Kira and Lythari had decided on matching dresses for tonight. Kira’s dress was a soft rose color, flowing and elegant with sheer sleeves that draped gracefully, while Lythari’s dress was the same design but in a soft green shade that complemented Kira’s perfectly.
Both dresses were beautifully made, and now they were fully dressed and stood before the large mirror in Kira’s room, admiring themselves.
Kira smoothed her dress and turned slightly, checking how it flared when she moved, Lythari beside her, doing the same.
“We look absolutely stunning tonight,” Lythari declared with a satisfied nod.
“Of course we do,” Kira grinned, and suddenly, Lythari grabbed her hand and instructed, “Twirl for me.”
Laughing as Lythari took a step back to get a better view, Kira obliged and spun lightly on her toes, her dress flaring out.
She stopped with a soft giggle and said to Lythari, “Your turn.”
“Gladly,” Lythari curtsied dramatically before twirling for Kira, her hair moving with her.
“Gorgeous,” Kira clapped, smiling widely. “Just, gorgeous.”
“Obviously,” Lythari said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Now, that’s how you curtsy properly, like a lady. My dear Kira, curtsy for me.”
“Of course,” Kira said, rolling her eyes but playing along as she dipped into a graceful curtsy, making both of them laugh.
“I feel like we are teenagers again,” Lythari mused, adjusting her necklace and bracelet. “We act like one.”
“We do,” Kira chuckled, “but no matter how much time passes, we will never stop being girls at heart.”
“And no matter how many battles we have fought,” Lythari added with a smirk. “We can be happy however we want.”
“Agreed,” Kira muttered and stepped closer, nudging Lythari’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s go before we admire ourselves all night. I don’t want you saying I made us go late; you’re the one wasting time now.”
“It’s tempting to admire ourselves all night,” Lythari joked, doing one last twirl before linking her arm with Kira’s. “But you are right. Let’s go.”
Stepping out of Kira’s home, their dresses flowed as they walked side by side, the cool night breeze getting them even more excited, and as they neared the large open area where the celebration was being held, they could hear the sound of music.
Flutes played lively melodies, tambourines jingled in rhythm, and the steady beat of drums set the pace for those who danced.
Even without the drums, the dancing was still going to be very fun; laughter and chatter were also heard, the energy inviting.
Arriving at the gathering, Kira and Lythari took in everything they were seeing before them-men and women dancing, linking arms, and switching partners in smooth steps.
The musicians played on one side, and nearby there were tables laden with food and drinks, people gathering around and enjoying the feast.
As Kira and Lythari stepped fully into the crowd, a group of men and women turned toward them, offering them warm smiles.
It was already known to all that Kira and Lythari had become very close friends over the past few years. They were also very strong warriors and were well respected in the kingdom.
“You both look very beautiful tonight,” one woman said, admiring them.
Kira and Lythari smiled back. “So do you,” Kira replied, while Lythari added, “This is such a beautiful evening.”
“Thank you, and it is.” The woman agreed, then walked in another direction after pleasantries had been exchanged.
More pleasantries were exchanged, compliments flowing easily among them, the festive spirit making everything joyful and light.
The lively and joyful atmosphere carried on, and soon both Kira and Lythari were caught up in the energy of the moment and were separated as they moved through the crowd, greeting people and engaging in small talk.
As Kira turned, a man stepped forward, blocking her path.
He was tall, well dressed, and also undeniably handsome. He had this confidence that surrounded him, and with a charming smile, he extended his hand toward her.
“Good evening, my lady,” he greeted, his voice sweet and smooth.
“Good evening,” Kira replied politely and shook his outstretched hand.
To her surprise, instead of the man simply letting go of her hand, he lifted it to his lips and pressed a kiss against her knuckles.
Yes it was charming and a gentlemanly gesture, but whatever reaction he may have been expecting by doing that was not what Kira showed him. She didn’t even show him any emotion, her expression unreadable.
