September 16, 2019 | Occasus | Issue 9 | Fiction

The Giving Dance

Here is my retelling of the events of the previous night, so that I may never forget them.

At midnight, I was taken to an open clearing in the woods that surround the Tirae tribe. I was brought by Yula, the beautiful woman I mentioned in previous entries. She and I stood in the middle of the clearing, the full moon hanging perfectly above us. Her hands softly took my own, and she took a half-step back and shyly bared her throat, an open invitation for me to begin the Giving Dance. I accepted her invitation by wrapping her hands around my throat, and then we took off, our steps purposeful and practiced.

Yula swept to the side and I moved behind her, protecting her from those that would hurt her. I turned her around and she kissed my hands, thanking them for keeping her safe. I fell to the ground and she melded her body on top of mine, becoming my shield. She helped me up and I kissed her heart, admiring her courage. We danced back and forth over the frosted grass, our breaths touched each other’s lips, our bodies aflame in spite of the snow around us.

I knelt and hung my head before her, showing my unworthiness. She laid on the ground and kissed my feet, thanking them for bringing this foolish man to her. I picked her up in my arms and touched her forehead with mine, celebrating her wisdom. She backed her body into mine, giving herself fully over to me. I wrapped my arms around her and cradled her belly, recognizing her strength. We paused, then, and the world fell still around us.

She looked into my eyes with an unspoken question. I found the answer in the space between thundering heartbeats, and I whispered it in her ear so no one but her could know what it sounds like.

“Nua cor palo, Yula.” I give myself to you, Yula.

A shy smile spread across her face, dazzling the space between us. She brought my ear to her lips, and whispered her response.

“Nua cor palo, ue nie.” I give myself to you, my love.

And with that, we continued our dance into the long night.

CHRIS CHANG is a second year with a Honor's Specialization in English Language and Literature.