the moon still hung

"PRESENTING LORD WILLIAM LAN--" "are we sure lord goes there? it doesn't sound right. can't we just write william down? no? farmer william sounds better on the ears, but since i'm already here, fine." "PRESENTING LORD WILLIAM LANDIS OF WESTERYN,"

[williamlandis-blog]

Vianne had made her way around the party, being as diplomatic as possible. But truth be told, she missed Calydon. It had been a long trip and the ball, while lovely, was growing a bit much. She made her way to the bar, smiling when she saw William come over. “You look like you need this,” she said as she handed him a drink. “Too many women wanting to dance?”

William sighed very loud in relief, getting an odd look from the man standing next to him, but he didn’t bother for a reaction as he reached for the glass Vianne held out. She was a kind woman, let alone for being his friend. “You look like you need it more,” he said, a true statement, but took a large sip of the drink all the same. “The women aren’t the problem. They have all been very kind tonight.” Or William didn’t pay attention and was oblivious as one could be. But how would he know?

[williamlandis-blog]

They looked like shining stars, every single one of them, without hardly making any effort. Every single step looked natural, like they were born with the perfect coordination. As well as perfect hair and perfect smiles. Even if she’d tried, she could have never been such a one. Not even play pretend and blend in for an evening, like some of the other maids did. Play dress up in a lady’s older dress, which she had already tossed, and attempt at making their cheeks as rosy as the royal’s. She had excused herself after many heartfelt ‘thank you’s, now taking joy in watching her friends mingle with the others . 

Violette had found herself a perfect spot, close to an exit where she could escape whenever she felt like needing a breath of fresh air. The high dose of parfume in the air truly gave her sensitive nose and sensory overdose at times. Though the night had many sides to it that were not particulary on her list of favorite things, there were a few things she did enjoy endulging in. In her hand was her third glass of red wine, presented in the finest crystal goblet. She had no clue if that added to the taste of the liquid, but it was surely unlike anything she had ever tasted. It tingled in her mouth and made her tastebuds explode with joy whenever she took a sip. A miracle potion perhaps, as it also had the kitchen maid swaying her hips a little at times. With pain in her heart, even with the knowledge that she could easily go back to get another, she emptied the goblet. Licking her slightly stained lips and humming lightly as enjoyed the taste. “Truly a God’s gift.” she mused content.

Although sometimes it seems that William was in the wrong life and he had nothing in common with the people surrounding him, it was not all the way true. As he found solace in his drink, it seemed every person attending the ball was doing the same. He was new to this game, but even he could feel the tensions. It comforted him enough to actually lift his spirits, repeating what everyone else had been doing and deciding on another drink.

The brunette, still young in the face like his sister, had been out drinking him for awhile by the looks of her. The sound on enjoyment escaping from her mouth proved him true of that. He wondered why she was drinking, what caused her to stare at her empty glass so terribly. He should probably not judge so much. William promised not to become what his workers whispered about his father. “A gift we probably don’t deserve,” he spoke on in response, taking the invitation whether it was his or not. This is what he was supposed to do, right? His advisers told him to socialize. He may not be the only person from Calydon, but he was still a new and fresh face. Mostly because anyone could tell he had no idea what he was doing. “But I’m grateful all the same.” 

[williamlandis-blog]

In the few months that William had known his father, the man had taught him many things. Taught him a lot about running his estate, how to speak properly now that he was a noble, and his family history, which was quite interesting. His brain had been absorbing more than he thought he could handle and yet, as he toured himself around the ballroom, even more information seeped in. William wouldn’t consider himself a smart man by any means, but he could find silence in any room and after that, the method of observing was easy to follow. 

With that being said, he was never taught how to dance. 

Which was entirely unhelpful to him at the current moment, surrounded by unknown women wanting to twirl in their skirts, smiles like the sun, cheeks red as his hair. The men, as well, were just as intimidating, moving their feet as they liked to twirl just as much, been doing this all their lives, natural to them like breathing. Suddenly, William thinks he forgot how to breathe. 

He does have one redeeming quality, however. William remembers how to drink. 

[screenshotsofdespair]

[onlinecounsellingcollege]

Loyalty isn’t grey. It’s black and white. You’re either loyal completely, or not loyal at all. And people have to understand this. You can’t be loyal only when it serves you.

Sharnay (via onlinecounsellingcollege)

[itsclairefraser]