Dancer

“I’m…supposed to dance but I’m still learning.” Kelly tried to sell the bluff with a nervous smile.

Mary narrowed her eyes. “Why’s a dancing girl here with a leather breastplate? Where’s your dress, your clothes?”

Kelly broke off his gaze, nervously looking side to side. “M-my carriage I was riding here slipped from the road and when it crashed, by bags fell into the river. My only clothes were dirty so the driver loaned me what he had.”

Cherry gasped. “Oh! You poor thing, no wonder you look a little under the weather. Tami, we should take her to the baths and fetch her something wonderful to wear.”

The other girl, Tami, nodded enthusiastically. She glanced over to Mary. “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of her. We’ll search for the coconut tree another time.”

The guard woman seemed to accept this, giving a salute and making her exit without any fuss.

Kelly let out a sigh of relief, but yelped as a girl took him by either elbow.

“Come on, let’s get you ready. You can dance with us tonight!” Tami smiled.

“Tonight? I’m not sure I’m ready-!” Kelly stammered.

“Don’t worry, we’ll help you.” Cherry smiled wide. “What’s your name, new girl?”

Kelly swallowed, wondering if he’d made the right choice. “…Kelly.”