the dance with annete

"Ah-"

Practicing, then. It's natural that she would, given the fact that Asphodel was going to be in more military operations soon enough- in fact, it would only be a matter of time until they all would be involved in such.

It's unavoidable.

"I see. I can relate to sometimes just staring off into distance. Truth be told, I didn't find that much to do around today, so..."

But likely tomorrow.
There would be battle, wouldn't it?

"I decided to wander about Asphodel for the time being." And occupy himself with crafts, as it seems. But... there's only so much of his strength that's available.

Until he's too tired to carry on.

"Oh, and-"

"If you want, we can get to that dancing practice. Though, I'll admit, I'm not sure where to start off with that."

A pause.

"Or we can go practice outside. Maybe something will start happening."
(Ambrose Roche)

It is unavoidable, indeed. But for Annete, it is certainly more than necessary to be able to defend herself. She would be pursued fervently by at least one certain family, for sure.

"It has been a quiet day. The calm after the storm, I suppose." A light shrug is offered at those words. "And, as for that-..."

Hesitation. It is natural for the Prince to not be certain - after all, she is the one that is meant to be the teacher in this scenario. But there is hesitation of her own, as well.

"Hm. Admittedly, you did pull me out of... trance, in a way. I suppose if you give me a bit to recollect myself, we could get started."

"If you wish, that is." Once more a shrug is offered. "Waiting around for something to happen is how life is wasted, isn't it?"
(Annete Morelle)

"Mhm."

"I'm sure there will be something happening later, but not now." Most people were somewhat a bit 'sleepy' during such times, or generally unwilling to overcommit to anything; that was understandable, though.

Given the fact that most are active later. Though...

"Oh. Feeling sleepy too, hm?"

"That's fine. We can begin whenever it's convenient for you."

A pause, soon to which he adds.

"Yes, that's how it's wasted. Which is why I figured I'd ask you about this now."

"Since there's nothing happening... might as well do this now."
(Ambrose Roche)

"Not sleepy, no..." She shakes her head gently. For her, it always seems so quiet around the castle. Only when the Queen was in the throne room did it seem to brighten up, in more ways than one.

"We can begin right now. Just a moment..."

With a clear of her throat, she closes her eyes for a few seconds. A deep breath is taken as she collects herself... almost as if bracing for something important.

Well, she has been rather rusty. Perhaps she should be nervous about just how well she can teach. Nevertheless, a step towards Ambrose is made - and both hands are offered, palm-side up.

"It's rather... awkward, without music, or at the very least a rhythm, but we can try. Shall we?"
(Annete Morelle)

"I see."

"And of course."

Though, the remark of no music was most certainly met with a tilt of his head. Oh, right... there was supposed to be music during such times. He quietly hummed for a bit, thinking over for a moment. Until..

"I'm not really that good at playing any music, despite being on galas back in Apropriya. But.."

"I know someone who is."

What manifests is rather unexpected.

A shadow amalgamation, the 'Collective' as he calls it - a collection of buzzing voices, thoughts and feelings. Here, the Prince turns towards it for a moment.

"Play something fitting for a gala dance."

The amalgamation shifts, whispering something back- it walks to the piano, but already begins producing different sounds. How strange..

"--Don't mind it, much."

"I took the part of a sound magi, once. He was a pretty talented musician, so I'm sure that part of him can play for us tonight."

The Prince was an essence-stealer; gathering the voices, the parts of personalities and even skills from all people - only to make them part of this Collective.

It's probably not what Annete meant when she asked for music, but.. it will have to do.

And soon, music plays.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwxatzcYf9Q]
Coupled with sound magic coming off from the Collective, sounds are conjured alongside the piano play.

There, he steps closer, slowly taking her hands.

"Let's do it, then?"
(Ambrose Roche)

"Ah-..." she trails off as the shadow amalgamation manifests itself. She has briefly observed this manifestation of the Prince's abilities previously, but seeing it so closely does garner curiousity from the girl.

"I see," she notes... though, in the back of her mind, she certainly wishes to ask more questions to the nature of the amalgamation and how it manifested pieces that made up individuals. Perhaps, this could be part of the answer?

Nevertheless, her attention returns to what is in front of her. The sounds of the piano accompanied by sound magic they begin to form a melody, a rhythm. This will definitely do.

