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 Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2023 7:33 pm
Elka Elka loved to dance. There had been no shortage of opportunities to do just that over the years. She had danced during long hours of not working at the inn, using one of the spare private dining rooms when it wasn't in use as her practice hall. It had been a great way to relax after work, to work out her stress or frustrations, to feel them slowly drain away through her gracefully moving limbs. Sometimes Kayde would join her in those dining rooms, adding his own style of dance to her own. Usually they would keep apart, just watching the other move. But sometimes they would join up and he would spin her across the floor until she was laughing so much she couldn't focus on the moves. Being in Matori hadn't changed much of those times. The only difference was a higher awareness of the other's body and movements.
She'd almost forgotten her vow to herself all those years ago, when she had seen that enchanting dancer at the inn that first day. To make a name for herself. There had been no time to do that in Jauhar. And even if there had been, she wouldn't have wanted to risk being trapped there any more than she had already been. Now, in her new home, she could begin the steps to achieve her dream. Or, her brother had, to be more accurate. Getting her set up with an appointment with a nearby school under her nose and surprising it with her just a few days ago. Elka was walking towards it now, nerves fluttering in her stomach. As a noble's daughter, she'd grown up with all the classes that were designed to make a proper lady out of every little girl who just wanted to run in the halls and have fun instead. She'd had her dance lessons and thought herself a fine dancer. At least in paired dancing. But it'd been so long since she had done that. Would she just prove to be too rusty and make a fool of herself? She might never be able to show her face, again, if she did.
Stepping up to the door, she opened it slowly, looking around her at the beauty of the place, inside and out. How she missed living in large manors like this. Not that she didn't like her much smaller home with Kayde. But it still brought a little pang of homesickness to her that she hadn't felt in so long.
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2023 4:23 pm
While Omari had taken control of the main dance academy in Sulburi, Shadiya had found her time occupied with the smaller branch of the school that was located in Matori. The warm colored building was still nicer than most in town with two stories and a large dance hall inside with even an outdoor stage for when the weather was good and festivities were happening. Shadiya personally preferred the outdoor area with the cliffs as a beautiful backdrop with the ocean waves crashing against the shoreline below. Their last evening performance there was perfect with the rays of sunset highlighting the dancers in a myriad of colors ranging from indigo to amber. Today though the older Oban was looking through piles of paperwork while sitting at an ornate desk, a crumpled letter sitting to the side as she waited on a new student. It was rare for her to take someone out of season and even more rare to have someone that wasn’t from Matori to come into this particular branch of the school. Most gathered in Sulburi for the arts and culture offered there alongside the academy and it was hard for Shadiya to not be curious about why someone would come to the quieter Matori town instead. There were about sixteen students currently, most of them talents she had scouted or invited to their ranks with four girls and one boy from Oban noble families who had been sent here to study due to various reasons most of them being because of trouble that they had started back home, but for someone from Zena to appear within this particular dance hall…well that was new. Either way Shadiya was eager to welcome this Elka and maybe she would eventually find out about why Elka was here instead of Zena or even Sulburi. As long as she’s fine with me and just two others teaching then I have no qualms about welcoming another honest student. Shadiya smiled at the thought before finally standing, her silk skirts leaving a crimson trail as she glided with ease through the room and back into the main hallway. Unlike in Sulburi she felt very little need for servants and so it was Shadiya who greeted Elka as the door opened. “Welcome! I’m assuming you are Elka?” Her voice carried through the long hallway, the windows along the main stairway behind her casting a light glow around the Oban as she smiled towards the newcomer. Her russet hair was tied up in braids, golden jewelry weaved through the strands, and hoops on her ears chimed as she tilted her head to the side to study the girl. Despite being in Matori everything Shadiya currently wore was styled for Oba with silks decorated with golden accessories and styled in such a way that none of her movements were restricted in case she needed to perform. Her mocha skin showed with each movement as she took long strides towards Elka, urging her to come into the room as the door closed behind her. Thankfully though the manor was still well lit with large windows that allowed the natural light inside, some windows even opened for fresh air as the gauzy curtains fluttered slightly in the ocean breeze. Faint music could be heard from a room further down the hallway towards the rear of the building while another class was being held in other rooms that involved less dancing and more so lessons and history on music and the arts. “We’re fairly quiet today so it should be easy enough to guide you around if you would like. A group went to the beach and to shop in town for the day since today is for flexible studies.”
