REMINISCENCE.

that one middle school square dancing unit in pe

White Heron Cup — Round 2, Match 9

Oh, there’s another round.

Oughhhhh, there’s another roundddddd…….

It makes sense now that she’s thinking about it, yeah, but she DIDN’T think about it before! She only prepared the one dance! She thought she’d just have to do that and be done with it!!!!

Oh gosh and they’re going first again too. Oh no oh no oh no oh noooo…

Style: 3 | Choreography: 1 | Technique: 10 Total: 14

Elise raises her arms out in the space before her, spread apart as if to accommodate another person that’s not there — a technique she’d come up with for practicing her footwork in front of the mirror in her room solo when Leo wasn’t available or was insisting something about a ‘break’. A technique that works well for what she needs it to do, yeah, she is killing it on the steps — but one that also looks stupid and she knows it.

She sends Hilda an uncomfortably strained smile as she turns past in a sweeping step for what feels like the millionth time; both an apology and a plea. She is so sorry. Hilda save us.

@delicatevalentine

delicatevalentine

How they'd made it through the first round with Hilda's poor attempt at a dance was anyone's guess, but she was pleased all the same.

This time, Elise was up first. She mimed a sort-of ballroom dance without a partner --- certainly well executed but perhaps a little quirky for the judges' tastes.

Hilda strutted on to the dance floor once more and threw in a few more arm movements, pointing at each of the judges in turn on beat, and ending with a little jump and a twirl, her heel lifted into a pointed toe and her hands folded under her chin upon the landing.

Style: 8 | Choreography: 4 | Technique: 1 Total: 13

What she lacked in technique, she sure hoped she made up for in cuteness!

Ninian considered many different options for their second performance, even that of having Silque dance alone as another pair apparently had, but it would have been an undue burden on the cleric to send her out there woefully unprepared. Better it be her, then, yet that would have left sweet Silque to choreograph for her and, ah... ...

Most importantly, Ninian had agreed to go on stage with her.

And so, she decided on a medley of many dances in the hopes that it would be more entertaining than a ballad while remaining appropriate for Silque’s level. None of the dances involved were particularly difficult in themselves, after all. The challenge was in shifting from one style to another, but surely the cleric was spontaneous enough for the task... That, and if they were lucky any mistakes would go unnoticed or seem intentional in the slight chaos.

Suffice it to say, she underestimated how difficult a medley would be for Silque. Her smile as the music ended was apologetic, and she squeezed the other girl’s hand in apology as much as in reassurance while the judges deliberated...

Ten in style, because together they made chaos into a free-spirited revelry; eight in technique, because she was willing to be less than perfect if it helped Silque’s talent shine; and three in choreography, because it had been no more than a medley... And no less, Ninian thought with another smile to her partner, hand lightly resting in hers.

“ We might yet make the semifinals, ” she whispered, feeling younger than her years for sheer excitement. “ After all, I am sure you’ve earned a perfect ten in style, too. ”

"…Do you really think so?" the cleric replies, eyes wide at the compliment as much as at the delight in Ninian's voice. But there's no time to stare, not now, when Silque's own scores are being announced…!

With bated breath, she smoothes down her skirt, lifts her chin, and receives:

a paired three in choreography, as Ninian had worked so hard to partner her, a ten — ten, indeed! — in style, because Ninian knows and loves her craft, and one for technique, because, well — hahaha!

"Oh, Ninian, it's fine," Silque teases under her breath, giggling at herself. "It's my fault if anyone's. I was the one who suggested a change of pace, but those changes were just so fast!" In the end, Silque had just done whatever felt right at the time… and those motions certainly can't have been difficult or precise.

But the smile doesn't, can't leave her eyes, not even if she tried to force it to. She just can't bring herself to mind too much, though perhaps she should, for the dancer's sake. Even as she stumbled along, the ground stood solid under her feet, guiding her forward as always; and even when she spun out of control, she could lean in, confident in the knowledge that the music would spin her right back into the arms of a beloved girl.

"The quicksteps are really quite fun, though," Silque muses, letting Ninian lead her off the stage. "Or, really, any dance with you. I know I didn't even realize there was a second round, but I'm... glad," she laughs, a little shy, "that they let us continue dancing together."

#⊰ thread ⊱ square dancing unit.#⊰ thread ⊱ end.#trim later #thank you for a fun thread everyone!!#i'm still so cheesed you enjoyed my idea metal

“Aw man…” Elise sighs, shoulders slumping and head hung low even as she claps alongside the rest of the audience at the final scores. Ones she probably could’ve guessed beforehand if she really tried, given the major contrast of polish between their two performances. “I’m sorry, Hilda… Guess I really blew it for team Hilise…”

It’s not much of a surprise after that performance the other girls were the ones to take the win for that round. A very well deserved win, of course! Even if she can’t help but feel a little disappointed they didn’t pull through by some miracle in the end, she can’t deny them that.

Nor can she deny the numerous realizations that followed the results that were surprising, namely:

It was a lot closer a match than it really had any reason to be. 4 points is a pretty big gap all things considered, sure — but only 4??? Really????

She was not at all close on the type of dance they were supposed to be doing. Yikes. The music probably should’ve been a giveaway.

(And worst of all of them) THEY WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE GONE FIRST.

