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Jade

Well, wonder of wonders. Who knew people could be surprising, or interesting? And here was seemingly frilly, shallow Ophelia doing a decent job at giving ballet lessons to Abirami of all people.

However, that was not nearly as surprising as Abirami doing well…that is, tolerably.

Jade squealed in shock when he swept her into the air as though she were little more than a piece of paper. Then he spun. A real spin. Had he finally gotten it? Jade spread out her arms and enjoyed the weightlessness, the rushing air, knowing that she, at least, could portray bird-like freedom and grace. Her partner wouldn’t get in the way. He had learned —

And gotten ambitious. Still holding Jade, Abirami stepped out of the spin and jumped. Unprepared for him to attempt this, Jade fell in toward him and wrapped her arms around his neck for balance.

Abirami set her down, and she bent over, trying to get her lungs to breathe again after that surprise.

“Sorry, sorry! So sorry.” Abirami now sat on the floor.

Sorry? Jade couldn’t say anything, but Ophelia did.

“What are you apologizing for? Sure that was a little… rough, but you did great! With a little more practice and… perhaps some more guidance, you’ll have it down!”

About two hours of practice later, Jade said, “That’s as good as we’re going to get with the time we’ve got. Everyone ready?”

Isaias smiled. “You betcha!”

Ophelia smiled, too, but whether it was a nervous one or a real one was hard to tell. She giggled. “I guess so. We need to get a move on, after all.”

Abirami just nodded.

”Great. Then, Abirami, go find Ku and any others who want to come,” said Jade. “And tell them there will be a meal.” And after that, the torture.