[Day 7] In the Mood for a Dance (Lysette and Ashara)

Ashara does stop, her mind brought back to her surroundings by Lysette's approach.

"Wait! First lesson in dancing - know your venue. By tradition, the Green Yard is only to be trod by the unwed and virtuous - no issues there. However, by tradition those unwed and virtuous must also be barefoot."

She holds up on bare foot off the grass and points towards it, before walking the rest of the distance towards Lysette, and then speaking again at a much lower volume, to ensure that they are not overheard.

"I am not one that fears breaking tradition, but it wouldn't do to appear ignorant tomorrow night, now would it?"

She reaches out and places a hand on Lysette's arm.

"Before we get started - how is your friend? How are you?"

Ashara gently squeezes Lysette's arm comfortingly.

"My grandfather was Master of Laws - because he sent my cousin Laena's mother to the Unworthy. Mortal laws are as flimsy and corrupt as the morals of the men who stand in judgement of others. Sometimes justice must be come... other ways. If there is anything I can do to help, please do ask."

She smiles warmly, trying to lighten the mood.

"For now though, yes. Let us enjoy our time. You said before that my dancing seemed more fun than courtly dancing. In some ways it is. The Dornish view dancing not only as a social activity like our courtly dances, but also as a form of art. Courtly dancing is about enjoying the company of others, performance dancing is about expressing oneself, about sending a message, or eliciting a feeling in others. Much the way a painting might, but with movement."

Ashara could not help but notice that Lysette's reaction to her question. There was something there, but she clearly didn't want to talk about it. So be it - Lysette would talk when she was ready, and not before.

"Well, with the moonlit dance tomorrow night, I figured we ought to start with that. Have you been practicing?"

"Well, knowing you, you will be dancing with some of the best dancers in the Reach, and a good dancer knows how to guide their partner to do better, too. Also, it's traditionally up to the man to lead, so as long as you don't step on his feet everything else is his fault."

She smirks a little. It was so often that failures were blamed on women, it was nice that at least in this one little way problems were blamed on the men.

"It's intended to be a social event, not a performance, so the basic style of dancing is simple and straightforward - a muscle-brained ox has to be able to do it while holding what can pass for a conversation, so I have no doubt that someone as smart as you can learn it quickly enough... and remember, mistakes do happen. If you laugh and seem to be having fun, they won't much be remembered, though."

She thinks for a moment.

"I could show you the basic steps, but it won't mean much without knowing what your partner will be doing. You will need to learn what it feels like for a partner to move, so that you know how and when to move together. It's just the two of us, so I'll play the part of your partner."

She gives a mock bow, as if she were a knight requesting a dance from a lady.

"To begin with, there are is the dancing embrace. If you haven't danced much before, it can feel a bit awkward. this is one of the few times a man can hold a woman in public, so if you aren't expecting it it can feel a bit... intense."

She steps up close to Lysette. The warmth of her body, already somewhat elevated from her prior dancing, radiates between the two women. she drops the volume of her voice as she nears - being this close calls for a more gentle way of speaking.

"Your partner will put his hand on your side, like so, and you put your hand on his arm or shoulder, wherever is comfortable. Your other hand goes in his, a little out to the side. Now, if your partner is a bit on the cheeky side and wants to press matters a bit, he may slide his hand behind you, like so..."

She takes a half step closer to Lysette, her hand sliding to the small of the blonde woman's back. Their hips only barely do not touch, and Lysette can feel the gentle warm touch of Ashara's breath against her cheek.

"...I wouldn't recommend letting anyone do this to you. It sends the wrong signal. Remember that you are no one's plaything, no one's property. If they do try this, just slide your hand to the front of their shoulder and push them back. If they have any decency they will respect that... and if they don't, stomp on their foot as hard as you can. There's a good chance your knee will make contact with something much more fragile than a foot, first."

Ashara steps back, concern on her face.

"Lysette, it's okay. You don't have anything to apologize for. You clearly aren't used to people touching you, are you?"

She smiles reassuringly.

"Just try to relax. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but believe me once you get past that it is wonderful, if you have a good partner."

She smiles again, laying a comforting hand on Lysette's shoulder.

"Just take a few deep breaths, and we can try again when you are ready."

Ashara looks askance, but amused, at Lysette.

"I still think you need to relax more before tomorrow night - maybe we should take a long soak in the bathhouse?"

She takes Lysette into a dancing embrace.

"If you know the steps, this will be much easier, but just to be sure let's take it slow to start. We can speed it up once we get the rhythm down."

She counts out a rhythm and begins the dance.