Viena and the Black Mirror

[ 11 ] - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐)

      The longer Viena walked along the village roads, the more she felt her energy return to her. It had been difficult, alone in the tower, without life or connection. Now it was coming back in full force, like a refreshing drink of water.

Liveliness and joy through the embodiment of music and dance.

It was as if the heartbeat of the earth drummed in time with the sound of the sweet old man smacking the bongos. Lively, like it was the happiest day of the year. His bandmates were just as energetic as him, jumping around and skipping as they encouraged the gathering crowd.

Viena's blood buzzed with so much vigor she had to make sure she wasn't doing anything with her magic by accident.

"Do you want to dance?" Sen asked. He held his hand out in an offering. More and more of the multitude followed along with the music, rather than just spectating. A center in the crowd formed within the town square, couples and friends alike rushing in to join the energetic whirl.

Of course she wanted to dance. Her fingers began twitching a while ago, like she couldn't stand still for more than a moment. But...

"I'm not sure. My head is making up scenarios where I end up ruining everything for everyone else by being a klutz or worse." Viena laughed, but deep down she knew these were genuine fears.

"That's what you're worried about?" He turned toward her fully, dropping his palm as he stared at her.

"I guess. I'm more used to ball dances." Viena folded her arms over her chest. "It's much more monotonous than this."

"It's the complete opposite."

Viena nodded, solemn and complacent as she avoided looking directly at his face. It was embarrassing, really.

Sen sighed; deep and rattled enough to be heard over the growing commotion. She looked at him in concern, only to become confused as he smiled. "Let's try something, then."

Viena hummed in questioning.

Sen lowered his voice, leaning closer so he could whisper it. "How about I teach you a little magic trick. And not the human kind."

Viena's head whipped toward him. "Here?!"

"It's a little one, impossible for people to notice even the slightest. Besides," He held up his hand again. "This will help."

Viena was hesitant, glancing around as the rim of people watching the group dance became less and less.

"You're electrified with energy, aren't you?" Sen stated, more of a fact than a question.

Viena blinked. "How did you know?"

Sen hummed in laughter. "I am too. Feeling overly energetic, that is." He paused. "Do you remember when I said you have magic blood? Back in the castle?"

"Yeah...?"

"This is what I meant." Sen pointed to the stones below their feet. "The whole earth, from the trees and water coating the surface, to the molten core burning at the center. We thrive off her life."

"Terra..." Viena whispered.

"And the farther we get from it, the harder it is to breathe."

Choking, Viena remembers almost choking as she cried in that tower. A constricted feeling that had encased her lungs within something dark and weightless, but heavy enough to feel the drag to the ground. The want to be pulled to the earth but never getting close enough.

Yes, she remembers that feeling well. She can't imagine having to stay all night in that tower. What it would have done to her.

She shivers at the very thought.