diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 05cdb15..d4c3aed 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ This is the repository for *If I Lead This Dance* by D. Moonfire. - Galadin (Glorin) - 18 years old - Brown hair, somewhat unruly, loose curls -- Benard +- Benard kia Kasin - Love interest - 22 years old - A disgrace to the family because he's openly gay @@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ This is the repository for *If I Lead This Dance* by D. Moonfire. - Was given a commission as a reward - Dark brown hair with black roots - Brown eyes -- Kalir +- Kalir kia Kasin - Benard's younger brother - 17 years old - Doesn't like his brother @@ -31,6 +31,8 @@ This is the repository for *If I Lead This Dance* by D. Moonfire. - Storan - Galadin's father - A civil mage +- Dorin da Kasin + - Dance instructor # Naming diff --git a/chapters/chapter-01.md b/chapters/chapter-01.md index 2665bfc..aa8dec9 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-01.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-01.md @@ -1,5 +1,7 @@ --- title: Measured +summary: > + Galadin doesn't want to be fitted for a suit, he wants to be measured for a dress. However no one knows his secret fantasy and he is forced to endure the role life gave him. --- > The debutante's best chance to fulfill her role as a married woman comes from the debutante balls where she is presented before suitors of all ages from eighteen to eighty. --- Polistar da Halin, *The Dance of Grace* @@ -68,7 +70,7 @@ She glared at him. "Get down, we're done." Turning to the tailor, she held out her hand. -He kissed it lightly, his lips skimming the surface. "Always a pleasure, Maran da Kasin hi Kamer." +He kissed it lightly, his lips skimming the surface. "Always a pleasure, Maran da Kasin ho Kamer." The tailor had used her formal name, naming her father's family of Kasin and her mother's of Kamer. diff --git a/chapters/chapter-02.md b/chapters/chapter-02.md index 0952abf..826bae0 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-02.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-02.md @@ -1,5 +1,7 @@ --- title: Dance Lessons +summary: > + In the many rituals of the presentation balls, learning how to dance was one rite of passage that both men and women had to suffer. But what happens when there are only men showing up to the lessons, will the rigid roles of society prevent the class. And what if an unexpected man appears to throw everything in chaos? --- > At the presentation, every step is planned. The choices of dance speak of the politics of the day. The order of the suitors is reflected in the ebb and flow of power. --- Renard Robins-Grace, *Musings of a Failed Society* @@ -74,7 +76,7 @@ Benard gestured again. "Please, don't worry about it. Let's enjoy an afternoon o "Okay," Galadin said in a distracted voice. He felt hot and dizzy. His stomach fluttered as he mulled over Benard's words. Like men? -Inside the studio, Dame Dorin paced back and forth. "Three, only three? I can't work with three men. Where are the women?" +Inside the studio, Dame Dorin paced back and forth. Her neat bun of light brown hair had a few strands peeking out like a fan. "Three, only three? I can't work with three men. Where are the women?" Kalir looked disappointed. He turned and peered out the window. @@ -94,7 +96,7 @@ She stared at him for a moment. Galadin could see her resolve cracking. Benard interrupted her with a grin. "Blame me then. That's how I got here, isn't it? By the way, how are your brothers? I heard they just got out of hospice." -She took a deep breath and let it out, her body shaking with the effort to calm down. When she spoke, her voice was calmer. "You don't have to remind me how earned that commission, Besire." +She took a deep breath and let it out, her body shaking with the effort to calm down. When she spoke, her voice was calmer. "You don't have to remind me how earned that commission, Besire. Or that you saved them." He inclined his head but said nothing. diff --git a/chapters/chapter-03.md b/chapters/chapter-03.md index 5e23615..38dfca4 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-03.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-03.md @@ -1,5 +1,7 @@ --- title: Decision +summary: > + At dinner, Galadin practices how to eat in public. His mother is insistent he learns how to do it properly but things go awry when she finds out that Galadin danced with another man during that day's lessons. --- > Skilled mages are the cornerstone of a family's reputation. While they are arguable insane to talk to, they pull more than their weight for the greater good of society. --- Lanister da Dusen ho Gason @@ -18,7 +20,7 @@ On the other side of the table, his father worked his way through his meal effic "They were. We had to use each other as partners." -His mother's grip on her fork tightened. "Reeally?" she said in a wary tone. +His mother's grip on her fork tightened. "Really?" she said in a wary tone. "Dame Dorin da Kasin watched over all three of us." @@ -30,15 +32,17 @@ His mother glared at him. "There were." She turned back to Galadin. "Who was the third? The dame?" -"No, um, his name was...." Galadin didn't know why he stalled. "Benard." +"No, um, his name was...." Galadin didn't know why he stalled. "Benard kia Kasin." His mother's face paled. "No," she said. -"What?" +Looking up, his father stared at the ceiling for a second before resuming. + +"What?" asked Galadin. "No, you don't do that. Storan, he can't do that." -"Who? Take lessons with Benard? Why not? He's a Kasin hero." His father shrugged. "Wasn't he just granted a commission? Something about saving a fleet from some fire mages? Made First Lieutenant on the spot. They've been talking about that for days down at the dock." +"Who? Take lessons with Benard? Why not? He's a Kasin hero." His father shrugged. "Wasn't he just granted a commission? Something about saving a fleet from some fire mages? Made First Lieutenant on the spot. They've been talking about that for days down at the dock office." "That's besides the point! Your son cannot dance with that man!" diff --git a/chapters/chapter-04.md b/chapters/chapter-04.md index b021c8d..c0c3d89 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-04.