention, she starts to move along with the rider's steps. She glances down a bit less than A'mar, though she still does cast her gaze downwards now and again. Though that seems to be more for the sake of making sure her feet are still intact, by thel ooks of it. "I didn't catch your name, by the way," she prompts, that odd little smirk returning, "Bad fom to offer me a dance and not introduce yourself."
D'mos moves off to the side in order to drink and more or less watch the others with vague amusement and curiosity. Dancing is so not his scene, really. He waves her off to her dancing with an indulgent smile, content to hold up a wall. Per se.
Kiri, however, pauses and turns her gaze towards Ma'kai as he approaches her and speaks to her. Her head tips in an almost avian manner to give him a once-over before her lips quirk in a smile. "I'm fine," she tells the Weyrleader mildly. "Yourself?"
Farial's feet move to the beat, and depite being rather elderly, he sure can move! The harper lady dancing with him is not too bad herself, and as the two come to the second twirl, Farial says clearly to the dancers at large, "Now that you've seen the steps, here's one more," and he dips under his partner's arm, comes up for her to dip under his, and then the two step apart with a clockwise spin, meeting up again as they step closer, Farial saying, "Be sure to listen to the music, let the notes time the movement."
A'mar looks to be relaxing finally, just slightly, though he spends most of the time looking at feet. His feet, Elyciana's feet, the feet of nearby dancers, random feet, really. His movements are jerky, very awkward, but so far not disastrous. No-one's toes have been stepped on, and neither have they fallen in the water. It's almost … pleasant. In a way. At the mention of introductions, A'mar's head snaps upwards, bearing a sheepish expression. "Ah. A'mar. Caldoth's the blue with the big front paws, to shore." he jerks his head briefly at the blue.
Ma'kai smiles in return and nods. "I'm doing fine as well. Thanks. You're looking lovely tonight." Which is definately true. Kiri has a tendency to look good whenever he sees her, when he really thinks on it. "I'm surprised you're not already on the floor with someone, showing everyone how it's done." He says, jerking his head to the side towards the dancing. He folds his arms and stands comfortably next to the S&R leader.
Elyciana moves contentedly in a slow circle, though doesn't do much to detract from the stiff movements - her posture is still fairly rigid in some attempt to make herself look more composed. That, and her grip on A'mar's shoulder is fairly tight as tohugh she were worried at tipping headlong into the lake should she let go. Thankfully she seems to notice this and she loosens her grip somewhat without much apology. Instead, she quirks a brow at the man and risks a quick glance over her shoulder at the blue in question. A bit of a mistake, as she manages to do a half-stumble the minute her concentration slips. A rather unladylike oath escapes her lips and her next words come out in a grumbling tone, "Elyciana. Ely, though, if you please. Only my mother calls me Elyciana. Horrible name. It sounds altogether like I should be runing about in a frilly pink dress." She almost pales at the mere thought of that, "Well. A'mar. Atleast I know who it is I'll be falling into the lake with, if that should happen." She trails off a little, eyeing a nearby couple going through spins and dips. Her face immediately contorts into something akin to a grimace, "They expect us to do that?"
B'ky smiles slightly, although he doesn't comment on whether K'shan might be there. It's not as if B'ky has had time to ask, and.. he doesn't look too hopeful at that. However, at a question of a dance, grey eyes flicker to D'mos a moment, inclining his head politely to the other rider, to ensure it really is alright, before smiling faintly at Sabrina with a chuckle, "Of course. I don't mind," the bluerider, as always, a gentleman. Thus, he offers his arm and to the hairdresser and steps toward the dance floor. The man /is/ still sporting that tri-color braid in his hair, matching those clashing crimson and indigo leathers he's wearing. Really, walking advertisement.
When did such a simnple dance get so complicated? This double dip should be interesting, considering Moydeo is shorter then Risner. Moydeo managed to dip under Ris's arm just fine, but the taller boy had to duck down to get under Moydeo's arm, even if the girl stood on her toes, but they made it. Then they moved into the song again, this was an interesting challenge.
D'mos smirks faintly and nods towards the floor. "It's all classy," she replies drolly. "Classy and proper and wholly unlike what I grew up with. Mostly. We didn't slow dance or waltz back in the trains. There was hard liquor and the good sense to enjoy life before it ended the next day. And you didn't know that it wouldn't, so every day was your last." She lifts her shoulders elegantly in a shrug. "This song isn't as grating. It's a bit up-tempo. I could probably dance to it with a partner." She glances over at him. "Are you free, then?"
