There are stars that fill the night, can you see them?
There are two, or three or gee, a million more
And I see in their light
Oh, me? A dance? Overnight?
Just to move and glide with you across the floor
One dance, just you and me
Beneath the moon, beside the sea
One dance and it's happily ever after
One dance and you will see
We're not so different, you and me
Just us two, me and you
-Once dance, Little mermaid
Chapter 9: Daring to dance
Rhoswen had been living in the villa for one month and two weeks already. If someone told her she'd be in a villa filled with unusual residents she probably would've thought it silly. Yet here she was preparing a little private get together just for her and the Beast.
Within the passing weeks Rhoswen had taught the household a few old songs and dances from her mother's native land. Here she was hoping to sing one of her favorites if only for her and them to unwind a little.
Except she would be dressing in finery fit for a patrician lady not a simple Briton woman. She wore a flowing jungle green top and tunic, yellow green drape, gold bracelets, an emerald necklace and had a gold circlet adorning her head. Despite this she felt nervous, even though it was only Marius, who is now a very dear friend.
Rhoswen was soon welcomed by Marius, who wore a white tunic and a royal blue toga complete with a crown laurel leaves upon his head.
As soon as Marius saw her, he was speechless. Rhoswen smiled warmly, catching the fascinated glint in his golden-brown eyes.
Their conversation over the banquet went to different subjects easily: nature, their dress, the food, etc.
While the servants played soft music before taking on a cheery beat. Rhoswen tapped her foot to it before catching Marius' questioning gaze.
"Pardon my enthusiasm," she blushed.
"I rather enjoy it," Marius replied with an amused grin, "Why don't you show me one of those dances your parents taught you?"
"Don't mind if I do, " Rhoswen answered, " Though it may be simpler without these, if you excuse me."
Carefully, she removed the bracelets, necklace and circlet then set the drape neatly over a lounge.
Then placed herself in the center of the room. She could almost hear the chanting Hibernia's natives.
Chuaigh mé isteach i dteach aréir
is d'iarr mé cairde ar mhnaoi an leanna.
Is é dúirt sí liom "Ní bhfaighidh tú deor.
Buail an bóthar is gabh abhaile
And the words her mother sung came flowing to her and glided out of her red lips.
I came by a house last night
And told the woman I am staying
I said to her:
"The moon is bright and my fiddles tuned for playing"
In the corner she could almost envision a high stringed instrument striking the tune.
Tell me that the night is long
Tell me that the moon is glowing
Fill my glass I'll sing a song
And will start the music flowing
Never mind the rising light
There's no sign of day or dawning
In my heart it's still the night
And we'll stay here till the morning
She picked up her skirts, twirling and sweeping movements until it seemed she was a part of the melody.
Níl sé ina lá, níl a ghrá,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go maidin,
níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.
Rhoswen beckons Marius to join her but he self-consciously held up his hands with a sheepish smile. Then Luther casually shoves him towards the maiden. As soon as Rhoswen pulled his arm, Marius turns briefly to give his manservant a 'you'll pay for this later' expression.
It's not day nor yet awhile
I can see the starlight shining
Níl sé ina lá is ní bheidh go fóill,
solas ard atá sa ghealaigh.
The Beast was a little clumsy at first but got into the swing of the song, dancing close before releasing each others hands.
Fill the glasses one more time
And never heed the empty bottle
Turn the water into wine
And turn the party up full throttle
By the end of the song, the pair spun into each other's arms, against each other's chest. Behind them, the staff applauded happily.
The two pulled away blushing. Then Marius suggested a stroll out in the gardens to which Rhoswen agreed.
Together they sat on the stone bench enjoying the cool night air and the view of the stars above them
Marius rubbed the back of his head. "Rhoswen…are you happy with me - I mean… that is to say, here?"
"I am but…" Rhoswen nodded, then a shadow passed over her pretty features and she dropped her gaze.
"What is it? You may tell me."
"I worry so about my father. I only wish I could see him and my other friends once again, just to be certain they're safe and well." Then she backtracked noticing his somber expression. "I'm sorry, surely you must think me selfish for saying so."
"I think nothing of the sort," He responded, his baritone voice filled with sympathy, "However I do know a way for you to see them."
This aroused Rhoswen's curiosity. And even more when he led her to the West end, to his bedchambers - the one place she'd been forbidden to enter. Why was he bringing her here of all places?
Inside it was full of broken furniture and shredded cloths; upon the main wall she saw a mosaic. It portrayed two dark, thorny bushes; the one to her right containing a single red rose. She'd never seen such red tiles that shone that brightly…
Rhoswen's thought's were broken when Marius held out something to her: a hand mirror set in a pearl and silver base wit intricate designs.
"It's lovely, but I don't understand how it'll help me see my father." she said unsurely.
"You need only ask or mention whoever or whatever it is you wish to see, just so long as it is here upon the Earth, and it shall."
Puzzled, the young woman took the mirror into her hands, holding it as if it were glass. "I beg you, show me my father, Moran O' Midhir."
To her amazement, it flashed white briefly with what she could only describe as small bits of electric green lightning.
Rhoswen watched in fascination as the mirror. Then, within the glossy frame was her father's pale, gaunt and desperate face, glancing to the right and left, while shouting himself hoarse. She soon saw why: he was being roughly dragged away by soldiers of the Praetorian guard!
To be continued…