Summary: Audric and Tisianna were recruited to showcase and teach the waltz and mazurka to a group of Hallifaxians. Irillia and Zyphora then taught the minuet, with varying degrees of success. We had surprise guests from Magnagora and Serenwilde as well! Finally, Gabriella ended with a dance from the Moondancers.
A crystalline overlook of the skies. (Hallifax City)
Banks of clouds roil about here. This balcony juts straight out into the
expansive sky and is enveloped by gentle breezes and zephyrs. Crafted solely out
of lambent crystal, the structure is multi-faceted, refracting rainbows and
stars within the cold stone. Birds have nested between the gemstone rails, the
tiny beds composed of odd-and-ends like metallic wires and jewel shavings.
Cottony wisps of cloud drift languidly through azure skyline, peppering the blue
with motes of fluffy whiteness. The dull monotone of the city drifts in like the
slow movements of the clouds, meanwhile the air is imbued with a frigid
temperature. Primus Vivet Pavok is here. She wields an emerald void blaster in
her left hand and a glowing powerstone in her right. Abecedarian Audric is here.
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper is here. Execumatrix Magnificus Portius
Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax is here. Minister Irillia Shevat, the
Aesthete's Renaissance is here, surrounded by clouds. She wields a delicate
crystal staff in her left hand. She is surrounded by one reflection of herself.
Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina is here. He wields a dusky
crystal lyre in his left hand and a hefty shovel in his right.
You see a single exit leading down.
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper asks in a hesitant voice, "Are we ready to
begin?"
Portius nods his head at Tisianna.
(Hallifax): Irillia says, "Are there any others who would like to attend the
dancing lesson? We are currently at the balcony above the Transcendental Aviary,
for any late comers who are interested."
You have emoted: Zyphora nods, her expression softening.
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance says, "I do suppose everyone
is here who wishes to be."
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance smiles and says to Tisianna,
"Would you like to begin?"
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper looks over those gathered with a touch of
apprehension, her sweetbrier gaze soon settling onto Audric with a warm smile.
"Yes," she answers softly.
Abecedarian Audric inclines his horned head in a polite bow, smiling back at
Tisianna as he offers her his hand.
Irillia tells you, "I must say, you are taking your daughter's engagement to the,
ah, the viscanti, with remarkable aplomb, dear Zyphora."
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper slips her hand into Audric's, her gaze
once more turning to the crowd as she announces in a steady voice, "For the
benefit of the Collective, we will be performing a variety of dances which are
complementary to the three-four time signature. To begin with, we will learn the
waltz, also known as the box dance." With that, the trill turns towards her
partner, placing her free hand upon his shoulder as she squares her own.
You tell Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance, "I still struggle
with the thought of it, but... as long as she is happy."
You tell Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance, "And I daresay if
their partnership leads to events such as these... It is ultimately the best for
the Collective."
Abecedarian Audric adopts a fond expression as he observes Tisianna, soon moving
to settle his hand at the back of her shoulder and holding their conjoined hands
aloft at a slight distance to the side. Once he seems certain that both of them
are ready, the Viscanti takes a smooth step forward with one foot, then another
to the side in a fluid motion.
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper follows after Audric's lead, her
expression pleasant as she speaks to the crowd, "We will start with the lead
first. Notice the beats." She counts as the pair steps the set again, the low
cadence of 'one, two, three,' filling the air. Glancing to those gathered, she
instructs, "The lead steps forward, and then to the side, finally bringing their
feet together, like so."
Abecedarian Audric moves back with his right foot, performing an inverse mirror
of his previous steps to draw the pair where they had started - the motion
bearing them in a pattern not dissimilar to a square.
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper continues in firm tone, "And then, the
next set. This is the follower's steps." Nodding to Audric, she counts out, "One
steps back, to the side, and then together." The actions are performed deftly
before she smiles pleasantly again, a subtle pressure applied to the viscanti's
shoulder sending the pair through the whole series of motions, six counts total.
As they come to a halt, she instructs merrily to those gathered, "Now, I would
encourage you to try your steps at this time."
