It's Swing Time~

[cipherspeak]

It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out Elisha's motivation for organizing - or, honestly, delegating the organization of - a semi-formal dance party. Lucinda had suggested a ball, with stars in her eyes. She probably had already picked out ballgowns and themes in her head when Elisha had nixed the thing and - in a moment of desperation, with the memory of the swing-themed Fox wedding still in his head - suggest a Spring Swing, instead.

Everyone had run with it, and Elisha was pleased to say it had come out well. He was even more pleased to say that he didn't have to wear a suit, even if he stepped out into the lantern-lit gardens in everything but the tie. He paused near the raised dais provided for dancing and gave the small band the signal to start up the music before he attempted to fade back in the crowd. Not that that ever worked.

"Let the games begin," he murmured to no one in particular as he picked up a glass of champagne off a tray.

Note: Open to everyone and their brother; tag around, have fun!

Comments

[lowtohigh]

"If you haven't broken yourself already trying to impress your hip young girlfriend." But of course she has. Of course her hand is already reaching over for his, to cling to that if not to start dragging him into a dance. "It's not such a bad dress, is it?"

[threecardmonty]

He takes it and swings her out on the floor in a move flashy enough to show he knows what he's doing. "It's a right pretty dress and you look right pretty in it, only I caught a gander of Leigh earlier and reckoned you'd be a matching set.

"Think the Deck'll be ready for the twist come 2050?"

[lowtohigh]

She does need half a second to yelp--absolutely in a happy way--before she can respond with a properly teenaged roll of her eyes. Only thirteen and already getting quite good at the expression. Everyone should be proud.

"She doesn't have my mother." And as terrifying as Säde was, Argine with time on her hands was more of a nightmare for a teenage girl. "And I don't think you have to worry. You'll be too old to twist at 150, Monty."

[threecardmonty]

"Who says? Why I haven't had to use my cane at all this winter. I might be a buck fifty then, but I'll be a spry buck fifty." He spins her in and back, assessing how much of her lessons sank in. He's a good partner and not about to ask her to do anything she's not up to doing.

"Reckon your mama's making up for stuff she thinks she missed out on. That or she's on to your wily ways--probably both." Maybe Argine would have seen fit to let Eileen choose her own dress if it hadn't been for her recent history of dungeon delving.

[lowtohigh]

If Argine wouldn't let Eilenn ou the door without wearing something appropriately dignified and an appropriate length, Elani wouldn't have let the little Ace come to a do like this without having spent a good deal of time getting it into her bones. She's hardly as light on her feet as some of the adults, doesn't particularly have any profound natural talent; but there's proper practiced grace in her movement as she follows his lead without so much as a falter.

"--which is-- a pity. You can't get-- time back, right?"

[threecardmonty]

"Only in movies. Could be worse. She could try to put you into something you would've worn when you were ten. Hear tell it's hard for parents to admit their kids ain't exactly kids anymore."

He'll try out some fancier footwork to scope out how comfortable she is. "You're light on your feet. 'Lani teach you how to do lifts?" If the answer's yes, Eileen should expect to get airborne. If no, he'll offer to teach her.

[lowtohigh]

"Was I ever really a kid, Monty?"

She was, actually. She had been when she was still Edgar's daughter, when she hadn't lost her first father or been pulled up into something too old for her mind.

But this isn't really the time for that. This is the time to brace herself, hands tightening briefly on his. "A little. If-- you warn me."

[threecardmonty]

"Maybe when you was about two or so." He'll allow her that. Thing is, he didn't know her then. Good thing, too. He'd have been questionable company for a young lady.

"Start with a simple one? Hands on my shoulders and you fold your knees first left then right." He grins. "Don't worry none, Darlin'. Used to teach this stuff. I got ya."

[lowtohigh]

Her hands move right to his shoulders. Her balance shifts even as he's speaking.

"Of course you do."

She's trusted him for a while now with much more than safety while dancing.