Dancing Through Dreams

by S K Wee

  Love was in the air. The day of Kappy’s wedding was warm and clear. Sylly was almost jealous that his best friend’s day would be as perfect as his bride. Not that Sylly was at all interested in Birgit. No, Birgit was too perfect for him. He had finally realized that the flawed, overbearing, arrogant, but vastly talented Malini was much more to his liking.

  He had been watching her for months now. At first, he thought maybe she liked the company of women more than men. Her roommate, Ha-yun, and she were nearly inseparable for the most part, but the last week Ha-yun had started a quiet romance with one of the other guards. A new recruit named Ji-hut. They were both elves and were from the same Soo Jin village. Now it seemed like Malini was all alone and Sylly wanted nothing more than to change that. The problem was that Sylly had never gotten along with her. They argued about any and everything. Malini was very opinionated and that got under Sylly’s skin. But seeing her passionate responses gave him a bit of a thrill. He was willing to bet that she was just as passionate in other areas of her life and he really wanted to win that bet.

  Somehow, he needed to change their usual battlefield, which involved training schedules and sparring partners, to something a bit more personal. He was at a loss as to how to accomplish that. Sylly wished he had some of Kappy’s charm and charisma; he didn’t need all of it, just enough to help him say the right thing at the right time.

  “I see you haven’t gotten any of the work done again today, Seisyll. I wonder at Kappy’s decision to put you in charge of anything.” The object of his affections, Malini, had somehow snuck up behind him. Usually, the welcome feeling of a slight breeze through the inner ear was a clear sign of a Whisper coming near another Whisper, but Malini must have come up very quickly.

  “Malini, how are you doing this fine morning? It’s a grand day for an outdoor wedding, isn’t it?” Sylly breathed in the fresh morning air. He also caught the scent of lavender—Malini’s signature scent, which sent a surge of pleasure through him.

  “Look’s like you haven’t prepared at all for the procession. I suppose I’ll have to take care of that along with all my other duties.” Since Sylly had made up the roster, he knew exactly what she had to do and her duties were nearby where he assigned his own.

  “Mmm . . . how about you help me and then I’ll help you.” Sylly gave her what he considered an innocent smile.

  Malini looked somewhat confused at his suggestion. “I bet if I helped you out, you’d then disappear when it came to helping me.” She stood with her hands on her hips thinking she had just figured him out.

  “Huh? No, I wouldn’t do that. I just think we should try to work together, that’s all. Come on, Malini, I could use your advice on a few things in the courtyard. Are you with me?” Sylly held out his arm for her to either accept or ignore.

  Though she studied his hand, she must have come to the conclusion that he was telling the truth. “All right, I’ll help.” She reached her arm out in acceptance and an even greater surge of pleasure seeped through the contact. His instinct was to pull her close to add even more to the contact, but he knew she wasn’t ready for that yet. If he could work alongside her without getting into any arguments this morning, she just might share a dance with him later. Now that was something to strive for.

  *****

  For the last couple of days, guests were continually arriving which helped Kappy keep his mind off his exquisite bride. Birgit was so very beautiful that it was difficult for Kappy to think of anything else. Soon, though, she would be all his. Then the sweet, chaste kisses that she allowed him would turn into something wild and passionate. How he dreamed of that. Even the thought of procuring the services of a harlot was abandoned. He only wanted his Birgit and he would wait patiently, well he would wait . . . until they were wed.

  Frankie had arrived the day before to make sure he was well and truly doing what was right. She found no fault with Birgit, which was comforting. Kappy always placed a lot of faith in Frankie’s views of everyone’s intent and emotions. The fact that she actually liked Birgit was a relief. Aunt Rose still had a few doubts, but Kappy shared none of those. Birgit was the perfect compliment to him, perfect in every way.

  While preparing for his big day, Kappy wondered where his best man was hiding. Sylly was supposed to help him get ready and was nowhere to be found. Kappy knew he could handle getting dressed by himself, but he was feeling a little nervous and Sylly always managed to calm him.

