Completed Dancing With Spirits

[Savacea Jovellana]

19th, Summer 515 AV
Dancing With Spirits


Savacea strolled down the main path of the peak, glancing around trying to become accustomed to her surroundings here on Black Rock. She saw different doors here and there, but then one stood out, literally. The doors were open to the place in the wall, and it perked the curious side of the Symenestra. She walked through the doors and was shocked to find it was a dance studio. At least she thought it was one, it seemed abandoned and forgotten now which made her slightly sad, she loved dancing and realized she had no time for it as of late. She still carried her mother's swath of silk for Aerial Dancing where ever she went. Savacea was told of how her mother was a master at Aerial Dancing, defying gravity with a graceful demeanor not obtained by many, that would shock the crowd and leave the awe struck. With that knowledge she tried out dancing herself, but was never able to complete her lessons since she left Kalinor before she could do so.

Glancing around her and taking in the place, she noted that the mirrors on the wall were tarnished, some having cracks, other's busted almost completely out. She could not stop the breaking of her heart at that sight, a dance studio should never fall under such conditions. The walls were dusty with cobwebs up in the corners, as well as it seemed spider webs as one dangled above its web like a little Aerial Dancer itself making the Symenestra smile.

The investigation of the dance studio came to a halt how ever as a ghostly woman came into view, she was rather quite beautiful as she swirled around the dance studio, leaping into the air and landing like that of a graceful butterfly on top of a flower. She seemed to be in a good mood as she moved her arms and hips to a inner music, gliding across the dance floor in a fashion that was shocking. The ghost appeared to be enjoying herself and was one of the best dancer's Savacea had seen in awhile. Savacea cleared her throat, [/color]"Excuse me?" She called out in a strong voice, not wanting to disturb but she was curious about lessons and wanted to get her attention.

The ghostly beauty stopped and turned to look at Savacea. She looked her from head to foot with a small smile, How can I help you lovely? Her eerie voice coming out in a soft and femine way. Savacea stared at her for a moment then replied, "I was hoping to take some Dance Lessons, is the owner around?" she inquired curiously, stepping closer to the woman.

I am the owner, my name is Illistrid, though you can just call me Strid if it is best for you. I can offer you a seasons worth of lessons for thirty-three Ashls, would that be good for you? It was already a little into the Summer Season, though not too far so Savacea nodded her head and Strid leaped into the air with joy. It did not look like many people danced her, so the ghost woman appeared to be excited that someone was finally interested in lessons.OOC-33 Ashls

We shall start right away, get to stretching my dear! I will be right back! Strid said full of joy, as she floated away.

[Savacea Jovellana]

Lesson 1: Stretches

Basic Stretches :

Savacea did as she was instructed and sat on the rather dusty floor. She spread her legs out, leaning her body to her left and reaching for the tip of her toes on her left foot, then doing it to the other side. Bringing her right foot into her, until the heel was pressed against her loin, stretching out her left leg with the foot up. She then reached out, placing both hands palm down on the sole of her left foot. She switched the legs and proceeded to do the same with the other leg.

She resumed the same position, with her right foot in, her left leg out, laying her arm beside the left leg, taking her other arm and curving it into a C shape and leaning over, then switched sides and did the same for that side. She could feel her muscles stretching out by doing this, a little soreness appeared inside her legs but she knew that her flexibility would be better for it.

She resumed the same position once more, except this time she stretched the left leg out at the hip, leaning over until her head touched the floor, resting on the dusty surface with her arms stretched out in front of her on the floor. She stayed there for a few breaths, then switched sides. A small sweat formed on her brow from the simple stretches she was doing, she took the back her hand to wipe it off as she raised herself up from that position her palms on the floor and arching her back slightly.

This caused some pain in her legs, but nothing overbearing, as she switched sides to perform the stretch again. Falling back into position, she grabbed her left foot's toes, bringing it up towards her rib cage, it was a uncomfortable position that made her muscles ache slightly, and she could not bring her foot as far as she was supposed to, she shrugged it off and proceeded to the other side and repeating the process. Lastly she spread her legs wide again, both stretched out at her sides, bringing her head to the floor as the muscles stretched and were ready for use.

