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 Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2024 7:33 pm
Prompt: A year or two after Gabriel's disappearance, Musique holds their annual ball for Anika's Birthday. Forbidden to dance with members of the opposite sex, Anika decides to befriend one of the duchesses instead.
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Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2024 4:37 pm
ωith: Nayeni and Co.︱ ωhere: Palace︱ мood: Curious︱ σutfit: ✖  "Talking" "Thoughts" Another year of life but what was there to celebrate? Anika was 18 years old and still as frustrated and clueless as ever. She stupidly had checked the mail for a card from Gabriel hoping he would have sent one for her special day but there was none to be found. Not that she could really blame him, he was in hiding and making a difference; she just wished she could say the same for herself. Instead, she was in a massive ballroom, faking smiles and pleasantries with other people faking happiness. As a girl this would have been something she couldn’t stop dreaming about, but now? There was something missing, no, someone missing. But she wasn’t allowed to talk about that. She was an adult now and a successful one at that. If she played her cards right (a kind way of saying once her mother passed), she would be the youngest queen to ever rule over Musique. There was so much for her to be thankful for, where did she get off asking for anything else? Still, as she looked over at all the couples on the dance floor and then at her mother and father using glamors to keep the illusion of power going, she wanted so much more than this. She wanted the magic for herself. Where was the prince to knock her off her feet? A question she already knew the answer to but still hoped there would be another chance for her to get her happy ending. Instead, she was turning down anyone who asked her. Her father told her that the only way they could make her seem powerful after the failed engagement was for her to remain single but it was just… boring. What was the point of having a ball for her birthday if she wasn’t allowed to dance at it? Anika knew the reason was to continue to network within the kingdom, but it wasn’t like she was any good at that either. The members of the royal court weren’t much for good company, a bunch of old men and women complaining about the noise or theme didn’t really seem like her scene. Still, she was doing her best to make her rounds. Everyone wanted a piece of her after all. At least that’s what her father had told her. The next one she had to speak to was the one she had been putting off, the dreaded Ariosos. Looking at the bunch didn’t inspire much fear for Anika but once she got closer and heard Lord Arioso’s laugh, it all started coming back causing her to want to immediately cover her ears. While she hadn’t lost her hearing permanently, the ringing would seem to come and go. She wanted to find an excuse to miss them and hide but knew that would just have later consequences. It was better to put a confident face on and move past it than try and put up a fight here. Nothing good would come from her making waves at her own birthday party. " Lord Arioso, a pleasure. Thank you for coming to my party." Anika curtsied to the lord, eying a smaller shy girl hiding beside him. His daughter? She knew he had one but had never actually met her. Was it possible he was hiding her? That would be interesting. Maybe befriending his daughter would help her father with loosening the reins a bit more. " Your family? They look lovely. You must introduce me." Anika spoke with a gentle smile and tone as she gestured towards the strangers. Looking more at her and the woman she assumed was her mother she was surprised how… plain looking they were. She didn’t expect everyone to come out with ludicrous gowns and garbs but the way the duke’s daughter was carrying herself seemed like she was a bit timid and unfamiliar with outings such as these. Anika certainly hadn’t seen her before. It didn’t matter much, Anika could take her under her wing and she would be something in no time. After all, who would turn down being best friends with the future queen? OOC:
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Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2024 7:07 pm
  ♪ 𝒟𝒰𝒞𝐻𝐸𝒮𝒮 𝒪𝐹 𝑀𝒰𝒮𝐼𝒬𝒰𝐸 ♪· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·location PALACE xxxxx company ANIKA xxxxx outfit PARTY DRESS This was Nayeni's first time at the palace, and one of the very few times she'd been to the capital. The Arioso duchy sat on the far edge of Musique, where her family could be quickly deployed to the border in times of trouble, so trips to the city were rare. This was particularly true for Nayeni herself, who in the ten years since her powers had manifested had yet to gain any semblance of control over them, outside of keeping her mouth shut. It was hard to attend parties and political gatherings when you weren't allowed to speak to anyone. And her parents certainly did not want to risk embarrassment by letting her tag along. It was better for everyone if Nayeni stayed home.
Always.
Today, though, was a special exception. It would have been in poor taste for the Ariosos to not be in full attendance at the princess's eighteenth birthday. And after what the duke and his relatives had done to those poor soldiers in Anika's presence, he was desperate to be in her good graces. So here he was, wife and daughter in tow.
