002 ♔ text/action

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

Is there a limit to how much we can ask of the Castle?

Angel;
Were you the one who brought me here?

Clark;
I'm sorry.


[ She can also be found at the gym, as always, practicing.

You may hear echoes of this music from outside, accompanied by the occasional sound of wood tapping against linoleum. Once she finishes a round, she takes a few minutes to breathe, then does it again. Sometimes she rehearses a part many times, perfecting it. And sometimes, after a good round, she curtsies to herself in the mirror and smiles.

But Nina doesn't smile when she dances. ]

Comments

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Nina laughs again, joyful. ]

I've danced that variation since I was 13 and I love it now more than ever.

[ She turns to her with a hesitant smile. ]

I could teach you--if you want. We have too much time here.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Afraid my feet wouldn't learn properly.

[But she desperately would want to, and that hopeful look in her eyes might say as much.]

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

Were you injured?

[ Nina thinks she has grace enough, and technique can always be learned and practiced. ]

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[A shake of her head.]

Simply skittish.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Skittish? She doesn't think she understands. But Drusilla seems to want it. ]

We can try, then you can stop if you don't like it.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

That would be lovely.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Nina smiles excitedly, walking over to her to offer a hand. ]

I can show you the positions now.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[She may notice her hand's colder than average, but Dru is all bright, giant grins.]

Would quite like that.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Cold hands, but Nina doesn't see any reason to suspect anything now. She leads her to the side of the room with the bar, then lets go of her hand. ]

This is the first. [ She aligns her feet in a straight line, her heels together with the toes pointing out. ] You don't have to be straight for now, it will come with time.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[With great concentration, Drusilla attempts to imitate the position, frowning a bit.]

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Nina helps Drusilla get into position, gently pushing in her knees, and helping her turn out more. ]

The turnout should be from the hips. You'll get it soon.

[ She places a hand on the small of her back to straighten her posture. Nina curves her arms in front of her, like holding a big basket, and smiles. ]

Looking good.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[She nods, giving a little squeak of effort.]

Rather funny how what looks so graceful can feel so gawky.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

The pliés are gawkier.

[ Nina stands back, going into first position to demonstrate it, slowly bending her legs to the lowest position and returning. ]

But the audience doesn't know that.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Doesn't get written on faces.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Nina nods, amused. ]

We had a class on how not to show pain. I'm--not very good at it.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Would seem difficult. Goes against one's nature.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

But when you dance a character, like Giselle dancing for Albrecht, the love of her life. You--become her.

You forget the pain.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Someone else's story. Someone else's songs.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

Yes. It's still beautiful, though.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Often more so.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Nina agrees. She can't live without the make-believe. ]

What did you do back home, Drusilla?

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[Hm. Even somewhat crazed as she is, Dru knows that making new friends is generally hindered by discussions of bloody massacres. So she simply shrugs.]

Not a terrible lot.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

You strike me as a polished lady. You know, the kind who doesn't need to work, and amuses herself with culture and beauty.

I mean--I don't mean to presume.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[Well. If you think she's a lady, she won't argue that.]

Mm. I was raised up properly.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

It must be wonderful.