The Library

Theos chuckled as Don teased them with a whistle. Kemba was awkward to say the least. Theos doubted he could do better however. This was completely different from the mountains form of dancing. It was close....and intimate. Kaas counting kept things grounded and it had a rhythm which was good. Theos watched his head slowly cocking to one side as he listened.

"Theos, how do I look?" Kemba asked as they continued.


"Looking good," Theos said smiling. Which wasn't a lie. He was awkward but at least be managed to remain upright and not stepping on Kaas toes. "This isn't anywhere near what I learned on the mountains. This will be interesting. Are all the rhythms like that?"

Kaa smiled at Theos question then spun Kemba around, "Waaah!" Kemba said as he spun landing in Kaa's arms. "Sorry, I couldn't resist." Kaa helped Kemba back to his feet, "What was that move?" Kemba asked. "It was a finisher, like at the end of the song, the male takes the female and spins her into his arms. I thought I'd show you ha ha." Don walked over, "Yes, Kemba was playing the female this time wasn't he?" Ban clapped his claws together, "That's my favorite role!" Ban said. "I like spinning!" Kemba laughed, "Yea I think I'll pass on the spinning. I understand how it goes now so I think I'll just practice." Kemba said. "Alright then you can practice with me." Don said stepping to another part of the floor. "I'm going to show you how to play lead since if you're going to dance with Theos who for obvious reasons can't." Kemba nodded and walked over, "Okay...so what do I do?" Kemba asked, "You'll lead me through the steps. Be gentle." Don chuckled. "Lead you huh?" Don nodded, "Just as Kaa lead you, it's all the same steps just keep the rhythm." Don got into the posture and interlocked his fingers with Kemba's, "You have the best eyes Kemba." Don said. Kemba nervously chuckled, "Th-thanks..." Kaa looked to Theos, "Alright, you're next! Come on over and I'll show you the steps." Ban leaped around standing next to Kaa. "Can I do it!? Please!?" He exclaimed. Kaa laughed, "Sure Ban, just teach Theos how to be led okay? I'll watch from here. Also, for this particular night, it will be slow dancing. Sometimes the music can put a little pep in our step but mom likes the slow stuff." Kaa said. Ban got into the usual posture but his tail was wagging faster and faster, Kaa reached out and grabbed it, "I get how excited you are but you'll throw yourself off if you keep wagging this thing!" Kaa said. "Sorry Kaa!" Ban said then waited for Theos to approach, "Just put a hoof over Ban's shoulder, he'll hold your waist and the other hoof." Kaa instructed. Ban cocked his head a little to the side as he waited.

"Waaah!" Theos watched Kemba spin and land in his arms. He raised a brow questioningly. "Sorry, I couldn't resist." Kaa helped Kemba back to his feet, "What was that move?" Kemba asked. "It was a finisher, like at the end of the song, the male takes the female and spins her into his arms. I thought I'd show you ha ha." Don walked over, "Yes, Kemba was playing the female this time wasn't he?" A finisher huh. Admittedly it looked rather cool. No wonder he said so many females wanted to kiss him, "That's my favorite role!" Ban said. "I like spinning!" Kemba laughed, "Yea I think I'll pass on the spinning. I understand how it goes now so I think I'll just practice." Kemba said. "Alright then you can practice with me." Theos watched him cross the floor then got up approaching Kaa. "I'm going to show you how to play lead since if you're going to dance with Theos who for obvious reasons can't." Kemba nodded and walked over, "Okay...so what do I do?" Kemba asked, "You'll lead me through the steps. Be gentle." Don chuckled. "Lead you huh?" Don nodded, "Just as Kaa lead you, it's all the same steps just keep the rhythm."   Theos watched Ban leaping around. He was a bit worried about Kemba with Don but he trust them. Family and all, "Can I do it!? Please!?" He exclaimed. Kaa laughed, "Sure Ban, just teach Theos how to be led okay? I'll watch from here. Also, for this particular night, it will be slow dancing. Sometimes the music can put a little pep in our step but mom likes the slow stuff." Theos nodded and started to get into posture as well not unlike Kembas. Bans tail making his body shake under his one hoof. He chuckled, "I get how excited you are but you'll throw yourself off if you keep wagging this thing!" Kaa said. "Sorry Kaa!"

His back hooves spread a little wider than normal to help him keep balance and his tail dragged the floor. The tip twitching in a faint wag of amusement. His other hoof was in Bans hand as instructed. He couldn't really grab a hold but he held on of the claws in its cleft.