Curtseying, you say to Irillia, "Would you care to be my partner, dear Irillia?"
Irillia's eyes sparkle with amusement.
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance says to you, "We shall be
dancing together later, my dear. Should you not take this opportunity to favour
another dancer with your partnership?"
The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.
You say, "Ah, a very logical idea."
You have emoted: High Scion Zyphora Windwhisper, the Gilded Iris turns to
Portius, saying with a smile, "Care to be my partner, Librarian?"
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax says to
you, "If you would like me to inflict myself upon you, I shall do so, as is
generally considered gentlemanly."
Nodding her head with an amused smile, you say, "Of course, I would not mind
such an affliction in the slightest."
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax says,
"Then it shall be so."
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax says to
Tisianna, "Instructor, I have often read of men starting such dances with a kiss
upon their partner's hand. Given that I am to dance with my cousin and that I am
married, is it excusable for me to dispense with that particular formality?"
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper blinks widely at Portius, her gaze casting
between the pair before she utters, "Yes. I believe so. It is only a lesson."
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance conceals a grin with a
velvet-gloved hand before she turns toward Yatrius.
You have emoted: High Scion Zyphora Windwhisper, the Gilded Iris gives Portius a
look quite comparable to eye-rolling.
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax says,
"Wonderful. Then I instead begin with a bow."
Portius bows respectfully to you.
Yatrius peers about himself unscrupulously.
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance says to Yatrius, "Libretto,
would you be amenable to serving as my partner briefly during this waltzing
lesson?"
You curtsey gracefully before Portius.
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper says to Vivet, "Ah, Primus. If you wish I
may practice with you."
With a small smile, Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina says to
Irillia, "I would be happy to fulfill that role for you, in this place and time."
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax flashes a
smile at you before pulling you into something that strongly but imperfectly
resembles the correct position for the dance.
Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina bows to Irillia, offering a hand
for her to take.
Primus Vivet Pavok says to Tisianna, "Certainly. Hopefully I can remember
everything, I'm ever distracted these days and can't keep things straight."
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance chuckles softly at Yatrius's
answer and inclines her head graciously, resting her hand lightly in his.
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax says to
you, "Well. Everything appears to be in order from my position. If you are
prepared, cousin?"
You have emoted: High Scion Zyphora Windwhisper, the Gilded Iris delicately
clears her throat, using her hand to gently push Portius's arms and posture into
the correct positions before placing one hand upon his shoulder and the other in
his grasp.
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper gives a little laugh, saying to Audric,
"You shall have to walk through the crowd and offer instruction where I miss it."
With that, she steps over to Vivet, performing a curtsy before taking the
other's hands into position.
With a smile, you say, "I am ready."
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax says to
you, "Then let us dance."
Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina grasps Irillia's left hand in his
own, carefully placing his right around to the small of her back and keeping a
hands-width apart.
Abecedarian Audric inclines his head in affirmation of Tisianna's words, looking
amidst those gathered.
Primus Vivet Pavok nods slowly while studying each subtle movement, stilting her
feet slightly to avoid moving out of place.
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax slowly
begins to take the first steps of the dance, exhaling slightly as he does so.
Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina smiles and says to Irillia, "Are
you ready to begin, Minister?"
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper smiles to Vivet, nodding politely before
casting off, counting the steps lowly as she takes the lead of the dance. The
gentle cadence of 'one, two, three,' fills the air upon each beat.
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance smiles impishly and says to
Yatrius, "Indeed, let us attempt to waltz together with adequate grace."
Yatrius grins mischievously at Irillia.
Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina nods his head to the music and
carefully takes the first measured step, delicately leading Irillia to the beat.
Abecedarian Audric assists in keeping time by clapping slowly in tandem with
Tisianna's count, yet keeping a watchful eyes on the steps of those present.
Primus Vivet Pavok gazes downwards with a small frown, seemingly unable to make
sense of the simple stepping pattern and rigidly executing each motion with a
concentrated effort.