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-04.md @@ -1,38 +1,42 @@ --- title: Revelation +summary: > + Spurred by his father's encouragement, Galadin finally reveals his secret. --- +> As a patriarchy, the gender roles in Tarsan are very strict, more so with High Society events and those that dance with the founding families. --- *Death Among High Society* + At the prickle of the pin, Galadin flinched and let out a grunt. "Be quiet," snapped his mother. She sat in one of the chairs along the side of the fitting area, her back straight and her hands neatly folded over her purse. "Arms up, please," said the tailor. -Galadin closed his eyes and lfited his arms. His shoulders and back hurt from the last hour of being fitted. The heavy black cloth hung over his frame like a horse blanket, dragging him down and making him claustrophibic. He wanted to rip it off and run away, or at least return to his own outfit. +Galadin closed his eyes and obeyed. His shoulders and back hurt from the last hour of being fitted. The heavy black cloth hung over his frame like a horse blanket, dragging him down and making him claustrophobic. He wanted to rip it off and run away, or at least return to his own outfit. The tailor worked quietly. He was almost done. "Only another few minutes, Besire." -His mother smiled. "You look handsome, Gal." +His mother glanced up, a smile ghosting across her lips. "You look handsome, Gal." -He sighed. +He opened his eyes. -"YOu are going to make some wife very happy after all this. Just remember that. Once you are married, then you don't have to wear it again." +"You are going to make some wife very happy after all this. Just remember that. Once you are married, then you don't have to wear it again." -Galadin opened his eyes and focused his attention on the window. For the third day of the week, the afternoon was relatively quiet. He hoped to see more debutantes walking by. At least then he could pull himself out the dark thoughts that haunted his mind. +Galadin focused his attention on the window. For the third day of the week, the afternoon was relatively quiet. He hoped to see more debutantes walking by. At least then he could pull himself out the dark thoughts that haunted his mind. "Galadin." He didn't want to answer. "I'm just waiting, mother." -He heard the rustle of her dress. He glanced over to see her lifting the edge to walk over. He returned his attention to the window. +He heard the rustle of her dress. He glanced over to see her lifting the edge of her skirt to walk over. He returned his attention to the window. "Give us a minute?" she asked the tailor. -"Of course, Dame da Kasin." The man bowed before heading toward the back. "Please, call me when I can resume." +"Of course, Dame da Kasin." The man bowed before heading toward the back. "Please, call me when you are ready." Galadin listened to the door creak shut and then latch. He fought the sick feeling in his stomach. -"What's wrong you? I need you to be present." +She stared at him with a hard look. He could hear her foot tapping through the pedestal. "What's wrong you? I need you to be present." "I'm here, mother." @@ -42,13 +46,13 @@ Galadin listened to the door creak shut and then latch. He fought the sick feeli "Look at me." When he didn't, she repeated herself with a stamp of her foot. -Galadin lowered his arms as he regarded his mtoher. "Yes?" +Galadin lowered his arms as he regarded his mother. "Yes?" "What is wrong with you? You've been acting like I'm sending you to prison all week." She shook her head and gestured toward the door. "No, you've been like this since you ever asked to go the presentation balls." -"Yes but...." Even as a child, he had always wanted to go to the presentation balls. He loved the ritual of them, the pronouncements, the swirl of dresses, and all the events that surrounded the various balls. But when he wrote in his secret journal, he wasn't the suited man finding the perfect woman, he was the woman looking for a suitor. +"Yes but...." Even as a child, he had always wanted to go to the presentation balls. He loved the ritual of them, the pronouncements, the swirl of dresses, and all the events that surrounded the pomp of suitors and debutantes. But when he wrote in his secret journal, he wasn't the suited man finding the perfect woman, he was the woman looking for a suitor. -His mother had somehow found his book though he had hidden it underneath his bed. She must have skimmed over it before she decided he had to go. Galadin first found out when she surprised him with a formal invitation, something that was just outside of a family in their position. He didn't know how she got it, only that it cost his parents to get it. +His mother had somehow found his book though he had hidden it underneath his bed. She must have skimmed over it before she decided to fulfill her version of his fantasy. Galadin first found out when she surprised him with a formal invitation, something that was just above their family's position in society. He didn't know how she got it, only that it must have cost his parents to get it. She gestured for him to continued. @@ -56,11 +60,11 @@ He sighed. "I do want to go," he said lamely knowing it wasn't quite the truth. "You... is that it, you don't want to go now? After everything we've done? This is the best---" -His chest felt tight but he had to speak up. "I... I know, mother. I know what you've both done to get me here." +His chest felt tight but he had to speak up. "I... I know, mother. I know what you've both had to do to get me here." "Then what is it? You'll have a handsome suit, the best outfits. I even have a carriage service arranged. You are going to be stunning and find a beautiful wife." Her voice had softened. "That is what you want, trust me." -It wasn't what he wanted. What he wanted was to feel the dress on his skin, to be surrounded by a loving family going from one place to the other, to have his name announced to society as an elgible debutante. What he wish was that he had been born a girl, not a boy. +It wasn't what he wanted. What he wanted was to feel the dress on his skin, to be surrounded by a loving family going from one place to the other, to have his name announced to society as an eligible debutante. What he wish was that he had been born a girl, not a boy. "No," snapped his mother. She smacked his thigh. @@ -68,7 +72,7 @@ Galadin paled. He didn't realized he said that