Night of the Waltz

Night of the Waltz

1 2 3 4…1 2 3 4…I 2 3-THUD!


Liseli yelped as her feet slid out from under her, causing her to fall flat on her ass. She blinked back tears as she stood up and walked over to a table that held a music box.
Lifting it carefully, she ran a finger over the smooth wooden surface towards a little crank in the back. Winding it back up, she set the little box down and moved back towards the center of the room. As the music started up again, she closed her eyes and began to sway to the mournful tune.


No mistakes…concentrate. Just breathe. 1 2 3 4… 1 2 3 4…


She glided across the room, the only sound being the steady click clack of her shoes. She imagined the room transformed into the Great Hall at Rath Castle. The wind rattling the windows was really the clatter of knives and forks, as the guests ate their food. The rustle of the leaves was the sound of the court ladies' fans fluttering as they giggled and gossiped about anything and everything.


She had been there, gossiped with those same women, chatted with a few of Erinn's gallant knights, even conversed with the Royal Alchemists. However that had mattered little. That night she was accompanied with the person she loved most in the world.


Breathe and stay focused. 1 2 3 4… 1 2 3 4…


"I love you," she had whispered into her companion's ear, a pretty blush spreading across her cheeks as she held tightly to his hand. She paid no attention the faraway look in his eyes, as she turned her attention back to the floor where a few couples were dancing to a new song composed by Lady Briana. When the dance ended, everyone clapped politely and went back to their idle chatter.


"Uh…listen…there is something I have to tell you," her partner said, letting go of her hand. "I…"


Focus! Don't remember, just concentrate! Breathe and focus!


She wobbled, her carmine eyes snapping open. There was no banquet, no court ladies laughing, there was nothing…


Just a girl, crying softly as the little music box's waltz came to an end.