Coming of Age Part 3 – Stepping, Twirling, Dancing

Lacos and Reiline continued to watch Sarine as she talked with the nobles that surrounded her, the initial flow of Tolfin’s loyalist seemed to have calmed and now she was talking to people that came to her on their own with completely different goals in mind. As Lacos continued to explain the many nobles titles and their respective lands to Reiline, although he had only their sigils woven into their clothes to go by, Tolfin stood up again.

‘Early.’ Lacos wondered, ‘Is he thinking that further talking will not serve him?’ The Draconoid’s eyes darted over to the trio of loyalists that sat around Tolfin at the table. ‘Or did they tell him that they can’t influence her?’

“Honoured Guests.” Tolfin said to get everyone’s attention. “We have feasted, we have talked and I believe many of you will continue to do so. However I also believe that it is now time to allow the esteemed musicians to allow us to listen to their most beautiful music as day turns to night. Sarine, would you give me the First Dance of the night?” A customary request, the host asking the guest of honour. Sarine curtsied, “It would be an honour, Uncle.”

The two of them walked towards the middle of the hall. The musicians tuned their instruments in the small break that created. Sarine and Tolfin finally stood face to face. They proved a stark contrast, the middle-aged man and the young lady yet they had much in common in their hair and the determined look in their eyes. Sarine extended her hand and Tolfin took it.

The first notes started playing, a light build up as they took careful step. Uncle and Niece they were, but friendly with each they were not and the dance reflected that. Even though they both had individually perfected the art of court dances, they didn’t know each other outside of necessity and so the dance started on a slightly clumsy note but as the music started picking up so did they adapt to each other.

Lacos smiled as he recognised the piece. ‘From far afar they came’ normally sung in village meetings it’s text was about the first settlers that crossed the ocean and discovered this land. The piece had been rewritten greatly to fit the courtly atmosphere but the core remained, as Reiline’s silent signing of the text proved.

“From afar they came,

Our ancestors, in Alxer’s name,

Crossed the blue divide,

Taming and mastering the tide,

Few of them settled south,

Our home called Falbrein now,

From far afar they came,

From far far they came.”

“You have such a beautiful singing voice.” Lacos admired and Reiline, realizing only now what she had been doing, stopped and blushed. “If you say so.” She took the compliment, “Don’t ask me to dance though.” She said, admiring the Princess who now was twirling with her Uncle in pure elegance. “And?” She asked after a bit.

“And?” Lacos asked back. “What is the meaning behind this?” “The Princess said that after intimidating her and having the nobles talk to her, Tolfin would likely try to remind her of the will of the people. I guess this is that.” Reiline raised an eyebrow, “A song? That is all?” Lacos smiled at her, “Never underestimate the power of music Reiline. I think this is the first time this song is being played in a court making it not only a declaration to Sarine but also all other nobles. ‘I will listen to the people.’ It says.”

Reiline sighed, “Political thingy-magical-crap is full of weird customs.” “I agree, but I do like one of them.” Lacos said and stood up. Reiline blinked at the hand that was now reaching down to her. “Didn’t I tell you not to ask me to dance?” She asked, “What are you going to embarrass me in front of the royal court?” He asked and nodded towards the crowd.

Although many had started dancing along Sarine and Tolfin, many more being amused by the tries of a certain knight trying to talk to a beautiful elven ambassador, a few were watching the two of them. To be precise they were watching Lacos, his attire bore the crest of Sarine after all and as a Draconoid he looked a bit out place twice fold.

Reiline glared daggers at him for a moment but then smiled overly sweetly, “I can hardly do that.” And laid her hand in his. As she stood up she acted like she stumbled and fell against Lacos chest. Her mouth very near to his ear, “But if I make a fool out of myself I will pay you back, not in the nice kind.”

Her voice sent shiver down his spine, but of the pleasant kind as her breasts were currently firmly pressed against his chest. “I know, I know, don’t worry.” They entered the outer skirts of the dance floor.

Lacos put his hand on her hips. In the middle of the crowd Tolfin and Sarine were still Stepping and Twirling graciously but these two were moving for social reasons. Lacos and Reiline on the other hand, although awkwardly and to slow to really follow the tact of the music, were dancing with each other.