out loud. Looking down, he saw fu She slapped him. "No son of mine will ever be that!" -It felt like she had kicked him in the testicles. He let out a sob and sat down heavily on the pestatle. "I-I don't know how to explain it. I don't want to be a besire." +It felt like she had kicked him in the testicles. He let out a sob and sat down heavily on the pedestal. "I-I don't know how to explain it. I don't want to be a besire." She stepped back, one hand on her chest and her face paling. @@ -76,7 +80,7 @@ She stepped back, one hand on her chest and her face paling. "Is it just the material? I can have him change it. If you want anything, just tell me. Please?" There were tears in her eyes as she held out her hand. "Please? Just tell me." -Sniffing, Galadin knew that she would do it. A thousand jems would mean nothing if he did what she wanted. But it still wouldn't be what his heart wanted. He thought about his father's words from the night before. If he wanted to be happy, he had to make the choices for his life. Heart pounding and his stomach twisting, he spoke quickly, "I don't want to wear a suit, mother. It doesn't matter how it's made, it's the suit itself." +Sniffing, Galadin knew that she would do it. A thousand jems would mean nothing if he did what she wanted. But it still wouldn't be what his heart wanted. He thought about his father's words from the night before. If he wanted to be happy, he had to make the choices for his life. Heart pounding and his stomach twisting, he spoke quickly, "I don't want to wear a suit, mother. It doesn't matter how it's made, it's the suit itself. It's the role that I don't want." "But... a dress? Why? Why would you do that to me?" @@ -84,6 +88,10 @@ He glanced at the green dress. He worked his mouth while shaking his head. He po "No." Maran shook her head. "No! I will not allow it!" -"You asked." +"I know." -"You don't know what you want!" She grabbed her purse. "Get dressed now, we're leaving before you embarass your entire family!" +She turned for a moment, sniffing. When she looked back, there were tears in her eyes. "Why? What did I do wrong?" + +"Nothing, I... I've always wanted---" + +"You don't know what you want!" She grabbed her purse. "Get dressed now, we're leaving before you embarrass your entire family with your fantasies!" diff --git a/chapters/chapter-05.md b/chapters/chapter-05.md index 732a91a..ef9d000 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-05.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-05.md @@ -1,40 +1,46 @@ --- -title: lkj +title: Plans +summary: > + Enraged by his desire to be a woman, Galadin's mother storms home to blame his father. However, the curious mage sees it as a different problem to be solved. --- +> Maril took the charge of the hunt. His cries lead the other besires in the most glorious of hunts, none of them wiser to the womanhood inside his breeches. --- *The Lady's Consort* + Galadin's mother stormed into the house, slamming the door as she entered. The magical lock sparked as the door swung back. "Damn you, Stanton! This is all your fault!" -He winched and continued after her. He felt sick to his stomach and his eyes burned with tears. He didn't mean to tell her that he wanted to wear a dress to the ball, but he didn't expect the fury that followed. +He winched and continued after her. He felt sick to his stomach and his eyes burned with tears. He didn't mean to tell her that he wanted to wear a dress to the ball, but a part of him was glad that it had finally been brought into the open. His mother's fury, on the other hand, was exactly what he feared. -The carriage ride back home could have been through a frozen wasteland. She had said nothing. When he tried to speak, she had silenced him with a glare. +The carriage ride back home could have been through a frozen wasteland. She had said nothing. When he tried to speak, she had silenced him with a glare or a hiss. -Inside, his father looked up from his working desk in the living room. He still wore his normal suit and tie, even when he remained at home for the day. He seemed unpreturmed by his wife standing in front of him. +Inside, his father looked up from his working desk in the living room. He still wore his normal suit and tie, even when he remained at home for the day. He seemed unperturbed by his wife stomping in front of him. "I told you! I told you that would happen if he was near that... that... Benard! That monster turned my baby into a sissy!" She raised her hand to strike him. -Stanon looked up at her palm, his face impassive. +Stanton looked up at her palm, his face impassive. Maran swung her hand. -He leaned into the strike. +To Galadin's surprise, his father leaned into the strike. Her palm caught his cheek. The crack of flesh on flesh caused Galadin to flinch. -Stanton looked at her. "Feel better?" +Silence. -"No, I don't!" she screamed. "I hate it when you do that!" +Then Stanton looked up at her. "Feel better?" he said as if he was tucking her into the couch. -"Then hit me again." +"No, I don't!" she screamed. Her hand lifted to strike again but didn't come down. "I hate it when you do that!" -She sank to her knees. "I can't," she sobbed. +"Then hit me again." He winked at her. "Harder this time." + +She sank to her knees. "I can't," she sobbed. "You know that." His father slid out of his chair and joined her on the floor. He pulled her into a tight hug. -She pressed her cheek against his shoulder and sobbed. "My baby." +She pressed her cheek against his shoulder and sobbed. "My baby. What is wrong with my baby?" -Galadin inched into the room. There were tears in his eyes. He knew that she was in pain, but he couldn't tell her he would be the man she wanted. He couldn't. It felt like a dam had burst and he had a chance. He caught his father's gaze. "I'm sorry, father." +Galadin inched into the room. There were tears in his eyes. Guilt hummed inside him, guilt that there was something wrong and regret that he wanted something he couldn't have. He knew that she was in pain, but he couldn't tell her he would be the man she wanted. He couldn't. It felt like a dam had burst and he had a chance. He caught his father's gaze. "I'm sorry, father." -Stanton shook his head. "For what?" +Stanton gave him an impassive look, one of innocent confusion that he wore when fighting. "For what?" He