Annaleigh and Liella (4)

It was the fifth day since Annaleigh enrolled in the academy, and she had achieved something that many had failed to do in her short time. As Liella was a charismatic beauty that was admired from afar, it was natural for her fans to feel bothered by some random stranger who tried to invade their idol's personal space. So far, Annaleigh had faced much resistance from Liella's jealous fans, but there was a point at which even they had to stop.

It was fine to bully her when the relationship between Annaleigh and Liella was vague, but that waiting period was over. On this day, during breakfast time at the female dorm, the group of early risers witnessed the consolidation of a friendship between the two.

Annaleigh always tried to wake up early so that she could see Liella as soon as possible, but this time Liella saw her first.

"Good morning, Annaleigh."

"Mmm, good morn-?!?!"

Annaleigh was still a little drowsy, but once she processed who greeted her from behind as she ate, she jolted her consciousness to clarity. She then hurriedly turned around and called her new friend's name.

"Liella?"

"Yes, I'm about to leave for school so I wanted us to walk together, would that be okay?"

"Of, of course! Just give me a few minutes to finish up here."

"Okay, I'll wait for you in the lounge on the first floor. "

With her goal accomplished, Liella left the cafeteria and loud whispers filled the room to replace her. Annaleigh was still in shock for a moment, but once she regained her senses, she quickly finished eating, deposited her tray, and went to meet Liella. Even though she thought that she was closer to Liella after last night, she hadn't expected such a public demonstration of their renewed relationship. It was as if she was given an engagement ring by a long-time partner so naturally she was in a euphoric state.

They walked towards school at a steady pace, but still slower than usual for both of them as they had fun talking while on their way to class. They didn't act much different once they took their seats, but everyone could feel the warm and comforting atmosphere that was born around them. There were still grumbles at the sight, but the two had earned their sanctuary.

When it was time for lunch, the two went back to the restaurant where they had dinner the previous night and had another wonderful meal, then once school was over and it was time for club, they walked side by side to the clubroom, changed, and went to the dance floor. Some of the members had to comfort the girl who was on maid duty for the day, but none of them tried to insert themselves in between the two, even Heina.

At the end of today's session, Heina told everyone to clean up and leave, but Liella asked to stay behind.

"Liella, I know you might be nervous, but overworking yourself won't help your performance."

"You misunderstand, President. I just want to go over the choreography one more time, it won't take long. I'll even have Annaleigh stay with me to ensure that I keep my word."

"...Fine. I'll be back to check in an hour, so finish by then you two."

"Yes, President."

Subsequent to the other members leaving the practice room, Liella went into position to begin her dance. The beginning was the same as what she had shown Annaleigh the day before, but once it reached the midpoint there was a subtle yet significant change. A casual glance wouldn't allow one to notice the difference, but once you were engrossed in the performance, it was obvious. The dance from yesterday was like a melancholic soliloquy, but this one moved on from that portion of the tale. Annaleigh could see the princess meeting the prince for the first time, harbouring him in her thoughts, falling for him, growing stronger because of her love and then making the ultimate decision.

It was a play with a single actor and no lines, but Annaleigh still felt overwhelmed by emotion. This time she could clearly sense when the dance ended, but she was still late to commend Liella on her performance.

"How was it?"

"It, it, that was, I...amazing."

"Good, that's the reaction I was looking for. Hopeful the audience likes it as much as you do."

"I'm sure they will! Anyone who can't see how great your performance is doesn't deserve to have eyes."

"Uh, thanks. Well, shall we go?"

"Ah, but..."

Liella could easily tell that Annaleigh was reluctant to leave the practice room, so it didn't take her very long to grasp the reason why.

"I suppose we still have some time before Miss Heina comes to check on us, how about a dance?"

"Really?"

Annaleigh made no attempt at concealing her joy and anticipation, so it appeared humorously on her face. While hiding a chuckle but allowing a faint smile to appear on her lips, Liella curtsied and then informed Annaleigh of her intention through her gaze. Annaleigh felt the pressure of the role that Liella gave her, but she pushed out her chest offered her hand to the princess in front of her. Unlike yesterday, Annaleigh had to take the male role while Liella would be in the female role. She didn't know if she would be able to lead well enough, but she recalled what Liella told her last time and was determined to apply her advice as best as possible.

"Mmm, not bad, but you're still too stiff. Just because you're the lead doesn't mean you need to be forceful, but you can't be unreliable either. Find your partner's rhythm and trick them into matching yours. You must always mentally be at least two steps ahead of your partner so that you can adequately support them. It depends on the type of dance, but in popular male-female pair dances, the male acts as the foil to the female. In other words, you must quickly think about how well you can emphasize the beauty of your partner and hide their flaws."

Liella's voice always reached Annaleigh's ears no matter how strenuous their movements, but as she tried to comprehend her words and apply them, Annaleigh sensed that she was on the brink of enlightenment. She didn't know what she was being enlightened to, but she could feel her movements becoming more fluid and precise, so she gave into it.

"...next you must ensure that your partner is comfortable with your support, Annaleigh?"

Midway through their dance, Liella noticed a critical change in Annaleigh. She could already sense that the girl was improving rapidly as they danced, but then the profundity in her dance moves suddenly grew in depth. This couldn't be explained by just talent as only masters of the art of dance could use it to communicate with the natural laws, but Liella was certain that Annaleigh's aura had the same divine air that she had once noticed from someone else.

"Is this what true talent is?"

"You don't have to feel discouraged. Though her talent is certainly frightening, it's different from yours."

Out of nowhere, a third voice interrupted Liella's thoughts. If it was someone unfamiliar then she would have had to protect Annaleigh with her life and pride on the line, but she knew that this person would never do them harm.