#earthrunes

"Plus, you can hide within them, somewhat."

"Well, you could." She says with a smile "But I see your point. Me? I'm not against beanbags, but Vashti's is so.. uhm.. loud"

"So is Uncle Hirim."

"AH, yes well... " Mm then she smiles "Actually, this is giving me a few ideas for presents. Mom might like a new hammock"

"Soimething for camping. Trees. She's nuts for trees"

Siv sips the tea

Then she rises "I should probably get back to Fiona ing"

"You are welcome anytime, nu?"

"You have no idea how grateful I am for that, Zara" and she means it as she rises, and puts the tea cup, now empty , respectfully on the saucer before returning to the next task

"Good fortune, Siv."

And Zara looks about her library, apparently a haven for more than one soul.

--------

Siv gasps as her very lifebreath is stolen from her.

Vashti hums, "Nothinbg like a corset to remind one of their feminine charms"

"That's because my boobs are now touching my chin" Siv wheezes

"Why must trolls exagerate," The pooka fusses

"I'm sorry, is this really necessary?" Siv says "I feel dizzy"

"It's called swooning," Vashti says "Very romantic"

"if they like the fainting, they'll love the vomting to follow" Siv observes

"Tish tosh" the seamstress says but does loosen the strands a TOUCH

"Are the slipper comfortable?" Vashti asks

"Yes, actually" Siv says, glad she can inhale again, at least one lung seems accessible. Or maybe it's one half of each lung?

"oh," the pooka looks down, "I can fix that."

"I need to go," Siv says, and flees like Cinderalla in more comfortable slippers

Vashti watches her go and tsks "such a timid kith"

Siv enters the ballroom, and then curtseys to see Sir Bachdion.

"you said you could dance," Sir Bachdion says "That you learn the waltz?"

"I have," She lifts her chin.

"Then, let us dance" Bachdion offers to take her hand

And she allows it.

And they move! Siv surprises the satyr. Despite her being much taller than he, they both look and move elegantly. Her steps are not just sure, they are deft and light until she needs to twirl or move. He acts as the frame to the painting that is her every motion. She has not only learned how to dance formally for court, she has learned how to do it very well indeed.

"You're very graceful" Bachdion says

"And your'e quite observant," Siv says "If you wish, we can switch to a garot, a tango, or a few others."

"No no, this is fine" He says

And they move, it's amazing. The pirate girl she can be, the tomboy to a large degree, the fun gal who enjoys the lake pier parties... and even the guardian of woodsy paths. But this ? She looks like she truly belongs in court. And it can't all be acredited to the dress

"I must know, where did you learn this?" Bachdion asks

"I'm not supposed to kiss and tell, my lord, but let us say I wooed lessons out of a man in some courtly graces and leave it at that." She arches a brow

At some point, it may be hard to say just when, the Baroness has entered the ballroom and is observing them quietly...so quietly they might not notice for a while.

Siv seems to forget her troubles for a moment, threatening to break the pattern of the dance, but not from clumsiness, but from enjoyment. She does a particularly complicated move and then returns to his embrace, wrapping the satyr about her like a half cloak and trusting him not to let her slip.

As it ends.

And her eyes open and "Baroness? How long were you here?" Ah, straight spoken, trolls.

"Long enough to be impressed. As, I believe, is Sir Bachdion." A bemused look at the satyr.

"I am, most indeed," He says

"Thank you," Siv says "I was a gymnist even before the dance lessons I spoke of." An inhale "Though I admit, I'm tiring easier in this corset"

"Mm? Imagine how much endurance you will have if you grow accustomed to the corset."

"I..." she seems unsure how to respond to that, "I think I'd rather run laps"

"Then why are you wearing it?"

"I was told to report to Vashti for a dress" She says "And then Vashti put it on, and she's the expert." Siv says confused

"And after she put it on...?"

"It was too tight..still is, but I think when I warned her I might vomit she eased up a knack. Still feel a bit light headed now that the dancing is done" She admits