wanted to say he would go back to the tailor to get the suit fitted but he couldn't. It felt like a horrible lie, as if he had to shove is true self back into a box just to make his mother happy. He sniffed and shook his head. "I... I can't. I want---" @@ -42,7 +48,7 @@ He wanted to say he would go back to the tailor to get the suit fitted but he co "What?" -"You are who you are. You haven't magically changed from a week ago. Every change that you have gone as gradually happened, day by day, year by year." +"You are who you are. You haven't magically changed from a week ago. You are the same person who had dinner with us a year ago. Your realization of your needs has simply grown, day by day, year by year." Galadin stared at his dad in shock. @@ -60,11 +66,15 @@ Stanton kissed the top of her head. "I'm always paying attention, you know that. Galadin gasped. Blindly, he reached out for a chair. When he caught it, he found his legs wouldn't move. -"Well, how far do you want to go? Have you figured out you like men? Or that you prefer to wear dresses?" +"Have you figured out you like men? Or that you prefer to wear dresses?" -The world spun aroudn Galadin again. He tried to sit in the chair but missed. His hip caught on the wooden arm before he sat heavily on the ground. "You knew?" +The world spun around Galadin again. He tried to sit in the chair but missed. His hip caught on the wooden arm before he sat heavily on the ground. "You knew?" -Stanton shrugged. "You can't force someone to be someone else. You also can't force someone to be themselves either. Everyone grows at the rate they need to, no faster, no slower." +Stanton shrugged. "As I said, I'm always paying attention. I also know you can't force someone to be someone else. Wishes, dreams, and actions will never speed up the process either. I didn't think you knowing that I guessed would have helped; either you would have raged against it or threw yourself too fast." + +"Maybe I would have not felt like a monster," whispered Galadin. + +His father's face cracked, a sadness crossing over it. "I did not consider that." His mother sobbed. "No, no. I can't do this." @@ -74,23 +84,31 @@ She looked up at him, tears rolling down her cheeks. "How can you say that? It's "Enough to let him live his own life?" -"N-No. Yes! Damn you!" She punched his arm. +"N-No. Yes! Damn you!" She punched his arm but it was a weak blow. -Stanon shrugged again. "You accept or you fight, those are you only two choices. You already know I accept things, that's who I am and I can't change that." He cupped her chin with his finger. "You accepted what I was when we met so many years." +Stanton shrugged again. "You accept or you fight, those are you only two choices. You already know I struggle with this world and talking to people. That's who I am and I can't change that." He cupped her chin with his finger. "You knew what I was when we met so many years." She let out a choked sob. "You were such a pile of shit when we first married." -"I'll admit, you weren't the most plesant of flowers either. Yet, here we are. Your pile of shit." He wiped the tears from underneath her eyes. +"I'll admit, you weren't the most pleasant of flowers either. Yet, here we are. Your pile of shit." He wiped the tears from underneath her eyes. -"How can I?" +"How can I? How can we pretend he's a girl."" -"Because we're parents, Love." +"Because we're parents, Love. Our child needs this." -Galadin realized that he wasn't part of the conversation, but he was also on the edge of losing his own emotions. He staggered to his feet and inched out of the room, never taking his eyes away from his parents. +"But, he's a boy." -As soon as he could, he spun and race up the stairs. His throat siezed up as a sob of his own threatened to tear out. He shook with the effort. He managed to make his room before he lost it. The cry rose out of his throat, a terrifying mixture of fear and relief. His parent knew what he was going through, the guilt and desires. +His father smiled to his wife. "Let's change that. We can pull favors. My mother might take a bit of convincing after getting the invitation but I'm sure all three of us can convince her. We make a new list, find new instructors, get a dress. A list of things do it?" He smiled broadly. "That is something I'm very good at doing." -He had a chance to be someone else. +She sniffed as the tears rolled down her cheeks. "Just like that?" + +He kissed her on the nose, and then on the brow. "We will move the world for our child, right?" + +Galadin realized that he wasn't part of the conversation, but he was also on the edge of losing his own emotions. His father, though confusing to understood, seemed to have done exactly what he said, he took on the fury of his mother. He staggered to his feet and inched out of the room, never taking his eyes away from his parents. + +As soon as he could, he spun and race up the stairs. His throat seized up as a sob of his own threatened to tear out. He shook with the effort to keep it bottled in. He managed to make his room before he lost it. The cry rose out of his throat, a terrifying mixture of fear and relief. + +He had a chance to be what he wanted. Now that he had it, he wasn't sure if he could go through with it. diff --git a/chapters/chapter-06.md b/chapters/chapter-06.md index 879d62e..b366de6 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-06.