"Hm. Well-... I'll take the lead at first, but I'd like to see you take over when you've a little more confidence. Alright?"

And with that- Ambrose's hands are grasped. One of his hands is guided to rest on her back, and her own now-free hand moves around his shoulder, gently resting around his neck.

With the position set, slowly but surely - she begins to move the both of them to the rhythm, allowing the Prince to get a feel for it all.

Though, she wouldn't allow the room to remain in silence. "So, you've been in Apropriya, then? Did you come here to Esshar together with Queen Falkenrath?"
(Annete Morelle)

It was a constant companion, in a sense.

With a set of abilities, miscellaneous quirks and skills, as well as the empowering ability for the Prince himself- something that has manifested as result of the constant work on his dark magic; in a sense, it is entirely composed of the dark matter.

Solid, yet not quite.
Palpable, yet ethereal.

But it's enough to interact with the world around and influence it- besides, it harboured the countless voices, skillsets and other traits from the magi that he's stolen them from. In a sense, it was a very cunning thing to do...

If he can't do something,
why not take that skill from someone who can?

"Of course."

Ambrose wasn't particularly nervous about it. It'd be silly of him to feel that way, considering all that he's been through and survived so far. What's a dance comparing to all of this? But...

It's evident that he lacks skill in this.
But not grace.

His movement is slow, thoughtful rather than intuitive- he remembers the dance that he witnessed between Benedict and Catherine, and it takes him a delayed moment to actually remember how they did it.

"Hm.."

His hand rests on her back, and another maintains a grip over her hand- yet it's gentle. While there's only a small shift of his eyes to look where her hands wandered, they soon return to make eye contact with Annete.

A sway, rhythmic- but slow. To a keen eye, it may become apparent that he's actively thinking of each step he makes..

As if pulling a moveset from his memory to mimic it. It might take a bit before it's intuitive.

"Yes. I'm from Apropriya." He idly answers, although his mind remains focused on such dancing movement too.

"And no, not really. She arrived much earlier."

"I arrived out of my own volition, you could say. To grasp an opportunity."
(Ambrose Roche)

Emerald greens linger for sometime on that shadowy companion of Ambrose, observing it in action. It is not often that one gets to see such a manifestation of magic. Nevertheless, though, her attention returns to her dance partner.

Eyes study the body language, mannerisms, movements as they sway to the rhythm. She has certainly noticed his conscious steps. She does not increase the pace, instead allowing some time for the Prince to adapt.

Shortly, however, she would begin to turn, hopefully dragging Ambrose along in the movement, making the two rotate as they yet sway.

More time is given to ensure that the rhythm of their movements does not break before she finally continues the idle conversation amidst the dance.

"Ah... I see." Ever so slightly does the pace become quicker. "I can't quite imagine what life is there like. Most of what I've heard growing up are horror stories, really."
(Annete Morelle)

Conscious, most definitely.

For he learns how to walk in such a dance, how to make each step correctly, how to weave, and spin, and swirl- albeit, it is slowly becoming a portion of his habit. After all.. if you repeat something long enough, it may as well become intuitive.

Besides, just how hard can a slow dance be, anyway?

But it wouldn't make him a master of it anytime soon, of course. It should be sufficient enough to be presented at gala soon enough nonetheless- a testament to such found in the ever growing smoothness of his movement..

One that becomes slightly less and less conscious as the time moves on.

"The life in Apropriya?" He asks, almost curious as to why she would ask that. But..

"It depends."

"The courts of Midnight Aristocracy are truly magnificent, I would not lie. The life among them, however, can be quite challenging... but it severely depends on who you meet."

A pause- there's a rotation that happens between the two, and his hand re-adjusts upon her lower back. There, the dancing strut continues; his hand still cupped against hers.

"Some are brutal, ruthless, cruel."

"Others value knowledge, science, mannerisms." Another pause. "Some live in excess... and others genuinely wish to see their land prosper."

"There is not a single face to define all of Apropriya, though... I would say life is definitely different there."

"Unless you were meaning to ask me for my personal experiences."

Perhaps that was exactly the question, and perhaps he missed the intent... which is why he asks.

"But I would say that Queen Araceli is considered... among the kind ones, so to say."
(Ambrose Roche)

+70% ENERGY added to jerky.