Shadiya pursed her lips thoughtfully, the woman studying Elka some more before speaking once again. “After that we can get to know each other and talk about your options if you would like to join the school for some classes. Alright?”
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Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2023 2:49 pm
Elka 2 Elka couldn't stop herself from pausing just beyond the door, letting it softly shut behind her as she took in all her surroundings with a nostalgic air, remembering how her own family home had looked before she had left all those many years ago. Felt like an entire lifetime, now, but it couldn't have been more than 7 years ago. Chasing one dream only to abandon it to chase another. What a foolish child she had been. Still, had she not done that, she'd likely have been married off years ago to a rich man who could help advance her family. The loss of all that wealth hadn't been an unwelcome outcome, with how her life had turned out for the good.
Now, if she could utilize all those lessons into making a career for herself as a professional dancer and gain all that back on her own, she would consider her goals accomplished.
The Ice woman's eyes snapped to the sound of jingling, watching as a very elegant looking Oban lady approached her. Standing up straighter, Elka moved away from the door and further into the room, putting on her best well practiced smile taught to her by a mother who cared far too much about her own reputation in society circles.
"I am. I assume you are the proprietress?" She couldn't imagine a teacher meeting with a new student and this woman certainly wasn't a servant, wearing as much jewelry as she was. Unless she treated her servants extremely well. Though even the best treated staff weren't usually allowed to deck themselves out as much during their shifts. Her mother would never have allowed it and Elka couldn't help agreeing. Which wasn't much of a surprise there, as carefully trained as she had been by said woman. "Quiet suits me just fine, especially if you're offering a tour. All this sounds good to me."
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2023 7:06 pm
“I suppose that is one word to describe my position. However, I would prefer to be known as Shadiya.” Teased Shadiya lightly, trying to appear less strict and hopefully allow the other woman to relax around her a bit more. She recognized that straight posture and the smile that reflected so many others that she saw whenever attending social events in Oba, a mask to appear proper while hiding whatever emotions truly lay inside. The last thing she wanted to do was remind someone of one of those tutors that she had endured as a child! Even though it was hard for her to not maintain her own posture as she studied the Zenan who had entered her school. “This is a smaller academy than the main branch in Sulburi, but we do offer various lessons and I enjoy teaching myself whenever I have the freedom to do so.”
Shadiya gestured for Elka to follow her. “Please let me know if you have any questions. This was a tavern once but we converted it into a school with some guest rooms. This floor has two classrooms, a stage and a larger practice hall with a lounge for visitors.” There was also a summer kitchen outside by the gardens though that was rarely used, saved for whenever they needed to prepare food for larger events or guests. Shadiya doubted Elka was interested in that particular location unless she enjoyed tea after lessons. “The stage is this room at the end of the hallway before the back doorway into the back gardens. Some students are here for lessons in the actual classrooms so we may skip those for today, but I can assure you that they are well decorated if you’re interested in looking at desks later on.” Shadiya added quietly, opening the final door that would lead to what were once separate store rooms that had been combined so that it was one large area with seats and a stage against the wall. Stained glass windows had been built into the walls to allow plenty of natural light while also decorating the stage with various colors and patterns from the sunlight. Tapestries of dancers and decorative glass orbs with candles decorated the walls, the faint light helping to navigate the walkways whenever it was darker outside. Shadiya did enjoy using her daughter’s glasswork after all and it was a perfect way to set the mood for the performances, they would exchange the colored orbs for whatever fit the theme of the night. Other than that indigo curtains hung to the sides of the stage, sturdy ropes tying them in place to keep the wooden stage open for viewing. “It can hold about forty earthlings comfortably for any smaller performances and our larger events are held outside since the stage in the gardens has more flexibility with seating for audiences.” Shadiya explained, standing to the side to allow Elka to explore or ask any questions that she had in mind.
