[ ARCHANEA ] - An old minuet originating from the Kingdom of Archanea, a true classic that has stood the test of time. Due to its difficulty, successfully executing the dance is an achievement in and of itself.
The dance is not one that's unfamiliar to Eliwood. A classic minuet, one that had made it's way into even Lycia's court, even if the Ostian counterpart was still far more popular in his homeland. Fortunately for him, his mother loved to dance and made sure he knew the steps to every appropriate dance. She told him it may be the thing he needs to impress a future partner, but he didn't focus on such things.
Dancing was a way to grow closer to another, as you couldn't easily lie during a dance. If a partner pulled away, you could feel it. If you weren't in sync, it became obvious to all around. It was a refreshing change of pace in a world where everyone seemed to hold a dagger behind their back while smiling at your face.
As the music began to play, Eliwood looked around for a partner that was not currently occupied with another partner. As the previous dance dies, he watches how one seems to be able to follow any partner. Deciding to approach, he extends a hand already bowing as is proper etiquette when asking a dance of a stranger.
"May I have this dance? Of course, should you have another partner, I would hate to intrude," he begins, before stopping himself. Beginning again, he's much more even keeled. "You're quite the talented dancer. It reminds me of someone I care very deeply for. I haven't seen such dancing in quite a long time."
He dared not think more of his mother, who rarely danced since his father passed on. It was too much to bear for him.
𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 2025
she has half a mind to tease the man, to feign innocent coyness at the prospect of being terribly busy while allowing him this opportunity, when the candidness of his tone leaves her to rethink it altogether. he is much too earnest for her to poke fun at, she finds, even if good-naturedly.
instead, she takes his hand. pauses once more as that familiar instinct rears its head again, urging her to slip in a subtle tease, a remark on the implication that he had been watching her all this time, though dorothea is struck by the solemnity with which he speaks and the mention of someone so loved.
how lucky, she thinks, to be thought of so fondly. to be carried in one's heart wherever they go. there is no missing the note of tragedy it carries, and all she can do is wonder about the heartbreak that has nipped at the heels of the one before her.
“that's sweet of you to say. thank you. it'd be my pleasure,” she returns warmly, allowing herself to be led into position. “just as you'd hate to intrude, i'd hate to turn down a partner so skilled and thoughtful.”
a smile greets him.
“i'm dorothea. and your name?”