The scoreboard states it so very clearly: ‘Penalty: False Start’ written in bold right next to their names, in red ink to further add insult to injury. Names that she now notices are very distinctly below the other pair’s. As if she didn’t have enough reason to be embarrassed already…

But she can’t! Even with all the reasons in the world, mature adults don’t get embarrassed — they stay positive for the sake of their team no matter what, which means she has to, too! Because if she wants to be like her siblings, then shes gotta be a good leader just like them, and that’s what a good leader does!

“But I won’t next year! If we get paired together again, we’ll bring home the win for sure!” Though the dance is over now, the princess smiles as she reaches for her dance partner’s hand one last time, bringing them together to point at their opponents from across the battlefield (re: ballroom). “So you both better watch out, hehe! Enjoy the victory while you can, ‘cause next time we’re coming for you!”

— End

dance your heart away.

White Heron Cup / Round 1, Match 1

#⊰ thread ⊱ dance your heart away.#⊰ thread ⊱ end.#thank you for the thread!!#really fun group dynamic here :pleading:

The next one? The rounds to come?

Silque is just about ask Ninian what the other pair could possibly mean, when the dancer herself seems to confirm their words. But upon glancing back at her friend, shy and timid once more, Silque only remembers to offer a smile at the girl's reassurance of their safety… before nodding and turning back to the others.

"I am Silque, a cleric from Valentia," she offers warmly, stepping into a simple bow, "and I suppose also a student of the Blue Lions house now, haha! Ninian here is my dance partner for tonight." Lifting their joined hands, the cleric leans a little closer to the pair in a stage whisper, as if sharing a secret that was never meant to be kept. "Though she is a far better dancer than I am, you know. I trust her completely. As long as she believes in our ability, then I do, too."

Still, even Silque can recognize from her limited experience that the waltz Chrom and Alear had performed was not an easy one. "To be honest, Chrom, I think you could give yourself a little more credit," she offers with a laugh, bumping her shoulder against Ninian's. "Those turns were so fast! I'm sure with a little more practice, next year—"

On and on she would have went, chatterbox that she is, had there not been a call from the high table then, for the winning pair to report in, please!

Do they mean us? Silque shoots a wide-eyed look at her partner. "Oh, sorry, I think we have to get going," she says, waving as she turns to leave. "Thank you for your kind words! I hope you have a lovely rest of the night—"

And if Alear and Chrom were to still be listening as her voice fades with distance, they might be able to eventually catch a single question, asked in mildly concerning bewilderment:

"…Um, Ninian, do we have a dance for the next round?"

—thread end.

serraic

Sweet Like Sugar

serraic

“You came all the way out here without Nils?” It seems... so out of character for Ninian, really! Not in a bad way! Just in a... Serra-can’t-quite-believe-it way! “Wow... you must have really wanted to see the academy.” Or there was more to the story that Ninian wasn’t telling her. But wasn’t there always? Ninian was sort of like that. Very to herself. Serra had come to accept that. Maybe... maybe things could be different, now? Now that the two of them... were reunited?

Eh... probably not. Serra wasn’t really the sort of girl that had lots of close friends like that. Even though Erk said he loved her, even he and her had a... distance, of sorts.

“A—anyway! Yeah! Erk’s here too! And some other people! Like Legault, and Heath, and Lloyd. The bad guy, Lloyd. But he’s not really so awful, really. And Karel. And Mark! Can you believe Mark’s here? I couldn’t either!”

She’s not sure how many of those names, other than Mark, Ninian will really resonate with. But Serra only knows about who she knows about, after all.

“Thanks... for the congratulations.” Her cheeks redden, a little. “Okay! Well, if you’re fine with us shopping together, we should get started! What sorts of things are you looking for? You said furniture... what do you already have, what do you need?”

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ sweet like sugar.#⊰ thread ⊱ end.#⊰ arc ⊱ excavation.#serraic #i had like most of this written up don't look at me #but. we're done at last!

The question feels like a slap.

Dame Serra doesn’t mean it like that — it’s a perfectly reasonable thing to wonder, in fact, seeing as she did go everywhere with Nils —; and she’s heard much worse than this besides. Still, the bluntness stings, no matter that Ninian can keep as much from her face. She swallows.

“ Ah... Yes, ” she begins, more quietly still than is her wont, “ I did... want to see it... I was educated at home, so... ”

She manages a smile, all too happy to let Serra fill the silence she leaves. That list is both longer and more concerning than she expected, but... Well, she will take the girl’s word for it. She nods once more.

“ I’ll be glad to see Mark again, ” is all she says, well-aware Serra couldn’t believe she was here either. “ And you are welcome, of course, Dame Serra. As for what I need... ”

As they set off, still arm-in-arm not unlike old friends, Ninian feels almost ordinary in spite of the great secret she keeps. If only all her days could be like this...!

fin.

Status.

Hiatus (April) Passed (May)

Skill points.

Any Skill +1 from Activity Check, allocated to Faith Reason +1 from Excavation task (muse dropped)

Skill changes.

Faith D+ -> C Reason A -> A (⅓)

Claims.

Dancer access (pending) Playbill of a Romance (pending)

#⊰ mun ⊱ housekeeping.#toaactivity #still mobile but. after i rest + do more housekeeping i will start tinkering away at the dancer drabble

heartfelt dance.

Ethereal Ball 2026 / Hoshido

stellaventia

When they arrived at the ball together, his (perhaps over)protective side wanted to monitor Ninian during their time here. Just to make sure no man (or woman, he’s come to learn) would approach her with lecherous intentions.

