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 Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2023 2:06 pm
Shadiya gave a graceful tilt of her head, a subtle nod with the eloquence of a fine noblewoman embedded into it. While dancing had allowed her more freedom there was still a lot of precision and grace to those movements which reflected her own lessons from so long ago. “Of course. As it is, I’m grateful that you decided to try for my school.” She responded, her gaze still bright from the dancing and from recognizing the happiness that Elka tried to cover.
“It sounds like you have a deep faith in your husband.” Teased Shadiya lightly at the confession. Not that she blamed Elka, plenty of her students practiced in the waters for that very reason. It was a good way to get a feel for the lift, not worrying about the effects of gravity or a hard wooden floor against their skull should the attempt fail. She had been far more reckless with her own training, but then again Shadiya rarely worked with a partner. Her performances were mostly solo until the school had expanded her own horizons, the dancer learning more so that she could better educate her students.
She noticed the attention to the blade, Shadiya understanding that anyone would be wary to be in such close proximity to a weapon. “Thankfully the blades for performances are dull, they look elegant for show but are not prepared for battle.” Shadiya promised as she held up the blade and ran a finger along the dull edges. “The last thing I would want is for a student to injure themselves on a blade.” Though one person did actually employ weapons prepared for battle when performing. Shadiya couldn’t help but to think of her daughter who moved with blades like a fish in water. Cahira was a special case though in comparison to most of her students who opted to prioritize their safety, especially avoiding anything that could cut their skin as performers valued their faces. “There is nothing to worry about but after a quick demonstration, I promise to lock the weapons back up.” She added, thinking about how some of her other students were wary of such props. Though at least it wasn’t a keldari…she did know of a dancer who used the slithering creatures in her performances and even Shadiya would not do such a thing. Not wishing to waste too much time, Shadiya carefully walked backwards with slow steps so as to not startle Elka. Once she had enough distance from her new student, the Oban raised the blade and began a small demonstration of sword dancing with more graceful movements. Some would even battle one another in their dances, but Shadiya was simply moving like flowing water with the blade as she cut through the air in a series of movements that spoke to her precision and grace. After a slower introduction to the dance, her wrist started to move more so that the blade would spin and then she even twisted her body along to dance with the blade shimmering alongside of her as it cut through the air with her increased speed. Eventually she stopped, slowing down so that she could lower the blade and look over towards Elka. “That’s a hint of sword dancing which is my preferred style. I hope it was not too intimidating with the blade. I am intrigued, however, by your husband’s style with tumbles and flips. It sounds like he's a very energetic person and I'm curious to see the performance.”
[Shadiya 8]
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Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2023 4:32 pm
Elka 9 "I am grateful you gave me the chance," Elka easily countered, ever the well-taught lady. Always show your appreciation to those around you. It did no good to be mean-spirited and make enemies of others. Where would you get to in life with an attitude like that? And while she did certainly have an attitude, she tried her best not to let others see it. At least not those in positions of power. Especially over her as the Oban woman was. Not that the Zenan was feeling any kind of pressure because of it. It was as if that fact didn't exist and they were merely two high society ladies having a discussion about the weather.
Or husbands, as it were.
She allowed another giggle, her golden eyes dancing with amusement. She really didn't mind talking about Kayde. Not at all. "He's not the most, uh....Built of men, if you catch me. Tall, but very slender." He'd dropped her plenty of times already. All the hard labor of his odd jobs over the years had heped him build up some mass of muscle, though he was still hardly the size of other men she'd seen. Still kind of petite in comparison to them. Perhaps he always would be. He was never one for heavy exercise, after all. Just enough to get him by. As he was doing now. Trying to build up his body just enough to easily hold her above his head.
Despite the precaution, Elka still backed away a little bit as soon as Shadiya began moving into position. Though the demonstration of the dulled blade was comforting, it was still a blade. She'd never had much experience being around swordsman and adventurers. Only those who had stopped by the inn. Where they were mostly kept safely inside their scabbards off the table. As per Entaria's rules. "Comforting, but I am good to watch." And watch she did, with just as much awe as moments before. She even forgot to wince every time the sword twirled closer to her, even though it was nowhere near close enough for her to reach out and touch. Thankfully. Once it was done, she added some applause to the quiet of the room. "I am not changed, I am afraid. But it was beautiful nonetheless. I have seen it in my books, but never in person. Intimidating, but graceful."