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-06.md @@ -1,16 +1,20 @@ --- -title: WIP +title: "Ladies' Fashions" +summary: > + With a new plan in place, Galadin finds himself in front of seamstress willing to make the one thing he craved the most: a dress. It would be the first step in attending the ball as a debutante instead of a suitor. --- +> Tarsan favors the golden locks as a sign of purity. The longer, brighter, and more brilliant, the more desirable. However, poorly manipulated strands can easily bring revile and scandal to even the most exalted of debutantes. --- *Tears of the Rejected Beauty* (Act 1, Scene 5) + Their carriage came to a rattling stop in front of a relatively nondescript storefront with a crowded display area filled with feathered hats, a milliner's. Galadin leaned against the side and peered at the darkened store wondering why they had stopped. -Outside, rain splattered loudly across the carriage, drumming across the wooden roof until it rolled down the glass in crystlaline rivulets. He could see it streaming down the gutter, picking up garbage in a stately procession. +Outside, rain splattered loudly across the carriage, drumming across the wooden roof until it rolled down the glass in crystalline rivulets and splashing to the cobblestones. Below, garbage floated past in a stately procession. -He glanced around the other windows, half afraid they had headed the docks to throw him on a boat as an embarassment. The rest of the surrounding buildings were clothiers, milliners, and shoemakers. It didn't look or smell like the docks. +He glanced around the other windows, half afraid they had headed the docks to throw him on a boat as an embarrassment. The rest of the surrounding buildings were clothiers, milliners, and shoemakers. It didn't look or smell like the docks. He leaned back with a soft sigh of relief. "Are you sure about this?" -Galadin jump at her sudden question. He looked to see his mother sitting primly on her bench. Her straight back revealed her discomfort. She didn't want to be there. +Galadin jump at his mother's sudden question. He looked to see her sitting primly on her bench. Her straight back revealed her discomfort. She didn't want to be there. He turned to her. He knew she wanted him to agree to go back, to pretend to be a man for her sake. It didn't feel like an option anymore, he finally had a chance and his heart ached for the chance. @@ -18,15 +22,15 @@ She glanced at him, her eyes red-rimmed. "Please?" he finally said. -Maran sighed. "If you do this, you can't go back. You can only come to the presentation once, as a woman or yourself. If you come to your senses, you'll have to leave forever." +Maran sighed. "If you do this, you can't go back. You can only come to a presentation once, as a woman or yourself. If you come to your senses, you'll have to leave forever." "Leave?" -"Town," she said sharply. "You will have to leave." +"Town," she said sharply. "You will have to leave. We have to leave." Tears began to burn his eyes. He desperately wanted to do it but he could also feel doubt rising. What if he had made a mistake? Would he ruin everything? He sniffed and wiped his eyes. -"This is the finally chance to---" +"This is the final chance to---" Someone knocked on the door. @@ -36,27 +40,29 @@ Outside, a man with a bowler stood outside. He peered inside. "Maran and Galadin Maran sighed and shot a glare at Galadin before she unlatched the door. "Last chance, don't do this." -The other man opened the door with a bow. "Good evening, I am Kendrick bo Martin. I was sent out to escort you to the lovely Lily bo Martin." +The other man opened the door with a bow. "Good evening, I am Kendrick bo Martin hio Kasin. I was sent out to escort you to the lovely Lily bo Martin." -Beyond him, the sheeting rain suddenly stopped. Galadin looked around in surprise. It continued to rain everywhere including the top of the carriage, only the area around Kendrick was still. +Galadin was surprised, it was rare for someone to leave the Kasin family to join another family and yet still remain within the city. The "bo" indicated that there was something about Kendrick and Lily that made them desirable to both families. + +The rattle of ran suddenly stopped. Galadin looked around the carriage in surprise. It continued to rain everywhere including the top of the carriage, only the area around Kendrick was still. Galadin's mother sighed dramatically. "Come on." She allowed Kendrick to help her out. -When it was his turn, Galadin hestiated. It was tradition to have a man help a woman out of carriages. He held out his hand and then pulled it back, unsure of how to ask. +When it was his turn, Galadin hesitated. It was tradition to have a man help a woman out of carriages. He held out his hand and then pulled it back, unsure of how to ask. -Kendrick smiled and then held out his hand. +Kendrick smiled and kept his hand held out. -Galadin held his breath. When Kendrick winked, he hesitatantly placed his fingertips along the broad palm and let himself be drawn out. The little action brought a thrill coursing through the younger man's veins. It felt good, it felt right. +Galadin held his breath. When Kendrick winked, he hesitatingly placed his fingertips along the broad palm and let himself be drawn out. The little action brought a thrill coursing through the younger man's veins. It felt good, it felt right. -Kendrick favored him with a smile and then lead both of Galadin and his mother down the block to the only store that still had lights on. The front was filled with elegant dresses with matching hats and shoes. They were arrayed in a rainbow of colors, the graduation from yellow to purple was almost perfect. +Kendrick lead both of Galadin and his mother down the block to the only store that still had lights on. The front was filled with elegant dresses with matching hats and shoes. They were arrayed in a rainbow of colors, the graduation from yellow to purple was almost perfect. -> Lily bo Martin's +> Lily bo Martin hio Kasin's > > An Emporium of Fabrics and Colors > -> Comprehensive Coordinator of a Lady's Fashion +> Comprehensive Coordinator of Ladies' Fashions There wasn't a single suit on display. Galadin stared in shock, his mouth opening slowly as he stared at beautiful dresses. He could feel a sob of joy rising up in his throat. @@ -64,45 +70,45 @@ There wasn't a single suit on display. Galadin stared in shock, his mouth openin Galadin ducked his head and went inside. -Two women greeted him. One was slender with small breasts, blonde hair so brilliant it looked white, and a elegance that made Galadin instantly jealous. He could have sworn he was looking at one of the many pictures that hung on the ball walls. She was almost exactly what Galadin fantastized about becoming. +Two women greeted him. One was slender with blonde hair so brilliant it looked white and an elegant dress that made Galadin instantly jealous. He could have sworn he was looking at one of the many pictures that hung on the ball walls. She was almost exactly what Galadin fantasized about becoming. -The second woman was fat and beautiful. Her dress threatened to burst out of her top, the deep valley of her clevage no doubt drawing the attention of any man nearby. Her wide hips swayed