Just One

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 22nd April 2011

Characters: Erassa, Corowal
Description: Corowal begs Erassa to dance with him.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentioned. Janani, N'vanik, Felyna, Sarban, Lisadi

The official program of the Turn's End Feast was over, speeches has
been held and the diner eaten and now it was time to dance and
socialize. The only interesting bit in the Harper's announcement was the
recent Gold Flight in Dolphin Cove Weyr, Janani was now the Weyrwoman
officially and N'vanik still the Weyrleader.

Corowal finished his dance with one of the holder's wives. She was about
his age and rather plumb, but surprisingly good dancer. "It was a
pleasure to dance with you, Myrlotte," he said when he escorted her back
to her husband. "Thank you, my lord. You're so light of your feet," she
simmered. Shards, was she flirting with him? Corowal suppressed a
shudder and handed her back to the waiting husband with corteus bow.

He quickly retreated to the safety of the serving table, and took
himself a glass of wine. He scanned the crowd. His wife was wrapping the
Weaver hallmaster around her fingers, Sarban was dancing with that
fostermother. He had seen Erassa leave with the children earlier, it was
so late it was time for them to go to bed. He wondered if she was coming
back after having tucked them in.

Erassa had thought about staying in the safety of their rooms, but the
smell of food and the sound of the music called to her and she braved
the looks some might cast her way. Though she was not so courageous
that she would leave the edges of the gathering. She picked a spot
where she could hear the music without being so easily noticed.

Corowal noticed her and started to make his way to her. It was slow, he
was stopped twice and had to chat with the quests and refilled his glass
once. Finally, he was standing next to her. "The kids went to sleep all
right?" he asked. That was always safe topic.

She folded her hands protectively in front of her. It wasn't often they
were seen together in public, which made her feel even more like all
eyes were on them. She knew what people assumed. "The little ones
slept fine. The older ones are still a little too excited. Sleeping in
a strange bed doesn't help. My being there wouldn't make it any easier
so I thought I'd grab a bite to eat. If that's all right."

"Well, they should get used to it, so don't rush back, I want to enjoy
your company too," Corowal said. He had few drinks already under his
belt, althoug he was not drunk yet. It jus made him bit more reckless and
free than normal.

She was a little surprised, considering how careful he had been to
pretend that he was not in the least interested in her company. "I
doubt your wife would like to see you in my company too much tonight,
sir."

"Just a one dance. She's too busy to notice," Corowal asked.

"Everyone else will notice," she pointed out, knowing people were
probably already looking their way with those all-knowing nods and
sneers of disapproval. Erassa could feel those glares constantly,
though they usually knew better than to do so in Corowal's presence. On
a night like this, though, with the wine flowing and the tongues
waging...

"Just one dance. I'll even dance with Lisadi, if I can pry her away from
Sarban," Corowal continued pleading her.

She bit her lip, wanting to refuse him, and yet longing for a dance.
How long had it been since she had last taken a turn? She was sure it
had been B'lion and before Beleran had been born. "Just one," she
finally said softly, her resolve caving at the pleading look in his eye.

"Just one," he promised, leading her to the dance floor.

Last updated on the April 27th 2011

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Just One