For many, hearing a Kyrenaian Polka was not what they would expect.
It wasn't even for most Kyrenaians. It was a classical case of Cultural Appropriation, by textbook definition "the adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture."
That being said, when Alrich Tacksto, in the 19th century, created the first Kyrenaian Polka, both in the spirit of Kyrenaian Music and to honour the Sultan visiting Teressien at the time, he basically wrote a Fast Polka, a spirited piece of music, a spirited piece of music, fast and full of energy and, of course, it was expected of the dancers to reflect that.
When Sultan Amir VIII., all those years back, heard the piece for the first time, he requested it to be played a second time, this time not taking it as he would take a Fast Polka but taking it with his wife as he would take a Kyrenaian Dance of similar speed and spiritedness.
Thus, he invented dancing the Kyrenaian Polka 'in the Style of Kyrenaian Dancing'.
For someone unused to Kyrenaian Dancing, the quick and fiery dances called to by the oud, where the pair rarely broke eye contact, there dancers were sometimes close together, sometimes miles apart, sometimes only a hair's breadth away from each other, where skirts were twirling at breathtakingly fast paces, it would end in a disaster.
Luckily, only a few people attempted tonight and those, who did, performed well: Prince Damir and Baronin Wilrun, for example, who performed so well, that one could not help but think, that this was not the first Kyrenaian Polka the two danced together.
The rest of the world would take this dance like a Fast Polka, Atif with Agathe, Heda with Jirou, the Ehrenbacks with their swapped partners (although Adalrich and Oda would be the first to admit, that they chose it like that, not their dance partners, because of their own lack of skill in dancing 'in the Style of Kyrenaian Dancing'), Berengar with Ida (same story here), Gudfrey with Áed, Prince Philippe with Herzogin Alvina, Princess Aurelia and Ruairi, Gerulf von Sykane and Shiruko...
There were other dancing pairs on the floor, too, Enya Findehoof had taken Son Excellence Nello Aregnaudeau and Patriarch Adil Btryrik was on the floor with Morgane Macánta of the Tribe of Cork - the latter pair did dance 'in the Style of Kyrenaian Dancing', but they did not look as almost perfect as Prince Damir and Baronin Wilrun did. They did have fun, though. Fun was had as well by Mister Erblin Piteog of the Tribe of Wicklow dancing with Miss Amy Ollmhór of the Tribe of Dundalk, the two air racers right in their element of speed and quick moves.
One of the pairs drawing the attention was the pair of Queen Catherine I. and Crown Princess Juliana of Icadias. Two women dancing together was... not unheard of, but frowned upon, even among relatives. A little faux pas, yet one, that seemed to work out - at least on the side of the dancing skills.
Another attention drawing pair was Prinzessin Rena with Prinz Raik, the former red as her dress, the latter smiling, whispering into her ear, what could only be assurances and encouragement. It seemed to help.
As the dance ended, applause came from the side of the dance floor, approval for the wonderful dancing witnessed (and nearly no toes stepped on) and flawless music, the it was custom to take the hand of their dance partners and breathing a soft kiss onto the back of the hand, a sign of adoration and respect, which was mostly observed.
Then, the gentlemen would escort their dance partners off the dance floor...
Khalid Faris.
The dance had not disappointed, quite on the contrary, it had been fun.
Of course, I had kissed Agathe's hand afterwards - I was well-raised, after all - and brought her back to the Refreshments Table. I quickly flagged down a Hausmädchen for two glasses of lemonade, one, of course, going to Agathe.
"It was very enjoyable.", I said with a smile, "You're a good dancer. May I ask, who taught you?"
Naya Findehoof.
When the Colonel approached me, I gave him a long, hard look, especially as he dropped the salute without having waited for my reply. He offered me the dance...
Now, there were multiple approaches I could take.
For one thing, I could just leave him stand there, because, well, that was not how you approached a Teressian Admiral or a Superior Officer around these parts. And even if you wanted the dance, such short notice was almost cheeky.
I could take the dance with him and throw procedures out of the window.
In the end, I raised an eyebrow... no wonder Ilia had such a 'high' opinion of the Empire and its military if their guard officers couldn't even behave properly.
"Your proposal is almost cheeky, Colonel.", I said, not giving him my hand, but taking out my dance card and noting his name next to the Kyrenaian Polka, "But, seeing that my Granddaughters are all on the floor and taking spins, an old vixen like me needs to show them how it's done every now and again."