Nayeni, of course, was thrilled. The party was magnificent - even more grand than the grandest of balls her family had ever hosted. And there were so many people. After ten years of near-isolation, she wanted nothing more than to interact with them, to make friends. But to do so would require talking, and that was something she was not supposed to risk. Her parents had been very clear with her about how this night would go: she would remain with them at all times, and would not speak unless addressed by a member of the royal family. These were rules Nayeni was used to, so she was not particularly bothered by the conditions. To get to come at all was a delight.
Oh, how she wished she could go out and dance.
She was so hypnotized by the twirling skirts and rhythmic maneuvers on the dance floor that she did not realize her parents were being approached until they stiffened up. It was second nature for her by now to immediately assume her position at her mother's side, and a little behind, in a display of faux shyness. As her eyes settled on their visitor, however, that shyness became very real, because it was none other than the princess herself who had come to chat.
And Anika was... Well, she was everything. The hero of their people, their symbol of hope and prosperity. She was effortlessly beautiful and brave, and beloved by all. Nayeni drank up any story she heard about Musique's future queen, dreaming of the day she too might shine so brightly.
To see her in person, this close, instead of across a massive ballroom - Nayeni's heart gave a strange flutter. Suddenly she felt embarrassed by her dress, which was purposefully plain and out of place among the billowing skirts of Musique fashion. She dropped her gaze almost immediately, dipping into a reverential curtsy alongside her parents.
"We would not miss it for the world, Your Highness," the duke responded. Though his tone was easygoing and polite, Nayeni could see the tension in his shoulders. He placed a gentle hand on her mother's back. "This is my wife, Inaya." The woman curtsied once more, and said, "It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness."
Nayeni felt the cold sweat creeping up her spine even before her father moved his hand to her back. She had been prepared for the possibility of having to speak to one of the royal family, but now her tongue felt heavy on her mouth. Would it be better for her to stay quiet, and let her parents be her voice? Or would that seem rude? This might be her only chance to speak to the princess...
"And my daughter, Nayeni," said the duke.
Head swimming, Nayeni grasped her skirt and dipped downward, even lower than before. "Ha -" Her voice immediately caught, and she quietly cleared her throat. "Happy birthday, my lady. I'm - it's an honor to meet you." Oh no, that's exactly what her mother had said. "This party is wonderful, and you - you look very radiant tonight." Was that better?
Her father's hand moved to her shoulder, where he gave her a small squeeze - a silent urging to keep quiet now. Which was for the best, honestly, because Nayeni was having trouble thinking straight. This was perhaps the most important moment of her life so far, and here she was, stumbling over her own words like an idiot.
The duke put on a proud smile as he refocused on Anika. "I hope you are having an enjoyable evening, Your Highness. The palace has certainly outdone itself with the decor this year."
It was idle chitchat, polite and forced and entirely meaningless. And not at all what Nayeni would want to talk to Anika about, if she ever had the chance. Like, what was it like on the frontlines? Or, Which of your songs is your favorite? Or, "Are you going to sing tonight?"
Nayeni might not have realized she'd said the last one aloud, had her parents not both turned to face her. Immediately her cheeks flushed an ugly crimson, and she dropped her gaze to her feet in shame. Again, without thinking, she balled her hand into a fist and made a circle on her chest, signing sorry. But without knowing whether Anika knew MSL, she was forced to mutter, "I apologize. Please forgive my outburst, my lady."