Nathalia leans against a table, twirling in wine glass in her hands. Her head tilts over the other way as the new movement is introduced, her chin dipping a little bit in time to the music, eyes casting over the gathering again. Her gaze pauses curiously over each person, and each will trigger a little smug smile or a small frown before focus moves on the next. Even as her gaze moves to the sidelines to look through the people there, a tiny frown drags at her features, and she settles back against the table, shaking her head just a touch.
A'mar may be relaxing, sort of, but he is nowhere near confident enough to try dipping or ducking under arms or anything like that, so he just keeps dancing in the simple safe slow circle. At Elyciana's half-stumble, A'mar's instinct tells him to grab tighter, to keep her from falling, and probably taking him for a swim to boot. "Ah… Elyci— Ely." He grimaces at the frilly pink dress, and blurts out, "I can't see /you/ in a frilly pink dress." After all, his first sight of her was /boots/, that's got to colour a man's first impressions. The spinning and dipping dancers are eyed, and A'mar shakes his head. "I /hope/ not. Liable to do an injury that way." Watching feet is enough, without adding the potential to collide with one's spinning partner, or dip too far and drop them, or throw out your back while dipping. Not that he's given too much thought to the perils of dancing, or anything. "Oh, shards, I hope not." he mutters, eyeing a particularly skilled pair warily.
Ma'kai nods lightly and grins at her and her descrpitions of how she danced growing up. "This is pretty close to what they did where I grew up, I've just never been good at it." He says with a small shake of the head. When he's asked if he's free to dance, he starts slightly. He hadn't exactly been planning on dancing again, but far bit it for him to decline a dance when asked for one. Sort of. "Well, I am. Though I don't know hoe much fun you'll have dancing with me." He says with a slightly embarassed face as he rubs the back of his neck.
Sabrina smiles brightly when B'ky agrees to dance with her. She turns and waves to D'mos, smiling at him, before heading out onto the dance floor with the bluerider. "So do you know this dance?" She asks, looking at the other dancers and smiling lightly. She doesn't actually know it, but she's a fair dancer, shouldn't be too hard to pick up. She's already, moving her hands to where they should be, on his shoulder and in his hand. She's just ready to get moving.
Kiri chuckles softly. "Better to dance with me, than for me to dance for you," she assures him as she lifts one hand up to offer it to him. "This way, I don't have your weyrmate beating me to death in the night for any perceived seductions, real or falsified." She nods towards the floor. "It's not that hard. And even if it is for you, I have enough sense to move out of the way of your feet."
Elyciana slows her footsteps down a notch once she recovers from her minor stumble, taking her time to be sure that she's not going to pitch over the side of the platform. Once relatively sure of her footing, she speeds back up into her previous speed - a little bit more than slow. A nice safe speed, atleast. Realizing once again that she's death gripping A'mar's shoulder, she loosens her grip with a faint grimace. Is she actually looking apologetic for something? Surprising. "Pink. It ought to be outlawed," she grumbles in a low murmur, her mismatched eyes flicking back to look at the man. "I work with goats. You can't go working with goats in frilly pink dresses and high heels." A tiny shudder runs through her body at the repulsive thought. She gives her head a little shake to clear her head, a small frown pulling at her face as she eyes the other dancers literally dancing circles around them. Perhaps it's the challenge of it or perhaps it's the need to prove herself, but she straightens her posture once more and lets out a small snort, "What's to say we can't spin about like that, then? Your dragon wants you to learn dancing. That's part of it, yeah?" Her eyes return to A'mar. One blue. One green. Both staring intently with one eyebrow arched in query, "I'll try to channel my bad luck somewhere else."
B'ky nods, smiling slightly as he watches Farial demonstrate the dance moves once again, "I learned something similar at a gather in Southern Boll, although a few of the steps are new to me." He likewise places his hands where they're supposed to be, taking her hand in his and already moving to the music, mindful not to step on her feet. "I don't often dance to such, ah, lively music," he comments thoughtfully. While B'ky might not often dance this fast, he certainly knows how though. "I haven't danced like this since I..ah, wandered into a party in Ista," he admits, and then grimaces, just slightly, "I suspect I may owe weyrwoman Ysa an.. apology for it." Although he doesn't explain and further, instead glancing down briefly to make sure he's following the correct dance steps, his dyed braid tapping against his temple as he moves. "Have you danced this before?" he asks Sabrina, finally returning his gaze to her face once his steps are sure.
Ma'kai grins and takes her hand. "Well, Kessa and I aren't really /weyrmates/ per se." He says, leading her out onto the dance floor. "But I'm glad you can get out of the way, I would really hate to smash onr of your feet." He says, taking up the dance position. That part he at least knows and he's tries to do what Kessa'd taught him to do, looking at Kiri's face and not their feet and attempting the dance steps.
