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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 20, 2018 13:51:33 GMT 1
At first, there were enough dancing couples to fill the floor. Steadily, Lady Peake's ladies-in-waiting, or base urges in the case of more than a few, whittled the numbers down, more and more, until there were but two: The Stranger, and the Falcon. The King and Queen of the Ball.
Laena had to admit, skilled as she was, she had not expected to make it this far. If nothing else, she knew Ashara was more passionate about dance than she was about just about anything else. She knew her cousin would likely be upset over her loss, but Laena wasn't the kind of woman to deliberately throw a competition, and Ashara not the kind to be grateful if she did.
She was also rather pleased to note that her partner was not Marq Durwell. Oh, she'd be happy to dance with him again. But this actually marked the first time she could demonstrate any kind of advantage over the man, so she was going to take this small victory, and use it to remind herself that no man is perfect.
As for who it was she was dancing with, she had no idea. His disguise was just too good. Still, she used her charm as best as she was able with the complete lack of body language, save that she could deduce through the movements of his body. "So," she begins, in a soft voice, just for the two of them, that also served the purpose of helping to conceal her voice, just in case this was a man who knew it, "I am dancing with death, am I? Well, I am honoured. Most times, when the Stranger calls on a woman, he arrives, does his business, and leaves. But when dealing with knights, she turns into a shameless hussy. She dances through the flash of blades, she flirts with all participants, before finally leading her chosen away, be it one man or many." She shakes her head sadly, and clicks her tongue. "Scandalous. No wonder you're seen as being both male and female, but also neither." Her tone is teasing, but her body is not doing the 'accidental' touches that would imply flirtation.
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Post by Alliser on Jul 20, 2018 22:19:42 GMT 1
The stranger danced gently. His movements fluid but with just enough rigidity to give direction. The falcon could tell by the small callous on the strangers hand that they had known work, but from the local the work was likely that with a sword, and not so much the plow. Their mask darted around the falcon, and the light pleasantries were muffled by the mask, which made it difficult to place the voice. His clothing was opulent, the silk of his doublet felt like sin where the fabric touched skin.
The Stranger did his best to ensure that such accidents were kept to a minimum. Whomever this stranger was he clearly was attempting to ensure that neither the king nor queen would be construed as having succumbed to their baser desires, as other couples who did not last as long into this competition had. As Laena continued dancing with the masked stranger she could smell the faint lavender oil, strong enough to be appreciated, but not overpowering the natural heady musk that accompanied two individuals sharing an intimate moment.
The tempo of the music changes, going from a brisk square to a slower longer waltz. That final change in beat had caused the last competitors to stumble, leaving to the two of them alone on the dance floor.
"And just as death is the great equalizer, So too do many see the plummeting dance of the falcon's love dance a flirtation with death itself. Some even say that is the reason why the mighty birds bond for life, for having faced death with their aerial dance nothing except death can separate them." With that the stranger opens their bodies from closed position and leading them in the same direction, placing one hand upon her waist. His hands nearly encircled her hips, letting her know that should she choose to he could perform a lift on her as long as she gave a little hop to show her willingness to try and fly.
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 21, 2018 14:32:22 GMT 1
Laena doesn't hesitate, or hold back - for what Dragon would deny the opportunity to fly? Well aware that if the Stranger fails to follow through, there is absolutely nothing she can do to save herself from falling flat on her rear in front of a ball-full of witnesses, with only her costume to hide her shame. Still, she'd trusted him with smaller movements, no reason to believe that he'd sabotage her now. Laena had to admit, at least to herself, that she was out of her depth with the talk of falcon courting and bonding practices - so long as the creature was willing and able to kill at her command on a hunt, she didn't care what they got up to during their 'leisure time'. She happily left that to Master Jaremy, or whoever he delegated the task to. "Bonding for life due to facing death together sounds to me more like the bond between brother-knights, than the bond between a human husband and wife. A better analogy for that, to my eye, would be for the female falcon to have her wings clipped, then be sent to the male's nest by the falconer; with the understanding that should she try and leave, her wings will be sawn off altogether." her tone is detached and professional, rather than bitter as the words alone might suggest. She gives a small sigh, and shake of the head. "Just listen to me! Here we are, the king and queen of the ball, near the start of a grand tournament, admired and envied by all present; and I bring the subject to such a gloomy topic." A momentary pause, before she continues in a lighter tone. "I blame you for that. I'm sure brave men struggle to make light and witty conversation while staring death in the face. What chance does a mere woman have? 'Death' and 'The Unknown' are perhaps two of man's greatest fears." She smiles as she realises something. "So, let us focus on what we can derive also falls within your purview: the future. The future is unknown, and always ends in death, but there is opportunity to be found within that unknown, as well. Seen in that light, you become something less frightening, and more ... motivational. "Though that begs the question: what motivates the Stranger himself?"
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Post by Alliser on Jul 22, 2018 6:46:38 GMT 1
"The stranger is an enigma. But I would say that they are motivated by family. For the final reunion of all is in the grave. From kings to dragons we all end up in the same place, just as our ancestors before us, and our grandchildren after." The King leads the Queen on a promenade down the ballroom floor Clipped wings and shut away, I do believe that this falcon is not pleased with her life. How sad. A flash of pity enters the strangers eyes. "Although the Stranger does feel sadness for those whose lives are not as they wish. In the end though they end all suffering, and all joy. It is why some find comfort in the embrace, flirt with it's edges, as the Falcon does. Others flee from it, fight it, stand at the edge of life and scream." An inside overhead turn causes the Queen to spin lightly. As she spins around the strangers brown eyes stare into the blue eyes, the is gone and is replaced by passion, "but life is best lived dancing in the light, only focusing on the darkness will leave you unable to find the light." With that The King dipped the Queen deeply living life in the moment and basking in the accolades, the stranger lifts one arm up slowly and turns his mask away from the Falcon. The stranger turned his head towards the middle distance away from the downed Falcon's mask. His sadness at ending the beautiful dance mixed with the joy of having been part of this moment, of sharing this moment of their life with those who were now applauding and cheering, as well as the individual dancer he shared this dance with with. |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 22, 2018 16:32:57 GMT 1
"There is indeed comfort in that." She responds softly.
When the dance is done, she pats his upper arm amiably, and quietly says to him. "My husband can't dance anywhere near so well as you, so that was a rare pleasure, thank you."
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Post by Alliser on Jul 22, 2018 17:58:42 GMT 1
"It was a pleasure to provide My Lady with the experience. My wife herself is not a graceful dancer, and it has been many years since I have been in the spot light so. I am glad that my training has not grown rusty in its absence of use." With that the stranger bows as one would towards the queen, then gives a slight smile, "long may we reign" |
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Post by Laena Pyre on Jul 22, 2018 18:17:02 GMT 1
She curtseys in response. "Long may we reign." she echoes.
[/scene?]
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Post by Alliser on Jul 22, 2018 18:20:52 GMT 1
[/scene]
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