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Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2024 7:27 pm
ωith: Nayeni and Co.︱ ωhere: Palace︱ мood: Curious︱ σutfit: ✖ "Talking" "Thoughts" Anika was finally face-to-face with one of her “fans” as her father had spoken so often to her about. The princess didn’t expect her fans to be so… timid, especially someone from a royal family no less. Still, Anika was no stranger to receiving compliments. Working on the front lines and performing for soldiers led to more than a few admirers. Of course, now, she couldn’t just fake niceties and plan to never see them again. Nayeni’s voice reminded Anika slightly of her father’s, but she did her best to smile as the two of them spoke. Anika’s face twitched slightly as she saw Nayeni’s father touch her shoulder and reaction. Almost as if she had been trained to not speak at all. Was it possible the two of them had the same power? It was more common than uncommon after all and with the girl still being young, it made more sense why they would hide her. It was all very interesting. That being said, the man’s squeeze of the girl’s shoulder was enough to leave Anika on edge. She hoped that brunette never had to be on the receiving end of her father’s screams like she had. " Well, aren’t you the sweetest? My father made sure I had nothing but the best for my party." Anika beamed, giving a slight twirl to the family, " Isn’t it just the best?" Answering both of their questions at once and distracting from whatever missteps the duchess might have taken. She didn’t know what mistake it was but still wasn’t the first time Anika had opted to be the lightning rod to take all the attention, positive or negative. What was so wrong about the girl complimenting her appearance Anika was a sight to behold, after all, it would have been more of an offense if the girl had said nothing. Her favorite song? Anika had been asked this question far too many times. This blossom-wearing cutie was a true fan, after all, this conversation just got more and more fascinating. Before she could even respond she was met with an apology, again shocking her. The girl was simply curious why was that so wrong. What exactly were her parents trying to hide and what was she doing with her hands? It looked familiar but she couldn’t put her finger on it. Oh yes! It was MSL! Anika knew a bit from interrupters at her concerts, but she doubted talking about fighting or protecting their nation was helpful for matters like this. What could Anika do to defuse this situation? Even though it was her big night it felt wrong to just leave Nayeni here with her handlers. Even if her voice was like nails on a chalkboard to her, letting Lord Arioso control another woman was something Anika could never get behind. Instead, she opted to kill the crowd with kindness, " Please don’t apologize, that’s a great question," there was a bright smile on her face, her eyes were innocent and wide-eyed like she had no idea was transpiring between three. " The better question is what do you think I should sing? My father is letting me decide but I don’t know what I should pick."Not even a lie. She didn’t know what to pick. When her father had given her this “gift”, it felt more like another test that she was doomed to fail. But if a fan requested a song, then there was no way her father could be upset at her. Right? Maybe there was more to this Nayeni girl than she originally thought. Perhaps befriending her would lead to more than just a truce between her and Duke Arioso. It was an experiment the girl was curious enough to see it play out, she already knew what the worst outcome would be and hoped that maybe befriending an Arioso would help shield her from those consequences. Sticking out her hand to Nayeni she spoke, " I like the way you think. Come dance with me and let’s chat a bit more." Anika eyed Lord Arioso as she spoke her last words. Was her plan working? It was too early to tell but she hoped this would get under his skin just his terrible voice still haunted her. Anika knew Nayeni wouldn’t say no to her. After all, saying no to the princess on her birthday was a death sentence. Her parents knew that as well, even if they would secretly be plotting their revenge on Anika for her actions. She could already see the king popping another vein as she found a way around the dancing policy he had created. " You wouldn’t say no to me on my birthday, would you?" Her words were intended as a joke, but she knew there was power behind them, was this what her father was talking about with using her words to inflict damage on her enemies? It was starting to make sense now. OOC: you could pick anything from her playlist for a song. Or make something up 3nodding
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 7:41 pm
♪ 𝒟𝒰𝒞𝐻𝐸𝒮𝒮 𝒪𝐹 𝑀𝒰𝒮𝐼𝒬𝒰𝐸 ♪· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·location PALACE xxxxx company ANIKA xxxxx outfit PARTY DRESS Warmth blossomed in Nayeni's chest as the princess smiled brightly at the three of them. She'd heard so many stories about Anika, but to receive her grace and kindness in person was nothing short of a dream. Here, in this moment in time, all of the young duchess' worries began to fade away. For once, for once, she just wanted to be a normal person, to attend her idol's birthday party and to speak to people and to not have to fret about the monster hiding in her voice. She hadn't had an incident in months, and - and she wasn't an undisciplined child anymore! She knew her limits! Maybe her parents had every right to worry, but hadn't she earned even a sliver of their trust yet?
"You are deserving of nothing but the best," said the duke. Though he and his wife feigned nonchalance, and put on pretty smiles, Nayeni could still sense their apprehension. Typically, in these sorts of situations, her parents took control of the conversation, to steer any attention away from Nayeni. But Anika was speaking directly to her now, and they were not so bold as to rudely interrupt, however much they believed to be at stake.
So on some level, they had to trust their daughter.
There was only a slight shift in their stances, but Nayeni recognized this as their wordless approval for her to come out of the metaphorical shadows. She grasped her skirt and took a step forward, so that she was no longer partially hidden behind her mother. It took every ounce of control she had not to shake with nervousness or excitement. This was her chance to prove to them that she could do this.
And more importantly, it was her chance to converse with her beloved princess.