Strid floated back into view, giving Savacea a dull smile and nodded her head,[/color] Right now that the easy part is done, we shall move on to something a little more difficult, Acrobatics. Savacea smiled and nodded to her teacher, she had a basic understanding of Acrobatics, but noting spectacular, but she was ready to learn some more. She lifted herself up from the floor, feeling more flexible and limber from the stretches she had just done, ready to tackle on the next part of the lesson.

[Savacea Jovellana]

Lesson 2: Acrobatics

Basic Couple Acro :

She brushed herself off, as a man walked through the door, she glanced at him and he was attractive enough with a dancer's strong build she nodded in greeting to the man and he gave a wide grin. Strid came over and said hello to the strange man who walked in,[/color] This is Rick he will be assisting you in this acrobatic moves, they are probably not what you are used to, but it helps with balance..uhmm.. oh! What is your name?

She blinked and did not understand the reason behind needing a partner though in dance there was a lot of need for them she supposed, "Savacea." The Symenestra answered, she wasn't one too show a lot of emotion on her face, but through dance it all came out it seemed.

Strid instructed them to get on the floor, so her and this Rick did so. She then had Rick lay on his back, he laid down and Savacea glanced over just for a second to admire his muscles then brought her attention back to Strid who gave a knowing smile, Savacea would of blushed if she were the type to get embarrassed by such things but she was not. With Rick laying on the floor, Strid adjusted him slightly then beckoned Savacea over. Admitedly she was worried at the woman's intentions, Rick bend your knees, there we go. Now Savacea come over, turn your back to his head, place your hands on his knees. Savacea did as she was instructed though it felt odd to have someone at her rear, placing her hands at his knees Strid continued, Now, here comes the tricky part. Rick bring your hands down, there you go make a cusp with both hands, exactly. Now Savacea put your left foot in his hands. Savacea frowned at Strid but she did not seem to want to hear any arguments about it, so she sighed and placed her left foot in Rick's hand.

Good job, now Rick is going to lift you on the count of three, stretch your right leg high as you can into the air, keep your hands on his knees to help support and balance your body. Ready, one, two, and three!

As she said three, she was instantly lifted into the air as if she were a child, no trouble at all for the man below her. She wobbled a bit as she stretched her right leg out, she was frightened she was going to fall over, but her hands grabbed his knees supporting her weight as she balanced herself being lifted in the air by him. They held the stance for three minutes and Strid instructed for Rick to bring her down, he did so and Savacea stood in the same starting stance as before waiting for the next move.

Alright that was a easy one, this one is going to be a little more difficult, face him Savacea and holds hands.

Savacea balked at that but did as Strid said, the man below her winked and she gave him a cold glare sticking her tongue out at him, as she placed her dainty hands in his larger ones.

Now Rick bring your legs around, Savacea you will be putting your hips on his feet, then he will be lifting you up. Get your balance by holding his hands as he stretches his arms out, then I will instruct you further on this stance.

Savacea sighed a bit in frustration, as she leveled her hips below his crouched feet, leaning against him slightly. He lifted her into the air, giving her a smirk as he did so. She rolled her eyes, as she balanced her body on his feet, moving a little to the left to secure it, she looked up at Strid.

Lovely, now Savacea I want you to extend your left leg at an angle pointed down at the floor, with your right leg you will grab it with one hand, while still holding onto Rick's hand with your other, you have to hold your balance for three minutes.

Savacea inhaled a deep breath, letting go of one of his hands, she reached for her right foot bringing her leg into an arch, extending her left leg her foot arched and pointed at the floor. Rick held her one hand with both hands as she wobbled in the position, Strid yelled for her to hold, and she clenched her core to hold it. Though she wobbled at the two and a half minute mark, Rick easily adjusting and bringing her down before she could fall. Savacea exhaled slowly, telling Rick thank you and he gave her a wink.

Strid came over tsking, Again, hold for three minutes! She said sternly, and so they repeated the stance. It took Rick and Savacea three tries before she could balance herself better to hold it for three minutes, as it was not a long time to hold the stance, but it was just something she was not used to doing.

