Part Seven: First Encounter
Chapter Nineteen: The Performance
Two weeks after Torrence returned from where ever she had been was the performance. The performance in which she and Robert were the main attraction.
Auriella hugged her, giggling madly. Ella was still in her "uniform", which was really her cute, little cheerleading outfit. She had rushed over here after practice to cheer on Torrence, now that she was relieved of her dancing duty.
"I can't believe this. Oh, you are going to be so great, Torrie!" Ella exclaimed.
Hailley slinked over to them, smiling. "Well, Blaze said you were good. Don't disappoint me, Torrence."
Torrie winked. "Of course not, my queen."
Blaze stepped out from behind a corner. "I'm not sure about this."
Hailley raised both eyebrows high. Blaze's face was clean of the black gunk she wore daily. Her face glowed with the simplicity of being weightless.
"Wow," Auriella mused. "You should go with that look more often."
Blaze grinned. "And step into the light completely? I'm not ready for that leap yet."
Torrence closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Who's all out there?"
Auriella placed a hand on her hip. "Everyone but your foster parents. And Followers."
"I wasn't really expecting them to be here. Mark and Kristina, that is."
"Any special guys out there?" Blaze teased.
Ella blushed. "Only Gavin."
"Men are overrated," Hail snorted.
"I hear ya," Blaze agreed.
Torrence smiled, glancing over at Robert.
Charlie stormed over. "Let's go, girls! It's show time!"
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Blaze and Maria were the first to go on, as they were performing the welcoming dance. Both girls dressed in an orange triangular top with sheer sleeves and beads hanging off the fringe, pale white leggings under a bead skirt, a white waist belt knotted in the front, and pale orange slippers.
They raised their hands above their heads, waving them gently as the drummers beat soft thumps. As the rhythm grew faster and louder, the girls began dancing. Their arms went up straight, then came down as they bent forward, their legs lifting up. They repeated it over a few times before moving into the belly dancing.
Maria made a circle with her arms in front of her, moving her hips and legs in a small dance as she began to sing. Her voice was sweet and soulful. Blaze danced around her, listening to the beats of the drum and the notes of her partner's voice as they guided her dancing.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed each performance, but they were antsy for the final piece. They had heard much about the two dancers and now wanted to see their immense talent for themselves.
Charlie walked onto the stage, and everyone quieted. She smiled as she talked. "This is the performance you've all been waiting for. This final dance will be done by my star pupils, Torrence Hudson and Robert Knight.
"The gypsies often used this dance at a marriage ceremony, where they would not only show their readiness to, I should say, mate. It gives tribute to both themselves and their partner, but also to the Moon Mother, who granted their joining."
Charlie stepped off stage as the lights dimmed a bit and Maria began singing in a language unknown to the audience.
Torrence smiled at Robert as she placed her hand lightly on his arm, waiting to be led on stage. He let his eyes linger on her a moment longer before leading her onstage.
Torrence lifted her head up, her blue eyes resting on Hail and El. The beaded head piece stayed in place as her head inclined since it had been carefully threaded into the curls of her hair. The pale jewel, representing the moonstone, shimmered on her forehead, the only decorative design on her face. Around her neck was a choker with a white band and tine, metal wings.
Further down was her halter, pearls sewn into it in the design of a six-pointed star. The middle of the top was laced together with silver ribbons, showing a bit of cleavage if she paused long enough for anyone to see. Her middle was basically bare down to her hips, where a silk skirt rested. It came down to her ankles, just long enough to not get in her way as she danced. Another convenience was the full on slits, allowing all of her legs to be able to move freely without restraint. The one thing that did not come with the costume, but fit nonetheless, was her moon amulet.
Robert was similarly dressed, only he wore pants instead of a skirt, which was made from the same silky material. He was shirtless and had been rubbed down with a sheen lotion to give him the glow Torrence had naturally.
She spun away from him, her bare feet barely touching the floor. He watched her closely, not moving as her body worked out the moves. Finally, he moved close to her, and they did the moves Blaze had seen a few weeks prior. He matched her fluid moves with a harder beat, the drum's beat.
Everyone watched in awe of their performance. Not a single sound outside of Maria's voice, the drums, and the occasional heavy breathing of the dancers could be heard.
Hailley felt mesmerized by Torrie's dancing. She could feel her pain seep out with each twirl, each step, each roll of the hip. She was a graceful animal, waiting for the right moment.
The applause was near deafening. Torrie smiled, enjoying the attention. Her eyes seemed even brighter as she looked at Robert. She was accepted. They loved her.
Blaze sucked in her breath, her hand buzzing beneath her as she clutched her amulet. She peered out from behind the curtain. Torrence stiffened, watching the doorway.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Omg! There are only three more chapters now! Weep while you can!
Demon Dea: Yes, it is so great! For now anyways. Well, you'll just have to wait for the next installment for that answer about Stanton.
elephantsrocmysox: Oh, I see. Oh, I'm making a sequel.
Rubber-duckiesofdoom: Lol. You're quite welcome.
