Dance

like no one is watching

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

dancing queen || alycia & taran

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

“Whatever she pleased? That’s quite a statement.” Alycia liked to believe it was a true statement. After all, most people seemed to forget roses carried thorns as well. She laughed lightly as Taran agreed with her, deciding right then she didn’t want any of the other lords or ladies to experience the delight of the woman as clearly as she was. It was a selfish thought, but Alycia was inherently a selfish individual. “Perhaps I should have been a dancer then. I would love to experience love again for the first time — or the feel of fur against my skin or the view of the sunrise over the mountains.” While she could appreciate such things, sometimes they were lost even on the Rose of Highmeadow. “Despair is often times the building blocks of beauty. Rarely are our plays filled with happy endings, but it is a tragedy we all experience in some form or another — as little comfort as that is.”

[herheartisdancing]

Taran leaned in -- all sharp eyes and subtle smile -- and nodded. "Whatever she pleased. A rose draws you in with her soft, silky petals and her colors, which range from a shy, blushing pink to an audacious, commanding crimson. Then she draws blood. Somehow though she keeps everyone coming back for more. That's quite a power." She shrugged and it seemed a casual gesture; but everything Taran did had meaning. "I'd much rather shed blood on such a flower than go my entire life never having lost a drop." Taran listened, did nothing but listen as Alycia spoke, and the more she listened the more she liked this highborn flower. "You still can be a dancer, Milady." Taran stood once again and bowed to Lady Cromwell, extending her hand. "Dance with me?" There was a challenge in her eyes as she made the offer. "Are others in your life receive the benefit of your wisdom or are you prone to lavishing it all on dancers who come to your chambers?" Alycia's view on the nature of tragedy and beauty seemed like a concept that should have been beyond two women so young as the both of them. 

[amara-chase]

Amara inspected the woman in front of her, not confident enough to lower her guard, but she decided to go on a gamble and release her grip on her sword. She grazed her hand over the knife in her belt before nodding. “Yes! Yes I remember. You were amazing.” She found their dancing a great distraction from everything that the knights have been forced to deal with lately. She smirked slightly and shrugged. “Yes, I’m aware. It is an unfortunately rare sight. Still, I can beat most of their asses.”

[herheartisdancing]

Taran smiled softly and bowed slightly. "Thank you. We're working on a new dance, hopefully you'll be at the performance whenever we manage to perfect it." She watched the Knight with keen eyes, curious and enthralled by her all at once. Taran had seen plenty of warrior women in her travels but few here in the Keep. "Good! Sometimes the male ego can do with a good ass-kicking. I guess the life of a Knight can't be all fighting though. Are you patrolling?" Taran figured the answer to her question was probably yes but it didn't hurt to ask. "Things have gotten a little tense around here lately."

[amara-chase]

Night blanketed the Keep as Amara made her rounds through the generally empty streets. The drunken men and prostitutes kept their distance from her as she passed. She didn’t care enough to run after them. She paused for a moment as she heard something—or someone—behind her. She gripped the hilt of her sword and spun around on her heel. “What do you want?” 

[herheartisdancing]

"Definitely not to be hacked to death by a Knight and her sword." Taran didn't flinch when the woman gripped the hilt of her weapon and, in fact, her first instinct was to compliment the Knight on her quick reflexes. She was almost cat-like. "I was just out for a walk and I'd realized I'd seen you before, a week ago I think when my comrades and I performed for you." Taran repeated a few memorable dance moves from the routine. "I tend not to forget rare sights and a woman in the ranks of the Vitello Knights is a rare sight."

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

dancing queen || alycia & taran

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

Alycia’s cheeks flushed with delight at the comment. She entirely agreed that it was high praise for the dancer, but she had learned a long time ago using humility was as good a weapon as her beauty itself. “Ah, but a rose can still appreciate the beauty of other flowers, can it not?” Almost as an afterthought, she added, “You’re rather bold for an entertainer.” It was meant as high praise. Very rarely did people speak what they wanted to in the Keep. It was all politics and innuendos. Alycia’s smile widened. “Your life sounds like something out of a story children would read. You must see some extraordinary things — things I can only dream of.” 

