veilbreak | (no subject)

❤

After hours-- nay, days!-- of waiting, at last it's salsa night. La noche del ritmo (that’s “night of rhythm” for those who tragically refuse to brush up on their Spanish). Down on solid ground, it’s marked with wobbly turns, missed cues, and bold declarations of “I totally meant to do that.” But up in our little corner of the community hall on the Mnemosyne, it’s all warm lights, borrowed partners, and a playlist that refuses to let you stand still.

The humble chaos has been carefully unleashed by our fearless instructor EVA because she was clearly feeling optimistic! Come try a step (or three), spin someone new, and maybe leave with smoother moves than you came in with. Or at least a good story.

Salsa!

At its core, salsa is a conversation disguised as a dance: a gentle lead, a daring spin, a dramatic pause that says, “Yes, I absolutely meant to do that.” It’s rhythm with personality, flair with a wink, and just enough drama to keep things interesting.

How to Play: Grab a partner and get ready to roll some dice to see how well you take to the floor! For the sake of ease, we're going to say that there's four 'rounds' making up a song, but if you want to keep it going, go right ahead. Each dancer will roll 6d6 and match pairs with their partner.

🕺0 matches: This is a disaster. Someone got an elbow to a body part. Tears might be shed.
💃1 - 2 matches: A little stumble, a wee fumble. Maybe a little embarrassing, but you can brush it off.
🕺3-4 matches: You're finding the groove and looking good. Having a great time on the dance floor!
💃5-6 matches: Flawless chemistry. It's unbelievable. Your coworkers might think you're gettin nasty behind closed doors.

Bachata!

For those brave enough to learn two dances in one night, or who just want something slower, Eva's going to do a Bachata crash course. Slower than its flashier cousins, but no less dramatic, it trades whirlwind spins for close steps and a hip movement that politely insists on being noticed.

There’s a step-together-step, a tap with just a hint of flair, and a rhythm that feels suspiciously like a love song written at 2 a.m. Bachata isn’t about showing off—it’s about leaning in, finding the groove, and letting the music do most of the talking while you pretend you’re not completely swept up in it.

How to Play:Each dancer will roll 3d6, and count the amount of 3's and 6's rolled between the pair. 3 and 6 are the only ones that matter. Again, four ‘rounds’ make up a song.

💃 0 matches: Catastrophic! This is not going well. Maybe you need a new partner
🕺1-2 matches: Not too shabby! Not the smoothest it could be, but you're both feeling confident.
💃3-4 matches: Stunning. You have the room feeling flushed.
🕺5-6 matches: Is it hot in here? It's hot in here. We're all sweating just watching that spark catch.

For the Wallflowers!

Not everyone is meant to take to the floor, but that doesn't mean they have to be bored! Eva's brought a frankly alarming amount of playing cards for people to play the card game of their choice. She has instructions for Blackjack, War, and Trash on various tables. Bets are welcome, but please no strip anything, thank you.

And for those who prefer their thrills less competitive and more snack-shaped, there’s a spread of treats and drinks to keep spirits high. Something fizzy, something sweet, something questionably healthy but undeniably delicious—it’s all fair game. Refuel, refresh, and return to the action (or the spectating) as you see fit.

How to Play Blackjack (or 21):

The goal is to get the closest to 21 without going over.
- Roll 2d12 to simulate real cards (a 12 functions as an ace, so it can be a 1 or an 11 depending on the best outcome for your hand.
- Either 'stay' by ceasing rolling, or continue rolling 1d12 as many times as you like until you're at 21 or as close as possible.
- If you 'bust' or go over 21, you loose.

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Off in a corner while everyone else is working on their salsa, Sefi is undertaking a very serious side project with Bear.

"Okej, så," Sefi says to him very seriously. "I get behind your arm like this, and then you are going to lean over and get an arm behind my legs. Then just flip me backwards and I will go--" (she gesticulates enthusiastically) "--over your shoulder."

Equally serious, Bear watches Sefi's instructions, slowly miming them twice before giving her a short nod.

"Think we can manage that. Just like... gotta commit. Smooth, no fear. And we totally got enough room."

While he knows he won't drop her, he is a little nervous about being a disappointment.

"It's easier than it sounds, I promise," she assures him before setting her hands on the back of his arm again. "Ready to try it?"

"Ok." Bear does trust Sefi, and the longer he waits the most in his head he'll get. He gives her a bright smile before he curls his arm around her waist, and leans down to use his other to hook behind her knees.

"Ready?"

“Yes!” Sefi chirps. She’s not fully expecting just how easily Bear is able to pick her up, despite all the discussion of his muscles, and she lets out an undignified sound that is halfway between a squawk of surprise and a delighted laugh, and also waaaay too loud considering a class is going on five feet away from them.

“Wow! Very good!” she says approvingly once she’s back upright. “You are a natural.”

Sefi's sound of surprise makes Bear laugh, and while he wishes he'd achieved this a little more smoothly, he's not disappointed with their first attempt. He's mindful of getting her properly settled on her feet before he lets go, beaming at her praise.

"You did good too. Sometimes people can tense up or do somethin accidentally disruptive because they get nervous."

Sefi leaves her hands on Bear's chest a little longer than she strictly needs to, transfixed by his broadness. Then she is struck by a sharp pang of embarrassment as it occurs to her that people might be watching her do this and she drops her hands to her sides. Although she's distracted, she vaguely realizes he sounds like he's talking from experience.

"I thought you didn't know what you were doing," she says, narrowing her eyes at him in good-natured suspicion.

While Bear notices that Sefi's hands linger, he assumes that she just is needing to steady herself after being flipped upside down. He's distracted by her comment, anyways.

"I..." he pauses, suddenly looking a little startled. And then he grins again because a memory, surprisingly bright and clear, has settled into his mind. In his excitement, he picks up Sefi and spins her around once before returning her to the ground.

"When I was young I had to do a bit of dancin. I don't think like, flippin or nothin, but I remember it was harder if my partner was nervous. Sefi, I think you're good luck."

"Oh! Really?" Sefi seems genuinely surprised to be helpful. She holds out her hands again to try a simple dance and see if he remembers some more basics now.

Bear, still all smiles, goes to take Sefi's hands at their offering. He wants to try to flip her again, but he'll offer after whatever else she wants to do.

"Yeah, I've been tryin so hard to remember things and I haven't been able to. But now, clear as day! A little somethin."

"Do you remember the dance that you were doing?" she asks, swinging their linked hands out wide once.

Bear swings his arms with her, and then idly goes to spin her once as he considers. "Quickstep, I think."

"I can do that!" Sefi says, and starts to lead. Then she pauses. "Oh, did you want to?"

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Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear

Sefi & Bear