Ambrose Roche has cooked a jerky!

For all intents and purposes, Annete certainly isn't the master of dance either. She simply knows well enough to be presentable for public occasions. Perhaps she isn't really the best teacher, but it is through practice that knowledge is imparted.

And so they practice. As the pace begins to slowly and gradually pick up(much to Annete's own efforts), she continues to listen to Ambrose's answer - though it is not quite exactly what she expects to hear, the words are listened to, nevertheless.

"I would not mind hearing of your personal experiences, too," she says and almost immediately goes for a sudden swirl. Already she begins to test the Prince, bit by bit. Outside of these sudden movements, however, the dance continues as it has.

Her left hand reaches slightly further, reaching around to grasp the Prince's right shoulder. The fingers of the grasped hand lace with his - if allowed.
(Annete Morelle)

Maybe Araceli was right.

There's... something appealing in a dance like this- something that a normal conversation doesn't quite allow for. Is it bonding, or simply getting to know each other? Is it the idle sway and dance that lightens the moods?

Or is it something else? Regardless..

Amidst such swirl, it surprises him- just a bit. Practiced movement ensures that it is done well, and she's within his arms once more; for as much as his hand remains upon her lower back, it is here that his hand carefully laces against hers into a gentle hold.

Though..

"My experiences have not always been the brightest." Perhaps it is not exactly a fitting theme for a dance like this.. but she asked, did she not?

"I was born to the couple from the Order of the Silver Sun, those that serve the Angel Soliel." It may be a surprising twist. Him, the Prince of Asphodel, and yet..

Born to the natural enemy of vampires?

"There was a traitor in our midst, or so I've been told, once I grew up a little. By the vampires themselves." A pause, to which he adds.

"Everyone in their hideout was killed, including my parents."

"All I remember from that night is hiding in a corner, scared. Someone barged in and took me away."

The music plays, still.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMboypSkj3c]
A calmer tone of piano ensues- is it because the amalgamation picked up on Ambrose's memories?

Who knows. But that thing..
It's certainly alive - by the will of many magi.

"I was made a slave. Or, well... a servant as they would call it." Such a word, 'slave', is not dignified for the Midnight Aristocracy.

"I served them for years. It was a difficult time for me, but then I began to manifest my abilities as magi." Perhaps due to his inheritance from the Paladins of the Order.

Though... he seems to avoid it on purpose just how difficult these times were for him. Is there any point to elaborate?

All he would do is describe just how cruel vampires can be.

"Given that I've become quite capable, and that my, hm... discipline was assured.." Evasive language, once more. Rather than calling it what it is, he calls it 'discipline'.

"I was ready, for them." Another pause.

Despite the topic at hand, there's a graceful swirl- in tact to the calm piano music, in tact with the keynotes echoing across the room.

"They decided to send me away, to Esshar. They already knew by then that it was a turbulent land of war and struggle, so.."

"They thought it'd be fitting for me to remain here, while I grow."

"And perhaps inherit the gift of Cain."
(Ambrose Roche)

The faintest of smiles is offered at the successful passing of the 'test'. Rarely does she get to dance with someone else. Though-...

it seems that her question does indeed touch upon something that should have perhaps been left for another occasion. "..."

"That's unfortunate." Dry commentary is offered - no judgement cast on the circumstances of his birth, nor upbringing. She does not pry further either. If anything?

She seems surprised at the result of such experiences, surprised to see that it formed the one who stands before her now. "It is rather sad that it has been thrust upon you against your desires. But, it is what it is."

As the music shifts - the elegance and the calmness of the melody are carried over to the girl's pace. Slowly, but certainly, she becomes more and more passive with her movements.

Perhaps this is where Ambrose is meant to begin taking the lead.

And upon thequestion not being reciprocated, Annete decides not to regale the story of her life. However...

"Do you want it? The gift of Cain. It is why I am here, personally. Though I feel as I've found a better place to be, as well."
(Annete Morelle)

Such story evokes little upon his expression.

Truth be told, as much as his story may be unfortunate, it made him what he is today - and he knew all too well that the Paladins of the Order are meant to die in their constant strife and struggle. Perhaps it's better this way.

"It is unfortunate."

