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@jared-williams   Making Isaias dance is a great idea! 😂

What the stupid flopping fish was that?! Jade closed her eyes and reminded herself that these people could be from anywhere. Who knew what was normal in their worlds?

”Let’s go through the five basic foot positions,” said Jade. “Watch. First position, plié. Second, plié. Third, plié.” She looked up and restrained a grin at Abirami’s expression. “Fourth, plié. Fifth, plié. Now practice.” Mmwhahaha!

She stared at him until he started carefully placing his feet before attempting a plié. Someone tapped her shoulder, and she turned around to find herself face to face with Isaias.

”Hi!” he said.

”No mushrooms, eh?” Jade smirked.

”No. Ophelia told me about the dance you’re doing for the little girl. Can I help? I don’t know ballet, but I can dance. Most people in the Haven can, ya know, even if they’re not as good as you. Miriam’s been helping me prepare for the Day of Destiny.” Here he stopped. “I hate that holiday.”

”Me too.” Jade sighed. Another dancer would make things nice and even…and he said: even if they’re not as good as you. “Fine. You can help if you really want to.”

”You betcha!” Isaias grinned. “Do I do that, too?” He gestured toward Abirami, who was struggling into a plié.

”Yes, but smoother if you can.” Jade managed to not laugh.

While she practiced the positions herself, she considered the possibilities for the dance. Abirami and Isaias, who’d worked on a farm his whole life, were both strong enough for lifts, but careful and graceful? Isaias maybe was, but Abirami? Jade remembered the crazy things that others said Abirami did during the bug fiasco. Perhaps he could handle this.

”Let’s see,” she muttered. “Start with Ophelia and me in the middle, and Isaias and Abirami each a leap-length away. Then leap sideways, lift and spin, set down facing Ku… Jump and spin in midair back to the middle, and the boys could… How long should this take?”

She physically tested the dance that was in her mind’s eye. As always, joy thrilled through her every limb. Floating on the air like a snowflake with the good fortune to land outside the Haven, she was her own music. Her entire being knew she was made for this. One foot on floor, spring up, fly and twist and spin, land on one foot again. Pride drained away, and joy filled her until she was only aware of her need and ability to fly.

That’s why she never noticed Isaias as he smiled at her because she looked so happy while she danced.