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Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2023 11:52 am
Elka 3 "Alright," Elka agreed with a nod and a smile, not quite sure how to answer to a tease other than more politeness. Which would have made her mother proud and only made the Zenan woman cringe inwardly. Maybe dance wasn't the only thing she should start studying up on. Some of the skills she learned while living in a rich, proud household came in useful, such as her ability to put on that mask when meeting new people of importance. But in other ways, such as her lack of humor, she wished her family had been less strict on her behavior. "Shadiya it is."
To hide her embarrassment at herself, Elka looked around the room more, appraising it closely with her eyes. A tavern, huh? It sure seemed far more spacious than she'd have expected. She always thought of them as small. The inn she had worked in herself in Jauhar hadn't been very big. Not small, to give it credit. But not large, either. She had never been inside a tavern, so maybe she couldn't give an accurate judge of the school.
"I wouldn't have guessed it used to be a tavern," she answered truthfully. Part of her told her she should be asking questions, showing more proper interest in the place and studying dance. Business owners liked to be asked questions, to be able to show off their establishment more than a regular tour would have allowed. But she really couldn't think of any. Hopefully she would later on. For now, she followed obediently behind the other woman, golden eyes looking everywhere around her and sandals soft on the floor. "It's been done up beautifully."
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2023 7:02 am
Shadiya 3
Well it was an attempt. Shadiya could only remember how she once had behaved at the behest of her uncle when interacting with others. Of course she had been too much of a spitfire to behave for long, running away as soon as she could and leaving behind any restrictions that one would expect from a noble lady. But she was also patient and not one to force something on another, so she would just wait and see if the Zenan lady would eventually warm up to her after spending some time here. “I should have asked, but is it alright if I call you Elka? Do you have another name or even a title which you prefer?” Shadiya was sincere and humble, not one to rub her own position in the faces of others so she was more than willing to accommodate their requests….within reason.
A soft chuckle escaped Shadiya. “That’s fair enough. Most would expect some ocean taverns to be smaller with just a room for ale and sailors to crowd around in.” She glanced around the larger building, amused by the image of such a place here. “This may have been a manor at one point, maybe for some Obans that were kicked out after certain changes and the town used it as a tavern until the new tavern was built closer to the docks.” She alluded with a sly smile. Many of the losing faction lost their additional wealth after the Oban war, including their luxurious vacation homes that were tucked away in Matori. It was only karma considering how many decades they had relied upon free workers to do everything for them, Shadiya truly had loathed such a reality and was so much happier with how the present world was shaping around them. It was fitting that such a place be used to host and teach the locals now, especially considering how little Shadiya tried to charge those who could barely afford it and relied more upon events and sponsors to fund most of the school. “I do enjoy hearing that you find it beautiful, I had help opening up more room for the indoor stage while the rest of the building just needed a few repairs and some new decor.”
She gestured towards the stage. “You can feel free to explore it. Do you have a certain type of dance that you already prefer?” Shadiya questioned as she glanced over Elka. “Now would be a good time to demonstrate unless you’d rather have some tea first. I know some are too shy and prefer a good conversation before doing any performance on stage, even if it is just in front of me.” She could always brew them some tea and bring some snacks to the courtyard, the weather was pleasant enough today and Shadiya could never get enough of the fresh ocean breeze. It was part of the reason she had preferred settling in Matori instead of permanently going back to Oba, though the past definitely also affected her decision considering she had long forgotten how to consider the desert country home after escaping to Matori with her husband so many years ago.
