Dance #2 : Lady Belle Rose (@Kristi) ~ongoing~
Orpheus pulled the pieces of his fragmented mind back together, regaining his composure in time with the music that echoed throughout the ballroom. He was well aware Belle was far too curious to pass up his offer.
“Has anyone ever told you that you were frustrating? Is there truly no other women in the soirée you can dance with?“ Belle spat exasperatedly as she reluctantly took Orpheus’ hand. Orpheus could not help but laugh at her comments and the very notion that she had not only agreed to dance, but that she was speaking to him at all. It was often that hours of silence passed between them unless Orpheus spoke toward her, rather than with her. This time around, it seemed Belle was most curious to hear him, for the first time.
[color= #BC0057] “Miss Fleur…As you are undoubtedly aware, I bear the esteemed title of Langston heir, destined to become a Duke, entrusted with a substantial estate and vast fortune. There are many ladies of great beauty and renown I could have chosen to grace the dance floor with, none of which would dare call me ‘frustrating’ to my face. Yet, I have chosen to hold the one who does not shy from such improprieties. I have chosen you. Is this not a testament to the sincerity of my choice?” [/color] Orpheus’ words were uninhibited by fears or anxiety as the alcohol had alleviated such restraints. For once, he began to speak as openly to Belle, as she had to him.
He held tightly onto Belle, pulling her through the steps as if the sways of their dance would calm the turbulent waters of his mind. The blur in his vision worsened, but he maintained his pace as each step had been rehearsed time and time again, the movements of his dance becoming muscle memory throughout the years. Dance felt like an extension of his music oftentimes, a way to express his passions without words.
Words, he found, could often fail while music and step kept pace with the heart, always.
Orpheus felt himself relax into Belle’s gentle touch, his body soothing itself as he allowed the violin to wash over him yet again.
“Now tell me, why did you drink quite a lot? I did not deem you as much of a drinker.” Belle’s voice unfurled in time with their movements as they pulled and pushed apart with the choreography.
Orpheus moved a moment in silence, holding her gaze with a gentle smirk, and nothing more, before replying.
[color= #BC0057] “You paint yourself quite the intellectual…” [/color] Orpheus started, never losing sight of her eyes, a brilliant shade of bluish green that reminded him of the soft seas on the coastline.
[color= #BC0057] “Tell me, do you know why men drag their enemies to sea?” [/color] Orpheus paused a moment before continuing. [color= #BC0057] “Perhaps, why the worst rakes of society fill beds they do not own? Or why, you, yourself, collect enough books to fill a library?” [/color] Orpheus smiled softly. It was a sad smile. A smile that had answered his own question, reflecting the pain of his knowledge on his expression.
[color= #BC0057] “To drown.” [/color] Orpheus finished his sentiment, searching Belle for a reaction or realization.
[color= #BC0057] “There are few places in this world vast and encompassing enough to engulf your entirety. The sea, the eyes of a lover, a book of far off places…or the bottom of a bottle. Yet, each provides their own escape. What is it that you are escaping from, my sweet Rose?” [/color] Orpheus inquired, a hint of true curiosity in his tone. As he spoke, his eyes lingered on hers yet again, his gaze soft and reassuring. It was the first time he had truly spoken to anyone of his habit. There was a sense of vulnerability and truth that lingered in the air around him.
Despite his knowledge that she would likely not indulge his line of questioning, Orpheus spoke more aloud to himself than to her. He often wondered about Belle during his visits. Why she hated the idea of marriage. What solace she found in her books. How she knew of the symbolism of the flowers and admired their beauty, yet could not apply their sentiments to her own life. To him, she always seemed sort of alone in her thoughts. Perhaps, as alone as he was in his. Maybe that is he why he continued to visit. For, if he could understand Belle, perhaps, he could understand himself.
Orpheus looked on at her in comfortable silence, allowing their movements to fill the empty air in place of words as he awaited her response.
mentioned :
Belle (@Kristi)