[herheartisdancing]

Taran was immeasurably pleased by the fact that Alycia's cheeks flushed. A sense of pride welled up inside her chest because Taran had met many beautiful people in her life but none so beautiful as Lady Cromwell, and having made her blush seemed like a feat. "Aye, a rose can. I'd say a rose could do whatever she pleased." Taran's gaze was knowing, it was obvious to her that Alycia was a woman who could have commanded entire legions with one suggestive look. Instead of shrinking or apologizing for being bold as Alycia had named her Taran nodded. "Why shouldn't I be? A good dancer knows how to be bold in their movements and why shouldn't it extend to the rest of their life? I feel everything as vividly as if it were the first time." Taran wished everyone could live their lives like she did; she was sure it'd make them happier than they were. "Some bits of my life have been things I don't think any Mother or Father would want their child reading in their storybooks." Taran smiled a bit ruefully.

[therealm-rpg-blog]

TARANPREET BARAM // DAUGHTER OF MAYA AND SANJESH BARAM // AGE: 22 // HOUSE VITELLO // TERPSICHORE // UNAFFILIATED ALLIANCE // FC: FREIDA PINTO // TAKEN

”I move, therefore I am.” 

Special Titles/Ranks: N/A

BIOGRAPHY:

Taran, the name that Taranpreet goes by so people don’t have to use her longer one, was loved by her parents when she came into the world. The three of them lived in a little town at the base of the mountains and her parents had always wanted a little girl. Things were happy for them for a while but when Taran was two years old her mother came down with consumption and died of it not too long after. It would have just been grief that bothered Taran’s father but he was also crippled — his left leg bent and hobbled — and he couldn’t take care of his young daughter they way he should have been able to. Finally admitting that he wouldn’t be able to keep her he took her to a woman who lived on the other side of the village. The woman’s name was Kay and she had been good friends with Taran’s mother so when she was asked she took Taran in without a second thought and started to raise her like she was her own daughter. As Taran grew up with Kay caring for her she was still allowed to see her father but he was re-introduced as her uncle instead.

Even when she was little Taran had a talent for dancing and she usually wasn’t seen going anywhere without twirling or swaying or moving in some joyful way. She used to drive the other villagers crazy with all her energy but she was always a sight to see when it came time for a celebration. The village musicians would play their flutes and lyres and drums and it wouldn’t be long before Taran was moving around the hall or around the bonfire in the square. She could usually get others to join her too and she was responsible for keeping spirits high if only for a second. When she was thirteen she was the cause of some unrest though and Kay was forced to take her with her on a caravan trip. Taran had always had glimpses of what she called her ‘past life’ and she made the mistake of talking about it to some of the other villagers who mistakenly took her for a witch. Taran has been on the road with Kay, who she calls Mara Kay since Mara is the word for Mother in their village, ever since and she hasn’t seen her ‘uncle’ in nine years.

The trade off though is that Taran has gotten to experience life in the open and she’s visited everywhere from the Ironmoor to Waywyn as part of Kay’s reknowned caravan. She does well with people and she can be eloquent even though she’s not keen on titles or station, plus it doesn’t hurt that she’s picked up the languages and dialects of lots of the outlying peoples. Kay has had to make sure since Taran deals with so many types of people, both the nobility and the lower class, that she’s well enough read and taught so she can hold her own and that has been a feat in itself. Taran is a tough one to get to sit still and she’s so inspired by life that all she ever wants to do is be living it. Taran also has a tough time being rooted in one place after so long on the move and that makes it hard for her to accept the fact that Kay and the caravan have seemed to settle in the Keep. Kay is older though and she can’t travel as well as she used to which means no one, especially Taran, is willing to risk making her move.