with her steps as she came up to Galadin and his mother. "Welcome to Lily's. I'm Mindil da Kasin ne Pavin." +The second woman was fat and just as beautiful. Her dress threatened to burst out of her top, the deep valley of her cleavage no doubt drawing the attention of any man nearby. Her wide hips swayed with her steps as she came up to Galadin and his mother. "Welcome to Lily's. I'm Mindil da Kasin ho Pavin." Maran pulled a face and jerked her attention to the side. "Lily?" Lily, the slender blonde, inclined her head and smiled. "A pleasure to meet you, Maran da Kasin de Kamer." -"Thank you for staying up past your normal hours. If it wasn't a delicate matter, I wouldn't have asked." +"Thank you for staying up past your normal hours. If it wasn't a delicate matter, I wouldn't have asked. I do ask that you exercise discretion in dealing with my son." -Lily glanced at Galadin who flinched. "Your daughter?" +Lily glanced at Galadin who flinched. "You mean your daughter?" -"Yes, he decided he wanted to go as a debutane," she said with a sound of disgust. +"Yes, he decided he wanted to go as a debutante," his mother said with a sound of disgust. Galadin flushed and considered running away. -The smile on Lily's lips didn't move. She gestured to the back room. "Why don't we get you measured. Mindil? Please get the dame a bottle of the '32?" +The smile on Lily's lips didn't move. She gestured to the back room. "Why don't we get you measured. Mindil? Please get the dame a bottle of the Kaber '32? I heard that she enjoys that vintage." -Maran looked surprised at the vingte. A bit of the frown on her lips faded as she let Mindil lead her to the comfortable-looking chairs in the front. +Maran looked surprised. A bit of the frown on her lips faded as she let Mindil lead her to the comfortable-looking chairs in the front. She shot one last look at Galadin before sinking down. Lily gestured for Galadin. "And what would you like to be called?" -"G-Galadin" he answered automatically and then realied she had asked a different question than he expected. "I... I never answered that. Do you think you could call me Glorias?" It was the name he always dreamed of having. +"G-Galadin" he answered automatically and then realized she had asked a different question than he expected. "I... the invitation was for Glorias. My father... helped me pick it." -She didn't seem to hestiate. "Oh, that's a lovely name. Are you planning on going as a girl or a boy dressed as a girl?" +She didn't seem to hesitate, not even a twitch in her smile. "Oh, that's a lovely name. Are you planning on going as a girl or a boy dressed as a girl? There are subtle differences in how I cut your dress." He stopped in shock, stunned by a second question in a row that came easily off her lips. She didn't seem bothered by Galadin's desires at all. -"I'd like to be a girl." +"I want to be a girl." -"That won't be a problem, Beautiful. Do you want me to walk you through everything?" +"That won't be a problem, Beautiful. Since this is new, do you want me to walk you through everything on my side? Your mother has commissioned me to do all of your outfits for the balls." "Please?" -Lily lifted her hand to Galadin's short hair. "Would you like longer hair? I have a stylist friend who can lengthen them and I'll color it to match." +Lily lifted her hand to Galadin's short hair. She stroked her fingertip along his hairline and then down to ear. "Let's start with this. Do you want longer hair?I have a stylist friend who can lengthen them and I'll color it to match. It will high the difference and no one will ever know." Galadin smiled, tears in his eyes. "May I be a blonde? A pretty one." He blushed. "I always wanted to be one." -She reached up and stroked his hair. There was a soft smle on her lips as she moved for a moment. With her other hand, she gestured toward a full lenght mirror. +She reached up and stroked his hair again. A warmth rippled along Galadin's scalp. He didn't know what to do, so he remained still until she gestured to one of many full-length mirrors surrounding the back room. He peered at himself. When he saw a brilliantly gold hair on top of his head, a stark contrast to the dark brown, he let out a choking gasp. "It's beautiful." diff --git a/chapters/chapter-07.md b/chapters/chapter-07.md index 818ea14..c5ce187 100644 --- a/chapters/chapter-07.md +++ b/chapters/chapter-07.md @@ -1,26 +1,36 @@ --- -title: WIP +title: The Dance +summary: > + The big night, the first dance. Galadin is attending as Glorias and it is everything he hoped it would be. In fact, it might be more than he expected. --- -After years of fantasties, Galadin's first presentation ball exceeded everything he had hoped for. For the last hour, his dance card had been filled with one partner after the other. He enjoyed every moment on the floor where is long green dress swirled and flowed along with the others. +> There are countless presentation balls throughout what is known as the Social Season. The early ones are a show while the later ones are were decisions are made, alliances forged, and enemies earned. --- *The Dance of Grace* -He knew that his mother had selected the partner as ones who weren't likely to continue their affections. It was her only sticking point, no one could know his secret. +After years of fantasies, Galadin's first presentation ball exceeded everything he had hoped for. For the last hour, his dance card had been filled with one partner after the other. He enjoyed every moment on the floor where is long green dress swirled and flowed along with the others. He could picture what it looked like from the balcony where two artists rapidly painted scenes to memorialize the event for the dozens of debutantes that attended. -Galadin didn't care. He was dancing as a woman, the one thing he desperately craved. Every time one of the partners would kiss the back of his hand or the sweet words brought an intense rush of excitement. He couldn't stop smiling as he carefully worked his way along the box step, guided by an older man looking for his second spouse. +The brief respite between each number brought a number of other men willing to chat. Somehow, he found a way of speaking without revealing his true nature. It was sad that he couldn't admit he was male but just the rush of wearing a dress and having everyone