Sabrina nods lightly and can't help but grin at B'ky when he says he'd danced somewhat like this at Ista. Sabrina's only been there a few times, but she's heard it's a pretty wild place. "I see. Well, if you do, you should probably do it. Women don't like being left hanging when there are apologies that need saying." She says, a bit of teasing in her voice. She shakes her head when he asks if she's danced this before. "No, not really. But I know how to follow well and I can watch what other people are doing over your shoulder." She says with a small chuckle as she dances along with him, quite enjoying it.
Kiri takes up one of his hands and settles the other properly. "Yes, well, sometimes weyrleader and senior are, and other times they aren't," she replies mildly as she starts - she'll lead, and not think anything of it. "Probably best to sort that out for yourselves before she rises again. I'm sure it's soon. I can recall her mating flight before - and I've only been here a Turn or so, I believe. Better to know before than regret after." She smiles at him as she listens to the music. "But that's none of my business. I've yet to have a weyrmate, though Safernith really does seem disappointed in me for it."
A'mar is politely ignoring Elyciana's death-grip on his shoulder, though he may wince now and then, when she squeezes particularly hard. It's a small price to pay for not accidentally losing her overboard, though they're not really near enough the edges for that to be likely. He actually manages a little bit of a grin at Ely's views on overly fancy outfits. "I'm a potter myself, get elbow-deep in mud on a regular basis, not much point wearing anything nice, it all comes out brown by the end of the day. But, Caldoth insists. He takes /too/ much interest in my life." he rolls his eyes, but he loves the blue for it, or perhaps in spite of it. As Elyciana suggests trying spins, A'mar's face takes on an absolutely terrified expression, just for a second. He gulps, and steels himself. "I, uh, I guess? Um… Ready?" he asks, desperately hoping for a no, but knowing he'll more than likely get a yes.
Nathalia drifts over towards D'mos, still watching the dance floor keenly. She finishes off her glass, and pauses to fill it, not far from the brown rider. Turning back, she once again leans against the table - though, out of the way, so others can pause to get their own drinks. Humming along to a tune that's familiar now, she wriggles - out of pent up energy, nervousness, or a desire to be out on the floor, it's not easy to tell.
D'mos isn't usually a gadabout, nor is he the most conversational of riders. That said, he's watching the dancing going on, and feeling happy enough in his wallflowerness, that he nods at Nathalia and asks in that gravelly voice of his, "Like it here much? Ain't seen y' round 'fore now. What brings you t' Fort?"
Elyciana risks speeding up her footsteps a little and even manages to add a small step that doesn't make her go in a complete square. Daring, though she's making some attempt at looking skilled at dancing. Every so often she glances towards the other dancers, as though expecting criticism to fly from every direction in their looks. She lets out her breath in a relieved sigh at the fact that all of the others seem to be engrossed in not falling over themselves. Suc ha moment of weakness is quick to disappear as Ely's usual steely and clipped tone returns with her usual sarcasm, "Well! Mud. It's better than having to deal with dung all day, I suppose. They're both brown, but one invariably smells better." She can't seem to help but chortle a little at this, a smirk effectively wiping any doubt from her face. It's been a good while since her little stumble, which seems to have injected her with extra confidence considering the straightening of her posture and loosening of her death grip. And it's even in her tone as she stares right back at A'mar with those mismatched eyes and grins mischievously, "Of course! Why not take a walk on the wild side? Peer pressure. Everyone else is doing it. I'm ready when you are."
Farial finishes the last set of dance moves, stepping apart from the harper lady he'd been dancing with and giving her a bow. The dance doesn't seem to be over quite yet, however, as the music keeps going at its lively pace. While his dance partner departs, Farial observes the crowd with a gentle, practiced eye, saying, "Remember to keep light on your feet. And don't be afraid to swing and sway a little," he smiles broadly. Stepping onto the dance floor itself, he passes various pairs, offering a bit of advice or a compliment here and there. To Moydeo and Risner, he offers an approving grin, "Nicely done," at the boy's dip beneath the girl's arm, "It helps to bend at the knees when you spin," and then he's moving back to the stage.
Ma'kai nods lightly at her observation. "Yeah I suposse that's true. We're just kind of together." The mention of Choth rising soon has his stomach tightening just a little, but he nods none the less. "It would be good for me to talk with her before that lady goes and has people chasing her again." Which lady is he talking about? He's surprisingly quite comfortable with Kiri leading, greatfull it's not being left up to him for the time being. He smiles ever so lightly at the firey woman. "To each their own, right? And it's nothing really to be disappointed about. No need to rush towards something that may or may not be a good thing." He's never been one to rush at something when it comes to matters of the heart.
