3.7 A Dance With Death

Like Mina, Min managed to capture the attention of the entire Grand Courtyard without uttering a single word.

         "Greetings my friends!" And like Mina, her voice was equally powerful, her hair was an even richer red, she had even more sparkling crystals woven throughout her shimmering tresses than her mother. "We brought you some of our finest songs" she continued, gesturing to the band. "We'd like to dedicate them to you as a pledge for peace in the New Empire!"

         A few whistles and cheers sprung from the Lemurian camp, but still the crowds remained frozen, unsure now whether they were to cheer or boo.

         Min could feel the tension rising, the embers had been stirred. She glanced at Neter, he winked, assuring her she wasn't the only one feeling the shift. As she returned her attention to the crowd, she caught a glint from Atalon's telescope out of the corner of her eye. She was tempted to look up but closed her eyes instead, remaining focused on the flickering ember at hand.

         A gust of wind picked up her hair, lifting it around her waist. As the energies stoked her flame, she let out the first few notes of a song then paused.

         A mouse could have scurried through the crowds and be heard.

         Akku lifted his sticks, hit them four times and the band exploded into song. The sound filled the Grand Courtyard with such powerful and harmonious might, amplified by the tall stone walls it was transformational! This time the questions were internal. What was this? The sound was magic, powerful and loud, it was generating all kinds of sensations within, the aribu didn't know how they were supposed to react. Min's voice was like none they had ever heard, from such a small and innocent looking goddess rose such a bold message, daring to sing of freedom and love. The way she danced was like no other dance they had seen! The magical song made them feel like dancing too, were they allowed to? Were they supposed to? Was it okay to like what the Lunies were doing?

         The sound exploding from the stage was astonishing! With great alarm, Eden slipped out of her tent as discreetly as possible. She scanned the courtyard for signs of military backup but there was none assigned to the grounds… What on earth was going on? She glanced up toward the Villa, Atalon was obviously aware of everything going on! Was he doing this on purpose? It made no sense, she began to think for herself. Was this perhaps paid entertainment gone wrong? Was that why Medena was so mad?

         A drum solo brought a group of feathered Fire Dancers spinning into the courtyard from the Lemurian camp, wielding torches of dangerous flames. A chorus of gasps erupted again. The aribu backed away in fear, unsure what to make of the fire wielding wizards in front of them. But as the dancers kept throwing their torches in the air, so cleverly choreographed to the sounds of the song, they began to let their guard down. Smiles slowly broke out, hands subconsciously clapped. One by one their heads started nodding and their toes started tapping to the beat, drawn into the magical pleasure of the beautiful song and dance.

         "Would you like to dance?"

         Eden spun around as the soft words of desire crossed her shoulder, infused with sensual aromas. For a moment her heart stopped. It was the god of Death! Caught off guard by his stealth approach, her heart had already engaged, his seductive tone and aromatic essence was enough to make her lose concentration instantly. She wasn't ready for his intimidating moves, his seduction, she hadn't had a chance to study him. The first thing she lost control of was her sight. Conscious of her eyes travelling down his chest, unbridled, she was unable to help herself. Beneath his platinum proscenium, his body was tanned and toned, embellished with beautiful jewelry of an exotic forge, he wore necklaces threaded with iridescent stones and pendants engraved with mystical symbols that spoke of Higher Knowledge. She wanted to touch them, but regained control in time and clenched her fists tight.

         "Would you like to dance?"

         Eden remembered her assignment like a jab in the arm. "Uh... Okay…"

         "LOOK!" Mel pointed to the new couple on the dance floor. Dena craned her neck to see...

         "Oh. My. God!"

         They couldn't take their eyes off, he moved her like she knew what she was doing... They were commanding the dance floor… They were sexy together... Was Eden crossing the line? Dena glanced up at the Villa, Atalon was obviously aware of everything that was going on in the courtyard below... She didn't get it.

         "Atalon really never mentioned this to you?"

         Nesh, one of the musicians from Mu was watching Dena and Mel from the fringe, he wandered over, sensing an opportunity to say hello.

         "Hello, my name is Nesh" he offered Dena his hand. "Would you like to dance?"

         Dena felt the adrenaline race through her veins as his olive green eyes lured her in like magic, his aromatic aura paralyzed her from the neck down. Nesh was stunning, his dark skin glistened with iridescent luster, his chiseled and toned muscles sparked her imagination effortlessly.

         "CERTAINLY NOT!" Mel snapped, grabbing her arm. "We have to get back to the Salon! Some of us have WORK to do!"