Novus
an equine & cervidae rpg
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Novus closed 10/31/2022, after The Gentle Exodus

Private  - dance, dance

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Played by Offline lackadaisy [PM] Posts: 105 — Threads: 19
Signos: 0
Inactive Character
#1


the road less traveled


Celebrations were still in full swing by the time night had fallen across the Dawn Court. Willoughby glanced this way and that, finding the experience to have been charming thus far. Now lanterns rolled out, lighting the darkened world in a gentle fire. She strolled through the place reserved for quiet conversation, the dance floor tempting enough as is.

Yet no one was dancing at this time of night. Mares and stallions sat together, quietly whispering and enjoying each other's company. The young had been placed to bed. Willoughby barely knew anyone at this court. She could count how many she knew by name, finding this a sad state. In an effort to meet new equines, she took a seat near this part of the garden.

No one approached her. Not yet. They were busy entertaining themselves, happy enough to see familiar faces coming out to the coronation. She frowns softly, glancing away... before a shadow falls across her lap. The maiden looks back, seeing the form of a stranger. 

@Willfur / speaks / hope this is ok!










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Willfur
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#2


Willfur



The party is subdued, only a low, buzzing murmur of dropped voices keeping the castle from total silence. Small clusters of faces peek out apprehensively from curtained alcoves and darkened corners of rooms whenever someone passes by, their eyes questioning, accusing. There's an air of confusion, and Willfur realizes that he's not the only one left wondering just what the hell is going on here.

He tries to smile reassuringly to those he passes, but it only makes them more desperate for answers and despite his newly given authority, the mule has nothing to offer in answer, no more information or insight than anyone else here. Some are panicked by that, others skeptical, as if they think he'd withhold something - he, the least deceptive of them all - and so he hurries on, apologizing over hunched shoulders, leaving the castle, rushing down the entrance steps and ducking beneath the stonework arches that lead into the garden. 

Outside, the air is thinner, less claustrophobic. The scent of orchids and honeysuckle replace sweat and adrenaline, and the eyes that stare back at him from between the hedgerows are more relaxed, maybe not yet aware of the turmoil unfolding inside. Willfur breathes deep, idly circling statues and miniature fruit orchards before turning into one of the larger meadows. A wide area of spongey moss has been packed down to make a dancefloor here, its edges ringed with softly glowing lanterns and tiny snowdrop blossoms. His long, long ears flick forward for the first time all night.

There are plenty of other horses here, but none of them look even remotely interested in dancing. Most of them are huddled close in what appear to be private conversations, but just when he starts to lose hope of doing anything enjoyable or useful tonight, he spots a slender woman sitting by herself, head turned slightly away. Not wanting to startle or interrupt her thoughts, he lets his hooves fall heavily as he approaches - not that it takes much effort.

"Hello, Miss. I'm Willfur." He smiles, bowing low and touching one knee to the ground in a comically elaborate gesture. "I have four left feet and have been in a committed relationship with gravity since my fourth birthday, but if you don't mind taking the lead, I'd treasure an opportunity to dance with you." Quietly, conspiratorially, he adds, "I think this place could use a little livening up, don't you?"


"talk talk talk"
@Willoughby











Played by Offline lackadaisy [PM] Posts: 105 — Threads: 19
Signos: 0
Inactive Character
#3


the road less traveled


A man stands before her, immediately launching into his reasonings for approaching her. She smiles at him, rising from her seat so he does not need to talk down to her. Yes, the 'party' needed to livened up a bit. The mood was almost sour here, and she wondered why that was. The Dawn Court was a lovely place - no need for frowns!

"I would be delighted to partake in dancing" she laughs easily, her voice lifting in joy "my name is Willoughby. A pleasure to meet you, Willfur." T'was not every day she met someone so forward. It was a delightful change of pace. Even if nothing came of their meeting, she appreciated the honesty.

So many danced in shadows. She would dance in the light, in the open, and in this court.

@Willfur / speaks / hope this is ok!










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Willfur
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#4


Willfur



He's relieved to see her smile, to be taken at face value and without suspicion for once. Most Novians are guarded, distrustful, always demanding why and for who when offered even the most casual of kindnesses. Having to gain their trust he regards as a right of passage, and once accomplished, an honor to hold close, but the frequency with which his pleasantness is met by hostility and accusation does wear on the mule's good nature at times.

Having done nothing to deserve such treatment or to be held at such a distance himself, it's difficult not to become resentful in answer, but whenever the feeling begins to pester at his senses - and he watches for it, carefully - long before it can take a firm hold in his mind, he asks himself what might have taught these names and faces to be so hard, how long must they have had to go around with backs bristled and teeth clenched. It seems like an exhausting way to live, and lonely.

"The pleasure is all mine! Willoughby and Willfur." He grins, turning to square up beside the mare with neck arched and ears standing tall at attention, all decorum observed as he escorts his newfound partner to the center of the meadow, the silver bell tied into his tail chiming gently against his hocks with each jaunty step of the parade.

"I know a few simple steps, but this is your show, Miss Willoughby. I'm only here to add a little diversity." Winking, he flaps his long ears once and crosses to the opposite end of the flower-ringed space with knees snapping high in a bouncing passage. Once there, he pauses, hind legs bent and ready to spring him up in any direction. He might not be able to perfectly mirror the girl - in fact, he most certainly won't be - but he can try for an earnest approximation in any case. It's all in good fun, after all.



"talk talk talk"
@Willoughby











Played by Offline lackadaisy [PM] Posts: 105 — Threads: 19
Signos: 0
Inactive Character
#5


Her giggle is a lighthearted one as she follows the man to the center of the floor. “My good sir, every show deserves a leading man” Willoughby shot back gently, grinning. Yes, it was all in good fun. Fun she shall have, and hope her new companion has as well. Willfur seemed a decent sort, and she only hopes to add a little sweetness to his life.

“Let's start with a simple waltz” she goes on, proceeding to begin. The steps are long and thought out in a waltz, but hers are simple. They lead for now, extending a quiet arm to Willfur to take if he wants to add his diversity. She is ready to fall back and hand-off the lead to him if he wants it, but for now? She is on stage.

Willoughby pins her wings close to her body so they do not swing and hit her partner. Usually if she dances for coin, she lets them work their magic and display the crowd a feathery few actions. She is mindful of Willfur as she draws closer to him a few times, allowing the subtle music background to sweep her away.

“speech”

if you don't want to see me dancing with somebody new










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