Re: Tristan and Isolde
Second: "They meet again in a ballroom, in another time, another place. He spares himself the mask, knowing it would hardly mean a thing. She dons one because it went so perfectly with her look for the evening. It makes no difference when their eyes meet. There is a moment of hesitation, a split second of feeling they should know who the other is before the musicians begin to play and they must move.
Though both have something to say, neither wish to break the moment, not with the pleasant tune in the background or the flawless movement of the dance. Both of them have had the dance ground into them by various instructors. They both also know they are being commented upon (she the unmarried heiress, he the supposed fortune hunter). It's a match that would be criticized. Something about it would never seem perfect.
And when it's over, he wants to hold on to her, ask her to step away with him, ask her name (the one she hides from everyone) but she pulls back and shakes her head, pretty painted mouth set in a line.
If anything was to be, it would be on her terms this time. And it would not be tonight."