feat: drafted chapters one through three, working on four

README.md

@@ -1,4 +1,31 @@
 If I Lead This Dance by D. Moonfire
-=================================
+===================================
 
 This is the repository for *If I Lead This Dance* by D. Moonfire.
+
+# Characters
+
+- Galadin (Glorin)
+  - 18 years old
+  - Brown hair, somewhat unruly, loose curls
+- Benard
+  - Love interest
+  - 22 years old
+  - A disgrace to the family because he's openly gay
+  - Was forced into the navy to get him away from everyone
+  - Ended up saving a number of ships during a pirate attack
+  - Was given a commission as a reward
+  - Dark brown hair with black roots
+  - Brown eyes
+- Kalir
+  - Benard's younger brother
+  - 17 years old
+  - Doesn't like his brother
+  - Good friends with Galadin
+- Maran da Kasin de Kamer
+  - Galadin's mother
+- Penelop de Kasin da Rach
+  - Maran's mother
+- Missun
+  - One of the girls at the dance class
+- Storan

chapters/chapter-01.md

@@ -1,5 +1,69 @@
 ---
-title: Your First Chapter
+title: Measured
 ---
 
-This is the first chapter of *If I Lead This Dance*.
+Galadin sat on the uncomfortable seat of the tailor's front room and stared into the display area for the front windows. Four maniquins with formal black suits filled the area but his interest remained fixed on the one female manique used to contrast the somber suits. The fabric of her dress rustled with the wind breezing through the open door and he loved how the sleeves moved like ocean waves.
+
+He wondered what it would feel like if he wore it. A faint smile crossed his lips as he tried to imagine the layers of light material against his skin. Would it be heavy or light? Would it have the same oppressive restrictions that the black suit that the tailor and his mother preferred.
+
+"Galadin!"
+
+He jumped at his mother's voice. Turning around, he clasped his hands in his lap. "Yes, mother."
+
+"Stop staring like an imbecile and come over here." She gestured curtly to a platform next to her.
+
+The tailor stood next to her, wearing a suit like the ones in the display area but without the jacket. Instead, a pair of cloth measuring tapes draped around his neck like a second tie.
+
+"Sorry," he said.
+
+"Don't say sorry. Men do not say sorry."
+
+"Sorry."
+
+She glared but didn't add anything.
+
+Galadin got up on the platform and stood straight.
+
+"Arms out," the tailor said in a bored tone. He followed with other directions as he measured Galadin from wrist to ankle, inseam and even around the neck. His mvoements were rough, the fingernails digging into Galadin's sensitive ribs as he worked his way down a notebook filled with measurements.
+
+"What will the young Kasin desire?"
+
+"Black," his mother said.
+
+"Of course, there is only one color for a true gentleman. Are you interested in a single-breasted jacket? They are quite popular."
+
+His mother pulled a face. "The Kasins are a proper family with respect for the traditional ways." She straightened her back. "We are not people who follow the fashions of the lazy. My son will not be found dead in those... things."
+
+The tailor didn't even pause. He took more directions from Galadin's mother with grace with Galadin standing patiently with his arms outstretched.
+
+Galadin listened to his mother with only half an ear. His opinions didn't matter but they rarely did. His mother had decided years ago that he needed a wife as soon as he turned eighteen. He knew it was coming but he couldn't find even a small measure of joy at the process of being wrapped in fabric and endless instructions on how "to be a man" for the presentation balls that started every spring.
+
+To distract himself, he gazed around the room but found nothing but somber, strict outfits. The only color, the only bright point, was the green dress in the display area. He smiled to himself and focused on it instead.
+
+Galadin knew that young women had it worse. A presentation was their one and only chance of finding a husband. They were primped, feathered, and trained for years only to be stood in front of eligible besires in hopes of finding a husband.
+
+A group of women crossed in front of the store. It was a cluster of mothers and aunts around a pair of young women wearing cream outfits. They were all laughing as they carried bags from clothing stores, boxes of shoes and hats, and even the remains of a lunch.
+
+They looked happy.
+
+He smiled to himself and tried to imagine himself in the bedame's place. Wearing the cream dress of a debutante seemed far more preferable than his current positoin.
+
+"Are you looking at that dress again?" hissed his mother.
+
+Galadin tore his eyes away guilty and pointedly stared at one of the suits. It was nice, but he couldn't imagine himself wearing it. Whenever he thought about the somber outfits that his mother wanted him to wear, it was as if he was looking at someone in the suit, not him looking out.
+
+"Answer me."
+
+"No, mother."
+
+She glared at him. "Get down, we're done."
+
+Turning to the tailor, she held out her hand.
+
+He kissed it. "Always a pleasure, Maran da Kasin de Kamer."
+
+Maran guided her son out of the store and down the street in a brisk task. "You are always looking at dresses, ever since you were a kid. You need to stop that, you are a young gentleman now."
+
+Galadin followed and said nothing.
+
+"Come on, you are late for your dance lessons."