Nils decided against it, however. It’s easy to forget when you’ve spent so much of your life in survival mode, but they were safe here. So after a bit he drifted away from her side. After all, Ninian would likely prefer meeting people without her little brother constantly hovering around her. And despite her apparent frailty, she was so much stronger than he’d ever be.

She’d come see him when she wanted to, and that ended up being the case. “Ninian!” He greeted her back, features mirroring her own in both appearance and the way they smiled. “I wanted to, but you were just being too mesmerizing. They preferred watching you dance over talking to me.” Nils teased back, giving a playful wink.

Naturally as she put her arm around his, he was happy to follow along. The way she smiled, laughed and teased, it was clear to him she had been enjoying herself thus far. There seemed to be a joy to her usual grace that he hadn’t gotten to see in a while.

Taking a step back had been the right move, then.

On the mention of their bouquets, he glanced at the bundle of pale blue flowers in his hand, and the similarly shaped flowers in hers. Huh, what are the odds? He wasn’t left pondering about it for long however, as Ninian invited him to dance with her.

And of course, she knew from the first note what kind of song it would be. It took a little longer for Nils to catch on. “You really know your stuff, so you can really afford to say things with a little more confidence, you know?” He chided her playfully. “And you also know I’m happy to dance with you, I always am. So, dear sister, lead the way!”

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ heartfelt dance.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#stellaventia #toaball2026 #i ended up leaving the ballgown lore into the thread itself #both for continuity and because i've had so many asks to send #tfw she's wearing her love for him but she still wants to carry one of /his/ orchids and give him one of hers #they make me ILL queenie they're SOOOOO

In truth, Ninian would not have minded at all if Nils did stay beside her. She has gone over a year without him, after all, and the weight of his absence is stitched into the very gown she’s wearing: She decided not to attend the Ball a year ago because she could not bear the thought of dancing on her own by the sea when it was Nils she danced with, when she once lost him to the waves besides; then, regretting it and remembering he’d have wished for her to find happiness without him, she prepared an outfit inspired by his for this year...

... Only for him to be here, with her, in the end. She worried he would be put off, even apologized for not having asked him if he minded despite the impossibility of asking, but there was no reason to fret.

She must laugh, now, to think of her little brother’s reassurance while he returns her teasing. She is a fool twice over, worrying for naught and handing him that retort on a silver platter... but, tonight, Ninian thinks herself a fool with wonderful lightness.

“ I walked right into that one, ” she allows with an airy laugh. “ And you aren’t wrong either. Here I thought people would be too busy enjoying themselves to mind me...! ”

Or she hoped for it, at least. Still, she has been drawing attention for a good reason, and so has resigned herself to it. Staying away from the dance floor isn’t an option, and so she smiles brightly even in face of Nils’ playful chiding.

“ You know I save my confidence for when it’s needed, ” she says, referring to her role as the Dragon Shrine’s oracle. “ And I have needed it here in Fódlan, now and then. ”

Her tone remains light; and if she thinks of Adaline and the arena she does so only in passing, leading the way as he asked with a skip to her step.

“ Now I think of it, Nils, ” she begins while taking up position, “ what do you think of exchanging our orchids after this...? ”

@aimlessarchery sent: [ CHAMPAGNE ] The thin drink glass is held lazily aloft toward the dancer, with a second half-empty one rested in Python's other hand.

"Consolation prize for making it so far in that dancing competition," he explains with a grin, "And for sweeping an old friend off her feet right under my nose. Didn't know you had that in you."

Python out of all professors would offer a student champagne, Ninian muses when he approaches her with his characteristic nonchalance. It’s nothing so disapproving as judgement, it must be said, merely an observation. She is still not sure what to make of the man, largely because some part of her is yet terrified that he knows, though he has said he won’t tell. It’s not like it was with —

— No one, actually. She didn’t divulge her secret to Lady Lyn, Lord Hector or Lord Eliwood either, though she trusts them far more than the archer. None of them called her choice “weird” before they so much as tried to understand it.

But then, being from Elibe, they knew of the Scouring. Perhaps she’s being unkind in recalling his first reaction, between that and his (unintentional) help in her growing closer to... to... ...

A consolation prize of sorts is one thing (indeed, the thoughtfulness is a point in his favor)... but sweeping an old friend off her feet? That’s much more than she’d credit herself with — wait, no, he knows —

“ Ah... ” she murmurs, thankful she didn’t accept the drink right away for she would no doubt have spilled it. “ I... ”

If she were wittier, if her heart were lighter, Ninian might have replied that she has a great many things in her. He didn’t know of her true form either, after all. But as she is, even the thought of making a jest — a wry thing out of what she is leaves her on the verge of nausea.

Quite abruptly, she reaches for the glass in his hand at last and takes a sip. Maybe not the best choice to steady herself — but it’ll do. At least in this dark, her red cheeks are less noticeable... She thinks. Hopes.

“ Thanks for the drink, ” she whispers, too quietly and after too long. She really ought to correct him, but much like the last time she doesn’t find words, eventually saying instead: “ Although, I need no consolation. All I wanted was to teach Miss Silque how to dance... and I did that much. ”

She lifts her glass again, murmuring “Have a lovely ball, Professor” and leaving him to stand alone in the newly freezing air.