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2023 3:23 pm
Elka 4 A manor house? That made more sense to Elka, considering the size of it. Not that she was an expert on taverns or even inns. Who was she to say they couldn't be as big as this building was? It wasn't like she made a point to check out every one that she passed. Quite the opposite. She never did like the atmosphere inside them. Though her boss tried to keep as clean and safe an inn as she could, there would always be those types of customers who made it feel anything but. She didn't think she could ever trust a place like that, no matter how large and pretty it looked on the outside.
"Elka is fine," she answered, glancing all around her, not in the slightest bit offended by the mention of titles. Or upset by the lack of her own and the fact she could never reclaim it unless she made some branch of her family down in Matori. Which she didn't. The last thing she wanted to do was draw attention to herself. She was happy enough in her new life, even without the addition of a fortune. Maybe one day, if she worked really hard at her dancing, she could reach that state once more on her own. "I haven't had any kind of title or social standing for a very long time." She looked back with the same friendly smile, clearly listening intently to the words. And she was. She was also really noticing that the other woman was an Oban. Not that she hadn't noticed from the beginning. But the mention of Obans being kicked out put back into her brain that they had been at odds with Matori not too long ago. Shadiya was clearly older than her. Carried her age well, but still older. How involved in that had she been? As a Zenan, she had been removed mostly from the whole situation.
"I would love to explore it. I've missed being in houses like this." The tone slipped just slightly, enough to let in a tiny wistfulness as Elka went back to looking around her. "My husband and I like to dance together. If that's okay." She glanced over for confirmation before continuing. "He's busy at the moment, but I don't mind showing you what I know on my own. I'm afraid I haven't had any lessons before. I've been using a few dance books I bought or studying other performances. He used to be an acrobat. We were interested in using it for pair dancing a little. For lifts and the like."
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2023 9:52 am
Shadiya smiled warmly. “Elka it is then.” She repeated happily as she continued making her rounds around the room, almost as if inspecting everything while also showing Elka around. The curtains looked recently dusted, the stage was freshly swept and so it looked like the students were doing their due diligence in helping take care of the space in exchange for lessons. “I see.” Shadiya let out a soft laugh, her lips curving upwards as she made the best of the statement since she connected with it so well. “Honestly, it’s just a lot of pressure. Who wants to list so many titles when we all breathe the same air?” She mused lightly, disregarding such things which she had let go of so long ago herself.
“Then we can explore it.” Shadiya’s expression softened at the hint of wistfulness that she had caught in Elka’s words. There seemed to be something there, some past that the iceling had lingering on her shoulders, but it was not in Shadiya to pry. She simply would do her best to lighten the mood and offer support, especially for a prospective student. It was just how the Oban was, always supporting and doing her best for others. And if the truth eventually came out? Well, she would gladly listen then since there was a bit of curiosity within her spirit despite Shadiya not pushing for answers. “First though we’re on the stage so we should enjoy it. We’ll have to have your husband come back with you to dance together, I would love to see it!” She clasped her hands together excitedly, Shadiya’s gaze beaming as she looked to Elka. “My husband has tried to dance a bit with me, but he’s more inclined to keep his feet solidly on the ground.” She joked lightly, a laugh escaping her lips at the idea of Dexurn trying to keep up with her playful dances during festivals. She absolutely adored her husband but he was a defender, not really an acrobatic or dancer type. “Self-taught then? That’s not a problem.” She mused with a nod, not even bothered by the idea that Elka hadn't had professional lessons before. That was the point of the school, after all! “If you’re accustomed to dancing with a partner then we could work together? It doesn’t have to be narrated or some dance by the books, just whatever is in your heart. I could do a few steps and you could react to me. I think that would be fun. ” That was what she liked to see. A dance to show what type of student she was accepting, Shadiya reading their emotions and desires through movement whenever they moved freely without set patterns.