chapters/chapter-02.md

@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+---
+title: Dance Lessons
+---
+
+Dame Dorin's School of Dance was a small studio on the corner of Apple and Oak. It used to have a reputation of a great dance school but time and scandle had whittled away at its reputation until it was just another old building with too much paint and creaking floor. The lessons were still good and the price enough for Galadin's parents, so for the last month, he had been going once a week to learn the proper footing and hands of the dances at the presentation balls.
+
+His mother stopped at the entrance. She looked up at a nearby clock tower and hissed between her teeth. "I'm late. Go inside and behave."
+
+"Yes, mother."
+
+She gave him a perfunctionary kiss on his cheek before crossing the street.
+
+Galadin watched her until a trio of mechanical vechicles roared down the street, obscuring everything in a cloud of sharp-tasting steam. He turned and headed up the stairs.
+
+"Gal! Wait for me!"
+
+HHe turned as Kalir, one of his friends, bounded up the stairs. He wore a leather jacket with an embossed symbol of the Tarsan Navy. Unlike Galadin, Kalir had a letter of commission as a junior officer. As soon as the summer ended, he would be heading to the naval base a few leagues along the coast for at least ten years of service. Like all officiers, he was expected to bbe married before he gained more than a few ranks. The presenstaion balls wwere the perfect time to find a wife.
+
+"How are you doing? Usually you beat me here."
+
+"Well, I want to claim Missun's hand for practice."
+
+Galadin shrugged. "You can dance with whoever you want."
+
+"But she's the prettiest."
+
+He couldn't explain that he had no interest in either of the girls that took classes at the same time. They were nice and friendly, but everyone was uncomfortable with their futures to be set at the balls, not in a dance hall.
+
+"You can have Talin," Kalir said patted Galadin's shoulder. "She's pretty enough."
+
+Kalir ran his hand through his thick hair and smiled. Galadin could see why both Missun and Talin acted more like a lady around him.
+
+A surge of guilt rose inside Galadin and he looked away. He knew he was supposed to be flirting with the girls. He spent his time watching Talin instead and he knew that wasn't right. When his cheeks began to grow flushed, he cleared his throat to distract himself. "Usually you beat me here" before he realized he had already said that.
+
+"I got distracted and almost forgot to show up." Kalir glanced over his shoulder as a second man started up the stairs.
+
+The newcomer was just over six feet tall, despite hunching over and having his hands buried into a pair of plain functional trousers. He had a deep tan with just a hint of red, someone who had spent much of their days out in the open. He wasn't quite slender nor was he fat, just thick with the flex of muscles with every step he took to join them. He also wore a Navy jacket, though this one also had a First Lieutenant insigna.
+
+Kalir twisted his face and gestured to the door. "Come on, we're late."
+
+The other man chuckled and then gestured for Galadin to go ahead through the narrow door.
+
+Galadin stared at him for a moment, a strange fluttering growing in his stomach. "Um, I'm Galadin."
+
+"Benard, Kalir's older brother."
+
+Kalir glared before storming inside.
+
+Benard grinned. "I'm afraid my younger brother doesn't care for me. Don't take it personally. I think he doesn't want to be seen with me."
+
+"Oh," Galadin said before he headed up the stairs. "Why?"
+
+"Probably the same reason most of my famly hates me: I like men instead of women."
+
+Galadin froze, his world spinning with his fingers only inches from the closing door. Like men? That was an option? Did he really mean like? As in attraction? Or just friendship like his two uncles?
+
+Benard reached around Galadin and pulled open the door. "Here, let me."
+
+Nervous, Galadin look at him. He didn't know what to do to calm his rapidly beating heart. He wanted to ask questions, starting with "why?"
+
+The naval officer inclined his head and then smiled, his lips curling and drawing Galadin's attention. "Don't worry, it isn't contagious."
+
+"No... I... I didn't think... sorry."
+
+Benard gestured again. "Please, don't worry about it. Let's enjoy an afternoon of triping over our feet instead?"
+
+"Okay," Galadin said in a distratcted voice. He felt hot and dizzy. His stomach fluttered as he dwelled over Benard's words. Like men?
+
+Inside the studio, Dame Dorin paced back and forth. "Three? I can't work with three men. Where are the women?"
+
+Kalir looked disappointed. He turned and peered out the window.
+
+Dorin rolled her eyes. "They aren't coming, Besire Kalir. All three of them had a case of... bad food and are too sick to learn how to dance. Damn the Couple, I can't reschedule this."
+
+Benard stepped up next to Galadin. His body heat washed over Galadin, sending little flutters from their closeness. "Then you be a partner."
+
+She narrowed a glare at him. "I know of you."
+
+He shrugged and smiled. "I earned this, Dame. You know that."
+
+She stared at him for a moment. Galadin could see her resolve cracking.
+
+"We can switch leads, its better than nothing. You and I trade places with the boys." He had a smirk that Galadin couldn't tear his eyes away from.
+
+"That is improper."
+
+"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 hosptice."
+
+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 that earned that commission, Besire."
+
+He inclined his head but said nothing.
+
+Galadin frowned as he looked back and forth.
+
+"Not more than a few minutes at a time, I don't want you giving them any foul ideas."
+
+Kalir held up his hands. "I'm not dancing with my brother. I'm not the girl!"
+
+She almost lost her temper. "Fine, you dance with me. You," she pointed at Benard, "start with Galadin and switch roles. I'll give direcitons to all three of you."
+
+Galadin's heart beat faster. He turned to his new partner. His throat felt dry and constricted.
+
+Benard smiled warmly and gave a little bow. His smile was hard to look away from. He seemed more comfortable with himself than anyone Galadin had known, as if he was exactly what he wanted to be.
+
+Galadin felt a little jealousy. He didn't know why he felt wrong all the time.
+
+"Now, the first dance we're going to do the Fox Square. Start with Galadin and Kalir in the lead. Lift your right hand up, palm up...."

