Humored with a Dance

Writers: Aaron, Miriah
Date Posted: 10th December 2020

Characters: Wirnan, Yriadha
Description: Sunstone's Headwoman and Steward share a dance at the wedding
Location: Sunstone Seahold
Date: month 5, day 24 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Bryvin, Asaile, Brina

Wirnan

Yriadha

Yriadha stood back, watching the crowd slowly turn through the steps
of the ballad that the Harpers played. Busy keeping an eye on the
remaining fostered ladies in the Hold kept up most of her attention,
though her eyes occasionally lingered on Bryvin as he swept Asaile
over the floor. There was a twinge of grief, carefully hidden, as she
watched the pair for a moment before moving on. A quick glance ensured
that wine goblets remained full and the drudges kept a steady pace of
service for their guests.

Wirnan supposed that if he was going to give this whole 'courting
Yriadha' plan a solid try, he had to... well, court Yriadha. He
supposed they were friends, yes? So it should not be too unusual for
him to ask her for a dance. And then... well, maybe sparks would
happen. Was that how this worked? He had not made the attempt in...
well, since before Kaya.

"Lady Yriadha, may I have the honor of this dance?" he asked as he
approached at the beginning of one of the slow songs.

She turned and blinked, surprised at Wirnan's appearance and his
offer. It wasn't beyond belief that the Steward would ask the
Headwoman for a dance; it was likely expected and she'd yet to go on
the dance floor. It had been a while since she'd danced with anyone
and perhaps she missed it. She had no present offers on her dance card
as it was. "Well, certainly, Wirnan. Thank you, I think I would like
that." She took his hand and her smile was a bit warmer. "I must warn
you that it's been a long while since I've danced."

"For me, too," said Wirnan. And then he thought of Suynie. "Before
today, that is," he amended. "I promise not to step on your feet." He
smiled and led her to the dance floor.

"You did tremendous work to make today happen so flawlessly," he praised her.

"If you do, I promise not to wince so everyone can tell," She assured
him easily. "Your dignity is safe in my hands." She laid a hand on his
shoulder, laying her palm gracefully in his. "Thank you, Wirnan. Lady
Brina also had a heavy hand in it. I simply kept everything going
smoothly once it started."

"Lady Brina is a gem," said Wirnan with a warm smile as he led Yriadha
to the slow beat of the music. "And I'm not just saying that because
she's my cousin. I only hope I manage to pull my weight here between
the two of you outshining me. But a Steward isn't meant to shine, is
he?" He breathed a bit of a laugh at himself. He had never meant to be
so... visible in the first place. But he trusted Bryvin to keep him
safe.

"She is." Yriadha agreed readily. "She's a very steady head on her
shoulders and if I may be honest, the Headwoman isn't supposed to
shine either.I think you're doing just fine and Lord Bryvin trusts you
a great deal. That isn't easy to accomplish for anyone, so you're to
be applauded."

"I daresay there's very little I wouldn't do for Bryvin. Lord Bryvin."
Wirnan supposed he should still be formal, even in the context. Bryvin
had rescued him from a life of uncertainty. Of fear. And beyond that,
he had his fond memories of Bryvin as family. And family was something
he had precious little left.

"I think we make a good team. The four of us." He hoped it was not
presumptuous of him to include himself.

"He does inspire loyalty, doesn't he?" Her voice was soft and
reflective. "He's a very charismatic man and he cares for his family
deeply from what I am able to see." Yriadha spun gracefully out of
Wirnan's arms in step with the music, pausing in her speech until she
returned to his arms once again, "I believe it is the three of you who
make the team; you're family. I'm just a servant, though one with a
better status than most."

"Oh, you're far more than that, certainly," said Wirnan as he
reflexively dipped Yriadha on her return. "Nobody could do this job
like you. I don't think the place would ever be the same without you."
He smiled. Wirnan had not felt at home anywhere for as long as he
could remember until he made it to Sunstone.

The dip made a real smile spread across her face for a moment as she
laughed. When she righted herself, she regained her composure, but
there was a light in her eyes; she had missed dancing with a good
partner. "You're very kind to say so, Wirnan."

Wirnan was positively delighted when Yriadha smiled and laughed, and
it provoked the same in him. Maybe he really did remember how to do
this properly.

"And you're very kind to humor me with this dance."

"Nonsense. You simply needed to be reminded of how it was done. No
stepping on toes this time." She returned to move easily in his arms.
"I may decide I'd like another before the evening ends, if you're
agreeable."

"I think I would enjoy that very much." Wirnan smiled.

Last updated on the December 14th 2020

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Humored with a Dance