[Shadiya 4]
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Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2023 11:10 am
Elka 5 You would never hear Elka complain about the lack of pressure that came from having a family that was, or at least considered, themselves higher up in society. She was no Oban, but she certainly had one of those. And, if her brother coming down here so often on business was anything to go by, her family was still doing relatively well up in Zena. Part of her couldn't help being curious about what they were up to. Deric hadn't really said anything about them so far. Clearly understanding it would be a softer spot with her, considering she had up and left when she wasn't even a woman full grown. Leaving them with no idea about where she had gone or if she was even alright. But to reveal the truth to them? That would mean disaster. She could only hope no more of them came down here and recognized her.
Though she wasn't sure if she agreed with the rest of it. No matter how low Elka got in life, no matter how much she had to save and be frugal, she still felt that superiority to others running through her. She just couldn't help it. It was as natural as breathing.
So she nodded, her golden eyes returning to rest on Shadiya's face. Finally taking in the fact she was an Oban. Weren't they known more than anywhere else for their noble families? Judging by the way she was answering, she must also be one. Or at least used to be one. Interesting. The Zenan had always felt like she was the only one around her who could understand that world. "I do not miss the pressure," she readily laughed. "It's nice to marry who I want." A faraway look came into her eyes, the look of the newlywed, for a moment. She quickly blinked it away.
"I'm sure he'd love to," Elka agreed, wondering if he ever did miss performing in front of others. It had been a long time since last he had. "He's quite used to putting on shows. I suppose we all aren't, however," she added with a chuckle. "Well...Unless you count the steps they teach young ladies before throwing them out into society. Sure. I don't mind." And she stood up straight, with her hands resting at her sides, and full attention on the other woman to watch intently what she would do.
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Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2023 6:20 pm
“Ah.” Shadiya found herself replying, both intrigued and surprised by Elka’s response to her statement. Though she could understand it, after all she had married someone that would never have been approved of in her society. If she hadn’t run away then she would have been stuck in some noble manor, her life suppressed by responsibilities and a life she never truly wanted. She was now living the life that she wanted, free to chase her dream of dancing and able to help others in her own way. “I agree.” She nodded her head after a moment, a tender expression on her own face as she thought about her husband. It seemed that Elka had a bit more in common with her than Shadiya had realized. It was a pleasant surprise though and one that she hoped could help them bond more if Elka decided to stay around the school. As much as Shadiya loved the locals and the students at the school it was interesting knowing that she had someone who seemingly would be able to relate to her own past, even if they were still different in a sense. Though she couldn’t help shaking her head with a soft chuckle as she teased. “That is until they frustrate you, but I suppose no one is perfect. Love allows you to work through the smaller things and find balance. Marrying for love is far better than having someone else decide your partner for you. ”
Shadiya studied Elka for a moment longer before walking towards the side of the stage so that she could pull out a box of supplies. As she dug through the supplies the dancer pulled out a few things including fans, some ribbons, scarves and a pair of tethered weights used in dance. There was also another case nearby that held weapons, the display tucked away towards the back side of the stage just out of view from the audience area. From there she took out a staff and a sword, the curved blade dulled along the edges but shimmering with jewels for performances. Each piece was laid out on the edge of the stage, almost as if in offering to Elka as Shadiya continued speaking. “Then he’s more than welcome to come here and show off. We enjoy finding new performers, especially since my own son has a school in Sulburi. He would love more help with the festivals since most in the city look to his school for performances then.” The Oban laughed at the jab towards society, shaking her head at the very thought before pausing and looking back towards Elka as if debating something before admitting her own experience. It was something long resolved so where she once before would have feared others finding out the truth, Shadiya simply acknowledged them as pieces of her past. “I suppose I was a bit more rebellious back in my youth, roaming the market and learning from wandering performers before sneaking back home. It helped me to break away from the more formal teachings until I broke away completely to Matori. My uncle never would have approved of any of this, but here we are where I’m happily married to a Matori and dancing freely.”