#⊰ muse ⊱ answered.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#“did she freeze the air as a warning or was she just that flustered?” yes.#aimlessarchery #toaball2026

her due flowers.

White Heron Cup / Finals

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ her due flowers.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#macnaradhaigh #milafaithful #cervanke #whiteheroncup2026 #toaball2026

Ninian’s muscles are sore.

She thought it would come to this, sooner or later, between how much she danced before the Cup... and how much it took to bring them this far. It is not Silque’s fault, of course: the cleric would still have been happy if they’d lost in the first round. No, it was she who went above and beyond in her efforts, carrying the load of two.

The first two rounds were one thing, but the semifinals... Truth is, they should have lost. She lacks the build to lift another, but she was so focused on choosing the right piece while respecting Silque’s limits that she forgot her own. Now her arms and her back are paying for it, never mind her legs.

Or rather... They will pay for it.

This is no foresight, but simple experience. There’s nothing for healing magic to mend before they set out, no muscle at its limit already. There is only a warning... and the conscious decision not to heed it.

They have made it this far, so she may as well push through to the end... and, more importantly, Silque has learned to dance at last. She cannot give up here. Her body will simply have to bear one last waltz.

— But she is weak, always has been, and her determination alone is not enough.

If nothing else, she is dancing blind. Silque is dancing blind. They are both spared the sight of her ankle twisting, not to mention the sight of her missteps afterwards. She clenches her teeth and keeps going.

The effort garners her five points for style, at least. Leaning on Silque, she braces for worse. Two in technique, her third three in choreography... A perfect ten, except only in total. She hasn’t a right to anger, so her shoulders hunch instead.

“ Forgive me, ” she whispers, hair falling over her face. “ I... Ah... ”

Are you weary as well, @milafaithful, @cervanke & @macnaradhaigh?

@princessmacedon sent: [ LYTHOS ] “Miss Ninian! I’m so glad to see you’re looking better!” Maria breathes her relief through a crescent smile, pulling a rose free from her bouquet, then huffs a little laugh. It’s just like she thought. “Your eyes match the flower really well, don’t you think? Hee hee… do you want it? I think it’d be happier with you! —but!” A finger pops up, as if to point up toward the sparkle in her eyes. “Would you be willing to trade it for a dance, Miss Ninian? I think it’d be lots of fun!”

Although Ninian herself would never think it, the truth is she looks not only better but also radiant. The glow of her happiness is soft, yes, could hardly be otherwise for her modest nature. Still, for such a light to be in her face at all is a rarity. Maria saw her hale and hearty, before the disease came, but this... This almost feels new even to the dancer herself.

Perhaps it should not come as a surprise, then, how swiftly her light dims. It is no fault of sweet Maria’s, needless to say; in fact, upon first seeing the cleric she smiles gently and hurries to meet her.

“ Lady Maria, ” she greets in soft tones, “ I, too, am glad to see you... ”

Enjoying yourself after our trials, she meant to say, but (as so often is the case) she balks. To call the epidemic as such, to center their own struggles, does not seem right when so many were more affected; and neither does she want to risk implying that Maria’s passion, her life’s work, is something to be recovered from after the fact. It is not wrong to care, to put one’s all into ...

... Ah.

Even though she was just reflecting on Maria’s care for others, indeed even though the other remains as joyful as she’d been in the moment prior, nonetheless some primal instinct asserts itself in Ninian when the cleric peers at her eyes.

And, irony of ironies, it’s the instinct of prey: the dragon girl freezes up, breath hitching in her throat while every other time someone’s looked at her this intently comes to mind. That is, every other time she has been found out and driven away from whatever village she was in...

Because Maria is looking closely at pupils slit like a snake’s, a sign of beastly heritage which is no doubt noticeable beneath the chandelier’s bright light. Dread pools at her feet like melting ice, and she cannot find either words or the will to flee ——

Your eyes match the flower very well. Wait, what? Rather stupidly, the first response that comes to mind is oh, I got them from my father. Thank the Spirits, Maria has not finished just yet.

“ Ah... I... Thank you, ” she murmurs after, slowly reaching for the rose. “ I would love to dance with you, Lady Maria... Trade or no, ” she chuckles, then presents the little cleric with a purple orchid in turn.

“ This dance is one of my favorites, ” she adds, slipping her arm into Maria’s to pull her partner along as she drifts out to the floor. “ I am a priestess too, you see. ”

#⊰ muse ⊱ answered.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#princessmacedon #toaball2026 #MARIA FOR MEEEE #she's feeling confident enough to actually mention that and. well. with your pick i couldn't not #long post //#fe7 spoilers

dance your heart away.

White Heron Cup / Round 1, Match 1

When the following pair crashes to the floor, Silque flinches in time to the gasp of the crowd, nearly turning to bury her face in Ninian's shoulder. But look she must, because isn't that her duty, beyond all the fanfare and revelry of such a lavish ball?

The young man pulls his partner to her feet, and Silque can tell, with years of experience, that the hand on her back is not placed just for show. So as soon as they step off stage, the cleric rushes to greet them, pulling Ninian along in her wake.

"Are either of you badly hurt?" White magic flickers in her hands as she worries, crouching to examine the girl's injury. "Goodness, that's red. It's sure to bruise, unless we---"

With those murmured words, Silque presses her palm firmly to the girl's shoulders, closing her eyes on the exhale. The earth mother's grace drains from her fingers, stitching the tissue whole once more.

