Watching Shadows
Darkness folds across the alleys and gentle swirling Corridors. Hallways light anew with the pale imitation of torchlight, only to be snuffed by the quick whisper of ghostly breeze, erupting from a nearby window.
I watch the shadows dance their embers across the illuminated floor. The moon light streaming through the open window tenderly caressing the oaken planks beneath, alighting the twist and creak of an ancient oaks bough. Foliage mimicing the quiet roll of the stately gentleman, bowing before his lady, elegant dress and finery, seeming but a trickery of the eye.
A slim and delicate drape emits its ethereal and gentle sway, flickering out with each new gust of breath from the outer world. Her shadow etches across the floorboards alongside the counterpart gentleman, a lady of tender accord and supple figure, curtsying in return to the stately bow, her dress flung aside beneath the courtly gesture.
Long sinuous shapes mingling across the edges of awareness and peripheral, joining the ball of Shadows.
The drape and her bough come together suddenly as the wind picks up its melodious whistle, a canter set in a timed gait, each figure meshing slim tendrils of insubstantial fingers, locking together in a quiet embrace as the shift and sway of hip and torso lead them through the Ball. The turmoil of the wind outside setting flourishes anew of dips and measured steps within the Drape and her Bough. Long strides decorating the outer skirts of the crowd now gathered about them, shades and wraiths murmuring among the clutter strewn about.
Sifting slowing canter gently glides into a smooth and rotund endeavour at poise and grace, each taking their cue from the other, the Drape and the Bough. Long patient movements adorning each figure, even as the Dance continued, flickering shadows sent spiralling across the boards beneath.
I watch as the applause erupts in silence.
I watch as the Darkness folds in on itself.
I watch as the laughter begins and the Beauteous Femme's meet the Striking Lords...
Yet I cannot Join the ball...
Return
