Fantasia (Part 2)

Picture credits: The images below are sample characters from the MMORPG Ragnarok Online of the company Level Up!. I don't actually play it, but the game was what I had in mind as a loose template of this story (template only, so it's not Ragnarok canon), not to mention images of its characters do provide a cute effect, hehe. Pictures nixed from the Ragnarok online website (link). Pictures were edited.

(Part 1 here)

In typical "Knightly" fashion, the wards were a boisterous, critical audience. By this time, hopefully, the guests, especially the performers among them, were used to the loud jeering, hooting and plain kinetics of their hosts. But everyone, including the prefects who keep watch on the wards amidst the subdued chaos, might still be caught unaware of audience participation like that of one prankster who went up the stage with a hanky ready for wiping the perspiration of a guest balladeer.

The most awaited performance was from the Aqueaonians. They started their number with a modest folk dance while wearing modest costumes, but before the crowd went completely bored, they shifted to a popular upbeat dance about being separated from a loved one:

Panaginip ko at hangarin
Ang ika'y muling makapiling ('pagkat)
Saan man tumungo, alin mang ngiti,
Nakikita ko'y yung sa'yong labi...

That, and the revelation of gypsy-like outfits beneath their modest folk costume, brought the Knights' Great Hall down. Helen beamed with pride for her older fellow wards in Aqueaon. Mervin was quick to show appreciation. On the other hand, Daniel's reaction was dulled by his confusion.

Shortly afterwards, the dance floor was open, and everyone flaunted their dancing skills, or lack of it (though that didn't matter anyway). The boys' propensity for fun sure was contagious, thought Helen, who, though not of a dancer, found herself enjoyably moving to the upbeat drums of the musicians with Mervin, Daniel and other new friends and admirers. That was until the musicians decided to slow things down, and Helen's heart skipped a bit, for she hardly knew how to handle this new rhythm.

"Shall we dance?" It was Mervin, ever so quick tonight. Daniel held his breath, dazed at was he was witnessing. Helen also held her breath, what could be a polite reply?

"Sorry, but I don't know how," she finally said, "and I'm really tired, let's rest instead."

Mervin, Helen and Daniel sat by the sidelines and watched at how pairs danced the night away, from some with tentative steps to a few with peaceful intimacy. Several other admirers bid their invitations, but Helen consistently refused, stating the same reasons. Daniel was contented that she would refuse all invitations for a dance, with two reasonable excuses to boot.

Indeed she was tired, but resting was still uncomfortable for the Hall was warm, what with all the heightened emotions, so Daniel borrowed a folding silk fan, an item made in the larger neighboring empire of Qin, to cool Helen and himself (and Mervin who was near Helen anyway). "That," Mervin exclaimed at Daniel's fanning, "could hardly carry a breeze!" He grabbed the fan. "Here, let me show you." His vigorous fanning blew away whatever was left of Daniel's spirit.

Helen had rested well enough, and the fan has cooled things down for her, thus eliminating one of her reasons. Mervin moved in for the kill: "shall we dance now?"

Helen clung to her one remaining excuse, "But I really don't know how."

"Don't worry, it's easy. I'll show you."

Di mo pansin 'sang bagay sinta
Ang sumaiyo'y aking kahilingan...
Ano p'ang kawalan, kundi 'di ibigin?
Umaasang ako'y tatanggapin...

The musicians were playing a rousing chorus. Mervin flashed his warm friendly smile and held Helen's hand. Whatever was left of her hesitations vanished all of a sudden. He guided her to the dance floor and there they stayed for a long, long while.

Daniel was catatonic. When the Farewell Dance ended, he walked mindlessly back to his home. Mervin was not only quick, he was also cunning, Daniel thought as he finally lay in bed. He could not believe that intelligent though he was, his mind was still a simpleton's for it could not even conceive what Mervin had seamlessly, gracefully executed that night. That, and alternate scenarios more favorable to him, were the last thoughts in his mind until he finally welcomed the consolation of sleep.

May mga bagay
Na lingid sa kaalaman ko
Ang iniibig
Ay kailangan ding lumayo...
Kung managinip ako
Tungkol sayo ay dalisay
Magkayakap, magkatabi
Magpakailanman...

(To be continued)