treat him as a woman brought joy to his heart. -The song ended too soon. +His mother had finally related and helped with his story of being a country middle-born, in town for the presentation. There were hundred of the debutantes coming in from the rural areas, it would be easy to not only fake his past but also mask the minor mistakes he made. -"Thank you, bedame, for the lovely dance." +Of course, after the balls would be a different story. They had conveniently left Glorias's name off the registry at the ball. That made it difficult for anyone to formally request his hand in marriage, not that anyone would. -Galadin curtseyed. "My humble thanks for your company, sire." +Later, there would be some uncomfortable questions asked. He knew that he might be moving to the country house in earnest but for the time being, he was enjoying the luxury of being the woman he dreamed of becoming for so long. -He escored Galadin to the edges of the dance where Maran sat with a circle of friends. He bowed deeply to Galadin's mother. "I bring your daughter safe to your side," he intoned the ritutalistic words before slipping away. From what he said while dancing, he had his name on two more cards before the evening ended. +He knew that his mother had selected the partner as ones who weren't likely to continue their affections: rakes, men who only wanted to touch but not keep beautiful women, and those who already expressed an interest in someone else. It was part of their ploy and one that Galadin couldn't thank her enough for finally accepting it. -Galadin gave his mother a nervous smile. It froze on his face when he saw a strange look on her face, an expresion he had never seen before. +Every time one of the partners would kiss the back of his hand or the sweet words brought an intense rush of excitement. He couldn't stop smiling every time his heels danced across the floor. -"Glorias!" It was the seamstress with three others. Lily wore a brillaint dress that looked like a thousand feathers, each one the procribed green of the dance yet somehow different each panel looked like a different color. +"Thank you, Bedame, for the lovely dance," said the older gentleman looking for a second spouse. -On one side, Kendrick walked next to her with her fingertips resting on his elbow. On the other, a man she didn't recognaize held Mindil's hand. The second man looked slender compared to his wife but it was obvious they were in sync with the way all four of them stepped in harmony. +Galadin curtsied. "My humble thanks for your company, Sire." + +He escorted Galadin to the edges of the dance where Maran sat with a circle of friends. He bowed deeply to Galadin's mother. "I bring your daughter safe to your side," he intoned the ritualistic words before slipping away. From what he said while dancing, he had his name on two more cards before the evening ended. + +Galadin gave his mother a nervous smile. It froze on his face when he saw a strange look on her face, an expression he had never seen before. + +"Glorias!" It was the seamstress with three others. Lily wore a brilliant dress that looked like a thousand feathers, each one the proscribed green of the dance yet somehow made each panel appear to be a different color. Her ability to color anything had stunned both Galadin and his mother. + +On one side, Kendrick walked next to her with her fingertips resting on his elbow. On the other, a man she didn't recognize held Mindil's hand. The second man looked slender compared to his wife but it was obvious they were in sync by the way their feet stepped in harmony. Lily pulled Galadin into a hug that wouldn't risk marring either of their makeup. "You look beautiful, my dear." @@ -32,19 +42,19 @@ Lily pulled Galadin into a hug that wouldn't risk marring either of their makeup A sob startled her. He looked over to see tears on his mother's face. She was smiling as she held a piece of silk to her lips. "Mother?" -"You are so beautiful," she said through the tears. +"You are so beautiful," she said through the tears. Behind her, a few of her friends nodded with tears in their own eyes. The world spun around Galadin as he looked at his mother. "Really?" -"Y-Yes!" She staggred up out of her chair. Stepping around the table, she grabbed Glroious. "My baby." +"Y-Yes!" She staggered up out of her chair. Stepping around the table, she grabbed Galadin. "My baby." -Galadin let out a gasp and then hugged his mother. He could feel her crying, the soft sobs shaking her body as they held each other tightly. "Thank you. Thank you so very much." +Galadin let out a gasp and then hugged his mother back. He could feel her crying, the soft sobs shaking her body as they held each other tightly. "Thank you. Thank you so very much." His mother kissed him sweetly. "You are so beautiful." Lily and her friends excused themselves and left mother and son behind. After a few minutes, the two broke their embrace and sat down at the table. -Galadin glanced at his dance card. There were two more lines for the final two dances but both where empty. He was disappointed but at the same time happy that the three other lines were filled in. For someone who had presented himself as a woman only a few weeks ago, the fact that three found him appealing brought a smile. +Galadin glanced at his dance card. There were two more lines for the final two dances but both were empty. He was disappointed but at the same time happy that the three other lines had been filled in. For someone who had presented himself as a woman only a few weeks ago, the fact that three found him appealing brought a smile. "Do you want to stay?" @@ -58,41 +68,41 @@ He smiled to himself and then carefully dabbed the tears from his eyes. "This is "Can I?" -"Aren't you already thinking of yourself as a debutane?" +"Aren't you already thinking of yourself as a debutante?" -Galadin hesitated. As much as he loved wearing the dress, he still thought of himself as a male. It wasn't quite a full transition, but he could see the possiblity. It felt like walking out into the sunlight for the first time. +Galadin hesitated. As much as he loved wearing the dress, he still thought of himself as a male. He still thought of himself as Galadin, not Glorias. It wasn't quite a full transition, but he could see the possibility that his mind and role would change for good. It felt