You have emoted: High Scion Zyphora Windwhisper, the Gilded Iris follows
Portius's lead, her steps light, mirroring her partner's own. In three-quarter
time, she steps backward with each of his forward steps, to the left as he goes
to the right, and so on.
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance carefully takes a tentative
step back with one slippered foot, then obediently follows with another step to
the side in time to Tisianna's beat.
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper whispers to Vivet, "Think of it as a box.
Imagine there is a square upon the ground, and you are stepping upon its corners."
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax begins to
mutter the formal names of assorted bones and muscles in time with the music as
he continues to dance in a generally adequate manner.
Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina begins to take more earnest steps,
gradually getting more adventurous with his leading of Irillia.
Primus Vivet Pavok nods mechanically once more, focusing even more intently on
ensuring every step is precisely equidistant.
You have emoted: High Scion Zyphora Windwhisper, the Gilded Iris blinks with
some surprise at Portius's quiet words, murmuring in an undertone between counts,
"What are you doing?" She continues to gracefully follow the steps of the dance,
whirling with her partner around the dance floor in slow revolving movements.
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax breaks
off his muttering and gives you his best attempt at a look of pure innocence. "I
was reciting the formal names of certain bones and muscles, many of which are of
great importance in this sort of thing. At the Institute we tell our students
that rhythm can be a useful aide to memorization. I simply thought that
memorization might in turn be useful in maintaining rhythm."
Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper offers Vivet an encouraging smile as she
continues to count out the beats. After a short time of practicing, she whispers
to her partner, "Pardon me," before slowing the pair to a halt. Her sweetbrier
gaze casts over those gathered, asking, "Is anyone having trouble?"
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance whispers to Yatrius, "Do you
think we have found the rhythm of the waltz properly?"
With a mildly surprised look upon his face, Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok,
Crystal Cavatina whispers to Irillia, "I was just about to ask you that."
Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina whispers to Irillia, "And to
answer your question, yes, I do believe we have."
You have emoted: High Scion Zyphora Windwhisper, the Gilded Iris calls out,
"We're just fine, dear," before murmuring in the same undertone as before, "Well,
perhaps, but it's not very suitable for formal presentation of a dance." She
withdraws from Portius to twirl with gossamer grace, her hand grasping Portius's
above her head, before drawing close once more. "If we were performing for an
audience, we ought to be graceful in both movement and facial expression," she
says softly.
Minister Irillia Shevat, the Aesthete's Renaissance whispers to Yatrius, "Hmm.
Well, it does seem like we have been synchronising counting to three together,
and our steps do conform to a shape reminiscent of a box, as they advised. I
think we are doing fine."
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax gives you
a discreet look that is somewhere between amusement and confusion. "My dear,
dear cousin. Is there anything that one can do with one's lips that is more
graceful than showing off your knowledge of the noble sciences?"
Wearing a questioning smile, Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina says
to Irillia, "Then, shall we proceed to more improvisational dancing maneuvers?"
Pausing and then shaking her head briefly, Minister Irillia Shevat, the
Aesthete's Renaissance says to Yatrius, "As much as I appreciate the sentiment,
let us not, until we have learned from our instructors which improvisational
maneouvres are proper for the waltz."
Primus Vivet Pavok looks thoughtful and says, "I would assume it is time to
study a new form?"
You have emoted: High Scion Zyphora Windwhisper, the Gilded Iris returns
Portius's look with an innocuous smile. "One might smile coyly, or engage one's
partner in talk of delicate things."
Hesitantly, Shifting Current Tisianna Windwhisper asks, "Is everyone ready to
move on?"
Primus Vivet Pavok says, "Certainly."
Grand Libretto Yatrius Pavok, Crystal Cavatina says, "I believe we are."
Drawing back from Portius and curtseying, you say, "Yes."
Irillia nods her head at Tisianna.
Abecedarian Audric ceases his keeping of the time, clasping his hands politely
behind his back and walking back over toward Tisianna.
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax bows to
you once more.
Execumatrix Magnificus Portius Windwhisper, Lord-Librarian of Hallifax says,
"Quite so, Instructor."
Comments