When her eyes flutter open again, she turns to offer the pair a sympathetic smile. "In Mila's name, that was quite the tumble! I really am sorry," she says, eyes soft. "What are your names? You two make a lovely pair."

aliberation

Oh, Alear can't look at the woman who offers her help, instead opting to bury her face in her hands. Her face burns with such embarrassment that she knows it extends down her neck and onto her chest, as well as her ears-- and there's absolutely nothing she can do about it. How does she explain this is the second time she's been on the floor during this event? How does she explain the first time WASN'T an accident? This one was, though. That's the important part. This one was.

Before she has a chance to answer, though, there's a warmth and a soothing feeling that spreads throughout sore muscles; it coaxes Alear to look up and glance over her shoulder in search of the redness that she knew would bruise... only to find nothing. Impressive healing magic, and done so quickly, too. "I'm okay now, thanks to you." Alear flashes a smile, albeit a sheepish one. "I'm Alear, and this is Chrom- it's nice to meet you, um...?" She certainly doesn't recognize this woman, and she knows for sure she'd recall someone as beautiful as her. A lovely pair, was it? She does giggle at that, her hand resting lightly against Chrom's shoulder. "Well, you may be the only one who thinks that after THAT display. But I appreciate it! The two of you paint a gorgeous picture of a couple- your dresses are stunning! And I think it's very cute that your blues complement each other." They seem happy, and if they had to lose in such a humiliating way, at least it was to a couple that embodied the romance of everything the ball offered.

"Congratulations on this round. I'll be rooting for you both on the next one, okay?"

@milafaithful @soulsaligned @ninisdance

soulsaligned

Recovery magic is a powerful thing, and to that; Chrom feels a sense of relief in the midst of his embarrassment that one of their opponents had been a Cleric.

Yet his embarrassment doesn’t dwindle, especially when the Cleric refers to he and Alear as a ‘lovely pair’. It is a genuine compliment, yet one that feeds into Chrom’s bashfulness at the moment. So much so that he is left unable to speak; lucky is it that Alear handled introductions on their shared behalf. He nods along when he is introduced, and offers a light bow.

As Alear goes to compliment the two dancers, he nods in agreement. “She is correct, you both were in wondrous sync. I still have much to learn yet,” Chrom smiles, a warmth radiant as he does. “And I believe that I still need to work on my memorization of Ylisse’s waltz as well…” As the ruling exalt, Chrom is embarrassed that he still has not mastered the dance of his countrymen, yet he was never as strong of a dancer as he would wish to be. “All the same, I too will continue to wish for your victory in the rounds to come. It would be nice to see as dashing of a couple as the two of you claim victory, after all.”

And, following their own incident, Chrom can’t help but nervously laugh in turn as he gives warning to the two ladies in tow. “Please, though, be careful. Neither Alear nor myself are capable healers… but I’m sure I speak correctly for the both of us in saying that we will jump to your aid if the situation permits.”

@ninisdance hi bestie i hand it to youuuu

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ dance your heart away.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#toaball2026 #whiteheroncup2026 #milafaithful #soulsaligned #aliberation

To hear the audience cheering for them is a pleasant surprise, and more than to her skill it speaks to Silque’s presence. Clumsy her spin may be, but it is only made all the more endearing by that.

“ Yes, ” Ninian hides a chuckle behind her hand, “ and I trust you’ll do just fine. ”

So will the next pair, she expects... At least until they take the stage. Their nerves are palpable, and she can only watch in horror as the disaster builds, and builds...

(Oh, she could have warned them instead; but, selfish and fearful wretch that she is, she holds her tongue.)

When they fall the dancer neither flinches nor gasps but only lowers her shoulders in silence, withholding a sigh as the tension drains out of her... Only for it to return as Silque pulls her along in haste.

She could never begrudge the cleric, this or aught else, but the fact remains she is neither a healer nor a conversationalist. All she can do is stand around uselessly, even once the woman recovers and... And... ...

... ... ... Ah.

Ninian meant to offer their names at least, so now she’s standing there uselessly and with her mouth hanging open, but...

... A gorgeous couple? The two of them?

Or, no. Not even that, because at least it is true of Silque, but her...? Be a couple with anyone, let alone a gorgeous and dashing couple, as the man says in agreement...?

Thank the Spirits, he follows that up with a remark she can make sense of. The flush is still on her cheeks, the blood still in her ears, but she has pretended to be a dancer for long enough that it comes easily.

“ ... ... Ah... My lord, you... needn’t worry... I am, ” a freak who senses danger, “ going to lead us with redoubled care... ”

She has not said her name, or Silque’s, or even begun to address the idea that... The thought alone makes her feel nausea. She doesn’t deserve that, and Silque... Silque deserves better than the likes of her.

Yet, selfish and fearful wretch that she is, she draws closer to the other girl as if for protection. For someone to hide behind.

“ ... Ah... ... ... ”

@milafaithful, save me...

the power of love.

White Heron Cup / Semifinals, Match 13

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ the power of love.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#toaball2026 #whiteheroncup2026 #lazulienne #milafaithful #starrook

After the failure of her dance medley in the second round... Ah, but calling it a failure is too harsh when they have nonetheless reached the semifinals, isn’t it...? But then again, it was a failure in that it showcased the gap in skill between herself and Silque far more than it did the latter’s talent.

