Can I Have This Dance?

Writers: Miriah, Suzee
Date Posted: 3rd February 2020

Characters: Riadem, Noriya
Description: Riadem and Noriya share a dance at the Turns End ball
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 1, day 1 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Brina, Yriadha, Bryvin

Standing near the table, Riadem scanned the room, holding a wine glass
lightly in his hand. For once, he was quite thankful for his mother's
machinations, for she had placed him in a seat that was near where
Lady Noriya's setting. He took a sip as his eyes flicked over familiar
faces, then nearly choked on the sip of wine.

There she was...and she was one of the most beautiful women he'd ever
seen. She glowed and to his mind, outclassed every other young Lady
that was making an appearance.

"Don't choke." There was an amused murmur from his side and he glanced
over to see his mother, scanning the crowd much like himself, but
unlike him, had an amused lift to her lips. Yriadha didn't look up at
him. "Perhaps the Lady would appreciate an escort to her seat."
Calmly, she plucked the wine glass from his fingers and then walked away.

This time he didn't question her advice. Weaving his way through the
crowd, he approached the Lady Noriya and cleared his throat. "Lady,
would you allow me to walk you to your seat?" He offered an arm, his
eyes lingering on her face.

Noriya's eye's lit as the tall young man approached and she smiled
gently. "Yes, thank you," she said and placed her hand lightly on his
offered arm. She'd hope to see him here tonight and smiled down at the
floor for a moment before turning her cobalt blue eyes to the Healer.
She'd asked the headwoman a few questions only in conversation with
others and hopefully in an oblique enough way she hadn't made her
interest too obvious.

While Tarani's cap was set on Lord Bryvin, Noriya was looking for a
match of love if it were even just a little bit possible. She really
liked the character she saw in Riadem. She allowed herself to be
guided toward her seat near the head of the table.

"I heard you helped with the decorations. They look almost as lovely
as you do." He led her to her seat, pulling out her chair. " If I
might ask, perhaps you could allow me to have your hand for a dance
or two this evening? I'd very much enjoy your company. "

Noriya blushed prettily as she did most things. She was very lucky in
her fair coloring that she didn't redden in the sun or turn silly
shades when crying or embarrassed. "Thank you," she murmured again. I
would like that," she smiled as she took her seat. She lifted her
dance card where Lord Bryvin's name had already been written in for
the fourth dance when she'd received it. "I'm not taken for the third
dance," she said rather shyly.

Riadem looked down at her card and with a smile, nodded to it. "Then
I'll be pleased to have your hand for the third." He lifted her hand
and lightly brushed his lips over the knuckles. It had been a long
time since he'd danced and even then, when his legs had seemed too
long for his body, he'd been awkward. He couldn't bring himself to
care. He hoped that it would be a slow tune; perhaps he would speak to
the Harpers to make sure it happened.

She glanced at him several times during the meal even though she tried
to keep her attention on her dining partners on either side of her as
was appropriate. From time to time she also glanced at Lord Bryvin,
but quickly looked away when he smiled at her. She had to admit, his
smile was devastating. Though for some reason it sent a shiver up her
spine and not in a good way.

When the meal was over, Riadem watched as the first dance commenced,
but his eyes lingered on Noriya as she took her first partner. He
refrained from dancing the first dance, but found himself dancing with
one young lady that seemed about to burst from her dress. It was a
pleasant enough dance, but he found the lady's purposefully wispy
voice rather grating. After the dance was over, he gave a bow to the
young woman, then strode towards Noriya. Lightly tapping on her
shoulder, he offered his hand. "May I?"

"Yes," she smiled at him and took his had for him to lead her to the
dance floor.

With a smile, he led her to the dance floor, keeping her hand in his.
One hand went to her lower back as a slow, sweet song began to play.
The slipped mark to the harpist had done its work and the romantic
ballad was indeed perfect. He moved slowly, keeping just the right
amount of distance, but enjoying the closeness. "You look beautiful
tonight."

Noriya blushed and didn't look at him for a moment. "You shouldn't say
such things," she said as they arrived at their place on the dance
floor. But she still smiled as the music began and they started the
familiar steps.

"I couldn't help it. None of the other women here even compare to you
right now." There was sincerity lacing his words; they were no simple
blandishments meant to attract her attention. He meant them. He
cleared his throat. "Are you enjoying this evening so far and your
stay here?"

That deepened her blush and she closed her eyes for a moment. She
could hear the sincerity in his words. "I am enjoying it very much,"
she said finally meeting his eyes with her own. "Very much," she said
again with a tiny smile.

Riadem knew the song wouldn't last forever, so he took his chance.
"Would you have dinner with me? With a chaperone, of course, but a
meal? Perhaps a glass of nice wine? I want to know more about you.
Anything you can tell me. "

"I think I would like that," she smiled at the healer. "If Lady Brina
will permit it."

"I would like that more than anything." He admitted. As the song
ended, he gently lifted her hand, kissing her knuckles gently. "Can I
call on you tomorrow after your duties? Just to see you? "

"You may," she nodded as he led her back to where the others were
standing. "We gather in the ladies Solar in the afternoon."

"I'll certainly be there." He smiled down at her and bowed deeply over
her hand. "Until tomorrow then, Lady Noriya. " He reluctantly released
her hand and stepped back to allow the next dance partner on her card
to claim her hand.

Last updated on the May 31st 2020

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Can I Have This Dance?