→ 60 | voice

[imperialwill]

My- it's certainly a wonderful day outside. The kind of day you spend with a dear friend, not inside.

It's been some time since I've last danced properly. Perhaps the ball at Luke's--

In any case, I shall be closing Hymns of Lorelei early today. So if anyone would like a meal before then, we invite you for our lunch menu. Thank you.

Comments

[contaminations]

Closing early to go dancing?

[imperialwill]

Yes- it'd be a shame if none of the employees would have the chance to dance this evening, when it's so very gorgeous out.

[contaminations]

Have fun.

[imperialwill]

Will... you be attending the festivities, Asch?

[misterblackbird]

Are you fond of dancing?

[imperialwill]

I am- I've always had fond memories of dancing events in the castle.

[misterblackbird]

That sounds perfectly splendid to me. There's few who can remember dancing in a castle at all--I'm not sure I've ever really been to a party in a proper castle before--and it sounds as though you've been more than once.

[imperialwill]

Oh, yes, Father and I've hosted quite a few. They're quite exciting, though perhaps a bit stiff at times.

[swordmastering]

You're closing the restaurant for dancing?

[imperialwill]

Of course! I highly encourage you to go out and dance as well, Leon!

[swordmastering]

It has been a while. Not that I'm fond of it, really.

[imperialwill]

Perhaps you'd like to practice?

[wetworking]

[... this reminds her of someone- a good reminder though, don't panic]

[imperialwill]

...hello?

[wetworking]

Ah.

Good afternoon.

[imperialwill]

Oh! Hello- are you well?

action; & you've been here before

[contaminations]

[His plate is clear, and his check paid. Asch stands, preparing to leave the restaurant. That he is, was busy had not been a complete lie; Asch had yet to spend an idle evening in the City. He intends to find something with which to occupy himself. Not dancing.]

Thanks.

[And he's at the door.]

action; & then a word washed ashore

[imperialwill]

W-wait, Asch-!

[She wants to reach for him, grab his arm and pull him back, but she can only extend her hand, call out for him, hope he turns to her and stays.

Because really, despite how busy he is- she wants that last dance.]

action; set for my accidental suicide

[contaminations]

[He turns, tense all over, more so than usual (and it was usual). Braced for more of the same, to respond in the same; he doesn't want to hear it.

She's beautiful, as she always is. Asch knows it's a curse that has him wanting to close the distance and place his hand on her waist. Only a curse. He is rooted firmly in distance, and means to stop this.]

I'm not going to dance, Natalia. I'm not affected.

[A whole lie, this time.]

action; then you realize

[imperialwill]

I ask only for one.

[Her expression is almost blank, edged with hopefulness and determination. She has not just a desire to dance, but to dance with him specifically.]