Chapter 22: THE FIRST DANCE (1)
After the lavish meal, the festivities began in earnest as the courtyard erupted into a symphony and music that felt otherworldly to Arella. The music seemed to take on a completely different vibe which caused the demons to raise their alcoholic drinks and let out a cheer. The tempo of the song was faster, a blend of drums and stringed instruments that made air seem alive. With the way the demons had taken to the dance floor, Arella could tell that the song was obviously one that was well known in the demon realm.
Arella sat on her throne beside Varziel, her stomach stuffed and her hunger sated. She allowed herself to take in the scene before here. There were fires dancing in braziers which were suspended high above the courtyard, casting an illuminating glow over the courtyard. The flames danced and crackled, casting an amber glow over the crowd flickering shadows which oved like living things across the faces of the gathered demons.
Demons in flowing materials of mesh and lace emerged from the crowd, their figures lithe as they moved fluidly. One demon had a leg up in the air – making a 180 – as she twirled, using her wings for momentum. This caused the lace material that she was wearing to swish in a canopy of colors in shapes that seemed to paint the air itself. Arella's breath hitched as she watched, her disbelief growing with each impossible flourish of the demon's movements.
Another demon caught her attention – she was a sinuous figure with scales that ran down her cheeks. She had a large tail swishing behind her, and her emerald scales shimmered in the light of the fire. Her movements were hypnotic as she contorted her body in ways that left Arella's jaw on the floor. She bent and twisted as if she had no bones in her body.
Then, there was a hulking demon with dark horns that spiraled sort of menacingly out the top of his head. He also wore those flowing material of clothes, but displayed his immense strength by balancing an entire pillar of obsidian on his back. His muscles were taught and stained under the weight. The crowd roared in approval as he moved the pillar from his back, to his hands and back.
The performers kept on coming.
Arella did not know where to look and could not help but be captivated by the performing demons. She even found herself clapping along with the crowd as another demon blew fire from his throat.
Everything was all new, and Arella loved it.
King Varziel lowered his head, leaning closer to Arella. His voice was smooth and warm breath fanned her ear. She shivered. "They are trying to impress you."
Arella glanced up at Varziel, her brow raised, "Is that so?"