Kemba tried to remember the dance steps, he pulled Don along counting to four in his head. Don already knew how to dance ballroom and so it was extremely easy to lead Don, He went in whatever direction Kemba too him and never needed to look at his feet. Don kept staring into Kemba's eyes and Kemba smiled back as they danced, "Sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable." Don said, Kemba shook his head, "It's fine. Like Kaa said we're family. It feels natural." Kemba responded Don smiled back, "I would be lying if I said I didn't have a crush on you and Theos." Don laughed. "Is that right? I suppose I should be honored." Kemba said, "Boo. I was hoping to get you flustered." Don said Kemba chuckled, "It will take a lot more then that to get me flustered. Besides I know your type." Kemba said. Don cocked his head, "My type?" Kemba nodded, "Mischievous." Don snickered "Yea, that's me. I better not sow the wrong seeds...I said that just to try and get you flustered. I do like you but it's not the same kind you share with Theos. I guess you're not as easy a prey as I thought." Don said. Kemba laughed, "No. I am not."

Ban was different from his brothers however, he was watching his feet counting out loud to four as he lead Theos around. Kaa circled them with an analytical eye, "You're doing great, just learn the steps and keep the flow. Hopefully the people you dance with during your coronation won't need to do what Ban's doing. It's supposed to be a conversation dance between two parties, or if it's Kemba maybe a little more." Kaa said. "The floor may be a bit slippery for your back hooves, so work hard to keep your balance and steps. Once you have that down, courtesy is to look to the person's face while you go. If you need to, you can bury yourself into the lead's chest, they'll take you by the hips and continue the step. Though that may be a bit awkward given your current partner. Anyway, that is usually a sign of complete trust and submission to your partner. One of the most intimate ways one can perform this dance. I should know........every partner I ever have wind up doing that to me." Kaa said thinking back. "Must be hard, being a cute handsome heir." Don said. Kaa shook his head, "Just when it comes to females it seems." Kaa said. "How are you feeling Theos? It must feel unnatural for you. Doing alright? I know Ban isn't the best partner to have." Ban frowned, "I'm doing my best for Theos...." He said. "I'm concentrating really hard and trying not to make a mistake...." Ban added. "I know Ban I know but you're still mastering it yourself so if Theos wants, I can cut in." Kaa said. Ban looked back to his feet a little upset with Kaa, he remained concentrating. He really was doing the best he could, which was admittedly not in Ban's DNA. Don looked over to Ban, "First time he's actually caring about this dance. Either you two are wizards in disguise or Ban really likes you." Kemba looked as well while keeping the steps. "Well if us being here is helping him be his best, that is a good thing." Kemba added. "I think you're doing that for all of us in this family." Don said and looked over to Kemba. "Both of you being here has changed things for the better believe it or not. Ban is working hard, Kaa seems a bit more happy and stress free and Dad feels a little whole again. Plus my mom has two new sons she can care for. You two are the best thing that could have happened to us. I mean that." Don said. Kemba looked a bit surprised then closed his eyes and smiled, "It's not me. It's Theos. Everywhere he goes, people seem to love him and want to get to know him. I'm no exception, I'm just blessed that he and I have become life partners. Even if I wasn't here, Theos would still be making your lives better. That's just who he is....because he's made my life better. I'm the same as all of you." Kemba answered.

Don released his grip and fell on Kemba's chest, leaning his head against his chest plate. He took Kemba's open paw and brought it to his waist. Kemba looked down and was taken off guard and almost stopped dancing. "Sorry if this makes things awkward but...I couldn't help myself. Besides, Theos will likely do this to. I just don't like that you're selling yourself short Kemba. Theos is one half of a heart and you are the other. Our lives might have been better with just Theos, but with you as an addition is even better. I know it." Don answered. Kemba smiled and allowed Don to remain like this as they continued. "Thanks Don."

It took Theos a long moment to get a hoof on how to step without being dragged. His hoof would come in where Bans paw was and when he stepped forward he would step back with the same hoof. Due to the nature of his body his butt hanged out a bit. So his chest was practically touching Bans head as he looked between them counting. Not that Theos minded he also glanced down regularly to make sure he wouldn't step on him. Hooves were a lot harder than paws. His concentration was pretty much all on memorizing the steps. One hoof back, two left, two forward, half turn clockwise, two forward, one right and so on. "You're doing great, just learn the steps and keep the flow. Hopefully the people you dance with during your coronation won't need to do what Ban's doing. It's supposed to be a conversation dance between two parties, or if it's Kemba maybe a little more." Kaa said. "The floor may be a bit slippery for your back hooves, so work hard to keep your balance and steps. Once you have that down, courtesy is to look to the person's face while you go. If you need to, you can bury yourself into the lead's chest, they'll take you by the hips and continue the step. Though that may be a bit awkward given your current partner. Anyway, that is usually a sign of complete trust and submission to your partner. One of the most intimate ways one can perform this dance. I should know........every partner I ever have wind up doing that to me." So he would be able to relax and lean into Kemba a bit more to enjoy the dance. That was good. "Must be hard, being a cute handsome heir." Don said. Kaa shook his head, "Just when it comes to females it seems." Kaa said. "How are you feeling Theos? It must feel unnatural for you. Doing alright? I know Ban isn't the best partner to have." Ban frowned, "I'm doing my best for Theos...." He said. "I'm concentrating really hard and trying not to make a mistake...." Ban added. "I know Ban I know but you're still mastering it yourself so if Theos wants, I can cut in."