  Aunt Rose knocked lightly and asked if she could help. “Sure, Aunt Rose. Come in, I’m decent. You haven’t seen Sylly anywhere, have you? He was supposed to help me get this costume on.” As she came near, he felt the Whisper trait within her. Kappy hadn’t even realized she was a Whisper prior to his own induction. Though he realized she had received the Whisper rite before it had been altered and therefore, could not speak about it to anyone that was not also a Whisper.

  “I just saw him and Malini getting all the tables set up. They’ve been working together for a couple of hours and are nearly done. You look like you’re about ready. Did you need help with your sash?” Rose took hold of both ends and expertly began to fasten them.

  “Yeah, if you could get it fastened. I can’t believe that Sylly and Malini could possibly work together, though. They would never be able to agree on anything. We’re all doomed if we count on them to get the work done.”

  “I was surprised myself, but they were nearly done and seemed to actually enjoy each other’s company. Well, at least they weren’t yelling at each other like they usually do. They may be trying to work together for your benefit. This is your day, after all. Turn around, let me see if you look alright.” Kappy turned around for her inspection. “I hope your Birgit appreciates the fine, strong, handsome husband she is gaining today.”

  “If she doesn’t, I will remind her, Aunt Rose. But, it is I who is getting something special today. I can’t wait until all these festivities are finished.” There was a quick rap on the door and Sylly stuck his head inside.

  “Sorry, I’m late. I had to help with all the decorations.” Kappy felt the Whisper breeze from his best friend as Sylly came over and looked Kappy over.

  “I heard you were actually working together with Malini. How in the world did that come about?”

  “We may argue on occasion, but we have the same goals. Why wouldn’t we work together?” Sylly sounded like it was an absurd question. Argue on occasion? More like constantly.

  “I’ve done what I can here.” Aunt Rose brushed the hair on his forehead back before stepping back to get the full view. “You know the procedure. I’ll see you in the courtyard in a few minutes. Wow, I can hardly believe this is happening. I better leave before I get all teary-eyed.” She hugged Kappy and left the two young men.

  Sylly plopped down on the bed with a sigh. “Are you sure you really want to do this? It isn’t too late to change your mind, you know. We could just run down to the waterfront and sit in one of those taverns until everyone left.” Sylly sounded like he actually thought they might do that.

  “I just wish it was all over with. No, I’m sure this is what I want—very sure. And a bit later tonight, I’m going to be absolutely positive. Hee hee.”

  “Lucky guy. At least tonight you will be.” The two left the room. Kappy would be staying in the master suite after this. He looked back at his boyhood rooms without any regret. The master suite would be where his dreams would come true.

  *****

  As the only sibling of Kappy, Frankie was seated in the front row of the congregation. Twig sat next to her along with their children who sat like statues next to them. Ellinor looked like a proper young lady, though she only recently just turned ten, she had wanted to wear a floor-length, deep blue gown for the wedding. Frankie thought her beautiful daughter was beginning to look very grown up and wasn’t at all happy about it.

  The twins, Riley and Rohan, were nearly eight years old. Between them, they usually had the energy of a whole team of youngsters. But she ha
d spoken to them that morning and offered bribes for their continued good behavior. She hoped it would last through the entire ceremony, which was about to commence.

  Kappy and Sylly walked up to the front of the assembly. Frankie was acquainted with Honorable Mallory who would be performing the ceremony, which would bind the two in holy matrimony. Kappy had colors of impatience, which Frankie was happy for. At least he was not harboring any doubts. She still wasn’t sure about the match, but Kappy was and that was more important. Rosaline was seated down the row, and she seemed both proud and a bit sad. Rose had raised Kappy since he was little more than a baby. She was a mother, mentor, teacher, and friend to Kappy. Frankie would be forever grateful to her for doing such a fine job.