A small smile crossed her lips at the attention given towards her, Shadiya pausing as she pondered the props. “If any of these call to you then feel free to use them. I’ll dance without any for now, but I did bring these out just in case.” Her gaze did linger on the sword for a moment, that being her favored prop, but Shadiya simply backed away before raising her hands in the air. Even though there wasn’t music at the moment, she closed her eyes to think of the beat before tapping her foot a few times and then moving with the chiming of her jewelry providing all the music necessary. A simple traditional Oban dance, something that one could do without needing anything other than themselves would suffice for now. A couple of steps forward, her wrists snapping as her hands moved in wavering motions through the air while her body continued following the silent beat with every step of her feet and swaying of her hips. It was almost as if she were mimicking a moving flame in the wind, the way Shadiya moved back and forth with grace while every part of her body was in action and even her gaze was bright as she looked at Elka and motioned towards her. She would back away to allow the other woman to move, Shadiya carefully stepping towards the back to see how she would react to her own movements or what dance she would bring to the stage.
[Shadiya 5]
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Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2023 11:03 am
Elka 6 Elka even surprised herself, though she didn't allow it to show on her expression. Far too many lessons on controlling her emotions and only letting others see what you wanted to see to allow her to slip too much. She would likely carry these lessons in etiquette and femininity for as long as she breathed, carrying it onto the next generation whenever she had them. And she did dearly want them. Hopefully some day soon. It wasn't as if they'd been trying to prevent anything, either.
Maybe it was the seemingly shared background that was making some of the sturdy walls she kept around herself crumble a little. The Zenan felt more like Shadiya might understand the world she had come from, that no one else around her did. Though Kayde had grown up in Oba, he wasn't a noble. He could have been an noble's b*****d, sired off a mistress or random fling. It was something she'd always teased about, telling him he should figure it out, see if he had some unknown inheritance he could claim. He certainly was dark enough for the lightest skinned Oban. But he always argued how clear
it was he was just a regular boy from Tale. Why he had been in Oba was beyond him, though it was as clear as all the Leaf features on his face where his bloodlines truly were.
Elka's eyes widdened ever so slightly at the mention of a Matori husband. Yes. Shadiya certainly did understand. Was she willing to give her own full story? It probably wouldn't be as intricate as an Oban's would be. Still, high society didn't always like the idea of race mixing, did they? Shadiya likely had hybrid children much like she herself would one day. It was strange to find someone she could already relate so much to.
She giggled at the mention of needing help, knowing full well how her husband would jump at the chance. "Don't tell him that. He does not know how to say no to someone in need." Did she love him for it? Of course. As much as it tried her patience when he volunteered her for such things, as well, without her permission. "I guess I was mostly the perfect daughter until I got infatuated with someone. Trying to keep your children on too tight a lead may result in them finding something that looks better and making impulsive decisions. My father would surely disown me." Was she ashamed of being such a stupid teenager? Not really. That same boy who swept her so easily off her feet and out of Zena was the same one she was now married to. That wouldn't have happened had she not taken such a chance. Dumb, nonetheless. "Not that I am complaining," she added with a graceful shrug of her shoulders.
Eying the props as they were brought out, Elka reached over, fingering everything that didn't have a sharp edge to it. She had never danced with weapons and certainly wasn't about to test out her abilities now. Instead, she picked up the fan, flipping it open and close with the practiced hand of a courtier. Making her pick, she stood back and watched the other woman move, entranced by the graceful steps until she was beckoned to give her own performance. She snapped open the fan, easily moving her legs thanks to the split skirts she had taken to wear since moving to Matori, twirling around the floor with the fan held out from her body, her wrist flicking and rolling so it still moved with her own movements. It wasn't any specific kind of dance. A mix of what Shadiya had shown her and a mix of what she had taught herself from watching and reading. She had her eyes closed, a small smile on her face as she allowed herself to get totally absorbed in the rhythm of her own body. She'd never needed music. This is what she had been doing ever since she had discovered dance. When she'd take over a private room of the inn to practice in.