Finally, now keep that position and hold Rick's hands again, this will be the final one so pay attention please. Strid quipped and she held his hands, He will be lifting you up by your hips again, but this time you will stretch your body out in a straight line, both hands in the air no holding for balance this time lovely. Savacea sighed and was lifted up into the air.

She did not release Rick's hands, honestly she did not trust the man as he was a stranger, usually partners were those you trusted. She thought for a moment and realized there wasn't anyone she really trusted anyways, she moved her hips slightly to adjust the weight, letting go of one hand, adjusting her weight as she did so then finally releasing his other hand. She went to stretch her body out, but fell and Rick caught her hands with his so she could balance again. Savacea tried this five times before, she finally adjusted her weight correctly, and when she stretched her body out into a line Strid told her to hold it for a few minutes and floated away. She held it there as Rick looked up, looking as if he was going to speak but thought better of it as Savacea was concentrating rather hard to keep her poistion.

Strid finally came back and clapped her hands, Alright that is enough. Rick you may leave we no longer need your assistance, thank you dear. Rick gave a short bow, winking at Savacea and strolling out of the dance studio. She rolled her eyes then turned to Strid, Now we will be learning more Acrobatic moves with out the assistance with a partner, are you ready? Need some water? Need a break? She asked the questions rather rushed and Savacea smiled.

"I am ready Strid thank you, I am okay for now. Perhaps I will need a drink of water after this next round though." Strid nodded as Savacea stretched her body to prepare for the next lesson.

[Savacea Jovellana]

Lesson 3: Acrobatics

Basic Acro :

Alright the first one we will do is a Cartwheel, it is very basic and I am sure you already know it but it is good to do things over, staying in practice is key! Strid then did a cartwheel in slow motion, Savacea nodded her head and smiled following suit. Hers how ever was not as graceful as she was out of practice from doing it. So she inhaled a deep breath, put her hands in the air, tilted over wheeling over with her legs straight and softly ending the cart wheel. Strid smiled, Good, good, at least you are not like some who have no knowledge of Acrobatics. Wonderful, then we will move on to bigger and better things my lovely! Strid said excitedly.

Savacea grinned hungry for more, as Strid did an Acrobatic position that seemed easy and elegant. Which of course coming from her, everything seem effortless. She was not sure if it was because she was a Ghost or if it was from all the years she spent Dancing.

Savacea laid on her stomach on the floor as Strid had done, leaning her legs up but they would not go up. Strid came over supporting her legs, I will do it this time for you so you can get the feel of it with your body and muscles, to know what you need to feel to do it. She instructed as she took Savacea's legs, leaning them up and making one bend at the knee. The bent leg she placed the foot on top of Savacea's head, with the other leg she extended it out, telling her to point her toes and she did so. The muscles straining slightly in her back and legs, making her neck cramp slightly.

Okay now that you know what it feels like, you can do it yourself. She said faintly, leaving Savacea do practice it on her own, but staying close by in case she needed help.

Savacea attempted the move herself, raising her legs up in the air behind her multiple times, before finally she got them both on her head. But as she extended her leg, she would fall out of the pose. She repeated it over and over again, until she found her balance and successfully completed to Acrobatic move. She did not realize how much flexibility was involved in dancing, and was definitely getting her work out, plus stamina was involved as well. She felt wonderful from the work out though, the sweat beading on her body and rolling off of it was a reward in her eyes, for her hard work that she put into pleasing the teacher.

Finally, it took you long enough. The next one is even harder so pay attention! Strid said in a stern tone, as she took the stance and position. Just like before it looked so elegant and easy, she was getting irritated at how easy she made it all look, but she supposed that was why she was the teacher.

She placed her arms in front of her, the sides of the underside pressed up against the floor, lifting her body weight up as she did before but fell out of it. Her muscles were beginning to get tired from all this Acrobatic moves. Her stamina was starting to wane too, the thirst for water great now. She felt like giving up, but decided it was best to keep at this one move first before doing so.

