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]

[ In the middle of the variation, Nina's attention is concentrated on her own reflection. She is dissecting her every movement, making a growing mental list of corrections for the next time. But when she turns to one side, she suddenly realizes she isn't alone. Nina gasps and steps back in surprise. ]

Oh. I'm sorry--I didn't see you there.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Caught in the dance. Lovely concentration, you have.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

Oh. Thank you.

[ Nina fiddles with the hem of her shrug for a moment, a little unsure of the newcomer. ]

Was I too loud?

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

So immersed in what you love, there's no such thing.

[Though it could change any moment, she's mostly just enchanted. The little ballerina's like a music box.]

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

There's no--?

[ This woman is making her anxious. Scared, almost. She sounds like that other Nina, the one that taunts her from the mirror. She frowns. ]

I don't mind you watching.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Oh, truly? Been ages since I saw a ballet. It's terribly beautiful.

[She isn't meaning to make the little ballerina frightened, truly. Though a smile wouldn't likely help.]

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you think so.

[ There's the secret. Compliment ballet and she's all impressed and happy. Nina smiles timidly. ]

What did you see the last time you went?

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Coppélia. Doll wrapped up in love stories.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

That's a lovely one.

I know how to dance the Swanilda variation.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Do you? Splendid.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Ever eager to please, Nina walks over to the center of the room, taking a deep breath to prepare herself before beginning this variation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSFNv99GfV0). Choreography by Balanchine, of course, so it may be notably different from what she saw ages ago. ]

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[Dru's not sure whether she should applaud, so she sort of just holds her hands still, absolutely beaming. It's different, but it's still wonderful.]

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Catching her breath again after the variation, she tweaks a smile at the woman. She seems happy enough with the performance. ]

I appreciate corrections. I know there's much to improve on.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm not an expert, dear heart. Looked as delicate as it ought.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

Why, thank you.

[ Now it's her turn to beam. Validation is what she lives for. ]

I'm--I'm Nina.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[Beamity grin times forever, basically.]

My name is Drusilla.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

It's nice to meet you, Drusilla.

[ And she really means it too, because Nina thinks she just reminded her of why she kept dancing in the first place. ]

Is there anything else you'd like to see?

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[And that makes Dru happy. She likes feeling like she's got a purpose other than the one she's trying very hard to suppress. And this actually may be the first time she's felt that.]

Your favorite.

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ Another bout of approval and Nina would be eating out of Drusilla's hands. But her request strikes a raw nerve in her. She has been rehearsing all the lead roles, all of them but the Swan Queen. She is afraid of it, but she can't possibly say no. ]

The White Swan is my favorite.

[ Nina manages a nervous smile before walking to one corner of the room and beginning this variation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpsk0GPEI1U). She is graceful and precise, the ideal Odette. ]

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

[She can see the conflict in Nina's eyes, and finds it all the more lovely since she overcomes it. Dru is a very appreciative, enthralled audience, and smiles wildly.]

[whichswan.livejournal.com]

[ The smile is returned twofold, as Nina curtsies a second time to Drusilla. She did it perfectly, like last time, like every time, and she has an appreciative audience who seems to approve. She laughs with glee. ]

You're such a wonderful audience.

[pixiesinmyhead.livejournal.com]

Was never graceful, but always loved to see it.

[There's a pause as she considers this, then:]

Every step in place. Your heart beats with the music.

[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. ]