“Would you honor me with a dance?” he asked after a brief silence, his gaze on hers.
Giving him a polite smile, Kira gently withdrew her hand.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to decline,” she said kindly, keeping her gaze on his as well.
Taking his time to let that sink, the man offered a curt nod afterward. “Very well,” he said, his voice still smooth, but this time, there was a hint of disappointment both in his voice and in his eyes, then he took his leave.
“They never learn,” Kira heard an amused voice say behind her.
“They don’t,” she concurred and turned slightly to see Lythari handing her a cup filled with wine.
“Thank you,” she muttered and took it, bringing it to her lips as she watched the people before them.
“But you can’t blame the men,” Lythari mused, sipping her drink. “So many have had their eyes on you for years now, and they still do, yet you decline them all.”
“Mhmm,” Kira hummed in response, noncommittal.
“He was just trying his luck,” Lythari chuckled. “Can’t blame him.”
“Well, it seems like he doesn’t have much of it,” Kira said, and for a second, there was silence.
And then-
They both started laughing.
“Come on, let’s dance!” Kira exclaimed and dragged Lythari toward the open space. “Let’s just enjoy tonight.”
“I’m in!” Lythari exclaimed too as they started dancing, their gowns swirling as they moved to the beat of the lively music.
They twirled, clapped, and swayed, the energy of the dance contagious and irresistible.
Laughter bubbled from their lips as they spun in quick circles, the musicians increasing the tempo, which urged them to dance faster, their feet tapping against the ground. Then, as the music ended, a new one began, and this one, required a large group to make it more fun.
The music shifted into a lively, well-known tune and those dancing, quickly, began forming pairs for the traditional group dance.
“You ready?” Kira asked Lythari with a grin, offering her hand.
“Always,” Lythari said as they clasped hands and stepped into position.
Around them, other pairs formed, ready to move.
At the first note of the flute, the dancing began, and Kira and Lythari moved together in sync.
They stepped side to side, their hands still clasped, as they swayed with the music, getting into rhythm.
The dance finally picked up pace, and that was when the real fun began.
Kira and Lythari raised their clasped hands, stepped under each other’s arms in smooth twirling before switching sides.
They did it again, this time spinning away from each other, before returning and linking arms at the elbow, circling in place.
Traditionally, they were supposed to switch at the next point, taking the hand of another person. But Kira and Lythari refused to let go.
“I don’t think that’s how it works,” someone chuckled from the side, watching them.
“It is now!” They both replied before the beat grew stronger, and the dancing steps changed to them hopping lightly and clapping.
The night was truly fun, and so was the dancing.
They spun together, their gowns flowing in a wide arc, clapped, laughed, talked and everything else.
As the music finally came to an end, they bowed dramatically, breathless but grinning.
Applauses and cheers erupted around them, and Lythari gave Kira an amused look as they walked away from the crowd.
They stopped at the table with food and drinks, and Lythari reached for a drink, handing one to Kira before taking a sip of her own.
They also took some food, ate and drank, all the while still enjoying the celebration around them.
“Admit it,” Kira spoke, nudging Lythari with her elbow. “You had fun.”
“I never said I wouldn’t,” Lythari laughed softly as she ate.
“You always act like you are too serious for this,” Kira said, “but good thing I’m here. You should have seen yourself earlier, twirling and all.”
“Kira, please,” Lythari laughed. “Don’t let me choke on my food,” she said, taking a sip of her drink. “And just because I act serious, doesn’t mean I don’t know how to have some fun.”
Before Kira could reply, a shadow loomed over them.
“Lady Kira, the queen requests your presence,” the royal guard told her, his face revealing nothing.
“Why?” Kira asked, the lightheartedness fading as she lowered her drink and food. “Is something wrong?”
“We think so,” the guard answered. “Please, come with me.”
Exchanging a quick glance with Lythari, Kira nodded and followed the guard through the crowd, Lythari going with them.