>>5174210>“Not that I plan on saying no, but how could I possibly help with that?” You ask Dorothea. The girl is a natural at dancing, and you never quite had the dexterity for the stuff. You spent many balls back at Rusalka on the sidelines, and you intended to do the same at the White Heron Cup.“I need to practice with a partner. The other houses are sending Annette and Ignatz to compete. From what I hear they’re not too shabby, so I want to make sure I’m good and ready.” Dorothea answers you, never ceasing her stretching exercises.
>“I’m happy to help but, you must know I’m not that good a dancer.”“That’s fine, all you need to do is follow my lead. Besides, this should be good for you too. Maybe you’ll learn some moves before the event.”
>“I struggle to believe that, but fine. Lead the way.”You surrender yourself to Dorothea’s whims, intent on trying to follow her lead as best as you can. She grabs your hands and pulls you in close, one hand locked with yours, while the other lies on the small of your back. Your faces are just a few inches apart from each other. Closer than you expected, but then again, you’ve never really danced with anyone before. From an outside perspective, the two of you must make quite the sight. One might think Dorothea were courting you.
“Oh, will you relax! I swear you’re such a blushing little schoolgirl sometimes.” She chastises you.
>“I am a schoolgirl! You are too!”Dorothea leads you around in something called a waltz, instructing you on the necessary steps and how to properly move through them. You’re a bit cramped due to the constraints of your room. That’s also not to mention the lack of music, which Dorothea manages to substitute with some nice sounding humming. Despite the challenges though, you manage to follow through well enough, and Dorothea proves to be a patient teacher. The two of you repeat the motions for what seems like a few hours, until you call it quits, afraid your bones may explode from all the activity today.
>“Sorry, but I think I’m all spent. I hope I was of some help.”Dorothea yawns, stretching her tired legs out. “Hmm? Oh, I didn’t need any help.”
>“Huh?”