Moydeo looks up at Farial's commenting, and nods, as does Risner, and the next duck, he bends at the knees as told, and manages to do it a bit more gracefully. But after this fast dancings gone on for a while, they're both starting to get tired, and step to the side, to take a break. They both thanks Farial for the lesson as well. They'll join in again after a refreshing drink. But then one of Risner's co workers at the bar comes, saying something about a brawl at the bar, and he's lead away, leaving Moydeo partnerless for the moment. Oh well, maybe she'll just watch after all.
Kiri makes even a shrug seem to be fluid as she dances, as if it were part of the steps themselves. Or maybe just her own little addition. "It's not been for lack of trying," she assures him. "Merely for lack of interest. But I should survive it well enough. At least I don't have to worry about weyrbrats or anything." She snorts softly. "Saf would croon over a baby, but I'm just not the mothering type. Probably a very good thing that I wasn't attractive to the golds. I couldn't see myself as a motherly, weyr-leading type."
A'mar matches Elyciana's speed, and steps, and his movements are getting a little less stiff as he goes, but he's still not entirely comfortable with this dancing thing. If it weren't for Caldoth and Elyciana egging him on, he might stop. But, he can't do that now, he has to prove that he /can/ dance, in order to get Caldoth off his back about dancing. Or something along those lines. "Mmm. It's a living." he says, dismissing his craft as simply as that. But, he was the one that brought it up? He tries for a grin, but it comes out a little strained, and then he tries to spin Elyciana, eyes squinting shut the moment he lets go. If it all goes horribly wrong, /he/ doesn't want to see it, nope. /Wonderful/ vote of confidence from the potter.
Nathalia blinks at D'mos as he abruptly speaks to her, then shifts, taking another sip of her wine. "I've been around awhile," she says, finally. "Nearly a Turn. Since…" She doesn't actually finish her thought. "Awhile, anyways. I'm Nathalia, I run messages around the Weyr, and down to the Runner Stations under Fort's jurisdiction. You're well met."
B'ky looks almost sheepish at Sabrina's grin. The wingleader might be slightly more dignified now, but he's been known to, well, party. Though not recently. The man nods, expression flickering to something just faintly guilty, as he agrees, "I should." Although he might sound a little nervous there. He really has no excuse for having left the weyrwoman on the dance floor - at least no excuse he'd be willing to say aloud. But a gentle shake of his head has him smiling somewhat again, "I imagine I made rather a fool of myself the last time I attended a party there." He'll leave it at that. There's a soft chuckle at the hairdresser's answer about dancing, B'ky commenting, "It does help to be able to see others dancing," and he continues the lively steps, swaying easily to the music, "I've been giving lessons to a few friends, but I'm not the, ah, most," he pauses, as if trying to find the word, "..professional teacher." Thin eyebrows come together a brief moment, but he's shaking his head again, with a slight smile, "Although, I imagine the harpers may continue the dance lessons in a few sevendays. I suppose I won't need to give any more lessons."
D'mos looks amused again. It's not much for his craggy features, but at least he doesn't look quite as menacing. "Runner girl. M'tryin' t'think of when I last saw one of 'em, talked with 'em. That sort of thin'." He scratches at his head a bit. "Mind's not much of nothin' these days. S'pose I can blame it on that spill I took on Thauth a couple-a fortnights ago." He smiles at her. "M'name is D'mos. Pleased t'meet you."
Ma'kai nods lightly to Kiri and shakes his head lightly. "Well, I'm sure there is the perfect guy out there somewhere for you. And, not every woman wants to be a mother." He gives a shrug as well, looking more manly than fluid. When he hears about the brawl going on at the bar, he frowns. "I'm sorry Kiri, but I'm going to have to step out. Thank you for the dance." He says, leading her back off the floor and bowing before he's following after the bartenders.
Elyciana grips A'mar's shoulder a little tight in anticipation of this new, more complex move. Even she can't seem to hold back a grimace at the thought of what might happen. It's a difficult thing to do, but Ely has been rendered speechless for the time being. Perhaps she's afraid if she opens her mouth she might jinx all the good luck that's happened so far. All her concentration goes on the dancing moves and she braces herself for the spin. It starts out fairly well, albeit a bit clumsy. Lifting her hand slightly above her head, she manages a half pirouette before she begins to wobble. She tries in vain to correct herself, but just ends up tipping awkwardly to one side and stumbling heavily in A'mar's direction. And it's just like Ely that she manages to spew a string of oaths as she falls, trying her best to keep her grip on her dance partner to prevent a total catastrophe. Atleast they're not anywhere near the edges of the platform.