I turned towards the dance floor and offered my arm to link.
"Come on, the musicians won't wait for us!", I said with a slightly cheeky smile myself.
Needless to say, that I was a quite good dancer.
Heda, Prinzessin von Dorch.
I blushed lightly - while Prince Keoke had the charme of an adult man, Jirou had almost boyish charme. And, amongst us, he was good-looking, too...
"It would be my pleasure, Prince.", I said with a smile, linked arms with him and got taken out by him for a spin...
...as the music had ended and all the gentlemanly traditions were observed, I smiled at him. He was a nice young man and, well, I needed a breath of fresh air...
"Say, Prince Jirou, would you mind, if we were to not return to the others, but if the two of us were to take a breath of fresh air out in the gardens?", I asked a bit coyly.
Please say yes..., I thought.
Gerulf von Sykane.
I smiled as I saw the competitive note in Shiroku's eyes as the dance signal sounded, gave Rena a quick peck on the cheek, apologized to Miss Schreyg for my departure (she smiled and wished me much fun), and linked arms with the Princess from Shikonjima.
She was a nice young lady - would I have a son, I would definately introduce them. As I had a daughter, I would still introduce them, but under different aims. As for me myself, I would of course do my best to give her the Kyrenaian Polka of her lifetime, aim to build a solid relation, but that was about it.
I was happily married, after all, and she a bit young...
As it was, we danced well together, the quick dance, which brought out not only her competitive side, but also mine. I would say, that we were among the best not dancing in Kyrenaian Style.
As it was over, I returned with her to my wife, who looked a bit smug.
"Had fun?", she asked Shiroku, "You see, I taught him how to dance..."
And she did a bloody good work!
Adalrich von Ehrenback.
I smiled as I took the Prince's wife to the dance floor - she was a very good dancer. She could even lug my old rear around perfectly. The dance ended right before I got too comfortable, and, as manners dictated, I kissed the back of her hand softly before leading her back to where Oda was waiting with her husband.
As soon as I was within hearing range, I heard Oda say: "My compliments for your skills as a dancer, Your Majesty. It was highly enjoyable.", she said to him, then smiled at me.
"I can only echo what my wife said directed at you, Lady Mhaire.", I said and nodded, bowing my head softly to her and then nodding to the Prince. "My gratitude for allowing this opportunity."
Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
I was confused for a moment, then laughed.
"My apologies, you caught me of guard with that one...", I said, "Sorry. Anyway, a caracal is a feline. Kyrenaian Caracals, like Kalak is one, are large and mighty masses of flesh, bone and teeth on the prowl for mice and birds."
I then sighed.
"As for breaking up with your father, that was the plan.", I said, "It's a bit like with a bandaid: Ripping it off in one go hurts for but a moment, but the pain ends quickly."
Ida Findehoof.
I smiled and allowed the Crown Prince to take me for a spin, slightly-less-then-medium distance. Medium distance would mean acquaintances, close distance would mean romantic interest, slightly-less-then-medium distance meant interest, but not romantic - at least not yet.
I hoped, that he would get the message...
After the dance, I smiled at him.
"You're a good dancer, Crown Prince Berengar.", I complimented him with a smile and I meant it - my feet were still in one piece, which was a plus.
So... who knew, where he would go now... Of course, I would not hold it against him, if he would rather like to seek out the advice of some of the air racers present tonight, but I did hope, that I made a lasting impression.
Marla Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork.
I watched Áed and Jolene, who seemed very glad about our relaxedness, departing for their dance... it was interesting, really. Port Ember, I mean. I had been aboard the Challenger back then, had caught Breytenbach and one of the most impressive minds of the Free Lands doing, as they said, 'the two-backed beast', and I had taught with him as soon as he had it inside of his pants again...
Port Ember was on our short list for nations, which we wanted to establish relations with, not only because of SDY and other some arms manufacturers discovering the market, but also because we wanted to at the Foreign Office.
They were not only nice people, but also had a powerful economy to call upon and thus powerful trade partners. Jolene and her company examplefied that.
The MGoL was already poised...
I watched her and Áed and she was very good. Áed did not dare to dance the Kyrenaian Polka in Kyrenaian Style, he lacked the skill, but still... she was very good.
