Dance #1 : Lady Albina Northwick (@Jass) ~finishing~
As they waltzed gracefully, a subtle sensation caressed Orpheus’ shoulder. Albina had delicately rested her hand upon his coat. Such an intimate physical connection, beyond the constraints of the dance, was bound to attract curious gazes, yet Orpheus made no move to pull away. Instead, his gaze gently traced the path of her fingertips as they descended to the cuff of his sleeve, the mere brush of her touch sending a shiver of anticipation racing up his spine.
Orpheus found himself ensnared, his unwavering gaze locked onto Albina as she continued to speak. Struggling to concentrate on her words, the violin strings in the background suddenly swelled, their melodies resonating with unusual intensity in his ears.
The melodies weaved through his senses, blurring the boundaries between sound and feeling. Orpheus stumbled slightly as his surroundings became hazy. The rhythm wrapped around him like an unseen force, tugging at his emotions, and for a moment he was suspended in a realm far from unfamiliar. A space where time and sound merged to create a pure moment of feeling. The only question was, what was this feeling.
He had played a thousand symphonies and felt this sensation hundreds of times, yet this one felt somehow new.
A peculiar sharpness gripped his abdomen, his breath quickened, and a disconcerting tightness took root in his chest.
Could it be an excess of champagne clouding his senses?
No, he had downed three times as much in a single sitting without such side effects. This was different—a sensation similar to anxiety, perhaps? A breath ago, he had been the epitome of composure. So, he pondered, what could have ignited this inexplicable feeling within him?
“…qualities beyond my appearance?” Is all he managed to catch of her latest sentiments as he attempted to refocus his hearing. How strange it must have looked, his eyes fixated, his mind wandering.
“No, my apologies, Miss Northwick, for I must admit, I find myself to be among the self-important gentlemen of which you speak. However lovely your countenance is, and I must admit I was quite entranced, your conversation is much more pleasing to the heart. Thank you for your elucidation on the matter of men.” Orpheus gave a small smile, readjusting the position of his hands to be slightly further than he had once held her.
“Your knowledge of Greek texts is admirable. Unfortunately, at the moment, I find myself without a lady to glance over my shoulder at…” Orpheus took a deeper breath, letting himself relax into the dance again.
“So, perhaps, I should also keep my focus on who is in front of me.” He smirked, quoting his previous words.
The feeling emerged again. This time different yet again.
He could not understand the sick twist in his stomach, but it was something he had only felt once before this moment…with a girl who had long since forgotten him.
A feeling he resented.
As they twirled back into their starting marks, the music cut, leaving Orpheus holding his breath, afraid the sound of his anxious breathing would resonate.
“You are indeed a most compatible dance partner. I do hope we will meet again soon, but you must excuse me, my lady, for I am not feeling too well at this present moment. It was a pleasure.” Orpheus gave a deep bow and departed the dance floor as quickly as he was pulled into it.
Pushing his way through the crowd of people and out into the crisp air of the night, Orpheus took a breath. What felt like his first since the dance had started.
Why had his body been riddled with anxiety such as this? Why had the feeling been so sudden to approach? And why, for the first time, did he want to go back for more?
mentioned :
Albina (@Jass)
Aurelia (@benitz786)