Tapping the closed fan against her lips, Elka thought about an answer. Energetic could be a word to describe Kayde. Whereas she was more reserved and introverted. he was more than willing to walk up to everyone on the street and strike up a conversation with them. "Well, he certainly doesn't like to sit still for too long. If someone needs something done, he's often helping. He traveled with a trope when he was younger, doing acrobatic acts. I think he feels more comfortable that way."
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Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2023 8:30 pm
“I see.” Shadiya couldn’t help it as a soft laugh escaped her own lips. It wasn’t as if she were laughing at the description, however, but rather at Elka’s amusement. It was a warm sound, not judgmental and one that was just a happy reaction to the whole situation. “Well, they do say that practice makes perfect and we’ll gladly offer the space here for it.” And then her expression had shifted, her focus on the blade and the dance making her more somber than before.
Shadiya placed her hand against her chest in thanks and gave a slight bow at the applause. Her other hand held onto the sword, her fingers lightly curled around the hilt until she decided to move away and towards the case so that she could return the weapon. “To each their own, not everyone will have the same style preference.” And that was totally acceptable, there was no judgment from her for such differences. “I am glad that you found it beautiful. It’s one of many styles you’ll see at the school.” As she spoke she moved across the stage, her silk skirts rustling back into place with each movement, and then Shadiya locked the sword back up in the case so that it was safely tucked away.
“Can’t sit still and often helping others? He sounds very similar to my son, Omari. We’ll have to introduce them one day.” Shadiya replied lightly. “I’ve seen some acrobatic acts, mostly when I was younger and the few times that a troupe has been in the area. I’ve always found them intriguing.” There were some that walked across ropes, others that spun across them and the like which always fascinated the Oban. As much as she loved dancing she never had been one to linger in the air, keeping her jumps focused and landing swiftly rather than balancing everything so high up. “Once you’re more settled maybe it would be ideal for a dinner together? If you would be interested, that is. I’m also fond of giving tours so if you need any recommendations for local attractions while settling in, please feel free to let me know.”
[Shadiya 9]
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Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2023 12:26 pm
Elka 10 Fortunately, Elka didn't take the laughter as anything other than her own amusement at her casual dig at her own husband. Certainly not something she would have ever done back in Zena, when the rules were so tight. Besides, had Kayde been here, he would have laughed himself. He was always making fun of his own rather petite body. No matter how hard he tried to bulk up in order to lift her during dances, he couldn't seem to widen his waist or shoulders or even his arms, all that much. He would forever be almost as thin as she was. And she'd have him no other way.
Though he totally made up for it by having such a handsome face. That only got more handsome the more he aged, the baby face that had plagued him slowly melting away.
But now her mind was wandering. As was the case with most newlyweds, she supposed. She finally had him all to herself. It was a difficult thing to focus on something else.
"I do find myself still more drawn to elegant things I am used to using. Like a fan." Which she realized was still in her hands. She had been distracted by one thing or the next and its comfortable weight had gone unnoticed. She moved forward to place it back where it belonged as she continued talking. "Though I am not against seeing what others can do. There are many objects I never would have considered for a performance."
"Oh, no," she mock groaned, standing back up with a smile. "Sounds like they might get along, than. I best be careful or I might never see him, agian."
"A dinner sounds great. I'm sure he would love to share all his own experiences with the stage."
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:58 pm
“Then you may feel free to take a performance fan with you, if needed.” Offered Shadiya with a small smile. “Consider it a loan, like taking home some scrolls to study for classes.” They did have a small collection of dancing tomes and scrolls in the old study upstairs, the smaller space crammed with texts for studying while more materials were safely back in Sulburi where there was an actual library at the academy. “There will be more demonstrations at a festival being held in town next week. Please feel free to attend since you’ll see many of our students there.” It would be a good chance to see the area and have some fun at the same time.
A laugh escaped her lips, the Oban clapping her hands together and holding them in front of her face in excitement. “I’ll try to keep Omari from stealing him from you.” She reassured her, Shadiya obviously teasing Elka about the situation and not truly worried about such a thing. “But I am delighted to hear you accept my invitation. Our family home is outside of the village, just down the beach, so you can feel free to dine with us there.” Now with introductions and a demonstration completed the Oban was eager to show Elka around the school and tell her more about the instructors and the various classes she could attend beginning within the next week or so once things were officially settled.
[Shadiya 10]
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