Cinder-Canary

Garden Walks

            With Warith Alshaytan, I happily dance, swirling to the music as she leads us around the floor. We flow as one, and I am surprised by my own skill. Warith Alshaytan's movements are graceful and lithe, and I find myself impressed more and more with every beat, every measure that passes.

As the song comes to a close we part and bow to each other, as do the other couples who had danced with us. Reaching out she captures my hand in hers before kissing the back of it through her veil. "It has been a pleasure dancing with you, White Canary. Would you perhaps join me for some air in the gardens? I have yet to explore much of the castle grounds."

"I should be delighted." My heart pounds out of my chest and we link out arms together as we move off of the dance floor. A cursory glance tells me that Dearden will be fine, she catches my eye and waves me off, seemingly pleased with me. I smile as her attention is drawn back to Arsenal, the man in red who she had danced with. Easily we weave through the crowd, and they pay us no mind as we leave the grand ballroom behind.

The gardens are spectacular, and I look around in wonder as we begin to walk. "Oh, this is absolutely magnificent! I've never seen such a well-tended and beautiful garden." I admit with a sheepish smile.

"Then you should see the gardens at Nanda Parbat." She tilts her head, her eyes filled with mirth as she observes me.

"I should love to." We share a smile as we come upon a large tree with a swing attached. I laugh as I release her arm and pull myself onto the swing. "You are adorable." She lets out a small laugh, what I might almost describe as a giggle. "Here." She gently grips my waist, draws me back, and begins to push me. I laugh blissfully, relishing the feel of the evening air on my face and her steady hands as they catch and push me gently.

I look up to the stars and slowly stop. "Is something wrong?" she touches my shoulder and I shake my head. "No, nothing. I was just thinking how tonight an absolute dream has been." I tap the space next to me on the large bench of the swing. "Come sit with me?"

Instead of going around the bench she holds the ropes and pulls herself up and over so that she is sitting next to me, facing the same direction. "Show off." I tease, giving her a poke in the ribs. "Only for you." She teases back and I find myself staring into her eyes, my laughter cut off when we looked at each other.