  The music suddenly changed, and everyone stood and turned to watch the bride come down the aisle with her parents. Frankie had met both the parents and they seemed very excited for their daughter. Birgit’s colors felt like fear of the unknown. They also felt like commitment and duty, not necessarily emotions that created a foundation for a successful marriage. Frankie believed she would do her duty willingly, but maybe not passionately. It would be up to Kappy to draw out the passion in her—if there was passion in her. Frankie had some doubts looking at her demeanor.

  When she glanced up at Kappy, who was also watching his bride come near, she saw what she had so often seen in her own husband—love, hope, and a whole lot of healthy lust. Kappy was more than ready to consummate his wedding vows, though his soon-to-be bride had none of those colors surrounding her.

  The ceremony went without a hitch, though. As the monk declared the marriage holy and sacred, he turned the couple around to face the crowd and introduced the newlywed couple to the crowd. Everyone stood and cheered for the couple as they made their way through the courtyard. They would now be paraded through the streets of the city and by the time they returned, the feast and celebration would be ready to begin.

  As she looked at all the family and friends, Frankie once again noted Dianna’s shades of jealousy. She considered having a talk with her but decided to have a talk with Conny instead. Such a discussion should come from her amma after all.

  “Conny,” Frankie approached her good friend after the wedding party left, “has Dianna talked to you about what she is feeling? I see her jealousy for Birgit and know that she is hurt by Kappy’s choice.”

  She heard Conny give a resigned sigh. “Yes, we have discussed it. I thought she had come to terms with it. She seemed much more resigned to the marriage. Unfortunately, I also think she feels that she was never good enough for her idol, Kappy. I know that this is not true, but I’m having a hard time getting her to realize that Kappy was never meant for her.”

  “She is barely thirteen, at the age where infatuation is everything. Hopefully, she will get over this soon. Kappy is far from the perfect image she has built of him. Maybe she needs to hear about some of his faults.”

  “Both Dank and Sylly think the world of him and never say a bad word. Though I’m sure that Sylly would have many stories about the not so perfect side of him, he is too loyal to spout those. He only tells of grand adventures and the great decisions Kappy makes.”

  “Maybe we could mention some details about the time Kappy fell out of the tree while trying to spy on the girls. Sylly would have to admit to that story.” Though Frankie didn’t really want the story well known, she believed that Dianna would see Kappy in more of a normal light.

  “I’ve kept that from her but you’re right. I think I will bring it up over dinner. I’m quite sure that she would be most upset about it. Of course, she will be upset with Sylly also, which is why I never told her. She loves both of her brothers so much.”

  “Hiding their faults is never a good thing. She will love them still and know that they are not perfect, just like the rest of mankind.” Unfortunately, because of her gift, Frankie could easily see all the flawed behavior that would otherwise remain hidden.

  “You are right again about that. Even parents are not perfect. We try so hard for our children’s sake, but we are only human. Did Twig tell you about the staff by the way? I would like him to talk to Dianna once again. She has had many more dreams about the staff. We discuss her dreams every morning, and last night she had a dream of her holding the staff infused with awesome powers. She said her other hand was holding something also but did not see what it was. She feels that it will complete the staff in some way. Like the staff needs this other item to perform what is being asked of her.”

  “Twig was very worried about Dianna’s reaction to the staff. He has spoken to Rose about the ever-expanding desert. She is worried that the desert will continue to grow throughout Bhaelor and the country will become a barren wasteland. They have already lost many acres of farmland over the last few decades. Her and Kappy are willing to help Dianna out if she truly believes that she can end the devastation. This is very serious, Conny.” Frankie knew that Conny was aware of the problems but wanted to make sure she would be willing to act if necessary.

  “I know it is and so does Dianna. She receives her information through these dreams. Slowly but surely she has become more aware of what she feels is her destiny. She still doesn’t know enough about what exactly she will have to do, though. I know that she is willing to sacrifice herself to this cause, but Frankie, I’m not willing to let her. I still need to know that whatever her part is, she remains safe from harm.”