Kiri nods at Ma'kai as he's off, and calls after him, "Just let me know if you need me." A devilish smile plays on her features. "I love a good brawl about as much as I do a good dance!" And she can probably knock more than her share of heads together to boot.
Sabrina smiles and laughs a little. "Well, I'm sure she'll accept your apology. You're a good guy B'ky." She says, with a small nod. "But why haven't you told me about these dance lessons you've been giving? I totally would have liked to come." She says, mock pouting. She's getting the hang of this dance now, even as her eyes wander every now and again to make sure she is in fact doing it right. "I'm sure you're a very good teacher. I mean, look I'm doing this one alright already."
Buuut, they do fall down, more or less. A'mar doesn't really make the best of cushiony surfaces, he's still all long and angular, even if he has filled out nicely over the turns. He'd offer Elyciana a hand up, but he's not really in any position to do that right now. He does push her off of him, it's /intended/ as a helpful gesture, to push her up, more towards standing, make it easier for her to right herself, but it could just as easily be interpreted as the potter rudely shoving her away.
Nathalia tilts her head, watching the dancers again. "I'm sure you've seen me around," she reassures him, smiling a bit. "I'm here, there, and everywhere." She glances back at him, one eyebrow raised. "So that was you as took the spill in the Bowl?" She shakes her head. "Heard it was nasty, wasn't about to see it. I see you're alive and walking about - did it hurt much?"
D'mos nods at Nathalia. "Hurt… well, when I woke up later on," he admits. "Durin'… was too fast t'really tell, y'know? One moment I was there on him doin' our thin', 'n' the next I felt somethin' give 'n' went over t'the side…" He sighs. "Just remember the wall comin' at me real sudden, so I tried t'stop with m'arms natur'lly…" He grimaces. "Wasn't pretty, no. Said that Thauth had me in his mind t'help me with the pain. Made us both real aggro, but he knew t'let in the Healers right 'nough."
Elyciana lands heavily on A'mar with a loud whoosh of breath escaping her and another exclaimation of oaths. She does little to prevent the push and lands on the dance floor next to him with a thump and more grumbling as she pushes herself into a sitting position. "Honestly, I don't think that was part of the dance move," she gripes, perhapsm ore to herself than anything. With apparent practiced ease, she leans on one elbow and unsteadily gets to her feet, obviously supremely aware that she and her partner are the only ones stationary amongst the twirling and spinning pairs. A rather pained expression crosses her face and she turns to frown a little down at A'mar, "That wasn't my fault. Really. I was channeling my bad luck somewhere else, I swear." Once that strange need to make this known to the world at large is overwith, she seems to relax a little and her mismatched eyes regard A'mar, "You need any help up? I suppose we can try again. I think there was a crack in this stupid dance platform." She stomps a foot on the surface of it, as tohugh to emphasize her point.
Nathalia nods, wincing in time with D'mos's recitation of his injuries. "Yowzers," she comments, wrily, giving him a sideways glance. "Sounds like you shouldn't have walked away from that little bit of adventure."
D'mos pats his thigh just a bit and nods at her solemnly. "I didn't," he replies simply. "Took me a week 'fore I could get on m'feet again with help. Still not all better, either. But I do wonder, sometimes." He frowns and looks off to the side, suddenly distracted. The scowl on his face deepens, and then relaxes. He looks back at Nathalia and says mildly, "I try not t', tho. Upsets m'lifemate."
B'ky smiles slightly, nodding a little at Sabrina's words. He does blink about the lessons, saying thoughtfully, "Hm, I suppose it never came up," and he has to chuckle at that mock-pout. "I'd be happy to offer lessons, however, if you have time. I'm not a harper, but I enjoy dancing," and a glance around the floating platform has the man saying softly, "I hadn't thought many others would be interested." He sounds, perhaps, a little surprised at the turnout. And he has to smile, "If you know anyone who'd like dance lessons as well, I'm sure I can convince Farial to return to Fort." About being a very good teacher, he ducks his head, just faintly self-conscious, and then chuckles softly, "You are already rather good dancer. I'm hardly a teacher," and he tilts his head toward Farial, who is still onstage.