Because Ninian did not assure her she has talent merely for the sake of it, or as some paltry (and needless) comfort. No, being a dancer, she would never lie about such a thing. Silque may be unrefined due to lack of practice, yet she is a natural performer still... and all the more impressive for it.

One must hone one’s technique, if not to perfection then near enough to that; learn each and every step by heart, searing the choreography into one’s mind well enough to dance it backwards or from the middle; to then, and only then, perform while one dances. Surrendering oneself seems to be no effort at all — but the effortlessness is performance, too.

Silque, though, Silque begins from the end without even realizing she’s doing it. For a beginner to receive perfect scores twice is a feat already, let alone perfect scores for style, that most challenging of aspects to many a dancer. Ninian does not think she could properly express her admiration for the cleric if she tried.

Not in words, anyway. Yet much of style is in fact emotion, and so she returns to the first round’s ballad in spirit with the waltz from Ylisse. It may be fast-paced, but the cleric has shown she can keep up and the steps are easy... ... Ah.

Perhaps Silque’s confidence has suffered a blow after all, even if she herself does not realize it. The fault for that is Ninian’s and only Ninian’s, never mind that this dear girl has said otherwise. Even if the fault were Silque’s, it would not matter when she has only ever looked on a beast with kindness.

And so the dancer grips her hands more tightly still, pulls her in closer and makes it so her missteps are incorporated into the dance even in defiance of choreography, for knowing it means she can mold it.

She earns another perfect score for style, having surrendered herself to much more than the dance without trying; her second nine for technique, for if they are going to be harsh on her partner then she is going to leave no room for criticism; and eight for choreography, because she’s pinned her hopes on the right piece at last.

Not that she would have minded if they’d given her waltz a three, seeing as —

“ I do not care what scores they give you, ” she whispers, something unyielding as ice in her voice for the first time. “ No matter what, you were radiant to me, Silque. ”

Dance your hearts out, @milafaithful, @lazulienne, @starrook!

that one middle school square dancing unit in pe

White Heron Cup — Round 2, Match 9

Oh, there’s another round.

Oughhhhh, there’s another roundddddd…….

It makes sense now that she’s thinking about it, yeah, but she DIDN’T think about it before! She only prepared the one dance! She thought she’d just have to do that and be done with it!!!!

Oh gosh and they’re going first again too. Oh no oh no oh no oh noooo…

Style: 3 | Choreography: 1 | Technique: 10 Total: 14

She sends Hilda an uncomfortably strained smile as she turns past in a sweeping step for what feels like the millionth time; both an apology and a plea. She is so sorry. Hilda save us.

@delicatevalentine

delicatevalentine

How they'd made it through the first round with Hilda's poor attempt at a dance was anyone's guess, but she was pleased all the same.

This time, Elise was up first. She mimed a sort-of ballroom dance without a partner --- certainly well executed but perhaps a little quirky for the judges' tastes.

Style: 8 | Choreography: 4 | Technique: 1 Total: 13

What she lacked in technique, she sure hoped she made up for in cuteness!

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ square dancing unit.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#whiteheroncup2026 #toaball2026 #milafaithful #nohrslittleflower #delicatevalentine #ninian showing girlish excitement :dusted:

Most importantly, Ninian had agreed to go on stage with her.

“ We might yet make the semifinals, ” she whispered, feeling younger than her years for sheer excitement. “ After all, I am sure you’ve earned a perfect ten in style, too. ”

merimerz

oh how fast those moments flee

#⊰ muse ⊱ gallery.#got distracted looking at fan art. as you do. and this quote in light of her reunion thread with eliwood... laugh #augh*

of-pherae

a dance to remember

of-pherae

Ninian is here. He doesn't know where, but the thought of seeing her again after all this time is an all consuming one. He moves through the crowd, shifting his shoulders this way and that to squeeze through groups, but every which way he looks he doesn't see the tell tale icy blue of her hair. Would she have come to an event such as this? He may have to find her some other time. He should have asked Nils.

The spotlight shifts across the dance floor and something catches his eye. He follows it, but it's not her, and he sighs.

Then, just as he turns, the crowd parts and he sees her. She's dancing by herself, sweeping across the floor and leaving Eliwood, and several onlookers, to stare in awe.

Eliwood takes one of his roses in hand and makes his way toward her, careful of the dancing pairs that twirl around him. He waits until he can intercept her safely as he would hate to break her concentration when she's dancing so intently.

Eventually, she spins back toward him and he appears before her with his offered rose.

"Ninian." He can't help but smile to be able to say her name again, to feel the delicate structure of its sound and see her looking back at him. "May I have this dance?"

—@ninisdance !!

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ a dance to remember.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#toaball2026 #ofpherae #shhh the title is great. her whole thing is Remembering. her theme song is called reminiscence after all #and yes THEM #sorry i couldn't work in the orchid quite yet but hopefully in my next reply

Ninian hasn’t kept count of the dances, or the time for that matter. She must’ve gone through them all at least twice (excepting the requests, of course) by now... Perhaps thrice. She’s danced with Nils, Lord Hector and Lady Maria, even Lady Edelgard; and others still, among them many a stranger.

And she has danced with herself.

The difficulty of Archanea’s minuet scares most people away, true; but more than not needing a partner, she enjoys dancing on her lonesome — losing herself in the same way she does on stage, or else before her gods. (But then, what is the stage if not an extension of her shrine?) It’s liberating.

