Waves of Glory

There's a beat that's been in her blood for awhile now, triumphant and rebellious, an old melody she's found new words for. It's foolish, really, and yet...

She pats Mina's shoulder as she sweeps away towards Savid in the crowd.

There is a spark of fear in his eyes, she thinks, but it's replaced quickly with curiosity as he catches her smile, dangerous yes, but not threatening. Not to him.

She sits up on the table he's sat at and crosses her legs, a flurry of tattered tulle and lake washed skirts. She wiggles her fingers at the instrument he's been plucking at all night. "You're quick with that, aren't you? Quick enough to keep up?"

The challenge is enough to catch his attention and the two begin to conspire, heads bent together as his hands still. Her hands never stop, clapping out a quiet rhythm he begins to nod along to. His fingers ghost over the strings, playing in silent harmony with her until she grins and swiftly kisses his cheek before hopping away.

She looks around the yard, her friends shooting her strange looks, and for a moment she simply focuses on the waves that settle into the background. She stomps her foot. The second time, people start to glance her way. By the fourth, the party is looking at her and Savid's strings begin to follow.

Alkali flashes a grin at her friends, hikes her skirt up to her knees, and stomps again. Arabelle picks it up first, a life sat at campfires her guide, she stomps in time with Alkali. Mina and Rowan aren't far behind with others joining in before Alkali gives their rhythm purpose and starts to sing.

The first notes come hesitant, even for as much of a show as she's already made, there's a chance she loses them before it begins. But as she sings another line more of the party has taken active interest and she pushes on, prays Savid can keep up.

Between her own verses, Savid comes in with his, and Alkali delights in the murmurs bubbling from their words. She continues to carry the beat as she moves around the fire, not so much dancing as she's letting the song take over.

Everything in Barovia, everything Strahd throws at them, and here she was. A tidal wave in a land locked village with an alkaline song of sedition in her heart. 

Let him see, let anyone see — it's a long way down and she'd drag them all under.

Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down to the bottom of the ocean
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down, a long way down

Times are changin' but you rest assured
(Raven's gonna cry in the morning, darlin')
So say your prayers and grab your sword
(Red sun rises like an early warning)
The Goddess gonna come for the devil lord
(Eyes like fire and his heart is burning)
So run on down to the cold dark shore
(Wash him deep where the tides are turning)

And if you fall
And if you fall
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down to the bottom of the ocean
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down, a long way down

The wolves will chase you by the pale moonlight
(Drunk and driven by a devil's hunger)
Drive him back with the morning's light
(Into the water, let it pull him under)
Don't you lift him, let him drown alive
(The Goddess speaks in the rolling thunder)
Let that fever make the water rise
(Never let the lake run dry)

And I said
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down to the bottom of the ocean
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down, a long way down
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way, a long long long way
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down, a long way down
Hold my hand
Hold my hand
Hold my hand (hold my hand)
It's a long way down, to the bottom
Hold my hand
It's a long way down, a long way down
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way, hold on now
Hold my hand
Ooh, darlin', it's a long way down, a long way down