A'mar looks terribly guilty. If he'd not had his eyes shut, he might have seen that coming, might have been able to stop the pair of them from tumbling to their dooms. Er, falling to the floor, rather. He shuffles into a sitting position as soon as he's free of Elyciana, and then accepts her helping hand up. "We… we /could/ try again." It's said reluctantly, but it's not a /no/, at least? "Maybe… over there a bit?" he points a little ways off. Closer to the edge, but also more stable, hopefully. That is, if it even /was/ the floor, which he now eyes suspiciously, but he's not disputing Elyciana's claim, at least. "'S probably warped, water, not good." he suggests absently, eyes shifting from the floorboards to some of the more skilled dancers. There's a grimace on his face, he's sure he'll /never/ be as good as those other dancers.
Nathalia nods, though she does tilt her head, looking at him with interest. Having been around the Weyr a bit, she knows a good deal about the dragons, and their lifemates, but the bond still seems to intrigue her. "Indeed, I would bet he does. Did your brown sustain many damages in the landing?"
D'mos shakes his head at her. "Nah. He was just fine. Mostly worried 'bout landin' wron' with me danglin' under him like I was." He sighs. "Not good times, nah. But least he got me down safe 'n' protected me. Was m'fault the straps busted. I checked 'em, but they didn't hold like I 'xpected 'em to. Missed the flaws in 'em. Had it been back in the day… prolly wouldn't have survived it, nah." He shakes his head.
Elyciana glances up and down A'mar, as though checking to make sure there aren't any broken bones or other maladies. Satisfied with her inventory, she slowly steps forward a few hesitant steps. Who knows if further dancing might result in worse injuries. Still, she steels herself agai nand holds her hands out to resume the dance, "Nearer to the edge? Were you anxious to take a dip in the lake?" There is a slight hint of teasing to this, but a good majority of it is seriousness. "Honestly. I'm sure if we fell over there, I'd probably drag us to the depths of the lake." This seems to cause her to waver in her resolve and glance thoughtfully towards the edge of the dance floor. In an immediate decision, she slowly drops her hands back to her sides and jerks her head towards the table, "How about some refreshment, anyways, before we attempt anymore death-defying acts of nonsense? Bit girly all this spinning and twirling about, anyhow." She rolls her eyes theatrically and lets out a scoff, dismissing such nonsense with a wave of her hand.
Sabrina nods lightly, letting him win that point. "I guess. Thanks. I'll probably take you up on that now that it /has/ come up." She says with a grin. "He is a good teacher, but I'm not sure I'd enjoy dancing with him quite so much. Don't know him as well." She smiles a bit before giving B'ky's hand a couple of squeezes. "I'm getting kind of tired though. Mind if we go back?" She asks, gesturing in D'mos' direction with her head.
Farial has been watching the dancers, the old harper smiling proudly, and even giving the Roc wingleader a grin when the man looks his way. Seems the harper's forgiven B'ky for the last dance lesson. As the music begins to wind down, Farial prepares for the next lesson, the man moving to the center of the stage. The lady harper has returned, and, not wanting to interrupt those already dancing, they wait for the current song to come to an end.
Nathalia nods. "Well, that's good at least. Things could have been much worse, if both of you had been hurt. Your recovery could have been much impeded." She only half knows what she's talking about, the wine's getting to her a bit, if the flush on her cheeks is any indication to go by. "You're sure the straps were just worn through?"
A'mar nods nervously towards the edge. "Well, if the floor /here/ is uneven…" he trails off, and shakes his head. Refreshments! There's a nice subject! "Sounds like a plan. I'm parched." Yep. He's quite quick to move when he wants to, and careful — he heads for the refreshment table, bobbing and weaving between dancing pairs with ease. But when it comes to dancing, he just can't apply the same moves. He's had to move through crowds for food all his life, he doesn't even /think/ about it any more, and it's hard to replicate something you don't even consciously know how to do. He goes straight for the juice, offering a glass to Elyciana first, like a proper gentleman. In other words, at Caldoth's suggestion.
B'ky smiles, "Just let me know when you have time. I usually don't have as much work at the end of the sevenday." Does the wingleader even /take/ rest days? Possily not. There's a soft chuckle about dancing with Farial, "Mm, it is somewhat awkward, dancing with someone you don't know." And at the mention of being tired, B"ky nods again and slows in his steps, smoothly leading back toward the edge of the dance floor, while telling Sabrina, "Thankyou for the dance."
Could it be? Did A'deo actually come? Indeed he almost seems to just appear along the edge, his slight figure leaning against the railing of the bridge. One might not even recognize him really, standing there with his arms folded, a hesitent almost brooding look him his dark eyes which is so -not- A'deo. He watches the dancers from his shadowy retreat, but makes no move towards them. In fact as some leave, he seems to look after them with a debating inclination. He could just… you know, leave… and then he'd have gone… like he said he would… and there would be not damage done. She shifts his weight and the strap of the violin case on his shoulder. He'd rather play… than dance. But he said he'd come. Coming does imply staying for longer than a few minutes.
