Save the First (and Last) Dance

Writers: Chelle, Leigh M-F.
Date Posted: 26th October 2015

Characters: Nokala, A'kua
Description: Teacher and student have a chat and try something new.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 2, day 7 of Turn 8

Much of the food and desserts had been demolished, and various alcoholic
beverages were making the rounds for refills. More people were dancing and
the harpers were playing on. Wasn't he supposed to have been up there with
them? But then, it was probably best he wasn't, A'kua decided. The shakes
had mostly cleared up, but his hands were still trembling, which would have
meant horrible gitar playing and getting laughed out of the cavern. So he
still sat at the table where he had taken his own meal, watching everyone
and listening, and trying to come back down to Pern.

Nokala had sat with the other harpers during the Hatching. She'd watched
some of her former students as well as others she knew in passing step out
onto the Sands. Of course her real attention had been focused on Aluka. In
the back of her mind she had always thought the apprentice would make a
fine rider. Then again, Impression wasn't always guaranteed and he would
make a fine harper as well like she had. Her dark eyes watched as things
progressed and she held her breath until it seemed it was all over. But it
wasn't! There was another egg. And then she saw the dragonet come toward
her apprentice.

**So it happened then. Good for him and good for the Weyr. And now he'll
always have someone.** She smiled to herself and then headed off towards
the feast. It would be a long while before the weyrlings showed up. She was
well aware that the boy didn't have any family.

Finishing her set, she took her leave of the stage and found him with her
eyes. Walking over she sat down quietly and bent her head in his direction.
"So what are you calling yourself these days, weyrling?"

The redhead had been about to greet his teacher and tell her what a nice
job she had been doing when she asked that. "A'kua," he said automatically.
"Best I could come up with."

"Not bad." She didn't touch him but she did smile with that certain look of
pride. "I suppose I won't be seeing you much for awhile. You'll do fine
though. And he looked like a sturdy fellow. You just have to trust the
bond-so my brother says." Knowing the trust issues he had, she could see
him struggling but he'd eventually work it out.

"I'm comin' back, y'know," A'kua stated, looking right into her eyes.
"Minute I grad'ate, I'm comin' back. Ya still got lots t' teach me, an' I'm
not done with ya yet."

"Aye is that so?" There was a twinkling that joined the pride in her dark
eyes and her smile turned into a small bout of laughter. "Don't you worry
about any of that now. We'll come to it then. Just worry about that
handsome lad. I hope you've eaten though cause I believe I need a dance,
bronzerider."

Oh, good; he really could come back to their lessons later. That was a
relief. What she said next wasn't. "I cain' dance," A'kua said awkwardly.
"I mean- I've watched 'nuff that maybe I could fake it, but I cain'
actually dance."

"All you have to do is stand on my toes. It'll be fine. Besides all dancing
is going from side to side with a few twirls every now and again." He had
rhythm so she didn't understand why he couldn't unless he just didn't know
how. "This one is easy anyway."

The weyrling shifted nervously. "I seriously cain'," he warned, but he
stood up. If this was going to be the last time he could catch Nokala for a
while, it wouldn't hurt to honor her request. Or try to, anyway.

She took his hand and led him out to the edge of the dance floor. The area
was crowded already. The harper was in full craft garb thanks to her
performance duties. The blue vest contrasted with her darker skin though
the white tunic underneath was even more so. Her trousers were a dark brown
and she was wearing light brown boots. Nokala's belt was thick and it was
clear she could attach smaller instruments to it if need be.

Fidgeting as they got themselves situated, A'kua surreptitiously glanced
about to observe the other dancers now that he was closer, trying to make
note of what they were doing and how it was being done. Nokala said this
was an easy dance, but he didn't want to make a fool of himself.

Between the two of them Nokala was actually just a little taller so their
eyes were almost on an even level. When she placed her hands on the
weyrling's shoulders, it was an easy movement. Then she positioned her legs
in preparation for beginning. "On the count of three I'm going to go your
left three paces. Then your right. Then back. Then forward. I'll count for
you quietly but follow me. I'll tug on your tunic shoulder to let you know
the direction." It really wasn't hard and she made a mental note she should
have taught the boy to dance before now.

A'kua did his best to follow, watching Nokala's feet to make sure he wasn't
stepping on them, even picking up her counting as the song progressed. This
was so awkward. But his teacher was right; it was easier than he had
feared. Maybe he could fake this and not embarrass either of them after all.

"See-you can dance. You just didn't know it." She enjoyed proving him wrong
most of the time. And these days it was easier to get him out of his
comfort zone since his confidence had grown by leaps and bounds. "Enjoy
yourself. This is your Hatching, after all. And you'll never forget it."

Her student gave her a very shaky smile, not wanting to think about that at
the moment. "Y'should more enjoy the fact I'm dancin'," he tried to joke.
"You're one o' only four people I'd let talk me into this."

"Then I count myself honored. Unless it's just due to the fact that I'm a
good harper and I could talk anyone into anything." A slow smile crossed
her lips as she counted the beats, knowing the song would come to an end in
a few minutes. "Once the time goes by and you can visit, you know where I
am if you have any questions about anything. The weyrlingmasters will help
but I've got plenty of kin who are riders. I know a thing or two. Also-hide
your instruments. Dragonets can break things."

"Thank ya," A'kua said. "Really, thanks for everythin'." What else could he
say to the woman who had given him so many chances, and still cared about
his welfare even though he couldn't craft for a while? He wished he knew,
but the gratitude would have to suffice.

"You're welcome. Of course I get to be proud of you too. And if I start to
tell people they need guitar lessons if they hope to Impress a bronze
dragon..well..." Her eyes rolled for a second and it was clear she was
teasing but Nokala was having a good time even if it was going to be a
bittersweet farewell for awhile.

Last updated on the October 26th 2015

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Save the First (and Last) Dance