And so, having only just come back to her body, she does not have the luxury of even seeming prepared. Oh, she may well have stared regardless, but now her mouth falls open without sound. Lord Eliwood is there with a rose in hand, asking her for a dance like it’s nothing, and it should feel that no time has passed with how long she’s lived.

It should, but —

She could have reckoned the time in days instead, all those centuries, for how often she thought of her homeland... And these last few years, she could have reckoned in days for how often she thought of him.

“ — Lord Eliwood, ” she all but gasps once she finds her voice, thankful for the length of her gown that keeps her graceless first step from sight. “ When did you arrive...? ”

Then she is by his side, recomposed if yet hesitant to accept the rose... Ah, but... He asked for this very dance, did he not...?

They’ll miss their cue if she delays this any longer, so she grasps the rose and tucks it into her own bouquet of orchids; carefully, needless to say, but keenly aware of each note. She takes his hand, rests the other on his upper arm, just in time.

“ Of course you may, ” she murmurs, with just the breath of a laugh for her tardiness in replying. “ Oh, Lord Eliwood, I am so — so very glad to see you again. ”

This isn’t the place, though, or at least it is not the time. Tears will threaten to spill ere long; and she would hate to cut any dance short, but especially this one.

“ ... Ah... You greeted me as if... you knew I would be here, Lord Eliwood. ” To say the least of it, but she only smiles gently while realization dawns. “ Who told you...? ”

dance your heart away.

White Heron Cup / Round 1, Match 1

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ dance your heart away.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#toaball2026 #whiteheroncup2026 #soulsaligned #milafaithful #aliberation #SORRY THIS IS SO LONG; please don't feel the need to match!!

There are many aspects to consider when deciding on a dance to perform... none of which occurred to Miss Silque. Yet Ninian couldn’t have begrudged it if she’d wanted to, not in face of her partner’s dazzling joy. It was no great chore to make the decision herself besides, dancer that she is.

The Ylissean waltz is easy to learn, but its tempo poses a challenge without practice; the Hoshidan dance is much slower, yet it demands a degree of artistry Silque might find difficult; and so on. The most suitable option for two girls who have only just met is a dance that is both slow and simple. In other words, the Faerghan ballad.

Even despite having chosen it herself and danced it as many times as possible in the last hour, Ninian finds her smile falters for sheer nerves. To think, she is to practically embrace Silque in front of an audience — in front of her brother — but, no, Nils is a bard; her bard, at that. He’ll know the care she takes in choosing her dances.

(He’ll know the longing she feels for the touch of a human hand.)

Looking at Silque’s kind smile, it is not so hard to find one of her own. She puts her hand in the other’s and they walk onto the stage hand-in-hand, taking up the proper dance positions after bowing to audience and judges (Ninian’s decision, as with all the rest). She is to lead Silque, needless to say, and the first note sounds —

“ One, two, three, ” she whispers as if they were still practicing, the moon above their only witness. “ Don’t let go, Miss Silque. ”

Afterwards, Ninian recalls precious little of the dance — that much is usual, the whole reason she practices being to embrace her art on stage —; but the warmth of Silque’s grip, the small of her back under Ninian’s palm, her expression... Silque, in all, Ninian recalls with perfect clarity without trying.

She awaits her scores with her hand still in the cleric’s, and fails to notice. 9 points for her technique, 8 for her style, and a pitiful yet expected 3 in choreography.

“ If we pass this round, ” she murmurs, “ I will have to be bolder in my choice. ”

Shall we, @milafaithful, @aliberation, @soulsaligned?

The stranger assures her so promptly it all but startles Ninian, and she finds she can muster no more than a small smile. In the next moment the stranger ceases to be one, just as quick to introduce herself. And here Ninian thought they would part ways after that brief exchange...!

(— Valentia. A countrywoman of Professor Python’s, then, and if she is a cleric... She must worship Ninian’s kind. The thought sends a shiver down her spine, though she cannot name the emotion behind it.)

She can only watch, wide-eyed and silent, while her orchid is pinned to Silque’s skirt. Is that not... more than what is expected of them...? She meant to place the tulip in her bouquet herself, and no more; but she would be remiss not to match the cleric’s apparent... Gratitude? Pleasure? She is so casual about it, Ninian thinks dazedly. Too casual, perhaps, continuing ere the dancer has found her voice. Is this what ordinary girls their age are like...?

“ I am Ninian, ” she gives her name at last, “ a dancer from Elibe. ‘Tis nothing much, ” she waves the praise off, “ but I appreciate the kind words, of course... Miss Silque. ”

She swallows. The tulip is still in her hand, uselessly, and she wavers between pinning it behind her ear or tucking it into her belt only to do nothing in the end.

“ Ah... Perhaps you might place the orchid in your bouquet? ” She ventures, timid for the courage it took to voice such a selfish idea: she would be more comfortable for it. She amends guiltily, “ That is... Before the competition starts. I, I wasn’t planning to take part myself... But... ... ... Ah... ”

"Oh, that's true! I suppose I could do that," Silque agrees amicably, gaze shifting to her own bundle of flowers. Ninian has a good eye; the violet shimmer of the orchid would indeed make for a lovely contrast against the light blue tulips. "But, well… to tell the truth," she giggles, a little embarrassed despite herself, "I was hoping to bring it with me on stage. To perform while wearing the favor of a beautiful dancer like you, Ninian... it would be a great blessing, don't you think?"

