She took a step back, almost stumbling, then moved forward, lifting her right leg, which was adorned with white bead anklets, and struck it on the ground amid the puddles from the falling rain. She raised both her hands, clasped the bracelets on her wrists, and clapped them together loudly, before starting to sway her hips. The beads around her waist jingled as she moved. Immediately, the men and women in the vicinity began to applaud, and those with wooden drums started to beat them rhythmically. She closed her eyes and performed the traditional dance that was only showcased once a year.
A slender flute melody rose among the men playing the drums, causing everyone to nod their heads in time with the music. The flute produced a calming and joyous sound that delighted anyone who listened, including the King of Garuk, his council members, and his courtiers. This particular flute could only be heard in Garuk. No one in the town could play it except for Waira and her brother Eid. The flute was an invention of Eid, created with powerful magic that only he and Waira could handle, and even she could play it only because he trusted her. It was forbidden for anyone else in the town to attempt to mimic or play the flute.
The flute gave her more energy and enhanced her dance. Her movements were so fluid that one might swear she had no bones in her body. The rain continued to wash away the dirt and grime on her, revealing a wraparound cloth tied at her waist and a large leaf covering her breasts, which had grown in size. From her knees to her feet, her body was exposed, as was her navel. Her long, flowing hair reached down to her hips, and her ears were adorned with small bird-shaped earrings. Her neck was decorated with a necklace featuring a snake-shaped pen
dant.
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