The drums beat a steady rhythm, making the ground vibrate with an almost lifelike pulse.

/I told you I loved you./

Dancers move in time to the rhythm, some clothed, some wearing only the remnants of skirts and trousers. Their skins gleam in the firelight, sweat sliding down their bodies in minute droplets.

/I know you did. And I’m telling you now, that it would never work out./

One girl in particular shines above the rest. Her fiery red hair flowing along with her movements, the tie having fallen off hours ago. Her breasts swing free, her skirt showing off leg and thigh as she spun, her arms above her head, hands making love to the air.

/I’m not going to let you leave me./

Her feet pound the earth, the shells strung around her thin ankles keeping time along with the drums.

/There’s no way for you to stop me./

Her eyes are closed. Her lips slightly open.

/I’m NOT going to let you leave me./

She moves with grace, the other dances weaving around her, touching her, rubbing against her, slick skin on slick skin.

/What are you doing? Please! No! Stop!/

The drums continue on, their pulse faster. The dancers match it, their movements reaching a fevered pitch.

/I’m NOT letting you leave me. I’m NOT letting you leave me./

Skin on skin.

/Please.../

The dancers move faster, their breaths becoming ragged, their limbs beginning to tire, moving on pure adrenalin.

/Never./

Moving, wanting more, wanting to reach enlightenment thru the dance, wanting to be one with the gods, one with the earth, the sky, the fire.

/Please.../

Wanting.

/Please...St.../

Reaching.

/Ple.../

The drums stop. The dancers freeze in place, arms over head, backs arched, faces towards the sky.

The dance is complete. The world has been changed.