"But I don't know where I would be if that hasn't happened. Maybe I would grow up to be a Paladin of the Order too- and eventually just die in endless war."

"Maybe I'd die in a different raid or battle. Maybe it's even for the best."

Fate can be strange. Ambrose realizes rather well that people are in control of their actions, and that they have an impact, but..

Sometimes, the fate throws something to you.
Sometimes, it's not your choice.

With the shift in their dance, steadily does he begin to take the lead; his movement becoming more assertive, more fluid as the time goeson- tactful to the rhythm and music alike. Some of it, of course, is borrowed from the memories of what he's seen Benedict do..

But it'll become intuitive all in due time.
As for the gift?

"I'd say yes."

"There are... things that I want from this life that could take much more than a lifetime. Perhaps, even several lifetimes." What exactly it is?

He does not say. There's only so much that the Prince is willing to reveal.

"And the gift is the best way to acquire that."

Still, it was enough talk about him- with a gentle sway and a hold over her lower back and a hand alike, he leads her along; there, he asks a question.

"What about you?"

"What's your tale like? I assume you were born in Osrona?"
(Ambrose Roche)

"That much is true," and it is for that reason she expressed acceptance. It is what it is. Fate does indeed throw things at you.

But Annete intends to overcome that.

"Then I suppose we are much similar in that regard." The matter is not pressed further, as she does certainly know better than to push buttons unnecessarily. "Time is the most important resource there is, isn't it?" How suitable for a chronomancer to say that.

Taking a metaphorical step back to allow Ambrose to shine, the girl goes along with his movements, emerald greens locked onto the Prince's. "Ah..."

What about her? Not often is she asked about her past.

"Yes. I was born and raised in the Shimmering City. Orphaned when I was six, lost both of my parents to the war..." she trails off, briefly, and for the moment her face betrays her emotions for once today. Eyebrows are furrowed.

"It left me distraught. I loved them - still love them, even, very much. I don't think I've moved on from that loss, still." She admits. Her gaze is lowered for a moment, gazing upon their feet as they sway and rotate to the rhythm of the piano. But shortly the emerald green hues return to look into Prince's.

"I was taken in by a person kind enough to not let me grow up in an orphanage. They worked as a tutor for the Grimmores, and... soon, I found myself serving the family, as well."

"I can not say I had anything to complain about. I worked hard, day and night, but it is not because they forced me to. I simply kept my mind busy, trying not to think of the memories that haunt me still."

"... I cared for them. Cared for the two young misses that are growing up still. They are only three and four years younger than me, but I was the one that looked after them very often. But..."

Eyes blink slowly. "They didn't have time. They wouldn't understand why I was so fixated on those memories. And, well... miss Alricht showed up with an offer."

"I hesitated, but... as you can see, here I am." The faint smile once again visits her features as she finishes this abridged story of her life.

Though she does not quite explain why she wishes for Cain's gift, either.
(Annete Morelle)

Rhythm and grace.

They were their companions for the night, locked in this dance- little by little, Ambrose picked up the habits to dance properly; the movement has become much smoother since the time they started, and yet it is something that continues to grow in skill.

Something that is shown in the lead that he takes.

Yet the Prince takes the notice of her features. These furrowed eyebrows, the look down at her feet.. it is something that he's all too familiar with- something that he could even sympathize with as well.

He lived a similar life, after all.

"I'm sorry it happened to you."

As much as it is spoken in a calm, poised tone, it is much more personal in how it sounds- there are many things that he's yet to learn about interactions between people, but..

This sympathy isn't something unfamiliar to him.

"It must've been hard."

Deep inside the mind of the Prince,it bubbled still- he's simply learned to move on and perform in spite of that; even this dance of theirs that they share, she's led along step by step, in rhythmic fashion all the same.

A gentle rotation, during which she's kept close to not lose a grip, if only to resume.

"But you turned out quite well, didn't you?" A compliment- a praise, perhaps, or a genuine remark. Or even all of it at once.

"You look out for yourself. You build upon ambition, rather than settling for something mediocre- something that plagues people all around the world, not just Esshar."

There's a reason few ever rise up to have their names written down in the history - the testament to the fact that they remain mediocre.

Still, he does not pry into these reasons of her seeking for the gift of Cain. Perhaps it's best he does not - she did show such courtesy to him, after all.