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Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2023 6:37 pm
Shadiya’s gaze gleamed with humor. “I can’t make any promises, but we’ll see.” She teased lightly even though the revelation made her feel even more warmly towards Elka. Seemed like their families truly would be getting along well at this rate, something she had not been expecting whenever she greeted her new student this morning. If Elka’s husband enjoyed helping others then she could easily see him getting along with Omari since her own son was similar in that regard. And a love of dancing? There was a good chance of success there with the pair of them.
“Nor am I complaining since I’m guilty of being a romantic and thankful that such things allowed our paths to cross.” Shadiya’s expression was gentle though as she understood the sacrifice such a decision could require. “I’m just thankful things worked out.” For both of them it seemed like a blessing considering she knew such rash decisions could be a gamble as the ignorance of youth could lead to situations that necessarily did not always work out. But Shadiya was always fond of following your heart above all else which was possibly the reason her oldest children lived so far away now for their own relationships.
As Elka began her performance, Shadiya kept a close eye on her. Her intuition was that the other woman would prefer an elegant dance, the choice of a fan only strengthening the feeling, and after spectating for a few moments the Oban moved to pick up a second fan so that she could join her. There was a small smile on her own face, Shadiya already seeing just how much Elka truly enjoyed dancing and she was more than willing to accept the iceling as a student at the academy. Even if they had gotten along it was the impression that Elka gave her as a dancer that secured the spot, the obvious enjoyment not being missed by Shadiya who recognized such an expression easily. Keeping to an elegant style, Shadiya moved the fan as if it were an extension of her arm and her steps were almost as if she were floating. The fan was a prop that she also used often, almost as much as the sword which she favored, and Shadiya could easily melt into the elegant movements that followed. She never moved too far forward though, the Oban content to follow Elka’s movements almost like a shadow as she got a feeling for the dance style that the iceling preferred. Whenever Elka decided to end the dance then Shadiya would step once more to the side, snapping the fan closed, and applaud her demonstration. “The fan is a prop I also enjoy. It is usually a testament to those who have a more elegant style and prefer traditional dances. Would I be correct in assuming that such dances interest you?”
[Shadiya 6]
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Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:56 pm
Elka 7 "Oh no," laughed the Zenan, genuine concern in her voice regardless. Yes, she could easily see Kayde's excitement at being able to help. He always had to pay back anyone's kindness to himself or her. Though that wasn't always the requirement to get the Leaf man to offer his services to someone in need. Their history in Jauhar was full of it. So long as he learned to pace himself better this time. And didn't volunteer herself for anything without asking her first, she supposed she'd just have to learn to live with it. It would take a lot to make her give this one up.
"Indeed," she agreed, the smile now on her face much more honest than the mask she had on before when she had entered the building. Elka was far too disciplined by her upbringing to let that well-rehearsed politeness to slip too easily. Even now, it was still very much in place, if a bit more faded to show the woman underneath it more clearly. Being around other nobles, be they still high in society or runaways like herself, always made her feel much more comfortable. The more common of folk could never understand what her life had been like or how much the pressure constricted you to the point you felt like you could barely breath. It shaped you forever. "I feel like we could really get along, if that's not too bold to say."
Everything else said was quickly lost in the exhilaration of dance. Elka opened her eyes to look out over the room, trying to imagine what it might be like if it was full of people watching her. It only made her double her efforts, trying to impress the invisible crowd. Was this how Kayde felt every time he was performing in front of others? This excitement that was somehow cmbined with nerves and anxiety? Did he miss it? She desired more.
But soon everything came to a stop and she stood there, the fan arm still raised high and her foot posed, a sleek blue leg totally exposed. She pulled it back underneath her skirt, letting her hands cross themselves in front of her body, her breathing coming very fast, cheeks flushed in the exercise. "I suppose so. I never did think about it much. Kayde and I practice lifts in the water. I've seen his acts before. I would call him graceful."