There’s some talk of having Taran take over the caravan and getting back on the move once Kay is gone but Taran hates to even think about it. She focused on her dancing and tries to work her fears out by moving to the rhythm she feels in her bones. She’s afraid to lose Mara Kay and afraid that the caravan will turn to her to be a leader when she doesn’t even know that she’s got her own life in order. Sometimes she gets the feeling that she’s searching for missing pieces of herself too and she’s scared she’ll never find them.

PAST SELF AS TERPSICHORE

In Greek mythology, Terpsichore (/tərpˈsɪkəriː/; Τερψιχόρη) “delight in dancing” was one of the nine Muses and goddess of dance and chorus.[1] She lends her name to the word “terpsichorean” which means “of or relating to dance”. She is usually depicted sitting down, holding a lyre, accompanying the ballerinas’ choirs with her music. 

[More Here]

CONNECTIONS:

N/A

GIFS: ♔, ♔, ♔

  Main RP ♔ Plot ♔ Characters ♔ Rules ♔ Navigation ♔ Application

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

dancing queen || alycia & taran

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

Alycia should have suspected this dance to be even more marvelous than the last, but it didn’t stop her from watching in awe. It was clear Taran was dancing with a light heart and a love of the thing itself rather than for Alycia’s amusement — and that made all the difference. When she finished the dance, Alycia stirred as if waking from a dream and motioned for Taran to sit if she so desired. “You remind me of the moment directly before sunset — utterly captivating and in command of all those that see it. How long have you been doing this for?”

[herheartisdancing]

Taran smiled at Lady Cromwell after the dance had completed and she noticed the way she seemed to waken as if Taran had transported her from reality for a time. There was no greater reward that the look on Alycia's face even if the woman had offered Taran all the money in the Realm. She was still in awe that Alycia was inviting her to dine with her as payment, no one else had ever done anything like that, but Taran wasn't going to say anything. She took a seat with Alycia and brushed hair from her face that had fallen during her movements. "High praises coming from the Rose of Highmeadow, Milady. So many would say the same thing about you." It wasn't in Taran's nature to blush but Alycia was coming close to tinting her cheeks. "Since I was a girl. The woman who leads the caravan of entertainers and traders that brought me here has always nurtured my gift."

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

dancing queen || alycia & taran

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

"Taran…" Alycia tasted the name in her mouth, trying it out. It was much as the dance itself had been: exotic and beautiful. "I would adore another dance — your favorite dance, one that means something to you, my darling.” It was perhaps the best way Alycia could think to get to know the young woman, because Alycia was thoroughly intrigued. ”And as payment, I insist you share my dinner with me afterwards.” 

[herheartisdancing]

Taran's own name off of Lady Cromwell's lips sounded more like music than anything else and Taran had to admit she was glad now that the woman's guards had come to get her. Dancing for Alycia seemed a far better way to pass the evening than what Taran had planned. "My favorite, Milady?" Surprise would have been evident in Taran's voice because no one had ever asked her to dance for her own enjoyment. "It's a mountain dance called 'Artis Sarat'. It means bowing pine." The music in Taran's head began again and her body moved like playful wind through trees. She twirled and struck at the air and this dance was far more raw than the last had been. The people of the mountain who had taught her this were a hard people and their dancers were all about the harshness of nature or the victory of war. When she had finished she bowed and looked up at Alycia. "I will share you dinner with you if that's what you'd like, Milady."

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

dancing queen || alycia & taran

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

It was clear the young woman knew what she was doing. Her movements were effortless as they were beautiful, and although there was no music, the woman painted a picture before Alycia’s very eyes — eyes she didn’t remove from the gaze of the woman. The sight was alluring, more beautiful than the highest lord or the prettiest dress. It was raw, and Alycia found herself leaning forward to watch, and by the flicker of candlelight, a spell wrapped around her as effectively as she usually managed to weave .