Of course, Silque is no knight in shining armor, merely a cleric passing through the land. Perhaps she really should have no need for favors from ladies bearing flowers. But, as for the lovely girl beside her, once spinning across the hall with sure-footed steps, now so uncertain and shy with gaze averted---

---Silque will do anything, she decides, to bring out Ninian's confidence again. For that, too, is what it means to see beauty in the world, isn't it?

"Or, maybe, you could come on stage with me?" she asks fondly, before holding out a hand in invitation. "Only if you want to, of course! It'll be fun---I promise I won't let you fall."

#⊰ muse ⊱ in character.#⊰ thread ⊱ silque mini 01.#⊰ arc ⊱ infamous.#milafaithful #toaball2026 #Good Lord.#NO I GET IT we didn't have to go for yuri off of that ask alone. but ninian is shy AND riddled with self-esteem issues #as this reply shows quite finely #AND DW ABOUT THE LENGTH i am delighted by the contrast if anything #ninian overthinking to hell vs silque just vibing

For all her hesitation to make a suggestion in the first, Silque remains pleasant; joyful, even, as she looks to her tulips and seems pleased. Ninian realizes only now that the blooms would coordinate well, indeed... As her own had, earlier in the evening.

For the bouquet, forgotten on someone’s desk, is now all blue. The purple orchid she gave Silque was her last, and no wonder. It was a choice made not for aesthetics... but for the abiding thought that blue orchids do not exist in nature. In other words: they suit her, strange creature that she is.

And still, still this cleric would look on her brethren as gods... and look on her — her! — kindly. More than that, this cleric would make of her blossom a favor. A blessing.

“ ... ... Ah... ... I... ”

Instead of speaking, she clutches Silque’s own blossom tightly. Come to think of it, she ought to put it away — safeguard it —, lest it become crumpled while she makes merry with the bundle in hand...

Ninian begins to lift her free hand without a thought, only to then start and slowly let it fall; because, if Silque touches her —

“ ... Ah... Miss Silque... My — my hands are cold, ” is all she can muster. It may well be hard to believe, for the perfectly normal — perfectly human — flush to her face. She tries again: “ I would hate to... Ah... ”

Frighten you away. Even still, Ninian finds herself made weak by that kind gaze, that swift fondness, that ... — With her heart in her throat, she lifts her hand and dares to brush her fingertips against Silque’s, ice cold and all.

“ ... If that... won’t be a problem, then... ”

@milafaithful sent: [ sequester ] "I've thought about growing my hair out," silque muses, adjusting her hairpins with a hand mirror, "but then I realized, wait, I don't have a veil that's nearly long enough, haha! would you mind telling me where I could possibly find one like yours?" the question is asked in gentle tones, and silque slides her gaze over to the other girl, eyes crinkling at the corners. she had looked so radiant spinning about the ballroom floor, and she is just as beautiful here, now, away from all the chaos. it would be remiss to refrain from asking. silque smiles, offering a tulip in teasing exchange for the answer.

Ninian has surmised some rooms are not meant to be used, but in her time of need she doesn’t care. There — a door with a padlock. She slips into the room as quietly as she can. Mercifully, it works: The scout loses track of her, or else finds someone else to hound. Either way, she breathes a sigh... only for the door to open again.

A stranger joins her, though one who isn’t a threat; and so Ninian goes about setting her appearance to rights after her flight, making a deliberate effort not to glance at the other as she does much the same...

— Oh. So much for that.

“ ... Ah... ” is the most Ninian can muster, taken aback by the question — the interest — alone, never mind the offered tulip. “ I... I fear I couldn’t say... I brought my veil with me from overseas. ”

She smiles apologetically, all the more so because she brought the veil from another world entirely, before chancing a glance at the tulip — for, yes, it is held out still. The woman’s mind hasn’t changed.

Blushing, she looks at the stranger’s smile (much too genuine, crinkling the corners of her eyes and all) then lets her gaze fall again, half-considering simply heading for the door. That would be awfully rude even if she didn’t think she saw that smile back on the dance floor, though, and so —

Ninian gulps and steps forward to take the tulip at last, all too gingerly.

“ I... Ah... Thank you. Here, please do take one of my orchids yourself... ”

"Oh, it's quite alright!" Silque replies, meeting the girl's blush with a gentle smile, not minding in the slightest. "I suppose I brought mine from overseas as well, now that I think about it, hehe. I'm Silque," she bows her head, the picture of humble piety for a brief moment, "a cleric from the continent of Valentia."

That image is just as quickly shattered, however, when Silque accepts the orchid with a twinkle in her eye, turning to hold the flower up to the light. What to do with such a delicate gift? Of course, she could tuck it behind her ear, but the petals far are too close in shade to her hair---and besides, that will leave the stem sticking out like an ugly antenna.

Instead, the blossom is deftly pinned to the ribbon at Silque's waist, her hands smoothing down the skirt in the process.

"I do so hope that won't fall out during the dance competition." Turning this way and that, the pins seem to hold for now, but, oh, wouldn't that be embarrassing! Wait, the dance competition--- "Actually, will you be taking part?" Silque asks, eyes wide with excitement. "You were positively wonderful earlier, on the ballroom floor!"