chapters/chapter-03.md

@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+---
+title: Decision
+---
+
+Galadin had to concentrate on his dinner for the first time. His mind spun furiously with all the rules of how to hold his fork, where to put his hand, and even where he was allowed to look. There seemed to be exceptions to every rule.
+
+His mother had insisted on a formal dinner arrangement. Galadin could see how she held her utinsils with exagerrated care. He suspected hte last time she ate formally, it was before she married his father. More than once, he saw her reach for the wrong fork only to change her mind and pick up the correct one.
+
+On the other side of the table, his father worked his way through his meal efficiently and without grace. He used the same fork and knife, shoving the rest of them to the side as he stared down at the table in concentration. His other hand moved in gestured that mimicked his magical spells, it must have been a rough day at his job.
+
+"How were the lessons today?" asked his mom.
+
+"Good." He thought about Benard's hand against his own. He could remember how the firm grip guided him from one step to the other, commanding but not demanding. He smiled.
+
+"I heard the Tiffin girls were sick."
+
+"They were. We had to use each other as partners."
+
+His mother's head snapped up. "I don't want you doing that."
+
+"Dame Dorin da Kasin watched over all three of us."
+
+His father stirred and leaned toward Galadin's mother. "I thoguht there were two boys in the class."
+
+His mother glared at him.
+
+"What? I was paying attention," his father said with a wry smile.
+
+"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."
+
+His mother's face paled. "No," she said.
+
+"What?"
+
+"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 commision? Something about saving a fleet from some fire mages? He was granted First Lieutenant on the spot. They've been talking about that for days down at the dock."
+
+"That's besides the point! Your son cannot dance with that man!"
+
+Storan shrugged. His eyes glazed over and he began to trace imginary sigils in the air.
+
+"Storan!"
+
+His father ignored her.
+
+Maran folded her napkin into her lap. "Then I'm going to pull you from those lessons. You are good enough for lessons. We need to get you fitted for a proper top hat next week. Tomorrow, your suit should be done. We will deal with that."
+
+Galadin fought back a wave of disappointement. Benard was the only thing he enjoyed about the day. Everything else reminded him that he was being forced into a role he didn't want. Why did he have to go to the dance? Why did he have to marry?
+
+His mother pointedly look at her husband.
+
+Storan didn't look up from his thoughts.
+
+"You are useless," she announced before leaving the table.
+
+Galadin watched her leave, the edge of her maroon dress catching on the corner before being pulled into the hall. He remembered the touch of the fabric, it was rough but delicate at the same time, like how silk changed when he brushed it one way verses another.
+
+He sighed. Tomorrow would be more of the same. He dreaded getting fitted for the suit as much as the idea of wearing it.
+
+Galadin pushed himself up. "I'm going to bed."
+
+His father grunted and continued to draw in the air.
+
+Dejected, Galadin left the plates for the cook and headed after his mother.
+
+"Gal?" His father's low voice stopped him.
+
+Galadin turned to see him no longer drawing. "Yes, father?"
+
+"You can say 'no,' you know."
+
+"What? Say 'no' to what?" He was confused about his father's words.
+
+"You're becoming a man. No matter what your mother says, you are the one who choses what type of man you'll become."
+
+"I... I don't understand."
+
+His father smiled. "I know. Just remember it. Whatever you choose, no matter what path you take, I will support you. Even against the furies of the storm itself." He winked. "I'm talking about your mother, that is."
+
+That didn't help. Galadin thanked him and then headed to his room.