Whatever challenge Alycia had presented, the woman had surpassed every expectation. She wasn’t eager for the spell to be broken, but her eyes seemed to flutter closed on their own accord. “You are…exquisite. What is your name?”

[herheartisdancing]

Taran closed her eyes a moment and rolled her head backward, letting the music in her mind take her and move her body as if she were its puppet. Her movements were fluid and easy and graceful, delicate but purposeful and deliberate. Her dance had to come to an end though and as it did she opened her eyes. Taran noticed that Lady Cromwell's own eyes had been shut as well and it didn't surprise her much. Many people all over the Realm had found themselves taken with Taran's dancing and it gave her infinite pleasure to know Alycia had enjoyed it. "My name is Taranpreet Baram, Milady, but most people know me by Taran." She straightened the edges of her attire and looked pointedly at Alycia. "Would you like another dance Milday? I have many I could perform for you." It wasn't Taran's pleasure to serve, that was not what drove her to ask, but her pleasure to dance.

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

dancing queen || alycia & taran

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

Alycia tilted her head to the side, regarding the woman with curiosity shining through her expression. Despite their protests, she waved the guards away. If this girl served the Keep, Alycia had no doubts she’d been dragged off to lords and ladies time and time again. Not only did Alycia want this to be a memorable dance for herself; she wanted this to be unforgettable for the dancer, who bore all the preciousness of a rose.

"Surprise me." She barely whispered the words, but they carried the weight of a challenge. "Impress me. Seduce me with the beauty of dance." She was giving the nameless woman all of the power. In simple words, it was a test. While many people would see a game when looking at a pretty dancer, Alycia saw a puzzle — and it was one she would solve every time.

[herheartisdancing]

Taran felt she could breathe easier as the guards disappeared and she was thankful Lady Cromwell had sent them away. The door closed behind them and the answer to Taran's question came in a tone almost as soft as a lover's whisper. Fitting, she thought, because this was obviously a woman who knew how to be a lover. "Of course." Taran knew which dance she'd choose and it was as beautiful as it was exotic. Something of the desert and of shifting sands and scorpions poised to strike unsuspecting victims. Her hips moved as waves, slow and languorous, and her arms rose above her head with her wrists twisting and fingers curling through the air. 

She did not need music as she bent back wards and her feet shuffled to the rhythm she knew in her head from having practiced this dance with Mara Kay. Taran's eyes, dark and lined with kohl, never left Lady Cromwell's. She had asked to be seduced hadn't she?

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

dancing queen || alycia & taran

Alycia was bored, and a bored Alycia was never a good person to be around. She sent one of her guards off to find her some entertainment, preferably something beautiful to keep her occupied while she poured over some of the wedding details. The gods knew she needed something of a distraction to keep her mind off the impending future. 

She sat draped over one of the chairs in her chambers, head held high as the guards ushered in a young woman. By her stance and attire, it was quite obvious she was a dancer, and Alycia’s lips immediately curled upward into a welcoming smile. “I’m sorry if I whisked you away from a free evening off, my darling. I hope you can forgive me.”

[herheartisdancing]

Alycia Cromwell had been the name on the lips of the guards who had come to find Taran and she'd stared at them dumbly for a second. She knew full well who Lady Cromwell was but her guards were rude when they told Taran she was supposed to follow them so she could perform. When had this been decided? Taran gave the two men a hard time until one of them looked like he might pick her up and carry her to his Lady. Taran did not want to be carried. They stopped quickly to let Taran change and then went straight to Lady Cromwell's chambers, at which point Taran was brought in.

"There's nothing to forgive Milady, you're never truly working when you're doing what you love. Did you have a certain dance in mind or shall I surprise you?" Taran was used to this and being suddenly beckoned to and fro by the nobility had become sort of an alarming commonality. She stepped further into the room and kept a slight smile on her face even as she wanted to openly marvel at how beautiful Alycia was. The tales Taran had heard did not do her justice.