Bolstered by Anika's assurance that it was a good question, Nayeni grinned. Was she really asking for her preference? Maybe she was just being polite, but... "W-well, there are so many great options. I can understand why it would be hard to pick." Her voice flowed more steadily now, though she couldn't stop the slight tremor in her tone as her adrenaline began to kick in. "I have my own favorites, of course. But - it would probably be better to pick something, um, thematically appropriate. So maybe not any of the sad ones." Oh, what if she picked the wrong song? "Uhm, my preference would be something... high-energy and fun to dance to. Like--" Her eyes darted to her parents and then back to Anika. "--Good as Hell. Or, maybe that isn't appropriate... enough..."
She held her breath, waiting for the verdict.
"I like the way you think. Come dance with me and let’s chat a bit more."
All of the blood in Nayeni's body rushed to her head. Princess Anika Sharran Alto was holding her hand out to her. Inviting her to dance. Maybe this was a dream.
This time, she couldn't stop her trembling, and her hand shook as if she were an absolute loser as she slowly reached out. She was so entranced she didn't even think about needing permission from her parents, didn't even register their very visible shift in body language as this occurred. "I would never say no to you, my lady," she responded breathlessly.
And it wasn't as if Duke Arioso could say no to her, either. He forced a little laugh, and joked, "Don't keep her out too late, Your Highness."
Her fingers brushed against Anika's, and then they were off, putting easy distance between themselves and the anxious Ariosos. Nayeni sucked in a breath while the princess wasn't looking, and became acutely aware of just how hot her face felt. Her only hope was that her hand was not already drenched in sweat. If she sweat on the princess, she'd never show her face in public again.
"Are w- are we really going to dance?" she asked, eyeing the dance floor, where couples still spun around gleefully. Maybe Anika had just been joking. They were both girls, after all. Wouldn't she be embarrassed? And if they were, which one would take the lead? Nayeni knew every step to every traditional Muse dance by heart, but not as the leading role. Did Anika know? Were princesses taught that? Would she be able to teach herself quick enough to jump in, if Anika wasn't going to take the lead? Was she going to get to touch Anika's waist?
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Posted: Fri Nov 01, 2024 10:49 am
ωith: Nayeni ︱ ωhere: Palace︱ мood: Curious︱ σutfit: ✖ "Talking" "Thoughts" Anika knew the Duke’s comments were more a threat than a joke but she chose to laugh it off anyway, " If she is as much as a delight as you are, no promises." she remarked as she pulled the girl away, towards the large dance floor. If her father was right, she would be queen, and making such threats would lead to the Arioso’s swift end. The princess didn’t care about alliances and power all she wanted was for the war to end and for everyone to return shortly. Anika lucked out to never have to stay out on the lines for too long but it was enough to scar her. Seeing the sights of the war firsthand, she knew what this was doing to the people and they needed more than a symbol to recover. They needed resources, doctors, therapy… actual help. Fair more than she was capable of dealing with. Thankfully, right now that wasn’t her responsibility… yet. Right now, she would just smile and play the role she was assigned as a symbol of power and hope for their kingdom that things would eventually come to end if the people truly wanted enough. Anika wasn’t so sure that she believed it though. That meant playing nice with the Ariosos, in public anyway. Duke Arioso seemed to care much less about her well-being or comfort when the doors were closed. At least his daughter didn’t seem to have the same fake deposition as he did. Even if her voice reminded her of his, it appeared like even her family didn’t like the sound of her voice so conversation between the two would hopefully be one-sided for the most part. Making their way to the floor, Anika started to realize how hot the girl’s hands were. Was it possible the Duke had married someone from Funkazan? Based on the way the girl’s polite mannerisms and attitude towards her the princess doubted it. Nayeni truly idolized her. It was cute almost. Anika smiled as she confidently interlocked her fingers with the girl’s, pulling her face close to hers as she whispered, " Well, of course, we are. I said we would, didn’t I? Do you take me for a liar?" There was a slightly joking tone in her voice but her eyes were serious. The one thing Anika hated most in this world were liars and she would be damned if she was ever to be accused of being one. Releasing her from her grip, she laughed again attempting to be playful. Listening to the music and looking at the other couples on the floor this was Iltaiva, one of the slower dances in Musique but nothing Anika wasn’t familiar with. Spotting across the room she saw her father talking with her brother and mother, no doubt wondering what trouble Anika was getting herself into. Well, if they were going to gauk, she would at least give them a show. This was her night after