How Green Becomes Wood

[pandakatiefominz]

"No, that's all. Thanks." He said, going back to snapping pictures.

Finally, Dark and Daizi pulled away from each other. Looking towards the corner Dark said, "Ciara is by herself again. People have spoken with her tonight, but I do not believe this is her scene."

"Let's go talk to her," Daizi said, holding tightly to her husband's hand and already feeling much better.

 

[BookKnight]

Feeling thoroughly puzzled but accepting Milo's statement, Xander wqndered off to find a quiet corner to decompress in for a minute.

Ciara was watching others dance as she sipped very slowly on her drink. She did not notice Dark and Daizi approach at first, but when she did, she turned to face them. "Congratulations on renewing your reunion."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Daizi asked warmly and truthfully told her, "We're both really glad you chose to come tonight."

 

[BookKnight]

"It has been an interesting experience. I have never attended a gathering quite like it," Ciara remarked. "Everything is put together with quite an eye for design."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Thank you," Dark nodded, accepting the compliment and choosing not to try to analyze if she meant it or if she was just seeking any potential compliment.

"Have you done much dancing?" Daizi asked, "It's hard for me to keep track of where people are here, I think if I was left on my own I'd get lost at my own party."

 

[BookKnight]

"I am afraid I am not much of a dancer," Ciara admitted carefully. "I prefer to watch from the sidelines rather be involved. Other people are far more talented and skilled than I, such as yourselves. You must have been working on that dance for some time."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Oh, not too long," Daizi replied, "Although years ago we did more. But I think dancing is something really natural to human expression and it's more about the joy of it than technical skill."

 

[BookKnight]

"Perhaps, although I think some of that joy might come from knowing what you are doing, especially when around others," Ciara said with a polite smile.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Daizi shrugged, "I've never cared much for what I or others look like. Every culture sings, dances, and produces art. Why commodify it was something only the best can do?"

Dark held up one hand, "You do not need to dance if you do not want to."

 

[BookKnight]

"I think I am fine here, thank you," Ciara said, her voice calm, but she was watching Daizi just a little nervously, suspecting her.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Daizi smiled the sort of smile that always made Dark's heartbeat increase at Ciara but wasn't trying to be coercive, "Oh don't worry, I wouldn't dream of pushing you to do something you'd hate. If somebody asked you, though, you'd say no?"

 

[BookKnight]

Ciara's eyes widened just a fraction at the question. "I suppose I would," she said hesitantly. "I would not know for certain as I have never been asked."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Never? Really?" Daizi asked, admittedly surprised. Then, after a moment, said, "Do you think there's a type of person you're more likely to say yes to? Some of my cousins aren't comfortable dancing with any man who isn't their husband and some who feel weird dancing with women."

 

[BookKnight]

"I really have not given any of that much thought," Ciara said uncomfortably. "Dancing does not exactly play a large role in my life, currently."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Daizi stood there, wanting so badly to ask Ciara to dance, but genuinely not wanting to pressure her into something that would make her uncomfortable. "You promise you're having fun?"

 

[BookKnight]

"Oh, I think it should hardly matter if I am or not as this is your day," Ciara chuckled, "but I can assure you I am in no way inconvenienced."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Daizi made a face, "Of course it matters. You're my guest, my friend, and my family. I'm not doing a good job as a host if my guests aren't enjoying themselves."