Milling with Handsome Men

Writers: Dana, Eimi
Date Posted: 3rd December 2005

Characters: Almonteo, Traelyn
Description: The Harper Hallmaster steals the Weyrwoman for a dance
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 8, day 28 of Turn 3

Almonteo

The Hallmaster straightened his harper blue tunic and walked up to the young and suddenly partner-less Weyrwoman. "Forgive me, Lady Traelyn, but I seem to be in want of a dance partner. Would you do me the honor?"

She was smiling as she rose to her feet, placing her hands in his. "I'd love to, Almonteo." She'd danced many times already this evening - but she just couldn't get enough! There was hardly anything she loved better than dancing - fast or slow, it didn't matter. And she had picked out her attire specifically to wear out on the dance floor tonight too; something light and flowing, and she had done her hair up in an elaborate twist to keep it back from her face. It was easier to dance that way.

"May I say you look lovely tonight," he smiled as he lead her towards the dance area where the couples were beginning to gather. "You don't need to tell me _I_ look good tonight. I know I do. And the reason I know I do is because my _wife_ dressed me."

Trae grinned, squeezing his hand gently. "But I'll say it anyway! You look good tonight." She glanced around. "And where is Carmora?"

"I'd say she's either resting her feet in some secret place so that I won't see just how I wore her out on the dance floor... or she is out mothering all the apprentices... but I think it's more likely she's been stolen away by some handsome young bronzerider for a bit of scandalous behavior." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

She glanced at him, one pale brow rising as she laughed. "That must be it," she grinned. "The Weyr is absolutely _milling_ with handsome men tonight!"

"And while the most beautiful woman in the Hall is off busying herself elsewhere, I am lucky enough to claim a dance with the prettiest woman in the Weyr," the Hallmaster said with a bow as the musicians played an introduction.

She smiled and curtsied deep before their hands met again, their feet already moving to the upbeat sound of the music as he drew her closer.

"Do you know this song?" he asked as they whirled around the dance floor.

"I do! It's one of my favorites to dance to."

"I'm surprised. It's a rather old one. I thought young ones like you would have moved on to newer dances." He smiled as they deftly dodged another couple, obviously not as light on their feet as the Hallmaster more than twice their age.

"I like the new ones too, but _this_ one has tradition behind it," she smiled as he spun her under his arm. "A Gather isn't really a _Gather_
if they don't play this song."

"Tradition?" Almonteo chuckled as he took both her hands again. "My dear Traelyn, I remember when this song was _new_!"

She grinned at him. "Well, it just proves that this song is one of the best if they still play it at Gathers!"

"Well, I agree. It is one of the best." And one of the fastest! He hated to think it, but he was almost starting to get tired! "And which do you prefer to dance to, fast songs or slow songs?"

"Both!" she laughed as they spun out of the way of another couple. "Just as long as I'm _dancing_..."

"Well, as a harper who specializes in dancing," Almonteo grinned, "I have to say you dance _very_ well, Lady Trae."

"Thank you, Hallmaster." Traelyn gave him a smile, her gray eyes bright in the dimmer light of the room. "You're quite quick on your feet yourself."

"You can credit Carmora for that," he laughed. His ears picked up the change in rhythm that signalled the finale of the piece.

Her laugh joined his as they, along with the other couples on the dance floor, spun their final time. Her skirts flowed around her ankles as she went under his arm twice before ending back up in front of him.

"Wonderful," the Hallmaster cheered - for the musicians, for the Weyrwoman, for the dance. He gave the young woman a deep bow. "Well, danced, my dear. Well danced indeed."

She was smiling at him as she clapped. "Thank you, Almonteo." The Hallmaster was a delightful dance partner - and she knew she'd have to catch him again. If not tonight, then at the next celebration of the Weyr. The Hatching. Nyith's Hatching.

She could feel her queen's thoughts touching lightly upon hers. }:You are enjoying yourself tonight, Trae,:{ she crooned. }:This is good. You deserve this.:{ Almonteo clapped as well and was about to take the Weyrwoman's hand when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning to towards it he saw a tall man in cyan and harper blue.

"Excuse me, Hallmaster," the young man said with a polite bow, "but may I steal the Weyrwoman away from you for a dance?"

Traelyn knew that voice. She turned around, and upon seeing him, a full smile of pure delight spread across her lips. "U'kaiah!"

Last updated on the December 3rd 2005

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Milling with Handsome Men