INTERMISSION - Ari & Seloria
“Perhaps simply a wish that you dance well, then,” Ari said with a laugh. It seemed that particular dancer tradition was universal. “We would hate to be uncouth.”
She attempted to gather her wits about her as the young woman spoke again. At the very least, she could maintain her expression and try not to think about the things which were suddenly at the forefront of her mind. Why didn’t she tell-
She would have shaken her head, if she didn’t have to keep up the pretense of pleasantry.
“If you are here, I can only assume you are more than worthy.” Aspel had said the women of her family were dancers. This was a little bit of a nightmare, if she really stopped to think about it, but it wasn’t the girl’s fault. Was this the beloved little sister, to whom Aspel had read stories? Equal parts fascinating and horrifying. “Breathe,” she said after a moment. “Deeply. And when you go on, remember that the audience’s greatest wish is to see you succeed - they do not want to judge you, only to enjoy your performance.” Trite advice, perhaps, but it had helped her, the first few times she had gone on. And frankly, at the moment, it was the best she could manage.