"It's okay. Its helping me get the pace down. Got to concentrate on the technicalities first right," Theos said smiling. A slippery floor didn't bode well. He had great balance from his time in the mountains but even he had suffered several falls on slippery rocks. Standing on two hooves though just increased the likelihood of that happening. He would have to rely on his partners a lot to help keep balance then. He glanced over at Kemba. Convident enough that he had the steps for the most part down. Don fell into him and a slight glimmer of jealousy crossed his gaze. He returned his focus to the dance at hand. Don probably wouldn't be the only one at the coronation that would try that with Kemba. He was probably just getting him use to it. Didn't make it any more desirable to watch though.

"So how often do you have balls," Theos asked. If they had them very often he would probably have to set some time aside each day to practice. Though a not often answer would probably mean once a week or something of practice time then. Though if he wanted to be ready for the coronation he should probably practice harder. Now that he thought about it he wondered what his duty would be here in the castle. Don is obviously smart so he will be an adviser and Kaa is the heir. Ban was probably still trying to figure out what he wanted to do. So the question rose; what should Theos do? He had to give back to them for meeting all his needs.

Ban smiled at Theos encouragement, "I like helping you!" Ban responded. His tail started to wag again and Kaa whipped Ban's butt with his own, which calmed him. Kaa gave a gentle smile to Ban who went back to concentrating. "We have balls during special events or times of the year...so roughly nine or so a year?" Kaa said counting with his claws. "I've attended to many to count though." Kaa shrugged.

Don was relaxed leaning into Kemba, though like this being led around, he'd likely fall asleep. Don pulled away and smiled, "You got it. Well done, you lead like a regular stud. That was my first time playing the females role though. Not sure which I like best." Don thought about it as he made his way towards Kaa. Kemba felt proud of himself and walked over looking at Theos and snickered at how awkward he looked. "Theos, Prince of the Theowmon and Kembas heart! You dance adorably." Kemba called out. Don and Kaa chuckled, "Looks like your mate approves." Kaa said. Kemba purred at Theos, it seemed he had already forgotten the tragic truth from before. "H-how am I doing Kemba??" Ban asked looking for praise himself. "You're doing great Ban. Maybe even better then Kaa." Ban's eyes seemed to light up. Kaa allowed that one to slide.

"I think you got it. Need more practice?" Kaa asked.

"We have balls during special events or times of the year...so roughly nine or so a year?" Kaa said counting with his claws. "I've attended to many to count though." That was a lot by Theos standards. On the mountain they normally had one twice a year celebrating spring and then one last foohaw before winter.



"Theos, Prince of the Theowmon and Kembas heart! You dance adorably." Theos head jerked up a bit and he blushed as he look to Kemba, "Looks like your mate approves." As long as he approved. Honestly though Theos had no idea how he looked like this. It definitely felt strange though. "H-how am I doing Kemba??" Ban asked looking for praise himself. "You're doing great Ban. Maybe even better then Kaa." 


"I think you got it. Need more practice?"

"I think I'm good. So long as I remember to move with with my partner," Theos said smiling. "Thanks for the dance," Theos said to Ban chuckling. He placed his front hooves on the ground out stretched out his back legs some. They weren't use to carrying his weight for so long. He was starting to wonder how much time had passed. He felt a faint hunger in his stomach. Not doubt from the emptying of its contents earlier. After dinner he'd go see Sheila.