Though..

"--I've gotten better at this dance, haven't I?"

He remarks- a shift of a topic, followed with a tiny smile on his features; his eyes pointed at hers.

"Thanks to you, of course."
(Ambrose Roche)

As the dance progresses, Annete begins to trust the Prince's lead more and more. No corrections or instructions are being shared, be it through words or movements, as she simply focuses on the dance itself.

That is how it is enjoyed, after all, isn't it?

"It is fine. Fate gives, and it takes. I just hope that one day I'll be able to take back that which is mine." Though a cryptic reply is given, it is not impossible to understand the meaning of the sentence.

The sympathy they are experiencing is not happening for the first time. In that time some months ago, they've shared a conversation on a similar topic with another. But it is now that this mutual understanding expresses itself fully.

"I suppose I did. Though-..."

"Sometimes, I just wish I did not have to go through these challenges in the first place." It is not for the sake of greatness that her ambition propels her forth, to seek Cain's gift and power within the Kingdom.

It is merely to be able to experience the comforting presence of people she cares for for as long as she wishes to.

"You have," she confirms, "but I've only helped you take your first step. Almost everything else has been your own effort." Humble words are offered, though it is true that she hardly needed to show Ambrose anything throughout the session.

"You turned out quite well, too."
(Annete Morelle)

Life could be easier that way.

There's no doubt about it. However, the easy living does not teach you much- it's something that he's learned in full all the same during his experiences.

"But it made you who you are today."

"And I'd dare say this version of you is good, in many ways." A pause. "But of course, that's just my humble opinion.."

A compliment- veiled under the premise of appraisal to her growth as a character throughout such tumultuous experiences. Still, for as long as their dance continues, he maintains an eye contact.

Locked in the dance of the two.

"You flatter me." A brief remark in regard of his learning, but he smiles anyway- the hand coiling against hers, if only to be gently clutched. It is there that he remarks once more.

"And thank you. Time with you was very pleasant."

The last rotation comes about- dancing for so long has been a tidbit exhausting, although it's evidently clear that he's not entirely out of breath as of yet. Far from it, in fact... after all, the stamina of a magi is a difficult thing to deplete entirely.

Still..

"I learned much from this. Should we call it a day, for now?"

While the dance began to slow, carefully turning into a gentle halt, an idle sway continues- as if to let the flame of their dance slowly become the cinders of the aftermath.

"Though, I'll be looking forward for more."

"Especially at the gala."
(Ambrose Roche)

"Well..." A set of blinks occurs. The veil is thin enough for her to see the appraisal as compliments. It does not confuse her, but... it does surprise her, for certain. Though her face hardly betrays those feelings, aside from her eyes.

"Your humble opinion is accepted." As he clutches her hand, that gesture is reciprocated - holding on tightly as they begin to slow down. "Flatter?.. no, just sharing humble opinion." She mirrors his words at him in a teasing manner.

"No need to thank me. Consider it a debt repaid..." even though she will definitely try to do more, regardless of whatever debt she may be in to the Prince.

"I do suppose we could call it a day, yes," she nods slowly, "no point in dragging this lesson out any further..."

"Except for enjoyment, of course. But we'll have all the time in the world for that, won't we?"

Once the their movement halts entirely, she allows for them to hold onto each other for a few more moments. "Especially at the gala. But, if you've ever need of practice..." She shrugs lightly, offering yet another smile. "Well, I'd be glad to make time for such."

For all her lackadaisical demeanor, she has certainly shown her to be quite lively tonight.
(Annete Morelle)

There would be all the time in the world for such enjoyment.

Especially given the fact that the two of them pursue similar intention when it comes to the gift of Cain - something that would allow them to prolong such livelihood for much longer than any mortal could ever imagine.

It could be great, couldn't it?

"Of course."

"We'll have plenty of time to get back to this, or... maybe even something else." Time would tell what exactly that may be.

Yet such moments are something that are taken with a tiny bit of anticipation- even now, during such parting moments, there's an extended time in which he holds onto her; if only then carefully parting away, slowly.

"And I'll be sure to make time for such as well."

A pause, and he remarks with a smile.

"I'll be seeing you, Annete."
(Ambrose Roche)