I applauded especially those two, as the dance ended and as they returned, I told Jolene with a smile: "That was very good and very nice to look at!", I said, "If we get the chance, I would love to have a dance with you as well..." Áed wanted to interject something. "...despite our hosts being rather sceptical about same-gendered dance pairs." Áed nodded. He, as Ambassador of the Free Lands to the Principality for quite some time, knew that very well. "We'll see, how we'll do that."
"For now...", Áed began and motioned to the seats so that we could sit, flagged down a Hausmädchen for some lemonade, "...let's have a nice conversation, maybe about business, maybe about dancing, maybe about something else entirely... let's see, where our Gods and your Golden Lady lead us."
I nodded.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
After all dancing was done, I smiled at Ruari.
"That was a nice dance. You're good at this.", I said and my cheeks were lightly flushed from the exertion of the Fast Polka. "Say, Ruari..." I blushed as the more informal style of address slipped my tongue. "...my apologies, Mister Buchan..." Grandmother always said to correct your mistakes and to be aware of them. "...would you mind a curious Princess indulging on your time for a bit more?"
I was really curious, one could see it in my eyes, which had locked with him.
Herzogin Alvina von Raycbucht.
Traditions were good, no question asked, yet one needed to one day learn to leave part of them behind - not like old socks or something, but retiring them in honour and dignity. It was a complicated act of balance one had to play and I did not envy those, who would have to, neither here nor there.
That being said, I did take Prince Philippe out for the dance, me assuring him: "Don't worry, we'll not take this one like the Kyrenaians themselves do, but as a Fast Polka. I'm good with Fast Polka." I smiled. "I'm not good with Kyrenaian Dancing..."
And indeed, we were good.
Sure, there were prettier and better pairs of dancers on the floor, but by the end, my feet were undamaged and either Philippe had a very high pain tolerance or his feet were undamaged as well. I hoped for the latter, of course.
When we left, I smiled at him: "This one was fun.", I said, "Say, I'm still searching for a partner for the Quadrille-Lanciers, near the end. Interested?"
Rena, Prinzessin von Wißenthen.
When the moment came, it came quickly and it came suddenly.
In one moment, Raik was telling us, that he was free and that he would not hold it against anyone, if we left, the next, Marie basically pushed me into his arms. Of course I would seek her out later!
When she was gone, I looked at Raik.
"Eeep?", I made.
He smiled. "If you would grant me the honour, I would be very pleased, yes.", he said and bowed his head lightly.
I nodded.
What seemed like moments later, we were on the dance floor and... Spirits, please never let this dance end... I was blushing red-hot as my dress, but I was so happy, had his voice in my ears, his assurances... we were so close, I could smell his after-shave... Spirits, I was happy enough to die right then and there!
Sadly, the dance didn't last forever and my head almost exploded with the force I was blushing with as he kissed my hand... Sunna would laugh at me and Mama would smile in her Mysterious Mother Way.
"That was a very nice dance, Rena.", he complimented me and I nodded, "I hope, that we can repeat that soon." Wait, what. Wha...?! He offered his arm to me to link and I followed the invitation. "But more importantly, Renny, tell me: How have you been? We haven't seen each other in months!"
And I told.
Marie, if I ever have a daughter, be assured, Marie will be one of her names.
Lykke Blon.
Queen Catherine indeed called upon my services, but not for wine and lemonade, but for Martinis. Well, that was a bit hefty so early in the evening, but I was a Hausmädchen, my job was not to question my employer's guests.
I did deliver them during the dancing and kept post at their table, both until they returned and to await further orders, watching the dancing. The two would know the certain disdain of frowns the Teressians could hold, but I found the two sisters looked cute together.
When and if they returned, someone else would also be closeby: A tall man, broad shouldered, beard, blonde with his long hair bound back into a ponytail. His face was square and had massive cheekbones, only reinforced by his beard and his eyes were golden.
Professor Clais Levasseur of the University of Nouvelle-Dunkerque was nearby and, if the time was right or he was invited, he would come over. One might know him for an incident a few years ago, when he and his students reconstructed a pirate vessel from ages past, flew the flag and took her out for a spin, only to be sighted by a trade convoy, which reported a pirate vessel, shortly afterwards being caught by a patrol vessel and to be taken into custody until everything could be cleared.
La Capitaine indeed...
