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Writers: Emma, Vix
Date Posted: 27th January 2009

Characters: Carlan, Nikanna
Description: Carlan and Nikanna celebrate the end of the Turn
Location: Garnet Valley Hold
Date: month 13, day 29 of Turn 4

Nikanna could not seem to keep her toes from tapping – or her lips from
turning upward into a smile. This evening she felt young again, not that she
was old at nineteen turns, but with a husband and a baby, she usually felt
much older than her age. She grinned up at Carlan. "Isn't this a wonderful
evening?"

"I know, the kitchens have out done themselves."

"As have all of the tailors in the Hold," she agreed. "The dresses that some
of these women are wearing. . ." her voice trailed off with a shake of her
head. She turned back to him. "And the wine – it's not the normal type
that's served at dinner, is it?"

"I don't think so. Maybe they got hold of something new from the Vintner
Hall." It was somehow sweeter, and perhaps stronger than normal, there may
be a few fuzzy heads the following morning.

"It's good." She took another sip. "I really like it."

"Maybe you should take it easy, it's early yet," said her husband with a
smile. "I want you to be able to remember tonight."

"I've no doubt that I'll remember," she grinned. "But it's probably a good
idea that I change to juice." Her head bobbed slightly to the music. "Do you
need to play again soon? Or could we dance?"

"There's a candlemark yet before they need me." The harpers were taking it
in turns to play, after all Turn's End was special and it needed planning so
that everyone could spend time with their loved ones. "So, would you do me
the honour of the next dance?"

"Let me think," she started, staring studiously away from him. "I don't
think I've promised the next dance to anyone else, so I _suppose_ I could."

Carlan smiled as he offered her his arm. "You won't regret it."

"We'll see," she smirked, as she lay her hand on his arm. "But I won't take
kindly to anyone stepping on my feet."

"As if I would," he said with mock outrage as he led her to where a few
couples were already swaying gently in time to the music. "Maybe I should
worry more about my feet."

She glared at him as they continued toward the dance floor. "It may have
been a while since I last practiced, but I still remember how to dance like
a Lady."

"Then why don't you show me?" His words were a gentle tease as he took his
place. "I think I may need a lesson, right now."

"Of course, dear harper," she murmured, as she faced him and placed a hand
lightly on his chest. "Though I expect you to lead properly."

At least this dance was a simple one, which was part of what made it such a
good experience. And compared to some of the young women he had danced with
at previous postings, his wife was a more than accomplished partner. "I'll
do my best, but I am only a simple Harper."

"Which is what makes this such an honor for you to dance with me," she
reminded him, putting on her most pompous air – one which would at one time
have pleased those who had instructed her after the death of her mother.

"How about we just share the honour?" he suggested as he took his position
for the dance.

"I suppose we could do that," she said, as she faced him and curtsied in
time to the music.

He began his part of the dance, a formal bow before taking a step or two
closer to Nikanna then back again in time with the music. "I think I
remember this one."

"I certainly do," Nikanna told him, now moving to his right as they circled
together. "I was forced to practice it when I'd have preferred to do so many
other things."

"But it has to be so much better now we can dance together," he said
following her around in time to the music. "And at least this dance doesn't
require us to swap partners."

"There is that," she agreed, executing a turn to him and then turn away.
"Though this is rather a 'safe' dance. It's the type I could do with my
cousin."

"But you know what the best thing about this is?" teased her husband. "You
aren't going home with your cousin, you'll be going home with me."

"It sounds as if you have plans," she murmured, not quite managing to hide
her smile.

"Turn's End deserves a celebration, and I can't think of anyone better to
celebrate with."

"And I certainly wouldn't want to celebrate with anyone except you."

"Me neither."

Last updated on the February 17th 2009

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