  “I certainly understand that. How could I not? I have a daughter, also, and would move Heaven and Earth to keep her safe. Unfortunately, the gods sometimes see fit to use them and us as instruments for change. You should know as well as anyone how that works.”

  “What I went through all those years ago, I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Yes, I know that everything worked out and we are all happy now. But all the mental anguish that I had to go through was very difficult. I would certainly hope that the gods would not require any more from me and mine.”

  “I hope so also, sweet Conny.” Frankie hugged her good friend close. Conny had indeed suffered while growing up. But Frankie knew that all that pain had since been rewarded with love and happiness. For all of them. Conny had Ekky and Nalu’s three children to raise. Frankie had Twig and they had produced three children of their own. None of that would have happened without the manipulations of the gods.

  *****

  While Dianna was nearly heartbroken that Kappy had actually gone through with the marriage, she couldn’t help but find the proceedings quite moving. The ceremony was beautiful. She didn’t know who had decided on a courtyard ceremony but it turned out perfect in every way. Just like the couple. Perfect. Kappy looked so grown up and even more handsome in his ceremonial robes. Birgit was stunning in a gold brocade gown, which enhanced her already beautiful appearance. Dianna still felt jealousy when she watched them, but she also knew that they were truly meant to be together. She felt completely inferior next to either one of them.

  All during the dinner, Kappy’s friends gave the couple one toast after another wishing them well. Her brother, Sylly, toasted the evening’s final event, the bedding of the bride. Dianna noticed how embarrassed Birgit was at those sorts of comments. That was when Amma began telling her the tale about Kappy’s fall from grace. Dianna sat spellbound through the whole story, not believing Kappy would act so crude and underhanded—though her brother’s part did not surprise her. She expected such things from Sylly but was totally shocked Kappy not only took part, but by the way Conny told the story, he had actually instigated the whole ordeal.

  While she digested this new and troubling information, she looked back at Amma with a new respect. “You wanted me to see him as less than perfect. Amma, how I love you! Yes, I was being naïve, thinking what a perfect man he is. Nobody could have lived up to what I had dreamed him to be. Thank you for that.” The rest of the evening went by less painfully as Dianna realized what a dream world she had been living in.

  That night in her dreams, though, she discov
ered a whole new world.

  *****

  Ceremony, parade, dinner, toasting, dancing—Kappy impatiently checked all of these duties off his list, eagerly waiting for the final item—consummation of their wedding vows. He had finally made it through at least a few required dances and was determined to gather his bride to make their farewells to their guests.

  After locating his prey over near her parents’ table, Kappy quickly made his way over to her. “Come on, my beautiful bride, let’s not wait any longer. This has been a very long day and it isn’t over yet. Let’s make our way toward our suite.” Kappy couldn’t help but notice the look of panic in her eyes but assumed that she didn’t want to upset her parents by leaving early.

  “Councilman Nirav, my Lady Agnes, we will be retiring for the evening. But hope to see you both for breakfast.” Kappy took hold of Birgit’s arm and led her away. Though she came along willingly, she was stiff with what Kappy thought was anticipation for what was to come. He was quite sure she would be as impatient as he to make love for the first time. Maybe even more so, since he assumed she had never had the opportunity to try it before.

  There were jeers and well wishes as they told everyone goodnight and asked their guests to enjoy the rest of the evening’s entertainment. Kappy announced to them all that they would see them in the morning and definitely not before. When he glanced at his beautiful bride, he noticed that her face was now red and she seemed upset. He was sure that she was just impatient to get upstairs with him.

  Once inside their suite of rooms, Kappy was quick to get the servants out and he poured his wife some wine. He was surprised when she refused the offer. “That was very crudely done, Kappy. How will I ever face those people come tomorrow?”

  “Huh? They all know what is going to happen in this room. What we’ve been thinking about for so long, we can finally experience. Come, take those clothes off.” Kappy started pulling the sashes on her gown, all the while trying to get his own clothing off his body. His hands were shaking he felt so excited.