like walking out into the sunlight for the first time. -"You can, if you want. I'll help." +"You can, if you want. I'll help. Your father will too, he always does." "Really?" -She nodded with fresh tears glistening in her eyes. "Yes, I promise." She chuckled. "Your father was right, I knew this day was coming for years. It just... took me a while to realize it." +She nodded with fresh tears glistening in her eyes. "Yes, I promise." She chuckled. "I knew this day was coming for years. It just... took me a while to realize that I shouldn't stop it. Your father was right, just don't tell him that." Galadin started to say something but someone's presence interrupted him. "Excuse me." It was Benard. The Navy officer was dressed in a sharp black suit. He stood next to both of them. -Galadin's heart beat faster as he looked. +Galadin's heart beat faster as he looked at the broad-shouldered man who stood with one hand held out. He had cleaned up since Galadin had last seen him. -"I wasn't aware that you had a beautiful daughter coming to this affair, Maran da Kasin ne Kamer." He bowed deeply. "I would be honored if I may have her hand for a dance." +"I wasn't aware that you had a beautiful daughter coming to this affair, Maran da Kasin ho Kamer." He bowed deeply. "I would be honored if I may have her hand for this dance." -Galadin whimpered, his face growing flushed as he stared up. +Galadin whimpered, his face growing flushed as he stared up. He desperately wanted to say yes, the memory of them touching during dance lessons still bright in his thoughts. The easy way he spoke and moved, the firmness that they held hands while dancing, it was another thing he hoped to finally have. "Glorias?" asked his mother. -Galadin didn't know if Benard knew who he was asking about. He almost said no, but then he remembered the electric touch when they touched during their lessons. "I... yes," he whispered. +Galadin didn't know if Benard knew that Galadin and Glorias were the same. He almost said no, but he couldn't pull his thoughts from the smell of his cologne and the electric touch between them. "I... yes," he whispered. Benard bowed again and held out his hand. The song was about to start. -When he took Galadin's hand, an electrici touch coursed through Galadin's body. He felt exposed and bared, every part of his nerves on fire with anticipation. +When he took Galadin's hand, heated sparks coursed through Galadin's body. He felt exposed and bared, every part of his nerves burning with anticipation. Benard guided him to the floor, turned around, and then slipped his hand around Galadin's waist. It was firm and strong. With weak knees, Galadin turned into the first position. -"What do you think about these dances?" +"What do you think about these dances? They are simple enough." -Galadin laughed nervously. "I haven't had enough less---" +Galadin laughed nervously. "I haven't had enough lesson---" With a start, he clamped his mouth shut. He didn't want to reveal that he already knew Benard as a different person. His heart pounded in his chest as the music swelled up. @@ -100,22 +110,32 @@ With a start, he clamped his mouth shut. He didn't want to reveal that he alread Galadin's stomach clenched. He knew exactly what Benard wanted. It couldn't be found on the dance floor. -The dance brought them in a circle. Galadin's dress swirled out in perfect harmony with the other dancers. He felt like he was in one of the paintings that he admired for years. It brought tears as he felt more complete than ever. +The music brought them in a circle. Galadin's dress swirled out in perfect harmony with the other dancers. He felt like he was in one of the paintings that he admired for years. It brought tears with the feeling of being complete. -Too soon, the music slowed and came to a stop. When a ripple of applause filled the room, the dancers began to drift away. +Too soon, the music slowed and came to a stop. When a ripple of applause filled the room, the dancers began to drift back to their tables. -Galadin didn't want to leave. He looked into Benard's eyes, wondering if there could ever be anything between the two of them. New fantasties rushed through his mind, setting his skin on fire and quickening his heart. +Galadin didn't want to leave. He looked into Benard's eyes, wondering if there could ever be anything between the two of them. New fantasies rushed through his mind, setting his skin on fire and quickening his heart. "I don't want to leave," Benard said quietly. +"Do we have to?" + +"No," his partner said. "You never have to leave." + +Galadin's heart skipped another beat. + The musicians started up a quieter dance for the intermission between the formal ones. Normally it just filled in the silence but this time, Galadin wanted to keep dancing. -Benard ran his hand along Galadin's arm bfore clasping their hands together. +Benard ran his fingertips starting from Galadin's elbow to his wrist. "Now, do you remember the Fox step from Dame Dorin's class? You were very good at it but I seem to recall you were in the lead at the time." -Galadin's breath locked in his throat. He trembled as he looked up. +Galadin shivered with fright and excitement. -"I know we took turns before, but may I lead this dance?" +Benard gently turned Galadin's wrist until it was Benard taking the lead. -With a happy sob, Galadin nodded. "Yes." +Galadin's breath locked in his throat. He trembled as he looked up into Benard's warm eyes. -"Good, because I would be honored to fill your dance card for the rest of the evening, Bedame Glorias dea Kasin." +"May I lead this dance?" + +With a happy smile blurred by happy tears, Galadin nodded. "Yes." + +"Good, because I couldn't wait to ask for your hand tonight. I would be honored to fill your dance card for the rest of the evening, Bedame Glorias kia Kasin." diff --git a/language.json b/language.json index 3d0aec4..d632f2f 100644 --- a/language.json +++ b/language.json @@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ "Dorin's", "Galadin", "Galadin's", + "Glorias", + "Glorias's", "Glorin", "Kalir", "Kalir's", @@ -15,6 +17,8 @@ "Kasins", "Maran", "Maran's", + "Mindil", + "Mindil's", "Missun", "Missun's", "Moonfire", @@ -24,8 +28,11 @@ "Talin", "Tarsan", "Tifin", + "besire", "besires", "da", - "de" + "de", + "jems", + "sigils" ] } \ No newline at end of file