Sweet Music of the Night

The stage had a draw.It sang to both audience and the performer more beautifully than the fabled merfolk and its draw would not be resisted.Rich, tarnished boards and deep velvet curtains. Unlike the stalls and balcony with their crystal and chandeliers, it was plain as a newborn babe and yet vast in history, just like the building it resided in.The greats had stepped there. Their footprints were ingrained into those boards and surely they had left part of their aura and soul. A gift and guide to any fortunate enough to follow them.The grandeur of the opera house was still intimidating when one approached. Built on the behest of a ruler of old for his mistress, no expense had been spared in its construction. It was highly eclectic and borrowed inspiration from the finest around the world. Both facade and interior left no space without plushness or decoration, using a combination of deep hues and gold trim.Brass for cheaper seats. Even the lowest class, at least the lowest who h

Noelle's body felt as light as air as the music surrounded him. His very soul was alight and his heart danced along with him.Sweat pooled on his brow, and glistened like tiny diamonds and leaving tiny, shimmering rivers as they ran down his cheek. He barely noticed, too full of beautiful images as he weaved his own story.He knew the other was watching but that seemed to spur him further, desperate to prove himself, determined to impress.Julian had left the stage for the stalls as he played, giving the man room and watching his movement with seemingly little expression. He was no instructor but he knew how dance should look, what made it watchable and what made a dancer stand out and become great. One didn't need a degree or any qualification for that. When he played he visualized the notes and music floating about him in a colourful mist, bright and bold or dark and sultry, one had to breathe it, allow it into the soul and it would work through you. It was a skill he wanted to imp

Noelle drifted through the rest of the day in a daze. His role in the ballet was small. Lost in the corps-de-ballet but each time he appeared it was a step forward. His partner would remind him of that every time he seemed gloomy. She was a pleasant woman. Somewhat stocky with muscular legs and an hourglass form. Nor was her face anything special. Pretty when she smiled but plain with a turned-up nose.Her optimism was seldom for herself. If she managed a small solo role she was lucky.Still, she danced well and enjoyed every step.Watching from the stalls, Noelle prayed for the clock to move. Normally he enjoyed watching the soloists, taking hints from comments not even directed at him. But today was different. He wanted the night. Wanted the attention he lacked and guidance.And the music...that ungodly and enthralling tune that stirred his soul and enchanted his feet as if he wore the cursed red shoes.He smiled as he watched. Even with his impatience, he could still learn. 'Alth

Noelle could barely contain his excitement as he changed into fresh practice clothing. The black material was close fitting as it showed his lean form and toned legs. His fingers shook, making it harder to pull on the soft shoes. This was the moment he had dreamed of. Perhaps the role was not quite what he had imagined. Most of the reveries had been of noble princes and mystical creatures. Not a bold God.He took a breath and closed his eyes, trying to calm his beating heart and quell the churning nerves. And the concern that Alexandre would overshadow him. The man's ego gave a violent passion to his portrayals of evil, misunderstood it might be. He would need all his skills to hold a candle to him."I can read up on the myths; the library will almost certainly have something. Although I daresay, it will be abridged. These myths are often less than wholesome."The powers that be were not fond of anything they deemed heresy or debauched. Harsh penalties would apply to anyone who was f

With Julian's voice and music ringing in his ears, Noelle threw himself into rehearsals. He read the myths with gusto, finding he enjoyed them more than he thought. Once or twice, he felt Alexandre glare at him—a cold bitterness shimmering in his eyes like moonlight on a mirror. His expression lifted when Noelle met his gaze—melting into a smile, albeit feigned, and he turned away to check his reflection. But the tension still radiated, even if it didn't mar his performance. If Karl had noticed, he didn't comment. Envy and criticism between his dancers was commonplace, and he had little time for it. As long as he didn't have to deal with a repeat 'accident.' As he watched the pair, he found his eyes riveted by Noelle. His heart jumped into his throat more than once.Even though his technique was not as precise, his leaps not quite as fluid, one couldn't take his eyes from him. And for a split second, he wished he had done more. But that revelation was soon pushed aside. He did