Ban let Theos down and his tail started up again, "I had a good time!" Ban said. Kemba walked over to Theos and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "I look forward to our dance." Kemba said. Kemba turned and looked at the triplets, "You guys are great dancers. Does Cora do this to?" Kemba asked. Kaa nodded, "When he feels like it. He's the king so he usually just watches the festivities." Don thought for a moment, "I've never seen dad dance....I bet he looks great from behind." Kaa arched his brow at Don's comment. "It's hard to imagine Cora as big as he is, dancing ballroom..." Kemba tried to imagine it and wound up nearly bursting with laughter at the image. "Dad is a pretty bad dancer..." Kaa said. Ban nodded, "Yes he is! He has two left feet!" Don laughed. "I remember Mida's first ball." Tiptip said hobbling over, Kemba and the triplets looked to him. "King Cora hated dancing but King Gale made him dance with a lot of the females. In order to get him interested hopefully in a female for the future. The young king could never get the hang of ball room dancing and Midas refused to dance because it made him uncomfortable but when he saw King Cora dancing so awkwardly and warding off potential queens, Midas danced with Cora. It was a very funny sight! They both became a complete laughing stock, Midas was slipping and sliding and didn't know the steps and was infinitely worse then King Cora in every way. The King did his best to lead but there was just no helping Midas. After the song ended, Midas was the laughing stock of the ball but he made King Cora popular and protected his integrity. Midas smiled despite the laughs and name calling, I think he knew what would happen and did it purposefully. In all my years, I don't think a Theowmon and Spinomon have been any closer then those two." Tiptip said. "Dad never told us that story." Don said, "Some stories you'll have to ask for! It's a shame you kids didn't know the King and Midas back then. The bond you all have remind me so much of them. Midas would be proud to call you his son, Theos." Tiptip said.

"Is it possible, Midas could come for his son's coronation?" Kemba asked. "I doubt it..." Kaa said, "Dad has messengers scouring the desert for Midas to inform him that Theos is here. None have returned yet." Don said. "There is still a chance." Ban said. "Well...perhaps the old sage could help you? Magic is a powerful thing, if you want to see Midas then Magi can help. It was fun watching you all dance, enjoy the rest of your day! It's time for my afternoon nap." Tiptip said chuckling and hobbling off deep into the library. "Magi does seem powerful enough, I wonder if he has anything that could help us track down Midas? Though he's your father, it's your call Theos." Kemba said. "We may tag along to." Don said winking. Kaa and Ban standing at his side.

Theos smiled at Kembas kiss, "I look forward to our dance." He had to agree. He was also looking forward to it, "You guys are great dancers. Does Cora do this to?" Kemba asked. Kaa nodded, "When he feels like it. He's the king so he usually just watches the festivities." Don thought for a moment, "I've never seen dad dance....I bet he looks great from behind." Theos was starting to get use to his shady remarks. "It's hard to imagine Cora as big as he is, dancing ballroom..." Theos could. If his tail was anything like Bans it could probably be used as a weapon in the ballroom. "Dad is a pretty bad dancer..." Kaa said. Ban nodded, "Yes he is! He has two left feet!" Don laughed. "I remember Mida's first ball." Theos ears perked. "King Cora hated dancing but King Gale made him dance with a lot of the females. In order to get him interested hopefully in a female for the future. The young king could never get the hang of ball room dancing and Midas refused to dance because it made him uncomfortable but when he saw King Cora dancing so awkwardly and warding off potential queens, Midas danced with Cora. It was a very funny sight! They both became a complete laughing stock, Midas was slipping and sliding and didn't know the steps and was infinitely worse then King Cora in every way. The King did his best to lead but there was just no helping Midas. After the song ended, Midas was the laughing stock of the ball but he made King Cora popular and protected his integrity. Midas smiled despite the laughs and name calling, I think he knew what would happen and did it purposefully. In all my years, I don't think a Theowmon and Spinomon have been any closer then those two." Tiptip said. "Dad never told us that story." Don said, "Some stories you'll have to ask for! It's a shame you kids didn't know the King and Midas back then. The bond you all have remind me so much of them. Midas would be proud to call you his son, Theos." Tiptip said.



Theos hoped so, "Is it possible, Midas could come for his son's coronation?" Kemba asked. "I doubt it..." Kaa said, "Dad has messengers scouring the desert for Midas to inform him that Theos is here. None have returned yet." Don said. "There is still a chance." Ban said. "Well...perhaps the old sage could help you? Magic is a powerful thing, if you want to see Midas then Magi can help. It was fun watching you all dance, enjoy the rest of your day! It's time for my afternoon nap." Magi is a powerful spell caster even Theos knew that. However wouldn't Cora have asked for him to find him instead of blindly sending messengers? Something told him even magi would have his difficulties. "Magi does seem powerful enough, I wonder if he has anything that could help us track down Midas? Though he's your father, it's your call Theos." Kemba said. "We may tag along to."

"The more the merrier," Theos said with a chuckle. He was sure they were just as eager to meet their uncle as he was to see his father. "Let's go ask Magi then" Theos said starting to walk away then remembering. "We should probably put the tables back," He said walking over to one. Once they were done they could make for the door.