all. " Come on. I’ll lead," not giving the young duchess a chance to say “no.” placed Nayeni’s hands around her neck as Anika placed her own around her waist bringing her close. The girl’s body seemed to shake as she touched her but the princess figured it was just because she was nervous. Not everyone was as accustomed to the spotlight as she was, or was it because she was having to dance with another girl? The princess knew such relationships were frowned upon but it wasn’t like she was making a political statement if anyone asked. Anika was more focused on her family drama and wondered how Nayeni’s family would factor into her plans. In Anika's world, dancing with someone of the same gender wouldn't be a spectacle, but she knew others weren't so open-minded; her family included. When Anika was caught kissing a girl a year prior, she nearly lost her hearing from the wrath of the Arioso Aria, her father's favorite method of torture to keep her in line. It was absolute nonsense how she was expected to be so carefree and empowering and still live within certain guidelines. Nayeni could easily throw Anika under the bus but secretly Anika just hoped that this time would be different considering the girl she was dancing with was a duchess, a dear friend she would tell her father. Completely innocent. Hopefully, others wouldn't be such squares considering it was supposed to be her day, but it would not be the first time Anika was disappointed by others' idiocy. OOC:
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Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2024 7:41 pm
♪ 𝒟𝒰𝒞𝐻𝐸𝒮𝒮 𝒪𝐹 𝑀𝒰𝒮𝐼𝒬𝒰𝐸 ♪· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·location PALACE xxxxx company ANIKA xxxxx outfit PARTY DRESS Nayeni was, of course, utterly oblivious to the subtext of Anika's conversation with her father - not that she would have registered it anyway, now that she had left reality for the fairy tale unfolding before her. Anika swept her toward the ballroom floor, where colors looked more vivid than ever before, and the lights danced off of the princess's glittering jewelry. Nayeni felt as if she had stepped into the story Gabriel had written for her when she was young - only instead of a brave and clever heroine, she was a bumbling, nervous wreck. At times she had dreamed of catching the eye of a dashing prince like the girls in the books she read, but it was not a boy lacing his fingers into her own. It was a girl. A woman, even. And her beauty was such that only a poet could describe, more captivating than even the most handsome of men that Nayeni had seen.
It was normal to think that the fairer sex were beautiful, but... was it normal for her heart to beat like this? Was it normal for her to go weak in the knees when Anika pulled her close enough to count her eyelashes? God, how was she supposed to survive an entire round of the Iltaiva when her chest was pounding so? "Not at all, my lady," Nayeni insisted breathlessly. "I just didn't know that we would be dancing... here." Among the other dancers, in full view of the party's attendees - and the king and queen. Nayeni's eyes darted to the people around them, who stared only when Anika wasn't looking, and averted their gazes when she was.
Perhaps Anika was used to being perceived, but Nayeni was barely allowed out in society, and had to do her best to go unnoticed when she was. For a moment, her fluttering heart gave a panicked thump.
Then Anika pulled her into step with the song, and her hands were at her waist, and any thoughts of their surroundings were gone in an instant. Nayeni could barely hear the music over the thundering in her ears. She was grateful at least for her muscle memory; her body knew every movement and could keep in time with little effort. It gave her time to adjust - to relax, to let go of the panic gripping her entire nervous system. Slowly, the roaring in her head faded, and the melody of the music took its place. For a little bit, at least, there was only the two of them, and the song.
Nayeni could have been content to exist in that moment for an eternity, but she doubted Anika would have much fun with a silent and spaced-out partner. But what was she supposed to talk about? Based on what she knew about her beloved princess, the two had next to nothing in common. She didn't want to waste this opportunity on mindless small talk, though. She might not ever get this time with Anika again.
"Um, I... just wanted to say... that... this is really amazing," she began, haltingly. "Getting to dance with you, I mean. I'm really - happy. And honored. This is like a dream." Her fingers twitched in their positions behind Anika's neck. She could sign so much more fluidly than she could talk, as embarrassing as that was to admit for someone who could speak. She definitely needed to practice using her voice more. "Honestly, there's so much I want to ask you about, but I don't want to be a bother. S-so I guess I should ask, what sorts of things do you like to talk about? Or I can be quiet, if that's better. I just... want you to have fun, and to have a good birthday, is all." Nayeni grimaced. "I apologize, I'm... I'm very nervous. I don't... get out much."
She definitely needed to practice talking to people more, too.
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