chapters/chapter-04.md

@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+---
+title: Revelation
+---
+
+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.
+
+The tailor worked quietly. He was almost done. "Only another few minutes, Besire."
+
+His mother smiled. "You look handsome, Gal."
+
+He sighed.
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+Galadin listened to the door creak shut and then latch. He fought the sick feeling in his stomach.
+
+"What's wrong you?"
+
+"I"m here, mother."
+
+"Yes, physically. Your mind is not. Why?"
+
+"I'm here. That's what you want."
+
+"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?"
+
+"What is wrong with you? You've been acting like I'm sending you to prison all week." She shook her head. "No, ever since you decided to go to the presentations."
+
+"You decided."
+
+"You... is that it, you don't want to go? This is the best---"
+
+His chest felt tight but he had to speak up. "I... I want to go, mother."
+
+"Then what is it?  You'll have a handsome suit. You are going to be stunning and find a beautiful wife." Her voice had softened. "That is what you want, trust me."
+
+He didn't know how to answer her. He wanted ot go, he wanted to see the beatiful dresses but the idea of getting married to some woman left him cold. He didn't want to go the ball as a suitor or a besire. He wanted to feel a dress on his body, to have the smile he saw through the window. He wished he was a girl, not a boy.
+
+"No," snapped his mother. She smacked his thigh.
+
+Galadin paled. He didn't realized he said that out loud. Looking down, he saw fury painted on his mother's face. "Mother---"
+
+She slapped him. "No son of mine will ever do 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."
+
+She stepped back, one hand on her chest and her face paling.
+
+"I like the dresses. I want... I think they feel better than this... this... thing." He hefted up the pieces of his suit.
+
+"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."
+
+"But... a dress? Why? Why would you do that to me?"
+
+He glanced at the green dress. He worked his mouth while shaking his head. He pointed to it and then to a debutante walking in front of the glass with her mother. "That's me. That's what I want."
+
+"No." Maran shook her head. "No! I will not allow it!"
+
+"You asked."
+
+"You don't know what you want!" She grabbed her purse. "Get dressed now, we're leaving before you embarass your entire family!"

language.json

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+{
+	"knownWords": [
+		"Benard",
+		"Benard's",
+		"Galadin",
+		"Galadin's",
+		"Glorin",
+		"Kalir",
+		"Kalir's",
+		"Kamer",
+		"Kasin",
+		"Kasins",
+		"Maran",
+		"Maran's",
+		"Moonfire",
+		"Penelop",
+		"Rach",
+		"Tarsan",
+		"da",
+		"de"
+	]
+}