She resumed her position with her arms, lifting her legs into the air, she grasped her foot with her hands and quickly bent her other at the knee. Wobbling slightly, Strid came over holding her still until she found her balance. Once she found her balance she held her move for a few minutes before her muscles gave out and she went out of the pose.

Good, Good. Now you can stand up, there is water for you over there at the table. Get a drink and come right back. Savacea nodded too tired and out of breath to speak at the moment. She grabbed the cup and took a sip of it, her breath coming out and in quicker then when she started. She inhaled and exhaled deeply to control her breathing and calm her racing heart. Savacea relished the water, taking her time to drink it, after about ten minutes she was finished with it. Wiping at her face she came back over to Strid.

Alright now that you have rested a little the next move I will spot you in. After saying this she did a back hand stand smoothly and quickly, raising her arms in the air with a smile.

Savacea smiled back, "Alright, I will do my best." She said on a sigh, as she took the position. Strid stood beside her with her arms out, ready to spot her on the move. Savacea held her arms out, then leaned down forcing her body over, Strid coming in to spot and helping her to complete the back handstand. Strid and her repeated the move a few times before she was ready to do it with out any help.

Savacea looked over, Strid still standing there in case she needed assistance, as she inhaled deeply and exhaled. She raised her arms in the air, flinging herself backwards her hands connected with the floor, then her legs came sloppily over her head.

Try to be more graceful with it, again! Strid instructed and Savacea sighed repeating it, though it was still a sloppy mess. This went on for ten minutes, until her arms were so tired and aching. She dug in for the determination to get her through, as she tried again. This time it was a bit more graceful but not matching Strids.

Much better dear! Still needs work, but can't expect one to be perfect the first time. She said wistfully, Savacea nodded in agreement, she would have to continue working on these moves to become more fluid and graceful with thim. Alright, the last move I will teach you today is this.. Strid trailed off as she ran and did a scissor split in the air and landed with out a sound on the ground. It was exquisite and beautiful. Her long legs were so elegant, Savacea was not sure she could ever match such grace.

Savacea ran kicking her legs out, but they did not extend out far enough, and landed with a loud thud. She sighed, repeating the move over and over again. Savacea ran again, kicking her legs out, that went further but not far enough, and her landing was still not soundless. But it was better then what it was, it was just another thing that had to be worked on further. It would take time and days before she could do any better.

Alright, I think that is all your body can take for one day. You need to build up your stamina and flexiblitiy a little bit more. Try running ever now and then, do stretches, and practice the splits to help yourself a little more with the moves. The next time you came we will breifly go over today's lesson to see if you are indeed practicing on them still, then we will learn some dance moves. Speaking of, what type of dance do you prefer?

"Aerial dancing maam." Savacea replied in a short manner as she was out of breath from the activities of the day. Strid nodded, I will see what I can do, until next time lovely, you did a good job today. Remember practice, practice, practice! She said, then floated away.

Savacea sighed as she turned to leave. Her whole body ached in places she never even thought would be aching. Her muscles felt strained and tired, and she looked down noticing a few bruises on her arms. She was going to be so sore the next day, Strid was a great teacher though she was stern and liked her students to figure things out for themselves, although she was always there for assistance when ever they needed it. She liked that about her, she just did not like how her body was feeling though.

[Dravite]

Savacea Jovellana

XP Award:

• Observation: 3
• Investigation: 1
• Socialisation: 3
• Dancing: 1
• Acrobatics: 2
• Bodybuilding: 1
• Endurance: 2

Lore:

• Illistrid: The ghost dancer
• Dancing: Begin with stretches
• Dancing: Basic stretches
• Rick: The dancer
• Acrobatics: Basic lifts
• Logic: Dancing partners should always be trustworthy
• Acrobatics: A basic cartwheel
• Illistrid: A pushy teacher
• Acrobatics: Stamina is important

Penalties:
-33 Ashl

Loot:
A seasons worth of dance classes

Notes: Good stuff, enjoy the rewards. Let me know if you think I have missed anything here and be sure to edit your grading request!

.
.
.