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Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2023 5:26 pm
The Oban simply nodded, her gaze gleaming in appreciation at the comment. Not too bold a statement at all. While dancing, Shadiya felt like she could get a better understanding of Elka. The Zenan was refined but there was also an exhilaration from dancing which made her curious about the spark hiding beneath the surface. Shadiya had been there when she was younger with all those etiquette lessons, always having to suppress herself from showing too much emotion, but she had let go of such things long ago. While she didn’t know if Elka would ever move away completely from such lessons it was still interesting to see where things would go.
“I see.” Shadiya tapped the closed fan against her hip as she pondered Elka. “That was a rather lovely demonstration. You’ll fit right in with our dancers. I could feel your passion for dance which was plenty for me to accept you.” The Oban moved to place her own fan down, her fingers trailing over the other props thoughtfully. She could still do a sword performance but honestly it would only be if Elka wanted some more demonstrations about what type of dances the school offered. “Lifts in the water? That’s intriguing! I know some other students who practice in such a way while others actually dance in the water.” As it was she personally had never taught something similar to water dancing though there were a couple of local students who enjoyed trying to incorporate water into their dances, the ocean more inspiring for the Matori than dancing with something like fire which many Obans had preferred.
“I personally prefer dancing with the sword and with fans.” Admitted Shadiya after a moment, deciding to finally pick up the sword so that she could make a pose with it. “The sword is a very elegant piece and speaks to traditional dances which I enjoy.” Perhaps warriors would have done demonstrations with dance rather than simply sparring to show strength and precision, but either way Shadiya loved the blade regardless of her lack of war experience. “If you were ever intrigued by the sword then I could teach you. I can also help with fan dancing, I teach a few classes while there’s another instructor here who truly excels with them.” She was already invested in Elka’s education, hoping that the dancer would decide to settle and stay with her school. Even if Omari requested help on occasion Shadiya would have some words with her son if he tried to convince her newest students to leave Matori for Oba again! It was mostly a teasing thought and one that made her smile as she looked over Elka. “Since you’ve passed my inspection then I’ll formally invite you to join as a student here. Your husband may do the same should he be interested. What do you think?”
[Shadiya 7]
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Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2023 9:47 am
Elka 8 Elka held up the fan over her mouth, trying to hide the large grin that had spread across her face. Though it was strong enough to easily crinkle her eyes over the spread edges of the fan anyway. She wasn't sure what she would have done had she been rejected. They had spent so many resources and energy in moving to Matori. If they hadn't gotten in, they would have been stuck in another endless loop of odd jobs and saving up for....She wasn't sure what. She didn't want to move once more. Her sights had been set on Matori. For the sun and the beach. It felt like she was having an endless vacation. "Thank you very much."
"Yes," she nodded, putting down the fan and snapping it closed, holding it in front of her with both hands. "In case he drops me, I won't get a concussion. I've never thought about dancing in the water." That seemed extremely difficult. She would love to see a demonstration of that. Maybe with her time in the school, she would come to see a kinds of different dances she'd never thought were possible.
Such as swords.
The look in her eyes would be unmistakable to anyone looking at her, as her golden orbs trailed across the sharp edge of the blade. Nervousness and caution. However, she remained on her feet and didn't flinch away. "I have never considered a sword. I'm sure Kayde would be up for it. I find myself more comfortable with things less, uh....Sharp." She raised the fan, flicking it a little in the air before returning it to her hands. She found she rather liked to hold it. At least for the time being. At the moment, it was also acting as a barrier against the weapons she had seen earlier. "If you wish to show me something with them, I will not argue."
"Next time I come here, I will be sure to bring my husband. His style by himself is a little different than mine. More tumbles and flips," Elka added with a fond giggle.
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