D'mos inclines his head at Nathalia. "I have t'think they were," he tells her quietly. "Otherwise, it may sound like someone wanted me t'not live through m'next flight. Don't know anyone who'd want that, though." He glances towards Sabrina as she returns with B'ky, and smiles at her. Finishing off his drink, he sets the empty cup aside. "Been a pleasure," he tells the Runner girl. "I think it's 'bout time for me t'go, though."
Elyciana strides along in A'mar's wake, moving through the parting dancers with apparent ease and relief at being released frm the dance floor. Once safely ensconsced next to the refreshment table, she holds out her hand to take hold of the juice with an actual smile of gratitude, "Well! Atleast someone is a gentleman around here." Rather than actually verbalizing a thank you, she merely takes a long drink from the glass and lets out her breath in an apprecative sigh. Well, that's as close to a thank you as anyone is goign to get from her. "I do hope your dragon finds it satisfactory that you tried and … almost succeeded at dancing? I don't know if we ought to count the spin. It's a stupid move anyways." Again she lets out a snort of derision at the tohught of such things and takes another sip from her juice, "Not that anyone important is going to want to dance with someone who cares for goats, anyways. Why bother learning how to twirl like a prat?"
It's not long before Kiri, dressed up and looking lovely as she is this evening, gets her fill of dancing and feels the need to half slither towards the exit. Wingleader or not, sometimes a girl just has to have some fun. Now that she's had it, however, she needs to get back to her duties - and that includes getting a good night's sleep if at all possible.
Nathalia nods more, but she looks thoughtful. "Of course you do, brownrider," she says, soothingly, but she frowns a bit. After all, it's not like stranger things haven't happened. She quickly drains her glass, and sets it beside his. "You're absolutely right. I think… I think it's time for me to call it a night as well." She sets her glass down, gives him a quick smile, and lopes off in the direction of the Weyr, almost looking relieved to be able to take her leave.
A'mar frowns, and his head whips around to face the blue Caldoth, on the shore. Not a word is spoken, but words appear to have been exchanged, as the man looks more impatient now than awkward and nervous. He's for the moment trying to ignore it, though, turning back to Elyciana, with an attempt at a smile, but it comes out more like a grimace. "I know, I know. Who wants to dance with a grubby old potter?" he raises his clay-stained hands, "I could scrub all day long, and my hands would /still/ look like this." They /are/ clean, but the stain remains. "Caldoth thinks…" he grimaces. "He thinks if I wear nice clothes, learn to dance, basically be everything I'm /not/, I'll be happier, maybe find a woman, have kids. But maybe I don't /want/ a woman, /or/ Caldoth's pretty little life." he snorts. If the blue has been almost like a father figure to the man for the past fourteen turns, then this must be A'mar's 'teen rebellion' phase. He'll grow out of it, hopefully.
Sabrina nods, agreeing with B'ky. "No, thank you for dancing with me. I had a lot of fun." She says walking off the floor with him. Once they're closer to D'mos, she gives B'ky's arm a squeeze and a smile before moving to the brownrider's side. She ment to at least get a hello in to the girl D'mos has been talking to, but when she leaves, Sabs looks a bit disappointed. "Hey. Having a nice time?" She asks, looking like she's thuroughly enjoyed her time this night.
B'ky bows all gentlemanly to Sabrina with a quiet, "It was a lovely dance," and then a friendly nod in farewell to D'mos as well before the wingleader is moving toward the tables. He spots the wingsecond - possibly brooding? - over there. One thin eyebrow raises slightly, before B'ky makes his way over to the other bluerider with a nod and a pleasant, "A'deo," in greeting. He observes the other man's posture a moment before asking, with a slight smile and a headtilt toward the violin case, "Are you here to join the harpers on the stage?"
D'mos nods just a bit, glancing off towards where Nathalia has departed with a thoughtful look for the Runner's vague answer. "Yeah. Was nice." He looks back at Sabrina afterwards, and smiles. "Think I'm goin' t'head back to m'weyr," he tells her idly. "Y' want t'stay, y'can, Sabs. I don't want your night t'be short just cause I'm a stick in the mud."
A'deo looks up at his name, the look on his face becoming more unreadable as his wingleader approaches. He offers a cursory smile before looking thoughtfully towards the harpers and then towards the dancers. A pause… before a more genuinely pleasant look besets his features. "As I can accomidate, sir. Though I dare say a fare few seem to be departing… I might have come a bit late." He stands up a bit more, nodding at his violin. "Brought it as a sort of 'just in case'. I've not done much dancing myself."