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

"They’re remembering how deadly the Sun can be, I presume." She shrugged. "Beauty is one of our simplest gifts. It requires no thought, no deciphering — something is either beautiful or not. Simplicity is one thing, I’ve found, that has always managed to terrify people as well." Alycia glanced in the direction she had come from, shaking her head slowly. "Oh no. I much prefer sleeping until late afternoon and waiting for the world to slowly wake around me. I was merely coming back from a late night rendezvous. I’m rather glad I did too. Beautiful women are so much more intriguing than beautiful men."

[herheartisdancing]

Taran liked the way Alycia thought and she couldn't have agreed any more when she talked about beauty and simplicity. "Yeah, people seem to be terrified by a lot of things and especially themselves. You somehow don't really strike me as a woman who's afraid of the same things as other people though." She couldn't say there wasn't something enticing about Alycia that drew her in and made her want to continue the conversation. It was more than the fact that the woman was gorgeous but Taran couldn't place it. "That's because a beautiful woman usually knows what to do with her beauty. She can use its layers as armor, it can be sharpened as a weapon or softened as a trap." Taran tilted her head and smiled at Alycia as she explained her thoughts.

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

"I haven’t heard wiser words spoken in quite some time. I oft see people looking at beautiful things but rarely do they see them. It’s endlessly frustrating for individuals such as us, who revel in beauty.” Alycia slipped her hand around the other woman’s, smile widening. “Alycia. It’s a delight to meet you.”

[herheartisdancing]

"People are afraid of beautiful things I think. Beautiful things make most people self conscious because they think they'll never match up. Some people are right but to me it seems ridiculous to hide from something just because you'll never grasp it. That'd be like staying inside all the time because we can never touch the Sun." Taran smiled at Alycia and nodded after the introduction. "Nice to meet you too. Do you run around the park this early a lot?"

[herheartisdancing]

"To dance is to fly, to fly is to be free"

[herheartisdancing]

Flawless

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

Alycia flashed the woman a brilliant smile, determined to put her at ease. “I’m sorry if I disturbed you.” She rose her brows, thoroughly impressed by her ambitions. “Julliard would be a fool not to accept you. I may not know about dance, but I know about beauty — if they don’t believe that’s beautiful, they’re a bunch of old fools.”

[herheartisdancing]

Taran fidgeted a little and tried not to be so obvious when she got embarrassed. "You didn't disturb me I'm used to being watched. Usually it's by a bunch of stuck up ex-dancers who think they know everything to know about dance." She brushed some hair behind her ear. "I don't know what they'll think of it. If you spend too much time looking at the same thing really closely I think sometimes you lose your eye for beauty. I'm glad you could see it though. I'm-- I'm Taran." She held out her hand to be shaken even though she could really explain why she was even introducing herself.

[alyciacromwell-blog1]

Alycia had woken up long before the man beside her and crept out of the house, leaving it as if she hadn’t been there at all. The morning sun was just beginning to become visible over the horizon, and it shone a light on a young woman dancing. Alycia took a seat to watch, curiosity getting the better of her, and she clapped slowly as the woman’s routine came to a close. “That was extraordinary.”

[herheartisdancing]

Taran had just finished her dance and she'd been thinking about what could have been improved on when she heard the clapping. When she looked around she noticed the woman sitting on the bench not far away and she smiled at her. "Thanks. uh-- I didn't think anyone was around." Taran reached for the bag she always carried with her stuff in it and then walked a little closer to the woman. "I hope the board at Julliard is as impressed as you were."

[herheartisdancing]

Taran liked to practice in the park in the early morning and she'd all but perfected her routine. Her teachers at Julliard had all said how proud they were of her and that she should keep up the hard work but it wasn't good enough for Taran unless she was perfect. So here she was at five a.m. going over her routine under a huge tree that was out of the way so she wouldn't bother anyone.