Elyciana arches her eyebrows slightly at A'mar's lengthy explaination on his dragon. For a while she manages to keep a straight face, but her lips soon twitch and she lets loose with a low chortle, "Is he going to be choosing out a weyrmate for you soon, too? Perhaps he'll start taking applications?" The chortle turns into a full blown chuckle and she soon clasps a hand over her mouth to stifle the noise, her mismatched e yes flicking anxiously over to the blue dragon. Who knows whether it's offensive to the dragon or not. Once she's under control of her laughter, she lets her hand drop and offers a half-smirk up at A'mar, "I don't mind the hands. I suppose it gives you character. I don't judge skin issues." She cuts this line of questioning abruptly off and rubs absently at her arm, which is covered right down to the wrist by her tunic. "Well! You tell him what you think. Don't let him boss you about just because he's stuck inside your head forever." She injects a loa of confidence to this and lifts her glass in a mock toast before drinking it down in one.
Sabrina smiles but shakes her head a bit at D'mos. "No, that's alright. I'll leave with you. I've had my fun, but I didn't get to spend much of it with you." Meaning, I walked here with you, but we didn't get to dance any, so I'm going to walk home with you now. "Besides, I'm a little tired." She says, attempting to slip her hand back into his.
D'mos takes her hand into his own and nods at her just a little. "Then y'want t'come up for some klah 'n' let Thauth tell you 'bout everythin' he's been tryin' t'find out lately? I can drop y'off later if y'like, when y'get tired?" He turns to make his way towards the exit at whatever speed she's walking.
A'mar sighs a long-suffering sigh, and turns back to the blue on shore. "I'll be there in a /minute/, keep your wings on." he snaps, but his sense of impatience does increase, as he hurriedly tosses back the glass of juice. "I /do/ tell him, I tell him and I tell him. He may be listening in up here all the time," he taps the side of his head. Wait, /always/? Even… Always? "but he never seems to /listen/. He thinks he knows what's best for me." the man snorts. "Wouldn't be surprised if he started rounding up likely greenriders, in the hopes of kickstarting things with a flight." But, he won't. He wouldn't go /that/ far. "I would be /perfectly/ happy, on my own, if he'd just stop meddling." he mutters. Apparently the subject's been on his mind for some time, and the dance lessons were the final straw, opening up the floodgates of venting. He slams the juice glass down, and shakes his head. "I… I should go. It wasn't horrible, dancing, with you." High praise, considering he never even wanted to be here in the first place. "I am sorry about the, thing." He twirls a hand, indicating the spin that went awry. And then he turns on his heel, and marches off of the platform, and to the blue's side.
Sabrina smiles and nods once. "That sounds great. I learn more from Thauth though I think, than he learns from me." She says with a small chuckle as they leave the platform. She gives B'ky and A'deo each a wave and a smile as they pass since they're hiding on the bridge.
Elyciana's shoulder shake with silent laughter and she has to keep her lips pursed rather tight to prevent her from bursting. Eventually, though, she takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly to calm herself enough to say, "Well. I'm sure he knows how you feel. He probably does it just to annoy you. It's fun. I do it often." She waves a fre hand in the air, as tohugh it were nothing. She also jerks a thumb over her shoulder in the direction of one of the dancers, "It's amusing to irk one of the other residents here. Always good for a laugh." Twirling the empty glass in her hand idly, she offers A'mar a parting smirk, "Well. It was nice. We didn't fall into the lake. That was a plus. And we didn't break any bones, start bleeding from every oriface or die. Very good indeed. I enjoyed myself." She then blinks at her last comment, as though surprised such a word came out of her mouth. It's quickly covered up, though, as she calls out to the rider's departing back, "Have fun with all the ladies your dragon rounds up for yu!"
B'ky does regard A'deo's face a moment, likely wondering about that, though too polite to ask outright. There's a nod about those departing, the twilight having given way to night, and B'ky nods in farewell to Sabrina as she and D'mos pass by. "You may have missed some of the faster dances," B'ky admits, chuckling softly, "Although I know Farial had another lesson planned." "Just in case?" and there's a thoughtful look as the man comments, "It is a lovely opporunity to learn a few new dances," and he indicates the dance floor. The final notes of the last song fade away, and Farial, still standing on the stage, waits a few moments as dancers shuffle about, leaving and entering.
'The World of Pern(tm)' and 'The Dragonriders of Pern(r)' are copyright to Anne McCaffrey (c) l967, 2000. This is a recorded online session, by permission of the author but generated on PernWorld MUSH for the benefit of people unable to attend.
